Get Married, Dara! ch3

CHAPTER 3

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Jiyong’s mother decided that night Dara’s and her family should have dinner together at her house. Having dinner together between the two family was a habit since Dara’s father was still alive. With Dara’s help, Jiyong’s mother cooked everyone’s favorite foods.

“It’s been a while since we have dinner together like this. You grow up so much taller, Sanghyun.” Uncle Jinhee commented.

“Yes, I think he’s taller than Jiyong. And do you notice that he’s getting more handsome?” Aunty Hyunmi added.

Sanghyun blushed upon their comments. “Not really… where’s Jiyong hyung, anyway? Why haven’t he arrived yet?” he shifted topic.

“Aww, our Sanghyunnie is blushing…” Sanghyun’s face reddened on his mother’s teased.

“He’ll be late for dinner; he said he had some business to take care.” Dara answered.

The conversation went about each other’s recent activities. The dinner was fun and warm. Dara missed this atmosphere as she was buried by the hakwon and private tutoring she did.

“Whoa, Dara, you can make a good wife in the future! Your cook is delicious!” Uncle Jinhee commenting on the pasta Dara made.

“Talking about wife, have you ever thought of getting married, my dear?” Aunty Hyunmi suddenly brought up the topic Dara had never wanted to discuss about.

“N-n-not yet… I haven’t thought about it. I still want to focus on my work.” Dara stuttered. She didn’t like this topic.

“Don’t you have boyfriend, Dara?” Uncle Jinhee asked out of blue.

“I’m home!” Jiyong sang from the front door. Thank God, everyone’s attentions were shifted to him.

“Hyung!” Sanghyun stood and hugged him.

“Jiyong dear, why are you late for dinner?” Aunty Hyunmi whined as he hugged her.

“Sorry mom, there were few things need to be settled. Besides, this dinner together was suddenly decided by you, wasn’t it?” Jiyong hugged his father. “Whoa, pasta!” his eyes widened cheerfully.

“So Dara, don’t you have a boyfriend?” Uncle Jinhee repeated his question.

Dara flustered. He must be the one who inherited big curiosity and hard to surrender characters to Jiyong. “No, I don’t have any.”

“Really? I thought girl at your age must have had a boyfriend… You’re 27, right?” Uncle Jinhee’s eyes went big.

“I haven’t met the right one yet.” Dara tried to smile.

“You should find a good man and get married soon, Dara.” Her mother said.

Jiyong choked. Sanghyun handed him the water and hit his back several times.

“Why rushing her to get married? She’s still young; her future is still long way to go.” Aunty Hyunmi spoke up.

“She is, but I’m not. I’m getting older and who knows when I will die.” Dara’s mother replied.

“Mommy!” Sanghyun howled.

“I’m talking the truth Sanghyun. You can’t be with her forever since you yourself will make your own family. She needs someone to take care of her.” Dara’s mother held Dara’s hand. “I know you’ve always thought about Sanghyun and me, but it’s the time for you to think about yourself, your future. Go find a husband. Should I set you up? Ah, what about Uncle Seungwoo’s son, Seunghyun? I heard he has just flown back from Japan.”

“Oh really, that Seunghyun? I haven’t seen Seungwoo’s family for a while, so I wonder how Seunghyun is like now.” Aunty Hyunmi responded enthusiastically.

Jiyong growled. “I need to go to bathroom.” He mumbled and went. Dara’s eyes automatically shifted to his face. His expression was blank.

“Oh, Dara, if you don’t like all men your mother set you up with, don’t worry. You still have Jiyong.” Uncle Jinhee blurted.

This time it’s Dara and Sanghyun who choked.

“Your jokes are funny indeed, Uncle.” Dara tried to sound normal. Do his parents know about his feelings to me too?

“I’m not joking, my dear. Don’t you think Jiyong is a good man?” Uncle Jinhee blurted.

“W-w-well, he is a good boy—“

“But isn’t Jiyong too young to marry?” Dara’s mother furrowed.

“Not really… He’s 23, and he’ll finish his study this year. Seungwoo was 23 too when he’s married.” Uncle Jinhee recalled things. “I want to know how it feels to have Dara as our daughter.” He smiled at his wife.

