Once Upon A Spring

CHAPTER 17

*Yoo Jeong's POV*

I want to confirm the romantic relationship between me and the top star Cha Hyeon Sil, and we are already in the 2nd year of being a couple. As we agreed, we will discuss and make a public announcement as soon as possible related to this matter.

''What is this?'' I shouted while reading the copy of the letter he had made.

''Why did you do it? I thought you didn't want to release it because of the public rage, and your parents didn't want it? Why does this have to happen?'' I asked curiously.

Chang Hyun's face was emotionless. I don't know if he regrets what he did or ignores the possible consequences.

"I just want them to stop holding me back," Chang Hyun said.

I knew he was referring to his parents.

But if they love each other, why not just keep it private and keep it secret?

"I also want us to have freedom," he added. "I really plan to release a statement in our second year as an unofficial couple which is on June 25," he replied.

June 25?

That is my actual birth date.

''No matter what happens, the important here is that I am already lighthearted. This issue will also pass,'' Chang Hyun added.

We are outside, and we are on the way home. This is the time I used for Jong Hyun and me to talk about Chang Hyun's decision.

Because I didn’t expect him to reveal that.

He pulled out a lighter and a cigarette. I also didn’t expect that he was also a smoker in his younger days.

Because of the problem he created today, I was also stressed. I immediately took a cigarette from his cigarette box and took the lighter.

''What are you doing? That is bad!'' Chang Hyun asked.

''How about you? You also smoke. Why are you doing it even though it is terrible? '' I complain.

This will be my first time tasting a cigarette. I was about to put it in my mouth when Chang Hyun suddenly took it.

As soon as he stepped on my cigarette, he also threw his cigarette away.

''So what will you do when there are bad consequences?'' I asked him to change the topic.

''Let it be,'' he replied.

''What let it be. We can't put it aside because you are the ones who will be affected,'' I replied.

''Why do you worry so much about us? Can you just stop joining or stop scolding me? Because no matter how hard you try, that's my decision. I will bravely face whoever doesn't like us!'' Chang Hyun shouted.

''Chill, bro. You're talking to a woman. Just lower your voice. Okay?'' Jong Hyun calmed down.

Chang Hyun left and left me looking blankly. Also, because of annoyance, I walked out as well.

Jong Hyun chased after me and said Chang Hyun was just hot-headed.

''Even though he is in trouble, he shouldn't be raising his voice to me! What he is now, he was also that kind of person back then! Nothing has changed!'' I shouted at Jong Hyun.

I was too late to realize I had said something alien to him.

''What do you mean? Have you known him before?'' Jong Hyun wondered.

''No, it's not my point. He shouldn't shout at me even if he's hot-headed. Because who is he to treat me like that?'' I ran away from Jong Hyun out of annoyance.

While running, I remembered again when I shouted to Dad after my expelled from school.

I get irritated every time I remember that.

When I also saw that he was like this at this time, it seemed that I wanted to be more distant from him.

*Chang Hyun's POV*

''If that's what you want, go ahead. Go with it. But I will not support the children you told me!'' Dad shouted.

''Dad, why don't you like Hyeon Sil? Hyeon Sil did nothing to you! To our whole family and clan! Why are you holding us back so much?'' I asked him with a disappointed voice.

''Didn't I tell you that you can't be with her because she's a top star? It is a big issue, and the public will surely bash you. It's not just that. What if you were here together? Do you already have a family? Have you already gotten married? Will you be tied to her forever? Those insatiable rumors will chase you until they destroy you and the images of you two! It will also affect your child! Think of that!'' Dad explained thoughtfully.

''But, Dad. That's a lame excuse if you think rumors will just chase us around!''

''Son, you don't understand me! I just want your life to be peaceful when your mommy and I leave you!''

''What if it's peaceful? What if my life is peaceful, but I'm not happy with my life? What else is the meaning of my life? I shouldn't have lived if you just controlled my life!'' I explained.

''Dad, I also dreamed of peace. But as long as I'm under control, I can't find peace. There is no freedom! I’m not getting happy either! Hyeon Sil and Taekwondo just make me happy! As well as my friends!'' I told him angrily.

''But guess what? What are you doing? You mistreat my friends badly in the way you talk to them. You don't want me to get close with Hyeon Sil! You also stop me from my dream of taekwondo and building a gym!'' I added.

