GFC Fifty
Hwang Yeji's Point of View..
"Ddaeng?" I called out upon entering her apartment. She have texted me earlier this day to stop by here after classes. She didn't attend this afternoon class and I'm actually worried. I also haven't seen Chaeryeongie this day and I figured that she was busy at the Dean's office since she's an SA.
I carefully walked towards her bedroom in case she was sleeping. As I opened the door, I saw her sitting at the window frame, looking through the horizon. Needless to say, she was spacing out. Her expression had this strong hint of wondering and distress. I frowned upon seeing her on that state.
"Ryuddaeng.." I softly called for her attention as she hummed in response. She didn't tear her eyes on the skies neither did she moved from her place. "Why.. are you okay?" I asked as I sat down on the side of her bed. Ryujin took a quick glance on my direction then sighed before looking away.
"I think you've heard what happened to Chaemin, right?" That's.. what's bothering her all along? To the point where she didn't attend school? I creased my forehead in concern. "Chaeryeongie's parents are having a hard time providing for their daily needs already. Chaemin's hospital bills would pile up at this point. Chaeyeon Unnie would still need financial support since she's still a trainee, Chaeryeongie would end up sacrificing all of her savings for college. Her parents is also busy with their works. They would need someone to look after Chaemin at the time being at the hospital. Is there anything else that we could actually do to help?" I exasperatedly sigh at Ryujin's statement. I know what she's thinking. Paying all of Chaemin's bills would be easy for her to do. But she's worried that Chaeryeong might take it the wrong way on how much it would cost. Ryujin already asked her parents to employ Chaeryeongie's parent at their company and I don't think they would be happy if they find out that she's going to lend them money. Again.
I do want to help as well. I genuinely do. But.. I'm afraid that would be imposing and intrude with their family matters which is not something that I would do. Chaeryeongie said so herself that they can handle their problems. Ryujin's toxic trait is this, having the feeling of need to help her friends at any cost and anywhere. At the thing that she knows best. Money. I know she's only like that because she experienced it herself. Having to grow up in an orphanage before she was adopted by her parents now.
I understand where she's coming from since Chaemin would need a kidney transplant this time. A terminal stage and would require a huge amount of money for the operation. But, we could help at other ways, right? Not just with money.
"Ryuddaeng, you know Chaeryeongie wouldn't want this. I'm sure there are some other ways that we can do to help." I voiced out and Ryujin frowned deeper. I couldn't help but think that every time we have to talk about something drastic, it was always about Chaeryeong. Chaeryeong this, Chaeryeong that. I understand it's just in her nature to worry about her since she's our best friend but.. this is just too much. Or it was just me? An underlying jealousy with her caring and overly protective nature when it comes to the certain girl.
The amount of time that Ryujin and I spent together these past months made this feeling of surfaced. The amount of times we sneak out late at night to stargaze, sleepless nights for hours of playful banter over the phone, the secret glances and touches when we're with our friends. Am I the only one who thinks that our ways exceeded the typical friendship? Am I the only one who feels like there is something more? Much more deeper connection? Why does she always end up thinking about Chaeryeong though? Was she the one that she likes? I felt like I was punched on the chest at the thought. A possibility that I didn't want to imagine happening. I banished the images of them to not further hurt myself.
"I'm just.. worried, you know? I'm sure Chaeryeongie would extend her shift at the café for additional penny. It's just.. sad that she have to go through all of these at such a young age." Family matters and boundaries, Ddaeng. Try it some time. I wanted to say that to her but I just couldn't seem to do so. Without giving away what I was really feeling all along. "Do you have any idea how we could help?" Space. And don't make it seem like you pity her because that's not how it works for friendship.
I sighed and plumped down on her mint scented mattress. "Give it some time. Chaeryeong would ask for our help herself if she really need it. It's not a natural thing to do to flaunt your riches on her face every time you feel the need, Jin. No matter what your motive is." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm my nerves. Jealousy's the ugliest trait, Yeji. At least according to Keri Hilson.
I felt the bed dipped down beside me and saw Ryujin mimicking my position. Our shoulders touching and I couldn't help but think about reaching to her and snuggle up close. But that isn't going to be the best idea right now. I wonder if she could hear my erratic heartbeats from just a simple touch from hers. Her fingertips grazing on mine was igniting sparks all over my body that it was getting harder and harder for me to gasp for air. If just a mere touch from Ryujin would cause so much inner turmoil on my end, imagine to be touch by her in much more intimate ways, right?
"Have I really crossed some lines before?" Ryujin voiced out her concerns.
