No Buts Allowed

He got on top of a white king-sized bed covered with clean white sheets and pillows were tossed at the sides. The atmosphere had radiated the spirit of spring; the atmosphere of a lazy Sunday was eminent all around the corner. He was wearing a half done white polo and soft black slacks which made him look more manly and mature. He turned his torso a little while leaning on the piled pillows, allowing one to discover a part of his chiseled chest and upper abdomen. He moved in comfort and laid on his chest, he rubbed his left eye and smiled lightly before he yawned.

In other people's point of view, one could easily say he's comfortable and he was enjoying himself, but in reality Yi Jeong was overly nervous and uneasy.

He saw Gaeul too focused on capturing photos of him wearing less clothing, made him hold his breath. It made him feel ungentlemanly to pose with an open shirt in front of her; being a Casanova he shouldn't be bothered by it, but with her he felt different. He had been to a much more complicated shoot before, but he was able to wrap it up smoothly. Even so, knowing Gaeul's conservative upbringing and naive nature vex him into what was that's running in her head about their present situation. Yi Jeong hadn't seen her show any unwelcoming expression. She appeared to be calm and professional during the entire time.

Her instructions to him were just simple 'just imagine waking up from a happy dream and move freely on top of your bed recalling that dream'. Yi Jeong did what she had asked him, he recalled his most recent dream and it involved the one taking the pictures. His dream had really been haunting him the last night and had turned him a bit of an insomniac. The dream he had was that very night when he had swept her up again, the same night when he kissed her for the very first time. Yi Jeong had been preoccupied with his thoughts the entire shoot, but he was cut from his reverie when Professor Jung instructed him about what he should be doing for the their last set. His perfectly slit dreamy eyes went wide as a sauce pan when he comprehended the suggested concept. He was asked to remove his shirt while standing in front of the setup widow adorned with white curtains.

"Even if this is just a spread for an open auction I hope you would realize how important this is as a form of artistic creation. So Yi Jeong-ssi, I believe that you have done this before, so I'm expecting a lot from you."

Gaeul heard her mentor, speak. If her professor would have known how difficult it was for her to focus on doing the shoot, he wouldn't be asking Yi Jeong to take off his shirt for the next set. She couldn't understand why her juniors had made the concept that way and that they had intended to turn it over to Yi Jeong. Another thing that caused her apprehension was to why she was having weird feelings on taking his photos where in fact, she had done this twice before on a male Brazilian model. Okay, to be honest, she was also uneasy when she had handled a similar concept before, but now she should at least be used to it. Yet she couldn't help but feel anxious and flustered.

"Set is ready. So Yi Jeong-ssi we can start now" Assistant Jang informed from across the setup.

"All right. Sunbae, this would be the last set and we're all done. You can... Take your shirt off. And stay just near enough the window." She managed to speak to him directly even if she felt like burning from embarrassment. Due to his nervousness Yi Jeong hadn't notice her stuttering. He heard her instructions clearly and walked towards the set without even nodding at her for comprehension; he was too embarrassed to even look back at her.

Gaeul watched him went near the window and slowly removed his shirt. Half way through his task, Yi Jeong whipped his head back at her with a bewildered expression. "Gaeul-yang. How am I supposed to do this time...? I mean… pose." He saw her smile a little while looking downward.

"Imagine yourself checking the weather from that window, anticipating something nice to happen." She detailed as she forced her eyes to meet his. Gaeul then saw him nod and turned his back before getting rid of his shirt.

"Oh my God!" An exclaimed whisper she caught coming from Assistant Jang who's just inches away from her. Right there she knew why Assistant Jang had blushed so much and that was entirely because of Yi Jeong's toned , which was facing them, it was definitely an eye candy. Even Gaeul couldn't help but admire it.

Discomfort was consuming every bit of Yi Jeong's confidence. It had been a while since he had taken his shirt in front of other people, he used to be oblivious of it during his philandering times, however it seems that time had managed to scrape up his previous image. Anyone would appreciate seeing him half dressed with the type of body he got. Other men would eat their guts if they would be compared to him. Unarguably, he was not only blessed with wealth, talent, brains and a gorgeous face, but also a body any woman could drool for. A perfectly built given to him, a body that can be a weapon generously granted for a Casanova. And take note, we are still at the back area.

