CHAPTER 41

 

Kris got a call from someone unexpected one day. He frowned when he heard it from his assistant. Why? Because the man he was about to meet is someone BIG and very famous in the business world. What makes him different than the other tycoon is with the fact that no one and NO ONE has ever met him and truly know his identity. He was surprise but being in the business world so long, he knew it is better to not question much. So, followed the appointment date, he went. But, the one he met was totally not the one he expected it to be.

 

“You’re THAT Lee Eunhyuk?”

 

Eunhyuk turned up to him when he heard his voice. Fire burned in Kris’s heart upon meeting eyes with Eunhyuk. He growled fiercely and turned away to leave.

 

“Kris wait!”

 

Eunhyuk fast stopped him.

 

“Back off, Hyukjae!” Kris warned suddenly, raising his voice high, “I’m not talking to you. Ever.” He glared at the other angrily.

 

“Just listen first, Kris.” Spoke up Eunhyuk, “I’m not asking much from you. Just listen to me this time. After this, I swear I will never bother you ever again. Just give me a chance to say this.” Eunhyuk pleaded.

 

Kris glares at him with his eyes-dagger.

 

“Please. Please don’t make me regret for keeping this from the rest of my life.” He added.

 

Kris groaned and sighed. Acting like a spoiled sulking child, he stomped his feet back towards the table and sat down. Eunhyuk called for the waitress and ordered a drink for Kris. It was silence and total awkward. They waited without words even until the waitress served Kris the drink. It was difficult and painful reunion for both of them as they have a past they want to forget the most.

 

“I’m sorry to call you like this. I just ...you knew about my divorce with Minjung, right?” Eunhyuk breaks their silence first.

 

Kris looks away from the stare and ‘hmph’ in annoyance.

 

Eunhyuk sighed. He has already expected Kris to treat him coldly. After all, Kris thought it was him who at fault for the betrayal.

 

“What do you want to talk about? Just get straight to the point. I don’t have much time to spend with you.” He complained.

 

“I know. I just need to tell you something.” Replied Eunhyuk in flat voice.

 

“About what? Another lie?” Kris’s blurted his question bluntly and it stabbed into his heart.

 

“It’s not that, Kris.” He keeps his cool composure in front the guy, “There’s something you need to know about the reason why I divorce Minjung.” He added.

 

Kris is still looking elsewhere, pretending that he didn’t care a thing what his friend is going to say.

 

“My daughter. With Minjung. Sungmin.” He said it word by word, “She is yours, Kris.” He swallows the saliva bitterly after saying the secret.

 

Kris stops doing whatever he was doing. He turns to look at Eunhyuk, mouth gaped in disbelief.

 

“What the hell are you talking about, Hyuk? Please don’t play a joke on me. It’s not funny.” He talked back, started to feel irritated.

 

“No, Kris.” Eunhyuk was still calm, “I’m not joking. Sungmin is your daughter, not mine.”

 

“Hahahaha…” out of sudden, Kris laughs loudly, a fake laugh though, “What sort of bull are you playing on now, Hyukjae? It’s ridiculous. Why would that want to bear my child?”

 

“To threaten you.” Eunhyuk replied short.

 

“Stop it!” Kris slammed his hand on the table angrily, “I’m not staying if you still continue with this of yours.” He warned.

 

“I’m not trying to anger you, Kris. I’m telling the truth.”

 

“ENOUGH!” Kris raged, totally ignores other people’s presence there that were watching them.

 

“What truth are you talking about?! Sungmin can’t be my daughter! It is impossible. It’s you who Minjung got married to! It’s you who she chooses to break my heart!” He yelled angrily.

 

Eunhyuk closes his eyes slowly. He takes a deep breath to calm down. He knew it will not get them anywhere if both are on fire.

 

“I want that to be a lie too, Kris. But, it is the actual truth.” He retorted back, still calm.

 

Kris scoffed, “What proof do you have to say that? I never did a DNA test to anyone.” He mocks at him.

 

“Sungmin’s eyes.”

 

Kris flinched instantly.

 

“No one actually knew about this because she hid it. But, Sungmin has the exact blue eyes just like your father, Kris. You once told me about how rare it is, remember?” Eunhyuk continued after his silence.

 

Kris gaped.

 

“What? No…It’s impossible. I don’t believe you.” He denied, “Sungmin’s eyes are perfectly black. There’s nothing…ah” his sentence stops as realization dawned upon him.

 

Sungmin unnie always has to change her contact lenses. I don’t know why she wears one though.

 

“She wears contact lenses.” Kris concluded as he remembered what Amber once told him before about Sungmin.

 

“Yes, she wears contact.” Eunhyuk repeated, “She has been wearing that ever since she knew that her differences are detested by other people and how much it hurt me, as her father.” he explained more.

 

“How…Why? Why is it happened?” Question by question kept coming inside Kris’s head.

 

“I don’t know, Kris.” Eunhyuk lowered his gaze down, also feels hurt by that truth, “I was happy when I found out Minjung was pregnant. I cared and love her so much, of course I’m excited. But, when Sungmin opens her eyes, my heart was destroyed into pieces.” he closed his eyes, restraining the tears from falling.

