Contemporary
Author's Ramblings: Both Nanu and Klove1 would like to thank all of your for the overwhelming response and support you all have given Contemporary. We had no idea it would be such a big hit, and honestly we are trying to make it as close to reality as possible, while adding bits and pieces from the series to make it feel as familiar and so Imja couple as possible. It might sound like it's coming to an end, but you can rest assured, this story will continue for a while more; neither Nanu nor Klove1 are ready to drop it yet.
(Dear Pahitmadu, you inspired us to include something extra for you and all the others who love the original drama, you can dream and you should, dreams do come true sometimes)
The pale hands that reached for his wrist were not his teacher's. Choi Young looked up in surprise and saw Eun Soo studying his injured wrist, reaching into a small kit she found who knows where, and pulling out a small ice pack. He took his hand from hers, and turned away; she had no need to treat him, there was a doctor brought specifically to take care of the competitors. She reached for his hand again, and he softly swatted his hands, not wishing to bother her. "You should go, this is the men's locker room."
"I was allowed in because I am a doctor, now let me see." He realized there was no way to get rid of her, unless he let her tend to his injury. Maybe, he could allow himself this care at her hand; even only as a doctor, it was still her, holding him right now. And finally she took his hand for the last time, not met by resistance, and continued her work; the plastic bag was pressed against his wrist and the cold made him squint his eyes and moan. "It's a cold compress, it will help the swelling. This is an ointment, you'll have to apply it before bandaging, so it heals faster." She moved automatically, uncapping the ointment and applying. "You should go to the hospital, just to rule out fractures."
"If it were fractured, I wouldn't have been able to fight."
"You are not made of steel, Young-ah, your bones snap as easily as mine." Her voice had tears. The way she said his name, so familiarly, had his eyes turning to her; noticing how close she was. There was something fragile about her appearance, her hair covering her face completely, her fingers touching him ever so tenderly. He caught her scent, the softness of her hair was within reach, he slowly gave himself permission to touch it, but she pulled away, as if wanting to shield herself from his eyes; but he insisted, moving the long strands off the face to tuck behind her ear, to reveal a tear running down her cheek and her lips quivering as she held his damaged hand. She knew he saw it, but did not bother to hide it.
Did she come because she missed him and was worried? She cared about him enough to leave her boyfriend behind after his defeat and came to him? Was Imja crying for him? Was he a fool all this time, convincing himself that she harbored no love for him?
He had to turn away, struck by this could see the blood pumping and lifting her pulse point… She was so exposed and so… Closing his eyes at the thought and stopping it midway, "I will not be careless with my body from now on, I promise, ever. So, please, don't cry, Imja," and he looked at her, having her nod in understanding. What else could he say right now to make her feel better? "I will take it from here."
"And bandage yourself, with one hand? Right."
"Why are you here? There's a perfectly good doctor…"
"Did you two bet over this competition?" she asked all of a sudden, her tone quite soft and calm, like she was still talking about the injury to her patient.
"What?" he did not get what she was saying.
"I heard you two making a bet. I couldn't believe it so I had to ask you, because I somehow know you two got me involved in your stupid bet."
"Imja, I have no idea what you are talking about. You know I do not like betting."
"Then what did you and Jang Lim speak about?"
"You heard us talk?"
"Yes, I did!"
"Then why are you asking?" Their eyes met and he could see how muddled her thoughts were. "Why are you so angry? It's not like we…"
"Bet on me. Did you? Did you bet on me?"
He stared at her, conflicted by this strange conversation they were having. Didn't she know him better than anyone else?
"What are you talking about?" His gaze bore into her, searching for the answer, but her eyes were cloudy, lost. Was she even aware of how close they were? Even in this moment, despite all the confusion, he couldn't help but to admire her: the red lips, calling for his, the beautifully angry eyes, staring up at him with determination, and the beating pulse point in her long neck, begging for his tongue.
"Don't you dare deny it. I heard it all!" Even angry she was gorgeous.
"If you heard it all, you wouldn't be asking!" And he felt frustration taking over. He had no idea why she was making up such a ridiculous story, but he did not like the accusation or what it implied.
"Are you raising your voice at me? I should be the one angry! I'm not some trophy that you guys get awarded at the end of the tournament!"
"Eun Soo, stop it. I don't like you saying this." And hurt, he stood, trying to get closer to her, not realizing that his height, that used to give her a sense of security, felt threatening to her right now.
But sheonly saw this as a scare tactic and defiance firmly set in her eyes. "I don't like you lying to me."
"I'm not." He said, taking a step forward, making her step back, determined to keep this unnatural distance between them.
"Then why are you arguing?" Again he took another step.
"I'm not arguing!" and finally a third step, and her back was pressed to the lockers, her eyes still challenging him.
They were both screaming at this point, each feeling righteous anger and trying to prove another wrong. His left hand slammed loudly on the metal door of the locker, her eyes widened and she stared at him in surprise; indignant, his eyes burned into her, making her flush bright red. "So you wanted me to bet on you?" he demanded to know in a low tone, staring at her intently, confusion written on his face. Him hovering above her, the large body of a warrior, who just came out of the battle having defeated his opponent, wasintimidating. Despite this, she was too proud to pull away from the intensity of his glare.
"Me?" Her voice was not steady, there was a promise of a shudder attempting to take over her.
