Chapter Text
Jan Di and Jun Pyo’s wedding was imminent. Ga Eul was getting impatient. At least, she’d see something else in the news than Hyun Byeon getting kicked out of his agency and the fans constantly bashing him on social media for breaking their trust.
She raised her head as a dark silhouette in an oversized sweater, a cap and sunglasses sat down across her.
— Oppa, Ga Eul softly said.
She pushed the iced coffee she had ordered for him. She had bought it out of guilt. Once again. He didn’t say anything, but instead took a sip of coffee.
— No sugar, but a cloud of milk, he said. You do know me by heart, do you, Ga Eul ?
— You know my favorite beverage too, Oppa.
— Strawberry milkshake, he replied. Although you do have a soft spot for peach soju.
Ga Eul couldn’t help but giggle.
— I’m sorry about the time I threw up on your shoes.
— You still owe me that.
— Oppa ! I bought you a new sweater on your birthday.
— From the shop where your father works ! Hyun Byeon laughed. You got a discount, so it doesn’t work.
But there was something strange in his laugh. The silence came back. Ga Eul opened her mouth, finally determined to break the tension, when Hyun Byeon said.
— Because of the videos, I got kicked out of the agency. It’s a wonder So Yi Jeong’s family didn’t press charges.
Ga Eul clenched her fists to prevent her hands from shaking.
— I’m sorry, was all she could say. I should have told you the truth about my relationship... no, my past feelings with Yi Jeong-sunbae.
Hyun Byeon took another sip of his beverage, before getting up:
— Let’s go.
— Where are we going ?
He led her to her motorbike and invited her to sit behind him.
— I’ll drive. You’ll see.
Ga Eul hung on as he sped along on the road. He drove her to a familiar pedestrian bridge.
— Do you remember this place ? Hyun Byeon asked.
— My birthday, Ga Eul replied.
— Anything else ?
Ga Eul blushed furiously.
— Where we kissed for the first time, she added.
— We really became a serious couple back then. So I thought it was a nice place for this.
— For this ?
Hyun Byeon looked at the water and took a deep breath.
— I got another contract with an agency. Modeling and acting.
— What ?
Ga Eul couldn’t believe it. This was a miracle: right now, no agency would risk giving a contract to Hyun Byeon. He was in the middle of a controversy.
— I could really make a difference there. There’s not really concerned about all the drama happening, Hyun Byeon clarified.
Ga Eul smiled broadly.
— That’s… That’s a great opportunity ! It means you can keep modeling.
— I can… but there’s another thing.
— What ?
— The agency is in Japan, Hyun Byeon said. They even have a firm in China. That’s why the drama here won’t really mean anything to them.
He stepped closer to Ga Eul.
— It’s the opportunity for me to start over. To really build something. And I want you by my side, Ga Eul. If I could turn back time, I would only change one thing…
Ga Eul was lost in his eyes, scared of his determination, but fascinated at the same time.
— I’d have publicly announced you as my girlfriend from the beginning. We’d have gone to Jan Di’s engagement party together. Side by side.
— Oppa… I…
— Ga Eul...
Hyun Byeon pulled out something out of his pocket. Ga Eul froze when she saw a small box from a famous jewelver with two rings inside.
— Let’s get married, Hyun Byeon proposed. And live in Japan, together.
.
.
The controversy surrounding Hyun Byeon wasn’t the only thing making headlines these days. Yi Jeong had also been pretty popular after his press conference at the exhibit. And it attracted many people at his grand opening, mostly curious about how a commoner could inspire such a handsome chaebol.
Most of the girls were envious of Ga Eul, who soon found herself forced to live with Jan Di for some time.
— Wow… Ga Eul, that’s a beautiful ring.
Her best friend was admiring the engagement ring Hyun Byeon gave to Ga Eul, even though she didn’t accept her proposal yet.
— What are you going to do ? Jan Di asked.
— What is there to do ? Ga Eul replied.
— Will you accept ?
Ga Eul’s phone was on, and Jan Di glanced at the screen: So Yi Jeong’s exhibit is exporting in the U.S ! Let Korean culture shine abroad !
