≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

FIVE | THE BEST OF TIMES

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

HOUSES WITH FLOWERS and shrubs teased Soo-Jin for a quick smell of ecstasy, the aroma following had as she continued her plotted journey. The relentless slap, slap of her feet echoed each other, as her breath strained a little, while passing several more clusters of houses and buildings.

It wasn't too long before she reached her old neighborhood, Ssangmun-dong. A smile carved its way to her lips as she realized a lot has changed in her old neighborhood. It thrived as people went about their daily business, some walking or packing loads, others pounding corn in hollow mortars. The sound of shrieking children mingled with flute music. The slanted morning light gave everything a hazy look as it passed through the moist air.

Passing by the market, her smile furthered when she caught sight of the fish shop she always visited before. A familiar elderly woman with grey hair shining bright in the sunshine stood behind the cash register, searching around.

"Just a second!" uttered Mrs. Cho, Sang-Woo's very caring and bubbly mother, wearing her apron before walking up to her. "Yes, how many -- Omo! Soo-Jin? Is that you?"

"Good morning, imo." She bowed her head in greeting the woman she knew half of her life.

"Aigoo!" gasped the adorable Mrs. Cho, embracing the young woman in her arms then lightly slapped her shoulder. "It's been so long since I last saw you here! You never came back after you and your sister moved out!"

Soo-Jin felt guilty. Mrs. Cho was like family to her since the latter and her mother were great friends. Chun-Hei often bought fish from Sang-Woo's mother and they would constantly talk about their children's success and how they are perfect for one another. Yes, ever since they were kids, there were already marriage plans for the two of them.

The young woman adored Mrs. Cho so much. She was kind, mirthful, and supportive. She was there when she and Sang-Woo graduated as co-valedictorians, when she received her acceptance letter from SNU, when her parents died, and when she moved out of Ssangmun-dong. Soo-Jin remembered the times she always stayed at Mrs. Cho's fish shop to help around. Whenever she and Sang-Woo came home to visit from SNU, they would always buy her a little gift to put around her shop. Soo-Jin felt remorseful for not keeping in touch with her.

"Yes, it has been indeed quite a while." the young woman smiled. "I missed you so much, imo."

Mrs. Cho broke their hug first and brushed Soo-Jin's hair aside. "I missed you too, you silly girl. What brought you here?"

"I was just visiting. I had the time today, so I went here. A lot has changed here."

"That is true. Oh, I am so happy that you came here, Soo-Jin. Look at you... you didn't age a bit."

"I could say the same thing to you, imo."

"Aish," the elderly woman chuckled. "So, how's everything, Soo-Jin? Are you married? How's your work?"

The brunette grimaced. "No, no marriage for me. No boyfriend for years. I'm too busy for that."

Her companion nodded. "How's Hana? Is she alright now?"

Soo-Jin let out a small breath. "She's fine. She'll be having a transplant next week."

Mrs. Cho pouted, tapping the young woman's shoulder. "Poor girl. Things have been really tough for you, Soo-Jin?"

"Things have been tough, yes, but... I am tougher."

The elderly woman grinned, brightly. "Oh, that is what I admire the most about you! You never give up easily!" She then held the other female's hands when the young woman's eyes swept to the picture frame that displayed her and Sang-Woo at his graduation day. Mrs. Cho squeezed Soo-Jin's hands. "Have you and Sang-Woo contacted each other lately? Have you two talked?"

The brunette smiled. Should she tell that her son participated in a death game with her yesterday? She shook her head then chuckled. "No, we haven't. What's there to talk about, anyway, imo? Our relationship ended years ago."

The elderly sighed, forlorn. "You know, he was really devastated when you two broke up. Even though he tried to conceal and deny it, I knew. I saw it in his eyes. He loved you, Soo-Jin. I scolded him for what he did." talked she. "Aish, that boy, you would've been my daughter-in-law by now if he didn't let you go!"

Soo-Jin chortled.

"Oh, just get married now so I can have grandchildren before I die!" cooed Mrs. Cho, pinching the woman's cheeks. "I will always think that you two are perfect for each other! My son never had another girlfriend after you, you know. I think he never got over you."

