Parted and Reunited (Carlyle's Side)
One chapter in, Carlyle had nearly finished his preparations too. The intern desk he'd grown accustomed to in just half a year—most of the stuff on it was already packed into boxes. Now it finally felt real. Tomorrow... I'll finally see her. His girlfriend. Bianca Shama. The thought alone brought a smile to his lips.
Nothing ever went smoothly, of course. Adapting to a new place had taken effort at first. There were tough moments, but the nightly calls with Bianca had been a lifeline—no need to explain how much strength they'd given him. And during holiday breaks when they managed to meet, the night before he had to leave... Carlyle had stayed up without sleeping, gazing at Bianca Shama's peaceful sleeping face for what felt like forever. How can she be this pretty...? He'd watched her face in the dim light, her murmuring in her sleep so endearing. He'd planted a soft kiss on her forehead, gently stroked her cute little nose. Those moments had fueled him, and now he'd completed this stage of his life properly.
As he finished packing, someone tapped his shoulder.
"Hey, kid."
It was his mentor. A mentor in name only—he was really the department head.
"Got a minute?"
Carlyle nodded. His mentor had a habit of dragging him along for smoke breaks, and since it was his last day, he figured there'd be a talk.
The company rooftop was wide open. Looking down at the lush green surroundings, his mentor spoke.
"You did great work all this time. Last one for the road?"
"I'm good, thanks." Carlyle smiled and declined. He had nothing against smoking, but still... it mattered. His girlfriend Bianca loved his scent. She'd bury her face in his chest and nuzzle like crazy. For Bianca Shama's sake, he couldn't smoke. He had no intention of doing anything she'd hate.
"Man, you're no fun..." His mentor clicked his tongue at the firm refusal.
Nine years older than Carlyle, pushing thirty soon. His casual demeanor had taken some getting used to, but now it was fine. Carlyle chuckled too.
"Cut me some slack, sunbae."
This was society, maybe. Carlyle still remembered being thrown off at first by his much older mentor using formal speech so persistently. It felt like only after earning respect did the casual talk come. Over those nine months or so, they'd grown close working together on various projects.
His mentor, puffing on his cigarette, spoke awkwardly.
"Just spitballing here, but... was it tough at the start?"
"Nah, not really." Carlyle shook his head. He couldn't say there was zero hazing, but it was to be expected. No one pinned hopes on a clueless newbie intern straight out of school.
"Never seen anyone as quick on the uptake as you."
The sudden praise caught him off guard.
"We've had plenty come through industry-academia programs and such... but interns always head back to school. That's just how it is."
Cooperating companies and the actual staff handling fresh rookies had different perspectives, naturally. His mentor clicked his tongue again.
"Life's full of absurdities like that. I was pretty harsh at first, but you handled it fine."
"You dumped a ton of grunt work on me, and chewed me out if I messed up even once."
"Yeah, guilty."
His mentor looked sheepish.
"Even though newbies don't know shit by default. Truth is, I was nitpicking."
Carlyle smirked at the frank admission.
"Still, I tried to remember everything after hearing it once."
"Exactly." Extinguishing his cigarette, his mentor shook his head in admiration. "It's a wonder guys like you pop up now and then. You hear about your eval?"
"Yeah, of course."
Top marks across the board. Unanimous from the department and HR.
"Bottom line: if you want it, you're hired. First case like this, they say?"
Not even graduated yet, and getting a job offer? A total monster.
Carlyle's mentor, Lenoc—from his viewpoint, "Carlyle Schultz" was an absolute freak. He'd flawlessly completed three projects, small-scale or not. Handled every task swiftly without complaint. Blatantly smart, yet hardworking too. Handsome face, tall and stately build. And with a bright future ahead as a young guy. No need to mention how popular he was with the female staff.
The women who hit on this guy... Over a dozen, easy. Some were already popular among the guys—pretty, sweet types—but this one never wavered. Not once. Had to respect that self-control. No downside to getting buddy-buddy with him.
"Here, my card. Do well at school, and if you change your mind, hit me up anytime."
"Thanks, sunbae." Carlyle took it. He knew full well how impressive his mentor was. Late twenties, already a manager at a top conglomerate with real influence. Rumor had it he was the VP's son, but who knew.
"Oh, right." His mentor grinned mischievously. "Since you're leaving anyway, gotta ask..."
Long story short: he was curious about Carlyle's girlfriend. Bianca Shama. The woman who'd made him stonewall all the office ladies. How could he not be?
"When you check your phone, your face... you have no idea."
