When pigs can fly

Lost Dream, New Opportunity

Juwan arranged some of Jessi's cutleries on the top shelf. He turned to see Jessi dusting some old furniture in the kitchen. She has swapped her sexy style to a more casual homely look – sweatpants and baggy shirt.

"Jessi, why did you come to Korea?" Juwan walked to some boxes purposefully and look through its content.

"Because I want to be an idol. And it didn't work out" Jessi shrugged. There was a hint of disappointment in her voice but she is good in masking her emotions. She only wants to show her tough and fierce side. "Guess I am too dark, too heavy, too loud, too everything unlike an idol."

"Well, their loss. I am sure they are missing a great singer in the industry right now." Juwan smiled. Jessi made a face, almost like a cringe.

"You are so cheesy. I thought all Korean men are like your crazy friend." Juwan laughed heartily.

"Excuse him. He is hitting a rough period in his life..." Jessi huffed.

"The break up with Hyunjoo right?" Jessi looked at Juwan who has a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Jessi put up her hand to stop him from speaking. "Yes, I do know who he is and I do know you too. Both of you are actors doing cheesy, cringey, weak roles chasing after women, love, kiss-kiss...bla bla..." Jessi mimed each word in an overdramatic manner. Juwan is really enjoying this banter with this girl. Even though they just met, she make him feels like he knows her for a long time. No pretension – just welcoming and very warm.

"He also plays villain character and I play tough roles too. And we are really good at them" Jessi brushed him off. Juwan continued "So you do know Sangyeob huh? You pretended not to recognise us."

"I did not recognise him nor you. That's a fact. Hey, just imagine, being new to the neighbourhood and carrying all these heavy boxes on my own. I swear I thought his house is empty because the area in front of his house is so messy and dirty. But once you called him Sang Yeob, it just clicked. I do know that he's kinda the hot topic right now, what's with the breakup and his ex-girlfriend marrying another dude. Poor Sang Yeob, but hey, don't tell that egomaniac. That girl played him dirty. I am so ashamed to share the same name as her."

"You name is Hyunjoo too?" Juwan looks at her surprisingly. A million things rushed through his mind. If Goh Hyunjoo has broken Sang Yeob's heart into millions of pieces. Maybe Ho Hyunju will be the one mending it. Well, who knows?

"Yes! Jessi Ho Hyunju. You better recognise!" Jessi gave him a playful punch on the shoulder. Juwan snapped out of his reverie "Anyway, Juwan, do you want to see my bakery? I'll whipped something for you because you are kind and helpful."

"You never failed to surprise me. What bakery?" Jessi carried some boxes and Juwan helped her with the remaining ones. He followed her to the storeroom.

"See, I told you about my failed idol journey. But hey, I am great at something else - baking. So I have my own small bakery just a walk away from here. I can whipped you some nice sandwich and a coffee. You cool?"

Juwan smiled brightly and nodded his head.

That night,

Juwan and Sangyeob lounged on the couch watching some random TV show. Juwan then remembered the photo he took at Jessi's bakery and he flipped his phone to check his gallery. Sangyeob peered at what he is doing.

"You seemed very chirpy today. I wonder why." Sang Yeob sipped his coffee and eyed him with suspicion. Juwan showed him the bakery picture. Cute interior, pink and pastel green with cute pastries and a coffee machine. "Nice, where's the bakery?"

"You must be really out of it. You need to explore your neighbourhood more. And know your neighbours" Juwan winked at him. "Check out the next photo." Sang Yeob swiped the photo and he saw a selfie of Juwan and Jessi. Jessi looks different. She's wearing a baggy shirt and a pink apron that says Jessi's Bakery. Sang Yeob snatched the phone from him and placed it on the table. He points a finger at Juwan.

"Hyung! I told you. Do not get seduced by girls like her. You went out with her?"

"Yes I did. She asked me out and we went down for a walk 5 minutes away to a small bakery that she owns. And she treats me to a nice salmon sandwich and iced Americano. She is a kick-arse baker, I tell you."

"That doesn't change the fact that she is a rude, aggressive, ill-mannered woman who speaks too loudly."

"She is not Sangyeobie. She is really kind and has a great sense of humour. When I see her cleans the house, and how she moves in the kitchen, I think she will make a great housewife." Sang Yeob taps him on his shoulder.

"Are you falling for her? How about your girlfriend? "

"Are you crazy?! I am saying all those for...for no reason. Just for your info as her neighbour. Her name is Hyunju too by the way." Sang Yeob snapped his head and looked at him wide-eyed "But she is nothing like Hyunjoo. She is really cool. You will really like her as a friend." Sang Yeob stood up and became more agitated.

"I don't even like her as a neighbour, much less a friend. Hey, hyung, what's wrong with you? From morning till now, you are trying to push me to meet a new person. I am not ready for it." Juwan pulls his arm and forced him to sit beside him on the sofa.

"No. I want you to wake up. Hyunjoo is the past. I think you need to start making new friends, pick a new hobby. Not stay at home and drink, get wasted, sleep all day long and repeat the cycle again. I am afraid to lose you Sangyeobie." Juwan eyes teared as he spoke those truthful and sincere words.

"Give me time, hyung. I will come out of this rut. I will be better than I was before. But I need time."

"Sang yeob, don't take too long. Sometimes opportunities are lost when we wait and think too much."

Sang Yeob nodded his head and continued sipping his hot beverage wistfully.