A Lovely Happiness In Summer
#6 Bitterness

..."That man must be realistic, you sure you can live your mother with passion?"...

...🌞🌞🌞...

Hyunseok's phone rang. It had been three times that the flat object sounded, but he had intentionally ignored it. He had just finished training in the dance studio. One by one his students came, bowing 90 degrees to him.

"Thank you, Sunbae-nim" said one of the boys.

Hyunseok smiled faintly, then the phone that he had changed to mode now shook. The same name. The man sighed and in the end decided to pick up the phone.

"Hello, Hyunseok-ssi. Looks like you're very busy" said the person across the phone.

"Sorry, Jungwoo-nim. I just finished teaching dance" Hyunseok replied.

"Ah ...so? Are you busy after this? I was in the area near your house. Maybe we can enjoy coffee together?"

Hyunseok was silent for a moment, then he replied. "Well, wait for me another thirty minutes at Coffee Arirang."

After Jungwoo said his closing greeting, Hyunseok immediately turned off the phone call. He went to the bathroom and changed his clothes. Cofee Arirang is a cafe located near Hyunseok house. It only takes 15 minutes to walk from My Beat dance studio or from home. The cafe is in the middle of the city area so crowded.

The sun had not yet sunk, but the time had shown at 19:30 Indeed summer made the afternoon longer and Hyunseok to bring a supply of two bottles of drinking water. He doesn't buy much food outside now. He had to skimp on it because of financial conditions. Meeting at Coffee Arirang later, he had no intention of buying anything. He had to save the remaining 50 thousand won in his wallet.

As soon as he opened the cafe door, from the direction of the table near the cashier facing the door, Jungwoo's figure had sat down. He waved at Hyunseok after putting his cold americano glass away. He invited Hyunseok to sit down and it turned out that there was already one more cup of coffee for Hyunseok.

"I don't know what your favorite is, so I'm ordering a cold americano too. No problem, right?" jungwoo said kindly.

Hyunseok smiled faintly. To appreciate Jungwoo, he drank the coffee, just a little, then put it back on the table.

"Lately it's been hard to reach you, yeah," Jungwoo said.

The sentence sounded ordinary, but was laden with subtle insinuation in it. Hyunseok realized that. "Sorry, Jungwoo-nim. I rarely hold a cell phone these days."

"Ah, did you say you were teaching dance? Aren't you majoring in theater?"

"I .. do love to dance."

Jungwoo nodded, then went back to sipping his drink. "Why don't you just try to be an actor? Didn't I offer you that time?"

Jungwoo's smile presented a cold flowing at Hyunseok's nape. The man indeed had such a strong charm that it made anyone around him feel intimidated.

"Eitherway. I'm not sure I can do it" Hyunseok said, trying to be honest.

"You've proven it during the theater's performance."

"But I'm not interested in the world at all ... acting" Hyunseok said in a smaller voice.

Jungwoo laughed softly. "Then, why did you go to tetaer?"

Hyunseok's memory goes back to the time of college enrollment, like the CD he played back. The scene when she failed to enter the dance majors hit again. All his efforts failed because on the day of the dance ability test, his mother entered the hospital. The severe depression experienced since the death of the father made Hyunseok's mother's physical decline. Things he never even revealed to Yeoreum either. He lies, saying that he failed an ability test so he enrolls in a tetaer major in order to be with Yeoreum. However, Hyunseok secretly still wanted to knit his dream. She still wants to be a professional dancer. In a financial insistence, he finally decided to become a dance teacher. Hopefully, this will be his step to be able to knit dreams that have been interrupted.

"Because that's the only major I can take."

Jungwoo nodded. "And I think being an actor could be the only way to finance your mom, right?"

Hyunseok. "Tu-wait! Where do you know?"

"It's not hard for me to find out about you" Jungwoo said casually.

Hyunseok sighed. Of course a man with money like Jungwoo could have access to get whatever he wanted.

"Hyunseok-ssi, listen to me," said Jungwoo stopping his silence. "That man must be realistic, are you sure you can live your mother with passion? How much money do you make teaching part time like that?"

The word stabbed Hyunseok deeply. Hyunseok admitted, the money he received was nothing. Even that was just enough to cover Hyunseok's daily money. However, he had the happiness of being able to return to dancing. That's what made Hyunseok feel alive.

"If you can make a lot of money in a short time, you can take care of your mother immediately. And if your career is a success, you can explore any field of art. You just need to trust and work well with me."

Hyunseok was silent again. His mind was now too full. "I'll think back," Hyunseok said of the lyrics.

"All right," Jungwoo replied. "I'll give you a chance to think until the end of the year. If you change your mind before the time I ask, I can always call my number."

Jungwoo got up, put on the back of the suit he hung on the chair, after which he said goodbye. "See you. May your mother be healthy always."

