“A mermaid's heart is the most fragile thing in the sea. You've somehow managed to keep yours beating. The shield doesn't matter. What matters is you're a survivor.”
"Hubby, don't underestimate my grandmother." She tells him, her features tensing up at the thought of the old woman. She's lovely, in some ways more than the other but her grandmother can be quite ruthless. All for the sake of keeping the family name unharmed. "She could've gotten my uncle out of prison but she didn't. She exiled me to Japan and frankly, she still hasn't allowed me to return home to the family house. If you think she'd let me out of her sight once she's got me under her radar, you're wrong." Yuri took a deep breath. It makes her chest hurt. The thought of having to be locked up and be under someone else's control instead of doing as she wishes. "Paper and wedding ring?" Yuri gasped, appalled at how simple he thinks of marriage is, mostly their wedding IF ever. "Hubby, I'm an heiress and I'm a model. You can afford to give me an amazing wedding. I'm sure." She wouldn't settle for some kind of simple wedding, she already agreed to some stupid kind of wedding plan like that before but Jiyong would be giving her the kind of wedding she dreams of and hopefully the family she dreams of.
"I'm not asking for a royal wedding, hubby. I swear. I just want a fancy church wedding and you know, you in a fancy tux and I'll be wearing the best wedding dress of the year." Her grandmother would definitely spend her money on Yuri's wedding like she's just going shopping. As the sole heir of Ansan Medical Group, Yuri is expected to continue the legacy of the family even without a medical background at all. He won't have to worry about it either. Jiyong can do as he pleases and Yuri wouldn't mind. At this point in her life, she knows that her grandmother is looking for a suitable bachelor for her to marry. Yuri would rather marry Jiyong even though they don't love each other like lovers do, they do love each other platonically and they trust each other as well. So much. "I like it when you call me Mrs. Kwon, it makes me feel closer to my diamond ring." Yuri lifts her left hand and shows off her empty ring finger. She gets to tease him and care for him. They would've been perfect for each other if only their hearts belonged to each other. If they were in the Joseon era, they would definitely be able to bring peace and harmony to the palace with their marriage because even without love itself, they know how to care for each other.
He taps her nose like it would provoke her, but it never would. "You can tap that all you want. I never had anything done on my face." Yuri proudly tells him. Her brows furrowed at his reaction making her glare at him. "Ya!" Yuri hits his arm with a bit of force. "Horrifying!? Excuse me? I'm the one who will be carrying your child inside me for nine months. You should know by now you should be treating me better than this!" A small scoff escapes her lips. She can see it. The future with him was always so clear. Maybe because they don't have to let their hearts lead them down the road but their minds instead. Sometimes it just makes Yuri wonder what her reputation would look like in the modeling industry if she announced that she's already a married woman. Would her standing change? Would she become less popular? Who knows? "My hubby, you can look gray and old before thirty and I would still marry you. You know this." Assuring him that no matter how stressed he gets, she will still be demanding but in return, he will always have her. Always. "Oh my god. Are you telling me I lost my chance!? Dang it! I knew it! I should've jumped on you when I had my chance!" Snapping her fingers and thinking as if the whole situation was a puzzle-like crime scene.
"I would love that. I miss having parents, you know?" Her voice turns soft and she becomes nostalgic. Those days when she had someone to call her parents. She didn't need a guardian. Her parents would take turns to attend the PTA. How she wish Jiyong met them before their untimely death. Gently giving his cheek a pat, she nods her head. "Of course. I told them that you're always there for me. They would've loved you a lot, you know?" Clearing her throat after she speaks about her parents. It's always a sensitive topic for her. "Oh, shut up. Twelve minutes is really short. My hair and make up isn't even done yet by that time!" Wanting him to see the 'beauty' of being positive. "Twelve hours should do. That's like about five movies. You'll live. Trust me." There was this vibe, the feeling she gets when she's with him. The sense of belonging and happiness.
