How to break up in civil way [1]

Our heroine, Natalie, who is in court facing a stalking charge, and the hero, Cairo, who is running hard toward the courthouse. When the charges are read, Natalie laughs like she can’t believe this is happening to her. Cairo reaches the courthouse and tries to quickly enter, but security stops him. Natalie laughs even more at the absolute ridiculousness of her circumstances as the judge asks her if she acknowledges that she’s been convicted of stalking. A sweating Cairo hands over his wallet and struggles to get his watch off.

Natalie answers the judge that she’s the crazy bitch. Judge looks up at her surprised. She must've been insane. Cairo tells the security guard that he’s sorry, but he’s in a hurry. He has to go testify for someone. The guard asks about his relationship with the defendant. Natalie’s got crazy stalker eyes going on as she declares that this is what she told that bastard… Zoom in on Cairo. Is he the bastard she’s talking about? He’s just swallowed hard. Shot of Natalie. Back to Cairo, who tells the guard that she’s his fiancée. Natalie says (what she told that jerk): “Let's get married.” Great way to set it up that she’s talking about him and calling him a bastard.

Cairo stumbles in the courtroom and Natalie seems surprised to see him there. He looks at her and smiles.

[ How to Break up in a Civil Way ]

Jump to a jubilant Natalie singing in a bubble bath, “Will you marry me?.” She sips some wine. She’s blowing up balloons and decorating with them as she sings about having children together and living happily ever after. It annoys me slightly that the soundtrack faintly has the song playing backup, since it’s not the same tempo as what she’s singing. It’s distracting. Natalie is going all out: flowers, candles, flower pedals, champagne. She gets perfectly coiffed. She checks herself out in the mirror, to make sure she looks perfect, and then wonders what’s taking her beloved so long.

Plastic Surgeon’s office. Phone buzzes on the desk. Cairo gets dressed for surgery. Nurse reports that the patient’s angle malar (show defines this as chin augmentation) surgery is ready to go. Surgery starts and Cairo gets shot in the face with blood. A nurse goes to pat his face off and he tells her it’s fine and keeps going. Glad that he’s not worried about contracting a disease that’s transmitted through the blood, but I guess this shows what intense focus Cairo has, not to be distracted by getting squirted in the face with blood, of all things..

Natalie lights the candles on the cake; they spell out I LOVE YOU (love is represented by a heart). All I keep thinking as I watch her preparations is, ‘Oh, Sweetie, you shouldn’t be doing this. The guy is supposed to be doing this. If he’s not the one doing it, he’s not the one feeling it and you’re setting yourself up to get your heart broken. Cairo returns to his office after surgery, still in his scrubs, and checks his phone. Natalie is looking at the lit candles when her phone buzzes. She asks where her love is. Cairo responds that he’s leaving now. As he checks out his hair in his mirror, he asks what his caller wanted so desperately to tell him. Natalie says that she wants him to see it with his own eyes.

Cairo climbs out of his car. He’s now wearing dark framed glasses. Hate them. He dials his phone and tells the person he’s there. Inside, he’s still on the phone and trying to find the person he’s talking to. A woman's hand goes up. Cairo mutters that his caller is not there and some stranger is waving and smiling at him. He smiles. Cairo realizes what’s going on. Angrily he says the caller’s name: Kelvin!

Elevator opens and a hysterically laughing Kelvin steps out. Wearing sunglasses even though he’s *indoors.* Kelvin apologizes to Cairo and says that Cairo knows his mom the best. How could he (Kelvin) turn down her request? Not appeased, Cairo asks where Kelvin is and Kelvin replies that he’s not far; he has plans at the same hotel. Kelvin removes his sunglasses, tells Cairo to have a good time and hangs up the phone without waiting for a response. He rings the room’s bell.

Natalie answers the door with a rose in between her teeth and calls Kelvin ‘Oppa.’ So this is who she was talking to. I only see bad things coming. Kelvin asks if she waited long. She nods and he growls at her playfully. She pulls him into the room by his ascot as he barks at her. He picks her up and spins her around, making kissing noises at him. He doesn’t notice the room until she tells him to look. When he does notice it, he drops her, shocked. His eyes pan the room: candles all over, balloons and more balloons, a PowerPoint of their relationship, roses, rose petals, the love cake. Kelvin is starting to freak out.

