Love Without Time Limits
CHAPTER 2: ARTBAKERY COMPETITION

Eun Seung was still silent seeing the man in front of him looking at him. He felt weak, he could not enter this competition if the opponent was that person again. Eun Seung is not energetic, the spirit he has built has now disappeared again. The man made himself lose confidence. The hope of obtaining the reward was now annihilated in his shadow.

"Kang Seung Ho...!!" Call Soo Ra, he's suddenly behind Eun Seung. His best friend realized Eun Seung who was still quietly fixated in front of Seung Ho. Everyone's surprised. Eun Seung, Soo Ra and Seo Woon just kept quiet without saying anything to him. Seung Ho who was confused, just looked down, and walked away leaving them all. Seo Woon saw Eun Seung who was still in shock, the man who became her opponent was in the competition again.

"Eun Seung, you can definitely beat him. Don't be discouraged..." Soo Ra told me. That's all he's got, encouraging Eun Seung again and again. The girl saw him, a request from her best friend. The warm gaze of Soo Ra is able to make Eun Seung return to his spirit and he must forget about anyone who participated in the competition. Eun Seung nodded. He thinks that Soo Ra's words have a point. He did not want to disappoint his friend. He does not want to fail in front of those who support him. Already so far, he stepped up and was accompanied by her. Lose or win, Soo Ra will be a friend forever.

"no problem, you're champion two. I will always support you." Soo Ra said, making Eun Seung feel calm. Soo Ra takes her best friend to the registration place, they agree to enter the competition. Seo Won just smiled, looking at the two best friends who always gave support to each other. He could not do much, for he was only a stranger to them.

**

Seung Ho fell silent, as he stuffed his luggage into the locker and changed the chef's clothes in his hands. His gaze was indeed fixed there, but not with his mind, his memory glazed long before he met hei ji yesterday while in the library.

"you know, the number three was talking to me.." hei ji's voice startled Seung Ho who was reading a book. He was silent, still focused on the book he was holding. "...he asked me, this weekend you were invited to work at his uncle's place. Bizarrely. He's asking you to work together. I suspect he wants something from you. Luckily, you already have a part-time job every week.." Hei ji continued to tell everything to his best friend. He kept talking about number three. Nonstop. His best friend did not seem to like Eun Seung. Because Eun Seung is spreading rumors that Seung Ho has been looking for benefits from his face.

"i'm not working anymore." said Seung Ho cut off the talk hei ji. He felt sultry, his best friend continued to talk about Eun Seung continuously.

"ehemmm.." a man's voice coughed around Seung Ho. The man regained his senses while he was wearing his chef's shirt. A familiar male figure, standing over to Seung Ho. "...why did you enter this competition?" Ask later. He just realized, that the man who was with Eun Seung earlier. Seung Ho just kept quiet, he was busy tidying up the clothes he was wearing. Not answering. He is confused as to what to answer. A question even to him, he doesn't know what he's doing here.

He only knew that there was competition in the region from an announcement on the power pole. He accidentally saw her while walking to a bakery near the station. An announcement paper sheet was written there, the main prize was the one that tempted Seung Ho to attend this event. His dream was to have a shop to open his own cake shop. He wanted to try without the help of others. Maybe that way, Seung Ho can show off his talent to his parents. Her father and mother banned her from working in the kitchen. They just want to see his son working in a big company. That's why, Seung Ho left the house and didn't want to come back. His freedom has been taken away if he continues to be in the house.

"...not that everyone can follow him. You're wrong to just judge me." Seung Ho's smile was forced. He gave a canned drink to the man named Seo Woon.

Seo Woon accepted it, she laughed. The man Eun Seung is fighting has now spoken to him like that. All this time he knew that Seung Ho was a cold and talkative man. Seo Woon couldn't believe seeing Seung Ho smile.

