The Girl for Hwan

Mayu was sitting at her study table with her diary in front of her. She wanted to write what happened and what she found out. But her hands could not move an inch. Her mind was messy and her feelings were mixed. She stood from her desk and went to the door of her room. There she slightly opened the door to take a glimpse of her parents in the kitchen. Her father and mother were standing side by side with each other. Her mother was washing the dishes while his father was arranging the plates in their place. Seconds later her father grabbed her mother’s butt. Her mother tried to remove his hand on her feeling flirtatious, then she mumbled to him while he grinned. Mayu shut the door with disgust. She could not swallow the fact that he is sexually active with his mother while he also has a mistress. That made her raise the hair on her arms.

She went back to her desk and aggressively wrote in her diary.

When the morning came, she woke up because of the loud talks outside her room. She stood up from her bed to slightly open the door. Her parents were having an argument in the kitchen. His father and mother were facing each other. They were exchanging words in Tagalog that she barely understood. She opened the door to go to the bathroom. Her parents paused for a moment when she came out of the room. When she arrived at the bathroom, they muttered the words.

Minutes later his father left for work while Mayu was finally having breakfast in the kitchen while wearing her school uniform.

“What happened? Were you two fighting?” Mayu asked her mother. “Did you already know?”

Her mother signed, “Did you know?”

“When did you know?”

“Last week. He told me.”

“He told you? You’re supposed to be mad.”

“I am mad. We could not afford to live in Seoul anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“Since your father is not promoted again, we need to move.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“Quitting his job is also our loss.”

“Is he quitting his job? Why?”

“He found a job but it’s in Busan. He wants to accept it but the pay is low.”

“We’re leaving Seoul?”

“It’s not sure yet. Will it be okay with you to transfer there?”

“That’s the reason you were arguing earlier?” Mayu asked.

“Y-yeah, what do you mean?”

“I followed Dad going to work last time.”

“So?”

“He has a mistress! He’s cheating on you, ma!”

“Wh-what?” Her mother’s expression was blank.

“I-I-I saw it. They were holding hands.” Mayu suddenly felt like crying. “He’s cheating on us.”

Mayu stood while crying, “Try following Papa tomorrow morning you’ll see.” Then she walked away.

###

Mayu wandered while going to the school. She thought that what she did was wrong. She shouldn’t have said it that way which shocked her mother. She didn’t have an idea what would happen to their family after that. She thought that maybe she destroyed them. But she couldn’t stand that her father was having the best of both worlds at the same time. For her, it’s unfair to her mother and she also pities her for being dumb.

She was walking in the hallway when a boy approached him while looking gloomy.

“Are you okay?” The boy asked him.

She looked at him. He has slanted eyes while wearing round eyeglasses and he has pale white skin. He looked smart.

“Y-yeah, I’m okay.”

She was about to walk away but the boy continued talking, “Do you remember me?”

Mayu slightly frowned then she shakes her head.

“I was the one who helped you when you wept in the middle of the street.”

“Ah, was that you?”

“Yes, it was me. You seemed broken-hearted that day.”

“B-broken-hearted? Me?”

He nodded, “You were weeping.”

“I guess, I am.”

Mayu tried to touch her pocket to search for something, “I’ll return this. I already washed it.” Mayu handed over the handkerchief.

The boy shakes his head, “It’s alright, it's yours already.”

“Gahamsamnida.” Mayu bowed her head. “Are you also in the second year?”

“Aniyo, I’m a senior.”

“Ah, jinjjayo?”

“Are you feeling okay now?”

“Aniyo.”

“May I know what made you cry that much?”

“It’s a family problem.”

“Ah, I understand.”

“What’s your name, anyway?”

“Han Joon-woo. How about you?”

“Mayumi Acda.”

“Mayu.” Suddenly Hwan arrived and walked beside Mayu. “Do you know each other?”

“Ah, y-yeah?” Mayu responded unsurely.

“I’ll go now,” Joon-woo said before he left.

“Do you know him?” Hwan asked.

“He just said his name, Han Joon-woo?” Mayu said.

“Yeah, he’s the smartest in their batch.”

“Jinjja?”

“How do you know him?”

“Geunyang...” Mayu said.

“He approached you first.”

“Ah, you saw?”

