Chapter 4 from Special Collections

04

Months pass by, and I’m standing here with a glass of champagne in my right hand. I’m the only one at Sohee’s wedding because I don’t know anyone at all. Junghoon can’t take any more days off of work, and I half understand that. I think that Junghoon is just trying to ignore his own problems. 

Read More

Chapter 12 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 12: Needle in a Butt Stack

I’m on the defensive mode. I need to stop Sohee from revealing anything about Yeonjun and me to Suho, so before Sohee can open her mouth to do anything, I butt in by declaring, “Ah . . . Suho and I do know each other!”

Read More

Implication 10 from Implicit Love

Implication 10: Turmoil

“Ugh . . .” I mope when I see myself in the washroom mirror.

My eye bags are horrible, and I have no one to blame, except for Azuma and myself. The walls are particularly thin, and his bedroom happens to be where I study in the kitchen. Throughout the night, I can hear that girl’s groans and shrills. She seems to be calling out someone’s name. I can’t exactly hear whose name. Then, there are the low grunts and huffs which are presumably from Azuma. 

Read More

Chapter 3 of Special Collections

03

Surprisingly, my mother seems to love Junghoon more than me. I’m pretty sure it’s because Junghoon feeds her compliments every now and then. He tells her how much he enjoyed her dishes. He guesses her age wrong to say that she looks very young. My mother does have a youthful appearance, but I know that Junghoon is purposely using these tactics to win her over. Somehow, I’m sort of bothered by the way he is behaving. I wished . . . that he would show his true self in front of my mother, so that she’d actually like him for who he is.

Read More

Chapter 2 of Special Collections

2 

I’m on my way to meet a few girlfriends in Seoul. I decide that I’ll tell them second. The first people to know were my mother and my sister, Jina. My mother is rather surprised because she doesn’t know who Junghoon is. She knows he was one of my ex-boyfriends, but she never met him. I didn’t want her to meet all of my boyfriends since I knew I probably wouldn’t marry them. My mother really only knew about Raewon. I truly believed that I would have eventually married him if he had not dumped me. I’m glad I didn’t marry him though. I’m sort of glad how everything unraveled by itself. My mother, though, is definitely not pleased. She thinks I’m rushing through with everything and that I have fallen head over heels with a man who will break my heart. I think she is just scared that I’ll suffer the same fate as her. A cheating husband. A liar. An irresponsible father.

Read More

Chapter 1 of Special Collections

Author's Note:

Hello! Although Collections of Love is technically finished, I had the urge to write more for Junghoon and Jikyung. After much thought, I decided that I'd still write a few chapters, which will be called "Special Collections". They're really just snippets of Jikyung and Junghoon's lives. Pretty slice of life, I would say.

A part of me feels bothered because I'd like readers to envision the characters' future lives, but I honestly felt that there was something missing, that I still wanted to add more. 

I would say to treat this as a spin-off or a short sequel. For whoever that wants to stay in the tragic mode or would rather imagine what would happen to Jikyung and Junghoon, then don't read "Special Collections". "Special Collections" will really remove you from that sad atmosphere, but for those that want to be cheered up or are curious as to how I think the characters would be like later on, then do read "Special Collections".

Read More

Chapter 11 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 11: The Day After

Stairs, chairs, heels, hills and slopes are all my enemies. What do they all have in common? They all challenge my legs way too much. I’m hobbling and wobbling whenever I encounter the obstacles I listed above. Stairs are the worst though. I literally have to grab onto both sides of the railings or use some wall to support myself. I have to extend my legs wide open while lifting my butt up to go up a flight of stairs. Coming down from them is even worse. The pain is excruciating, and I just keep moaning.

Read More

Chapter 10 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 10: Dooms Day

I was only on planning to work out once a week with Suho, but I completely forgot that I had agreed to work out with the other boys too. At five in the morning, I get a harsh phone call from Yeonjun who is literally screaming in my ear, “Yeah! Nam Leia! Get your ass up!”

Read More

Chapter 9 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 9: Peace Treaty

Credit and thanks goes to urstruly for the poster!

Suho drives us back to Seoul in his black BMW 7 series, which he handles with much care. The interior is super clean unlike Eunhyuk’s car that has tons of junk and leftover snacks inside. Suho is just as clean as Yeonjun, making me wonder if Suho will be just as anal as Yeonjun. As we head closer to civilization, Suho notes, “There’s this nice ice-cream shop I know called La Dolce Vita. Want to try?”

