Emerald Strings

Filthy Redhead

His voice was quieter now, strained with emotion as he muttered, almost to himself,

“그냥 나를 이해해줘요. 나는 다른 사람처럼 살고 싶어요.” (Just understand me. I just want to live like everyone else.)

There was a long pause before his mother spoke again, her voice softening even more.

“알았어요. 너의 입장도 이해해요. 미안해요, 아들. 다시는 그렇게 하지 않을게요.” (Okay. I understand your position. I’m sorry, son. I won’t do it again.)

Sunghoon let out a slow breath, feeling the tension finally begin to ease. He sat in his chair, looking at the view of the city, he had already cut the call, he was no more interested in talking to anyone.

***

The night air was cool, crisp, and laced with the faint hum of the city as Sunghoon drove toward Times Square. The vibrant streets of New York City had a way of soothing his mind, or so he hoped. After the heated argument with his mother, he needed to escape the suffocating silence of his office.

Throwing on his long black Chester coat and adjusting his glasses, he stepped out of his car, blending seamlessly into the bustling crowd. He walked through the flashing neon lights, the chatter of tourists, and the distant sounds of street performers. His hands were stuffed in his coat pockets as he tried to collect his thoughts. He hated losing control, hated when his emotions got the better of him.

As he navigated through the crowd, lost in his thoughts, he suddenly felt someone bump into him. The collision was strong enough to knock a hoodie off the head of a girl passing by, her loose bun unraveling and her vibrant red hair spilling down her shoulders.

“아, 진짜?” (Ah, really?) Sunghoon muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with disdain. He adjusted his glasses and looked at her properly. His sharp gaze scanned her, his irritation growing as he spoke again, this time in Korean. “물론, 더러운 빨간머리 여자죠.” (Of course, a filthy red-headed girl.)

Aaira blinked in confusion, catching the words “red-headed” and “filthy.” Though she didn’t understand the rest, the tone was unmistakable. Narrowing her eyes, she squared her shoulders. “Excuse me?” she said sharply. “Speak in English if you have something to say.”

Sunghoon’s jaw tightened, and he stepped closer to her, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. He didn’t care that she couldn’t understand Korean; the audacity of someone running into him and then talking back was enough to ignite his temper. Switching to English, he snapped, “Don’t you have eyes? Are you blind? Can’t you see where you’re going?”

Aaira raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a defiant smirk. “Excuse me? You bumped into me. Maybe it’s you who needs to pay attention.”

Sunghoon took another step closer, forcing her back against the wall of a nearby building. His voice was sharp, each word enunciated with precision. “You must be joking. Do you have any idea who I am? People like you don’t even deserve to share the same street as me, let alone run into me.”

Her eyes widened for a moment before narrowing again, her own temper flaring. “Who you are?” she repeated mockingly. “Oh, please, let me guess. Some rich, entitled prick who thinks the world revolves around him?”

Sunghoon’s lips twitched, half in annoyance and half in disbelief. “Entitled prick? That’s rich coming from someone who clearly doesn’t know how to apologize when they’re at fault.”

Aaira scoffed, stepping forward, forcing him to back up slightly. “At fault? I literally was just walking, and you bumped into me! And now you’re acting like some kind of victim? Wow, your ego must be through the roof.”