C h a p t e r   XIX

 

[INFINITE - Nothing's Over]

(*A/N: Annyeong! I was not able to post this yesterday because it was our (me & my twin sister, aegyobby who serves as the co-author of this story) birthday yesterday, and I had to take a rest for my internship. Oh, I am sorry for the slow update. By the way, don't forget to support my another ff, okay? http://www.asianfanfics.com/story/view/702060/aftertime-angst-romance-sunggyu-taeyeon-infinitexsnsd-taegyu-gyutae  & also the poll, okay? http://www.asianfanfics.com/poll/vote/78878)

BTW! I WILL JUST EDIT THE TYPO ERRORS NEXT TIME, okay?

~ Kamsahamnida! ~

     

March 28, 20XX.

They had been too busy from the past few days. Do you think rich kids like them have an easy life? Having born with a silver spoon in their mouths did not mean that they could just sit back and relax. Jang Dongwoo busied himself on their mall business. His mom has been repetitively asking him to take over it. He, as the sole representative of the Jang household had no choice, but do as his parents say.

Meanwhile, Lee Howon was also hustling over their family's market dealings. Running a financial services and communications company is a very tough job to handle. Paper works there, phone calls everywhere.

On the other hand, Lee Sungyeol has been preoccupied too to their food manufacturing business. He would surely earn a hit from his father once he tries to mess up with his work.

The stoic prince, Kim Myungsoo has been supervising their art museum, The Serendipity as the curator of its South Korea branch. Actually, he even forgot his birthday because of it. With the pretty face he has and the determination to supervise the said gallery, many people get along with him since it is rare to have a very handsome boss who acts nicely towards his workers.

Lastly, Nam Woohyun is working hard to renovate their café, but he was also busy thinking about petty things about his life. Love life, to be exact.

Two weeks had passed since Myungsoo's 22nd birthday, but they all decided to have a joint celebration of his and Hoya's birthday. While everyone was enjoying themselves, Woohyun was still perturbed by the thing his two eyes had seen three weeks ago. He did not know what to feel. It was opposite of what he should be reacting right at that moment - he felt upset, hurt and dreadfully enraged.

He wanted to slap himself for million times for feeling that way. He was supposed to be enjoying Hoya and Myungsoo's birthday, but what the hell was he acting? That day was supposed to be the moment where he should be celebrating his friends' special day became the day where his mind backtracked what happened at The Square.

Whose fault was it in the first place? It was neither his nor her fault. All of the fingers were pointed back to him. If he was not just foolish to believe in something that cannot happen, he would have not felt bitter. High but false hopes put him down to the ground. He was absolutely shattered by his fatuity. His carelessness backlashed to him. Indeed it was true, foolish feelings and foolish thoughts. He did not even imagine that the nicest thing he did for the first time could be intensely painful.

Woohyun blamed himself for trying to do it. If he just stopped himself and avoid such trivial feelings, he would not feel that way. Nevertheless, was it his fault to discover whatever it was behind such things? Perhaps, it was his. He was truly naive not to think about its aftermath. Woohyun shook his head for a moment. He thought that he did not even confirm his feelings, so why was he feeling that way? The last time he was with her, he felt different.

It was him who became happier than her, for he was there to celebrate her birthday with her family. Though he was just her boss, he felt close to her. Right that moment, the gap between the two of them was somehow reduced.

 

[~]

Woohyun quickly responded to brush off any misunderstanding, "I am actually Taeyeon's friend." He shot a glance to Taeyeon, but the latter immediately averted his gaze. "Right, Taeyeon-ssi?"

She just nodded her head, knowing that Woohyun was just trying to shut off the speculations inside her father and brother's mind. Once they knew that he was actually her boss, it will certainly complicate the situation more.

"Jeongmal?" Sungjong asked to which Woohyun gave him a nod as a way of response. The younger man who was still suspicious of his answer, asked once again, "Is that true, Taeyeon-noona?"

She hesitantly replied, "Nae, it is."

