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Summary: Four years and continents apart. What keeps Yi Jeong and Ga Eul's hope alive are the letters that they write to each other from time to time…

LOVE LETTER

VII

Yi Jeong's letter had arrived five days ago and she was still floating on cloud nine. Even her university woes had shrunk into the far horizon and nothing could dampen her mood. His message had been crystal clear: he missed her as much as she did him, and that when he returned to see her, it would not be just because she had no one else. He would give their relationship a serious shot at becoming something more, something permanent. As always, thinking of his letter suffused her with warmth and she smiled. Although they weren't an official couple yet, they were definitely past the 'friends' stage. It made her feel a lot surer of herself and more confident the next time she wrote.

"Ah, Teacher is smiling to herself again."

The high pitched voices of her students brought Ga Eul back to earth. "Hmm, I see that instead of working on your…your…" What was that? She couldn't quite make it out.

"It's a strawberry," a girl stated, pouting a little.

"Well, let's see if we can make it even more realistic. Now, you need to position your hands like this…" As Ga Eul demonstrated, and manoeuvred their small hands and fingers on the clay, she realised that she wasn't having a good time simply because of Yi Jeong's letter. She genuinely enjoyed teaching the children. They were sometimes clingy but sweet and eager to please, especially at their tender age. And when they finally made something she deemed well done, their joy knew no bounds.

She wondered if she could speak to her teacher about helping out on a regular basis. Teacher Jun had spoken about opening up one more class for the children's pottery course and she found herself thinking more and more about volunteering for the job this past week. It would mean cutting down on other activities; the most probable thing that had to give would be her pottery sessions with Eun Jae.

She felt slightly guilty, thinking about that. Eun Jae had been her first pottery teacher, and she had taught her more than just moulding clay. But things had already been complicated to start with and she had always felt somewhat deceitful about not telling Eun Jae that the man she had mentioned was Yi Jeong. She didn't know how the former would respond and she didn't want things to be awkward between them. Perhaps now would be a good opportunity to make a complete confession. But since Eun Jae had moved on with Yi Jeong's hyung, of all people, maybe they could still be friends.

Even as she waved good bye to her students and cleaned a few still dirty hands and cheeks at the door, she was wondering how he had discovered that his first love had been dating Il Hyun. She had gotten the latter's name from Woo Bin but hadn't disclosed her reason for asking. No wonder he had cried with such agony on the rooftop that morning. Not only had he missed his chance three years ago, he would never have another chance because he would not ruin his brother's happiness.

After she had rearranged the tables and chairs, and locked up the classroom, Ga Eul found her feet taking her down a familiar street. Soon, she was standing in front of the studio where she had signed up for her first pottery class.

Gently, she pushed the door open and stepped in. Down the corridor, she could hear quiet chatter and the occasional laugh. There was a session going on and Eun Jae was inside. Did she really want to do this? Biting her lip, Ga Eul took a step forward and wavered. Then she left. Eventually she would tell Eun Jae but not today. She wasn't ready yet.

…………………………………………………

Sunbae,

Firstly, I doubt R.B. would mind you rearranging his poem and if I do say so, I prefer your version. I'm feeling much better now and you can wipe that smirk off your face please. By the way, if I did want you to take me out, I would tell you. But since you obviously want to go out, it's a date then. If we do watch a movie after lunch, you can pick the movie and buy the popcorn this time.

I haven't quite decided what to do yet with regards to school but at least I have found something new that I enjoy. Well, it has to do with pottery classes; Teacher Jun offers pottery classes to children and I was asked to relief teach when the regular teacher fell ill. I liked it a lot; the children are so sweet and it's nice to be the teacher for a change. I've volunteered to teach the extra class he is opening up and Teacher Jun has said yes! My schedule's going to be very packed now but I'll be paid a decent sum and best of all, it'll be something to look forward to (classes take place twice a week).

I'm going to have to stop going to Eun Jae's studio for lessons though. I feel a little like an ingrate; she's taught me so much and I owe her a lot. Actually, I owe her the truth about what has happened; she never knew the man I was talking about was you and I've always felt guilty about it. I don't want to ruin my friendship with her; neither do I want to make things awkward between you and her. However, I don't think I want to avoid the topic forever. I could do with your advice again.