“Yeah, I was just standing there,” He pointed to the hallway, “I was about to call you but he approached you.”

“Do you need something from me?” Mayu asked.

He smiled then he encircled his arm on her neck. “Both of us have been early in school these past few days!”

“Haist!” She removed his arm on her neck before she walked away from him.

“Come home with me later! My mom called and told me that your mom said you need to stay with us after class!” Hwan shouted as Mayu moved away from him. “I’ll

go to your classroom later to get you!”

###

Since she did not get drunk last night, Mayu woke up early to make haejangguk* for Hwan. She’s boiling the seaweed and anchovies on a pot above the stove. She’s sitting at the table while smashing the garlic on the chopping board using a knife than she also sliced the green chili. Meanwhile, Hea is sitting across from her at the dining table while eating breakfast. Mayu stood near the stove to remove from the pot the seaweed and the anchovies using a strainer. Then she went to the table to get a handful of sprouts to put it inside the boiling pot. After a minute she added the smashed garlic and sliced chili into the pot. She also puts a pinch of salt before she closes the pot again. (Stew for hangover)

From the sofa in the living room, Hwan suddenly woke up. He’s sitting straight with shock in his eyes. He looked around him and saw an unfamiliar place. He saw Hea who was sitting at the table on his left and in front of him, Mayu is standing while in front of the stove in the kitchen.

“Y-you’re already awake,” Hea said while chewing. “Oraenmaniya*, Ye-sung-ah.” (Long time no see, informal)

Mayu walked towards the table, “You’re awake? Come, have some breakfast first.”

“Can I use your bathroom first?”

“Sure, turn right there.” Mayu pointed out the direction.

Hwan saw the direction and then he stood up to go to the bathroom. Mayu started arranging the other side of the dining table. She turned off the stove. She held a bowl while she opened the pot of haejangguk. She put some of the soup on the bowl with care and then she placed it on the table across Hea. There she took a seat beside it. Minutes later Hwan came out of the bathroom.

“Come here, have breakfast with us,” Mayu said while calling Hwan.

Hwan came with hesitation in front of them.

“Don’t be awkward. That’s Cha Hea.” Mayu said to him.

“Annyeong haseyo.” Hwan said to Hea.

“Don’t be too formal. We’re the same age, anyway.” Hea said.

Hwan seated beside Mayu and across Hea. He looked at the dish in front of him. “Thanks for this,” Hwan said.

“You’re welcome. You owe me so much now.” Mayu said. “We carried you last night.”

“Mianhaeyo.” Hwan said being polite.

Mayu and Hea both laughed.

“You’re so formal. Are you still drunk?” Mayu asked.

“Ani, but my head feels heavy,” Hwan said.

“Eat that. I made that for you.” Mayu said.

“Do you still remember me?” Hea asked Hwan.

“A bit?” He said.

“We were in the same class in senior year,” Hea said.

“Ah, jinjja? Mian, I forgot.” Hwan said.

“Whoa, you seem a decent man. You’ve changed.” Hea was amazed by Hwan.

“I told you,” Mayu said. “I think art changes people.”

“I think so too?” Hea said.

“Sorry for being a burden to both of you last night. And thank you for allowing me to sleep here.” Hwan said.

“Anytime. If you need a drinking buddy you can call us.” Hea said. “You were dead drunk last night. That tells me that your problem is damn serious.”

Hwan shyly chuckled, “Maybe?”

“It’s not maybe. It’s seriously serious. It’s about marriage.” Mayu said. “And marriage is for a lifetime.”

“If I, were you, I would not marry her. If you don’t love her.” Hea said. “But are you in love with someone else?”

“I’m not sure?” Hwan said.

“But you are sure that you don’t want to marry her?” Hea asked.

He nodded, “I’m sure.”

“Then don’t worry about it and don’t marry her,” Hea said.

Hwan took a sip of the soup on the spoon. “Hmm, mashitseo*.” (It’s good.)

“Jinjja? I made that.” Mayu said.

“She’s always cooking that whenever she’s drunk,” Hea said.

“Yah.” Mayu said to Hea.

“Mayu said you are a gym instructor?” Hwan asked Hea.

“I am,” Hea said.

“You seem fit and healthy. That’s nice you’ve changed.” Hwan said.

“I got my high blood pressure when I was 20. That made me change myself.”

