A/N: Little roundup of Characters (Past x Present)

Wang So – Hwang Jae-Yeong

Wang Wook – Hwang Tae-Won

Wang Yo – Hwang Il-Sung

Wang Jung – Ji-Woo

Wang Eun – Ki-Joo

Wang Baek-Ah – Baek Min-Suk

Hae Soo – Go Ha-Jin

Yeon-Hwa – Kang Nari

--

Ha-Jin couldn’t believe what she just heard. Did she mishear Nari? Did the model really just told her to stay away from Hwang Jae-Yeong?

Judging from Nari’s face (that familiar serious look with a mix of contempt), she did not mishear.

“Excuse me?” asked Ha-Jin.

“You heard me. I told you to stay away from Jae-Yeong,” she said curtly. “Don’t force him to put up with you.”

Oh my god, she’s still the same.

“I’m not forcing him to put up with me,” replied Ha-Jin, “And I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Nari laughed sarcastically. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do,” she retorted, “Jae-Yeong doesn’t usually go out with women. If you think seducing him is the key to getting your dreams, you’re sadly mistaken.”

That got into Ha-Jin’s nerves.

“I am NOT seducing him,” she said, “And for the record, I don’t think you have the right to order people around like this. Or judge them when you don’t even know them.”

She saw Nari’s smile twitch. Ha-Jin sensed the model was trying to keep her composure to prevent others seeing their little argument. She was on the verge of slapping Nari, but decided otherwise. She didn’t want to sink to that level.

“You have the nerve to talk when you’re just a cosmetic specialist,” replied Nari, “Don’t you know who you’re talking to?”

Ha-Jin wasn’t going to put up with Nari’s attitude. God help her if she doesn’t put this girl in her place.

“I’m talking to you,” replied Ha-Jin, “Unless, I don’t know…have I been talking to myself this whole time?”

Nari’s lip twitched in annoyance, which made Ha-Jin rejoice internally. She wasn’t going to back down—not in this period.

“Why you little—“

“What’s going on here?” asked a deep voice. Both girls turned around to see Hwang Jae-Yeong, hands in his pockets, looking curiously at the two.

“Ah, Jae-Yeong,” greeted Nari, immediately shedding her ing face, “You’re here.”

He nodded and looked around. “It’s a busy day, huh?” he asked, “Photo shoot for the iSOi Goryeo line?”

“Yes, it’s been fantastic,” replied Nari, “Why did you drop by? Are you here to see me?”

Ha-Jin couldn’t help but feel annoyed at the model. Here she was, acting like she didn’t just try to diss Ha-Jin. It was a sickening sight; she’d had enough of fake people for a lifetime (or two). She didn’t want to partake in this scene any further.

Jae-Yeong smiled. “It’s nice to bump in to you Nari, but I’m actually here to see Miss Go Ha-Jin,” he said, gazing at Ha-Jin instead. Nari looked a little bit put off with Jae-Yeong’s answer; the sweet smile slid off her face. Jae-Yeong, on the other hand, kept his eyes on Ha-Jin.

“Business talk, I assume?” asked Nari.

“That, among other things,” replied Jae-Yeong, “Il-Sung might pick you up in ten minutes, so I’m sorry if I have to steal Ha-Jin from you. Right now, she belongs to me.”

A similar incident was brought to the front of Ha-Jin’s mind, but this time, it wasn’t just rude talk that got her into trouble. She could remember the painful sting of the stick on her back as the Princess hit her. She was just trying to stand up for her friend.

Then, they came—and so did he. His hand caught the Princess’ hand before it hurt her back again.

The Princess asked him what the girl was to him. He smiled and said, “She belongs to me.”

Jae-Yeong pulled Ha-Jin by the wrist, away from Nari’s sight. Ha-Jin saw the model flash her a murderous stare hidden behind her beautiful eyes. But she didn’t have time to worry about Nari. Jae-Yeong pulled her away from her, walking away from her and the rest of the set.

Once they got outside, he let go of her wrist.

“What do you want?” she asked.

He looked reprovingly at her, “Oho, is that how you’re supposed to talk to me?” he asked, “We’re at work.”

Ha-Jin shook her head as he smiled at her. “I’m sorry, sir,” she said, placing emphasis on the last word, “Is there anything you want from me?”

