Jo Han Chul

Is this really the answer to our problems?!

 

We just finished having brunch—breakfast and lunch combined—since cooking took too long because we had so much mouth to feed, and the girls; except for Seohyun, Shin Hye and Ga Young, were either taking care of the dishes or minding their kids getting ready for the day.

 

I just stayed quiet as the rest watched and re-watched the video of Cherisse and Seohyun dancing in the Gala last night that Moon Sik took. And beyond them, in the corner of the video, was a man dancing around a girl just like the man in the video that Goo Ha Ra said was Jung Yong Hwa.

 

“It’s the same, right?”, Yong Hwa asked again, looking around at everyone to confirm.

 

“Yes, it looks like it IS him.. Just in a different angle, I think..”, Nich Khun answered, tilting his head as if to see in another perspective.

 

“Then we just have to get the correct angle, won’t we..”, Sig, the replacement Architect and incidentally the Seo’s cousin, replied as if his mind was working a puzzle mile a minute.

 

“And how do you propose we do that, Sig-ah?”, Seung Gi asked, looking doubtful.

 

“We just need a little imagination and a lot of innovation—”

 

“Can’t we just talk to—”

 

“NO!”, all the guys responded, including me and especially Yong Hwa, cutting off Seohyun’s suggestion.

 

“We can’t give a clue, Joo Hyun-ie..”, Sig warned his cousin.

 

“Arasseoyo, Oppa.. I just can’t believe—”

 

“Who would?! I mean if Yong Hwa-yah hadn’t noticed it, I don’t think anyone would—”

 

Which reminds me—

 

“Yah, Moon Sik-ssi, you’re not doing your job!”, I scolded the VJ as it’s his job to see these things. He bowed at me, smiling sheepishly. The filming for WGM was halted temporarily because of the scandals Yong Hwa was now facing, but Moon Sik declined to leave us, saying that he’d much rather stay with us on vacation than go back to Seoul and work.

 

“Hyung, what are you scolding him for?! If it hadn’t been for him, we won’t have this footage! Meanwhile, what have you done?!”, Yong Hwa countered, scolding me back.

 

“Yah—”

 

“How do we handle this then?”, Nich Khun cut me off before I could retaliate.

 

These kids! Cham!

 

“As careful as possible, Hyung.. No one can know what we’re up to.. Yah, Yong Hwa-yah, I’m sorry to tell you this, but you have to learn how to dance properly—”

 

“Huh?! Why, Hyung—”

 

“What do you mean, ‘WHY’? Aside from it’s about time, we’ll need you to dance with us or whoever—”

 

“What do you mean whoever, Sig-ah?”, Nich Khun interrupted, looking confused.

 

“We need a plan on who's going to do what, Hyung.. But first things first, he needs to learn how to, at least, look like he’s dancing, not having a SEIZURE—”

 

“Hyungnim—”

 

“What?! You do—”

 

“Don’t worry about that.. I got that part..”, Chang Sun butted in, looking grimly at Yong Hwa.

 

“Thanks, Hyung.. I promise I’ll do my best and work hard..”, Yong Hwa said sincerely as he looked at Seohyun and Cherisse next to him as if seeing them gave him solid determination to learn how to dance when I’ve been asking him to take lessons for years now.

 

Did something happen..?

 

While Sig discussed his idea with the rest of the men in the room, I looked at Yong Hwa closely. I suddenly realized something was off about him. He wasn’t the usual Choding I had to deal with every day we were together. For one, he looked a little sad, as if this was his last chance to make things right. And two, he looked suddenly grown-up with real-life worries and fears.

 

Surely, Seohyun-ssi doesn’t think that that last news I told them last night was true, does she? Hmmm.. No.. I think it’s more than that.. More serious than Ha Ra-ssi’s accusations.. Is it Cherisse then?

 

“Eonni, here’s Cherisse’s milk..”, I heard Ga Young say as she handed Seohyun the bottle of milk she had to make because Cherisse wouldn’t let her or Yong Hwa off the couch they were occupying with Shin Hye.

 

“Thank you, my Swan Princess..”, Seohyun gratefully said, touching Ga Young’s cheek tenderly.

 

“Omo.. You call her ‘Swan Princess’, Seohyun-ie? Seems like you’ve known each other long..”, Shin Hye remarked, amazed.

