Chapter 18: Praises
The three of them stood in the living room staring at each other. Park Jungsu was practically standing there with his ears beet red and Sora was standing there - not knowing what to do but to hold up her timid smile in front of Park Jungsu's mother. His mother on the other hand seemed very happy to see Sora at her son's home.
"I'll be right back," said Park Jungsu while looking at the both of them.
"Where are you going?" Sora said to herself.
Park Jungsu looked at his mother, giving her a look that read "try not to scare her away" as he went off to one of his rooms, leaving the two ladies alone.
"I am very sorry to walk in on you both so suddenly. I didn't think our Jungsu-ah would bring home a guest," said Park Jungsu's mother.
Sora's mouth dropped open and waved her hands. "No no no, please don't apologize. I was just helping Jungsu-ssi change his bandage for his wound," Sora explained to Park Jungsu's mother.
Park Jungsu's mother smiled and said, "Don't worry Sora-ssi. I understand – I was once your age, so it's okay if you both were about to do something more exciting." Park Jungsu's mother winked at Sora, which made Sora feel even more embarrassed than she already was.
They both sat down in the living room. "So Sora-ssi, do you have any siblings?" Park Jungsu's mother asked.
"Aniya, it's only me and my parents," Sora answered.
"Oh, so you don't have any brothers or sisters?" said Park Jungsu's mother.
Sora shook her head and said, "Well, there is Victor, one my father's assistant. He's like a chin oppa to me. But other than that, I don't have any siblings."
Park Jungsu's mother nodded and said, "Then you must have received a lot of love from your parents then."
Sora smiled and replied, "Yes, they do love me very much. But sometimes, I feel bad since I'm always busy with work and don't have much time to visit them as often as I used to."
Park Jungsu's mother placed her hand on Sora's and consoled her. "Sora-ssi, I'm sure that your parents will understand. Just like our Jungsu-ah, he's always so busy and it's really hard for him to find time to come home and visit."
"So you don't get to see Jungsu-ssi very often?" Sora asked.
"No, unfortunately – If I'm lucky, he would come over for dinner. But the last time he came over was about a month ago."
"Jjinja? He should visit you more often. That Park Jungsu! Omo! Mianhe, how rude of me to say that," Sora apologized for her sudden rudeness.
Park Jungsu's mother chuckled and said, "You're truly a lovely and wonderful girl, Sora-ssi. This son of mine is always busy and keeps everything to himself. Just like how he didn't tell me that he met someone like you."
"So you both don't even talk that often?" Sora asked.
Park Jungsu's mother shakes her head and said, "Well, that’s not what I mean. He would call once in a while when he has time but he is just too busy nowadays."
"But that's not an excuse to not spend time with family," Sora argued.
"Sora-ssi, it's not Jungsu's fault that he's like this. The ones at fault should be his father and I," Park Jungsu's mother explained.
"You and his father?" Sora surprised from what she just heard.
Park Jungsu's mother nodded and continued, "Back then when he was still young, his father and I used to fight a lot. Most of the time our Jungsu-ah would be dragged into our arguments and often his father would take out his anger on our poor Jungsu-ah." Just then her eyes began to tear up. "I should really be the one to blame." Park Jungsu's mother insisted that she's at fault.
Sora reached out her hand and placed it on Park Jungsu's mother's hand. Sora got up and sat next to her while wrapping her arm over Park Jungsu's mother. "Don't blame yourself, Mrs. Park," consoled Sora.
"It's my fault that he didn't live a good childhood life. The very same reason why he keeps everything to himself – just like how yesterday, if I didn’t call; he wouldn’t have told me he got hurt," Park Jungsu's mother explained as she got more emotional.
"I’m sorry, Mrs. Park. It’s my fault that he got hurt,” Sora apologized.
“Don’t worry, Sora-ssi. He already told me what happened, except he didn’t mention that he did it for a beautiful girl like you,” said Park Jungsu’s mother with a smile.
Sora returned a smile and continued, “Well, I think he’s keeping things to himself because he doesn’t want you to worry. Besides, I’m sure he has his friends to talk things out with," Sora suggested.
