by L. Marcelo
Whatever the reason was, it made him happy. This time, he knew in himself, he was definitely the reason for that smile. He too found himself smiling as he watched her.
For the first time, he truly felt that they were in their own world. They may be in one room along with the other members but for him, he can’t seem to hear them. There was nothing but silence. For him, the only thing that existed was the girl in front of him.
“You really know yourself, Jin.”
She broke the silence between them. Her gaze was still on the photos in her hand.
“You think so?” He asked. He leaned closer, gaze still on her.
“Out of all the members, you were the one who really knew what you want, what your character is, what your best angle is and surely, I love your expression.” She stopped and was about to look at Jin to smile at him but she almost lost her balance when she realized how close he was.
Just an inch closer, she could’ve kissed Jin.
“Hey, you okay?” He asked in concern.
He didn’t do it on purpose. He didn’t expect her to suddenly look at him. He wished he shouldn’t have leaned closer but when he saw the look on the stunned Meahri, he knew he made the right decision. She was blushing. It was something he had never seen before. The way her rosy cheeks made her cute made him want to keep her.
“Noona.”
There was a hint of concern in his voice but there was something else, something he tried hard to hide. Amusement.
She was still surprised with what just happened.
For a moment, something inside her felt pain. She couldn’t understand why. She didn’t do anything wrong. It wasn’t her fault that she almost kissed Jin and even if it was, she knew it was just an accident. Besides, she wasn’t dating anyone nor was Jin. So what was wrong? Why was she hurting? Then it hit her.
She still loved Vhynce.
Since she arrived in Seoul, she never had the chance to think about him. She had been too busy with everything that she didn’t have time to think about anything else but her work until now.
She didn’t know why but she felt like she betrayed Vhynce just now.
How can she feel that way? How can she betray Vhynce? They weren’t together anymore. They broke up months ago but why did she felt that she was still committed to him?
It was so goddamn unfair.
She realized it was because she committed her life to loving one man and that man was Vhyncent Vinhelm. No one else.
In her current state, there was no way she could move on. She had fallen too deep. It was too deep that not even her friends can pull her up, not even Therry or Thiara. She had been in love with Vhynce for more than 5 years now.
Falling in love with someone for such a long time, being committed to someone that long, it wasn’t easy to just throw it all away, to just forget everything. Just when she thought she was starting to move on, she was so wrong.
“Meahri.” This time Jin’s voice was filled with concern.
When she heard her name, she snapped back to reality. When she saw the look on his face, she knew her face said it all.
“Yes…” She replied in a weak voice. Oh come on Meahri! Don’t be stupid!
“What’s wrong?” His voice was a mixture of gentleness and concern.
“Nothing’s wrong.” She smiled but she also knew it was too forced for him not to notice.
“I’m sorry.”
He didn’t know why but something change in her eyes. He saw pain. He wished it wasn’t his fault but whether it was his or not, he apologized. He knew that if he didn’t leaned closer, he wouldn’t startle her and maybe she wouldn’t be the way she was now.
“For what?”
She sounded a bit more herself now. Her brain was busy organizing her thoughts. She needed to keep her focus where it should be.
“For startling you.” He wanted to punch himself after seeing how drastic the change was in her eyes.
Just a few seconds ago, Meahri was happy. She even had a smile on her face and it was a smile that he was the reason for. Then the next second, there was so much pain in her eyes.
“No need to be sorry. It was my fault for suddenly turning my head.” She assured.
She wished Jin could leave it and just let it pass. She didn’t feel comfortable talking about what just happened. Not to mention, there was no way she’d tell him about Vhynce. There were enough people who knew about it and she didn’t have any plan on adding more people on the list.
It was history. It should remain in the past.
Just when things were getting awkward between the two, Therry came back.
It only took the man a few seconds to feel the change in the air between the two. He didn’t need to ask what was wrong especially after seeing the familiar look on Meahri’s face. The eyes he found familiar, the eyes he thought that has been long gone.
“Jin, can I borrow Meahri for a sec?”
It wasn’t a question. It was a command. Jin knew the difference and he only nodded in response. Therry expected Meahri to ask and argue but she didn’t. She simply stood up and followed him.
Jin was left speechless.
He didn’t know what just happened but he hoped, he goddamn hoped he’d find out soon. He wanted to know but was he ever going to? Will he find out what caused Meahri so much pain?
Chapter Eight
Back at RMM, It was Tyler's birthday. Everyone was at his place to celebrate.
While everyone was having a great time with their own groups catching up, Vhynce already had a few drinks so he decided to go out to the balcony to get some fresh air.
When he thought he was alone, the next minute, Rayle stood next to him. There were no words shared between them. Just silence.
Minutes passed by and Rayle took out a box of cigarette from his pocket. He took one and offered Vhynce but he declined. A smile formed on his face. He thought that after Vhynce and Meahri broke up, he would go back to the way he used to be, the Vhynce who was a heavy smoker.