"give up.." asked Seo Woon as Seung Ho walked towards the exit. Seung Ho was fixated, he stopped his steps when he heard Seo Woon's words to him. He thought of something with the word surrender. Giving up means failing to get what you want. Failed to get the top prize and failed that he could succeed. Seung Ho doesn't want that to happen. This was his chance to get the store and tell his parents that he would be successful because of his talent. Seung Ho understands why this man asked him. Because several times he competed, Seung Ho is still the person who became his rival and can not be defeated from Eun Seung.

"sorry, I also need the store" he said slowly and left. Seung Ho keeps thinking about his words. There was a feeling that he understood the man's worries. There is something he wants to achieve. Both of them are Seung Ho's current thoughts. Let him be selfish this time. But in a competition, there is no such thing as SURRENDER.

**

The race is now underway for all participants of the competition. Everyone is busy with their own activities. Some are concocting ingredients, some are whipping eggs and some have finished making dough. Fifteen of the participants seemed eager to fight for the grand prize. Seo Woon and Soo Ra just looked at them from afar.

"waahh... the cake is very fragrant.." the voice of a boy was heard around Seung Ho, the little man smelled the smell of freshly cooked cake. He really likes, his face looks amazed to pay attention to the baker participants. Seung Ho smiled, he remembered where he was in the boy's position. Little Seung Ho stood up straight watching a little girl his age making a cake with an old man. He was in the bakery, where he stood, he could see the process of making bread. That is the appeal of their store, so that the fragrant cake and freshly cooked bread can be smelled to the customer. This bakery is very famous. The father and girl were busy making cakes for their sale. The little girl's charm is able to make Seung Ho just quietly pay attention to them. Little Seung Ho was amazed by the horse-horned girl. The way to make dough, concoct ingredients and put in the oven, he worked earnestly. The little girl was already good at making cakes and helping her father who worked at the bakery.

"ahhhhh.. Welcome then. I don't see any buyers. Dad, someone's coming...!!" Tukas the little girl when she saw little Seung Ho standing in front of the cashier counter. Little Seung Ho smelled the bread that the girl was carrying. He kept watching the bread that the girl was holding.

"ahh, welcome. What bread do you want?" Ask the girl's father when he's behind the girl. They looked at Seung Ho who was still silent and pointed at the newly cooked bread. "you picked the right one, son.." Add father then coupled with laughter. The girl smiled.

"let me wrap it up." the girl continued. He deftly stuffed the bread into the box and gave it to little Seung Ho. "...thank you, come back yeah." the girl smiled at him. A warm smile was shown by him. Little Seung Ho was stunned to see it. His face reddened, he simply nodded, took it out of the girl's hands and handed the money to the girl's father. He just left when he got the receipt from the store. Seung Ho ran out of the store, he kept smelling the scent of bread that was in his hands. Slowly he bit the bread. Chew and eat it. A gentle touch in his mouth at this moment. He was surprised, his bread was different from the others. Very mellow. Seung Ho likes it. He stopped his steps, looking back. Looking at the bakery that stood not so far away from him. He really loved bread until now.

Seung Ho notices the cake that has been cooked in his Loyang. He lifted the cake from the oven. The cake smells between the rooms. The competition is now 5 minutes away and will be over. Seung Ho tidied up the entire piece of equipment and started decorating the cake on a serving plate.

And Eun Seung, Seung Ho noticed. It's been done since. He is now among his friends. Seung Ho gave the decorated cake to the judges for its value. He has no supporters. He just came to the show alone. Heiji was not told. He didn't want anyone to come and cheer himself up. Moreover, this was a public event, no one he knew except the three of them.

**

Eun Seung looked at the cup before him with a limp look. Cup champion two stands tall on his study table, deliberately seen Eun Seung at this time.

