JIYONG

 

"Hyung, are you going to the hotel?" I heard Seungri asked as we walked in the hallway.

The sun was already setting when I happened to look at the glass wall overlooking the busy city. The meeting that lasted for more than an hour had just ended and even though I just sat, watched and listened there the entire time, I still felt exhausted.

"Let's go get my daughter first then we'll go to the hotel. I need to check some few things."

"Can't we eat first, hyung?" His question made me realized the last food i had eaten was the bread i munched earlier in the meeting. "Miyoung first then we'll eat."  I said, suddenly feeling hungry. 

As we reached the elevator, I remembered something I needed to ask. "Did you bought all the things I asked you to buy for Bom's uncle?" I asked, pressing the down button on the wall. The elevator was still closed so we had to wait for a while.

"Yes and she kept telling me not to buy all the things you listed but I told her you'll fire me and you know what she told me?" he paused, "That heartless girlfriend of yours?" Seungri looked like a whining kid I couldn't help but chuckled.

"What?" I asked, nonchalantly.

"She said, she doesn't care."

"That's typical of her. Get used to it." I said, tapping his shoulder.

"And after dropping her home, I happened to see a friend who turned out to be living next to bom's apartment."

What he said caught my attention, "Who?" I asked, frowning. "Is it a guy called Yongbae?" I added.

The way he suddenly looked taken aback made me knew the answer already. "You know him too, hyung?" he asked. 

"No, I just saw him once with Bom. How did you know the guy? I know all of your friends Seungri."

"He is an Executive protection agent."

Dumbfounded, "You mean he is like you?” I asked. “Is he as skilled as you?"

"Firearms, explosive device, combat and defense, vehicle tactics, Investigations, background checks and many more. Yes, he is as skilled as me. He once worked for a high-profile politician and a state leader too. We came from the same association that trained us but we lost contact at each other a long time ago when we got assigned to our own posts."

Though I knew it shouldn’t matter, I still found myself asking. "If you're working for me then who does he work for?"

Shrugging, "He told me he's only doing a regular job right now after his mother got hospitalized."

Executive protection agent.

When the elevator finally opened, Seungri and I stepped inside. "He's the same as you." I realized.

A knowing grin suddenly plastered on his face, "Not really, hyung. I maybe your assistant but unlike him, I didn't stop." he grinned, as he opened his suit and showed me the gun tucked under his shoulder holster.

Just before the lift's door closed, two men that grabbed my attention came in making me forget what I was about to say to Seungri. "Mr. Kwon." he greeted, reaching out a hand to me.

"Mr. Park." I said, firmly shaking hands with him. There was something about his eyes that made me feel like I had seen it before but I couldn't remember. He had the same features as Dara so maybe that was the reason behind it. When the lift's door closed, Mr. Park said, "I didn't get the chance to talk and apologize to you earlier Mr. Kwon."

I had no idea what surprised me the most. His gruff, husky voice or the fact that he just apologized to me. He just didn't seem to be that kind of person to me just by looking at him.

Faking a cough, "Is this about dara, Mr. Park?" I asked.

At my question, I noticed how his eyes narrowed as a faint smile tugged the corner of his lips.

"My daughter." he paused, emphasizing the last word.

"I heard what happened to my daughter and how she got in trouble. I’m sorry if she dragged you into her mess." He said, eyeing me intently.

Shaking my head, "No, I should be the one apologizing. I was too careless and didn't think of the chance of her being photographed."

"I’ll be meeting dara later. Perhaps you should join us for a dinner Mr. Kwon. Think of this as an apology."

It was probably because I was intrigued by his demeanor and his sudden invitation that I found myself saying, "Certainly. Have you already made a reservation? If you don’t mind, I’d like to invite you to my hotel instead. We have restaurants inside that would certainly fit to your liking, Mr. Park.” I offered.

It hadn’t been that long since the dating rumor with Dara was released that I had no intention of adding fuel to the fire or the paparazzi’s false assumption about us. 

"Very well, Mr. kw--"

"Jiyong, please call me that." I said, motioning at him to step out first when the elevator door opened. We were already in the parking lot when he cleared his throat and looked at me. 

"Very well, Jiyong. To the Luxe hotel then."

 

"Hyung, what about Miyoung?" Seungri asked as soon as we got inside the car. He was in the driver's seat starting the ignition of the car.  "Of course I’ll bring her with me. Let's go straight to your place." I responded, buckling my seatbelt.

"But won't Mr. Park mind?"

"He's bringing her daughter and I’m bringing mine. What's there to mind? it's just a dinner not a business meeting.”

I have yet to find out.