 

“Yes, Eonni.. Actually I’ve only seen her recently, but I’ve met her 20 years ago..”, Seohyun answered while Cherisse stretched herself on Seohyun and Yong Hwa’s lap with her head on the crook of Seohyun’s arm and her legs draped possessively on Yong Hwa, even holding his hand for good measure.

 

Huh? She did? Moon Ga Young? I’ve been Yong Hwa-yah’s Manager for years, and I’ve only met her recently..

 

“Really? How did that hap—”

 

“Yah, Shin Hye-ah, aren’t you supposed to call your husband so he’d know where to pick you up?”, Yong Hwa cut in looking like he’s trying to divert the conversation.

 

What is he up to now?

 

“Oh, right! Excuse me, I have to make a call..”, Shin Hye murmured distractedly as she got up and moved to a private place, away from everyone else while Yong Hwa looked relieved.

 

I stared at him and he must have felt me staring at him because he looked at me, so I raised my eyebrows in question. He just shrugged his shoulders and proceeded to go back at staring at his adoptive daughter and virtual wife.

 

His daughter and wife.. Is that how I think of them now? My Yong Choding’s DAUGHTER and WIFE.. Aigooo.. I never thought this day would come..

 

I continued to watch the three interact with each other. It’s always so fascinating to me to see my ward being so demonstrative with his feelings when all I’ve ever seen him do all these years was be playful with his friends, showbiz and non-showbiz alike, either just hanging out or during breaks when he’s filming a CF, a drama, a variety, or a movie. He’s strict with his hoobaes and a little over-protective of his female cousins because he cares about them, but as affectionate and as tender as he is with Seohyun and Cherisse, I have never seen him like that before—EVER, although I know he IS capable of being one that’s why I’ve lasted all these years as his Manager. He works hard and never complains as long as he could endure it, stating he needed to work to help his family, especially his cousins. He treats people in high regard no matter if he’s the agency’s president or someone’s personal assistant or a carpenter for movie sets. His ego stayed the same as it was when he was still starting. Even up to now, he gets surprised when he gets recognized especially abroad. Now seeing him like this, quietly singing to his daughter while they stared at each other, I’m more determined to clear his name. To let people know that what Goo Ha Ra said were all lies.

 

I mean what if his fans actually believe it and turn on him?! His own Mother believed it judging from her call last night.. And what if—oh, my God! That’s it! He’s scared to lose Cherisse from…wait—they wouldn’t take her away, would they?

 

“Oppa, isn’t that an OST of our drama? The one you wrote the lyrics for a certain Red-glasses Girl—”

 

“Yah, Park Shin Hye—”

 

“For WHO, Eonni?”, Seohyun asked, frowning.

 

“Really, Yong Yong Oppa?!”, Ga Young exclaimed, looking excited.

 

Red-glasses Girl? But I thought it was for an ALIEN GIRL? – Yah, Jo Han Chul, are you stupid or something?! Think about it! – Red-gla—ahhhhh.. I knew he wouldn’t write a song for an alien— - Who would?! Idiot! - Yahhh!

 

“How did you even KNOW about THAT when my own Manager doesn’t even know about it—”

 

“Yah—”

 

“I caught your CEO switching your names on the music sheets and erasing the dedication part..”, Shin Hye answered matter-of-factly, as if she’s catching CEOs doing something secret every few hours.

 

Cham! – What? As if you didn’t eavesdropped on their conver— – Yah, that was an accident!

 

“You did?”, Yong Hwa asked, surprised.

 

“Yes.. I went to your agency to see you, but I missed you by minutes.. The secretary suggested I see Han Sa Jangnim instead since I was already there, just to say hi.. He was in the recording studio and was so busy doing something that he didn’t even notice me come in even after his secretary announced me.. Cham! I got curious as to what he was doing so intently.. And I happen to see him erasing your name and putting his on the Lyricist tab, and then putting your name as the Melody-composer.. He only realized I was there when I asked who the RED-GLASSES GIRL wa—”

 

“Yahhh! Aishhh—”

 

“What?! I did see it! It was written all over the page! What’s—”

 

“Because Joo Hyun Eonni is the Red-glasses Girl, Shin Hye Eonni! Kyaaaaahhhhh!!!!”, Ga Young burst out, squealing in delight.

