Hwayoung #10

Hwayoung needed a breather. After the emotional phone call with Kris, her cozy studio suddenly felt too stuffy, suffocating, and confined and she desperately needed to get out.

It's been awhile but she decided to visit the dock again. She had avoided it for a short period of time now but the place just calmed her down. The waves were calming and the salty sea air was refreshing. It was all the things she needed to soothe her erratic heart rate and flaming anger.

As she walked over the dark, sandy pathways that lead to the dock, a figure standing on the edge caught her attention and she had to step back and pause. For a moment, she was worried, afraid that whoever was there could be a potential threat but as soon as he turned around, all fear was erased from her mind.

“Oh.” Was all Hwayoung said when she saw Yongguk before her. This was the sole reason why she hadn't been visiting her favorite spot. She didn't want to avoid Yongguk because he was a bad guy, everyone here knew it was quite the opposite but Hwayoung felt embarrassed being around him. Without meaning to, Yongguk had seen her in some of her lowest and most embarrassing moments and to her, that was too much from someone she barely considered an acquaintance.

“Hey!” Yongguk greeted warmly, a genuine grin adorning his thick lips. And just from that action, Yongguk once again proved that despite his intimidating looks and voice, he was the friendliest man Hwayoung had ever met. “You're finally visiting again.”

“I'm sorry.” Yongguk looked like he was enjoying his time alone before Hwayoung came along so she was just going to do the both of them a favor, save the awkwardness, and get going. “I'll go.”

“You don't have to!” Yongguk stopped her when she took a step back, reaching out a hand and unintentionally startling the mother to be with his abrupt actions. “I mean, you can stay. I don't mind.” He added, pulling his hand back and sending the girl before him a sheepish smile. “You're always welcomed here.”

Hwayoung wasn't comfortable being around Yongguk just yet but she didn't mind his presence either. Much like the beautiful sea, being around this man calmed down her never ending nerves. There was something about being in his proximity that was comforting. He didn't judge her, he didn't know her, and in some ways, he was always tried to help her. Yongguk was the kindest person she had met so far in this town. “Thanks.” Hwayoung said but didn't move, awkwardly standing in front of Yongguk, unsure of what to do.

Unlike Hwayoung, who was avoiding eye contact, Yongguk took a moment to observe his mysterious neighbor. He noted her grim expression and fidgety disposition and despite the dark lighting out here, he could see how swollen her eyes were. “Have you been crying?” He couldn’t help but blurt. Tears were his weakness and seeing the clear remnants of a distraught girl had him worried.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you that.” Yongguk apologized once he realized how insensitive the question was.

Hwayoung forced a smile and waved Yongguk's concern away. “It's fine. I'm....okay.”

It was clear that she was lying but Yongguk had no right to pry for answers nor ask her what was wrong. Instead, he offered her some comfort instead. “Hey, do you want ice cream?” He had always believed sweets made things easier an