Ha-Jin fiddled nervously with the silver bracelet around her wrist. Part of her wanted to just jump out of the car; sure, she’d be injured (or probably dead), but she’d be out of this situation. But the idea of jumping out in her very expensive dress was all kinds of terrible.

She looked outside of the car, admiring the stars instead. She vaguely recalls arguing with the Fourth Prince about the North Star; he insisted he knew more since he studied astronomy. Ha-Jin knew better, of course — after all, she was from the future.

The stars reminded her of the jewelry and the dress she wore. Her hair was in a French braid, which complemented her white dress. On a regular night out, she would have felt fancy and even happy to be wearing such luxuries. She would’ve made fun of it too, insisting she’s not made for expensive parties and trinkets.

This wasn’t a regular night out, apparently.

She flashed a glance at Jae-Yeong who sat beside her. One hand the steering wheel, he kept his eyes on the road. He must’ve been thinking hard, given the fact that he hasn’t said anything since the beginning of the night. Ha-Jin wondered what he was thinking — and why he brought her here. 

(The night before)

Ha-Jin’s eyes were already rounder than usual but what Jae-Yeong just said made them go beyond lengths.

“Excuse me?” she asked.

The young business tycoon took her out to a nearby park for his supposed apology At first, she thought she bungled up the proposals or the line. She was nervous as hell when asked her out of the shop and got her alone in the almost empty park.

But it wasn’t about that, apparently.

He had a serious look on his face. You would’ve thought he was just asking for candy.

“I said go out with me tomorrow,” he repeated, “I need a date.”

Everything seemed like a colossal joke; there were so many questions. Why would future CEO Hwang Jae-Yeong ride a bike across town at this time of the night looking for a date? Next question: out of all the women out there, why her?

It didn’t make sense.

“Are you playing me?” she asked all of a sudden.

His eyes widened in disbelief. “What?”

She crossed her arms. “What date are you talking about?” she asked, “What’s the event?”

“Do you have to know?”

“You’re dragging me into something I don’t even know. Of course, I have to!”

“Is that how you talk to someone who leads your team?” he retorted.

“Well, I don’t think being your date is part of my job description.”

Her clap back silenced him, removing that demanding smirk on his face. Ha-Jin couldn’t understand why he came out with this so suddenly. What did he want? And where in the world is the apology?

Jae-Yeong shoved his hands in his pockets and sighed.

“You’re really fearless, aren’t you?” he asked.

Ha-Jin didn’t answer but firmly stood her ground. He might be the son of a top dog and she might be working under him (as well as the possible incarnate of her lost love), but this was a different subject.

“There’s an engagement party tomorrow,” he explained, “I need to bring someone. You’re the first person I thought of.”

That caught her off guard.

“What? Why?” she asked, “Don’t you have other friends to take?”

He laughed sarcastically, “I’m not friendly with women,” he said, “If I had my way, I wouldn’t do this. But I have to. And I’ve come to the decision: it’s either you or I’d risk not going again and my whole family disowning me.”

Jae-Yeong leaned on the tree and crossed his arms, pretending as if he didn’t say something major. He must’ve been enjoying Ha-Jin’s face; there was a patronizing look on his face.

“I can’t keep ditching events like these,” he added, “So, are you in or not?”

“Why me?” she asked, “You don’t even like me.”

Jae-Yeong left his spot and walked closer until he was just three inches away. He bent down to her level, arms behind him, and a knowing look on his face. Ha-Jin stiffened at the closeness; the head rush of memories began.

“I don’t have to like you,” he said, “I’m just in need.”

“Should I call you…my person, then?”

The tears threatened to fall but she held her composure. She couldn’t just cry like this every single time. Ha-Jin tried her best to face him head on.

“What’s in it for me?” she asked.

He smiled, “My apology.”

Hwang Jae-Yeong’s apology, however, did not come in the verbal form. The next day, one of his personal secretaries dropped by Ha-Jin’s apartment to pick her up for a day of “…dressing up and pampering at the salon,” as the secretary said.

That was his apology.

Ha-Jin spent half the day visiting three shops and one salon. She was dressed in a beautiful white, off-shouldered sequined dress (which cost half of her rent) and heels (which cost twice her rent). She was also adorned in simple but elegant jewelry, with her hair tied into a glamorous French braid that fell on her shoulders.

