SONG HYE KYO

"What do you mean she has to?!" My manager half screamed.

I looked over at her in surprise, wondering who she was talking to. 

"But...but...Ugh! Fine! What else can we do if it's from the President himself?!" 

I was still staring at my manager, her face was red and it seemed like she was seething in anger and frustration. I personally have never seen her this agitated over something. 

Something big must've happened. I thought as I continued to flip through my script and eavesdrop at her phone call.

With a loud sigh of frustration she hung up her phone and slammed it on the table.

"God! Do they have any idea what problems this would cause?!" She exclaimed to no one.

"What is going on? Why are you so mad?" I asked, turning to her.

"Hye Kyo-ah. Don't be too shocked." She said, her eyes mellowing as she looked at me. 

"You can't tell me not to be too shocked because I WILL feel nervous, you know?" I felt my chest tighten in anticipation of what she was about to say. "What is it?"

"On Friday next week, there's a Descendants of the Sun reunion party." She mumbled.

"A what?" I asked, not digesting what she said.

"A Descendants of the Sun reunion party. KBS arranged the event to commemorate the success of the drama 6 years ago." She said.

"By reunion party, you mean like a reunion of the whole staff and cast? Like the WHOLE cast?" I asked again. 

She nodded. 

"I'm not going." I stated, returning my attention to my script.

"You can't decline." She said.

"What?" I exclaimed. "Why not? I'm sure you know why I'm declining, Unnie." 

"I know, but the president of KBS himself sent the invitation. That was UAA's secretary to the president I was talking to. It's mandatory attendance, and the agency already accepted in your behalf." She said, lowering her eyes in resignation.

"Why would they do that?" I exclaimed in frustration. 

"It frustrates me too, but we can't really do anything about it anymore. It's an order from the higher ups, you have to be there." She said.

I sighed, feeling the hopelessness of the situation. "Fine. It's not like I can do anything if you put it that way."

"Just keep your distance and pull through the party. I'm sure Joong Ki-ssi is also going to put some distance between the two of you since this doesn't benefit him in any way too." My manager said. I just gave her a small nod.

"Really, he just shows up everywhere." I mumbled to myself as my manager stood up and walked out of the break room we were at. 

The whole time I was doing my schedules for the day, the dread I'm feeling for the upcoming reunion party kept me restless. 

I had a ton of things going on in my mind, and this was not a good time to have an added concern. My mind had been preoccupied with the thoughts of me finally deciding to sell my house, although I haven't said anything to my manager about it. Also, I've been seriously pondering about Seung Heon Oppa's confession. On top of all that, I had to keep a steady attention to all the work that I'm doing. I'm already mentally exhausted, and having this reunion party linger at my thoughts was just added to the pile of things that bothers me. 

I groaned to myself as I finally ended today's filming for Remembering You. It was a small consolation that Seung Heon Oppa was not scheduled to shoot today. For the past week since he confessed, we've been going on dinner dates every time our schedules matched. I had a lot of fun during the dates, and they served as a welcome distraction for all the other things that has kept my mind preoccupied. And if I was being totally honest, I really liked the time that I spend with Seung Heon Oppa. 

"Hye Kyo-ah. I thought about it, why don't we say that you're sick once Friday comes. I doubt they will still force you to go if that was the case." My manager said as she sat beside me in the car on our way home. 

"Isn't that like I'm obviously avoiding attending the party?" I asked. 

"Who cares if it's obvious. It's better than being uncomfortable at that party all night." She replied, huffing as she leaned back on her seat. 

My mind wandered to the thought of seeing Joong Ki once again. It's true that I do find it uncomfortable, but it's also true that as actors and actresses, we have to keep a professional front despite what happened in our personal lives. There's no denying that Descendants of the Sun was a sensational drama in 2016, and I have to give credit to Joong Ki for that, since without him it wouldn't have been possible for the drama to achieve such great heights. Things between us might've not worked out well but it doesn't have to affect our work. After all, this reunion party is considered work. 

I've actually sorted through my emotions that night I decided to finally sell my house. After seeing Joong Ki at the park and at TMI, I realized that holding on to these feelings of hate I have for him is useless. It was my fault for having expectations of still being friends. I hadn't thought about how Joong Ki must've felt. He was also going through the backlash of the divorce and the emotions of us breaking up, it would be perfectly understandable if he didn't want to be friends right away. I realized that I was still being selfish then, and that I should've just let him cope the way he wants to. Thinking back, I don't really hate him, it's just that it hurt my pride and feelings to be ignored.

Three years had passed, and I'm sure we've both matured in our own ways. Maybe I should just let bygones be bygones, after all the divorce was still somewhat a mutual decision even if he did file for it first. I've had my own shortcomings and faults in our marriage crumbling as well, it wasn't fair that I was feeling like a victim. Maybe we can start being civil now. Maybe this reunion party is a chance for me to finally face the things I've been avoiding these 3 years. 

I smiled to myself at the relief of the feeling that I'm finally letting go of the pain and hatred I've been storing in those 3 years. I admit to myself that seeing that salvation in Seung Heon Oppa had helped me slowly let go of the past. 

