“Sajangnim, I’m done.” Sun Jung came toward the counter, she bowed a bit and placed the camera she was carrying.
The old man behind the counter quickly stood up from his seat and checked the camera. Sun Jung eyed the man as she idly folded her arms on the counter. She watched him placing the camera in to the cabinet before going back to her.
“Come, let’s talk in my room.” He said as he left the counter.
Sun Jung just nodded then hesitantly looked back to the other staff behind. They nodded as well and mouthed ‘fighting’ to her. She flashed a smile before going off.
“So, you sure about your desicion?”
Sun Jung nodded politely. “Yes, sajangnim.”
The man looked at her for seconds before letting out heavy sigh, “Well, Sun Jung-ah. You’re one of our great photographers. I trust almost all the works to you these years. So, hearing you’ll be leaving us is a shocking news to me.” He was being honest to her.
“I’m very sorry, sajangnim. Honestly, I also never expected this.”
The manager looked at her in concern. “Care to share it with me?” He asked.
“I…” she paused, not sure what to tell. “I have to meet my family in Seoul.”
“Family in Seoul?”
“Yes..”
“Ah..” he nodded with his brows creasing. “…I didn’t know you have family in Seoul.”
Sun Jung sighed, still hanging her head. “It’s… really a long story to tell, sajangnim.”
“Oh, okay. I’m sorry I’ll stop.” The manager chuckled softly, knowing he was going to far. “By the way, Sun Jung-ah, before you leave…” he trailed off as he was busy unlocking his drawer.
Sun Jung frowned as she watched him placing a box on the desk. She looked at him curiously. “Sajangnim, what is this?”
He smiled gently at her. “It’s a gift for you. Open it.”
“A gift…?” she frowned once again as she began opening the box.
Her confused face suddenly turned out to be the shocked one. Sun Jung immadiately covered her mouth with both hands, speechless when seeing a brand new DSLR Camera sitting sweetly inside it.
“No way!” she exclaimed as she couldn’t surpress her wide smile. She looked back at her manager. “Sajangnim, are you playing prank with me?! Is this real?! No no this couldn’t be real!” the girl couldn’t hide her excitment as she blurted out.
The manager laughed hard. “Should I slap you on the face then?”
Sun Jung looked at him once again, he was smiling at her. Sincerely. He was one of those sincere people she ever met in her life. And in matter of time, she would also leave this person. Could she find a person like him in there? Sun Jung wasn’t sure.
“Sajangnim…” Just thinking about that already made her tear up. She ran to him and hugged him tightly. He was a manager, a teacher, and also a father to her. He had taught her about many things besides photography.
“Thank you very much.”
“I hope it would be useful for you. Forgive me, I can’t send you off tomorrow.”
“It’s okay. Thank you for all this time, sajangnim.”
The manager couldn’t hide his tears just when Sun Jung started sobbing on his shoulder. He smiled as he patted her head. Tomorrow and the day after that, he would no longer to see this girl. Also would no longer to hear her witty jokes and pranks around the office. He, definitely would miss this girl.
“Take care, my daughter.”
‘God Bless You, Sun Jung-ah’
————————————————————————————–
Hyun Joo went out from the kitchen with a pot of hot mushroom porridge. She carefully placed it on the dinning table then looked around the table. Yep, dinner was ready.
“Sun Jung-ah, dinner is ready!”
“A moment, eemo!”
Came Sun Jung’s voice from another room. Hyun Joo sighed as she walked out to find her.
“What are—”
She stopped as she spotted her niece was praying solemnly in front of two photographs. They were photographs of her late mother and uncle. Hyun Joo just stood there, watching her from behind with a smile. Sun Jung often did this routine, especially when she would do something important.
Hyun Joo knew how the girl loved her family so much, especially her mom, Han Jin Ae. Sun Jung had no father, cousin even grandparents like the others. In fact, she never knew about her whole family. Yes, she already asked about them countlessly. But Hyun Joo always kept her mouth shut. She kept thinking it wasn’t the right time to tell her.
So many things happened even after Sun Jung was born. Hyun Joo just didn’t want to stuff the girl anymore with stories of the past.
Letting Sun Jung to finish her routine, Hyun Joo walked back to the dinning room and sat there. Her thought suddenly flew somewhere. Bringing her to another time, another memories.
————————————————————————————-
Today was the funeral day of Han Jin Ae, everyone was in grief. They lost a friend, a sister, and a mother. Hwang Jung So was walking around, checking the entire house. The guests already left. Only some close friends were still there.
He stopped when he saw Hyun Joo was still sitting in front of Jin Ae photograph. The woman was staring longingly at it. Jung So carefully took a seat beside her. He looked at her and saw despair in her tired eyes. He knew how hard it took for the sisters to survive together until now.
“Hyun Joo-ah…”
“Why not me?” she hissed.
Jung So sighed. “Hyun Joo-ah, would you stop this?”
Hyun Joo shook her head. “This is wrong.. Jin Ae has Sun Jung… she shouldn’t leave her.”
“Sshh…” Jung So embraced her as she rested her head on his shoulder. “I told you, Sun Jung still has you and me. I’m her uncle, remember that. So count me in.”
Hyun Joo smiled faintly, she wept her tears away as she got up from his shoulder. “Where is she? I should meet her.”
