Jeyah’s POV
The wedding celebration went over and all the guests had left the reception hall. I took a quick glance at my brother, who was still talking to Hyungmin’s cousin. Obviously, the woman was attracted to him. Well, no wonder, Andre was undeniably handsome and has a strong sex appeal. I smiled upon thinking that I have something to tease him, as soon as we return home.
After I talked to mom, Hyungmin approached me, and we had a few casual talks. We talked a lot of things about life, work and family. Until he asked me something personal.
“Namja chingu isseo, Jeyah?”, he asked in Korean language.
I understand what does it mean to say. He was asking me if I already have a boyfriend. Andre was right, Hyungmin was interested in me but I don’t have some romantic feelings for him except that I treat him as my brother. My mom is already married to his dad, so he is now my stepbrother and thar’s what matters most. Aside from that no more.
“Jeyah?”, Hyungmin spoke, when he noticed I was silent.
“Ani, eopseo (No, I don’t have)”, I replied.
When he heard me speaking Korean, he smiled at me.
“Why? Is my Korean not correct?”, I frowned.
“You said it correctly, Jeyah. I just did not expect that you got what I mean”
“Well, I am studying your language. But I’m still in the basic”, I answered.
“Oh I see. You want me to teach you?”, he asked.
“Yes, if it’s okay with you. But do you know why I am so interested to learn your language?”
Hyungmin looked at me and smiled. “Because you’re a Korean drama fanatic, right?”
I just nodded and we both chuckled. I enjoyed talking to him because he is fun to be with. And I admit, I like him, but not for anything else, but as a friend and a brother.
Hours have passed and it’s time for us to go home. Andre, nanny and I approached mom to say goodbye to her.
“Mom, enjoy your honeymoon!”, I said and blinked my eyes.
“Mr. Park, please take care of mom!”, Andre spoke seriously.
“Yes, of course, geokjeonghajima, Andre”, Mr. Park responded as he put his arms around mom’s waist.
Andre furrowed his brows, because he did not understand what our stepdad was talking about. I looked at him and tapped his shoulder.
“Geokjeonghajima, means ‘don’t worry’, I explained.
My brother just nodded and pinched my cheek. “Oh I see, good for you sweetie, you can understand a few of the Korean language.”
After a while, I told mom, that we need to go home because I wanted to take some rest. They would just be staying in the hotel for their honeymoon, so only Andre, Hyungmin, nanny and I, would return to Gangnam-gu.
“Uhm, by the way, Jeyah, are you flying back to the Philippines tomorrow? Can you have it on the following day instead? You know, there are a lot of beautiful spots here in Seoul. Let’s unwind first tomorrow”, Hyungmin suggested.
“Yes dear, honeybuns, Hyungmin is right!”, mom agreed.
I was stunned into silence because I don’t know what to answer. Andre and I were looking at each other. Until my brother spoke.
“Sweetie? What do you think?”
“It’s up to you, boo. You’re my boss”, I uttered, and we all laughed.
*********
“Are you okay, sweetie?”, Andre asked when we’re already in the apartment.
“I’m fine, boo.”
“What’s that sullen face, sweetie? Hmm. Let me guess. It’s Darren, right?”
I met my brother’s eyes and glared at him. “Boo, of course not!” I thumped his arm as I was heading to my room while he was following me behind.
“You know, you can’t hide anything from me, sweetie. I know you so well”, Andre said as he sat beside me on the bed.
“Hmm. You’re really in love with Darren. Why don’t you admit?”
“Boo, please stop it! I don’t want to talk about him, okay?”, I said annoyingly.
“Okay, I’ll go now. I think nanny was already asleep, so let’s take a rest as well. Goodnight sweetie”, my brother smiled as he stood up and walked towards the door.
When I’m already alone, I grabbed my towel and walked into the bathroom for some personal hygiene. Then I, got dressed in my pajamas and sweatshirt. I looked at my watch, and it’s already eight in the evening. I reached for my phone and scrolled the apps, while I’m lying down on bed.
Suddenly, I got a message from our gc, asking me if I’m alright. I was a little upset when there was no message from Darren. All my group mates were asking about my whereabouts here in Seoul, except him. I just only replied once and told them that I’m fine. After a while, Clarisse sent me a private message, asking me if it’s okay to have a video call with her.
“Hi bubs, how are you?”, Clarisse said smiling at me, while leaning her back on the headboard.
“I’m fine bubs, thank you for asking. How about you? How’s everyone in the group?”, I asked curiously.
“We are all fine, bubs. Uhm, when are you coming back here?”, she queried.
“Maybe on the following day, bubs. My stepbrother invited us for a tour, to some of the beauty spots here in Seoul”.”
Clarisse looked at me, a little sad. I can see her facial expression when I told her that I’ll be coming home on the following day.
“Bubs, why?”, I asked, trying to sound natural.
“Tomorrow is Darren’s birthday, bubs. Have you not remembered it? There will be a party to be held in Mifañas Place. You need to be here or else he will be sad”, Clarisse said.
Actually, I remembered that tomorrow is his birthday. But I don’t know if it’s a good idea to be present tomorrow. I’m sure Bridgette will be there too. And it would only bring trouble to me.
“Bubs?”
“Uhm, I won’t promise, bubs. We will be having a family bonding tomorrow. Besides, we haven’t yet booked a ticket for us”, I said, trying to make excuses.
“Bubs, I’m begging you. Please do this favor, if not for Darren, do this for our group. I understand your feelings, bubs. But please, only for this time.”, Clarisse pleaded.
“Okay bubs, I’ll try, but I won’t promise, okay?”, I gave her a brittle smile.
“You must be here bubs, we will be waiting for you, even up to the last minute!”, Clarisse spoke intently.
I am really confused on what to do. My group mates wanted me to be there, but what about Darren? He did not even send me a message just to say ‘hi’. He remained silent in the gc, although he has seen all the messages, but he remained quiet like he was ignoring me as if I don’t exist at all.
After some time of chatting with Clarisse on messenger, we bid goodbye to each other. I heaved a deep sigh, as I looked at the ceiling. I don’t know what am I going to do, whether to go back to the Philippines tomorrow or on the following day.