Chapter Text
''Are you sure you will be alright?'' a woman's voice is heard on the other end of a call.
''I'll be alright mom, besides.. I know everything from A to Z already.'' an answer.
Donghwa sits down a bench in front of a small, shabby looking shop. The signboard reads 'Pa's Classic Cuts' which is a little too vintage for these days.
''I'll leave everything to you then, the documents and important files are in Pa's locker, I hope you still remember where it is.'' The woman's tone relaxed down.
The call ended with a simple agreement from both parties. Initially, Donghwa wanted to work at the city since he wanted his work to be recognized by many. His dreams crushed after his grandfather's passing. He didn't blame his grandfather's death for the things that have happened, he just felt unfair as he is the only one being thrown here despite having a younger sister that has the same profession as him.
Being the oldest would always result into giving in for the younger ones, sacrificing things. He hates this stereotype but his parents are more drawn to that stereotype. He lets out a big sigh and stared at the blue skies. Today's weather is really nice, good thing the shop is located near the beach. Sounds of waves splashing around are heard from miles away.
Donghwa watches as the sounds of children playing in the background plays, finally being back to his hometown brought back memories from years ago. Just as he thought the nostalgia couldn't be more worse, a familiar scent from what feels like ages ago whiffed in. Pa.
When he used to live with his grandfather during spring break back then, his grandfather would bring him down to the hair salon, Weekends only. Weekdays are usually more chaotic since a lot of customers come in for a makeover. He understands, his presence would only strike up the tension in the busy shop.
Pa, his grandfather. Every work of him delicate and smooth. Every single snip of the scissors sounds like a music pattern to Donghwa's ears. Not tense, not worked up.. just pure softness. He loves to observe his grandfather's actions. He copied every single thing he does like a copycat. All these in silence and careful observation.
Thus making who he is today, a replica of his own grandfather.
His mind drifts off somewhere else.
Beep.
The sound of a door opening is heard. Juwang enters his apartment.
After a long day of work at the local clinic, he finally gets home. His appearance unappealing, hair scruffed and untidy and visible dark circles under his eyes are seen. He holds a workbag on his left hand and releases his grip upon reaching the living room.
''You're home.'' a feminine voice calls out the other end.
Juwang simply turns his head to look at the source, he returns by giving a bland smile. ''I'm home.'' a reply.
The woman sits down beside him while he tries to doze off. She's also in her work clothes but her sleeves are folded and her shirt is tucked out. The lower part of her t-shirt appears wet probably from doing the dishes or cleaning. She stares at the sleepy Juwang in front of her.
chu~
She kissed Juwang's visible neck.
Juwang startled upon the sudden action from his girlfriend. He sits up and fixes his position.
''What's that for?'' Juwang asks her.
''A gift, don't you like it? You had a long day of work, a kiss makes up for it.'' She smiles and leans in closer to Juwang more.
''Nari, not to that extent.'' Juwang responded clearly as Nari now disappointed upon the refusal.
''Juwang, I don't understand. We've been together for years now. All we do is kiss and make out. Never once you did try to pursue me deeper.'' Bitter expression forms on Nari's face. She wanted Juwang seriously. Never once did Juwang acknowledge her as a long-time partner. She felt helpless as her own partner treats her like a mere prostitute.
''What am I to you Juwang? Seriously, do you even ever love me like I did to you?''
Juwang refuses to answer, he himself can't figure out why he's like that. He truly loves Nari. He really do. But never once he did try to put her as his future plans or anything. At the same time, he's afraid of losing her.
''Fuck it Juwang. You do you.'' Nari stands up and leaves him alone in the room. Juwang watches as she storms to her room. He fluffed his hair in anger, his head down.
8 years ago, Nari met Juwang on the school bus by accident. Both of them are in the same class but they never did acknowledged each other even as classmates. Nari, unable to find a vacant seat in the bus decided to stand up and hook on the bus handle. Just as she thought that she would spend her time hanging on to the bus's handle, Juwang calls out to her. Surprisingly he knows her name. Nari looks at him as he stands up and offers his seat to her. She nodded in acceptance and sat down. Juwang did not stray far from her, he stands beside her the whole ride hanging on to the bus's handle—just like what she did earlier.
Their relationship started after Juwang decided to text her on a random day asking that if she would love to partner up with him for a school project. Nari said yes and agreed to meet at a local cafe near them. Things worked out smoothly then suddenly Juwang decided to confess his feelings to her that day. Just like that, love formed between them.
The first few years were amazing, their love was unstoppable. He'd shower her with lots of love, any way a person could think of. Abstract, concrete name it all. Nari imagined a future with him. Juwang too, at first. Until one day..
''Juwang-ah.'' Nari softly calls for Juwang whom is sleeping at her lap. Juwang responded by looking at her with loving eyes.
''I really want us to, expand. You know? Like a whole family. Not just as a couple.'' Nari tells him.
Juwang's eyes drifted away from Nari's gaze. He turned into a whole new person. He gets up from Nari's lap and fixes his seat beside her.
