A warm tunnel

Hyunjin is standing in the middle of the road, staring at a car in front of him.

Hyunjin: wait...what's going on?

Unknown: (shouting) Will you get out of the way!

Hyunjin: Uh (runs out of the way) Sorry.

Hyunjin looks around, confused. Everything feels familiar.

Too familiar yet something feels wrong at the same time.

Hyunjin: how's this possible?

[ I died… just now. ]

There’s no rain. No sound of thunder. And Leeknow is nowhere to be seen.

Hyunjin starts walking slowly, unsure of where he’s going.

The streets… the buildings… everything looks the same.

But at the same time different. The structures are familiar but the names are not.

He stops in front of a coffee shop, one that he's familiar with. His eyes lift to the sign.

#(Lee Bokie’s Coffee Shop)

Hyunjin: (murmurs) Lee Bokie…?

Hyunjin: Lee? But this shop belongs to Chan hyung…

He pushes the door open and a soft chime rings above him. Warm light spills over him. The smell of coffee and baked goods fills the air.

Hyunjin: (breathes in) Mmm… smells so good.

When did Chan hyung start baking? [Did I come to a wrong place?]

A FEW MINUTES EARLIER

Felix is wiping the tables.

Felix: Hey you quokka, don’t forget to take the donuts for your boyfriend.

Han: (walks out, fixing his shirt) Already packed them.

You spoil him too much, you know.

Felix: Anyone taking care of my little quokka deserves it.

Han: Yaah! I’m older than you.

Felix: (throws a flying kiss) You wish.

Han: Tsk. I’ll get going. Close up quickly, okay?

I heard some drunk strangers have been causing trouble.

Felix: Don’t worry. I’ll close soon after you leave.

Han: (waves the bag) Thanks for this. I’m sure Leeknow will love them.

Felix: He always does.

Han: Don’t be so full of yourself.

Felix: I’m not. I’m just good at baking.

Han: (rolls his eyes) Bye.

Felix laughs as Han leaves. He starts cleaning up, preparing to close.

Lee Felix is in his mid twenties and he owns the shop.

Han is his childhood friend, they grew up in the same neighborhood and he helps out in the café when he can.

Felix picks up a trash bag and walks toward the door.

Just as he reaches it the door opens.

And a boy walks in. Looking messy and lost.

But the moment the scent of food hits him, his face softens.

Felix pauses and stares.

[ He must be a college student… ] he wonders to himself.

Tall, well built, long dark hair brushing his shoulders.

Just too handsome to ignore.

Felix: (smiles) Can I help you, we are closed?

Hyunjin looks down, startled.

Hyunjin: Oh...uh… who are you?

Felix blinks.

Felix: (taken aback) Aren’t I supposed to ask that?

Hyunjin looks around. [The place looks like Chan's but the setting...it's different]

Hyunjin: Are you Lee Bokie?

Felix nods slowly.

Felix: Yeah… why?

Hyunjin: [they have the same surname, could they be related?] Are you related to Le....

A sharp pain hits his head and Hyunjin cries out while crouching.

Hyunjin: Argh!

Felix drops the trash bag instantly and catches him.

Felix: (concerned) Hey! Are you okay?

Hyunjin: (groaning) My head… it hurts…

Felix: Come on, sit down.

He helps Hyunjin to a chair and quickly brings water.

Felix: Here.

Hyunjin takes it and downs it immediately. Felix slowly caresses his head while giving him the concerned look. Hyunjin stares at him.

Felix notices.

Felix: What?

Hyunjin: Your freckles...they are pretty.

Felix: (flustered) Uh… okay, thanks I guess.

What's your name?

Hyunjin: Hyunjin...Hwang Hyunjin...

Felix: Are you a college student?

Hyunjin: (nods) Yeah...is it that obvious?

Felix: (chuckles) Sorta...Just now you were asking me something?

Hyunjin: Oh yeah...do you own this place?

Felix: (nods) yes...

Hyunjin: For how long?

Felix: (confused now) Um...why do you want to know that?

Hyunjin: Just recently someone else owned it...

Felix: who?

Hyunjin's mind is suddenly filled with a fog, he no longer remembers who owned the café.

Hyunjin: He...wait I know him...

Felix: (staring at him) Um...maybe you're just confused.

Hyunjin: (shakes his head) No, I swear....I come here everyday after class...

Felix: (pulses his lips) Ah...a lot of college students come here...

Hyunjin: (breathing heavily)...

Something is wrong, he can feel it.

Hyunjin: What's the name of the university?

Felix: XX university.

Hyunjin: [that's not familiar] is that the only university around?

Felix: (nods) yes...why?

Hyunjin tries to get up but Felix pulls him back on the chair.

Felix: You need to call someone. You can’t go home alone like this.

Hyunjin looks up, his confused eyes suddenly lonely then like a dark cloud, they fill up with tears...

Hyunjin: I have no one...i can't remember my friend's name...or anyone...

Felix: …what?

Then his face suddenly lights up.

Hyunjin: Wait...[Lee know, I have him]

Just at that thought, the pain hits again.

Hyunjin: Argh!

Felix immediately moves closer, gently holding him.

He shields Hyunjin’s eyes from the light.

Felix: I don't know what's going on but we’re going to the hospital.

Hyunjin doesn’t respond. Felix pulls out his phone.

Felix: 📱Can you come to my shop? I need help.

unknown: Will be right there....

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***