Distance

Holding on or letting go

Faye's POV

Engfa was about to kiss me that day, but I gently looked away and hugged her instead. I couldn't kiss someone who wasn't mine.

I admit that when I was younger, people called me a Casanova because I had been in many relationships. Sometimes I was serious, and other times it was just for fun if the girl wanted it that way. My Casanova days ended when my parents passed away. With no other choice, I left the country to start anew.

All our possessions were lost in a fire, and a friend working in an office in Korea took pity on me and offered me a job, which I gratefully accepted. My only sister, who is Bright's mom, already had her own family, and I didn't want to burden them with supporting me. 

Back then, I didn't think about the future, which left me feeling hopeless when my parents were gone.

In Korea, I dedicated myself to my job. Within three years, I rebuilt my life and even built a new house. During that time, I had my first girlfriend, but our relationship lasted only a year because we had different tradition, and her family had arranged her marriage to a wealthy man.

That period was one of the most painful chapters of my life. I thought we were meant to be together, but she never disclosed her background—she had escaped her family, who eventually found her and took her back that year. After that, I closed my heart to everyone else.

"Sorry, let's eat together now, hehe," she awkwardly smiled. I knew it was awkward to attempt a kiss that failed.

We started eating, and tension filled the air. She didn't speak, and neither did I.

"Am I difficult to love, Faye?" she suddenly asked after several minutes of silence.

"No, you're actually one of the most beautiful people I've ever met. You have everything—beauty, a good job, caring qualities, everything," I replied, hoping to ease the tension from my evasive kiss.

"Then why can't you like me?" she asked, looking directly at me. I cleared my throat, contemplating the best response.

I didn't know how to respond and remained silent for a few seconds instead.

"You haven't moved on from your ex-girlfriend? She's already married, Faye, to a wealthy man,"  She added, looking at me with sadness written all over her face.

"No, not her," I answered shortly and continued eating my food.

She felt confused and struggled to figure out what was wrong, then suddenly said

"Then who? That 17-year-old kid?!" she exclaimed, slamming her palm on the table and standing up. I could see the fire of fury in her eyes.

I didn't respond immediately. Crap! I looked away and let out a sigh.

"She's still a minor, Faye! Can't you see? Her life is just beginning, she's still in high school!" she exclaimed again.

I needed to deny it.

"No, it's not her either," I replied, avoiding her gaze. I couldn't bear to face the truth if I looked at her.

"Haha, really? Why can't you look at me?" she laughed mockingly.

"I know you, Faye! I've never seen you make a video call with anyone who's not your family member, but that day I came over, you were nervous. You even interrupted me so she wouldn't hear, the words I said!" she added, and this time I met her gaze.

I know I couldn't hide the truth; 

I felt like I was pretty obvious. Damn!

"There will be plenty of guys around her in the future and—" I cut her off, standing up.