"If I'm being honest, you certainly did. For numerous times, Ddaeng." I sighed as I unintentionally rolled over so I was now facing her. I was dangerously close on her that I know my breath was hitting the side of her face. Inspecting her side profile, I couldn't help but imagine waking up right next to her. Witnessing this everyday was so damn tempting. But, how? Should I just confess to her that I've been in love with her for ages? And I'm actually hoping that she feels the same way? Considering how we just seemed to get along so well. Like a missing puzzle pieces that would make ourselves complete.
I didn't know what came into me but I just felt my hand lifting from my side and reaching out to Ryujin for a side hug. As I placed my head on her shoulder blade, sniffing the not so feminine faint scent of perfume on the sleeves of her band shirt. Ryujin didn't budge nor did she complained. We rarely cuddle like this and it's always been initiated by me. To say that I wouldn't mind spending my whole life holding her close like this was an understatement. It was a very fulfilling yet a terrifying feeling.
Clutching the hem of her shirt as I lifted my head slightly, putting my chin on her shoulders this time. Still, she didn't moved. Closing my eyes and savoring the closeness and warmth that her body was radiating, trying my hardest to calm my erratic heartbeat.
Getting more brave as I planted a kiss on her shoulder blade and opening my eyes and swiftly rolling on top of Ryujin. Straddling her hips, my knees on her sides and my palms was flat on the mattress beside her face supporting my weight. Unlike my ragged breathing, Ryujin stayed stoic, calm and collected. She wasn't even having a hard time looking directly into my eyes. While I was using all of my strength to maintain our eye contact. But.. a small sense of affection flashed through her eyes. It was only possible that I saw it because I was looking for any change in her expression the whole time.
"Jin.." I muttered hoarsely as I slowly leaned down, closing my eyes half way. Until I felt my lips intertwined to hers. I just felt my insides explode in euphoria. I felt like I was levitating in the air. I felt like I was soaring up high in the sky. This was the kind of feeling that I always read in the romance books that I have. It was so cliché. Maybe because I'm a hopeless romantic.
But then before I could even deepen the kiss, I felt Ryujin pushing me off on top of her and she hastily sat up. A feeling of hurt emerged from my chest as I kind of have a feeling how this is going to end up.
"What.. what did we do, Yeddeong?! This.. this is not right." I frowned upon hearing her say those words. How is this not right? Technically, she didn't say it was wrong. But.. what makes this, us, not right?
"I'm afraid I'm not following what you're saying, Ryuddaeng. You can't tell me there's nothing between us. You can't convince me otherwise--"
"This isn't about convincing you about us, Yeddeong. What if I tell you that Chaeryeongie likes you?" Say, what? Ryujin stood up and rested her back on the window frame and looked at me intently. I chuckled humorlessly. We just kissed. She could have stopped me from doing so so we won't have to talk about this.
"But I don't. I like YOU, Ryujin. Not anyone. Especially not Chaeryeong!" I frustratedly let out. "Do YOU like Chaeryeong?" Ryujin furrowed her eyebrows and sighed heavily.
"Chaeryeong.. I see her exactly how I see you, Yeddeong." I bit my lip understanding what she was saying. "We've been spending so much time together, I know. But isn't that because Chaeryeongie was busy and can't join us two? And.. aren't we.. best friends? Did I do something else that exceeded friendship on how you view it? Yeddeong.. if I mislead you, I'm genuinely sorry but.. I can't. I would never get in between Chaeryeongie's happiness. Especially not now when shits are going down on her life. Maybe not ever. I.. all I feel about you was platonic fondness and sisterly love. Same goes for Chaeryeongie."
I couldn't respond at Ryujin's confession. How am I supposed to do so, what am I supposed to say when she just basically sister-zoned me? And if she just abruptly stormed off from the room without second thoughts.
'I see Chaeryeongie exactly how I see you.'
'I would never get in between Chaeryeongie's happiness.'
It doesn't make sense, Ryuddaeng. Why can't you be considerate on my feelings just like how you're doing it for Chaeryeong? Was it because of the fact that she was struggling right now? It doesn't make us any different, right? Just social status? We're both hurting right now. And the difference was, Ryujin was the reason for mine. She doesn't have a problem hurting me if it means to save Chaeryeongie the heartbreak. How am I supposed to take this lightly?
Chuckling bitterly, I swiftly wiped the single tear that ran down my cheek. Why.. my first love and my first heartache. Strange how the same person can make you feel whole and shatter you into pieces.
