I feel incomplete without a little sprinkle of drama in GFC ;)
Hey, long time no see? I hope to see you at the end of this story.
Love,
-Keith❤️
Ryujin's Point of View..
To the one who bears the most scars,
Today seems not to rain, you should come out to see the sun. It's a little late morning after nine but you need to see how the clouds were bleeding azure brilliants. It's time to breathe after a while;
your eyes don't bear the same brown shade
but they're still reflecting beautiful sunset
your hair's mess, your lips are chapped
and yet; you've bear deep cured cuts
you're that yellow iris in the wilds,
I saw you growing rare petals
like it didn't budge in thunders,
you rose out of the scariest outskirts
yes, you did
little dandelions are flying
to reach your wishes darling,
they'll go to the moon;
ask the constellation and stars
to carry your scars
After all, you are the brightest of all that shines. You don't have the same kind because you were raised and groomed in the wilderness, in bare lands of nothing but wars. You brawl into disasters and now you've reached this far keeping up the fight.
Come out to see the sun shine tapping your windowpane. The wind is blowing into your direction waiting for you to come with the waves.
Selfless you are,
with all those scars
I am with you wherever your feet land a battle, I am your strength—
my stronger self.
I casually recited in my head. It became my hobby reminiscing my sister's poetries when I'm in a deep thought. I sighed because I'm going to see her later.
"You weren't lying that you're just going to use the leverage of us dating to be free from the corporation and date Lia, were you?" I close my sister's old notebook as I heard Yeji's voice. She was posing a half smile, a little worried, and almost looked jealous.
"To be fair, I've always been honest and vocal to you that there's no chance of us getting back together. I'm not getting anyone's hopes up. Except for Lia. Because I actually do want her to have hope about us." I exhaled loudly and looked at the GFC building in front of us.
"You're really in love with her, no? It's funny to think that I used to be on the receiving end of that admiration of yours." Yeji lowly said. I saw in my peripheral vision that she mimicked my stance, looking across the street staring at the huge GFC building.
"It's funny how you cheated on me with our best friend, Yeji." I chuckled.
"Did you forget about Zephora, Ryujin? I came back to you. Looked for you everywhere when you disappeared only to know you already have a kid. With someone totally outrageously.. hideous. What did you expect me to do?" Yeji calmly explained her side. Right. All this time, she thinks that Zephora was mine. Except from Heejin Unnie, Yeonjun, our parents, Chaeryeong, Lia, me.. everyone else was completely clueless about Zeph's life.
"Zephora is not biologically mine. She's not my daughter." I admitted casually with a thrift smile. This time, looking at her surprised reaction.
"W-what?" She instantly whipped her head to face me. "What do you mean?"
"She's Heejin Unnie's and Yeonjun's, Yeji. Not mine." Now, this is probably not the perfect time to drop that bomb on her.
"But y-you said--"
"I was scared shitless. With my sister dropping all of her responsibility towards me, Zephora being really young and innocent with all of our mess, me wanting to succeed in life and make our parents proud, me wanting to study still, and me wanting to enjoy my life.. in exchange of my sister's dreams. It wasn't easy to choose. Heck I've wanted to be selfish. But I realized, I basically told my sister to keep Zeph. Partly, I was at fault. Eventhough I never regretted anything about Zephora, I used to think about how my life would have turned out if I only told people the truth. I thought about it a lot. Especially you. I used to love you very much and you know that. You were my best friend, my confidant, my ride or die.." I looked at Yeji's teart eyes still with a slight smile. How we ended was surely sad and somehow tragic, but I have no regrets about it. "I wanted to tell you.. but maybe I was too stupid to tell you right away."
"You could have told me.. you could have told me, Ryujin!" Yeji's tears slowly streamed down her face. While it still hurt me to watch her being like this because of me, I at least, owe her an explanation why I suddenly disappeared. "I-I could have helped you.. I could have lifted some of that weight.. I know you love your sister.. but going that far.. I don't understand." I understand why her thoughts are in shambles right now. Yeji always try to understand everything rationally. Probably except that one time she slept with Chaeryeong.
