A.N.: Hi lovely people. How are you? Thanks for the support for BGDC. Really appreciate it. J Take care and have a good day all.
Special thanks to Cari-Bum for the suggestion of the song "Always" by Jon Bon Jovi. Besos y abrazos. The lyrics are in italic bold.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters and the song.
The suave cool So Yi Jeong entered the F4 lounge in his usual crisp expensive suit. He came back three days ago for a week long break. His grandfather wanted to further discuss an upcoming exhibition and auction to be held at their Museum nine months from now. It was going to be the first ever showcase of the three generations of So's exquisite fine crafts and pottery. The art society, local and international, had been eagerly anticipating for it since the news was announced late last year. It promised a magnificent event.
Woo Bin was having a game of pool with Jun Pyo while Ji Hoo was playing his guitar on the sofa. Yi Jeong went straight to the bar and poured a glass of red wine. He then went to join Ji Hoo.
"How's it going with your discussion?" The quietest member of the F4 asked Yi Jeong without lifting his eyes from his guitar.
"Good. So far everything goes as planned. We managed to get a number of big corporate for sponsorship. Appa is handling the insurance and security. Ah. Woo Bin." Yi Jeong turned his body a little as he addressed the Mafia Prince.
"Yo." Woo Bin paused for a while and looked up at him.
"I need your men too. You know, just for extra precaution, like always."
"OK. Consider it done." Woo Bin then continued with his game. He hooted when the ball sank into a hole.
"Are invitations out already?" Jun Pyo put down his stick and went to the bar to fix a drink.
"What? Bro? Where are you going? We're not done here. The game's not finished yet."
"Nah! I'm bored." With five long strides, Jun Pyo was already seated next to Ji Hoo.
"What? Come on Jun Pyo! I'm just a shot to winning." Woo Bin threw his hands up as he was still unsatisfied.
"Exactly," replied the Shinhwa heir, causing Yi Jeong to snicker and Ji Hoo chuckling softly. It was so Jun Pyo, never one who liked to lose.
Woo Bin had no choice but to join his fellow F3.
"How many pieces are going to the auction? What about the media?" Ji Hoo continued with his questions.
"Right now it's 12, four from each of us. But you know Harabeoji. He can change his mind in a second. My assistant's handling the media. See En En has agreed to do a live telecast during the opening."
The F3 all nodded. Everything sounded to be going on well.
"I still can't believe that you are doing this. How do you work with Uncle Hyun Sub?" Jun Pyo was always the one who spoke his mind out loud.
Yi Jeong froze momentarily before he straightened his back. "I know. As much as I don't want to be near him, I do believe that this event is one of his best ideas for our Museum and art. None of the museums in Asia has done it before. Well of course. We're the only unique museum with three generations of potters as the owners. It's also going to be like a comeback for Appa while people need to be reminded of Harabeoji's work. Harabeoji's last solo exhibition was 20 years ago? We got to make this event a success. So I have to be professional." Yi Jeong shrugged his shoulders.
The F3 were silent. They knew well about Yi Jeong's relationship with his father. He had mastered the art of avoiding his father since he hit puberty. He hated the man for mistreating his mother and that his infidelity drove her insane. Her suicidal episodes and her constant begging for Yi Jeong to spy on his father exhausted him. Yi Jeong's notorious playboy reputation now too, was somewhat a result of that hatred. If it wasn't for the museum and his mother, Yi Jeong would never want to see his father ever.
Yi Jeong needed to stir away from talking about the elder So. It was always a sore subject.
"Hey guys, do you know where Ga Eul is?" Yi Jeong played with his handphone.
Woo Bin, Ji Hoo, and Jun Pyo exchanged looks. Jun Pyo rolled his eyes.
Woo Bin turned to look at the Casanova. "No. I don't. Why do you ask?"
"I went to her place last night and earlier but she was not there. Is she busy with her study and volunteer work? Do you know?"
"No." "Sorry, I don't know." "Nope." The F3 answered simultaneously.
