Work Text:
March 3, 11:11 AM
: the article you wrote in 2017
Hello Mr Kang,
I’m writing this email to ask for access to your article from 2017 titled "Airlines’ Lucky Number, 69: a pragmatic approach to sexual innuendos in airline advertising" for my review article of sexual innuendos in advertising as a whole. I understand that it is behind a paywall for a reason, however it would help me a lot to have access to it. Yours is the only one with a multicultural approach and I am, regrettably, broke at the moment.
I actually don’t know if this is a current email address but I hope it is, and I hope you provide me with access. Thank you in advance.
Have a good one,
Hue Kai
March 16, 09:47 AM
: re: the article you wrote in 2017
Hello,
I apologize for replying this late, Mr Hue. Your email accidentally ended up in my spam folder. I’d be more than happy to share my article on sexual innuendos with you as the only reason it’s behind a paywall is because capitalism is a virus that no vaccine has been effective on yet. I’m attaching the article with raw data as well.
I am, however, curious now. Would it be possible for you to keep me updated on your upcoming work? A review article of comparative pragmatic studies sounds interesting and well-above student level.
Warmly,
Kang Taehyun
airlines.final
appendix.txt
March 16, 08:33 PM
: re: the article you wrote in 2017
I am forever in your debt, thank you So So So much Mr Kang. I promise I will be ethical about your work under this hellish capitalistic system. All rebellions start small.
About your question, of course I’d be honored to have you read my review when it is finished. I must warn you though, I do not take unauthorized critiques well. Would it be okay to forward the review to this email in the future?
Have an even better one,
Hue Kai: Not A Student
Date: March 18, 10:52 AM
: re: the article you wrote in 2017
Hello, sorry for the two-day delay.
You wouldn’t happen to be the Research Associate Kai Kamal Huening that we’re having as a guest speaker next month, would you? And yes, it is okay to forward the review to this email in the future.
Warmly,
Kang Taehyun
March 18, 10:59 AM
: re: the article you wrote in 2017
I would, actually. Why?
Confused,
Hue Kai
March 18, 11:07 AM
: re: the article you wrote in 2017
Nice to personally meet you Mr Hue. No need to be confused, please. Kindly check your inbox for any possible spam messages as our faculty assistant hasn’t been able to reach you for the details of the conference. Should you be unable to find the directive sent to you or have any questions, please reach out to me through this email.
I’m looking forward to your talk on identity crises of language, and your upcoming review article.
Warmly,
Kang Taehyun
March 18, 03:26 PM
: details about the upcoming conference
Hello Mr Kang,
Thank you for your endless kindness, I really appreciate it. Since you told me to direct any questions I might have to you, I’ve attached them in this email. They aren't all about the conference, but some are.
Please send my awe at your assistant’s incredibly detailed and welcoming directive. Would you mind terribly if I were to steal her from you?
Have a good one,
Hue Kai
burning.questions.docx
March 19, 09:00 AM
: re: details about the upcoming conference
I’ve attached the answers and any further information to your questions, Mr Hue. I’m delighted to have an early peek at the scope of your review article. Hope you have a nice one as well.
Warmly,
Kang Taehyun
watering.answers.docx
March 28, 10:56 AM
: access to sources
Hi Mr Kang,
Hope your week’s been going better than mine, because I am once again here at your inbox, kindly asking for access. Your article with raw data is greatly appreciated but I’m having trouble accessing some of your sources and my PI tells me the original authors haven’t replied back yet. I thought you might still have them, so in the attached are the sources I’d like to check out highlighted. Fingers crossed.
On a slightly less related topic, bless you and your organized data. Please teach me your ways.
Have a good one,
Hue Kai
sourcesidlike.docx
March 28, 01:17 PM
: re: access to sources
Hello Mr Hue,
My week’s been lukewarm, much like yours I imagine. Though I am happy to have a positive effect on it with this email, because as you suspected, I still have most of the sources you highlighted on my computer. The books titled “Under the Radar: Language plays we ignore” and “Pragmatic Logic of Metaphors” only exist in my physical library and I’m open to lend them to you when you come here for your talk should you need more than the book reviews provide. Please let me know.