---
Nothing changed. It was almost as if I didn't confessed to Ryujin and got my heart broken. She still laughs on my lame jokes, she still fetch me after class and go to our respective clubs together, we still have our lunch together, I still drive her home, she still walks me to my class after breaks. Except for one thing, I couldn't seem to look at Chaeryeong in the eye. And how Ryujin would constantly mention or joke about us two dating each other. Oblivious with the fact that it was tormenting my whole being agonizingly slow. Chaeryeong would give me a short shy glance which I would reply with a soft smile or a shrug. It was a torture. But still, I was thankful that Ryujin's bonding with me never lessened nor changed even after knowing my romantic feelings for my short haired best friend. I was thankful, grateful and contented.. but that doesn't mean I'm happy.
Just like how being strong doesn't mean it hurts less.
I was constantly being pushed away from other people without considering my own feelings. I don't understand why Ryujin has to do this. Playing Cupid when I'm obviously in love with her. Not on the person she was pimping me out to. Most of my lone time, I find myself spacing out and would unknowingly cry. It was getting harder and harder each day to turn a blind eye just not to disappoint Ryujin. Maybe this is what heroes felt way back then. Being martyr. Enduring pain for the things they wanted to protect. In exchange for their own happiness.
I couldn't help but think that Ryujin was being selfish. She doesn't like me, I know. We have settled that already two weeks ago. How come she doesn't even think about me at all? How come it was always been Lee Chaeryeong? Am I being bitter? I am. Shin Ryujin, your true nature was still a mystery for me after all these years.
"Yeji-ah!" I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard Chaeryeong's voice. She was running past through the pile of people who was also on their way inside the cafeteria. There it was again, the slight pinch of jealousy every time I see her radiant smile. Good for her that she's not having a hard time smiling like that despite facing so many hardships on her young life. Nevertheless, I managed to quirk up my usual smile to not cause any suspicion.
"Chaeryeong-ah." I muttered softly and focused on the lunch that I was having. Though I think that it was lacking from taste or just plainly awful or I'm just too depressed. "Have you seen Ryujin?" I asked after she settled down in front of me.
"Ah. She told me that she's going to have lunch on the college department with Yeonjun. She also told me to keep you company always." Oh. She's getting along well with that guy, huh? To the point of ditching us two to spend her lunch break with him. Or this is just another antics of hers to make me spend time with Chaeryeong alone? "I told her that it wasn't a good idea but she didn't listen. Maybe you should tell her yourself. She might listen." I raised an eyebrow at Chaeryeong who was obviously worried at Ryujin. I sighed heavily and looked at her intently.
"If she likes him then so be it. Why should we meddle if it was her happiness? Ryujin knows what she's doing. She's not a kid anymore who we have to spoon feed to live." I surprisingly let out with no emotion or some sort. Yeah. So much for not causing suspicion, Hwang Yeji. The evident surprise on Chaeryeong's face didn't go unnoticed of course.
"Is there.. anything wrong with the two of you?" She carefully asked as I exhaled loudly.
"Nothing. I'm just.. having my usual mood swings. You know? Time of the month?" I lamely excused and good thing Chaeryeong wasn't the type of person who likes to pry. So she just let it slide as we ate having casual talks until a familiar pink haired walked in snatching my attention. But she wasn't alone. She was with Choi Yeonjun and Choi Yena who introduced him to her. Seems like I'll have to endure so much jealousy in an entire day.
---
From: GirlfriendCorporation.gfc@gmail.com
Hi. This is Girlfriend Corporation. We would like to inform you that you were chosen by one of our employees to be her first official client and girlfriend, Lee Chaeryeong.
As per what you could gain, we'll give you a chance to date Shin Ryujin to be her second client. Doubt it? You can personally visit our company at *attach address* anytime you want.
Sincerely, GFC.
Lia's Point of View..
"A Frappuccino for Ms. Lia, please." I immediately sat up and walked to the counter to claim my order. After I took the frappe, I proceeded on the farthest corner beside the window to wait for the rain to stop. I just finished my shift in the ArtStuff and I decided to go here alone. Coffee was especially delicious when it was being consumed while raining.
As per Ryujin, I'm waiting for her to pick me up but I know that she would be late since she's still using her bike. I told her to switch with car but she told me that it would lessen her coolness. What a dumbass.
