Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are not the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, events or places is entirely coincidental. No copyright infringement is intended.


Chapter 10

"What are you doing here? Why is the main guy of the night out here?" Yoo Rin asked with a smile on her face as she approached her son. He was staring blankly at the night sky when Yoo Rin found him. "Nervous?"

Yi Jung turned to look at his mother on his side. Pocketing his hands, Yi Jung said, "Nothing, really, omma. Just… thinking about things."

"Something is worrying my son, right?" Yoo Rin smiled knowingly. She can really read through her son very well.

"Just…" Yi Jung paused, smiling too to his mom. She really knows everything. Even though he doesn't really tell her much these days, it always seems that his mother knows things. He doesn't really know how his mother does it but Yi Jung is glad that at times like this, he doesn't really need to explain everything. Just the gist, or even a hint, he knew his mother would get it and understand what he's going through. "I'm pretty nervous about the announcement grandfather is planning to do tonight."

"Hmmm…"

"Honestly…" Yi Jung paused, thinking if this is the right thing to say. That moment, his mother turned to face him and let out an encouraging smile as if saying, "You can tell me anything." Yi Jung continued, "I never actually thought about the wedding at all, until now." He then paused again and looked at his mother. When she didn't say anything, Yi Jung continued, "I haven't really thought about things… until now that grandfather is to let the whole world know about this engagement. It all seems surreal to me. I know that if Eun Jae hears this now, I know she'll be hurt and I'm sorry for that. But I just can't really put myself into this… thing." Yi Jung finished, with an apologetic look on his face. He knows he's a big jerk for acting like this. It was only a few days when he talked to Eun Jae and now, he's not living up to his promise.

"You know son…" Yoo Rin started to talk as her son finished. "There are certain things in life that are so precious to us that we hold on to them no matter what happens; that we hold onto them when even though we know that there are other people hurting because we can't let go." Yoo Rin paused as she faced her son and grabbed hold of his hands. "During these times, there are certain things to consider- whether it is better to hold on… or to finally let go; and whether you care about yourself or about others first."


Grandfather So walked up to the stage slowly, with his cane and Hyun Sub serving as his support. The emcee had called him and here he is, standing before the hundreds of people as they waited for the announcement he was going to make.

"First of all…" Grandfather So started. "I'd like to thank each and every one of you who made time to attend this special event tonight. Thank you for giving your time and for continuing to support this museum in each endeavor that we make. Tonight, is a wonderful night for we present to you the wonderful and magnificent works of art. I hope you enjoyed viewing each piece, as they hold a special place in our heart, and a special meaning to our country as well." Grandfather So paused as he composed himself. "And tonight is not just wonderful because of that. I know you've heard about it. I… have a special announcement to make tonight."

A few meters away from where Grandfather So is speaking, Ga Eul stood with her friends, waiting for what the old man has to say. Oblivious to what was about to come, Ga Eul seemed composed and listened to every word the old man had said. On the other hand, Jan Di, Jae Kyung and the rest of the guys seemed too tensed because they knew what was coming, and they don't know how Ga Eul will react once she hears about Yi Jung's engagement.

Jae Kyung caught Woo Bin's attention and whispered to him, "Should I ask Ga Eul to come to the women's room with me?"

Woo Bin looked at Jae Kyung. He heaved an exasperated sigh. "Jae Kyung, we all want to stop what is about to happen tonight. We all want Ga Eul not to her anything but… somehow, I feel that it's finally time to let her know. Keeping this engagement a secret from her, I feel like lying and it's not making me feel better. And keeping it from her won't make anything better too. Sooner or later, somehow, Ga Eul would find out about the truth. There's no more escape, Jae Kyung."

Grandfather So took a glass of wine from one of the waiters and raised it up high. "Everyone, let's have a toast for my grandson, So Yi Jung and her soon- to-be wife, Cha Eun Jae! For Yi Jung and Eun Jae!"

Glasses toasting were heard as soon as Grandfather So finished. Yi Jung and Eun Jae, together with their parents stood by the side of the old man and toasted as well. A round of applause was soon heard after people drank from their glasses.

