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Jan Di and Ga Eul looked at her Master Cheon Sik talking about the beauty and perfection of that new mysterious model, called Ha Je.
— He really does freak me out sometimes, Jan Di confessed.
Ga Eul approved, still looking at Master who was now hydrating his skin with the moisturizer Ha Je once promoted in a TV comercial. When he finally came back behind the counter to make some porridge, Ga Eul turned towards Jan Di with a bright smile :
— Ah… You’re lucky he came to save you ! I would love to have someone doing that for me too !
She put her hands together, imagining herself as a princess trappped by gangsters. She would be incapable of running away, and right when she would thought everything was lost, then her knight in a shining armor would come and defeat everybody without any effort, and then come to her with his beautiful smile and raise his hand and… and… Why did her savior have that arrogant Yi Jeong’s face ?
Ga Eul’s dreamy smile vanished as she shook her head.
— Ga Eul…, Jan Di whispered to her.
She was still preoccupied by Ha Je’s poster Cheon Sik left on the counter.
— I think it was that guy who saved me last night, she revealed with a hushy voice.
— Really ? Are you sure ? Ga Eul replied.
The young lady nodded. Suddenly, her stomach grumbled.
— Ya, Ga Eul said, looking at her friend from head to toes, How long since you ate ?
Jan Di put her hands on her tummy, saying with a weak voice she was fine. But Ga Eul didn’t believe her ; she knew Jan Di better than anyone else, and she was very stubborn… which explained why she matched so well with Jun Pyo.
— Master ! Ga Eul called. A pumpkin porridge, please.
— Ga Eul ! Jan Di responded. I’m fine. I don’t need porridge..
— And I’m sorry, but employees can’t eat for free, Cheon Sik added, raising his hands as a sign of powerlessness.
— Then take it out of my pay, Ga Eul said with an irrefutable tone.
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— What do you mean ? He studies at Shinhwa too ?
Ga Eul’s scream resounded in the whole shop, making the salesgirl glance at her with irritation. She smiled, embarrassed, and isolated herself near the scarves and hats’shelves.
— Incognito at school, you say ? she said. That’s crazy ! Maybe it’s destiny !
— Stop talking nonsense, Jan Di answered at the other end of the line. I need you to help me. Gu Jun Pyo asked me to go eat takoyakis in Japan today.
Ga Eul smiled. That sounded exactly like Gu Jun Pyo, doing stuffs like this.
— That’s great, you need to eat, she advised. And Japan would be a great vacation for you !
The young women heard Jan Di sigh.
— I can afford going everywhere, and I don’t want to go everywhere all the time for free ! she protested. So I… said it was your birthday today and … that I would sleep at your place.
Ga Eul’s eyes widened.
— W…What ? But it’s not my birthday ?
— I know, I know ! Jan Di interrupted, irritated. I don’t think you have problems with F4, but just in case, I need you to cover for me. I will be at Group 7 studio, as an assistant. I’m hanging up !
— Wait Jan…
But Ga Eul had no time to speak : Jan Di had ended the call. She let her arm drop and sighed. Jan Di didn’t know but she does have problems with the F4. One of them in particular, who seemed to enjoy playing with her like a puppy. But Ga Eul still wasn’t ready to let go, although she wasn’t very sure why.
Her eyes stopped on a pair of grey mitts, as she felt her heart skipping a beat and her thoughts wandering. If chocolates were obviously too common for him, maybe this would be better ? Besides he was working with clay, so he had to take care of his hands. Keeping them from the cold.
— I’d like this, please, she said to the saleslady
The woman bowed politely.
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Fortunately, he wasn’t in his studio. Ga Eul felt relieved, not thinking she would be able to talk to him face to face with a new gift. Last time had been particularly embarassing.
Come on, she said to herself, don’t just stand here like an idiot.
She was so focused on the door and her inner feelings she didn’t see Yi Jeong coming. As soon as he noticed her, he hid behind one of the brick walls. Ga Eul finally gathered the courage to move and put the package in front of his door. This would be much better than just standing like a stupid girl and risking another humiliation.
As soon as she did it, she quickly went back. Without noticing Yi Jeong looking at her, mid-annoyed, mid-moved.
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— Do you know you’ll only have two days off left after that ? Cheon Sik warned her.
— Master, Ga Eul reassured him. I will work hard in the future, I promise !
