Sheet 15

Why am I so worried?

I knew this was coming, but right now why am I feeling this?

Everything might be happening too fast yet I knew it was coming.

It was coming. 

Singer, Songwriter Park Yoochun’s official whereabouts disclosed, just days after news broke out that the star was spotted in a remote area in Seoul. The press finally found his exact location last night. Yoochun is currently staying at an old apartment house in the Daejo neighborhood within Eunpyeong district. Unfortunately the singer-songwriter refused to answer the media’s questions and according to photos taken yesterday, he was seen with a woman around his age heading towards the apartment. Many speculate the two are in a romantic relationship, however some others believe she was just a close friend of the star. And in other showbiz news…

“Hey.” I informally greeted the star and pursued, “I saw the--” but he instantly cut me off, “the news.”

“Yeah, people have been calling and texting me non-stop.” Yoochun added.

I noticed him securing his door with brand new locks. He found me staring and said, “I just need to make sure no one else gets to enter my unit but me. It how this apartment doesn’t have those electronic locks. I have to manually install my own.”

With a straight face I asked, “So you’re still staying?”

He paused from screwing the nails and faced me, “What do you mean?”

My eyes looked down and I meekly muttered, “The media knows where you are now. I thought you would plan on finding a more ‘peaceful’ place when they found out you live here. ”

“I-I’m not leaving. Who told you I would?” he chuckled.

“No one.” I replied blankly.

The star’s smile faded, “Well, I am not leaving… yet.”

So he is moving out, just not now.

“I am immune with the paparazzi always being around, although I don’t think the people here and around the area would like it. I don’t want you to be disturbed by them in any way. You guys should continue living normally. So as of now, I’m staying but I’ll have to go soon.” Yoochun explained.

“I can try.” I gulped, “I can try to get used to them. You don’t have to find a new home.”

The star dropped everything in his hands and grabbed my shoulders lightly, “It’s not only about you Minah, there can be other people involved. For the past couple of months the people in this neighborhood have been nice to me and treated me like I was no idol at all, so to return the favor I don’t think I should let the press interrupt them with their lives.”

I bit my lips, “I-I could ask them to compromise…” all I could utter were selfish statements.

“I’m sorry I really need to...” Yoochun drew closer and locked me in an embrace. I wanted to cry out my frustration but I couldn’t.

“We can still see each other you know.” He ended and carefully released me.

It’s just not the same Park Yoochun. It’s just not the same without you.

“Come on cheer up.” He gave a pat on my shoulder.

How can I tell you how I feel about you if you’re going to leave soon? I am still too scared to confess right now.

“You’re heading to work?” the star continued on with a different subject.

I slowly bobbed my head, “Yes.”

Yoochun then replied with only a sincere smile, “I’ll get going now.” I bid good-bye and hesitantly left.

~•~•~•~•~

“How did you manage not to get noticed?”

“I snuck out the fire exit and covered half of my face with a scarf.” I narrated as I fixed a pile of newly delivered albums.

“Wow, who knew my best friend will be famous!?” Hyekyo chirped.

“I don’t think that should be something to be proud of.” I rejected.

“Minah, you are all over the news! You are not the main topic but somehow you are.” She kept insisting.

I clicked my tongue, “It really doesn’t work that way Hyekyo.”

“Fine. I’ll stop. I’ll stop.” She raised her hands as if she was going to get arrested.

We both then proceeded out in front and prepared the store for opening.
“Which reminds me…” I faced my friend, “What was that prank call all about? I want a detailed explanation if possible.”
“It’s not really a prank call Minah.” She defended.
“Then what do you call it then?” I folded my arms.

“It’s a help-Minah-and-Yoochun-to-get-along-again-call.”
“We didn’t even fight.”
“Pssh. Did you guys talk?” Hyekyo asked as she flipped the sign on the glass door.
I nodded.

“Then mission accomplished.” She smiled and gave herself a pat on her shoulder.

