Chapter 24

"Are you sure about this?" I asked him once again. Ako 'yong may pag-aalinlangan sa pag-accept ni BJH sa invitation nina Mi-sun at Dong-yoon tungkol sa pakipagkikita sa kanya.

He nodded so sure at me. "I am. We just have to be careful with what we do, they might be here to do something else."

"Tama. We should. Hindi natin alam kung ano talaga pakay nila rito. But I'm curious why would they spend here kung busy sila sa Seoul ngayon, 'no?"

He smirked as if he already knew the answer to that question. "I don't think there's a need to answer that, it's already obvious what they are after. Just don't tell Chini we'll be meeting them, alright?"

I nodded furiously. "Yes, don't worry. I won't say anything to her again."

He breathe in and let it go aggressively. Bahagya akong natawa sa ginawa niya. I followed him behind as we head out of the room. Pagkababa namin ng hagdan ay sinalubong kami ni Seo-jun. Bakas sa mukha niya ang pagtataka dahil pansin niyang bihis na bihis kaming dalawa.

"Nuhndle date halgoha?" tanong nito. (Are you guys going on a date?)

BJH shook his head. "Ani, urinen aniya." (No, we're not.)

Mas lalo namang nanliit ang mata ni BJH sa kuya niya. "Igerteun naljjaga aninga?" he questioned. He's pertaining to what we were wearing, it's not formal, but only casual though it looks very decent. (This is not a date?)

BJH just told me to wear something nice na in the end ay maaasar 'yong dalawa. Tuwang-tuwa naman ako sa idea na 'yon. They say that don't argue and debate with them because that would make you look like a loser—though defending yourself isn't wrong, but it's better to let it go and kept it all in silence and flaunt how they are wrong with what they were saying. Babalik lang din sa kanila ang mga sinasabi nila. Karma is a bitch.

"Graserm igerti naljjaga aniramion. Ige mwya?" He rose his brow, too curious to know what we would be doing tonight. (So, if this isn't a date. What is this?)

"Ggerteun dangsin sangwan gwangega anipnida," sagot ni BJH. "Ammanen adissa?" (It's none of your business. Where's mom?)

"Adiro ganenji munger malhaejwer?" pamimilit pa ni Seo-jun. (Tell me first where you are going.)

Umiling si BJH. Nilagpasan niya ang pamangkin niya saka siya mismo ang naghanap sa parents niya. Magpapaalam lang siya sa kanila. Lalabas na rin sana ako para do'n ko na lang hintayin si Jin-hyeong ay sinundan ako ni Seo-jun. Hinawakan pa ako nito sa braso ko para lang sabihin kung saan kami pupunta.

"Adiganengoha, noona?" tanong ni Seo-jun sa akin. (Where are you going, ate?)

I smiled and scrunched my face. Pinisil ko ang pinsgi niya at pinanggigilan ko siya. "Kaya bet na bet ka ng kapatid ko, e. Baka kapag nakita ka no'n sa personal, jowain ka kaagad no'n. But don't worry, I'll protect you from her?"

He squinted his eyes, confused about what I just said. Natawa na lamang ako. "Who's her? And why are you going to protect me? I'm sorry... I didn't understand what you said."

"Same lang din naman, 'di rin kita na-gets." Hagikgik ko pa.

Saglit lang ay dumating na si BJH at inalis nito ang pagkahahawak ni Seo-jun sa braso ko. Grun sikeuro gniorl manjige anheulgoha, alassga?" (You're not going to touch her like that, understood?)

Napaismid si Seo-jun at mabilis na tango ang isinagot nito sa kanyang kuya.

"Joheun. Urinen jigeum galgoha. Naga jipe gazioga ge mwya?" tanong nito. (Good. We're going now. What do you want for me to take home?)

Seo-jun's face lit up. "Anything! I'd love some surprise."

"Joha. Urinen ternalhoga. Gdleul dowajuseyo, sujun." (Okay. We're leaving. Help them out, Seojun.)

"Alassa, hiongje!" He smile widely. (Got it, kuya!)

When both walked out of the house, still Seo-jun watched us head inside the car.

"Did you tell him where we are going?" he asked.

