Chapter 88: I'll miss you
Ray ran out of the restaurant with a frown on his perfect face. He started to feel anxious once he couldn't spot Ye-Jin anywhere near the private booth they were chatting in or out on the streets. It had been only two hours but it felt as if years had passed while the history was retold.
Fortunately, Ye-Jin couldn't go far. She found a quiet alley beside the restaurant to calm herself. She was regretting so many things that happened. She wished she could turn the time back so that she would be bold and confess her feelings to Ray the moment she realised them. She blamed herself for wasting too much time playing a pointless game. She felt like she was the dumbest person in the whole world. He was going to leave soon and it was going to be hard for him too and here she was drowning in self-deprecation.
Steeling her mind and heart, Ye-Jin walked out of the alley only to be pulled into someone's arms. She almost hit the person ut of reflex but stopped short when she heard his apology.
Ray: I am so sorry Ye-Jin! Please forgive me! Don't disappear like this, please! I feel lost without you! Ye-Jin I-
Ye-Jin: (pushing him away) I am fine. Your father is in there? Why did you come after me? He'd be upset.
Ray wanted to pull her into his arms again but he couldn't. He was hurt when she pushed him away but it was natural given he hurt her. He let his arms fall to his sides limply.
Ray: (pouting) It's alright. He will understand.
Ye-Jin: (breathing in) ok then, I'll see you tonight or not?
Ray: (chuckling dryly) I'll pick you up in the evening.
Ye-Jin nodded her head twice in satisfaction and walked away from him. Ray hung his head down not able to look at her departing figure. He too left after a few minutes since he had a lot to prepare and the first was to announce his retirement.
***
It was almost night and Ye-Jin was still in her cabin with her head buried in some documents. her assistant Matt cleared his throat softly to gain her attention but it didn't work.
He was confused by it. His boss had sensitive ears and she didn't respond to him that meant only two things: either she was asleep or she was mentally not present in the room. Matt shook off the first possibility and wondered what kind of miracle would cause his boss to divert her focus from work!
He tried again and this time he softly tried calling out to her
Matt: boss?
Still, he didn't get any reply. Feeling defeated he resigned his fate to put overtime that night. Almost all the company staff had left and with a few security personnel, he was the only one remaining with his boss in their huge office building. He sighed and continued to work silently.
A sudden chirp caught the attention of both of them. Ye-Jin who was imitating a statue sprang to life and eagerly checked the text.
Matt didn't know what happened after that. His boss who was so focused on the important take over papers in her hand threw them away like they were trash- well, his heart bled a lot when that happened. What hurt him more was the fact that she didn't spare him a single glance before hurrying away leaving him all alone in her cabin.
Ye-Jin wasn't even aware that her secretary was present with her. After she returned from that 'lunch' she had been brooding and pondering over the issue and couldn't focus on anything. She was busy whole afternoon and evening, coming up ways on 'how to cope with long-distance relationships?' or 'how to handle the pain of a breakup?'
Because there was this fear nailed in her head that if Ray left then they would break up. It was unthinkable for her yet logical at the same time. And what made her spring back to life was a simple text.
'Ray: I am here.'
That's all it took for her to trash the important documents and hurry out. If they were really going to break up then she didn't want to waste her time- being petty- once again.
***
The drive back home was quiet. Ye-Jin was quiet because she didn't want to say anything and Ray was quiet because he didn't know where he should start from. Ray drove to his little house where they spent the night together yesterday.
He ordered some take out for their supper. Both of them had not eaten anything since afternoon and food helped them fill up the silence. After they were full and satisfied Ye-Jin began grilling him.
Ye-Jin: when?
He knew what she was asking about. He was saddened by the fact that her tone was emotionless. There was nothing but acceptance in it.
Ray: (solemn) This Sunday.
Ye-Jin: That means we have only a week?
Ray nodded mutely. He didn't know what she was thinking but he wanted to explain things to her. Before he could say something she began again
Ye-Jin: (dryly) so our relationship wouldn't even last for ten days?
Ray: (surprised) what do you mean?
Ye-Jin: (nonchalantly) I mean you'll leave this Sunday and that's three days from today. And we starting dating yesterday. That makes it five days. I know it's childish of me but will you forget me after you go back? I mean after we break up-
Ray was stunned to silence by her once again. The last time was when she confessed last night. He didn't know how he should react.
