Alexandra Verlino

Ep 29: Poignant

"Let us have a toast on Stella's hard work that will officially lift up the barbaric systems on all of us, three days from now! Whoooo!!!" Kangin starts the party.

I also toast my soda with them. I still don't and won't drink alcohol. It has been my principle to take a good care of the heart that Alexandra had given me to live with. Jung Soo steals a few glances at me. I noticed it, but I pretend to talk or eat with other members that come to celebrate the freedom. I want him to stop having a hard feeling on me, for I can't return his love. I made my choice, so no matter what I feel right now, it's only fair to not cheat on Ji Yong.

"Stella ya, thank you soooo sooo much for doing this to us. We want to say that you are one brave girl. To offer yourself like that," Ryeowook starts his speech.

I smile while raising my glass, signing him that it was nothing much.

"But I have a question!" Shindong suddenly interrupts.

Everyone looks at him, including me.

"So are you sure they will only do a normal and simple test on you? They won't hurt you, right?"

I let go of a small laugh. Then nod as a "Yes" sign.

"But still, what about all the wealth you possess? Are you sure you want to give it all to them?" he still does not seem to be satisfied with the term that SM put in the agreement.

"Of course it will be fine to give it to them. Plus, there's only so much things a human can do. They promise to not create chaos even after getting the wealth, so I am sure the government right now won't be affected with my decision," I explain with a serious tone in my voice.

Of course none of them know what's the truth behind. The truth was only revealed to Ji Yong. Even Jung Soo is being put in the dark, for his safety. I think it will only be wise to not let any of SM associates including staff or artists know about the real deal that was planned ahead before I made this decision. The party then proceeded with all greetings of congratulations and happy freedom for all of them. Of course, for me, it will be my last farewell. I look into their faces, one by one, so that whatever happens in the future, I will always remember these happy faces. The ones that I managed to save from one of the cruelest systems in the world.

Jung Soo waits for me outside his house after dinner. I already promised to get back to Mr. Jung's place with Ji Yong, but since Ji Yong isn't here yet, I spent time talking with him outside. The dark and cold night seems to make no one notice who is standing at the sideways. I feel safe being with him now. I keep asking him if he is really okay. It seems to me that he needs more rest in the hospital. I couldn't hide how surprised I was when his mom told me that he wanted to join us for the party tonight. We are all concerned about his condition, thus we agree to change the venue to his house. After cleaning up, everyone started to go back to their houses.

"Promise me you will get back to the hospital right away if you feel weird or start to hurt somewhere."

"I will, only if you also promise me that you will tell Mr. Jung immediately if they ever did something weird to harm you," he insisted.

I nod. Then I can see him smiling.

"You know, I really feel like you will need such extra care in the future. I will ask Mr. Jung to hire some personal doctor for you. Just in case. I don't trust you," I speak again.

"Why do you bother about me so much? The one that will have to face those scary procedures is you. You should know that by now. I will be okay," he opposed my words.

I can only smile looking at him. I look around and notice Ji Yong isn't here yet. Great! I decided to hug him as a thank you sign, and also as a sorry gesture. Thank you for always taking care of me, and sorry for not able to tell him the truth. He returns the hug, stroking my hair softly. I can hear his unstable breath, so I pull myself out from his embrace. Bidding him a goodbye. We both can hear Ji Yong's car speeding in the area a few minutes after that. I send him a goodnight wish, as this might be the last time we say goodnight to each other. As Ji Yong stops his car, I step in and look at his face as much as I want.