Before 5 PM, the man himself arrived to pick her up.

And that’s how she ended up seated beside Hwang Jae-Yeong in his car.

--

Jae-Yeong finally parked in front of a glamorous hotel, which was surrounded by other expensive cars. Ha-Jin had to keep from dropping at the beautiful setting. She stepped out of her own and was greeted with fairy lights and the sound of merriment nearby.

“Wow,” she whispered.

Jae-Yeong came out and fixed his cuff links. Unlike her, he didn’t seem that impressed with the décor. In fact, he just looked like he was there for business. Still, Ha-Jin couldn’t help but admire him in his jet-black suit, opened a little at the neck to reveal a tanned and toned chest.

Oh my god, stop that, she said to herself.

He approached her and looked at the surroundings before settling on her face again. Without a word, he just extended his arm, as if inviting her to take it.

“Come on,” he said shortly, “Let’s get this over with.”

He took her hand and laced it around his arm before leading her towards the merriment. There was a sense of familiarity with his touch. Despite his unpleasant behavior, Ha-Jin felt secure and safe…and a little less afraid.

“Ah, Jae-Yeongah!”

Presenter Ji-Hyun approached them, dressed in a fine navy blue suit. His expression became more ecstatic at the sight of Ha-Jin.

“Well, don’t you have a pretty date?” he asked Jae-Yeong, “You look more beautiful, Miss Ha-Jin.”

Ha-Jin blushed, “Thank you,” she said, “By the way, whose engagement party is this?”

“Where am I supposed to go now?” asked Jae-Yeong, ignoring Ha-Jin’s question.

“Follow me,” said Ji-Hyun, “I’m glad you showed up. This will stop all the talk and I’m sure your father will find it favorable too.”

“Are all of them there?”

“You’ll see.”

Jae-Yeong nodded thoughtfully before looking at Ha-Jin. He didn’t say much, but his stare sent shivers down her spine. She didn’t know if he wasn’t pleased with her outfit or if he was thinking of another unpleasant remark.

He said nothing. Instead, he just led her to another great hall.

“Ah hyung!”

A pleasant voice got their attention, followed by the presence of Tae-Won. Ha-Jin thought he looked so respectable in his dark suit and glasses. But then again, the Eighth Prince had always been respectable.

“Ha-Jinah!” he greeted, “What—? Wow, it’s…it’s nice to see you here.”

He smiled shyly, which warmed him to Ha-Jin’s heart. There was something bubbly and lovable about him.

“Where are we sitting?” Jae-Yeong asked his younger brother.

Tae-Won looked at his brother, “I don’t know, probably with us,” he answered, “To be honest, I think the organizers thought you wouldn’t show up. But…I’m glad you did.” He patted his brother at the back. Ha-Jin expected Jae-Yeong to throw his dosaeng’s arm away, but was surprised when he gave a small nod.

“Ahh, there’s my son.”

Ha-Jin turned around and saw another couple approach them. Given everything that has happened, she wasn’t surprised at their appearance, but there was always that little shock that came with encountering someone from the past.

Hwang Kwang-Soo (who bore an eerily similar appearance to Emperor Taejo, minus the beard) smiled warmly at his sons. By his side was the malevolent Queen Yoo — only this time, her jewels and clothes weren’t of the old era. She looked glamorous in her silk dress and silver necklace.

Ha-Jin felt tighten at the sight of her. Flashbacks of poisonous accusations and schemes almost made her faint. But this was the present; surely, this Queen incarnate wasn’t as evil as before?

She was still holding Jae-Yeong’s arm, so she felt him tense up a bit. Despite her worries, she was curious to see if anything has changed in their mother-son relationship.

Jae-Yeong bowed respectfully. “Hello there, father…mother,” he said.

Hwang Kwang-Soo smiled warmly at his oldest son while his wife stared stoically. Based on the news reports she read, Ha-Jin learned that this woman (Hwang Shin-Hye) only had two biological sons: Il-Sung and Tae-Won. When she married Kwang-Soo, he had just taken in a 1-year old Jae-Yeong. Rumors say the wife of the business tycoon wasn’t pleased with his decision, especially the one that made Jae-Yeong his future successor.

“Thank you for dealing with those unpleasant contractors the other day,” said his father, “It kept me stress-free the entire night.”

