After All

Hello! Finally here's the ending of my song series..Sorry for the very long wait. I hope you'll enjoy and leave some love.

For Jumi as promised..Here you go!

p.s . quite long and unedited

After All

Jaejoong is having some fun in the casino when he heard his phone ring. He was surprised to see the caller’s name and immediately answered the call.

“Yah! Joongie, come and have fun with me.”Hyunjoong’s slurred words greeted him.

“Hyunjoong? What happened? Where are you?” Jaejoong asked in confusion.

“Mmmmm..In the bar. Just come and let’s enjoy.” He uttered then hangs up.

Jaejoong immediately looked for Top. He found him engaged in a conversation with a girl. He apologized for barging in but asked his friend to come with him. Top asked the girl’s number and then rushed to follow Jaejoong.

“Hyung,what’s wrong?” Top asked as they ran out of the casino.

“Hyunjoong’s drunk. I don’t know what happened but we need to go find him.” He simply replied.

When they reached the bar, they looked for Hyunjoong and found him in a secluded booth. He was slumped in the table obviously very much intoxicated so they rushed towards him.

“Hyung? What happened?” Top asked very much concerned.

“She’s here, Top. How can she face me as if nothing happened?” Hyunjoong answered pain very much evident in his face.

“Who’s she? I don’t understand.” Top replied still a bit confused.

“Hyejung Noona.” Jaejoong answered Top then turned to Hyunjoong. “Where did you saw her?”

“I was walking in the shoreline; I was heading back to the hotel when she called me. What made things worse was when her boyfriend appeared. I thought I’d be okay now, but damn I was wrong. It still hurt like hell...” Hyunjoong ranted.

“No one said it going to be easy, Hyunjoong .Now, come on, we better head back so you can rest.” And Jaejoong and Top helped him to his room.

After ensuring the Hyunjoong’s sleeping, only then did Jaejong and Top left their friend. It was hard for them to see him hurting again. Two years was not enough for him to get over the woman he loved. They were on their way back to the bar to have a drink when they saw a familiar figure sitting alone by the hotel’s café’. Jaejoong rushed towards that person and sat across her without a warning.

“Noona, can we talk?” Jaejoong greeted startling Hyejung.

“It’s been a while Jaejoong, Top. Nice to see you two.” She greeted back.

“I’m sorry but I have to be honest, Noona. Why are you here? Why do you have to do that to Hyunjoong?” Jae asked frustrated.

“I didn’t mean any harm to him. I just said hello.” She simply replied.

“But you shattered his heart again. Why to do have to come up to him with your boyfriend? Do you really have to hurt him over and over?”

“Hyung, stop it. “ Top told him off and turned to Hwangbo. “Noona, sorry but were just concerned over Hyunjoong. He’s still not over you even if it’s been two years. Seeing you with Dong Won Hyung right now on only made him miserable.” He explained.

“I know I hurt him way back then, but you didn’t know how hard it was for me to leave him. And if you think he’s miserable, do you think I’m okay? “Hyejung replied. Her tears running down her face but she stood her ground.

“You broke up with Hyunjoong and chose DongWon-ssi. “ Jaejoong snapped at her.

“You don’t know anything, Jaejoong and I don’t need to explain myself to you. If there’s someone who needs to know the truth, it’s Hyunjoong- no one else. I just hoped in time, he’ll give me a chance to talk to him. “Hyejung countered and stood up. “I’ll have to go. Good night.” Then she rushed out of the café’

Top run after Hyejung and apologized. She just gave him a timid smile and nod before going her way.

It’s been a month since the vacation in Jeju. Jae and Top never mentioned to Hyunjong about meeting Hwangbo. They just tried to cheer him up the rest of their remaining days but they knew it was hopeless. They parted when they arrived in Seoul but reminded him that he can call them anytime. Now, Hyunjoong is busy with preparation for his comeback album.  He’s going to shoot for the music video of his cover song. He was waiting for the woman who’s going to be partnered with him. He was going through the story line when he heard someone greeted him.