“Yeah. Don’t forget to submit the last round of proposals tomorrow. I can’t sign them next week; I’ll be gone,” he told her, “So, if there’s anything that needs urgent signatures between us and your store, do it tomorrow.”

“Noted. Will do,”

He then leaned on the nearby pillar. “Are you all right?” he asked casually.

“What?”

He cleared his throat, indicating her lack of respect.

“I mean, what do you mean, sir?” she asked.

“I know Nari’s face whenever she’s coming down on someone,” he remarked, “She has that face that seems nice to an outsider, but for that person she’s talking to, it’s not. And you showed signs of distress.”

He knows her so well, she thought, He could even tell whenever she’s angry at someone just by looking at her face.

The thought brought back memories of her conversation with Ji-Hyun. An unpleasant feeling crept up inside her chest as she tried to shove them back.

“What was she asking about?” Jae-Yeong asked.

If you tell him what she just told you, he might not believe it. Or maybe, if he did, he’ll be flattered. After all, it’s obvious she still loves him. Then he’s going to fall in love with Yeon-Hwa—I mean—Nari.

“It was nothing,” lied Ha-Jin, “She was just…talking about the brand.”

“What, she’s complaining about the bottles?”

“Something like that,”

He was staring at her in disbelief; clearly, Jae-Yeong didn’t fully believe what she was saying. But what could she do? Telling the truth didn’t seem like an option.

“So…you’re going away?” she asked him before he could follow up.

“Yes, I’ll be gone for a week,” he said, “I have an important business meeting in Taiwan. Father insists on going and being the dutiful son I am, I obey.”

“Ah, well, alright. I’ll ask my manager if you need to sign anything more,” she said. Thinking the conversation was over, Ha-Jin bowed politely. “Have a safe flight,” she capped off. She wanted to say more, but figured she should know her place. She was about to leave when he spoke again.

“You really confuse me,” he said.

“What?”

He got off the pillar and approached her. “Sometimes, you have the guts to say things right in my face. Other times, you’re meek as a mouse,” he commented, “I just really can’t read you, Go Ha-Jin.”

What’s the supposed to mean?

“Uhm…I’m sorry?” she offered. This made the young business tycoon smirk as he read a message on his phone. A car had arrived to pick him up.

“Well, I guess that is what makes you interesting,” he said, “I’m off. Don’t forget those papers tomorrow, Go Ha-Jin.” Before leaving, he knocked on her forehead again. Ha-Jin rubbed her head as Jae-Yeong got in his car and left.

The sting was there, but Ha-Jin felt like clinging unto the sore spot. She couldn’t help but notice the difference in Jae-Yeong’s attitude towards her—it was a drastic change from the arrogant and rude boss to the still arrogant and rude boss yet with a hint of…concern?

Was he changing in some way?

But then she thought about why he went to the shoot. Did he want to see Nari? Just the thought about it made her sick to her stomach. In the present time, she didn’t have the right to get jealous but as Hae Soo, it was difficult to see your man being snatched by the same woman for the second time around.

--

“It’s peaceful when he’s not here and I’m his brother. That’s saying something,”

Ha-Jin laughed as she and Tae-Won finished up the last rounds of paperwork. It was 11 in the evening and they were still busy signing, printing, and doodling images on the side. Her stomach was already sore from all the laughing from Tae-Won’s pathetic jokes and second-hand embarrassment.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Ha-Jin while stapling the proposals together.

“I dunno. I guess I feel less pressured,” admitted Tae-Won, signing the last batch of collaboration proposals, “I have less problems and I don’t drink coffee as much.”

“Your digestive system must be thanking you for it,”

“Greatly,”

Ha-Jin chuckled, walking up to the file cabinets. It’s been four days since Jae-Yeong left and to be honest, she understood what Tae-Won meant. Despite her suspicions that he could be the love of her life, Jae-Yeong’s presence sometimes came with a dark cloud.

It felt nice to breathe.

“Shouldn’t you be used to it by now?” she asked, “He is your brother.”

She heard him heave a sigh. “I know, but he wasn’t always like this,” he answered, “I mean, he’s always been the quiet one. Among the three of us, he wasn’t the biggest fan of people but he tried his best. His mean behavior worsened just recently. But really, he’s not like that.”

