Stay (Hwasa)

THE PAST 2

A/N POV

part2 of the throwback.

All the while, her parents were engrossed in a lively conversation with the guest, Hyejin, while she stifled yawns, growing increasingly bored with the gathering. "Well, whatever they've planned will never come to fruition... I'll make sure of it," she muttered to herself. Rising from her seat, she politely excused herself, citing a sudden onset of feeling unwell. Her parents felt uneasy about her sudden departure, but the guests interpreted it as a sign of dismissal, bidding their farewells and leaving. After the guests departed, her father addressed her.

Mr. Ahn: "Hyejin-ah, what's the matter with your attitude? Is this how we taught you to treat our guests?"

Hyejin rolled her eyes. "Dad, did you really expect me to marry that guy? I just met him, and yet we're already engaged. I hate it! I don't want to get married; I want to pursue my dreams. I want to live my life on my own!"

Mr. Ahn grew angry at Hyejin's response, raising his hand as if to slap her, but his wife intervened.

Mrs. Ahn: "Yeobo, stop it. Hyejin is still a child; perhaps she's shocked by what just happened. Let's give her some time. I'll talk to her about this."

Hyejin was shocked that her father would raise his hand to strike her, thankful that her mother had intervened. She retreated to her room. Her mother, a very submissive wife, sometimes evoked pity from Hyejin for not pursuing her own desires and dedicating her life to serving the family. Hyejin was determined not to follow in her mother's footsteps; she was independent and refused to be controlled by others. Feeling disheartened, she longed to go to Wheein's place, though it was late. She grabbed her phone and dialed Wheein's number.

Wheein's phone rang...

Wheein: "Hello... what's up?"

Hyejin: "Wheein-ah, can I sleep over at your place? I hate them! Why are they doing this to me?"

Wheein: "It's already late, Hyejin-ah. It's not safe for you to walk around late. Why don't you tuck yourself into bed and get some sleep? Tomorrow you can come over early, and we'll spend time together. Is that clear? Okay, don't pout; smile and say goodnight, my baby. Hehehehe."

Hyejin felt her spirits lift upon hearing Wheein's voice on the line. Wheein was truly her soulmate; she never failed to console her when she was feeling down, calm her when anger flared up, make her laugh even in sad situations, and lift her mood even when they faced rejection in auditions.

Hyejin: "Okay, goodnight. Sweet dreams. See you tomorrow. Mwaaaah."

End of the call...

Meanwhile, at Sunghoon's house...

Sunghoon went straight to his room, avoiding any conversation with his father about the Ahns. He was furious with Hyejin; he had thought she was a nice girl from afar, but now he realized she was a spoiled brat, stubborn and blunt, as other students had described her. "Is that what they want my wife to be? Huh! My life would be a living hell... Hell no! That's the last time I'll ever see her face," he muttered to himself.

After graduation, Sunghoon pleaded with his parents to let him study in Seoul. He took the entrance exam for medical school at one of the best institutions in the country, Seoul National University. He passed and graduated with honors, receiving numerous job offers from hospitals. Despite still being at odds with his father, who wanted him to proceed with the marriage, Sunghoon was glad he had pursued his dream. He had seen on the news that Hyejin had become quite well-known. Living her life in the spotlight, constantly seeking attention — he didn't want that kind of life.

However, fate had a curious twist in store. Sunghoon happened to be the doctor in charge of Hyejin when the accident occurred. He spent two sleepless days attending to her, deeply worried despite his initial animosity towards her. As she regained consciousness, she didn't even spare him a glance, immediately asking for Wheein. Sunghoon couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt; she had almost died in that accident, and yet her first thought was for Wheein. Perhaps the rumors were true; perhaps they were more than just friends. It infuriated him. The day after, a waiver was handed to him by Nurse Park, indicating her discharge.

During his rounds, he spotted her in Wheein's private room, tending to her. It further fueled his anger; was this how much she cared for Wheein? From then on, he made sure to avoid crossing paths with her, uncertain of what his reaction might be.

Sometimes, fate plays with our emotions. As he was about to enter a café to meet his college friend, he accidentally bumped into someone at the door. The girl caught his attention; he liked her perfume, finding it soothing. As her bag fell, he moved to pick it up, only to bump heads with her again. About to apologize and recognize the girl in front of him, he was surprised to see it was Ahn Hyejin. She didn't even recognize him. Beside her stood Wheein, and his heart sank. As he was about to pass them by, ignoring them, he felt a hand on his arm. He loathed himself for the shiver that ran through his body with just that one touch. "Hell to this girl!" he thought to himself. Hyejin asked for an apology, but he couldn't bring himself to offer one. He felt like garbage; she had dumped him on their engagement day. Why should he apologize? Leaving her standing there, seething with anger at his words, he couldn't care less. Just as she didn't seem to care about his feelings. He hoped it would be the last time he ever crossed paths with her.