“Its nice seeing you again, Hyunjoong-ssi.” She greeted.

“Hello, Rye Won-ssi. I’m glad to work with you again.” Hyunjoong replied sincerely.

“Pleasure’s mine. Let’s work hard. I’m sure you’re comeback album will be a big hit.” Rye Won told him before the director called them to start the shooting.

They were having a break when Rye Won hesitantly approached him.

“Hyunjoong-ssi, I’m sorry for asking but have you seen Hyejung Unnie after you come back.” She asked and offered him a bottle of water.

Hyunjoong sighed before nodding. “I saw her in Jeju with Kang Dong Won-ssi so we just said hi and goodbye.” He uttered.

Rye Won didn’t know how to react so she just simply replied. “I hope you can talk to her and clear things up.”

“What’s the use? She’s happy now. “He replied with another sigh. “I’m sorry, Rye Won-ssi but I need to talk to my manager.” And he politely bowed before walking out

They were not able to finish the whole video because it started to rain. They packed up and call it a day earlier than expected and will just continue the next day. He decided to have a cup of coffee in his favorite café ‘before driving home. This café’ in Hongdae is very memorable to him. This is where they secretly meet up for their dates. He will order a cup of cappuccino while hers would be green tea latte’ and share a slice of cake. They’ll just chat and then leave to watch movie or stroll somewhere else. Now as he took a seat in a secluded spot, memories hunt him. He took a deep breath and just let minutes passed him by.

He was on his way out when he felt someone grabbed his arms. He stood frozen on the spot when he saw who it was.

“Can we talk over a cup of coffee?” She whispered.

“I already had one, Hyejung” He answered and gently removed her hand on his arms.

“Please, Hyunjoong. Just a few moments of your time.” She appealed.

“I don’t have time for this, Hyejung. Good bye.” And he walked away without looking back. He’s afraid that if he met her eyes, he’ll be tempted to give in and let her crushed his heart once again.

The next day, he went to the shooting of his music video still a bit disoriented. He was very quiet the whole time and only got out of the car once they have to start filming. Good thing there were a few scenes left so they were able to finish in a few hours. When the shoot was over, he thanked the crew and then head back to his car. He was about to get in when he saw Rye Won. He decided to walk towards her and thanked her for working with him. He was almost near her when a car pulled on the side and Rye Won was about to go in. He runs towards her but he was shocked when he saw the man driving the car- it was Kang Dong Won. Hyunjoong woke up from his trance when he heard then drove out so he run towards his car and trailed after he couple.

The car parked near a building in Gangnam . Hyunjoong opened his window a bit and took pictures as the couple walk towards a restaurant-holding hands. When he’s sure he was able to capture their cozy moments together, he drive towards Hongdae.

Hyunjoong was not sure if Hyejung’s in her restaurant but he still took his chance. When he got in, the store manager’s breath hitched and stuttered when he asked where Hyejung was. He just pointed the direction to the office so Hyunjoong strode towards it. He knocked and heard her simply hollered to come in.

Hyejung was engrossed reading a book when he stepped in her office. When he stopped and drop his phone in front of her did she look up at him?

“Hyunjoong-ah…” she whispered.

“He’s cheating on you. What’s worse is with your own little sister.” He sternly said. He grabbed his phone open it and hand it to her.

“You followed them?” she asked not even bothered.

“I accidentally saw them.  How can you choose someone like him, Hyejung? I didn’t let you go just to be hurt by a leech like him. And what about your friend? How can she have an affair with him?” He ranted, fumingly mad.

“I know they’re together.” Hyejung replied unwavered.

“And you’re okay with that. How stupid can you be, Hyejung. I never knew you can digress to this level just because you like that man.” Hyunjoong continued with rage.

“And why do you care, Hyunjoong? Why bother when you refuse to give me even a minute of your time. So, please stop calling them names” She snapped back at him.

