CH18- The Story You Didn’t Know

The Story You Didn’t Know

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There’s an awkward tension between the two people sitting next to each other inside the first class cabin. Youngbae appears to still be in a daze, thinking back on how Sandara hoodwinked him into believing that she will join him on this trip. And not only that, Krystal is now beside him. Krystal! How in the world did she manage to talk her into this? True, Krystal has been treating him a whole lot nicer recently but to go on a trip with him? With just the two of them? He managed a sideway glance at the immaculate looking girl beside him but whose face still looks a little bit put out by Youngbae’s reaction when he saw her at the airport earlier. A few months ago, YB would have been ecstatic since he had been crushing on Krystal for like 3 years but right now, he couldn’t find it in his heart to even feel a little bit of what he used to feel for her. Nada. Not a bit.

Meanwhile, Krystal is silently fuming inside. Why does she get the feeling that Youngbae doesn’t want her to come with him? Surely, Sandy told her that he is in love with her. That’s what she said when they met a week ago. When she called her out of nowhere, she debated whether to meet with her or not. The girl said that she got her number from Nick. After Sandy’s third call, she relented and agreed to meet at a coffee shop. What Sandy told her shocked her to say the least. She came clean with their story … on how she and Youngbae really met and what their arrangement really was. She was sceptical at first but Sandy convinced her that Youngbae was really head over heels in love with Krystal that’s why he went through all the trouble of pretending and even changed his appearance to please her. She told Sandy that she will think about her proposal and Krystal then called her friends so she can tell them what happened. Victoria and Sulli thinks that YB was sweet and romantic and that she should go for it. Krystal rolled her eyes at them. They used to diss Youngbae before and now, they suddenly find him hot? They even told her that if Krystal doesn’t like YB, then maybe they should make a play for him which Krystal of course, shot down. She doesn’t like to share. Her friends then challenged her to go with Youngbae on the vacation and then verify if he really is a virgin. One thing Krystal never backs out from - it’s a challenge. So, she called Sandy and made preparations.

********************************

On the flight to Jeju…

Sandara couldn’t hide her excitement as the captain announced that they’ll be landing in approximately 10 minutes. She couldn’t wait to see her Panda. She took out her phone from her pocket and checked if there are new messages. There’s one from Minzy. She was the only one who knew of her coming. Dara made her promise to keep her visit a secret even from her family. She knew that if she told her brother Daesung, he would surely tell Seungri.

She read her message and smiled. Minzy is already waiting for her in the airport. Great!

She held on to her phone until the plane safely landed. Her smile turned into a brief frown seeing that there’s still no message from Youngbae. Just because he’s with Krystal now, he forgot all about her? Not even a text saying “Thank you”? She made a vexing sound and stuffed her phone in her pocket. Fine then. She won’t send him a message until he sends one. She won’t even check up on him and see how his’ and Krystal’s vacation is coming along. See if she cares. And to think that she felt a little sad earlier in the airport when the first snow of the season came and she thought of him. Youngbae had been waiting for the snow to come and was disappointed when it didn’t snow in Seoul when it was predicted that last week there was 50% chance of it. They waited at the park the whole day like idiots but snow never came. He was so sad and disappointed that Dara bought some artificial snow pop ups in a party favors store just to cheer him up. She unconsciously smiled at the memory and when she realized it, she wiped it off her face and reminded herself that she’s a bit miffed at him.

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“Unnie!” cried a girl as she slammed into Sandara, hugging her tight.

“M-Minzy-ya?” Dara couldn’t believe that the teenage girl she last saw a year ago is as tall as she is now. “My, you’ve grown a lot!” she beamed. “I bet you’ll be taller than me when we meet next time. And you’re a lot prettier!”

“Chincha?” Mizy giggled. “But you’re still the prettiest. No one is prettier that you.”

“Aisht. Quit that. Are you picking these lines up from the two boys?” She ruffled her hair and they made their way out of the airport after picking up her luggage.

“Are you sure Seungri is not suspecting anything?”

Minzy shook her head. I told them I have to meet a school friend when I left earlier but …”

Dara raised an eyebrow. “But? …”

Minzy gave her a smile full of aegyo and clung to one of her arms. “I told Mom that you’re coming just last night. Please don’t be mad. I had to tell her so she can cook some delicious food that you like. Besides, she would be mad at me if I just bring you home without giving her a chance to tidy up the house,” she reasoned.

“Ara. Arasseo.” Dara nodded. “I’m sure Aunt won’t tell the boys anyway.”