"You're the one, of course. Yep. Now, I know why I am very much single." Yuri jokes as she comfortably stays seated throughout the ride. They were both bad with relationships. Quite the obvious reason why they're 'meant to be' together. She gives off a dramatic expression as if she's about to cry while turning to him, clutching on her chest like she's in pain. "Really, Hubby!? You'd take a bullet for me?" Then her face falls serious. "No. Never." Crossing her arms on top of her chest. "You're never taking a bullet for me. Okay? My parents died because of those and just the thought of losing you is making me lose my chill.. and my mind!"
Upon arriving at the apartment, she calmly looks around the rather empty parking area. If not for the cars around, it could look like his personal underground parking area. "I told you to get me a wheelchair." She tells him as he opens the door. "I'd cook if my ankle isn't swollen. Try not to kill us both." Meeting his eyes as she steps out of the vehicle with her good foot first. "I told you, hire a maid! I can't always clean up after you, hubby. I applied to be your wife, not your housemaid!" Grabbing on to him as soon as he injured foot stepped on the ground. She hisses but tries her best to hold the pain back down as much as she could. "I don't think you can carry me and my bag to the elevator so let's walk. Slowly. Just like how first times should go."
Yuri doesn't get why he's shy. He's handsome and that's the truth. Are people blind not to see it? Is he blind not to be able to appreciate it? Because if he is, then she will have to appreciate it till he realizes that she's telling him the truth. "They say even worse things. You wouldn't want to hear them." Yuri tells Shiwoo. He doesn't deserve to hear the words she heard, even if they're not meant for him. She knows how painful they are and he shouldn't listen to that kind of negativity at all. "Don't flatter me like that, Shiwoo. You're gonna make my heart race like crazy. They might find out just how much you make me shy." She cups her cheeks, they were red no doubt. Her heart was racing, no matter how calm she might appear, she's screaming inside. Was it possible for her to feel like she's on cloud nine even though she's just sitting right next to him? It is. Obviously. "Ah.. my cheeks hurt from smiling too much. It's all because of you." Nudging him lightly, enough for the camera not to see her do so. He smiles at her and she feels like she needs to take a dip in a bathtub filled with cold water just to get her back to her senses.
The show was about cooking but this felt more like a date at work. "I'm quite a lot of things. You'd be surprised." She playfully winks at him. Was it a joke or was it flirting? Anyone can try to guess whichever, because to Yuri, she doesn't care anymore. "Are you asking me out to dinner? Because I'd love to celebrate a job well done." Yuri brightly smiles at him. "You have my number. You can always call me and we can go out for dinner or lunch, even breakfast." It may sound she's being easy-to-get but Yuri doesn't want to prolong the chance of getting to know him better. It's not usually like this. She's had trauma with men before, it's a surprise that she easily managed to get close to Shiwoo without even feeling any amount of worry or fear. A new information has been obtained. It was like she's playing a game of chance and this is the path she chose and probably will keep on choosing no matter what people say.
Yuri nods her head, smiling at him still. About to say something when they were interrupted. "Ah, oppa. Why are you like this? We were just talking!" She sounded defensive and it made people laugh. There were random side comments about Shiwoo getting the girl again and that it's all because he's handsome. When Shiwoo left, Yuri continued to sit still. Watching him walk around, her attention was then taken away by the attempt of the other judges to make a conversation.
"Yuri-ah, do you like to eat?" She nods, it was surprising because her figure screams that she's frequently on a diet. "I can eat three servings of meat on my own." Her managers sighs, she can hear them from afar for revealing such information. "I like to cook and eat a lot." Their attention was supposed to be on the groups and on Shiwoo but even they kept on talking with Yuri. "What kind of food do you like the most?" Yuri thought hard for a second. "I like Korean food the most. But I also like Japanese food. I am very familiar with the taste because I was born in Japan and I pretty much grew up there." They smiled at each other and whispered how Shiwoo doesn't know it because he's doing his work. She continues to chat with them about Japanese food and how to eat them deliciously.
