"We're here, Miss Kang... Welcome to my home." Looking out the car window, I see a tall building in a prestigious area of Korea.
"Do you live here?"
"Yes... My apartment is in that building." Mr. Park enters the building's parking garage, getting out first to help me out.
"Oh... don't worry, I can get out by myself. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" he asked, still offering his hand to help me. After some insistence, I finally had to accept Mr. Park's kindness.
"Follow me, Miss Kang."
"Yes..." I follow Mr. Park to the building's elevator. As we ride up, an awkward silence falls over us. To try and break the silence, I ask,
"And... is your apartment very high up?"
"Yes... On the 13th floor," he replies, looking at me intently.
"So high up?" I asked, surprised, as we waited to reach the floor. After a few minutes, the door slowly opened. "After you, Miss Kang," he offered, extending his hand.
"T-thank you..." I stepped out of the elevator first, carrying my work things. Mr. Park followed me out, guiding me to his apartment.
"We're here... Come in, Miss Kang," he said, opening the door. I slowly stepped inside, taking off my shoes, and Mr. Park did the same. His apartment was very large, with a huge window overlooking the entire city.
"It's beautiful..."
"I'm glad you like it, Miss Kang... Would you like something to drink?"
"Uh... No, thank you, I'm fine." I continued gazing out the window, mesmerized by the city. Mr. Park came to stand beside me, also taking in the view. "I apologize if I'm being disrespectful, Mr. Park," I said, looking directly at him. "Don't worry, Miss Kang... please make yourself comfortable. You're my guest today... Would you like to have dinner? I was planning to have Haemulpajeon (omelet) for dinner tonight. Would you like to join me?"
"I don't want to bother you, Mr. Park. I've already caused enough trouble today."
"Don't say that, Miss Kang. I insist. Besides, as far as I know... you haven't eaten anything since your break at work... Please eat something."
"Alright, Mr. Park... I accept your invitation to dinner."
After a while, the Haemulpajeon was ready. We both sat down at the table, which I had set while Mr. Park cooked. "You first, Mr. Park," I offered. Mr. Park began eating slowly, then followed.
"Actually, Miss Kang... this is my favorite dish," he informed me, covering his mouth as he ate.
"Really? You like Haemulpajeon? Mine is japchae (stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat)."
"Perhaps I should invite you to dinner, don't you think?"
"What are you saying, Mr. Park? That wouldn't be appropriate," I replied, continuing to eat.
"And... why would it be?" he asked, resting his head on his fist.
"Perhaps it's frowned upon... don't you think?" I asked, looking him straight in the eyes. "Perhaps... but it's not wrong to go out to eat, Miss Kang, so don't worry. Besides, it would help us have a better professional relationship at work, wouldn't you say?" "Maybe you're right..." I admitted, discreetly wiping my mouth with my napkin.
After eating, I offered to wash the dishes as a way of thanking him for the meal, while he went into his room. I finished washing the dishes, and he came out dressed in pajamas, carrying some clothes for me to change into.
"I know you didn't bring anything to wear to bed. So use my clothes; they'll be too big, but at least they'll do." I took the clothes, bowing respectfully. "Thank you... I'll go change, if you'll excuse me," I said, heading to the bathroom. After a few minutes, I came out wearing the clothes. They were extremely big on me, to be honest. But they were comfortable, at least for tonight.
"I know it's way too big, but I suppose it'll do for tonight."
Miss Kang came out of the bathroom wearing my clothes. She looked kind of funny, to be honest. I never imagined Miss Kang would be in my house, much less wearing my clothes.
"Don't worry, Miss Kang, it's too big, but it'll do," I replied, my hands in my pockets, staring at her.
"You'll sleep in my room while I sleep in the living room," I suggested, extending my hand toward my bedroom.
"W-what?... It's not necessary, Mr. Park. You've already done so much for me. I really appreciate you wanting me to be comfortable, but this is too much."
"I mean it, Miss Kang. You're my guest, and you should be comfortable. Your comfort and well-being are important to me," I replied, taking her hand and leading her to my room. I grabbed a pillow and took a sheet from my closet for myself. "Rest well, Miss Kang. I'll see you in the morning." I closed my bedroom door, went to the sofa, adjusted my pillow, and lay down, pulling the sheet over me.
My heart had been pounding in my chest ever since I took Miss Kang's hand, my cheeks slightly flushed. "Why is this happening?" I wondered, an uncomfortable yet pleasant feeling. What could it be?
Hye-jin.
Mr. Park leaves the room, leaving me alone, still feeling his grip on my hand. With no other option, I carefully lie down on the bed, which feels quite large, even bigger than mine.
"This bed is too big for me... I should have insisted on not staying in his room.
'I care about your comfort and well-being.' My comfort? My well-being?" These words echoed in my head as I sat on the bed in the fetal position, knees drawn up to my chest, stroking the hand he had taken to lead me to his room.
Why do I feel like this?...
Am I going crazy? I feel like I can't breathe... A pressure in my chest. I pull the sheet over my head, closing my eyes and trying to sleep. The next morning, the sun's rays wake me, and I see Mr. Park lying next to me in bed.
"M-Mr. Park?...
"Miss Kang?... What's wrong?" he asked in a deep voice, his eyes still closed.
- W-what are you doing here?
- Don't you remember, Miss Kang? You asked me to sleep next to you.
- What are you talking about?...
★~ Last night ~★
Seungho.
I was trying to sleep after the strange feeling that had been haunting me all night. The door to my room opened, and Miss Kang peeked in.
- Mr. Park... Are you awake?
- Miss Kang? What's wrong?
I got up from the sofa and slowly walked to the door. "Can't you sleep?" I asked.
- Sort of... But don't worry, I'll just try to go back to sleep.
- Miss Kang... Come with me.
I took Miss Kang's hand and led her to the kitchen. I got a glass of milk and warmed it up.
- They say warm milk helps you sleep, Miss Kang. Don't worry, this is all normal.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Park... You're so kind," I said, carefully taking the glass and drinking its contents.
"I hope this helps and that you can get some rest."
A few minutes later, Miss Kang began nodding off against my shoulder. It seemed the milk had worked; her gaze was beautiful, like an angel descended to earth. I picked her up and carried her to my room, placing her back on the bed when she grabbed my shirt.
"D-don't go, Mr. Park," she mumbled sleepily.
"Miss Kang?"
"Please... Don't leave me alone. I don't want to... sleep... alone."
After putting her to bed, I lay down next to her, respecting her personal space.
"Good night, Miss Kang."
★~ Present Day ~★
Hye-jin.
"W-what?... I asked you to sleep here?" Mr. Park nodded, looking me in the eyes. I turned away, trying to hide the embarrassment on my face.
"I'm sorry... Mr. Park... It's quite clear that I was asleep."
"Don't worry, Miss Kang, I understand. Now get ready. I'll take you to work."
"What?... I can go by myself. Besides, if you take me, everyone will think things that aren't true."
"Don't worry, I'll drop you off a block before the company, so no one will know we came together."
"Okay..."