Once Upon A Spring

CHAPTER 7

*Yoo Jeong's POV*

I couldn't sleep for a few nights. I also don’t feel drowsy now.

I also can't believe I met my father's young version.

SECOND DAY OF THE MEETING

''Hello, Yoo Jeong! How are you?'' Chang Hyun said and winked at me.

I just ignored him. Every time I see him, I wonder if he is really that person…

''Bro, she is the first woman to ignore you. Do you agree with that? On her way? You already helped her, but she did that to you,'' Jong Hyun said loudly.

This Jong Hyun is guilt-tripping me. I just want to ignore him. Can he do anything about it?

''Let it be. I don't count what I do. Maybe she just had a problem,'' he insisted.

''Argh!''

Whatever I try to avoid, we will definitely meet.

But what was I expecting? I was in his time. We are also in the same school. He will force me to recruit when he finds out I love Taekwondo. He would surely inform me that they are lacking individual and team players.

THIRD OF THE MEETING

IN CANTEEN...

''Hello, Yoo Jeong,'' he said as he smiled and waved at me.

As usual, I ignored him. But his asshole friend Jong Hyun came again. He stepped aside from me, and I couldn't do anything because I was the only one eating at the table. Seong's friends still have a schedule.

''Hey, what's up? Why are you ignoring him? Are you sulking? Because he already has a girlfriend? Poor Yoo Jeong. This is how you sulk,'' he squeezed my face simultaneously.

Since I was already done with him those times, I could do nothing but use my self-defense techniques.

Jong Hyun was pushed with the snout at the table, and The people around were very intrigued by what I did. If you were in my time, you would be surprised that my schoolmates don't care because they are used to my actions like this.

''Wow, what a strong girl,'' I can hear the murmurs of the students around us.

It's been a long time since me when I heard something like this. But someone suddenly grabbed my arm and lifted it.

He was too strong to struggle with what he was doing, and I was even more irritated when he preached to me again about discipline.

He was acting like a hero again.

'' This is the only advice I can give to you. Since you said you are good at Taekwondo, I'm pretty sure you've got training for it. When it comes into training, the instructor asked you about the Tenets of Taekwondo, '' he said.

''First. Modesty. A modest person has a humble opinion of one's self and achievements. A modest person is not flashy or showy. The virtue of humility helps a person control his disordered desire for his own excellence. Therefore it helps to create an atmosphere that makes it possible for people to get along together,'' he continued.

''Second. Etiquette. It is a form of conduct or behavior. It is the manner of acting correctly. Etiquette is an indispensable part of the virtues of courtesy, self-control, and cordinal virtue of Justice. Which of the two do you think you are doing?'' he added.

No one has done anything but be innocently surprised.

Obviously, he just read it and got it from the student handbook.

I couldn’t do anything but leave the canteen immediately when he let go of my arm.

Every time I remember what happened. I blush with annoyance. I wouldn’t have thought that even in this endless dream, he still had a preach on me.

When will this nightmare end?

I stood again and took the hidden paper from my bedroom door’s pocket.

In 1995, the Sangin-dong lot returned where the people living here and houses that stood returned.

Seong Yoo Jeong's father died in a truck accident.

This is the era of taekwondo star Son Chang Hyun and famous young star Cha Hyeon Sil.

During this time, they became a couple.

And I, on the other hand, am struggling with Seong's problem. It is exhausting. It's good that I'm smart enough and can easily adjust even if I'm not right in your position.

Fortunately, I could catch up with the studies because of her kind companions who came to the library to teach me. Also, luckily, we both take Business Management. Otherwise, I'm dead.

But if I were asked, my life here would be more peaceful than my modern life. Even though my father is there, Seong has friends who accompany me. That's just what I do for distractions.

Why can't I just use this time to somehow get some rest?

And one more thing, since I was here in the time of my father and mother, why don't I keep track of their lives?

Why am I avoiding Chang Hyun? He will be my father in the future.

I still have a lot to discover during this time.

The relationship between my parents.

The lives of students during this time.

About Seong's personality and why did I come here?

And...

How to be a young adult this time?

'' Hey, Yoo Jeong! '' Jong Hyun shouted.

The morning was very noisy. He even disturbs others.

There is no class today, so I hung out first after I entered.

"Have you bought equipment for baseball yet?" He asked.

''Not yet. My mother hasn't come from the market yet, '' I replied.

''You don't have extra money there? How about your savings?''

Is Seong saving money? I'm not used to it. Our personality is very opposite from each other.

Also, I'm not used to being dependent since I work part-time. Does she have a part-time job? Does she have a piggy bank? Online or virtual cash is not a trend today. People have not been educated about banking, except in my time, banking and online payments have become popular.

And most of all, I don't tend to beg or ask too much just to buy anything required from the school. If my true personality existed during this time, I would rather just accept community service than buy these expensive things.

Given that Seong is just a scholar and not rich enough to buy such things.

Doesn't she also have a diary for me to see what she does in her daily life?

It is very early in the morning, yet you make me think like this, Seong.

