Chapter 10
"Ah, this is the how you spend a vacation." Ga Eul exclaimed as she breathed in the fresh Grecian air. She, Jaekyung and Jandi are riding a jeep on their way to the private villa that Jaekyung has rented for the weekend.
She felt the rush of air blowing against her face and she closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation. When Jaekyung announced at the airport where they would all be going (since she refused to reveal anything beforehand), her mouth dropped opened in surprise and then expanded into a huge grin in excitement. She hasn't been abroad anywhere yet apart from New Caledonia and Japan. Those trips seemed like a lifetime away.
From the first time she set eyes on the cerulean blue waters and the white stucco houses that looked like random embedded pieces in the mountains, she knew this was going to be great adventure. And how better to take on an adventure than by spending it with friends, with the people you're closest to.
They arrived at the villa and it too took their breath away. It wasn't as monumental as the F4 mansions back in Seoul but it still has a majestic feel to it with its uneven but crisp white façade. The house even had its own boat port. And is that a sailboat?
She heard the sound of two cars approaching and glanced as the boys got out of their cars and joined them. Everyone was taking in the beautiful sight. Apart from her and Jandi, the rest were born into wealthy and affluent families but having been friends with them for quite some time now, she was pleased to have discovered along the way that the world still holds its wonder for them even though they seemed to already hold the world in the palm of their hands.
"You outdid yourself with this place, monkey." Even Woobin wasn't immune to the beauty of the place.
"I did, didn't I," Jaekyung replied, her voice filled with a hint of pride. "Yah, Woobin-ah, I wish you'd be more grateful that you're even here with us." Jaekyung added.
"Har, har. I know you can't stand leaving without me. We're in freakin' Greece, baby."
"Whatever."
The rest of the gang just rolled their eyes at the verbal sparring going on again between the two. What else was new?
They spent the remainder of the afternoon getting settled in their respective rooms. The girls have decided to occupy the largest one since they will be staying in the same room. Each of the boys has his own. They all decided to meet in the evening for dinner.
"Unni, this place is really amazing. That's saying a lot since we haven't seen most of it yet." Ga Eul commented. She was standing at the balcony overlooking the sea and the house's private port. Jaekyung was lying stretched out on the bed, her legs crossed at the ankles, her arms crossed at the back of her head while Jandi was still still busy arranging her things from her travel bag to the closet but they both nodded earnestly in agreement.
"It is, isn't it? I'm glad everybody seemed to like it."
"You're the best, unni." Jandi chimed in.
"Hmm, in a way this somehow reminds me of New Caledonia." Ga Eul wondered aloud.
"Will this trip be as eventful as that one?" Jaekyung mused. Even though she had not yet entered the picture then, she knows what had transpired thanks to the countless girlfriend-bonding sessions the three of them were fond of doing.
"I hope not that kind of eventful." Jandi said, smiling wistfully, remembering the disastrous end of that trip. And the other two giggled.
The following morning, Ga Eul decided to take an early walk by the beach. Taking her camera with her, she then walked along the shore, once in a while glancing as her feet imprinted on the sands. She then watched the prints disappear as soft waves hit the shore. She glanced at the horizon and saw that the sun was ready to rise, rays of light slowly darting across the indigo skies. She then began taking pictures of the beautiful scenery that the place offered.
She thought back to the night of Junpyo and Jandi's engagement party and to the dance she shared with Yi Jeong. It had felt like a dream. And for a moment, she had thought it was all a dream if it weren't for the beating of Yi Jeong's heart beneath her hand.
I've missed you. I missed you so much, Ga Eul-yang. I'm so sorry.
She had heard Yi Jeong say. He had pulled her closer to him and when he said those words, she thought he sounded heartbroken. And she fought the urge to embrace him. So she did what she could at that moment; she just pressed her hand against his shoulder, almost willing to channel something positive to him – her forgiveness for instance. Because she had forgiven him. She had forgiven him already for not contacting her all these years. But forgetting is an entirely different matter. And it is not easy to forget about the pain.
"How come you're out here enjoying the sunrise all by yourself?"
Is it possible to read someone else's mind? Ga Eul wondered as she turned towards the familiar sound coming from the person who was just occupying her thoughts.
"Sunbae, good morning." She greeted, then added, "Yeah, that's right. I'm trying to hog Mr. Sun all to myself."
"Too bad. I'm here now." Yi Jeong replied, walking towards Ga Eul. He reached her side in seconds; now the two of them are side by side, looking out to the horizon. The sun has passed the horizon, slowly but steadily rising to its place in the skies.
