Koi x Dao (Hormones the Series) - ONE SHOT

KOI X DAO [ONE SHOT]

picture credit: Tumblr

‘We may be further apart, but we will hold each other tighter…’

Dao thought of the words that she said to Koi. Now she starts to regret. Next week the first day of university is starting and she is moving into the apartment, just 10minutes walk to the campus. The campus is 1 hour drive away from Nadao Bangkok College.  

Dao falls back to the mattress with a big thud. “Aahhh, I didn’t know moving house could be so tired.” She sigh. She reached for her phone when she heard incoming message from WeChat.

From: Koi<3
‘How’s moving? Tired? Take some rest kay <3’

Dao smiled at the message. She quickly press the call button and Koi picked up almost immediately.

“Heyyy Dao…how’s everything?”

“I just moved in my stuff…lots of them. I am so tired.”

“You sure they are heavy? Did you just brought in your soft toys?” Koi teased.

Dao laughed at how Koi knows her too well. “Well, I just brought in one box of them.” She chuckled. “The rest are my books.”

“Still a lot to bring?”

“Mum is sending another lorry over here...That should be the last one.”

“Oh really? That’s good.”

“Koi…”

“Yea?”

“I am starting to miss you already…”

“Dao….”

“I am lying on the bed while talking to you…How I wished you could be here with me…”

“Dao…”

“Don’t worry I understand your situation. I am just teasing you.”

“I miss you too, Dao.”

“How’s your preparation for the entry? Are you able to sign up for your course?”

“Me? Yea…I did.”

“Why you sound so….different?”

“Did I? Nah I was just upset. Upset of the things that I couldn’t do with you.”

“Well….we are now apart, but not too far right? We can easily reach other by cab…”

“You sure you don’t want me to learn driving, so that I can go over easily?”

“Nah, I would be worried for you if you drive.”

“Eeee..I am not that bad really…”

“It’s okay, public transport is cheaper and safer…”

“Well, I’ll come visit you every weekend?”

“Every weekend?” Dao lighted up.

“Yea! Since I live in my own house which I can accompany my dad everyday. I can spend my weekend with you…unless….”

“Unless?”

“Unless you don’t want to spend it with me…”

“Of course no!”

“But you have to come back home to visit your mum no?”

“I believe we can work something out” Dao smiled. “Hmm..I think we can go on dates on Saturday, hang out at home, eat together, stay over and…”

“And..?” Koi chuckled.

“Well, I just want to spend every minute with you.”

“Really?” Koi can’t help smiling at Dao’s little confession.

“Yes! I am missing you so badly. I got so busy with moving recently…” Dao’s voice trailed away in guilt.

“Yea…”

Dao could hear Koi pout at the other end of phone call. “Is there anything I could make up for it?”

“Actually yes… I have been thinking about one…” Koi said almost immediately. “Walk to the door for me.”

“Front door?”

“Yup.” Koi chuckled at other end.

Obediently, Dao walked to the door and suddenly there’s a knock. Without hesitating, she opened the door.

It was Koi, smiling goofily in front of the door.

“KOIIIII!!!” Dao screamed so loud that Koi had to cover her ears.

“Dao! Husshhh” Koi looked around. She was so embarrassed that she quickly pushed Dao into the house.

“Koi! How come you are here?” Dao still in disbelief. She gave Dao a big hug. “Omg, you didn’t know how much I miss this…”

“Me too...” Koi said simply, enjoying the embrace. She then broke off the hug and made Dao look at her.

Koi stole a kiss from Dao’s lip.

“Because I miss you so much.” Koi said earnestly.  “That I’ve decided to move over.”

Dao’s eyes widen with another disbelief look.

“What are you saying?”

“I’ve decided to…attend the same university as you.”

“You’re not joking right?”

Koi went outside of the house again and pulled in two big luggage. “You see, I even brought my stuff here.” Koi smiled at Dao. “I am serious.”

