Chapter 443 (2/2)

The two picked up their chopsticks.

* * *

“I’ll bring this kid home. I have business in Seoul.”

Hanna piggy-backed Sooil, who was practically limp, and started walking.

“Hanna sure is strong.”

“Really.”

“It’s cold. Let’s go home as well.”

The high street of Anyang on Friday night was bright as though it was day. It wasn’t just because of the lights from street signs, but also because of the red glow from the faces of those in the streets. They left the high street.

“You didn’t bring your car, did you?”

“Of course. I’m going to sleep in the jjimjilbang[5] nearby.”

“You live in Seoul, right?”

“Yeah. You live in Suwon so I guess it won’t take long by bus. You should go home quickly. You might make your parents worried. Ah, won’t they say something if you smell like alcohol when you go home?”

“They think that freedom is the best way to raise children. They won’t say anything as long as I don’t cause trouble.”

“Splendid parents you have there.”

“Indeed. You don’t have anyone you’re in a relationship with?”

“If I did, I’d be telling everyone around me already. Maybe because I'm busy, but I don’t see a good woman.”

“Why don’t you try going on TV? People around you will set up meetings for you.”

“Acting in front of a camera just isn’t for me.”

“You’re not interested in movies either?”

“Well, if I become poor, I will do anything it takes to get me back on my feet, but for now, I want to focus on plays. Acting has its times, you know? A stage you can digest while you’re thirty-three is different from the stage you can digest when you’re thirty-four. The stage is where one year makes a big difference.”

“But you should really accept it when people scout you.”

“I’ll do it if our dear president Lee Junmin tells me to, but there’s no way he’d have me do something recklessly. Wait, why are we talking about money when we were supposed to be talking about love? Since we’re at it, why don’t you introduce me to a good person?”

“Senior.”

“What?”

“It’s a crime.”

“Age is nothing in front of love.”

“Maybe, but there’s something called shame as well.”

“Dammit, forget about it. You young kids can play with other young kids all day long for all I care. This old man is going to die a lonely death.”

Ganghwan exaggerated his actions as though he was acting in a play. Thanks to that, he attracted attention from people around them. Maru tried to step away from him, but Ganghwan’s arm hooked around his neck.

“Treat her well. Love at your age makes you think and feel about a lot of things.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’m doing plenty well.”

“Yeah, yeah. Sure. Because it’s you. But what do kids do these days?”

“It hasn’t changed. Watching movies, eating out, and talking.”

“Dammit, kid. At your age, you're supposed to be more passionate, and imm.a.t.u.r.e in your love. What is that old-fashioned setting?”

“Liking someone is old fashioned in itself.”

“Urgh. I wonder what she saw in a guy like this. This guy should be as interesting as a grey wall to girls her age. It’s such a curious thing.”

Maru shrugged as he spoke,

“My girlfriend isn’t that girly.”

“Is she like you and her mental age is actually really old?”

“I’m saying that she is not childish.”

“What does that entail?”

“We don’t have to talk to each other to know and understand each other. You know, things like that.”

At that moment, the lights changed. Ganghwan let go of his neck. At the same time, he said this,

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“It’s normally not like that. The girl that was my student last winter, at least, wasn’t like that. Well, she is your girlfriend, so you must know better, but when I looked at her, she didn’t seem so strong-minded.”

Ganghwan tapped Maru’s forehead.

“Engrave the words this love-expert is telling you. The way you see her might be different from the way she actually is.”

“...You’re drunk, aren’t you?”

“I was found out? Pftt. Hahahaha.”

Ganghwan crossed the street as he waved his hand. Maru looked at his back for a while before turning around.

[1] Calling the waitress.

[2] Vegetable wrap

[3] Pork belly(samgyeopsal) fried with gochujang(chilly paste)

[4] Seaweed soup. Wikipedia for more info.

[5] Public bath + sauna. Wikipedia for more details.