"How about I'll just hog you all to myself?" Yi Jeong said.
In surprise, Ga Eul's neck snapped sideways to look at Yi Jeong who was still looking straight to the sea.
"Or we could just share the sun. Whatever you want, Ga Eul-yang." Yi Jeong added, now turning his face towards Ga Eul.
Ga Eul was speechless for a second but recovered just as quickly. "Fine, sunbae. I'll share the sun with you. But just for today." She joked and heard Yi Jeong's soft chuckle in return.
And with that the two of them watched the sunrise by each other's side.
"You'd think they would never lose their energy." Ga Eul said. "It's like there's no limit to their supply."
Ga Eul was talking animatedly about her kindergarten students who never seem capable of staying in one place for a maximum of 5 minutes.
"I can imagine what you mean." Yi Jeong replied.
They were now strolling by the beach and conversations came easy. Ga Eul was surprised with the ease that came with talking to Yi Jeong about anything and nothing at the same time.
"I guess I had a glimpse of their energy when we did the demonstration. But they were a bit behaved during that time." Yi Jeong said.
"You don't know half of it, sunbae."
"But you love them just the same."
"Absolutely." Ga Eul chirped.
"Being a teacher really suits you, Ga Eul-yang. You still manage to see beyond the bad things in this world. And I think that's what you translate to your students, not just in what you teach them directly but in what they see and feel from you."
"Thank you, sunbae." Ga Eul said earnestly.
"No need to thank me. I'm just stating the simple truth."
"Thanks anyways."
"So you still like taking pictures?" Yi Jeong asked, gesturing to the camera she was holding.
"Yes, if it's not obvious enough." She joked. "But at least now I take pictures other than my own." They both laughed at that.
"How about I take some pictures for you?" Yi Jeong asked.
"Oh, okay. And then I'll take some for you." Ga Eul traded.
"Deal. Wait, how about we play a bet?" Yi Jeong started. "We take a set of pictures and then have the rest of the gang be the judges to see which of us took the better ones."
"Are you challenging me, sunbae?"
"I am. Definitely."
"Call."
The two of them decided to take pictures of the same set of subjects so that their friends would have the basis for comparison in judging. They both picked out four things and they have decided to take one picture each of their villa, the beach, of each other, and a self-photo. They gave each other 3 shots per subject and they can choose which among these would be their final shots.
"Now, let's talk rewards and consequences." Yi Jeong announced.
"Yah, Ga Eul, isn't this a little childish?" Yi Jeong quipped.
"Not at all. Besides, the game's mechanics allow me and compels you to do this."
"Fine. You are so going to regret this in the end."
"I am so not. And stop talking, sunbae and just do it." Ga Eul said and laughed at the hard expression on Yi Jeong's face.
They were now taking pictures of each other and one of Ga Eul's imagined shots is for Yi Jeong to lie down on the sand and make a sand angel. Is that too much to ask? Apparently it was for the renowned Casanova.
"Well, at least there isn't anyone else around now."
"I'm so touched by your consideration, Ga Eul-yang." Yi Jeong remarked sarcastically but totally in jest. He shook his head, as if disbelieving what he was about to do, but proceeded to do as Ga Eul said. He flapped his hands, indenting wing shapes on the sand. Ga Eul was already focusing the camera on him and he saw her smile behind the lens and could not help but smile too.
"You know sunbae, if I distribute this picture of you, I'd bet I'll be able to fund the construction of a new building for our school from all the proceedings." Ga Eul joked.
"You wouldn't." Yi Jeong said, riding on Ga Eul's joke.
"Okay. It's good, sunbae. You can get up now."
"I think my shot's right here."
"Hmm?" Ga Eul asked, her eyes still on the images she had just shot with her camera. When she turned to look at Yi Jeong, he had his hand outstretched towards her.
"It's my turn. Now you, just stay right where you are."
Ga Eul handed him the camera, her face showing puzzlement over Yi Jeong's request. She watched as Yi Jeong adjusted the lens while still lying down on the sand.
"I'm taking your shot from right here. Can you lean forward a little, with your hands on your knees and just smile for the camera." Yi Jeong requested.
Ga Eul did what Yi Jeong said. And as Yi Jeong adjusted the lens and focused the camera on Ga Eul, he could not help but smile again. The sunrays hit just the right angle and made the perfect background light for Ga Eul. He framed the shot on her face and shoulders. Her hair was pulled up on a bun high on her head but some tendrils came loose and were being blown slightly by the soft wind across her face. And her smile completed the whole package.