"Really?"

The elderly woman leant closer as if to tell her a secret. "The next time he calls me again, I will mention that you came here. Don't worry, I will set it all up."

This caused Soo-Jin to chuckle again and she put her hand over her lips to keep her laughter down. Mrs. Cho had no idea that she and Sang-Woo already saw each other, just in very strange circumstances. "He's very busy nowadays." voiced out the grey haired woman. "He's in America right now, can you believe it?"

The woman blinked, the corner of her lips twitching. "America, huh?" Cho Sang-Woo, you liar. She thought to herself.

"Yes," She happily responded. "I'm so proud of him!"

"Well, uh," Soo-Jin smiled, glancing at her watch. "I'm afraid I have to go now, imo. I have to go back to my workplace -- "

"Soo-Jin?"

The two women anchored their attention to the newcomer who turned to be Gi-Hun. His eyes lit up when he saw her. "Ya! What are you doing here?" He strode over towards her and hugged her tightly. Soo-Jin, in an attempt to look surprised by his appearance, laughed and reciprocated her childhood bestfriend's embrace. To be honest, if there was a best in lying and faking award, Soo-Jin already received one. Her façade never faltered, not even once.

"Gi-Hun! I'm so happy to see you!"

Gi-Hun must've caught up with her act since he said, "Ya! It's been years, Soo-Jin! You're visiting your old neighborhood now, huh?"

"Yes! I came here to visit you and your mom as well!"

The tall man eagerly nodded. "Well, come on then, have lunch in our house today!"

At this, Soo-Jin spun around to bow her head to Mrs. Cho in gratitude. "I am very happy to have seen you again, Mrs. Cho. I hope this is not the last time we'll see each other."

"Yes, yes. Oh, wait! Both of you, here!" The adorable elderly woman gathered a bag and stuffed it with mackarel, happily handing them to Gi-Hun and Soo-Jin. "Have this! It's on the house today, okay?"

"Imo -- "

"Aish, Soo-Jin! It's been so long since I last saw you. Please, let me give you this. Make sure you come back here, okay?"

Will she indeed see her again? There was a chance she was going to back to those games and she didn't know if she'll live until the end. The female stared at the bag of mackarel in her hands. "I will."

And with that, the two bestfriends bowed their heads in gratitude and went on their way. When they were far away enough from the fish shop, Gi-Hun leant close to Soo-Jin. "So, what's the real reason you're here?"

"Like I said earlier, I wanted to pay a visit."

"Great, mother will be delighted -- " He paused in his tracks, looking ahead to their left because hiding behind a tent was Sang-Woo. He was dressed in a white dress shirt, and grey blazer and pants just like how a businessman should. "Oh, look, it's Sang-woo." Gi-Hun pointed to him, surprised by his presence. "What are you doing here?"

"Why are you hiding there like a fugitive?" blatantly commented Soo-Jin, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, wait, you already are."

She recalled what his mother told her. That he was in America, not in Korea, at the moment. She frowned, disappointed that he hid the truth from his mother, but then she knew why too. He was ashamed. Why wouldn't he be? He was the golden boy of their neighborhood. The one everyone looked up to because of his success. Admitting his failure would be like a shot to the heart, his pride would be hurt.

Sang-Woo shot her a glare, but then softened his gaze afterwards when she raised her eyebrow as if to say 'Am I wrong, though?'. Looking back at the path ahead of her, she said, "Come on, you two. Let's all catch up. We have a lot to talk about."

THE THREE GATHERED together in front of an abandoned building just like how they would during their childhood days. Soo-Jin brushed the dust off the step and accepted the coffee cup Gi-Hun passed to her, thanking him. Cool breeze then sent her hair fluttering back as she sat beside Sang-Woo, lifting her gaze to her childhood bestfriend.

"So, how are you?" began the woman, taking a sip of her drink. "You look like a tired father."

"I am already a father."

Soo-Jin's eyes widened in surprise and she swiftly inclined her head toward Gi-Hun. To be honest, she didn't expect him to have a kid of his own. "Really?"

