There are different kinds of people we are bound to encounter. Some will be strangers, some will just pass us and some- well, some people stay. 

 

That’s what he did. For so many years- he stayed.

 

She had many stories with him... created over the years spent with him. But unlike other stories, theirs wasn’t at all romantic. It was what they call a ‘cliche’ but not romantic.

 

Kim Yoo Jung. Honor student. Daughter of a respectable family. Well-loved by the people around her. Someone who’s set to achieve great things. She’s someone who’s bound to leave the boring life of the rural. Everybody expects great things from her. 

 

Yeo Jin Goo. The passionate musician. Wherever he goes, his music touches people’s hearts. Headstrong, he would always do what his mind has made up to do. His family would always tell him that he won’t make money taking the musical path. But amidst this, he remained a dreamer. 

 

He’s two years older than her. Pretty popular at school, and very friendly. He would always make the time to greet her in the hallways of their school and she would always shyly bow at him out of respect for him. That would also sum up their childhood to teenage years worth of interactions. No more than his “Good Mornings” and her polite greetings.

  

After he packed and move out of town since his graduation, they met when she was a freshman in college. She just got admitted to Seoul National University to pursue her pre-medicine degree. And well, he just happened to be wondering around her new apartment complex  on the day her parents dropped her off.

Yoo Jung was waving goodbye to her parents when a tap on her back was felt. 

 

“Hey. Yoo Jung-yang. It really is you.” Yoo Jung was greeted with a smiling Jin Goo as she turned around. “I thought I was just seeing things, I just had to check up close.”

 

Shock to have seen him, she was lost at what to do so she resorted to her old ways and politely bowed at him.

 

“Huh. You haven’t changed at all.” He . “It’s not everyday you meet someone you know out of Seoul and meet them here.” He chided, “But here you are. I think I understand now when they say the phrase, ‘a breath of fresh air.’” He smiled sheepishly.

 

Muddled but somehow relieved at seeing someone familiar, Yoo Jung smiled at him. “Well, it’s not like we exchanged conversations before.” She remarked, with a hint of smile on her lips. 

 

He laughed in agreement. Yoo Jung then started to walk into a nearby coffee shop. “Coffee?” she invited him, looking back at Jin Goo. 

 

Surprised at her sudden invitation, he smiled. His encounter with her easily brightened his day, he unconsciously followed behind her. “As long as it’s your treat.” He smirked, and patted her back a little too strongly. When she blankly stared back at him, he added, “Heh. Just kidding.”

 

That was the beginning of their many years of friendship together.

 

In her brief stay, Yoo Jung learned that he dropped out of school due to financial reasons. He’s trying to support himself since apparently his family is still not keen on his decisions. Despite this, he understood them and made it his goal to make it big in the industry. Jin Goo told her he’s still passionate about music and that he’s now a vocalist of an indie band. He’s mostly saving up money and just ‘getting himself out there.’ He would always invite her to his gigs but she’d always decline. However, she might just take his offer for the night.

 

One wouldn’t believe it but living in Seoul can really change a person in just a few months. Competition was really different in big universities, and a few months under that constant pressure has really put a toll on her. So when he asked her to listen to his band for the nth time that month, she finally relented.

They agreed to meet at the place where they’ll have their performance. It’s surprisingly near her place so she got the time to aimlessly wander before going to meetup with him. 

When Yoo Jung got there, it was just in time for his band’s set. She genuinely liked his music. Yoo Jung could see that his eyes were so much alive in the short time they were allowed to play on stage. His voice serenading every soul present in the room. It’s undeniable that he belongs up on the stage. Jamming to his hearts content.

 

That’s what she said when he finally went down to meet her after their performance. Still elated, he hugged her as soon as he heard her say that. Catcalls soon reverberated in her space as figures of a group of guys appeared behind Jin Goo. Jin Goo rolled his eyes when he heard them with their nonsense-ities. If that’s even a word.

 

“Yoo Jung, these are my band-mates.” Jin Goo started.

 

“Baro- he’s our drummer.” As soon as he said that, a cheerful looking guy around her height went up to her and offered his hands to shake. His face was well-rounded with an easy smile plastered on his face.

“Nice to meet you, Yoo Jung. Heard you’re from Jin Goo’s hometown.” 

 

“Min Ho hyung- Bass.” A rather tall with a thin build guy approached her. The guy had wavy brown hair with irresistible eyes. Yoo Jung was lost in gaze as he placed a soft kiss on her hands when she absentmindedly offered her hands in greetings. “Jin Goo didn’t say you were this beautiful.” 

 

Yoo Jung turned red at his actions. Jin Goo snorted and called out his bandmate, quickly separating Min Ho from Yoo Jung. “Ya! stop that, she’s my precious dongsaeng.” He protested.

 

Baro laughed. “Looks like he’s going full-on big brother mode right now.” He said as he elbowed Min Ho.

 

Jin Goo snorted irritatedly, “Anyway, for the guitar, Jinyoung-hyung.” Jin Goo motioned to the last person. 

