American Dream (English)

 

I just landed in New York City 3 days ago. I only have 2 new friends, the online taxi driver, and a nice guy from London that I met on the plane. I intend to stay in town for two weeks because I finally have the money and the opportunity. Myself 2 years ago would never have a thought that I could do this.

Today I woke up at 8, and it's already 10:15, which means I have to get out of the apartment to at least have a life. I have something to do. So, today I decided to go to the cafe. But maybe, I'm also going to the New York Public Library.

Not much to do today. It might just get a little work done. Other than that, I'm going to continue the book I'm reading.

*

Today’s air is pleasant. I've always loved autumn, and it feels good to wear warm clothes even though it's not winter yet. Leaves turning yellow and brown are beautiful.

After successfully eat something and finishing some work, I was excited to head to the NYPL. The access to this library isn’t too difficult. Because it is indeed crowded with tourists, the process is quite easy.

It feels comfortable and calm. Many school children and students read and do assignments here. An old man is also reading a book in the corner of the room. Many good books caught my eye. But I refrain from borrowing because I still have a lot of books to read.

I decided to sit at a table facing the window. I can't stop smiling. I feel like I'm actually living in my dream and it's so fun. So, I read a book while occasionally absentmindedly gazing out the window at a tree whose brown leaves blow in the wind.

I forgot the time until it turned out that my surroundings were quiet and it was already 5 pm. So I decided to head home before the streets got colder. I'll be back tomorrow, after finishing some of my work.

*

I finished my work earlier today because I intend to spend more time in the library. After ordering iced coffee to accompany my journey, I left the cafe.

“Eh? Hi Leana?" said a man who was about to enter the cafe, but stopped because he interacted with me.

I stared at him for a few seconds. Confused. Have we met before? Do we know each other? I don't have any memories in my head.

Noticing my confusion, the man continued, “It's me, Cardan. If you remember." It's getting more and more awkward. Maybe he is worried about greeting the wrong person, or worried that I don't recognize him. However, I finally recognized him.

“Oh? Cardan? Summer school? Australia?" I said finally. He looked relieved, smiling.

"It's been a while huh? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I'm just on a vacation, while working. How about you?"

"I have a music festival. Do you have work today?" he asked again, as if in a hurry.

I wanted to ask about the music festival, but instead said, "No, I'm just going to the library."

"Oh, may I come with you? I'm going to buy some coffee first."

"Okay," I said, then waited in front of the cafe while sipping my own coffee.

Cardan is one of my friend at Summer School in Australia. I attended Summer School when I was in 11th grade of high school. It was a very enjoyable experience, and especially, it was a program from the school that financed the whole process. So I don't have to think about the transport and lodging costs.

That experience led me to meet Cardan. He is a good and fun kid. Always looks happy to help everyone. He's smart and he's a Taekwondo athlete. He's nice to me, so I like him. But it didn't last long because in the end I found out that he was close to our classmate too. I hate it so much.

*

In the Library, we talked a lot. I don't really care what book I'm reading. Always a pleasure talking with Cardan.

He said, he had debuted with his group for 2 years. However, in the last year, he decided to start his solo career. He is happy because he can produce his own music. I don't know much about Korean Idol, and I don't keep in touch with my friends at Summer School, so I don't know about him.

"I have to go back, they're already looking for me," Cardan said while checking his cell phone.

I nodded. After exchanging phone numbers, Cardan left immediately. I can't remember how can I hate him years ago. I just remember he always managed to make me happy.

On the way back to the apartment, I thought about whether I should go to the Cardan music festival? But he didn't ask me to come. I don't know anything about his music either. Does he want me to come or not? But I'm really curious. The event is 2 days away, on Saturday. Of course the tickets are sold out. So, what should I do?

*

I managed to get the ticket, from one of my café barista friends who couldn't attend. I'm going to watch Cardan this Saturday.

The rest of the time I spent figuring out Cardan's song and trying to memorize it. Not everything I managed to plant in my head, but at least I'm not too bad.

*

I managed to enjoy the time I spent at the music festival. Cardan is so cool. Oh my Goodness. He has many fans. The way he sings and uses his guitar is unreal. He's too perfect. Or is it just me who thinks so? I’m sure I’m not the only one.

After Cardan finished his performance, I chose to go home. There were still a few other singers performing but I was so dizzy to be there. I'm not really used to attending music events like that. I'm quite happy because I got the opportunity to enjoy my old friend's performance.

Arriving at the apartment, I immediately cleaned myself. What I did next is text Cardan.

“I came to the music festival. It was so cool!"

But he only replied about 2 hours later.

"Can I call?"

Before I could answer, my cell rang indicating an incoming call. Immediately picked up without much thought.

"I knew you would come," he said suddenly. No greetings, no asking anything.

"How come you know?" I asked

"I don't know how, but I know you will come."

I paused. "Am I an open book?"

"Maybe,"

A pause.

"Are you busy tomorrow?" Cardan asked.

"Tomorrow is Sunday," I replied.

"Then, tomorrow is the day off?"

"Yes, why? You want to ask me out on a date?”

"Yes," he replied.

I smile. Slightly difficult to breathe.

"Then, meet me the cafe? 10:00 AM?" Cardan said. From the background sound, he must still be at the music festival.

“Okay,”

“See you tomorrow.”

After exchanging “Good night” and “Have a good rest”, Cardan ended the call.

Before going to sleep, I've been thinking about what outfit I should wear for tomorrow.

*

I'm late. It was 10:10 a.m., but Cardan still hadn't come. Maybe he woke up too late. Maybe he slept too late last night.

Cardan arrived at 10.30, and already apologized five times. Next, he took me to the bookstore. We spent some time going through the different sections of the bookshelf and discussing their contents.

He asked me to choose the book I wanted and pay for it as an apology for being late. I don't care. The important thing is I'm happy to be able to get lots of free books.

After that, we stopped at the ice cream shop, which is a few blocks away from the bookstore. This time I was the treat and Cardan agreed.

"After finishing the festival, what will you do next?" I asked while we were enjoying our ice cream.

“Hmm. Back to Korea. Back on schedule.”

"You're very busy huh?"

"Yes. But I'd rather be busy than not busy at all.”

"Me too. Oh, by the way, how about Lucie?"

“Lucie our friend at Summer School? Hmm, we still close.”

A silence. Cardan spooned the ice cream into his mouth.

“Oh, so you guys still—”

“We are still good friends. It's always been like that," he answered quickly, then smiled as he finished his ice cream, not looking at me.

"So, you're dating her since years ago, and till now?"

“Dating? We're not dating. She's my bestfriend."

A silence again.

"So you really think we're dating?" Cardan asked, smiling.

I didn't answer. Choosing to focus on finishing my ice cream which was starting to melt.

"You've always been fun, but it's too difficult," Cardan said.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Why don't we just?" Cardan asked again.

I frowned, increasingly confused. "What?"

"Dating?" Cardan replied.

I didn't know how to react, so I just stared at him. Freezing.

But he immediately added, “Forget it. That was too soon. Let's go grab some lunch. Oh, after this do you have plans to go to Korea? I can take you to great places to eat and famous vacation spots.”

He was still talking while holding my hand which was carrying a paper bag filled with books. We came out of the ice cream shop, and I looked at his hand in mine and smiled.

***

 

inspired by a pause game on instagram lol