Best Friends

“What is it this time?” I raised my eyebrow at my best friend leaning over the counter. His endearing smile softened his impressive height and build.

 I glanced between the computer and him as I tried finishing my library tasks.

“You ever wonder what is going on in their minds?” He whispered harshly, jabbing his thumb over his shoulder.

 I stood on my toes, attempting to see behind him. His smile softened and then he shifted to the side.

 I stared at a group of giggling young women who kept glancing in our direction and continued making a fuss over the books that they were holding.

“It’s been ten years since you discovered the whole boy-girl thing, and you still can’t recognize when they’re trying to attract your attention?” I whispered back, a knowing smile on my face.

 A strand of his dark hair slightly curled over his forehead as he leaned forward to say, “You know how it is.”

 A snort escaped my mouth, and I clamped my hand over it.

 I could see his shoulders shaking in laughter, but he didn’t say anything.

 My eyes flickered to the group of women. They were approaching.

“Behind you.” I quietly said as I focused on checking in a couple of more books.

“Hi!” The tallest woman exclaimed a tad-bit too loudly, “Can we check these out?”

 She handed me a large stack of books.

 Oh bother, it wasn’t like I had seen this before. I gingerly took them from her grasp, took her card, and then started checking them out.

“So, where are you from?”

 I clamped my lips shut, knowing that the question wasn’t for me.

“Umm... uh... me?” I could hear the uncomfortable tinge in his voice.

“Yes, silly.” One of the other women laughed and from the corner of my eye, I could see her playfully slap a hand on his shoulder. He visibly flinched away from them.

 I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. In all my years of working at the library, there were never as many women as there were when he came to visit me.

“Not from around here.”

“So, where are you from?”

“Several miles north of here.”

“Oh?”

“And what are you doing here? I haven’t seen you at our campus much.”

 I glanced at him, to see him looking in my direction giving me a desperate plea.

 I shrugged helplessly. There was nothing I could do or say.

“I came to visit her.” He answered honestly.

 I felt my stomach flutter with warmth. Clenching my teeth, I repeated in my head, not like that silly. He’s not interested in you that way.

“Are you dating?” Another girl asked.

“Oh, no. We’re just friends.”

 A brick settled in the pit of my stomach, although I knew it was the truth.

“Childhood best friends.” He quickly amended.

“Oh, that’s good.” One of the women giggled.

 I slammed the stamp a bit harder than necessary, wishing that they would leave. Why did they just have to ruin a perfectly good afternoon?

“So, like brother and sister, right?” I looked up to see him, rubbing his neck, “Yeah,” his smile was forced, “Something like that.”

“Your books will be due in two weeks from now.” I interrupted their conversation.

“Oh, that was fast!” The shortest girl exclaimed.

 I forced a smile.

 As they retreated, they told him, “It was nice meeting you!”

“Yeah, you too.” He awkwardly waved at them.

 He quickly spun to look at me, “Yeesh, that was... something.”

“It’s not the first time.” I sat back down in my chair, sighing, “Just five more minutes ‘til I’m off the clock.”

  He grinned, “And then we’re off to lunch.”

“Thank goodness.” I pressed a hand to my stomach that had been rumbling for a while.

 He laced his fingers together and then placed his forearms on the counter, leaning over it again. A mischievous smile played on his lips, “What do you say we grab sushi?”

“With spring rolls?” I added.

“And two orders of mochi.” We both finished at the same time.

 It was our go-to order on Fridays.

“Now you’re speaking my language.” I beamed at him.

“Sweet.” He lifted his hand towards me, and I met him in a high-five.

 A thought struck me, “Can we grab boba afterwards?”

 He raised a brow, “I guess...”

“It’ll be on me.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Aww come on, I can pay for it, too.”

“You’re not paying for it.” He stubbornly met my gaze.

“Why not?” I tilted my head to the side, “Are you afraid a girl is going to pay for your food? What a horrendous idea!” I sarcastically added.

 The corner of his perfectly shaped lips lifted in a smile, but he shook his head, “Nope, it’s not that either. I know you’re fully capable of paying for your own food.”

“Then what?”

 He shrugged, leaning away from the counter and stuffing his hands into his jeans, “One day I’ll tell you.”

 I rolled my eyes at him, “That’s what you always say.”

“And I’ll tell you. Just not today.”

 My eyes shifted to the clock, just a couple more minutes...

