The Art of Time

Madame Choi was in her office with Hwan. They were positioned in two separate sofa chairs across from one another. The secretary came in to place two glasses of cold water on the table before leaving.

"Are you sure you don't want coffee?" Madame Choi asked.

"I'll get coffee from the cafe downstairs later," Hwan said.

"When did you come back?"

"Two days ago."

"Where have you been?"

"I was in the Philippines."

"You've been visiting that country quite often."

"It is such a beautiful archipelago."

"Do you want to have the meeting today? I can call Chun-ae."

"What are we going to talk about?"

"In regard to your photo exhibit, which will feature the pictures you took while traveling."

"Are you okay with me displaying those?"

Madame Choi said with a smile, "Why not? I know they are already gorgeous."

"I would let you see it first before we decide."

"Okay, let me see it."

"I'll come back tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll be waiting." Madame Choi said, "Would you be okay if I let our new editorial-in-chief see the photos also? I would want to know how she thinks."

"Okay, I'm fine with that." Hwan took a sip of the cold water. "What was her name again?"

"Mayu-shi."

"Mayu-shi? Is she Korean?"

"She's actually not."

He suddenly turned his head to look at her with serious eyes, "What do you mean?"

"She's Filipino."

His eyes were shocked, and he thrust his upper body onto the chair. "What is her full name?"

"I think, Mayumi Acda?"

Hwan's eyes widened, and his mouth slowly opened.

"What's wrong?"

He slowly straightened his back while sitting and was still shocked.

"Does she know me?" Hwan asked.

"Yes, we were just standing in your artwork."

"The First Love..." he gasped.

"Why? Do you know her?"

"Where is she?"

"Probably downstairs exploring the museum."

Hwan suddenly stood up.

"What's wrong, Nam-nim?" she asked anxiously.

"I'll be back," Hwan said as he left the room.

###

Mayu was exploring the gallery while feeling enthralled by the displayed works of art. She could not help but smile as she felt relieved. She noticed the cafe while looking around. She took a breath, enjoying the aroma of the coffee bean. The coffee shop had a traditional atmosphere with minimalist art designs on the walls and odd works of art displayed in every nook and cranny.

The barista welcomed her with a smile, saying, "Anneyong haseyo, how may I help you?"

"I would like a hot americano with low-fat milk and two tablespoons of brown sugar, that's all," Mayu said.

"I get that; it will be 9000 won."

Mayu got her cell phone out of her pocket and scanned the QR code for payment.

"May I know your name?"

"Mayu."

"Okay, I'll call you when it's ready."

Mayu saw Hwan heading towards the cafe just as she was about to move to a chair. She abruptly walked away to sit in a chair with her back against the counter after turning around.

"Nam-nim, anneyeong haseyo, do you want the usual?"

Hwan smiled and said, "Yes, please, gamhasamnida."

"You may take a seat; I will just call you."

Hwan only caught a brief glimpse of Mayu's seat. He approached the chair, which was facing Mayu's back. He sat down, crossed his legs, and folded his arms on his chest while staring at Mayu's back.

"She remembers me, but she doesn't want me to remember her," Hwan said, talking to himself. "Should I play along?"

He grinned.

"Mayu-shi?"

Mayu got up from her chair gradually. Hwan quickly swung his head away from Mayu's direction, dodging her gaze, as she turned around and approached the counter. Mayu attempted to turn her gaze away as well. She walked sideways while turning her head. She made an effort to casually approach the counter while waiting for her coffee.

"Gamsamnida." Mayu bowed her head after she received her coffee, and then she rushed away.

"How would I avoid him next time?!" Mayu said to herself.

"Nam-nim, your coffee is ready." the barista said.

Hwan stood from his seat, went to the counter.

"I would like to know how pretty she was?"

"Who?"

"Mayu, the girl who ordered first."

The barista smiled and said, "She is pretty charming."

"Jinjja?"

"Ne, Nam-nim."

He smiled and said, "Thanks for telling me."

"Is there anything else I could help you with?"

"No, thanks, that's all."

