Chapter 70: Three months
And Ray found her after half an hour of non-stop search. She was sitting on a bench out in the garden.
She was hidden by the shrubs and he would've missed her if he hadn't been paying close attention to the surroundings.
Ye-Jin looked up to see Ray standing in front of her. He was slightly out of breath and his eyes still reflected the anxiety from earlier.
Ray: (relieved) I thought you left.
Ye-Jin didn't speak. He saw her staring at him. Her eyes were clearer than before.
Ray: sweetie? Are you ok?
She still didn't speak instead she moved towards him. She was only three steps away from him when her phone started to ring. Ye-Jin swallowed a few curses that moment. She badly wanted to test the epiphany she had just had but her phone was not taking the hint. It probably was Satan's illegitimate child.
Annoyed she pulled the contraption out of her clutch and glared at it. Seeing it was a call from her secretary she ignored it and put the thing on silent and threw it back in.
Ray who saw her actions was surprised. He clearly knew how rare it was for Ye-Jin to get angry but if what he saw was true then Ye-Jin's expression towards her phone was one of pure resentment.
Ray: sweetie, pick up the call if it's urgent.
Ye-Jin shook her head at him still refusing to use words. In reality, her courage was faltering. She feared that if she opened her mouth, she would chicken out from what she was about to do.
A while ago when she was trying to find an escape, Aera stopped her. Looking at her frantic eyes the woman helped Ye-Jin to calm down.
Aera: (patting her back) what's wrong Jin?
Ye-Jin: (baffled) I like him Aera!
Aera: huh?
Ye-Jin: I like Ray!
Aera: (confused) you've always liked him, you are his fan-
Ye-Jin: (shaking her head wildly) no I actually like him!
Aera: (excited) really? you figured it out?
Ye-Jin: (shocked) you knew?!
Aera: of course! everyone knows! I am so happy for you!!
Ye-Jin: (despairing) what should I do now? I don't know when this happened! I don't know if it's real or just a crush! Aera, what should I do? What if it's real? He only sees me as a friend!
Aera: Jin calm down! It's not end of the world. Everything will be alright-
And thus Aera gave her the suggestion to confirm the credibility of her feelings.
Aera: (wisely) kiss him. You'll know for sure.
Ye-Jin: (horrified) what?!
Aera: drink some wine so you feel buzzed, that way you won't feel scared and it'll be a good ruse to cover up your actions. Make sure you kiss him on the lips!
Ye-Jin: (covering her face) stop it! It's not fair to him!
Aera: (rolling her eyes) he won't mind! Trust me on this one. I would never mislead you!
After a lot of coaxing, a few glasses of wine Ye-Jin was finally ready to execute the plan. Ray who was unaware of the plot was still looking at Ye-Jin with concern filled eyes. His sharp pheonix like eyes were so gentle when looking at her, it was enough to melt her heart.
Ye-Jin gathered her wits and moved closer to him. He was surprised by the proximity but wasn't repelled by it.
Ye-Jin felt mutant flies trying to burst out of her stomach. She put her arms around his neck and moved her face close to his.
Ray felt that something was wrong with this scene.
Why was Ye-Jin suddenly throwing herself at him?
His body turned stiff from both shock and surprise. His heart leapt into his throat. The perverted thoughts he had been having all these days- thanks to the guys constantly pairing him up with her- were starting to surface. His eyes turned darker and his breath turned shallow. His eyes clearly reflected his internal struggle but Ye-Jin didn't notice any of that.
Ye-Jin: (whispering in his ear) Ray, I want to try something.
Her hot breath blew over his ear and he lightly shivered. He also detected the smell of alcohol mixed with her breath. It was clear that she wasn't in her right mind. He wanted to push her away but his hands had grown brains of their own and weren't following his wishes. He was paralyzed on the spot. (a/n: why blame the hands when he wished to be kissed right?)
Ye-Jin moved away from his ear and stared intently at his lips. They were soft, full and juicy to see. She could bet they were delicious.
Before she could go for the kill she made the mistake of looking into his eyes. She saw how gentle they were. How trusting they were towards her. She couldn't do this to him. It wasn't fair to him. She couldn't bring herself to use him for her selfish means. Thus, Ye-Jin lost her courage and she slid down to the ground, dazed and confused. A lone tear slid down her eyes- an evidence of her inner turmoil.
Ray came out of his temporary paralysis when he witnessed Ye-Jin fall to ground. His desires all disappeared. He too squatted down beside her.
Ray: Ye-Jin?