Just when he thought Vhynce didn't loved Meahri, he found himself thinking, She really changed him. He's not aware of it but she made him a better person. There was a smile on his face but this time it was a smile of defeat.
That moment, he realized, the two truly loved each other and they still do. They just needed to learn to forgive each other and move on.
When he found out what happened between the two, he thought maybe he had another chance with Meahri. But after what he just witnessed, it was time. He can finally accept his defeat.
This time, it was for real. He can now let go of all his feelings for Meahri as well as his hope for a chance with her. He can move on but Vhynce didn't need to know that.
Right now, what Vhynce needed was a little push and Rayle was just the right man for the job.
"Is it the end?" He asked. He didn't look at Vhynce nor did he. He expected him to ask what he was talking about or be furious but he was surprised to hear his words.
"We're happy with our lives now." He sounded like he didn't like talking about it.
"You guys sure are happy. You're living a good life. Her? She's pretty much having the best time of her life. I've seen her working with a lot of young artists recently and from what I've heard, one of them was unremarkably close with her too." Rayle said flatly.
He was obviously teasing but he made sure Vhynce wouldn't know it. He was simply stating the fact. It wasn’t the same, right?
"Good for her." Vhynce surely wanted to end the conversation then and there.
"Good to know you're happy for her too. I needed to make sure you wouldn't give a damn when you find out that someone else was doing your job. Congrats boss, you finally moved on! I'm happy for you." He patted Vhynce on the shoulder before going back inside.
Damn it! I hate it whenever that kid acts like a grown up. Vhynce cursed in his head. He may have hated the kid but there were some words that hit him with a bull’s-eye.
Someone else was doing your job.
The words kept on replaying in his head. As they continue to replay in his head, his memories with Meahri came rushing to him like streaming water.
Then next thing he knew, he was having thoughts of her looking at another man with those gorgeous hazel eyes that he always loved. The eyes that made him feel so treasured, so loved. It was the same eyes that made him feel like he was the most powerful man in the world.
Just the thought of her being in another man's arms was enough for him to want to kill the man, whoever the man Rayle was talking about.
He didn't want anyone to have those gorgeous eyes, those sweet lips, those rough hands, and her beautiful curves. His stubborn, independent girl belonged to him and no one else. He didn't want anyone to have her, even her imperfections. He wanted it all to himself.
It. Was. As. Fucking. Simple. And. Fucking. Plain. As. That.
When he finally came to his senses. It was the only time he realized how stupid he was. How he was an ass to the girl who loved her with her everything. How heartless he was for leaving her hanging like he never knew her, treating her like she was worse than a criminal, and hurting her as much as he can.
When the truth was, he was scared that history would repeat itself, that a single lie would ruin his life once again and it did. But it was only because he let it.
After he realized everything, he couldn't imagine how much Meahri has gone through, how much pain he had caused her. He thought of putting himself in her place and going through all those. He almost fell down on his knees if it weren't for his hands holding onto the railings of Tyler's balcony.
How can he throw her out of his life just like that?
He shook his head. Enough was enough.
It was time to get Meahri Lyfheld, his fangirl, his one and only girl back. He just goddamn hoped he wasn't too late.
He went back inside and before he left, there was one thing that he had to do. Something very important.
He approached Rayle. "I owe you big time." He emphasized the last two words to show how much he meant it. He needed to do it. He had to give it to the kid for saving not just his ass but also his life. He patted Rayle's shoulder.
"Hey Tyler, I need to go. I need to get my girl back." He sounded happy and excited. It had been a while since he was excited about something, much as even feel alive.
Everyone heard what Vhynce said and they were all surprised but there were specifically two men in the room who can't help but smile. Rayle and Tyler looked at each other and it was enough for them to understand what the other was thinking.
********
Back in Seoul, everything went great with all the projects Meahri worked on with Hugo and HKE artists.
Just like that, her stay in Seoul went by like a blink of an eye.
After the successful release of Coded Stars, Hugo arranged a celebration party for them. He told her that it was also his farewell party for her, Therry and Anna.
For almost 3 weeks, all she did was worked with everyone every single day. It was unavoidable to be close. It was hard for her to leave but she didn’t have a choice.
New York was her home but Seoul will always be her second home.
While she was having a great time at the celebration party she can see how much Therry had been looking at his phone for the past hour. She leaned closer to him to ask what’s wrong and it caught him by surprised that he jerked. Anna, who was seated beside Therry, was also surprised.
“What’s wrong?” She asked in concern.
“Nothing’s wrong. Why?” He asked back. He wanted to fucking kill Vhynce. Why was the man even calling?
“But you’ve been checking your phone a lot.” She said.
He saw the concern in her eyes. He knew she was worried about him and here he was lying to her that nothing’s wrong. Because truth was, what was wrong was Vhynce had been calling him nonstop since they arrived at the party.
Anna who was now worried as well, asked. “What’s wrong?”
