~

“She called last night.”

Jiyong felt his heart pound against his chest and suddenly felt unable to go into work at all or even to move from the spot he currently stood. Chills ran down his back at the thought of her, the girl who was now only a ghost of a former person to Jiyong.

“What is it that she wanted this time?” Jiyong finally asked, the way his voice cracked not going unnoticed by either of the young men.

“I really think it would be better to talk to you about it this afternoon, when we have enough time and you don’t have to worry about any emotional setback at work.” Youngbae explained.

“Oh.” Jiyong was silent for a moment and then nodded. “You’re right. I should get going. I really can’t afford to be late. Take care of her alright?”

“Sure. No problem bro. She’s still my niece.”

Jiyong looked towards the kitchen. “Bye Yeonna.”

“Bye Appa.”

~

His work was supposed to be done at 5:00 pm but he decided to take half of his day for himself. He is now sitting at an empty bench near the Han River. He is looking at the peaceful river thinking about everything. He wanted to void this, to avoid her, but it’s inevitable. He can never avoid her. Her one true love.The woman who taught her how to love and how to feel loved. The woman who gave him the most precious gift anyone could have. But she is the same woman who broke his heart and destroy his life.

FLASHBACK

“Ji, I’m freezing.”

“Tough it out a few minutes. I’m having fun.”

“Jiyong treated the water beneath him, ignoring the biting cold of the air that nipped at all of his body that wasn’t submerged. She stared at him pleadingly, her teeth chattering loudly, wrapping her arms around herself in a useless attempt to keep warm. He stopped treading and allowed his feet to touch the bottom, giving in to her display.

“I can’t tough it out anymore. My lips are turning blue.”

“Okay fine. You win. We’ll go home honey.” He approached her and took her in his arms, holding her in the water for a second despite her insistence in wanting to leave.

“You have to admit though, this was kind of fun, right?” He asked.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, easily supported by him in the water and shook her head. “No. I’ve been freaked out about the neighbors waking up the entire time. And I really want to get the hell out of here now, before we get caught.”

“Really?”Jiyong raised his eyebrow mischievously. “You’re afraid of getting caught?”

“Yes. They could call the cops!”

“Ahhhhh!”Jiyong threw his head back and let out the loudest yell he could muster, before turning away from her and rushing tit e stairs of the swimming pool.

“Well you better hurry then before youget caught!” He called behind his shoulder. She remained standing in the pool water, beginning to panic.

“Be sure to grab all our stuff too. I grabbed the bathroom towels with your initials on them!” Jiyong ran towards the gate.

“What the hell are you doing?” She shrieked.

She thrashed through the pool and onto the cement, just as the porch light .

“Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!” She squealed.

She froze paralyzed by fear and unable to move. Suddenly, a figure was behind her, causing her to scream in alarm, before she was hoisted up into the offender’sarms, along with the items she had