#np Sweet Sorrow's Again and Again

2018

I was about to fall asleep when there is beep sound from my phone on the desk. Great. Just right after I’m done with paperwork for the night…

Hi, it’s me Bona. Can we talk?  

I shake my head and rub my eyes upon reading the message. Am I too sleepy? No, I read it right.

She addresses herself as Bona…

But I never gave her my new number. Maybe it’s her father who gave it to her. Mr. Kim Jaewook, my employer whom I hold so much respect. The inspiration for me to become a great lawyer, exactly like him ever since he won a very controversial case back in the 90s.

Just as much as I admire him, the only thing I thought I could not stand is whenever we meet, he would always talk about his daughter. Yes, she’s the one who introduced us but it seems like it was the other way round. He would endlessly talk about Bona that I couldn’t help but to get annoyed sometimes. He once even told me what she had for dinner on the night they had their video call.

But still, I love working at his law firm.

Sure. When?

It’s already 11 pm.

            Now. Are you free?

That reply came as fast as lightning and as blunt as ever… I let out a lazy yawn, tired from all the reading and typing.

            Is it important?

It took her 5 minutes to reply.

            Yes.

Not too long after that, my phone rings.

“Wonho, where are you? Still at the office?” My mother asks, she sounds tired as well. Taking care of my picky father, it sure wears her out especially since he’s staying home now. He’s recently retired as a professor and loves going on random trips with her.

In fact, they’re in India now, gone after the dinner with Bona a couple of days ago.

“Yes, Omma. I’m finishing a bit of paperwork.”

“Ok. Make sure you eat your meals okay? Is it already past dinner time over there?”

“Eung. I already ate. It’s already 11 pm here, Omma.”

I guess I should tell her about Bona.

“Omma, I-I’m going to see Jiyeon after this.”

“Really? At that hour?” Her voice suddenly shoots up, excited. “Where?”

“A café nearby. It’s just for a while, I’m buying her coffee.” An impromptu reply escapes from my lips even though we haven’t agreed on anything yet. I don’t know why I did. Maybe it’s to make her feel better.

“That’s good. I’m glad. Jiyeon has grown up into a very pretty lady.”

“Yes.”

“Take care of her okay?”

Again I reply okay and she hangs up soon after. I let out a deep sigh and lean my back onto my leather chair. This is so difficult. I know Bona and I agreed that we would oppose this marriage but seeing my parents’ reaction, I just can’t seem to break their hearts.

Whenever I bring out topics about Bona, they would say on how perfect we look together, and my mother told me that I should get married since I’m reaching my 30s. To me, I still can get married even if I’m in my 40s. So why the rush?

But I can’t possibly tell them that.

Give me even t