KNOT 19 - THE OLD MAN IN THE MOONLIGHT

The incessant ringing of the doorbell finally woke Joo Won up. He looked at the clock and groaned exasperatedly as it reads 12 midnight. Whoever is behind the door meant to explode his brain with annoyance. Who could it be? He's pretty sure he doesn't have any siblings.

"Dara?", Joo Won blinked repeatedly.

"Drink with me."

"I-..Okay", Joo Won stuttered, utterly dumbfounded by Dara's sudden appearance. He hastily prepared while she waited for him, staring blankly at nothing in particular. They went to a nearby stall on the street and Dara didn't waste any time drowning herself with alcohol. Both of them were bathe in silence. Joo Won knew that this is somehow connected to Kwon Jiyong but he can't bring himself to ask her.

"So...", Dara grimaced after drinking another shot, "...you see, I watched this drama. The guy is really stupid! He made this girl feel like she's special to him and did things that makes her heart flutter. They were always together, like they're binded by an unseen string. Good memories were created, feelings bloomed, then BOOM! He told her he's getting engaged with somebody else." A bitter laugh escaped her lips while shaking her head. "Can you believe it?!", she asked incredulously.

"No, I can't", Joo Won mumbled while eyeing her intently.

"He should've warned her instead of making her hope that they have a future together", she furiously added and slammed the shot glass on the table. "No guy, except assholes, will do that to any girl."

Joo Won remained silent and poured another shot for both of them, letting Dara release her frustration. Never has he seen her in that state. Even their breakup won't even compare to the crumbling Dara in front of him.

"Is it the girl's fault that she would jump into conclusions after what they've been through? The guy lead her on and now what? Sorry? Will his apology change the past? Will it?", Dara hissed.

"No"

"He even asked her if she loves him! I mean, why? He shouldn't have done that if he doesn't want her to have any ideas of them being together. But he did! And they aren't together! He got engaged! You know who'll do that?"

"Assholes", Joo Won replied.

"Right! Why is there an abundance of assholes in this country? We should totally export assholes. I bet our economy will skyrocket", Dara exhaled heavily while shaking her head. "I can't understand it", she added and drank another shot. She tried to keep her focus on the alcohol, but her thoughts betrayed her.

It happened again. She was pushed aside again. What did she do wrong this time? When her parents died because of her selfish birthday request for them to come home quickly even though it was raining hard, she blamed herself and put a conscious effort not to be a burden to others ever since then. She became really attentive and would go an extra mile just to please others. But despite all her efforts, her relatives left her. Even Joo Won left her.

"I thought you love me"

"I never said I did"

A seething pain coursed through her heart remembering Jiyong's words. She bit her lips and tried to even out her breathing to stop herself from crying again. With the number of people who left her, she thought she's already numb from the pain. But why does it still hurt the same every single time? Her chest constricted as she clenched her fist on top of the table. To her surprise, Joo Won rested his hand on top of hers and gently caressed it. "You can cry, Dara", he whispered. "You've been strong long enough."

"It's just-...the drama that I watched-..so stupid-..", Dara abruptly shut up and swallowed hard, knowing that Joo Won already got a grip of the situation. There is no use even if she continues with her lie. He can tell her heart is aching.

"I'm all ears, Dara. Just let it out."

"No, I'm fine. I'm sorry if I'm being such a wuss", she said, her voice cracking as she continued. "What's this? The tears just kept on falling", she mumbled and chuckled bitterly while wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be acting like this in front of you."

"Sshhhh... It's okay", Joo Won assured her.

"I thought what Jiyong and I have will last", Dara mumbled, a steady stream of tears falling from her eyes. "Why is everybody leaving me? Is there something that I'm doing wrong? Am I really lacking?"

"No. No, you're not. It took me some time to realize how stupid I was to let you go. You are special the way you are, Dara. I hope Jiyong will realize that before it's too late."

"It's too late. He's engaged with Min Young", Dara sobbed, burying her face on her palms.

Joo Won let out a sigh and furrowed his eyebrows. He's quite certain Jiyong is hiding something from Dara. The situation is something he cannot understand.

_____________________________________________________________

"I'm sure you've been informed already, Miss Park. My son recommended you to the Marketing Department", Lee Soo Man stated as he sat on the single couch facing Dara. She still went to the office despite Jiyong telling him not to.

