Choon Hee brought white chrysanthemums which are symbolic of lamentation and grief. She entered the building in dark color clothes then bow twice to the deceased and once to the family with words of condolences to show respect. Various delicacies and wine were served to the visitors.
The funeral hall consists of a room with a memorial altar as well as a larger reception room. It is considered polite to remain in the reception room until late as a way of showing support.
Choon Hee offered incense and a white flower. She bows to the portrait of Dam-Bi as she put one hand on top of the other and raises them to eye height, after which she kneels and made a deep bow until she reached the floor. Her eyes were bloodshot red from crying for the past few days, there was a void in her heart. The months that she spent with Dam-Bi were pleasant and nice, it was her first friend since moving to this city. She couldn't stop the tears from streaming down her cheeks again, it was too unbearable for her fragile heart of hers. She clenched her chest and whimpered as she dragged her feet walking to the funeral hall.
She couldn't bring herself to eat or sleep. Even though Choon Hee didn't know for her years, the months they spend together felt like a lifetime. Dam-Bi was honest and friendly, unlike the ones she met in college.
There were over a thousand people in the reception room
Choon Hee looked around to find an empty seat where she can be isolated from everyone. She felt suffocated and could barely breathe without crying.
She sat down on the floor between the counter of the wall.
Dam-Bi left her mark in this world
She heard footsteps approach her, Choon Hee lifted her head and looked at Tae-Hyun in a black suit with a white shirt under.
"Oh, it's you."
"Thank you for coming, I appreciate it and I think Dam-Bi would've too." He spoke.
She remained silent then looked at the floor with no emotion in her eyes.
"Are you okay? You don't look well" He asked and observed.
She spoke as her voice cracked," Do I look okay? You wanted this to happen, right? Become her friend, spending every day with her, you wanted us to develop a well maintain relationship and what did you think was going happen? I would be okay and act like it never happened. Well, news flash! Life doesn't work like that. You—I hate you!" Choon Hee raised her voice and try not to draw attention to the crowd but could feel eyes staring at her.
"The world doesn't revolve around you. You're not the only one grieving so stop acting like a whining bitch!"
Choon Hee cursed at the man.
"Leave now! You are a despicable woman! Go back to that worthless life of yours in that cheap-ass building." He grabbed her elbow and force her to stand on her feet as he yanked her through the funeral hall." I shouldn't have entered your shop that faithful day."
She snatched her arm away and held her posture together then glare at the man," I can walk on my own, I wish that it was you instead of her!" She stormed out of the building the crowd was left speechless and started whispering.
She called her boyfriend then he came to pick her up within twenty minutes.
"So, how was the funeral? You said the name was Dam-Bi, right?" He asked, trying to make small talk and to break the ice from the awkward silence.
"Fine." Choon Hee gave him a short and simple answer.
Sung-Min parked the vehicle then followed her inside of the building.
She slips off her flats messily dropped her belongings at the front door then flopped down on her bed.
Sung-Min straightens the shoes at the front door then cleaned up at Choon Hee.
He knocked on the door then entered her room with a tray that had a bowl of porridge and a cup of herbal tea," You need to put something in your system. You have been a couple of days since you last ate something and I'm worried."
"I'm not hungry."
"Please, just have one spoon if not for yourself, then for me." He begged and understood her situation, but he wanted her to return to normal.
She sat up on the bed slowly then allowed him to feed her one spoon of porridge then she took a sip from the drink.
"Your family and friends are worried about you." He said and sat down on the bed beside her.
She looked at Sung-Min and appreciated him for being there for her in the hardest time of her life. She places her hands on top of his then leaned her head on his shoulder.
He decided to take advantage of this opportunity then place his hand on her chin as he kissed her passionately with the other hand stroking her thigh and slowly moving up her dress.
She pushed him away, disappointed, and was upset with his actions." What are you doing Sung-Min!?"
"When been together for a while, and you were giving me signs that you wanted this?"
"I was just showing you my admiration there was nothing more to it."
"Since we on the topic, I think we should doing it just to see if we compatible bed too, we know that our personalities are."
Choon Hee shook her head," No, it goes against my morals, and I want to wait until I'm married."
He sigh and looked at her with a smile as he took ahold of her hand," It's okay, I can wait for you.
The phone buzzed on the dresser.
" Your friends want us to go out with them tomorrow. I think it'll be good for you"
Choon slowly removed her hand then laid down on the bed then turn to her side," I'm going to bed."