Almost ..

Lol not exactly the picture I had in mind but this isn't too bad eh?

"Lena... Hmmm... would you.. Can I .." His heart was pounding against his chest as he wrung his hands nervously.
"Appa!!!"
He was jolted out of his reverie by Youngbae's voice ringing across the playground.
Appa?! Did I hear him correctly?
"Appa!!! " Youngbae shrieked again and started towards a young man making his way towards them.
He spotted aviator shades and a slicked-back undercut hairstyle. Decked out in simple white fitted v-neck tee and dark jeans that showed his lean physique, he ambled towards the group.
Seunghyun froze onto the spot. His chest tightened, looking on as the stranger lifted Youngbae effortlessly by his arms and spun him around briefly as Youngbae burst into a fit of giggles, having the time of his life.
He placed Youngbae safely back onto the ground and turned towards a smiling Lena, who embraced him tightly. Seunghyun's eyes widened, he felt a lump in his throat but he couldn't make a sound.
No!! An ya.. My guy checked and she's a single mother and she wasn't attached or dating anyone now.. How can this be?! Who is this prick waltzing in like that trying to be Youngbae's Appa?!
Feeling both furious and dumbfounded, he narrowed his gaze and eyed the stranger suspiciously; who reciprocated with the same hostile glare.
"Bae-ah, how many times have I told you, not to ... "
The other male interjected " How is my dearest Daeja* ? " as he ruffled Youngbae's hair.
Seunghyun heaved a barely audible sigh of relief and relaxed his brow. Unaware that the other male noticed this subtle change in expression.
He smirked at him with a glint of smugness in his eyes.
Suenghyun gritted his teeth and approached warily.
So he is just his Godson, not his Appa; but why did Youngbae address him that way? 
"Yay! Umma, this is one of my happiest days here! Appa and Ahjussi are both here to play with me! " He readily grabbed both men by each arm and pulled them towards him.
"Looks like Youngbae made a new friend huh?" he smirked at Seunghyun.
"Appa Appa! Meet my new friend! Ahjussi...? "Youngbae looked at Seunghyun quizzically.
"Seunghyun. I'm Choi SeungHyun. Nice to meet you. And you are...? " He stretched his hands out towards the other male and was greeted by a firm handshake.
"I'm Park SangWook, you can call me SangWook or Brandon." he smiled confidently, curling the side of his mouth.
Seunghyun cocked his brow at the Western monicker.
"Oh.." SangWook (or Brandon) chuckled, "I just returned to Korea after living in US. for a good part of my life."
Park SangWook. There's a familiar ring to his name but I can't seem to put a finger on it. Lena's family name is Park too. No! They can't be married, I would have known! Lena definitely didn't have any ring on her fingers. He cast a surreptitious glance at Lena's hands just to be sure.

"Hey, Seunghyun-ssi; you seem to be pretty interested in Lena? " He quizzed and chuckled at him.
Seunghyun was caught off-guard and let out a short nervous laugh.
Aish.. damn you Brandon, Brad, Bran.. whatever!
"Oppa.. " she nudged SangWook and gave an awkward smile at SeungHyun.
Lena-ah I'm your Oppa instead....
"Aniyo.. Aniyo.." Seunghyun started and waved his hands defensively.
" I just think that Youngbae is a very bright and intelligent young boy. Lena-ssi must have brought him up well. "He looked at Lena sincerely and tried to extend it towards SangWook through gritted teeth.  "And you are a lucky man to have such a capable wife and lovely son." Seunghyun expressed earnestly, trying to mask the tinge of poignancy in his voice.
SungWook burst out with laughter and Lena covered her mouth with embarassment.
"Ahhh.. what are you adults talking about? What so funny! ? " Youngbae tugged at his mother's arm with a mixed expression of confusion and curiosity.
Seunghyun was equally nonplussed. He looked at Lena imploringly and back at SangWook.
"Ah Seunghyun-ssi, you are a funny fella. Hahaha. No wonder you kept looking at Lena in that funny manner."
Seunghyun widened his gaze, "Aniyo.. What..?"
SangWook nudged his side and winked, " Don't worry buddy.I know that my dongsaeng is very popular with the guys. But I'm afraid you'll have to take a Q number and get past her Oppa first." SangWook slapped his back, causing Seunghyun to almost choke with surprise.
Seunghyun caught his breath and broke into an sheepish smile as he couldn't help feeling relieved at the revelation.
"Oppa... stop bothering SeungHyun-ssi." She flustered and a rosy hue crept up her cheeks as she lowered her gaze.
SangWook led a frustrated Youngbae back to the playground, "Appa-ah.. what are you talking about? Why is Umma blushing? Argh...You adults are no fun at all.. " he muttered grumpily.
"Oppa.. it's time to bring Youngbae home!" She called out after the 2 boys, SangWook may be her Oppa, but his cheeky and impish nature does make her wonder which one of them is more like the older sibling.

