Always Forever

#2 Hand in hand

Guk-doo returns home, having shared a coffee with his dear friend after ages. The coffee was good. But recalling what unfolded makes his blood boil. All unlawful activities get a similar reaction out of him, but this one just exceeded it. He couldn't keep his rage in check and it was because Bong-soon was involved.

Strange. I kept my cool following the incident with Heeji. But when it's Bong-soon...

Guk-doo hasn't been exactly dispassionate. It's hard for him as a cop to reign in his emotions when he witnesses crimes or when he's pressured by his superiors not to jump the gun.

"This is strange I don't feel..."

He sighs again. He's home to his small single storied house in South Seoul. This is all but a brief respite and then his late night shift will begin.

His room gives a cosy vibe. He's alone now that his parents are travelling and exploring the world. It gives him the privacy he needs but sometimes he misses them. Particularly his mother. If Ma was here she'd know something is wrong from his expression. Well, he's not sad or depressed but it doesn't mean something hasn't happened. He recalls what happened when he went to give those flowers to Heeji.

He went to the studio where she practises her cello. It was her birthday but he couldn't make time for her during the day. He did the best he could, ran to her when his shift ended.

They stood outside the chic music studio in the west zone, watching the other musicians shuffling in and out through the entrance. Heeji received his flowers, not shyly but awkwardly. Then she broke the news - she was done with him.

"Something feels amiss between us, Gukdoo. I always felt it and now I know it is the truth. I can only find what's missing in someone else."

He felt surprised. Naturally, her response wasn't what he expected. Other than that nothing. He felt a bit betrayed maybe. That was all. Perhaps realising the same, Heeji offered him a wry smile.

"I'm sorry, Guk-doo. You came all this way for me and... But I had to tell you. It's been on my mind for months now."

He tried to smile. Again. He was surprised to know how she felt. He should have felt depressed, outraged, yet... He sighed, showing her one last smile.

"Happy birthday, Heeji."

He left the place in silence. The flowers he gave her were still blooming given the late hour, a stark contrast to the status of their relationship. Nothing would ever be the same between them again

Guk-doo rolls over in bed. He feels warm from the sweater he wears. So he takes it off and musses up his combed-up hair, letting them cascade down his forehead.

He doesn't know why. Bong-soon's image flashes in his mind. After sending her a link to the rental space he has in mind, he calls her on her phone.

She immediately responds with a hello. He hears the background noise that's definitely her overly cheerful family.

"Hey. Have you checked my message? You no longer should stay in that place plagued by unpleasant memories. If you like it, we can both visit tomorrow. Don't worry about rent. We can negotiate."

"Thanks, Guk-doo-ah. How are you? Tell me have you gotten off of work?"

Her voice puts him at peace. Guk-doo finds himself genuinely smiling. "Why do you ask? What could go wrong with me?"

"You looked stressed. Was it the case? And you got worried on my behalf. I'm sorry, Guk-doo. I couldn't say this earlier but sorry and thank you."

"Hey.. are you thanking your friend? I'm fine. Yes, it's just the... stress of the case."