GFC Fifty Five
Lee Chaeryeong's Point of View..
Last night was a torture for me. The way Yuna and I ended things was not how I envisioned it to be. I imagined that it would end in great notes but I wasn't even able to speak to her after she locked her bedroom door. I understand though. But what I didn't expect was to have this feeling of.. regrets deep inside me after. I thought that I would feel relieved. I would feel better knowing that she doesn't have to stick around me albeit she's hurting. But it didn't. I didn't felt that way. Instead, it became even more heavier to lift. My chest felt like it was ransacked. It was so damn confusing.
I rolled off my bed for the nth time today. Later today, Ryujin would experience the same heartache. I mean, it would be worst on her end since she's genuinely into Lia. Meanwhile, I, Lee Chaeryeong, I don't have feelings for Yuna. So why am I comparing myself to Ryujin? Is this a feeling of.. commiseration? I mean, I'm not that heartless to not feel compassion towards someone I know I've hurt.. unintentionally.
I brought my arm over my face to cover my eyes and started thinking about a certain cat eyed girl who I feel like I've neglected for the past days. Not that I've got any obligation towards her to feel the need and say that I've neglected her. I just haven't.. thought about her which is kind of strange. Ever since I've seen her almost two months ago, she never left my mind. Or ever since I have realized I was in love with her. But then, I was so consumed on my contract expiration with Yuna which was odd. It's not that I'm not concerned or worried about her though. I just.. I'm so perplexed to the point that I want to tip my hair out as if it would answer my own misery right now.
I hastily got up and slapped myself for a few times. Lee Chaeryeong, you dummy. You're in love with Hwang Yeji. Shin Yuna and you are over. You can't go back to your words. Not to mention you're still at the GFC and you have to face the wrath of the president. I haven't visited the corporation since I unleashed my inner demon and fought back with the president. I sighed heavily before going into the bathroom.
After taking a quick shower, I proceeded downstairs where I saw Ryujin already dressed up and ready to go. I sometimes forget that I'm sharing this apartment with her since she's usually with her own house with Zeph and her sister. Or she's at Yuna's. Ryujin looked up to me as I descended the stairs.
"How are you feeling?" Ryujin asked creasing her eyebrows.
"Fine." I answered with a sigh. I sat down on a single sofa and motioned for her to sit for a minute. "If you still have time. Can we talk?" I added politely. After what happened between Yeji and I, it hasn't been the same for me. I sometimes couldn't bring myself to look her in the eye, ask for some advice, or demand anything from her like before. It even seemed like Ryujin was the one to reach out to me when I'm going through something.
"What is it?" She softly asked as she sat down. "Is it about Yuna?" I raised an eyebrow at her question.
"No. It's actually about.. the corporation." I cleared my throat and searched for any slip up on her reaction. There was nothing. She just intently looked at me and waited for me to continue. "I'm planning to quit."
"So the president told me." I felt my eyes widened in surprise. Why would the president tell Ryujin that herself? Wait. Are they that close? I mean, I've always known that the corporation gives the most importance to Ryujin because she brings the most income in the company. But.. "She also told me that you were planning to drag me out of there and I wanna know why? What makes you think that I wanted to leave in the first place? The corporation helped me a lot over the years. And you know how much it would cost if we ever leave." I internally rolled my eyes. Over the past years, Ryujin became a stringed puppet of the corporation. Just because they helped her with financial support which was their responsibility in the first place. I couldn't help but think that Ryujin actually worships that goddamn company.
"I want to start anew." I started off sincerely. "I can't work with corporation forever. Not when I know how fucked up their system was. Not when I know that I will continue hurting people in the future. Not when I know that you're just fine being with yourself now. You're the main reason why I actually signed up, right?" I explained getting a little bit impatient. Ryujin just stared at me with her usual neutral expression when she's in deep thought. "Jin.. I've never spent a single penny on what the corporation gave me. I'm willing to return it to them in exchange of your freedom. Don't you want to be with Lia?" I frustratedly asked on the lack of reaction from her.
"I do and I don't. No. Let me rephrase that. I do but I can't." Ryujin answered right away.
"You can if you want to. Don't give me that bullshit. This is your chance to be happy, Jin. Are you willing to let this go? Lia? You obviously love her!" Ryujin slowly smiled. A bitter one.
