'The mysterious friend'
I kept playing with the blue piece of paper, while listening to my friend’s crazy blabbering… I wasn’t sure whether I should just ignore this or take action.. It was the 3rd time to see a left note on my table, with the same odd message: “I can listen to your sorrow!”
What was weirder is that at the bottom there was an id... Wondered who that was? I really felt nervous, knowing that there might be some strange dude watching for me wherever I was…
“YAH!!”
Me: “Damn, Chen! You scared me!”
Chen: “You’re not listening.. and it was a damn good joke..”
Me: “Ah.. sure it was.. but my smile ran away thanks to your humor..”
Chen: “…. Ha ha… Very funny.. so are you coming to the match this weekend?”
Me: “I don’t know..”
I wasn’t very animated about the idea, since football wasn’t my thing, although I did find it a good excuse to ran away from home and just relax.. There wasn’t anything to make me feel that I had a home.. I was living with my aunt, who was taking care of me and my inheritance…
She was a nice person, couldn’t complain about that.. The reason was a totally different one, which had a huge impact on me every since mum decided to give up on her hopes.. Thanks to that, people would just throw a stigma on my person, leaving me no chance to show that I wasn’t like that at all.. To all this mix you could also add my dad’s love… for my mum’s richness..
After school I got back home, greeting my aunt, who was cooking while humming a song, playing with the fork, which was a sign for me to just stay away from her sight, in case that fork would end up flying in the air…
I got into my room, taking off my shoes and heading to my desk, to put the note along with the others.. I went to take a shower and after change in something more comfortable, before doing some laundry.. I just couldn’t stand people doing everything in my name, just because I was rich.. And what was there to be ashamed of washing some clothes??
My aunt called me for the lunch, while I was finishing my homework.. I reached for my cardigan on the bed, cause I was feeling a little cold and went outside my room, closing the door without noise…
I was about to enter the kitchen, when hearing my aunt talking to someone at the phone.. I went to pick the other one in the living room and listen..
Aunt: “You’re just crossing your limits now..”
Voice: “Who the hell are you to tell me how to act?”
Aunt: “Can’t you understand how much this hurts her?”
Voice: “Look… just tell her I need the money by tomorrow… since that b**ch gave her all the money, she must at least lend some to her dad.. ”
Aunt: “Control your words when talking about my sister, rascal!”
Voice: “Tell her..”
I put the phone down, trying to grasp the situation.. Well, he was showing his ‘love’ again… I went to the kitchen to take the lunch up in my room, kissing my aunt in the process.. When I was about to turn to my left, my aunt cleared her throat, as if she wanted to tell me something..
Me: “Just give him the money..”
Aunt: “Are you sure, honey? He’ll get used to it and will ask for more..”
Me: “Just give it..”
I put the food on my desk, then let my self fall on my knees, crying silently.. There was no doubt anymore that my dad only loved mum for her money, thus making her get to the state in which she just…
I wipped my tears, washing my face.. I took the towel and dried my face, then I head to my desk to eat, when I saw the notes.. I took one of them… Got on my laptop and added the id.. The guy was online.. He greeted me: “Hello there! Finally!” I’ve asked him why was he doing this.. He replied that he just wanted to be there for me..
Me (typing): “Why?”
Him (typing): “Because you need me..”
*
At first I didn’t feel like continuing with this stupid joke… But he really insisted in helping me by just listen to my sorrow and give me his advices.. He just had one condition.. I’ll be the one talking and he’ll just reply by typing.. I was feeling quite awkward to do this, but after some time, this actually helped me get on with my life..
Whenever I was feeling down or I just needed a friend, he was there.. The internet friend… I never asked him anything about himself, maybe because in a way I felt that it will just spoil this bond that was formed between us.. He was my confidant, my support..
Although I still had funny troll Chen and sweet baozi Xiumin as my friends, this guy seemed more close to me.. As if we were meant to meet this way and have this odd relationship.. Chen kept telling me that this was a stupid thing to do, since I knew nothing about the guy…
On the other hand, Xiumin thought that I should just do what I felt like.. If this was helping me, then there was nothing to stop me from doing it..
