Time- 22:18PM,
===

He folded the newspaper and placed it on the table, sighing.

'Highly demanded lawyer, Kim Yoo Bin tying knots with CEO of Korea's sole telecommute, Dong Young Bae.'

He breathed in, deeper each time. His heart was squashed and he had to bow his head down, hoping to lessen the pain.

"Hyung! Hyung! Seung Hyun Hyung!" Dae Sung came running in. He recognised his voice, but ignored. Ji Yong saw him running towards his friend, holding onto a newspaper and quickly grabbed him by the back of his collar, dragging him out.

"He knows already." Ji Yong told him.

"He saw it?" Dae Sung held up the newspaper with the same headlines.

"So don't mention this infront of him. He even took the day off after he got the news."

"Okay. I got it."

===

"Hyung, let's go for a drink."

"Count me out. Enjoy." I rejected Dae Sung plainly and walked off.

"Hyung... Let's just go. Tonight will be a quiet place. No loud musics." Ji Yong held my wrist, stopping me.

"Yeah. Just to have a drink. Aish...! I just got busted by my boss. I must really change job soon...!"  Dae Sung complained, trying to convince me.

"Come on..." And I was dragged out by the two of them.

I was brought to this classy pub which name I couldn't remember. I sat on the bar counter and ordered drinks together with the both of them.
-
I was quietly sipping on the Martini while Ji Yong and Dae Sung were having a chat with a few girls. Dae Sung that rascal. He said he got shouted at by his boss. He looked the most relaxed and happy one now. Ji Yong called me to join them but I refused, totally not in a mood to.

"He is a little down." Ji Yong said to the girl sitting beside him. A little? Hell. I haven't been this down before! I felt like I was going to die. I chugged down the remaining drink and slammed the glass on the counter top, startling the group of them and the bartender. I turned away, sighing as I closed my eyes. Pouring more liquor into the empty glass, I continued to drink. I wished I could get drunk soon so as to escape from reality. Even if it was for a short while, I wanted to avoid this cruel world.

I don't know how much I have drank, but I was still not drunk when we decided to go home. Just a little tipsy, but I was still sober. Ji Yong was holding onto the hicupping Dae Sung while I tried to flag a taxi. This boy... He was laughing and giggling like one mad person. If I could, I really wanted to leave him on the streets and walk away. It was so embarrassing. The road was quiet and there were no taxis.

"Dae Sung, stop laughing..." Ji Yong rolled his eyes. "Damn, I will never drink with him again!" He complained. His voice was so loud in the silent street. I concentrated on the road, on a look-out for any taxis passing by.

"Seung Hyun...?" I turned when I heard my name and I thought my heart stopped. Kim Yoo Bin. She looked surprised to see me here and it was more shocking for me to see her infront of me. Wearing a white female dress shirt, tucked in a black office skirt reaching just above her knees and a black blazer over her, I could already sense her charm, her aura. Her success, I could see. I was staring at her, my heart banging my ribs wildly.

"Are you trying to grab a cab? I can give you a lift." She offered, seeing that still-laughing Dae Sung.

"I..." I turned to Dae Sung and my voice faded. Ji Yong recognised her. I knew it through his surprised eyes and looked away.

"I'm sorry for the trouble." I turned to her again, deciding it was the best to get that crazy guy back home as soon as possible.

"Not at all." She smiled, opening the door to her navy blue Mecedez. I sat at the backseat with the two of them and Yoo Bin drove to Dae Sung's place.

"Thank you." Ji Yong bowed and brought Dae Sung upstairs.

"Thank you." I thanked as well and slightly bowed to her and was about to walk into the apartment when her soft hand caught mine lightly. I turned back to her.

"Can we have a talk?" I looked down at her hand holding onto my wrist and lightly pulled away.

"Okay." I agreed.

===

They got a seat on the bench just outside the apartment. They sat abreast and didn't say anything at first.

"I saw the news. Congratulations." Seung Hyun broke the silence. Yoo Bin turned to him, then turned away again.

"Thank you." She said after silently sighing. Silence again.

"So how have you been?" She asked after a while.

"The same."

"Oh..." She looked down on her lap. Her heart ached so much at his cold treatment but she didn't show it. Sitting beside the man she loved so much after a long separation, she wanted to scream in bliss and at the same time, wanted to cry out loud at the pain.

"It's good to see you being successful." He started again, causing her to turn to him. "This is what I hoped for." He told her, at the same time convincing himself. He had hoped for her success, but never did he hoped for her to go to another man. At the thought of that, he cringed inwardly in the pain and fisted his hand that was away from Yoo Bin's sight.

"Yeah, I know." She said softly, nodding a little as her gaze fell back to her lap. They continued to sit there, listening to each other's breathings and staying in silence with each other's presence until they heard a roar of thunder. Seung Hyun stood up, extending his hand out to her.

"I wish you happiness." Yoo Bin looked up at him, staring. She then slowly reached for his hand and Seung Hyun pulled away after a brief shake.

"I guess this is it." He forced a smile and turned, walking into the apartment building.

===
--
I sat there for a while until I decided that it was time to head to the pub as I had an appointment with Young Bae. I waited at a table and asked for a cup of ice water. My mind wandered off to the encounter with Seung Hyun ealier. Fishing out my phone, I searched the contacts and clicked on Seung Hyun's name, staring at the digits. The number that no calls would be able to get through. The number that Seung Hyun had abandoned so he could get rid of me. No words can describe my emotions or the pain I was feeling till now. And till now, I can't find myself to delete that useless number. He had hurt me, and I thought I had managed to get over him these years and will lead a good life with Young Bae. But his appearance proved me wrong, almost mocking at my stupidity. The feeling I got was instant, too fast to handle. My heart still beat so quickly just meeting him on the street.

After quite a long wait, I received a text from Young Bae saying something had caught up and could not make it here. I understood and was about to give the waiter tips before leaving when I felt my breath caught in my throat.