"at least you're champion two, Eun Seung be excited." Soo Ra's voice flashed in his mind from earlier. Soo Ra is very happy because Eun Seung rose from the previous one to become champion two. If only Seung Ho wasn't around. He was convinced that Eun Seung would win the competition. Ah yes, Seung Ho. Eun Seung just realized that he had been lied to. "...i didn't expect it, the man tricked me. Why did he have to enter the competition...!!??" Eun Seung's uproar again. Her memories of Seung Ho meeting at the competition left her in shock. He really hated the man, his hope was gone because of the man. He is really tired if he continues to be next to Seung Ho to fight him. He really lost to her.

Drrrt. drrtt. Eun Seung saw her, a notification on the phone screen with her mother's name. He took. But he saw something behind it. A pink greeting card was on the table. He just realized, he had not seen it since he came home from the competition.

"tock..tok...!!" The sound of knocking on the door was heard from outside the house. Suddenly, the phone called back to him. He knew his mother was calling back. The sound of knocking on the door was heard again. Eun Seung rushed to the front door. He put his clothes on and opened the door. Two men in police clothes were in front of him. Eun Seung was just confused to see them.

"good morning, Miss Lee Eun Seung. We from the xxx area police would like to invite you to come to our place.." Said the old man firmly.

"you can come with us, we'll explain everything at the police station." the other police officer continued. Eun Seung just nodded in doubt. He never felt wrong towards anyone or the police. Something has happened.

"hello?!!" Sapa Eun Seung received a call from her mother.

"Eun Seung, your father was arrested by the police...!!" Mom's voice was shaking, she sobbed crying from across the phone. Eun Seung just kept quiet, This time he knew, the intention of the police arrival told him to meet his father.

**

Eun Seung ran towards where his father was. His face was very irritated, his breathing was wheezing from tired of running, his two eyes were looking for a figure he had not met for a long time, a father figure who always supported him during competitions, he said, the father figure who always hugs him when losing a match, the father figure who is always cheerful in front of Eun Seung. Now it's just Eun Seung's sweet memory, today he's different, there's no happy father. Father turned into an old man who had no hope in his life. Steady in the streets, until visible from his unkempt body. Eun Seung's gaze could not be separated from an old man who was grayed, looking down weakly in front of the police.

"dad...!!" Call Eun Seung slowly. Some people there looked at Eun Seung. His father just looked down weak even though he had been called by his son. She's ashamed. Eun Seung approached her.

"you're Lee Eun Seung?" Ask a policeman who has been interrogating his father since. Eun Seung nodded slowly. He's confused. What really happened. "... Your father stole food at the convenience store.." the police officer said. Eun Seung saw the father who was next to him. I wish I could explain it to him. Dad didn't answer. He grew weak, turning his eyes to another.

Eun Seung took a long breath. He was really upset with his father like that.

"dad !! Why do this to me...???" Eun Seung's shout shocked everyone around him. The father was also surprised, the son shouted at him. He's really embarrassed. Many questions were directed to his father.

Eun Seung's phone rings. His mother called back. Eun Seung accepted her call in annoyance.

"hello !!! I'm already here, mom. I'll guarantee him out of here. I'll take it easy." Eun Seung's voice is full of emphasis. He turned off his phone with annoyance. He doesn't care about his father anymore. Just talking to the police to apply for freedom for his father.

**

"you won the competition again, Eun Seung...!!" Dad's voice sounded happy as he looked through some photos of Eun Seung winning carrying the competition trophy. The boy had put some of them near the front door. Eun Seung just nodded, he walked towards the living room and sat there. Dad followed.

"yes, I fought hard to get it." Eun Seung said when his father was in front of him. He deliberately invited his father back to Eun Seung's house. He was eager to hear his father's purpose in doing so. All this time he knew his father never stole anything, only this time he did it if not pressed. There was something from his father doing that, their financial life might have been reduced. During this time Eun Seung did not ask from them, Eun Seung needs only from the competition prize only. He set it aside for himself. His school money is also sought from part-time work. He doesn't understand if his father and mother now live a mediocre life."..I only have this, eat first..." Eun Seung gives instant cup noodles to his father. He knew his father had not eaten.

