Memories (1)
Seonghwan was forcibly woken up by Lee Hyun that morning. Shaking off his groggy haze, he washed up in record time and stepped out. As he toweled off his hair and entered the living room, the sight that greeted him was Hyun beaming innocently while chatting and laughing with his mother.
Ah... If only Hyun hadn't barged in, I might've remembered that woman from my dream...
The face he'd pieced together like some fantasy wasn't imaginary. Instinct told him she was someone from his past, someone connected to him.
My memory's not great compared to the people around me, but it's not that bad. And with looks hot enough to get me worked up even in a dream? No way I'd forget her, good head or not.
Scowling at Hyun for ruining his morning, Seonghwan quickly glanced at his mom before sidling up beside her.
"We leave at 9:20, right? It'll take me at least ten minutes to get dressed, so we've got some time. Mom, got anything to eat?"
"I made sandwiches and left them on the table. Grab some before you go. Heading to the school library, yeah? Pick up something tasty with Hyun on the way. I'll top up your card."
"School... library?"
Even half-asleep that morning, he'd clearly heard Hyun mention Jamsil. And just last night, parting ways with Jia, her voice had echoed: Jamsil by 10. Only a week ago, he'd nearly gotten sick eating gamjatang there with Yesul. Another meetup in the same spot a week later felt too coincidental to be a mistake.
Did the plans change without me noticing? But if it's the library, why meet up as a group of four? Study session or something?
As these thoughts swirled, Seonghwan eyed Hyun, who promptly looked away.
Huh?
Her odd behavior made him glance at his mom, who wore a peculiar smile.
What's going on...? These two women are acting suspicious, leaving me out of the loop.
Right then, the master bedroom door swung open, and Seonghwan's father strode into the living room.
"Seonghwan, Hyun's been waiting since morning, and you're still not ready? A man keeps a woman waiting?"
Caught off guard by his dad's stern glare, Seonghwan bolted for his room.
"I-I was just getting ready! We agreed on 9:20, so we've got plenty of time!"
"That kid's still making excuses to the end. Forget promises—get moving before the girl has to hustle. Honestly, that boy..."
Shaking his head at Seonghwan's retreating back, his father turned to Hyun with a warm grin.
"Aigoo, our sweet Hyun. Sorry you had to drag this lazybones out of bed. A young thing like you coming and going just to take your oppa to the library—how can we thank you enough?"
"L-Library... Haha, no big deal. I wanted to anyway."
"Bullshit, wanted to. What's fun about babysitting an older oppa while studying? Here, uncle's gotta give you some pocket money for old times' sake. Hold on."
"N-No thanks! Mom just gave me some. I've got plenty left. Really, it's fine. Next time, okay? Seriously."
Hyun refused with a guilty flush, but Seonghwan's father just chuckled and headed to the bedroom for his wallet.
"......."
Staring blankly after him, Hyun looked lost until Hwayeong patted her back reassuringly.
"It's okay. He's just grateful. He wants to spoil you because he likes you so much."
"It's not that... Actually, Seonghwan oppa and I today..."
Uncomfortable, Hyun started to confess the real plans, but Hwayeong cut her off.
"And that gratitude isn't just for today."
"Huh?"
"Hehe. Your dad and I are more thankful to you and your sister than you think. Don't feel burdened."
"...I haven't done much, unlike unnie."
Hyun ducked her head, embarrassed by Hwayeong's kind smile. Hwayeong watched her fondly.
Then Seonghwan's door flew open.
"Mom, I think I'm out of socks. And where'd you put the short-sleeves? Might get hot this afternoon. Oh, and that thin gray jacket I wear around now—can you find it?"
Rummaging frantically, Seonghwan called for his mom. Hwayeong sighed, exchanging an amused glance with Hyun.
"He's my son, but so scatterbrained—he needs constant hand-holding. Must be frustrating for you girls. Just being there means the world."
This time, Hyun could only nod.
"We're off!"
"Bye, uncle, auntie."
"Have fun, call if you're late."
"Yep."
Seonghwan and Hyun bowed to his parents and slipped out. Watching them go, Seonghwan's father turned to his wife.
"So scatterbrained and sloppy..."
Hwayeong shot him a bewildered look at the sudden grumbling.
"What's with you all of a sudden? You were smiling when you saw them off."
"Tsk tsk. A guy claiming to study at the library leaves without a bag—who buys that? At least Hyun pretends to carry one."
"...You knew?"
"You knew too but played dumb. But that obvious? Can't pretend not to notice. That's why I don't like him like this. A man should get his shit together. Leaning on a girl—what's that? Been wary since I heard he was whining to a female senior over drinks till dawn."
"Hehe, but you still played along in the end?"
"If not for Hyun... She's sharp as a tack, perfect for keeping that boy in line. Smart and well-behaved girls like her don't grow on trees. He's punching above his weight."
"True. Good thing Yeon and Hyun are there for him."
"...Worry is for Minhwan."
"......"