===

How much more cruel can fate be to me? Bumping into Yoo Bin just made everything worse. I came out with the guys to relax but ended up being more stressed up. If I did not follow the guys, I might not have met her. I shouldn't have gone. I shouldn't have gave in. I should have just stayed at home and let my emotion take the better of me. I needed to release my emotions in me now. I might really go crazy. I was in so much pain. How could she do this to me? I loved her so much till it hurt. Don't she know that? Not telling Ji Yong where I was going, I headed to the pub we went previously. If I don't get drunk tonight, I'm not going to go home. I sat at the counter and chugged the drinks down my throat. I don't know how much I had taken, but I continously drank without a care in the world until I heard my wallet fell from my pocket. I got off the high stool and picked it up, was about to get back on the stool when I cursed mentally. Hell, fate really likes to pick on me.

===

They stopped what they were doing when they saw each other. Their eyes met and contact were made for a minute. Seung Hyun broke the contact first, getting back on the seat and picked up the glass. Yoo Bin sighed softly before walking over to his side. She planted her on the seat next to him.

"I would like what he is having." She told the bartender. As the young man prepared the drink, the both of them stayed silent as Seung Hyun continously took small sips on his alcohol.

"Are you here alone?" She asked.

"Yeah, why are you here?" He asked back, not giving her a glance. She looked down as a bitter smile appeared on her face. She hid the hurt she was feeling and calmed her heart her aching heart. Why was this man she loved so much so cold towards her?

"I... I'm waiting for someone..."

"Young Bae?" She looked at him when he guessed correctly, checking to see if his expression changed but she only saw that same blank look. And still, he wasn't even looking at her. "Please wait at the other side. I want to be alone." Her grip on her bag tightened and tears pricked her eyes. She breathed deeply and slowly to stop herself from crying. Where did his love for her go to? It looked like nothing between them had ever happened before.

"Do you... Still love me?" She asked silently, letting out the question that had bugged her all the while.

"Love?" He uttered, smiling after that. Letting out a soft chuckle, he took another sip and unintentionally placing his glass down on the counter roughly. "What's that?" He finally turned to her, his calm and husky voice sending cold chills down her spine. She looked away when her tears were threatening to fall, clutching on the leather of her bag as she dug her nails into it. Her heart dropped and pained, and she couldn't breath as easily.

"Has love, ever happened to me?" She refused to turn to him when he voiced his question again.

"So, everything back then was fake?" Her voice soft and shook slightly. She stared at her glass as tears moved in her orbs.

"Is there anything that was real? Between us?" She inhaled through as a tear finally fell. She brushed it off with her finger and took a mouth of the whisky.

"Since you said it this way, I guess we really had nothing. Even back then."

"If there's ever anything that happened, it must be a mistake." He felt his breath been caught in his system when he said that as he remembered the day he made love to her. How their body perfectly joined and their hearts beat in the same rhythm. This could never happen again. It will remain as a dream for him, and a memory.

"Wh-what...?" She gasped softly when she heard him, shocked that he would say such things. Her mind was thinking the same as his. When they made love, when they loved each other so much, it was all a mistake?

"Whatever that had happened between us," He started again after a long pause. "It will be good if you could forget about them. I am at fault for letting those happened. I'm sorry. If you could forgive me, I will be more than glad." She stared at him, at loss of words. Frozen, her mind went blank and her heart died.

"If I don't agree to?"

"I won't blame you. But I hope you won't think about them anymore." He paid for their drinks and stood up. He turned to her, watching as she sat there.

"I hope for the best for you. But let's not meet again." And he turned to leave. Streams of tears slid down her cheeks, her fists balled tightly. She stood up, quickly getting outside to see his back. Walking slowly with his head bowed, one of his hands to his face, she watched him as her eyes shone in pain and fury.

"Choi Seung Hyun, you jerk!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. At the empty street, he suddenly came to a halt. She glared at his back as he continued to freeze in his spot, debating whether to turn to her or not. Uncontrollable tears came and she did not bother to stop them. Her body shook as she cried. Why isn't he turning back to her? What happened these few years to make him hate her so much that he don't even want to see her?

"Look at me!" She yelled again. He finally turned and stared back at her. A few metres away, they stared at each other. "What did you just say?" She shouted. "What? It was a mistake? You think I'm letting it go after you apologised? You think an apology is enough?" She nearly choked on her words. "You have hurt me!" She really can't be bothered if passersby happened to recognise her. Not when Seung Hyun had hurt her more than he already had. He kept quiet, letting her screamed as much as she wanted.

"You promised that you will wait for me! You said you will remember that day! But you cut off all contacts with me and now when I came back, you are acting all cold to me, like I don't exist at all! Now even saying everything is a mistake! What do you think you are doing?" She glared, totally feeling like she was going to explode because of depression and rage.

"Speak up, bastard! Who do you think you are?!" She shouted till hurt, and her heart was squeezed so hard that her whole body numbed.

"It's all over the news." He finally started in a loud voice. "You are getting married. Don't shout as if I'm the one betraying you. Because you are the one cheating on me! And did you say I cut off contacts with you?" He let out a mocking laugh. "What kind of joke are you cracking? Even if it is to make me the bad guy, you should have some conscience."

"I couldn't get through your phone! You changed your number!" She yelled back. He furrowed his eyebrows, feeling himself getting angry at her accusion.

"You changed your number too! That was why when I called a billion times, none gets through!" His voice boomed.

"When did I ever change my phone number?!"

"And when did I changed mine?" The both of them glared at each other, not thinking of giving in.

"You know what, Choi Seung Hyun?" Her gaze softened and she started after a long while. "I guess it's really over. Maybe like what you have said, we never existed before. The both of us are just two separate persons with two different hearts, just like any other individuals. You being like this confirmed it all, that we were never one. Past, present and future." She sniffled. "As much as you hope we would never ever meet again, don't you dare come near me." And she turned and went to the other direction.

===

I went back to the hostel. Tears had dried and I was sure I was like a walking zombie. No expressions, no emotions. Opening the door, I dropped the keys and it clanked on the floor.

