"But who are they?" asked Seujen. And how come I've never heard of them?"
"Silly girl, you've been too absorbed in your stress to look at what's going on elsewhere." Jenna mocked. "HOT is a new Korean-singing group, and really hit gayo by storm! In fact, Kangta belongs to the choir at your college! I thought tomorrow we'd go check it out." Said Jenna, laughing.
"I think you're obsessed," said Seujen. "Obsessed with a guy you don't even know! How can that be?"
"Trust me, I'm not the only one," said Jenna. "But sometimes, I wish I were. Wait until you hear this guy's voice! It's so angelic and sweet, and he's totally to die for." Jenna said, sighing.
"Ok, whatever," said Seujen disgustingly. How could anyone be so in love with a person she doesn't even know? "I'll see you tomorrow ok?"
"Ok," said Jenna, laughing. "You must think I'm a real sicko or something huh? However, I bet you won't be saying that when you see him perform. Ahnyoung!" with that, she hung up.
Seujen hung up, sighing. It had been the third night that she had the same dream. "What is it's meaning?" Seujen wondered. "And why is it happening now?" All the questions she had no answers for.
"What time is it?" Kangta thought as he walked around the deserted end of the college. It had been two weeks since HOT had made their debut and now Kangta or any of the members could hardly do anything without being mobbed by thousands of screaming girls. "Man, I wouldn't have to run away all the time if those girls would just act human around me." Sighing, he looked at his watch. It had been twenty minutes since he escaped his last mob of fans. Now he was in hideout until they all left. But Kangta enjoyed the peace and quiet. "I wonder why hardly anyone comes around this area, even if there isn't much to look at." Kangta thought as he sat down on some steps. As soon as he sat down, he heard someone's voice ring out from inside the building, accompanied by some piano music. Intrigued, Kangta got up to investigate.
"From this dark, cold eternity, and the endlessness that you feel. You are brought by the wreckage, of your silent reverie. You're in the arms of the angel, may you find…some comfort here…"
The voice echoed in the halls. As soon as Kangta heard it, he was taken by surprise at how sweet and smooth the voice was. When he entered the room where the music was coming from, he saw the back of a girl at a piano. She had long, jet-black hair that tumbled down her back in a loose ponytail, and long, slender fingers that flew over the piano keys. Her skin was as smooth as silk and figure very slender. Kangta could see her face in the reflection of the window. She had huge, sad eyes, which had not yet sense his presence. She appeared to look older than she really was, possibly caused by the weight of distress in her life.
When she had finished her song, she glanced up and saw Kangta's reflection in the window.
"Oh my-I didn't know anyone was watching me." She said, her face turning a light shade of red.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Kangta said, stepping into the room.
"He's very handsome," She thought. "Hair that you could run your fingers through and eyes to die for. Jen would love this!"
"I'm sorry, we haven't been properly introduced," Kangta said, offering his hand. "My name is An Chilhyun."
"I'm Chu Seujen," said Seujen, taking Kangta's hand. "Tell me, how long were you standing at the door?"
"Long enough to know that you have a great voice," Kangta said, his eyes twinkling. "How long have you been singing?"
"Almost all my life," Seujen said. "I've also been working on my composing skills ever since I've moved to Korea, about a year ago."
"Wow! You mean to tell me you wrote that song yourself that you were just singing?" Kangta asked in disbelief.
"Yes," Seujen said, her eyes shining. I come here almost every evening and work on my songs. Hardly anyone ever comes around this area anyway and I got the janitor to put a piano in here so I can practice." Seujen just couldn't take her eyes off him.
Kangta seemed to be having the same problem with Seujen. "Well, I have to say that you definitely have some talent. I think I'll have to recommend you to some people I know." Kangta said staring meaningfully in her eyes.
"Who, me?" Asked Seujen in disbelief. "I don't know, I never thought about going public about this sort of thing. Mostly, I sing to soothe my feelings or to just relax…"
"Well, think about it, and let me know if you are interested," Kangta said. "Oh darn! It's almost eight, I better get going." He got up to leave.
"What brought you over to this area anyway?" asked Seujen.
"Oh…I don't know, I just had to get away from things," Kangta said. "Nice meeting you Seujen, and take cares."