"Yes, you're right. Aside from his sister, he has many close friends that he considers as brothers," Park Jungsu's mother agreed.
"Well, he's got Donghae-ssi, right? Even though he doesn't seem like the most suitable person to console with..." said Sora while starting to mumble near the end of her sentence.
"You even met Donghae too, Sora-ssi?" asked Park Jungsu's mother with a surprise.
Sora nodded and asked "Wae? Am I not supposed to?"
Park Jungsu's mother chuckled in happiness and said, "Ani, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that our Jungsu usually doesn’t introduce any girls to his friends unless he and the girl have a close relationship. So if you’ve met Donghae-ssi, then you two must be…" Park Jungsu’s mother gave Sora a grin while teasing her.
Sora’s mouth dropped open and waved her hands. “Ani, ani. I only met Donghae-ssi at Jungsu-ssi’s office by coincident,” explained Sora.
“It’s alright, Sora-ssi. I’m just happy that our Jungsu-su has finally moved on,” said Park Jungsu’s mother.
“Moved on?” said Sora, wondering what Park Jungsu’s mother was talking about. But before she can ask further, Park Jungsu made his way back out from his room with a white t-shirt on.
“Have you both been talking behind my back?” he asked while straightening his shirt. He looked at Sora with a smirk and turned to his mother. “Eomoni, is there something you need me to help you with? If so, you could have just called me instead of making all the way here,” he said.
“Ani, I came over to drop off some food for you, just in case you haven’t been eating properly because of your work. But I didn’t know that you brought Sora-ssi over,” his mother explained, who was having trouble hiding her smile.
“Eomoni! I didn’t bring her over, she came over herself,” Park Jungsu defended.
Just then, Sora quickly elbowed him and argued, “What do you mean by I came over myself?”
“Well, I’m just saying that I didn’t drag you over,” said Park Jungsu.
“If you didn’t suddenly scream and cut off the phone, I wouldn’t have come even if you ask me too!” said Sora.
His mother couldn’t help but to laugh at what was happening before her. “Oh, you two are so adorable, already bickering like an old married couple,” she said.
Both of them instantly stopped and looked at Park Jungsu’s mother. Their faces began to turn red as they turned their attention away from each other. Park Jungsu brushes his hair with his hand while Sora fiddles with her fingers. Then Sora looked at the time on her phone and noticed that it’s already half past eleven in the morning and she was late for work.
“Omo! I have to go now. I’m late for work,” said Sora as she gathers her things, ready to leave his place. “It was really nice meeting you, Mrs. Park,” she said, then giving Park Jungsu’s mother a polite bow.
“I’ll drive you,” offered Park Jungsu as he helped her with her things.
“That’s right, Sora-ssi. Our Jungsu-ah can drive you back,” insisted Park Jungsu’s mother.
“But I can take the…” before Sora can finish her sentence, Park Jungsu already grabbed her hand and lead her to the door. “Eomoni, I’m going to drive Sora back. I’ll call you when I get back,” he said while making their way out in a hurry.
"Arasso, drive safely Jungsu-ah," his mother called out, but both Park Jungsu and Sora had already walked out.
"Park Jungsu-ssi, you should rest more, I can get back by myself," said Sora.
"You think I'd let you go back that easily?" he said to her while cornering her to his car.
"Wae? I'm just going to work," she answered.
"Mhmm, and after that?" he said, giving her a discontented look.
"After that, I'm having dinner with my parents," she answered.
"Yeah, not only with your parents, but also with that guy too," he reminded her.
"Come on, Jungsu-ssi. Are you still jealous?" Sora asked. However, this time, Park Jungsu's face remained unchanged with his wrinkled eyebrows and dark brown eyes staring strongly into hers. He leaned closer, forcing her body against his car. For that moment, Sora felt anxious and could sense the burning jealousy arising in Park Jungsu. Even so, she decided to continue with her teasing.
"What do you think? Do I look jealous?" he asked while placing both his arms on top of his car, trapping her.
"Well, you seemed like you are a bit," she replied.
