Page 53 of You Had Me At Annyeong!
Sorry, Daepyonim. I better get back to work!’
There’s no way I’m going to be played by this beautiful creature. Don’t worry, heart! No more getting trampled upon.I won’t be seduced by that enchanting face and wicked smile. Never!
Haneul, his attempt at starting afresh thwarted, feels dejected
but doesn’t give up. ‘Of course. Don’t let me keep you. But let’s get you a fresh cup of brew, perhaps? Allow me!’
Huh? The CEO is offering to brew me coffee? He doesn’t even drink coffee! What will the pantry congregation think? And has he forgotten about his weird AF behaviour in my cabin last week? Where on earth has he been through the week? Does he think he can turn a new leaf and start whenever he feels like? Shouldn’t he be apologizing first?
‘Don’t think I’m craving it any longer …’
‘Ms Marak, are you still upset about last week?’ Haneul hasn’t finished, but Timira finally looks up.
Wow, he’s really asking for it, is he not? Why should I hold back? Fine, let’s see what you’ve got, mister!
‘Upset? Why would I be upset? And what are you even talking about?’ Timira feigns ignorance even though she has replayed in her mind the events from that morning every day since. She has hoped to run into Haneul every day of the week and has felt a little more crushed as he continued to disappoint. But her pride is unwilling to let him know this.
‘I understand if you don’t wish to talk about it. But, you must know that I’m deeply embarrassed about everything …’
Haneul keeps prattling on but Timira is zoning out.
Kya bak raha hai yeh? Is this a formal letter of apology? Why does he sound like a goddamned robot? He took an entire week off to come up with this?
‘… I had time to reflect on my actions and I realized I’ve not made it any easier for you, even as you did your best to adjust in these alien surroundings …’
‘Don’t worry about it, Daepyonim. Apology accepted!’
Timira cuts in impatiently, causing Haneul to smart and gulp down all his unspoken words.
‘If you are done, may I kindly be excused?’
Without even waiting for Haneul to reply, Timira turns to leave while Haneul stays rooted to his place. She walks a few steps away, but stops abruptly and retraces her steps back to Haneul.
‘Where exactly have you been this week?’
What the F am I doing? This is none of my business. He’s engaged to someone else. HE DOESN’T LIKE ME. Yeh main kya kar rahi hoon? Abort mission, Tim! Abort mission!
Haneul, looking nonplussed from Timira’s erratic behaviour, mutters incoherently. Smacking her lips, Timira asks him to speak up. And Haneul does, obeying her command like a loyal pup.
‘I was in Namhae.’
That’s it? Hello! Where on earth is Namhae? What’s in Namhae? What work did he have in Namhae? Who was he with in Namhae? Did he think of me when he was in Namhae?
Timira wants to know everything but doesn’t ask. Instead, she just stares at Haneul’s face with an expression that says, ‘And? Go on!’
Haneul obliges. ‘My grandmother lives in Namhae. I went to see her.’
Timira knows about his grandmother. The grandmother who owns the business that his mother oversees and a corporate CEO runs since her retirement a few years ago. The grandmother who turned her only son-in-law into one of Korea’s most successful prosecutors. The same grandmother who didn’t let Haneul have birthday parties but supported his dreams. She softens a little at the mention of his grandmother and almost immediately misses both of hers. Especially the one that’s still alive and kicking ass—her father’s ninety-something mother who looks like a blobof buttery mash, has a mind and tongue that’s sharp like a butcher’s knife, and makes a meankappa.
‘Hmm, okay. Is she all right? Was she happy to see you?’
Why am I asking him stupid questions? He must think I’m an idiot. Ugh, I missed you. I was unhappy to not get to see you! Did you miss me, too? Every morning this past week, I walked into office, hoping to see you.
Haneul can sense Timira soften a little. Her lips are no longer pursed. The usual twinkle in her eyes is starting to make a comeback. Buoyed by these encouraging signs, Haneul decides to take things up a notch.
‘She is absolutely fine—in the pink of health. In fact, she might have more energy than me, I suspect!’
Timira smiles and lightly knocks her head with her knuckles,
