2 Chapter 2: A Giddy Reunion: After a long farewell… Part B
Same Moment.
Location where Drama Awards is being held.
Ha-Ri, dressed in a gorgeous white dress, stepped out from a van and walked down the red carpet followed by Manager Tae-Yang.
Kim Tae-Yang (28). Ha-Ri's manager. He has been best friends with Ha-Ri's younger brother, Ga-On, and Do-Yoon's secretary, Kang, since middle school. When he was very young, he wanted to become a baseball player, but after becoming friends with Ga-On, he fell in love with music and wanted to become a singer. But he gave up on it from early on and started working as Ha-Ri's manager by Ha-Ri's suggestion.
Camera flash sparsely splashed and sound of crowd murmuring was heard here and there. Ha-Ri acted if she couldn't hear, but they were well heard as if they were zoomed in on her ears as if she became the bionic woman. Darn…
"Anyway, Ban Ha-Ri is actually prettier than I expected."
"I know. She doesn't look so bad in person."
"So what. She is still a squid [1] if she stands next to Song Hye-Kyo or Jun Ji-Hyun."
'Can hear you all.' Ha-Ri said in her head as she heard a group of girls murmuring while walking down the red carpet awkwardly smiling. Then she threw a ventriloquism at Manager Tae-Yang.
"I'm just going to head in through the back door starting from next time."
"Then Dae Pyo Nim will put handcuffs on you and make me drag you down the red-carpet next time."
As Ha-Ri got near, one reporter who was waiting for her for an interview started talking into his mic.
"Who is it? Ah~ it's Ban Ha-Ri~"
Then he began to interview Ha-Ri going up to her.
"Ah~ Ha-Ri Ssi~ [2] Your dress is very gorgeous like always~ You sure are dre-HaRi~ [3]"
Ha-Ri said shyly smiling.
"Had to work very hard to fit into it."
"You are one of the most likely candidate for the Best Actress today… what do you think? Are you getting a high vibe that you will win?"
Ha-Ri awkwardly laughed… then was about to answer… but… Ggyahhhh~~~ the crowd started acclaiming.
'Guess someone has arrived.' Ha-Ri thought to herself even without turning around to check. It isn't surprising at all. Now, she isn't naïve enough to wonder if that was for her.
The reporter shouted all pumped up as if Korea had just got a goal at a Korea vs Japan soccer game.
"Look everyone! Song Hae-Kyo Ssi has just arrived!!!"
The camera flash started splashing everywhere as if a firework had just been shot, and the reporter who was interviewing Ha-Ri just now and all other reporters around shoot out to Song Hye-Kyo like a rocket being shot.
Ha-Ri just lightly smiled looking at the scene then headed inside as if it was nothing.
Manager Tae-Yang said to Ha-Ri following her.
"The Descendants of the Sun was quite big of the throw."
"Be honest. You want to head over there too, don't you? To see Song Hye-Gyo, not Kang Mo-Yeon."
"Nope."
"Your nose grows long if you lie."
"It doesn't when it's a white lie. Since it's actually being good."
Ha-Ri was about to explode for a split second but she just laughed finding him cute by the joke.
As they entered inside, it was packed with Korea's top stars and broadcasting station people.
Ha-Ri and Manager Tae-Yang greeted everyone they recognized.
From a far, a mysterious dark shadow stands behind a pillar and watched Ha-Ri.
After greeting everyone, Ha-Ri headed her way to her seat and unintentionally overheard a group of people talking on the way.
They were talking about Ha-Ri without realizing she was near them.
"Who do you think will win Best Actress today?"
"Well, feels like Ban Ha-Ri will win if it was all up for acting skills…"
"Right. But that's quite unlikely if it comes down to popularity."
"Feel very sad for her. She was always worth winning but couldn't because of popularity."
"Well, it all just comes down to popularity in the end since other actresses also act well as well."
It felt bitter listening to them, but since what they said were true, Ha-Ri just headed to her seat shrugging her shoulder.
***
Later… when it was getting near the Best Actress announcement…
At the music café that Ga-On, Kang, and Manager Tae-Yang own.
Guests were in here and there, and the awards show was projected on the wall from a projector.
Ga-On and Kang were watching the awards show drinking beer.