Aunty Hyunmi smiled back at him. “How come you think the same thing as I think?”

“I guess we’re really fated to be a couple.” Uncle Jinhee and Aunty Hyunmi giggled.

Dara sighed. Jiyong’s parents had always wanted to have a daughter, but when Jiyong was 5 Aunty Hyunmi suffered from tumor that enabled her to have children anymore.

“But I have always seen Jiyong as younger brother, nothing more.” Dara tried to say it casually.

Right after she said those words, Jiyong returned to his seat. Dara felt her heart stopped to see his face. He stared back at her with sad and painful look. Suddenly her chest tightened and it was hard for her to breath.

Do I really always see him as nothing more than younger brother?

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Get Married, Dara! ch2

CHAPTER 2

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FLASHBACK

It was the gloomiest day ever. People approached her to give some encouragement words or reassuring taps on her shoulders. She saw her mother, half lifeless, stood beside the grave with the support of some people. In her arms, Sanghyun cried hysterically.

Dara looked at the coffin being buried. The smiling and humorous daddy she had would never laughed at her cold jokes anymore. He had gone forever. He would never watch her on school dramas at the end of semesters again. She felt her chest tightened. Her eyes got teary, but she tried her best to hold it back. She couldn’t cry. She mustn’t cry. She had to be tough. She’s the eldest child; she’s the head of family now, practically, since her mother was extremely shaken.

The funeral ceremony ended a few moments ago. Sanghyun and her mother were fetched home by Jiyong’s parents. The family and relatives had gone. Dara stayed still in front of her dad’s grave. Her eyes locked on the gravestone. Out of blue, her whole body shook terribly. She sobbed, let all her emotions she couldn’t show earlier burst out. “Daddy…” she whispered weakly. She was about to fall on her knees when a pair of arms hold her from the back. Dara stopped sobbing for a while and turned around.

“You always have me, Nuna.” Jiyong said as he let go of her. “I will always be by your side. I will never leave you. I will protect you with all my heart.”

Dara stared at the boy whose height didn’t pass her shoulder. On normal days, she would have felt irritated on his cheesy lines. But that time she felt his words soothed her shaken self. Jiyong took her back into his embrace. Dara buried her head on his shoulder. “Thank you, Jiyong.” She whispered softly.

END OF FLASHBACK

Dara bumped her head to the pillow. It had been the three times she dreamt about that after Jiyong reminded her to buy him Christmas gift. The funny thing was the dream didn’t always replay the whole funeral ceremony, but it always replayed what happened after the ceremony ended—the part when she cried in Jiyong’s arms.

Maybe I should really buy him a gift this year, she shrugged.

Since it was her day off of teaching at the hakwon, Dara decided to go to a department store to seek the gifts. She walked into stores for hours until she decided to buy two thick mantels with the same model for both Jiyong and Sanghyun. She knew Jiyong would protest, but she couldn’t help to dress the two in ‘uniforms’. For her, the two were her younger brothers who needed to be uniformed so people would recognize them as siblings—because their faces were totally different from each other. Dara smiled on thinking how Jiyong’s reaction would be.

On her way out of the department store, she found some cute beanie that would look good on both Jiyong and Sanghyun. Guess it can be used as a makeup gift since I didn’t give them any last year, she thought. Her eyes widened when she saw the price tag.

The mantels were expensive enough, she made a mental note. But it’s not every day you buy the boys things… And you’ll receive your Christmas bonus soon, her other corner of brain spoke. However, you shouldn’t waste too much money on something not urgent. What if something happens later? Sanghyun’s school fees aren’t cheap, either, the other side argued.

The ring of her phone put the fight in her head into cease fire. Jiyong. What again?

“Hello?”

“Nuna, where are you?”

“Department store, why?”

“Get some cheese, please. Mom is making lasagna for tonight but she forgets we’re running out of cheese.”

“Why don’t you go buy it?” she raised her eyebrow.

“I have business I don’t know when it’ll end; maybe I won’t make it on time for dinner.”

