Chapter 27

Ga Eul was looking out the tiny window outlooking the swarm of clouds around. Yi Jung was sleeping beside her. One of the benefits of being friends with the F4 was not having to deal with the hassles and inconveniences of everyday living. Going on a trip to Greece was as simple as breathing to them. Sometimes Ga Eul finds her mind forgetting how the F4 changed not just Jan Di's life, but hers as well. Something she never would've guessed. What would've become of Chun Ja to deal with that reality if she were alive? Ga Eul found herself wondering that one too many times.

People at her school who incessantly keep up with the social elites have become aware of her affiliation with the F4. It would be a minor glance at Ga Eul in the background of magazines and photographs. No one cared for the girlfriend of Jun Pyo's friend. Not many recognized her close relationship with Yi Jung. It didn't make sense. Maybe Jun Pyo and Jan Di were a bit believable because of Jun Pyo's single status before Jan Di. But Ga Eul and Yi Jung. They were a whole other story.

Ga Eul had always been described as having a dreary and gloomy attitude. Where others shined, she was dim. Autumn compared to Spring, so she came to accept that she had an unpleasant personality. She wasn't without fault as Chun Ja nor as brave and righteous as Jan Di. It was easy to discard her existence. Not that she blamed people for it. She knew these things to be true. So why would someone like Yi Jung be interested in her, let alone date her? Had she been insecure, she would've scorned her existence. However, years of living with Chun Ja came with its unexpected perks. She was an ordinary person like any other passing on a street. But that didn't make her any less. She was satisfied enough with what made her herself. Seeing Chun Ja obsess over girls prettier and richer than her made Ga Eul swear to herself that would never waste away her years like that.

Many called Ga Eul a parasite, and it didn't bother Ga Eul one bit. That was what she was called her entire life. It made no difference that it would now be a parasite to Jan Di and her rich friends. The thought that her friendship with the F4 was what made her mother talk to her had crossed her mind. She had hoped that she would be invisible enough to the tabloids. But apparently, that wasn't enough for her parents to recognize their own daughter—Something Ga Eul didn't know her parents were capable of.

"What is on your mind?" Yi Jung asked. Ga Eul looked to her side, not realizing Yi Jung had woken up beside her.

"I was thinking about how I was getting used to the wealthy lifestyle." Ga Eul said teasing.

"It does suit you." He said.

"How so?"

"You look so cool and unimpressed. Like flying on a private jet is what you do on the regular." He replied. Ga Eul chuckled.

"That's how I normally look. Unimpressed."

"I know that to be true. I was betting on my reputation to intimidate you when we first met." He replied.

"I was intimidated."

"Now, I know. Back then, it wasn't clear. It got on my nerves. You got on my nerves." He said.

"Is that the case now?" She asked.

"Sometimes. What goes on in your brain remains an unsolved mystery. You always look deep in thought."

"You are overthinking it. I'm not that smart."

"Maybe not as me." He replied.

"Definitely smarter."

"Pff. Please. You wish." He said.

"Oh, shut up. Insolent brat." Ga Eul said, laughing, hitting his arm. He feigned offence at her act of violence.

"One day, when you drop down your guard to me completely, I will get to harbour all your secrets."

"Don't pretend like you don't have any of your own. Everyone is entitled to a bit of privacy. I know that you were planning to harm Hong Joon." Ga Eul said, the last part a whisper.

"That doesn't count as a secret. It was merely protection."

"I don't need your protection. I am fine, truly." Ga Eul said.

"It didn't seem that way to me at that party."

"Everyone has little outbursts. Mine just happened to be a little more public." Ga Eul said, trying to persuade him.

"That pest was harming you, yet you defend him. I'm not hearing any more silly excuses about him. When it comes to your safety, I won't be so tolerant of excuses. Not even yours." He said, his eyes darkening. Ga Eul was afraid the most of that side of Yi Jung. When he was aware of all the power he could exercise, and how well he could use it. Nothing was more sinister than a wealthy person with a vengeance. Even Yi Jung, as much as Ga Eul loved him, wasn't exempt from that fact. She had to live with the differences that came from such drastic social classes.

