Just Friends

Four

Due to exhaustion, I feel asleep early after my shoot. I missed Bin's call and only saw the notifications the following morning.

As it was too early in Jordan to call, I decided to take my coffee outside and stare at my flowers and see which ones were blooming.

I saw one which I planted while we were shooting The Negotiation — White roses from Bin. I still recall the note he wrote in that neat penmanship of his: To the Pretty Noona who also negotiates well. These remind of you. Thank you for working with me on the project. I learned a lot and am looking forward to the melo or romantic comedy we talked about - HB

I was so worried I wouldn't be able to grow them but with a lot of help, they are now blooming beautiful roses.

It wasn't such a good time the first instance Bin saw them.

It was a random call after promotions for our movie ended and after weeks and weeks of seeing each other, all of a sudden nothing. I was on a break from movies and television programs and was shooting mostly endorsements so there were days that I found myself at home doing nothing.

Which was good.

But that day, I suddenly thought of Bin probably because I was looking at the plant he had given.

Getting my phone, I took a photo of it, at that time just a stem surrounded by other healthier looking plants. Look at your gift. I'm not sure it's going to make it but I'm trying my best.

Looks horrible, he replied. I think you are purposely trying to kill it. That is not Min Tae Gu, Actress Son.

Hey! I tried to save Min Tae Gu. It's the other cops who shot him.

Oh, right. That is true. Okay, I will believe you are caring for the plant.

A sudden thought occurred and I decided to call. "You're here? In seoul? I thought you were away filming?"

"Hello, Actress Son! Yes, I am still here but I will be leaving in a few days to shoot in Europe."

"Ah yes. I will be in Europe for a few weeks as well." When we realized there would be overlaps, we blurted out at the same time:

"Let's meet."
"I've never been to that part of France."

We laughed. It was good that we liked planning ahead so we worked out a schedule, but then I said, "Wait a minute, Bin-ssi. Is this a good idea? I mean, there already are rumors going around."

"Hmm, you have a point. But from what I understand, there are not a lot of tourists in that part so if we're careful, I think we should be alright."

Rumors, the bane of our existence. It was a no win situation. If a dating scandal is confirmed, people tend to encroach on your privacy. If it's not confirmed or it was denied, speculations still continue, and you tend to get the same questions over and over. This is why I just tend to cut off my co-stars after a shoot. I've worked hard all these years to keep my record clean because I knew how one bad news could break something you worked for and I didn't find it was worth the risk.

Add to that, all these dating rumors were all that... rumors. None of it close to reality — well okay there were a few —- but nothing really serious so it was best to just deny everything.

Sometimes, I wondered what it was like to admit a relationship like Bin-ssi has done previously. It must come with some freedom, right?

"It does to a certain extent. I mean, I don't always have to worry about someone seeing my girlfriend out to dinner with me because they know we are together. Besides, for me, it does not sit well to deny someone. It just doesn't seem good to do for the woman. I want to be more respectful than that," he told me once when we were at dinner in France.

"That's nice. But it is a mutual decision, correct? Because I was thinking, if it were me... maybe I'd like to keep it private until I'm sure I'm marrying the guy. It seems more simple?"

He pondered about it. "You're right. There is some sense to that. It would be good if there is a way to just keep quiet and not deny. But, you know our work. We have to say something."

We were silent with our thoughts for a little while. "Well, at least our issues have been settled with the media now. We can enjoy our quick trip."

The topic resurfaced after pictures of us doing groceries came out.

"Sorry, Jin-ssi. I didn't expect this."

"I know. I'm not too worried. Our agencies have handled it anyway. I just don't like when they say mean things."

I was used to the things thrown my way, but I didn't like it when they said bad things about Bin on my account. Things like people didn't like him for me because he was a "serial dater".

"What's wrong with dating? Nothing is wrong with dating, Bin-ssi! That's the point. You get to know the person before you commit long-term. Why do they make it sound like it's a bad thing?"

Bin, seated on my sofa, chuckled then. "Why are you so worked up about this? It's fine. They just probably worry that I can't commit and they don't want that for you."

I rolled my eyes. "I can take care of myself. How do they know that I'm the one who cannot commit? See? I haven't had boyfriends publicly before."

"Jin. Stop that." He said, firmly. He didn't like that I put myself down just to defend him either.

I pouted then sat beside him. "Well, we've denied multiple times. Maybe they'd leave us alone now. Besides, I could never be with you."

"Why not?"

I pinched his cheeks. "You're too pretty. You're prettier than me. How could I live with that?"

"Wait a minute. So all this time, you've been looking for an ugly partner? What craziness is that?"

I laughed. "Of course not. Just not Hyun Bin handsome."

He blew out an exasperated breath. "You're really silly sometimes. I don't know why I stay friends with you."

"I'm adorable. Your life would be dull without me."

He laughed heartily. "And because you feed me. Now, where's dinner? I'm starving."

We proceeded to the garden where he saw the rose plant growing but no flowers were present. "I'm glad they survived. But you need to take better care of them. No roses? Pffft. And I thought you were good."

I narrowed my eyes, "Wait and see, Bin-ssi. Wait and see."

Looking at the bush now, I felt a sense of pride. I told you, Bin-ssi. They will grow.

But to be honest, at this moment, I wish I could tell him in person.

I took a photo and sent to him saying: Roses in full bloom, cared for by Inspector Ha Chae-Yoon.

You did it! Sorry Min Tae Gu didn't believe you. He was quite stubborn. Running to the shoot now. Chat later, Ye Jin-ssi. I can't wait to be home. Send me some food as soon as I land.

Aish! You come here. 'Send some food'... such a demanding man.

Quarantine! Take pity. But I'll go to see you as soon as I can. I just want to make sure you're safe.

I smiled. I was getting used to having him look out for me. Surprisingly, I did not dislike it.