CH9- How to Catch a Rabbit

How to Catch a Rabbit

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Youngbae has been extremely busy for the past couple of weeks after his trip to Japan. Today, he was able to finalize the merger with a Chinese company to open a new hotel and casino in Beijing. Finally, he can focus on more important things. At least, important to him personally. He checked his watch and was surprised to see how late it is. After his 3 o’clock meeting, he went straight to his university’s library to do some research. He sighed, thankful that he was able to finish the paper that is due tomorrow. 

It’s now 9PM. He wonders if it’s too late to call at this hour. He packed up his things after hitting the send button to his Professor’s email address and walked out of the library to his car. He decided to make the call once in it. He pulled out the calling card that Sandy gave him.

He needs to make his move before it’s too late. His mother has been pestering him lately to go on a arranged dates and although he’s been the most obedient son to his parents all these years, he plans to assert his right to make personal decisions on his life especially on who he wants to be with. That’s why he’s been working so hard for their company. He wants to prove to his parents that he can make them proud of him and that he can succeed without any help from others.

Holding the card in his hand, he smiled, and then dialed the golden numbers printed on it.

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Gummy is looking at Dara who is sitting in front of her desk, reviewing the files that she’s given her. After she sees her on the last page, she asked “Well, what do you think?”

Dara placed the papers on the desk. “He made a very generous offer”

 “Too generous” Gummy nodded. “In fact, it made me doubt what he really wanted …”

Dara looked at her unnie with her right eyebrow slightly raised. “Wae?”

“I always trust my instincts and my instincts tell me that this guy specifically asked for you because he likes you.”

Dara laughed. “I thought he said that he asked for me because he wanted to win a lady’s heart and that he’s comfortable to work with me?”

“He did say that but still….” Gummy shook her head. “… Still, the decision depends on you. He said that you’ve helped him before so I assume he’s pretty decent?”

Dara nodded. “He seems to be”

There was a comfortable silence after that until Gummy decided to bring up a topic that she knew annoys Dara. “You know, it’s been a week since Sohee left for America …”

“Yeah. We talked on the phone last night and she sounded very happy.”

“Aren’t you planning on settling down, too?”

“Ya, unnie!” Dara flared. “Not this again… You know, out of all people, the reason why I swore off commitments…”

“I used to feel like that, too” appeased the older woman. “Who would have thought that I’ll be married now? And happily, if I may add…”

“Not all people get happy endings” Dara said cynically which made Gummy sigh.

“But if you won’t give love a chance, how will you know?”

“I did give it a chance and look at where it got me?” Dara gave a bitter laugh. “I won’t be a fool for the third time”

Gummy could only surrender and not pursue the issue at this time. “You know I only want you to be happy, right?”

Dara reached out for Gummy’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I know. And as long as I’m earning good money, I’m happy!” she smiled. “I think I’ll meet up with him first before I say yes” glancing at the file of her new client. “I just want to make sure that we’re clear on the terms.”

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Youngbae is sitting nervously inside a private room in a famous sushi restaurant. He came 15 minutes early and although his hyung Dongwook advised him to play it cool and casual, he can’t help but feel fidgety thinking of Dara. She still hasn’t agreed to his plan and he’s worried that she’ll turn him down. 

He thinks back on the conversation he’s had with his two close friends, the lovebirds, Dongwook and Byul. He met them 3 days ago to ask for advice and tips on how to win Dara’s heart. As soon as he broached the subject to them, he was immediately greeted with opposition. 

“I don’t think it’s a good idea” Dongwook said.

“Me, too” seconded Byul. “You’re our friend and Dara has been a friend as well and we love you both but don’t you think you belong into two very different worlds?”

“I don’t care about that” Youngbae said, earnestly. “All I know is that I can’t get her out of my mind and this is the first time that I’ve felt this way.”

“Man, it must be the hormones talking. It may be that you’re finally taking interest in the opposite sex” said Dongwook.

