Summer in Seoul

 THE PHONE is still ringing. Sandy doubted whether she should answer it or not. She had seen the letters appear on her cellphone screen. From Mister Kim. Today is Sunday and Sandy should not work. Why is her boss calling? But Sandy also knows that if the phone isn’t answered, Mister Kim will keep on calling until the sea dries.Finally she gave up and grabbed her cellphone.

“Hha-lho …”

One of the reasons she was lazy to answer the phone was because her throat was in pain and she could not speak as usual. Now her voice was almost like a whisper of the wind.On the other side, there was Mister Kim’s shrill voice.

“Oh dear, Miss Han. Why does your voice sound like a ghost? I know, I know, today is Sunday. But I have to keep calling you for help. Can you deliver clothes for Jung Tae-Woo? We are very busy here. Yes, very busy. Nobody could bring his clothes. Help please? Take it to his house. Do you know the address of the house? Of course not, how stupid of me. Eeh … where is the address? One moment, please … Mister Cha … MISTER CHA! Where did I put Jung Tae-Woo’s address in? Please find it for me. Miss Han, back to our conversation earlier. Tell you what, I’ll send Jung Tae-Woo’s address via text when I find it later. You can take the clothes from the boutique and then go straight to his house huh? Thank you very much. Miss Han, you’re very kind. Bye-bye! “

Sandy heard the phone hang up on the other end. She had no chance to speak at all. Even if she had the chance, she would not be able to say much. She breathed slowly and exhaled slowly as well. Maybe this boss from the beginning until now will not be able to change. For a moment alone.Dictator, Sandy thought to himself as she glared at her cellphone. You better add up my salary or I’ll resign. Just look who wants to work for you.She had said these words often, but she had never actually submitted a letter of resignation. Even though Mister Kim is a strange and casual person, Sandy feels that she can learn a lot from him. Since childhood Sandy loved the world of fashion. So, even though the road wasn’t always smooth, she was happy to be able to work with a famous fashion designer who didn’t hesitate to teach her many things.

Sandy sipped her hot tea again and sat curled up on the bed. It was already daytime, but she was still reluctant to get up from there. This morning as soon as she woke up, her throat ached and her voice began to hoarse. Maybe this was the effect of all of her screams yesterday at the Jung Tae-Woo fan meeting event. Yesterday she was screaming with all her might with thousands of other fans. I wonder what she was shouting, she herself had forgotten. She just kept screaming to enliven the atmosphere. As a result, even whispering is difficult today!Sandy was just about to fall asleep again when she remembered Mister Kim’s orders. While clicking her tongue in annoyance and cursing in her heart, she got up and changed clothes.

About an hour and a half later, Sandy was standing at the door of Jung Tae-Woo’s house in a luxurious residential area. She can only be amazed in the heart. That night, when she first came there, she didn’t pay much attention to her surroundings. At that time she was frustrated. Now Sandy could only clearly see the shape of the house hidden behind the tall iron fence. She let her eyes party as much as she wanted.The two-story house is quite large, with white walls, wide porches, and lots of glass windows. Sandy likes the veranda on the second floor. She raised her hand to shade her eyes from the sun and looked up at the house with pleasure.Then she reached out and rang the doorbell.Next came Jung Tae-Woo’s voice from the intercom.Sandy hesitated. She cleared her throat, even though it didn’t help at all, pressed the intercom button, and said her name in a hoarse voice.

“What? Who? Sorry, the voice isn’t clear, “Jung Tae-Woo’s voice was heard again.Sandy repeated her words while frowning. Jung Tae-Woo should be able to see who is standing at the door. Big houses like this must have surveillance cameras. Certainly. Why did the man have to make her throat hurt more?”I still don’t understand what you’re saying. But fine. Just go in, Sandy. “

Sandy looked away and snorted. Right? Jung Tae-Woo already knew who was standing at the door.Carrying a coat hanger with some clothes wrapped in plastic, Sandy passed the iron fence that opened automatically, then pushed it to close with her feet. She climbed the steps to the big house.Jung Tae-Woo was waiting at the door. The man was wearing a loose gray T-shirt and black trousers. His hair is a bit messy because it is not styled. Sandy realized Tae-Woo was staring at her from head to foot, then the man’s gaze returned to her face.