Ray: (almost choking) b-break u-up? Y-you w-want t-to b-break u-up?
Ye-Jin: (defensive) why would I want to break up?
Ray: you said it yourself!
Ye-Jin: when did I say that I wanted to break up?!
Ray: (sighing) this is going nowhere! Ye-Jin why would we break up?
Ye-Jin: (flushed) Oh... It's really nothing!
She tried to hide her flushed face away from him. It was the result of her overthinking that she assumed that they would break up once he left her. She didn't want to let him know out of embarrassment.
Ray: (intrigued) you're making me curious now. Should I guess the reason?
Ye-Jin: (annoyed) Ugh! I just thought so. It's no big deal.
Ray was amused would be an understatement. She was trying to hide her red face behind her little palms and escape from the embarrassment. He had been so stressed recently that he forgot the possibility of her coming to weird and awful conclusions. He wanted to laugh but was afraid of upsetting her.
Ye-Jin peeked at him from the gaps between her fingers. She could clearly see his mouth twitch.
Ye-Jin: (smiling) You are allowed to laugh.
That was it and he laughed hard. She too joined him and for a good few minutes, there was nothing but the laughter that could be heard from the duo. Their eyes were filled with tears from all the laughter and it was a bittersweet moment.
It was thus established that they were not going to break up and make this long-distance relationship work.
Ye-Jin: (wiping away her tears) I'll miss you... a lot.
Those simple words were enough to convey what they were feeling at that moment. All the anxiety, fear, pain and anticipation disappeared in the blink of an eye after those simple words were spoken.
What surprised Ray more was that Ye-Jin took the initiative to bend over plant a quick kiss on his lips. Before he could grab her arm and pull her for more, she escaped into the bathroom to clean herself up for the night.
Ray sat smiling goofily staring in the direction of the locked bathroom door. She was shy when it came to intimacy but he had lots of patience.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Sanchi94
Sanchi94 It's my birthday today and I didn't want to make this an emotional chapter.
Also, I'll be starting to post a new story today. It'll be about Timo and other guys and will take place five years from this point.
I initially planned to finish this first and focus on it later. But I am 'floopy' so felt like posting it now. It's named 'Chance encounter (love at first sight)'.
Be sure to check it out and support it (if you like it).
Also, for the readers (if anyone here) of my other story (ACMC), I am delaying the epilogue because I am waiting for the right timing to merge these two stories.
And 'RRGLE' is ending soon (I predict five to six chapters).
Chapter 89: Goodbyes
After cleaning themselves up, Ray and Ye-Jin settled in front of the TV intending to watch some good old romantic movie. Ye-Jin was not a fan of Romantic genre but since Ray was accompanying her she didn't mind letting herself bask in the warmth of his arms. She readily agreed to his suggestion and made herself comfortable on the couch.
Ray had other plans in his mind. He partly wished to have a good night with her and partly wanted to continue where they had left earlier. It was best to assume that he was a little conflicted. Thus, he was stiff the whole time the movie was playing not daring to move an inch.
He stiffened more when Ye-Jin leaned on his shoulder. It took him more than half an hour to avert his from the TV to look down at her. His nerves were tensed to the point of snapping. Ye-Jin wasn't helping his situation wither. She was rubbing her face like a cat on his shoulder and his arm. He was suffering badly.
After a long internal struggle, he finally gave up and bent down to properly kiss her only to feel disappointed. She was sound asleep. He could do nothing but sigh and help her sleep more comfortably. He knew she was exhausted of all the incidents and stress she went through the whole day.
***
Following morning Ye-Jin left directly to her company first. She didn't allow Ray to drop her off instead she encouraged him to take care of his affairs.
Ye-Jin: you have to tell the guys, Ray.
Ray: (solemn) I know. It'll be hard.
Ye-Jin: (chuckling) and it's upon you to convince them. You can't let everything for Kai to handle right?
Ray: I know. But do I have to? I mean I'll join them for the new year ends concert. Should we make this complicated?
Ye-Jin: (nodding) absolutely! After all, you'll announce your break from the circle today. They'll be confused and feel hurt.
Ray didn't like to hear it but she was telling the truth. He had to take responsibility for his actions. He couldn't let the other guys worry for him and be distracted from their job.
Ye-Jin: (snaking her arms around his neck) I know you'll do the right thing.
