Our Story - Binjin

Chapter 41: Daegu - Meet the Son Family (Part 2)

Hyun Bin and Ye-Jin were on their way to the hotel to pick up Hyun Bin's luggage. Hyun Bin was humming along to the music as he drove.

"What did my Father say to you?" Ye-Jin asked, genuinely curious. Hyun Bin was clearly in a very good mood.

Hyun Bin smiled a little smugly, "It's a secret between us men. I can't tell you."

Ye-Jin wanted to laugh at his expression. He was clearly pleased to have a commonality with her father. She shook her head, how can a grown man be so childish. "Fine, you can keep your little secret. I'll ask my Father instead."

"He won't tell you as well," Hyun Bin announced. "It won't be a secret if either of us told you." Ye-Jin laughed, happy because he was happy.

Ye-Jin waited in the car while Hyun Bin went to collect his luggage and check out. It was better to be cautious. He returned after twenty minutes, with a backpack and a bouquet of roses. "For you, thank you for hosting me," he smiled.

Ye-Jin fingered the petals gently and smiled.

"Will you show me around Daegu?" Hyun Bin asked. "I'm curious about young Eon-Jin."

They spent the afternoon driving around Daegu. Ye-Jin showed him her elementary, middle and high schools, the local snack shop she used to hang out at, her favorite street, the library she studied in, these are all memories from what feels like a lifetime ago.

They were sitting on a bench in front of her old middle school, sucking on an ice pack. "What do you remember most about this place?"

Ye-Jin thought for a while and she smiled, "Dreaming of becoming an actress."

"Even in middle school?" Hyun Bin asked, surprised.

Ye-Jin nodded. "I decided then that I will become a good actress. It feels like such a long time ago. Hahah, actually, it was a long time ago."

"You've achieved what you set out to be. You're a great actress." Hyun Bin gently said.

"I've spent half my life working on what I have today. It scares me sometimes how easily I can lose everything with a wrong step. I sometimes ask myself what will be the value of my life then?" Ye-Jin mused.

Hyun Bin thought about her words. That must be why she's so cautious about everything. He silently said a prayer of thanks that she decided to take a chance with him. "What would you be if you're not an actress?" Hyun Bin was curious.

"I actually don't know. That was the only ambition I ever had. I guess I would be somebody's wife and mother if I didn't become an actress," Ye-Jin laughed.

Hyun Bin held her hand and laughed. "I would have missed you then. Thank goodness you did become an actress." And thank you for waiting for me, he silently added.

In the Garden - That Evening

Eon-Hye offered Hyun Bin a can of beer and motioned for him to follow her outside. Ye-Jin was playing video games with the kids and was engrossed in trying to beat them.

Eon-Hye commented, "Even I think Eon-Jin's crazy sometimes. She's even trying to win against kids."

Hyun Bin smiled, he found her competitive streak when it comes to playing games endearing. He looked at Eon-Hye and turned to the topic at hand, "I've been waiting for you to approach me all night, Nuna."

Eon-Hye laughed, "Was I that obvious?"

"Only because it's obvious you love her," Hyun Bin replied simply.

Eon-Hye looked at Hyun Bin with a slight smile, "I'm starting to understand why you're different." She gestured to the chairs in the pavilion. "Have a seat. I sat with Ye-Jin here last night and she filled me in. I want to get to know you better and also hear your thoughts."