"The last time I loved someone I ended up getting deeply wounded." I bit my lip and looked away knowing what she mean. "And what if I do? And what if love is not enough anymore?" Her smile was disturbing. It was the same smile she gave me the first time I talked to her after that night with Yeji. It was petrifying.
"Jin, I know what it did to you. I know what 'I' did before--"
"This is not about you and Yeji anymore because I've long moved past that, Ryeong. This is purely about me. You know damn well, out of all the people out there, why I can't leave the corporation. Zephora needs me. My sister needs me. I can't just.. turn my back to my responsibilities." I shook my head at how similar her answers was. It almost seemed like it was well rehearsed. Every time I try to knock some sense into her about the corporation, she would start talking about her responsibilities as if.. as if she hadn't done enough.
"Jin, when will you stop.. chastising yourself? Don't you think you've reprimanded yourself enough? It's time to choose yourself. Would you actually let this opportunity slip? What if you just wake up one day and realize that you really want Lia in your life but it's her that already gave up? Would you be willing to deal with that?" I kept on pressing. I just.. I can definitely see how better Ryujin was with Lia. I just can't give up without trying my best to convince her.
"You shouldn't be chasing over love, Ryeong. It will find you or it will come back to you. For if they were to come or come back, they were yours. And if they don't, they never were." I brushed my hand over my hair in exasperation.
"You can't expect love to always come and comeback to you if you don't even know how to give importance in one, Jin. Lia is different. I swear, she would never crawl and beg you to be with her. That's plain absurd." I couldn't help but glare at Ryujin. She was just as calm as earlier and I don't like it. It almost seemed like she doesn't care.
"I don't expect her to be. She's a brave, cogent, compelling, courageous and undeniably beautiful person. There's no way that she would beg me, a damaged goods, to be with her. I know that--"
"You know damn well that's not what I mean." I cut off.
"I know, Ryeong. I know. But you also know why I can't. As much as I want to, I can't. We can't. Harming my family or her is not something that I would be willing to risk for a short span of happiness from my own selfishness." The corporation. It always has to be the goddamn corporation. If only we weren't so stupid back then, we could have been the happiest people around, Jin. She's aware with the corporation. That means.. "And Heejin Unnie. You know how much I love my sister, Ryeong. And 'my' daughter." We both became silent for a few minutes before I heard her sigh and stood up. "I owe Miss Myoui my life, Ryeong. I can't just abandon the corporation. At least not until I finish my seven year contract with them."
"Are you sure about this, Jin? No turning back?" I asked looking up at Ryujin's solemn face.
"I am." Without looking back, Ryujin went out of the apartment leaving me speechless. I don't know what's running inside your mind, Shin Ryujin. We've been best friends and you're still a mystery to me.
---
"I can't believe that Shin Ryujin was actually going to let a girl like Lia slip off her fingers. I mean, if I'm not in love with Soyeon I would have gone with Choi Jisu!" A smack on the back of her head squarely landed from none other than, Jeon Soyeon. Yuqi groaned sulkily while rubbing the part where the smaller girl smacked her off.
Yuqi and Soyeon are both working under the corporation. I think they signed up at the same time with Seo Soojin making it just about, seven months for them at working. And I don't even know how they fell in love during their time at the corporation when they had all the chances they've got before. I mean, they were studying at the same school and have some common friends. There's no way in hell they didn't meet each other. I think it was also another Soojin and Shuhua case. An on and off relationship. But they won't admit it. Maybe more like.. friends with benefits. If I were them I would be ashamed to say it out loud as well.
It was a baseless assumption though. I only talked to them after the sports fest where they were ordered to tail Ryujin together with a few people from the GFC. And I think that's when Lia actually met Shuhua and Soojin.
"Anyway, what are we going to do? I've been dying to send these evidences with all the news outlets I know." Soyeon chimed in like she didn't do anything.
"Do you think it's enough for the corporation to let us go? How would we be able to make sure that they are not going to bury it away. Pay all of them and yeah, forget about it then behead us three. You're so stupid that I don't even know why I fell in love with you in the first place, Jeon Soyeon." Here we go again. I whispered to myself and rolled my eyes.
"Yeah. You like me because I'm a top?" I choked on my own saliva upon hearing Soyeon's remarks. This is why I think their relationship before was based on.. sex. God.
