It was her first day at the Seoul office. She was a bit nervous about how the staff would think of her. Well Yongsun was one shy girl. Taking a deep breath, she entered the building and went to the 8th floor where the office was located. As soon as she entered the place, she saw almost all of the floor staff waiting for her. They actually knew her in a way, since Yong had played an important part in establishing their brand in the US. Even if they weren't the most popular ones, they were among the most thriving fashion brands. Yongsun was overwhelmed being welcomed so warmly. 
 
    Yonghee formally introduced Yongsun. 

"Welcome, Kim Yongsun-sshi. Everyone, this is Ms.Kim Yongsun, the Executive Director of La manière. We've worked with her when she was the manager at the US branch of La manière. Let's hear some of her thoughts."

"Thanks a lot, CEO-nim! Also thanks a lot everyone for welcoming me like this. I'm really looking forward to working with all of you. Let's work hard together and make La manière an international brand. Please take care of me."

   The session ended with an applause and Yongsun went to her cabin. Yonghee was already waiting for her with a file. Of course, this lady's gonna make me work my asses off.

"So, here's you first project. You remember, I'd told you about the latest big event Hyoyeon's gallery is holding. There are gonna be many influencial people present. Few days ago, she visited me and Yoona when we were discussing some of your designs. She liked them a lot. So, she wants you to design her outfit for the event."

"Woahh, that's a good project. But..."

"No buts Yong. You are doing this. You're just the perfect person for this."

"But Unnie, Wheein would be a part of the event too...How can I..."

"Yong, aren't you the one who beleives in keeping personal and professional lives seperate. Also you won't have to attend the event if you don't want to. Just go meet her today afternoon to discuss about the designs. This file has all the information about the event. Take a look, this would help."

"Okay, Unnie"

"Okay then, at Art Blanche, 3pm. Hwaiting!", saying so Yonghee left leaving Yongsun in a pool of thoughts. She scanned throughout the file. Of course her first project, she wanted to give it the best.

       As Yongsun finished reading, she was dozing off. Ah the neck pain. Old memories flashed past her eyes as she rested in her chair.

 

7 years ago

"Byul-ah, I really don't understand you. Like a sudden club visit this late. You know I hate clubs!"

"C'mon Unnie, I and Hyejin wanted to go a club so badly. You know how much I love spending time with her"

"Of course, you and your crazy blind love. Crazy people together"

"But Unnie, I texted you we'd go to a club. Why did you dress as if this is a office presentation!"

"I am practically forced to go. I really have absolutely no interest in visiting clubs!"

    Across the street they could see Hyejin grabbing Wheein's hand and dragging her to where Byul and Yongsun were waiting.

"Looks like someone else doesn't want to go to a club" chuckled Byul.

   Yongsun looked at Wheein. She had recently cut her hair short. With the oversized sweater, messy short hair and sneakers, she looked so cute. The way Hyejin was dragging her, she looked like a cute puppy. All Yong could think of was to be able to hold this puppy close and adore her. Her eyes, she just loved looking into them. But does Wheein feel this way? She know Wheein had a slight crush on Byulie but recently some moments made her feel that maybe Wheein felt the same. Like now, when their eyes met and Yongsun turned away before she could drown into Wheein.

Hyejin was panting from all the grabbing and dragging. She took a long breath, "Sorry Byulie Unnie, well dragging this puppy surely takes a lot of time"

"Oh, so Wheein doesn't wanna go?"

"No No...not at all. I'm not really in the mood."

"Well your clothes are literally screaming that" Byulie let a slight laugh,"but you kow what, I may have a good idea for you. Yongsun Unnie, didn't you say Yonghee Unnie's friend is opening an art gallery. Well from what I know, Wheein loves art and both of you don't wanna go clubbing. So how about you take her to the inaugration event. You were invited anyways." 

"Umm yeah...I was invited..." Yongsun was quite nervous about being alone with Wheein. Of course, she was very understanding and easy-going, but being around her made Yongsun's heart beat like crazy. She was unsure of what she should do.

"Yea that would be better. Lot better than clubbing. Unnie, do you wanna go?" Wheein asked Yongsun."Yes, of course"

"Great then, bye guys we gotta leave now" saying so Byulie and Hyejin left for the club hand in hand.

"Ahh, these crazy people" sighed Wheein.

"I know right" said Yongsun as they shared a laugh.