Umiling ako. "No. Just like what I said, I wouldn't do that again."

He smirked, nodding his head. "Good. Nice to know that."

As we're settling inside, pansin ko naman na para bang may kung anong gumugulo sa isipan niya ngayon. I couldn't read his reaction, but I know there's something going on in it.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

He smirked. I guess he's just trying to lift the mood up and shake it off of his shoulder. "The question is, are they ready for us?"

I chuckled when he countered that question. "I know they'll come too strong, but they should be ready for us. We're not just gonna play around, right?"

"Yeah, right. We'll give them what they want."

Napakunot noo ako at saglit kong inisip kung ano 'yong tinutukoy niya ro'n. "What do they really want? I'm just curious. For sure, they wouldn't be here if it's not because of you, but why would they come here out of a sudden when their life's in Seoul?"

He shrugged. "They want to make it all about them. It's easy as that."

"Ah, I see... but why would they do that, right?" I wondered. "They're doing their own project and people are also anticipating their show—it was a surprise for everybody and how they told their sudden relationship in time of new year. Dong-yoon knows you were Mi-sun's ex-boyfriend and you guys had this kind of feud with each other. I mean... are they doing this on purpose?"

He shook his head. "I literally have no idea what they are thinking right now, but it could be. They're trying to make me feel like a loser."

"But you're not a loser," I defended him against his own words. Tiningnan niya ako. Siguro pumasok ulit sa isip niya 'yong sinabi ko sa kanya no'n na I believe in him and that's what makes me stay and support him all the way. "Don't say that you're a loser and if that's what they do think of you, prove them that you're not because I don't think you're a loser. You've become much popular than them, not just in South Korea, but worldwide. You're doing music, acting, and modeling. You're such an incredible person so profiling as a loser is such an unbelievable remark. Hindi talaga kapani-paniwala."

He smiled, nodding his head. "Thank you for believing in me, Raijine. I feel like I don't deserve it, but the way you said makes me feel so good about it."

I reached out his arm. "Anytime, sir—ah, I mean, Jin-hyeong."

He chuckled. "Let's just go now... I know they'll make a grand entrance there and we should see them embarrassed themselves."

I laughed at what he said because I'm waiting for it to happen. How people would react and how this event would go. I'm not anticipating bad things to happen, but I guess, it's not bad for them to realize that they're just after popularity and all.

Along the way to the restaurant where we all be meeting, Chini has been calling me and BJH over and over until she gives it up.

"I guess she found it already," BJH muttered.

Napabuntonghininga ako. "I just know that Chini wouldn't like this, but she's not here so we'll just do something that we won't get a sermon from her at the end of the day."

He laughed. "Even if we don't, we're still gonna get it. Just like what Seung-Gi says, believe me."

By six, we arrived at the restaurant. It's been a two-hour ride for us to get here from Seogwipo. Dong-yoon and Mi-sun chose to stay near this area because it's near and they'll be taking the advantage of going to the Sunrise Peak because we've been there and it's been on the news for days because of Jin-hyeong.

He parked the car then we'll take a ten to fifteen-minute hike to reach the Phoenix Jeju Doon ko lang din napag-alamanan na kalapit lang din pala nito ang Aqua Planet na dapat pupuntahan namin last time. But we've got something to do here tonight rather than watching the fishes swim.

"Are they here?" I asked.

"I haven't got any message from them," he said. "Maybe they're taking their time."

They told BJH where they would meet. Isinama niya talaga ko ngayon so it would be fair. Dalawa sila at mag-isa lang si BJH. And I wouldn't let him leave alone kaya sasama talaga ko kahit ayaw niya. I'll commute, hindi ko siya iiwanan.

We headed to the Mint restaurant. We cannot go inside when they're with us kaya naman naghintay kaming dumating sila. They should be here by now dahil mas malapit sila kaysa sa amin. We did a little waiting until a car arrived and it was followed by multiple cars as well.

"Oh, there they go..." BJH smirked.

