[This story inspired by the song 'Like Water' by Wendy]

“Jisoo-ah, please…” Seulgi followed his wife to the living room. They currently having intense argument

Jisoo sat on the couch and stared intensely at her husband “Seulgi, I told you so many times. I’m not ready to have children. You should understand me. My career is at peak now so if I’m pregnant, it will give huge effect to my job”

“It has been five years since we married and you keep asking me to wait. You prioritize your job over your marriage. Lot of models and actresses out there are having children but they are still shining. Why has it become an issue for you? Hey Jisoo, I’m getting older and I want to have a child. Our family and friends keep bringing up this topic whenever I meet them. I’m tired bombard by the same question again and again” Seulgi pull his hair in frustration

“Don’t listen to them. They have no right to interfere in our married life. Just ignore them. They have nothing to do with us not having child” Jisoo rolled her eyes

“We’re in the age of having children and our marriage is old enough to have a kid. You promise to not abandon your marriage over your job but look at what happens now. We’re fighting almost every day because of the same issue”

“We will not fight if you not cornering me with the same question every day” Jisoo stand up from her seat then looking at Seulgi “If you keep forcing me to have children then I have no choice but end our marriage” she stated firmly

Seulgi immediately looked at his wife, “You’re serious about choosing your job over our marriage?”

“Yes, I’m tired hearing the same question every day. I will set you free. Go find anyone that can make your dream comes true”

Seulgi can’t believe what he just heard. It is so easy for his wife to end this relationship “Please think carefully before making a decision. Regret never comes first”

“I never regret my decision and it's final. I’m setting you free. I will send divorce letter to you and I will tell our family too. You don’t have to do anything. Just sign the letter and leave me alone” Jisoo say confidently

“Okay, if you say so but if you change your mind, I'm always there to hear,” Seulgi said disappointedly, then leaving Jisoo alone in the living room. He is mentally and physically tired to argue with Jisoo about this issue

………………..

“Oppa, unnie…are you two serious with your decision? It’s not too late to stop” Jisoo’s sister, Kim Jennie, looking at the couple in front of her

Currently, Kim's family is at Seulgi and Jisoo house because the couple will sign their divorce papers. Seulgi’s family is not coming since they are in New York. His parents already know about the issue in Seulgi marriage and they leave the decision to him. They always support whatever he decides. They believe their son is old enough to choose good or bad for himself.

“I’m not going to stop. My decision is final. I can’t give what he wanted and I’m tired hearing the same question again and again” Jisoo answering her sister question

“Shame on you, Kim Jisoo. You leave the good man just for your career. You blame him for wanting a child but it is actually your fault. I hope you regret badly one day” Mr. Kim say dejectedly

“Seulgi-ah, we’re sorry on her behalf. We don’t want to let you go. You will always be our son even if you’re not Jisoo’s husband anymore. Please don’t forget us” Mrs. Kim said tearfully then Jennie hugging her mother from side

“Appa, eomma, please don’t feel guilty. I will always remember you guys. Thank you for treating me like your own son. We will always keep-in-touch with each other” Seulgi eyes teary as he looking at Mr. Kim and Mrs. Kim sad face

Then he looked at Jennie “Jen, please take care of appa and eomma. Don’t overwork yourself. Remember to take rest too. Say hi to Leo when he comes back from Thailand”

“Okay oppa” Jennie sobbing softly

Seulgi signs the paper then puts it inside the brown envelope. He push it towards Jisoo then looking at her with sad smile

“Both of us officially end. Thank you for the wonderful years we've been together. Thank you for staying with me since I have nothing until I become what I am now. I thought we could spend our life together until we have wrinkles but sadly it is not going to happen. I never regret marrying you. I’m proud to be the husband of Kim Jisoo. Please take care of yourself. Don’t forget to rest. Don’t stress yourself. Remember to eat a balanced meal. I hope your career becomes more successful than before” Seulgi sighs softly “I will leave after this. May all your dreams come true. I will try to move on. Yeah…I hope I can”

Jisoo tears fall down as she hears Seulgi words. She loves him but she can’t give him what he wants, at least not for now. To make him happy, letting him go is the best decision

“Thank you for everything too. Please be healthy” Jisoo say under her sob

…………………

RV Holdings

“Good morning, Vice President Bae” Wendy, the secretary of RV Holdings’s Vice President greeting her boss in her office

“Good morning. Have a sit”

“Okay boss”

“What is my schedule today?”