"A little bit of truth there but I still can't fathom how someone as amazingly attractive, incredibly smart and outragouesly charming person like me, would gain feeling for someone as stupid, as small, and as--"
"Amazing like me in bed. Got it." There ya go. An indirect confirmation from Jeon Soyeon herself. I just shook my head at how flustered Song Yuqi became. Her face and her ears were in deep shade of crimson red while she was biting her lower lip. Suddenly, the air became thick and I felt like I was imposing. The sexual tension was so difficult to bare.
"Okay. Stop before you think about doing something.. nasty in front of me." I said awkwardly as they whipped their head on my direction glaring. "Whoah. I'm sorry. You can go.. home if you're really that frustrated. I just don't want to be a front row witness with the two of you." I was actually just kidding. I genuinely was. But I couldn't help but think that I shouldn't have.
"Okay. Bye." That's all what Soyeon said before she got up and pulled Yuqi with her. Yanking on her wrist harshly and exiting on my older sister's old condominium. It became our secret meeting place to exchange information about the corporation.
It was supposed to be a meeting. But then they left without even starting to think about a strategy on what we're going to do with the evidences we gathered for weeks of investigating. Those two, really. Is it really a right decision to ask for their help? I groaned and slumped my back on the couch.
My dreading was immediately cut though with my ringing phone making me more agitated. I just want to leave the corporation. I knew it was hard but I didn't know that it would be this difficult. It almost seemed like we were fucking Ninja Turtles or James Bond from spying.
"Oh, yes. Hello, how dare you?" I sarcastically answered the phone without looking at the contact person.
[Fuck you! Where the hell are you? Who are you with?]
"Wow. You sounded like a jealous girlfriend, Son Chaeyoung. Careful there." I answered in mockery. "Why did you call me? Something happened over there?"
[The fucking evidences are missing!]
"W-what? H-how?!" I hastily sat up in panic.
[You fucking tell me how?! I wanted to re-check some files and so I took the liberty to go to your apartment. I checked the place where you told me you hid it and guess what? There was fucking nothing but blank papers and CD's!]
"Ryujin.." I whispered before ending the call and running off from the condominium.
I knew it was a bad decision to place it there out of all the places. And I knew there was a reason why she suddenly came to the apartment last night without informing me. What are you going to do, Jin?! We've worked hard to obtain it! For you and for us.
---
Immediately driving on my way to the corporation, it was fortunate that I didn't get to experience the heavy traffic of the rush hours. I also know some shortcuts making it possible for me to arrive at the company sooner than I have originally anticipated. I hurriedly ran towards the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor where the president's office resides. But as soon as I arrived at the floor, I saw the person I least expected to be here. Though I was anticipating for this to happen already, I didn't think that she would actually be here even before Ryujin's contract ends.
Ryujin.. fuck. I forgot that she's with Lia right now! What the hell was I thinking rushing over here? To withdraw the evidences? As if she would hand it over easily if she was actually the one who stole it?! But then.. I've got to see Yeji unexpectedly. I was supposed to be beaming with happiness but it was overshadowed by the irritation towards Ryujin.
But as a human being, the curiosity got the best out of me and saw I found myself following Yeji discreetly. She was headed at the rooftop making me crease an eyebrow in confusion. I thought she was here to see the president? Then I saw the president's loyal servant and secretary.. Minatozaki Sana. A notorious playgirl who have hit on Miss Mina for a numerous times and has been turned down just as much. And if I remember correctly, she was also the one who's watching over Miss Mina for quite a while now since Soojin's case. According to Yuqi. No wonder a certain small beast has been more desperate to bring down the corporation as soon as possible.
I, of course didn't entered the rooftop. Instead, I laid my back flat on the wall and eavesdrop on their conversation.
"The president approved your proposal with the help of your father and Miss Shin Ryujin's father, Miss Hwang." I heard Sana's voice formally said. Like it was just a usual business meeting. Proposal? It should be about business. But what does Ryujin's father has to do with it?
"Thank you, Miss Sana. Dad said that they'll deposit the money as soon as their contract ends at 12am. I'm expecting the new contract in my mail first thing in the morning." Yeji replied enthusiastically. Contract.. with Ryujin I suppose? What the heck?
