~~~~~ 𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓃 𝒮𝑒𝑜𝓊𝓁 ~~~~~
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Chapter 11 :
Jung Kook's work schedule is pretty dense today, but he's always visible from calls whenever he gets free time. Without even asking, Seok Jin knows who he is trying to call. "Jung Kook, do you wanna keeping calling that person? You must get ready again, "Seok Jin scolded while patting his friend's back.
Jung Kook is sitting in a swivel chair with his legs outstretched and closing his phone. "Oh, Hyung."
"What's wrong? Why you look distressed?"
"No one is home." Jung Kook seems to be talking to himself.
Seok Jin pretends not to know who Jung Kook is referring to. "Who?"
Jung Kook sighs. "Forget it, nothing. "
"You better get ready," he reminds Jung Kook once more.
This time Jung Kook turns to him and asks, "Hyung, after this, I don't have any other schedule, right? "
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Ji Eun had just entered the house when she heard the house phone ringing. She closes the door and put the key on the desk.
Should I answer the telephone or not?
Anyway, this is Jung Kook's house and she cannot carelessly answer the phone. Finally, she let the answering machine receive it.
"If you're home, pick up the phone." Ji Eun is surprised to hear Jung Kook's voice on the machine. She quickly raised thetelephone. "Hello?"
"Finally you answered. I've been trying to reach you since... " Jung Kook's voice sounds a bit annoyed.
Ji Eun glanced at her watch. "Oh, I did not realize it was afternoon. What's up? Is there anything I should do? "
"Not really."
"So what?"
"Just wondering how you're doing."
Ji Eun smiled to herself. "I am fine. Where are you now? "
"On the road. I'll be back in a minute. "
"Mmm, do you want me to cook dinner?" Ji Eun asked, "I can't make fancy dinner, but I can make bibimbap or ..."
She hears Jung Kook laughing on the other end. "I have not been that brave to try to cook for other people who claim they can not cook. "
"I just want to thank you," Ji Eun protested.
"Never mind. Today we're gonna out only. It's my treat. "
"Eat out? What are you thinking? You want people to see us? "
"Why not? Was not yesterday journalists already know who you are?"
Ji Eun thought. Was it really just yesterday? Why it seems like it already happened a long time ago?
"Your face will be on the tabloid soon. What more can it be hidden? The whole people in Korea will know you are my girlfriend. Am I not allowed to have dinner with my own sweetheart? "
Ji Eun felt as if her heart had stopped pounding and her breathing was stifled.
"Hello? Ji Eun, are you still there? "
Ji Eun gasped. "Yes ... yes."
"Yes, I'm close to the house now."
Slowly Ji Eun hung up the phone. What's wrong with her? ...
Ji Eun tapped her cheek with both hands. "Ji Eun, come on," she said to herself. "There are a lot of important things I should think about."
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"Jung Kook ssi, are you serious about eating here?" Ji Eun knew her voice was heard worried.
Ji Eun and Jung Kook are in the elevator that takes them to the top floor of the hotel building. After knowing Jung Kook will invite her to dinner in a fancy hotel restaurant, she could not suppress anxiety in her heart.
"What's wrong?" Jung Kook asked without looking at Ji Eun.
Ji Eun spread her arms. "Look at my clothes. I can not get into that restaurant. I might get kicked out. " She was wearing only a short-sleeved shirt and a regular skinny jeans that belongs to her friends, Hye Sun.
"Who dares to throw you out?" Jung Kook said. "Nothing is wrong with your clothes. Come on."
The elevator door opens and without waiting for Ji Eun's comment further, Jung Kook walked away while pulling the girl's hand. They enter the restaurant and immediately greeted one of the waiters who immediately lead them to the table by the large glass windows. The restaurant was pretty quiet, the lights were dim which makes the atmosphere dim.
In addition to the seemingly conversational noise, it can be heard the soft strains of jazz music. Not many guests look not surprise. Surely only people from the upper classes can eat in a place like this.
