KNOT 20 - JIYONG's PAIN

SANDARA's POV

She was able to smuggle the damn pom poms.

"SAN-DA-RA! PARK! SAN-DA-RA! PARK! Goooooooo SANDARA!!!!", Bom merrily waved the pom poms and breathed in deeply, bracing herself for the last hoorah. "PARRRRKKKK!!!", she screamed and waved the stupid pom poms more vigorously this time.

I was lying silently on my bed thinking about things while trying to catch some sleep and she was sitting cross-legged on her bed when she suddenly decided to become a cheerleader. It takes superhuman patience not to leap at her like a wild puma, pull her hair in a million direction and eat her brain. If she's doing this to annoy the ever-living crap out of me, she's succeeding.

"SAN-DA-"

"Stop it", I sternly said. "Why are you acting like a crazy woman?", I asked and got up, sitting at the edge of my bed to face her.

"I finally got your attention. I've been talking to you since earlier but you seemed to be troubled. May I ask what's occupying your thoughts?"

"How old are you, Hadana Bom", I asked, dodging the topic.

"Older than you. What happened between you and Jiyong?", she asked, catching me off-guard. I blinked at her, not knowing what to say. She has only seen me and Jiyong interact this afternoon when we arrived and I'm not sure how she surmised that there is something wrong between us. I was having severe migraine then, which is a good excuse not to talk to him. It's quite surprising that Bom was able to tell that I'm having a hard time because of Jiyong.

"Why are you asking? Did Jursa Seunghyun tell you something?"

"No. My vision is not obstructed. Why do I have to ask him something that I've witnessed?"

I shook my head in awe. It's a hit or miss when it comes to talking to Hadana Bom. Either you'll go crazy or you'll be enlightened. I honestly don't want to talk about Jiyong right now. My heart feels heavier than yesterday. Perhaps due to the fact that he is in a close distance and we're here together with his fiance. Fiance. It's...I don't know. It's as if this whole thing is not real and my reality is in a world some place else.

"Do you think I'm incapable of sharing your burden?", Bom asked. I lifted my gaze and met her eyes. I'm not sure if I've noticed it before, but despite the stupidity she is trying to portray, Hadana Bom's eyes speaks of wisdom that she probably have imparted to us but we're just too dumb or too annoyed to understand. "It's not that. I just can't bring myself to open up about it", I said as I lifted my feet and hugged my legs, resting my chin on my knees. "I jumped into conclusion and now I'm suffering. I thought Jiyong is in love with me, but he's not. He is marrying Min Young", I blurted out, my eyes becoming misty with my last words. I bit my lips to stop myself from crying. I don't want to cry anymore. That's what I've been doing for the past nights and I'm already emotionally exhausted.

A long silence stretched between us before Bom spoke again. "I see. So that's the step he chose to take", she said, which I don't understand. She crawled towards the top of the bed, leaning her back on the headboard while seemingly pondering over something. "I think I need to speak with Jiyong. Jursa Seunghyun took a giant leap ahead of me and it's time that I level the field."

"What are you saying? Whatever it is you're planning, it will not make any difference. Do you think talking to Jiyong will make him say that he loves me?", I exclaimed frustratedly.

"What made you think that I'll make him realize that he loves you? It is impossible to rise someone from slumber when he is already awake", she stated.

"Hadana Bom, please, don't do anything. It's already painful as it is. He already told me that he's going to marry Min Young and-"

"Trust me, Dara", Bom mumbled softly, the corner of her lips tugging in a smile. "Besides, what else can go wrong?"

I sighed heavily and lied down on the bed, my eyes focusing on the ceiling. "You are persistent, crazy and annoying", I murmured. "And you're an old woman. I bet you're as old as a grandmother", I added.

There was a soft chuckle on her side. "Yes, I'm old. I've been watching the human world for centuries. I've witnessed many generations of love, and I've witnessed many generations of stupidity. Humans tend to invent answers to questions that should not be asked in the first place."

I laughed at her remark. Hearing Bom's words takes a lot of getting used to, but I'm slowly getting her drift. "Tell me more about what you've encountered", I said.