After Jungwoo\'s departure, Hyunseok only stared blankly at his *americano-* which was still half a glass.

...🌞🌞🌞...

Yeoreum was running early in the morning, installing a mesh device during a round of the housing complex. He used a sports jacket so that the folds of his body fat were not visible. Even though it felt like a sauna, Yeoreum persisted.

He passed past the old woman who was sweeping the road in front of the rash. Yeoreum smiled as the woman first greeted him. He walked leisurely to the house. The mother was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. A kiss on the cheek for his father became a greeting of arrival. He did not sit at the dining table, his main goal was the scales next to the bedroom door.

Yeoreum closed her eyes, moving her legs up the scales. The needle moved, stopping at the number 87. The girl widened for a few seconds before shouting in excitement.

“Yeoreum-ah, did something happen to you?” ask the father from the dining room.

“Ah, no! I'm fine, Dad!”

The girl smothered her mouth, holding back a laugh. She pranced slowly towards the bathroom, wanting to get dressed up immediately.

Yeoreum smiled. Her weight was reduced by 10 kilograms. The journey was still long, but it could already increase Yeoreum's confidence. Now, she is starting to be confident to use thin makeup when she leaves for college.

“I can definitely!” yeoreum. The girl smeared her lips with lipstick before leaving the room.

In the kitchen, the mother was preparing a box. “For your breakfast and lunch. Today you can eat white rice.”

Saerin glanced, stuffing the bag into Yeoreum's bag. “You didn't leave with Hyunseok?”

Yeoreum patting jidat. He almost forgot to call Hyunseok. Last night, the man didn't return the message. He thought Hyunseok was exhausted, so did not have time to reply. He also did not want to bother the man, so Yeoreum decided to give her a blessing herself today.

"Our classes are different today, ma'am," Yeoreum said reasoned.

Saerin nodded. Yeoreum hugged and kissed her parents before leaving the house. Before class starts, there will be a drama club meeting. Yeoreum did not want to be late. The trip to campus he also spent while eating fruit snacks. These fruits greatly helped Yeoreum who was indeed hungry quickly. At the very least, he can still chew food without feeling guilty.

Arriving at the theater's performance hall, Yeoreum searched for a chair. As usual, the seats are always arranged in a semi-circle. The room that was previously filled with members, turned quiet when Yeoreum stepped.

“Hya! Han Yeoreum's! You look more ... skinny!” said one of the girls.

"really?" ask Yeoreum shyly.

"And you're wearing lipstick now? Who made you change? Jung Hyunseok?" The girl raised her eyebrows, teasing Yeoreum. Yeoreum replied with a blush.

"Ti-no .. I'm just trying to get dressed."

The girl nodded, then tidied up to sit down as Kyungmin's figure came. The entire focus of the members now shifts to Kyungmin. However, Yeoreum's eyes briefly glanced at the central area. There was Yoora who looked dislikefully at him while crossing her arms, staring intently.

All eyes look pushy with Kyungmin's statement. "Our achievements received appreciation from the rector. The university asked me to return to the drama at the Hangang Spring Festival. Not only alumni, lecturers, and students of Hangang University who will witness our appearance, but the general public as well.”

Everyone cheered and applauded. Then, Kyungmin gave the code to calm down again.

“But, we have to replace the female lead.” The man asked Yoora to stand up, then continued talking. “Choi Yoora, has been signed by BigStar Entertainment and will begin her acting career on winter break.”

Hall rumbles. Overlapping congratulations flooded over Yoora. However, not once did the focus of the girl move away from Yeoreum. The grin seems to be a marker of victory in a game that is not clear when starting.

Kyungmin returned the attention. "For that, I will hold an open audition for all the female members who want to be the lead. Auditions will be held next month. In early autumn. If you're interested, you can contact me directly to sign up."

Kyungmin smiled as the girls started talking. Everyone wants to be the main character. Moreover, after hearing Yoora who could become an actress. For Yeoreum, this was an opportunity. He wanted to 'win' the lead this time around.

"Until the audition next month. Good morning" said Kyungmin and broke up the day meeting.

One by one the members left the room. Yeoreum had stolen the chatter of a white-shirt boy nearby who would also move out.

“Hyunseok should also be accepted into BigStar. But, he refused.”

“Know where you are? Don't make up stories,” reply to his friend, blue-shirt man.

“I heard Kyungmin and Hyunseok talk before the meeting. Senior Jungwoo met Hyunseok yesterday."

Yeoreum hurriedly put up her sling bag and walked out. However, Yoora's figure was already leaning against the wall next to the door, deliberately waiting for the girl.

“What now Han Yeoreum wants to look beautiful like me? Hmh! You're like that cheap lady with that lipstick!”

Yeoreum clenched her hands. "It's none of your business!"

"Don't you think you can be like me. That pig-like body won't be glimpsed!"

