MAGIC RING (ft. Lee Min Ho and Koo Hye Sun)

xlv. Came Back Too Late

HS's POV

There was an expected number of people in the convention hall. Mostly were dressed in nude, black, red, and white ensemble.

The charity fashion show was a wrap. It was to benefit the youth shelter in Kyeongki-Do (I didn't give a second thought on the invitation sent to us since the place was close to my heart because of Fluffy.). The event was powered by Vogue Korea and sponsored by a couple of famous local fashion designers like Lie Sang Bong and Richard Chai, hugely attracting audience from student designers, photographers, models, design interns, art gallery curators and press, celebrities and executive committee.

The hall was no longer as dark as earlier. The extravagant, glimmering chandeliers hanging on the ceiling lit the room with warm and soft lighting. I'd got to talk with a couple of guests. Some were photographers I met in my past photography class-even one of them was my instructor. It felt good to be able to catch up with them after not seeing them in a long time now. Some people from Sindang Art Space also came up to me. Instead of business and negotiations, we talked about the fashion show and eventually came up of something in common to discuss about. When there was no any other familiar faces, I sauntered over the wine table near the small fountain at the side of the crowded room, grabbed a glass and stayed there. Idly tapping my foot as I sipped on my sweet wine, someone in a nude-colored bandage dress was in all grin ahead as she made her way up to me.

"Omo, omo, omo," Dee scurried towards me as she came closer. I couldn't help but mirrored her expression. I was as stoked as her although we already expected to see each other after she had informed me that their firm would be present as well.

"Look at you!" She gave me a once-over while I suddenly hoped I looked okay in my black demure lace dress that fell short above the knee although I could already feel the sore in my feet from my five inches red pumps.

I reached my free hand to her and gave her a hug, patting her at the back. She squeezed me back with full arms. "I can't deny you are my bestfriend. You are so gorgeous!" She pulled away and held me at arms length, careful not to spill my drink. "When did you come back?"

"Just the other day."

"How are you? I just realized I've been living in my own world and haven't ever asked how you've been doing lately."

"Right, I heard," I moved my head to a nod and pressed a hand over her shoulder. "You must be working hard for a living now, what's up?"

Hyo Jin chuckled. "What do you mean 'what's up'? I should be the one asking you that." I wished she wouldn't before she continued, "I thought you were going to stay there for long. I missed you."

"Sure you do," I put down my hand back to my side. "When you didn't ever try to call me."

"Mwoya (what are you saying)~ You didn't have any idea how I got my thumbs numb from dialing you when-" she trailed herself off as well as her upbeat stance.

I knew I'd just heard her but I still asked. I wanted to know. "When?"

She hesitated for a beat. "I was trying to call you that time, before everything. I got to talk to Min Ho but...it was already too late."

"It's great to hear you landed on a new job," I plastered a smile on my face although I was very happy for her. Yet, I'd rather avoid where this conversation was heading to but I liked the way it'd sounded like a cryptic message.

And I was glad Dee didn't bother. She smiled back. "I've never been happy before." Then her eyes must had noticed something as they moved behind me. "All I thought was this will be a fine, good evening," she said, still looking that way. Taking in the dripping sarcasm in her voice, I frowned. "An earthquake's going down here. So better watch out for the tsunami coming your way," she went on. As how curious as I could be, I followed her gaze and turned around.