Curiosity crawled Dara. “Business? What business?”

“You sound like a girl suspecting her boyfriend to cheat on her, Nuna.” He chuckled.

“Whatever.” Dara rolled her eyes. “Tell Aunty I’ll be there in half an hour.”

“Okay. Thank you, sweetheart. See you tonight.” He said sweetly.

“Stop it, dongsaengie.” She said coldly.

“Don’t call me that. I hate being young.” He grumbled. She cracked a laugh.

“Gotta go Nuna. Ah, don’t forget to dress beautifully tonight. I love you~” Jiyong ended the call. Dara’s laughter died at his final words. Dang it, why do I feel stunned every time he said that?

Since he was ten, Jiyong had declared to the world that he loves Dara. He told everyone he’s her boyfriend and acted like one, when he had never really asked her to be his girlfriend. On the other hand, Sandara had always treated him the same way she treated Sanghyun. Everyone knew she looked at him as a part of her family, a younger brother. However, she had never forbid him to act as her boyfriend, even though she always showed disgusted face whenever he said cheesy lines or acted oh-so-sweetly.

Some girls from Jiyong’s high school tried confessing to him, but they all ended up being rejected. Those girls hated Dara because Jiyong flooded her with affections yet she still acted all coolly. They once tried to blackmail her but failed by Jiyong. Some girls from university Dara was attending envied her too as Jiyong often come to fetch her or drop meals for her when she was sick. Dara herself had never felt disturbed by those girls. The one that disturbed her was… when he flashed his sweetest smile to anybody beside her.

Come to think of it… Dara had questioned herself a lot for always being stunned by Jiyong saying those three words. She’s sick of hearing his sweet talks, so why does she have to flutter upon that phrase?

Being the head of her family, Dara didn’t let herself involved romantically with anyone. The only thing she has in her head is working hard to earn money so she can afford her mother and Sanghyun a good life. That’s the reason she had never had a boyfriend up until now—but is it really the only reason?

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Just in case you forget, Cheondung's real name is Park Sanghyun.

Get Married, Dara! ch1

CHAPTER 1

The air in the morning was cooler than days before. It was entering winter, that’s why, and it’s nearing Christmas. The first snow in this winter hadn’t dropped yet, but there in her room, a girl rolled up herself with blankets on her bed.

She’s actually a hard worker and diligent girl. Usually at this time she would have blended with people on the road chasing the subway. It’s just she’s been working out too much for the past weeks, so that her body was doing a strike on her.

“Achoo!”

She groaned. Of all times, why her immune chose to vanish at this time when the students were going to take their exam?

The sound of her phone forced her to end her sleep. Lazily, she took it.

“Hello.” She answered lazily without opening her eyes.

“Merry Christmas, Nuna!” the voice in the other line said in chirpy tone.

She furrowed and her eyes opened in instant. She distanced her phone to check the caller ID and the date. As expected. It’s Kwon Jiyong. She sighed.

“It’s still weeks to go, Jiyong.” She said coldly.

“I know, I just want to remind you that Christmas is weeks to go so you still have time to search your Christmas gifts for me. I don’t want last Christmas to happen again.” He pouted.

“Yah, I was busy with my jobs, you know that.” She said, still coldly.

“That’s why I remind you weeks before Christmas, so you’ll manage time searching for it between your works.”

“Oh, come on Jiyong, how old are you now? Even I didn’t give Sanghyun Christmas gift either.”

“But I did give you Christmas gifts, Dara Nuna, and I’m still going to give you Christmas gift every year.” Jiyong said in low tone.

She knew there’s no point of debating him. Jiyong had always won in all of their debates. She was also not in the mood to hear his endless arguments as her head started spinning again. “Fine Jiyong, I’ll find a gift for you.” She said that to prevent the boy in the other line to start nagging.

“Really?” he chirped again. “I love you, Dara Nuna!”

She rolled her eyes and was going to hang up the phone when Jiyong said again.

“Don’t get back to sleep, you should eat first Nuna. You are not going to get better if you’re only resting but not eating nutritious food.” He said in serious tone.