“The pleasure is mine, Father,” replied Jae-Yeong respectfully.

His step-mother took a minute or two before she said anything.

“Are you eating well?” she asked him.

Ha-Jin spotted an unsure smile on his face as he answered, “Yes, Mother. Thank you for your concern,” he said.

“Well, who is this girl you’re with?” asked Kwang-Soo. Ha-Jin jumped in surprise at being addressed by the Emperor (CEO, he’s a CEO, dummy). Jae-Yeong also felt her surprise, but remained stoic and formal.

“Just an interesting girl helping out with the Goryeo line,” he answered, “This is Go Ha Jin.”

Hwang Kwang-Soo had a fatherly feel about him, something Emperor Taejo lacked. He smiled at his son and at her. She gave a polite bow.

“Ah, we hope you have a good time tonight,” he said pleasantly.

“Have some refreshments when you can,” added Mrs. Shin-Hye. Ha-Jin found it odd to have the Queen smiling at her. But she smiled her best and nodded.

“Honey, we should go,” said the wife, “We must settle down. I think the event is about to start and some of the guests want to see us.”

“Ahh the task of socialization,” said the CEO, “Excuse us and do enjoy yourselves. Tae-Won, are you coming?”

“Yes, Dad,” said Tae-Won. He then took Ha-Jin’s hand and gave it a small kiss, to her surprise.

“I’ll see you around, Miss Ha-Jin,” he said and then followed his parents’ suit, leaving Jae-Yeong and Ha-Jin in the entrance.

“Come on,” he said, “Before anyone forces me to socialize.” He pulled her towards one of the last tables near the bar.

“Uhm okay, while we’re at it, can you tell me whose party is this?” she asked, “What’s the occasion?”

“Well, look who made it.”

Jae-Yeong and Ha-Jin stopped again. His brother came to greet them, but not Tae-Won. It was Il-Sung and by his side was Nari.

Il-Sung wore Prince Yo’s smile so well. His proud stature suggested that this was his night. Ha-Jin could sense a slight contempt mixed with mockery somewhere. Nari, on the other hand, wore a shocked expression on her face.

But that ring on her finger gave Ha-Jin an idea.

“Glad to see you here, hyung,” said Il-Sung, “I thought you cancelled.”

Jae-Yeon’s mouth flashed into a thin and controlled smile. “Why would I cancel? It’s your day,” he answered, “And it’s also a good business opportunity.”

“That’s true but keep the socializing to a minimum first, hyung,” said Il-Sung, “After all, Nari and I are yet to enjoy our special night.”

There was tension in the air and Ha-Jin fiddled at her bracelet once more. Even Nari seemed uncomfortable with the situation. Both girls looked at their partners, hoping they wouldn’t cause a scene or something.

Il-Sung then noticed Ha-Jin and she froze.

“I see my brother has scored a pretty date,” he said, “Thank you for coming to our engagement party, Miss—?”

“Ha-Jin, Go Ha-Jin,” she answered automatically.

He smiled at her (and she found that unsettling). “Do enjoy Miss Ha-Jin. I trust you’re in good hands. My brother is good company, especially if you know how to treat him right,” he said, “Unfortunately, my fiancé and I must greet our guests. We’ll be going ahead.”

Ha-Jin stepped aside as Il-Sung and Nari passed by towards the main hall. She glanced at Jae-Yeong nervously. He hasn’t spoken a word and his face wore that same tensed expression—the one torn between hurt and anger.

She wanted to touch him, like she always did, but she felt she had no right.

A minute later, he looked at her.

“Well, let’s go in,” he said.

---

An hour later, Ha-Jin realized the magnitude of Jae-Yeong’s influence in the business — both good and bad. After that awkward incident with Il-Sung and Nari, he automatically reverted to boss mode, meeting anyone and everyone within reach. A number would say good words about him, asking the next business venture. But there were some who had comments, especially when he wasn’t within reach.

“Good to know he finally showed up.”

 “Of course, he has to uphold the family tradition. Being adopted and all…”

“It’s still a wonder why Hwang Il-Sung wasn’t hailed the future successor. Look at him, all honorable. Compared to this…”

He didn’t talk to her much. During the first half, he dragged her around, allowing her to meet new people. Eventually, she got tired and chose to watch him from the bar. But as the people came and went, she lost track of him and now she didn’t know where he was.