Jung So tilted his head toward the door. “She is outside.”
—————————————————————————————
Today was cloudy, it was cold enough outside. Hyun Joo embraced herself as she walked off the yard. Her eyes couldn’t leave a girl who was sitting on a bench under the shallow tree. Hyun Joo carefully took a seat beside her then embraced her, comforting the little girl. She closed her eyes, didn’t know what to say anymore. They just stayed like that until finally Sun Jung broke the silence.
“Eemo..” came out her faint voice.
“Hmm?”
Sun Jung snuggled closer to her as she tightened her embrace. “I’m scared…”
Hyun Joo remained silent, the cracked voice was another painful hit for her.
The little girl couldn’t help it anymore. She broke in to tears again. “Please don’t leave me alone…”
Hearing her plea, Hyun Joo couldn’t resist her tears anymore. She stroked her hair gently. The little girl was trembling in fright under her arms. Hyun Joo could feel her fear of being alone. From now on, Sun Jung only had her auntie and uncle to hold on.
“Ssh it’s okay.. Eemo won’t leave, sweety… eemo will be always here… by your side.”
The little girl looked up. Hope lit her sorrow eyes. “Promise?”
Hyun Joo nodded as she gently wiped the tears on Sun Jung’s face. She smiled. “I promise…”
Just in time, someone appeared from behind and gave them a tight back hug, stratling the two. “I also won’t leave both of youuuuu!”
“Yah, Hwang Jung So! You scared us!” Hyun Joo snapped.
“Oops, heee sorry dear…” Jung So pleaded with a goof grin.
Sun Jung looked up at the couple. A grin slowly spread on her face, followed by faint chuckle. Hyun Joo and Jung So turned to the little girl then chuckled as well. They embraced each other tightly, writing a promise in mind to never leave each other’s side.
—————————————————————————————
“Eemo?”
Hyun Joo blinked and turned around to see Sun Jung coming toward her.
“Sorry, I took too long for praying. Are you okay?” Sun Jung sat beside her and put a hand on her forehead. “You seems not well from yesterday. Is something…” she trailed off as she noticed something. Her fingers carefully wiped a tear that left on Hyun Joo’s face.
“Eemo, you are crying…”
“Ah, really? I didn’t realize it…” Hyun Joo let out bitter chuckle as more tears coming out. It’s hard to hold it back anymore. She hugged her niece and stroked her head.
“Eemo.. what’s wrong?”
“Nothing…” Hyun Joo heaved deep breath.“I was just wondering why time went so fast…” She then looked at Sun Jung, carresing her face gently. she was still amazed at how this face resembled her little sister a lot. “Seeing my little niece is already grown up like this.. somehow makes me sad but grateful at the same time.”
“Eemo..” Sun Jung wrapped her arms around Hyun Joo. Remembering her remained time in home with her auntie made her tore up as well. “If you’re like this, how could I leave…”
She rested her head on her shoulder, nuzzling her face on it. Even though Hyun Joo was her auntie. But she was the only one who raised Sun Jung since she was ten, since she lost her mother, since she started her tough and lonely days without her mother.
“You know. Wherever I am, I’ll never leave you, eemo. Never.”
Hyun Joo smiled and inhaled deeply. “I know, sweety. I know.”
Deep inside. Hyun Joo prey, wishing all the best for her niece.
———————————————————————————
It was already late, but Hyun Joo still couldn’t close her eyes. She sighed as she looked at the clock then turned to sleeping Sun Jung. The girl finally fell to deep slumber after firing her with questions which made her shut her mouth even tighter. Sun Jung became more demanding since Hyun Joo revealed the truth. When Sun Jung was a kid, she often asked why she had no father and sibling like her friends. But no one could answer the truth, even her mother.
Hyun Joo let out a faint smile as she gently stroked her hair.
“Sun Jung-ah…” She stared at the sleeping face. “People said you resemble your eomma a lot. But… do you know something more than it?” Hyun Joo paused and smiled. “The way you act… your wide lively smile… your obsession… and your never ending spirit. They are all come from your father.”
Hyun Joo smiled as she kept stroking her hair.
“That’s what your mother always told me.”
——————————————————————————–
Daejeon
08.00 AM
Sun Jung dropped her rucksack and looked around to her family and friends for the last time before leaving.
“Be careful, okay?” Hyun Joo said before giving a warm hug to her.
The girl pouted as she idly buried her face in to her shoulder. “I’ll be missing you.”
“Me too, sweety. Remember the promise?”
Sun Jung sighed as she remember the promise she made for her auntie. She smiled weakly at her. “I will…” She then looked behind Hyun Joo. There were Ha Ra, Ji Won, and some of her friends came to bid their goodbyes.
“Eonni.” Ha Ra approached her. Sun Jung couldn’t stand seeing Ha Ra came to her with teary eyes.
“You’ll be back to us again, right? Promise me!” Ha Ra couldn’t help but sobbing against her shoulder.
Sun Jung was having hard time to choke back her tears. “Yah, stop crying. I’ll be back for sure, so stop crying, okay?” she patted her back.
Just when Ha Ra withdrew herself, a little girl ran to her with opened arms. Sun Jung lowered herself and hugged Ji Won who already cried.
