Because It's You - Hwang Inyeop

Twelve

Night came and Ji-hoon is waiting for them in the lobby of the hotel. Both Mina and Hee-soon went out of the elevator chatting with each other. Ji-hoon cannot take his eyes off of Hee-soon upon seeing her. She is wearing a simple knee-length beige-colored summer dress and is barely wearing makeup.

"Hi, Mr. Lee," Mina waved at Ji-hoon upon seeing him. Ji-hoon stood up and approached the two girls. "Did you wait long?"

"Not really," he answered with a smile. "You look good." Ji-hoon was not able to stop himself from saying what's on his mind and that made Mina suspicious of her supervisor's action towards her friend.

"Both of you are," Ji-hoon immediately added when he noticed the look Mina is giving him. "Let's go." He said and walked ahead of them. Mina discreetly elbowed Hee-soon and whispered at her.

"Does Mr. Lee know you have a boyfriend?" Mina whispered as they follow Ji-hoon. As far as Hee-soon knows, Ji-hoon thinks that she's only friends with In-youp.

"No, he doesn't," Hee-soon answered.

"I think you should," Mina said and shook her head as she stares at their supervisor's back.

"What? Our supervisor is too busy to care about our private lives, Mina," Hee-soon chuckled.

Mina rolled her eyes at how naive her friend is. "Read between the lines, bestie." Hee-soon gave her a confused look.

"Do you want to eat dinner first before we check the venue?" Ji-hoon asked as he turned to them. Both of the girls nodded in agreement. They ate at an open space restaurant near the hotel and they enjoyed the dinner since Mina is with them. Mina is such a blabbermouth which made their conversation fun.

Hee-soon and Mina secretly ordered cake in the cafe part of the restaurant to celebrate Ji-hoon's birthday. This made Ji-hoon happy. He's contented that he got the chance to celebrate his birthday together with the girl he's starting to love being around with.

"Thank you for the dinner, Mr. Lee. We already owe you a lot," Mina thanked Ji-hoon when they went out of the restaurant. "You've been spoiling both of us." Mina smiled and suspiciously and discreetly looked at Hee-soon because she knows that the reason behind Ji-hoon's kindness is because he likes her friend.

"Don't mention it. Take it as a token of appreciation for doing a good job with the dramas you've been editing so far," Ji-hoon smiled and they all started walking to the seminar venue. "Thank you for celebrating my birthday."

The venue is just near the hotel they are staying and that is the reason why Ji-hoon chose the place to stay in.

Mina spotted a vendor of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings at the side of the street and she excused herself to check it out. She told them that she'll just catch up to them after buying a pair of earrings. "Your friend is so energetic," Ji-hoon said as they both look back at Mina.

"She is," Hee-soon chuckled.

"She is already cheerful before but I have never seen her so energetic. You've brought out the best in her," Ji-hoon said as she looks at Hee-soon. "I am amazed how you bring out different sides in people. Just like what you did to me."

Hee-soon stares at him with confusion as they continue walking. Ji-hoon continues. "I was a person who normally does not appreciate small things but when you gave me this watch," he raised his wrist to show her the watch she gave him. "I felt too much sincerity and started appreciating little things."

"I'm glad," Hee-soon smiled at Ji-hoon's confession. Never in her life did she feel that she has worth and what Ji-hoon said made her heart full of contentment. Ji-hoon suddenly held her hand and lightly squeeze it.

"It was the best decision I made to bring you to my department," he said as he stared deep into Hee-soon's eyes.

"I would appreciate it if you'll get your hands off my girlfriend." Both Hee-soon and Ji-hoon turned their heads to where the voice came from. It was In-youp and as usual, since he is out in the open, he is wearing a black cap and black face mask.

Hee-soon was shocked upon seeing In-youp and remained frozen in her spot. She saw In-youp looked down on their hands and when she tried to pull it from Ji-hoon's grip, Ji-hoon refused. "Girlfriend?" Ji-hoon asked giving In-youp his cocky stare.

"Mr. Lee, I --" Hee-soon tried to explain but In-youp is quick to walk near them and grab her other hand.

"I said let go," In-youp firmly said, through gritted teeth. Even though In-youp is already showing signs that he is annoyed at what he is seeing, Ji-hoon remained stubborn and held on to Hee-soon's hand.

"What if I don't?" He challenged. Just when In-youp is about to punch Ji-hoon on his face, Mina arrived.

"Look what I have bought, guys," she said as she was excited to show them the pair of earrings she bought. "Omo! What's happening?" Mina asked in confusion upon seeing Ji-hoon and another person holding Hee-soon's hands. It seems like they are having a tug of war. Upon realizing what is happening, Mina brought her hands up to cover her mouth.

"Hee-soon's boyfriend?" She gasped as she pointed In-youp. She stared at the tall guy and her eyes turned to slits, trying to remember where she had already seen him. "Hwang In-youp?" She immediately covered her mouth when her voice raised a little upon remembering where she had seen the guy. Mina was so baffled upon learning that Hee-soon's boyfriend is the rising star Hwang In-youp.

"Both of you let go," Hee-soon pulled her hands from their grip. She then grabbed In-youp's hand and decided to drag him away from the scene for she doesn't want to draw attention from the people passing by.

"That's right, run away. Runaway like what you did the last time," Ji-hoon said which made In-youp stop from walking. He furiously stared at Ji-hoon.

"What the hell are you talking about?" He said and walked towards Ji-hoon but Hee-soon tightly grip his hands and pulled him away.

"Acting innocent, aren't we?" Ji-hoon gave him an annoyed and cocky chuckle. "A-yeong Lee." In-youp froze from his spot upon hearing the name. Ji-hoon walked towards In-youp and stood in front of him, face to face.

"I bet you remember my sister's name. The name of the person you killed," Ji-hoon said and now he is matching In-youp's furious stare. In-youp roughly pulled his hand from Hee-soon's grip and grabbed the collar of Ji-hoon's shirt.

"I was not the reason behind it!" He said with so much anger. Upon hearing what In-youp said, Ji-hoon's anger hiked up and punched In-youp on his face causing In-youp to fall on the ground. Hee-soon immediately knelt beside In-youp and looked up at Ji-hoon.

"That's enough!" She said and helped In-youp stand. "This is not the right place to vent out your anger," Hee-soon told Ji-hoon. She knows how Ji-hoon feels right now but he did not have to go to this extent.

"Isn't he Ji-hoon Lee? The notable film editor?" One of the people from the crowd whispered.

"You're right! Who is the other person?" The other person whispered.

Hee-soon noticed that some people are already crowding them and she silently hoped that no one recognizes In-youp. So she grabbed In-youp's hand and dragged him to the hotel they are staying, leaving Mina and Ji-hoon in the scene.