Third Person's POV
Flashback
"Hyung!" She kept begging him. She did everything just to convince him but he was not brazen by anything.
"It's a no for me, Sorry. And please stop calling me hyung. Call me oppa instead. Oppa, Oppa!"
"But I am your little brother?" She protested.
He raised his eyebrow. "Look this will put me in a big trouble. Your parents would kill me for sure."
"You just needed to submit this. I'll take care of the rest. I wanted this to be arranged accordingly. Please you're the only person I can trust with this."
"Kiddo, you can't be serious, right? If anything happens to you then, God." He paused and weight his every words. "I don't even know why should we discuss this? Kid, you know I am about to get assigned to a different location. How can I do this request? It's impossible. And I still don't approve this plan. N-E-V-E-R. You heard that? Never!"
"I have another friend. She knows everything. She'll help us." She grinned. "I can send you a helicopter if you need a ride, Hyung." She was willing to beg on her knees.
He looked at her. He could sense that she was dead serious and all he felt was pity. There are things that money can't really buy. But for someone like her she would do anything to ensure her plans will work. He had so much respect for her family and he owed them big time. He couldn't believe he'll have the kind of predicament. But he couldn't turn a blind eye about her special request.
Present...
Though her birthday is few days away Irene would need to go to Seoul early so she can see Lisa on her special day. She picked and arranged the flowers herself. Her mom couldn't come with her due to her on going back pain.
It was such a very pleasant sunny morning when Irene arrived at the cemetery. As usual she cleaned up and settled the fresh flowers she brought with her.
"Hi, Love." Irene cheerfully greeted Lisa. "I wonder why you are no longer showing up even in my dreams? Did I do something wrong?" She opened one bottle of soju and poured it on the glass. "I know you're not a drinker and I still wonder why you made this odd request as if you'll be able to drink it." She squatted and picked the unwanted grass growing on Lisa's grave.
"Did you know I met someone who shared the same energy like you? She's not from Busan and she acts just like you. I wonder if she's someone from Gangnam-gu. You know where elite people live."
"I actually like her as a friend. It feels like you're just around when she's with me. I know it's crazy that after all these years I just decided to celebrate my birthday here. So I'll be staying here until my birthday. Her name is Seulgi and I also invited her. It's the first time I would be celebrating my birthday after you've gone. I'm kinda nervous because we're not really close. Joy and Yeri are getting intrigued to know her as well. As if something is going on. It's not really a big deal. I am just making new friends and trying to blend in to the society."
Irene continued to talk to Lisa as if she can be heard when suddenly someone called her.
"Irene?"
She turned around only to get surprised to see unexpected person. Seulgi looked like a panda with her obvious pair of eye bags. She wasn't able to get enough sleep because of Irene's invitation but she needed to see Lisa on her birthday so she still got up early. But didn't really arrive early. She went to the mall first to buy her new friend a gift but took some time to decide if it was appropriate for the occasion. She didn't want to be obvious so she chose something elegant but not too extravagant. A white gold bracelet that would compliment Irene's complexion. Upon seeing Irene she shared the same reaction. She couldn't help but to be amused of the coincidence.
"Seulgi? What brings you here?" Irene realized she's in Seoul and Seulgi possibly has relatives in the same cemetery because she was carrying a huge bouquet of long stem sunflowers.
"You're talking in front of my friend's grave." Seulgi pointed out looking all confused. She wanted to compliment Irene but couldn't bring herself to say it when she had a lot of questions running inside her head.
"You know Lisa?" Irene beat Seulgi with the question.
"Oh my God!!! Don't tell me your Lisa's other best friend. The one she would talk all about whenever she visited me at the hospital." Seulgi was completely surprised upon realizing she met Lisa's best friend unknowingly. She even spent some time with her to watch a Tom and Jerry film at the classic movie house.
"So you are Bear?" Irene chuckled. "No wonder I have this familiar feelings with you. I am comfortable around you. Wow, Lisa had been planning for us to meet several times before but college was too hectic. I never imagine to meet you unexpectedly."
