The Haze

서른 다섯

35

Who Can Fool Them

...

       

It's been getting gradually warmer each day, summer's sly smile easily seen through the bright orange sun that saunters through the never-ending blue skies. Slowly, coats were replaced with jackets, and now, on this twenty-seven degree day, even my beloved blazer had to stay at home.

My skin wants to spontaneously combust through this humidity. Although to tell you the truth, I'm no longer sure if that's because of the scorching outdoor temperatures, or because of my current situation with my boss.

It's been two weeks since the kiss on that crazy night, the memory of it triggering a girlish grin every time I walk past my stupid couch. A girlish grin that, according to both Jinseo and Jungkook, makes me look very drunk.

He had flown to Japan the day after, leaving me bewildered and questioning of my sanity, I couldn't believe it had even happened. The texts and phone calls we've shared since then are proof that it did.

That's why, even though I'm painfully aware of the beads of sweat threatening to drip down my face as I walk to the office, when my phone vibrates in my bag, my hand practically jumps inside, grabbing it as if it were about to disappear into thin air.

The drunk girlish grin makes it's way across my face,

Jungwoo Park: I'll be back today, with people I'd like you to meet.

Stepping into the elevator, I quickly reply,

Me: Ye daepyonim [yes sir.]

I make a mental vow not to look at my phone until I reach my desk, for fear that my co-workers will think that I'm a raging alcoholic, on this fine Thursday morning. Practically skipping to my chair, I plop down then quickly check the screen,

Jungwoo Park: I can't wait to see you. Let's have dinner.

I don't notice that Kiah is standing behind me, until she squeals in my ear, "omo unnie [omg big sis]! You two are so cute!"

I jolt up in surprise, nearly knocking over the mug of tea she's placing on my desk, "aish [ergh], go away go away!"

She grins at my pathetic attempt to seem neutral, and I can't blame her, what with the tears of joy practically running down my cheeks. Although they could just be droplets of sweat, who knows.

Me: Ye daepyonim [yes sir.]

I set out my desk for the day, wanting to distract myself before he replies,

Jungwoo Park: Stop it.

I can practically see his smile, our playful sarcasm, as always, bleeding through my phone.

Me: Algetsseubnida [understood (formal)].

Deciding that that's enough erratic heart-beating for now, I lock my phone and put it face down on the wooden surface, sipping my tea and getting started with the day.

——————

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't checking the clock every two minutes. He landed an hour and a half ago, meaning he'd be walking out of one of those elevators anytime now.