Yi Jeong frowned. They don't know? When was the last time these guys met her? Where could she be?
"Jun Pyo, can you call Jan Di and ask her where Ga Eul is?" Yi Jeong instructed the Shinhwa Heir nonchalantly.
"What? Why should I? Why don't you call Ga Eul yourself? I don't want to disturb Jan Di. She's busy with her study. She'll get mad at me if I call her now." Jun Pyo had his voice slightly raised, surprising Woo Bin and Ji Hoo.
"Whoa! What's with tone? You could just say no. Jeez!" Yi Jeong was also taken aback by his best friend's reaction. He rolled his eyes.
"Yes, Yi Jeong. Have you tried calling her? Or sent a text message?" Ji Hoo observed the Casanova over his cup of Earl Grey tea.
"No. I haven't. I never call or text her. I just go to her place. She's always there." His forehead frowned.
"Why don't you call her now?" Ji Hoo further suggested. Woo Bin and Jun Pyo fixed their gaze on the Casanova.
"No. That's OK. I'll go again tomorrow. I'm hitting this new club at Gangnam later. Word is, it's more happening that yours, Woo Bin, many more hot sexy girls. Do you know? Let's go check it out."
"Yi Jeong." Ji Hoo spoke before Woo Bin could answer his clubbing twin. Ji Hoo then carefully put his cup down.
"Yes?"
"What is it, really, between you and Ga Eul?"
The question rendered Yi Jeong speechless for a minute. He never expected the question from his best friends. He eyed Ji Hoo, then Woo Bin and Jun Pyo before turning his attention back to Ji Hoo.
"What do you mean Ji Hoo? We're friends. You know that. You all do."
"Friends? Just friends? Tsk. Friends with benefits are more like it." Corrected Jun Pyo, making Yi Jeong snapped his head toward him.
"Hey! Watch it Jun Pyo. I don't like that tone of yours." Yi Jeong sat straight, eyebrows knitted and eyes glared at Jun Pyo.
"What? It's true, isn't it? I thought that after all these times that you and she sle… that you two are together you would have at least some feelings for her."
"Yes, I do as a matter of fact. I do like her a lot. I've told you that before. And what I did with her is none of your business. We are consent adults. She understands how and what it is between us and she's not complaining. Then why should you? Did Jan Di make you say this? I know that she doesn't like me seeing Ga Eul. Tell her to stop meddling in Ga Eul's business, best friend or not."
Yi Jeong felt his temper rising. He could not believe that Jun Pyo had the gut to question him about it. He had told them more than a year ago about his relationship with Ga Eul. He had made it clear to them that it was an open relationship. He was free to go to any other women, and so was she.
"Yah! Don't drag Jan Di into this." Jun Pyo too was getting mad. What he said earlier was from his own observations and opinion. Even though he was not close to Ga Eul, he felt that Yi Jeong was being cruel and unfair to her.
Ga Eul sometimes joined his dates with Jan Di upon Jan Di's requests. He could see glints of sadness and jealousy in Ga Eul's eyes whenever he and Jan Di teased each other, goofed around or even bickered. He could tell that his girlfriend's best friend missed Yi Jeong, the So Yi Jeong who never kept in touch with her when he was in Sweden. However, when he came back for his holidays, Yi Jeong would always go to her and she would be the happiest girl.
Both of them puzzled Jun Pyo greatly. How could a man treat a girl like that? Yi Jeong brought Ga Eul expensive gifts and they acted like a married couple, but at the same time, he still lived his wild nightlife. And she? How could she allow herself to be in this kind of relationship? Did she not love him? How could she let the man of her life sleep with random women, and allow him to come to her anytime his heart desired and his body lusted? Was she human? Did she not have a heart? Jun Pyo could not understand why.
Feeling the rising heat around them, Woo Bin put a hand on Yi Jeong's shoulder while Ji Hoo, on Jun Pyo's.
"Whoa! Chill bros," said Woo Bin.
