VIII

"So... how was work?"

"Busy as usual." Sighing, she gives her response.

As usual, I'll drive her to her place.

"You?" She asked as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

As I respond, "Wonderful, perfectly alright," I try to block off the memories of my terrible day.

When I hit the radio's play button, music begins playing. I go through multiple playlists before settling on one. Jazz.

"I take it you're a fan of jazz. Extremely strict standards." In her opinion, she remarks.

''While it's true that I'll never be able to afford the lavish lifestyle of the super-rich, at least I can aim high, right?'' As I veered off the main road, I yelled out in surprise

"Why do you always have to talk about wealth?'' While frowning at me, she asked the question.

"I have a feeling of envy for the wealthy. Despite the fact that I come from a financially secure family, I have no plans to seek any financial assistance from them." My eyes get dark.

"Wow, what a mess. Anybody not have one? Is asking for money so much that you'd rather commit fraud?" Her advice was sought after.

"I have my own dignity that they don't respect, but what does it matter if you don't get it? Instead of begging, I'll just go to jail." I respond to her with a sharp tone as I turn down the radio.

"Alright...I take responsibility for that. Perhaps I am making an assumption without appropriate knowledge. Well, you know what? What I can't do is get in the way. Let me start by saying I'm sorry." She made an exclamation.

"It's all right. " I said.

Quickly, the car fell silent.

Frustrated, I made a frustrated clicking noise with my tongue and then spoke.

"Will this make you keep quiet the whole time? Okay, I'm sorry."

''If I find that I have blabbered on about nothing, I tell myself, "Don't worry, just shut up." She plays about with her fingertips and speaks.

''You haven't broken the law at all, so relax.'' My response came as I turned the radio off entirely.

"Are you seriously going to mock me with that again?''

"..."

''Just so you know, you're looking great today." After thinking, she made a remark.

"What?" I think to myself as I examine my clothes.

Those ripped black trousers, that red shirt, and that black leather jacket are a killer combo.

"Thanks. You are...."I continue my sentence as I glance at her from a different angle.

''Good,'' I finally managed to utter.

"All right, but I just don't believe it. You're that man who tried to con me."

"I'm sorry about that," I said.

''You're not, and you keep doing it to others, does that bring you joy?'' There was a question from her.

Now I'm getting really mad, but I know it's all my fault.

''I'm doing my best to live, Rae Jin''. I try to be gentle, but it always comes out harsh.

"Oh, well, hold on a sec, I know a great place to work. A company is looking for a sales representative. Perhaps you..." It's to that which she's referring.

It's my goal to avoid an explosion at all costs.

"Um... I guess..."

Excuse me, Jeon. Do what real men do and man up.

''Definitely, I'll do it.'' It came, as far as I can tell, completely out of the blue.

"What?"

"I'm up for the challenge." Indeed, that's what I found out.

"You are kidding me?" She hadn't expected that.

"I will do it!"

"Good grief. God answered my prayer." It was a cause for celebration, and she participated.

''You prayed for me; you say?''

''When I found out that you are a decent man, I hoped that you would put an end to this.''

"Why? How did you end up knowing me, by the way? Well, we haven't exactly spent a lot of time together, so how?" I was skeptical.

'Well, I guess maybe...but I have this feeling'' She stated that with a grin on her face, but I quickly frowned.

She clearly doesn't trust me, but how could she? When I have no faith in myself. But how can she know me? Even when I don't do it!

The question, "How are you sure?"

"..."

"I can easily con you out of your money and your trust and leave you vulnerable by running away..."

''It's an unsure life, my friend. But it's on you to choose.'' She made an exclamation.

That made me laugh for some reason, and I let out my mirthful laughter.

"Mr. Con Artist, please don't try to pull a cheap one on me like that. Prove to me that you are better than that fraud man.''

"Why?"

Because "you should constantly hope to better yourself."

In addition, I was startled by something. Thinking...

Ding, ding, ding

''Pardon me''. Then she said something into her phone.

"Hello? What? Okay..." That's all she has to say, and she cuts off the call.

To which one might respond, "Who was it?" This just popped out of my mouth.

"Oh...sorry." The apologies are on me.

'' It's fine, my boss just wants me to do something tomorrow morning.''

"Okay..." Still, I was curious to learn more. More. However, I do not exist. In her life.

"Hey, check this out!" At that moment, she interrupts my thoughts by pointing to a shadowy figure standing next to a tree.

"Woah...what is that?" As I pull over in my car, I ask.

"It's...moving!" With that, she yelled as the thing turned its attention to us and began to walk rapidly in our direction.

"Ahhhh!" At the same time, we both yell.

The driver was yelled at to "Start the car, you idiot!" At this point, she screams.

"Idiot?"

''SPPED UP!'' She raises her voice even higher.

This is where I remove myself from the scene.

"Away!" I sigh.

"You mean to tell me you're terrified of ghosts but not of muscular muscle guys?"

"Muscular muscle men? The heck is that? Further, the answer is, "No, duh!"" A protest from her.

''Honestly?'' I inquire with a smirk on my face.

She crosses her arms and scowls at me.

...

"This is your house!" This is what I say as I pull over in my car.

"Thanks." saying as she undoes her seat belt.

''Do you plan on inviting me over, or not?'' In other words, I make fun of her.

''Just come on in, that's OK.'' She claims naivety, claiming she did not comprehend the joke.

''The joke's on you.'' When I think about it, I can't help but chuckle.

"Oh, no. Can't be that you're my free driver, can it?" as she exits the car.

I'm not sure what to say so I pause.

" I owe you." She looks at me as she gathers her belongings and makes the statement.

Damn.

...

''This is a very large thing.'' As I look around the house, I can't help but give it credit.

In other words, "Don't go again about talking about how great it is." With a sigh, she sets her handbag down on the surface.

"I won't." Says I, as I continue to wander aimlessly.

''Have a seat.'' The woman makes a demand and removes her bracelet.

''I'm going to make you a fantastic meal tonight.'' The apron she's wearing is a suggestion.

A firm "No, no...OK." it's Assert your right to protest here.

''Did you already eat?" she enquired.

I countered, "No."

"OK then, why not? I'll repay you in this fashion for the gas you used picking me up."

"It's nothing, really. Yet perhaps.... I might be able to eat a bit." With a grin on my face, I rearrange my position on the sofa.

''Yes, then today's cooking will be a delight gift of Chef Rae Jin. To please your hunger.'' Her face sinks as the filthy meaning sinks in.

Suddenly, I burst into fits of laughter.

An exclamation of "Oh my gosh." She gives herself a mental smack.

''You have a dirty mind.'' And she frowns.

"Nothing bad could have happened because of me! Promise! No crazy guy!" When asked a question, my answer is preceded by a fit of giggling.

After that, "Okay then..." She answered with an air of authority.

Perhaps I shouldn't...try to scam this one.

To be continued...