But she could still see he was annoyed by this.
— Aish… can’t you take another afternoon off ? he insisted.
Ga Eul did her best not to roll her eyes. Cheon Sik sighed in front of his stubborn employee, and willy-nilly gave her her month pay. Ga Eul pouted, seeing how much she earned. It wasn’t a lot, but she will have to go with it.
— I have two deliveries, and now you’re leaving me high and dry, Cheon Sik sighed in an obvious attempt to make her feel guilty. You know more than anyone that warm porridge is better ! Aish… you girls surely don’t know the meaning of hard work, eh ?
Ga Eul quickly went out before he could make her feel any more guilty. When it came to porridge, Master could sing its praises for hours. The young woman wondered if this would be enough to pay the rent, supposing her father didn’t drink too many soju bottles this month.
Definetely, today was a sad day, between her bad thoughts and Yi Jeong. What was she keeping hurting herself like that ? Ga Eul asked herself. She had no idea. That was the last time, she promised. Then, she just needed to be strong, protect herself, and act like nothing was bothering her. Even if that seemed quite impossible at the moment.
Suddenly, something moved into her field of view. A box someone was handing over her. Surprised, Ga Eul turned her head, ready to say it was certainly a mistake. Her eyes met Yi Jeong’s.
— Happy Birthday ! he said. I heard it was your birthday today.
Ga Eul was so shocked to see him that all she could say was :
— What ?
What the hell was he talking about ? It wasn’t her birthday today. Yi Jeong lowered his arm.
— Oh ? It’s not today ? he asked, surprised.
Ga Eul blinked several times, before reminding her conversation with Jan Di. Shoot ! Jan Di said she wouldn’t have any problems. It was certainly Jun Pyo sending Yi Jeong. But today, Ga Eul wasn’t ready to have a little time alone with him.
Jan Di will hear about her !
— Ah…ah yes ! Ga Eul finally answered in a weird high-pitched voice. Of course ! It’s… Thank you !
She mecanically bowed. Yi Jeong put the cake and the flowers in her arms, before immediately inquiring :
— Shall we spend the day together ?
He seemed ready to grab her hand dragging her God knows where, as usual, but for once, Ga Eul stepped back quickly.
— I’m sorry, I can’t today, she dropped. I already have something planned…
— Oh ?
He seemed surprised. Ga Eul stammered a bit but sill managed to say :
— I can’t cancel my plans.
— Ga Eul-yang, aren’t you being rude ? Yi Jeong inquired. Someone offering you a cake and flowers for your birthday, you should at least thank them properly.
That was it. The F4 playboy who couldn’t stand being stood up. Who always had things his way. Ga Eul could feel his hand slowly moving, trying to grab her wrist to drag her God knows where. No ! Not this time ! She took a deep breath and bowed :
— I’m sorry, Sunbae. I’m grateful for your kindness and your gifts.
He smiled and tried to grab her hand… but Ga Eul stepped back once again. She saw his smile fading into a confused expression.
— I will make it up to you, I promise ! But today, I really need to go somewhere. Please excuse me.
And after one final quick bow, she left him before he could retort anything. Almost running away. Yi Jeong shook his head and sighed. That girl was really something. No one ever refused a date with him. What could bring her to turn down such an opportunity ? She gave him a gift, didn’t she like him ? And the worst of all, it was extremely embarrassing having someone turning you down in public.
— Ah… so embarassing, he sighed for himself. Jun Pyo, you liar, you’re dead next time I see you.
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Jan Di was hanging a coat on the clothes rack when she heard footsteps.
— They told me I’d find you here.
— Ga Eul !
Jan Di looked at her best friend coming in the fitting room, before putting down a package and a flower bouquet on the table.
— What are you doing here ? Jan Di asked, confused.
— I came to see how you’re doing.
Jan Di glanced at the package and smiled.
— And you brought me flowers and a cake ?
Ga Eul followed her gaze before scoffing.
— Those are my « birthday » gifts… Because of you, I just spent an embarrassing moment with Yi Jeong-sunbae !
— Yi Jeong-sunbae ? Jan Di repeated, blinking with confusion. What did he want ?
Although she seemed pretty upset, Ga Eul dismissed her question :
— Forget it.
Jan Di pouted.
— But… what are you doing here anyway, Ga Eul ?
