Chapter 121

* * * She smiled while gently thumping her fingers on the steering wheel.“Something good must have happened,” Taesik asked with a respectful tone.“Yeah. Remember, tone.”“Ah, of course. Hum hum, so what’s so good?” He said while changing his respectful tone.“I saw my kids develop quickly. Personal training assistance really does make a big difference. I’m lucky they met some good teachers.”Today was the day that Miso saw the likelihood of succeeding in the winter nationals. Geunseok and Daemyung. It would be fun to see both of them together. Once the People of Dalseok-dong play is over, if there’s time, she would create a play with both of them as leads. She felt an eagerness and anticipation that she hadn’t felt in a long time. Their acting was that satisfying.While smiling, she rubbed Taesik’s shoulder, who was sitting next to her. It was a long overdue date. She felt a little sad that she had to drag out this boyfriend of hers who only wanted to stay home.“Let’s go out on Sunday’s at least.”“It’s cold though.”“Anyways.”Miso squinted while lowering Taesik’s side window. Taesik quickly begged for mercy.“So how are the kids? I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been around to check up on them.” “Everything’s good. The only thing is that I didn’t get to see someone’s potential blossom and meet my expectation.”“Expectation? You mean Maru?”“Yeah. It seemed like he gained a lot of experience after going here and there, but I feel he hasn’t been able to properly digest everything. Well, he could have experienced too much in too short a time.”“He’s a smart kid, so he’ll regroup and show something soon. He’ll do at least that if not more.”“Right, I think so too. Hey, where are we going?”“… Anywhere…”“Dang it! I really don’t understand why I started liking you!”Even with someone shouting at him, Taesik warmly smiled and apologized. This was why Miso couldn’t contain her love for him.“Okay, then don’t say anything to the contrary and just follow my lead today. Alright?”“Do what’s comfortable for you. However, we shouldn’t be out too late at night.”While watching Taesik continue to calmly speak, Miso started having naughty thoughts on whether she should take the initiative now.

* * *“You’re not receiving anyone?”“That’s what it’s come down to.”“You mentioned that you had your eyes on this student.”Junmin showed a picture of Geunseok while speaking.“He’s the guy I met with Suyeon, right?“Yes, Teacher.”“He has potential for sure. He’s the type that’ll motivate one to teach.”“Then why….”Moonjoong shut his mouth after taking a sip of his tea, Junmin kept his eyes on Moonjoong’s lips.“I don’t want to teach anyone. Now that I think about it, I was just bored all this time. That young man… Maru, was it? Was more interesting to talk to than teaching.”“Then you can teach Maru…”“I’d like to keep him as someone I meet once in a while over drinks, like a drinking buddy.”“Teacher.”“If I feel like it later, then it’ll happen.”Moonjoong got up from his seat while laughing; Junmin was sorry to lose this opportunity. If Geunseok was to learn under the guidance of Moonjoong, he could have learned a lot. However, what’s passed has passed. If Moonjoong says no once, he fully meant it.“That young guy really seems like an upstanding human being, it’s been a long time since I met such a good drinking buddy.”“He’s still a first-year student in high school.”“Is there age when one drinks.”“…….” “It’s become like that, don’t worry.”Junmin bowed towards Moonjoong as the man left through the door. At least he’s keeping Maru close by. Moonjoong gave his soul to acting. One can learn and obtain a lot just from being next to someone like that.‘Who knows, he might turn around and want to start teaching again.’Junmin put away the photo of Geunseok in his folder. Unfortunately, this road ended here.

* * *Maru handed a letter over to Soojin. It was a letter that Dowook handed Maru as they were leaving school yesterday, a Saturday.“Read it when you have time.”“…Thank you. Really.” “Though it’s just a letter now, you’ll probably get closer over time.”“I hope so.”Her eyes were red, but her face was filled with a smile. Soojin stepped on the accelerator, they were on their way to see the awaiting kids at the nursery today. Looking out the window at the snow twirling in the wind, Maru took out his flip cell phone.- We’re meeting at the soup restaurant today! Geunseok and Yurim probably won’t be coming. They mentioned that they already had plans for Sunday before I brought anything up. Anyways! Make Soyeon come no matter what. Okay?