AAE -- Wishes Of The Heart

Chapter 22

written by LoveCR2 -- 2005

edited by All-About-AAE -- 2016

 

"They say, while the mind may forget, the body always remembers. Is it possible... that you and I were... lovers?" -- Huh Young-Mi

 

 

MAPO-GU, SEOUL ...

 

"Sugar or cream?" Young-Mi asks from the kitchenette as she fills two cups with freshly-brewed coffee.

 

"Black, thank you," Hyung-Chul requests from the other side of the counter separating the kitchenette from the rest of the studio apartment's living space.

 

Young-Mi brings out the two cups and hands one to Hyung-Chul. He takes a sip and nods his approval.

 

"Thank you."

 

Young-Mi's eyes drift over to the framed photo portrait hanging on the wall, a promo shot taken of her at the MBS News Desk.

 

"It's like looking at a completely different person," she marvels. "A total stranger who resembles me. I can't help thinking: why would a such a beautiful, talented woman throw everything away? What did she do that was so terrible it made her life seem worthless?"

 

"What happened is water over the dam, as some would say," Hyung-Chul recalls Sun-Mi's forgiving words. "Why focus on the past? Use this chance as an opportunity to start over."

 

"You're not the first person to tell me that," she replies. "But I have no confidence, not knowing who I really am. Perhaps that's why I felt so close to the abandoned children at the orphanage..."

 

She turns back to Hyung-Chul with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry, putting my burdens on you like this."

 

"It's all right," he reassures her. "Nobody lives alone. Everyone leans on other people and burdens them. You're not alone anymore."

 

"To have people who accept me, call me family..." Her voice breaks as the tears overflow, tracing wet paths down each cheek. "I feel so grateful..."

 

Young-Mi wipes at her eyes, but when the tears keep coming, she gives up and covers her face with her hands, sobbing quietly.

 

Watching Young-Mi cry, Hyung-Chul recalls the letter she had left him, telling her childhood story of poverty, abuse, and rejection, of an adult life unworthy of forgiveness and too worthless to preserve. How many faces had she worn to hide the scars of the past and the sins of the present from others and herself?

 

Hyung-Chul takes a handkerchief from his pocket and holds it out for her.

 

"Thanks," she mumbles as she takes it and daubs at the tears. "Sorry, I'm such a crybaby."

 

"It's all right," he says comfortingly.

 

Noticing she is the focus of his attention, Young-Mi blushes and lowers her eyes modestly. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

 

Hyung-Chul realizes he was unconsciously taking a picture of Young-Mi with his eyes. "Sorry," he apologizes, "but I feel like I'm seeing your real face for the first time."

 

"I feel at a disadvantage," she replies. "While you know everything about me, I know almost nothing about you or our relationship. Whatever you are holding back, please tell me. I'm not afraid to hear the truth."

 

"Exactly what you're talking about?"

 

"Frankly, I'm feeling very confused," she admits. "Can you clarify something for me?"

 

"About what?" he asks cautiously.

 

"Just now, as you were looking at me, I had the same feeling as when I saw you at the orphanage... here..." She puts her hand over her heart. "They say, while the mind may forget, the body always remembers. Is it possible... that you and I were... lovers?"

 

The question surprises Hyung-Chul, and he responds sharply: "You must be mistaken. We were only work colleagues, nothing more."

 

"It was rude of me to presuppose asking something so personal," she retracts the question. "I'm sorry if it offended you."

 

"None taken," he assures her. "Many things must be confusing right now for you."

 

"Yes," she admits. "But actually it's a relief. I saw how much Jin Sun-Mi loves you; I didn't want to be the reason for complications."

 

She smiles and holds out her hand. "So Director, can we be... just friends?"

 

"I'd be pleased to, Miss Huh Young-Mi," Hyung-Chul confirms as he shakes her hand.

 

"More coffee?"

 

"Thanks, but I really must be going."

 

He puts down his half-empty cup and Young-Mi walks him to her door.

 

There he reminds her: "Tomorrow, eleven o'clock. A guard at the gatehouse will escort you to my office."

 

"I'll be there," she replies and sends him off with a friendly smile. "Good night, Director Yoon."

 

 

After Hyung-Chul starts down the steps, Young-Mi returns into her apartment and locks the door. Going to the window, she watches until he drives off, the curl of a half smile on her lips.

 

Then she goes over to telephone, picks up the handset, punches in a number, and listens for the pickup.

 

"Director Yoon just left. He suspects nothing..." she says, and then her brow creases as she listens.

 

"What do you mean, the plan has changed?" she shouts into the phone. "You want me to do what?!"