She tried to coax and encourage him but didn't know that she was playing with fire. Ray's eyes darkened and his mouth went dry. he didn't let go of this chance and immediately bent down to capture her lips in his own.
As soon as heir lips met Ray let out a soft sigh. He gently sucked on both of her lips- alternating between the top and bottom lips. Ye-Jin turned stiff before relaxing and slightly opening her lips to give him better access. This went on for sometime before Ray abruptly pulled back. He didn't trust his self-control enough yet.
Ye-Jin was flushed red and breathing hard. Ray kissed her forehead before embracing her tight. Some minutes passed and Ye-Jin pulled away.
Ye-Jin: Let's meet for lunch later?
Ray: Sure, I'll pick you up.
And Ye-Jin left her boyfriend feeling giddy and grinning goofily. She was now definite that they were capable of handling the long-distance relationship for a few months.
***
Ray opened the door only to find the depressing air in Kai's studio. After waving goodbye to Ye-Jin he had come to find his friend and devise a plan on handling the troublesome trio but now it looked as if it was useless.
Ray: (weakly) h-hi guys...
His greeting was met with absolute silence. Timo, Mui and Vic were glaring daggers at Kai ignoring Ray who was awkwardly standing near the door.
Kai was trying to smile but failing to do so.
Kai: b-big b-bro w-why don't y-you ask Ray? H-He's standing behind y-you.
Kai tried to conceal the stutter in his voice but failed to do so. Although Timo usually was a pretty easy-going guy, one would never dare to mess with him when he was angry. That would mean a death sentence.
Timo didn't show any sign that he had heard Kai. Seeing his pitiful state, Ray decided to man-up and intervene in to save Kai.
Ray: big bro, I have something to tell you guys.
Mui: now he comes to us-
Vic: (sneering) what's the use of it now?
Mui: (annoyed) he's leaving us soon anyway, big bro let's leave them. We're like outsiders here either way.
The younger guys stood up not giving any heed to panic flashing across Ray and Kai's faces. They had never imagined that the trio would let this matter affect them to this extent.
Ray: no no, you guys stay. I want to speak with all of you.
Timo: (taking a deep breath) Mui, Vic, sit down. (Turning to Ray) Speak and make it quick.
Ray: How much have you guys heard?
Mui: That you're leaving and announcing your retirement.
Ray: (nodding) My real name is Liu Wei Xin. The eldest son of Liu family from Shanghai.
Vic: (shocked) it can't be! You're Liu Wei Xin!
Mui: (frowning) what's so great about that?
Vic didn't bother to explain. Instead, he looked up Wei Xin on web and handed it to the oblivious guys. They quickly went through it and were stunned to stupidity. It took them some time to digest Ray's identity.
Timo: (recovering quickly) And?!
Ray: there are some issues with my family and I have to go help them.
Vic: Then why announce your retirement? And how did president agree to it?
Ray: (shrugging) I intend to go on a break. It'll be easier that way to conceal the things I would do from the third parties. Also, our president is no match for my father's coercion.
Mui: (nodding) how long will you be gone for?
Ray: I hope to be back for our year-end concert.
Timo: are you sure it'll only be four months?
Ray: According to what I found out yesterday it won't take more time. Also, I have a girlfriend to take care of. I can't let anyone take her away from me.
Timo: (waving him off) You don't have to wave your new relationship status in our faces, Ray. You don't have to remind us that we are single dogs.
Kai couldn't control and chuckled. It didn't help the mood of the trio. He was glared at until he shrunk back in his chair and almost turned invisible. Ray sighed internally finding ways to try and pacify the angry birds sitting in front of him.
Ray: (surrendering) Alright, I am sorry. I'll be back in four months.
Vic: The fans won't take in well and the antis will try to spin some interesting stories about your departure.
Mui: I can almost imagine it- It's going to be terrible.
Timo: how did Ye-Jin take it?
Ray: (smiling) she took it pretty well and is very supportive of me.
Mui: Vic, let's get out from here. He's behaving like Kai and it's nauseating!
Vic: (nodding) ok-
Ray: wait! Be back in an hour. I'd like to post a video message to our fans with all of you. Just so that people won't dig up that old rumour of '5 Emperors are faking their bond!'
Mui: Don't remind me! It was a real headache back then.
Timo: yeah! we were criticised a lot.
Mui and Vic shrugged and decided against leaving. They sat down reminiscing their old times like a family they were.
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