 I rolled my eyes, “It wasn’t funny though, I thought he really got hurt.” I pouted.
Hyekyo came towards the counter and rested her arms on its surface, “So did you confess?”

“What!?” I violently reacted to her question, “Why do you keep changing the topic?”

Instantly she knew I didn’t.

“You didn’t?! I did that so you could tell him what you felt about him!” My friend scolded.
Wait, was I supposed to?

“I didn’t know that was what you wanted me to do.” I protected myself. Hyekyo should have given me a heads up or something.

“Aigoo Minah. You screwed up my perfect plan.” My best friend couldn’t help but do a ‘face palm’ as she faked a cry.
I was seriously clueless that she wanted me to confess. I mean really, she could have told me.
“Hyekyo it might have worked if you just told me.” I scrunched up my nose.
“If I did… would you even confess?”
“No. I don’t think so.”

“See!” she folded her arms.
“Okay, okay I am sorry. Maybe next time I will.” I excused.
“Next time? Is there a next time Minah?” my gal friend’s tone sounded less cheerful.
I bobbed my head from left to right as my eyes looked down. There wouldn’t be a next time… huh?
 

~•~•~•~•~

In a week Yoochun is leaving. I tried to stop him. I was still very selfish but his kind heart just couldn’t risk the privacy of the people around him. I am not sure why I am like this when it’s clearly not the right time. What is happening to you Lee Minah?

“May I sit beside you?” my mom suddenly comes out of nowhere.
I meekly nodded and she sat beside me and instantly gave me a pat on the back.

“You did a good job dear.” She paused, but eventually continued, “You know, I think it is time to let him go.”

I began tearing up.

My mother retrieved her hand and released a heavy sough, “Remember that time you were in primary school?”
“Yes.”

“It was your first day, and I took you to school. The moment you saw the playground a few meters from the gate, you kept telling me to let go of your hand because you wanted to play. At first I didn’t but then I realized how excited and happy you are to go there, I then allowed you.”

“Why are you telling me this umma?”
“It was really hard for me to let you go on your own.” She smiled, “But I had to face the fact that sooner or later I had to let you grow up, to have your own life. It was truly difficult for me however that is how things go.”

“So you’re telling me I should allow Yoochun to grow up?” I questioned.
“Theoretically speaking… yes you should.”

I glanced at her, “It’s just so hard. I don’t know if I can take it.”
“Minah, he’s not leaving for good. You will still see him. It might not be as often as you are used to but he’ll still be there.”

“What if I will never see him again?” I stated trying to hold back my tears.
“Don’t think that way dear. If you really are good friends he’ll always find a way to meet up with you.” She pursued, “We just need to wait for the heat to die down a bit. It’s not the end.”

I abruptly locked my mom in a tight embrace and water came pouring from my eyes. She is right. It is not the end. I should be more optimistic about things from now on.
 

~•~•~•~•~

“Minah, you have to see this.” Hyekyo slammed a page of today’s newspaper on the counter.
My eyes widened at what I discovered.

“Photographer who studiously tracked Park Yoochun finally revealed himself... Intern Yook Sungjae had been following the star a few months ago and had been taking photos of the star secretly…”

“Yook Sungjae has been trailing you guys ever since.” She blurted.
“What?!”

“And I thought he was such a nice guy…” my best friend couldn’t help but roll her eyes.
“How could he lie to me like that?”

“I know! He is such a jerk.”

“I need to see him!” I grabbed the newspaper and headed straight to the door.
“Wait, Minah what are you planning?” Hyekyo questioned but I ignored her and went out.
I blame him. It was his fault. Yook Sungjae I can’t believe you would do this.

As I walked, I sent him a text asking where he is at the moment. He replied to me instantly and told me he’s at a café around the area. I did not think twice and went straight to him.

I rudely entered the peaceful café and locked my eyes on that jerk. I stomped my feet towards him and threw the paper at him.

