Chapter 12: What Lies Behind
Days to Forever--Jessy immediately pulled her hand from Sungjae’s. He felt disappointed when he remembered that nobody should know about them. The thought of knowing that Jessy likes him, but both of them can’t let anybody know about their relationship, kind of make him question how long their relationship will last. But in front of Minhyuk, whom he knows that is aware of what relationship Jessy and him are having, he couldn’t understand why she felt so tensed. In order to relieve himself of jealousy, Sungjae told himself how much Minhyuk likes her, and Jessy might not want to hurt him.
Jessy: Minhyuk-ah.
--She was shocked at the sight of him. She didn’t expect him to come, especially with this situation that Sungjae was in her office. Her office suddenly felt so small for the three of them. She wanted to walk out of the room.
Minhyuk: Your parents are here with me.
--Sungjae quickly looked at the doorstep and fortunately, they were not yet there; not yet there to witness how near their daughter was to a student in school.
Jessy: Weyo?
Minhyuk: They wanted it to be a surprise. We will be having lunch, together with my parents.
--And with that, Sungjae couldn’t keep his calm. Their fake relationship was going too serious.
Sungjae: Wait, what?
Jessy: Why didn’t you tell me?
Minhyuk: As I’ve said, they wanted to surprise you.
--Minhyuk disappointed Jessy. She didn’t think that Minhyuk would be so careless.
Jessy: But Minhyuk, we both know what is happening here, right? You, me, my friends. You have to tell me everything.
Minhyuk: Oh. So they know…
--Minhyuk stared at Sungjae, and Sungjae returned his stare back.
Sungjae: Yes, we know.
--Minhyuk looked away, trying to keep himself from bursting with anger. He thought only Jessy and him know the secret agreement they have. And now, that others know about it, he wondered if they think of him as a desperate guy who needs attention to be more popular. Then, Jessy’s parents came.
Mrs. Hyun (Youkyoung): Surprise surprise!
--She hugged and kissed her daughter. Jessy automatically had a smile on her lips as she greeted her parents. On the other hand, Sungjae felt that he was out of place while still standing next to Jessy. He couldn’t move, avoiding for her parents to notice him.
Mrs. Hyun (Youkyoung): Did Minhyuk told you about our lunch already?
Jessy: De, omma. I didn’t really expect it.
--Minhyuk noticed that Jessy’s father was confused of Sungjae’s appearance in her office so he quickly went to Jessy and put a hand on the small of her back, just to make her father feel that everything’s fine. Sungjae couldn’t keep his eyes off them while Jessy did quick glances at him, as if to say she was really sorry.
Mr. Hyun (Taebin): And who is our visitor in the school president’s office?
--Sungjae was surprised. He felt a little scared like a little boy who was caught in the act of doing something bad.
Sungjae: Ah! Annyeonghasseo! Yook Sungjae imnida.
--He said as he bowed to him with respect.
Minhyuk: He just had a few questions to Jessy. He was about to go when you came.
--Minhyuk and Jessy looked at Sungjae who was looking furiously at Minhyuk. The tension between them could be felt around the room.
Minhyuk: Please.
--He mouthed to Sungjae.
Sungjae: De, I’m sorry to bother all of you. I’m going now, Mr. Hyun.
--Sungjae went out; fists clenched. Jessy looked at Minhyuk and realized how Sungjae must have felt.
Jessy: We were not yet done talking. Just give me a minute.
--And she ran after him, leaving everyone in the room confused.
Ilhoon: Sungjae-ah! Where were you? Let’s eat!
--Ilhoon placed an arm on Sungjae’s tensed shoulders.
Sungjae: I was just…nothing. I was doing nothing.
--He smiled as if there’s nothing wrong. There’s no point in telling them what happened, he needed no sympathy.
Hyunsik: Babo! Haha
--Hyunsik pushed him as he laughed, and Sungjae couldn’t help but laugh too. He needed this, the distraction. With the sight of the three guys already heading to the cafeteria, Jessy retreated and went back to the office.