"Let's not talk about him anymore. You could instead tell me all the things you want to visit once we arrive." Ga Eul said, trying to change the subject.

"I see what you're doing, and I'll gladly let it slide. There are so many museums we could visit. Not that I haven't visited before, but I want to see your reaction." Yi Jung said.

They first landed in Athens. Travelling 12 hours had exhausted everyone, so when they checked in at the hotel, everyone was quick to sleep the rest of the day in their rooms. Ga Eul was quick to adapt and found herself dozing off in no time. But that wasn't the case for Jan Di who kept waking up multiple times in the middle of the night. Having enough, she decided to visit Ga Eul's room at two in the morning. She was woken up by the sound of knocking on her door. Feeling her way through the dark room, she got to the door to find Jan Di inviting herself inside the room.

"I can't sleep. I have tried everything. I'm going to spend time with you until I doze off." Jan Di said, taking a pillow in her embrace and sitting on the bed.

"Please, I am so tired. Go back to your room." Ga Eul replied yawning.

"I can't. Talk to me until I fall asleep." Jan Di said pouting.

"Fine." Ga Eul sighed.

Ga Eul sat by her as she fondled with the pillow.

"Is there something specific on your mind?" Ga Eul asked, catching on her hesitance.

"I keep thinking about something, and I'm not sure if I'm right, but I keep thinking that Jun Pyo would propose soon. Maybe after graduation. I'm not exactly sure."

"Huh. I would be lying if I said I don't see this happening, but why do you seem distressed?" Ga Eul asked.

"I'm scared. It's not like I think there's someone else. I'm so sure of him, and it was bound to happen given how serious our relationship has always been, but Jun Pyo isn't a regular person. It's too much, you know?" Jan Di replied.

"I kind of get where you're coming from, so why don't you tell him?" Ga Eul suggested.

"Now?" Jan Di asked, wide-eyed.

"Not now, silly. If he does propose after graduation. You could tell him that you want to wait it out a little. You're 18 for God's sake. You should be worrying about college not marrying into a conglomerate family."

"Don't bring it up. I'm losing hair because of this." Jan Di exasperated.

"Out of everyone, you shouldn't be saying this. You have always known what you wanted ever since you were a child."

"I know. I thought that, too. Well, until recently. I've started thinking about an entirely different career path. When I saw Ji Hoo helping his grandfather treat patients, I got this feeling of fulfilment. I've begun to feel both admiration and envy, thinking I could be a part of something bigger than myself." Jan Di explained.

"Wait a second. When has Ji Hoo reunited with his grandfather?"

"You didn't know? I thought Yi Jung told you. It was a whole spectacle. He started reaching out to him two months ago or something. They're starting to rekindle their relationship, and I've been acting like a mediator between them."

"That's too much information in one sentence." Ga Eul chuckled. "So his grandfather is a doctor, and you and Ji Hoo have been helping him out?" She asked.

"Yes, now can you keep up? That's not my issue here."

"Sorry, I got railed off." Ga Eul apologized. "That's wonderful, Jan Di. You still have some time to change your plans. But are you sure about this? Swimming has always been your one goal in life."

"I've thought about it a lot, and I started to realize that I have always thought I knew what I wanted—what was right for me. I knew that Ji Hoo was a good match for me. His calm temperament and his way of thinking matched me well. So well that for long I had considered him my soulmate. There was a certain warmth when it came to being with him. Familiarity is what I could call it. But then, I started falling for Jun Pyo. Hot-headed and rash Jun Pyo. Yet I never feel more alive than when I'm with him. I have become myself. Wholly with him. Parts I was familiar with, and parts I wasn't. It feels the same to me with swimming. It's familiar and everything I thought I wanted. But there's a difference between what you think you want and what your heart actually wants and needs." She said.

