Chapter 16: White Ribbon and Games

It’s been a month since her father died but she’s still wearing the white ribbon used by family members when a member passed away. The ribbon is tightly wrapped around her wrist while she goes to her campus as usual. She smiles and laughs normally with her friends as if she’s already moved on with her father’s death. The white ribbon looks like a fancy accessory to others but it mean something else to her. After a whole day in campus, she went back home and her smiles faded, her knees gotten weak and tears flow down her cheeks. It pretending to be strong after losing two of her important men, her father and Lee Kikwang. She hugs her knees while crying on her bed only to find out that it’s morning when she opens her eyes. Another day had passed and yet, not even news of Kikwang reaches her. She searched the small village but no one knew where he went.

The night before her father died, they had a long talk, longer than they ever had in years. Her father knew that the time is near so he just wants to spend it with her, telling her about things that make him happy for years.

“It was raining that time and I was waiting for a taxi.” Her father coughs with a smile as he remembered those times and Hyosung was listening to him. “I was soaking wet until he offered me his umbrella. Without knowing who I am and what I do, he offered me his umbrella while smiling. His kindness is a plus. I was shivering and coughing due to the rain and he brings me back to his house not far from there.”

“Where were you? Why your driver is not there?” she asked.

“I was visiting your mother and I want to be alone. Anyway, in his house, there was nothing much except his computers and stuff. He gave me clothes to wear while waiting for the rain to subside. Then, I saw something that brings me back to my youth, a video game. We played together for a long time and I haven’t had that feeling for a long long time.”

“You used to play with Kangin oppa and...me.”

“But Kangin got busy and you got life. He was the only one that never asks me questions about my job and I feel like home. Since then, I often come to his house to play games and he would excitedly tell me about his new games. Still, he never knew I’m a rich man. Most men around your age met me just to merge the company or gaining something from me but he is different.”

Hyosung stared at her father as he tells him everything about Kikwang. Then later Narsha and Hwayoung joined them. The four of them sit together after so long, sharing stories and memories. The room was filled with laughter and that night made the old man happy. As dawn reached them, their father had gone forever but smiling as his soul leave in peace.

Although their last night was happy, she still feels guilty after what happened. She also met Joon to explain things.

Both of them were sitting face to face, Joon sighs upon their meeting and Hyosung is anxious with a hint of guilty in her eyes.

“I’m sorry Joon...” she said, fiddling with the straw in her glass.

Joon didn’t respond. Joon kept staring at her, looking at her with anger yet feeling embarrassed at his previous act.

“Lee Joon, please forgive me. I didn’t mean to lie.” She looks at him with apologetic face and this time, Joon sighed again.

“I feel so stupid, you know? I thought that you were the most innocent girl I’ve ever known but...” he sighed again. She felt guilty since she could’ve explained it earlier but she was selfish.

“I’m sorry, Joon. It was an arranged marriage and that time I had a crush on you. When you came to me, my wedding was a week away. I was excited to finally see you and I forgot that I have Kikwang. I didn’t like him but I started to fall for him...”

This time, she started to cry, sobbing and slightly wailing at the thought of Kikwang making Joon to startle at her cried. “He is awkward and quiet; he doesn’t have a fashion sense or the skills to charm a woman.” She sniffled, wiping her eyes and her tears and Joon gave her some tissues.

“Do you love him, Hyosung?”

She nodded, regretting herself for his disappearance. “I do. I love him a lot now and I don’t think I can live without him. It hurts me and I’m sure I hurt him more. I like you Joon but I’m sorry I did this to you. I didn’t mean to lie. I wanted to tell you that I’m married to Kikwang but I can’t find the right time to tell. It’s always a mess with me.”

Joon smiles softly, reached his hand to pat her head, gently coaxing her to calm down. Her crying was lessening by his touch. She needed someone to listen and calm her down after letting everything out. “I guess I was in the wrong place and wrong time and if I’m a little bit faster, things won’t happen. It’s okay Hyosung. Hyuna and Nicole told me the truth