“How are things with your dad?”

 He was silent for so long I stared at him until he finally answered, “Fine, but it’s a conversation for later.”

 I pressed my lips together knowing that this was a conversation probably best saved for our spot.

“Later.”

 He nodded.

 That’s when I noticed the hoodie he was wearing underneath his long coat.

“You’re wearing the hoodie I gave you!” I felt my smile broaden, excited.

 His gaze shifted to the dark green hoodie that had an emblem with the name of his favorite band. His dark brown coat contrasted well against his tan skin. The hoodie made the small flecks of green in his dark brown eyes stand out.

 I had chosen well. I smiled proudly to myself.

“I thought it appropriate since I only get to see you a few days a month.”

 I stood from my chair and signaled for him to stand further away from the counter, “Let me see your whole fit.”

 He shook his head, scoffing, “No.”

“Please?” I clasped my hands in front of me and gave him my most pleading smile.

“Fine.” He reluctantly trudged his feet backwards.

“You’re the best!”

“A little more.” He kept scooting back, “A little more... there!”

 He stopped.

 I pulled out my phone.

“Aww no, c’mon!” He groaned.

“Shh!” I put a finger over my lips.

“Smile!” I whispered loudly.

 He shook his head, but a small smile teased his lips.

 I stuck my tongue out and scrunched my nose.

 The action took him by surprise and a full-blown grin broke across his face. I quickly snapped pictures as his head tilted up, but then quickly back down.

 He returned as I looked through the pictures.

Perfect.

 I copied a few and turned them black and white. They were perfect. He was model material. My favorite one was his endearing smile as he looked down towards the floor, one hand combing back his hair, the other resting naturally by his side.

“Lemme see.” He swiped at my phone, but I dodged his attempts backing away.

“Nuh-uh. These are mine.”

“They’re my pictures!” He said slightly outraged.

“It’s my phone!” I retorted.

“Let me see!”

“Shhhh!!” We turned to see my supervisor with a frown on her face. Our voices had progressively gotten louder.

 I felt my face turn bright red, “I’m so sorry!”

“Aren’t you almost done with your shift?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Hurry on along, I think you’re starting to work overtime.”

 I glanced at the clock. Whoops.

 I quickly clocked off and then proceeded to leave the desk. He was at my side in an instant. As I pulled out my phone to see my texts, he snatched it from my fingers.

“Hey! Give it back.”

“They’re my pictures!” He countered as I attempted to take it back.

 My attempts were futile given that he was at least a full foot taller than I was. I jumped, but he simply held it away from me.

 He backed away as I continued to swipe at his hand. Laughter shook his body as he stared at my efforts.

 I glared at him.

 But then I had an idea. I reached his side and began tickling him.

 His laughter filled the air around us as he squirmed away from me.

“No... stop it!”

“Give me my phone back.”

“Nope.” He turned around and broke off in a run.

“Come back here!”

 I yelled as I chased after him. I could tell that there were people watching us, but I didn’t care. It didn’t matter since I was with my best friend.

 It only took a few moments for him to slow down. I knew he wouldn’t leave me chasing after him for long.

 I ran straight into him, grabbing him by the coat.

“My phone?” I panted, trying to catch my breath.

 He jerked away from my grasp, but finally dropped my phone in my hands.

“Thank you.” I sucked in a breath, my hands on my knees.

“You good?” he asked after a minute.

“One second.” I held up a finger.

“I’m sorry, [name], I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s fine.” I sucked in another breath, pleading with my lungs to expand just a little more. Being born with smaller lungs sucked sometimes.

 I finally stood up, “All good.” I suppressed the need to suck in another full breath of air, knowing that he wouldn’t let it go.

 He gave me a skeptical look.

“C’mon let’s go.” I grabbed his arm and pulled him in the direction of the parking lot. He stumbled for a bit, but then followed.

“Where are you parked?” I asked, letting go of his arm.

“Right over there.”

 I spotted his sleek black car from where we were. I stopped in my tracks, “Is it new?”

“No, silly, it’s the same one from last time.”

 I shook my head, “Really?”

“Yep,” he unlocked it, and then stepped in front of me, opening the passenger door for me, “Get in.”

“Thanks.”

 Closing the door behind me, he made his way to the driver’s seat. I couldn’t help admiring his long strides and confident manner he carried himself.

 Once he was inside, I said, “You know you don’t have to open my door every single time.” I didn’t want him to feel obligated.