   They took a bus and walked towards the gallery. They realised that the place was quite close to Wheein's apartment. "Unnie, I think I should change. Sweatshirts won't be appropriate for an inaugration, don't you think so?"

"I think you won't need that. Well you know, Yonghee unnie and her friend Yoona unnie have started their own brand together as partners. So, Hyoyeon Unnie, a very close friend of her's has opened this small gallery. From what I know, this is gonna be a quite small event just for close friends, so it'd be pretty informal. Don't worry."

"Are you sure I can join them like this?

"Of course Wheein-ah, she knows me pretty well. Also Hyoyeon Unnie loves meeting new people."

    As they kept talking through the walk, they realized they'd reached the place. Both of them entered and Yongsun could see many of her Unnie's friends around. She greeted quite a few of them and guided Wheein to where Hyoyeon was.

"Woahh, Yongsun-ah I thought you wouldn't come today. Well Yonghee told me so."

"Yeah, actually I realised my friend loves art. So she could have a great time here. Oh I forgot to introduce, Unnie this is Wheein, Wheein meet Hyoyeon Unnie."

"It's nice to meet you Unn..."

"Oh call me Unnie, it's nice to meet you too. I'm so happy to have an art lover here. Since, you're Yongsun's friend, you can visit the gallery anytime you want. Also let's have some art discussion sessions sometime."

"Sure Unnie, I'd love that. Thank you so much Unnie."

"Oh, no problem. I have some guests to attend, so I hope you guys enjoy yourselves. Yongsun-ah take good care of our guest, got it?"

"Sure Unnie, don't worry!"

   As Hyoyeon left, Wheein turned to Yongsun, "She seems really good. I'm generally bad at conversing, but she made it comfortable." 

"Yeaa, Unnie's personality is very cheerful and outgoing."

"Unnie, let's see there. I can see some good paitnings there", Wheein held Yongsun's hand and guided her through the crowd. Yongsun became nervous. Seeing Wheein holding her hand like this, her heart was beating like crazy. Throughout the tour, Wheein showed her the paintings she liked the most and talked about them. Yongsun really didn't have any idea about all of this but looking at the way she gleamed with happiness, her eyes sparkling with delight, the corner of her lips raised high up, Yongsun felt happy. Seeing Wheein like this was strangely satisfactory. She wished she could always make her happy like she was now. As Yongsun kept thinking about all of this, she didn't notice that Wheein was calling her. 

"Looks like you love art quite a lot"

"Actually Unnie, my mom was a painter. Ever since I was a child, I loved the smell of paints and played with them a lot. I want to be a painter too just like my mother dreamt..."

"Really? Well, you dance so well and your voice is so amazing and healing, I thought you wanted to be a singer or a choreographer."

"Ah..I'm not that good. But I do enjoy doing that as a hobby"

"Ahaa Wheein-shi you're being too humble!"

     They looked through some more paintings until they realised it was quite late. They went to a nearby convenience store to buy some drinks. Wheein wanted to invite Yongsun to her apartment since it was quite late and Wheein liked spending time with her like this. But she was nervous, what if I'm burdening her. Finally she mustered up a lot of courage and asked her, "Unnie, it's quite late. I don't think it'd be safe for you to travel now. How about you stay at my apartment tonight?"
 
     Yongsun was at a loss for words. Of course this was an invitation she'd love to accept. She really wanted to spend more time with the puppy. "Okay, I guess that would be good" replied Yongsun.

     They reached the apartment, "Wheein please make yourself comfortable. My apartment is quite small but I hope you'll be able to rest. I'll get some clothes for you to change." It was a single room with a kitchen and a bathroom attached to it. The place was small and cozy. Yongsun liked it. The place smelled like Wheein. Wheein washed up and got some clothes for Yongsun. Unnie, I have some ramen. You'll have ramen, right?"

"Yeaa...I do feel hungry"

"Okay, how about we watch a movie?"

"Sure, that sounds good"

"Okay Unnie, I'll get the movie and ramen ready till you get changed."

     Wheein prepared 2 packets of ramen and searched for a movie to watch. She'd been wanting to watch a horror movie recently. Knowing what kind of scaredy cat Yongsun was, she decided to play a little. She choosed a horror movie and waited for Yongsun. Soon, the bathroom door opened and Wheein turned to look at the door. Unknowingly seeing Yongsun wearing her clothes made Wheein feel things. She had a tickling feeling as she looked at her Unnie. Pink flush chubby cheeks, wavy black hair being tied into a messy bun, the petite figure wearing Wheein's sweatshirt, Wheein couldn't help but drool over the person in front of her.

