Three years had passed ever since they graduated from university. Hye Won was no longer working in the interior design field. Her parents wanted her to help out at their textile manufacturing factory.
Rye Il was now working at another design firm that specialized in office interior design.
In a short time frame, Jihyo showed her capabilities and managed to climb up to the senior designer position. She was now in charge of supervising the junior designers and occasional supervision of the manufacturing process of their company's own furnitures. With the amount of money she was earning every month, she was able to return her parents the amount that she borrowed to purchase her house.
Gary, on the other hand, managed to build up his own reputation and is one of the highly sought for interior design consultant.
The four of them still meet up occasionally at their usual hangout when time permits.
***
It was the start of spring. Jihyo stood at the foot of her block as she waited for Gary to pick her up. It was their off day and Gary had everything planned out. They will go to the beach followed by a dinner at a restaurant that he had reserved. Her hair was tied up in a bun with some loose strands hanging down the side of her face. She was dressed in a floral print halter dress that reached just above her knees. The flowy dress swayed against her thighs as the wind blows.
She had a small black clutch bag sling over her shoulder. A pair of Gladiator sandals with strap going up around her ankles were all that was needed to complete her casual chic look.
A small smile appeared on her face as she watched a black Mini Cooper with white stripes entering the complex before pulling over in front of the building.
"You look beautiful," Gary complimented her after she entered the car.
"You look good too," she blushed and replied, staring at his attire. Though she has seen him in office wear almost everyday, she couldn't take her eyes off how charismatic he looked today.
He was wearing a short sleeved blue navy shirt paired with a pair of grey Chino shorts and his hair was neatly combed back with the sides shaved.
"Is there something on my face?" He asked when he realised that she was staring at him.
"No. You just look different today." She said, then turned to look at the front.
"Is that a compliment?" He glanced at her and chuckled.
She smiled at him. "Yes."
***
With their fingers interlocked, they walked along the beach, barefooted, enjoying the soothing feeling of the warm seawater washing up the shore and splashing over their feet.
Their footprints imprinted on the sand were all washed away as they reached the stone breakwater. Gary extended his hand out to Jihyo and pulled her up onto the breakwater. They search for a spot and sat down with their legs extended out.
They listened to the swish of the waves as it washed up shore and then receded. The taste of the salty breeze and the fine sand landing on their skin as the wind blew and carried it along.
She closed her eyes and tilted her head up, taking in the fresh air and enjoying every moment of it. "If only, there's time to do this more often." She said and opened her eyes.
