CHAPTER 25
SAIA'S POV:
Boo Ki looks at me in disbelief. "Min Seo Hyun…the famous model? She's at Ji-Hoo's house right now?"
Nodding, I take a sip of my water while we wait for our food.
"But why? How does she know Ji-Hoo?"
"They grew up together. He says he hasn't heard from her in 7 years."
"Don't you find that a little strange? She just shows up at his door step after all these years, crying her eyes out?"
"Well it is strange but he is more shocked about it than me. Besides she must have a good reason for coming to him. We just need to find out what it is."
Boo Ki leans back in her chair and shakes her head at me. "I don't know how you can be so calm. Most girls would be upset about a gorgeous woman throwing themselves at her man and invading his home. But you are acting like it's no big deal."
"It isn't a big deal. I trust Ji-Hoo. After everything we have been through, why would I start doubting him now? I feel it in my heart that he won't do anything to hurt me."
"I know he loves you and I pray that you are right but sometimes when another woman is thrown into the mix, things get all fucked up. I'm just happy you are back. I've missed you."
"I bet you have. Who else can you pick on when I'm not around?"
"Ya!"
Lunch with Boo Ki is fun. I've missed her too. Everything still feels strange though. Noises are louder, colors are brighter. Maybe after all that has happened, I have simply come to appreciate things that much more. Even my body's soreness from the night before is something I am grateful for. It proves that I'm alive. I still have time with Ji-Hoo, my friends, and family. I can still dance with the SBC.
"Boo Ki, can you take me by the hospital?"
"Why? Are you feeling alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I just want them to check on my shoulder. I need to start practicing again."
(^_^)
It's strange being here yet again. It's almost becoming like a second home. Sitting on the examining table waiting for Dr. Park I realize that even though I don't like being here, it led me to Ji-Hoo. So I can't really complain.
I hear someone clear their throat to get my attention and I look up. I can feel the blood drain from my face as I see Kang Woo standing awkwardly in the doorway.
"What do you want?" I ask through my clenched teeth. He shifts uncomfortably and swallows hard. I have never seen him like this. He is always so cold and collected.
"I just wanted to see how you are doing." He says quietly.
"What?" I ask in disbelief. "Since when do you give a damn about what happens to me? Or is it because I'm with Ji-Hoo that I am suddenly so interesting to you?"
He grimaces and shakes his head. "Ani. Look, I know you have every right to not believe me but I never want anything bad to happen to you. When I heard about what happened, I tried to come see you but Ji-Hoo and Boo Ki wouldn't let me anywhere near you."
"Good. I wouldn't have wanted to see you anyways."
"…I know. I'm…sorry for how I treated you."
"…What?" I think I have lost it. I've gone completely insane. I could have sworn I just heard Kim Kang Woo trying to apologize to me.
"You didn't deserve anything that I did or said to you. You deserve better than that. I'm glad you're alright."
"Oh really?" Boo Ki snaps. She walks in behind him, her eyes spitting fire. "You are so full of shit. Get the fuck out of here. You know that Ji-Hoo will have your ass if he knows you are anywhere near her and I would like nothing better than to rip you apart myself. Get out!" Her voice is as calm as always but so laced with ice that it gives me the chills.
His eyes narrow with anger at her but when they return to me they are filled with regret. He gives me a small bow and leaves without another word. I'm in shock. I never expected anything close to an apology or even courtesy from that man. Either he has gone crazy or I have. I'm not sure which.
"Are you okay?" Boo Ki asks.
I nod. My eyes feel as big as saucers. They may just pop out of my head.
"What did he say to you?"
"…He apologized…"
"…WHAT?"
I'm at a loss for words. I don't know what to say. I thought that the day I ever received an apology from him would be the day that hell froze over.
(^_^)
JI-HOO'S POV:
"So when are you coming back to work?" Dr. Park asks.
"Tomorrow probably." I stuff a few files in my bag to go over at home.
"Good. We could use the help. I know you have been busy but you're a good, dependable doctor. I like having you around." He chuckles.
I smile and stand up to leave but he gives me a funny look.
"Leaving already? Are you not going to wait for her?"
"What? Wait for who?"
"…Are you still seeing Saia? She's waiting for me to check on her shoulder. You didn't know?"
I shake my head and motion for him to lead the way. As we walk down the hallway, I see Kim Kang Woo leave one of the examining rooms and as we enter the same room he just left, it makes me angry that he came near her when I warned him not to.
Saia is sitting on the examining table talking to Boo Ki but when she sees me her face lights up and my heart skips a beat. Returning her smile, I sit down beside her.
"Ji-Hoo-ah! What are you doing here?"
"I had some things to check up on. You didn't tell me you were going to be here."
She shrugs. "I didn't know either. I figured I might as well have him look at my shoulder since we were close by. I need to start practicing again."
Narrowing my eyes I give her a hurt look. "You don't trust my judgment?" I tease.
"Ani! It's not that. I just would like an unbiased view."
"I can be unbiased…just not when it comes to you."
Dr. Park chuckles and reaches for her arm. "Well at least you admit it Ji-Hoo."
(^_^)
SAIA'S POV:
"So what are you going to do about Min Seo Hyun? I don't think it's a good idea for you to come home yet. She will be all alone with him." Boo Ki and I are waiting for Ji-Hoo by the elevator while he talks to Dr. Park.
"The reason for me staying with him was so he could watch over my injuries, right? Now that I am doing better, I really have no reason to stay there."
