Collide

Chapter 9 The Plot

“That’s the problem, Sooyoung-ah. Yoojin broke up with him. The wedding is cancelled.”

Joy was stunned with what Sungjae’s sister said. She took a deep breath and tried to pacify her.

“Alright, Unnie. I’ll try to contact him.” She replied.

“I know I can rely on you Sooyoung. I’m just worried as Sungjae is never the type to ask for help even with his friends. My parents are here in the US and we are concern about him. He called to tell us, and he was not even crying. That worry us more, Sooyoung.”

“I’ll call you as soon as I talk to him, Unnie. Just don’t worry too much. I’m sure Sungjae Oppa is strong and he can pass through this"

Joy called Sungjae as soon as she ended her call with his sister. He was not answering even if she tried a couple of times. Since its already late and she doesn’t know where he lives, she just left a message on his voice mail. Joy also texted his sister to inform her that she’ll try to contact him again the next day.

The next day, Joy tried calling Sungjae again but he’s not answering. She went to work and tried to do her stuff, but she can’t help but worry for the man. It’s almost end of the working day when she received another call from Sungjae’s noona.

“Sooyoung-ah, I called his friends, but he also didn’t contact them. I know it’s too much but you’re the only one a trust. Can you atleast try and check his apartment?”

“I don’t know where he lives, Unnie.” Sooyoung countered.

“I’ll give it to you. Just this one favor, Sooyoung. My parents and I are flying out tonight, so we can be there for him.”

“Okay. Dont worry too much, Unnie. Maybe Oppa is just taking some time off for himself. I know he’ll be fine.”

“Thank you so much, Sooyoung. I’ll see you once we arrive in Korea.” And then Sungjae’s noona hang up.

Joy finished all the papers she needs to review and sign before heading out. She got Sungjae’s address and drove there to check on him. Before she went up of the building, she ran to a nearest convenience store and bought some grocery. If he’s down he’s probably drunk and hungry. She reached his place and rang the bell. She took a sigh of relief when she heard a sound from inside and unlocking of the door. Gathering all her courage, acting like everything’s back to where they were before she smiled as the door opens.

“What are you doing here, Sooyoung? How did you know my place?” He asked while standing in between the door.

“Your Noona is worried and asked me to check on you.”  Joy replied.

“As you can see, I’m doing fine. Tell her that.” He quipped.

“Why don’t you tell her yourself? She’s so worried about you.” Joy countered.

"Are we really having this conversation on your doorway? Are you really not going to let me in?”

“I will call them, just not right now. And I’m sorry but I don’t feel like entertaining anyone.” And Sungaje almost closed the door but Joy was fast to get in between and squeezed herself in.

Sungjae ruffled his hair in annoyance but just watched as she made her way inside his apartment. He heard her gasped as she saw the cluttered living room. Bottles of wine and soju along with plastic crisps wrapper were strewn on the floor. He just followed her and was confused when she made her way to the kitchen as if it is her own.

“Sooyoung, I’m not in the mood to talk to anyone. I’m sorry to be rude but can you leave?” he asked as he watched her unpack the brown bag from the convenience store.

“I’ll leave after you eat. When was the last time you had a proper meal anyway?” Joy replied not even looking at him as she gets busy preparing to cook.

“I’m not hungry” he countered and approached her and hold her arms.

“Please Sooyoung, leave me alone.” his voiced laced with desparation

“Alright, I’ll leave but eat this kimbap I bought. At least eat something before getting yourself drunk.” She replied and made her way out.

Joy texted his sister to give her assurance that she saw him but was not able to talk to him properly. His sister thanked her and promised to see her soon.

The next day, Joy was on her way to a cover shoot after staying in the office for half a day when she received a text from Irene.

“Joyiah, I heard Sungjae-ssi’s wedding was called off? I just overheard from a designer friend when we were in a salon.”

Joy decided to ignore her friend’s message and just continue her way to the shoot. It took them about four hours that she was so exhausted when she arrived at home. She just ate a cup of yogurt and a banana before going to shower. She decided to send a message to Sungjae as she prepared for bed.

“Did you eat anything today?”

Almost thirty minutes has passed when her text was unanswered. She called him but again he’s not picking up. She’s is getting frustrated but then it was cut off when her phone rings.

Without checking the caller ID, she immediately answered the call thinking it was Sungjae. She was disappointed when she heard a girl on the other line.

“Yah! Joyiah, why didn’t you answer my message?” Irene nagged.

“I was busy, Unnie." she reasoned out.

“Joyiah, I know you’re not completely over him yet but please don’t get yourself into another heartache, okay?”

“Thanks for always looking after me, Unnie.I’ll be careful.” Joy replied.

“What do you mean be careful. You should be running away and not getting involved at this." Irene answered in frenzy.

“I’m still his friend, Unnie. But don’t worry, Im guarding my heart this time. I’ll call you tomorrow, Unnie. Im soo sleepy. I love you.” And Joy hurriedly hang up not giving a chance for Irene to even say goodbye.

The next day, Joy prepared early for another shareholder’s meeting. She arrived early at the headquarters to meet her father as their routine. She’s not sure if Sungjae was coming but she was hoping he will, so she can talk to him again. After having their morning tea, the father and daughter head to the meeting room and Joy was surprised to see Sungjae’s sister talking to some other shareholder. Seonhyo waved at her and she nodded in recognition.

After almost two hours, the meeting was over and as expected Seonhyo approached Joy immediately. She greeted Mr. Park but asked Joy if she has plans as she would like to invite her for lunch. Mr Park told Joy to come with Seonhyo knowing that she’s from the US. After reminding her to say hello to his father, Seonhyo gently dragged Joy out of the hall. They just went to a restaurant nearby and ordered as soon as they take a seat.

“It’s been a while, Unnie. I’m happy to see you.” Joy greeted.

“I’m happy to see you too. Thank you for coming with me even on a short notice and I’m sorry if I ruined your plan with your father.” Seonhyo replied.

“It’s alright, Unnie. How are you doing?”

“Mom and Dad can’t leave Seattle as of now, so they send me back home. I’ll be here for a week to oversee our company and hopefully by then, Sungjae’s back on his feet again.”

Joy was surprised to hear that Sungjae’s not coming to the company and yet can truly understand where he is coming from. He must really feel devastated. Their food arrived and before they knew it, it was almost two hours and Seonhyo has to leave. Joy was left in the restaurant and was only able to leave after taking another glass of cold water.

She was driving on her way home when she remembered what Seonhyo asked from her right before she left. It stunned her and can’t believe that she will really asked that from her.

“I know you like my brother, Sooyoung. I need your help to make him get over that woman."

Seonhyo took a deep breath before dropping the bomb on her

“ Seduce my brother Sooyoung-ah. Make him yours.”

Notes from PS
Im sorry for the wait. I used Seonhyo as Sungjae's sister's name since i really cannot find it in google. Do you like her character in the story?Do you think its fair? Are we getting somewhere? Lol. Talk to me☺