"Yes, sir." Dara meekly responded, her eyes glued on the floor, as if the office carpet is the most interesting thing in the world. She felt lightheaded after pouring her eyes out in front of her ex-boyfriend last night. God, that was embarrassing. She didn't know why of all people, she chose to confide to Joo Won. She didn't even tell CL or Bom about it.

"I told Jiyong that you better stay as his Executive Assistant until his last day in the company. After he leaves, I'll transfer you to the Marketing Department", Lee Soo Man's voice entered her ears and she abruptly lifted her gaze. "He still plans on leaving after the bid in Jeju", he added. "Do you have any questions, Miss Park?"

"Nothing, sir"

There were knocks on the door and Min Young entered. Almost immediately, Dara's eyes settled on the engagement ring on Min Young's finger. A sharp pain gripped her heart and she had to clench her fist to keep herself in check.

"Although it's still early for the orientation, Min Young will give you a brief overview of the duties in the Marketing Department"

"Thank you, sir", Dara forced the words out of her mouth. Her mind is a bit hazy with how fast things are changing and all she wants right now is to get out of Lee Soo Man's office.

"Follow me, Dara. I'll show you around the Marketing Department", Min Young said in her usual cyborg voice. "Before I forget, you will be joining us in the Jeju trip"

What? Dara's head whipped towards Lee Soo Man.

"I told you, you'll still be Jiyong's Executive Assistant until his last day. It's imperative that you join him there", he said.

"I-I understand, sir", Dara bowed at him and with heavy footsteps, she followed Min Young and headed towards the door. She's finding it hard to even look at her. A lot of questions are floating in her mind but she's not in the position to ask. In the end, she is just a girl who was accidentally tied to Jiyong due to some magical mishap. How foolish of her to believe the folklore written in the 'Old Man of the Moonlight' book. If it was indeed true, then why is it that she is the one looking at Min Young's back with envy? Why is it that she's the one who was left behind?

"Congratulations on your engagement, Min Young", she said in an almost inaudible voice.

Min Young halted her steps and faced her. "Jiyong told you?", she asked in bewilderment.

"Yes, he did."

"Please don't tell anyone about it, Dara"

==

It was already noon and Jiyong still has not arrived. Dara assumed that he will not be showing up in the office on that day. After having lunch in the cafeteria with Joo Won, Dara returned to Jiyong's office and upon opening the door, she froze on her spot when she saw Jiyong and Min Young inside, engaged in a heated discussion. The two bolted their heads on her direction and became silent.

"I'm sorry for interrupting", Dara muttered and was about to leave but Min Young stopped her.

"It's okay, Dara. We're finished talking", she said and glared at Jiyong. Min Young sighed heavily, headed towards the door and left without glancing at Dara.

As soon as it was only the two of them, Jiyong went back to his desk and didn't even acknowledge her. Dara followed his movements with her gaze, her heart aching more than last night. How can he easily throw away what they have and not even bother explaining to her? They did share something, he cannot deny that. All the time they spent together flooded her mind as she stood there, silently hoping that he will say something to her. She was devastated, he knew that. And him acting normally like absolutely nothing is wrong pains her more.

Dara trudged towards her desk and poured her concentration on finishing her tasks, still overly conscious with Jiyong's every action. He didn't even throw one glance at her the entire time and it's making her upset. As the clock ticks, she is becoming more and more restless. A lot needs to be said but no one wants to talk. The heavy silence enveloping them is suffocating.

The day was coming to an end. Dara stood up, bringing the documents that she finished towards Jiyong's desk.

"Mr. Kwon, here is the copy of the presentation from the sales team." She gingerly handed it to him. Jiyong didn't even lift his eyes as he received the papers, making Dara swallow hard to mask the torture that's happening inside her. "All the materials are there. If you don't need anything more, I will be leaving now." She turned around and was about to leave but Jiyong's next words halted her steps.

"Cheeseball, text me when you get hom-". Both of them are startled. Dara took a sharp intake of breath before turning around to face him again, her eyes mirroring her rage.

"Sure, HUBBY. I'll text you when I get home. By the way, do send me a text on your wedding day. I look forward to the emoticons."

"Dara...", Jiyong sighed, his eyebrows deeply furrowed as he stood up and approached her. "I really am sorry. The...engagement was something I didn't plan. But things happened. You will find someone who is more suited for you."