"Close it before a fly enters", Yongsun's lame comment made her snap back to reality."Ah unnie, your jokes are really lame. No wonder Byulie unnie teases you about that!"

"Yah Wheein-ah, how can you side with that brat. She just never learned to respect me. Ughh she gives me a headache everytime"

"But you love it Unnie" said Wheein

"Well, I can't deny. I don't think I can survive without her antics even for a day" and they both had a hearty laugh.

      Yongsun was really afraid to watch horror movies but she didn't want to interrupt Wheein and so she didn't object. "Whenever you're afraid, just hold me" said Wheein which made Yongsun smile.

Wheein was watching the movie with a lot of concentration but Yongsun couldn't. The scenes were really scary and she had to hold onto Wheein's arm very tightly. After some time, as Yong turned to look at Wheein she saw that Wheein had fallen asleep. Wheein's head rested against the backrest as her hand held Yongsun's hand which was wrapped around her arm. As Yongsun, looked over she couldn't help but wonder about Wheein more. She wanted to know about her. She wanted to stay by this girl's side, protect her and make her happy. Do I love her? Can she ever....

Wheein tossed as her hair covered some of her face. Yongsun moved the strands of hair to have a better look at the sleeping angel and just then Wheein leaned into her palm and went back to sleep.

"How can you expect me to rest, when you're so dangerously close to me. Guess I won't be able to sleep tonight." 

                                                                                                     ___________________________

           Wheein had came to submit her pieces for the upcoming event. Hyoyeon wanted her to showcase her best works so that she could gain some more exposure in the industry. She really loved Wheein's art and wanted her passion and talent to be known by more and more people.

"Wheein, make sure you attend the event. I want to introduce you to more people in the industry so that you can participate in more exhibitions. If things go well, I may even be able to get you an overseas exhibition"

"Aww Unnie, you worry about me more than I do for myself" smiled Wheein, "how can I thank you for that!"

"You don't need to thank me Wheein-ah. It's just that you're extremely talented and I don't want that talent to stay hidden. You can do so much, achieve so much."

"Aww Unnie. By the way, Unnie is the renovation of the old building done?"

"Umm not yet, it'll still take a week or two."

"Can I have a round there?"

"Oh sure, also let me know if you have some more ideas for the place."

"Sure Unnie" saying so Wheein left her office.

 
       Yongsun parked her car and stepped out of it. She bought some flowers from a nearby shop and walked to the entrance of the gallery. So much had changed in the last five years. The building was extended and it looked a lot different. She entered the place. She couldn't help but want to visit the old place again. The place where she and Wheein had spent time together. Where she saw Wheein happy and wanted to stay by her side. But she didn't stay. She left. Left without saying anything, with bunch of unspoken words in her heart. She didn't...or couldn't...anyway she left.

       She walked towards the old part of the building as old memories flashed before her eyes. She could feel Wheein in a sweatshirt holding her hand and dragging her through the crowd. As she snapped out of her trance with tears in her eyes she saw the place from her memories being reconstructed. "Looks like this place gonna change too." Just then she noticed a small figure at the end of the building taking a look at the ongoing construction. Even if it was 5 years, Yongsun could still recognize her, very well. Those small hands, comfy fashion, slight grin on her face. She could imagine a cute dimple adorning her cheeks. 

       As she kept looking at the girl, she noticed her holding her forehead. She looked like she was in pain. As Yongsun kept thinking what she should do, she saw Wheein stumble and fall to the ground. 

                                                                                                    ___________________________________

"Unnie, how many of my confirmed projects is Starship involved in right now?"

"You saw the article? Are you okay? I mean..."

"Don't worry Unnie. Yes I read the article. She wore a suit too. She looked really cool, didn't she?"

    Sujin was driving Hyejin to the last shoot of her drama. Sujin had heard about her breakup but never knew much about it. Though they were quite close, Sujin was quite afraid about asking Hyejin about this. But seeing the way she talked about Byul, she decided to ask.

"Hyejin-ah, there's something I wanted to ask. It's absolutely okay if you don't want to answer thoug..."

"Unnie, ask me"

"Why did you two break up?"

     Hyejin didn't answer for a few seconds and then she smiled, a weird smile. A smile which looked sad and lonely. "We didn't...I broke up with her. I left her." Sujin felt Hyejin wanted to speak more about it and so she waited.

