Mari & Hwan Chul - Ghosted

Chapter Thirty

"Are you ghosting me now, Chul?" Mari was so furious and was crying now.

Nancy remembered their first fight, a misunderstanding, not their fault.

"Morning came, and everyone at Mari's home was bustling with high spirits. All are preparing to hear mass, and when she moves out of bed, her sister Zia, a year older than her, is teasing her. "Why are you sleeping with that coat, ha? Dreaming of your Prom Night, Mari?" Mari grabbed the coat from Zia, but Zia ran out of the room, flagging Hwan's skin, and showed it to their Mom. "Look, Mom, look what she's holding while asleep!" Zia gave a teasing look at Mari. "That was worn by Hwan Chul last night, if I am not mistaken," their Mom replied. "Hm, why do you think Mari is wearing this on, mom?" Then Donna butt in, teasing, "because maybe Hwan Chul gave that as a blanket? For Mari's cold nights?" Mari got hold of the coat and said, pissed off, "You're just envious," she slightly twitched, her eyes narrowed, and she stuck out her tongue at her sister teasing her.

"Then her Mom asked Mari, "Can you answer my question of last night now, Mari?" Mari was off-guard and answered meekly, "He is now my boyfriend, Ma. I accepted his proposal last night; I can't help it. I can't suppress my feelings for him anymore, Ma. I'm sorry." Mom opened her arms, telling her to come close to her, and Mari ran to her Mom, misty-eyed. "I have no ill feelings for Hwan Chul, Mari, so don't say sorry. I like the guy; despite being Korean, I found him nice. I have never made mistakes in my judgment. However, don't be so serious yet, okay? Enjoy each other's company, but no serious attachment, please?"

"I promise, Ma; I still have to graduate and finish college too, and I have a career to pursue." Assuring her Mom.

"Later that afternoon, Mari was preparing her assignments when the doorbell rang. She heard Zia's voice calling for her, and she dashed and forgot she was wearing a sleeveless shirt with a low neckline and very short silky shorts. While going down the stairs, Hwan Chul saw her sexiness, and her sister, Zian, pulled her back upstairs. "Please feel comfortable; Mari will be back." Hwan Chul was amused at Mari's excitement to see him.

"Hi, Chul. What brings you here?" Mari asked timidly.

"I came to see you, am I forbidden?"

"You came just to see me?" Mari was glad.

"Yes, I want to see you; I'm missing you already." Hwan Chul added.

"Mari's Mom joined them, bringing in soda with some snacks. All of her sisters, Donna and Zia, joined in, too, curious about who Hwan Chul was.

"Where in Korea did you live, Hwan Chul?" asked Donna.

"I was born in Gangbuk, ma'am." And Donna asked more to know him better.

"And about your parents, do they own business like the other Koreans who stay here?

"My father is in Korea, tending his business there, and my mother is a stay-at-home mom; she is also in Korea because she has to take care of my youngest sister, and my Mom prefers the climate there since she was used to it. But she comes here from time to time to check on my brother, who is in college but soon to graduate from Engineering, and me." Related Hwan Chul.

"My, you mean you live alone here? In a boarding house, I suppose?" added Zia.

"No, my brother and I live together in our own house, which my dad built when they lived here to start a business. When his business grew, he decided to return to Korea and merge his business with a friend, so, that's it, they prefer to live there and leave us here until we graduate." Added Hwan Chul.

"So, you mean you'll return to Korea after high school?" asked Mari, frowned, feeling sad.

"No, not really; I want to take my college here, just like my brother, and stay on." Hwan Chul said. And I prefer to work here than in Korea because I'm used to the weather and don't want to leave Mari." He stated honestly. Mari's Mom and sisters were pleased with what he said and couldn't say more, so they left them alone in the living room.

"Months passed, and we, as graduate students, were already preparing for our graduation rites. At the same time, Hwan Chul and Mari, I, and Wilson took some entrance exams at universities, and wherever we passed, that was where we decided to enroll. I preferred a course in Education; Wilson chose Journalism, while Hwan Chul and Mari decided to take Business Administration.

"Days and weeks passed, and we four received the results of our entrance exams. The four of us cheered on our success, for we would be in the same university and enroll in the courses we wished to take as soon as registration began.

"April became a busy and exciting month for us students. We were getting our clearances and other things about our transfer to the colleges and universities for our chosen fields and rehearsing for the graduation rites.