"That's great," Ji Eun mumbled with pleasure as she looked out the window.
The night view of Seoul city from the height is amazing. "We're on which floor again?"
"Ah, I forgot," Jung Kook said suddenly.
Ji Eun turned to him with a questioning look.
"You wait here for a while. I have to get something, "Jung Kook said while getting up from the chair.
"Okay. Be back quick, "Ji Eun said. Then she again admired the flickering lights of Seoul city down there.
A few minutes passed and Jung Kook has not returned. Ji Eun sighed and looked around the room. Finally, she got up and walked to the restroom. When Ji Eun came out of the toilet and was walking back to her table, she heard someone called her name. Ji Eun turned to follow the source of the sound and look at a slim and tall beautiful girl waving at her with all the widely smiles.
Ji Eun felt anxious when she saw the girl. Her feelings also gained weight as she takes steps, approaching her.
"Well, Lee Ji Eun. How are you? I did not expect to see you here, " the woman greeted pleasantly, but to Ji Eun's ears it sounds contrived, just like her smile.
Ji Eun just smiled faintly. "How are you, son-bae? Long time no see."
Ji Soo brushed her long hair and said, "Tae Hyung ssi will be here soon. Are you alone? " But without waiting for Ji Eun's answer, Ji Soo started talking again. "Since I happen to see you, there's something I want to talk about."
Ji Eun said nothing, stood still and waited for her next words. Ji Soo looks at Ji Eun deeply. "I've heard about your apartment from Tae Hyung ssi. I'm glad you're okay. But I'm kinda worried about Tae Hyung ssi. "
Ji Eun's eyebrows startled.
What is she talking about?
"I do not like to go around, so I'll just talk. I see Tae Hyung ssi shares anxiety because of what happened to you. He should not have need to bother like that because you're fine, right? However, your relationship is over long time ago. Your problem is not longer his problem. "
Ji Eun smiled bitterly. "Son-bae-"
"Oh, Ji Eun."
Ji Eun turns around and sees Tae Hyung approaching them. She sighed and thinks why these two people come to this place at the same time as her.
"You're okay, right?" Tae Hyung asked as he looked at Ji Eun from the head to toe. Ji Eun felt the observed, let alone Ji Soo also was staring at her sharply.
"You see, she's okay," interrupted by Ji Soo as she slipped her arms into Tae Hyung's arm. "Right, Ji Eun?"
Ji Eun winced. "Yes, as you can see."
"Where do you live now?" Tae Hyung asks again and Ji Eun looks at Ji Soo's face that immediately changes.
"At a friend's house," Ji Eun said shortly.
"Oh yes, are you alone? How about you join us?" Asked Tae Hyung changing the subject.
God. Did these two really think I'm so heartbroken to eat by myself at a fancy restaurant?
Ji Soo grabs Tae Hyung's arm and quickly interjects, "Ji Eun said she's waiting for her friend. It'll be too bad for her friend to join us since we don't know him/her. "
Ji Eun was eager to laugh out loud at the attitude of Ji Soo's class-like sister or a five-year-old who would not let go of her favorite teddy bear. When did she ever tell Ji Soo she was waiting for someone? But she wondered she was right. She's waiting for Jung Kook.
"Sorry, have you waited a long time?"
Ji Eun and the two men standing in front of her all turned to look at each other to the sound source. Jung Kook approaches Ji Eun with a big smile and with both hands behind his back. Ji Eun hears Ji Soo's breath. There's a little satisfaction in Ji Eun's heart when she sees Jung Kook appear, much less supported the fact that it is the famous artist Jung Kook.
"Have you waited a long time?" Jung Kook once again staring straight at Ji Eun's direction, ignoring the two people who are nearby.
"Oh no. Not too long, " Ji Eun said a little dazed.
"I went to buy this," Jung Kook said.