*************************************

Suengri couldn’t believe his eyes and even blinked repeatedly just to make sure that what he is seeing is real. Seeing his sister break into a big smile with open arms, he ran into her and picked her up like she’s a rag doll and began spinning her around in the middle of the kitchen.

“Ya! YA!” Sandara protested. “I’m getting dizzy here you big baby!”

Seungri stopped and gently steadied his sister and gave a big hug, not letting go of her. “Wow! I can’t believe you’re here!” He was almost jumping excitedly like a little kid.

“Aigoo … did you miss Noona that much?”

“Of course, I missed you!” he exclaimed, wiping away fake tears which caused laughter around the room.

Minzy, Daesung and their parents watch the loving reunion of the two siblings. The Kang’s have been very good to them and Sandara will be eternally grateful for agreeing to take in her brother and care for him in her place. After enjoying the hearty meal that their Aunt prepared, Dara began giving her early Christmas presents to everyone. She knows it’s not enough in exchange of all the goodness they have shown but she’s planning to repay them, in time. But right now, she told them of her plan for Christmas and everyone was happy because she will get to stay with them until New Year. And because of the generous pay check she gets from Youngbae, she decided to splurge and treat them for once at the most expensive hotel and resort in the island where they will spend their Christmas weekend together.

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Dara’s POV

Christmas Day…

“Noona!” cried the big Panda as he hugged me with all his might from behind. I am sitting by the beach, enjoying the cool windy air of Jeju when he lunged himself at me. The force nearly knocked me over and I nearly kissed the sand before me.

“Ya! Are you trying to break my bones?” I yelled at him with mock anger.

He loosened his embrace for just a bit but kept me close to him. I swear he is still such a big baby. Nothing much changed about him and his excessive need for skin ship. He has always been an affectionate child growing up. Now, he appeared to have grown a foot taller from when I saw him last and is a lot handsomer, too. My little brother has grown up to be such a heartbreaker, I beamed.

“It’s cold,” he said. “What are you doing here all alone? I brought you a blanket.”

“Aigoo. My Panda is the sweetest. Gomawo” I smiled at him as he wrapped the fleece blanket around me.

He sat beside me, linking his arm around mine. “I’m really happy you’re here, Noona.”

“Me, too.” I returned, sincerely.

“Can’t you stay a little longer?” he pleaded.

“You know I have to work.” I faced him. “I was already lucky to get some time off.”

 “Next year, when we live together in Seoul, you don’t have to work as much. I’ll get a scholarship and get a part-time job, too. Then, I’ll be the one to take care of you,” he declared proudly.

“NO” I disagreed. “You stay in school and just focus on your studies. I’ve saved money enough even if you don’t get a scholarship.”

He gave me his puppy dog look. “Noona, do you think I’m still the sickly kid back then? I’m strong and healthy now, you know. What kind of man will I be if I’ll let my one and only lovely sister to work on her own? Besides, don’t you want to continue your courses in fashion designing?”

I shook my head and looked at him sternly. “Seungri, this is non-negotiable.”

He pouted with a hurt expression. “You think I’m useless, don’t you? You think I can’t help you? I swear I can support myself and you, Noona. You’ve done more than enough for me. You have to live your life, too.”

I frowned. Where is this coming from? Bits and pieces of a similar conversation – no, a fight, really, came flitting in my mind. We had a huge argument about 2 years ago about a similar topic. I had to fly in asap from Seoul when I got a call from Daesung about how badly my brother was behaving and how he stopped coming to school. That was the first and the biggest fight we’ve ever had and I don’t want a repeat of it. Ever. I thought we had everything resolved.

“Seungri,” I sighed. “I don’t want us to fight over this.”

“I don’t want to fight, too,” he acceded, “but I wish you would listen to me and stop looking at me like I’m still a child. I’m all grown up now, Noona. Look, I even have muscles now.” He moved to flex his biceps in a show-off manner.

I chuckled. My brother never fails to lighten up the mood whether he intends to or not.

“How about we compromise?” We turned to face each other. “You stay in the University and solely focus all your energy into studying for one year and if your grades are good, I’ll let you work.”

“That’s your compromise?” He arched his brows.

“That’s THE compromise.” I looked him straight in the eyes, with half a glare, unwavering. He knows when I give him that look that he can’t persuade me anymore.

He sighed a deep sigh and I knew I won.

I got up and started brushing the sand off my pants and playfully hopped on my brother’s back. “Come show me how healthy you are. Give your Noona a piggyback ride.”

Without preamble, he stood up taking me by surprise, making me squeal. Good thing I didn’t lose my hold on him. He hooked his arms under my legs and started to run around the beach, sometimes pretending to slide me off his back and drop me in the ocean.

