PROMISES AND LIES

Chapter 5

When Sean entered the campus, he noticed that some were glancing at him. They noticed that simple change in him. Some brows furrowed and some were curious.

Obviously, it's because he is not wearing glasses at all. And today, because Web left, he decided to wear Web's T-shirt. He paired it with the skinny black jeans Web gifted on his birthday.

Since Web left last week, Sean's daily routine changed too. He always received messages from Web daily early in the morning just like they are together. Sean feels happy and energetic after receiving messages from his best friend.

The first week, the contents of Web's messages are heartwarming and exciting to read asking how is he, did he eat already, take care, good morning, and goodnight.

To make Sean's daily routine worthwhile, he applied as Cashier in one of the cafes near the university. The students in the university never saw Sean without glasses and he caught their attention unknowingly. He manages to adjust and balance his time between his studies and work and it is fun indeed.

Sean becomes busy, he quickly adjusted to his new daily routine and doesn't feel lonely at all. Day by day, he meets a new friend. Because he is not wearing glasses during weekdays, his appearance is caught by many in the café. Because the uniform in the café perfectly fits him, the customers can't help but have a second look at him. The manager thought Sean attracts a lot of customers already just by his looks.

The second week, the third week, the fourth week...

Messages are becoming less and sometimes very late. Sean never read the words I miss you since Web left and that makes his heart feel empty and lonely sometimes.

Sean thought it's ok, his best friend needs to focus. It's his dream and besides, he is studying too. It is harder for him to complete his studies for him to graduate.

Three months passed and Sean graduated. He messages his friend that finally, he graduated but he is not yet ready to find a serious job. He mentioned too that he wants to continue working at the café because it has a good salary. Web congratulates him and he is happy for him.

Sean thought, he just wants to work happily and this kind of job makes his days light-hearted.

Sean was busy on his phone, it's time for him to rest when he received a message from his chat mate. He forgets his chat mate and because of boredom, he finds himself venting out his frustration and starts to open his life to his chat mate.

?: Hey, long time no chat.

?: Yeah, I've been busy these days.

?: What makes you busy?

?: Well busy forgetting someone. haha...

?: ??? Is that me? You forget me for three months already.

?: Haha, I am really busy.

?: I'm serious, you can share your burden. Are you busy because you want to forget someone?

?: Not really, I'm just giving him time to reach his dream.

?: What's your name anyway...

?: I will not tell you.

?: Why?

?: I just don't like it.

?: Ok. I respect you.

?: Thanks. How about you, why did you never message me for a long time.

?: Why you are asking, did you miss me?

?: Of course not. There is only one person I missed so much.

?: That person is lucky, you missed him/her.

?: I missed him so much to the core.

?: Him, who is he in your life...

?: He's my best friend. I 've loved him since we were in high school but he left for Korea.

?: Did you confess to him?

?: No, he doesn't know I love him. I planned to confess to him but it never happened.

?: I'm sorry to hear that.

?: It's ok. I just missed him so much. I don't even know if he missed me too because since that day he left he never told me he missed me too.

?: Aww, I guess you are a sweet friend.

?: We are sweet though. He is sweet, one reason I fell in love with him.

?: How about him, do you think he likes you too?

?: I don't know. I don't want to expect too much but I hope he feels the same way too.

?: I'm a bit hurt here.

?: Why?

?: I don't have a chance to love you if ever. haha

?: Wow! Haha, you are funny. I'm sorry, somebody owns my heart already. And I'm faithful even if he doesn't return the love, for now, I am hoping someday, he will love me back because we promised and I promise I will wait for him.

?: He is lucky. I'm jealous. Haha

?: I am lucky, he is the only person who made friends with me and treats me special. Sometimes, I really think he likes me, haha.

?: You should believe your instinct.

?: I do. I love him so much and I always believe he loves me too even just in my imagination.

?: Hey, don't hurt yourself. Just believe it's real.

?: I believe. I am sleepy already. Bye.

?: Sleep well.

Web is still in a daze after chatting with Sean as his chat mate while still staring at his mobile phone. Web is like he is on cloud nine.

Sean loves me...My baby loves me...He misses me. Oh, Sean...you don't know how much I missed you too. Forgive me, just this one. I'll be back soon after the contract and I promise I will propose to you.

Web re-read their conversation over and over again and place the phone on his chest while lying on his bed. He is excited to go home soon but he needs to endure the 2 years contract. The past three months are quite busy so he has less time for communicating. But tonight, he is curious about Sean's feelings because he rarely messages him.

Web quickly takes out his original phone and quickly messages Sean. He can't hide what he feels and wants to shout. He read Sean's last message this afternoon.

*Web, how are you today? I know you are busy, don't rush to reply. If you have enough time ok. Take care of yourself.

Web replied.

How's my baby there? I miss you so much, Sean. I'm sorry for the first three months. But I can message you daily from now on ok?

Web wanted to add the magic word but he controls himself, he wants to surprise Sean and wants to say it in person. Web's tiring months are nothing after finding out Sean's feelings for him. He wants to pull the days so that he can go home soon.

Sean woke up late already. Today is his day off. He checks the time, it's ten in the morning so it's already eleven in Korea, he thought. His eyes widened and quickly opened the message from Web.

Oh my god Web, Finally, you said it again. You missed me so much too, ah my heart is so full.

Every day, Sean receives sweet messages from Web and once or twice a week, his chat mate will message asking about his love for his best friend if it remains or how's the improvement even if they are separated.

The more Web uses his chat mate account, the more he discovers a lot of things about him from Sean. Sean on the other hand becomes expressive and shares his happiness with his chat mate about Web.

Two years later, Web's face flashed on TV screens, electronic billboards, magazines, ads, and a lot more. Web's name has become a hot topic both in Korea and China. Web made a big hit in Korea and his agency and Manager decided to continue his modeling career in China permanently. He also received a lot of offers for endorsements and TV shows.

Sean can't help but smile every time Web's face flashed on TV, he bought a magazine where Web is featured and even bought a life-size standee from one of his ads. He is making a video and selfie to those buildings with Web's electronic billboards. A fanboy huh.

Finally, the day has come and the long wait is over. Web is coming home and he is excited to meet Sean again. He is a bit upset, Sean rarely replies to his message and not even on his chat mate account. For the past three months, he has had difficulty in balancing his time, he has a tight schedule and less time to even message Sean too. But he draws a smile on his face, he will confess to Sean when he gets back to China.

Sean, my baby. I miss you so much and my love for you never changes.