— I was worried about you, her friend confessed. I wanted to see how you were doing.
And she was curious about this Ha Jae guy too. Jan Di smiled.
— I’m sorry for making you worry.
— I don’t want you to collapse on the street because you did too much. And that sounds pretty much like you.
Deep inside her, Jan Di knew Ga Eul would forgive her. She was her best friend anyway. Ans she even helped her fold the clothes.
Later, the photographer and Ha Je’s agent went in the dressing room. Ha Je came too, and stared at Jan Di re-arranging the clothes on the ground. There was another girl he identified as Ga Eul, her friend.
— You… ! the photograph said, pointing at Ga Eul, you’re not part of the crew.
As soon as Ha Jae saw the look of sadness on Jan Di’s face, he knew he had to interfere. Making this Ga Eul girl stay would earn him points for the rest of his plan for Jan Di.
— It’s okay, he told his photographer. I told her to come here too… Here, Hyung, take a picture of us, he said with joyful voice.
The photographer did it, not even noticing the shocked expression of Jan Di when he hugged her without a warning. Ga Eul was shocked at his boldness but couldn’t bring herself to say anything. Maybe that was how guys were doing it.
— It’s not a bad picture, the photograph said, checking his camera.
Ga Eul couldn’t help but smile at Jan Di. She was amused that Ha Jae was pretending Jan Di was his girlfriend. And now, they wanted Jan Di as a model ! How lucky she was !
But Jan Di was sceptique. Ha Jae whispered to her ear how much she would earn for modeling.
— Really ? Jan Di whispered. This much ?
She was shocked.
— Give it a try, Ga Eul encouraged her. I’m sure you’ll do well.
Jan Di glanced at her best friend who nodded with a warm smile.
— Will I be okay ? Jan Di asked.
— No problem at all, the protographer assured.
Ga Eul could feel Jan Di wasn’t very sure, so she added :
— Come on, Jan Di. They haven’t got a female model. He’s a professional… trust him.
— Excellent, Ha Jae approved, standing up. You can get changed in room 2. We’ll get you ready.
Jan Di slowly stood up and went out, accompagnied by the photographer, who was giving instructions about the clothes and make-up she would be wearing for the photoshoot, leaving Ha Jae alone with Ga Eul.
— You seem to be Jan Di’s best friend, he noticed.
— Ah… yes, I’m Ga Eul, the youg woman introduced herself while bowing down. I’m sorry for coming here unnanounced.
— Well you did make your presence necessary.
— I… What ? Ga Eul hesitated.
— I’m not sure Jan Di would have accepeted to model if you weren’t here to encourage her, Ha Jae replied, looking at her from head to toe. Thank you for that.
— Ah…yes…
Ga Eul wasn’t sure on how to acta round Ha Jae. He wasn’t the friendly type, but even though he wasn’t cold and distant, there was something off in the way he was speaking. He looked over her shoulder and noticed the cake and flowers she put on the make-up table.
— Are you one of my fans ? he asked, raising one eyebrow.
— Ah…it’s just a birthday gift I got before I came here…, Ga Eul replied.
— A gift from one of the F4 ?
Curious question, Ga Eul thought. But Jan Di had told her Ha Jae was studying at Shinwa. Surely he knew all about the F4.
— Y…yes, she said, not sure about why he was asking such a question.
Ha Jae was staring at the gifts. The F4 would never offer gifts. They were always receiving them. But if that Chu Ga Eul girl was estimated by one of the F4, the nit was a golden opportunity for his plan.
— Ga Eul, he said, suddenly dropping the honorifics, have you ever thought of modeling ?
— What ?
— We’re still looking for a female partner for my colleague, Hyun Byeon, for the bonus edition. This needs to be send to the marketing department tomorrow, unfortunately, the board didn’t approve the last photoshoot. We’re on short time notice and we have no female model. Maybe it’s a sign that you came.
The opportunity was more than interesting, but Ga Eul wasn’t sure she was ready for it.
— I’m not sure…, she confessed.
Ha Jae didn’t seem at all empathetic about her confusion.
— Try to model today, he said, Hyun Byeon’s manager will agree to it… he’s quite desperate, right ?
He went out for a minute and came back with another man who glared at Ga Eul from head to toe, making her feel uncomfortable.