"Yes! I have a daughter!"

"What's her name?"

"Ga-Yeong."

"Well, where is she now?"

"She's with her mother and her... stepfather."

At that, the woman released a long sigh. So, her friend's marriage failed. "Do you have custody of your daughter?"

"Well, her mother and I have talked about it. Everything was settled during the divorce." talked Gu-Hun, pulling out a box of cigarettes and offering it to them. Soo-Jin shook her head and her friend turned to Sang-Woo. Her ex-boyfriend's stare strayed to her then looked down. The woman rolled her eyes.

"What? Are you asking permission to me for you to smoke?"

Sang-Woo leant forward, his hands gripping his coffee cup. "You hate cigarette smoke." he muttered, enough only for her to hear, making her smirk. She knew he was aware that she hate cigarettes. They irritated her very much. Not to mention, one can die of secondhand smoke.

During their university days, whenever Sang-Woo was stressed out and in need of a smoke to release it, he would go outside or somewhere far from her so she wouldn't lecture him about the harmful effects of tobacco smoking. It even got to the point where she handed him her four-page essay assignment about lung cancer.

The brunette stood up and walked a few steps away from them. She then gestured to him to seize one stick and he did, sparking it with his lighter.

"Ya! Soo-Jin!" expressed Gi-Hun, taking a large drag of his cigarette. "Back in that murder warehouse, you were able to fight that thug on your own. Where did you learn all those moves?"

"I join underground fights when I need urgent cash." Soo-Jin casually spoke, taking another large sip of her coffee.

Gi-Hun choked. "Really?" he coughed, smoke coming out of his nostrils. "You join underground fights? You really punch someone until they're knocked out cold?"

"Yes," she deadpanned. "Want me to try land one on you?"

"Ya, what's up with you?" Her childhood bestfriend grunted. "Aish, so aggressive."

Soo-Jin tsked. Actually, there were many times where she came home, bleeding and bruised because her opponents were ruthless and bloodthirsty. Fortunately for her, she would always find a way to get out alive. That's why 101 was almost like nothing to her since she already met and defeated several rivals like him, all brawns and no brains.

"Ya, Sang-Woo," She averted her attention to him, crossing her arms. He had been silent for a while. "Why did you lie to your mother? Is it because of your debt?"

He didn't respond.

Gi-Hun shook his head. "Hey, come on, Sang-Woo, you’re still Ssangmun-dong’s own pride and joy." he praised. He had always admired Sang-Woo's intelligence. He even once told her that he wished he had it as well so his life would improve. "You’re still the genius who got accepted to SNU Business School. So, don’t worry. You’ll make money again. Go tell your mom all about it and make a fresh start."

"Just make…" Sang-Woo scoffed, puffing his cigarette. "six billion won?"

Soo-Jin blinked. What on Earth did he bet on to have a debt of six billion won? No wonder his clients really want his ass in jail. She thought.

"Six billion?" Gi-Hun voiced out Soo-Jin's shock, bending forward in disbelief. "I thought it was six hundred million won."

"They don’t know everything there is."

"And all those stocks that guy said that you lost, you did that for real?"

"It wasn’t just stocks now." Her ex-flame inhaled. "There was futures too."

Her childhood bestfriend bent forward even further, nonplussed with what Sang-Woo had done. "Excuse me? You bet on your future?"

The well-dressed man only looked at him, shame and wounded pride flashing in his eyes. It was as if he can't take it that his image was now tainted in Gi-Hun's eyes.

Soo-Jin crossed her arms. "What kind of bet was it that you used that much money? Did you get a girlfriend..." She swallowed, maintaining her nonchalant façade. "or are you planning to have a wife?"

"Doesn’t mean that future."

Soo-Jin didn't know why, but there was a sudden wave of relief that coursed through her when she heard him say that.

He sighed. "Just forget it."

Gi-Hun scoffed and clicked his tongue as if he gained a brilliant idea. "Hey, file for personal bankruptcy then. Whatever they call it." he shrugged. "I heard you won’t have to pay your debts off if you do that."

