[July 2011]  

‘You don’t like me?’

Jihyun didn’t answer as her sight roamed wildly around the spacious hall, anywhere but his eyes. Playing with her little fingers, she couldn’t control the rapid beating of her heart. His gaze, it’s making her feel so nervous. It’s true; she’s afraid. He’s still a stranger to her eyes, nothing more.

‘Woohyun-ah!’ As soon as he heard that shout, Woohyun quickly grabbed the wrist of the timid lady beside her and intertwined their hands together. To Jihyun, it’s awkward and uncomfortable but what could she do? Now, he had the rights to hold her hands or even more than that and that fact suddenly sent chill to her spine.

A male figure dressed in casual clothes coolly walked towards them, bringing his brightest smile along.

‘Congratulations, buddy! Sorry I came here dressed like this. I just got back from a flight.’ The man tapped his friend’s shoulders, still didn’t wipe the grin off of his small face. His gaze then suddenly shifted to the lady beside Woohyun.

‘Hello there! Congrats! Did Woohyun tell you about me? I’m Kibum. I’ve heard many things about you and hell, he’s right! You are so pretty.’ His loud voice somehow scared Jihyun. She looked down and bowed slightly to him, not a single word came out of her lips.

‘Ohkaay… Sorry man, I have to go. Business matters. We’ll talk again some other time.’ The man who called himself Kibum bid himself goodbye and left the spacious hall.

‘That’s my friend. Kibum, he’s always like that, didn’t change a bit since high school. Don’t mind him. Are you okay?’ Woohyun asked, tightening his hold on Jihyun’s hand but again, she didn’t answer. Feeling slightly upset at her cold treatment, a small sigh escaped from his lips.

‘Chill, Woohyun. She just met you for the first time today. She’ll eventually talk to you soon. Kang Jihyun’s all yours now, no need to worry anymore.’ He could hear a small voice inside his head, convincing him. The newlyweds kept smiling to the guests who came and left but each smile held different meaning, very different.

~~~~~

‘Umma, does Hyungsik Oppa know about this?’

‘I already told his father but I don’t know about him. He’s still abroad I think. Yeah, it’s a pity that his family’s not here… Your hair, dear…’ Her mother uttered nonchalantly after she put on her dress that Woohyun gave her. The black dress that went down to her thighs was wrapped perfectly around her body but she felt so uncomfortable wearing it. Even though she wore that to change from her uncomfortable wedding dress earlier, there’s nothing different. It’s just the same as her dress before, very scratchy to wear.

‘I thought he already ended his studies there. I wonder how he’s doing now... Umma, do you really have to leave now?’ Jihyun asked her mother when she noticed that her precious mother’s packing her stuff inside the cozy room. She went towards her and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, hoping for her mother to stay.

‘We have to. Who’s going to take care of the house? Your father’s leave’s almost over too. Jihyun dear, you have a new family now. Take good care of them and treat them like your own. Don’t embarrass us, okay? Don't ever hurt your in laws and your husband especially.’ She patted her daughter’s head gently and suddenly, tears started to roll down Jihyun’s cheeks.

‘I don’t wanna stay here by myself with a bunch of strangers. Umma, I’m scared…. Take me home. I miss Andy. Who’s going to feed him and give him a bath?’ She suddenly brought up the topic about her dear Andy to soften her mother’s heart, somehow.

‘They’re not strangers, Kang Jihyun. Woohyun’s going to look after you and about Andy, I’ll take care of him. Stop crying…’ Her mother wiped the wet tears on her cheeks, urging that lady to stop acting like a child.

While those two were embracing each other, knocks suddenly could be heard and the door slowly swayed open. It’s Jihyun’s father and with much consolation and sweet talks, her parents finally left the hotel and the state, back to their home in Jejudo.<