Another Chance For Love

Chances Taken

Lisa and Ki sat under the stars on a warm and intriguing night; her heart was racing, and I was equally nervous against such a scenic backdrop.

"Ki..." Lisa whispered, turning to face him.

"Yes..." Ki responded, ready to agree to anything for her.

"I've considered your proposal. I'm a sensible girl who thinks carefully about my decisions. Everyone fears getting hurt, and I want to be with someone who understands that winning my heart means forever," Lisa confessed, realizing this was a first for her.

Ki listened attentively.

"Did you know I've never even had my first kiss? That's how new all of this is to me," she said, her cheeks reddening as she turned away.

Ki chuckled at her playfulness. Taking a deep breath, he gently turned her to face him. "We can start here," he whispered, embracing her. "You don't have to worry about me hurting you." The warmth of his hold seemed to calm her nerves. "I don't want to run from you... Let's take it slow," Lisa murmured, sinking into his arms Ki felt a sense of relief; she had taken the first step toward him.

They spent the evening chatting and laughing, the fireworks illuminating the sky above them. As the night progressed, they decided to head back to the lake house, knowing they would be leaving for home the following day.

The conversation meandered through various 'what ifs.' Lisa was comfortable with the idea of dating Ki to explore where it might lead. She wasn't naive; she recognized his inner and outer beauty, yet she remained cautious, not allowing herself to fall too quickly.

They arrived back, and Lisa, exhausted, bid everyone good night before heading to shower and then to bed.

Ki, on the other hand, also took a shower but found sleep elusive. Myung's behavior was indeed troubling, and he knew it was something he had to address as soon as he got back.

Myung was tired of waiting for the publicist, to respond. Her impatience was growing. Sensei advised her to go to bed as she was unrealistically intoxicated and rambling.

After getting Myung to bed, she began clearing away the glasses and bottle from the sitting room table.

Myung's phone was on the table, and it started to ring. She picked it up and realized that Ki was calling.

She contemplated calling him to discuss the situation, considering she was Myung's best friend. Thus, she answered the phone. "Hello!" Ki did not recognize the voice. "May I speak with Myung?" he inquired, unsure of who was on the other end.

"Myung is currently asleep, Ki," Sensei replied assertively.

"Oh... Could you let her know I called?" Ki asked, recognizing the voice now.

"Of course, but before you hang up, could we have a brief chat? There's something you should know about Myung," Sensei insisted, knowing that action was necessary to aid Myung.

"I'm listening," Ki said, sitting on his bed.

"I don't like getting involved in others' personal relationships, but you know I've known Myung since college... she's like a sister to me, and I am very concerned at the moment, Ki. You broke off the engagement, and from what she's saying, the reasons were vague. I know she can be a bit of a handful and is spoiled, but I thought you two had a connection. What happened?" Sensei asked.

Ki stood up and walked over to the large window in his room, looking up at the stars. He paused and took a deep breath. "Since you are concerned, I will tell you why I broke off our engagement. Myung is a beautiful girl, she's smart, spontaneous, and outgoing. It wasn't my choice to marry Myung; it was my parents, mainly my father's, and coming from a generation of arranged marriages, I was next in line.

After graduation, I chose to live life on my terms and put an end to the tradition of business marriages; it's just not for me," Ki said, recognizing that it sounded more prejudiced than explanatory.