Wendy tapped her ipad to read the VP's daily schedule “Schedule for Wednesday, October 8, 2021. 9:30 AM, you have a meeting with Managing Director Kang regarding development of Queendom outlets at Itaewon and Sejeong. This afternoon, you and Ms. Seohyun will have lunch with event organizer Ms. Park Chorong to discuss the opening of Kingdom Shopping Complex, Apgujeong branch at SM Restaurant. In evening, you’re free so whether you want to take a rest or sign few documents”

“Any urgent documents that need my signature?” the VP asking

“One from the HR Department and one report from Manager Kim that he submitted yesterday. He said he needs it for a meeting tomorrow. I already review the reports so only need your sign”

“Okay, give it to me when I come back from lunch with Ms. Park”

“Noted”

“Where will I have a meeting with Director Kang? Are we going to the meeting room or just inside the office?”

“It supposed to be in your office but if you’re not comfortable here then I can arrange it at meeting room”

“Just do it here”

“Okay boss. I will let him know” Wendy nods her head

“Anything else?”

“No, that’s all for now”

“Alright”

Wendy bite her lips then she looks at the vice president “Unnie, I have something to tell you” when Wendy drops the honorific, the vice president knows where their conversation will go. It will be no other than gossiping. Their relationship will shifted to best friend mode

“Go ahead”

“Did you notice that Director Kang looked down lately?”

“No, I haven’t meet him since last week so I don’t notice him”

“Unnie, I think he has a problem with his wife. He never looks that sad before” say Wendy

The president taps her chin “You don’t ask him? Usually you work fast in finding info for gossip stock”

“No, I also haven’t talked to him yet. I just saw him in the lobby when he arrived. Hm, Jisoo-ssi also has not updated anything on her social media since the past two weeks. It has been a while since she post their picture together”

“Maybe she is busy with new projects. I heard Paris Fashion Week will be around the corner so of course she will participate since she is global ambassador of famous fashion brand” say the president

“True, she is also busy promoting her new drama. It’s so good. I watched it already. You must watch it unnie” Wendy said happily

“Aigoo, I will watch when the drama ends so that I don’t need to wait for a new episode to air. I don’t like waiting” then she continue “Don’t be a spoiler or I will cut your salary”

Wendy grin innocently “Okay boss”

“Done gossiping, now go back to work. Order a beef sandwich and latte for me. I haven't had breakfast yet. I oversleep this morning”

Wendy gasped “Yah, why not tell me that you have not had breakfast yet? Luckily you’re free for now and have time to eat. Aigooo, you’re lucky that you’re my boss” she complaints

“Boss make mistake too” the vice president cackle seeing her secretary grumbling

………………….

Vice President Bae Joohyun or popular with the name Irene is having a discussion with Managing Director of RV Holdings, Kang Seulgi. While discussing with him, Irene sometimes stares at his face. Somehow, she noticed that the Seulgi expression is different from usual. He tries his best to look professional in front of his boss but Irene can see that he is hiding something behind that façade.

They become good friends since Irene works at RV Holdings and Seulgi is one of the staff that works closely with her. That time he was not yet a Managing Director. Before this, Irene worked at RV Trading that was located in New York and it is one of subsidiaries of RV Holdings. Seulgi is kind, hardworking and dedicated to his work. He is respected by his colleagues. Mr. Bae also always praised Seulgi for his great achievement.

