Chapter 65: Visitor
Ray drove around the city streets a little listlessly after bidding goodbye to Ye-jin at the school gates. What was supposed to be a reunion lunch between friends had turned into a bitter-sweet affair, all thanks to his curiosity.
He now strongly believed in the saying: 'Curiosity killed the cat.'
If he had just kept his mouth shut and didn't look for any kind of news about a certain someone then both of them wouldn't have a sense of loss all of a sudden. Although Ye-jin tried to conceal it, he could clearly see the struggle in her eyes. He felt guilty about it. She was a great friend for him and he was making her suffer due to some ambiguous feelings he harboured for Aera. He was practically making her choose between them.
(His soul would probably fly away if he knew what exactly Ye-jin was struggling about)
He hated these kinds of days when he was resting and something unsettling happened. He had nothing better to do to immerse himself in and forget the troubles. That was his coping mechanism. Thus, after wandering aimlessly with no clear destination for a while he decided to drive to the little house he had bought a few days ago in the outskirts of the city.
The guys had all been sharing a single dorm since before their debut and it worked in their favour but now things were changing. Kai was going to be married in less than a month. Timo was still waiting for the girl whom he met only once. Vic and Mui were still like little children. He wasn't planning on moving out immediately but he just wanted to be prepared. It was a place for him to have some alone time when he was upset- for the time being.
When he finally arrived at the little house everything was the same as he had left a few days ago. The only difference was that now the front door was wide open.
Ray frowned and got down from his car. The door didn't have signs of breaking in. Rays' frown deepened and he had an inkling about the visitor who had come unannounced. Releasing a long breath he walked into the house to deal with the uninvited guest.
Ray: (loudly) I see you made yourself comfortable in my house.
The visitor who was sleeping on the couch was a little startled at the sudden loud noise but waved it away nonchalantly. Instead, the lump on the couch pulled the blanket tighter around itself and continued to sleep.
Ray didn't like the treatment he was receiving in his own house. It was too gutsy of the person to ignore him and try and continue to sleep. He forcefully pulled off the blanket. The figure on the couch fell down in a heap to the ground and finally looked up at Ray sheepishly.
Ray: What are you doing here Liu Bo?
Bo: (acting cute) I missed brother a lot so came for a visit. Aren't you happy that your sister came to see you?
Ray wasn't affected by the cute act in the slightest. He had seen these tactics a lot in the past to be affected by them anymore. He wasn't moved and what was worse, his frown deepened.
Ray: (warning) Liu Bo-
Bo: (sighing) ok fine. I came because it's time for you to return home.
Ray: (resolutely) I am not coming anywhere.
Liu Bo knew Ray was going to resist but she too didn't have any other choice in this matter. Her big brothers long vacation was coming to an end and there were matters back home that needed his immediate attention.
Bo: (stubborn) ok fine! Then I am also not leaving without you!
Ray: (shrugging) suit yourself.
Throwing that in her face he didn't wait for her reply and marched into the master bedroom.
Bo: (pouting) He is still the same sulky piece of wood which I knew. I thought he would change this annoying habit of his when he made some new friends! Ah! He annoys me!
Ray: (muffled) same here!
Liu Bo could only grind her teeth in anger but truth be told she missed this, she missed her brother and their bickering. She wished that he would agree to come back with her this time.
Ray, on the other hand, was bewildered by suddenly coming face to face with his little sister. He holed up in his room until the sky turned dark, silently looking at the darkening horizon.
He was tormented by the memories he wished he could forget. He wished he could go back to those days when he was an oblivious little boy, who had no care for the world and who had a complete family. He wanted to let go of everything but he couldn't. A tiny part of him was resentful and angry with the people he called 'family'.
He was thankfully brought out from his self-deprecating thoughts by a knock on the door.
He could hear Liu Bo getting impatient by his lack of response. Ray smiled a little. She was a little spit fire and a stubborn little thing. She was his sister. Masking his delight he reverted back to his wooden face before opening the door.
Ray: what is it now?
Bo: (pouting) I am hungry and there's nothing in the kitchen!
Ray: Of course there is nothing. I don't stay here.
Bo: but I am really hungry!
Ray: ok fine! I'll take you out to eat.
Liu Bo was delighted when Ray offered to take her to dinner. It had been almost five long years since she had a meal with him.
The siblings reached the nearby restaurant and placed their orders. While waiting for the food Liu Bo tried to begin a conversation with the piece of wood accompanying her.