"Eun Seung, forgive me.." Dad's voice was a little raucous, he admitted his mistake. "...dad didn't give you money to buy good food. Dad and mom don't have any more money, son.." lamented Dad. Turns out right, dad did that to cover his hungry stomach. He left home to find a job, but no one accepted him. Dad is old, but the baking skills are great. His years of experience had made his abilities decline to that of his only child. "...dad, don't want to be a burden to you. I'll find a job wherever I am. So you go home, take care of your mother who needs you." I looked at her very closely. Her father's request made Eun Seung just shut up. He was confused at the thought of the father's request to change him. Her mother needs her now, her family's economy is in decline. Only he can help her.

**

This morning Seung Ho's mood was very happy. He decided to take a walk downtown. Her dream has come true. A gift shop for himself opened a business. He was eager to show the world that he was able to fight to this day. He hopes his parents can see his hard work get it all. He wanted his parents to agree and accept him to do that. Now there remains a good hope to fix everything. That's what Seung Ho wants right now.

Seung Ho goes for a walk looking for the address of the store given by the ArtBakery committee. He has got the key. The key that everyone wants. Only Seung Ho can win the competition and give the empty building prize to him. The ArtBakery committee did choose the empty building in the city center. It is complete, famous and crowded. Tourists and local residents also often shop there. Every place, many shops lined up to hawk his business. Seung Ho smiles at the sight of an empty building right in front of his eyes. The same store address as the paper he was holding at the moment. Her dream has come true. The prize of the ArtBakery competition embodies the desire to open a business store in the city center. He was very excited to do that. His search has been found. He left the place, taking a walk around the shop.

Seung Ho is shocked as he remembers the place he went through. The area where his childhood grew. He used to live not far from the city center. He looked around. The streets were already crowded, the roadsides were unchanged and some shops were still standing firm without change. Without a second thought, he looked for a cake shop that he used to subscribe to. But what he saw now, the cake shop had changed place into a flower shop. Mayumi florist, listed above the shop door. "quickly.." The sound of the door being opened by the owner. A beautiful girl came out the door of the store looking at Seung Ho who was just silent in front of him. Her sweet face did not smile to greet the man. The girl does not know him, only Seung Ho knows the girl.

The girl who became his first love. The girl who made him love cake. The girl he had missed all this time. The girl who made herself fight until she stood up to this moment. She really likes it.

The wind blows between them. The flowers fell because they could not bear to see those who looked at each other. Long time. Seung Ho can't do anything. His heart kept racing violently. He really can't talk. The girl turned her eyes away and continued to tie her long hair. Seung Ho also turned his head in the other direction. He only noticed that the shop had changed a lot. Suddenly the girl approached him.

"sorry, the store's opening hours are still an hour away.." Said the girl showing her index finger. Seung Ho just nodded, smiling at him. The girl then went to carry the pile of boxes in the opposite direction from Seung Ho. The man just watched her.

**

"Soo Ra, I'm going to quit college...!!" Eun Seung's voice when typing lines of letters on the mobile phone screen. He saw again and again. The short message he has not yet sent. He was still confused thinking. It's the right decision to quit college now. But her parents need her too. He dropped himself into the bed. Covering his face with a pillow. Really confused. His decision will make him stop reaching his goals. The last goal you want to achieve is to win the competition. He wants to win against Seung Ho. But what power he can't continue this whole thing.

"luck...!!" Tukas father invites Eun Seung to get ready for his mother's house. Since this morning, he had been thinking about it. His father was still at his house to continue taking him to his mother's house. Maybe it's time to forget everything and start a new life. He can compete without Seung Ho.

"alright, I'll go..." Eun Seung took a deep breath with the decision he made. He took care of the necessities and decided to follow his father.

Eun Seung's journey has come here. Eun Seung's ideals are back from the beginning again. Hope and desire were still in his mind at this moment. Maybe on another occasion he had to compete again for everything that had been wasted.

**