"Wow, Jan Di. You really want this."

"Yes, but I don't know if I deserve it."

"Don't be stupid. Nothing good ever comes with thinking that way. You don't want to waste your years thinking what if. I might add that it suits you well. Unexpected but it makes sense. Just like Jun Pyo." Ga Eul said.

"What about you? Do you have something in mind?"

"I don't. I haven't the faintest idea. All I know is that I want to get away. I know it's not a solid plan, but I want to experience being entirely alone for the first time in my life. It feels like has always been ridden by everyone other than me. I do know that the most important thing to me is to figure out what I want. The rest could come later." Ga Eul said.

"I don't like the idea of you being far away from me one bit, but I know it's what you need." Jan Di said, settling her head on Ga Eul's shoulder.

"I'm so tired, Ga Eul. It feels like everything is happening so fast. I'm so scared."

"Me too, I wish everything was okay already. But it feels like I'm always on the wrong track. No matter what I do, I end up failing."

"Do you think that's what my parents used to feel when they were my age?" Jan Di asked.

"Maybe. They might not even remember these times at all."

"Does that mean it'll get better?" Jan Di asked hopefully.

"I hope so."

"Good of you to join us." Ji Hoo said as Ga Eul and Jan Di joined their table over breakfast. They had stayed up all night talking, barely getting a wink of sleep.

"Very funny." Ga Eul replied, yawning.

"We have a tight schedule, you know?" Woo Bin said, looking annoyed.

"Sorry, we experienced jet lag, unlike you guys." Jan Di said, taking the seat next to Jun Pyo who looked disgruntled as well but knew better not to complain.

"I got you a strong cup of coffee. We have a long day ahead of us." Yi Jung told Ga Eul as she eyed the table warily, not craving anything.

"Thank you." Ga Eul whispered, taking the cup from his hands. Yi Jung was dressed in a loose white shirt, making him a lot more down to earth.

"You're not in a suit today." Ga Eul remarked.

"A suit would be a horrid choice. I'm not an animal to ruin my precious suits." Yi Jung replied.

"You have a problem. It's not just because you're rich." Ga Eul said.

"I like what I like." Yi Jung shrugged.

"We're going to sightsee around Athens today then we're going to have dinner at a restaurant of my choosing. Does anyone object?" Jun Pyo announced proudly.

"It's not like we have a choice in the matter. You planned everything from start to finish on your own." Woo Bin snickered.

Woo Bin's words were true, thought Ga Eul to herself as she followed her group around Athens. Yi Jung made true to his promise and acted as her personal guide throughout the whole day. He explained to her the meaning behind every artwork and every statue they encountered. He would point out every intricate detail in the statues, and explain how ingenious they were. Ga Eul listened intently as she came to understand art through his eyes. He would look over at her from time to time, curious to see her reaction, and if she could understand the grace by which this art was made. He would get even more excited when she showed genuine interest.

"Look at this. It's past me how could someone convey such emotions with such delicacy. Every crinkle makes it even more humane, yet it still holds beauty only art could have." Yi Jung said, staring at a particular statue. Ga Eul followed his gaze, and while she appreciated how exquisite the art was, there was something amiss. She couldn't find that burning admiration for it as Yi Jung did. To her, it was just like the other statues she had seen. Just incredibly detailed. But she couldn't see the meanings behind them. That's where she differed from Yi Jung. He had a keen eye for things she couldn't see. However, it was worth every second of hearing him gush like a child. His genuineness made her ears perk up in investment.

It wasn't until the sun had set that they returned to their hotel. Ga Eul's feet were blistered from the amount of walking, but she couldn't help feeling giddy having spent the whole time by Yi Jung's side, just listening to him speak. She would've ordered room service hadn't Jun Pyo reserved a restaurant and ordered everyone not to skip out.