"Yi Jeong," Ji Hoo spoke. His voice was calm.
"Who you sleep with, is none of our business. But this is Ga Eul. She's also our friend so it makes this our business because she's sad. It's been more than two years now. You go to her every time you come back, as you please. You bring her presents. How do you think a girl like her would feel like with all these attention? But you sleep with other women too. And when you are in Sweden, you ignored her. You leave her without any news. We all know that she loves you. If you keep doing this, you are just hurting her and breaking her heart more. She's a nice kind girl to be treated like that, Yi Jeong."
Yi Jeong kept quiet. He was still trying to steady his accelerated heart rates from Jun Pyo's words. Now with Ji Hoo's, it was a futile effort.
"What does that tell you, Yi Jeong? Yes, you said that you like her a lot. But you are also hurting her. We don't hurt people whom we like, Yi Jeong. She might not say it out loud to you or to us, but we can tell that she is burying her sorrow deep. We can see it in her eyes. Can't you?"
"I've told …" Yi Jeong interrupted.
Ji Hoo quickly cut him off. "We know. You said that this is an open relationship between the both of you. But she is loyal. There is no one but you. You're her only one and you know this about her. Don't you think that you are taking advantage of her love for you? Have you ever thought about her feelings? Have you tried looking into her eyes and heart? But Yi Jeong, more importantly, have you tried looking into your heart and see if there is any chance that your feelings for her are more than like her a lot? What does your heart tell you?"
Yi Jeong roughly brushed Woo Bin's hand off from his shoulder and stood up. His face was as red as a tomato.
"What the hell is this? An analysis of my heart? Her heart? Some kind of intervention? Giving me a lecture on love? What are you people now? Dr. Love? Why are you all so concerned about her? Did she tell you all these? So you think I'm taking advantage of her? How is that so when she has no problem with how we are? And I like her a lot. Shouldn't that be enough?"
Yi Jeong was beyond angry. He came to the lounge to hang out with his buddies but this was what he had to hear.
"I will tell you again, and this is the last time. She understands what she's into and she doesn't complain. She is fine with this arrangement. So please mind your own business!"
Yi Jeong then stormed out of the lounge, slamming the door as hard as he could.
"Yi Jeong!" "So Yi Jeong!" "Yo! Bro!"
The F3 could only shake their head. Yi Jeong was definitely a stubborn arrogant man.
A woman dressed in a glittery gold tube and a very short skirt on his left side pressed her upper body onto him and had her hand under his shirt roaming the broad chest. Another equally skimpy dressed woman on his right was sloppily kissing his neck. His head leaned back, tilted up and his eyes closed. His hands, each, were around the two's shoulders. The music in the night club was deafening; the air reeked of alcohol and fouled with cigarette smoke. On the table in front of them, bottles of alcohol of all sizes and brands scattered. They were in F4's private booth up on the first floor of a nightclub.
So Yi Jeong was trying to cool off his anger. He was trying to forget about what happened earlier and also about a certain girl.
However, his mind kept replaying Ji Hoo's and Jun Pyo's words. How could they? How dare they? Since when did they decide to meddle in his relationship with Ga Eul? They were alright when he first told them about Ga Eul and him over a year ago. They did not show any sign of disapproval back then. So why bother now? Why the concern now? Did Ga Eul tell them about her feelings? Since when did they become close to Ga Eul? Since when did Ga Eul easily talk to them about their relationship?
Why did Ga Eul not tell him about her feelings? Was she not happy with him anymore? He brought her gifts, big and small, and flowers of her favorites. He had learned by heart her look of excitement and elation from the gifts. But were they not enough? What more did she want?
Was she unsatisfied with their lovemaking? He was the Casanova, the playboy. All his other conquests never once complained. If his eyes did not lie, he believed that her beautiful pleasured rosy face each time they were together was proof that she enjoyed and loved it. And how he loved that glow on her lovely face. What was it Ga Eul that you want from me?
Ga Eul. Ga Eul. Ga Eul. Where is my sweet Ga Eul? Where are you, Ga Eul?
