Moonlight + Paradise (18+)

16. Just a man after all

It wasn't crowded, but there are still too many heads and unknown faces around in the enclosed gallery - enough to make her anxious again. Flashes of cameras stopped the moment she entered, clutching on Guk's arm, but she could still see and feel the many eyes on them both. Heavy whispers circulated among the sound of soft violins, floating in the air. 

"Are you okay?" Guk finds her face and she nods almost too quickly. "What's wrong?" He could tell. He always could.

"Just...not used to this..." In all honesty, it isn't just the change of scenery and too bright of a crowd. Lisa feels out of place. Everyone is wearing modest, dark-coloured clothing and there she stands, in a bright yellow tank top and matching long skirt. 

"Don't mind them. They just feel lucky to be blessed by the sun today, like I do. It's been raining for a couple of days now." The...sun? "Plus, I'm sure they're talking about me more than they do about you, so you have nothing to worry about."

Right. "Just how famous are you exactly? You're like those people in the movies...everyone's looking at you as if they know you..."

He blinks, leading her into an archway and another spacious room with framed, hanged pictures. "I wouldn't say 'famous' but...in Korea or the world?" She can't stop herself from rolling her eyes at the smug smile. "Maybe more in Korea than the rest of the world." Oh? "My family owns more than half of the properties and businesses in Seoul alone, yet we don't show much of our faces around. It's only natural that people talk about it when we do."

She may not know much but she can spot that Guk is humble-bragging himself right this second. It's obvious in his expression. Chin up and charms on. Exceptionally beautiful despite the arrogance in his words. A man with a white shirt and black suit came up to greet them but Ji-Hu blocked him first - whispering something before allowing the man to step close.

"Jon...Guk-ssi...what a pleasure that you could make it!!" He was all teeth and smiles. Lisa could tell how happy he is that Guk is here.

Jon...Jon Guk? Is that his real name? I should ask him later...he did - sort of - hinted 'marriage'. I should at least get his full name right!

"Ji-Seok-ssi, congratulations on your solo exhibition. And apologies that my RSVP came in late." Guk then turns slightly towards her. "This is Chou Ji-Seok, the brilliant cinematographer behind all these amazing captures. He won the Lucie Award last year in New York."

Oh...so these are his works? Lucie Award...New York...I need to Google that later! Nevertheless, Lisa's smile is wide as she shakes the man's hand. 

"Ah, you're too kind with that! I'm more of a photojournalist than a cinematographer, really!"

"I heard you'll be attending the IPA as a curator this year. Is that supported by the MCST?" 

"Yes, yes, in August! I haven't heard from MCST but there are a couple of galleries I've reached out to for support."

Guk places his free hand on the man's shoulder. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me. You are, after all, one of Korea's pride. I'd be more than happy to sponsor your trip, Ji-Seok-ssi."

Wow...sponsor? Does he do that often? That's so nice of him!! It seems that Chou Ji-Seok is also as surprised and smitten as she is because the man started blushing red and grown speechless as he bows his head for more than a couple of times. It brought a little warmth in her chest to see the effects Guk has on other people, how they are no different from herself.

After a few more exchange between Ji-Seok and Guk, they were excused to 'enjoy the showcase'. From one display to another, Lisa walked hand-in-hand with the ever-charming prince of the evening. There are some that halted her tracks - forcing her to read on their descriptions to understand better - but ultimately, her steps stopped entirely in front of a black-and-white image of a little girl.