"A bit? You really think I'm only a bit jealous? The thought of my girlfriend meeting with another guy and not to mention with his parents too is driving me crazy inside. It's like you're both meeting each other's in-laws," he raised his concern.
Sora placed a hand on his chest while the other one caressing his face and said, "You look adorable when you're jealous." She then landed a soft kiss on his lips which caught Park Jungsu by surprise. "You should have more confidence in yourself, Jungsu-ssi. You are after all the President and CEO of JSE and most of all, you're my Jungsu oppa," she praised him.
A smile appeared on Park Jungsu's face. He placed his hand over Sora's that was on his face and he slightly strokes her hand with his thumb.
"Sora-ah, gomawo," he thank her and gave her hand a soft kiss. Then he wanted to land a kiss on her lips, but Sora placed her finger on his lips – in time to stop him..
"If you're going to keep this up, I won't have much office time to do my work," said Sora.
"Then shall we be on our way then?" he asked while pulling her closed and opened the door to his car. Sora squealed and a smirk formed from Park Jungsu's face.
Both settled into the car. Park Jungsu looked at Sora and said, "Allow me, my Baby Princess." He leaned over to grab the seatbelt next to her and helped her with it.
Sora chuckled and said, "Why, thank you my Prince!" and pursed her lips together - trying to hold in her laughter.
Park Jungsu returned a big happy smile and started his engine.
"Aja!" he said out loud as he offered his hand out. Sora placed her palm in his and soon their fingers interlocked. Park Jungsu smiled happily and said excitingly, "Chulbal…!"
They dropped by Sora's place to put on proper attire for work before heading off to her office building.
***
Park Jungsu pulled in in front of her office building's roundabout. He sighed with his hand clenched to hers. "Well, we're here," he said looking at her office building.
Sora also turned to look at her office building and said, "Yes, we are. I'll call you tonight, okay?"
Park Jungsu nodded with a gentle smile and said, "Arasso" but from his tone of voice, he didn't seem ready to let her off. Sora got out of the car and begins to head inside until Park Jungsu lowers down his window and called out her name, "Sora-ah!"
She turned around looking dumbfound and said, "Ne...?"
He gave her a sad puppy face as if he's being disowned. He pouted which made Sora chuckled as she found his act very cute. She looked around, checking to see if the coast is clear and walked back to the car. She grabbed hold of his face and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "Drive safely, oppa," she said and she quickly headed back into the office building.
The kiss left Park Jungsu giggling to himself non-stop as he drove off.
"Victor, who was the person that just dropped Sora off?" Chairman Kang asked as they drove into the underground parking.
Victor turned to the Chairman and replied in a subtle tone, "I believe that is President Park of JSE, one of Sora's business affiliates."
Chairman Kang raised his eyebrows and nodded as he said, "Is that so…? They don't seem like they are in just a normal business affiliate relationship."
"Well, I have met him a few times with Sora and he seems like a very determined person," Victor explained.
The Chairman wrinkled his eyebrows and said, "In anyway, when you have time, do a background check on that guy and report back to me."
Victor looked a bit agitated but still complied with the order, "Yes, sir."
***
"Mrs. Kang, perhaps this size will fit you better," said one of the salesperson at the department store.
"You think so? Alright then, I'll give it a try," said Mrs. Kang as she headed into the fitting room. She tried on the outfit the salesperson showed her.
"Wow, it fits you perfectly, Mrs. Kang!" praised the salesperson.
Mrs. Kang nodded with a smile, agreeing with the salesperson. "Alright then, I'll take this one," she said.
The salesperson nodded happily with a big smile and said, "Most certainly. Will you be paying by cash or credit card?"
"I'll pay by cash this time," replied Mrs. Kang as she headed back into the fitting room.
Mrs. Kang settled the payment with cash and begins to make her way out. She took out her mobile and called her driver to pick her up at entrance. She waited outside the department store with her newly bought clothing. Then her phone suddenly rang and so she took the phone call, "Yeopseo?"
