❤ Forever-after ❤

Untitled Part 1

"Over here chinggu!" Kiyong called out to Joohyuk as he crossed the parking lot. Five other male models were huddled at the entrance of one of the favorite restaurants frequented by YG models and actors. They were going to surprise Sungkyung the night before her 27th birthday. She was already inside celebrating with three of her closest girlfriends but she didn't know her "hyungs" were going to crash her little party. Kekeke! 

Joohyuk high-fived the boys enthusiastically. He could barely contain his excitement. He hadn't seen or talked to Sungkyung since they did the couple commentary for the Director-Cut DVD of their last drama. He missed her so badly. He knew she had been avoiding him the past few months. Not that other people had noticed because even though she still responded to his texts, her replies were very polite --- almost distant. And when they happened to cross each other's paths at someone's party or at the YG headquarters, she was always friendly but flippant. Things had not been the same since she overheard him talking to Nanhee, telling the other girl that Sungkyung was just like "family", always had been and always will be. He had realized belatedly that Sungkyung had heard everything he said when Nanhee's eyes had widened and her mouth formed a small "O" while looking slightly behind him. He had quickly turned around to see Sungkyung smiling too brightly at them and grabbing him in a mock headlock saying "That's right dongsaeng! We're just like family! Always have been and always will be. Don't you ever forget that--- I know I won't! Bye lovebirds! Gotta go!" Waving to them as she hurried away.

Four months ago... 

Sungkyung had walked as fast as her long legs could carry her without looking like she was running away. Tears were already welling up against her will and she didn't want anybody noticing them. She could hear Joohyuk calling her name urgently but she was too upset. She just waved her hand again but didn't slow down or turn around. It wasn't everyday her heart got broken, you know, by a man-boy at that! She almost laughed hysterically when it finally sank in that she had fallen in love with someone who didn't even see her as a woman. How ironic! She had always held off the opposite sex at arms-distance because she was saving herself for "The One". Just because she was a popular model and had many male friends, people were quick to label her as a flirt or "easy". Only her real friends knew that she's never had a serious relationship before and (gasp!) was actually still a virgin! It was a huge mistake to accept that drama role last year. She had just finished filming one about doctors, but as a second lead. The rom-com about college athletes was her first lead role. At the time, she had thought it was  heaven-sent to be paired with Joohyuk. They were good friends and had worked together more times than she could count. They got along really well. Even though he was four years her junior, he had this manly aura about him that made people think he was older than his actual age. They hung out with the same group of friends. He even helped her feel better when her little romance with Kiyong fizzled. She found him shy but charming, quiet yet funny. He also shared her interest in photography and singing. Once in a while she felt his gaze settle on her a little longer than necessary or smile at her a little too warmly, but she always shrugged it off. If she thought she was popular with men, he was even more so with women. He had many nicknames in the industry: Internet Boyfriend, Best Nam-chin, Boyfriend Goals of the Century. The last moniker was the result of the massive popularity his character gained from their last drama. 

Back in the present...

Joohyuk followed slowly behind the other YG models as they made their way inside the restaurant to Sungkyung's table. She had her back towards the entrance so she never noticed them approaching, joined by the wait-staff and their manager who was holding a lighted birthday cake. Sungkyung let out a startled shriek when they all suddenly broke out into a birthday song, loudly singing off-key, amusing the other customers in the room. She stood up and turned around, smiling warmly at everyone.  That is, until her gaze settled on Joohyuk. Her smile had faltered for a second, but then she recovered quickly and clapped her hands together to thank everybody. "Kamsahamnida, kamsahamnida! I am so flattered you all remembered my birthday! I know everyone's so busy these days but you all still managed to squeeze me in to your hectic schedules. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart!"