WHEN LOVE CALLS - CHAPTER 33&34
~The Confession~
Mokee hastily ran towards Cove, covering his mouth with her palms.
“Ma… marriage? Did I just hear the word marriage?” Mr Jung asked astonished.
“DAEBAK! (UNBELIEVABLE!)” Josh exclaimed also in shock.
“No no no of course not Dad, he’s just being silly. That’s what he always does, cracking jokes out of nowhere” Mokee quickly said.
“But I was n_” Cove tries talking but Mokee glared at him covering his mouth more
“Shut it” She said grittingly to him.
“Then who’s he? And why is he cracking a serious joke in my house?” Mr Jung creased his brow.
“He’s just a colleague of mine…” Mokee faked a laugh.
“Nonna, the popular actor Cove Lee is your colleague? Wow! This is really shocking and amazing!” Josh exclaimed again.
“And why are you still here? Aren’t you supposed to have left by now?” Mr Jung faced Josh who began grumbling beneath his breathe.
“Is he going somewhere?” Mokee asked, removing her palm from Cove’s mouth.
“Huh. He’s representing his school for a baseball competition. They’re leaving for Jeju early tomorrow morning, so he’s going to sleep over at his couch’s place since he’s such a sleeping maniac” Mr Jung explained and Mokee mouthed an ‘Oh’
“Why didn’t you tell me anything about it, I wouldn’t have heard about this if I hadn’t come visiting” Mokee expressed her disappointment.
“It’s nothing special anyway. I don’t wanna bother you with unnecessary things” Mr Jung said
“Why is it unnecessary, it’s my dream and I’m going to come back to this house with a golf medal” Josh intercepted.
“Just shut it, get your bag and leave right now it’s getting late”
“Can’t I just stay overnight and leave tomorrow morning? I promise to wake up really really early uh?” Josh beseech but Mr Jung hit his sinciput.
“Hurry” He glared. Josh grumble marching to his room, some seconds later he came back out with a packed bag hanging on his left arm.
“Leave” Mr Jung said
“Why are you so eager to get rid of me, I haven’t even had dinner yet” He frowns.
“Josh wait” Mokee went to where her bag is, opens it and brought out a small package.
“Here. For you” She smiles extending it to her.
“What’s this?” He collected it and unwrapped.
“Oh! My f-__-k!!” He gasped loudly on seeing the lastest phone.
“Nonna!!” He ran to her hugging her tightly.
“f-__-k thank you for this! I so much love it. You don’t know what you’ve just done to me! If I die today I certainly won’t have any regrets! You’re the best Mokee nonna!” He exclaimed happily carrying her and twirling.
“Oh Josh! Stop!” She chuckles and he drops her.
He did something on the phone then stood in front of Cove.
“What are you doing?” Cove asked.
“A selfie with the top star” He grins and began taking their pictures together. Cove didn’t bother resisting as he knows it’s if no use.
Josh made many poses, hanging his arms around Cove’s shoulders as if they’re friends and even pecking his cheek.
“Josh, that’s enough get going now” His father gritted.
“It’s a pity but I’ve to leave now. Nice meeting you Brother in law, Nonna, Dad wait for me while I bring home the gold medal” He winks then bounce out of the house giggling.
Mokee couldn’t help smiling.
“He’s nothing like you” Cove whispers to her and she nudges him.
“You shouldn’t have gotten him that. He won’t concentrate and lose distraction” Mr Jung said.
“Come on father, look how happy he is. He deserves it we both know that” Mokee said
“Don’t spoil him too much, he has to learn the hard way now” Mr Jung said settling on the floor.
“And I got you something too” She rummage her bag and brought out a bottle of Mexican wine.
“Your favorite” She smiles giving it to him.
Mr Jung smiles.
“This is expensive Mokee, you should spend on yourself instead”
“Come on Dad. I have money now, it might not be much but I’m not okay enough to do this” She assured.
