- - - - - - - - - - - -Chapter Twenty-Five: "Between Men"
"Ga Eul… I have a confession to make." Seung Hyun's voice sounded grave as he sat across Ga Eul inside Soeul Sweet Bakery. He had been debating whether to tell her everything about himself since he wasn't so sure if she'd be able to handle everything that was involved in his life. He fidgeted with his hands as he nervously looked at her. Ga Eul continued to look at him, waiting for him to proceed. "You remember when you asked me why a lot of people called me TOP?" He looked into her eyes and bit his lips before proceeding. "Well, it was true that I was called TOP because I was the top fighter… I was the top fighter in underground fist fights…"
"Fist… fights?" Ga Eul repeated, sounding a lot confused.
"Yeah… Underground fist fights… I'm involved with kkangpaes, Ga Eul… The truth is, I used to fight in underground matches hosted by shadowy kkangpae groups…" Seung Hyun finally confessed. He looked at Ga Eul, searching her face for any hint of rejection and despise, but was surprised to have found none.
"Why? And why are you telling me all of this now?" Ga Eul asked, her expression was full of sympathy for the man who had been a true friend to her. They've been working hard for their futures these past few months. And Seung Hyun even walked her home from her part time job to make sure she was safe. Ga Eul never imagined that he had such a life. Surely, Seung Hyun deserved something much better. He was a wonderful man, after all.
Seung Hyun breathed deeply. "I've made an agreement with the kkangpaes… You see, I've been the reigning top fighter for five years already. I made an agreement to them that if someone beats my record, I'd fight that someone… to death…" It was then that Seung Hyun saw Ga Eul stiffen as she stifled a gasp.
"How… Why… Why did you make such an agreement?!" Panic found its way across Ga Eul's face. "Has… Has someone beaten your record then?" She proceeded to ask with a cautious tone. She was beginning to feel deep protest against Seung Hyun's dilemma.
"That's why I'm telling you everything now, Ga Eul…" Seung Hyun looked away, unable to meet Ga Eul's eyes. "I… I'm scheduled to fight to the death tomorrow night…" He confessed with a gravely sounding voice. "I'm not sure if the kkangpaes would allow me to live even if I don't die in the match… I've already saved up enough money to support my sister and my Aunt… I've prepared everything just in case…"
"Yah… Seung Hyun-ah, there must be some other way to settle this… Are you going to give your life up for such a stupid fist fight?! Yah… Tell me this isn't true… You're joking, right?" By then, Ga Eul's face had already scrunched up into a frown as she looked at Seung Hyun. She couldn't believe what she just heard. How could TOP made such an agreement?! It wasn't fair!
"Ga Eul, honestly, I didn't want to tell you this… I know that you like that man… That So Yi Jung…" Seung Hyun began. "And I know that I have no match for him either…" He chuckled bitterly. "But would it be weird if I said that I had long wanted to trade places with him?" He smiled sadly as he reached across the table and took Ga Eul's hand in his. "Ga Eul-ah… Joahaeyo… I've liked you for a long time… I just wanted you to know this before it's too late…"
Ga Eul sat dumbfounded at what she just heard…
Seung Hyun… liked her?
"If it's not too much… I'd like to ask a favor before I do this…" Seung Hyun continued. His gaze seriously fixated on her as he held her hand tightly. "Tomorrow, please go on a date with me. This is all I'll ever ask of you…"
-oOo-
"A farewell party?" Woo Bin repeated as he sat across Yi Jung inside a bar.
Yi Jung nodded with a smile. That night, Yi Jung mysteriously called Woo Bin and invited him to party with him all night. All he said was that it would be his farewell party, but of course, he didn't specify the reason why. Of course, Woo Bin found his friend's mysteriousness to be utterly puzzling, however, since Yi Jung seemed to be in a good mood, Woo Bin decided to play along.
After an hour or so, Woo Bin discovered that Yi Jung had also invited Jae Joong. Everything seemed to be all the more puzzling. As far as Woo Bin knew, Yi Jung had long been steering clear of his cousin's business. He just couldn't understand why Yi Jung invited him there that night.
Aside from Jae Joong, surprisingly, Ji Hoo and Jun Pyo also made some time to be with Yi Jung that night. "Yah, Yi Jung, what is this all about?" Finally unable to resist his curiosity, Woo Bin decided to finally ask.
"Like I said, a farewell party… To Jun Pyo's bachelor life. If you don't like calling it a farewell party, call it a stag party then…" Yi Jung explained, looking cheerful than his usual self as he took a small sip of his drink.
Jun Pyo clearly did not like that Yi Jung had called him out there for nothing but a silly stag party. After all, why should he be partying? It's not like he's looking forward to his marriage with Jae Kyung, right? For him, that woman was nothing but trouble. "If this is nothing but one of your womanizing ideas again, I'm going…" Jun Pyo was about to stand up when Yi Jung suddenly grabbed him by the hand.