"Perfect." Yi Jeong whispered as he took three shots of Ga Eul. "Just about perfect, Ga Eul-yang." He added, putting down the camera, resting his elbows at his sides for support, and staring up at Ga Eul, a smile playing on his lips as well.
"Hey, you two. What are you doing out there so early in the morning?"
They both turned at the sound of the voice. They saw Woobin and Jaekyung by the boardwalk.
"It's time for breakfast. Let's go you lovebirds." Woobin called out. The remarked earned him a soft rib jab from Jaekyung.
"Well, breakfast it is." Yi Jeong said, as he stood up and brushed the sand off his clothes. "Prepare to lose, Ga Eul-yang." He added.
Yi Jeong looked so proud and smug that Ga Eul couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, enjoy the feeling while it lasts sunbae. 'Cause you're going down."
Yi Jeong laughed at that and they both walked back to the villa, side by side.
"Okay, this is of utmost importance. You have to look within your minds and hearts before you decide on something like this." Jaekyung explained earnestly.
"Ah, unni, isn't that a bit overdramatic?" Jandi softly commented.
"Of course not. Ga Eul's life is on the line here."
"You'd think Ga Eul's about to die. Relax money, take your seat and eat first." Woobin interceded, pulling at Jaekyung's hand. The heiress shot a kind of murderous glare at Woobin, who's seating on her right, but she settled back on her seat.
"Ugh. Ga Eul, I can't believe you got tricked into playing this stupid game with a stupid penalty." Jaekyung fumed. "By this Casanova." She added, gesturing towards Yi Jeong.
The whole gang was seated around the dining table eating their breakfast. Yi Jeong had explained a while ago about his and Ga Eul's bet game and had requested their friends to be the judges of the photographs. All was well until they explained the rewards and consequences.
"I did no such thing, Jaekyung." Yi Jeong said, defensively. But inside, he was feeling almost guilty for, let's say, a little manipulation on his part. Almost. He had effectively convinced Ga Eul that the winner gets to ask three favors from the loser.
"Three favors. Seriously? What are you guys, twelve?" Jaekyung started again.
"It's alright, unni. I don't think there'll be any harm in doing favors for a friend." Ga Eul finally interjected.
At the mention of the word 'friend', Yi Jeong's gaze dropped to his plate and his jaw tightened a little. He tried to pass off the comment as nothing more than a part of Ga Eul's explanation to convince Jaekyung. At least Ga Eul still considers him as something. He'll take it over being nothing at all, anytime. He felt eyes on him and when he glanced up, Jihoo and Junpyo were both looking at him. Junpyo raised his eyebrows at him, as if asking how he'll handle that comment while Jihoo just broke into a small and almost imperceptible smile and shrugged at him.
Thanks for the support. What great friends I have... Yi Jeong thought sarcastically.
"Relax, Jaekyung. It's just a simple game. Let's just all take it in stride and enjoy." Junpyo said.
"Fine. Fine. If Ga Eul's okay with it, then I'm okay with it." Jaekyung finally conceded. "But don't say I didn't warn you." She was still able to add.
"Okay, it's set then. We'll decide the winner after we eat." The seven of them all enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast. Jaekyung talked about her most recent travel to Dubai. Junpyo kept complaining about the 'stupid, idiotic patient' who keeps on following Jandi around at the hospital. To which, Jihoo added that said patient was a five-year old boy who sprained an arm and has grown fond of his doctor. Ga Eul and Yi Jeong shared their experience during the demonstration Yi Jeong did at Ga Eul's school. Jandi talked about her plans to join a medical mission to several provinces for two weeks. Woobin talked about a club that's doing very well in Seoul.
"You don't ever change Woobin-ah." Jaekyung commented. "You're still the same guy who lives his life in clubs and parties."
"That's what you think, monkey. Did you not get my invitation last month?"
"Invitation to what?"
"Woobin owns that club. He just launched it last month and it's well received by people." Jihoo offered.
"Oh." Jaekyung can only reply in surprise.
"What, cat got your tongue now monkey? I bet you just realized what a great man I am right?"
"In your dreams." Jaekyung huffed, among the sniggers of the rest.
At that moment, there was a small crashing sound beyond the doors of the kitchen. All heads turned towards the sound and they all saw a young lady bowing profusely to an unseen person.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'll do better Mr. Lee." The young lady kept repeating.