"Ahhh, there's a lot to tell. Through the course of history, humans do some things repeatedly. They frame people's wise words and ornament it in their walls but they don't live by those teachings. They build monuments of their heroes but they do not protect what the hero fought for. The wise men are being told that they are fools and the fools are the ones governing the country."

"We're a stupid bunch", I said coyly. My eyelids are becoming heavy so I shut my eyes and tried to chase sleep.

"Dara"

"Mmmhmm.."

"Hang in there", I heard her say, but I'm too sleepy to pay attention.

"When will you become a deity again?" I asked absent-mindedly.

"Soon." Oddly, her voice was laced with sadness. I was not able to ask why as I drifted to sleep.

_____________________________________________________________

Feeling extremely tired and disoriented, Jiyong was pacing back and forth their room grabbing things as he prepares for the morning conference. Seunghyun, on the other hand, was following Jiyong's movements with his gaze while sitting quietly on his bed.

"You and Bom can go out while we attend the conference. I placed some money at the table and there's a tourist information center in the lobby", Jiyong informed him and the jursa nodded in response. Seunghyun knew that despite Jiyong's calm exterior, he is dreading the moment that he would face Dara again. How many times did Jiyong buttoned and unbuttoned his polo shirt? Three?

The night that Jiyong went home to the apartment looking devastated, he knew that the guy finally decided to let Dara go. Even though he played a big part in causing him pain, the jursa can only watch in the sidelines and believe in Hadana Bom's capabilities to guide the destined couple and surmount his challenge.

"There's a party tonight after the bidding presentation. You may come with us but please..." Jiyong glanced back at him with a reprimanding stare, "...do not embarrass me."

"I have always been a man of elegance", the jursa said with conviction. With his disheveled hair and fluffy slippers, it's hard to take him seriously.

"You were mumbling last night", Seunghyun said after a while. "Perhaps you're having a nightmare again."

"Perhaps. But I'm fine."

"Want me to sleep with you tonight and hold your hand?", the jursa asked, remembering what Dara always do whenever the guy is having nightmares.

Jiyong stopped buttoning his polo shirt and stared at him blankly. "Eww."

_____________________________________________________________

Dara was spacing out in front of the buffet table; holding her empty plate and darting her unfocused eyes left and right. She has been doing it a lot lately - staring into nothing in particular and standing frozen on her spot. She decided to eat breakfast before she proceeds to the morning conference which will be held in thirty minutes. Unfortunately, her depression kicked in before she could even choose between blueberry and strawberry muffin.

Suddenly, someone started placing a food on her plate. Dara whipped her head sideward to see who it was and was startled to see Jiyong's stoic face busily filling her plate. Surprisingly, the food he chose for her are those that she likes. He remembered. "There", he said. He then started heading towards an empty table while Dara remained on her spot, still ogling at him. "Follow me", he mumbled without glancing back.

Jiyong chose a table with two chairs and they started eating in silence. Dara glued her eyes on the food and did not even dare look up. It was probably the most awkward breakfast she has ever experienced in her entire life. She didn't know putting food in her mouth and chewing it could be that hard. She felt like there's a knot in her stomach and the air is heavy, making it hard to breathe.

Against her better judgement, Dara stole a glance at him. Her heart almost lurched out of her chest when she saw him staring intently at her while sipping his coffee. She immediately lowered her gaze again while her mind is in chaos. How long was he staring? Was he observing her? Oh my gosh, is her lipstick smudged?

"Dara..."

"Yes!", she squeaked, her knife and fork making a loud sound against her plate as they accidentally slipped from her grasp. "Sorry", she said sheepishly. Wait. Why is she being like this? Why is she feeling embarrassed in front of him? He's the one who's engaged with someone else! He's the one who should feel uneasy with her around. With that in mind, Dara gathered herself and looked straight into Jiyong's eyes. Within seconds, her resolve crumbled and she immediately averted her gaze.

"Hey", Jiyong kicked her foot under the table, making her look at him again. "Are you still feeling sick?", he asked. Whether he's worried for her or not, she couldn't tell. He's very good in masking his thoughts after all.

