The hardest thing in loving a woman is to keep her feelings. *** Ansel was like a possessed person. He repeatedly rang the bell of Qeiza’s apartment door. Its sounds roared hard so it could reach the neighbors’ apartments. Some of them opened their apartment doors. They altogether poked their heads. They were curious about what’s happening. Otherwise, they also felt annoyed with the guest who didn’t know the etiquette. It’s after midnight. He shouldn’t have made noise. “You don’t know how to respect others’ privacies, huh?” An old man snapped at Ansel. He seemed very annoyed because his sleep was disturbed. Ansel glanced at him slightly. He didn’t respond to the man’s scolding. His heart and mind were too messed up to behave reasonably. He rang the doorbell again. The next seconds, he sighed in disappointment. The door in front of him still closed tight like a stone wall. Those—who were seeing how desperate Ansel was—could only shake their heads. As fellow men who had ever been y
You will live a happy life if your heart is filled with gratefulness and clear from jealousy. *** The toilet lights were flickering. Occasionally, the hiss sound was heard when the light in there getting darker. It was as if to be a sign of the presence of astral beings. They were accompanying the steps of three women who were approaching Qeiza. Aleta—with two of her women—stood three steps away from Qeiza. Her scornful grin looked so creepy under the dim light. Qeiza looked up at one of the lights that stopped glowing. The strangeness coincided with the appearance of the three women with ugly aura. Their souls were so bad, even the lights could no longer turn on. Qeiza pretended not to be affected by their appearance. She grabbed her bag from the sink table. “Ouch!” Aleta screamed in pain. “Shit! You hurt me on purpose, didn’t you?” Aleta glared at Qeiza. She didn’t think the woman she hated would throw her bag on her back, right at the time she intended to pull her shoulder.
Sometimes, what we feel is only stored in our hearts. *** “Get lost! This is working hours,” said Boss Song. The line of the employees was in disarray. They disbanded and went back to their own office. “You’re an exception, Miss Aleta!” Boss Song stopped Aleta’s steps. Aleta wanted to deny, but Boss Song’s cold stare froze her tongue. “Y–yes, Boss!” She nodded. She walked with her legs trembled. She followed him to his room. Aleta’s heart pounded. She was freaked out when she imagined the worst possibility she would face. “I want you to pack your belongings right now!” said Boss Song with no doubts. “B–but, Boss ….” Aleta was dumbfounded. Her face instantly got pale. She had predicted that she would get a punishment as a consequence for her wrong doings. However, she never thought that Boss Song would directly kick her out of the company. Aleta slammed herself on the floor. She knelt in front of Boss Song. Her head lowered. “Please forgive me, Boss!” she begged. “It’s my fau
Maybe you have failed in love and feel heartbroken. You don’t have to be stuck in sorrow forever. Just believe that you will find the right person when the time comes. *** Dae Hyun walked downstairs. Both his hands were hiding in the pockets of his trousers. For a while, he took a deep breath. He stood in the middle of the stairs. His gaze directed to Ansel who was still in the living room. Qeiza’s ex-husband seemed not to awake yet. His head was swung. Dae Hyun walked in silence. He didn’t want to surprise Ansel. He shook his head. He couldn’t believe that Ansel would maintain his sitting position though he was sleeping. “Hey! Wake up!” Dae Hyun kicked Ansel’s toes. Ansel stuttered. “Qeiza!” he exclaimed. When he saw that Dae Hyun who was standing in front of him, Ansel rashly got up. He bowed, giving a respect to Dae Hyun. “Sorry. I thought you’re Qeiza,” he said. “She has gone away,” said Dae Hyun. “Just go home!” “Huh! Why did you wake me up now?” Ansel grumbled. He rushed