His thoughts were disrupted when he felt two hands over that place that gave him ecstasy. He moaned in pleasure and let lust took control right there and then, all the while seeing her face and imagining that he was with her, his gentle beautiful yet feisty Ga Eul.
So Yi Jeong waited in front of Ga Eul's apartment. He had rung her buzzer for he did not know how many times. There was no sign of Ga Eul. Where could she be? His expensive watch showed that it was half-past 10 in the evening. Has she not come back from her work? He had to see her. He was flying back to Sweden the first thing tomorrow morning. He decided to wait for another fifteen minutes but she did not come home.
Three months later he was in front of her apartment again. This time, it was in the afternoon. There was still no answer. He was getting restless and worried. Is Ga Eul alright? Did something happen to her? Is she still at work? Or is she at the university? Right! She must be at her university. It's her last semester. Yes. She must be at her university, studying. Why haven't I thought about it before? How silly of me. I'll just go there and surprise her.
He was about to walk to the elevator when a door next to her apartment opened. A lady about the age of her mother peeked her head out. "Excuse me, Sir." He quickly turned to look at her. Her eyes widened as she saw who he was. "So Yi Jeong." He saw her mouthed his name and gave her his best smile.
"Yes, Ahjumma." He spoke with his charming voice.
"Emm. Emm. Are you looking for Ga Eul-shii?" she asked. Her face was now blushing pink.
"Yes, I am, Ahjumma. Have you seen her?"
"Ga Eul-shii does not live here anymore."
Yi Jeong froze. What? "May I ask since when?" His smile disappeared.
"She moved out about six months ago."
"Do you know where to?" His voice sounded hopeful.
"No, I don't. Sorry."
Yi Jeong felt like big boulders were dumped onto his shoulders and his heart stung.
"Oh… thank you Ahjumma. Good day." His voice, low and down.
The lady said "You are welcome. Good day," and watched him walked slowly to the elevator. He wore a perplexed look.
Where are you, Ga Eul? Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't the guys tell me?
Wait. He and the guys were not really on talking terms since that 'intervention' day. It had become awkward between him and them. Well actually, more on his part though. They tried to talk to him and sent him messages and video messages. However, he ignored them most of the times. He was still angry at them.
Yi Jeong sighed heavily and decided to look for Ga Eul at her university.
"What on earth?" Yi Jeong nearly threw his newly bought handphone to the ground. He had swiped the green call button for Ga Eul's number for the twentieth time. Each time, the annoying recorded lady operator's voice said the same thing. Her number was not in service.
He had scoured the library at her university and even went to her faculty office to get her class schedule, much to the surprise of every staff there. But she could not be found. She had only two classes today, but they were this morning. He then tried to recall what Ga Eul told him about her volunteer work. It was at a hospital but he could not remember which. He should have paid more attention to her stories rather than to her addictive soft warm body and kisses.
Ga Eul, where are you? Please call me.
"Yi Jeong, this handbag is beautiful. I want it, please?"
The lady fluttered her false eyelashes and gave him a French kiss. One hand held his arm and another gripped tight on the short strap of the branded medium-sized sequined handbag. They were in a well-known boutique in Seoul's high-end shopping mall.
Yi Jeong smiled and gave the salesperson his platinum credit card. His lady companion squealed in delight and planted a kiss on his cheek.
They wandered along the squeaky clean corridor of that third floor, arm-in-arm. When a pair of sexy five-inch strappy heels or a beautiful dress caught the lady's eyes, they went in and came out with another bag or two added to the already many in his hands.
They were about to enter another shop when suddenly Yi Jeong stopped. His eyes caught sight of someone about 40 meters away. That someone was walking next to a tall guy. They were coming towards his direction but they did not notice him for they were engrossed in conversations. Laughter occasionally broke between them. The guy had his hand on her forearm as they laughed. Yi Jeong's eyes went wide.