I’m afraid my way of organizing is not something I can currently teach via email, but in case you need assistance with your data my inbox is always a tap away.
Warmly,
Kang Taehyun
OnTheTopicOfHumour.pdf
Book.Review.001.pdf
!?$relatable.advertising.ppt
Semiotics-101-Book.Review.pdf
SexSellsButYouKnowWhatSellsHarder.pdf
March 28, 02:45 PM
: re: access to sources
Shouldn’t that be lukewarmly? Semantically speaking, of course.
Thank you so much for your continuous help on this matter and any future ones (I might hold you to your promise). I’ll let you know whether I need the full books or not, depending on how in depth I end up going on the metaphors. Once again, I’m indebted to you. Looking forward to thanking you in person next week. Maybe you could give me some pointers face to face on data keeping.
Have a Great one,
Hue Kai
March 29, 09:27 AM
: re: access to sources
Good morning Mr Hue,
I do hope your focus stays on pragmatics, rather than swaying to semantics, as your previously sent draft and follow up questions on the sexual innuendos have been a fresh perspective. Maybe try semantics for your next paper (I’ll refrain from using warmly this week).
While I do appreciate your kindness, you are in no shape or form indebted to me. I’m simply trying to help a fellow academic. Hopefully that help continues to suit your needs.
Looking forward to meeting you,
Kang Taehyun
[DRAFTS]
March 29, 09:43 AM
: re: access to sources
…….. do you haveany idea how ‘suit your needs’ sounds like . DO YOU
March 29, 10:02 AM
: re: access to sources
Morning Mr Kang,
I’ll try to keep my focus on pragmatics, per your request. Though I do reserve the right to slip from time to time, much like you did. If you don’t wish to end up on my review article, in the subsection of “Accidental Academic Innuendos,” I’d suggest rephrasing your accommodation phrasing. Please know that it made my week warmer/colder (you choose which one is better) than any source could.
Have a suitable one,
Hue Kai
March 29, 11:29 AM
: re: access to sources
Hello Mr Hue, thank you for the heads up. I’ll be mindful of my phrasing in the future, I’d hate to muddy your article on advertising with my careless morning brain.
Regarding your question, this early into the spring, warmer would fit better I believe. Therefore, I must use my usual sign-off here; hopefully by the time you arrive here it will be a warm April day. Perhaps warm enough for a coffee outside?
Sincerely,
Kang Taehyun
March 29, 11:51 AM
: re: access to sources
What a great way to close my debt to you Mr Kang. Perhaps after the conference?
Possibly no longer indebted,
Hue Kai
March 29, 12:49 PM
: re: access to sources
Perhaps, yes. We’ll arrange the details on the day. See you soon Mr Hue.
Was never indebted,
Kang Taehyun
April 5, 10:35 AM
: Last check-in
Hello Mr Hue,
As we are one day away from your conference panel: “Identity Crises of Language," let me be the first one to congratulate you for bringing a younger perspective to much stiff linguistic spaces. I’m certain that our students will appreciate it. As a peer, I’m looking forward to your talk as well.
This email is sent to ask whether there are any last minute changes or unexpected developments on your side. We plan to proceed as outlined in the details report you’ve received previously. Your section will start right after lunch, with one of our senior students as the moderator. I will be there to supervise as well, should you or the moderator need any help.
I wish you the best of luck for tomorrow. Please contact me for any further inquiries.
Warmly,
Kang Taehyun
April 5, 11:37 AM
: re: Last check-in
Hello Mr Kang,
There isn’t any change to report from my side and I’m glad to hear that everything is going accordingly for you too. With all due respect and gratitude, I’d much rather there not be a reason for you to intervene tomorrow. Hopefully you won't have to give up your spectator role in the conference.