Everyone seemed happy about the announcement, except for one person who stood frozen on the ground, as if her shoes were glued on them. Her hands fell to her sides, making the wine spill to the floor and afterwards, due to her loosing grip, the glass finally fell down to the floor, making a breaking sound. This caught the attention of people, most especially the ones in front. People turned to look at where the sound came from and people found themselves looking at Ga Eul.

Grandfather So looked surprised when he saw Ga Eul standing in the midst of the crowd. But the surprise on his face was replaced with a smile as soon as he realized that the girl had heard his announcement earlier. "Tonight can't be more wonderful than this." he mouthed as he finished the contents of his glass.

Looking at the source of the breaking glass, Yi Jung's eyes widened as he saw Ga Eul standing frozen to the ground with her hands at her sides, her eyes fixed at nowhere. "Ga Eul…" he mouthed softly, as he, too, brought his hands to his sides, making the wine spill to the floor.

After a few seconds, Ga Eul finally regained her consciousness and became aware that people are looking at her direction. She looked in front of her and saw Yi Jung looking at her as well, even locking eyes with him for a split second. As soon as she saw Yi Jung's gaze on her, Ga Eul turned her head, not wanting to make eye contact anymore. She turned her whole body and finally made a move to exit the hall, with tears starting to well up on her eyes.

"Ga Eul! Wait!" Yi Jung hurried, trying to catch up with her.

Ga Eul slowed down as she felt her feet aching from all the running she did with her heels. She could feel tears that are about to fall from her eyes she kept them from falling as much as she can. She knew Yi Jung was nearing her as she heard his footsteps.

"Ga Eul…" he called out to her again. Finally catching up to her, he grabbed her on the arm to keep her from running away again.

She turned, still keeping the tears from falling down. And with a wry smile, she mouthed, "Congratulations, Yi Jung."

Yi Jung could only stare at her blankly, his grip on her arm loosening. He could see her trying to fight the tears from falling down from her eyes. Seeing this, Yi Jung could also feel tears starting to well up in his own pair of eyes. "Ga Eul…" he mouthed her name, not making any sound. He wanted to say something. He wanted to tell her that what she heard wasn't true but he can't, because what Ga Eul heard is nothing but the truth. He wanted to tell her not to go, but he can't. He wanted to say something, just something, but as he moved his lips, no sound came out. He tried speaking again, but no words came out. Finally, Ga Eul tried to shove away his hand but instead of letting her go, he tightened hid grip on her, trying to hold onto her. It was then that Ga Eul looked up at him, tears finally falling down from her eyes. "Please, let me go." She said in an almost inaudible voice. Hearing her say that, Yi Jung finally let go of her arm and watched her turn her back to him. He watched her go. He watched as her silhouette vanished from his sight.

Yi Jung fell his knees weakening as he watched her go. His knees were giving up. And as he was about to fall to the ground, a couple of strong arms held onto him, helping him to stand up. Yi Jung looked to see the person's face and he saw Woo Bin helping him with all his might. "Stand up, bro." Woo Bin whispered. "Jan Di and Jae Kyung are talking to Eun Jae right now. Everything happened so fast that thankfully, she didn't notice that you were running after Ga Eul. Let's get out of here first."


As soon as Ga Eul closed the door to her apartment, more tears started to fall down from her eyes. Her knees weakened, making her fall to the ground. She looked utterly devastated, her makeup all worn out- both the lipstick and mascara smudged. She fell to the ground, her hands holding onto her chest as her heart thumped loudly, as if trying to break free from her chest. She can't believe what she has just heard earlier. She can't believe it. No. It's more likely that she doesn't want to believe it. Who would've thought? "What a small world." She mouthed. Who would've thought that the wedding suit that she was designing was for none other than Yi Jung himself. Who would've thought that her intuitions were correct about him having a girlfriend? Who would've thought that she is designing for their wedding? Definitely not her.

Ga Eul heard her phone ringing inside her purse. She grabbed her phone out and not really looking at the caller ID, turned it off. She doesn't want to talk to anyone right now. The things that had happened still haven't sink in and she's not really in the mood to talk. For tonight, she wants to be alone.

