Echoes of the Past: A Tale of Love Confessed Too Late

The Excuse 

MINHO 

Are you coming this tine? 

Haejin took a significant sigh. 

HAEJIN 

Actually... 

MINHO 

Don't try to give an excuse. 

HAEJIN 

I'm not trying to give any excuse. I'm just... 

Minho cut him in the middle. 

MINHO 

And please…even no more explanations will be welcomed this time.  

Haejin let out a long sigh of despair. He took some time. 

HAEJIN Okay. 

MINHO 

What okay? 

HAEJIN 

I'll come. 

MINHO 

What!  What did you say? 

HAEJIN 

I said, I'll come. 

Minho was taken aback by Haejin's response. After 15 years, he received an unexpected answer from his former classmate, leaving him both shocked and elated. Haejin had been absent from all previous school reunions, relying on excuses and explanations as his go-to defense mechanism. However, this time, his efforts were in vain. During their school years, Minho had been Haejin's confidante and best friend.

Determined to invite his childhood friend to serve as his best man at his upcoming wedding, Minho kept his plans a secret from everyone. On the day of the reunion, Minho picked up Haejin from his residence and they drove together in Minho's car.

MINHO 

You're looking more handsome today.  What's the secret? Is there someone special? 

HAEJIN 

Special? 

Love Confession

 

Haejin fixed his gaze on Minho as the term 'special' evoked memories of his school days. It was fifteen years ago when he found himself standing on the rooftop in front of Bong Soon, feeling anxious with no one else around.

BONG SOON 

What? Why did you call me here? HAEJIN 

I... 

BONG 

You.... What? 

HAEJIN 

I want to... 

BONG 

You want to?  What...? 

Bong Soon was little irritated. She was impatient by nature. She couldn't stand it. 

BONG 

You know what?  I'm leaving. 

Haejin stopped her way. 

BONG 

Now what? 

HAEJIN 

I wanted to give you this. 

BONG 

What is it? 

Haejin gave a piece of paper.  Bong unfolded the paper and stared at it for a  moment. Next time, she started laughing like crazy. 

BONG 

Take it back. Next time,  if you wish to give me something, just make it real. 

Bong had departed, leaving Haejin standing alone like a fool. Fast forward 15 years later, they arrived at an elegant restaurant and were greeted by a cheerful atmosphere. Despite his success as a renowned jewelry designer, Haejin still struggled with communication. As he scanned the room, his eyes locked onto Bong, who resembled the angel from his recurring dreams. Her enchanting smile left him captivated, evoking memories of their school days. Haejin was seated while Minho stood beside him, and they were casually hanging out when Bong suddenly approached Haejin.

BONG 

Could you please lend me your pen for today,  if you've any extra? HAEJIN 

I... 

MINHO 

Of course he has. He has so many pens. Just take it. You don't need to give it back to him. 

Minho gave a pen to Bong. She smiled looking at Haejin.  

BONG 

Thank you. 

Next day, Bong was standing with her classmates in the corridor,  when Haejin and Minho passed in front of her. Bong smiled looking at them. 

MINHO 

Did you see? 

HAEJIN What? 

MINHO 

She likes you. HAEJIN Who? 

MINHO 

Bong Soon! 

HAEJIN 

What?  Are you crazy? 

MINHO 

She smiled looking at you. 

HAEJIN 

Impossible. 

MINHO 

Everything is possible. Just think... 

HAEJIN 

What do you want me to think?  

MINHO 

Idiot… You are a man!  HAEJIN I am!  

MINHO 

Then go and ask her.  

HAEJIN 

What do you want me to ask her?  

MINHO 

Oh god!  

HAEJIN 

What?  You are looking disappointed. What happened? 

MINHO 

Nothing. I'm the stupid. The… Stupid!  

HAEJIN 

Yeah,  I know.  

MINHO 

Really? Let me ask you then. Do you like her?  Sorry.  For your better understanding,  let me clarify the word ‘her'.   

Minho stood in front of him.  

MINHO 

Do you like Bong Soon?  

Haejin was stunned this time. He remained silent.  

MINHO 

What?  Do you? Just tell me… I'll help you. You know me. I'm good at this. 

HAEJIN 

I… 

MINHO 

What? Hurry… Miss Krystal is coming. 

HAEJIN 

I… 

MINHO 

You? 

 

15 years later... 

At the restaurant…  

BONG 

What are you thinking? 

Haejin got surprised. He hesitated a little, unsure of what to say. Bong was standing right in front of his face.  He covered his nervousness with a smile. 

HAEJIN 

Nothing. 

BONG 

Are you sure? 

Diamond on the Floor

Haejin had always been a shy and kind person, but today he was determined to change. He couldn't bear the way his heart raced, his eyes were blinded, and his words failed him every time he was around the person he secretly loved. He had dreamt of her countless times, confessing his love in various ways, laughing, crying, and even dancing with her, though he knew he couldn't dance in reality.

Haejin wanted to put an end to his dreams and make them a reality. As Minho and Bong Soon conversed, he gathered all his courage and approached Bong with a jewelry box in hand, his face glowing with a smile. He was resolute and unstoppable, ready to take the next big step in his life. This reunion was the most significant moment for him, and he didn't want to miss it like he had before due to overthinking.

Standing in front of Bong, his heartbeat quickened, and his eyes shone with excitement and curiosity. Haejin was determined to make a change and let his feelings be known.

BONG 

What?  Do you want to say something? 

HAEJIN 

Yeah.  I... 

MINHO 

Wait a second. I've a surprise for you. 

HAEJIN 

Surprise? 

MINHO 

Yeah. Let me introduce you... My would be wife... 

Minho wrapped his arm around Bong's waist when suddenly someone shoved Haejin, causing the jewelry box to crash to the ground. Bong's gaze fixated on the diamond necklace that now lay there, looking almost identical to the one Haejin had sketched for her back in school. Back then, it was just a simple drawing on a piece of paper.