Ruby(Red 2) JC [Revised]

3: Present Over Past

Seokmin's face lit up as he saw his husband, and he enveloped Joshua in a warm hug. "Hey babe, your mother told me you went to meet your friends. So I thought, why don't I meet your guys too?" Joshua explained as he settled into a seat beside Seokmin.

"But it seems like you people are having a very serious discussion here," Joshua observed, sensing the tension in the air.

"What were you saying, Shua?" Seokmin prompted, inviting Joshua to join the conversation.

"Yeah, so I was saying... you are his weakness, Jeonghan," Joshua remarked, his tone thoughtful. "If you really want to get back at that douchebag, which I don't understand why, but if you really want to, then use your past as a weapon."

"But how? I mean, why would I bring back my past again?" Jeonghan questioned, puzzled by Joshua's suggestion.

Joshua let out a sigh, his gaze thoughtful as he contemplated his response. His friendship with Jeonghan had developed over the years through their mutual connection with Seokmin, and now he sought to offer his perspective on the matter at hand.

"Han, do you think that girl will date Seungcheol if she finds out her fiancé used to be involved with his sister's boyfriend? I don't think she will. But my advice for you is, if you really want to have him, then destroy him like he's doing to you now," Mingyu suggested, her tone laced with determination.

Jeonghan nodded, his mind already formulating a plan. "And Seokmin was saying his girlfriend is actually really nice. What do you think about her?" Mingyu inquired, shifting the focus of the conversation.

"Well, honestly, I don't know," Jeonghan admitted, his thoughts still preoccupied with his own situation. "She seems to be a bit calm and serious, but she was actually really nice with us. So, I honestly don't know; she seems very unpredictable."

"I wonder why Seungcheol is even dating her," Mingyu mused aloud, her curiosity piqued.

Jeonghan shrugged. "Well, Seungcheol's father and Aerin's mother are very good friends. And Seungcheol met Aerin right after moving to LA, at a party. I suppose they both met each other and got to know that their parents are acquaintances. Seungcheol was partially heartbroken; he needed a shoulder to cry on, and Aerin offered that, and boom! They started dating. She's usually one of those 'good girl' type women Seungcheol always goes for."

"Do you think that woman knows about—" Mingyu began, but Joshua cut her off. "No, she doesn't. In fact, she doesn't even know about Aerum. She was quite shocked when she found out that Seungcheol actually has a cousin. So, you see, that man told her nothing. That can be Jeonghan's opportunity to break them apart."

Jeonghan's determination burned fiercely within him as he contemplated his next moves. The thought of Seungcheol and Aerin together churned his stomach with a mixture of resentment and disgust. He couldn't fathom the idea of his former lover finding happiness with another woman, especially one who seemed oblivious to Seungcheol's past indiscretions.

                                         _

As the conversation unfolded, Aerin's attention shifted to the female figure standing in front of her. "So, you are leaving for Korea tomorrow, right?" Aerin asked.

"Yeah, for the wedding," the woman replied shortly.

"Okay then, you can leave, but—" Aerin started, but the woman interrupted her.

"I'll make sure to update you each and every detail, Ms. Park," the woman assured, her voice filled with a sense of duty, her interruption met with a smirk from Aerin. With a subtle indication, Aerin dismissed the woman, who bowed respectfully before exiting the room. As the door closed behind her, Aerin's attention shifted to the newcomer, her expression still tinged with mischief.