Her husband's last words stung Hwayeong's heart. His favoritism was no secret, always indulgent with blood ties, eager to embrace them. But in romance, parents could only do so much. Pride, affection, pity—she hoped he wouldn't let those feelings for his son sway him too much. There were limits to parental meddling. Relationships were for the parties involved—that was the natural way. Hwayeong firmly believed it.
"Jia's there already?"
"Probably. She texted she's almost here."
"Why Jamsil of all places? Not movies again, right?"
"...Dunno. Jia's handling it."
Seonghwan narrowed his eyes at Hyun's evasive dodge.
She definitely knows the plan... Rare for her to play dumb like this.
Hyun never budged for anything she disliked without solid convincing. Even for her college bestie Jia, she'd never commit blindly. So she'd known the destination in advance and agreed eagerly.
And she's still pretending?
Intrigued, Seonghwan pondered Jamsil spots for a mixed group: movie theater? Too soon. Shopping mall? He was a broke part-timer—no way they'd drag him to pricey central outlets. Lake Park? No splurge spots, better for evening. Observation deck? Romantic, maybe hold. Nothing left?
Staring at the ground as he walked, Seonghwan finally looked up.
Huh?
A massive ad billboard filled his view.
Spring's Arrival. Kick off April with a New Parade.
'Fantasia World'—the slogan blazed on the poster.
Fantasia World?
His eyes scanned it top to bottom.
Wait, come to think of it...
Jamsil's malls, buildings, and parks paled against it. Students post-Suneung, couples, families—all flocked to the urban theme park.
No way... Fantasia World?
A rite for exam survivors. Seonghwan had gone post-graduation with friends—including Yun-su, no girls.
He tore his gaze from the poster and turned to Hyun, who'd been pretending not to notice.
Her act sealed it.
"Hey. You girls... no way."
"Oppa!!"
A familiar voice called from ahead. Turning, Seonghwan spotted a girl in a standout headband waving frantically.
Rabbit ears? Nailed it.
Fantasia World's mascot bands—Jia rocked the bunny one. Beside her, Hyoseok awkwardly mirrored her wave with a goofy grin.
"Damn, those two look perfect together. Pure idiots, made for each other. Dumb couples last forever without fighting."
Glancing at Hyun for agreement, she fired back instantly.
"You barely scraped into Korea University on your third try. They look dumb but aced it first shot. If they're idiots, you're sub-dolphin."
"Fuck, your mouth's savage today. Shut it."
Reaching Jia, she beamed excitedly.
"Whoa, been ages—place is packed. Total chaos."
"...You're the chaotic one. Your idea to come here."
"Yeah! Always wanted to post-Suneung. Finally today!!"
"Don't most kids hit spots like this after exams? You studied straight through?"
"Heh... Circumstances."
Jia brushed it off with a laugh; Seonghwan dropped it.
Right, skipped orientation too. Something going on?
He turned to Hyoseok.
"You? First time?"
Hyoseok, red-faced from stealing glances at Hyun, awkwardly grinned at Seonghwan.
"Nah, been here. Suneung holy site, right? But all-boys high, so first with a girl. You, hyung?"
A girl...
Seonghwan surveyed the group. Jia thrilled in her bunny band, pre-entry. Hyun sighing beside her, reining her in.
Memories stirred. Post-first Suneung with classmates—no girls. Envy for mixed groups.
But Everland with Yesul during retake hell. Yun-su begged like crazy. Stressed but fun.
Pushing away the pang, he shrugged.
"First for me too. Only guy trips before, so this shit's weird as fuck. Lining up sucks—I'll grab tickets. Didn't plan to treat from my part-time cash like this."
Heading off, phone out for telecom discount—
"...Idiot?"
"Huh?"
Hyun's pitying stare stopped him.
"Idiot? Me? Suddenly?"
"Yup. Always."
"I'm losing it. You plotting to roast me all day? Started at dawn, now tickets too. I'm the wallet, not the sucker. I bail if it sucks."
"Your brain freeze before high school? Forgot middle school 3rd year Christmas?"
"Christmas? What?"
"...Moron."
Dismissing him, Hyun turned away.
What bullshit... Wait.
A flash—frozen in place.
Oppa, your hands are sweaty.
Quiet. Crowded—don't wanna lose you.
Really, it's fine...
Shy little girl. Eyes still soft amid her growth spurt, soaking up adult adoration.
Gripping her hand tight, afraid to let go amid the crowd.
Parade starting, late arrival—no seats. He shoved through to the front, giving her the full dazzling show.
Why forgotten? Weekend crowds, endless lines—no standout rides. Just bumping throngs. No real park awareness.
Mom, post near-drowning scare, begged the girl's mom to avoid heart strain. So he'd benched with ice cream and hotdogs, waiting for hyung and noona's rides.
Then she appeared, grabbed his hand, dragged him to the carousel.
Now it hit. Her hand clutched till parade. Parents there, but lonely on the bench. She pulled him to the merry-go-round. Its glow till showtime.
Too late remembered.