Xiumin: “It’s nice to have a mysterious friend..”
Chen: “But this is not right..”
Xiumin: “They are just talking.. what’s there to be afraid of?”
Chen: “Yah.. aren’t you concerned about our friend?”
Xiumin: “I am.. but if this helps her, then I am ok with it.. I also wanna listen to her sorrow, but only she can decide to whom she’ll tell her worries..”
I looked at him, smiling. Xiumin was a quiet type of person, always there to help, while staying behind you, pushing you gently to make you grab some courage and do your thing.. He was sweet, smart, respectful and a great friend to have…
Chen, on the other hand, was a lively person, always there to get on you nerves, making you love him just because he was damn annoying, especially when doing his daily pranks, having as a main victim poor Xiumin..
I really loved them both.. Well.. Chen more.. He really made me feel happy whenever I was near him.. I didn’t ever tell him about my feelings, since I wasn’t sure if what I felt was either love or just gratitude..
But I did had the chance once.. He was auditioning to become a singer and I went there along with Xiumin to cheer him up.. After some minutes spent in the room he got outside, with sad looking eyes, keeping his head bent..
Me: “What happened?”
Chen, pouting: “Well.. exactly what I was afraid of..”
Xiumin: “What do you mean?”
Chen: “I am sorry guys.. But I’ll have to leave you, since I’ll be busy with my new career and stuff..”
Me: “HA! CHEN YOU TROLL!!!”
Chen: “Ha ha.. I passed..”
Xiumin: “Yah… Daebak!!!!”
I ran to him and hugged him tightly, leaving behind a surprised Xiumin.. I looked at Chen and gave him a sweet kiss, without even realising it..
I got all red, when finally sensing the stupid moment.. He tried to get over it as well, clearing his throat and starting a random discussion.. I still don’t know why I have done that…
*
I was inside my room, talking with the mysterious friend, while sipping my warm milk… I kept telling him about this stupid feeling that made me behave like a clumsy girl who just can’t control her heart..
Me: “I mean.. I like him… he’s my friend.. ”
Friend (typing): “But then again, you’re not sure about your feelings?”
Me: “No… I am so confused.. as if.. I am doing something wrong..”
Friend (typing): “You should talk with him about this..”
Me: “Hm.. I was thinking of telling him at the prom next week..”
Friend (typing): “Good.. oh.. I forgot to tell you something..”
Me: “What?”
Friend (typing): “Um.. I don’t want you to be sad.. I.. how can I say it?.. I won’t be able to talk with you.”
Me: “Oh.. well.. that’s ok.. I’ll just wait for you to have some free time..”
Friend (typing): “I am sorry.. I am not going to talk with you anymore..”
Me: “What? But why? What happened? Are you mad at me or something?”
Friend (typing): “No, my sweet pie! But.. I’ll leave the country and I won’t be able to stay in touch..”
Me: “Nonsense.. We can still chat.. Internet connections are everywhere in this world..”
Friend (typing): “My mission is getting to an end.. You’re now brave enough to face all that comes to your life.. I was here only to help you… There’s nothing more to do..”
Me: “But.. you can’t do this to me… I can’t imagine my day without you.. ”
Friend (typing): “I am nobody.. Just someone that listened to your sorrow.. Always there to support you.. But, don’t worry.. you’ll have Chen to take care of you, once you two will get together. I’ll sign off. Take care, my sweet pie!”
I spent the next few minutes yelling in the microphone, asking him to get back.. Why was he doing this to me? Why would he leave me when I needed him the most? He was my only support, my best friend… my everything..
I picked up the phone, trying to speak normally, despite crying silently, letting my tears flow freely… Not even Chen’s voice could make me calm down…
Me: “What happened?”
Chen: “Have you talked with Xiumin??”
Me: “Today no.. why?”
Chen: “He just phoned me.. He’s leaving the country after prom.. He’ll not be here for graduation..”
Great! Just what I needed.. Two friends leaving me behind.. What the hell was happening??
*
I was checking my hairstyle for the prom, while my aunt was helping me with the jewelry.. I just wanted to look simple yet elegant.. Nothing too fancy, cause getting the attention wasn’t my desire, since I knew how ‘loved’ I was in this society..