Bo: (pitifully) why are you cold to me? You aren't like this with others.
Although Ray could resist her cute charms he wasn't immune to her pitiful acts.
Ray: (dropping his act) I am not cold to you-
Bo: (sniffing) I was so excited to meet you but you had to ignore me! I feel so wronged as your sister!
Ray: (giving in) ok fine! I won't be difficult anymore. I am h-happy that you came to visit.
Bo: (expectant) really?
Ray: (nodding) Yeah.
Bo: (blinking) that's great! I wanted to surprise you but got caught!-
Liu Bo wanted to say more but she closed her mouth when the waiter came back with their food.
Ray: I always knew that you were all keeping an eye on me from the start but didn't interfere and I was fine with it. I didn't think you would make a move so soon.
Bo: you make it sound like we are doing some kind of shady business.
Ray: (chuckling) is that so?
Bo: Yeah. Also, I thought things through. I'll stay here with you until you come back with me.
Ray: Little Bo-
Bo: (resolutely) you don't have to worry about anything brother. I won't force you nor will I disturb your current life. I c-can't go back w-without you!
Ray: (solemnly) why? Why now? After all these years?
Bo: because your family needs you, brother.
Ray didn't speak more. His appetite was ruined. He played half-heartedly with his food and watched Bo finish her portion eagerly. It seemed she was more famished than she had shown.
The duo reached back to the temporary house and this time Liu Bo didn't wait for his permission before crashing in his room. Ray could do nothing but let her have her way. He felt like he owed her.
Feeling a little stifled he could only think of one person to talk with. To share his woes with. He didn't waste his time and quickly dialled Ye-jins' number.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sanchi94
Sanchi94 Bo means precious...
Google helped me...
Done with exams so I'll try my best to update regularly...
But what do you think? Is Ray a coward?
Chapter 66: Best man
The sisters sent their mother home after much persuasion. No doubt the couple were loving and didn't wish to separate from each other but for children what mattered most was their well-being and health.
Mother Park left the hospital reluctantly after a lot of coaxing from both So-ah and Ye-jin. After their mother left Ye-jin didn't let So-ah linger around either. She was pregnant and the hospital wasn't an ideal place for her. Hence Ye-jin was the only person left to take care of her father.
Ray who was oblivious of the occurrence tried reaching her cell phone. He knew he was being selfish but he couldn't think of anyone better than her to share his troubles with. But no matter how many times he tried he couldn't contact her. After several more tried he gave up and sent her a text just in case.
'Ray: Please call me back.'
On the other hand, Ye-jin who had turned her phone to silent was busy taking care of the procedures in the hospital. Her father wasn't going to wake up until morning and the doctors had assured them that there was no immediate danger to his health. After running around for several hours Ye-jin finally got a little break around midnight. It was then that she checked her phone to see fifteen missed calls and a few text messages. Not only Ray but Aera to had tried to reach her. Ye-jin wanted to immediately call back but the time wasn't early anymore so she chose to text back.
She sent the first text to Aera
'Ye-jin: I'll call you back in the morning. I am little busy.'
She got an immediate reply
'Aera: Sounds serious. Sure, there's no hurry.'
Ye-jin felt grateful for the rare moment of understanding from her friend. In fact, Aera had a lot on her plate too so she didn't behave as spoiled as before. After biding her goodnight, Ye-jin sent a text to Ray.
'Ye-jin: you called so many times? Is it urgent? I am sorry my phone was on silent.'
She didn't get a reply this time. Nor did she wait for one. She had a lot on her mind and starting tomorrow she was returning to being the young miss of the Parks. She had to prepare well so she immersed herself into the files sent to her by their fathers' secretary to grab hold of the general situation in the company. She was amazed by how well her sister had managed the company. There was nothing much for her to do. She felt a little relieved and a lot thankful for her sisters' efforts all these years. She was halfway through the files when her phone lit up with an incoming call. Ye-jin answered with a smile when she saw who the caller was.
Ye-jin: (without any greeting) I didn't think you'd be awake.
Ray: I just heard from Mui. It's all ver the news. How is your father doing?
Ye-jin: oh! He's fine now. He's sleeping and I am staying with him.
Ray: (apologetic) I am sorry. I didn't know your father was unwell. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered you.
Ye-jin: (smiling) apology accepted.
Ray: are you busy?