Mrs. Hyun (Youkyoung): Is everything alright, dear?
Jessy: De, omma.
--She looked sadly at minhyuk, making him feel that she was more disappointed at him now. Minhyuk just looked away. He wished she can feel that all of the things he was doing were for her own safety.
Mr. Hyun (Taebin): Then let’s get going. Minhyuk’s parents are waiting.
Choaya: yah yah yah! Eating already?
--Sungjae, Ilhoon, and Hyunsik were at their table in the cafeteria.
Seoulhyun: Can we join?
Ilhoon: Of course : )
--Ilhoon couldn’t help but smile when he sees Seoulhyun.
Yoonari: Jessy? Where is she?
Hyunsik: I…I don’t know.
Yoonari: Tss…thought you know everything.
--She rolled her eyes. These two always tease each other; especially that they are both on top of their classes.
Hyunsik: Well I’m not her body guard.
Sungjae: She’s doing some errands. Can we please just eat already? I’m starving.
--Sungjae didn’t want to talk about Jessy because he was afraid he’d blurt what happened a while ago.
Choaya: He’s right. : )
--Seoulhyun looked at Choaya suspiciously. She always thinks that Choaya had always liked Sungjae. Somehow, she pitied her, but the thought that Choaya already knows that Jessy have this special relationship with Sungjae, and she’s still acting like that, Seoulhyun was annoyed.
--Mr. Kim opened the car door for Mrs. Hyun and Mr. Hyun, as he was climbing to the driver’s seat, noticed that Jessy was going in their car.
Mr. Hyun (Taebin): What are you doing?
Jessy: Ah…then should I drive my car, appa?
Mr. Hyun (Taebin): No…I mean you should be going with Minhyuk, right?
Jessy: Is that needed?
--Mr. Hyun shut the door and opened the window, Jessy did not attempt to get in the car.
Mr Hyun (Taebin): Is everything okay with you and Minhyuk?
Jessy: Yes.
--Her father wouldn’t take no for an answer, she knows him too well.
Mr. Hyun (Taebin): Then why are you acting like this?
--He looked serious. Jessy was nervous.
Mr. Hyun (Taebin): Don’t screw this up, Jessy.
--She couldn’t do anything but sigh as her father got in the car and drove away. Minhyuk was waiting behind her. She looked at him; poker faced.
Jessy: Let’s go
Hyunsik: Ahh...the menu is great this day.
--Hyunsik smiled happily; his eyes smiled with his lips, while holding a sachet of ketchup that he was putting to his fries.
Ilhoon: I know right, all the added dishes are our favorite food. This must be because of Jessy.
--And Ilhoon was right. One day, Jessy interviewed all of them about their favorite food and made a list that she then gave to the chef of the school.
Choaya: Do you like this one, Sungjae?
--She offered him a plate of his favorite fruits, watermelon and banana.
Sungjae: No, I’m fine with what I have already, but thanks.
Choaya: Are you sure? I remember that you like these.
Sungjae: No, really, I’m okay.
--Sungjae declined as Choaya insisted.
Ilhoon: Are you okay okay?
Sungjae: What do you mean?
--He asked, though he really knew what Ilhoon meant.
Seoulhyun: Come on, I’m sure Jessy will be eating more delicious food later.haha
Sungjae: Yeah, sure.
--He forced a smile, thinking that what Seoulhyun said may be true, but that was not what concerned him the most.
--In Minhyuk’s car, Jessy was sitting awkwardly beside him.
Jessy: So why did you do that?
Minhyuk: Do what?
Jessy: Driving sungjae away?
--The rise of Jessy’s tone obviously implied that she was still mad, but Minhyuk, being himself, kept his calm and just understood what she felt at that moment.
Minhyuk: I did it for you.
Jessy: You did not!
--Jessy shouted a little and sighed heavily.
Minhyuk: Didn’t you see how your father looked at him?
--Now, Minhyuk was having a difficult time controlling his feelings. He envies Sungjae for being defended by Jessy this way.