How could he kn—ah, I guess he sensed my nasal voice, she thought. “Okay. Bye Jiyong.” She hung the phone and tossed it under her pillow, then rolled herself again with the blanket.

Thirty minutes later, she heard the bell rang. Who is it to come at such time?

Her jaws dropped as she saw Jiyong standing in front of her holding a tray with a bowl on it. He stepped in and headed to the dining table afterward.

“I know you are too lazy to eat by yourself, so I am here to feed you, Nuna. Here, I cooked you porridge.” He patted the chair beside him.

“I can feed myself.” She took the spoon from his hand and began eating. Jiyong watched her finishing the porridge in silence.

“Hey, don’t you have classes to attend?” Dara snapped when she glanced at the clock.

“I guess I’ll call this day a day off.” He answered, still not letting his stare off of Dara.

She tilted her head. “Why?”

“Because I have to look after the sick you.” He said coolly.

“My goodness, Jiyong!” she rolled her eyes. With refueled strength from the porridge, she dragged him to the door.

“But Nuna, I have responsibility to look after you! Aunty and Sanghyun aren’t here and you are sick now.” He whined.

“But your main responsibility as a student is to attend your classes. Besides, I’m not that sick and I’m still able to take care of myself.” She folded her arms.

Jiyong sighed. He got no other option. “Okay, but be sure to call me at lunch.” He said as he weakly got out of the house.

Dara watched until Jiyong’s figure disappeared from her sight. That boy is always caring to her and her family, moreover after her father died. Jiyong was very close to Sanghyun. They had habit of playing basketball almost every night at Jiyong’s backyard, and they’re still doing it up until now Jiyong had gone to his last year in university. While Dara is a hardworking sister who worn herself out to afford their lives, Jiyong become a dependable older brother Sanghyun never has. Besides that, Jiyong also fills the role of father for him. Jiyong once punched Sanghyun when he found out Sanghyun had skipped classes almost a week only for hanging out with some delinquents. He may be only two years older than Sanghyun, but he’s way more matured.

Signs ch8: Bold Signs Like This

Chapter 8: Bold Signs Like This

FEW MONTHS LATER

“Can you explain why must I sing here?” Agnes stared at David with big eyes.

“Seulong’s request.” He answered shortly.

“Of all cafés in Korea, why did he choose Bishounen Café?” she whined.

“Why don’t you go ask him by yourself? He suggested nonchalantly. “He’s next door.”

She rolled her eyes as she passed him by.

-----------------------------------------------

Rounds of applauses were heard as Seulong and Agnes bowed.

Seulong always liked to talk to the audience at his live performance, and this performance wasn’t an exception.

“You all might have known that Agnes herself co-composed Sign. She said Bishounen Café and this song have a special story. What is it, Agnes?” he turned to her.

Agnes startled. Seulong did say at the backstage that they’re going to talk a bit about this song, but she didn’t expect he’s going to ask this.

“Well… My first live performance of Sign was in Bishounen Band’s monthly performance and I got the inspiration for Sign here. It’s mostly written here too. Actually, the Sign I made at the first time was quite different from the Sign now.” She was hesitated whether she should talk about Jinwoon or not.

“Oh, really? How is it different?”

I hate this punk. “It was kind of a song for dying people,” she laughed nervously. The visitors burst out laugh too. “And then my composer rearranged it to the Sign now.”

“I see. Ladies, the name of Sign’s composer is Jung Jinwoon. Absurdly, I found the name Jung Jinwoon too in the waiters list hanging there.” Seulong pointed the wall behind the bartender.

“Ah, they’re the same! Jinwoon the waiter is the composer! I remember watching him and Agnes playing piano singing this song!” a woman near the stage exclaimed out.

Seulong clapped his hands. “Can we have Jinwoon to be on the stage?”

His request made Agnes’ eyes bewildered. I swear I want to kill him right now!

Then here he was. He flashed his renowned eye smile that fluttered her heart once again. She could feel her knees went weak.

“So, Jinwoon, why did you compose such a song?” Seulong asked. Truthfully, half of Agnes wanted to know too. Was it really because of Aya?