Dao almost did a little sprint to Koi and gave her another big bear hug.

“Koi!!!!”

“I wanted to give you a surprise, so I didn’t tell you anything. I secretly signed up for the course that I wanted in the same university.”

“Koi….I am so happy!”

“And you’re lacking a roommate right…?” Koi joked. “I need to spy on you too…there’s too many beautiful guys and girls in the campus.”

“Now you’re here with me…I won’t look at other people.” Dao sticks out her tongue playfully. “No matter what, I am so happy of the things that we could do together!”

“Yes…cause I love you so much that I am willing to do this for us.”

“Koi…” Dao looked at Koi. She can almost feel her eyes melting from looking straight into her beautiful eyes.

Dao kissed her on the lips. Koi enjoyed every moment of sudden kisses. “I guess we are going to do this often?” Koi smirked and planted another kiss on her lips.

“Koi! You’re such a pervert.”

“Because I have such a cute and beautiful girlfriend…” Koi said while pinching Dao’s chubby cheeks.

“Ouch!”

“Okay let me unpacked my stuff and let’s go grab dinner, okay?”

“Wait! Your dad….is he okay?”

Koi heaves a sigh. “Yeap, he seems okay with it I guess. He will rather that I’ll come to the same university with you and work hard, than me being in a place that makes me unhappy...”

“Awww…your dad is a great guy.”

“Yea he is…so maybe we can go visit him together soon.”

“Come and visit my mum too.”

“Of course we have to!” Both Dao and Koi laughed.

“Let me unpacked and let’s go grab dinner, okay?” Koi stole another kiss on Dao’s forehead before begin unpacking her luggage. Doi just stood there smiling foolishly

As she watch Koi unpacks, she can’t help smiling, too excited for their journey together. No matter what happens in the future, but she knows for now, she loves Koi and Koi loves her very much. No matter what others says about their relationship, she knew that if they are sure of what they want, she knew that they will stay long. 

***

I loveeee this couple so much! Aren't they cute? Any readers out there that know about this cute couple? Let's share! XD

Cheerios~

-Angela Goh-

Her Diary - Part 4

Part 4

Ji Hyo was flipping through some documents when there was a knock on the door. Before she could answer, the door swings open.

“Yuri? Why did you come back to the office?”

“We drove by after dinner and saw the lights are still on. So I bet you must be still here.”

“Yea, I am just going to finish up some stuff here…” Her eyes returned to the lengthy words on her desk. “You can just go back, I am fine here.” She gave a smile.

Yuri gave a sigh as she looked at her wristwatch “Unnie. It’s almost 7pm. Are you planning to stay here for the night?”

Ji Hyo looked up to the concerned Yuri. She let go of the pen that she was holding. “Well, I just don't feel like going home. I am going to face the empty walls only.”

“Are you really feeling fine?” Yuri walked beside Ji Hyo and made her looked at her.

Ji Hyo’s eyes quickly gave away. She knew what Yuri was talking about. “I really appreciate your concerns...but yea I am holding well. It’s just...”

“It’s just..?”

“I miss her so much today.”

Yuri sat down in front of her desk. She reached out for her hand and caress them. “Unnie....you have to let her go...if not you can try fighting for her. I know you told me..after she left, you guys never really talk it out...”

Ji Hyo nodded regretfully.

“Perhaps...give her a call. Tell her that you still misses her. Let her know that you still cares about her. If she has really moved on, so you must move on too. At least you have given your shot and tried your best. No point mopping over her. Life must go on. You need to have your own life.”

Ji Hyo listen attentively. Yes, Yuri is right. At least she must give her last shot. No point lingering over someone that has long moved on.

“Maybe I will send her a message.”

Yuri just smiled. “I hope you really do. You know I really see you like my big sister. I don’t wish to see you being alone and sad like this. You need happiness, and you deserve someone better. Someone that really willing to walk this path with you.”

*

“Hi...