"Hey, it seems you are overthinking again," Jong Hyun said.

Even though it's obvious that I'm thinking, he's really going to ask, ''Obviously! No need to ask questions and worry, and I don't need your help!''

I raised my voice out of nowhere.

''When are we going to buy equipment? Can't we just share to save money?'' I changed the topic and asked.

''Huh? There will be extra points if you have complete equipment. I just don't know.''

"That school is kinda’ artsy," I said suddenly.

''Wow, you're fighting back, Yoo Jeong. It seems that before you do everything just to buy what the school requires. You used part-time jobs at those times.''

Part-time?

Because of my overthinking, I thought of entering the house to look for Seong's diary.

When I entered, a delicious smell came from the kitchen.

I went straight and was immediately greeted by ahjumma, ''Oh, my daughter. You are home already. Eat first. It's terrible to get hungry this morning. The stomach must always be full!''

"Did you get home already?" I changed the topic.

I remember the days when she showed fondness and care towards me. I don't think I can hurt her like that again, and she's taking good care and understanding of me since Seong's father just died.

''I will serve you delicious food. I also cooked hot ramen that you always love. I just added a little bit of the ingredient, so somehow it will make you feel better.'' Ahjumma said while preparing food on our table.

"What happened earlier---," I said curtly.

''Oh, I remember suddenly, that day, earlier that morning. I'm very sorry. I thought you would like the food. It looks like you don't like the dish that I prepared because you also left immediately without taking the food. You still seem affected by what happened,'' she added.

I didn’t think that Seong had been emotional since her father died. We had a reversed situation, but we felt the same way.

The only difference is that no matter what she went through, she can still treats her fellows well. That's the thing that's so hard to get and swallow into me. I use my strength just to get the attention of others. I was able to hurt others because of my emotions in the past.

I immediately went straight to the table, and she was smiling now. It's good that her worries are gone now.

Recently, I have never had a problem at home and in our neighborhood. Just only for those two asshole guys.

''How are your studies?'' She suddenly asked.

''It's okay. There is no problem so far. I will just avoid being late and absent. I need to present excuse letters and proof of my absence, '' answered her directly.

''Oh, I also thought about this,'' she said abruptly.

"Because I'm curious about what you said days ago."

I suddenly felt nervous about the words she would ask, "Which words?"

''What word did you say when I just came home?''

The 'f**k'?

I’m dead.

Aren't English cursing words trendy here, either?

''Fox, I mean. It's just my expression when I'm shocked, or something inexplicable or bad is happening.''

''The cellphone, what's that? I also hear it on TV, but you know I'm old enough and not interested in it. But when I heard that from you, I wanted to talk about it, you know. Didn't you say it is missing? Your dad bought it for you?''

Even if she wasn’t interested, she wanted to know. It's a good thing I know about the cellphones in the late '90s.

''Mother, the cellphone can be considered as a modern beeper. You can press to send a message, and you can also call. There is no such product today, but there will be more productivity in the future because technology is becoming more advanced. It's not like a beeper with a limited distance when it rings, but a cell phone can be used far away.''

"How I hope you can reach the time that our country is so advanced," I added.

''I hope so. I'm still in my late 40's. Why not?'' she joked.

I didn't notice that I just smiled when I was talking, whether she was joking or not. I feel the fun compared to the past few that I was overthinking and avoiding people here.

''By the way, Yoo Jeong. I heard you have to pay something,'' said ahjumma as she handed me the money.

''I'm not ---''

''Don't work so hard anymore. I have a job, and you have a scholarship. We can save even a little, So this is just a gift for you to maintain your grades. The important matter here is that you study hard and finish school,'' she explained at length.

"Hello, ahjumma," Jong Hyun inserted as he knocked on the door.

''Mama is sending you a dish. Maybe you want some. You can have it as a lunch,'' he added.

'' Thank you, Jong Hyun. More blessings to come, '' ahjumma replied.

Ahjumma was on her way to the kitchen when Jong Hyun suddenly asked me, '' Are you going to buy already? I'm ready to go. It's okay if you're still preparing. I'll wait for you at the gate of our house. Our house is just very near to each other.''

''Even if you do not wait. I still don’t care,'' I replied sarcastically.

We have already bought our baseball equipment. We were on our way home when I realized he had been quiet for a while. He doesn't seem to be thinking too much.

''You are so quiet,'' I said suddenly out of curiosity.

''Because I've noticed you've been irritated by my noise lately. It is pretty scary that later on, you will call me an attention-seeker or something,'' he replied.

"It is good that you know," I replied cursedly.

It was almost 4 PM, and I saw a little store of street food near the alley we were going to enter. I still have money left over from what we bought earlier.

''I'm hungry. Let's eat,'' I grabbed him at the same time.

He was obviously shocked at what I did today.

But honestly, I'm not used to him being quiet.

Sometimes his noises are annoying, but he uplifts and enlivens our neighborhood.

''What do you want here, my treat!'' trying to cheer him up.

