Fate

Chapter Three

(This is what their apartment looks like)

Heeseung made his way towards Yumi who was sitting in the back corner. All the while, he was walking towards her, his heart kept  racing. Heeseung couldn't think of why his heart was betraying him. His feelings for Yumi weren't there  anymore. They both had gone separate ways that night when the argument between them got heated. Or that was what Heeseung had remembered it. Heeseung set the tray down on the table before sitting down.

"Here is your coffee Yumi". Heeseung handed her coffee to her. She took the cup before stirring it. "Thank you Heeseung". Yumi said feeling grateful. Heeseung swallows his drink before replying. "You're welcome". Heeseung set his glass down looking around him.

Heeseung could see people staring at him and smiling as they quickly looked away. He gives them a shy wave before going back to their conversation. From across the room he can hear the young girls squeals.

Yumi glances towards them before smiling. "Looks like you got quite a few fans here". Yumi gestures around the cafe. Heeseung nods. "It appears so. Most of the time when I go places it's like this. But only a few times have gotten out of hand". Heeseung revealed. Yumi nods lost in thought.

"Well at least you have fans who like you  and support you. Right now I don't have many fans". Yumi said what was on her mind. A distant look had crossed her face sparking concern in Heeseung. He looks at her confused. "What do you mean you don't have many fans? You're a well known successful actress. You should have plenty of fans". Heeseung admitted. Yumi let  out a tired sigh.

"After the big controversy began I have lost a ton of fans and followers  on social media. Rather they choose to believe the media or not  it's on them. I am here to just do what I love and make content for my fans". Yumi admitted. Without the fans she wouldn't have made it this far nor win the awards because of them.

Heeseung set his drink down leaning back in his chair. He could tell just how exhausting the rumors had made her. Dark circles were visible under her eyes. "They are just rumors right? I mean the Yumi, I remember was headstrong and rarely ever cared what people thought of her. Let alone pay much attention to other guys and just focus on her studies. I mean in school you and I were once rivals and bickered a lot. Why not just admit that the rumors are false? It's your happiness and wellbeing that is being tested". Heeseung tried comforting her.

A lost look crossed over Yumi's eyes before she looked down away from Heeseung. She bit the inside of her cheek debating or not to tell Heeseung. Obviously he couldn't remember much after the accident or certain events before it. It's quite obvious that Heeseung is missing a big piece of his memory ones that they shared together.

"It's not that simple Heeseung. Right now my career is headed down the drain. I can barely get many parts without it coming back to bite me in the ass. I did have a boyfriend, but things happened and it snowballed. The guys in the photo aren't anyone I know. They were just guys who were getting a little too handsy at the clubs. Who is going to believe me? It's the media vs. my own words. Everyone always takes after the medias side. They twist things to make it believable which ruins lives. And this whole publicity stunt is my only shot to repair my reputation. I don't know why I am telling you this". Yumi vented feeling a little relieved.

Heeseung could see the stress written in her face. He felt guilty because the publicity stunt was only to benefit from his success not hers. "I believe you Yumi. I know enough that those photos were just to mess with you. At some point or another we all dealt with that in our career. My first year of acting there was a huge rumor going around which wasn't true. After a big event, I took my cousin to the after party and a reporter snapped a photo of us hugging. And from there they had claims that it was a secret girlfriend which in fact wasn't. It was my cousin. All I can say is that, either post on social media or set a conference meeting and tell them what actually happened. This isn't like you to let thing get to you". Heeseung had always known Yumi to be a strong woman. But today seeing her vulnerable side, concerned him. Her mental state was in a different place. And it worried him if she gets worse.

"My manager suggests that I remain quiet and let it all quiet down and it will be forgotten eventually. I already lost a lot of fans because of it. I don't want to make it worse. Besides once another celebrity has a scandal, mine will be on the back burner. And I will be fine. So you don't need to worry about me". Yumi reassures Heeseung. But still Heeseung didn't quite believe her.

Just then Yumi's phone goes off. She glanced at the text her face paling. Not going unnoticed by Heeseung that something was wrong.

"Yumi, everything okay?" He asks concern lacing his tone. Yumi looks up letting a small smile grace her lips. "Yeah, everything is fine. Shall we go? It's getting late now". Yumi said gesturing towards the time. Heeseung knew that something was off with Yumi and was determined to help her. "Yeah, sure . I will drop you off at the office". Heeseung said as he stood up.

Heeseung held the door for Yumi as they exited the cafe. The fresh autumn air hit his face instantly cooling him down. "Thanks for the coffee and taking the time to catch up. It was refreshing to see a familiar face". She admitted it was nice seeing someone she knew despite it would stir up old memories. Yumi hoped that them doing this would make her career better and repair her reputation that was tarnished by false rumors.

"It was nice and you're welcome. We should go out for coffee again next time". Heeseung said as they continued to walk. They fell into a comfortable silence as they walked side by side. "Anytime you are having a rough time, you're more than welcome to send a text or call. I can tell that all of this is taking a toll on you". Heeseung spoke genuinely concerned for Yumi.

They both stopped when they approached the front of the office building. Heeseung sighed stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Yumi let out a small smile. "Thanks Heeseung, I will keep that in mind. I guess we will see each other soon then. Until then take care". Yumi said as she stood in front of her car. "Yeah, you too. Drive safe". Heeseung shut the car door for her.

. . .

Heeseung types in the passcode to his apartment smelling the aroma of food as he ducks his head into the hallway. He slips off his shoes and slips on some slippers and walks towards the kitchen.

"It smells delicious Jake". Heeseung was practically holding his stomach he was hungry. "Hopefully it tastes good. I haven't had time to perfect the flavors". Jake spoke concentrating on cooking the meat. He didn't want to serve raw meat. "Do you want me to help with anything?" Heeseung asks search for what he can help with.

For a moment Jake was quiet as he was too focused on cooking. "Um, well you can set the table if  you want? I am just about finished with cooking the meat". Jake said as he looked at Heeseung. Heeseung nodded before making his way towards the plates.

Along the way Heeseung grabbed silverware as well as the plates. He finished setting the table as Jake had set the food down.

"Alright let's eat". Jake said as he reached for some beef and put it on his plate. Heeseung followed Jake and grabbed some beef. "Thanks for dinner. It tastes delicious". Heeseung said before taking another bite. Jake let out a small laugh. "You're welcome. It's the least I can do since I live here as well". Jake admits.

"So what did your manager want to meet with you today?" Jake asks as he was curious. Especially since today was supposed to be a relaxing day. Heeseung sighed setting down his fork.

Jake rose an eyebrow as he awaited for Heeseung's reply.

"He wanted to meet with me about taking another step in my career. Here soon I am going to be doing a publicity stunt. And you will not believe who I am doing it with. Take a guess?" Heeseung asks his friend. Jake looks at him confused as to who it could be. "I don't know perhaps Park Eun-bin?" Jake guesses. Heeseung shook his head. "You are incorrect". Heeseung said with a smile.

Jake frowns. "Then who is this person then?" Jake asked now more interested.

"Moon Yumi". Heeseung revealed. It took Jake a minute for the words to sink in. He looks at Heeseung with shock.

"Moon Yumi? The one we went to school with? That Moon Yumi?" Jake said still in shock. Heeseung nods.

"Yup the one and only Moon Yumi". Heeseung confirmed.

That concludes the end of chapter three of Fate. I want to thank you for reading this and giving it a chance. What has been your favorite part thus far? Tell me in the comments your thoughts. Any guesses as to what happened to Heeseung?

Don't forget to stay awesome and until next time ✌️