Chapter 15
Ga Eul was in the kitchen of the porridge store with Jan Di as her company. It was a slow day, so Ga Eul was washing the dishes, and Jan Di was keeping her entertained. "So you're friends with Yi Jung now?" She asked meticulously.
"Are you jealous?" Ga Eul teased her friend.
"I don't have to be. No one dares to take my place." She replied haughtily. Ga Eul chuckled at her friends' confidence.
"Well, I'm glad you know that."
"Seriously though, are you sure about Yi Jung? He doesn't have girl friends. Even the rest of the F4 were shocked."
"Yes, I am sure. We get along surprisingly well. And it doesn't hurt that he's friends with your boyfriend either. We're in the same friend group."
"If that means I get to spend more time with you, pretend I didn't say anything."
"See? It all works out for you in the end." Ga Eul said, washing her hands of the soap accumulated on her hands and drying them off.
The door to the store opened announcing a customer. "You stay I'm going to get that." Jan Di said, leaving her. As if in time, her phone vibrated in the pocket of her jeans. It was a message from Yi Jung.
Yi Jung: When you're free, come visit us in the den. Don't tell Jan Di.
Ga Eul: Sure. Is there something wrong?
Yi Jung: No. You'll understand when you get here.
Ga Eul was shortly joined again by Jan Di with the customer's order. Ga Eul took the order from Jan Di and started working on the porridge with questions swarming up her brain.
Ga Eul entered the den, but not before seeing the hardened look on the body guards standing at the door of the den. She broke eye contact as quickly as she could to escape their gazes. She went down the stairs to their underground hideout. This time, she had no ulterior reasons for her visit. She greeted them when she made her way down, and found Yi Jung scootching aside, making space for her to sit between him and Woo Bin. A little smile crept on her face at his little greeting. "Should I be scared?" She asked them. She made herself comfortable on the rich leather couch. She had let herself take in her surroundings better now that she could take a better look at the place. It was the perfect place for a hideout. Underground and isolated from the real world. With all sort of entertainment scattered around in every corner. A pool table, playstation, and even a poker table at the far corner. The brown cobble stone walls, and the smell of the expensive leather furniture invited her to relax.
"Jan Di's birthday is in a week, and I want to throw her a surprise."
"And what do you have planned?" Ga Eul asked.
"I was thinking of throwing something grand. It would also be the best time to make our relationship more official." Jun Pyo said. Ga Eul could see the twinkle in his eyes, and she got scared. If Jun Pyo wanted to throw something grand, that meant he would go all out. She wanted to tone down his excitement a bit without hurting his feelings.
"On what scale exactly were you thinking?" She asked, hopeful it wouldn't be something too ridiculous.
"On a yacht. By night of course. I would invite everyone." Jun Pyo replied, validating her fears.
"I feel like that would be a tad too much. I mean it's Jan Di we're talking about. The simpler the better." Ga Eul said, trying to smooth out her worries.
"I agree with Ga Eul. Jan Di would be too intimidated." Ji Hoo said.
"How much simpler than a yacht do you want me to get? It's my girlfriend's birthday!" Jun Pyo exclaimed with pent up anger. It seemed Ga Eul wasn't the only one trying to reason with him. Woo Bin snickered beside her.
"What were his original plans? I get the feeling that he had bigger plans than this." Ga Eul asked Yi Jung.
"He was going to have a masquerade ball at his mansion in Jeju. With entertainers and champagne fountains." Yi replied. Ga Eul stifled a chuckle.
"How about this? Since we're all the closest friends to Jan Di, we could throw her a party with just us five. A simple cake, and thoughtful gifts would do the trick." Ga Eul suggested.
"And where would we do it?" Jun Pyo asked, clearly not in favor of her idea.
"A regular cafe would be nice."
"I can't deal with all of your lame ideas." Jun Pyo said.
"I have known Jan Di the longest out of you guys, and believe me, I know what I'm saying."
"I stand with Ga Eul's idea." Ji Hoo added.
"I'm with Jun Pyo. It can't be something so simple. It's their first time celebrating her birthday together. Maybe a yacht is too excessive, but a cafe? That's heinous." Yi Jung added.
