The 32nd Newsletter

Hi there

This is your A.thentic Jong Hee 

And this is my 32nd newsletter to you. 

How are you today?💖

It’s been quite a while since I last sent you a newsletter. The 31st one was back at the end of March, when cherry blossoms were blooming. I can’t believe it’s already been almost two months. Time really flew. I should’ve released a new newsletter sooner, and I feel sorry that I didn’t. While I can’t go into all the details about what’s been going on, I do think it’s worth sharing at least a bit. After all, if you’re reading this, you’re truly one of my biggest supporters and dearest friends.🧡

So today’s newsletter will cover a few things: First, a look at Korea’s current weather, a glimpse into what’s happening here lately, some scenes and bites from my regular Friday out door market visits in the neighborhood, and a wrap-up of the Sand Festival that just ended last week at Haeundae Beach.🏖️ And lastly — what many of you have been waiting for — I’ll be sharing Part 1 of Chapter 8 in the love story of Hyun and Jisoo. (Yes, Part 1 means there’s a Part 2 coming. I’m working on it now, though my time has been limited due to this month’s single release. But once it’s finished, I’ll be sure to send it your way soon.)

Let’s start with the weather in Korea.

May is often called "the queen of seasons" in Korea. Spring is in full bloom, and the cold has completely vanished. It’s not yet summer, so it’s pleasantly warm without being hot. Flowers are blooming everywhere, and you’ll see families, couples, and groups of friends out enjoying picnics, parks, and amusement parks. The air is also much cleaner than in early spring, as the fine dust and yellow dust that often blow in from China tend to clear up by May.

Recently, Busan’s daily temperatures have ranged from lows of 11–14°C to highs of around 18–22°C. Seoul, as always, shows greater variation — with lows from 9–13°C and highs around 22–27°C. But starting next week, temperatures in Seoul will likely rise. Over the years, I’ve noticed that from mid to late May, it starts feeling quite hot in Seoul — almost hitting 30°C by the end of the month. Not quite summer-level heat, but close. I remember it was already warm by mid-May when I used to live in Seoul.

Busan, on the other hand, is more stable in terms of climate. It doesn’t heat up as suddenly as Seoul does, even though the two cities are only 2 hours and 40 minutes apart by express train.🚅🛤️

What’s the weather like in your city right now?

As you know, Korea has four very distinct seasons, and the emotional atmosphere changes with each one. Whether it’s in a city, at a cafe, or in a restaurant, the feeling of each season is very different. I personally love spring and summer the most. While many enjoy fall and winter, I prefer the warmth and the kind of weather where you can run around at the beach and dive into the ocean.

I live near Haeundae Beach, which is a globally known tourist destination. As summer approaches, the beach fills up with visitors from all over Korea and abroad. Since I recently moved even closer to the beach, I’m planning to go for runs along the coast, take a dip in the sea, and jog back home. It may sound like a small thing, but when I tell Seoul friends about this, they get super jealous. In Korea, you can only swim in the sea during summer, and if you visit a beach town like Haeundae, you have to pay high accommodation fees and travel expenses. But for me, it’s all just a part of daily life.

There’s something I want to tell you here. A few of my followers noticed something was wrong and sent me worried DMs—and yes, it's true. Around the end of April and into May, I fell into a slump, like deep depression. Most of you probably found me through Instagram, but I almost closed my account and decided not to make music for a while.

Normally, I write a story to go along with each piano album for Hyun and Jisoo. But this time, I just couldn’t. I need to sit down and write for a story to come out, and though my head was full of stories, I simply had no energy or will to write. It might be more accurate to say I’m feeling just a little bit better now—but honestly, I’m not sure yet. I’ve realized I need time doing nothing, not even Instagram, to really focus on myself.

At one point, I’d decided to share my music and maybe little moments from my life only through this newsletter. But I’m not sure anymore. Maybe time will tell.

Okay, now, as for what’s happening in Korea right now—the presidential election. Do you remember my last newsletter? The foolish, ridiculous president here had launched a coup. That’s when we protested with light sticks, singing and dancing to K-pop in the cold snowy weather. I told you back then: “We will win.”