She took a hot shower and joined them downstairs where a few cars were waiting for them. Ga Eul and Jan Di took the same car, hoping to have some time alone. Rolling up the partition, Jan Di spoke first.

"First of all, you look great." Jan Di said. Ga Eul had let her hair down and wore a simple white shirt dress. "Second, Jun Pyo is definitely going to propose after graduation." She continued.

"How did you know?"

"He keeps dropping hints all the time about our future, and was making me consider destinations for our honeymoon." Jan Di said.

"Oh, God."

"I'm freaking out." Jan Do said, rubbing her sweaty palms on her dress.

"No, no, now is not the time to freak out. We're going to have a lovely dinner with them, and then you will confront Jun Pyo tomorrow." Ga Eul said, putting her hand on Jan Di's shoulder.

"I don't want to ruin our trip." Jan Di said.

"You won't. You'll lay it to him gently, he'll barely realize what happened to him. Plus, it's not like you're rejecting him." Ga Eul elaborated.

"Right. You're right." Jan Di said through deep breaths.

"Do you like the food?" Yi Jung asked beside her.

"I love it although—" Before Ga Eul could continue, he poured her a glass of water.

"I guessed it would be a little salty for you." Yi Jung said casually. Ga Eul took the glass of water, surprised. She smiled to herself and took a sip.

"Tomorrow, we're going to Santorini. We have to make the most out of this while we're here. That goes for Jan Di and Ga Eul since they've never been here before." Jun Pyo said as a matter of fact. Jan Di shot him a glare, and he looked confused as to what he did wrong.

"Why are you like this? We were having a good time before you decided to be a dumbass." Jan Di said.

"I'm saying the truth, what's wrong with that?" Jun Pyo replied, but Jan Di rolled her eyes at him. Ga Eul laughed seeing them banter. They act like they are already married. Everyone at the table thought so. It was heartwarming seeing her friends just being themselves. For a moment, Ga Eul forgot the whole world around her, as time stopped with the presence of her friends in her little bubble.

"Ga Eul, I want to ask you a question." Woo Bin said.

"Fire away."

"With all honesty, who did you find most attractive when you first met us?" Woo Bin asked. Ga Eul's mouth curved in a smile.

"No one." Ga Eul replied, shrugging.

"That cannot be true. It made sense with Jan Di since she hated us, but you always remained neutral. You had to have had a favourite." Woo Bin argued.

"Well, if you must really know, I tolerated you the most. But I never had a crush on any of you." Ga Eul said.

"That's not fair." Yi Jung said. "You were friends with me first." Yi Jung complained.

"You were also a snobbish pain in the ass when I first met you, so you can't complain. Woo Bin was the only one who acted like a semi-normal person when I met you guys." Ga Eul said. Woo Bin laughed proudly.

"I'm very normal." Ji Hoo added.

"Yeah right. You acted as if I didn't exist. Do you know how surprised I was when you first talked to me?" Ga Eul said.

"I was respectfully maintaining boundaries." Ji Hoo argued.

"I thought you were planning my murder." Ga Eul retaliated. They all laughed.

"Me, too. Ji Hoo could've easily been the worst first impression if Jun Pyo wasn't such an asshole." Jan Di said.

"Don't bring up the past, please." Jun Pyo replied, annoyed.

"It's all in good humour. Look at us now." Ga Eul said, thankful.

Like all good times, this one had to come to an end, but this time Ga Eul thought it was too soon. As her phone vibrated in her pocket, she took it out only to see a message from Hong Joon. Her smile dropped in a second, and she felt her phone shake in her hands, covered in sweat. She quickly turned off her phone and hid it in her pocket as she tried to feign interest in the conversation being held. She hid her hands under the table, afraid to hold the fork in her hands. Her body was breaking in a cold sweat as she took deep breaths when she thought no one was looking. She scared. She was petrified. She wanted to go home and hide until her past stopped following her.

"Don't you think you're being too harsh? Call me."