Ban Ga-On (27). Ha-Ri's younger brother. Became friends with Manager Tae-Yang and Kang because he went in school a year early for being born in the earlier months of the year. He wanted to become a singer and once was an idol trainee but just gave up on it because he very muchly disliked people bashing on him to be an idol trainee because of Ha-Ri. When he was in college, he just unexpectedly opened the café with Manager Tae-Yang and Kang.
After taking a sip of his beer, Ga-On asked Kang.
"Anyway, you said something huge happened at your company. Is it alright for you to be here like this right now?"
"Planning on hiding myself here until our Ddol Dae Pyo [4] calms down."
"He once was our idol after all."
"I know. He was like a God when he was a Pro Gamer. He's a full-on lunatic, but he is a good person deep down inside… Uh! They are going to announce it now!"
Ga-On started praying with all his heart.
"Please let our goddess Hye-Kyo win~"
"I feel like Ha-Ri Noona [5] will win."
"Like that will ever happen."
Kang gave a pathetic glare at Ga-On clicking his tongue, then shook his head.
The winner finally got announced… and of course… another actress had won.
"Ha-Ri Noona's acting sure is quite mesmerizing… it's sad that she loses it to someone else all the time."
"Her looks are quite lacking."
"You are her real brother, right?"
"Unfortunately… yes. Ah~ Why couldn't have goddess like Tae, Hye, Ji be my sister by blood? Why has my parents have given me Ban Ha-Ri instead?"
"Anyway, I'm being serious here right now. Look after Ha-Ri Noona. Since you never know when this good but full-on lunatic stalker like fan will attack her."
"Again?! How many times do I have to tell you? Whether her face is full on makeup or bare naked, Ban Ha-Ri is out of people's interest even if she just browses around everywhere shouting to people that it is her. But what?! A stalker?! Yea right!"
"Not a stalker. A fan who is like a stalker. Anyways, I've said this multiple time but--"
Ga-On said stuffing a chicken in Kang's mouth.
"Just eat this and think of a new menu! It's about time that we put out a new menu."
***
Same Moment.
Do-Yoon's House… inside Do-Yoon's Man Cave Room.
Dae-Bak was listening to music a headphone on and Do-Yoon was whining beside him.
Han Dae-Bak (50s). Do-Yoon's Dad. A CEO of a 'S' and 'L' conglomerate like conglomerate, 'Pineapple'. Back when he was unemployed after the toy company he worked at went bankrupt, he won the lottery one day. Then thought his life was over by mistakenly handing the money over to a shabby foreigner. But few years later, that foreigner gave 'Pineapple' to him as a gift… leading him to be where he is at now. He has gotten everything from outside, but deep inside, he is very lonely.
Do-Yoon shouted exploding.
"Why in the world are you telling me to get married all of sudden?! Ah~ Why?! Do you really want their company that bad? What are you going to do if they end up eating 'Pineapple' and 'Torey'?!"
Dae-Bak just continued on listening to music ignoring Do-Yoon.
"Ah~ Just give me back my 'Torey'~ Why have you stolen my baby like that?! Do you know how hard I raised it?!"
Complete ignorance from Dae-Bak still.
Do-Yoon went on and whined like a 5-year-old whining for a toy for hours… but Dae-Bak just ignored him throughout.
***
Hours later…
At the music café.
When Kang and Ga-On were in the middle of coming up with a new menu, Kang's cellphone suddenly started ringing.
After checking who it was, Kang hesitated on answering.
Ga-On didn't have to ask to know who it was. He already sensed it.
"Just don't answer. It's after your business hours anyways."
"It isn't quite easy like you think."
'Ah~ Whatever~' Kang just answered the phone and was about to speak… but…
-Run over here now! Must initiate the operation!
Said Do-Yoon then just hung up.
'Knew you would do that.' Thought Kang. Wasn't a surprise since he always just hangs up after spitting out his words. Then Kang said putting his phone down just shrugging his shoulders.
"Ah~ Anyway, is Ddol Dae Pyo really going to do it?"
"Do what?"
"The last ditch that he had planned on from long time ago saving and saving it for a crucial emergency."
"Hmm."
***
Later… Middle of the Night.
Do-Yoon's House… inside Do-Yoon's Room.
Kang is kneeled down on the floor and Do-Yoon tied down his hands with a rope.
Kang, looking as if his soul had escaped, said.
"Would he believe it tho--"
Do-Yoon put duct tape over Kang's mouth.
'???'
