OK, girl neoegeman yes man mweodeunji da haejulge OK, girl ijebuteo nikkeoya I love you

Rolling away from the phone she wrapped her pillow around her head trying to, unsuccessfully, drown the song out.  After repeating the line one more time silence spread over the apartment and Sung-hee relaxed enough to start to drift to sleep again.    

OK, girl neoegeman yes man mweodeunji da haejulge OK, girl ijebuteo nikkeoya I love you

“Come on!”  Throwing her pillow up in the air she rolled towards the phone grumbling. “Am I not sleep allowed to sleep past noon?”  Teeth grinding together and eyes squinted she fished around for the phone still mumbling dark curses.  Peering at the caller id her heart stopped for just a second.  Work.  Clearing she finally answered.  “Hello?”

There was a sigh on the other end from what she assumed to be annoyance from her obviously tired voice.  “So you want to explain to me why I had to spend an hour calming a customer down the other night and dealing with the complaints we’ve received in the past several hours?”  Usually Blaise’s calm voice would be a comfort, now his almost monotone voice scared her. 

Clearing she sat up, rubbed her face and responded, “Well apparently, because I made a drunk girl very angry earlier this morning.”  Looking back on it she should have handled the situation better but she couldn’t bring herself to regret any of her actions.  Though a part of her decided that she needed to learn to tread more carefully. 

“And why did you do that?”

She scoffed while rolling her eyes, unimpressed, “Because her boyfriend was hitting on me?”

Blaise sighed; exasperated with her tired and unconcealed annoyed tone.  She never did seem to get a handle on talking kindly to authority that questioned her methods.  “So you thought it wise to behave the way you did when I specifically told you to learn to bite your tongue.  Stuff like that happens you can’t confront every person.

Knowing what was coming next she didn’t bother to censor herself like she was learning to do.  Instead she scoffed, wondering if he could feel her annoyance through the phone.  “You clearly don’t know my personality despite your extensive screening.” Her voice was almost a growl as she remembered the long interview she had to give in order to even be considered.  “I remember you saying that my attitude was refreshing and would be good to keep the crazies away.” 

“That was before started to keep others away as well.  Apparently your friend is quite popular and we can’t afford to lose any business.  You realize the effect it will have for the companies that frequent my club?  They want everything to go on without a hitch.”

“So now I’m the bad guy for standing up for myself?  Something that you recommended I do.”  She added just for the extra sting it would provide. 

“I didn’t say that I-”

“You didn’t have to.”

Another exasperated sigh, “Look, maybe this isn’t going to work out, for now I mean.”

Chortling she fell back into the bed a displeased smirk on her face as she wiggled around on the sheets.  “You sound like you’re breaking up with me.  But I’ll save you the trouble I quit.”  Over the past couple of weeks she had already been taking to the Institute to move as a full time provider giving her full use of the facilities and move her works out to the public quicker.  There was of course the little snag of lack of satisfaction but it was better than bothering others that didn’t understand her methods.  At the Institute she had seen many with the exact same personality as herself placing her more at home.

“Maybe just take a few weeks off instead?  You’re just stressed.”

She knew the only reason he was trying to change her mind was their lack of staff just like any other place of employment would.  “If you could afford to lose me you wouldn’t be opposed to this and you know it Blaise.  I’d prefer to not drive away your customers.  My decision is final.”

“Sung-hee-”

“I’ll pick up my last paycheck Friday.”  With that she hung up and dropped the phone on the bed with a soft, unsatisfying plop.  Rolling onto her stomach she buried her face in the nearby elephant stuffed animal, too lazy to reach for her pillow that was now on the other side of the bed.  She tried to let the fluffiness lure her back into a peaceful sleep.  But the longer she laid there sprawled out on her bed a rather annoying twitch in her neck turned into the beginnings of a headache.  Exhaling heavily moved to sit up coughing a little as some of the elephants fur got in . 

