Chapter Text
I find it funny when other people are taking their lives for granted. Well, not really funny, but silly, I guess. Because they do not know that one silly thing that they do is a year (or more) deduction for their life.
How do I know?
I can see it.
Just like the girl I saw shoplifting from the convenience store a while ago. I saw the numbers above her head change from [07-05-2060] to [02-27-2055].
See? She got a five-year deduction. Off her life.
Those numbers are dates. Death dates. And when the time has finally come, there will be like a countdown written on their wrists. It actually depends, though. Sometimes the countdown starts seventy-two hours before their death, or forty-eight hours, but ususally, it starts at the last twenty-four hours of the person.
It creeped me out the first time I figured out his gift-slash-curse.
Do you want to know when your bestfriend will die?
Or seeing the twenty-four hour countdown on your mother’s wrist?
No. Hell no.
But I have no other choice but to embrace it.
I can still remember the time my mom explained ‘this thing’ to me. It was scary since I was still a kid when I first witness someone die in front of me.
It was my classmate’s birthday party. I saw the timer on the wrist of my classmate’s mom, and it was down to 00:30:20. Only half an hour left.
I sat on my seat, wearing a party hat with a cupcake on my hands, and stared at the numbers, doing the countdown inside my head. Just like how you do it every Chirstmas or New Year’s eve. The only difference is that there will be no celebrations after the countdown.
My mom was beside me that time. Of course, because of curiosity, I can’t help but ask. “Mom… Can I also have the watch Soohyun’s mom has?”
She looked at me, surprised and said. “Jihoon, honey. Soohyun’s mom isn’t wearing a watch.”
Then I said “No mom. She is. It’s here.” I pointed at my own wrist. “I can see numbers.”
I can tell that my mom panicked that time, but she tried to maintain her composure in front of me.
Soohyun’s mom was about to serve us some drinks when the timer turned 00:00:00. She collapsed on the floor, glassed shattering, and I saw my classmate crying while running towards her mom.
After that incident, mom eventually told me that my grandfather also possessed the ability to see when a person will die.
But since I am still young that time, I did not understand what to do with it.
Mom just said. ‘”Jihoon-ah, there will come a time that you will understand the purpose of your ability.”
And I think I am starting to understand now.
We are inside our favorite cafe. My friends and I decided to hang out since our Final exams were already finish and vacation is on.
Dokyeom was sitting in front of me, trying to check some new gadget releases. This one is a tech-geek. He often speaks highly-techy stuff and Joshua and I have no choice but to nod our heads in agreement, as if we can clearly understand him. But I bet Dokyeom knows that we really don’t have an idea what he’s talking about.
One thing that we love about this cafe is their Free Frappe Friday. From twelve noon until four in the after noon, customers can choose any flavor of Frappe for free. Amazing isn’t it? Plus, since Joshua is also the co-owner of this cafe, we can have snacks (and refills!)
“Here you go, guys.” Joshua said while lifting the tray with one hand. “Caramel Cappucino Frappe for Jihoon… Dark Chocolate Mint Frappe for Dokyeom…” he carefully laid the cups on our table. “…and White Chocolate Mocha Frappe for me.” Joshua puts the tray aside and sat down beside Dokyeom.
“Thanks.” I softly muttered. It’s still hard for me to look at my friends because I can immediately see the numbers dangling above their heads. Especially Joshua. His numbers are [12-30-2020]
Two years left.
“Ya! I told you not to be uncomfortable with my numbers right?” Joshua said. Yeah. He knows. I accidentally spilled it to Joshua when we were in sophomore year. We were playing football when Joshua tripped himself on a rock. I unconsciously shouted ‘Hey! Be careful! You only have four years left!’
Since then Joshua continuously bugged me until I told him the truth. Of course he felt sad, but just like me, he eventually accepted it.
But the thing is, I can’t see my own death date. I’m okay with it, though. It helps me to be more selfless. Giving up my own lives without thinking twice.
Oh yes. I almost forgot to tell you.
I can save a person’s life.
Once, yes.
Twice, okay.
But if I give up the third one, I will die.
I already gave my first life to an almost-dying kid ten years ago.
My second life was given to my mom.
But the third one… I don’t know… yet.
I gave Joshua a smile before taking a sip from my drink. I can see Dokyeom’s eyes peeking above his phone, but he remains silent.
“What are you gonna do this vacation?” Joshua happily asked.
I shrugged. “I still have no idea.”
Dokyeom shove his phone inside his pockets. His eyes must be already sore from too much radiation. “How about you? What are you gonna do this vacation?” Dokyeom asked Joshua. That’s right boy, make a move.
(Dokyeom likes Joshua. Let’s keep it that way.)
Joshua puts out a thinking face. “I want to do alot. I wanna go to the beach, go hiking, go to amusement parks…”
“I’ll join you. I don’t have plans.” Dokyeom said.
Joshua seemed to be glad with Dokyeom’s response. “Great!” He turned his head towards me. “How about you Jihoon? You should join us.”
I don’t want to be a thirdwheel. Pfft.
I gave Joshua a fake smile. “Nah. I’ll just stay in the house.” Right then saw Dokyeom tilt his head sideways to hide his smile. This guy should thank me later.
“Okay…” Joshua sighs. “But you’re always free to tag along with us, if you get bored, maybe.”
I nodded and continued drinking my frappe. I turned my head to the huge glass window beside me.
Nothing special. Just people with their death dates written above their heads.