“I want an explanation.”

Sungjae glanced at me for a second and turned his eyes at the article of him. He soughed afterwards and placed it neatly on the table.

“Why do you want an explanation?” the pretty-lying-boy innocently questioned.
“You are the reason for all this commotion! So I want to hear your side!” I couldn’t help but raise my voice at him at a public place.

“Why are you making such a fuss about this? Calm down.” He replied.

“Stop stalling and start explaining!” I demanded.
Sungjae probably couldn’t believe I am acting this way so he let out a short chuckle, which angered me a hundred times more.

“Sit down.” He offered me a seat.

“Talk!” I ordered.
“How am I supposed to if you don’t want to calm down? Take a seat noona.” He was still very composed.

I took in a deep breath and sat down in front of him. He carefully had sip of his cappuccino and asked, “What do you want to know?”

“Everything…” I answered shortly.
 

“Alright.” Sungjae drew closer and began his story.

The pretty boy got the job in the first place because he was going to get paid a huge amount of cash. Why did he need the money? Well, he rebelled to his parents in New York and ran away because he could no longer tolerate how he was being controlled. He couldn’t do what he wished and had to simply follow their commands. Now, Yook Sungjae wasn’t granted access to his savings because of his parents. All he had with him is a few of his clothes, 100 dollars in his wallet, a plane ticket to Seoul, Korea and his DSLR camera. When he landed in Incheon Airport he was desperate to find money. The relatives he had here helped him, but he did not want to be a burden and so he took the job. He did have a hard time looking for him. Eventually he saw me working at the music store but was too embarrassed to say hello. After coming back a couple of times, the pretty boy saw me with the star and so on.  It clearly sounded like a drama plot but I believed him, however it did not lessen my rage.

He had been trailing us way before he showed himself to me. That man I saw behind the bushes was him. I shouldn’t have ignored him back then. Things won’t be like this if I did.

“Why didn’t you release the photos earlier?” I questioned, not taking my eyes off him.

“My boss said I should let the story heat up first and when the time is right, we disclose his whereabouts. We made a lot of money selling those photos to other newspaper writers.” He gently narrated.

“Because of you… Yoochun is leaving.” I blurted.

“Wait, noona, why are you so affected by all this?” he queried as his brows met, “Do you like him?”
I couldn’t utter a single word.

Sungjae let out a sigh, “I should have seen this coming. Of course you would easily like him.” he continued, “You haven’t changed one bit.” and ended with a smile.

All of a sudden my anger passed. Why am I blaming him? Yes, it’s his fault for disrupting Yoochun’s life but he had his reasons and knowing Sungjae he really wouldn’t do that. He was forced to do so for money. What’s done is done.

“Before we end this, I want to know. Did you just use me to get closer to Yoochun?”
“My answer is yes and no.” he pursued, “I sincerely did want to get back with you. I was very lonely too. Finding out you knew Yoochun was somehow just a bonus.”

“You’re such a jerk.” I muttered.

“I know.” Yook Sungjae grinned at me again, “Noona, I think you should just mind your relationship with Yoochun.”
I folded my arms, “What do you mean?”

“That time where he pulled me away from you at the music store already shows he likes you. I guess he is just too preoccupied with his depression that’s why he couldn’t see it himself.” The pretty boy explained.
“You are lying.” I denied.

“I am just saying what I saw. If you don’t want to believe me, then I won’t force you to.”
“I am leaving.” I ended and stood up. I grabbed my bag and spun around.

“Noona. I am sorry for hurting you. Anyway you won’t see me again. I’ll be going back to New York. My parents finally realized how awful they treated me and promised not to meddle with my decisions anymore. Plus, I don’t think I am wanted here…” he bid good-bye.

I did not dare look back and went straight outside. As soon as I stepped out on the streets, tears were falling. I am not really sure why I am crying. Yook Sungjae, you are such a fool. You haven’t changed one bit.

