It was almost 3 am when Yongsun reached home. She almost forgot that Yonghye would be home today until she saw some light seeping through beneath the door. Rummaging through her luggage in there he living room, she took out a nicely wrapped box which she bought it in Maldives, it was a pearl bracelet. Gently knocking on the door, Yongsun was responded with a hum from Yonghye, in which she took it as a sign to enter.

“What are you doing?” Yongsun hovered from behind Yonghye, looking at what she was doing.

Yonghye looked up at Yongsun, “I’m revising, preparing for exam.”

“Exam?”

“Hyunsik oppa’s office is hiring several civil servants, there would be a civil service entrance examination 2 months from now. I’ve registered for it.”

“Really?” Yongsun was delighted, she was truly happy for Yonghye, it also seemed like a good idea for Yonghye to get out of the Moon Group.

“Yep, Hyunsik oppa also mentioned that I would just need to get through the paper examination. For the interviews and stuffs he would settle it for me.”

“Don’t listen to him, he’s always bragging. It’s best that you depend on yourself, get in through your own capabilities. Just try your best, it’s tough getting into civil service nowadays too.”  

“Don’t look down on Hyunsik oppa!” Yonghye was suddenly standing up for Hyunsik, “He’s currently the right-hand man of his Director in his office. He’s the youngest department manager in his office as of now!”

“And who did you hear this from?” Yonghye questioned.

“Hyunsik oppa!”

“Then how would you know whether it’s real or fake? And I’ve said many times, stop calling him oppa. Are you trying to make me angry on purpose?”

“Sure sure sure, then what should I call him?” Yonghye replied in sarcasm, “Hyunsik-ssi? Park Manager-nim? Ew gross.”

“If it’s gross then don’t even talk to him!” Yongsun shoved the present in Yonghye’s hands, “Present for you!”

“Thanks!” Yonghye immediately took out the bracelet and started to wear it on her hand, raising it in the air trying it to see it from all angles.

“Rest early, don’t stay up too late. Even though it’s already 3 am now.” Yongsun turned, preparing to leave.

“Unnie…” Yonghye suddenly called, stopping Yongsun in her tracks.

Yongsun turned around, she was looking at Yonghye whom was avoiding her gaze.

“Seeing how you stayed at Maldives for so long, I’d assume the negotiations are well done?”

“I guess so, I’ve only heard the deal is signed. I’m only there to shoot commercials and photos, I’m not sure about the business side.”

Yonghye opened , to close them again. Looking at her expression, Yongsun could roughly guess what she wanted to ask. “If you want to ask about Moon Byulyi, I suggest you give up.” Finishing her words, Yongsun quickly left the room and escaped into her own room.

Leaning against the door as she closed it, Yongsun didn’t have the time to reminisce what happened today, instead she fell into an immense guilt and self-blame. Yongsun found herself to be selfish and despicable, she was actually in a romantic relationship with someone whom her own biological sister liked, had ever committed suicide over for. Yongsun couldn’t bear the thought to even think about what would happen if ever happened one day when Yonghye finds out about the truth, what would actually happen. Yongsun silently prayed that Yonghye could quickly get over Byulyi, and that her own true love whom was meant to be with her could quickly appear.

The next morning, Yongsun woke up early despite having sleeping late. After washing up and changing into her trainers, she was getting ready to go to the company. Looking at her own outfit, she remembered perhaps there was someone who might be waiting at the Starbucks opposite her company. Her heart skipped a bit, she decided to change into something not so casual. She opted for a loose white tee and skinny jeans.

As soon as she exited her house, she met with Hyunsik who just came out of his house too. Looking at Yongsun, Hyunsik’s face was full of hopes.

Thinking about her conversation with Yonghye last night, she decided to be nice to Hyunsik. “Going to work?”

Giving a skeptical face, Hyunsik slowly nodded his head. “Yes! You’re early today?”

“Yeah, going to office for a meeting.” Yongsun brushed pass Hyunsik and headed towards the lift.

Hyunsik quickly chased up from behind, “Let me give you a lift.”

“No thanks, it’s just a 10 minutes’ walk.”

There was a moment of silence as they both waited for the lift, Yongsun wondered why did the lift take forever to come. Whereas for Hyunsik, he was clenching and rubbing his fingers, as he was trying to figure out how to approach Yongsun.

As the both of them enter the lift, Hyunsik took the movement to start talking.

“Yongsun, if there’s time I would like to talk to you.”

“About?”

“Just talking, like friends.”

“I don’t have any intentions of becoming friends with you.”

Hyunsik was silent. As the lift door opens, Yongsun turned her head towards him. “With regards to Yonghye, do take care of her.”

“I will.” Hyunsik quickly responded and gave a smile.

Yongsun managed to make herself squeeze out a smile before she walked out of the lift.  

***

As she walks closer to Starbucks, Yongsun took more time in noticing the cars parked around. As expected, she sees Byulyi’s Ferrari parked nearby the entrance. As she peeked in from the door, she saw Byulyi sitting by the window at the far end corner. She was flipping through some documents, but it seemed like she was more focused on the outside rather than on her documents.