"Not all debts can be discharged, Gi-Hun. There are debts that are not eligible for discharge, and it is a very rare occurrence. It's all stated in the chapter four of the Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act." enunciated Soo-Jin. "Plus, it's too much hassle. The court will have him submit to a means test to prove he is unable to repay his debts. Bankruptcy will also remain in your credit reports for years."

The two men stared at her, blinking.

The brunette rolled her eyes. "What? I keep up with the law, okay?"

Sang-Woo pushed his glasses up. "I used my own mother’s house as financial collateral..." admitted he. "and her shop. I put it all on the line."

Soo-Jin pinched her nose. "You're an idiot."

Exactly, at that time, she heard a phone rang and Gi-Hun pulled out his and answered the call, his eyebrows crossed together. "Who is this? Yeah, this is he." His expression then morphed into shock. "What? Okay, okay. I-I will be there now."

Worried about his sudden change of behavior, Soo-Jin stepped forward. She knew her friend very well to know that something was wrong Panic was evident in his eyes. "What is it? Is everything okay?"

"It's-it's from a hospital. My mother..." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "They said she was brought there."

"You want me to come with you?"

Gi-Hun nodded. "Yes," then he flickered his gaze toward Sang-Woo and changed his answer. "Wait, no, no need! You don't have to." He smiled brightly as always, setting aside his cup. Turning away, he added. "I'll be fine!"

"Okay, why don't you give me a call -- "

"Yes, yes!" he agreed, now hastily walking away from them, almost running. "I'll just update you later!"

"But, you don't have my number!" called out Soo-Jin, raising her arms and shaking her head. "Aish, that man..."

That was when she felt a drop of water on her cheek, followed by another and another and the drizzle turned into a heavy downpour.

Soo-Jin gasped. "Omo!" She quickly ran to the front of the building to shield herself from the rain. Sang-Woo stood up as well, taking a step back as to not get wet.

The torrents rushed forth in a mob-like roar towards the dry, unyielding ground. The rain pounded down, each drop a small stone, piercing cold. The woman groaned and scratched her scalp in vexation. She forgot to bring her umbrella with her. "Aish!" she murmured, glancing at her clock. "My apartment is almost three hours away from here."

"Mine's only an hour." Sang-Woo stated, turning his attention to her. "Want to come with me?"

THE FORMER COUPLE sloshed through ankle deep puddles as freezing, bone-chilling rain poured down on them. Soo-Jin was soaked wet entirely even though Sang-Woo had already given her his blazer to use as protection from the rain. The two swiftly entered the apartment, panting hard.

His room was slightly disorganized. Some of his things were on the floor as if it was a metaphor for the state of his life right now. Messy.

"Sorry for the mess. I wasn't expecting anyone. I'll clean it up." Without saying any word, her former lover moved to his cabinet, rummaging through his belongings. He gathered a few clothes and adjusted his belt. Soo-Jin would be lying if he didn't look so easy on the eye at the moment. The way his white dress shirt tightly clung to his skin was enough to make her swallow. Drops of water slid down from his hair and face as he removed his glasses, placing it gently on his bedside table.

He then sauntered over to her, hands full of clothes. "Here," he gave her a large white shirt and knee-length shorts. "Wear this. The bathroom is over there."

Soo-Jin took the clothes, softly thanking him. Entering the bathroom, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was dripping wet and a portion of her make-up melted. The woman grabbed a tissue and wiped off her make-up, letting her face breathe. "It's okay, Soo-Jin. You're still a national goddess even though you look like a mess right now." She joked to herself, laughing as she threw the tissue on the garbage can.

That was when she noticed the bottles of Soju and cigarettes on the floor. She shook her head. What had become of Cho Sang-Woo?

Emerging from the bathroom now dry and fully clothed, she saw Sang-Woo throwing the last of the trash around. He was dry and he had already changed into another set of his corporate clothes. He averted his gaze then to his mini refrigerator and strolled over to it, taking out two Soju bottles. With a tight-lipped smile, he lifted them both up and asked, "Soju?"