After my birthday two weeks ago, Ryujin and I went out in a few dates. We never mentioned about my grandparents, my asshole of a cousin, and her ex-girlfriend that I happened to be friends with, Yeji. What bothers me was of course.. we also never mentioned about our contract that would expire a week from now. I've been giving it a lot of thought lately and preparing for the worst to happen. Worried for myself.. and especially worried for Yuna's who seemed to be on a mission these days to not leave Chaeryeong's side. I'm happy that Yuna's happy. But I'm still nervous and scared. Though this time, it was for the both of us not for my best friend alone.
As I looked at the random people passing by, two familiar figures was running towards the café that I was in. The taller girl was holding up a leather jacket over their head for the both of them. I raised an eyebrow when I confirmed that it was them. They hastily opened the door and the taller girl immediately tended the other. Wiping the remnants of the rain on the other girl's face and draining her hair using a handkerchief. It was a very endearing sight. How attentive the taller girl was and how delicate she treats the shorter one.
As they searched for a vacant table, our eyes met. It was a pretty busy day and the tables are all occupied. Except for the the three vacant seats on my table. There are four chairs per table and I was alone so..
Shuhua's face lit up as she held the other girl's wrist and pull her towards my direction. I couldn't help but smile back at them and at the same time wonder. They were supposed to break up.. two weeks ago.
"Lia!" Shuhua's distinctive high pitched voice call out as they settled in on the table. I smiled politely and couldn't help but notice how Soojin pulled her chair closer to Shuhua then circled her arm on the younger girl's waist. I raised an eyebrow and chuckled. Someone's possessive.
"Hey, there. Shuhua, Soojin. It's.. a surprise to see you. I mean, together." I voiced out and I swear, Shuhua's face turned red as soon as I mentioned it. What the heck happened? I took a short glance on Soojin who was looking away. Okay.
"We.. Jinjin terminated her contract at the GFC. For me. I guess." Shuhua looked at Soojin for confirmation who smiled in return. My smile widened at newly found information but I felt my mood changing into envy from felicitating.
"May I ask h-how?" I looked at Soojin expectantly who offered a small smile.
"I've paid them." I looked at her perplexed. Paid? "Good thing I was only there for six months. I've paid all of the expenses I've spent on my time at the corporation. Meaning to say, I didn't earn anything from working there. Unless you finish the seven year contract under GFC, you can't easily terminate your contract and resign. Apparently, it was stated on the contract. Too bad for those who didn't read it first before signing. Just like me. I was so stupid."
"You're not stupid. Don't say that." I heard Shuhua comforted her girlfriend as I get lost on mg own thoughts. Ryujin and Chaeryeong.. who has been working under the corporation for five years.. does that mean?
"Yes. It's almost impossible for other employees to terminate their contract who has been at the corporation for years. Or they have to wait for seven years before they can be free from it." I looked up at Soojin who was looking directly into my eyes. I noticed that Shuhua wasn't beside her anymore and was at the counter waiting for her order.
"What do you mean? Isn't the pay from the corporation varies depends on their clients? And how many they have actually entertained?" I looked it up at the GFC site and it was indicated there.
"Yes. But they 'voluntarily' give these bonuses, 'free' travels, cars, housing plans, 'free' apartments. Turned out it was all for front. You have to pay for all of these when you leave. Most of their employees started up pretty young. Minors who doesn't know how a certain contract works. That's probably why they recruit those youngsters so they wouldn't run away from the corporation." Soojin sighed heavily and stared at me dead in the eye. "You might have already know, your girlfriend is the most popular and treasured employee of the GFC. Unless you pay them all the money that Ryujin was worth, you can't be with her for the next almost three more years." I bit my lower lip on what she have said.
"Ryujin was worth? That corporation really is an insane company." I chuckled humorlessly as Shuhua sat down with two cup of coffees for them.
"It is. Most clients just tend to overlook those facts because they were blinded of those pretty faces. Most of the clients even orders multiple girlfriends for fun. Or would pay to be in another relationship just hours after their recent contract is done. That's how ludicrous it was." Shuhua swiftly blended in into the conversation. And yes, indeed GFC is a horrendous company.
"I'm surprised the GFC easily let you go though. I mean, you're really attractive. And I am sure you're pretty popular yourself among the clients." I blurted out honestly. Unlike Shuhua who has this angel like visuals and gullible appearance, Soojin was imposing some dark aura making her unbelievably intimidating. She's matured looking and goddamn sexy. Not my type though.
"It wasn't easy at all. I had to use my first client's connections inside the GFC to provide me some information on how I could turn away from them. Good thing we ended in a good terms. And.. Ms. Mina might have helped me." Soojin whispered the last sentence causing for me to whip my head on her direction.
