“Thwack,” Jan Lee almost throws his face on the table when suddenly a girl quickly run to him and slap his face. He is wearing an earphone while watching a movie on his phone holding a mug of coffee.
He raised his head and hardly seen the girl who slaps him. He closed his eyes as he is recovering from the pain. After a while, he gradually heard the voice of an angry girl.
“How dare you,” the girl points her finger at him, “How could you do this to me?” she takes a deep breath as she controls her emotion, “We agreed together to meet there! How come you didn’t come even your shadow?” said the girl with teary eyes.
The customers from the other table, the waitresses and waiters, cashiers, and employees paused for a while to check on what is happening. The janitor steadily holds the mop. The customers stop their conversation with one another. The cashier stopped counting the change. Everyone who hears the angry girl stares at her and the guy she just slaps. Their eyes are bouncing between them as silence replaced the place.
“Will, you not talk?” the angry girl takes away her eyeglasses and looks like a tiger on him, “Is that the way how you react Jim Han?”
The guy was still shocked and could not speak, quickly take a sip of coffee, take off his earphone, bow his head and scratch his head while thinking.
“Oh no! Brother what have you done with this girl,” he shakes his head and exhales then stops the movie he played. He then lifts his chin and looks directly at the girl who stands in front of her.
As his palms on the table, he slowly stands from his sit without talking and grabs his backpack. He then finishes the remaining coffee while standing. The girl just turns her face to the other side felt calm as she notices the guy is not reacting a revenged.
The young girl at the corner whispers to her friend and said, “What just happened?”
The other girl just nods her head, “I don’t know, she just came in and slap the guy,” she said while looking at the guy.
“Are they couples?” the girl slightly pulls the shirt of her friend and follows the movement of the guy.
The guy came close to the girl and about to hold her arm but the girl takes away his hand and said, “Take off your hands of me,” as she stares at the guy.
Then the guy answered her calmly, “I’m not Jim,” he looks at her and holds her arm, “Come with me outside,” then the girl at her realization follows the guy.
The people then raised their eyebrows and look at one another and continue what they do. Others just raised their shoulders and smile. The two just gently exit the shop.
Outside of the coffee shop at the parking lot the two stop and face one another with a half-meter distance.
“I’m not Jim Han,” said the guy.
“Don’t tell me you are his twin brother?” the girl raised her eyebrow.
“Your right,” the guy nods his head, “I’m Jan Lee, by the way, nice meeting you” he touches his face and looks at the girl.
“I’m so sorry,” the girl shook her head as she regrets what she had done, “I thought he was you; you look the same, your face, height, hair, the way you dress but you're not the same in action. Jim Han is different. You know what, if he was there, he would just laugh at me and would say a hundred reasons,” then she inquires, “Where is he?” she asked with a deep voice.
“She is with our younger sister,” Jan Lee turns his head to the cars.
“You have a sister?” the girl shakes her head, “He does not even tell me he has a twin brother,” then she crossed her arms across her chest while shaking her head.
“Yes, they are working on her requirements for her driver's license, you know she cannot do it alone so our parents told him to accompany her because this is the schedule but I do not know why he did not refuse and passed it to me” he looks at his wristwatch and looks at the girl, “That is what he always does when he does not like it, he passed it to me.”
“Why he did not tell me that he has another business instead of our meeting?” the girl said angrily as if talking to his twin brother.
“He does a lot of schedules maybe he forgot to look on his planner,” Jan Lee scratches his head.
“Is he a businessman?” the girl leans her ear as she draws nearer to Jan Lee.
“No! He is just like doing a multi-task,” Jan Lee hold his chin and glance at her.
“I do not understand why is he like that, I’m very disappointed he should tell me he does not want to come so that I’m not wasting my money buying those tickets, “said the girl.
“Oh no! Sorry to hear that ma’am, may I ask what was that ticket for?” he asked curiously.
“We were supposed to watch a movie,” the girl responded with her teary eyes while looking on the other side.
“What kind of movie you were about to watch is it a comedy, war, romance, fairy tale, fantasy, drama, or suspense?” Jan Lee looks at the girl while counting on his fingers.
“It’s a horror movie,” said the girl.
Jan Lee laugh and said, “No! He does not like horror movies. He cannot sleep at night when he does that. He is afraid of that kind of movie.”
“So, what he likes to watch?” she asked seriously.
“Comedy, documentary, anime and music videos those are what he likes,” Jan Lee smiled and look at his phone checking the movie he just recently watches.
