My Dreamland Oppa

13. Reality Bites

"내가 요청한 1 개월을 사용하겠다고 매니저에게 말하십시오.
(Tell the manager I will use up the month I asked for.)

"But Josh.."

Before Jang could finish his statement, Rich's shouting from outside their door interrupted him. "Josh and Jang, get ready in 30 mins. We're going for a boat ride and whale watching!"

***

Different activities set up by Rich filled their day. Though Jang and Rich were quiet about the situation, they were witnessing between Josh and Mara; they agreed they saw sparks between them. They let the two enjoy their day together as supportive friends will do. Though deep inside, they both have questions. How will Josh and Mara do with their current situations?

Jang is having thoughts on how Josh will tell Mara his identity. Rich worries about how Mara will go about her life alone once Josh returns to Korea. 

While the two were enjoying their time together, Rich and Jang sat down to talk.

Rich tried to make fun of the situation. "It seems like we don't exist in Josh and Mara's world right now."

"I guess you are right, Rich!" Jang agreed.

But Rich, being a protective friend, led the conversation on a serious note. "I hope you won't take offense to my questions. I'm just concerned about Mara, and I am sure you understand why."

"Yes, of course," Jang nodded.

Rich asked Jang when are they going back to Korea. And if Josh is single, etc. Jang's answer satisfied Rich. And Jang assured Rich about Josh's intentions towards Mara. But both expressed fear over the reality that Mara and Josh are a thousand miles apart. And Jang said Josh's work in Korea might be an issue. But he told Rich that it was Josh's role to discuss his work with Mara.

The four enjoyed their whale watching activity and boat ride for the day. When they went back, Rich and Jang immediately dozed off in their cottages. Josh joined in going back to Mara's cottage. He told Mara during the boat ride he wanted to discuss something important to her. He planned to reveal his identity.

"Do you want some water?" Mara asked Josh.

Josh motioned Mara to take a seat beside him on the couch. "Come here, sit beside me. I want to tell you more about me."

Mara's face paled. "Why, suddenly? You are making me nervous."

Josh kissed her on the forehead. "There's no reason for you to be nervous. I want you to know me better. I want to be honest with you. My work in Korea is not as simple as what you can think about. I am always under the public's eyes."

"Are you a politician? You don't have to worry about me. I'm here a thousand miles away from your work. Rich and I talked about it. I like you, and I'm happy whenever I'm with you, like the happiness I haven't felt. I didn't even think before that I could be this happy with someone whom I just met 2-3 days ago. Whatever we have right now will stay in my dreamland here in Boston. So don't feel burdened or responsible. Let us enjoy our days together and ready ourselves to return to our realities after." Mara laughed, trying to lighten the mood between them.

She tried to be firm and not to burst into tears while saying those words to Josh. But deep inside, she was feeling the opposite. 

"I want to see where this would bring us because I feel you are the reason I came here. I don't want to miss this chance, our chance together. But we have to make plans on how we are going to do this, how we are going to make it work. What do you think?" Josh cupped Mara's face and gazed into her eyes.

When Mara looked into him, Josh kissed her and embraced her tightly. He gave her the most passionate kiss, wanting to make her feel how special she was in his heart. That night, both ignored all questions and fears. Instead, they spent the night together in Mara's cottage and made each other feel loved.

***