''Why are you answering me like that? You are so rude! Be thankful that this is the kind of life you have! Spoiled! I hope you just said before that you don't like what we're doing, so we kicked you out before!'' Dad shouted.

''That's enough, Hon. There will be no silence if you will talk through shouting!'' Mom told us.

''All right! Do everything you want! Just make sure you won't show your face here anymore! I will also not continue to support the children you are asking for. Do your own way to help and survive! I'm tired of this!'' Dad shouted before he climbed the stairs.

''Get your things out of here! NOW!'' It was the last shout I heard from him.

''I AM also tired of these things! It is really better if I will leave NOW!'' I also shouted.

''Son, don't take what your Dad said too seriously. Okay? Don't leave. It was just… he’s too emotional,'' Mom told me. I can feel in her voice that she is just hiding her tears.

''Mom, can you please stop? You are also one of those who don't want me to be with Hyeon Sil! It is better to quarrel with him to clarify all of these, and I will never revoke our relationship confirmation with Hyeon Sil!'' I replied.

I immediately went up the stairs to pack my things.

Then I immediately got out and used the car to get out of here.

It's late at night, and I don't know how I can stay here. I first went to Jong Hyun's house to stay with them for at least one or two nights.

''Hyung, it is okay even if you are here for a few days. You are very welcome. Also, there are only three of us here,'' Jong Hyun said with a little laugh.

''Is that so? Thanks. I don't know Who I can approach. It's really… I just think of you. Yoo Jeong is not allowed because they are all girls, and we still have a conflict,'' I replied thoughtfully.

''Don't worry. Yoo Jeong will forgive you too. Maybe it's just her red days. That's why,'' Jong Hyun whispered jokingly.

He even managed to joke about that woman.

''All right, put the things with you first. If you're not comfortable at home because it's not that too big, tell me. I'll go with you to look for a house to rent,'' Jong Hyun reminded me.

Even though our friendship didn’t start quite well, I’m thankful to have had someone like him.

How I wish we lasted longer.

The next day I went in for our thesis subject.

The whispers of the students here still do not stop whenever I pass by, or they see me.

I won't ignore them first. It will also subside...

When people get tired of this issue...

"Hyung, are you okay?" Jong Hyun asked thoughtfully.

We are in the library now to search for references and information related to our thesis.

''I am alright. Why?'' I asked.

''Nothing. Because all of the whispers here are all about you, isn't it embarrassing on your part?'' He asked.

''Not at all. It's okay that we're in the library. To be quiet, and You won't even worry about me. Also, Hyeon Sil and I can handle the situation. She will announce her release from the hospital,'' I explained weakly.

''If you and Hyeon Sil were to be together again outside the hospital, where would you temporarily stay? It's not allowed at her parents 'house because it is considered live-in?'' Jong Hyun asked curiously.

''As soon as possible, I will temporarily live closer to you so that the neighbors there won't give malice either. I replied, " I plan to introduce her as an official boyfriend to her parents before moving place,'' I replied.

"How are your daily visits to Hyeon Sil?"

''It's fine. There is no problem. We're just exchanging visit schedules with her parents because they also need a break,'' I explained.

"Then, regarding school activities, I also update her so that she can somehow catch up even if she is confined."

''When is her out?''

''On Thursday. I will take her home.''

''Can I be with you?''

"Ah... All right," I replied hesitantly.

Before this day came.

The day Hyeon Sil can go out, and I can be with her outside again.

The day I will officially introduce myself to her parents.

I feel so much fun.

I can't wait any longer…

But...

The Jong Hun is not here yet.

I was waiting in the car already an hour ago. It was 1:45 in the afternoon, and he was still not there.

''HYUNG!'' Jong Hyun called me.

I was surprised because he was with someone.

Yoo Jeong.

This is so embarrassing. He knew that we didn't get along these days ago, so Jong Hyun took her here.

We said that it would be only two of us.

When the two of them approached me, Jong Hyun immediately explained, ''I told Yoo Jeong yesterday that Hyeon Sil will be released from the hospital. Then I said we would take her home, so she wanted to come too. Don't worry, and she won't do anything disturbing there. She will just behave, 'isn't it Yoo Jeong?'' He patted her head at the same time.

''Can I?'' Yoo Jeong said while removing Jong Hyun's hand.

''What do you think of me? Kid?'' she added.

I'm going to the driver's seat when...