Park SangWook? Why haven't I heard of him before? Lena never mentioned to me about him. She never talked much about her family. He doesn't seem to know who am I.. Hmmm.. Good thing he wasn't in Korea when all this happened. Only then Seunghyun realised he never knew much about Lena beyond their then-married life. He scarcely payed attention to her nor expressed any concern over her matters that didn't seem to be any relevance or consequence to him.  Choi Seunghyun, you were such a selfish bastard. He chided  himself under his breath.
"SeungHyun-ssi.. Sorry, I remembered you wanted to tell me something until my Oppa interuppted us"
SeungHyun was startled by her sweet voice. His heart started to race again.
"Hmm Lena-ssi.. You can call me SeungHyun-ah. I.. hmm.. " He stuttered.
"I was wondering if you would like to have coffee sometime? ..With ..Youngbae of course! ..Only.. if you don't mind." He stumbled over his words, rambling on to fill any awkward silence that might follow and anticipated hopefully for her acceptance or rejection.
She let out a soft laugh, amused by the way he bumbled. He was almost a complete stranger, her head reminded her to be cautious of opening up to someone beyond her tight circle of her family and close friends. Her heart whispered for her to keep an open mind, somehow she felt that she could trust this man and he does seem sincere, considering what her Oppa had just put him through. "Yeh SeungHyun.. ah. I don't mind and I think Youngbae would like it too."
The day was almost over with the egg-yolk of a Sun still smouldering in its full glory before bidding adieu. There was nary a cloud in sight for most of the day, ensuring that the heat was beating down with full force onto anyone bold enough to be out of the shade. The crimson-orange orb caused him to squint as Lena was standing against the western horizon. Her simple white cotton sundress almost rendered translucent by the relentless rays outlining the silhouette of her slender frame. SeungHyun has always been captivated by her simple beauty. How could such a beautiful creature go through such pain?
SeungHyun beamed at her and promptly saved her number onto his mobile (although her already had it in his phonebook).
"Thank you Lena! I will call you next week, neh?"
She nodded, he responded with a wide smile.
Turning towards Youngbae and SangWook. He lowered himself and patted Youngbae's head. " See you soon Youngbae-ah. Good bye and take care of your Umma ok? " Winking at Youngbae. "Byebye Ahjussi! Come play with me again ok? " He grinned and waved at SeungHyun.

"Yah SeungHyun-ah!" SeungHyun paused, astounded by SangWook's brashness. He was after all Lena's Oppa, he definitely couldn't risk offending him in anyway if he wanted to get Lena back.
SeungHyun forced a smile. "Yeh, SangWook err.. Brandon Hyung-nim, it was nice to meet you."
"Remember what I told you earlier SeungHyun.." He winked and cast a knowing glance at him.
SeungHyun attempted to keep a poker face and waved his goodbyes at them; unable to contain how indignant he felt towards SangWook any longer.
Damn you SangWook Brandon !#$% If you weren't related to Lena by blood I would have kicked your snotty ass into oblivion. Count yourself lucky... Aish!
He grinned at his phone and contemplated texting Lena, but he held back his impulses. Reminding himself that he has to grasp this second chance by the reins and he can't lose her again.
Choi SeungHyun, you have to make it right this time.
Will you really give me second chance Lena?

yawn.. bedtime..This story needs more fire! rawwrr!


*Daeja 대자- Godson


The right music always sets the right mood.

Random Fiction with a hallyu twist

He clambered up the steps gingerly but surely, determined to reach his goal - the top of the slide. Tiny fingers gripped onto the handlebars, his bright eyes sparkling with anticipation and his mouth agaped with excitement, baring his milk teeth. The sun was beating down mercilessly on the balmy June afternoon. In spite of the elements against his odds with the beads of perspiration gathered upon his furrowed brow, he hurled himself up the next step. Almost there... he thought. His sweaty palms start to lose grip and slowly slipped away from the final hurdle. He was about to wail upon his fall when he felt a strong arm lifting his body, stopping the fall. The stranger supported his shoulders without effort, propped him back up onto the ladder and gazed into his eyes. Who is this strange Ahjussi? "Go on Youngbae, you can do it" he urged with a gentle smile and encouraging push onto his back. "Ahjussi.. you know my name?" He looked back at the stranger with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. His Umma cautioned him to be wary of strangers. But he does not fear this Ahjussi, his slight smile and gentle eyes gave him an odd sense of familiarity.
Seunghyun lightly chuckled and the corner of his eyes crinkled, which belied his usually cool and detached mien.
"Go on.." he gently spurred him on.
He switched his attention back to his goal. Climbing back to the top with a renewed ferocity. Beaming to himself.
He was giggling and clapping his hands with glee as he descended the slide with a whoosh.
He looked around for the Ahjussi but he spotted his Umma instead.
"Umma!"
He scurried towards her and collided into her legs and hugged her.
"Umma! I did it!" He gazed at her with pride and satisfaction, happiness written all over his face along with sweat and grains of sand scattered along his arms.
"Oh my sweet youngbae-ah! Umma is so proud of you!" she cooed at him and stroke his soft hair away from his face. Dabbing the dampness away from his forehead and cupid's bow; she smiled at her son and gave him a peck. She has naturally dark locks with a hint of mahogany, set against her alabaster skin. Her brown eyes were as warm as her smile. A gentle breeze lifted up wisps of her hair, as it glistened under the summer sun. Casting a warm halo around her head, she looked like an angel, a perfect being. Perfect except for the scars of her past. As she held him, she didn't noticed that a man was admiring this exchange between a mother and son from a distance.
Seunghyun glanced surreptitiously in their direction with a turmoil of emotions raging through him.
He hung his head low as he covered his eyes.
Why? Why didn't I love her back the way she loved me?
Why did I have to hurt her?
Is this the only way I can make her happy again? 
Youngbae could have called me his Appa... 
Youngbae has his eyes, his fire. But he has his Umma's sweet, genial smile.