"I'm fine", she answered dismissively.

"Are you sure? Maybe-..." Jiyong reached for Dara's forehead but she slapped his hand away and glared at him. "I'm fine, Mr. Kwon", she said firmly.

"Hello, Jiyong", a voice interrupted both of them. Jiyong looked at the man and recognized one of the investors. He quickly stood up, offering his hand to greet him. "Mr. Choi", he said.

"You can call me Jin-hyuk, Jiyong. We've been to the same functions and conferences before. And both of us are in this boring bidding because of our fathers", Jin-hyuk dramatically shrugged his shoulders and laughed softly, his eyes shifting to Dara. Jiyong's face remained impassive, maintaining his cold demeanor even if the man in front of him is the most powerful investor who probably has the last say when it comes to who will win the bidding. There are rumors circulating within the industry regarding Jin-hyuk and people are very cautious of him.

"Miss Park, this is Mr. Choi, one of the investors in this bidding. Mr. Choi, this is Miss Sandara Park, my executive assistant", he introduced them, even though all he wanted to do is to hide Dara behind him and make Jin-hyuk disappear. He doesn't like the way Jin-hyuk is staring at Dara.

"Hello, Miss Park", Jin-hyuk offered his hand and Dara stood up to receive his greeting, bowing her head slightly and smiling at him. The man seemed more than pleased as his eyes trailed up and down her body, his hands lingering on Dara's hand, making Jiyong furrow his eyebrows.

"I believe the morning conference is about to start", Jiyong said in a tight voice, his jaws clenching in suppressed annoyance. "Your secretary is waiting for you."

"Is it time already? That's unfortunate. I wish to chat with you more but we could probably do that later. Right, Miss Park?"

"Y-Yes sir." Dara answered.

_____________________________________________________________

Jae Sang roamed his eyes on the River of Unbreakable Oath and took a big swig of rice wine from the wine jar. He then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and sighed heavily.

"What are you doing here?" Yang Goon asked and sat on the grass near Jae Sang. "It is such a rare sight to see you heaving a deep sigh, as if you're seeking something that cannot be reached."

Jae Sang smirked and silence passed between the two as they marveled the beautiful river that holds the oaths of the gods. Fireflies danced on the trees lining the riverbank and the calm water seemed to be glowing as the thousands of oaths beneath it sparkled once in a while. The oaths are in the form of blue spheres which were contained in a bubble, making it look like a colorless balloon with a blue sphere as its center. They were all settled at the river bed, protected by the power of the Oath Guardian who dwells in the river. Once the oath is fulfilled, the bubble rise up and ascends from the water, eventually popping once it reached the air and then, a sphere of blue light bursts and fade into nothingness.

"Words are powerful in both the deity's realm and human realm. Someone can fall in despair merely by the words uttered by others", Jae Sang said, breaking the silence.

"To worry about such things is unbefitting of you, old friend."

"It worries me, indeed." Jae Sang mumbled. The two of them fell quiet again as they watched a number of oaths contained inside the bubbles ascend from the water and burst into a small sphere of blue light, illuminating the river. It was a beautiful sight. "You were invariably outsmarted by the ruler of the underworld, Yang Goon. Because of his mere words."

_____________________________________________________________

Dara wanted to look somewhere else but her eyes always drift back to Min Young and Jiyong walking in front of her. The conference has ended and Joo Won was left behind to make some last-minute polishing to their bid presentation, which will be held at night.

"We have free time until the bid presentation. Do you want to go anywhere?", Min Young asked.

"I don't have any place in mind. You?", Jiyong asked back. That does it for Dara. She can't stay there any longer and hear the two make plans for the day. It's a wonder she's still standing after witnessing the two whisper at each other during the conference. To be honest, she wanted to book the earliest flight back to Seoul at that very moment.

"Mr. Kwon, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. I'll check if Joo Won needs any help for the presentation", Dara said.

"Mr. Moon does not need any help", Jiyong replied, glancing back at her and frowning.

Min Young held Jiyong's upper arm, making Dara shift her gaze to the ground. She used to be the one who does that to Jiyong. "Go ahead, Dara", Min Young said. "There's still some free hours before the bidding so you might as well roam around after checking with Joo Won", she added.

