breathing ¦ mark lee

ch ; 11

─── ･જ⁀➴ 11 જ⁀➴･ ───

Start Of A New Leaf

In the days that followed their awkward encounter, Mark couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt and the desire to make things right with Yeojung. He spent countless hours meticulously planning his approach, hoping to catch her at the perfect moment. Finally, on a Thursday afternoon, as the sun cast a warm glow over the bustling streets of Yangpyeong, Mark found himself standing near the Yangpyeong Rail Bike, where Yeojung was scheduled to work as a tourist guide.

Leaning against the wall, Mark watched as tourists milled about, their chatter mixing with the sounds of the city. His heart pounded with anticipation, each passing moment feeling like an eternity as he waited for a glimpse of Yeojung. He knew he had to tread carefully, mindful of her feelings and the delicate situation between them.

As he scanned the crowd, Mark's eyes lit up with recognition as he spotted Yeojung in the distance, her vibrant energy drawing him in like a magnet. She moved gracefully among the tourists, her smile infectious as she shared tidbits of information about the town. Mark took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.

Pushing himself off the wall, Mark adjusted his cap and began to weave through the crowd, his heart pounding in his chest with each step. He approached Yeojung cautiously, not wanting to startle her, but determined to finally set things right.

"Excuse me, miss," Mark called out, his voice barely above a whisper as he reached her side.

Yeojung turned, her eyes widening in surprise as she recognized Mark standing before her. For a moment, her expression flickered with uncertainty before she regained her composure, a polite smile gracing her lips.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her tone polite but guarded.

Mark cleared his throat, suddenly feeling the weight of his words bearing down on him. "I, uh, just wanted to check in and see how you're doing," he replied, his voice tentative.

Yeojung's smile faltered slightly, her eyes searching his face for any hint of insincerity. "I'm fine, thank you," she replied, her tone guarded.

Mark shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of their strained relationship hanging between them like an invisible barrier. "Look, Yeojung, I know things have been awkward between us lately, and I just wanted to say that I'm sorry," he began, his words tumbling out in a rush.

Yeojung's expression softened slightly, her guard beginning to lower as she listened to Mark's heartfelt apology. "I appreciate that, Mark," she replied, her voice softening with genuine warmth. "But I think we both know that it's going to take more than just words to make things right between us."

Mark nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I know," he admitted, his gaze sincere. "And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn back your trust."

There was a moment of silence between them, the sounds of the bustling city fading into the background as they stood locked in their own little world. Then, without warning, Yeojung's expression softened, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Okay, Mark," she said, her voice soft but resolute. "Let's start over."

Mark's heart soared with relief as he watched Yeojung extend her hand towards him, a gesture of friendship and reconciliation. Without hesitation, he reached out and clasped her hand in his, the warmth of her touch sending a shiver down his spine.

"Thank you, Yeojung," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I promise, I won't let you down."

And as they stood there, hand in hand, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, Mark knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful friendship—one that would weather any storm and stand the test of time.

-

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the streets of Yangpyeong, Mark and Yeojung found themselves seated on a weathered wooden bench, their hands wrapped around steaming cups of tteokbokki and skewers of hotteok from a nearby street vendor. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling food, and the sounds of laughter and conversation surrounded them as they savored their meal.

Yeojung glanced sideways at Mark, a curious expression on her face as she studied him intently. "So, Mark," she began, her voice laced with curiosity, "what made you change your mind about wanting to be friends?"

Mark took a moment to chew thoughtfully on his hotteok before answering, his gaze distant as he searched for the right words. "I guess I realized that I was being unfair to you," he admitted, his voice soft but earnest. "I've been so closed off and reserved since I arrived here, and I know that must have been difficult for you."

Yeojung nodded in understanding, her eyes softening with empathy. "It's okay, Mark," she reassured him, her voice gentle. "I understand that adjusting to a new environment can be tough, especially when you're dealing with your own personal struggles."

Mark offered her a grateful smile, relieved by her understanding. "Thanks, Yeojung," he said, his voice sincere. "It means a lot to me that you're willing to give me another chance."

Yeojung returned his smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Of course, Mark," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity. "I believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and I can see that you're trying your best to make things right."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the sounds of the bustling city fading into the background as they enjoyed their food in companionable quiet. Mark couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him as he sat there with Yeojung, the weight of his past struggles beginning to lift from his shoulders.

After a moment, Yeojung turned to Mark, her expression curious. "So, what brought you to Yangpyeong in the first place?" she asked, her voice tinged with genuine interest.

Mark hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much he wanted to reveal about his past. But seeing the genuine curiosity in Yeojung's eyes, he knew that he could trust her with the truth.

"I came here to escape," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I needed to get away from the chaos of my old life and find some peace and quiet."

Yeojung nodded in understanding, her expression sympathetic. "I can relate to that," she said softly, her voice tinged with empathy. "Sometimes, we all need a fresh start to find ourselves again."

Mark smiled gratefully at her words, feeling a sense of kinship with Yeojung that he hadn't felt in a long time. "Yeah," he agreed, his voice tinged with emotion. "And I think I'm starting to find that here."

And as they watched the sun sink below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the town, Mark knew that he had finally found a place where he belonged—a place filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings.

-

Continued.