Dara glances at the calendar on her desk. December 24. She sighs softly, then turns her attention to the pile of books that had just been returned today. She must return all the books to their respective shelves. But she feels powerless. Even though today she should feel excited. Later tonight she will have dinner with Seunghyun, then they will watch the ballet show she really wants to watch. Yes, today she should be happy.

It’s all because of Kwon Jiyong, Dara thought angrily. Where is Jiyong now? For the past three days, Dara hasn’t met him. The last time they met was that night at Jiyong’s apartment, when Dara told her that Seunghyun invited her to go to a ballet show. After that Dara doesn’t see him again.

Of course Dara had tried to contact Jiyong’s phone, but it was unreachable. At first she was annoyed because Jiyong left without saying anything. Then her irritation turns into anxiety. What if something happens to Jiyong? What if... Stop! She can’t think far to the possibility that Jiyong can be hurt or something. She’d better think Jiyong is too busy to call her. Yes, that’s better.

With new determination, Dara gets up and walks towards the trolley containing books that have to be returned to the shelves. She’d better do his job before her boss decides to fire her because she’s found daydreaming all day. After that, she will go home and get ready for her date tonight. She won’t think of that annoying neighbor again for the rest of the day.

***

Jiyong fixes his backpack strap that slid from his right shoulder without slowing down. Every now and then he breaths slowly. Actually he planned to spend Christmas Day with his grandfather in Daegu, but it turned out that his grandfather would fly to New York tonight. Then what should he do now? Apparently he really has to spend Christmas Eve alone. So sad.

“Jiyong.”

Hearing his name being called, Jiyong looks up and looks back. His eyebrows rise as he sees who called him. “Oh, Seunghyun.”

Seunghyun smiles brightly and stops right in front of Jiyong. “What a coincidence to meet you here. I’ve tried calling you many times.”

Yes, what a coincidence, Jiyong thought to himself. Why does he have to meet Seunghyun here? He looks around and realizes that this place is not far from the hospital where Seunghyun works. “Sorry,” he said. “My phone is broken. Why are you looking for me?”

“I just want to tell you that our school reunion will be held on the January 10,” said Seunghyun. He sees Jiyong’s big backpack and asks, “Where do you want to go?”

Jiyong glances at his backpack and smiles. “Ah no. I just returned from out of town. Visiting my grandfather,” he explained, then looks at his friend’s casual clothes and asks, “You don’t work today?”

“My shift is ended already,” Seunghyun said, smiling broadly. “Now I’ll go home and get ready for tonight.”

Ah, that’s right... Seunghyun will go with Dara tonight. That thought makes Jiyong frowns.

All of a sudden Seunghyun’s phone rings. “Excuse me,” he said to Jiyong as he takes out his phone and walks away from Jiyong.

Jiyong is still busy with his thoughts. What if he goes to the ballet show and meets them there? If they ask why he is there, he can reason that... No, no. Dara had been waiting for a moment like this with Seunghyun and Jiyong can’t bear to ruin the girl’s excitement.

Seunghyun approaches him again, breaking his thoughts. He turns to look at his friend who is taking a deep breath. “Is there a problem?” Jiyong asked.

“That was the call from the hospital,” Seunghyun said, shaking his head slowly and exhaling hard. “Dara won’t like this.”

***

Dara closes her phone and shuffles her waist while looking at the clothes scattered on her bed. Throughout the afternoon she had tried to choose the clothes she will wear tonight, and right when she had chosen the suitable clothes, Seunghyun called her to cancel their date.

She is disappointed, of course, but she can’t blame the man. Seunghyun was suddenly called back to the hospital because one of his patients was suddenly in critical condition and had to undergo surgery immediately. Dara can’t show her disappointment to Seunghyun if someone’s life and death is at stake here.

With a heavy sigh, Dara begins to clean her clothes. Does this mean she will spend this Christmas Eve alone? Ouch, it’s very sad. Chaerin and Seunghoon will definitely celebrate Christmas with their friends. Where