"I couldn't Unnie. She loved me, too much. When her father got to know about our relationship, she left home. Just like that. Someone who had been raised like a princess, she lived in that small apartment beacuse she loved me. She loved photography. She was exceptional. She was among the youngest students to get the best documentary film award from the university. But when she was offered to work as an assistant director for a film, she turned down the offer, because she couldn't live apart from me for a month. She was invited to participate in Korea's most famous photography exhibition. She didn't attend, because that was the day my first movie premiered. This is nothing. So many opportunities, she declined all because she wanted to be with me. How could I let this happen? No matter how much I loved her, how can I be the reason of her destruction. I tried...to be with her, but I couldn't. I couldn't stay selfish and watch her destroying herself because of me. So I had to, I had to leave. I never wanted that. I wanted to spend my entire life with her. But not at the price of her own self. So I set her free, free from me. That's all I could do", Hyejin didn't notice that tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to control her tears.

"Hyejin-ah, it's okay. You did it because you cared for her. She'll understand that"

"I hope she does" sighed Hyejin, "cause the last thing I want to see is her hating me..."

                                                                                                         _____________________________

  She slowly opened her eyes as her head pained like hell. She looked around to find someone sitting beside her.

"Wheein-ah, are you okay? You fell unconscious earlier!", Hyoyeon looked worried and panicked.

"Ahh...no wonder my head hurts a lot. But I'm okay. I guess it's because of the all-nighters I pulled"

"You gotta rest now, take this medicine for now and get some sleep, I'll take you to the doctor"

"No, Unnie it's okay. I'll get some sleep and be okay. I must've already startled you"

"Ahh...of course you did! Thank god, Yongsun saw you there and brought you here in time..."

"Unnie, wait...what? Yong..Yongsun Unnie was here?"

"Yeah, she had an appointment with me and she saw you while coming upstairs. She also got you these medicines."

"Unnie, came...she saw me but didn't wait", honestly Wheein was a bit hurt to hear this. She missed Yongsun, she wanted to meet her. But seeing that she didn't even wait for her to wake up, it pained now...her heart more than her head.

"Well she said she couldn't since she had some appointments with some clients and asked me to let her know if you were okay. I'll let her know that you woke up.."

"Unnie. give me her number. I'll tell her myself"

                                                                                            _____________________________________

    "Yong, I heard from Hyoyeon. Why didn't you stay?"

    "I couldn't Unnie...I can't see her.."

    "Bull, I know you're worried crazy right now. You want to see her, meet her. You love her Yong, how long are you going to deny this?"

    "It's not easy Unnie, I know Unnie, I may love her but I left her alone. After being close friends for 4 years, we lived like strangers for 5 whole years. She's Hyejin's best friend and Byulie hates her. She'll hate me if she know I met her again. Right now, I hate this too. I hate how messy this is, but I can't. I can't even look her in the eye, how am I gonna meet her?"

             Yonghee felt sorry. She knew how much Yongsun was trying to hide. She knew how her life had gotten complicated with all these relationships getting entangled with each other. "Okay, calm down. I think you should go home today. Get some sleep, have some rest. I ask Hyoyeon about Wheein later. Go"

"No, I'm fine. Give me the files for the other projects"

"You were assigned to handle only Hyoyeon's project for today. Don't worry. Just rest for today. I'll assign you new projects tomorrow"

    Yongsun sighed as she closed the door. First day of work and nothing went well. She threw herself on her bed and wondered how Wheein was doing. "You love her", Yonghee Unnie's words played in her mind. She got up and reached to her desk. Opening the top drawer slowly, she pulled out a pink letter. As she heard those words again and again, she remembered that day. The day which left things incomplete. The day which changed everything. 

5 years ago

    Yongsun was confused. She wanted to meet her, she missed her so badly. But she was dead nervous. As she was about to call, her phone ringed. As if the heavens heard her, it was Wheein calling. 

"Yes, Wheein-ah, I was about to..."

"Unnie, I think there's some problem. Hyejin just texted me to come to their apartment urgently. She even asked me to bring you. She asked us to hurry. I don't know but I'm getting a really bad feeling."

   Wheein sounded worried and anxious. Byulie had told her that Hyejin was behaving a bit differently these days. "Okay, I'll leave right now. Ah..also I wanted to meet you. I have something to give you."