 

Finally, the guy with an unkempt but stylish hair walked forward. He’s around the same height as Jin Goo but has a thinner build. His eyes were small but fiercely warm and has this mysterious aura surrounding him.  With the faintest of smile, he greeted her.

 

She got the opportunity to get to know his peers after some time. Their gigs were her break off of studying and, believe it or not, she had to take off more often than she liked. And Kim Yoo Jung and Yeo Jin Goo? Basically, inseparable.

 

They got close to the point where he frequents her place. One night she even got the surprise of her life when she wasn’t expecting him to be there and he just sprung out of nowhere.

Yoo Jung was just doing her nightly routine in her oversized top and shorts. She likes to thoroughly cleanse her face before going to bed. Closing her eyes as she wash off the suds from her facial wash, she felt someone moved behind her. As she looked up, Yeo Jin Goo stood behind her as he examined her face.

 

“Yaaaa!” she yelped. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Yeo Jin Goo gave his most innocent smile as he explained his situation. Apparently he got behind his rent and got kicked off his place. 

“So why didn’t you go to your band mates’ place?”

He pouted, “They’re staying at their dorms.” Jin Goo replied simply. “Besides, you have a spare room in here.”

Yoo Jung sighed. “And you expect i’ll just allow you to live here?”

He nodded, his eyes pleading. “Just for the mean time.” Jin Goo said. “Please?”

Yoo Jung sighed again. “Fine. You can stay he-“

 

“Yes! I knew I could count on you!” he said before she even had to finish her sentence. He hugged her and quickly left to give her time to finish her ritual.

She smiled briefly at his antics before realizing something, “YA Yeo Jin Goo! how did you find out the password to my place?!”

To this day, he wouldn’t tell her how he got her password. He wouldn’t budge until she stopped asking him relentlessly. She figures, he wouldn’t reveal his secret in case she wanted him to move out in the future.

 

Being housemates, Yoo Jung got to spend most of her time with him but the more they stick together, the more people are suspecting that they’re together even if he does have a girlfriend. His friends often ask him about it but he would always brush them off. Jinja, he hasn’t even thought of her that way. And Jin Goo is quite sure she hasn’t either. But- he admits Yoo Jung is quite attractive, smart and charming. Anyone would fall for her.

 

Since they were pretty close to talk about all things, naturally, he would ask her if she’s seeing someone at that moment. 

Yoo Jung stopped midway into her studying as she turned crimson once the words left out of his mouth. She looked dumfoundedly at him lying on her bed as she sat across from her study table. She stuttered non-coherent words before finally, “I-I am not seeing anyone as of the moment.-“ She said, “What makes you think that?” Yoo Jung said while trying to  look busy looking for something in her books. 

 

“I mean- I never saw you with anyone other than the band. And some of your study group.” He explained, moving from his side to come closer, studying her face. “And I know you’re quite popular in your school from hanging around too much in there. So I was just wondering.”

 

“Well, you shouldn’t even wonder about my personal life in the first place.” She said in an attempt to stop the topic. “Just worry about that girl you’ve been seeing. When did you even last see her?”

“What do you mean?” He looked pointedly at her, “We just met up today, You know she always want to at least meet up once a day.”

“Whipped.” she said under her breath as she laughs to herself. “Just admit it, she thinks weird that you’re living here. That’s why she asks you to always go to hers. Just move out already. You even have a stable part time job now, so no need to stay here anymore.”

“Haha, you’re funny.” Jin Goo said sarcastically, choosing to not pay attention at the part where she suggested he move out.

“Just so you know, she knows you’re a good friend,And she doesn’t get jealous of you AT ALL.”

 

She snorted at that, rolling her eyes.

 

He ignored her as he continued, “But I just wanna know why you haven’t been dating? Is it your studies? OR Do I threaten your possible suitors too much. Do they think you’re my girlfriend? Wait- maybe you have a crush on me?” He asked, playfully sending out a wink to her. “Sorry Yooj- you’re just not my-“

 

At that, she threw a book at him.

 

“Hey, hey, no need to be physical. Just want to make sure you don’t fall for my charms.” He said. She snickered. “No, seriously Yooj. You can’t waste your pretty face looking at those books. You got to have fun too. Im just saying- If you do go out with someone -we can go on double dates.”

 

“That’d be too awkward.” Yoo Jung whispered. Although, Jin Goo didn’t catch it.

“No thank you. I dont want to be beside you when Jin Hee’s smothering you up.”

 

“Oh come on. I can’t help it if I’m too irresistible.”

“Look, I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you get out of my room now OR I’ll just throw your things out for good?” She said to end the topic. Yoo Jung can’t handle him anymore if they were to talk about it some more. Yeo Jin Goo paused for a bit, “Fine.” he replied as he stuck out his tongue.

 

And just like that, Yoo Jung got her way and they didn’t talk about it again that night.

 

“You’re ridiculous.” So Hyun, her friend at the university, said to Yoo Jung as they walk into their next class together. “You do know that you sounded like you were jealous.”