Ji Eun was astonished to see the huge bunch of red roses that Jung Kook handed to her. After Ji Eun receives the flowers offered by Jung Kook, the man is as if just realized the presence of two other people who gawked at them. "Oh, forgive me. I did not see you. How are you? Your friends with Ji Eun-ah, I mean Ji Eun? "
Ji Eun sees Ji Soo's eyes flashing, her eyes fixed on Jung Kook. "You're Jung Kook ssi, aren't you?" She asked eagerly.
"Right," Jung Kook said pleasantly. "And today I plan on having a romantic evening. " He raised a hand and put his arm around Ji Eun's shoulder.
Ji Eun looks at Jung Kook with a startled look, then her eyes look at the two people in front of her who were staring at her bewildered.
"Looks like you both also want to enjoy a romantic dinner," Jung Kook continues in a friendly tone. "We will not interfere your evening much longer. Nice to meet you both. "
Finished saying that, by still embracing Ji Eun's shoulder, Jung Kook leading her back to their table.
"Thank you for the roses," Ji Eun said as they sat back down. She looked at Jung Kook's flowers with joy.
"You like it?"
"Mmm, love it." Ji Eun looks at Jung Kook with a smile. "Do you often give flowers to women? "
The man just grimaced. "Do you think so?"
"By the way, what day is it today?"
"Why?"
"We are eating at a fancy restaurant. Then this rose. " Ji Eun looks at Jung Kook while trying to remember. "Today is your birthday?"
Jung Kook laughs. "If today is my birthday, why would I give you flowers? Should not I be the one receiving the gift? "
Ji Eun thought again. "Did you sign a new contract or something?"
"Not really."
"So what?"
Jung Kook smiles broadly. "You'll find out for yourself."
Ji Eun cocked her head, then shrugged.
"The man.. was he your ... ex-boyfriend?" Jung Kook asked cautiously.
Ji Eun sighed. "Mmm, and the woman with him is my sunbae, his girlfriend. "
Jung Kook looks at her. "You want us to go somewhere else?"
Ji Eun laughed. "What for?"
Jung Kook still looks less convinced.
"It's okay," Ji Eun said soothingly. "Aren't you here to eat with me?"
Jung Kook smiles. "Right, I'm here. Well, what do you wanna eat?"
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Tae Hyung does not enjoy his dinner. He kept glancing at the table of Ji Eun and Jung Kook. He wished the girl looked at her, but in fact Ji Eun did not glance at him at all. The girl chatted and laughed happily with Jung Kook. Of course, Tae Hyung has already read about Jung Kook's relationship with Ji Eun, but then he still did not want to believe it.
Today Tae Hyung really sees them both with his eyes himself and it was as it was written in the tabloids. He must admit not wanting to see the two of them together.
"Tae Hyung ssi, I'm talking to you."
Tae Hyung gasps and stares at the woman sitting in front of him. Ji Soo indeed is a beautiful and a charming woman. She is the reason why he left Ji Eun in the first place. But now there seems to be a bit of regret in his heart.
"I had no idea Ji Eun had such a famous friend, Jung Kook. How can that be? "Ji Soo said with a frown. "I did read in a magazine about Jung Kook's relationship with a woman named Lee Ji Eun, but I did not expect the news to be true. "
Tae Hyung just murmured unclearly to respond to her words.
"Well, you don't have to worry about her now that she has a famous boyfriend, "Ji Soo goes on without looking at Tae Hyung.
Tae Hyung mutters once more and glances at Ji Eun. The girl laughed while covering her mouth with one hand, while Jung Kook looked at her while chuckling.
What are they laughing at?
What are they talking about?
When was the last time I saw Ji Eun laughing like that?
He had forgotten. Suddenly he felt he was longing for the girl's laughter.
"Tae Hyung ssi!"
Tae Hyung gasps once again to hear his name being called in high notes.
Ji Soo is staring at him irritably. "You were not listening to anything I just said, right? "
"Of course I'm listening," Tae Hyung tries to argue.
"How can you hear me if you keep looking at that woman?!"
"I did not notice."