Do-Yoon then wrote something down on a piece of paper and taped it on Kang's chest.
On the paper, it says…
[I'm taking your son with me. If you want to let him live, then hand over Torey. On a note, I really don't have that much patience. I really don't.]
"There are no parents who just abandon their child."
Kang murmured but can't be heard well because of the tape on his mouth.
Understanding what he just said… Do-Yoon questioned Kang… reiterating what Kang tried to say.
"Why I'm not making a mess in the room?"
Kang nodded.
"Is this suspect supposed to be a petty thief? That he would search through everywhere around the room? (trying to take a photo of Kang with his cellphone) I! No, I mean… this virtual suspect is a kidnapper. And he would turn the room into a mess? Does that even make sense?!"
Snap~ As Do-Yoon took a shot, Kang murmured again.
Do-Yoon reiterated it again.
"Wouldn't there be a physical fight if we try to resist?"
Kang nodded.
"Ah… you're right. Since I'm being taken away, I'll be resisting on being taken and you will be trying to save me… there will be some action. Ah~ whatever~ Would he even have time to think of all that when his son had been kidnapped?"
'Would he really be that much in panic by the news?...' Kang thought.
Do-Yoon said as he took out a mask.
"I'm going to head out now! I'll text him once I secure safe distance so just wait for a bit. Won't take long."
Kang nodded.
Then Do-Yoon put the mask on and went out through the window.
'(Sigh) Would be a long journey, wouldn't it?' Kang thought as he hopelessly lied down on the floor. Then soullessly murmured a song.
"🎶 Father has said it is hard to make a living~ 🎶" [6]
.
.
A moment later…
Do-Yoon carefully exit out from an art gallery-like mansion.
Once he secured himself to be in the area where the security cameras at his house weren't covering, Do-Yoon found the cab that he had called earlier and went inside it.
'??!!!'
The cab driver stared at Do-Yoon blinking his eyes… frozen.
'Ah!' Do-Yoon took off his mask and said.
"Sorry, forgot. I'm the one who called."
"…"
"Let's go to the Han River first."
The cab driver puzzlingly nodded.
***
About an hour or two later…
Han River.
With a lollipop in his mouth, Do-Yoon sent a text to Dae-Bak along with the photo of Kang that he took earlier.
"This should be quite surprising. I'm sorry but I can't let go of my child like that."
Right when he was enjoying the joy of victory… Di-Ring! A text message arrived.
As he checked… it's a text from Dae-Bak.
[Quite disappointing that you would think that I would give you back your company with such lame attack. Thought our son was quite brilliant…]
'Huk! How did he know it was me?'
Di-Ring! Another text arrived from Dae-Bak.
[On a note, it is common sense that you send from an unknown number when texting such threatening texts.]
"Ah! Idiot! (checked the number that he sent the text from earlier… then…) Ah~ I so was going to change the number--"
Di-Ring! A photo arrived.
'???' As Do-Yoon opened the text to see the photo… it was a photo of Kang and Dae-Bak playing video games at Do-Yoon's Man Cave Room.
"Choi Kang… You damn traitor!"
That's right. Dae-Bak already knew about the whole plan through Kang. Kang always just hops around clinging onto whoever seems to be worth clinging onto at the time for the sake of Do-Yoon. Whatever's best for Do-Yoon is what he wants and what he needs to do, even if it may mean betraying on Do-Yoon.
Do-Yoon sent a text with exploding emoticons… exploding.
[Who said to play games in my Man Cave?! Would you like it if I listen to music and watch movies in your Man Cave, Dad?]
Then Do-Yoon and Dae-Bak texted back and forth trying to win each other.
[No, of course not. If you come home within an hour, then I'll give you back both Torey and your Man Cave.]
[For real? You're really going to give them all back to me?]
[For sure. If you come back, then I'll take it as a yes on getting married to President Jung's daughter and give them back to you.]
[Have you gone mad?]
[I'll give you exactly one hour. Think well since an intriguing gift will be given if you don't come back. And of course, Torey will never be back in your arms again if that happens... N.E.V.E.R. So make sure to keep that in mind. On a note, I don't wait. Because I don't have patience. I really don't. Hope you make a wise decision.]
Do-Yoon's fury gage insanely goes up.
"Ha! Like I would be scared by such lame threat?!"
Do-Yoon texts back with his fury gage keep going up.