"Oh, please. Like you have better ideas? That's how Jan Di and I celebrated birthdays for years. Some of them even ended up with her crying tears of joy. But she would never admit to that."
"How about we do it here? It's cozy and chill. Also we have lots of entertainment here. It would be fun." Woo Bin proposed.
"I also think that would work. How about you guys?" Ga Eul asked.
"It's a great idea." Ji Hoo chimed his agreement.
"I can't believe you're asking me to spend her birthday here. I hang out here everyday with you guys. How's that any different than a regular day?" Jun Pyo argued.
"Can you please trust that I know what I'm doing. It's going to be great. She'll love it." Ga Eul persuaded him.
"If this goes to shit, I'm never taking advice from you again."
"Deal."
"So now who is going to divide task?" Woo Bin asked.
"I could make the cake. Jan Di would love it more if it were homemade. Yi Jung and Ga Eul could be in charge of decorating the place, and Woo Bin and Jun Pyo could be in charge of distracting Jan Di the whole day." Ji Hoo said.
"Does anybody have any complaints?" Woo Bin asked. And they all responded with nods except a curly headed someone who did so disapprovingly.
After their conversation everyone left one by one. Ji Hoo went home, and so did Jun Pyo. Leaving Yi Jung, Ga Eul and Woo Bin in the den. "So where do you want to spent the rest of the day?" Woo bin asked Yi Jung.
"The regular club?" He asked. "I don't feel like being original today."
"Sounds great." Woo Bin said excitedly.
"Ga Eul, do you want to come with us?" Yi Jung asked her. Ga Eul got a little stunned. She didn't expect the invite, nor did she have the intention to accept. She didn't want to barge in one their boys' night. Especially if it's in a club.
"I don't know about that. Clubs aren't my thing." Ga Eul said.
"You should try coming." Said Woo Bin, hoping to convince her. Ga Eul got tongue tied. It wasn't as of she didn't appreciate their effort, but she didn't have good memories in clubs. She used to go there with Chun Ja and Hong Joon. They were just another public place where she felt lost. But things were different now. She was different. Older, stronger, and not a mere shadow anymore. She knew that she wouldn't be one to enjoy clubbing. But she wanted to step foot in a place she had been ignoring for so long.
"Okay, I'm in." Ga Eul said.
Ga Eul had definitely forgotten what it was like go clubbing. The stench of alcohol, and the swarming pool of dancers made her memories rush in front of her. Of a black haired Chun Ja, so beautiful that the lights seemed to follow her everywhere. No one could could ever ignore her. And if they said so, they were spouting lies of jealousy. She would be so magnificent and ethereal that it felt both unreal and indestructible at the same time. On the dance floor, there would either be her followers, around her, hoping to bask in her glory, or her haters. Trying to feign ignorance to the brilliance beside them. Close yet so out of touch.
She almost laughed in irony when they had arrived, and this time instead of her sister, Woo Bin and Yi Jung did that. It seemed that no matter what she did, she would always be surrounded by people who took the air out of others' lungs. People naturally made way for them on the dance floor, like one would do for royalty. However, this time, Ga Eul didn't hide behind Chun Ja. She was walking side by side with Woo Bin and Yi Jung, respectively.
Curious glances were thrown at her, but she ignored them well. It wasn't like Yi Jung and Woo Bin never came without girls before. They made way to the bar were both Yi Jung and Woo Bin ordered their drinks of choice. "What would you drink?" Yi Jung asked her over the loud music.
"Nothing. I don't drink." Ga Eul shouted.
"Whatever you like." He said.
Woo Bin preceded them on the dance floor. Yi Jung stayed by Ga Eul over the bar. "You don't have to keep me company. I'm fine here."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Now go have your fun." Ga Eul said.
Ga Eul watched them by the bar dancing on the floor. Her head moved slowly to the music as she sipped on a bottle of sparkling water. Something that felt like a muscle memory. Wait for the others to have their fun until it would be time to go home. But Yi Jung and Woo Bin were different no matter how much it seemed liked it wasn't. Yi Jung wanted her be around because he was her friend. She wasn't following around her older sister like a little lost puppy. They may have the same effect on people. The same dominance. But they were fundamentally better than Chun Ja. And she could leave whenever she wanted. She wasn't held hostage anymore. She was free. She may have been doing the same things she did two years ago, but now it was for a friend.
