A Bum Who Fell Into A Pothole It's a trend. Everyone has holes in their jeans.

Some crazy kids even MAKE their own holes.

Chapter 1 Growing up, I was unanimously pointed out as the strange clumsy kid in class.

Soo Jung straightened up as two tall guys entered the caf. One was wearing a jean jacket on top of a hooded orange shirt. He was also wearing a green Von Dutch cap. He reminded me of a pumpkin.

Then I saw his shoes. They were Converse All Stars On my report cards, my teachers always They were black. wrote that I was a creative and imaginative So were his shoelaces. child, who had a lot trouble focusing on A big hole was proudly adorning his big toe. important matters-at-hand, meaning I was The other wore a black sweater and baggy How his toe tore through the rubber part of off in my own little world most of the time. jeans. He had a tiny silver hoop in his right his shoe, I don't know. ear. His brown hair was messy with yellow But the socks he wore were gray, and if my That wasn't the only problem with me, highlights generously sprinkled everywhere. assumptions were correct, its original color apparently. wasn't gray "Hello~" the one with the cap said, taking My mom told me I was accident-prone even his seat in front of Soo Jung. My eyes trailed back up to his face. before I started walking. She kept me in a "Hi." Soo Jung replied in high-toned voice. His hair was messy and he looked like he crib until I was two since the bogey and Oh God, she's in "Flirt Mode." You can't just woke up. allowing me to walk ended up in leaving the stop her now. His face was dark. house a complete mess because I would run into everything and break them. Not to The other gave me a nod. What..is this? He looks like a deprived mention a million scrapes and bruises would Stupidly, I shook my head. guy appear on my body. He stared at me strangely. I stared back. "What are you staring at?" In high school, my school-wide known All of the sudden, the two of us were My head snapped up. nickname was 'pothole.' trapped in a staring contest. He was staring at me with a mildly annoyed I fell into one during a school track race and expression. everyone saw me eat it. Oh, he's SO going to lose. It was the most embarrassing moment of my I'm so good at this game. I beat everyone at "Am I that handsome?" lifeat the time. this game. I'm the Queen of the "let's burn "Not even." I blurted out, disgusted by his holes into each others' eyes" game. question, "You look like bum." My friend later reiterated how I looked "WHAT? A BUM?!!" when I fell; she was nice enough to include We stared hard for at least 2 minutes. the crowd's reaction. He had very pretty brown eyes with long He stood up suddenly, his knees hitting the When I tripped, my arms supposedly flailed eyelashes. His eyebrows were thick and glass table as his chair toppled over. out and spun around like a windmill, dark, like Song Seung Hun and Jo Han sun. commonly seen in Saturday morning Pumpkin boy and Soo Jung finally noticed cartoons. My mouth was frozen in a perfect He had big eyes that slowly began to water. us. 'O' and my eyeballs were on the verge of 'VICTORY!!' I thought as I sent him my "Hey! He's not a hobo." Pumpkin sharply popping out. best Cheshire Cat smile. said, "He's " I remember everything happened in slow"Shut up Jong Hyuk." The bum cut him off motionincluding the laugher of the crowd "Yah!" sharply. "I'm leaving." getting louder and louder. A stinging slap landed on my back and my body lurched forward, causing me to blink He left his seat and angrily walked out of It's been 6 years since that incident and in surprise. the caf. my friends still talk about it. They assured "What are you doing?" Soo Jung asked. Jong Hyuk didn't look like he wanted to me that they would vote it as the "Most "Talk to him!" leave. Unforgettable High School Memory" for the He stared at the door and then at Soo Jung yearbook and it went into the yearbook The guy smirked and sat back on his chair, about five times, before deciding to follow when I graduated. crossing his arms very arrogantly. his friend. When I go to a blind date, my friends introduce me as Pothole. Nothing elsejust Pothole Kim. It's a curse. Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! This was my game! I'm supposed to win! I'm the Queen. Stupid Soo Jung! "I'll call you later," he told Soo Jung before quickly chasing after the bum.

"Isn't Jong Hyuk cute?!" Soo Jung squealed. "Yeah, if you like that type." And that brings me to where I am right now. I sent her a nasty glare, but she was already "Hey just because your guy looked like a Sitting in a caf with Soo Jung, waiting for, deep in conversation with Pumpkin boy. hobo doesn't mean you can make fun of in Soo Jung's words, the "unbelievably cute, mine!" dreamy, rich all packaged into a hot male My guy (wait a minute, since when did he "SEE? EVEN YOU THINK HE LOOKS body type" guys. Let's just say I don't really become MY guy?!!) and I sat quietly as Soo LIKE A HOBO!" trust Soo Jung when she says this. Jung and Pumpkin boy flirted like there was no tomorrow. What an fiascono.. what waste of "Are they really cute---" TIME. The guys weren't even CUTE. Geez. "Yes Won Young, for the 100th time." I studied him since I had nothing else to do. Well, at least at least he didn't find out about "and down-to-earth and smart and rich?" my cursed name "One in a millionth chance you'll ever meet His black sweater was faded, displaying a guy like that. They just don't exist," Soo frayed sleeves and pockets with small holes. Chapter 2 Jung replied, applying anti-shine powder on Then I thought, 'At least he doesn't spend for the 10th time. "Just take what you can." too much time or money on his clothes. Not I left the caf and went home. My mom had superficial.' called and screeched over the phone to come "Why should I?" I grumbled, "I'm beautiful home immediately. enough." My gaze fell on his pants and realized they She sounded frantic and I began to grow "Oh shut up" Then she looked up, "OH! were faded as well, and with bigger holes in nervous as the taxi pulled up in front of my HERE THEY COME!!" them. house.

I had never seen such a pretty girl in my life. The bum raised his eyebrows. "What's wrong with your voice? I don't like "Won Young, what do you think?" Mrs. your tone." Kang asked again. "Huh? Oh yeah, it's VERY pretty." I replied, "What do you want?" still gaping. Without answering, he walked around the shop, staring at the walls and walls of "SO! How was the date?" Mrs. Kang gently chuckled as she gently clothes, as if he were the manager "What date?" I asked, nervously eyeing the pushed the girl towards the mirror. evaluating his merchandise. spatula. "Did something happen?" "Won't Yong Hee be surprised when he sees "Soo Jung told me you met two guys?" you?" She said to the girl who just smiled "Ey. Stop loiteringIf you're not going to "Is this why you told me to come home bashfully. buy anything, leave," I finally said, tired of quickly?!!" him strutting around in front of me. "OH, are you going out on a date?" I asked. "You can't do that," he replied. I went into the kitchen and took out the The girl shyly nodded, her cheeks turning a I jabbed a finger at the sign posted in front orange juice carton. rosy pink. of the counter. "She's eating lunch with my son," Mrs. "Yes! So what happened?" Kang informed 'We have the right to refuse service to My mom eagerly peered in my face, as her anyone.' hand turned off the stove. "Ahh I see," I said, "Well, I hope you two have a good time." "But I'm not anyone," he replied. I opened the carton and put it to my mouth. "Thank you," the girl said quietly. "You are to me, meaning I don't have to The spatula met my head. BONK. serve you." It was weird "YAH! POUR IT IN A CUP!" Because for a split second, I was jealous of He rolled his eyes. "Whatever. I'm waiting TT-TT.. Mrs. Kang's son for getting set up with this for my girlfriend." girl. The bum grabbed a magazine and made "So, what was he like? Soo Jung said he had Then I remembered I was also a girla himself comfortable in one of the chairs style," my mom prattled on as I poured juice straight girl ;; meant for ACTUAL customers. in to a cup. "Style my butt He was a total bum" I After the dress was altered, the girl and Mrs. I stared at him in disbelief. replied. Kang left to meet her son at a restaurant I began to walk toward him, more than nearby. ready to drag him out of the store while My mom replied with another blow to my That meant I had the whole store to myself. yelling at him that he's making the store poor head. ^__^ look bad with his bad fashion when the "Don't say that about another person! That's main door opened and a couple walked in. incredibly rude." Business was slow that day, and only two "But he was!! All his clothes were faded and customers came by. Hmmph. I'll deal with the bum later. worn out." I continued reading my magazine until the clock on the wall chimed to let me know it "Welcome to Lemon Scent. May I help "You just expect too much from people!" was lunchtime. you?" I greeted the couple brightly. My mom said, "It's what you get for "We're looking for a dress," The guy said. watching too many dramas. Guys in those Should I close the store to grab lunch? Or The girl behind him frowned. dramas don't exist in the world." order in and guard the shop? Or just wait for "All right. The dresses are over here," I said, "SOMEWHERE in this world they do. But another worker to come? leading them to the racks where most of the that guy definitely wasn't one of them." Questions swam around in my head as I dresses were hanging. talked with myself. I walked into the living room to watch some "Let's just go. I don't need a dress," the girl TV when I heard my mom whisper *DING DONG* whispered. something to herself. OH! A customer! "Yes, you do," the guy said, eyeing the I got up from the counter and bowed. dresses on the stands. "Tsk tskliving in a dream world She "Welcome to Lemon Scent, what kinds of thinks she's a princess." clothes are you looking for?" I gazed at the couple, wondering why the "Ew... What are you doing here?" asked a girl didn't want a dress. She was probably I scoffed. familiar voice in a nasty tone. the first girl who entered the store and didn't My mother was talking about me, purposely want to buy anything. loud enough for me to hear. It couldn't be I slowly lifted my head, my vision moving The guy picked out a dress. So what if I thought I was a princess? Don't from the floor to the "How's this?" he asked the unhappy girl. ALL people think about their well being "I don't like it." before the well being of others? I'm just Same Converses with the same holes. The guy picked out another, but the girl looking out after myself. Same raggedy pants continued to shake her head each time. What's wrong with that? . "Let's goI don't need a dress," she "What are you doing? Lift up your head, whispered again. The next day, I was sitting by the counter, you idiot." reading a fashion magazine I found lying I straightened myself and my eyes met with Ignoring her pleas, the guy continued to pick somewhere around the store. Mrs. Kang, my the pretty brown eyes I remembered from out dresses. boss, came out of the dressing room with the day before. The girl sighed and glanced around the one of the customers. store. Then her eyes stopped at a particular "What do you want?" I asked tersely, clearly stand. "Won Young, what do you think? This color conveying my annoyance. I followed her gaze to one of my favorite matches her skin tone very well, don't you He smirked. "Is that the way to treat a dresses in the store. think?" customer?" I looked up and saw a girl in about her early I rolled my eyes, but he was right. I could It was a deceptively simple dress. However, twenties, wearing a lavender dress suit. On get fired if Mrs. Kang came back and found the key was "simple, yet elegant." her head was a matching headband. She out. It was a pale yellow dress, which would smiled. have been strapless if it weren't for the two "Welcome-to-Lemon-Scent,-what-are-you- thin, sheer yellow ribbons holding it up. It My jaw dropped. looking-for?" I asked, gritting my teeth. had an empire waist while the rest of the The smell of fried fish crept up into my nose as I entered. "MOM! I'm he---WAHH!!" My mom popped out of nowhere holding a spatula.

gown rippled down to the floor in folds.

the prices on your own?" He continued to reprimand me as I continued to ignore him.

The girl kept staring at it, obviously wanting it. I took out my credit card and cashed in the Fortunately, the guy saw it too. remaining amount of the dress' cost. The bum fell silent. He walked over to the stand and extracted the dress off the rack. "Happy now? The register is full to the "You like this one?" he asked. penny." The girl hesitated awhile before replying no. The bum stared at me in surprise. I guess he The guy frowned. didn't think I was the type to show such generosity=_= "I know you like this dress. If you like it, just say so!" he said. He was getting *Ding Dong* impatient and angry. The door opened and another employee "No. It's too expensive." came in for her shift. "But we're getting married! I want you to wear something decent!" he yelled. "I feel I turned to the bum. bad enough already that I can't get you a "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going on my wedding dress." well-deserved lunch break. Have a great time loitering in Lemon Scent. Hope I never Ah so that's the situation. see you again," I said as I made a face at They can't afford a wedding dress him, grabbed my bag, and walked out the door. "But look at the price! If we had that much money to spare, I'd rather save it!" the girl What the hell was this guy's problem? replied, getting angry as well. Stupid busybody. Doesn't he even have "I want you to have something you like!" sympathy for the poor couple? "But it's too expensive!" My thoughts buzzed around in my head like annoying flies. "Ah, that dress? Excellent choice!" I quickly intervened. I walked down the street looking for a place The couple turned to stare at me. to eat. I called Soo Jung only to discover she "Yeah, it's a beautiful dress. The owner was already eating with Pumpkin Guy. designed it herself! And perfect timing. The Ditching her best friend for a GUY? Tch dress is on sale!" "McDonalds or Burger King," I debated "Sale?" The girl repeated, "It doesn't say with myself, pointing at the two restaurants anything about a sale" across the street. "Big Macor "Oh no, I must have forgotten to mark it." I Whopper" replied, "That dress is on sale. It's been here "Does it really matter? They're the same." for a while and the owner wanted to get rid of it so she put it on sale." I jumped a little as a deep voice popped into my ear. The couple stared at each other. The bum was standing behind me with a From the corner of my eye, I could see the sorry smile. bum staring at me. "Okay, what do you want now?" I snapped, "Do you want it?" the guy asked again. "I annoyed at his presence. know you want it. And if it's on sale, I really "I'm hungry." want you to have it." The girl weakly hesitated once more and "And?" I asked, refusing to pick up the before sighing in defeat. "I guesssince it's hint. on sale." "Buy me food~+_+" I smiled. The guy gave me the dress and I took it to the cash register. The guy paid the amount I asked for and he and the girl walked out of the store hand in hand, smiling happily. "Congrats on your marriage!" I said, as they left the store. Suddenly, I felt someone's presence behind me. "I know that dress wasn't that cheap" the bum's voice grumbled. I turned around. "So what? Mind your own business." "So what?" the bum echoed in disbelief. "That means the register is not full! You just sold a really expensive dress for a quarter of what it's worth!" I pushed him out of the way and walked to the register. "It's not your store! Why are you changing Chapter 3 "Buy me Food." I stared at him, bewildered. "What?" "Food you know substance you eat to stay alive? McChicken Sandwich looks good," he replied, his eyes glued to a giant poster adorning the front door of McDonald's. "Are you crazy?" I quickly crossed the street, and entered McDonald's, trying to ignore the tall figure following me like a shadow. I walked up to the smiling worker at the register. "Can I have a number 2?" "And a number 6," the bum added. "So a number 2 and 6?" the girl asked. "No, just a number 2," I replied, pushing the bum away.

causing people to turn and stare. "Number 2 only," I repeated firmly. The poor girl at the cashier asked confusedly, "So just a number 2?" I nodded. The bum made a face. "You're so mean," he said finally. "You can't even feed a poor guy? I didn't have anything to eat for 2 days. You can't even buy me a 5,000 won (around 5 dollars) meal? What kind of person are you?" He stared at me like I was the scum of the earth. I was about to tell him off when I realized it was too quiet in the resturant. Everyone was glaring at me. A grandma in the corner clicked her tongue and shook her head at me. I had become the "bad guy" in a span of 5 seconds. Big thanks to the bum's outrageous speech. That big, fat liar! Even the girl at the cashier wasn't smiling anymore. I liked her better when she was confused. . "So is a number 2 combo all you want?" she asked in a mean voice. BIZNATCH. How can she trust a bum more than a fellow member of the same sex?? I was dying to say yes, mainly out of spite but the people eating there would probably burn me alive if I did. I sighed "Number 2 and a number 6 please" I glared at the bum as he happily gobbled up his McChicken sandwich. He slurped his drink, shoved a whole bunch of fries into his mouth, and then took a bite out of his sandwich without swallowing the fries. Sick. Judging by the way he ate, he really must have not eaten for 2 days. I took a bite out of my Big Mac. "So you're really a bum?" I asked him. He looked up at me and smiled. "I'll let that one slide since I got a free meal. Insult all you want." I coughed and half-chewed hamburger chunks flew out of my mouth and landed on his dirty face. "EW! YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE!" he yelled, shooting up from his seat. Afraid of becoming the bad person again, I pulled him down. "SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN," I whispered fiercely at him. For once he obeyed. I shoved a stack napkin into his hands. "So why are you following me?" He shrugged, "You just looked really easy." I jumped from my seat and stared at him in shock while he began to wipe his face.

"I LOOKED EASY??? WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?" I yelled, hoping to capture the people's attention. "NO! Lady! Number 6 too!" the bum yelled, Who's the bad guy now?

"EASY? Is that why you've been stalking me you FREAK?"

I had to admit, he looked intimidating. I was starting to get scared, too. I hopped into Soo Jung's car and greeted her only to be answered with a careless wave. "Sit down!" he whispered loudly, grabbing I slowly walked to the door, building up my "Yeah, Jong Hyuk. You don't mind right? my arm. courage. Okay!" Soo Jung said into her phone. This time, he was the one pulling me down. "HEY YOU BUM! GET AWAY FROM HERE OR I'LL CALL THE POLICE!!" I sadly shook my head. The scrawny bum was pretty strong. Who was the poor guy who got lured in by He pulled me down with such force that my I closed my eyes and fervently practiced the Soo Jung's beauty this week? butt stung with pain when it hit the chair. line over and over. But the name Jong Hyuk sounded familiar Who knew how he would react he didn't where have I heard it before? "Why are you making a fool out of seem violentbut he didn't seem all that yourself?" he asked while starting to eat MY gentle either. Soo Jung hung up and said, "All right, French fries. Pothole, let's go." "A fool? ME?" I repeated, flabbergasted. My hand trembled as I slowly pushed the "Why are you so excited?" I asked. "You're the one dressed like a bum, begging door. "Just cause." for food! Don't you have any pride? What But before I could even open my mouth, the "Oh, by the way, who's Jong-" happened to all that male ego?" bum apparently spotted someone and started Before I could finish, Soo Jung turned on "Shh." running. the stereo and Shinhwa's "Brand New" "??" blared on. He zoomed past the store right as I stuck my From his pocket, he pulled out one of the head outside. "I'm looking right to yooooooou! Through newest Anycall phones, the one I had my A couple of seconds later, a black figure that mirror~~~ pretending to fix up on my eyes on for the longest time. chased after the bum. haaaaaaaaaaaaaaair!" She sang at the top of her lungs. O_O. I quickly ran outside, just in time to discover I groaned loudly, quickly covering my ears. the black figure was a tall man in a dark She may be my best friend, but she cannot I felt my jaw dropping open. suit. I couldn't see his face, but he seemed sing to save her ass. Since when do bums own expensive cell very desperate to catch the bum. phones? "Just one never let you Although I couldn't yell at him, I was rather gooooooooooooooooooo! He looked around self-consciously before glad the bum had gone without any effort on Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhk!" answering the phone. my part. "Hello? Who is this? No. Hehe's not here. Oh godplease let the store be close. Thisthis isn't his phone. Err... wrong I stayed at the store until Mrs. Kang called number. Don't call." around closing time. We eventually reached Ap Goo Jung Block. "The meeting went perfectly fine. There was It was Saturday so the place was packed I frowned in confusion. a tiny problem, but it was fixed in no time. He hung up with a grim look on his face. They're great together. I won't be surprised "Come on, Pothole~" Soo Jung said, locking if they got married by the end of this year." the car pulling me by the arm through the "Hey," I said, "Can I see your phone? I've crowd. "They're probably waiting for us!" wanted that phone for the longest time! Can "I'm glad you had a great day, Mrs. Kang," I "They? Who's they?" I see it? Please please please?" replied, reflecting upon the interesting day "No." that I had. "Jong Hyuk and his friend." "PLEASE?" "You didn't say we were shopping with He raised an eyebrow. Grr.. I hate it when As I closed the store and began to walk to other people." people do that. the bus stop, I wondered if my perfect match "Oops." would come any time soon. "Why are you so dense?" I sighed in frustration as Soo Jung dragged "" me to a store called "Rainbow Paradise." "Can't you tell I'm not in a good mood?" Chapter 4 "Oh. They're not inside," Soo Jung said, peering through the glass front of the store. I stared at him in disgust. Saturday is my favorite day of the week. "Is this the place?" I got up from my seat and picked up my Nothing can ruin my Saturdays. Soo Jung nodded, continuing to search for tray. I have no classes, no work, so I can pretty this person named Jong Hyuk. "Well have a great time sulking alone, you much do anything I want on Saturdays. ass." I entered the store. That Saturday, I had planned to get a 2nd True to its name, the store looked like a I got a glimpse of his shocked face as I left, piercing in my ears when Soo Jung called, tangible Skittles commercial. but who cared about him? I most definitely jabbing furiously about some awesome new On each shelf, hanger, or whatever, were did not. store she found in Ap Goo Jung Block. She various colors of the rainbow. The styles guaranteed big discounts and told me she were pretty decent; it was definitely the I didn't realize he was following me until I was picking me up in 30 minutes. trendy type for teens. was back in the store. Instead of coming inside, he loitered around So much for my Saturday. My eyes lit up at the summer selections. in front of the glass window and stared in. I really wanted that 2nd hole, but being a Various shades of blue hung in neat rows, fashion major, I wanted to check out this giving off a cool, summer vibe. Then I "Unnie, there's some bum staring" my co- "awesome" store. spotted a mannequin dressed in a blue shirt worker said, "He's kind of freaking me out." with white scribbles, white baggy pants, tan "Don't worry, Hanna. He's only there *HONK HONK* flip flops, and dark sunglasses. because I pissed him off," I said. "He'll go I looked out the window and saw Soo Jung away soon." in her nice Mercedes Benz chattering again I was immediately attracted to it. on her phone. Five minutesten minutes She motioned for me to come down quickly Very stylish. He was still there, staring. A shadow of when she saw my face at the window. I touched the shirt to feel the fabric. smile flitted on his face. I dashed down the stairs. "Hmm. Soft, very nice," I said to myself. Was he laughing at me? "Mom! I'm leaving!" The mannequin suddenly moved. "Unnie" Hanna whispered, "He's really "Be back by 8!" O_O scaring me. Should I call the police?" "Yeah, okay."

Nervously, I poked the stomach. I felt hardening muscles

and he already has his own business while I'm still stuck in fashion school. X_X Why did I slack off so much?

with Bumface mentioning how stupid I was every 5 seconds. Soo Jung FINALLY noticed that I wasn't happy. "You guys! Let's celebrate our 2nd meeting by going out to eat! I'll treat!" Jong Hyuk and Bumface cheered loudly and I knew exactly why. Jong Hyuk: more time with Soo Jung. Bumface: free dinner. "Soo Jung, I think I'll just go home." I replied to her. She came towards me with a sad face. "Aw come on Won Young~ I'll take you to Fruit Land!" I swallowed. What is Fruit Land? Just one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Every food that is made in the restaurant is served with a different type of fruit. So once you order a fruit once, it comes out with every course. Even if you don't like fruit, the restaurant itself is worth going to. The atmosphere is great. The people are great. Everything about it is great. I couldn't resist the offer and followed along with Soo Jung. After all, how many times does Soo Jung treat me out? Unfortunately, Jong Hyuk and Bumface ended up going in the same car as us. "We're going to come back to the store anyways." Soo Jung pointed out. "It doesn't matter." It mattered...because I ended having to sit next to Bumface while Soo Jung and Jong Hyuk sat side by side in the front. I swore if he said one mean comment to me, I would choke him to death right there in the car. Unfortunately, he didn't and we pulled into the parking lot of Fruit Land without any dead bodies. One of my favorite parts of Fruit Land is the interior design of the place. The colors are so bright and happy that once you step into the doors of the restaurant, all your worries and bad moods fly away. Which is exactly what happened. My anger for Bumface flew away. Chapter 3 "Buy me Food." I stared at him, bewildered. "What?" "Food you know substance you eat to stay alive? McChicken Sandwich looks good," he replied, his eyes glued to a giant poster adorning the front door of McDonald's. "Are you crazy?"

I slowly looked up and saw my reflection on the sunglasses. The mannequin stared down "Did you know about this?" I asked Soo at me. Jung. She nodded. "OMG, I'm so sorr-" "Is that why we're here?" Nod again "Pothole! What the heck are you doing?" Soo Jung yelled in frustration, walking into "Did you know he was coming?" I asked the store. referring to the bum boy. The frown disappeared. "Oh! Jong Hyuk!!!" She nodded again, "I thought you would be She ran to a guy who was coming in from happy to see him again, since he doesn't the back. dress like a hobo anymore. Jong Hyuk gave him new clothes." I finally realized Jong Hyuk was Pumpkin "Hey!" Bumface shouted. boy, Soo Jung's blind-no-more date. I ignored him. "Well, you have fun shopping "Where's your friend?" Jong Hyuk asked. here. I'm getting out of here." Soo Jung pointed at me. "Why? Because of him?" Soo Jung pointed at Bumface, whose face was getting redder. "Ha, ha. She's good. She found her match so quickly." I shrugged and started out the door, when something caught onto my arm. I slowly Hukmatch ?? turned around. I raised my hand up to the mannequin's face. Bumface was standing behind me. I slowly pushed down the glasses. His sunglasses were off and he didn't look too happy. The guy smirked. "Pothole, eh? 'Bum' doesn't sound so bad "Don't be rude." He solemnly said, "Jong now." Hyuk invited you here and offered you a big discount on whatever you buy." "Sso?" I managed to squeak out. Chapter 5 "You can treat me like trash, but don't do that to Jong Hyuk. So buy something and "Pothole, eh? 'Bum' doesn't sound so bad go." now." "WHAT?" I said in outrage. "Hey, she doesn't have to buy anything if she doesn't want to." Jong Hyuk said, Bumface pushed his glasses back up, coming closer to us. covering his brown eyes. Then he smirked at me once more. Bumface was being serious. It was strange. "All this time, you've been calling me a bum when you're nothing but a pothole." "Shut up!" I yelled. "Why? I deserve a little revenge." "Welluhyou're stinky bum!" "No, Jong HyukI'll buy something." I grabbed the closest thing around me and handed it to Jong Hyuk. "I'll take this."

Suddenly Bumface laughed. "You must like me." OkayI admit that was really childish, but I "Huh?!" had no idea what to say. "You picked the shirt I have on." "Hey, at least I'm a human.. You're lower He was right The same blue t-shirt with than an ant. You're dirt. You're just a hole in white sketchings on it. the ground." I could feel my face becoming flushed. "I'mI'm buying itfor my dog." It took me 3 seconds before I erupted. "Your dog wears XXL?" "YOU STUPID BUM! STOP CALLING DAMN IT ME POTHOLE! YOU ASS!" "Yes" I stuttered. "I havea Saint Instead of being yelled back by stupid Bernard" Bumface, it was Soo Jung who yelled. Jong Hyuk asked if I wanted to change my "Yah! Won Young! Shut up! Be courteous item, but unwilling to look any more idiotic, for the owner!!" I decided to buy it. "Don't worry Soo Jung, it's okay. This is a bit entertaining actually." At the cash register, I could see from the corner of my eye Bumface laughing his My head turned to the voice. head off silently Jong Hyuk was standing next to Soo Jung. Grr I hated myselffor giving Bumface the "You own this store?" satisfaction that this timehe won. Jong Hyuk nodded.

I quickly crossed the street, and entered McDonald's, trying to ignore the tall figure following me like a shadow. "What? How? How old are you?" Chapter 6 I walked up to the smiling worker at the "I have my ways and I'm 27. It's time for me register. to have my own business." I was pretty much grumpy after having "Can I have a number 2?" Bumface win. "And a number 6," the bum added. 27that's only 2 years older than I am It was pretty childish, but it also wasn't great "So a number 2 and 6?" the girl asked.