…

On the other side of the town, Woobin came to visit his father. He had called him a few minutes ago and immediately, he came chasing after the time he had bidden him to reach his office.

"Yes. I do understand, father. When will it be?"

"In a few days. I'll be the one to call you for that. Secretary Han will be the one to fix everything for you. All you have to do is be there and clear things out."

"I understand. Is there any new about him?"

"As I had expected, he settled with Cronos. They had promised him a good deal, but it's certainly not covered with frosting. The files are in your office, better see those and by the way the Lee's handed us something beneficial."

"An international merge? Or a dangling investment for the opening of the new firm in Prague?"

A loud roar of laughter erupted, echoing in each corner of the room. The sudden changed about behavior from his father, puzzled Woobin. "You're learning, Son. And with all honesty, they have settled for both."

"Really? Precisely because of giving Yi Jeong a lift, they had granted us that?" Truthfully, he had been used to receive imposing treatments and favors, however the fact that the Lee's had given his family such a big return turned Woobin very amused. Grandma Hae Jin is impossible

"I told President Lee not to bother anymore since Yi Jeong is a family, still she had insisted saying it's not a big deal. I was taken the chance to refuse since she had settled it before I was informed. "

"Wow! Father, will you excuse me for I have to call Jiho and Junpyo about this?"

"Of course, go ahead."

…

With the last second before the shoot would start she drew a breath and blew up making some of her dangling hair sway above, as she did that she had also caught Yi Jeong doing the same thing and had looked at her with a perplexed expression.

"Fighting!" They chorus followed by a chuckle from both. He couldn't give a full credit to how he suddenly felt light and relieved after their laughter. The prompt changes on his thoughts set back his confidence and ease. "Let's finish this together, Gael-yang."

She too felt bright and with an earnest nod, she assured him. For a small chance they got from that laugh both of them felt the familiarity that had become foreign to them after years of separation. That thick string of connection which Yi Jeong had been holding on to when she was miles away from him. And the same connection that even though she had forgotten was wrapped around her soul, not wanting to be ripped apart from her. What to label it? Both didn't know.

Gael seated herself exactly perpendicular to his side as Yi Jeong positioned himself, looking at the window and slightly arching his torso which caused his chiseled abdomen more define and conspicuous. He sported an expression of anticipation on his adroit face. He played different delineation based on the type of mood Gaeul had given him. In between shoots and if time would give him chances he would watch and observe her checking the shots of him and it comforted him seeing a satisfied smile painted on her face.

"I think we're done. You did great Sunbae!"

A gleeful smile flaunted in her pretty face, flashing him her perfectly straight white teeth. It was instantly awarded with an oh-so-y smirk and a wink at Yi Jeong who had noticed her blushing after. Gaeul felt her cheeks went warm when she saw him wink at her. To hide her embarrassment she nodded at him and ran towards her mentor.

He saw her nod and turned to her side, attempting to head over her professor when he called to her, "Gaeul-yang!" He saw her look back at him. "I'll just change then wait for you to finish fixing things so I could send you back on the patio, okay?"

"But Sunbae..."

"I said no buts before, right?" Yi Jeong swiftly dashed to the dressing area before she could even retort back and oblivious to him Gaeul watched him retreat with a smile on her lips.

 Song Woobin? Gu Junpyo? Yoon Jiho and now So Yi Jeong? She definitely have friends extraordinaire. You always surprise me Gaeul-ssi. Junho thought as he silently watched Gaeul nod at Yi Jeong.

…

Meanwhile, Jiho had found a time to visit a mentor, he had been close to. He headed straight to the OR field, and was reaching for a pair of OR shoes to change too.

"Excuse me, Sir? This area is strictly for the employees only and I think you are not supposed to be in here." A soft and unusually low tone voice caught him by surprise and he swiftly turned to see the owner.

"Me?" Jiho tilted his head while pointing at himself.

"Yes Sir. It's only us here of course it is you that I am talking to."

"Oh? I'm sorry, Miss?" He prodded his left brow and watched the lady amusedly.