— I didn’t know my presence alone could be such a burden to Yi Jeong-sunbae, Ga Eul noted. I can’t leave my house without angry fangirls or the press running after me. Hyun Byeon-oppa and I are the trendy scapegoats. I think it will be great if… we’re out of here for some time.
— You’re not seriously considering marrying him just for that ?
Ga Eul took the ring still in its box and closed it.
— No, I’m too young to get married, yet. But if I need to leave for a while, Hyun Byeon-oppa is the ideal companion.
— Ga Eul…., Jan Di said. Do you...love Yi-Jeong sunbae ?
Ga Eul shed a tear and smiled.
— It doesn’t matter. What I want for him is the best. And I’ll make sure he does live well without me jeopardizing his future.
She showed Jan Di the box.
— I will return it. In the meantime, I need the number of So Han Gyeol.
.
.
— You’re a pretty bold girl, Han Gyeol admitted.
The whole restaurant floor had been privatized for them, even though Ga Eul hadn’t been expecting any kind of favor treatment. Well, chaebol manners, she assumed. They were three, all sitting at a round table near a huge window panel that had an impeccable view on the whole town. But they also had a great view on the terrace, where Ga Eul could also see the customers dining without risking being seen herself.
— Thank you for accepting my invitation, she bowed to Yi Jeong’s grandfather.
He didn’t glance at her, and instead worked on cutting his meat. Ga Eul, however, wasn’t touching her plate. Yi Jeong’s father, however, seemed a little more friendly.
— You should eat, Hyun Sub encouraged her. Their meat sauce is to die for.
Ga Eul smiled politely, but didn’t eat anyway. She had a knot in her stomach, and she wondered if it had been a good idea to dine alone with the two patriarchs of the So Empire. Maybe she should have brought Jan Di, for support.
— You know, this restaurant was bought by a renowned chef, who came back after years of training in France. He married a fashion designer and now, this restaurant is even more famous. Lots of models and idols come here everyday, Hyun Sub told her.
Ga Eul nodded, wondering why he was telling her this, until Han Gyeol concluded:
— Because in this world, connections are everything.
Ga Eul did her best not to appear too affected.
— Come on, father, Hyun Sub cheered. Let’s not spoil the dinner, especially when we have such exquisite company. Makes me enjoy my beef even more.
Ga Eul realized she wouldn’t last the entire dinner between innuendos and bitter remarks.
— I read the news: about Yi Jeong’s exhibit.
— Apparently, your little act during the press conference did attract many visitors, Han Gyeol replied. Sensationalism always sells… though I wish we wouldn’t be affiliated to commoners in the process.
— What can we say ? It’s a great opportunity for Yi Jeong, Hyun Sub added. Doesn’t every artist dream to gain international recognition ?
Ga Eul smiled and stared at the white wine in her untouched glass.
— So he’s not inheriting the museum, is he ?
Both Han Gyeol and Hyun Sub stopped cutting their meat to glance at her. Ga Eul looked them dead in the eye.
— That’s the only scenario, where you’d send him abroad. Threatening him with the museum wasn’t enough, so you’re trying to exile him. Am I right ?
— You little brat ! Who do you think you are ? Han Gyeol spat.
— Usually, I’d be the one you’re trying to buy off and send abroad, Ga Eul reasoned. But I guess none of you wanted to end up having salt poured over their head. Like Gu Jun Pyo’s mother.
— How dare you speak like that to your elders ?
— It’s okay, Hyun Sub tried to calm him down.
— Don’t tell me it’s okay ! Han Gyeol retorted. None of this would have happened if you knew how to control your sons ! Is this why you asked to meet us ? To insult us ?
— No, I asked you here to make a bargain: a bargain where I’ll abandon Yi Jeong and do everything in my power so he’ll marry the one you chose for him.
Ga Eul’s speech took both of the patriarchs aback. Was it that easy ? Han Gyeol was the first to react by scoffing.
— And why would we need your help ? What would a commoner bring to us ?
— To make public the export of his exhibit makes me guess Yi Jeong-sunbae hasn’t chosen a bride yet, despite the numerous dates, Ga Eul replied.
