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Woo Bin's wasn't a worrywort. He hardly stressed about anything. His happy-go-lucky personality made him who he was. If something ever did drive him over the edge, he'd call a friend, go out, have some fun, and he would be back to his normal self in no time.
But today was different. No matter how much he tried, he couldn't get Dad's injured face out of his mind. Dad, like Woo Bin, wasn't the poster child for responsibility, but escaping the hospital to visit him was crossing a line here.
And then there was Gran, who didn't even bother telling him about the injury.
The fact that she and Dad weren't really on the best of terms was a reality Woo Bin accepted long ago. A part of him even understood Gran's point of view. She didn't approve of the marriage. As much as Woo Bin admired the badassery of being a mafia boss, he doubted having your daughter marry one was any mother's dream. Mom's untimely death would've made everything worse. Still, sometimes he found it hard not to feel resentful.
This family feud kept Woo Bin from seeing his dad. Could Gran not even attempt civility? For his sake?
The opening door brought Woo Bin out of his reverie. Gran entered the house, flashing him a warm smile.
"Hello, my dear. How was your trip?"
The look on his face wiped the smile off.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Why didn't you tell me? About Dad?"
"Tell you what, dear?"
"That he was injured."
"Do you honestly expect me to tell you every time he gets a little injury? Because if that's the case, his injuries would be all we would ever talk about."
"Gran, he had a bandage on his head."
"He is the head of the mafia." She took one look at his face, and in a much gentler voice, she continued, "Okay, I know I seem a little unreasonable. But I'm not unnecessarily limiting his access to you. I don't want his lifestyle to affect you. That's all."
"Just try to get along. Please."
"Oh, alright," she said as she gave him a hug.
_ oOo _
Woo Bin sat in the coffee shop, waiting for Jae. Normally, he'd be excited. It had been ages since they last met. But something about her tone on the phone worried him. Carefree Jae sounded ... serious. Something was definitely wrong.
A minute later, she walked through the door. The usual spring in her steps was conspicuously absent.
"Hey, did you miss me?" she asked.
"Of course. No one gets my humor like you."
Excruciatingly awkward bouts of silence followed.
"You seemed a little preoccupied last time. Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, about that. I'm sort of cut off from my family money for a while."
"What? Seriously? What happened?"
"It was my decision, actually. At the last family meeting, my parents and I had a discussion. About the company's future. Turns out, they've zero faith in my competency." She stirred the soup. "You know, the usual. I didn't take responsibility seriously. I always hop from one place to another without a care in the world. Apparently, that's not the attitude of a future CEO."
"Creativity and passion aren't coveted qualities in a CEO now?"
"They don't see it that way."
"Their loss."
A small smile flickered across her face. "Anyway. So, I decided to live on my own for a while. If I manage to survive by myself in Seoul, maybe people will shut up about my irresponsibility."
"I get it. The world looks down on fun and jolly people. They don't think we know how the world works."
"That's exactly what my parents said. 'Return when you learn how the world works. Life isn't a fairytale, Jae Kyung'"
That was an interesting condition, to say the least. "Where are you staying?"
"In a hotel. But I can't stay there forever." Her forehead scrunched up. "And I need to get a job too. Something flexible. That I can do while I study." She schooled her features back into a smile. "But enough about me. What's up with you? How did your trip go?"
"Leave that. This is more important." He flashed her a smile. "I've got just the thing for you. Just give me one second." He picked up his phone and dialed a number. "Meet me at the F4 lounge in an hour. I'll explain later. Gotta go." Turning back to Jae, he said, "Come on. Let's go to the hotel and pick up your luggage."
She shot him a confused look.
"You'll have to stay somewhere till we find you an apartment. My house is pretty much empty, and Gran would just love you."
After the initial shock wore off, she followed after him.
_ oOo _
"Hey, guys," said Jun Pyo. "I can't make it to our ice hockey game. I'm going to take Jan Di out," said Jun Pyo.
"Okay, call us when she says no. We'll fix the time to meet up," said Yi Jeong.
"You don't know what she'll say. She'll come. Watch, I'm dialing her number right now."
"Hello? Jan Di, there's this great place that serves the best crab. It's not that far. It's in Hong Kong. What do you mean by that? Ga Eul's birthday is more important than me? More important than our love and all our romantic endeavors? Hello? Jan Di, are you there?"
"She hung up! Wait, where did Woo Bin and Yi Jeong go?"
"I'm not sure. Although they did just run outside," replied Ji Hoo.
"So, what do you plan to do now?"
"I was planning to take a nap on this couch. But I'm sensing you've got something less fun in mind. So, Jan Di said no, huh?"
"She said it's Ga Eul's birthday and then hung up the phone."
"Please tell me that I don't have to walk you through this."
Jun Pyo shot him a puzzled look.
"Jan Di is friends with all your close friends. She hangs out with us. Often. Even though Woo Bin and Yi Jeong are weird. She's involved in your life, while you know nothing about her friends."
"You're right." He trapped Ji Hoo in an unwilling hug. "Thanks. I gotta go. There's something I have to do."
