Memories || Wonu ff

five

Ji Young

Days had passed by, and I was still unsure how to process everything up until now. I've never heard of a Seo Hyeon in my life before. She's probably not an auntie of mine, and I know none of the teachers I've had throughout the years had a name like hers either.

It was always kept at the back of my mind until my friends were talking about their plans for mother's day during our lunch break in the cafeteria.

Mother's day...

Suddenly, a new thought came to mind.

Is this mystery woman... my mom? 

Truthfully speaking, I never really questioned how it's only been dad and I for my whole life. Dad's always been there for me to make sure I had a good childhood, and I was pretty oblivious to those looks from strangers around us, full of sympathy and even pity every time they saw dad and I together. 

All these memories were cluttering my mind that I didn't even notice the box full of flower bulbs in plant nursers on the table. 

< THUD >

Panicking at what I did, it doesn't take long for dad to find the source of the noise.

"What was that- Oh, the flowers!" He dashes to scoop up each little flower back into their nurser pot before transferring the box to the back porch.

I immediately start sweeping up all the dirt before apologizing "Sorry about that, dad. I was so focused on the stuff to work on today that I accidentally knocked them over with my bag.

He shakes his head "No worries, Ji. It was only an accident."

"I still feel bad, do you want me to help you with planting the flowers?" 

He then chuckles as he ruffles my hair "I'll be fine. Just focus on your studies, ok? If you need anything, I'll be in the garden planting these little ones." He then steps onto the porch and picks up the box before heading over to start his work in the garden.

Heading upstairs to my room, I get settled in before starting my homework. I finally finished after the sun had gone down and it was already evening. A soft knock could be heard from my door before it slowly opens, dad poking his head into my room to check up on me.

"You ok up here? You just up and disappeared after I went to the garden."

I nod my head silently. He's quiet for a moment too, only speaking up when he asks if I want to join him tonight.

"Would you like to come with me and help at my book signing at least? We can get dinner afterwards." He suggests, but I was interrupted by his phone ringing before I could even answer.

"Ah, it's Jun." Dad mumbles aloud while referring to his manager, Wen Junhui "Sorry sweet pea, it's probably about the signing later. One moment."

He then closes my door behind him as he answers his phone and starts chatting in the hallway.

I was left alone again, stewing on the questions I want to ask him, but each time I tried to find an answer I was only met with more questions. It's like a story full of mystery, a whodunit!

Despite me not being sure about why I'm so driven to find the full picture to all of this, but maybe I'll be able to get some closure at the very least. So that means that if I want to get the opportunity to find out more about Seo Hyeon, I'm gonna have to do it tonight, even if it means-

"Alright, I'll see you later. Bye." I hear dad wrap up his phone call as he enters my room again "Sorry about that, Ji. Anyway, about the book signing tonight-"

I then fake a long yawn and stretch "Sorry, what dad?"

He tilts his head inquisitively "I'm guessing you're a bit drained from school, huh?"

"Yeah, homework and studying has been building up now that exams are slowly creeping up on me." I excuse "As much as I wanna go with you, I think I need to catch up on some sleep."

His shoulder drop a bit "Ah, I see. The signing is going to be at your favourite bookstore, too."

My heart immediately sank. Of all days to be at my favourite bookstore, and it happens to be on the same night I'm staying behind??

The universe is a cruel mistress.

"Oh, that's unfortunate." I frown, genuinely sad that I couldn't go. 

"I know, but I get it." He reassures me "You've worked so hard, you deserve a night of rest. I also know that events like this can get overwhelming and draining, even more so when you're exhausted."

He then proceeds to tuck me in before kissing my forehead. It felt a little odd for him to do this again, but... It felt comforting. It's like I was a kid again.

"I'll be home late, so be sure to get lots of rest, ok?"

I smile and give a small nod "Thanks dad, have fun at the event." 

He then quietly leaves my room and closes the door behind him.

Quietly waiting, I listen as he grabs his things and heads out the front door. Once it was completely silent, I got out of bed and made a beeline towards his study. Searching around his study, which looks a little more organized than usual, I find the leather bound journal and scrapbook had been put away on the shelf by his desk.

This time instead of scrapbook, I reach for the journal this time. Taking a deep breathe, I open it up to the first page to see pages filled with writing. There was no doubt that it was dad's handwriting, it even has certain words scribbled the way he does while rushing as well as his unique way of writing W's- which is recognizable from a mile away.

I don't know what to expected when I began to read the first page, but I really didn't expect-

~ I've never really seen myself as a believer in love at first sight, but the world decided to prove me wrong and also bless me ~

The writing style and choice of words made me do a double take. It sounded like dad's writing style that everyone knows and loves, but this is like an unrefined version of it. A practice blurb before he got to the writing style I know now.

~ I've never met someone so intriguing and breathtaking, either. And out of all the places, I never thought fate would being me to her pretty face in my most favourite place on campus: the library ~

"Is he trying to be like Shakespeare?" I question aloud. It's like I was reading the monologue of a play script. 

As much as I wanted to read further, I was worried I would end up in the same situation like last time: so caught up in reading that dad catches me in his study, yet this time I'm supposed to be sleeping.

... Maybe I should continue reading this up in my room, it'll be more convenient that way if I do.

Can't wait to see what's in store for me.