PROMPTS

Economics and Mr. Ri (8)

"Look at us. Adults and still worried about our... 'crime'," Seri said, teasingly. Sitting down on opposite ends, they continued to chuckled while stealing glances at each other. "How have --"

"How are --"

Their sentences were started at the same time, which they both cut short when they noticed that the other one was also speaking.

Motioning for her to go ahead, Jeong Hyeok stayed quiet, waiting for her to continue. While she cleared her throat and fiddled with her coat, Seri tentatively asked, "How have you been, Ri Jeong Hyeok?"

"Good," Jeong Hyeok replied. "I finally got my PhD, and as you know, I'm now a professor."

"Like you always dreamed," Seri said, wistfully thinking back to the times when they would stare at the stars and he shared to her why he wanted to become a great teacher.

"And you? I read about the amazing success of your company," he said. "You built your company without your family's investment, just like you wanted."

Seri smiled, but there was a sadness behind it. 

"Your dreams came true," Jeong Hyeok said. 

"This wasn't exactly how I dreamt it would happen," Seri said. 

"Yoon Seri..." Jeong Hyeok said in a warning tone.

Seri stopped, wondering if she should continue to say what she wanted to. However, she spent the past ten years dealing with her What Ifs with regard to Jeong Hyeok. If she told him now, what would happen? He'd get mad and leave her? They weren't together anyway so, she took a deep breath and said, "We always dreamt of being here, fulfilling our professional dreams while still loving each other."

Jeong Hyeok crossed his arms, immediately being defensive. "In case you forgot, I was begging you years ago so that we can reach for our dreams together."

"I know and I left you," she said, quietly. When there was silence between them, Jeong Hyeok stood and bid her a good night. "Wait. Jeong Hyeok, wait. Please?"

Facing her again, Jeong Hyeok stated, "I'm not in the mood to relive the break up, Seri."

"I don't either," Seri said. "I just... I wanted to say I'm sorry. I chose you every day, my heart has loved only you all these years."

"Funny how that worked out with me standing alone in the rain," Jeong Hyeok pointedly shot back. Those words hurt her, he could tell from the way she flinched and he almost took it back. "Seri, I --"

"You're right. If I were only thinking of myself, I would have eloped with you that night like we planned," she confessed. "But... I couldn't leave my sister."

"What?"

Seri still remembered that night vividly.

*

"Oh geez, why did it have to rain so hard tonight?" Seri lamented.

She stayed over at her parents' home for one night to spend some time with Jisoo. It was quite obvious from her parents' reaction that they would never accept Jeong Hyeok for her, but Seri did not care. He was the only one she loved and she would fight for it.

With the offer he received to study in the US, they decided together that they would take the opportunity and build a life there. 

"But, Jagi, your name is not that known in the US, it will be a challenge to start your business in a different country," Jeong Hyeok warned.

"I know. I can work in the bigger fashion houses, first," Seri assured him. "Then, once I know enough, I'll branch out. Have faith in me."

"I do," Jeong Hyeok said. "I just worry you might be sacrificing more with this set up."