— Um… yeah she’s cute… Maybe if she was wearing more revealing clothes… something sexy… and doing something about those hair. We can try… we need those pictures for tomorrow anyway.
And before Ga Eul could even give a proper thought about it, she was pushed in another fitting room.
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Hyun Byeon was a young and handsome guy, very muscular and sympathetic. Ga Eul felt so tiny next to him… but much to her surprise, he was naturally charismatic and knew how to put everyone at ease around him.
They were shooting in another studio.
— Stand closer, please, you’re lovers, the photographer said for the tenth time.
But Ga Eul never stood so close to a man… not even a playboy like Yi Jeong who, from time to time, didn’t know how to respect her personal space. Hyun Byeon noticed her discomfort.
— You must be a new model, he said.
— Sorry…
Ga Eul felt stupid and like a burden, wasting everyone’s time. But no matter how much effort she put into it, she just felt too shy.
— Just relax and let me handle this, he advised her.
He took her hand and before she could say anything, he said :
— Dance usually make people relax. They forget about the camera. Follow my lead. Imagine I’m someone you trust.
He spun her around and starting dacing with her in a dance between the waltz and the tango. Ga Eul was stiff but eventually relaxed. She returned Hyeon Byeon’s smile and the photographer commented :
— That’s good, keep going, you two !
— You’re doing good, Ga Eul, Hyun Byeon whispered in her ear.
Ga Eul blinked. Imagine I’m someone you trust. Her father ? Master, to some extent ? She tried, but only one face was dancing in front of her eyes.
It’s like Yi Jeong was holding her and dancing with her, with that smirk that could make her melt. Without even noticing, Ga Eul got closer to him, wanting to feel every part of him and locked her gaze in his. She realized that day, when he helped her out get revenge on Su Pyo, that she would always trust him. Him who, under his mask of playboy and coldness, actually cared. The manager commented :
— Wow…such a powerful gaze she has… take the picture…quick !
But Ga Eul couldn’t even hear him. When she bent backwards, Hyun Byeon grabbed her leg and put it on his waist while she wrapped her arms around his neck. He could see she wasn’t there anymore.
— That’s it ! We got it ! You both worked hard !
Ga Eul blinked and as soon as she came back from reality. She stepped away from Hyun Byeon and bowed down while apologizing.
— Ga Eul, Hyun Byeon called her.
She raised her head and could see his eyes filled with amusement.
— I never expected to see such a side of you. Whoever you thought about is a lucky guy !
Ga Eul blushed.
— I can’t wait to see the result.
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A few days later, still nothing. Ga Eul was cleaning a table when Cheon Sik came in the restaurant, brandishing a magazine.
— Did you know about this ? Incredible !
— What are you talking about ?
Cheon Sik put the magazine on the table. It was the new edition of Group 7 Magazine, with Jan Di and Ha Jae posing on the main page… Jan Di wearing only a man’s white shirt…
— What ? But…
Hyun Byeon had told her their photos would be released first, and Jan Di and Ha Jae’s would be delayed. Which would have given Jan Di enough time to tell Jun Pyo.
— Wow… I would have been a better model that Jan Di, Master murmured with a bit of jealousy.
Ga Eul frowned. According to Cheon Sik, every magazine where Ha Jae was in first cover were all selling in one day. It was a matter of hours before Jan Di would be in trouble. Ga Eul took out her phone and tried to reach her friend.
No response.
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A few days later…
— Jan Di, I want to help you.
Her best friend freed herself slowly. Ga Eul was feeling bad for her. She didn’t know what to do. Jan Di was desperate and hurt ever since Jun Pyo rejected her and pull out the red F4 card once again. She was victimized pretty harshly at school once again.
— I’m fine, Jan Di said with a weak voice.
Ga Eul was furious against the F4. They had no right to do this. Jun Pyo was an idiot, but Yi-Jeong, Ji-Hoo and Woo Bin weren’t doing anything to stop him. They were also responsible.
— Jan Di, Ga Eul said with empathy, even if Ha Jae can protect you, I’m worried about what’s happening at school.
— Ga Eul… I’m fine. Forget it.
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A few days later…
Ga Eul dialed Jan Di’s number once more. She knew it by heart know. Ever since this morning, her friend wasn’t answering her phone and she was feeling bad for her friend, as she had been for the past few days. Surely, Jan Di would open up to her at work. But when she arrived at the porridge shop, Cheon Sik told her he hadn’t seen Jan Di all day. Ga Eul started to worry. Was the bullying at Shinhwa so bad that Jan Di was too scared to come out of her house ?