Jessy: But he could’ve excused himself if you gave him the chance!
Minhyuk: Look, please don’t be mad at me. I told you that all I’m doing is for you. Let’s not ruin this day. I won’t do it again. I’m sorry.
--Then they reached the restaurant.
Minhyuk: Well, how come we came earlier than your parents when they were the first to depart? Haha
--He noticed that she was still in a bad mood.
Minhyuk: Jessy, please
--She was looking down and he stared at her, trying to catch her eyes. He held wrist.
Minhyuk: hmm…alright.
--Minhyuk stretched, and shook his body like a crazy person with an insect on his body that he couldn’t drive away. Jessy chuckled and was confused. She didn’t know if she’ll buy it or just stay mad, but with Minhyuk’s weird aegyo, she gave up.
Jessy: What are you doing? You look possessed by a crazy spirit.haha
Minhyuk: I’m…driving…the bad vibes away from us…
--He continued while Jessy was laughing. People that were passing by were also laughing. Others recognized who they were and started taking pictures and videos. The fans look flustered while the couple was solving a petty quarrel in a weird way. Then, the security guards told them to respect their privacy.
Jessy: Yah hajima! People are staring!
--She hit him lightly in his shoulder and pulled him inside the restaurant to escape all the flashing cameras.
Minhyuk: Did your bad vibes left you already? I won’t stop if they didn’t.
--She rolled her eyes and sighed.
Jessy: I’m fine now. You can stop.haha
Minhyuk: Oh no! I can’t!
--He continued.
Jessy: Seriously, Minhyuk. I don’t want your parents to see you like that.haha
Minhyuk: I think I’m being possessed!
Jessy: What?! An evil spirit?!
--Jessy, being the coward little girl that was never a fan of scary things was starting to panic.
Minhyuk: No…a vampire!
--He stopped and grabbed her by the neck as if aiming to bite her. Jessy instinctively put his hand on the back of Minhyuk’s neck. She could feel his warm breath on her neck; his gentle fingers entangled to her hair. On the other hand, Minhyuk fought the urge to kiss Jessy. Jessy shrieked a little and pushed him. Minhyuk flew to the door, hurting his back. She could think of how the fans that were just outside the tinted door reacted.
Jessy: Oh my gosh! Are you alright?! I’m sorry!
--Minhyuk grunted a little, feeling the aftermath of too much practice in the studio a while ago.
Minhyuk: You’re strong.
--He smiled at her and she finally smiled back.
Minhyuk: I guess I really did drive the bad vibes away. : )
Jessy: Yes, you did. Now let’s go inside. : )
--Minhyuk’s parents were already at their table.
Minhyuk: Omma! Appa!
--He greeted them with kisses on their cheeks. Eunji looks classy with her black hair in a neat bun and pearl necklace complimenting her red dress. Daehyun, Minhyuk’s father, was wearing a suit and looks decent like her father. Jessy was really nervous she didn’t know what to do and was starting walk out of their VIP room.
Jessy: Omo, what to do…
--Then Minhyuk caught her by the hand.
Minhyuk: As you already know, omma, appa, this is Jessy.
--Jessy slowly turned around and bowed. Her face was turning red. As she withdrawed from her bow, Eunji, Minhyuk’s mom, gave her a hug.
Eunji: Oh sweetie, don’t put pressure on yourself. We are more than pleased to meet you. : )
Jessy: Ah, de. I’m sorry.
--Eunji reminded her of her mother, whom always hugs her too.
Daehyun: Come, both of you sit while we’re waiting for Jessy’s parents.
Youkyoung: Are you ready, honey?
--Jessy’s parents were on their way to the room. Youkyong was wearing an emerald dress that turns into a shiny black when she moves. Her hair that has curls at its end was flowing prettily.
Taebin: I was born ready for everything, honey.
--Youkyoung chuckled and held his arm. She thought of how he looked always the same in his suit.
Youkyoung: Okay, Okay. : ) I wonder who they are…
Taebin: Who? Minhyuk’s parents?
