Promise

She knows that she can't think negatively. She knew that all of that was just for fun. However, no matter how many times Ji An wanted to get rid of the image of the card she chose, she still felt down immediately.

-Flashback

Ji An turned the card slowly. Her smile faded, even Yeon Hee gasped in surprise. The inscription on the card: The Death.

"What ... what is this?" Yeon Hee turned panicked at The Man, who, oddly enough, only smiled.

"This card does not always mean bad luck - nor does it mean death— Oh, no, no," The man shook his head when he saw Ji An's pale face. "It could mean repeating things that haven't been resolved properly. You may have things that are very difficult to reveal to others, and this gets in your way if you lack communication."

Seeing that Ji An remained silent, the man continued, "But if you don't give up and keep trying, I'm sure the results will turn out well. That card kind of gives you a warning not to be afraid of the ordeal that will bring you down."

"Is ... is that so?" Ji An felt a little relieved. "I guess I'll be really unlucky ..."

"Hey, cheer up. This is just for fun, Ji An." Yeon Hee put her arm around Ji An' shoulder and rubbed her arm.

"Well, your friend said right. This is just for fun." The Man smiled broadly, making curved eyes.

After paying the card reading fee, Yeon Hee got out of the tent first. When Ji An was at the mouth of the tent, The Man said, "Take a good care of the necklace until the time comes. You must make the right choice so as not to regret it. Time will give you another chance and cannot be repeated only to find the best .... Life goes on."

Ji An turned around and just stared confusedly at the empty chair.

-End of Flashback

"

Go ... go ... go away!" Ji An exclaimed softly by burying her face in the pillow. She lay without energy on her bed.

"I'm starting to believe that you have nostrils on the back of your head."

Ji An ignored those words. She still buried her face.

"Hey, the festival has ended for a week, and you're still thinking about your tarot card?"

"Shut up. I know you want to make fun of me because I got the unlucky card that you want!" said Ji An sharply while raising her face, glares at Han Sung at the door frame of her room.

"I feel hurt," Han Sung hold his chest as if he was stabbed. This boy started to act like her. "I'm here to cheer you on."

Ji An frowned. Whatever words of encouragement Han Sung will say, it will end up making fun of her.

"Even though it's a Sunday, it doesn't mean you keep lazing around. Quick change and get out. I'll wait downstairs." Han Sung walked backwards.

"Where are we going?"

"McD. I'm hungry." replied the boy briefly.

♡♡♡

After spending 2 hours for a late lunch, Ji An and Han Sung walked towards the park around their house while eating ice cream cones that were bought at the park. It was already late in the afternoon, the park was filled with several children playing together, under the supervision of their parents.

"Ice cream is the best dessert." said Ji An while sitting on the empty park bench.

"Best for your stomach, worst for my wallet," Han Sung grunts, sat beside her. "I shouldn't have to treat you foods."

Ji An laughed. Han Sung tries to cheer her up with some free food. Of course she didn't refuse and ordered many menus. You could say the table was full, don't forget the Oreyo McFluffy. "Even so, thanks, Han Sung. I haven't eaten since morning, so I was really crazy earlier."

Han Sung chuckled; partly because he caught Ji An's laughter was funny, and partly because he was amused to see the ice cream sticking to her upper lips.

"The important thing is you're smiling again. Since the festival day you always grumble." Han Sung finished the last bite of his cone.

Ji An's smile faded. "Ah ... why did you bring it up? My feelings are getting worse again."

"Until when do you want to be like this?" Han Sung popped. "I heard your tarot card reading from Yeon Hee. You could say that your current condition is not trying to keep going. You are inviting trials to come to haunt you."

Ji An could hear the irritated tone of her friend's voice. She just fell silent again when the boy continued his talk.

"I thought the Ji An I know doesn't care about tarot card that will affect her life. Don't you want to be a Certified Make-Up Artist? Are you going to give up your dreams just because your tarot shows the words bad luck?"

"Of course not," Ji An replied quickly. "I'd better eat 1000 bunches of celery than have to give up my dream."

Han Sung chuckled. "Well then, cheer up. Don't give up your choice. Life goes on even if you bury your face in the pillow all day."

['Uhm ... where did I hear this familiar sentence of Life Goes On?'] Ji An thought as she glanced at Han Sung, who was staring at the children who were building the sand mountain.

"How about you?"

"Hm?" Han Sung turned his head and found Ji An staring at him.

"Your dream. Is it still the same?"

Han Sung once said that he wanted to open his own cake shop. That means it takes a lot of knowledge and certificates which is where Han Sung will likely go to college in another city.

"Of course," The boy smiled. "And I hope you don't forget your promise to accompany me to open the cake shop someday. In fact, I might even hire you as my manager or assistant to decorate the cake."

Born as the only child of a bakery businessman, Ji An practically learned the ins and outs of making it. While Han Sung worked in the kitchen, Ji An, who helped run his parents' bakery too, sometimes helped decorate the cakes. The time they spent in the shop after school was useful, it wasn't wasted.

"I could've been going everywhere later because of my career. You know how MUA are contracted by foreign actresses? I'm going to be very expensive to hire."

"Yea, dream big." Han Sung chuckled. "You need to hard work."

"Well of course, then your dream will come true~!" Ji An continued, laughing. "Oh, don't forget your promise either. I will keep reminding you."

It's about when Ji An become successful MUA, Han Sung will make her a big size strawberry cake. Han Sung nodded with a smile to see his friend's happy laughter.

The conversation this afternoon made Ji An's heart feel light. Han Sung also felt the same way. Their friendship became more relaxed, and it made Ji An hide her feelings even more.

['It's not the time yet'], that was what Ji An had in mind. When the time came, she would reveal it.

There was a cell phone ringing tone, and it came from hers. "Hm? Why did the shop call? Hello?"

"Ji An, are you with Han Sung?" her mom's voice answered.

She nodded. "Hm, yes. What's wrong?"

"Han Sung didn't answer his phone. I'm worried ..."

"Mom worried about him more than me? ... oh, forget it .... Anything to talk to Han Sung? ... Alright," Ji An gave her cellphone to the boy. "Answer it."

Han Sung put the phone to his ear and answered after a few seconds. "Yes, Aunt Lee ... My cellphone ran out of battery, I left it at home. I'm sorry ...."

Ji An noticed Han Sung's gesture, who lowered his shoulders limply. ['What is wrong?']

"Okay, I'll be there ... Yes ... Yes, Aunt Lee." Han Sung returned the cellphone. "Your mom asked us to go to the shop now, it's a little full because there are tourists coming."

"It's just the two of us taking the day-off today. It's not a full day yet, but we have to go there?" Ji An chuckled irritably. "I have to ask for extra overtime pay."

"Basically I'm the one who gets the day off and you're skipping because of your tarot influence, little bae." Han Sung grabbed Ji An's arm to get her up from the bench.

"Don't start again, Han Sung."

"And wipe the remaining ice cream over your lips before I clean it with my—" He motioned his thumb.

Ji An thought that Han Sung gonna wipe with his thumb, so she said, "Don't act romantic."

"—socks."

".... I hate you."

"Love you too, Bae."

Ji An knows that Han Sung likes to teased her with the word 'bae'. But! That 'love you too' answer echoed through her mind as her cheeks became hot. Deep down, she started to think that maybe Han Sung had feelings for her too. Maybe ... it's not one-sided love?

-------♡

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-Autumn Notes