Seulgi paused and thought briefly. "Does this means, she's the friend you are in love with?" She already knew the answer but couldn't help but to confirm it from Irene.
The two turned silent for awhile. Irene was the one to break it. "I never miss a single birthday of her. I always come to Seoul so I can visit her." She said with a trace of sadness.
Seulgi noticed the soju, "So you're the one pouring her a drink. You're also the one who left the yellow umbrella here on her death anniversary." She couldn't help but shook her head every time she unveiled the truth.
"And you're the one she was referring with that someone's gonna drink with her so I must pour her a drink during special occasions." Irene connected the dots.
"You monkey! How did you plan all this huh?" Seulgi asked and stomped like a child having tantrums. "Gosh!"
"Maybe she really wanted us to meet but it wasn't the right time yet before. Did you miss her that is why you came to Busan?"
"Yeah, I wanted to see what made her stay there. I realized it wasn't the place itself. I know now the answer for my questions." Seulgi explained.
"Lisa was talking about you every chance she got. She was very worried for you. She's such an amazing friend to think her friends first before herself."
"You're right but I know now that it's really you who made her stay there." Seulgi teased. "She loved you so much Irene. So it wasn't an unrequited love after all. Just like you she was really afraid to tell her real feelings. If only you know the lengths she went through about the decision to get herself a ride. She badly want to impress you and I suggested to get your favorite color." She figured the scooter was Lisa's ride. So it has a sentimental value for Irene.
Irene simply nodded. "Gosh, we should have met earlier. It took us four years to meet. My friends will be happy to meet you knowing you have connections with Lisa. This would also take forever to talk all about her. I wanted to know what she was like around you and Wendy." She was very enthusiastic about knowing more about her late best friend.
"Yeah, I am sure she either talked about me or my ex lover." Seulgi felt wrong about having a crush with Irene knowing she was the one Lisa loved so much. She thought she needed to draw a line before she fall more. The two shared more stories about their lives when Lisa was around. Irene was correct it would be a never ending talk.
"Uhm, Irene would you like to grab a lunch together? I didn't notice the time." Seulgi invited. She should be at work but chose to ditch it because she could not afford to just leave Irene there.
"Don't you have a work today?"
"I can report anytime I want. My schedule is flexible and it is not like I am slacking with my work. The company won't be down if I am not around." Seulgi scratched her nape. She felt like a kid lying to her teacher.
They bid Lisa goodbyes and continued talking all the way to the restaurant. It was really a wonderful thing that Lisa both binded them together. Their common denominator is her even she no longer exists.
"Irene, I remember this one time, maybe around her 40th day. I had an operation and still recovering. Wendy forgot to give me my plane ticket which Lisa purchased in advance. So I happened to miss my flight. I didn't know she was gone. I only found out late and I couldn't feel guiltier. She's like a brother to me and even when she's gone she ensured I would be able to accept and moved on. But Lisa failed big time. I really turned miserable. It was never easy to just accept her death. She's too young. I knew her since highschool days and I knew nothing about her heart condition." Seulgi's head was low. She was really feeling down whenever she recalled how she figured everything later. She thought she could have done something for Lisa. Or spent more time with her instead of being consumed by her poor self-esteem and desperation about her physical health. Her friend was dying there but she was full of positive energy. She was optimistic about so many things and would never give in through life challenges while she chose to be left in darkness. She kinda felt she failed Lisa in so many things.
Irene didn't hesitate to raise Seulgi's chin. She had been at the same path as well. She was not completely healed but she knew Seulgi through what Lisa just told her. She grew concern for Seulgi even she had not met her before because Lisa cherished her mono eyelid friend. She felt responsible and should do something to cheer her up.
"Hey, it's not really your fault so please don't feel down. I also thought like that before and blamed everything on myself. Lisa had her reasons. Maybe even she planned everything ahead, God had his own plan for everyone. I believe I supposed to meet you at the Caribbean Island on her 40th. And yeah no one showed up. It was funny while I was there it felt like Lisa was following me around.