"Bullshit." She snorts. "You are his girlfriend. You have every right, especially if there is another woman staying there. Plus I honestly think Ji-Hoo wants you there."
He did ask me to move in with him but that was before I left. I don't know if he still feels that way. Besides, it had been so sudden when he asked me. Am I really ready to take that step with him? I love him, yes. I have no reason to hesitate. I just wonder if it's the right step for us to take just yet.
"If you have doubts about moving in with him then don't do it, Saia. I just don't want to see you get hurt."
I smile at her and squeeze her hand. "I think its best I come home for now. Besides, I want to have one of our all night movie sessions."
"I would love that!" she grins.
"I'll go back to his place and pack. Pick me up later?"
"Okay. Just give me a call when you are ready." She squeezes my arm and steps into the elevator. I wave at her before the door closes and turn to see Ji-Hoo coming towards me.
Once we are in his car he turns to me before starting the engine. "Did Kang Woo come to see you?"
"Yes. Don't worry. He didn't do anything stupid."
"What did he say to you?"
"He apologized."
"…What?"
I shrug. "Yeah I don't get it either. Maybe he's finally gone crazy?" He chuckles and nods his head. He starts the car and we head back to his house.
"Did you leave Seo Hyun all by herself?" I ask.
"Yes. She was still asleep when I left. I needed to check up on the Foundation and the hospital. I hope she will give us some answers when we get home."
(^_^)
Ji-Hoo's wish isn't granted though. He stares in irritation at her still sleeping form in his bed. For his sake, I keep my laughter to myself. She breezed into his home as if she owns it, acting like the typical diva. I've seen many divas in ballet. I am very familiar with their attitudes and their habits. Min Seo Hyun's actions do not surprise me but I don't know why she's here and I would like to know why she came to Ji-Hoo of all people. Regardless of how I feel though, something upset her and I can't help but feel that he at least needs to hear her out.
I head for my room and start packing up the few things I have with me. I am grateful that I was able to stay here. I did need to be near him. Probably more than he realizes. It scares me a little bit to even think about how dependent I am becoming on his presence in my life.
I hear a soft knock on the door as Ji-Hoo comes in. "…What are you doing?" I curiously look up at him and see that his eyes are full of panic.
"I'm packing my stuff. Boo Ki is coming by later to take me home."
"Why?"
"Well I need to get back to work for one thing. All of my stuff is at home. Plus everything is closer to the apartment. It's easier for me to get to work and practice from there."
"…" He's upset. I can feel it. His eyes are narrowed on a spot in the floor and his silence is deafening. Finished packing my bag, I move towards the door but he blocks my way. Taking my hands, he finally looks into my eyes.
"Move in with me. Stay with me. You don't have to work. Just rest up and practice before you start with the SBC this fall."
"Ji-Hoo, I can't stop working"
"Just move in with me then. You can drive my car to work and to the studio." Letting go of one of my hands, he cups my cheek. My heart is thundering in my chest. The love radiating in his eyes is melting my resolve. Letting go of my other hand, he slides it around my waist and pulls me close as his mouth descends towards mine. He nibbles on my lower lip and his tongue sweeps across it, seeking entrance into my mouth. Opening my mouth, I slide my tongue against his and feel his murmur of approval. My bag falls unnoticed to the floor as he slowly backs me up against the wall, pressing himself fully against me. My head is swimming. He tastes so good and he feels so good against me. I am always amazed at how perfectly our bodies fit against each other. Finally breaking the kiss for air, he looks down at me.
"I love you. Move in with me." he whispers. I can feel his heart pounding in his chest. I should grab every chance I have to be with him with both of my hands. Only weeks ago I thought I would never see him again.
"…Okay." I say, nodding my head. His gorgeous smile spreads across his face before I bury my face in his neck, hugging him tightly. "I love you too Ji-Hoo-ah."
(^_^)
WOO BIN'S POV:
"Ya! You are awfully distracted today! You are not even listening to me!" Jae Kyung pouts at me.
"Sorry. What were you saying?"
"I'm asking how many people your parents want to invite to the wedding."
"Oh! Ummm… I'm not sure. You should ask my mom."
"Ya. I thought that once this whole thing with Su-Jeog was over with, that you would have more time to plan for the wedding. Fine. I'll just go find your mother then."
I barely notice her leave. To be honest, I thought this would all be over when we caught up to Su-Jeong too. But even though the son-of-a-bitch is dead, it still bothers me that such a huge cover up had been instigated by so many different government officials worldwide. What exactly did Isaac Caelum know that cost him his life? My investigation is making a lot of people nervous and it only raises my suspicion. I know that I am not the police but if I take this information to them, I know that it will disappear. Nothing will happen and those people that are responsible for so many deaths will get away with it.
That isn't my only concern though. Because I have discovered a lot of their little dark secrets, I pissed off these people and I know that retribution will be coming. Where and when it will start, I don't know but I have to call the F4 together and we need a plan. If nothing else, I need to be sure they are protected.
We figured it out when Boo Ki noticed reports of certain people going missing or mysteriously dying. It was too "convenient". With her help, I pieced together a pattern of who they were going after. If she hadn't caught it, we may not have had any warning that they would be coming for us.
One of my men comes in and hands me an envelope. "What's this?"
"We just received news that Min Seo Hyun's fiancé is dead. They were attacked 2 days ago after an event in Nice, France."
"What about her? Is she alive?"
"Yes sir. We got confirmation that she returned to Korea 16 hours ago."
"Find out where she's staying. We need to protect her."
"Yes boss."
Damn it! It's already starting…