“Shinhye, what do you think of a marriage?”

Mrs. Jung asks suddenly. Shinhye smiles.

“I never thought about it Mrs. Jung. I never had time to think about having a boyfriend either.”

“If suddenly, someone asks you to marry her/his son, what would you do?”

“I don’t think it is the right time. I still need to further my studies right?”

Mrs. Jung nods. She stares at Shinhye who was playing with Eunmi. Her granddaughter giggles when Shinhye talks to her. As if she can understand Shinhye. She smiles.

“Shinhye ya, what if you can still study after you get married?”

Shinhye turns to Mrs. Jung. She smiles sweetly like usual.

“If I get married, there is no chance for me to study again. My time will be occupied with my family.”

“Shinhye. I see that you like kids.”

“Deh Mrs. Jung. I lived around them for 17 years.”

She smiles and teases Eunmi. The baby giggles cutely at the sight of Shinhye.

“How did unni have the heart to leave her Mrs. Jung. If it were me, I rather die than leave my child behind.”

Mrs. Jung holds her hand. Shinhye turns to her.

“Wae Mrs. Jung?”

“I’m going to ask you something. I hope that you won’t freak out.”

Shinhye laughs.

“I won’t. Say it.”

“Do you want to be Eunmi’s omma?”

Shinhye’s laugh fades. She stares at Mrs. Jung with disbelieved.

“Is it true? The thing that I heard?”

She speaks in her mind.

Mrs. Jung shakes Shinhye’s arm when she did not response.

“Shinhye.”

“Are you being serious when you ask me that question Mrs. Jung?”

She smiles and nods her head.

Shinhye shifts her view to Eunmi that was playing with her fingers. She smiles.

“I do love kids and I do love Eunmi.”

She paused and turns to Mrs. Jung.

“But getting married this early, it never occurs in my mind at all.”

“Is that a no Shinhye?”

Shinhye nods her head.

“Mianhe Mrs. Jung. I can’t.”

Mrs. Jung sighs.

“Can’t you give it a little thought? I’m hoping a positive answer from you.”

Shinhye plasters a smile.

“There is nothing to think of Mrs. Jung. I am just an orphan while you are from a prestige family. You are well known by many. Won’t it be a shame if you take me as your daughter in-law? I don’t even know who my parents are.”

“I know it Shinhye ya. I know it all. I’m Madam Lee’s friend remember? And I know you too. You are the most suitable person to replace Eunmi’s mother place.”

Mrs. Jung said in a pleading tone.

Shinhye smiles when she looks at Eunmi again. She didn’t answer.

“I really need you to bring happiness to Yonghwa. He was changing Shinhye. He lives only for Eunmi. He doesn’t have a life anymore.”

Mrs. Jung starts to tear up. She was too sad. Yonghwa is her only son. She really wanted to see him smiles like before.

Shinhye lean Eunmi on her shoulder when she saw her yawns. She pats her slowly.

“She is sleepy Mrs. Jung.”

She said trying to change the topic.

“Give it a thought Shinhye. Eunmi likes you.”

Shinhye smiles.

“I will.”

She answers before handing the now sleeping Eunmi to Mrs. Jung.

“I need to go somewhere. I’m going first Mrs. Jung.”

She bows before walks away from them.

                                                                              ***

“Oppa.”

“Shin ah. Why did you come?”

Woobin glance at his wrist. It’s 9 .00 at night.

“Pappa?”

“Ani. It’s near closing time.”

Shinhye walks to a table and slumped her body to a chair. Woobin took off his apron and walk to her with a coffee.

“Drink. I made it myself.”

He shoves the coffee in front of her.

“Gomawo.”

She sips the coffee and sighs.

“Wae? Is it awful? Sorry, my employee had call it a day. It’s just me in here.”

Shinhye shakes her head. She sighs again.

“Is something happen?”

Shinhye look at him lazily.

“Woobin oppa.”

“I know you have a problem. Wait.”

He walks to the glass door and put the close sign before he went back to her.

“Speak up.”

“Is it okay for you to close it?”

“Kenchana. I will close it in 30 minutes anyway.”

Shinhye smiles.

Woobin is a good friend. He is her sunbae in school. Even though he came from a wealthy family, he is down to earth. He dress simply and he befriend with anyone.

Even though she has Ye Jin to share her girly things, talking with Woobin was different. He acts like her brother all the time. He loves to give her advices and it was useful everytime.

“I need your advice.”

He smiles and cross his arms.

“I’m listening.”

“What if, someone come to you and plead you to marry his/ her daughter. How will you react?”

Woobin wrinkles his forehead.

“Who make that proposal to you?”

“Oppa. I need an answer.”

“Ara. I will think of it first. I will get to know her, her families, her background, and so many things. Marriage is not a simple thing Shin. It change someone life.”

Shinhye nods.

“I know oppa.”

“Waegurae? Who is it?”

“Mrs. Jung.”

“I knew the problem is yours. So, what is your decision?”

“Molla oppa. What do I do?”

Woobin put his arms on the table and move his face nearer to her.

“Do you think marriage is necessary for you now?”

Shinhye shakes her head. Woobin lean his back to the chair again and smiles.

“You have the answer in you.”

“But.”

“Wae?”

Shinhye frown.

“I don’t want to hurt her feelings. Mrs. Jung is really nice to me.”

“Arayo. You often talk about her too. Shin, listen to me. Take your time. Think it thoroughly. Don’t make a harsh decision.”

“Deh oppa. Gomawo. I’ll be leaving then.”

“Just wait a little. I’ll send you to the orphanage.”

Shinhye nods. Woobin went into the kitchen and switch off the lights before they went out to his car.

They arrive at the Orphanage 10 minutes after.

“Call me if you still have something to talk. I’ll lend my ears to you.”

Woobin smiles sincerely. Shinhye bows to him and smiles before she walks inside.

“Today will be a long night for me.”

She whispers to herself as she walks.

                                                                                              ***

Yonghwa slumped his body to the couch. He just came back from a meeting with a group of client from Japan. He loosen up his tie and lean his head backward. He shuts his eyes and massage his forehead. He flicks open his eyes when he remember his daughter.

“Crap. I forgot to tell omma.”

He takes out his phone from his pocket just to curse again. His phone was shuts from morning. He forgets to turn it on after the meeting this afternoon.

He walks to his car and droves to his parent house.

“Mian omma. I forget to check my phone.”

Mrs. Jung nods.

“Your nanny had resigns, let Eunmi stay here for the time being.”

“Resign? When?”

“Yesterday was her last day. Didn’t you check the calendar?”

“I forgot.”

“Yonghwa, keep your head straight. You still have a daughter to tend to. You are not a lone person.”

Mrs. Jung says with a stern voice.

“Mian omma. Where is Eunmi?”

“What do you think she will do at this hour? She is sleeping of course.”

Yonghwa nods.

“I’m leaving then.”

“Stay for the night. It’s late.”

Yonghwa smiles.

“Deh.”

“Have you eaten? Do you want to eat anything?”

“Kenchana, I’m full.”

Mrs. Jung nods. She then pats his shoulder.

“Goodnight.”

She says and walks to her room without waiting for Yonghwa’s response.