Snatching her phone up she headed downstairs to make some coffee as the headache slowly started to disappear.  A few minutes later she was at her couch with a plate of scrambled eggs in her lap and a large cup of coffee on the table.  To her it was nearly a perfect morning or afternoon with only her favorite idol missing.  She was about halfway done with her eggs when she her laptop wondering if Hyo was online.  Skype had always been their most effective way to talk, especially when he was abroad, and it would make the conversation about to ensue, a little less scary.

Not surprisingly he was online, Mee-Yon was abroad today, at a fashion show in Japan if she was remembering correctly and knowing Hyo he told her to check in as soon as she got to the hotel.  For just a moment she hesitated not knowing how his work day was going or what he mood was like.  Tapping the keys she sigh and shook her head, “Just rip off the band aid.”  With another deep breath she pulled up the chat window.  Hey oppa guess what! 

There was no response for a minute or two but she didn’t let that annoy her too much she knew how busy he could be sometimes.  Just when she was about to take a sip of her coffee a little ding caught her attention.  What’s up my favorite sibling?

Sung-hee raised a brow in amusement.  He was in far too good of a mood to be at work.  Maybe his deal finally worked out with that company in Japan he had talked nonstop about last week?  She smiled a bit at the thought but couldn’t for the life of her remember the name of the company.  Oppa I’m your only sibling…

He didn’t even hesitate to respond this time.  Thus you’re my favorite :D

I’m not sure if I should be offended and or laugh :P  Despite herself she did laugh at her excited brother.  Definitely something they would have to talk about when they got together next week.  She was almost sad that their weekly lunch had already come and gone the other day.

Just when she was about to start typing again the little pencil appeared at the bottom on the chat and she stopped.  Anyway what am I supposed to guess?  You know I’m a terrible guesser.

In all honesty Sung-hee had almost forgotten about what she was trying to get him to guess for the moment as she was trying to remember what the name of the company was.  Smiling she put the plate on the table and slid the laptop onto her lap.  Okay fine ruin my fun.  I was going to tell you in person but I figured you were pretty busy today. She paused for a moment; a little hesitate on how to break the news to him.  After a few moments she finally decided that the less he knew on the matter the better so the happiest approach would be the best.I’m making the move to be a full time artist in two weeks!  They’re assigning me to a room and everything!

This time the pause scared her.  Anxiously she fiddled with her thumbs hoping that he wouldn’t start asking too many questions about it.  The old Hyo would have automatically assumed she had gotten fired, which would have been correct back then, and would unleash hell on her.  When the little pencil appeared again she felt like her heart was going to explode.  So you’re not going to work at the bar anymore?

One of the things she always hated about chatting, you never could tell how to take what a person said.  Yeah…are you mad? In a rush to explain she started to type faster,I know it won’t be steady income at least for now but I won’t be a burden I promise <3

This time there was no hesitation and Sung-hee relaxed a bit since that usually meant he was trying to explain himself.  No, no! I’m actually really happy you don’t need to be around that environment anymore anyway and you know I don’t mind having to take care of you :P

Hyo loved taking care of people.  Which was why Mee-Yon was so perfect for him; she always needed someone taking care of her.  And Sung-hee was no exception Hyo had spoiled her rotten when she was younger but she really didn’t want to rely on him forever.  She did have to be independent at some point.  I know oppa but I don’t want to burden you forever.

Aish silly girl you’re my baby sister never a burden :)

If you say so :P

I’ve got to get to a meeting but we’ll have lunch on Monday and talk about the awesome news then okay? But you should go somewhere with Delphine to celebrate! :)

Pouting a little bit she nearly objected but knew that he would scold her for it.  She had been hoping to really get to talk to Hyo or at least someone really.  With a small sigh she slid the laptop off her lap and replied.  Awww okay oppa fighting! 