"You too." Seujen said. She watched him leave the room. Funny, it was as if the lighting of the room glowed on him or something. "It's just my imagination," Seujen said "I need to get some sleep." With that, she packed up and left.
Chapter 2
SeuJen was walking through a field. She saw a figure standing on top of a small hill. The figure had a similar, older look to Seujen. Seujen tried to reach it, but as much as she tried, the farther away it seemed.
"Ohma!" Seujen cried. "Ohma! how could you do this to me? How could you leave me like this?"
"I love you," Her mother answered back. "I will always be with you, and you will always be with me. In my heart and in my soul." Her long black hair blew in her face, and her white dress billowed in the wind.
As her mother said this, the light around her dimmed, and she slowly started to fade.
"Ohma!" cried Seujen. "Ohma! Please don't leave me!"
Seujen sat straight up in her bed. Her face was wet with tears and her breathing came out in fast little breaths
"What could all this mean?" Wondered Seujen. "Why would she be trying to reach out to me after all these years? What is she trying to tell me?"
* * * *
"Come-on!" Cried Jenna. "We have to hurry before anyone else gets there!"
"Really Jen," said Seujen, shaking her head. "I think we're going to have to go get some help for this obsession of yours."
"No Woohyuk! I don't want you to rap the words; I want you to say them! Use that deep voice of yours. This song is a ballad, not hip-hop." Kangta shook his head.
"Yah," Heejun said, giggling. "What are you, some kind of freak?" and Heejun started cracking up.
"I swear, I'm gonna-" Woohyuk made a grab for Heejun, but before he could, he saw two figures at the door. "Oh, uh…" Woohyuk stuttered.
"Hmm, looks like we have company." Heejun mused.
"I'm sorry, we were just-" But Seujen never finished the sentence. Instead, she stared at Kangta. "Chilhyun? What are you doing here?"
"What is he doing here?" Answered Tony. "Kangta is the leading singer of our group!"
"Whoa, wait a minute! You mean to tell me you know kangta, and you didn't even tell me?!" Jenna yelled. As soon as she realized what she said, her face turned bright red
"heheh, I mean, you didn't tell me you met someone with the fine talents that these guys have?" All of HOT were smiling at her.
"Really Jenna," Seujen said laughing. I didn't even know his other name was Kangta, and I just met him yesturday, when he was spying on me." Seujen teased.
It was Kangta's turn to blush. "No really, I heard her singing, so I went to investigate. You guys have to hear her voice!"
"Go ahead Seujen," Jaewon said. "Show us what you got!"
Seujen started to say no, that she really didn't think she had the right skills to sing in front of people when Kangta took her hand and pulled her in the room. "Here's the piano. Just pretend none of us are here." Kangta smiled.
"Oh-alright." Seujen sat at the piano and preceded to sing what she had sang when she met Kangta. Everyone fell silent as Seujens' sharp voice filled the room.
"Wow!" Jenna said, and Heejun let out a low whistle. "How come you never told me you sing?"
"It's just something I do to relax. Kind of like a hobby." Seujen looked up and saw HOT's producer standing over her. "Mr. L-Lee. Ahnyoung, hasae yo." She quickly in-sahed.
"I quietly walked in when you started your song," Mr. Lee said. "I was totally taken by your voice. It's beautiful. Have you ever thought of singing as a career?"
"Well I-I don't think so," Seujen said. "As I said before, it's something I do more as a hobby…"
"I really want you to think about it," Mr. Lee interrupted, looking Seujen straight in the eyes. "I really think you could become really successful through your music. Give me a call if you're interested." With that, he walked out the room.
"You see that?" Kangta said. "I told you you had talent. Tell you what, I can arrange an audition for you with Mr. Lee and some other people from SM. Well, it would be more of an interview since I know Mr. Lee has already taken you in." Kangta showed his million-dollar smile.
Seujen almost melted. "Well, I still don't know…"
"Come on Seujen! This is your big chance! You'll be famous and known throughout Korea!" Jenna said.
"Yah!" HOT chimed in. "And we'll all be here to support you!"
Well…ok." Seujen finally gave in. "I'll go to the interview just to see how it goes."
"Yay! Korea's newest star is on her way!" Kangta said, giving her a wink.
