"Will this do?"Minho asked.

"Yes,"I replied.

I am currently in Minho's car. This cant be real........

I glanced at Minho's face.

He used to be so boyish. Now, he's grown so manly.

The car stopped at a traffic.

Minho looked at me sitting in the passenger's seat.

"What is it?"

He extended his hand and softly my hair. "Its still wet."

I started towelling my hair vigorously.

Oh God.....I can feel myself blushing. He's going to see it...

The lights changed and Minho drove the car forward.

It was still raining outside but surprisngly quiet inside the car.

Gah, this silence is so awkward.

"Mind if I put on some music?"

"Sure thing."

I the CD player. It started playing jazz music.

"Jazz? Now that's a surprise?"

"Its good for putting the moves on girls."

"You changed havent you Minho? You used to act so tough."

"Well, people change. I'm 30 now. Its been 12 years since graduation."

"12 years huh....? Its been so long..."

 

"Minho, are you going to Italy?"

"Yeah."

"I see..."

"As things stand right now, I wont get on the National Team. I need to train myself in a more demanding setting."

"Oh okay. Well, do your best. I'm sure you'll make your dreams come true."

I felt the tears that I've been holding back b in my eyes and I turned away from him.

"I need to go. My mum's waiting for me. Send me a letter when you have the time okay? Goodbye."

I started to run off but Minho grabbed my arms.

"Jiyoon!"

"...."

"Look at me."

Minho embraced me from behind.

"Could you wait for me?'

I didnt reply.

"I'll be back for you, mark my words."

I remained in Minho's embrace and couldnt say a word.

I quietly turned and ..............

Minho's heart pounded against mine.

"Jiyoon...."

He never said my name like that before.

Minho's face drew nearer.

Our noses collided.

"Sorry,"he said, embarrassed.

He laughs awkwardly and gave my nose a gentle pat, then brought his lips don for a gentle kiss.

I closed my eyes and savored the feel of his lips.

So that I would never forget it.

 

It makes me sad, remembering that..........

"I know 12 years is a long time but I figured you'd wait for me."

What am I even supposed to say to that?

"Oh, the rain stopped."

 

"Thanks for the ride."

Minho offered me a card.

"That's my private card."

I accepted it. It has the name Chi Minho printed in the middle in a large font.

"I got your contact info from the class reunion organizer. Lets go out for dinner next week. I'll call you."

"I....."

"It has to be next week. Once the season starts, it wont be easy for me to free up my schedule."

"....."

"You dont want to see me?"

I've just gotten married....I cant go on seeing Minho anymore.

"Heh! Dont take it seriously! I'm not about to lay a hand on a newlywed!"

"Cut it out!"

"I was just wanting to see how you'd react. Stay happy Yoonie."

"Thank you, Goodbye."

Minho climbs back into his car and drove off.

I watched the taillights of the caras it drove away and turned toward my house.

Kris was standing there, watching me.

 

He saw me with Minho....

"Kris..."

"Welcome home,"He said with a smile.

Why is Kris smiling so casually?

Because he's fooling around himself?

"Thanks..."

"I'm going out for a bit........"

"Huh?"

"I dont know when I'll be back so you can go on to bed before I get back."

That was all Kris said before walking off toward the parking lot.

"Kris, wait! Cant we talk a little first?"

I called out to him but he just kept going.....

Kris doesnt seem the least bit interested in me...I guess he really doesnt love me..........

 

I sat on my bed in my room and stared absently at nothing....

So many things happened in such a short time.

I had no idea what to do or even what I wanted to do.

I looked at the framed photo of our wedding.

What is marriage anyway?

I wanted to build a happy family with Kris back then.

I was sure I'd be happy with him....But....

"I know 12 years is a long time but I figured you'd wait for me."

"Stay happy Yoonie."

I reflected on Minho's words and found myself overwhelmed with the urge to cry.

If only I'd seen Minho three months back..I'd be......

*sob* I just....I just want to be happy.............

Ding Dong!

Kris? Did he came back?

I looked at myself in the mirror, my eyes were puffy.

"Ughh, I looked like hell..."

The doorbell rang again. I had no choice but to go nd answer it.