Youkyoung: Yes, I’ve never really paid attention on stalking his parents. Haha
Taebin: Well neither do I. I don’t even know Minhyuk until I saw his name in a news where Jessy’s involved! Haha
--Youkyoung held his arm.
Youkyoung: Oh well, since he’s a great man, I assume that they are great parents.
--Jessy and Minhyuk stood up when they saw her parents, ready to greet them. But Jessy’s father, Taebin, walked directly towards Daehyun, Minhyuk’s father.
Taebin: Nice to finally meet you in person, Lee Daehyun.
--They gripped each other’s hand tightly for a few seconds.
Taebin: And you, I haven’t seen you in along time.
--He kissed Eunji on the cheek, and all the other people in the room were surprised.
Eunji: Ah de. I’ve missed you too.
--Eunji felt uncomfortable.
Youkyoung: So you are Eunji! Taebin told me a lot of stories about you and Junhyung!
--She hugged her for a moment, but Eunji and Daehyun felt awkward with the name of Junhyung being mentioned. Taebin just smirked at his wife who immediately realized her mistake.
Youkyoung: And nice to meet you too, Daehyun-ssi.
--She said while looking at her husband staring eye to eye with Daehyun. Eunji, sensing the situation, tried to break the tension.
Eunji: Come on, let’s all sit and have our lunch. I’m already starving! : )
Minhyuk: De omma, let’s already eat.
Taebin: Well, this is nice, having lunch with my friend's love. It's been a while since I last saw you, Eunji-ah.
Eunji: ah, de.
--Taebin seemed to be enjoying the lucnch, but Minhyuk noticed the others were not that enthusiastic to know each other. The room, unlike he had expected, felt much tensed, so he started a conversation with Taebin.
Minhyuk: Really, Mr. Hyun? So how did you know my father?
Taebin: Well, we've grown together. We know every detail of each other's lives.
--Minhyuk smiled at Jessy; a smile that said ‘we’re really meant for each other’.
Jessy: Then I bet Mr. Lee and I will have a lot of things to talk about.haha
Youkyoung: Jessy-ah...
Jessy: Muot, omma?
--Youkyoung shooked her head a little that made Jessy wondered what she did wrong.
Minhyuk: So does my father have a dirty little secret?haha
Eunji: Minhyuk-ah, finish your food quietly.
Minhyuk: I think I have a lot of things to know about my dad. Right, Mr. Hyun?haha
--Eunji and Daehyun felt uncomfortable; focusing just on the food.
Taebin: Oh i remember one. He absolutely hates driving. He easily panics. It brought me back to the time when--
Eunji: Yeobo, are you done?
Daehyun: Ah, de...
Eunji: Jessy-ah, it's very nice to meet you and your parents, but i think we have to go.
Jessy: ah, de. It's also nice to meet you.
Minhyuk: Omma, weyo? Is something wrong?
--Eunji and Daehyun were already fixing theirselves and were about to stand.
Taebin: De, is something wrong, Daehyun-ah?
Youkyoung: Yeobo, hajima.
Daehyun: We...we just have to go now.
--They were walking towards the door.
Minhyuk: If that's the case, appa...
Taebin: ahhhh.minhyuk-ah...you call him appa?
--Taebin was having fun playing with the emotions of the people inside the room.
Eunji: Taebin-ah, mianhamnida, we should go.
--Eunji faced him and bowed. Taebin lost his calm and stood up. Youkyoung, Minhyuk, and Jessy were shocked and also stood up.
Taebin: We?! Why do you call him father?!
Youkyoung: Taebin-ah!
--She grabbed his arm.
Eunji: Yah hajima!
--She shouted at him. Minhyuk was shocked. Jessy was trying to figure out what’s happening, but she’s pretty sure it’s not going to end well.
Taebin: Fine. Go on. That's where you're good at; walking away from your responsibilities.
--Daehyun turned towards Taebin.
Eunji: Yeobo, no. Let's just go.
Daehyun: Why are you doing this?!
--He was clenching his fists and his body was shaking. Taebin just smirked.