“You like to defend your brother a lot,” commented Ha-Jin.

He smiled sheepishly. “I defend both of them a lot,” he said, “But mostly Jae-Yeong hyung. People are always attacking him because of being…adopted. And it doesn’t help that Il-Sung hyung is joining the bashers.”

“Why is that?”

“My brothers are too complicated for their own good,” he answered, “But I try my best to unite them.”

The sound of the coffee machine was the only noise as they finished their work. Ha-Jin appreciated her new relationship with the Eighth Prince (or his incarnate, at least). He was funny, respectful, and the light mood she needed whenever she didn’t feel all right.

“Hey, you know what would be great?” he asked.

“What?”

Tae-Won stood up and stretched his arms. “If you and I could finally go out for coffee,” he said, “It’s been a longstanding date.”

Date?

“Huh?”

He smiled at her as he threw the last bunch of papers. “You and I…we need to talk outside the office,” he remarked, “We’re always chatting here and that’s never enough for me. I feel like we’re gossiping grandmas when we’re here.”

“Gossiping grandmas…that’s new,” she commented, “I thought we were just gossiping aunts.”

He laughed. “But I’m serious, Ha-Jinah,” he said, “Let’s hangout this weekend. Coffee is good for me.”

“I’m not sure,”

Tae-Won pouted; she couldn’t help but admit he looked adorable whenever he did that. “Why not?” he asked, “Are you busy?”

“Not really,”

“Then give me a good explanation,”

Ha-Jin thought about why she felt uneasy going out with him—even if it was just for a cup of coffee. She didn’t exactly know why; they were plenty of reasons. Apart from looking like her failed first love, it felt wrong…in some way.

“C’mon Hajinah,” he said, “We have a lot to talk about! And…” he faltered. Ha-Jin saw him rub the back of his head sheepishly. “I dunno. I just want to get to know you better.”

Tae-Won blushed but tried to hide it from Ha-Jin’s gaze. Unfortunately, she caught that whisper of pink on his cheeks. She didn’t know what to say. Was he asking her out? He did say it was a coffee date.

But Tae-Won wasn’t Wang Wook. Sure, he looked like the Eighth Prince, but he was a different person altogether. And he seemed determined to make her go. Judging from the look of his eyes a while ago, he was genuinely interested in her.

After all, they were friends.

She smiled at him. “You know, there’s a great coffee shop near my apartment,” she said.

--

“…and that’s how I ask her out?”

“It can’t be that complicated, can it?”

“When you’re me, it is!”

Ha-Jin laughed, almost choking on her coffee at Ki-Joo’s affronted expression. She fondly remembered the Tenth Prince; his face whenever things didn’t go his way. Both she and Ji-Woo cracked up as Tae-Won attempted to appease the young barista.

“How can it be that complicated?” he asked Ki-Joo, “You’re handsome and very hardworking. I have yet to meet rich son do part-time work in a coffee shop and here you are.”

“Because that girl…she’s not normal,” replied Ki-Joo.

“She’s an alien?”

“She’s a dog?”

“She’s a man?”

“You guys!”

The trio laughed at the distressed barista.

“Well, she must be one-of-a-kind, considering the fact that you’re going to these lengths just to see her,” remarked Tae-Won, “If I were a girl, I would fall for you. That level of determination deserves my attention.”

“Ugh hyung, you should see him when she studies in the morning,” said Ji-Woo, “He ogles at her when she’s not looking but he doesn’t even make a move to ask her out. He’s just here to watch her study.”

“I’m waiting for my chance!” Ki-Joo defended himself, “I can’t just charge at her like an idiot. She’ll think I’m weird.”

“Yeah, so you’ll just stare at her from a distance. Without her knowledge,” remarked Ji-Woo, “You know what? That’s not weird at all. It’s really not.”

“Aisht, you negative ball of negative energy!” exclaimed Ki-Joo, bopping Ji-Woo with a towel on the head. Ha-Jin watched as Tae-Won enjoyed the boys’ antics. Since they came here, he had been very accommodating of the dongsaengs jokes and arguments.

It was already ten in the evening and the youngest Hwang brother seemed to still have enough energy. They had been there for two hours and here he was, still happy as a clam.

