Just Friends

Twenty Three

I was packing my bags for the weekend when Jin called. "Hi!" she said, cheerfully.

"Hi! I missed you today," I said.

"I missed you, too! I can't wait to spend all weekend with you."

There goes my heart again. "Me too."

"Aren't you leaving for your dinner yet?"

I checked the clock. I had a couple hours more. "No, it's too early. Are you so excited to not hear from me?"

"Aish! No. I just want you to have a good time with your friends. You haven't seen them for so long."

"Everyone is busy," I explained. "It wasn't just me."

"Oh, I'm not complaining. I took up most of your time anyway and I regret nothing," she proclaimed.

I laughed. "You have your dinner? I can drop off some food before I meet my friends so that you won't have to cook."

"I'm good. But, if you don't mind dropping by that would be nice, too. I made some cookies for you and your friends," she said.

"Great! Thanks for giving me the perfect excuse to see you."

An hour later, I was at her place. "Ask your friends if they want to join us for golf and lunch for your birthday. I can still put them in the list of our guests. Oh and here's the bag of cookies for your friends. Here's the one for you."

"Thank you, Jin-ssi." Looking inside, I asked, "Is this all I get?"

"Huh? Is there something missing?"

I nodded and pointed at my pursed lips.

She laughed. "You're such a baby sometimes." She looped her arms around my neck. "You're very handsome tonight. Stay away from the ladies."

I nodded. "Of course."

Ye Jin then leaned in to kiss me. "Bin-ssi, I'm not sure if you'd like the present I got you. Could you please give me a hint on what you want for your birthday? I still have time to buy another one. I truly do not want to disappoint."

"Just stick to me like glue this weekend and I'd be fantastic," I told her honestly.

"Are you sure, Bin-ssi? I can do that, you know? You'd be annoyed by Sunday."

"I highly doubt that."

She sighed. "Okay then. Clingy Ye Jin it is."

I smiled. "Best birthday gift already."

When I arrived at the house we were meeting in, some of my friends in the industry were already there and I could hear laughter. "Good evening!"

"Bin! You're here, Brother! Come in, come in," Jung Woo-Sung said. "How have you been?"

"Very well. Quite busy. Oh here, Ye Jin sent over some treats," I said. There was a moment of silence in the group when I said that.

"Son Ye Jin-ssi! I forget that you are close friends. How is she?"

I nodded. "Very good. Getting some much needed rest." I took a seat at the dining area and was promptly served with some beer.

"Until you, that woman had been scandal free," another one commented.

"I wonder who she's really dating," asked another.

Kwon Yul chuckled. "Hyun Bin-ssi, they're asking if you know who she's really dating."

I laughed. "Yes, I know who the lucky guy is."

"Who?" they asked in chorus.

"Me."

Silence.

Then everyone started talking at the same time. "Are you kidding?"

"The news is true?"

"Son Ye Jin and you? No!"

I chuckled. "No, I'm not kidding. The news? I don't know because there have been so many but we're not married and we didn't break up so those are false. Finally, Son Ye Jin and me? YES."

I started grilling meat when one of my friends teased, "Smug son of a –"

I stopped him. "Not smug. Just proud."

"If you're so proud, why keep it a secret?"

I rolled my eyes. "Are you new to our industry, Brother? Besides, like you all said, she has remained scandal free. It would be best to keep it private."

"It gets difficult though."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Sometimes, you just get tired of the hiding and just want to proceed as a normal couple. Then you realize all the hiding is also slowly killing your relationship," my friend commented.

I frowned. "It sure sounds like you're not supportive of us."

He smiled. "Do not misunderstand me, Brother. I am simply telling you that too much secrecy can be bad, too."

"There are pros and cons either way, I admit. I only hope we can make it. Ye Jin is also my best friend. It's a terrible thought to break up with a lover and a best friend," I confessed.

"Aish, such somber vibe for Bin's happy news! His birthday is coming up, too. Come on guys!" Kwon Yul said, changing the atmosphere. I threw him a grateful look. "Any plans for your birthday, Bin?'

"Ye Jin and I are going away this weekend," I said. "She did tell me to invite you guys for golf if you're free."

"Sounds good!"

"But then make sure you guys leave me alone after a few hours. I don't want to see too much of your faces. I want to see Ye Jin majority of the weekend."

We agreed and made plans then spent the rest of the night catching up. I was already excited. It sounds like an amazing birthday weekend ahead and I couldn't wait!

Just before midnight, a message came in from Ye Jin: I hope you're having fun! I'm turning in. Drive home safe. Good night, Bin-ssi!

Can I call quickly? I asked.

Sure, she sent back.

"Hi Ye Jin-ssi," I greeted.

"Hi! Anything wrong?"

"No, no. I just wanted to hear your voice before you slept," I assured. "My friends thank you for the invitation and would love to join us at golf as long as you don't mind."

"That's great to hear! Tell them to stay for lunch, too. I'll call tomorrow to let the restaurant know we're expecting more guests."

"Thanks for doing this, Jin-ssi," I said.

"You're very welcome. Hey, how are you heading home? I don't want you driving if you've been drinking," she reminded.

Assuring her that my assistant will be picking me up, I said, "I promise to take care. Sleep now. Thanks for taking my call."

"Always, Bin-ssi. Always."

As soon as I dropped the call, I saw Kwon Yul chuckling. He obviously overheard. "It's not good to eavesdrop, Brother."

"Then perhaps, next time, don't make call outside of the guest powder room?"

I chuckled.

Putting his arm around me, he playfully punched me. "You are whipped, man. Whipped."

I crossed my arms. Looking at him directly, I replied, "Absolutely."