— That’s ridiculous, Cheon Sik retorted when she confided to him. Jan Di is stronger than both of us.
No… she had been fragile and depressed ever since Go Jun Pyo abandonned her. Ga Eul called at her house.
— What do you mean she’s not here ? Of course, her boss called to tell us she was hanging out with the F4. Which is a good thing for her !
Ga Eul was petrified. She mumbled.
— Ah… yes. I understand.
And she hung up before Jan Di’s mother could hear her voice shaking.
— Master, she slowly said. You never called Jan Di’s house, did you ?
— Uh ? Why would I do that ? Did something happen ?
Ga Eul took off her apron.
— Where are you going ? Ya ! Your shift isn’t over yet !
— Jan Di’s in danger ! Something happened to her !
Ga Eul’s gaze was so determined, Master couldn’t even say anything to deny it. By the time he was able to recover from the shock, Ga Eul had grabbed her coat and phone and was storming off the shop. It was time for her to go to F4’s lair, at Shinhwa.
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— Ga Eul ? Yi Jeong said, surprised to see her. What are you doing here ?
Ga Eul was on the verge of tears and he nearly stood up to get near her to comfort her.
— Please help me…, she begged them.
She sounded so desperate he turned to Woo Bin with confusion.
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Much to Ga Eul’s relief, all of the F4 reacted quickly.
— I’m going to gather my men and launch a search through town, Woo Bin said.
— Me too, Ji Hoo replied, getting on his motorbike.
Ga Eul was about to go on her way when Yi Jeong blocked her way.
— Where are you going ?
— I’m taking the bus and look to all the places where she might be.
— Let’s go together, he decided. We’ll go faster with my car.
Ga Eul nodded. Now was not the time to be difficult. Jan Di could be in danger. She didn’t get the time to fasten her seatbelt that Yi Jung had already started the car, driving past Woo Bin who stopped just in time. Ga Eul held back her tears as they took the road.
— She didn’t come to work today. And she’s not answering her phone since this morning, so I called her house…
Yi Jeong completed :
— And they told you Master had called and said she was with the F4.
— Master never made that call ! Ga Eul retorted, mi-panicked, mid-annoyed.
— I know, Yi Jeong mumbled.
He didn’t like her tone, but he could forget it because of the situation.
— What should we do ? Ga Eul said with tears on her voice. What happened to our Jan Di ? What if she had been kidnapped or something like that…
Just that thought was terrifying her.
— It would be a relief if that person was Jun Pyo, Yi Jeong replied.
Ga Eul’s eyes widened. Right, Jun Pyo wasn’t aware of Jan Di’s disappearance. Yi Jeong quickly took the left exit. Ga Eul was fidgeting.
— I don’t think so…, she slowly said. Jun Pyo hasn’t called Jan Di even since the photos were released.
Next to her, Yi Jeong sighed and couldn’t help himself but say with a bitter tone :
— Well that hasn’t exactly been a good surprise for him. Those photos.
— Jan Di was about to tell him ! Ga Eul retorted, wanting to defend her friend.
There they were, Yi Jeong thought, even in a critical situation, they couldn’t stop arguing. But it was impossible for him not to fight back this weak defense.
— Well she could have explained this before the magazine was published then.
Ga Eul scoffed at the condescending tone. He was acting like a judgemental brat when he didn’t even know the whole story. And like everytime it happened, Ga Eul made the same mistake : impulsively blurting out something she never should have said in the first place.
— She was surprised because we thought my photos would be published first !
And she regretted it imediately, covering her mouth with her hand. How could she be so stupid. Next to her, Yi Jeong’s yes had widened and there was a few seconds of silence that made her very uncomfortable.
— Your photos ? he repeated with a slow voice while turning his head to her… risking an accident. You mean… you took photos too ?
Ga Eul looked away and held a sigh. She said too much. Now she felt stupid. Yi Jeong suddenly turned in a deserted alley so abruptly Ga Eul was relieved she was wearing a seatbelt. The car stopped suddenly and Yi Jeong turned to Ga Eul. His breath was ragged and his eyes were flashing fire.
— Ga Eul, he ordered with a threatening voice. Jan Di might be in danger now… so I want to know everything. Now.