Therry looked at his wife hoping she’d understand what was going on. He looked at her and looked at his phone. Anna seemed to have got the message and looked at his phone’s screen, which was facing her. Vhynce’s name was on the screen. When he was sure that Anna knew what was going on, he smiled at Meahri with full confidence and said, “It’s just work. You know I’m in demand.”
“Whatever. But seriously Therry.” He gave her that look. It was the look that he found familiar. It was her way of saying, ‘I won’t stop until you tell me the truth.‘
“Well… one of the artists that I’m working on was having problem with the music I produced. He told me there were some copyright issues with one of the tracks I sent him and that we might’ve to re-do some parts of it.” What the fuck! What kind of excuse was that? Couldn’t you come up with something better? He cursed in his head.
Anna almost burst into laughter with how stupid her husband’s excuse was.
“Do you want us to fly back tomorrow so you can work on it?”
Both Anna and Therry were surprised. They weren’t expecting her to take it seriously. They all knew how long he had been in the industry so there was no way he would make any mistakes with the copyrights. He thought it was such a lame excuse but guess not. It did work so why was he feeling bad about it?
“No sis. We can stay here. I can ask Hugo if I can borrow one of his studios to work on it.” He assured. He never knew how hard it was to lie especially to someone like Meahri until now. The girl obviously believed everything he said.
“You sure?” She knew Hugo would definitely let Therry borrow one of his studios. After all, they go a long way. There was no way Hugo couldn’t help Therry with something that small but she still had to ask.
If Hugo won’t approve, she’d make sure to help Therry convince him.
“Yeah.” He smiled then his phone’s screen started to blink again and Anna saw it.
“Go on hon. Take the call. I’ll stay here with Meahri.” Anna smiled at him and placed a hand on his wrist. Therry’s instincts told him to not bother about it and just turn off his phone but since Anna insisted, he didn’t have any choice. His wife went to his rescue. Besides, if he didn’t take it, there was also a chance that Meahri would be suspicious.
Without any other choice, he decided to take the call. He excused himself and gave Anna a kiss on the lips before he left them.
When he was outside, he took his phone and answered it but before he can say a word, Vhynce was talking nonstop that the man didn’t seem to breathe.
“Therry, it’s Vhynce. I know you don’t want to talk to me and don’t blame Thiara for giving me your number. I forced her to give it to me. I know you’re mad at me like everyone else but I just want to know where Meahri is.”
After his speech, he was catching his breath as he waited for Therry to speak.
“Are you done?” He asked. It was obvious he was annoyed.
He wasn’t annoyed because Vhynce was the one calling but it was because he had been calling him for the nth time since they arrived at the party. It was so annoying that he couldn’t enjoy and focus on the party without his phone vibrating in his pocket. He could’ve simply turned his phone off. If only he was’t worried about any of his clients contacting him and Thiara too.
“Yeah.”
“First of all, I’m with Meahri. Second, we’re in a place far away from home. Third, she has no time for you. She’s busy working hard towards her dreams and I’m doing everything to support her and not ruin it for her.”
This time, it was Therry’s turn to catch his breath.
“I deserve to talk to her. You’re only doing this because you want to spend more time with Meahri alone.”
“What did you just say?” He was angry. What the fuck was the kid trying to imply?
“We both know whose fucking fault this is so don’t go pointing your finger at me. I’m telling you this now before it’s too late. Don’t say things you’ll regret. I can’t believe you can even think of me
that way.” He said in disgust and disappointment.
Vhynce realized what he just said. He wanted to take it back but it has been said.
Basically, he said that Therry stole Meahri from him and he was a traitor for doing it when he was married. Not to mention, it was the ex of his best friend. Ever since they met, there was never a time, not even once that Vhynce said such thing to Therry. It only showed how a mess he was.
On the other side, Therry who still tried his best to understand Vhynce acted like he wasn’t bothered by it. Vhynce was so lucky to have Therry. He’d been with him through ups and downs since they were kids.
If one of them was a girl, they could’ve been perfect for each other. Vhynce was blessed to have the family he has. He was just too stubborn and stupid to realize it.
“You came to her life and you mess it up. If you want to talk to her, I suggest for you to fix yourself first.”
“Bro, I know I messed up. Meahri treats you like a brother and you’re the only one I know who could help me.”
Therry was surprised to hear the word from Vhynce. It has been so long since he last heard him called him bro. He thought maybe he wasn’t as messed up as he thought but Vhynce didn’t have to know that.
“Bro, don’t take this the wrong way. I was a brother to you than I was to her. I wanted to stay with you through this but you really messed up this time. You were too full of yourself. You acted so childish and stubborn. What I don’t understand is was the main reason just because she was a fangirl or it was just an excuse.”
“It wasn’t an excuse. You know I don’t date fans. They make everything complicated and you know how much I hated complicated things.”
“Bullshit! Nothing between the two of you was complicated until you knew she was your fan. Meahri was your fan, so what? Did it change anything? Oh hell yeah it fucking did! It changed how you see her but the way she treated you, her feelings for you, and the way she loved you, none of those changed.“