"Unnie. I think it's fine. I'm going after all." I said to my manager.

"What? Are you being serious? You're okay with going?" She asked non-stop.

I let out a laugh. "Yes. After all, it's been so long. Joong Ki is a good person despite it all, I don't think he deserves me hating him this much over a divorce that both of us had agreed to. I also have my own faults in the relationship anyway." 

"Jinja. You're so forgiving." My manager muttered. "If it were me I would have avoided and hated him all my life." 

"Harboring hate for him my whole life would just make me pitiful. It's 2022, it's the time for us to just let all these things be bygones." I replied with a small smile.

"Whatever you say." She said. "I really wonder how you can be so mature about this. It's not shameful to still hate and avoid him because after all, you went through a lot." 

"I'm 40 years old, if I'm not mature enough at this age then that's just sad. And he went through a lot too, it wasn't just me." I simply said. 

My manager just gave me a look and nodded her head.

SONG JOONG KI

It's finally Thursday. Since getting the reunion party invitation a week ago, I've been counting the days. I felt exhilarated at the thought that the party is going to be tomorrow, I couldn't stop myself from smiling the whole day.

"What are you smiling about?" Kwang Soo asked. 

I was currently at Kwang Soo's house, hanging out with him. 

"Nothing." I said, trying to stop myself from grinning but failing at it miserably as another smile escaped my lips.

"You're crazy." He shook his head at me as he handed me a can of beer. 

"Hey, so you haven't told me what happened that night when you took Hye Kyo Noona home." Kwang Soo said. "You know I even had to lie to In Sung hyung to cover up for you. I said you went home on your own and Noona was picked up by her manager."

"There's nothing to tell. I just took her home." I said. "But thanks for not telling In Sung hyung, it just makes it more complicated to explain myself to him." 

Kwang Soo eyed me suspiciously. "I seriously have no idea what's going on in that brain of yours."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"It's just so weird that you volunteered to take her home that day. Ah In was there, and there was also the option to call her manager. I think you were looking for trouble when you decided to take her home yourself." Kwang Soo said as he took a sip from his beer. 

"I just wanted to make sure she went home safe. She was wasted that night." I said. 

"She would've been much safer if Ah In or her manager took her home. You're the last person that should be involved with Noona. Imagine if someone took your photo when you dropped her off? And you were using my car too! Imagine if people thought I was the one who took her home!" Kwang Soo exclaimed.   

I laughed at him. "It's been weeks and there's no news about it anywhere so obviously no one saw us. And don't worry about being involved, no one would think Hye Kyo would go out with you." 

"Yah! What's that supposed to mean?" He exclaimed as he threw a pillow at me. 

"Nothing." I said, laughing. 

"Anyway, In Sung hyung invited us for an overnight trip tomorrow. He said he's already rented a villa at Sokcho." Kwang Soo asked.

"I can't. I have a schedule tomorrow." I simply said as I sipped my beer.

"What schedule? You're usually free during Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays." Kwang Soo said.

"It's alarming that you know when I have my days off." I laughed.

"You're free tomorrow aren't you? Stop being lazy and come with us." Kwang Soo insisted. 

"I really have a schedule." I said. 

"What is it then if it's true?" He asked. 

I thought about it for a moment if I should lie, but decided against it since I'm pretty sure there would be news regarding it. 

"There's a reunion party for the whole cast and crew of Descendants of the Sun. I'm going there."

"What?! Like a reunion party for EVERYONE?" Kwang Soo's voice grew louder as he said 'Everyone'. I nodded.

"LIKE EVERYONE? EVERYONE AS IN EVEN HYE KYO NOONA?!" He shouted. I nodded once again.

"And you're going?!" 

"How many time have I said it? Yes, I'm going." I said. 

"Are you really asking for trouble Song Joong Ki?!" Kwang Soo's eyes bulged as he asked me. 

"What do you mean trouble? It's just a party and it's an invitation from the President of KBS himself. I couldn't decline." I said.

"You can get out of it with a million reasons. Tell me, you're willing to go aren't you? Like you actually want to go." Kwang Soo pressed on. 

"It'll be nice to see everyone again." I replied. 

"But Hye Kyo Noona's there too!" Kwang Soo exclaimed. "Are you not the least bit worried?" 

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't, but after that night at TMI, I think Hye Kyo and I could co exist in one space." I said. 

"That night at TMI was purely coincidental so you could co exist in one place because you had no choice but to. And it was just us at a private place too. This time, you're informed that she'll be there and I'm sure there will be press involved too and all eyes will be on the two of you." Kwang Soo said.

"I don't think there will be press inside the restaurant." I said.

"But they'll be outside! They will be taking photos of you entering the premises and also Hye Kyo Noona!" He exclaimed.

"I doubt there will be much fanfare about this. It's been years after all." I shrugged.

"Are you dumb? Everyone's still on their toes about any news regarding the two of you! You may be oblivious to it but there are still a lot of people rooting for the two of you, you know?!" Kwang Soo was looking at me incredulously.

"Really?" I asked, smiling a little at the thought that some people still liked the two of us together.