“What is wrong with you? Where does it hurt? ” asked Jung Tae-Woo without further ado.Sandy pointed at her neck.

“Already take medication?” asked Jung Tae-Woo again.Sandy smiled and nodded.Jung Tae-Woo looked at him, then asked, “Why come here?”Sandy brandished the clothes she was carrying.

“Mister Kim … try it …”Jung Tae-Woo waved his hand.

“Jeez … I can’t stand hearing your terrible voice. Come with me, I have medicine for you. Come in.”

Sandy tried to speak, but her neck was too torturous. Finally she obeyed. However she could not fight the words of Jung Tae-Woo in a situation like this. Just wait until the sound returns to normal.Inside the house, she takes off her shoes and puts on the house slippers Jung Tae-Woo showed.The inside of the house was very neatly arranged, all the furniture and decoration in the house seemed luxurious. After putting his clothes on the nearest sofa, Sandy studied the photos hanging on the wall. Most photos of a pair of middle-aged men and women. Sandy suspected they were Jung Tae-Woo’s parents. There are also some photos of Jung Tae-Woo as a child, teenager, and now.So much fun Sandy watched the photos to the point that she did not realize Jung Tae-Woo was standing next to her.

“Why does it suddenly hurt your throat? Wasn’t it alright, yesterday? ” he asked.

“Yesterday … the fans were … screaming,” Sandy tried to explain.Jung Tae-Woo laughed.

“Ah, so because yesterday you screamed? Stupid kid. Drink this, “he said, holding out a glass of dark brown liquid.Sandy accepted it hesitantly.”Don’t worry. That’s not an anesthetic. Just drink and your throat will improve soon. “Sandy looked at Jung Tae-Woo who walked back to the kitchen. After hesitatingly drinking the liquid, which turned out to be quite tasty, she looked around the room again. There was a white grand piano in the living room that she didn’t remember was there when she first came to the house. Sandy stroked the piano’s surface and opened the lid. She really can’t play an instrument, but she likes listening to music. She pressed one of the piano keys and smiled to herself.

“Hey, don’t touch carelessly.”Sandy looked up and saw Jung Tae-Woo walking toward her. She waved to tell Jung Tae-Woo to come while pointing at the piano.

“What?” asked Jung Tae-Woo confused after standing near the piano.

“Play it,” Sandy whispered hoarsely while moving her fingers like she was playing the piano.

“You want me to play the piano?”Sandy nodded and pulled Jung Tae-Woo to sit on the piano chair.Jung Tae-Woo sat reluctantly and said, “How much do you want to pay?””Whaat?” Sandy asked, moving her chin.”How much do you want to pay for me to play?” Jung Tae-Woo repeated.Sandy pushed the man’s shoulder and pointed at the piano firmly.”Yes, yes. I understand, “said Jung Tae-Woo.A soft piano clang began to sound. Sandy stood next to the piano, propping her chin on it while watching Jung Tae-Woo’s fingers dancing on the piano keys. When the melody played by the man finally stopped, Sandy clapped her hands.

“Very good!” she said, then held the neck.

“Eh, my throat doesn’t hurt anymore.”Jung Tae-Woo smiled.

“I told you the medicine works.”

“Play one more song,” Sandy demanded.Suddenly a cellphone ringtone. Sandy reached into her pants pocket and pulled out her cellphone. The look on her face changed when she saw the screen. She immediately opened the cellphone flap and walked away from Jung Tae-Woo so that the man would not hear her conversation.

“Hello? What’s wrong, Jeong-Su ssi? ” Sandy spoke in a low voice.