"No, just a number 2," I replied, pushing the "I LOOKED EASY??? WHAT'S THAT bum away. SUPPOSED TO MEAN?" I yelled, hoping to capture the people's attention. "NO! Lady! Number 6 too!" the bum yelled, Who's the bad guy now? causing people to turn and stare. "EASY? Is that why you've been stalking "Number 2 only," I repeated firmly. me you FREAK?" The poor girl at the cashier asked confusedly, "So just a number 2?" "Sit down!" he whispered loudly, grabbing I nodded. my arm. This time, he was the one pulling me down. The bum made a face. "You're so mean," he said finally. "You can't The scrawny bum was pretty strong. even feed a poor guy? I didn't have anything He pulled me down with such force that my to eat for 2 days. You can't even buy me a butt stung with pain when it hit the chair. 5,000 won (around 5 dollars) meal? What kind of person are you?" "Why are you making a fool out of He stared at me like I was the scum of the yourself?" he asked while starting to eat MY earth. French fries. I was about to tell him off when I realized it "A fool? ME?" I repeated, flabbergasted. was too quiet in the resturant. "You're the one dressed like a bum, begging for food! Don't you have any pride? What Everyone was glaring at me. happened to all that male ego?" A grandma in the corner clicked her tongue "Shh." and shook her head at me. "??" I had become the "bad guy" in a span of 5 seconds. Big thanks to the bum's outrageous From his pocket, he pulled out one of the speech. newest Anycall phones, the one I had my That big, fat liar! eyes on for the longest time. Even the girl at the cashier wasn't smiling anymore. I liked her better when she was confused. . O_O.

Was he laughing at me? "Unnie" Hanna whispered, "He's really scaring me. Should I call the police?" I had to admit, he looked intimidating. I was starting to get scared, too. I slowly walked to the door, building up my courage. "HEY YOU BUM! GET AWAY FROM HERE OR I'LL CALL THE POLICE!!" I closed my eyes and fervently practiced the line over and over. Who knew how he would react he didn't seem violentbut he didn't seem all that gentle either. My hand trembled as I slowly pushed the door. But before I could even open my mouth, the bum apparently spotted someone and started running. He zoomed past the store right as I stuck my head outside. A couple of seconds later, a black figure chased after the bum. I quickly ran outside, just in time to discover the black figure was a tall man in a dark suit. I couldn't see his face, but he seemed very desperate to catch the bum. Although I couldn't yell at him, I was rather glad the bum had gone without any effort on my part. I stayed at the store until Mrs. Kang called around closing time. "The meeting went perfectly fine. There was a tiny problem, but it was fixed in no time. They're great together. I won't be surprised if they got married by the end of this year." "I'm glad you had a great day, Mrs. Kang," I replied, reflecting upon the interesting day that I had. As I closed the store and began to walk to the bus stop, I wondered if my perfect match would come any time soon. ..[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> ..[endif]--> Chapter 4 Saturday is my favorite day of the week. Nothing can ruin my Saturdays. I have no classes, no work, so I can pretty much do anything I want on Saturdays. That Saturday, I had planned to get a 2nd piercing in my ears when Soo Jung called, jabbing furiously about some awesome new store she found in Ap Goo Jung Block. She guaranteed big discounts and told me she was picking me up in 30 minutes. So much for my Saturday. I really wanted that 2nd hole, but being a fashion major, I wanted to check out this "awesome" store. *HONK HONK* I looked out the window and saw Soo Jung in her nice Mercedes Benz chattering again on her phone. She motioned for me to come down quickly when she saw my face at the window. I dashed down the stairs.

I felt my jaw dropping open. Since when do bums own expensive cell "So is a number 2 combo all you want?" she phones? asked in a mean voice. BIZNATCH. How can she trust a bum more He looked around self-consciously before than a fellow member of the same sex?? answering the phone. I was dying to say yes, mainly out of spite "Hello? Who is this? No. Hehe's not here. but the people eating there would probably Thisthis isn't his phone. Err... wrong burn me alive if I did. number. Don't call." I sighed "Number 2 and a number 6 please" "Hey," I said, "Can I see your phone? I've wanted that phone for the longest time! Can I glared at the bum as he happily gobbled up I see it? Please please please?" his McChicken sandwich. "No." He slurped his drink, shoved a whole bunch "PLEASE?" of fries into his mouth, and then took a bite He raised an eyebrow. Grr.. I hate it when out of his sandwich without swallowing the people do that. fries. Sick. "Why are you so dense?" Judging by the way he ate, he really must "" have not eaten for 2 days. "Can't you tell I'm not in a good mood?" I took a bite out of my Big Mac. "So you're really a bum?" I asked him. He looked up at me and smiled. "I'll let that one slide since I got a free meal. Insult all you want." I coughed and half-chewed hamburger chunks flew out of my mouth and landed on his dirty face. I stared at him in disgust. I got up from my seat and picked up my tray. "Well have a great time sulking alone, you ass." I got a glimpse of his shocked face as I left, but who cared about him? I most definitely did not. I frowned in confusion. He hung up with a grim look on his face.

"EW! YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE!" he yelled, shooting up from his seat. I didn't realize he was following me until I Afraid of becoming the bad person again, I was back in the store. pulled him down. Instead of coming inside, he loitered around in front of the glass window and stared in. "SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN," I whispered fiercely at him. "Unnie, there's some bum staring" my coFor once he obeyed. worker said, "He's kind of freaking me out." I shoved a stack napkin into his hands. "Don't worry, Hanna. He's only there because I pissed him off," I said. "He'll go "So why are you following me?" away soon." He shrugged, "You just looked really easy." I jumped from my seat and stared at him in Five minutesten minutes shock while he began to wipe his face. He was still there, staring. A shadow of smile flitted on his face.

"Mom! I'm leaving!" "Be back by 8!" "Yeah, okay."

The mannequin suddenly moved. O_O

"I have my ways and I'm 27. It's time for me to have my own business." 27that's only 2 years older than I am and he already has his own business while I'm still stuck in fashion school. X_X Why did I slack off so much? "Did you know about this?" I asked Soo Jung. She nodded. "Is that why we're here?" Nod again "Did you know he was coming?" I asked referring to the bum boy. She nodded again, "I thought you would be happy to see him again, since he doesn't dress like a hobo anymore. Jong Hyuk gave him new clothes." "Hey!" Bumface shouted. I ignored him. "Well, you have fun shopping here. I'm getting out of here." "Why? Because of him?" Soo Jung pointed at Bumface, whose face was getting redder. I shrugged and started out the door, when something caught onto my arm. I slowly turned around. Bumface was standing behind me. His sunglasses were off and he didn't look too happy. "Don't be rude." He solemnly said, "Jong Hyuk invited you here and offered you a big discount on whatever you buy." "Sso?" I managed to squeak out. "You can treat me like trash, but don't do that to Jong Hyuk. So buy something and go." "Hey, she doesn't have to buy anything if she doesn't want to." Jong Hyuk said, coming closer to us. Bumface was being serious. It was strange. "No, Jong HyukI'll buy something." I grabbed the closest thing around me and handed it to Jong Hyuk. "I'll take this." Suddenly Bumface laughed. "You must like me." "Huh?!" "You picked the shirt I have on." He was right The same blue t-shirt with white sketchings on it. I could feel my face becoming flushed. "I'mI'm buying itfor my dog." "Your dog wears XXL?" DAMN IT "Yes" I stuttered. "I havea Saint Bernard" Jong Hyuk asked if I wanted to change my item, but unwilling to look any more idiotic, I decided to buy it. At the cash register, I could see from the corner of my eye Bumface laughing his head off silently Grr I hated myselffor giving Bumface the satisfaction that this timehe won.

Nervously, I poked the stomach. I hopped into Soo Jung's car and greeted her I felt hardening muscles only to be answered with a careless wave. "Yeah, Jong Hyuk. You don't mind right? I slowly looked up and saw my reflection on Okay!" Soo Jung said into her phone. the sunglasses. The mannequin stared down at me. I sadly shook my head. Who was the poor guy who got lured in by "OMG, I'm so sorr-" Soo Jung's beauty this week? But the name Jong Hyuk sounded familiar "Pothole! What the heck are you doing?" where have I heard it before? Soo Jung yelled in frustration, walking into the store. Soo Jung hung up and said, "All right, The frown disappeared. "Oh! Jong Hyuk!!!" Pothole, let's go." She ran to a guy who was coming in from "Why are you so excited?" I asked. the back. "Just cause." "Oh, by the way, who's Jong-" I finally realized Jong Hyuk was Pumpkin Before I could finish, Soo Jung turned on boy, Soo Jung's blind-no-more date. the stereo and Shinhwa's "Brand New" blared on. "Where's your friend?" Jong Hyuk asked. Soo Jung pointed at me. "I'm looking right to yooooooou! Through that mirror~~~ pretending to fix up on my "Ha, ha. She's good. She found her match so haaaaaaaaaaaaaaair!" She sang at the top of quickly." her lungs. I groaned loudly, quickly covering my ears. Hukmatch ?? She may be my best friend, but she cannot sing to save her ass. I raised my hand up to the mannequin's face. I slowly pushed down the glasses. "Just one never let you gooooooooooooooooooo! The guy smirked. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhk!" "Pothole, eh? 'Bum' doesn't sound so bad now." Oh godplease let the store be close. We eventually reached Ap Goo Jung Block. It was Saturday so the place was packed Chapter 5

"Pothole, eh? 'Bum' doesn't sound so bad "Come on, Pothole~" Soo Jung said, locking now." the car pulling me by the arm through the "WHAT?" I said in outrage. crowd. "They're probably waiting for us!" "They? Who's they?" Bumface pushed his glasses back up, covering his brown eyes. Then he smirked at "Jong Hyuk and his friend." me once more. "You didn't say we were shopping with other people." "All this time, you've been calling me a bum "Oops." when you're nothing but a pothole." "Shut up!" I yelled. I sighed in frustration as Soo Jung dragged "Why? I deserve a little revenge." me to a store called "Rainbow Paradise." "Welluhyou're stinky bum!" "Oh. They're not inside," Soo Jung said, peering through the glass front of the store. OkayI admit that was really childish, but I "Is this the place?" had no idea what to say. Soo Jung nodded, continuing to search for this person named Jong Hyuk. "Hey, at least I'm a human.. You're lower than an ant. You're dirt. You're just a hole in I entered the store. the ground." True to its name, the store looked like a tangible Skittles commercial. It took me 3 seconds before I erupted. On each shelf, hanger, or whatever, were "YOU STUPID BUM! STOP CALLING various colors of the rainbow. The styles ME POTHOLE! YOU ASS!" were pretty decent; it was definitely the trendy type for teens. Instead of being yelled back by stupid Bumface, it was Soo Jung who yelled. My eyes lit up at the summer selections. "Yah! Won Young! Shut up! Be courteous Various shades of blue hung in neat rows, for the owner!!" giving off a cool, summer vibe. Then I "Don't worry Soo Jung, it's okay. This is a spotted a mannequin dressed in a blue shirt bit entertaining actually." with white scribbles, white baggy pants, tan flip flops, and dark sunglasses. My head turned to the voice. Jong Hyuk was standing next to Soo Jung. I was immediately attracted to it. "You own this store?" Very stylish. Jong Hyuk nodded. I touched the shirt to feel the fabric. "Hmm. Soft, very nice," I said to myself. "What? How? How old are you?"

Chapter 6

I was pretty much grumpy after having Bumface win. It was pretty childish, but it also wasn't great with Bumface mentioning how stupid I was "She'll probably get the Mango Basket. every 5 seconds. That's her favorite fruit. She gets it all the time even though she's allergic to it." Soo Jung FINALLY noticed that I wasn't I gave a stare at Soo Jung, who missed it. happy. Bumface looked at me with a puzzled look. "You guys! Let's celebrate our 2nd meeting by going out to eat! I'll treat!" "What?" Jong Hyuk and Bumface cheered loudly and "Nothing. It's just funny how you eat stuff I knew exactly why. that makes you sick" "Hey, shut up" Jong Hyuk: more time with Soo Jung. "All done deciding?" Bumface: free dinner. The happy little waitress returned with our "Soo Jung, I think I'll just go home." I drinks. replied to her. She came towards me with a We ordered our food and waited. I chose not sad face. to look at Bumface or Soo Jung. "Aw come on Won Young~ I'll take you to Soo Jung had no reason to tell Bumface Fruit Land!" that now Bumface knows something new about me that he can use for future torturing. I swallowed. Our food came out and we started eating. I What is Fruit Land? Just one of my carefully cut the mangos into small pieces favorite restaurants of all time. so they wouldn't touch my skin when I ate Every food that is made in the restaurant is it. I couldn't risk getting a reaction on my served with a different type of fruit. So once beautiful face. you order a fruit once, it comes out with every course. Even if you don't like fruit, the I put a piece of mango in and it slowly restaurant itself is worth going to. The started melting in my mouth. My taste buds atmosphere is great. The people are great. woke up and screamed like crazy as the Everything about it is great. juicy sweet flavors of the mangos settled in. I couldn't resist the offer and followed along with Soo Jung. After all, how many times does Soo Jung treat me out? Unfortunately, Jong Hyuk and Bumface ended up going in the same car as us. "We're going to come back to the store anyways." Soo Jung pointed out. "It doesn't matter." It mattered...because I ended having to sit next to Bumface while Soo Jung and Jong Hyuk sat side by side in the front. It was just too good Suddenly, I felt a strange feeling. I looked up and saw Bumface giving me a look of disbelief. "What?" I asked, putting another mango in my mouth. "You're an idiot"

"What are you getting?" Jong Hyuk asked, still puzzled at what he was going to order. I opened my mouth to answer but Soo Jung did instead.

Dinner ended and I received the impression that Soo Jung wanted more time with Jong Hyuk. I got the hint. But Soo Jung kept insisting that I leave with Bumface Fat chance. I'll leave alone though. We came out of the restaurant. "All right guys," I said, putting my purse on my shoulder. "I'm going to go now." Soo Jung's face lit up. "Oh! You have to go?" I nodded.

"But you don't have a ride." Jong Hyuk said in a worried tone. "It's okay; I'll take the bus or something." Jong Hyuk shook his head and tapped Bumface. "Go take her home." "WHAT? NO!" Bumface and I yelled at the same time. "Yeah, it's dark out and there are a lot of perverts out there." Jong Hyuk said as if it was the most obvious thing. "Take her home." Soo Jung got into her car and said, "All right guys, Have a great time!" Then she whispered to me. "Call me with details later." I tried to swing my purse into her face, but she quickly rolled up the windows and stuck her tongue out at me. Then they left usBumface and I stood awkwardly. Not wanting to even stand next to him, I started walking away. He didn't call out for me or stop me from walking off alone. What a butthead Even a real bum would have the decency to take a lady home at night Not that I would allow a bum to take me home. I was at the block, when I heard footsteps behind me. I looked back and I saw Bumface, his hands jammed into his pockets and head focused on the ground, strolling behind me. I started walking faster, hoping to lose him. The footsteps behind me sped up. The sky grew darker than before and all the street lamps turned on, guiding me home. I think there was a point when I broke into a full-on sprint trying to lose Bumface. By the time I stopped to rest, I was breathless and already in my neighborhood. So was Bumface. He stuck on like glue and for some reason, he didn't look tired at all. "What a crappy neighborhoodWhat kind of neighborhood is this?" I heard him ask

O_O What the hell "Huh?!" "Well, you are." Bumface said casually, chewing his kiwi and steak. "If you have I swore if he said one mean comment to me, allergies to it, you shouldn't eat it. Only I would choke him to death right there in the idiots eat something they're allergic to." car. Unfortunately, he didn't and we pulled into The atmosphere at the dinner table turned the parking lot of Fruit Land without any extremely cold. dead bodies. Soo Jung and Jong Hyuk stared, waiting for One of my favorite parts of Fruit Land is the me to explode and come with a snappy interior design of the place. The colors are comeback. so bright and happy that once you step into the doors of the restaurant, all your worries Surprisinglynothing came out of my and bad moods fly away. mouth. I didn't yell. I didn't hit him Which is exactly what happened. I just sat there, quietly, eating my mangos. My anger for Bumface flew away. Bumface looked dumbfounded. He must A waitress sat us down at a table and passed have lost words to say because his mouth out the menus. was opened, but nothing was coming out. "I'll be back in a few moments with your drinks." She replied cheerfully with a smile. Seeing that nothing was happening, Soo Jung and Jong Hyuk went back to eating "What's good here?" Jong Hyuk asked Soo their dinner. Jung. "Just about everything. Just pick your Truthfully, I was pissed off to the max. favorite fruit." I was so angry that I couldn't say anything. I didn't even have the strength to fight back. "I'm going to get the Kiwi Express." Bumface announced. Just wait until later you bastard "No one asked you." I muttered. I set the menu down. Chapter 7

under his breath. I twisted around. "HEY! THEN GO HOME! STOP FOLLOWING ME!" "Jong Hyuk asked me to!" "SO? IS HE YOUR MOM? DO U HAVE TO LISTEN TO HIM? STOP FOLLOWING! IT'S CREEPING ME OUT!" "What's so scary about me? I'm going to take you home!" "STOP FOLLOWING ME!!!" I was almost to tears. It was scary having someone follow me in the dark, even if it was Bumface. Out of nowhere, brilliant blue and red lights of a cop car appeared from an alley. I stopped dead in my tracks. The car pulled right to me. "Miss, is this man bothering you?" Blankly, I nodded. "He's freaking me out and he keeps following me" The cops nodded, getting out of the car. They headed toward Bumface, who looked very confused. They talked awhile before returning to me. "He says he's your friend. Is that true?" "Friend? Well ye-" I stopped. This could be it. My chance for revenge. He could sleep over in jail like in My Sassy Girl. Jun Ji Hyun always punished Cha Tae Hyun by making him spend a night in jail Without another moment of thinking "He's not my friend! He followed me from downtown all the way here!" The officers went back to Bumface and before I knew it, they were shoving Bumface into the patrol car. "HEY! WHAT'S THIS?!" Bumface yelled alerted. I waved with guilt as the car drove away. Bumface was slamming the rear window angrily, yelling many somethings at me. He drank a bit of soju during dinner so he's going to suffer a little at the station. Eh whatever. That should teach him not to make fun of me. Chapter 8 I wasn't even home for 30 minutes when I got a phone call from the police station.

asked. I nodded my head and the policeman pointed at the seat next to Bumface. I sat down. "This young gentleman says you're lying and that you do know him." I rolled my eyes. I wanted to say no. "Yes, I know him." I finally confessed, "I'm sorry for the trouble I caused. I know I shouldn't have lied to you, but he was annoying me so much that I needed to get rid of him." The policeman signed, annoyed. "Did you realize you were lying to a police officer?" I slowly nodded. "I didn't mean any harm from it I justwanted to teach him a lesson. You know, like in My Sassy Girl" I put on my pitiful face and the policeman's face softened. Dang, I'm too good. "Okay, I'm going to let you go just this once." He said, "But the next time you and your boyfriend have a fight, don't call the police. Settle it on your own." "Boyfri----" I started to say before Bumface cupped my mouth. "Thank you sir. Have a great night." He said, as he dragged me out of the station, still covering my mouth. He didn't let go until we were outside. "BOYFRIEND?! IS THAT COP CRAZY? ME? AND YOU? PSHHH!" I started marching back into the station, when Bumface grabbed my arm. "Where do you think you're going?" "To tell the policeman we're not dating!" "What good will that do?" "" "It's not like he gives a crap." Stupid Bumface. "Okay FINE. But let's make this straight. I don't like you in any way!" Bumface's eyebrow curved up and his lips curled. "What?" "I don't like you in any way." "I never said you liked me" I opened my mouth to fix what had come out of my mouth. "You must like me." Bumface said arrogantly, "Or else, you wouldn't have mentioned any of this." "What? You must be insane!" "Yeah, whatever. You like me."

"What?" "Take me home" I said. "Why?" He said it so casually and carefree that it shocked me. And he was a guy? "Because it's scary at night!" "So? You went home pretty well before." He continued his way. "YOU BASTARD!!! I HOPE YOU GET HIT BY CAR AND DIE!" Of coursehe didn't turn around, but he kept on walking. Angry and scared, I started walking home. I never realized how terrifying the walk back home was in the dark. Every little thing scared me. The trash bags on the street looked like people waiting to jump up and mug me. I held my breath in fear as I drew closer and closer to my house. "MEEEEEEEEEEEOW!!!!" "AHHHHHHHHHH!" I screamed, startled by a sudden cry. A cat dashed from behind me and ran into the dark alley. Another scream from the cat shot into my ears. I ran home and didn't stop until I got there. In front of the gates of my house, I finally calmed down and told myself that it was just cat and that cat was probably as scared as I was Why would the cat just jump out like that! It wasn't as if I disturbed it or anything Chapter 9 Bumfacewhat a bastardnot even walking me home I was sitting at the counter in the store, drinking coffee and thinking about him. Why'd he take me home before but not after? Isn't he a guy? Aren't guys supposed to chivalrous to girls?? Wah! What a bastard Ugh whatever. Who knows what's going on in his head Just then, Mrs. Kang came into the door with the pretty girl from last time and a man I've never seen before. "Won Young~ three coffees please." Mrs. Kang said, as she ushered her guests to the couch in the front. I got right down to making the coffee. I couldn't help but to stare at the man that walked in with Mrs. Kang. He was wearing the plainest clothes yet he looked like a celebrity. He was really good looking, and sitting next to the girl, they looked like a movie star couple. I brought out the coffee and was serving it when Mrs. Kang introduced us. "You've seen Hae Jung before." She said, referring to the pretty girl. "And this," The man "is my son. It's your first time meeting him right?"

Then he started walking down the street. "HEY!" I yelled. "I think it's best if you come down here right "What?" He turned around as if he was now." The officer said. He didn't sound irritated. angry or happy. "Where are you going?" I put on a sweater over my pajamas and "Home?" walked down to the station. "" "What? I'm not even following you At the station, there were a couple of drunks anymore. You can't call the police on me sleeping on the couches and Bumface who this time." was sitting in front of an officer. Bumface didn't look happy at all. It was almost 12 and the streets were slowly filling with drunken people. "You're Won Young?" The policeman "Mmmphmmph..." I whispered.

*nod nod* Mrs. Kang's son put out his hand for me to shake. "So you're Won Young." He said, "All Mother talks about during dinner is you. But you're much prettier in person than from her descriptions" He grinned and my knees started to shake. I've never met such a handsome guy before.

Inside, I saw some of the prettiest clothes I've ever seen. The designs were fresh and the fabric was the best kind for each clothing. I looked up at Bumface.

"Bye Won Young." Hae Jung said, shyly. She and Mr. Kang both got into his car. I nodded and waved at them as the car went away. Back in the store, Mrs. Kang hummed happily. "I'm guessing everything went well?" Mrs. Kang nodded. "Engagement's on in a month, wedding will be in July, two months from now~" "Congratulations." "So did you meet your friend?" She asked, looking over the new dresses. "Hehehyeah." I clutched the bag of clothes in my hand. Stupid retarded idiotic Bumface Making fun of memaking me feel stupid I hate him I hate him I hate him But the clothes are pretty and free. And I like free things. Chapter 10 I waited at the bus stop for the bus going home like always. My arms were hurting more from the extra luggage I had to carry that day. It's just a couple of outfitswhy is it so heavy? The bus came finally and I became relived. As soon as I stepped onto the bus, the familiar bus driver greeted me. "Won Young, did you sell a lot of clothes today?" he asked with a friendly smile as I paid my bus fare. "Yes sir~" I replied, "I hope you had a good day too!" He chuckled and I looked around for a seat. "HEY! POTHOLE!" I heard a familiar voice and I found myself looking at the direction of where the voice came from. I wish I hadn't "Sit here Pothole!!" He said happily in a really loud voice, getting everyone's attention. Stupid Bumfacesince when did you ride the same bus as me? I flat out ignored him and sat as far away from him as possible. I was trying to ignore his presence in the same bus, when someone sat next to me. God, pleasedon't let it be him Unfortunately, God didn't hear my prayer. "Yah, why'd you ignore me." I continued ignoring. "Are you still mad about the clothes? It was a joke!" Bumface said, poking the bag that I was holding. "They're pretty clothes! You'll like them! You can use them at your school!" Luckily, the bus reached my neighborhood and I got off the busonly to be followed by Bumface. He kept on following meHe didn't say anythingjust kept walking a couple of feet behind me.

"What's this?" I asked, suspicious. "Yours." He replied. "Huh? Why is this mine?" "Because I'm giving it to you." "Why? I'm not taking thisThere's "Thank you." I managed to say, before shyly something wrong with it huh!" I yelled, going back to the counter to finish my shoving the bag back to him. coffee. "No! It's yours!" He pushed it back to him. He's Mrs. Kang's son? I can totally tell I stared at him. "How can a bum like you where he got his looks. afford these clothes? Did you steal them?" Mrs. Kang is a retired model. She was pretty famous back in the days Bumface started looking angry. I must have That's why she's so into fashion and why she really messed with his temper. has her own store. Luckily Jong Hyuk came to the rescue. "Just think of it as his friendship" He said, "SoEngagement party first right?" Mrs. "He probably wants to makeup with you." Kang said. Her son nodded. "Engagement first and then "HA! Friendship? Oh so you admit to your wedding a couple of months later." horridness." I scoffed, "But seriously Hae Jung's face turned pink with happiness there's something wrong with these clothes as she thought about it. huh?" "Like what?" Bumface finally grumbled. AhI see I see. They were the two that "Likeholes?" Mrs. Kang set up last time. It must have "No" gone well if they're already talking about engagement stuff. I stared at the clothes again. They were I smiled. really pretty. They matched so nicely together. "Okay, thanks. I'll wear it well." "HEY! ANSWER THE PHONE! WON BIN'S CALLING YOU!" my excited phone yelled. I quickly answered it. "Hello?" I whispered, not wanting to disrupt Mrs. Kang's conversation. "Hey, come to Jong Hyuk's store right now." "Bumface? Why? How'd you get this number?! I mean, no! I'm working. I can't just leave." "Yeah you can." "No. I can't!" I felt a light tapping on my shoulder. Mrs. Kang smiled at me. "Sounds like your friend. Go out to eat lunch. I'll take care of the store." On the other line, "I heard that. You better come." Then he hung up. Who the heck does he think he is, ordering me around But I grew curious at what he was calling me about and decided to go I was hungry too. Maybe he'll buy me food to pay back for last time. When I arrived at the store, I only saw Jong Hyuk. "Where's Bumface?" I asked, only to be answered by Jong Hyuk's smile. "I'm right behind you, Pothole." Suddenly, darkness overshadowed me. I felt all the happiness in me getting sucked out. "You're here." He said, in a somewhat happy tone. "Why'd you call me?" "Here, have this." Bumface handed me a large bag. I took the bag and looked inside. I had a shocked period of 5 seconds. I scanned him over. His clothes were decent He had a large bandage on his arm; gives off that rebel kind of look. HehBumface looks hot today~ Never knew he could be nice to me. As soon as that thought came to mind, Bumface sneered. "Are you having fun?" "Fun?" I asked, confused. "What fun?" "My being nice to you. Is it entertaining?" - _ -!!!! "WHAT! THEN IT WAS ALL A JOKE?" "What? You thought I was being sincere?" "YOU BASTARD!" I yelled. "TAKE IT BACK!" I shoved the bag of clothes to his chest. "Am I a girl?" he yelled back, pushing the bag back towards me, "What would I do with girl clothes? Just think of it as my way of paying for lunch." I opened my mouth once more but Bumface added, "I didn't even buy it, so just keep it. Use them for school or something." "YOU DIDN'T EVEN BUY IT AND YOU'RE GIVING IT TO ME?! UGH!!!" Frustrated, I ran out of the store and stomped my way back to work. I walked a long way before I realized I was still holding the bag of clothes. I started my way back to Jong Hyuk's store but stopped. I didn't want to walk all the way back. AISH. Whatever. I'll just keep it. When I retuned back to Lemon Scent, Hae Jung and Mrs. Kang's son were leaving. "I'll see you again," Mr. Kang said, smiling at me. He opened the door to his nice looking car.

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I finally gathered the courage to ask him why he was following me.