Chapter 3
It was the day after the interview, and it had gone over very well. Mr. Lee had already talked to his company about Seujen, raving about her voice. When Seujen performed for them, they quickly agreed that Seujen would make it big in Korea. After a lot of convincing and prodding from HOT and her best friend, Seujen finally decided on being a gasoo.
"I can't believe it!" Jenna squealed. It was the day after the interview and Seujen and Jenna were talking on the phone. "My best friend is going to be famous! And I'll be able to say, I know that girl!"
"I still don't know how all this will turn out," Seujen said. "What if something gets in my way, what if I can't perform? What if…" All of Seujen's fears rushed through her head.
"What are you talking about Seujen?" asked Jenna, concerned.
Seujen hesitated. Should she tell her? "Nothing." She said.
"Are you sure?" Jenna pressed.
"Yes," Seujen said more confidently. "Yes I am."
"Ok then, I'll let you get some rest then." Jenna said. "Ahnyoung."
"Ahnyoung." Seujen said and hung up the phone.
Later that day, Seujen fell in a deep sleep, she had been so stressed from the interview. Once again, her mother'sfigure appeared.
"Seujen ah, I'm so proud of you." Her mother said.
"But Ohma, how can I go through with this? What if the inevitable happens? There's just too much pain and conflict…" The wind swirled around Seujen.
"Do not be afraid," Her mother answered. "I will protect you one way or another. Nothing bad will ever happen to you." The light seemed to dim on her mother for a second, and glow on another. Seujen strained her eyes to see who it was, but the light was too bright.
"I love you." Her mother whispered, and there was a sudden ringing.
"Seujen? Where are you? Hello? Hello?!" Jenna's voice shouted out on the answering machine.
"Mpphh, yuba sayo?" Seujen answered.
"Seujen! I thought something happened to you!" Jenna cried relieved. Get dressed, HOT wants to take us out!"
"What? How did they get your number?" Asked Seujen, surprised.
"Well, heheh," Jenna said. "While you were sleeping, I went back to the college, hoping to see HOT practice again. Turns out, they were." Jenna said smugly. "And guess what? Woohyuk asked if I would like to go out him sometime!"
"Wow Jen! I'm really happy for you!" Seujen said
"Yah well, he's not as cute as Kangta, but he has the sweetest personality." Jenna said. "Besides, you and Kangta look so much better together."
"For reals?" Seujen asked. "Nah, I don't think so. Kangta would never go for a girl like me."
"Are you kidding? You and your looks?" Jenna asked. "Kangta seems totally interested in you."
"No," Seujen said. "It would never work out."
"Give him a chance," Jenna urged. "And see what happens."
"Ok, whatever." Seujen said. She said good bye and hung up. "Who knows?" she thought. "I just might find someone I like…" And she got up to get dressed.
Chapter 4
"Hey you guys! You look great!" Tony said, as Jenna and Seujen hopped in the car. "Uh, if you guys don't mind, we have to make an appearance somewhere. It's by the Lotte World. Mr. Lee had arranged it and forgot about it." Tony said.
"It won't take long, maybe thirty minutes," Heejun said. "Just enough time to talk to some reporters, sign some autographs, and to sing a song."
"Oh, that's fine," Seujen and Jenna said. With that, they were on their way.
"HOT! HOT! HOT!" Seujen could here the fans even before they pulled up. They all piled out of the van. The fans were surprised to see two girls with them.
"Oh, don't mind them," Kangta said. "These are just two special friends of ours that came to watch the show." The crowd still looked suspiciously at the girls. "Why don't you two wait over there?" Kangta said, pointing to a bench.
As soon as HOT stepped into the crowd, reporters started firing questions at them.
"How do you feel about HOT's success? Asked one reporter.
"I'm very proud of our accomplishments. We have put a lot of hard effort into our music," Heejun answered. "I feel honored to work with these guys."
"What about your new song 'Hope'? Where did you come up with the lyrics for the song?" Another reporter asked.
"The song 'Hope' comes from my heart," Kangta said. "No matter what happens, keep high hopes for the future." He looked straight at Seujen.
More questions were asked and then HOT sang their song 'Unity is as Beautiful as One' Seujen got the shivers listening to Kangta's voice.
"He really does have a great voice," thought Seujen. "No wonder he's a hit!"
As HOT were signing autographs, a group of girls came up to Seujen.
"Are you Kangta's girlfriend?" Asked one.