Seulgi introduced Jisoo to Irene and Wendy during their company event. Of course the duo knows who Jisoo is since she is a famous model and actress. They are not really close with Jisoo but the actress is very friendly whenever they meet. She is very humble despite her fame. Other staff also praising Jisoo for being down to earth and treat everyone kindly

Back at the office, Irene and Seulgi finish their discussion after two hours. The meeting goes smoothly as usual. Wendy excuses herself to get coffee for them to soothe their throat. Using this chance, Irene decide to interrogate a bit

“Do you have any schedule after this?”

Seulgi thinks for a while then shakes his head “No, I’m free today. Just stay in office and do some works”

“Okay then. Let's have a casual talk. I am also free for now. It has been a while since we had a chance to hangout. I haven’t heard from you for quite a long time if I’m not mistaken”

“Hm, we've been super busy lately. I also often going out of town” Seulgi chuckle lightly

“You’re right. How is Jisoo? I heard that her drama just released” Irene making smooth move so that it not obvious that she is digging something about Seulgi and his wife

The monolid eyes guy shrugs his shoulder “Well, she is fine” he doesn’t show any excitement when talking about Jisoo

“You look not fine. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, everything is going well” Seulgi fakes his smile. Irene is his friend and his boss too so it is not suitable for him to talk about his personal problems in the office. It’s not time to reveal the truth about his relationship to others. He’s comfortable keeping it alone, at least for now

Irene changes their topic to get rid of the awkward atmosphere. Wendy comes back with three cups of coffee and snacks for them. They continue with their talk before Seulgi excuse himself to go back to his office

……………………….

Irene strolled around the park on weekend with a cup of her favorite latte. She is wearing a leather jacket with white shirt underneath matched with denim skinny jeans. Currently is the autumn session and it is her favorite season after spring. She does like summer and winter but she’s not a fan of too hot and cold weather.

Strolling around the park is healing for her after one whole week facing a bunch of documents and meetings. Sometimes she tags Wendy along but she prefers being alone. As she walks farther from the coffee stall, she saw a familiar person sit on the bench facing Han River while looking at something on the phone

“Seulgi?” she whisper as she trying to get better view of that person side profile since he wearing cap

She slowly approaches the bench then she confirms the person that she saw is Kang Seulgi. With big smile, she walks towards him

“Seulgi”

Kang Seulgi is scrolling through his Instagram feed while sitting alone at the bench. He saw a new post on his ex-wife Instagram then he stalked her account. Currently Jisoo is in Paris for Paris Fashion Week. She posted a picture of her hanging out with her friend, Rose. She smiles widely at the latest post. It makes Seulgi miss her badly. If he is at home right now, he’ll definitely cry seeing the smile that he misses so much

His thoughts are distracted by the presence of someone. He looked up when the familiar voice calling his name

“Irene?”

“Can I sit?” Irene pointed at the space beside Seulgi

“Yes, sure” Seulgi move a bit to widened the space for Irene

The vice president sits comfortably beside Seulgi. She takes a sip of her latte before starting their conversation

“You look problematic. It is obvious from your expression even though you tried hard to cover it. You know, we’re close friends so if you need someone to talk with, I’m ready to be your listener. I don’t mean to be a busy body but it's better if you don't bottle up your feelings. You will end up hurting yourself”

Seulgi looking at Irene then turn again to the front “I don’t know where to start”

“Just tell me slowly”

The monolid eyes guys shut his eyes and sigh heavily “I’m divorced with Jisoo”

Irene chokes her saliva making her cough hard then Seulgi caressing her back to calm her down

“When? What happened that made both of you split?” Irene questioning after she calm down

“One month ago. We officially divorce”

“What’s wrong?” Irene was puzzled. As much as she knows, Seulgi and Jisoo are a harmonious and happy couple. They never have big problem that can cause the break in their relationship

“I want to have a child but she refuses. She said she still wants to focus on her work. It has been five years since we’re married and we supposed to have child already but she always have excuse to deny it”

Irene felt sorry for her friend. “Is it you who made this decision?”

