-^* Are we clear? *^- | Haobin

-^* 4 *^-

"You look happy, was the walk that nice?"
"Hm? No..." I spoke as I couldn't help but smile again.
"Strange..." Matthew muttered as I walked past him and to my room.

The next day I woke up feeling warm, the sun shone through my sheer curtains and my body fed off the heat like a plant performing photosynthesis. I rose my head and fluttered my eyes open feeling the fresh air brushing against my skin.
I made my way to work and arrived early, sitting in the employee lounge and taking out my notebook to jot down my plan for the day.
"Ohhh, Hanbin! Where were you yesterday?" Taerae asked as he walked into the lounge with an iced americano in his hand.
"I had a fever but I'm all better now!" I smiled, meeting his eyes as he sat opposite me.
"Those kids were disappointed to see me after they thought they could get rid of me, I was offended." He laughed as he began to nibble on a croissant which he held in a paper bag.
"Do you have much work today?" I asked. Taerae began to speak about his plans and what he needed to do, I listened, half actually to what he was saying but also keeping my ear out for other people coming in. As I expected, I heard the door brush open to the sound of Jiwoong's voice, laughing as he explained something to the person behind him. I turned my head and there they were. There he was. For a moment Hao looked at me, as I looked at him, but he quickly turned his head back to Jiwoong and followed him into the changing rooms. It felt awkward. Of course it would. I knew that, yet it still felt like our closeness was stuck in this weird place between strangers and friends. Whilst I'd connected so well with Taerae and Jiwoong, I didn't even think Hao and I could count as friends. What was this strange slightly romantic purgatory? It felt like torture.
I turned back to Taerae and continued to listen to him half heartedly.

I didn't see Hao much for the rest of the day, trying to focus on my work and catch up with what I'd missed yesterday. I taught my classes and finished the day by mopping my studio.

Once I arrived in the changing room it was already empty. I sighed and collected my things together until I heard a distant shout. It couldn't be any of the kids, or their parents as the studio closed at five on weekdays. So what was it? I creeped out of the locker rooms, through the staff lounge and into the long hallway down to Mrs Kim's office. I kept my steps light and silent, glancing into the first studio. Nothing. As I turned my head to look into the other one, I spotted him standing there, his back facing the door whilst he took steps closer to Taerae who stood off to the side with eyes narrow, glaring at him.
"Don't act like any of us could've known! Are you stupid? What did you think would happen?!" Taerae seemed to argue back to whatever Hao had just said.
I took a step back and creeped closer to the door to listen in without being seen.
"Clearly I did, why else would I be so pissed off now?" Hao seemed dejected as held his head in his hands.
"You better not tell him, hear me? Not a word."
Taerae whispered something out of ear reach before he began to collect his things together. I quickly backed off the door and lightly ran back to the locker room.

As I walked to the bus stop it permeated my thoughts. What could they possibly be arguing about? And who were they referring to?
It ate away at me. My curiosity was burning up in the pit of my stomach. Something wasn't right here, everyone seemed off.

I brushed it off, trying to forget about it as I sat down on the bus and plugged my earphones into my phone.

I arrived at home, the house was empty, I pulled my phone out to message Matthew.

Me: When are you gonna be home?

I put my phone down and began mopping the floors. As I continued on with the chores, my phone buzzed. I checked it, expecting a message from Matthew.

1 new message from MOM

Mom: Hey Binnie, just checking in since you haven't called in a while. Everything okay? You haven't run into anyone bad have you?

I smiled and responded.

Me: I'm alright Mom, sorry for not calling. I've been so busy I haven't had time. I'll come home soon to visit.

I swiped off the chat and back into my message to Matthew that remained unopened.

Me: Hope you're okay! I might go on a walk, let me know if you need anything.

I placed my phone on the countertop before I headed into my room to wash up and get changed.

Coldness, nights that are dark in weather that doesn't stay warm unless the sun holds it in its embrace. I felt the wind blow against my side, my hair blowing as I walked ahead. My jacket clung to me like it was embracing me for safety, my pants flapped around my legs like they wanted to run away. People are a bit like that. Some stay close when under harsh conditions, others float away in the wind and leave you there, stuck in place.
I felt like the one stuck in place. Every step forward felt like two steps back. I mean, what could I do though? Matthew told me that I should just keep going, and hope that I end up somewhere good.
That reminded me...where could he possibly be?