Eventually, that foolish president was impeached, removed from office, and is now on trial for insurrection. A new election is coming up on June 3. I support the Democratic Party, so I hope we elect a new, democratic leader. (Polls are looking good, but we never know until the votes are counted.)

The lively and creative protest culture shown by the 20s and 30s generation—especially the women—was revolutionary. Their progressive thinking, warm sharing, and action-oriented attitude made us all believe again: if we’re united and open-hearted, we can win.👍💐

Now, let me share some photos from the Sand Festival held at Haeundae Beach. It happens every May and runs for about a week. The sand sculptures stay on display until mid-June, when the summer beach season officially begins. Artists from Korea and abroad are invited to create these pieces every year. Even with strong winds or rain, the sculptures stay perfectly intact.

Last year, I even did a spontaneous Instagram Live from there. But this year, the festival is over, and with no fireworks or concerts left, I didn’t think there was much worth showing on Live.

Next up, here are some photos from the Friday Market I go to every week.

I mentioned it briefly in a previous newsletter, but this market is held every Friday at a park between my apartment and the one next door. I only discovered it recently—while jogging outside, actually. One Friday I was coming back from a run along the beach, and I stumbled upon the market. Even though I was still in workout mode, I saw some of my favorite things being sold, so I stopped running and bought them with joy.

Unfortunately, I missed the last two Friday Markets. I injured my ankle during an intense workout. It’s not so bad that I can’t walk, but the doctor told me not to run for a while. It’s Achilles tendonitis and should heal on its own in a few weeks. Still, it’s frustrating—I’m used to running every day. I’ll try jogging every other day starting next week.

At the market, the twisted donuts(kkwabaegi) and old-fashioned donuts are especially delicious. Sure, I can buy similar ones at an indoor mall, but they don’t compare. I’d have to go to a market in another neighborhood to find something that good, so I try to grab them every Friday. It’s my guilty pleasure. And I tell myself: if I’m feeling down, I should at least comfort myself with the food I crave. I try to balance it with more exercise, so I think it’s okay. (Food comfort is short-lived, of course, but paired with coffee, it gives me the same joy as eating a dessert like cake.)

Just imagine how happy I looked when I took the first bite of this.

And now, here’s the red bean ice cream(Ice bar) I posted about on Instagram.

As I’ve often said here, I really love red beans. I’ve loved them since I was a kid. I’m currently reading a book by a neuroscientist, and there’s this fun theory in it: that the foods we love might have been loved by our grandparents, even decades before we were born. Our DNA could be carrying those preferences. I find that idea strangely convincing.

In Korea, there are tons of red bean–based desserts and even ice cream. The one in the photo is one of my favorites. When you take a bite, you’ll find sweet red bean paste inside. It’s sweet, fragrant, and full of flavor. Did you know that in Korea, it’s traditional to eat red bean rice on birthdays? Not everyone follows the tradition now, but many still do—including my family.

Lastly, about a new music for this month, I’ll be releasing a lo-fi single on May 31. Originally, I was going to finish it sooner, but a lot of things delayed the process. At one point I even thought of skipping the album this month—but I changed my mind and got back to work. Even now, while writing this newsletter, I haven’t finished the track yet. Hopefully, I’ll wrap it up by tomorrow or the day after.

But I’ll go ahead and share the cover art for the single here. Below is a link to my Spotify artist page. If you follow me there, you’ll be able to hear my new music as soon as it’s released. (And I’m sure you know Spotify lets you listen for free, right?)

My Spotify Artist page : 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7l0I0kuaVN66wuF6xee5O6?si=LPLtQiKSTUSjJ3jFn3xrnA\

I’ve also made a few playlists there, so you can enjoy my music grouped by different themes.

Now, for the final section: the 8th episode of Hyun and Jisoo’s love story, "Lost in Your Tears," part 1.

As you probably know, what I’m sharing is a raw draft. Normally, I’d edit it more before sharing, but right now, I’m writing the story as I go. Of course, I already have the full synopsis and ending figured out. But many of the emotional details are still rough, and I’m choosing to share them with you just as they are.