Seulgi shake his head “No, it’s her who want this divorce”

“Then you just agree with her idea?”

“I tried to convince her but it was not working. Her decision is final. She really don’t want anything to stand on her way to achieve her dream”

“Aigoo, I’m sorry to hear that. Em, am I missing that news or you two decide to keep it secret from the public?”

Irene is curious since she doesn't hear any news about Seulgi and Jisoo divorce. Usually agencies will release a statement if something happens in their artist's life , especially a couple like Jisoo and Seulgi. Their status was revealed when Jisoo announced that she will settle down with her long time boyfriend. After getting married, Jisoo often shared photos of her and Seulgi on her personal Instagram. There is no secret anymore in their love life. Since they are divorced, of course Jisoo will release statement so that her fans know her current status and her fans will not confuse if one day Seulgi or herself will be seen with their new couple

“Her manager said she will release a statement after she returns from Paris. She doesn’t want to make chaos and ruin her focus on that big event”

“Oh, I understand,” Irene nods her head. “I’m not good at giving advice since I never go through such a situation but I hope you don’t think too much about it. Don’t let yourself down. I know you hurt badly knowing how much you love her but maybe both of you are meant for each other until forever. We don’t know what the future holds. God will give what you need. I’m sure you will meet someone that you pray for. It’s okay to not be okay but don’t drown yourself too deep in that feeling. You deserve to be happy too. If you need a friend to talk with, I’m always there to lend my ear. Cheer up, okay?”

Seulgi smiled sincerely for the first time in a while. Irene's words indirectly cheer up his feelings. He really happy that he has a supportive friend like Irene

“Thanks Rene”

“No problem” said Irene with a sweet smile on her face “Let’s cheer you up. Anything you want to do or a place you want to go? You need to do something to heal yourself”

Seulgi scratch his head “I don’t know what I want to do” he pouting

“Eating? Go to the cinema? Arcade? Cycling? Just tell me what you want to do. It’s my treat”

“Let’s do all the activities that you mentioned. We eat first then watch a movie. After that, we play games and lastly cycling while watching sunsets. Is it okay?”

“Sure, let’s go” Irene stand up excitedly

“Are you driving earlier?” Seulgi asking while they walking at the pavement

“Nope, I’m walking from my apartment” Irene pointed at her apartment building that just few meters away from the park

Seulgi and Irene spend the rest of the day together. They eat delicious food, watch romantic comedy movies that Irene wanted to watch, play all games at arcade centre, cycling around the park and lastly watching beautiful sunset. Seulgi suddenly became a photographer for Irene because she asked to take a lot of pictures for her. He doesn't have a problem with it. He enjoyed it and he was smiling a lot today.

This is the first time Seulgi hangs out alone with Irene. Usually Wendy or Jisoo will join them. Today Seulgi saw the other side of his boss’s daughter. Irene is well-known for her charisma, dedication, hardwork and elegance but the Irene that he saw today is mischievous, playful, whiny, cheerful and funny. She is a very outgoing person. Totally polar opposite with her character in office

“Rene, thanks for today. I’m having fun” Seulgi said as he walks Irene to her apartment entrance

“Don’t show sad faces anymore, alright? Let her know that you also can be happy without her”

“Then you should make me smile every day” Seulgi giggle

“Sure thing”

“I have to go now. It’s late already. You must be tired. See you at office next week”

“Yeah, drive carefully and take a rest too. Text me when you arrive”

“Okay, goodnight Rene”

“Goodnight Seulgi”

Irene enters the main door then Seulgi drives his car away from the apartment area. 20 minutes later, Irene receives a text from Seulgi telling that he’s arrived at home. They exchange text for a while before go to sleep

…………………

Jisoo released a statement about her current marital status a week after she returned from Paris. It becomes the headline in every news portal and trending all over social media. Her fans are sad to hear that news but they still cheer her up. They also cheer up for Seulgi