Picking up her plate, she woofed down the rest of the, now cold, sustenance with a satisfied grunt of sorts.  Her next target, the lukewarm coffee, was disposed of even faster her fingers twitching a little at the sudden caffeine rush.  The plate and the cup were rinsed and placed in the dishwasher to be forgotten for about a week and she hopped up on the counter swinging her legs lightly as she looked around her apartment.  In all honesty she felt a little lonely, more so than before.  Sure she always felt a little lonely, especially when she was at her old apartment but lately the feeling had grown despite how much she shoved it down.  “So happiness brings me more loneliness?  Oh the irony.”  Laughing at her dry humor she grabbed the cookie jar and slid off the counter heading to the couch once more. 

She got about halfway through the jar and was holding up another Oreo in contemplation.  “To eat you or to close the jar to eat you,” she brought the Oreo closer to her lips, “or to close the jar,” she took the cookie away and held it over the opening of the jar, “decisions, decisions.”  Pursing her lips she glanced between the cookie and the jar three more times.  “To hell with it.”  Shoving the cookie in she chomped almost grumpily on the cookie.  Half a second later her phone went off.  “Oh come on!”  She yelled muffled by the cookie and quickly chewed as she answered.  “Hello?”

“Whatever you’re eating let me get some of it.”

Sung-hee scoffed and munched loudly knowing good and well that it would aggravate her friend.  “Not likely.”

“Seriously I’m hungry.”  Delphine’s whine brought a smile to Sung-hee’s lips as she contemplated getting another cookie.  After a second she shrugged and laid down on the couch with her hand behind her head.  “Seriously I am Sung-hee my stomach is flat and empty!”

This time Sung-hee laughed heartily ignoring her friend’s protest.  “So did you misdial thinking I was McDonalds?”  Actually that happened once when Delphine was sick and she swore she’d never let the younger girl live it down.

“No” Delphine grounded out before taking a deep breath and began again, “actually I need your help.”

her chin with her free hand Sung-hee couldn’t pass up the chance to tease Delphine.  She, like Sung-hee, never liked asking for help even in the most difficult of tasks.  “Interesting, I can actually assist the great Delphine with something?”

Sung-hee could feel Delphine’s glare through the phone and knew that a good smack on the arm was in her future.  “Oh shut it Park I’m serious.

Throwing her free hand up in a defensive motion she chuckled, almost sheepishly before responding.  “Alright, alright what do you need help with?”

A pause ensued and Delphine’s shifting revealed to Sung-hee how silly she felt asking her for help.  “You know that entertainment center that I got?  Yeah I have no idea how to put it together.”

She tried her best to hold it back but a few giggles escaped.  Never in her life did she think the sculptor Delphine would have a problem putting an entertainment system together.  “Seriously Del?  Aren’t there instructions?”

Delphine huffed loudly, “Yes but they’re in English! And I only know how to speak it and it all looks complicated and you’re better at this stuff than I am.”

“No, you’re the sculptor this should be second nature to you.”

“I create abstract art, whimsical sculptures like Christmas trees and people.  My entertainment center is not supposed to be abstract, whimsical or look like a person thank you.  So get your skinny over here and help me.”

“Hush up, you’re skinner than me.”

“Bah I’m calling your bs.”

Sung-hee could practically hear her eyes rolling.  “Blah!” She sounded aggravated but there was a smile on Sung-hee’s lips.  While she was comfortable with her weight she knew Delphine wasn’t and teasing was the best way to get through to her.  “Well when I get there we’re ordering McDonalds cause I want some now.”

Delphine thought it over for a few minutes before laughing, “You pay and it’s a deal.”

“Yes!”  Sung-hee pumped her fist in the air pleased with the prospect of food and stood up from the couch grabbing the cookie jar.  “Okay I’ll be there soon.”  Dropping the phone on the couch she darted upstairs and to her pile of clean clothes in the corner.  Since it was just Delphine she wasn’t particularly worried about appearance, especially if she was going to be working on putting together an entertainment system.  A simple pair of shorts and a t-shirt with sneakers would suffice. 

As happy as she was to go see her friend going outside the building was always hectic for her.  Especially when she knew her father was still around despite disappearing for a while.  The entire bus ride she sat on the edge of her seat her eyes dodging this way and that looking for any signs of him.  And before she entered the apartment building she did one final sweep of the area before heading inside and for the elevator. 