It’s been a while...since we have contacted each other.. But I chose to write this letter to you. Hopefully it reaches you, to the right one. I hope you have not change your address. Maybe I am a coward that I chose to write to you instead of calling or messaging you. It’s just that I want to give myself more time, before getting an answer from you. 

I am not sure about you but things between us...I always feel that there’s no closure. You left so suddenly and I had no courage to go over to find you. It was partially my fault for leaving our relationship that way. The truth is, I still can’t get over you. I still misses the time we spent together, the night we spent cooking and playing a fool with each other. And I miss your coffee...I have stopped drinking them since. Are you still making them?

 You’re the one that really changed my life. You made me felt loved, cherished and gave me a purpose of striving hard to give us a family. You are all I needed.

 If it’s really the Hebe that I have loved and still do, please write back to me. At least I need an answer from you. No matter good or bad, I’ll accept it. I am still staying at the same place. 

I just want to know…have you ever loved me? Or was I just an experiment?

 I am waiting. 

JH” 

A drop of tears wets the letter. Hebe wiped away the tears of guilt that rolled down her cheeks. She quickly folds the letter away as her father steps into her room.

“What’s wrong, daughter? It’s dinner time.”

“I am not hungry, you guys go ahead.” Hebe replied coldly and hushed him out of the room.

Ever since her dad found out about her relationship with Ji Hyo few years ago, she has been acting cold towards her father. The family ties was estranged and quiet. Hebe always cooped up in her room after work, other than meal times.

Hebe closed the door hardly behind her. She quickly broke down into tears. All their wonderful sweet moments started flooding her mind. Ji Hyo’s laughter and mong face keep flashing her mind. She cried harder.

She realized how much she missed her. Truthfully, Hebe has not be with anyone ever since she came back from Korea. She just indulged herself in work, to keep her mind off Ji Hyo. Her mother kept introducing some bachelor to her, she just kept pushing them away. And through her perseverance, she has finally made name out of herself in the local café world as she opened her first café.

She cried herself to sleep that night.

*

It was ten in the morning when her mum knocked on the door. “Hebe! Still sleeping? Are you feeling okay?”

Usually by nine, Hebe would have made her way out of the house to prepare for the opening of the shop. It was little weird that her room was quiet.

“Yesterday I saw her crying in her room.”

“What?! And now you’re only saying it?” Hebe’s worried mum frantically looking for the room key in the kitchen.

When they opened the door, they were surprised to see an empty room. “She’s not home?”

“Perhaps she went out earlier today.”

They noticed a piece of paper on the dressing table.”

“I have closed the shop for a week. Please don’t look for me. I have made a decision, to look for my other happiness.”

Hebe’s mum hand trembled as she read the letter. “She went away…to look for her...”

*

She sat at in the departure hall, staring blankly with her hand clutching tight on her letter. Her mind floated away.

[Flashback]

“Hey babe...How’s class today?”

Ji Hyo greeted Hebe who just walked into the house. She gave her a tight hug around her neck. Hebe briefly smiled and hugged back.

Ji Hyo could sense something wrong and was about to break off the hug but was stopped by Hebe. “Can we just stay like this for a while?” She said softly.

JI Hyo’s heart twitch hearing her said that. “What happen babe?” She raised her hand and brush her head slightly. “Take your time to talk it out...”

Hebe tighten her hug around Ji Hyo’s waist. “My dad....”

Ji Hyo’s heart sank. “He knew about us?”

Hebe nodded.

“He saw us...that day in Myeongdong street.”

Ji Hyo’s heart sank further as she tightens the grip around Hebe. She expected this and always thought she is prepared but the moment it came, she never knew that it felt like her world came crushing down.

“It’s okay, as long as we are in this together. Don’t worry I am here with you.”

She planted a soft kiss on her side of her head.

“We won’t be separated right?” Hebe said softly.

“I will not leave you until you leave me.”

[End of Flashback]

It was how it started. On the day after their Myeongdong date, Hebe went home to visit her father. She came home with her father sitting in the living room. It was unusual to see him sitting quietly, as usually he’ll be either watching the television or making dinner.  