"The president would be enthralled to know, Miss Hwang." The other replied but I couldn't really process what she was saying since I was too focused on what was this meeting about. "Anyway, any specific additional traits from your desired girlfriend, Miss Hwang?" I fucking knew it.
"I want the old Ryujin back."
What the fuck is this again, Yeji?!
Lia's Point of View..
"Say, babe. What if you just quit ArtStuff? I'm sure you're just going to see them both everyday if you don't." Yuna said as she sat down beside me. I was too immersed on the finishing touches of yet another book cover that was assigned to me. I was just thankful that what happened last Monday didn't affect my performance in ArtStuff. It was the only consistent thing I can do without spacing out to think about the previous gray head girl. Yes, she just dyed her hair blonde. I couldn't help but gawk at her the first time I saw her yesterday. But I immediately snapped it off when I saw her getting out of the familiar gray Mustang and she was followed by the feline eyed girl.
I still get those stares of pity and such. There's nothing I hate more than being treated like some fragile person who would just break down anytime. I'm done with that bullshit. So here I am, trying my best to just wish Ryujin and Yeji all the things that they deserve; trying my best to move on albeit I see them everywhere the campus.
What bothers me the most though was.. Ryujin seemed to be a complete changed person. And I don't know why.
"I would appear bitter if I would to do that." I rolled my eyes after answering Yuna's question.
"But, it's not good for you. It's already hard for me to see Chaeryeong alone at the university from far away distance and you're going to see Jin Unnie and Hwang Yeji together? That's basically torture, babe." I can hear the obvious concern on Yuna's voice so I put down my laptop on the top of the table and faced her. Our conversation here at the exact same position on Saturday morning was still vivid and here we are, addressing another topic that involves my ex-girlfriend.
"I'm fine. Maybe if I find out another thing that would jeopardize myself then I'll think about it. Right now, arts is the only thing that distracts me." I wouldn't go as far as arts is the only thing that keeps me going because that's an exaggeration. I'm slowly getting used to my lonesome life once again. On how I used to be. Aside from the ArtStuff and Yuna is always at the apartment this time. She used to go out all the time.
"Are you sure? I mean, it doesn't bother you? Jin Unnie didn't took at least a day to get back together with Hwang Yeji after you.. and you walked in on them at the washroom. I'm surprised you're still alive after that kind of heartache though." I am just as baffled as you, Yuna. I just glued my eyes under Yuna's wondering gaze. She looked genuinely curious and.. irritated at the same time. The first time I told her about that encounter in the washroom with the new couple, Yuna was more furious and.. hurt than I am. I mean, I wasn't really mad. I was just.. dejected.
"It did, of course. But, I'll get over it." I flashed a smile to convince her but it never did. I know how that smile never reached my eyes.
"I don't doubt that. But, it would be hard, babe. She's your first and.. I've witnessed how delicate she treated you. She was just.. amazing. The way she looks at you, the way she takes care of you; it actually rivalled on how she was with Zephora." It surely did enthralled me. I felt my body straightened at Yuna's revelation. Ryujin? Treats me like how she treats Zephora?
"W-what?" I managed to blurt out completely taken aback.
"Don't sound so surprised. I thought you fell hard because you're well aware on how Jin Unnie was feeling towards you." Yuna rolled her eyes as I just continued to listen to her. "I don't really blame you for being a sucker. I would be too if I would get to be treated that way." I sighed heavily before looking away.
"It doesn't really matter now, does it? I mean, we're not together anymore. And all those things that you've said, how she treated me, probably Yeji would get to experience it now as well. Or again. And her past clients too." I couldn't help but bit my lip at the thought. As much as I wanted to think otherwise, I couldn't seem to do so. It's not like it isn't a huge possibility that I just could shrug off and bury its existence. But then, there is this feeling inside me that still resides and believes on Ryujin. Or it was just a false hope I keep feeding on myself to keep my sanity on check. That would be more plausible to say.
"I don't know. I just get a strange feelings about this. I actually.. asked Jin Unnie before.. about you two. I asked what she plans on doing after your contract ends and she told me, she don't know. She said that, she think it would take forever for her to take on another client. You told me that the Hwangs and the Shins are the original founder of GFC, right? What if she was just forced to it because of Hwang Yeji?" That's what I've been thinking all along as well. Ryujin seemed so keen on explaining too when I saw them together. If it was just because of Yeji and the Hwangs, then Ryujin might have opposed on the idea but didn't had that much of a choice but to oblige. She's still under the corporation anyway. As long as she's there, she wouldn't be able to decide for herself. Like what she told us. But..