''I do realize you want us to be real. To be honest, I. I don't want to. It's not like I hate you or anything, it's just that I have no vision of what ours will look like.'' a cold response.
Nari surprised by the different and cold side Juwang gave her. She wasn't expecting him to respond to her like that, she thought he would agree just like how other guys would. The tension between them grew as Juwang plays with the blanket that is covering half of his body. A few days ago, Juwang got accepted to a medical institute and would continue his studies soon. Nari was happy for him. Both of them were.
A few months into his study session, Juwang gets busier and rarely have time for Nari. She understands him. This is his dream in which she can't interfere. But as days go by, She notices that Juwang rarely opens up and has become less affectionate to her. She tries to brush it off thinking maybe it is a short-term effect from his busy-ness.
Until it happened.
''You.. you've changed.''
At Juwang's new workplace.
Juwang stirs his coffee and sat down at his office chair. He wasn't expecting himself to be dispatched to a small clinic at his girlfriend's hometown. Both of them decided to part ways for once after the huge fight the other day. He was reluctant to let her go but seeing her in that state, confused and disappointed by his own actions. He agreed and left her all alone in the apartment he bought for both of them. He knew this day would happen.
knock knock
Someone knocked his office door startling him. He answers then someone in his mid 20's appeared at his door. His figure tall and slender, almost like Juwang but taller. His hair deep noir, eyebrows thick and full lips. He smiles and enters Juwang's office.
''Minje, right?'' Juwang asks him.
''Yes, thank you for coming to my dad's clinic. I wasn't expecting someone my age to work with me here. I thought I would end up with another old doctor that only talks about vintage shit to me.'' He replied in full awe.
Minje, Choi Minje. Juwang's co-worker. Both of them are unfamiliar with each other, but things clicked as they started to talk to each other. No generational gap, just pure friendship there. Juwang explained his whole story on why did he end up here, from his personality to his love life. Minje nodded his head each time Juwang talks.
''Both of you really need space. I hope things go well. Eh- you don't really mean to leave her completely do you?'' Minje asks Juwang.
Juwang didn't answer instantly, he simply sighed. Minje looks at him and understands. It really is tough.
''You've broken up. Me? I'm trying to pursue someone but I don't know if he would accept me.'' Minje spins on the spinning chair in front of Juwang's desk.
Juwang ears perked up, 'he' ? Did he hear him right?
''I'm sorry but he? a man?'' Juwang asks Minje in pure confusion.
Minje smiled and nodded yes. It is the first time he hears someone liking the same gender as him. The air between them a bit suffocating as silence grew. Juwang then turns to look at his desk mirror to fix his appearance. He stares at himself in the mirror, When did my hair get this long? He himself neglected his own appearance due to his work piling up to him.
Minje now looking at him and laughed. Juwang confused and asks why he is laughing.
''You've finally noticed your hair huh? I thought it's something you already know about. Get it fixed.'' Minje's hand gestured him to get out and fix his messy appearance.
''I'll cut it myself. It's not like this small place even has its own barbershop.'' Juwang lays on his reclining chair and spun around.
''There is one, I don't know if its still open as the owner of the shop passed away a few days ago. I heard that his grandson decided to continue his legacy as a hairstylist.''
Juwang hearing that simply scoffed, ''Are you sure the new guy can style? What if my hair end up looking like a bird's nest the moment I get out of that damned salon?''
Minje smiled then replied, ''I'm not finished yet. He's like a total duplicate of his own grandfather though. I mean.. you wouldn't know if you don't try.''
Juwang was hesitant at first, but he finally decided to go to get himself fixed the next day.
It is the first day of working as a hairstylist at his Pa's hair salon. Donghwa was reluctant at first but he agreed to do it so he heads down to the shop. He wears a simple dark beige plaid shirt paired with khaki trunks. Its not like he's dressing up for someone he likes, he'll just probably deal with older people and middle aged ones. Some few children and less to none ones of his age.
He grabs his essential items and pops in earphones mid walking. The route to the shop is clear, he remembers each and every details of the pathway. The signboard that once had vivid and clear colours now washed up and poor. Probably from the rain and weather, by time of course.
''Donghwa!'' someone called out for him behind.
Donghwa turns to look at the person and saw an old lady waving at him. She's sitting in a rocking chair in front of her porch, a cat on her lap. Donghwa recognizes her as one of the frequent customers of his Pa's shop back then. It's crazy how she still recognizes him after all these years. Her once luscious black hair now turns gray, he remembers her sole reason of her visit to the shop is to colour her hair into a darker shade of black, sometimes she goes for brown.
Donghwa waves back and smiled.
...
Upon arrival, he wasn't expecting a customer at all since not all of the townspeople knew his ability. Worse, he thinks that they're doubting his skills and compares him to Pa's delicate work. Maybe the only reason he goes to the shop is to clean up the cobwebs and adjust the vibe according to his liking. I mean.. he gets the shop all to himself, it's up to him to do whatever he wants. Sorry Pa!