We weren't surprised when they came with paparazzi. Nakapamulsa si BJH pero pansin kong natatawa na lang siya sa nakikita namin ngayon. As soon as the car stopped, nanatili pa sila sa loob at hinintay pa nilang lumabas ang mga paparazzi sa mga sasakyan at sinimulang kuhaan sila. When they saw us, they were flashing their huge smiles and waves at us. BJH showed a slight smile while I tried to be so pleasant in front of them.

"Bangapda, jinhionga!" bati ni Dong-yoon. Aakma pa itong yayakap kay BJH, tatanggihan pa sana ni Jin-hyeong 'yon pero hinila siya nito at tinapik-tapik pa ang likod ng magkahagkan. (Nice to see you again, Jin-hyeong!)

"Annionghaseyo, dashi mannaser bangapspnida," malamyang bati ni Mi-sun. (Hello, nice to see you again.)

"Joha," BJH uttered. "Ise anro dlerbolkkayo?" (Alright. Let's go inside now?)

The paparazzi started swarming so BJH protected me from being bumped by anyone.

"Oh, you're going with us?" tanong ni Mi-sun sa akin.

"She's with me so she's coming with us." Si BJH ang sumagot.

"Joha," tipid nitong sagot at pumalibot ang kamay sa braso ni Dong-yoon.

We were assisted by the staff. They booked a table for the four of us. They already pre-ordered all the meals so we won't be waiting for too long. As soon as settled, Dong-yoon and Mi-sun started to irritate me kaya lang hindi ko pinapakita ang reaksyon ko. Nakangiti lang ako since it's the best thing to wear than they're expensive clothes.

Mi-sun's wearing a branded red dress and she's glittering on it while Dong-yoon flaunt his semi-formal attire. Maybe it's their way to get the paparazzi's attention. Mabuti na lang ay hindi pinahihintulutang makapasok sa loob.

Mint is glamourous and sophisticated. Even though it looks simple, it still had its own way to shine. This wouldn't get five stars rating from the reviews.

"Hey," pagtawag ng atensyon ni Mi-sun sa akin. Nakangiti ako sa kanya. "So, who are you again?"

"I'm—" I was about to introduce myself when she continued what she's about to say.

"Oh, no, don't bother! I know you. You're selling cheap bargain clothes online, right? Well, I saw one of your videos and it's hilarious."

Nanigas ang katawan ko sa sinabi niya. It's offending for me, but I felt Jin-hyeong's hand on mine. Nasa ilalim iyon ng mesa kaya hindi makikita ng iba. He knows what she's doing and he told me with that action that he's with me.

"It's not hilarious, Mi-sun," pagtatanggol sa akin ni BJH. "It's not a joke. It's a decent job and don't make fun of her."

"She's your personal assistant, right?" tanong ni Dong-yoon.

"And what's wrong with that?" Jin-hyeong countered. "I don't think there's something wrong about her being my personal assistant. Or maybe your mind needs to do some rethinking. Don't belittle her and her jobs. It's not like you've known her for her whole life."

"Whatever." Mi-sun rolled her eyes.

Umigting ang panga ni Jinhyeong and he's just trying to be patient about this meeting. Ako naman ang humawak sa kanyang kamay. I don't know if their intention's to make us feel so low of ourselves, but I know they do no good for us. But good thing, they've served the food already so the tension has come down a little bit.

"So, what are you doing here?" tanong ni Mi-sun.

"Do you really care to know that?" sagot ni BJH sa kanya.

"Not really, but I'm curious why are you doing here right now."

"I just took a vacation," simpleng sagot ni BJH. "Anything else?"

"Oh, I thought..." Dong-yoon uttered.

Napataas ng kilay si BJH. "You thought what?"

"You're heartbroken when you've heard that Mi-sun and I will be doing the project that was offered to you first, But don't worry, Jin-hyeong. I'll give justice to the role. I'll do better."

"It's never mine at first," BJH said. "I didn't agree to be part of it."

"Yeah, he didn't," dagdag ni Mi-sun. "But I know that you're parents live here so I guess that's why you stayed here."

"Yeah..." tipid na sagot ni BJH. Of course, she knew that. Mag-jowa sila no'n, e. She met her parents a few times already, but I haven't got a word from his parents kung paano siya bilang girlfriend ni BJH. Maybe... she's really not the memorable type of person.