 He gave me a look, “My mother would kill me if I didn’t.”

“She doesn’t have to know.” I shrugged, “It was a long time ago when she told you to behave like a gentleman around me.”

 He started pulling out of the parking lot, “It matters to me.”

 That quickly shut me up.

“We going to the same place?” He asked.

“Yes, please!”

 I watched him as he focused on the road ahead.

 After a moment, I could see the tips of his ears turn red, “What are you looking at?” His low voice seemed to pitch awkwardly high.

 I laughed, “Nothing.”

 He quickly glanced at me, “Seriously?”

 Leaning my head against the window, I explained, “I haven’t seen you for a while. Can’t I look at my bestie?”

 He didn’t say anything, just kept driving.

“Fine,” I crossed my arms over my chest, my oversized hoodie hugged me protectively. Somehow, every time I saw him, I could tell he was changing. And it bothered me more than I thought it should. Moments like these, I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

 I shook the gloomy thoughts away. I wouldn’t let them bother me. Not right now.

“So? Any new girl back at school?”

 He laughed awkwardly, “No...?”

 My eyes narrowed in suspicion, “I thought we didn’t keep secrets from each other.”

“I’m not!” He said defensively.

“Then?”

“There’s no new girl.”

“Oh? So, there’s an old one?” I snickered.

 He cut me a side-ways glance, “Would you stop?”

“Just saying!” I lifted my hands defensively.

“No, I’m not dating a girl back at the base.”

“So, you’re dating one at home?”

“[Name]!”

 I lifted a brow, “Seeing that you’re so riled up about it, there must be someone.” I prodded.

 He rubbed the back of his neck, “No, I’m not dating anyone.”

“Sus.” I muttered under my breath.

“I heard that.” He muttered back.

 I ignored him and started fiddling with his sound system.

 I queued for our favorite playlist and leaned back grinning when he began singing.

 This was my favorite part of our car rides. Listening to him sing and singing along with him.

 A few minutes later, my favorite song was queued.

“No, no, no, not this one.”

 His hand moved over to change it, but I quickly slapped it away, “It’s my favorite song, so deal with it.”

“You overplay it.” He complained.

“It’s a good song!”

 As the song started playing, I started singing along to it, but you’re here in my heart, so who can stop me if I decide that you’re my destiny....

 The lyrics stopped me cold. It was hitting too close to home.

 Having unrequited feelings for my best friend.

 I felt my cheeks heat in embarrassment.

 What was wrong with me? I had never felt so vulnerable and pathetic.

 I made a move to switch the song, but stopped when he startled me by singing along as well... nothing can keep us apart; you’d be the one I was meant to find. It's up to you and it's up to me...

 My eyes shifted to him, his knuckles on the steering wheel had gone white. His jaw clenched. A sign he was upset.

 I turned the music off, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, of course.” he said quickly. Too quickly.

 My eyes narrowed, “Spill.”

 He shook his head, “We’re here.”

 And with that, he turned the car off and got out.

 I stared after him. Maybe the song had upset him. Maybe he was trying to get over someone back home who was claimed by someone else. That must be it. The thought soured my mood.

 He turned back to look at me and I quickly got out of the car.

 As I followed him inside, I placed my feelings aside and focused on him. Something was wrong, I would just have to wait for him to tell me.

 I knew he couldn’t keep secrets for long.

 Once we were seated, I gave him the fiercest stare I could muster.

 His face broke into a smile, “What are you doing?”

“I’m being serious.” My expression did not budge.

 He lifted a brow, “Okaaaay.” Picking up his menu, he read through the sushi options. I knew he was ignoring me; we always chose the same order.

“Look at me.” I ordered.

“Bossy are we?” He refused to meet my gaze.

 I ignored the comment, “What’s her story?”

 Confused, his eyes clashed with mine.

“What?”

“Your girl. Did you break up? Or did she choose someone else over you?”

 His befuddled expression was adorable, “Whatever made you think I am pining over some girl?”

“You can’t fool me.” I knew him too well, “You look heartsick. Besides, you’re acting weird. Especially when we talk about girls.”

“I’m not!” His voice cracked.

 I laughed; it was too funny. A few seconds later, he was also dying of laughter.

“You,” I tried breathing, “have not done that...” tears clouded my vision, “since the tenth grade.”