“Aigoo, why is this little girl crying too? Don’t cry, please.”
“We will be missing you, eonni.”
Sun Jung chuckled as she ruffled Ji Won’s hair. “Me too… take care of yourself, okay?”
Ji Won nodded as Sun Jung wiped her tears away. Sun Jung then stood up, coming toward the others, hugging them one by one as they sent their “good luck” to her.
Sun Jung wiped off her own tears and chuckled. She took her auntie’s hand and wrapped an arm around her. “Guys, please take care of my auntie. Don’t let her overworked.”
“We always do, Sun Jung-ah.” The eldest said as he patted her shoulder. “We should be the one who say that to you, take care of yourself.”
Sun Jung smiled. “Of course, sabeum nim, thank you so much.” She hugged him once again for the last time. He was always like a grandfather to her. No wonder she would be also missing this person a lot.
“Noona, just call us when something distract you! We will come in flash!”
Sun Jung smiled again. “Thanks a bunch, Jun.” She then turned around and sighed heavily. Why it was so hard for her to just move her feet.
“Ah, I think I should go now. You guys, have to—Eeeep!”
Sun Jung was startled by Ha Ra, Ji Won, and others who suddenly hugged her in unison. Hyun Joo just looked at them with sad smile. Sure, they wouldn’t let the girl go away from them. She felt sorry, because she couldn’t do anything with it.
Sun Jung laughed as she couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. “Yaaah! You guys!”
————————————————————————————–
Lee Hyun Ki (Kim Joon) and Lee Sang Kyung (Gong Yoo)
————————————————————————————
Daejeon
Train Station
09.00 AM
“Excuse me mam, a ticket to Seoul, please.” A tall man with casual look was standing in front of a ticket counter as he took out his wallet.
The lady behind the counter was a bit nervous doing her work. Her eyes hardly leave the handsome figure in front of her as she gave his ticket with a wide smile. “Here you are, sir.”
The man smiled back as he handed the money. “Thank you.”
Lee Hyun Ki was walking through the crowd of the station. He smiled lightly as he looked around at the lively atmosphere. The vibration of his phone startled him, he took it off from his jacket and saw the blinking screen.
Lee Sang Kyung is calling…
“Hyung, what’s up?”
“Hyun Ki-yah! where are you now? How’s everything?”
“Everything was fine. I’m on my way to Seoul now.”
“Ah, really? By what? Aaish, it so noisy there! Where are you now?”
Hyun Ki grinned as he looked around. “I’m at the train station now, hyung.”
“You go home with train?! Haish, this kid. Yah, when will you arrive?”
Hyun Ki glanced at his watch as he stepped in to the train, looking for a vacant seat.
“Maybe few hours before lunch time. Why?”
“Ah, want me to pick you up? Since I’m not really busy today.”
Hyun Ki smiled. “Nah, it’s okay. Just take care of yourself.”
“Yah! How rude! Rejecting your brother’s offer.”
Hyun Ki chuckled. “Yah! That’s not it. Don’t you want to check on your restaurant?”
“Yah, I’m the owner! I can come and go whenever I want to!”
“I know I know… but you don’t have to pick me up. I’ll visit you there when I arrive. Just prepare a nice lunch for me, how?”
“Ah, Okay.”
Dang, the train was already full. Hyun Ki kept searching before he finally spotted a vacant seat with a girl beside it.
He took away his phone for a moment, “Excuse me miss, can I sit here?”
The girl, who was dozing off, immediately snapped out before nodding her head.
“Ah, thank you.” He beamed politely as he put his rucksack on the floor then sat there with sigh.
“Already find your seat?”
“Yeah, I’ll see you in Seoul then, hyung.”
“Great, be carefull okay.”
“Alright.” He hang up then looked at his side. He politely smiled once again to the girl. “Are you heading to Seoul too, miss?”
“Y—Yes.”
————————————————————————————-
“Annyong haseyo, sangsaenim! Thank you for visiting and taking care of us! We hope to see you again in here! Have a safe triiiiip! We love you!”
Hyun Ki chuckled as he watched a bunch of kids waving happily at him in the video he just received by e-mail.
“Love you too.” He grinned before placing back the phone in to his pocket.
The train had begin its trip about thirty minutes ago. Hyun Ki rested his head, and was about to enjoy the beautiful sight outside when his cellphone rang. He sighed and checked it. It’s only a text message.
Oppa, when will you be back?
-Kyung Soon-
Ah, it’s from his little sister, Kyung Soon. Hyun Ki grinned as he typed back.
Why? Miss me that much? XD
-Hyun Ki oppa-
At the other place. Ahn Kyung Soon was pouting as she read her new message.
“Yah, what are you doing there?!” Hae Won called out as she rushed toward her. “Aish, come on, you have to change your dress now!” she pulled Kyung Soon along, guiding her to the dressing room.
“Ah! I know I know! Just slow down!” she followed Hae Won as she typed back.
Whatever…
-Kyung Soon-
Hyun Ki chuckled at the message. That girl, she was always being like this.
Aish, what’s wrong? Tight schedules? I’m going to Seoul today. >=D
-Hyun Ki Oppa-
This time, Kyung Soon couldn’t surpress her smile. Her rare pretty smile. Hae Won frowned at her.
“Aigoo, what’s wrong with the smile?”
