Chapter 72: Return
Years later when someone asked Ray, "what did he say to his wife when she suddenly changed her careers from an ordinary school teacher to the chairman of Park empire?"
His reply unexpectedly was,
"I never said or asked her anything. She's never given me any reason to worry about huge matters. Be it then or now, when she decides to do something then she has thought things thoroughly."
The same person asked once again, "so you mean she thought a lot before marrying you?"
Ray laughed out loud before answering, "you can say that."
***
The three months of separation between them went by in a blink for others but for Ray and Ye-Jin it wasn't the case. The time passed slowly for them.
Ye-Jin busied herself in her work while Ray took over a solo project. In order to not make things miserable for themselves they tired their minds out everyday.
Whenever they got the chance to contact each other, it went along the following lines
Ray: (yawning) how are you?
Ye-Jin: (blinking her eyes) I am doing great, today-
And fifteen minutes later Ray was asleep while on a call.
Another time,
Ye-Jin: (cheerful) How was your day?
Ray: (clearing his throat) I was busy recording today.
Ye-Jin: (frowning) does your throat hurt?
Ray: (nodding) a little. It'll be fine by tomorrow. Liu Bo sent me the medicines.
Ye-Jin: (furrowing her brows) Liu Bo?
Ray: yeah, she's one of our dancers-
Ye-Jin: Ray, I have something to do I'll get back to you later.
And the call ended. Here, Ray knew he messed up. Her expression at the end wasn't great. She seemed pale somehow.
Somewhere after two months the conversations took a turn
Ray: I was thinking of coming there for attending a concert.
Ye-Jin: (excited) that's a great idea!
Ray: yes it is, that way I could meet you.
Ye-Jin: when are you coming? I'll clear up my schedule then.
Ray: I am thinking, maybe next weekend?
Ye-Jin: (happily) let me see.
Ray: (smiling) Liu Bo just texted me. She wants to join me. I think it'll be a good idea-
Ye-Jin's expression changed from excited to anger. She tried to but couldn't conceal her feelings from Ray who was sensitive towards her emotions.
Ray: (cautious) what happened?
Ye-Jin: (dry smile) I don't think I'll be free that weekend. There's this important meeting lined up, sorry-
Ray: are you avoiding me?
Ye-Jin: (blinking rapidly) n-no, why w-would you think that?
Ray: (shrugging) I think I upset you somehow. But I really don't know how. Ye-Jin, I am not a mind reader. I can understand a few things even if you don't tell me but for some I need you to tell me.
Ye-Jin: (sighing) I don't know why I just feel upset whenever you bring up Liu Bo. (Pained) I just- I don't feel good.
Ray: (stunned) ... oh!?
Ye-Jin: I'll call you later. I'm sorry.
She didn't wait for him to react before ending the call. Ray, on the other hand, was smiling goofily at his phone.
The weekend, Ray went alone to visit Ye-Jin, under the guise of attending a show. He showed up an hour early to Greenwich park- a location they had agreed upon earlier.
Ye-Jin showed up on time and when her eyes spotted Ray, sitting calmly on one of the benches, playing with his phone- it was as if she had reached her home. Sadly the other party was oblivious to her affection.
They spent the whole day together in each other's company. When the time came for them to part ways she was reluctant to do so.
Standing in front of her hotel doors, Ye-Jin didn't let go of Ray's hand. She had been holding it the whole day and he didn't seem to mind.
Ray: you'll come back home in another two weeks right?
Ye-Jin: (earnestly) mhmm- my job here is almost done.
Ray: (grinning) I had fun today.
Ye-Jin: (rolling her eyes) we spent most of our time just strolling around the park. What was the fun in that?
Ray: (softly) I was with you.
Ye-Jin: (hiding her flushed face) don't have to board a flight or something?
Ray: (scratching his head) I have to. I would've stayed for another day if not for that shoot tomorrow.
Ye-Jin: (nodding) then let's go, I'll drop you off- Ray: (shaking his head) you're exhausted- don't deny it. I am not blind.
Ye-Jin: (shoulders dropping) but I want to-
Ray: (patting her head) next time, I will not stop you. Sweetie, go and get some rest. I'll text you later ok?
Ye-Jin: (reluctantly) hmm-
Chuckling at her cute little pout, Ray closed the distance between them. Gently holding her shoulders, he bent down and left a peck on her forehead.
Ye-Jin: (stunned) Ray?!
Ray: (embracing her) I'll be waiting for you to return sweetie.
Ye-Jin's heart went erratic. Was he flirting with her? Did he feel the same for her? Why was this man not direct with his words?
***
Thus, the three months passed like a game of cat and mouse. Most of the times Ye-Jin was the cat, chasing Ray, the mouse.
It was finally the time for Ye-Jin to return home.