"Yah… Goo Jun Pyo, don't be such a kill joy. There's also one other thing I'd like to announce." He said. This time, Yi Jung caught the attention of his fellow F4 and of course, Jae Joong, who only sat by the corner and silently observed. When Jun Pyo sat back down, it was only then that Yi Jung spoke again. "The truth is, I'm leaving… I'm not sure when's the exact date of my departure but I'm leaving for Sweden in a month or so…"
"Sweden?" Ji Hoo repeated. "Why so sudden?"
"Actually, I've been thinking of this for a while… I'm going there for further study. It's also a conducive place for learning since I won't be so famous over there. I'd probably be gone a few weeks after Jun Pyo's wedding so I decided to formally tell everyone."
"What about Ga Eul?" It was Jae Joong who spoke. Surprisingly, all the other F4 didn't look surprised, except for Goo Jun Pyo who looked very puzzled as to why Ga Eul's name suddenly came up. Of course, even though he was curious, he decided to wait for Yi Jung's answer.
"Ga Eul had been one of the main reasons why I finally decided to leave…" Yi Jung explained with a content smile etched on his face.
"Yah. So Yi Jung, what are you talking about?" Goo Jun Pyo asked, looking tense and worried over his friend.
"I'd like to carve a path of my own. After all, I can't be a philanderer all my life. I'd like to pursue a career other than pottery. Perhaps, I may find another craft I can excel in. Not just pottery." Yi Jung explained as everyone listened. He took a small sip from his drink and grinned at each and everyone. "Yah… I promise to be back in a few years time, of course…"
"So…" Ji Hoo finally spoke. "It was Ga Eul who made you change…" He said with a knowing smile. "She must have had a hard time on you…"
Yi Jung only smiled.
Suddenly, Jae Joong stood up looking tense and serious. "Yi Jung, I need to talk to you in private." He said and exited the VIP room where they all stayed. Of course, Yi Jung had to stand up as well and follow Jae Joong out, so he excused himself and followed Yi Jung out of the bar.
"So…" Jae Joong began. "You'll just leave Ga Eul alone?" He was looking utterly serious and his expression was grim.
"I'm doing this for her…" Yi Jung replied as he buried both his hands inside his pocket.
There was an eerie silence between the two men as they stood in the darkness outside the bar. Yi Jung had mainly been too occupied with thoughts of how he was going to break to Ga Eul of his plans. While Jae Joong had been shaking his head with an insanely bittersweet smile on his face. It seemed as if his job was done and there was no more reason for him to intervene.
"Yi Jung-ah, can I ask for one favor?" Jae Joong looked into Yi Jung's eyes. "I'd like to punch you just once…"
"What?" For a moment, Yi Jung found himself puzzled because of such a bogus request. "What for?"
Without another word, an unexpected punched landed squarely on Yi Jung's jaw as he staggered backwards due to the impact. Jae Joong laughed crazily after the somewhat playful yet very painful punch. "That was your punishment…" Jae Joong explained with a doting smile on his face. He heaved a deep breath before continuing to speak. "You're on your own now, Casanova… My job is done…" With that, Jae Joong turned his back on Yi Jung and walked away with a smile on his lips.
As he walked away from the bar towards his car, he began humming a soft tune that only he, knew how to sing. It was the song that he was able to create by bringing the Casanova and the Country Bumpkin together. He just didn't realize that the song would eventually depict his own heart for the Country Bumpkin whom he worked so hard to help with the Casanova.
" kimi wo suki ni natte shimatan darou…" Jae Joong whispered. He flicked his phone open and dialed Ga Eul's number. "Ga Eul-sshi…" He began. "Listen, I'm sorry if I had to tell you this way… I'm going to Japan for a job… Looks like you're on your own with the Casanova now… Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do just fine…" With that, Jae Joong ended the call and heaved out a deep breath. 'Man…' He thought. 'It's hard being a nice guy…'
On the other hand, Yi Jung was about to return towards their table inside the club when he suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. He thought it was Jae Joong but he was surprised to have seen Seung Hyun instead. His expression was dead serious as he faced Yi Jung. Without much choice, Yi Jung turned to face the other man.
"What is it that you want?" Yi Jung asked. It was obvious that he wasn't much pleased by Seung Hyun's sudden appearance. For some reason, he could not bring himself to get along well with the guy, especially since he knew that Seung Hyun was Ga Eul's first love. "If it's about Ga Eul, I don't intend to easily give her to you…" Yi Jung added sternly.
"I knew you wouldn't. That's why I'm here…" Seung Hyun replied. "I'm here for a challenge." He announced.
"Challenge?" Yi Jung repeated.
"Yeah… I want to see you try to take Ga Eul away from me…" Seung Hyun's tone was challenging as he looked intently at Yi Jung. "In fact, Ga Eul and I are going on a date tomorrow… What are you going to do about it?" A triumphant smirk found its way across Seung Hyun's face. With that, he turned his back on the Casanova and left.
