1. THE ENCOUNTER.
In this world everyone is born with their destiny already decided for them either willingly or unwillingly even if you do anything the destiny that was laid out for you is bound to happen. But everyone has different paths to take in order to reach that destiny others may be long and it may seam torturous to continue striving and instead give up but no matter what path you take you will surely reach the door of destiny.
And sometimes in order to reach that door we need to let our hands hold onto those around us and share our strength through the tears and rainy days.
****
The smell burning of meat rent the air as people's laughter filled the busy restaurant. The television anchors voice whispered its way through with the evening news. It was Thursday so it was expected to be busier than usual but its always busy. The night had already waned in and it was already past midnight yet there was no signs of the crowd getting smaller. That was the nightlife of Seoul.
"Go throw out the trash." Someone ordered to which another hastily picked up the bag of garbage and quickly walked out through the backdoor.
He closed the door behind him with a sigh. He threw the bag at the filled trashcan before it ended up in a pile besides it. He turn around to go back in but he heard the door open from a distance and more people enter the restaurant. He let out a sigh as he leaned against the wall deciding to take a small break. He dug through his pants to and removed a cigar along with a lighter.
He took a few puffs as he looked at the night sky. There were hardly any stars he felt the sky resembled him. Just like the sky he was empty.
He was about to take another puff when he heard the heavy backdoor being pushed open, he quickly threw the cigarette down and stepped on it.
"hey what's taking so long? Madam is looking for you." The female employee said. She sized him up a bit but did not say anything before going back in.
He quickly held onto the door knob just as the door was about to close and got back into the chaotic restaurant.
The night was long it was almost four o'clock when the restaurant owner sent away the last customers.
He took his wage and his bag and walked out of the restaurant. He wasn't one to take up anything permanent just something simple would do just as long as he was out of the house.
He walked down the deserted street his bag hugging loosely on his back as he walked up the fleet of stairs leading to his house. He drugged his heavy feet as the thought of just dumping his tired body on his bed made him happy to look forward to something.
He stood at the gate ready to open it but it was locked. He tried opening it once again but the pass code would not go through. He let out a frustrated sigh as he run his hand through his slightly long black hair. He felt frustration rise from his core at the situation.
He removed his phone. It was already four twenty and yet there he was out in the cold and school was about to start in less than five hours not that he went. He saw a few missed calls from the landlady along with some angry messages.
'Where are you?'
'My patience is running thin where is the rent it has already been four months.'
'I am changing the passcode and the lock come ask for them with the rent.'
He bit his lip as he looked round and run this hand through his hair our of frustration. He put the phone back into his bag before sinking down on the roughly tiled pathway.
It wasn't the first time it had happened making him numb to the feeling of helplessness as he looked around his mind blank as he tried to think of a possible way out. The only thing he could think about was school. That was his only option. The money he had he would rather save and go to a motel later.
He sat on the cold floor for an hour his mind blank and his eyes empty. People waking up early to go to work walked past him but none questioned him as they minded their business and hurried on the way.
Finally he stood up picked his bag and dropped it on his shoulder and started on his way. If he continued at that pace he thought he would be at school by the time the gates opened.
He pocketed his freezing hands as he walked slowly. He was enrolled in a talent school but he could feel his dreams become more cumbersome and the fire that had once been his motivation slowly die down.
He kicked a small rock as he walked. He felt at that moment as small as the rock. He hardly ever went to school anymore. The school was quite prestigious as adding to his baggage of self worth as he saw all those happy faces everywhere. The school was quite prestigious and only a few people like him could make it in. Yet despite such a privilege the thought of being there made him feel suffocated. He didn't know or understand why they chose him.
He cursed himself everyday.
How could he be so deluded to think that he actually had a chance. A chance to follow his dream...let alone to even dream of achieving them in itself seamed like an exaggeration and overachievment.
