Chapter 3: There Was Once a Upon a Time

Seoul, South Korea's capital city, was a thriving metropolis known for its vibrant energy, rich history, and modern advancements. It was one of the world's largest cities, with a population of over 10 million people, and served as the country's political, economic, and cultural center.

Seoul had an extensive public transportation system. The bus stations were frequently crowded with commuters, reflecting the city's fast-paced lifestyle.

Seoul was an infinite city. It was alive with activity both day and night, with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues open 24 hours a day. There was always something going on, catering to both early birds and night owls, from karaoke rooms and nightclubs to late-night food markets and coffee shops.

The streets of Seoul were always alive with activity, particularly in the city's main commercial and entertainment districts. People could be seen hurrying along the sidewalks, shopping in trendy boutiques, eating street food, or simply taking in the city's sights and sounds.

Mayu and her colleagues decided to dine at a chicken restaurant in Seoul one night. A "chimaek" establishment, also known as a chicken house, was a popular type of restaurant in South Korea that specialized in serving delicious chicken dishes paired with beer.

The warm and inviting atmosphere greeted Mayu and her colleagues as they entered the chicken house. The interior was designed with a blend of modern and rustic elements to create a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Korean pop culture posters and colorful lights adorned the walls, adding to the lively atmosphere.

The aroma of fried chicken filled the air, making their mouths water.

"Hmmm! I really like the smell of fried chicken!" excitedly said Lim Hei-ran.

They found a seat and settled in, eager to enjoy the delectable combination of crispy chicken and refreshing beer. In the center of the table was a small grill where they could grill the chicken to their liking.

They looked over the menu, which included a variety of chicken dishes prepared in various styles. They had classic fried chicken, spicy Korean-style chicken, soy garlic chicken, and other options. Each dish came with a variety of dipping sauces, pickled radishes, and a side of refreshing coleslaw.

"You did not need to see the menu," Mayu explained. "I will take on each variety."

"Long live, Seojangnim!" Joo Won happily said.

They all clapped excitedly.

The group decided to order a variety of chicken dishes to share, allowing them to try out different flavors.

The waitstaff took their order quickly and brought out plates piled high with golden brown chicken pieces that had been perfectly cooked to crispy perfection. The sight of the delectable chicken drew them in, and they eagerly dug in, savoring each flavorful bite.

Mayu stood from her seat and said, "Before we begin, I would like to apologize because the other night we canceled our dinner plans. But tonight, let's have fun and enjoy the night!" She reached for her mug of beer and raised it. "Cheers to us!"

Everyone at the table also raised their glasses of beer. "Geonbae*!"

*Cheers

"Welcome to our team, seojangnim!" Chon Mi-hi said.

"Welcome, seojangnim!" Lim Hae-ran cheerfully said.

They had lively conversations, laughter, and the occasional toast with their glasses of beer as they ate their meal. The chicken house had a lively atmosphere, with other diners chatting and enjoying their meals around them. A festive atmosphere was created by the sound of clinking glasses and cheerful conversations.

"More beer, please!" Chon Mi-hi loudly said.

On the side of the street, Ha Baek-Hyeon and Hwan were walking outside, coming from the museum.

"Have you not eaten dinner yet?" Ha Baek-Hyeon asked Hwan.

"I don't feel like eating."

"Come on, let's eat! I want some steak," Ha Baek-Hyeon said.

"I'll just buy some chicken. You can go home first," Hwan said.

"You are no fun to be with! But why are you buying some chicken?"

"I will visit my sister; she's asking for it."

"She's pregnant, right?"

"Yeah."

"When will she give birth?"

"I don't know? Next week?"

"What?! That fast?"

"Ya, nine months had already passed."

Hwan and Ha Baek-Hyeon walked up to the chicken house's front door. When Hwan opened the door, the bell above it rang. Hwan did not notice Mayu's table when they first entered the room. But Ha Baek-Hyeon came to a halt behind Hwan and noticed Mayu at the table.

"Ya," Ha Baek-Hyeon stopped Hwan from walking. "Look at that," he pointed to the table.

