KISMET

UNDER A CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE

JENNIE

"Ma'am, we got an invitation last month from a big brand to collaborate with them. It's based in Seoul. Do you still remember it?" My jewelry store manager reminded me.

"Gosh! I almost forgot about this. When did they set the meeting?" I asked while signing some papers. I just opened my second branch here in England and it took my time.

"They want it to be on Saturday. Are you free? That means you have to travel tomorrow so you still have a day to rest there. Just let me know so we can send confirmation to them. They really want you to be there when they launch their new product." She said while showing me the online catalogue of this famous luxury brand.

"Ok. I'll book my flight later. You may all go home. Please tell the other employees. Spend time with your families." I don't like my employees to go overtime when not needed. Family is more important.

When I got home, I immediately packed my small luggage after I booked my flight. I suddenly stopped moving when I realized that I will arrive in Seoul on Lisa's birthday. Will she respond to me if I greet her? Will she meet me if ever I ask her to have dinner with me?

I really want to see her. If there's a need for me to propose to her to marry me again, I really will!

The day of my flight came and it's going to be an eleven hour stay up in the air. I'll arrive in Korea in the afternoon.

LISA

I am thinking if I should reply to this message I got from an unknown user. It's strange because I do not know anyone here aside from my hotel employees and the previous owner and this person is using a network from here based on the number code.

Unknown: Hi, Lisa! How are you? Is there a chance that I'll get to see you?

Maybe I'll disregard this for my own safety. But the number appears on my screen is again calling me.

L: Hello! Who's this?

J: Lisa, how are you? This is Jisoo. Remember me?

L: Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you so I didn't respond right away. What's up?

J: Can I invite you tomorrow like around four in the afternoon at Pink Vanity? Remember the bar where you met Jennie?

L: Yeah. Is there an event?

J: Uhm. None. But I would just like to talk to you. More like of wanting to ask permission from you.

I wonder what it is about. I suddenly got nervous. Is she going to court Jennie again? Is she going to ask me if it's ok with me? Damn!

What if they are still communicating? What if she still likes Jennie and my wife learned to like her too? But if that makes Jennie happy, who am I to get in the way?

That afternoon came. I got a call from my family and friends greeting me because it's my birthday today. I took a cab going to Pink Vanity right after I had a meeting with some staff at my hotel. It's not practical to buy a car here since I am not really staying long. I decided not to get one. In fact, I realized how fun commuting in a foreign land all by yourself when you just stay for months.

I entered the bar and good thing only few people are drinking inside. Too early for alcohol but they are thirsty maybe.

Jisoo saw me and I sat in front of the bar counter.

"Hi! Drink?" She asked while smiling at me.

"Just water. I am not drinking something with alcohol content anymore." I said and smiled a little.