“Don’t you dare!” I slapped him on his forearm.  Sometimes, I also pulled at his hair.

As we played around the beach under the setting sun, hearing my brother’s laughter, I knew that it was worth it. Everything … all that happened … was worth it.

Much later, we were interrupted when Minzy called us together with her brother Daesung. Aunt and Uncle are done with their spa and wanted us to prepare for the formal Christmas dinner that the hotel is hosting tonight. They were pretty excited given that it’s their first time be vacationing in a first class luxury hotel and I’m so glad that they are enjoying this little gift that I prepared for them.

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Seunghyun’s POV

My eyes didn’t deceive me. It was her. What is she doing here? I take a look at her direction as she crosses the hotel’s main lobby to get to the main dining slash ball room. She is wearing a simple green cocktail dress and she looks so young and innocent. She is with the man I saw her with earlier in the afternoon.

Actually, on my stroll along the beach earlier, I mistook the couple who were playing around as high school kids. They were so carefree and happy. Watching them brought a wistful smile on my face. It made me think of my holiday alone and wished for a moment that I spent it with some friends. But Youngbae had to go to Macau and Jiyong is in America with his parents to be with his sister.

Upon closer inspection, my smile turned into a frown. The girl being chased by the young man remarkably looked like Sandara. But that can’t be right. She is supposed to be with YB. I shook my head. It can’t be her. I sat in one of the beach chairs and I could hear the laughter from the girl, being carried by the wind. She sounded so happy.

I lay back on the chair and closed my eyes. The melodious laughter brought smile to my lips as I took a short nap.

I furrow my brows in consternation. If she is here, what happened to Youngbae? He was pretty psyched up for their trip and it was all that he could talk about. Did she ditch him? Who is she with? The guy she’s with looks young. Is he one of her clients? I thought Youngbae and her are in an exclusive contract?

I discreetly follow them in. I am going to have dinner here, too, anyway. I frown as the guy drapes an arm around her and she looks up at him with a smile. They joined a table where four people are already seated. Are they the guy’s family? He doesn’t look like them. THEY look like a family.

The maître d’ notices me and escorts me to my lonely table for one. Wait, did I say lonely? F*ck. Who says I’m lonely? I prefer to be alone.

“Shall I pour you a glass, sir?” The maître d’ solicitously asks, gesturing to the bottle of wine chilling on my table. He knows that I am a part-owner of this hotel so he was being extra fussy. I signaled him to go ahead with a wave of my hand.

After he left, I adjusted my chair a bit so I won’t have to strain my neck as I glance over Sandy’s table. Their group looks so happy and I feel the pull of melancholy as I go through dinner barely tasting what I’m eating.

There was a big band performing and many couples have taken to the dance floor. I stay glued at my seat and pass the time watching the merriment and laughter of the people around me. A few ladies tried to catch my attention but I ignore them. If I was being a little more honest, there was only one person I was really watching the whole evening. I don’t know why but for some reason, I hoped that she would look behind and maybe notice me, too.

I shake my head. What am I thinking? I pour myself another drink and was surprised to see the last drop of wine. I can’t believe I finished the whole bottle by myself. I quickly fished out my mobile phone and dialed Youngbae’s number. He answered after five rings.

“Hello” he answered with a tired voice.

“Merry Christmas to you, too, man” I greeted him.

“I’m sorry, hyung.” I can imagine YB with a contrite face. “Merry Christmas!” he said with a livelier voice.

“How are you?” I ask.

“Okay.”

When he didn’t elaborate, I prodded. “So, how was Macau? Are you and Sandara having fun?” I know she’s not with him but I am fishing for some information why she’s not.

There was a long silence followed by a deep sigh. “Macau is good. Sandara,” he paused, “Dara didn’t show up …”

I can hear his sadness over the line. I glance towards the girl my friend is head over heels in love with, dancing merrily with two guys and a girl seemingly without a care in the world. How can she laugh like that knowing that she ditched my friend? I turn my attention back to Youngbae. “I’m sorry to hear that” I consoled him. “There are a lot of other girls out there, man. I’m sure you’ll meet one who’s more beautiful and a whole lot sexier than her. There are a lot of foreigners there, right? Go mingle and hook up with some blonde.” I meant to cheer him up.

Youngbae didn’t seem to share the laughter in my voice and remained quite on the other line. I hear a sigh again. “Hyung, it’s late. I appreciate you calling really but I think I’m just going to sleep the night away.”

“Alright,” I acquiesced. “Night, bro. Merry Christmas again.”

“Thank you, hyung. Merry Christmas.”