Ga Eul felt she had no choice. When Yi Jeong saw her closing her eyes, as if she wanted to escape this reality, he felt cold shivers. It was only because Jan Di could be in danger. That was it. Not because if Jan Di’s photos were so sexy, then Ga Eul’s could also be the same. Or because other men could watch this photo and then…
— Ga Eul ! he shouted.
She opened her eyes.
— It wasn’t my birthday that day, she finally said. Jan Di asked me to cover for her.
Yi Jeong frowned. He should have known. A girl offerring him grey mitts wouldn’t have turned down a date with him for a good reason.
— I went to see her at the studio that day, Ga Eul went on, and they asked me to model with Hyun Byeon Oppa. They had no female model.
« Oppa » ? How could she just call anyone Oppa ? What a naive girl ! She was calling that guy Gong Su Pyo Oppa even when he was a total jerk.
— Jan Di’s photos were supposed to be published later ! I don’t know why they changed the schedule. Jan Di just wanted to earn some money.
Yi Jeong sighed and lowered his head.
— What about you ?
Ga Eul turned to him.
— What ?
— Jan Di had a reason to do this, but what’s your excuse ?
Ga Eul felt shivers. Was he really asking her this question with an accusatory tone ?
— I… I didn’t ask for it ! she protested. Ha Jae Oppa just told me they needed me.
— It doesn’t matter, Yi Jeong retorted, when they ask two average commoners to take the place of renowned models, you should have known there was something wrong !
Ga Eul froze in shock. She couldn’t believe it. How dare he raise that subject right now ? They were about to have another fight when Yi Jeong’s phone rang.
— Woo Bin ? he said.
— I’m at Jun Pyo’s house. Come with me.
— I’m on my way.
Ga Eul unfastened her seatbelt. She didn’t want to spend time with Yi Jeong right now.
— I’m going to look for Jan Di. Please tell me if you’ve found her.
— Ga Eul, Yi Jeong called.
She stopped but didn’t look at him.
— Don’t think because you’re hanging with the F4 that you can do everything. Modeling ? Don’t make me laugh.
Ga Eul turned to him, her eyes full of anger but didn’t say anything. Yi Jeong sighed. He was aware he had hurt her, but what else could he do ? His mind were imagining Ga Eul in that white shirt, her long legs being caressed by some other jerks… What idiot ! How could she be so naive ?
He sighed, started up and speed away.
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A few hours later, Yi Jeong was leaning on the wall of the hospital, trying to ignore Jun Pyo’s rant when the nurses were stopping him from disturbing Jan Di’s rest. They gave him a calming medecine and everything went back to normal.
Woo Bin was speaking with his men on the phone and told him :
— The warehouse is clean. It’s like nothing happened.
Ji Hoo and Yi Jeong nodded. They weren’t expecting less from Woo Bin. It was then that they heard footsteps and Ga Eul appeared at the end of the corridor.
— Where is Jan Di ? she asked imediately.
Ji Hoo pointed at the corridor that led to the VIP rooms.
— Room 371, he told her.
Ga Eul nodded and went in the corridor. Woo Bin and Ji Hoo both glanced at Yi Jeong. The latter felt they were looking at him and lift his gaze. When he stared at her, he instantly understood what they were asking of him.
— Forget it, he said. I’m not baby-sitting and I’m not telling her the whole story myself. You guys do it !
His reply was followed by… a tense silence.
One minute passed…
Then two…
Yi Jeong sighed.
— Fine ! I get it !
And he went in the corridor as well.
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Seeing that Jan Di was still sleeping, Ga Eul had stepped out of the room quietly. Those VIP rooms sure seemed expensive
— Oh… ? Ga Eul, right ?
The young woman raised her head and recognized the familiar silhouette in front of her.
— Hyun Byeon Oppa…, she said.
It was weird seeing him here.
— What are you doing here ?
— My father is in this room, the model explained. I wanted to come sooner, but my manager won’t let me, so I slipped out at night.
— Ah…, Ga Eul said.
It was a good thing that he was here.
He offered her a drink he had brought and she accepted it. They both used the backdoor to the little terrace the patients were usually using to smoke, which was desert at 3AM. Ga Eul asked him if he knew why their photos weren’t published.
— I had a call earlier that someone bought the rights of all our pictures from the agency. Which means we won’t be published.