However, at the same time, a man wearing a dark sports suit suddenly snatched her handbag from her hand with full force, dropping the bag containing her clothing on the floor.
She cried for help as she tries to chase after the man, "Yah! You thief! Come back here! Someone, please stop that man! Come back here!"
As the thief was about to cross the intersection, a car suddenly stopped right in front of him, making an instant road block. The thief couldn't dodge in time and was struck down from the force. The car door opened and the driver stepped out while the thief was still twisting and turning on the floor from the pain. The driver grabbed hold of the thief's arm and locked him in a position where the thief can't move.
The driver looked at the handbag on the floor and picked it up with his other free hand and said annoyingly, "Yah...Didn't you see the red pedestrian lights? And you just made a scratch on my car. Why don't you go find a proper job instead of going around and stealing other people's handbag?"
Just then, Mrs. Kang finally caught up to the intersection and saw the captured thief.
"Omo, you caught him! Thank you so much!" she said.
"Is this your handbag, ma'am?" the driver asked.
Mrs. Kang nodded with a smile; feeling a bit embarrassed and said, "Ne..."
The driver handed back her handbag and asked, "Would you like to call the police to settle this?"
"I called the police already, they should be here soon," answered Mrs. Kang.
Soon, the police arrived at the scene and took the thief in. After the police took some statements from Mrs. Kang, she approached the driver and asked, "Is there any way I can repay you for helping me catch the thief?"
He smiled and said, "Don't worry about it. I was just trying to help."
Then, one of the police officer walked up to them and said, "Well well well, Mr. Park Jungsu, what a surprise to see you again. Are you trying to join the police force or something?"
Park Jungsu turned to the officer, not knowing what he means. "Excuse me?" he asked.
"You don't remember? Just a few days ago, you were protecting your girlfriend from the stalker and got injured in front of the restaurant," explained the officer.
"Oh, you're the officer in charge that time, right?" he asked and the officer nodded in reply. "Ah, I see. Well, I was just trying to help this poor lady here," Park Jungsu claimed.
Mrs. Kang overheard their conversation and asked Park Jungsu, "You mean you got injured trying to protect your girlfriend?"
Park Jungsu felt a bit embarrassed and laughed timidly while stroking the back of his head. Then, the officer butted in and said, "Yeah, the stalker even had a knife while Mr. Park Jungsu here only had two bare hands, but still managed to take down the stalker all by himself with these two strong arms of his," as he patted his shoulders. The officer was fully praising him in front of Mrs. Kang for no apparent reason and added, "But, how's your wound from the cut? Did your girlfriend help you take care of it?"
Park Jungsu remained embarrassed and glanced between the officer and Mrs. Kang. "Yeah, my wound is gradually healing, thank you for your concern."
Mrs. Kang looked at him with full admiration as she felt so touched from the story. "Your girlfriend must be really lucky to have you as her boyfriend," she said, trying to control her emotion.
Park Jungsu smiled happily from the praise he was receiving and asked, "You really think so?" He chuckled afterwards from his question.
"Of course! If you didn't have a girlfriend, I would have introduced you to my daughter," Mrs. Kang answered. "I'm sure, you'd make a great son-in-law," she added.
Park Jungsu didn't know what to say for a moment and then said, "Thanks, but I don't think I'll have the pleasure to meet your daughter as I intend to be with my girlfriend for a long period of time. However, thank you for your offer."
"Arasso, but if by any chance you decided that you want to meet someone else, let me know and I'll introduce my daughter to you," she said while handing Park Jungsu her contact number.
Park Jungsu laughed at the idea and looked at the contact number. Then he asked, "Is this your number, ma'am?"
Mrs. Kang nodded and said, "Ne. If there's anything I can help you with, don’t hesitate to give me a call Park Jungsu-ssi, is it?" ensuring she got his name correct.
"Yes ma'am and you can call me Jungsu," he replied.
Mrs. Kang nodded and said, "Arasso, Jungsu-ssi."
Suddenly, Park Jungsu's phone began to ring and turns out he was supposed to be on his way for his appointment. "Mianhe, but I have to be on my way now. Please be careful next time," he said with a pleasant smile and bowed politely to Mrs. Kang.
