Chapter 34
Ga Eul took a cup of yoghurt from the fridge. She couldn't sleep, so she figured a midnight snack could help. She opened the lid and sat on the kitchen floor in the dark. She had the city lights to thank for being able to see at such a late hour. The penthouse was on the highest floor in the building, and it looked down on all of Seoul. It was the nicest skyscraper in Seoul, and if she made sure to look, she would be able to recognize a ton of A-list celebrities and important politicians. However, none would be quite at the top of the food chain like Yi Jung. It messed with her head sometimes that Yi Jung was that influential in the country.
"Couldn't sleep, either?" He asked, making Ga Eul gasp.
"You scared me." She breathed.
His hair was ruffled, indicating that he was tossing and turning like her. He yawned, opening the fridge and getting a cup of yoghurt as well.
"I couldn't sleep a wink." He complained, taking a seat next to her on the floor.
"You're stealing my yoghurt hack."
"You're stealing my yoghurt. You don't get to complain."
"You begged me to live with you." Ga Eul scoffed.
"I never said that I wouldn't appreciate rent." He laughed.
"Then find someone else to take care of your hand." She retorted. She had been following the doctors' orders, massaging his hands and giving him medicine the last week. She didn't think twice when he finally agreed to get treated properly. The matter of Sweden still hung in the air, but she didn't want to push him too much.
"Let me tell you that a lot of girls would wish to be in your place."
"You're so annoying." She rolled her eyes.
"It's not my fault that you can't handle the truth." He said, through a mouthful of yoghurt.
"This is great yoghurt by the way." She commented.
"I have great taste. It's imported from Greece."
"Of course, it is. Who else would manage to be selective even about a regular cup of yoghurt?"
"I like what I like." He shrugged.
"Did you ever hook up with any of the celebrities living in this building?" She asked out of the blue.
"Jealous?"
"Curious."
"That doesn't warrant a question. Yes, I obviously did."
"Tell me." She urged him.
"I don't kiss and tell."
"You can't be serious. You can't withhold this information from me."
"I did not take you as a gossip. Shame on you."
"Oh, I'm the worst gossip. How did you think I lived all these years in the shadows? You tend to hear some things from here and there."
"Luck for you, I tend to be the centre of gossip, so the things I know are endless." He teased.
"You're right. How come I have never asked you before? Tell me who she was."
"If you must know, she's an actress."
"You can't be serious. This could be anyone. Be more specific."
"She's in her twenties. That's all I have to say."
"You're the worst gossip. Jan Di is much more fun. When I used to hang out with Chun Ja and her friends, they told me all sorts of things then I would run and tell Jan Di all the things I've heard."
"I'll never tell you a secret again."
"Yeah, right. Good luck with that." She scoffed. "I used to hear so much about the F4 but you specifically. I remember girls used to flaunt all the gifts they got from you. And the trips! The things I have heard were ridiculous."
"Indulge me." He chuckled, his eyes watching hers with intent.
"There was this one girl who said that you took her on a surprise trip to Paris." She said.
"That does sound like me." He said, leaning his head against the kitchen drawers they were sitting against, smiling
"Damn. You're smooth." Ga Eul said, feeling jittery inside.
"Hmm, I'm still curious about something."
"Just say it. You don't get to act shameful now." He said.
"How many people did you sleep with?" She asked.
"I don't know. I didn't keep number tags."
"Wow, that means it's a lot." She chuckled.
"Does that bother you?" He asked, and she could see his worry in the dim light.
"No, it doesn't. I'm not saying that to make you feel better."
"Sometimes I hope you would be jealous. Just a little."
"I do get jealous. Not from your admirers or your exes. I was jealous of Eun Jae." She admitted.
"Why? You can't possibly think I have feelings for her."
"It's not like that. But I know she got to see sides of you I never will. She was with you ever since you were a child."
"You know who I am now better than anyone else. That's what matters the most. But I can understand where you're coming from. Other than the obvious reasons behind my hatred towards him, I also envy Hong Joon sometimes."