She suggested having their coffee date here but with the presence of the lovable baristas. Once they were all introduced, the dongsaengs felt immediately comfortable with their new hyung. Tae-Won listened to their stories and gave brotherly advice when necessary. He knew a lot and it impressed the boys.

“So, hyung,” began Ki-Joo, “Are you really the brother of Hwang Jae-Yeong?”

Tae-Won took a sip of his coffee before answering, “Yes. I know it’s not obvious but we’re definitely related,” he said, “Why?”

“My father talks about him a lot. He’s like one of the youngest businessmen out there,” said Ki-Joo, “He said I should take notes from him.”

“He might be powerful but damn, he’s mean!” exclaimed Ji-Woo, “No offense, hyung. But I’ve heard how he’s like and god…just really mean. I can’t believe you guys are related.”

Tae-Won looked at Ha-Jin, probably wondering if she was the informant regarding Jae-Yeong’s unpleasant behavior. The latter just shrugged and took a bite from her pie while the dongsaengs waited for their hyung’s response.

“They’re not related, actually,” added Ki-Joo, “I heard he’s adopted.”

“But still my brother,” said Tae-Won, “Yeah, he does have his mean moments, but don’t we all? Think about it: he’s just 28 and he’ll be inheriting too much soon; of course, he has the right to be stressed and mean sometimes.”

“But not to my noona!” argued Ji-Woo, looking at Ha-Jin, “She’s like one of the nicest people in the world.”

“Ah Ji-Woo, you’re just saying that cause you like her,” teased Ki-Joo, causing the other dongsaeng to blush and glare at him at the same time.

“Why you—!” he exclaimed, chasing Ki-Joo around the register. It was fortunate that there weren’t much customers and their manager wasn’t there—otherwise, the kids would be in trouble. But Ha-Jin and Tae-Won enjoyed watching them.

“I can’t blame you Ji-Woo,” called out Tae-Won, “You made a fine choice.”

He then cast Ha-Jin a meaningful glance matched with his assuring smile. It was like seeing the Eighth Prince through Hae Soo’s eyes all over again—before he turned his back on her, that is. Wang Wook or not, however, Ha-Jin couldn’t deny that she did enjoy talking with Tae-Won and the boys. Apparently, he had that brotherly side to him with everyone.

Finally, customers came to the counter and the boys were busy again, leaving the two to talk to themselves.

“You know, this wasn’t exactly the coffee date I had in mind,” admitted Tae-Won.

“Really? I’m sorry; it’s just that, I really like those boys and I thought you should meet them,”

“No, I’m actually glad you did!” he explained, “Those dongsaengs crack me up and they were definitely worth my time. It’s just that…I don’t know. I thought I’d learn more about you.”

The blush crept on his chiseled cheeks once again; Ha-Jin pretended not to notice.

“Why?” she asked, “I’m very boring, to be honest.”

“No you’re not. You stood up to my eldest brother when you barely knew him; you designed an entire line based on a dead period; and let’s not forget your humor, which is superior to mine,” he said, “Where does all the spunk come from?”

She took the last bite of her pie. “I guess it comes from a strong foundation as a kid,” she jokingly explained, “Just because you’re high and mighty, doesn’t give you the right to boss people around. That’s my mantra.”

Tae-Won chuckled as he sipped from his cup again, “That’s funny. When I was a kid, Mother always told me not to let other people boss me around too because I was the boss,” he said, “I was this close to believing here. That was until my brothers started bossing me around.”

“Why aren’t they pinning you for the CEO position?” Ha-Jin asked, “Why is it always Il-Sung against Jae-Yeong?”

“I’m the youngest; naturally, people don’t care,” explained Tae-Won, “In their case, they’re both the oldest. Jae-Yeong hyung was the first child Father cared for while Il-Sung hyung was his first biological child. Me…I’m just the guy who follows his brothers around.”

“Are you happy with it?” asked Ha-Jin, suddenly remembering Wang Wook’s thirst for power. Tae-Won thought about it, making her wonder if he shared that similarity with his past incarnate. In her opinion, it would be unfortunate if he did.

“I don’t think I have a choice,” he answered, “All I know is that I was born to serve my family. I studied hard to serve my brothers and South Korea. But to be honest, I’m glad I’m not the next successor. Don’t you know how hard that’ll be?”