“Jeongmal? That’s too young.” Hwan said.

While Hea and Hwan were talking Mayu was eating her breakfast beside Hwan.

“Yeah, I was too young for that,” Hea said.

“How the two of you meet?” Hwan asked.

“I saw her at a coffee shop in Itaewon. She was a barista.” Hea said. “Then I asked her if she wants to live with me.”

“Ah, you were a barista before?” Hwan asked Mayu.

Mayu swallowed first," I was. When I first arrived in Seoul, I barely spoke Korean because I was shy. Working there has helped me improve my communication skills.

Then months later I resigned. I found on the internet the job hiring at the gallery so I applied.”

“I never expected to meet you again actually,” Hwan said.

“Nado*. I was surprised when I found her.” Hea said. (Me too)

“What made you decide to come back to Seoul?” Hwan asked while he was eating.

“I loved watching Korean dramas. Watching it made me miss the country. When I realized that I could not be financially secured as a published writer in the

The Philippines, I decided to stay here.”

“You were a published writer in the Philippines? That’s good.”

“I was. I published novels related to romance—“ Hea interrupted her, “Although she has not to experienced romance yet.”

Mayu stared at her, “Yah!”

“You have not experienced romance yet?” Hwan asked.

“It’s a choice, okay? I wanted it.” Mayu insisted.

“Why would you want that?” Hwan asked.

“Geunyang...” Mayu looked at her wristwatch. “Hurry up, I’m gonna be late for work.”

She stood up and removed the apron.

###

As the middle of the summer season approaches the temperature is also increasing. The humidity has also been escalating which exhausts the body of every person. Every afternoon people can be seen with umbrellas under the blazing sun with cold drinks on their other hands. When the evening comes the heat decreases a bit but the humidity lingers like elastic gum on the skin.

For the entire day, Hwan and Mayu were on the photoshoot for the upcoming exhibit. The shoot occurred at the gallery where the exhibit will take place. Mayu was there to assist Hwan on the shoot. Meanwhile, Hwan has been like a professional model. He’s also been suggesting angles that he thought he would look cool. Mayu has been observing him while shaking her head. She thought that side of him had gone.

When the day was over Hwan waited for Mayu outside the gallery. When he was standing in front of the establishment, he saw Chung-hee walking going to the building.

He called him out. “Chung-hee!”

Chung-hee turned to search for him. “Hyungnim?” He went towards Hwan. “What are doing here, hyungnim?”

“I’m waiting for someone. How about you?”

“I think seeing art is relaxing me.”

When Hwan looked behind Chung-hee, he saw Mayu walking out of the gallery. “Mayu!” She called her out.

Mayu saw him so she went to them. “Annyeong haseyo, nuna.” Chung-hee said to Mayu.

“Annyeong.” Mayu said to Chung-hee. “What are you two doing here?”

“I’m waiting for you,” Hwan said.

“Wae?” Mayu asked him.

“I owe you the other time. Want to have dinner with me?” Hwan asked her.

“Are you two dating?” Chung-hee asked.

“Ani.” Mayu instantly said.

“I know you’re also hungry after that photoshoot,” Hwan said.

“Are you two close?” Chung-hee asked. “You talk too casually with each other.”

“We’re the same age,” Mayu said.

“So? He’s hyungnim for me.” Chung-hee said.

“Ah, we’ve known each other since we’re young,” Hwan explained.

“Really?” Chung-hee said. “That’s why.”

“What are you doing here?” Mayu asked Chung-hee.

“To see art,” Chung-hee said.

“It’s close already,” Mayu said. “Why don’t you join us?”

“May I?” Chung-hee asked.

“Okay, fine, you can,” Hwan said.

“I feel like drinking,” Chung-hee said.

“Nado, but you are not going to drink.” Mayu pointed it out to Hwan.

“Wae? I’ll pay,” Hwan said.

“Yah, you drink irresponsibly!” Mayu said.

“Araso, I’ll drink with care,” Hwan said.

“Where are we going?” Chung-hee asked.

###

The night comes as the lights shine like stars on the streets. The people are wandering on the roadside like waves. The heat has subsided as the moon glistens on the sky. The stranded vehicles on the streets are like stoplights that signal the color red. Mayu, Hwan, and Chung-hee entered an eatery on the side road. A lot of people eat there with their friends that talk aloud. The servers are busy serving every request at every table. Mayu and Chung-hee stared at the menu above the counter while Hwan searched for an available table.