When Seungri began driving out of the parking lot, I fished out my phone from my pocket to check if there was a message from Bom. When I saw nothing, I decided to give her a call instead. Seungri probably guessed who I was trying to reach as he said, "Already missing her?"

I could only smile in return but it disappeared immediately when she didn't answer my call. Frowning, I pressed the button again on the screen and held my phone to my ear. Why is she not answering her phone? When the call ended after ringing so many times, I decided to just send her a text message.  She might be taking care of her uncle right now. Or maybe still upset about the fact that I sent her home.

 

 

BOM

"Who called you? why didn't you answer your phone?

Setting up the mini table, I placed two cup noodles on top of it before I sat on the floor and fished out my phone from my pocket. "My boss." I muttered. why is he calling me? I was going to put it down when a text message came and it was from Jiyong again.

Meeting's done. Off to get Miyoung.

"How was your trip?" Yongbae suddenly asked.

Seeing him heartily slurped the noodles made me hungry too. Putting down the phone on my lap, I opened the lid of my cup noodles and stirred it with my chopstick. "Good." I responded, my voice came out surprisingly weak and he probably noticed it. In such a short span of time, a lot of things happened.

"What's with the bags of food?" my gazed followed his finger that pointed at the white plastic bags in the corner of my apartment. "That's from my boss as well." I said, focusing my attention on eating.

"That's really a lot. He's too generous. I heard your boss, Kwon Jiyong is dating Sandara Park." He said.

 "How did you know my boss?” I knew I opened up a few things about myself to him but I couldn’t recall telling him about Jiyong. For a moment I thought he looked nervous but then he said, “Have you forgotten already? I accompanied you to the hotel’s parking lot before you left for Gangwondo. He was there, right? I recognized him.” He said, stirring his cup noodles.

 “Oh, Right.” I muttered, nodding.

“Have you seen my uncle?” I asked.

When I arrived here earlier, I noticed that my apartment was the same, just as I left it. Usually, whenever my uncle payed a visit, he would normally leave my place untidy and messy. But it seemed to me that he didn’t come in my place which was a bit unusual. "No, why?" He asked.

“Nothing. He’s not answering my call.” I said, worried that something might happened to him.

“I just saw him the other day, Bom. Maybe he’s just busy with work.”

“Oh, you did?” I asked, suddenly feeling relieved. 

When he nodded, the two of us got silent for a moment as we focused on eating our unhealthy dinner. I couldn’t even taste what I was consuming for I was too absorbed with my own thoughts about the debt and the loan sharks. Chewing my food, I darted a quick glance at Yongbae and hesitantly said, “One of the loan sharks called me.”

“When?” he asked, putting down the cup on the table.

“Last night.” I paused, “The one who called me was actually the same man who ually harassed me. He-he’s not in prison.”   

I was expecting him to be surprised but the look on his face was something I could only described as worry or anger. “What did he say?” he asked.

 "He wanted to make sure that we will pay the debt."

“Do you already have the money?”

Shaking my head side to side, “No I don’t. I have enough for a living but it’s not enough to pay the debt.”

Putting down the chopstick on the table, I slightly pushed the cup noodles away after I suddenly lost my appetite. “To be honest. . . " I spoke after a long dead silence and thinking. “I’m thinking of just running away.”

Yongbae looked at me as if I grew a second head. "Tell me you're not serious. Those men are going to hunt you down if you do that. And Bom, you have nowhere to go."

"That’s the only way. No matter how much I try to think about it, it was impossible."

 standing up, I ran my hair through my fingers and stood by the sink. Through the small window across me, I could see that it was already dark outside.  

“You still have your dad, right? You can go back to him.”

What he said made me abruptly turned my attention back to him. I was about to lash out on him but restrained myself after realizing he had no idea of what he was saying.

 “It’s not just about my mom or the way my father treated me why I ran away. If that’s the only reasons, then why did I wait for many years to go by before I leave? Why did I dedicate myself and worked my off to impress my own father if in the end I will just leave him? Surely, something might have happened, right?” I paused. “It’s more than that.” I continued.  

“And you can’t tell me about it?” he asked.

The sudden lumped in my throat made me unable to speak. So I just slowly shook my head in response.

 

JIYONG

 

"I'm hungry, dad. When's my food coming?" When I glanced down at miyoung who was sitting beside me, a deep frown and a pout were forming on her brows and lips. "We just ordered, sweetheart. It will be here in a while." I muttered, kissing her forehead. She had been sulking since we arrived at the hotel's restaurant and had been shockingly expressive of her disliking towards Dara who was sitting across me. "I don't like you. Why are you here?" She said, upon seeing her enter the restaurant earlier. I felt apologetic to her most especially to Mr. Park who witnessed the scene. Thankfully, he didn't take it to heart and just laughed it out as he said, "Oh, don't worry. She reminds me so much of my daughter." He said, giving a smile to Dara who then strangely drank the glass of wine in one-shot.

