YOUR PROMISE

CHAPTER 10

The most exciting day of the year is payday. I can feel every employee's happiness from the time they arrive at work until they leave. My excitement increased, even more, when I saw the money in my account and thought I could buy whatever I wanted for the time being. How refreshing! It's as though I've been reborn. I'm wondering which item to purchase first. I look at my list of notes. Just in a few seconds, my excitement faded when I discovered I didn't have enough money to buy everything I wanted. I have to pay for my leased room, the electric bill, internet, and make-up and skincare routines. I just realized how much money I've spent since I had a boyfriend and a job.

I scratched my head. What should we do with those lists? I can't miss my skincare routine or makeup since I'm allergic to everything. I need hypoallergenic skincare, which is difficult to get at a reasonable price. I dislike applying makeup and prefer to go bare-faced. However, applying make-up may enhance my confidence while still providing UV protection, and my mom will scold me if I don't apply it. Other factors are significant. Ugh!! My stress has returned!

I tried to calculate it several times. There is no difference! Still not enough; I can't even buy books.

"Uuuuuhhhhhhhh..." I exhale loudly through pursed lips, wanting to read books and go shopping. But for the time being, I must prioritize taking care of my body first.

That could motivate Eric to continue to love me even more because he told me that he loves beautiful women. I'm proud of myself because he said I'm gorgeous. Is this what people mean by love? You can give up anything for the person you love. I smile as my cheeks blush.

My phone is pinging. [Excuse me, Miss, your package has arrived. The courier needs your signature. Please come to the receptionist. Thank you.] The staff texted me.

I hurried down the stairs. My eyes are insanely bright and full of enthusiasm, and I can't stop smiling as I grasp the box. I've finally found a low-cost, high-quality phone online. Online shopping is always the best alternative! I'm sorry, Eomma, but I spent your money without your permission. My salary in this position made me can't purchase a phone. If I ever make a lot of money, I'm going to give half of it to my eomma."Fighting!" To cheer myself up, I clenched both hands in fists.

Eric should be informed about this. [Eric!] I shouted, waving my hand at him with a big smile on my face.

[Yujin!] He burst out laughing at me. [What a lovely smile you have!]

[I just got a new phone! AAA!!] I'm screaming and hugging my doll.

[Great! I don't need to see you fight over your old phone again! Congratulations! You can buy it with your own money!] He says it cheerfully without noticing anything.

When he mentioned that, my eyes began to blink excessively. [Haha..Y-yeah!] I'm avoiding making eye contact.

My message notification pops up. [This is something you enjoy.] Mrs.Yeom says on chat. She gives me a photo and a link.

"No way!" I'm screaming.

[What's the matter, Yujin?] He curious

[Mrs. Lee Yeom texted me about a Bazaar book poster at a huge discount! 75%!]

[Wait, when and where?] He wants to know.

[aagh, no way. Tomorrow is the last day, and the place is a long way away. It takes around an hour. Forget it; I can't go.] I'm pouting.

[Darling Yujin, have you forgotten about me? Your handsome and capable lover can take you wherever you want to go!] He says it with a smug, proud smile.

[Really?? I don't want you to cancel it at the last minute, please!] I begged him.

[Look at your adorable kitten eyes! How cute! Don't be worried! I'll pick you up after work tomorrow! "All right?] He winks at me. [By the way, I'm tired. I'd like to go to sleep right now. Good night. Mmuuaaach.] He blows me a virtual kiss.

[Mmuach.] That makes me cringe, but it's ok. I'm hoping he didn't forget about his promise tonight.

I've been waiting outside my workplace for an hour after ending work today. He texted me that he'd be there at 6 p.m. It's currently 7 p.m. He has still not arrived. When I contacted him, he hung up.

[Where are you?] I sent him an SMS.

[When will you come?]

[I'm now waiting.] He also did not respond to my text.

After waiting until 10 p.m., I decided to return home. I watch out the window when I'm on the bus, hoping he'll arrive, but he doesn't. I let out a long sigh and leaned against the window, chewing my lips, feeling full of disappointment.

My phone rings and rings and rings. It's from Eric, but I'm not interested in speaking with him right now.

[I'm very sorry, Yujin! I'm busy because my brother and his friends are with me.] He sent me a text with a kneeling bear mascot emoji. I still haven't responded to his chat. He keeps calling until I'm in my room, which annoys me, so I decide to answer him.

[What now?] My voice is shaky to hold my anger.

[Thank God, after 5 times calls, you finally answered.] He breathes deeply. [Why are you not replying? Do you realize how worried I am? I thought something bad had happened to you!] He scolds me.

[I'm the one who should be upset here, Eric. Were you aware of the reason? You broke your promise even by not contacting me.]

[I sent you a chat. I'm sorry. Okay? My brother asks me to accompany him to a meeting. Why didn't you understand my situation?] He began to raise his voice.

[You could tell me first that you're busy and not make me wait for a long time like this!] I'm getting more upset because I hear his tone.

[I don't have time to check my phone, Yujin! I'm not just with him, but with his friends! It's rude if I don't focus on them while talking. You knew manners, right? Koreans should have been aware of this, right?] He said sarcastically

[We knew very much about manners; thanks for telling me that. But that can't be an excuse! It's not a bad attitude for texting me a message in less than a minute. You can ask permission and go to the toilet. Last time, you didn't like it when I made you wait only 10 minutes, but why are you angry at me when it was your fault?]

[Come on, Yujin, why do you have to wait for me when you could just go back to your place? You are not forced to wait if I am not around. Don't be overly dramatic.]

[Dramatic? Sir Eric, as you know, Korean women knew about manners. That's why I've been waiting for you. Also, who was upset when I didn't answer the phone because I was late the last time? Besides, how can I just go back? Who will be furious later if you are in there and I leave? Is it you or me? This argument will not end unless one of us stops or changes our behaviors somewhat.] I scolded him.

[Fine! Do anything you want.] He yells at me and suddenly hangs up the phone.

I pressed my lips together firmly. I tried to be a nice woman for him, but now I'm extremely sad because I remember he did this many times like when he promised me we'd go see my family a year ago, and I told my family we'd come to visit, and they were already excited; even my mom planned a special dinner and decorated the home for us.

I lowered my head. Also, I've been waiting for him, and he isn't coming to take me to my hometown with him. He wasn't saying anything to me. That time I couldn't express how disappointed I was while imagining how my family felt about it, and it looked like I made the happiness on my family's faces fade away in just a few seconds. Is he aware of how my family feels? I'm sure they won't forget about it. I rub my eyes, better not cry.

Three days. We haven't spoken to each other in three days. At work, I keep myself busy, but my mood isn't good. I shouldn't bring my bad mood to work with me. Even my employees appear hesitant and awkward when they see me, as seen by their shaky smiles, I sigh and check my phone for any notifications from him that I might have missed. My mother always advised me not to be a stubborn woman if I had a boyfriend. She reminded me that guys prefer women who are polite, kind, and caring. So perhaps I think I should apologize for scolding him excessively.