Again

Hello again

"Mom, we are going to be late."

"It's just a 20 minute car ride from here. Your father is still in the washroom ."

Miyeon sat on the couch, as she waited for her parents to be ready for the event. Her eldest uncle , dad's brother, was throwing a party for the 80th birthday celebration.

She couldn't wait to attend the family gathering as she just came back to Seoul after a gap of 10 years. Finished her university studies in Singapore, she then worked for another few years before returning back to Korea.

Miyeon looked out the car window as they drove to the venue. Seoul looked different but familiar. She was glad to be back with her family but she was also worried if she would be able to secure a job in this competitive city.

The venue was a wedding hall with simple setup, but with beautiful lights and flowers to warm up the event. "Miyeon ah , you are here finally!", exclaimed uncle Jun Ho, as he saw Miyeon entering the venue with her parents. "Uncle Jun Ho ! Happppy birthday ", Miyeon hugged her dearest uncle. "Miyeon-ie came back to Seoul just yesterday right? It is really so nice to see you in person after such a long time.", said aunt Mi Joo while squeezing Miyeon tightly .

Miyeon was so happy and touched to be welcomed warmly. All this while, she was in touch with her uncle and aunt through video calls only. Back when Miyeon was in her high school days, she lived with uncle Jun Ho's family for two years due to her dad's sudden work dispatch to the US ; and her mom had to leave Seoul together to take care of him. So, Miyeon had a close knitted relationship with uncle Jun Ho's family.

"Miyeon-ie?", a man in suit appeared from behind as Miyeon was catching up with her aunt. "Yoseob oppa !!" , Miyeon did not expect her cousin brother to show up at the venue as this cousin of hers was a Kpop star and he was supposed to be busy in the schedules. "Oppa , aren't you busy in the new album promotions ? How come you are here?" , asked Miyeon as she hugged Yoseob. "Come on , Miyeon, it's my dad's birthday event. How can I miss it?", said Yoseob with smiling eyes. "Oppa, you know you are cute right? Don't smile like that just so easily , all the ladies will faint." "Miyeon , you are still so playful!", laughed Yoseob.

Yoseob was just a year elder to Miyeon, but he took care of Miyeon like an elder brother. Uncle Jun Ho had an elder daughter, EunHui, who got married in Jeju Island and settled there.

Soon, the dinner was served and it was time for the elders to party. Karaoke!

"Miyeon Auntyyy" , a kid came running towards Miyeon. "YoungSuk?", Miyeon held up the kid in her arms and smiled at him. "He was excited to see you as I told him Miyeon aunt will be there.", said EunHui , Yoseob's elder sister. "Unnie, how was the flight ? Yoseob oppa said the flight from Jeju got delayed." "We should have planned to come to Seoul one day earlier but work caught us up, so we booked the flight for today and it got delayed for a few hours. Anyway, glad we reached before the event is over. ",sighed EunHui .

"DongWoon uncle!!", shouted Yongsuk while Miyeon was catching up with EunHui. Hearing the name, Miyeon's heart skipped a beat and she turned to look at where Young suk was waving.

That man was among a group of people and he turned his head upon hearing Youngsuk's voice. Miyeon met his eyes for some three seconds and looked away. Those three seconds felt like forever.

"DongWoon, you made it too?", smiled EunHui as DongWoon hugged her. "Yes Noona, our schedules got over and we came to greet Uncle JunHo.", said DongWoon, as he stood next to Miyeon and squeezed YoungSuk's cheeks while Miyeon was still holding the kid. "DongWoon, you remember Miyeon right ? You guys used to hang out together back in those days.", said Eun Hui as she took Youngsuk over from Miyeon's arms.

"Yes... Hi " ,said Dong Woon awkwardly. "Alright, I'll leave you guys to catch up , gotta feed this kid.", EunHui then left them two standing like statues.

"Right , hi hello . Uhm.. so how's things ?", asked Miyeon. "Mm , yea I think it's all good.", Dong Woon replied. Miyeon did not expect to see Dong Woon there and suddenly she could not think of any topic to talk. 

"DongWoon, we gotta leave in some time.", a man appeared from the side . "Miyeon? Is that you ?", asked the man and Miyeon recognized him."Doojoon oppa! You are here too!.", Miyeon was thankful that Doojoon appeared to save the awkward situation. "Gikwang, come here , we have a special guest .", shouted excited Doojoon . "Gikwang oppa" , smiled Miyeon as another man approached them.

"Miyeon! How long has it been since we last seen you?", exclaimed Gikwang. "I know I know! Time passed and we all grew up.", Miyeon noticed Dong Woon looking at her or rather staring at her . "Anyways, it was nice to have met you here. We should catch up soon after we wrap up our hectic schedules.", said Doojoon and hugged her warmly.

"I see you guys have met Miyeon already.", Yoseob appeared , "alright we have to leave now. Let's go. Will see you soon, Miyeon."

Miyeon bid goodbye to them and she started to look for her parents, when suddenly a hand grabbed hers. Startled, she turned around to see it was DongWoon and he handed her a tissue paper, " This is my contact number , text me if you want to catch up."

She stood there stunned and uttered, "Sure."