She lets out a sigh as she watched Park Jungsu get into his car and drove off.
"I'll be right back," said Park Jungsu while looking at the both of them.
"Where are you going?" Sora said to herself.
Park Jungsu looked at his mother, giving her a look that read "try not to scare her away" as he went off to one of his rooms, leaving the two ladies alone.
"I am very sorry to walk in on you both so suddenly. I didn't think our Jungsu-ah would bring home a guest," said Park Jungsu's mother.
Sora's mouth dropped open and waved her hands. "No no no, please don't apologize. I was just helping Jungsu-ssi change his bandage for his wound," Sora explained to Park Jungsu's mother.
Park Jungsu's mother smiled and said, "Don't worry Sora-ssi. I understand – I was once your age, so it's okay if you both were about to do something more exciting." Park Jungsu's mother winked at Sora, which made Sora feel even more embarrassed than she already was.
They both sat down in the living room. "So Sora-ssi, do you have any siblings?" Park Jungsu's mother asked.
"Aniya, it's only me and my parents," Sora answered.
"Oh, so you don't have any brothers or sisters?" said Park Jungsu's mother.
Sora shook her head and said, "Well, there is Victor, one my father's assistant. He's like a chin oppa to me. But other than that, I don't have any siblings."
Park Jungsu's mother nodded and said, "Then you must have received a lot of love from your parents then."
Sora smiled and replied, "Yes, they do love me very much. But sometimes, I feel bad since I'm always busy with work and don't have much time to visit them as often as I used to."
Park Jungsu's mother placed her hand on Sora's and consoled her. "Sora-ssi, I'm sure that your parents will understand. Just like our Jungsu-ah, he's always so busy and it's really hard for him to find time to come home and visit."
"So you don't get to see Jungsu-ssi very often?" Sora asked.
"No, unfortunately – If I'm lucky, he would come over for dinner. But the last time he came over was about a month ago."
"Jjinja? He should visit you more often. That Park Jungsu! Omo! Mianhe, how rude of me to say that," Sora apologized for her sudden rudeness.
Park Jungsu's mother chuckled and said, "You're truly a lovely and wonderful girl, Sora-ssi. This son of mine is always busy and keeps everything to himself. Just like how he didn't tell me that he met someone like you."
"So you both don't even talk that often?" Sora asked.
Park Jungsu's mother shakes her head and said, "Well, that’s not what I mean. He would call once in a while when he has time but he is just too busy nowadays."
"But that's not an excuse to not spend time with family," Sora argued.
"Sora-ssi, it's not Jungsu's fault that he's like this. The ones at fault should be his father and I," Park Jungsu's mother explained.
"You and his father?" Sora surprised from what she just heard.
Park Jungsu's mother nodded and continued, "Back then when he was still young, his father and I used to fight a lot. Most of the time our Jungsu-ah would be dragged into our arguments and often his father would take out his anger on our poor Jungsu-ah." Just then her eyes began to tear up. "I should really be the one to blame." Park Jungsu's mother insisted that she's at fault.
Sora reached out her hand and placed it on Park Jungsu's mother's hand. Sora got up and sat next to her while wrapping her arm over Park Jungsu's mother. "Don't blame yourself, Mrs. Park," consoled Sora.
"It's my fault that he didn't live a good childhood life. The very same reason why he keeps everything to himself – just like how yesterday, if I didn’t call; he wouldn’t have told me he got hurt," Park Jungsu's mother explained as she got more emotional.
"I’m sorry, Mrs. Park. It’s my fault that he got hurt,” Sora apologized.
“Don’t worry, Sora-ssi. He already told me what happened, except he didn’t mention that he did it for a beautiful girl like you,” said Park Jungsu’s mother with a smile.
Sora returned a smile and continued, “Well, I think he’s keeping things to himself because he doesn’t want you to worry. Besides, I’m sure he has his friends to talk things out with," Sora suggested.
"Yes, you're right. Aside from his sister, he has many close friends that he considers as brothers," Park Jungsu's mother agreed.