"Hyung, where have you been? I-" I did not even notice Ji Yong who was in my room. He came to me, realising the state I was in. "Hyung, what's wrong?" He sat on my bedside, shaking me a little. I refused to talk as I closed my eyes, wanting to go to sleep. "Hyung!" He tried to pull me up. "What happened?" He got anxious and worried. Then he let go of me, staring down at my face.

"You were with Yoo Bin." He stated. I guess I made it too obvious. "What did she say?" He asked monotonously. "What did she say again?!" He raised his voice. I knew he was angry. Of me and her. Right from the start, he didn't like the idea of us dating. Too clingy, too dependent on me, he said. Ji Yong and Dae Sung were my friends from high school and had met Yoo Bin a couple of times before she left for the States. Ji Yong didn't understand why I would love her so much. There were so much more girls like her out there, some even better than her, he comforted when I couldn't contact her at that time. But that wasn't the problem. The problem was, no matter how similar or better those girls were, none of them was Yoo Bin. My stubborn heart only wanted Yoo Bin.

"Ji Yong ah," I slowly opened my eyes, fresh hot tears gathering inside. "It's really over now..." I whispered as a tear slipped out. Ji Yong remained silent, probably sick and tired of me whining and crying over the same issue for the trillionth time.

"Then let her go, hyung." He replied softly. "You encouraged her to leave in the first place. And you told me you want her to be happy and that even if it's not you." I hid my face in the pillow, soaking the sheets. "This is her choice." Yes, it was her choice. She chose Young Bae over me in the end, despite all the while when she said she felt nothing for him. Been exposed to the outside world, she must have came to learn that love wasn't everything. She must have became realistic and materialistic. Because in the sense of fortune and ability and career, I can never surpass Young Bae. She did the right thing, for herself. It was me who was the loser. In the game of love and life, I have lost terribly.

"I worked so hard, fought so hard... It's all for her..." I sobbed loudly, grasping for air. "Waiting for the day when she would return, I will be able to support her and not be an embarrassment... But I'm still not good enough..."

"You're never embarrassing. Don't say that. We are so proud of you. We admire your love and passion for her. It's just her who could not see this precious gem in you, and it would be her loss." He said, patting my shoulder as he tried to soothe me.

"I live for her, Ji Yong..."

===

It was a few days after the meeting with Seung Hyun when Ji Yong came to my office in the firm. After I gave the secretary the permission to let him in, he flung the door so roughly that I was taken aback by his sudden rudeness. He used to be a nice and polite guy. Although I could tell that he never liked me, he was well-mannered enough not to say it in my face. I stared up at him when he marched to my table and towered above me. Standing up when I realised something unusual about his gaze, he beat me to it and asked.

"What did you say to Seung Hyun hyung the other day?" His eyes, I have never seen something colder.

"What do you mean?" I asked cautiously. Ji Yong was the kind of person no one would ever want to mess with. And I don't know what he was mad about. He stared hard at me as he exhaled deeply.

"Do you have some time to spare, Miss Kim?"

I followed him to his car. To be frank, I was a little timid when it comes to him. He seemed to have that power to tame me. I queried about where we were going but he refused to reveal a thing and kept quiet about it. Soon, we arrived at a building and he went straight to the lobby with me following behind. It seemed to be an apartment but didn't look quite similar at the same time. He unlocked a particular door and led me in.

"This is where hyung lived." He placed the keys on the table. "Since he started working, he lived in hostels which companies offer." The place was small, but neat and tidy. But that wasn't the main point. I was surprised to see our pictures in frames around every corner. Desk, bedside table, walls. They were everywhere. I saw a small cardboard beside a mini book shelf. Through the glass, I saw many tortoise and Winne The Pooh stuff toys. Something that I really loved. They were all displayed nicely, each a different design. Big and small, all sizes were there.

"The designers of those must give a special VIP privilege to hyung. He sure spent a lot on them." I smiled faintly. I knew Seung Hyun won't have just forgotten me. I turned and saw Ji Yong staring at me. Even till now, I don't know what he want to say.

"What is the reason for you to cut off contacts with hyung?" He asked.

"I didn't." I told him truthfully.

"You didn't?" Mockingly, he asked.

"Trust me. If it's me who did it, I won't follow you here in the first place."

"Then what is going on? You didn't reply to his emails, neither did his calls get through."

"I stopped receiving his calls and emails one day. I don't even know if he knew I moved house. When I called, I can't get him. When I send him emails, I never get them back. And I surely didn't change the email address."

"Then what is the problem?" He asked back. "Hyung wouldn't have lost his job as an auditor if he changes his number."

"What...?" I asked, confused.

"Although you have not been calling him for years, he still blindly hoped for miracles to happen." He said. "His previous company wanted to promote him and considered sending him overseas for training. His superior requested to change his phone contract to a one that has a better plan for business uses and that required him to change his number. Hyung stubbornly rejected, all ready to forgo the rare opportunity. The only reason," He paused, staring at me. "He still hopes for you to call him one day." I looked away as tears filled the brim of my eyes at the news. Seung Hyun...

"You called him not to come near you. Just be saying this, this simple sentence, you killed him."

"What... What do you mean?" An ominous feeling engulfed and frightened me.

"Before you make any questions," He picked up a phone on the desk. "You said you never change your phone number." I nodded and he pressed a few timnes on the phone and placed it to his ear.

"Listen." He handed the device to me and I placed it against my ear. True enough, it said that the number was not in service. I narrowed my brows, pulling the phone away to check if the number keyed was correct.

"This is surely the number I'm using..." My, what's wrong...! "Ji Yong, use your phone to call." I started to worry. How can it be possible that my phone was not in use? He fished out his phone and keyed in the number. A few seconds later, my phone rang and I pulled it out, Ji Yong's name flashing on the screen. We both stared at each other in sheer surprise and shock.

"Call Hyung's phone." I nodded and quickly searched for his number and dialed. I handed it to him when the same sentence was repeated to me each time I tried calling him in the States. The phone is not in service.