[That will never happen. Never! N.E.V.E.R! Remember! I'm going to bring Torey back! For sure! There are no parents who just abandon their child!]
[I can abandon you!]
'?!!!'
***
Same moment.
Ha-Ri's House.
Manger Tae-Yang desperately shouted entering.
"Noona! Ha-Ri Noona!"
Manager Tae-Yang ran around the house but no one's in. He then, looking terrified, called Ga-On. Unfortunately, there's no answer. He hung up and called someone else.
As that someone answered the phone, Manager Tae-Yang desperately shouted.
"Hurry! Ha-Ri Noona is missing!"
***
Same Moment.
Han River.
A little away from where Do-Yoon was.
Ha-Ri, wearing a hoodie with the hood on her heard, laid down on the grass and watched the stars. Beside her, a bike was laying down with empty beer cans scattered around.
Ha-Ri felt as if her heart had been emptied out… and felt somewhat bitter.
Then all of sudden, Ha-Ri started singing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
"🎶 Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, How I wonder what you are~ 🎶 (stopped singing… then) Psh~ Why are you so sparkling today?! Good for you… for sparkling like that."
Suddenly, a passerby couple whispering to each other were heard.
"Think she's drunk!"
"Shouldn't be easy being like that at this time."
"She might get into an accident if she falls asleep like that. Shouldn't we report it to the police?"
!!! Ha-Ri rapidly stood up trying to cover her face by pulling down the tip of her hood a bit more.
Gasp! The couple looked shocked.
Ha-Ri said to the couple bowing down.
"Sorry."
Then she quickly lifted up her bike and was about to get on… but 'Ah! That's right!'
Ha-Ri quickly turned around and picked up the empty beer cans and put them in a plastic bag. Then she quickly got on her bike and sped up like the wind.
The woman asked man staring at Ha-Ri.
"Anyway… do we have to report it to the police if she's riding a bike drunk?"
The man answered.
"Hmm… well would someone get hurt by a bike?"
Then the two shrugged their shoulders and headed their way.
Then all of sudden…. Squeakkkk!!! A squeaking sound was heard from somewhere. But the couple missed the sound.
.
.
The accident site.
Ha-Ri's bike is laying down on the ground with his wheel rolling…. empty beer cans are scattered all over.
"Ah~"
As Ha-Ri tried to stand up trying to endure the pain from wounds on her hands and her knee… a man laying down on the ground came into her eyes.
'!!!!!!'
Ha-Ri was about to faint… then murmured.
"Huk… I sure didn't hit him…"
Ha-Ri stood up and walked up to him with her fear gage fully up. Then she tried to check if he's alive my poking at him with her fingers.
The man laying down is Do-Yoon, but Ha-Ri has no idea it is him.
Ha-Ri said if a very low shaky voice slightly poking at him.
"Ex… excuse me…. Hel…. Hello…?"
There was no response from Do-Yoon.
With her fear gage about to explode, Ha-Ri tried to call him again.
Do-Yoon slowly began to gain conscious. As he slowly opened his eyes… a familiar face was looking down at him… 'Ban… Ban Ha-Ri?! Huk!' Then suddenly, like how a dead person just suddenly opened its eyes and sat up from a coffin, Do-Yoon sat up and shouted.
"Ban Ha-Ri?!"
Ggyakkkk~!!! Ha-Ri fainted screaming.
?!!!
As Do-Yoon stared down at Ha-Ri….
"Huk!"
Do-Yoon gasped in disbelief looking frightened as if he had seen a ghost.
.
.
.
FOOTNOTE:
[1] Squid: slang term used to refer to someone who looks ugly when they are with others
[2] Ssi: an honorific used in Korea amongst people of approximately equal level
[3] Dre-(name): with 'dre' being the abbreviation for dress, they combine dre with actress' name to refer to actress who looks gorgeous in dresses
[4] Ddol Dae Pyo: Do-Yoon's nickname used amongst Kang, Manger Tae-Yang, and Ga-On; the term 'Ddol' is an abbreviation for lunatic in Korean and 'Dae Pyo' is a non-formal name for CEO in Korean
[5] Noona: a name for Older Sister in Korea; a younger brother calling older sister; even used amongst people who aren't related by blood
[6] It's a song from a TV commercial that became popular in Korea back in 2005. The original lyric was about how father has said to enjoy life… promoting people to enjoy their life. Then lots of parodies were made as a joke on what father has said.