''By the way, Chang Hyun,'' she suddenly groaned.

''I'm sorry about what happened the other day. I didn't do it on purpose. I was just shocked Because, of course. We went through a lot, and then suddenly, you did it. Honestly, I'm just worried about you, but I realized that if you are happy with your decisions, I will be there and happy too. You have my full support,'' explained Yoo Jeong.

''That’s fine. I understand your feelings too. I'm sorry if I shouted at you too,'' I replied to him.

''Just go ahead. We will be late. Let's not talk about that thing. Past is past!'' Jong Hyun sighed.

He has a point. We are late. We need to hurry.

It was already 5:00 pm when we arrived.

The trip was also very tiring due to the long distance from the province.

We immediately went to Hyeon Sil's room, and I saw that she was starting to pack things.

She was also surprised that I was together with this two.

''Sorry if we are late because they chased after me,'' I explained.

''All right. Just help me here. There are also quite a lot of things piled up here,'' Hyeon Sil said.

Jong Hyun and Yoo Jeong immediately helped.

But because of the exhausting trip, I also decided to buy our food.

I'm just going to buy groceries and medicine that the doctor recommends for her.

I have no choice but to go to the nearest department store here.

''Guys, I will buy something to eat and medicine at the department store for Hyeon Sil. I'm just a moment. I'll go out first,'' I said goodbye to them and left the hospital immediately.

*Yoo Jeong's POV*

"How is your chest wound?" I asked suddenly.

''It is alright. It is slowly recovering. I don't overexpose it since I have a scar,'' Hyeon Sil replied with a smile.

As we hang out, I can't help but ask Hyeon Sil about how she really feels IN today's situations.

''What can you say about the rumors that are spreading now? The one about your previous issue?'' I asked curiously.

''We've already talked about that. We first thought about what could happen, and we are ready to face it if in case there are many to be against about that matter,'' she began.

''It's not because we're celebrities. We don't have the right to have a happy relationship. In the world of show business which is very competitive and very stressful, I also need people to lean on except my parents. Only Chang Hyun can provide for what I want,'' she added.

''Because of too much love we have, I promised myself that I would never leave him no matter what happened, as he would never leave me whenever I had a problem. Because of the courage and love he showed me, I realized that I want to marry and be with this man forever,'' she explained.

I couldn't help but be amazed at what she was telling me.

They seem to love each other so much.

In the intensity of their love, I was their fruit.

We were shocked when a doctor entered the hospital.

''Ma'am Cha. Our emergency room is full as of now. Just call our interns if in case you come out so that you can get out of the alternative exit of the hospital,'' said the doctor.

''Why? What's in the emergency room?'' Jong Hyun suddenly asked.

''The nearest department store collapsed here. But don't worry, I've already informed our intern to assist you. Just call through a pager,'' said the doctor as he left in a hurry.

''Nearest department store? Sampoong Department Store?'' Jong Hyun said.

''Wait. Where did Chang Hyun go?'' I asked them.

"In Sampoong!" Jong Hyun replied immediately.

''Chang Hyun?!'' Hyeon Sil panicked.

''I'll take care of it. You're just there, Jong Hyun! Please watch out for Hyeon Sil.'' I commanded her.

''Wait. I should just---''

''PLEASE!'' And I suddenly sprinted out of the hospital.

I can clearly see that the departure and arrival of ambulances here.

I ran quickly to Sampoong, but every time I heard firetrucks and police cars passing by...

I can't do anything but to cry.

I also don’t care if I collide with people as they go in the opposite direction with me.

Did Dad really go to Sampoong during these hours?

Did I really change his fate at this time?

As I was running, I spotted someone in the other pedestrian lane.

Because the sunlight was so bright, I couldn't see his face right away.

His face was covered in a glow, and when it disappeared, I saw worry and fear on his face.

His eyes widened when I saw him.

''Yoo Jeong, what are you doing here? It's dangerous here because the department store just collapsed. Come back now,'' Chang Hyun worried.

He was about to die, but he still worried about me.

I also couldn’t help but cry. I don't care if a lot of people look at me.

I cried.

As in a loud crying.

''Yoo Jeong, why are you crying?'' Chang Hyun suddenly tapped me on the shoulder.

I never noticed that he was in front of me now.

Suddenly I hugged him.

That's when I realized...

I also can't afford to lose my father either.