Lost in translation

Chapter 13: Unfinished Business

Evelyn hummed softly as she cleaned her apartment, the scent of fresh lemon filling the air. She was preparing a simple meal when her phone buzzed with a video call from her father. She wiped her hands and answered, smiling at the familiar face.

“Hi, Dad!”

“Evelyn, my dear! How are you?” Her father’s voice was warm and comforting. “We miss you so much. When are you coming back home?”

Evelyn’s smile faltered slightly. “It’s too soon, Dad. I’ll come back once the schools are closed.”

Her father sighed. “We understand, but it’s not the same without you here.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Lucy, her younger sister, who popped into the frame. “Hey, Evelyn! Have you met a handsome Korean boyfriend yet?”

Evelyn laughed, shaking her head. “No, Lucy. I’m not interested in any man. I came to Korea to work, remember?”

Lucy pouted playfully. “You’re no fun!”

Their conversation turned into a long chitchat, filled with laughter and updates about home. After hanging up, Evelyn dished her food and ate quietly, savoring the moment of peace.

Later, she took a shower, booked a cab, and headed to her waxing appointment. As she runs her errands, she can't shake the feeling of being watched. The day was filled with self-care as she got her hair and nails done. By noon, she was done with her appointments and decided to stop at the grocery store.

As she browsed the aisles, she spotted Mark. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his bruised face.

“Mark! What happened to you?” she asked, concerned.

Mark forced a smile. “Oh, this? Just a boxing match.”

Evelyn frowned. “Why did you leave last night without considering my safety?”

Mark’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, Evelyn. I must've not completely close the door.”

He didn’t mention the man at her door. Instead, he helped her with the grocery bags to her apartment. As they entered the gate, Evelyn noticed the same car from the previous night.

“Mark, did you see that car yesterday?” she asked.

Mark shook his head. “No, I didn’t.”

Inside her apartment, Evelyn’s mind raced. Was she being stalked? The only person she knew who loved such cars was Min-jun. But how could he know she had moved to a different city?

Mark interrupted her thoughts, sitting close and touching her afro hair. “Your hair is beautiful, Evelyn. It suits you.”

Evelyn smiled. “Thank you, Min…”

As Mark leaned in, he kissed her. Evelyn kissed him back, momentarily lost in the thought that she was kissing Min-jun. She quickly broke off the kiss and stood up.

“Mark, that was a mistake,” she said, her voice trembling.

Mark looked hurt. “But I like you, Evelyn. And I think you like me too.”

Evelyn shook her head. “Don’t get any wrong ideas. It was a mistake.”

Mark rushed to hug her, but she tried to break free. “Mark, you’re hurting me.”

He let go, looking ashamed. Evelyn walked to the door and opened it slightly. “Please leave, Mark. I’ll pretend this never happened.”

Mark left, but not before saying, “I love you, Evelyn. Please give me a chance.”

As Mark entered the elevator, the other elevator opened, and a mysterious man walked up to Evelyn’s door, knocking persistently.

“Mark, please leave,” Evelyn called out, thinking it was him.

The knocking continued until Evelyn opened the door. The man kissed her as he entered, and she fought him off, shocked to see Min-jun standing there.

“Min-jun? What are you doing here?” she cried, stepping back.

Min-jun hugged her from behind, his voice filled with regret. “I’m sorry for disappearing, Evelyn.”

“Please leave,” she demanded, breaking free from his embrace.

“I’m not going anywhere until you talk to me,” Min-jun insisted.

Evelyn sat on the couch, tears streaming down her face. “Why did you come back, Min-jun?”

He sat next to her, his expression pained. “I had personal issues to handle.”

“Why didn’t you call or text me?” she shouted, standing up. “Why now, when I’m trying to forget you?”

Min-jun stood, his voice soft. “I’m sorry, Evelyn. I never meant to hurt you.”

Evelyn opened the door, her voice firm. “Leave, Min-jun.”

He nodded, his eyes filled with sorrow. “I’ll go. But please know that I’m truly sorry.”

Evelyn tried to pull him out of her apartment, her heart aching with the weight of unfinished business.

Evelyn’s heart pounded as she watched Min-jun leave her apartment. The door clicked shut, but the echoes of their conversation lingered. She sank onto the couch, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. How could he just reappear after all this time?

The next morning, Evelyn woke up with a heavy heart. She decided to focus on her work, hoping it would distract her from the turmoil inside. But as she prepared for her day, her thoughts kept drifting back to Min-jun and Mark.

At school, Evelyn tried to immerse herself in her lessons, but her students noticed her distraction. During lunch, Brenda, one of her colleagues, approached her.

“Evelyn, are you okay? You seem a bit off today,” Brenda said, concern etched on her face.

Evelyn forced a smile. “I’m fine, just a lot on my mind.”

Brenda nodded, not pressing further. “If you need to talk, I’m here.”

After school, Evelyn decided to take a walk to clear her head. She wandered through the park, the fresh air helping to calm her nerves. As she sat on a bench, her phone buzzed with a message from Mark.

Can we talk?

Evelyn hesitated, then replied. Okay. Meet me at the café near my apartment.

When she arrived at the café, Mark was already there, looking anxious. His bruises had faded slightly, but the tension between them was palpable.

“Evelyn, I’m sorry about last night,” Mark began. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Evelyn sighed. “It’s not just about last night, Mark. A lot is going on that you don’t know about.”

Mark reached across the table, taking her hand. “Then tell me. I want to understand.”

Evelyn took a deep breath and began to explain her complicated history with Min-jun. She told Mark about their past, the sudden disappearance, and the unexpected return. Mark listened intently, his expression softening with understanding.

“I’m sorry you’ve been through so much,” Mark said quietly. “But I care about you, Evelyn. I want to be there for you.”

Evelyn looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. “I appreciate that, Mark. But I need time to sort through my feelings.”

Mark nodded. “Take all the time you need. I’ll be here.”

As they left the café, Evelyn felt a sense of relief. She had been honest with Mark, and he had responded with kindness. But the unresolved tension with Min-jun still weighed heavily on her.

That evening, as Evelyn prepared for bed, she heard a knock on her door. Her heart raced, fearing it might be Min-jun again. She opened the door cautiously, but it was Brenda, holding a bottle of wine.

“I thought you might need some company,” Brenda said with a smile.

Evelyn laughed, feeling a wave of gratitude. “You have no idea how much I need this.”

They settled on the couch, sipping wine and sharing stories. For a while, Evelyn felt a sense of normalcy, a break from the chaos of her emotions.

But as the night wore on, Evelyn knew she couldn’t avoid Min-jun forever. She had to confront him, to find closure for the sake of her peace.