Mayu and Chung-hee ordered one serving of Jajang Tteokbokki*, kimbap, and 4 bottles of soju. After that, they went to their table with Hwan. The server followed them and put a portable gas stove on the table. He also served the 4 bottles of soju. Minutes later the server put the pan of Jajang Tteokbokki over the portable gas stove and he turned on the stove to cook the food. After a while, the kimbap was served on the table while the Jajang Tteokbokki was boiling on the stove. (Korean rice cakes smothered in a roasted black bean)

“How do the two of you know each other, Hyungnim?” Chung-hee asked Hwan while he was chewing the rice cake.

“We were neighbors when we were young,” Hwan said while opening a bottle of soju.

Mayu held Hwan’s hand while he was opening a bottle of soju. “Yah, eat first!” Mayu said to him.

“Araso, I’m just opening it just in case,” Hwan said.

“You two seem close. That’s why Chun-ae-nuna is jealous.” Chung-hee.

Mayu was just eating the Jajang Tteokbokki and Hwan noticed it.

“See, you’re hungry,” Hwan said to Mayu.

“Did you break up with Chun-ae-nuna, hyungnim?” Chung-hee asked Hwan.

“Ani, we were not together. I never said I was her boyfriend.” Hwan said.

“Whoa, you’re mean. Meaner than Chun-ae-nuna.” Chung-hee said.

Mayu swallowed first, “I told him that too.”

“She likes you, hyungnim. How could you break her heart?” Chung-hee said.

“I apologized to her, okay? It wasn’t my intention to hurt her.” Hwan defended himself.

“In love, someone will be happy, and someone will be hurt. He’s not at fault.” Mayu said.

“Now both siblings are broken-hearted.” Chung-hee said while he poured a bottle of soju on his shot glass and then he drank it.

“At least she loved you,” Mayu said to Chung-hee.

“I know she still loves me,” Chung-hee said as he poured another shot.

“How is she anyway?” Mayu asked Chung-hee.

“I know she has plenty of part-time jobs.” Chung-hee said as he ate the jajang tteokbokki.

“She’s poor?” Mayu asked.

“Not really poor. My family did not approve of our relationship.” Chung-hee said.

“That’s why she broke up with you,” Mayu said as she poured a shot of soju.

“Maybe, she said she got tired of it,” Chung-hee said before he took a shot of soju.

“But if she really loves you, it would not bother her,” Hwan said.

“Wrong.” Mayu disapproved. “She decided to work on herself first. Since you mentioned she has plenty of part-time jobs.”

“Maybe? But I cannot live without her.” Chung-hee said.

“You must live with yourself. Maybe she still loves you but she decided to let you go for herself. It might be harder for her, you know.” Mayu said.

“I actually have not thought of that. All I know is my feelings. I did not consider her.” Chung-hee said.

“If a girl has decided to end it with you while she’s having a hard time, it means she needs time for herself. It has nothing to do with you.” Mayu explained.

While Mayu and Chung-hee are talking to each other, Hwan is eating at the same time drinking shots of soju.

“Whoa, I never thought of that. I think it’s great to talk like this with girls.” Chung-hee said with amazement.

“Give her her time. Tell her you’ll wait for her.” Mayu advised Chung-hee.

“I think I will,” Chung-hee said while drinking another shot of soju.

“How about you, Hyungnim? Have you ever had a girlfriend?” Chung-hee asked Hwan.

“I had one,” Hwan said after he swallowed.

“Just one?” Mayu asked Hwan.

“Yeah, just one,” Hwan confirmed.

“Just Areum?” Mayu asked.

“Yeah, she also broke up with me,” Hwan said.

“Wae—Waeyo?” Mayu and Chung-hee asked at the same time.

“I cheated on her,” Hwan said.

“What? You cheated on her?!” Mayu asked, shocked.

“Jinjjayo?” Chung-hee asked.

Hwan slightly chuckled, “I met another girl in college.”

Mayu frowned, “What do you mean? Areum was not the first girl you liked?”

“I also liked another girl while she’s my girlfriend. But she turned me down.” Hwan said.

