Serendipity

Chapter 11: Partner

"Saha, I'm leaving." Dalmi announced as she reached her best friend and Chulsan.

"What-why? You only just got here." Saha frowned at the redness of her best friend's cheeks and the upset in her eyes.

"I- don't feel too good," she lied as she turned slightly to her left to see Dosan coming through the doors she had just rushed through.

Following Dalmi's gaze, Saha realized what had caused this sudden out burst.

"What did he do?" Saha demanded, noting Dalmi seeming more panicked as he neared them.

"Nothing. I'm leaving. Mianhae I couldn't stay Chulsan-ah, it was nice to see you again." She nodded as she was about to turn and leave.

"You should go with her," Chulsan muttered as they watched Dalmi go, his girlfriend looking helpless.

"You don't mind?" she asked, running her hand down the lapels of his suit.

"Ne. She needs you and I think Dosanie might need me too." He gestured over his shoulder to Dosan who was currently finishing another glass of amber liquid.

"I'll call you tomorrow?" Saha promised as she moved in to kiss Chulsan on the lips.

"Sounds good."

Without another word, Saha was rushing after Dalmi, catching her just before she slipped into the car.

"Talk to me, Dalmi-ya". Saha begged as she sat next to her friend, watching her cool exterior sit calmly.

"There is nothing else to say. I want to forget everything from the past three weeks and move on."

"Please?" She turned and asked with slight plead in her voice.

Saha studied Dalmi in front of her and truthfully, she didn't recognize who she saw.

She of all people knew when it was time to just be there for her friend but this wasn't it. She didn't need comforting; she needed pushing in the right direction.

As much as she hated to admit it, even though Dalmi was totally unaware of Nam Dosan's past, she knew that the spiral she saw before her was for a reason. Dalmi didn't react like this to any man she had dated. She could lie to herself all she deemed but Saha could tell from the look in her eyes that the last thing Dalmi wanted was to forget.

"What about Chulsan's birthday on Saturday?" Saha reminded.

"He doesn't dictate where I can and can't go. Chulsan is a friend and I will be there," Dalmi announced sternly, turning back to the window, the conversation now dry.

___________

Leaving Saha in the car and wishing her goodnight, Dalmi wanted nothing more than to submerge her exhausted body in the scolding heat of a bath.

As she stepped out into her home from the elevator, her tired eyes immediately placed upon the man sat on her chaise lounge. Cursing him, her proceeding further into her home.

"Get out!" she spat simply, not even bothering to keep up any sort of politeness.

"You may want to hear what I have to say first..."

"Nothing that comes out of your mouth is remotely interesting to me."

He smiled evilly and stood from his seat.

"Nam Dosan will only fuck you and leave you. That's what he does. He's a womanizer and always will be." He laughed as Dalmi frowned, not wanting to hear anymore.

"Why do you care?" she accused.

"Because Seo Dalmi deserves better. And well- I need a partner..." he added with an optimistic smirk.