Upside Down

15. White Roses

That Saturday morning, Hali called and informed Yejin that Bin won't be able to come to their weekly hangout session in Hali's house. And since Choi was not feeling well, they decided to just cancel it off. Wondering what's gotten into Bin, she texted him. 

Bin, you're not coming, are you alright?

Bin saw her text and smiled. He missed her. How he wanted to just come to her place again and spend the weekend with her. But he restrained himself. She was getting too attached with him. He sensed that she's starting to feel things as she had been asking many questions. During the times they were always together, he knew something was formed between them. And he wanted to make things right this time. It was not his intention to confuse her or deceive her by making her fall for him even before he laid down his intention. It's just that he wanted to get to know her more by befriending her, and he didn't know it would be this fast...that they will feel comfortable with each other...with him falling in love with her in the most natural way...

Even though he didn't know everything about her yet, he just felt he's known her forever. Her many qualities which he observed since the first time they met just made him drawn to her all the more each day that they're together...And last night's conversation during their dinner in her house was the turning point for him..He's now sure he's ready...He decided that it's time to confess to her. He just needed a few days off from her to process things and plan, to prepare and get ready for what might happen. He'll be honest and tell her the truth, and he just needed to prepare himself if ever she rejects him. 

It's time my first love. I'll tell you everything.

-----

It was Monday and Yejin was excited to go to work that morning. No, she was excited to see Bin in the afternoon. He's been MIA since Saturday, and he only said that he will be busy that weekend because of a requirement he needed to submit and a family occasion on Sunday, so he won't be able to text or call that much. That Monday morning, as she was about to enter the coffee shop, her phone rang. It's him.

"Yej! Good morning! Are you at work already?"

"Good morning Bin! Almost here, what's up?" Her voice couldn't hide her excitement. 

"Okay, hey, look, I'm sorry but I got a huge favor to ask from you. I'm currently in a hurry, on my way to Yongin for an emergency meeting with some people from my Dad's company. And I cannot think of anybody to help me but you." He replied, and Yejin can tell from his voice that he's really in a hurry.

"Sure, what is it?" She stopped and sat at the nearby chair in front of the shop. It's still thirty minutes before the opening.

"Can you order a bouquet of white roses from Flower Korea? It needs to be delivered today. I'll send you the recipient and her address. I'll transfer the payment tonight once I get back. Would it be okay?" Bin replied.

Ohh..white roses..could this be what I think it is? His answer somehow startled her, but she managed to reply right away. "Sure Bin, not a problem. Send me the details." 

"Thanks Yej! I've got to go now. Take care!" She sensed a feeling of relief in his voice.

"Okay, Bin, you too!" She replied as he hung up and waited for his text.

A few minutes later she got the details from Bin. 

Hi Yej, please send it to: Lee Ha-na, 5 hakdongro 30-gil, Gangnamgu, Seoul 06104. Here's the note: "My love, happy birthday! I hope this cheers up your day! I couldn't wait to see you soon!"

Thank you Yej! I owe you one this time! 

Reading his text message, she felt like a big lump seemed to block her throat.