All About My Nothings

  There was a sense of tension. But Gye-eul was grinning instead of answering her questions. He grabbed the handle of the factory door and pushed it down vigorously. The huge iron door groaned as it opened. A great deal of light poured through the open door. She gawped as an incredible sight was revealed before her eyes. The warehouse was filled with bright lights and flowers. ‘Ch-cha Gye-eul!’ The warehouse was filled with lavender. ‘Gye-eul!’ ‘Remember how we used to work all night here?’ he asked as took her hand and drew into the lavender filled space; the air was filled the scent of the flower. It was her favourite flower. How could she forget? Watching Gye-eul work all day and night to get Florence started. She couldn’t help her heart aching and beating when she looked at him. How could she forget the fresh and heartbreaking memories of those days? ‘I wanted to propose to you here. Even though you confessed first, and proposed first. I wanted to make the actual engagement coo...

  ‘We have something to tell you.’ Gye-eul said gravely. ‘But what happened to your face?’ His mother asked noticing the bruising. ‘Please sit, it’s important.’ His parents glanced at each other before sitting beside each other. Yira couldn’t say anything because she was deeply embarrassed and anxious. (Zuben: Yira doesn’t say anything except for Gye-eul’s name) She knew his parents were lovely people who treated her like their daughter, but that was one thing, how would they react when they announced she was going to be their daughter in law? ‘What did you want to talk about?’ His father asked unable to take the tension. Gye-eul took Yira’s hand, ‘Mom, dad,’ Yira’s eyes widened, and his parents eyes widened, ‘We are dating.’ ‘What?!’ Gye-eul’s mom jumped out of her seat. Yira closed her eyes expecting a refusal. She was shocked, of course she would be. They had treated her like family. But they might not accept her. She bit her lip. Perhaps, Gye-eul feared the same because he cont...

  ‘So, when did this…happen?’ Was it before Kevin and Yira did the shoot? Everyone looked rather embarrassed, but Yira told them it was okay. She went to sit at her desk. Kevin, who had remained quiet, rose out of his chair and walked out of the office. As he passed Gye-eul he had a mocking smile on his lips. Gye-eul followed. Yira sensing something off, followed them. Gye-eul wanted to warn him off Yira. Following Kevin, he met him staring out into the distance at the roof top garden.   ‘That’s a relief, I thought Miss Yira was having a hard time alone.’ Kevin said calmy, still looking ahead. Gye-eul frowned. ‘But it makes no difference.’ Kevin continued. ‘What did you say?’ Gye-eul was confused, why did it make no difference. Kevin looked at him nonchalantly, ‘Because she’s just a notch in your bedpost to you.’ ‘What?’ ‘Isn’t that true?’ Gye-eul’s fists clenched. ‘I know you have been friends since you were children, but I also know how hard you have been on Miss Yira.’...

  Gye-eul also sat hopelessly on his living room floor staring at the door. He couldn’t understand why he couldn’t help remembering the look on Kevin’s face next to Yira. The moment he raised his hand to touch her, Gye-eul felt like a fuse blew in his brain, and his heart would go berserk. He realised this animalistic instinct was none other than possession. But she didn’t trust him. He thought of her wounded expression, her tears, and he felt like he had fallen into an abyss. He rose and stormed out of his door, up the stairs and banged on her door. ‘Open the door I need to speak to you.’ He rang her bell and banged her door, but she would not answer. ‘Hong!’ he called mournfully. There was no sign of her inside. Regret flooded in. Why had he expressed his love for her so violently? He rang the bell again. ‘Yira, please, open the door.’ He knocked. ‘Hong Yira.’ He didn’t want her to tell him they were through because she didn’t trust him. That was the situation he was most afraid ...

  She went to meet a friend he didn’t know. ‘Ah nothing to do.’ Gye-eul sighed as he switched from one channel to the next, eventually he threw down the remote. When the day he had envisioned with Yira fell through, he found himself grumpy. He closed his eyes. How long had it been since he threw down the remote, he wondered? (Zuben: It’s not a second, 7 seconds away) His phone rang loudly. He quickly reached for it in anticipation only to see the caller and his expression darkened. Seo Hyun-ji. What did she want? ‘What are you doing?’ she asked as soon as he answered. Gye-eul gave a smug grin, she was always bold. ‘It’s Saturday, you’re not working, are you?’ ‘No, not working.’ ‘Home?’ Why was she curious about where he was? ‘Yes.’ ‘Good. I’m near your place.’ ‘You know where I live?’ ‘Of course, I will find out where the guy I’m interested in lives.’ (Zuben: Stalkery. Just because Korean men do it, doesn’t mean a go-getter chick should) ‘Ha…’ ‘Come out in 10 minutes; let’s go to d...