— Well, that might only be a matter of time, then, Hyun Sub noted.
He waved at the terrace one floor below them. Ga Eul’s eyes darkened: it was like a knife got stuck in her heart, so much that she let out a silent gasp. Yi Jeong was there… sitting at a table, on a date with a splendid woman she knew too well.
— I told you about the excellent chef and owner of this restaurant, right ? Hyun Sub said. Who married a renowned fashion designer. Their only daughter, Gwon Hye-Su, would make a fantastic addition to this family. Expanding our artistic horizons.
Ga Eul looked at them. They seemed to be in the middle of a conversation. But nothing seemed too intimate from where she was sitting. Maybe it was just another date… still… Ga Eul remembered the time where Hye Su appeared in the studio that morning, and her hands clenched into a fist. No… that girl would abuse Yi Jeong. She wasn’t worthy of him.
— I don’t think Yi Jeong-sunbae should get involved in another controversial figure, after what happened at the exhibit, Ga Eul couldn’t help but say.
She realized her bluff did work, as both men exchanged a glance.
— Your opinion doesn’t matter to us, Han Gyeol said.
— I’ll make sure he doesn’t come after me anymore, Ga Eul repeated. But I have one condition… Give him his inheritance.
— And why would we need you ? Yi Jeong will have to accept one of these girls sooner or later, doesn’t he ?
— He won’t, Ga Eul replied.
— Men don’t change, Hyun Sub objected.
— You’re projecting yourself onto your son. His playboy face is just a facade. Inside, he has a pure heart, filled with true love.
— Pure heart, huh ? Hyun Sub repeated.
He wiped his mouth and got up, extending its hand to Ga Eul.
— Let’s go for a walk. The fashion exhibit has been privatised for us.
Ga Eul glanced at Han Gyeol, feeling a bit uneasy leaving him all by himself, but he was too busy finishing his meal. Hyun Sub couldn’t help but chuckle.
— Would you look at that, father ? She’s worried because she doesn’t want you to be alone.
— Stupid child, Han Gyeol replied. Just go with him.
— Sorry, Grandfather, Ga Eul bowed to him. I won’t be long.
When she went away, she didn’t see how his hard expression had softened a bit. Hyun Sub guided Ga Eul through the gallery, as they looked at beautiful designer dresses, even though most of them seemed pretty casual.
— Beautiful, isn’t it ? That’s the last collection. The concept is urban brides and bridesmaids. Very trendy.
Ga Eul was admiring the pieces when Hyun Sub when he pointed out a familiar one:
— This one was worn by Gwon Hye-Su during Gu Jun Pyo’s engagement party.
Ga Eul frowned. She did remember Jan Di’s engagement party. And the dress that Hye-Su was still wearing the morning after, at Yi Jeong’s studio.
— I remember my son telling me he really liked that dress too, Hyun Sub added, pointing out another one. That’s the one he saw when he met her for the first time… when he told her to seduce your boyfriend.
Next to him, he felt Ga Eul freezing.
— ...What ? she stammered, bewildered.
Hyun Sub savored this moment: he always liked it, a guilty - a sick - pleasure of seeing a woman’s greatest hopes being shattered in front of him. Probably because his own father enjoyed it at the time too.
— Yi Jeong is the one responsible for the rise of Park Hyun Byeon, Hyun Sub revealed. Didn’t it seem weird that your boyfriend, a perfect nobody, suddenly became the face of every billboard ad in the nation ?
— What...what are you talking about ? Ga Eul replied.
— No one suddenly rises to fame. The one responsible for Park Hyun Byeon’s success… is So Yi Jeong… and only him.
Ga Eul furrowed her eyebrows, lost in confusion.
— Father, it can’t be, she argued. Yi Jeong had never met my boyfriend… before...
Then she suddenly remembered. That morning in his studio.
— Does your boyfriend know about this ? The model.
— … You know about him ?
Ga Eul shivered. No… he couldn’t have done that. Still...
— You should be careful with our family, Ga Eul. We may look like sheep, but inside, we’re foxes. Without mercy.