Ye-Jin walked out of the airport, dressed in all whites. She was about to hire a taxi to reach her home but her eyes fell on a figure walking towards her, dressed in all black, head hanging down- as if afraid of being discovered. The same figure looked up for a second and their eyes met. Ye-Jin grew excited, it was Ray who had been waiting there for her. Her steps gained a new strength and she ran up to him before jumping to hug him.
Ray: (chuckling) how have you been sweetie?
Ye-Jin: (smiling widely) I didn't know you were coming. Why didn't you tell me?
Ray: I wouldn't have gotten to see this happiness if I had told you before. Come on let's get going. Everyone has been waiting for you.
Once again, she felt her heart stop. It had been a month now and Ray was becoming more adept with his flirty words. They left her happy and confused at the same time. Tossing the messy thoughts to the back of her mind, she almost skipped after him in excitement.
Sure enough Ray drew her to her parent's home where they were throwing a small welcome home party for her. The group consisted of her family, Sooru, Ray and all of his members. In the past months the guys had grown pretty close to Ye-Jin and her family.
Their jaws had fallen to the floor when Ray princess carried her into the house.
Ye-Jin twisted her ankle before she got into the car at the airport. Thanks to her excitement, she had forgotten that she was wearing heels. Hence, she couldn't walk- according to the 'mother hen Ray'. With no other choice, he had scooped her up in his arms.
While Ray didn't let any of the emotions show on his face, Ye-Jin was beet red. She was embarrassed, shy and extremely happy at the same time.
After the doctor had taken a look and patched her up good, Ray got an earful from her for that stunt. In reality, it wasn't that bad how Ray made it to be. She was capable of functioning but in his worry he hadn't listened to her. Kai and others had laughed and once again commented on his 'mother hen' tendencies.
Ray: (who was both teased and scolded) ...
Hu-ye: (who had mixed emotions for Ray) ...
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sanchi94
Sanchi94 Liu Bo is going to cause 'a little' trouble soon ;)
Chapter 73: Shortie
So-ah was also present at the party. She was currently six months pregnant but her stomach hadn't blown up as it did for other women. She didn't look pregnant from any angle. The family was worried about the weird pregnancy symptom. Ye-jin also was among them. It was given since none of them was related to the field of medicine.
Then things took a turn to worst when a paparazzi handle somehow caught the wind of the situation. They reported the following news
'Park So-ah rumoured to be six months pregnant doesn't even show a belly. Has she miscarried or is there any other reason?'
Well, the implications were clear. Many speculated whether her harsh and stressful lifestyle had affected her adversely. Whereas some people blamed her for being selfish and have aborted her child.
It was funny how people claimed to know the people perfectly whom they don't have any relation with. How free we are in reality to mock and make judgements on others lives? It's laughable.
The incident happened a week ago. Ye-jin was preparing for returning home when the news had broken out and the speculations were being made. So-ah, being the big sister had not let a word of the issue to reach her ears.
But it wasn't easy to hide things from Ye-jin who had the whole empire under her thumb. Within four hours, the whole issue was kicked back to the curb and every malicious person who took part in it was sued to every cent they were worthy of.
Moreover, a medical expert acknowledges by the whole country, taught all the ignorant people a little general knowledge about pregnancy.
When Ye-jin saw her sister standing out in the cold night she couldn't help but frown. Picking up her shawl which was lying on the couch she walked towards So-ah.
When So-ah saw Ye-jin coming along with a shawl, she smiled brightly. She had a very healthy glow on her face and her skin looked much finer than before. These past few months, apart from few grumpy spells she had a very smooth running pregnancy. Ye-jin too couldn't help but grin back looking at her beaming sister.
The sisters didn't waste any time before hugging each other tightly. They had been busy on far ends of the spectrum. They hadn't had that many encounters in the past few months apart from occasional phone calls.
Now she stood reminiscing the past few months holding an empty glass in her hand and looking up at the stars. Her sister was with her, away from the noisy boisterous crowd in the party area with all the guys huddled around dinking.
Ye-Jin: (smiling softly) Big sis, you were right.
So-ah: (nose high up in the sir) I am right always but what are you talking about?
Ye-Jin: (beaming) I like Ray more than a fan or a friend.
So-ah: (feigning surprise) oh really?! I was actually bluffing about it that day.
Ye-Jin: (gaping at her) B-big s-sis?!
So-ah: (chuckling) just kidding Ye-Jin. (Curious) So what brought on this realization?
Ye-Jin: (shrugging) the usual signs sis and I was dying to see him again more than anything.
So-ah: (teasing) your face says it all Jin. So what are you waiting for?
