Il Pyeong : So, what is that something that you really want to do?

Finally distracted she looked at him and smiled, thinking of the main source of impel towards her passion hunt.

Ha Na : You know, Jeongguk-ie left me a present before returning back.

Il Pyeong : For real!? Wow. Well, didn't I tell you, he will try to clear things with you.

Ha Na : (-nods-) You were right. And on top of that, he praised my art. He says that it's good, when he has literally seen just one of my OCs.

Il Pyeong did not require more clear information to direct him to the answer he needed. The open book she was, anyone could read her.

Il Pyeong : So, it is art that you wanna do.

Ha Na smiled, not surprised that he was spot on.

Ha Na : An Illustrator. That's what I wanna be. But, all my life, I have been doing art as a hobby. I don't have legit degrees or work experience. I don't see why anyone should hire me.

There was a moment of silence, both looking ahead. Il Pyeong gave his thoughts a good amount of contemplation before speaking them out to her.

Il Pyeong : Go to Seoul.

It was a hard decision and he knew he would regret persuading her to leave Busan. Basically move out of a place where he could see her in minutes. However, anything other than her best, came last for him.

Ha Na : What? Why suddenly?

Il Pyeong : You wouldn't find any scope here in Busan for that matter. But, Seoul has those companies who infact offer jobs to artists like you. And besides, if they do require any degrees. Seoul is the best option for those institutions too.

Ha Na attentively listened to his words, realizing the facts in them. Something, she was not considering before.

Il Pyeong : You can do a crash course or something from a renowned university. They have it all and you might even get other privileges too being a Seoul graduate.

Ha Na sighed, not entirely down to the idea.

Ha Na : I don't know. I don't even know anyone there.

Il Pyeong : Well, you know Jeongguk. Knowing that he is making an effort into your relationship, it'll be fine. Besides, he also went to Seoul when he knew no one there. At the age of fifteen, if I may add.

Ha Na : I guess you are right. I can't stay in my comfort zone forever.

Il Pyeong : There you go.

Before they could speak anymore, a watchman casting his torch light at them, aroused their spines.

"Who is there!" the watchman yelled unable to discern their faces.

Il Pyeong grabbed Ha Na's wrist and they raced out of the court without words. They continued to run until they reached the Jeon residence, panting heavily.

Ha Na : (-breathless-) Why... did we... have to... run all the way?

Il Pyeong : To burn a few calories. We had a purpose to run, so I didn't stop.

Ha Na : But you... workout everyday.

Il Pyeong : I know. I wasn't talking about me.

Ha Na : YAH!

Before Ha Na could reach for his hair again, Il Pyeong got inside his car parked just next to them and locked the doors. Ha Na glared at him through the closed window, her lips trembling in curses.

Il Pyeong grinned at her pissed face and waved, mouthing a farewell. There were no more waits, he drove out of the neighborhood leaving Ha Na deserted in the empty lane.

She listlessly walked inside the house and paved straight to her room, informing her arrival on the way. After a fresh-up routine, Ha Na sat by her laptop and ran a little research on Il Pyeong's advices by herself.

Learning that Seoul was infact her only resort to set her foot into, she felt a little anxious. Ha Na couldn't take another moment when Mrs.Jeon alarmed her for dinner.

The dine was initially silent. Mr. and Mrs.Jeon noticed her absent mindedness and tried to talk out her concern.

Ha Na looked at their faces and stole the glance away. Although it all made sense to her, Seoul still felt very far fetched and grand. Therefore, she landed on to ask her parents on it.

Ha Na : How would you feel if I go to Seoul?

Mrs.Jeon : Onh? To meet Jeongguk?

Ha Na : No, if I move there for work.

Mr.Jeon : Well, you could still do a lot here too. You wouldn't need to move out for that.

Ha Na : Yes but... Actually, I want to be a digital Illustrator and Busan doesn't have much to offer in that area. All the freelancers here do not have any vacancies. Or to say it bluntly, the contracts are not fixed terms and exclusive.

Mr.Jeon : So, you want to apply for companies in Seoul?

Ha Na : I guess... I am not sure. If you two deny, I will not go.

The couple noticed the distress in her long silence and her nibbles on the food. They did not require any communication, for they both wished for the same thing.

Hence, Mr.Jeon calmly addressed it, drawing her attention.

Mr.Jeon : This illustrator thing. Do you really want to do it? Like, are you completely sure about it.

