| Fan Fiction |
by Take_Flight
How the both of them know each other was a funny story actually. Ri In had gone to some random beauty website one day, posting a question about a homemade facial remedy. She knew the chances of getting someone answering that post was slim but she decided to give it a try and the next day, there was a reply in her email. Turns out Nadine had the answer for it and thus, their friendship was born. Ri In still finds it amusing as to how a forum can make two strangers meet. One from Mexico City, the other from Seoul, Korea. After countless of emails and chatting, the two of them finally met each other for the first time at Incheon Airport last Christmas.
Ri In set the timer on the microwave and then joined Nadine at the living room where she was scribbling something in her planner and listening to her MP3. Nadine removed one of the earphones and raised her eyebrows. “What?” Ri In asked, looking puzzled.
“You have that faraway look on your face again. I’ve noticed you’ve been doing that a lot lately. Something bothering you?” Nadine asked as she switched off her MP3.
Ri In shook her head, her ponytail swinging from side to side. “Nah” she said simply.
Nadine consulted her planner again. “You don’t have to lie to me Ri In. You’re worried about me again aren’t you?” she said without looking up.
“No..okay maybe just a little bit. I mean, you’ve only been here for a month but you seem to be adjusting quite well with your new job, the environment..and not to mention the food. I thought you didn’t like sushi” Ri In told her, leaning back on the sofa.
Nadine nodded. “True, but I’ve grown to like it. They seem so…fresh? I’m still adjusting to the environment and I’m definitely in love with my job, so no worries for that”
“You sure? I have to admit I do admire your independence and courage in stepping into a foreign land and embracing what’s life got to give” Ri In said.
Nadine chuckled as she closed her planner. “That’s funny, especially coming from my role model” she said.
Ri In’s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. “I’m your role model? Since when?”
“Since the Night of Thousand Secrets” Nadine answered, referring to the chatting session they had 5 years ago.
Ri In burst out laughing upon hearing that. Nadine joined in soon after. “Look I know it’s silly thinking about it, but I still remembered bits and pieces of it” Nadine confessed.
The Night of Thousand Promises was a random episode the both of them shared. It was 2am from where Nadine was and five in the afternoon for Ri In. Ri In had told Nadine to get some sleep but the girl was stubborn about it they ended up telling each other’s secrets. At first it started out with who their first crush was or playing truant once but as their tête-à-têtes got deeper, some shocking and sad truths were revealed.
Ri in got up and joined Nadine on the two-seater sofa. “So which secret did you find most significant?”
Nadine hesitated for a while. “Um..I’m not sure whether it’s okay for me to say this, but when you told me you’re an orphan and been living independently ever since you’re eight years old, you sort of inspire me to be strong about everything. I actually envied you for taking the plunge and you make it sound so easy”
Ri In raised an eyebrow. “You actually envied me?” she said while laughing. “I felt the same way when you told me you are ready to face the world after three years in the hell hole. Seriously speaking, if I were in your shoes, I’ll end up feeling like a reject”
“I didn’t feel like a reject, thanks to you. You were there for me the whole time, even though we’re on different sides of the world” Nadine reminded her.
Ri In placed her arm around Nadine’s shoulder and hugged her. “I’m so glad you’re okay” she said in a small voice.
Nadine patted her friend’s arm. “It’s a miracle I actually managed to pull through, all thanks to you”
“And not to mention your brother. He did his part to assist you remember?” Ri In cut in, not wanting to take in the credits. Ri In then noticed that Nadine had a hard time swallowing and her eyes were getting misty. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. I..I shouldn’t have me—
“It’s ok Ri In..the both of us..well..we’re kinda getting along. Just the usual updates about our current lives. He told me he just got a pay raise and I told him he can drop by Korea if he wants to when he has enough savings” Nadine told her.
“Savings? You mean he didn’t accept the money?” Ri In asked, a bit surprised.
Nadine nodded. “I’m surprised too, and so did Grandma”
Ri In thought for a while. “I guess it’s a good thing I suppose? Aren’t you happy for him then?”
Nadine nodded and stretched her arms in front of her. “Definitely” she said.
Just then, a low rumble and flash of lighting interrupted their conversation. Both girls turned to look at the window and witnessed the rain drops coming down the glass as the rain got heavier. The microwave gave out a beep and Ri In stood up.
“Come on. Dinner’s ready” Ri In said, pulling her friend up.
“What is it you make this time?”
“Make? I don’t make pasta, I buy them from the supermarket…..I forgot what’s the name and…” Ri In sniffed the air. “I’m afraid it’s slightly burn”
Nadine laughed as she followed Ri In to the kitchen. “You’re lousy!” she told her.
“Say what? Fine then, go get your own dinner” Ri In retorted, looking slightly hurt.
“Aww come on. I was only kidding” Nadine coaxed her but Ri In had already scooped the whole pasta set and dumped onto her own plate.
Ri In stuck out her tongue and strode over to the dining table. “Hey!” Nadine said, chasing her.
Ri In laughed and tried to dodge her but the plate she was holding toppled over and the food splattered to the floor. Nadine stood behind her friend, her eyes widening at the mess.
“Look what you’ve done!” Ri In screeched.
Nadine gave her a sheepish look. “Take-out?...I’ll pay for it, promise!” she quickly added when Ri In shot her a dead look.