"I live in this neighborhood." He replied. "Oh? Where?" I asked, intrigued. "Like you'd know." "I do know I've lived in this neighborhood all my life." The tall man took a couple of seconds "" recuperating before he grabbed the bag and looked inside. Seeing that he couldn't answer, I knew he "Damn itthey are clothes." He swore. was lying. "Check her hand bag." I felt the fat man reaching for my bag "What happened to your arm?" I asked, remembering the big bandage on his arm. "OH WHAT THE---" "This?" He asked, raising his arm up. "Some I looked up at what the fat man was animal popped out of nowhere and scratched screaming at. me on the way home last night." "Ha. Even animals don't like you." Out of nowhere, a big kim bap box was "Ha ha. Shut up." He replied sarcastically. flying right towards my face. "At least I'm not scared of them." Without fail, it hit me right smack in the middle of head, causing me to fall on the "Huh?" My eyes grew round, "What's that ground. supposed to mean?" I grabbed my nose as I yelped silently. No "I don't know." sound would come out of my mouth. "Tell me." "Tell you what?." "YOU F*CKER!" "Come on!" Tears sprang to my eyes. It hurtso "You're suddenly talking to meI guess much you're not mad at me anymore." By the time I could finally open my eyes, both of the crooks were on the ground, I stopped myself from saying another word. groaning. He was rightI had forgotten that I wasn't Someone ran to my side. talking to him. "ARE YOU OKAY?" "Yeah, wellI'm too hungry to be mad at "Bumface?" you." I snapped back weakly. "Yeah, are you okay? Did they touch you?" "Why are you hungry?" He looked at me, worried. "You call that a question? I was too busy "OF COURSE NOT. THAT'S WHY I'M selling beautiful clothes to eat dinner, unlike ON THE GROUND." I replied sarcastically some bum on the streets who goes around Then I picked up the kim bap box at my begging for food instead of finding a job." side. "Why would anyone want to buy clothes from you?" "Did you throw this?" I asked, still in pain. "AISH! I DON'T KNOW! Leave me He nodded. alone" "Did you have to throw it at me?" He nodded his head. I walked faster. I could hear him laughing "Ow.where'd this come from silently at me. anyways?" Oh how I hated him so. "You saidI mean, I got hungry so I went down to the super market and bought a I was less than 2 blocks away from my package." He stuttered. house when the faint footsteps behind me disappeared. I turned around and Bumface "Bastard" I said. "You knew I was hungry wasn't there anymore. and you got yourself food?" HrmI guess he did live near here. I pushed his blank face away just in time to As soon as I started continuing my way, the see the two crooks limping away. footsteps returned. "Awthey're getting away." I pouted. Ughhe just won't leave me alone. "Who cares," Bumface shrugged, "They won't be doing anything for awhile." "BUMFACE! GO Ho--------You're not "Huh?" Bumface" "I think I may have damaged their I found myself standing in front of two jewels" unfamiliar guys. One guy was abnormally "Oh? OH" tall and the other one was abnormally fat... So Bumface was a fighterBetter stay on "Hey pretty lady." The tall guy said in a his good side. smooth voice. "What's in the bag?" "O_Oclothes" I said blankly. I was still far from my house and afraid that "Are you sure?" the fat short one asked. I was going to get attacked again, Bumface "Doesn't look like clothes from here!" escorted me. He didn't say anything but just stayed They came closer to me. I stepped back. behind me the whole time. OMG I'm going to die When we reached my house, he handed me Suddenly the tall one grabbed the bag of the kim bap box. clothes from my hand and as a reflex, my "Here, you have it. I lost my appetite." He foot went up and kicked him hard. said.

The tall one screamed in a high tone. The fat guy took this chance to grab my arms and cover my mouth. "Hey! Stop fooling around! Check the bag!" he ordered the man on the ground, grabbing his soft spot.

Happy to see food offered to me, I grabbed it. "Thanks~" I said. Silence followed. It was very awkward "Uhgoodnight." I ran into my house and up to my window sill. I watched him walk away into the darkness. 'Maybe Bumface wasn't so bad.' I thought as I cracked open the kim bap box. Never mind. The kim bap box was half empty. Chapter 11 Mrs. Kang decided to make Hae Jung's engagement dress on her own. Usually, she just designs a dress and then sends out her designs to the factory to have it made, but she said for her daughter-in-law, the dress needed to be handmade by her. I grew so jealous of Hae Jung. She's pretty, she's smart, and she's getting a dress done by Mrs. Kang. "Won Young, want to help me?" Mrs. Kang asked me as she got out the half made dress off the mannequin. Did I ever? "YES! MRS. KANG!" I literally jumped from my seat at the counter and ran to Mrs. Kang. "Wear this. I need a live model." Mrs. Kang chuckled. "You're about the same size as Hae Jung too. I took the dress to the dressing room and wore it. I can just tell you that I fell in love with it. It fit perfectly. The design was very simple. It was a light pink dress, with sleeves that started at the edge of my shoulder and ended a little above my elbows. The bottom portion of the dress was my favorite part. There were 3 layers of fabric and each fabric wrapped around the dress and made 3 little bows around my waist. It might sound a bit weird and complicated from my explanation, but it was the perfect little dress ever. It was a dress meant for Hae Jung. "Wow, Won Young~ you look so beautiful!" Mrs. Kang said in awe as I came out of the dressing room. "It's because the dress is pretty~" I replied. Mrs. Kang took a bow. "All right, let's see what I have to fix." She got down on her knees and started muttering to herself about what to cut and what to stitch up. I admired her so much. I wondered if I would ever be in her place. I looked at myself in the mirror and

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enviously at the dress. A part of me really wished it was mine. "Won Young, you have a phone call." Hana came to the back of the store, holding my cell phone. "Who is it?" "Some guy." She handed me my phone and disappeared to the front desk. "Hello?" "Come out." A familiar voice said. "Who's this?" I asked, even though it was obvious who it was who else would flat out say 'come out'? "Bumface." "Oh?" I said surprised, "So you do admit you're a bum?" "" "HAHAHAH what a loser." "Won Young~ hold still." Mrs. Kang said patiently, with a pin between her teeth. "Oh sorry." "Who's that?" Bumface asked, hearing Mrs. Kang's voice. "My boss." Silence followed. "Hello?" "What are you doing right now?" "I'm wearing a dress." "A dress? You're a girl?" "Hey! Shut up!" "OW~" Mrs. Kang perked. "Won Young" "AH! I'm so sorry Mrs. Kang!" Then I turned to Bumface. "Hey! Hang up!" I hung up on him before he could say anything and crouched down to Mrs. Kang's level to apologize. As always, Mrs. Kang was sweet about it. "So," Mrs. Kang asked, "who was that?" "Who?" "The guy on the phone." "Oh. Some guy." "Are you sure it's not a boyfriend? O_O!!!!!!! "MRS. KANG! OF COURSE NOT!" She chuckled. "You should have a boyfriend! You're reaching the age where you need to be married. I'm so happy my son's going to get married. You should make your parents happy too." "Heh" I stood for Mrs. Kang for another half hour, and then she told me to go home since I was her mannequin for the day. "Have a nice day!" I called out to Mrs. Kang and Hana as I left the store door. As soon as I set my foot out, someone grabbed me and pulled me back. "AHH!" "SHH!!!!!" A tall guy with dark round sunglasses, a mouth mask, and a hat pulled down all the way to his eyes shushed me. "Bumface?" "Yeah, let's get out of here." "Why are you dressed up like that?"

"I'm too good looking for the public." "" "Come on! Let's go!" He dragged me down the street. "Where are we exactly going?!" I screamed. My feet were killing me. I stood for about an hour. I can't even run properly and here he is, dragging me in heels He finally stopped in front of the bus stop. "Where are we going?" I asked once more. "On a date." "WHAT?" My eyes grew in shock and my face flushed with heat. "You said you liked me." He said, not letting go of my hand. "We might as well date if you like me.' "I never said that! I just said that I liked yo---" CRAP CRAP CRAP. What are you saying Won Young!

"What's this?" I asked, standing in front of the place where the show was held. "Are you stupid? Can't you tell what it is?" Bumface asked, pointing to the poster regarding the fashion show. "Why'd you bring me here? We probably can't even go in----" "Hey!" A guy wearing a nice tux came running towards us. "I didn't think you would make it!" He said, breathlessly as if he had been running, "Is this your girlfriend?" I opened my mouth to argue, but the guy didn't give me a chance. "The show's going to start soon. You're in the front row. I reserved it just for you." Then he ran back into the building. I looked at Bumface for an explanation. "He's my college roommate." Bumface explained, "I did him a favor. So he invited me to his show." "You went to college?"

"I mean, I just implied that I liked you. No. I mean-" My words were flying all over the He gave me a blank expression and silently place and Bumface was probably grinning went into the building. his arrogant grin that says "I'm right. You're "Hey! Wait up!" I ran after him. wrong." The moment I stepped into the showroom, "See? You do like me." He said, "And since my heart skipped a beat. I'm so nice, maybe I'll accept your desperate It was my first fashion show and I had never offer." seen such a pretty sight. "What offer? I don't like you! I don't want to go on a date with you!" I screamed. Bumface pulled me over to the first row and "Shush. You're making a scene" pushed me down to my seat, like I was some kid he could control. He was right. People at the stop were staring For once, I didn't mind his roughness. I was at me. too busy looking at everything. It was all so "Stop making an idiot out of yourself and be new to me. quiet." He took off his sunglasses, hat, and mask and tucked it into his bag. Then he "Stop drooling." He whispered to me. shook his hair with his hand, making it into I nodded, not really listening. its usual messy form. The lights dimmed down and music played. Some high school girls started giggling and I seriously didn't know what was going on taking out their cell phones to take pictures. the next hour or so. I have to admit, he looks pretty good today. The lights flashed brilliantly. One by one, The bus came and we got on. the most beautiful models swept the runway, "Pay." Bumface said. wearing the latest styles of clothes. "huh?" My mouth opened and stayed open as I "Bus fare." watched in awe. "Hey, you're the one who dragged me here." "Hey, what bum has money?" He turned to As the show came to a close, Bumface the driver. "She's paying for us both." Then leaned towards me. he went to sit in the back. "I'm going to the bathroom." "Uh huh" Bastard. He got up and disappeared. I paid for both of us. As soon as my bus card was scanned, All the models came out and started Bumface waved to me with a bright face to applauding. Then Bumface's friend came out sit next to him. to the runway. "Oh! Bumface! Your friend!" I yelled. I stared at him dumbfounded. Then I remembered he wasn't there. First he hates methen he mocks methen he's nice to meafter I pay for him "There's a couple of people I want to thank" The friend said. How many faces does Bumface have? Who the heck is he? Hrmm. Where's Bumface! He's not going to see his friend? Chapter 12 For someone who dragged me down for the longest time, Bumface sure surprised me when he brought me to a fashion show. "Jin Young Lee, designer So Jin Kim" Then I saw Bumface somewhere in the back, leaning against the wall. I waved for him to come. He shook his head.

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"stylist and designer Yong Hee Kang, stylist Woo Jin Kang, and finally, my parents and God. Thank you! And I hope you had a great time." When I tried to look for Bumface again, he was no where to be seen in the crowd. I didn't know anyone there and I didn't have any reason to linger with the stars and models, so I decided to leave. I stepped outside of the building and saw Bumface. He was waiting against a wall, holding a cigarette. "Yah!" I yelled as I ran to him. "What?" "You left me---you smoke???" "NO." He replied sarcastically, "I'm just holding it to look cool." He took out his lighter and lit the cigarette. I pulled it out of his fingers, before he put it in his mouth. Then I took his lighter.

You're always around when I least expect it" Then I gasped. "I don't even know your name! I've called you Bumface from the start" Bumface looked pink, but he continued eating. =_= "Yeahso tell me your name." "Bumface." "Your real name?" "You'll find out eventually. For now, just call me Bumface."

"Won YoungDo you like Bumface?" "NO! ARE YOU CRAZY??" I burst. I can't believe she just said that. "Bumface is the last person I'll ever like. If he was the last person on earth, I would kill myself" "You sure?" "YES I'm SURE." She shrugged. "Well there's definitely something going between you twoA guy doesn't just take a girl to an expensive fashion show" "Well, he knows I'm studying fashion and it was to help me I guess" "No who cares if you're studying fashion Only a boyfriend would take the time and effort to get you into a show" I shoved her away. "You disgust me." "Maybe he likes you!" Soo Jung yelled as I walked away from the park bench, where we were eating lunch. "My Ass" I strolled away from the park and started walking to my house. What Soo Jung said started to bother me. Bumfaceliking me? That's as crazy as me liking him. That's hilarious. We don't even know each other well. But When Bumface wasn't thereMy life was kind of boring. Hey! Won Young! Are you crazy, girl? It's Bumface we're talking about. Stinky, raggedy, dirty Bumface. Still! He's nice! Because of him, I got lost of cool stuff. Thenyou're using Bumface? You're a bad girljust horrible. Hey. Shut up. You're benefiting from it too! "What are you muttering about?" Startled, I looked up and saw Bumface standing in front of me. Today's outfit: Grey sweats, white baggy shirt, and a blue jacket. As always, holes didn't fail me His shirt and sweats had a couple. "Where'd you come from?" I greeted, really curious. Dangmaybe he really did live in my neighborhood "ME? What about you? Why are you walking in front of my apartment?" "Apartment?" I was in the apartment neighborhood. HUK. How did I get here without realizing it?

I started to feel frustrated. "Why can't you just tell me your name?" "Fine." He put down his spoon and came closer to my face as if he was going to tell me a dark secret. "It's Ji Nom." He whispered really quietly. "Ji Nom?" I repeated. "What a strange namewhat's your last name?" "Do you plan on dying early?" I stomped on "Guh" He whispered again. the cigarette and put the lighter into my purse. "GuhJi Nom? HEY!!!" <> "Aishat least give me back my lighter." "No. As long as you hang around me, no "Well, it's not like we're dating. Why do you smoking." need to know my name?" He shoved his hands into his pockets and "I have a right to know my friend's names." started walking away. "Oh so suddenly, I'm your friend?" "Where are you going?" I asked, following - _ -++ after him. "Ahh forget it." "To eat." He grinned. "What about the fashion show? Your friend?" "You'll find out soon enough. Don't worry. "It's over. Buy me food. I'm hungry." And besides, you'll call me Bumface anyways." I pouted. "True" Ehhe got me into a free fashion show. I might as well be nice to him. We finished eating and left the tofu house. It was getting pretty dark. We went to a tofu house for dinner. He Why was it that I was always with Bumface ordered two bowls of tofu and three rice after dinner? bowls. I was pretty disgusted. "Come on." He said, "I'll take you home." Not only because of the nasty sight of him O_O! "Why?" I asked, shocked at what he eating, but because I was paying for all the said. food. Pulling onto my hand, he said, "I'm still a He seemed pretty happy. guy and it's my job to take you home." I found myself staring at him eating, "Whatever," Annoyed, I pulled my hand chewing loudly. away from him. "Suit yourself." I led the way with Bumface staggering Bumfacewas such a mystery. behind me He was a bumyet he had so many connections. To tell you the truth I felt really securedwith him walking The clothesthe fashion showgoing to behind me. college and making friends Where was the connection to all of this? He practically wore the same clothes everyday. It made no sense. Chapter 13 I guess I was staring at him for too long. Bumface raised his head. "What?" "You" I blankly replied. I rested my head on my hands, propped up on the table. "What about me?" He shoved another spoonful of rice into his tofu bowl and mixed it. "I have no idea what I know about you" He swallowed. "What do you need to know?" I shrugged, "You're so mysteriousYou look poor but everything you give me is expensive. You take me to fashion shows. "YOU WENT TO A FASHION SHOW AND DIDN'T TAKE ME ALONG?" Soo Jung stared at me with a face that clearly said, "And you're my friend?" "It wasn't planned!" I replied in defense. "Bumface dragged me over."

Regular decent apartments are hard to find and really expensive.. And the ones I happened to be standing in front of were the REALLY REALLY expensive kinds. Soo Jung's expression suddenly changed I've heard that about 6 celebrities live from anger to interest. here Soo Jung had once tried to stake out "You went with Bumface?" I nodded, "It was his college buddy's show." to catch a glimpse of Jo In Sung, but failed. She chuckled unbelievably, almost spilling the coffee she was holding in her hand. With my eyes still staring at the beautiful apartment building, "You live here? You

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must be rich." "You don't have to be rich to live here" He muttered quietly. "Uhthere's a reason why there are 5 security guards standing at each of the entrances." He shrugged. "I don't know hey, hurry and leave?" "Why? I just got here. Since I'm here, let's go to your house!" I said excitedly, "I always wondered where Bumface lived." "You're crazy! LEAVE!" He yelled, frantically. "No. What are you hiding?" "Go" "No" "Aish" He shoved his hands into his sweat pockets and sneered. "I win. So where's your house?" "Go find it yourself." "Where do I go?"

need to yell at him. "Hello?" he answered. "Hey you stupid" "Hello. This is Bumface. He doesn't talk to PotholesGood bye." *click* -o-;; I was recalling this idiot when another call came through. -Soo Jung"Hello?" "Hey, Pothole. Thanks for just ditching me at the park." "What do you want?" "When are you going to come over?" I frowned, "Why?" "Why? Don't you know it's Bumface's birthday next week? I thought I told you. We're supposed to plan his party." "Oh" I replied, "And what does that have to do with me?"

pen. Everything I thought of just didn't fit Bumface. Bah, it's all right. I have a couple of hours before the party. I'll think of SOMETHING. "Unnieuh can you help me here?" Hanna's pained voice came into my ears and I looked up. A very obese lady, dressed in fancy jewels and the tackiest dress ever, stood in front of Hanna. "What's wrong?" Hanna opened her mouth to explain, but the fat lady pushed Hanna aside. "I ordered this dress last month and when I got it yesterday, it wouldn't fit!" The lady shrieked. "It's poorly made!" I stared at the lady unbelievably "Well, the clothes don't shrinkperhaps" I stopped myself. The lady arched her eyebrows. "Are you implying something?" Mortified, "No no, no ma'amof course not." "What do you mean the clothes don't shrink? It must have! Because I can't fit into them!" When she realized we were only working at the store part time, she demanded to see the owner. "Mrs. Kang is at the clothing factory today." Hanna explained carefully. "Well, then I'll wait until she comes." The fat lady must have had nothing to do She complained for three hours sitting on our sofa. Hanna went to serve other customers while I had to painstaking listen to the fat lady. Actually, I wasn't really listening to her. I was panicking. The party was going to start and Mrs. Kang was no where to be seen, and I still didn't have present for Bumface. I wanted to call Soo Jung to tell her I was going to come late, but the fat lady didn't give me a chance. Another hour passed before I finally saw Mrs. Kang entering the store. By then, the sky was already dark and the streetlights were flickering on. I quickly explained what the problem was to Mrs. Kang. It took her less than 5 minutes to sort everything out The lady got her money back and left the store content. Feeling sorry that she wasn't there when we needed her most, Mrs. Kang let us go early. I ran out the store with Hanna screaming at me what to do for the present. I barely heard her, but got enough words to understand what she was saying I think. It took me a while to drag down a taxi, so I went to execute Hanna's plan. When I finally caught one, I didn't enjoy the ride. The driver kept looking back at me through

"Stupid. Since he likes you, you should After I pried the direction from him, I left to participate in the party!" find his house. "Want to die?" "Turn leftand go down the alley" "Seriously, he's so in love with you. I know. I'm a pro." This was it! Maybe all the answers to all my "Whatever. questions about Bumface! "UghWon Young, that's why you don't have any guys around you. You're so blind." I turned the corner Soo Jung snapped her gum at me. "Fine. I'll call you with details about the party later. and found myself staring at the apartment Get him a present at least." dumpsters. For the 2nd time that day, I got hung up on. A lady, who was throwing away her trash, stared at me strangely as she sorted out her SoBumface's birthday plastics and papers. As much as I hate him, I should get him something. It's the decent thing to do. He's done it again. He did give me lots of stuff so it's only fair that I pay him back with a present. I ran back to the front but Bumface was already gone. NowWhat should I buy? God I am such an idiot. Food stamps. nothat's just mean. Clothes. no, Jong Hyuk can get him that. "Won Youngis that you?" BahI'll just think about it later. . Besides, his birthday is next week. I have a whole week to think about it Chapter 14 . "Won Young, is that you?" Sadly, I couldn't think of a gift for Bumface. It was the day of his "awesomely planned I turned to my right and saw Hae Jung. party" according to Soo Jung- and I didn't "Hi!" I called out. Hae Jung smiled and have a present. started walking closer. I sat at the counter of Mrs. Kang's store, "Hi Won Young." She greeted, "What are tapping my pen anxiously, wondering what I you doing here?" can get him that will make him happy. "I live near here. What about you?" "Oh me?" She blushed, "I'm getting my "Unnie, what are you thinking about?" engagement plans together." Hanna was staring at me. "I have to get someone a present, but I have "Ah~ with that guy." no idea what to get." Mrs. Kang's son, the really handsome one. "Well, what does she like?" "He." I corrected, "And I have no idea what She nodded. "Well, I'm off. Maybe I'll see he likes." you later." "OH a guy" Hanna said in a sing song Hae Jung walked past me and to the voice. "Well, if you can't think of anything, I apartment building. have the best idea for a gift." "Really? What is it?" She was at the front when Mrs. Kang's son "All you have to do is " got out of his car to greet her. They sure are a beautiful couple. *Ding Dong" He is SOOO HOT. If only I was Hae Jung "Oh, I'll tell you later. Customer." Hanna walked off to the entrance to greet the I sighed, and then remembered what customer. Bumface did to me. I took out my cell phone and called him. I I sighed deeply and continued tapping my

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the rear view mirror, giving me slimy looks. He pulled the bow from my head, making me scream out in pain. Quite freaky, but I had other things on my mind. NEVER put adhesive bows on your hair I called Soo Jung to check how the party They hurt. was going, but she didn't answer her phone. After pulling the bow from my hair, he When the taxi reached Jong Hyuk's house, pushed me away and started walking faster. where the party was held, I dashed out and into the elevator, hoping at least Bumface I caught up to him and put my arm around was still there for me to wish him happy his neck, forcing him to crouch down to my birthday. level. "So~ How was your party?" I burst into Jong Hyuk's apartment as soon as I rang the doorbell. For once, the conversation between us was To my disappointment, Soo Jung and Jong actually meaningful. Hyuk were the only ones inside We talked about his party, what happened at They were tidying up the living room, where work, school, my family, Soo Jung and Jong streamers and balloons were seen. Hyuk The room smelled of candle smoke. No mean jokes, no sarcasm, just a normal conversation between two people. Jong Hyuk noticed me and smiled. "Am I late?" I asked stupidly. It was nice. Soo Jung gave me a look. "Ya think?" "Where's Bumface?" I asked frantically, When we reached my house, I kind of wishing he was in one of the rooms or wished that my house was a bit farther something. away "He left a while ago, to take out the trash." Jong Hyuk answered, "If you hurry, you "Well, here's my house." I said awkwardly. might be able to---" He nodded. "Good night" I pushed the doorbell. I was already out the door before Jong Hyuk My mother answered and opened the gate. could finish his sentence. By the time I stepped outside again, I made "Won Young." Bumface called out, making it just in time to see Bumface, walking away my heart skip a beat. I turned back around. from the dumpster. "About that birthday present" he said quietly, almost whispering. What's with him and dumpsters? "Yeah?" "YAH! BUMFACE!" I yelled. "How about" he lowered his head and Bumface turned around and I swear, his face looked away from me like he was trying to lit upI think. hide. "a peck on the cheek?" I ran to him quickly, since he was waiting. The moment he said that, my whole body "You made it." He said, "three hours late" flushed with warmth. "Sorry! I had something at work." I tried to calm myself. I was really sorry. I hope he knew that. "WellIum" I stuttered, trying to find He shrugged and continued walking. the words to say to him. Thank goodness it My heart fell as he walked away. He must was dark; I felt my cheeks getting red. have been very angry. "Haha, your reaction tells me you see me as a guy." He grinned. "I was just kidding. Then he paused and turned around back to Good night." me. He waved and began to walk away. "Aren't you coming?" "Huh?" I said in confusion. Where are we I don't know whybut I found myself going?" running to him. "Your house." I stopped in front of him as he stared at me "O_O! Why?" surprised. "To drop you off. You can't walk alone in Taking a deep breath, I stood up on my toes the dark." and gave him a peck on the cheek. I grinned. He was getting better at taking girls home after dark. I walked up to him and patted his back. "Atta boy~" "Sowhere's my present?" "Heh? Heh..heh" I opened my purse and took out the cheapo bow I bought while waiting for my taxi to arrive. I stuck it on my head. "Ta da~ Your present!" Bumface gave me an expressionless face. "No really, where's my present?" "Iam your present" "Tch."

And yet. Why did Bumface ask for it in the first place? Suddenly, Soo Jung's words floated into my head. 'Maybe you like him.' 'He is so in love with you' I shook my head. Nodefinitely not it. It was his birthday and I didn't have a present. End of story. "Unnie~ how'd it go last night?" Hanna asked, handing me a cup of coffee. "Huh? Ohit was okay," I replied, "I don't think he liked it very much." "Really?" Hanna replied with surprise. "My boyfriend thought it was so cute when I did it." "He isn't my boyfriend." "OH" Hanna grew silent. "Your friend must be very confused right now then." "Why?" "Because he's probably wondering why you gave yourself as a present" "" She's right And with the kiss on the cheek Oh God... Bumface must be totally confused right now He might think I like him! "I have a package for Kim Won Young." I stood up from the counter and walked to the entrance where the delivery man was standing. "That's me," I said. "Please sign here," the delivery man said, holding out an electronic clipboard. I quickly scribbled on it and handed it back. The man went outside and came back in holding a medium-sized box. "Here you go~ have a nice day." "What is it? Who is it from?" Hanna asked excitedly. She read the label on top of the box. "Bumface? Who's Bumface?" O_O. What is thisit's from Bumface?

I grew suspicious As much as I hate to admit it, I did give him a kiss last night =_= It better be something nice I dragged the box to the back room so that it "Happy birthday." I whispered. wouldn't get in the way of customers. Hanna There was an awkward silence for 2 seconds helped me but soon left to greet new between usbefore I started running like a customers. mad woman back to my house. Good. I wanted to open the box alone. My heart was beating so fast; it felt like it I turned on the light and ripped off the tape. was going to burst out of my chest. I slowly opened the box, making sure to keep my face turned away just in case a ThenI found myself smiling. cake decided to fly out at me. O_O The box was open but no flying cakes. I peered inside. A slice of cake laid at the I couldn't sleep that night. bottom of the boxa piece of Bumface's Why did I give him a kiss? Ok, it wasn't birthday cake from last night? EVEN a kiss. It was a peck. But I'm the kind I don't get it of person who wouldn't kiss a guy even if I was paid Then I noticed the card inside. Chapter 15

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"What you missed out on Oh yeah, one more thing. Another package for you." I dropped the card and ran outside.

In fact, he changed his voice mail just for me.