"Mina? Myoui? The only daughter and successor of the current owner of the corporation?" I asked in disbelief. I mean, what did she do?
"Yes. Her. I know you're.. friends with her love interest. And she's pretty close with Lee Chaeryeong and Shin Ryujin. She might be able to lend you a hand." I creased an eyebrow at her revelation.
"Believe in Jinjin. She surprisingly knows a lot of things when it comes to people that was involved in the corporation." Shuhua said encouragingly. "What do you plan to do after? A week from now and you two will break up." I smiled softly at her question. For some reason, my heart throbbed a little too hard from normal causing for me to let out a small gasp. Maybe it was imperceptible, maybe it was not. I'm not sure since they didn't changed their expression but just looked at me intently and expectantly.
"I honestly don't know." I admitted truthfully as Soojin and I sighed in unison.
"I'll go to the washroom for a second. Don't take a sip on my drink, Jinjin." Shuhua playfully glared at the latter and threw a childish grin on my direction before walking off. I felt my eyes trailing off to Shuhua and to Soojin who has an adorable smile plastered on her face waiting for her girlfriend to enter the washroom before turning her attention to me again. Envy. A surge of envy filled my head but I shook it off instantly.
"How about you? Any plans now that you two are together?" I couldn't help but ask. Though we weren't that close, I feel like I could talkvto her. She just looked so soft despite her intimidating stance. She looked like a good listener and offers the wittiest advices out there.
"Shuhua wanted to travel to other countries. She said that her first destination would be in Egypt. And I'm planning on going with her. I mean, it's pretty much settled already." I nodded my head at how random Shuhua's dream destination was. I have heard about people talking about France, Maldives, Hawaii, Japan, Prague, or LA but Shuhua chose Egypt. I'm surprised Soojin complied to that. "And she wanted to go home to Taiwan. She actually wanted to stay there. For good." I looked at her hopeful smile while she was looking at the busy streets outside. "And I actually wanted that as well. Taiwan legally allows same sex marriage--"
"You're planning to get married to her? Already?!" I couldn't help but beamed in happiness at Soojin's future plans. This is just.. incredible.
"I mean, I'm sure it would not be anytime soon. But I have think about it for a few times even before. Especially a lot every time I look at her now that I'm not in the corporation anymore." Soojin shyly said while biting her lower lip suppressing her face tearing grin. "I didn't even know why I tried to walk away from that girl in the first place. All it served me was countless of sleepless nights, sadness and anxiety. Running away from her for GFC because I was scared of getting hurt by her. Turned out I just caused us both a tremendous pain." She chuckled and sighed. "Anyway, we're happy now. As sappy as it sounds, I couldn't envision myself spending the rest of my life with somebody else anymore. I'd rather die than have her away from me."
I unknowingly smile at how special Shuhua and Soojin was. Just two weeks ago, the former was crying her eyes out for being terrified of being left alone. The thought of having to go through another break up and potentially the last one because they won't be able to see each other again. And yet, here the other person is, boasting how special she is. Confessing and professing her undying love in a silver platter without any hesitation this time around. Despite going through a lot of hardships together, despite being hurt for a countless times before, she was being brave and even so sure about spending the rest of eternity beside her significant other. They love each other so much to the point where they would confidently say 'her or no one at all'. The type of love that that was a novel worthy. The type of love that you would proudly tell your grandchildren. The type of love that everyone would be envious about. And especially the type of love that not everyone gets to have or experience; a happy ever after.
I can still remember how Ryujin and I talked about those Disney Princesses and happy ever afters.
Is there any chance that we would get to experience the same thing as Shuhua and Soojin? A happy ever after, huh? Might be too much to ask. But.. I couldn't help but think about the possibility, you know? If it was possible for Soojin to do that, it wouldn't be for any other person out there, right? I chuckled inside my head. It was a senseless comparison, Lia. Soojin and Shuhua had been together for years. Been through shits together, conquered the world hand in hand. They are special. Because they are Soojin and Shuhua.
A wishful thinking. A little bit of hope. A little bit restlessness. A lot of terrifying thoughts.
A scarring thought of being left alone just like what Shuhua had felt before Soojin defied everything to be with her. Happy ever after? That's one heck of a phrase that that was created by hopeless romantics. And I hate that I had to witness one to unveil in front of my eyes. I hate that there's a huge chance that I wouldn't be able to experience it first hand.
I hate that there is a larger chance that Ryujin and I.. would just belong to those stories that that was just 'once upon a time'. And wouldn't get to experience the pure bliss of having to be together on that happily ever after. If it actually exists.