Say I Love U / Chapter 7 (Part 2)
Yoona opened the doors to her father’s office with a bated breath. The air was stale around her, the strong scent of books piled up together and dust fleeting around consuming her senses. Her father had been in the hospital for longer than they had originally expected and as a result his office hadn’t been opened for a while now. That is, except for when the cleaning lady came to air out the room every four days.
She stepped into the room and headed towards the desk without much as a look back at the man accompanying her. It was difficult enough to breathe in such a stare aired room, but seeing Donghae again was simply too much for her heart.
“The only documents left here are for the DeViza and Langley accounts. I heard from Uncle Jung that the company would be approving those deals this week so I’m guessing these are the files you need.” Yoona said, pulling out a large attaché envelope and setting it on the table. Donghae nodded absentmindedly, somewhat distracted and she figured it was because of all the books scattered around and the pictures adorned all over the walls.
Her father was a meticulous man for the most part, neat and careful when it came to company and business, but his home office gave away another story. There were family photos scattered all over the walls; some taken with his own family while growing up but most with the family he formed in his adulthood-with him, her, her sister and... Yoona’s eyes softened at the large photograph of his parents gazing lovingly at each other over at the top of the small fireplace.
“Your father really is a family man, isn’t he?” He said, his voice drifting across the room so suddenly it surprised her. Donghae’s eyes were on her all of a sudden that she didn’t think to look away from his gaze when their eyes met. “He’s usually all business at the office... but here... President Im really is a big softie.”
She looked away, nodding her head to appear nonchalant - even though her heart was racing by his proximity and the scent of his cologne. It didn’t help that he still spoke and smiled in the same sweet way he’d always done when they were together; she had to stop herself from reaching out and tucking his collar in the way she used to. This was cruel and unusual torture for Yoona, and she wondered vaguely if she’d done something wrong to deserve it.
“Yes, well...” She tucked her hair behind her ear and turned away, picking up the documents on the table. Yoona held them out for him patiently, trying hard not to look at him for too long because it hurt too much to see him before her and not have things the same way ever again. “This is all you came here for, right? The documents are here... you should go.”
Donghae made no motion to move from his position and instead stared at her from where he was. His lips curled into a soft smile - they looked a little apologetic and sad, but perhaps she was just imagining it. He had no right to be sad for her; after all he’d already ended their relationship and walked away months ago. Yoona definitely did not need his pity... and come to think of it, she didn’t need him to be around any longer in her home either.
She opened her mouth to speak, to gently ask him to leave (before she lost her breath and fall in love with him all over again); only he’d beaten her to it. With another one of those easy grins she loved - no, damn it - used to love so much, he tilted his head slightly to the side and spoke,
“Are you seeing someone new, Yoona?” Donghae grinned at her fully when her eyes slowly widened at his question. “You must be, huh? You had that look on your face earlier when you opened the door - that kind of dreamy lost look you get when you’re thinking of something worthwhile. He must be a good guy.”
“Hyoyeon told you?” Yoona asked, surprised that he’d even think to ask that particular question. She figured someone had told him - and her thoughts immediately drifted to her best friend and confidant.
Hyoyeon had always been the one with a backup plan up her sleeve and Yoona had a fair inkling that telling Eunhyuk was a part of one of her plans. As to why her best friend would do such a thing escaped her, but she trusted Hyoyeon to know what tactic would work and what won’t. Telling Eunhyuk was the first step - there was no way in heck that Hyoyeon would talk directly to Donghae after what had happened between them, but if he knew that she was seeing someone then it only meant she’d told his best friend who’d eventually told him about it. Eunhyuk probably already knew how much Hyoyeon disliked seeing her hurt, but he was also loyal to Donghae too... and well, that was probably Hyoyeon’s point, right? Yoona couldn’t very well expect him to keep her relationship with Changmin a secret to his best friend (especially since they’d already been broken up for weeks now and it was only natural to be seeing someone new at her age, right?).