 

Seohyun-ssi is the ALIEN?! – There’s NO alien, Jo Han Chul! Just a girl who has red glasses, not red-skinned or red-haired or whatever red you think aliens have! – Arasseo! Cham!

 

“SHE IS?! But didn’t you write this song when you were still a trainee?”, Shin Hye asked, confused, so Ga Young started telling her the story of how they met while I listened in as Yong Hwa and Seohyun stayed quiet, both just looking at Cherisse, blushing.

 

So they HAVE met 20 years ago! D—

 

“Daebak! Really?! Oppa! Aigooo! Ahahahahahahahaha—”

 

“What?! I was this close to getting away with it, Shin Hye-ah! This close! Cham!”, Yong Hwa answered crossly, but smiling so widely you’d think he’s enjoying being found out.

 

“Wow! Looks like you guys are FATED to be together! After 20 years—”

 

“Actually, Eonni, they were supposed to meet at Soo Jung Eonni’s wedding—”

 

Right.. We had to fly back to Seoul the night of the rehearsal dinner because of Ha Ra-ssi.. Aishhh! That girl! Seriously!

 

“Oh, right! She married Seohyun-ie’s twin brother.. That was what? 4 or 5 years ago, righ—”

 

“Yah! Why don’t you just tell Shin Hye-ah about that time in Ceb—”

 

“Daddy..”, Cherisse suddenly interrupted, getting up on Yong Hwa’s lap while Seohyun supported her.

 

“Is Daddy’s baby sleepy? Go ahead, babycakes..”, Yong Hwa cooed while Cherisse put her head on his shoulder and stared back at Seohyun, who smiled lovingly at her.

 

“Excuse us..”, Seohyun murmured, getting up with Yong Hwa to find a spot where they could get Cherisse some peace and quiet so she can finally fall asleep.

 

“I still can’t believe Yong Hwa Oppa has a daughter and a wife..”, Shin Hye commented in awe, as we watched Yong Hwa sing quietly to Cherisse while Seohyun gently rubbed her back, the two girls still staring at each other as if mesmerized by each other.

 

“Now if we could only keep them like that ‘til they absolutely have to give Cherisse back..”, I mused sadly, looking at my ward’s little family.

 

“What do you mean, Manager Oppa? Is someone taking Cherisse away from them now?”, Shin Hye asked, frowning at me.

 

Did I just say that out loud?! – Uh-huh! – Aishhh!

 

“It’s nothing, Shin Hye-ssi—”

 

“Eihhh! Manager Oppa, what is it?! Who’s taking Cherisse away from them?”, Shin Hye asserted cutting me off.

 

“Shhh! Not so loud! Aishhh! It’s nothing certain.. I mean I haven’t got any calls yet.. Nor am I expecting any calls.. But, you know, I’m not saying that I’m not going to get any.. But just in case I do—”

 

“Manager Oppa! Get to the point—”

 

“Arasseo! Cham! I’ve just—I‘ve just realized that those two, or at least, Yong Hwa-yah, might lose Cherisse because of—because of, you know, his scandals.. If Child Services think that he’s an unfit parent..”, I explained in a hushed voice, afraid that I might upset the two involved if they hear it.

 

“You’re right, Manager Oppa—”

 

“I didn’t even think about that—”

 

“She cried so hard last night because of that.. Mi Young-ie told me..”, Nich Khun supplied sadly while Seung Gi and Chang Sun nodded.

 

“Poor Seohyun-ie—”

 

“She did?”, Min Hyuk asked worriedly.

 

“She did, Min Hyuk-ah.. She cried herself to sleep.. Her Eonnies and Soo Jung-ie couldn’t do anything for her.. Oh, by the way, are you and Soo Jung-ie fighting? I asked because you barely talked to each other all morning..”, Nich Khun added looking at his brother-in-law with concern.

 

“It’s nothing, Nich Khun Maehyung—”

 

“Shin Hye Eonni, are you...leaving....soon.....—what? What is it? What is everybody looking at? Did something happen?”, Seohyun asked, looking around as we all tried to look at different directions at the same time.

 

“What is it now? What could I have possibly done next?”, Yong Hwa asked suspiciously as he tapped Cherisse on the rear so as not to wake her up.