"What?" Hwan asked, looking in his direction.

"Is that your team?" asked Ha Baek-Hyeon. "They held a dinner party without you!"

"So? Let them be," Hwan said as he prepared to walk to the counter.

"Let us join them!" Ha- Baek-Hyeon grabbed Hwan's arm and drew him closer to Mayu's table.

"Everyone! Annyeong!" exclaimed Ha Baek-Hyeon as they approached.

Everyone turned to look at them.

Mayu was surprised to see Hwan, and Hwan tried to avoid her gaze.

Everyone at the table stood up and bowed their heads to greet them. "Annyeong haseyo," they said.

"What is the dinner party for?" Ha Baek-Hyeon asked them.

"We are welcoming, seojangnim to our team, chajangnim*." Joo Won responded.

*Vice President

"I am already part of the team; why am I not invited?" Hwan said.

That caused everyone to stare at each other and fall silent.

"Joseonghaeyo*, Nam-nim, but if you are not too busy tonight, you two are welcome to join us," Mayu attempted to smile.

*Sorry (formal)

"We would love to!" Ha Baek-Hyeon exclaimed as he squeezed himself between Joo Won and Bang Kang-Dae's seats.

Joo Won noticed that Hwan was not taking his seat. "Please take a seat, Nam-nim," Joo Won said, but he was also seated beside Mayu.

Mayu was about to protest, but Joo Won had already gone to the other side of the table where Lim Hei-ran and Chon Mi-hi were sitting.

Mayu cleared her throat as she moved away from Hwan.

"Ajumma, 2 glasses of beer, please!" Joo Won ordered.

Since the two joined, the table has become quiet. Everyone was communicating with their glances and moving lips. They sit up straight and tight in their chairs.

"You may continue your conversation," Hwan said.

Everyone exchanged glances.

"What are you doing here, Nam-nim? We thought you all went home," Joo Won asked.

"We waited for a while for the traffic to clear," Hwan explained.

The waitress placed the two glasses of beer between Mayu and Hwan.

Mayu handed one mug to Ha Baek-Hyeon and the other to Hwan.

"Are you drinking beer, Nam-nim?" Mayu asked.

"Yeah, I do drink beer."

"Algesseumnida," Mayu said, trying to smile at him.

"Do you like chicken, Mayu-shi?" Hwan asked.

"Ne, johamnida*," Mayu replied.

"I like it. (formal)

Lim Hae-ran put the plates full of chicken in front of Ha Baek-Hyeon and Hwan. "Please try these; they're delicious," she said.

"Is there something missing here? Where's the soju?" Ha Baek-Hyeon asked.

"We did not order because we don't want to be hungover tomorrow; we have to work," Joo Won explained.

"Jeogiyo*, four bottles of soju, please!" Ha Baek-Hyeon loudly said.

*Excuse me (formal)

When the waitress heard him, she went to the counter refrigerator to get four bottles of soju. She went straight to their table to place the bottles. The waitress counted the people at the table by hand before leaving. The waitress returned with a tray containing glasses for the soju-beer mixture. She placed each one on the table before leaving. Ha Baek-Hyeon mixed the soju before opening the lid.

Ha Baek-Hyeon poured the soju into the glass before mixing it with the beer. He filled each glass with a mixture of alcoholic beverages. Everyone was talking with their stares once more. They bowed awkwardly and thanked him.

"Okay, let's play a game. Whoever loses will drink their glass. Do you know the drinking game Babo*?" Ha Baek-Hyeon asked them.

*Stupid

Lim Hei-ran raised her hand and said, "One player begins by saying a number from 1 to 5 while holding up a different number. You lose if you say the same number of fingers as the previous player or if you don't say the previous player's number of fingers."

"That's it! Does everyone understand?" Ha Baek-Hyeon asked.

Everyone nodded as they thrust their upper bodies near the table and raised their hands.

Ha Baek-Hyeon, the game's instigator, held up two fingers on one hand and declared, "Five!" with a mischievous grin.

