[ Reckless ] - Korean actors

4. Sakura

After a long week of work, the three lawyers finally have all the necessary elements for Theo's trial. They gave each other the weekend off before the trial to clear their minds. They have a reunion early Monday morning to see the final details for the trial which takes place on Tuesday.

Ji Wook is happy to finally have some free time, for the past few years he has been going to the orphanage every two weeks to visit and spend some time with the kids. Living a 30-minute drive away, he only goes on weekends, usually Saturdays, to make the most of the day with the children. For the past few months, another person has been coming on Saturdays. University student Woo Yohan comes every week for a few hours. Ji Wook never thought he would return so often and stick to his routine. He has seen a lot of volunteers come and go, making promises to the children without keeping them. But Yohan keeps his promises, comes every week, helps the staff and has a good time with the kids... It makes Ji Wook happy to see someone else so attached to this place.

The two knew each other at the orphanage and got along very well. Although Yohan is younger than Ji Wook, that doesn't stop them from having a great time together. Ji Wook is delighted to finally be able to get back to everyone after a month and a half away. Feeling guilty, he bought some pastries for the little ones to make up for his absence. He also bought a slice of raspberry cheesecake for Yohan, having recently learned he loves it.

He arrived around 9:00 am at the orphanage. The children were going downstairs to eat when they saw Ji Wook. Everyone was more than happy to see him again, many thought he would never come back and that he was tired of coming all the time. Ji Wook reassured them that it wasn't the case, he would never leave forever without warning.

« I'm sorry I didn't come to see you, I had a lot of work to do but to forgive me, I bought you all pastries for breakfast !

– We forgive you ! A chance that Yohan Hyung was there otherwise we would've been sad... affirmed Jung-Hwa while taking Ji Wook's hand.

– I promise to let you know next time... Ha-Neul, Min-Jae, the weather is beautiful today, we could all eat outside. What do you think ? He asked the two older ones.

– Yes, Yohan Oppa is already outside with Ha-na, Sam and In-Soo. We'll get some drinks with Min-Jae and meet you there. Ji Wook nodded and walked with Jung-Hwa to the back of the building. »

Arriving in the garden, Ji Wook walked to the tables to prepare everything. Jung-Hwa, not wanting to help, left to play with Yohan and the three others. They were all so excited to see Ji Wook again, they ran to him to hug him before going back to play. Yohan was also delighted to revisit his friend, he had wondered why he hadn't been back for so long, he's always so devoted to the orphanage. The two smiled, happy to see each other.

They spent the day with the children playing, Yohan doesn't usually stay that long but the kids insisted because it had been a long time since they had all been together. They did lots of activities, the younger ones went for a nap in the middle of the afternoon, so they stayed with Ha-Neul, Min-Jae and Sam the rest of the time.

At the end of the afternoon, the two volunteers decided to leave. The children were sad but Ji Wook promised to return tomorrow to make up for his absence. Yohan, having come walking, headed to the pedestrian street, but before he could go any further, Ji Wook called out to ask if he wanted to go for a coffee. It's been over a month since they last saw each other, and Ji Wook would like to know how he's been doing since they didn't talk much with the kids around. Yohan accepted without thinking about it too much.

Ji Wook, being more than delighted that Yohan accepts his offer, puts his car keys back in his pocket, and the two make their way to the pedestrian street in order to go to the river. They decided to go to Cafe Madam, one of Yohan's favourite cafes. It was a beautiful, welcoming cafe in shades of verdigris, white and gold, with round tables, velvet seats and sumptuous chandeliers on each table. They have a wide variety of delicious pastries. Ji Wook decided to take espresso as Yohan took a hot chocolate. Once their drinks were in hand, they walked quietly towards the river to find a quiet place to sit. They found a bench under a beautiful cherry blossom tree. The two silently admired the splendid view, not knowing how to start the conversation.

« Hyung, why are you spending so much time at the orphanage ?

Seeing that Ji Wook wasn't responding, Yohan decided to open up first.

My mother died a few years ago... It was my grandmother who raised me. Despite living in this neighbourhood, I never paid attention to the orphanage. I walked past it a lot... 5 months ago, I walked past it after my classes because it was raining a lot that day, and this is the shortest way to my house. I was running when I saw one of the kids outside alone. I later found out it was Min-Jae. He didn't want to go back to the orphanage anymore, he's older, and it's harder for them to get adopted. We talked for a long time and I finally convinced him to go back. I went back to see him the next week to see how he was doing and the following week as well. Without realizing it, it had become a routine.

Over time, I got attached to them. I know what it's like to live without parents, I was lucky to have my grandmother. Deep down inside, I hope my visits will help them somehow.» Slightly emotional after talking about his mother, his eyes began to fill with water. He turned his head to look at Ji Wook who was already looking at him. His face was hard to read, but it wasn't a look of pity, more a thankful look as if he thanked him for speaking up first, for being there for the kids or maybe something else, who knows. They continue to look each other in the eyes without speaking. When Ji Wook finally said, he turned to look ahead, speaking more comfortably without looking at Yohan.

« I have always loved children.

I discovered this orphanage a few years ago. At the time it was in much worse shape and there were few people to care for the children. I heard they were looking for volunteers to come and help, even if it's only to play with the children. So I went there.

I, too, got attached to them. Since I have been here, six have been adopted. What a joy to see the happiness on their faces when they are finally welcomed into a family.

Despite my attachment to children, I never wanted one of my own. At first, this was not a problem, Hye Kyo, my wife, and I are both busy with our professions, and a child would have been too much for us, but for some time now, Hye Kyo has wanted a child. I know how much something is missing in her without a child in her life, so we decided to try it, but nothing. Impossible for her to get pregnant.

Going to the orphanage every two weeks, I never felt this emptiness. I didn't have an easy childhood; having a child is a big responsibility. Helping the orphanage's children to give them a better childhood is enough for me. Even though it's selfish or insensitive, part of me is happy that Hye Kyo can't get pregnant. It's as if fate reassured me that I didn't need to have a child.

It did me good to see them again today, I have never been away for so long ... Our case at the firm takes a lot of energy and time, it's a complex case, and the relations with my wife are complicated. Her mental state is deteriorating, so I have to stay with her more often ...

Thanks for being there for the kids, they like you very much, and so do I. Glad to have seen you again. I wanted to text you to know how you were doing but didn't know what to say, and having little time to do so, I didn't do anything. »

Ji Wook looked at Yohan, who didn't seem to have moved since the beginning of his story. Still there, watching him. For the second time, they got lost in each other's gaze. Not being used to speaking about his private life, Ji Wook eventually let a tear escape having no control over his emotions. He has close friends but talking about his personal life is always complicated for him, something that is unnatural. With Yohan, it's different, he feels comfortable himself, he feels free from everything, he hopes that their friendship will last because he will never find another person like him.

Seeing Ji Wook in distress, Yohan ends up hugging him. He put one of his hands on the back of his neck, stroking his hair lightly to calm him down and another on his shoulder. Ji Wook took his waist automatically to hug him a little more. They remained in this position for a few minutes until Ji Wook regained his composure. They ended up separating, Yohan took his hands one last time to assure him everything was fine. To avoid ending the day on a sad note, they continue discussing various topics while walking to Ji Wook's car.

It was around 9:00 pm that they each left on their own, promising that this time they would not hesitate to text each other during those two weeks. Without realizing it, the two were already anxious to meet again to spend more time together.

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Hope you enjoyed it,

Sam & Ana