Your early congratulations are noted, appreciated and returned. Thank you for all your support. I expect a thorough tour of the campus after the conference, if you find that you have the time. I remember a talk about getting coffee nearby.
Have a good one,
Hue Kai
April 5, 01:26 PM
: re: Last check-in
Mr Hue, your sincere wish is duly noted. I would rather stay as a spectator as well. Glad to hear there are no mishaps.
Regarding the campus tour and promised coffee: would it suit your program to meet after 4? I find that students feel more comfortable dropping by after noon and I’d hate to disappoint them even for a day.
Warmly,
Kang Taehyun
April 5, 02:04 PM
: re: Last check-in
I’d hate to disappoint your students as well. My return bus is scheduled for the next morning, so I believe anytime you can offer me after the conference would suit me. As long as it’s not something too absurd, but something tells you don’t do absurdism, Mr Kang.
I will be waiting for your confirmation on the hour.
Have a good one,
Hue Kai
April 8, 12:17 PM
: borderline personal notes
Hello Mr Kang,
I am finally home, without much loss, except for some of my dignity. I’d like to thank you and your staff again for the incredible thoughtfulness throughout this week. I’m sure my honor will heal over time (please indulge me on this).
I very much enjoyed our coffee together, and wanted to send my personal thanks to you for your warm welcome. I especially enjoyed our back-and-forth about the effectiveness of wordplay in advertising. If you are okay with it, I’d like to borrow your brain from time to time on this.
You, of course, have my blanket permission to borrow mine as you please, too. I’m looking forward to reading your study on manipulation via language.
Have a great one,
Hue Kai
April 8, 04:32 PM
: re: borderline personal notes
Hello Mr Hue,
I’m happy to know that you’ve made it home okay. As much as I’d like to indulge you in your delusions, I believe healing your dignity from presenting with an unfortunate microphone malfunction may take some time. Maybe we could try to change the perspective and appreciate that your initial panic from the malfunction seemed to fit the “crisis” theme.
In the meantime, my suggestion is to keep yourself busy with finishing your review article, thus allowing me to read it in its polished version as soon as possible. Our coffee talk only made me more excited to read a comparative look at this. Fair warning—your pre-allowed time borrowing may come even earlier than you’ve planned.
Have a great one as well,
Kang Taehyun
April 21, 06:13 AM
: re: Borrowing your brain
Good Morning Mr Kang,
After spending an unhealthy amount of time in front of my computer, I’ve finally finished the thesis you suggested I’d have a look—that is, I’ve used all my brain power. And you said this is from your senior professor? No wonder you’re quick on your feet.
He does raise quite a few intriguing questions though, I admit. Are you planning to categorize your manipulation tactics based on their effect or intent? Or both could work, provided that you introduce a reliable metric in your paper (your professor was very adamant about that in his).
Also, on top of our previous blanket permissions, I’d like to add a new policy of sending each other any related sources we might come across. The attachment below is my first entry.
Have a restful one,
Hue Kai
Tactical.Ambiguity.pdf
April 21, 09:47 AM
: re: Borrowing your brain
Good Morning Mr Hue,
I’m glad that you think I’m quick on my feet but I’m afraid I'll have to refrain from commenting any further on the reason. As for the intriguing questions: yes, that is exactly why I chose this topic for my next study.
I’ve planned to focus on the effect, as I assumed that intent categorization would take me no further than ‘distraction’ or ‘personal benefit’ (should be noted that my personal bias against politics may play a role in that assumption). A two-way metric system sounds interesting, I’ll keep you posted on the updates.
As per our new policy, I’m attaching one of my favorite Spirits Airlines’ advertising. Sadly, it did not make it into my paper due to the sexual effect being rooted more in semiotics, however; I believe it is a linguistic wonder regardless.
Warmly,
Kang Taehyun
PS: I’m choosing to ignore the timestamp on your email for the sake of my conscience. Please take care of your sleep schedule.