Oh well. Although technically her association with Changmin was far from romantic, Donghae didn’t know that and there was no need to tell him that bit either. Yoona seriously hoped whatever Hyoyeon had planned would work... even though she couldn’t be sure if she knew exactly what kind of outcome she was hoping for.
Gosh. What would Changmin say write if he knew what she was thinking right now? Would he just stare at her if he were there to witness her exchange with Donghae? Would he have a song for this moment too?
And onto an even more important matter, why was she thinking of even telling Changmin about this? Why would he have to know? For all accounts, this surprise meeting with Lee Donghae will not be spoken of ever again if Yoona could help it. She’d breathe not a word of this to anyone. Ever. Not even to Hyoyeon (not unless he tells and Hyoyeon decides to beat her).
“So you are seeing someone? Who is it?” Donghae asked, not really answering her first question and cutting right to the chase. Yoona regarded him with a look and took a deep breath when she saw nothing but curiosity fitting across his features. She was a little disappointed. There was no jealousy in his tone or on the happy-go-lucky expression on his face. (Not that she’d hoped for him to be jealous but it would have been nice.)
Donghae wasn’t that type of guy anyway. He rarely left things with regrets and it seemed that she was no exception. He was clearly over her even before they’d broken up. And thinking just that hurt more than Yoona wanted it to.
“His name is Shim Changmin. I met him a few weeks ago at the hospital while he was visiting his sister,” she replied, her lips lifting into a smile even though her heart felt like ripping itself out of her chest. She hoped her smile wasn’t as phony as she felt it to be. “He’s a little quiet but that’s just one of the things I like about him most.”
“That’s good. I’m glad you found someone you like.” Donghae said, smiling softly. He reached up to scratch his nape absentmindedly and looked at her with a caring expression. Yoona felt her insides curl and flutter, just as it always had whenever Donghae looked at her like that - like she mattered more than anything. He continued with an apologetic smile, “I was afraid you’d have given up on the male species after what I had done to you. I didn’t want that to tarnish your view on loving someone.”
Just how long was he going to torture her with his presence anyway? He’d come for some documents and now he had them - what was he still doing here? She felt her lungs start to constrict and she held a gasp in for air. She had to get out of there...
“Oh, you know... there’s bound to be someone out there for me,” Yoona said nonchalantly, doing her best to stay calm and sweet without giving anything away. “Anyway, are those files all you need? Because I really have to check on my dad before I have to meet Changmin for dinner so...”
That was a pathetic lie, because she didn’t really have to meet Changmin till later - but still, that was the point, right? She couldn’t be standing there with her ex-boyfriend and feeling all sorts of things when at the same time she’d also been thinking about her current (pretend) boyfriend too. It didn’t make sense at all, not in any angle she chose to look at it from. Yoona knew her feelings for Donghae were not likely to disappear in a few months’ time - not when she’d loved him for two years and thought of no one else to spend the rest of her life with - but they were broken up and he was clearly happy with his decision. It was only reasonable for her to do the same and focus on more important things - like her father’s health and graduating.
“Of course. I don’t want to keep you away from your schedule any longer. I have to get back as well anyway,” Donghae said, nodding his head in understanding (he must have caught the lie in her tone but thankfully said nothing) and stepped aside to let her pass through the door before shortly following after her. He shrugged as he edged towards the front door, folding the envelope and folder under his arm nonchalantly. “I’m sorry if I took too much of your time. I guess I had wanted to see how you were too, you know? Since we hadn’t really spoken in a long time...”
Yoona shook her head slowly, smiling as nicely as she could before she felt the need for tears to start falling and embarrassing her fully. “Well, you’ve been away on business and I’ve been busy with my dad and school so...”
“That and we broke up...” He added, finishing the thought she’d wanted to say but didn’t have the heart to speak out loud. She nodded her head at the statement and lamely shrugged, feeling awkward all of the sudden in her shoes. This was one of those moments she wanted to avoid: the awkward talk about the break-up. They weren’t ready yet to venture into that topic, and not that Yoona would ever allow herself to be okay about it anytime soon... but maybe when she truly got over him. Maybe.
