"WOOJU-SSI, do I look like someone who's addicted to plastic surgery?" Gyubin asked defensively. She was being sensitive, admittedly. "Is it because I'm idol? Are you one of those people who think every single idol has gone under the knife?"
"Uhm, no," Wooju said, shaking his head awkwardly. "I guess I don't know what I'm talking about…"
"Yeah, you clearly don't," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "Wooju-ssi, I only did two procedures." She pointed at her nose. "First, septorhinoplasty. It's a combination of two procedures: one for a medical reason, and the other for aesthetics. Actually, my nose used to be a bit crooked. To repair my deviated septum and be able to breathe through both nostrils, I had to undergo septoplasty. It was supposed to end with that. But my agency pressured me into getting a nose job while I was in it. That was how I ended up with septorhinoplasty to make my nose look "better.""
"Your agency forced you?"
"I was told I was the "visual hole" of the group."
"What does it mean?"
"That means I'm the ugliest member," Gyubin said, avoiding Wooju's gaze. "That was how they pressured me into getting lip fillers, too."
At least, her lips didn't look botched.
Anyways…
"Those were the two cosmetic procedures that I did. Everything else on my face is natural— including my double eyelids."
Wooju was taking too long to respond, so Gyubin looked at him.
She was confused when she saw him on the phone while they were in the middle of a conversation.
"Wooju-ssi, what are you doing?"
"I'm texting Jaemoo Hyung," Wooju said calmly, his eyes still glued to the phone. "Originally, I just asked my people to buy out your group's contract so that you can cut ties with your agency without a problem. But now I want your former agency gone. Companies who mistreat their artists shouldn't exist."
"Can you do that?"
"You're looking at a chabeol who's abusing his power and authority, Gyubin."
Aww.
Well, to be fair, Wooju was doing something bad.
But Gyubin didn't have the heart to stop him completely.
"Just make sure that the innocent employees who actually took care of our group will find a new job in a better company, Wooju-ssi," Gyubin asked carefully. "I'm asking as your future wife who wants to have a taste of power."
"Give me a list of people you want to take with you to your new company."
"New company?"
Wooju raised his head. "I know someone who owns an entertainment company. She agreed to take your group in."
"What entertainment company?"
"PEAK Entertainment."
Gyubin almost choked on her saliva. "It's the home of the current #1 girl group in the country!"
"You know the company? I'm relieved."
Wow.
She was speechless.
PEAK Entertainment is not perfect— no agency is. But, as far as I know, they give their artists freedom to create their own music. Plus, they pay well!
"Wooju-ssi, you're being too nice to me."
"No, I'm just taking care of you as promised."
Gyubin clenched her hands tight. "Is it because I'm a survivor of the Nami Island Tragedy?"
Wooju paused for a moment, and then he put his phone in the pocket of his pants before he opened his mouth. "Are you not mad at me?"
"Why would I be mad at our savior?"
"Because I was late."
Ah, I knew it.
"I was late," Wooju said, his voice full of remorse. "Had I read those letters earlier, none of you would have developed the Bloom Disease. But because I was late, that crazy Hunter had the time to complete their experiment."
"Wooju-ssi, if you didn't come at all, we would have all died that day," Gyubin said gently. "We're just thankful that you saved us."
"The person who sent me those letters—"
"Would never resent you for being late," she said, cutting him off. "I heard the story from Ahjussi— I mean, Hunter Park Dong-min. The person who sent those SOS letters hid them in a gift she sent during the time your guild was accepting fans' gifts for your birthday. It was a miracle that you found those letters."
To be honest, she couldn't understand why Wooju felt guilty about what happened five years ago when he was the one who killed the crazy Hunter and saved the entire village.
He's our savior.
Unlike Hunter Park Dong-min who was a part of the project, Wooju had nothing to do with it.
To be honest…
"Wooju-ssi, if that person could see you now, she'd hate herself for sending you those SOS letters," Gyubin said. She knew that her words were sharp, but it was something Wooju needed to hear. "Because if she knew you would end up hating yourself because she asked for your help out of all the Hunters she could have reached out to, she'd be heartbroken."
"Then are you brokenhearted seeing me like this, Gyubin?"
Hmm?
Does he suspect that I'm that person? That person is supposed to be dead, though.
Well, Gyubin decided to play it cool.
"Wooju-ssi, even if I wasn't that person, I still feel bad for you," Gyubin said sincerely. "Do you want me to refer you to my therapist? Getting professional help is good for our mental health, especially for people who are grieving."
"I'm alright."
Ah, he doesn't want to talk about getting professional help.
Gyubin didn't insist because she knew her place.
Plus, therapy only works if the person is ready and willing to heal.
"Gyubin, you said you think that person wouldn't resent me for being late back then," Wooju said carefully. "But let's say she survived and is still alive today. What do you think she'd want me to do to make it up to her?"
Is this a trick question?
She wanted to give a vague answer.
But seeing that pitiful look on Wooju-ssi's face…
Haaah.
"She would want you to forgive yourself and move on with your life," Gyubin said, smiling. "And maybe give her a bakery shop that specializes in strawberry croissant that you will continue funding even if it loses millions of won in profit?"
Wooju, much to Gyubin's surprise, chuckled. "I'm glad I'm rich then."
***
"HUNTER PARK Dong-min will pick you up and drive you to the Blue Dragon Guild. I'll see you there."
Gyubin tilted her head to one side, a bit confused. "Why can't we just go together if we're headed to the same place anyway?"
"I'm always trailed by either the reporters or enemies, so it's better if we leave the hospital separately."
"Ah, gotcha."
"Any questions before we go separate ways?"
"Oh, right. When will I sign the NDA?"
Wooju fell silent for a moment, and then he shook his head. "You don't have to sign an NDA."
"Why not?"
"You've already signed an NDA before as a survivor of the tragedy that the government worked hard to bury, so I'm sure you know that signing an NDA is like putting a dagger in your heart. As soon as you break the contract, you'll die."
"What about it?"
"Your lungs are already filled with flowers killing you," Wooju said, his face darkening. "I wouldn't put a dagger in your heart when you're already suffering."
"What if I open my mouth and say something I shouldn't to the wrong people?"
"I know you wouldn't. But even if you did, don't worry— I'll deal with the consequences. So, if you have troubles, don't hesitate to come to me."
Oh.
She felt her chest tightened in an uncomfortable way.
And then it rang in her ears again— the familiar warm voice, the painful cold words.
["Gyubin-ah, I'm sorry but I can't be your emotional garbage dump anymore— I'm tired of hearing you complain about your struggles every time we're together."]
Right— she shouldn't make the same mistake again.
Gyubin smiled and nodded even though she had zero intentions of sharing her problems with Wooju, or anyone else for that matter. "Wooju-ssi, I won't be a burden to you."
***
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