Morning!
A loud knock on the door brought the sleepy Do Hwan to his senses in seconds. Rubbing his eyes, he forced one eye open just a little and shuffled to the door. It seemed as if someone on the other side was about to break it down. Even as he unlocked the door, the knocking did not stop.
When Do Hwan finally opened the door, the first thing he saw was SoMi's excited gaze. She was holding her phone and shifting it from hand to hand. Only then did he notice her bare legs, short lace shorts, and nipples that protruded defiantly through the silk fabric of her pajamas.
"Do Hwan, what does this mean?" the girl asked, showing him the message on her phone.
Still sleepy but a little stunned by the sight of his neighbor on his doorstep, Do Hwan took the phone and scanned the message, occasionally glancing at SoMi. He had seen her in dresses and sports leggings that hugged her curves. But in pajamas - never. To be honest, he liked seeing her like that in the morning - in her pajamas, without makeup, with tousled hair sometimes falling in strands over her chest and covering her nipples. He even daydreamed a little.
"Did you let anyone read my book?" she asked, distracting his gaze from her curves.
"Oh, yes... ahem," he cleared his throat. "Yes, I gave your work to the director to read on the last day of filming. To be honest, I didn't think he would finish it so quickly."
"What should I do now? Did he really write that and offer to collaborate?"
"Yes, the director really wrote that. I think you should reply to his message and agree on a meeting date."
"What is going on?" SoMi asked herself in a slightly squeaky voice.
"What's wrong?" Do Hwan asked in surprise.
"It's all happening too fast. Yesterday, I got a promotion at work, and today, I'm being offered the chance to turn my first work into a movie."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No, but somehow it's like I'm asleep and it's all a dream."
"Well, then it's a very good dream. We're both dreaming it."
"Do Hwan, don't joke like that. I don't believe in coincidences like that because they only happen in books or movies," she said. Suddenly, she felt Do Hwan's warm palm gently touch her trembling hand.
"Did you feel that?" he asked, smiling.
"Yes," she replied calmly.
"So you're not asleep. In your dreams, you only observe; you don't feel touch."
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the hallway. SoMi was so excited that she didn't notice she was standing barefoot in her pajamas in the middle of the hallway, while the shocked neighbors - two children, a boy and a girl, and their stunned parents, who had just left their apartment and were standing by the elevator watching - stared at her. The woman covered her children's eyes insistently. When she noticed her husband looking at the young girl too, she began slapping his shoulders to make him turn away. This attracted the attention of Do Hwan and SoMi.
"Ahem, SoMi," he said to his neighbor. "I think you'd better go into the apartment."
"What?" the girl exclaimed in surprise. Then she saw what was happening by the elevator. At first, she didn't understand, but then she saw the children's expressions and the woman scolding her husband and pulling his ears. She looked at herself. "Oh, God," she cried, covering her face with her hands. With her cheeks reddening, she ran into Do Hwan's apartment. "Why didn't you say anything?" she exclaimed indignantly.
"Well, first of all, I was still sleepy. Second, I didn't mind the view," he said with a smile. "And I had time to take a good look at everything," he said, opening the closet door.
"Remember when I called you a pervert for rummaging through my underwear?"
"Yeah," he said, searching the shelves.
"Nothing has changed since then," SoMi said, half jokingly and half seriously.
"Ha-ha-ha. What can you do? That's how we men are. It's hard to say anything when there's a beautiful woman in front of us," he explained, coming up close to her. "Here, get dressed," he said, handing her his T-shirt, which smelled fresh with a hint of vanilla.
"Thank you," SoMi whispered. Taking a few steps away from the guy, she put on his T-shirt over her pajamas. The long, almost knee-length garment covered her beautiful, slender legs and hid her eye-catching nipples. She felt more relaxed and able to think clearly after changing and sitting down on Do Hwan's sofa in the living room.
Without wasting a minute, Do Hwan hurried to make coffee because what better way is there to cheer up and clear your head than with a cup of good, strong coffee with an incredible aroma? He bustled about in the kitchen while SoMi reread the message on the sofa, her emotions calming down a bit.
"I still can't believe it," she began again. "But why did you let him read my book?"
"I thought the idea was fresh, relevant, and noteworthy. You were wrong about the work. It's neither raw nor unfinished. I've read a lot of books, and not all of them were perfect. Some I couldn't even finish - they were so boring! But yours is an interesting life story right up to the last page. When the director said we were short on ideas, I thought of you. Your work is unique and unlike anything else being filmed right now. It will definitely interest viewers. Don't think or guess; just reply to the message as soon as possible and arrange a meeting," he said as the smell of freshly brewed coffee slowly spread through the room.
"Okay, let me think about it. I definitely can't this week because I'm finishing a project. Next Monday would be a good time to meet. And I'd like to go with you." she said.
"Really? Why would you want me there?" he asked, carrying two cups of fragrant coffee.
"You'll be my guide to the film industry. You've been acting in dramas and movies for years. I only got this opportunity to go behind the scenes today."
"Okay, I'll be your mentor," Do Hwan said with a smile as he took his first sip.
"It's a deal," she said, taking a sip of coffee. The hot drink spread through her veins, giving her warmth and a pleasant bitterness. The fog surrounding her thoughts dissipated, making the colors brighter and more vivid. "I'm sorry I woke you up so early."
"No, it's okay. If you woke me up like this every morning, I'd be happy to wake up early," he replied.
"Yes, indeed, nothing has changed," SoMi remarked, recalling the laundry moment once again.