[Flashback]

“Dad how are you?” Hebe chirped as she entered the house. “How’s your day?”

“I saw you today in Myeongdong?”

“Oh y-you did?”

“Yes, I had some errand to do around that area, so I passed by Myeongdong.”

“Oh...have you eaten dinner?”

“Are you dating someone?”

“E-eh? N-No I didn’t. T-that was just my friend. Her name is Ji Hyo. I’ll bring her over for a dinner one day.”

“Do you behave so intimately with your friend in the public?”

“Dad you’re thinking too much. We are just very good friends. We always go out for shopping.”

“Am I?”

“You haven’t eaten right? Me neither. I-I will prepare dinner for us. Please wait a while.” She said and went into the kitchen, ignoring his father’s question.

“You know our Chinese tradition can’t accept things that’s unusual right?” He said suddenly.

Hebe stopped working at the bunch of tomatoes.

“Dad, what are you trying to say?”

“You heard me. You can stop making dinner. I don’t feel well. I am going to rest now.” Hebe’s dad finished his words with a loud thud of the closing of his bedroom door.

Hebe just stood there, shocked with his dad’s word.

***

Her Diary - Part 2

[[[Part 2]]]

That's where she met her.

That girl that made her feels happiness and sense of belongingness.

The girl she never expected to be so attracted and attached to.

The girl she met in work.

Hebe Tien came to the office as a temporary secretary for Ji Hyo. She is a Taiwanese that has stayed in South Korea for a half a decade because her father was newly allocated there for work purposes. She was new but she was hardworking and willing to learn. She was three years younger than Ji Hyo and could speak fluent Korean.  Her chestnut brown hair is straight and long, it reaches her chest. She also has a dark brown eyes and a sweet smile that made Ji Hyo took a second glance at her the moment she walked in. To be honest, she was dazzled by her smile. It's warm and friendly.

Hebe only came to work for 4 weeks because Ji Hyo's previous permanent secretary was on a maternity leave. It was short collaboration but their friendship quickly grows. They moved to places together, eat together, attend meetings together and for a few occasions, Hebe stayed over Ji Hyo’s house after long girls’ talks. Hebe was her only friend that she felt comfortable with.

For three times a week, Hebe takes night classes for barista course. Hebe loves the fragrance of the coffee but sadly she can't drink them because of her sensitive stomach. After knowing Ji Hyo loves coffee, Ji Hyo became Hebe's target to test her coffee skills.

Even after Hebe stopped working for Ji Hyo, they continue contacting each other and frequently went to Hebe's class after her work.

[Two and half years ago]

In her favourite dark green checkered shirt, Hebe brought over a cup of hot latte to Ji Hyo who was sitting at one of the tables. She tucked the fallen hair to the back of the ear and pulled a chair beside Ji Hyo.

“Freshly made… just for Song Ji Hyo.” She chirped, complemented with an eye smile.

“Thank you…” Ji Hyo smiled back warmly. “I was waiting for this the whole day in the office.”

Hebe's eyes glimmered as she watches Ji Hyo took a sip of the freshly brewed coffee. "How was it?" No doubt she was eager.

"Mmmm…” Ji Hyo closes her eyes as she savours the coffee. “You're really improving!" She smiled from ear to ear. "But there's too much foam this time.”  Ji Hyo whined as she reached out for a tissue to wipe away the foam stains on her upper lip.

“Let me...” With her right thumb, Hebe gently wiped it away. She gave out a smile as she wiped her hand cleaned.

Shocked by the sudden gesture, Ji Hyo bit her lower lip and letting down a shy smile, cheeks reddened. Ji Hyo could felt an intensifying electric shock down her back.

"Why? What’s so funny?" Once again Hebe reached out her hand and gently caresses Ji Hyo's red cheek with her thumb.