 

“Her eyes are perfectly blue and she resembles you so much. Almost every day, me and Minjung fought. We blame each other. Even though Sungmin is innocent in this matter, I just couldn’t look at her. I tried to accept her and Minjung’s mistake. I tried to forgive her, but that never changes at all. After five years of our marriage and patience, I finally saw Minjung’s true nature. All this time, it was a lie. She has been lying, betraying and using us, Kris. Over and over again.” Eunhyuk told him his side of story.

 

“He has another man?” Kris guessed after listening.

 

“Men to be exact.” Eunhyuk corrected, adding plural to the word, and faking a laugh, “I file a divorce and left. I never come back again only after a few years.”

 

They fell into a deep silent. Only other people chattering could be heard inside the café. They both are contemplating the feeling inside.

 

“Why are you telling me now, Hyukjae?” Kris was the first to break the silent this time.

 

Eunhyuk turns his head up, “Because Sungmin is not at fault, Kris.” He said.

 

“I know that you have been avoiding her after knowing she is my daughter. But, she is innocent in this matter. She didn’t ask to be born in this sort of family. She is most certainly shouldn’t be put blame into the argument of us, as the parents.” Eunhyuk looks at him into the eyes, “And, she also deserves the love of her birth father.”

 

Kris averted his gaze away. It hurts him. The news he knew now breaks his heart so much.

 

“But, why now? After 20 years? Why now, Hyuk? Why?” he questioned, repeatedly.

 

Eunhyuk was silence in those moment and just stares at him.

 

“I’m sorry.” he apologized.

 

Even he didn’t know what kind of answer to give back to Kris.

 

 

 

 

Kris drives back to his house aimlessly. He is still thinking about what Eunhyuk told him. Part of him didn’t want to believe it but, he knew, no matter how bitter the truth is, it is still the truth. His head hurt, with all the emotions started to mix altogether. Unknowingly how, he arrives at home. He sits down on the couch in the living room long, and staring into space, for the longest hour ever. After a deep sigh, he reaches for his phone and called for a number.

 

“Sir? Is there anything?” the caller from the other side asked.

 

“How’s my daughter?”  He went straight to the question.

 

“She…”

 

“Did you let her friends see her?” he cuts off, silencing the woman immediately.

 

“Sir, I’m sorry.” She apologized.

 

Kris sighed, “No, it’s okay. Don’t bother them anymore.”

 

“Eh?”

 

“Let her be from now on. You need not to pay attention to them anymore. This is my order.”

 

“Y...yes sir.” She nodded, obeyed.

 

Kris ended the call just like that. After contemplating for a few seconds, he typed for another number this time, his daughter.

 

“Hello? Daddy?”

 

Kris smiles, unconsciously, “Hello my love, how are you?” he started a conversation.

 

“Me? I’m still fine…” she mumbled, pouting like a child, “Why? Is there’s something wrong daddy?” she asked straight to the point.

 

Chuckling, Kris answered, “No, there’s nothing. I’m just wondering about you.”

 

“Well…I’m okay…”

 

Silence. Both don’t seem to know what to say. Kris was the first who break the silence.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

“Eh?”

 

“About separating you away from your friends, I’m sorry.” He said again.

 

Amber gawked by the words.

 

“I will not going to force you to avoid Henry and Sungjin or even Sungmin anymore.” He added more.

 

“REALLY DADDY?” Amber yelled excitedly, “Thank you! Thank you so much daddy! I love you!” she thanked, kissing the phone repeatedly.

 

Kris just laughs by the reaction, “Yes, yes. I know that you’re happy.” He said, “Just…is Henry and Sungjin there with you?”

 

“Ah.” Once again, Amber flinched by the correct guess.

 

“Err…Sungjin…is not here…but Henry is…” she flustered, “But, how did you know they’re with me, daddy?”

 

“I just know. Give the phone to him.” he demanded and Amber quickly obeyed without much questioning.

 

“He…llo?” Henry greeted nervous, “Yes, Mr Wu?”

 

“Just call me uncle Wu like you used to, Henry. I will not get angry. Not anymore.” He reprimanded tensing the boy even more, “How’s your studying?” he started a topic.

 

“Fine…I guess. What’s wrong? Is there…something you want to tell me?” He bravely asked.

 

Kris hummed, “Nothing. I just want to say that I’m sorry for suddenly separating you and my daughter. It must be quite a shock to you right?”

 

“Yeah…sort of…” Henry trailed, agreeing.

 

“But, that’s in the past now. I want you to stay close to my Amber like you normally do. You and Sungjin, both of you. Help her in studying and everything she needed, don’t leave her alone and absolutely don’t make her cry. If not…you know what I can do…” he threatened.

 

Henry gulped automatically by the warning, “Yes sir, I promise.”

 

“Good. Continue with whatever you’re doing then. Bye.”

 

The call ended leaving Henry all gawking by the sudden turn out of situation. He turned to look at Amber, still puzzled.

 

“So, what did daddy said?” she asked.

 

“He…just…apologize…to me…” replied Henry, word by word.