Sung-hee really loved Delphine’s apartment building.  Most of the residents were sculptors and knew each other because there weren’t actually that many apartments despite being a rather large building.  Why?  Because almost all the apartments were either lofts or studio apartments and Delphine’s apartment on the top floor was no exception. 

Humming happily to herself she punched in the code to Delphine’s apartment and smiled seeing her friend on the floor staring at all the parts of the entertainment center.  Of course the color was black; Delphine always had a black and white theme going on.  White walls, white carpets for the upstairs bedroom and black everything else except for her kitchen supplies which were white.  The airy apartment always put Sung-hee in a good mood, especially when Delphine had her curtains drawn back to let in the sun from her large windows.  Pulling off her shoes she slid over the hardwood floor on her socks till she was right behind her Delphine.

“I see you’ve added a new sculptor.”  Delphine spun around in surprise while Sung-hee grinned looking at the tree made entirely out of red and white yo-yo’s in the corner not too far from where the couch was.  “It looks good.”  She added looking back at her friend who was now standing and as expected smacked Sung-hee’s arm. 

“Don’t scare me like that!”

“Not my problem you’re not observant.”  Looking around Delphine she saw where the television was placed off to the side from where it usually was and a few piece of the center were over there.  “Why did you get an entertainment center anyway?”  Delphine usually wasn’t one to splurge on items like that she tended to save her money for art supplies.  Most of which where in the open room next to them only the fruits of Delphine’s labor could be seen throughout the apartment. 

Delphine sighed and rubbed the back of her head, “Well actually it’s a belated birthday present from my cousin.”

Sung-hee blinked rapidly in response not quite understanding the logic of it.  There weren’t many people that Sung-hee knew that were that late when it came to giving a birthday present and actually bothered to get one at all.  “That was like six months ago though.”

Coughing a few times a sheepish look spread over Delphine’s face, “Yeah he tends to forget my whole family tends to forget important dates.”  Coughing again she looked away and towards the entertainment center, “Anyway I do want to use it for at least a little while since he did buy it for me, though he seems to have forgotten I speak English I don’t read it!”  Huffing she kicked at the box on the other side of the room puffing her cheeks up in frustration.  Sung-hee just smiled and wrapped an arm around her friend’s shoulder trying to calm her down.

“Don’t worry that’s what you’ve got me for dear fluent speaker and reader at your service.”  With that she snatched up the instructions and plopped down in the middle of the strewn about mess.  Delphine stood off awkwardly to the side before Sung-hee motioned for her to sit next to her.  Knowing that she wouldn’t be able to always do this for her Sung-hee already decided she was going to explain as she worked. 

Of course, she should have accepted that the process wouldn’t be painless.  Not only was Delphine ten times more impatient than she was but being the friends they were they often got off track talking.  Like how Delphine had a date the other day that turned out to be a creeper.  Sung-hee went more into detail with her incident at Escape.  Delphine also spent a lot of time ranting about her adventure to find black heels at the mall and how the woman stiffed her in her money.  Probably the most distracting was attempting to teach Delphine what a few of the more complicated words were.  Spelling in the English language wasn’t the easiest thing to explain.    

After about four hours of a mixture of working, aggravation, gossiping and ranting the entertainment center was finally in its place with the television resting perfectly in the center.  After a short victory dance they were on the couch with cups of tea and with Kung Fu Panda on the television serving as background noise to their talking.

“I just don’t get why people have to be so crazy you know?  I swear they’re going to drive me insane.  Sometimes I wish I could be like master Oogway and get away from everyone.” 

That was all Sung-hee needed to figure out the perfect celebration for her new artist status and it was the perfect way to start coming to terms with the past.  “Say that again.”  Sung-hee’s excited voice made Delphine a little nervous and she raised a brow and shifted away from the older girl. 

“People are going to drive me insane?”

“No after that!”

“I want to get away like master Oogway?”  She spoke slowly with a strange combination of confusion and hopefulness on her face.  A part of her already knew what Sung-hee was concocting.

