~ My Everything ~ Chapter 19~

 

The ambience around them filled with melancholic silence as none of them know what should be said at this point of time. She found herself utterly puzzled.

 

“Riin, I want you to be happy because I like you,” Riin didn’t look at him and in fact she dare not doing so as whenever she is locked by his eyes, her heart never stop beating rapidly. He held on her face, forcing her to have an eye contact with him. “At this moment, I’m not ready to lose you yet. I don’t wish to see you cry and I having to be the cause to those tears.” Resting both his arms on her shoulders, he said “Please wait for me, wait for a little bit…okay?”

 

“You’re not even sure you can get over her or not,” she shook her head. “How long do you expect me to wait?”

 

“Give me some time to sort things out,” he said barely above a whisper as if the wind brushing through their face filled with melancholy. Holding firmly on her hand, he was determined on not letting go. “Believe in me, will you? At least don’t give up until the very last day of the pact”

 

Riin stared down on the white sand, she mumbled “a little bit of faith…”

 

Hearing her whispering, he gently pulled her into a hug. “Trust me, I want to be with you in the near future...” those are the words he hoped it could slip out of his mouth but it just won’t do so.

 

Her hands which were hung around her neck tightened in fear, fear of losing contact with the guy she had fell from head to heels. She worried the moment letting go of him, he’ll never return again. Deep inside, the both Junsu and Riin know there have not much reason for them being together anymore. Junsu knows very well that the pact can easily be call off and that he can go back to the one and only person he truly loves. Despite the strong and firm feeling he has for Heebon, a small part of his heart is telling him that he’ll regret if he is to let go of this petite girl. Perhaps he may not regret for now, possibly not tomorrow but someday in the future; he definitely will. And that give him the reason to not let her off, continuingly grounding her in the cage. In fact, Riin wasn’t really trying to get rid of her husband as she has not give her all in letting go instead struggling in this relationship of theirs. The longer she stay with him, the wound caused by him go deeper. He was like an infatuation to her, a long lasting infection which no medicine can ever cure. Sometimes, there would be a second in their life that they would wonder; how hatred they once have for each other could turn into such strong feeling; affection. At this very minute, they just hope for this sort of feeling don’t go any deeper or they will forced to a point of no return.

 

-

 

On the next morning, since Junsu had melted the cold stubborn ice, they went to office together. However it wasn’t same anymore as they seldom talk like usual and that bothered Inhwan. He tried his best in creating a cheery atmosphere but none of them get to force out a brighter smile but only a small smile of weary. After dropping off Inhwan, the remaining ten minutes ride was rather awkward. In the past, Riin would suggest to Junsu on where they should have lunch whilst Junsu heartlessly decline and banned her suggestion. Riin would roughly smack on his head with him shrink in pain and grumbled that he is driving. But it seems they could hardly return to the past as there is something in between them; a strong bond that Riin can never go against.

 

“The annual stock take will start today, right?” Junsu asked whilst having his eyes on the report placed on desk before him. Almost a minute of silent, Junsu looked up to Riin who was locked in puzzlement. “Riin…” he placed his hand on hers.

 

Heebon rolled her eyes open seeing that. Placing her file on the desk with a loud ‘bang’ sound, she turned to Riin, “Riin-shi…didn’t I passed the details to you and reminded you to read through it?”

 

“Oh…that, yeah…I and Heebon-shi will bring along a few marketing staffs and leads the outlet staff…”

 

“I’ll settle this smoothly,” Heebon cut her off. “No worries,” she got up and leaves Junsu’s office.

 

“Sorry…” Riin bowed before making her way towards the door leaving the worn off Junsu stare blankly at them.

 

“Mr. Kim Junsu…”

 

Junsu looked up with a small smile on face upon hearing the familiar voice of his best friend. “You’re finally here…”

 

“Still fine not dead yet, are you?” Eunhyuk sneered.

 

“Stop teasing me at this moment of time,” Junsu leaned his back against the seat, “I’ve not much strength left.”

 

“That’s what you’ll get for having two women in the same time…” he chuckled.

 

“Very funny huh…” Junsu rolled his eyes pretended to be angry.

 

Placing the delicate blue jewelry box on his desk right before him, he opened it and reveals the necklace with the cheery pendant. “I bet you’ve not forgotten about the existence of this necklace.” He seated on the chair, “Who would that be; the owner of this necklace?”

 

Junsu remained silent having his eyes stare still on the necklace that he wanted to give Riin initially. Nevertheless, with Heebon’s return, everything seems to be different; changed. He ponder hardly on who is that one person that had captured his poor fragile heart.

