He looks at me with an expression that says, "What are you doing here?" Then he puts away the telescope he was looking at. Then he smiles brightly. As if he saw me.
"What are you doing? This place is really scary."
"I just came..."
"Get out quickly. This place is really dangerous, right?"
"...What if you don't like it?"
"Then don't go out. Come play with me. There are no other kids my age."
"But that maple tree over there..."
"Does that bother you?"
"No... I just thought it was pretty."
"Really? I can give you a gift..."
"No... it would be strange to suddenly give me a tree like that... unless you're the owner of this forest..."
"I'll just give it to you since I'm the owner of the forest."
I offered a small smile. The boy smiled brightly as well. The owner of the forest? I didn't want to believe it, but life is something you have to believe.
But the maple tree is so pretty that I can't just pass it by. It was red in color, and it came down beautifully without rotting.
"pretty.."
"Do you like it?"
"That red maple leaf... I think it would be pretty if made into a bookmark."
“Shall I make it for you?”
"Really..?"
"It's easier to make than you think."
It was a boy who made a bookmark in no time. By the way, what was his name? Why was he so nice to me?
"Thanks for the bookmark.. By the way, what's your name?"
"Do you want to know? My name?"
I nodded. It was true. It was also my fault for not even asking the name.
"Then I'll let you know."
"My name is."
"Lee Dae-hwi"Yes"
And then he disappeared. After telling me only his name. I can't forget that dream. Because the bookmark was in my hand. I still remember the face of the boy named Lee Dae-hwi.
Lee Dae-hwi.