There’s a young kid [03-23-2083], a businesswoman [04-17-2034], an old guy with a cigarette stuck between his fingers [11-09-2027], and a guy wearing a white oversized polo shirt and pants, blankly roaming around the streets. He has [xx-xx-xxxx] written above his head.
Wait.
I almost jumped out of myseat when I saw those numbe- no-letters.
Is it even possible?
[xx-xx-xxxx]
My eyes are still glued at the guy but I can’t see his face clearly.
“Jihoon! You okay?” Dokyeom lightly taps my arm. Joshua looked me with worry.
Joshua leaned closer to me and whispered. “Is someone gonna die today?”
“N-no. But…” I tried to control the shakiness of my voice. “I-I saw someone. His death date is all ‘x’”
Joshua looked out the window and tried to search for the guy as well. “Where is he?”
Right. Where is he?
I glanced back to the streets but he’s gone. “I think he just went straight ahead.”
“Did you see his face?” Joshua asked.
“No.”
Joshua leans on his seat. “That’s really weird.” I can tell that he’s also trying to figure it out. “Maybe his death date glitched? What’cha think?”
“Or a what if he’s an immortal?” Dokyeom added.
Great.
I chuckled nervously. “You guys. Your imagination is way to broad.”
“But it’s not impossible.” Dokyeom said.
“Yeah.” I softly spoke while letting out a deep sigh.
I parted ways with my friends around late in the afternoon. The thing I saw a while ago still bothers me. It’s the first time I saw something like that.
Now I wonder where that guy went.
I am in the streets, walking on my way home when I got a call from my mom. I answered it, thinking it must be urgent.
[Hello, Jihoon]
[Mom.]
[Is it aready your vacation?]
[Yes. Why?]
[Okay. You should come with us. We’ll go to your aunt’s place.]
[But, mom…]
[Jihoon, please. We haven’t visited her in a long time now.]
[Okay. I understand.]
[Thank you.]
[Are you going to fetch me in my apartment?]
[Yes. Two in the afternoon.]
[Mhm..]
[Bye, I love you.]
[love you too, mom.]
I really dislike going to my aunt’s house in the province because one, it’s freakin’ in the middle of nowhere. There is no internet. And no internet means me, being bored to death. Period.
And two, my aunt is so, so talkative. It will be hard to sleep since I will hear nonstop chatters from his aunt and cousins.
It’s already dark when I reached my apartment. I started living separately when I entered college. I do enjoy the freedom this independence is giving me. No one to order or nag you around. You can eat whatever you like. You can sleep whenever you want to.
That, for me, is life.
I filcked the lights on and entered my bedroom to changes clothes.
I had no idea how long we’re gonna stay there. One week? Two weeks? The whole vacation? Hell no.
I grunted before throwing my body on the bed and clumsily kicked the air with my feet. “I hate social gatherings. PSH!”
Then I suddenly thought of an idea. I grabbed my phone and sent my bestfriends a message.
Jihoooon: HEEEELLLPPP!!!
Joshushu: WHY? WHAT HAPPENED?!!!!
Dokyeomie: I’ll call the police.
Jihoooon: GUYS! I’M FINE OMG.
No need to call the police.
Joshushu: THEN WHAT?
Dokyeomie: ???
Jihoooon: I’m going to my aunts house
tomorrow, with my mom.
Joshushu: So? That’s goood. At least
you have something to do this vacation.
Jihoooon: But I don’t want to go!
I’m gonna rot in boredom there.
Dokyeomie: What time are you gonna go tomorrow?
Jihoooon: Around two in the afternoon.
Dokyeomie: Okay. We’ll help you.
Jihoooon: How?
Dokyeomie: You’ll see tomorrow.
I am not sure what they’re up to but, I know they will think of a plan to help me. I threw my phone on the bed and watch it jump on the matress.
I kept on watching the clock. It’s almost two and my friends still haven’t arrived yet.
“Aish! Where are those two?” I kicked the floor. My luggage is resting beside him. I still packed my bags, just in case.
Two minutes later, I heard a loud knock on my door.
It must be them.
I quickly ran to open it. “What took you so lo--”
Oh it’s mom.
Mom is standing in front of me, wearing her usual smile,all dressed and ready to go, but there are two familiar guys behind her carrying their bags.
“I didn’t know you’re that excited to go to your aunt’s house.” She pointed at Joshua and Dokyeom. “Your friends here told me that they also want to go with you. I agreed. It will be more fun right?”
Oh. Come on! Are you kidding me?
I glared at my friends and mouthed. “What the hell?” The two guys just flashed me a smile and a V-sign.
“We’ll help you enjoy your vacay!” Dokyeom tapped my shoulders.
“YES!” Joshua exclaims. “I’m sure there will be fun things there.”
Yeah, right. Very fun things.
I sluggishly dragged my luggage with me and joined them in the car. Dokyeom already opened his bag of chips and starteed munching on it. I rested my back on the car seat and pulled my earphones out my bag. But something fell with it.
Blue handkerchief with a cute hamster embroidery on it.
Ahhh. So I still have this handkerchief huh?
I got this, I don’t know, maybe ten years ago (or more)?
We actually used to live in my aunt’s house during my early years. I also studied preschool up until elementary days, there. And during those times, I met my childhood friend. My only friend.
Now I wonder how is he. Is he still living there?
I’m not even sure if he can recall me when he sees me, and vice versa.
But yeah, he’s a good friend.
A very special friend.