 

Looking up at his buddy, Eunhyuk shook his head. “If you’d decided to give your wife, ignore your first love. How long do you plan on holding them with you?” Eunhyuk pointed out as a matter of fact. “And, if you are to keep the promise you’ve made for your ex, go ahead. Give your wedded wife the divorce; unlock the cage.”

 

“Eunhyuk…” he sounded frustrated. He has his face in his hands, “I’m confused. Not now, I’m not making a decision right now.”

 

Leaning forward, Eunhyuk tapped his finger against his desk. Not too soft but hard enough to avert Junsu’s attention from bewilderment. “Junsu, you’re being selfish. Too cruel to Riin-shi…bear in mind, if it’s not the both of you, she might not led to this sort of life.”

 

-Lotte Fashion-

 

“Alright,” Heebon raised her hand in the air and clapped for everyone’s attention. “I’ve paired you guys up. I and Sooyoung will in charge of the kids section while Yuri will lead Taeyeon to the Men’s department and as for Riin and Tiffany, store room.”

 

Given Taeyeon’s personality, she slightly raised her voice, “Tiffany is still new. This is her first time and she won’t be able to handle this.”

 

“She has Riin…” Heebon shrugged her shoulders, an agitating movement that had annoyed Taeyeon.

 

“Wait a minute,” Taeyeon stood before her stopping her from heading towards the kids department. “The store room is huge and you’re only placing two people to deal with it? Furthermore, a newbie…are you putting Mrs. Kim in difficulty on purpose?”

 

Before Taeyeon could go on, Heebon threw the file right on Taeyeon’s face causing her fell back behind and fortunately Riin held her in time. “If you’re this great, handle this.”

 

“Heebon-shi, we shall get started…” Riin said firmly.

 

Walking up to Riin, she eyed sternly at her. Heebon’s fiery eyes were threatening and in fact, Riin’s heart was beating rapidly in fear having to challenge by the beauty before her; not knowing what she’s up to. “Who are you to instruct me, Jang Riin?” whirled round while taking hold of the file handed by Sooyoung, she said “Let’s begin…”

 

Angry with Taeyeon’s behavior, Riin gently pushed against her forehead. “Never change. She’s not someone you should mess with.” Frowned, Riin asked “How long do you need to change this bad temper of yours? Never meddle with my matter anymore.”

 

“Forever wouldn’t be enough,” Taeyeon said. “Let’s get started or you won’t be able to settle that gigantic store room.”

 

The moment Riin and Tiffany stepped into the store room; they both looked up to the number of racks which consist of 7 bases each. There are 10 racks in each row and as Tiffany recalled, Taeyeon told her that on the left side consisted 16 rows whilst the right 23 rows. She swallowed a gulp of saliva and her palms turned sweaty.

 

“Why, have not seen the store room before?” Riin asked.

 

“This is the first time. Usually the store boy will get the stock for us and as for us, we needless to care much about the store room,” Tiffany answered. “Can we really scan all the stock here? It’s almost impossible, isn’t it?” she questioned with pouting lips.

 

Riin chuckled upon the hearing the naïve thinking of the young girl beside her, “during the stock take is the time where store boy can clear their annual leave, so no one is here to help you.” Turning to her, she can’t help but to smile as she looked into her pure face. “As for the scanning stock problem,” she walked up to the first row and took a piece of A4 paper with price tags stick on it. “See this, Taeyeon had marked down all the stock we have and that we just need to scan base on this list. Did that answered your second question, Tiffany?”

 

A smile creeping on her lips, “Yeah I remember. Taeyeon unnie told us that a manager suggested het this way…” she pouted again, “But given Heebon-shi personality, she ain’t that caring. You, are you Mrs. Kim?”

 

“What do you think?” Riin took the scanner and scanned on the piece of paper.

 

“That means you’re the one…”

 

Riin just gave her a warm smile. Approximately about five hours later, Heebon stepped into the store room to see almost half of the racks on the left side were settled. The tapping sound of her heels distracted Riin and almost immediately she got up and the next second she sees Heebon stood before her. The arrogant expression printed on Heebon’s face somehow threatened Riin a little. At the very beginning, Riin thought she would be a nicer person than this but that envisage of hers easily broken into pieces. The angel image she thought Heebon would have, vanished in the air.

 

Crossing her arms over her chest, Heebon eyed at Tiffany who is squatted down with scanner in hand then she turned to Riin. “Tsk tsk…I see you’re not done yet. Pathetic, how slow can you be? Get these remaining rows done or you’re not stepping out of this room for lunch.”

