“This is Hong Dae, the city of my inspiration,” he told her as they walked down a boulevard of lighted walkways and knick knack shops. “Inspiration for your dancing?” she asked. “Yeh.” “How long have you been dancing?” “A long time.” “How long?” she prodded. He shrugged. “I don’t remember.” “I see.” She paused. “Who taught you?” Jae didn’t reply. “Jae, if you don’t mind me asking, where are your parents?” “Are you hungry?” “Yes.” “Then let’s go get something to eat.” “Does that mean you don’t want to tell me where your parents are?” “Are you always this nosy?” he asked. “Just around you.” She sighed. “Are you always this…evasive?” “Only around you.” “You could just say you minded, and I wouldn’t have prodded further,” she said with a note of irritation. To her surprise, he stepped in front of her and she walked right into him. “Now what?” She didn’t mean to sound harsh but the words came out more forceful than she intended, and she regretted as soon as she realized what she had done.