Read More

Chapter 8 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 8: A Bloody War

Since Yeonjun believes in arriving just a smidge late, which really equates to being ten to seventeen minutes tardy, he drives at quite a fast speed. You see, the wedding reception is supposed to start at 7:00 pm, and by the time Yeonjun began to work on my makeup, it was already 6:20 pm, give or take. I know for sure that when we left my place, it was 7:00 pm; after all, the radio Yeonjun turns on announces the time just as we get into the car. The wedding reception is at some high class hotel at the mountaintop of some place in the outskirts of Seoul. It’s supposed to be the latest fad to have your wedding take place at somewhere exotic yet close to civilization. In any case, going to that hotel normally takes at least 30 minutes. Because we’re kind of behind on schedule and Yeonjun is anal enough to have a specific arrival time in mind, Yeonjun has to race against cars. Really, he just keeps changing lanes, and I keep praying with my eyes closed that there will be no cops or drunk drivers around us. Please . . . just let us arrive safely. Dear God, it doesn’t have to be on time like Yeonjun wishes.

Read More

Chapter 7 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 7: Before the Suho War

My arms are about to fall off at this rate. No, I am not bench pressing 110 pounds. I am catching and holding onto every dress that Yeonjun tosses into my arms. I feel like I’m in an old school video game where I have to bounce Yoshi up and down from this trampoline. While all this exercising happens, Yeonjun will comment something like this: “Yeah, I think this will work. Mustard should capture someone’s eyes. It’s popular today, but then again, burgundy seems sexier. Whatever, you’ll try out both.” Then, he’ll fling the item into the air, and I’m expected to run in that direction and make a perfect catch, which I do 97% of the time. By the time, I can’t even see what is ahead of me, I mutter while panting, “Y-Y-Y-Yeonjun . . . I-I-I can’t t-t-take it anymore. I-i-it’s too much.”

Read More

Chapter 6 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 6: A Full Audience for Lies

Lunch has an agenda this time with Yeonjun, yet somehow, he gets to me first and proposes his plan. He knows how easily I become absorbed by the restaurant’s menu. He knows that I’d become sucked in by some daily special, and using that time, Yeonjun declares, “We’re going dress shopping tomorrow evening so keep yourself free. I’ll pick you up from your place around 7 pm, and I’ll be paying for all your expenses, so don’t worry. What else? Oh right, we need to practice your kissing skills.” All this time, I have been too debating whether or not I should try the lemon splashed takoyaki or beef tataki. I sort of half-listen to his words and nod along, but after I hear that last phrase, I jolt from my seat.

Read More

Chapter 5 From Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 5: Life Splitting Moment

Mondays are my worst enemies. I hate, I hate, I hate Mondays until no tomorrow. Why? 8:30 am is when I have to teach stupid first-year students. Don’t get me wrong. I am grateful for having this steady job. It’s just that I have always hated teaching, yet somehow, every job or volunteer opportunity I used to get was all related to teaching. So when someone asks me if fate has everything planned out, I would wholeheartedly say yes. I mean, how else am I doing a job that I sincerely dislike and am stuck in a situation that I can’t even control? 

Read More

Implication 9 from Implicit Love

Implication 9: No Regrets

After that stupid fiasco, the landlord unlocks my door for me and immediately, Ayane leaps from the ground to greet me, “Azuma! Azuma! I was getting so worried about you! You were out for so long and then you forgot your cell phone, so I thought you might have—“

Read More

Implication 8 from Implicit Love

Implication 8: Bonjour Et Au revoir

Credits and thanks goes to urstruly for the poster!

 When I arrive home, I’m surprised to find Ayane sitting in a chair in the kitchen and waving at me. “Hello!” she enthusiastically waves at me with her legs crossed together like in yoga. She is wearing her workout clothing consisting of black short shorts, a turquoise tank top and a black zip-up jacket. Her hair is nicely put in a ponytail and she has ear buds in her ears. As she turns off her Iphone, she smiles at me, saying, “Surprised, Azuma?”

Read More

Implication 7 from Implicit Love

Implication 7: A Starting Point

Credits and thanks goes to Boss Charisma for the poster!

 The first week of school has been nothing but a breeze. Absolute bore, and I was expecting university to be more interesting. I find it is high school all over again, except people are even more alcohol and sex driven and sometimes lazier. Actually, you’ll realize there are a lot of different people lurking on campus. You just have to find the crowd, but I don’t do that sort of sh.it. I’m tempted to skip all clubs, but I know my resume needs to be filled up with activities. Let’s apply for some positions, shall we?

Read More

Implication 6 from Implicit Love

Implication 6: Reality

*Credit and thanks goes to corruptedsoul for the poster!

I’m off to search for breakfast before I head off to school. Luckily after walking for a bit, I spot this bakery just at the end of the road. I’m honestly surprised to find a teenage boy at the cashier. I wonder why he’s not going to school at this time. Oh wait, it’s only 7:00 am. Is he that poor or what? I’m honestly confused about his presence. The guy stares me down, making me feel annoyed. I already didn’t sleep last night because I didn’t get a bed yet. I guess I’ll go furniture shopping after class. There’s not much to do for the first week anyways.