It surprised her when Shiwoo returns, but it was a pleasant surprise because she smiles at him immediately. She breathes out a sigh of relief at his news. "That's good." But the next news makes her look horrified. "Really?" Gently touching Shiwoo's arm, she asks him. "What do I do if I don't like the food? I don't want to hurt their feelings." Yuri looked like she was a kicked puppy, her lips pouting an her attention then averted to the MC as the time comes to its end. "Oh my god." She covers her mouth, watching the groups raise their hands. It's time to judge everything. Will it be possible to give a comment without hurting anyone?
"But you're here. You look better than most models I know and have worked with." There was innocence in her reply but it was honest, Yuri would never lie about that. She has met a lot of men in her life to be able to say that. Dated, worked with, slept with and the list just seems to get longer but Shiwoo looks so darn attractive that there was no use to lying. He made a mark on her little black book and they've only spoken. She never gives her number easily either but she didn't hesitate to write it down and hand the number to him. Was this some kind of spell? It should be. Because he's making her do things she hasn't done before. Not even her ex-fiance got her number right away. It hasn't been an hour yet but she's already given him her number, a dozen of compliments and she keeps getting mesmerized and distracted by him.
"I'm not as good looking as they make me look like on tv and magazines." Yuri quietly tells Shiwoo like it was a secret to share. "I've been told I should do plastic surgery too. At least you don't hear that." Because she has and it doesn't help in any way. "I would miss you if you end your show. I've gotten used to watching your show. It's a waste if you never got the chance to be on screen."
The show goes on and their conversation seems to become the main point of her guesting here. It was fine, the show will go on even if they keep on talking but the writers and the producer would eventually take their anger out on Shiwoo. Since he's part of the panel and he should know better than to keep talking with Yuri. She feels guilty just by thinking about it. "I would've been very embarrassed if you rejected me." She whispers after a while, she had been keeping up with the flow of the program. "I don't think I'm beautiful either but hearing you say it, I feel somewhat shy." It wasn't long before they got a break and everyone's stylists ran to take care of their artists. Yuri's stylist gave her a meaningful look as she fixes Yuri's makeup and hair before leaving again. She had caught a glimpse of the older members grinning as the younger ones stayed near each other. They could've left their seats but no. Yuri seemed to like where she's seated. Shiwoo could've left and the others could've striked up a conversation with her but even so, her attention would be on Shiwoo and his whereabouts.
"Are you sure? If I mess up when this airs, you owe me dinner for not taking good care of me. Call?" It sounded like a bet but Yuri knows herself, she's subtly asking him out to treat her for dinner but finding a good excuse as a proper answer to any question from people who might just catch the pair in public. "Oppa." She calls him cutely before they start the shoot. The break was longer than expected. Yuri and Shiwoo talks as if they've known each other for so long. "Like I said, I've been in Japan for so long! I know girls call guys oppa when the guy is attractive and the girl wants to get the male's attention." She sips on her drink, finishing up and closing it after. Tightly closing the lid so she can ask him for help later on again if ever.
"I'll call you oppa then. I'm a late '92 liner actually. My birthday is on December 5. It's around the time the first snow falls or a week before it does, at times." Her curiosity about him then peaks. "How about you? Are we of the same age or do I get an extra excuse to call you oppa?" She chuckles, covering her mouth with her left hand. "Just call me Yuri. Yuri-ah should be fine too... or maybe you can call me whenever you want.. I mean.. whatever you want!" Flirting with him right away? Yuri was surprised. What is going on with her?!
If this moment was to be taken as a part of the music video of an original soundtrack of their life which is a drama itself, the rest of the story would go back and forth to how they had a dreamlike relationship. They loved each other passionately but they also fought. Work always came first. He always was too busy working and she actually asked for shorter working hours just to slowly ease into becoming the wife that he deserves. The wife who loves and tends to him in every way possible. She wanted to love him and spoil him. He made her happy, so happy that when he left, she could physically feel a huge hole in her chest. Waking up in the morning was something she always looked forward to. Falling asleep was hard because she loved him so much that reality felt so much better than dreams. But after he left, sleeping was so much better than waking up. She didn't want to wake up. And how she wished she could just treat this moment as a bad dream that she can wake herself up from.