Ji Hyo gives out a shy smile again hearing Hebe’s response. She then brushed her long fringe back. “Nothing…It’s just...”

It was at that moment she realised she started to develop feelings for Hebe. She has been into relationship before, so she knew exactly how it feels to fall in love with someone. The adrenaline rush feeling.

"It was the coffee...I think." Ji Hyo lied. "Well, why I don't see any other student's this time?" She looked around the empty classroom. Usually there are four other students around, but today there are only two of them.

"Actually there was no class today because our teacher is sick…but I still came…with permission of course." Hebe smiled cheekily.

“Such a hardworking girl! I would have spent mine on sleeping!” Her words made both cracked into laughter.

"Because….” Hebe’s lips forming a pout. “I’m still far behind in the class so I thought I might want to practice more...." Her voice trailed away slowly.

“Awww….you’re improving! Don’t be too hard on yourself okay?” Ji Hyo said and pinched Hebe’s nose lightly. “You’re really good with aegyo, do you know that?” She laughs at Hebe who’s playing along. “Honestly when I first know you I wouldn’t have guess you will be someone with so much of aegyo.”

“I only do that to people I’m close with….People used to say that I’m an Ice Princess.” She lets out a laugh.

“That’s because they are not lucky enough to get to know you better!”

“So you think you’re the lucky one?”

Ji Hyo nodded confidently. “You’re a very special girl” She said suddenly as she glances at her. “I wonder who will be the lucky guy…” Her voice trailed off.

“Guy?” Hebe ponders. “Honestly….I have been thinking about this quite a few times…”

“About?” Ji Hyo questions, with her eyebrows coming together.

Hebe heaves a sigh and drops her head low. “It’s nothing...maybe I’ll tell you next time...”

“What’s bothering you?” Ji Hyo asked with concern.

Hebe raised her head and plops her head onto the table. “This is so frustrating….but I’m not ready to share yet.” She looks up with a pout at the concerned girl sitting right beside her.

“You sound so suspicious...” She shook her head at the self-contradicting girl. Then Ji Hyo remembered the stuff she just brought along. “Maybe this will cheer you up.” 

Ji Hyo turned to her right and took a red paper bag. She then passed it to Hebe.

“I saw this thing online…and thought you’ll like it. So I bought it for you.”

“For me?” Hebe said in an excited tone. Her hands dived in and took out a cloth. With a flip of the hand, she unravels a plain apple green apron with a cute cartoon elephant in front of it.

Hebe’s face lights up almost immediately. She has always love elephants and green was her favourite colour.

“OMG! This is so cute!”

Ji Hyo’s smiles widely too seeing Hebe’s excited face. “I knew you’ll like it the moment I saw this on the net.”

“Thank you!” Hebe jumps a little and hugged Ji Hyo around her neck. “Next time I’ll wear these when I come here for classes.”

Ji Hyo was a little overwhelmed because it was the first time they are being so close that she could smell her hair scent. It was mixture of grapefruit, green almond and hints of lily flower scent. It was refreshing and utterly addictive. Ji Hyo never looked at Hebe the same way again.

She officially has a crush on her best friend.

*

[Flashback]

“我…喜--欢--妳.”  Hebe said clearly, in Mandarin with her beautiful Taiwanese accent.

Ji Hyo heard these words somewhere before. It must be from the Chinese drama that she used to watch when she was younger. She frowns as her brain tries to registers what Hebe is trying to say.

Hebe reached out her arms and cupped Ji Hyo’s face. The cold from the winter suddenly just disappears as she could only feel the warmth from Hebe’s hand. It was snowing lightly that night, and the duos were spending their Christmas eve night together, sipping on hot tea in the balcony enjoying the city view covered with snows.

Hebe’s brown eyes gaze warmly at Ji Hyo. She thought if she can hold the gaze long enough, Ji Hyo will see how sincere she meant.

“I like you.” Hebe repeats, this time in Korean.

Ji Hyo looks at her, shocked eyes studying her face.

