A timeless mind

Episode 12: As if possessed by something

Taehyung, who was holding my hand gently and had a face that looked like it would burst into tears at the slightest touch, spoke in an affectionate voice.

김태형

"If you're feeling down, just a moment."

I held Taehyung's hand tightly as he tried to let go of mine. He must have found some digestive medicine in the first aid kit in the break room and was offering it to me.

But the reason I felt suffocated was because of my father, not because I couldn't digest it.

한여주

"It's not that I feel suffocated because I can't digest it. It's just that I feel like I'm trapped in a cage... that's what it is."

Strictly speaking, it might be true that I'm locked in a cage. There's nothing I can do as I please.

김태형

"So you don't like being inside. I think you spent more time outside than inside hotels in Jeju Island."

한여주

"Yes, that's right. I don't like being in a closed building. It's so stuffy."

한여주

"But I can't help it. This is the life I have to live. I just have to live."

Taehyung, who had been silently watching me as I spoke indifferently, opened his mouth as if he had something to say.

김태형

"Miss Yeoju, can we go to the place I chose for dinner tonight?"

한여주

"Yes, of course."

김태형

"So, is there any food you can't eat?"

한여주

"There's no food I can't eat."

김태형

"Then just follow me today. Next time, let's go wherever you want, Yeoju."

"Next time," he said, "let's have another meal together..." Just a single word like that could make my heart flutter. My pounding heart answered for me.

한여주

"Then what do you like the most, Taehyung?"

김태형

"I like my mother's home-cooked meals the best."

This was a completely unexpected answer. For us, home-cooked meals meant meals prepared by our maid. I hadn't had a single meal prepared by my mother since I was born.

So I was curious. What does a home-cooked meal, made with a real mother's care and love, taste like?

Back to my work, I diligently worked to keep my appointment. Finishing my work before 8 o'clock, I took out my card and handed it to the department staff.

한여주

"Everyone, please finish your project well, and I'll pay for the entire dinner. Enjoy your meal without any worries."

"Sir, aren't you going with us?"

한여주

"I have an important appointment, so I have to go. See you all tomorrow. Oh, and drink moderately for tomorrow, okay?"

Coming down to the lobby, I saw Taehyung waiting for me, unsure of when he'd arrived. It was the first time I'd seen him in civilian clothes. He always wore suits while working as a security guard. For a moment, I was mesmerized by how cool he looked in civilian clothes.

김태형

"Ms. Yeoju?"

한여주

"Yeah, yeah. Yes, Taehyung."

김태형

"Let's go. I'll drive."

I was drawn to Taehyung, who took my hand without hesitation and led me, as if possessed by something.