NewSpiritAirlinesAd.img
April 21, 02:32 PM
: re: Borrowing your brain
Good morning Mr Kang,
I know it’s not actually morning anymore, but, hey, it’s the polite thing to do. I should also let you know that your attached image made me spill my coffee. You've caught me off guard. A shame that it didn’t make it to your paper. It is indeed a linguistic wonder.
I’ll hold you to your promise on the updates, though I do wonder why you chose to study political manipulation if you despise it as much as you seem to do.
Have an amazing one,
Kai
PS: Are we doing PSs now? Then, might I suggest using my first name here on out? It would be a big change for both of us, I assume.
April 21, 03:10 PM
: re: Borrowing your brain
Hello,
I hope your coffee spill didn’t cause much damage. I’d hate to be the reason for it. And to answer your jabbing curiosity, I’m afraid it’s quite simple. What better way to hate on politics than under the mask of academic endeavor?
Warmer?,
Taehyun
PS: I did not mean for it to be a thing, it was presumptuous of me. I’m glad to see that assumption works two ways though, Kai.
May 10, 06:37 PM
: re: Research application
I will think about it and let you know. Thank you for thinking of me for the position, Taehyun.
Have a great one,
Kai
May 11, 10:12 AM
: re: Research application
Morning Kai,
Of course you were the first person who came to my mind, your skill set would be greatly appreciated here. I'll be waiting for your reply. In the meantime, would you be willing to do a video call this week? I find myself in need of an outside perspective for my paper.
Warmly,
Taehyun
May 17, 07:23 PM
: Video call notes
quicknotes.txt
June 01, 01:57 AM
: (not so) fun fact!
Did you know that your city ranks the highest in the most expensive places to live? I was naively unaware of this before today, but here I am, looking through apartment listings and it seems that the cost of living crisis is beyond me. Is it too late to discuss payment for the research associate position?
Have a free one,
Kai
June 01, 02:21 PM
: re: (not so) fun fact!
Hello,
Ah, the cost of living, yes. Though I wasn't aware we ranked the highest, I can personally attest to the 'crisis' part. You would not believe how hard I had to bargain to rent my current place. I imagine that's not really an option while remote. Are you planning on a trip here for apartment hunting? If so, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
I'm also including the contact information of one of my friends who is a real estate agent. I already explained your situation to her. Hopefully she'll be able to guide you.
Yuna Real Estate
+90XXXXXXXXX
Have an affordable one,
Taehyun
June 01, 02:59 PM
: re: (not so) fun fact!
Pardon my lack of manners in the previous email. Hi. Have I told you how much I appreciate our friendship? Let me do it again, THANK YOU
I'm in the middle of preparing for the move and planning my trip, yes, and while nothing is certain as of yet, I'd still like to book your time in advance. How does dinner sound? I should be there at the end of the month for a week.
Kai
PS: Wishing me only an affordable day is cruel, Taehyun. For that, you get no regards at all.
June 01, 04:47 PM
: re: (not so) fun fact!
I appreciate our friendship deeply, as well. It doesn't hurt to hear it from time to time, though, so thank you. I'm glad to help (please don't take my respect for proper capitalization as a lack of enthusiasm).
Have a free one,
Taehyun
PS: Can I have my regards back if I make a reservation with my favorite restaurant for us once you have the dates certain? I enjoy your cheekiness thoroughly.
June 08, 10:43 PM
: A long over-due request
Kai,
Forgive my late reach-out, but it just struck me now that my friend has your number yet I do not. This is not to pressure you, however I cannot help but wonder why. Surely texting is easier for both of us. Or calling. If you're that kind of person.
Again, this is not meant to pressure you. Just something that wouldn't leave my mind after talking with my friend Yuna.
Please don't be weirded out.
Warmly,
Taehyun
[DRAFT]
June 09, 00:17 AM
: re: A long over-due request
Taehyun, I beg of you to take a moment and question why this thought would not leave your mind. Please.