"Graduation day. Mari, with her family, arrived early as per instructions to the graduates for their line formation and their parents to their proper seats. Mari was waiting and looking for Hwan Chul and worried she could not find him. But when she was about to return to her line, Hwan Chul ran fast in joining. He had this worried look on his face but could not have the chance to talk to Mari, for they were about to move going inside the auditorium. After the rites, Hwan Chul found a way to get close to Mari; even his cell phone didn't help her get in touch. Hwan Chul's father was already waving his hand, telling him to leave.

"Previously, he was still asleep at Hwan Chul's home when his parents arrived from Korea. They forced him to wake up, and Hwan Chul was surprised by their untimely arrival.

"We've flown here for an early flight to catch up on your graduation; then, we will return to Korea as soon as you receive your diploma. A celebration can wait. Once we're back, all your relatives will be there to celebrate with us." His father, Mr. Han Myeong, said.

"What? But dad, I have no plan of returning soon; I have an enrollment to work on because I want to take my college here and finish the course I have chosen!" Hwan Chul tensely explained.

"Who told you to study here through college? We left you here to finish your present studies so it won't disrupt your school activities while your Mom and I decided to return because of my growing business. I don't remember discussing with you to take a course here, son."

"Hwan Chul wanted to say more, but his dad interrupted him. "My decision is final! Four years of high school here is enough, and two years of separation is more than enough. No more arguments!" demanded his dad.

"I will tell the maids to pack your clothes while you attend your graduation. We will wait for you in the car as soon as the ceremony ends. You have thirty minutes to bid goodbye to your friends; we have a plane to catch, Chul." His Mom reminded him.

"Thirty minutes, Mom? Seriously?" Hwan Chul wanted to be furious but was controlling his anger and worry. How will I tell this to Mari? We are just starting to be romantically close, and then a sudden separation? How will she take this? All these thoughts became burdensome to him, and he was becoming tensed and pressured by this problem; he could not think well anymore. And time for him is too short to fix this. He was alarmed at the time when his mother asked him if he was ready to go.

"Mari was frantic when he could not get a hold of Hwan Chul. She saw him at the ceremony but couldn't find him anymore. At the same time as Mari was looking for him, so did Hwan Chul. He was asking his classmates about the whereabouts of Mari but couldn't tell him anything. He saw his friends gathered for a celebration, and they were calling out for him, and that's when he told them he was leaving for Korea and might stay there for good. Everyone was surprised and felt sad about his news to them. He suddenly asked if they had seen Mari but couldn't say anything. He bid them goodbye with a low and worried face and went searching for Mari, but as he was about to call on his phone, he saw his dad signaling him to come, and they were leaving, pointing his finger at his watch.

"Hwan Chul and his parents were already in the airport's waiting lounge. Hwan Chul thought of going to the Rest Room, hoping to get in touch with Mari until his call came in on Mari's phone.

"Where are you, Hwan Chul?" he felt as if a knife stabbed his heart upon hearing Mari's lumped voice trying to control her sobs.

"Mari, I'm so sorry. It happened so fast, I----" Mari cut him off with her queries.

"Happened so fast of what? Why are you asking for sorry, Chul? Just tell me where you are!" Mari was getting nervous that she was unaware she was already yelling.

"I'm at the airport now, Mari. I'm leaving, my-----" Mari was yelling harshly.

"Are you ghosting me now, Chul?" Mari was so furious and was crying.

"Mari, I am not ghosting you; just stop for a while and let me explain?" Hwan Chul pleaded, but Mari hung up her phone. He felt so bad, and he couldn't seem to control his tears. Hwan felt like a big rock was resting on his chest. He leaned against the wall, banging the back of his head on the wall, then faced the wall and was about to box it with his clenched fist when a voice was heard over the loudspeaker, getting the attention of their flight. Hwan Chul walked quickly toward his parents, who were walking to the plane's ramp.

"What took you so long, Hwan?" asked his Mom with a curious look.

"Nothing, eomma." He decided to keep quiet on the entire flight.

"After three hours and more, they landed in Seoul. Hwan Chul remained quiet for the rest of the day. He kept himself undisturbed in his room until his Mom could not stand his silence, so she knocked on his door.

"What is this silence for, Hwan? Mind telling me; I am listening." His Mom pleaded.

"Hwan Chul did not speak at once, processing his mind for the right words to open up to his Mom. "I--- I cannot stay here, eomma; I want to go back. I don't feel like I can live here; it is not my place anymore." His Mom is sizing him up, trying to understand his reason.

"But this is your home, Chul. You can still renew your friendships here; don't you need us anymore? Don't you miss your eomma, Chul? Has someone stolen your heart from us? Tell me honestly." Hwan's Mom insisted.

