Hyun Woo

Two weeks are passing really slow. It's so boring here. Still two days left. I miss the time there. There's expensive food, all sorts of items, but I still miss his cooking.

It's hotter here even though there are so many ACs. I can't sleep soundly, waking up drenched in sweat. I can litter here and no one says anything — there are plenty to clean it — but it doesn't feel the same.

There's a huge home theatre, but watching matches on it isn't fun. There are so many cars, yet I miss the bike rides. Maybe I got too used to that life.

I miss the smell of sage, the sound of the fan at night, the long talks, the horror movies. I'm even missing the mosquitoes. What's wrong with me.

Minho never calls. It's always me, calling him every day, many times a day. Today I didn't. Even I have pride. I'm not that desperate. Let him think what he wants.

Still, beneath it all, I just wanted to hear his voice

Just then the phone rang — it was him.

"Your phone doesn't have balance or are you dead? What happened?" he asked as soon as I picked up.

"I am dead," I answered.

Silence for a minute. His voice sounded different.

"Do you have a cold?" I asked.

"No," he cleared his throat.

"So you were crying since I didn't call? Oh god, you're such a baby." I laughed. Again, silence for a minute.

"You wish," he replied, a smile hidden in his voice.

"Sorry," he said, just one word and I am lost to him again, all my anger gone.

He continued, "I couldn't call today. The shifts were too busy, stretched longer than usual. You know the plant section I had to take care of in your absence? Still, I couldn't sell even half of what you used to." I was sure he was pouting as he said it.

"Don't compete with me. You'll always lose," I teased.

He laughed. I missed that laugh.

"Yeah, I usually lose to you. That I have to agree," he sighed. "How was your day today? Did they already find a girl for you there?" he teased.

"Yeah. How did you guess?" I asked, surprised.

"They're asking me to marry her as soon as I turn eighteen. She's so pretty, you wouldn't believe your eyes if you saw her. She has the prettiest laugh, one that makes you forget everything for a while. The most beautiful eyes — the kind they write about in poetry. And she even has two moles on her left ear, just like you," I added.

"What?" he said in disbelief. "Did she also say yes?"

"Who would say no to me? I'm rich, handsome, and multi‑talented," I said with pride.

"True," he said with hesitation. "And then each of us are born with our own destiny. Poor lady... her destiny is this ,sad it is."

"Why are you sorry for her? So you're okay if I marry at eighteen?" I asked. "Am I not too young, as per you? I could be so many things, do you get it? I have to travel, eat good food, get into a foreign university — most likely the US. Then take over my father's business, make him and myself richer..." I was going on when he cut me off.

"So you want to study in the US?" he asked.

"What do you mean you? You'll also come with me. We'll study together. I have the entire plan ready — I'll show you as soon as I return," I said firmly.

"But what if I don't want to study abroad? What if I have other plans?" he asked.

Just then a servant arrived with dinner, distracting me, and he cut the call.

I called him back immediately. "What do you mean you have other plans?" I asked, trying not to raise my voice.

"I may want to do something else, that's what I'm saying. I won't always string along with you," he said, testing me.

"I'm not asking you to string along. I'm saying you wanted to study at the best university anyway, so why not with me? You'll easily get a scholarship anywhere. And you have to study somewhere, right? So why not together? Then you can join my father's company — you'll easily get a job."

"Why will I get it easily? Because it's your father's company?" His tone was offended.

"I didn't mean it like that. You're very capable. Any company would be lucky to have you." I just wanted him to accept the plan. I hadn't even thought he'd have second thoughts. I thought he'd say yes right away. But now things were looking different.

My father's voice called from outside, summoning me for a discussion. I had to end the call. "My dad is calling. We'll talk about this when I'm back, okay? Don't be so rigid, please. Try to understand me sometimes, Minho." With that, I hung up, will he try to understand me the thought had me restless for the next 2 days.

"So Hyun Woo, these are some universities. Just check them, I'll arrange the rest," my dad said, handing me the brochures before leaving.

I sat at the table, flipping through them. I'd have to choose a place that wasn't too cold — he hated the cold. As I was thinking, my sister, sitting opposite me, spoke abruptly.

"So where are you going?"

"I'm thinking. I'll have to check with Minho too," I said, scanning the details.

"Why do you have to check with him?" she asked, puzzled.

"He'll also be joining, so—"

Before I could finish, she jumped in. "He'll also join? What do you mean? Hyun Woo, did you forget your little game? You were supposed to break all ties after high school, make him cry and all. What happened to that? What is this about going to university together and all this nonsense?" Her voice was sharp, surprised, almost angry.

"That was a childish plan. He's my friend now. He's a good person and a worthy student. I think he should come with me. Plus, he'll earn his scholarship — it's not like I'll be paying for him. So what's the problem? He has to study somewhere, so why not here? Even he was questioning me. I don't see how I'm the illogical one here."

"First of all, why would you tag along with him even after high school? We have nothing to do with him. Secondly, he's right — he might have his own plans. Who are you to decide for him?" she pressed.

"Since he has to study somewhere, why not with me?" I shot back. She was talking like I was making no sense. "I'll persuade him to come. You know if I decide something, no one is as stubborn as me." I locked eyes with her.

"Well, he looks quite stubborn too. The one who beat you even while in high fever? Not sure you'll win this time. Anyway, have a clean break, Hyun Woo. Say your goodbyes after high school and let him live his life, while you live yours."

She stood up and left, her words lingering in the air.