It had been a long day at the office. Hyun-woo’s shifting deadlines meant he walked into his apartment far later than usual. The dog, Soo-hyun, jumped at his feet as he slumped down on the sofa. It was irritated, demanding something from him. Hyun-woo looked down as the dog fussed about his feet.

“No, Soo-hyun. No more food.” his voiced tired and drained from the day.

The dog ran from his feet to the door and back again. Hyun-woo sighed as it returned.

“What? Now?” he said, checking his watch and huffing. “At this hour?”

He rolled his eyes, the dog didn't care, it simply ran to the door and back.

“I know. I know. My fault. I know. I was late.” He stood from the sofa as if it took all his energy to do so. Walked into the hallway, took his jacket and the lead that hung next to it. The dog already by his heels waiting to be clipped in.  

Hyun-woo walked from the apartment block and headed towards the park. Soo-hyun tugged hard on the lead and sniffing at the edge of the pavement, he instinctively knew where he was going. Seoul's streets sprawl between residential and business buildings in the turn of a corner. Restaurants sitting between highrise offices and sprawling apartment blocks, the occasional park a welcome break with its trees, grass and park benches.

Seo-jin and Ji-ho walked past multi-story office block, its ground floor a wall of glass, the receptions light spilling onto the pavement. Its deserted foyer housing a single security guard at the desk. As they passed through its pool of light on the pavement, Ji-ho received a call and stopped to take it, waving Seo-jin on towards the office.

Hyun-woo turned the corner and there, in front of him, saw Seo-jin framed by the buildings illuminated windows. He slowed his pace, a little surprised by whom he thought he saw. His mind raced for confirmation. Yes. Yes it was her for sure. He suddenly quickened his pace heading for the road. The dog caught of guard as it was suddenly pulled in the opposite direction. Hyun-woo quickly looked left and right to start across the road toward her. She hadn’t seen him yet, too busy distracted by her own phone now.

But as he went to step off the pavement, Ji-ho’s voice rang out, calling to her from behind. She stopped and turned, looking up from her phone as she did so, waiting for him to catch up.

Hyun-woo had stopped on the edge of the pavement, the dog jerking back on its lead at the sudden stop. A wave of uncertainty washed over him. Was he interrupting something? He stepped back onto the pavement. Watched Ji-ho approach her and engage in conversation. 

“Seo-jin. I’m so sorry but I have to go. My wife just called to say our youngest has a fever and wants to take her to the emergency room to her check out.”

“No of course. You should go now.” her voice light and tinged with concern.

“I’m so sorry I really need to...”

“No. Go. Don't wait. Go.” she waved Ji-ho on toward the office doorway. 

He turned and hurried into the building. As he left Seo-jins phone rang. She answered it turning towards the street, her back towards the building, the phone up against her ear. That was when she looked up and saw him. Her eyes meeting Hyun-woo’s.

Her expression shifted, a flicker of recognition and surprise, she stopped dead in her conversation.

Hyun-woo backed away from the pavement and turned his back on her, retreating the way he had just come. The dog, tugged behind him, unsure where they were now going. 

Seo-jin saw him leave. She lowered the phone from her ear and quickly looked side to side as she ran out into the street, no hesitation. She called his name. Unmistakable. Loud.

“Hyun-woo!”

The call came from a distance. He kept walking. Then again.

“Hyun-woo! Stop! Please!”

He slowed his pace and finally stopped. He heard the clatter of her heels on the pavement behind him. She was running after him. Her heels slowing as she got closer to him and eventually stopping.

There was a long silent pause. He finally turned his head slightly, then fully, to face her. His eyes were wide, caught between the past and the present.

THE END