"Wait", Dara raised her hand to shut him up and tried to collect her thoughts. She is overwhelmed with emotions at the moment and everything he's saying is barely registering in her mind. "Since when were you engaged with Min Young?", she asked.

Jiyong averted his gaze before answering, "I-..It has been finalized last night."

"Why is it so sudden? Are you in love with her? Is there something more to this?"

"I am marrying her. That's all I can tell you. Don't worry, after the Jeju bid, I will disappear from your sight. Min Young plans to leave this company too so you will be in peace. And even if you want to resign, I already made sure that you will have the highest recommendation so you won't have any problems."

"That's not what I want to know, Jiyong", Dara huffed in frustration. "This is so confusing", she frowned and massaged her temple, casting her eyes downwards.

Jiyong was about to raise his arms to wrap her in an embrace but stopped himself from doing so. In the end, he just stared at her as he spoke, his face remaining impassive. "I'm really sorry. I know no matter how many times I apologize, it will not change anything. It was my fault. Hate me, curse me. Do what you need to do to vent your anger. Hit me if you want."

"I just want an explanation", Dara said in an almost inaudible voice as she lifted her gaze and met his eyes. "What happened to us?"

There was a momentary pause between them. "There's no us, Dara. There will never be", Jiyong said. "I'm really sorry."

It's as if a thousand needles pierced her heart. Dara spun on her heels and grabbed her things hastily. She stormed out of Jiyong's office and went to the ladies' room, locking herself inside a cubicle. The tears she was holding the entire time poured incessantly. His words are resonating inside her head - the pain shattering her to pieces. She covered her mouth with her hands and choked down a sob. Do I deserve this? Why me?

Nothing makes sense anymore. The times their shared together, his caring words, the kisses...nothing makes sense.

After staying for a few more minutes inside the cubicle to calm her feeling, Dara finally went out and proceeded to the sink. She washed her face multiple times and breathed in deeply afterwards, trying to get a grip of herself. She has dealt with a lot of things, this is just one of them. Her eyes focused on what's in front of her - her reflection. She stared at the mirror, water dripping on her face, and noticed her lifeless eyes staring back at her. It was all too familiar - the pain, the agony, her eyes...a shadow of who she was before.

_____________________________________________________________

"Dara. Hey Dara!", Joo Won waved his hand in front of Dara who was still slicing her food into a million little pieces. They were in Joo Won's apartment since he volunteered to cook dinner for the two of them to 'lift her spirits'. It's proving to be a failure. For about five minutes, Joo Won has been telling all the ridiculous jokes (that he would not dare repeat EVER AGAIN) in an attempt to make her laugh. Still, his efforts proved futile. "Dara!", he called out again.

"Hmmmm?"

"Come on Dara, I'm trying to be funny here", he complained.

"I'll laugh later", she responded. Their flight to Jeju is scheduled tomorrow and all she can think of is that she'll have to endure being with Jiyong again. After their encounter in the office the other day, Jiyong took some time off and informed the office that he'll go to Jeju ahead of schedule. She hasn't seen Min Young either and she can't help but think that the two are now together in Jeju.

"Have you talked to Jiyong?" Joo Won's voice interrupted her thoughts. "There must be a reason why he suddenly decided to marry Min Young."

"Don't tell anybody about their engagement. I think they're keeping it a secret for now. Can we talk about something else?" Dara asked wearily. Hearing Jiyong and Min Young's name stresses her out. Up to that moment, she's still unsure on how she should act when she gets to see the two of them together. She won't be acting all merry and cheerful, that's for sure. That would make her look totally stupid.

"Let's talk about us", Joo Won suggested. Dara lifted her gaze and frowned at him. "What about us? We're cool. I mean, we're friends", she said.

"Ouch! You mean, you're completely shutting me down? Not even a bit of chance of us being together again?" He scrunched his nose and crumpled his face in an exaggerated display of disappointment.

"You care for me Joo Won. And I care for you too. But love is already lost between us. You know that", Dara gave him a small smile and patted his hand rested on the table.

"Ah, whatever. You'll come crawling back to me, you'll see", he joked. Honestly, he knew from way back that Dara's heart belongs to someone else - Kwon Jiyong. It's pretty obvious since her eyes can light up an entire city when she's looking at him. He knew and he accepted. It was his fault why they grew apart after all. He was a selfish immature bastard before, and now he's paying the price. He is officially friendzoned, which sucks but it is better than being completely wiped out of her life. "I hate being the ex-boyfriend friend", he grumbled.