 

“What? I mean-Yknow thats not true. Why would I even be?” Yoo Jung asked bewildered.

So Hyun laughed at her naivety, “I know that of course. But I’m just telling you how you come off.”

“I can’t follow” Yoo Jung replied, still lost at what her friend was trying to tell. “Never mind. But it’d be really awkward to have double dates with them. I mean you know how his girlfriend used to go on all of their performances before and how she gives me that evil eye. I swear, that girl doesn’t like me at all.”Yoo Jung explained.

 

“Uh-huh I know that okay?. That’s true. But why is it so hard for you to tell him the ‘truth.’ I bet Jin Hee would even like you more after you tell the truth.” So Hyun said to her friend.

“It’s because- We’re friends. He’s gonna act weird. I just know it.”

The ‘truth’ came out unexpectedly for the both of them. Jin Goo and Jin Hee planned to go out of town for the weekend. He told that to Yoo Jung and informed her he wasn’t going back at the apartment that night. However, Jin Hee had an emergency and had to go home to her hometown. He guessed he should’ve told Yoo Jung before going back to their apartment that night.

The apartment was dark except for the lights coming from the tv in the living room. It was odd since usually he was the one most likely to forget something like turning off the TV. He was walking towards the room to turn it off when he can make out two figures on the sofa. 

 

It was Yoo Jung and Jinyoung literally liplocking heatedly on top of each other. He didn’t mean to make a sound but he was too stunned to notice the beer can lying on the floor. A look of shock painted Yoo Jung’s face as she jolted up, knocking over Jinyoung to the  floor.

Jin Goo swore he should’ve known from the signs he was getting. The touchy guitar lessons Jinyoung gave her during one of their practice sessions. The familiar looking guitar in her room last week. The long conversations they seem to share when they’re together. The list just goes on. And it suddenly hit him all at once.

Slowly, a grin formed in Jin Goo’s face. “You and Jinyoung, huh.” 

 

Yoo Jung cringed. She just knows that he’ll start being weird about it- annoyingly weird. And this was the reason she wouldn’t tell him in the first place.

 

“So, when did this start?” Jin Goo’s eyes sparked of mischief.

 

When Jin Goo started with his questions, Jinyoung and Yoo Jung agreed that Jinyoung should head off first. She walked her boyfriend to her doorstep and then went straight towards her bedroom. But Jin Goo quickly blocked the door to her bedroom before she even got to close the door.

“So Yooj, was it his bangs?” Jin Goo started to tease as he re-arranged his hair to resemble Jinyoung’s haircut. “Or was it his eyes?” He then squinted his eyes to make his eyes smaller.

 

She ignored him and went further into her room. Suddenly, wrapping herself in her comforter seemed really a good idea.

 

Having no sense of boundaries, Jin Goo followed her and sat on her side.“Why did hyung go home already? I’m sure if I didn’t come home, you two would be-“ Before he even got to finish the sentence, Yoo Jung reappeared from her blankets and placed a hand on top of his mouth to stop him from saying anything. She was red from embarrassment. And the thought of- the things he’s thinking-It’s just- Well maybe it wasn’t far from happening.

 

“Jin Goo! Get out!”

 

“Hey, that’s what you just had to say earlier. I would have left too if I knew I was disturbing you two lovebirds.” Jin Goo can’t help but make fun of her. “If by chance- will you leave too if I brought Jin Hee here?”

 

“LEAVE!”

After a while the news of Yoo Jung and Jinyoung settled down, Jin Goo gradually laid off from making fun of them together. One factor is that they just ignored Jin Goo when he’s being childish.

 

Throughout their college years, It became apparent that Yoo Jung and Jinyoung were perfect together. They were always around each other in their own little world. So no one in their circle expected their breakup.

 

Yoo Jung was out late one night to drink to her heart’s content. She was so drunk that So Hyun had to call him to pick her up at a small bar. So Hyun told him that she called Jinyoung earlier but Yoo Jung won’t go home with the guy.

 

When he got to the bar, Jin Goo saw Yoo Jung resting her head against So Hyun’s shoulder. Her face streaked with dried tears. So Hyun needed to go back to her dorm before her roommate gets her in trouble so she left as soon as he arrived.

 

The night was far from over. Yoo Jung sobered up by the time they got into their apartment. She insisted that another round for drinking is what she needed and he just couldn’t say no to her at that moment.

 

The reason for their breakup came spilling out after two more bottles.

 

“Jin Goo-oppa. This is all your fault.” She blurted out.

 

Shocked upon hearing her words, he asked, “Why?”

 

“It’s because we’re too close for Jinyoung’s comfort, I’m sure. But I just can’t kick you out.” She explained as she talked to her bottle, her head resting over their dining table. “You’re my special-hmmmm-“ she stopped as if thinking for the words that would fit, “special hyung.” She giggled.

“I mean- is it my fault if I know your allergies and all?” she told him. “Jinyoung oppa had to bring up the time when he graduated. He was supposed to introduce me to his family. But that was the time you-“ she hiccupped- “you passed out from eating something and Jin Hee just couldn’t say to the nurse what your allergies were.”

