Kang Chi: Beyond Life and Time

Chapter 12: Beyond Time: Another Encounter

Kang Cheol had just concluded a business meeting and was on his way to the elevator when he caught sight of Yeo Wool and her team talking inside the banquet hall. The door was partially opened, and he could see her clearly from where he was standing, without being seen and her knowing it. She was talking on the phone, then to her team, likely giving instructions. They were all standing, indicating they were about to leave.

She's still the same. Always taking charge of everything.

"Daepyonim." Yeon Seok called. "The elevator's ready."

"Jamkkanman...." He replied, his left hand slightly raised, while his right hand in his pocket. Yeon Seok, a bit puzzled about what caught his attention, approached, stood behind him, and looked at where his eyes were directed.

"Geuge nugunde?" He asked.

"The one I've been waiting for, for four centuries...."

"There you go again. Talking as if you've been living that long when...."

Yeon Seok was not able to finish his statement because he pushed him back at the corner, against the wall, as they hid from view.

"Wae?!;"

"Shhh...." He answered as he peeked from the corner where they were hiding.

"I swear, Kang Cheol. You really need to...."

He took a step forward, leaving Yeon Seok in mid-sentence. He fixed his suit, as if composing himself, and continued forward, leaving his friend behind. He was aware he did not attempt to follow.

He saw her turned towards the restrooms.

Joha. I could also use a stop in there.

As he entered the male restroom, he was surprised to see Yeo Wool, standing in front of the mirror, wearing her brown-rimmed glasses as she turned to him. She exclaimed and the look of surprise in her eyes was greater than the one that he had shown. Like a trapped animal, he was sure she was about to attack. He decided to get out as quickly as possible. He was wondering why he mistook the Lady's Room as the Men's Room. The answer was, in fact, right in front of him.

He was not mistaken. She was. He turned back, confidently stood in front of the entrance and waited for her to come bursting out, which she did moments later. But not as dramatic as he had anticipated.

He smiled at her, struggling to contain the excitement of meeting her again. She, in turn, was manifesting surprise.

"W-waeyo? M-mwol weonhaseyo?" She asked apprehensively.

He did not answer. He just smiled, still containing his excitement. For now, he could just look at her. Being this close to her would be enough for the time being. What happened earlier did not matter. Then, even with the brown-rimmed glasses, he saw her eyes widened in shock. Her hands covered her mouth, as if suppressing any sound that would come out. Without saying a word, she hurriedly walked away.

"Officer Dam, oraenmanieyo...." He managed to say, but she was probably already out of hearing range. He just stood there, at her direction, with a smile of satisfaction on his lips, gazing at the blue sky through the clear glass walls, thankful about seeing her again. When he lowered his gaze, he saw her trapped inside the revolving door. He began running to help her. But before he reached her, a security guard beat him into it. She was freed from the revolving door and sprinted away, like a scared bunny escaping from her predator.

Sigh.

He was not aware how long he had been standing when Yeon Seok approached him from behind.

"Will we ever be able to meet in a favorable circumstance?" He asked.

"If circumstance will be in favor of you, then yes." Yeon Seok answered. "But I doubt it." He ended sarcastically.