HE IS INDEED A GENTLEMAN

"I never know Chung Ae really has to suffer from that. There is something about her that made me think she is capable in defending herself more than anyone does."

Heiran is just looking at Young Jae who is sitting on the bench. She can tell the man is nervous and worried for his best friend. Who would expect that a bully like her, someone who could make someone else's life a living hell is actually in trouble and is desperate for help? Suyin looks like she's completely fine. She looks like she is always ready for any fight.

"What should we do to help her?"

And Young Jae rolled his eyes on Heiran after she threw that question. Did she mean that? Help the person who actually doubted her strength? Help the woman who told her she's not going to make it to the EIC position? Help the student who bullied her and even stole her draft so she could pass nothing as her output? How genuine is that question of hers? Is she that masochist or martyr?

"Help Chung Ae? Are you serious?"

"Do you think I would actually come here if I don't see any problem with her disposition?"

"Okay, if you really want to help I guess the first thing to do is make sure that no one's going to attack her for this. People will see this as her weakness and they will think it's an advantage for them, especially if they are holding grudges against her."

"How about her father? Is he going to pay for the abuse?"

"I will talk to Dad about it. By now, I should be very careful about this issue."

"Is there an issue between your father and Chung Ae's dad?"

"They're on a business partnership now. Well the contract hasn't been signed yet but I don't think my Dad would actually dig into it more once he found out Chung Ae's father abuses her."

"Oh I get it. You're being torn between those two parties. But Chung Ae's safety and her whole life is at risk. We don't even have any idea when or where did this abuse start. Maybe she has been enduring this for so many years now."

"You really are concerned but Chung Ae doesn't give a damn about you. She will bring you down. Believe me, with all her might, she will destroy you."

"Maybe she will but before she could do that, I might as well try to help her. Who knows? Maybe this thing could help me settle my issue with her.

"As if she wants to settle with you."

"How can we help her now?"

"Do you have any idea where she went after her father told her she shouldn't go home from now?"

"I don't know. Ruel doesn't want me to see what's going on. Maybe he knows, I'll ask him first. Let me message him."

Heiran checked her phone and noticed Ruel actually messaged her. His first message after he got home is actually weird so Heiran asked him if he's alright. The man isn't actually the type who confesses his problems, especially because his parents already found out that he isn't dating Heiran and that he isn't actually her type. He knows Heiran will freak out once she found out for the both of them tried really hard to conceal the truth.

Message:

I'm preparing my things. I'll be travelling to Australia and be there for a week.

That was the last message Heiran received before she panicked. Her best friend is leaving? Why would he decide to leave the country immediately?

He said he wants to be accessible for his girlfriend. How could he do that if he's going back to Australia? Although it'll only last for a week, Heiran knows Ruel can't endure for that long. He is not used to being distant with his girlfriend. He will tuck her closer, as much as he could. So what is going on right now?

"Heiran, you look confused. What's going on?"

"Ruel said he's leaving the country. I need to go and see him now. He must've lost his mind."

The way Young Jae looks at Heiran, the woman can say there is something else in his brain than just being concerned to Chung Ae. He is anxious over something, something that even his eyes are not able to express. Is it about Heiran representing to help Chung Ae but she can't do anything about it? Is it because she wants to leave after saying she'll help?

"Young Jae, about Chung Ae..."

"No it's alright. Dongyul and I will talk about it. He said he'll let her stay in their house."

"Call me up if there's something I can do to help her."

"I will go and visit her after I got home. I'll buy her some of her needs too. Don't worry about it."

"Young Jae, thank you so much."

"Thank you for?"

"You see, a lot of women actually suffered a lot of things. The worst part about it is that most of these women are suffering because of their own parents, their own families. Chung Ae, having a friend like you must be very grateful to you."

"How about you?"

"What about me?"

"We have been friends for some weeks now. Are you also grateful that you have me?"

And Heiran felt her cheeks tightened after she heard that from him. Of course she is grateful that aside from Ruel, there is always an available person that she can rely on. But she feels embarrassed to say those words to him. She is always frank, at least for the majority of the people she know, but she can't always be honest with Young Jae. It'll be impossible for her to say those words without her heart thumping really fast.

"I am thankful for all the moments we shared. You made me fight for myself and you made me believe that I can."

"You can go now. Ruel must need you."

Why did that seem so painful for him to say? And why did that seem painful for her to take? There is something with his reaction when she mentions Ruel. It is a thing that she can't figure out, a thing that she wants to know but she just can't read from his eyes.

"Do you want me to take you there?", Young Jae asked.

"No, stop being an extra gentleman. Thank you. I'll see you some other time."

And she left him on that bench for she feels like her ears are burning up. There is something about Young Jae. For most women, maybe it is about the looks but for Heiran, it is about his pure gestures. He represents himself so much, he offers a lot to those he consider as friends. He can be so gentle and sweet. He knows how to protect a lady and he will always be there if you need help. Indeed, he is a gentleman.