Ilbong said, relieved with her answer, "That is quite nice to hear. Woohyun-ssi, why did you visit our home, by the way?"

"Sir, I just want to give her a surprise birthday since she is a good friend of mine. I apologize for the sudden intrusion in your home, by the way."

The old man smiled as he said, "It is alright. You are such a thoughtful and kind friend of hers."

Storming out of the kitchen, Gongjoo placed a tray with tea cups and a teapot on the table. The conversation that they had was clearly overheard by the old woman. She smiled, giving Woohyun a genuine smile. "See? I told you that Woohyun-ssi is just a good friend of our daughter." She sat on the floor across Taeyeon and Woohyun.

"Nae, nae. By the way, I apologize for asking such questions, Woohyun-ssi. I hope you did not feel offended with the rash words I have said. Anyway, I am Lee Ilbong, Taeyeon's father." He offered his hand to have a handshake with Woohyun who was sitting beside Taeyeon. 

Woohyun humbly said, "Annyeong hasimnikka, it is a pleasure to meet you, Sir." He bowed his head down, and laid his hand to have a handshake with Ilbong.

"I am Lee Sungjong, Taeyeon-noona's younger brother." Sungjong introduced himself as he also had a handshake with Woohyun.

"Annyeong hasimnikka, Sungjong-ssi. I am pleased to meet you as well."

The old woman said happily, "My name is Lee Gongjoo, and I am Taeyeon's mother."

[~]

 

Thinking about the joyful but short-lived happiness he had, the memory of his misfortune suddenly popped into his mind. Things went well as he planned, but why couldn't it seem to last long? The sincere efforts he extended towards her were useless because it seemed that she appreciated his hyung's efforts instead of his. Was he that hateful? Why couldn't she believe the trueness of his kind actions? Or was he really too late to do so?

 

[~]

Madly curious of what was going on, Myungsoo saw the man who the people were saying. Much to his surprise, it was someone who he certainly knew. Yes, the familiar man who he has been very much close with – one of the directors of the Nam Corporation, the man who has been known for his intelligence and business acumen, Kim Sunggyu who was surprisingly acting sweet in front of the The Square’s customers. “Sunggyu-hyung? Am I seeing this for real?”

“Is that Sunggyu-hyung?” Sungyeol innocently asked as he patted Woohyun’s shoulder gently. “But, who is the girl he seems to be serenading?”

“That~” Woohyun stuttered as his world seemed to fall apart pathetically, not wanting to move an inch from where he was standing. 

“Babocheoreom nan jeongmal babocheoreom nan.

Amuri yeonseuphaedo eongttunghan malman hage dweneyo.

Go-un du soneul hayan eolgureul hanbeon manjyeobol sun eomnayo.

Tumyeonghan geu ipssure immatjjugo shipeoyo.

Saranghandan mal neoreul saranghandaneun geu mal.

Ni apeseomyeon jakku maemdolda sarajineun mal.

 Su manheun jeo byeoldeulcheoreom sesange heunhan geu mal.

Ajiktto naman geonneji mothan geu mal.

Geudaereul majuchige dwelkkabwa

jaju ganeun gil neurige geotjjyo

saranghaeyo sucheonbeon honja dwenwe-ideon geu mal

seotuljiman oneureun malhalgeyo.”

The customers of ‘The Square’ were truly amazed by Sunggyu’s performance. The angelic man received numerous compliments as if they saw the most wonderful performance they had ever seen in their entire lives.

“Hey! That woman! Isn’t she the one in your mini~” Before Dongwoo could finish his words, Woohyun turned his back cynically spitting the last words from his mouth before the moment he  stormed out of the restaurant, “Just eat everything you want. I have paid for the reservation anyway.” Leaving his friends dumbfounded with his coldness, he decided to fasten his pace, for he no longer wanted to hear nor see anything that could drown him deeper in sadness. "So foolish of me again. You really are a fool, Nam Woohyun."

[~]

 

Woohyun shook his head hardly. He forcefully told himself, "Jiral! Who is she for me to waste my time of? The hell! Stop it now, Nam Woohyun. You do not deserve to feel like this. There are a lot~ of women out there. Brace yourself off!"