"We broke up a long time ago." Yuri corrected him, her words sounded empty and you could feel the chill in her words as she spoke. "I improved my cooking skills." Yuri tells Seunghyun. He wouldn't want to hear how she improved and a part of her simply disagrees with the idea of rubbing the information on Seunghyun's face. She did date a chef, someone she thought would finally replace Seunghyun in her heart but it didn't end up well either. "You never run out of things to do." She was proud but sad, he never had a lot of time for her. Yuri always had to adjust to accommodate him and he can't blame her for getting upset over things like that. "Yes. Funny for you to say that, really. Mentioning it now, it makes me feel as if I was some kind of needy person before." Flipping her hair away from her face. The cold air from the air conditioner can't even seem to reach Yuri, she felt hot. Maybe from embarrassment and anger. Or maybe it was the fact that a part of her longs for these apologies. These kinds of talks, not the stupid arguments when he's exhausted and she's frustrated with how things are going for them.
"You're right. I deserved better than you, but it didn't matter to me. All I wanted was you. Whether or not you think I deserve you that time. I never wanted anything so much in my life as much as I wanted a future with you then." This was Yuri, speaking to Seunghyun with her rawest emotions and unfiltered words. No sarcasm, just honesty. Can he feel it? Can he see the same girl he fell in love with or did that girl disappear completely out of his vision over the years? "And you know how much I hated high school." Yuri reminds him again of what hell she had gone through then.
"Yes, I was in the plastic committee. How can I notice you before, right? How can I notice you when I was trying so hard to blend in? To hide my own scars and bruises that I got the night before going back to my daily routine as one of those girls who can't seem to shaken up by anything or anyone." Memories flash before her and her arms quickly wrap around her slim body. She used to cry over those things but he would embrace her, kiss her and remind her he'd never do anything to hurt her. No amount of beautiful lies can beat that. Then he tells her he never hated her. He just had to. That made her feel sad. He had to leave her. He had to. Why? "I just had to ask."
She tries to regain her composure by masking her own true emotions. "You walked out of the door really quick. That's the saddest part." Once again, he calls her angel. It makes her swallow hard, placing her hands down on her thighs as she grips on her dress. "If I was so perfect then why did you have to leave..?" Her voice gradually became softer, sadder and most of all more vulnerable. "Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt you?" She's confused, pained and at loss for so long. "Ah, don't mind me. We're here to celebrate your birthday. Let's focus on the greater success we have before us." Her fingers slowly release the fabric of her dress, smoothing it out and smiling at him like she's not on the verge of tears just moments ago.
"Seunghyun-ah." Calling his name with a smile, hoping she didn't ruin his day. She longed for this moment for so long. "Sit down." Yuri gets up. Hurriedly pushing him back down on his chair as she takes over setting the bento down. "Seung, you've been working so hard. Don't let those things that upset you get in the way." She pouts, she used to coax him like this. Act cute when he was tired or upset, just so he would let her take care of him. "You loved me, right? Then why aren't you eating?" She picks up the chopsticks. Handing it to him. "I'll watch you eat. I can feed you too if you want me to!" He can read through her, she knows this. But she can always try to be a better person for him every now and then, even though she knows that money and fame will matter to him more than she ever will. "You have to eat so we can light up the candles and you can make a wish!"
Confined spaces are horrible. Yuri has been claustrophobic since she was in high school. The story is just as horrible as the experience itself. She has managed to somewhat tolerate elevator rides. Sometimes it was the only option she has so she took advantage of it. But today it was different. It was way past 11 in the evening already and almost everyone in the company has left already but Yuri was just on her way home after the rescheduled interview. Her mind was already on its way home. She was expecting to find herself in the lobby already when she opens her eyes but instead she finds Seunghyun standing in handsomely as the doors opened. She blinked a couple of times and shook her head wondering if she was dreaming but when he stepped in, she stood straight and pushed herself at one of the four corners of the elevator.