 

“Or-“ she continued, “the time when I had to cancel our celebratory date for his first work for your emergency- you had to go and buy something for Jin Hee.”- she hiccupped. –“or the time when you accompanied me to my grandmother’s funeral-don’t you think he should’ve volunteered to come with me instead of using that against me.” She hiccupped again, “Bottom line is, it was your fault.” Yoo Jung said, poking up a finger on his chest.

 

It was the first time he was hearing these things.

 

She slammed down a hand to the table and suddenly stood up. “The thing is- I don’t even feel the slightest attraction to you.”

 

“Wow-Yoo Jung, I don’t know if I should feel offended-“ Before he knows it, Yoo Jung’s lips was against his. Then it was gone. An action just to prove something. It was only a peck but he was stunned at what she just did. Jin Goo looked at her face, still lingering over his. He can tell that she was lost in her own thoughts before she moved to kiss him again.

 

This time her kiss was more firm. The soft caress of her lips ghosting over his own. Without realizing, he opened his mouth to deepen the kiss. His lips moving to savor her sweet taste. For a while, he forgot everything else. For a while, he forgot- Jin Hee. He opened his eyes and pulled back. The sudden jerk made her stumble, flop down her chair and hit her head on the table. Jin Goo quickly checked on her only to realize that she have fallen asleep despite the hit she just took.

 

There was no sign of Yoo Jung’s recollection on what happened that night. Jin Goo woke up the following day with her complaining how her head ached so much. Then she realizes that she was late for her classes so she haphazardly prepared for her day.

 

She didn’t go home to their apartment for two weeks, texting him that she has a lot to catch up for her last practical exams. Those nights alone got him thinking what Yoo Jung meant to him-what their drunken kiss meant to him. Jin Goo realized that he liked her. He liked how easily he got along with her, liked how he’s so much at ease with her, liked how they work together.

 

Jin Goo ended up breaking up with Jin Hee. The next time he’ll see her, he’ll try to woo her. That next time, Yoo Jung and Jinyoung got back together. Jin Goo never had his chance to confess but welcomed the sight of her smiling once again as she relays her story of how Jinyoung apologized. Her words cut deep as he swallowed the truth that their kiss was nothing but a forgotten memory to her. The alternative- of her knowing but choosing to forget- is just more painful to bear.

 

He tried to go on like before. “Friends.” He didn’t think that word could leave a bitter taste to his mouth.

 

Jin Goo focused his energy to his music and women. Her kiss buried deep into the dark. He convinced himself that he was just confused with his feelings that time. As he met with different women, he gradually forgot the taste of her lips. Now, the memory is mixed with the other women he spent the night with.

 

She never heard how Jin Goo broke up with Jin Hee until he introduced another girl to her. Then another- and then another. She would tell him that he’s acting odd the past few months but Jin Goo grew distant as he started spending most of his time outside their apartment. He wouldn’t tell her anything about what he was doing or where he spends his time.

 

Yoo Jung started to worry until one day he came home in his cheery old self.

 

“An agent came to talk to our band.” He told her, “He wants to sign a deal with us.” Jin Goo exclaimed, as he lifted her and spun her around in his good mood.

 

They didn’t talk anything about what happened in betweens. But she nagged him about how he has been acting. Jin Goo smiled at the way she cried after he told her the good news and then poked on his chest. She wouldn’t tell him but he knew her tears were a mix of joy and relief. He knew how badly he acted. It wasn’t at all lost to him as she threw her looks at the girls he introduced her. He knew- it wouldn’t be long until she unleashed her wrath to him. And well- it is the first time in a while that they were alone together.

 

“I’m sorry.” Jin Goo admitted, as he wrapped around her small frame. “But- I can’t help it if all those girls wanted to take me away from you.” Yoo Jung snorted at his remark.

 

“Pabbo.” She hit his chest to break free and looked at him. “Did you at least have-protection?” Her face-full of naivety only made him laugh.

 

“YA! Why would you ask that? Are you my sister?” He asked as he ruffled her hair.

 

Yoo Jung pouted at his actions, “Well, I’m just looking out for you! You’re not exactly behaving like an adult these days.”

 

“Well-if you really want to know. Why don’t I tell you the night with Ji An or should I just tell you about Ah Ran-Or” He offered but a Yoo Jung’s finger over his mouth put a halt into his musings.

 

“Ugh- Never mind.” She said, before flicking a finger on his forehead. “Ow!”

 

They managed to return to the way they were. Slowly but surely.

 

One night after their band’s rehearsal, he went home to her muffled crying. He overheard her mother explaining why she’s getting a divorce with her father. Apparently, her father has been cheating on her mother for a while now- and with someone so much younger.

 

“Mom-How-Why would Dad… I’ll just- I’ll come home.” Jin Goo heard her say. She seemed to move around in her room before coming to a stop “But- I want to speak with Dad- Fine…Please just- update me, arasso?”