“Oh, I have to go our parents are waiting for us,” Jan Lee looks at his watch and glance at the girl. “Is there a family meeting,” the girl inquired. “Yes, it’s their wedding anniversary,” he answered, “We have a surprise for them and we’ll be having lunch together,” he notices the girl bowed her head looking at the ground thinking something after hearing his words. Jan Lee looks at his phone and reads the message from his twin brother. “Is it him?” the girl asked him, “I have to go,” then she turns her back away from Jan Lee. “Wait!” he tried to let her stay for a while to offer an invitation but the girl just walks away, “No! I did not have the chance to ask her name, Jim Han what have you done? Only if you could know this...I know you don’t care sometimes, but I know you brother,” Jan Lee said to himself. He scratches his head while the other hand is holding the phone. He shakes his head while looking at the girl walking away from h
After Jan and Shin buy the left items from the other store, they called their youngest sibling Hea Bum which stays at home. “Bum, what’s up are you done?” Shin asked, “I’m not done yet, did you buy balloons and poppers?” Bum responded. “Yes, where’s mama and papa?” Shin continues, “Papa just tour her at the backyard garden they were looking at the newly plant ornaments up there. But please don’t be late less than an hour they will be here so hurry up,” said Bum. “Yes, we will be there in ten minutes,” Shin added, “Did they notice what you’re doing there?” Shin further asked Bum. “No!” Bum answered and laughed, “After you walked from here, I told them they will take a walk in the backyard to check on the new plants and clear some weeds. I also told them it’s good for their body to release some sweats under the early sunlight so they agreed and walk together. They were sweet, they hold their hands and sing their favorite song while roaming around their
Indeed, the couple was surprised because they were not expecting their children would do such a thing. They were so happy with their children celebrating their wedding anniversary. Their four children come quickly and hug them. Also, their mother hugs and kisses them while they gathered around. "Look!" the mother said while looking to her husband, “Wow! You planned everything. I loved the way you did this, amazing,” then she looks around with her children and notices something at the table, “Oh! I see that is my favorite cake. May I know who did this?” Jim Han, Shin Ki, and Hea Bum point their fingers at Jan Lee. “Ah! It seems you saw your father bought me this one last year,” said the mother and touched his head and disarranged his hair smiling. Their parents were happy gazing at all the stuff in their surroundings; the decorations, the potted plants in the corner, the balloons, the clothing, and the foods they placed at the table. “I think we are all here?” Hea Bum
“Mama, you know that I don’t like to stay at home. I easily get bored whenever I am not doing anything. I like doing my business outside. I like adventures in exploring new things. I like to work with my friends and colleagues. We can easily make things happen and create new ideas and become productive whenever we meet together. I do not do these things for myself alone. I am doing these for you and my siblings. I want to earn more money because I wanted to buy whatever I like. That is why I am spending my time with people who knew businesses,” Jim Han explained. “Yes, I understand but did your brother knew wherever you go?” their mother replied, “What if something happens to you? How will your brother rescue or help you? Sometimes I called you, but then you are unreachable, so I called Jan. He said you did not come home that night,” she added. “Yeah, I was not able to came back that night because I slept with my friends. I was. Ah...I think...I did. Ah...” Jim Han w
“Really?” Jan looks Jim sideways, “You think she’s not important to you?” he stared and frowned at him. Jim looked up at the ceiling and thought. He then responds, “I love her because she loves me and takes care of me. She is always there when I want to talk to her. Most of all, she is patient and understanding,” Jim smiled and lie on his bed with his head on both palms. Jan further asked, “Do you know where she lives? and do you know her parents?” “Yeah, they live in a rented house. You know, I feel sorry for her because her father had been ill for a long time and had not been able to work for a long time, so she works for them," answered Jim. “What she went through was very difficult,” Jan shakes his head and felt concerned about Ally. “Where is her mother? Isn’t her mother the one to take care of her father?” he asked curiously. Jim turned on the other side feel sad, and said, “Their mother left them and went with another man when she was t
Jim smiled and put his finger on his lips, “Shh, don’t tell anyone!” he said then Jan and Bum look at one another shaking their heads. Hea Bum walk on while Jan stays for a while and tapped Jim’s shoulder and said, “It’s up to you bro. Please you take care of your life.” Jim nods his head as if listening to his brother and responded, “Maybe I may not able to go home until tomorrow afternoon.” “You tell mama,” Jan said, “I can’t do anything if that’s what you want. You are old enough. You know already what you’re doing. Please tell her about your plan.” “It doesn’t matter, she will not allow me you know that,” Jim replied. “Hey! Jan Lee, is this the tool you wanted to use?” Bum called Jan in a short distance, “Come on, it’s too hot inside,” he added. “I’ll go inside and pack some stuff,” Jim said while pointing his thumbs in the room’s direction. Then he signaled Jan to follow Bum in the storeroom. “I’m coming,” Jan said while w