Well that was depressing. I hope that Jiyong is having a wonderful Christmas with his family at least. No wonder statistics show that more people commit suicide during Christmas season than any other time of the year. Lonely people feel lonelier seeing the happy people around them. Good thing I’m not lonely. Tch! Try convincing yourself a little more, my inner self snide. Shut up. I admonished my inner self and downed the last of my wine and went back to watching the dancing crowd. Meaning, Sandara, again, my inner voice pesters me. Shut up.

Like she was some magnet who has a pull on me, I follow Sandara with her group together with the crowd as we make our way out of the hotel onto the beach where there will be a fireworks show.

Anticipation and excitement fills the air as the countdown to midnight begins.

Three… Two… One!

The crowd chanted as one as the first burst of fireworks began. Oohs and aahs and clapping can be heard all around as everybody’s eyes are trained to the skies watching the colorful and different patterned fireworks light up the heavens.

I glance up at the sky for a while but returned to watching Sandara’s rapt expression as she watches the show with the excitement of a child. She looks so mesmerized. She takes a step forward as if that would take her a step nearer to the sky and I follow her move. She was clasping her hands over her chest and her eyes were shining. She looks mesmerizing.

All of a sudden, the girl she was dancing with pulled her into a quick embrace and gave her a quick kiss on the cheeks. This was followed by the guy they were with, whose chinky eyes can rival Youngbae’s. Next was the taller guy and he pulled Sandy off her feet with his overly enthusiastic embrace and even whirled her around once before settling her back on her feet again. Before he let her go though, he gave her a long kiss on her forehead and Sandy reached to pull his head back down and she, in turn, kissed him on the forehead, too, followed by a kiss on the cheeks.  She looks at him with genuine affection and love. I can’t hear what they were saying.

I feel a little pain in somewhere in my gut. She’s mighty free with her kisses, eh?

When the guy turns to give the other girl a hug, Sandara turns to look back at the sky and her face is being illuminated by the different colors of the fireworks. My feet started to move towards her all on its own mind and all of a sudden, she turns to look my way.

I stand, immobilized. Holy shit! She’s seen me. Seen me watching her. Looking at her.

A crease forms on her forehead and because it comes as second nature to me, I turned my surprised look into a scowl.

********************************

What the hell? Sandara thought to herself. Of all the people to encounter here, why him? She hasn’t done anything to him and yet, he’s scowling at her. Again. Or is the scowl a permanent feature on his face? She was feeling happy and generous and thought of greeting him a merry Christmas but seeing as he seem to be pissed to see her, she scratched that notion. She rolled her eyes at him and walked to stand next to her brother, effectively shielding her from Seunghyun’s view.

*********************************

Seunghyun woke up very late. He glanced at his watch by the bedside table and read 1PM. He raked his fingers through his hair and tried to remember the events from yesterday. He was unable to talk to Sandara at all because she seemed to avoid him. It’s not that he wanted to talk to her either but he thought that maybe he can greet her as a courtesy. Yes, just for courtesy’s sake. You didn’t have to scowl at her, his inner voice said and he groans. It was your fault she avoided you. “I know,” he muttered and then scowled at himself. I can’t believe I’m talking to myself.

He gingerly got up and took a quick shower then called reception and a woman’s voice answered. He asked for the room information of a Miss Sandara Park. The female who answered hesitated to give out any information until Seunghyun introduced who he is and the other person on the line was all too accommodating. She even volunteered the information of the guests who were under Sandara’s charge. He thanked her.

So, she’s with her family, he thought. He mentally slaps himself. Way to go, Seunghyun. You are always eager to believe at the bad in people first before anything else. He thinks of a strategy to make it up to her. He broke into a grin. He is going to invite them to dinner! That’s right. Mentally congratulating himself for the good plan, he jovially ventured into one of the restaurants in the hotel which specializes in sushi for lunch.

On his way there, as fate would have it, he bumps into Sandara and her company. It looked like they just finished having lunch. He was dismayed he didn’t wake up sooner. They stood there looking at each other and he mustered a “Hello” and what he hoped was a welcoming smile.

Sandara’s face has a confused frown.

Before Seunghyun can speak any more, the guy who he assumes as Sandy’s brother cleared his voice. “Noona, do you know him?” he asked, putting one arm around her protectively.

Sandara stirred and shook her head in the negative and then changed to a nod, causing Seunghyun to frown. “He’s just somebody I know from Seoul” she answered.

Somebody? Just somebody? Inner Seunghyun was affronted. Well, I am going to uninvite you to that dinner, he thought although he hasn’t invited them yet.

“Omo! What a good looking guy!” Sandara’s aunt gushed. “Is he your friend, Dara-ya?”