“What do you mean?”

“The next successor of the Hwang Cooperation has a big burden on his shoulders. We handle a lot of companies, stocks, and investments; one wrong move has a big impact on the country’s economy,” he explained, “Everything is interlinked with us; a tiny mistake can result in a huge negative impact, if we’re not careful. People can lose their jobs, a big amount of money can be wasted…all of that.”

He rubbed his forehead and sighed. “It’s a big pair of shoes to fill in and I don’t think I can. Only Jae-Yeong hyung and Il-Sung hyung can,” he said, “Which is why I’m all right with taking the back seat and just helping them out. I’d rather be the backstage than the main actor.”

She watched him as he downed his cup and pulled out his phone. Tae-Won was the healthier and more pleasant version of Wang Wook. It was also easier for her to separate him from his princely incarnate; he had his own personality, which makes anyone easily gravitate towards him. He was quiet, charming, pleasant, and friendly.

And he cared.

She smiled as she stared at him. It was really nice to have Tae-Won by her side, especially if she needed someone to understand.

“Your brothers are lucky to have you,” she remarked, “But I agree, it’s better to take the backseat. Less backlash, in case.”

He closed his phone and frowned. “I said I wanted to spend this night knowing you,” he said, “But here you are, knowing more about me and my family issues instead.”

“Well,” said Ha-Jin, looking at her watch, “We still have time. And those two are still busy…so, ask me anything.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yeah,”

He stood up and moved his chair closer to hers, looking determined and as Tae-Won as he could be. “All right, Miss Ha-Jin. You’re in for a treat,” he said.

--

The nightly breeze caused Ha-Jin’s cheeks to worsen the pink colors they already had. Her blush wasn’t just because of the wind. She placed her gloved hands on them, hoping to subside the colors so she wouldn’t explain to Chae-rin.

She and Tae-Won spent extra hours questioning each other about favorites, which ended up with them swapping stories about embarrassing classroom moments, tragic first kisses, and bashing of exes. They did learn more about each other that night, but what made Ha-Jin blush was the mere fact that he couldn’t take his eyes off her all night.

When he dropped her off in front of her apartment, he told her it was one of the best nights of his life, albeit it was simple. And she could see the genuine happiness in his eyes.

“I really enjoyed this night, Ha-Jinah,” he said, “Ten times better than partying.”

“Ahh, so did I. Thanks for wasting your time with us tonight!” she said.

“Oh and Ha-Jinah?”

She peeked at the open window of his car.

“I hope we can have more of this,” he said, “You are definitely worth my time.” And with a wave of his hand, he closed the windows, and then he was gone, leaving Ha-Jin speechless and pink in the cheeks.

Her heart was still beating while she rummaged for her keys. She didn’t know what to make of Tae-Won, his intentions, his words, and basically, the whole night. To think that she didn’t want to push through with the coffee date at first…

The door was apparently unlocked. She was too flustered with Tae-Won that she failed to notice the open door. Chae-rin was probably in; she couldn’t wait to explode. Entering their apartment, she plopped her bag down and heaved a heavy sigh.

“Ahhh Chae-rin, you won’t believe this night,” she began, walking around the house while taking off her shoes, “I dunno what to feel. It’s so weird.” Ha-Jin pulled off her socks and threw it on the sofa, heading towards her bedroom.

“God, I think I need aspirin or something. I don’t know how to react or to respond to him,” she continued.

“Respond to who?”

The voice wasn’t Chae-rin’s squeaky and high-pitched voice. Ha-Jin froze by her door, her insides growing cold in a second.

Inside her bedroom was Hwang Jae-Yeong, sporting a long and tapered sleeve green shirt, was sitting on her stool, right in front of her.  

--

A/N: Don't you just wish you were in Ha-Jin's shoes? But then again, given her situation, I'd rather not. Torn between two boys and two histories = hello to the biggest headaches in history. But if it's them, it's got to be worth it right?

Please don't panic if I fail to upload daily. I realize that I am an employee too and unfortunately, life can be a massive killjoy sometimes. But don't worry, I'll always try my best. Please upvote, comment, and share this story with your friends.

AND OMG, EXO'S Coming Over vid. SOON. Irrelevant, but just sayin.