"You'll survive", Dara murmured, her mind drifting away again to a faraway place. What is Jiyong doing now? Is he with Min Young?

"Annnddd, she's gone. Seriously, all I have to do is blink and your brain is wandering again." Joo Won whined, pouting his lips for added effect.

Dara looked at him and giggled. He's seeing a new side of Joo Won ever since they broke up. She didn't know Joo Won can be such a girl sometimes. It's quite cute actually; far from the stiff and calculated boyfriend that she knew. They both changed. She changed after meeting the cyborg guy who let her discover who she really is and what she really wants.

"I can't help but notice that you started liking boy bands now." Dara stated, a smirk forming at the corner of her lips.

"What? Of course not."

"Their posters are pinned at your bedroom wall. It's asking to be seen."

"They're cool", he coughed.

"Uhm."

"Stop judging me. They're cool!"

"Sure, with the synchronized hip-shaking and-"

"You will be sucked in their world once you start searching for their videos"

"Oh, so you did search for their videos?" Dara's eyes glimmered with amusement. She will not let this go. The Joo Won she knows is only interested with the Marketing and Sales world and not someone who will be caught having anything to do with *gasp* boy bands wearing leopard-printed tights!

Joo Won turned red. This is turning out to be quite a spectacle. "C-Can we change topics now?"

"You know, I don't have a problem with boy bands. Some of them are cool. But your choice of boy band is...questionable." Dara continued, not letting Joo Won off the hook. Watching him shrivel in embarrassment is entertaining and she's quite enjoying the tortured look on his face. Besides, he's the genius who suggested that they should talk. "What's the name of their group?", she asked.

"Jumbo Club", Joo Won responded meekly. He's looking smaller at each passing minute.

Dara bit her lips to stifle her laughter. "Right. Out of all the boy bands in Korea, why did you choose to be a fan of a group with the word Jumbo in their name and who are wearing tight outfits like a figure skater?"

"I know what you're trying to insinuate! They're not gay!"

"They're wearing homosexual uniform. Flame on!"

"It's their stylists' fault!", Joo Won shot back. "Lee Minho is the one who's gay."

"Exuse me? EXCUSE ME?! I can't believe you guys are so blind at his awesomeness! Lee Minho is perfect! I don't understand why you're lining him up with a group called 'Jumbo Club'. Have you seen him wearing tight outfits like the boy band you're so crazy about?"

"Permed hair."

"That was required for his drama! Why are you and Jiyong-", Dara stopped in midsentence upon realizing that the cyborg-who-must-not-be-named came up again.

"Tsch. Kwon Jiyong really got you good, didn't he?", Joo Won said matter-of-factly. He forked a food and placed it in his mouth while studying Dara's expression. "You should do something so you can move on."

"Like what?" Dara asked while eyeing the wallpaper of her phone showing their picture, sadness flooding her once again.

"I don't know. Yell at him, for example."

"How?"

"How? Scream at him through capslock. That will scare him alright", he sarcastically said. The sarcasm, however, was lost at Dara as she thought it was a brilliant idea and started fiddling with her phone.

"What? No! You are so pathetic. Give me that!" Joo Won snatched the phone away from her. "Do you want me to punch him once we meet him in Jeju?"

"You?" Dara looked at his lean form and cocked her eyebrows.

"Haven't you seen these muscles?"

"Rigghhhttt"

Joo Won scowled at her. "Just eat, will you?", he said and pushed the plate towards her.

"Oh God, Joo Won, what is this?", Dara grimaced the exact millisecond the food touches her taste buds.

"It's beef bulgogi. Stop complaining and eat. I almost burned my kitchen preparing that for you", Joo Won said.

"Next time, I'll cook", Dara said. Joo Won lifted his gaze and their eyes met, then both of them smiled, happy that they formed a friendship despite their past. Dara sighed and forked the burnt meat. "I still love him.", she mumbled.

"I know", Joo Won replied seriously. "Don't worry, I'll help you in finding the reason why Jiyong is acting impulsively."

Dara smiled at him and rested her chin on her palm. "You are such a great ex-boyfriend."

"Yah!" Joo Won glared at her.

"Jumbo Club."

"DARA!"