"Perhaps it must be that time when I missed my flight." Seulgi's eyes glowed. "Imagined if we met that time. It must be awkward for both of us. At that time I was still madly in love with my ex and I didn't like mingling with other people."
"Do you think she's really setting us up to meet so we can both healed together?"
Seulgi shrugged. She wasn't sure what was Lisa's real intention. She was still hoping that Wendy and her would get back together.
"But we manage to become better even we haven't met each other." Irene explained.
"I think that monkey wanted us to take care each other because we were both special to her. She couldn't do it so she entrusted things to us. But her initial plan didn't work out. We met by fate Irene." Seulgi emphasized it to Irene. It was not Lisa's doing while they met each other. She wasn't able to comply to her late friend's request. First she missed the flight, second she lost her contact with Tzuyu when she was in Switzerland. She thought maybe Irene was also abroad at the time.
"Maybe Lisa is still guiding us."
"Yeah, maybe." Seulgi agreed.
The two become more open and comfortable with each other like they met long time ago. They definitely consider each other as friends after the revelation. Time seemed not enough since they were really enjoying each other's company.
"Gosh, I really need to head to Joy's place. I didn't notice the time. She has bombarded me several messages. Maybe she's worried because I wasn't answering her calls. My phone is always muted whenever I visit the cemetery." Irene felt bad that she made her friend worry again about her.
"I can drop you off there. It is not a problem with me." Seulgi willingly offered. "Taking a bus would take you forever. It's already peak hours and most employees are off their shifts."
Irene considered her suggestion. "Let me just leave Joy a message real quick. She might look for me. She's like that. When I am here she would act like my baby sitter."
"It's rare to have a friend as concern as her. I wonder how she looks like."
"She's a giant towering over me. Maybe taller than Lisa. I have another friend. Her name is Yeri. Yeri and I have almost the same height. She calls us midgets. Joy is kinda mean to us."
"What a bully." Seulgi commented half jokingly.
"I got used to them. Yeri is the biggest bully so please take note of this. She and Joy will be at my birthday too. You'll be able to meet them. They were friends with Lisa too."
"I'll put that on mind. Shall we get going?" Seulgi suggested. She was disregarding the constant vibrations of her phone inside her purse. She made it not obvious to Irene but she was sure a lot of people were trying to get a hold of her. She had been MIA since morning. She supposed to have a lunch meeting and was not able to cancel it ahead of time. She just hoped her secretary took the initiative to do her job on her behalf.
She really wanted to keep Irene longer. She knew she won't get another chance to see her until her birthday. She thought 2 days would seem long. And after that there won't be any chance unless she got lucky. Irene would be back in Busan where she belonged. She had been itching to confirm something with Irene but she decided to wait. She left when Irene finally got inside Joy's place.
SEULGI'S POV
I headed to the office to get my stuff so I can work at home. I had a lot of pending works due to my absence. The moment I entered the floor I saw my secretary busy on the phone and Jisoo ran to me. I wondered why she's even here.
"OH MY GOD!" Jisoo welcome me with a worried face and immediately pulled me for a hug. My secretary looked relieve as well the moment she heard Jisoo and followed where she was heading. She gestured my secretary. "Please call her parents and her brother. Let them know she's back." She looked at me searching anything from my face to my arms. "Are you okay? You are not hurt or anything?"
This hit me. I made Jisoo worried like crazy. I should have checked my phone. I returned the hug as tight as I could. No one cared for me like this. Lisa is gone. Seungwan has changed. Aside from my family if anyone genuinely cares for me then that's gonna be Jisoo. She met me at my worst and yet she still stayed by my side. And she accepted my flaws. It made me a bit teary. All I saw in front of me was a woman full of compassion but I never returned her kindness.