This means you’re seeing my emotional state reflected directly in the writing. The emotional bond between me and Hyun, and between Hyun and Jisoo, might feel more exposed and unpolished. When I worked as a scriptwriter, editing was essential. But sharing the rawness might not be a bad experience for you either.

And below are the links where you can listen to 'Lost in Your Tears.' If you read this story while listening to the music, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in it even more—just like I did, since I had it playing the whole time I was writing.

Piano Single : “Lost in your tears”

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/album/18mXbuiQf8iNqQ92do3Jue

Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/album/lost-in-your-tears-single/1810235364

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4Fhi467urg

So I hope you enjoy it.

Okay, that’s all for now. Thank you for reading. 🙏🌹

I’ll see you again soon.💓

Warm Regards.

A.thentic Jong Hee

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

#8. Lost in Your Tears

by A.thentic Jong Hee

<Part.1>

A few more weeks had passed.

The rainy season had already ended, and the scorching heat of midsummer lingered. But as the sun began to set, the once-sweltering breeze would cool slightly as it passed through the village’s pine forest and arrived at the front of Hyun’s house. 

That one streak of cool air brushed against Hyun’s sweat-soaked back as he worked in the backyard farm, offering a brief moment of relief. Every time it happened, he would instinctively stop what he was doing and gaze toward the forest.

“Is summer coming to an end...?”

Beyond the pine forest where Hyun's eyes lingered, a reddish glow slowly began to appear in the sky. For Hyun, the sky above the pines wasn’t just a sky. At least, it hadn’t been—especially since Jisoo left for Seoul. 

Every time the sunset colored the sky above the forest, it felt like a letter sent to her. As if the sky were a sheet of stationery, Hyun would gaze at the beautiful red sky and carve each word into it with his eyes.

“May you stay healthy today… May you be safe… May nothing go wrong…”

These were the words he always whispered in his heart. He imagined that if, by chance, Jisoo looked up at the sky from somewhere in Seoul, his words might be there, written in the clouds for her to read. Without hiding anything, with sincerity, he inscribed his concern and longing for her into the sky.
And then he would think:

“She is someone I'm endlessly grateful for...”

Time would pass unnoticed as he worked under the blazing summer sun and the late afternoon heat. With no formal breaks, he’d often keep working without rest. But whenever he saw the red tint of the sunset in the sky, he would stop and take in the view—finding, unintentionally, a moment of rest. Even in her absence, she was someone who gave him those moments of pause. Of course he’d be grateful. She was someone who allowed his body to rest… even if his heart ached more because of it.

Just then, one of the cows poked its head through the fence and tapped Hyun’s back with its head, breaking him out of his trance.

“Huh? Oh... sorry.”

He had stopped feeding the cows to stare at the sky, and the cow, waiting in front of him, had nudged him as if asking what he was doing. Hyun quickly placed the feed in front of the cow, which quietly began to eat. Watching it gently, Hyun patted the cow’s head.

“Eat a lot… Eat up, you guys.”

As if speaking to all the cows on the farm, Hyun said it aloud, but the cows showed no particular response, busy eating their own feed.
One might wonder—how could a farmer, running a rugged countryside cattle farm for nearly ten years, still be so delicate at heart?

But perhaps, in their own way, the cows were silently showing their gratitude—by simply living peacefully, without trouble. After all, they too must sense how genuinely kind their owner is. His business may be cattle farming, but even now, whenever a cow is sold, Hyun still sheds tears. That’s just who he is—someone whose heart cannot change.

So imagine how much more he must be hurting, longing, and crying inside for the woman he truly loved for the first time—who is no longer by his side. If he could feel that way about an animal, how deep must his sorrow be for her?

With a flood of emotions, Hyun once again turned his gaze toward the sky above the pine forest. It was turning redder by the minute—though whether it was from the sunset or from the redness in his tear-filled eyes, it was hard to say.

Then—

“Hyun! It’s time for dinner!”

His mother called out to him from the entrance to the farm.

“Yes, Mom! I’m almost done!”

Every time his mother called him like that in the evening glow, Hyun would answer back loudly and cheerfully—wanting to let her know that he was okay.

“Don’t overdo it in this heat. You’ve got to take care of yourself first if you want to care for the cows. Hurry up and come eat.”
“Yes, Mom. I’ll finish up and come in. You go ahead.”