Regardless of the awkward air, Donghae reached over to pat her on the head; she was sure he had meant it to be a reassuring pat but it had lingered a little longer than it should and she pulled away almost immediately once she realized this. “That too,” Yoona agreed, her smile faltering just a bit as he looked back at her apologetically.
Suddenly her phone began to ring and vibrate inside her pocket with a ringtone she instantly recognized was distinctly her father’s. Feeling a sense of relief wash over her, she fished her phone out of her pocket and excused herself from whatever Donghae was just about to say at that moment, Yoona answered the call with a light tone she reserved for her father alone:
“Hi, dad. Is something the matter?”
“No, no - I’m alright. There’s no emergency, dear...” her father said, his voice energized for some reason. He paused for a second and dread crept into her thoughts ever so slightly as she waited before he continued speaking, “I just wanted to call and tell you that I’ve met your boyfriend.”
“What?!”
Yoona suddenly felt like dropping her phone and stomping on it as the words hit her ear. Met your boyfriend? Changmin? Now? No! He wasn’t supposed to meet Changmin till they talked about it! How did this happen?! Her thoughts burst and collided in her head as she fought to stay calm after her momentary outburst. She glanced around her (Donghae had winced at her shriek and was looking at her strangely now - she waved him off) and took a deep breath. “Dad... please do not tell me you’re doing that “Big-FBI-Daddy” thing you’ve always wanted to do and interrogating him in a darkly lit cell...”
“No, I did not interrogate him FBI-style, dear. I’m wearing a patient’s gown for goodness’ sake! Her father laughed through the phone and she instantly felt a wave of relief knowing that open laughter meant nothing bad had happened. Yet. “Do you really think that a man wearing half a dress would intimidate him?”
“Who knows, Dad? You can be pretty scary.” Yoona replied easily, smiling despite herself. “Exactly how long have you been keeping Changmin hostage? I think I might have to save him from you now.”
“I’m not that scary, dear. But if you’re going to come here now then that would be best.”
“Alright, I’ll see you in a bit.” She said, nodding to herself before clicking off the call with a sigh. Donghae let out a short chuckle beside her and she turned to him with an eyebrow raised, suddenly remembering that she was not alone and that he was in her presence. A familiar thump rushed into her chest and she frowned to herself before rolling her eyes and turning away just as her cheeks began to blush furiously. The look he gave her was easy enough to understand - it was a play at trying to look innocent while at the same time teasing the other person to something or someone they don’t ever want to admit to liking. It was a childish look, elementary children made those whenever they yelled ‘cooties’ - but it looked sportingly fresh on him, and it was at that moment that she wished things were back to how it was.
When it was the two of them - Yoona and Donghae, Donghae and Yoona - and they were happy.
We were happy, weren’t we? Yoona thought vaguely as she picked up her car keys and started towards the door. Donghae followed her silently, still chuckling to himself and unaware of what was going on in her head. We were in love with each other, right? At least for a while?
The thoughts were pitiful in her head and she silently scolded herself for being so... She shook her head and sighed softly. There was no point in wondering now - that would only make her feel even more pathetic than she already was. No matter how much she missed him, it couldn’t change that fact that they were over, he had moved on and she... well, Yoona was moving on as best she could. Although not conventionally... but at least she tried.
“I’m going to go visit my Dad now. You got everything you need, right?” Yoona asked again, avoiding to look at him one more time before she truly caved. The sooner he left the better, and maybe then she could breathe normally again.
Donghae simply nodded and turned towards his car parked in front of the driveway. He gave her a half-wave before slipping into the front seat and starting the car. He grinned at her just as he pulled out onto the curb, “When your dad gets back from the hospital, you should throw him a party. I know a lot of the senior partners would want to celebrate his coming back to the company again.”
“I’ll think about it.” Yoona replied as he started to drive away, his hand waving just out of the window and her heart finally settling into a calming beat. And then, he was gone.
A tear rolled down her cheek without meaning to and she wiped it away. She shouldn’t have to think about it anymore.
We were happy, weren’t we?