In the busy morning where people are coming in and out of this place, getting their coffee fix for the morning, brushing through Yongsun whom stood there quietly at the entrance, watching this person whom was waiting for her. She was in a white shirt today, her sleeves buttons were undone, her shirt buttons were not properly buttoned too unlike the usual. Yongsun wondered if Byulyi was in a rush today this morning. Staring at her, Yongsun can’t help feeling lowly. Who was she to have this kind of treatment, to have someone like Byulyi with this status and authority, to sit in a place like this to wait for her?

Composing herself, Yongsun walked into Starbucks. She met with Hyunkyu whom was sitting near the entrance. Upon seeing her, Hyunkyu gave an acknowledgement smile and nodded his head.  

As she looked ahead, Yongun saw that Byulyi was still keeping her eyes fixed outside. Until when Yongsun sat down in front of her, then Byulyi realised. Her face was as though a child being caught for stealing sweets from another child, it was simply adorable to Yongsun.

“Do you ever manage to finish the documents that you meant to read in this place?” Yongsun asked.

Byulyi shook her head shyly, “How did you know I was here?”

“I don’t.” Yongsun pretended to not know anything. “I just wanted to come in here for coffee. Do you come here often?”

Byulyi was casual in her reply too. “Sometimes.”

Certain issues, there wasn’t a need to let the other know. This was something in which Yongsun realised both of them are the same.

“What do you want to drink? My treat.” Byulyi asked.

“Whatever you drink, I’ll have the same.” Yongsun replied affectionately.

“I’m drinking Americano, you might find it bitter. How about Cappuccino?”

“With love?” Yongsun grinned.

“Yes, with love.”

As Byulyi got up, Yongsun got up as well to quickly pull Byulyi back.

“Hm?” Byulyi was slightly shocked by Yongsun’s gesture, but still faced her.

“As much as I’d love your outfit, I’d appreciate if you cover yourself up properly.” Yongsun said as she started buttoning up Byulyi’s shirt, even all the way to the first button, jokingly choking Byulyi in the process.

“Hm? Are you being a possessive girlfriend right now?”

“You’re showing too much skin.” Yongsun proceeded to pull up Byulyi’s hands and buttoned the buttons on her sleeves.

“Are you being a conservative girlfriend now too?” Byulyi asked in amusement.

“There! Done!” Yongsun clapped her hands in happiness.

Grinning, Byulyi stared at Yongsun for a moment.

“Do you know what’s the most blissful number?” Byulyi asked.

“No, what?”

“5.”

“5? Why?” Yongsun raised her palm and looked at it, then she looked back at Byulyi, showing Byulyi her palm in the process.

Byulyi then took the chance to intertwine their fingers together. “Because I get to hold your hand like this.”

It took 1 second for Yongsun to be speechless, and 0.1 second for Byulyi to get hit.

“I look like a waitress now.”

“Good, now go get me my cappuccino, with love.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

The Cappuccino was served on the table, there was a love latte art on it. Sipping a mouth of it, Yongsun looked back at Byulyi smiling. Reaching over with her hand, Byulyi gently wiped off the foam on Yongsun’s upper lips.

“I’m leaving soon. I have a meeting in the company later.” Yongsun said softly.

Byulyi remained silent for a while. “About?”

“My contract.”

Byulyi seemed disappointed with the answer, she leaned back in her seat. “Why? With our relationship now, is there still a need?”

“All the more there is a need!”

“Do you really want to leave that badly…?” Byulyi’s voice got softer as she spoke.

“All the more there is a need to renew my contract, and demand for more benefits.” Yongsun stood up and started walking towards the exit.

Upon hearing that from Yongsun, Byulyi immediately shot her head up. “I’ll work on your contract personally!” Chasing up to beside Yongsun, she gently grabbed her hands and held it.

“I’m just kidding, don’t forget the terms and condition between us.” Yongsun reminded Byulyi.

As the both of them walk to the traffic junction, Byulyi reluctantly let go of Yongsun’s hands and let her cross the road towards her company. As Yongsun reached the other side of the road, she turned and still saw that Byulyi’s eyes was still fixed on her. As Yongsun made her way to her company’s entrance, she looked back at gestured for Byulyi to go ahead. Until a flying goodbye kiss from Yongsun, then Byulyi gladly got into her car and drove away. To have someone looking at her crossing the road, it really feels good to Yongsun.

As Yongsun entered the meeting room, CEO Kim, Eric and Wheein was already waiting for her. It seemed like they were also waiting for her decision.

“I’ll renew.” Yongsun spoke as soon as she sat down.

“REALLY?” The others all exclaimed at once.

“Yes, but I have a few conditions.” Yongsun stated firmly, as though it was something that was not allowed to be negotiated.

“Yes, anything.” CEO Kim quickly replied.

“I only want to focus on the acting industry now. Don’t get me involved in any endorsements, Maldives project and the Lee Cooperation’s perfume line is the first and the last for now.”