Seunghyun opened his mouth to properly introduce himself but Sandara beat him.

“Ani!” she was quick to deny him. “He’s a friend of a friend.”

“Ohh…” the aunt commiserated. “Too bad we’re leaving now; you two could have spent some time together to get to know each other more,” she teased with her eyebrows twitching. She couldn’t have been more obvious on her intentions to get her niece hooked up with the good looking young man.

“Omma…” Minzy was appalled.

“What?” her mother feigned innocence.

Seunghyun barely registers the teasing because he was so concentrated on what she said. “You’re leaving?” he asked Sandara.

“In an hour,” was Dara’s short reply.

“We better be going” nudged Seungri.

Sandara gave Seunghyun a quick bow as farewell and they stopped by the reception before taking the elevators.

***************************

Seunghyun was casually lounging in a chair, reading a newspaper in the lobby when Sandara and the rest of her family showed up followed by a bellman with their luggage in a cart trolley. He knows that from their vantage point, it will be impossible for them not to see him as they settle their accounts at the reception. Just as he predicted, her relatives sat by the couches near him and her Aunt even called his attention. Seunghyun feigned surprise and greeted them, formally introducing himself to them while Sandara and her brother were still at the reception.

Sandara’s Aunt barraged him with questions and she has the air of someone very pleasant but a nosy ajumma but one couldn’t help but indulge in her questioning. She makes one feel like she’s a fussing aunt who knows you forever. Seunghyun hasn’t met anyone like her so he answered all her questions. The Uncle was the silent type, as well as Daesung but still very friendly. He learned that Daesung their eldest and Minzy, the only daughter, was as charming as her mother and called him Oppa from the get go which Seunghyun liked. He can tell that they are a very warm family. He also learned Seungri’s name and how Sandara is the best sister for supporting his brother financially. Seunghyun was genuinely interested to learn more but they were interrupted by a bellman who said that they managed to hail cab and are just waiting for one more. The Uncle acknowledged and thanked him. “Let’s wait until they get another taxi so we can all go together to the bus terminal,” he said.

Seunghyun realized that they don’t have a car so he signalled to a roaming manager near them and asked if one of their hotel coasters or vans is available. He answered in the affirmative and Seunghyun asked him to prepare a coaster so Mr. Kang and his family can use it and send them directly to their home.

“Oppa, you don’t have to” Minzy whispered in a shy voice. “Isn’t that more expensive?”

“Don’t worry about it” Seunghyun smiled at her.

“We appreciate the concern, young man” the Uncle said, “but our house is very far away from here. It’s a two hour drive.”

“Don’t worry about that Mr. Kang,” declared the manager. “Seeing as you’re friends with Master Choi here, no drive is ever too long.” He turned and bowed to Seunghyun. “We’ll make sure to deposit them safely on their doorstep, Sir. Is there anything else you require?”

Seunghyun hid his grimace. The manager is making a fuss. Now, Sandara’s family make think that he’s showing off.

“Master Choi?” Mrs. Kang inquired, looking at him and then at the bowing manager.

“Ah, of course. Master is a part owner of this hotel and his friends are also friends of the hotel,” was the manager’s overzealous response. He was trying to make a good impression. It’s rare that Master Choi Seunghyun ever asks for something or talks even. These people must be important to him and he aims to please.

“You own this place?!” Mrs. Kangs’s voice was incredulous.

Seunghyun did a facepalm in his head. “Just a part-owner, ma’am” he corrected. He owns just one-fourth of the shares in the hotel. Still, it’s worth millions of dollars.

“Aisht, what’s with the ma’am? You can call me ajumma or better yet, Imo.”

Seunghyun managed a shy smile.

A cackle on the radio can be heard and the manager answered. “The vehicle will be at the main entrance in 5 minutes, Master.”

“Good, you can leave us now” Seunghyun said and the manager bowed at him and to the rest and took his leave just as Sandara and her brother joins them.

“All set?” she asked in a lilting voice as she approached them. Her smile faltered upon seeing Seunghyun with her family.

“Dara, Seunghyun here offered one of their coaters to take us home directly” her Uncle said, standing up, patting Seunghyun on the back.

“Oppa is very kind” gushed Minzy.

Dara couldn’t hide the surprise on her face. Her uncle called him on a first name basis and Minzy is calling him Oppa? What the heck?! Did it take them too long at the reception? She mutely follows everyone as they walk out of the lobby to where they’ll board. Seunghyun follows right behind with a smug look.

“Seunghyunnie… come visit us this New Year.”

“Ah, I would like to, Imo, but I have to be in Seoul tomorrow for a prior engagement.”