Ha Na : Yes. There is a possibility that I might deviate again. But, for now. I know this is what I want to do.

Mr.Jeon : Then, we have no reasons to stop you. Whether it is Seoul, or somewhere overseas. If it helps you achieve your goals. You must go for it.

The mother smoothly took over and completed their words to the daughter.

Mrs.Jeon : We trusted our son; he proved himself. So, we have the confidence to trust you too. Don't worry at all. Whatever you do, if that makes you happy. We are happy too.

Ha Na could not speak for a moment, simply smiling wide at them. She held back tears. All these time, feeling left out of the family, Ha Na felt included once again. She felt the warmth of support and care.

Ha Na : Thanks you two.

A few nights later, having the hassle free approval, Ha Na felt a mental strain from it. Events were sprinting too fast for her comprehend and absorb one at a time.

She didn't know whether the speed was beneficial or detrimental, Ha Na simply knew she was on the race. And she loved the thrill it produced.

Looking for the right stay place, Ha Na received a web notification of a clothing store she always had her purchases from. It was the big season sale.

A smile appeared on her lips as a thought crossed her mind and she immediately picked up her cell.

Although, Il Pyeong was zealous about moving to Seoul without any contacts. Ha Na wanted to reason more practical and dialed the number which could ease her nerves a little.

Ha Na : Hello? Ji won eonnie?

Ji Won : Onh, Ha Na-ssi? Long time. How have you been?

Ha Na : Been better. How are you and the store? I was just looking at the season sale collection.

Ji Won : Oh, we are both running pretty good. Hope you get your picks. (-chuckles-) Anyways, how did you remember me this late? Everything okay?

Ha Na : Ye, everything's fine. Actually, I have been planning to move to Seoul for my new work. And I wanted to know if you are there currently. So, you know, I might have an acquaintance at my reach.

Ji Won : Oh, yeah I am. I live here in my own apartment. You can totally come here without a worry, I will look out for you.

Ha Na : Waah, thank you Eonnie-ah. You don't know how relieved I feel.

Ji Won : Don't you worry about a thing. And it's great that you are trying out something new. I should be supportive. But, if I may ask, what is it?

Ha Na : Ah, um... Actually nothing's final yet. I do wanna be an Illustrator, but I don't have the accreditations for it. I will decide my next step after consulting a few companies in Seoul.

Ji Won : Ah, I see.

There was brief silence over the line, and Ha Na -about to conclude the call-was cut off by Ji Won's sudden excited voice.

Ji Won : Oh, right! Look at the coincidence. I have a friend working in a Magazine company. And the last time I checked, he was actually troubled looking for an Illustrator for one of his own projects. He could help you on this, if you'd like.

Ha Na : Oh lord! I would greatly appreciate that. Ji Won eonnie, I can't thank you enough.

Ji Won : That's alright. You always shop from my website. This is the least I can do for you.

Ha Na : Ay, I shop because you bring a collection where I manage to find a few things to my taste every time.

Both grinned for a moment, erasing the aloofness forming from the long time of no catch up.

Ji Won : Alright. Then, send me some of your works that I can forward to him and let him decide.

Ha Na : Yes, sure. I hope my style suits his.

Ji Won : Me too. And when are you coming here though?

Ha Na : About that, I am currently looking for an apartment. The sooner I get one, the sooner I move in. I will keep you updated.

Ji Won : Cool! 'Will be waiting.

Ha Na : Thank you so much, Eonnie. Once again. And goodnight.

Ji Won : Anytime and you too, honey.

Straight after the call, Ha Na received a new propel to look for the renting plans of Seoul with a fresh determination.

Ha Na : (-gasps-) Why are these so expensive!

Unsure about the localities, Ha Na voiced to her father to help her out with something. Mr.Jeon happily entered her room, coming to her rescue from the trouble she was in.

Ha Na, absorbed looking at the screen, didn't spare him a glance and started to speak her mind without the least hesitation.

Ha Na : Onh, Appa. Do you know, which area would be safe and more practical? I picked these-Hongdae, Myeongdong, Insadong. And Gangnam is too expensive. So, it's already out.

Mr.Jeon : Onh... Since Hongdae is known for its Urban arts and cultures, I think Hongdae will be best for you.

Ha Na : Alright. I will look for a place in Hongdae then. Ah, also Appa! (-looks at him-) I just talked to Ji Won eonnie. And guess what?

Mr.Jeon : Who? Jeong Ji Won?