 

Something he never expected happened that night. Something that clued him in on how she must have felt that evening. Yoo Jung came to his room as he was about to sleep. The sudden shift in his bed alerted him before he was fully gone into his dreams. She sat silently on his bed, biting her lips. He welcomed the silence as he waited patiently for her to speak up.

 

“You awake?” She whispered, her voice weak.

 

“I am.” He answered, his voice hoarse from having been woken up in his early stage of sleep.

 

“Can I-“ she hesitated- “Can I sleep here for the night?” she asked and as if she instantly felt foolish for asking, she stood up-ready to leave. “No-I’m sorry for-“ He held her hand before she got the chance to leave. “You can.”

 

Jin Goo made space for her in his bed, squeezing her hand to reassure her. A flicker in her eyes showed how she was wavering, but then she moved to lie beside him. He opened his arms to snuggle her in comfort, moving his hands up and down her sides to soothe her to sleep. It wasn’t long until he felt the tell-tale sign of her crying-he can hear her irregular breathing and felt something wet in the front of his shirt as she moved closer to him. “It’s okay-you can cry- I won’t ask.” And just like that, she finally released what she was trying to hide just moments ago.

 

Yoo Jung never told him anymore about it. But- he decided to stop seeing different ladies at a time. He decided- he won’t date anyone for the time being.

 

After a week, she broke up with Jinyoung. She didn’t tell Jin Goo anything about it. He knew through Baro who knew through Jinyoung. Jin Goo never learned about the reason for their break-up and he never asked Yoo Jung nor Jinyoung.

 

Yoo Jung would still support them if she got a chance but she rarely visits their practice session since her breakup. She excuses that she is focusing on her doctorate degree. Yoo Jung felt like she was missing so much but she wouldn’t want to be the mood breaker if and when she does decide to pay them a visit. She wouldn’t want Jinyoung to feel awkward with his own band.

 

No one expected for them to succeed quickly. As soon as they released their first single, their band became a hit. The press described their band as ‘refreshing.’ In the ages of Kpop idols, their band were really a standout. It also helped that all of the guys were good-looking. As the band grew famous, they attract more and more attention. She knew sooner or later, he had to move out. And their manager insisted that it was high time before the press got a sniff of their peculiar living arrangement.

 

“This would be the last of your things.” Yoo Jung said as she closed the zipper to his last bag. She looked up to him from the floor, eyes a little misty.

 

“Hey- no crying.”

 

“I can’t help it. It feels like I’m sending my son to college.” She joked but sniffled and wiped her tears away.

 

“Well, you certainly act old. So eomoni- don’t you worry. I will take care of myself.-OW!” She smacked him in his head, then pulls him into a hug. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?” she whispered. 

 

“I won’t.” He assured her, as he pats her head.

 

She felt empty the first night she got home without his shoes lying around her apartment. He missed seeing her study outside his bedroom. They knew things wont be the same anymore.

 

Although they promised, they lost contact over the years. They tried to keep in touch but at the peak of the band’s career, hers were at the peak of her doctorate. He felt guilty for not trying harder. The next time he heard about her-she passed the licensure exam for her doctorate. Jin Goo sent her flowers to congratulate her but he didn’t receive any messages from her if she did receive it. He didn’t bother to check either.

 

If Yoo Jung still had a life during her pre-med, she had no choice but to give everything up in her years of medicine. It wasn’t an easy battle-she often found herself emotionally and physically drained. Yoo Jung decided on her specialization long before she passed her licensure. She pursued any opportunity for her career advancement and met good people along the way. She met the right people to help her-Dr. Hyun Bin (the country’s most renowned surgeon) who inspired her and eventually became her mentor. Her training and practice were her priority and she didn’t mean to but she lost time to exchange chitchats with anyone other than her team. All letters and gifts- untouched and forgotten in her storage room. But now that she secured the professor title at such a young age, she can finally have some time to herself.

 

The band broke up after 10 successful years together with awards and royalties to their name. Baro and Min Ho retired from the limelight, finally settling down with their girlfriends. Only he and Jinyoung decided to continue their career in the industry. It wasn’t easy for a musician to shift into acting but with the support of the fans, he ventured into the world of acting. Jin Goo and Jinyoung started as support for various dramas, and eventually made names for themselves. The band still go out every once in a while but the four of them led separate lives entirely.

 

Both Yoo Jung and Jin Goo grew apart, but there was a special pull that always brought them back together. It was as if fate plays a big role in their lives.

 

He started dating again. Seolhyun. She’s sweet. They met through one of his dramas. It wasn’t anything serious yet, but he’s open to the possibility. He was not getting any younger. That became apparent as she convinces him to accompany her to her dermatologist, her cousin-Kim Ji Soo was his name. Seolhyun told him that her cousin finally got a space at Samsung Medical Center and decided to surprise him. Jin Goo was sure her cousin was a ‘he’, but when they entered the room they were told to-they were greeted by a backside of a woman. Hair in a ponytail with soft curls. Curves accentuated with a tight-fitting white blouse and jeans. The woman was  holding a hanged scrubs, while looking at an xray of a patient.