Hate anyone to an extent, because we will never know when the hatred turn into love. *** The light of blitz flashed countless times. It shined on the faces of the bride and groom who were doing a pre-wedding photo session. Many times both of them changed positions according to the photographer’s direction. Qeiza watched every scene with a satisfied smile. Joanna looked very stunning in the wedding dress she designed for her. “Okay. We’re done!” shouted the photographer. Qeiza immediately helped Joanna with her wedding dress. She lifted up its tail with much care. Standing applause welcomed Joanna when she walked towards the fitting room. “I don’t remember I’ve ever invited you to come here, Xander,” said Joanna. Xander smiled awkwardly. “You didn’t,” he said. “As usual, I escort your naughty cousin whenever he goes.” “If he’s coming here just to make some troubles,” said Joanna. “You’d better ask him to leave. I don’t wanna him destroy my happiness.” It was the last session o
Now or later, I can’t stop loving you. ~ Ansel ~ *** Knocking on the door followed by the appearance of a man at the age of his thirties made Chin Hwa turned away. He was tall and a bit thin. He bowed at Chin Hwa. Chin Hwa handed two bags to him—his bag and Qeiza’s. After taking over the bags from Chin Hwa’s hands, the man immediately turned around and left Chin Hwa’s office. Chin Hwa took a deep breath. He looked at Qeiza who was still sleeping soundly. With a very careful movement, he lifted up his fiancée’s body. He carried her in a bridal style. Arriving at the parking lot, Chin Hwa found out that the man had opened the car door for him. He sat Qeiza on the seat behind the driver. His movement was so quiet. He didn’t want to wake her up from her sleeping. After Chin Hwa circled the back of the car and sat beside Qeiza from the other door, the man started the engine. “To your apartment, Sir?” he asked. “No,” said Chin Hwa. He mentioned Dae Hyun’s address. Thirty minutes la
Friends are not always sweet. But at least, they don’t pretend to be nice either. *** Qeiza smiled in satisfaction. Her desk was neat again. She could leave the room with no worry about losing some of her things. She slightly looked out through the window. The sky was cloudy. The weather in the fall was really changeable easily. It also often rained. Luckily, she had promised Dae Hyun not to work late. If not, he would deliberately be very worried about her. Qeiza left her room with light feeling. Her designed was done. She just needed to send it tomorrow morning. It seemed she was impatient to know the result of the fifty top selections then. Drrrt! Drrrt! Qeiza’s cell phone vibrated. She immediately reached into her pocket and checked an incoming message. “It’s still cloudy,” she whispered, looking at the sky from the distance. The sender of the message invited her to meet in a café. Qeiza was so eager to go there. She had been ages not see the one who sent her the unexpected
People can change over time. So, everyone has a right to get a second chance. *** Dae Hyun landed the corners of his eyes look on the hand that gripping his shoulder. His gaze continued down that muscular arm all the way to his face. His sight captured an oval face with a sharp jawline. Black and thick eyebrows sheltered a pair of dark brown eyes which stared at him sharply. Dae Hyun hid his surprise behind a slight smile. He didn’t understand why the man looked at him with a hatred gaze. The guy even didn’t smile back at him. “Don’t misunderstand me!” said Dae Hyun. “I don’t forbid you to be friend with Qeiza, but … it’s almost evening.” Dae Hyun thought Adnan held him because he was still unwilling to let Qeiza leave the café. Vany pulled Adnan’s shirt and whispered. “Don’t be crazy, Ad! All people here are looking at you.” Adnan proved what Vany said by paying attention to his surroundings. That was totally right. All eyes in the café were now pointing at him. He quickly lowe