"Ga Eul…"
He dropped the bags and hurriedly left his lady companion and headed straight towards Ga Eul. The lady cried out his name but he did not hear her. He was focused on getting to HIS Ga Eul. Who does the man think he is, going out with MY Ga Eul and touching her?
"Ga Eul!"
He saw her instantly froze. Her friend (he told himself so) stopped too.
"Ga Eul!
He was already in front of her. Her eyes wide opened and jaw dropped. He then noticed a lone tear at the brim of her eye.
"It's been a while, Ga Eul. Where have you been, beautiful?" He gave her his most charming smile.
Ga Eul was still unmoving. Her friend looked at her and at him, trying to figure out what was going on, but Yi Jeong ignored him. He will deal with this guy afterward. Right now he had eyes only on her.
God, she's gorgeous. Her black sleeveless dress with a bow on the left shoulder made her look sexy. The dress stopped at mid-thigh. She too had her hair swept to the right side of that long smooth neck leaving the other side exposed …for my kisses… Her red luscious lips that he missed so much caught his eyes next. He wanted to grab and kiss her until her knees weaken but he had to control his desire. He brought a hand up to tuck a loose hair behind her ears. However, before he could touch her, a hand roughly shoved off his.
"Don't touch her!" The friend warned and pulled her closer to him and protectively put his arm around her shoulder.
What? How dare this man? Doesn't he know who I am? How dare he touch my Ga Eul? His blood boiled. Before Yi Jeong could do anything, his lady companion came to his side and wrapped her hands around his waist. What the hell?
"Yi Jeong. Why did you leave me?" She then looked at Ga Eul and her friend up and down. Her face showed disgust. "Who are these rude commoners, baby? Urghhh! Why does the security let just anybody comes in? Don't they have standards here?" Her mocking voice irritated Yi Jeong.
"Sang Bum, let's go home. There's nothing good here." Ga Eul finally spoke. Her sweet voice that was missing from his life soothed Yi Jeong's heart but pricked at the same time. Nothing good? Whom are you referring to, Ga Eul? Home? Are you together? Are you lovers? Yi Jeong felt his heart further clenched.
She turned around and the Sang Bum guy held her shoulders to lead the way. Yi Jeong was left unmoved. A few moments later he unwound his lady's hands from his waist and started to run towards Ga Eul and the guy.
"Ga Eul! Wait!" He called her name in desperation, but she did not stop, rather her pace quickened.
However, he was faster. He managed to grab hold of her wrist and yanked it backward. She flinched and was forced to face him.
"Let go of me. You're hurting me." She cried out.
Immediately a punch landed on Yi Jeong's cheek. He staggered backward, yet his grip on her wrist was strong. She was pulled towards him and crashed into his body. Instinctively his other hand wrapped around her waist. She felt heavenly in his arms, her sweet scent alluring. He was intoxicated by her scent that he missed dearly.
Ga Eul struggled to break free. Her friend helped and she was back in his arms. Yi Jeong touched his cheek. He was lucky. There was no blood or cut, but he was surely sore. Yi Jeong wanted to kill her friend. He stepped forward, his fist ready to strike.
"Stop it So Yi Jeong! We are in public for goodness sake." Ga Eul scolded him. She had blocked him with her body. Her eyes looked all around. People had already gathered when they heard the commotion. They were murmuring things and some took out their mobile phones and tabs. This was a rare event. So Yi Jeong the Casanova getting punched and lost a girl to a commoner. It was going to go viral in a few seconds.
"Just leave me alone Yi Jeong-shii." She then grabbed the guy's arm and they quickly left.
Yi Jeong felt like lightning just struck his whole being. Did his Ga Eul call him Yi Jeong-shii? His heart ached. It was worse than the punch on his cheek. He suddenly missed her sweet voice calling him Yi Jeongie, her endearment for him especially whenever she was in the heat of their love moments.
"Ga Eul…"
Yi Jeong was in his bedroom, laid spread on his vast bed alone. He could not be bothered to take his lady companion home. He left her at the shopping mall not long after Ga Eul left and came straight back home.