 

Amber’s mouth hangs open, shocked. Her daddy, her proud daddy suddenly apologized to her and now, even Henry? Is world going to meet an end? She questioned herself.

 

“Hey.” A voice interrupted them.

 

They turned to the side and look at Sungjin, blinking innocently.

 

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” the boy asked.

 

Henry and Amber take turn together in telling Sungjin about what Kris just tell them. Strange as it is, Sungjin is equally shocked by the sudden change of attitude. But, all well ends well. So, they are happy indeed.

 

Back to Kris in Korea, he continues on staring at the ceiling, spacing out. He didn’t know how long has he stayed like that but he just stay still.

 

“Sungmin is…my daughter…” he said the word to the thin air.

 

Finally, after few hours of knowing the truth, a tear fall from his eyes. The truth that he knew really hurts him so much. The betrayal that he thought came from Eunhyuk was actually the opposite of it. It was him who hurts and betrays his best friend, not the other way around. He felt guilty the most especially when he remembered the part that he got angry at Eunhyuk whereas that friend of him calmly forgive him just like that, even after what he did to his heart.

 

We only got to live our life once, Kris. Even if we fill it with love, it will not be enough. I don’t want to spend my whole life remembering and avenging the past. It does hurt but, I think I will be able to accept that. No one is perfect in this world, but we got each other to make it perfect. Furthermore, Sungmin is not at fault in this matter. The only flaw she had is to be born in this broken family.

 

Eunhyuk’s words were still ringing inside his head. He is right on that part, but to just forget when you couldn’t do it is really not an easy thing to do. With just thinking about it already hurts enough.

 

On the next day, he goes to his office as usual but with the difference of lack of sleep this time. He couldn’t sleep a blink last night because of thinking about what Eunhyuk told him. He even almost forgets that he has a meeting that day, with Kangin and also Sungmin.

 

“Good morning, Mr Wu.” Sungmin greeted him, with a smile as usual.

 

His heart clenches painfully to watch that smile.

 

My daughter. She’s my daughter. The daughter that I never knew.He told himself as he stares at Sungmin with a painful look.

 

“Good morning, Sungmin.” he greeted back, more sincere than he ever did in a few days ago.

 

Sungmin’s expression was a shock at first but then it glitters when her greeting is welcome by the man. After a few weeks of cold attention, Kris is finally talking to her. Her smile bloomed. She can feel that Kris has accepted her once again even though she didn’t know the reason why. While the man is painfully holding himself from breaking again.

 

Kris couldn’t stay focus at all with what was presented during the meeting. All he could think about is Sungmin. His body is there, but, his mind is faraway thinking. By the time he’s back to the realization, the meeting has ended and his secretary was looking at him worriedly.

 

“Are you okay, sir?”

 

“What? Yes I am.” He answered simply.

 

But, his secretary, Woohyuk still looks at him worriedly. And he notices that.

 

Rubbing his head tiredly, he sighs, “Sorry. I’m just thinking of something.” He reasoned.

 

“The meeting is over now. Do you need me for anything else?”

 

He looks up staring at Woohyuk, thinking and fell into silent once more. He actually didn’t know how to explain his current situation to the latter. Far from where they are staying, he saw Sungmin and some other people walking away from the room. He watched until the girl disappeared. By then, he talked again to the secretary.

 

“I want you to rephrase everything presented just now in one file. Make a summary if necessary. I want it to be ready by tomorrow. I’ll find my time to review it.” he ordered.

 

“Okay, sir. Anything else?”

 

“That’s all for now. I will call you again if there’s anything else.”

 

Woohyuk nodded his head, understood by the order. Kris started to walk away from there, followed with him beside. After that, they separate as Woohyuk excused himself to the washroom. Kris absentmindedly walked from the company and once again saw Sungmin, alone with Kangin. They are talking about their work for tomorrow. Kris looked at Sungmin painfully.

 

Sungmin is your daughter.

 

Eunhyuk’s voice kept replaying inside his head like a broken radio, reminding him about the truth.

 

“Not going home yet?” greeted Kris to Sungmin and Kangin when he reached them.

 

Those two turned to him in surprise at first.

 

“Good day, Mr Wu.” Sungmin greeted him back.

 

“Nice presentation just now, Sungmin.” Kris complimented, starting a topic to speak.

 

Sungmin smiles happily by the praise. She bows herself faintly and thanks him sincerely.

 

“Are you going straight home, Mr Wu?” Kangin asked.

 

“Ah, no. I have somewhere else to go first.” He replied, “And actually…I want to ask something from you.” He adds hesitantly.

 

“Eh? What is it?”

 

Kris’s eyes slowly lands on Sungmin, “Your PA.” he points, “Can I borrow her for a dinner?” he requested.

 

Kangin and Sungmin are both surprise by the sudden and unexpected request. They look at each other confusingly.

 

“Me?” Sungmin points to herself, disbelief and Kris nods.

 

She and Kangin once again look at each other.

 

“Why? You can’t?”

 

“No, it’s not like that.” Sungmin fast denied, “I’m just a bit surprise, that’s all.” She reasoned.

