Cheondoong stood at the counter of the bakery, looking dazed.

He had barely slept the night before after returning from the hospital.  When he laid eyes on Joon’s battered body, it had reminded him of the first time he saw Dara after her accident.  She had been so bruised and battered that he had difficulty recognizing her.  All of the feelings from his father’s death returned and had threatened to suffocate him.  Fortunately, Seungho had been with him at the time.  He never wanted to feel that way again.  But when he had seen Joon’s battered face…

“Changwook-ah, please hurry and pick something.”

Cheondoong snapped out of his daze as he turned his attention to the customers in the bakery.  Blinking, he tried to focus on his part-time job.  The owners of the bakery had been so gracious as to give him both a job and a place to sleep above their shop.  He covered a few hours of work some days after school and on weekends.  With everything that had been going on lately, they had given him some time off but after yesterday, Cheondoong had requested to be put back on shift as often as possible.  He was aware of the financial help Joon had provided him with Dara’s bills.  But after all this… Cheondoong decided he needed to contribute more.  So, he had tried to pick up more shifts. 

He watched as an older woman crossed her arms and stewed with impatience.  She was dressed in an expensive looking suit that looked freshly pressed.  Her short grey-streaked hair was styled and curled around her ears.  She glanced at her watch impatiently and took out her cellphone.  Her son, a boy around ten browsed through the bakery with a bored expression.  She glanced at him before she sighed again.

“Changwookie,” she said, “I need to make a call; please hurry and pick something.”  With that, she stepped outside and placed the phone to her ear.

Cheondoong watched as the frown on the boy’s face deepened briefly before it was replaced by disappointment and sadness.  He absentmindedly ran his fingers along the glass cover of the baked goods and sighed.

The woman visited the bakery with her son every Saturday morning.  And every time, the boy would browse through the bakery long enough to irritate her and cause her to wait for him outside.  Although he’d always purchase the same strawberry cupcake, the boy never ever looked happy when he left. 

Cheondoong often wondered why they insisted on this tradition if it made neither of them happy.  The mother was clearly bogged down by either work or her personal life.  She often seemed too rushed to bother.  And the boy… he was never happy.  So why…?

“Why don’t you try something different this week?” Cheondoong said gently as he approached the boy, “The owner created a new blueberry shortcake and it’s been selling fast.  Do you want to try it?”

The boy looked up in surprise, his big eyes widening as Cheondoong brought him a sample of the shortcake.  He looked at Cheondoong hesitantly before taking one and eating it.  As he chewed he stared at Cheondoong with interest and puzzlement.

Cheondoong stared back at him, his own eyes widening.  He had never approached the boy before so he had never really seen him up close.  But now that he was face to face with this boy, he seemed… strangely familiar.  There was something about his eyes and his lips that seemed incredibly familiar.  And as he chewed the sample cake, his gaze was oddly shy and curious.

“Do you like it?” Cheondoong asked, still feeling strangely familiar with him.

The boy nodded and helped himself to another sample.  

“Would you like to buy this one today?” Cheondoong asked as the boy walked towards the counter.  To his surprise, the boy shook his head and pointed to the same strawberry cupcake he always bought.  “Oh, you still want the strawberry cupcake?”

The boy nodded and held up two fingers.  Nodding, Cheondoong grabbed two cupcakes and a box.  As he wrapped the cakes up, he couldn’t help but glance at the boy.  From behind the counter, he couldn’t see anything that would make him see familiar.  It was only when he got up close to the boy… now why was that?

“My mother likes strawberry,” the boy suddenly said, “She won’t like the blueberry one.”

Cheondoong looked down at him in surprise as the boy’s face fell slightly before he rummaged in his pocket for some coins.  

“You share this with your mother?” Cheondoong asked as he handed the boy the box.  

The boy looked at the box in his hands with a sad expression.  “I buy one for her every week,” he said softly, “Sometimes, she eats it when she gets home.”

“I see,” Cheondoong replied, a little sad for the boy.  It was likely the mother was often too busy to be home.  The weekly bakery trip was likely to make up for the times the boy couldn’t see his mother.

The boy gave him a small smile as Cheondoong handed him the cash.  “You’re really handsome, mister,” the boy said, “And the cakes are really yummy too.  Do you work for my mother’s company?”

Cheondoong blinked in surprise, confused by the question.  “No, I’m still a student,” he said, coming around from behind the counter, “By the way, my name is Cheondoong.  What’s yours?”

The boy puffed out his chest proudly and said with a confident voice, “I’m Changwook.  I’m-”

“Changwook-ah,” his mother interrupted as she peeped inside the shop with a heavy frown, “Are you done yet?  I have important work matters.”

Changwook’s confidence deflated in an instant as he reverted back to the depressed little boy.  “Yes mother,” he replied before his mother sighed and went back outside.  He turned to Cheondoong and said, “Cheondoong-hyung, I’ll come back sometime and get the blueberry one.  Save me some, okay?”