 

“Is the operating room ready?” The woman’s voice resonated through the room. When she turned around, her eyes easily landed on his. Her eyes mirrored his as they were both stunned at seeing each other after so many years.

 

“Sorry- we thought this was Dr. Kim’s office.” Seolhyun said,  missing the looks exchanged between the two.

 

At that, Yoo Jung managed to regain past her shock and addressed her, “This is Dr. Kim’s office, but I’m not sure if I’m the ‘Kim’ you’re looking for.” Yoo Jung answered, smiling to welcome them.

 

“Dr. Kim Yoo Jung, General Surgery.” She introduced herself, shaking Seolhyun’s hand.

 

“Seolhyun, and this is-“

 

“Jin Goo.” Yoo Jung said. “It’s been so long.”

 

Jin Goo ignored her offered hands, instead he went to give her a hug.

 

“Yoo Jung-ah!” And just like that, they’re back to each other’s arms. Literally.

 

They decided to catch up and meet outside for lunch after her schedule.

 

“So, your cousin-“ Yoo Jung said, referring  to Seolhyun,”is on the 2nd floor. The receptionist must have been shocked to see the both of you to give the wrong directions.” Yoo Jung laughed before sipping on her juice.

 

“So how’d you two know each other?” Seolhyun finally asked.

 

“We go way back.” Yoo Jung replied simply, “Back when he’s still not popular.”

 

“Ha, Yooj. I was never ‘unpopular.’ “

 

She chuckled at his response, “We grew up in the same town.” Yoo Jung explained further.

 

“Then she followed me in college.” Jin Goo finished for her.

 

“Excuse me. I.did.not.” she said, emphasizing on each word. Then she looked at Seolhyun, “Don’t get the wrong idea. We happened to meet each other somewhere near my university.” She told Seolhyun, “He, on the other hand, did not go to college there. Just hanged around there to pass time.”

 

“Hey! Don’t make me look bad. I thought we’re friends.” 

 

Jin Goo laughed and held Seolhyun’s hand, “Don’t believe everything she tells you.”

 

Their conversations were like that. Although Yoo Jung and Jin Goo didn’t mean to, Seolhyun felt like she was outsider when the two talked and reminisced.

 

“Excuse me, madams and sir. Your orders.” The waiter announced, breaking their chit chats. “Fettuccini Alfredo for Ms. Kim, Tuna Pesto for Ms. Seolhyun and a Rib-eye steak for Mr. Yeo. Enjoy.”

 

As soon as the waiter left, Yoo Jung twisted her fork for a bite of her pasta and slide it over . It wouldn’t be Yooj if she did not express her satisfaction with the food she’s currently devouring.

 

“Mhmm-This is so- good. Haven’t had the chance to eat outside in a while.” She said, appreciating the bite she just took. “There’s only so much hospital food you can take.”

 

He looked at her as she finished her sentence and Jin Goo cannot help but chuckle as he saw her.

 

“You still get sauce all over your face when you’re eating pasta.” He said fondly. Out of old habit, he reached out to wipe . Before he could even do so, Yoo Jung looked at him, stuck out her tongue and backed away to reach for the table napkin. He chuckled at her antics, missing the way Seolhyun looked at him, wary at their comfortableness. 

 

“Seolhyun, I’m sorry-I’m late.” A guy approached them, stopping Seolhyun’s train of thoughts. “Seolhyun- I didn’t think you would visit. I was attending to some personal matters.”

 

Seolhyun introduced her cousin. And Jin Goo noticed how Dr. Ji Soo’s hand lingered a little longer when he shook hands with Yoo Jung. “Dr. Kim Yoo Jung? from the General Surgery Department?” Ji Soo inquired before moving to take a seat with them.

 

Yoo Jung nodded, seemingly trying to place if she already met the guy. “Have we met?- I’m sorry- I’m sure I’d remember you if we did but I don’t recall any instance where we could’ve-“ she started mumbling.

 

Ji Soo smiled charmingly, “No. Honestly-I just- I heard that there’s a young professor in the General Surgery department named Kim Yoo Jung.” he explained. “I only remembered your name since they were saying how you’re so good looking.” He said, winking at her. 

 

Tho it was clearly a pickup line, Yoo Jung could’t help but blush at his remark.

 

Yoo Jung doesn’t do relationships anymore. She decided long ago that it’ll just be a distraction. So when guys ask her out, she would always have a thing scheduled or she would volunteer somewhere. She just doesn’t make time anymore for dating and all the shebang.

 

But.

 

Ji Soo was handsome. And charming. And a smooth talker.

 

Seolhyun and Jin Goo would always invite her along with Dr. Ji Soo. Scratch that, Jin Goo would always ask her to hang out. Seolhyun of course would always stay by his side. Seolhyun would ask Ji Soo to join. That’s how they’ve become quite a quartet, giving Ji Soo an ample amount of time to charm her. She thought it would just be a matter of time before she gave in to Ji Soo’s incessant invitation to date, and it’s becoming quite a bother.