I sat down at my dresser to dry my hair when another text message came from Bumface. "What's taking you so long? I've been sitting for 10 minutes. Don't try to make yourself look pretty because it won't work anyways." - __ - bubble gum Ya know what? He's right. I'm not going to make myself pretty not for him anyways I brushed through my wet hair and put it up into a messy bun. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled proudly. "See? Even with messy hair, I look beautiful." The ride to Pine Tree was long. I didn't realize there would be traffic jams. But that's all Bumface's fault for not picking me up. "PICK UP! WONBIN'S CALLING" filled the silent taxi. "Hello?" "You better be out of your house by now." Bumface grumpily said. "Yes, I am. I am riding in a taxi as I speak." "YOU TOOK A TAXI?" He exclaimed unbelievably. "Are you stupid? Don't you know there's traffic at this time?" "What?" I had a double take. "YOU SET THE TIME!" "SO? If you were smart, you would have thought 'oh there's going to be traffic. I should ride the subway. It's faster.'" He mimicked in a high squeaky voice. "DUDE! I'm wearing this elegant dress and you expect me to ride in the subway?" "" Bumface didn't say thing. He probably knew I was right. "Whatever." He finally said in a weak voice. "But if you're not here in 10 minutes, I'm leaving." I heard someone talking to him, and the next second, he hung up. -clickStupid stupid Bumface. Idiot. Bastard. Stinky pants jerk face. I turned to the taxi driver, who looked like the actor Joo Hyun. "How far is Pine Tree from here?" "Not that far. Just a block away." He replied, "We would have been there five minutes ago, if it weren't for traffic." He looked at me through the rear view mirror. "Are you going somewhere special?" "Huh? Uh yeah." "Well if you're late," He said, "You should just run for it." O_O "Run for it?" I repeated, "You mean get out and run to the restaurant?" He chuckled, "YeahThis traffic's not going to clear any time soon." "But isn't that bad for you?" I said stupidly. "I mean, if I stay in the car longer, you get more money" I need to know when to keep my mouth

"Hi, this is Bumface. If you're Pothole, don't bother listening to the rest of this recording "Won Young, I think this package is for because you're taking me there without a you" Mrs. Kang said, holding a white box say. If you're not Pothole, go ahead, leave a with a giant red bow on it. message. Let's see if I call you back. "ErrrThank you," I said awkwardly, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP." taking the box from her. "Who's it from? Your boyfriend?" Mrs. Feeling beaten down, I sighed. Kang asked, winking. I dropped my things at home and gathered "No~~~ Mrs. Kang! It's just aish" I as much cash as I had, hidden around my blushed furiously. room. "Ho, Ho, Ho. All right, I'll stop teasing you." Mrs. Kang laughed. "Let's see what's I took out the dress Bumface had sent and inside." stared at it, admiringly. Even as a fashion student, I've never seen I slowly untied the giant bow and opened such a beautiful dress in my whole life. the box. Curious, I looked at the tag to see where When I took out the white tissue paper, my Bumface had gotten it. eyes grew wide at the contents. No tag. "It's a dress!" Mrs. Kang exclaimed. "It's so beautiful!" *toot toot* I took out the dress. My cell phone signaled that I had a new text It was made out of light white material and mail. Putting the dress back into the box, I it felt cool against my skin. There were leaned over my bed and retrieved my cell small pink flowers spread randomly along phone. the bottom portion of the dress. It had threequarter sleeves and a boat neck to gracefully -Bumfacedisplay the shoulders. The dress flowed down to my feet when I picked it up. "Come to Pine Tree at 6, I'll be waiting inside, so bring yourself in." It took my breath away. That's Bumface all right "It's so pretty! But I think I've seen it Make the girl escort herself in. Even if we somewhere maybe a catalogue or were friends, he should at least have the something. Aw, Won Young, whoever gave decency to escort me in! Or at least pay for this to you must really like you~" Mrs. Kang dinner chattered as she cooed over my dress. Wait Another note was nestled in the box. 6 6 =0= an hour from now? I quickly bent down and picked it up. But I just got home! I have to take a shower I had been dreading meeting Bumface face and do my hair and make up! to face, but for some reason, this whole thing was making me more nervous. "Aish." I threw my phone on my bed and gathered my stuff and raced to the I opened the note. bathroom. My shower lasted 10 minutes, the fastest "Since you owe me, buy me dinner. Wear I've ever taken a shower. this dress! I made reservations at Pine Tree " I sat in front of my dresser mirror and stared at myself. PINE TREE? IS HE OUT OF HIS MIND? I How should I do my make up? CAN'T AFFORD DINNER THERE!! And what about the peck on the cheek last night? Then I remember I didn't have much time, That should totally make up for so I slapped some stuff on my face and left everything!!! it as that. Who cared? It wasn't like I was trying to "And the kiss was your obligation The look good for Bumface. dinner will make up for you absence I turned to the mirror and frowned. yesterday." ButI don't want to look horrible in front BASTARD!!! of him either. Something smelled fishy when he was being I redid my makeup with more care before so nice yesterday. putting on the dress from Bumface. It fit perfectly well. Chapter 16 I thought over and over about the dinner. I had no money to pay for it How was I supposed to treat someone at that restaurant? Desperate, I called Bumface many times to cancel or go to a different restaurant. But he didn't answer. I was wearing my shoes, holding my purse, and ready to go out the door, when I realized I didn't do anything to my hair. "Won Youngyou idiot." I said to myself, looking at the clock. If I don't leave now, I'll be late. But I can't show up with wet hair, looking all messy.

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shut. The taxi driver laughed again, "Well yes, but a pretty girl like you shouldn't keep the handsome boyfriend waiting." He said, "You look like you're ready to celebrate something special. I would rather you be on time. I can always make more money, but special events only come once in a while." My eyes were totally open. There were good people in this world. TT_TT

flower floor. The table was covered with a white table cloth, on top were a single candle and silverware. The centerpiece was a small fishbowl that had a flower floating in water, with pretty marbles at the bottom. The landscape was pitch black sky with shining stars embedded in it. It was all too beautiful. There was one other thing I noticed.

water. My jaw dropped. No sorry? I waited for an hour you idiot! After he drank two glasses of whatever, he turned to me, "What are you doing? Aren't you going to sit?" A Caucasian waiter pushed me gently from the back and led me to my seat. He handed us our menus and Bumface looked over it closely. Holy molyit's all written in English or French or whatever this language is @_@... and the prices! My god I'm not going to have enough money! Bumface ordered surprisingly in English. WHO IS THIS GUY? He suddenly speaks English now? The waiter took down his order and turned to me. He said something in English. "Uh, uh" I tried to think of some English vocabulary but none came to my mind. The waiter smiled at me. "What would you like?" He asked in Korean, stunning me with surprise once more. "OH. Uh, can I have" I paused. Bumface had seemed to order a lot of foodwhich means, I'm going to run out of money.

"Thank you mister. T_T" I said, opening the Bumface was no where to be seen. taxi door. "Here's the money." I took out a whole bunch of bills from my wallet and handed it nicely to the driver. Chapter 17 He smiled. "Run for it like in dramas~" I couldn't help but to smile. Slamming the door behind me, I ran. It was pretty hard, considering I decided to wear my highest heels that night. I zigzagged through the cars, finally getting onto the sidewalk, where I ran once more or jogged. I held my dress up, hoping it wouldn't rip. My feet were aching and my heels were dragging me down. =_= So I took off my heels and held them in my hands along with my dress. Much better. The sky had grown dark before I even knew it. Being the accident-prone that I amI ran into a couple of people and nearly fell. I was gasping for breath as I stepped foot into the Pine Tree parking lot. I put my shoes on, hiding my disgustingly black feet, and slowly walked into the restaurant. People stared at me, with strange glares. I sighed. I probably looked like a horrendous mess. I was sweating and breathless My dress was dirty. My face was red. My hair had flown out of the bun and was all over the place. StillI made it on time. "Ms. Kim Won Young?" A cute waiter tapped my shoulder. "Yes?" "Mr. Guh's table is upstairs." "Mr. Guh? Ohright." Guh Ji Nom (Bumface in Korean) I followed the waiter outside. He walked up the wooden steps up to the 2nd floor patio. I walked one step closer to him, my arms still folded. I cocked my head a bit to the left. "WELL.?" Beautiful night. Sparkling stars. Elegant restaurant. Romantic atmosphere. Lovely dinner table for two The only problem was that I was sitting at the table by myself, getting angrier by the second. Who was it that told me to come early? Who was it that scolded me when I was stuck in traffic? Who was it that said was going to leave if I didn't come in 5 minutes? And who is it that isn't here after I ran all the way to the restaurant barefooted? Damn bastard. Just wait until I get my hands on you. 10 minutes20 minutes40 minutesan hour My patience was running out. I stood up and grabbed my purse, getting ready to leave, when I heard loud footsteps on the patio stairs.

Bumface and the waiter watched attentively as they waited for my decision. "Uh uh. BREAD!" "BREAD?" Bumface and the waiter both asked. All my anger disappeared. "Yesbreadthat'swhat I want" I said Bumface was pounding up the stairs hastily. pitifully. My heart started pound as well. Inside, I was crying my heart out. I must sayhe sure didn't look like a Bread wasn't what I wanted. bum It was the gourmet chicken that Soo Jung Well, from the neck down. His hair was still said was delicious. messy like always, maybe even messier. But the chicken itself was already over 50,000 won (50 dollars) and I didn't have He was wearing a black tuxedo and it enough money. changed his whole image, although his cuffs I wouldn't pay 50,000 won for chicken were not linked and his tie was dangling either. I would just go to Kyochon chicken loosely around his neck and buy a box for less than 10,000 won (10 dollars). Bumface was breathing very hard and staring at me; I folded my arms across my The waiter nodded to me and took our chest. menus. I could see his head rolling with excuses, as he was trying to pick the best one. My stomach vibrated in silence. Heh heh heh I will get my first apology from Bumface today. "Why just bread?" My mind switched over to Bumface, who had a confused look on his face. "Becausebread is good." "But aren't you hungry? I'm starving." "Ihad a late lunch." "I see" He drank his water; his attention focused on the pretty lights strung around the balcony. It wasn't a bad evening until the food started coming out. Apparently, Bumface had order the gourmet chicken, pasta, AND filet mignon: all very

Taking a deep breath to rid my nervousness, He looked at me. I started up the steps. "Hey, you made it on time." When I reached to the top, I couldn't believe my eyes. Strings of little lanterns were hung all around the patio. There was one table on the whole entire . . He stretched himself before he made it to the table and poured himself a glass of

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expensive and VERY delicious dishes. *drool* Everything looks so good. Look at that chicken! It's all juiced up and surrounded with pretty herbs. And the pasta! The cheese is slowly melting in. I'm so hungry. T.T Then the waiter came with my basket of bread. T.T It looked so plain next to Bumface's food. Chapter 18 Should I just run away now, leaving Bumface with the check? No, then he'll just torture me forever. Dang itwhy didn't I eat before dinner? That way I won't have to ditch Bumface.

"Thanks" I ateand it was the best meal I've ever had in my life. After dinner, Bumface insisted that we can't end the night with a simple dinner. "But where can you go dressed like this?" I said, looking down at my pretty dress. "There's a place." He grabbed onto my hand. "Come on~"

After 10 minutes of arguing with myself, I finally decided to return to the table. I still had my bread I'll just fill up on that. The place where he took me to was a bus And drink lots of water. station. "A bus station?" I took a piece of bread and slowly chewing As I climbed the stairs, I saw that Bumface "Well we have to get there somehow right?" on it, as if it was my last meal. was sitting at his seat, looking at his watch. "=.= You're making me ride a bus in this?" "What's wrong with it?" Bumface unmercifully pulled on a I guess he finished eating. "It's a dress. A dress you wear to parties, and drumstick of the chicken and gnawed on it. you're making me ride a bus" He saw me chewing the bread and stopped But when I got back to the table, it was as if "Yup." eating for a second. a new plate of pasta and chicken had appeared out of nowhere. The bus came and we climbed on. The few He stuck out his bitten drumstick at my face. people who were going home after work "Want it?" My face fell as my stomach growled once stared at Bumface and my strange outfits. "." more, alerting Bumface of my arrival. "Fine." And he sucked every piece of that "So where exactly are we going?" I asked, chicken off that bone. He turned me and smiled. as we took our seats. "What took you so long? I was about to send "You're just going to have to find out for Sadlya part of me was willing to eat his out a search party." yourself." half-eaten food sigh I didn't reply and stayed where I was I sat impatiently, bracing myself for this Won Young...What happened to you standing, at the top of the stairs. place Bumface had planned. You're in this beautiful dress at this beautiful restaurant "Come on, before your food gets any When the bus came to a stop, Bumface And you're thinking about eating Bumface's colder." Bumface said, motioning me to pulled me out. chewed up food. come to the table. And there I stoodin front of an amusement park I began to sniffle to myself quietly. This got my attention. "My food?" I walked to the table and realized all the "Yah.what is this?" "What's wrong with you?" Bumface asked. food was on my side of the table. "An amusement park." "Are you hungry?" "Why are we here?" "No." He nodded. "To play?" "Are you sure?" "You seemed hungry, so I ordered some for "YES I'm SURE. I'm not HUNGRY." you." He ran over to the ticket booth and there, I "ButI" I stuttered, "I'm supposed to could see him fumble with all his credit Just as I said that, my stomach started payand I don't have that much money" cards, trying to get a discount from each growling very loudly company. I felt my cheeks turn bright red as the Bumface grinned, chuckling to himself. growling continued for what felt like 10 "Don't worry about that. My friend owns For a bum, he sure had a lot of credit cards. minutes. this place." He explained, "She wanted to treat me and this dinner's her way of paying We managed to get inside the park. It was Bumface didn't say anything. me back." an hour before closing time and the park was starting to empty itself out. In fact, he left his finished chicken, and another friend? moved on to the pasta. And it's a girl "So, how are we going to spend this A shot of electricity went through my body. wonderful hour?" I asked, looking at the Damn it I can't stand this. rides. The only thing that came to my eyes I stood up. was the merry-go-around; it seemed the best "Excuse me; I have to go to the bathroom." to ride in with a dress. Okayso I'm not paying! With my heels clacking down the stairs, I I'm not paying!!! But Bumface walked past the merry-gofled to the bathroom. WHOO! Won Young got out of the bill around and pointed at "Sharp X Drop," the again!!! scariest ride in the park. I've never ridden it, I stayed inside one of the stalls, wondering but so did Bumface but all I know is that it goes really really how long it took for Bumface to finish all REALLY high and then drops down really that food. "Well? Eat up." He leaned over, holding a REALLY fast. fork. Not that long, I'm sure he'll be done. "Oh no." I said, "No. no. no no!" Or maybe, he'll eat slowly and that'll give I gratefully smiled at him with tears in my "Why not?" He asked, pushing me towards me enough time to run across the street to eyes and took the fork. the line. that McDonalds. I can grab a Big Mac or "LOOK AT ME! I'm wearing a freaking something.. What is this feeling..? dress! There is no way I'm getting on that." This strange feeling "So? I'm in a tux! And I'm riding it." But then again, I wouldn't have enough Am Imoved with what Bumface has money. I barely have enough money as it is. done? "I can't even ride the Viking! What makes you think I can ride that?" I pointed to the I need a way to escape this. Meimpressed with Bumface? ride, which happened to be dropping, followed by people screaming.

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Yours is like that EVERY day. "It's the best ride in this country. Korean theme parks suck." Bumface said, "Now come on! Let's make some memories!" He held onto my hand and helped me into the seat of the ride. He helped me off the ride, still laughing. "OMG did you hear that?" A couple of girls behind us yelled, capturing my attention. "There was some guy who screamed "I LOVE YOU!" on the ride!"

platform. Mrs. Kang was mending Hae Jung's dress once more. "Mm Hmm." She hummed as she bent down to check the bottom of the dress. "Mrs. Kang," I said, having the urge to ask, "Can you tell me about your first love?" "First love? Why?" I shrugged, "It's random I knowbut I'm justcurious." Mrs. Kang laughed, "Oh Won Young, you're a cute one Let's seefirst love I met him in Paris, when I was there for a fashion show. He was a sponsor for the show and when I walked down that runway, my eye just caught onto him. It was, I guess, love at first sight. We were introduced later and went on a few dates before I was due back in Korea. He was a sweetheart. Wrote me beautiful letters everyday, saying how much he missed me and all that jazz. I missed him dearly too and realized that I loved him. Even with our long-distance, our relationship grew stronger. So I moved to Paris for him and got married there." "How romantic!" I said, sighing. "Not quite." Mrs. Kang chuckled. "I missed Korea too much, so he and I decided to move there. But he.he um couldn't adjust to Korea In fact, he hated it there. We would always get into fights over the stupidest things and how he wanted to go back to Paris. But of course, I didn't. I mean I moved to Paris for him. The least he could do for me was to live in Korea. So we divorced. Didn't hear from him for awhile, until my son then only 13 years old called and told me that his father had died in a car crash and he needed a guardian to stay with. So he moved to Korea to live with me. My son phew I guess he's pretty successful. Living in Paris, learning things you can't learn in Korea. Very hardworkingbut at the same time a lazy bum." Mrs. Kang laughed. "That's all for today dear," she took all her needles and put them into a drawer. "The dress looks pretty doesn't it?" I looked at myself in the mirror. "It's a beautiful dress Mrs. Kang." I smiled. "Your son's going to go wild seeing Hae Jung in this." Chapter 20 I was just walking out the shop after copying down this month's receipts when my phone rang. "YAH! WONBIN'S CALLING YOU! ANSWER THE PHONE!" it screamed. -Bumface*^____________________^* "Hey~ What's up?" I greeted brightly. "Nothing." He replied, "Are you done?"

My goshBumfacehe makes me do the weirdest of all things. "REALLY? THAT IS SOOO SWEET!!" Ride a bus in a dress, get on a ride in a "OH! THAT MUST BE THEM!" a girl dresswhat next? Go sky-diving in a dress? pointed towards the exit of the ride. "You'll be fine." He said as he strapped himself down next to me. "I better not dieeeeeeeeeeeee!" The ride started to climb up. I closed my eyes. God, don't let me die. Don't let me die. I'm too young to die. I haven't even experienced love yet I don't want to die!!!! I opened my eyes and before I knew it, we were floating at the top, hovering over the entire park. I saw the roller coasters, the Viking, the merry-go-around, the entire park.. There was a couple who were hugging with smiles on their faces. I laughed. "AWWW how cute!!" I said, staring at the couple. "He must have confessed to her on the ride." "UhYeah." muttered Bumface. "He's crazy." "Crazy?" I repeated, "He's not crazy! Stupid, that's romantic! Girls like stuff like that." "Girls are crazy too." He started walking away quickly. I ran after him. "Girls aren't craz-"

Sohigh. That's when I realized his face had turned It came to a stop at the very top, where there bright red. were a couple of TV screens in front of each O_O? seat. Chapter 19 "Getting ready to drop" it read. OMG. It was a couple of days after the dinner "3." when I discovered that I really enjoyed OMG OMG having Bumface as company. "2" Butterflies rumbled in my stomach. Although he made me angry and upset, he "1" always knew how to make me laugh and just enjoy my time. I shut my eyes tightly and waited for the horrible plunge down back to earth. He even gave me things that would help me I waitedand waited. at school. "It's my friend's old notes." He said, "You Curious of why I wasn't dropping, I opened know? The one who held that fashion show. one of my eyes. I told him you were majoring in fashion and he told me to just give it to you." "0." "Oh really?" I said excitedly, looking over the notes, "OMG, these are AWESOME!! "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH What's his phone number?? I should call HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" him and thank him." I fell. "What? You don't have to do that. I already The wind beneath me soared through my thanked him." Bumface said quickly. dress as if an air conditioner was on full "Besides, he's busy. He has another show blast inside my dress. coming up" Other people were screaming but in the middle of it, it sounded like someone was shouting something. But I was too busy screaming myself to really notice. The ride finally stopped and I still had my eyes closed. So coldso cold.still ALIVE. T_T Bumface sure was a strange one. I could never read his actions and predict his next move but it was nice to have him around, especially because now I had a personal bodyguard with me when I walked home at night. He worried that those weird guys would show up and try to steal my money again.

I smiled to myself, laughing at Bumface's Then I heard Bumface laughing, and opened strange behavior.. my eyes. Come to think of it, he acts just like my first He looked exactly the same as he did before love: mysterious and flat out mean the ride. "Something good happened today?" Mrs. "You look SOOO disoriented." He laughed, Kang said, walking over to me with needles pointing to my hair. and thread. Yeah so what if my hair was all over the "Oh, I was just thinking about something place? funny." I said, as I stood up on top of the

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"Uh yeah, I'm just leaving the store right now." "So you're near there?" "Yeah. Why?" "Hrm" there was a pause. "There's a new caf at the next block. Walk over there." "O_O? Why?" "Girls ask too many questions." *CLICK* *doot doot doot* !@!$@!%$^!%$!!^%@^%@!$% POOP HEAD. He thinks I'm a little dog he can order around! and sadly I obeyed. . That bastardis making me wait again. Why do I even listen to him? I'll just wait with my mango juice~ I was waiting, looking out the window, when I saw Bumface walking out of our store across the street. Huhwhy is he coming out of there? Bumface finally entered the caf after leaving the store. His faced looked gloomy. "Hey" he greeted solemnly. "HeyWhy were you at the store just now?" Bumface looked a bit surprised, "Oh, I was looking for you." "But you told me to come here?" "So how are you?" He ignored me once again. He propped his elbow on the caf table and rested his head on his hand. He smiled towards me.

"I'm worried. So tell me. Did someone die?" He straightened up so quickly, it surprised me. I thought he was going to yell at mebut instead he smiled again. He's been smiling more at me these days "Nono one's dead. It's justone of those days." He finally said. "One of those days, when you just want to certain people to shut it but they just don't get the hint." "Like who?" "." Ohme? Poor Bumfacehe seems quite depressed. OH. I know! "Let's go karaoke." I said. "What?" He replied. "Yeah, it'll be fun. Relieve your stress!" "No. I can't sing." "Oh I should call Soo Jung and Jong Hyuk to come too!" It was the first time I ignored Bumface flat out, but it didn't feel as good as it should He was too weak to argue with me. So it was all set. We'll meet up at Ding Dong Dang No Rae Bang. Hehecan't wait. HRm When did I tell Bumface that I was copying down receipts at work? Chapter 21 Because there was no intro, Bumface missed the first linethen the secondand third. UGH stupid Bumface. If you don't sing, you can't relieve all the crap in your head! I grabbed the second mike and began to sing. "With my careful confession, I promise you with my hand that you held in yours, that there's only one thing I'm good with and that's you." I started swaying a bit and dancing to the beat, trying to get Bumface into the song. I felt foolish, but whatever it takes to get him out of the bad mood. "I can't give you to anyone else~ If you are in love like my heart is, will you kiss me?" Finally, Bumface raised his mike to his mouth and started singing. And boy, was I surprised. For someone who was dragged down to the NRB (Karaoke), Bumface sang really well. He even sang better than the singer who originally sang the song. It was so beautiful. I stared at him, enchanted by the charisma that was shining from his singing. He looked so comfortable. When he realized that I stopped singing. He pointed at the mike to tell me to sing with him. I smiled and joined in. The song had been made for a duet anyways.

I was into singing the song that I didn't even "EUH RA CHA CHA~ I'll withstand it once realize Bumface had stopped singing the last again. EUH HA HA HA~ I laugh over it!" chorus. EughhSoo Jung was singingand I had my ears plugged. "I can't give you to anyone else~ If you are in love like my heart is," I pointed to "I'm good." I sipped my mango juice. Fortunately for Soo Jung, Jong Hyuk didn't Bumface, winking at him, "will you kiss "What's wrong with you?" seem to mind her singing. Love makes me?" "Nothing." people crazy. He actually said Soo Jung "Why do you look so depressed?" sang well. The song ended and our score was 99. "Guy PMS." "Whoo~" I said excited, waving my arms up "Guys don't get PMS." I handed the song book to Bumface to in the airthen I finally realized Bumface "How would you know? You're not a guy." choose a song. was staring at me with this blank look on his "OH HO~ So now I'm a girl to you?" face. "I don't sing." He looked dazed with no expression. "So you've been copying down receipts eh?" "You do now." He grinned weakly. "Your boss makes you "You can't make me." "What? Is there something wro-" do all the dirty work." "Watch me." Before I could finish my sentence, Bumface "No! Mrs. Kang is the sweetest lady ever." "I'm not singing." had pulled me to his chest and kissed me. "OH! This is a REALLY GOOD SONG!" Bumface's face grew stiff and he fell silent His arms wrapped around my body as he again. I feel like I'm getting better and better at pulled me in so close that I could feel his ignoring Bumface. It's very refreshing. heart pounding. Biting onto my straw, I stared at Bumface. A bit shocked, a bit surprised, I slowly He looked so weak today. He had now Soo Jung's song finally ended and as she put became lost in his warm embrace and began crouched his head down to the table, hiding the mike down on the table, she started out to kiss him back. his head under his arms. the door. "I feel like throwing up." It was a strange feeling What the heck is wrong with him? "Do you want me to go with you?" Jong He didn't even insult me yetwell he did, Hyuk asked, alerted. Before Soo Jung could but I don't feel insulted like I usually am reply, she dashed out of the room, Jong All this time, I had hated Bumface, called Hyuk quickly following after her. him names behind his back, and hoped he I poked him. would get in a lot of trouble "Wake up." "Okay, there's no body except me. You can "Hmm?" sing now." And yethere I was kissing him, wishing "What's wrong? Tell me." I pushed the numbers for Lyn and Eddie's this moment would never end. "Nothing." Will You Kiss Me.

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Whatis this feeling? "Whatare you doing?" I opened my eyes abruptly, to see Jong Hyuk, staring from the door with a shocked face. At that moment, Bumface pulled me away. His eyes were round and his face was stunned. "mini cooper" he whispered, staring straight into my eyes Then without another word, he pushed Jong Hyuk away from the door and dashed outside. Jong Hyuk followed after him, leaving me in the room all alone. OkayWhatwas that all about? Chapter 22 "I HEARD YOU KISSED BUMFACE!" Instead of a normal 'hello,' this was my greeting in the morning from Soo Jung. Her voice was so loud that I had to move the phone away from my ear.

Yeah, I'm going to call him right now! Right now Right.now I will call himNow noT_T What am I doing? Bumface has ruined me How could he just kiss me and not call? YEAH! I'll complain to him! I pushed callAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I PUSHED CALL!!! END END END END!!!! Phewit disconnected. "YAH!! WONBIN CALLED! ANSWER THE PHONE!" -BumfaceAHHHHHHHHHHH DANG IT! CALLER ID!!! My heart was pounding so hard as I let my phone ring 3 times before I actually answered. "What?" he greeted.

After changing, I came back outside to see Bumface leaning against the wall of my house. He looked like So Ji Sup in "I'm Sorry, I love you," with the whole pose: eyes closed, hands in pocket, head cocked a bit to the front. He looked hot. "Hey, Bumface." He opened his eyes and smiled. "Let's go." He started walking away first as I stared at him from behind. He looked tired It seemed as if a big load of weight has been added to load he was already carrying on his back. It was sad to see. Chapter 23 Bumface brought me to an ice cream shop. "Pick something. I'll buy." -0"Who are you and what have you done with Bumface?!" I teased, amazed at the fact that he actually offered to buy food. "I have something to tell youso hurry up and pick." He replied solemnly, making me regret my teasing. Feeling a little down, I stared through the glass window and at the colorful rows of ice cream. I picked two scoops Gold Ribbon Medal on a waffle cone. 'Make Bumface pay a lot,' I thought to myself.

I was just barely waking and still in my bed, What..? That's it? still in bed clothes. "Um..nothingI just wanted to hear your "Where'd you hear that from? Jong Hyuk?" voice." "NoJong Hyuk knows??" She asked, "but O_O! WHAT? DID I JUST SAY THAT? anyways, I heard if from the guy who works OMG OMG OMG there. You do know there are video cameras in there." "What?" Bumface asked, with a questioning tone. No I didn't know "No..I mean..I" "the NRB guy said it was a hot kiss. I'm going to go watch the video~" Soo Jung teased. "Want to come with?" "Want to die?" -__-++

"Never mind" He replied, "We should meet huh?" "yeah." "Okaywhere are you?" "At home. Let's meet at the caf near the bus "PshI can't believe you guys did station." "Aren't you getting anything?" I asked something that Jong Hyuk and I haven't Bumface. even done yet.." "No, it's okay." He said, "I'm at your house. He shook his head. "Shut up." you loser for not getting kissed I'm ringing the door bell." "NoI don't want to eat alone" I by Jong Hyuk even though you've been whimpered. dating for a while now. "WHAT?" He sighed and asked the girl over the counter for a small cup of vanilla ice cream. "Okay, okaySo did Bumface call you *DING DONG* . yet?" After he paid for our ice cream, we sat at a "NoI think there's some kind of problem." O_O!!!! table and I slowly ate my ice cream. "Problem? I just talked to Jong Hyuk, and I pouted when I noticed that Bumface had he didn't say anything about a problem." I ran down the stairs, almost stepping on my not touched his ice cream and was letting it Yorkshire puppy, to answer the door before melt. Then why didn't Bufmace call. anyone else in the house could. I stopped eating and stared at him. "He just said Bumface remembered "MOM! I GOT IT!" I yelled. He looked as if he was hesitant about telling something he had to do, so they left." me whatever it was he was going to tell me. I opened the door and there stood Bumface, Bumface would open his mouth then close That's not what happenedWhat could be looking shabbier than usual. it, shaking his head. more important than that?! He looked over at me with no expression. Then he smiled. This was my chance to ask him I didn't say much to Soo Jung and finished "Beforeyou tell me anything," I said, "I our conversation. "Nice shirt." have something to ask you." "What?" I looked down and realized I was "What?" He raised his head to face me and I Why didn't he call if there's no problem? wearing the shirt that I bought from Jong grew nervous inside. Why'd he dash out when he had no Hyuk's store. problem? "Yesterdayat the noraebang (karaoke)," I Why did he- oh just forget it. "AHHH! WAIT OUTSIDE!" I slammed the paused to see if that word had dinged a bell door at his face and ran back upstairs to inside Bumface's head, but his expression Still holding my phone, I found Bumface's change. didn't change at all." number and stared it. I should call himNo rule says the girl Gosh Won Young, you are SUCH AN "The thing we did yesterday" I said, can't call. IDIOT. hesitating, "II want to know why you did that"

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"Won YoungI-" "Don't say anything if you didn't mean it" I blurted out. Bumface looked a bit shocked I said that. "NonoI meant it." He stuttered.