Ally walks along in the grassy land. The cool wind waves her hair, and the clothing of her dress. She closed her eyes as she smells the fragrance of the wildflowers in the forest. The early sunlight warms her skin as she raises her both arms sideward feeling free and peacefully. The birds are busy chirping at the trees while they feed on their chicks while the others flying thru and fro. In a little, distance, the sounds of a stream can be heard as it flows along the rocks. Ally is happy looking at her surroundings. The sounds of the natures and all the living creatures create a relaxing melody in her ears while she laid down under a big tree. While she looks up at the blue sky as the clouds passes by, suddenly she heard flashing water in a little distance. She got up and, search for the noise that she had heard. She takes away the branches of the shrubs using her hands to see what creates noise in the water. As she continuously searches and looks around, she notices a man standing
“Look who is here?” said Ally to her brother while brewing her coffee. “What will you cook?” she added. “I will fry eggplant with egg,” Jap replied while washing it. “Please see if the rice is cooked,” he said to his big brother Shim. Ally went to her father’s room bringing a cup of coffee. After knocking on the door, she heard her father answered and told her to come in. She walked slowly as she carried the hot and smoky coffee. When she entered the room, she saw her father looking at the window. She put the coffee on the table and approached him. She sat down next to her father and looked together. Not far from their window, they see some trees and the birds are flying. Her father turned to her and said, “They are good and free. They can do what they want to do. They are free to do things. They only think about their food, where they will land every night. They are free to sing their songs. No one interferes with them and they do wherever they go. No one to
After they ate, Shin Ki and Winze immediately talked to Nina and Ally. They took Nina and Ally to the backyard garden and showed them its beauty. The two were impressed when they learned that Winze was in charge of planting, cleaning, and watering the plants. But they do not forget to mention Jan Lee and Jim Han, who sometimes help out in the garden. Later, Jan Lee and Jim Han approached the two. When Winze and Shin Ki saw the twins, they said goodbye to Nina and Ally."Where are you going tonight?" Jim Han asked Jan Lee."Haha, we will stay here in the garden first. We will sit in rocking chairs and watch the moon. We will think about where we are going later," Jan Lee replied."All right, Nina and I are leaving. We are going to the park. There we will chill and talk," then Jim Han and Nina left the house and got into his car."Do you have any plans to leave like them?" Ally asked him."I do not know. The important thing now is that we are here in
“This is what we have been waiting for,” Jim Han said while adjusting the collar of Jan Lee’s dress."I am nervous. I feel like I am going to pick up my bride at their house," Jan Lee replied as he laughed."Do not worry. It will end too. After we celebrate our birthday, it is up to us what our plans are. I will invite our siblings together with papa and mama to go to the place I told them. What is your plan for tomorrow?" Jim Han asked Jan Lee."We are going to Tessa's farm. Ally missed her friend. We have not been back there for a long time," Jan Lee replied."Ah, is that so? Is the scenery in their place beautiful?" asked Jim Han, who had just adjusted Jan Lee's collar."Yes, it was nice. That is why Ally really wants us to go back there. She wants us to swim back there in the river, grill fish, ride a skiff boat, and look at the waves in the sea," Jan Lee replied excitedly."Wow! It is exciting where you are going. Do y
"Come on. We have been waiting for you in the kitchen for a while. Put the sprinklers in the storehouse. Fix them because papa does not want to mess up the warehouse," said Shin Ki, who was standing by the door.When Jan Lee and Jim Han heard what Shin Ki said, they looked at each other because they knew what they were planning was not easy. Instead of Jim Han intending, he allowed Jan Lee to explain to their parents. They quickly went to the storehouse and put the sprinklers inside. For a few moments, the two first talked outside the storehouse."What are you? They will understand our decisions. They know that we know how to decide for ourselves. We can set aside and work for ourselves, cannot we? Look, you can even take Ally anywhere. When her father got sick and was taken to the hospital, were not you the one who helped her? It means you can stand on your own and, you can be with the woman you love," Jim Han said seriously."Yes, I know that. I am just wonder