"This is horrible." She cackled. "You must be so in love with me to compare yourself to him."
"Like I would ever compare myself to that pest. You know what I meant. Don't tease me." He replied, offended.
"Yes, yes I'm sorry." She said, laughing again.
"You know, Chun Ja used to call him the lizard guy before they got together. He was in our circle, so we happened to meet him often. The jabs she used to make on his looks and personality. They were endless. And the fun part is that it didn't stop after they got together either. Although she did become more discreet about it."
"Lizard guy?" He laughed. "He does look like from what I remember."
"He does! He also has a slimy attitude like one."
"I don't know how you tolerated him."
"He wasn't so bad before. He progressively got worse over the years. It's all in the past now." She said, waving off the conversation.
"I'm getting sleepy again." Ga Eul yawned, putting the now empty yoghurt cup in the trash.
"Good night." He said.
"Night."
"Can't you get one of your people to get it for you? I haven't taken a break in a long time." She pleaded with Yi Jung over the phone.
"You're the only one allowed to enter my room without permission. I'll not let a random guy into my room to go through my stuff. This penthouse is solely mine to enter. Not anyone is allowed to meander about."
"Fine." She huffed. "What file did you need?"
"You'll find it in my closet. The last drawer to the left where I have all my watches."
"Why did you put them there?"
"I forgot them there. Now, hurry up. I don't have all day."
"You owe me one."
"I pay your rent."
"Fuck off." Ga Eul replied, hanging off the phone.
She was looking forward to eating the popcorn she had just made along with the movie that was waiting for her to hit the play button. No rest for the wicked, she muttered to herself as she got up.
She went to his room and opened the only door to his closet. Ga Eul let out a breath as she took in its enormity. Hundreds of shirts, jackets and all a man could ever need was sorted by colour. These were only the clothes in this penthouse. She couldn't imagine how much he had.
She closely inspected the shelves containing all his dress shoes. She caught the whiff of genuine leather mixed with men's cologne.
The glass drawers containing all his watches stood in the middle of the room—the centrepiece. Nothing spoke of wealth more than an expensive watch. Subtle yet a decisive indicator of power.
The green file could be seen through the sheer glass. Ga Eul wondered how important this file was to him that she had to deliver them personally to his campus. They looked agonizingly ordinary to her. She grunted her displeasure, not wanting to leave the comfort of home.
Ga Eul stood confused and lost as she looked over the Shinhwa campus, trying to figure out where the F4's lounge was. She asked the security but only got a warning glare in return. They barely let her in the first place.
She contemplated asking one of the students, but she could tell no one would be of help. She tried fighting off the heated gazes of people who could see she didn't belong.
She followed two girls into the entrance of the main building, assuming they were fans of the F4 by eavesdropping on their conversation. She hoped they could lead her without intending to do so. She kept a considerable distance trying to hide the fact she was lost.
"Do you think you'd be at the lounge today?" The shorter girl asked.
"They were rarely seen throughout the campus. They must be somewhere, and where is if not the lounge made especially for them?"
"They rarely attend. That's why no one sees them. If only I had the power to skip however I liked." She sighed.
"And that comes at a price. Do you think all they do is have fun? They have companies to run. They don't need to have their degrees. It's more of a tradition to graduate from Shinhwa. They don't even get to choose who they marry." The taller girl said, slowly walking up the steps, with Ga Eul carefully behind them.
"Thank God I'm not that rich. I can't imagine being forced to marry anyone. But isn't Jun Pyo dating a commoner?" The girl snickered.
"Yes, he is. But that's merely a flaw in the system. Things like these don't happen twice, and certainly not in the F4. God have mercy on the poor souls who end up with them."
Ga Eul's eyebrows knit together at the sudden turn of the conversation. She thought the two girls were fans, but their conversation didn't seem much like it.
"Do you imagine it'll be me?" The shorter girl asked sarcastically.