 

“So? What do you say? Care to join me for dinner then? It’s been so long since the last time we had dinner with just the two of us.” Kris said more, giving a sign that he wants to be alone with just Sungmin.

 

“Sure, uncle.” Sungmin finally said after some thought, “It really is long since the two of us got together.” She adds.

 

“So…” Kangin butts into the conversation, “We’ll see each other tomorrow then, Sungmin.” he said, excusing himself to go first.

 

“Okay, oppa.”

 

“I’ll take my leave first, Mr. Wu.” Kangin and Kris shake hands with each other.

 

After ruffling Sungmin’s hair gently, Kangin left them with an assuring smile. He feels weird by Kris’s sudden action but he shrugged it away, thinking that Kris will never do something bad to the girl.

 

“Shall we?” Kris gestured and Sungmin smiles at him before she follows him to the car.

 

There are not much word spoken between them but they feel extremely comfortable with just being with each other. Kris will sometimes take a glance at Sungmin whenever he has the chance to do so. Truthfully, after knowing the truth that Sungmin is his daughter, he felt so much love towards her. The ride lasted for a few minutes before they reach one fancy restaurant.

 

“Do you need anything else, Sungmin?” Kris asks for her opinion when ordering.

 

She shakes her head, “Everything is just prefect, uncle.” She declines politely.

 

“That’s all for now. Thank you.” Kris told the waitress and gives her back the menu.

 

The waitress takes a last note and bow at them before she leaves the room.

 

“So, while waiting, let’s talk about something.”

 

“Something?”

 

“Anything. Don’t you have any story that happened recently?” he asks the girl, wanting to get to know her better. 

 

Sungmin’s head tilted to the side adorably, thinking for an answer to give. It makes Kris smiles to see that cute reaction.

 

“Boyfriend?” he guessed.

 

Sungmin’s face instantly blushed by the question.

 

“It’s…not like what you think uncle.” Sungmin told the older.

 

“What is it then? I heard from Amber that you got yourself a very rich boyfriend recently. Well, Amber might be exaggerating but she said you look like a perfect match from heaven. Is it true?”

 

Sungmin averted her eyes from Kris’s stare shyly. The topic and compliment about her love life never fail to make her so shy.

 

“I don’t have much say in that. Amber met him once and said he’s a good guy. And I think he is a good one. And…well, so far I don’t see anything bad about him.” Sungmin said shyly.

 

“Are you happy with him?” he asks the question, like a father to a daughter.

 

Sungmin paused. Her inner side is tinkling by the unexpected question. Happy memories of her and Siwon slowly flash through her mind. A smile bloom on her lips.

 

“Em…” she answered with a shy nod.

 

Kris unconsciously smiles to see that. He can clearly see how Sungmin’s eyes sparkles just to talk about the man. He felt grateful to know that his daughter has someone that she loved even though he just knew the truth about Sungmin’s identity. Few minutes later, the waitress come and serves them the food ordered.

 

“Please, eat.”

 

“You too, uncle.” They start eating.

 

It is silence at first because both are cutting the steak. Kris notices that Sungmin had a hard time cutting it. He smiled to see that. He never thought that Sungmin also has the clumsy side on her. He quickly cut his share and stands up from his seat.

 

“Here.” Kris put the already cut steak in front of Sungmin, and exchange it with Sungmin’s plate.

 

“EH?”

 

Kris didn’t say anything but to just walk back to his seat leaving Sungmin dumbfounded with his action.

 

“Eat that one.” He finally said after he settles down on his seat.

 

Sungmin stares at him confusingly. She blinks her eyes repeatedly still comprehend with what has happened.

 

“Just eat, Sungmin.” Kris repeats his order, “I just help you to cut the steak since you look so hard doing so.” He explains to Sungmin’s blank question.

 

Sungmin blinks again innocently before her smile blossom.

 

“Thank you, uncle. And sorry that I’m such a klutz.” She was smiling her sweetest smile ever as she told him.

 

Kris’s heart flowered with happiness by the smile. He never thought that making someone happy will make his heart so blissful. He really wished that he could hear Sungmin’s voice calling him ‘father’ and not uncle. But, he knew that it was still too early to make any decision. He just pray that Sungmin will be able to accept him if one day she find out about the truth. For the meantime, to be there with her and supporting her is the most important thing.

 

“Sungmin.” he called to get Sungmin’s attention.

 

“Did your father tell you anything about me?” he asked.

 

“Appa?” Sungmin paused to think, “Nothing I think.” She replied.

 

“He did not say that I’m used to be his friend?”

 

Sungmin stares at him, surprised. Her face clearly shows that she didn’t expect it. She slowly shakes her head to left and right.

 

Kris smiles at her, “It’s okay. I understand that he didn’t tell you about it. It’s been ages after all. Furthermore, I didn’t actually expect to meet him again.” Kris told her.

 

“So…you’re a long lost friend with my appa?”

 

“Em…somehow, yes. Sort of like that I think.”

 

“Appa never speak anything about uncle to me. I really didn’t expect for you to know each other and moreover friend.”

 

“Maybe because we lost contact to each other. I don’t really blame him.”

 

“Ooo…” Sungmin said, forming an ‘o’.

