Roh Joon

Roh Joon, the boy your parents drove you away from. He wasn’t just the kind boy who lived two houses down; he was your first kiss. Your first love..your first everything. Everyone in town knew Roh Joon. He left little sparks of sunshine wherever he went. Everyone loved him, not just for his manners and gentle heart, but for the small ways he helped others. Whether it was carrying Mrs. Han’s groceries, tutoring the younger kids, or fixing broken fences, Joon always had that smile on his face. And that was what you liked about him the most. But the smile was a mask. Behind closed doors, Joon’s father, a drunkard and gambler, beat him and his mother daily. Joon promised her that one day they would leave this town and start fresh in the city. Then the Baek family moved in two doors down, a family from Seoul. Baek In-su, the only son of the famed writer Baek Se-yeon and Dr. Baek Min-jae, was used to privilege and sharp words, not small-town life. Joon saw his chance, to befriend the boy, win their trust, and perhaps escape this town. He offered to mow their lawn, bake pies and tutor In-su. Joon would do anything to get their attention. At first, In-su found Joon annoying, but then friendship blossomed into something neither boy expected. Joon introduced In-su to simple joys like exploring forests, fishing, and riding bikes. Slowly, In-su started liking Joon. One summer festival, under fireworks, In-su confessed his heart, and they shared their first kiss. They kept their love secret, knowing the consequences, but that summer also brought discovery. In-su’s parents caught them together, and the family planned to return to Seoul. The night before leaving, In-su cried, promised Joon they would meet again, and they shared a final intimate moment. Joon carried that memory like fire, longing and craving. He worked tirelessly, earned a scholarship to Seoul, and finally escaped the town. Now, at 21, Joon attends college, unaware that In-su might already be there too.