"There you heard it. I told you," Shin Ki said to Hea Bum while carrying the large sprinkler."Haha, you can do that, brother. In the beginning, it was heavy. In the long run, it will be easier," Hea Bum explained while easing his heart.Jim Han shook his head and looked at his mother and siblings. He wanted to refuse, but he realized that it was the only time to owe back to his mother. Because; he had been away from their house many times."Ah, Haha, Of course, I can do that. I am just kidding. The truth is I can do that," Jim Han said while scratching his head."Come on, Shin Ki, let us go to the kitchen and get ready for our dinner," Winze ordered her."How is that! I will be ahead of you. Jim Han fixes the watering ha," Shin Ki joked to him.Jim Han just smiled as he watched them leave."Let them go. Let us help water mother's plants. It was because it had not watered for a long time. Let us do it like this you will be the one to
"Let him enter the room. He missed you because you have rejected him several times," Jim Han said while standing behind Hea Bum.The two looked and were surprised when they saw that Jim Han had returned home. They thought he would be home in the evening."Oh? Are you here yet? I thought you came home late at night? Have you finished bonding with your friends? It is too early," Hea Bum replied, wondering at him."Haha, Yes, I just went home because my other friends did not come, so Max and I just went out to eat together. I am sure there is a reason why I came home early," Jim Han replied and looked at Jan Lee.Jan Lee looked at the ceiling, took a deep breath, and smiled."Is not that my brother? There is a reason this time why I came home early?" Jim Han asked Jan Lee with a sense of meaning in what he was saying.Jan Lee does not know what he will answer to his twin. He would look at Hea Bum, and once again, he would look at Jim Han. He st
"He is with his friend. Son, let him think first and give time for himself. So, he could decide the right things. It was not easy for him to see what had happened. You know that even if he is naughty sometimes, still, he knows how to admit his mistakes," Chou Yen told Jan Lee.Jan Lee was just quiet while eating and continued listening to what his family was saying. He did not make any argument, for he does not want trouble. He knows it was not easy for Jim Han having a relationship with Ally before. "You know your brother, even though if he is hurt, he does not keep grudges," Winze added."You have not been here in the house for a long time. I missed playing with you. Hopefully, we can play. It is disappointing to play if you are alone. It is different when someone is playing because you are happy and you are going to have enough time to play," Hea Bum said.“Me too! I miss you helping me with my assignments and other projects in s
"Thanks," Jim Han take the drink and think for a while."Come on, don't be sad. Look, someone is leaving, but someone comes. Nina is there when you don't turn her over. Change so Nina won't leave you. Don't think about that. The good thing is that we're back to work. I've also delayed my business, so we've got to work together." Max told him."If that's the case, I think we need to call our friends. Let's ask them to come here, so we'll be happier later. Is it a good idea?" Jim Han suggested."Of course, that's a great idea. Shall we call Nina?" Max agreed but suggested Nina join their party."Hmm, I think maybe not this time. I want to be with you right now. I want us together because if Nina is here, the more I think of Ally," Jim Han refused."Ah, I see. If that's what's good for you, then let's do it," Max confirmed."But I had to go home before 10 p.m. because I had told my parents. One more thing, I don't want them to think that I am a
After how many minutes, Allan closed his eyes and fell asleep. Then Ally came to Jan Lee and seated beside him on the bench. She tried to wake him up, but he fell asleep, so Ally lay her head on his lap.On that night, Jim Han was uncomfortable on his bed. He thought about holding Ally back to him, but he remembered what he said to Jan Lee that night. Feeling that Jan Lee took Ally away from his hand and cannot do anything at all. The words were already spoken from his mouth, so he could no longer take them back. Despite his weariness, his body led him to sleep, for he was tired of his long journey that day.“Hey, brother. Come on, get up. Mama and papa ask you to join us for our breakfast,” Hea Bum said while knocking on his door.Jim Han suddenly awake. He could barely open his eyes, for he was still sleepy, and his body was aching.“Huh? What time is it?” Jim Han answered to his surprised.“You do not know the time
Jan Lee and Ally felt the happy moment that night. Jan Lee felt most comfortable, for he had felt the freedom to love Ally at last. For a long time, Jan Lee had only hidden his feeling for his fear for his brother. He had been overwhelmed by his affections to Ally, but when he heard Jim Han's response that night, he felt the assurance of love for her."What are you planning now? Are you still afraid of your brother?" Ally asked as she smiled at him."Hmm, maybe not anymore because I now knew what he really felt for you. I was scared at that time. My brother is my best friend, but I think I don't want to be a betrayer to him. So, I waited for the opportunity for him to come back," Jan Lee responded, then he held Ally's left hand.Ally looked up at the tree and said, "You know, I would have been separated from Jim Han for a long time, especially in times when he was gone when I needed him."Then she turned to Jan Lee."I was disappointed because of w