“Basically, it’s because the girl I liked couldn’t discover my feelings to her, even though I gave her signs.” Jinwoon grinned.

“Oh, it must be hard for you…” Seulong commented. “But maybe your signs weren’t clear enough for her to read?”

Jinwoon nodded in approval. “I think so. That’s why I come to conclusion that I should show my feelings in an explicit way.” He made his way and turned Agnes to face him. The crowd started to make some “Aaaaaw~” noise.

“It’s me, the one who’s crying like a fool

I’m in the dark room all day and all night and it’s not alright

Why can’t you understand my heart?

My heart tightens as time passes…”

Agnes could feel her heart pounded crazily as he sang the first rap part of Sign. What the heck is he doing?

Jinwoon jumped to the second rap part. The crowd went crazier when he took Agnes’ hands and knelt down.

“Don’t neglect me, I want you by my side, side.”

He ended his singing and took a small box out of his pocket. “I’m sorry for not showing my feelings clear enough to you at those times.” He opened it and offered it to her. It’s a simple yet elegant platinum ring. “This bold sign means ‘I love you, Agnes, will you marry me? Will you spend the rest of your life with me?’” he looked straight into her eyes.

Agnes shuddered. Never had she imagined this to happen. Now what? What should I do?

Then Jinwoon flashed his most charming eye smile, which caused Agnes’ knees could no longer support her body. He caught her just in time. However, it led his face to be just a few cm from hers.

“I love you, too.” She whispered softly.

Again, he flashed his renowned smile before tilting his head to give her a sweet kiss.

Everybody in Bishounen Café cheered and shouted their congratulations.

He straightened his back and secured her in his arms. “From now on, there’ll only bold signs like this.” He whispered. “Jihoon hyung, I quit!” he shouted to the microphone in his hand.

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FLASHBACK — a couple weeks before

“Seulong hyung!” Jinwoon walked closer.

“Whoa, Jinwoon! I thought you have quit being a part timer here since the girl you like getting married.”

“I’m not that desperate, hyung.” Jinwoon pouted. “Actually, I was asked to be a co-composer for a regular customer who happens to be a foreign singer.” He said happily.

Seulong rolled his eyes. “And you fall in love with her, am I correct?”

“Hyung!” he punched Seulong's arm as he giggled. “What are you doing here, by the way? I thought you’re busy with promotion now.”

“Why? Can't I visit my cousin’s café in which my other cousin works too?”

“Sorry for making you wait so long. “ David went back to his seat in front of Seulong. He surprised to see Jinwoon sitting beside Seulong.

“Ah, David, this is my cousin, Jung Jinwoon, he’s a part timer in this café. Jinwoon, this is Mr David Muljoto, the manager of my duet partner.” Seulong introduced them.

David straightened his seat and faced Jinwoon. “Jinwoon, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m really curious. What did you do that my sister suddenly agreed to replace your version of Sign with Seulong’s while she insisted to keep it no matter what just few moments before?” David’s question made Jinwoon’s and Seulong’s eyes went bigger.

“I don’t get what you’re talking about, David.” Seulong frowned.

“This Jinwoon is the composer of Sign. Agnes had already recorded it with him before. I could sense she fell head over heels to him before out of blue she wanted to erase him from her life.”

"Wha..." Jinwoon was taken aback. “Seulong hyung, do me a favor please.”

THE END

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I told you doesn't sound that cheesy :D

Tell meeeeeee if it's too lame that you can't stand to read it XD

Signs ch7: Here Comes The Time

Chapter 7: Here Comes The Time

Time passed by quickly if you didn’t pay attention to it, Agnes thought. Her training would be over in three weeks and she would fly back to her country to promote her almost-done album. She’s excited but at the same time she couldn’t deny there’s part of herself wanting to stay in Korea.

She examined Bishounen Café closely. Jinwoon had taken her orders and would be back in ten minutes. She saw a group of teenage girls chatted and giggled over Chansung. That quiet waiter had his own charms, even though Agnes found Junho was way prettier than him. Obviously, Jinwoon was the best of all.