 

“We were just uhhh discussing the ummm plan, Yong Hwa-yah—”

 

“And apparently, it’s a good plan—”

 

“Yah, what do you mean ‘apparently’? I don’t see anyone of you SUGGESTING another pla—”

 

“Arasseo, arasseo—”

 

“I think it’s a GREAT plan—”

 

“Don’t be so sensitive, Sig-ah—”

 

“What were you saying, Seohyun-ie?”, Shin Hye interrupted before a full-blown debate started.

 

“Oh, right.. I was asking when you’re going to be picked up.. We want to see you off, but we want to put Cherisse to bed first.. However, if you’re leaving any time soon, we can just have her here with us so—”

 

“Oh, no, no.. He’s not due here until a few more hours, so please go ahead and have her lie down comfortably.. I’ll just hang out here for a while.. Besides I want to see Yong Hwa Oppa actually learn how to dance—”

 

“Yahhh—”

 

“Oppa, Cherisse—”

 

“Sorry, Hyun—”

 

“Aigooo—”

 

“We’ll keep her company, Eonni..”, Ga Young cut in before Yong Hwa could retaliate and wake up Cherisse in the process. Not to let Shin Hye have the last word, Yong Hwa stuck his tongue out on Shin Hye when Seohyun wasn’t looking before they left.

 

There’s my Yong Choding.. This kid! Cham!

 

 

 

Jung Yong Hwa

“Yong Hwa-yah, get back here as soon as you can, okay? We have A LOT of work to do..”, Chang Sun Hyung reminded me before he went back to arguing with the rest of the men about Sig Hyung’s plan for tonight.

 

“Arasseoyo, Hyung..”, I answered, dejectedly as Hyun, Cherisse, and I left the TV room.

 

I am so going to embarrass myself A LOT today, too! Aishhh! – But it’s for Cherisse and Hyun.. – I know.. I’ll endure it.. All of it.. For them.

 

“Oppa, fighting!”, Hyun exclaimed, pumping her delicate fist in the air, cheering me on as if she knew how I was feeling.

 

“Arasseo, Hyun..”, I agreed, suddenly feeling hopeful and energized seeing her smile and cheer me on.

 

We walked in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying each other’s company with my daughter’s warm body against my chest and Hyun’s hands comfortably holding my arm. Then I suddenly remembered that Shin Hye ousted me to Hyun, telling her that I wrote ‘Because I Miss You’ for her.

 

Aishhh! Park Shin Hye! Seriously! I almost got out of it! Cham!

 

“Are you happy now?”, I asked Hyun as soon as I knew we were out of earshot as we made our way to the 2nd floor.

 

“Hmm? Happy about what, Oppa?”, she asked innocently, looking at me with her big brown eyes.

 

“Seo Joo Hyun, don’t you play innocent with me—”

 

“Oppa, I’m not.. I really don’t know what you mean..”, she insisted, frowning in confusion at me.

 

“I am NOT gonna say it again—”

 

“Say what again—”

 

“That I wrote Because I Miss You for you—YAH! Aishhh!”, I exclaimed, catching myself too late, while Hyun shushed me from my outburst, afraid that I would wake Cherisse up.

 

Stupid! Grahhhhh!!!

 

“So you really did write that song for me, Yong Oppa? I wasn’t going to believe Shin Hye Eonni unless I heard it directly from you..”, she mused as we continued to walk up the stairs.

 

“WHA-WHAT?!!!”, I sputtered in dismay, stopping on my tracks.

 

She didn’t believe it?! Then why did I—aaarghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

 

“Oppa! I’m just kidding!”, she declared as she suddenly found herself alone a few steps above me.

 

“Yah, Seo Joo Hyun, you’re really so—gahhhhh! I can’t tell WHEN you’re joking and when you’re serious—”

 

“Hehehe.. Good! Because sometimes I feel like you can read my mind..”, she murmured, smiling innocently down at me.

 

“I can’t read your mind, Hyun..”, I reasoned-out as we continued walking upstairs, matching each other’s stride.

 

IF I could read your mind, then I’d KNOW if you just need me around you because of Cherisse or something else..

 

“That song was for me..”, I heard Hyun say softly after a few minutes passed by with just our footsteps echoing down the corridor in the second floor.