“Jinjja—yo?” Mayu and Chung-hee said at the same time again.

“Do I know the girl?” Mayu asked.

Hwan slightly laughed, “Yeah, you do.”

“How did you cheat on her?” Chung-hee asked.

“I always had my excuse if we would see each other. We were in a different university in college. I met the girl in some class. I got her number and we became close.

Areum found out, I guess she felt it. She broke up with me.”

Mayu shakes her head, “You are so stupid. Areum was like the most beautiful girl in school. Lots of boys pursued her but you cheated on her?”

“Well, once a boy falls in love with a specific girl that feeling will stay for the longest,” Chung-hee explained. “That Areum may be pretty but his feeling was stronger.”

“There were times that I thought that maybe I liked Areum because she’s beautiful and nice. But... Chung-hee is right, my past feeling for the other girl was stronger. I was wrong but I never got to apologize to Areum.” Hwan said.

“I can’t believe you did that to her.” Mayu took another shot of soju. “That must have hurt her so much.”

“She was badly hurt,” Hwan said. “When I hurt her, I started painting.”

“Who the hell was the girl you liked so much? You said I know her?” Mayu asked Hwan.

Hwan slightly grinned, “You will never guess since you’re stupid.”

“Jugule?!” Mayu frowned at Hwan.

“Calm down, guys. Let’s talk without killing each other, okay?” Chung-hee said as he poured a shot to Mayu and Hwan’s shot glass. “Why do you think the girl turned

you down?” Chung-hee asked.

Hwan shrugged his shoulders, “She did not literally turn me down. I just... did not get her response.”

“You told her you liked her?” Mayu asked.

Hwan gently smiled while he stared at her, “I did, I told her I loved her.”

Mayu and Chung-hee looked at each other shocked. “You did your part, hyungnim. That girl must be really not into you.”

“Maybe? I don’t know.” Hwan said as he took a shot of soju.

“How about you, nuna?” Chung-hee asked Mayu.

Mayu shrugged her shoulders, “I guess I used to like a guy before. But he liked another girl. So it was fine since they looked perfect for each other. I accepted the truth

right away.”

“Did I know this guy?” Hwan asked with curiosity.

“Maybe?” Mayu smiled. “Anyway, when I realized that my family was slightly falling apart. That made us decide to go back to the Philippines.”

“What happened?” Hwan asked.

“When we were in senior high, I caught my dad cheating on my mom,” Mayu said.

“Really? You did not tell me that.” Hwan said.

“You were busy dating Areum. Why would I bother you?” Mayu said before she took a shot of soju.

“That’s why you left?” Hwan asked with curiosity.

“We left since my father was cheating and he lost his job,” Mayu explained.

“Your parents got separated?” Hwan asked, shocked.

“Yeah, it’s been years since then,” Mayu said. “I had chosen to live with my mom. Then I am here in Seoul.”

“You should have told me about it,” Hwan said.

“I was also busy with my own feelings. I did not think to tell you, mian.” Mayu explained.

“But not all men will cheat on you, nuna.” Chung-hee said.

Mayu slightly chuckled, “That was my first thought. But as years went by, as I got older, I realized that. Still, I think I have decided to find myself first.”

“Did you find yourself?” Chung-hee asked.

Mayu smiled as she nodded, “Yeah, I did.”

“I think you’re ready now,” Chung-hee said.

“Ready for what?” Mayu asked.

Chung-hee smiled, “To be in a relationship.”

Mayu slightly frowned, “Not sure?”

“Well, if you fall in love now that’s it,” Chung-hee said as he poured a last shot of soju on the glass.

“Then I will make you fall in love.” Hwan suddenly said. “That’s why you’re in blind dates, right?”

“That’s not exactly the reason,” Mayu said.

“Then how about we try it? We should date.” Hwan said.

“Michyeosseo*?! Why would I date you?” Mayu said. (Are you crazy?)

“Why not? Since you two are close.”Chung-hee added.

Mayu furrowed at Hwan while staring at him.

“Maybe you are destined to be together. You have met again.” Chung-hee said.

“He’s right, have you not thought of that?” Hwan asked.

“I don’t think so.” Mayu protested.

Hwan chuckled, “I think I’m being rejected for the second time now.”

“Shut up, just drink your damn soju,” Mayu said.