Ji Soo raises her hands. "That's enough. Right now I want to go out of here. Let's go somewhere else. "
Tae Hyung frowns. "Ji Soo, you yourself say you want to eat here tonight. Why do you want to go all of a sudden? "
Ji Soo folds her hands in front of her chest and grunts irritably. "I changed my mind. I want to go somewhere else. Let's go."
Without waiting anymore, Ji Soo grabs her handbag and gets up from the chair.
Tae Hyung tries to restrain her but to no avail. He sighed and looked over at Ji Eun once again. Of course, the girl was not looking back at him. Tae Hyung inhales as he paid for the food, following Ji Soo after.
Ji Eun realizes the departure of Ji Soo and Tae Hyung from the restaurant. Jung Kook as well.
"They're gone," Jung Kook said as he looked toward the restaurant's door.
Ji Eun just cleared her throat and stared at her almost empty plate. She is upset. Why does she still feel uncomfortable when she sees Tae Hyung and Ji Soo together? Why she still can not forget about what happened eight months ago? No way she still wants Tae Hyung, right?
"Again the expression."
Ji Eun looks up and looks at Jung Kook. The man is watching her face. "What?" Ji Eun asked.
Jung Kook leans back into the chair and smiles a little. "Every time you or I mention the name of your ex-boyfriend and every time you receive a call from him, your facial expression is like that. Depressed, as if you were must solve all the problems that exist in the world. "
Ji Eun looked down. "Sorry."
Jung Kook looks out the window. "Well, what can we do so you do not put that face anymore? Mmm ... Ah, I know! "
Ji Eun looked at Jung Kook curiously.
Jung Kook turns back at her with a big smile. "Wait a moment. "
Ji Eun gets confused as Jung Kook gets up from the chair and walks out of the restaurant.
What is he gonna do?
Not long afterward Jung Kook returns and says to Ji Eun, "After we eat, I'll take you somewhere. "
When they've finished their dinner, Jung Kook took Ji Eun down to the hotel's ground floor.
"Jung Kook ssi, where are we going?" Ji Eun asked as they crossed the main lobby of the hotel.
"You'll know," Jung Kook answered shortly.
It turns out Jung Kook took her to the park behind the hotel. The park was spacious with a large swimming pool in the middle. The garden lights turned on so that even though it was late, the garden did not look dark. The lights inside the pool were also lit so they could see the pool grounds are clear.
"Ah, it's fun to be out in the open air," Jung Kook said as he did sit in one of the wooden chairs by the pool.
Ji Eun looked left and right in confusion.
Why would he bring me here?
No one else was in the park. Although it is very quiet, Ji Eun enjoys the silence.
"Jung Kook, why are we here?" She asked as she sat on a chair in beside the man.
"If I'm not mistaken, some things that can make you happy is listening to music, eating potato chips, flowers, fireworks, rain, and stars. Am I right?"
Ji Eun is a bit surprised at Jung Kook's words. Even herself cannot remember when she told Jung Kook about those.
Jung Kook continues, "Now I do not have potato chips, I don't know what music you like. Flower, you have it. "
Ji Eun stared at the bouquet of roses she was holding. She still does not understand what Jung Kook is trying to say.
Jung Kook looks up at the dark sky and says, "No stars tonight and it's a shame I can not call up to rain. " He looked over Ji Eun's direction. "Then there's only one thing to do."
Ji Eun's eyebrows rise as Jung Kook pulls the phone out of his pocket his pants.
"Hello? Yes, you can start now, " he told someone over the phone.
After that, he hungs up and smiled at Ji Eun. He raised his right hand and pointed to the sky. "Look over there."
Ji Eun looked into the dark sky with a frown. She doesn't understand what Jung Kook is thinking. She was about to open her lips to ask again when she heard the whirring and then the explosion. At that moment her eyes see the colorful lights in the sky. The noise and the explosion sounded again, connected. The night sky seemed more vibrant with beautiful colorful lights.