As expect Sung-hee jumped up as giddy as a school girl.  “What would you say to going to the mountains for the weekend?  Both of us don’t have work and Hyo and I own a house there.”

“You own a house in the mountains?”

“Yes.”

“Why was I never informed of this before?”

Sung-hee shrugged, “You never asked.”

“Well what are we waiting for global warming to melt the earth?  Let’s go!”  In an instant Delphine had run upstairs to start gathering all the things she would need for the weekend and Sung-hee laughed heartily.  They hadn’t been to the house for an extended period of time in years for a good reason and Sung-hee thought it was about time to start working through that. 

“We’ll have to stop off at my house before we go so I can get my stuff too!”  She reminded her friend as she put the mugs in the dishwasher.  Delphine when she was excited tended to forget that some steps that were necessary, but that was what Sung-hee was for.  The two covered the others faults so well nowadays.

Moments later Delphine came running down the stairs with a huge grin on her lips.  “Yeah of course of course, I can’t believe you have a house in the mountains and you didn’t tell me!  You know how much I love the mountains.”  Her grin turned into a small pout as she poked Sung-hee who just smiled and ruffled her hair much to Delphine’s chagrin. 

“Like I said you never asked.” 

Delphine didn’t respond instead she dragged Sung-hee out the door.  She didn’t let her hand go until they reached her small car since Sung-hee explained the busses wouldn’t be able to take them up all the way up to where they were going.  And she was just as anxious when they arrived at Sung-hee’s apartment throwing random clothes in her friend’s bag.  Eventually Sung-hee told her that if she didn’t calm down she would have to smack her which did get her to cool down a little. 

Another predicament was reached when they got back to the car.  “Delphine get out of the driver’s seat.”

“No.”  Delphine was extremely protective of her car and no one had ever had the pleasure of driving it, not even her own father who helped pay for it.

She huffed irritably and ran a hand over her face trying to push down her annoyance.  “You don’t know how to get there and you know I’m terrible with giving directions.”  She placed her hand over Delphine’s as the young girl gripped the wheel tighter.  “I promise I won’t do anything to hurt your baby.”  After a few more soothing words Delphine was finally coaxed out of the driver’s seat and grumpily took her pace in on the passenger side.