_____________________________________________________________

CL's POV

Oh God. I looked interchangeably between Bom and Seunghyun, both wearing sunglasses while sitting on the floor in the living room with an open luggage, a big pile of mess littering every available space surrounding them. I just finished my first day of work and this is not the scene that I was expecting when I get home. I wanted to prepare a celebratory dinner for all of us since I finally got a job but since the two are leaving tomorrow, we decided to postpone it.

I roamed my eyes on the variety of things scattered on the floor. Clothes, mirror, brush, underwear, ramen, chips, needles, thread, spoon, fork, chopsticks, plate, glasses, pans, frozen food-...WHAT THE HECK! If she stuffed a living creature in there, I swear I'm calling the police.

"Are you planning on taking everything from the kitchen and the fridge?", I asked in bafflement.

"This body needs nourishment", Bom reasoned and protectively placed the plastic bag of frozen food behind her. I think some of my braincells died.

"Will you two take off those shades? You look ridiculous", I sighed and threw my handbag on the couch. This is obviously going to be a long night. "Are you done packing, Seunghyun?"

"Yes. Jiyong helped me", he responded, taking off his sunglasses obediently and snatching Bom's shades since the crazy woman wouldn't let it go. I'm actually glad that he will accompany Bom in the Jeju trip because who knows what kind of trouble TinkerBom might get herself into. Between the two of them, Seunghyun is the lesser crazy.

"No. No no no no no", I screeched upon seeing Bom stuffing a jar inside her luggage. And what's that glittery thing? Are those my pom poms when I was a cheerleader in high school?! "Where did you get this and why are you bringing it with you?", I asked, dumbfounded.

"In the storage closet. It looks fun so I'm bringing it", she simply explained. For some reason, I can picture Bom running amok in the streets of Jeju while waving the pom poms. She is totally capable of doing that.

The door suddenly opened, revealing Dara. "I'm home", she announced in a tired voice.

"Are you done packing? Where did you go?", I asked. "I'm beginning to sound like a mom!", I whined. These two should have been done preparing ages ago. I really don't get why people have the tendency to do things at the last minute.

"Relax, Chaerin omma. I'm done packing." She plopped herself on the floor beside me and helped in folding the clothes. We were quiet for a while as the four of us tried to make Bom's luggage look like a real luggage instead of a pitiful container that was munched by Godzilla. Fortunately, Dara and I were able to come home early to help her pack. The things that Bom is trying to smuggle in her luggage are those that will put any airport on high alert and will have her thrown out of the country. I seriously cannot believe this woman.

"I just had dinner with Joo Won", Dara suddenly blurted out.

"Joo Won?!", I exclaimed in disbelief. "Are you crazy? That guy hurt you!" Gosh, why are people so blinded when it comes to guys? Girl power please? This is the reason why I can't imagine myself being dragged into the crazy vortex of 'love' insanity.

"We're friends", she responded.

Friends?! Argh! Someone help me please. My eyes settled on Seunghyun, who stared back at me questioningly. "Seunghyun, can you explain to Dara why she should not trust her bastard ex-boyfriend who broke up with her for no apparent reason", I said.

"People change, Lee Chaerin", he said in his eerie deep voice. Ohhhh, here it comes. Here comes the creepy talk! "Humans are bound to commit mistakes but fortunately, they can create chances for themselves and start anew. Like you and Seungri for example."

"Huh?"

"You were so cold before but Seungri managed to break your wall. You became more open to people. And I can't help but notice that you and Seungri are getting closer", Bom interjected.

"Uh, no. I'm only tolerating that vagina because ignoring him will not make him go away. I tried. Many many times"

"Come to think of it, you and Seungri fit each other", Dara beamed at me. Traitor.

"That is not true! We are total opposites. I don't even know why we exist in the same country", I argued. Un-freaking-believable. Why are they ganging up on me? And of all people, they're pairing me up with Seungri - a guy who I think does a ceremonial dance around his p0rn magazines at night?!

"When you realize you're mistaken, you will remember this moment and tilt your head in awe", Seunghyun said.

"Okay, enough", I threw my hands in the air. I can't stand it whenever Jewish Seunghyun and Banana Bom begin speaking in creepy tongue. "We are way off our subject. Dara, why are you meeting Joo Won again? Haven't you learned your lesson?"

"Don't worry, CL. Forget about the past, he's a good person", Dara said flatly. Her calm demeanor is worrying me.

"Jiyong will surely throw a fit once he learns you're hanging out with Joo Won", I mumbled.