“Just happy.” She replied idly
Really?! =D Okay, I’ll be waiting. Take care, oppa. =)
-Kyung Soon-
Hyun Ki just shook his head and smiled. He put his phone back to his pocket then stared outside.
He sighed heavily.
Hyun Ki had been in Daejeon for two weeks for job. It was tiring of course, but nah he always loved his job and also Daejeon. The place where his beloved mom was born and rested peacefully. He smiled. Daejeon always brought this warm feeling to him. The air, the trees, the daily life. Everything.
“Eomma… what should I do?”
He frowned at the slurry voice and turned to his side. The girl beside him was sleeping peacefully with her mouth hanging open. Her head slightly tilted before accidentally falling on to his shoulder. He was pretty sure, it was her voice. Hyun Ki tried to nudge her head gently but failed. He sighed, and just let her slept on his arm.
But what shocked him the most was when she suddenly hugged his arm for dear life. The man gagged.
“Eomma, I’m going to Seoul. Hmm hmm hmm.. wish me luck! Annyong~ hmm.. hmm hmm.” She unconsiously mumbled again. Shaking his arm a bit, she leaned more and smiled comfortably against it.
The other passengers around were holding back their laughter while Hyun Ki just froze at his seat. Speechless.
“Excuse me, miss? Hello? Hello there?” He carefully tapped her shoulder then forehead, trying to wake her up. But poor, the girl didn’t move even an inch from him.
Hyun Ki sighed in defeat then looked back at the other passengers. They were still watching them.
Awkward…
He smiled nervously as he bowed his head and smiled to them politely.
“Sorry, she is very tired.” He said, pointing at the sleeping girl. The other passengers just smiled and nodded in understanding. Hyun Ki glanced back at the girl. He just smiled and shook his head. Well, looked like his trip to Seoul would be a…
…bit colourful, heh?
————————————————————————————–
“Hello there, miss?”
Sun Jung frowned at the voice. Everything was still black when she felt gentle taps on her shoulder.
“Excuse me, miss? We are already in Seoul, now.” A gentle voice was echoing in her ears.
She fluttered her eyes as the blurness slowly eased. A man was staring at her closely. She blinked again.
No way…
It’s just too close.
“WHOAAA!” Sun Jung immediately withdrew herself from the man in quick reflex. But poor her, she moved too far which made her head hit the window. Really hard.
She wailed in pain.
“Arrgh! Aigooh! Aigooo! SH**T!” she practically cursed as she cupped her head with closed eyes. Her loud curse just made the others turned to her.
Hyun Ki grabbed her shoulders to help regaining her balance. “Miss, are you allright?!” he carefully touched her head, checking if there’s any wound.
“AWW! DON’T TOUCH!” the girl blurted out then gasped, realizing she just shouted at a total stranger. Hyun Ki just stared at her with raised brows, a bit shocked at her sudden yell.
“Ah! I—I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to yell at you. Aaawh.”
He sighed and put a smile on. “No, no it’s okay with me. Are you allright, miss?”
“I’m.. I’m okay. Re.. really okay.” Sun Jung heaved deep breath before standing up and bringing up her big rucksack. She went out from their seat then respectfully bowed at him.
“I’m really sorry, sir. And thank you very much for waking me up.” She uttered before going out from the train. She was too embarrased to give a smile.
Hyun Ki raised a brow as he watched her walking limply from behind. The rucksack was too big for her. well, maybe she was a hiker? No idea.
He just chuckled and shook his head before doing his things and went out as well.
—————————————————————————————-
Sun Jung stormed out from the crowd before residing to the corner. She dropped her rucksack, catching her breath.
“Aaah! That’s really embarrassing! How come? Yah, Han Sun Jung! You’re doomed! Aish, how embarrasing…” Sun Jung cursed herself as she covered her face and shook her head.
“By the way, where is Chongie?” she looked around to find Chung Ho, who already promised to pick her up at the station.
“Sunnie-yah?”
Sun Jung turned around when she heard someone calling her nickname. A familiar girl was standing there with a wide smile attached on her pretty face. Sun Jung raised her brows in surprise.
“Chungie-yah?!”
She’s Choi Chung Ae, Chung Ho’s twin sister.
The girls examined each other from head to toe before squealing and running toward each other. Hugging like there was no tomorow.
“No way! Sunnie-yah, you didn’t change a bit!”
“Yaah! That’s rude, Chungie!”
“Well, I am right! You are still as pretty as before, silly!” Chung Ae smiled wickedly as she poked Sun Jung’s forehead before hugging her again. It was almost four years they didn’t meet since Chung Ho and Chung Ae moved from Daejeon.
Sun Jung couldn’t help but blushed at Chung Ae’s statement. She chuckled, patting Chung Ae’s back. “Aish, You also haven’t changed, my pretty girl. I miss you.”
“Me too.. Sorry, you must be waiting us that long.”
“Nah, I just arrived. I thought you are in London!”
Chung Ae smiled. “Well, I’m on vacation right now!”
“Omo, what a great coincidence!”
“Yah, you two! Stop that!” Chung Ho, being the only one who watched, was pissed off at the back. Well, secretly he was hoping for a warm hug from his long-time-no-see best friend.
The girls turned to him then giggled.
