Landing in Your Inbox

54 - the lone tree

"Just change it."

Jeong-hyeok did so, changing it to Classic FM, "What's with the song?"

"Nothing...Just..." Seri slowed the car to a stop when the red traffic light flashed on, "He was a past boyfriend."

Now Jeong-hyeok had her undivided attention, his torso turning to as far as his seat belt could allow him. "The singer?"

"We broke up last year." Seri didn't deign to look at Jeong-hyeok who watched her like the avian she often associated him with, "Well the start of the year. I just don't want to be reminded."

This seemed to shock Jeong-hyeok more, Seri heard a breath of astonishment from him. Seri turned to him, "What was that?"

"Nothing..." Jeong-hyeok took to tugging at his coat sleeve like it had a crease, "I guess you still remember the men of your past..."

Seri watched Jeong-hyeok grow sullen and smirked, "That's right. I remember so I don't make the same mistakes again and I happened to make a lot. It's embarrassing."

"I hope you won't make one again." Jeong-hyeok had taken to wiping something on her dashboard with his finger.

"No, I think I'm right this time."

Jeong-hyeok caught Seri smiling as the car went on its way again at the go signal. 

***

The Lees' Seongbuk residence resembled one of those historic cultural heritages in the area, a house on a hill surrounded by a traditional garden with a large front lawn lined by manicured hedges and lit pathways. Seri was only making this out from the holes of the ornate grill gates.

Jeong-hyeok unbuckled his seatbelt and faced her, "Call me when you get home."

Seri nodded, "Do you need help with your things?"

Jeong-hyeok shook his head, "Someone can help me with them when I ring the doorbell."

"Okay...I'll see you next week?" 

Jeong-hyeok nodded. 

Seri honestly did not know what to do in that situation. He should be saying goodbye or she should be shooing him away from the car but both of them were just stuck in that space like they were trying to remember a script both had forgotten so they were waiting for each other to move. Technically, they made their parting remarks but they were still in that car.

Jeong-hyeok appeared like he wanted to say something and was opening his mouth but someone knocked on the window of the car. Seri almost jumped on her seat. "Who is it?"

"It's our butler." Jeong-hyeok lowered the window.

The butler spoke, "Your mother is asking if your guest could come in for tea."

Seri blinked, "What?"

"She didn't tell me this." Jeong-hyeok said, mostly for Seri's benefit. "Is my father home?"

The butler shook his head, "He left a few moments ago."

Jeong-hyeok turned to Seri. "Do you want to come in?"

Seri pointed to herself. "Me? Are you sure?"

"It's okay." Jeong-hyeok urged, "I told my mother you were driving and I guess she found an opportunity. She's been wanting to meet you."

"Oh goodness. Now?" Seri checked herself by the rearview mirror. She had on a white coat which was safe and presentable enough but was that enough. "Do I look okay?"

Jeong-hyeok's face broke into a grin, "You always do. Come along."

"Okay...It's a good thing I got that tea box set." Seri unbuckled her own seatbelt.