when the phone rings novel

"Anyway, my brother-in-law always goes overboard." Hong In-ah gulped down the icy water, savoring the cool relief with a contented sigh. Heeju was happy to overlook her flimsy excuse that she had stopped by to get a glass of water for an interview.

'"I personally think politicians need a bit of star quality. From that perspective, your husband's got it naturally. Guess it's in the blood, huh?" Despite her sister's sarcastic muttering, Heeju was lost in her thoughts.

"Don't argue." 

'What does that even mean? Does he still see me as so immature and unreliable? To dismiss my requests as mere whining?' 

"When's the wedding, anyway?" Her sister's voice abruptly cut through Heeju's spiral of thoughts. 

"Yes?" 

"The wedding. Aren't you going to redo the ceremony with your renewed husband and get the paperwork sorted?" 

"We're taking our time with it...," Heeju replied weakly, her voice trailing off.

In-ah's eyes narrowed sharply at her sister's hesitant tone. "So, how are things between you and your husband?" 

"Well..." 

"Are you two doing okay? Like, properly, as a couple?" 

"O- Of course, we're doing fine!" 

"Really?" Her sister dragged out a long, meaningful hum, dripping with skepticism.

"Look, I understand your husband's personality, and I know you love him. But it's important to remember who you are and what makes you happy. I've seen situations where people lose sight of themselves in a relationship, and I want to make sure that's not happening to you." 

In-ah shrugged, idly swirling her empty glass, her gaze questioning. But Heeju had been through her share of experience in this area—she even called her husband and issued a bold, borderline-threatening ultimatum once. 

"It's just... I feel like I might be too naive sometimes," Heeju finally confessed with a deep sigh. 

"What's that supposed to mean?"

In-ah crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed and her foot tapping a restless beat against the floor. She looked like a thug ready to brawl, minus the gum-snapping. 

"I want to stand confidently by his side, but it's always so hard for me..." 

"..." 

"When I was younger, I envied the older girls who were in the same class as him. Later, I envied his colleagues." As Heeju confessed her inner turmoil, In-ah fiddled with her phone, seriously contemplating whether to record this adorably vulnerable moment.

If she sent this to her brother-in-law, she could probably get at least a few hundred bucks out of it. 

'Ah..In-ah how could you think like this when Heeju is sharing her problem with you...' 

She once again fell into a bad habit that she couldn't change. In-ah slapped herself on the forehead, drawing a startled gasp from Heeju.

Still, this kind of dilemma was cute, wasn't it? After all, there was no harm done. To be fair, Baek Gyo-eon was fun to tease. Just a few cute pictures of Heeju here and there always brought a satisfying "allowance" to her bank account. 

"Honestly, you're still young," In-ah finally said, a smirk tugging at her lips. 

"You're six years younger than him, after all." 

"...!" 

"So being coquettish is also a weapon." 

"What?" 

"Change your perspective. You'll always be younger than him and that's your trump card."

In-ah kept egging her on. 

"Don't just envy him. If you want something, demand it— even if it means throwing a tantrum." 

"..." 

"That's also a kind of love. Knowing it's unreasonable but giving in anyway. Men are supposed to indulge you." Heeju blinked in confusion. 

"...Have you had that kind of love, Sister?" Not exactly. In-ah had never even been in a proper relationship. Rather than admitting it, she simply cleared her throat awkwardly. 

"Anyway, he's your husband. Why are you acting scared of him? You're younger—be bold!" 

"...!"

Heeju's head felt like it was spinning. She had already been swept up in her sister's nonsensical logic. 

'Was love really about accepting unreasonable demands?' But the outcome was obvious. Gyo-eon was a strict and principled man, firm in his standards. If she tried to use her age to justify whining, he would surely reprimand her for being childish and irrational. Still... 

'I'll figure it out somehow.' Heeju stood her ground, her gaze steady and unwavering, a silent declaration of her resolve.