"Why not? Then you could buy all the shoes that you want."
"That is a dream!" The girl beamed, and they laughed at themselves.
"Unfortunately, your dream is coming to an end. Look at the bodyguards surrounding the doors." The tall girl pointed her finger towards the heavily guarded entrance. They had reached the third floor and turned a corner to find the grim-looking guards.
"Let's hover around for another day. These guards are scaring me." The short girl latched her arm to her friend as they turned around, barely passing Ga Eul a glance as they did so. She kept her head down just in case.
Ga Eul continued her quest knowing that Yi Jung must have alerted the guards of her arrival. As if on cue, they stepped aside, letting her pass through the doors.
"You finally made it." Yi Jung said, smiling. He was lying on a couch, with his left foot touching the ground.
"I got so lost around here. I hope these files are worth it." She said, pushing him aside to take a seat beside him. She helped herself to one of the mini sandwiches adorning the table in front of her. Her taste buds could never get used to this level of luxury.
"They are, my dear Ga Eul." He replied, smirking.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ga Eul asked, a mouthful of food.
Then she noticed the rest of the guys also looking at her, Jun Pyo looking especially pissed.
"Is there some joke I don't get?" Ga Eul asked.
"Yi Jung here just won a bet. He and Jun Pyo made a bet concerning you. Jun Pyo almost swore that once you stepped foot into university, you would change your mind about not attending. Of course, Yi Jung turned it into a bet, and he won obviously." Ji Hoo replied, looking at the book he was reading.
"You owe me your Bugatti." Yi Jung shrugged.
"Not happening. She hasn't decided anything, yet." Jun Pyo replied, annoyance protruding on his face.
"Does she have to tell you? She looks bored at best." Woo Bin said.
"Ga Eul knows what she wants." Ji Hoo commented.
"What is wrong with all of you? Today is my precious break. No shift at the restaurant, no workshop and no exams, and you chose to play this silly little game?" Ga Eul asked, infuriated.
"I'm doing this for your good. I simply think you should rethink not going to university." Jun Pyo replied.
"I thought you didn't care." Ga Eul asked, beguiled.
"I do care. Imagine all the things you're going to miss out on."
"You're one to talk. You barely attend." Woo Bin said.
"That's different. I'm too busy. But it's not the same for Ga Eul." Jun Pyo said.
"I appreciate what you're trying to do, but why did you think bringing me here would change my mind?" Ga Eul asked, feeling touched at his noble intent yet still irritated she had to come all the way here.
"He thought visiting the campus might change your mind. I told you Ga Eul wouldn't but you didn't listen." Yi Jung looked over his shoulder to Jun Pyo.
"Now what?" Ga Eul asked.
"Wait for me while I finish class. I'll take you home." Yi Jung said, getting up while looking at his watch.
"I won't be long. Make yourself at home while I'm gone." He said, fixing his suit and getting out the door.
It wasn't long before Jun Pyo and Woo Bin followed suit, leaving her and Ji Hoo alone. Something about enduring Ji Hoo's presence alone made her timid.
"You still get tense around me, do you know that? I wonder why. I am quite fond of you." He said, his head tilted to the side as the only indicator of genuine curiosity. Otherwise, it would've sounded like taunting.
"Maybe it's because you have such strong opinions." She admitted.
"And you don't?" He inquired, raising his eyebrows.
"It's not like that. You're rather open about it than I am. You don't bother acknowledging someone unless you deem them worthy."
"My upbringing gave me many privileges, but choosing who to gain as my acquaintance is the one I value the most. I don't need to waste my time or engage with people I don't like. Everyone has strong opinions, Ga Eul. You, yourself, are no stranger to this, however, I get to exploit the advantage of acting on those opinions."
"You're right, but I guess I have this irrational fear of disappointing you." She chuckled nervously.
