Sung-hee stared at the closed sketch book and sighed heavily not understanding what the problem was.  She hadn’t been able to draw anything she was satisfied with ever since the party, even more so than before.  All she could think about was what her inspiration could possibly be.  A part of her figured it would be Thunder and yet whenever she painted something inspired by him she still felt like there was something holding her back from showing true potential.  “Gah!  What did that institute see in me anyway?”  The more that Sung-hee thought about it the angrier she became which probably wasn’t helping in her quest to understand either. 

Disappointed in her thoughts she flipped open the sketch book and proceeded to rip all the new sketches she had made out and crumpled them up.  With an unskilled hand she tossed them towards the garbage can joining their brothers and sisters in a pile near the bin.  Each tossed away idea seemed to cry out to her for a second chance but she didn’t dare listen in fear of that dreadful sense of dissatisfaction would return the second she smoothed out those angry creases.

She laid on the bed her lower legs in the air, crossed together and her chin propped up on her hand carefully as she stared at the wall.  Her oversized hoodie spilled out over some of the area around her on the bed scrunching up with each move she made.  All in all she looked completely comfortable if it wasn’t for the dark look in her eyes as she thought more and more about what she was going to do about her art.  I need answers damn it!  Groaning she rolled around her arms and legs now sprawled out covering the queen sized bed.  “But how am I supposed to get those answers?”  Once again she rolled almost to the edge of the bed now to the point she almost scared herself into thinking she was going to fall.  “It’s not like there is really anyone around here that would know what I was talking about.” 

Wait!  That’s it!  Squealing, she rolled off the bed and her face met with the red plush looking carpet.  Wincing, she slowly moved up so she was resting on her knees and gingerly touched her nose wincing a little at the sensitivity.  “Sanghyun’s right I need to start paying attention to my surroundings more.”  Rubbing her nose one more time she crawled on the floor until she reached the chair in the corner right by the connecting door and fished around her purse.  “Come on where are you?  Stupid black hole of a purse I need to-ah ha!”  With a victorious smile she pulled out her phone and leaned against the chair her arm propping her up against it. 

With a small smile on her face she flipped it open and dialed a number she knew all too well.  “Delphine you know you want to tell me where your uncle lives right?”

“Oh I’m fine Sung-hee.  How are you?”

Sung-hee blinked a few times in surprise at Delphine’s almost snide tone before chuckling.  “I’m grumpy actually because my friend won’t tell me where her uncle lives.”  Pouting a little she shifted on the floor until her back was against the base of the chair. 

“You do realize how awkward your question sounds right?  Especially when you’re supposed to be spending time with your boy toy.” 

Once again Sung-hee was taken aback by the thought processes her dear friend could have some times.  Laughing heartily she shook her head almost falling forward.  “Dirty minded freak,” She could just imagine Delphine sticking her tongue out at the phone, “seriously though it’s important I need his help with some things.”

There was a long pause to the point Sung-hee would have thought that they had lost connection had Delphine’s subtle breathing not caused a little static from the phone.  “Okay fine I’ll tell you and I’ll let him know you’re coming after we hang up he’s not partial to surprise visits.  Now you want to-”

“Hold on!  I need a pen and paper!”  After her sudden interruption she scrambled to her feet she ran over to the night stand by the bed where complimentary paper and a pen could be found.  Scrawling a few circles with the pen she decided it was good enough and smiled a little.  “Alright tell me.”  Nodding every few seconds she wrote down the instructions that Delphine gave her, read over them a few times and finally let out a satisfied sigh.  “Thanks Delphine I know I owe you big time.”  The sincerity in her voice wasn’t something that Delphine heard often and Sung-hee was certain there was a shocked look on her friend’s face. 

“I expect full payment in donuts and or hot boy fan-girling sessions I accept both payment methods in full or as a mix.”

“I think I can handle that.  By the way has my apartment burned down yet?”  Her tone was offhand as she picked at her nail a smirk on her face.  Sometimes she really enjoyed knowing exactly how to bother Delphine.    

“Ha ha very funny Park you’re a real comedian you know that?  You should have your own show.”

“Oh don’t be so grumpy.  I’m away from you for six days and all you get so depressed.  Don’t you worry baby I’ll be home tomorrow.” 

“That’s right Sung-hee I just can’t live without you.”

“So you finally admit it?  Good when should we tell the others about the wedding?”

“I refuse to marry you.”

“Don’t deny our r squared pie

“I expect the first payment in full when you return.”

Before Sung-hee could even think of responding she was met with the dial tone.  Rolling her eyes she waiting for the call to end automatically and tossed her phone on the bed.  “Always have do get the last word don’t you Delphine?”  Chuckling Sung-hee picked up the paper she scrawled the instructions on, “What is it with the most helpful people living out where no one is?”  She had been told that it would be an hour and a half adventure of a bus ride to get there not including the time waiting for the bus or changing busses. 