He didn't see himself worthy of anything particularly good. That's always what he though with life pulling punch upon punch upon his miserable life maybe he got tired when a flicker of hope showed up he clutched onto it.... but it was only momentarily.
He gave out a sigh as he finally reached the large gates. It was still a little bit dark and chilly outside. He let out a breath as it formed a mist in front of his mouth he shivered as his body reacted to the cold.
He had to do it. He had to go into that gate if he would get to do what he planned. Gathering his courage he walked into the gate. There were a few cleaners here and there but he didn't know what to say and didn't want to make a conversation so he would briefly say hello before quickly walking past them.
He walked towards the locker room and let out a sigh.
Even if his situation was not ideal he wouldn't allow the other students to have a chance to mock him, at least not for his smell. He quickly removed his clothes feeling safe that he was alone.
He got into the shower and turned on the faucet. He bent his face as he felt the warm water hit his stiff body. He felt his body about to give way as he felt heavier. The burdens he carried ...thinking he should not complain there are those who had it worse than him. He curled his hands into fists his nails digging into his skin he held himself back.
That's how he had always been. He could bare anything but he would not let himself cry. Maybe that's why he had picked up smoking. He had thought of this plenty of times but brushed it off. He knew the real reason he didn't cry was because if he did he would be admitting he had lost, he had given up his last resolve.
He run his hand through his hair making it run back. It took a moment to clear up his thoughts and clean himself before getting out and wearing the extra clothes he had learned to pack.
By the time he had finished the first batch of students, the early birds, were already starting to come in. Deciding to take some rest first he walked back to the classroom. It had been such a long time since he had stepped foot in that classroom, he could not even begin to imagine the stares he would get for merely being present.
Gathering up his courage he slid the doors open and entered classroom 3-2 he walked towards his desk that was placed at the back. He knew it because of the scribbles written on it. It gave it a quick wiped down before sitting down. He placed his bag at the back sit. And using his hands as pillows lay on the desk. Sleep took over his exhausted body as he fell into a dreamless abyss.
"is that Sung-hoon?" someone asked as more students started piling into the class room. Every student that came in looked shocked at the occupied seat.
Sung-hoon was quite popular in school although it was not for the right reasons unfortunately, especially after the fight that broke out in the last month before
Sung-hoon disappeared from school. Everyone had thought he had dropped out. The person he provoked was not just an ordinary person.
"I didn't think he would have the guts to show his face again." A student from a group that had gathered on the side of the classroom whispered among them.
"same here, if I were him I would just die!" another exclaimed but a bit louder for Sung-hoon to purposely hear.
He knew this was going to happen so he didn't react instead he turned and changed his position feeling his arms getting numb from staying in the same position.
A girl focused on her phone walked in. She was typing furiously as her eyes shone with glee. She wasn't paying attention to the gathered group, she accidentally bumped into one of them. The person looked at her angrily but as soon as they saw her they only rolled their eyes and shook their head. The group watched as the girl gave a slight bow in apology and walked towards her desk.
She was known to be absent minded it had happened so many times no one even bothered to get angry anymore. She placed her bag against her desk and continued typing on her phone.
The bell rang a few minutes later as students rushed in for the daily roll call. Every seat was filled except a few. Everyone knew to whom they belonged to.
Just as the teacher had entered a group three students rushed in. The students turned back to look at them. They quickly took their seats as the teacher continued eyeing them. A boy looked at Sung-hoon's still sleeping figure which got the teachers attention.
"Sung-hoon!" she said a bit surprised by his attendance. She had tried contacting him a few times but he wouldn't pick up and neither did his mother. She tried to follow up on him but the address that was given didn't have anyone so she gave up. She got a text saying he was fine and would come back to school so she didn't really see the need to go to a police station. Plus she had a lot of things to worry about adding a student to the mix seamed like a headache.
"Okay roll-call. " she called out. She took clicked on a pen and started calling out names as usual there was one empty seat. Just as she was about to close the attendance file the classroom door slid open.
Everyone turned to look at the unexpected person.
