Two Hearts

Close Friends - Part 1

Cafe 180
March 6, 2020, 5 PM

"So that's what motivated you to put up Vast?" Yejin said as she took a picture of her cup of hot americano before sipping from it. They were now at her favorite corner spot in the cafe.

"Oh, you mean the house?" Bin replied, as he snugged at the surprisingly comfortable chair in front of Yejin.

Yejin just nodded and readied herself for her set of questions to stir their conversation away from the other awkward thing that happened that afternoon with her ex.

"Yeah, as I have said, it really fueled my dream to build houses. I really have a thing for building things ever since I was a boy so my parents were not surprised that I went that path."

"Well, it seems like you've arrived at the right station then, when it comes to your career! You surely did inspire a lot of students and even faculty members, I suppose, with your talk."

"Train?"

"Oh, it's an Indian proverb from my favorite drama. 'Sometimes the wrong train takes you to the right station.' Oh, for sure, you haven't watched that drama." Yejin concluded with a smug look on her face.

Bin shook his head in amusement. "Maybe when I retire, I'll have time for that. Send me the link so I can watch it." He sipped from his coffee, and added, "So did I inspire you as well?"

"Yes, of course.." She stuttered unconsciously, affected by the way he looked at her. "It's amazing how you started from just your dream, and how even though you were born with a silver spoon, you put a lot of hard work to be where you are right now. I'm honored to be your friend." She said bashfully.

Bin grinned and touched his ears, surprised by the sincerity of her declaration. "Thanks Yejin, and I'm honored to be your friend as well. Honestly, it's my first time to have a friend like you."

"Hmm..what do you mean by like me? like out of your circle?"

"Oh, I mean no offense, but though that's true, what I mean is friend from the opposite sex. I mean, this level of friendship, just hanging out casually, and just being myself, you know."

"Ah..yeah, I get it. Well, to be fair, I think we're on the same boat.. I guess we're meant to become friends then, after that SNS incident!"

"Yeah, we've just known each other in a short time but I'm already learning a lot from you."

"Stop it Bin, what else do you want aside from coffee?" She said jokingly at his compliment.

"Yej, I'm serious! Haha..For one, I learned a lot from your heartbreaks. It gave me a different perspective on relationships."

"Hmm..what have you learned then?"

"That it's okay to end relationships that are not worth it? That it's okay to move on, start again and be contented even as a single person."

Yejin smiled. All her heartaches did teach her those lessons as well. She's just glad that another person is also learning from them.

"It's nice to hear these from you, Bin."

"I know you've also learned your lessons the hard way. I just hope that the next time, and promise me this, you'll choose the best one out there." Bin smiled at her assuringly.

"As if I have choices..." She murmured but Bin heard it.

"That's impossible! With your looks and assets, they have to be blind not to notice you." He said in his CEO tone.

Yejin shook her head bashfully. "Hmm..I think I'd rather have my heart safe and sound by itself than be entangled in messy relationships.."

Bin sighed heavily, "Yeah, I got it, Yej. Same here..so cheers to being single and happy?"