“Aish, jealous much?” Chung Ae sneered at him as she embraced Sun Jung tighter. Sun Jung giggled then walked toward him.
Chung Ho just hung his head down and kept staring at her moving feet.
“Yah!” Sun Jung daringly snatched his cap away, revealing the blushing Choi Chung Ho underneath. He slowly lifted his gaze to her, until their eyes met.
They stared at each other with such serious expressions, until those silly grins slowly crept up to their faces. Both laughed hard as they hugged each other tightly.
“Choi Chung Ho! Fool! I miss yoooou!”
“Han Sun Jung! I miss you to deaaaaath!” exclaimed Chung Ho, couldn’t surpress his laughter.
Chung Ae grinned widely at the sight. “Yah! You two! Don’t take all the fun for yourself! Not fair!” she quickly ran and hugged both of them.
The three were hugging each other while giggling like kids, creating a warm yet funny sight in the middle of the crowd. It’s like the time was turning them back to six year old innocent kids.
Just like when they happily shared place to built a castle sand together.
————————————————————————————-
“Welcome!” Chung Ae shouted as she opened the door for Sun Jung.
“Sorry, maybe it’s not as big as you may think.” Chung Ho mumbled as he scratched his head.
“Haish, what are you talking about.. your flat is nice.” praised Sun Jung as she glanced around the room. She then followed Chung Ae to the kitchen.
“Wow, it’s really neat and clean in here, Chungie-yah.”
Chung Ae smirked as she opened the fridge. “Sure! if I wasn’t here, this flat would be a mess!” she stated as she gave Sun Jung a glass of orange juice. “Here. You can rest now. You must be really tired after a long trip.”
Sun Jung took a sip of her drink then shook her head. “Aniyo, I’m not that sleepy. I was…” she paused to drink it first before continuing. “…sleeping during the trip.”
Chung Ae raised a brow then chuckled. “Aigoo, this girl hasn’t changed yet. I hope you didn’t do anything embarrasing again.”
Sun Jung nearly burst her orange juice as she remembered her recent embarrasing incident in the train. She immediately covered her mouth.
“Yah, are you okay?” Chung Ae turned to her.
Sun Jung carefully gulped down her orange juice. “Aniyo, it’s just I did it.”
“What?!” Chung Ae laughed. “Aaah, no wonder Han Sun Jung.”
“I didn’t know what exactly I did, but when I woke up. I just realized that I was sleeping on someone’s shoulder.”
Chung Ae chuckled as she shook her head. “and then?”
“And then…” I hit the window. Sun Jung couldn’t say it, she went red as she shook her head in embarrasment. “No way! No way! No way!”
“Yah, what’s wrong with you?”
———————————————————————————–
Seoul
09.00 PM
Han River
“Liar…”
He halted his step when the girl behind him started sobbing. He balled his fist, fighting the urge from turning around.
“I’m sorry.” He said, almost whispering. “It’s already late, you should go back home.”
“Liar! You already planned all of this, right?! You’re lying to me!” she screamed at his back, couldn’t help but tear up.
The man inhaled deeply as he inclined his head toward the dark sky, holding back his own tears. It broke him so much for leaving her. The only one he loved. But what now? He couldn’t do anything more besides this.
“I’m sorry, Shin Jung-ah.” He finally uttered his last words before walking away, leaving her behind.
Shin Jung widened her eyes as she watched him slowly walked away from her. He really shocked her with his unusual self.
“No…”
This was not him.
“No! Oppa!” she ran and hugged him from behind, stopping him. He froze, feeling her tiny arms wrapping around him with her head resting on his back.
“Oppa…” she whispered, “This isn’t you..”
“Shin Jung-ah..” He bit his lip, apparently couldn’t hold it anymore. He let go her arms and turned around, planting a tender kiss on her lips. Shin Jung was taken aback by his sudden action, but soon letting herself went with it. Her arms slowly went up around his neck as he deepened the kiss, feeling her more. Warm feeling slowly sprinkling within her as she felt his arms wrapping tightly around her, obviously not wanting to leave.
He broke the kiss and stared deeply at her eyes. Those beautiful eyes he always fell for. He let out a faint smile as he gently wiped off her tears.
“I love you…”
“CUT! Great job Kyung Soon-ssi and Yoochun-ssi! Ok guys! let’s prepare the setting for the next scene!” the director commanded as he clapped to the crews.
The couple broke their embrace as the crews quickly gathered to build the setting for the next scene.
Ahn Kyung Soon, the Shin Jung girl, bowed to the actor and crews before going to Hae Won who quickly offered a bottle of water to her. Kyung Soon hastily drank it to the rest.
“Yah yah yah, drink it slowly! Aigoo, this kid…” Hae Won shook her head as she carefully wiped Kyung Soon’s face with small towel.
Kyung Soon curled her lips as she handed back the bottle to Hae Won. “Aish, I’m very thir—Aak!” She squeaked when a pair of large hands covered her eyes in a sudden.
Hae Won looked at the figure behind Kyung Soon and let out a sigh. She just grinned and shook her head.
“Yah! Who is it?!” Kyung Soon scoffed. She wasn’t in the mood for this kind of joke. She touched the hands, slowly trying to recognize it. She took the scent for a second before a huge grin spread on her face.