Myungsoo who seemed to be disturbed by his weird behavior went towards him. "Hyung! Kwaenchanayo? You look so agitated. Are you sick?" He asked with an apparent worry drawn on his face.

He swept off the annoyance from his face and cleared his throat before the lad answered the younger one as his hands swifted to a glass of beer. "Ah~ Yeah! Yeah! I am fine. Why won't I be okay?" 

"Arasseoyo, Namu-hyung." Myungsoo said as shifted his attention to Hoya who was really enjoying to sing at the Noraebang.

An hour has passed when all of them were all quite surprised that the not-so-active Nam Woohyun started talking. Actually, he was totally mum ever since they entered the Noraebang.

He stood up and raised a glass of beer, yelling groggily like a mad man, "Happy Birthday, Myungsoo-ah and Howon-ah! Since today is  a very special day, I would like to treat everyone a drink!"

Instead of being joyful with his announcement, they all threw him bizarre stares. He sounded like he was drunk though he still was not. What was in his mind now? Crazy man.

"Oh~Oh~Okay! That was~a nice thing from you, Woohyun-hyung." Hoya said awkwardly as he took a sip on the glass of beer on the table.

Woohyun gulped down another glass of beer as he commanded, "Go on, guys! Buy as many cases of beer as you want. I will be delighted to pay for those! Dongwoo-ah and Sungyeol-ah, go get cases of beer!"

"Aigoo! Aigoo! The King of Commands!" Sungyeol lamented as he scratched his hair hardly. "Arasseo! Arasseo!"

Woohyun refuted his statement by saying, "Do not complain, Choding-ah! It is not your birthday today, so do it!"

"Let us just do it." Dongwoo patted the Choding guy's shoulders as he pulled him out. "It will be his treat, right?"

Myungsoo followed the two men outside the room as he shouted, "Nal gidaryeojwoyo! I will go with you guys!"

 

Hoya and Woohyun were the ones left inside the karaoke room. It was a quietive and awkward atmosphere for the both of them. Hoya noticed the uneasiness behind Woohyun's eyes. They had been friends for ages, so he knew him very well. Whether he was in a good mood or in a bad mood, Woohyun was typically a guy who was very predictable. His actions and behavior were completely memorized by his so-called silly friends. The last time he saw him, he was very happy over something. The sparkle in his eyes faded and changed into a gloomy one. Was it because of his current interest once again? Oh, yeah. The scene they saw must have been the most hurtful thing for him. Is she really the only person who can control him? Hay! Women.

The younger man handed him a microphone. He offered, "Do you want to sing?" 

He was snapped out of his thoughts. The older man cleared his throat and spoke, "Ahh~ Yeah~ Yeah. Sure."

Hoya smiled before he said, "Here."

"Thanks." The older man smiled back at his dongsaeng. "Okay. I will choose the song, Howon-ah."

 

Woohyun looked for a song to sing from the song book. He stood up and pressed some numbers in the karaoke machine. He handed the other microphone to Hoya. "Oh~ I do not want to sing alone. Let us sing it together, eo?"

"Nothing's Over?" Hoya wondered, raising an eyebrow curiously.

After the three circles on the screen disappeared, Woohyun started to sing emotionally.

"Niga meoleojinda meolli jeomi dwenda.

Baleul ddeji mothae.

Maeumman dwijjocha ddara ganda.

Naneun ajikindae byeongmyeongdo mothaetneundae.

Han bal mulleoseoseo goodbye.

Aju jamshiman nan goodbye.

Nothing’s over. Nothing’s over.

Nothing’s over. Nothing’s over. Nothing’s over.

Jumuneul weowuh naege.

Ddan nom mannamyeon andwae.

Beolsseo geureomyeon andwae.

Ajikeun kkeutnan ge aniya Kkeutnan ge aniya.

Neol bonaen jeok eobseo."