"Well, he's got Donghae-ssi, right? Even though he doesn't seem like the most suitable person to console with..." said Sora while starting to mumble near the end of her sentence.
"You even met Donghae too, Sora-ssi?" asked Park Jungsu's mother with a surprise.
Sora nodded and asked "Wae? Am I not supposed to?"
Park Jungsu's mother chuckled in happiness and said, "Ani, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that our Jungsu usually doesn’t introduce any girls to his friends unless he and the girl have a close relationship. So if you’ve met Donghae-ssi, then you two must be…" Park Jungsu’s mother gave Sora a grin while teasing her.
Sora’s mouth dropped open and waved her hands. “Ani, ani. I only met Donghae-ssi at Jungsu-ssi’s office by coincident,” explained Sora.
“It’s alright, Sora-ssi. I’m just happy that our Jungsu-su has finally moved on,” said Park Jungsu’s mother.
“Moved on?” said Sora, wondering what Park Jungsu’s mother was talking about. But before she can ask further, Park Jungsu made his way back out from his room with a white t-shirt on.
“Have you both been talking behind my back?” he asked while straightening his shirt. He looked at Sora with a smirk and turned to his mother. “Eomoni, is there something you need me to help you with? If so, you could have just called me instead of making all the way here,” he said.
“Ani, I came over to drop off some food for you, just in case you haven’t been eating properly because of your work. But I didn’t know that you brought Sora-ssi over,” his mother explained, who was having trouble hiding her smile.
“Eomoni! I didn’t bring her over, she came over herself,” Park Jungsu defended.
Just then, Sora quickly elbowed him and argued, “What do you mean by I came over myself?”
“Well, I’m just saying that I didn’t drag you over,” said Park Jungsu.
“If you didn’t suddenly scream and cut off the phone, I wouldn’t have come even if you ask me too!” said Sora.
His mother couldn’t help but to laugh at what was happening before her. “Oh, you two are so adorable, already bickering like an old married couple,” she said.
Both of them instantly stopped and looked at Park Jungsu’s mother. Their faces began to turn red as they turned their attention away from each other. Park Jungsu brushes his hair with his hand while Sora fiddles with her fingers. Then Sora looked at the time on her phone and noticed that it’s already half past eleven in the morning and she was late for work.
“Omo! I have to go now. I’m late for work,” said Sora as she gathers her things, ready to leave his place. “It was really nice meeting you, Mrs. Park,” she said, then giving Park Jungsu’s mother a polite bow.
“I’ll drive you,” offered Park Jungsu as he helped her with her things.
“That’s right, Sora-ssi. Our Jungsu-ah can drive you back,” insisted Park Jungsu’s mother.
“But I can take the…” before Sora can finish her sentence, Park Jungsu already grabbed her hand and lead her to the door. “Eomoni, I’m going to drive Sora back. I’ll call you when I get back,” he said while making their way out in a hurry.
"Arasso, drive safely Jungsu-ah," his mother called out, but both Park Jungsu and Sora had already walked out.
"Park Jungsu-ssi, you should rest more, I can get back by myself," said Sora.
"You think I'd let you go back that easily?" he said to her while cornering her to his car.
"Wae? I'm just going to work," she answered.
"Mhmm, and after that?" he said, giving her a discontented look.
"After that, I'm having dinner with my parents," she answered.
"Yeah, not only with your parents, but also with that guy too," he reminded her.
"Come on, Jungsu-ssi. Are you still jealous?" Sora asked. However, this time, Park Jungsu's face remained unchanged with his wrinkled eyebrows and dark brown eyes staring strongly into hers. He leaned closer, forcing her body against his car. For that moment, Sora felt anxious and could sense the burning jealousy arising in Park Jungsu. Even so, she decided to continue with her teasing.
"What do you think? Do I look jealous?" he asked while placing both his arms on top of his car, trapping her.
"Well, you seemed like you are a bit," she replied.
"A bit? You really think I'm only a bit jealous? The thought of my girlfriend meeting with another guy and not to mention with his parents too is driving me crazy inside. It's like you're both meeting each other's in-laws," he raised his concern.