Hands under his head and he stared at the white ceiling above. He did not have the mood to go out. His mind kept thinking about pretty Ga Eul.
He had come back twice in six months but could not find her. She had moved out to nobody knew where and her number was not in service. She had discontinued her number. Why Ga Eul? Why? And what luck? He had to meet her with another man and she seemed happy.
Does she not miss me? Does she not think about me? Has she forgotten about me? That guy who was with her, what is his name? Sang Bum? Bum Sang? What kind of name is that? I'm going to make sure that he gets it for punching me. He is good looking, hate to admit that. What does she see in that guy? Is he the reason why she moved out and changed her number? Who is this guy who steals my Ga Eul? Are they living together? Is he her boyfriend, her new lover? Since when? Does he pleasure her the way she likes it? Does she like his way more than mine?
"Arrggghhhh!" He let out a scream. His head felt like it was about to burst.
Stop this nonsense So Yi Jeong. Stop torturing yourself. Why are you thinking too much about her? Why waste time delving into the things that are unimportant? She is just a friend who happens to be a great playmate. She is just like your other girls. They are all the same. They are for your pleasures and pleasures only. You are Korea's Great Casanova. You don't down yourself in grief for a girl. If she doesn't want you, there are many others willing who are much more beautiful and sexier. I have also told you to stop going to her. You don't do a girl more than once, So Yi Jeong. That is against your rule. Girls like her will want more if you do that. Stop this right this instant, So Yi Jeong. Stop thinking about her. Erase her from your mind. Get up and go out. The women await. Now So Yi Jeong.
The voices in his head fought with each other. Whom should he listen to? What should he do? He shook his head and closed his eyes.
He saw her leaned against a cherry blossom tree. Her favorite flower. Her beautiful face smiling tenderly at him. Her long black mane swayed gracefully with the soft breeze. She was wearing a white knee-length dress with soft layers of thin satin. The smile never left her angelic face. Then, out of nowhere that man whom he hated the most came and took her in his arms. He kissed her deeply and she kissed him back, her arms around his waist. After they parted for air, still in each other's embrace, they turned their head to look at him. She gave him her gorgeous smile and waved at him. Yi Jeong swore that she then mouthed "Saranghae Yi Jeong my love. Good-bye." His heart skipped a beat.
Yi Jeong's eyes flew opened. He abruptly sat up. Sweats covered his forehead.
"What is this?" He put a palm over his heart. It beat fast.
He reached for the glass of water on the bedside table and finished the water in four big gulps. His heart was still racing. He glanced at the alarm clock next to the glass. It was one a.m. He had to get out. He had to talk to somebody about it. He was getting crazy.
"Yoboseyo, Woo Bin? Where are you?" He was already in his Lotus.
On the other side of the line, Woo Bin was at one of his outrageously luxurious penthouses. He just came back from one of his clubs. The penthouse was the nearest to the club. It was also his party loft.
"OK. I'll be there in 10." Woo Bin's place was 20 minutes away.
"Hey, come in." Woo Bin fist pumped Yi Jeong after he opened the door. The potter immediately went in and plopped on the leather sofa. He rubbed his temple with both hands.
"Long time no see. What's up? What's wrong?" The Mafia Prince frowned at the sight of his best friend.
"Do you have soju?" Yi Jeong spoke, eyes closed.
Woo Bin cocked his eyebrow. That was so not Yi Jeong. Since when did he drink soju? "Yeah. I'll get them. Do you want anything else?"
"No thanks."
Two minutes after, Woo Bin came with four bottles of soju, a bottle opener and a plate of peanuts.
Yi Jeong opened a bottle and took a few gulps. "Thanks, Woo Bin." He then leaned back on the sofa.