(*Trans: "You’re drifting away.You’re becoming a point far away. My feet won’t move. Only my heart is chasing after you and following you. I still. Can’t even explain it. You’re taking a step back goodbye. For just a moment, I goodbye. Nothing’s over. Nothing’s over. Nothing’s over. Nothing’s over. Nothing’s over. You’re reciting a spell to me. You can’t see another guy. You can’t be already like this. It’s not the end yet. It’s not the end. I didn’t send you away.")

Hoya, who seemed to be enjoying the song rapped the next verse.

"I think about you. All day long.

Jamshippuni eodum sogeseo jocha.

Neol chaja hemeyeo. Dachil ppunin kamjeong sogeseo.

Nal chajawa gamssa andeon. Ddaddeuthan neoye melody.

I hear that never forget you. I will be find my baby."

(*Trans: "I think about you. All day long. Even if I’m in the dark for a moment. I’m wandering around, searching for you. I’m closed in my feelings.When you came to find me and held me in. Your warm melody. I hear that never forget you. I will be find my baby.")

The three guys went back to the karaoke room. Much to their surprise, the two men who where left a while ago were enjoying themselves like fools.

"Ohhh~" Myungsoo said as he put the case he was carrying on the floor.

Sungyeol said grumpily, "Aigoo! I knew it! You guys asked us to leave because you only want to enjoy yourselves. How selfish!"

Woohyun ignored the Choding guy and continued singing emotionally, not minding how hard he complained as if his veins will pop out from his throat.

"Haeojil sudo isseo, geurae geureol su isseo.

Hajiman ireoke aniya, ireoken aniya.

Nan kketnael su eobseo.

Ddan nom mannamyeon andwae.

Beolsseo geureomyeon andwae.

Ajikeun kkeutnan ge aniya Kkeutnan ge aniya.

Naegen neo ppuniya."

(*Trans: "We can separate. Yeah we can. But not like this. Not like this. I can’t end it. You can’t meet another guy. You can’t be like this already. It’s not the end yet. It’s not the end. You’re the only one to me.")

"Is he alright? What happened to him?" Myungsoo whispered to Hoya who was also perturbed with their friend's sudden emotional vibe.

Hoya stopped singing for a while. He answered back to the younger man's question, "I do not know either. He was really silent a while ago, but he was bursting like a bomb right now."

"Egumonina! Is he still broken hearted or what?" Sungyeol asked exaggeratedly.

Hoya complained, crossing his arms in disgust, "Hey, Choding-ah! Stop saying that! That is my script. Make your own!"

Sungyeol decided to change his expression as he exclaimed in pretense, "Arasseo! Arasseo! I will. OH MY GOSH!"

After a few minutes, Woohyun finally finished singing the song. He sat for a while to catch his breath, for was tired shouting or should we say singing loudly.

"Dude, are you sure that you are fine?" Hoya asked with an apparent concern in his voice.

Woohyun looked at him, "Yeah, of course I am. Oh~ I will just go to the comfort room for a while." He immediately stood up and left the karaoke room.

"Hay~ Is that really what love can do to a person?" Myungsoo sighed.

Sungyeol joked as he laughed, "Not to mention, unrequited love. Hahahahahahahahahaha!"

The former asked with his eyes rolling in disbelief, "You really love seeing Namu-hyung suffering, don't you?"

"Not really. It was his fault in the first place. His sufferings were caused by himself. It is just quite funny to see how he find found someone who could beat his obnoxious personality. Someone who could control the uncontrollable Nam Woohyun. Indeed, the quote was true." The latter replied.

Hoya wondered, "Quote? What quote are you talking about?"

"Men control the world, but women control men." The choding guy stated with formality in his tone.

Myungsoo said, "Aigoo~ Who would not be hurt if he just saw the woman he likes being serenanded by not only just an ordinary guy, but his very own hyung? I understand how he is feeling right now. Uhm~ But, he said he does not like her, right?"

"We all know how prideful that man is. He will not admit his feelings easily. It is his first time to feel that way. He must still be clueless about it. Unfortunately, being foolish all the time will make his chance slip out of his hand." Hoya explained.