Soo-Jin kindly took one from him and the two of them sat on the couch, silent. The tension between them was thick and palpable. After all, there were still some words they both want to say to each other. The two exes only remained in their seats, silent. As she drank her alcohol, Soo-Jin began to recall all the memories she had with the man beside her.

They were so happy back then. The two of them frequented the library, holding each other's hands as they studied their subjects. Soo-Jin would throw random questions about business management while he would ask her about the Korean Constitution. They both would stay up all night during examination days and celebrate with chicken and beer whenever they receive high grades from their professors.

"So," he inhaled, staring at his now empty bottle. "You never got married?"

Soo-Jin sighed, slightly rolling her eyes. She was so, so tired and sick of people asking her about marriage, but she knew why. In their country, marriage was considered the most important passage in one's life. Of course, Soo-Jin has plans of getting married one day, just not now. Not until her sister is healthy and she herself finally becomes a lawyer. "No." She imbibed her Soju. "Love can't pay bills."

"Marriage can." He retorted, nonchalant. "You should've married a rich guy then."

Soo-Jin was offended by his words. "Excuse me?"

"It's called being practical."

"Fuck you. I'll trap myself into a loveless marriage because I'm destitute?" She retaliated. "If I have to bleed so I can earn money, then so be it."

"You always preferred the hard way than the easy way." He shot back then shook his head. "You had always been prideful."

"And you had always been selfish."

That must've struck a chord in him since he abruptly stood up from his seat. Releasing another breath, he took her empty bottle and tossed it in the trash can. "I'm taking a shower." he announced, grabbing the bath towel hanging on cabinet and walking away to the bathroom.

Soo-Jin massaged her temples. Cho Sang-Woo had always been complicated, but back then, she understood him. She may never what was on his mind that time, but she knew it was for good intention. He was an enigma she couldn't decipher and perhaps, she never will. Standing up, she decided to look through his things. Yes, it may be wrong to touch his belongings, but hey, she was curious about his current state of life.

There was nothing mostly interesting around except when she got to his bedside table. The bottom drawer contained boxes that had pictures inside. Sitting down at the edge of his bed, she examined them, letting out a soft gasp when she saw that it was their photos during their university days. He still had them all.

Picking up one of them, Soo-Jin's lips broke into a smile as she reminisced the time it was taken.

She couldn't exactly remember what day it was, but she knew both of them were on the university grounds, sitting on the grass. She was behind him during that time as he read a novel. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she greeted him with a kiss on his cheek. "Hello there, nae sarang!"

"Nae sarang," he smiled, touching her arm.

"What are you reading?"

"A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens."

"Interesting..." she grinned then moved to his front, laying her head on his lap. They were still in their first year of college and so in love at that time. "Tell me about it, or wait, read it to me."

"Okay, you two adorable lovebirds! Smile!" uttered a male photographer out of nowhere, taking a sudden photo of them.

"Omo!" exclaimed the woman then laughed, sitting up when she recognized the photographer to be from one of her classes. "Ya! I wasn't ready!"

The photographer shrugged. "The best photos are the ones that are taken spontaneously. Look." he then handed her the polaroid picture after shaking it. The female freshman cooed at the sight of her and her lover, smiling at one another lovingly. Light was shining behind them brightly like an angelic aura covering them.

"Can we keep it?"

He laughed. "Of course!"

Smiling, she gave it to Sang-Woo. "Keep it. I want you to always keep it with you. No matter what." He nodded and inserted the photo inside the novel, returning to his seat. Soo-Jin excitedly laid her head again on his lap as he ran his fingers through her hair, soothing her. "Now, read to me, please!"

"Okay, okay!" He chuckled, lightly. "It was the best of times, the worst of times..."

Everything was good back then. 

A sudden click of the door dragged Soo-Jin away from her trip down to memory lane and she panicked. Her ex-boyfriend came out of the bathroom, dressed and clean. She tried to return everything inside the box and close the drawer, but she was too late so in a last attempt to cover up her action, she stood up and concealed the open bottom drawer. The polaroid picture as still in her hand, however.