The first half of the drive was spent Delphine making noises every time Sung-hee accelerated or didn’t break when Delphine thought she should.  After a short yelling match she calmed down to dark grumbled and glaring out the window.  In response Sung-hee turned the radio on to the jazz station.  Within twenty minutes Delphine had passed out.

~~~~~~

By the time they finally arrived at the house the sun was about twenty minutes from setting.  The dirt road up to the house was nearly untouched with only faint foot prints from the caretaker Suk who was waiting for them at the start of the trail.  He was a man in his fifties who had been looking over the house since Sung-hee and Hyo moved to the city.  After shaking Delphine awake and grabbing her bag she embraced Suk tightly. 

“It’s been too long Ms. Park.”  His voice was as warm and affectionate as she remembered.  As they separated he turned to Delphine with a smile.  “And who might this darling young girl be?” 

Sung-hee couldn’t help but laugh at Delphine’s face, she hated being called ‘darling’ but she would never voice that to an elder though a knowing glint did shine in Suk’s eyes.  “This is my best friend Delphine, Delphine this is Suk Lee he’s the caretaker of the house.”  Delphine nodded and the two exchanged bows before Sung-hee clapped her hands together and looped arms with both.  “Right then, to the house!”

The walk was comfortably quiet as the two city girls took in the sounds of trees rustling and animals scurrying across the forest floor.  The forest around them got thicker and thicker but the path got wider until they finally reached the house.  It was two stories made out of simple wood but with elegant carvings and kept up with such care there was an indescribable charm about it.  Sung-hee quickly explained there was a pool in the back which instantly perked Delphine’s interest.  Suk on the other hand suggested that since it was getting late they should unpack and they could go down to the market in a town about ten minutes away.

Of course the second that Delphine’s stomach grumbled Suk suggested that they go ahead and head into town to get something which the girls couldn’t disagree to.  He apologized profusely on the way down about not being able to fix the oven in time for their arrival.  Neither seemed to mind they were far too excited to be away from the city for a few days to let a broken oven get them down. 

The restaurant they found themselves at was small with, according to Suk, the best Galbi in all of Korea.  They disagreed at first naming off a few places in Seoul that had amazing Galbi.  That was until the food actually arrived and was prepared.  Suk teased them that he should take pictures of their faces.  It was in fact the best Gabli that either of them had in a long time.

Suk shook his head while getting a good amount of the Galbi despite the protest of the girls.  “Honestly Sung-hee I would expect you to remember how much you loved their Galbi.” 

Delphine looked up at Sung-hee in surprise, “You use to come here a lot Sung-hee?”

For a moment Sung-hee hesitated and glanced at Suk before sighing and looked down at her plate.  “I use to live here.”  She dared to look up when she heard food drop on a plate and Delphine’s shocked expression made Sung-hee smile sheepishly.  “Yeah I use to live here with my mom, Hyo and my dad.  The house hasn’t changed a bit still just as cozy as I remember,” she glanced at Suk who a smile and he nodded happily, “we lived there until mom died and dad left.” Pausing for a second she bit her lip and shoved back all the awful flashbacks and the sick feeling in her stomach.   “After that Hyo and I were too upset to stay.  With Suk-ssi’s help we’ve kept it in order and up to date over the years especially once Hyo started his own company.”

Delphine gave a small smile though Sung-hee could see some annoyance in her eyes.  “Sometimes I swear I think I’ve got you all figured out then you throw this at me.” 

It wasn’t hard to see Delphine’s point of view.  Sung-hee knew so much about her best friend but Delphine still didn’t know those nitty-gritty details about her that any best friend should know.  A wave of guilt washed over her and she poked at her food with a small frown on her lips.  “I know but how about this I promise whatever questions you have over the weekend I’ll answer no matter what okay?”  She looked back to Delphine hopefully and noted that some of the annoyance in her eyes disappeared.

Delphine pursed her lips for a moment before holding out her pinky finger.  “Swear it.”  With a relieved smile on her face Sung-hee linked pinkies with Delphine holding the small embrace for a few seconds before they let go simultaneously.

Suk laughed causing the both of them to look over confused but he smiled affectionately at both of them.  “You two remind me so much of my girls.”  Grabbing his glass he held it in the middle of the table, “A toast!  To new beginnings and company I have to admit I was getting lonely.”  All three of them laughed as they clinked their glasses of water together and took a sip. 

Light conversation followed for a few minutes as they peacefully went back to eating.  Sung-hee was discussing with Suk her latest move to becoming an artist when suddenly Delphine decided to speak up, “Okay first question.”

Surprised Sung-hee turned to her with a slightly raised brow her mind reeling with what she could possibly want to ask here.  “Yes?”

A serious look crossed her face and she leaned closer holding a piece of Galbi near her face.  She didn’t speak for almost a full minute and Sung-hee was about to ask her what she was doing before she finally spoke.  “Do you know the recipe for this?”  Delphine asked waving the Galbi a little bit.  At first Sung-hee wasn’t sure what to do, she blinked a few times in shock and looked to Suk who was laughing quietly.  After a few seconds Sung-hee shook her head in disbelief and laughed a little bit.

“No I don’t.”

“Well that’s a darn shame.”  Delphine pouted and went back to eating the food muttering something about asking the chef.  A few minutes later Suk spoke up that he did know the recipe and Delphine instantly brightened asking him for it and how to make it perfectly.  Sung-hee just sat back quietly, enjoying the blissful ease that washed over her listening to the pair.  Makes me wish I had the courage to come back sooner. 

“You’ll have to teach me too.” 

“I’ll teach you both tomorrow I promise.”  Someone a three way pinky promise was formed inciting more laughter from the table.