Tabling Things Out

Ji-hoon's eyes lingered on Ha-na's flushed face, unconsciously admiring the lovely hue of rose pink colouring her ivory-white cheeks.

He hadn't attended the reunion for years, knowing his real status would come across as a shock. He didn't particularly plan to attend, but when he learned Ha-na would be present, he figured he'd let the truth slip since he'd be in close contact with her for a while.

And for what he could discern, Ha-na seemed particularly affected by the news, and she didn't look too pleased by it.

"I've decided to go ahead with the matchmaking process…" he began hesitantly. He watched as Ha-na's countenance slowly shifted from irritation to surprise.

"You what…?" she stuttered, her lovely brow raised in silent query. "Just a few days ago, you threatened to shut down my agency."

Ji-hoon couldn't help but trace the soft, rounded shape of her mahogany-painted lips. Ever since he stepped into the room, he'd found it difficult to keep his eyes off her, and it frustrated him.

He'd come to the reunion thinking he would finally be able to let go of his old feelings for her in the presence of his ex-schoolmates – along with the past – but they only seemed to have intensified.

For one, she was a lovelier version of her younger self – even the last time they had met when he forced his way into her office – garbed in a strappy-back mini flare dress that offered him a tantalizing view of her creamy back, and perfectly complimented the willowy beauty of her slender figure.

Her hair, let down in a sumptuous dark mass, seemed to beckon to him, enchant him, and he suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to run his fingers through her hair. His desire shocked him – angered him – and he felt more conflicted than ever. 

Her presence seemed to always do strange things to him, and it irked him even more. He wouldn't be here at all if his mother hadn't coerced him into this whole matchmaking business. Apparently, this was the only way he could temporarily get his father off his back about marriage – for a whole year at least.

"It's what you would have wanted in the first place, isn't it?" he finally replied her after a long silence. "Or would you prefer I revert to my previous threat?"

Ha-na's brows moved across her head like two small brushstrokes, knitting into a V on her forehead. "Why are you here?"

A casual grin tipped the sides of Ji-hoon's lips. "It's my high school reunion party, as much as yours."

"You bore a different name back then," she countered. "I would have preferred it if I remained oblivious to the truth."

"Why? Do you think it changes our relationship?" His answer hung heavy in the air.

They stared at each other silently. Gathering her wits about her, Ha-na felt her breath catch in her throat. "Of course not," she spat out a little forcefully. "You're my client and nothing more." 

"Good thing we have that tabled out." He stated dryly. He turned to leave but stopped halfway, as if as an afterthought.

"Just in case you're wondering, Su-ho was my grandfather's name. I attended high school under that guise so I could fit in like everyone else – I didn't want anyone making a fuss about my background."

With that, he strode away, back to their table. Back then, his grandfather had suggested he learn to appreciate his background and work hard for his success, given he had started G & L Jewellery from practically nothing.

Ji-hoon had grabbed at the chance, wanting to escape his father's imposing will in dictating what he did, or whom he was friends with. He had wanted that taste of freedom – and had experienced the fullness of it – with Ha-na by his side before his rose-tinted reality was shattered.

For him, that last year of high school was the most precious time in his entire existence.

-----

Ha-na sat on a mahogany bench in an open-space picturesque area, enjoying the gentle breeze caressing through her loosely-bound hair and long, butterscotch dress. The sun was high and golden, and it filtered through the canopied ginko trees, casting lovely dappled patterns of light and shadow on the brick ground.

She stared at the floor, unwittingly tracing the patterns on the ground. Ever since Ji-hoon had signed up at her agency, there had been an influx of new customers purchasing premium memberships with them.

She was aware Ji-hoon was considered the hottest bachelor in Korea, considering his conglomerate background and what most would agree, dazzling looks – although she wouldn't admit it to herself.

She wasn't sure whether to be grateful or dismayed that she had bagged him as a client, taking into account the mountain of work she now had, which gave birth to having to work overtime with countless sleepless nights. That and her looming senior year capstone project, and her grandmother's medical treatment –

"Ha-na!" A girl with a pixie haircut and white tee shirt settled beside Ha-na shook her, pulling her out of her musings.

"Huh?"

"I've been calling your name; didn't you hear me?" The girl stared at Ha-na, puzzled.

Another boy, wearing a round, wire-rimmed glasses and a jumper who was seated atop the concrete margin of a dry tree fountain also stared at her. He adjusted his glasses a bit, rebalancing the laptop on his lap.

"You seem distracted today; something on your mind?"

Feeling embarrassed by their sudden scrutiny, Ha-na adjusted the open textbook on her lap and sat up straighter. She chuckled awkwardly.

"No, I'm fine. I must have been carried away by the fine weather."

"Hmm, the weather is great today." The boy commented, glancing around lazily. But the girl didn't seem to mirror his opinion.

"Never mind the weather now, we've got loads of work to do. We haven't yet finalized our capstone project topic! And we have to present one tomorrow to Professor Kim!"

Ha-na shook her head to dispel the last of her lingering thoughts. "Ah, you're right, we're way behind. Where were we now?"

Flipping through her textbook, the trio got back to work. Their hummed discussion filled the triumphant summer air~

Several moments later, the triad wrapped up their studying session and waved their goodbyes. Ha-na gathered her books and laptop and stashed them into her open bag. Picking it up from a nearby patch of grass, she mused whether to stop by a café for coffee and bread rolls, or branch at a popular joint for a hot, delicious lunch of spicy tteokbokki*.

Before she could settle her mind on what to eat, someone rushed towards her, colliding with her at top speed.

"Ha-na!"

Ha-na nearly jumped in fright at the sudden collision, but relief spread through her as soon as she registered the person in mind.

"Soo-ah! You nearly frightened me to death!"

Soo-ah was before her, panting heavily. Her hair was tousled like she hadn't run it through a comb, and her clothes were ruffled.

"Ha-na, you have to come with me. Something terrible happened."

Fear gripped Ha-na immediately. "What?"