Crossing Paths

I took her hand and smiled, “Nice to meet you too, I’m Yoon Bomi.”

Naeun glanced back at Chorong, once the introduction was over, “What was that just now?” Her inquiry sounded like an interrogation. She asked with a smile but her tone is obviously demurring.

“Nothing…” Chorong uttered. Her pitch went a notch higher as she replied anxiously. I watched her as she tries to brush off the awkward atmosphere, “we were just…”

“I was just expressing my gratitude for the tour.” Not being able to stand the uncomfortable situation we’re in, I had to in. “The hug might be a bit too much though. I’m sorry if it causes discomfort for both of you.” I gave out an apologetic smile to Naeun and she smiled back.

“Oh…I see.” She seems to be satisfied with my excuse. She studied me for a second as I stood there, faking a smile. I watched Chorong at the corner of my eyes as she stares at the empty hall anxiously. Her discomfort is puzzling that I wanted to explore further, however, I held back my curiosity. Not now…

“So, Bomi, where are you from?” Naeun suddenly asked, lighting up the atmosphere. She’s staring at me intensely. “I heard you’re from the States. What made you come back?” The inquiry might have caught me off-guard that even the now-mute Chorong spoke up to cut-off Naeun’s interrogation.

“Yah…watch your mouth…” She smacked her lightly in the shoulder before eyeing her to shut up. Naeun, realizing her straight-forwardness, remained silent for a while.

“I’m sorry…I might have cross the line.”

“No, it’s okay…It’s just that…the reason I came back was a bit upsetting.” I forced a smile remembering the announcement that day.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to tell us.” For the first time, Chorong talked to me, with her gaze on me. She never looked me in the eye unless I took the initiative to do so. She seems sincere and a little bit guilty.  

“Nah…I’m fine.” I gave out a small snicker, “you would find out later anyway.” I clear my throat jokingly and they both looked at me earnestly, with their face full of curiosity.

“I…I came to take my throne back.”      

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“Oh my God…so she’s from Juilliard!” Naeun exclaimed as she roams around the room, the habit she does when she’s bothered, excited or when she’s in her thinking mode. She snatched Yoon Bomi’s profile from Eunji, who was just about to read it. “God, she might have been so talented then.” She added as she flips through the profile for the third time.

“Yah, hand that over. You won’t be able to found out more about her if you just looked through her profile. You better talk to her yourself if you really wanna know her more.” Eunji stood up from her seat and snatched back the poor profile from Naeun’s hand.

“Yoon Bomi, 18 years old; Born on August 13...daebak…she’s just five days older than me.” Eunji exclaimed as she scanned through the profile.  “and ooh… she has a 3rd degree black belt in  Taekwondo.” She looked at me cheekily, “she’s just like you.”

“Mine is Hapkido…that’s totally different.” I retaliated to the silly comparison. “I’m not even similar to her, not in any aspect. She’s bold and daring, I’m not.” I sulked as I throw myself in the couch next to the now-settled Naeun.

“Speaking of boldness, how was your proposal. Did you talk to your dad? He’s a member of the Board, so you might need to convince him too and we all know he’s hard to please.” Eunji asked worriedly. She’s right! My dad’s a tall mountain I have to conquer if I want the proposal to be implemented.

“Just try taking his throne, this time.” Naeun jokingly suggested with the reference of Yoon Bomi’s unexpected answer awhile back. We end up chuckling with the lost Eunji staring back at us. “and now I’m the one who’s missing something.”

A/N: Merry Christmas, everyone. Sorry for the super late update. This chapter is just more of a filler. I'll update with a better content later.