This café is sure very special. You can flirt with any handsome men without worrying his girlfriend would attack you. She laughed at her thought. I wonder if I could find another one somewhere else.

“What are you looking at?”

Jinwoon’s voice snapped her out. He put down her orders. And I wonder if I could find someone like you.

“Nothing particular.” She smiled groggily. She noticed his voice was nasal and he didn’t seem well.

“Well, enjoy the food. I’ve got to serve the others. Gosh, we’re flooded by visitors tonight.” He wiped his forehead.

“Isn’t that good for you?” she chuckled.

“Of course, I know…” he rolled his eyes.

She stood and touched his forehead. “You got fever.” She gasped. “You should rest.”

“Yeah but as you see, the café is flooded by those people. I’ll talk to you again later.” He excused himself.

Agnes ate her food while glancing at Jinwoon every five minutes. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. You might say it’s only a common fever, but no girls wouldn’t exaggeratedly worry if the one they liked sick—even if he only felt a little dizzy.

Her phone rang when she was in the middle of watching him for the th time. David, her display said.

“Yeah, what is it, David?” she was always a to-the-point girl.

“Make sure you’ll be at JYPE building before 9 tomorrow morning. You have to record Sign again.”

“Isn’t the album in finishing process now? What is with this nonsense so suddenly?” She annoyed.

“Only an additional agreement we’ve put into our contract. JYPE wants you to collaborate with Seulong. He’ll release a new mini-album, which will be released in our country too. They want you and him sing Sign together. That song will be included in his new mini-album as well. You will participate on his album promotion, so you’ll fly—“

“But I have recorded it with Jinwoon! Do you by any chance forget that?” she cut him.

“You will rerecord it tomorrow, what’s so hard about that? This is a rare chance for you, Agnes, and if you ever heard saying said, a chance like this may not come twice.” So typical David.

“I’m not going to replace the previous version.” She said sternly.

“Agnes, we’ve signed the contract.” He stated the same firmly.

“YOU signed the contract.” She said as a matter of fact.

“Agnes, stop being immature!”

“I am not, David. You stop being so money-oriented. Sign was composed by Jinwoon, I have recorded it with Jinwoon, and I have performed it publicly with Jinwoon. I will include Sign as my duet song with Jinwoon in my album, that’s final.” She insisted.

“Why are you so defending Jinwoon? He won’t loss anything since he’s still noted as Sign’s composer so he’ll still receive the royalty. Even if you keep the previous version, we have to find another singer since he can't join your album promotion, right?” he paused to breath. “And it took me months persuading Mr. Park until he finally realized Indonesia is a more potential market for Seulong. Now that he offered you a golden chance which may not come twice, you want to let it slip away?” he paused again. “You sure know this is your dream. This is what all our hard work for.”

“David,” she sighed. “I am not changing the version. I’ll make sure Jinwoon will join the promotion too.” She talked in final note.

“Agnes Monica Muljoto, what the heck is wrong with your brain? Are you lost your mind because you fell in love head over toes on that Jung Jinwoon guy?” he asked furiously.

Agnes startled a bit. “I’ll hang up—“

“You know better than anyone why you shouldn’t let love involved in your work.” David then hung up.

Agnes cursed at her phone as if she was cursing at her brother. That time, she overheard Junho cried Aya’s name. She turned to the front door and saw her friend, pale, being hugged by Yong. Agnes waved to him as the two walked, gesturing she wanted Aya to sit with her.

“Long time no see, Nez.” Aya greeted her in weak voice.

“You didn’t contact me at all. When did you return to Korea? How’s your wedding preparation?”

Aya gave her weak smile. “It’s cancelled.”

Agnes looked at her in horror. “No way.”

“It is… His parents can’t accept a sick daughter in-law.” She uttered bitterly.

Agnes frowned.

“I have cancer, Nez. I may not make it to the end of the year.”

Agnes’ jaw dropped. “B-b-but doesn’t Jay love you so much? Don’t you two love each other?”

“He does. And I do. He opposed the cancellation. He said he loves me unconditionally, he wants to marry me no matter what.” Aya’s eyes were glistened. “But I don’t want him being burdened by taking care of the sick me. I don’t want him to be a widower…” she explained slowly. “So I agreed with his parents.”

