Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Dedicated to Ellehcar: Happy happy birthday! Hope this will do eve if its late.. hehehe

Chapter 19

“Myungsoo-ssi!” Hwangbo exclaimed.

Myungsoo’s face lit up upon seeing Hyejung. Call it fate or whatever but he’s just surprise to meet her in Hongkong.

“Hyejung-ssi, fancy meeting you. What are you doing here?’ He asked still smiling.

“I was accepted in a fashion school here. I’ll just check the university then head back to Korea to settle things before I leave again.” She explained. “What about you?”

“We’ve got a client meeting. I’ll be staying for a few days or until we’ve closed the deal. If you got free time, you can come since you’re also half owner of Choi Galleries.” Myungsoo replied.

“I’ll check my schedule. I got to go now. I need to see the department head of the university.” Hyejung apologetically bid goodbye and head to her hotel room.

Just as soon as she stepped inside, her phone rang and she answered it immediately.

“Shillang!” she greeted with a smile.

“Are you in your room now? How was your flight?” Hyunjoong enquired.

“It was okay. I just slept thru it. Yes, I’m now in my room, actually I just got in. I’ll just take a quick shower then go to the university.” Hyejung replied.

“Alright. Good to know you’ve arrived safe. Don’t stay long there, baby. I’m already missing you.” Hyunjoong whined.

“I miss you too, Hyunjoong-ah. I promise to just check my schedule and I’ll head back home.” She assured her boyfriend.

“Okay. Break’s over now, baby. I got to go back to the photo shoot.” He unwillingly informed her.

“Take care, Shillang. I love you. I’ll be home soon.” Hyejung bid goodbye.

“I love you, baby. Can’t wait to see you.” And both took a sigh before they hung up.

Hyejung took a quick shower and dressed up to leave. Since she’d been in Hongkong a few times, she’s familiar with the area and just took a taxi. The university is about ten minutes away from where she’s staying. When she got off the taxi, nervousness enveloped her. Though she’s used talking to different types of people, going back to school still unnerved her. She mustered all her courage and made her way to the department’s main office. She was ushered to the directress’ office and they told her to wait for a few minutes.

“Ms. Hwangbo Hyejung?”  A beautiful woman, maybe just a few years older greeted her.

Hyejung stood up and replied with a smile.

“Yes. That’s me.”

“Hi, I’m Fei Lin Chung, directress of the Global Fashion Academy. It’s good to finally meet you.”  And motioned for her to take a seat. As soon as both settled, Fei continued.

“Ms.Hwangbo. I’ve read in your application that you’re an actress in South Korea. How come you’ve decided to apply here to finish your studies?”

“I actually started as a part of a girl group. We've disbanded a few years ago and I've tried a solo singing career and joined few TV programs. I’m not as active as before but I’m still a mainstay in a show called Muhan Girls. I really wanted to pursue a career in fashion design. I want to put up my own clothing line someday. I chose to study here because I want to be a normal student.” Hyejung explained.

“Okay. So you said you still have a show back home. How will you juggle your career and studies?” Fei asked again.

“We shoot only once a week. I can fly back every week. But if my schedule here won’t permit, then I’d have to take a leave from the show. Studying is my priority now and my management is already aware of my plans.” She replied adamantly.

“Your scholarship is good for one year. You have free accommodation but it’ll be room sharing. If you choose to get a place of your own, it’s fine, too. As long as you maintain the grades we require you for the whole term, then you can take a scholarship assessment test for additional courses.” The directress discussed and Hyejung listened attentively.

“I’ll do my best and prove that I’m worth this chance. Thank you, Ms Chung for granting this scholarship.” Hyejung sincerely uttered.

Fei shook her hand and replied congenially. “I was impressed with your application and I know you’ll be great. Just stay focus and enjoy your stay here in our university. Now, here’s your schedule, we expect you to be here for the start of the term which is next week. ”

“I’m very excited to study again. I’ll see you next week. Thank you again.” And Hyejung bid goodbye to the directress.

Although Hyejung already decided to rent her own place, she decided to drop by the university accommodation. It was okay but now that Hyunjoong and her are seeing each other she really need to have her own house. Privacy and security is very important for them so she rented a one bedroom condo unit just a block away from the university. She already called the real estate agent to prepare the place and she’ll be coming back three days before school opens.  