She ended up exploring the place instead. The party was getting too lonely since she barely knew anyone. Ha-Jin looked at the different halls and gardens; she was enjoying the view of happy people and occasional drunk uncles on the side. It was definitely a place for the rich and famous; as she made her way to the balconies, she already counted five celebrities.

The fairy lights in the deserted balcony were pretty. They made for great lighting—especially for a selca.

“Wah, I should take a selca,” she said, “Wouldn’t want these luxuries go to waste.”

She took out her phone and clicked on the camera. Posing against the rose bushes, she pouted and clicked. Ha-Jin looked and smiled, pleased with the results.

“Luna and Si Eun would be so jealous,” she said.

“…was this what you wanted?”

She heard people coming towards her path. Panicking, she stuffed her phone inside her bag and, instead of walking back like any normal person, hid behind the bushes.

“This isn’t want I wanted,” said a frustrated female voice.

“Are you sure that pretty rock isn’t enough? Because you seem to be enjoying it,” came Jae-Yeong’s sarcastic tone.

Ha-Jin froze at the sound of his voice. She took a peek from where she hid and saw Jae-Yeong confronting a red-faced Nari. He looked pretty angry while she had a guilty expression on her face.

“Jae-Yeong,” she said in an exasperated tone, “Please don’t do this.”

He laughed sarcastically. “I did this? Really? Are you sure of that Nari?” he asked, “I wasn’t the one who left.”

“Jae-Yeongah, please,” she said, her voice toning down, “You know I never wanted to hurt you.”

Ha-Jin watched as Nari held his arm. She looked at him, pleading for some unknown reason. They shared an intense eye contact; it made Ha-Jin felt as if she was trespassing in an intimate moment. Was it possible—?

The thought of it alone caused an unpleasant throbbing in her chest. She didn’t like what she was seeing, but she couldn’t stop watching.

“Are you sleeping well?” she asked, “I heard you’re having a hard time since—“

“It’s none of your business,”

“Jae-shii,”

Nari’s frustrated tone was gone, replaced by an affectionate plea. Her hand was still on Jae-Yeong’s arm and there was that look in her eyes. Ha-Jin couldn’t watch them anymore; she didn’t want to see what would happen next. She hurriedly got out of the bushes. Unfortunately, her feet caught one of the branches.

And she tripped right in front of them.

Nari jumped in fright at the sight of her. Ha-Jin cringed at the stabbing pain on her side, rubbing it constantly to make the pain go away.

“Ouch, ouch, ouch!” she whined. Her fingers ran across the torn seam on her side; she could feel a bump. It took her a minute to realize that she was in front of the two. Immediately, she got up on a broken heel.

“Ahh, I’m sorry,” she said, bowing continuously, “I’m sorry.”

Nari had taken her hands off Jae-Yeong’s arm and moved away from him. She gave him one last look before saying, “I’ll go ahead, Jae-Yeong. Your date needs company.” She nodded at Ha-Jin before leaving the two.

Some unknown force kept Ha-Jin planted on her toes. She didn’t know what to do or say or even how to handle Jae-Yeong’s unreadable expression. His eyes were directed at the rose bushes; again, he was in deep thought. She was scared of his frustrated look, especially when his eyes landed on her.

Oh god, here it comes.

“Find a ride back home,” he said flatly, “I’m going.”

“Wait, what?”

He turned his back and glanced at her. “I said, I’m going,” then without another word, he left.

“Hey, you can’t just leave me here!” she yelled at him, trying to run after him with her broken heel. The pain from her side, however, kept her from catching up with him, “This is a pathetic excuse for an apology!”

But he never came back. He left Ha-Jin alone with a broken heel, a sore backside, and the growing influx of negative emotions. She wanted to burst open, jump out, or smash a vase, but she couldn’t.

She didn’t know which was painful: her back or how he stared at Nari with pain and — possibly — affection.  

--

A/N: We all have questions, don't we? I have one (or more than, actually): If I asked you to trust me, will you? Will you trust me when I say that things will be okay? Do things don't make sense right now? I guarantee that if you trust me first, I will not change, as Hae Soo said. 

Also, IU’s IG post. My god. Really? They cut the scene off? Why? 

P.S. Do you want to know more about past lives? Cause she will.