"What do I need to do?" I asked, brightly, determined to make up for the three days I I bent my head down to hide my eyes, but missed work. instead a tear dropped. "Oh, I don't want you to do anything" A little part of me jumped around, hearing "No, I want to! If you don't give me that Bumface meant the kiss "Won Young" Bumface said, a bit alerted, something do, I'll find something to do." Thendoes that mean he likes me? "Don't cry...please don't cryIf you cry How can I be sure? then I'll hate myself morebecause I was Mrs. Kang smiled, "Oh you are too sweet. I being stupidbecause I'm an idiot. I messed wish you were my daughter." Then she When Bumface didn't say anything after, I up" pointed to the back room. "I got new dresses cleared my throat, pumping myself up for while you were gone. I bought them from confidence. I looked up at him with a forceful smile, my son's store." wiping my tears. "II surprisingly liked ourkiss" I wet "I'm not crying. Hee hee, I should go to "Your son has a store?" I asked, as I saw a my lips nervously, wondering where I was work. Bye." box marked 'New Dresses.' really going with this. "The past weeks have "Oh yes, it opened a couple of weeks ago, been really fun andI think I might have I grabbed my bag and walked out of the ice but it's doing pretty well." Mrs. Kang grownfeelings for you." cream shop. replied, "I decided to help out, so I bought I held onto my tears until I reached home. some to sell at our store." I paused for a reaction. I closed the door to my room and slid down Nice. Her son was the last person I would Nothing. to the ground. ever expect to have a clothing store. He seemed like a serious suit and tie "I thinkI like you." Won Youngyou idiot.Why are you businessman. crying? Did you really like him that much? "." No, you didn't. You didn't like him okay? I opened the box and peered inside. Bumface remained silent. He was just nice to you. He was just too There were so many colors of dresses in It started to get really embarrassing and nice to youthat's whythat's why you there that it reminded me of skittles. awkward. liked him. I wished I kept my mouth closed. Skittleslike Jong Hyuk's storewhere A big tear plopped down onto my jeans Bumface is I laughed nervously. and the waterfall broke loose. "Hahahhahaha! It's a joke. A joke" I AHHH SNAP OUT OF IT!!! quieted down. What the heck is up with Bumface? This was so stupid One day he kisses me, the next he rejects I grabbed the box and brought it outside. I was so stupid. me? I plopped down to the ground and got in a comfortable position before going through A loud silence followed until Bumface Ha.I'm so pitiful the dresses. finally opened his mouth. I got dumped from somethingthat never I was putting each dress on a hanger and "Won Young " he said softly, not looking even started. hanging them when one particular dress at me. "II like you too." caught my eye. and I left my ice cream back at the shop. My instinct at the moment was to get up T_T I pulled it out and stared at it. from my seat and scream "YES!" at the top Something hit me hard inside my head. of my lungs, but my sudden happiness fell Noway when Bumface didn't look as excited as I Chapter 24 felt. It was the same white dress with small pink 'Stupid, I must be really stupid. flowers at the bottom that I wore to Pine I felt a 'but' coming along. I can't forget the person who left Tree. And I'm still waiting. "I like youbutwe can't." Crazy, my tears must be crazy. Maybe it's just similar . They keep wanting to see you Noit's exactly the same . That it's you or no one Buthow can this be? "Why? Did I do something wrong?" And they keep on falling.' "No Wejust can't work out. Not now "Mrs. Kang" I called out, "Is this dress maybe later..." He said, "When I fix up all Damn itWhy did Ivy have to sing this from your son's store too?" my problems." song now? "OH yeah~ I remember you got that dress It keeps on reminding me of what happened. too." Mrs. Kang said, "I'm guessing your "II don't get it." I guess at times like this, every song on the friend bought it there." "Don't make it any harder" He solemnly radio some how relates to me right now. pleaded. "I can't go out with you. We can't "Butmy dress didn't have a tag on it" start. It won't work. We're not meant for But it's seriously everywhere I go: on the "That's impossible honey." Mrs. Kang each otherI meanNot now..." radio, on TV chuckled, "My son designed it and is selling And now even at the store. it at his store. Of course it has a tag. You A sudden chill came over me as if someone probably saw wrong." poured thousands of gallons of ice cream When Mrs. Kang saw me coming in, she She paused, "You don't think people are over my head. rushed over. making frauds of my son's designs, do you?" "Won Young! Are you all right now?" She Okay, okay So we always fought over the felt my head, "Your fever went down. I'm so "What'sthe name of the store?" I stupidest things. glad you're back, but you should rest if frantically asked, ignoring her last question. So what? you're sick." "It's somethingum Rainbow land! No Rainbow Hea-ven-Paradise? I don't really We're not meant for each other? I had missed work for three days because I remember." She frowned. "Didn't I tell you How the hell do you know that? came down with something and couldn't my son was in the fashion business?" move my body freely. Not now It was nice, just lying in bed, organizing my "The person I met?" I asked, slowly putting What does that mean? thoughts. together the puzzle pieces in my head. But now, I'm back and ready to just forget

My eyes started to sting with hot tears. Stupid. Why are you crying! It's nothing! Don't let him seeDon't let him see.

everything.

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"Oh haha, no that's my older son, Yong Suk. He works in the car business." Mrs. Kang "OH~ Hey Won Young!" Hae Jung walked explained, "Yong Hee's the one in fashion." over to us. "Oh great, you're both here. I've been meaning to introduce him to you." "Yong Hee?" "Yes, my younger son. I told you before; Confused, I looked at Hae Jung then at he's successful but a lazy bum." Bumface. "Bum" "Yesthat good-for-nothing son of mine. He might be a lazy bum, but he sure can design clothes very well. Takes after me and his father." She chuckled, "He helps out mostly his friends. A couple of weeks ago, his friend had a big fashion show and Yong Hee helped make some of the clothes. Hae Jung smiled and linked arms with Bumface. "Won Young, this is my fianc." A horrifying cold feeling came over me. Fianc? Bumface turned to me. "Won Young. I can explain."

What was going on between us? And at the caf. "I like you too." Was that a lie? And the whole "breakup," he must have been getting ready to go back to his fiance. I can't believe what an idiot I was for believing him. At work, he would show up at the store, hoping to talk to me. Mrs. Kang, who seemed surprised that her son knew me, became nosy and tried to pry information out of me.

As much as I loved her, I no longer wanted to talk to her. It wasn't her faultbut deep inside, I felt "Oh and then there's Eun Ji. She got married That's right like she was a part of this whole charade. and Yong Hee designed a wedding dress in Mrs. Kang's son was engaged to Hae Jung Why was Hae Jung with her older son, when exchange for a free dinner at her restaurant. So that sonwas Bumface? the real fianc was Bumface I'm sorry You've heard of Pine Tree right? Now that Yong Hee. is a very nice restaurant." Anger bubbled inside me, and without Why was it his brother that I saw with Hae another word, I turned away. Jung on the day they were supposed to get My heart stopped. Bumface ran over to me and grabbed my engagement plans together? Oh my gosh. hand. Why was his brother everywhere, when the person getting engaged was Bumface? I got up from the floor ran out of the store. "Let me explain." He pleaded. I threw his hand away. And you know what? His brother turns out "Won Young? Where are you going?" Mrs. to be happily married with a professor at Kang screamed out. "No. You have nothing to explain." I Yonsei University and they have two replied, coldly. "We have nothing to do with children. It was so obvious.and I didn't realize it. each other, remember? So you don't have to How could I have missed something like explain," I just couldn't take it. this? I couldn't trust anyone. I saw Hae Jung, standing in front of the Yong Hee store, puzzled, wondering what was "Won YoungWhat's this?" She asked one The friend at the fashion show. -"I did him a happening. day, holding the white envelope that I favor.""Hey, your fiance is waiting. I think you handed to her. All the clothes he gave me should go to her." "It's a letter of resignation." I replied. Pine Tree.. "Won Young" His voice was shaking. I could tell he was trying to control himself Mrs. Kang's face turned to surprised. OMGthe reason why I saw him coming "RESIGNATION? YOU'RE QUITTING? out of the store a couple of days ago. I put on a sarcastic smile. WHY!" It's was because he was Mrs. Kang's son? "Have a nice day, Mr. Kang. I wish you the "Iwant to go to school. I'm going to focus Why didn't that occur to me before? best of luck with Hae Jung." everything on school I can't focus in school when I'm workingand so many When I came to a stop, I was standing in With that, I walked away. distractions." front of Rainbow Paradise I wanted to go in, but I stopped myself. Mrs. Kang's face fell, but she nodded, Chapter 25 understandingly. Her body shook, trying not to cry. So what if I knew? Did it matter now? Fiance "WellI'll miss you." She said with a hug, Who cared if I know his name and who he Fiance "Come visit okay?" is? It didn't matter anymore. How could he have a fiance and still go out I gave her a hugand forced myself to He's moved onandI'm trying to. with me? leave the store. Okay, so we weren't technically going out "Won Young...What are you doing here?" but what a jerk face for having a fiance and It had been a good couple of months at this I turned around and saw Bumface, staring at then leading another girl on. store. I learned so muchmaybe a little too me with a surprised face. much. Frustrated and angry, I couldn't sleep that "Yong Hee." I said almost automatically, night. I walked out the store and down the steps. pointing at him. My cell phone continued to vibrate, until I "..what?" decided to take out the batteries You're making the right decision. If you stay "YouYong HeeMrs. Kang's sonmy But that only resulted in my home phone to at this storeyou'll just be haunted by bossthe store" I managed to say. "Why ring. Bumface. didn't you just tell me? Why was that such a big secret?" "TELL HIM I'M SLEEPING!" Speak of the devil, there he iswith Hae Jung. Still shocked, Bumface remained silent, his But with my mom, that doesn't work. They were linking arms and smiling. mouth ajar. "ANSWER THE DANG PHONE." Smilng "YONG HEE!!" We both turned to see whom the voice belonged to. "Hae Jung." I said stunned. Theyknew each other? So I took the phone and hung up on him. When he continued to keep calling, I pulled out the plug. WhyWhy would he do such a thing? Was I just a joke? Did he need someone to play with before he got married? Scared of confronting him, I hid behind the side of the building. I watched them walk into the store together. How long has it been? And he's smiling already. I guess everything is true.

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I was a joke. He never meant a word he said Then I saw him. to me. He was leaning against Soo Jung's car, bubble gum. kicking imaginary things on the ground. He was no longer wearing his holey clothes, With a heavy heart, I disappeared into the but instead was wearing a navy blue suit. crowd of people walking into the street. The jacket was unbuttoned; he had a white I turned back to look at the store one last shirt under. The sleeves were rolled up. time. His hair was still as messy as ever and the I'm never going back small silver hoop stayed in his ear. . He looked like a freaking celebrity. Chapter 26 "Hey Won Young!!!" My school colleague ran towards me after class. "Hey," I replied. She smiled at me. "I have a favor to ask you." "?" "Well" Nari started, "I'm going to Paris for a month and need someone to watch my house." She paused to see if I was getting the point. "Andyou want me to house sit?" "If you don't mind." OF COURSE I DON'T MIND! YOU LIVE IN A NICE APARTMENT! "Uhsure." I replied casually, hiding my excitement. "Oh yay! Thanks Won Young! I owe you big time." As soon as she was gone, I jumped for joy. What a great day! First I get all A's on my midterms then I get paired up with this really cute freshman for a sewing project, and now, I get a free stay at an AWESOME apartment!!! It was the first time in weeks I've ever been so happy. I met up with Soo Jung to go to lunch. "So I got all A's on my midterm-" "Smarty pants." "-and I got paired up with the really cute freshman you had your eyes on-" "NO FAIR!!!" "-AND Nari sunbae told me house sit her apartment for a month!" Soo Jung stopped walking and stared at me with her mouth ajar. "WHAT?!?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?" "YEAH! I'm so excited!!" I was going on and on about how happy I was and that nothing could spoil my day, when Soo Jung stopped in her tracks once more. "Hey, I changed my mind, let's walk to the caf." "What? Why!" I asked, "Your car's right there. The parking lot's not that far." "NO! Maybe we should just eat at the cafeteria. Yeah, that's good." Soo Jung started pushing me back to the campus, mumbling some things under her breath. "Come on! It's right there! I can even see your car---" A couple of girls stopped to look at him and I guess they recognized him as a designer because they stopped to get am autograph. I scoffed. "I told youlunch will be betterat the cafeteria" Soo Jung gently said, as she took my arm and dragged me back to campus. "It's been two weeks since I last talked to him. When do you think he's going to give up?" I asked, with frustration in my voice. Soo Jung shrugged, as she picked up her apple juice from the student store. "He really likes you." She muttered. "Maybe you should let him off the hook." "He likes me?" I repeated in disgust. "He tricked me. He lied to me. And you expect me to forgive him? You're AMAZING..." I picked up a kimbap box at the store and took out my wallet to pay for it. "3000 won." The cashier said. I took out 3000 won and took my kimbap box with me to the patio, where Soo Jung was on the phone, looking very frustrated. "Hey, Won Young. Be right back. Some freshman screwed up the interior design set up. I got to go fix it." I nodded and watched Soo Jung run to her class, swearing on the way. Hungry, I opened the kimbap box. It was full. I stared silently at the full kimbap box. The half-empty box The night Bumface saved my life No. not Bumface. Yong Hee. That bastard. Still staring at the box, I propped my head on my hands. ? What's this? I looked at my hands. They were wet. I wiped my eyes and realized they were wet.

Jae Hee, my friend from class, sat down next to me. "Are you crying?" he asked in worry. "Huh? Oh no. I've been tired" I lied, "I yawned like five times in a row just now. Hehe" Jae Hee smiled. "Oh yeah! Did you see that guy?" "What guy?" "The designer! Kang Yong Hee!" Jae Hee said excitedly, "He was on campus just now. He's so cool. He gave me an autograph" "Heh" "I bet he's gay. All male fashion designers are gay." "HE'S NOT GAY!" I screamed, standing up from my chair, surprising Jae Hee and the people around our table. Oops I fell back into my chair. "That's just a stereotype Jae Hee! You know all male designers aren't gay." I added, "You sure aren't gay." Jae Hee laughed, "True, true." He smiled at me. "How are you holding up?" "Huh?" "Come on, Won Young." Jae Hee said, putting his hands on top of his head. "You know you're an easy person to read. And your face says, 'I broke up with my boyfriend and I'm suffering.'" "He wasn't my boyfriend." I blurted out. "Ah, so there was a guy." "UghI hate you." I broke down, "He was a joke. I was his joke. I thought he liked me but apparently not because he has a fiance that I never knew about. He lied to me. He never told me anything about him. I was nothing to him. I hate him. I wish he'd disappear" "What are you doing just sitting here crying?" "." I remained silent and when I looked up at Jae Hee's face, he was smiling at me. "What?" Jae Hee got up from his chair, still smiling his crooked smile. "I think you still like him." Before I could respond, his girlfriend called him. "I got to go." He announced. He gave me a comforting hug and kiss on the forehead. "Don't be too down. If he likes you as much as you do, then I'm sure everything will work out." "ThanksI think."

Damn it "Won Young," a soft voice said. I turned, a little part of me hoping it was Bumface, but I knew it wasn't his voice that called out. "Hi Jae Hee." Even if I still like himI can't forgive him. I just can't. Chapter 27 Moving into Nari's apartment was probably the best choice that I made in months. Being isolated from the world, I ended up

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studying more often and finding my lost self. Okay, so that sounds really stupid. But that's what I did.

I made up for the years in school where I slacked off and caught up for all my missing work. "What's your good idea?" As much as I hate to admit it, the notes from "After we graduate, we should gather money Bumface's friend were very helpful. and open a caf, designed by yours truly!" ".isn't that why you're studying for in the In very neat handwriting, each page was full first place?" of exact directions and tips on how to make "Well, YEAH. But you didn't let me finish." clothes. Soo Jung replied excitedly, "Wouldn't it be There were even samples of Louis Vuitton neat to be able to order drinks while you cloth as well as intricate details of how their shop?" clothes were made. "Where are you going with this?" "A caf / clothing store! I think it's His friend must have been really educated. brilliant." Some parts of the notes were even written in French, which I just skipped over. Hrmit's not horrible. =_= "Half the store can be a caf and the other School had become fun because those notes half a clothing store." Soo Jung continued, helped me answer all the questions the "I will design the place, then you can design professor wanted to know. the clothes to sell at the store." It was as if I had a secret cheating book, "Soo Jung, that's not a bad idea" I replied except that I wasn't cheating. truthfully, "That's pretty neat. Caf/clothing store. That's never been done before, I A whole week passed by and I began to think..." think less and less of Bumface. Maybe it was because I moved to the other As soon as I complimented her, Soo Jung side of town and I didn't see him at allor started blab away about all the arrangements because it seemed like he stopped trying to of the store and how we'll pay for it. talk with me. Although she thought of the idea just this I no longer saw him at school, and Mom second, it seemed as if she has been said that he stopped coming by our house. planning for a while now. I was relieved. He gave up. But at timesI would turn to look at Soo Jung's car to see if he was waiting Whenever my phone rang, I wished it was him. Whenever someone called my name, I wished it was him. . Listening to a possible store right after graduation started to lift my spirits. How neat that would be. Just the thought of people buying clothes that I designed made me extremely happy. "Oh! My uncle can find us a place!" I shouted, "He bought that old building in Ap Goo Jung. It has like three empty places. Maybe he can save --- wait, hold on, phone call."

Her last good idea was to create a snack where peanut butter and chocolate are combined together. She still didn't lose hope in making that snack, even though I told her Reese's Peanut Butter cups exist.

from the fruit basket. There were a couple of envelopes on the table. I bit into my apple and took a look at them. "Semester's ending, check your gradescell phone billyadda yaddao0o0o! Job offer! Ohit's as a secretarythat's pretty lame. Why is that coming to me" Out of my hands, a medium sized white envelope fell. I bent down to pick it up. -Kang Yong Hee & Shin Hae JungMy body froze stiff. Whatis this? Horror-stricken, I opened the envelope hastily. Oh my Lord What the hell is this doing here?! MS. Won Young Kim You are cordially invited to the engagement party of Kang Yong Hee and Shin Hae Jung Chapter 28 MS. Won Young Kim You are cordially invited to the engagement party of Kang Yong Hee and Shin Hae Jung WTH. What is going through that clouded mind of his? Inviting me to his engagement party? What is WRONG with him!

I read the invitation a couple of more times, but each time, it said the same thing. Bumface, Yong Hee, was inviting me to see "Want to go on a blind date?" him and Hae Jung get engaged. -QueenAfter all the pain I endured to forget him, "WHAT?" and just when I'm about to move on, he "What? You're single and pretty," Soo Jung "Hi Mom, what's up?" sends me a freaking invitation. said, sipping her strawberry kiwi shake, "Come by today and pick up your mail," she This is an outrage. "you shouldn't go to waste because an idiot said, "There's some stuff from your school rejected you." and other stuff." HA.I can't believe this. "He didn't reject me" I lied, "It was "Okay, I'll go right now." neutral. And we didn't have anything to I grabbed my phone and angrily punched in begin with so he couldn't have rejected me." I hung up with my mom and told Soo Jung his number. "You keep telling yourself that." Soo Jung to keep thinking about it. Surprisingly, he didn't answer until I was patted my back. I left the caf in a good mood. ready to hang up. She leaned back in her chair and looked around the place. "Manthe interior of this caf is so pretty." She said in awe, looking around, "I wish I could design something like this." "Dude, you do." I reassured, "I've seen your designs. You could put out a caf right now with your designs." Soo Jung nodded apathetically. Then her eyes grew round and she jumped from her chair. "I JUST HAD A GOOD IDEA!" "" Half the time, Soo Jung's good ideas aren't good ideas. My future didn't look so bad. I was doing well in school and Soo Jung's idea was actually interesting. I grabbed a taxi and headed home. "Mom! I'm home." I called out, but no answer. There was a note next to the shoe closet. "Hi" He greeted in a gloomy and serious voice, which shocked me a bit. But I couldn't think about that just yet, I had other things to complain about. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING THROUGH THAT ROCKHEAD OF YOURS?!" I yelled, "Why did you send me an invitation to your engagement party? Do you really expect me to go? Because if you do, you can just forget it!"

-Went out with your dad. I left your mail on the kitchen table. There are some side dishes in the refrigerator. Take it with you. Love "What? Invitation?" He became alerted. always, Mom."Don't act stupid. And don't expect me to show up. Who do you think I am? Your toy Hehe, I love my mommy. that you can mess around with? Well think again!" I went into the kitchen and grabbed an apple

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I hung up on him. "HE SENT YOU A FREAKING INVITATION?!?!" Soo Jung screamed on the phone. Good, I wasn't the only who thought his act was truly degrading. "I can't believe he did that!" She continued, "Is he really stupid or something? How could he even THINK to send you an invitation?" "And you know what's even more disgusting?" I added, "He didn't call me back after I hung up on him." -SilenceThis was not the response I was waiting for. "What? Did I say something wrong?" "Whywould he call you back?" Soo Jung asked. "What do you mean why? I yelled at him and he didn't call to fight back. He wasn't like that before!" "But Won Young, that was BEFORE. BEFORE you found out about everything." Soo Jung explained, "He's obviously moved on then. He doesn't care what you say to him anymore." "Really? That's what it is?" "Yeah, that's what it is." Then she paused, "And you know what else?" "What?" "You are so not over him yet. I got to go. Jong Hyuk's here." She hung up, but I stayed on the phone. "I'm not over him? I am SO over him." I said to myself, "I just told him off!" I ended up trying to reassure myself that I was over him, but the more I thought about it, the more it seemed that I wasn't. Hadn't his simple greeting bothered me? What was I expecting from him? A warm hello and how are you? NoI shouldn't have expected anything in the first place. I looked back at the invitation. Next Saturday. If I gohow am I supposed to act? How is he supposed to react? Won't it be incredibly awkward? Yes

Won Young, you are a genius. Watch out! 'Cause here I come! Hahahaha Heheh I'm so stupid =_= Chapter 29 Oh God I'm actually here. I can't believe this. I stood in front of the hotel reception room, debating whether or not I should go in. I didn't know anyone and didn't see Mrs. Kang, Mr. Kang, or Hae Jung. Or Bumface I shouldn't go in. It seems more like family gathering. Who am I to barge in there? Yeah, I'll go back home. I turned around to leave, when someone tapped my shoulder. "Where are you going?" a friendly voice said. AhHae Jung. "HEY~~" I greeted with a forced smile on my face. Overreacting my friendliness, I gave Hae Jung a hug. "I'm so glad you could make it!" She replied. I stepped back and was in awe. The dress by Mrs. Kang was so beautiful on Hae Jung. The pink dress matched with Hae Jung's delighted cheeks as well as the small roses in her hair. I couldn't help but to feel jealous of her beauty. Maybe that's why Bumface ditched meI would too if my match was Hae Jung.

running away." .okay that explains why Yong Suk was always with Hae Jung But damn it AHHH It wasn't Bumface who sent the invitation. I made a fool out of myself ONCE AGAIN in front of him But if he knew it wasn't he who sent the invitation, why didn't he say anything? "Hey, it's going to start soon. Why don't you take a seat?" Hae Jung suggested, "The seat next to Yong Suk is yours." She pointed to Yong Suk, who was trying to stop his children from running around like maniacs.. "Thanks." Hae Jung left me to go to the waiting room, and I headed towards my seat. "Hey Won Young So Hee, stop that! Leave So Young alone!" Yong Suk scolded. The two little girls stopped and stared at their father for a few seconds before restarting to bother each other. "Your kids?" I asked. "Yeah, older one is So Hee; she's seven, and the younger one with the blue bow is So Young, who's three." Yong Suk said proudly, "and that's my wife over by the door." A tall, beautiful lady who was wearing a white semi-formal dress was standing by the waiting room, on her cell phone. What is with this family and beautiful women? And that lady was a professor?? Pretty and successful That must be the Kang family's motto. At that moment, Yong Suk's wife motioned for Yong Suk to come to her. "Won Young, can you look after my kids for a second?" Before my answer, Yong Suk got up from his chair to meet up with his wife. The older one, So Hee, stopped what she was doing and came over to me, followed by her little sister. "Do you know our uncle?" She stated with no expression. "Uncle? Oh you mean Bum- I mean Yong Hee?" So Hee nodded. "YeahI do." So Hee nodded once more, as if she understood something. "He told me yesterday, that he loves her." "." "He really, really loves her." "You mean Hae Jung?" I hesitantly asked. "He really, really loves her." So Young repeated. Did Bumface train his nieces to annoy the heck out of me or something? Why were they telling me this? I was thinking about prying information out of them about Bumface, but their mom came over and left with them after thanking me.

"I was afraid you wouldn't be able to make it." Hae Jung commented, "Mother and I were debating whether to call you to check That phone was pretty awkward. or not." Just randomly called him out of the blue and I smiled at her. yelled at him. "For a second, I thought your invitation didn't go through the mail or we didn't mail Gosh it, but Mother claimed that she mailed it I must have seemed really stupid to him. herself." I'll apologize At the engagement party Yeah Yeah! "what?" "Huh?" "So it was Mrs. Kang and you who invited me to this engagement party?" Hae Jung laughed, "Of course it was! Who In person. did you think it was?" That will show him that I'm completely over "Bum- I mean Yong Hee?" him and that he can go and marry Hae Jung "Nah, he doesn't really pay attention to our for all I cared. engagement/wedding plans." Hae Jung I can prove that I don't like him anymore. explained, "The only times he pays attention is when he's with Yong Suk. He's the only Hahahahah! one who can tie down Yong Hee from

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I'm working on that. Surprisingly, So Hee, So Young, and their mom left the hotel. I saw them go through the glass door and into the parking lot. The party didn't even start yet though. I looked at my watch. 4:30? It was supposed to start 30 minutes ago! Wow. Bumface is such a loser. Even being late on engagement party. As soon as that thought disappeared from my mind, Yong Suk came to the front of the reception room. Looking very unhappy, he tapped the microphone, causing feedback. He cleared his throat. "Thank you for coming to today's engagement party, but I'm sorry to inform you that it has been cancelled." Whispers spread throughout the room. "There is food in the back and I hope that before you leave, you will take some as our apology for your wait. Thank you and I apologize for the inconvenience." Cancelled? And what? Food?! I stepped off the bus in front of the apartment and opened my yellow umbrella. The security guard in the front greeted me. "You look pretty today." He complimented. I spun around for him in my yellow dress. "I do huh~" I joked, giggling. The guard smiled back, "Ahemthere's someone waiting for you I told him to go inside, but he refused." I looked towards the direction the guard was pointing to. A feeling of shock overcame me. In front of the entrance of the apartment buildings, was Bumface. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a loose tie around his neck. I almost couldn't recognize him. He was drenched from head to toe. His hair no longer had volume and it wasn't all over the place, but pressed flat to his head. "You've been standing out here in the rain for more than hour and you don't want to go home?" I said, feeling frustrated, "Look Bumface, I mean YONG HEE, I'm not going to listen to you. You messed up." He looked straight into my eyes. "You ditched your own engagement party. You hurt your family. You hurt Hae Jung" I continued, trying not to falter. "Go home." I headed for the entrance of the building, when a sudden jerk pulled me back, making me drop my umbrella. Bumface held my hand tightly. "Let go." I said seriously. "Let go." "No. Not until you hear me out." This time, his voice wasn't hoarse or weak. It was low and stern He was angry But so was I. I hated him for standing in the rain for so long. I hated him for messing with my mind. I hated him for being so hot. I tried to fling his hand off me, but he held on tighter. "LEAVE ME ALONE. LEAVE ME ALONE!" I cried. "WHY CAN'T YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE?" "I CAN'T!" he shouted back, scaring me with his sudden outburst. "WHY THE HELL NOT?" "BECAUSE I FELL INTO A POTHOLE AND NOW I CAN'T GET OUT." The moment he said that, something triggered inside of me. A warm feeling spread throughout my body. We both fell into silence as we stared at each other. The only sound I heard was the rain pounding against the ground. I couldn't help but to play that line over and over in my head. Unconsciously, a smile broke out in my face. Seeing me smile, Bumface looked relieved and he pulled me into his chest and gave me a warm hug. We were both stupid Stupid enough to fight, standing outside in the rain. So blind, we were. And now, it was over. No more hiding. Chapter 30 Yong Hee: My parents divorced when I was eight-years old. Yong Suk was 12, I think. Dad was moving back to Paris and one of the two sons had to go with him. Truthfully, I really wanted to stay with Mom.