  Gye-eul had to leave since Seo Hyun Ji had asked for a meeting. He didn’t want her to change her mind as getting Chinese investment was difficult. If they could win the investment and entry into the Chinese market, their profits would soar. The meeting was at an elegant roastery café. ‘You’ve arrived.’ she said in greeting from behind the bar. She was wearing a feminine wrap dress under a frilly ivory apron. Her hair and make-up were designed to make her look alluring. Gye-eul looked at her get-up in puzzlement. ‘Ah,’ she laughed a little, ‘I love coffee, so I opened a few cafés. My main branch is back in Beijing, and I also have this branch, and in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taipei.’ (Zuben: Much wow! Much impress!) ‘With Tencent?’ he asked as he took a seat at the shiny bar. ‘No. My own business.’ She said with a relaxed aura around her. She waited for a glass kettle to boil. Once the kettle flicked off, she carried it and a drip pot before Gye-eul. ‘What kind of coffee do...

  pinterest .  Yira handed the underwear back to the store staff as she announced, ‘The size is wrong.’ ‘But that couldn’t be…’ the store manager replied in confusion. But the staff quickly bowed their head to Yira and Gye-eul for the mistake. They promised to recheck all the product sizes and restock. Kevin returned from his phone call. At the same time, the store manager said, ‘Um, Team Leader Hong, your tights…’ There was a runner down to her ankle. It was probably caused by Gye-eul.’ ‘Ah…!’ she cried looking down at the ruined tights, her face now red from embarrassment. ‘Oh no…why?’  Gye-eul smiled wickedly as he replied, ‘Ah, I meant to tell you about that in the fitting room.’ He glanced at Kevin, whose face hardened as he put his phone back in his pocket. Kevin went to Yira, ‘Come with me.’ He said grabbing her wrist and pulling her away. Yira, Gye-eul and the others watched him in confusion as he took her to a sofa in a less open corner to the store. ‘Wait here f...

  floating heads.   ‘Are you really not going back?’ Yira asked Gye-eul. He nodded in reply. She had thought he would drive back early in the morning, but he announced that he would remain in Dajeon for another day. It didn’t really matter, but she didn’t want Kevin to get suspicious about Gye-eul’s sudden appearance. Just as she thought that, the lift doors opened and Kevin emerged, looking rather surprised to see Gye-eul. ‘CEO, how come you’re here?’ he asked. Gye-eul looked calmly at Kevin; rather, he seemed to stare at Kevin with hostility. ‘I thought I should come and keep you both company.’ He replied. Both men’s gazed locked and their eyes seemed to spark. Kevin laughed as he said mockingly, ‘CEO, it’s not important enough for you to be worried.’ The three awkwardly visited the factory; Kevin drove, Gye-eul sat next to him while Yira sat in the back. Kevin had tried to have Yira in front with him, but Gye-eul had just gotten into the passenger seat without saying anythi...

  naver book review blog.   ‘The atmosphere here is pretty good; quiet.’ Kevin said to Yira with a smile. Despite being with Kevin, Yira’s mind was on her phone. There had been nothing from Gye-eul since lunch. He should at least text her and tell her how he was doing. She sighed inwardly as she drank her wine. ‘The wine is nice, isn’t it? My friend in France recommended this vintage to me, so I often ask for it. I usually don’t like dry wines but this is very flavoursome.’ But Yira continued to drink absently without replying. Kevin’s mood fell, ‘I’m bothering you when you’re tired.’ He said. ‘Oh no, no.’ Yira said apologetically, ‘I’m sorry I’m distracted.’ ‘That’s a relief.’ He replied, then added, ‘I am worried about something important.’ ‘Important? Would you like to talk about it?’ Yira put down her glass of wine and gave him her full attention. Kevin gave a shy smile, ‘It’s only important to me.’ Yira’s eyes widened in curiosity. ‘You were looking at your phone. Are you...

  pinterest.  ‘You have to eat breakfast; you can’t always just have coffee and go.’ Ever since his parents moved in, they had to face this every morning. She gave an awkward smile as she sat at the table. ‘Yira, you’re off on a business trip today, when do you get back?’ Gye-eul’s mother asked as she placed small bowls of rice before Yira and Gye-eul. Gye-eul was eating his soup expressionlessly. ‘The day after tomorrow.’ ‘Oh good, we wouldn’t have left by then.’ Gye-eul’s mother said with smile. Yira looked at her watch anxiously; it was fifteen minutes left until Kevin arrived to pick her up. Although, she had told him he didn’t have to come. He had been insistent. Kevin didn’t know she lived with Gye-eul had thought she had refused his gesture out of politeness. ‘What’s wrong? Is Yoon picking you up?’ Gye-eul asked noticing her restlessness. Though his heart was burning with jealousy, he regarded her as he ate with a nonchalant expression. ‘Team leader Yoon?’ Gye-eul’s mot...