"Where were you? They called me. They said you missed your meeting and you did not report at the office at all. It is very unusual. Your family is sick worried. Your brother said he would report at the police station after 24 hrs. I even went at the cemetery but I don't know where Lisa's grave located at so I just went here and waited hoping you would show up. We've been trying to reach you."
"Hey," I tried to get her attention.
"You weren't answering our calls and messages. You-"
"I'm here now. I was out with a friend. It was stupid of me not to care about other people. I am sorry, Soo." I felt bad for her.
"Please don't ever do that again. Please let us know if you needed to go elsewhere."
"Yes, I won't do it again. Please calm down. I am here now." I caressed her face. It never suits Jisoo's pretty face to look worried. How dare I cause her so much stress?
I led Jisoo inside my office and told my secretary that I would need some time off and clear my schedule for the next following days. I also said my sincere apology. As well as thanking her for representing me at the meeting earlier. I have a lot of explaining to do especially to my family. Also I wanted to spend my whole day with Jisoo tomorrow. I got Jisoo a glass of water to calm her down. She may not show it but I know she was all tensed up. I held her hands. And looked at her. She returned it by looking at me lovingly. I don't deserved her. I felt terrible.
I thought thoroughly. Whenever I am with Irene I would forget about everything and just wanted to stay by her side at expense of letting other people down. Jisoo didn't deserve to be treated like this. I should make up my mind and choose her. While I myself was being confused about what I really felt for Irene. It must be just a crush. Something that will pass after some time.
I wanted to clear my mind. And Irene sending me a short thank you message messed up my head again. I've been staring on her message for too long and forgot that I wasn't alone. I let go of Jisoo's hands and just did nothing.
"Is there something wrong?" Jisoo asked. "Did something happen?"
I smiled at her, "No, it is just nothing. Just a thank you message from a friend."
"If it is just a thank you message then why do you looked so bother? Who does this message come from?"
"Soo, it's really nothing." I assured her.
"Fine, but I just wanted to say this." She looked at me like she could read through me. "Something has changed. I don't know what exactly changed and how it happened. You looked happier but I kinda felt left out. I am quite unsure and it scared me, Seulgi. You were never like this. You were smiling when you arrived. We were all worried for nothing and you cared less."
"Soo..."
"I am happy if there's someone making you this happy. No need to explain yourself." I could feel she wanted to show me that she still has pride left for herself.
"Sooyaaa, it is not like that. I met someone and she happened to be Lisa's best friend. We have so many things in common and that's all. Maybe I am just overwhelmed. I won't trade whatever we have right now for something temporary. But I'll be honest. My feelings are confusing myself too. There's something about her that I need to figure myself. But believe me I don't think this is something serious."
"Is she prettier?" Her voice cracked. She was being jealous of course. I made her felt like that.
I couldn't answer that. Jisoo is really pretty just like Irene. So I don't know who stands out more. And besides I know Jisoo better. Of course I should say it's Jisoo.
"Why can't you answer a simple question, Kang Seulgi?" She smiled bitterly at me. I was really hurting her.
"She's pretty. Both of you are. But I don't really know her, Soo. I told you I just met her recently."
"That's the problem here. You just met her and you were acting like a love sick puppy. Something you never did to me. I already told you even my beauty can't bother you. But there's this woman who just effortlessly does nothing and she got you under her spell. It made me feel small than I already am. No, it got me insecure. I felt that I am not enough, Seul. All of my efforts are wasted in just a blink of an eye. She happened and I have no place in your heart anymore just because of her."
I thought I just saw her teared up but she blinked right away. "Kim Jisoo, that's not true. All of your efforts for me from day one until now are highly appreciated. I just need some time to think this through. She's still in love with Lisa. She does not see me as someone she could fall in love with. I am just trying to be friends with her and decided to draw a line. I can't replace Lisa for sure and I have no intention to be her replacement."
"What about if Lisa wasn't even involved? I don't think you can say those things. You won't be acting like this if you are not attracted to her, Seulgi. You can fool people and make us believe you but never yourself. You know you like this woman."