“That’s too bad, hyung. If you change your mind, you can always ask ajusshi here to drive you since he’ll know our address,” said Daesung, indicating the driver of the van who is now helping the bellman load their luggage.

Dara’s eyes bulged. What happened to her family? Seunghyunnie?! Imo?! Hyung?!

Gah! She looked at the faces around her beaming at the guy they only met earlier as if they’ve known him forever. Her eyes met Seungri’s and he, too, is mirroring her confusion.

“Oh well, you are always welcome to visit us. You can bring your family with you,” said Aunty.

Seunghyun’s smile faded. “I, I’m by myself,” he revealed.

“You mean your parent’s are not with you? Who did you spend Christmas with?”

Sandara grimaced inside. Her Aunt can sure be blunt.

“I don’t have …” Seunghyun stopped. “My parents are long dead,” he continued in a quiet tone.

Mrs. Kang immediately got teary eyed. “Oh, I’m sorry child.” She pats Seunghyun on the cheek and squeezes his arm.

“It’s okay, don’t be. I’m used to it by now.” He put on a brave face.

“All the more reason why you have to spend the New Year with us. I promise I cook just as well as your fancy chefs here” Mrs. Kang coaxed.

Minzy was teary-eyed as well. “Oppa, please come. It will make me, um, us, happy. Right, unnie?” she looked at her older cousin. Dara gave them a weak smile.

“Thank you,” Seunghyun said simply, gratefully. “Well, you should go now before the rain hits. Forecast says there 80% of rain this mid-afternoon.”

One by one, they boarded the vehicle and Daesung and his father gave Seunghyun handshakes, Minzy and her mother, quick hugs. When Seungri faced him, he introduced himself formally and Seunghyun did as well. The younger man seemed to be gauging him and they looked like they were in some kind of macho staring competition. Sandara touched her brother’s arm and motioned him to get in. He reluctantly complied.

Now, it’s only Seunghyun and Sandara left. They stand facing each other.

She was the first to break the silence. “I-um, we really appreciate your help. Thank you.” She wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words. He must be lonely spending the holidays all by himself. She felt a little guilty for ignoring him last night. Maybe he was in a foul mood because of it? The fact that he’s alone?

“You’re welcome” he answered. “It’s no big deal.”

“Oh, okay. We should be going then.”

He nodded.

Sandara turned and stepped to leave and Seunghyun took a step towards her which made her stop and look back.

“Is there something wrong?” she gently asked.

Yes. Please invite me and I might just say yes. His inner self piped up. And Seunghyun realized that he was just waiting for Sandara to invite him to spend the New Year with them. But she doesn’t. The realization unnerved him as well as the disappointment that came with it.

And because he couldn’t, no, wouldn’t say those words to her, he asked the next question that’s been bugging him since yesterday. “Why did you ditch Youngbae?”

“Huh?” Sandara stepped away from the coaster and he followed her.

“How do you think he feels right now? He was really excited about your trip together and what did you do? You ditched him! How can you make him spend Christmas alone? Don’t you know how lonely that can be? Seeing all the happy people everywhere when you have no one? You could have just told him that you wanted to spend the holidays with your family instead of stringing him along and made my friend look like a fool.” Seunghyun was aware that he was raising his voice and he welcomed the feeling of anger. Anger is good, Anger he can handle. Hope and disappointment, he could not at this time.

Aaand the bipolar jerk is back, Sandara thought. For a while there, she was almost feeling sorry for him and he was so polite and pleasant to her family that he got her convinced that he’s a good person. Of course, that was all for show. How can she forget? This man hates her. She was glad that the coaster’s door is closed and that his back is facing them or else, her family’s good impression of him would shatter.

“I did not and I am not stringing Youngbae along. I have his best interest in mind. I don’t know what your deal is but I suggest you get your facts straight. I don’t owe you an explanation.” She furiously replied and with that, she left him and stiffly walked and climbed into the coaster and slammed it shut.

Seunghyun was left with pent up energy but his shoulders drooped when he turned to see the coaster drive away. And then, he knew. He needed to get to Seoul. To get out of Jeju-do. Far away from Sandara.

*********************************

New Year’s Eve….

“I don’t think he’s gonna come, Imo” Dara said for the umpteenth time. She couldn’t believe how Seunghyun managed to enamour her Aunt and Minzy, who is pouting right now. Even her Uncle said that Seunghyun looked like a promising young man. How can they be blinded by his act?

“Oppa seems pitiful, don’t you think? He’s like a solitary prince who is trapped inside his castle, with no one beside him.”