Sighing she grabbed a pair of jeans out of her suitcase by the night stand and glanced down at her plain blue t-shirt deciding if she would change or not.  After a few seconds of battling her laziness she finally decided that nope she was keeping the shirt.  With a small sigh she slipped into the jeans and her sneakers before heading out.  She almost left without her key but managed to catch the door in time and avoid that rather embarrassing front desk adventure.

The walk to the bus station she had to go to was an adventure all on its own.  While she had her Japanese dictionary with her and managed to find her way via some English speakers and sheer luck getting from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’ was nerve racking.  After a little while she ended up having to call Delphine again to help her actually buy the correct ticket. 

After the nearly two hour adventure she arrived in front of a steel gate.  She couldn’t help but be pleased that it was plain with only a low wall accompanying it so she could see the traditional home and some of its surroundings.  A part of her was amused that he fell into the stereotype of the artist getting away from the city but on the same level she admired his choice of estate.  Then again she always had a love for flowers and the special detail they add to a home.

Carefully she stepped back and glanced to the side to find a rope connected to a bell which was next to a receiver that Sung-hee was certain would make the sound loud enough for anyone in the area to hear.  Wasn’t exactly the way she expected it but then again Mr. Hitashi was known widely to do many things differently.  Once of the many reasons she admired him so much.

Around a minute after she rang the bell a young man appeared.  He was tall in stature with his dark hair perfectly coiffed a comfortable grey suit and tie though the jacket was completely buttoned giving Sung-hee the distinct impression he wasn’t going to like her appearance.  Fears were confirmed as she watched his brown eyes change from a polite façade to a disgruntled annoyance.  Almost as if he was trying to say; how dare a girl like her attempt to come to such a place?  If that wasn’t obvious enough to her his slight sneer gave him away.  She wasn’t as good in the art as Mr. Hitashi was but she held her own, especially when it came to predictable reactions she had seen time and again. 

“What is your business here?”  At first he asked in Japanese but when she didn’t seem to understand he repeated it slowly in English.  Moments like this Sung-hee was glad that Hyo practically forced her to learn English.

For a moment Sung-hee was worried that Delphine hadn’t called even though she said that she had.  But Delphine wasn’t really one to lie especially on these sorts of matters.  Raising a brow Sung-hee smoothed out her shirt a bit, “I’m here to see Hitashi-sensei.” 

She could tell he was holding back his laughter and she couldn’t help but wonder why someone like him would work for someone like Hitashi.  But then again a helping hand was a helping hand, rude or not.  “You’re here to see Hitashi-sama?”  Sung-hee was proud of herself that she was learning to bite her tongue a few months ago she would have thrown a fit.

“Yes.  So are you going to let me in so I can speak to him or not?”

“How am I supposed to believe that a little girl such as yourself would be invited here?  You look like you belong on the street somewhere not a sophisticated place like this.  So I will ask you to leave, good day.”  With that he smirked, straightened his jacket and turned to walk away.  With a growl Sung-hee reached forward and grabbed his arm.

“Now you listen here.  I barely understand this language and I spent the last two hours trying to navigate from my hotel where I’m supposed to be spending time with my boyfriend to get answers from your boss.  I’m not leaving until you let me in to see him don’t think I won’t ring this bell all day or hop the wall I’m not above either.”  Her hiss was enough to make him turn in shock as he saw her hand grasped firmly around the rope her eyes daring him to test her. 

He yanked his arm away and rubbed where she had a fairly firm grip on him.  “Now listen here little girl don’t think I’m above calling the police on you I’m sure your boyfriend won’t enjoy having to bail you out of jail!”  A vicious staring contest ensued with neither giving an inch.

“That’s enough Tai.” 

Both gasped and turned to find Hitashi lazily walking forward with his hands in his pockets and a lollipop stick dangling between his lips.  To Sung-hee he looked like a completely different man from the party, comfortable and while he still carried the same experienced air she wasn’t as afraid.  He looked perturbed by the spat and that became more obvious in his features as he drew closer. 

Tai’s eyes widened and he turned to Hitashi flinging one arm in Sung-hee’s direction.  “But Hitashi-sama this girl-”

Hitashi raised a brow and took the stick between his fingers revealing the half eaten confection.  “Is a friend of my niece, you remember Delphine don’t you?”  His tone was almost teasing and Tai shriveled back a bit and Sung-hee spotted a light blush on his cheeks.  So he had a crush on her best friend?  Ha wait till I tell her how much of an you are!  Her spiteful side still hadn’t simmered down even as Tai opened the gate.  Turning to Hitashi she bowed and he returned the gesture before motioning for her to follow him. 

