[Sim Seju]

If there's anything I hate, that's leaving certain matter still pending. Especially if they have to do with secrets.

I have to find this Hayley Linn, but she hasn't answered my messages yet. It's like she doesn't want contact with anyone. I guess I have to ask around to see if anyone knows her. I don't feel like relying on Dad yet. I think he'll try to turn this into a game, but I don't have time for that.

I walk all the way to the art gallery. Maybe she's there and I have no idea. I try asking the receptionist at the entrance if she's passed by, but I receive a negative response. "I don't think so."

Even though she isn't here, going back home now is a waste, so I buy myself a ticket and pretend to be a visitor. I let paintings guide me through a journey of vivid colors, soft brushes and gleaming shadows.

I stop by an unsigned work. It looks like its artist prefers working anonymously. I notice that the coloring is neat, the saturation is perfect, and the contrast makes the painting look like a picture. I'm not even sure if I'm admiring the work of a painter or of a god.

A man and a woman pass by me and stop close to the inscription not far from the painting. The latter seems significantly older than the former. She has to be in her fifties or something like that. The man, though... He looks familiar. He reminds me of Kevin Salyer.

Same dark complexion, same squared face, big hands. Yet, this man has something that makes me think he's a new face. From his broad shoulders to his spiky hair, he looks like the carbon copy of the woman next to him. Perhaps they're related by blood. I'd ask, but I don't want to sound rude.

Suddenly, the woman catches my attention by waving at me. She smiles, then turns at the man. I hear him whisper, "I told you, Aunt, she hasn't changed!" Who is he talking about? I'd like to lean closer, but I don't need to: they've just caught me eavesdropping.

"Seju?"

I pinch myself. This has to be a dream... No, it's a nightmare... No... Whatever. It's reality. This isn't a drill. Kevin Salyer is back. The fact that he instantly recognizes me should be a reason for comfort for me. So, why do I feel like there's a catch? What if he's engaged and his fiancée doesn't want him near any other women?

Okay, I need to stop with conspiracy theories. I have to catch up with Kevin, see what he's been up to.

"Oh, Kevin, what a surprise! I didn't expect you to come here! I mean-" I cut myself off. How can my social skills still be poor after many years? It's been ages since high school. I shouldn't feel embarrassed to talk to Kevin anymore. It should come natural. Yet, I sound forced. I have no other choice than let out what I'm actuall supposed to do.

"I know I shouldn't ask straight away... Yes, I should, because it's important, but... Never mind." I groan. My hesitation will cost me a golden chance—perhaps the only one—to see if Kevin is still interested in me.

Fortunately, he doesn't want to turn away. He eyes his aunt, asking her politely if she can leave the two of us alone. She accepts the requests and wanders through the hall, inspecting more painting.

Now it's just Kevin and I. No more excuses. I have to get this burden off my chest. I don't know how much more pain I can endure.

"Listen, it's been seven years since I asked you out... It was awkward to say the least." My head hangs low as I tell him how I still can't get over my crush on him. "This is why I need to pay you forward for putting you through such an embarrassing scene."

He answers, "I'm all ears, Seju."

I nod. "Okay. The point is, I'm looking for Hayley Linn. Do you know her?"

Kevin scratches his head. "No, sorry, I don't think I've ever heard this name." Ouch. It isn't going as I expected. It turns out I'll have to make a lot more efforts to find that woman. If she's trying to act mysterious, I'll make her regret wasting time.

"But we can ask around in the gallery if you wish." Kevin's suggestion seems intriguing; however, I don't want to bother anyone for this. I'm supposed to keep the search under wraps, anyway. I don't understand why I, among all, chose to tell Kevin. I should've kept my mouth shut or, at least, made do with simple small talk.

I run my hands through my hair. I'm half tempted to pull it. Why does everything have to be so hard?

Suddenly, a woman in her thirties approaches me. Her blonde hair is a tangled mess. I wonder when was the last time she went to a hairdresser's. Okay, that's not my business. I have to focus on more pressing matters.

She notices me and raises a hand to earn my attention. I approach her. She seems to be looking for directions. She also has a large case. I wonder what's there inside.

I have to stop being overly curious. The content of that case must be a private matter, and I have no right to disrespect that.

I greet the woman, tending a hand at her. "Good morning, madam. How can I help you?"

She bursts into heavy laughter. "Hahaha. Don't call me madam. You make me feel fucking old. I'm just thirty-one. By the way, you look familiar."

I'm confused. Who's this woman? "Excuse me... Who are you?"

She extracts something from the pocket of her jeans. It's a business card. I read it aloud. 'Hayley Linn, artist in making.'

She shows me a perfect smile and replies, "Nice to meet you. You must be related to Daehwa Lee. I mean, you look a little bit like her." That's not true, though. Usually, I'm compared to Dad more. I wonder whether Hayley is trolling me or is serious.

"Well, you guessed right. I'm her daughter. Seju, by the way. Oh, I think I called you thrice and sent you, like, ten messages but you've never answered."

She doesn't seem impressed by my deadpan. She sighs. "I changed number. Didn't your mother mention that?"

I shake my head. Hayley facepalms. "That woman is a genius, but at the same time I wonder if she's still with us on Earth or on some other planet." Oh, Mom... When I meet her again, I'll make sure she never forgets her mistake nearly landed me into trouble.

I recall what my mother told me on the phone that day. "So, you need help, don't you?"

Hayley leads me to a secluded corner of the gallery. She whispers, "Yes, I do. It sounds embarrassing but... I'm expecting. No-one knows, not even my fiancé." As she notices my face turns dark, she tries to correct herself. "Not yet, at least."

"So, what's the matter? Do I have to help you break the news to your family?"

"Well... Yes. The problem is, I haven't spoken to any of them for ten years." Exactly what Mom told me on the phone. How am I supposed to help a woman I barely know to announce her pregnancy to her estranged family? I can't do miracles!

Suddenly, Kevin and his aunt, who have gathered together again, pass by. The latter notices Hayley and groans. "Hayley, what mess are you getting this girl into?"

Kevin and I both turn red out of embarrassment. I suspect his aunt knows Hayley, while he doesn't.

This is such a disaster. I'll always hold Mom accountable for it until (or unless) she gives me guidance to fix it.