"My friendship isn't a test. I like your company, but that doesn't mean that you're hanging by a thread. I don't lose friendships because of mistakes or flaws. I make friendships out of admiration for that person's character. Rather like you. We're more similar than most realise."
"I never thought that way, but I see it now that you mention it. I'm the least intimidating version though." She teased, earning a laugh from him.
"Has Yi Jung brought up Sweden?" She asked.
"Unfortunately, not, but I sense he will soon. He's doing much better now."
"Yes, that makes me so relieved."
"Speaking of Sweden, now that things have cooled down, I was going to give you a piece of advice. Don't follow Yi Jung if he decides to go. That is his battle to take on. Don't put your life on hold because of him. We all feel guilty that we put this kind of pressure on you. It's not your job to take care of him."
"I wouldn't say no if he wants me to come along. It's not like I have big plans coming my way."
"That doesn't make it any right. I have once been there, and it doesn't end prettily. Just because you love someone doesn't mean you should be okay living on the sidelines of their life."
"But I'm not forsaking my life for his. I only wish to be there for him. You know if the roles were reversed, he would do anything for me."
"That's a different scenario."
"How so?"
"He would do everything for you because he can. He yields more power in his injured hand than a man could work all his life for let alone dream of. Think about yourself first. For both your sake and Yi Jung's."
"I understand. I'll think about it."
"You're the most delectable thing I've ever beheld." Yi Jung said, playing with strands of her hair. Warmth crept up her cheeks. He was lying so close to her on the couch, barely watching the movie.
"You're not paying attention to the movie." She said, trying to divert his attention.
"Why should I when I have something more fascinating by my side." He said, his fingers trailing down her neck.
"Your heart is beating so fast." He mused as he massaged the side of her neck with his thumb.
"I wonder why is that?" She asked, finally looking at him. She could never get used to that look on his face—desperation.
"Because I'm so close to you? Or because I'm touching you? It could also be that I'm brazenly and shamelessly flirting with you." He softly chuckled.
"It's a great thing that you're aware of your actions."
"How else would I be able to seduce you? I'm not entirely pleased about our arrangement right now. Why should we wait until we covet what's already ours?"
"You're getting bolder."
"I'm getting truthful. I have presented you with the last chance to clean your hands of us being together. I'm a patient man, Ga Eul. I wait to get what I want, but that doesn't I'm kind or lenient. When I finally get my hands on all of your heart, I won't wane to show you how much you've been making us suffer. Then, I won't listen to you anymore. I'd do whatever I wanted. You won't have the eye to tell me to tone down my feelings for you anymore. Everyone would know how much I adore you, and I won't let a single soul touch us. You'd be mine for life. Any guy worth his salt would know not to touch you no matter how tempting you are, and believe me you are very much tempting. God, just the sight of you makes me want to falter at your feet and own you at the same time." He whispered the last part dangerously close to her ear, making her skin flush in his wake.
Taking advantage of her entrance, he took her hand and placed a kiss on her palm. She watched, her chest falling heavily, as his eyes bore into hers. Her head got dizzy listening to his words. She knew he planned to make well on his promise, and it sent a thrill down her spine—both in fear and excitement.
"You're not playing fair." She managed to utter.
"Who said I'm anything remote to being fair? I play dirty when it comes to you. I would bend any morals just to have you." His eyes darkened. He placed her hand on his cheek.
"What brought this on?" She questioned, breathless. She knew Yi Jung tended to be intense, but he never came on as strong as this before.
"When I became injured, I was worried that you'd leave. I know now that it was an irrational fear, but it shook me more than anything could. I don't want to come close to imagining a life without you. I'm saying it out loud to you, so you should know what you mean to me."
"There is no losing me, you idiot. I'm in love with you, and it's clear as day. If anything, I should be the scared one. You have the upper hand to act on your feelings than I am."
"That's not true. I may have power, but it's of no use when it comes to you. Power means nothing if it's love that I'm seeking."
"It does offer a helping hand. You can't deny it."