 

It’s not just Ji Soo. Jin Goo’s starting to bother her, a lot. But Jin Goo is like an annoying clingy brother while Ji Soo is like a persistent suitor.

 

When Jin Goo doesn’t have anything scheduled, Jin Goo would bother her at the hospital. All the staff welcomed his presence since-well- he is a celebrity. Jin Goo’s presence would then mean Seolhyun’s. And everyone would want to come by her office. She can’t even have a moment alone in her office anymore.

 

When she finally had enough, she would spend her spare time in her apartment. Something she hasn’t done since she’s become a doctor. Yoo Jung welcomed the quick escape but she hadn’t thought Jin Goo would still remember her apartment number. Her ‘quick’ escape was just like every bit of its meaning.

 

Her apartment was the only place Seolhyun can’t follow him. He must’ve realized it too when he would always drop by when he had problems with his girlfriend. Or when he just wanted to spend some time away from Seolhyun.

 

“I brought some snacks- Let’s watch a movie!” He declared.

 

“How come you’d know when I come home to my apartment?” Yoo Jung asked, curious how he managed to know where she is at all times.

 

“Yooj-you’re a creature of habit. Of course I’d know when and where you go.” Jin Goo said. “Now come on and set up your netflix, Let’s watch something!” Jin Goo gently nudged her to her living room and smiled triumphantly as she the tv.

 

When she sat beside him and gave him the remote controller, he deliberately wrapped his hand around her shoulders. “I really missed this.” He said, smiling cheekily at her.

 

She rolled her eyes, seemingly annoyed at his presence, but with a smile tugging at her lips.

 

To the both of them, It was like old times.

 

His visits became more frequent as the days go by. She became his reliever from the entertainment life and he became hers from her career.

 

She would often find him behind the constant doorbells she receives.

 

“I brought ice cream and pizza, let’s watch the games.”

 

Or

 

“I brought beer. Let’s drink. Seolhyun and I had a fight.”

 

Or

 

“You have to come to our date, I need someone to take our pictures.”

 

Yoo Jung would always roll her eyes, but she would always do whatever he wanted to do. But after being with Jin Goo(and Seolhyun). It finally took a toll on her and it became apparent how seriously single she is.

 

After a few months, Yoo Jung finally gave in to Ji Soo’s invitations. And she admits, it wasn’t at all bad when they went out. But she made it clear that she didn’t want a relationship.

 

Ji Soo only smiled, “I would take whatever you give me.”

 

They ended up on top of each other. In her bedroom. His button shirt almost halfway undone.

 

His kisses were demanding and she reciprocated with as much fervor. Yoo Jung knows where this would lead-but she doesn’t seem to care at all. It’s been years since she was embraced by a man’s warmth and she wouldn’t stop for anything at the moment. Well except-

 

The doorbell rang.

 

“Ignore-it” Ji Soo said in between kisses. He spun her around the bed so he would be on top of her, preventing her from going anywhere.

 

The doorbell rang again. This time, she heard Jin Goo looking for her. He sounded drunk.

 

“Yooj, I know you’re in there.” She heard him say. His voice slurred but uncharacteristically happy. She stopped her movements, to hear if she heard correctly.

 

Ji Soo sighed, understanding the situation and rolled off her.

 

“Go. Wouldn’t want him to be in the headlines tomorrow.” Ji Soo said.

 

As if she was just waiting for Ji Soo to say that, she fixed herself straightaway and stood up. “I’m so sorry. I’ll just see him off quickly, if you’d like you can stay here for a while.” she offered apologetically.

 

But Jin Goo was so drunk, she had to accompany him back to his apartment. 

 

He proposed to Seolhyun, she said yes. He wanted to tell the world in his drunk stupor. She supposes a good friend would not let him announce his wedding to the media while he was drunk. He just finished celebrating with his former bandmates. And he decided that Yoo Jung should know. She cursed at her former friends for just letting him be.

 

Yoo Jung was seriously happy for him. She was. That’s why she even accepted a drink from him when he wanted to drink some more. 

 

“Yoo Jung-ahh, can you believe it? I’m getting married!” He half-shouted after he drank another bottle. With the way he was drinking, it didn’t surprise her that he tumbled and fell on top of the sofa when he went to fetch some more drinks.

 

Yoo Jung laughed, “This guy really,” she shook her head in affection. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.” She nudged him.

 

It was a miracle how she even managed to bring him to his bed, but when she finally let him fall to the bed, he got a hold on her-causing her to tumble with him on the bed.

 

“Seolhyun...” he called, his eyes shut as he grabbed her closer. So close that she could hear his heart pounding. Or was that hers?

 

“I’m not-“ His kiss silenced her, the taste of alcohol permeating her senses. Her eyes widening as she realized his actions, Yoo Jung quickly broke off from his hold, but he only tightened his grip. 

