Always Forever

#15 You don't love me like I do...

AN: I probably should've split this chap. it's somewhat long...

***

"Why?" Guk-doo stares at Bong-soon for a moment, then understanding dawns on him. "Let's get" he says, swiftly changing gears.

She joins him in the car's front. The drive starts off smoothly amidst the sparse traffic on the roads. As the lull that settled in the air around her oozes a sense of comfort, she allows herself a sigh. The rapid rhythm of her day life has caused her to overlook the troubles that await her at home during the night. No more nights of suffering for her. She will have to move out of her home, as she decided last night.

This has been a long time coming. Ma's comments, like the neighbours', are twisted and far from amusing. Boo to all of that!

"The neighbourhood is curious about your daughter's whereabouts. Where does she go? Why is she surrounded by strange men? What does she do for a living? Why are the policemen patrolling the outside of your house?"

Ma couldn't answer any of those questions. Pa and Bong-gi couldn't console her.

Dispelling the mental image of her mother venting out her frustrations, Bong-soon focuses on the road. The icy wind from the car window playing with her hair only reinforces her resolve. Tough decisions are crucial for moving forward in life. Right now, she's at the juncture.

Unlike the other times when she made a nerve-wracking choice, this time there's calm accompanying her action. She wonders why that is. Has she evolved, or is it Guk-doo's presence? Maybe both. Plus, now I have a job. This is for the good. Ma can ignore the rumours. Pa and Bong-gi won't suffer the consequences of my work.

Guk-doo keeps his eyes on the road, hands on the steering. Occasionally he takes in the state of his companion, the way her eyes mirror every emotion in her heart. She must have a reason to not go home. How does he comfort her? Her mind is too occupied to realise he's observing her. Well, let's see. Our destination is close.

He swerves the steering wheel to the right, and her eyes widen in surprise. She straightens up and glances at him. He has a teasing word or two for her.

Finally noticed, have you? Yet he chooses not to say them aloud, opting for a slight smile. He's been on a different road, not the one to her art studio. They pull to a stop outside a ritzy diner.

"Let's get some dinner, hm?"

That's all he says, getting out of the car, shutting the door and walking ahead. Bong-soon wonders if it's his way of comforting her. It must be, she concludes as she trails him, and freezes as they step into the restaurant.

It's not only a ritzy place decked up with glamourous golden lights, oozing elegant French vibes, but given the hour, everyone dining in the spacious hall are couples out on a dinner date! Seeing them cosying up to each other, sharing a good meal and laughter, oblivious to the world around them, puts some redness in her cheeks. Bong-soon coughs and looks away, gawping like a fish, trying to get the words out. Any words. Just form the sentence-

Guk-doo's lips press into a thin line at the scene before him. Couples on late night dates and these many? People have time to frolic around, don't they? Despite knowing that's a pretty cynical statement he mentally uttered, he can't withdraw. His eyes sweep the hall again. A few empty tables here and there. His gaze shifts to his companion, and he immediately detects her unease.

"Well... I thought you'd like this place, but let's find another."

Bong-soon finds his bright smile blindingly attractive as he adds, "I didn't know this was a favourite date destination. Come, I'll show you to my favourite place. You're hungry, aren't you?"