It was suffocating, she wanted to tell him he’s consuming the oxygen she needs but even before she could say a thing, the lights flickered and the elevator shook. It abruptly stopped and Yuri was on the verge of panicking. This can’t be happening. “No. No.. No!” She hurriedly heads for the closed doors, forcing to open it. Seunghyun watches her, knowing her history, he’s unable to be of any help. He knows well that Yuri will reject any kind of help from him. He tries to remain calm, calling for help through his phone but the service was just bad as the situation. Yuri presses the emergency button but it doesn’t work and she retreats back to hitting the metal doors, shouting for help, hoping someone would open the door. She gives it a bit more force and her hands were turning red. It was dark but the small emergency light shed enough light for them to see each other.
“Yuri.” He calls her name. “Don’t do that. It’ll only hurt.” Wanting her to stop hitting the door and hurting herself. “You being calm there and not doing anything won’t get us out of here!” She angrily tells him. It was cold and Yuri’s responses to Seunghyun was way colder than the weather itself. He grabs her by the wrist and pulls him to his chest. Yuri tried to resits but clings to him. “It’s going to be okay.” He whispers to her and they sit on the floor, Seunghyun embracing Yuri still. Covering her body with his coat in fears of her getting sick from feeling cold. He continues to assure her that help was on the way till she finally calmed down and fell asleep. It takes about an hour before the doors were forced open. He wanted to wake Yuri but her wet lashes and tear stained cheeks makes him hold her tighter and carry her out of the elevator.
[ ➤ Wifey ] will you still love me when i tell you i was hungover for the last two days and thus i couldn't properly and promptly wish you happy birthday? [ ➤ Wifey ] the light of my life... my last resort and gleam of hope... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 🎉🎉🎉 [ ➤ Wifey ] please don't kill your irresponsible and forgetful husband
[ ➤ Hubby ] NEW PHONE HU DIS? [ ➤ Hubby ] no. obviously. [ ➤ Hubby ] you have decided to choose drinks over greeting me on time. [ ➤ Hubby ] i was expecting you would be the first to remember but you remembered that alcoholic drinks are way more important than your wife who has supported you since high school. [ ➤ Hubby ] how dare you even try to fix things [ ➤ Hubby ] i will murder you [ ➤ Hubby ] get me something. as your wife i deserve the finest things in this world. [ ➤ Hubby ] stop drinking!!!! its bad for ur health!!! [ ➤ Hubby ] also blocking ur number bc u failed in your husband duties. [ ➤ Hubby ] go get drunk and find urself a new wife HMMMMMP!!!!!
"I'm used to fashion programs. The set was always colorful and bright. Very much like a set for a photo shoot or the make-up room, really. This is different though." Yuri comments quietly. "Really fascinating." She couldn't help but giggle a little. Shiwoo being all fascinated on set for two months? That's cute. He's cute. Thank goodness she didn't say that aloud. "Two months? That's quite cute. I can't imagine you being nervous though. You always seem confident on screen." She listened to him intently and watched him as he spoke. There was a certain charm with the way he speaks and how confident he looks. It's attractive. No wonder he's an endorsement model already. If she ever ends up doing work with him, he would easily outshine her because even she can't keep her eyes off of him.
"You won't and don't disappoint me! Believe me! I messed up, ah, gosh. All I meant to say is that you're actually really charming." And he is. She couldn't help but feel shy. She's met many men in the fashion industry but they were all molded to look perfect and act perfect in front of the camera which made them feel a lot less human than everyone else. Shiwoo looks good and makes her feel good by just smiling. No wonder why a lot of mothers and female viewers can't get enough of him. She humbly kept her hands as she smiled at what he said. She wanted to be on his show, of course. He might be pulling all the female viewers in but to have Yuri on the show could bring male viewers too, only that she's more excited about the idea of learning a new recipe instead.
"I really hope I can be on your show!" She comments loud enough for the microphone to pick up her audio. It felt like a whirlwind came through and she couldn't remember anything else, all she knows is that he's taking the piece of paper. The small excited shrieks startled her a little, she's not used to being watched like she's the main star of the show. In her clique, she's used to being seen as part of the queenka clique, but she was always on the sidelines, never the center. She laughs, hands over her mouth. Pretty laughter from a pretty girl who can't keep her eyes from eyeing the pretty boy next to her.
