7 What kind of proposal was that? (1/2)

”Hyun?” he heard a voice asked. ”Are you even listening to me?”

Hyun-Shik blinked at the person in front of him. ”Huh?”

The girl pouted and poked his cheek. ”You really weren't listening!”

He shook his head and smiled at his girlfriend apologetically. ”Yuri, honey. I'm really sorry. There's just a lot on mind right now...”

The girl clicked her tongue and crossed her arms in front of her. ”Yeah, okay. I get it. Let's just eat.”

The food they ordered arrived a few minutes ago while she was talking about her day. He had asked, albeit uninterested, about her work and how everything was working out for her. To answer him, she had launched into a whole narrative of other girls being 'super negative' about her work just because she got picked to be the image on the next packaging of the eyeshadow palette her company had been developing. Apparently, they needed some kind of mysterious and sexy look and she had exhibited all of what the owner wanted during her audition.

He heard her mumbling to herself. It was obvious that she was upset at him for not listening, but he really couldn't bring himself to listen to her wiles right now. So he ate silently, watching her as she grew increasingly irritated.

”I mean,” she finally snapped. ”You were the one who invited me out today, Hyun. Couldn't you at least pretend that you're listening to what I'm saying? Pretend you're interested!”

”Yuri-ah,” Hyun-Shik decided to go the begging route. ”I'm sorry about earlier. Things at work have been really hectic. Investors are pulling out at the speed of light and I'm thinking of all sorts of ways to remedy the situation at the company. I apologize for being distracted during our quality time.”

The girl just lowered her head and ate. ”Whatever...”

Hyun-Shik sighed. Why can't people go easy on him today?

Yuri had suggested they go to this secluded hole in the wall restaurant near the boundary of Main City. As promised in their advertisement, they offer good food and privacy. Most of the patrons here are either big name celebrities or politicians who wanted a moment of peace from the public. Surprising too, the vicinity of the restaurant was free of paparazzi, so everyone felt relaxed and comfortable.

But not, Hyun-Shik. Being a then-tiered family, Hyun-Shik was treated politely by the staff at the restaurant, but being here, he felt that every now and then, people would look and whisper something about him and the lady he was with. Good or bad comments, he didn't know. Maybe he was just being paranoid.

”Will you marry me?” he failed to realize that he had said this out loud and was startled when his girlfriend started coughing violently, her face turning red.

”Hyun!”

He looked at her blankly.

”What kind of proposal was that?” She whispered furiously. ”Please tell me you're kidding right now!”

As he stared at her red, angry face, he recalled his words. Will you marry me?

Ah, Gods! No! He began to flap his mouth helplessly. What the hell...

”Hyun! I do remember telling you that I'm not ready to let go of my place at the company and that I still need more time to prepare. But even so!”