SETTLING DIFFERENCES
PRINCE YOUNG GI TAK
I felt terrible about what happened. She wouldn't even allow me to explain myself, she just stomped out of the ball room.
I sat in my car as I looked through the driving mirror, I saw her ran towards her dorm with Ga In and Sandra following behind.
It's messed up, everything is messed up.
I couldn't sleep that night, I felt restless and helpless as I tossed from one side of the bed to the other, how she talked to me with resentment in her eyes.
I was such a fool to keep the call on when Hyang Jun came in, she was on the line and she thought everything was planned.
We were actually talking about Hannah, we planned on setting her up on a date with me but then Hoo Nan heard the conversation and thought it was her.
Well … I actually asked Hannah to be my date at the ball before after asking Hoo Nan, not that I wanted her to be my date but it was one of Hyang Jun's prank just to get back at her for bullying the first years. We all know the effect I have on her and she was glad and accepted immediately. I actually called to inform he that I'm sorry and that I got another person for my date.
I just don't understand why Tae Jun had to send her a gift card asking her to be his date for the ball.
I walked into the kitchen as I heard the sound of flowing water and behold, there stood Tae Jun with a glass of water.
" Oh you're awake?" He asked.
" Yeah..." I replied as I sat on one of the chairs.
" What's keeping you up?" He asked and I chuckled.
" Are you telling me you have no idea?"
" Wait...is it because of the newbie?"
" Yeah, I've been wondering about why you asked her to the ball after the incident that happened between you two. Why did you do that?"
" I just wanted the other students to stop humiliating her. I thought if she had being my date…then the other students would believe I am not in any bad terms with her." He replied and gulped down the rest of the water.
" I thought you asked Yeon Ah."
"I wanted to but then she had to leave for Busan for royal matters."
"So Hoo Nan was your second option?" I asked and he shrugged.
" We both know you don't like her because of her sassiness and that she stood up against you." That was Hyang Jun, he walked towards us in his white shirt and banana pajama shorts.
" Yeah I'll admit I don't like her even a little. She's got this ego and pride I detest." Tae Jun said and I looked at him, supporting my chin with both hands with my elbows where on the table.
" So you were just giving me excuses right, you made sure to ask her too after realizing I told you I wanted to go to the ball with her and then coincidentally you brought up the topic about Hannah when you knew I was on the phone with her, then Hyang replied you with the question he asked. I'm I right?"
" Exactly…by the way how did you figure it out this quick?" Tae Jun asked me and I shook my head sideways.
" You really are mean aren't you?" I asked and he smiled.
"You can't blame me for being real." He said with a smirk.
" Of course I am when it comes to Sassy Ladies. They don't stand a chance." He added and I just couldn't believe him.
" I'm your brother for crying out loud, why didn't you use another way to get her. I mean, because of what you did, I couldn't even enjoy the ball." I explained.
" Man, I'm truly sorry and I'm being sincere. I'll admit my hate for her made me do that but I didn't mean to hurt you in anyway. I should've thought twice before taking that step. I hope you will forgive me." He said with all sincerity.
" Look how he is all sincere when it comes to apologies." Hyang said with a chuckle.
" Sure…I'll let this pass because my Hyeong(elder brother) doesn't like thinking at all." I said and he punched me on the shoulder.
" By the way do you like that girl?" both of them asked with a chorus.
" Oh no no… it's not like that. I just don't want to loose the friendship between us."
"You two are already friends?" Tae Jun asked with surprise and I nodded.
" You are one hell of a Playboy and saying you two are just friends… something smells fishy." Hyang said to me and I hit the back of his head.
" I told you I'm a changed person now." I said to him.
" A changed person huh?, and you still go out partying and got twelve ladies contact two night ago?" Tae Jun said shaking his head sideways.
" I just wish I could make you play that newbie for me." He added.
" Eh eh…don't involve me in your fight with Hoo Nan…she's my friend and if you cross the line, you won't have it that easily." I warned and we both burst out laughing.
" You two are just crazy… I'm going to watch the early morning drama." Hyang said as he headed for the living room towards the TV remote.
Tae Jun joined him and I went back to my room. I picked up my phone from where I left it and went to my messages, I realized she had read them all but then she hadn't replied any. She hasn't called back either. Is she so stubborn and hard headed? I like that in a girl…to be honest.
I tossed and tossed in bed as I didn't know what to do now. I heard my phone ring and I didn't hesitate to pick it up thinking it was her but then it was Tae Jun.
" Ya! I'm really not in the mood."
"You thought it was her right... I wish I was there to see your reaction, I bet you jumped out of your bed to answer." He teased me on the other end of the phone.
That does it, I got out of my bed and went after him in the living room but then none of them were there.
Where have they gone to? I went out to check the pool but it was too early for any of them to be there, went to the balcony and they weren't there either, went to check the gym and they weren't there either.
