AAE -- Twists of Fate

Part 1 -- Chapter 16

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

Hyung-Chul sits at his desk, his eyes pinned to the white envelope in front of him. He does not have to open it. Bold black strokes -- 'Resignation Letter' -- declare its contents. The handwriting is unmistakably Sun-Mi's.

 

He presses the intercom button. "Miss Lee, connect me to Announcer Yoo."

 

"Yes, Director."

 

He waits, tracing a finger across the envelope. He takes his mobile from his jacket and flips it open. His thumb hovers over the keypad for a moment.

 

Sun-Mi's sharp words tear at his heart -- Don't worry about me anymore. I'll be strong and make my own way, without you.

 

He snaps the phone shut and shoves it back into his pocket.

 

The phone rings. He lifts the receiver. "Joo-Hee, has Jin Sun-Mi come in yet?"

 

"And good morning to you, too," she answers with a tinge of irritation. "No, she hasn't. We're supposed to meet for coffee before she says a few words to the Announcer 1 Team, and she's late. Why?"

 

"Come up to my office immediately." His voice is taut. "It's about Sun-Mi."

 

He hangs up as a knock sounds on his door.

 

"Come in."

 

Miss Lee enters with a small bow. "You were on the phone, but Manager Kim insisted--"

 

Sun-Dal steps past her into the office. Gwi-Sung follows him in.

 

"Director," Sun-Dal says, "this is Jin Gwi-Sung, Announcer Jin's father."

 

Hyung-Chul stands. "Yes, we've met."

 

"He called earlier this morning, and I asked him to come in. He has something to tell you."

 

Gwi-Sung steps forward. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Director. It could be for nothing."

 

"It's all right," Hyung-Chul replies as he moves around his desk. He approaches Gwi-Sung and shakes hands, then turns to Miss Lee. "Coffee for four."

 

"Yes, Director." She bows and walks out.

 

Hyung-Chul gestures to the conference area: two leather chairs and a couch arranged around a low table. "Please, have a seat."

 

He moves first, taking the corner chair. Gwi-Sung sits in the chair beside him. Sun-Dal eases himself onto the couch, leaning forward with his forearms on his thighs.

 

"What did you have to tell me, Mr. Jin?" Hyung-Chul asks.

 

"It's about Sun-Mi. I know she's supposed to start on the News At Nine today, but I'm afraid there may be a problem with that. I thought I should bring it to your attention as soon as possible."

 

Hyung-Chul tilts his head. "What kind of problem?"

 

Gwi-Sung places his hands on his knees, his fingers tightly interlaced. "I returned late last night from a business trip," he begins. "The house was dark, so I assumed Sun-Mi had already gone to bed. But this morning, she didn't come down as usual for breakfast."

 

His voice tightens. "When I went up to her room, it was empty. She hadn't slept there last night."

 

Hyung-Chul cuts in. "You're certain of that?"

 

"Yes. I've called her mobile, but it just goes to voicemail. This isn't like Sun-Mi, to go off without telling me. She's been struggling with some personal things lately, and I'm worried that it will impact her work."

 

"Announcer Yoo Joo-Hee said that Sun-Mi hasn't come in today," Hyung-Chul tells them. "She's on her way up as we speak."

 

 

The harsh strike of stilettos turns their attention to the open doorway. Joo-Hee appears, flushed and breathless. She stops and bows slightly, then her eyes catch Hyung-Chul's.

 

"Come in, Announcer Yoo," Hyung-Chul says. "This is Announcer Jin's father. Please, join us."

 

As Joo-Hee settles onto the couch next to Sun-Dal, Miss Lee carries in the coffee. She places the tray on the table and fills the cups.

 

"Thank you," Hyung-Chul says. "That is all."

 

Miss Lee bows and silently withdraws, closing the door.

 

"Mr. Jin says that Sun-Mi hasn't been home since last night, and isn't answering her phone," Hyung-Chul tells Joo-Hee. He turns to Gwi-Sung. "Go on, please."

 

"Sun-Mi told me she was going to go shopping, for the News At Nine. There were garment bags and shoe boxes from Kay Kim laid out on her bed. None of them had been unpacked." He looks at Joo-Hee.

 

"Those are clothes we bought on Sunday," she says.

 

"And I found this." Gwi-Sung reaches into his breast pocket and takes out an envelope. "It is addressed to you, Announcer Yoo." He places the envelope on the table.

 

Joo-Hee raises her eyes from the table to Hyung-Chul. He nods. She draws a breath, then leans forward, reaching her hand out.