The One Who Got Away

Chapter 23

With smiles that they couldn't possibly hide from their faces, they walked hand in hand towards the elevator. If the elevator took some time to get to the rooftop the two lovers didn't notice. The knowledge that they still loved each other after everything that had happened infused them with happiness. They didn't notice the inconvenience of having to wait because it didn't matter. As long as they were waiting together it wasn't wasted time.

Two floors down, the elevator doors dinged open. Dara stiffened at the sight of the person about to enter the elevator. In contrast, Jiyong was relaxed as if it was just an ordinary afternoon. As if he didn't just bawl like a baby a few moments ago. As if the past he thought he knew wasn't drastically revised just a while ago. Dara tried to remove her hands from his gentle but surprisingly firm grip but the infuriating man refused to let go.

Jiyong calmly greeted the man who just joined them in the elevator, "Good afternoon, Sajangnim." Dara bowed low in respect at the man who also used to be her boss. "Good afternoon, Sajangnim."

The man looked briefly at their entwined hands before pressing on the button for the 3rd floor. "It's been a long time, Dara. Ever decide to go back to acting again?"

Dara replied, "For the moment, sir, I don't have plans of doing so. I would like to concentrate on my work at the station first. I still have a lot to learn and improve on but I'm beginning to really love my work."

The man nodded at her words. "I saw some of your segments. You still look good on camera. You're wasted on that station. Call me whenever you change your mind." They had reached the 3rd floor. "I'm getting off here." He stepped out of the elevator.

Just as about the elevator doors were about to close he placed his hand on one side to stall it and said to Jiyong, "Don't think I'm going easy on you, Jiyong. You're older now so I'm not stopping you but you know the drill. The press shouldn't get wind of your relationship or you'll get hell from me. You kids remember I'll still be watching you two." Jiyong just gave him a nod and a wide grin.

He finally let go of the elevator doors. As the doors slid shut Dara was finally able to let go of the breath she didn't realize she was holding. She turned on Jiyong and with her free hand gave him a light punch. "How could you stand there as if we're all just talking about the weather? You ass! I was so scared I almost peed in my pants."

He just shrugged his shoulders and grinned at her. "I already know he won't get angry. Over the years I've had my suspicions that he's just really a pussy wearing a tiger's costume. Most of the time he's all growl and no bite. Besides you've been in and out of this building for a month already. Nothing escapes his eyes in here. If he had objections he would have already said so on the first day."

"I still hate you!" She punctuated it with a pinch on his side. He yelped slightly. "Let go of my hand. Who knows who else is going to see us here."

"Okay." He let go of her hand only to sling his arm around her shoulders just as the elevators opened onto the ground floor.

"Yah!" She wriggled out from under his arm and stomped on his foot. He hopped on his uninjured foot in reaction to the pain but he was still laughing at her while doing so.
"You heard him, Jiyong. We should keep this a secret." She hissed at him.

"Arasso. Arasso. Don't get your panties in a twist. I'll behave." He grinned at her. "For now."

He chuckled at the glare she threw at him but after a few moments she couldn't keep the glee from bubbling out of her and a girly giggle escaped her lips.

Their thirtieth day was finally over but it was not quite what they had expected or feared. They had been through a roller coaster of emotions but from the way it ended, it was still a great day and they couldn't be any happier.