Read More

Chapter 4 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Chapter 4: Off to the Slaughterhouse

Dinner for four. Location: French bistro. Really. That’s just splendid. I mean, surely, after watching Sohee try on many designer gowns that made me shriek after hearing the hefty price tags they came with, it isn’t really necessary for us to be here to rejoice. After all, Sohee never managed to pick a dress. She said she couldn’t feel the emotions of finding the one overcome her, which was how she felt when she first saw Sungyeol. Yuck. Let me go throw up in a waste basket now. Honestly, the way she worded things sounded rather perverted. It seemed more like a girlfriend explaining to us about her great orgasm, and I’m sure Yeonjun could read my mind because he had that discerning look pasted on his face that was warning me not to think so immaturely.

Read More

Implication 5 from Implicit Love

Implication 5: New Beginnings

Credits and thanks goes to whore!sica!

 We’re moving into our new places, and Ayane’s mother has asked me to help out her daughter. I sort of want to tell her mother to go find Keigo, who is Ayane’s actual boyfriend, but now’s a good time to impress that mother. Win over the mother who will then persuade her daughter to pick that other guy, right?

Read More

Implication 4 from Implicit Love

Implication 4: Promise

 I can sense freedom passing through my fingertips. I grip the podium, and it feels like day one all over again. I started with a short speech before, tried to sound eloquent and inspiring because I needed that scholarship to keep going. The teachers initially all loved me, but no sooner did they grow to hate me. I’m sure the principal is nervous about what I’m about to say. She’s wiping her sweat that’s dripping down my forehead with her silk handkerchief. Talk about using silk the wrong way.

Read More

Chapter 10 from Rebirth: Legacy

Chapter 10: Occasions

             Clamorous claps and thunderous chants resonated throughout the ballroom and even throughout the kingdom. Tonight, there were candle-lit lights streaming from street to street and I was reminded of the old city life, where street lamps bedazzled the paths. Everyone was in the mood for celebration for Cael was now the King.

Read More

Implication 3 from Implicit Love

Implication 3: Understanding

 

 *Credit and thanks goes to shawty_12 for the poster!

It’s the last school festival before graduation. Our class is in charge of having a host club. I’m responsible at the front, making sure that everyone is put at the right tables and has reserved the proper host. Ayane was in charge of costume design, so during the actual event, she is free to do whatever she wants. Keigo, on the other hand, is a host, the most popular one on the list. Annoying bastard, as I write down every girl’s request. I was the most popular guy in school before Keigo came along and stole all of my glory . . . and Ayane.

Read More

Implication 2 from Implicit Love

Implication 2:Exchanges

Can you believe it? I’m even part of Keigo’s going-away party. Everyone is recounting some sob story or memory that they shared with Keigo at his family’s apartment. They’re making toasts stupidly. I don’t know anyone here, except for Ayane. I don’t see why I agreed to attend this senseless party when all I’m doing is drinking cheap vodka. I seriously think I do too much for this rash girl.

Read More

Chapter 3 from Curiosity Killed the Lady

Curiosity 3: Pregnant, Engaged, and Set to Marry

I’m not even sure why I am so nice in the first place to follow through with Sungyeol’s demand. Actually, I was thinking of bailing, but after Sungyeol kept dropping by my office to remind me of the date I had with his future wife, I . . . had no excuse to refuse. He even bribed me with my daily dose of apple juice. Really, I’m a huge fan of apples. I can’t go on living a day without my apple juice just like how coffee addicts need their morning rush of caffeine. 

Read More

Implication 1 from Implicit Love

Implication 1: The Devil and the Angel

Credits and thanks goes to vanessa_x17 for the poster!

“Azuma! What do you think? Would Keigo like this?” There’s Ishikawa Ayane lifting up a green sweater and now placing it along my chest to see if it fits . . . him. I don’t even know why I agreed to go shopping with her for this idiotic present. “Azuma, say something. I don’t want Keigo to be—“

Read More

Chapter 2 from the Curiosity Killed the Lady

Curiosity 2: The Challenge

You see when Sungyeol asked me to dinner, I thought fate had it all planned out. I just didn’t want to respond before because I wanted to defy fate. Sungyeol was going to confess to me and tell me that after all these years, he realized that I was the one for him. And why would he ever confess to me? Well, back in elementary school and until the middle of junior high, Sungyeol and I were best buddies. We would dig up worms together. We would be on the same dodgeball team and even played pranks with other classmates. We were inseparable until people started making rumours that we were dating. Things got super awkward throughout the eighth grade, and finally, Sungyeol moved away to Busan because of his dad’s work. We sort of lost contact until in university where we bumped into each other on campus. He was visiting his girlfriend and wanted to buy some coffee to waste some time. So, we ended up chatting to one another, and before you knew it, we were kind of like before until the last year of university. We lost contact again, and at that time, I started hanging out with Yeonjun’s crew. It wasn’t until I started working as an assistant professor did I realize that Sungyeol was also on the same career path as me. He was at the department of Economics, while I stayed with Urban Development. So, it was natural for me to think that Sungyeol would confess to me. 

Read More