"Kwon. Nurse Kwon, Sir."

"Yeah. Nurse Kwon, my apologies, but..."

"There you are Dr. Yoon. I'm so sorry. Have you been waiting for me?" A middle age doctor emerged from the sterile field of the OR department. He waved his hand to the young doctor who happened to be under his supervision before. As he approached him, he was instantly greeted with a bow.

"It's okay Dr. Lee. I just came to pay you a visit." Jiho said with a sincere smile painted on his lips.

"Oh!? Nurse Kwon? Do you happen to know each other Jiho-yah?" The senior physician inquired right after he noticed the young nurse standing beside Jiho with a perplexed expression on her face.

"Aniyo. Nurse Kwon was just asking me of something." Dr. Lee heard him answer, but had observed the unreadable expression was still on the nurse's face.

Dr. Yoon? Did I hear Dr. Lee calls him a doctor also? OMG! Minsoe that was embarrassing.

"By the way Dr. Yoon, this is Nurse Kwon Minseo our newly assigned OR nurse. She's my new OR buddy also." Minseo heard Dr. Lee's introduction and immediately, she bent her head to Jiho and paid him her greeting.

"Good morning Sir! I'm Nurse Kwon Minseo nice to meet you." She bent her posture back and smiled at him apologetically. "And I'm sorry for my actions earlier, Sir." Minseo saw him smile back at her and there she held her breath a little. Looking at him directly made her realize how gorgeous he was. With his gentle smile, his neat and clean, gorgeous face, he looked more like an angle to her. And then she held back in and closed it together when she realized that she had just dropped her jaw.

"It's all right. There was nothing to be sorry about. And by the bye, I'm Doctor Yoon Jiho. You can call me Doctor Yoon, but not 'Sir', please."

…

A week had passed by and Yi Jeong was a little busy making some pieces of pottery for the coming auction display. He was seated on his working bench, painting a dish intricately designed as autumn leaves. It was unknown even to himself that he was sporting a shiny grin on his lips and the person who just entered his studio was totally cognizant of the very reason. There was a soft knocking on the wall that had pulled Yi Jeong out to where he had erred. In an abrupt manner, Yi Jeong stood on his seat and smiled at the man across him.

"Abojie!"

"Hmm... Have you been doing well? I personally came here to settle some things between you and me. Will you be fine with it?"

"Uh? Of course Abojie. Please have a seat. I'll go get some tea for us."

Yi Jeong offered to his father before heading towards the kitchen to grab some tea leaves while heating some water in the kettle. He couldn't help but feel a little awkward having his father with him. Although they had somewhat patched things up; there were still sensitive issues lingering around the corner waiting for attention. Yi Jeong had worked up his mind to how will he approach those issues without breaking anything that he and his father had built from the time he left Sweden.

The sound coming from the kettle snatched his thoughts away. He grabbed his personal tea set and brought it to the round table where his father was seated.

"Too much formality, eh? You still do this kind of thing. You really are your mother's child", a tinge of pain passed over his scarred heart. It did hurt, but not that much anymore, surprising him.

"Yeah... I guess." The both of them became silent for a while before Yi Jeong took all his strength to take up another conversation. "Abojie... Why? Why did you let him control you? Umha, she told me you were supposed to marry someone else before her, but why? Why did you give in and did not even put a fight?"

"I did. I opposed him, but her... She gave up, she left me with nothing to hold onto. I was left with no choice but to obey father. And your mother... Is a kind and a beautiful elegant woman with bearing..."

"But you don't love her, right?"

"She is not that hard to love. She's a nice person and attentive wife. I've tried... We did try. Rather than husband and wife we became friends at home, at work and to the public."

"Why did you do it? If you at least treat her as a friend, why did you stain the relationship with the acts he told you to do?"

"I refused... for many times I can't even count. He did everything in his ability to keep his hand on my neck... Even to the extent of having your mother kidnapped. Under tactics was his choice to settle difficult deals. Your mother was having you at that time... I really wanted to tell President Lee about it but he is my father... What would it cause if I refuse? Everything was on my hand, your mother, you, the whole business and the people in it. I can't just choose one and leave the rest, so did it. I swear to God, I did not do anything beyond what the rest people know. I remained faithful to the marriage. I really did."

