Lost in translation

Chapter: 20 Unspoken Truths

Tae approached him, noticing the tension in his brother’s posture.

“You shouldn’t have vented your anger on the flower pot either. Being angry is a waste of time,” Tae replied, placing a hand on Min-jun’s shoulder. “Have you eaten breakfast yet?”

“No, I haven’t,” Min-jun admitted.

“Come on, let’s go to the cafeteria. I’ll join you,” Tae offered.

They both headed to the cafeteria, the tension slowly easing as they walked side by side.

Meanwhile, Evelyn woke up and stretched, feeling the warmth of the morning sun on her face. She went to the bathroom to have a bath. As she came back, she noticed a bank card on the nightstand with a note.

“Good morning, Go and treat yourself. The pin is 9403. - Min-jun”

Evelyn picked up the card, filled with disbelief. “Is this a dream? Did he really give me his card?” she wondered. She felt a surge of happiness, knowing this was the first time a guy had given her his card to spoil herself. She quickly dressed in the clothes she wore the previous day and headed to the kitchen, where she met the chef.

“Good morning, Mr. Choi,” Evelyn greeted.

“Good morning, Evelyn! It’s been a long time since we saw each other. What would you like to have for breakfast?” Mr. Choi asked warmly.

“I’m okay with breakfast, thank you. I’m heading out,” Evelyn replied.

She bid farewell to Mr. Choi and opened the front door, only to come across a man who introduced himself.

“Good morning, Ms Evelyn. I’m Kang-Dae. Mr Park asked me to take you to the mall,” he said.

“Thank you, but I don’t need a driver,” Evelyn responded politely.

She tried to walk away, but Kang-Dae blocked her path. “Please, Ms Evelyn. Mr Park insisted. It’s for your safety.”

Reluctantly, Evelyn entered the car, and they headed to the mall. During the drive, she asked Kang-Dae a few questions.

“Are you at Min-jun’s house 24/7?” she inquired.

“Yes, we are,” Kang-Dae confirmed.

“Do you ever sleep?” she asked, half-joking.

“We do sleep, don’t worry,” he replied with a smile.

Upon arrival, Kang-Dae opened the door for her, and they walked into the mall. Evelyn turned to him. “Are you going to follow me everywhere I go?”

“I have to guard you,” Kang-Dae explained.

She nodded and walked into H&M, choosing a few clothes. Kang-Dae offered to hold them for her as she headed to the lingerie section.

“You don’t have to follow me here. Unless you want to help me choose some underwear?” Evelyn teased.

“I apologize. I’ll wait here,” Kang-Dae said, slightly embarrassed.

Evelyn chose a few matching bras and thongs. As she was browsing, she bumped into Ms. Cha.

“Evelyn! What are you doing in Seoul? I heard you live in Busan,” Ms. Cha exclaimed.

“I have a winter break and came to Seoul to visit my boyfriend,” Evelyn explained.

“Call me Byoel. I’m no longer your boss,” Ms. Cha said with a smile.

“Alright, Byoel,” Evelyn replied, smiling back.

They both headed to the till. Ms. Cha told Evelyn to pay first. As Evelyn took out her purse, it fell, and Byoel helped her pick up her things, noticing Min-jun’s card.

“Why does Evelyn have Min-jun’s card? Is her boyfriend Min-jun?” Byoel wondered silently.

Byoel handed the card back to Evelyn, who thanked her and used her card to pay for the clothes and Min-jun’s card for the lingerie. They waited for Byoel to finish paying and headed out of the store. Byoel and Kang-Dae greeted each other.

“How about we have brunch together?” Byoel suggested.

“That sounds great,” Evelyn agreed.

Evelyn asked Kang-Dae to take their luggage to the car and told him she would text him the name of the restaurant. Byoel and Evelyn arrived at the restaurant, admiring the calming and attractive interior. They sat down and waited for a waiter to assist them.

“So, tell me about your boyfriend,” Byoel asked, curious.

“He’s wonderful. We’ve been through a lot together,” Evelyn said, her eyes lighting up.

Byoel laughed, noticing Evelyn dodging the question. “You’re feeling cold, aren’t you?”

Evelyn smiled, grateful for the change in topic.

A waiter approached their table with a warm smile.

“Good morning, ladies. Can I get you started with something to drink?” he asked.

“I’ll have a cappuccino and avocado toast with poached eggs, please,” Byoel said, glancing at the menu briefly.

“And I’ll have a smoked salmon bagel and a latte for myself and my friend, Kang-Dae,” Evelyn added.

The waiter nodded and left to prepare their drinks. Byoel turned her attention back to Evelyn, her curiosity piqued.

