Resentment

Hot water glided all over her body. Min Jee switched the shower off and grabbed the bathrobe. She wiped her delicate feet on the rag and went to her room. It's the 14th day of February 2019, the time of the year when she'd visit her mother at her residence in Gangnam. It's not been long since she moved out of their house and rented an apartment after the death of her father.

Min Jee stepped inside of the bus and paused for a moment. She frowned at a sightful view of couples clinging to one another. She clasped her fingers on the strap as sweethearts occupied the seats.

"They won't last long," she whispered.

She did not say it out of bitterness because it was the truth she believed. Feelings are unreliable, like seasons they change. Once, they bloom and butterflies whirl. It grows, burning like a fire tornado dashing beneath the clouds. Then it begins to dry and loses its capacity to flourish until it turns cold and freezes one's heart.

She inhaled the fresh air when she stepped out of the bus. It ruined her day as they polluted every place with things she despised seeing — new couples acting like they can't have enough of each other and their happiness would never end.

She waved for a taxi and went straight to visit her mother. As she arrived, her mother had prepared a delicious lunch — Korean fried chicken, Kimchi jjigae, and Tteokbokki.

"Aren't these too much for the two of us?" Min Jee asked.

"Who says there's only the two of us?" Mrs. Seo replied.

Before Min Jee could swallow the food in her mouth, someone entered the house. She stared at the man who stood in front of them. He wore a brown hoodie and tattered jeans. His messy black hair swung when he removed his hood.

"Am I too late?" he said as he sat beside her.

"Oppa, you're here?" Min Jee said.

Her mother smiled. Youngjae stretched his fingers and began devouring the fried chickens.

"I cooked a lot because he's coming."

"Yeah, he consumes most of it."

Youngjae glanced at her.

"Stop accusing me, you don't have evidence," he said, the sides of his mouth covered with grease.

"Oh, really? Take Mom as a witness," she hissed.

Min Jee nibbled the food in her mouth, indulging its flavorsome, while Youngjae bolted the fried chicken which was his favorite.

"How have you been? I heard your webcomic is skyrocketing again," Mrs. Seo said.

"Fortunately, I told you I'm born to do this," she replied.

"You can't do that forever," Youngjae interrupted.

"Well, I can find jobs. My background and accomplishments are enough to find one."

"If you want to go back —" Min Jee cut him off.

"I'm not going back to my word. I love what I'm doing. If you can't appreciate my craft, then don't. No one's forcing you. Just leave me alone," she said with a straight face.

"Hey, I'm not against you. I'm offering you help in case you need one. You know I'd like to see you in court, but it depends on you."

He shrugged.

Her mother sighed. Min Jee graduated from Korea University Law School and passed the bar exam but didn't pursue being a lawyer.

"I know what I'm doing. I'm not a kid anymore," she said.

"Whatever, you're still my little sister, and that's forever," he said before sipping the bowl of hot soup.

"You're not supposed to be here during Valentine's day. Date your girlfriend like everybody does," she said in a monotone.

"Not everybody is in a relationship. You know that more than anyone else," he replied with a mouthful of food.

"You're implausible. You dated no one."

"I'll only date one if your stories end in felicity."

She gave him a stern look.

"You'll die single."

Not long after their scrumptious lunch, Min Jee waved goodbye and traveled back home. But her feet led her to the iconic 63 Building in Yeouido which houses two attractions: Aqua Planet 63 and 63 Art.

She gazed at the vibrant colors of coral reefs. They filled the Aqua Planet garden with ocean life, making her at ease. In a moment, she came across a memory she had in the same spot.

"This is for you. I hope you like chocolates," Min Jee said, lending a box of Ferrero Rocher to a man while bowing her head.

"You're so cute," he said and caressed her hair.

She bit her lower lip, embarrassed. He accepted her gift and smiled.

"Let's go," he said, and grabbed her hand.

They went to the top of the building and stared at the glamorous night scenery of Seoul, as well as the N Seoul Tower and Han river. She shivered as the wind whispered in her ears. He glanced at her and removed his Pink Wool scarf. He wrapped it around her neck and locked his eyes upon her.

"White Day is too far. I can't wait that long to tell you my response," he said.

The pounding of her heart was loud. Not even the marvelous fireworks display could match it.

"This is my response..." he whispered.

His face drew nearer to her until he filled the gap between their lips. That night, two hearts collided.

Min Jee stood at the top of the building alone. Wind blew through her short hair, but she was unmoved. Couples surrounded her, yet there was silence. Not even her heart was chaotic. She had a blank expression on her face.

She stood there like visiting a grave. The view was comforting, but she was numb. She had no tears left to cry and no reason to smile.

His memories kept haunting her, even in her sleep. Her first and last love remained in her chest, but she's oblivious if it was because of love, regret, or resentment.

She walked past the busy street of Seocho-dong at 7:00 pm, witnessing how people cherish every moment with the one they love. The Starbucks' name glimmered with luminous lights, still open for coffee lovers. She paused and peered at its glass window, drawn to its familiar ambiance.

"Where do you want to live when you grow old?" Min Jee asked.

"Anywhere," he replied.

She sipped an ample amount of Emperor's Clouds & Mist, one of her favorite teas in Starbucks.

"I want to live in a cozy place," she said.

"What's the use of a cozy place when you're homeless?"

Her brows crossed.

"Oh, let me rephrase that. Where do you find home?"

"Your riddles are driving me insane, Mr. Genius."

He smiled and put his hands around hers, holding her hot tea. She froze at his gesture.

"Home is where you find refuge. It's not always a place, but a person," he said in slow motion.

"I can settle anywhere... because my home is already in front of me," he added, rubbing his finger on hers.

Min Jee shifted her gaze to the dark alley. She moved like a zombie, inadvertent to her will. All of a sudden, her chest tightened. Min Jee landed her hand to the nearest wall in an attempt not to plummet. She snorted while tapping her chest.

Her invincibility was shaken. The man who used to be her strength had weakened her knees. The tears she's been keeping for years flooded her face with unrelenting sorrow.