“W-What?” It was the first thing that escaped her mouth from the sudden confession, on a Christmas Eve. 

It’s not a joke, silly.

“I mean it, Song Ji Hyo.” Hebe mutters. “I like you. I like to be around you, talk to you, care for you and be there for you…”

Her gaze are still intense, never moved an inch away from Ji Hyo’s.

“I struggled within myself for a long time….before I came out with this conclusion…” She added as she looked down. “I have fallen in love with you.” She looked up again with a smile. Her final statement concludes all.

Ji Hyo expression hardens at the words from her.

She was too shock and her expressionless face says it clearly. She never sees this coming - Hebe confessing to her. It never crossed her mind at all. She thought it was only one sided, not the other way round.

Silence hangs over them, not an awkward one but just a still quiet. Muffled Christmas carols could be heard from the living room and decorative lights along the rail lights up the balcony that adds to the atmosphere. Ji Hyo wants to say something, but not sure what to say. 

Hebe could feel her heart beating awfully loud as seconds past, ready to burst through her ribs.

“I…you know—I” Ji Hyo finally spoke. She raised her own hands to her face to hold Hebe’s. She then interlocked her fingers with hers. “I’ve been dreaming to hear this from you.”

Her reply made Hebe‘s nervous face break into a smile; smile of relief to hear the answer that she was expecting.

Ji Hyo leans forward in the creaking rattan armchair and hugs Hebe around her neck tightly.

“I love you too.”

[End of Flashback]

She jolted up in the dimly-lighted living room. In the lonely Christmas eve, she dreamt about their past again. The sky outside the window was dark and it was snowing strong that night. The corn tea she brewed hours ago has gone really cold, almost iced. Christmas movies from the plasma TV was still showing right in front of her.

It was the first Christmas without her.

They broke up after over 18 months of relationship after it was being found out by Hebe’s father. The pressure from her dad was so overwhelming that both had no choice but to go own separate ways. Hebe was she was forced back to Taiwan by her family.

The first few weeks were unbearable. She had to fight off the urges for a few occasions to call her because she knew that calling her may worsens Hebe’s situation in her family. But neither did she receive any calls or messages from her. Perhaps it was just something not meant to be, she wonders sometimes. However, it became a habit of Ji Hyo to write in the green diary whenever she thinks about her.

Ji Hyo drops her head and buries her head between her folded leg.

She thought work could make her forget about her. She thought she could do it, but every little detail in her life reminds her about Hebe. Reluctantly she grabbed the notebook for another entry.

Entry: #225   Time: 11.33 pm   Date: 24/12/14

It’s Christmas Eve again…Two years ago it was once the best day of my life. How are you? Are you celebrating with your friends?

If I could ask you one question again, did I ever cross your mind like you did?

IMY...so much.

JH.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Her Diary - Part 1

[[Part 1]]]

She opened her eyes and blinked a few times. The white ceiling decorated with black stars stares back at her. It took her awhile before she turned to her side table; clock showing 7am. It was her usual working morning. She crawled out of the bed groggily and entered the bathroom.

Running through her chest-length hair to the back reveals her wide forehead; she stares back at her own reflection. Her gaze then drifted to the reflection of the digital calendar hanging on the bathroom wall.

16th November.

It’s the 5^th month already.

They are separated 5 months ago.

It was more than 160 days ago, but their times spent together are still vivid in her mind.

She grabbed her favourite skinny jeans from her wardrobe and easily slides into it. Topped with her favourite black leather jacket over a casual white tee, she heads outside of her room.

She poured herself a bowl of corn flakes cereal and added few pieces of chopped strawberries. She never liked adding milk into her cereal because she hates eating soggy cereal and she's lactose intolerance in the morning.