“What? Now? I can not. I’m … uh … “

“A call from Hyun-Shik Hyong, huh?” Jung Tae-Woo exclaimed loudly.Sandy jumped in surprise and hurriedly closed the cellphone with her hand. But it’s no use, Lee Jeong-Su has heard those words clearly.

“Soon-Hee, are you with someone?” Lee Jeong-Su asked suspiciously.Sandy glared at Jung Tae-Woo who put on an innocent-looking look, then said quietly, “Yes. I have to go. Alright?”Sandy hung up the cellphone and akimbo. Jung Tae-Woo has gone crazy, huh? If it was Uncle Park Hyun-Shik who called, Sandy wouldn’t need to speak in such a low voice. Such a strange person!

“Jung Tae-Woo, what’s wrong with you? Do you want people to know about us? ” Sandy asked as she looked at Tae-Woo who rose from the piano.Jung Tae-Woo doesn’t seem to care. He just passed Sandy and said, “I’ll be in my room for a minute.”Sandy looked at the figure of Jung Tae-Woo who climbed the stairs quickly, then disappeared at the end of the stairs. What a freak! Sandy shook her head and looked back at Jung Tae-Woo’s house. There are rarely people who can enter the artist’s house. This opportunity must be utilized as well as possible.She was watching the baseball bat with astonishment when she heard her cellphone ring again.

Who else? Lest Lee Jeong-Su, she said to herself, looking right and left, looking for the origin of the sound. Where did she put the cellphone? Ah, there it is, on the piano.She ran to the piano and immediately opened the cellphone flap. “Hello?”

“Hello? Who is this?” asked the voice of the woman on the other end.Sandy frowned. She did not recognize her voice. So she asked, “This is Han Soon-Hee. Who do you want to find?The woman’s voice did not hesitate when answering,

“Isn’t this Jung Tae-Woo’s cellphone?Sandy was surprised. Gosh! Again she took the wrong cellphone. She turned her head around the room and saw her cellphone lying on the dining table. What should I do?

“Oh … Right, this is indeed Jung Tae-Woo’s cellphone,” Sandy said rather nervously.

“I’ll call him.”The woman on the other end suddenly held her back.

“Wait a minute. You are the lady in the picture with Tae-Woo, aren’t you? “Sandy held her breath and turned toward the stairs, hoping Jung Tae-Woo would appear soon.

“Well … I …” Sandy really didn’t know what to say. She was never told how to deal with people who asked about her relationship with Jung Tae-Woo.

“It’s okay,” the woman’s voice turned friendly.

“I’m Jung Tae-Woo’s mother.”Gosh! Her mother? This knowledge actually made Sandy panic.

“Ah, how are you, Auntie?” said Sandy trying to sound calm even though she was actually moving nervously. Then Sandy hung up the cellphone with her hand and called out to call Tae-Woo in her voice which was still a little hoarse. “Jung Tae-Woo ssi!”

She put the cellphone back to her ear and said, “Soon Jung Tae-Woo will come down.”Jung Tae-Woo’s mother laughs softly.

“It’s really nice to hear your voice even though Tae-Woo hasn’t introduced us. That child! You said your name was Han Soon-Hee, right? Sounds like you have a cold. Are you okay?”

“Oh, I’m fine.” Right at that moment she saw Jung Tae-Woo coming down the stairs, she quickly ran towards the man.

“Jung Tae-Woo is already here. Please talk to him, “Sandy said on the phone, then handed the cellphone to Tae-Woo.Jung Tae-Woo took the cellphone in confusion.

“Who?”

“Your mother,” Sandy whispered, panicking.Tae-Woo raises his eyebrows in surprise and answers the phone.

