Jiyong could not concentrate on his work in the Gibang. He was all smiles and pleasantly polite to the customers. Sohee felt all fluttery inside and the

thought of being Jiyong's first girlfriend is exciting and..... more than she could ask for. Sohee was waiting patiently in a private room, a smaller

section of the Gibang. Yeeun has told her that a client would like to have a word with her in private. Hands folded neatly on her lap, Sohee hears the

client making his way here. The doors open and Sohee rises immediately to greet him. Keeping her eyes down, Sohee bows slowly. When she raises

her head, her heart came to a halt. Her lips move wordlessly. Heechul bows in return and offers a nervous smile. Sohee forces her frozen arms to

move and ushers Heechul to the cushion. Heechul follows and they sat in silence, facing each other. Just the two of them.

Sohee looks at him, plastering a smile on her face. " What would you like to drink? "

Heechul stares into her eyes, unmoving and making her uncomfortable." Red wine. Light. " He says.

Sohee nods and calls for the guards outside the doors. When they left with her order, Sohee faces Heechul again.

" What brings you here, on your busy schedule? " She asks.

Heechul blinks softly and leans towards her across the table, arms on the table." I.... wanted to ask something. " 

Sohee blinks." Please, ask your question. "

" Are you.... in a relationship with Jiyong? " He inquires. Sohee froze.

"........ No. " She denies curtly.

Heechul smiles widely and sits back on his cushion." I was thinking...... of dating you legally. " He informs her.

Sohee felt like she choked on her own saliva. Her eyes went wide. He said what!? 

" Y-y-y-yes?" She asked.

At that moment, their drinks arrived and the conversation was put on hold. Sohee pours the liquor onto his wine glass and hers. He nods and they

clink their glasses together.

" Anyway, what I meant was, I told YeEun that I wanted to raise your hair. So we can date. " He says casually.

Sohee gulps. Raise my hair?

Heechul frowns slightly " You do know what it means, right? " He asks.

Sohee nods. " To "marry" a gisaeng but not legally. " She spoke, her voice a whisper.

Heechul nods. " Correct. "

Sohee raises her head and considers him. " So... you have enough money to pay for my expenses and buy me a house? " She asks him in disbelief.

He grins, tilting his head challengingly. " You think I don't? " 

Sohee averted her gaze." But.... but I'm not ready..." She trails off.

Heechul smiles, " I know. I have asked Director Park for permission in taking you out for meals and stuff like that. " He tells her.

Sohee stares at him, alarmed." Did he.... What did he say? " She asks curiously.

Heechul took a sip of his wine before answering. " He said ok. " Heechul smiles.

Sohee tried to keep her facial expressions intact. She forces a smile on her lips.

" I won't give up on you, Sohee. " He says, giving her a lingering smile.

---

Sohee was very disturbed. Very. There was something about Heechul she cannot resist. His kindness? His sincerity? Ugh. Sohee squeezes her eyes

shut in frustration and groans. First a confession from Jiyong. Now a proposal?

" Well.... I'm not complaining.... " Sohee murmurs to herself.

" But.... I will be letting either one down." She continues, visualising Jiyong being hurt and walking away. And Heechul, giving her tight smile and

also walking away. But- somehow... Her heart aches a little more when she thinks of Jiyong. He must be so hurt..... Sohee sat up, making her mind

up that she should focus on Jiyong first. She nods, agreeing. To herself. At that precise moment, her phone flickers. A text. From Jiyong. Sohee

couldn't hide her smile.

Come on out, let's have supper :)

It read. Sohee sticks out her tongue slightly and grins.

Ok. Give me a moment. c: 

Sohee checks her reflection and blots her slightly oily face. She doesn't bother changing into casual clothes because it IS the street well-known for

Gisaengs. Might as well walk around in the hanbok with pride. Sohee hurries out of her room. The night was cool. Perfect. Her lips curved into a

smile as she searches Jiyong. He was waiting at the building in front of the gate. Staring at his phone screen with a pretty smile. He doesn't even

notice her creeping up behind him. Sohee silently peeked over his shoulder, and her eyes widen as her own self smiled back at her. With Jiyong by

her side with a sheepish smile. The two were wearing their school uniform. Jiyong with his beanie, Sohee with her long hair.

" What are you smiling at? " Sohee teases, her eyes sparkling, rare.

GD jumps, tucking his phone away in his pocket, flustered. He shakes his head, biting back a smile.

" No.... Nothing. " He lies, crossing his arms.

Sohee giggles, her chubby cheeks lifting as she smiles. The two walk over to the wooden gate, heading out. Just then, the gate was thrown open, and

a group of guys entered, drunk and yelling vulgarities out loud. Sohee grabs GD's arm in bewilderment. GD pats her hand warmly.

He approaches the group of guys coldly. " What are you guys doing here. Please return, you're causing a racket and disturbing the people here. " He

orders.

One of them eyes GD up and down, his eyes unfocused. " Who are you? Isn't this a house? We can come and go as we like. " He slurrs his

words. Sohee felt blood leave her face as she comes to recognise the man before GD.

It is...... None other than...... Her ertic brother. The reason why she left...... Why is he here!!? Sohee could only watch him from a mere

distance, unable to breathe. What if he notices her?? Drags her home?? Sohee's knees fails her and she falls to the ground weakly. Her breaths were

short and she couldn't think. She tried to catch Jiyong's attention but all she managed was a croak. In the midst of her blurring vision, she could make

out GD turning around and seeing her collapsing. He runs towards her, by now she was fighting to open her eyes. All she could see was GD's face

hovering above hers worriedly. Sohee closes her eyes and panicking in mind before her head touches the floor.

------------------------