“Hyun Ki oppa! It’s you, right?!”
The hands fell down as Kyung Soon turned around to see Lee Hyun Ki was standing behind her. “Haish, you’re good at sensing me!” He sighed in defeat.
Kyung Soon cooly formed her lopsided smile to him. “I can smell you, oppa.”
“Haish, this kid.” Hyun Ki chuckled as he ruffled her hair.
“Yaaah! My hair!”
“You improve a lot these days. Good Job, dongsaeng-ah.” He gave out two thumbs for her.
“Thank You.” Kyung Soon smiled at him, she was about to say something when the director called.
“Ok, guys! come on! we are going to shoot the next scene!”
“Aish, why so fast?” She grumbled uncomfortably then looked back at Hyun Ki. “Sorry oppa, I’ll be back.” Kyung Soon rushed to the director. The actors already gathered and rehearsed their dialouges for minutes.
“Fighting!” Hyun Ki waved before taking a seat beside Hae Won.
“You come alone?”
“Yeah.” He placed a carton bag on the table. “I just visited hyung at his restaurant. I asked him to go with me but seems like he has another plan tonight. So I just brought this from him.”
Hae Won eyed the bag. Her sensitive nose could smell strong aroma of tasty kimbab inside. She secretly gulped before throwing her gaze back to him. “Ah, I see..”
Hyun Ki grinned at her obvious action. Man, he knew this latter for years. She must be really hungry. “So, how is everything? I heard Young Ho samchun is already in Korea.”
Hae Won looked up at her little cousin who was busy discussing some lines with another actress.
“No idea. Even getting worse.” She sighed as she rested her head. “I don’t even know what to do anymore, besides taking care of them… separately like this.”
Hyun Ki took out a box of kimbab from the bag then offered it to Hae Won. “Here, I bet you didn’t eat anything after your lunch.”
Hae Won raised a brow at him. “Whoa, how did you know?”
“How did I know, hmm?” Hyun Ki looked at her and made a funny face, he playfully moved his hand in front of her face as if he was scanning her. “I can read it all in your face.”
Hae Won pouted as she hit his shoulder playfully. “Haish, whatever. Thank you. You know me very well.”
“Hae Won-ah, I could understand it. But you shouldn’t make it hard for you. At least don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
Hae Won snorted at his old advice. “Understood, sangsaenim! So, how was your week in Daejeon?”
Hyun Ki smiled as he leaned back. “I had a lot of fun.”
————————————————————————————-
Meanwhile at Choi’s flat.
“Let’s eat!” cheered Chung Ho.
Sun Jung looked at Chung Ho then Chung Ae. She smiled, it’s been a while for them to eat together like this.
“But Chongie.” Sun Jung began as her fingers playing with the chopsticks. “I think this audition is lack of publication.”
Chung Ho paused munching his food then looked at her for a second. He cleared his throat. “Well, Sunnie… to be honest this audition is unplanned.”
Sun Jung raised a brow. “Why?”
“Well, our photographer suddenly withdrew from the company and we need a replacement as soon as possible. So the company just spread the news to some trustworthy places.”
“Trustworthy place?”
“Like… photography academy.”
Hearing that, Sun Jung botherly put her chopsticks down, suddenly losing her appetite.
Chung Ho stopped as well. “Yaah, it’s not that they are greater than you. Come on don’t be like that.”
“That’s right.” Chung Ae agreed.
“Haish, but If they only spread it to photography academies then why did you call me? I have no formal education!”
“Because you’re a trustworthy place~, babo. you don’t have to worry about that!” Chung Ae answered as she playfully poked Sun Jung’s forehead with her chopsticks.
“Aish!” Sun Jung snorted. “You guys are expecting too high from me.” She grumbled as she poked back Chung Ae’s forehead with her chopsticks.
“Yah!”
“Yah, stop it, kids. So, Sunnie-yah, tomorrow you will go to my office.” Chung Ho said nonchalantly as he poured water to his mug.
“What?!” Sun Jung was surprised. “Yah! The audition isn’t tomorrow, right?!”
“We’ll visit Chongie’s office!” Chung Ae grinned.
“Huh?!”
“Yeah, you have to know the field before the war begins, don’t you?” Chung Ho grinned widely. “And I’ll introduce you to my friends!”
“Your friends?!”
“Haish, don’t worry. His friends are really friendly. I got along with them quickly.” Chung Ae reassured as she secretly stole Chung Ho’s beef in a flash.
“Yah! Chungie! That’s mine!” Chung Ho whined and was about to take one from Chung Ae when Sun Jung quickly stole another beef from him.
“Aigoo, focus on your food, Chongie!” Sun Jung chuckled.
Chung Ho raised his brows. “Yah, you girls! Stop bullying me!”
The girls just laughed at poor Chung Ho. Yeah, things still didn’t change. He’s still the victim.
———————————————————————————–
It’s already 1.17 AM, but Sun Jung still couldn’t close her eyes since previous hours. She just lay there on the bed she shared with Chung Ae. She sighed with her eyes staring blankly at the dark ceiling above. She was in deep thought.