“But some endorsements from the Moon Group affiliated companies are already arranged.” Wheein quickly interrupted in.

“That I don’t care. I only want to work on my acting, that is all. The rest can come later when I’m more established as an actress.”

Wheein slammed her face straight onto the table, whining at how much work she’ll have to do later.

“Right, Wheein will settle that. Any other conditions?” CEO Kim continued the discussion.

“I will choose my own scripts, the rest I’m fine your arrangement.”

CEO Kim nodded his head, “And Eric will be officially not your manager anymore.”

“Wait, what?” Yongsun and Wheein both asked loudly.

“Wheein is doing well, plus we have new trainees coming in. Eric would be busy with other stuffs.”

Shortly after the meeting ended, Eric left the room first, leaving Yongsun to chase behind after him.

“Hey Eric,” Yongsun shouted behind him. “Shouldn’t you have a proper handover?”

“Is there anything to handover?” Eric didn’t even bother to turn his head, he continued to walk towards his own office.

Following him into his office, Yongsun couldn’t help but to ask. “Did I offend you in anyway? What’s with your attitude towards me?”

“I drank too much last night, what about you?” Eric wasn’t even replying to Yongsun’s question.

“I’m fine, I didn’t even drink last night. I’m just tired.”

“Did you rest early?”

“Oh…” Yongsun pondered for a few seconds, “Yeah…”

Eric immediately slammed the file he was holding on the table loudly, startling Yongsun. “But when I called you at 1 am, Yonghye said you were not back yet!”

Yongsun froze on the spot, she seemed to get a hint where would this lead to.

Stammering, Yongsun tried hard to come up with a reply. “I wa-was.. hungry. I went to get supper.”

“Oh, you went to get supper in a Ferrari with Miss Moon?” Eric’s tone was full of sarcasm.

“What nonsense are you saying!” Even though Yongsun was full of guilt, she was still trying to cover up for it.

“Yesterday after you got off, I made a U-turn back because I forgot to pass you the hardcopy scripts for your script reading session later. Yet what I saw was you standing beside a Ferrari, embracing in a hug with Miss Moon. Please don’t tell me that is not Miss Moon, stop lying to me Yongsun.”

Being exposed, Yongsun doesn’t want to continue anymore. “Don’t meddle with my personal affairs!” She turned to leave for the door but instead Eric ran infront of her and slammed the door. 

“Explain then. For example why did she came to the office to look for you, for example why did you leave your tote bag in her car, don’t you want to explain all these to me?!” Eric shouted right in Yongsun’s face. 

“There’s nothing to explain about, it’s none of your business.” Yongsun coldly replied.

Then came a knock, the door slightly opened. “Excuse-“ Wheein’s voice could be heard but it was cut off immediately by Eric.

“It’s none of your business so close the damn door right now.” Eric glared at Yongsun, the both of them remained still until the door was closed again.

“Yongsun, say the truth. Are the both of you together now?” Eric cut to the chase.

Yongsun was caught in a turmoil, denying wouldn’t be able to explain all the problems, but neither does Yongsun wants Eric to get involve with her complicated personal life.

“Whoever I choose to be with is my freedom.”

However with this reply, Yongsun had indirectly admitted to Eric’s assumption, his face turned to a disappointed one immediately. “I’ve always thought there was something off between the both of you, seems like I was right. You’re crazy, you’re crazy, Yongsun! She’s about to get married, and right now you’re getting into a mess with her? Who do you think you are, you’d really think she would not marry because of you? You think she would really be together with you openly? She’s just playing with you, she would never be serious about you. Stop being delusional that one day you can be with her openly! Stop being stupid!”

Eric’s words were harsh, Yongsun was speechless. All she wanted to do now is to leave this space immediately.

Then came another knock, Wheein’s voice softly came out again.

“I’m sorry, but we’re late…”

“Stop being stupid and close this damn door right now! We’re not done talking yet!” Eric once again shouted at Wheein. This time Wheein didn’t move at all, she was looking at Yongsun.

“Don’t worry Wheein, we’ll make it for the script reading later.” Yongsun assured Wheein, and the door was closed.

“Wake up Yongsun, she’s not that perfect, she has a lot of flaws too. Her wealth is being controlled by her father, she still has 2 other siblings, no one knows for sure who is going to take over the Moon Group. You following her would only bring you pain, there’s nothing to gain from. Yongsun, stop being stubborn.”

“I won’t follow her, I won’t depend on her for a living.” Yongsun softly spoke.

“Then why are you together with her? Have you fallen in love with her?” Eric was using a skeptical tone, as though questioning Yongsun’s motives. “People who fallen in love with her are more than thousands, amongst those are with backgrounds and status. Yet who are you? You’re just a nobody yet you want to join in the mess. If one day Moon Byulyi becomes bankrupt, will you still love her?”  

Yongsun was pissed with Eric’s tone, his tone was making Yongsun feel lowly. The anger