We all lie [Y. Jeonghan]

4. Not again!

After the slight argument with Jess the day before yesterday, Eugene decided not to pester him anymore to pick her up. She can cycle her way to the cafe.

Eugene Clyde was a writer. Her debut novel 'A Little Too Much' was a bestseller. It was enough to sustain her lifestyle. Moreover, she had invested in a bunch of companies to make money. Just as she was in love with the magical realism in literature, she was in love with the nearby cafe too. It seemed to set the right mood and ambience for Eugene to dive into herself, as compared to her home which was little different from a warehouse.

Eugene

I was casually walking towards my bike parked behind the cafe.

It happened.

The lovely Yoon Jeonghan was strolling on the other side of the road, in front of the huge building. It was the 'Blue Ladder' —a construction company, headquarters. Maybe he works there and was thus, returning home. After all, it is 8 pm.

I shouldn't be meeting Jeonghan again after the conversation with Jess. However, Jess wouldn't even know if I don't tell him. I think I should say a-

Shit

He saw me.

He fricking saw me.

Oh my god! I need to hide.

But why?

Our eyes met. He was wearing a mask but I could still imagine what his face would look like. He's there in a navy blue suit with the buttons of his blazer open. And he's wearing glasses too. He looks different but nice.

Am I supposed to say hi?

I don't know!

He deflected his eyes and started walking again. Although he was not coming straight at me, in order to cross the road, he's bound to come towards me.

As he was about to pass by me, he looked at me again, probably confirming if it was me and not someone else.

I can't let him go without saying a word. It would be so awkward.

"Jeonghan, it's you, right?"

He nodded.

Is he not in the mood to talk to me right now? He might have had a bad at work. I should help him out as he did to me that day.

"Hey, Jeonghan, do you wanna grab some coffee?"

He nodded again.

"Let's go."

- - -

"Did you have a bad day at work?"
Eugene implored.

"Kind of. I am quite disappointed in myself." Jeonghan, who had now taken off his mask, heaved a sigh.

Eugene reassuringly put her hand on his arms and gave it a little pat.

"Don't be disappointed, everyone has their good and bad days. We just need to get through it all with a growth mindset."

"Growth mindset...? I don't even know if I wish to grow into this anymore."

"Do you not like your job?"

"I used to, but slowly the excitement is fading away. I am not a young teenager anymore, I'm already 27 years old, and now I am realising my philosophies."

"Hmm"

"And you know, what helps me get through all the bad days?"

"What is it?"

"A Little Too Much"

Eugene's lips curved into a smile.

"You like that book?"

"I love it!" Jeonghan exclaimed excitedly.

"I love how it talks about everything being right in this world. I love how it says that nothing is worthless, everyone and everything has some purpose and how even being aimless, is not bad. I love how it signifies little things. I love how it marks the matters that seem important to us and at the same time, advocates for the lies and conspiracies in this world."

I feel like I found a part of myself in this book.

"Have you read that book Eugene?"

"Hmm, but I never thought of it the way you do."

You found meaning in my art and treasured yourself into a piece of me.

"But I am sure you had your own philosophies to it. Isn't it?"

Eugene sighed, "Oh, yes. I had my thoughts with this book."

And I wonder when you would share those thoughts with me.

Eugene started with another topic, "You know, the area where I live in, there was a big honey bee apocalypse a few days ago."

"Honeybee apocalypse?" Jeonghan widened his eyes.

"Yeah, there was a honeycomb on one of the buildings. While playing, the street kids threw a ball into it. The bees were disgusting. A few of them even entered my apartment, I can't tell you how hard it was to get rid of them."

"Must have been ridiculous. But where do you live? I didn't hear about this incident." Jeonghan asked.

"Ah, nearby..."

"Oh, okay."

"I think you love this cafe." Jeonghan blurted.

"Mmmm, I just like the vibe here," Eugene said.

They were running out of topics. Eugene wanted to ask Jeonghan about his job but then she would have to speak about her job as well which she was hesitant to do. Although she assumed Jeonghan was a good person, she was still unwilling to let anyone know much about her.

It can turn out to be dangerous when someone knows too much about you.

"I think we should get going."

"Yeah."

"Bye Jeonghan."

"Bye Eugene." Jeonghan gave an unsatisfying smile.

There was some sort of tension between them. Jeonghan was more than happy to see Eugene on the street today, dressed in her cream turtleneck hemmed into her light brown check pants along with an oversized shirt. Her hair was tied into a low pony. She looked too aesthetic and delicate in that fit.

Even though she was not supposed to be, Eugene found herself to be lucky when she noticed Jeonghan from far away. He was looking like a witty CEO of a multinational company in his suit. Those glasses made him look even better.

But while they were returning, they felt something. This might be their last meet. They might not even meet ever in the future. From his look and name, Eugene knew Jeonghan was Korean. He might return there and not come back to California. They had no right to ask the other to keep in touch.

Perhaps, they were still strangers.

———

Hello everyone! I just wanted to ask something. Would you all like to have some characters from the drama 'Penthouse'?

Also, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Have a great day ahead!