Ha Na : Yes, HoSeok Oppa's Noona. She recommended me to her friend who works in a Magazine company!

Mr.Jeon : You got the job?

Ha Na : Not yet. But, you know. I have this gut feeling, that I might get in.

Mr.Jeon : Wow, congratulations! My daughter is the best.

Seeing his over enthusiasm, Ha Na grinned lightly.

Ha Na : Aay Appa. Congratulate me later. I will call you first if I really do get it.

Mr.Jeon : Of course, you will. Don't look down my daughter's drawing skills.

The father leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her head.

Mr.Jeon : I am so proud of you.

Ha Na was ebullient. She was a transparent girl. One could tell just by a glance of the emotion she held in her heart.

Mr.Jeon silently admired her exuberance and later quietly left the room. No longer having any doubts or concerns about her decision and his own to let her work on it.

He entered the master bedroom with a lingering smile he didn't notice he had on. Until, Mrs.Jeon, comparatively very anxious and worried, asked him the reason behind his high spirits.

While she was seated on her side of the bed, folding clothes, Mr.Jeon walked over to his and rested there. He relived the ecstatic face of Ha Na as he spoke.

Mr.Jeon : Ha Na looked really happy. My heart feels warm and full.

Mrs.Jeon : She always is. Unless it shows that she is stressed about something. Ha Na is a happy child.

Mr.Jeon : I know, but it was different today. Very pure and vulnerable. Had absolutely no influence of any other elements. Just pure bliss. It was that. I think, we don't have any more worries for her either. That child will pave her own way.

Receiving a still silence, followed by a long sigh from his wife, Mr.Jeon looked over to her direction.

Mr.Jeon : What's wrong, honey? Something concerning you?

Mrs.Jeon : I don't know, I feel very anxious about the whole thing.

Mr.Jeon : Well, you were the same when Jeonggukie first went to Seoul. She will be fine.

Mrs.Jeon : I hope it is just about that. (-joins hand-) Oh, the heavens, please keep our children safe and sound.

The day finally dawned in their lives, when Ha Na was all packed out to leave for Seoul. The mother was in tears. The father held it back.

Ha Na reached out to wipe Mrs.Jeon's eyes, while Mr.Jeon forwarded an envelope towards her.

Mr.Jeon : Here, it's from us. Shall come to your use.

The instant she saw the big bills inside it, Ha Na pushed it back to him gently.

Ha Na : What did I tell you? I want to start this completely on my own. The past two years, I have been saving a lot. So, don't worry. I have enough money on me.

The father proudly nodded in resonance and Ha Na wistfully looked at their faces. She hugged the couple for a good moment and tore apart to speak.

Ha Na : Thank you for everything.

Mrs.Jeon sniffled her sentiments and shared a glance with her husband. Neither they nudged her to clarify the words, nor did Ha Na attempt to voluntarily do it herself.

She simply clutched on the suitcase handle next to her and proceeded to leave. Mr.Jeon fetched the car keys, wanting to drop her to the station.

Mrs.Jeon : Call us often.

Ha Na looked back at her mother with a smile while the father left for the garage to drive the vehicle out.

Ha Na : Don't worry about me. I will call as soon as I reach and keep you updated every now and then.

Those words as the best assurance, Mrs.Jeon felt a certain comfort.

Moments apart, she calmly watched the car drive out of the neighborhood.
There was a nameless quease in her guts, an apprehension that she was receiving. Nevertheless, the mother sighed and handed over her worries to her faith in the almighty.

Through the ride, Mr.Jeon cheered his daughter's anxiety that she was trying to suppress. He discoursed her on a few anecdotes of life from his own experiences.

Mr.Jeon : Take a risk only if you are confident to face the worst consequences. So, even if the outcome is slightly bad, it would still feel like a luxury.

Ha Na : Quoted.

Ha Na smiled, looking ahead.

Mr.Jeon : Losing doesn't necessarily mean you are incapable or weak. Sometimes, losing is fine. And remember, "the cost of discipline is always less than the price of regret".

Ha Na : Ye, thanks for saying that, Appa. I will set it in my mind.

Mr.Jeon : That's my daughter.

Few more kilometers of a restful ride, Mr.Jeon was reminded of something and he instantly sounded it.

Mr.Jeon : Ah, but did you inform Jeonggukie?

Ha Na : . . .

_________

😁
Yes/No?
I feel it's predictable(?)