“Oh, girl…” Agnes stroked Aya’s hair. She gasped when she saw her lost some hair.

“I don’t regret my decision, however, I miss Jay so much, really…” Aya started to sob. Agnes was about to pull her to her embrace when Jinwoon suddenly stood by their chair.

“Ugh... Finally Jihoon hyung gave me—Aya?” he jumped back a bit.

“Jinwoon…” Aya stood up and hugged him tight. She cried hysterically in her hug.

Agnes eyes grew bigger. She felt a hard pinch on her heart.

“What’s wrong? Hey, Aya, calm down, tell me what’s wrong?” he asked gently as he caressed her back.

“I have nothing now… I’m over…” she whispered between her sobs.

“Hey, hey, what are you saying? You have me. I’ll always be by your side. I’ll never leave you.” He hushed her.

That’s it. The time Jinwoon finished his sentence, Agnes’ heart shattered. He had always liked her all this time, and he still likes her. Why must I be surprised?

She pretended wanting to go to toilet and went to the garden. She sat at the bench and stared at the black sky. She cried silently.

Everyone knew her as a strong, tough, determined girl. People thought it’s hard to find a match guy for her. Only David and a few people around her knew that she’s helpless when it comes to love. In all her secret relationships, she was always the one being hurt.

She had decided she didn’t want to be hurt anymore when she moved to Korea. That’s why she put it aside at first. However, you don’t decide when, where, or whom would you fall in love.

She knew she shouldn’t let her feeling to Jinwoon developed or she’d suffer double pain as he fell in love with Aya. She tried to remind herself the possibility of her heart being broken. Unconsciously, that made her filled her new album with brokenhearted songs.

Her phone rang. It’s David again.

“Yes, David?” she tried to compose her voice.

“I have an offer. You may keep Jinwoon’s version but you still have to rerecord it with Seulong tomorrow. I think we can have two versions of Sign in your album.”

She took out long breath. “Fine, I’ll be at JYPE building at 8. And there’s no need to have two versions, you can remove Jinwoon’s”.

David sensed something wrong with his sister. “What is it now? That Jinwoon guy rejected you? He cheated on you?”

“We’ve never been in relationship, David.” She sniffed.

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Seulong here is a soloist. Really can't help my self from putting him in XD

Signs ch6: Are you brokenhearted?

Chapter 6: Are you brokenhearted?

Jinwoon suddenly became even busier after that Bishounen Band’s performance. He spent more times together with Agnes. David and the producer of Agnes’ new album watched his duet with Agnes and were satisfied. They decided to include that song in the album. Jihoon and David agreed adjusting Jinwoon’s shift to Agnes’ practice and recording schedule.

This busy feeling was new for him, but he enjoyed it very much. He liked music very much and he had been dreaming to be a real singer. Another reason he hadn’t fully realized: he had used to hang around Agnes that he started to feel uncomfortable if he hadn’t seen her for a day.

He began to hate Wednesdays and Thursdays because she never visited Bishounen Café on those days due to her practice schedule and he couldn’t visit her either since he had full classes till afternoon and night shift at Bishounen Café. Junho and his fellow friends often teased him as they found him unconsciously prayed for Mondays coming sooner because he’d spend almost all the day with Agnes.

She might be a girl who’s unable to start conversation with people she didn’t really know, but once she felt comfortable with someone, she would be a very good companion. He figured that out after several times going out with her. Instead of being a knight who protects and does all the hard things for the princess, Jinwoon felt he had found a match partner when she’s by his side.

He didn’t know whether he were over Aya or not. People said first love never dies. However, her absence in his life didn’t feel like a big loss anymore. He didn’t feel any sting when he heard David said she had flown to her country to take care things for her wedding.

“Jinwoon, listen this.” Agnes pulled out an earphone to him when he served her order. “Something’s not right, but I can't figure out what it is.” She said. “Ah, so frustrating, I’ve been working on this song since yesterday that I’m lacking sleep.” She leaned back.