Ye-Jin: (nodding) I am ok. Just give me a minute.
Ray didn't say anything but he picked her up in his arms- bridal style.
Ye-Jin: (surprised) Ray?
Ray: (with a straight face) It's cold. You'll fall sick.
She didn't speak more but nestled herself in his arms. Ray who was still reeling from the tingling sensations from before stiffened once again. He didn't ask her anything else but carried her to his car trying to make sense of his feelings for the woman in his arms.
An hour later, they arrived at her home. Before he could leave, Ye-Jin gave him a piece of news which brought him both joy and sorrow at the same time.
Ye-Jin: I am going to London tomorrow.
Ray: ...
Ye-Jin: I won't be back for three months.
He was happy that it was a good thing. Some distance would be beneficial for him to set his thoughts straight but not seeing her for three months was torture too!
Ray: (clearing his throat) I really don't know what I should say.
Ye-Jin: (sheepish) I am sorry for tonight.
Ray: (nodding) I guess this time apart is good for us?
Ye-Jin: I don't know. Maybe it is.
They didn't say anything else. Ye-Jin didn't get off the car. Ray didn't want her to go either. They sat quietly in the car, each lost in their own thoughts.
The almost kiss, left them both quite baffled. They both were internally wondering if they would ever get the chance to close that little distance between each other.
The only difference, one was exhilarated by the future possibilities cuz of her new found feelings.While the other was guilty of having such demeaning thoughts towards a close friend.
They didn't know how long they sat together in silence. It was Ye-Jin who first broke the silence. Now that she was clear of what she wanted she didn't want to have any regrets but she was cautious enough to not scare the oblivious guy away.
Ye-Jin: (smiling) it's late. Thanks for dropping me off Ray.
Ray: no problem, I'll come see you off tomorrow. Text me the time later.
Ye-Jin: (pecking his cheek) sure, Night.
She didn't wait for his reply but happily skipped out of the car and into the house. Here Ray sat back shocked, holding his cheek, with eyes wide open. But after a few moments of shock he shook his head blaming it on her being drunk. He didn't think much of it and drew away into the night.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sanchi94
Sanchi94 Ray was muddle headed this chapter..
And I chose to cut some slack for the poor guy..
Chapter 71: Wedding
The following day Ray dropped Ye-jin off to the airport. The Parks had last night released the news of their youngest daughter taking over the company as the chairman. Ray was informed of the change through Mui. It came as a surprise to all of them. Ray was the most surprised. He had never thought Ye-jin was going to change her careers abruptly. Timo on the other hand, was a little heartbroken about losing a kindred soul.
Kai: (inquisitive) you never knew about this?
Ray: (shaking his head) no I didn't. She never told me.
Timo: (sighing) why would she do this to me? I thought I finally found a person who shared the same interests as me!
Kai: bro you are over reacting. She just changed her careers not her whole personality or interests. Quit being dramatic.
Timo: (blinking) oh, yes! You're right! I am feeling sad for nothing.
Kai: Ray give me her phone number. I want to invite her to my wedding.
Ray: (shrugging) She won't be able to attend your wedding. Don't bother with it.
Kai: (glowering) man! How stingy can you get? It's just her phone number I am asking for-
Ray: So?
Kai: (huffing) you're hopeless!
The night turned to a new dawn and Kai finally managed to get Ye-jin's phone number through Vic. Without further ado, he called her- hiding from Ray.
Kai: hello? Miss Park?
Ye-jin: (groggy) who's this?
Kai: It's me, Kai.
Ye-jin: oh…?
Kai: (disheartened) aren't you happy that I called?
Ye-jin: (yawning) I am still not completely awake. Give me a moment, please.
Kai: (chuckling) alright. I called to collect your address so that I can send you the invitation to my wedding this weekend.
Ye-jin: (chasing away the sleep) this weekend? So soon?
Kai: uh… yes?
Ye-jin: I am sorry, I was a little surprised. Ray never told me the date and I forgot to ask.
Kai: ah, so that's what happened. Never mind, you should definitely come-
Ye-jin: (apologetic) I am sorry Kai. I would really have loved to attend your wedding but I am flying to London today. I won't be back anytime soon.
Kai: oh! My bad. Actually, Ray did tell me about it but I thought he was bluffing.
Ye-jin: (chuckling) why would he bluff?
Kai: (shrugging) he easily gets jealous when it comes to you- uh forget I said anything like that.
Ye-jin: (smiling softly) ok I will try to forget it.