 

In a swift move, he turned and trapped her in his arms. When he finally opened his eyes, their gaze met. “Yoo...Jung...?” He whispered, his voice sending a chill down her body.  The look in his eyes changed from being unsure to being certain. It felt like an eternity passed as he looked at her with an intensity she hadn’t seen before. After a moment, Jin Goo moved to close their distance once more. 

 

Jin Goo kissed her again. His lips moving tentatively as if to test the waters. Her eyes closing involuntarily as he nipped softly at her lips. This was wrong but how come it felt so right.

 

Yoo Jung moved to pull away, but Jin Goo hadn’t planned on stopping as he landed against her neck with gentle bites, marking Yoo Jung. His hands roamed down her arms, holding her back to leave her open to his kisses, Yoo Jung finally losing the littlest restraint she had.

 

She blamed the alcohol for everything that happened that night.

 

Yoo Jung woke up to the faint light escaping the curtains, a sheet of blanket protecting her body from the cold. As she moved to waken her limbs, she felt a hand splayed across her torso. When Yoo Jung looked over her shoulders, she found Jin Goo’s face against her bare skin. Her small movement lightly stiffling Jin Goo from sleep, causing him to put an absent kiss on her shoulders.

 

Her cheeks burned as the memories of that night rushed back to her.

 

Yoo Jung’s actions suddenly dawned on her causing her to bolt up from bed and collect the the string of clothes forgotten on the floor. Jin Goo stirred awake from her actions, but he couldn’t grasp the situation and couldn’t form any words before she got out of his apartment.

 

Jin Goo couldn’t reach Yoo Jung at all after that night. He figured he would give her space the first week. But when he finally looked for her at the hospital, he learned that she was offered a position in a research team abroad. Her coworkers told him that she flew there to check their research and facilities.

 

Yoo Jung needed time to think and figure out what she really felt for Jin Goo. She was confused and distressed with what happened. She was also ashamed with herself for letting herself sleep with the guy on the day he proposed to her soon-to-be wife.

 

Her getaway to LA made her realize a lot of things. She does have feelings for him. Everytime she did something, she would be reminded of Jin Goo. Their lives are really intertwined from the start. She didn’t know when it started, but she knew it’s too late.

 

That night reminded Jin Goo of the kiss they had when they were still in college. His feelings for Yoo Jung made him unsure of his feelings for Seolhyun. But he was so afraid to leave Seolhyun, only to find out that Yoo Jung doesn’t feel anything towards him. 

 

She finally returned a month after. The day she returned from her trip, she immediately went to see Jin Goo to talk about the two of them. The moment he received her call, he rushed out from his schedule to meet her at his apartment.

 

Silence filled the room as soon as they were alone together.

 

“Jin Goo...” she started, walking towards him.

 

“Yoo Jung... I miss you.” He honestly admitted, arms ready to envelop her.

 

She held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t do this. You’re getting married.” She said dryly, voice void of emotions. Yoo Jung then motioned to show him the invitation she received.

 

His face changed to show how pained he is, anticipating what she was about to say. “I have to stay away. But I think you should know how I feel.” She revealed, her voice cracking. She held his hands to return the invitation card she received, fingers lingering over his ring. “I can’t go to your wedding. I can’t watch you marry Seolhyun and pretend to wish you a happy marriage. I can’t even look at Seolhyun. It’s bad as it is that I slept with the man she’s going to marry.” She moved to create space between them.

 

“But-“

 

“Let me finish. Please.” Her voice trembled. “I love you. And I’m sorry.” She’s sorry for realizing it too late, she’s sorry she can’t fight for them, she’s sorry she’s leaving.

 

As soon as she said that, Jin Goo felt mixed emotions at once.  He’s mixed with happiness and pain. He also felt guilty for being happy when he was about to marry someone else. But, the weight of his ring made him stay at his side and not pursue her as she closed the door.

 

“Seolhyun, I’m in love with Yoo Jung.” He finally admitted.

 

Surprisingly, Seolhyun didn’t feel angry with what he said, she was actually expecting it eventually. But she remained with him in the hopes that he would see her. Jinyoung already mentioned it to her before, “They would always come back to each other. It would save you pain if you just let him free”

 

Seolhyun nodded. Eyes full of understanding as she removed the ring he gave her.

 

Jin Goo broke off his marriage with Seolhyun the day Yoo Jung was set to leave. His feelings for Yoo Jung was more important at that moment. He knew continuing with the marriage after all things happened would be a grave mistake. He knew letting her leave again would be his worst mistake. 

 

Jin Goo ran to the airport. He didn’t think his life would turn out to be like those in the movies. But the thought of losing someone yu love does make people do the craziest things. He doesn’t care who would be watching, doesn’t care if people would judge him, But he does care about the feelings of the girl in front of him.

 

He showed him his ring finger. She noticed how there’s no more ring in it, her face showed how she couldn’t believe what was happening. Jin Goo smiled. Finally they can start over-again. 

 

He moved to kiss her. With that kiss, he showed her how she truly means to him. 

 

This was their story. This was where it ended and begun.