Seoul. Here she was. Carrying a mission which she even didn’t sure what it was. Sun Jung sighed. Her mind was still bewildered by the fact of her having a sibling. To be more exact…
It’s a twin sister…
She frowned, closing her eyes. It’s not easy for her to just trust what her auntie told before. She even couldn’t understand herself when she just obeyed her auntie, packed her things, then went to Seoul without any preparation in her mind. She was so confused at that time, which made her couldn’t think any single thing.
Sun Jung got up and sat there with closed eyes. Everything was paralyzed in her head. Heaving a deep breathe, she opened her eyes slowly and saw her rucksack right in front of her. She bit her lower lip, staring at it for a moment.
“Your eomma… she wants to tell you everything.”
“Everything…” she mumbled unconsiously as her eyes slowly lightened up. Yanking her blanket aside, Sun Jung carefully crawled toward her rucksack. She took the old diary out, and looked at its cover. She rubbed it slowly before opening the first page of it. It was only her mother’s name there along with the signature. She smiled as she opened the next page.
This time Sun Jung couldn’t hold back her giggle when she saw an old photograph of her mother and auntie. They were still really young in that sephia photo. The sisters were cutely pouting to the camera. Jin Ae, her mother, was holding a small trophy. She was clad in a simple but pretty dress while Hyun Joo just wore a comfy t-shirt with short pants, she was wrapping her arm around Jin Ae’s shoulders. There was a handwriting message below the photo.
Here she is! The winner of school beauty contest, Han Jin Ae~!
Chukae my kitty dongsaeng!
This diary is my gift for you~ XD
Take care of it!
I always love you ^o^
-Your super eonnie, Han Hyun Joo-
Sun Jung chuckled, finding how sweet these sisters were. Hyun Joo ever told her how weak Jin Ae was when they were in their school days. That’s why Hyun Joo called Jin Ae “kitty dongsaeng” while Jin Ae called Hyun Joo “super eonnie”. Because Hyun Joo was the one who always be her guardian.
Sun Jung smiled. It grew wider as she was intrigued to observe more and more of it. She giggled all the way, slowly easing herself out from her thought before, for a moment.
Just for a moment.
————————————————————————————–
Meanwhile, at the same time, another place. There was another girl who couldn’t asleep as well. Ahn Kyung Soon was still awake with only her tabel lamp lightened up the whole room.
She sat on her bed. A photo frame in her hands. Her eyes glued at it while her fingers tracing every curve of the picture in it. A woman with a beautiful toddler in her arms. They were sitting in a bench, laughing happily with a big leafy tree standing behind them. Everything was beautiful at that time. That moment and the things around them. Kyung Soon still remembered it.
She let out a faint chuckle as her tears dropped on to the picture. She quickly wiped them off and hardly bit her lip, stopping herself from going further.
But like always, she couldn’t stop. Whenever that feeling came up, she would go through with this kind of routine. Those memories never fade away from her mind. It would bring her smiling as she remembered each moments, and drown with all of them. But after minutes, we would find this girl sobbing, gritting her teeth while clutching the photograph on her chest.
Just like now.
Because those are nothing but memories…
————————————————————————————
Seoul
05.00 AM
Ahn family mansion
“Excuse me, sajangnim. Your coffee.”
Young Ho placed his morning newspaper aside with a smile. “Thank you.” He took a sip of his coffee when he heard footsteps. He looked up and saw his daughter, Kyung Soon, was descending the stairs. She was clad in simple brown coat, ready to leave when someone called her.
“Kyung Soon-ah, already up? Aigoo, are your schedules really this early? Where’s Hae Won, by the way? She isn’t coming today?”
She halted her steps as her father’s voice coming out from behind.
“You must be still tired after last night shooting, right?” He smiled gently. “Now, let appa drive you to the location then. How?”
Kyung Soon just stood still without turning her back to him. She let out an uncomfortable sigh.
“I can do it myself.” She sternly said and was about to leave when her father caught her hand, holding back.
“Kyung Soon-ah, don’t be like that. Let appa—”
But before he could finish, Kyung Soon already let go his hand and quickly left without a word. Just like that. Young Ho froze at his place and just watched his daughter walking in hurry until she vanished from his sight.
Young Ho let himself walking toward the door and standing there with his eyes glued to the wide park of the mansion. There, he saw her white car left. But not long after that, another car passed, following behind.
He inhaled deeply. He might be couldn’t stay along her side anymore. But it didn’t mean he couldn’t watch over her. His eyebrows creased as his mind became uneasy. This was the only thing that made him like this. His daughter. Years had passed. That incident was already far away from their life. But still, nothing had changed between them. Otherwise, it’s becoming worse. Almost rotten. Which only made him wondering…
Why.. he’s still here with her?
————————————————————————————-
Go Jin On (Kang Ji Sub) & Ahn Kyung Soon (Jung Jessica)
————————————————————————————-
Kyung Soon stared straight at the road in front of her. A bucket of flowers laid on the seat beside her. It’s still early, and the road was still very quiet. She sighed as she took out her phone to dial someone, but only to be greeted with mailbox voice.
“Ahn Hae Won’s personal mailbooox~ please leave a message!”
“Eonni, you don’t have to pick me up today. I’ll go to your apartement. Later.” She hang up and threw her phone aside.
She sighed as she leaned back her head. Her eyes were still swollen because less time of sleep and too much crying. Despite her full list schedules for today, something had bothered her since last night, which only led her here. A feeling she couldn’t ran away from.