"What are your plans for today?"
"Today is my day off before the deadline, so I'm going to spend the day resting, relaxing, and dancing."
"Oh, no. Not that. Wasn't yesterday's dancing enough for you?"
"Yesterday was fun. But I'm not talking about drunk dancing. I have a dance lesson with Ms. Min today."
"Really? I forgot you were taking real dance lessons." he joked.
"Ms. Min said this is her last year teaching at the school. She's ready to retire."
"What? That's too bad. Her lessons are really cool."
"Yes."
"Can I go with you?" he suddenly asked. "I'll be busy next week, too, with a deadline."
"Of course. A young partner won't hurt." I either dance with Ms. Cheon or Mr. Lee, who loses his rhythm after five minutes and sits down on the bench because of back pain."
"Is he the one who glances at every girl in the class?" remembered the old man.
"Yes, that's him," she smiled. "Ms. Min has already asked about you. She likes you." They both laughed, immersed in memories of the last lesson, when Do Hwan accidentally attended and became a student against his will. "So, today at seven?" SoMi asked.
"I'll be ready by then."
The day flew by almost unnoticed. SoMi devoted it to caring for her face, hair, and body: Masks, creams, gels, and eye patches. She took a bubble bath with her favorite music. She enjoyed a delicious breakfast with fresh fruit, a hearty lunch, and a nutritious dinner. She watched dramas with her favorite actors. She planned the next week in her diary. She even managed to chat with her friends on the phone for a little while.
Meanwhile, Do Hwan devoted himself to yoga, reading, grocery shopping, and preparing food for the entire next week. In the evening, he showered, shaved, styled his hair, and got dressed up to look better than last time when he was unexpectedly forced to dance with SoMi. She wore a dress, while he wore baggy sweatpants and a T-shirt. That's not right. Around SoMi, you have to look the part - like a real man.
It's seven o'clock in the evening. Do Hwan is waiting for SoMi in the hallway. He's nervous, like before a date. His heart beats wildly, and his hands sweat with excitement. Then, her door opens. SoMi looks stunning, as always. She's wearing a dress that perfectly emphasizes her slim waist. She's wearing high heels. Light curls fall smoothly onto her shoulders. She seems to have become even more beautiful than last time.
Do Hwan became noticeably nervous when she appeared. He began to fidget with his fingers, occasionally clenching them into fists. But when the girl smiled at him, his anxiety vanished and his heart calmed down as if he had taken an instant miracle pill. His breathing evened out. He took a deep breath, offered her his arm like a gentleman, and led her to the elevator.
The lesson was coming to an end. SoMi's legs were tired from two hours of dancing in high heels, but her gym classes had paid off, and she was able to keep up with all the exercises. Do Hwan wasn't far behind. He kept up with the rhythm and sometimes danced with the other old ladies while SoMi took a break.
Ms. Min enjoyed teaching the class. Cheerful as always, she approached each couple, gave instructions, and corrected their dancing mistakes. Sometimes she danced herself, singing along to Spanish songs and performing complex steps. The dance floor was filled with an atmosphere of happiness and eternal youth that would never fade.
Ms. Min enjoyed teaching the class. She was always cheerful and approached each couple to give instructions and correct mistakes in their dancing. Sometimes she danced herself, singing along to Spanish songs and executing intricate steps. The dance floor was filled with an atmosphere of happiness and eternal youth that would never fade.
As soon as the final chords of the music sounded, Ms. Min stepped into the middle of the room.
"Oh, how wonderful to see your sincere smiles," she began. "As you know, I have been teaching for over thirty years. This year, I decided it was time to leave my teaching career," she said sadly, lowering her gaze to the floor. "At the end of the season, which is the end of summer, I am throwing a farewell party. I invite everyone to spend my last evening on the dance floor with me. I would love to see you and your friends there. Invite everyone you know. We'll celebrate until morning, and all of Seoul will be buzzing about our party." Everyone laughed. "Until then, I'll see you at my final classes every Saturday and Wednesday at 8 p.m."
The class was over. SoMi talked with Ms. Min for a long time, then finally returned to Do Hwan with a smile on her face. The two of them left the hall together.
"Ms. Min asked me to organize her farewell party," she said as they walked down the empty, sleepy street.
"Oh, that's wonderful. It's a shame she decided to leave the school."
"Yes, her lessons are special."
"And a little exhausting," he remarked. "My feet will remind me of today's dancing tomorrow."
"Oh, yes, but it's a pleasant pain. It brings back so many good memories."
In front of their house, SoMi paused for a moment and gazed at the starry sky.
"The last moments before a difficult week..." she whispered. "I wish there were more evenings like tonight. When your heart is still trembling from the music and your body is asking for rest, but your soul doesn't want to say goodbye to the feeling of freedom. When everything seems to be in its place and even the air you breathe feels special. I love evenings like this..." Her voice trembled slightly. "Oh, a shooting star! Wow, it's beautiful."
Do Hwan was silent. His gaze did not leave SoMi's face, which looked almost unreal in the light of the lantern - so alive, sincere, and open, yet at the same time, so distant.
"Yes... so beautiful," he muttered under his breath, feeling his chest ache with an inexplicable longing.
At that moment, he felt something soft and invisible envelop him. It was as if life itself had held its breath so as not to scare away this fragile moment. He suddenly wanted to stop time and hold her gaze a little longer - at least for a few more breaths. Just to stand next to her and look at her. His neighbor had stolen his peace, and perhaps... something more, without noticing it.