 

“You must love your father so much, right Sungmin?”

 

Sungmin laughs softly.

 

“Of course. Appa means everything to me. And so did umma and the others.” Sungmin told him, shimmers with a smile continue on her face.

 

“That’s good.” Kris murmurs under his breath, grateful.

 

Their dinner continues in a happy mode all the way. Kris asks her few things that he curious about and actually quite happy that he decided to propose the dinner. He got to know the girl. But, for sure, he feels closer to the girl, his daughter.

 

 

 

 

Siwon walked out from the restaurant’s private room while shaking hands with his business partners. He has just finished his work for the day. He let out a sigh, a sign of his tiredness. Even though his mind is tired, just after he saw a text from Sungmin, his smile bloomed. He turned off his phone before to focus on the work. While walking, he texted Sungmin back but something attract his attention. From afar, he thinks he saw the girl walking side by side with another man. A frown automatically grew on his face. In fast pace, he walked straight to them and called for Sungmin’s name.

 

“Ah, oppa.”

 

He was right on the guess with Sungmin turned to look at him with the equal shock. Sungmin right away moved closer to him.

 

“What are you doing here, oppa?” asked Sungmin innocently.

 

Siwon’s eyes were still on Sungmin’s partner, the man. He turned to Sungmin and slowly softened his expression.

 

“I’ve just finish working. How about you, baby? Why are you with Mr Wu? I thought your work already done.” He said.

 

He knew the man. Sungmin once told him about Mr Wu Yifan who is another business partner of her superior, Kangin. Apart from that, he himself knew the man. Not only because they were from the same business world but also because they used to work together once. So, yes, he KNEW the man. But, seeing Sungmin with him, so casual and passed the working hours, he couldn’t help but to feel…jealous.

 

 “We’re just having dinner, Siwon-ssi.” Kris volunteered in answering the question, “I’ve ask the permission from her president before I took her.” he explained more.

 

Somehow, seeing the stare he got from Siwon, he feels the need of him to explain to the boyfriend. Though, he doesn’t quite understand the reason why. Sungmin nodding her head few times, agreed to Kris’s statement. A satisfying smile finally appeared on Siwon.

 

“Are you done, then?”

 

“Yes, Mr Wu is about to send me home actually.” Sungmin replied, smiling awkwardly.

 

“Send? You came with him?”

 

Sungmin nodded.

 

“We had a meeting before this. It was me who requested to have a dinner with her. I hope you don’t mind, Siwon.” Kris told the younger.

 

“Ah, no, I don’t mind. Thank you for treating her, Mr Wu. But I think…I’ll send her home.” He said, holding Sungmin’s hand into his, lovingly, “It is okay with you right?”

 

Kris saw their hands intertwined with each other. He saw the gentle smile Sungmin had towards Siwon. He saw the love in their eyes. He smiled inwardly.

 

“Yes, of course. Thank you very much.”

 

Soon after that, they part away. Siwon and Sungmin left together holding hands with smile on each. Kris watched their figures long with a father smile until they completely gone from his sight. Happy? He’s more to grateful. Now that he knew Sungmin is his daughter, he promised that he will cherish her. Legal or not, blood ties is all that matter.

 

“Come on in.” Eunhyuk invites Kris inside his house and walked in front.

 

Kris nodded meekly and followed the man. He scanned around Eunhyuk’s house in awe. Unlike the average look from the outside, the house interior clearly shown the huge fortune of the owner. He remembered visiting the house a few times back in high school but so much has changed since then. Well, no one to blame on that. So many years has passed. So, it’s natural for it to change.

 

“Yeobo, ah.”

 

“Ah.”

 

He and the other person stunned after meeting eyes with each other’s presence.

 

“Honey, come here.” Eunhyuk pulled Donghae slowly into his arms and moved closer to the daze Kris.

 

“I’m sure you’ve meet with each other, right?” he started.

 

Donghae hesitantly nodded.

 

“Kris, this is my wife. Sungjin’s and Sungmin’s mother, Lee Donghae.”

 

Kris holds out his hand to shake and she accepts the hand willingly.

 

“And honey, Kris is actually…Sungmin’s birthfather.”

 

Donghae’s hold instantly tensed.

 

“What?” her word of shock automatically comes out.

 

Kris gave her a smile. He slightly nodded, admitting to what Eunhyuk said. Astonished and confused by the sudden revelation, all Donghae did only stares at the man. After that, they sat down and Eunhyuk explained more about what is actually happen in all these years. Donghae knew a bit about Eunhyuk’s past because he never lies to her about it. What she didn’t expect was the turnaround of it for someone so close to the family is actually someone so related to Sungmin so much.

 

“Hey.” Kris greeted first.

 

Eunhyuk smiled, “Hey.” He welcomed him.

 

“What are you doing?” Kris asked.

 

“Nothing. I’m just relaxing myself.” Eunhyuk simply replied him.

 

The two of them are at a park. They didn’t actually promised to meet each other but, somewhat, they ended sitting together at the park’s bench, looking at the children playing. It was another day passed since the last time they became friends once again. Kris was really grateful by Eunhyuk’s willingness to accept him back as his friend and also accepting him as Sungmin’s birthfather. It was still a secret only among them but for now, no one else should know.