I heard the messenger window popping in on my screen.. I looked at the id, grabbing my chair, without listening to my aunt’s scolding about ruining the dress and stuff.. I just needed to speak with him..
Friend (typing): “Are you ready?”
Me: “Almost.. just some touch ups…”
Friend (typing): “You look gorgeous!”
Me: “How do you know that? You’re not seeing me..”
Friend (typing): “I can imagine you.. A simple sky blue dress, silver high heels, natural looking makeup and simple hairstyle, probably beachy waves, shining thanks to a little diadem..”
Me: “Wow.. pretty impressive..”
Friend (typing): “Thanks.. so.. you’re going to tell him tonight?”
Me: “Yes.. I guess I will..”
Friend (typing): “Well take care, sweet pie! And please.. never forget me, ok?”
Me: “I won’t! Never!”
I kept looking at the screen, reading his last message over and over again, trying to not cry.. This was the last time I would speak with my friend..
All this time I’ve collected inside my heart such meaningful memories with him.. All those cute nights, when we kept on chating until I would literally sleep with my head on my keyboard, not hearing anymore the sound of his messages popping in…
While the car was heading to where the prom was held, I tried to revive those moments, reading our conversations, laughing out loud, making the driver to give me a she’s-crazy look.. I got out of the car, moving the purse from a hand to another, when I heard my phone ringing..
Me: “Yes, Xiumin?”
Xiumin: “You look gorgeous… sky blue always suits you..”
Me: “How do you know the colour of my dress?”
Xiumin: “Cause I see you from where I am.. Come in!”
I had to narrow my eyes to recognise him in the crowd that was heading to the building in front.. Well, it was quite difficult to really spot him with all those black costumes.. I got inside, joining Chen at a table.. I asked him where was our sweet baozi.. He said he didn’t see him..
Now that was strange.. When did he vanish so quickly?? Was he taking Chen’s role as a troll?? Well, nothing out of the normal, since he had this habit of surprising us with things we would never think he’ll ever do..
Speaking about Chen.. Damn.. I was now facing him, while dancing… I just kept thinking how would I tell him? What will he say? He never talked about that day, neither did he make me feel as if he was upset with my behaviour.. He was still the same funny troll Chen…
I was getting quite nervous, wondering how to start the conversation.. My phone cut off my first attempt..
Me: “Yeoboseyo?”
“Hey!”
Me: “Xiumin? Where are you?”
Xiumin: “I am sorry.. I had to leave… ”
Me: “How dare you? We didn’t even say goodbye..”
Xiumin: “I know.. but there’s nothing I can do.. Everything was set so quickly… Anyway.. Um.. take care of yourself, ok?”
Me: “I’ll miss you..”
Xiumin: “Yah.. come on… don’t worry.. you’ll have Chen to take care of you!”
Chen: “Who was it?”
Me: “Xiumin… he left us..”
He left me… as well as my mysterious friend.. I wondered why was I feeling so down, all of a sudden? Why was my heart aching so much? Why did I feel as if I just lost something precious?
*
I tried to concentrate on my work, although the crowded café didn’t help me very much.. I just had to finish this project in two days, otherwise I would lose the chance to coordinate the next ones.. I was feeling quite tense and Chen was not helping me either..
I looked at the screen of my laptop, telling him to stop blabbering.. He curved his lips into a sweet pout, that would have melted even the cold screen..
Nowadays I could only video chat with him, since he was busy with his group’s activities all over the world.. We hardly had the chance to meet and have a nice conversation.. I waved him goodbye, as he told me he had to sign off..
Now back to my work.. well.. not quite willing to start editing and stuff.. I looked at my messenger, wondering if this time I’ll see him online.. Even after 4 years, his id didn’t had the green dot on the right, no matter the time I kept checking..
I took a sip of my coffee and just before looking back at my screen, I spotted someone entering the café. I just thought that I was seeing things.. He was getting closer, looking for a free place.. I stood up and rested my hand on his arm, making him turn..
“You?”
Me: “Hey, Xiumin!”
Xiumin: “Yah.. long time, sweet pie!”
Me: “You rascal.. you never told us you’ll return..”