Cheondoong smiled and patted the boy’s head.  “Sure thing, Changwookie,” he said gently.

Changwook gave him a toothy grin before he sighed and walked outside to his mother.  Cheondoong watched through the glass doors as Changwook’s mother talked into her phone as she ushered him into the back seat.  She also climbed into the backseat after him.  As the vehicle drove off, Cheondoong returned to his seat behind the counter.  He glanced at the clock; it was barely noon. 

He sighed as he propped his head up with his arm.  Today was going to be a long day…

Hyunsik stretched as he stood from his desk.  He glanced at his watch; it was already four in the afternoon.  He mumbled words of complaint to himself as he tidied his things into his briefcase and packed up for the day.  Although it was a Saturday, he had to come in to work and deal with some paperwork.  He had also done some research on the contract termination processes.  Trying to find a loophole in the system was tough and, as he had thought, there were none to be exploited.  

The media had already gotten wind of the kidnapping.  KTA had exerted as much power as they could over the publication of details.  As of right now, Joon’s name had been kept out of the news as well as the gruesome details of the crime.  The men that had been arrested were being prosecuted for kidnap and physical assault; there was no mention of ual assault.  However, it would only be a matter of time before the media found a way to leak the news.  And when that happens…

With a sigh, Hyunsik made his way out of the building with a polite nod to the receptionist.  The sun was out and the day was still early enough.  

“Excuse me,” someone called to him.

Hyunsik turned, curious.  His eyes widened as an older man approached him.  He seemed familiar…

“Can I help you?” Hyunsik asked, eyeing the man suspiciously.  In his hands was what looked like a magazine.

“I’m looking for Lee Joon-shi,” the man said, his eyes darting towards the front door, “It seems he hasn’t been to work in a few days so-”

A light bulb went off in Hyunsik’s head as the man spoke.  He was the same man that had approached Joon that one day…

“And how would you know that?” Hyunsik asked, his suspicions spiking.  After what had happened with Joon, everyone started to look like criminals.  “Have you been stalking him?” Hyunsik asked, frowning and taking a step forward, “Who are you?  Why do you keep looking for him?”

Surprisingly, the man stood his ground and straightened out his back.  “I haven’t been stalking him and I’m certainly not looking for trouble,” the man said irritably, “I just need to speak with him-”

“Then call him,” Hyunsik said, crossing his arms, “If you’re a friend then you would know his contact information without standing guard outside his work.  If I catch you around here again, sir, I’m afraid I’ll have to call security.”

With that, Hyunsik his heels and walked to his car.  His frown remained as he finally drove off.  Who were all these weird people that circled around Joon?  Why did that kid know so many weird people?

Sighing, Hyunsik made his way to the hospital.  On the way, he picked up some food and flowers.  As he made his way up the elevator and to Joon’s door, he worried about how to deliver the news of Joon’s contract.

Maybe he should’ve waited to visit?  At least after he’d have appealed the process to keep Joon at KTA?  He sighed as he stood outside the door.  He doubted anything could be done, especially since the process was so tightly written. 

With another sigh, he knocked on the door and peeked inside.  The room was small and contained only one bed.  These VIP rooms were often reserved for important officials or celebrities to keep them out of the limelight.  

As he walked in, Seungho and Joon looked up from their conversation in surprise.  Seungho stood from his seat and bowed as Hyunsik nodded towards him.  Hyunsik’s gaze fell on Joon’s face and his breath hitched from surprise.

He had expected the worst of Joon’s condition, especially after the brief information Seungho had provided him.  However… worst looked worse than he had thought.  Sighing, Hyunsik pulled a seat next to the bed and sat down.

“Well,” he said gently, “I was right again.  You look terrible.”  He held up a hand as Seungho frowned.  “I expected that,” he said, smirking at Joon, “I’m just glad you’re okay, kid.”

Joon nodded, a small smile ghosting his lips.  

“He can’t really speak yet,” Seungho said, leaning against the wall on the opposite side of Joon’s bed, “His voice is still too damaged.”

Hyunsik nodded and turned his attention to Seungho.  “And what about you?” he said, frowning, “You look like too.”  He glanced at Seungho’s face.

Seungho looked as if he hadn’t slept in days.  The dark circles under his eyes were terrible and his cheeks were slightly sunken in.  The colour of his skin was also quite sallow.  His eyes, although exhausted, were filled with relief.

“Don’t know what else I had expected you to say,” Seungho muttered, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms.

“I tell it like it is,” Hyunsik said, tossing him the plastic bag, “There’s food inside.  I got it on the way here.”

Seungho looked up in surprise.  He reached in and pulled out a sandwich and a sports drink.  “Joon can’t eat this stuff yet,” he said.

