It started with a lie

17

"Rely on you or controlling you?" I asked sharply. "There is a difference." 

"I know what you mean," he said. "I am keeping a line on that." 

"But no love... do you think you will be able to survive a lifelong marriage on that?"

"A marriage doesn't rely purely on love, there's commitment, responsibilities."

"Yes but still.."

"We are two individuals who mutually benefit from each other." 

Hmm.. oh well.. I know a lot of couples who are in such a relationship. Friends with benefits is one.. 

"Of course, if I have a choice, I would not choose such," he said. "I would want to spend the rest of my life with the woman I loved," he looked at me again. I looked away as I grabbed the rope and climbed, avoiding his gaze. 

I heard him sighed before he followed behind me. 

We reached the peak three hours later. The last part of the climb was the toughest because it was very steep. And it had rained last night so it was a little slippery. A few times I slipped and Jonas grabbed me and had to hold me. I forgot how his hand had felt.. Back then it was I who held his hand first because I was getting impatient that he was taking such a long time to hold my hand. But somehow.. I missed Rowoon more. I felt more warm, and protected, and loved, when Rowoon held my hand. Or it's because now I like Rowoon... 

We joined the others at the peak. I sat down to enjoy my break and took some pictures. 

"Have you gone hiking with your boyfriend before?" he asked me as he sat down beside me. 

"Huh... er...  not yet, he's too busy.."

"I guess we are similar in a sense," he lets out a bitter chuckle. "Both of our partners are too busy." 

"Hehehe, ya..." 

We started our descent at about eleven. It was easier going down than going up. By half past noon, we were back at the visitors' center. He suggested to take a quick shower at the center since they have shower facilities. I didn't bring any towel. He had two so he lent me one. He took the smaller one and let me have the bigger one since my hair was longer. 

After we had our shower, we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch. It was filled with hikers like us. They served jeon and we ordered two to share, and this time I ordered a beer too, and I offered him a sip. 

"Hahhhh," he let out a happy sigh before returning me my beer. "That was very good!" I chuckled. 

The jeons were very good too. We saw the next table eating noodles as well and we were tempted so we ordered one to share as well. In the end I was feeling so bloated. 

"I don't think I can eat any dinner!" I remarked as I climbed into his car.

He chuckled. "What are you going to do when you get home?" 

"Sleep."

"Hahaha - I think me too. I am so full as well. But the noodles were very good."

"Yes," I agreed. 

"Next time I'm going to try the more difficult route," he said. 

"Count me out," I told him.

He laughed. "I thought I found a hiking buddy finally!" 

"Sorry to disappoint you!" I laughed. 

I reached home at almost two, shagged and aching. I had to literally drag my feet into my house. I was glad I took that shower earlier because as soon as I sat down on my sofa, I drifted off to lala-land. I only woke up when my phone rang.