"I will. Thanks." She immediately marched out of there and proceeded to the function room where Joo Won is. She needs to divert her attention and keep herself busy. She didn't know it will be so hard to see Min Young and Jiyong together. She didn't know why she kept torturing herself. Is she possibly hoping that Jiyong will have a sudden change of heart during their Jeju trip? Does she still have that lingering hope?

"Miss Park", someone blocked her path, making her gasp in surprise.

"M-Mr. Choi", she said after regaining her composure, and smiled at Jin-hyuk. He's one of the investors in the bidding so she better carry herself right in front of him.

"The bid presentation is tonight. Perhaps we can-"

"Dara!", Joo Won's voice interrupted their conversation. He was half-running towards them, his eyes filled with worry. "Mr. Kwon is looking for you! I think there's a problem with our-...Oh, hello Mr. Choi. I'm sorry for interrupting."

"It's okay. I'll go ahead. I look forward to your presentation later."

As soon as Jin-hyuk was out of their sight, Joo Won exhaled in relief. "What were you doing?"

"What? Wait, you said Jiyong is looking for me?"

"I was lying, dum-dum. I was trying to save you from the claws of that man", Joo Won muttered.

"Mr. Choi? Why?"

"Because he's evil! You'll turn into stone if you stare at his eyes for too long. Now, get out of here and enjoy your free time. Shoo!", Joo Won pushed her away before she can protest.

_____________________________________________________________

SANDARA's POV

If there is a place where I can forget about Jiyong even for just a day, I would love to go there.

That was my thought process when I caught sight of Jiyong walking alone in a near distance ahead of me. WHY?! Why is the universe so against me? I asked for one thing and it gave me the EXACT OPPOSITE of what I wished for.

I turned around and was about to walk away when I heard him calling me. I ignored him and hastened up my pace, but the cyborg has his own wicked ways. "The woman wearing white dress with a strawberry backpack on her shoulder. Don't make me chase you, Sandara Park! Sandara Park! DARA!"

"Oh my God, stop calling my name!", I grumbled while approaching him. "What do you need, Mr. Kwon?"

"Nothing."

"Okay, I'm going", I said but before I can take another step, Jiyong grabbed my strawberry backpack. "Hey!" I protested and tried to snatch it back but he was quick to dodge it.

"Accompany me for a while. What are you so afraid of?"

You, you moron. I don't understand why he has to ask that stupid question anyway. He started walking towards the line of stores and I found myself automatically following him. Yes, I am a bigger moron than he is. I should be running in the opposite direction but here I am, spending my free time with him.

"What do you think of this one?", he asked, pointing at a shirt on the store. I crossed my arms and pouted. "It doesn't fit you", I said flippantly. Who am I kidding? Everthing fits him perfectly. I bet he would be totally stunning if he tries it on. But I don't want to spend more time in this store since the girls in bikinis are already ogling at him. Absent-mindedly, I forcefully tugged my left wrist, as if I'm yanking a cord. My eyes widened when I realized that I just did our secret code when we were still tied by the red string - tugging once means we have to leave, tugging twice means one of us needs to go to the restroom. I looked at him but his face remained unreadable, although I'm quite sure he also realized what I did.

"Arasso, let's go", he said.

We were both silent as we continued roaming around, occasionally stopping on some stores but ended up buying nothing. I suggested some things that he could buy for Min Young but he didn't want it. He asked me to try on some stuff but I didn't accept it. Things between us are not like before. If he is not engaged, I might have pestered him to buy the things that I want. Or perhaps we would be wearing couple shirts and re-enacting the scenes from all the KDramas that shot some episodes in Jeju. I would be dragging him everywhere and although he would be annoyed, he would still let me have my way.

I can't do that anymore. He already has Min Young.

I looked at the cyborg walking a few steps ahead of me, my strawberry backpack draped on his shoulders. He was wearing his faded jeans and white shirt. Like me, he changed his clothes into something comfortable before taking a walk. I shouldn't have agreed in accompanying him; it makes things more difficult. But no matter how many times I tell myself that I shouldn't be doing this, truth is, I feel like everything is right again while staring at his back with his hands shoved inside his pockets and my strawberry bag hanging loosely on his shoulder.