It was him.
No one had expected him to come.
His eyes scanned the room before bowing respectfully.
"sorry I am late," He said. The teacher nudged her head to the empty seat to which he obliged.
But just as he was about to sit down his eyes caught sight of who was seating beside him making him halt.
*+*+*+*+*+*
"Jae-wook is something wrong?" the teacher asked seeing his stance.
Jae-wook quickly denied and took a seat beside the now frozen figure.
Sung-hoon's fists sighted at the mention of Jae-wook's name. He felt his whole body become stiff froze in time with anger. He felt his sleepiness leave him but he didn't change his position.
"That's all for today." The teacher announced before leaving.
The whole class sat silently as they all peaked at the scene behind them. Even the absentminded girl had her attention to them.
"I know you are not asleep." Jae-wook said as he pocketed his hands and leaned back on his chair. Despite his remark Sung-hoon did not move.
Jae-wook let out a sigh as his hand held onto Sung-hoon's shoulder before roughly forcing him to sit up.
Sung-hoon let out a loud sigh as he run his hand through his long hair. A gesture he often did when he was frustrated or angry.
"I don't want any problem okay." He said briefly before going back to his previous position.
Just when he was about to wake him up again a teacher walked in cutting their interaction short.
The teacher looked around the classroom sensing a bit of tension but ignored it as soon as his eyes landed on Jae-wook.
"Jae-wook, you decided to join us today. How is your debut preparation going?" He asked with a bright smile.
It was no secret that Jae-wook was a bright student to excelled in everything to add to his budding iq he was about to make his debut at one of the most prestigious and well-known companies Wyde labels. It was quite hard to make the cut but he got a position with a clean slate.
Many of the students and teachers tried to get on his good side especially since he would help propel the school name even further.
"it's going great," He answered politely contrary to his previous tone.
"good, can't wait to get your autograph!" He locked before opening his laptop. "Okay the topic of today....."
The bell rung signalling the end of class and the beginning of lunch break. As soon as the teacher stepped out students rushed out after her some headed to the restroom , to the dining room and others took the break as an advantage to get caught up on their assignments or practice their different crafts.
Jae-wook pocketed his hands as he stood up. There was barely anyone in the classroom except for the two desk mates and the shy girl. She didn't really pay attention nor mind anyone's business.
Jae-wook stepped away from his desk before looking back to see Sung-hoon still lying on his desk. He was about to say something but thought against it as he walked out of the classroom.
As soon as Jae-wook left Sung-hoon peaked slightly before letting out a sigh and collapsing exaggeratedly on the desk. He was about to go back to his previous position when his eyes locked with the girl he referred to as strange but she only sized him before looking away.
His eyebrows curled in confusion at her action but shrugged his shoulders as he looked away.
Just then his phone rung. He let out a sigh before looking at it.
"where are you?" someone said angrily making his face to curl as he pulled the phone away from his face.
He took a deep breath before returning the phone close to his ear.
"what is it?" he sighted as he rubbed his hand down his face.
"Boss is looking for you." The voice said his tone much softer than before.
"I told you I don't want any part of this anymore." He said as his eyes scanned the quiet girl still focused on her phone.
"Get here now!" before he had anytime to protest the receiver cut the call.
Sung-hoon's hand curled around his phone tightly as he let out a silent cuss.
He harshly pushed back the chair and roughly grabbed his bag before stuffing his phone inside. He swing it on his shoulder and started heading towards the door.
He opened the door only to see a foot blocking his path. He looked up to see the face he referred to as annoying staring at him.
"we need to talk." Jae-wook said as his eyes scanned Sung-hoon form.
Sung-hoon's face curled up in annoyance not hiding the fact he didn't like the guy.
Despite them being classmates for two years now they didn't talk to each other than the one encounter that turned out into a nasty fight.