Aish...these two are so mischievous, what could they be up to?
I walked back towards my room and when I opened the door.
"BOOO!!" I nearly had an heart attack. It was them.
"You two…" I said trying to catch my breathe and they burst out laughing. I wanted to hit them both with my pillow but then I walked away and went to lie down on my bed, ignoring them both.
" Gi Tak…Gi Tak…" Hyang called and I turned to face the other way.
"Gi Tak…" Tae Jun also called and I covered my ears with the pillow.
" We've decidedly to personally talk to her and tell her you really wasn't talking about her." Hyang said to me and I immediately uncovered my ears and sat on my bed.
" She won't even want to see your face(to Tae Jun) and she'll think you are just doing it because you're a brother to me." I stated.
" Exactly…I talked to Ga In to convince her to meet up with me at noon. She wouldn't be able to say no to Ga In for the sake of their friendship and you know how convincing Ga In can be." Hyang replied.
" I feel really bad seeing you all messed up because of my stupid ways." Tae Jun added.
" Yeah, you do have some idiotic ways." I said without a care in the world and he smacked my head.
" That hurts!" I barked at him and he groaned at me.
" So you should just relax and we'll work things out for you, seeing how badly you want her friendship." Tae Jun assured me and I smiled.
" By the way, why do you want her friendship so badly?" Hyang asked and I smirked.
" With her…I have someone who will put Tae Jun in his rightful place all the time and get on his nerves as well." I said with a cackle.
" What?"
"Yeah you heard me right, she's going to be by my side and be my ally in getting on your nerves." I said gladly with a grin and he hit me with the pillow.
" Aish…sometimes I just wonder why I got a troublesome brother like you. Hyang why don't you forget about helping him out."
"Of course not I can't do that." Hyang replied and he stared at us with disbelieve.
" So you two are on the same side?"
" Oh yeah." Hyang and I said with a chorus.
" Ah well…who knows what I'm capable of. Sandra wouldn't hesitate to become the crowned Prince's girlfriend." He said with a mischievous smile and Hyang frowned.
" There's no way she'll be the girlfriend of the guy who doesn't like her best friend. Never." Hyang said sharply and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Someone has a crush." I teased.
Does he seriously like Sandra? There are many second years after him and even third years as well but he likes a first year student. Oh my, Hyang in love.
" You are unable to talk to her, how can you like her." I asked him.
" I didn't say I like her, I'm just a bit shy when around her." He replied making Tae Jun and I laugh.
" Whatever you say." I said and laughed again.
I was kind of nervous when Hyang said he was going to meet with Hoo Nan, I was excited when I heard she agreed to meet him but then I'm nervous that she wouldn't hear him out or wouldn't believe him.
I walked to the balcony and l could see the nearby dorms from the distance. I mean the male dorms and some of the female dorms too.
Our lounge is more like in between the male and female dorms but we are far from them. I kinda understand why Ga In always whines when she's asked to come here.
I couldn't sit or stand or rest so I decided to go to my secret hideout, where we first had a chat and spent some time together.
Tae Jun had left for the castle…Mom called him to come over for the decision about his engagement with Yeon Ah. Also the King and Queen of Busan had arrived this morning.
So many thoughts rushed through my head as I sat down under the pavilion close to where we sat the last time.
I sat down comfortably with my eyes closed as I inhaled the fresh air, the breeze felt so good that my body was yearning for more.
I smiled as the breeze blew against me but then I felt a warm breath ghost over my neck making me open my eyes. I couldn't believe my eyes at first because I wanted to make sure I wasn't day dreaming.
It was her, her face was over mine as my head was thrown backwards and supported by the bench I was seated on. Her face was so close to mine that her nose brushed against mine making me jump out of whatever I felt at that moment.
" I knew I would find you here." She said with a smile.
" Hoo Nan…"
" Yeah, don't stop calling my name. I love it when you call my name." She replied and walked to sit beside me.
" I'm really sorry for what I did at the ball and not allowing you to explain yourself. It was very rude of me to talk to you the way I did. I'm sorry I ignored your calls and read your messages without replying them. I'm really sorry, I will accept it even if you don't forgive me. I deserve it but then I'm really truly sorry." She apologized.
" Will you stop blabbing." I said pulling her into a hug and I knew she was surprised as I felt her body tensed up against mine.
" I forgive you, you have no idea how worried I was." I whispered to her as I hugged her.
" I'm sorry I got you worried." She whispered to me and I could feel her smile as she hugged me back and you have no idea how the feeling was like to have her arms around me. She felt so soft and warm.
She cleared her throat and I immediately disengaged the hug and we both giggled.
" So…have you been well?" She asked me and I nodded.
" Yourself?" I asked and she smiled before answering.
" I'm good as well." She replied.
" I hope no one followed you here." I asked her and she nodded
"I was extra careful… I wouldn't want anyone finding our secret hideout." She replied and I chuckled.