Why did everything change? I glanced at my left wrist and recalled the red cord which used to bind us together. Oddly, things are a lot better back then. I'm stuck with him and he's stuck with me. Despite the complications brought about by being tied together, those moments are probably one of the most peaceful and happiest times that I could remember.

He suddenly stopped and my steps automatically halted. "Hold your shoes. Let's walk by the seashore", he suggested. He folded the hem of his pants and took off his shoes, stepping on the sand. I did the same. My dress was being lightly blown by the wind and my hair was in total disarray; I was beginning to wonder why this type of setting is so famous in KDramaverse. I saw his footprints in the sand. I followed them with my gaze and when I lifted my eyes, I caught sight of him staring at me in a near distance, with the beautiful waves of the sea and the sun as his backdrop. I was taken aback when his lips slowly curved in a smile. Without realizing it, I found myself smiling back at him. We probably look stupid grinning at each other for no apparent reason but for me, it was magical.

He cupped his hands and yelled at me. "It's Jeju! It's the cheeseball capital of KDrama!"

I chuckled and cupped my hands as I yelled back. "This is my place!"

"Want to do something cheesy?", he asked.

"Like what?"

"Come here!", he shouted and placed my strawberry backpack on the sand. I walked towards him and curiously looked at him. He then gave me a mischievous grin and grabbed my wrist. I yelped in surprise when he started dragging me towards the water.

"Wait! What are you doing?! JIYONGGG!!!!" I shrieked wildly when he scooped me up and threw me. I think I swallowed a good amount of sea water as I tried to regain my footing. He was already walking towards the shore while laughing when I was finally able to stand up. "Hey!", I called out. He glanced back and just smiled at me playfully. He then grabbed a seashell and started writing our names on the beach. I think he has gone crazy.

"Why did you throw me on the water? Are you trying to kill me?", I asked as soon as I reached him.

"It's one of the scenes in the drama that you were watching. It's not as romantic as it was on TV, isn't it?", he replied and looked up at me.

"Yeah", I nodded grudgingly.

"See? Don't believe in those dramas anymore. It messes up your head."

My eyebrows furrowed while watching what he's doing. Does he mean something else by what he said? After writing our names, he grabbed my strawberry backpack and pulled out my phone. "Now, let's take pictures. Stand there."

I wasn't able to protest as he started taking pictures of me with our names written on the sand. He then stood beside me and started taking pictures of both of us. "What are you doing?", I asked.

"Being with you", he answered. It felt like something squeezed my heart as I stared at him. I momentarily forgot the reason why I shouldn't be with him in the first place.

"Are you always this tiny?", he asked after a while and placed his hand on top of my head. "Yah!" I slapped his hand away but he placed it again on top of my head. I'm not sure if he remembered, but he has asked me this before when we were at the rooftop - when I began seeing him differently...when I realized I love him.

Even if it's just a stolen moment, it made me happy. If only it was the two of us, things would have been perfect. But when I saw Min Young standing in a distance, my make-believe world vanished instantly.

"I have to go. Min Young is already looking for you", I said and snatched the phone from Jiyong. I grabbed my backpack and quickly erased our names that he has written on the sand.

_____________________________________________________________

"No, you are not wearing that", Jiyong said sternly.

"What is wrong with my clothes? It is stylish", Seunghyun countered and looked at the mirror once again. Jiyong trailed his eyes on the jursa's clothes. He was wearing a tuxedo with cape a-shining. Seriously, he wanted to dig his eyes out and throw them at him.

"It is not stylish. It's ridiculous. People will be scared of you and think that you're crazy", he said.

The bidding presentation has already ended and it was quite uneventful. The participants each showed off their marketing skills with their amazing visual aids, some even using holograms and what-not to catch the investors' attention. What pisses him off greatly is that Jin-hyuk, the representative of the main investor which is his father, was staring at Dara the entire time even though they were not the ones presenting.

