Hand in Hand: The Other Hand

Part 3

*knock knock*

I was in a middle of doing a presentation for the meeting tomorrow. Oh yeah. I got a job where my mom referred me.

The truth is....they were very disappointed when they heard me say that I turned down the offer of a lifetime. But in the end, they chose to support me.

“We’ve put you through a lot, son. I think the least that we can do is to support you.”

My mom said as the hint of disappointment in her tone is very apparent. That time, I held my phone tight that I’m very guilty to do this to them, but I’ve already decided, I’ll stay.

So I got into a company that is owned by one of my mom’s friend. Although, it’s very burdening to know that I got in through connections, I was asked by the company to do my best to prove that I deserve the job they gave me. And I’m willing to do this with my all, so as not to disappoint my parents anymore.

The knocking on the door didn’t go on forever as I hurried to open it for whoever it is that decided to pay me a visit in the middle of the evening.

“D.O-yah...” I can’t hide my surprise to see the girl in front of my apartment’s door.

“Giyeong-ah.”

It has been long since I’ve saw her. Ever since Graduation, I never caught sight of her or even heard anything from her. I thought she was very busy since it was already the senior year. It’s time that she prepares herself to graduate.

“Can I....can I stay here...for a while?” her voice was weak and her expression is sullen. What happened?

“Sure, come in.” I opened the door widely for her and she just timidly went in.

As to why she’s like this....it really bothered me from the start so I didn’t let it long to be left unanswered. I decided to ask her while she was taking off her shoes and putting it on the shelf at the side.

“Giyeong-ah....what happened?” She froze on her spot and slowly turned to me and gave me this dejected look. Now I’m getting worried.

“Kyung...I ... I.....” she gulped and looked down, something is wrong.

“What is it? You’re making me worried.”

“I....” she started fidgeting with her handkerchief as she still have her head bowed down. There is something that’s making her nervous. I decided not to pressure her.

“Ok, fine. Let’s go in first.” I went ahead to the living room and she followed silently. She looked like a child that was reprimanded earlier.....or maybe worse than that. I don’t really know what happened but I feel like she needs me right now. “What do you want to eat?” I meant to make something that will cheer her up so if she say she wants something, I think it’ll be a good thing.

She remained stood there in front of the sofa.

“Giyeong-ah...”

“Kyung...” she gulped again. It seems that she want to tell me something. Then after a moment, she pulled something from her school bag and handed it to me.

“What’s this?” My forehead creased from curiosity when I started unfolding the paper open. But even before I finish, she spoke up.

“I’m not going to graduate this year...I’m repeating another year.” Her words made me halt. I looked at her who is now plopped down on the sofa as if she was buried down to it.

“WHAT?? You’re going to repeat another year???!” she didn’t answer and I can’t help but be shocked. This is not what I expected. I opened the paper in my hand and saw numbers and names of the subjects I took in senior year before, then I realized....it was her grades. “Giyeong, what’s this????!” this is the result I’ve been avoiding when I was still with her in school. For her to get this result... I tried my best to suppress the huge disappointment I’m feeling right now.