Sung-hoon had always viewed jae-wook as a spoiled self-absorbed person. He was never alone unlike him he had plenty of friends and people who would let him walk over them if he said anything. He didn't understand his charm around people considering as far as he knew he wasn't that rich. He hadn't hard any rumours involving his family, in fact no one knew hid family background and he kept a tight seal on that. All anyone knew was his mother was in the military and that's it. Aside from his beautiful face and healthy robust appearance as well as his charming voice Sung-hoon didn't understand the appeal.
"you are going out?" Jae-wook asked his eyes glancing at Sung-hoon's bag.
Sung-hoon didn't say things as he tried to walk past him but Jae-wook suddenly stood in front of him blacking his way.
"that's good school is suffocating anyway why don't we go together I have the later periods off." He said trying to soften up Sung-hoon.
Since the school mostly focused on arts on some selected days half the days were dedicated to arts giving time for students to prepare in case of auditions for competitions or anything else.
"Wait here." Jae-wook quickly got into the classroom and quickly came back with his bag. Sung-hoon looked at him like he had lost his mind. His eyes twisted in confusion at his antics.
"let's go I will treat you to some food." With that he started walking ahead. When he noticed Sung-hoon wasn't following behind he looked back at him.
"are you uncomfortable?" Jae-wook asked after a few seconds of silence he noted his head briefly in understanding before peaking his head through the classroom window.
"se-hee" he called out. The girl sitting alone in the classroom looked back at him her expression disinterested.
Sung-hoon stared are Jae-wook like he had lost his mind. Hardly anyone interacted with the girl he himself barely knew her name.
"are you hungry?" He asked.
Sung-hoon was a bit confused by his behaviour but he had a slight idea of what it might be.
The girl shook her head.
"Come on I will treat you to something. " Sung-hoon despite knowing that was Jae-wook's main intention was still shocked by his audacity, he was even more shocked when the girl nodded without hesitation and grabbed her bag before joining them in the hallway.
"Is it okay now....we have company. " with that he grabbed Sung-hoon's hand before he could protest and pulled him towards the exit.
They sneaked out through the back gate which was mostly unguarded they walked for sometime before hailing a taxi and going to a restaurant.
They sat for a while no one talking. The air was heavy and awkward around them with no conversation starter and se-hee on her phone tapping furiously at it.
Sung-hoon looked at her as she continued tapping he had always wondered what she was typing so eagerly but they were never close enough for him to actually ask. He looked between her and jae-wook knew each other. He hardly saw them talk in class.
A waitress came and took their order, since no one said a thing the jae-wook ordered the food.
"so...Sung-hoon...what exactly do you major in?" Jae-wook asked his eyes fixed on Sung-hoon as he waited for him to answer. Se-hee also glanced at Sung-hoon for a second before going back to her work.
"Acting and film." Sung-hoon answered his voice a bit low as he lacked confidence in his answer. He didn't even know if he could achieve that anymore it seemed like a blur at that moment.
Jae-wook nodded slightly his eyes once again studying Sung-hoon as I'd searching for something before finally looking away.
The waitress came down and prepared their hotpot before leaving the waitress looked among them as she smiled and shook her head at their silent and awkward demeanour.
"Hey did you two fight?"se-hee suddenly asked her voice was crisp and clear as she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. She looked at them. Her eyebrow raised in question as she locked her phone and placed it on the table.
She was quite confident and her voice held such elegance contrary to what Sung-hoon had imagined.
Sung-hoon looked at Jae-wook to find him looking at him before they both looked away. Se-hee looked at both of them before scoffing.
"Is it Jessica?" she asked making Jae-wook jerk immediately in shock at her guess.
Sung-hoon also looked at her in bewilderment. He didn't think that they were that clos that she would even know about Jessica.
"judging from your expression it is." She said casually as she took a bowl of rice and another bowl before taking a pair of chopsticks and grabbing some meat.
"So....?" she asked getting slightly impatient.
"she broke up with me."Jae-wook answered looking away as if embarrassed.
"I guessed that....you haven't been giving me a headache with her name for two months now."she said casually taking another bite.