All this time he had thought wrongly about his own father. Everything was an act; a plan just for a plain business. How? Why? Yi Jeong didn't know what to say. His life and his family were thrown over the edge for the sake of selfish achievements and gains. His mother had gone unstable and the childhood he had was all mere traumatic and disastrous. And now that his father had come to him and told him everything, all he could feel was numb and broken, adding it up with the glint of pain and guilt that he could see through his father's eyes. Hatred was winning over him, causing his body to involuntary shake.

"And why haven't you told mother about it?"

"I wanted to, in fact... I was ready to tell her but it was too late... She saw me... With you. All my hopes went crashing down into my own hands that moment. And the worst part... She did not believe me. I was too late, Yi Jeong-ah."

He saw a painful smile crossed his father's face, his eyes were cloudy and moist but Yi Jeong couldn’t do anything to take away those feelings his father was having. All he could offer was a look of sympathy and a heart that’s ready to take and listen to everything he had to say.

"I wanted to just vanish in thin air that very moment. I really wish I did. I did not know about the feeling she has for me that time... I thought it was barely out of friendship, but it's not. She was badly hurt and became distant. You... and she, both of you became distant to me. You hated me... Every time I see you all you do was glare at me. Not a single word was said, but it's enough to state that you had turned to scorn me. I confronted him and we had a fight; the next morning everything was in the media, television and newspapers. And that became your mother's turning point, she become ill and then... Unstable to the point that she would hurt herself. You and Haneul were the only ones I treasure, but I end up destroying both of you... I was afraid to see what your mother had become and how much pain I had caused you... I was a coward that’s why I flee."

Right in front of Yi Jeong's eyes, he watched his father crumble and fallen. The person he admired as a kid, he had despised as an adult and he had reached out as a savior, went fragile and frail before his very eye. "I am not a strong as you are, Yi Jeong-ah. I don't have the support you have. All I got that time was you and your mother, but sadly the turn of events caused you both to hate me. And for the second time around I was alone without anyone else to hold on to."

Yi Jeong went to his father's side and held the old man's hands. "I won't allow it to happen again. I will do my best to fix everything. You, mother, me, everybody... I will fix them. But you need to promise me one thing... you need to stay beside me. All I ask is for you to stay beside me and I'll be the one to fix everything. Promise me Abojie!?" He met his son's eyes and saw determination through it. And there he knew how much different his son was to him. Yi Jeong stood on his ground; strong and willed unlike the coward him who chose to flee for comfort.

"I won't let it happen the second time. I will stay as long as you need me. I promise Son." He broke his hold and went to give his father a hug of assurance and comfort.

…

The bell had rung indicating the end of her shift and it only mean that it’s time to go home and rest. With the last stack of books on her hand, she carefully arranged and placed them back to their respective shelves. She was too engrossed on her task that she did not notice someone was standing behind her. She almost jumped to her feet when she suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder. She swiftly turned her head towards the direction and saw someone she knew smiling sheepishly at her.

"Hi!" Gaeul heard him say.

"You scared me!" With a fast act, she went and slaps his shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I swear I did not intend to frighten you. Oh?! Those were a little heavy for you... let me help you with that." The books in her hand were snatched by him as he placed them back at the shelves without difficulty.

"Huh? It's okay. But anyway, thank you, Junho-ya." The task was done in a minute and she was grateful for his help. Gaeul then grabbed her bag from the corner shelf and hung it on her shoulder. Junho was just standing beside her, helping her with some of the borrowed books she had. He put it in a paper bag and held it firmly.

"You really love to read that much, huh?" He asked, sounding like a statement rather a question.

"Huh?"

"I'm just wondering how you manage to do a lot of things and still find a time to read all of these books." Junho said extremely amused.

"Ah... I do that every Sundays or if I feel the need to read. Let me have those, I'll be the one to carry..."

"I'll be the one to carry this for you until the gates."

"No... Those were my bo..."

"Refusing again? Not this time. I would look unmanly walking along with you have a lot of loads to carry and me with just a backpack. So I'm not giving this to you until the gate, okay?"