Fireworks! Lots of fireworks!
Unknowingly Ji Eun stood up from the bench. One hand was raised to her mouth. Her eyes were fixed on the beam of light that glided into the sky and exploded into the sparks. It was the first time she'd seen that much fireworks close up and so amazed that her chest felt tight.
"How ... how did ... you ...?" Ji Eun turns around and sees Jung Kook standing beside her. Her eyes went back at the sky. "It's the first time I've seen real fireworks, and it's not from television. "
"Are you feeling well?"
Ji Eun turns back to Jung Kook. She did not think it was Jung Kook who did it, the man who was trying to comfort her. Ji Eun smiled and said, "Much more good. You know you do not have to do all of this. But, anyway, thank you."
Jung Kook smiles back. "I know you've been feeling depressed lately. You already help me. So if I can help to lighten your load a bit, why not? I just want to see you as happy as now, that's all. "
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"Haah ... tonight is beautiful," Ji Eun said when she and Jung Kook arrived at home. Ji Eun kisses the roses in her arms and smiles to herself.
Meanwhile, Jung Kook is already walking towards the kitchen, opening the fridge, pulled out a bottle of cold water, and drank it straight from the bottle.
"Do you have a vase?" Ji Eun asked.
"I don't know, but I think it was in that cupboard." He pointed to the cupboard then walk to the piano.
Ji Eun flipped through the cabinets, humming softly. "Here it is." She takes out the blue flower vase, fills it with water, and insert the roses into the vase. She hears Jung Kook playing some tunes on the piano.
Ji Eun turns to Jung Kook. "Jung Kook ssi, sing one song," She pleaded. Then she approached the man with the vase of flowers.
"Did not I ever say you have to pay if you listen to me sing?"
Ji Eun puts the vase on top of the piano and grimaces. "Didn't you say you want to make me happy? "
Jung Kook's eyebrows rise. "Did I say that?"
Ji Eun nodded. "You also said you would give me anything I want if I'm willing to take a picture with you. You forgot?"
"Did I ever said that?" Jung Kook looks up and tries to remember everything he told her.
Ji Eun nods and leans on the piano, waiting for Jung Kook to start the song.
Jung Kook sighs. "All right, what do you want me to sing?"
Ji Eun thought for a moment, then said, "The song is Hush by Lasse Lindh. I really like that song. It is very romantic. "
Jung Kook scratches his head. "Hush by Lasse Lindh? Why do you ask for a song that is sad? You can't think of any fun song? "
"But the song is good. Don't you like it? Well then, it's up to you to sing anything, "Ji Eun said quickly.
Jung Kook thinks for a moment, then puts his fingers on the piano keys and started playing it while singing in English.
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
Ji Eun applauded happily as she recognized "What A Wonderful World" is being sung by Jung Kook.
I see skies of blue, and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying, "How do you do?"
They "re really saying," I love you "
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They "ll learn much more than I" ll ever know
And I think to myself, "What a wonderful world"
And I think to myself, "What a wonderful world"
Although Ji Eun's English is not very fluent, she can understand if others people speak in that language. The song sung by Jung Kook makes herself as if she's flying into the sky, so peacefully, light, even though she is back on earth after the song ends.
"Very good, very good," Ji Eun said, clapping her hands. "It's not in vain you stay long in America. Your English is very good. "
Jung Kook just chuckles. "Satisfied yet?"
"Mmm, satisfied and happy," Ji Eun said.
Jung Kook reaches into his pocket in his jacket and pulls out a green squared shaped box decorated with yellow ribbon. He placed the box on the piano and pushes it towards Ji Eun.
Ji Eun raised her eyebrows as soon as she saw the box. "What is this?"
"Open it."
Ji Eun opened the box and was astonished to see that there was a cellphone inside which is exactly the same as her old phone that was lost in the fire.
"Happy Birthday."