_oOo_
"For the last time, Woo Bin. There will be no strippers coming out of the cake," said Yi Jeong.
"You never consider my ideas. Give me a good reason. Come on, go ahead. Why not?"
"One: Ga Eul doesn't want any strippers. Two: It's illegal."
"That's why it's for a special occasion. And how do you know she doesn't like strippers?"
"It's Ga Eul. She's not a nuthead like you. Besides, it's her birthday, not yours."
"I know. You think I am such a selfish friend. I have Ga Eul's interest in mind. They're male strippers," said Woo Bin. He couldn't understand what his teachers kept complaining about. He had a beautiful mind with such magnificent, innovative ideas.
"Guys! Guys! Guys! I have a brilliant idea," said Jun Pyo as he ran towards them.
"Not now, Jun Pyo. We're kind of busy."
"It'll only take a second." He wedged himself between them. "Ji Hoo pointed out that while Jan Di hangs out with all my friends, I know nothing about hers."
"That's a touching story, really, Jun Pyo," said Yi Jeong.
"I'm not done. To show her how much I care, I'm going to throw Ga Eul," said Jun Pyo, pausing for dramatic effect.
Mr. Young interrupted the theatrics. "Young Master Song, Young Master So has rejected all your ideas for the party music."
"Yi Jeong, you bossy boots! You can't have everything your way."
"Yes, I can. Woo Bin, you have to understand, when I say this, I say this on behalf of everyone; all your ideas are stupid."
"A birthday party!" said Jun Pyo, finishing his sentence.
"She's my friend too. I'll have my men throw you out and banish you from this operation."
"We will take part in no such activity."
"Would it kill you to just side with me once in a while?" asked Woo Bin.
"Emergency. Emergency. Young master song, Young master So," said Woo Bin's newly appointed bodyguard, Sang Jae Yung.
_oOo_
"What's this fancy piece of equipment?" asked Jae Kyung.
"That's a bowl, Unnie," said Ga Eul. Yi Jeong and Woo Bin Sunbae turned up at her house yesterday with Jae Kyung. Apparently, she was new in town and needed a job. Ga Eul suggested the porridge shop. After all, she owed them both: Yi Jeong for the balloon race, and Woo Bin Sunbae for the ski trip. Reassuring her parents wasn't an easy job.
Besides, the easy camaraderie between Woo Bin and Jae Kyung piqued her interest. Ga Eul was ninety percent sure Jae Kyung was the girl he was sneaking around to talk to on the camping trip.
"Interesting. What would this be?"
"That's porridge. It is what we serve here. Unnie, did Woo Bin Sunbae tell you anything before he sent you to work here?"
_oOo_
"Mr. Sang, what's the emergency?" asked Woo Bin.
"The drapes don't match with the birds."
"You got birds to sing for the party. Nice touch," said Jun Pyo.
"Jun Pyo, please send some people with Mr. Sang to get new drapes," said Woo Bin.
"On it. This is going to be such a kickass party!"
_oOo_
"And who is this fine piece of work, I am looking at?" asked Jae Kyung.
"That will be Jan Di, your co-worker," said Ga Eul. Every time Jae Kyung's questions weirded her out, Woo Bin Sunbae's face flashed in her mind. Compared to him, Jae Kyung was strawberry shortcake."
"And who is—"
Ga Eul slapped her hand away. "Don't point at him. That's a very important customer. He's kind of grouchy but he's our only regular."
_oOo_
"If you were a superhero, your superpower would be being boring and bossy. You'd be Captain Bossy Borington," said Woo Bin.
"Complain all you want, but the fountain is going be a chocolate fountain. There'll be no champagne pouring out of it," said Yi Jeong.
"Okay. Let's invite all the senior citizens. I don't think anyone else would come to this dull party of yours."
"Ga Eul doesn't drink. Why do you think it's a good idea to get her drunk?"
"And now could be a good time to start. Besides, I'm not going to force her. What kind of friend do you think I am?"
"She likes White chocolate. Okay. That's what we're getting."
"You seem to know a lot about her,'' said Woo Bin with a playful grin.
"Go make yourself useful. Help put up some decorations."
_oOo_
"And after that incident, I learned that living in a cardboard box was not a great idea. The end," said Jae Kyung.
Ga Eul watched Jae Kyung with an amused expression. She could talk about anything, which could be considered both a skill and a flaw. But Ga Eul liked her. She found her genuineness endearing.
"That's very nice, Unnie. Can you please take those plates back to the kitchen?" Ga Eul asked.
"I think we better get going. It's almost eight," said Jan Di
"You guys are leaving? But there was this great sushi place I wanted to take you to," said Jae Kyung.
"Maybe some other time. I really should go," said Jan Di.
"Come on. It's not that far. I really want to treat you guys. As a thank you. Please."
"Fine. But I can't stay too long."
"Great. Come on, my ride is just outside."
Standing outside was Woo Bin Sunbae's favorite car. Ga Eul remembered it from the camping trip.
"Woo Bin Sunbae lent you his car?" Jan Di asked.