"For Yi Jung and Eun Jae!" Grandfather So's words echoed inside her mind. As they kept repeating, more tears fell down from her eyes. As the words kept repeating, she felt her heart shutter into a million pieces. "Congratulations, Yi Jung…" she repeated. She must have been truly out of her mind when she said that to him earlier. But what else can she say to him? "You jerk!" Can she possibly tell him that? Can she tell him to cut the engagement off? Can she ask him why he's engaged? No. She can't. Because as much as she wanted to ask and tell him things, she can't because she's the one who left him. She's the one who first gave up. She's the one who first let go of him. What right does she have of him now? "None." She answered the question herself.


"You punk!" Grandfather So yelled out from the top of his lungs at Yi Jung who was standing before him. "Why bother to chase after that woman?!" Yi Jung stayed quiet, his eyes fixed to the ground. "And how dare you leave the event last night? Do you know how many people are looking for you? Asking where you were?!" Yi Jung continued to stare at the ground, unable to give his grandfather any answer.

"Abeoji, I'll talk to him instead." Yoo Rin said to Grandfather So.

"Ha! You tell what your son needs to know, Yoo Rin. He doesn't seem to learn from me. Remind him how that girl let go of him. Remind him that he's getting married in three months. This punk seems to be forgetting a lot of things already." Grandfather So said as he stood up from his seat and left Yi Jung and his mother.

As soon as Grandfather So left, Yoo Rin motioned for her son to sit down. Yi Jung followed as his eyes are still looking on the ground. Yoo Rin tapped him on the shoulder and pulled him to her, giving her son a hug.

"Omma…" Yi Jung mouthed in a low voice. "Is this what you meant by… finally letting go?" Yi Jung asked as he turned to look at his mother's face.

"You make your own decisions, Yi Jung." Yoo Rin answered as she continued to brush his hair. Yes, Yi Jung is already a man now but nothing beats a hug from a mom at times like this.

"But why do I feel that my decisions are wrong, Omma?" Yi Jung asked. "Right now, I really feel like a big jerk- a punk, just like how grandfather has called me. I'm the worst."

"Shhhh…" Yoo Rin quieted her son. "No, Yi Jung. You're not the worst. There are really times when people make the wrong decisions or better yet, times when people around make you feel like you made the wrong decision. Don't let it break you apart, son." Yoo Rin finally let go of her son and made him face her. "During these times, you need to be stronger to be able to think rationally about your decisions and to be able to defend them. Huh, Yi Jung? My son isn't like this." Yoo Rin said, letting out a small smile to her son.


"Eh? What did you just say, ma'am?" Lin asked, making sure she heard the right words come out of her boss' mouth.

"I said to contact Ms. Cha and say that we're pulling out of the wedding. I… I can't do it anymore."

"If you don't mind me asking…" Lin started. "…why?"

"You don't need to know." Ga Eul said as she shut her laptop close.. "Just tell them that we're pulling out. If they're going to ask for compensation, tell them we'd kindly give it to them. Also, tell them that I'll look for other designers myself."

"But ma'am… that's a big event. Wouldn't it…" Lin was cut short when Ga Eul spoke again "Please Lin, no buts. Just do what I say." Ga Eul said firmly as she pulled out a piece of paper and started sketching something. Lin just nodded her head and left her office.

In this situation right now, in no way would Ga Eul be able to design the clothes for the wedding. It would be too much for her to bear. She opened her file case and pulled out a piece of paper. She looked at the drawing she made. "This would really look good on him." She mouthed. "Who would've thought that I'm actually thinking of the right person when I did this sketch?" Ga Eul asked herself the millionth time.

After a few minutes, Ga Eul heard a knock on her door and Lin came in. "Ms. Chu. Someone came to see you."

"Who is it?" Ga Eul asked from her seat, not taking her eyes off her sketch.

"It's me, Ga Eul- ssi." A familiar female voice spoke. Ga Eul turned her head to the owner of the voice and saw a middle- aged woman looking so elegant in her two- piece suit and a pair of heels.

"Yoo Rin- ssi." Ga Eul said out of surprise. She never thought that she'd be seeing this woman again after all these years.

"I'm glad you can still remember me, Ga Eul- ssi." Mrs. So Yoo Rin said with a smile. "Can I take some of your precious time to have coffee?"