Kyung Soon sighed deeply as she added more speed. Hopefully, she could heal her distracted mind after this.
But she was too engrossed with her own thought to notice what was going on behind her. A black car was following her in fair distance. Inside, there was only a young man, wearing a thick black jacket which covered up until his neck. His eyes glued to the car in front of him. She was going there. He knew it for sure. He had followed her through this route many times. And he was good enough to keep himself away from her reach. Yes, out of her reach.
“…this might be my last request to you.”
He remembered it. He already did this job for years. No, It’s not stalking but watching. Which made him learn a lot about her. But never brought him closer to her, even an inch. Go Jin On let out heavy sigh as he kept focusing at his speed, and her. Ahn Kyung Soon. His responsibility. His job.
“Please watch over her.”
————————————————————————————–
Seoul
01.10 PM
Brill-On Magazine Office Building
Canteen
“Ah, so you’re coming to Seoul for the audition?”
Sun Jung smiled and nodded politely to the women in front of them. “Ye, something like that.”
She was in Brill-On canteen now, having lunch with Chung Ae and two women of Chung Ho’s friends. Kang Min Chu, the fashion stylist and Kim Soo Yun, the fashion editor. Chung Ho was out for something.
“Fighting for the audition! No need to be nervous. Just do your best.” Encouraged Min Chu with a wide smile.
Sun Jung grinned and nodded. “Kamsahamnida, Kang Min Chu-ssi.”
“Aigoo.” Min Chu waved her hand as she sighed. “How many times I told you not to call me formally like that? Just call me ‘eonni’ or ‘Min Chu’.”
“Ah, I think eonni fits better.” She smiled groggily.
Honestly, Sun Jung was a quite nervous talking with them because of their oh-so stylish fashion and charming aura. But their friendly personalities made her didn’t bother to ask further about the company and else. Through minutes she already felt comfortable with them. Well, Chung Ae was right, they’re quite friendly and bubbly.
But despite enjoying their chat, she felt something wrong right now. Well, it’s her stomach, which made her flinched.
“Excuse me, eonnie do you know where the restroom is?”
“Oh! It’s pretty near but it’s out from this canteen. You’ll find the signs when you’re out. Should I come with you?” Min Chu asked.
“Ah, thank you, I’ll be fine.” Sun Jung beamed and stood up. “Kamsahamnida!” she bowed to them before leaving.
“Yah, doesn’t she remind you of someone?” Min Chu asked as she watched Sun Jung walking out.
“Are you talking about Ahn Kyung Soon, eonni?”Chung Ae bluntly said.
Min Chu gasped and slapped her forehead. “Omo, that’s it! She reminds me of Ahn Kyung Soon! They kinda look alike! Yah, don’t you think so, Soo Yun-ah?” she asked, elbowing Soo Yun.
“Huh? What? Her and Ahn Kyung Soon?!” Soo Yun frowned as she shifted her glasses, imagining. “Umm, No. I don’t see it.”
Min Chu sighed, rolling her eyes at her friend. “Haish, you need a new glasses.”
“Yaa, I just bought this yesterday!”
—————————————————————————————-
Hyun Joo sat alone in her living room with her eyes glued to her small television.
“Yesterday, founder of Young Photography academy, Ahn Young Ho, visited the academy to announce their new scholarship programme for…”
She watched how the figure walking through the press as he greeted them with his warm smile. The reporters quickly gathered around him, demanding with various questions. However, he could go with it as he answered them patiently.
“Young Ho-ssi, we heard a rumor that Kyung Soon-ssi is going to sign a contract with another agency, as her father and the owner of her current agency now, what do you think of her choice?”
The man let out faint chuckle. “It’s just a rumor, right? Anyway, if she’s going to another agency, it’s okay for me. She’s already grown up and know what is the best for her. As a father, I would support her choice as long as it’s positive for her.”
Hyun Joo sighed. Her mind became distracted again as she watched him talked. Anger, despiration, and regret were mixed inside, making herself suffocated. But she didn’t have anyone to blame, not even this man.
Just because of her sister.
Hyun Joo couldn’t watch anymore and finally turned it off. She rested her head with sigh, massaging her forehead.
“Sun Jung-ah, I’m sorry… But.. to be honest..”
She opened her eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling above.
“Your father knows nothing about you.”
————————————————————————————
“Sun Jung-ah! What are you doing? Let’s have dinner!” shouted Chung Ae outside the room.
“A moment!”
Sun Jung was in the middle of reading her mother’s diary. She was about to close it when she noticed something in between the pages. She flipped the pages and found out a small envelope sticking on the paper. She carefully opened it and took out its contains, discovering them one by one. She frowned. They were all photos of a little girl.
“Who is this?”
The girl was showing different cheerful poses with a large beautiful park as its background. Her frown went deeper, mentally debating whether that girl was herself or not. There were some resemblances as she could remember. But no, she never had a big mansion not even wearing such pretty dresses like in those photos.
This was definitely not herself.
“Is she…”
She trailed off as she noticed a small piece of paper inside the envelope. She carefully took it out, discovering a neat handwriting message.
Her eyes went wide as she looked back at the photos once again with such thoughts flooding her mind.
“So… it’s true…”
To be Continued…
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