"No," Seujen said, looking around for Jenna. But Jenna was over talking to Woohyuk. "Great." Seujen thought.
"Good," said the girl. "He doesn't need a slut like you,"
"Excuse me?" said Seujen. "You have something going on with Kangta that I don't know? Or are you just one of those obsessed wackos that claim him to be theirs?"
The girl pushed Seujen, and her other friends made a circle around her. The group of girls immediately threw Seujen to the ground.
As Kangta was talking to some fans, he sensed something was wrong. He looked around for Jenna. She was right there talking to Woohyuk. He turned and squinted out into the crowd. Something seemed different. It was then that he saw Seujen on the ground, shielding herself with her arms.
"Whoa! What's going on here?" Kangta said as he ran to Seujen.
"Kangta oppa! Over here! Over here! All the girls screamed and ran to him.
He helped Seujen up. "Let's get out of here!" He cried.
"Chilhyunnie, I'm so sorry. I should have never came with you." Seujen said, looking at the ground. They were walking along the beach now, far away from the screaming girls. Kangta and Seujen had managed to escape into a taxi, where Kangta directed the driver to the beach.
"Don't you think the other's will worry about us?" Asked Seujen.
"Nah, Heejun saw us run, and he know's this is where I always go when I need to get away." The wind blew through Kangta's hair.
"How bad is your eye?" asked Kangta, leaning over to examine it. The girl had managed to swing a lucky punch at Seujen.
Seujen turned her head up towards the moonlight. "It's a little tender, and stings." She said.
"Close your eyes." Kangta said. When she did, Kangta lightly put his hand on her swollen eye. Then he kissed it gently. Seujen felt the stinging slowly go away.
"Wow Kangta, do you do that to everyone with injuries?" Seujen giggled.
"No," Kangta said, smiling. "Only special ones." And he cupped her chin in his hands.
"I really want to kiss her," Kangta thought. "But I can't, I just can't…"
"I think he's going to kiss me," thought Seujen. She closed her eyes.
But then Kangta pulled his face back. "I think we should be getting back." He said, patting her hand. They headed up the beach.
"Kangta! You dope! Why didn't you kiss her?" Asked Heejun. It was the next day, and Kangta had told HOT what had happenend on the beach.
"Yah," Tony said. "It seems to me that Seujen is really interested in you."
"You guys, I can't have a relationship, you know that." Kangta shook his head. "It's against the rules."
"Yah, but this isn't one of your fans Kangta," Heejun said. "This is Korea's best talent, you said so yourself."
"I know, and she is," Kangta said. "But I just can't have a relationship, I just can't." He wasn't about to get into the explanation of the real reason with them.
"You mean to tell me, that after all that, he didn't even kiss you? Not one lousy kiss?" Jenna and Seujen were having the same conversations.
"No," Seujen said, sighing. I guess he's not interested in me after all."
"Don't be ridiculous," Jenna said. "I think he's just shy. He'll get over it. Trust me."
"I don't know," Seujen replied. "I guess I'll just have to wait and find out."
* * * *
It had been almost four weeks since Seujen's vicious attack. Her debut was less than a week ago, and now she was backstage of the auditorium in Seoul.
"Stop pacing, you're going to be fine." Jenna said, watching Seujen walk across the room for the second time.
"I can't help it," Seujen said. "What if I trip onstage? What if my throat clogs up, what if…" Seujen nervously wrung her hands.
"You won't," Jenna said. "I have confidence in you. You'll do great."
"I believe in you too." Kangta said. He had come with Seujen to give her extra strength and courage.
Suddenly, the loudspeaker boomed, "We are pleased to bring forth Korea's newest talent. Chu Seujen!" the crowd began to cheer.
"Good luck!" Kangta said. "Knock them dead!"
Chapter 5
Seujen had never been more nervous in her life. She walked onstage, making sure not to trip, and bowed. When she sat down at the piano, her hands were shaking so hard; she could hardly keep them on the keys. She was horrified to hear her voice come out horse and strained. He face went red with embarrassment.
"BOO!" the crowd, cried. "Get her off the stage! Get her out of here!" the crowd continued to boo at Seujen.
One thing Seujen was told was to never walk off stage before she finished her song. She was to go through it no matter what, even if the crowd disapproved. But Seujen couldn't. She burst into tears and ran backstage.