"Nothing would change. Yeji is still her client. They can do whatever the hell they want and I don't have an ounce of right to complain about it." I whispered solemnly. It was the truth. I can't do anything about it. No matter how much it hurts me, I'm left with no choice but to sit back and leave them alone. They can't expect me to pull another Hyunjin case and ran after Ryujin. I still respect them. Especially.. Ryujin.
"I mean, you're not going to try? Help Jin Unnie? There are things that we can still do, right?" I looked up to Yuna with a scrutinizing gaze. "Probably." She added while fidgeting on her seat.
"If Ryujin wanted to leave the corporation, she will do so herself. Surely, she has her own reason for staying. We can't force things to happen most of the time, babe." I saw how her face turn into a frown as I finished. "Do tell, Yuna. Are you hiding something?" It still bothers me how and why she's always on her phone at night seemed to be on a phone call. Now that she's very much single, I doubt that she's talking to someone special. But.. maybe a person of importance? I've been itching to ask her but I myself, was a little bit reluctant since I don't want to doubt her intentions.
"W-what? No! Of course not! What would I hide from you?!" You see, Yuna is not a really good liar. Just by her stuttering, you can already tell that she means exactly the opposite of it. And the way she was avoiding my gaze was an answer enough.
"Don't try to meddle with other people's decision, babe. Unless you're certain that that's what the other person involve wanted. That's all I can and wanted say." I tapped her shoulders before gathering my things and standing up to continue my works inside my bedroom. I couldn't concentrate with Yuna around.
Her secret rendezvous with Chaeryeong before bothers me a lot. And how I heard why Chaeryeong wanted to free Ryujin from GFC. I appreciate the fact that they wanted to help me. But if it is not what Ryujin wanted, it's useless. I don't want it.
---
From; Dad,
Sweetheart? Dinner at 7pm with the clan. Make sure to not be late. Your grandparents are also there. Rehearse a lengthy explanation why you ran off during your birthday weeks ago😜
I chuckled at my father's use of emoji. I was about to type a reply when another message from dad was sent.
From; Dad,
Also, you have to sign the contract of the GFC for it to be permanently terminated. You'll have to explain to your mother later since she ordered me to tell you to bring Ryujin along. I'm sorry, sweetheart.
With that, my mind immediately changed and chose not to reply at the message. I sighed heavily and hid my phone on my back pocket. I collected my things and bid my goodbyes to Andy who smiled in return. I waved off and exited from the ArtStuff. And didn't expect to see a certain someone waiting outside the building.
"Son Chaeyoung! What brings you here?" I called out as soon as I had a talking proximity with her. She immediately looked up and smiled widely.
"Hey there, your highness. I'll be the one to fetch for the mean time. Yuna's orders." Chaeyoung chivalrously bowed while her hand was on the other side of her chest. I chuckled as I searched behind her.
"Where is the limousine that that would usher me to my destination, Miss Gray?" A boyish smirk flashed on her face on my reply.
"Pardon my insolence but, I'm not as loaded as your ex-girlfriend who casually drives a navy green personalized Ducati motorbike, Miss Steele." I frowned at the lame comeback. Why does she have to include Ryujin at the conversation? "We're taking a cab, bossy ass." She added with a shrug.
"Seriously though, why? I don't believe that Yuna told you to fetch me. That girl would have just gone by herself if she was worried." I kinked an eyebrow and crossed my arms.
"True. I came to my own accord. Is that an enough answer?" Chaeyoung replied with a sheepish smile.
"Aigoo. I'll tell you once again that you don't even come close to my type, Son Chaeyoung. Give it up." I retorted back though I couldn't held back an exemplary smile. It feels good to have someone this persistent and someone who makes an excellent job to distract my still.. aching heart.
"You know, it's really hard to tell whether you're suffering from heartache or not. You're doing a great job hiding it all. I might have to take up classes on that department under your supervision." Chaeyoungie replied and casually throw her arm over my shoulder.