Bang Kang-Dae, who was sitting next to Ha Baek-Hyeon, carefully examined their hands and confidently raised five fingers on his own hand, saying, "Two!" with a competitive spark in his eyes.

Joo Won, who has been watching intently, examined Bang Kang-Dae's hand and calculated his next move quickly. He raised two fingers and declared, "Five!" with a determined expression.

Joo Won, taken aback by Bang Kang-Dae's move, concentrated intently on his fingers. He thought for a moment, trying to outwit him. Finally, he responded with three fingers and said, "Two!"

Lim Hae-ran, who has been quietly watching the game so far, analyzed Joo Won's fingers and planned her next move. "Three!" she said confidently, holding up two fingers.

Chon Mi-hi, known for her quick thinking, examined Lim Hae-ran's fingers before deciding on a strategy. She raised three fingers and said, "Two!" to Mayu.

Mayu, eager to show off her abilities, focused on Chon Mi-hi's hand. She carefully considered her next move before raising two fingers and saying, "Three!"

They were in a difficult situation now that all eyes were on Hwan. They examined Mayu's hand carefully and calculated the odds. After a brief moment of thought, Hwan decided to raise three fingers and challenge Ha Baek-Hyeon with the words, "Two!"

Ha Baek-Hyeon, determined not to falter, concentrated deeply on Hwan's hand. He attempted to predict the outcome and confidently raised two fingers and said, "Three!"

The game went on all night, and almost everyone was drinking to make up for their errors. The pouring and drinking have been repeated hundreds of times, leaving the majority of them tipsy.

"Now let's change the rules; whoever loses will drink and be out! And if you have remained at the very end and win the game, I'll give them gold!" Ha Baek-Hyeon said with a tipsy movement.

Everyone at the table screamed with delight.

The game started all over again, with new intensity and excitement. However, Mayu and Hwan persisted until the final round. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they prepared to put their quick thinking and strategy to the test.

Mayu, with a competitive glint in her eye, held up two fingers and confidently declared, "Three!" Hwan carefully examined Mayu's fingers before responding. After a brief moment of thought, he raised three fingers and said, "Two!"

Mayu grinned. She examined his fingers, planning her next move. She held up three fingers with a mischievous grin and challenged Hwan, "Two!"

"Show me what you've got, Hwan-a," Mayu said foolishly.

Hwan was taken aback, but everyone at the table made a teasing buzzing sound.

Hwan creased his brow. He examined Mayu's fingers, looking for a way to flip the script. After a brief pause, he raised two fingers and said, "Two!"

Mayu jumped up and down with delight.

Hwan almost cursed when he realized he had lost the game.

Ha Baek-Hyeon stood up and clapped his hands. "Congratulations! I'll give you my gold!"

###

Everyone sluggishly rose from their seats after the game. Joo Won, who had the money to pay, went to the counter, while the rest of them exited the restaurant.

Chon Mi-hi and Lim Hae-ran bowed their heads. "See you tomorrow, seojangnim." they said.

"Can you go home? I can take you home," Mayu offered.

"No! We're fine!" Chon Mi-hi said.

"Take a cab; don't ride the bus," Mayu said.

Mayu walked to the street's edge and raised her hand to hail a taxi. Lim Hae-ran was the first to ride, and she continued to call taxis until all of her colleagues had gone home.

Ha Baek-Hyeon and Hwan stood behind her, watching her.

"Are you not going home yet?" Ha Baek-Hyeon asked.

"You go first; I'll wait for her," Hwan said while pointing at Mayu, who was talking to Joo Won, who was the last to ride the taxi.

Ha Baek-Hyeon followed the sight of Hwan, "She is a kind boss." He tapped Hwan's back. "I'll take the taxi too. See you tomorrow."

Joo Won's taxi also left when Ha Baek-Hyeon went towards Mayu. "Welcome to the Haetae Art Museum."

Mayu bowed her head. "Gahamsamnida, are you taking a taxi?"

"Yes, I think I could not drive."