And since we are on this topic, I was just wondering how you found out that she was dating your hyung. When you wanted to give up everything, I kind of guessed that your attempt at reconciliation hadn't worked out as I hoped for but I never knew why until now. You don't have to tell me about it if you're not ready to though.

As for what's happening over here, Jae Kyung unnie is back to visit her parents and she's been bringing me and Jan Di on shopping sprees. I dare not touch or look at anything for too long if not she'll buy it for me. To be honest, she really is one of the nicest people I've ever met and I hope she does get her happy ending. It helps that Jun Pyo sunbae is overseas but she seems fine talking about him. You might be interested to know that she's forced Woo Bin sunbae to attend one or two formal functions; she says she needed him to ward off the suitors her parents were trying to force on her. I bet Woo Bin sunbae hasn't mentioned this to you though.

I've got to go now. Classes start in an hour and I want to mail this letter first. I don't want to keep you waiting if I can help it.

Ga Eul

Yi Jeong was smiling to himself as he put down the letter. He could just imagine Ga Eul yang rushing to the post office and then off to class that morning. She was so sweet; it was hard to believe that it had been almost one and half years since he had seen her. He wondered if she had changed; whether she still wore her hair long and straight, if she still wore those black leggings all the time, what her current perfume smelled like.

He missed her acutely at times, and sometimes it was enough just to know that she was there waiting for him. It felt safe. The relationship he shared with Ga Eul was entirely new to him but he was sure that she wouldn't let him fall.

'I wouldn't want to keep you waiting too Ga Eul yang,' he thought as he took out a sheet of paper. His teacher was right; something had changed and adjustments had to be made. Not for the first time was he glad that he had listened to the man's advice. 'For a bachelor, he sure knows a lot about women and relationships.' Maybe there was a story behind that too but he wasn't going to ask if his teacher wasn't going to share; that would be asking for trouble.

………………………………….

Ga Eul yang,

Thanks for letting me know about Woo Bin. You're right; he hasn't so much as breathed a word about this even though I called him last night to catch up. Ji Hoo told me though so if Woo Bin asks how I know (and I will eventually ask him what's going on with Monkey [Jun Pyo's nickname for Jae Kyung]), I'll say it's Ji Hoo's fault. Woo Bin's not one to be forced to go on dates though, so something might be going on.

Since cool guys don't fight with girls, I'm going to let the issue of who asked whom out first rest. However, if we are going to watch a movie, I'm booking the theatre in advance. That way, we'll have the whole place to ourselves. But most importantly, it'll keep Jan Di from dragging Ji Hoo along to spy on us.

I'm glad you've discovered you enjoy teaching children pottery. I've always loved pottery but my teachers, both good and bad, have always made a difference. It sounds like you get along well with the children; not everyone is cut out for that kind of job. Have you ever considered teaching fine arts? It's an option you can explore if you find that you enjoy doing this on a regular basis.

With regards to telling Eun Jae the truth, I think it's something that will have to be done, sooner or later. You haven't said much about your relationship with her but I'm guessing that she must like you a lot, to have shared so much of our history with you. You decide when but I don't think I'd be wrong to say that Eun Jae is not going to be angry. Things may be awkward though. However, she is happy and with my brother now so I doubt that she will hold this against you.

As for how I found out about them… that night when you told me that I was a coward, that I should go after her if not I would lose her… Well, that's what I did. I went to find her and she was on the phone with someone and it sounded as though she was talking to a boyfriend. I wanted to make sure and that's when I found out. She went to the café my brother owns and what I saw confirmed my suspicions.

I'm still a little uncomfortable talking about this, but I want you to know what happened. You're the only person who knows.

However, you're not the only one with questions. I'd like to know why you decided to give up on me when we spoke, or rather, when you spoke at Namsan. I still don't understand how you came to that decision, especially after that night when I told you that you had taught me not to run away anymore.

Let me know how pottery classes with the children go. I'm betting you'll be a hit with them, especially with the boys.

Yi Jeong