Xiumin: “I wasn’t sure if I would, so that’s why… How’s Chen?”
Me: “Great.. busy with his career.. I hardly see him..”
Xiumin: “Is that so?? And you? How have you been? Still chating with your mysterious friend?”
Me: “No.. he forgot about me, just like you… Not even a message, you bad baozi!”
Xiumin: “I am sorry.. but anyway.. with Chen around, you weren’t that sad..”
Me: “I haven’t seen him in the past year..”
He looked at me surprised.. We kept talking about all this lost time, after which I took a leave, leaving him enjoy his drink.. I needed to get back to the office to take some documents.. While in the taxi, I was checking my emails, when I heard the sound of someone signing in..
I’ve clicked the messenger window.. He was online.. I just couldn’t believe this.. Then.. suddenly.. I just had this crazy idea.. I told the driver to turn back.. I got out of the car and ran inside the café.. I hid myself behind a wall and kept looking at him, while typing..
Me (typing): “Now look who’s here..”
Friend (typing): “Hey, sweet pie!”
Me (typing): “Do you know how much I hate you?”
Friend (typing): “Why do you hate me?”
Me (typing): “Because I can’t believe you’ve been doing this to me all this time..”
Friend (typing): “Doing what?”
Me (typing): “Being so close to me all that time, without saying anything.. How dare you, Xiumin?”
I could see him startle and looking around, scanning everything that could give him a hint.. He got back to texting, asking me who Xiumin was.. I wondered when will he stop with this game.. I came in front of him, letting the phone down near his laptop..
He stood up, getting all red.. He was trying to find his words, laughing nervously.. I just acted normally, although my mind was full of contradictory thoughts, while my heart kept raising the pace of its beat..
Me: “How could you?”
Xiumin: “Look I..”
Me: “All this time.. I’ve been waiting for a sign from you.. I spent nights thinking about what have I done, that you decided one day, all of a sudden, to stop speaking with me..”
Xiumin: “I’m sorry.. I just..”
Me: “You should be sorry.. You made me change as a person.. you gave a meaning to my life and then.. you left.. just like that.. not giving a damn that I was dying slowly, because of the pain my love for you was causing..”
He raised his head glaring at me with questioning eyes.. Yes.. I loved him.. All this time, he was the one that made my heart skip a beat.. I just.. didn’t realise it..
I kept thinking that Chen was the one.. But no.. It was Xiumin.. It has always been him.. And a part of my heart knew that.. But my mind refused to accept it..
Xiumin: “But.. Chen?”
Me: “I’ve never told him… because I knew it wasn’t what I really felt..”
I got near him, punching his chest, while asking him why.. Why did he do this to me? Why? Why didn’t he had the courage to tell me back then in highschool about how much he loved me? Why did he hide behind a stupid id?
Xiumin: “I always thought you loved Chen.. I never felt you close to me, as you were with him.. And.. yes.. I was a coward.. But.. I love you.. I love you so much!”
Me: “Stupid baozi! If you ever do that again I’ll..”
He sealed my scolding with a soft kiss, while cupping my face.. I just let myself go with the flow… I couldn’t believe he was here, with me.. My mysterious friend.. My love..
We were walking, holding hands, looking once in while at each other, getting all red and giggling.. At one point, he got in front of me, took my hand and kissed it, asking me how I got to know the truth..
There were many things, like the sky blue dress and the fact that both him and the mysterious friend left the same night.. But then, there was one more thing that helped me realise..
Xiumin: “What thing?”
Me: “Your love for pies…”
He didn’t understand at first, but it popped out in his mind the moment when we’ve seen each other at the café and he called me ‘sweet pie’ without realising it.. He smiled, scratching the back of his head.. How clumsy that was…
It was indeed, but it just had to happen that way.. I’ve pinched his cheeks and kissed him softly, messing up his hair.. We took a leave, heading to a brighter future, feeling our souls connecting slowly to become one..
Far away, in the sunlight, little balloons flew lazily to the skies… The nature was singing a joyful tune.. Everything was so calm now…
__________________
Hope you liked it! Please continue to love and support EXO! Thank you for reading! God bless you all!