Jeon and Jia are in love but refuse to break the bond of their friendship. Content with not revealing what they feel for each other, they decide not to date other people and remain constantly together even after graduation. Embarking on lofty career...
Hei-Won froze. Was it Jeon? She wasn't ready to talk to him yet. When she said she wanted to break up with him, it was because her self-esteem hit rock-bottom when even in his sleep it is Jia he calls for. She refuses to get humiliated further. She was about to tell Hobi to cancel the call but something in hos face prevented her from doing so. He was all smiles.
Hobi sat beside her and positioned the phone a foot away from her face. She braved a look at his phone screen and was surprised to see a little boy smiling back and waving hello.
"Hei-Won, this is Cha-Nee. I said I was with you for a meeting and he said he wanted to meet you."
The toddler's grin was infectious. She couldn't help but smile and wave back.
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Photo Credit: Ricky Kim Actor twitter Account
"Hello, Cha-Nee."
Cha-Nee had an angelic face, chubby cheeks, and chinky eyes. He waved at her the way Hobi waves, and it struck her that they actually looked alike. Who was this kid?
"Cha-Nee, you already met Hei-Won. Appa will be going home soon ok? Eat your vegetables with Halmeoni."
His son? Hobi had a son. Does this mean he's married? Why does this information deflate her inside?
"Sorry about that Hei-Won."
"He's such a cute boy."
"He's my son. I was married for a while. My wife didn't survive giving birth to Cha-Nee. Eomma and I have raised Cha-Nee since birth."
"I'm so sorry to hear that. I never knew you tied the knot. I hope you're coping well with your loss."
"It was difficult at first. Angela and I met in Singapore, we lived there until she got pregnant. A complication happened during her pregnancy, we went for a checkup because the baby stopped moving then. An emergency caesarian operation was done. For whatever reason, Cha-Nee was not getting nutrients from her and almost died inside her womb. Cha-Nee was saved but Angela didn't make it."
"Oh Hobi. I'm so sorry for your loss."
"It's a good thing we moved back here then. Eomma was a solid source of strength for me. She and I took turns raising Cha-Nee, in the midst of my setting up a business here."
"How old is he?"
"Three. He's the love of my life."
"I don't blame you, he's precious."
"You like kids, don't you?"
"I love them. Too bad I can't have my own."
"Hey...."
"Sorry, I know, I know, I should stop the self-pity."
"That's not what I was going to say. I understand your pain. Do you think I don't have my own insecurities? I want Cha-Nee to have a mother who will nurture him as he grows up, but who would want to have a ready-made family? I sometimes think I will never marry again. "
"But you're an awesome guy! I just know you'll find someone soon."
"It's funny hearing you compliment me now. Much appreciated, Hei-Won."
"But it's true. Even back at the academy, I always looked up to you. You were such a good dancer. I always watched your performances."
Hobi was blushing from her compliments. She found it cute that he wasn't used to be being complimented.
"Hei-Won, did you know that I had a crush on you when we were still in school?"
"You're just saying that."
"I'm not. I had the biggest inferiority complex when I was younger, that's why Jungkookie beat me in pursuing you. I couldn't even tell him I liked you. Eomma sent me to a dancing school one summer to build my confidence. I got confident in dancing but was still shy with girls."
"You liked me then? That is so awesome to know."
For a moment they just stared at each other, smiling. For the first time, Hei-Won felt better about herself, knowing that once upon a time, Hobi was also attracted to her.
"Hobi, thank you for going out of your way to see me. I was really feeling low these past days and for the first time today, I'm feeling hopeful."
"Glad I could be of help. You know what? Let's do this again. Let's be good friends, Hei-Won-ah."
"I'd like that very much."
"Let me just settle the bill, ok? I'll walk you back."
He crossed the street with her, holding her elbow as they crossed, making sure he was on the side where cars were coming at them. At the door of her building, they paused, hesitant to separate. She looked at him, waiting for him to say something.
"Hei-Won, would you like to meet Cha-Nee in person? No pressure, only if you--"
"YES. I want."
Hobi smiled so widely he thought his face would crack. He may be doing Hei-Won a favor but she also made him feel happier. She extended her hand, which he took with both of his, enveloping her cold hand in his warmth.
"I'll call you, ok?"
"Please do, Hobi."
He waited for her to walk in before he walked away. Just before he crossed, he looked back and saw her waiting for him to cross. He waved, smiling widely.
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Upstairs, Hei-Won cleaned her messy apartment, singing as she worked. What a day! She started out feeling so crappy, even running away from someone who turned out to be a motivating force for her to be more optimistic.
She wondered how Jeon was doing. She still didn't have the guts to call him and talk, but her feelings of resentment have softened up somewhat.She promised herself they'd talk if he calls again.
She was feeling good right now and she hoped the feeling would stay. There was no bitterness in her heart right now, only hope.