Author's Note: I know it took too long. I'm sorry... but anyway, enjoy! Thank you for supporting this fic, nonetheless in my absence. I'm working on a lot of new stuff right now that I think some of you might like. ♥ I'll be back again for more soon!
She stepped into the room and headed towards the desk without much as a look back at the man accompanying her. It was difficult enough to breathe in such a stare aired room, but seeing Donghae again was simply too much for her heart.
“The only documents left here are for the DeViza and Langley accounts. I heard from Uncle Jung that the company would be approving those deals this week so I’m guessing these are the files you need.” Yoona said, pulling out a large attaché envelope and setting it on the table. Donghae nodded absentmindedly, somewhat distracted and she figured it was because of all the books scattered around and the pictures adorned all over the walls.
Her father was a meticulous man for the most part, neat and careful when it came to company and business, but his home office gave away another story. There were family photos scattered all over the walls; some taken with his own family while growing up but most with the family he formed in his adulthood-with him, her, her sister and... Yoona’s eyes softened at the large photograph of his parents gazing lovingly at each other over at the top of the small fireplace.
“Your father really is a family man, isn’t he?” He said, his voice drifting across the room so suddenly it surprised her. Donghae’s eyes were on her all of a sudden that she didn’t think to look away from his gaze when their eyes met. “He’s usually all business at the office... but here... President Im really is a big softie.”
She looked away, nodding her head to appear nonchalant - even though her heart was racing by his proximity and the scent of his cologne. It didn’t help that he still spoke and smiled in the same sweet way he’d always done when they were together; she had to stop herself from reaching out and tucking his collar in the way she used to. This was cruel and unusual torture for Yoona, and she wondered vaguely if she’d done something wrong to deserve it.
“Yes, well...” She tucked her hair behind her ear and turned away, picking up the documents on the table. Yoona held them out for him patiently, trying hard not to look at him for too long because it hurt too much to see him before her and not have things the same way ever again. “This is all you came here for, right? The documents are here... you should go.”
Donghae made no motion to move from his position and instead stared at her from where he was. His lips curled into a soft smile - they looked a little apologetic and sad, but perhaps she was just imagining it. He had no right to be sad for her; after all he’d already ended their relationship and walked away months ago. Yoona definitely did not need his pity... and come to think of it, she didn’t need him to be around any longer in her home either.
She opened her mouth to speak, to gently ask him to leave (before she lost her breath and fall in love with him all over again); only he’d beaten her to it. With another one of those easy grins she loved - no, damn it - used to love so much, he tilted his head slightly to the side and spoke,
“Are you seeing someone new, Yoona?” Donghae grinned at her fully when her eyes slowly widened at his question. “You must be, huh? You had that look on your face earlier when you opened the door - that kind of dreamy lost look you get when you’re thinking of something worthwhile. He must be a good guy.”
“Hyoyeon told you?” Yoona asked, surprised that he’d even think to ask that particular question. She figured someone had told him - and her thoughts immediately drifted to her best friend and confidant.
Hyoyeon had always been the one with a backup plan up her sleeve and Yoona had a fair inkling that telling Eunhyuk was a part of one of her plans. As to why her best friend would do such a thing escaped her, but she trusted Hyoyeon to know what tactic would work and what won’t. Telling Eunhyuk was the first step - there was no way in heck that Hyoyeon would talk directly to Donghae after what had happened between them, but if he knew that she was seeing someone then it only meant she’d told his best friend who’d eventually told him about it. Eunhyuk probably already knew how much Hyoyeon disliked seeing her hurt, but he was also loyal to Donghae too... and well, that was probably Hyoyeon’s point, right? Yoona couldn’t very well expect him to keep her relationship with Changmin a secret to his best friend (especially since they’d already been broken up for weeks now and it was only natural to be seeing someone new at her age, right?).
Oh well. Although technically her association with Changmin was far from romantic, Donghae didn’t know that and there was no need to tell him that bit either. Yoona seriously hoped whatever Hyoyeon had planned would work... even though she couldn’t be sure if she knew exactly what kind of outcome she was hoping for.