 His embarrassment was quickly replaced with a mischievous grin, “Ya, stop it.” His Korean accent thickened. He pushed an index finger on my forehead gently leaning my head back.

 I swatted his hand away, “That is going in the book.”

 He groaned as I pulled out my phone and wrote in my notes the list of funny memories I kept.

 The waitress came as I finished typing.

 She was blushing and quickly writing down what he was telling her.

 As she walked away, I whispered to him, “Poor girl’s heart going to be broken by the end of the meal when she finds out you’re pining over someone else.”

 He gently swatted my head with a pamphlet of the menu, “No more talk about my non-existent love-life.” He smirked a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, “It’s your turn.”

 I felt my cheeks heat as I covered my face with my hands, “You already know there’s no one.”

 I peeked through my fingers, his brow was raised, “Your blush begs to differ.”

“What are you English?” My sarcastic comment died on my lips as his intense gaze narrowed.

“No, Mexican Korean and you’re not going to divert my attention by speaking of my heritage.”

“Aww man.” I tilted my voice in mock-disappointment. We both knew how much he loved speaking of his parents’ heritage. He broke every stereotype of what his ethnicity was like. His height being a primary one. Not that there weren’t tall Koreans or Mexicans. It just wasn’t common. Which should not come as a surprise because he wasn’t like everyone.

 The thought made me smile.

“What now? Are you thinking about him.”

“No,” I rolled my eyes, “Thinking about you.”

 His brows shot upward as his eyes widened. I laughed it off, “The way you talk about your heritage.”

 There was an edge of relief written in his eyes, making my stomach plummet. Yup, there was absolutely no way I would ever tell him how I felt.

“You still haven’t told me who your guy is.” He tilted his head to the side.

“His name is Bob and I met him in the third grade.” I answered sarcastically.

 He was unimpressed.

“Unlike you, I don’t have a fascinating love-life.” I continued.

“What about the guy you met on the first day of class who you said was cute?”

“Dating someone.” I answered automatically.

“The guy who you talked non-stop about from mid-terms week?”

“Dating my friend.” I replied.

“Ouch.”

“Yeahhh, but it’s fine, I didn’t like him enough to be heartbroken over him.”

 He gave me a long look before asking, “There hasn’t been anyone since?”

“Nope.” I emphasized the p.

“Fine, I’ll let it go.”

 I nodded.

“For now.”

 I groaned, “You’ll be the first to know if there’s anyone else who I develop an interest in.”

 He seemed satisfied by my answer.

 I busied myself with my chopsticks. He did the same.

 The waitress came and handed us our sushi. My mouth watered at the tray of delicious food.

 As I grabbed my first roll, he stopped me, “You haven’t prayed.”

“Right.”

 We did our prayer together and then dug in.

“It’s so good!” I gushed.

 A smile lifted his lips as he put a roll into his mouth, “So good!”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

 He blabbered back something incoherent. Probably mocking me for correcting his manners.

“Whatever.” I soaked my roll in soy sauce and kept eating.

 Forty-five minutes later I was satisfied with my meal and ready to grab Bobba.

“Where are we going for Bobba?” I asked eagerly.

 I stood as he did the same, “Why did I ever think you were going to forget about it?”

“Cuz you’re an idiot?” I innocently asked.

 He bumped his arm against my shoulder, and I bumped him back.

“Thank you for the meal.” He bent his head towards the staff as they waved us off.

 I smiled; Korean mannerism had always fascinated me.

 As we walked out of the restaurant, his phone rang.

 He stopped and picked it up, “Oh, Eomma.” A pause, “Ne.”

 He rattled something in Korean, glanced at me, and then repeated, “Ne.”

 He hung up and then gave me a long look before saying, “Mom wants you to come over.”

“Yes!” I did a little dance. Going to visit his place was the best.

 He flinched as I grabbed his arm, “Come on!!!”

“Geez, they would have loved it if you had been born their daughter.”

 I stuck my tongue out at him, “I can’t help loving your family.”

 He smiled, “We should hurry before it becomes later.”

 I rushed to the car. He was right behind me, opening the door for me as always.

 I quickly settled into my seat, a silly grin stretching over my face.

“But I have to bring you back to your dorm before midnight.” He told me as he buckled himself in.

“Aww come on, it's the weekend.” I complained; being with his parents and sister was like being with family. I knew that if it got late enough, his sister would invite me to stay the night using her spare bed.

“We’ll let your sister decide that.” I continued.