I let a breath. "How long..How long has he been standing here?" I asked, still staring at Bumface. I turned to the back of the room, where a big "Since 3:00," he replied. buffet was set up. I thanked the guard and started walking My mouth started drooling as I thought of towards him. how I couldn't eat breakfast that morning. How am I going to confront him? As curious as I am for the cancelled Should I just avoid him? Ignore him? engagement party, I can't think about it until I get some food into my system.. I'm still angry and bitter towards him. He should have never tricked me in the first AndI made myself into a pig. place. As I was enjoying the Korean barbeque and If he was trying to get sympathy by standing the japanese chae, the pouring sound of rain outside in the rain, he wasn't going to get it. filled my ears. I looked out the window. I walked straight up to him. "Yah. What are you doing here?" Wow. The weather man was right. It's Bumface raised his head slowly. raining like crazy Good thing I listened and brought my My heart started to thump. umbrella. He really was drenched head to toe. Water was dripping down his face and his body After I finished eating, I started going home. was shivering. When he saw me, he slowly made a grin on Mrs. Kang, Hae Jung, and everyone else that his face. I recognized had disappeared while the people were getting food. There must been a "Don't smile." I said coldly, "I asked 'what big problem are you doing here?'" "I told myself" He began, "if the wait for On the bus ride home, I began to think of all you started to feel irritating, then I would go the reasons why Bumface wasn't at the and never come back" party. He smiled at me once more, "butthe 1. He's a loser longer I waited, the happier I got, because I 2. He's always late knew that by waiting, I could finally see 3. He forgot because he's a loser. you." 4. He's afraid of commitment. 5. He doesn't love Hae Jung It struck me. 6. He realized whom he really loves But I decided to ignore it. I stopped there. I wasn't just about to raise my hopes on my own for nothing. Ifhe realized he really loved me - not that I want him to or anything he would have at least called me to inform me of what he was going to do. But why would he? Soo Jung said that he was over me, and I "Stop acting cool and go home." I finally said, walking past him slowly. "No." "What?" I turned back. "No. I'm not going home" he repeated, "I'm not goinguntil you hear me out." "I told you, I have nothing to hear." "No." He said once more. I started to get annoyed.

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I hated my dad; he was always the one starting the fights and yelling until the walls of the house shook. I thought Yong Suk would be the one to fly over to Paris, since he was born therebut in the end, I went with my dad. Spending the first month in Paris with him wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. He seemed happier and more willing to do things with me. His work with Louis Vuitton was going well and he would often bring me into his office and show me the latest clothing and merchandise they had to offer. I think working with him was the reason why I became interested in fashion. As Dad and I grew closer, I found out that he had been deeply hurt by Mom. I always thought the reason why they divorced was because Dad just never got used to living in Korea, but the real reason was because Mom had been cheating on him with a designer of one of her shows. When I heard this, there was a moment when all the anger towards my dad disappeared into thin air, but a dark cloud started to grow whenever I thought of my mom. I could have never guessed my mom was that type of person. Even at that young age, resentment appeared and I swore that I would never forgive or see my mom again for as long as I lived. ThenDad died in a car accident, and as a 13 year old in a foreign country without a guardian, I was forced to fly to Korea to my mom. She didn't even give me a chance to hate her. She didn't even try to talk to me. She probably figured Dad already told me everything and so she stuck with Yong Suk like glue, ignoring me.

----

I wanted to ask why? Who? Where? But I kept my mouth shut. For years I've met many girls because of my I refused to talk to her. mom. Whenever she had the chance, she would set My room was my sanctuary. No one could me up with one of her colleagues' daughters, disturb me. hoping that I would like one of them enough But as of now, it was all barren because I to marry. had packed all my stuff up. My anticipated move to my own apartment was today. I met with a lot of girls, but the longest I've ever gone out with one was one week. *brrrring brrrrring* They were beautiful girls, but their personalities were so fake that it made me "Hey Yong Hee." Jong Hyuk said, as I put sick. my phone on my ear. "Want to go somewhere with me?" All they saw in me was money and fame. "Where?" They didn't give any crap about me. "Some college. A professor asked me if I They saw me, a designer, my brother, a car wanted to teach the students about company CEO, and my mom, the popular merchandising." model. "Full-time?" Their eyes would turn into dollar signs and "Yeah" He replied, "I'm going to tell him twinkle at the mention of my name. I can't, since we're opening up our store." I hated that. "Okay, I'll go with you. You can help take my stuff." I guess in a way, dressing up as a homeless person wasn't only because of my mom. Jong Hyuk came in 10 minutes and we If I dressed poorly, no one would suspect loaded his car with all my belongings.. that I was a designer or that I was rich. "Aren't you going to say bye to your mom?" If I ever fell in love with a girl and a girl fell He asked, as everything was loaded. in love with me, I didn't want it to be "No." because I was rich. He stared at me with expression mixed with I wanted to be loved because I was me. pity and frustration. But he didn't say That's why I thought I would never fall in anything. He knew it was a problem loveor be loved between me and my mom and he knew not .until I met Won Young. to get involved. ---"So how's work these days, Mother?" "Oh splendid! Sales are going up." "What are you selling these days?" "Umsome factory designed and some made by me, personally." "I thought you weren't going to make it yourself?" "Yeah, but oh wells. It's very fun." "There's a fashion department at the south side." Jong Hyuk said, as we parked into the college parking lot. "Go check it out. I'll call you when I'm done." He disappeared into a building and I began to walk.

Inside the fashion department, I could see people wearing really nice clothes. They all seemed to stare down at me for wearing black sweatpants, a baggy white shirt, and a Every breakfast, lunch, dinnerit's only a black cap, but what did they know? Living with her was hellliving unnoticed conversation between my brother, my sister- Nothing. by the woman who gave birth to me. in-law and my mother. I never get As much as I hated her, I wished for her involved "Yong Hee?" attention. I have nothing to say to heror him I turned around and was greeted by a I longed for the same interest from my mom professor, whom I recognized as one of my that my dad had showered on me. But to I sat around, eating my rice, minding my mom's friends. her, it was only my older brother who came own business. That's how I start my days. into her eyes. That's what I do, to prevent a fight. I said hello and she patted my back. "I heard you let out your own brand. That's I studied hard, determined to have her notice Who cared? She was only my mom. awesome." me. I eventually graduated high school at "Thank you." the top of my class, went to Paris with a full "So yes, I hired this new girl." Mom "Hey, I have a class in five minutes, why scholarship to study fashion and designing, continued, "She's such a sweetheart. Perfect don't you join us?" and even released my own brand of clothes. for my store. Majoring in fashion designing "I uhdon't" and VERY good at it too. Just yesterday, she "Don't worry, I wont put you on the spot." But did that even grab her attention even a sold two pairs of dresses because she helped She smiled at me. She was such a nice lady I bit? a customer out so well." couldn't say no. No. "That's great mother." Noevery time I did something, Yong Suk I sat in front of the lecture hall, as students would do a little more and all the glory I finished my food and stood up from the filled the seats. would be his. table. "I'm all packedI'm leaving today." I One person's backpack opened as he was After years of trying, I grew tiredand gave muttered, "Thank you for the food, walking up the steps and its contents fell up. I gave up. Ajumah." out, scattering all over the place. Our cook nodded as I walked out of the He groaned and started picking things up as People wonder why I wear the crappiest dining room. the other students just passed by. clothes even though I design clothes. The answer's simple. "Keep Wednesday free." My mother said as I stood up to go help him, when a girl bent Dressing in the worst clothing was the only I walked away from the dinning room. "I set over and gathered all of the fallen contents. way to have my mom look towards my way. you up with a nice lady." She had long hair with bangs. She was

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wearing white capris and a big turquoise sweater. "Thanks." The guy said. "No problem, Jae Hee." She sat at a desk three rows behind me.

that I enjoyed teasing." "Cute?" "Yeah. Pretty." Jong Hyuk grinned. "Ask her out." "Ha. I spent five minutes embarrassing her. She's not going to go out with me."

---I figured the one place Mom won't be in during the meeting was her storeso I went thereto be met with the biggest surprise of my life. The girl worked there. Could she be the one? Won Young? The girl that Mom kept complimenting during our dinner. The girl looked as surprised as I was. She then told me to leave, but who was she to make me leave? I practically owned the place. I sat on the couch as a couple came into the store. Won Young went to help them. After walking around the store a couple of times, the shy girl finally said yes to a dress. Won Young then said it was on sale and that the owner had designed it herself. I felt insulted when she said that. The dress she picked out wasn't on sale and my mom didn't design thatI did Then she did something more surprising: Won Young sold the dress as if it was free. "I know that dress wasn't that cheap" I grumbled. "So what? Mind your own business." "So what?" I replied in disbelief. "That means the register is not full! You just sold a really expensive dress for a quarter of what it's worth!" She then pushed me out of the way, and walked over the cash register. "It's not your store! Why are you changing the prices on your own?" She totally ignored me Then...she took out her credit card and cashed in the remaining amount of the dress' costevery single cent. "Happy now? The register's full." I paused in surprise. Wowdid she just do what I think she did? When she left for her break, I chased after her, hoping to apologize. I wanted to apologize, but when I saw her talking to herself about McDonalds and Burger King the wrong words came out of my mouth And again at McDonalds I didn't mean to make her look bad GahI suck at talking to girls X_X I didn't want to seem so arrogant and petty in front of her, but everything I didn't want happening, happened during that short lunch break. Then Mom called, and made the situation even worse because I yelled at Won Young without really meaning it. When she went back to work, I stood in front, telling myself to go apologize Buthow was I supposed to apologize after

"Okay, settle down." The professor said. "Okay, today's our evaluation for the dresses Jong Hyuk pulled out of the parking lot and we've been making." drove past the fashion department. "Hey! There's the interior design girl." He She brought in a couple of dresses from the yelled excitedly. back room and hung them on the hangers in front of the room. I lookedand saw the straps girl standing next to her. "Now, this green one is well-made, but its "Heyheythat's the girl I teased. I think stitching is poorly done. It'll come out if you they're friends." just wash it in the washing machine." We stared as we passed by. Once they were She went to the next dress; it was a dress out of sight, silence followed. that I had noticed when it was brought out to the room. "Ask her out." I finally said. "What?" "Beautifully done. The studs here bring out "Your friend." I replied, "Ask her out, then the color of the fabric. Whose dress is this?" ask her to set me up with her friend." "But you just said she's not going to-" The girl from before raised her hand. "I know, I know." I said. "Great job, Won Young. What do you think "She's going to remember you and hate about it?" you." "Um I thinkit's the best dress that I made?" The girl replied in a joking voice, "No she won't. I sat in front of her. She only making the others laugh. saw the back of my head. Just ask her friend to set us up." "Haha, can anyone find anything wrong "Okay" He said, not very convinced. with it?" The class became silent. Chapter 31 I sighed and raised my hand. "Oh yes?" The professor asked, with a rising "Hey! He's not a hobo." Jong Hyuk of her eyebrow, as if she had been expecting defended, "He's" me to say something. "Shut up Jong Hyuk." I said, cutting him sharply. "I'm leaving." "It is a nice-LOOKING dress, but if you examine it carefully, the studs on the straps I stormed out of the caf, and waited for are too heavy. It's weighing the dress down. Jong Hyuk to come out. If the person who's wearing it is not careful, "Dude, are you okay?" He asked, seriously, it'll snap. It's badly made." as if he was really worried. "Yeah, I'm fine. What's wrong with you?" Before the professor could comment, the "Me? You're the one who just yelled and girl defended herself. stormed out." "No it won't! I've worn it before and it didn't snap then." "Oh that." I laughed. "That's just an act." "An act?" He repeated. I didn't turn back at her. It was obvious how "Yup." I grinned broadly. "She's cute isn't she looked at the moment: angry and she?" frustrated, unappreciated. "Who? Won Young?" I smiled. Very brave to stand up for the I nodded. poorly made dress. I got up and started walking towards the "Yeah she is." He frowned, "Just what are door. I bowed to the professor good bye. you doing? First you embarrass her in class, then you make me set you guys upand "Now wait a minute Won Young." The now you're yelling at her?" professor said. He shook his head. I was walking out the door just as the straps "I just don't understandWhat are you on the dress snapped and fell to the ground. doing.? Do you even like her?" "YeahI like her. I like how she's feisty." "Ready to go?" "I really don't understand what you're I was back at the parking lot, leaning against doingbut since you do like her-" He Jong Hyuk's car, as Jong Hyuk came out to paused. "But what about your date?" the lot, looking pretty happy. "What date?" "Yeah. Sorry I'm late." He said, "I met this "The one with your mom's-" girl. She's majoring in interior design. And I "F that. I'm not going." got her phone number." He waved a piece of "But..." paper in the air. I shook my head laughing. I walked off before he could say anything more. "So how was the fashion department?" I wasn't going to some stupid meeting. "It was okay. There was this one cute girl,

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all that?

But that's what happened. Nothing more.

I was an ass and I didn't want her to Too bad for Hae Jung. think I was a two-faced jackass for acting all I know I'm an ass for doing this. tough and then coming to her to apologize later "Hello?" she answered. "Hey, come to Jong Hyuk's store right now." I stood outside the store, fighting with I ordered. myself to go apologize "Bumface? Why? How'd you get this Then I saw her inside, and I couldn't help number?! I mean, no! I'm working. I can't but to smile. just leave." "Yeah you can." She was clearly contemplating whether or "No. I can't!" not she should shoo me away or just let me stay there. There was a pause, and I heard Mom's So cute. voice. "Sounds like your friend. Go out to eat I saw her coming towards the door, and I lunch. I'll take care of the store." wondered what she would say to me. Until, I heard someone yell out my name. Feeling a bit bitter that Mom had helped me, I hung up on Won Young. When I turned to my left, I saw my mom's driver running towards me, screaming, "Is she coming?" Jong Hyuk asked. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!" "Yup." "But doesn't she hate you?" Not wanting to get caught, I ran for my life. "Hrmyou're right" I replied, "I need to bribe her into liking me" Hae Jung looked like a sweet girlbutshe was just another girl that my mom I looked under the cash register desk and convinced to meet me. noticed some clothes that I had brought to the shop to show Jong Hyuk. As soon as Hae Jung left and I started to "You saw these, right?" walk way, Mom growled in a low voice, "Yeah, what are you going to do with "Don't you dare embarrass me like that those?" again." "I'm going to bribe her with these." She drove away in her car, leaving me angered. Who's she to tell me what to do? ---"I'm bored" I announced, sitting on a bean bag at our shop. Jong Hyuk was going through the sales book and copying receipts down. "Do something then." He muttered, focused on the book. "There's nothing to do." "Hrmmp." I took off my bandage and stared at my scratch from last night. Damn cat I hate cats. If only I had seen that cat last nightThen it wouldn't have scratched me nor scared Won Young out of her life. I sighed. "I should call Won Young." I finally said. That got Jong Hyuk's attention. "What? Why?" I shrugged, "I'm bored and she's always fun to have around." "But you're engaged" "I'm not engaged." "Then who's Hae Jung?" "I don't know." I replied, "But I know I'm not engaged..." Jong Hyuk shook his head in disappointment as he walked by. I knew I was engaged, but only to make life easier for me and my mom. She became so set on Hae Jung being her daughter-in-law that nothing could stop her. She wouldn't leave me alone. I felt forced to agree to the engagement... "Hahagood luck" The bribery didn't work well I had to go and make fun of her. I just couldn't help myself. She's so vulnerable and fun to tease! She ran out the store, huffing and puffing: the cutest image ever. ----

house, she turned around. "WHY ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME? Do you want to go to the police again?" I shook my head. "I live in this neighborhood." "Oh? Where?" "Like you'd know." "I do know I've lived in this neighborhood all my life." "" I didn't answer herbut I wasn't lying. I did move into the apartment buildings in this neighborhood. I just didn't tell her that. She didn't need to know. When Won Young was close to her home, I ran down to the market to buy a kimbap pack. Won Young was hungry and if she went home hungry, she would just shove herself with ramen and then regret it all in the morning, when her face is all poofed up. Better to eat rice than noodles. Hee. She's going to be so happy But she'll get the wrong idea that I like her if I give the kimbap to her What to do, what to do... I took out half of the kimbap inside and forcefully ate it. There. Now she can't say I like her. As I was running towards Won Young's house, I noticed something was very wrong. Two strange guys..holding Won Young O_O Unconsciously, I threw the kimbap box. I REALLY didn't mean to aim for Won Youngbut when it left my hand, it went straight for her.

After I beat the crap out of those two old geezers, I dashed to Won Young, who was I must be crazy, riding this bus for the whole still moaning about her nose. day, just waiting for Won Young to come on. She looked a bit shaken up but seemed a lot The bus driver looked back at me for the happier when I gave her the box. 10th time. "When are you going to get off?" Although she didn't ask, I think she wanted "Just wait ajushi! I'll get off soon" me to walk her home. Hehthat cute thing. Ishstupid driver I walked her home, closely behind her and Thenshe finally got on the bus. watched her go inside her house safely. "Sit here, Pothole!" I yelled happily. She ignored me. Ch~ like that's going to do anything. Chapter 32 I sat next to her. She seemed still upset about me teasing her. "Are you still mad about the clothes? It was a joke!" I said. "They're pretty clothes! You'll like them! You can use them at your school!" Then I realized that Won Young had never told me that she went to fashion school, so I became quiet. I followed after her, smiling. Even the back of her head was cute. In the middle of our trip to Won Young's "TELL ME. TELL ME. TELL ME. TELL ME" Won Young whined. I shook my head at her. She wasn't going to leave me alone until I told her something "Turn left at the cornerthen go straight down." I finally said. I really expected to yell at me for giving her obviously fake directions, but being the gullible girl that she was, Won Young actually went to find my "house." As soon as she turned at the corner, I sprinted up to my apartment. Outside, I wished her good night and walked away, feeling worthwhile.

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. PhewI ditched Won Young. It's a good thing too because it was time for Yong Suk and Hae Jung to come to the apartment to plan engagement stuff. *Ding Dong* and there they are. I reluctantly opened the door for them. "Hi Yong Hee!" Hae Jung greeted brightly. She's a really sweet girlbutI just can't like hernot as a girl anyways. I nodded.

On my way out, I told the waiter to direct Won Young to the 2nd floor if she came. Then I quickly grabbed a taxi and headed towards my mom's store. It won't take that long ---One of the things I enjoy most in life is being unique. I'm like Sam in the movie, Garden State. I like doing unusual things. I guess that's why I brought Won Young to Seoul Land.

Sorry, Won Youngbut I had to do that. She began to walk to the new caf and when she was far away, I made my move towards the store. I entered the store and saw Mom sitting at her desk, reading a notebook. "Won Young writes so neatly. Look at how neat these receipts are.." She muttered to herself, not even noticing that I was standing in front of her. Won Young's been copying down receipts? Why did she have to do such petty work like that? I stared at my mom unbelievably. Wasn't there some other girl to copy down receipts? Mom looked up at me and signaled me to go sit on the couch. "No. I got to go. Make it quick." I said. "Fine." She took off her reading glasses. "SoI've been hearing these rumors about you." She said, "Rumors of you dating another girl." I scoffed. "Now, the whole world knows you're engaged and you know better than to fool around with another girl." "Who says I'm engaged?" I retorted. "You did, when you didn't disagree to getting married with Hae Jung." "No, that was your decision. I didn't have any say in it." "Well it's too late to change anything now, is it?" She snapped. "So get rid of this girl you've been playing with." "You can't make me." I replied angrily, on the verge of yelling. "Oh yes I can." She looked at me with a blank face. "I can find out who she is and pay her whatever sum to get you guys to break up." "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" I yelled, "Why can't you just let me live my life?" "Honey, I've been letting you live your life. You just haven't made any use of it yet." She replied coldly, "If it was up to me, I wouldn't have allowed your father take you to Fra" "DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT MY FATHER." "Why not? He was my husband." "And you were a slut."

I lied on the sofa as Hae Jung and Yong Suk After all, how many people go to theme took their seats on the ground. parks wearing formal wear? That is, in Korea. I'm sure a lot of people "Your engagement's coming up." Yong Suk have done it in Europe or US. said. But in Korea, if you do that, people will "Uh huh" stare and call you crazy. "Mrs. Kang- I mean, mother, is making a dress for me." Hae Jung said, bashfully, "It's Which is exactly what they did. beautiful." "That's great." I replied solemnly In front of Sharp X Drop, I could tell Won Young was getting scared. I could see Yong Suk starting to lose his Her face turned white and her hand was patience for me, but he stayed silent. shaking. For the next 30 minutes, Hae Jung asked me "Silly girl. Why are you scared? I'm right numerous questions about the engagement next to you." plans I answered 'okay' for all of them. I wanted to say, but it was too cheesy, so I kept my mouth shut. This engagement was the last thing on my mind. Who cared how it turned out? Once we got to the top, Won Young started bracing herself for the drop. The whole time, I was wondering what Won It was so fun to watch her shut her eyes real Young's reaction was when she found tight and expect a plunge. herself standing in front of the dumpsters It was this ride's trademark to make the heheheheh riders all ready to drop, but not really drop at the expected time. ---At the top, the view was so beautiful. I was waiting at Pine Tree, excited. I almost had a double take as I was hit with Would this be our first official date? reality that I actually had a nice dinner with Hehehehehhe. Won Young and here I was, sitting on top of the world, next to her. I hope traffic's not too bad Maybe I should call again As the ride started falling, something came over my body. My phone started to ring and I stared at it. It was a weird feeling as words flew right Hae Jung out of my mouth. Ughwhat would she want now? I was surprised I had even said those words. "Hello?" I possibly couldn't have meant them...I "Hi Yong Hee," she replied brightly. wasn't the type of person to do that kind of "Mother asks that you come to the shop thing... right now." "WHAT? Why?!" When Won Young acknowledged the "She has some issues to discuss with you." couple, who she thought confessed their "Tell her I'm busy." love for each other, I felt my cheeks grow burning hot. There was a pause and the next voice came Little did she know that it was me, who said from my mother. that, but I wasn't about to admit it. "Nowhaha, Yong Hee dear, it's important that you're here." She said forcefully. "We're They were just words that flew out of my getting invitations ready." mouth... "Just invite anyone. I really don't give a Weren't they? damn." "IT'S IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE ---HERE. AND I EXPECT YOU TO BE HERE." She gritted her teeth. "Girls ask too many questions." I smiled at my phone as I hung up on Won She hung up on me. Young. I exhaled Itwon't take that long Won Young's stuck in traffic It won't take that long.

Her whole face changed as I crossed the line. "Your father just couldn't handle jealousy well." She growled. "I did nothing wrong." "You were having an affair!" I yelled, flabbergasted. "An affair? Was that what it was?" She shouted, "It was okay for him to be surrounded by beautiful girls, but wrong for me to have a little fling?" "FLING? YOU MARRIED THE JACKASS." "DON'T YOU DARE CALL YOUR From across the street, I could see Won FATHER A JACKASS." Young quietly swearing to herself, staring at "He's not my father! He's your damn her cell phone. husband. I only have one father, and he's

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buried in Paris." I stormed out of the store before she could say another word. I closed my eyes. Whydid I have such a crapped up mother? Calm down Yong Hee you can't let Won Young know anything I bit my lip and began walking to the caf where Won Young was waiting. "I can't give you to anyone else~ If you are in love like my heart is," She winked at me. I smiled. Won Youngshe tries so hard to make me smile Sheshe tries so hard. "Will you kiss me?" As she sang the last line, a strange feeling overcame me. She was sobeautiful. "Whoo! 99!" She celebrated before turning to me. Won Young's voice sang the last line of the song over and over again in my head. Will you kiss me? I grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to me, pressing my lips onto hers. Won Young's body stiffened, but soon relaxed as she kissed me back. Her arms went around my neck and I held her tighter. I probably wouldn't have stopped kissing if Jong Hyuk's voice didn't flow into my head and reality didn't hit me. For the first time I've been with Won Young, I realized this was wrong. I was engagedbut I liked Won Young This wasn't fair for Won Young He was right Hae Jung didn't deserve to be hurt by an idiot like me. "Then, what the hell am I supposed to do?" "I don't know" Jong Hyuk replied sincerely. "Butthe engagement's going to continue on. You're committed now. You can't stop it." "But what about Won Young?" He turned back at me. After a while, he finally spoke. "She's a strong girl. Don't you think she deserves someone better?" Chapter 33 She won't pick up her cell phone She won't pick up her home phone She won't talk to me at the store. Jong Hyuk's eyes raged with fire as he swung at me, hitting me with a loud smack. He pushed me against the building and grabbed my collar. "Don't blame this on me! You know it's true!" He yelled in my face. "What else could it be if it's not that reason?" I stared into his eyes. "Jong HyukI thinkI" Jong Hyuk's face slowly softened in surprise. Just from that short eye-contact, Jong Hyuk realized what was going on. "I think" I whispered. "Won Young I lo-" "Shut up." He cut me off. "Don't say it. It's not going to do you any good." "But-" "No" He shook his head. "You agreed to the engagement. You're engaged now. You can't do that to Hae Jung. She's too sweet to be hurt by you."

I wanted to kill myself. I was so depressed about Won Young and guilty for Hae Jung, since she had no idea what was going on. As I parked the car on the street, Hae Jung came up and linked arms with me. "Is there something wrong? You look sad today." "No" I replied, "Nothing" She frowned at me, not convinced by my answer. "I'll tell you a joke." Oh great "What do you call a man with no arms or legs leaning on your wall?" "What?" "ART!" I didn't get it. "What do you call a man with no arms or legs lying on your doorstep?" "Art?" "MATT!" Hahafunny "What do you call a woman with no arms and only one leg next to a wall?" She didn't even let me attempt to answer this time. "Eileen! Get it? I lean?" She laughed at her own joke and I couldn't help but to crack a smile. She was so cute. She even made me forget about Won Young for awhile. We entered the store only to hear someone sniffling. "Mother?" Hae Jung said, as she spotted Mom sitting at her desk, with a tissue. "Hello Hae Jung." Mom replied, blowing her nose. "What happened?" Hae Jung asked concerned. "She quit" "Who quit?" "Won Young" My head sharply turned to my mom. "What?" "Won Young quit." Mom bawled, "She wanted to studyso she quit." "When?" "Just nowSee? Here's her resignation." "Soshe was here just now?" Mom nodded, "Whywhy are you so curious?" I shook my head and ran out the store. I looked left and right, but all I saw were strangers walking down the street. She was already gone. ---I waited by Soo Jung's car for three hours but I didn't see Soo Jung or Won Young anywhere. It felt like they knew I was waiting there and

I'm going crazy. I pulled her away and left without saying a word. This wasn't the way it was supposed to "HEY! WAIT!" Jong Hyuk chased after me. happen. I was supposed to be the one to tell her. I What the hell was I doing? was supposed to explain everything. Jong Hyuk caught up with me and pulled me back. "What were you doing!" he yelled. "II don't know." I replied. "DUDE. YOU'RE ENGAGED." Jong Hyuk looked so angry. "Don't you think I know that!" "Then what the hell was that inside? What are you doing with Won Young?" "I don't know what I'm doing!" "Do you know what I think?" He asked, "I think you're just playing with her." I stared at him disgusted. "Yeah, that's what I think." He explained, "You're just using her to get back at your mom-" I punched him. For the first time in our eight-years of friendship, I punched him. Yong Hee. You idiot Why did everything get all mixed up? *BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR* I looked over to my phone, hoping it was Won Young. No luck. -Hae Jung"Hello?" "Hi Mr. Yong Hee, our presence is wanted at Lemon Scent." She said professionally. I sighed deeply. "I'll pick you up." .... The ride from Hae Jung's house to the store was awkward.