“Hello, Mother?” Then suddenly he kept the cellphone away from his ear. Even Sandy can hear the voice of Jung Tae-Woo’s mother screaming loudly.Finally Jung Tae-Woo put his cellphone back to his ear and said, “It’s not that I don’t want to tell Mom and Dad, it’s just that I think … I know … What? I am at home. Yes alright. I’ll explain to Dad later. What? … He?”Sandy was a little confused when the man looked at her.”Wait a minute,” said Jung Tae-Woo, then held out his cellphone to Sandy.Sandy took turns to look at Jung Tae-Woo and the cellphone.

“My mom wants to talk to you,” Jung Tae-Woo said, putting the cellphone in Sandy’s hands.

“It is okay.”Sandy bit her lip and looked at Jung Tae-Woo. Then she put the cellphone to her ear and greeted Jung Tae-Woo’s mother. She listened to the older woman’s words for a while while nodding and occasionally saying “fine” and “I understand”.

Finally she said “see you” and hung up.

“What did my mother say?” asked Jung Tae-Woo when Sandy returned his cellphone.Sandy replied, “What did you say to your mother about me?”

“I haven’t even had a chance to say anything yet,” Jung Tae-Woo said. “My father saw our photos on the internet and my mother called to ask the truth.”Sandy just nodded. “Oh, are our photos on the internet too?”

“Then what did my mother say to you?” asked Jung Tae-Woo again.

Sandy smiled. “She said I had to watch your meal because you often forget to eat when you’re busy working. She said I must have a lot of patience when dealing with you, especially if you’re grumpy. She said you were actually a good kid and wouldn’t disappoint me. Your mother also said she wanted to meet me and ask you to take me to America to meet her. “

Jung Tae-Woo groaned. “Very fussy. Why is my mom so nice to you? At first she was screaming. “Sandy shrugged. “Maybe your mother prefers girls. Hey, if I’m not mistaken, is your mother a book writer? I’ve read one of her books and I really like it. Your mother really thinks I’m your girlfriend, huh? Wow great.”

Jung Tae-Woo ignored Sandy’s words and asked, “Why did you answer my phone?”Sandy cleared her throat and answered, “I thought my cellphone was ringing. There was indeed someone who called me. When your cellphone rang, I thought he called again. I told you you have to change your ringtone. “

“Who is calling?”

“Friends,” Sandy said, looking away.

“Oh, look. It’s time for lunch. No wonder I’m getting hungry. You haven’t eaten either, right? “Jung Tae-Woo put his hands on his hips and looked down at the floor. Then he raised his head and said, “Then, let’s just go eat outside.””Hey, do you want us to be seen? Do you want to make my life difficult? ”

Sandy asked.”Then, what should we do?”

“Let’s order pizza,” Sandy suggested quickly. “I haven’t eaten pizza in a long time. Okay?”

“Sore throat and still want to eat pizza?” asked Jung Tae-Woo.

“You just eat porridge.”

“My throat has healed,” Sandy protested.

“When will you take me to see your mother?”Tae-Woo raised his head and looked at the girl who was biting a slice of pizza in front of him in shock.

Then Sandy laughed and said, “Joking. Don’t be confused like that.

“Tae-Woo returns to eat his pizza without saying anything.

“Last month when you went to America, did you go to visit your parents?” Sandy asked casually.

“How did you know I went to America last month?” Tae-Woo asks back.

Sandy shrugged. “Everyone also knows,” she said.

“Nowadays, there is nothing that celebrities can hide. People have many ways to find out. From the basics, for example about your mother being a writer, your father composer, and the matter of them living in the United States, to the size of your clothes and what time you sleep at night. “

“Is it true?” Tae-Woo smiled and added, “So you don’t think there is anything that people don’t know about me?”Sandy paused to think. Then, “Eh, there is,” Sandy said firmly.

“What?”Sandy smiled proudly and answered, “People don’t know that you know me.”Ah, she is right. They both have secrets. Somehow this makes Tae-Woo happy.

“I have something to ask you,” Tae-Woo said suddenly.Sandy looked at him, waiting for his words.