 

And a few more songs that I might not ever admit to you!

 

I just nodded my head in reply, smiling sheepishly, thinking of the words I put into that song, which incidentally, I COULDN’T REMEMBER all of a sudden.

 

Which is good, I think.. Or I’d probably be cringing in mortification right now.. Were my lyrics cheesy? – ALL your lyrics are cheesy.. – Yah!

 

“Thank you, Oppa..”, Hyun suddenly said, turning to look at me, smiling gratefully.

 

“I—”

 

“And I’m sorry..”, she added.

 

“Huh? Sorry? For what?”, I asked, confused.

 

“You know.. Because I didn’t even know..”, she murmured, bowing her head and looking guiltily.

 

She didn’t know WHAT exactly? And WHY is she looking guilty?!

 

Then out of nowhere, my thoughts were bombarded by words—words that I composed into lyrics of a song, and the same words that’s overwhelming me right now.

 

Calm down, Jung Yong Hwa.. She’s here.. She’s beside you right now.. The girl you’ve been longing for for 20 years.. And what’s more amazing is she’s apologizing for your suffering all those years, something she wasn’t even AWARE she’s causing, yet she recognized.. That says so much about her..

 

“Eihhh.. That’s just it, you didn’t know, so what is there to be sorry about? Yah, Seo Joo Hyun, just admit that you’re so touched..”, I to lighten up the mood, nudging her to the side.

 

“Oppa! I was being— And you just— You are such a Choding! Cham!”, she grumbled exasperatedly as she nudged me back gently, mindful that I was still carrying Cherisse.

 

“Your nose, Hyun!”, I reminded her, laughing as I entered the Music bedroom.

 

“Aishhh!”, I heard her exclaim as she followed me inside.

 

When we reached the bed, we were back to being serious parents as we worked around Cherisse, making sure she was comfortable and safe just in case she wakes up.

 

“I—I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching her, Hyun..”, I whispered after a few minutes of us just looking at Cherisse as she slept, holding her hand, running a finger along her cheek, and brushing aside a strand of stray hair.

 

“I know what you mean, Oppa.. How can we be so lucky to be a part of her life..? Even if it’s just temporary..”, Hyun whispered back, breaking into my thoughts while I was still unable to take my eyes off my daughter.

 

My daughter.. I have a daughter.. Which makes me a—WHOAAA!

 

I was astounded by the knowledge that I was suddenly a FATHER. When Cherisse started calling me ‘Daddy’, I’ve always thought that it was just another name—just another nickname, like a character in the dramas I’ve done before. I didn’t realize that when I gained a daughter, my daughter, in turn, gained a father—ME.

 

“We’re so fortunate and blessed..”, I agreed, as Hyun and I stood at the foot of the bed and watched OUR daughter sleeping soundly.

 

Remember this moment when the time comes, Jung Yong Hwa..

 

“Yong Oppa, go ahead and go downstairs.. They’re waiting for you.. I’ll stay here.. We’ll come find you when Cherisse wakes up..”, Hyun advised a few seconds after I received a text message from Eun Ji informing me where they were waiting for me.

 

“Arasseo..”, I replied halfheartedly, dreading what will happen at my dance lessons.

 

“Oppa, you can do this! Fighting!”, Hyun added when she noticed the worried expression on my face.

 

“I can do this!”, I nodded at her, pumping my fist before I turned for the door as I memorized her encouraging smile.

 

For us and Cherisse..

 

 

 

Seo In Guk

I can’t believe he’s THIS bad! Cham!

 

“Again, Yong Hwa-yah!”, Chang Sun Hyung requested patiently AGAIN, while Yong Hwa tried to execute the dance moves he taught him.

 

We were in a game room in the basement that Jung Shin found while exploring the beach mansion and it’s been a few hours since we started. We made the indoor basketball court our temporary dance studio so Yong Hwa can learn some basic steps before actually imitating the guy’s movement in the video he’s being accused of.

 

 

“Just relax, Yong Hwa-yah.. Don’t be so stiff..”, Chang Sun Hyung advised, while he supervised Yong Hwa’s progress.

 

“You’re an artist.. So feel the music vibrating through you..”, I told Yong Hwa and he nodded.