“So, Evelyn, tell me more about your boyfriend. How did you two meet?” Byoel asked, leaning in slightly.

Evelyn smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Well, it’s a bit unconventional. We actually met through a one-night stand. It was supposed to be just that, but it turned into something much more.”

Byoel’s eyes widened in surprise. “A one-night stand? I wasn’t expecting that!”

Evelyn laughed. “I know, right? But sometimes life has a funny way of bringing people together.”

“So, how did it go from a one-night stand to a relationship?” Byoel asked, genuinely intrigued.

“It just happened naturally. We kept in touch, started seeing each other more often, and before we knew it, we were in love,” Evelyn explained, her smile softening.

Byoel shook her head in amazement. “That’s quite a story. I guess you never know where you’ll find love.”

Evelyn nodded. “Exactly. What about you, Byoel? Are you seeing anyone?”

Byoel chuckled, shaking her head. “No, I’m too focused on my career right now. I don’t really have the time to meet new people.”

At that moment, Kang-Dae arrived and took a seat close to them. The waiter returned with their order, placing the dishes and drinks on the table.

Evelyn pointed to Kang-Dae. “The smoked salmon bagel and latte are for him.”

The waiter nodded and handed the items to Kang-Dae, who thanked him with a smile. As they began eating, the conversation flowed naturally.

“So, Byoel, what do you do for fun when you’re not working?” Evelyn asked, taking a bite of her bagel.

“I enjoy reading and exploring new places. It’s a nice way to unwind,” Byoel replied.

“That sounds lovely. Any favorite books or places?” Evelyn inquired.

Byoel thought for a moment. “I recently read a great mystery novel that I couldn’t put down. As for places, I love visiting art galleries and museums.”

Evelyn nodded appreciatively. “I should join you sometime. It sounds like a perfect way to spend a day.”

Byoel smiled. “I’d love that.”

Throughout the meal, Byoel subtly tried to gather more information about Min-jun, but Evelyn skillfully avoided revealing too much. Despite her curiosity, Byoel respected Evelyn’s privacy and enjoyed the pleasant conversation.

As they finished their meal, Byoel looked at Evelyn with admiration. “You know, Evelyn, I think you’re really lucky to have found someone who truly loves you.”

Evelyn smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. “I feel lucky every day.”

After their delightful brunch, Evelyn and Byoel decided to take a leisurely stroll through the nearby park. The sun was shining, and the gentle breeze made it a perfect day for a walk. They chatted about various topics, from their favorite books to their dreams for the future.

As they walked, Evelyn’s phone buzzed with a message from Min-jun.

Min-jun: “Hey, I hope you’re having a great time. Just wanted to let you know that I'll be home late.”

Evelyn smiled and quickly replied.

Evelyn: “Having a wonderful time! It's alright, I'm with a friend, she will keep me company.”

Byoel noticed the smile on Evelyn’s face. “ Is it your boyfriend?”

“Yes, he’s always so thoughtful,” Evelyn said, putting her phone away.

Byoel looked around the park, taking in the serene surroundings. “This place is beautiful. It’s nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

“I agree. Sometimes we need to slow down and appreciate the little things,” Evelyn said, enjoying the moment.

As they sat there, a group of children ran past, laughing and playing. Evelyn watched them with a wistful smile.

Byoel looked at Evelyn thoughtfully. “Would you love to have a family someday?”

Evelyn smiled, but there was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. “Not anytime soon. I do want a family in the future, but I can’t imagine having a child before I’m 30.”

Byoel nodded, understanding. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

“I need a new vibrator,” Byoel replied with a sigh. “The one I have isn’t working properly anymore.”

Evelyn chuckled. “Where do you usually buy them?”

Without a word, Byoel stood up, grabbed Evelyn’s hand, and led the way. They walked to the shop together, and Evelyn watched as Byoel carefully selected a few vibrators.

“Are you going to use all of those?” Evelyn asked, raising an eyebrow.

Byoel grinned. “Yes, I am.”

“Why don’t you get one for yourself?” Byoel suggested, noticing Evelyn’s curiosity.

Evelyn blushed and shook her head shyly. “No, I don’t think I need one.”

Byoel picked up a vibrator and handed it to Evelyn. “This one’s good for beginners. Trust me. You'll thank me later.”

Evelyn hesitated but then took it with a grateful smile. They headed to the till and paid for their items.

After a while, they decided to head back to the car. Kang-Dae was waiting for them, and he greeted them with a polite nod.

“Did you ladies have a good time?” he asked.

“We did, thank you,” Evelyn replied.

As they drove back, Evelyn felt a renewed sense of happiness and contentment. She was looking forward to the adventures that lay ahead and the new friendships she was forming.