“I want to know who was the person who called you earlier,” Tae-Woo said. He saw Sandy’s face change so he quickly added, “Don’t say he is a friend again and don’t try to change the subject.”

Sandy opened her mouth and closed it again. Tae-Woo realizes that girl is wavering.”Is he your ex-boyfriend you talked about?” Tae-Woo asked cautiously.Sandy took a deep breath and exhaled. Then she nodded.Tae-Woo suddenly feels unenthusiastic. He asked again, “Why would he call you again after what he did to you?”

Sandy shrugged. “I have no idea. I do not understand either. He only invited me to talk, eat, and small things like that. “Tae-Woo doesn’t notice his voice getting louder. “Then why do you still want to see him?”Sandy looked at her in surprise.

“I guess I … I … I don’t know.”Tae-Woo can see Sandy is rather confused answering his question.

“After all … do you think that after separating we have to be enemies?” said Sandy finally.

“Until now … do you still like him?” The words just came out of Tae-Woo’s mouth without being prevented. Then without realizing it, his body stiffened waiting for the girl’s answer.

Sandy looked doubtful, then finally answered, “Maybe.”

“What?”Sandy looked at him a little confused. “Maybe,” she said once more. “Maybe I still have feelings for him. I have no idea.”Tae-Woo suddenly felt difficult to breathe. His eyes were fixed on the table but his eyes were blank. His mind is also blank.Then he heard Sandy’s voice again. “This is my personal problem and has nothing to do with you and Uncle. No need to worry. I promise I won’t say anything about you two to that person. I am someone who can distinguish personal problems from work. “Tae-Woo laughs wryly.

“So?”

“I have something to ask you,” Sandy said suddenly.Tae-Woo looked at the girl’s face that turned serious, “What?”

Sandy didn’t look at Tae-Woo, but looked at the pizza in his hand.

“What happened four years ago … Can you tell me?”Tae-Woo is stunned. He didn’t think Sandy would ask that.Sandy glanced at him briefly and added, “I just want to hear the story from your side … if you don’t mind.”

For some reason Tae-Woo feels rather uneasy. Until now he still could not forget the incident. An accident that seemed to have happened yesterday.

“What do you want to know?”

“All of it.”Tae-Woo took a deep breath. His eyes wander. His words slid slowly and evenly. “At that time the event was over. Rain was falling. I was in the car waiting at the main door. Fans are still huddling around my car. They were screaming, jostling. My driver can barely run the car. The security officers were also overwhelmed to open the road so that the car could pass. Finally they managed to hold the fans. The car began to move. Slow, not fast, because I’m still waving to the fans. Then it just happened. “Tae-Woo frowned remembering those times.

“The car was suddenly stopped. When I asked my driver what had happened, he said that one of my fans had been hit. Like a nightmare. Everyone panicked and the girl was rushed to the hospital. We were not allowed to see her because the doctor had to do an examination in the emergency room.”I, myself was not sure exactly how it really happened, but according to some eyewitnesses, the fans pressed each other and this girl was pushed to the front just as my car passed. Even though the car didn’t go fast, the girl’s head hit the asphalt so … “Tae-Woo hears Sandy’s breath jerked. But when he looked up, he saw the girl nodded slightly, asking Tae-Woo to continue the story. What is in the girl’s mind? Tae-Woo wants to know.Still rather reluctant, Tae-Woo continued, “I heard that the girl is not from Seoul. She came from far away to … I didn’t even have time to visit her in the hospital because she was immediately taken home somewhere. We can only express our condolences through the media. “

Sandy just shut up.”What do you think?”Sandy gasped from her reverie.

“Eh, what?”

“What do you think?” Tae-Woo repeated.

“Oh … I don’t know … but I guess … It’s not your fault.”Tae-Woo suspects Sandy is nervous because she doesn’t know what to say after hearing the story. But Tae-Woo feels that attitude is better than pretending to understand his feelings.