Chapter 2
"Forgive me."
“What are you apologizing for? You didn't do anything wrong.”
“Maybe you were surprised earlier, that's why I apologize.”
"What?"
“You might not be comfortable around me because of what I did today.”
"I don't understand what you're talking about. But I'm not bothered at all or anything. In fact, I'm grateful to you for driving those two away."
“Are you telling the truth?”
“Of course. Besides, it was really annoying. You probably felt the same way I did, which is why you acted so quickly.”
"Oh, I see."
"So stop all this. Don't apologize for something that's not your fault at all. What you're doing could backfire."
"Wow, you're quite understanding, huh."
"What are you talking about?"
“No. It's nothing. It's just my thoughts.”
“Honestly, the stares and even the situation just now didn’t matter to me.”
"Why?"
"I feel like I'm used to it. That's what I thought. But when you acted like that, it made me realize how annoying it is. I should be like you, not foolishly enjoying all this."
“This time you're rambling.”
"What?"
“You talk about strange things.”
“I’m not rambling, I’m just telling you something. Don’t you want to know?”
“It’s not like that. I feel like you talk too much, even to someone you just met like me.”
“I think it makes me feel better.”
"Why did it happen?"
"Because there's a reason I can't express. Even if I think about it, it's hard to say. What should I do?"
"I understand."
“I’m so happy. It looks like the days ahead are going to be great. I really want that.”
“Of course. I believe that.”
“Oh yeah, do you have anything else to do?”
“Yes. I've been working part-time at a publishing company lately.”
"Wow, great."
"Actually, the work is entirely online. So this isn't a problem for me. What about you? Do you have other activities?"
“No. I have nothing to do.”
“Seriously. It's impossible.”
"I'm serious."
"Why?"
"Somehow, I'm not interested at all and just want to have fun. This may sound childish."
“Ah, so that's how it is.”
A bright enough day for just chatting. Under the hot sun, the two of them talked about many things. Firentia, who felt like she was empty, suddenly fell silent and began to look as if she was in the abyss of indecision. She, who was no longer a school teenager, felt an extraordinary difference in life. Besides that, she also felt something that was slowly scratching her heart. Everything felt unpleasant as what she had imagined all this time. Life seemed to go by too fast, she felt everything would only disappear if she continued to waver. Whatever happened and even if it had to drag her into a big problem, it was not an obstacle at all. While she was silent, suddenly a girl with glasses approached them who were relaxing there with a look that showed that she really wanted to get to know them both.
“Excuse me,” said the girl with glasses to the two of them who were sitting.
"Can?"
"Can I join you guys?"
“Of course. No one forbids it.”
"Thank You."
“Oh yeah, what’s your name?” asked Firentia.
“Elena Quareen. Just call me Elena.”
“Nice to meet you, Elena.”
“Yes. You two are Firentia and Mona, right?”
"Yes that's right."
“Actually, I came here because there are some things I want to talk to you about.”
“Then please just say it.”
"Are you guys interested in joining my club? My club sounds lame, but I need people like you."
“What club? Some kind of medieval literary exploration.”
"Really?" said Firentia, looking excited.
“Yes. It might sound boring, but that's what happened.”
"I agree," said Florentia
"What?" said Mona
"Is it true?"
“Of course. I'm very interested in the Middle Ages.”
“Then please fill out the form at this link.”
“Okay, wait a minute.”
'Is he serious?' Mona thought.
"I've filled it in."
“Thank you very much Firentia.”
“Yes. You’re welcome, don’t you want to join Mona?”
“Ah, I'll try to think about it again.”
"Okay. I'm not forcing you at all. I'm just offering," Elena said with a smile on her face.
“Ah, I didn't think so.”
"Speaking of Elena."
“Iya? Firentia.”
“Do you collect all of Jean Austine's books?”
“No. I only have one, and I rarely read it. Lately, I've been more interested in William Shakespeare's work.”
"It turns out we're on different frequencies."
"But I also like his work."
"Really?"
“Of course. That's interesting.”
"What are you guys talking about?" said Mona, who looked confused.
“That, a medieval writer. Don't you know?”
“No, I forgot.”
"Even though they are very famous."
'Gosh, I didn't live in that era,' Mona thought.
They were seen chatting for a long time in the cafe. Elena, who had initially only watched them from a distance, had now become friends with them and were slowly getting closer. The warm atmosphere made the three of them feel happy. All this time, Firentia had indeed had a lot of acquaintances because she was very famous. People would recognize her just by hearing her name. Because of that, she didn't have to worry about anything. As long as they all knew her well, she wouldn't be lonely. Unlike Mona, who was actually a cold person. She would only befriend people she thought were good, and that was what happened. Friendship is indeed complicated, even though it only seems simple and easy. Reality is not always like that, compared to what happened.
“Oh yeah, do you have time tomorrow?” Firentia asked the two of them.
“Yes. I have time.”
"I'm also free."
“How about we have a BBQ?”
"Good idea."
“Okay, I agree.”