"While I still don't have an answer as to why I did that for my sister aside from the fact that I love her very much, I think I now know why I refused to tell you." I smiled genuinely reaching for the hanky that she gave to Lia. I stole it, yes. For the reason to return it. There is no reason for my future wife to keep something that belongs to my ex-girlfriend. "It is for the gods to let myself meet Lia. The person who would love me unconditionally, for who and what I am, to love my whole existence as a whole."
"I used to love you just like that, Ryuddaeng.. Despite everything, I loved you with all of my heart. And I still do." Yeji's voice was almost pleading. Causing for some of the bypassers to look in our direction with pity. They might be thibking that we're going through a break up right now.
"I know.. but maybe, it was my love for you that was not just enough." I admitted probably putting the last nail on the coffin of her hope.
"I'm.. truly, madly, deeply in love with Lia. And I'm not going to let anything get in between with the chance of us being together." As soon as I said it, I felt a huge weight was lifted over my shoulders. It felt nice to say.
It was not nice to say to a person who I know that is still in love with me, but it was best to end it this way. Not giving anyone false hopes like I used to before.
Don't forget
to congratulate yourself
for surviving
It's something you need to be proud of
After all those dried tears left on your pillow,
suicidal thoughts that keep visiting you,
and words like sword dragging your self-esteem down
Look at you
You're still standing
Cause you chose to continue the battle
than hiding yourself away from it
You made it
And you will again..
LITERALLY.
Panic took over the cemetery.. a few loud screams coming from our circle, gasp of exasperation, panic in silence but it shows in their eyes. One of them was from Lia's.. she clearly wanted to run. But was stuck on her tracks.. and I instantly felt bad.
It was not a good idea.
"W-we have to call an ambulance. Call the fucking ambulance!" I heard Yuna scream who was beside my best friend.
"Who? Me? I don't know the emergency number!" Chaeryeong answered instinctively.
"You remember everything in the book but not a three digit number?! Fuck off!" I heard Shuhua saying with a sassy tone. Wait, what is she doing here?
"Chaeyoungie! Chaeyoungie!" Mina hysterically calling out her girlfriend's name, she was crying.. perfectly. While I just looked at the retreating figure of the person who did this, I couldn't help but smile. And shook my head.
I made sure that Zephora did not wake up from the commotion by taking both my hands to cover her ears.
"Hey, Son Chaeyoung. They left. You can resurrect from the dead now." I said while kicking her left hip. But she was probably too immersed with her acting that she continue to play dead. "HEY--"
"HOLY FUCK THAT SCARED THE SHIT OUT OF ME!" Son Chaeyoung said whilst sitting up abruptly from lying down on the ground.. "Hey, Shin Ryujin! What was that bitch thinking?! We talked about getting shot once! Not thrice! Does she still have grudges with me because Mina chose me over her?! What if one of the bullets went through my body?! I could've seriously died!" She said while unbuttoning her top checking on the bulletproof vest that she wore beforehand.
"You're alive. And besides, we owe her one. This is the least that we can do for her. Geez." I calmly answered while looking at her dead on the eyes.
"Yeah. I'm alive. But a few minutes ago I thought I was going to die." She answered with a glare. "Do you know that she planned to kill me? Did you plot it two? I wouldn't be surprised if you did! You're jealous because Lia likes me more than you, asshole." Chaeyoung accused as I glared at her. Lia likes her more than me?
"Are you sure you should be saying that right now Son Chaeyoung?" Mina Unnie beat me from calling off her girlfriend. "What's with this?! And why didn't I know that you have something stored like this? Why is Yeji's parents going to jail?"
"Your girlfriend can explain--"
"Just fucking talk already. I'm tired of you people going on circles." I flinched when I heard Chaeryeong cuss. It's a very rare occassion that she does. "I wouldn't care that much if it wasn't Zephora being here aside from the fact that you're being very disrespectful to your sister's wake. Ryujin, have you gone mad? What if Zephora woke up and saw everything? Would you be able to explain this? Would you be sure this won't leave a scar on your child? What were you two thinking?!" Chaeryeong pointed out at Chaeyoung and me. And I understand where she was coming from. I sighed and opened my mouth to talk only to close it again. I feel scrutinized under their gaze especially Lia's. "Now, talk. Don't leave a single fucking information or I'm going to behead you. It wouldn't be hard to bury you here, Ryujin." My eyes widened at her statement. If there are times that I'm actually scared of her, it's times like this. I sighed heavily and started explaining what has been going on.