"Seujen ya! Come back!" Jenna yelled. But Seujen was already out the door.
After she had run all she could, she sat down to rest against a tree. "I can't do it," She thought sadly. "I can't make myself anything in this life." She slowly got up and walked to the bridge. It was only ten at night, yet the area was deserted. She walked to the end of the bridge and looked down at the river underneath it.
"It's so calm looking, so peaceful," Seujen thought. "Why can't my life ever be like that?" A tear fell down her face and she looked around, checking for passer-bys. "But soon," she thought. "It will be." She took her left foot off the ledge…
Chapter 6
"Ohh," Moaned Seujen. She opened her eyes slightly and saw she was still on the bridge. Only, she felt someone holding her.
"Kangta! What are you doing here! How did you-" Seujen's head was throbbing so hard she had to stop and close her eyes.
"Shh," Kangta said. "You fell and hit your head. After you ran out, I went looking for you."
"But-but how did you get to me so fast?" Seujen's voice was becoming fainter and fainter.
"Shh, go to sleep," Kangta said. "Don't worry, I'll protect you, one way or another." And Seujen fell asleep.
"It was so weird," Seujen said. It was the next morning, and Jenna was over at Seujen's appartment. "I mean, how could he have gotten there so fast? I could have sworn there was no one there." The phone rang and Seujen ran to go pick it up.
"It's a good thing he got to you when he did," Jenna said. "He must have seen you from the distance, slam on the gas pedal, and come to your aid. What made you go that bridge anyway?"
"Uh, nothing," Seujen said. "I just needed some time to think, that's all." The phone was on it's fourth ring by the time Seujen answered it. "Yaba sayo?"
"Maybe Kangta sneaked up on you and pushed you from behind so you would fall into his waiting arms." Jenna teased. But her smile faded when she saw the expression on Seujen's face.
"What's wrong?" asked Jenna, alarmed.
"That was the C.R.A. Seujen said. "They've found out"
"Found out what? Seujen, I don't understand-" Jenna started to say before Seujen interupted.
"I'm illegal!" Seujen cried. "I never got a certificate of citizen for Korea! I'm not supposed to be here!" Seujen started crying real hard and she ran out the house.
"Aigo, why do these things always happen to me?" Seujen sighed and sat down in the sand. She had walked around all day, not knowing where she was going, and not caring where she was going. When she saw the sand and turf, she immediately walked onto the beach.
"Ohma, I don't know what to do anymore." Seujen said, looking at the sky. "I don't know if I can go on, I won't go back, never! I rather die than go back to him." Seujen brushed away her tears.
"Seujen ah," Someone said softly. Seujen turned around and saw Kangta standing behind her.
"Oh Kangta," Seujen said. "How is it you always know where I am?"
"I just had a feeling," Kangta said. "I heard what happened. Tell me, why did you never get your citizenship?"
"Seujen sighed. "It's a long story." And sat down to tell Kangta about her past.
"My mother died when I was very young," Seujen said. "I was only four. I'm an only child, and was left with a drunken father that would beat me and rape me almost every night. Sometimes, if he were really intoxicated, he would bind me to a chair with twine and put me in the attic. He would bind my hands so tight, that the circulation would stop. He would then leave me there all night, and in the morning come get me, yelling at me for playing such foolish games. He was always cursing the day I was born." Seujen paused and took a deep breath.
"I was always so different from other kids. My teachers made me see the counselor three days a week, but it did no good. They started to think that I was autistic or something, because I was always in my own world. All my schoolmates would start calling me handicap and retard. I never got through a day without papers being thrown in my face, or rocks being thrown at my body. It was a horrible way to live." Seujen began to cry softly.
"So I decided to run away." Seujen forced herself to go on. "I used to go to this little joint on the weekends, a nightclub. I met a really friendly man there. He's the one that taught me to play the piano and sing. He insisted that I sing in his nightclub a few evenings a week, for a little fast cash. As soon as I had saved enough money, I sought out to thank my friend and booked myself a flight to Korea." Seujen sighed again.
"I was only 17, not old enough to live legally on my own. But I was so scared to get the citizenship, because if I did, I would be sent back to where I lived." Seujen said. "So, with the leftover money I had, I bought an illegal security number and illegal citizenship. I had already had a fake passport made through some connections way before I left for Korea." Seujen paused.