“And you’re still siding with them? I can’t believe it. They’re cheating on you for goodness sake! Are you that dumb?” He fumed.

“Yes I’ am but why do you care? Tell, me why you have to come here, shouting at the top of your lungs as if I’m still a part of your life?” Hyejung exclaimed.

“Because you are! I've tried hard to forget you but I just can’t. Even if it makes me a fool I still love you. Even if you’ve hurt me by choosing him I still love you. And if you still cling to him after this, then that makes the two of us fools.” Hyunjoong ranted then walked out, leaving Hyejung still dazed.

Instead of heading home to his apartment, Hyunjoong drove all the way to his parents place.  He arrived after an hour and found his mother watching TV. She was surprised to see him and when she saw the grim on his face, she guides him on the couch.

She took hold of his hand and gently asked. “What happened, Hyunjoong-ah?”

“Mom, why do I still care for her after all this time? Why can’t I just let her go?Why do I still love her when she loves someone else?” Hyunjoong asked in despair.

“Hyunjoong-ah, I need to tell you something that happened two years ago. Day after you left Hyejung went here crying. She’s looking for you. She and I talked but the only think I can tell you is that she didn’t left because of Kang Don won-ssi.  You need to talk If you still love her.” His mother recounted.

“Why do you have to tell me about this just now, Mom?” Hyunjong asked a bit hurt.

“Because I’m tired of seeing both of you hurting. Everytime Hyejung came to visit me I can feel that she still love you and I know you still feel the same. I didn’t tell you that she still went here when you were in the military. She said she wanted to make it up to me and your father. She would just bring fruits, chat a little and asked how you are. She love you Hyunjoong, she really do.”  His mother explained.

“But, Mom it was her who decided to end things? I don’t understand.” Hyunjoong uttered in frustration.

“I’m in no position to tell anything else. Just open your heart and listen to her.” His mother replied with a smile. “Go, son. It’s time to end all your misery.”

Hyunjoong hugged his mother before leaving in a rush. When he reached Seoul it was a bit late but he couldn’t wait for another day. He drove towards her apartment. He gently knocked and when she opened the door he rushed passed her.

“Hyejung tell me honestly, are you seeing Kang Dong Won-ssi?”Hyunjoong blurted.

“Look, Hyunjoong I don’t have time to argue with you. “ Hyejung didn’t answer his question.

“I’m not arguing with you. I would just like to know the truth. You said you wanted to talk then let’s.” Hyunjoong countered.

Hyejung saw his determined stance so she just took a seat. Hyunjoong followed and sat across her.

“What do you want to know?”  She asked.

“Everything. Why you decided to broke up with me two years ago. Does Dong Won-ssi have anything to do with it?” He replied.

“Because I realized you were not ready then. I was unsure of what you want to happen to us. And Kang Dong won ssi was never part of the reason. He was a friend and that’s all.” She replied sincerely.

“You were unsure? Of What Hyejung? Of us? Of me?  How can you feel that way when you were my everything? How can you say I was not ready then?” Hyunjoong retort.

“Did you remember the only time I asked if you wanted to have kids, Hyunjoong? Do you remember what your reply was?” Hyejung asked back. Hyunjoong took a moment to think but shook his head after sometime.

“You said maybe but not now.” Hyejung enlighten him.

“I didn’t say no.” Hyunjoong rebut.

“But the thing was, during that time, it scared the hell out of me. You know, why? “ Hyejung scoffed before continuing. “ Because I thought I was pregnant. I was delayed for a few days and that rarely happens. When I heard your reply I thought my world would crumble. I love you so much but I was so disappointed. What if I’m really pregnant? Will you ask me to get rid of the baby? Will I have to raise him on my own?” Hyejung explained in tears.

“I can never ask you to get rid of our child and I will be responsible for both of you. Why did you have to decide on your own and didn’t tell me anything. You just assumed without hearing what I need to say.” Hyunjoong defended himself.