She was surprised when a guy stood close to her on the bar. His elbows resting on the counter behind them. Trying to slide in conversation smoothly with her, he asked, "You here alone?"
Ga Eul was going to ignore him, but she decided against it when she saw how drunk he was. It would only get him agitated. He looked around her age. His face was fairly handsome.
"No, I'm with my friends, but they're dancing right now."
"Then you have to join me." He said, offering her his bottle of beer.
"Thank you, but I'm going to pass." She replied uncomfortably, trying to put space between them without him realizing.
"There has to e something to get you to have fun." He said, mischievously.
"I am having fun. Thank you, but I have to go now." Ga Eul said.
"I'm not letting you leave without getting your number." He said, with a smirk on his face. Ga Eul wanted to roll her eyes, but she held them intact. She couldn't believe she forgot how boring drunk people were.
"Fine." She said, taking his phone and typing a number in. He stupidly smiled at her, before leaving her, and stumbling on his steps.
A second later, she was joined again by Yi Jung who told her was getting a table upstairs. She decided to go with him in order to avoid any more drunkards.
Ga Eul was sitting at an exclusive VIP table with Yi Jung and Woo Bin. And a stupendous number of girls. A part of her had wanted to see Yi Jung in all his grandeur. Charming and flirting around. Impressing the girls who are willing to be dazzled by his grace. With Woo Bin cracking jokes leading to a fit of giggles and more champagne. It felt like she overlooking a painting. Colorful and loud. While Woo Bin was having genuine fun, she couldn't say the same about Yi Jung. He was again playing a part. Saying magical words knowing, and expecting, their effect. And cracking a knowing smile to himself as if winning to prove himself right. It was more of a game to him rather than a fun time. Ga Eul had suspected something like that before. Yi Jung had a way of habitually hiding his true self from others. And now Ga Eul could see it wasn't just other people he was hiding from. It was also from himself. It was more like he was convincing himself that he was having fun more than actually enjoying himself.
Yi Jung suddenly looked her way, and asked her, "It seemed like there was a guy bothering you down before."
"Yeah. He kept asking for my number, and didn't leave until I gave him one." Ga Eul said, surprised he noticed.
"You gave him your number? Do you realize how dangerous that is?" He asked from over his side of the table. He was sitting opposite her while Woo Bin was two girls away from her.
"I'm not an idiot. I gave him Woo Bin's number instead." Ga Eul said. With that everyone burst into laughter while Woo Bin eyes shot with anger. "I'm not having some random drunkard bothering me with calls because of you, Ga Eul." Woo Bin complained.
"What did you want me to do? I couldn't think of anyone else at that moment." She said, laughing.
"I'm getting back at your for this. Watch your back." He said. Ga Eul just shrugged at him.
"Hey, Yi Jung. Could you play us the saxophone? Please?" A girl with brown locks pleaded next to him. Yi Jung smirked at her.
"You play the saxophone? What's next? You know how to polo?" Ga Eul asked.
"I'll have you know that I do. Pretty well actually."
"You're such a stereotype." Ga Eul said, poking fun at him.
"It's what I do best." He said standing up and making way from their table.
He walked down to the dance floor. Ga Eul and a few other girls followed him down to see him perform. He walked upon a stage where a saxophone was prepared for him. Everyone gathered to watch him play. Utterly mesmerized by his playing. The tunes wafted their way throughout the club, and for a moment it felt like everything had stilled except for Yi Jung on the stage. Ga Eul didn't miss Yi Jung's subtle smug smile, aware of his effect. And Ga Eul had to give it to him, his performance was bewitching.
Ga Eul spent the entire following week trying to hold her tongue before Jan Di. Afraid that she would slip up before her about her birthday. From shifts at the porridge store to normal hangouts, Ga Eul barely held it in. So she was relieved that her birthday was finally tomorrow. She was supposed to help Yi Jung with the decorations. Since the den was huge, they had to start working from the day before the party. After finishing her shift, she went straight to the den. Yi Jung had already arrived there, and was waiting for her drowning in confetti. Ga Eul laughed before deciding to help him.