I can't imagine Dara acting like Miyoung though.

When the waiter placed the food on the table, we began eating our dinner. I cut the steak for Miyoung before I let her eat it on her own. "This is really delicious. You're right about suggesting to eat here, Jiyong." Mr. Park said, pointing at his steak. I smiled in return as I turn my attention to Dara who rolled her eyes. "It's so delicious I blame this for gaining weight this past week. Now I need to exercise a lot and diet.”

Amused at her, "I think you're fine just the way you are." I said, eyeing her.

A timid smile appeared on her face but it wasn’t that thing that caught my attention but the necklace she unconsciously fiddled with her fingers. As the dinner went on, the conversations continued too.

 Mr. Park filled me with stories about his own business, Dara and how he was quite against the career she had chosen. I was a father and a son too so I understood where he was coming from but I spared myself from giving personal opinions about it. It was a good thing even after going against her, their relationship with each other was still harmonious.

"Dad, I need to go to the rest room." Miyoung suddenly said.

"Miyoung-ah, I’m going to the rest room too why don't we go together?" Dara said.

I noticed my daughter frowned at her before she stared back at me with her puppy eyes. Jeez, look at her using that technique now, on me. 

"I can't use the ladies room, Miyoung. Go with her." I muttered.

"Then bring me to men's room, dad. You used to do that." she pouted, tugging my suit’s sleeve.

What she said made me stifle a smile. "Yes, I used to. But you're a big girl now. Go with Dara, I’ll be here." I muttered, giving her look that wanted no more unnecessary retort. When she sighed and nodded, I lifted her up from her chair. Dara was already behind me and when she reached out a hand for my daughter to hold onto, Miyoung just walked past her with her head held up high.

"I know the way." she said, leaving her behind. When they were gone, I casted a glanced at Mr. Park, who was staring at the two.

"I'm sorry about my daughter's behavior. She's really not like that." I said, emptying a glass of wine. Reaching for the bottle, Mr. Park filled my glass as he said, "I've lost my wife when I was about your age too, Jiyong. Trust me, I understand. The only thing that's different about us is how we treat our daughters."

It might just be my imagination but the tone of his voice almost sounded remorseful though it was hard to tell since he had a passive look on his face. "Everyone has a different parenting style.” I said.

He didn’t say anything and just nodded thoughtfully at me. "I didn't get the chance to say this because Dara was here earlier but I admire your work ethic. At such a young age you've managed to run your business on your own."

Amused at the sudden change of topic, "Thank you. That's really flattering sir, considering you have been in this business longer than me." I paused. "But I have to correct you about something."

Taking a sip of my wine, "I don't run the business on my own. I run it along with my outstanding employees."

The way his eyes suddenly studied me reminded of the way he looked at everyone earlier when he entered the meeting room as if he was mentally judging me too. I wonder what he was thinking for I could feel that he was trying to intimidate me with his predator's gaze.

"You're really a leader." He said, surprising me. "And I like leaders who leads well."

"I don't just lead. I set as an example." I muttered, looking suspiciously at him. Wiping my mouth with a table napkin, "Can I ask you a question Mr. Park?”

Smirking, “Of course.”

“It intrigues me. Why did you invite me for a dinner? If it’s about the rumor, an apology from each of us will suffice. But base on your questions, I get the feeling that there’s something more that you want from me." I said, scrutinizing him.

A placid smile covered his lips. "I was waiting for you to ask that Jiyong. And as a matter of fact, you actually have what I want." he said as he took a sip of his wine.

I frowned at him suddenly not getting what he meant. "Well then, I won't waste your time and bore you further. Let me tell you this." He continued. Though confused, I felt surprisingly at ease despite of the short silence between us. With his hands clasped on the table, Mr. Park said,

“Once Utopia officially opens, I am planning to assign my daughter as the CEO of my hotel and resort that will be built there."

What he said surprised, confused and left me speechless. "What does it have to do with you?" He asked the question in my head.

"She has experience and is really good Jiyong. However, she is lacking something what I want her to have."

Realizing what he was trying to say, "I already have someone I really like and it's not proper to discuss this matter without Dara's knowledge." I said, sternly.

Suddenly, a look of amusement covered his face.

"I apologize if it came out like that but no it isn't what you're thinking." he paused, chuckling. "This is really interesting." he continued, his eyes glistening with some humor.

"Please get straight to the point. What do you want from me?" I said.

"I want your skills." He immediately said. "Like what I’ve told you Jiyong, she's really good and has all the abilities but she lacks something you will only realize if you train her."