"Yah. Why are you smiling?! You shouldn't be smiling!" Kwang Soo exclaimed as he pointed at me.

"Seriously, Kwang Soo. It's not a big deal. This is considered work too, don't worry about it." I said.

"I'll worry about it all I want!" Kwang Soo huffed. "You're putting yourself in a tight spot and it's going to be out there for all the public to see!" 

"I don't think Hye Kyo and I would fight there. And I've been reminded to be careful." I explained. 

"I know you won't fight with each other, but it's controversial enough for an ex-married couple to attend an event together, what more an event that commemorates the drama that you both starred in and fell in love in. Descendants of the Sun was the start of it all for the two of you, may I remind you?" Kwang Soo said. 

"I know all of that. But really, no need to be overly worried about it. It's just a get together I'm attending. Nothing more, nothing less. And I wouldn't do anything controversial there." I said, lying through the things I've planned out for tomorrow night.

Kwang Soo sighed. "Fine. Just be really careful then." 

I just gave him a small smile and a nod.

It was finally Friday. I've been counting the hours as they pass by. I was to leave my place at 7pm to go the barbecue restaurant at Gangnam where the reunion was taking place. I even got a text from Jin Goo hyung saying that he's looking forward to seeing everyone again.

I rummaged through the pile of clothes on my bed once again, thinking what I should wear. 

I picked out a white long sleeved button down and navy blue pants. I shook my head as I stared at my reflection. This is too formal for a barbecue restaurant.

I pulled out another outfit I had planned, it was a white sweater paired with black shorts. I shook my head again. Too casual.

I threw the clothes at my bed once again, feeling ridiculous at how I seemed. This isn't a red carpet appearance! Why am i so anxious about what I should wear?!

I checked my phone for the time. 6:45pm

I seriously have no time to fuss about my clothes now. I sighed and picked up the discarded white sweater and black shorts. I'll just wear this, whatever.

At exactly 7pm, my manager called to say that he was waiting for me downstairs. I grabbed my phone and wallet, before closing my front door I realized I had forgotten something. I quickly ran inside once again to grab the gold ring that was now resting on my bedside table. I grinned as I placed it inside my pocket and immediately rushed out.

SONG HYE KYO

"You're wearing that?" My manager asked as she surveyed me head to toe.

"Why? What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I asked, feeling a little insecure at my choice of clothing.

"Nothing's wrong, but it just seems too casual." She said.

"It's a barbecue restaurant. Am I supposed to wear a dress or a gown?" I laughed.

"No, but seeing as your ex-husband will be there, I'm thinking you should wear something that would deserve a wow factor." She replied, looking over at me.

"I don't need to do that. I'm not there to impress anyone." I said.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I'm just still very annoyed that you'd be seeing each other once again. You know I haven't forgotten how you were that night you said you saw him while you were taking a walk with Ruby." She replied.

"Unnie, I've said it before, and I'm saying it again. That was a one time thing. And a lot has happened after that. I truly believe that I have let go of all that bitterness now." I smiled. 

My manager just shrugged at me as we drove off to Gangnam. 

The restaurant where the reunion was being held at was at a barbecue restaurant in Gangnam. It was a Friday night and since Gangnam area was packed, I arrived at 8:30pm, a little later than my liking since I've already gotten texts from Kim Ji Won and Jung Seo Yeon Unnie that they were already there and that the place was already filled with our cast members.

"I'm going, Unnie. I'll text you when it's time for me to go home." I said as I bid her goodbye.

"Okay. I'm giving you a pass to drink tonight but don't drink too much! You have a schedule on Sunday for a photo shoot." She reminded.

"I won't. I promise." I laughed.

"Good luck, Hye Kyo-ah. And have fun!" She said as she waved.

I took a deep breath as I got off the car. In an instant, blinding flashes of camera welcomed me as the media and paparazzis outside the establishment took countless photos. I smiled and waved as much as I could before being escorted inside by the numerous security personnel that surrounded the restaurant.

The restaurant was indeed packed. I looked around to see all our former staff and crew during the filming at Descendants of the Sun. I greeted and smiled at everyone of them. Kim Eun Seok Unnie, our writer then, engulfed me in a hug as soon as she saw me. 

"How are you, Hye Kyo-ah?" She said.

"I'm fine, Unnie. I'm so excited for your new drama! I heard it's going to be another smashing hit." I grinned. 

"It's a shame that you're too busy to accept another drama offer, I would've liked you to star in it." She smiled. 

Director Lee Eung Bok also passed by me, and with a quick exchange of niceties, he left hurriedly to continue drinking.

I walked over at the table where Seo Yeon Unnie was sitting at with Kim Ji Won, and Kim Min Seok.

"Unnie!" 

"Noona!" 

"Hye Kyo-ah!" 

Ji Won, Min Seok and Seo Yeon Unnie called over. I made my way to their table and took a seat. 

"Hi, everyone!" I grinned as I gave them all a hug. "I missed you all so much!" 

"Us too, Unnie! You look so pretty!" Ji Won said.

"Aish. You're prettier. Congrats on wrapping up your movie!" I smiled at her.

"Noona, how are you?" Min Seok said as he hugged me.