"sir, this is the best thing about this forest..at night because of it's long trees it is very scary and thus many people come here and play games..but since the sun is still out, we shall climb the mountain and camp on the top!" Jung suggested
Haneul raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the rest of the staff standing behind him
"is that what everyone wants? do you want to do as he says?" he asked
some nodded some didn't respond.
Ash looked around and then towards Haneul, who looked a little tensed
"Alright..if that's what everyone wa-"
"NO!" Ash interrupted, raising her hand
everybody looked at her, "No? you don't want to go climbing?" Haneul asked
"I uh..just think that..uh.." she looked around for help but everybody was confused as to what she wanted, "I think..that everyone is really tired after travelling..why don't we all have some drinks and sit around fire on the beach and uh..talk to each other..bond..with each other.." she said as she looked towards Tania who gave a reassuring nod, "this trip is not only to celebrate but also to heal and to grow..we can all sit together and talk to each other comfortably..like..like" she moved her hands vaguely and looked right into Haneul's eyes, "like a..family..we hardly get a chance to talk to each other at work..so let's..bond.." she whispered
Haneul gave a small smile, "..what do you guys think?" he looked around and everyone was nodding excitedly, "then go build a fire..and get the stuff ready!" Haneul ordered everyone and they ran off like little children listening to their teacher but Ash stayed behind
"I thought you always wanted to camp on a mountain top.." Haneul said, walking near Ash
"I do want to camp up there but not today..not when you're paying a huge amount of money for those rooms..I heard it's more than my months pay..I heard you're paying from your own money.." she replied
Haneul let out a breathy laugh, "you heard a lot of things, doc..well, it is true..but money doesn't matter, happiness matters..if camping made them happy..then that's all I care about.." Haneul replied as he started walking, Ash following him
"you know Haneul sir.." she said from behind, walking up to him and looking right in his eyes, "your happiness, your health, your wishes, your thoughts and your opinions matter too..you matter too..you matter to me. You should matter to yourself as well..you need to learn to love yourself and care for yourself..because from now on.." she held up the necklace that was hiding behind her shirt, it was the ring Haneul had given her, "you're mine..even if we don't like it like that..but in front of the world, you're mine..even though.." she looked away and let out a small laugh, "for us it is just like a business deal.." she whispered as she turned away and walked away
Haneul saw her leave, saw the waves hitting her feet as she walked, saw the footprints she left behind
"thanks for reminding me that Ash..I forgot reality for a second there..I forgot what we're being forced into.." he took a deep breath and joined the others
~
"sir! we've been seeing you for a while now, you haven't taken a single sip of your drink! you keep drinking juice! here..take one from me!" Jung said pouring a glass of soju for Haneul.
Haneul looked at the glass and took a deep breath,
"Haneul sir..cannot drink!" Ash announced from across the fire
Haneul looked towards her, you could clearly see the reflection of fire in his eyes, which burned Ash's heart..his look had changed, he took the glass and drank the liquid in a single gulp.
"WOAHHHHH!!!! Sir you can really drink! have another one!" Jung shouted as he poured another glass for Haneul
"JUNG!" Ash got up, "I told you he can't drink! stop forcing him!"
"Ash didn't you see him drink just now? let the man enjoy!" jung replied as he handed Haneul the glass, Ash looked at Haneul, "sir..you don't have to.." she said
"let's see who he chooses, me or you.." Jung replied
Haneul smirked and gulped the drink again.
Ash let out a sigh and excused herself, "I need some air.." she bowed and walked towards the ocean.
Nobody bothered to follow her, "Ash really likes messing with the boss.." someone said
Tania turned to look at Ash and then back towards Haneul, she excused herself as well and went to Ash,
but as soon as she left she heard a huge bang and then a cry,
"SIR!!" Jung and everybody else shouted
Ash turned and saw Haneul lying unconscious on the floor, Ash rushed to him
"Jung! quickly call the ambulance! quickly!!!" she shouted as she tried helping Haneul up
"o-okay!"
"lift his legs up! quickly! call the ambulance!! we need to take him to the hospital ASAP!" Ash shouted