“I already told her that you need to study for your exam next week and need to be back before tomorrow.”

 I glared at him, but he decidedly ignored me as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“How convenient.” I muttered.

“Besides, I don’t think you want to deal with my families constant nagging about marriage.” He reminded me.

 I felt my cheeks heat at the reminder that his mother, especially, loved nagging us about marriage when we weren’t even close to dating. As she put it, “friendship will soon blossom into love”.

“Yeah, you’re right.” I reluctantly agreed.

 Staring out the window, I felt nervousness settle in my stomach. I was determined to not let his mother’s words affect my imagination.

“I can practically hear your thoughts churning over there. What is it this time?”

 Darn it. He knew me too well.

“Nothing.” I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible.

“Are you worried about something in particular?”

“No.”

“Liar.” He gently teased.

 I pressed my lips together and stubbornly looked away from the glances he kept giving me.

“I thought we didn’t keep secrets from each other.” He echoed my earlier words.

“I’m not.” The pitch of my voice tilted upwards slightly towards the end.

“You’re lying.” He said in a sing-songy voice.  

“Stop it.” I muttered.

“Then tell me what’s wrong.”

“I already told you.” I retorted.

“Fine, but sooner or later you’ll tell me.” He warned.

“Sure.” I replied, fully knowing that I would rather die than tell him how I felt.

 Twenty minutes later we arrived at his parent’s house tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in the suburbs.

“Are they asleep?” I asked, the lights were dim within the house.

 He scoffed, “At this hour?”

 Getting out of the car, I checked my phone before putting it on silent.

“Whatcha looking at?” His voice was near my ear in a low whisper.

 I yelped and whirled around to smack him in the chest, “Geez, you scared me!”

 He laughed, “Seems like you’re hiding something from me.”

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“Am not!”

“Aren’t you coming in?” We were interrupted by his sister who was on the doorstep, her hands on her hips.

“Ahí vamos.” He replied in his Hispanic accent.

 I felt a blush climb my cheeks; we were acting like children for no reason.

 I followed her inside, not bothering to look at him. I could feel his silent laughter behind me and couldn’t suppress the urge to elbow him in the ribs.

“Ow, what was that for?”

 I shot him a glare before going inside.

 Immediately the scents of delicious foods assaulted my senses. My stomach rumbled even though we had just eaten.

 He took off his shoes and left them by the door. I followed suit, knowing that it was custom.

“Eomma!” He greeted his mom, and I watched as he bent down and kissed her cheek. She was a small woman, but her gaze and sweet but strong personality made up for her height.

“Welcome!” She greeted me, pulling me into a hug. I couldn’t help the smile that stretched across my face at her warm welcome.

“Thank you for having me.” I told her.

“Of course, of course.” She repeated, “Meogeul lae?” She looked at him.

 He glanced at me, smiled, and then said, “Ne, geundae do we have a choice?”

 I felt lost as they quickly spoke but gathered that she was asking something about food.  

She gave him a look and then said, “Would you like to eat?”

“Yes, please!” I clasped my hands together in excitement. She smiled broadly and then walked in the direction of the kitchen.

 I followed her knowing that she expected us to follow after.

 A tug on my lavender hoodie stopped me from eagerly going forward.

 I jerked out of his grasp, “What is it now?”

“Don’t forget to wash your hands.”

 I scrunched my nose at him, “You should know I learned the first time.”

 His silent laughter shook behind me, and I ignored it as I sat down at the kitchen table.

“Want some water?” He asked me as he served himself a glass.

 “Sure,” I crossed my feet in nervousness as I observed his mother bustling around the kitchen, serving plates.

 Loud footsteps resounded down the hall, approaching the kitchen.

 A few moments later, his father appeared in the entryway, “Good afternoon.” His thick Hispanic accent greeted me.

 I bowed my head slightly, “Good afternoon.”

 My best friend set the glass of water in front of me and then proceeded to take a seat in front of me.

 I breathed a sigh of relief, now I would not be openly staring at his entire family.

 His sister came to sit beside me, “How are classes going so far?” Her dark wavy hair fell around her shoulders as she leaned forward to take a sip of her own cup of water.

“Fine,” I sighed, just thinking about classes gave me a headache.

“She has finals next week.” he added.

“Ooh, rough.” She leaned back in her chair as she watched me.

“I know, but it can’t be helped.”

 TO BE CONTINUED…