Not Just A Memory | Ko Kyung-jun

Eleven.

“Where did you book a room for today?”

“I didn’t.”

“Huh?”

“…I just got on the train without thinking.”

She laughed, saying that wasn’t like Kyung-jun at all.

She washed the grapes, and we sat facing each other at the small table. But it seemed she still wasn’t feeling well, her body still trembling slightly.

“First, rest. I’m sorry for making you endure this while you’re not feeling well.”

“…If I lie down, I might fall asleep. I don’t want to sleep right now.”

Her slightly cute voice almost made me lose control. But I kept a calm face and led her to the bed.

“Can I keep you company?”

“…This feels like a luxury dream.”

I tucked her in, and she let out a long sigh. I wanted to stroke her hair, but since we had broken up long ago, I was afraid she might not like it, so I withdrew my hand.

“…How did you know I was here?”

“Why? Do you want to know the reason?”

The truth was, it was from the photo with Eun-kang.

But Eun-kang, who wasn’t good at remembering faces, could recognize her after just one meeting. That was because I had persistently reminded trustworthy people: “If you see her, give me a heads-up immediately.”

This time, I found her thanks to the victory of my 7-year effort.

“…Don’t underestimate my persistence. I’m not like your mom, who casually looked for her daughter while dealing with religious matters.”

“Haha”

She laughed happily, looking at me intently.

“…I’ve always watched your games, both on TV and in person.”

“I hope you’ll keep watching them.”

“Every time I watch it, I feel regret.”

“I hope you’ll feel that way.”

“Liar.”

As I tucked her in again, I held her hand from a close distance.

Her breathing was still uneven. Maybe she still wasn’t feeling well. I gently rubbed the back of her hand, and she closed her eyes slightly.

“Back then, I heard Hyun-ho say that you would haunt me for the rest of my life.”

“……”

“Because you’ve always played basketball so excellently and beautifully, I’ve always been haunted by your image… and couldn’t forget it.”

Those words made me incredibly happy, and I felt that my basketball life from college until now had gained more meaning.

“A one-sided love for a lifetime… that’s not it.”

“……”

“From the beginning until now, through all these years. I’ve never forgotten you, not even for a day. We loved each other, and…”

I choked up. There was a slight nausea in my chest.

“…But gradually, people around us started calling you my ex… and I wondered, had we broken up…”

“………”

She slightly lowered her head. I didn’t know what she would say, and my heart raced with anxiety.

“…I don’t know either. But since I distanced myself from you, it’s only natural to assume we broke up.”

“……”

“…Neither of us knows, how troublesome it is.”

She laughed softly, and that face was unbearably cute to me. I wanted to keep seeing that smile. I couldn’t help but lean down to the bed, burying my head in her.

“…For the past 7 years, have you been okay?”

“Mhm. Your dad helped me rent this place and hid me. I haven’t seen your mom since then.”

“Have you been living peacefully? Does that company pay well and have good working conditions?”

“Mhm. I get paid quite well for my age, and my colleagues are nice too.”

“…Is there anyone tall, handsome, and kind?”

“Are you talking about Geum-sul? He’s a good person.”

“…Have you been dating anyone?”

“No. Geum-sul confessed after a few years of working together, but I turned him down.”

“…So, up until now, have you had any boyfriends?”

“Only you. No one else.”

Hearing that, I almost cried from relief.

Only me. That statement satisfied a bit of my possessiveness.

“…………That’s good.”

“Because I’ve been living well?”

“Not just that, but everything.”