GOD PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT
June 09, 09:15 AM
: re: A long over-due request
Morning Taehyun,
I assure you I do not feel pressured. I've had the same thought once or twice before, and really, I have no problems with it. In fact, here's my number: +90XXXXXXXXX
However, I quite like exchanging emails with you. While phone calls are not my strongest suit, and texting feels like a chore more often than not, emails come naturally to me. Is it the same with you?
Not weirded out,
Kai
June 09, 09:27 AM
: re: A long over-due request
Morning Kai,
I'm happy to hear that I haven't caused any misunderstandings and that you trust me enough to share your personal number. Unless you have a load of them, that latest text from the unknown number is me.
I guess I'm kind of on the fence about the best way to keep in touch. I've been told I'm a good texter, probably because I enjoy sharing how my day goes with my friends, but I also indisputably prefer meeting in person to anything else. If you think about it, there isn't much difference between texting or emailing, so we shall proceed as it is. You say emailing comes naturally to you, and I enjoy you in your element.
On a similar note, I'm also looking forward to learning about your departure date. I intend to keep my promise.
Warmly,
Taehyun
June 15, 11:17 AM
: ticket info
Hello, my dear friend. I hope your week is going well. If not, worry not, because I come with good news.
bustickets.pdf
I will be out apartment hunting during the day, but I should be free after five. Let me know of the reservation when you get to it.
PS: Is it too late to rope you into an additional lunch? I have a bakery that I'd like to try out.
Have an anticipatory one,
Kai
June 15, 11:35 AM
: re: ticket info
Kai,
Hello to you too. What great news to start my day with. Our reservation is on the 26th, at 8PM. I'll send you the address on the day. Looking forward to our dinner, and lunch. Because no, it's not too late to "rope" me into one. I'll even let you surprise me and leave my lunch break free for the whole week.
Already anticipating,
Taehyun
July 04, 10:46 AM
: My new addiction
Kai,
I hope everything is going well with your moving arrangements. Last we talked, you mentioned a problem with your couch which caused me to finally have enough energy to buy a new one myself.
bluetooth1.jpg
Isn't the color pretty? It should arrive tomorrow.
Regarding my subject line, I have a confession to make: I think I'm addicted to starting my day with sandwiches from Zenna's. Ever since you introduced the bakery to me, I've been going there before work and I'm afraid they know my order by now. One of the younger workers there called me 'Olive Bread' today (not to my face, thankfully) and I don't know how to feel about that. Not sure how my bank account feels about that either.
I guess this is my way of both thanking you and asking you to take responsibility because I swear I wasn't this indulgent until our friendship.
Warmly,
Taehyun the Olive Bread
July 04, 12:38 PM
: re: My new addiction
Well, the way I see it, the solution to your problem is easy Taehyun the Olive Bread—wait for me to accompany you. That way you're not an addict so much as a working man who enjoys delicious pastries with his friend in the mornings. Doable? It should only take two more weeks.
Also, talking about addictions, that couch is divine. Link. Now. Please. My couch problem is still ongoing and I see a bright future ahead of me.
Aside from my constant annoyance with the logistics of moving, the hardest part for me is saying goodbye to my current life. I didn't exactly expect this. My new job is amazing (thank you again for recommending me), the city is alive with student life which is always more fun but I keep thinking about how fun it was here for me for the past five years. I don't view myself as sentimental, Taehyun, not by far, but saying goodbye to My City might be one of the hardest things I've done in my life.
I'm not trying to dampen anyone's mood, please don't feel too bad for me because in the end I'm aware what a great opportunity this is. It's not like I'd be all alone in a strange place either. This is just last-minute jitters. Thought you'd like to know. Or I just wanted to share my thoughts. Jury's out, otherwise busy with packing picture frames.
(the last part was a joke please laugh)
Kai
July 04, 01:21 PM
: re: My new addiction
Kai,
My mood is not dampened, nor would it be a bad thing if it were. I'm simply concerned for you. It is never easy to say goodbye, take it from a closeted sentimental person. Would it be okay to call you tonight?
