First Love

Chapter 31

Yoongi stood silently next to the bed. There were wires and IV lines connected to the body in front of him. Once, he hated that man with all his being. The man he remembered back then was always smart and poised. Being several years older, Chin Hwa carried the aura of a dignified gentleman and Yoongi worshiped each steps he walked on. Until he realized that he was used and cheated thoroughly.

Yoongi was furious when he saw the album that Chin Hwa produced for a new singer at that time. His name didn't even made the list. He didn't get any mentions for all the songs he painstakingly worked on. Yoongi was paid with peanuts and all of his songs were credited as Chin Hwa's. He didn't care much for the royalty fee but he wanted to get acknowledged when it was due.

Yoongi confronted Chin Hwa right after he found out. He was scorned and jeered at straight away.

"Who would believe that a kid like you wrote all those songs? I'm just doing you a favour," said Chin Hwa. "Look at you. You're just a minor who are trying your luck. Wake up. You are not ready for the world," he continued.

"I can take legal action for this!" burst Yoongi vehemently.

"With what? I would love to see you try," Chin Hwa laughed humorously. "You barely have any cents to rub and you have the gall to sue me? What will you pay the lawyer with? Your music sheet?" he scoffed. Chin Hwa came forward and put his hand on Yoongi's shoulder. "Scram while you still can. I will take actions on you if you say anything to anyone about this. Between a businessman like me and a scruffy kid like you, who do you think people would believe?" threatened Chin Hwa. He then returned to his seat. "Get lost before I press charges on you."

"I did nothing wrong! You stole my songs!"

"You stole my songs," Chin Hwa mimicked Yoongi. "Stop whining. Grow up. Just so you know, I can be creative with my claims," Chin Hwa said slyly.

Yoongi went out furious. He knew what Chin Hwa said was true. Who would believe him even if he had proof that the songs were truly his? Not long after, he saw a flyer about an audition for a songwriter in Seoul. He packed up his bags and never looked back. He was bitter and wary about believing other people since then, until Bang Si Hyuk, the founder of Big Hit Entertainment chose him from the group of hopefuls. He also learnt to trust the other 6 members of BTS along the way too. The journey was never easy but he made it and here was Chin Hwa.

And all that was left of him was a shell of a man who was once glorious and respected.

"I know I would find you here," said Ki Tae as he joined Yoongi at Chin Hwa's bed side. Ki Tae told Yoongi where Chin Hwa was before he was called by Chan Ri at the registration desk. When he looked back to the seat, Yoongi was gone.

"What happened to him?" Yoongi asked.

"He got a stroke when he was doing a delivery. The store room clerk told Jae, Chin Hwa already had the signs of stroke before leaving but he just brushed it off. He was driving a van when it happened and he crashed into a tree. Stroke never discriminates whether you're young or old. He has not woken up since then," said Ki Tae. He paused, rubbing a crick on his neck.

"He's the reason Jae is working to her bones. She could live comfortably with what she get from her songs but it was not enough for Chin Hwa's hospital bill. The first time we met Jae, she worked around the clock to survive. She was so thin, the wind could blow her away. Chan Ri took it upon her to feed Jae when she works with us. Then, Jae was able to relax when that game song took off but she never quit her job at our restaurant. Chan Ri and I suspected she was lonely."

Ki Tae moved and took a seat next to Chin Hwa's bed. "You'd better sit. This is going to be long," continued Ki Tae, motioning Yoongi to pull another chair near him.

"Jae didn't have any friends. Just working acquaintances. When the accident happened, she started looking for other jobs again. Her choice was really limited with her high school qualification and she is not picky. I really respect her diligence and loyalty towards Chin Hwa."

Yoongi was silent. It all made sense now. All of those effort was for Chin Hwa. Yoongi felt a lump in his throat. The thing she went through just for the man in front of him. She was kidnapped too because of her brother. He really hated that man.

"I guess Jae didn't tell you about him."

"She didn't," confirmed Yoongi.

"There must be a reason why Jae didn't," reasoned Ki Tae.

"Her brother and I were not in good terms. Jae knew that," answered Yoongi. "That was probably why she didn't."

"The first time I saw Chin Hwa after we went our own way, I gave him my right hook and more," admitted Ki Tae.

Yoongi looked at Ki Tae in surprise. He thought Ki Tae and Chin Hwa were good friends.

"We were good friends, once. Then he swindled me out from the company we started," said Ki Tae. "He turned up on my door steps after all those years and paid up what he owed me. That was after I beat him up to pulp," Ki Tae laughed mirthlessly. "I have to give him credit for having the guts seeing me face to face after what he did."

"Jae did tell me she went to see him few weeks back," said Yoongi. "All she said was, her brother was okay."

"You have to understand. To Jae, her 'okay' means her brother is still here, breathing," explained Ki Tae.

"Just like she told me she was okay after being slashed during a robbery," returned Yoongi.

"That's Jae in a nutshell. Always okay and fine no matter what," nodded Ki Tae, smiling. "Look, whatever issue you have with Chin Hwa, don't let it ruin your relationship with Jae. To her, he's still the doting brother who was always there for her. She was devastated when she found out the clean image that she had of her brother was actually an illusion. But despite all that, she stayed by him. She is loyal to him and you can't change that," advised Ki Tae.

Yoongi nodded. He just hoped that Jae would come out from this safely. Too much was playing around is his head.

"At this time and age, it is difficult to find a companion who is as loyal and devoted as Jae. I was lucky with Chan Ri. Take my advice, Jae is a keeper. She will stay with you through thick and thin, once you let her in. But make no mistake - world class idol or not, if you hurt her, I will hunt you down," warned Ki Tae sternly, facing Yoongi.

Ki Tae's phone then rang. It was Chan Ri.

"Chan Ri said Jae is transferred to the ICU. She's out from the ER and responded well to the treatment but she is still unconscious. They're going to monitor her for any changes. It would take a while before we would get any news about her," informed Ki Tae as he put his phone back in his pocket.

"Can we see her?"

"The doctor said we could. The visiting time there is restricted and they only allow 2 visitors at a time. You can see Jae and then settle your job for the day. I know Jae would want that too. As a person who have worked in showbiz before, I know end of year is the busiest time," suggested Ki Tae.

Work?

Yoongi didn't know if he could.

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Author's note:

A huge shout out to ashley_ruth  for helping me to sort out all the medical related scenes. Couldn't have done it without her. She's currently writing a story about Taehyung in Always Its you and it's great!! Thanks girl!!