“Wait, what?!” I exclaimed, bewildered.  “Train?"

A nod was the only answer I got. Speechless, I rubbed my forehead still surprised by the sudden request. "Mr. Park, we're competitors. What assurance will I get from you that you're not--"

"I am Park Jihoon." He said it in a very proud manner.  "The fact that I am here telling this to you personally is the only assurance I could show you. If you think I am going to spy you, sorry but you’re wrong."

"Then why don't you just train Dara on your own? I mean, you have your own hotel."

Shaking his head, "My daughter will not take it seriously thinking it's my own. That's why I want you to train her since she's already in your confines."

Closing my eyes, I rubbed my hands on my face not caring anymore about what he might think of me. "Does she knows this?" I asked, curiously.

Unclasping his hands, He reached for his glass of wine and took a sip from it. When he put it down,

 "Not yet, I will be the one to tell her."

 

BOM

The night air was chilly when I staggered out of my apartment and sat on the bench outside with a bottle of soju in my hand. As I took a sip of my drink, I glanced at the door next to my apartment. A blaring music was bursting from Yongbae's place so loud I wouldn't be surprised if he came out unable to hear anymore. The song was upbeat and fun that I found myself humming and slightly bobbing my head with it. But before I could even get carried away, I abruptly stopped myself and just drank my drink that burned my throat.

Just then, the catchy music changed to another song that pierced through my ear. A beautiful melody of a piano started to play in the background, my fingers automatically moved against my lap pressing an invisible piano keys. Placing down my soju on the ground, I clumsily lay down on the bench, my hands behind my head as I gazed up at the stars for a while. When I finally closed my eyes, the beautiful yet sad song filled my peaceful night. There was a feeling of melancholy in its music and lyrics that made me connect with it. And then the chorus played, I could almost feel the lump slowly forming in my throat. My chest started to hurt.

 

Your eyes, nose, lips

Your touch that used to touch me,

to the ends of your fingertips.

I can still feel you

but like a burnt out flame,

burnt and destroyed

all of our love

it hurts so much, but now I’ll call you a memory.

 

“Beautiful, isn't it?"

Startled, my eyes snapped open and fell to Yongbae who was peering down on me. Immediately sitting up, I picked up my drink from the ground and took a huge gulp from it washing down the heaviness in my chest. "Yes, it is." I said, scooting a little further to the side when he took a sit next to me.

“I’ve never been in love but the song surely does talk about longingness for someone. Have you ever longed for someone, Bom?” He asked, staring at me.

“Before, Yes.” I admitted.

“How about now?” He asked. I felt his fingers unintentionally brushed against mine when he shifted on his seat. “Now? Yes.” Again, i admitted. 

“Who is it?”

“Why do you want to know?” I asked, looking intently at him.

“Your eyes, nose, lips..” He suddenly hummed along with the song. “Your touch that used to touch me, to the ends of your fingertips. . . but like a burnt out flame, burnt and destroyed . . .” he paused, emphasizing the last lyrics.

“Who do you remember in this song, Bom?” he questioned.

The way he stared at me was almost hypnotizing. “Someone who’s already dead.” I muttered, my voice shaking.

“Your eyes, nose, lips.” When he hummed the song again, he was staring at each part of my face. His one hand wiping the wetness that streamed down from my eyes to my cheeks. His hand were warm and rough. It wasn't like Jiyong's. And before I even knew it, he kissed me.

“What the hell, Yongbae!” I said, pushing him abruptly. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and stood up immediately distancing myself away from him. “What are you doing?!” I snapped, wiping the tears from my eyes. 

He looked flustered, guilty and sorry but I couldn’t bring myself to pity him. “I’m sorry.” He said.

 “You should be.” I retorted, glaring at him.

“That meant nothing, Bom. I got carried away.” He added.

“Of course that meant nothing! You’re my only friend and I only see you as that.” I hissed, brushing my hair with my fingers.

“I’m sorry.” He said again. When he tried to approach me, I backed away. “Don’t come near me.” I warned.  “Did you really just kissed me when I let my guard down on you?” I said, in disbelief.

“Why are you getting so worked up? I told you it meant nothing. It was just a kiss. A smack. No tongue.”

I shot him a glare for trying to joke about it but I didn’t say anything. Even though it wasn’t intentional; I could still feel myself feeling guilty about it.

Jiyong. I thought. I've worked myself up because of him. 

 

 

 

 

I was actually planning to update a longer chapter than this but i had no time to finish it yet. So rather than making you to wait long, i updated the half part of it. I hope you still enjoyed it even if there's no gbom interaction here. (that will be in the next chapter) And sorry for the typographical errors, i used my phone to edit this one. T__T Happy new year btw. XD