“You look tired.” He said as he sat next to her and plugged the earphone to his left ear.

“I’m all worn out.” She sighed. “Hurry, listen to it and tell me which part you think is the problem. My producer wants to exclude it from my album, but I have feeling I have to include this song. However, I know I have to fix it first and I need arguments to argue him but my brain is too tired to think while I need those things immediately so that’s why I need your opinion.” She explained in a breath. “Oh, I really need to sleep…” she whispered.

“My brain can't think any of good solutions in a tick. I have to think about it over and over. For the sake of time efficiency, you may sleep while I’m thinking.” He teased.

“Shut up.” She mumbled. Well, I have nothing to do while he is thinking. Guess five minutes sleeping won’t hurt.

He was in serious thinking when he felt something heavy on his shoulder. He turned to his left and grinned seeing Agnes’ sleeping pose. You may hurt your neck, girl. He pulled her to his embrace and placed her head on his shoulder. I thought you can't seem frail. He tidied her hair.

Since the first time he met her, she’s always looked strong. She pulled out her best on things she decided to do. She’s a little egoist, to be honest. She didn’t really listen to one’s suggestion on her work if she didn’t really have respect on them. Well, she hadn’t shown much expressions in front of him. They were limited to tough and full of passion looks only. He knew her career was good back there and she’s financially steady. Issues back then said she’s too independent that she needed no man in her life. Wonder why suddenly you wanted to fill up your new album with brokenhearted songs. Are you brokenhearted?

Jinwoon was taken aback with his thought. He stared at her closed eyes. “Do you fall in love with someone?” he asked weakly.

Signs ch5: Duet Song?

Chapter 5: Duet Song?

Agnes returned to the café two weeks after the day she handed Jinwoon her musical score. That Saturday night was a week before Bishounen Band’s monthly performance. Some waiters who would perform next week did some practice. This was also one of Bishounen Café’s appeals. At times like this, all waiters including part timers would work because there would be plenty of visitors—and that Saturday night wasn’t an exception.

“Jinwoon, Agnes has come.” Chansung called him. Jinwoon stopped playing drums. His face lightened. He grabbed some papers near him.

“Over here, girl!” he waved the papers. He dragged another chair to the piano.

“You’ve finished it?” Agnes sat next to him and checked the score. Sign, she read the title. “Wow, you filled the lyrics—hey, you changed almost all notes!” she protested and pouted.

He grinned. “Listen first, you’ll like it. Trust me.” He then played the song and transformed into sorrowful mode.

Slowly, her pout replaced by serious expression. Jinwoon did what he said. It wasn’t a song for dying people anymore, but still a brokenhearted song. He fastened the tempo. As his fingers danced on the piano keys, he sang the lyrics. He added some raps. The visitors’ attentions were slowly set on him. Agnes stared at him, examined his expression closely. He was really looked sad. Here comes those eyes from that day, she sighed. Are you that brokenhearted because of her? She felt the same mixed emotions came. Wanted to distract her thought, she joined him playing the piano and singing the last chorus.

People clapped hands when they finished singing. He faced her. “So?” he tilted. He had returned to his cheerful side.

“Well…” she nodded continuously. “You’re right, I like this. Very heartbreaking. Totally.” She whispered the last three words.

“Jinwoon, I think you should perform this song next week. You see, their responses are good.” Jihoon, the café manager commented. He always checked upon Bishounen Band’s practices.

“I’d love to, but this is a song of her, so…” he scratched his head.

“That’s okay, you rewrite the whole song, anyway.” She pouted jokingly. He pushed her lightly.

“I mean you perform it together with Agnes. Make this a duet song, I think that’ll be great. What do you think, Agnes?” Jihoon offered.

Her eyes grew bigger. “I’ve never thought of it as a duet song…”

“This will be a good opportunity for you too, your singing career. I’ll talk to your manager, is that okay?”

Ah, and you can tell how David will quickly approve this offer, she smiled.

Jihoon concluded Agnes agreed with his offer judging from her smile. “Guess you two need more time to practice together, then.” He patted Jinwoon’s shoulder.