She's so cute when she smiles and you should have seen her angry face, she looked so adorable when she was mad at me.
We talked some more before leaving the place, I escorted her to the entrance of her dormitory and waved her goodbye as she ran inside and I went back to the lounge.
" I owe you big time brother." I said to Hyang excitedly and he chuckled.
" Yeah you sure do." He replied with a chuckle.
" Dinner is ready by the way." He added as he lead the way to the dinning room.
" Isn't Tae Jun back from the castle?" I asked and he shook his head side ways.
" He said he'll be returning tomorrow morning." He replied.
" Did he say anything about the engagement?"
" Oh no, he didn't. Here have some soup." He replied handing over a bowl of soup to me and I took it.
We both sat down and ate everything not leaving a pinch of food in the bowls and plates.
"Oh you're so good at cooking. Thanks for the food and it was delicious." I said followed by me belching and he laughed.
Well I didn't go out to party that evening, I was on the phone all night talking to Hoo Nan.
I woke up the next morning all excited, blowing whispers here and there, dancing and singing during shower and even joyfully preparing breakfast.
" You seem to be in a good mood this morning." Hyang said as I served him with his breakfast.
" It's all thanks to you." I said happily and joined him for breakfast.
I fetched for my car keys, walked majestically out the door and drove my car to her dormitory.
She came out walking with Ga In and Sandra, I got out of the car and she smiled the moment she saw me.
" Hop in." I said to her and her eyes grew wider…she turned to both Sandra and Ga In.
" Hey go ahead. Sandra and I will follow, my chauffeur is already on his way here.." Ga In said to her and they both pushed her towards me and I caught her before she missed a step.
I saw her gulp when I held her, I felt a chill when my skin touched hers, I hesitated before letting go as she felt shy with those eyes on us. I walked her to the other side of the car and opened the front door for her to sit down.
I waved at Sandra and Ga In as I drove off, she sat beside me in the front seat shyly with her gaze towards the other side.
" Hey, will you look here… are you mad at me?" I asked.
" Of course not, I'm just worried."
"About what?" I asked with my eyes still on the road as I took a U-turn towards her.
"The media, what if they end up seeing you with me in public and they make up stories."
" Oh that, leave that worry to me. Besides they have their eyes glued to Tae Jun since he's the crowned Prince, I'm less of their worry." I said with a smile and I saw her smile as well.
I pulled over in front of the lecture hall she was going to and, got out, I walked over to open the door for her to come out. She covered her face with her bag pack which made me chuckle.
"Come on Hoo Nan…stop being shy." I teased and she stole a glance of me behind her bag.
" Look who we have here." I heard a familiar voice and when I turned, it was him.
"Tae Jun-ah, you're back." I said with a smile and he nodded.
" What's she doing with you?" he asked with a frown and I chuckled.
" What's your concern if I'm with him? Huh?" Hoo Nan snapped at him.
" You still haven't worked on your manners, have you?"
" I will work on my manners when you work on yours first." Hoo Nan said back at him.
"You…how dare you talk back at me so rudely."
" Do you think I'll be scared of you because of what they did? Then you lie bad."
" Ya! Gi Tak you better talk to your little fish friend here." Tae Jun said turning to me.
" Fish friend?...did you just call me a fish?" Hoo Nan asked stepping in front of him.
"Yeah you heard me right, I called you a fish." .
"Aish…ya…do you like me?" Hoo Nan's words got my jaw dropping.
Tae Jun had a shocked expression as he was dumb folded.
"Huh? Me…like you? In your dreams."
" Then why don't you just leave me be?" Hoo Nan asked and he bit his lower lip painfully.
" You two should stop it already, you've got almost everyone staring at you.
" Gi Tak don't you think she likes me instead?" Tae Jun asked me and I shook my head with disbelieve. He just made things worse.
" Unbelievable, me like you? who would like a cold blooded and mean guy like you." Hoo Nan said back at him.
" I would and I do." Someone said from behind us and it was Yeon Ah.
She walked up to us as she glared at Hoo Nan who glared back at her.
" Baby…" Tae Jun called her and I looked at him with total shock that was when my phone buzzed.
I brought out my phone and was shocked by what I saw.
"They are engaged?" Hoo Nan asked with surprise and I looked at Tae Jun who nodded.
Everyone around looked at them then back at their phones as they murmured among themselves about the engagement.
How could this be?
"Hoo Nan…have you seen the ne…." Sandra said running to Hoo Nan but then she paused when she saw Tae Jun and Yeon Ah together.
" I can't believe you two got engaged. It's so sad." Ga In blurted out.
" Believe it or not, we are officially engaged so tell your stupid friend to get her dirty insults off my man." Yeon Ah said to Ga In rudely.
"Ya!.." Ga In was about to burst with anger when I held her back.
How did it happen? I can't believe my parents got him engaged with her. Aish, she's the least person I want in our family!!