 

“Thank you, Kris.” Eunhyuk suddenly said, after a long silence.

 

“What for?”

 

“Accepting Sungmin.”

 

Kris fell into silence once more by Eunhyuk’s words, “No, Hyuk. It was me who should be thanking you.” He responded.

 

Eunhyuk turns to look at his friend, waits for him to continue.

 

“For all these years, you have accepted Sungmin in your life even though you knew the truth that Sungmin is mine. I am far than just grateful that you are willing to care and love her like a real father…to his daughter.”

 

“Because she’s mine, Kris.” Eunhyuk determinedly stated.

 

Kris frowned by the sudden seriousness in his voice.

 

“Sungmin is my daughter.” He strengthened, “Even if she is yours, have your DNA and everything, she is still my daughter.”

 

Kris saw the fire in Eunhyuk’s eyes with what being said.

 

“It was me who was first welcomed her into this world. It was me whom she looked first when she opened her eyes. I am the first person that she called when she was able to talk. It was me also whom take care of her when she was abandoned by her own mother. Everything that she is now is all because of me, Kris. The other people around her did nothing but hurting her. I don’t care about other people talk, because Sungmin is mine to begin with and forever. One thing for sure too, no matter how long passed and no matter what happened, Sungmin will always remain as my daughter and I will never forgive anyone who tried to hurt her.” He explained long with fiery eyes.

 

Kris unconsciously gulped bitterly after the long explanation. The anger shown clearly shown that Eunhyuk is absolutely dead serious about Sungmin. He didn’t know why but, he could sense that messing up with Eunhyuk is really the worst thing anyone ever want to do.

 

Eunhyuk let go a sigh, “Sorry, I’m a bit emotional just now.” He apologized, rubbing his face with his hands, “Sungmin is really a sensitive topic for me”.

 

He tried to smile but the eyes saying the opposite from it. Kris could see some tears glistening in Eunhyuk’s eyes. He knew Eunhyuk meant everything that he said. And somehow, he could understand the reason behind it.

 

Kris shakes his head, “No, Hyuk. I totally understand. I will not argue with you on anything about it. You are right but I can assure you that I will never take your position as Sungmin’s father. Sungmin loves you very much. I can see how precious you are in her eyes when we talked. I’m just the father in her blood but you mean more than just everything to her, forever.”

 

Eunhyuk listened. They looked at each other and smiled. Eunhyuk puts his hand on Kris’s shoulder.

 

“I know that.” Eunhyuk grinned sheepishly, very proud.

 

“Let’s talk about another topic.” Kris suggested, their seriousness changed in that instant.

 

“About what?”

 

“You.”

 

“Me?” Eunhyuk points to himself and Kris nods.

 

“Sungmin told me that her father’s name is Lee Hyukjae. Well, I know that your real name is Lee Hyukjae and it was really a common name so, I didn’t think much at that time. But, Lee Eunhyuk? How does it possible for Lee Hyukjae and Lee Eunhyuk to be the same person? Care to tell me the reason?” he questioned.

 

Eunhyuk sneered.

 

“I purposely told her to use my real name as her father whenever she wanted to introduced me.”

 

“And Lee Eunhyuk?”

 

Eunhyuk hummed, “Stage name?”

 

Kris gapes by the answer. He let out a big laugh.

 

“Hahahaha…who do you think you are, Hyuk? A celebrity?” Kris mocked.

 

Eunhyuk followed the laughs, “Well, I am very popular in the business world you know? So, I don’t think it’s wrong for me to use a different name.” he quirks his brows up.

 

Kris laughs even more.

 

“Seriously, Hyuk you are something.” He stated, “But, tell me the true reason behind it. If you are really the same best friend I had known from years ago, you must have a valid reason to do so.”

 

There’s actually reason to Kris’s question. He knew from long time ago that Eunhyuk is the name his best friend popular with. But, he also knew the fact that he never hides his real name from anyone. What he didn’t understand was why he hid his real identity of being the richest man in Korea behind the name Lee Hyukjae who owns a smaller corporation only. He never knew about it before, not until the said man told him himself. The man was capable to buy anything in the world with the money, so why kept it hidden. He’s really curious.

 

Eunhyuk on the other hand didn’t right away answer to Kris’s question. He gazes upfront to the children playing and smiles thinly.

 

“Sungmin. Everything is for Sungmin.” he replied, full of meaning.

 

 

 

 

Sungmin’s doorbell rang many times. She rushed from inside the bathroom, thinking that maybe there’s an emergency. But, when she the door camera, she sees a sulking Ryeowook.

 

“Wookie?”

 

Ryeowook turned to her and smiled thinly. Sungmin key in the code hurriedly and opened the door. Ryeowook steps in and strangely with a small luggage. Sungmin frowned but let her in still.

 

“Wookie…what’s…”

 

“Let me stay here.” She said sternly.

 

“Eh?”

 

Not waiting for Sungmin to recover her shock, Ryeowook make herself like home completely. By the time Sungmin wakes up from her trance, Ryeowook is already in the kitchen cooking something. Shaking her head, she walked approaching her best friend. She stares at her, long.