I tried putting my thoughts into words, words I hoped would help you and be supportive, and I know how you feel toward phone calls but this deserves an exception, does it not? You could just put me on speaker while you pack even. I want to be there for you.
Taehyun
July 04, 01:44 PM
: re: My new addiction
I'll call you after six.
July 23, 08:47 PM
: re: Transportation
Taehyun,
FOR THE LAST TIME
-no you don't have to pick me up
-i can take the bus i'm a big boy
-please, for the love of god, let me get lost in this maze that you call a city by myself
Thank you for being considerate, really, but I want to get used to the city. We can meet up, though. When are you free?
Seriously,
Kai
July 23, 09:16 PM
: re: Transportation
Your well-meaning but rude decline is duly noted Kai. However, I did enjoy getting declined in the form of a list, I'll give you that. How about we stop for breakfast tomorrow? It's not a good idea to go to a meeting with an empty stomach.
Serious as ever,
Taehyun
July 25, 10:25 AM
: Congrats!
Good Morning Mr Hue,
I thought it would do us some good to go back to our roots now that you've officially been introduced to other faculty members. Feel free to call me Mr Kang, I quite severely miss being respected with the students being gone (not to say you don't respect me). Welcome to our humble linguistics faculty. I'm sure your future here as a research associate will be bright.
On a less formal note, I'd like to invite you to a social event between all the members of the faculty under the age of 40. The youngsters, if the group chat name is anything to go by. Sienna—the blond woman sitting across you yesterday—wanted to be the one to invite you initially but I thought having me as the buffer would be more comfortable for you. Just know that everyone wants to get to know you. I believe your Friday night is free? Let me know.
Warmly,
Taehyun
July 25, 10:25 AM
: re: Congrats!
Dear Mr Kang,
I must admit, a bunch of under 40s considering themselves 'youngsters' does sound pathetic. Sign me up. As you thought, my Friday is fully open. Email me the details when you have them.
As for the being respected part, a question for you: do you believe in the power of names? Is it that different when I call you Mr Kang, Taehyun, or maybe a third, worse thing? I'm curious especially because both of my names are dear to me, both feel like me. But I'd much rather you use anything other than Mr Hue for me; it takes me back to a lonelier time.
Have a great one,
Kai
PS: Thank you.
July 25, 04:38 PM
: re: Congrats!
Dear Kai,
I believe my answer changes depending on what that third worst thing is. The choice between the other two is easier, fortunately. Taehyun, no doubt. I'm not sure if I'd be calling it 'the power of names' but I guess there is some power in the intimacy of first names. I don't mind nicknames either.
Warmly,
Taehyun
PS: You're welcome.
July 25, 04:59 PM
: re: Congrats!
Something like Olive Bread?
Kai
July 25, 05:08 PM
: re: Congrats!
Think of something more dignified please.
Not so warmly,
Taehyun
July 25, 05:13 PM
: re: Congrats!
Not likely Olive Bread. You didn't even keep your promise to hold off for two weeks from those sandwiches, you deserve the nickname.
Have an olivey one,
Kai
July 25, 05:17 PM
: re: Congrats!
Your invitation is hereby null.
Coldly,
Taehyun
[DRAFT]
August 07, 01:48 AM
: you did it
you're amazing
August 07, 09:00 AM
: you did it
Morning Taehyun,
I wanted to be the first to do it, so here's my deepest, sincerest congrats to you for getting your paper published. It's been a joy to see you work on it so closely and an even bigger joy to be the person you went to for brainstorming. Congratulations.
This is a scheduled email so don't get too worried if I reply later in the day. I plan to use my last days of summer to its fullest potential. See you tomorrow for lunch.
Have an AMAZING one,
Kai
August 20, 01:34 PM
re: Concert
Here's the drive link for the photos. I've had so much fun. Thank you.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fX8…
Taehyun
August 20, 01:56 PM
: re: Concert
It was high time I took you out for once, the pleasure's been all mine. See you at the meeting.