“You’re damn pretty, Dear ….” Mrs. Kim’s eyes flashed the light of admiration and pride for the new status of Qeiza as her daughter-in-law. “Dae Hyun is so lucky to have you as his wife.” “Mom ….” Qeiza blushed. The guests had dispersed. Now, just Kim’s family left. They were ready to leave the wedding hall. Mr. Kim tapped Dae Hyun’s left shoulder. “Now, Ae Ri is now completely your responsibility.” “Certainly, Dad. I promise to protect her and make her happy.” Dae Hyun reassured Mr. Kim. His hand reflexively wrapped Qeiza’s waist. A wedding car moved slowly and stopped right before Dae Hyun and his family. “Go!” said Mrs. Kim when Qeiza said goodbye with her eyes. Dae Hyun shortly held her hand, being ready to walk to the car. Ansel tapped Xander’s shoulder. He forced the guy to stop when he saw Qeiza and Dae Hyun getting closer to their car. Ansel rashly got out of the car and ran towards Qeiza. “Qei!” he called. Dae Hyun stopped his hand movement that would open the car do
“Why are you so obsessed with me?” “I’m crazy about you. I … can’t live without you.” “You’d been fine for four years,” said Qeiza.”You’ll also definitely live well for the rest of your life.” “Qei, please … give me a chance!” “Sorry, I can’t make it.” “Why? Do you really hate me that much?” “I’ve floated the pieces of my broken heart in the sea of tears,” said Qeiza. “It’ll be useless if you insist to put them together again.” Ansel felt his heart as though had just been torn apart by the sharp fangs of wild animals. It was totally hurt and painful. The sky was suddenly cloudy. The weather in the fall was changeable. The rain could pour at any time. It was like Ansel’s heart that also covered by the dark cloud of sorrows. “I’m sorry, Ansel!” Qeiza said. “From now on, please … stop chasing me!” “But … I’m really being drawn to you, Qei,” said Ansel, still fighting to convince her of the sincerity of his feeling for her. “Thank you. I’m flattered.” “So, will you think about
Listening to Qeiza’s mutter, Mrs. Kim grabbed the album from her hands. She also wanted to see which photo caused her tears flooding her face more and more. “Don’t take it, Mom!” Qeiza robbed back the album from Mrs. Kim’s hands. “I miss my mom and dad so badly.” Mrs. Kim examined the face of little Qeiza on the picture then averted to Qeiza’s face before her, comparing them both. All at once, she rushed to hug Qeiza. “Oh, my dearest ….” Warm liquid flooded her cheeks. “I’m so sorry! It turns out that you’re very close all this time, but … I didn’t recognize you.” After hugging each other for a long time, Mrs. Kim raised Qeiza’s face. She wiped the girl’s tears with her fingers. “Thank you for coming back to us, Dear!” Mrs. Kim pecked Qeiza’s forehead. Mr. Kim also wiped his tears. Dae Hyun was dumbfounded. He was at a loss for words. He had mixed feelings—between being amused and touched. Qeiza did not know how long he stared at her parents’ face with the gaze full of longing.
Ansel tiptoed, getting out of the place where he hid towards Dae Hyun’s entrance door. Once in while he looked back to reassure that no one caught him red handed. Ansel’s fingertips would just touch the doorknob when he felt a hand pulled his collar from behind. He turned his head to the right. The security guard of Dae Hyun’s house welcomed him with a fierce gaze right away. “Shouldn’t you have gone home?” Ansel smiled wryly. “I haven’t said goodbye to Ae Ri yet,” he answered. “Mr. Kim asked me not to let anyone in the house before he came home,” said the security guard. “So, please leave now!” Ansel showed off a sad look. “Just a moment … let me meet Ae Ri before leaving.” “Miss Kim needs to take a rest. She can’t be disturbed.” Ansel’s facial expression turned cloudy from the despair. The security guard couldn’t be persuaded. He could only turn his look to the upper floor when the guy kicked him out of Dae Hyun’s yard. He walked before the cab he ordered coming to fetch him.