Bae shook his head. “I know what I feel, hyung. I’ve fallen hard. I feel like I’m going crazy knowing that she’s out there doing her job, possibly putting her life in danger … just thinking about what might happen to her drives me mad” he said with passion. “I love her. I do. And I need your help to help me win her. You both know her … surely you can give me some tips … pointers … anything… please …”

“Bae, are you really sure about this?” asked Dongwook.

“Never been more sure”

“Then promise me that you won’t just play with Sandara’s feelings”

“If you do, I’ll never forgive you” Byul added.

Youngbae nodded. “So you’ll help me?”

Dongwook sighed. “Do we have a choice?” he said jokingly.

Youngbae’s lips broke into a smile. “Thank you” looking at his two friends.

“I don’t feel good about it but if you promise to make my friend happy then I’ll wish you the best” said Byul, still a little hesitant.

“But seriously, dude. Your plan is to have a contract relationship with her as a ruse to keep the blind dates set up by your parents away? That’s like so over-used” said Dongwook. “You seriously think that you can make Dara fall for you that way? While you’re in a pretend relationship?”

“Yeah” Youngbae replied “Is there a better way? It’s the only way I can think of so she can be beside me all the time and for her to not keep seeing other guys”

“I know Dara” Byul said “If she as much suspects that you have real feelings for her, she’ll run away from you faster than a rabbit. She’ll shut you down before you can even say “I like you”, you know.”

“Byul is right. I’ve seen her do it a lot of times. You have to be smart on this. You have to make sure that she won’t notice that you like her - like her.”

“But how else will she know that I’m interested?”

“Try to be a friend first” suggested Dongwook.

“I feel uncomfortable saying this, given that Dara’s my friend and all but I agree with hubby here. Although you have ulterior motives, you have good intentions so I will support you. Befriend her first. Let her get to know you and earn her trust.”

“Okay. I trust you both.” Youngbae nods. “ Now, let’s prepare our gameplan”

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“Mr. Dong, your guest is here” announced the room attendant.

“Please send her in” Bae acknowledged.

The attendant gave a respectful bow and left the room. Shortly, the sliding door opens and in comes Sandara. Youngbae stands up and made a slight bow. “Annyeong. It’s nice to see you again”

“You, too” Sandy greeted, following Youngbae as he guides her to her seat.

“I hope you like sushi” said Youngbae.

“I love sushi” Dara said enthusiastically.

Youngbae smiled. He already knows that thanks to Byul. “Let’s eat first?”

After their sumptuous meal and some casual conversation, Youngbae opened up the topic that they came in for. “About the contract … were you able to read it?”

Sandy nodded. “I did. I just have to add one more thing”

“What is it?”

Sandy looked at Youngbae seriously. “You have to promise that you’ll never fall in love with me.”

Youngbae blinked. They were right, he thought. But he’s prepared for this. He gave a hearty laugh. “Don’t worry” he said. “I’ll never fall in love with you. Besides, were doing this to make Krystal fall in love with me.”

“Good” said Sandy. “I don’t like complications. As you know, skinship is inevitable but you seem like a decent guy … I won’t have to worry about you, am I?”

“If ever we come to that, it’ll be purely for professional reasons” Youngbae held up his right hand. “Scouts honor”

Sandy nodded again. “Tell me, I read on your file that you’ve never had a girlfriend? How come?”

Bae blushed and shyly replied. “Honestly? Girls intimidate me. I just can’t seem to act normal or cool around them, not like my friends.” He sighed. “That’s why I asked for your help since I believe we’re past the awkward stage. We can be considered as friends now, right?”

Sandy considered. “Friends …” she shrugged her shoulders. “I guess we are…”

“So are you saying yes? Is it a deal?”

“Deal” They shook hands. “For three months, I’ll be your love coach and occasional date. In no time, I’m sure you’ll have a girlfriend.”

“I hope so” Youngbae said. I hope so. Operation: How to catch a rabbit officially commences.

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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All rights reserved by Ms/Mzbookworm4life. © April 2013.