"Fine. Just try not to drop anything this time, will you?" the unseen man said. They figured it was the butler taking care of the affairs of the villas for the guests. "Just serve the fruits, go." The butler said in exasperation.
The young lady bowed for the last time and turned around with a tray of freshly cut fruits in her hands. She froze when she saw the whole gang looking at her.
"Ah, annyong haseyo." She greeted. "I'm so sorry you all have to hear that. Don't mind me and please continue to enjoy your breakfast." She then proceeded to place a platelet of fruits in front of each in the group.
"No need to feel burdened, miss…" Ga Eul was the one to speak first, addressing the young lady.
"Ah, Hwang Bo. My name is Hwang Bo."
"No worries, Hwang Bo-sshi. And thanks for the fruits." Ga Eul said.
"Thank you and enjoy your breakfast." Hwang Bo bowed and then turned to leave and then Smack! It was the sound of metal hitting something hard.
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry." Hwang Bo began to apologize to the person she had hit. It was Jihoo. "I'm so sorry, sir, I…" she trailed. "Ah, it's you again, Sir."
"Yes, it's me again. And for the nth time, Oww, again."
Everyone's ears perked at that. Yi Jeong and Ga Eul glanced at each other. Yi Jeong mouthed, "Again?" Ga Eul looked equally perplexed.
"I'm so sorry, sir. My body coordination is really at an all-time low."
"I was just kidding. It didn't hurt at all. You don't have to worry." Jihoo explained.
"Wait. Do you two know each other?" Junpyo inquired, his curiosity peaked, as was the rest of the gang's.
"Ah, I'm so sorry to be so forward. I also worked as a waitress during your party Mr. Gu. I accidentally hit Mr. Yoon on the head." Hwang Bo admitted, her eyes now glued to the floor.
At that moment, the butler came rushing to Hwang Bo side and inquired if there was any problem. To which the gang replied that nothing was wrong. The butler told them to enjoy the rest of the meal and steered Hwang Bo back to the kitchen.
"Is it true, Jihoo? Did she hit you in the head?" Junyo asked.
"Yeah, she did, accidentally. Quite forcefully the first time." Jihoo answered.
"She hit you more than once?" It was now Yi Jeong.
"Twice. Right here." Jihoo gestured to the side of his head, his eyes darted for a second towards the kitchen doors.
Interesting. Yi Jeong thought as he caught Jihoo's glance.
"Okay, here's how we're going to do this." Jaekyung started. They were now gathered around the open porch of the villa overlooking the beach. Jaekyung was explaining how the voting system will work for Yi Jeong and Ga Eul's competition.
"Yi Jeong and Ga Eul printed the photos already but in the interest of having an objective decision, they won't tell us which photo is whose. We judge the pictures as they are. So for each category, just pick one and then put the number of your choice and then we'll tally the scores after. Araso?"
"Yes." The gang answered in unison.
Yi Jeong and Ga Eul stood at the sides as their friends voted for the favorite photos.
"They all look so serious." Ga Eul joked and Yi Jeong chuckled.
"Who knew it would be a big deal for them. Especially for Jaekyung."
"Well, you know Jaekyung-unni."
"Yeah. For some bizarre reason, I get her."
"Are you ready to fulfill my three favors, Genie sunbae?"
Yi Jeong laughed out loud, earning him a slight glare from Jaekyung that stopped him immediately. But he still smiled and said, "What a weird name that was, Ga Eul-yang. I'm flattered that at least it's something that you say just to me but I'm sorry that I won't be able to fulfill your three favors 'cause I'm going to do the wishing."
"Oh, we'll see about that sunbae."
"Oh, we will, Ga Eul-yang. We will." Yi Jeong refused to budge from his stance and Ga Eul slapped his arm lightly.
"Okay, the results are in. Let's see who's going to cry." Woobin announced a few minutes later. "It's a pretty tight game. Only a two-point difference."
"Now, the person who's going to cry is… Yi Jeong." Woobin shouted.
Ga Eul smiled smugly at Yi Jeong when they heard Woobin. But then she saw a tinge of sadness pass through his face that she patted his arm in consolation.
"… but it will be tears of joy because… Yi Jeong is our winner." Woobin suddenly announced.
Ga Eul's hand froze on Yi Jeong's arm and the whole gang turned their heads to Woobin.
"What?" Woobin asked defensively. "I just did that for flair." That earned him a pinch in the arm from Jaekyung. "Ow."
"Are you ready to fulfill my three favors, Genie-sshi?" Yi Jeong whispered to Ga Eul.