His mother looked at her son, working so hard, with a bittersweet gaze, then slowly turned away—choosing to pretend not to notice his pain, so he could at least feel at ease.

Hyun then quietly picked up the scattered farm tools, returned them to their places, checked each of the cows’ feeding troughs, gave one last look over the barn floor, and finally left the backyard.

As Hyun stepped into the house, his mother was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner.

“Wash your hands first, Hyun. You must be hungry. Why do you work so late every day? I tell you this all the time...”
“Yes, Mother.”

Hyun entered the bathroom and washed his hands and sweat-covered face at the sink. Then he stood still for a moment, staring blankly into the mirror in front of him, before turning away to dry his face and leave the bathroom.

When Hyun went to the dining table, the side dishes were already neatly arranged. As soon as he sat down, his mother brought over a bowl of rice and warm soup.

“You should eat warm food, especially in this kind of heat. Eating only cold things isn’t good for you.”
“Mom, you don’t have to prepare so much. I told you before—your legs hurt, and there’s no need for you to go all the way to the town market. Just tell me what you need and I’ll get everything from the store.”
“You’re too busy already… I just go with some friends for the company. The bus stops right in front of the house. Come on, eat.”

Every time his mother prepared a meal for him, Hyun felt a growing sense of guilt. He had come to realize there was nothing more shameless and embarrassing than simply sitting down to a meal prepared by his aging mother after claiming he’d been busy with work. Yet, at the same time, he knew well that if he weren’t around, his mother would barely bother to prepare proper meals for herself. What he could do for her, at least, was eat what she made with genuine enjoyment. That way, she would feel good and be more inclined to eat, too. 

Sometimes he even wished there were someone else to help her in the kitchen, someone to prepare meals with her...

“What are you doing? Eat up, the soup’s getting cold.”
“Yes. You eat too, Mom.”

Picking up his spoon, Hyun began to eat the rice and the warm siraegi (dried radish greens) soup his mother had made. Her cooking, as always, was delicious.

“Is it good?”

His mother, who always waited and watched him eat first before picking up her own spoon, asked from across the table.

“The soup is really good, Mom. Please, you eat too.”
“Alright, let’s eat.”

She slowly raised her spoon and took a bite, but all the more savory side dishes she pushed in front of her son.

“Here, have some anchovies. And some tofu too. They say eating anchovies and tofu is good for your bones.”
“Mom... I’m too young to be worrying about bones. You’re the one who should be eating all this.”
“I’m just at home all day. You’re the one working hard. Eat some of this too.”

She placed a piece of grilled mackerel in front of him. The side dishes started piling up in front of Hyun. Though he had told her many times not to do that, he knew it was pointless. So, he simply took his chopsticks to each of the dishes she offered, knowing it would make her happy and reassure her that her son was eating well.

After the meal, Hyun and his mother sat at the living room table. A well-ripened watermelon had been sliced and placed on the table. With both living room windows wide open, they sat facing the forest outside. The sun was beginning to set, and a cool breeze blew from the woods, slipping through the screen doors into the house.

“It’s cooled down a lot now... It was so hot earlier.”

His mother fanned herself slowly as she gazed toward the distant trees.

“It really has. The days feel different, one by one.”
“Eat some watermelon now. You need to replenish fluids. You must’ve sweat a lot today.”
“Yes, Mom. You too.”

Hyun picked up a slice of watermelon and took a bite. The sweet, cold flavor lingered in his mouth.

“It’s delicious…”

Unconsciously, he turned his gaze toward the forest, eyes lost in the distance. His mother, hearing his words, stole a glance at her son’s face as he looked outside. Then, from the pine forest, birds of unknown name chirped brightly, as if they too were relieved the heat of the day had passed.

“Why don’t you go walking out that way anymore these days? Is it because of the heat?”
“Well… the days are longer now… and I’ve been busy…”

His mother nodded quietly at his words. Then after a pause, she asked,

“You remember Jiyoon’s mother, right?”
“Jiyoon’s mom? Yes, of course. I heard Jiyoon got a job in Seoul after graduating?”
“Yes, that’s right. Can you believe that little girl’s all grown up? Time really flies…”
“Sure does. Why do you ask about her, though?”