"And so now I'm caught, and now I'm ready to die," Seujen said, crying real hard. "I rather die than go back to my drunken father!"
"Oh Seujen, I'm so sorry." Kangta began to stroke Seujen's hair.
"I don't have a lot of memories of my mom." Seujen said. "But I remember that her nickname for me was 'Star'. She said I was her shining star that she wished on. Her hope for the future."
Seujen looked up into Kangta's eyes. "Kangta, I'm so scared, what am I going to do?" She began to cry again.
"I don't know." Kangta said, standing up and walking away a little. His feelings for Seujen were growing so strong, they were becoming over-powering! "No," Kangta thought. " I can't do this to her, I can't lead her on like this, it wouldn't be right…"
"Kangta, I'm cold," Seujen said, shivering. "Please don't leave me, I need you near."
"I-I can't," Kangta said, looking away. "I just can't."
"Kangta-please," Seujen said. "I'm dealing with feelings I've never dealt with before, I don't know what I would have done without you here. Please Kangta, hold me. I'm cold." She began to shiver harder.
Kangta could take it no more. He took Seujen in his arms. This time, he kissed her. A long, passionate kiss. He wiped Seujens tears away, and put her hands through his. "We're going to get through this together. I promise you, I will take care of you." As Seujen closed her eyes, Kangta whispered, "I love you. I will always be with you and you will always be with me, in my heart and in my soul."
Chapter 7
Three days later, Seujen was back in her apartment. Kangta was working on getting her citizenship. "This is so weird," Seujen thought. "I feel so weird about our relationship, I think I'm starting to love him..." The phone rang, and Seujen went to pick it up. It was Kangta.
"Chilhyunnie!" Seujen squealed. "What happened? How's it going with my citizenship?"
"Uh, I don't know how to quite tell you this. It's bad news, well, not really…" Kangta's voice faded away.
"What? What Kangta?" Seujen asked. "What happened?"
"Your father has died," Kangta answered. "He passed away from a heart attack last night, the C.R.A just told me." Seujen dropped the phone.
* * * *
"I can't believe it! You finally got your citizenship!" Jenna hugged Seujen. It had been a long month for Seujen. When her father died, a hidden grant was found that was worth two thousand dollars, left to the survivors of the victim. It was more than enough to pay for a naturalization certificate for Seujen.
"I know, it's hard to believe." Seujen said. She wrapped the telephone cord around her fingers. "I never thought I would have gotten this far, of course, I owe most of it to Kangta." She picked up the picture they had taken together. "By the way, how goes it with you and Woohyuk?"
"Well, we've decided to just be friends," Jenna said.
"Oh Jen! I'm so sorry!" Seujen said.
"No, really, it's ok," Jenna said, laughing. "We've decided it's best to be friends…for now." She added.
"Well, that's good, you should keep all the friendships you can," Seujen said.
"At least you have Kangta," Jenna said. "Someone who will never leave you."
"Yah," Seujen said. She had a strange feeling all of a sudden. "Yah."
Seujen was having another dream. Her mother's figure once again appeared and walked up to Seujen.
"Seujen ah, you've been through so much, and I'm so sorry so much pain had to be caused." Her mother said.
"Ohma, it's not your fault." Seujen said.
"You are going to be such a great singer, and I'm so proud of you for how strong you've become," Her mother said. "But this will be the last time I'll be able to contact you, till we meet again, someplace better." Her mother turned away with tears in her eyes.
"But why Ohma?" Asked Seujen. "Why did you come at all?"
"You will soon find out," Her mother answered. "Goodbye Love, till we meet again." And Seujen was left alone in the field before waking up from her dream. She cried herself back to sleep.
Chapter 8
Once again, the auditorium was filled. This time, the crowd was cheering, "Chu Suejen! Chu Seujen!" The fans had finally accepted Seujen as a singer.
"You ready?" asked Kangta. All of HOT was there for Seujen's big night.
"Yes," Seujen said, with full confidence. "Yes I am."
The lights dimmed, and it was time for Seujen to make her appearance.
"Good luck!" squealed Jenna, giving Seujen a quick hug
"Break a leg!" Heejun said, winking.
As soon as Seujen left, Kangta took Heejun aside. "Tell Mr. Lee that I'll be unable stay in HOT." He said
"What! You're quitting HOT? Why?" Heejun asked.