Gosh. What would Changmin say write if he knew what she was thinking right now? Would he just stare at her if he were there to witness her exchange with Donghae? Would he have a song for this moment too?
And onto an even more important matter, why was she thinking of even telling Changmin about this? Why would he have to know? For all accounts, this surprise meeting with Lee Donghae will not be spoken of ever again if Yoona could help it. She’d breathe not a word of this to anyone. Ever. Not even to Hyoyeon (not unless he tells and Hyoyeon decides to beat her).
“So you are seeing someone? Who is it?” Donghae asked, not really answering her first question and cutting right to the chase. Yoona regarded him with a look and took a deep breath when she saw nothing but curiosity fitting across his features. She was a little disappointed. There was no jealousy in his tone or on the happy-go-lucky expression on his face. (Not that she’d hoped for him to be jealous but it would have been nice.)
Donghae wasn’t that type of guy anyway. He rarely left things with regrets and it seemed that she was no exception. He was clearly over her even before they’d broken up. And thinking just that hurt more than Yoona wanted it to.
“His name is Shim Changmin. I met him a few weeks ago at the hospital while he was visiting his sister,” she replied, her lips lifting into a smile even though her heart felt like ripping itself out of her chest. She hoped her smile wasn’t as phony as she felt it to be. “He’s a little quiet but that’s just one of the things I like about him most.”
“That’s good. I’m glad you found someone you like.” Donghae said, smiling softly. He reached up to scratch his nape absentmindedly and looked at her with a caring expression. Yoona felt her insides curl and flutter, just as it always had whenever Donghae looked at her like that - like she mattered more than anything. He continued with an apologetic smile, “I was afraid you’d have given up on the male species after what I had done to you. I didn’t want that to tarnish your view on loving someone.”
Just how long was he going to torture her with his presence anyway? He’d come for some documents and now he had them - what was he still doing here? She felt her lungs start to constrict and she held a gasp in for air. She had to get out of there...
“Oh, you know... there’s bound to be someone out there for me,” Yoona said nonchalantly, doing her best to stay calm and sweet without giving anything away. “Anyway, are those files all you need? Because I really have to check on my dad before I have to meet Changmin for dinner so...”
That was a pathetic lie, because she didn’t really have to meet Changmin till later - but still, that was the point, right? She couldn’t be standing there with her ex-boyfriend and feeling all sorts of things when at the same time she’d also been thinking about her current (pretend) boyfriend too. It didn’t make sense at all, not in any angle she chose to look at it from. Yoona knew her feelings for Donghae were not likely to disappear in a few months’ time - not when she’d loved him for two years and thought of no one else to spend the rest of her life with - but they were broken up and he was clearly happy with his decision. It was only reasonable for her to do the same and focus on more important things - like her father’s health and graduating.
“Of course. I don’t want to keep you away from your schedule any longer. I have to get back as well anyway,” Donghae said, nodding his head in understanding (he must have caught the lie in her tone but thankfully said nothing) and stepped aside to let her pass through the door before shortly following after her. He shrugged as he edged towards the front door, folding the envelope and folder under his arm nonchalantly. “I’m sorry if I took too much of your time. I guess I had wanted to see how you were too, you know? Since we hadn’t really spoken in a long time...”
Yoona shook her head slowly, smiling as nicely as she could before she felt the need for tears to start falling and embarrassing her fully. “Well, you’ve been away on business and I’ve been busy with my dad and school so...”
“That and we broke up...” He added, finishing the thought she’d wanted to say but didn’t have the heart to speak out loud. She nodded her head at the statement and lamely shrugged, feeling awkward all of the sudden in her shoes. This was one of those moments she wanted to avoid: the awkward talk about the break-up. They weren’t ready yet to venture into that topic, and not that Yoona would ever allow herself to be okay about it anytime soon... but maybe when she truly got over him. Maybe.
Regardless of the awkward air, Donghae reached over to pat her on the head; she was sure he had meant it to be a reassuring pat but it had lingered a little longer than it should and she pulled away almost immediately once she realized this. “That too,” Yoona agreed, her smile faltering just a bit as he looked back at her apologetically.