Natalie is oblivious. She picks up the love cake and calls out, “Surprise,” which appears above her head like the animation on Korean variety shows. Kelvin tries to not look like he’s freaking out and asks what all of the decorations and everything is for. Sweetly she asks him if he knows that today is. Kelvin asks, “Huh?” “Do you know what today is?” appears in animated, blinking letters over her head. Again she says it, but it’s slow and distorted. Kelvin blinks rapidly, clearing his throat, and asks if she thought that he’d forgotten.

Kelvin tries to guess. It's their 1st year anniversary. Nope, that was last week. He has no idea, so he asks what it is. Natalie steps up to him, still holding the cake in front of her. She declares that today is the last day they will spend here. Another ‘huh?’ face from Kelvin. She says they should stop meeting in the hotel. Sinking noise as Kelvin asks what she means. Natalie answers that instead of a hotel, they should fall asleep together and have breakfast together every day in a place of their own. Kelvin wipes his forehead nervously.

Close-up on Natalie’s lips as they say in slow motion that she and Kelvin should have breakfast together every day in a space of their own. Kelvin glances around desperately, looking for a bathroom… a balcony… Where can he escape? He abruptly blows out the candles, shocking Natalie. He declares that his stomach's been killing him, so he’ll go to the bathroom really quickly. Sorry. He runs for the bathroom as she calls out “Oppa!” in protest.

Blind date is sitting with Cairo. She looks uncomfortable and he looks bored out of his skull. Text arrives from Kelvin, begging Cairo to save him. Cairo reads it without even apologizing to his date. Another text where Kelvin declares that this girl must want to marry him! Cairo glances over at his date and replies that this girl wants the same from him. Date clears her throat and Cairo apologizes. He asks where he was in the conversation. Date smiles and replies that Cairo hasn’t said anything. As he pulls out a stick of gum, he declares that they should start now. She can ask him whatever she wants. She should take her time. Date agrees and looks a little nervous as she tries to think up conversation topics.

Date asks where he lives. Cairo absently drops his gum wrapper in his water as he replies that he lives in Gangnam. He adds that she wanted to see if he lived in a ritzy area, eh? She’s surprised at that implication. She starts to clarify, but a gum-chewing Cairo – wow, he is being really rude right now – adds that more specifically he lives in an apartment complex that his parents own. It's not huge but nice enough to live in alone. Date is starting to feel offended. As she should. He is being a real jerk. Cairo says that there are a few celebrities, too, and it’s super close to the subway. Date is confused by Cairo talking about the subway. Cairo adds that being near the subway doesn't mean much to him, since he has a car. Date smiles uncomfortably. Cairo picks up his water glass and tells her that she must've thought he might not have a car. He chuckles and tells her to ask the next question.

Natalie’s at the bathroom door, asking if Kelvin is ok? Is it indigestion? A profusely sweating Kelvin declares that he’ll be out soon. He texts Cairo that he’s locked in the bathroom! Cairo picks up his phone again without excusing himself – wow, he’s being disrespectful – and tells Kelvin to just tell Natalie that he doesn’t want to get married and come out of the bathroom. Kelvin furiously responds, asking how he could just dump her like that? He can’t just say anything to a girl, like Cairo does.

Natalie is understandably worried. She starts knocking on the door and trying to get Kelvin to respond. He texts that she’s started to knock on the door! He begs Cairo to get him out of there! Natalie continues to knock.

Date tries to pleasantly persevere in the conversation. She says that because he’s a plastic surgeon, he must meet a lot of pretty girls. Looking up from the phone, Cairo replies that she means girls who want to be pretty. Date blinks, because that’s not what she’s saying. Cairo declares dramatically that they come with big bucks. He tells her that if she’s wondering if his practice is successful… yes it is. He has a house, car and a hospital. Nice, eh? Date chuckles bitterly at the jerk she’s out on a date with. Cairo sighs and declares that he’s done and it’s her turn. Date wonders how to respond to that.