Wendy is shocked when she reads the online news because Irene is not telling her anything about it. She only finds out that Irene already knows from Seulgi himself. She is nagging because Irene does not keep her updated. Irene is not telling Wendy about her and Seulgi hanging out lately. She wants to keep it private. One day, Wendy will know too knowing that she glue to Irene almost all the time

Since the first time they go out, Irene and Seulgi grow closer. They also exchange texts every day. Neither Irene nor Seulgi are not denying that they feel comfortable having each other. Sometimes they have dinner together or breakfast at the café near Irene apartment. After that they will go to the office but in a separate car. No one know their vice president and managing director are getting closer than colleague

“Good morning” Seulgi sits across from Irene. They have breakfast together as usual but this time at the park since Seulgi complains that he is fed up eating the same menu every day. Today Irene cooked kimchi fried rice and made fried dumplings for both of them.

“Good morning too” Irene give the lunch box to Seulgi

“It looks delicious” Seulgi sniff the fried rice

“Dig in”

Seulgi scoop a spoonful of kimchi fried rice and shove it into his mouth. His eyes open wide as he tastes the food. Seeing Seulgi reaction, Irene suddenly worries just in case it does not suit Seulgi taste. She can cook but this is first time she cooks for Seulgi

“H-how is it?” Irene nervous

“This is so delicious, Rene!” Seulgi give two thumbs up

“Really?” Irene cackle

“Yes, it has been a while since I eat very delicious kimchi fried rice”

“Ayy, I bet Jisoo cook delicious than mine”

Seulgi quickly waved his hands as protest “No, she rarely cooks because she is so busy. She only can cook simple food”

“Is this because both of you divorced that you are saying that she can’t cook?” Irene glare at Seulgi

“No Rene, she really at cooking. At home, our maid cooks for us or sometimes I will do the cooking. I also do laundry and clean our house on weekends since our maid only comes during weekdays. Jisoo really protecting her image that she don’t want any scratch on her body” Seulgi confess

Irene concluded that Seulgi is often alone at home since Jisoo's schedule is often hectic and he takes care of himself most of the time. Somehow, she’s happy that Seulgi and Jisoo end their relationship. What is the point of having a wife if you do the entire household work yourself or depend on a maid? It is no different from being single

“From now on, if you crave any food, just tell me. I will cook for you” Irene stated

Smile crack on Seulgi lips “Serious?”

“Yes, I’m serious. Don’t hesitate to request food whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks. I will cook for you”

Seulgi rubbed his face “Aish, if only I found you early. I will not hesitate to marry you. You have a wife material that every man wants. Your future husband will be so lucky”

Irene blushing hearing Seulgi words “Eat your food quickly before we arrive late at office”

“Okay boss”

Seulgi looked at Irene before continuing eating while smiling happily. He doesn’t know why but he’s happy whenever he’s with Irene. She makes him happy just by doing little things. Lately, he feels like he is excited to start his day while thinking of seeing his boss and spending time with her even just meeting each other during lunch or dinner. Irene really gives a big impact to him after his divorce with Jisoo. She makes him smile again. Sometimes, he asked himself whether he likes Irene more than friends or he just feels comfortable around her. He doesn't want to make a rash decision. He doesn’t want history to repeat itself. He doesn’t want to disappoint for the second time. If he really likes Irene in other way then he will let her know and will make it work but if that feeling is just because he’s comfortable with her then he will appreciate whatever she do to him

…………………

Irene is waiting for Seulgi at the restaurant for dinner. It is Friday night so they plan to spend leisure time together. After waiting a few minutes, Seulgi arrived at the restaurant. He jogged to Irene’s table

“Sorry, I’m late”

“It’s okay. I also just arrived few minutes ago” said Irene

“I don’t see your car at the front. Where do you park?”