"It sounds like it," he was forced to conclude, being pushed to his limits. "Fine then, only because you asked!" He bent his head, and his lips captured hers in a thick passionate kiss. He deepened the kiss as she whined in surprise, hands lifting to his lapels, but she wasn't too sure if it was to push him away or pull him closer, yet she felt safe under his touch, and for a second, she did pull him closer, as his injured hand reached for her waist, forgetting about the pain, holding her near, and his left hand slid to the back of her neck, holding her in place as his lips sucked gently at her tongue. Her blood boiled suddenly and she was left startled at the sensations stirred within her. This was the person her heart and body wanted.
The realization made her tremble and she finally pushed him away, catching her breath.
"That's my prize."
And she slapped him across the face, finding no remorse in his features. Eun Soo slid out from his grasp and hurried out, too shaken to feel anything else, besides the swirl of confusion, hurt and excitement, all meshed together bursting inside of her.
Choi Young stood by the locker, putting his feverish forehead against the cool metal. What did I do? How could I be so careless and impulsive? Instead of gaining her trust, I ruined any chance of her trusting me again. I really blew it this time! And he hit his head against the locker, letting the pain be his punishment. Still in disbelief at his own stupidity, once again in the presence of Eun Soo; he collapsed on the bench, hating himself and wishing to go back in time to stop himself from that kiss. But the kiss felt so nice and she tasted so sweet, and he could swear she liked it, or maybe, he was the one who did, and she only was startled... Confusion danced in his thoughts. He touched his cheek, which was still red and burning from her hand. At least she still cared enough to hate him. He exhaled. For the moment he forgot the pain of his wrist.
.
Flustered, Eun Soo ran out, passing Jang Lim unnoticed, who was headed toward the locker room. "Eun…" but she was already gone. He stopped surprised, and turning around went after her. "Eun Soo," he grabbed her at the exit. She turned, her eyes confused to see him in front of her. "Where are you going? I thought that we agreed for you to wait outside the changing room for me after the competition. Don't you want to congratulate me?"
"Oh." She nodded.
"Why are you running? Did you talk to Choi Young? Did he say something to upset you?" He looked angry at the thought. "What did he do?" And his strong hands grabbed her arms firmly, making her lower her head to avoid his gaze. She was feeling increasingly guilty and frustrated with herself, but even more so with the two men who drove her to this maddening confusion.
"Nothing much. I was waiting for you and he was there already. So I went to congratulate him on the win," she said sternly. And not wanting to be found out, as she was not very good at lying, she turned defense into an attack. "What about what you did? Did you guys make a bet? Is it true?" and she glared at him, expecting to hear a prideful response.
Jang Lim exhaled, and calmer now, let go of her arms and leaned as usual to match her eye level. "Sorry, I guess I'm still riled up after the fight. I hope you are not mad that I lost. Second place in the international competition is still pretty good. And your friend… was quite impressive, I have to admit."
"Did you make a bet or not, answer!"
"Imade a bet."
"So what did the winner get?"
"There is no prize."
"What do you mean?" she was stumped.
"Whoever wins the tournament, wins the bet. That was my idea, but your friend, he did not want to bet. He is an honorable sportsman. I feel bad that we got off on the wrong foot. I was a little jealous of him and your long friendship, but I want to start fresh. I am throwing a pool party for the winners, I want to invite your friend. We are going to be seeing each other more often anyway. Let's go." And he took Eun Soo's hand, who followed unwilling, still completely stupefied. So they did not bet on her? She was a fool in all of that? Then why on earth did Choi Young kiss her?She provoked him, it was her fault and now she has to face him; pretending his lips did not mark her a few minutes ago, like she still was not burning under the heat of his gaze?
.
Jang Lim took a peek to make sure there are no indecent men for Eun Soo's eyes, and satisfied, he called "Choi Young – shi", and still dragging his girlfriend along, who kept her head low and did not dare to look up at the man who kissed her, entered the locker room.
Choi Young was still in his silver tunic, he was sitting on the bench, eyes closed, and it appeared that he was sleeping. Eun Soo knew better, but happily whispered, "Leave him be, you can invite him later."
The almond eyes opened and stared directly at her, she gulped and hid behind a very broad back of her boyfriend.
"I am throwing a pool party for all the winners, I would love it if you could make it." Offered Jang Lim with a genuine smile.
"Eun Soo-shi, do you think it's a good idea?" addressed her Choi Young, and she nervously coughed, her voice came out unnaturally squeaky.
"Ahh, well… I mean… If you don't…."
"Of course, it's a good idea. Competitors in the ring, friends off the ring. I won't shake your hand, you are injured. I hope you are not holding a grudge, I had to use your weakness to my advantage, you understand."
"I do. I would probably do the same in your place," honestly admitted Choi Young.
Great, now they are getting along? Next thing I know they will be friends, discussing me behind my back. Eun Soo scoffed silently, amazed at how weirdly polite they were toward each other.
"So, I'll see you at the pool, wear your swimming trunks, it will be a lot of fun!"
Reluctantly, still trying to catch Eun Soo's eyes, Choi Young nodded. What was she thinking? Did she really not care? Did the kiss was just an offensive outburst to her and she would easily face him a few minutes later, as if they had a cup of tea together? His lips were still burning, his heart was still shaking, he could barely steel himself to show a "cool" side to her boyfriend, when all he wanted to do is talk to her and get everything out in the open, today, right now.