"I am not that annoying." Jae-wook protested as he glared at her playfully.
"Sure I am over-exaggerating" she added sarcastically mocking him.
He gave her a scrawl before sitting back on the chair in defeat.
Sung-hoon's eyes travelled between them not believing the sight that was unfolding in front of him.
"He punched me." Sung-hoon suddenly added taking se-hee by surprise. She looked at jae-wook shocked by the revelation.
"Y ...you punched him?!?!.....why and where.....?"
"it was valid !!!!!" jae-wook tried befriending himself. He took a cup of water that was placed in front of him and drowned everything in two swift gulps. He looked nervous he didn't expect Sung-hoon to actually reveal it.
"Sure ..punching me because your girlfriend thinks you are a dickhead is valid?" Sung-hoon added earning a scrawl from jae-wook.
"Jessica said that..??" se-hee asked surprised her eyes were wide open and her voice held such a high pitch it garnered a few stares. "And how did you know?" she asked turning to Sung-hoon who was already busy eating as he let the situation unfold before him.
Jae-wook glared at Sung-hoon who only smiled as he stuffed some more meat in his mouth.
"She used him to break up with me."Jae-wook said silently.
A sudden bust of laughter filled the restaurant taking both of the young men by surprise.
It took a while before se-hee finally calmed down.
She drunk some water as she wiped some tears from her eyes from all the laughter.
"are you done?" jae-wook asked looking at her.
She smiled as she draped her hand over his shoulder.
"You must have been so sad. Your girlfriend broke up with you through another person." She said comically.
Jae-wook let out a sigh regretting bring her along.
"Anyway..."she said after she was done teasing him to her hearts content. "why did you punch him?"
"He called me a self centered, egocentric maniac who would remain alone for the rest of my life." He said glaring at Sung-hoon.
"She told me to say that I was just relaying the message."
"and you must have been so happy to relay it."
Kind of...yes ...until you punched me."
"You deserved it."
"I just did what I was paid to do."
"okay ....okay !!!! That's enough." Se-hee cut in cutting them off. "Why did you call us here?"
Jae-wook looked away cussing silently as he poured himself some more water and drinking it.
"I am about to make my debut...." he said his voice a bit cold and distant.
Sung-hoon looked up at him his eyes scanning him before he finally understood the meaning behind his words.
"you think I am going to blackmail you." Sung-hoon stated his voice holding some hidden anger as his fists clenched.
"Who knows the extent that you could go to. Maybe you even got a picture...."
"Jae-wook!!" se-hee said her voice holding a subtle warning as she sensed where the situation was escalating to.
Jae-wook glanced at se-hee before looking back at Sung-hoon. His eyes were unreadable which made Sung-hoon even more frustrated.
Sung-hoon couldn't believe what he was hearing he was even more frustrated he let himself vulnerable to be in that position.
Is that how Jae-wook though of him.. those were the thoughts recurring in his mind....was that how people saw him? He might have been rough around the edges but he would never do that.
"Did you sleep with her as well? Do you want money? Name the price." Jae-wook asked taking Sung-hoon aback.
Sung-hoon felt like he was about to bust in anger so he did the only thing he could do stood up took his bag and started walking towards the exit. Just when he was about to step further away from the table he felt a hand on his arm grabbing tightly onto it.
"I don't care if you did anything with her but if you dare ruin my debut I will make sure your life is a living hell." Jae-wook said through clenched teeth his voice holding a promise of something frightening Withnd unspeakable.
Sung-hoon looked at him his eyes Red with anger. He grabbed his hand and shoved it away from his arm before walking away.
"what was that?" Sung-hoon heard se-hee ask as he left the restaurant.
Sung-hoon walked for a while before he finally calmed down. His breath was heavy as he leaned on a wall.
At that moment his phone rang.
He fished it out of his pocket and looked at the caller ID. His body filled with dread as a black car stopped in front of him.