*** 

 Later that evening: 

"I might have found a new job!" The moment Baek Gyo-eon walked through the door, Heeju, who had been anxiously waiting, ran over to him. Like a hawk snatching prey, he abruptly pulled her into his arms. 

Before she was entirely enveloped, she blurted out, "I want to work in politics too!" 

"What?" His eyebrows shot up in sharp disapproval. 

"I mean, I want to start working in Parliament as a sign language interpreter." 

"What are you talking about?" 

"I saw a job posting for a political sign language interpreter. I applied and got an interview." 

"And?"

The scowl that contorted his features sent a shiver down her spine, making his displeasure abundantly clear. 

"Well, I thought it'd be nice to try something new..." 

"So you're planning to work with me, is that it?" 

"What? No!" Her vehement denial made him tilt his head slightly in confusion.

"Actually... I meant to tell you earlier. I don't exactly share your political views." 

"..." 

"..." An awkward silence stretched between them. 

"I'm planning to join a minor party that's focused on environmental issues." His furrowed brow deepened as if he was trying to solve an unsolvable riddle.

For Heeju, this was a bold move. Differences in religion, politics, or taste could break engagements, they said, but she figured this was her only chance to stand on equal footing with him. 

"My Hong Heeju sure loves to say interesting things," he murmured, scrutinizing her face as if to find cracks in her resolve. 

"Which man are you planning to stand beside there?" 

"W- What?"

She was momentarily speechless. 

"Who's the spokesperson for that party again?" he asked, his brow furrowed as he strained to recall. Then, fixing his piercing gaze on her, he added, "Why are you suddenly trying something out of character?" 

"You don't consult me about everything you do," she shot back. 

"But you're the one who's constantly putting yourself in danger! You're the one who's almost died before!" 

"..." 

"I just want to do something meaningful. To go to work at the same time as you, have lunch together, and leave work together." 

"..." 

"The only thing I'm good at, other than sign language, is being a silent observer."

Baek Gyo-eon stared at her for a long time, a hint of surprise in his eyes. 

"I didn't expect you to be so bold," he finally murmured. 

"Hong Heeju, did you not understand what I said yesterday?" His tone was laced with disapproval, a familiar frustration evident in the way he ran a hand down his face. His fingers lingered near his mouth, a subtle yet unmistakable sign of his growing exasperation.

But Heeju didn't back down. She fired back with determination. 

"Your words don't really change anything. Someone told me I'm allowed to be a little bold." 

"And who would say something so absurd?" Heeju, recalling how her sister often bore the brunt of Baek Gyo-eon's scolding when they were younger, decided not to throw her under the bus. Not yet, anyway. She was not going to concede her position. With a pout, she pushed on. 

"Because I'm younger than you." 

"...!" For a fleeting moment, his breath and gaze seemed to freeze.

"I'm way younger than you, and all I'm saying is I want to do this. Can't you let me have this one thing?" 

"..." 

"I'm six years younger, you know! But all you do is act serious and scold me!" His intense gaze made her feel exposed like she was being examined under a microscope. It felt embarrassing, but she held her ground. 

'Thinking about it, I've never actually tried to throw a tantrum. It's interesting how people express strong emotions in that way...'

Despite the uncertainty, Heeju clenched her fists and doubled down. 

"I'm going to do it! I will!" As she stubbornly declared her intent, she gave his chest a light push with her fists. Their eyes locked. He was frowning, yet the corners of his lips twitched as though he was holding back a laugh. Startled by his strange expression, Heeju faltered. 

"Well, look at you, Hong Heeju. Looks like the whole world's flipped now that you've found your voice."

A low, rumbling laugh escaped him as his large hands cupped her face, holding her cheeks firmly. Before she could protest, he started walking, brisk and purposeful, leaving Heeju stumbling backward as she tried to keep up. They crossed the hallway and headed straight for the bedroom. His warm hands cradled her cheeks, covering them entirely. She could feel the heat radiating from his palms, and the erratic pounding of a heartbeat—though whether it was hers or his, she couldn't tell.

