Once in your life, you meet someone who is a complete game-changer. That someone who makes you realize why things happened the way they did and makes you thankful you got through all of that and got to where you are today.
Someone who makes you laugh like you've never laughed before.
Someone you look forward to seeing everyday.
And that someone is my closest friend, Jin.
Looking out into the city where I am currently shooting my new film, I can't help but wonder if she would like it if she were here. It was hot and humid and my color had darkened considerably. It would be such a stark contrast when I get back and compare it to her famous alabaster skin.
It's late here and as much as I wanted to have a chat with her, I know it's even later in Seoul and I didn't want to bother her. Imagine my surprise when my phone beeped and I saw her name.
You awake?
I frowned, then replied, No. I could almost see her eyes curling up into crescent shapes as she laughs hard. She always found me funny.
You're so funny!
I knew it. Why are you awake? Not waiting for a response, I tapped the call button.
Her voice still held mirth when she picked up. "Hi!" She says cheerily, as if it weren't almost 3am in her part of the world.
"Did you wake up or you haven't slept?" I asked.
"Couldn't sleep. I may have had too much coffee late at night," she admitted.
"Tsk tsk. You have a long shoot for an advertisement tomorrow - well, later your time - don't you?"
"Yes."
"You're going to be exhausted. Take quick naps where you can, alright?" I reminded, making a mental note to send a message to her manager.
"I will. I can take care of myself, you know?" She replied a bit stubbornly and I knew she was pouting.
"I know. But I like pretending I care," I deadpanned.
She laughed. "Come home soon so I can flick your ear."
I cringed though she could not see. For such small hands, her flicks on my ear or forehead were some of the most painful ones I ever had to deal with. "Perhaps I should stay longer."
"No! Hey!"
"I knew it. You miss me."
"I just want to go golfing again so I can beat you this time."
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever you say, Jin-ssi."
She shifted the conversation to me. "How was the film shoot today, Bin-ssi?"
"We finished a lot of scenes, but it was terribly hot."
"Keep yourself hydrated, okay?"
"I will." I promised.
I heard her yawn before she said, "Can I see your ugly face before I sleep?"
I chuckled and switched to a video call. "Me? Ugly?"
Her eyes widened. "Omo! You've gotten even darker!"
"And you're still white as snow."
She smiled again, those eyes crinkling the way I always like them. "Unfortunately, Bin-ssi..."
I raised my eyebrows, waiting for her to continue.
"... you're still not ugly. Not one bit."
I chuckled, averted my gaze and touched the back of my ear. "Go to sleep, Jin. You're being silly again."
She gave a bright smile before bidding me good night. "Call me tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Nothing. Just want you to."
I smiled. I knew I was lucky she counted me as a close friend. And considering she didn't keep in touch with other people she worked with, I never take these moments for granted. "You truly miss me. Admit it."
"You know I do. There's just no one to annoy without you around."
We laughed again and I reminded her to get some rest. "Sleep well."
"You too. Oh, by the way, put on more sunscreen, okay? Too much sun is bad for your skin."
"Okay."
"And you're handsome enough as it is."
I blushed again but before I could retort, she had ended the call.
Good night, Jin-ssi, I thought. Looking up at the clear sky, I had to add, I do miss you.