"Let me call—" Ha Baek-Hyeon stopped her. "No, I can call a taxi for myself."

Ha Baek-Hyeon raised his hand to call an upcoming taxi. When the taxi arrived, he carefully rode on it and waved his hand to say goodbye to Hwan, who was still standing from behind.

When Mayu turned, she was surprised to see Hwan.

The taxi left.

"Do you also want to ride a taxi, Nam-nim?" Mayu asked.

Hwan smirked. "Are you not going home yet?" he asked.

"I am."

"Do you want to eat ramyeon?"

"R-ramyeon?"

Hwan began walking down the street, and Mayu trailed behind him.

Seoul's bustling streets were adorned with colorful neon lights that cast a vibrant glow on the surrounding area. As the bright lights shine through the sights, people stroll by, bundled up in light jackets. With its gentle breeze, the spring night embraced the world.

Hwan entered a convenience store while Mayu trailed behind him. Mayu followed Hwan's movement through her vision as she entered the store. Hwan went to the ramyeon section to get two cups and then two bottles of water before he stood in front of the cashier.

Mayu went towards him and said, "Let me pay–" but Hwan stopped him and said, "I'll pay. Just take a seat."

"But—" Hwan stopped her again. "It's fine."

Mayu walked over to the table and sat down, facing the convenience store's glass wall.

Hwan brought the food and beverages one at a time because they were hot. He handed Mayu the first cup before taking the second one for himself, then sat down next to her.

They eat their ramyeon with the noise of sipping without talking to each other.

Mayu drank the water first before swallowing. She wiped the sweat from her brow.

"Jaljinaesseoyo*?" she asked.

*Have you been well? (formal)

"Why are you asking? Do I know you?" Hwan said while also eating his ramyeon.

Mayu stared at him. "Why did you ask me to eat ramyeon with you then?"

"Geunyang*."

*No particular reason

Mayu drank the soup from the ramyeon cup. " Almeogeotseumnida*."

*Thank you for the food

"Can you go home alone?" Hwan asked before he drank the soup from the ramyeon.

"Ne," Mayu politely replied.

Hwan could not help but grin. "Ya, stop it."

"Stop what?" Mayu asked, staring at him.

"You can talk casually to me," Hwan said, returning her gaze.

"Can I?" Mayu asked.

"Eung*."

*Yeah (informal)

They locked their gazes on each other for a moment.

Mayu suddenly smiled and said, "Oraenmaniya*, Hwan-a."

*Long time no see (informal)

Hwan cracked a grin and said, "Oraenmaniya, Mayu-a."

###

It's October, when the trees dried up and turned brown while the leaves fell to the ground. The weather was nice, with a brighter sun and a mild, cold breeze with an earthy fragrance. She ran as she passed through people who walked leisurely on the streets. Although it's cold, she's sweating inside her autumn clothes. From afar, she could see the trees with green and brown leaves, which were parallel to each other. She reached the area of trees, and meters away, a teacher outside the school gate was calling out to every student while announcing the gate would soon be closed.

There were also some students who were running as fast as they could to reach the gate. They are wearing the same uniform inside their autumn coats. They run as they breathe heavily through their mouths due to tiredness, like her. Like them, she ran with all her might. She was running when someone hit her shoulder in the back and ran past her.

"Hurry up, Mayu!" Hwan said as he ran past her.

Mayu attempted to speed up even more to keep up with him. "Y-You did not wait for me!" he exclaimed as she ran alongside Hwan.

"I-I-I-I t-tried so many times to wake you up, but you did not even open your eyes!" Mayu exclaimed.

From where they were, they could hear the teacher's countdown inside the gate. When they hear that, they both speed up and run toward it. When the count was almost 5 seconds, both of them had reached the inside gate. Mayu fell to her knees due to exhaustion, while Hwan also paused and tried to catch his breath.

"H-h-ha! I thought I was going to die!" Mayu said between her breaths.

"Stand up; morning class will start soon," Hwan said while he asked Mayu to take his hand.

Mayu took his hand in hers and stood up.