Flashback..
"Do you really plan on taking the downfall of the corporation?" I asked out loud as I looked at Yeji's parents faces.
"It would be more reasonable to make them believe that they won. This is just a little sacrifice. This won't take long. They won't stay in jail." My sister said with a sigh.
"What do you think, Son Chaeyoung?" I asked the other person in the room who looks a bit lost.
"I feel like we're missing something.. are you sure that this is going to be a good idea? Aren't we rushing things?" She's right. We're definitely rushing things. We still don't have things to vindicate the corporation.. but I feel like it's now or never. We'll lost the game and won't be able to come back out. I have to do what we can do as soon as possible.
"Yeji might know someone that can help.." I swiftly whipped my head towards Yeji's father. "Ryujin, I definitely want you and my daughter to be together and I understand that you're doing this for a whole different person. But you can trust Yeji. We don't plan on meddling with your life that's why we're doing this. And we feel responsible for this mess as you're well aware that we're one of the original founders of the corporation." He sighed but smiled nonetheless. "We also know that Zephora is not your kid. I wonder what would have happened if only Yeji asked you about the truth behind your disappearance.. we could have had an adorable little grand daughter.. -ish." He added subtly as he looked at my sister's direction.
"W-wait.. Zephora is not your daughter?!" Chaeyoung hysterically asked. I lifted an eyebrow upon her exaggerated response. Why does she care?
"I do know someone.. and Yeji might also know her." I answered completely disregarding Chaeyoung's outburst. "I think it will be better if Yeji stays out of this.. I want as much as few people knowing about what we're doing right now." I sighed and looked at Yeji's parents.
"You know, Ryujin, I've always liked you for our daughter. I've always known that you're a very intelligent kid. I've always loved how you and Yeji looked together. And partly the reason why I'm agreeing into this is because I know that my daughter won't hesitate to help you. I just hope that you don't hurt my daughter even more than she's hurting right now at the thought of completely losing you to a Choi." Yeji's parents are very kind people. I've never heard them utter a single nasty word about other people even though they were a very priviledged family. I am so thankful that they were very supportive of other people's sexuality despite them being raised in a conservative country. "You and Heejin are very different and very much alike at the same time. Imagine falling in love with the same bloodline." Yeji's mother shook her head in disbelief.
"I'm really thankful with your help, Aunt Hwang, Uncle Hwang. I don't know how to repay you with your kindness." I honestly muttered and slightly bowed my head as a sign of sincerity.
"You're like a daughter to us, Ryujin. I'm surprised not to see a certain Lee with you though. I'm not complaining with a Son inside my house albeit." Uncle Hwang pointed out with a slight smile. "Are you and Chaeryeong all right?" I looked up at them a little bit surprised. "I heard that she's rather busy with another Shin? I can't believe you all grew up to be gays." He let out a hysterical manly laugh and I couldn't help but to shyly join him. That's right. I couldn't believe that we'll all grow up into something in common, being into girls.
"Uhm.. Uncle Hwang, Aunt Hwang, I'll make a quick phone call to a certain someone. I'll invite her over here. Please, excuse me." I politely asked as I stood up.
"Go ahead. Let's be quick, all right? Your old man is a little bit busy today." I nodded my head as I walked further enough away from them for my conversation to be private. I dialled another person's number I know that could be of help.
I sighed heavily as I prayed that I won't regret calling someone from the corporation. Son Chaeyoung will kill her.
---
"The Myoui's are facing a lawsuit after Girlfriend Corporation's operations got exposed."
I lifted an eyebrow as I read the caption of today's news. I shut off the television as I looked at the faces inside the room. Wait, where is my sister?
"I can't believe that you actually pulled this off, Ryujin.. Your contract would end now, right? You'll be free!" Lia squealed happily throwing herself onto my arms as I happily reciprocated the warm hug. I sighed. I wish I could tell her that we still have a long battle ahead.
"Hey, Lia. It's not just your girlfriend, you know? I did most of this for my girlfriend!" I glared at Son Chaeyoung and rolled my eyes. As much as I don't want yo admit, she was such a big help obtaining informations. Something that I struggled for months.