###

After work, Mayu visited Cha Hea's fitness center. She remained seated motionless in her office. Cha Hea entered the space a short while later.

Cha Hea asked, "Oh, what are you doing here? You hate going here since you hate the smell of sweat and the room temperature."

"Let's go home together," Mayu said plainly.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"How was your first day?"

"I saw Hwan."

"Oh? Jinjja? So, did he remember you?"

"I don't think so. I avoided his gaze." She suddenly guffawed.

"What? Why?"

"Maybe because I don't want him to remember me?"

"You are acting weird. He's not even your ex."

"Yeah, you're right. Why the heck I'm feeling like this? Fine, next time I'll look him straight into his eyes!" She widened her eyes and stared at Cha Hea's eyes.

"Wait here; I'll take a shower first."

"Hurry up!" Mayu demanded.

"Fine!"

###

Seoul came alive as the sun set, with neon signs and colorful lights illuminating the cityscape. Signs advertising shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues line the streets, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

Hwan was greeted at the door of the fine dining restaurant by a host. The restaurant's interior exuded an elegant ambiance, with tasteful decor and soft lighting creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

Hwan was led to his table, which was elegantly set with fine China, polished silverware, and pristine white linen. The seating arrangement provided a relaxing and intimate dining experience.

After being seated, a well-trained waiter approached Hwan.

"No, you can take my order later; I'm waiting for someone."

The waiter bowed his head and left him alone.

A moment later an elderly guy who was wearing a suit came toward him. "Sorry for being late." the guy said.

"It's fine, attorney, I just arrived 2 minutes ago."

"Do you want to order first?"

"No, just tell me what you wanted me to know."

The attorney across Hwan breathed through his mouth. "I would like to know how you are first?"

"I am fine."

"Are you doing well now?"

"Yes? I think so?"

"How about your panic attacks?"

"It's been years since I had them. Why are you asking?"

"I have bad news to relay to you."

"About what?"

"Don't panic, okay? I just that–" he sighed first, "Your father is diagnosed with cancer."

Hwan frowned, "Who?"

"I mean, the murderer."

"I have had nothing to do with him for a long time. You know that."

"I know, but he might have given a parole."

Hwan's eyes were shocked, "Wh-what?"

"He has stage 4 cancer and might be given parole."

Hwan's face became stern and furrowed. "Then let him die in prison!"

"I know it's unreasonable, but. That's what the prosecutor ordered." he signed again, "I'm sorry, Yesung-a."

Hwan held his temple.

"Are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine." Hwan breathed through his mouth and raised his head. "Don't tell my sister about this."

"Yes, I won't tell her."

Hwan slightly struck the table with his fist.

###

Hwan was sitting in the bar in front of a barista when Ha Baek-Hyeon arrived and sat beside him. Hwan has a glass of cold whiskey on the table.

"You never call me." Han Baek-Hyeon said. He then looked at the barista and said, "A glass, please."

The barista gave him a glass of ice and filled it with whiskey.

"What are you doing here?" Hwan asked.

"What are YOU doing here? You barely come here."

"I just felt like drinking tonight."

A cell phone rang in the middle of their conversation. Ha Baek-Hyeon got it inside the pocket of his suit. He checked his phone to see who was calling.

"Chun-ae always knew we were together. Does she have CCTVs?" He looked around to see if it was there.

"Should I answer this?" Ha Baek-Hyeon asked Hwan.

"I don't care if you answer it or not." Hwan sipped from the glass of whiskey.

"Yes, Chun-ae?" He answered the call. "Ne, he's with me. He's not answering your call? Ah, he said his phone is dead. Fine, I'll tell him."

He ended the call, "What the heck you keep on ignoring her call?" He took a sip from the glass of cold whiskey, "Madame Choi said you went to the museum, and you even did not visit me in my office; how could you?"

"Let me ask you, you are one of the people who interviewed the newly hired editorial-in-chief, right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Who was she?"

"She has an impressive resume. She graduated with a master's last month, and guess from what university."

"Tell me." Hwan plainly said.

"From Seoul National University! Comparative Literature! She's multilingual. She's smart. That's why we hired her."