Jessy: Appa, what is going on? Stop it already!
--She was nervous and she didn’t expect herself to shout at his father, but he didn’t paid attention to her anyway.
Taebin: I forgave you even if I know that you're the reason why my friend, Junhyung died. But taking what's his...his own family, never will i accept that.
--Youkyoung just looked down, feeling helpless. Eunji and Minhyuk were shocked.
Daehyun: I don’t know what you're talking about. Minhyuk, can you just go outside with Jessy?
Minhyuk: Anyo. I'm staying.
--Minhyuk was also clenching his fists; his eyes were being filled with tears. He couldn’t believe what he just heard. He was mad, but at the same time, wanted to know everything that Taebin had to say.
Eunji: Minhyuk-ah, just go!
Minhyuk: Shiro! Why do you want me to go? He's talking about something that i never knew in my life!
Jessy: Minhyuk...
--Jessy held his arm but he shrugged it off. She looked at Minhyuk’s face and remembered the rainy night when he tried to find her.
Taebin: Sure. You can deny all you want but I know that the day the accident happened, you were drunk, Junhyung picked you up at a bar. And you grabbed the wheel from him just to go to the girl who dumped you!
--Taebin said, spitting the words with anger.
Daehyun: You liar!
--Daehyun was about to launch at him when Eunji, with her trembling hand, held him.
Eunji: What is he talking about, Daehyun?
Taebin: Oh, right! Eunji doesn't know anything, does she?
--Taebin realized that Eunji was living with Daehyun because she didn’t know the truth.
Daehyun: You're just talking nonsense. You're not even there when the accident happened!
Taebin: De, I’m not there. But I heard everything! He was talking to me on the phone! He was about to take you to my house because he didn't want your parents to see you like a mess again!
Daehyun: You!
Teabin: Yes, my voice was the one who helped you wake up when you were lying beside your brother's dead body! And now, you still have the nerve to be with his family?!
--Eunji’s knees were trembling. She was feeling weak. She walked a few steps away from Daehyun.
Eunji: Is that true? How could you, Daehyun?! How?! Why are you living with us? How can you make me believe your lies? Why are you doing this? We?!
--She held onto Minhyuk’s arm.
Daehyun: Because i feel guilty! And you and Minhyuk are the only way i can think of to--
Taebin: To clear your conscience?!
Minhyuk: No...no..no...stop it already! You don't have the right to talk to my parents like that!
--Minhyuk launched himself towards Taebin and was about to punch him.
Jessy: Minhyuk, stop it!
--She held his shoulder; her trembling fingers deep into his skin.
Eunji: Minhyuk, hajima…
Youkyoung: Yeobo, enough with this.
--Both of them had lost their strength. Then, Minhyuk retreated.
Minhyuk: Omma, we? Is it true? I’m not appa's son? Appa? Is it true?
--He looked at Daehyun, waiting for an answer, but he just looked away. Minhyuk’s tears finally fell from his eyes. His life had been a lie. He felt empty, regretting all of the things that he had done that lead for him to know the truth. Junhyung, or what he had known as his uncle, whom grave he only visits twice a year- his birthday and his death anniversary, was his father. When he was a child, he was always scolded whenever he asks personal questions about Junhyung. He didn’t understand them back then, but now, all the secrets had come to an end.
Eunji: He's not your father. And I don't think he ever thought of us as his family. He used us. He used us just to escape the miserable thing that he had done to your father, Junhyung. He never loved us at all. All was just a lie. He took over the advantage that i was mourning for your father who left me pregnant. I thought that he was just a victim like me, an innocent victim that needs comfort. He promised to accept you as his own son, not a cover up for what he did to your father!
--Eunji was crying her heart out. Every word that she said felt like daggers stabbing Minhyuk’s chest. All the effort of forgetting Junhyung and restraining herself from telling Minhyuk about his father had become waste. She couldn’t believe that she even helped Daehyun in all his lies.
Daehyun: I care for you. I love Minhyuk as my own!