That cool expression turning so tender. Couldn't even scold him for slacking on the job, his mentor joked. Carlyle flushed a bit.
"That obvious, huh..."
He'd never bothered showing Bianca's photos to coworkers. No need, and they weren't the nosy type. But last day, and after months of camaraderie—why not indulge the curiosity? He was proud, anyway. Carlyle pulled out his phone and showed her pics.
"Whoa, what...?"
Mentor gaped, right on cue.
"Celeb? Idol? Insanely cute..."
Carlyle shook his head with a faint smile.
"Just a regular girl."
He swiped through.
"These are bentos."
Pics crammed with the lunches Bianca made him. Always too pretty to eat right away—meticulous enough to photograph every time.
"She makes your lunches too...? This is fraud."
"...She's super affectionate, too."
"Didn't ask, punk."
He hadn't, but Carlyle wanted to brag.
"Same age...?"
"Yeah. She's born late in the year, so technically I'm a year older."
"So, younger?"
"Kinda..."
Mentor looked priceless as Carlyle grinned and nodded.
"Ah, makes sense now. Explains why you ignored everyone else. With a girl like that, no room for others."
He whistled, then got serious.
"Got any friends? Single ones...?"
Carlyle straightened up.
"The age gap..."
Nine years. Generational difference.
Mentor blinked, then burst out laughing.
"Right, yeah... You act so mature, I forgot."
Smacking his lips regretfully, he advised:
"Seriously, don't ever let her go. Girls like that don't exist."
"Wasn't planning to."
Carlyle smiled back. Tomorrow, he'd finally see Bianca.
With stellar results, his short study-abroad internship ended.
The next morning dawned. Bianca hadn't slept well. Tossing and turning from excitement. Tick-tock—the clock dragged. Carlyle said two o'clock, right? Tough to stay up waiting, but her mind was sharper than ever. Happiness bubbled from her heart, her spirits soaring. She tidied the room, took a bubble bath. Checked the fridge. Pondered dinner menus for Carlyle. Before she knew it, it was one.
Reading the text, her heart pounded wildly.
Perfect. Smiling, Bianca slipped into the outfits she'd ironed for today. She checked herself in the mirror from every angle. Ivory lace sleeveless top, feminine vibe. Weather's nicely cool. Light pink thin knit over it. White skirt below for a pure look. Strappy sandals—flawless coord.
Outfit's good... but did lack of sleep cause a pimple? She inspected closely. All clear. Time for makeup, meticulous and careful, pouring her heart into it. Finished, confidence surged.
Plenty pretty today too...! Hyping herself up. Stroking her soundly sleeping dog, she whispered:
"Be back soon, Lyle."
Outside, the sky was brilliantly clear. Refreshing. Soon, the station.
The train will arrive shortly.
Bianca easily sensed the stares from passing guys. But she hadn't dressed up for them. Only for Carlyle Schultz. Just for him.
How long did she wait? Train rumble filled her view. Crowds poured out.
Carlyle, Carlyle...
She searched for one person only. No doubt he was too. Lovers seeking each other desperately—finding one another amid the throng was inevitable. Eyes met. Time froze.
He's... changed a bit...
Carlyle Schultz looked dashing. Suit-clad, full adult vibe. Three months—long, yet short. Last holiday glimpse, now this: more refined, more handsome. Bianca couldn't look away.
Carlyle was the same. Bianca Shama, come to meet him at the station—so stunning he lost words. How had she gotten even prettier? Cuter, more lovable every time. A mystery.
But the stare-down lasted a blink. Bianca dashed—dodo-do—into his open arms. Carlyle caught her embrace.
No words needed. His scent, her warmth, hearts thundering near-burst. Every sensation screamed reunion.
Bianca nuzzled wildly in his chest, hugged tighter. Beaming happily, voice trembling:
"...Almost three months, right?"
"Yeah, about."
"...Missed you so much."
Looking up with misty eyes at Carlyle Schultz.
"Missed you, you idiot."
She rose on tiptoes bit by bit. Peck-peck—cheek, lips, even chin. Showering kisses, Carlyle chuckled.
"...Missed you too."
Then her delicate chin caught in his firm hand. Lips met—inevitable. He moistened hers, cradled her head. Foreheads touched, eyes locked. Carlyle Schultz said:
"Let's get married. Now."
Words he'd longed to say.
"No more parting. Ever."
Sudden, but she loved it too.
"...Yeah. I like that."
Her face flushed pink, then crimson, nodding slowly. Grinning playfully, she whispered in his ear:
"I'll... specially be your bride."
Carlyle answered with a kiss, no words. The lovers reunited.