 

"M-Mr Choi.....?"

"I told you not to let it go to your head!"he snapped at me.

He was holding the envelope and memo that he has entrusted to me. I guess I totally forgot about that.

But he must have seen my face and deflated a little with the next thing he said,"What''s wrong? You dont look well."

"I was having trouble putting on my contacts,"I lied.

He knows better than that.

"I'm sorry that I forgot those home. You came to bring it to me, didnt you?"

"Yeah."

"I'll make sure to bring it to the client on Monday. That's such an embarrassing blunder on my part.I'm so sorry."

"Just be more careful."

I took it away when he offered them to me.

"Is your husband here?"

"No...He just stepped out........"

"Oh then, can you join me for a bit?"

"Umm okay..But do you mind waiting, I need to change first. I'm still wet from the rain."

"Sure."

I returned to my room and placed the envelope and memo on the the dresser.

What am I doing?

Becoming anxious over the job the client had appointed me to do, going through one mood swing after another from Minho's to Kris's words..........

I totally forgot about the my task.

"You'd better than this! Keep it together!"

I told myself in the mirror. I went to the washroom to wash my face.

 

Having changed my clothes and reapplied some make up, I silently followed after Mr Choi.

He said nothing as he walked ahead of me.

This morning his back seemed so cold. Now it feels gentle to me. I wonder why........

 

Mr Choi stepped in front of a bar.

"Umm, here."

"Yeah. FYI, we designed the interior here."

He opened the door and went right in.

Of all the........

That man from the park, he said before that he works here.

I stood hesitantly before the doors.

'Hey, what's wrong? Come on in."

Mr Choi held the door open for me and urged me in.

Well, whatever will be, will be.

I steeled myself and stepped inside.

I snuck peek at the counter and saw Park Chanyeol there.

I knew it!

I tried to hide my face as I followed after Mr Choi.

I sat on a sofa with my back facing the bar and let out a sigh.

"Order whatever you like..."

"Thank you."

The owner came up to us.

"Hey there Siwon. Its not everyday you bring a woman here."

"She just started working for me. This is the owner of the bar, Mr Lee Teuk."

"I'm Jeon Jiyoon, nice toi meet you."

"Same to you. What would you have?"

'Let's see...A Tom Collins with lime."

"The usual for me."

"Right away."

"Do you come here often to drink?" I asked curiously.

"I just visit a lot of bars as part of the job. What kind of interior does a place have? Whats their concept? What do customers want in a bar, restaurant? I'm always thinking about that sort of thing."

"You're a natural workholic, arent you?"

"I suppose I am. Work is all I have, I guess."

"...."

"....."

What to do? I cant keep the coversation with Mr Choi going? I barely know anything about him?

"Thank you for waiting. Here is your Tom Collins and Gin and Tonic."

Crud, I'd been trying to avoid being spotted.... Why'd he have to be the one to bring our drinks here?

"Oh hey there Missy."

"Hi..."

"You and Jiyoon know each other?"

"Yeah, sort of,"Changyeol replied.

"Excuse me but we just met last night. Would you mind not making it sounds weird?"

"We may have met only last night but I've already seen you crying and getting angry."he pointed out. 'Fascinating..."

I turn to look at Mr Choi. "Please dont get the wrong idea. He just happened to see me at a bad time. Nothing happened between us."

"Isnt your denying it in an irritated tome starnger than anything I've said in the first place?"

He may have a point there..but for some reason, it throws me off having him nearby.

"And what's your relation with Missy, Mr Choi?"

"She works under me."

"Oh, I see."

He turns to me," Hey Missy..I'd like to have a drink with you too."

"What?"

He ignores me. "You mind Mr Choi?"

"Do what you want."

What the..... Mr Choi agrees to it which means I cant refuse!

I clutched my Tom Collins and began gulping it down.

I guess I've got no choice but to drink tonight.

How did I end up drinking with Choi Siwon and Park Chanyeol?

 

"Hey Missy, do you mind if I call you Jiyoon?"

I looked at him hatefully. "Cut it out! I dont wanna give others the wrong idea!"

"What? Most married women like being called by their first name."