"I can assure you that it's my real number!" Yuri fans herself, getting red out of embarrassment. They tease her endlessly, but they have to get back on with the program. The writers gave the MCs a sign but the panel still gives them that look every now and then. She remains calm, reminding herself that she's used to this. The camera, the lights, the eyes, the people. The teasing left her feeling hot to the point that the cold air in the set felt like gentle summer breeze instead. So she takes off her coat, placing it on her lap. Surprised when Shiwoo leans in but she leans in closer in return too. Looking at the contestants still but listening to Shiwoo.
"I'm fine, really. It was quite amusing." Yuri chuckles, fixing her hair while they speak. Trying to stay neat and pretty in front of Shiwoo. Different from the usual confident and a bit boyish Yuri that her managers and stylist was used to seeing. She keeps her calm and composure, such a lady with her legs crossed unlike the excited and playful Yuri on set during photo shoot breaks. "I feel honored that they are pairing me with you." Gently addressing him with her hand. "You can give me a call after the shoot, by the way. Just in case you're suspicious that it's not my number." She gives him a pouty look, suddenly acting cute for Shiwoo. "If I have given you the wrong number, it's because I was nervous you wouldn't take it. I have my pride too." Yuri shyly mutters, low enough so that the one editing the video wouldn't get curious of their footage and listen to their conversation. Her eyes set on the contestants after, wanting to pay attention to the whole thing for now. Watching everyone from a small distance and whenever she didn't understand something, she would turn to Shiwoo.
Yuri can't help but think that Shiwoo is such a responsible and reliable person. It did make her feel at ease. She wondered what if she had to sit somewhere else. She worries about things like that in the middle of the shoot. It would have been awkward to the point of discomfort, but being to Shiwoo makes her feel at ease and safe from everything else. Yuri watches the whole program unfold before her and waits for the director to pause for a break give way for commercials before she spoke Shiwoo again.
"Do you think I'm doing a terrible job?" Not leaving her seat unlike the other members of the panel who re-touch their makeups. Grabbing for her water, Yuri tries to undo the cap but can't seem to do so because of her sweaty palms which was the result from being too shy and embarrassed earlier due to the teasing from the MCs and the panel. "Uh, would you mind helping me out.. oppa?" She asks, bursting with aegyo. "I don't know how to address you properly. I stayed in Japan way too long that I still get confused every now and then."
Normally Chanyeol never contacted his past lovers on their birthdays, but since Yuri was technically his girlfriend now there was no getting out of having to do something. It had been so long since he had even done something for a girl for her birthday, so he was at a bit of a loss of what do for her. A simple text felt like it’d be a slap in the face, especially since she was doing him a huge favor now. He had to do something meaningful for her, especially if she was going to post it to her social media to keep the false pretense up. Jewelry was always an easy out for a birthday gift but he couldn’t just throw anything at her that sparkled and shone, he had to put a little thought into it. That’s when it hit him - her birthstone. He went to personally shop for the ring, asking to see all turquoise, tanzanite and zircon rings in each shop he visited until the ring finally struck him. The zircon ring he found at the fifth shop he visited was perfect; it screamed Kwon Yuri. It was elegant, intricate, rather complex in design but utterly beautiful.
He purchased the ring and quickly went to purchase a small card before having the gift with the card delivered to her home as a little surprise for her, hoping she would appreciate the effort.
My Dearest Yuri,
Happy Birthday, I hope the day brings you happiness and love. I’ll be by later to take you to dinner, I hope you’ll wear my gift. I picked it out myself.
Chanyeol
Gifts came in small and large packages. Some she expected and some she didn't really expect at all. Her manager sorts out the letters and the gifts as they were piled in her living room while Yuri signed some posters for the give away for Pantene. The doorbell rings and she doesn't even lift her head, wanting to finish her work first. "Yuri, you got another gift." Her manager tells her. “Oh, really?” Yuri lifts her head and accepts the gift with the card, reading it to herself. Her eyebrow raises at the sight of the sender. Chanyeol, her "boyfriend" sent her a gift. How could he forget her birthday, right? They were good "friends" before.
