Just Friends

Twenty Four

September 25

I woke up early because I was looking forward to this day. When I checked my phone, there were a number of messages already but I searched for hers first.  It was a video message that I clicked quickly. 

Her beautiful face popped onscreen. 

"Happy birthday, Bin-ssi! I have to go ahead to make sure our accommodations are good and that our guests won't starve. I've arranged for your pick up, they should be there soon. I'll see you at the golf course! Happy birthday, my Love! See you in a bit. Let's have a great weekend!"

When my doorbell rang, I got up and checked. 

"Happy birthday, Brother!"

I was surprised to find my friends at my door holding pink coloured or heart-shaped balloons and a cake. Frowning at their props, as it was uncommon for my friends to bother with these things, Jung Woo-Sung shrugged and said, "Son Ye Jin-ssi called and sent these over. I was terrified to go against her wishes."

I laughed knowing how determined Ye Jin could be. "You are right not to cross her."

"We are also under orders to make sure we are travelling no later than 20 minutes from now. So, let's get moving," he added.

Soon, we were on our way.

When we got to the venue, my friends and I registered at the reception, my luggage taken cared of as arranged by Ye Jin and then we were quickly whisked away to the course. Yet, in all that time, I still have not had a glimpse of Ye Jin. When we arrived at the first hole, I saw a figure that I was pretty familiar with and my face broke out into a wide grin.

There, with a smile that rivaled the shining sun and arms wide open, was Ye Jin. "Happy birthday, Bin-ssi!"

I caught her in my arms and whirled her around, not caring if my friends stared. "Thank you! I've missed you this morning. I was expecting you'd be the first one I saw but instead I saw these ugly faces" I said, motioning to the guys.

Ye Jin giggled. "I'm sorry! I just needed to make sure that the place is ready for your day. Come on now. Let's go play. I'm so ready to beat you."

The guys laughed, teasing me. "This we got to see. Son Ye Jin beating Bin's ass!"

Ye Jin turned to them and said, "Oh, you're all going to lose, too."

I turned to them, smiled smugly and stuck my tongue out.

The game was competitive but fun. Everyone was in good spirits and teasing each other the whole morning. Some of the wives and partners also eventually joined us and it just added to the festive vibe.

On the 18th hole, it came down to Ye Jin and Woo-sung.

He turned to me, "Should I let her win?"

I frowned. "She'd be mad if she gets wind that you purposely lost. But, how could you even think you'd win against her?"

"You doubt me, Brother?"

I chuckled. "She got you to carry those balloons and a flowery cake. She's going to whip your butt on this round."

He went up first and missed the putt. Ye Jin walked up and positioned her ball, assessing the shot she needed to make. The wind was picking up and the angle she needed to hit was slightly uphill and curved – too soft and the ball wouldn't make it; too hard and she would miss the cup.

I saw her firm up her stance, assess the situation one more time, and then hit.

As certain as her posture was, so was her golf ball which did not waver and landed safely in the cup. All the women cheered with me. "Great job, baby!" I ran over and put my arm around her.