She saw him walk past through her carrying her bag and books. "Yah! Junho-ya!" Unconsciously she raised her voice to call his attention, forgetting that she was inside the library. She heard the whole crowd ‘Shhhhh’ her before they got back to their own businesses. She gulped hard and bowed to them as she walk fast forward to Junho who was already at the exit way with a playful smirk on his face. Hmm... Nice. 

At the time she exited the library, she swiftly smacked Junho's back who cracked a laugh more. "Yah! How could you embarrass me there?"

Junho shook his head and halted his laughter. "I did not ask you to yell inside, Gaeul. And you certainly hit hard, huh?" He said with the hint of teasing. "Come on stop that scrunch I can't buy that." He encouraged her to just let him walk her to the gates.

"You owe me something regarding that incident a while ago. I'll get back to you on that tomorrow" She was now walking along with him in the corridor.

"I'll pay the price. How about..?"

"Let me visit, Woonie." Junho was cut from his words and whipped his head towards his friend with bewilderment. "Let me visit Woonie tomorrow." It was a direct order from Gael and it was the very first time Junho had heard her speak with such a spirit.

"He's still not..." Junho couldn't let her have that wish. It's a little complicated for him to grant her the favor.

"I know he's not well, but still I want to visit him. I haven't seen him in a while now, please?" She saw he looked down on the ground, not saying anything. Gael knew that he’s contemplating on the idea, but she's just concerned about Woonie’s wellbeing.

"Junho-ya, we're friends right? It would be better if you would share things to me so that it would be lighter for your heart. I know it's not easy for you to face things alone. What am I then to you if you do not even share anything to me? Am I merely a stranger or a classmate?" He gazed back at her seeing seriousness and compassion in her brown eyes.

Junho drew a deep breath before speaking again. "Okay, tomorrow after the photography class."

"Really? We're going?" She suddenly became enthusiastic and hopeful. "I'll give him something tomorrow. What do you think?" He wondered on how she could suddenly turn the atmosphere bright just by her smile. A while ago, she was being mischievous then annoyed and now bright, too bright as the sun. He blinked his eyes to shut the thoughts in his head and smiled at her.

"I'm sure that anything you give him is fine. He favors you so much that I believe even you gave him a rock he would happily accept it." She chuckled and asked. "Do you think so?"

…

From a distance, he could see her talking happily as she walk along with her companion. He waited for her patiently until she reached the gates. Her friend might have noticed him and pointed to her his direction. They headed towards him and he saw her smiling.

"Oppa!" Gaeul called the moment she saw Woobin patiently seated on his car's hood waiting for her. He lifted his chin to acknowledge her and the company she's with.

"Hello! Song Woobin-ssi, it's nice to see you again." Junho paid him a greeting which earned a stiff nod from Woobin.

Junho noticed that the man across him wasn't that happy to have him at the moment. He had sensed that Woobin had been eying him from the point where he and Gaeul emerge out of the school building. Brushing the awkwardness, he directed his attention to Gaeul and said, "Here are your books, Gaeul. I'll just see you tomorrow, be safe."

Gaeul gladly took her books and smiled at him. "Okay, tomorrow then. Thanks for helping Junho-ya." Bowing his head to both her and Woobin, Junho excused himself and went straight out of the gates.

"It’s him again. Who is he?" Woobin inquired instantly after Junho left them out.

"A friend, Oppa."

"The name?"

"Junho..."

"The whole name I mean."

"Lee Junho... Why are you?"

"Let's go. We'll be heading to the lounge." Woobin did not let Gaeul finish her talking and had pulled her with him inside the car. A few moments later, both had reached the lounge and joined the whole gang with some small talks. Gael had brushed her persistent orders on Woobin not having Junho some background check and the latter was nothing but grateful.

"Oh...Oh... Left. Left... Oh..Oh.. Aish!" The newly purchased iPad went crashing against the floor, stealing the attention of everyone in the room. Both girls widened their eyes as they watched the thing flopped down the floor.

"Gu Junpyo!" "Junpyo Sunbae!" Jandi and Gaeul exclaimed at the same time.