Cairo says – and texts – asking what “you” can give him. Date chuckles again and asks him, “Excuse me?” Kelvin replies that Cairo should help since they’re buddies! Cairo replies that Kelvin means that they are landlord and tenant. Kelvin mutters how Cairo’s a funny guy. He texts back that his mom is the landlady not him!

Date has had enough of Cairo’s rudeness. She takes out her ponytail and fluffs her hair. She asks him what he’s doing right now. He looks around awkwardly and laughs, saying that this is what an ideal marriage is… what he has, she doesn’t and what she has, he doesn’t. She rolls her eyes as he says that it’s so they can help and rely on each other. Cairo looks back at his phone, where Kelvin has promised a rent freeze for 2 years! Date asks Cairo how he can ignore her like this! He’s been looking at his cell phone the whole time.

Cairo replies that his texting is just that there’s someone waiting for him in a room right now. He’s contemplating whether to go up or not. He’ll make his decision after he hears what she has to offer. Date’s done. She tells him that he’s crazy! Text saying that the rent freeze will be 3 years. Quickly Cairo types a deal and sets down his phone. Just as quickly, he yanks off his glasses and braces for the water that Date flings in his face. Date stands up and pours his glass of water over his head. She walks off. Cairo sighs and rubs the water out of his hair.

Upstairs, Cairo rings the bell. Natalie asks if Kelvin ordered room service, but he doesn’t answer. She gets the door, where a wet Cairo is standing. They’ve never met, so Cairo says that it’s nice to meet her. He introduces himself as Kelvin's friend, Cairo. He just walks in and starts kicking balloons. A flustered Natalie can’t say anything. Cairo finds the bathroom and knocks. Kelvin opens the door and Cairo pulls him out, saying he needs to use it. Natalie tries to get Kelvin to control his friend. She asks why Cairo showed up like that. Cairo answers for Kelvin, saying that it happens after every blind date. Water showers… coffee showers… goodbye cocktail showers. Natalie wonders why and Cairo guesses that they just don’t like him. Kelvin suppresses a laugh.

Cairo declares that he doesn’t think he belongs there either, as he pushes in between Natalie and Kelvin to separate them. He starts messing with her decorations as he asks whether he’s interrupting. Natalie protests that honestly, they were in the middle of an important moment. Cairo acts like that’s news and starts to leave. Kelvin grabs him and says that he can’t let Cairo leave like that. He cares too much about Cairo to send him off like that. Cairo responds, asking if that’s why Kelvin set him up with just any girl? He painfully twists Kelvin’s arm as he says that he said no. Another painful squeeze as Cairo adds that he gets water showers, coffee showers, and Kelvin has now embarrassed his mom.

Kelvin quickly apologizes and says that he’ll buy them some drinks. He puts his arm around Cairo and starts to leave. Natalie quickly stops him, whining about her? Cairo agrees. How could he leave a lady there alone? Natalie smacks at Kelvin to control his friend as Cairo walks back into the hotel room. Cairo declares that there’s liquor in there, too. He grabs the champagne she’s set out. She runs over and begs him, rubbing her hands together, for him not to open it. He does anyway. Natalie is horrified.

Behind her Kelvin is waving his towel, dancing with joy over how Cairo is ruining the evening. Cairo pours a glass and smiles as he asks Natalie if they should drink? She’s on the verge of losing it, but she keeps in control and she starts to protest. Cairo interrupts her to tell her that she’s the first girl Kelvin’s introduced him to. Kelvin stops dancing and glares at Cairo, but smiles and nods when Natalie looks to see if it’s true. Cairo raises his glass and says that they look cute together. Natalie smiles, agreeing.