Aigoo, Dara thought. Minzy is experiencing a massive crush on him. She rolls her eyes at her lovesick cousin.

“Unnie, you said you don’t like him, right? You promised.”

“Again, he’s not my type.” Dara affirmed.

“Good!” Minzy beamed. “I’m gonna meet Seunhyun Oppa when I get older and I’m going to marry him.”

“I will totally support you on that dream, my beautiful daughter,” her mother said. “If your Dara unnie doesn’t want him, I’d have him as my son-in-law.”

“I think he’s cool” Daesung joins in their conversation.

“Like I said, he’s a promising young man.” That was Mr. Kang.

Sandara was tempted to put a finger in her mouth and make a gagging sound.

“I don’t like him,” Seungri pipes in and Dara beams at him. Her brother is a good judge of character!, she thought.

Minzy scowls. “Why don’t you like him? He’s tall, handsome, rich …”

“With georgeous eyes…” her Mom supplied and Dara thinks that her Aunt has a crush on Seunghyun, too.

“Well” Dara said, “Too bad I don’t think he will join us for New Year’s. Let’s not wait for him. If he’ll come, he should be here by now. Come on, let’s all eat.”

*****************************

Seungri’s POV

There is one reason why Seungri doesn’t like Seunghyun. He sensed some kind of tension between the guy and his sister. And when his Noona mentions him, there seem to be a little bit of animosity. He wondered if it has something to do with his Noona’s job.

A couple of years ago, Seungri was given the chance to represent their school in a high school cooking competition in Seoul. Growing up being a sickly child, he learned to love cooking by watching his mother and when she was gone; he cooked when his Dara noona had to work.

Winning the top prize in the regional completion in Jeju-do, he was sent to Seoul for 3 days to compete on a national level. He was so excited about it and he planned to surprise his Noona by showing up at her doorstep once he’s in Seoul. After checking in a small hotel with his class adviser who accompanied him, he set out to surprise his sister. It was already evening when he arrived at her address and before he managed to get off the taxi he’s riding in, he saw his Dara noona hopping on a motorcycle with a man he didn’t recognize. He asked the driver to follow them and he was surprised when they stopped in front of a strip club.

Seungri looked around the establishments and he seemed to be in the middle of a red light district. There was a bouncer guarding the door and he knew that he couldn’t get in that way so he bided his time and when he saw a delivery truck stop by the back entrance; he pretended to be one of the delivery boys and managed to sneak in to the kitchen. Once inside, he found his way in to the club and was greeted by a myriad of flashing lights and cigarette smoke. He could barely make out the faces of people around. His Noona may be one of the waiters. She did say that she has three waitressing jobs.

He almost ran out of the club when some showgirls appeared on the stage and started gyrating in various states of undress. His sister will kill him if she catches him in here. Before he was able to fully turn around and leave though, one of the dancers on stage caught his attention. He was beside himself in shock when he realized that his beloved noona is one of the performers and is slowly removing her clothes one by one. He wanted to cry out and yell for her to stop. He wanted to rush at the stage and pull her out and cover her up. He wished he didn’t see this. Wished he didn’t follow her. He was angry. How could she do this kind of job? A tap on his shoulder brought him back to his senses and a burly man was asking for his ID. Seungri bolted and ran out of the club. He ran and ran until there are no more tears left to cry.

He never told anyone about what happened. He was too angry and ashamed. He went back to Jeju without winning anything and without seeing his sister. He slowly stopped going to school then and refused to study or take his maintenance medication and wouldn’t listen to his Aunt and Uncle. He started hanging out with the wrong crowd. He started to rebel. And because he refused to talk, Daesung was tasked to call Sandara and she flew immediately home to talk to him.

Still, Seungri refused to tell Dara the reason for his change. Their fight was explosive and it was scary since it was the first time that they didn’t meet eye to eye. They were a crying mess when it ended. Seungri knew that deep inside, he wasn’t really angry or ashamed of his sister; he was angry and ashamed of himself. His Noona has and continues to sacrifice her life for him. He was an imbecile, a useless being who deserved to die. In the end, he said sorry to everyone and made a promise to his sister that he will be good and try to be the best that he can be. He vowed to himself that he will save his sister from the hell that she got into because of him.

He knew that it would break his sister’s heart if he reveals that he knew the true nature of her job and worse, that he’s seen her doing it so he kept mum and held his silence. He vowed to take this secret to the grave.

******************************

It was after midnight and it’s officially the start of the new year. Sandara was holding her phone and read the messages from some of her friends. Dara sent her greetings in return and as she sent her greeting to her Dongwook Oppa last, she once again thought of Youngbae and how he didn’t even once check up on her since he left. Scratch that, they left. He must be having the time of his life with Krystal. Still, Dara was disappointed that he didn’t even remember her. She was kinda used to his daily ‘Good mornings and Good nights’.