"I had no idea decorating would be this hard. It feels like part of my soul is being shed." Yi Jung said. Ga Eul looked at the lousily hung decorations and scoffed.
"Let me give you a hand." She said, taking the mound of confetti he was trying to stuff in a balloon.
"Do you have pliers here?" She asked. He nodded and handled her a pair which she used to hold the opening of the deflated balloon open. She stuffed it with confetti then inflated the balloon with an electric balloon pump. He followed her lead, filling balloons up.
"Your graduation is coming up. Are you excited?" Ga Eul asked.
"Not really. It's not going to be anything different than high school. It's just an upgrade from Shinhwa High School to Shinhwa University. My future is set and clear. I don't expect surprises."
"And you don't like that?"
"Sometimes. But I knew I wanted to be a potter from a very young age. Not because it was expected from me. It can be confusing to possess my hands. I can't decide if I revere or despise them." He said
"I don't think it's your hands that you fear, but whose they resemble." Ga Eul said, remembering their conversation back in the studio. His spite of his father. The second most famous one out of his family for his talent.
"You mean my father? I don't need just talent to resemble him." He said
"Something tells me you're terribly wrong."
"And how would you know?"
"Because you hate him. So much that I see it reeking out of your eyes right now. You can't possibly be anything like him."
"Some people say that we hate the people we resemble the most."
"That might be true, but you're aware of the qualities that make you hate him. You want to be better."
"I'm not better." He said.
"But you want to. You have something that he lacks. Conscience. And it's not like you're his only son. What makes you his duplicate?"
"I have an older brother. He's not like me. Like me and father. That's why he left the family. Leaving me to inherit the name, the glory and bask in it alone." He scoffed bitterly.
"Where is he now?"
"I wouldn't know. I haven't spoken to him in years."
Not want to leave their conversation on a bad note, Yi Jung asked, "Enough talk about me. What are your plans for the future?"
"Of course Jan Di doesn't know that, but I want to get out of here desperately."
"Like travel? For how long?" He asked.
"I don't know. I have no plans what I'm going to do either. All I know is that I want to leave everything behind me here."
"You have no university in mind?"
"No, and my grades wouldn't help me. I'm barely passing. In fact I have exams coming up, and I have to get my act together, but I have no quiet place to study."
"You don't study at home?" He asked.
"I don't exactly live somewhere specific. I use my parents' house only as a place to sleep in, and store my clothes. I go there two to three times a weak." Ga Eul said. Yi Jung's eyes shot up, shocked.
"So where do you sleep then? When you're not at your parents' house."
"A sauna, or the workshop."
"Ga Eul, that's not safe in any way shape or form. You're being ridiculous."
"It's better than seeing my parents daily. I haven't spoken to them ever since Chun Ja died, and I don't plan on doing so anytime soon." Ga Eul said.
"What happened?" He asked, concerned.
"It was an argument. A huge one. "Someday, I will tell you, but not today." Ga Eul said, a weak smile on her face.
"It's okay." He said, his eyebrows furrowed in concern.
They took longer than expected inflating all the balloons. It was mostly because of them talking. "Do you want to study at my studio? It's quiet most of the time." Yi Jung offered.
"No, I don't want to bother you. And what if you want to bring someone over. I would only be standing in your way."
"No, you wouldn't. And if I have someone over, I would tell you beforehand not to come. It would also be a great way to spend more time together."
"Are you sure about this, Yi Jung?" Ga Eul asked.
"Yes, don't worry about it."
They spent the entire day hanging on garlands of balloons and streamers. Before calling it a night, they hung happy birthday letters.
It wasn't like Ga Eul and Jan Di to not celebrate each other's birthdays, that's why Ga Eul had to come up with an excuse to Jan Di. She could tell Jan Di was disappointed when she told her over the phone on the morning of her birthday that she had exams to study for. Ga Eul felt terrible, but she had plans to follow as ordered by Jun Pyo. Ga Eul, Yi Jung and Ji Hoo were at the den, waiting for Jan Di to come with Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo at any minute. They had spent the day finishing up final touches in the den, and getting all the snacks ready while Woo Bin and Jun Pyo created diversions for Jan Di in order not notice anything suspicious.