~•~•~•~•~

I invited Yoochun for a drink. Yes, like alcoholic drinks. The best way to deal with this is over Soju.
 

So I asked him to meet up with me at a street cart. I actually don’t know what this place is called or where this is. I did text him the landmarks nearby. I sure hope he gets here alive. I did tell him to wear the best disguise so the media won’t follow him, well at least for a short time.

Where could he be?

“Hey.” Someone with white long hair whispered.
“Uhm excuse me? Do I know you?” I wondered.

“It’s Yoochun.” The stranger removed his sunglasses and to my surprise was him.
“What are you wearing?!” I suddenly burst out laughing.

“My disguise.” The star stated oozing with sarcasm.
“I am so sorry. You just look very funny. Ahjusshi!” I pursued, “No wait… I mean Ahjumma!” I couldn’t stop chuckling at him.
“If you are just going to laugh at me I am leaving.” He stated.
“Sorry. Okay I’ll stop now.”

Yoochun hesitantly sat down and I ordered 3 bottles of Soju and a plate of fish cakes.

“Whoa. We are really drinking?” Yoochun was very shocked.
“Why? What’s wrong with that?”

“I thought you were Miss Goody Two-Shoes.” He mocked.
“I just want a drink is that so bad?” I raised an eyebrow.
“What have you done to the real Lee Minah?” His eyes widened.

I handed him a filled shot glass, “Just drink.”
The Park Yoochun then fell silent and began drinking casually.

“I heard…” he began.
“Heard what?”

“About Sungjae and the photos?”
I hung my head low, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Okay. If you say so.”

After a few awkward gulps of Soju, I spoke up, “You’re leaving tomorrow in two days right?”
“Yeah.”
I started drinking more, “Hey, slow down.” Yoochun help my wrist.
“Is something bothering you?” he didn’t wait for my reply, “No, wait. Don’t answer that.”

“I really have to go Minah. I hope you understand that.”
I did not answer back, I simply looked away.

Believe me Yoochun, I tried. I do understand it’s just that a part of me couldn’t take it. It might take a while for me to fully accept everything that is currently happening. I am sorry.
 

I grabbed something from my jeans’ pocket and handed it to him, “Here have this, to remember me by.”
Yoochun chuckled, “What?”
“Just accept it. I’d be embarrassed if you didn’t.” I insisted still not looking at him. Seeing his disguise again might ruin the moment.

“A piano key chain… Why?” the star wondered.
“Do you remember that time you first played on your grand piano after a long while? It was very significant to me. So that sort of symbolizes it.” I explained, feeling a bit shy as I talked to him.

“Thank you.” He flashed a genuine smile.
“I forgot to tell you…” he added.
“What?”

“I told Minkyung, I didn’t want to get back with her. It was kinda tricky for me to tell her the truth but I had to. I don’t know if we could still be friends. Anyway I have you and the guys.” He laughed.

 I smiled and took another shot of Soju.

I am glad to hear that Yoochun. I really am.

~•~•~•~•~

 

Author's Note
 

*killed for taking so long* Lol. Hi guys! How are you? Anyway after another gazillion years I finally updated. It's a pretty dramatic chapter so I had to make it short but sweet(?).

Okay, so here's the thing... This is unfortunately the second to the last chapter. Well, there's nothing much happening after Yoochun leaving and I don't want to drag the plot any longer because I myslef don't like draggy stories. Actually, this was suppose to be a ten-chaptered story but I extended it a bit and this is all I could extend it to. Haha.

Are you guys liking the turn of events? Again I am so scared I might have disappointed you guys. After the last chapter, I might have an epilogue or something like that. Anyway I did update during my sembreak as promised (as I promised to myself though)! Hope to hear from you, like what do you think the ending will be or what do you expect from the story or what do you like about the story. (I need some inspiring words from you so I will be more motivated to write the last chapter) I might just consider them, so comment away! Thank you for reading! <3