"Anyway, my brother-in-law always goes overboard." Hong In-ah gulped down the icy water, savoring the cool relief with a contented sigh. Heeju was happy to overlook her flimsy excuse that she had stopped by to get a glass of water for an interview.

'"I personally think politicians need a bit of star quality. From that perspective, your husband's got it naturally. Guess it's in the blood, huh?" Despite her sister's sarcastic muttering, Heeju was lost in her thoughts.

"Don't argue." 

'What does that even mean? Does he still see me as so immature and unreliable? To dismiss my requests as mere whining?' 

"When's the wedding, anyway?" Her sister's voice abruptly cut through Heeju's spiral of thoughts. 

"Yes?" 

"The wedding. Aren't you going to redo the ceremony with your renewed husband and get the paperwork sorted?" 

"We're taking our time with it...," Heeju replied weakly, her voice trailing off.

In-ah's eyes narrowed sharply at her sister's hesitant tone. "So, how are things between you and your husband?" 

"Well..." 

"Are you two doing okay? Like, properly, as a couple?" 

"O- Of course, we're doing fine!" 

"Really?" Her sister dragged out a long, meaningful hum, dripping with skepticism.

"Look, I understand your husband's personality, and I know you love him. But it's important to remember who you are and what makes you happy. I've seen situations where people lose sight of themselves in a relationship, and I want to make sure that's not happening to you." 

In-ah shrugged, idly swirling her empty glass, her gaze questioning. But Heeju had been through her share of experience in this area—she even called her husband and issued a bold, borderline-threatening ultimatum once. 

"It's just... I feel like I might be too naive sometimes," Heeju finally confessed with a deep sigh. 

"What's that supposed to mean?"

In-ah crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed and her foot tapping a restless beat against the floor. She looked like a thug ready to brawl, minus the gum-snapping. 

"I want to stand confidently by his side, but it's always so hard for me..." 

"..." 

"When I was younger, I envied the older girls who were in the same class as him. Later, I envied his colleagues." As Heeju confessed her inner turmoil, In-ah fiddled with her phone, seriously contemplating whether to record this adorably vulnerable moment.

If she sent this to her brother-in-law, she could probably get at least a few hundred bucks out of it. 

'Ah..In-ah how could you think like this when Heeju is sharing her problem with you...' 

She once again fell into a bad habit that she couldn't change. In-ah slapped herself on the forehead, drawing a startled gasp from Heeju.

Still, this kind of dilemma was cute, wasn't it? After all, there was no harm done. To be fair, Baek Gyo-eon was fun to tease. Just a few cute pictures of Heeju here and there always brought a satisfying "allowance" to her bank account. 

"Honestly, you're still young," In-ah finally said, a smirk tugging at her lips. 

"You're six years younger than him, after all." 

"...!" 

"So being coquettish is also a weapon." 

"What?" 

"Change your perspective. You'll always be younger than him and that's your trump card."

In-ah kept egging her on. 

"Don't just envy him. If you want something, demand it— even if it means throwing a tantrum." 

"..." 

"That's also a kind of love. Knowing it's unreasonable but giving in anyway. Men are supposed to indulge you." Heeju blinked in confusion. 

"...Have you had that kind of love, Sister?" Not exactly. In-ah had never even been in a proper relationship. Rather than admitting it, she simply cleared her throat awkwardly. 

"Anyway, he's your husband. Why are you acting scared of him? You're younger—be bold!" 

"...!"

Heeju's head felt like it was spinning. She had already been swept up in her sister's nonsensical logic. 

'Was love really about accepting unreasonable demands?' But the outcome was obvious. Gyo-eon was a strict and principled man, firm in his standards. If she tried to use her age to justify whining, he would surely reprimand her for being childish and irrational. Still... 

'I'll figure it out somehow.' Heeju stood her ground, her gaze steady and unwavering, a silent declaration of her resolve.