She settled down at the couch in her living room with the bowl in her hand. As she ate mouthful by mouthful once again her mind drifted off. She remembered how they try to spend every breakfast together, as breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

They knew each other through work. They clicked off almost immediately as friends because they found out how they complement each other and sometimes a total opposite. She doesn’t eat cereal in milk and the other one loves it with milk. She's a little casual, bubbly and independent but the other is straightforward, sometimes moody but endearing. She enjoys watching drama while the other enjoys listening to music, Beatles to be exact. Most importantly they are comfortable around each other.

They shares most of their life’s' details together, their heartbreaks, their accomplishments, their inside jokes, problems and all. Long talks were spent over coffees dates until the wee hours. As their friendship grows, feelings started developing too.

She took out a green diary and a pen from her working bag. She flipped to beginning of the unwritten pages.

Entry: #218   Time: 7.39am   Date: 16/12/14

"Hi,

It's the 21st again, can't help but you came into my mind today. I've remembered how we always eat breakfast together. Are you eating your breakfast now too? Today I ate your favourite strawberries cornflakes. If you knew this you'll definitely snatched it away and leave non for me >__<

JH."

After washing the dishes, she quickly grabbed the keys to her car.

*

"Hey morning Ji Hyo! You're early today." Kwang Soo chirped as he stood up from his seat.  

"Oh hey Kwang Soo, you're early yourself too." She smiled.  

Ji Hyo was about to walk past him to her office before he stopped her. "….I was in the breakfast shop earlier...so I grabbed you a coffee as well..." Kwang Soo said as he passed a cup of hot Americano to her. “Not sure what you like so I bought Americano for you.”

Ji Hyo went silent momentarily looking at the cup of coffee in her hand. She then looked back at him.

"….Well thank you for your coffee...but I’ve stopped drinking coffee for a while...” She let out an awkward smile. “…Perhaps you can give it to Yuri? I think she'll love something hot in the morning.”

Ji Hyo returned the coffee politely to Kwang Soo’s hand. “I’ll get back to my office then.”

She walked passed her subordinates office desk and entered her office room. She untangled the scarf around her and hangs it up on the stand.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Yes, come in."

"Unnie, you rejected the coffee did you?" Yuri said with her head peering from the door.

"Kwang Soo-ssi gave you already?" She said in surprised tone.

"Unnie why don't you straight let him know that you're not interested in him?" Yuri said as she settled down on the couch opposite Ji Hyo’s desk. "He should really stop buying random stuff to guess what you actually like." Yuri never realized that she’s actually pouting while saying that.

"I know! But he never really asked me out...what do you want me to do about it?" Ji Hyo's eyes widened.

"He must be so mesmerized by your charisma since the first day he came. Come to think of it, he was only here for two months!" Yuri gaped.

"I know...but..." Ji Hyo hesitated. "Alright alright, I'll let him the next time he buys me anything again." She said in defeated tone.

"Hmm that's better….” Yuri’s face brightens up. “Oh yea there was a new project sent to you yesterday evening after you left. I'll go get it over to you." She said and left the room.

The room became silent again. Ji Hyo slumped into her swivel arm chair and rested her head backwards.

The incident earlier brought her back to their memories. She shook her head and reached out for the diary in her bag, for another entry.

Entry: #219   Time: 8.47 am   Date: 16/12/14

"Someone else bought me coffee again today…But I missed your coffee. Only you knew what I like best. Are you still making them?

JH."

The busy morning temporary kept her mind occupied. There were so many meetings to attend and documents to go through. She even skipped her lunch and Yuri had bought her sandwich so that she doesn’t go hungry.

It was half past two when Kwang Soo came knock in suddenly.

"I was just wondering if you are free for a dinner tonight?” He paused. “You see there's a new restaurant that sells soondubu jigae (tofu stew). Would you like to try it out?"

"Just me and you?" Ji Hyo asked cautiously.

"Yea…I guess?” He scratch the back of his hair shyly. “Or maybe I should ask others too—"

"Oh no.  Just the two of us are fine with me.” She lets out a polite smile. “I have something to tell you."

*

"You said you have something to tell me...." Kwang Soo offered Ji Hyo a piece of tissue paper after they finished eating.