— Father… with all due respect, I think you’re mistaken. Yi Jeong-sunbae would have no interest to do this.
— Oh, but he did, Hyun Sub replied, walking towards the large window panels.
The light was incredible at that time of the day.
— Men in our family use everything in our powers to get what we want. We’ve been playing for years.
— Yi Jeong-sunbae would never play on someone’s life like that, Ga Eul mustered the courage to say.
This man wasn’t making any sense. Why would Yi Jeong do that ? Ga Eul wondered. That was impossible.
— Are you sure ? Yi Jeong played with your friend, back in the day. He played the press at the exhibit. He played with you too. Why wouldn’t he play with your boyfriend to get you ? After all, if Park Hyun Byeon became an idol, he wouldn’t be able to date.
And then, it hit Ga Eul. Yi Jeong did say that to her.
Well, it’s not like you guys can date anymore, right ? I heard his contract had a strict no-dating rule.
And when Ga Eul told him she was still going to date him… Yi Jeong’s father took his phone and showed her a picture of her and her boyfriend during Jan Di’s engagement party.
— Who do you think released that picture to the press ? he asked her.
Ga Eul gulped. No… he wouldn’t do this. But then again, Yi Jeong’s words made a whole new sense for her.
Your boyfriend might have a reprieve, but you can be sure it tainted his reputation nonetheless. Which means he’ll be watched even more closely. People are ready to buy a story once. Not twice.
— No… no, she insisted. Yi Jeong-sunbae would never do that.
— Should we call Hye-Su and ask her ? Hyun Sub proposed. I’m sure she’ll have a great story to tell you. Or even your boyfriend’s agency. Nowadays, people make it through their network. Shall we ask them who referred Park Hyun Byeon to them ?
Before Ga Eul could even reply, he had dialed the number of the director Park Young Jae. And his voice came through the phone:
— Sir… We’re so grateful that your son recommended us to so many companies for their ads. We promise we will work hard in the future. We have many great trainees and we taught them well… Please put your trust in us.
Park Young Jae’s pleading voice was so different to the one he used when he spoke to her, Ga Eul realized. So it was true, she thought.
— Yi Jeong-sunbae... knew everything, Ga Eul whispered. He set Hyun Byeon-oppa up to fail.
— On the contrary, Hyun Sub replied.
Ga Eul joined him near the window. She had a nice view of Yi Jeong, still dining with Hye-Su while he couldn’t see her.
— He wanted him to succeed… Being an idol comes at a great price: giving up your loved ones. And that’s what he was expecting. But when you refused to give up on him… he had to take extreme measures.
Everything was becoming crystal clear, now. Ga Eul could feel her whole world collapsing: Yi-Jeong was the one who pushed Hye-Su to seduce Hyun Byeon, he was the one who ruined their lives by leaking their photos to Dispatch...
— Yi Jeong is my son, Hyun Sub added. When it comes to women, we never play fair. So I find it funny when you say he has a pure heart. That proves only one thing: that the Yi Jeong you love only exists in your mind. Which makes me believe you’re the one projecting your expectations on to him.
Ga Eul’s eyes were full of tears. Hyun Sub raised his hand and picked one falling tear with his forefinger. Ga Eul stepped away from him as soon as he did that.
— But that Hyun Byeon is a hard worker. At least, you can be sure that he’ll fulfill your dreams. Hang on to reality, Chu Ga Eul. Let go of your delusional goals.
.
.
It took time before they got back to their table. Han Gyeol had already ordered dessert.
— So…, he said once they sat down. I thought about this deal. I think it’s a good one. I’ll give back Yi Jeong his inheritance once you give up on him. Will you do that, young lady ?
Everyone could notice Ga Eul’s red and puffy eyes, sign that she did cry. Without saying anything, she looked down of her soufflé and nodded.
— It’s settled, then, Han Gyeol concluded. From this day on, you are forbidden to meet So Yi Jeong.
— I think we can allow them one meeting, Hyun Sub said. It’s important that they say goodbye. Yi Jeong is a persistent kid: he needs her to set the record straight. This is going to be interesting.