Kai
September 13, 06:17 PM
re: Picking up your brain
Kai,
I'm attaching the file with my notes on it, take a look whenever. From what I see, you'd lessen your workload considerably by narrowing your scope. Any chance I could convince you of that?
Taehyun
whatsinthemiddle.pdf
September 17, 08:32 PM
: A cool pic
Morning Kai,
Start your day with this cool green bird I found.
Taehyun
bluetooth13.jpg
September 17, 09:11 AM
: re: A cool pic
A very cool morning to you too, Taehyun. Let me introduce you to my neighborhood cat: the coolest ever.
Kai
bluetooth02.jpg
October 12, 10:12 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
Kai,
I’ve included minor adjustments for the draft in the attachment. Otherwise, everything looks great. I’m happy to play even a junior part in your journey for such a long time. Best of luck on your presentation next Thursday.
Sincerely,
Taehyun
draft001.docx
October 12, 10:21 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
Taehyun,
Your contributions to this research have been anything but junior. Please take it to heart when I say I wouldn’t be here without you. The only reason I’m giving that presentation on Thursday is you. As always, thank you for your efforts and kindest compliments.
Sincerestly,
Kai
October 12, 10:25 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
While I do appreciate your words and sincerest acknowledgements, I must insist that you see your own worth and contributions to the field. Be the one who takes it to the heart for once and believe me when I say you’d be excellent and lovely everywhere you go, in everything you do.
Sincerely,
Taehyun
October 12, 10:37 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
Did you mean to send the last email? If so, I admit I’m more than a little surprised and most importantly, immensely happy to hear that. How about we compromise and settle on us two being the best academics? It would be our little secret.
Still the sincerest,
Kai
October 12, 10:55 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
I can accept that compromise on the condition of you kindly forgetting about my borderline unprofessional word choices from my previous email. Although I intended to send it, upon reflection I realize I could have conveyed the same sentiment in many different ways.
Sincerely,
Taehyun
October 12, 11:01 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
See, I was ready to brush over it but something about you not even realizing how your words sound tells me that you are not ready to brush over it. Is that too much of an interpretation?
Regardless, I’m nothing if not diligent with directives, so I will (try to) forget about your momentary sincerity. It might even top mine.
Second sincerest,
Kai
October 12, 11:05 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
Please do so.
I don’t think sincerity could ever be a competition, at least not one I can win against you but I, once again, appreciate your due diligence on trusting my directives. That’s a harsh word, though. Do you think a healthy middle is possible?
Sincerely,
Taehyun
October 12, 11:07 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
In general or between us? The answer seems to differ more and more with every new reply you send.
If I were to make an assumption, though I suspect it to be more true than my own imagination, I’d say we’re already operating on the so-called healthy middle. Do you not find it middle enough, or does the problem lie in the healthy part for you?
Kai
October 12, 11:08 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
Kai,
I meant to s
October 12, 11:13 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
Please ignore my last email, I truly sent it by mistake this time. What I meant to write there was this: do you believe there is any regard for “health” or “middle ground” once certain lines are crossed? This is not rhetorical.
If I were to throw all the caution I could out of the window for a moment, I’d say that this conversation deserves more intimacy than these emails can provide. Does that answer your question?
I believe your assumptions are even more aligned with reality than you’d imagined.
Truthfully,
Taehyun
October 12, 11:15 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
Allow me to show you what actually throwing all caution out of the window looks like.
Are you free this Friday? I can get us a table of two at Barbounia. Or if you’d prefer something less stuffy, you know where I live. Your pick.
Hopefully,
Kai
October 12, 11:18 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
This is why you’d be amazing at whatever you do, for you never cease to amaze me. Should I bring anything for this Friday? Perhaps a nice wine?
Yours truly,
Taehyun
October 12, 11:21 PM
: re: preliminary research draft
I’ll tell you tomorrow. You’re a little too stingy with affection, but you never cease to amaze me as well. It just means I have to work hard for it (which you know I like).
Yours truly,
Kai