AAE -- For Better For Worse

Chapter 27

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

Sun-Mi leaves the conference room with her heart pounding. She fumbles for her mobile, then texts her friend Cho-Jeh. Minutes later, they huddle together on the top row seats of the empty studio auditorium.

 

"I was shaking like a leaf," Sun-Mi whispers. "The moment I saw him, everything became a blur. My mind was spinning. I'm supposed to be over this! What's wrong with me?"

 

Cho-Jeh exhales sharply. "There's nothing wrong with you that a little honesty won't cure," she says sharply. "First, stop pretending you're not totally in love with him. Second, admit you were wrong to break up. And third -- fight. Steal him back from Yoo Joo-Hee, before it's too late."

 

Sun-Mi recoils. "Are you crazy? I'd look pathetic. And what if he came back, then regretted it? He'd resent me forever!"

 

"Where's the confidence in True Love you claim to believe in?" Cho-Jeh's voice hardens. "You tell others to fight for love, yet you slink away, tail between your legs, giving up on your own."

 

Sun-Mi's shoulders droop. "But even if I wanted to fight, Senior's getting engaged Sunday. It's too late."

 

"It's never too late!" Cho-Jeh insists. "There's still two days."

 

 

Sun-Mi rises abruptly. "This isn't helping. I called you because I needed a friend!"

 

"A real friend tells the truth when you can't tell it yourself," Cho-Jeh replies, standing too. "Better to say what you need to say now, than regret your silence forever..."

 

She waits, but Sun-Mi doesn't reply.

 

"I'm finished. It's up to you to find your happiness." Cho-Jeh turns away. "See ya!"

 

 

Sun-Mi clenches her fists, her eyes fixed on the door Cho-Jeh just exited. "Who does she think she is, walking out like that? What does she know?!"

 

She sits again, arms crossed, back stiff. But in the silence, Hyung-Chul's face -- the emptiness in his eyes as she walked away -- haunts her thoughts.

 

"I'm making the right choice," she tells herself, her voice steady. "In time, my heart will see that. He will, too."

 

The words hang -- resolute, but hollow.

 

Cho-Jeh's challenge returns. A whisper at first. Then louder.

 

'Stop pretending. Admit you're wrong.''

 

She tenses.

 

'What if you regret this for the rest of your life?'

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

 

Fifteen minutes to air.

 

Sun-Mi is getting ready in the makeup room. She inspects every detail of her face carefully -- flawless, composed -- no trace of her inner turmoil. The discipline of professional broadcasters is sacrosanct. The show must go on, no matter the cost.

 

"You'll be fine," she tells her reflection. "Just read your lines. Smile. Everything will be fine."

 

She picks up her lip gloss and starts brushing on the final touches.

 

 

The door opens. Joo-Hee comes in. She sits down next to Sun-Mi.

 

"Senior." Sun-Mi dips her head slightly, respectful, but distant.

 

"You made the right choice," Joo-Hee says. "Staying would be awkward."

 

Sun-Mi doesn't respond, lowering her eyes.

 

Joo-Hee smiles. "I've faith you'll do well."

 

 

Sun-Mi smiles half-heartedly. Not long ago, their circumstances were reversed. Now she is the one giving up Hyung-Chul and pursuing a career, trying to bury heartbreak beneath professional success.

 

"This is your last show?" Joo-Hee asks.

 

Sun-Mi nods. "I'm leaving tomorrow."

 

"Good." Joo-Hee stands up to leave.

 

 

Sun-Mi's eyes follow her out. But something gnaws at her...

 

"Senior?"

 

Joo-Hee turns back at the door. "Yes?"

 

"Tell me, honestly. Is it really true, about Hyung-Chul losing MBS unless he marries you?"

 

Joo-Hee frowns. "Didn't you talk with him, like I told you? Do you have so little confidence?"

 

Sun-Mi looks away.

 

Joo-Hee's voice cools. "I gave him up because I believed you were sincere. But you're just another wishful Cinderella, after all," she scoffs. "I thought you had integrity. Frankly, you're a disappointment."

 

 

Sun-Mi stares into the mirror, frozen. Her mobile buzzes, rousing her. She checks the message -- 'Five minutes to air'

 

"Sorry. I have to go first," she says, her voice clipped. "It's time."

 

Leaving her mobile on the counter with her makeup kit, Sun-Mi hurries out. But Joo-Hee's words sting...

 

She hadn't fought for love. Maybe she never truly believed in True Love, after all.