Cairo reaches over and scoops out a huge fingerful of icing from the cake. He stuffs it in his mouth as Natalie starts to protest that that’s just too much! Kelvin celebrates Cairo scoring again in ruining the evening. She frantically grabs the cake and tries to fix its decorations. Cairo apologizes and says that his blood sugar dropped and he’s dizzy. He asks where the bed is. Kelvin points to the bed with his thumb, not saying a word. Cairo heads there, with Natalie protesting after him. Kelvin dances in celebration as he follows after them.

Cairo reaches the bed and blows out the candles. Natalie screams that he can’t go there and shoves him backward. Cairo falls backward and pretends like she smacked him in the nose. Kelvin immediately starts to help his friend. Cairo mutters that he must've been interrupting. Kelvin, holding Cairo up, tells him that he’s not interrupting. Cairo declares that he’ll get going and staggers out toward the door. Kelvin chases after him (with Natalie chasing after them both) and asks Cairo if he can drive like that. Cairo replies that he doesn’t know and he might just crash into a guardrail! He’s quite dramatic.

Cairo tells them to have a good time and leaves. Kelvin declares that he better take Cairo home. Natalie grabs his arm and starts to protest. Kelvin looks insulted as he asks her if she’s going to make him into a lovesick fool that disuses his friends? She protests. He clucks at her that he’s disappointed and storms off. She can’t see his face saying, “Yes!” as he leaves.

As they walk away, Cairo tells Kelvin to stop looking back at the room. He asks if Kelvin has any regrets over what’s just happened. Kelvin replies that he’s scared she might come after them. Nice. I don't like him anymore. Even if he is kind of funny. Cairo tells him to end it with Natalie cleanly. Kelvin declares that he’ll end it in a civil way.

[ How to Break up in a Civil Way: Missing In Action ]

Cairo begins swimming, wearing swimmer goggles. Kelvin is sitting underwater, watching all the women swim by, enjoying his ogling. Natalie sits in the locker room at work, worried about what’s happened with Kelvin. Kelvin’s voiceover announces that for the first few days, she'll be anxious. She’ll wonder if there’s anything wrong. Natalie sighs and wonders how she’s going to propose to Kelvin next time. A trip, maybe? She claps her hands together, because it’s the perfect idea! Some place like an island where there are no distractions! She giggles with delight and claps her hands. Oh, Natalie, no. What are you doing? Even if I didn't know what Kelvin was doing, I would still be saying 'no.'

Kelvin and Cairo are in bathrobes by the pool. Kelvin declares that Natalie will be hunting through his SNS right about now, so he’ll write in his bio that "Love…always changes." Cairo looks at Kelvin and shakes his head, especially when Kelvin starts scouting out a new girl.

Natalie is at work, waiting for a customer with her friend, Zoe. She works in the accessories department. Natalie calls Kelvin but he doesn’t answer. She frowns and says that it’s strange because he’s not answering his cell. Zoe tells her to check his SNS. Natalie starts to call again and Zoe gasps because Natalie’s still using a dumb phone!

Kelvin declares that if he ignores Natalie for a while, she'll stop calling. They’re at a restaurant, drinking. Cairo asks if Natalie’s still calling Kelvin all night. He replies that it's the 3rd day. It's tough but it should be all good now. Kelvin stretches and turns on his phone. There’s *300 missed calls and 102 new text messages.* Wow, girl, that’s way too much. Wow. As he’s looking at the phone, Natalie calls. He quickly rips the battery out of his phone and sucks down his wine as he says that he just has to hang on for a few more days. Cairo looks at him like he’s nuts.

Natalie’s calling again and getting his voicemail. Zoe asks if she mentioned marriage. Natalie replies that she was just about to when he had to use the bathroom. Zoe tells her that he caught on to what she was going to do. Natalie can’t believe that. She protests that Kelvin’s upset that she mistreated his friend. Zoe asks her how she’s being so dim. It's a disappearing breakup. Zoe asks her how long it’s been since she’s talked to him. Natalie mumbles that it’s been about a week. Zoe sighs and declares that it’s over. Natalie doesn’t want to believe it. But it is. It totally is.