“Don’t worry about me. Dad don’t you know a star is sitting in front of you right now. I’m a big shot now” She flaunts. Mr Jung only nodded.
Cove clears his throat where he’s standing and both look at him.
“Sit down young man” Mr Jung said
“On…the floor again?” He asked and Mokee pinched him giving him a look.
“Alright…” He pouted sitting on his knees on the floor.
“So, Mr Clove…”
“It’s Cove Sir” Cove corrected.
“It’s the same thing”
“You added a letter. It’s Cove not Clove” He smiled. Mokee pinched him again.
“What?” He mouthed.
“So, you’re my daughter’s colleague, but why are you here, why would you come to her father’s house when you’re just colleague?” Mr Jung asked
“Actually coming here was impromptu. I thought we were going on a date but she brought me here. Had I known, I would have bought some flowers along. I feel bad coming here empty-handed” Cove replied.
“I’m not dead so why would you bring flowers?”
“Oh, is flowers given to dead people only? I thought_”He stopped talking when Mokee gave him another pinch.
“Dad, you shouldn’t mind anything he says. I told you, he makes jokes even in a serious situation” Mokee said and Mr Jung clears his throat.
“So, you’re an actor too. Josh seems to know you so you must be well known” Mr Jung says.
“I’m quite popular Sir, popular enough not to be seen in a place like this” He replied. Mr Jung’s brows knitted.
Mokee realizing he’s quite pissed off by cove’s statement immediately intervened.
“You must be hungry Dad, what should I make for dinner?” She asked standing up.
“Don’t worry” Mr Jung stood up
“You and your friend can chat, I’ll fix up something for you” He said
“Then I’ll help you” Mokee offered.
“What about me? I’ll be bored alone, don’t go” Cove tuck on her gown.
“Hey” Mokee glared down at him .
“Just stay with him, it won’t be long” Mr Jung said excusing them.
Mokee sighs out.
“Monkey…”Cove pouted.
“Come out” Mokee said unfriendly to him going outside. He stood and follow suit.
“I think you should call your manager to come pick you up now?” Mokee said the moment they got out.
“Why? Are you sending me away?” He asked a little sad
“This is my father’s house, you shouldn’t be here”
“But I want to stay with you” He link arms with hers.
“I’m ain’t leaving without you” He rest his head on her shoulder while Mokee shakes him off.
“You’re really impossible” She says and went back inside.
Cove smiles broadly.
“Wait for me, Monkey!” He ran after her.
MINUTES LATER.
The two settled in front of the table while Mr Jung serves the last dish.
“Wow…this looks delicious” He wowed, salivating on the meal. Then he picked up his chopsticks about eating when Mokee nudges him giving him a disapproving look.
“Mr Clove Must be really hungry… it’s okay, eat”Mr Jung said.
“It’s Cove not Clove…why does he keeps saying that…” Cove mutters to himself inserting the chopsticks into his mouth.
“Daughter, have a taste”Mr Jung refered to Mokee.
“I’ll go after you” Mokee politely said
“It’s okay dear, eat up” He said back.
“Wow, Dad you cooked all my favorites. They all look ravishing. Thank you for the meal” She picked up her spoon taking a scoops of the soup.
“Umm..this is so good” She Mõ@?s.
“Dad, ten on ten!” She gave her Dad a thumbs up while he smiles picking up his spoon also. Cove only watch them.
“Hey, aren’t you eating?” Mokee asked him.
“I will” He smiles, facing the dishes.
He drops the chopsticks then pick up a spoon scooping a spoonful of rice. He was about putting it in his mouth when Mokee stops him.
She took a meat and put it on top of the rice in the spoon then signal for him to eat then watch him eagerly.
“How’s it?” She asked as he munch on it.
“It’s so tasty” He muffled talk and Mokee couldn’t help chuckling as rice spills out of his mouth.
“You’re dirty!” She picked a tissue wiping his mouth while Cove chuckles.