Since it’s still a bit early, Hyejung decided to go around and shop for a bit. She excitedly bought new clothes – those which she can use in school. She also bought some souvenirs for her mother and for Hyunjoong’s mom. Satisfied with her purchases, she was heading back to the hotel when she saw something and decided to buy it for her boyfriend. When she got back to her hotel room, she just took a shower and changed her clothes to have dinner. She decided to just eat inside the hotel.

It’s just around half past six so the restaurant it’s not hard to get a table. A maitre d’ assisted her to her table and took her order. She was browsing her phone when someone called her.

“Good evening, Hyejung-ssi.”

“Myungsoo-ssi. Good evening. “She greeted back.

“Are you dining alone? Can I just share a table with you?” Myungsoo asked shyly.

“Yes it’s just me. Sure just take a seat then.” Hyejung replied with a smile although a bit hesitant.

Myungsoo cat help but grin. He excitedly took the seat in front of Hyejung.

“What will you order, Hyejung-ssi? He asked.

“It’s okay. I already placed my order.” She replied.

Myungsoo was a bit disappointed but didn't show it. He hurriedly placed his order so he can chat with Hyejung.

“So Hyejung-ssi, you’re going to study here?”  He enquired.

“Yes. I got a scholarship in a university for fashion design. School will start next week.” She answered.

“I see. Congratulations! So are you planning to stay here for good?” Myungsoo asked.

“No. I’m still going back home. I will just stay here for school but will be flying back often.” She countered.

“You’ll be very busy then. You have to be healthy so you can endure it. Take lots of vitamins.” He reminded her.

“Thanks for the concern, Myungsoo-ssi. I’m excited to go to school but I know I have to work hard to juggle all my schedules.” Hyejung stated.

They enjoyed dinner in between chatting and it took about an hour before they finished the meal. Hyejung wanted to pay for her dinner but Myungsoo insisted and told her that it’s his treat. She bid goodbye and the lawyer asked if it’s okay to send her to her room. Hyejung was about to get inside her room when Myungsoo speak up.

“Hyejung-ssi, can I still see you after tonight? Can we have dinner before you go back to Korea?”

“Myungsoo-ssi, you are an awesome guy but I don’t think we should. I’m already seeing someone.” Hyejung confessed.

Myungsoo’s face dimmed with sadness but still he gave her a forced smile.

“It’sHyunjoong, right? He asked to which Hyejung nodded. “I noticed it during your birthday party. You two were inseparable.” He uttered with a sigh.

“I’m really sorry, Myungsoo-ssi.” Hyejung apologized.

“It’s okay. All is fair in love and war. But I just hope you won’t reject my friendship.” He replied.

“Thank you for understanding and of course I am still your friend.” Hyejung smiled as she replied.

“Thank you. I’ll be going now. Good night and take care. Hope you have a safe flight back to Korea.” Myungsoo bid her goodbye.

“Good night, Myungsoo-ssi” and Hyejung watched as the lawyer walked away with a slumped shoulder.

Later that night, Hyunjoong called to check on Hyejung. They discussed about her school schedule and her moving to her Hongkong apartment. Hyunjoong was able to free up his schedule so he’ll be coming with her when she moves in.  And instead of staying for three days, she was able to book a flight the next day but decided to surprise his boyfriend and didn’t tell him. She also didn’t mention anything about meeting Myungsoo. She’ll tell him everything when she comes home.

It’s almost eleven in the evening of Friday and Hyunjoong is not in a good mood. He’s been trying to contact Hyejung since this afternoon but he can’t reach her. Maybe she’s just busy sorting things in Hong Kong but she should keep her phone open. It’s just a day since she left but he’s really missing her. He just arrived at his place and got in immediately. He decided to just head to the shower so he can sleep early and pick up Hyejung in the airport the next day. He got off the shower with just a towel wrapped around his waist and climbed in his bed. When he pulled down the covers, a very familiar chuckle welcomed him and erasing all his worries.

“I’m home, Shillang. I miss you.”