Ye-Jin: (sighing) I don't think he likes me back... like that. He loves me as a friend but- (shaking her head) I just don't want to make our situation more awkward. Sometimes it feels like he is on the same page as I am but other times it's like we have this huge gap between us.
So-ah: (wisely) if it was me, then I would have come clean. For me, it isn't healthy to pile up the emotions but it is you and you are not me. You should probably get some assurance first.
Ye-Jin: (nodding) what should I do?
So-ah: (smiling) I have an idea. Just follow me.
Not a moment later the words had left her mouth Shin Jay and Ray came out looking for the girls.
Shin Jay: (inquisitive) what are you both doing here?
So-ah: (mischievously) catching up. Ye-Jin was telling me something which you guys rudely interrupted.
Shin Jay: what was it?
Ye-Jin: It was n-nothing.
So-ah: (winking at her) she is finally dating.
Ray: (eyes wide) WHAT??!
Ray was thunderstruck. This was news to him. He felt like he had swallowed a toad alive. It was as if someone had poked him with a hot and sharp silver rod.
The other three looked up at an immensely shocked Ray in question at his sudden interjection. He came back to reality pretty fast and apologised for his reaction.
Shin Jay: (happily) so who is the lucky guy?
Ye-Jin: (mortified) Sis, stop it!
So-ah: (patting her cheek) come on Ye-Jin, it is great news. They should know. She met her old friend Tae-hee back in London. He is coming here tomorrow.
Shin Jay: b-but (jumping in pain and glaring at So-ah) t-tomorrow.
Ray: (suddenly feeling hot) I t-think- I n-need a drink.
Shin Jay: (after Ray left) what was that about honey? There is no Tae-hee, is there?
So-ah: (shrugging) if I say so then there is.
Shin Jay: what are you playing at love?
So-ah: (righteously)just helping my sister get her man.
Shin Jay: are you fine with this Ye-Jin.
They turn around to see Ye-Jin staring intently back at Ray who was gulping down a big glass of whisky looking extremely flustered. Her eyes held concern for him. That was an enough answer for the couple that the plan was pretty good to help their Ye-Jin.
It was some days later after the 'boyfriend' incident when Ye-Jin was visiting Wang entertainment to see Ray. He had invited her personally- claiming it to be some kind of surprise. She met him halfway to his studio and he beamed down at her.
Ray: (patting her head) I thought you were going to take forever.
Ye-Jin: (waving his hand off) how can I not come? I was in the neighbourhood.
She almost said 'you invited me over' but held her tongue back. So-ah had told her to not swoon over him for the time being. Afterall she was 'dating' someone and it wouldn't be appropriate. Looking at Ray, he seemed to be excited about something.
Ray: (grabbing her wrist her and dragging her like a small kid) I want your input for my new song- I want you to hear it first.
Ye-Jin: (chuckling) slow down Ray! I am wearing heels here.
Ray: (slowing his pace and looking down) wow! This is the first time I am seeing those.
Ye-Jin: fashion is a pain in the- (shrugging) let's just walk.
?? : Ye-Jin-ah?!
They turned around to see the familiar face of Timo approaching them.
Timo: (frowning in confusion) Ye-Jin, I have something to talk with you. It's about donations. I need your help.
Ray: (annoyed) Big bro! She will help me first!
Ye-Jin: (placing a gentle hand on his shoulder) it's ok Ray. It won't take long. I will meet you in the studio in an hour.
Timo: don't worry Ray, it won't take long.
Ray could only nod in resignation and went to his studio, shoulders drooping and sulking like a little kid who was denied his favourite ice-cream. Back here in the hallway, Ye-Jin saw a short woman leaning on a door and staring intently at her. She told Timo to go ahead and she would follow him after meeting Aera. It had been some time since she saw her good friend.
She hadn't walked twenty steps but was unexpectedly blocked by the same shortie.
Liu Bo who had been annoyed with her brother for the past weeks had placed all the blame on Ye-jin. She couldn't find any other reason good enough to keep her brother from coming back with her. It had to be because of Ye-jin. When she saw the culprit herself walk willingly to her she couldn't help but make the first move. But she miscalculated the whole thing. Her assumptions were different from what Ye-jin thought to be true. She hurriedly blocked Ye-jin's way
Bo: (glaring) you're Park Ye-jin?
Ye-jin: (frowning unhappily) yes? Who are you?
Bo: I am Liu Bo.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Sanchi94
Sanchi94
Author: (confused) Why do you guys don't like each other? You have not even met before this?!
Liu Bo: (glowering) Park Ye-jin isn't letting my brother go! She absolutely cannot become my sister-in-law!
Ye-jin: (killing intent) This little shortie is my love rival? Are you in your right mind? You're telling me to be cordial with this little kid who wants to steal my man?
Author: (meekly) ok, I am sorry, continue your fight, please.
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