"Is that right?" Mr Choi asked in interest.

"In my experience... Especially women with kids. Everyone around them calls them so and so's mom. They love it when people address them by their own name."

"Well, I dont see why a guy I dont even like, has to call me anything..."

"Oh really?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Well, in that case, I'll just have to get you to like it."

He said, then took holf of my shoulders and drew close.

"Ouch!"

I bumped my forehead to his.

Changyeol rubbed his forehead with one hand.

"Oh geez.. I think I see stars!"

"What is with you toying with married women? That's really not cool you know!"

Though my forehead stings but nothing compared to my pain inside.

"Excuse me! One Margarita please!"

"Well, I'll be damned. You're a tough drinker Missy. You've had a Tom Collins and a Gimlet. That'll be your third drink."

"Arent you having a little too much?" Mr Choi asked.

*hiccup* "I am fine!"

 

After that I got two morw Margarita refills and found myself in totally high spirits.

"See, there's no telling when a guy's being nice or cold......... They always send out mixed signals.. And we're the one always get hurt by it!"

"You're talking about your husband, I bet. Of course you will feel that way after catching him in the act."

"...."

"Hey Missy...If you're feeling lonely... I'll keep you company anytime."

"No thanks."

"How about that arrogant Goalie then?"

"Arrogant Goalie?" Mr Choi asked.

"Choi Minho. A Goalie on the National Soccer Team. He just got back from Italy. He's Missy first love."

"I'm gonna wash my hands!!!" I announced.

Clatter....

I rose quickly to my feet and stumbled.

"Hey, are you okay?" Mr Choi asked concernly.

"Towawy fiiineee!"

"Heh. You cant even enunciate right." Chanyeol mocked.

"Towawy fine, I said!!!"

I teetered and tottered my way to the washroom.

I am totally pissed off. I cant believe he said all that in front of Mr Choi.. Ughh, my head feels so sluggish...

 

"Ow...I got a spiltting headache!"

Huh, I'm riding on someone's back?

"Mr Choi?"

"Oh, you're up."

"I'm so sorry. You can put me down now," I said hastily and Mr Choi leaned down.

I quickly dismounted from his back.

I was so embarrassed that I couldnt even look up to his face.

"I'm so sorry for letting you see me in this state. Such an awful spectacle..I'm really sorry sir."

"You passed out on the couch in front of the washroom. Be more careful next time."

"Yes sir."

"Its late. Start walking. I'll see you home."

"Oh no thank you. I should be fine from here. My house isnt far at all and I couldnt possibly put you through any more trouble."

"All right."

"Thank you very much."

Mr Choi started to leave, then paused and pulled something out of his briefcase.

"Here, cool your head with this."

It was a herbal drink.

"Oh, thank you."

"Dont forget to deliver the envelope on Monday."

"Yes sir."

He turned away and walked off.

I silently watched him go.

Did Mr Choi saw that I was depressed and inivited me for a drink?

Mr Choi's back was a very gentle back.

 

I got back and looked at the clock. Its 3am.

I guess Kris never came back. Is he seeing that woman again?

I sat back listlessly on the couch.

I sipped on the herbal drink Mr Choi had given to me.

"Ughh..bitter.."

I lay down on the couch.

Another wave of drowsiness hit me.

I fell asleep, still in my clothes and makeup.

 

"You okay?"

I heard a distant voice.

Of course I'm not okay! My body and heart are both a wreck!

"Dont worry. I'm with you. I'm on your side always."

"Thank you,"I managed to muttered out.

"Get lots of rest."

Pleasant dreams............

In my dream, someone gently my hair and I dozed off.

The curtains billowed lightly as pleasant wind blew in through the window.

I was on my bed, swathed in white sheets.

Someone was at my side, I could feel his warm hands, his warm gaze upon me.

I fell sound asleep, feeling happy........

 

My eyes snapped open at the sound of the alarm clock.

"Oh geez, I dozed off without washing my makeup off!"

I've been getting so upset and crying so much. I really am a wreck.

That dream felt so real....

"Dont worry.I'm with you. I'm on your side, always."

Who could that be...................................................................................................

 

End of Prologue....