  pixiv. Gye-eul watched Yira through the blinds from his desk. She was deeply focussed on her monitor as she pushed up her glasses. He felt like he hadn’t truly seen her before; he felt a bit strange. Why did her appearance suddenly feel so mysterious? Gey-eul was puzzled. He sent her a message: [Take it easy. We’re not in a rush] Yira checked her phone and laughed, looking up to meet his gaze through the glass panel of his office. When their gazes collided, there was heat. Was it this exciting to have a secret relationship? Gye-eul was feeling overwhelmed that the pretty girl smiling at him was his girlfriend. It was a strange emotion to have for Yira after 20 years of friendship (Zuben: drink) She was still by his side even though they had changed from friends to lovers. Yet, he couldn’t understand how he could feel such vastly different emotions, such different feelings of happiness? He smiled and carried on with his work. (Zuben: Heaven to hell in 3 – 2 - …) At lunch time, ‘CE...

  ‘It matters to me because I like you!’ Yira gawped at him, did she just hear what she think she did?! Seeing she remained silent, Gye-eul paced before her in frustration, ‘My god, why are you so slow?! What am I supposed to do?’ He took a deep breath and repeated, ‘I like you, Hong.’ ‘Gye-eul,’ (Zuben: You know what, in addition to “twenty years” we will drink on when Yira replies “Gye-eul” instead of actually saying something! Drink!) ‘I like you not just as my friend, but as a woman.’ He said with his voice increasing in volume. Yira remained frozen where she stood. ‘So, can we stop the sex buddy thing, and be my girlfriend, Hong?’ ‘…’ ‘Can we?’ he asked imploringly. He looked at her pleadingly as he stared into her eyes. Gye-eul’s words made her feel like she was dreaming. Gye-eul sighed and embraced her. He held her tightly as he stroked her hair and back. The pent up frustration had eased but he was left with some anxiety. It was then he realised the reasons he had been so t...

    Naver   Sung-joon clicked his tongue as he watched Gye-eul down one glass of wine after the other. ‘Why are you so angry?’ he asked. He really couldn’t understand his friend’s stupid behaviour. It was all very obvious but he was flapping about like a fish on land. ‘Are you a dummy, Cha Gye-eul?’ ‘How could she really…?’ Gye-eul muttered as Sung-joon fanned the flames. ‘Do you have the right to get angry about Yira being the ad model? You can’t even say anything. You only like her as a friend? Ha! What a joke!’ Gye-eul looked sullenly at his drink. ‘You’re such a sucker. Would you be angry if I became an underwear model?’ ‘How are you and Yira the same?’ ‘How are we different; aren’t we both your friends?’ ‘But…’ ‘Is it because Yira is now your sex friend and I am just a friend?’ Gye-eul sighed in annoyance, ‘Just leave. I’ll drink by myself.’ ‘You’re sick in the head.’ ‘Why is your mouth full of insults tonight, you...

  A freezing cold sensation was pushed against her cheek. ‘Ow!’ Gye-eul stared at her worriedly, ‘Does it hurt a lot?’ he asked, taking away the ice pack to look at the bruise, ‘We should have done this right away.’ (Zuben: You were a bit pushed, busy wise) She was suddenly shy of his direct gaze and she blushed. His fingers on her skin was both thrilling and soothing. She pulled up the blanket that he had put on her, and avoided his gaze. ‘You should have avoided it.’ He grumbled. ‘Whose fault was it that I got a slap?’ Yira retorted in amazement, ‘You had to provoke her. You could have just let me go, but you were being inconsiderate.’ ‘I’m sorry.’ He said softly. ‘What?’ Yira thought she heard wrong. ‘I’m sorry you got hurt because of me.’ He stroked her head. His hands were hot. She stared at him; his expression was solemn. He truly looked apologetic. ‘Er…me too.’ ‘Hm?’ ‘I’m sorry too. I misunderstood the situation.’ Gye-eul smiled and said, ‘If you’re sorry, let’s eat ramen to...

  From friends to sex friends. Although she knew she had started something crazy, she didn’t regret it – it felt amazing. She decided could prepare for the end in a cool manner. ‘Is something wrong? Does it taste bad?’ Gye-eul asked interrupting her thoughts. He watched her nibble disinterestedly on the toast. After sex into the wee hours of the morning, Yira had fallen asleep, but he couldn’t. He watched her sleep thinking many thoughts. He eventually got out of bed as the sun rose and made breakfast. ‘Don’t you like the breakfast?’ ‘Hm, I’m not really hungry.’ She replied coldly. He flinched. ‘I’ll just go and get ready for work.’ She said dismissively as she rose and left Gye-eul’s place. Gye-eul watched her back as she went, frowning at her strange behaviour. * ‘Oppa.’ They turned to see a woman appear from the shadows with a look of anger. (Zuben: In Korea, do people lurk in the shadows waiting all the damn time?) ‘Oppa.’ Gye-eul frowned at the woman. ‘I ...