Kai: Ok then, I'll hang up. Don't forget to send the gifts though.
Ye-jin didn't answer but laughed out at the shamelessness of one of the wealthiest celebrities in the country. He didn't care if she came to attend his wedding ceremony or not but he didn't forget to remind her to send the newlyweds a gift. Shaking her head she got on with her day.
By the time evening arrived, she was all set to set sail for London. Ray came to drop her off on dot. Their ride was quiet as was the wait at the airport. It was a comfortable silence with each of them lost in their own thoughts. When Ye-jin prepared for final goodbyes and was about to go through the gates Ray grabbed her hand.
Ye-jin: Ray?
Ray: (pulling her closer) promise me that you will take good care of yourself.
Ye-jin: (grinning) yes I will. I won't be alone there, I have a whole team with me.
Ray: (shrugging) I know but for my sake-
Ye-jin: Sure thing. You can rest your worries about me. Send me pictures of Kai's wedding though.
Ray: (nodding) I will.
Ye-jin: (raising an eyebrow) anything else?
She pointedly looked at her hand still in his grip. As the time passed his grip on her was tightening and it was starting to hurt.
Ray: (releasing her arm) oh! I am sorry.
He didn't realise when he grabbed hold of her to pull her closer. Now that he did, his ears turned red in embarrassment.
Ye-jin: (kissing his cheek) I'll be back before you know.
Leaving a flabbergasted and thoroughly flushed Ray behind Ye-jin set sail to London.
Fast forward to the wedding day,
Ray stood on the altar as the best man. He had a clear view of Mel walking down the aisle with her father. Her eyes were filled with anticipation, fear and lots of anticipation for the future. Kai stood beside him, a completely different image from what he was in the dressing room few hours ago. His nervous energy was all gone and now he stood as a steady anchor to the ship that Mel was.
The exchange of vows was a bittersweet affair. Many had tears in their eyes. The bride and groom didn't exchange words of love or an eternal happy married life. But their realistic approach to the unknown was refreshing for all the young hearts.
Ray felt a strong pang in his heart. The moment when Kai and Mel exchanged their vows, Ray couldn't help but imagine himself in Kais place. He looked at the aisle to see Ye-jin walking towards him with a beautiful smile adorning her lips. She was wearing a gorgeous white and creamy wedding gown with her hairs let lose. His heart skipped a beat when she was almost in front of him. Her beauty knocked his breath away. He was about to take her hand in his own when his daydream ended.
The hall erupted with loud cheers when the bride and groom kissed. Ray, although ashamed at his own vivid imagination gathered himself enough to clap and cheer for the newlyweds.
The guys had long planned to gift the couple with a small honeymoon package and Ray was elected as their driver. While coming back from the resort with Vic, Ray decided to share his issues with their youngest brother.
Ray: Have you ever thought of getting married?
Vic: I do. I always think of a peaceful life with a wife, two or three kids and few pets.
Ray: you've planned quite a lot.
Vic: (dryly) what's the use of planning ahead? I need a person to share these plans with right?
Ray: (interested) how would you recognise the right person?
Vic: (shrugging) I don't know. Maybe, I'll know when I meet her. It's different for everyone. Look at Kai, he married just like that but they clicked from the start.
Ray: I never understood how Kai knew that Mel was the one for him.
Vic: he knew it was her from a long time. Look at big bro, he's hung over that girl he met once back then.
Ray: (rubbing his face) I still don't get it.
Vic: (chuckling) why are you so concerned about this? I thought you had already found your one.
Ray: (shaking his head) I know it now, Aera was never the one. I was too naïve back then to think that my gratitude towards her was love.
Vic: (nodding) then what do you think about Ye-jin?
Ray: (rolling his eyes) she's a friend Vic. You guys have all filled my head with shit!
Vic: hey! We didn't do anything. You filled your head with shit. We only said that you guys look perfect for each other.
Ray: leave it! I know that I shouldn't have any thoughts towards her when I just got over her friend.
Vic: (confused) who says that? And don't you have thoughts about her now?
Ray refused to speak with Vic. His words didn't give Ray any answers instead they confused him. He only saw Ye-jin as a good friend but why did he imagine her as his bride? Why did his heart miss a beat when he saw her? Why was he seeing her face constantly when he closed his eyes? Wasn't this breaking the whole code of friendship?
Filled with guilt, remorse, confusion and with no clear picture in the mind Ray passed his days of separation from Ye-jin.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
This story will be ending soon : )
There won't be any loose ends but point them to me if there are any which I might miss.
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