Sora placed a hand on his chest while the other one caressing his face and said, "You look adorable when you're jealous." She then landed a soft kiss on his lips which caught Park Jungsu by surprise. "You should have more confidence in yourself, Jungsu-ssi. You are after all the President and CEO of JSE and most of all, you're my Jungsu oppa," she praised him.
A smile appeared on Park Jungsu's face. He placed his hand over Sora's that was on his face and he slightly strokes her hand with his thumb.
"Sora-ah, gomawo," he thank her and gave her hand a soft kiss. Then he wanted to land a kiss on her lips, but Sora placed her finger on his lips – in time to stop him..
"If you're going to keep this up, I won't have much office time to do my work," said Sora.
"Then shall we be on our way then?" he asked while pulling her closed and opened the door to his car. Sora squealed and a smirk formed from Park Jungsu's face.
Both settled into the car. Park Jungsu looked at Sora and said, "Allow me, my Baby Princess." He leaned over to grab the seatbelt next to her and helped her with it.
Sora chuckled and said, "Why, thank you my Prince!" and pursed her lips together - trying to hold in her laughter.
Park Jungsu returned a big happy smile and started his engine.
"Aja!" he said out loud as he offered his hand out. Sora placed her palm in his and soon their fingers interlocked. Park Jungsu smiled happily and said excitingly, "Chulbal…!"
They dropped by Sora's place to put on proper attire for work before heading off to her office building.
***
Park Jungsu pulled in in front of her office building's roundabout. He sighed with his hand clenched to hers. "Well, we're here," he said looking at her office building.
Sora also turned to look at her office building and said, "Yes, we are. I'll call you tonight, okay?"
Park Jungsu nodded with a gentle smile and said, "Arasso" but from his tone of voice, he didn't seem ready to let her off. Sora got out of the car and begins to head inside until Park Jungsu lowers down his window and called out her name, "Sora-ah!"
She turned around looking dumbfound and said, "Ne...?"
He gave her a sad puppy face as if he's being disowned. He pouted which made Sora chuckled as she found his act very cute. She looked around, checking to see if the coast is clear and walked back to the car. She grabbed hold of his face and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "Drive safely, oppa," she said and she quickly headed back into the office building.
The kiss left Park Jungsu giggling to himself non-stop as he drove off.
"Victor, who was the person that just dropped Sora off?" Chairman Kang asked as they drove into the underground parking.
Victor turned to the Chairman and replied in a subtle tone, "I believe that is President Park of JSE, one of Sora's business affiliates."
Chairman Kang raised his eyebrows and nodded as he said, "Is that so…? They don't seem like they are in just a normal business affiliate relationship."
"Well, I have met him a few times with Sora and he seems like a very determined person," Victor explained.
The Chairman wrinkled his eyebrows and said, "In anyway, when you have time, do a background check on that guy and report back to me."
Victor looked a bit agitated but still complied with the order, "Yes, sir."
***
"Mrs. Kang, perhaps this size will fit you better," said one of the salesperson at the department store.
"You think so? Alright then, I'll give it a try," said Mrs. Kang as she headed into the fitting room. She tried on the outfit the salesperson showed her.
"Wow, it fits you perfectly, Mrs. Kang!" praised the salesperson.
Mrs. Kang nodded with a smile, agreeing with the salesperson. "Alright then, I'll take this one," she said.
The salesperson nodded happily with a big smile and said, "Most certainly. Will you be paying by cash or credit card?"
"I'll pay by cash this time," replied Mrs. Kang as she headed back into the fitting room.
Mrs. Kang settled the payment with cash and begins to make her way out. She took out her mobile and called her driver to pick her up at entrance. She waited outside the department store with her newly bought clothing. Then her phone suddenly rang and so she took the phone call, "Yeopseo?"
However, at the same time, a man wearing a dark sports suit suddenly snatched her handbag from her hand with full force, dropping the bag containing her clothing on the floor.
She cried for help as she tries to chase after the man, "Yah! You thief! Come back here! Someone, please stop that man! Come back here!"