After the bidding presentation, a party is organized together with the other bid participants, giving every one a chance to extend their business connections. The bid winner will be announced tomorrow after the deliberation of the investors.

They were preparing for the party but Seunghyun is making it hard for them to leave the room. Jiyong can't imagine walking at the party with the jursa flapping his cape behind him.

"It's almost time, is it not? We have to go", Seunghyun said and put on his shades, making Jiyong shut his eyes firmly. Those sunglasses again! Whoever introduced those stupid shades to the hadana and jursa deserves to rot in hell.

"Put those sunglasses away", he muttered under gritted teeth.

"Why? The shades makes me feel important."

"You look like a clown."

"Have you not heard of the word Avante-Garde?"

He cannot believe he's pulling off the Avante-Garde shit on him. He sighed in resignation and headed towards the door.

==

Dara's brain is already numb. They've been mingling with different people and she has memorized the names and faces of more than half of the bid participants and investors in the party hall. She and Joo Won were doubling their efforts to do their job while Min Young was busy interacting with the investors. The two deities were at the far side of the room, darting their eyes around like all of them are their adoring subjects. Fortunately, Bom and Seunghyun decided to do away with the shades.

Dara was wearing an off-shoulder dress that accentuates her body. She lets her hair loose in a somewhat messy style that frames her face. She was beautiful and the guys in the party hall were flocking around her, much to Jiyong's dismay.

"Miss Park", Jiyong approached her, not hiding his irritation. The guys crowding her made some space but did not disperse, still loitering around her. "Can you come with me to greet some of the bid participants?"

Dara excused herself and went to Jiyong's side. "I've memorized half of the bid participants and investors in the hall, Mr. Kwon. Just tell me who you want to meet and I'll introduce you", she said.

"What are you drinking?"

"Red wine", Dara blinked at him in bewilderment.

"Don't drink", Jiyong pulled the glass out of her grasp and placed it in a nearby round table. "What if you get drunk? What if someone takes advantage of you?"

What? "Mr. Kwon-"

"And don't mingle with anyone alone. This place is full of guys. Didn't you see them flocking around you a while ago? Those bastards."

"But Mr. Kwon..."

"Just stick with me. Don't stray away-"

"Stop it. This is not my place anymore, Jiyong. This place beside you is where Min Young should be. Don't waste your time worrying about me. I don't need it", Dara hissed, her fists clenched tightly. "Don't drink? Don't stray away from you?" A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Stop saying those words if you're going to leave, Jiyong. Stop doing anything that will make me hold on to you." Dara marched away furiously. She's fed up. Why is it that his actions are opposite of what he's telling her? If he cares for her, why is he not with her?

In a near distance, the two deities were watching the destined couple intently. Bom pursed her lips tightly and averted her gaze while Seunghyun maintained the impassive expression on his face. "He is a noble fool", he said. He has just learned from the hadana about what Jiyong told Dara.

"Well done on your last challenge, jursa. Well done", Bom said somberly. Their attention turned to Dara who was approached by Min Young. "I will handle this, hadana", Seunghyun said and quickly went away.

==

Dara and Min Young were standing on the garden downstairs, away from the party and from the ears of anyone. Dara's eyes were casted on the ground, uncertain how to act in front of the girl whom Jiyong is bound to marry.

"You know that I'm engaged, don't you?" Min Young asked. Dara nodded in response. Did girl cyborg bring her here to make sure that she'll stay away from Jiyong? Her heart stung in pain. Can this night be any more awesome?

"I'm engaged to Yoo Ah In, the son of one of my father's business partners. His father will only agree to the business merge if I marry his son."

Dara lifted her gaze and stared at Min Young in shock. Her mind was in turmoil as she tried to absorb what she just said. She's not engaged with Jiyong? Then...why did Jiyong lie to her? Her knees wobbled and Dara had to sit on the concrete flower box for support.

"I am confused as you are, Dara. I don't know why Jiyong is doing this. You saw me when I was crying in Jiyong's office before, that's when I learned that my father's business is on the verge of bankruptcy and that we need the Yoo family to pull us up. I agreed with the engagement. Jiyong and Mr. Lee Soo Man offered their support but this matter is out of their hands."