 

“But…” Riin immediately covered Tiffany mouth an effort in avoiding having her to upset Heebon. Perking out her head, she sees her left the store room. Turning over to Tiffany, she poked her forehead. “Infected by Taeyeon? Bear in mind, to move on in a normal life you ought not to mess up with high ranked people.”

 

Tiffany pouted for the third time, “I’m hungry and this little stomach of mine nonstop growling.”

 

The older girl chuckled upon hearing the young teenage girl complaint. “Go, go have your lunch.” She picked up the scanner, “I don’t wish to be sued by Labor Union for abusing staff’s rights. Go ahead…I can deal with the remaining work. Come back in an hour time.”

 

-

 

“Tiffany…” Taeyeon gaped at her. “You’d punched out, so who is there to help Riin and where is she?”

 

Scratching the back of her head, Tiffany said “Manager Park said we have to get the remaining rows done before we leave for lunch. Riin-shi let me out and once I cure my stomach I’ll come back.”

 

“How many racks left?” Yuri asked.

 

“We’d started with the left side, 9 rows done…”

 

“70 racks to go!” Taeyeon exclaimed. “Let’s get going already. We can come back right after lunch, men’s department left a little then we can help her out.” Yuri suggested but Tiffany shook her head, “Manager Park said only the two of us are allowed to enter the store room.”

 

“To avoid losing stock, isn’t it?” Taeyeon raised her voice. Tiffany nodded, “Unnie, you’re so smart.” Crossing her arms, she rolled her eyes. “I’m not smart but these are the usual tricks evil woman will use in going against the weak.”

 

“You’re saying Riin weak?” Yuri placed her arm around Taeyeon. She looked up at Yuri trying to explain. “No, is just that Riin is too soft. She won’t be able to play tricks with that lady there…” Both Yuri and Tiffany chuckled, “Let’s go…”

 

“Mr. Kim…” Eunhyuk waits for his next order.

 

Junsu’s grasp on the fence tightened, “Moron…”

 

“Junsu…’ Heebon linked her arm with Junsu’s. “Should we give a try with the newly opened French Restaurant?”

 

Turning over to Heebon, he had his hand placed on hers, “I’m sorry. Actually I came here to tell you that a sudden urgent matter came up and I can’t keep you company for lunch.”

 

The smile faded almost instantly and replaced with a darkened one, she let go his hand. “You’re always like this. Have you ever thought how I would feel? Has this ever come across your mind that I would be upset?”

 

“Sorry…” Eunhyuk bowed. “But Mr. Kim really has to go, now. Madam Kim is waiting in the French restaurant that Miss Heebon had just mentioned.”

 

“Lee Eunhyuk,” she stomped her feet. “Do you think you have the right in saying a word?” she flared up unreasonably.

 

Without even giving her a glance, Eunhyuk turned to Junsu, “Reminding and informing the upcoming schedule to Mr. Kim is part of my job. I don’t see I need any rights in telling those, Miss Park Heebon.” He eyed at her with the corner of his eyes arrogantly.

 

“Okay,” Junsu cleared his throat. “I’ll give you a call or we can meet up tonight. Phone me when you’re home after work,” he gently squeezed on her hand an effort in convincing her. And as he walked away with Eunhyuk, he looked at Heebon over his shoulder. “Very prudent way you’d opted to add insult to injury, Lee Eunhyuk.”

 

Nudging his friend, Eunhyuk sneered “If I didn’t play the role of a bad person, could you get rid of her so easily? Should I tell her the truth…” he was about to turn around, Junsu swiftly grabbed hold on his elbow. “Don’t you dare?”

 

Eunhyuk laughed “Kim Junsu, you’d changed. The old Junsu would never miss a chance in meeting Park Heebon but because of one Jang Riin, you’re doing so.”

 

“Very funny…”

 

“What would happen if more Riin come into your life? And since when you begin afraid of women? Tsk Tsk…Junsu, Junsu poor guy…”

 

“Aish…” Junsu smacked on Eunhyuk back with all his strength. “Talking way too much, you idiot. Figure out a way to help that moron out…”

 

Eunhyuk never miss his opportunities in pestering Junsu, “Almighty Mr. Kim Junsu is doomed with two women. No…including Madam Kim, you’re doomed with all the ladies in your life…”

 

“Stop it, I’m warning you!” Junsu smilingly warned his buddy who had accompanied him ever since elementary. “Quickly find a way…”

 

-

 

“Riin-shi…” a familiar voice stopped Riin from scanning the price tag. As she looked up, she sees Eunhyuk staring down at her only then that she realized how terrible she looked; she was squatting down with foot bare on ground. “Eunhyuk-shi…” she immediately stood up whilst putting on her heels.

 

He bowed politely, “Mr. Kim is waiting for you.”

