[Sim Daegwang]

It's been nearly a week since I've met Rose. Although we promised we'd be in touch, I haven't had the chance to text her yet. Job hunting, along with my usual strolls, has taken up most of my time. Unfortunately, I haven't found anything satisfying yet.

I have some savings left, so I should be able to keep paying rent for the next three months or so. However, I must find a solution, or I'll have to move in with Himchan or, worse, back to my parents'. Of course, they wouldn't be impressed at me returning. That would be a huge step backwards.

I can't give up. I can try and have a chance of losing my battle, but, if I never fight, I'll always be certain to lose.

***

As I'm done with my shower, I prepare myself for another night in front of the TV, enjoying another trashy show, when I notice three notifications popping on my phone. All of them are from Rose. Maybe she just wants to say hello and, possibly, ask me to take a walk together.

I open them and read the messages carefully.

'Hi, how are you? Do you remember me? And do you remember what we talked about the first time we met?' Oh, how can I forget? That night, I was nearly convinced it was a fever dream.

'Oh, yeah, I have to admit I thought you were a ghost. I mean, that shadow... Okay, never mind. I'm fine, thanks.' How do I manage to be so awkward texting? No, it's not just because I barely know Rose. This even happens with Mom...

'Good for you. Listen, I think I'm ready to share my secret. Do you mind meeting me at the same park tomorrow evening? I mean, if you can, of course. We can also chat and know each other better. What do you think?' I like her offer. This way, she can spill the tea and the same time discover more about me. It makes sense.

'Fine. Tomorrow evening, okay. See you!'

'See you tomorrow.'

I'm sure I won't be able to contain my excitement when I meet Rose again. However, I must keep my self control intact. I can't ruin everything. It's not like we're already buddies.

I put my phone down and start focusing on the TV instead.

***

After only one episode of Smash the Kitchen, I grow bored with TV. I want to do something else. Since I have to wait until tomorrow to see Rose, I can't talk to her again or I'll spoil the mood. I guess I'll just take a walk on my own.

I turn the TV off, put my shoes on, grab the keys and leave the house; I lock the door but I forget the lights on. Now, that's a problem for my electricity bill. Well, not if I do just a quick walk and return home in a timely manner.

I move at fast pace, often looking back. It's not like the landlord will chase after me because of those freaking lights. However, I don't want to take risks. I can't waste time. I hope to be home within thirty minutes. If not, I have to get ready to face eviction threats.

I reach a neighborhood I've never been to. I'm not sure if anyone I know lives here. I'll just pass by quickly, and then turn back. It's not like there's anything that interesting here... Okay, I'm wrong. There is indeed something that catches my attention.

By the second block, I notice something climbing down a whole eight-floor apartment block. How is that even possible? What's that, Spiderman? No, no. He's just a fictional hero. It can't be real. I must be imagining it.

Yet, the strange figure goes down further until it perfectly lands on the sidewalk. It drags down a white blanket, which is tied like a sort of rope. What the hell is going on? Is this some stunt?

I take three steps back, but I stumble on a pole and fall on the pavement. The figure is now a shadow, lurking closer to me. I squint before realizing there's a man in front of me. He offers me a hand, which I accept.

He says, "Hey you. You seem new here."

I nod nervously. "Well, this is my first time in my area." I scratch my head and look down. I should thank this guy for saving me from an embarrassing figure; so, why is there this voice in my head suggesting I keep quiet? I don't know if I can trust this man. I have no other choice, though.

I hesitate as I answer, 'Th-thank you, sir. It could've gone terribly."

He raises a hand. "Don't thank me. That's just the bare minimum. Please, be more careful next time." His voice is ice cold. He doesn't seem pleased by me. I bow and am about to leave when he stops me on my tracks.

"Hey, hey, let me introduce myself. I'm Shane Haskins. You?" He signals at me to answer this simple question; however, I don't utter a word. I expect him to taunt me for my indecisiveness. The fact that he doesn't comes to me as a surprise.

"You're shy, aren't you?"

"Let's say it takes me quite some time to meet new people. By the way, I'm Daegwang Sim." As Shane learns my name, I add, "Anyway, was it you who climbed down that building? Are you a firefighter? Or were you trained in special forces?"

He shakes his head. "Neither of these. I simply studied a plan to put myself out of misery." As I try to grasp the meaning of said statement, he precises. "Oh, that was the easy part."

"So, what's the 'hard' one, then? Don't tell me you need help to buy a ticket to Mexico—I don't think I can help you with that, sorry." Why the fuck have I come up with this nonsense? I can do a lot better!

"Don't be silly, you moron. I don't plan to take a fucking airplane out of the States. I just need you to help me laying low." What does it even mean? New York City is fucking big! Is he trying to deceive me? What's the catch with his so-called plan?

He explains, "Okay, there's this woman I love. I'll tell you more about her later when we leave, so let's get going." He picks up his blanket and a backpack, which I assume it contains some of his belongings, and takes several steps south. I follow him, only to take the lead after two minutes.

I ask, "So, about that woman... Is there anything I should know?"

"Well. She's the one I want to surprise and propose to. However, my family have different plans. They're in real estate business and are seeking to expand further."

"What does it have to do with your lady?"

He cuts me off. "Shut it! I'm still talking! Damn, you ask too many questions, let me tell you." I ignore his rant and let him continue. "Okay, my parents recently found a new potential partner—Hinds & Associates. Its founder, Jeff Hinds, seems keen to accept it. But there's a condition." I don't like the turn this story is taking. The earlier I arrive home, the better.

Fortunately, we're closer to my apartment. All we have to do is walking a few more meters, taking two flights of stairs, and there we are. By the time I open my door and let Shane in, he groans. "Dude! Do you always leave your lights on?"

I take a look at my phone. Shit, I've stayed out for an hour! A lot more than I thought. I hope Mr. Hain won't chew me out.

"I forgot, okay? Sorry! Anyway, it looks like we have more pressing matters to discuss. Do you want some water?"

"No, thanks, I'm fine." He clears his throat. "By the way, about Hinds and the partnership. He said he'd accept it as long as one member of our family marries their daughter."

"So?"

"Well, one of my brothers is gay and the other one is in the Navy. Therefore, the only remaining option is-"

"You. I got it."

Oh, God. What if he is the one Rose was referring to when she meant she wants to crash a wedding?

Okay. Too many questions. I'd ask them now, but I'll wait. My mind is a jumbled mess.