Sang-Woo was an observant like her. He knew when something was up and without hesitation, strolled over to her. His eyes skimmed down to his bedside table and returned his gaze to her eyes. She had just then realized that their proximity was so close. His face was only inches away from her. Her cheeks grew hot like the temperature in the room had just dropped.

"What did you do?" he lowered his tone, pinning his gaze to her blushing face. "Why are you going through my things?"

Soo-Jin averted her attention, feeling suddenly small. "I, uh, I was looking for some... tissue paper."

"Why didn't you ask me then?"

"You were in the bathroom. I didn't want to disturb you after... earlier." As she was saying this, she budged the bottom drawer and pushed it close, releasing an internal sigh of relief.

"I know when you're lying, Soo-Jin."

She tilted her head for him to continue.

"You may be an excellent liar, but not to me. I know." At this, he leant down closer to her, his breath fanning over the skin on her neck. Her breath hitched and it was like she suddenly forgot how to breathe and function like a normal person. He snatched the polaroid from her grasp and showed it to her, raising it.

"Why do you still have them all?" she asked, directing her eyes to the photo in his hand.

Long and tense silence. "Because... I'd like to think there could've been a future for us."

Heart melting from his honest words, Soo-Jin leant forward and captured his lips on hers. Maybe time stopped when his lips met hers, but the flutter only intensified. Her heart pounded in her chest as her knees got weaker. She could only focus on how soft he felt against her mouth, how addictively he invaded all her senses.

It still wasn’t clear if she dreamed this moment to life, but there was a raw emotion in the way his fingers curled around her waist. Sang-Woo then broke their kiss and bent down, his lips against her cheek. She shut her eyes. That light touch against her skin was enough to send shivers through her nerves, shivers that made her whole body tremble. "If you want me to stop, tell me now, Soo-Jin..." he whispered. When she still said nothing, he brushed his mouth against the hollow of her temple. "Or now." He traced her cheekbone. "Or now." His lips were now against hers. "Or..."

But, the woman had reached up and pulled him down to her. He kissed her gently, carefully, but it wasn’t gentleness she wanted, not now, not after all that time, and she wrapped her arms around his nape, pulling him harder against her. He groaned softly, low in his throat, and then he moved her away from his bedside table and against the wall, pushing her arms up.

She had no plans of stopping now. She missed him, she missed him so much...

Unfortunately for them, life had to interrupt.

A loud ringing noise across their room startled them both and they broke away, breathing hard. Soo-Jin recognized that it was her ringtone and she walked over to the couch to answer it. It was her sister, asking where she was at the moment and if she was coming to visit her again. After assuring her that she will pass by her hospital before going to work, the woman ended the call.

She scratched the back of her nape in awkward silence. She had just kissed her ex-boyfriend and they were almost going to fuck. Should she be ashamed? In her opinion? No. Why should she be? But, it was indeed awkward for her. "It's my sister." Soo-Jin talked. "She's, uh, looking for me."

He nodded, looking down at the floor. "How is she?"

"She's okay. She will be having her transplant soon."

"I hope she gets well soon."

"Thank you."

Another long, tense silence.

Soo-Jin couldn't bear it any longer and so she decided to go. "I have to go." She vocalized, heading towards the door. "It was nice seeing you again. Thank you for the kiss -- I-I mean the temporary shelter from the rain." She grimaced.

Once again, Sang-Woo nodded with a nonchalant expression. "You forgot your clothes in the bathroom and your mackarel in the refrigerator."

The brunette paused and rushed to the bathroom and refrigetor, snatching her wet clothes and bag of sliced mackarels. Bowing her head, she said, "Thank you. Bye."

She hastily left his room and went out of his apartment building. She had no idea why she kissed him, but she just impulsively felt it. Didn't she leave him before because he was too jealous? Even to the point he accused her of cheating on him. Soo-Jin sighed. Why were their paths crossing again? She left this life and past behind already.

Soo-Jin didn't know why, but she had a gut feeling they would each other again.

And she was right. That was not the last time they were going to see each other again for their desperation and situations will lead them to the games again.

Only question is: will they both live until the end?