Suddenly her phone began to ring and vibrate inside her pocket with a ringtone she instantly recognized was distinctly her father’s. Feeling a sense of relief wash over her, she fished her phone out of her pocket and excused herself from whatever Donghae was just about to say at that moment, Yoona answered the call with a light tone she reserved for her father alone:
“Hi, dad. Is something the matter?”
“No, no - I’m alright. There’s no emergency, dear...” her father said, his voice energized for some reason. He paused for a second and dread crept into her thoughts ever so slightly as she waited before he continued speaking, “I just wanted to call and tell you that I’ve met your boyfriend.”
“What?!”
Yoona suddenly felt like dropping her phone and stomping on it as the words hit her ear. Met your boyfriend? Changmin? Now? No! He wasn’t supposed to meet Changmin till they talked about it! How did this happen?! Her thoughts burst and collided in her head as she fought to stay calm after her momentary outburst. She glanced around her (Donghae had winced at her shriek and was looking at her strangely now - she waved him off) and took a deep breath. “Dad... please do not tell me you’re doing that “Big-FBI-Daddy” thing you’ve always wanted to do and interrogating him in a darkly lit cell...”
“No, I did not interrogate him FBI-style, dear. I’m wearing a patient’s gown for goodness’ sake! Her father laughed through the phone and she instantly felt a wave of relief knowing that open laughter meant nothing bad had happened. Yet. “Do you really think that a man wearing half a dress would intimidate him?”
“Who knows, Dad? You can be pretty scary.” Yoona replied easily, smiling despite herself. “Exactly how long have you been keeping Changmin hostage? I think I might have to save him from you now.”
“I’m not that scary, dear. But if you’re going to come here now then that would be best.”
“Alright, I’ll see you in a bit.” She said, nodding to herself before clicking off the call with a sigh. Donghae let out a short chuckle beside her and she turned to him with an eyebrow raised, suddenly remembering that she was not alone and that he was in her presence. A familiar thump rushed into her chest and she frowned to herself before rolling her eyes and turning away just as her cheeks began to blush furiously. The look he gave her was easy enough to understand - it was a play at trying to look innocent while at the same time teasing the other person to something or someone they don’t ever want to admit to liking. It was a childish look, elementary children made those whenever they yelled ‘cooties’ - but it looked sportingly fresh on him, and it was at that moment that she wished things were back to how it was.
When it was the two of them - Yoona and Donghae, Donghae and Yoona - and they were happy.
We were happy, weren’t we? Yoona thought vaguely as she picked up her car keys and started towards the door. Donghae followed her silently, still chuckling to himself and unaware of what was going on in her head. We were in love with each other, right? At least for a while?
The thoughts were pitiful in her head and she silently scolded herself for being so... She shook her head and sighed softly. There was no point in wondering now - that would only make her feel even more pathetic than she already was. No matter how much she missed him, it couldn’t change that fact that they were over, he had moved on and she... well, Yoona was moving on as best she could. Although not conventionally... but at least she tried.
“I’m going to go visit my Dad now. You got everything you need, right?” Yoona asked again, avoiding to look at him one more time before she truly caved. The sooner he left the better, and maybe then she could breathe normally again.
Donghae simply nodded and turned towards his car parked in front of the driveway. He gave her a half-wave before slipping into the front seat and starting the car. He grinned at her just as he pulled out onto the curb, “When your dad gets back from the hospital, you should throw him a party. I know a lot of the senior partners would want to celebrate his coming back to the company again.”
“I’ll think about it.” Yoona replied as he started to drive away, his hand waving just out of the window and her heart finally settling into a calming beat. And then, he was gone.
A tear rolled down her cheek without meaning to and she wiped it away. She shouldn’t have to think about it anymore.
We were happy, weren’t we?
Author's Note: I know it took too long. I'm sorry... but anyway, enjoy! Thank you for supporting this fic, nonetheless in my absence. I'm working on a lot of new stuff right now that I think some of you might like. ♥ I'll be back again for more soon!