“ The Tension Builds: A meeting Between hearts” part 1

Jieun’s Home

Jieun sat in her room, sipping on a matcha drink, her mind racing. Seo Jin… Seo Jin… She kept repeating his name in her head, frustrated. This guy never once spoke about our arranged marriage. Not a single word.

Lost in thought, Jieun’s phone suddenly rang. It was a call from Seo Jin’s mom.

Hmm, should I even answer? Jieun thought, feeling a mix of curiosity and hesitation. Grandpa’s gone now… and yet, they haven’t stopped pushing this marriage. Maybe they’re still looking for another girl for Seo Jin…

She finally decided to pick up.

“Jieun-ah, are you doing well?” Seo Jin’s mom’s warm voice came through the phone.

Jieun smiled faintly. “Yes, I’m doing fine. How about you? You’ve been busy. It’s been a while since you called.”

Seo Jin’s mom replied, “After Grandpa’s passing, our family has been really down. That’s why we all went to his homeland to pay our respects and remember him. But today, I thought I should check in with you.”

Jieun listened carefully, but her mind wandered back to the past days, thinking of Seo Jin’s family and their words.

Seo Jin’s mom said, “I think it’s time for you and Seo Jin to get married.”

Hearing this, Jieun froze, unsure how to respond. What should I say? What is she asking me to do?

Seo Jin’s mom continued, “I will speak to Seo Jin about this very soon. We need to have a serious conversation, and then I’ll talk to you.”

Jieun, trying to hold her composure, replied, “Auntie, please don’t force anything. If Seo Jin doesn’t want to get married, that’s okay. It should be his choice too.”

Seo Jin’s mom assured her, “My son’s decision is firm. Once he agrees, everything will fall into place. Don’t worry.”

With that, Seo Jin’s mom ended the call. Jieun sat still, processing everything. This is really happening… Am I ready for this?

The next morning, Jieun was in the kitchen, lost in thought.

I’m a teacher, but my salary isn’t much. I can’t even save anything. I have my own house, but I still wonder… where am i spending all my money ?

Suddenly, Jieun remembered how she used to buy things for her students—supplies, gifts—and how she always spent money on decorating her room. She realized that her spending habits were starting to add up.

I think I need to cut down on my expenses, Jieun thought to herself. I need to find a way to save more and manage things better.

At that moment, Jieun’s phone rang. It was a call from the school.

The teacher on the other end spoke sternly, “Jieun, we’ve received multiple complaints from the parents. You’ve been giving the students too many snacks and chocolates, and it’s affecting their health. Starting today, you’re no longer allowed to come to school. You’re fired.”

Jieun stood frozen, her heart pounding. She could hardly believe what she was hearing. All of her efforts, trying to make the children happy, seemed to have backfired.

Jieun, with a heavy heart, quietly said to herself as the call ended, “This is all because of me… What should I do now?”

Feeling embarrassed and defeated, she made her way back to school, collecting all her belongings from her office. She loaded everything onto her scooter, without a single teacher acknowledging her presence.

As she walked past the class, the students looked at her with sad eyes. Just then, one of the teachers walked by the children and said, “Now who will support you? Your favorite teacher is leaving.”

Hearing that, the students immediately responded, “Jieun Ma’am is the best teacher at our school!” They ran up to her, bidding her farewell, and as they did, Jieun left the school for the last time, her heart heavy with the weight of everything that had happened.

Jieun walked into her room and noticed that her phone had received more than five calls from an unknown number. She hesitated but decided not to answer.

As she relaxed in the bathtub, the phone rang again from the same number. This time, she picked it up.

To her surprise, it was Seojin’s voice. As soon as she heard it, a wave of shock hit her.

Seojin said, “I’ve sent you the location. Please come over, we need to talk.”

Jieun wanted to say something but couldn’t. Before she could respond, Seojin hung up the call.

Sitting there, holding the phone, Jieun couldn’t help but think, “should I be happy or sad?”

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