Through time

Call

"Two weeks to go and we're free!" Nammon shouted, standing by the door as he entered the classroom Monday morning.

"Yup! Two weeks!" Ice said as he pushed Nammon into the room.

Krist looked up from his cellphone and smiled at his P's.

"Hey Krist! What are you doing?" Nammon asked as he approached.

"Oh, I am texting P'Sing. He said he might not make it to class today, something to do with U of Tokyo."

"Oh yeah, he sent me a message this morning. He said he was at the airport for an early morning flight to Tokyo." New added.

"Oh." Krist said, disappointed and sad. "P'Sing didn't mention anything about being at the airport."

"Really?" New ducked his head, looking at Ice to his right.

Ice looked at New in return, his eyes showing he thinks Singto made a mistake in not telling Krist.

"He didn't mention it to you?" Doing damage control, New asked Krist. "He said he told you before telling me."

"Message must've bounced back. Cell service has been a bit out since last night." Off added, trying to help.

"Yeah, it must have." Krist replied softly.

Throughout the day, it was obvious to the entire group that Krist was feeling down since that morning. OffGun tried getting Krist to join them in any activity they could think of. New and Nammon kept asking the younger to go to the cafeteria for some snacks. Ice just offered a smile anytime his eyes met Krist's.

That night, Singto called Krist.

S: Hey Krist!

K: Hi P'.

S: What's up? Why do you sound sad?

K: Where are you P'?

S: Why are you asking me that?

K: You didn't mention you were going out of country.

S: I didn't? I did!

K: No P'.

S: I swear I sent you a message.

K: No P'.

S: Really?

K: No P'.

S: Is that all you're going to answer me with? 'No P''?

K: No P'.

S: See! There you go again.

K: What do you want me to say P'?

S: Well, you can say you missed me today.

K: I did. (Krist answered without emotion)

S: You sure sound like it.

K: ...

S: So, what did you do today?

K: The usual.

S: That's it? The usual?

K: Yup.

S: Are you mad at me, Krist?

K: No P'. Why would I be?

S: Krist?

K: Seriously P'. No, I'm not. No reason to be. It's not like I have a say on things.

S: You do actually. We talked about this, didn't we?

K: What P'?

S: That you'd tell me if you're mad or something.

K: Of course, P'.

S: So?

K: So?

S: Are you mad at me?

K: No P'. Why would I be mad? You're in Tokyo and you didn't tell me.

S: I did! I said I had to go to U of Tokyo.

K: You said you had to 'fix' your U of Tokyo application.

S: That's what I said.

K: Yeah, whatever P'. So, how are you? Did you arrive safely? Did you fix whatever you needed to fix?

S: Yes, I arrived safely. And I've talked to the registration office to fix my documents.

K: That's great. Are you coming back tomorrow, then?

S: I'm actually staying until Friday. Orientation's on Wednesday and I have to fix a few things here for the school year.

K: Until Friday, hmm... OK.

S: Krist, mad again?

K: No P'. I'm happy, can't you tell?

S: Krist.

K: Really P'. Glad you're staying the week and I'm the last to know.

S: Don't be mad Krist. Please? Especially now I'm not there and can't do anything about it.

K: ...

S: I'm sorry Krist. Forgive me. I'll make it up to you. Promise.

K: OK P'.

S: You forgive me?

K: Yes P'.

S: Really? Hmm... {Singto put all his effort into sounding sweet for his Nong.) Kriiiist...

K: Yes P'. Not mad. Just don't do it again.

S: Promise.