He suddenly blushed at what I said. I hope he will not give malice to it.

''So cute,'' I whispered to myself.

While he was eating, he heard me saying that stuff, ''Who's cute?''

''Nothing! You surprised me. If I choke, I will really blame you!''

''Who's cute? Me?'' He asked.

''No! You're so assuming!'' I replied with a smile.

''Wait, don't tell me it is Chang Hyun!'' He joked in astonishment. "Chang Hyun?"

I choked on what he said, ''No, he's not! Look, I choked already!''

Jong Hyun laughed out loud. It may look vulgar, but somehow he returned to his energetic nature.

I didn't even notice that I also laughed even though his joke was insulting.

The vendor in front of us was just wondering, but he smiled later. This fun seems so shallow to others, but it is a big deal, especially if you are dealing with a problem.

This time is really different from what I expected.

I already feel a little happiness in where I am now and with the people, I am associating with.

''Thank you for coming with me, Jong Hyun!''

''You are welcome. I will go home now!'' He said while waving goodbye.

''All right, be careful!'' I said with a smile.

I was about to enter the house when I heard a very young voice coming from outside. That is Jong Hyun's younger brother. It looks like his little brother is waiting for him.

As I look at them, I can see the tenderness of the two of them. I hope I have a younger brother too.

But in my case, My parents were not given time to give me a sibling.

I just couldn't help but smile at the two of them.

''Oh, my daughter. This is your bag. Do you have sports, right? Your PE uniform is already there? The things you need, are they already there? Are they complete?'' she asked hurriedly.

''Mother, it's okay. I fixed everything last night. Don't worry anymore. It's like you're the one studying because of your too much concern,'' I replied.

''Good. Go ahead and so you will not be late for your class again! ''

I was surprised when Jong Hyun suddenly appeared in front of our house while I was putting on my shoes.

''Hurry up, Yoo Jeong,'' he said while panting. ''That's our first schedule. We should not be late. When we are late, the professor will instruct us to jog all over the field.''

''All right, mother! Let's go!'' Jong Hyun grabbed me at the same time, but suddenly ahjumma called me.

''My baby!'' She shouted with a flying kiss.

We are in the seats of the field now while others are preparing for our individual and team grading for baseball.

The field is so vast. You will notice that concerts and sports can be held here. This is really an open arena.

Of course, boys and girls are separate regarding seating arrangements.

Their PE uniform is garish but understandable because the weather is cold. There is an activity t-shirt inside and a varsity jacket outside. There is a surname on the left side. Sky blue is the color for women and dark blue for men.

It's also unavoidable to see Chang Hyun with Jong Hyun, and the women around are cheering for them.

Honestly, it can’t be denied that these two are really handsome. Jong Hyun wrapped his forehead while Chang Hyun exposed his forehead because he lifted his bangs. The hairstyle fits them, and they have a strong charisma in how they act and even in standing alone.

That’s why the ladies were so addicted to them.

But it's awkward to see Chang Hyun today because of our abnormal meetings the other day. I hope he forgets those and If there is any interaction, just help me, Lord.

In the middle of the game, Jong Hyun and Chang Hyun seemed to be the runners of the two teams. They are rivals. Every time the batters hit the ball, there is a lot of screaming because of the tension and the rule that only one team needs to win.

The girls beside me are also screaming loudly.

Chang Hyun's team won, and we, the girls, stepped down from our seats because it was our turn to play.

After the team play, there is an individual grading wherein the rules, position, and how to play each role in the baseball game must be presented accurately.

After the game, we had to get dressed and go straight to our respective classrooms. Maybe because of the game's tension earlier, I could feel the pain in my body.

I remember in the past few days, I could only walk and run and could no longer do hard training, which was a reason for my body to change.

I was about to stand up when suddenly my foot did not step on the next flight of stairs. It is very high stairs to it is also used as our seats.

When I lost my balance, someone caught me behind my back. I could not feel the weight of my body that would have been ready to fall to the floor.

I could see Chang Hyun's face above me, but the distance between our faces was far from each other.

He suddenly pulled me upward to stand for a reason…

That made our faces close to each other.

AN inch away...

A woman was going down from where we had been sitting earlier.

She is wearing black shades and a baseball cap...

Her glittering silver earrings, golden necklace, and golden bracelet can also be seen.

She went down to visit Chang Hyun, obviously.

''How's the game?'' She smiled widely at Chang Hyun...

And to me...

''The game is fine. We won,'' he replied while smiling.

''Alright! I bought a baseball cap. I even stamped it with your name and a lucky number, SON CHANG HYUN 13!'' she happily greeted him.

The woman turned her gaze to me and looked at me from bottom to top while I was staring earlier at both of them because I was like a third wheel here.

''Ah, Yoo Jeong. She's my girlfriend. Cha Hyeon Sil,'' Chang Hyun replied.

''Oh, are you Seong Yoo Jeong? I know you because Chang Hyun tells me about you.''

I don't know what I will react to at these times.

But I can only say one thing…

This is the first time I have seen and heard my mother.