I was walking home after finishing my classes. A stranger was standing at the corner of a dimly lit alley. Tall and wearing sunglasses, I concluded that anyone standing there late at night like that was 100% suspicious. I quickened my pace, avoiding eye contact as naturally as possible. Don't run into him, just walk past. Just as I was repeating this to myself, my arm was grabbed.
"evil!"
I screamed reflexively. My surprise lasted only a moment, as a low voice settled softly in my ears.
"Hey, hey. It's me."
The fingertips gently lowered the sunglasses. The moment I saw the face revealed underneath, I held my breath for a moment.
"An, An Geon-ho...?"
The name I hadn't spoken in years rolled around in my mouth like an unfamiliar tune. His face had changed a lot from when I was young, but it was definitely Ahn Geon-ho.
He had grown into an adult in the meantime. His height had increased significantly compared to before, and his features were more distinct. His voice, gaze, and playful tone were the same, yet the weight he carried was different. It seemed as though the passage of several years had settled particularly deeply on his face.
"Why are you so surprised? Did you forget what it looks like?"
Of course I'd be surprised. He suddenly appeared like this.
I barely managed to compose myself and replied. My mind was still in a mess. It felt strange just trying to count how many years it had been. Yet, strangely enough, a sense of familiarity came before unfamiliarity. That relaxed tone, that habit of answering a beat late no matter what was asked. I thought to myself, "You haven't changed at all."
"Let's go inside. Is Mom and Dad here?"
"Hey, hey!"
Before I could even hear an answer, he was already walking toward the front gate. I stared blankly at his retreating figure for a moment, then followed him inside.
-
When I entered the house, the situation became even stranger. As soon as Mom saw Gunho, she lit up.
"Oh my, isn't that Gunho? You've become quite the man."
Dad also helped out from the side.
I've been really enjoying your work lately. You've grown into a great actor.
Each time, Gunho smiled politely and repeated, "Thank you." That skillful attitude felt rather unfamiliar to me. He wasn't the type of kid to be so relaxed in front of adults when he was young. I just sipped my juice beside him. There was no proper place for me to join the conversation. No, to be precise, I wasn't mentally prepared to join in.
I see you're still living here.
He looked around the living room and spoke. His low, relaxed tone was exactly the same as before. Strangely, I found that ease annoying.
You're the one. What brings you all the way to this neighborhood?
When I asked, he just grinned instead of answering. That smile felt like he was trying to gloss over something, but I missed the timing to press him further.
While we were catching up on each other's lives, the conversation had already shifted to Mom and Dad. It was the perfect timing to slip away. I got up from my seat and quietly headed to my room.
I hadn't walked more than a few steps when I sensed someone following me from behind. I turned around and saw it was Geon-ho. He was following me with a nonchalant gait, trying not to be seen by my parents, yet not going out of his way to hide it.
"Hey, this is a girl's room, where do you think you're coming in!"
I hurriedly stood in front of the door to block it. In truth, the room was a complete mess, having not been cleaned for days. It was half pride—not wanting to show such a state—and half bewilderment at the sudden intrusion of distance.
"Ah, is that so? Excuse me."
Gunho stepped back obediently without raising any objections. Then he went out to the living room and greeted his mother.
I think I have to go now. I'll be back.
Oh my, already? It really is getting late.
Yes. It's a shame, but I'll come again next time.
Listening to the front door close, I stood motionless in the room. The face I hadn't seen in years, the way he spoke exactly as before, and even that single remark, "I'll come again," spoken so casually. My mind was a jumbled mess, unable to sort things out.
You're coming again?
I gazed blankly at the receding figure of that child outside the window. I couldn't even begin to guess what kind of expression would be on the face of that child, who had reappeared after so many years, as they stood before this door again.