Jisoo was absolutely right. I was just in denial. I liked Irene instantly the moment I met her but she's just too difficult to handle at first. Because I knew nothing and was clueless at that time. Attitude is something I value more. Then when I got to know her more, I felt closer to her. Worst, I felt even angry because of her bestfriend at first. Only to find out it was Lisa. Why it have to be Irene? I can never love the same person. Lisa was a friend. Or is this what she really wanted? Why did she set me up to meet her in the Caribbean Island and probably in Switzerland? It was something I wanted to ask Irene earlier if she had been to Switzerland too. I had a gut feeling I already met her in Switzerland and that's the first one if I wasn't mistaken.
"I can't explain myself, Sooyaaa. I am just so sorry." I weakly said.
"Sort your feelings out, Seulgi. Give me a clear answer when you are ready." Jisoo grabbed her purse harshly and turned her heels. She went straight to the door.
"Where are you going?" I stupidly asked what was obvious already.
"I will leave you alone to give you some time to think. I don't want you to get pressured because of me. Whatever your decision then I'll accept and understand fully."
The moment Jisoo was out of sight I kicked my desk and regretted it. "Awwwtsss, stupid!" Pile of paper works dropped including the parcel I set aside few days ago.
"Love is complicated. I should have learned from my failed relationship." I reached out for the parcel and stared at the hand writing. "Seungwan, you really set the bar too high. Now, I am having hard time to love again. And if I do it gets complicated too. What should I do? Irene is Lisa's one true love. Jisoo is someone who was with me through difficult times. But my heart and mind don't gets along. I need to sort this out and choose."
My eyes focused on the parcel and about to open it when Irene called me. I immediately picked up the call.
"Hey, I was just wondering about the food you like. You haven't gave me your list. So I can buy everything tomorrow."
"Eh? You just call for that?"
"Yeah? Also can you tell me where is the nearby supermarket in Joy's area? She gave me the instructions but I am poor with following the gps. I wonder if you can tell me the nearest supermatket that is just a walking distance from here. Both of my friends have work tomorrow so I need to buy the ingredients alone."
"There's none. You have to take a cab or bus. But I can accompany you tomorrow. You might get lost in the city." I offered. "My schedule is clear the entire day so I can go with you."
"Are you sure? Are you a CEO or something? I don't think it's a good idea to skip another day of work." Irene reminded me like I was a kid. "You were not able to go to work earlier. I don't want to burden you."
"Nuh, I can accompany you tomorrow and it won't be a problem. You were too kind with me when I was in Busan. This is the least I can do for you since you are in Seoul and your friends aren't available. Lisa would be mad at me if I don't offer you a ride knowing the circumstance." I assured her.
"Alright, if you say so. Please be here early."
"Aye, aye, Ma'am!" I happily confirmed.
"Bye, Seul. I need to cook for my friends."
The call ended and I was floating high. "Yay! I'll see her again!" I said with full of satisfaction. "I should really help her around. It is not like she'll be here in the city forever. Lisa would appreciate whatever I am doing for sure." I convinced myself about my hasty decision.
My attention went back to the parcel and tossed it aside. "Nuh, I'll check it later. I don't think it's something urgent. I need to go home and check what to wear for tomorrow. I need to look decent. Aish, why am I being nervous it's not a date? I will just accompany her."
Then Jisoo suddenly crossed my mind. "Fuck! The hell I am doing? Tomorrow should be set aside to fix everything with Jisoo." I shook my head a couple time. "Uh, never mind, I am not doing anything wrong. I am just being nice because Irene and her mother were nice to me. It's returning the favor. It's not like I asked her out for a date. I shouldn't feel guilty. Lisa would be scolding me if I let her girl alone. Irene needs a driver. That's what I amjust going to do. To accompany and drive her to the supermarket." It's ridiculous analogy but it's my way of convincing myself I was doing nothing but being friendly to a friend's friend.