"CL, Jiyong is-.."

"BOM! Stop stuffing the fruits in your luggage! Oh my gosh, what is this? No no no, throw this away! THROW THIS AWAY!" What is wrong with Bom, seriously? It's like she's programmed to do things that will make me want to kill her or myself. I turned to Dara who was staring at her phone. "What were you saying, Dara?"

"Nothing."

_____________________________________________________________

It's supposed to be funny - the way the two deities are wearing shades inside the airplane and sitting royally like they're the owners of the galaxy; the way Joo Won is trying not to stare at them but can't help himself from stealing a few glances every time Bom or Seunghyun does something peculiar; and the way the cabin crew started making a fuss because when the plane started to take off, Bom began screaming like a dying pig.

It's supposed to be funny, but she can't even force herself to laugh. In a few hours, she will meet Jiyong and Min Young again. As expected, Min Young is already in Jeju together with Jiyong.

Dara closed her eyes and pretended to sleep. Without Jiyong beside her, why is it that she's seeing things differently? It's as if her days are not as colorful as before. Her laugh is a little strained, her steps are heavy, her smile easily falters. Everything was different.

"Just act normal when you're in front of Jiyong and I'll handle the rest", she heard Joo Won say, then she felt his lips on her forehead. Dara's eyes fluttered open and she stared at him. "I don't have to act. I'm fine", she reasoned.

"I'm your ex, remember? I know when you're faking it", Joo Won said while arching his eyebrows up and down.

"You monster", Dara hit his stomach and smiled.

"Hey, why are you still using that silly backpack?", Joo Won frowned and pointed at her priced possession.

"Because it's cute."

"It's strawberry", he pressed on.

"Leave my backpack alone, you Jumbo Club fanboy", she shot back and giggled upon remembering the boy band that he adores. It's really ridiculous.

"Can you please let it go? You're shattering my manly ego"

"Nope"

==

"That's what you get for teasing me", Joo Won said jokingly while the dizzy Dara clings to his arm as they made their way to the hotel.

It was a fine flight that's why Dara cannot understand why she felt like her skull is being split open and her stomach wanted to eject everything. Perhaps she's not used to traveling anymore.

"I think I'm getting old", Dara blurted out.

"What are you saying?", Joo Won laughed and wrapped his arm around her. "Just lean on me instead of trying to dislocate my arm", he said. Dara did what she was told while Bom and Seunghyun followed behind.

"They're here", Min Young announced. Jiyong turned around and upon seeing Dara and Joo Won, his eyebrows automatically furrowed. They were waiting at the hotel lobby and although he is expecting that Dara will arrive with Joo Won and the two deities, he did not expect the scene that he's seeing now.

"Hello Mr. Kwon, Miss Park", Joo Won greeted and smiled at them. It pisses him off. Why is his arm still wrapped around Dara? Is there some meaning behind that smile? Jiyong pushed those thoughts behind and looked at Dara. His annoyance was immediately replaced with worry when he saw how pale she was.

"What happened to you? Are you alright?" He was about to hold her face but Joo Won's voice stopped him.

"I got her, Mr. Kwon", Joo Won said and smiled politely at him while Dara averted her gaze. Jiyong stiffened. It felt like air has been knocked out of his chest. He used to be the one whom she clings to. He used to be the one who is always beside her. But look at where he's standing now. Is Joo Won the guy for her? He swallowed hard and his eyes settled on Dara once again. 'Cheeseball'. He looked at Seunghyun to reaffirm his thoughts but the jursa is currently arguing with the hadana.

"We have four rooms", Min Young's voice got everyone's attention. "The rooms were randomly assigned by the bid organizers that's why ours are far from each other", she explained and gave Joo Won and Dara's room numbers. "Mr. Jursa will stay with Jiyong and Miss Hadana will stay with Dara", she added.

Mr. Jursa? Miss Hadana? Dara snorted but her face immediately contorted in pain. "Ugh. Joo Won, I think I need to throw up", she moaned.

"Oh no! Key card, key card!", Joo Won snatched the key card from Min Young and quickly proceeded to the elevator, with Bom tagging along from behind.

"If I throw up here, cup your hands and catch it."

"Eeww!"

Jiyong stared at them, not knowing how to react. He then shifted his eyes to Dara's strawberry backpack that he used to carry. Everything is now different. Everything feels like a distant memory.