"It's not possible..." He murmured in confusion and used his phone to call the number I was calling. And Seung Hyun's phone rang. Our eyes widened, lips parted. What the hell had gone wrong?! I started panicking when I caught a glimpse of a wallet on the table which seemed to be like Seung Hyun's. Wait a minute, his phone was here, his wallet was here. Then where was he? He wasn't the careless and forgetful kind to forget his two most important belongings.

"Where's Seung Hyun?" I asked, my heart thumping fast for no reason. Ji Yong must have a reason to bring me up here. He didn't like me, he won't bring me here just to prove how much Seung Hyun had loved me. And if nothing particular happened, he would not even care to figure out the problem between us.

"Finally, you have noticed." He turned back to me, his face blank.

"Tell me, Ji Yong!" I raised my voice out of panic and fear. "Where is he?"

"He's in the hospital." I gasped silently, eyeballs nearly popping out. "He attempted suicide."

===

Yoo Bin begged for Ji Yong to bring her to Seung Hyun when he refused.

"You are getting married. Why would I bring you there? Why would I allow you, the woman who caused my idiotic friend to intentionally try to take his life?" He shouted back at her. "Just because of that sentence you carelessly blurted, he lost his will to live!"

"Ji Yong! Please! I need to see him!" She clasped her hands together and begged, her face damped with tears.

"Like how hyung was hurt by you, go home and feel the pain." He spat. "Remember this guilt and live with it, with your husband."

"Ji Yong ah! Please! How can I leave without seeing him?" She pleaded, gripping on his arm with both hands as she tugged on him. First time she felt as though she would die soon. Suffocation and overwhelming fear. Seung Hyun... my Seung Hyun...

"Please, I'm begging you...! Do I need to kneel?" She asked and dropped on her knees immediately. Her sobs turned into wails as she continously begged. Her heart throbbed in fear and pain. She would give up everything just to see him. She just wanted to see him fine. Even though she thought he broke all contacts with her all these while, she wasn't angry. She was just hurt. She don't mean to scream at him. She was just so heartbrokened that she lost her mind when she actually wanted to hug him tight and cry. Ji Yong's gaze softened ans he sighed.

"Whatever you are doing, be mindful when it comes to hyung." And she nodded furiously.

Yoo Bin ran into the room after flinging the door opened. She slowed down when she saw a motionless figure lying on the white bed, an IV tube attached to him. Her sobs became louder when she saw his pale and sullen face.

"Why..." She choked, reaching for his hand. "Why... Seung Hyun ah... How can you even think of leaving me... Please be fine, Seung Hyun..." She pleaded softly, pulling his hand up to her lips as she cried uncontrollably.

She held his hand in hers for hours, waiting for him to wake up. Ji Yong had left them, knowing that she would not hurt Seung Hyun. She pressed her cheek lightly on his hand as she closed her eyes, still praying for him to wake up soon. The day of work and preparation of the wedding wore her out, yet she wanted to spend time with him. She soon fell asleep.

Sunlight slipped through the white curtains and into the room. Opening his eyes with difficulties, he felt awful from the long sleep. He tried to sit up but felt something pressing his hand down. Looking down with squinting eyes, he saw someone sleeping. That same long hair, that same body frame that appeared in his dreams many many times. His other hand reached over to brush her hair that was covering her face. She jerked back when he unconsciously caressed the side of her head and shot up when she saw him awake.

"Seung Hyun! Are you feeling okay? Do you need the doctor?" She jumped on her feet, leaning forward as she asked worriedly.

"Why are you here?" His hoarse voice soft and weak. Her gaze softened as tears moved up to her eyes.

"Why did you do that? Why are you so stupid?" She cried, tears pouring out. Just the sight of his current state made her heart break and plus, she caused all these. "I should be the one lying here..."

"Go." He said, turning away when he felt his eyes sting.

"Seung Hyun..."

"Leave. I don't wish to see you." She froze when he said that. The door opened and Ji yong and Dae Sung came in.

"Hyung...!" They called, rushing to the bedside as they shoved Yoo Bin to a corner. "Are you okay? Has the doctor came to check on you?"

"Ask her to leave." He told them monotonously. Ji Yong turned back to her. Going over, he started.

"Go and have some rest." Yoo Bin just stared at Seung Hyun in pain. "We will see how it goes tomorrow." He gave her a light push, which she turned to him with forlorn eyes. Ji Yong nodded knowingly and led her out.

===
---
"So how is the film doing?" Young Bae asked when he came to visit.

"It's good." I sat on the edge of the bed, secretly sighing.

"You don't look well. Are you tired?" He reached for my shoulder, bending down to look at my face. I gave a small smile.

"A little."

"Start resting a week before the wedding. Don't tire yourself." I nodded. I secretly turned and looked at the calendar on my dresser. Three more weeks.

"Do you want to come over to decide on the decorations of the ballroom? I have the details stored in my desktop."

"You can decide on it."

"No, you have to like it as well."

"Okay then. I will go over." I smiled faintly. He pulled me in for an embrace.

"Rest for now. You look really tired." He pulled away." I will fetch you tomorrow."

"Young Bae," I called as he walked to the door.

"Yeah, baby?" I sighed silently at what I wanted to say and shook my head.

"Nothing. Just wanted to say 'reach home safely'." He smiled before leaving. Seung Hyun... How am I going to marry Young Bae, when Seung Hyun is like this?

The next day, I didn't go to work. I don't think I can concentrate anyway. I found myself before Seung Hyun's ward in the hospital. I pushed the door opened slowly. Seung Hyun's back was facing me as he stood before the window, the IV tube hanging at his side. I felt my heart throbbed just at the sight of him. Entering ever so slowly, I called when I got nearer to him.

"Seung Hyun..." He looked over his shoulder just enough to see me and turned back to the front. I took a few more steps and reached for his hand supporting the tube hanger. At the feel of my touch, he turned to me.

"Are you feeling better?" I asked while he continued to stare. He pulled away, turning back to look at of the window.

"What do you want?" Since I came back to Korea, his every word stabbed my heart. They were all too cold to handle.

"I just... Wanted to see you."