Hyunsik waved him off as he stretched in his chair.  “That’s not for Joon; it’s for you.  I figured you’d be staked out here all night,” he yawned, “Eat it and go wash your face.  You’re starting to look worse than this guy over here.”  He nodded his head at Joon, who smiled wider at the crack.

Seungho scowled then sighed.  “Thank you,” he said, “I’m… I’ll eat it later-”

“Go eat it now,” Hyunsik said, glancing at him, “If you eat it later, you won’t eat it.”  

Sighing, Seungho turned to Joon and said softly, “I’ll be right back.”  With a gentle smile, he left the room and quietly closed the door behind him.

Hyunsik nodded in triumph and said, “Everybody listens to Mun Hyunsik.”

Joon let out a small silent laugh but quickly winced.

Hyunsik sighed and looked at him.  Now that Joon was safe, he was very worried about their financial position.  Now that Joon was let go of his modelling job, how would he make a living?  Hyunsik couldn’t help but scrutinize Joon’s face for possible scarring.  He had no idea how his body would be but… if his face didn’t scar, he still had a glimmer of hope.

“Joon-ah,” Hyunsik started.  He paused, however, when Joon looked at him with his one good eye.  He couldn’t bring himself to say it.  He just couldn’t… not this soon.  He smiled and said, “You better heal up quickly; otherwise your friend’s going to look more and more like a panda.”

Joon gave a small nod.

“You have good friends,” Hyunsik said, thinking of the boys that he had bailed out of jail the other day.  “They looked so hard for you,” he said, smiling, “They almost got arrested too.”  When Joon’s eye widened, he quickly added, “But they didn’t.”  With a small chuckle he said, “Cause I saved the day of course.”  He winked as Joon relaxed. 

Hyunsik glanced around the dark room.  “Why are the curtains all drawn?” he asked, standing from his seat, “Can I open them?”  With a gentle nod from Joon, Hyunsik walked over and pulled back the curtains.  Light flooded the room, making the both of them squint as their eyes adjusted.  “That’s better,” Hyunsik said.  He sighed as he turned and leaned against the window.  “Joon-ah,” he said, “Word’s gotten out that you were involved in an incident.”  He took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose.  “The media knows but we’ve managed to seal their lips about the details.  I think I need to warn you that…” he paused and sighed, “Things might get a little hairy at the company.  Since you’ve become a popular new model, the media will likely try and hound you for information.  Just… be careful.”

Joon nodded at the information, his eye widening slightly.  At that moment, Seungho returned, looking much more refreshed.

“Alright, I should get going,” Hyunsik said, “Take care kid.  I’ll come see you again.”  With a smile, he turned to Seungho and said, “Walk me out?”

Puzzled, Seungho nodded and followed him out the hospital room.  Once the door was safely closed, Hyunsik turned to Seungho with a grim look.

“What?” Seungho asked, his own face mirroring Hyunsik’s dark expression.

“Joon’s been cut,” Hyunsik sighed, “Head office decided that he was no longer fit to work.”

Seungho’s eyes widened briefly before he sighed.  “It wasn’t… totally unexpected,” he said, “I knew something like this was coming.  I just… I didn’t think it’d be this soon.”  He turned to Hyunsik and said, “Did you tell Joon yet?”

Hyunsik shook his head.  “No,” he replied, “I was going to but I couldn’t do it.  Call me a sap, but I can’t help but feel bad for him.”  He glanced at his phone as it suddenly rang.  “I just wanted to give you a heads up.  I’m trying to find a way to appeal the decision,” he said as he glanced at the caller ID, “I don’t know how effective I’ll be but I’m trying.”

Seungho nodded and said, “Thank you.  You’ve done a lot for Joon.”  He paused before he looked away and muttered, “I’m sorry too.”

Hyunsik looked up in surprise.  “Sorry?  For what?” he asked.

“Eh?” Seungho responded, clearing his throat, “Oh nothing.”  He pointed to the phone and said with a smile, “You better get that.  I’m going back in.”  With that, he walked back inside and closed the door behind him.

Hyunsik blinked in bewilderment as he stared after Seungho.  Sorry for what?  Giving his head a shake, he glanced at his phone again and scowled when he finally took in the caller ID.  With a sigh, he made his way to the front doors and picked up the call.

“Yes, Kim-sajangnim,” he said sweetly.  He rolled his eyes as he listened to the other side.  “Yes, it is right,” he replied, “One of KTA’s talents was involved-” 

It was as if he was suddenly struck by lightning.  The light bulb in his head went off so brightly that he couldn’t help but marvel at his own brilliance.  As Hyunsik made his way to his car, he said into the phone, “Yes, Kim-sajangnim.  Actually about this incident…”

Author's notes:

I've been feeling a bit of a block lately so this chapter is a bit slow.  I've totally been into watching Gu Family Book lately so I've been sort of neglecting Love Me LOL.  Sorry guys.  Hopefully I'll pick up the pace again soon!