Which led her to think of Seunghyun and his awful accusation that she abandoned his friend. What was he thinking about and where did he get the idea? Surely, if anything, they should be impressed that she managed to convince that Krystal girl to go to Macau with Youngbae although she doesn’t like the girl for him. And what was that rant about loneliness? Why was he so affected? It was like he made a grave sin against him personally. And then, it came to her … the words that he said prior to his verbal vomit.

“I’m by myself.” “My parents, they’re long dead … I’m used to it.” “Don’t you know how lonely that can be? Seeing all the happy people everywhere when you have no one?”

Her eyes widened. It was like he was referring to himself. Is he spending the New Year by himself again? He could have joined them if he wanted to. It’s not like she was going to turn him away if he shows up. She may not like each other but he seemed to be quite taken by her relatives and them, with him.

“Waiting for someone?” Seungri interrupted her thoughts, referring to the mobile phone clutched in her hand. He sat beside his sister and did a huge yawn. “You’re not sleepy yet?”

“I’ll be right in. You go ahead.” Sandara smiled at him, patting his head.

“Nah, I’ll wait for you. It’s our last day together.” Seungri couldn’t keep the sadness from his voice.

“Ya! It’s not like we won’t see each other in a few months,” said Dara. “You will be the best chef in Korea, right?”

“Of course! I bet I’m better than those in the University.” And then in a whisper “You have to admit I cook much better than Imo, right?”

Dara giggled. “If she hears you, you’re dead.”

“Let’s wait for the sunrise together. Let’s welcome the new day of the new year.”

Dara agreed.

Minzy, upon hearing this decided to join them and pretty soon, even Daesung sat with them and they even made bets on who will fall asleep first.

***************************

Daesung gently closed the door of his sister’s bedroom as both ladies have fallen asleep pretty much before the sun has fully risen. Seungri and he carried their own sisters into the room on the bed they are sharing.

“Do you think it’s wise that you keep your situation from her?” he asked quietly at his younger cousin by a few months. They are now inside the room they’re sharing.

Seungri slumped on his bed. “There is no situation.”

“You know I love you like a brother and I love Noona, too” said Dae. “If something happened to you-“

“Nothing will happen, hyung” Seungri interrupted. “Nothing will happen.” He repeated, more to himself before turning his back on him as he lies on his bed.

Daesung turned silent. His heart aches for the two siblings especially for Seungri who is also his bestfriend. He knows that he should let his Sandara noona know that her brother’s health is at risk. He started to notice the signs a few months ago. At first, Seungri collapsed at school during a P.E. session but they were just doing calisthenics, nothing too strenuous. And then he noticed the shortness of breaths and he can’t even play basketball now for more than 10 minutes. And just last month, he fainted again for no apparent reason inside the house. His parents and Minzy were out grocery shopping when it happened and Seungri made him promise not to tell anyone.

He is regretting making that promise now. He knows that if anything happens to Seungri, his Dara noona will have their hides.

****************************

Snow greeted Youngbae as he made out of Seoul International terminal. He remembered how Dara and how sweet it was of her when she showered him with artificial snow that time when he thought they’ll experience the first snow of the season together.

He hunched his shoulders and made way to a car waiting for him. He thanked his driver, Mr. Kim, and took the driver’s seat, making the old man hail a cab for himself. He needed to see Sandara. He needed to tell her a lot of things.

It was almost 11 in the evening and Youngbae briefly wondered if she is still awake. Nevertheless, he continued his trek up the concrete steps leading to Dara’s apartment. He wanted to desperately call her while he was in Macau but he was afraid that he’ll confess over the phone if he hears her voice so he didn’t and instead focused all his energy into the meetings and deals that he had to close while he was there. Now that everything’s been taken care of, he feels free and a whole lot lighter. He’s half-walking, half-running just to reach her.

******************

Youngbae’s heart which was feeling buoyant just a while ago crashed and fell to the ground. In the dimly illumined light, he can see Sandara. Her arm is around the waist of a tall man and the other, holding the arm that’s around her shoulders. She was guiding the man inside her apartment.

Youngbae couldn’t breathe … could barely think. What a way to crash and burn. What the f*ck is Siwon doing with Dara? Was his only thought.

*******************************

Author’s Note:

I know I should have given a warning at the on start that this chap is 7,780 words long ... the longest I’ve written so far. I hope this makes up for the temporary hiatus.

Until next time!

*bisous*

~mzbookworm4life