“Wendy drops me off earlier. She goes to my apartment to get some stuff so I asked her to drive me here. I’m lazy to drive” Irene grinning showing her white teeth

“Then how will you go home? Ride a taxi?” Seulgi joking around

Irene lips pouting cutely “You’ll let me go home alone?” her eyes suddenly teary

Seulgi cackles then he caresses Irene's head softly “No way will I let you go home alone. Mr. Bae will kill me if I let his precious daughter riding public transport late at night”

“You better not doing it or Junmyeon and Jaehyun will kill you” Irene said

Junmyeon is her twin while Jaehyun is her younger brother. She also has a younger sister who is two years younger than Jaehyun. Her name is Yerim. The rest of Bae siblings are in America. Only Irene stays in Korea to manage RV Holdings. Junmyeon is the CEO of RV Trading. Jaehyun is also working at the same company as his brother while Yerimjust graduated from university. They will come to Korea whenever Irene needs their help. Their parents will go to America once in a while to visit them and checking their company progress

“Bae sibling is so scary” Seulgi laughing

“Of course” Irene wiggle her eyebrows

“Let’s order our food”

Seulgi took the menu book on the table then they choose what they want to eat for dinner

“Why you not invite Wendy to dinner with us?” Seulgi asking after the waiter leaving their table

“She wants to have dinner with her parents. They just arrived from Canada yesterday”

“Okay, did she ask who was going out with you? She must be suspect something”

“Of course, you know how curious Wendy can be”

“What did you say to her?”

“I told her I will meet with my old friend and she believed it. She thought I will go out with Yongsun”

“If only she know that we’re going out” both of them laughing

“I can’t imagine how she will react” said Irene

Their food coming and they start eating while talking about random topic

……………..

After dinner, Seulgi drove them to the park by the Han River. Before that, he stop his car in front of convenience store

“Rene, I want to buy a drink. Do you want something?” Seulgi unbuckle his seatbelt

“Nope, I’m still full. I will wait for you here”

“I want to drink beer. Is it okay?” Seulgi looking at Irene

“Why do you ask permission?” Irene furrowed her eyebrows

Seulgi scratch his forehead “Just in case you not comfortable if I drink beer”

“I don’t mind. Just don’t drink a lot. No drink and drive”

“Alright boss. Lock the door when I’m away. I don’t want you to be kidnapped by someone. Where will I find you if you’re kidnapped” Seulgi said playfully

Irene smacks Seulgi's arm lightly “Yah, stop fooling around!” she whining as Seulgi keep teasing her

“Okay boss”

………………..

Both of them settle on the bench. Seulgi bought a can of beer for himself and a cup of hot chocolate for Irene. He insists Irene to drink something warm so that she does not catch cold. He also bought snacks for them

“Are you trying to make me gain weight?” Irene staring at the plastic bag that full of junk food

“You will not gain weight just because of this. You’re still beautiful even if you gain weight” Seulgi said boldly

“Seulgi~” Irene whining and her face turn red

“I’m telling the truth” Seulgi looking at Irene

Irene turns her face away to avoid Seulgi eyes “Alright”

“Rene” Seulgi pokes Irene arm then she looking at him again

“Yes?”

“I have something to say to you”

“What? Don’t tell me you want to resign” Irene squint her eyes

“Ayy, why would I do that” Seulgi glare at his boss for saying nonsense thing

Irene laughed “Just kidding. Tell me what you want me to know”

Seulgi taking deep breath then let it out softly to calm himself “I think…I like you”

“You like me?”

“Yes, I like you more than friends, more than colleagues. I like you in romantic way” Seulgi stated seriously

Irene sighs softly “Are you sure with your feeling? This is serious matter because it involve our feeling”

“I’m sure, Rene. We have been close to each other for five months now and I’m very happy with you. You make me smile. You hold out your hand to me when I fall. You come when I need someone to lean on. Seriously, I’m grateful that I met someone like you. In my darkest time, you’re my shining light. At first I thought this feeling is because of your kindness to me but as we get here, I’m sure that my heart starts to beat for you. You successfully collecting the broken pieces and heal it without you know it”

Irene still silent as she absorb what Seulgi said then he continue

“Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not using you as a distraction from my divorce with J