Dong-yoon then asked to take some selfies and then he posted them on his IG story as if that would make us all friends here. For sure, malalaman na ni Chini kapag nakita niya ang picture na 'yon online. I continued to be silent and eating in my seat then I noticed Dong-yoon scrolled on his phone and his eyes widened when he found something on his phone.

"Look! We've been getting a lot of views now! We would be trending by now." His tone came so happily. Bahagya akong napalingon kay BJH at nakangisi ito.

"So, is that all you're here for? For attention?" he questioned. Tumingin ang dalawa sa kanya at napa-ismid na lamang sila. Wala silang naibigay na sagot kay Jin-hyeong. "I know you guys wouldn't be here if my Instagram post didn't blow up. You really don't care about me or anything, but because it's getting much more attention rather than yours, you're trying to get them and do the same thing as if that would make something. Don't be a copycat, Dong-yoon and you should open your eyes soon, Mi-sun's only taking advantage of you like what she did to me. Excuse us, we're moving to another table. Keep the tabs for yourself, we're gonna pay for our foods."

Jin-hyeong and I grabbed our food and move to another table far from them. They were left speechless. Hindi ko rin inaasahan na lalabas iyon sa bibig ni Jin-hyeong. They were all surprised and shocked. I can see it on Mi-sun's face. She's so shocked as hell.

As we settled on a new table, I check on Jin-hyeong and he's grinning.

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

He nodded. "I just couldn't stand them. I know it won't end to a good thing so might as well move out before it gets worse. I'm not here fight to anyone. They're not worthy of my time to fight them. That's just stupid."

"It's true. They're so surprised about what you said... and now Mi-sun's pissed off."

BJH scoffed. "Like she always is. And hey, I hope I didn't ruin your night and you would still enjoy your food."

"Oo naman... even though they didn't ask us for what we could eat, keri na rin 'to."

"I know." He smirked, shaking his head. "Anyway, we should go back to the house after this. It's gonna be a long two-hour drive again."

As soon as we finished our food, we noticed that Dong-yoon and Mi-sun paid their bills and left their table. They didn't look at us so that's just being said that they only care for themselves. Mula sa kinauupuan namin ay medyo tanaw namin na nasa labas lang sila ng restaurant and paparazzi started swarming them in. There were flashes from the camera and then a moment later, we've been hearing Jin-hyeong's name from the paparazzi.

Nakahihiya mula sa restaurant manager ang commotion na nangyayari kaya minabuti na naming bayaran ang kinain namin at umalis. He asked if there's another exit we could take para makalabas kami ng maayos, though they have, but they won't let us go there kaya naman isang malaking palasaparan ang ginawa namin nang palabas na kami ng restaurant.

From Dong-yoon and Mi-sun, nalipat sa aming dalawa ni BJH ang atensyon at ang pagkuha nila ng mga litrato. This is an ambush interview and they're coming at us na wala ng private space. Nakayakap na sa akin si BJH para hindi ako masagi ng mga lalaking 'to. He's just trying to avoid what they were talking about and focus on looking for his car.

"Misoni han mali sashilingayo? Nuwa hamkkeissnenyi yeojaga ne yeoza chingu ya? Gaein biserga dangsin yeoza chinguipnikka?" tanong ng isang paparazz. (Is it true what Mi-sun said? Is this woman with you is your girlfriend? Is your personal assistant is your girlfriend?)

Tumigil sa paglalakad si BJH kaya itinaas ko ang tingin ko sa kanya at binaling ko rin sa paparazzi patuloy ang pagsunod sa amin.

"Gge dangxinyi algo sipeun gutipnikka?" he asked. Tumango-tango naman ang paparazzi sa kanya. "Grum nega wonhanen girl julkke." (Is that what you want to know? Then I'll give what you want.)

The next thing happened, Jin-hyeong turned me to face him and I was so confused for a moment, but everything happened so fast and he just leaned closer to me and kissed me and the flashes from their camera started to blind me so I closed my eyes knowing that Jin-hyeong kissed me and this is not a joke.

***

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Let me know your thoughts! I would appreciate it so much!

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