Hwan grinned, "Smart?"

"Why? Have you met her? Do you find her pretty? Tell me the truth."

"She's pretty... good." Hwan swallowed all the remaining whiskey in the glass.

"Hey, drink responsibly; I would not want to take you home again!" Ha Baek-Hyeon protested.

###

The next day, Mayu was sitting in a room with her new team. She was in the highchair in the middle of the table, while the remaining colleagues were on the sides. Her team had become four people, and they were all silent.

"Annyeong haseyo," Mayu said, bowing her head.

They greeted her back while bowing their heads as well.

"This is our first meeting. So, how is everyone?" Mayu asked.

Joo Won responded, "We are pleased to meet you, seojangnim*."

*Chief

I man stood on his own and bowed his head, " Anneyong hasimnikka! I am Bang Kang-Dae, and I am a graphic artist! I wasn't here on your first day because I was on leave!

Mayu smiled and said, "Nice meeting you, Bang Kang-Dae. You may take a seat. So, is there any question you would like to ask?"

Maya looked around them. Chon Mi-hi seems hesitant.

"What do you want to ask?" Mayu asked her.

"Are you married?" Chon Mi-hi asked while Lim Hei-ran hit her shoulder.

Mayu smiled, "No, I am not married. I'm single and I am happy. Anything else?"

Joo Won raised his hand. "Why are you so good in Korean?"

"Ah, about that. I grew up here, in Seoul, but then I left when I was 17 years old to go back to the Philippines. I applied for a Korean scholarship, and I was accepted. That's why I took my master's here, and I have decided to stay."

"Is it true you are from Seoul National University?" Chon Mi-hi asked.

Mayu smiled, "Yes, I am, but I don't bite. Please don't feel intimidated; you can talk to me any time you like. I would like to be an approachable chief. I would love everyone to be open with me." Mayu looked at them again, "Anything else?"

"Can we have dinner tonight? To welcome you?" Joo Won asked.

"Sure, if you are not busy," Mayu said.

Everyone clapped with joy.

"Are we done?" Mayu asked again.

Everyone looked at each other's faces and swayed their heads sideways.

Mayu looked at Jo Woon, " I would like to know more about what the gallery has written before and any events. Please send it to me so I can read it. Then we will have a meeting again. Okay?"

"Ne, seojangnim." everyone said.

"I would like to talk to you more; however, I have a meeting with Madame Choi. I'll be back," Mayu assured them.

"It's alright. Take your time, seojangnim," Joo Won said while smiling.

Mayu stood from her seat and left the room. They all stood as she went out of the room and bowed their heads. As soon as the door closed, they all sat down and felt relaxed.

"How could she be so smart and pretty at the same time? I cannot work with her like this," Lim Hei-ran said.

"She seems not to be strict, right?" Chon Mi-hi said.

"I think she'll be a good boss; let's manifest that!" Joo Won said while crossing his fingers.

###

Mayu went to the office of Madame Choi, and she was shocked to find that Hwan was also there.

"Annyeong haseyo." She bowed her head to greet them.

"Take a seat, Mayu-shi."

Madame Choi was sitting in the center chair, while Hwan was standing beside her. Mayu swallowed hard before she walked towards Madame Choi. She tried to stand up straight, but she could not stare at Hwan.

"See these photos taken by Nam-nim and let me know what you think," Madame Choi said.

Madame Choi moved her chair to her left to allow Mayu to see her monitor with pictures taken by Hwan. Madame Choi gave her the wireless mouse so she could scroll down the images.

Mayu held the wireless mouse as she stared at the photos on the screen. She scrolled down next to the pictures and observed them. Madame Choi gave her time to openly see the images.

"What do you think?"

Mayu seriously looked at the pictures one more time. She winked her eyes a few times to double-check if her understanding was right.

"It is like a snowy evening on the beach; the ocean is invincible to the eyes, but you can hear the sound of the waves. It is cold and melancholy. The isolation is there, I think. Do you feel lonely?" Mayu has the chance to look at Hwan in the face.

Hwan was caught off guard by her question.