“Dearest? I yelled at him in public and I’m still called dearest? Wow.” Yuri chuckles to herself. “I wonder what he got me.” She didn't want to admit that she's excited but she is. Finally taking out the gift, Yuri slips the ring onto her finger right away. Admiring its beauty as it sparkles beautifully on her finger. “Now that's one way to appreciate a woman.” Snatching her phone right away, Yuri sends Chanyeol a photo of her hand with the ring sparkling beautifully and another text message to thank him for the gift.
[ ➤ Channie ] I got your gift~
[ ➤ Channie ] It fits perfectly! Thanks, “boyfriend”. It’s lovely!!!!
[ ➤ Channie ] We should go somewhere open and expensive.
[ ➤ Channie ] Gotta make sure everyone gets a glimpse of my ring. It's quite eye-catching~
[ txt -> moan for me ] tell me where you'll be later and i'll have someone come pick you up- we'll go out for food. i can get us a spot anywhere, how's somewhere disgustingly expensive sound?
[ ➤ Smooth Criminal ] Darling, all I have today is a photo shoot with Pantene.[ ➤ Smooth Criminal ] So I'm heading back right after to my apartment. [ ➤ Smooth Criminal ] You're spoiling me a lot. I love it. [ ➤ Smooth Criminal ] I like that disgustingly expensive dinner. [ ➤ Smooth Criminal ] I'm gonna wear something fancy and even something fancier underneath.
After successfully wrapping up the shoot, the staff asked them if they wanted to have a group dinner. She didn't expect Seunghyun to come with them. He's a busy man after all. He barely had time for meals then and even now, that's what Yuri is very much sure of. "I didn't know you'd stay." She tells him while they ate face to face. They sat on a different table because the staff was drinking and they were more focused on having a meal instead. "You're not the type of guy to stay when things get messy." Yuri tells him, not looking up at him as she grilled the meat. They were quiet, unlike the group who were obviously having fun. She didn't mean to offend him or anything but Yuri still couldn't stand the fact that Seunghyun was okay with everything while she's still holding on to everything.
She prepares to make a wrap. She doesn't know what came over her that made her hand the wrap to him. "Eat." Hurriedly pushing the food to his mouth. She's flustered by her own actions, so she makes a big wrap for herself. Stuffing her mouth with it and avoiding conversation, but he chews fast and they share a bottle of soju since the staff insisted they have some drinks too. He carefully pours them some drink. Yuri takes the shot right away after eating. Letting the strong alcohol hit her but he is careful as he drinks, putting down the glass later on.
"Do you remember?" He asks her. "Remember what?" She asks. "The first time we met." Seunghyun smiles. Yuri looks at him, being reminded of the day she got the nickname Angel from him. "You mean the day I took home a drunk man who almost drowned?" The tale was simple. She was strolling by the beach that night when she saw him. He was drunk, swaying from side to side. This was her version of the memory. He was wasted and walking into the water. Yuri had sensed that something was wrong and the next thing she knew was that she was dragging him back to the beach with her. He smiles at her and she couldn't help but smile too. It was a fond memory.
They were both soaked with sea water and he was drunk but he called her angel and she was honestly worried that he might've hit his head too hard. "Yeah. I do remember. All of it." Yuri leans back in her seat. "What was it that you called me? Angel? Angel mermaid?" It almost sounded like angelfish then, probably because she was exhausted trying to save a huge guy like him. "I thought it was all a dream." He tells her and she laughs, remembering the morning after that. He woke up and told her it was like a dream while she prepared his hangover soup. "It wasn't a dream at all." It wasn't. It was a beautiful story. If it was a dream at all, well it was a good dream that ended up as a nightmare.