He sighed at the thought and took a sip of his banana milk. Ga Eul didn’t know what to say. Hyun Byeon seemed upset. He scoffed.
— It’s the second time it has happened. It’s like I’m not getting recognition for my work. If it keeps happening, I won’t get contracts and won’t be able to pay for my father’s surgery.
Ga Eul glanced at him with empathy.
— Sorry for unburdening myself to you like this, Hyun Byeon said. I haven’t had the time to rest lately.
— It’s okay, Ga Eul politely said.
In a way, ever since her altercation with Yi Jeong, she was glad the photos weren’t published. Speaking of the devil, she didn’t notice him glancing at them from the other side of the corridor.
— I better get going, Ga Eul said, standing up.
— Hey, give me your number ! Hyun Byeon suddenly said.
— What… ? Why… ?
— Well, my manager really liked our photoshoot, he thinks I might have more contracts if we get to shoot together again.
Ga Eul didn’t know how to tell him that she wasn’t sure she wanted to model again. But being too polite, she handed him her phone. After all, she could be in contact with him and slowly decline his offer by message.
She didn’t feel Yi Jeong’s piercing gaze as they exchanged numbers. When she went back in the corridor, she froze as she saw Yi Jeong. He was standing in the middle of the corridor, staring at her with a strange expression. As if he seemed upset.
Ga Eul lowered her gaze and started walking past him. Yi Jeong glanced at the terrace where Hyun Byeon was still drinking, then looked at Ga Eul over his shoulders.
— I’ll take you home. It’s late.
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— Are the doctors optimists, then ?
Ga Eul was horrified when Yi Jeong told her about Jan Di. Breaking a chair on her back was just…
— She’s young, there’s still a chance that she makes it in one piece…
— I’m glad she’s been found, Ga Eul sighed. Who knew Ha Jae would be… so cruel.
— That’s our reality, Yi Jeong retorted, still thinking about that guy she was with. Don’t trust anyone.
— He gave the job to Jan Di to get to Jun Pyo, Ga Eul thought out loud, but it doesn’t explain why he did for me.
But for Yi Jeong, it was crystal clear.
— We’re here, he said, stopping in front of her house.
— Thank you for the ride, Ga Eul said, bowing down to him.
She got out of the car before he could say anything. Yi Jeong then realized that, in the hurry of getting to the hospital, she didn’t even bother to put on decent clothes and was actually wearing pyjama pants under her coat.
He couldn’t help but let out a little laugh as she went inside. Laugh that faded quickly. He was the reason why Ha Jae targeted her. He wanted to hit two birds with one stone : Jun Pyo through Jan Di, and him through Ga Eul. Thank God she didn’t get kidnapped too.
His phone rang. One of his minions left him a message.
I left it at your studio.
.
.
.
The day after…
Yi Jeong was trying out this new tea cup he just made. Perfect, as usual. Woo Bin had called him
— Everything had been settled. Jun Pyo said we should all go skiing to forget this. You have one hour to pack.
Yi Jeong laughed.
— Let me guess, he didn’t tell Jan Di and I have to find a reason to drag Ga Eul along ?
— Ji Hoo will take care of Jan Di and Ga Eul will follow her. Just come !
Yi Jeong hung up the phone and put it on the table next to a white enveloppe his minion left at his studio. The agency didn’t think twice when he offered an insane amount of money to get them.
He opened it and took out the pictures. Ga Eul was wearing an evening gown that highlighted her long legs. Her hair was as smooth as silk and her face was glowing. She was gorgeous. Yi Jeong took a sip as he studies the picture of her and Hyun Byeon, especially the last one when they were in each other’s arms.
He smashed the teacup on the table, spilling the jasmine tea. He always thought Ga Eul as a shy girl, but she seemed perfectly fine with her leg around Hyun Byeon’s waist. How could such a photo be approved ? This was indecent. And proof the studio was indeed taking advantage of her. Such a photo could ruin a model’s career.
Yi Jeong slowly tore apart every single picture.
How could she look at someone this way ? What did she think about ? Who did she think about to have such an expression.
The pottery kiln was still burning. Yi Jeong burned every pieces of the photos and watched Ga Eul’s smile be consumed in the flames.
He would never admit it, but he wished she could look at him the way she looked at that jerk of Hyun Byeon.