 

“Waiting for me?” her eyes wide in confusion. “Why and what is he waiting for?”

 

“He said you’ll know when you get there,” he answered. “Shall we make our move?”

 

Riin shook her head no, “I have tons of work to do, maybe later will do.” She whirled round to continue with her work. “I’ll give him a call later.”

 

“Mrs. Kim, don’t put me in such difficult situation,” he smiled. “He insisted on meeting you and you ought not to keep him await you in the monorail train for that long.”

 

“Monorail train,” Riin was puzzled in thought, thinking hard on what exactly Kim Junsu is up to this time around.

 

And as both Eunhyuk and Riin made their way towards the monorail train, Eunhyuk was oblivious that a few steps back someone is following them. Nevertheless, perhaps it was her intuition as Riin could hear the sound of heels tapping against the floor. Never has it come to her mind that Heebon was actually following them closely.

 

“Where is he?” Riin looked up at Eunhyuk.

 

He opened forth his left arm and said “Train No. 2, Mrs. Kim.”

 

“Stop addressing me by Mrs. Kim,” she gently elbowed his arm. He smiled warmly, “But you are, Mrs. Kim…”

 

The second she stepped her foot into the monorail train, she sees Junsu having his hand busying on his laptop. Taking the seat opposite him, she almost falls backwards when the train started to move. Swiftly, Junsu grabbed hold on her wrist in instinct to pull her towards his side.

 

“Be careful, moron” he whispered softly into her ear. Both sharing a close distant; so close that Riin could feels soft breath brushing through her neck and sending her goose bump.

 

Upon seeing the smirk on his face, she shyly seated down; avoiding having any eye contact with him. “What do you want?”

 

“Eat it up,” he placed a packet of sandwich on her lap then averted his attention back to his work. “Or you’ll see yourself holding tight on your stomach in the hospital.”

 

Riin heaved a stressful sigh. “I don’t even have the time for a ‘toilet break’ not to say I didn’t want to eat,” she grabs a bite on the egg mayo sandwich.

 

Junsu was stealing peek at her through the corner of his eyes; he could see the tiredness through her eyes which were filled with redness. All of the sudden, the monorail train stopped and almost instantly Riin grasped on Junsu’s arm.

 

“Why did it stopped? What happened?” looking out from the train, she realized they were stopped halfway of the route. “Hey you, faster call the management. I’m dead if I’m not back in Lotte Fashion sharp at 3. You really are such an unlucky star to me!”

 

“Yah…calm down, will you?” he eyed on her arm on his. Understanding his eye language, she withdrew her hand. “Take a rest first. It will be fixed shortly.”

 

Leaning her head against the seat, she said restlessly “Kim Junsu, you’ve no idea on how much things are awaiting me. I can’t stay here forever.”

 

Stopping his typing on his Sony Vaio, he rolled his eyes; irritated. “Jang Riin…there’s no necessaries for you in listening to her. Given…” his voice trailed off as he felt her head on his shoulder. Turning over his shoulder, he gazed at her. “You do know she’s fooling you…” he gently held on the strands of hair and tucked it behind her ear, “why are you so silly…”

 

-

 

“Okay…” Taeyeon purposely raised her voice. “Mr. Kim is with Riin-shi, and will be back late. I’ll inform Manager Park, no worries.”

 

Holding on the document file, Heebon’s held on it soon turned to a grasped; eyes were fiery. Carried on with the remaining work, Riin returned an hour later. Stepping into the store room, she assisted Tiffany to wrap up the work quickly. When the time to leave arrived, Riin asked Tiffany to leave first. Within ten minutes, Heebon came into the store room to see Riin was still scanning the price tags.

 

“Jang Riin, I see you’re almost finished with the left side,” Heebon looked around the racks that had been scanned. She crossed her hands over her chest, “If that’s the case, I guess you’ll get it done by today before leaving, aren’t you?”

 

Sounded more like a demand than a guess, Riin nodded “Yeah, I’ll settle this before leaving.” Seeing the key in her hand, she said “Why don’t pass me the key and I’ll lock the store room’s door and the main gate.”

 

“I’ll leave it on the table nearby the locker area then,” she agreed before turning around. The devilish smile evolved in her face as she closed the door and locked it with the key.

 

Because Riin was scanning the racks at the very back of the store room, she was oblivious to the door closing sound. Hours passed, she realized the temperature in the room somehow increased. Moving on to the very last rack on the left side, she quickly scans the remaining price tags. After wrapping up, she made her way towards the exit. To her surprise, the door was locked and almost instantly she could figure out that it was Heebon’s good work.