Straightening out she jogged lightly to catch up to him stopping only for a second to turn and stick her tongue out at Tai who sneered before heading back into the house.  Rather satisfied with herself she turned and met up with Delphine’s uncle who already had a green lollipop out and ready for her.  “You have more disrespect for authority than my niece.  I have yet to decide if that’s a good thing or not.”  He looked over at her with a small smile. 

Hesitantly she took the candy and began to fiddle with the wrapper.  “I am sorry to come without a decent warning but I really do need your help.”  The sincerity and sweetness of her tone surprised even Sung-hee. 

“I know.  Delphine told me that you’ve been having a lot of trouble figuring out exactly what you need to do to understand how to find your inspiration.  But I can’t really assist you,” Sung-hee’s face fell, “until you tell me more about yourself.”  He added with a knowing look.

The request honestly scared Sung-hee a little though she really should have expected for the question to arise.  But could she trust him to not judge her?  “Well I’ve grown up in Se-”

“You know that’s not what I mean.”  He interrupted with a small frown hard on his lollipop as they reached a small garden area along the trail complete with a small pond and a few shrubs here and there with flowers and other foliage. 

Sighing she nodded and broke from the path to stand by the pond and watched as a few of the fishes swam about content.  Finally removing the wrapper on the lollipop she stuck the er in and sighed once more.  “Alright have it your way then.”  Tugging on a few stray strands of hair she started to open up to him leaving out a few details like the kidnapping and a few others.  By the time she was finished his er was discarded and they had ended up on a bench near the pond and next to a row of bushes and a Sakura tree. 

“Not exactly a commonplace story.  Most stories I’ve heard like yours tend to not get such a happy ending.”

“I’m not so sure there is a happy ending just yet.”

Suddenly he stood and grabbed a small bud off one of the low lying Sakura branches and placed it in Sung-hee’s palm.  “Tell me is this flower ready to bloom?” 

She stared down at the bud with a raised brow not understanding the point of this.  “Well um no it’s not.”

He smiled, “And will it ever get the chance since it’s now deprived of the chance?”  Sung-hee just shook her head in response.  “Exactly!  Like this flower you can’t take away the chance for a happy ending.  Tying yourself to sadness will never let your muse come to life and that is just a sad life of an artist.”  He took her hand and led her to the pond.  Carelessly he dropped the bud into the water.  “You see those ripples there?  Imagine for a moment that all life’s uncertainty is represented by those ripples distorting the otherwise clear water so the flower can’t see its own reflection.  But once it looks past all the struggles then it will finally see itself for the beautiful flower that it is.” 

A part of her wanted to remind him that it was a bud but she was finally starting to understand what he had been trying to say to her since the charity event.  “But what if the flower keeps rocking and the ripples never stop?”  Curiously she looked from the bud up to him as he kept his gaze on the pond a gentle smile still on his face.

“Well then dear you’re just holding onto troubles too much then aren’t you?”  Turning to her his expression turned serious.  “Holding onto the past will never allow you to move into the future.  You can’t expect everything to go wrong and be shackled to what ifs forever.” 

For a moment she tried to find a way to respond to him but she just couldn’t.  She knew he was right and that was something she hated more than anything.  But learning to let go of the past when it was still so dangerously close to her was difficult.  “Easier said than done.”  She mumbled slightly disgruntled that he was able to pick her apart so easily.

Thankfully he understood her grumbling and why she was so irked.  With a gentle laugh he patted her shoulder.  “You know I’m honestly surprised that boy of yours isn’t your muse.  But that would just be too easy wouldn’t it?” 

With that Sung-hee finally managed to laugh and nodded, “It’d be too much like a fairy tale if you ask me.”  Sometimes though, she had to admit, she felt like she was in a fairy tale or at least a story.  But then again one could argue that there could be someone writing her story or at the very least observing it somehow.  Like that Dr. Seuss story Horton Hears a Who.

He nodded and the two began to walk back to the house gate.  “Yes but perhaps your soul needs a little more to fly then hm?

Freedom right?  But how can I be free when that bastard never seems to leave me alone now?  She knew she couldn’t face him.  Not yet anyway.  But she knew she would have to otherwise she’d never be satisfied with herself.  “Perhaps.” A silence took them over as they made their way back to the gate but Sung-hee was surprised when he made a sudden turn to enter the house.  “I’m grateful for your help but perhaps I should get going.  I’ve intruded on your afternoon long enough.” 

He turned to her with a small shake of his head.  “Oh nonsense I never let anyone leave my house without first enjoying a cup of tea.”   Seeing that he wasn’t going to let her leave and knowing how rude it would be to refuse she nodded slowly and took his offered arm as he escorted her into the cozy home.

Someday soon we’ll cross paths again father.  I just hope that when that time comes I’ll be ready to face you and the past.