Madame Choi slightly smiled and said, "What you feel reflects what you see, Nam-nim."

"I don– I guess?" Hwan unsurely answered. 

"I have decided that you will be having an exhibit. I'll talk about this to Chun-ae," Madame Choi said.

"Are you sure these are, okay?" Hwan asked.

"I think you deserve recognition. These photos must be displayed," Mayu said.

"Okay, if that's what you think," Hwan said.

"Thank you, Mayu-shi; what you said is actually beautiful." Madame Choi said, "I'll talk to Chun-ae about this. I think she's here in her office."

Madame Choi stood from her seat and said, "You may leave now, Mayu-shi. And Nam-nim come with me to Chun-ae's office."

Mayu bowed her head and then left the room. When she closed the door, she signed. "He's lonely; poor him."

###

The next day, Madame Choi called for a meeting, which she required everyone to attend. They were all in the conference with Mayu and her team. The other executives were there, of course, including Hwan.

Madame Choi was standing in front of a presentation of Hwan's photos. They were all looking at her.

"You are all here to inform you that we are going to exhibit Nam Yesung-nim pictures taken by his truly."

Madame Choi clapped her hands, so everyone clapped too.

"I would like to present the photos we have selected to be exhibited."

Madame Choi presented the images in a series of slideshows. Everyone watched it with seriousness and amazement.

"For a couple of months, we will be creating marketing collateral to promote his exhibit. We are going to various meetings to establish our plans, and we will always ask Nam-nim for his approval," Madame Choi said.

Hwan raised his hand and asked, "Do I need to think about the copy? Or you'll do it instead?"

"That will be Mayu-shi's team responsibility," Madame Choi said.

"Will you be able to create something amusing, Mayu-shi?" Hwan said while emphasizing Mayu's name.

"Ne, Nam-nim we will be able to create it," Mayu assured him.

"I think it would be better if I worked on her team," Hwan insisted.

"Ne?" Mayu asked with confusion. "No–"

Everyone in the room stared at her.

"I mean, we would, of course, ask for your approval, Nam-nim," Mayu said politely.

"No, I would like to be involved with your creative process." Hwan kept on insisting.

"Nam-nim, you don't need to do that. They'll do it; it's their responsibility," Bu Chun-ae said.

"No, I insist," Hwan said consistently.

Mayu almost stared at him with annoyance.

"Algesimnida." Mayu politely agreed.

"Call me every time you will be having a meeting with your team." Hwan got his wallet in his pocket to get his calling card. He slid his calling card on the table towards Mayu, who was on the other side.

Mayu reached for the calling card and sarcastically smiled.

###

After the meeting, Mayu went straight to her office with an obvious face indicating that she was pissed. Her team outside her room has gathered together.

"Usually, Nam-nim would just agree with our creative ideas, but this time he wants to be involved," Lim Hei-ran said.

"I think Nam-nim is testing the creative ability of our new editorial-in-chief," Lim Hei-ran said, almost whispering.

"It is the first trial of our seojangnim; I believe that she will overcome it!" Joo Won said.

"Have you not thought about it? We will be working with two bosses at the same time! We will shoulder the burden," Bang Kang-Dae said.

They all signed.

Meanwhile, in her office, Mayu was sitting madly in her chair. She's frowning while staring at the calling card. She typed in his number on her cell phone and put in the funny name Ee Chi-bum. Then she tore the calling card into pieces with anger and threw it in the trash bin.

"I hate him," Mayu said.

###

Hwan and Ha Baek-Yeon were currently in the cafe inside the museum. They were sitting across from each other. Ha Baek-Yeon was staring at Hwan with a suspicious look.

"What?" Hwan asked after sipping his coffee.

"You are interested in the new editor-in-chief, are you?"

Hwan smirked. "I want to know how smart she is."

"Pissing her off would not make her interested in you!"

"Ya, did I say I was interested in her!" Hwan protested.

"Then why do you need to be involved with her team?"

"I told you, I would like to know how smart she is!"

Ha Baek-Hyeons swayed his head sideways and drank his coffee instead.