"See how pathetic I am?" He asked with a bitter smile without looking at me.

"Seung Hyun..."

"After you have seen enough, the door will still be there."

"Please, Seung Hyun..." I took his hand again.

"Why? If there's something you want out of me, I could give it to you."

"You know I don't want anything from you." I talked back, feeling more and more desperate. "What's there that I want from you?" He chuckled bitterly.

"I know. There's nothing about me that you need anyway. Wealth, career, property, I have none." That was when I snapped. I made him face me.

"Stop it." I warned dangerously but he looked elsewhere. "Why are always talking that way? Did I ever request all those from you before? Did I ever say I need a posh car and a mansion in my life?"

"You didn't. But you are going to get those, when you got married."

" the marriage!" I yelled in distress. Why is everyone talking about the marriage? He stared at me after I cursed and I knew he was surprised. " them all!" He scoffed and turned away. I knew he got pissed as soon as I said the bad word. He never liked them.

"Get out." He said as he turned to head for the bed when I threw myself at him from the back. He froze when my arms wrapped around his waist tightly.

"I'm sorry..." I started to tear, soaking his shirt. "I don't mean to get irritated. I won't say it again." I sobbed and his hands reached for mine, pulling them apart. He turned to me and gently let go of my wrists.

"No matter what happens, I understand, things won't be the same as before." And he walked lifelessly to his bed. "Go. Don't waste time on me. Spend it meaningfully."

After I left the hospital reluctantly, I drove to Young Bae's. I'm going to say it. I'm not marrying anymore. This time, I am really going to make things clear. If I have to cry and beg on my knees for Young Bae to let me go, I will. If I go against my heart one more time, I'm sure I will be crushed. Seung Hyun... How could I leave him alone? Why did I even agree to this marriage in the first place? What was I thinking? Young Bae opened the door soon after I rang the bell.

"I was surprised to receive your text. Why didn't you go to work?" He pulled me into his room.

"Young Bae,"

"I received more decorations ideas this morning." He interrupted excitedly, pushing me down on the chair before the desktop. I sighed and looked at the screen, seeing pictures of different ballrooms with various interior designs. I wanted to tell him what was in my mind but he went on and on. From the materials used to the recommended designs and all.

"I'm going to take a shower. You browse through them first, alright?" He smiled and gave me a peck on the cheek before heading to the bathroom with his clothes. I sighed, knowing I was going to cause his heart to break later with my news. Slumping back on the chair, I clicked on the tabs he opened and scrolled down out of boredom. Every ballroom had a different theme and main colour. They were all girls' dream wedding but I don't need it. I wanted to minimise the page but accidentally maximised another window instead. I was about to minimise it again when I thought I saw something familiar. I clicked on the flashing icon and viewed the details. I don't fully understand it but I knew something was wrong. The keywords told me all. My eyes ablaze and my jaws clenched when my gut feel assumed everything.

'User of 128-759340-09', 'User of 228-902175-67', '3876 calls blocked', 'last call 21 hours ago'.

Dong Young Bae, you jerk!

===

She stayed in her seat, staring intensely ahead of her. When he stepped out, he gave her a smile as he walked over.

"How is it? Have you decided?" He went behind the chair and hugged her but she didn't move or say anything. "What's wrong?" He leaned over when he noticed the change in her. He turned over to the screen and his eyes widened.

"Are you planning to show that to me intentionally?" Her voice devoid of all tones. Her breathing deep and long, like a volcano preparing to erupt.

"Yoo Bin, listen to me." He swirled the chair around as he squatted before her so she was facing him. Yoo Bin waited for him to talk, her gaze blank. "This is a misunderstanding."

"Then clear it." She ordered emotionlessly.

"I..." He looked away, trying to come up with a good explanation. Turning back to her when she let out a sudden sarcastic laugh, he watched her.

"My calls to Seung Hyun didn't get though not because he changed his phone number, but because his line has blocked off all calls from me."

"Yoo Bin-"

"Shut up." She snapped. "Same goes to the emails, right? How capable you are." She smirked before glaring. "You made me suffer. Seeing my smiles disappeared these years, are you feeling good?" Looking down at him, her gaze showed no mercy.

"Whatever you want to say, don't even think of saying. I do not want to hear. Your face sickens me, your voice sickens me." She abruptly pushed herself up but was pulled back the moment she took a step.

"I have already gone this far. If you are thinking I will let you go back to that guy, then toss that thought aside." He said coldly as he controlled her struggles.

"I won't forgive you. If it weren't you, Seung Hyun won't be in the hospital! You know what I will become when it comes to Seung Hyun. And that is what's going to happen now." She kicked him hard in the shin and he let go, bending down in pain. She stared down at him.

"I came here with an apologetic heart. I came here to apologise for my selfishness and inconsideration to you. For wanting to call off the wedding, I felt guilty until everything became clear to me. Now, I'm not sorry at all. I'm a laywer. For what you did to me and Seung Hyun all these years, I can charge you. Being the CEO of the telecom doesn't give you every right to mess with the customers' lines."

"I made what you are today!" He shouted.

"Then I will strip off my title as a lawyer. Whatever you gave me, I don't want it." She spat. "I will return everything to you. School fees, the law firms, the rental, air tickets, expenses, whatever, I will pay everything back to you." She rolled her eyes as she glared at him, stomping out of his room.

===

Fishing out my keys to the car, I cursed under my breath as I slammed them on the top of the car. Since this vehicle was also related to Young Bae, I don't want it. I walked out to the roadside and hailed a taxi. I don't know why my tears were coming and I couldn't stop them. Reaching the hospital, I didn't bother to wait for the driver to return the change and dashed out.

"Seung Hyun...!" I called as I opened the the door to find the room empty. Panicking, I pulled a random nurse passing by.

"Where did the patient go?!" I almost shouted, scaring her. She took a look at the ward number on the door.