Woo Bin observed his best friend. The last time they spoke was a month ago. He called Yi Jeong to inform about the opening of his new nightclub. Yi Jeong kept his distance from the F3 these last three months. Woo Bin guessed that it was because of their 'intervention' on his relationship with Ga Eul. The Yi Jeong right now looked like a mess. His hair unkempt and he was in his t-shirt and sweat pant. It seemed like he just woke up. Woo Bin wondered what happened to the Casanova in front of him to make the man came to see him tonight.
"What's wrong Yi Jeong? Is it your Omma? Or is it the exhibition?"
"Omma's alright. Appa's been busy with the exhibition that he didn't have outings that much. That makes Omma happy, I guess. The exhibition's well on its way too."
"That's great Yi Jeong. What about you?"
"Hey, Woo Bin. I'm really sorry for being a jerk and was angry at you guys. I…"
"That's OK. I kinda understand why. So, how are you?"
"Thanks, Woo Bin. I'm… I'm OK. No. I mean, I… I don't know." He heaved a sigh.
"Tell me. Maybe I can help."
"It's… It's… It's Ga Eul..." Yi Jeong's voice trailed off as he mentioned her name. It was as if he was embarrassed to talk about her, knowing the fact that she was the same subject that made him ignored his F3.
Woo Bin fixed his attention to his best friend. Yi Jeong knew that Woo Bin was waiting for him to continue.
"I'm worried about her. She moved out from her apartment and discontinued her number. Do you know anything about it?"
"Why are you worried about her?" Instead of answering his questions, Woo Bin needed to know more.
"She's my friend, our friend. I haven't seen her or heard anything about her for six months. I mean, yeah, I never call or text her and neither she. We kind of have an unwritten rule that I'll see her at her place whenever I'm back."
"Is that all? Because she's just a friend?" Woo Bin was digging for more. It was a risk on his part. Yi Jeong might get mad again. But he needed to know the Casanova's true feelings towards this girl.
"What do you mean Woo Bin?" Yi Jeong was surprised.
"I don't know if you are a changed man Yi Jeong. Yes. Maybe Sweden changes you. But you were never this concerned and worried about a girl, or about a friend before, other than us three, of course. So again, are you worried about Ga Eul because she's a friend?"
"Well… yes, no, yes, no…"
Woo Bin cocked an eyebrow. "Which one is it Yi Jeong?"
"Arrghh! I don't know!" Yi Jeong leaned forward and covered his face with his palms. Elbows rested on his knees.
Woo Bin smiled but quickly hid it away. His best friend did feel something for this girl.
Woo Bin had been observing Yi Jeong since one of his men informed that he saw Yi Jeong came out of Ga Eul's place and kissed her. The F3 did not know that Woo Bin ordered one bodyguard for each one of them, even when Yi Jeong went to Sweden and Jun Pyo to the USA. The F3 already had their own men, but Woo Bin figured that another one of his men would be good for extra protection. He loved his F3 brothers too much.
The news shocked Woo Bin because Yi Jeong once said that he would never be in a relationship other than friends with Ga Eul. It was Woo Bin who asked first when he noticed the subtle and not so subtle glances that Yi Jeong had over Ga Eul whenever Jan Di brought the petite beautiful girl to their gatherings. Woo Bin wondered if the two were having a secret affair. Yi Jeong never failed to go to Ga Eul when he came back. Woo Bin concluded that they were in a relationship. However, he was also puzzled with Yi Jeong. His Casanova friend still frequented the clubs with him and slept with random women, here and in Sweden. It made him doubt his judgment. So he waited for the two to come out clean with their relationship. They did, a year after. It shocked the hell out of everybody. For Woo Bin, even if he was also like Yi Jeong, the Don Juan of the F4, he would not treat a girl like how Yi Jeong treated Ga Eul. Woo Bin would not do an open relationship. If he liked a girl, like really liked a girl to the extent of making her his girlfriend, he would be faithful to her. But Woo Bin could not say anything for Yi Jeong was like a time bomb. Nobody critics him without being lashed out by the young potter.