"I know! So now you better get out of front of me!" exclaim Yeoreum. However, Yoora quickly pulled out the girl's bag, sending Yeoreum's box of supplies splashing.

Yoora was stunned to see Yeoreum's food scattering on the floor. “A-what is your mother's stock?”

“What do you care? Please, I don't want to deal with you anymore!” Yeoreum tidied up her things. “Happy partying with your success. Just take care of your own life and don't disturb my life!”

From the direction Yeoreum walked, Hyunseok came. Her clothes were wet, making the girl a little surprised. “Am I late for a meeting?”

Yeoreum nodded. He wants to leave quickly. He immediately took Hyunseok in his arms, leaving Yoora staring blankly at the food splattered on the floor.

“What's Yoora bothering you again?” ask Hyunseok.

“I've been able to fight it, as you taught.”

Hyunseok laughed, rubbing Yeoreum's bangs. The girl had one hair, revealing her neck for the first time. Hyunseok smepat bumbling face Yeoreum.

“A-I had a business for a while, sorry I forgot to call you,” said the man.

Yoereum smiled faintly. However, there was something still stuck in his mind. Why didn't Hyunseok tell her about Senior Jungwoo's offer?

There was still five minutes before class, but Yeoreum invited Hyunseok to take a seat in class. He wants to talk seriously. Curiosity made him unable to bear to ask. “Do you also get an offer from BigStar like Yoora.”

The man nodded. “Who told you?”

“I just heard the chat of drama club members. Why did you refuse him? Isn't that a good opportunity?”

Hyunseok sighed. He thought for quite a while, as if afraid of Hallowen candy stored in his pants pocket being known.

“It's just gossip. No one offered me. Anyway I'm not interested either.”

Yeoreum lowered her head, looking at her floating legs. He realized his legs were not so level, while Hyunseok was firmly on the floor.

“You didn't lie to me?” The girl stopped her speech for a moment. “I mean ... You didn't turn down the offer because of me, right?”

Yeoreum's voice nosedived, almost like a whisper. Hyunseok's laughter exploded. The man shifted his seat, locking the girl's black soot.

“My dream is to be a dancer. If I were interested in acting, I wouldn't refuse. Is it because you're getting prettier, your confidence level is becoming excessive like this?”

Hyunseok laughed again. The distance and Yeoreum are getting smaller. Red hue appears on the cheek of the girl—not because of the wind.

Hyunseok was stunned after realizing his last sentence ushered in awkwardness. He's a little bit away. "You better focus on learning. Our lecturer has come."

...🌞🌞🌞...

“Mom should be in control again next week," said Jung Chaerin, Hyunseok's sister.

Hyunseok sighed at the hospital bill Chaerin gave him. In fact, just this morning he paid off the cost of electricity arrears.Not to think about the tuition payment next semester. Kepa Hyunseok felt hit by Godam.

“I'll find the money, you don't have to worry,” Hyunseok said, then smiled. The net looked withered. The light of the lamp refracts the fluid that begins to collect under the eyeball. Hyunseok hugged his sister tightly.

“I'll sell our car. Kyungmin said he wanted to buy it.” Hyunseok smiled. “At least we can live for the next two months.”

“Kakak ..” Chaerin's voice sounded soft. “The car was a relic of father. Would you sell it?”

The wind moves the window curtain. The clear liquid dropped slowly down on Chaerin's cheek.

“I promise you all this will soon pass.” Hyunseok took off the deck. “You better go back to Mom's room. I'm going out to buy dinner.”

The man moved, approaching the door. However, his steps came to a halt as Chaerin called out to him. “So, do you know Mr Jeon Jungwoo?” ask Chaerin.

Hyunseok was a little surprised. "You know who he's from?"

"Mr Jungwoo came to the house before Sister came home. He said he was Brother's friend and visited Mom. He brought lots of fruit and food, and. You don't have to buy food."

Hyunseok immediately turned around and approached his sister. "You received a gift from him?"

Hyunseok's reddened face made Chaerin a little scared. "I-iya ... Am I wrong?"

Hyunseok sighed. He didn't want to feel indebted to Jungwoo. She knew it was part of Jungwoo's way of forcing her to become an actress under BigStar.

"Chaerin, listen to Brother" Hyunseok said as he held onto his sister's shoulder. "Never accept money or gifts from anyone without Brother's knowledge.Give the money to Brother and Brother will return it to him."

Chaerin. "But that's enough money to pay for your therapy next week. Brother doesn't have to sell our car!"

"No! We have to get that money back!"

"Why is my sister always like that? Do you think the money to teach dancing is enough? Sis, there are good people who want to help us, why should we refuse? A—"

"Enough, Chaerin! If you say give it back, do it! And never accept his return in this house!" hyunseok said firmly, then left the sister who had shed tears.