"Yeah, why?" came the nonchalant reply.
_ oOo _
"Now all that is left is to arrange the presents," said Jun Pyo. "I wish I had known earlier. I could have gotten her something really special."
Privately, Ji Hoo thought Ga Eul dodged a bullet. Knowing Jun Pyo, he'd want to build a spa in her house or something.
_oOo_
Jae Kyung hated driving like a maniac, but Woo Bin was clear. With the decoration done, it was time to commence phase two. No more distracting Ga Eul with baseless questions. Her new task was getting her to the party. Fast. It was already 8 o'clock. Jan Di wouldn't appreciate it if the party went on longer than midnight. Going by what she had heard about Ga Eul's parents, they wouldn't either.
"Don't worry. It'll be fine," she said.
She spoke too soon. Minutes later, a car came speeding towards them. Jae Kyung sprung into action. She turned the car right, just in time to avoid a major accident. Bless her hard-ass driving instructor.
_ oOo _
"Everything looks so beautiful. I think I'm gonna cry," said Jun Pyo.
"I know. Hope she'll like it," said Woo Bin.
"When will Ga Eul get here? Jae Kyung was driving her, right?" Yi Jeong asked Woo Bin.
"Yeah. I'll call and check."
_oOo_
The girls stood in front of the mechanic shop.
"He said the damage isn't much. But it'll take a day to fix," said Jae Kyung. Woo Bin entrusted her with the car. She felt awful.
"Sunbae loves that car. I wish there was something we could do to make it up to him," said Jan Di.
Jae Kyung paced the floor. "I know." She scanned her phone. Opening a document, she invited the girls to see it.
"Samantha, July, April, Rebecca..." they read. "Unnie?"
Pictures of girls in revealing clothing, with their names and phone numbers printed below, were splashed across the page.
"They are strippers," she said.
"Why do you … ?" Jan Di asked.
"I've attended some bachelor parties."
Once their initial hesitation wore off, the girls enthusiastically scanned the photographs.
"What do you think of her?" asked Ga Eul
"Nah, she's not his type. He's more into blondes," said Jan Di. "How about this one?"
"Under special qualifications, she lists 'ice cubes'. What the hell is that?" asked Jae Kyung.
_ oOo _
"Ok, everyone, shush. I can hear her footsteps," said Yi Jeong.
"oooooooh, you recognize her footsteps now," said Woo Bin.
Murmurs could be heard from outside.
"Unnie, where are we?" asked Ga Eul.
"Just keep walking."
"We barely know this girl. Should we really be entering unknown buildings with her?" whispered Jan Di.
"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll be fine," said Ga Eul.
The door creaked open.
"Surprise! Happy birthday, Ga Eul," chorused the crowd.
The color drained from Jan Di's face while a look of confusion came across Ga Eul's. After regaining her composure, she finally said, "It's not my birthday."
Complete silence enveloped the hall.
"That's the surprise," said Woo Bin.
_oOo_
While Ga Eul was having a sip of heavenly white chocolate from the fountain, Jan Di wished she could drown inside it. Now that her ruse was up, she was dealing with a pouty boyfriend.
"You lied to me! I can't believe you would do that. Did you not understand a word of the book I lent you? Honesty is the pillar on which a relationship stands."
"I just didn't want to go to Hong Kong. I stayed up all night finishing my paper. I was far too exhausted for a long discussion. So I lied. I'm sorry."
"I'm very disappointed in you, Geum Jan Di," said Woo Bin. "Using your best friend like that. I don't know what I would do if Yi Jeong did that to me."
Both Jan Di and Jun Pyo glared at him.
"Fine, I'll go."
_oOo_
Every day was a constant reminder that the world didn't appreciate Woo Bin's insights. Except for Jae. She always understood. Spotting her near the Swan ice sculpture, he strolled towards her.
"Congratulations on bringing the great Jan Di to this party. She hardly goes anywhere after seven."
"Yeah … about that. It came at a hefty price," she said.
_oOo_
"You guys broke the headlights?" asked Yi Jeong. "Man, Woo Bin is going to kill her. I think she's telling him right now."
With this said, he rushed to diffuse the situation.
"Well, you did put in repair. I'm sure it'll be fine," said Woo Bin with a small smile.
"You got to be kidding me," said Yi Jeong. "You almost killed me for getting a scratch on it."
"Unnie's special," said Ga Eul, flashing Woo Bin a smile.
"So, I'm not special? I mean, I get it. We've only been friends since we were six. Yet you never let me drive it."
Yi Jeong's pity-fest was interrupted by an unannounced visitor. A tall, slender blonde dressed in a police officer costume barged in. Woo Bin's bodyguard tailed behind her.
"Ma'am, it's a private party. You really can't go in there."
"Now, which one of you is Song Woo Bin?" she asked.
"Ma'am, you really shouldn't be in here," said Mr. Young.
"It's alright. She's my guest," said Ga Eul.
"I told you Ga Eul liked strippers," Woo Bin whispered to Yi Jeong.
A/N: Hi guys! What did you think of the chapter? What was your favorite part?
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