CHAPTER 6

Noeul didn't go to school that day despite it being the last day. After the huge fight with her father, Noeul had gone to the park which was located at the opposite end of her house. She controlled her tears, preventing them from falling. I'm not weak, I'm not going to cry.

Noeul was too out of it to realised that she had passed by a familiar looking person. The male had called out to her but Noeul did not stop. Instead she walked faster.

What the hell? School’s that way, why is she heading towards the park?

Noeul had no idea where she was heading to. She didn't look up, fearing that once she does, her tears will start to fall. It took her a minute to calm herself down. Looking around, she realised that the crowded field she was used to was now empty. It was just her and nothing else.

“Ya Kim Noeul!” Noeul turned around and was surprised to see Wonwoo gasping for breath; sweat dripping down his face.

Wonwoo was about to scold her for running off but stopped himself when he realised how red her eyes are, “Did something happen? Are you hurt somewhere? Huh? Answer me!”

Noeul said nothing. Instead she ran up to Wonwoo and buried her face in his chest. The stored tears which she tried so hard to control continued to flow and the sobs wracked her body, robbing it of the ability to speak – barely allowing her to breathe.

Wonwoo steadied her when he felt her losing her balance. So many things were going through his mind but not a single thing was said. Instead, he wrapped his arms securely around her, at the same time caressing her head in hopes of calming her down.

After a good five minutes of crying, Wonwoo and Noeul took a sit underneath a tree and sat in silence. Thousands of questions was running through his mind but he knew better than to say anything least Noeul breaks down again.

The girl on the other hand was hoping for Wonwoo to at least ask her something. She was sure he was curious as to why she was crying back then.

“Have you ever thought of marriage before?” Noeul broke the silence.

Wonwoo looked at her quizzically, “Nope.”

Noeul nods her head, “What about now? When do you think you'll get married?”

“Beats me but I'm sure I'll get married, somehow.”

Even if it meant getting married to a total stranger.

“Why the sudden thought of marriage though?”

Noeul shrugged her shoulders, “You never know. Besides, marriage is just business in our kind of family. Right?”

“That's true. People can say whatever they want about true love but that's just bull.”

True love huh?

Silence engulfed them once more. Wonwoo was about to say something when he noticed the bushes in front of them were moving when it wasn't even windy. He was about to let it pass when he saw something which looked similar to a camera.

“Hey, I think we should go,” whispered Wonwoo.

“Why are you whispering? And where are we supposed to go? School?” asked Noeul.

“I'm not trying to scare you but I think someone is stalking us.”

Noeul panicked as she looked around, trying to find the stalker, “Stop, act normal.”

Noeul stopped whatever she was doing and simply looked at Wonwoo. How is this even normal?

Wonwoo thought long and hard before coming up with an idea, “The hideout.”

The two stood up casually and headed to the hideout. Instead of the usual route, Wonwoo took them to a longer route; his usual route.

Wonwoo quickly locked the door and drew the curtains as soon as they entered the hideout.

“What's going on?” asked Noeul.

Wonwoo was about to say something when his phone rang. He excused himself and headed to the bathroom to answer the call from his brother.

Hello?

Have you read the news?

What news?

Congrats man, I didn't know you had a girlfriend.

What girlfriend are you talking about? I don't have one.

Well then Dad must've hooked you up with that girl you were hugging at the park.

What girl?

Oh , Noeul!

Wonwoo hanged up the call and got out of the bathroom. He had expected to see Noeul alone but was surprised to see the rest of the gang and Noeul’s friends all gathered in the living room. The television was switched on and he was shocked to see his father and an unidentified man holding a press conference.

“J Group is proud to announce our exclusive partnership with KB Group,” announced Mr Jeon.

Wonwoo cursed under his breath. He knew exactly where this partnership is heading to. Marriage, !

Wonwoo took a glimpse at Noeul who looked like her entire world was crashing right in of her. It was then did he realised Noeul knew it was happening.

“Noeul,” that was the only thing that came out of Wonwoo’s mouth when he saw the girl looking at him.

Seconds later, the girl grabbed her belongings and hurriedly left the hideout.

“I'll get her,” offered Seungcheol.

Nobody protested as they all knew that out of all of them, Seungcheol is the closest person to Noeul.

“Did you know?” asked Yoojung.

Wonwoo shook his head. He knew that one day his father will drop this bomb on him but he never expected it to be this soon.

“Did she know?”

“She probably did, but I doubt she knew it will be me.”

“Is that why she didn't come to school?” Mingyu butted in.

Wonwoo didn't reply but everyone knew the answer to Mingyu’s question.

Seeing how worried Wonwoo is, Jeonghan stepped forward and pats his shoulder, “Don't worry, Seungcheol is with her.”

Right, Seungcheol hyung is with her.

Wonwoo didn't know why but he felt uneasy upon hearing that sentence.