Working with Seunghyun wasn't something that Yuri liked but she tolerated it for the sake of her image. They had an outdoor photo shoot and she's exhausted, just as he is. While everyone was packing up, Yuri decided to go ahead despite the fact that it was dark already and the trip out of the main location was confusing as hell. They were out in the woods and they finished quite late. Seunghyun followed her and kept his distance till Yuri realized she was now lost.
"Fuck." Yuri curses out loud, taking her phone out and trying to call her manager, she groans out in frustration upon seeing that there's no service. "I'm gonna die here," Yuri tells herself, suddenly hearing a rustling and immediately turning. She finds Seunghyun. "What are you doing here?" Instead of feeling glad that she wasn't alone anymore, she was annoyed. Very much pissed and unpleased with his appearance but stepping on a twig makes her jump and run towards his direction. "It's just a twig." He tells her. She rolls her eyes and scoffs. "Yeah. Whatever." Brushing her hair with her fingers. "Lead the way then, Mr. Know-It-All."
Wrapping her arms around herself as she felt the chills from the cool breeze hitting her. She couldn't help but feel cold, sniffling as she walks close to him. "Hold my hand." Seunghyun reaches a hand out to Yuri. She looks at his hand then she looks at him as if his suggestion was crazy. "No." He doesn't budge though. Still offering his hand to her, which she takes after groaning out loud. "I'm only taking it because you're annoying." Yuri tells Seunghyun, but she proceeds to embrace his arm to keep herself warm after a small while.
It was quiet but comfortable. She almost forgot that she shouldn't be clinging to him. He guides them both out of the woods safely and she holds his hand tightly even after seeing the light coming from the staff who are loading up the equipment. They stood there and she still was holding his hand. "Yuri." He calls her name. "Don't talk to me." She tells him. "You're still holding my hand." Yuri looks at him then their hands. Seunghyun smiles at her and she releases his hand before awkwardly coughing. "Thanks." She tells him before walking away like nothing happened.
[txt -> do not message this girl ] it's ur birthday [txt -> do not message this girl ] and uh... i just wanted to wish you well [txt -> do not message this girl ] i know we left things kind of... strangely last time, when you came to visit me on my bday [txt -> do not message this girl ] but i just wanted to say i hope you have a good day angel
[ ➤ Liar ] Yes. Today is that day. [ ➤ Liar ] The usual time when the first snow falls. Do you remember? ➤ Liar ] Thank you. [ ➤ Liar ] You don't have to bring it up if it makes you feel uneasy, Seung. [ ➤ Liar ] You're going to marry Sooyoung whether we leave things strangely or not. We both know this. [ ➤ Liar ] There's no need for you to try fixing it. [ ➤ Liar ] I will. Thank you again, Seung. [ ➤ Liar ] Thanks, my .. former.. beloved.
It’s December now! I just remembered your birthday is coming and though I’m not sure if it’s bit awkward since last year we were in a different situation, I still wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. No matter what life throws at us, I will always have good things to wish you and I truly hope you have a joyful life and a bright future. Enjoy your day!
- Shiwoo❞
Yuri received gifts for her birthday and her manager places a gift on her table before handing her the card. It makes her wonder just who sent the lovely flowers and so she reads the card. It's from Shiwoo. Her favorite chef. Her ex-boyfriend. It was indeed awkward to be getting a lovely gift from him but it was also heartwarming, knowing he still remembers. He never forgot. That's what matters. "What did I ever do to deserve this gift from you, Kang Shiwoo." She wonders aloud, smiling as she holds the card closely to her chest. She and Shiwoo might've parted ways but it doesn't mean they can't be good friends anymore. He was an important person in her life and he always will be one of the greatest gifts in her life. Another person she never knew she would share so many memories with. "Ah, Kang Shiwoo." Yuri sighs at the thought of him. He could've been the one to get rid of her fears of falling in love once again but fate has different plans for the two of them. Yuri pulls her phone out quickly to text him, hoping he hasn’t changed his number.
[ ➤ Chef Kang ] Hi. I got the gift. Thank you, Shiwoo. I really appreciate it. I hope we can have coffee sometime and catch up. :) Thank you so much.