--He was helpless; not knowing what right words to say into the situation. He wanted to explain himself, but will all the angry and disappointed faces around him; he could not even speak properly.
Eunji: Then how about me? Did you ever love me?
--Daehyun could hardly breathe. He held his chest and looked down, giving Eunji no answer.
Eunji: That's what i thought so…
Taebin: So you still love Minah even if you left her and your child?!
Minhyuk: I...I can't listen to this anymore.
--Minhyuk, whose cheeks were all wet with tears, walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Jessy who was then crying seeing Mihyuk in so much pain, ran after him.
Jessy: Minhyuk, wait!
Eunji: How did you know about them?
Taebin: I was the one who told him about it. I had someone to send him pictures of Minah pregnant. Junhyung always say that I should look after his brother like my own. But that was the last thing I could do for him.
Daehyun: So you were my ‘brother’s friend’ that--
--Daehyun held one of the chairs, gripping it tightly. Eunji held onto Youkyong.
Youkyoung: Eunji-ah! Kwenchana?
Eunji: No...I'm not. You. Don't you ever think of still living with us. I don't want to see you ever again. I..I will destroy you and your—
--She fainted in Youkyong’s arms.
Youkyoung: Oh no! Eunji-ah! Help her Taebin! We should go now!
Daehyun: Eunji-ah!
--He tried to hold Eunji, but Taebin immediately pushed him off her.
Taebin: Yah!
Daehyun: She's my wife!
Taebin: Not anymore. Let's go, yeobo.
--Taebin lifted Eunji as they left Daehyun.
--Jessy drove after his car as he pulled over the park. Through her blurred sight, she saw Minhyuk got out of his car, crying at the edge of the hill, and kneeled in despair. He didn’t have any strength left of him. He cried silently; his fingers digging into the soil. Jessy wiped her tears, quickly got out of her car and shouted at him, hoping to get his attention. She had to act tough. She didn’t want to cry with him. She wanted to be the one to make him stop crying
Jessy: Yah Lee Minhyuk! I told you to wait for me! What's wrong with you?!
--But when she saw Minhyuk’s face, she knew she couldn’t act strong, because that’s his job; making her feel that everything’s going to be alright. For this one moment she wished she could do that. Just this once, she wanted him to rely on her.
Jessy: Yah! Get up! Crying won’t make anything better! Stand up! What’s happening to you?!
--She said, with shaking voice. Her tears won’t stop falling despite how much she wanted them to. Then, Minhyuk, who was looking down, lifted his head, his eyes all swollen by the streaming tears running down from his cheeks.
Minhyuk: I don't know, Jessy. I don't even want to know.
--And that made Jessy gave up. She kneeled beside him and hugged him tight.
--When both of them calmed down, they sat on the bench.
Jessy: So...
Minhyuk: I don't think I can see him for now.
Jessy: Nugu?
Minhyuk: App--
Jessy: Mr. Lee... I don't think you will. Your mother looked really upset since she already knew that--
Minhyuk: He was the reason behind the accident that killed my father, whom I never knew. I can live knowing that I'm not his true son, but the fact that he used me, us, I don't think I can cope up with that anymore.
Jessy: You know he loves you, right?
Minhyuk: No, I don't know. He may act like it, but I'll never know if that love is true.
--He looked up at the sky, hoping that he would not feel the pain anymore, that in a second, he could turn off that switch that would make him feel numb from all.
Jessy: So what's your plan?
Minhyuk: I can't face him until I'm ready to forgive.
Jessy: It's going to be fine. You know that I'm here for you, right?
Minhyuk: Jessy...
--He looked at her; knowing that being numb means to get away from everything that makes him feel. He had to heal himself before feeling again because he was afraid that the present life would be affected negatively. He had to clear himself from all. He knew he could not give love when he doesn’t even know his true self or who he really is. He knew that leaving what he has now will somehow make him regret in the long run; however, he chose to escape and face the truth, and making space for a better person he has yet to become.
Jessy: Yes?
Minhyuk: I think we should tell them the truth about us...
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