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avoided me. The only people that came by were the fashion students who recognized me. A guy came up to me, pointing, "You. I know you! You're Kang Yong Hee! You made the Sapphire collection in Paris and the Rainbow Paradise merchandise!" I grinned forcefully. "Yeah" "I'm studying as a designer too" He replied, "Can I have your autograph?" Okaywow People are noticing me now that I'm out of my bum attire. I nodded to the guy and scribbled on his notebook. He looked vaguely familiarbut from where? "Thanks!" He replied, as he started walking away. "Hehe, I can't wait to show Won Young this." O_O Won Young? I left Soo Jung's car and started following after the guy. I must have hit the center of fashion district of the campus, because one after another, people continued to come up to me. I scoffed. These were the same people who gave me a nasty glare the first time I walked onto campus And now I was some celebrity. I managed to ditch the last group of "fans" and caught up with the guy who knew Won Young. As I had hoped, he led me straight to Won Young. I quickly hid behind a tree and spied on the two. She looked so pale and delicate Was shecrying? Nono. She's smiling. Phew, that scared me for a second. Who was that guy? Why was he smiling at Won Young? I don't have a good feeling about that guy.

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it too."

The morning of the engagement, I nervously I felt my cheeks growing hot. put on my tuxedo. I pushed him towards the bathroom. "Stop saying cheesy stuff and change." The thought of getting engaged with Hae Jung excited me. He chuckled and disappeared into the I wasn't sure yet whether it was "good" bathroom. excitement or a "bad" one, but I was getting anxious. I wiped the puddle that he created and put on some water on the stove for tea. I'm doing the right thing. Hae Jung is a great girl and I can spend the As I waited for the water to boil, I stood, rest of my life with her. thinking about what exactly happened. can I? Ever since the last phone call with Won Young, I've tried my best to forget about her. She had a new boyfriend and I had a fiance. That's pretty fair. I swore to myself that I would forget her by the time the party came around. But did that happen? No. Not really. Was I even really doing the right thing? Getting engaged with another girl, while Won Young was still living inside my mind? I needed to talk to her before I get engaged. Or else, I can't get engaged. I need to get rid of my feelings for her. I stopped tightening my tie. I need to talk to her. I elbowed him in the stomach. I need to explain everything before anything "OOF! Ow that hurt." else happens. He moved back, holding his stomach. Grabbing my car keys off the dresser top, I The shirt actually fit himand more ran out the door. surprisingly, he made the shirt and the sweats look good =_= Chapter 34 I invited him into the apartment. He sat down on the floor because he didn't want to get the sofa wet. It wasn't long until a small puddle formed around him. "Uhdo you have clothes I can wear?" he asked, looking at the mess he was making. Then he paused. "But nothing girly" How he could think about wearing girly clothes at this awkward time amazed me. Stupid fashion designerknows how to wear all clothes fashionably. "You're not off the hook yet." I told him. "What? Why!" He demanded, as if it wasn't obvious. "You still lied and tricked me." I explained, "I deserve a reason why." He pouted. And as cute as he looked, I didn't give in. When he realized I wasn't going to let him get away with it, he stopped. "Fine. Bring me some tea." He sat down on the sofa. A part of me wanted to yell "GET YOUR OWN TEA!" Another part of me wanted to spill my tea all over him. But in the end, I decided to be nice and got him a cup of tea. I sat down on the ground in front of him. "So start." I said. He leaned towards me, as if he was going to tell me a secret. "BECAUSE I FELL INTO A POTHOLE AND NOW I CAN'T GET OUT." My heart started beating rapidly again. He said that. He really did. It was such a strange confessionyet unique that it wouldn't get out of my head. It was so cheesy. I poured myself a cup of tea. I've never had a guy waiting outside in the rain for meespecially for 2 hours. Tchthat cute and stupid boy. I smiled to myself. Just then, two hands popped out of no where and hugged me from behind. It was like a coffee commercial, where the girl is drinking her coffee and the guy comes out of nowhere and hugs her from the back. But no, I wasn't going to let Bumface enjoy this moment.

I moved away from the tree and started to head my way over to Won Young when the guy hugged her. Then kissed her on the forehead. I went into my room and got out the shirt I bought at Jong Hyuk's store. Oh Good thing I didn't throw away. So he's that type of friend The only pants I could find for him was these old grey sweats I had from my dad. I Sigh always wore it when I was bloated from So that's how it is eating too much. I never knew this would She's move on come in handy for a situation like this. There'sno point now "Here, wear this." I handed him the shirt and I turned away and walked back to the pants. parking lot, where my car was. He smiled. "It was meant to be." Have a good life "?" "You buying this shirt XLso I could wear

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But surprisingly, he let out a hand. "Huh?" He gave me a look. "Oh! Oh. Okay." I shook his hand.

"I guess that's why I like you so much." "why?" "I thought you might be one of those girls too, loving a guy who has money. But even with my homeless guy features, you welcomed and embraced me."

trying not to move too much. Bumface might wake up. "Stop moving." *blink* "You're awake?" "Yeah..I've been awake." He replied, his eyes still closed. "Oh thank God." I whimpered, "Get up." "I don't want to," He said, pushing his head into my stomach. O_O!!!! DON'T PUSH SO HARD I GOTTA GO!!!!! "GET UP!!!!" I screamed. "Don't want to." "I got to pee!" "You can hold it." GRRRRRRRRRR! I pushed his big head away from me, making his whole body fall to the ground with a loud thump. "OW! THAT HURTS!" "SCREW YOU!" I dashed to the bathroom The water, the juice, and the apple cider from yesterday's party flushed out of me I sighed happily. It was the longest 1 I've ever had.

"Hi, nice to meet you." He said, "My name's Oh Kang Yong Hee, and I'm 27 years old." My head cocked, in confusion. "Then" I spoke up, "Did you like me from the beginning?" "My father was Louis Vuitton designer and Bumface's cheeks turned red. my mother was a super model. I have one older brother, Yong Suk, a sister-in-law, and "YeahI guess. Although I realized too the two cutest nieces in the whole world late." He scratched his head and laughed and a stepfather who passed away a year sheepishly. "SorryI'm really sorry. I'm ago. sorry for hurting you. I never wanted to make pain But I didn't think you needed "I went to high school, graduated with to know about Hae Jung since I didn't think honors, went full ride to @@@@@ fashion it would last this longand if you knew, school in Paris. After graduation, I released you would just be in pain. I guess as the Sapphire collection for Chanel." things turned out, my thoughtsthey were too short...I should have tol-" O_O. He must be a lot more famous than I thought he was. I kissed him. "My best friend is Jong Hyuk, who has been Shut up. through school with me, even in Paris. We You don't need to explain came to Korea to open up our own shop." I understand now...you were only trying to He stopped. protect me. I waited. He stared. I stared back. No way was he going to win another staring contest with me. Especially since Soo Jung wasn't here. I smirked at his eyes watering. I won. I so won. And he blinked. "Aish." He said, "FineI'll finish. Ehwhy am I in the living room? "I got engaged with Hae Jung because it was forced" "LIAR!" I screamed. "I SAW YOU AND HAE JUNG SMILING AND LAUGHING, LINKING ARMS! HOW IS THAT FORCED?!" "I never did that." He denied, and then a smile formed on his face, "Why? Were you jealous?" He got me there. "NO!" An awkward silence followed. "FINE. SO WHAT IF I WAS JEALOUS? What are you going to do about it?" He smirked. "Hae Jungshe was just a girl I had to meet. I didn't think anything of her, because I thought she was just one of those girls." He paused, "Those girls who only look at money." I felt my heart fall. His voice had become low and solemn, something I wasn't expecting at all when I heard the hidden story of Bumface. Bumface looked up at me O_O. What is this bum doing hereon my knee? I thought back. Oh yes. I remember now. The rainthe confessionthe explanationthe kiss I guess we fell asleep on the couch. I pulled the blanket higher to his shoulders. Stroking his hair gently with my hand, I smiled down on him. He looked so peaceful sleeping. All the stiffness in his face was gone and he looked like a baby. *^^* I could stare at him forever. Then my body stiffed up as the strange feeling overcame my body. Aw manI got to go pee Buthe's sleeping on my legs. T_T I squirmed in my seat, but at the same time, So just shut up. but here's chapter 35. kind of rushed it, so please tell me if there's something wrong, so i can fix. thank you~ . .. *YAWN~* I sniffed and stretched out my arms. I opened my eyes.

When I went back to the living room, Bumface wasn't lying on the floor, moaning and groaning. The blanket was folded and the pillows were placed neatly on the couch. "Wow, you have nothing in your refrigerator." His voice echoed from the kitchen. I walked over. "PUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA" Standing at the opening of the refrigerator was Bumface, wearing my pink apron with bunnies on them. "What?" he asked, taking three eggs out. I continued laughing and pointing, until I couldn't breathe and had to sit down. "You're weird." "But you look so stupid." "=_=" He put the flying pan over the stove and cracked some eggs, "You're the stupid one. Most girls I know thought I looked cute with an apron." That got my attention. "Most girls? You dated other girls?" "What, did you think you were my first girlfriend?" I nodded, "You said all those girls that your mom set you up with weren't interesting" The egg on the hot frying pan sizzled as Bumface started adding tuna in. "Stupid girl. Those girls weren't interesting, but the ones in Paris were." I opened my mouth to butt into his life in Paris, when the doorbell rang. "Go get the door, stupid." I sneered at him, but obeyed. "Who is it?" I asked, as I opened the door. I froze.

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"Hey Won Young, I was just wondering if Yong Hee was here." Said the sweet voice. "Won Young, are you okay? You looked shocked to see me." She said, "Did I come at the wrong time? Is someone here?" "Hey! Where's the ketchup? Don't normal people keep it in the refrigerator?" I saw her face tense up at his voice. Shut up Bumface I heard his footsteps coming closer. Stopstopstop "Didn't you hear me talking? Where do you keep the ketchu---" He stopped talking when he saw who I was facing. "HHae Jung" Hae Jung looked at Bumface, then she looked at me with a hurt face. She left out a short sigh of disbelief. "I I came at the wrong time." She turned around and left. "Hae Jungwait." I called out, but Bumface pulled me back. He took off his apron and shoved it to my arms before running towards Hae Jung. I didn't follow, but I heard everything echoing in the hallway. "Hae Jung, I can explain. You see-" "Shut up Yong Hee." I couldn't tell if she was angry or not. "But, don't blame it on Won Young." Hae Jung let out a laugh. "Of course not. Why would I blame her? This isn't her fault." There was a pause. "I hoped and hoped and hopedbut no." said Hae Jung. What did that mean? The elevator dinged. "Bye Yong Hee. Don't come to talk to me, until you figured out why I'm disappointed and mad at you." Bumface came back inside 10 minutes later after the elevator doors closed. He grabbed his clothes on the clothesline. He turned to me, his eyes on the ground. "I think I should go." I nodded. "Bye." He went out the door and the elevator door dinged once more. . Chapter 36 The fried eggs and tuna over rice were now sitting at the top of the table getting cold. I've been staring at it for a while now. Another dark cloud had formed inside my head.

Whewwhy is there so much drama in my life. Stupid Bumface. This is all his fault. Well, not really. Yes, it is. Whatever. Bumface wasn't the problem. Well kind of, but that's not the point. What about Hae Jung? She's probably really hurtand that would be my fault.

"Bumface went after her." I nodded. "Do you thinkhe's going to take Hae Jung back?" Soo Jung gave me a "you're stupid" face.

"He ditched his own engagement party for you. Do you think he will?" she explained, "And besides, if he wanted to be with Hae Jung, why would he come here in the first place. He would have just stayed at his party and gotten engaged." "That's true Then why did he run after Well, mostly Bumface's because this was his Hae Jung?" doing. But I'm sort of in on this too. Soo Jung shrugged, "To say sorry, to explain what happened, and give excuses." The cloud in my head was even darker now and rain was starting to fall. "Do you think Hae Jung is really mad?" I whispered. Hae Jungshe'll tell Mrs. Kang! And then I didn't want Hae Jung to be mad. I couldn't Mrs. Kang will get upset because she loves imagine her being mad. It was almost Hae Jung! impossible. Thunder Thenwhat if Mrs. Kang stops liking me because I broke Hae Jung and Bumface apart? What if she blames me? Lightning But this was all Bumface's fault! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Even at the elevator, she didn't sound angry. Soo Jung shrugged once more, "Put yourself in her shoes. Would you be mad?" YesI would be mad. I would be furious. I hope Hae Jung's not like me ---

Three days. "Tch, tch, tchwhat dumb thoughts is Won Three days passedand no phone calls Young thinking about now?" from Bumface. My head jerked back to the voice. That bastard. "OhSoo Junghi" Then I paused, How could he just leave me hanging? "How'd you get in?!" Did he run after Hae Jung? "Door was unlocked." Did he apologize to her? "So you just come in without ringing the Did he want to get back together with her? bell?" <br> did="" realize="" he="" didn="" t="" really="" love="" me?=""> "I heard Bumface ditched his engagement, so I rushed over here." She said instead of =__= answering my question. "He came here, huh?" Is that what really happened? I gaped at her. "How'd you know?" "Didn't I tell you? I'm the dating master!" I called Soo Jung for some support. she said, "In all dramas, when the guy "YOU IDIOT! You call me during work doesn't show up for his engagement party, hours to ask me a question I already he always runs over to the girl's house to tell answered?!" she yelled. "I told you. Why her he loves her and that he can't marry would he leave something important like an another girl." engagement party if he didn't want to be with you?" My face grew hot. That comforted mea bit "So did Bumface do that?" But I needed something more reassuring She knows too much . Soo Jung looked around the kitchen. "Hi Hae Jung." A surprised look overcame Hae Jung as she "From the looks of things, he made your opened the door of her apartment. breakfast and left quickly." "Won Younghi." She managed to say, I nodded. "What, what are you doing here?" She peered into my face. "Justcame to visit" I said, "Wondering..how you've been doing" "From the look of your face, he didn't leave in a happy mood." Hae Jung smiled weakly. "If you're wondering about Yong Hee, it's I felt like crying. Soo Jung knew just what I all taken care ofI talked to him a couple was going through. of days ago." She paused. "Won Young, not to be mean or anything.butI was hoping "Hae Jung came and she saw Bumface here we don't see each other again" with me and Hae Jung got angry at Bumface I was shocked, but I nodded. "I understand." and left." I paused "Andand"

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"You're a great person and I would have loved to be friends with youbut after everything, it's going to be too hard." She added, ready to close her front door. She grinned once again because she started closing the door.

you are stupid." Before I could make out what she was saying, Hae Jung continued.

Kang? I should really call to find out. So I did. After all the stressing out and worrying about a little phone call, the first response I got out of Bumface was, "I'm working."

"You're stupid for pretending to be someone you weren't. You're stupid for dumping the "I hope you're always happy. Yong Hee's an girl you love to even get engaged with awesome person." someone you never even once thought about." I left Hae Jung's neighborhood feeling a lot better. I looked into Hae Jung's face. Butwhy didn't Bumface tell me this? She had a small smile on, but at the same Where did he go? time looked sad. Why does he keep making me feel uncertain about him GAH! @_@ </br>> Chapter 37 Yong Hee: I ran after Hae Jung, but she just brushed me off by telling me to think about why she was mad at me. But the reason was obvious: I left her alone at our engagement partyWhat else could it have been? She didn't seem extremely mad, but truly upset and disappointed. But why? I tried calling her to find out, but she told me that I wasn't thinking about what she said if I was calling this early. So I decided to visit her apartment the next day, hoping she would let me inside. She didsurprisingly with a bright face, as if nothing happened. "Tea or coffee?" Hae Jung asked, making her way into the kitchen. "Water's fine" I answered, awkwardly, still feeling weird about her reactions. She handed me a glass of water and got tea for herself. We both sat down on the dining room table. She propped her head up against her hand on the table. "So, what's your conclusion?" "?" "I told you to think about it," Hae Jung said, "You must have thought of something." "Ohwhy you're upset with me?" Hae Jung nodded. "Well.because I never showed up to our engagementI lied to youI pretended to be someone I wasn't in front of you" I lifted up my head slowly. Hae Jung wasn't smiling, but frowning. "What?" Hae Jung sighed, "You still didn't get it" "??" "You want to know why I'm disappointed in you?" I nodded. "For someone who graduated at the top school in France, you sure are an idiot" she finally said, "that's it. I'm mad because

"Working?" I repeated, "Since when do you work?" "Since you find out I'm a designer." "Soyou're too busy to even call me up and tell me what's going on?" "Yeah, that's it." I heard paper rustling, "I guess I was being too greedy," she said, "I "NO, NO, NO! That outfit's supposed to didn't see- no I pretended not to see that come second to last. Yeah, the blue and you were clearly not interested in meI white one comes after that." knewI knew there was someone else, but I pretended to be blind." "Who are you talking to?" "The models." She let out a short laugh and a grin, "I knew "What models?" it was going to happen sooner or later, but I "The ones walking in my show." was hoping you would tell me about Won "What show?" Young instead of finding out myself." "My show." "You have a show?" "Hae Jung," I finally said, "I'm sorry" "Yeah." "Don't say that. In a way, it's my fault as "A fashion show?" well, for not seeing how much in love you "No, Pothole, a dog show." He remarked. were with her." Hae Jung took a sip from "Yes, a fashion show, what else is there?" her tea. I was about ask why he was doing a show, "Keep her happydon't make her cry, when he quickly told me he had to go, because if you doI won't be able to let you followed by some more yelling at someone. go right now. Don't make me regret what I'm doing." A fashion showthatis random. Why a fashion show? I sat there, speechless, just nodding my head Sothis fashion show is more important at her. than me finding out what really happened between him and Hae Jung? Hae Jung Thank you. Bumface, you are one weird person. Why am I even dating you? -- "He still hasn't called you yet?" Are we even dating? I nodded pitifully at Soo Jung. This sure doesn't feel like dating. She groaned. "Well, did you call him?" I shook my head. She groaned again "You're BOTH stupid!" She yelled in frustration, "If he doesn't call, you should call him!" Soo Jung left the house, and I sat on my couch, pondering. Should I really call him first? I should I should I should I will! I will? Dang itwhy am I so indecisive. I'll just call. No harm. Right? Why hasn't he called me yet? Is there a big problem? Did Hae Jung get really angry? Noshe said everything was fine. So why isn't he calling? And where the heck is he? Did he get into trouble with Mrs. A lot of good that did. I managed to make a skirt and a tank top design before I gave up. "Hey! It's Wonbin!" my obnoxious phone screamed. I picked up. "Won Young? This is Won Young right?" I froze for a second. Bastard. But as always, I followed his orders and started studying for school. Chapter 38 Stupid Bumface. You can get run over a car and I won't care. Noactually I will. Sigh. A fashion show? A week of silence and suddenly a fashion show pops into the picture. What is this? I texted and a few minutes later:

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"Hi Mrs. Kang." "Oh good, it is you." Mrs. Kang said, with a grateful tone, "I was just wondering if you were busy today." "Uh, no I'm notWhy?" "I'm busy with this project of mine, and I need someone to look at the store for a little bit." I paused, "But" "Yeah, yeah. I know. I have other workers at the store, but I don't trust them like I trust you." She explained, "So can you please come down? I know it's all of the sudden, but it would be helping me out a lot if you do." I sighed. I guess it wouldn't be that horrible. In fact, why would it be horrible? I loved the store. I loved Mrs. Kang. The only reason why I left was because of Bumface, and now everything's okay with Bumface, so it shouldn't hinder me at all. "Mrs. Kang, I shall be at the store in 30 minutes." "Oh great! Thank you so much sweetheart." Mrs. Kang hung up cheerfully. It was good to hear from her again.

can he have a fashion show and not allow me to come? "It's for people who know fashion." "Hello? I'm a fashion student." "You're an amateur." "Maybe I'll get inspired by your designs." "No. Don't come." "Why not? I was invited!" This was going nowhere "Bumface! ARE WE DATING?" There was a sudden silence. I could imagine his shocked and blank face. "Yes." He finally said. "Then, I am your girlfriend?" "Yes." "So you're saying that you're not going to let your own girlfriend, whom you love VERY MUCH, go to your fashion show?" "Yeah. Pretty much." GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Heh.oh dear. Now I'm getting all paranoid. Why did I think everything was solved? The lights grew dim and the show started. The lead model was beautiful, but I couldn't focus on her or the clothes she was wearing. Mrs. Kang, the woman who had been a boss and a 2nd mother to me, had become a big burden on my back because of Bumface. I knew she loved mebut will she still love me after she finds out I was the one who broke up her son's marriage with Hae Jung? Will Mrs. Kang accept me after what Bumface did because of me? Before I knew it, I worried away the fashion show. I didn't even notice Bumface had stood on the platform to thank people. I watched all the celebrities walk away into the crowd as I sat in my seat, clutching the bouquet of flowers I bought for Bumface.

"Well, too bad! I'm coming!" I hung up, feeling a bit excited and scared at the same time. Someone tapped my back. What's the worst Bumface can do if I go? I turned and saw him standing over me, Not muchI think. looking a bit satisfied yet bitter. "I thought I told you not to come." He said Wednesday rolled by quickly and I grew almost jokingly, but I couldn't tell. Maybe I can get my job back. more anxious to go to the show, especially "Hey~" I said. "Good job, it was an when Mrs. Kang gave me the ticket. awesome show." The store hadn't changed much. "Thanks." He grinned, "I liked it too." Well the style in clothes did, but everything I came to the arena where the show was was else was pretty much the same. being held and was quickly awed by how I wanted to tell him about all the worries in The same yellow tiles on the ground with beautiful the hotel was decorated for the my head, but I stopped myself when I saw the strip of light-green painted panels on the show. how happy he was tonight. walls. Lights were hung on every part of the Let him be happy. I'll tell him later. The hand painted lemons on the glass ceiling, and everywhere I looked, I windows and the pretty sign I helped pick recognized celebrities. I gave him my flowers and he gave me back out. a hug. I secretly took pictures of Eric from It was surprising, but in a way, reassuring. I smiled. Shinhwa with his girlfriend, actress Park Shi It felt like I was at home or something. Yun, Kang Dong Won (whom I drooled "What do you want to do afterwards?" I for), Ha Ji Won, and Jo In Sung (for Soo asked him. "Feeling a bit nostalgic?" Jung, who was still madly in love with him). He didn't reply. Mrs. Kang walked towards me, with big In fact, his body had turned stiff. bags full of colorful clothes. She dropped I found my seat but couldn't sit still because them and wrapper her arms around me. I I was sitting right behind Kang Dong Won. I pushed him away and saw that Bumface embraced her. DamnBumface must be really good for was focused on something; he was these hotshot celebrities to be present at his frowning. "I wish I could talk longer, but I have to show. deliver these clothes to the show." She said, I turned to the direction he was looking at grabbing onto the bags again. I was about to ask Kang Dong Won for an and found Mrs. Kang frozen with a shocked "Show?" autograph, when I saw Mrs. Kang waving to face. "Yes dear, the biggest fashion show to me from the other side of the platform. Behind her was Hae Jung, whose face was happen this month." She said proudly. as white as Mrs. Kang's. "Fashion show?" She was waving her arms around. She was Mrs. Kang nodded, "My son's in charge of signaling something I couldn't understand I guess Mrs. Kang was trying to tell me Hae it, and he asked to borrow some of the but her actions were so huge that Kang Jung was coming to the show when she was clothes in this shop." Dong Won actually turned around to look at signaling wildly before. me. "Ho ho~ I'm excited. This is the first time I made eye contact with him and he smiled. Oh mannow what? he's planning a fashion show, and he wants Then he turned to Ha Ji Won next to him, me included! It might be to make up for the "Who's the lady over there? She looks engagement but I'm so darn excited! My familiar." he said referring to Mrs. Kang. Chapter 39 Yong Hee doing a fashion show~" Mrs. "Yeah, she's Lee Jung Hee. You know, the Kang sang. model from back then? My mom like "mini cooper." worshipped her body." She replied, my ears Was the one word that escaped out of I smiled at her. She looked so happy. attentively eavesdropping. "She's the Bumface's body in that awkward moment. designer's mother." Mrs. Kang headed out the store, before she I've never seen this side of Mrs. Kang stuck her head back in. That's when my body grew cold. before. "Oh, do come by the show. It's next She was Yong Hee's mother Her eyes were full of shock and I could feel Wednesday. Can you come?" The one that wanted Yong Hee to get with the coldness escaping from her, surrounding Hae Jung my body. "No. you can't come." Bumface said strictly And I was the one who destroyed that over the phone. relationship I took a step away from Bumface, as if "Why not? I was invited!" I argued. How standing next to him would cause more

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damage. Mrs. Kang rushed over to us with an outraged faced, pointing at both of us. Without a word, she slapped Yon Hee's cheek, making the sound seem to echo throughout the whole room. Then she shot me a sharp, silent look before she turned back to Yong Hee once more.

Hrmm I'm getting NOTHING from this. I should go talk with Hae Jung. Actually, nobecause she won't tell me anything. After all, she and Bumface are an ally now They're planning something behind my back and probably won't tell me anything.

"If you had known, you wouldn't have what?" I felt the blood pounding in the back of my head, "You wouldn't have loved him? You wouldn't have shown up at the engagement party? You wouldn't have been caught at your house with Yong Hee?"

Won Young's face turned yellow as she became speechless. As of now if I want to find out something, But I couldn't stop now; a bubble had "You just don't fail to disappoint me do I need to go directly to the main problem. burst you?" she sneered with a low gloomy voice. Mrs. Kang. "Againagainyou disappoint me' "You knew all along about Hae Jung and She'll knowright? still you couldn't hold yourself back?! How Disappoint? Again? What? YeahShe obviously knows something that could you Won Young?" I yelled, "And I don't. She slapped Bumface, accused him when you did know Yong Hee was my son, She stormed away from us and out to the of disappointing her again, and was being why didn't you tell me then? Then I reception area. chased after by Hae Jung. wouldn't have invited you to the party and this whole mess wouldn't have happened!" I had never been scared of Mrs. Kang, but at YeahMrs. Kang. That's who I'll talk to. that moment, I was terrified. Won Young looked down at the floor, so What just happened? --close to tears. Mrs. Kang I was being too hard. I was being too hard. Hae Jung came over; her face regaining its colors. Angry. Frustrated. Disappointed. "You tricked me, Won Young. You tricked "What happened?! This wasn't supposed to I cannot believe Yong Hee would pull me. And all along I trusted you!" happen!" she exclaimed. Then she pointed something like on me again. But then again, Won Young's eyes shot up to face me and to me, "You! You weren't supposed to be it's Yong Hee, my good for nothing son. suddenly, I felt vulnerable in front of her. here! I thought Yong Hee told you not to "You ruined his life!" come! Yong Hee! Thisthis is making What was so horrifying about having Hae everything harder! She found out way too Jung as a wife? She's smart, she's talented, *slap* early" she's sweet Why Won Young of all people? The cold clash of a cymbal echoed in my She paused to think, "I'm going to go chase ears long after it was hit. her downmaybe I can persuade her or I slumped down on my armchair and asked I looked at my hand. It was caught in midsomething." Hanna to fetch me a cup of cold water. air, shaking. Bumface finally opened his mouth. "Is there something wrong, Mrs. Kang?" Hanna asked, bringing me my water. Won Young whimpered and brought me "I'll call you later." "No, sweetie." I sipped, "You can go home back into reality. Hae Jung nodded and chased after Mrs. now. I believe I'm going to close the shop Kang. early today." I dropped my hand and covered my mouth. I stood there, dumbfounded out what just happened Okay, I can understand Mrs. Kang's cold sneeringbut why Hae Jung? What did I do that was just so wrong? Bumface let out a deep, worried sigh and headed towards backstage. I pulled him down. "HeyWhat was that about? You're still meeting Hae Jung?" That wasn't exactly what I wanted to ask first, but it came out of my mouth. "Nothat's not it." "Then what is?" I retorted, "Why is she here? Why did she just scold me? Did I do something wrong?" Hanna nodded and caught the hint that I wanted to be alone. "Good bye Mrs. Kang. I'll see you tomorrow." I waved her good bye, still glued to the chair. The cold water flushed down my dry throat, along with some aspirin. My head was pounding. Won Young's shocked face came to mind. Phew. What to dowhat to do I couldn't help but to feel a little bit of betrayal "Ding dong." The front door sounded. "I'm sorry, we're closing early today." I said, slowly getting up from my chair. A familiar voice spoke up. "Mrs. Kang? II need to ask you something." I sighed. What have I done? Did IDid I just slap her? Why? "Won YoungI" I stuttered, "I'm sorry, I don'tI don't know why I did that." The tears she held flooded down her cheeks. She managed to put on a weak smile. "Nono Mrs. Kangthis is partially my fault" "No. Won Young I'm so sorry. I I lost my temper" Confusion rose around me and my head started pounding. Why did I just do that? This wasn't her fault. Why did I hit her? Why did I yell at her? Won Young put her hand on her left cheek, trying to stop her tears. It made me feel even worse. "Won Young, I'm sorry." I stepped forward towards her, hoping she would forgive me for my thoughtless mistake. "What's going on?" We both turned our heads at the same time and saw Yong Hee standing at the entrance with a shocked soon turning angry face. "Yong HeeIt's not what it seems." Won Young quickly said, dropping her hand from her cheek, as he paced closer to her. He took one look at Won Young and turned to me.