"He was discharged this morning." I roughly let go of her and raced down. Not really knowing where Seng Hyun stayed, I called Ji Yong but no one picked up. I calmed myself, trying hard to recall the where the place was. Getting on a cab again, I gave rough directions, hoping they could bring me to Seung Hyun. After many try-and-errors, I finally arrived at the familiar hostel building. Once again, I zoomed out and into the lift.

"It should be the tenth floor." And I pushed the button. Waiting impatiently, the lift dinged and the doors finally opened. Sprinting down the hallway and stopping at the unit next to the emergency staircase, I rang the bell. It took him awhile. Did he didn't want to open the door for me? I looked up to see if there was a peek hole. There wasn't. Did he faint inside? I was about to bang the door when I was interrupted.

"Who's there?" The door opened and Seung Hyun stood there. Immediately, I threw myself at him, hugging his waist. More and bigger droplets of tears came, wetting his shirt.

"What's... what's wrong...?" Caught offguard, he hesitatedly patted the back of my head a few times before gently pulling me away.

"What happened? Why are you here?" Wiping my tears, he asked softly.

"Young Bae..." I choked down my tears.

"What about him?" I then told him everything.

"I'm so sorry... I shouldn't have shouted at you... I'm sorry..." I started to cry again, dropping to the floor. "I'm so sorry, Seung Hyun... I'm sorry..." He squatted down and pulled my head up from my arms. He didn't say a thing and just wiped my tears off. After I have calmed down, he pulled me up and settled me on a couch before going to get me a glass of water. Sitting on the floor, he watched as I drink.

"Are you feeling better now?" I nodded, wrapping my fingers around the glass. "So what are you going to do?"

"I will resign."

"What?" He looked at me with wide eyes, surprised.

"I will resign."

"Don't." I looked at him when he said firmly. "Don't do things recklessly." Furrowing my eyebrows, I stared.

"How can I continue that job?" I asked back in disbelief.

"Why not? You studied hard for it."

"Continuing that job means I have to marry Young Bae. Can't you see?" I slightly raised my voice.

"Then marry him." My eyes nearly bulged out.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I shrieked.

"If you are doing all these for me, then I won't appreciate it."

"Choi Seung Hyun!"

"I have told you, no matter what happens, it will never be like before."

"Did Young Bae pay you?" I asked, my voice shaky. "Bribe you to be on his side?"

"He did not."

"Then are you telling me even you are doing this to me? Even to you, I'm not important?"

"What are you? Two years old? Why are you still being so irrational? Can't you think properly and make the right decision?"

"It's you who can't think properly! After all these that happened, are you expecting me to go on with him like nothing had happened? You are out of your mind!" I yelled, slamming the glass on the table.

"Are you his pet?" I asked again. "Why are you always at his side?!"

"He's a better choice in all senses." Madly, I reached for anything on the table which happened to be the glass and threw it at him. Water spilled all over him and the floor and the glass smashed into pieces when it landed on the ground.

"One more time you insult me, I'm really going to ignore you." I warned as I stood up, going for the door. Ah!" I cried when I felt something pricked the base of my foot. I looked down and lifted my leg, seeing a small piece of glass coated with crimson blood.

"Are you okay?" I was abruptly gripped on my wrist and Seung Hyun wore a worried and anxious look. Before I could utter a word in response, he scooped me up and brought me to the bed, settling me down.

"Why didn't you wear the indoor slippers when you came in?" He scolded, rushing back to my side with a first-aid kit. He glanced at me before lifting my injured foot up on his bent knee. I watched as he applied the medication on the wound.

"Ahh..." I let out a soft cry when a sting shot through my every nerve, wincing in pain. He blew softly at the opening tenderly. Heart fluttering, butterflies in my stomach, I watched him.

"Seung Hyun, I still feel butterflies." He looked up, stared for a moment before going back to my foot. "I'm not marrying him anymore." I once again made my stand clear. I'm not going to give in to him this time. He sighed, then asked as he pulled out a plaster out from the box.

"Then what are you going to do? Jobless and single. Besides law, is there anything else you know? Are you planning to stay at home?"

"I will be with you."

"I don't have the ability to support a jobless wife." He said gently though he was talking back as he placed my foot down.

"I don't need anything luxurious. If you still feel hard supporting me, then I will find a job. There are lots of jobs that don't require the knowledge of law." I stated.

"Like what?" He sat on the floor, challenging me. "A dishwasher?"

"I will do it. A hawker, a cleaner, a salesgirl, I will do them all."

"Then why did you study so hard for?" He shot back, clearly frustrated at my stubborness. "Why did you go overseas in the first place?"

"I went because you wanted me to." I retorted. "You made me leave." He exhaled loudly and turned away, tired of arguing all the time.

"Whatever you say, I'm not going to listen to you this time." I declared. "The first time, I left because you wanted me to have better chances. So this time, you listen to me. I will choose my own future. And the person I want to live with."

"Why? I'm not the best for you."

"Life won't be meaningful if everything is the best. With the person who is not the best, I want to make the best out of life with him." I went off the bed, squatting before him and holding his hands.

"I prefer a kind hearted and passionate accountant to a wealthy and self-centered CEO." I said quietly, my teary eyes locking with his moist orbs. He suddenly pulled me down into his chest and embraced me tightly.

"Don't compare anymore. If the CEO of a company doesn't have accountants, his business won't be successful. It's not all about who is better or who is the best. You can stop feeling lousy and inferior of yourself. Young Bae is all almighty to you, but he never once able to give me butterflies like you did. It's you who I want." His arms circled around me tighter, pressing me against him more.

"It's going to be hard." He whispered, snuggling into my hair as he wetted my shirt.

"Why? I can't ask for more." He gently pulled away, looking at me with curious eyes. "I will lead a luxurious life with you." I smiled when he remained confused. "I will get rich with your love. It's something that no one else could get even if they have truckloads of bills. And don't you dare sell your love to anyone."

"Why do this sound so cheesy to me?" He smiled as he brushed off his tears.

"I learned something in the States." I pretended to boost, settling down on his lap.

"About your decision, how are you going to let the others know?" He hugged me while I rested my head on his chest.