He looked upon them and he's resting on her lap while sipping from his juicebox. Lena looking on her son and smiling with content.
He closed his eyes and a memory flashed across his mind as she gave him the same smile after placing the ring on her dainty fingers. Her smile had faded as the years went by, to be replaced by her tears and tortured screams.
He tightened his jaw and balled up his fists.
Maybe..if we could start anew? Make new memories as we build a new life together? Together with our son Youngbae. We would be a complete and happy family. I would do everything in my capacity to make it right this time, for you, and for our son.
Forgive me please.
He gathered his courage and stood up. Approaching them apprehensively. His breathed quickened and his palms moist.
Youngbae was smiling to himself then he saw Seunghyun approaching.
Casting a tall, handsome figure with his fringe sweeping across his dark eyes upon his pale skin. He could have been one of the young eligible bachelors roving around downtown Seoul with his polished looks and confident stride. But beneath this facade lies a broken man, chained to his past. A past he cannot hide. A past which he must face. He took a deep breath.
Youngbae's eyes lit up and he tugged at his mother. "Umma umma! That's the Ahjussi that helped me get up to the top. I almost fell off. " he exclaimed while pointing to Seunghyun.
Seunghyun was nervous but he smiled gently at Youngbae and winked.
Youngbae giggled at him.
Lena turned to Seunghyun and looked at him blankly.
"Ahn yong .. Son-saeng-nim.. thank you for your help! My boy is a clumsy one." she started and bowed at him.
"Ani.. he is a strong boy.. Le- " Seunghyun stopped himself and chuckled; turning towards Youngbae, patting his head.
Youngbae beamed to himself and grabbed Seunghyun's fingers. "Come play with my Ahjussi!" As he tried to drag him towards the sandbox.
Lena held back Youngbae and chided him, "No Youngbae, you have had enough playtime the whole day and you've got yourself dirty all over, it's time to head home and shower my dear."
Youngbae pouted, crossed his arms and looked down onto the floor.
Lena coaxed him, " but I will reward my dear Youngbae with your favourite ice cream."
His expression soften as he grinned and his eyes crinkled, just like the way Seunghyun's did.
Seunghyun couldn't help but broke into a smile at Youngbae. His son.
Not noticing that Lena was eyeing him with curioisty as she sensed a familiarity. He shared the same eyes as her Youngbae. Thick lashes that shield those dark orbs, emanating a sense of mystery and intensity.
Seunghyun offered his hand " I'm Seunghyun, Youngbae is a very special boy, you brought him up well."
Lena took his hand tentatively.
Her soft hands were marred by a 3 inch-long scar running lengthwise across. Seunghyun saw and a pang tugged at his chest. Resisting the urge to cupped her hands and soothe her scar, Seunghyun gazed into her eyes with emotion. Lena was slightly taken aback by his intense gaze, quickly looking away. She cleared her throat and said:
"You can call me Lena. My Youngbae-ah.. he's a handful even before he came into this world. But he is my child and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat."

Lena, my jagiya...
"Omo, I might have said too much, sorry but I do feel like I have known you somewhere before .." she trailed and furrowed her brow pensively.
Afraid that her thoughts will trigger memories of the past. Seunghyun quickly added "Oh I do stroll around this park frequently as I live around the neighborhood, you might have seen me before but we haven't actually met." He lied, every weekend, he would take a drive here to the outskirts all the way from the heart of Seoul, just to catch a glimpse of them. The forlorn man has been watching from a distance at the mother and son's bonding. He could have been a part of it. Almost.


(... to be continued) coz it's past bedtime!
Gosh ! how i love writing fiction!



This song would be apt to set the mood for the story. Enjoy!