"It's nothing. I." He stopped talking. "I'll tell you later. I have to go clear some stuff." "Won Young, today isn't the best day to talk Quietly, he pushed himself away, walking to to me." the backstage area. Her scared face turned down, hopelessly. I was more confused than ever. What just happened? Let's get organized - Mrs. Kang found out about Bumface and me - She scolded Bumface and gave me a mean glare (I guess I deserved that) - Hae Jung comes out of no where, shocked as heck - SHE scolds me for coming out to my boyfriend's show - Bumface won't tell me what's going on

"Mrs. Kang, I came to apologize." She said, "II didn't want for any of this to happen?" "Hrmm? You didn't want any of what to happen?" I asked, at the same time surprising myself at how cold my voice was. "Well," Startled, she whimpered. "Ithe whole engagement party. I really didn't know he wasn't going to be thereand then breaking up the engagement" "Oh?" "I didn't know. When I started to like BumfI mean Yong Hee, I didn't know that he was your son. If I had known have -"

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"You can hit me, but don't you DARE lay a hand on her." He growled under his breath. "Yong Hee, it was an accident." I said, "And don't you talk to me in that tone." "Yong Hee, stop." Won Young said, holding him back. "Why can't you just let me do what I want for once?" "For once?" I repeated, confused. "I've let you do everything for yourself." "Yeah? When you want something from me." Yong Hee said in a frustrated tone, "Mom, you. You never even looked my way. I was the invisible son." What did this have to do with Won Young? "Why did you hate me so much? Why couldn't you just glance my way at least once when I was growing up?" "What are you talking about?" I slowly began to wonder if this was about Won Young at all. "YOU, MOM. I'm talking about you!" He yelled, his voice quavering.

few days before I muster up the courage to call him myself. Considering the fact I left the shop that day without a word, leaving the misunderstood mother and son alone, it just wasn't right for me to call him too soon. At least this time, he had a perfectly understandable reason not to callhe was probably mending his relationship with his mother. I guess this time, I can let it go. But. I hope it doesn't take that long. ---"You're stupid, Won Young. I don't think there is a stupider girl out there than you. If you want to see him, call him. It's not going to kill you." Soo Jung bickered on and on. I quietly blocked out the sound of her voice. It was quite hard.

I wanted to know everythingbutnothing would come out of my mouthexcept for a stupid useless 'How are you?' "Good." He replied. He took a cookie from the basket on the table and chewed. I couldn't help but to smile back at him. He took out his wallet and put some bills on the table. "Let's go." "Where?" I asked, as he pulled my arm up. "Somewhere." "Tell me." He brought me out of the shop. "When we get there." I stopped abruptly, making him look back in surprise. "No." "What?" He cocked his head at me in confusion, as if this was something new. I guess it was. "I'm tired of being left in the dark. I want to know what's happening. I don't want to pretend that nothing's wrong." I said, "What's going on? Why is everything suddenly all right? Why haven't you called? What's the meaning of showing up randomly?" He let out a short breath and a grin. "Everything's fine. Don't worry about it." "Your mom?" "She's not angry anymore. Just apologetic about everything." "Hae Jung?" "We're friendsShe was only trying to help me convince Mom that you're good enough for me." "What about you? Are you okay? Why do you look like your dog died?" "Haha, stop being so dramatic. I'm alive and well. And you're in front of me. Why wouldn't I be okay?" Something else was up, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I sighed and closed my mouth. "Will you follow me now?" He offered his hand. I took it. The first place he brought was my school. "What are we doing here?" I asked, as he pulled me into one of my classrooms. He sat me down on one of the seats, and then he himself sat in a seat couple of rows in front of me. I frowned. What was he doing? Bumface turned back at me and smiled. "Do you know what this place is?" "My classroom?" "Well yeah, butsomething else?" "What?" He laughed. "This is the first place I saw you."

"And Bumface, is he even a man? He should I glanced at Won Young, who was be calling you! Not you calling him. Why frowning, wondering what this was about as does he keep putting you in these situations? well. My honey's not like that. You picked the wrong guy!" "I tried so many years to grab your attention, but you didn't even look at me once." He let =_=++++ out, "Everything I did, it just wasn't good enough for you. I tried so hard to just get "Why do you guys even date? Half the time you to say, 'Good Job Yong Hee' or 'I'm so there's some BIG problem and he doesn't proud' but you never did." even call you." She said, shoving chocolate chip cookies in her mouth. "And dduh obber "What are you saying? You're not making half you two are too vizy to see each obber." any sense," I retorted, "This has nothing to do with Won Young or Hae Jung." "Swallow please." I rolled my eyes. "And "YES IT DOES." He gave me a glare, "I stop talking. I'm already depressed enough. I gave up, Mom, I gave up trying to impress don't need you to tell me that I'm dumb." youI let you do everything for meI thought that would make you happy. But I For once, Soo Jung shut up. was never happy. I wasn't. Everything I did It was so strange, so I looked at her face. wasn't because it made me happy, because it Her cheeks were bulging with cookies and made you happyand I thought one day, her eyes rounded still. you would realize that. But you didn't. She swallowed painfully. "Won Young? She's the first thing in years that made me happyand you tried to take her away from me. But Mom, I'm not going to let that happen. Not anymore." The look in Yong Hee's eyes made my world stop spinning. Was this what really happened? All this time, I had just believed he was rebelling against me because of what I did to his father. II thought it was okay to just ignore Was I truly an evil mother? "Hey, don't tell Bumface I said crap about him." "Huh?" "I'm going to go. Bye!" She grabbed her bag and hurriedly walked to the door of the shop. She shot him a dirty look and slid past him. A warm feeling gushed all over my body. My heart did a somersault as he came closer. "Hey," he said in a low voice, sitting down in front of me. "Hi."

My body grew limp, and I fell onto the couch, still trying to make his words sink in. He faintly shot me a smile. I looked up at Yong Hee. "You look skinnier." I stared at his face. His eyes were glistening, full of unexplainable anger and hurt. Youlook pretty thin yourself His hair was disheveled like always, but his My Godwhat have I done? face looked tired yet comfortable. Chapter 40 Every time some big conflict occurred, Bumface would never call me. I don't usually hear from or see him for a

"How are you?" . I wanted to ask him what happened. I wanted to see if he made up with his mom. A prickle of electricity went down my back. I wanted to know what Mrs. Kang thought "Really?" of me. "Yeah." He said, "I told the professor that

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your dress sucked and that it would-" "Fall apart!" I finished, "That big shot that criticized me was you??" He grinned like a five-year old and walked over to me. "Come on, there's some other places I want to take you."

That bastard. That bastard. "And thisthis is my last time seeing you for a while." A cold gust of wind suddenly hit me.

"What?" I pushed him away from my ear and stared straight into his eyes. "Last He didn't give me a chance to scold him for time? What? What are you saying?" breaking down my self-esteem that day "I'm going away." He said, "My mom" because he just kept on taking me one place "I thought you made up with your mom! Is to another. she sending you away?" I asked frantically. Everything began to swirl in a mess of He brought me to the caf where we had our confusion inside my head. blind date. -"This was the place I set our date to be." I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. and a supermarket near my house. I wanted to crawl into my bed and die. -"This was where I bought the kimbap for you that I threw at your face." "Won Young, calm down." "How could I calm down??" I gasped, the arena where his friend held his "Youyou're breaking up with me! That's fashion show. what. You're breaking up with me." "I saw your face shine and made me realize how much you loved fashion." Hathat loser. That poor, pathetic loser. I sighed. and an alley way. "I got scratched by a stupid cat while trying I looked at my clock. 5:20. His plane leaves to watch you get home safely. at 5:30. "Don't come out to the airportit's going to With every little place he took me, I learned be too hard to say good bye if you come." something new that touched my heart warmly. Why do people always say that? The whole These were places I had forgotten about, airplane good bye is too hard. places I probably would have never noticed I guess it's true. But, I can't believe I again if Bumface hadn't pointed them out. actually didn't go. I couldn't help but to feel impressed with what Bumface had done. He had set up everything for this relationship and I hadn't even known about it. Butas the number of special places grew, a feeling inside started to make me worry. Why was he showing me all these places? The sun had set and the stars were being sewn into the night sky. He held my hand, and even took off his jacket to keep me warm. The nervous feeling grew. I could feel Bumface hesitating often, shaking his head, and talking under his breath. The last place he brought me to was an apartment complex. "This is where I told you the directions to the garbage dump. HaaIt's my house over here. 10th floor, apartment number 11." I looked up at him. He was staring at the sky, his breath more visible due to the cold night. He turned down at me. His beautiful chocolate eyes gazed down at me in a way that made my legs lose strength. Putting his cozy hands on my face, he kissed my cheek. Then in my ear, he silently whispered. "And thisthis is my last time seeing you for a while." . Chapter 41 "Hey, but think of it this way." Soo Jung 5:23. He's on the plane right now, putting his suitcase in the luggage compartment above his seat. 5:25.

said, coming out from the fabric shop. "You haven't fallen during the last two winters. That's got to be a record." "I guess." I replied. "Now that I think about it, you're on a pretty good streak." She continued, "You haven't acted stupid in a long time. I guess you've matured. *sniff sniff. My little girl turned into a gentle lady." I pushed Soo Jung's head away, laughing. The snow was gently falling from the sky and onto our heads. Everyone around us seemed to have aged with the whites in their hair. I looked up and gazed as the tiny crystals dancing down. A year ago, Soo Jung and I opened up our shop at one of the best spots at Ap Gu Jung block. We managed to get a big building, which we split into two: a caf and a clothing store. Surprisingly, the whole idea of caf and clothes turned out well and we got great responses from our shoppers. A year and a half ago, I graduated from school. I got a chance to work with some stylists for celebrities and was given the opportunity to make some clothes for the drama "Palace." The publicity for the beautiful scenery and costumes of the drama helped out our store a lot. Two and a half years ago, I let Yong Hee go. He left for France with his mother for a fashion conference and to start a new brand. It was to help rekindle his relationship with his mother, visit his father, and promote himself in the fashion world once more. He had told me two years would be enough. Two years. And yet even after almost three yearshe wasn't back.

A stewardess hands him a newspaper and he I walked down the slippery street, carrying a smiles at her. He better not be checking her bag of new fabric patterns. Soo Jung out. chattered away about a good idea of a drink she wanted to make at our caf. 5:27. Then we passed it. The store I've worked so He's fastening his seatbelt, trying to get hard in. comfortable before take off. It was open, but Mrs. Kang hasn't been there since three years ago or so. 5:30. Seeing the store made me grow calm. The plane's getting ready to fly. All the attendees are walking down the aisles to check everyone's seatbelt and see that everything is okay. Thenthe engine roars and the plane takes off into the sky. Hmm Not the usual hour. Not two. Buttwo years. Two whole years, he's making me wait. I can wait two years. --Winter. I hate winter. Snow makes me sick. It covers every dangerous obstacle on the ground. . .. It was so awkward, sitting in front of Mrs. Kang in our caf, drinking hot chocolate and tea. It was still up and running, meaning nothing bad happened to Mrs. Kang or Yong Hee. "Hey, the store's open." Soo Jung pointed out, as if she was reading my mind, "I guess they're not back yet?" I nodded. "Let's goI'm cold." Just then a black car pulled to the curb in front of Lemon Scent. The door opened and out came "Won Young" She said surprised/ "Mrs. Kang"

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Mrs. Kang sipped her tea and put the cup down on the table before looking up at me and smiling. She hadn't changed a bit: She was still very stylish and had that special glow around her. "So, how have you been?" She asked in a friendly tone, as if nothing happened during the three years she was gone. "Everything is good." I managed to say back. She looked around the store, occasionally nodding her head with approval. "Your store is beautiful. I'm so proud. I always knew you were a good designer, but now a successful storeowner. I'm astonished." I smiled back. "Thanks Mrs. Kang." She grinned softly and leaned back on her chair. She let out a sigh and gathered her hands together. "Go ahead." "Excuse me?" "Go ahead, ask me. I'll answer your questions."

the other side of the shop. I looked around the store. People were drinking hot chocolate and chatting, sitting next to the snow-possessed windows. Clothes were being picked out; the clothes that I designed. Mrs. Kang had accepted me. I thought about what Soo Jung had said. I had matured. Life couldn't be any better. Only if Yong Hee was back, it would be perfect. Soo Jung came back. "Hey, let's go out." "Huh? Where?" "To find the sweet potato man." "-___-;;;" I shot a glare at her. "You want to go search for sweet potatoes in the freezing cold?" Soo Jung nodded, eagerly. "I'm craving them nowcome on!!!"

you're calling me Yong Hee instead of Bumface" He put out his hand, offering to pick me up. I didn't grab it. I was still unsure of whether this was real, or if I was imagining things "You're not going to hold it?" He asked in a warm voice that reassured me that maybe just maybe, this wasn't a dream. I reached out and when I felt the warmth of his hand, I knew it wasn't a dream. A smile slowly burst onto my face. He grinned back and hastily pulled me up, embracing me into the warm hug I had missed. From the corner of my eye, I could see Soo Jung and Jong Hyuk hiding in the corner, giving each other high-fives.

Chapter 42 I groaned and voluntarily got up because I Her sudden proposal shocked me a bit, but I knew sooner or later, I would be forced to I look back on the first day I met Yong Hee. did want to ask her questions, a whole go on the quest of searching for the man I had gone to the caf, hoping to meet a bunch of them. who cooked sweet potatoes out on the street. cute, down-to-earth, smart, rich guy. Instead, Bumface came into my life. I remained silent, but Mrs. Kang was Thirty minutes into our search, I realized waiting patiently. Soo Jung had been circling around the same The most arrogant and filthy-looking guy sat block for the 5th time. in front of me, struggling to beat me at a "Yong Hee's fine. He's more than fine." staring contest. Mrs. Kang volunteered. "His clothing line is "Man, where is he? He said he would be Who knew I would fall for him? doing pretty good. He had another fashion cooking here today" Soo Jung said, Well, apparently, he knew. show in Paris. disappointed. But I didn't. "What? You made a date with the sweet "The reason why I'm back is because I had potato man?" I chuckled at my joke. I grew up dreaming of prince charming, but to take care of some stuff for the store." "Okay, it's cold enough as it is, don't make Bumface made sure prince charming would I nodded, taking in every word she just said. the atmosphere even colder with your lame never enter my head again. jokes." She retorted, still frantically Because of Yong Hee, my ideal guy turned Yong Hee was fine. searching for the guy. from a gorgeously clever romantic to an "EXACTLY. It's coldlet's go back" I idiotic cheap-assed bastard who only thinks "Hoho, now you look a bit happier." Mrs. begged, but Soo Jung wasn't one to give up. for himself. -_O++++ Kang commented. I smiled at her, gratefully. "You stay RIGHT here. I'm going to go Anyways inside a store and ask if he's coming today." I guess it all worked out at the end. "Won Young, I I just want to apologize He got what he wanted, and I got what I for my behavior a long time ago." Soo Jung left before I could complain to her wanted. "Mrs. Kang" that the man wasn't coming. "I don't know what was going through my But I listened to her and stood in the ---mind at the time." she continued, "I was freezing cold, waiting for her return. being too greedy as a mother and didn't *HONK HONK* think once for what Yong Hee really After 5 minutes, I got really cold and -__- Bumface was outside, waiting for me. wanted." decided to head towards the store Soo Jung had disappeared into. I ran out of my house, to see Bumface all She paused and smiled at me. "But now I decked out in a suit, looking nice. see it. Yong Hee's capable of find the Then it happened. I looked down at my outfit. I was wearing a perfect girl without my help, and I'm The cleverly hidden hole in the ground. lavender blouse and jeans. thankful that someone like you is by his It was quite smaller than the one I tripped side. into in high school, but nevertheless, I fell Bumface took one look at me and scowled into itand my body lurched forwards and "I told you to wear something decent!" He "Thanks, Won Young." onto the wet, freezing snow. scolded. "Go back in and redress!" "What? Why? Where are we going?" I "Wow, she really said you were the perfect "AW man my pants!!!" I screamed at retorted. girl?" Soo Jung said in an amazed voice. myself, looking at my khaki pants, "Go redress." He frowned, still disgusted at I nodded. beginning to soak the snow. my outfit. "Does that mean, she's accepting you to be her potential daughter-in-law?" Someone chuckled and my heart stopped Muttering under my breath, I reluctantly "I guess?" beating. went back inside and dressed in something "Great! That's really great." She patted my "Is this why you're nicked as Pothole?" more formal. back, proudly, "Now all you need is the It was so like Bumface to ruin my perfectly groom." My head rolled up to the sky and saw him. fine Saturday afternoon. =_=;;; He was smiling at me as he started walking towards me. When Bumface saw my second outfit, I "He said he'll be coming back real soon." I could see that something still bothered him, said, "I wonder when that is" "YongYong Hee" I said, surprised. but he didn't say anything except "I guess "Oh yeah, that reminds me I have to call He looked astonished himself. it's acceptable." my friend." She took her phone and went to "Wowit must have been a long time if

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"So where are we going?" "Somewhere important." "Where's that?" "Somewhere important." My mind raced, trying to figure out where. It was the first time in a couple of days that Bumface called me out. He had been very busy, working in his new wedding shop. He said he received a lot of inspiration of wedding dresses in Paris and was dying to open one of his own. His shop opened 3 weeks ago, but it got really popular from day one. I guess being a famous designer from Paris makes your name known. In fact, a lot of celebrities came to him, asking for wedding dresses. OH. MAYBE THAT'S WHAT IT IS! A WEDDING! Not just ANY wedding, a CELEBRITY WEDDING! "Are we going to a wedding? Who's the celebrity? Is it someone I like? Is that why I needed to dress nice?" "Shh." "." I looked at Bumface. His face was slightly pale and every once in a while, he would wipe his face with his hands. "Are you okay? You look a bit nervous." He flashed me a smile. "Nervous? Nah." I raised an eyebrow. "Yong Hee, where exactly are we going?" The surroundings started to look familiar. Then it hit me. I knew where we were going. The car stopped and just as I thought, we were in front of Lemon Scent. "Why are we here?" I turned to him, wondering what was up. "We don't have to go in if you're not ready." He said, avoiding my question. "I'm not afraid to go injust a bit shock you were the one to bring me here." Bumface let out a deep breath. "I brought you here, so I can officially introduce youto my mom." My mouth dropped a bit. I was so moved. Bumface was sweating and all nervous because he was bringing me to his mom. "I shouldn't be nervousbut I am" He paused. "Never mind, let's go somewhere else." I quickly grabbed his hand and smiled at him. "Let's go in." He acted like my response wasn't a big deal as he got out of the car and slowly walked to the store. But for a split second, I saw his face brighten. ---

"Oh my gosh, you look so beautiful!" "Aw~Thanks! I'm so glad you could make it!" "Yeah, I wouldn't miss this for anything. *sniff* I can't believe you're getting married." "I know. Haha~ I still think I'm dreaming." "I'm so jealous. Look at your dress. It's stunning. A very fashionable wedding dress for free because of your husband." "I am a lucky girl." "Oh shut up." I stepped into bride's waiting room, to see Soo Jung chattering away with one of her colleagues. "Won Young!" Soo Jung screamed as she saw me. "Come over here!" I smiled at her and walked over. "So how are you feeling?" I asked. Soo Jung face grew brighter. "I'm excited! Yet kind of nervous." She replied, grabbing my hand. "I think I'm going to barf." I laughed at her. This was the first time I've ever seen Soo Jung so worried.. "Dang, your dress is pretty nice too!" Soo Jung said, eyeing my dress. "Bumface did a really good job with these dresses, huh?" I looked down at my artic blue dress with straps that crossed over my chest and made an X on my back. It was really comfortable. The dress went to my knees and the skirt part had 3 layers of thin material, which swished and flew whenever I moved. Soo Jung's hands curled around the handle of her bouquet, tightening and loosening her grip. How amazing was this. Soo Jung was getting married. Jong Hyuk walked confidently down the aisle, as his favorite theme song from Star Wars echoed in the hall. From outside of the lobby, I peered in. "Jong Hyuk looks good, huh?" I whispered to my partner. "Yeah. His tux looks hot." he replied. "I wonder who designed it." "Okay, everything isn't about you, you know." I snapped, half laughing. Yong Hee shrugged, "I guess I can let him have his spotlight today." I rolled my eyes at him, sort of elbowing his side. Then the wedding march came on. The doors opened wide and the flower girl and the ring bearer walked out. A chorus of "awwwwws" sounded as they walked by. "Shall we go?" Bumface said, raising his elbow at me. "Yes." I replied playfully, linking my arm with his. Halfway down the aisle, Bumface let out a quiet laugh. "What?" I whispered. "Jong Hyuk looks so nervous, it's hilarious." "Stop picking on him." I whispered, "You'd probably look like that when you're getting

married! And I'll be the one laughing at you then!" "Oh? You're going to be at my wedding?" "What? Of course I am! Do you think I'll let you marry someone else?" Bumface abruptly shifted his head towards me. "Is that a proposal?" "ARE YOU CRAZY?" I hissed through my teeth. "That's what it sounds like." He laughed silently. He brushed it off and continued down the altar with me. I don't even know how I got there. I was mortified that I had said something like that... Why the heck was I so embarrassed? Because I was zoning in and out, the wedding went by pretty rapidly. Before I knew it, the reverend was saying, "You may kiss the bride." as the newly wedded couple obeyed. Confetti exploded somewhere in the front and music started to play. By the time I went home that day, I forgot what I had said earlier. ---Trinkle, trinkle, trinkle. Pitter patter, pitter patter. Whatever the sound is for rain, when I hear it, I welcome it into my ear. It was getting closer to summer and I loved it when the skies opened wide and poured down, getting rid of the humidity and heat for a little while. Danbi. The welcoming rain that comes during drought season. It was the first one this year and I loved it. I sat at our caf, watching the people outside, walking under different colors of umbrellas. The rain continued to drizzle down, making the unique sounds it makes. Seeing rain fall made me feel refreshed, as if it cleansed me from the inside out. The smell of it filled my nose and I closed my eyes to meditate. It smelled so goodso sweetand chocolaty Or was that the smell of my hot chocolate sitting right in front of me? O_+?? "You're happy because it's raining right?" Yong Hee asked, grabbing my floating mind. "Yup." I nodded. "I'm really happy. It feels like something big is going to happen." Bumface raised his eyebrow and smiled. "Then let's go make something happen!" He took my hand and led me out of the caf. Hand in hand, under one umbrella, Yong Hee and I walked down the wet street. It was barely even sprinkling, but I liked being under that umbrella with Yong Hee. It felt cozier. We shopped around, stopping at every little

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cart. He bought me cute hairpins and I bought him a new white beanie. Personally, I didn't think it was fair that he bought hairpins and I bought a beanie. The beanie could have gotten me at least 50 hairpins=_= "You're so weird." Bumface said, trying on his new beanie. "It's a gift. Be happy with what you get." I stuck my tongue out at him and started to run away when my balance was lost.

progress. Oh ho~ Did this bastard plan something for me? ^v^ .. ... .... ..... AishAnd he calls himself my boyfriend. Something special? Something planned? I'm the idiot for expecting something from him =_=;;; They were all very pretty, but there was one mannequin-worn dress in the middle of the two sections that caught my eyes. With just one look, I immediately felt a personal liking of the dress. The dress was so extravagant. It looked simple and clean yet it shined with brilliance. "Whose is this?" I asked. "Which one?" "This one." I pointed to it, looking back at Bumface. "Oh, that one." He smiled, "Guess who." I scrunched up my face and thought. What celebrities were getting married these days "Hm.Lee Jae Eun?" "No." "Kim Hee Sun." I started walking towards the dress, wanting a closer look. "Kim Hee Sun doesn't even have a boyfriend. How's she going to get married?" "I don't know" I stepped in front of the dress, "Who can it---" Then I saw it. The thin silver necklace hanging on the black mannequin's neck. Questions rushed through my head as alarms rang, making me wonder if it was what I thought it was. "Are you curious?" I looked back at Bumface. There was a grin on his face. I became breathless and tears came to my eyes. His eyes met mine and I knew. "EungTell me." A small diamond ring, hanging from the necklace. Then in a contented voice, he said "Stupid. It's yours." The end Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=11405111 &blogId=340796465#ixzz1jwLVqBNd

"Are you muttering again? If you have something to say, just say it out loud." Bumface said, taking out another box of My body lurched forward. papers. "Otherwise, be quiet and start filing." In that split second when I realized what I threw receipts at him. "You do it! It's your was happening, thoughts began to process in stupid store!" my head. "Hey! Don't throw the receipts! They're in Damn...It's another freaking pothole. order!" He started pitifully picking up all the -___-;;;; receipts that fell on the ground. "Help me Why are there so many god-dang potholes pick it up-__-^^" in Seoul? "I don't want to." Aish, Bumface is going to make fun of me.. "Are you really going to be like this?" FallingFalling "YUP~ What you gonna do about it? MEH T_T RONG~" Eh? Surprisingly, my falling stopped and a strong hand pulled my body up. "You got to be more careful." Bumface. "Youyou didn't let me fall." I stammered, surprised. "Of course. I'm not going to let you fall..." He lifted me up to my feet and I gazed at him. Is he... the person to keep me standing for the rest of my life? I stuck my tongue out at him and ran away, into the back room, where all the reserved dresses were. DangHow did he make this many dresses in just 3 weeks? I turned around and it felt like I was in winter wonderland, surrounded by white pretty sparkly things. OhI wonder which ones are for celebrities. I started looking at each dress, fingering the materials. Hmnice fabricdefinitely expensive.

"That's for Lim Chang Jung's wife." "Yong HeeThanks." I spun my head and saw Bumface, folding "What do you mean?" He asked, "Do you his arms, leaning against the entrance of the realize how embarrassing it would be for me dress room. if you fell?" "Really?" "Yeah. It's pretty huh. I paid a lot of .never mind. attention to it because I'm Chang Jung's fan." "Stupid, idiotic, inconsiderateWhy is he "It's luxurious" I touched another dress. so mean to me today?" I muttered under "How about this one? Whose is this?" my breath, cursing at Bumface for being the Bumface came closer. butthead that he is. "Umwhose was that.?" He closed his "Heystop muttering and let's go." eyes and thought silently, "Oh right, Cha Bumface said, tugging at my hand. Tae Hyun's fiance." "Where are we going? I want to shop some "Wow. It's really pretty!" I looked around more." me, "Is this all for celebrities?" "You can shop later." Bumface shook his head. "But I want to" "Nah, do you think this many celebrities are "I thought you wanted something special to getting married?" He smirked and pointed happen." He cut me off. out the completed dresses and the works-in-

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