"I will resign. Young Bae already knows I'm dead set on calling off the marriage and he will go to my place to look for me soon. At that time, my parents would probably get to know about it."

"Are you serious on resigning?"

"Do you think it is a pity?" I asked back, shifting slightly to make myself comfortable.

"Yeah, you studied so hard..."

"It's not like I wanted that in the first place."

"People will talk behind your back."

"Then shall we leave?" I turned to me and saw his stare. "As you said, I only know about law, but I did work before going to the States. I am willing to try anything. Start our own naeng myun stall or something. You can continue to work in a company."

"Would you feel better that way?" He asked, clearly wanting to follow as I say.

"I'm good in any way." I clarified quickly. "I'm not bothered about how people would think. It's about us." He looked down and seemed to be thinking hard.

"I don't care if my life would be disturbed by flooding reporters coming to the door all the time. But would you still be willing to be with me?" I asked, looking at him. I know my life wasn't like before. Not that I wanted to show off, but more people know me now and if Seung Hyun was to stay by my side, he would be known to the public as well. Nasty things will be commented like he was the third wheel or something.

"Of course!" He shot his head up immediately. "Of course I will still want to be with you...!" I clammed my lips as I looked down, smiling.

"So is this a promise that we will forever be together?"

"You really want this? No regrets?" I inhaled and glared at him. "Okay, okay. I just don't want you to have any regrets." He mumbled as he looked down at my lap.

"I'm punishing you." I said and he looked up. "Everytime you doubt me and look down on yourself, you will be punished."

"Wh-what?" He got me there. What is the punishment? We finally got back together and now, I have to punish him?

"Kiss me." I turned to look elsewhere after saying. Gosh, even I'm embarrassed at myself...!

"Wh-what...?"

"You are refusing to accept your punishment?" I asked back.

"No... It's just..."

"Are you feigning shyness now? We even made lo-" My lips were sealed when he suddenly grabbed my face and pulled me over to him. I inhaled deeply to calm my madly racing heart as I felt his soft lips. God... How I missed them...

"No matter what, you shouldn't announce to the whole world that we have made love..." He pulled back a little and said, his breath tickling my lips.

"I'm not ashamed of it."

"Neither do I." He looked at my lips. "But as a girl, you should have some restraint."

"Then since you are a boy, can you not restraint anymore?" I asked back. I had not have enough! He chuckled softly before closing his eyes as our lips met again. Not sure whether it was him who pushed me or I was the one pulling him lower, my back was about to reach the ground as we continued our hot assult. I pushed his shirt up and tugged on him lower when he pulled a little away, causing me to fall off his lap and knocked my head on the floor.

"Are you okay?" I got a little fright and it hurt but I was laughing. Happiness must had caused me to lose my mind. He laughed when he saw me laughed so cheerfully. My hands still on his bare waist as I listen to his chuckles. So deep and husky... So soothing to my ears...

"I'm sorry..." He said when he leaned down to touch our foreheads together, one of his hands caressed the back of my head. "But can you remove your hands? Why does a girl have zero restraint?" I stuck out my tongue.

"Why does a boy have so much restraint?"

"I should be the one touching you, so move your hands away...!" He shot me a look.

"You won't touch me. Neither would you initate it!" I retorted. What kind of gentlemen he was, I was very sure. I know him very well. He didn't have ual desires. As a woman, my desires in that sense was surely more than his.

"Why does a girl always think of those dirty things?"

"How is it dirty? It's because of that that we are both on Earth." I argued, eyes wide. "And why as a fully grown man, you don't have such lust?"

"Tsk. I'm more decent than you. I must watch out for you starting from now." His hand when to mine which was on his back now and tried moving it. Just when I was about to talk back, someone seemed to be unlocking the door.

"Who's coming?"

"Ji Yong's back with dinner. He went to buy them after sending me back." He was about to get off me when the door burst opened and a man ran in.

"HYUNG! WE GOT- OMO! I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!" Dae Sung quickly turned around, covering his face.

"Get your hands off." Seung Hyun hissed and I removed them as Ji Yong walked in calmly. Seung Hyun quickly got up from me, fixing his shirt and then pretending nothing had happened.

"You're back?" He asked, hands at his back as he looked at the carrier in Ji Yong's hand.

"Yeah." Ji Yong looked at the both of us before going to the table. "What's up?"

"Oh... We are...-"

"OH MY GOD! HYUNG!" I nearly lost my balance as I got on my feet. Our heads shot to Dae Sung who was staring on the floor with wide eyes, the pieces of glass before his eyes. "MY DORAEMON CUP! HYYYYUUUUUNNNNNGGGGG!"

"Shut it, Dae Sung." Ji Yong rolled his eyes in irritation when Dae Sung exaggerated.

"Who the hell did this!" Dae Sung continued to scream like a lunatic.

"It's me..." I timidly raised my hand. "I'm sorry..."

"Why did you do that!" He glared at me and I gulped. Woah, I don't know he could be this fierce.

"Out of anger... It was-"

"Out of anger?! You broke the cup?!" He pointed at me, striding towards my direction.

"Yah, yah!" Seung Hyun came and slapped his hand away before he could reach me.

"Hyung!" He ran to Ji Yong and hugged him. "How could they do this?" He whined as he pointed at us.

"Dae Sung ah, let go. You are squeezing the hell out of me." Ji Yong rolled his eyes and pushed Dae Sung off, going back to removing the cover of the containers.

"I'm sorry, Dae Sung." I slowly went to him, cautious. "I didn't know you like it so much. I will buy one for you." I almost jumped when he turned and glared straight into my eyes.

"It ran out of stock!" Oh my, what am I going to do? With the cup and with his guy over here...

"I'm sorry..."

"Hmph!" And he walked off. My eyes followed him in amusement and disbelief. What's with him...
----
We sat down and eat. Seung Hyun gave me half of his share to me when I don't allow him to give me all his food.

"Are you full?" He asked, wiping my mouth with a piece of tissue paper.

"Hyung," Dae Sung called Ji Yong. "We shouldn't have worried so much. He don't need us anyway." Seung Hyun eyed him and just shook his head a little, rolling his eyes.