At his French restaurant – which I will be calling Bon Café even though I think it's called Bon Restaurant – Kelvin declares to Cairo that Natalie will totally get it after a week. Girls these days are smart. They get the idea and get over it. The pair are sitting on the balcony. Cairo glances out into the street and asks if Natalie’s come looking for Kelvin. She hasn’t. Cairo asks Kelvin if she hasn’t all. Nope. He motions with his head toward the street and asks who the girl is coming up the street. Kelvin looks and it’s Natalie on her bike. He silently screams. Cairo stands and announces that he’s going to get going. Kelvin grabs Cairo’s arm and asks if Cairo forgot the 3-year rent freeze. Cairo protests that he already saved Kelvin from the hotel. Kelvin starts to beg. Cairo protests. Kelvin scurries to hide behind the counter.

Natalie enters the restaurant. One of the waiters, Rocco approaches her. He’s familiar with who she is and smiles when she comes in. They bow greetings to each other. She asks if Kelvin is there. Rocco is surprised she’s asked for the boss. When Natalie is confused, he chuckles and replies that everyone comes there to see him. Because he’s so cute, of course. And I’m not arguing. He is really cute with a great smile. Natalie asks if Kelvin is okay. Rocco answers that Kelvin should be fine. He doesn’t do anything but comes by the restaurant often. Rocco says that last part for Kelvin’s benefit, to tease him. It almost works, with Kelvin almost coming out from where he’s hiding, but he catches himself at the last minute. Rocco glances over at where Kelvin is hiding and smiles.

Natalie looks over at the hiding place, too, and is about to see Kelvin when Cairo steps in her eyeliner, ordering a grapefruit juice to go. Rocco heads to get it, but not before smiling down at his boss. Natalie recognizes Cairo as the guy from the hotel. She apologizes about that day (their altercation) but he tells her to hold on because he has a phone call. It’s his aunt. She says that Cairo’s Mom is upset over how the only grandson of the family keeps making trouble on his blind dates. It's humiliating the family!

Natalie keeps looking around for Kelvin as Cairo’s on the phone. Cairo mutters to Aunt that this is why he’s going to stop going on blind dates! Aunt replies that this time it was really bad since it was a close family friend of Kelvin's mom. He needs to apologies to her the next time he sees her. Natalie spots Kelvin in the mirror, hiding behind the counter. She starts to walk toward him, but Cairo steps forward to block her as he tells Aunt that Kelvin should apologies to him! Kelvin makes a face as he’s almost caught. Rocco laughs.

Cairo declares that he hates dealing with gold diggers; they're the worst. Natalie nods in agreement over that one. Which says that she’s not one. Aunt gives him a jab about the girls he frequents hotels with – are they any better? He remembers that he gave Date the impression that he was meeting someone. He replies that that girl can't wait to get married either. Scornfully, he looks at Natalie as he says that she was so desperate to get married that day. She asks if he’s talking about her. He tells her that he means his blind date. But we know he’s talking about Natalie. She apologizes for eavesdropping and he smiles politely, with just a hint of sarcasm.

Aunt continues that Cairo keeps ruining the blind dates, so this next time the family will be there, too, so he can't mess it up. Cairo drops his head, frustrated and put-upon. Exasperated, he tells Aunt, please, and says that he won't get married. She replies that he shouldn’t even think of trying to run away. She’s already there to get him. This gets Cairo’s attention. Now? Aunt tells him to cancel his evening appointments; he’s coming with them. Cairo repeats ‘them?’ but Aunt hangs up the phone. We see that he’s in the car with Cairo’s mom, who is wearing a traditional dress. Mom’s face is blank, but she doesn’t look happy. How do they know where Cairo is right now?

Cairo’s forgotten all about covering for Kelvin. He has to get out of there before Mom arrives. Natalie grabs his arm, stopping him from leaving. Quickly, still distracted, he asks her if she has something to say to him. She tells him that she can't reach Kelvin. She understands a guy's friendship, but she really needed to tell him something important. Cairo shoves her hands off of him and tells her to stop it. She’s pathetic. She doesn’t know what he means. He turns around and tells her that it's all over. As she reels from that, he rushes out of the restaurant.

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