She didn't know what to think of anymore. Dara slumped her shoulders and inhaled deeply. "I-..I'm..-", Dara swallowed hard, unable to say anything coherent.

"Do you need to be alone?" Min Young asked.

"Y-Yes please. Thank you."

As soon as she was left alone, Dara hugged herself and looked up. Even though her eyes are becoming misty, she refused to cry. She pulled out her phone from her purse and started browsing the pictures that Jiyong took - their photos on the beach earlier, the pictures she took when Jiyong is not looking, the photo of their kiss. Seeing their pictures with both of them smiling...it hurts like hell.

"Sandara Park", Seunghyun's voice entered her ears. She lifted her gaze and saw him standing in a near distance in front of her, leaning on a nearby tree. "You finally found the truth", he stated.

"Why did he do it? Why did he lie to me?" She asked in a tight voice.

"It is something that is between you and Jiyong."

"Are you on his side?"

"I am on nobody's side."

"He hurt me, Seunghyun."

The jursa looked at her mournfully, knowing full well that she is not hearing anything at the moment. What words can anyone say to someone who refuses to listen? "You are too absorbed in your own pain that you fail to see his pain", he said.

"I've had enough", Dara exclaimed furiously.

"If only you can see his heart..." Seunghyun looked up at the sky and sighed, "...you would be surprised at everything he keeps inside."

_____________________________________________________________

It was a bright night with a beautiful, starry sky. It was a night of merriment, wine and laughter.

Dara was on the balcony outside of the party hall, inhaling the fresh air while roaming her eyes on the beautiful scenery of the Jeju island. Unfortunately, the pretty sight and the soft breeze did nothing to soothe her nerves.

She turned around when she felt Jiyong's presence behind her. "You wanted to speak with me?", he asked.

"Min Young told me everything", Dara said, her voice laced with fury. Jiyong stiffened as he met her gaze. "Are you really desperate in pushing me away that you have to use Min Young?"

What should he say? This is what he wanted, isn't it? This is what has to happen but why is his mind telling him to reason out and defend himself?

The couple who were formerly tied by the red string of fate stood facing each other, one consumed with anger and the other one drowning in despair. Bom was hiding behind the right wall beside the entrance to the balcony while Seunghyun was leaning at the left wall on the other side. Unable to bear it any longer, the jursa decided to leave the scene.

"Is it really that bad to be with me?", Dara mumbled after a while.

"No. You don't understand." Jiyong whispered.

"Then why did you lie, Jiyong?"

"I don't have a choice-"

"You made your choice", there was indescribable pain in her voice as she stood rigidly, not peeling her eyes off him. "You didn't choose me."

Jiyong was not able to respond. It was too late. She was right; he has brought this upon himself. This is the choice he made to protect her. But...he didn't know it will hurt this much.

"I'm sorry", was all he managed to say, but there was no answer from her. "I'm really sorry. I don't know what to say right now to-"

"Don't bother explaining. Don't worry, I'll stay away from you. Since that's what you want."

"Can I-...Can I at least hug you?" Jiyong's lips quivered as he fought the tears that are threatening to fall.

Dara didn't utter a word as she stared at him. She did not make a move and does not seem to want to respond either. Jiyong swallowed hard and casted his eyes downward, unable to meet her gaze anymore. It hurts so much to look at her. It hurts so much to be near her when he can't even hold her. He turned around and with heavy steps, started to walk away. Why? No matter how many times he asks that question, it will remain unanswered. Why did this have to happen to them? Why is he not the one for her? Why can't it be him? 'Why? When I love her so much.' His bitter thoughts came to a halt and his body stiffened when he felt her tiny arms hugging him from behind. "Cling", she said softly.

Jiyong choked down a sob as he placed his hands on top of Dara's. He hung his head low as his tears started falling. "You...", he struggled to whisper, his voice strained in pain, "...are such a cheeseball."

It was a bright night with a beautiful, starry sky. It was a night when two hearts were hurting.

Writer's Note:

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huntress