"I don't care about you, Chaeyoung. Go beg for praises to your girlfriend." Lia answered sarcastically and hugged me again shortly after. I couldn't help but smirk at Son Chaeyoung.
"Mina Unnie, your girlfriend might got a praise kink.." I muttered and laughed loudly. Both of them blushed and looked at each other for a brief moment and then looked away shortly after. "What the? Is it true?" I laughed even more at the newly found information.
"What? A praise kink? Is that even a thing?" I stopped laughing and looked at Lia who pulled away from the hug and is now at my side looking at Chaeyoung. It was now my time to blush. My girlfriend, so innocent and fragile.
"You should probably step your game up considering your girlfriend's innocence, Ryujin." It was now Chaeyoung's turn to taunt me as I felt my cheeks getting hotter. I fanned myself using my hand and looked at Lia's confused face.
I just shook my head and was about to say something when I received a phone call. It was from an unknown number. I raised an eyebrow since there's only one person who calls me that I did not bother saving their digits.
I slide the screen to answer and motioned for the people inside the room to be quiet.
"Shin Ryujin! Thank God you answered right away! Y-your sister.. I can't find your sister. Heck I didn't even see her. I-I need your help--"
"Wait wait. What do you mean you haven't seen her? Weren't you supposed to be together?!" I felt my heart thugged for some reason. I felt it tightening inside my chest. I couldn't breath properly.
Lia stood up standing beside me with a worried expression, placing her hand on my waist. I calmed a bit from her soothing touch.
"I-I saw her with Choi Yeonjun yesterday before we went here! I did not have a choice but to start the operation even without her. Ryujin, I have a feeling about this. Get your ass in here and look for your sister. They can't get suspiscious of me. The whole plan will be ruined." While still nervous, I managed to fish out the keys to my bike and nodded my head vigorously as if the latter would see me doing so.
I ended the phone call and was about to exit the room when I felt a soft hand grabbing on to my wrist. I looked back at the only person who can cause a whirlpool in my stomach with her mere stare. Even when she's showing a horrified expression, she still managed to be the most beautiful person in my eyes.
"I'm coming with you." She said as she guided me towards the exit not minding the other two people inside the room and left.
---
Seeing your sister jumping off a skyscraper is probably the most traumatic thing you'll ever witness. And knowing damn well that she have always wanted it. I know that she wanted peace, but not like this.
We are so close at winning.. she could have witnessed us being free. If she have waited for a little more. But who am I kidding? It's not my place to tell when someone should give up or prolong their suffering more.
I wanted to give up too.. a long time ago. But seeing Zephora, thinking about our responsibilities with her, she became the sole reason for me to fight everyday. And now that I have Lia, I want to try my harder. I want to be better.
Especially thinking about a future with Zephora and Lia by my side. I envision a family with them two.
But I'm hurting right now. Losing my sister in that way is the last thing that I wanted to happen.
"You have to be strong, Ryujin. Suck it up." I whispered to myself with a heavy sigh. I jolted when I felt a pair of arms circling around my waist from behind. I felt myself getting relieved upon smelling the familiar vanilla scent.
"I'm here. You don't have to do these things alone. Not anymore." I teared up upon hearing Lia's soothing voice. How can I be this lucky to have someone as amazing as her? How can she still find in heart to forgive me after all the things that I did and hurt her in more ways than one?
I held her hands and unclasped them as I turned around to face her. I put her hands on my waist and I brought mine to cup her face. She smiled. A smile that always melt my heart. A smile that could light my world up. I reciprocated her smile with a small but genuine one, as I leaned in for my forehead to touch hers.
"You.. deserve the world, baby. I promise to win this. Wait for me, hmm?" I said determined. Not minding the cracking of my voice from holding back my tears. She nodded with a smile plastered on her beautiful face. Even though all I did and say to her was wait, I never heard her complain. Well, aside from that time where she was hurting.
"You don't have to tell me that." She answered bringing a soft smile onto my lips.
You're one hell of a lucky bastard, Ryujin.