The truth was Seung Hyun knew that he had no chance at Ga Eul. Yi Jung held the girl's heart, much to his dismay. And he wasn't even sure if he would be able to get out of his match alive. He did what he did tonight for the sole reason that he wanted to see whether Yi Jung would be willing to chase Ga Eul and give her everything in his power to get her back.
After all, a man could only give his everything to the woman he loved if he was threatened.
And this was what Seung Hyun was doing.
He was being the threat to Yi Jung.
-oOo-
"Let's go?" Seung Hyun lifted his hand and held it to Ga Eul.
"Seung Hyun… I still don't like the fact that you're going to a fist fight tonight." Worry was creased on Ga Eul's face as she looked into Seung Hyun's eyes.
For a moment, Seung Hyun's eyes saddened in despair. He didn't want to date Ga Eul this way. He didn't want to worry her but he had no choice. He was driven into a corner and was left without options. If he was to die in the hands of his opponent tonight, the last memory he would want to cherish would be the one being with Ga Eul. It was bitterly painful but he had to make do with the life he had. He couldn't simply go wallowing in depression and despair.
"Seung Hyun, I have one condition…" Ga Eul spoke, her eyes full of determination. "I'm going to agree to go on a date with you today but you have to promise me two things. One, you make a deal with those kkangpaes. If you win in tonight's match, they would have to let you go and quit illegal fist-fights. Two, you should promise me that you'd win tonight's fight…"
Seung Hyun smiled. "I'll do my best…" With that, he offered his hand to her again, and this time, she took it without much hesitation.
Hand in hand, the first thing they did on their date was head towards the park where Seung Hyun prepared something special for Ga Eul. The special surprise turned out to be a picnic blanket complete with a picnic basket filled with food and flowers. Aside from that, waiting for Seung Hyun and Ga Eul, were a team of little soccer players wanting to have a match with them.
"The little ones wanted to see you again so I thought I'd allow them to join us for a little while." Seung Hyun whispered to Ga Eul before proceeding to their picnic blanket. He held her hand as he led her to their picnic blanket and even pulled her up for a friendly soccer match with the kids.
Soon after, Ga Eul found herself playing competitively against their little opponents in a game of soccer. She was all smiles as she chased the ball and ran amongst the children. Ga Eul's cheerful laugh sounded like a beautiful melody as Seung Hyun listened. He found himself standing rooted to the ground, looking at her as she ran and laughed carelessly. He was soon brought out of his trance when the ball suddenly bounced towards his direction and flew directly to his head.
"Seung Hyun! Are you okay?" Ga Eul ran to his side with worry etched on her face. She was surprised, however, to have seen Seung Hyun smiling. "Yah!" Ga Eul playfully hit Seung Hyun on the shoulder as she saw that he was merely messing with her.
Seung Hyun suddenly reached his arms towards Ga Eul and pulled her down with him. She struggled for a moment but was soon unable to do so as the children came pushing her down as well. In the end, all of them were caught up in a massive wrestling game and nobody was left standing. Laughter and smiles filled the park as Seung Hyun and Ga Eul spent some time with the children.
What they didn't know was that, right from the moment Seung Hyun fetched Ga Eul from her home, they were being followed by one set of prying eyes belonging to the Casanova. He resisted the urge to confront Seung Hyun as he hid behind the trunk of a tree by the park. He ultimately found himself clutching the velvet box inside his pocket as he looked at Ga Eul's smiling face…
It seemed that he had made a mistake…
Yes, it was true that Ga Eul had helped him get through the haunting memories of his past.
But that didn't mean that she truly wanted to be with him…
Maybe he was looking into things too much…
'Perhaps Ga Eul had a change of heart?' He thought bitterly.
To Be Continued…
- - - - - - - - - - - - -Preview of Chapter Twenty-Six: "Pinch of the Past"
"Strolling through a field of flowers, Isn't the situation too urgent for that?"
Yi Jung saw Ga Eul walking through a thick bush of yellow flowers as soon as they arrived at Jeju Island for Jun Pyo's wedding. He readily followed her, curious as to what she was up to in such a place. For most part, Yi Jung found himself wanting to know the kinds of thoughts running inside Ga Eul's mind now that Jan Di was facing the brink of heartbreak due to Jun Pyo's impending wedding.
On the other hand, Ga Eul gushed upon the sight of the Casanova walking behind her. However, she didn't let him see her surprise. Instead, she looked away and sighed in deep contemplation. "At this day and age… To suddenly have an arranged marriage… It doesn't seem like reality." She spoke.
-oOo-
a/n: I won't be elaborating Seung Hyun and Ga Eul's date on the next chapter… As much as I'm beginning to lean towards the TOPxGE pairing, I have to shake myself awake and remember that this is a soeul fanfic! LOL.