"Do you need me to cook you something?" He asked again. I shook my head.

"No. I'm full." He looked hesitant and stood up to go to the kitchen. I watched as he opened the cabinet and took out a packet of instant noodles. He started to cook and brought a bowl infront of me.

"Eat." He urged.

"But I'm full."

"Eat. If not, you will go hungry in the middle of the night." Actually I wasn't really full...

"Shall we share?" I asked and he smiled, going to take another empty bowl and we started to eat. Ji Yong and Dae Sung were watching television in the living room.

"They always come here?"

"Hm. They came to accompany me often since years ago." My smiled dropped and I placed my chopsticks down. "What's wrong?" He asked.

"It's my fault." I said quietly, looking down. "I'm sorry..."

"What is it again?" He rubbed the back of my hand on the table.

"When you are having a hard time here, I must be having fun in that place. I'm sorry..."

"Yah." He quickly came to my side and squatted down, cupping my face and saw my teary eyes. "It's over. You know I don't blame you."

"It will be good if you blame me. At least I won't be so guilty." He leaned up and pulled me to him.

"I'm fine. You are back. I'm okay already." He comforted, patting the back of my head. I lightly pushed him away.

"I would rather eat instant noodles with you for the rest of my life than to leave you again." He smiled, wiping my tears that were about to fall.

"How mushy...!" Dae Sung called from outside and we turned to see him eyeing us.

"Turn your head back and watch the television." Seung Hyun hissed, rolling his eyes and turning back to me.

===

"So, you are not a lawyer anymore?" I asked as we waited for the bus at the bus-stop.

"Hm." Yoo Bin stared ahead of her with a faint smile.

"What's in your mind?"

"Nothing." She shook her head. "Just suddenly feel free." I smiled and turned to look to the front, seeing vehicles moving on the road.

"I'm a jobless person now." She said and I turned to her, seeing her beautiful smile. "You really have to be prepared. I would cling onto you like a leech."

"Hm. I welcome you."

"I have nothing now. Car, cash, savings, property, job. I have none."

"You have no money? How is it possible?" I raised a brow at her.

"I used it to pay everything that Young Bae helped to pay when I was studying." I stared at her. Everything? How much was that? "Only this way can I really be free from him." I nodded knowingly.

"I only have you now." I gave a gentle knock on her head.

"You have knowledge." I smiled to her. "You can start anew. Even if it's not a lawyer, I believe you can do something else." She smiled and nodded, her arms wrapping around my waist as she hugged me.

"Let's drop by at the mall." She suggested.

"Why?"

"I want to use my last penny to buy Dae Sung a cup." I chuckled.

"The one you broke is expensive."

"Let's just go over to see if there is anything similar."

"Okay."

===

Seung Hyun and Yoo Bin went into a store selling Doraemon things. They looked around, staring at the things there. Yoo Bin found a cup with the cartoon printed on it, but it was not exactly the same as the one she broke.

"Miss, this is the latest design imported." A salesgirl told her.

"This is the latest design?" A smile broke out on her face and she passed the cup to her. "I will take this."

"Chose one already?" Seung Hyun came and she nodded.

"It's the latest design." After paying, they left the shop with a carrier and Yoo Bin found out that she had 100000 won left.

"Let's get Ji Yong something too." They went into a departmental store and went to look at the graphic T-shirts.

"He likes this kind of things, right?" She held up a flashy design printed tee and Seung Hyun nodded with a smile. She smiled in satisfaction and went off to the counter. Something caught her eyes and she stopped at the rack. Picking out a black blazer which reflects slightly in the lights, she peeked back at Seung Hyun to see him looking around and quickly brisk-walked to the counter and paid for the things.

After that, they went back.

"The guys will be at your place, right?" She asked as they walked down the corridor to his unit.

"Hm. I have called them over. Should be there already." He unlocked the door and pushed it wide open.

"Dae Sung ah," She called when she saw Dae Sung in the kitchen.

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry. I couldn't find the exact one." She held up the carrier and Dae Sung took it, peeking in.

"It's the latest one." Seung Hyun said as he walked in. Dae Sung's eyes widened when he saw the cup. He took it out and threw himself at Yoo Bin.

"Noona!!! Thank you! It's really the latest design! Thank you!" He jumped a few times before letting her go. "Ji Yong hyung!" And he ran into the living room, ranting excitedly.

"Ji Yong," She went over and handed him a carrier as well. "It's nothing expensive but hope you like it."

"I have something too? Why?" He peeked inside.

"I had never have the chance to treat you properly as a friend. I hope we could be friends."

"We always are." He had a small smile. "Thanks."

"Yes, noona! Thank you so much! I have always wanted a beautiful noona!" She chuckled and Ji Yong just smiled as he rolled his eyes.

"Seung Hyun." She went into the room to find him looking through the book shelf. Turning back, he looked at her.

"Hm?"

"For you." She held up the last bag she had.

"What is this?" He slowly took it from her and looked inside.

"How could I forget about you?"

"I thought you did." He chuckled and she went to embrace him. "But you don't have to."

"I'm really penniless now. I belong to you already." He leaned in to hug her more.

"I'm yours too."



The next day


It appeared on the headlines for news and newspapers.

'Highly demanded lawyer, Kim Yoo Bin resigned and wedding called off.'

===
 

Here's the sequel. This should be up around 6PM but I accidentally clicked something when it was uploading and everything was gone, so I have to edit everything all over again. Anyway, thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed it! ^^

Schedulex2(C)

Started-  22:18PM, 290811
Stopped at '-', 22:39PM, 290811

Continued- 21:04PM, 300811
Stopped at'--', 22:08PM, 300811

Continued- 22:01PM, 051211
Stopped at '---', 23:55PM, 051211

Continued- 21:29PM, 061211
Stopped at '----', 12:03AM, 071211

Continued- 22:07PM, 091211
Ended- 23:07PM, 091211

Typed aurthor's note and posted on 22:22PM, 131211.