Ye-jin: (looking down at the papers) n-not really. What did you want to speak about?
Ye-jin felt that Rays' tone was a little expectant thus she couldn't blow him off. But Ray could hear the slight hesitation in her voice. He felt a little sad but he wasn't going to hold her back anymore.
Ray: aren't you tired?
Ye-jin: no it's alright.
Ray: (sternly) idiot. Learn to say 'no' to people. You'll be taken advantage of at this rate.
Ye-jin was taken aback by his sudden wisdom. She couldn't understand where he was coming from. In reality, she was like this only for him.
Ye-jin: w-what?
Ray: what I want to say can wait! You first go and get some sleep! I'll come to visit your father tomorrow.
Ye-jin: (still processing) o-ok then-
Ray: Goodnight.
Ray didn't wait for her reply before hanging up. It was always difficult for some to hold their own grief back when the other person already had a lot to take care of. He belonged to that same category. And so he didn't want to revert to his usual self. Moreover, Ye-jin did sound tired and he couldn't bear to dump his share of misery onto her. He was staring longingly at the screen when it lit up with an incoming text.
'Ye-jin: goodnight, sleep well '
Rays face lit up with a blinding smile after reading the text. It was a subconscious reaction.
Bo: (sleepily) a text from your girlfriend?
Ray: (startled) what are you doing?
Bo: I woke up to use the washroom. Didn't know you could smile so sweetly seeing a text. With me, you're always grumpy!
Ray: (rolling his eyes) that's not my girlfriend. Go take care of your business.
Liu Bo didn't really believe his words. Months of 'investigation' showed that her brother was currently 'close' with a woman. Their behaviour was that of a couple dating. There was no doubt in it. Her gossiping soul was awakened and she looked at her brother with mischief filled eyes who was going back into the guest room.
Bo: (inquisitive) oh, so Park Ye-jin isn't your girlfriend?
Ray halted in his steps. He was a little surprised.
Ray: (scowling) no!
Bo: Oh!
Liu Bo didn't complete her sentence nor did she stay to have a midnight chat with her brother. She took care of her business in the restroom and finally crashed on the couch. She was dead tired on her feet.
Ray, on the other hand, was a little startled. This was the first time someone asked him if he was dating Ye-jin thus he wasn't an expert in dealing with the question like Ye-jin usually did. The question was surprising but he didn't know why felt happy with the picture of him dating Ye-jin.
The following morning when Ray reached the studio he only saw Kai sleeping on the couch.
Ray: (shaking him awake) why are you sleeping here?
Kai: (rubbing his eyes) I couldn't sleep last night. My mom is going crazy over the wedding preparations. So I escaped from home.
Ray: (chuckling) how is Mel?
Kai: (smiling softly) She's doing great.
Ray: that's good to hear. You'll be married in a weeks' time.
Kai: that reminds me. (Patting Ray on the shoulder) Ray my good friend, I know I am asking this at last minute but I forgot if not for Min-Soe-
Ray: (scrunching up his face) are proposing to me or what?
Kai: w-what-
Ray: just come to the point already
Kai: (scowling) you're lucky that you're my friend and Min-Soe likes you. (Huffing) You're going to be my best man.
Ray: (raising an eyebrow) what if I say no?
Kai: I would've asked you nicely but you ruined my mood and I am not asking you anymore. I am telling you. So find a tux and be at the altar on time.
Ray: This is against human rights!
Rays' indignant words would've been effective if he hadn't been smiling from ear to ear. Quitting being a drama queen- cuz that role suited Kai most- he gave a hug to his best friend.
Kai: you seem a little out of it.
Ray: (sighing) Bo came to fine me yesterday.
Kai: Bo? Your sister?
Ray nodded in response. Kai was shocked. He knew Ray's story and it wasn't a good omen that his family was coming for him.
Kai: That's not my main concern though. Bo said something to me last night and I can't stop mulling over it.
Kai couldn't understand how Ray could be so calm in the face of an approaching calamity.
Kai: what did she say?
Ray: she asked me if Ye-jin was my girlfriend.
Kai: (with wide eyes) w-what? She isn't your girlfriend? You guys aren't dating?
The trio: (opening the door) who aren't dating?
Kai: Ray says that he and Ye-jin aren't dating.
The trio: (shocked) What??
Ray: …
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
These leads are so depressing!
Why are they turning out like this?
We'll soon know the MLs history though
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