Absolute Threshold — Chapter 148. Hope

Translator: Atlas

Weekly Chapter 1/3

Jumi pulled out her cell phone from her purse. Normally, her text message signaling she was in a meeting would have prompted a call, but the phone remained quiet.

She drank all the juice to soothe her dry throat.

“My kids will be home soon, so I have to leave.”

“You have employees to look after your children. You need to rest. I doubt they’ll be upset if they don’t see you when they get back.”

Hyesun’s excited expression made it hard to say no. Truthfully, she felt so unwell that she didn’t want to go back either.

Initially, she met Hyesun by chance at a hotel bar. Some old classmates who communicated with Hyesun joined them.

The place was pleasant. Being surrounded by friends left her little time to think about anything else. She would have thought about Yoongyo if she were alone.

“Jumi, I didn’t attend that meeting because I didn’t expect you to go.”

Dongyoung said while grabbing a piece of cheese.

“I didn’t spend much time with you in school.”

He took a sip of wine and offered Jumi a piece of cheese with a fork.

“Eat.”

As she chewed the cheese, he handed her a small napkin.

“Why are you smiling?”

“You haven’t changed much since school.”

“Is that a compliment or an insult?”

He waved his hand.

“It’s a compliment.”

“I didn’t really say anything. How do you know?”

“Because I feel that way.”

She locked eyes with Hyesun and realized she couldn’t stay any longer.

After leaving the hotel bar, she searched for a cab.

The surroundings became dreamily quiet. Jumi stared at her phone’s dark screen. Normally, Gwangmyeong or Cheolju would have waited for her.

Just as she hailed a cab, a man called out from behind,

“Choi Jumi.”

It was Dongyoung.

“Huh?”

“I was on a stool.”

“Thanks.”

Jumi touched her neck when she saw her scarf.

“I hope to see you more often at meetings.”

“I will.”

She got into the cab with her scarf. Her friend’s figure faded into the distance as the cab drove away. She suddenly felt cold and wrapped the scarf around her neck, feeling the soft fabric warm her skin.

When she got home, she paused momentarily at the door, her heart racing with anticipation. She turned the key, hoping to find Yoongyo inside.

Her eyes scanned the house for any sign of Yoongyo. With each step, her hope grew.