Strangers in the Snow
If it was a drama, meeting Jongin in the snow would lead to sweeping camera angles, glittering snow, and a heel-popping kiss. Its not a drama, though, and Kyungsoo is closer to punching Jongin than kissing him. ForewordThe morning weather forecast predicted some more snow. Small flakes fall delicately in the early afternoon, but its nothing that should accumulate much, if at all. Kyungsoo probably wont even have to shovel.He doesnt bother with a scarf or hat, zipping his jacket all the way and shoving his hands in his pockets, and walks the short distance to the snow-covered football field.He doesnt expect Taeoh to be alone—because he is a very friendly boy, although shy—but he doesnt expect him to be with an adult. From the back, they could be anyone, and Kyungsoo tries to rein in the rising panic as his mind unhelpfully retrieves news headlines of abducted children.Closer, he can hear his son chattering away, as though with an old friend. “n everyones like no, its Frosty! but snowmen are snow, not frost.”“Youre right,” the stranger says firmly. “It should be Snowy the Snowman.”“Exactly!” Taeoh emphatically adds snow to his snowy snowman, smoothing it as best he can and tugging at his wrist when his mitten sticks to the surface.Kyungsoo stands a short distance away, but his son doesnt notice. Crossing his arms, he calls, “Taeoh? Time to come inside, bud.”His son greets him enthusiastically but doesnt drop the handfuls of snow. “Daddy! Were almost done!”“Youve been out long enough. Come on. I have hot chocolate waiting for you.”Taeoh whines and smacks a couple more handfuls of snow onto his structure. The stranger says something, and Taeoh smiles, looking even brighter when he grabs his hand. “Daddy, can my friend have hot chocolate, too?”“I dont think—” He gets a look at the stranger. Faux fur surrounds his face from his hood, and the parka is thick and shapeless, but hell never forget that face.Kim Jongin.“Hey, Kyungsoo...”