Ga Eul heard footsteps down the stairs, and they all got into place. Holding confetti poppers like guns. As soon as Jan Di arrived, they all popped confetti over her. Jan Di's eyes got wide in shock, and she looked behind her at Woo Bin, and Jun Pyo in astonishment. "What? I'm so confused right now. You followed me all day because of this. I thought you forgot." She told them.
"We worked so hard to keep this from you." Ga Eul said, taking Jan Di in her arms.
"Thank you all so much. I don't know what to say." Jan Di said, breaking the hug and looked at Jun Pyo with a blushed face. Their eyes held each other for a while before Woo Bin said, "Now is the time for cake. I'm starved chasing around you all day." Woo Bin said.
They all sat round a table filled with cake other delicacies brought by Ji Hoo. "This cake is astronomical." Jun Pyo said, through a mouthful.
"Glad you like it." Ji Hoo said, the corners of his mouth upturned. That was the first time Ga Eul saw him smile genuinely.
"It's time for presents now. My turn first" Woo Bin said, standing up and giving Jan Di a gift bag.
Jan Di opened it, and took out a wine bottle wrapped with a red velvet ribbon. Jan Di inspected the bottle for a while before thanking Woo Bin, confused.
"You have to savor this one. Open it only for something really special." Woo Bin said, proud of his gift. Ga Eul tried to sneak a glance at the bottle, but she could only get the date—1949. Jan Di couldn't tell, but this bottle was worth thousands of dollars. She wasn't well-versed in wine, but this for sure was nothing less than 5 thousand dollars.
"Mine next." Yi Jung said, giving her a box.
Inside it was a small glass sculpture of a dolphin riding on a small wave. It had a gradient blue color. Ga Eul began getting subconscious about her gift. It was nowhere near as fancy these gifts. It was a more practical gift. She knew Jan Di would be appreciative of their gifts nonetheless, but she couldn't help feeling one upped.
Ji Hoo got her a pair of earrings with blue crystals encrusted against each other in the shape of ocean waves. It was time for Ga Eul and Jun Pyo's gifts, so Ga Eul decided to go first in order to let her boyfriend be last. Jan Di gasped when she opened Ga Eul's gift bag. "No you didn't, Ga Eul." Jan Di said, taking out a blue Speedo knee swimming suit.
"You've been complaining about your old swimming suit a lot, so I thought you might need a change." Ga Eul said.
"Oh, I can't believe you. This is too much." Jan Di said, squeezing her in a hug.
"Hey, don't get too excited. You still haven't opened mine next." Jun Pyo said, annoyed.
"Alright alright. Give me yours then." Jan Di said. Jun Pyo handled her a gray bag. Opening the zipper, Jan Di took out swimming goggles in their container. At first, Ga Eul confused why Jan Di's face froze. They were only a pair of swimming goggles, but upon a further inspection, she saw the name Park Tae Hwan engraved on the container. That was Jan Di's idol. An Olympic gold medalist.
"These are real? Oh my god." Jan Di said in pure euphoria. The way Jun Pyo's smile kept widening looking at Jan Di called for a photograph. Ga Eul fumbled in her bag looking for her camera. She took a picture of Jun Pyo and Jan Di, both looking at each so in love. She could see a tear brimming in Jan Di's eyes, but she held them in. Ga Eul took a snide picture of her in order to show it to Jun Pyo. To prove herself right.
They took a lot of pictures that day. Of them playing pool. Of Jan Di putting cake on Ji Hoo's face, Woo Bin losing a round of poker to Yi Jung again, and more importantly all of them together laughing at Ga Eul almost dropping Yi Jung and Woo Bin's gifts in one go. A happiness that only exists around one's family. The kind people choose for themselves.
A/N: I know this update is so late, so I'm sorry, However, I won't be able to promise regular updates anymore, so I'm taking a bit of a hiatus. I hope you all understand.