“Monkey you should try it too” He got a spoonful of rice, put meat on it then extend it to her mouth.
She opens up but he brought it to his mouth instead eating it.
“Hey!” Mokee slaps his shoulder and he chuckles.
He scoops another and after adding the meat on top, he extend it to her mouth.
Mokee declined.
“Come on. It’s for real this time, ahhh” He pushed it forward to her mouth. She reluctantly opens it, and he insert it in her mouth.
“Good right?” He asked and she nods.
“You’ve got some rice on your lips” He wipe the crust of rice on her lips with his thumb.
“Have some soup” She said to him, and he did so.
“The fish also… and the kimbap” She moves the side dishes closer to him.
“Try other dishes. Try this it’s really good” She gave him some kimchi. He opens his mouth wide and she feeds him
“It’s spicy…” He exclaims fanning his mouth.
“Is it? Here, have some water” She pours him a glass of water which he drank.
“Is it better now?” She asked and he nods.
“Give me more meat” He requested.
“And that. That also…” He started pointing to different dishes.
“Monkey this is really so good” He smiles amidst the chewing food
“Isn’t it?” Eat a lot” She said to him.
“You two” He said back.
Mr Jung only watches them not uttering a word.
*. *. *
“Hmm… I’m so full” Cove says rubbing his belly.
“Hey Monkey, your Dad really knows how to cook. Was he a chef or something?” Cove asked Mokee who was washing the dishes.
“He did have an experience and special bond with food. He used to own a food company”Mokee replied without looking at him.
“Really? He must be so great then”
“Of course. He was the best and he still is” She smiles.
Cove looks at her for a while, contemplating on whether to ask the question in his mind or not.
“If you’re not going to help then you should stop distracting her” He heard the old man’s voice behind him and looks back seeing him by the kitchen door post.
“I’m ain’t distracting her and she’s enjoying my company. Right Monkey?” Cove asked.
“I birthed a normal human beautiful female being the last time I checked, but how come I keep hearing the word Monkey from you since earlier?” Mr Jung asked sternly while Cove bit his lower lip.
“I…I just…”
“Clove, come see me…. now” Mr Jung declared leaving while Cove turns to Mokee holding her arms.
“Monkey…” He called in a whimpering voice.
“I don’t wanna go…” He shook his head.
“Why did you have to call me that in his presence also. You have no normal courtesy” She chided him.
“But…I…”
“Just go for now. I’ll come for you once I’m done with this”She assured.
“Monkey…” He pouts, blinking his eyes.
“Don’t keep him waiting, come on go…” She pushed him slightly.
“You must come for me… I’ll be waiting Monkey…” He said going out of the kitchen. Mokee only shook her head.
“He never listen…” She smiles.
*. *. *
On his sitting, Cove looks everywhere else but Mr Jung’s stern face which keeps on glaring at him.
“Erm… father in_.”
“What you said earlier, about marrying my daughter, was it really a joke?” He asked sternly.
“Of course not Father, why would I joke about something so serious like that?” He replied.
“I ask the question not you” Mr Jung said, Cove lowered his head.
“Does she feels the same way?” He asked.
“About that…” He sighs.
“I don’t think so…yet” He replied sadly.
“I presumed so. Let me ask you two questions.”
“Yes father, go on”
“Do you sincerely love my daughter?”
“I do. More than you can ever imagine. I’m surprised at myself also”
“Are you willing, to accept her as she is?”
“I’ve accepted her a long time ago Sir and everything surrounding her” He replied smoothly.
“Alright, I’ll give you my permission, but on a condition”
“What Father, I’m willing to do anything” Cove asked excitedly.
*.
*
*
“Where are you taking me, this place looks so dangerous. Let’s just go back Monkey” Cove says looking around the silent area as they walk down a lonely path.
“I’m ain’t gonna sell you off so calm your nerves. We’re almost there so just keep shut and follow me” Mokee held his hand, walking faster.