*** 

 Later that evening: 

"I might have found a new job!" The moment Baek Gyo-eon walked through the door, Heeju, who had been anxiously waiting, ran over to him. Like a hawk snatching prey, he abruptly pulled her into his arms. 

Before she was entirely enveloped, she blurted out, "I want to work in politics too!" 

"What?" His eyebrows shot up in sharp disapproval. 

"I mean, I want to start working in Parliament as a sign language interpreter." 

"What are you talking about?" 

"I saw a job posting for a political sign language interpreter. I applied and got an interview." 

"And?"

The scowl that contorted his features sent a shiver down her spine, making his displeasure abundantly clear. 

"Well, I thought it'd be nice to try something new..." 

"So you're planning to work with me, is that it?" 

"What? No!" Her vehement denial made him tilt his head slightly in confusion.

"Actually... I meant to tell you earlier. I don't exactly share your political views." 

"..." 

"..." An awkward silence stretched between them. 

"I'm planning to join a minor party that's focused on environmental issues." His furrowed brow deepened as if he was trying to solve an unsolvable riddle.

For Heeju, this was a bold move. Differences in religion, politics, or taste could break engagements, they said, but she figured this was her only chance to stand on equal footing with him. 

"My Hong Heeju sure loves to say interesting things," he murmured, scrutinizing her face as if to find cracks in her resolve. 

"Which man are you planning to stand beside there?" 

"W- What?"

She was momentarily speechless. 

"Who's the spokesperson for that party again?" he asked, his brow furrowed as he strained to recall. Then, fixing his piercing gaze on her, he added, "Why are you suddenly trying something out of character?" 

"You don't consult me about everything you do," she shot back. 

"But you're the one who's constantly putting yourself in danger! You're the one who's almost died before!" 

"..." 

"I just want to do something meaningful. To go to work at the same time as you, have lunch together, and leave work together." 

"..." 

"The only thing I'm good at, other than sign language, is being a silent observer."

Baek Gyo-eon stared at her for a long time, a hint of surprise in his eyes. 

"I didn't expect you to be so bold," he finally murmured. 

"Hong Heeju, did you not understand what I said yesterday?" His tone was laced with disapproval, a familiar frustration evident in the way he ran a hand down his face. His fingers lingered near his mouth, a subtle yet unmistakable sign of his growing exasperation.

But Heeju didn't back down. She fired back with determination. 

"Your words don't really change anything. Someone told me I'm allowed to be a little bold." 

"And who would say something so absurd?" Heeju, recalling how her sister often bore the brunt of Baek Gyo-eon's scolding when they were younger, decided not to throw her under the bus. Not yet, anyway. She was not going to concede her position. With a pout, she pushed on. 

"Because I'm younger than you." 

"...!" For a fleeting moment, his breath and gaze seemed to freeze.

"I'm way younger than you, and all I'm saying is I want to do this. Can't you let me have this one thing?" 

"..." 

"I'm six years younger, you know! But all you do is act serious and scold me!" His intense gaze made her feel exposed like she was being examined under a microscope. It felt embarrassing, but she held her ground. 

'Thinking about it, I've never actually tried to throw a tantrum. It's interesting how people express strong emotions in that way...'

Despite the uncertainty, Heeju clenched her fists and doubled down. 

"I'm going to do it! I will!" As she stubbornly declared her intent, she gave his chest a light push with her fists. Their eyes locked. He was frowning, yet the corners of his lips twitched as though he was holding back a laugh. Startled by his strange expression, Heeju faltered. 

"Well, look at you, Hong Heeju. Looks like the whole world's flipped now that you've found your voice."

A low, rumbling laugh escaped him as his large hands cupped her face, holding her cheeks firmly. Before she could protest, he started walking, brisk and purposeful, leaving Heeju stumbling backward as she tried to keep up. They crossed the hallway and headed straight for the bedroom. His warm hands cradled her cheeks, covering them entirely. She could feel the heat radiating from his palms, and the erratic pounding of a heartbeat—though whether it was hers or his, she couldn't tell.