He then turns on the music and starts cleaning. Completely drowning the sounds of nature outside. He just thought that he'll work better in an upbeat feeling. A little music won't hurt.
.
.
.
'Pa's Classic Cuts'
The paper read. Juwang is now walking towards the location just like how Minje described it. He's not expecting anything big, he just wants to get this over with.
From afar, the shop door displays a red 'CLOSED' sign. Juwang stopped mid track and thought that it was a bad day to go. He stares at the clear door and saw someone inside moving things. He thought he was hallucinating else the work stress caught up to him. He wasn't wrong. There IS a person inside.
He gets close to the shop, he saw everything inside.
Donghwa on the other hand dances happily as he picks up items from the floor. He then grabs a broomstick and sways on the floor to the music. That's when he saw someone standing in front of the shop motionless. His face visibly disgusted from watching him.
Donghwa runs to the door and greets him. The person wears a long coat and turtleneck inner, black cargos. His hair.. maybe that's the reason he came here.
"I'm sorry, can I help you?" Donghwa asks.
"Are you serious on opening a shop? You don't look like you mean it. Famous my ass, look at his own grandson." harsh words came out of Juwang's mouth.
Donghwa was taken aback and wanted to argue but then he remembers that every single customers he meet does not mean they're not meant to be served. Pa was wise, he's quite an eyesore to look at but his words are nice to hear.
"I'm sorry, but were totally open. Come in." Donghwa gestured a welcoming hand while the other pushes the door open.
Juwang grows more unsure about this person he's meeting with. The sign clearly states that the shop is closed, the insides of the shop cluttered and decorations are falling off, and this person whom he's asking for a cut does not look convincing at all.. Oh come on. A small tch escaped from his mouth, small but clear enough to be heard as the silence that surrounds them rises it volume.
Veins bulged out of Donghwa's forehead and arm. He notices that he's not moving an inch. He grows impatient and grabs his hand and pulls him in. "Wait! I did not give you consent— AH!" Juwang was dragged inside and gets put into a chair. The now serious looking Donghwa ties Juwang's arm to the chair handle. The mirror in front of him full of spots and impurities. He gulped. He's praying that once he gets out he'd still have some hair left. Donghwa let out a frustrated sigh then grabbed his tools and began working.
Surprisingly, Donghwa's work were like the ones at the city Juwang used to live in, the professional ones. He stares at Donghwa. Diligent and focused, he's very committed to his work. Donghwa did not even bat an eye to Juwang that had been staring him for god knows how long it was. Donghwa's eyes fixated only to Juwang's messy and unkempt hair.
Snip snip snip. The faint sound of scissors cutting his hair is heard. Donghwa then grabs a small part of Juwang's bangs and trims it directly on his face. Hair clippings fall to Juwang's nose and eyes causing him to twitch and let out a small frustrated sound.
Then a hand touches his jawline, it was Donghwa. He lifts Juwang's face to him so he could take a look at Juwang's facial structure clearly. He blows the hair clippings from his face startling Juwang completely.
That's when their eyes met. Juwang looks into his eyes and felt something weird. He does not know how to act. He's speechless.
"You're all set sir. You can go now." Donghwa unclips the cloth from Juwang's hind neck and cleans it from remaining hairs.
Juwang sat there shocked. He looks at himself in the mirror. Is that me? Despite the mirror's dirty surface, his new look displays clearly with its each and every detail visible. He never realised that he could look this good.
"You're welcome."
"But I haven't thanked you yet?-" Juwang turns his head to face him.
"I can see it in your eyes already, you love it. Eyes can't lie. They're the most important element in an expression." Donghwa speaks but his body faces away from Juwang.
"No need to pay, It's my fault for not welcoming you here properly. You're welcome here anytime."
Juwang felt bad. He wanted to apologize but he rummages through his pocket and whipped out quite a handful of cash instead. He lays it at the counter and walks to the exit.
Nevertheless, he felt like a new person now. Minje's right, I really shouldn't have doubted this kid.
He left the shop, feeling brand new. This is his first experience from that hair salon and it is the weirdest and unforgettable one for sure.
Donghwa still facing away as Juwang walked away from the shop. He wasn't expecting someone that age to come to this vintage looking shop. He sat down in one of the chairs and covered his mouth. His heart races as he remembers Juwang's face the moment he blew the hair clippings from his face. He breathes in and out rapidly. A feeling he can't control.
He does not know why did his heart raced when he saw his face. He then sat up straight and stared at himself in the mirror in front of him.
''What is wrong with me..''
He shriveled. Maybe he was too exhausted.
''So, about this 'guy' that you were talking about.. Who is he?'' Juwang asks Minje as both of them prepares their morning coffee in the clinic's pantry.
Minje looks at Juwang unable to speak, his mouth slightly opened but no words come out. Eyes blinking uncontrollably.
Juwang notices that Minje went super silent then turns to face him.
Minje stirs the coffee in front of him but his whole face flared up. His ears now red. Corners of his mouth stretched and formed a down turned smile.
''This guy..'' Juwang turns away from Minje, he scoffs.