After hesitating a moment, his mother spoke cautiously.

“Jiyoon’s mom asked Jiyoon for a favor.”
“A favor?”
“Yes… she asked if… by any chance, there’s a nice girl in Seoul…”
“…?”

Hyun didn’t immediately understand, but then his expression changed as the meaning hit him. He looked at his mother and asked,

“For who…?”
“She asked if there was someone who might suit you…”

Realizing what his mother meant, Hyun responded in a quiet voice.

“Mom… why would you do that…?”
“Well…”
“Why did Jiyoon’s mother even ask that?”
“Because… I asked her to. I asked if there might be a good girl out there…”
“Mom…”

“There’s someone she knows, her senior at work. She’s in her early thirties, very gentle and kind, she said.”
“…..”
“And most importantly, she said she’s open to living in the countryside. Where do you find girls like that these days?”
“Mom… why…?”
“Jiyoon said she told her all about you. That you lived in Seoul, went to school and worked there. You’re practically a Seoul person too, right? No one would turn you down.”
“Mom… why would someone living a good life in Seoul come live out here? Why make someone suffer like that for no reason?”
“She said she’s fine with it. So just go meet her, once. You just need to pick a date and go. Just have a coffee, that’s all.”

“Why should I…? Why should I go to Seoul, busy as I am, to meet someone I don’t even know…?”

Hyun didn’t raise his voice, but tried to gently refuse her with a low, steady tone.

“Why? Is it because of that girl…?”
“…Huh?”

Startled, Hyun repeated his mother’s words.

“Because of Jisoo?”

“…..”

Hyun said nothing.

“Are you still thinking about her, Jisoo? She hasn’t contacted you once.”

“…..”
“Have you still not let her go?”

After a long silence, Hyun finally spoke softly.

“Mother… (pauses) I still… really like her…”

Surprised, his mother’s eyes widened for a moment. She let out a small sigh before saying,

“She hasn’t even called, has she?”
“Mom…Is that what Mom thinks too...? That I can't be with her because she's married??”

His mother said nothing. So Hyun continued,

“Even if she did get married… she’s living alone now. I’m sure she still is.”

His mother didn’t seem surprised. Hyun found her calm reaction unexpected and asked,

“You understood what I said, right Mom?”
“I already knew.”
“What…? What do you mean?”
“I knew she was living alone.”
“She told you?”
“No…”
“Then how did you know?”
“I could see it… in her eyes.”

Startled by his mother’s unexpected words, Hyun paused before speaking again.

“Then why…? Do you not like her, Mom?”
“No… I know she’s a good person.”
“Then…?”
“She’ll make things hard for you.”
“…What?”
“Her situation… it’s going to make your life harder.”
“……”
“As your mother, how do you think I’d feel watching you suffer, Hyun? Even if she’s a good person… I can’t watch someone make my son’s life difficult. I just can’t…”

Hearing his mother’s words, Hyun found himself speechless. He wanted to say something to comfort her, but no words came. Especially when he saw the tears welling up in her eyes…

At that moment, a cool, refreshing breeze from the forest swept through the living room, brushing past Hyun and his mother’s cheeks. Beyond the pine forest, the sunset had already deepened into a dark, crimson dusk sky.

A little later, Hyun enters his room. There’s a desk, a small single bed, a modest wardrobe, and a bookshelf with a few books neatly placed. He sits at the desk and opens a notebook — his diary and planner, which he’s kept while working on the farm. He writes down what he did today and the expenses for the farm. Then he checks off the list of tasks he had planned for the week.

After a while, he closes the notebook and quietly lies down on his bed. He rests his arm under his head, out of habit, trying to look at the sky through the window. But it’s already too dark to see anything. The only things audible are the sounds of frogs croaking and insects chirping out in the fields. These sounds somehow calm him.

Just then, his mother’s words from earlier in the living room echo in his ears once again.

“You remember that girl you used to see? Najung, wasn’t it?”

“Huh? Why? Why are you bringing that up now?”

"She… that girl… came looking for me once. It’s late to say this now, but it was a long time ago."