"Yes, it does. I won't lie that I don't intend to use this power for my sake. Well, for ours. When you finally give in, I'd do anything in my hands to protect you."
"Like you don't do it now. You were on the verge of destroying Hong Joon."
"As I should have, but I'm holding my anger out of respect for you. Should he do anything else, I swear, Ga Eul, I would hold no regard for you, the law or anyone who stands in my way." He threatened.
"I know. That doesn't mean that I approve of what you're saying."
"I wasn't asking for your approval."
"I missed you." Ga Eul said, Jan Di's hands in hers as they helped each other on the ice rink. Ga Eul had been pestering her to have a date.
"Me, too. I hope you're not mad at me. I know I've been neglecting you lately."
"Don't apologize. I'm happy you're fighting for yourself. I just wanted to tell you that I missed you that's all." Ga Eul said, pushing Jan Di towards her, forcing her to take a swerve on the ice. Jan Di chuckled, taken by surprise.
"We haven't had fun in a while." She said.
"Tell me about it."
Ga Eul had been planning this date for a while now. Small orange lights were around the rink, giving the illusion of spotlights. It was dark and freezing, and the layers of clothes did nothing to fight off the cold.
White fog was coming out of their mouths as they laughed. They hadn't skated ever since they were children, and their skills were more than rusty. Still, they managed to keep their ground despite losing their balance more than once.
"This reminds me of when we came here after we failed our midterm in school. How old were we?" Ga Eul asked.
"Twelve I think. We were crying so much that day."
"Yes, it was the first time I failed something in school. Who could've told younger Ga Eul that it wouldn't be the last time either."
"Talk about yourself. It was my last time."
Ga Eul pushed Jan Di, causing her to almost fall.
"You jerk!" Jan Di laughed, pushing Ga Eul with stronger force.
"You'll pay for this." Ga Eul shouted as she ran after Jan Di who took this as an invitation for a chase. Both seemingly had regained their skills at skating when it came down to a challenge.
People moved out of their way as their blades glazed through the ice. Jan Di turned her head giving Ga Eul, who was hot on her tail, a mischievous glance. Jan Di always had the better stamina out of both of them. They disregarded the disapproving gazes thrown their way as they wreaked havoc on the rink.
Ga Eul was getting closer, and her skates out of force of habit smashed into Jan Di's causing both of them to collide on their heavily padded coats. They burst into laughter as they fell on the ice.
"You're still a cheat." Jan Di huffed, pointing her middle finger at her friend in a swift move, so no one could see except Ga Eul.
"And you don't have any manners."
"Here, get up." Jan Di reached out her hand. Ga Eul took it, tugging her arm, making her fall again.
"For the love of God!" Jan Di exclaimed. Ga Eul's head fell backwards with laughter.
"I win." She said, smug.
"No, you don't. You're a sore loser who can't handle defeat, so you ruined the chase."
"No, I didn't." She shrugged.
"We'll see. You and me again. Right now. Let's see how you can win without pulling one of your moves." Jan Di challenged, getting back up.
"Alright." She agreed, but before she could stand up, Jan Di was already skating away.
"Hey! That's cheating." Ga Eul yelled through the crowd as she got up as fast as she could to catch Jan Di.
Ga Eul was finally bidding her farewell to her school years as she stood on stage to receive her degree. Jan Di's graduation was a week before hers. Ga Eul could see Jan Di in the audience clapping excitedly for her. It still felt surreal how things have changed. How well she and Jan Di were doing. Her friends were waiting for her to celebrate together.
She wasn't happy to graduate more than she was happy about how things had turned out for everyone. Jan Di was going to med school. Yi Jung had agreed to go to Sweden, and she was now closer than ever to leave.
She had more than enough money in her bank account after all these years of sleeping anywhere she could find, and living by the scrapes her part-times gave her. She had never felt more free. More like her own person. However, life has its way of throwing you off track no matter how hard you've been working. And Ga Eul was no exception to this rule.