Dongwoo added, "Yeah! I guess that girl and Gyu-hyung are already an item. I saw how hyung hugged her and said sweet words to her after singing in front of many people at the restaurant."

"Ah~ The hug thing? I saw that too!" Myungsoo said.

Sungyeol answered, "Me too!"

"Me three!" Hoya affirmed.

"I wonder if they really are in a relationship already. Oh~ It would have been nicer if Sunggyu-hyung kissed her. Hahahahaha! They make a good couple." Dongwoo said, not knowing that Woohyun already came back from the comfort room.

"Shhh~" Hoya whispered.

The other three made some gestures to make him stop blabbering, but he was so stupid to realize what they were implying. "Could a proposal be next to Sunggyu-hyung's list? That will be so swe~" He was cut off when he heard a familliar voice. Flustered and shocked, Dongwoo immediately sat beside Sungyeol.

Woohyun asked pretending not to know anything, "Oh~ What were you guys talking about? Did I miss out something? Should you share it to me too?"

"Ah! Nothing really. It was some~ some~ useless matters. You will not be interested to know it. Anyway, should we keep the party started?" Hoya broke the tension out to divert the awkward conversation.

A smirk was formed to the former's face. He was still feeling the bitterness that was contained inside his chest then replied, "Maybe, you are right. If it is something useless, I will not be interested knowing it. I hate foolish matters, really. I am quite tired from work. I guess you guys too. Let us enjoy!"

"Ye~Ye~Yeah." Myungsoo said awkwardly as he nodded his head.

 

Another couple of hours had passed quickly. Instead of enjoying themselves, they ended up watching the crazy bastard, Nam Woohyun singing groggily all by himself. With his eyes and brain almost popping out, he sang like there was no tomorrow.

"Hopelessly and helplessly romantic." Dongwoo mumbled.

Hoya scoffed, "Enjoy, huh?"

"Don't you think that he is overreacting?" Sungyeol burst out.

Woohyun sang the song, Still In Love (아직 사랑한다) by CNBLUE wholly, pouring every pain he has inside his crushed heart.

"Gin bameul jam mot irunda

Geurinda tto nan nan nan nan
Oneuldo nunmul chamabonda
Han sum swieobonda

You’re my love

Stabirabi rapststabira

Love you love you
love you my love
Stabirabi rapststabira
I want your love

Apeun saranga sal
Bein deut nan apeuda
Chameuryeo aesseobwado
Sori eobsi tto apaonda
Sseurin saranga
Dogeul samkin deut sseurida
Useuryeo aesseobwado
Aryeonhage sseuryeoonda

Nan oneuldo achimeul
Bonda geurinda
Tto nan nan nan nan
Miryeoni dasi millyeoonda
Ajig saranghanda

You’re my love
Stabirabi rapststabira
Love you love you
love you my love
Stabirabi rapststabira
I want your love.

Apeun saranga sal
Bein deut nan apeuda
Chameuryeo aesseobwado
Sori eobsi tto apaonda
Sseurin saranga
Dogeul samkin deut sseurida
Useuryeo aesseobwado
Aryeonhage sseuryeoonda

Nappeun saranga
Bulleodo daedabdo eobtda (Daedabdo eobseo)
Jabeuryeo aewonhaedo
Naengjeonghage doraseonda (Doraseonda)

Nappeun saranga yeongicheoreom
Tteonaganda (Tteonaganeun neo)
Son ppeodeo jababwado
Eoneusae neon tteonaganda nal."

(*Trans:  "You’re my love

I can’t fall asleep in this long night
I draw you out again
Today, I hold back tears yet again
I let out a sigh – you’re my love

Stabirabi rapststabira
Love you love you love you my love
Stabirabi rapststabira I want your love
My painful love, I’m hurting as if I cut my skin
I try to hold it in but soundlessly, it hurts
My aching love, it’s bitter as if I swallowed poison
I try to smile but I’m faintly aching

Today, I see the morning yet again
I draw you out again
Lingering attachments push over to me again
I still love you – you’re my love
You’re my love

Stabirabi rapststabira
Love you love you love you my love
Stabirabi rapststabira I want your love

My painful love, I’m hurting as if I cut my skin
I try to hold it in but soundlessly, it hurts
My aching love, it’s bitter as if I swallowed poison
I try to smile but I’m faintly aching

My bad love, I call you but there’s no answer (no answer)
I beg to hold on to you but you coldly turn away (turn away)
My bad love, you are leaving like vapor (you are leaving)
I extend my hand to hold you but at some point, you already left me.")

