Lost in translation

Chapter 16: Unexpected Encounters and Unseen Eyes

Min-jun headed to work but decided to make a quick stop at Evelyn’s school. He parked outside and texted her, letting her know he was there. Moments later, Evelyn hurried out to meet him, a bright smile on her face. She entered the car, leaned over, and kissed him.

“Good morning, beautiful,” Min-jun greeted her warmly.

Evelyn blushed slightly. “Why do you keep saying I’m beautiful?”

“Because you are,” Min-jun replied, his eyes twinkling. “You’re down to earth and carry yourself in such a good manner.”

Evelyn smiled and thanked him. “What are you doing here at my school?”

“I’m heading to work and thought I should see you before going,” Min-jun explained.

Evelyn laughed. “But you saw me this morning!”

“It wasn’t enough,” Min-jun said, shaking his head. “I can’t get enough of you.”

Evelyn stared at him playfully. “Oh really?”

Min-jun teased her by imitating her voice from the previous night. “I want to feel you,” he said, grinning.

Evelyn laughed, her cheeks turning pink. Min-jun noticed her shyness and gently said, “You don’t have to be shy. Why are you being shy?”

Evelyn looked away, but Min-jun turned her face back towards him and kissed her forehead. “Have you eaten?” he asked.

“No,” Evelyn admitted.

Min-jun pulled out a takeaway bag and handed it to her. “I bought you some sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.”

Evelyn accepted the bag, her eyes widening at the amount of food. “Is all this for me?”

“Yes,” Min-jun confirmed with a smile.

He took her hand and placed it on his lap. “When am I feeling you again?” he asked playfully.

Evelyn quickly got out of the car, her face flushed. Min-jun chuckled and called her over to his side of the window. She bent down and kissed his cheek.

Min-jun held her chin and kissed her passionately. Just then, his phone rang. He answered it as Evelyn tried to wipe the lipstick off his lips and cheek.

“It’s fine,” Min-jun said, smiling at her. “I’ll wipe it.”

They bid farewell to each other, unaware that someone had been taking pictures of them. Min-jun drove off, and Evelyn headed back to school. She came across Mark, who helped her with her bag to the staffroom.

As she entered the staffroom, her colleagues’ eyes were on her. “Where did you go? Why do you look so happy?” one of them asked.

“My friend dropped by to give me some food,” Evelyn replied, heading to her table. She took out a sandwich and a drink, offering the rest to the other teachers.

Brenda walked over to Evelyn’s table. “How are things between you, Min-jun, and Mark?” she asked.

Evelyn smiled. “I chose the man I truly love, and everything is going well in our relationship.”

Evelyn settled at her desk, enjoying her sandwich and drink. The other teachers chatted around her, grateful for the unexpected treats. Brenda lingered, curiosity evident in her eyes.

“So, how did you know Min-jun was the one?” Brenda asked, leaning in.

Evelyn smiled, thinking back to all the moments that had led her to this point. “It’s the way he makes me feel,” she said softly. “He always goes out of his way to make me happy, like today. And he’s so genuine and caring.”

Brenda nodded, understanding. “And what about Mark? He seemed pretty interested in you.”

Evelyn sighed. “Mark is a great guy, but my heart belongs to Min-jun. I had to be honest with myself and with him.”

Just then, the bell rang, signaling the start of the next class. Evelyn gathered her things and headed to her classroom, her mind still on Min-jun. She couldn’t help but smile, thinking about their morning encounter.

Evelyn felt her phone buzz in her pocket during a brief break in her class.

Min-jun: “ Thinking of you. Hope your day is going well.”

She discreetly checked the message and smiled.

Evelyn: “You too! Can’t wait to see you again. ❤️”

The day passed quickly for both of them, filled with the usual tasks and responsibilities. But every now and then, their thoughts would wander back to each other, bringing a smile to their faces.

As the school day ended, Evelyn packed up her things and headed out. She noticed Mark waiting by the entrance, a friendly smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Min-jun arrived at the office, causing a stir among his colleagues. They were stunned to see lipstick prints on his cheek, but Min-jun didn’t give it too much attention. He walked straight to his office, where he found his mother, Mrs. Cha, waiting for him, her face a mask of fury.

“Min-jun! Where have you been?” Mrs. Cha shouted as soon as he entered. “You missed yesterday’s meeting and now you’re late again today!”

Min-jun sighed, trying to remain calm. “I’ve been busy, Mother.”

“Busy?” Mrs. Cha’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the lipstick print on his cheek. “Busy fooling around, it seems.” She grabbed a tissue and wiped the print harshly. “What will the employees think when they see you like this?”

Min-jun chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Tae, can you take Mother home? I’ll handle everything here.”

Tae stepped in, placing a hand on Mrs. Cha’s shoulder. “Mother, let’s go home. I’ll take care of things.”

Mrs. Cha glared at Min-jun one last time. “You should behave more appropriately, like your brother Tae,” she said before leaving with Tae.

As the day went on, Min-jun tried to focus on his work, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Evelyn. He couldn’t wait to see her again.

After school, Evelyn was on her way home when she ran into Mark. They greeted each other warmly.

“Hey, Evelyn,” Mark said with a smile. “Need any help with your luggage?”

Evelyn shook her head. “Thanks, Mark, but I’m good.”

“Do you have any plans for the evening?” Mark asked casually.

Evelyn hesitated for a moment, then remembered she needed to see a doctor. “Actually, I need to go see a doctor,” she said.

Mark looked concerned. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, it’s just for some vitamin pills,” Evelyn explained, not wanting to go into details.

Mark nodded, understanding. “Alright, take care.”

Evelyn booked a cab, which arrived shortly. She waved goodbye to Mark and got into the cab, heading to her doctor’s appointment. When she arrived, Doctor Hwang welcomed her with a bright smile.

“Hello, Evelyn! What can I do for you today?” Doctor Hwang asked.

“I need some morning-after pills,” Evelyn said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Doctor Hwang nodded and began writing the prescription. “Have you had any issues or concerns?” she asked, her tone professional yet kind.

“No, everything’s fine,” Evelyn replied.

Doctor Hwang handed her the prescription. “Here you go. And remember, it’s always good to use protection,” she added with a joking smile.

Evelyn laughed lightly. “Thanks, Doctor Hwang.”

She rushed to the pharmacy to buy the pills, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. As she left the pharmacy, she couldn’t help but think about Min-jun and their future together.