As the thief was about to cross the intersection, a car suddenly stopped right in front of him, making an instant road block. The thief couldn't dodge in time and was struck down from the force. The car door opened and the driver stepped out while the thief was still twisting and turning on the floor from the pain. The driver grabbed hold of the thief's arm and locked him in a position where the thief can't move.
The driver looked at the handbag on the floor and picked it up with his other free hand and said annoyingly, "Yah...Didn't you see the red pedestrian lights? And you just made a scratch on my car. Why don't you go find a proper job instead of going around and stealing other people's handbag?"
Just then, Mrs. Kang finally caught up to the intersection and saw the captured thief.
"Omo, you caught him! Thank you so much!" she said.
"Is this your handbag, ma'am?" the driver asked.
Mrs. Kang nodded with a smile; feeling a bit embarrassed and said, "Ne..."
The driver handed back her handbag and asked, "Would you like to call the police to settle this?"
"I called the police already, they should be here soon," answered Mrs. Kang.
Soon, the police arrived at the scene and took the thief in. After the police took some statements from Mrs. Kang, she approached the driver and asked, "Is there any way I can repay you for helping me catch the thief?"
He smiled and said, "Don't worry about it. I was just trying to help."
Then, one of the police officer walked up to them and said, "Well well well, Mr. Park Jungsu, what a surprise to see you again. Are you trying to join the police force or something?"
Park Jungsu turned to the officer, not knowing what he means. "Excuse me?" he asked.
"You don't remember? Just a few days ago, you were protecting your girlfriend from the stalker and got injured in front of the restaurant," explained the officer.
"Oh, you're the officer in charge that time, right?" he asked and the officer nodded in reply. "Ah, I see. Well, I was just trying to help this poor lady here," Park Jungsu claimed.
Mrs. Kang overheard their conversation and asked Park Jungsu, "You mean you got injured trying to protect your girlfriend?"
Park Jungsu felt a bit embarrassed and laughed timidly while stroking the back of his head. Then, the officer butted in and said, "Yeah, the stalker even had a knife while Mr. Park Jungsu here only had two bare hands, but still managed to take down the stalker all by himself with these two strong arms of his," as he patted his shoulders. The officer was fully praising him in front of Mrs. Kang for no apparent reason and added, "But, how's your wound from the cut? Did your girlfriend help you take care of it?"
Park Jungsu remained embarrassed and glanced between the officer and Mrs. Kang. "Yeah, my wound is gradually healing, thank you for your concern."
Mrs. Kang looked at him with full admiration as she felt so touched from the story. "Your girlfriend must be really lucky to have you as her boyfriend," she said, trying to control her emotion.
Park Jungsu smiled happily from the praise he was receiving and asked, "You really think so?" He chuckled afterwards from his question.
"Of course! If you didn't have a girlfriend, I would have introduced you to my daughter," Mrs. Kang answered. "I'm sure, you'd make a great son-in-law," she added.
Park Jungsu didn't know what to say for a moment and then said, "Thanks, but I don't think I'll have the pleasure to meet your daughter as I intend to be with my girlfriend for a long period of time. However, thank you for your offer."
"Arasso, but if by any chance you decided that you want to meet someone else, let me know and I'll introduce my daughter to you," she said while handing Park Jungsu her contact number.
Park Jungsu laughed at the idea and looked at the contact number. Then he asked, "Is this your number, ma'am?"
Mrs. Kang nodded and said, "Ne. If there's anything I can help you with, don’t hesitate to give me a call Park Jungsu-ssi, is it?" ensuring she got his name correct.
"Yes ma'am and you can call me Jungsu," he replied.
Mrs. Kang nodded and said, "Arasso, Jungsu-ssi."
Suddenly, Park Jungsu's phone began to ring and turns out he was supposed to be on his way for his appointment. "Mianhe, but I have to be on my way now. Please be careful next time," he said with a pleasant smile and bowed politely to Mrs. Kang.
She lets out a sigh as she watched Park Jungsu get into his car and drove off.