Secret Love Story; Heung-Min Son

Chapter Five

It was the first day of University for Marilyn. The hallways seemed busier, the students seemed less friendly and, the teachers didn't seem to care that she didn't know her way around.  

"Marilyn... Right?" a familiar voice was heard from behind her. Marilyn turned to see Olivia standing in the hallway with a slight smile on her face. Though she looked like it, she wasn't the typical girl who looked like a supermodel and had a mean and controlling attitude to pair with up. Instead, she was trying her best to at least be Marilyn's friend, considering that she had tried to connect with Marilyn through social media, at least four times.

"I didn't know you were into Law," Olivia chuckled, only to get an subtle eye roll from Marilyn.

"Now you know. How's your date with John?" Marilyn wandered about the hallway filled with people, with Olivia following behind her.

"Oh it was amazing, he told me so much about you and how you were the one to encourage him to ask me out."

"How sweet. He talked about me so much that he didn't mention we'd end up in the same school?" Marilyn tilted her head. 

Olivia remained silent for a while, and then she spoke.

"Look, I know you've known John your whole life. But don't you think you're being a little possessive? I get that you're looking out for him but, you don't even know me. And at least I'm trying to get to know you." Olivia walked away without another word, leaving Marilyn in dismay.

The day went by quickly, considering the fact that it was just an introduction to the course. Marilyn picked up her bag as she watched Olivia walking out of the lecture hall. Maybe, Olivia had a point. The streets she walked was a cheery, busy one. Children were seen playing hopscotch at the playground and busy adults were walking either back home or to work. These days, you never really know. Marilyn's phone buzzed a few times as her father's caller ID appeared on the screen. 

"Hello?"

"Princess! How was your first day?" her father asked excitedly.

"It's fine, I'm actually on my way home now," Marilyn responded.

"That's good. Look, I might be home later than usual tonight, I have picked up a night shift at the post office," her father said.

"Are you sure you're not overworking yourself?" Marilyn frowns.

"Nonsense! I'd work non-stop if it is for you. I called to ask you to buy yourself dinner," father responded.

Marilyn took a deep breath before releasing a long sigh.

"Alright, I'll go see what Mrs Lola prepared for the day. I'll see you when I see you, good bye."

Mrs Lola owns a convenient store with almost everything anyone needed. Spices, meat, bread, detergent and even packed meals. And to be honest, her stir fried noodles were the best. 

"Marilyn, how are you?" Mrs Lola greeted as soon as Marilyn entered the store. 

"I'm better now, what have you got today?" 

"Let's see... We have Shepherd's Pie, Chicken Curry and of course, Stir Fried Noodles. Want me to pack one for you?" 

"You know it," Marilyn giggled.

"Your father's working late huh?" Mrs Lola frowned.

"Sure is. He's a busy man," Marilyn smiled before she waved good bye and exited the store, only to come across a familiar face. 

"It's you," the same man who had saved her the other day spoke, with both eyes wide.

"And it's you," Marilyn smiled. 

"Heading home?" he tilted his head, with a glint of sight in his eyes like as if he wanted to walk with her. 

"Yeah."

"I'll walk with you then, in case you get careless again," he smiled. 

"I'm Heung-Min,  by the way," he added, as they walked down the street.

"Well, nice to meet you Heung-Min, I'm Marilyn."

"Monroe?"

"She was my mother's favourite."

"She have great taste," Heung-Min smiled. The way his lips lifted upward. The way his one dimple crinkles. The way his teeth are perfectly aligned. The warm glow his happiness gives. His smile was a ray of sunshine, the kind that radiates positive energy and warmth when you see one. 

"Not one who cooks, huh?" Marilyn directed her eyes towards the take away food Heung-Min was carrying. 

His smile slowly turned into a frown though he tried to hide  it, it was pretty obvious.

"No... Uh- just... Things aren't too well at home," he said. It was becoming obvious that he didn't want to talk about it. 

"I haven't exactly got to thank you properly for the other day," Marilyn changed the subject.

"Well you could thank me by having dinner with me."

Marilyn's cheeks are suddenly kissed pink like a spring rose, the blooming colour so cute against her freckled skin.   

"I've already got food," she answered.

"And so have I. But there's a park down the street. Consider this as a thank you from you to me," he winked palyfully. The two soon settled down at a bench at the park and started to unpack their food. Marilyn pulled up her sleeves so that they wouldn't get stained by the food.

"That's a pretty bracelet," Heung-Min spoke.

"It was my mother's. She passed away from an accident a few years back. This bracelet meant alot to her because my father had bought it for her for her birthday. It's really special to me because it reminds me of how strong, beautiful and kind she is. And I wish to be the same," Marilyn responded, only to realise that she had talked too much about her personal life. 

"I'm sorry I shouldn't-"

"No no, it's fine. As a matter of fact, I think your mother would be happy to know that you still think of her," Heung-Min smiled, which then slowly turned into a frown again. 

"A few years ago, my parents arranged me to get engaged to a girl they thought would be suitable for me, just so that it could bring benefits to the family and the company. I have my own Law Firm," Heung-Min started. 

"I figured. I heard a thing or two about the Law Firm," Marilyn replied.

"Yeah. The wedding's supposed to be in a few months time and if I were to be completely and brutally honest with you... I don't love her at- at all."

The atmosphere became silent for a while.

"I thought that maybe if we bought a house in a small town, somewhere quiet and new, I'd learn to like and appreciate some of the things she do for me and when I said that things weren't going so well at home..."

"You were talking about her," Marilyn looked sullen.

"She kicked me out of the house about two days ago. I've had to sneak into the house in the morning while she's gone to work to get cleaned and changed for work and I've been crashing at a hotel. How's that for a soon-to-be married man?" Heung-Min chuckled. It was interesting how he could still try to lift up the mood by laughing when in fact, he was completely hurt.

"I'm sorry to hear that..." Marilyn said, breaking the silence. 

Heung-Min forced a weak smile.