"Okay Unnie, I'll see you there"

    Yongsun immediately left with the pink letter in her hand. I'll make sure to give this to Wheein today. As she reached Byulie's apartment, she could hear screams and noises. She could hear them fight. As she went inside, she could see Hyejin packing her bags and Byulie begging her not to leave. Yongsun couldn't think of what to do. She couldn't believe that this was happening. Just then, Wheein arrived and they both looked at each other worriedly.

"Hyejin-ah, you can't leave like this. I'll die", Byul cried.

"I can't Unnie...This love, your love, it's toxic", saying so Hyejin dragged her bags out and left the place. Wheein called after her many times and followed her.

    Byul lied on the floor, her eyes were swollen and red. Yongsun went to her and pulled her close. She hugged her tight, "Everything's gonna be okay. Don't worry, don't cry" seeing Byul like this, Yongsun felt miserable. Just then her phone beeped. It was a text from Wheein. 

Unnie, looks like Hyejin is leaving for Jeonju. I'll go after after her.

    Yongsun remembered about the letter. She had to give it to her today. It's now or never. She texted back.

Just wait 2 mins for me. I'll be there.

Ok, I'm waiting. 

     Yong turned to Byul, "Byul-ah wait for me, I'll be right back. Don't cry please..." Saying so Yongsun rushed out of the apartment. She ran downstairs to where Wheein was waiting. 

"Unnie, don't run. You'll hurt yourself!"

    Yongsun was panting from all the running. "Ahh...hmm..I know you gotta leave now, but I wanted to give you something. I've been trying...but", while saying so, Yongsun put her hands in her pocket only to find them empty. Then she remembered, she'd put the letter in her wallet and she left the wallet at Byul's place.

"Oh ! ! Wheein-ah just wait, I'll get it from upstairs, I'm so sorry!", Yongsun panicked and she ran to Byul's apartment. Panting, breathing heavily, she opened the door and her heart dropped.

Byulie cut her wrist.

     She was bleading , heavily. Yongsun couldn't speak. She had no words. She rushed towards Byul. She was losing consciousness. "Byul-ah, are you crazy? What were you thinking?", Yongsun was crying. "Yong, I want to die. Let me die...she left me...", Yongsun couldn't believe what she was hearing right now. She immediately called an ambulance. Seeing an ambulance arrive there, Wheein rushed with them upstairs. Byul was carried and both Wheein and Yongsun accompanied her to the hospital. Wheein looked at Yongsun, she seemed lost. She tried calling her a few times but Yongsun's eyes seemed to have lost sight, she seemed to be deaf to everything that moment.

     Yongsun couldn't process all of this. Her best friend was now about to die and it's because of her. If only, if only she didn't leave her alone that time. She was broken, hurt and at a time like this, Yongsun thought about herself. She was selfish. She felt embarrased. The guilt she felt right now even made it impossible for her to face Wheein. She hated herself for doing this...

Yongsun opened the letter in her hand and read in her mind, as if speaking to Wheein...

     Dear Angel, 
                             This is the first time I'm writing a letter, I'm so nervous. But this is something I really wanted to do since long. When you gave me that letter on my birthday, It's the first letter I ever received. Honestly, I feel blessed to have you as my close friend. You care for me, help me just like a guardian angel. You were always special to me but recently, it's changed a lot. Looking at you makes me happy, I feel like I can do that all day. When you cry, it pains, it hurts to see you like that. At that moment I wish to hold you close and protect you from every bad thing in this world. When you hold my hand, I get butterflies and my heart beats like crazy. For a long time, I couldn't believe that all of this was because of you. But now I can't deny. I have to agree, because it's the ultimate truth of me. Yesterday at your place, when I held you close, I knew this is the warmth I've been longing for. When I smiled as I looked at you, I knew I like myself smiling this way and when you smiled back at me, I knew I want to be the reason for that smile forever. I may not be the perfect person, but I want to be the perfect one for you. So Wheein-ah, tell me, will you be my girlfriend? 
                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                            ~ your Yeba Yongsunnie

  "Wheein-ah, I'm such a fool for you..."

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Annyeong everyone.... it's been really long since I last updated and I'm so sorry for that. But now I have the story set into further chapters, so I think I'll update sooner. But I'm really curious, how do you guys feel about the story? Do you like it? Let me know in the comments as I love reading your comments. They in fact motivate me to write more and more. Lastly, thank you so much everyone for reading this story, for taking some time to read my efforts. Love you everyone!!!