The former whipped her head and glared at her boyfriend while the latter stood up from her seat and picked up the iPad from the floor. Gaeul pressed the button of the tablet to check if it's still working. "Are you okay?" She said to the thing as if it would answer her back. She stood up abruptly and went towards Junpyo who was being scolded by Jandi. She snatched his hand and gave him back the iPad. "Sunbae not everyone can afford to buy such thing, because others would choose to utilize their money for food. Be considerate enough and value what you have now." Junpyo opened his mouth to speak to her, but Gael was so upset that she left him immediately after her speech.

Feeling guilty about his act, Junpyo just cast his head down and gazed back at Jandi who just shook her head at him. He went to look back at Gaeul but he just met with the glaring eyes of Woobin, making him gulp and swallow his reasons. Without anything left to do, Junpyo remained silent and went to check the iPad; he played again with it when it turned out fine. Just with that everything went back to what it was a while ago.

She felt a slight nudge at her side, and caught Woobin raising his eyebrow at her. "Get used to it. He can't control his tantrums well; you know it's natural to him." He saw her gave off a sigh and smiled a little. "So tell me... about that Junho."

Gaeul had been avoiding that topic during their ride to the lounge. She didn't want to give away anything about Junho, especially to Woobin because she knew her Oppa would make a background check. But with how it looked, it looked like she couldn’t escape the subject.

"Is he a suitor?" He asked again which instantly retorted back with a raised tone.

"ANI!" Gael flushed red after and Woobin couldn't keep himself, but laugh out loud. His laughter caught Jandi's attention and she turned to them looking confused. Seeing her friend's perplexed gaze, Gaeul swiftly anchored her arm around Woobin's neck reaching her hand to cover his mouth and gave Jandi sly smile. Jandi furrowed her brows, but let the matter pass and drove out on her readings.

Woobin was still laughing behind her hands, making Gaeul cover his mouth with both of her hands and pulling him down her side. Being in that position, the door opened, revealing both Yi Jeong, and then Jiho a later behind him. Jiho noticed how Yi Jeong halted on his step, he followed his gaze and it landed to both Woobin and Gaeul seated too close to each other with her arms curled around Woobin's neck.

Yi Jeong was unable to explain why he was experiencing something weird inside him. He looked at Jandi and Junpyo who's engrossed in what they were doing, but definitely oblivious to how Woobin and Gael were entangled together. He got the idea that both were used to seeing the latter being that close and it made him a little upset.

"Gaeul-ah, are you killing Woobin again?" He heard Jiho speak behind him. Gaeul then noticed the voice and immediately removed her arms around the strangled Woobin and smiled sheepishly at Jiho.

"Thanks!" Woobin raised a thumbs-up to Jiho before bolting his head back and met the confused gaze of Yi Jeong.

He watched both of them widened their eyes when they saw him standing across them.

"Sunbae." "Yi Jeong-ah" Yi Jeong heard them speak at the same time. And then Jandi and Junpyo bolted their heads and looked at him.

"Oh!? Yi Jeong Sunbae!" Jandi exclaimed in surprise while Junpyo nod to acknowledge his presence.

"Hi Jandi!" He greeted her first since it was she whom he had not seen after things went clear for everyone. Jandi smiled at him and nod her head. In order to brush his thoughts, he went towards Woobin and asked. "Woobin-ah, are you okay?"

"Ididnothurthim." Gaeul instantly spoke with her eyes glowing wide with guilt. Woobin and Yi Jeong looked at her and to each other before they both chuckled, and then everybody in the room laughed except for Gaeul who was biting her lower lip.

"Gaeul-yang, you're not that adept at lying."

//

"I think the deal was resolved in a few days already, but why there isn't any growth on the investments? You promised a 20% profit sharing and it will be given to us as soon as the first foreign investor would accept the proposition. But I'm afraid there is no single investor interested to have a deal with you?"

"We are working on that Sir. It's because the project was directed to attract elite investors' not just plain businessmen. I promise by the end of this week will be handing you the 29% share as promised."

"Better be, President So. Will be frequently coming to check up on you. It's a great pleasure to have your business... I mean to have business with you."

A/N: Too long huh? kekeke