Myungsoo assured patiently, "Let us just wait. The song is not that long. He will get tired too since he is singing for almost an hour now. It is impossible for him not to rest."

After singing the song, Woohyun snuggled to the chair where they were sitting.

Hoya who seemed to be really annoyed to him pointed, "Would you please transfer there? We are already full here. There are A LOT of spaces there."

"Ah~ Shireoyo. We are~ friends~ We~ are~close as siblings do, right? Brothers. Yeah! You guys are my brothers! Hahahaha!" Woohyun who was totally drunk said as he laughed bitterly.

To avoid more conflicts since the others were already pissed off with Woohyun, Myungsoo volunteered to stand up as he pretended that he will sing.

Myungsoo asked, "Ah~ Okay! It is my turn! What song should I sing?"

"I will sing next to you, eo?" Sungyeol reminded.

"Yes, Choding!" Myungsoo answered. He pressed some buttons and started singing the song, 'Alone in Love (연애시대)' by the famous Korean singer and actor, Lee Seunggi.

"Eonjena geochimeopdeon naega jogeumssik
Nunchireul bogo isseo
Geoteuron gwansim eomneun cheok
Chagaun dosiui namjain cheok
Aesseo oemyeonhago natseoreun malturo
Neol mannawasseo
Yeonghwaga anijanha geu deuramaui
Geu namjaga anijanha
Ije deo isang nae mamgwa dareuge
Neol daehal sun eobseo
Nega joha soljikhan nae mam deureobwa jullae
Uri yeonaehalkka
Na oraetdongan solloyeoseo
Yeonaega seotulji moreujiman
Ne jeon namjachinguboda nega mannan
Modeun namjaboda gajang neol saranghalge
Uri yeonaehalkka
Naega meomutgeorineun dongan neoege
Ssodajineun dareun namjadeurui
Gwansim gadeukhan nunbit chinjeolhan taedo
Nan jeongmal michigesseo
Aesseo oemyeonhalkka saenggakdo haetjiman no
Geureol sun eobseo
Namjaga anijanha
Ireoke heomuhage doraseondamyeon
Ije deo isang nae mamgwa dareuge
Neol daehal sun eobseo
Nega joha soljikhan nae mam deureobwa jullae
Uri yeonaehalkka
Na oraetdongan solloyeoseo
Yeonaega seotulji moreujiman
Ne jeon namjachinguboda
Nega mannan modeun namjaboda
Gajang neol saranghalge
Uri yeonaehalkka
Uri yeonaehalkka
Na oraetdongan solloyeoseo
Yeonaega seotulji moreujiman
Ne jeon namjachinguboda
Nega mannan modeun namjaboda
Gajang neol saranghalge. "

(*Trans: "I always used to be unstoppable

But little by little, I am getting cautious
On the outside, I pretend to not have interest
I pretend to be a cold city man
With efforts to turn away and with strange words, I met you
This isn't a movie, I'm not that guy from that drama

Now, I can't treat you differently from how I feel
I like you, will you please listen to my honest heart?

Shall we date?
I was single for such a long time, that I might be bad at dating
But, more than your ex-boyfriend,
More than any guy that you've met
I will love you the most
Shall we date?
While I was hesitating, there were so many other guys
Looking at you with great interest and treating you nice
I think I'll go crazy
I wondered if maybe I should just turn away but no I can't
That's not being a man if I just turn away like this.")

Dongwoo was supposed to drink his beer when Woohyun held it too. "Yah! You have your own, right?" He yelled.

Woo