"Look, eomma, I've been away for so many years; how can you say I still have friends here? Even my cousins don't know me anymore as much as I do. I feel like a stranger here. I want to study and finish my course in the Philippines. I was a varsity player during high school, and I can still be one in college. But here? I don't know if I can still fit in myself here. Just let me go back, eomma. Help me to convince dad. If you allowed Hyun-Ki to finish his course there, why can't I? Dad can assign me to his head office after I finish my studies. We still have a house to maintain and care for, so why don't you just let me?" Hwan Chul went to his knees, imploring for his Mom's understanding and help.

"All right, Chul, get up, and I'll think of a way to convince your dad. Promise me no foolishness during your studies, all right, son?" said his Mom, and once more, Hwan felt a renewed courage and hope.

"Back at Mari's home, she felt lonely and depressed. Looking back at Hwan Chul, as she recalls her memories of him, she began to cry again and regretted knowing him. She can't believe that he's good at lying and that he succeeded in deceiving her.

"I'll never forgive you, Lee Hwan Chul! Even if we do not meet again because you're now hiding in Korea, my hatred and anger for you will make you suffer!" she cried profusely again. Donna could hear her anguish, but she could not have the courage to console her because if she cried with her, the more Mari would fall into depression, and she could not be of great help.

"Mari, are you not going to enroll tomorrow? You might be late and won't get a better schedule for the subjects you need to get". Donna reminded her.

"I don't feel like enrolling; I wouldn't mind even if I'll be late; I can still get a night schedule, anyway." She answered, caring less.

"What's up with you, Mari, huh? Just because Hwan Chul ghosted you, will you ruin your future? What about your dream, huh? This suffering you're going through should be your strength to muster to keep you in your senses, to help you reach your goal! Don't be a coward; you must learn to fight because, in this world, you will keep on meeting difficult challenges, especially in terms of love." Donna said encouragingly.

"Mari seemed to come to her senses, stood up, approached her sister, and hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry, sis. I'm grateful to have you as my sister; you're an angel. Okay, I won't let all of you down. I'll take this experience as an inspiration to help me go on and achieve my dream, my goal! Fighting!"

"Hwan Chul was already at the airport and called for his driver to fetch him at Terminal One. He was so excited to see Mari again. When Mang Ben came to bring him, Hwan Chul told him to drop him off at Mari's place and help him to unload the souvenirs he bought for her family, but before going there, they looked for a florist shop to buy a bouquet of red roses for Mari.

"Hwan Chul rang the doorbell at Mari's house. Mari answered the door, dressed up for her enrolment, and was supposed to be on her way when this doorbell rang. Her surprise was beyond imagination upon seeing Hwan Chul face to face. By impulse, she shut the gate so loud that Zia rushed to the gate, fearing an unexpected accident. She saw Mari in tears, so she ran to her curiously. Hwan Chul was shocked by the way Mari reacted, speechless.

"Mari, what happened? What is it?" Zia asked nervously. Hwan Chul mustered his courage and knocked.

"Who is it?" asked Zia, simultaneously opening the gate; she was surprised to see Hwan Chul in the flesh. She turned to Mari and said, "Your ghost is here, Mari." Zia chuckled at last. Zia opened the gate widely and let Hwan Chul come in; behind him followed Mang Ben bringing in Hwan Chul's gift souvenirs. Zia received them and was still quiet, feeling the situation between Mari and Hwan Chul. Mari was standing by the tree in their garden, silently in tears; Zia using her mouth, pointedly told Hwan Chul to approach Mari.

"Hwan Chul came near Mari, embraced her tightly, apologized, and whispered as Mari couldn't control her weeping.

"I came back because I cannot leave you, Mari. It's like a living hell for me without you. I never intended to ghost you; I was helpless when my dad pulled me out from here to bring me back to Korea. But I'm back, never to leave again." Assuring Mari while embracing her, also teary-eyed.

"Facing Hwan Chul, "I thought you ran away for good, and I kept wondering what I had done to deserve leaving me without a word. And I was cursing you, hating you, and yet I couldn't get over you. I was so hurt, Chul, and I thought we'll never see each other again."

"Handing her the bouquet, Hwan Chul wiped Mari's tears and kissed her forehead, eyes, cheeks, and lips. Then once again, they kissed, unmindful of those around them.

"Coming to their senses, Hwan Chul asked Mari where she was going with that dress; Mari informed him that she would enroll or else she might be late. Taking his hand, she said goodbye to her Mom and sisters, for they would proceed with their enrolment.