For many lifetimes will pass, but 'til the very last of mine. Surely, I will be led to you. And when it comes to the end of all, we'd be stars shining the endless skies at night, granting wishes and granting lights. Darling, you're more beautiful than them, how much more if you shine like one?
I took flight with broken wings and sailed the sea with a wrecked ship. I go down to different rusty dungeons only to find that my place doesn't belong to any of its bars.
I tried to place my ear on the mossy woods and inhale its plunging smell, just to know that my favorite sound wasn't in a forest.
I tried my best, to search the sky — under the clouds, on the spikes of stars, on the heat of the raging sun, and even in the coldness of the moon; to find out that whispers aren't meant to stay there, and the voice I hear all day and night wasn't all here.
So then, I tried — I tried to go on a valor, to be a voyager. I go to one island to another: I searched under the stones, I explored caves, and go to hidden places.
But I realized, I wasn't seeking for a treasure.
And when I came back, after the long escaped, after the trials, after the search, after finding the incomplete to complete, after hoping for something, and after been insane — I was welcomed by 'you'.
There, after so many travels and searching, these arms always feel like heaven, ocean, and islands.
Because you are my only final destination.
Choi Lia, you will be the death of my own fragile heart.
---
Seo Soojin, despite not being involved with the corporation not until a few months ago managed to help us garnering informations with the use of her former client; who was fortunately linked with the corporation itself. Or his parents. Hui was a nice guy. No wonder why Soojin actually trusted him.
But I did not. I like no man.
Chaeryeong, refused to hand over the documents she found out so I stole them. Causing for her to actually get pretty pissed off me. Thinking that I surrendered it to Miss Myoui.
Yeji, who helped us gather as many media exposure as we needed by the time we decided to publicize the corporation's dark deeds.
Mina Unnie, who "disappeared" to know what's going on inside the corporation. From transactions to new clients, investors and members. She would secretly tell us the things that we have no means of knowing without being suspiscious.
Son Chaeyoung, who was a one heck of a scary worker and stalker, worked for Yeji, Chaeryeong, Soojin, Heejin Unnie, and me separately to gather information faster. She managed to do more than I ever did for the past three months. Yes, she did all of that for Mina Unnie.. funny how and what love can actually do to a person. She even managed to know the roots and nature of the corporation.
And..
"Hello, kiddos. Let's put an end to this motherfucking corporation, shall we?" I looked up at the last person we have been talking to these past weeks.
She is a necessary piece in this game.
And she's fucking good at it too.
---
"The Hwangs has been released after the false accusations about them being the head of The Girlfriend Corporation who was recently brought in fire for trafficking and drug charges."
"Now, let's wait for the truth to come out." I sighed. I invited them over to my apartment after my sister's burial. It was a little uncomfortable to talk about something so serious in a cemetery.
They all nodded in unison as I adjusted on my seat. Lia who was beside me kept awfully quiet which made it even more nerve-wrecking.
After we arrived here, Lia tucked my daughter inside her room and proceeded on taking the sit beside me. For some reason, I feel like she's mad at me.
I heaved a deep sigh again before looking at the people inside my living. It's odd to see people this many with my company.
Mina Unnie who was being her usual self, quiet and reserved and seemed like in a deep thought. Beside her was Son Chaeyoung who was clearly sulking. Probably because the former was not talking to her about what happened earlier.
Shuhua and Soojin on the other side of the room, the younger woman clinging onto to the latter who seemed to be annoyed with holding a smile to creep into her lips. Ehuhua was talking about going to Egypt while Soojin wanted to go to LA. They are a cute couple, I guess?
Chaeryeong and Yuna who started arguing about someone named Wonyoung after we went quiet. I overheard that Yuna was texting the other girl while they were together. Which Yuna answered along the lines of, "How am I not going to talk to her when she's my thesis partner?" I never knew that Chaeryeong was the jealous type. I shook my head and smiled a little.
Another little couple to protect.
And Yeji who was pacing back and forth on the corner still on edge about what happened to her parents. I heaved a sigh.
As I turned to the woman beside me, I couldn't help but be nervous.
"Am I in trouble?" I asked carefully. Lia did not flinch or even acknowledged my question instead, she sighed and abruptly stood up causing for all of us to look at her.