 

“There’s meat. Want me to cook some beef soup?” she asked to which Sungmin nodded blankly.

 

Ryeowook hummed and moved in fast motion in preparing the ingredients and everything. Sungmin sits down near the counter and watches her best friend cooking. A question mark popped out of her head.

 

“Wookie, are you okay?” she asked.

 

Ryeowook nodded, “I’m fine, why?”

 

“Nothing. I was just wondering. You didn’t say anything about coming, so, I’m curious to the reason why.” She replied back.

 

“You don’t like me staying here?” Ryeowook’s eyes narrowed into tiny bits.

 

“What? No!” Sungmin denied quickly, “Why would you say that? Nonsense. You know that you’re always welcome here. This is your home too.” Explained Sungmin eagerly.

 

Ryeowook laughed, “Then, it’s okay if I stay here for a few days right?”

 

Sungmin right away nodded, “Of course!”

 

“Good. What do you want to eat more?”

 

“Veggie! Let’s make stir-fry veggies Wookie. It’s been so long I didn’t eat your stir fried veggies~~” Sungmin complained cutely and hugs her firmly.

 

“Okay…okay…stir-fry veggies it is. Will you help me?”

 

“Yes, chef!” Sungmin salutes and obeyed whatever Ryeowook tells her to do.

 

There are still questions Sungmin wanting to ask her, but she realized that it is not the right time judging from the short answer she got from the said person. Furthermore, she’s more than just glad that her best friend is sleeping-over. She’s got a company at night and sleeping while hugging someone is really the best feeling ever.

 

A day passed in a blink. Then, it was two days. Ryeowook still stay at Sungmin’s house. Sungmin did feel strange, especially with Ryeowook’s unpredictable mood in the past days but she didn’t dare to ask anything. She was scolded and shooed away the first time when she asked about Yesung. With that, she guessed maybe she shouldn’t ask at all.

 

But, her guess totally shattered when a call from panic Yesung came in.

 

“Sungmin! Sungmin! Wookie is missing! My wife is missing!!” Yesung frantically yelled from the other line.

 

Sungmin cringed, taking away the phone from her ears.

 

“What are you talking about, oppa?”

 

“Wookie!” Yesung screamed hysterically, “I come home but the house is empty! Her things are gone! She ran away from me?! WHY?!!”

 

“YEYE!!”

 

“Ah!” Yesung snapped from his frantic by Sungmin’s yell.

 

“Wookie is alright, okay?” Sungmin’s voice calm, “She’s with me. Safe and sound.”

 

Silence.

 

“Oppa?”

 

Tik~~

 

The line went dead just like that. Sungmin was shocked. Staring confusingly at the phone, she frowned hard at Yesung’s reaction.

 

“Sungminie.”

 

“Ah, coming!” she went to Ryeowook by the call.

 

She’s still feels strange by her oppa’s sudden outburst. She looked at Ryeowook and shooed away the negative thought.

 

Wookie wouldn’t dare to hurt his oppa like that.

 

But, her thought was prove wrong about half an hour later when Yesung came panting, pale in white.

 

“Wookie…is…here?” he pants.

 

Sungmin nodded and blankly let him in.

 

“Honey!! Ah!” Yesung’s words stopped upon meeting eyes with Ryeowook’s.

 

“What are you doing here?” she asked sternly.

 

There’s tint anger in her voice.

 

“Honey, I’m…”

 

Ryeowook huffed and turned her head away.

 

“Wookie!”

 

“Don’t touch me!” Ryeowook snapped by the touch of Yesung’s hand.

 

Yesung and Sungmin were astounded.

 

“Wookie?” Sungmin called.

 

“Tell this man to leave, Sungmin.” She demanded, nose crunched into a disgusted look, “I don’t want to see him. I don’t even want to hear his voice. Just chase him out of my sight!” her voice raised shocked Sungmin and Yesung to the core.

 

And she, without listening to any retort, stomped her feet away towards the room. The door slammed loudly. Yesung and Sungmin stood still in daze where they stand, comprehending what is happening. They turned to look at each other confusedly.

 

“Oppa? What have you done?”

 

Yesung shook his head hesitantly, “I…I don’t know.” He replied, flustering by the sudden scene.

 

 

 

 

“Honey, please!” Yesung begged desperately, “Just what did I do wrong? Just tell me. Please…” he followed Ryeowook around but the other party is obviously ignored him.

 

It is already the third day since Yesung came back and it has been three days also, he’s begging on his knees for forgiveness from his wife. People are staring at them since they are at the cafe but he really didn’t care much.

 

“Baby!”

 

BAM!

 

The kitchen door slammed shut right into his face. He groaned and followed Ryeowook into the kitchen, not giving up, but to be chased out in just a minute after that.

 

“Leave my kitchen alone, Casanova.” Ryeowook deathly warned him and left.

 

Gaping at her anger, Yesun growled unsatisfyingly. But of course, he is force to give up.

 

“Just what did you do to unnie, oppa?” Taemin by the side, asked.