And so Woo Bin watched and observed. As time went by, he did notice that Yi Jeong was getting possessive of Ga Eul. He would tell Woo Bin about Ga Eul getting more beautiful each time he saw her, and that he did not want any men to set eyes on her. He was worried that she would attract unnecessary attention from the men when she went to work and classes. Woo Bin joked, saying that Yi Jeong should not be jealous for she too was free to date other men and that Yi Jeong should just marry Ga Eul to avoid it all if he continued to feel that way. However, Yi Jeong gave him a deadly glare and reminded him again that he was not interested in getting married. He stated that he was just voicing out his concerns about Ga Eul. Woo Bin shook his head. He did not understand Yi Jeong's way of thinking. He prayed that this best friend of his would eventually realize his true feelings for Ga Eul and stop hurting her, no matter if he loved her or not.
"Bro, is there anything else that you want to tell me?" Woo Bin's voice was tender, like a big brother to his young sibling.
"Does she have a boyfriend?" Yi Jeong said into his palms.
Woo Bin was taken aback. This was new. "What makes you ask?"
"I met her with a guy this afternoon at the shopping mall. I was with a girl and I saw her with that guy." Yi Jeong's voice was sad.
"What did you do Yi Jeong?"
Yi Jeong then relayed everything that happened. Woo Bin was quiet the whole time. Should he tell the truth about Ga Eul? How would Yi Jeong react then?
"Is he her boyfriend? Do you know?" Yi Jeong sounded desperate and hopeful that the guy was not.
"Yi Jeong. I'm going to ask you some questions. I hope you give me the truth."
"What? What do you mean Woo Bin?"
"Do you like Ga Eul?"
"Yes, I do. A lot."
"Do you love her?"
"What?"
"Do. You. Love. Her?"
"I… I like her a lot."
"So you don't love her? Not a tiny bit? I want the truth, Yi Jeong. You can't lie to me."
"Why do you ask? You know how I feel about love."
"Because to answer your questions about Ga Eul, I need to know the truth."
Yi Jeong looked at his best friend with wide round eyes.
Do I love Ga Eul?
This Romeo is bleeding
But you can't see his blood
It's nothing but some feelings
That this old dog kicked up
It's been raining since you left me
Now I'm drowning in the flood
You see I've always been a fighter
But without you I give up
Now I can't sing a love song
Like the way it's meant to be
Well, I guess I'm not that good anymore
But, baby, that's just me
And I will love you, baby, always
And I'll be there forever and a day, always
I'll be there 'til the stars don't shine
'Til the heavens burst and the words don't rhyme
And I know when I die,
You'll be on my mind
And I'll love you always
Now your pictures that you left behind
Are just memories of a different life
Some that made us laugh, some that made us cry
One that made you have to say goodbye
What I'd give to run my fingers through your hair
To touch your lips, to hold you near
When you say your prayers, try to understand
I've made mistakes, I'm just a man
When he holds you close, when he pulls you near
When he says the words you've been needing to hear
I'll wish I was him 'cause those words are mine
To say to you 'til the end of time
Yeah, I will love you, baby, always
And I'll be there forever and a day, always
If you told me to cry for you
I could
If you told me to die for you
I would
Take a look at my face
There's no price I won't pay
To say these words to you
Well, there ain't no luck
In these loaded dice
But, baby, if you give me just one more try
We can pack up our old dreams and our old lives
We'll find a place where the sun still shines
And I will love you, baby, always
And I'll be there forever and a day, always
I'll be there 'til the stars don't shine
'Til the heavens burst and the words don't rhyme
At the same time as Yi Jeong pondered about Woo Bin's question, the song coming from Woo Bin's stereo filled the air.
What I'd give to run my fingers through your hair
To touch your lips, to hold you near
When you say your prayers, try to understand
I've made mistakes, I'm just a man
When he holds you close, when he pulls you near
When he says the words you've been needing to hear
I'll wish I was him 'cause those words are mine
To say to you 'til the end of time
The lyrics jabbed his heart and he too felt like he was punched in the stomach. He felt a hollow in his heart. Something was missing from his life.
"Ga Eul…"