She did not say anything and just went to Yuna and asked her to come with her. I raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but be worried.
"We just received a report that SKPD made an arrest for the Shin Incorporated being linked to The Girlfriend Corporation. Just this morning, they arrested the owners of Hwang Corporation and is set to be released today too. We are still clarifying the grounds of arrest as the police department refused to release an official statement regarding this. Tune in as we air live the interview--"
I looked at Yeji who was now obviously relieved with the news. Chaeryeong casually turned off the television and looked at me.
"It's still not clear how you did it, Ryujin. And I'm curious." Chaeryeong pointed out as I smirked and shrugged.
"I'm more curious about what's Lia and Yuna are talking about." I mumbled under my breath. What's taking them so long? I miss her. I sighed and I feel myself frowning from the thought.
"Tlk. Let them be. They are best friends who we should just call basically sisters. Stop being nosy, Ryujin. Unless you're jealous with my woman too?" Chaeryeong asked with a raised eyebrow. Her woman?
Also, me? Jealous of Yuna? Tss. That's like being jealous with her sister. Pure bullshit. Impossible. Ridiculous.
A little smirk played on her lips. My expression might have gave away my question. Are they together now?
"Yes. She is now my girlfriend. Die from envy, you gray head doofus. Oh. You're now blonde." Chaeryeong teased with a chuckle. I don't know why she hates my hair. She said that I look like a constipated chicken with my hair color. I just rolled my eyes at her. "But don't change the topic--"
"Hello, people. Are you looking for me?" I heard the familiar voice echoed through the room as I witnessed Chaeryeong's eyes widened in shock. I raised an eyebrow at her entrance.
"Holy moly, you're that weird obsessed creepy stalker of Mina Unnie!" I heard Shuhua hastily accused as she stood up from her seat to face the woman who just entered the vicinity.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Sana?" Mina Unnie asked in surprised making the person beside her frown. Jealousy jealousy.
"Chill out, Susan. I am indeed Mina's suitor--"
"Continue what you were about to say and I'll stitch that filthy little mouth of yours." It was Son Chaeyoung who meddled this time. Her voice laced with obvious irritation and jealousy. Wow. This is a KDrama worthy plot I'm witnessing right now.
"You too, Son Chaeyoung. Take a chill pill. You should be kneeling in front of you showing gratitude. You wouldn't have succeeded on arresting the Shins without my help." She stated boastfully with a sly smirk on her lips.
"W-wait.. Are you..?" Chaeryeong lowly blurted out as if she's not supposed to say it out loud.
"Lee Chaeryeong, long time no see. It is indeed me, Chief Inspector Minatozaki Sana at your service." Sana Unnie introduced with a salute. We all know her.
She's Miss Myoui's secretary for three years. Who wouldn't know her when she once had been our greatest hurdle from obtaining anything inside the corporation?
"Minatozaki Sana, guys. She's been working at the corporation as an undercover for the police." I stated softly as their eyes widened in surprise.
I chuckled. I got that too. This woman looks like a professional seductress more than a police officer.
They are taking their time. Yuna and Lia, I mean. It's been a while since they talked and haven't come back since. The people inside my house have gone their separate ways as well except for Chaeryeong who's also waiting for Yuna.
I don't know what's this creeping anxiety inside of me. I should be filled with joy by now but for some reason, I couldn't find it in my heart to be happy.
There's an odd feeling inside my chest. It feels like I'm suffocating. Almost feels like someone was squeezing on my chest making it hard for me to breath.
So, I decided to follow them. I know it's not right to eavesdrop. But I couldn't stay still.
Hiding on a spot where I was near enough to hear their conversation, I would be proven right on my own speculation. Which I wished wasn't true. I wish I didn't listen, I wish I didn't followed suit.
"How am I going to explain to Ryujin that we're getting married, Yuna?" It was Lia's voice. Her voice was laced with frustration.
I just want a break for my little fragile heart.
First my sister.. and now it's her.
I whispered into thin air before letting myself succumb to my heartache.
Gods do have their favourites. And clearly, it's not me.
Looking up with tears in my eyes, I was surprised to be met with a pair of cat eyes. I offered a thrift smile before walking away from the scene.
Baby, please tell me.. did I do the right thing?