“What? She came to see you? When? How did she even know where we live?”

“She just… showed up.”

“Mom… what are you trying to say? Why would she come here to see you? When?”

“It was… not long after you said you broke up. Or rather, after you told her you wanted to break up. She called the house a few times.”

Surprised, Hyun just stared at his mother. She continued calmly.

“I don’t know how she got our number, but she asked if she could meet me. Then maybe a month or two later, she called again, saying she was already here in town.”

“She did? Then that must’ve been before I came down here, right?”

“Yes… It was around the time your father passed. You were still in Seoul, busy wrapping things up to move back here.”

“And then?”

Hyun, clearly shaken, pressed for more.

“I met her. In town.”

“You did? Why? What did she have to say that she had to come all this way and meet you?”

“She said she was sorry. That she made a mistake. She begged me to help her win your heart back.”

Hyun let out a small sigh without a word.

“Why are you only telling me this now, Mom?”

“I didn’t think it was something you needed to know back then.”

“So, what did you say to her?”

“I told her I understood, but that if you were acting this way, there must’ve been a reason. And I said… even a mother can’t control her child’s heart.”

“…”

Hyun said nothing. After a moment, his mother added:

“She cried a lot. Right in front of me. Said she couldn’t live without you. I still remember that… It broke my heart to see her like that.”

“Then why… why did you say such harsh things to her, Mom?”

After a pause, his mother answered:

“Because I felt the same way then as I do now. I can’t be kind to someone who hurt you. I knew… I could see how much she made you suffer.”

Still lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, Hyun’s mind stirred with the memory of that conversation. He stood up, walked over to the window, and flung it open wider. A cool breeze touched his skin. Beyond the dark fields, the lights of distant village homes and a few scattered street lamps glowed softly, like tiny fishing boats floating on a vast night sea.

“The sea…”

Then, in his mind, a woman’s voice echoed:

“It’s so beautiful… the sea. Isn’t it, oppa?”

Staring out the window, Hyun let the voice pull him back into a memory.

Nearly ten years ago, by the ocean. It was Najung, speaking warmly to Hyun. The two had come from Seoul to see the sea. They had left late and arrived only after nightfall. Even so, Najung was thrilled, running barefoot on the beach and dipping her feet into the night sea.

“The sea breeze is so fresh and cool, oppa. Don’t you think?”

“…”

Unlike the excited Najung, Hyun remained silent, his face stiff.

“Thank you, oppa. For bringing me to the sea I love so much.”

After a pause, Hyun replied.

“I’m glad… that you like it.”

But there wasn’t even a hint of a smile on his face.

Back to the present — Hyun is leaving the house. When his mother asks where he’s going in the dark, he simply says he’s taking a walk.

Though night had fallen, the path to the woods was lit by street lamps and the moon was bright enough to keep the surroundings visible. The late summer air was cool against Hyun’s skin. With each step, only the sound of his quiet footsteps and the soft buzz of insects could be heard.

Then, suddenly — a woman’s voice in his mind, shouting:

“What do you mean by that?”

It was Najung’s voice, shouting from that night by the sea.

Ten years ago, at the ocean.

“What did you just say, oppa?”

Beside him, Najung shouted in disbelief.

“…”

Despite her demanding tone, Hyun said nothing, just stared out at the night sea.

“You want to break up? Is that what you said?”

“…”

“Did I hear you right? Tell me. Say it.”

Her eyes, wide with shock and anger, press Hyun for an answer. After a moment, he quietly opens his mouth to speak again.

“Yes…”

“Yes? Yes?! Why? Why are you saying this now, after we came all the way to the sea?”

Still no response. Then calmly, he said:

“Let’s end this… us.”

“Why? What’s going on with you? What is this?”

“Calm down… Yelling won’t change anything..”

“So you’ve been quiet this whole time and now you bring me here just to say you want to break up? Are you serious right now?”

Hyun turned to her.

“You said you wanted to see the sea. So we came…”

“Then why tell me this here? Is it because of that thing that happened? The money? When I told you to ask your parents to lend us some? I told you I was desperate. I said I was sorry, and you said you understood. So why now?”