 

“Kim Junsu you’re right,” she lowered her head in despair. “I really a moron…”

 

-

 

“Riin’s not back yet?” Jaejoong asked the moment he was allowed to step into Junsu’s study room. He was still in his office suit.

 

Looking up from the report he’s scanning through, Junsu seemed stunned. “Repeat what did you just said?”

 

“Are the both of you that busy?” Jaejoong placed his hand on his hips. Pointing over to Junsu, “One is having his stuck on the chair before the d*mn computer and another one is nowhere in sight.” He held on his forehead, frustratingly “What’s going on between you two?”

 

Standing up from his seat for the very first time since he’s back from office; three hours back, he looked at Jaejoong questioningly. “You meant Riin’s not back yet?”

 

“Oh god, you thought she was in the middle of dreamland or something?”

 

“Probably she’s stuck with the work,” taking the blazer from the coat stand, Junsu brushed past Jaejoong, “I’ll go find her…”

 

-

 

Speeding his vehicle down towards Lotte World, he called Riin’s phone several time but it was engaged and when it got through; she didn’t answer. Overwhelmed by the uneasiness inside, he made a u –turn and drives towards the road he had always did in the past, the path road heading towards Heebon’s place. At that moment, he was unsure to the aftermath of approaching her but all he could think of was to save Riin.

 

‘ding dong’

 

“Junsu…” a smile was creeping in her lips upon seeing Junsu. “What brings you here” pulling him into the apartment; she closed the door behind her. “Missing me already?” she hung both her arms around Junsu’s neck.

 

“Did you lock her in the store room?”

 

Withdrawing her hands as she understood him, she can’t believe that was the first thing he would say upon seeing her. She hoped it was just an imagination of hers and once she’s back in conscious, the man who once loved her deeply would utter the words that she’s longing for instead. “You came all the way here because of your dearly wife, didn’t you Kim Junsu?”

 

“Tell me…” he insisted.

 

“Yes,” she admitted. “I locked her in the store room…so what? She was the one who ruined us. If it’s not her, we wouldn’t turn out this way Junsu.”

 

“Heebon…I’d promised you and that promise will last forever.” He held on her elbow, “You don’t have the need in doing this. Give me the key?”

 

“Last forever? Then what are we now?” Heebon flared up. “We barely get to spend a lunch time together. You rather gave up the chance of eating with me in order to save your wife out from the heavy work load.” She poked against his chest; tears threatening to fall from her hazel eyes. “Does a promise really last forever?”

 

“Calm down…” he pulled her into his arms, patting on her back. “I’ve not changed…”

 

“You did. In fact she was the reason to the change of your heart, Kim Junsu.” Her sob never stopping, “You’re driving crazy…”

 

“Listen,” his soothing voice whispered into her ear. “I’m not leaving…still here with you and that you need not to worry.”

 

“How am I supposed to not worry, Junsu?” she was on a verge of breaking down. “For how long I’ve know you, you can hardly lie and never did you know that all those lies, I can see through it clearly.”

 

“Heebon…”

 

“Spending intimate time solely with her at the Merry Go Round whilst listening to her deepest thoughts, you’ll not do this with anyone unless you concede that person is important to you.” Looking up to the man she loves, “Giving her the artwork, skating…” Grasping on his wrist, her face was soaked with tears. “Somehow, you do love her, that’s something you can’t deny. You wouldn’t have done that if you don’t…”

 

Admitting that those are the causes that had changes him, Heebon somehow hope that he would say that she was wrong. Even if it is a lie, she’s okay with it. But it pains her to receive no respond from him and that means he had indirectly acceded. “Tell me, how am I suppose to believe in you when you’d declared to the whole d*mn world that he’s your wedded wife and the love for her that you’d show everyone.”

 

Junsu was speechless. He opened his mouth but found his words lost in the air of melancholic. All this while, he had not seriously pondered about the feeling he has for Riin. He never thought it would be necessary after all this was just an arranged marriage. But the moment Heebon pointed out each and everything he had done for her, he can’t help but to realize he somehow like a girl named, Jang Riin. Perhaps, it was no longer within the level of liking; slightly above it.

 

-

 

With the cold temperature in the room, Riin can’t help but to fell asleep soundly having her back leaning against the wall. Nevertheless, she was awaked by the continuous sound of jingling key and as she looked up to the opening door, she sees her caring oppa.

 

“Jaejoong oppa…” her smile was wide yet lively.

 

“Go home…” he helped her up. “Seriously, I don’t know what’s wrong but…the both of you shouldn’t move on in this way…”

 

“Follow the flow…” tears enter her eyes as she continued “that’s all I could do for now.”

 

 

Presented by Celestine Blue

//My everything//

 

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