  pinterest. She had felt like her heart would fall out of her chest when he said he was coming to pick her up. Obviously, he was passing by after his appointment and decided to collect her, yet these little things were so precious to her because she loved him so much. She slowed down as she neared Gye-eul’s SUV. She took a deep breath before getting close enough to open the door, and getting onto the passenger seat. ‘Were you all still eating this late?’ Gye-eul asked looking at his watch before starting the car. Her scent had begun to calm down his agitation. ‘Ah, team leader Yoon asked me to have a beer with him.’ ‘What?’ he exclaimed loudly making Yira jump. ‘Why are you here?’ she asked. ‘Well, I was on my way back and I thought to pick you up on the way home so I called.’ It was a lie. He’d regretted refusing to go and had driven up to the restaurant bar, but he had been so nervous he sat in the car waiting for three hours. (Zuben: Idiot.) ‘Did you drink a lot?’ he asked sudd...

pixiv   ‘You’re going to become hollow.’ A voice said from behind her, she jumped in shock and turned, quickly covering her chest with her hands. It was Gye-eul. She had thought there was no one in the office. ‘You…haven’t left yet?’ Because she had an appointment, she didn’t know if Gye-eul would have waited for her. He walked up to her and leaned against a chair. He looked at her up and down making her blush. ‘What are you looking at?’ she asked nervously covering her chest more. ‘Haven’t you taken it off in front of me before?’ ‘Tha-that was you!’ ‘Put your hands down.’ He ordered. ‘Hey Cha Gye-eul,’ ‘Think of a model and pose that way.’ She was at a loss with Gye-eul staring at her so intently. She slowly brought down her hands. ‘Come closer.’ He said. With a trembling heart, she walked to him. ‘This is embarrassing, stop looking at me.’ She said. But he appraised her body for a while longer before saying. ‘Your breasts are too big for the bra.’ She could feel her ears getting ...

  The moment the taxi drew up to his house, he paid hurriedly and got out. He rushed in, and raced up the stairs to her apartment. He opened her door, and found her sleeping safely – contrary to his fears. He approached her bed carefully. On the bedside table was a note, a pill and a glass of water. The note read: Take the medicine when you wake up. Hangovers are bad for your health – Yoon Hyun-min. Winter frowned at the note. Yoon Hyun-min? Was that Kevin’s Korean name? While he was focused on the note, Yira moaned in her sleep, arresting his attention. Her face was glowing, even in the dark. Her eyelashes fluttered as she dreamed and her pink lips were parted. His gaze crawled down her small jaw, slender neckline to her collarbones. He swallowed drily. He had spent many nights in the past twenty years (Zuben: From the age of nine? Drink!) drinking with Yira, but he had never felt so strange as he did tonight. Yira turned in her sleep, and pushed away the blanket revealing her lus...

COLD WAR  The next morning, at Florence… ‘Hong Yira-ssi, I told you explicitly that I didn’t like this draft. Why did you continue with it?’ His voice reverberated around the office. ‘That design was chosen by the customers as the most accessible. I chose to continue it because we have been criticised for ignoring their ideas.’ (Zuben: I don't understand, don't you just buy the undies you like or is there some weird constumer - manufaturer relationship in Asia?) ‘So, why did you ask me to approve it if you’re going to do as you please anyway, Hong Yira-ssi?’ Gye-eul voice was as cold as midwinter. They were full of resentment against each other. The rest of the employees watched in bated breath, shocked by the cold snap that had befallen the office. These two, who were so close, were now breathtakingly frosty to each other. They watched Gye-eul and Yira in trepidation. ‘CEO?’ Mr Kim Ji-Won, the head of the management support team, called to Gye-eul. ‘Wh...

  rera . Yi-ra waved her hand in front of Gye-eul’s face and waved (Zuben: You pinch if you’re evil or stroke waist if not). After confirming that he was asleep, she sat up. She got off the bed, with her heart in her mouth, hoping he wouldn’t wake. Although they’d been friends for twenty years, they had never fallen asleep together naked. Though the resulting evening was like a dream fulfilled, she was still embarrassed. She was about to sneak out of the bedroom. ‘Where are you going?’ She turned to find Gye-eul sitting up in bed. She gave an awkward smile and tried to cover her body with her hands. ‘The…toilet...?’ ‘You’re not running away because you're embarrassed?’ They had known each other for twenty years, of course he knew her well. ‘Just a bit…’ she replied, her face turning rose. Gye-eul rose out of bed with a smile as Yi-ra quickly reached for a throw on a chair in the room and used it to cover herself. ‘I saw it all last night. What are y...