 

Yesung heaves out a heavy sigh, “I don’t know, Tae. Out of sudden, she exclaimed of hating to see my face. When I ask, she got angrier.”

 

“Are you sure didn’t hurt her feelings somewhere, hyung?”

 

“NO!” Yesung protested quickly, “I’m still newlywed okay? Why on earth would I hurt her when we just got married? We’re supposed to be happily enjoying our marriage life!” he complained his frustration out.

 

“Alright. Alright. Calm down.” Tiffany came and stopped him before he outburst his anger at the innocent younger, “We know you love Ryeowookie. We’re just concern. Wookie has never acted this way before. So, it’s very strange for her to be like this after you got married.” She expressed her thought.

 

“And that’s why!”

 

Everyone cringed by Yesung’s loud voice. He sighed and slumped back to his seat, totally frustrated.

 

“How about Sungmin? did you ask her?”

 

“I already did. And even she couldn’t figure out why.” he replied sounded so dejected.

 

FLASHBACK

 

“Wookie…” Sungmin called, as sweet as she could.

 

“Hm?”

 

“Are you angry at me?” she questioned, making her eyes big on purpose.

 

Ryeowook smiled thinly, “Oh Sungminie…why would you think it like that?”

 

“Well…partially because you ignore my Yeye oppa?” she grinned, trying her luck to talk about the topic.

 

She knew that Ryeowook is still having some dissatisfaction. And she also knows that Ryeowook’s source of anger is her Yesung oppa. What she didn’t understand is the reason why behind the anger.

 

“I’m not angry at anyone.” Ryeowook admitted.

 

“Then?”

 

Ryeowook grumbled, “I don’t know, Minnie. It’s hard to explain. Even I don’t get it why. I just feel angry whenever I see him.”

 

“Angry? Without a valid reason?”

 

Ryeowook meekly nodded, “My nerves get hot whenever he appeared in front of me. And it becomes worse when he steps closer to me. Also…”

 

“Eh?”

 

Ryeowook waved at Sungmin signaling her to give her ears. Sungmin obeyed and silently listened. Her eyes widened three times than normal after Ryeowook finished talking.

 

“He what?”

 

FLASHBACK END

 

“He’s stink?!”    “I’m stink?!”

 

Everyone and especially Yesung repeated the statement aloud, gawking at it. Sungmin nodded with a pout. Tiffany, Jungkok and Taemin turned to look at Yesung automatically, searching for any truth behind the statement. It’s really difficult to believe for a gentle Ryeowook to say such a harsh thing towards someone especially her own husband.

 

“Hyung, do you smell?” Jungkok stands up and casually approached Yesung sniffing the man followed by the two girls to search for any smell.

 

“Yah. Yah.” Yesung protested pushing them away, “I am not smelly and absolutely not stink, okay?” he threatened them.

 

They all pouted.

 

“You don’t smell anything, oppa.” Taemin confirmed, “But, why did Wookie unnie said the opposite?”

 

They shrugged instead of giving an answer. All become silence in perfect sync while thinking for a reasonable reason behind such strange behavior.

 

“Alright.” Yesung clapped once, “Let’s forget about what my baby think of me. Now, I want you to help me to coax her back to me.”

 

“Okay…” they answered simultaneously, forcibly agreed.

 

Each and every one of them thought of any available ideas. Since the café is closed and Ryeowook has already gone home, they have some time to help Yesung solving his unexpected problem.

 

“Oppa, flowers.” Taemin is first to suggest.

 

But, Yesung shook his head almost immediately, “I’ve done that.”

 

“Wookie threw the flower bouquet to his face, straight.” Sungmin added to his explanation.

 

They all growled at the same time, could imagine the scene inside their head and totally sympathizing over Yesung.

 

“How about using food or dessert? Like chocolates or cakes. Ryeowook loves that, isn’t it?” Jungkok said next in giving suggestion.

 

Once again, Yesung reclined the idea.

 

“She eats anything, but only when Sungmin gave her. If it was from me, she wouldn’t even touch it.” Yesung rebutted.

 

“Wouldn’t touch? She wouldn’t know if you didn’t tell her right?”

 

“No…apparently she knows.”

 

“Eh?” they all turned to Sungmin by her retort.

 

“Strangely, Wookie’s sensor is getting very and extremely sensitive nowadays. She can sense it, believe me. So, even if I lied, she’s still managed to guess who is it from.”

 

“Ehh…that bad?”

 

“Yes, it’s that bad.”

 

They fell into another silence, thinking for a new move.

 

“How about…using Sungmin.” Tiffany proposed, holding Sungmin out like an auction item with the others agreeing excludes Sungmin and Yesung.

 

“Why not?”

 

“Sungmin is the only person Wookie ever want to console now. If we used Sungmin and she misunderstood, it might become worse than this. So, I am rather being bashed by hundred bouquets of flowers than being hater more.” He speaks his mind.

 

Even though it’s difficult to believe, they have nothing to do but accept the fact. Once more, they fall into the labyrinth of thinking. It’s going to be very challenging after this, they are sure of it.

 

 

TBC

 

 

~~Not like anyone cares anyway…~~