_____________________________________________________________

"I refuse to be a part of this Jiyong", Min Young said over the phone. Everyone has already settled in their respective rooms and Min Young called him to give him a piece of her mind. "If Dara asks me, I will give her an honest answer". She then hangs up the phone.

Jiyong sighed and collapsed on his bed. As he was staring at the ceiling, he recalled the events that happened. Min Young was contacted by her parents, telling her that her engagement with the Yoo family will push through. She firmly declined but she received an email from one of her father's employee explaining the current status of her father's business and telling her that her father is in a very bad state due to worries. Min Young came to his office and asked him about the financial standing of their business based on the documents that the employee sent her. He explained it to her and it was the first time that she shed tears on his shoulder, which Dara witnessed. It turns out the reason why her father is trying to push through with Min Young's engagement is because merging with the Yoo family's group of companies can save the Park's family from the verge of bankruptcy. Being the good daughter that she is, Min Young eventually agreed with the engagement.

Knowing that Dara is wary of Min Young, he took advantage of that fact and lied to her, making her believe Min Young is engaged to him. He knew it's not going to be easy. He knew it will be painful. But this is what he has to do to protect Dara. It's funny how the dramas she made him watch against his will are coming back to him. He now understands why that boring male lead did what he did. Remembering the last episode of the drama, he felt envious. He would do anything so he can have the boring happy ending that the male lead had. He would do anything to have a crew of cheeseborg babies while the cheeseball mommy is watching a mushy KDrama on the couch with the cyborg daddy, who is eternally rolling his eyes and sighing in frustration. The picture was perfect - perfect and impossible.

Now that they're in this situation, he has no choice but to figure out how to go on living...without her.

With those troubling thoughts, Jiyong drifted to sleep.

==

The moon was still in the sky as he walked towards the temple. He doesn't expect to see anyone but when he arrived, he saw an old man sitting by the steps with a tattered brown bag and reading an old book. The man lifted his gaze and had a benevolent smile. Jiyong sat beside him and glanced at the book he's reading.

"What are you reading?", he asked.

"This is the Red String Registry. And this..", the old man pointed at a particular part of the book, "..this is the spot where your name once was." Jiyong looked at the book but he cannot recognize the writing.

"I haven't seen that kind of writing before. Is it a foreign language?"

The old man smiled at him. "It is, yes. This book is from the Upper World."

"Upper World?", Jiyong frowned at the man and looked up at the sky. "There is a world up there?"

"Not in the human realm, Abelard. The Upper World is in the realm of deities"

"My name is not Abelard", Jiyong corrected him.

"Ahhh. But it was before. More than 900 years ago, that was your name."

He doesn't know why, but Jiyong feels like the old man is telling the truth. Then he asked, "What is someone from the Upper World doing here?" The old man closed the book and tilted his head. "We administer matters in the human world. We should be here. Hence, we are here."

Jiyong looked at the tattered brown bag that he is carrying. "What's inside your bag?", he asked.

"Red strings of fate. When I tie the destined couple together using this string, both their names will appear in the Red String Registry. No matter the distance, time and circumstances, if they are tied by my red string, the couple is destined to be together."

"I know that red string. Dara and I were tied with one before. But it is gone now", Jiyong said and suddenly, he became aware of his surrounding. "What am I doing here? How did I get here?"

"Your grieving heart led you to me. It's asking for help."

Jiyong clutched his chest and looked at the man in bewilderment. "I don't understand."

"Think about the jursa's words. Twist his words and seek the proper question. Only then will you have the proper answer", the old man said.

"Choose your own pain, Abelard."

==

"Jiyong. Jiyong!" Seunghyun's voice entered his ears, waking him up. Jiyong squinted his eyes and stared at the jursa. "You were mumbling in your sleep. Are you having a nightmare?", he asked.

"I-..", he shut his eyes and tried to recall but he can't remember. "I don't know. Probably", he answered. Was it a nightmare?

Writer's Note:

MOBSTER FOR RENT 1 is now published in PH under Bookware! Book launch is in Manila International Book Fair from Sept 11 - 15 in SMX! Please grab a copy! And sorry, I won't be there lolz! Please don't expect me to answer messages if not in English. I'm sorry!

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Do you still remember the folklore that I posted before? It's on the Writer's Note of Chapter 2 about the Chinese Legend of the Red String of Fate. I twisted it to match the story ^_^

Cheers!

Lotsa Love

huntress