House of Flowers

Chapter 08

Eunrae sat beside Jimin on the grass, letting the calming wind sway her hair. "Oh, and this too!" she exclaimed, fishing a mini round shaped plastic container from her pocket. She gave it to Jimin, earning a puzzled look.

"What is this again?" Jimin questioned, he had opened the lid to check the content, but still couldn't find the answer to his question. But knowing Eunrae, it must be something related to plants.

"Aloe Vera gel," she answered. "Well, it's a common household plant that has many uses aside from being a decoration. It can help to soothe itchy red bump or in other words, mosquito bite." She chuckled while pointing the flaring red mark on Jimin's hand.

His cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Either because of the minimum knowledge he had about this sort of things or maybe because he was flattered to be treated kindly by someone he barely knew. "Thank you, Eunrae. Sorry if this sounds rude, but why are you so kind towards me?"

Eunrae remained silent, pondering for an answer as she gazed at the beautiful landscape of the village beneath them. "I guess it's because I have no friends around my age? And you look so clueless about everything, which made me want to help you." She giggled.

"How old are you anyway?" He asked.

"I'm twenty! What about you, Jimin?" She returned the question cheerfully.

Jimin was surprised. Firstly, because his guess was right, and the other reason was the fact that Eunrae looked younger than that. She seemed so happy and stress free, not like a twenty years old human being in general.

"Same. Anyways, aren't you supposed to have classes right now? What about college?" Jimin bombarded her with questions, getting curious and wanting to know more about her, and this village.

Eunrae shook her head. "No, Jimin. I can't afford to buy a train ticket, let alone paying the heap amount of money I need for college. I'm just helping my parents to maintain the field and go into the woods and do self study by examining my surroundings. I'll make a note after learning something new," she answered, a tint of sadness filled her eyes. It's been her dream to learn agriculture deeper, in a proper way. But she knew it was just a mere dream that would never come true.

Jimin frowned at the change of tone. "I see." Was the only thing he could say after hearing her answer. He felt slightly grateful for being able to attend university, although he's now in a love-hate relationship with it. He just needed a rest.

"What about you Jimin? Why did you come here? Oh, anyway, I know it'd be hard for you to adjust yourself to living in here, but I promise you'll love this place!" She cheered as if nothing had happened. No sadness lingered her tone.

Jimin gulped, gripping onto a handful of grass beneath him. "I–I came here to run from my problems."