“That’s the time I flew to HongKong. I need to consult a doctor outside Korea to avoid any scandal. I was relieved that it was just false alarm. I had my period days later. That’s when I became adamant of my decision to end up our relationship. It was not easy but I needed to. When I saw your press conference, I wanted to rushed to your place, tell you I still love you but I stood my ground. We maybe in love but we need to separate so we can grow.” Hyejung explicated.

“You judged me Hyejung, you should have let me explain. I could have made you changed your mind. You broke my heart, Hyejung. I never thought it could hurt so badly. And the two years away from you didn’t lessen the pain. “Hyunjoong pointed out.

“I know, Hyunjoong and I’m really sorry. But we cannot live in the past. It’s already done and we cannot bring it back. I hope you can forgive me and move on” Hyejung offered sincerely.

Hyunjoong nodded unsure but he saw her point. He stood up and was half way out when he turned back and asked her. 

“So it’s Ryewon-ssi and Kang Dong Won-ssi who’s together?”

“Yes. I was the one who introduced Ryewon to Dong Won.” She replied with a shine it her eyes. 

“Thank you for hearing me out, Hyunjoong-ah.”

Hyunjoong smiled at her, took her hands and squeezed it.” Thank you for explaining everything. Now I can move on.”

Hyejung’s felt a bit hurt when Hyunjoong mentioned about moving on but she faked a smile and watched as the man walked out of her house.

Two months after everything’s set for Hyunjoong’s comeback tour. It’s his first live performance after his military service. He and Hyejung didn’t meet each other again after that night but they kept on communicating.   He smiled as he received her message just before he goes on stage.

“Fighting, Hyunjoong-ah! I’m watching you.”

Hyunjoong scanned the crowd as soon as he stepped on stage. He smiled and performed with all the energy he has. The whole crowd stood up and cheered as soon as his performance ended. It took a minute before they all settle and the emcee’s found the chance to interview him.

“What an explosive comeback, Hyunjoongssi” Lee Seungi greeted. “Wow the crowd went wild.”

Hyunjoong just smiled. They told him to thank his fans and gave him the microphone.

“First of all, thank you to all the fans all over the world. Thank you for waiting patiently for me and for the opportunity to perform on stage again. You are the best and without you guys, I will not be here.

He paused for a bit then continued.

“I would just like to thank this opportunity to thank a special person in my life. Baby,I love you. I never stopped loving you. You are the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I know it took us a lot of tears, heart aches and disappointment. But all roads lead us back together. This time, I want to start and end every journey with you. Hwangbo Hyejung I love you. ”

The crowd went wild. Hunjoong bowed and left the stage- the emcee’s dazed with the surprised confession.

Hyunjoong thankfully reached his dressing room unscathed. He took a deep breath and took a seat. He reached for his phone and dialled her number. Her phone rang and she answered the call.

“You watched my performance, right? So Hyejung-ah, what’s your answer?” he asked giddily.

“I will just answer you when I see you. I want you to ask it personally.” She teased.

“But when will that be? I wanna know now.” he asked back a little disappointed.

“Soon” she quipped.

“Hyejung-ah,please no teasing. When can I see you?” Hyunjoong asked again.

“Now.” Hyejung replied and paused. “Turn around, baby.” She answered with a chuckle.

And there she was leaning on the closed door. She was smiling but un shed tears glisten her eyes.

“I was watching you on the side and rushed back so no one can see me. ” She said as she walked. She stopped just right in front of him and gently whispered.

“So what do you want to ask me?’” she laced her arms on his neck.

“I love you Hyejung. Will you marry me?”  Hyunjoong asked sincerely.

Hyejung smiled as she stares at his face. She took a deep breath and answered.

“God I was scared you've found someone else." she giggled." Yes, Hyunjoong .I’ll marry you”

And both closed the gap and sealed the proposal in a kiss.

After all the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
And after all that we've been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be
Forever you and me
After all

here's the song if you're not familiar with it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy717J3Iscw