"I'm sorry," Kangta said. "I have too many priorities to keep on going with a music life at the moment."
"Man, are you sure?" Heejun said. "Mr. Lee is gonna kill me!"
"I know, why do you think I want you to tell him for me?" Kangta smiled. I'm sure you'll be able to find someone else."
"What? Someone with your girlish looks? Yah right! You'll be hard to replace!" Heejun teased. "Seriously man, whatever you do, good luck, and HOT will have your back."
"Yah." Chorused the rest of HOT. "We love you man!"
"You guys are too much," Kangta said, laughing. "But seriously, I better be getting going. It's been great being able to work with you guys. I'll never forget you." Kangta said. "And Woohyuk, be good to Jenny will you? And watch Seujen for me."
"I will." Woohyuk said. With that, Kangta walked out the door.
Seujen walked out onstage, wearing a simple white dress, hair down, shaping her face. "Ohma, this one is for you." She thought, looking out at the crowd yelling, chanting her name. Camera lights were flashing everywhere, and she bowed to the audience.
"This song," Seujen said, sitting down at the piano. "Is not just dedicated to my mom, but to a special someone in my life. These words were written just for him." And Seujen started her song.
"So tired of the street life. That everywhere you turn there's vultures and thieves at your back. Storm keeps on twisting, keeps on billowing the lies, that you make up for all that you left. It don't make no difference, escaping one last time. It's easier to believe. In this sweet madness, all this glorious sadness, that brings me to my knees. In the arms of the angel, far away from here. From this dark cold hotel, and the endlessness that you feel. You were brought from the wreckage of you silent reverie. In the arms of the angel, may you find….some comfort here."
Seujen's clear voice projected throughout the auditorium, and everyone fell silent in awe, taking in her beautiful voice.
As Seujen was singing, she saw Kangta appear out of nowhere. He was standing in the back, and no one appeared to notice he was there. The glow that Seujen had seen before was around him. "That's funny," Seujen thought. "How did they get the lights to illuminate him like that?" Seujen decided to concentrate on her music than wonder about it.
Kangta watched Seujen perform. Her hair fell in her face, covering her left eye. The way her hands flew over the piano reminded Kangta of the first day he had met Seujen, the first day he was taken by her sweet voice. "I've done all I could," Kangta thought sadly. "The time has come."
When Seujen finished her song, she was rewarded with a cheering crowd. She stood up and bowed deeply. When she looked up, she saw Kangta still standing there. Down his face fell a single, solitary tear.
"Goodbye Love, till we meet again." Kangta whispered. He turned and started to walk away. Again, no one appeared to notice. As he walked away, the glowing light around him began to dim, until it could be seen no more.
* * * *
"Are you sure he didn't tell you where he was going? Or where he would be?" Seujen asked.
"No, nothing," Mr. Lee sighed. "I don't understand. How could he just give up on his career like that?"
"He must have had his reasons," Seujen reassured, more for herself than Mr. Lee. "Thank you Mr. Lee. Ahnyoung." And Seujen hung up the phone.
"Why would he suddenly leave like that?" Wondered Seujen. She was walking on the bridge again, to the spot where Kangta had held her. "Where could he had gone?" Tears began falling down Seujen's face.
She began to think about the dreams with her mother. "Why did you come in the first place?" "You'll soon find out." Her mother answered.
Then it hit her. The bright light around Kangta in the auditorium, the shadowy figure in her dream…it must mean- "No," Seujen said. "It can't be." But it was.
Her mother had sent Kangta to protect her. He was her guardian angel. That explained why he always seemed to be where she was. That was why her mother was reaching out to her.
"Oh wow," Seujen thought. "Ohma must have known I would need some guidance and protection to keep going on with my life." She sat down against a tree.
"Oh Kangta! How could you leave me! No wonder you were afraid to love me! You didn't want to hurt me! Oh, if I'd only known!" She began to cry.
But then, Seujen remembered the words that Kangta had whispered in her ears, the night that he held her in his arms. "I love you. I will always be with you and you will always be with me. In my heart and in my soul." The same words of her mother.
Just as Seujen was wondering if these words were true, the trees began to sway and beckon to her gently. The wind whistled softly and swept through Seujen's hair, drying her tears. Seujen smiled.