Chapter Text
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All of the noise disappeared in an instant. It was like being struck between two realities: one that was imperfect, but doable. But the other version is where Kang Chul pictured himself in, the one he longed himself to be part of. The one thing that separated him from achieving that dream was himself. As Kang Chul is in deep thought from what happened minutes ago where Baekhyun's taunting words is helplessly stuck into his mind. He continued to stare down at his hands that is resting on the table while his wife is happy conversating with HanEul. Kang Chul couldn't help himself but repeat those words into his head.
". . .so she hasn't say anything yet," - this is the exact words his student told him and not only that he even went to mock him as far as saying that it will be an interesting ride for both of them. Also telling him that he has a thing for HanEul. As if he was trying to insult him and her together. Kang Chul faced seems to darken whenever he continues to think what Baekhyun has said. It would bother him deeply especially when there was something he didn't know and Baekhyun does.
His heart feels unease and troubled.
But all those feelings vanished as soon his wife called his attention, "Oppa? Are you even listening?" - she pouted cutely when she noticed he wasn't listening at all.
He apologized for not listening to her and paid his full attention to her. Kang Chul's wife, MinYoung continued to talk and her sweetly aura came back again. What happened was when Baekhyun and InNa left the park, Kang Chul took this opportunity and invite HanEul to join them to eat lunch. Of course, he wasn't too sure about that but HanEul didn't mind. All three of them had a wonderful time as they enjoy watching all the different markets they came across.
As the day continued to pass, they came to stop by a cafe and this is where they are currently are, where Kang Chul was too busy thinking deep into his thoughts for a moment. HanEul would be sitting in her seat, the opposite side from the couple and just watch them as they act lovely together. HanEul couldn't help but feel a little of discomfort. She thinks that she is interrupting their date.
Besides, why would she join them when they could join themselves alone. She's only a student and her teacher is just a teacher, nothing more. Also it's illegal for a minor to be under a relationship with someone older especially when that man is married. HanEul thinks that it was time for her to go and leave them be. She stood up as it grabbed their attention. HanEul wrote something on her notebook and gave to MinYoung or as Mrs. Park: Thank you for the food but it's time for me to head out. I think I've already messed up your plans far enough, so I'll be going now. Both looked at each other and had the same shock face. "What? Why? I don't think like that, I love your company, why can't you stay with us a little longer?" - MinYoung suggested.
"Yeah, HanEul it won't bothered us. I think it's good to have you to spend with us when I noticed that my wife is taking a liking towards you. . ." - Kang Chul agrees and tries to convinces HanEul to stay. But the real reason is he wants her to stay by his side. Both waiting for HanEul to answer when she shook her head to decline their invitation. Then she wrote: I'm very humble for you wanting me to stay but I think that's not very appropriate. MinYoung has a puzzled face, she doesn't understands why HanEul would say that. "Why it wouldn't be appropriate? I don't understand." HanEul didn't say anything but apologetically bowed at her and left the cafe. MinYoung still couldn't explain what just happened. As for Kang Chul, he has a somewhat have an idea what was going on. The only thing he could do is feel guilty.
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While HanEul was a couple blocks away from the restaurant, she let out a soft but long sigh of relived. The stiffness on her shoulders came to loosen and doesn't feel awkward anymore. Her heart feels light and finally doesn't have to feel guilty. She thinks if she have stayed then maybe things gone complicated.
HanEul checked her phone to know what time is it and it was already four o'clock. Time really does passed fast. She rubbed her hands together to get some warmth as she admire the people around her. She watches them, some heads down or lost in thought and wonder what their private worlds are like―each them viewing this same place, this same day, from a unique perspective. Some of them noticed the weak sun emitting in the sky, others the cloudy remains of yesterday snowstorms. Either way their footfalls soothe HanEul better than a flowing river. It's because she is a city girl and always will be.
As soon as it came it all disappear when she heard a familiar voice a couple feet in front of her. The voices is loud and it seems that the owner of these voices is enjoying their time. She stopped her tracks and stood still as she looked straight ahead. Waiting for the people in front of her to clear the view, when she finally sees him laughing along his girlfriend. HanEul observe them for a little while then she thought that it would probably be rude to keep staring. Just when she was going to turn around, her eyes locks with his own. HanEul eyes slightly widen and quickly turned around.
She was hoping that he didn't see her so she began to walk the other direction but it's too late when he called her. "Hey! Where do you think you're going?" - he said as she could hear his footsteps coming closer. Just when she knows he is just right behind her, she slowly turned around and faced him. HanEul sees him smiling in wonder as he holds his girlfriend close to him. Before she could react or do anything the girl in front of her who's probably the same height as her and beautiful gleam brown eyes asked first with her soft gentle voice. "Oppa, do you know her?"
"Huh? Oh, yes, I guess I do. You remember her, right? She's the Ice Queen everyone talks about, Miss Kang HanEul herself." - he said it so proudly. The girl quickly faced HanEul and it could easily tell that she was surprised to see her. It's because it's her first time seeing her in person. Of course, she had heard of her but never has seen her before. Now that she looking at her very clearly, she can see why the the gossiping she has been hearing that HanEul is very pretty. The girl reach out her hand and introduce herself, "Hi, I'm Seo InNa-iminda. It's nice to meet you." - InNa kindly said.
HanEul looked straight at InNa's hands then slowly reached out and shook it. InNa is happy to see that HanEul returned the greeting. Then InNa faced her boyfriend, "So oppa, how did you know her?" - her boyfriend grinned at her question. "Oh, it's because we are classmates, room E-12." Then a wicked smile appear his lips. HanEul knew in that moment that he is a total asshole. Manipulating this sweet girl in front her, she couldn't believe that she is going to marry him. If she was the girl from five years she would most likely go beat his ass and try to get some sense from him. But the girl from five years ago is gone, she isn't coming back.
I'm not her anymore so whatever manipulation he's doing to her isn't my problem. - HanEul thought, then she decided that it would be best for her to leave. She made a quick bow and ready to leave but InNa stop her from doing so. "Hey, where are you going? You aren't leaving are you?" - HanEul made a slight gulp then nodded. InNa wasn't happy to hear that she was leaving. In the end, InNa was pouting childishly, wanting HanEul to stay. "Oh c'mon, please HanEul-ah~ don't you feel lonely when you're alone. It's much better to hang out with others, right Baek?"
Baekhyun then placed his arm around InNa's waist, "Certainly, you wouldn't want to miss it. Besides my friends are coming so why don't we wait for them have some fun."
HanEul didn't like the sound of that when Baekhyun said the word fun. She tried to protest but Baekhyun's friends just came in a nick of time. Through the distance they were hollering back at them. InNa and Baekhyun took this opportunity and grabbed HanEul's arm and forcibly pull her with them. This isn't suppose to happen. Why me?