Ji Eun looks up and looks at Jung Kook confused and shocked. Without waiting for Ji Eun's words, Jung Kook continues, "It's so hard to contact you if you do not have a phone. Actually, I want to buy a different phone so you will not be confused to take my phone again, but I changed my mind. How is it? I've also asked for the same number, so the phone has the same phone number as your old one. You can actually use it now. "
"Ooh ... Thank you." Ji Eun is still a bit confused. She scanned the phone Jung Kook gave her, then said again, "But birthday? Jung Kook ssi, my birthday is tomorrow, not today. "
Jung Kook smiles broadly and points towards the clock behind Ji Eun. Ji Eun turned and looked at the clock.
"It's past midnight. So today is your birthday, "Jung Kook said.
"Are null not even aware? It means that the surprise I had prepared for you earlier can be counted for as today? "
Ji Eun stood there, then laughed. "Gosh, so we had dinner last night, flowers, fireworks, and this phone, you did everything to celebrate my birthday? "
Jung Kook nods. "Don't forget, I just sand a song for you. It should also be counted. "
"How did you know my birthday?"
Jung Kook just smiles and does not answer.
Ji Eun is still confused. "But why should it be celebrated the night before? We can celebrate it tomorrow, I mean today, uh, tomorrow. Ah, anyway celebrate it on the day. "
"Actually this morning I have to go to Japan, so I can not go to celebrate your birthday, "Jung Kook explained.
"To Japan?" Ji Eun asked. "What for?"
"Work," Jung Kook replied. "Do you think I'm on vacation?"
"How long will you be there?"
Jung Kook shrugs. "I don't know, but maybe about three days."
Ji Eun mused.
"Oh yes, how is this? No birthday cake, "Jung Kook said suddenly.
"No cookies," Ji Eun interrupted. "You've done a lot tonight. for me, that's more than enough and I'm very happy. "
"Fixed too?"
"Totally too. I've never celebrated my birthday in the middle of the night. " Ji Eun laughed.
Jung Kook gets up from the piano chair and says, "Okay, it's late you-"
"Wait a minute." Ji Eun held her back. "Sing one more song, please?"
"Again?"
"Come on, it's my birthday," she said as she sat next to Jung Kook. "I like watching you play the piano. "
Jung Kook gives up and sits back. "All right, what song?"
"Up to you."
Jung Kook looks at the piano keys while thinking, then he lifts up his face and turned to look at Ji Eun. "It's one of my favorite songs. The title is Fly Me To the Moon. "
Then Ji Eun watched Jung Kook's long fingers dancing overhead the piano keys while the soft piano sounds and the sound of Jung Kook's voice which beautifully adorn the silence of the night.
Poets often use many words to say a simple thing
It takes thought and time and rhyme to make a poem sing
With music and words I‟ve been playing
For you I have written a song
To be sure that you know what I‟m saying
I‟ll translate as I go along
While singing, Jung Kook occasionally looks at her and they both smile. Ji Eun never felt so ... so ... special. Yes, special. Dinner, roses, fireworks, a gift Jung Kook gave her, And now she is sitting next to Jung Kook while listening to the man singing specifically for her. She was happy. Either from when she realized her heart is pounding twice as fast as each time she meets the view with Jung Kook or when the man smiles at her.
Either from when she started loving to hear Jung Kook sings. Her eyes now cannot be separated from the figure of Jung Kook who sings while playing the piano.
Fly me to the moon and let me play among the stars
Let me see whatSpring is like on Jupiter and Mars
In other words, hold my hand
In other words, darling, kiss me
Fill my heart with song and let me sing forever more
You are all I long for, all I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you
(Hiro, album: Coco d‟Or)
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Author's Note:
*CREDITS GOES TO THE OWNER OF THE PICTURE THAT WAS USED.
*THIS IS NOT MY OWN STORY. THE STORY IS WRITTEN BY A FAMOUS INDONESIAN AUTHOR, ILANA TAN. I AM JUST SIMPLY TRANSLATING THE STORY TO SPREAD HER WONDERFUL WORKS. THANK YOU!