Ansel stood up straight away. His blood boiled seeing Dae Hyun carrying Qeiza. Furthermore, when from the distance he saw them both smiling at each other. “Is she no longer able to walk so you have to carry her on your back after doing exercises?” Ansel asked in cold voice. His gaze looked like he wanted to skim Dae Hyun alive. “Let’s get in, Oppa!” Qeiza whispered into Dae Hyun ear. She was reluctant to be near Ansel for a long time. Dae Hyun raised Qeiza’s position that lowered a little on his back. The next second, he walked to the gate, granting Qeiza’s wish. “Hey!” Ansel shouted when the security guard closed the gate without letting him follow them. “Let him in!” said Dae Hyun when his security guard asked him through his gaze. “He seemed to get lost.” Ansel clenched his hands into fists. Dae Hyun’s words were like intentionally insulting him. He could do nothing. In order not to lose Qeiza, he had to swallow the annoyance. He followed Dae Hyun’s steps into the house. “Yo
The stars scattered on the night sky. They sparkled beautifully as if they invited the sparkles of incandescent lights along the Han River stream to joke. They competed with each other to show off their charms to the world. Qeiza was standing on the balcony of her bedroom, embracing her hands. Occasionally she petted her upper arms so the cold weather felt a bit lessen. She took a deep breath. She was resting her palms on the balcony guardrail. Her eyes were travelling, enjoying the beauty of the Han River banks. Yeah. Her adopted parents’ residence was in an elite area with spectacular views of the Han River stream and Namsan Mountain. From her bedroom, Dae Hyun could see Qeiza standing alone on the balcony. He put down the business magazine he read. Their bedrooms were neighbors. Even, their balconies were only separated by an iron fence about less than a meter in height. Here was Dae Hyun now. He jumped over the lower fence. In a blink, he had stood beside Qeiza. He also pampere
Ansel packed his clothes in hurry. Repeatedly he glanced the clock on the wall as if he was afraid that it would run fast to leave him. “What are you doing, Ansel?” Alina walked to close Ansel. Her forehead furrowed when she saw her only son was packing up. He was like going to run away. “I’m going to catch up with Qeiza ASAP, Mom.” Ansel answered without stopping his hand movements, putting his clothes into the suitcase. His eyes didn’t avert to Alina either. “Why? Did Qeiza go back to Indonesia?” Alina got surprised. She had heard nothing about how she was since a few days ago. Ansel stood up straight. His suitcase was full. He came closer to his mother. He squeezed the shoulders of the middle-aged woman gently. “Wish me luck, Mom! I’m struggling hard to make your dream come true.” Alina caressed Ansel’s arm. “So … she really went home?” “She didn’t, Mom. She … she fled to Seoul ….” Ansel strengthened his squeeze on Alina’s shoulders. He forced his lips to smile eagerly. “Th
“What’s wrong?” asked Qeiza. Dae Hyun had just locked his phone. “Daddy is being hospitalized.” “I’m sorry to hear that. How long has he been there?” “Since yesterday.” Dae Hyun grabbed Qeiza’s hand. “Do you mind if we fly to Seoul right away from Bengkulu later?” “What? Are you crazy?” Dae Hyun smiled wryly. He was too early to ask her that question. “Just cancel the vacation! We’re flying home right away.” “Hah! Ae … you ... what did you say?” “Why are you stupid all of sudden, Oppa?” Qeiza glared at him. “We can enjoy the vacation anytime.” Dae Hyun was still dumbfounded. “Are you serious?” “Exceptionally I’m. Visiting daddy is more important. We don’t know how long he will survive.” “Thank you, Ae!” Dae Hyun was touched by Qeiza’s decision. “I promise. I’ll make it up to you another day.” A few seconds later, he called someone. “We’ll fly in two hours,” said Dae Hyun to Qeiza after he ended the call. “Turn around, Sir?” asked the driver that ear-dropped the conversati
“Qeiza! Don’t joke too much!” Amira scolded Qeiza. “What if Mr. and Mrs. Santoso get heart attack, huh?” “Ah, hahaha ….” Santoso laughed again. “So, it’s just kidding, right?” Mrs. Santoso just shook her head while caressing her chest. Raditya exposed a slight smile only. Qeiza sighed and said in a low voice, “It’s up to you if you don’t buy it." “Qei!” Abbas yelled at her. He gave her a deadly stare. Qeiza stared at Raditya seriously. “Don’t you say I never told that.” Qeiza rose. She bowed at Mr. and Mrs. Santoso. “Please forgive me, Uncle, Aunty … I can’t stay here any longer,” she excused. Abbas also stood up. He pressed Qeiza’s shoulders, forcing her to sit back. “What are you doing, Qei? The dinner has just started. It’s impolite to just leave.” Abbas suppressed his voice. He tried to cover the anger boiling in his chest. Taking advantage of Qeiza was not actually as easy as what he thought. “I’m sorry, Uncle! I have another agreement,” Qeiza denied. She raised her hand,