Fix Me (K-drama)

Chapter 6

Would Gi-Kyong be in trouble? I suck in my bottom lip and look over my shoulder. Perhaps I should tell his mother before she thinks the worst of me.

I kneel down, fold my hands in my lap and say: "Eomeonim, I'm sorry if I upset you, please let me explain what happened."

She nods and I continue: "We were working in the field, when suddenly some of your son's friends showed up. Gi-Kyong ..." I hold my breath when I see her eyes narrow, did I say something wrong? Wait, is it saying his name? I remember Koreans have this strict set of rules about talking to or mentioning someone. My experience is extremely limited, but I do recollect the word I'm supposed to use. Quickly I add: "-oppa ..." the frown doesn't disappear, didn't I use the correct honorific? What is it then? Nim? After a short deliberation, I settle for ssi and when the lines in her forehead finally smooth out, I relax a little before proceeding. "He hid me from them, I think it was to keep them from seeing me. He, ehm... he pressed me against him and his friends thought ... well, they must have thought we were being ... close. But I promise you, it was only to protect me. Please don't be mad at him. I'm sorry for causing so much trouble, please forgive me."

I bow as low as I can and wait for my penance. Mrs. Ho sighs, snorts and finally taps me on the head. "It's alright, Ji-Eun-ah, he was protecting you, I understand. It's too bad those boys had to see you two together. Rumors travel fast."

---

I stay in my seated position, my back a little more straightened after her pat, while she gets up to sort through the vegetables we brought back from the field. I rotate slightly so I can help her.

Worries make my face crease. People will ask questions, perhaps even come over. I should leave. But where can I go? Thinking about leaving this place, this family, makes tears well up and as soon as I blink, they run down my face. I try to hide it by pressing my cheek against my shoulder, but they keep coming.

When Mrs. Ho catches me wiping my eyes with my sleeve, she clicks her tongue, but hands me a small piece of while linen. I dab my eyes and sniff loudly and then I try to smile, but seeing her friendly expression only makes more tears flow.

"I'm sorry", I bawl, "I'm just really going to miss this place."

Through my impaired vision, I can see how her eyes widen. "Are you leaving, Ji-Eun-ah? But Gi-Kyong-ah told me you have nowhere to go."

It's true, and with more tears surfacing, I bend my head.

Sudden cheerful voices outside startle us. It's what we were afraid of, people coming over while I am in the house. I only hadn't expected them so soon, I haven't even thought about packing yet. Even though I really have nothing to pack.

Mr. Ho comes inside with an alarmed expression. He briefly glances at me, then says to his wife: "We will sit outside, it's getting dark, we can conceal her eyes."

What will they tell their friends? Will they keep up the ruse we started in the field? Will we tell them I'm the bride of their son? What will they say when I'll be gone? That I died? Or that the wedding was called off? Perhaps it's better if I stay hidden inside and they pretend Gi-Kyong was just messing around with some girl.

Mrs. Ho busies herself with preparing the iron pot to give food to her late guests and I already know they will never say something like that. This is an honorable family, Gi-Kyong is the last person on earth to disgrace a woman. I will not bring shame to his reputation.

Touching the scarf that hides my hair, I check if it's still in place. I haven't even washed yet after returning home. Why oh why couldn't these friends have waited a day?

While Mr. Ho goes outside again with a bottle and little drinking bowls on the circular tray-table, Gi-Kyong comes in and kneels before me. Astonished I watch him as he bows his head and I'm even more astounded when he says: "I am sorry, Yeong Ji-Eun-agassi, I have placed you in an awkward position. I beg of you to play along for now. I will fix this."

Words elude me, but when he looks up, I quickly nod and the tension leaves his shoulders. Before he gets up, however, I see his lips move in a pensive manner and he's almost embarrassed when he looks at me again and softly says: "I will have to call you Ji-Eun-ah, you can call me Gi-Kyong-ah." Again he bows his head and then he leaves the house.

For a moment I feel everything at the same time. Honorifics weren't a part of my life until last week, but I have learned they're a very big deal. Allowing myself to be called ah: the most informal suffix, by Gi-Kyong fills me at the same time with elated joy and terrible dread. I'm falling for him. I shouldn't, but I am. I groan, but quickly pull myself together. I check my feet, walk to the corner where a large bowl stands for cleaning and fill it with water from a jug next to it. I wash my face, my hands and finally my feet. Then I stand up, check my outfit, pull the head scarf as low as possible over my forehead and turn to Mrs. Ho.

She examines me meticulously, forces herself to smile and waves her hand to send me outside. To the men. I'm scared out of my wits.

The moment I appear in the door opening, eyes cast down without actually closing them, Gi-Kyong jumps up and takes my hand. A shiver runs through me and I swallow.

He allows me to take place next to him and his father and in the little space I can see around me, I can tell there are three people in front of me. Gi-Kyong introduces me and three young voices greet me enthusiastically. With great care not to look up, I bow my head and mumble a response.