“I really don’t like this place…it looks so eerie…” He mutters.
~AT A BAR TENT~
“Here is your order” A middle aged woman says serving Mokee’s table a plate of chicken feet and three bottles of soju.
Cove hid his face with his palms as she did this so as not to be recognized. The lady gave him a weird look before leaving their table.
“Hey, don’t worry no body can recognize you here” Mokee said opening a bottle of soju.
“What do you mean, I’m a top star it’s only right they do and can’t you see people watching us” He referred to the people not up to six sitting there also.
“That’s because we’re the only young people here, look they’re all old men” Mokee said and he looks around.
“Come on stop overreacting and have a drink with me” After pouring a drink in the glass, she extend it to him. He collected.
“Here” She extends a chicken feet to him also but he grimace.
“Get that $h|t out of my face”
“It’s awesome, don’t tell me you haven’t had it before”
“You want me to eat a stinky dirty chicken foot?” He makes an irritating face.
“Try it” She urges.
“It’s to die for” He reluctantly collect it while she watches him put it in his mouth taking a bite.
“Damnit! It’s spicy” He threw it back into the plate coughing out.
Mokee rolled her eyes.
“Eating spicy food causes your brain to produce happy hormones like serotonin, which makes you feel better equipped to deal with depression, anxiety, anger and stress” She took one and put it in her mouth literally sucking on it.
“What the hell are you saying…?”
Instead of answering, mokee only gulped down a glass of soju to it.
“Arrrggh! I missed this…the combo is to die for!”
“I would have preferred steak, what the hell is this?” Cove frowns, Mokee couldn’t help chuckling.
“What did Dad and you talked about earlier?” She asked taking another chicken feet.
“That…” He reclined on his chair.
“…is our little secret” He said proudly.
“That’s our little secret…” Mokee mimicked.
“You know I think your father likes me already. Well, who wouldn’t like an awesome man like me. Everything about me emits love” He smiles.
“Self love is good, keep it on”
“I have a resolution” He suddenly says.
“Which is…?”
“I must get your answer before we leave this place. In a nutshell, whether you like me or not, I must confirm that before we go back to the city. So, brace yourself you only have a day left to think about it, though I’m positive you like me too anyway” He says the last part with a smile.
Mokee didn’t bother answering, but only concentrate on drinking and eating the chicken feet.
~AFTER A WHILE ~
“You should stop drinking now, how do you want us to get back home if you gets drunk. You know I don’t know the way and I… can’t see in the dark” He mutters the last part to himself.
“You know, pigeons ki|| their babies when they fall out of the nest. One of the parents do. It is actually an instinctive act as the pigeons believe the helpless baby will squawk and attract predators. So, they ki|| the baby in order to protect the other ones” She blabbled
“Are you drunk? What’s this $h|t about pigeons now?”
“I’m not drunk, I’m just a little tiddy?”
“What do you mean a little tipsy? Six minutes after taking alcohol some changes are already occuring in the brain. Even if the person isn’t tipsy, the person isn’t sober either. Who knows you have such a low alcohol tolerance. You’re just like Orion..”He mumbles.
“All I’m just trying to say is that I miss my mom, are you that dumb enough not to get that??” She hits her palms on the table.
“Why are you yelling, you could have just told me nicely”
“Wh@??ver…” She rolled her eyes pouring the soju.
“I really think you’ve had enough” He collect it from her.
“Aishhh…I h@?? you!” She stated.
“No, you don’t” He said back.
“I do” She glared.
“You mean the opposite, you and I both know that”
“NO!” She says firmly and he stood up leaning forward to her face.
“No?” He asked staring directly in her eyes.
“Not even the slightest?” He asked more.
“If I kiss you right now, you won’t even like it?” He added and her mind went back to the night when Orion and her kissed.
“We kissed” She blurts out without thinking.
Cove brows knitted in confusion.
“Orion and I…we kissed…at the party” She confessed.
TBC…