"Oh yea, sorry…I was too engrossed in eating. Thanks for the meal, I really appreciate it.” Ji Hyo paused awhile before continuing. “And…I also appreciate all the things you have bought for me over your time here. You thoughtful hearts really touched me and I really appreciate all the attention but..."

"But..?" Kwang Soo looks at her.

"We won't be anything more than colleagues and friends."

Kwang Soo went silent for quite a while.

"Emm how should I put this...? Well mmm...I don't want to waste your efforts and heart…knowing that nothing will come out of it."

“How do you know if we never tried?”

“Because…..”

"You're saying this is it because you're taken? But I never see you go out with anyone before..." Kwang Soo said, a bit confused.

"Well....career is more important for me now."

“So you’re not ready now…but you never know if in the future if we develop—”

“I don’t want to give you hopes, Kwang Soo-ssi. Instead, give your heart to someone who knows how to appreciate them...like Yuri-ssi.”

"Yuri-ssi?"

"Yea...I think she has quite a lot of interest in you...ever since you joined us."

“So am I being….rejected right now?” Kwang Soo lets out a silly laugh. He brushed the back of his hair and looks down in embarrassment. He actually looks very cute like this. His high stature and generous smile made him a good catch.

"I hope this will not change anything." Ji Hyo sticks out her hand for a handshake while flashing a wide smile. "I love your work attitude and hope you'll continue working with us for long time."

“Well, I should thank you for letting me know early.” He replied maturely. “Of course I would love to work around you and the others…It’s a great company.” He took her hand and shook them.

*

Yuri came into Ji Hyo’s office and brought few documents for her to go through. Their company is organizing a mega event in two months’ time and there are many preparations to be made.

“So….” Yuri spoke, standing in front of Ji Hyo’s desk. “I heard you went out dinner with him yesterday?”

Ji Hyo’s hand stops flipping through the thick documents. She looks up to the slim figure in front of her. “You knew about the dinner?”

Yuri nods, a little smile playing on her lips. “A staff saw you guys walking out together yesterday evening. So I guess you guys went out for dinner.”

“Yea you’re right. We did go out for dinner.” Her eyesight returns to the wordings on the documents. “You told me to make it clear to him right?”

“So you told him?" Yuri replied almost immediately.

Ji Hyo smiled and nodded gently, eyes still darting through the documents.

"I knew you were a responsible woman!" Yuri clicked her fingers, in a chirpy tone.

"I also told him something extra..."

"You told him you like—"

"Of course no!" Ji Hyo's eyes widened. "I told him you like him." Ji Hyo chuckled lightly.

"What?!" It was only seconds ago she was in a happy mode.

"I know you are interested in him...so I just gently reminded him, which I think he understood."

"Ahh unnie! How am I going to face him next time?" Yuri cupped her face. Ji Hyo noticed her red ears despite her coppered hair colour.

"Just take it I never told you...Act normal around him."

"B-But—"

"Everything's going to be fine..." Ji Hyo stood up and hushed Yuri out of the room. "I’ll let you know once I’ve gone through that thick stuff, okay?"

With a hand wave, she closed the door behind her. Ji Hyo lets out a sigh of relief. Rejecting promising guys has always been part and parcel of her life. She always says sorry to those bachelors but she never really explained why.

Because…

Ji Hyo likes girl.

She found out when she was only 10. The way she felt for girls emotionally is different for guys. Of course there are guys that she thinks they are cute or handsome, but she was never emotionally attached to them. That's when she realized she likes girl. In another way saying, she happened to fall in love with human who happens to be a girl.

She never told anyone in her family. Only few of her friends knew about it. She was an independent woman so she started living on her own when she was 18, in her own way. She graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Marketing and luckily she landed in a prestigious and listed real estate company in South Korea. It took her a few years before she climbed to her current position; Marketing Executive Manager, at the age of 30 years old.

And that's where she met her.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*