"You--" I was cut off by the two familiar figure approaching our direction. Feeling my body stiffening at the sight of their intertwined hands, Chaeyoungie's hold on my shoulder tightened. I suddenly found the concrete pavement interesting and instigated a staring contest upon it. I didn't even get to stare at Ryujin's expression as I was too scared to know how.. contented she was right now. Maybe she still likes me but we can't do anything about it. And I can't do anything about the knot in my chest the longer I envision her with somebody else.
"Hey." I heard Yeji's soft voice echoed on my ears. She sounded so giddy and excited. I wonder what Ryujin did for her mood to be like this. Maybe another unique date of hers.
"Hey there, Shin and Hwang. We're sorry that we can't entertain you at the moment. We have to go somewhere else that doesn't concern the two of you. Bye." I felt myself looking at Chaeyoungie's profile upon saying those words in a very sarcastic manner. I took a glance at Ryujin's direction for a swift second and saw her looking at Chaeyoung's hand on my shoulder blades. I didn't even know what came to me that I suddenly felt uncomfortable under her gaze and hastily removing the latter's hand over me.
Maybe it was a trick of light or a wishful thinking that Ryujin smiled a little.
"We're going." I said politely and yanking on the smaller girl's wrist and storming off.
True to her word, Chaeyoungie accompanied me to the restaurant where my family was already gathered since it's already quarter to seven in the evening. Of course I asked her if she wanted to join but she said that it would be imposing f she just crash into the family dinner. She also added that we were not romantically involved with each other for me to formally introduce her with my whole clan. I agree though. I mean, Mom would definitely lash out as well because she really likes Ryujin. And I just went through a break up. It doesn't look good to be in an entirely different relationship right after. Meanwhile, her..
Upon entering the restaurant, I saw some familiar faces of few sitting around a rectangular table. At the farthest seat was my mother who instantly kinked an eyebrow when she landed her eyes on me.
"Where's Ryujin?" That was the first thing that she asked me. I turned to look at my father who just averted his gaze onto somewhere else.
"Oh. Uhm. She's busy." I answered swiftly as I sat down beside my father. My eyes unintentionally wandered to my grandparents' direction who obviously still hold grudges on what happened during my birthday. Move on, please. I'm almost over Ryujin. That's a lie though.
"Here goes the embarrassment of the whole Choi clan. I'm surprised you haven't lost the confidence to show up after what you've pulled on during your birthday." It was my grand father who first voiced out his unnecessary opinion.
"What's so embarrassing about running off a boring party filled with homophobic people? And it's been a month. Get over it." I sarcastically answered earning a low gasps from other family members. I couldn't even name all of them. That's how close I am to them. Note the sarcasm.
"Julia." I heard my mother's stern voice shutting me up immediately. "Mom, Dad, you don't get to scold my daughter like that. You have no right to say what and who she should be because that's none of your business." I couldn't help but smile at Mom despite the feeling of underlying sadness and tension.
"That's why she grew up being like that. You tolerate her hideous character and manners." It was my grandfather who chimed in this time glaring on my direction. "Look at Yeonjun. He grew up to be such fine young man." He hissed under his breath as he motioned on the opposite end of his table. Yeonjun? I looked to where he was pointing at and saw a smug smile plastered on his face. Another reason to hate on men. Fuck it.
I just let them gossip with themselves and wished for me to shrunk at the deepest pits of the ground and swallow me whole to end this never ending saga of comparison of me and an asshole. Good thing I've had enough self control this time around and was lazy enough not to prolong the useless discussion. Ignore, Lia. Ignore. Though I was pretty tempted to throw at least one punch on Yeonjun's face. A punch as strong as Saitama though.
I don't know if this is the first time I've met him but I'm pretty sure now that I know how fucked up he was, I don't think I would be able to forget about him. How come his parents doesn't know about this asshole's antics? Or they just tolerate him? I felt my father squeezed my hand that that was on my lap and sneakily put a brown envelope over my thighs. The contract.
---
Girlfriend Corporation Contract
Shin Ryujin and Choi Jisu
Signed by: Shin Ryujin and Choi Junghoon (The client's legal guardian)
Specifications:
I took a huge gulp upon opening the familiar contract that that was given by my father. The drove me home and proceeded on driving off to the hotel where they were currently staying. Mom knowing the existence of GFC was no surprise at all. But how well she was taking things these past weeks still left me slightly taken aback.
