Two

It was a fine Saturday afternoon with a gentle cool breeze in Gwangju. A perfect time to enjoy the music festival and Gaia is thrilled to meet Yohan at Sajik Park Observatory as what they have planned a few days ago. Everyone gets ready for the occasion.

Gaia arrived at the observatory forty-five minutes earlier. Her heart throbs as she counts the minutes before Yohan arrives. The butterflies in her stomach lingered since she left the house. Her hands were shaking. Her head was occupied by different scenarios on what will happen next and how Yohan will react.

She sat down on a bench nearby and watched the overview of the city. It was breathtaking for her as she sees Seoul from afar. The houses and buildings are so small like ants inhabited the place. The skies are clear as birds flew from left and right. She can see the blue sea from her seat as sunlight reflects the sea surface, giving it a magical glow.

Some couples were taking photos, walking together with hands tangled, and some admiring the view together. Viewing simple happiness like these is already enough for her. However, she can't help but get jealous. She imagined Yohan and herself doing that someday, doing what other couples do.

She checks the time on the silver wristwatch that her mother gave her. It is already 3:55 P.M. and there was no sign of Yohan yet. People are getting crowded in the observatory to witness the sunset. Gaia is still sitting there as she waits for Yohan.

"He will be here. He's probably stuck in the traffic," Gaia thought. She took her phone out of her bag and opened it to see if there is any message or missed calls from him. There was none. She sighed and put back her phone and waited a little longer.

Fifteen minutes passed and still no presence of Yohan in Sajik Park Observatory. Families, groups of friends, and couples filled the place waiting for the sunset. She stood up from her seat, too tired of sitting down, and took a look around. She grabbed her phone one more time and checked if Yohan sent a message. Still, nothing. Gaia sough and decide to stick around for a while.

Gaia went near the edge to get a closer view. Thoughts ran through her mind with wonder where could Yohan be. What happened to him? Did he back out last minute? Her eyes become watery as she was scared to face the possibilities. She took a deep breath and became optimistic. She looked up at the afternoon sky and thought that he will be here soon.

It's 4:45 P.M. and Yohan didn't show up. Gaia grew tired of waiting. She decided to call him to see if there is anything wrong. She took her phone out one last time and searched for his name in her contacts. She pressed the call button and placed the receiver on her ear. Her heart pounded once again as she readied to conquer her anxieties.

"The number you dialed is not reachable."

"He turned his phone off? Why?" Gaia was shocked to hear that the automated system says that his phone cannot be reached. She became worried and went down from the observatory. She held her phone on her chest as she walks away from the venue. A sea of people filled the streets as they prepare for the festival. Gaia walked along the streets while she puts her head down while she stared at her phone, too curious why he didn't call her or send her a message to let her know that he was unable to come.

"Gaia Choi!" a voice from the crowd called her.

She lifted her head and saw a man in his early thirties, has short black curly hair, and a bulky physique. He stood at five-foot-eleven, wearing a brown sweater, jeans, and brown leather shoes. He also has a striking resemblance with Yohan.

"Professor Gavin Min!" Gaia smiled. "What brings you here?"

-"I am here for the festival, of course," Professor Gavin said.

Gaia checks if Yohan is with the professor. Unfortunately, he is not. He came here alone with a drink of iced americano in his hand. Gaia bows her head down again. Professor Gavin noticed her sudden change of mood and immediately showed concern.

"Is there something wrong?" the professor asked.

-"Have you seen Yohan? We were planning to meet at the observatory earlier but he never showed up. It was his promise before we graduate."

The professor was shocked that his younger brother's best friend made an oath to her before he goes away to pursue his studies. He was greatly troubled when he saw a tear rolled down from Gaia's eyes. He didn't know how to explain it but she deserves to know.

"Yohan left this morning and went to England."

Gaia shot her head up in great surprise. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. She was lost for words and she felt a sudden jolt of pain in her chest. Her body trembles with her hands clenched on a fist. Seeing Gaia like this, Professor Gavin had no choice but to say it.

"It was unexpected. It was originally planned to send him off after you graduate but father wanted him to go there earlier so he can settle things down in the apartment dad bought for him," he added. "I'm sorry, Gaia."

Gaia didn't respond. Her head hung from her shoulders. Her mind tried to comprehend what happened. She felt nothing but emptiness for her plans has been ruined. She wanted to run away. She wanted to be alone. Without a thought, she ran off and left him without a word. The professor didn't flinch. He closed his eyes and bowed his head for forgiveness. He understood that it will end up this way.

Gaia ran as far as she can while tears rolled down from her eyes. She didn't care where her feet can take her. She ran through the streets until she reached a park that is still within the city. She continued dashing until she passed by a river and stopped. She was panting while her legs were shaking. She knelt and started to cry.

"Yohan! I love you! Please come back to me!" she exclaimed as tears continued to pour. She wept whilst she whispers his name and vowed to wait for him until he comes back.