Hyun silently listened as her words poured out. Then, still expressionless, he quietly spoke.

“I understand… about that.”

“Then why? Is this your way of getting back at me? Because your father died? You think it’s my fault, don’t you? You think I’m to blame, and this is revenge, isn’t it?”

At her wild accusation, Hyun’s expression darkened — then returned to calm.

“You can think what you want… (he sighs) But it’s over.”

“You said you loved me. You said you loved me… Why are you doing this now? Did you ever really love me? Did you?”

“…”

Hyun stayed silent.

Najung yelled again, her voice breaking.

“Do you even know what love is? You say you loved me — but now you do this? This isn’t love.”

Hyun looked at her and replied in a quiet, calm tone.

“Then maybe… it wasn’t love.”

His voice was soft, but it cut deeper than any shout.

“You’re a cruel person. You know that? You brought me here, said nothing the whole way, and then just dumped me. You don’t know what love is. You’re selfish and cruel. Do you hear me?”

Still, Hyun just stared out at the night sea.

Then, a cold breeze swept across his face.

Hyun, walking through the pine forest, turns around and begins heading back toward the house. On this late summer night, the gentle sounds of crickets and frogs from the woods and open fields surround his ears like soft waves.

A little later, Hyun enters the house. His mother, dozing off in the living room while watching TV, wakes up when she hears him come in.

“It’s late… Where have you been? You must be tired. You should get some rest.”

“I’m fine. You should go to bed too, Mom. Don’t stay out here.”

“I’m not sleepy yet. By the way, your phone was ringing in your room. Did you leave it behind? You should keep it with you… You were good about carrying it for a while.”

“Yes…”

Hyun replies vaguely, as if it’s nothing, and heads to the bathroom to wash his hands. Through the open bathroom door, his mother continues speaking.

“You really should carry your phone, even if you don’t expect anyone to call…”

As he washes his hands, Hyun looks at his reflection in the bathroom mirror and mutters softly to himself:

“anyone to call..”

After Jisoo left for Seoul, Hyun had become glued to his phone. He would check it constantly, even in the middle of work, and again while resting in his room at night. Every time it rang or buzzed with a new message, he would spring to check it. But it was always something meaningless—a spam text or telemarketer call. Gradually, he grew numb to any kind of contact on his phone.

Heading into his room, Hyun reached for his phone on the desk without much expectation, assuming it was just another village group text.

But the moment he opened the message, he froze.

It was from Jisoo!

“How have you been, Hyun? I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. Things have been a bit crazy here, and I didn’t have the chance to reach out.
I hope you’re doing well—and your mother too. I really mean that.
Also… it looks like I might be able to visit your city again soon. Things here have finally settled down a bit.
When I do go, I’ll let you know. Until then, take care, Hyun.”

And next to his name — a small heart emoji.

Hyun felt as if something had dropped straight into his chest. He was stunned… and overjoyed. Could he be dreaming? He read the message again. Then again. And again.

After some time, he hesitantly began typing a reply, his hands trembling.

“Now that I finally hear from you, I’m so happy…”

He stopped. Deleted it.

Then typed:

“I’ve missed you so much, Jisoo…”

He shook his head and erased it again.

Taking a few deep breaths to calm himself, he finally composed another message.

“Hello, Jisoo. Have you been well? I’m doing fine here.
It’s really nice to hear from you. I’ve been busy too, so I’m sorry I didn’t reach out earlier.
So… when do you think you’ll be coming?”

After sending the message, Hyun began pacing back and forth in the room, waiting anxiously.

Then, the phone buzzed in his hand. A reply.

“I’m glad to hear you’ve been well. I’m not sure of the exact date yet, but I think I’ll be able to come down in a few days.
I’ll contact you again when I do, Hyun. Please take care until then.”

Hyun quickly replied:

“Got it, Jisoo. I hope you wrap things up well over there—no need to rush. Just come when you have the time and space to do so.
Take care.”

After sending the message, he set the phone down.

He stood still for a moment, then walked over to the window and looked out.
A cool breeze drifted in from somewhere far off, brushing gently against his face before disappearing.

And then—a faint smile spreads across his face.

<The end of Part 1 of #8.>