I put the brown envelope at the top of the table and took a deep breath before proceeding on reading the contract. I didn't even know why I'm nervous. I mean.. this is just the usual contract.. right? For some unknown reason, my heart beat became even more rapid. Making it a little bit painful to breathe.
*My daughter doesn't like cliché.
The first one was a jab on the face. I don't like where this is going.
-she prefers on the spot and unique dates. I know my daughter.
*My daughter loves extremities. She likes adventures.
-a date that this is nerve wracking would potentially win her over.
*My daughter loves dogs.
-she prefers them over cats.
*My daughter loves unique rides.
-use a motorbike instead of a car!
*If we are talking about a certain someone's personality that would surely help you win her heart is the following:
-someone dependable.
-someone responsible.
-someone neat and smells good.
-someone smart.
-someone sporty.
-someone mysterious enough.
-someone adventurous.
-someone who knows how to make her feel special.
-someone who only looks at her.
-someone jealous but is not overbearing.
-someone caring.
-someone sincere and playful at times.
-someone who she can learn a lot of things from.
-someone polite.
-someone who takes care of the people she loves and would adore them just as much.
-someone who knows how to keep her words.
Additionally;
-even if you can cook, tell her you don't and can't. She likes to serve people with her mouth watering dishes.
-even if you drink, tell her you don't and can't. She hates people who oozes with raging alcoholic vibes.
-even if she says she doesn't want to, with a certain persuasion, she would give in. Someone who can be persistent but knows how to stop when it's getting annoying.
-it would be her first ever relationship. So I'm pretty sure she would prefer someone who can lead her. Even if you're someone younger.
°special advice;
A goodbye isn't a goodbye without a peace offering. A bouquet of tulips would do. With small touches of blue.
I hope that you understand it too. And make my daughter's ideal first love come true.
I felt my lips quirking up in a smile. And I just heard myself laughed hysterically while clutching on the paper.
"Why are you laughing?" I faced Yuna still laughing. "W-wait.. you're crying.. b-babe?" I couldn't help but laugh even more at Yuna's state.
"What are you talking about?" A sob escaped escaped my mouth. "I'm not. I'm laughing, right?" I answered in between sobs.
"W-what happened? Are you--"
"Ryujin is a fucking AI, babe. Can you believe it?" Another series of laugh escaped through me and I held out the contract on my best friend's face. "How did she managed to be all of those specifications, babe? She's not real! I'm positive that she is no human." I said as I wiped on my blurry eyes. I was laughing too much that my tears was already streaming down. I'm not crying, right? I'm not! I'm laughing!
"B-babe.. this.. this is one heck of a contract.. h-how did Uncle Choi did this?" Yuna asked as she slightly shook my shoulders.
"How should I know, babe? How should I know that none of those traits that I loved about Ryujin was real? That it was just because a stupid contract that she did all of the things she did for me? How am I supposed to know, Yuna? H-how?" I felt my laughter subsiding and was being replaced by a violent tremors of my body. And my hysterical laugh was replaced by violent sobbing. It almost seemed like Yuna and I switched places on the night of my break up with Ryujin.
"B-babe, don't.. I.. I don't know what to say. I really.. don't know. What the hell does this mean?! I'm so fucking lost!"
"This means.. all of the things that I know about her.. was staged, babe. Part of her job. None of it was real, you understand that? It was only me.. it was all me. I was stupid. And I'm still stupid!" It was becoming more and more unbearable the longer I try to suppress my feelings. All of those pent up sadness that I've been holding back for the past week came crashing down at me. Making me a complete and utter mess.
Embarrassing. Embarrassing how I always prided myself not to ever get this upset over something or someone. To the point where I genuinely thought I'm losing my sanity. I was laughing.. while crying. Who the fuck does that?
I feel like there was something or someone choking me. I can't breathe. I can barely see Yuna's face from the constant tears coming out from my eyes sockets. I feel like someone was stomping on my chest. I feel like.. I feel my whole being aching. I don't know what to do. And I don't know what to say.
I just let Yuna hold my trembling body. As I just crumpled on the tight embrace.
Lies. It was all pretense. Solely for money. I now understand why Chaeryeongie wanted to leave. And why Ryujin wouldn't.
And I swore to myself, this is going to be the last time I'm going to cry over the same reason. I'm done with these bullshits. I'm tired of all of it. I'm tired with Ryujin.