Chapter 194 - Home

Hyun Jung picked up Somi from the hospital. She was finally discharged and will even receive treatment from a well known psychiatrist. 

"How are you feeling now?" he asked. 

"A little better," she sniffed. "Relieved even." 

Hyun Jung helped to load her luggage into his car. They had kept the media away by giving out false information about her discharge date. Somi was wearing sunglasses and a face mask to avoid any unwanted attention and was permitted to exit from the backside of the building. 

Hyun Jung opened the car door for her and she slid into the passenger seat. Buckling her seat belt, she felt ready to go home and nap. 

They drove off, leaving the dull hospital behind. 

"How's Mirae doing?" she asked. Even though they had talked that morning, she felt as if Mirae was hiding her pain even from Somi. 

"She's strong," Hyun Jung commented. "Even after going through so much, she is running both Hann Constructions and Mystic Entertainment. She even pushed Jiwon to prepare for his comeback while cleaning up CEO Ahn's mess…" 

"Is KJ keeping her happy?" Somi demanded. "She entered into this marriage contract because of him. He better keep her happy. Otherwise, he'll have to answer to me!" 

Hyun Jung chuckled. "Trust me, no one can keep her happier than KJ," he remarked. "Mirae might be going through a rough patch but only KJ can bring her out of it." 

"What do you mean?" Somi frowned. 

"I'm surprised you didn't figure it out," he said. "Everyone can see it except Mirae herself." 

When he saw that Somi was still confused, he smiled. "KJ is in love with Mirae." 

Somi let out a cry of surprise. 

"WHAT?" she exclaimed. "KJ is in love with Mirae?" 

"Yes." 

"KJ, who slept around with numerous women over the years with no strings attached, is in love with Mirae?" Somi asked in astonishment. 

"Yep," Hyun Jung replied. "Hard to believe, right?" 

Somi really could not believe it. In the years she had been in the industry, she always thought KJ was a stone cold, arrogant idiot. With the rumors she heard, he was not looked upon favorably by his exes due to his commitment issues. But to hear that he fell in love with her best friend… 

"Well," she said. "He will have to work very hard to win her over! I'm gonna keep a very close eye on him. To determine if he really loves her or not!" 

She crossed her hands on her chest. Hyun Jung was amused at her words. He patted her head with one hand. 

"You worry too much," he said. "KJ will never hurt her. It's the first time he actually fell in love with someone. And I'm sure he will fight for her." 

"He'd better," Somi threatened. But inside, she was a little glad. Maybe, Mirae was lucky to have found a person who genuinely loved her. She might be slow in realizing his feelings but it was up to Somi to push her towards KJ. She made a mistake with Ash but she would not repeat that error. Ever. 

"There's...there's something you should know," Hyun Jung said, feeling hesitant. Should he tell her about this? 

Somi read through his reluctance. "It's about him isn't it?" she asked quietly. "Teppei?" 

Hyun Jung sighed and nodded. 

"I can hear it," she said. She was not fully certain but it was time for her to face her fears. 

"Mirae had him punished," Hyun Jung finally said. "She… She had him…" 

Somi waited for him to talk. From his expression, she could tell that Mirae gave him a very gruesome punishment. 

"She had him castrated," he finally blurted out. 

It took a few minutes for Somi to absorb that information. The man who r.a.p.ed her and countless other women. The man who had immense pride in his manhood and enjoyed inflicting pain on others. His arrogant belief that he would never be caught… 

He was not crushed. 

Hyun Jung was alarmed when he found Somi unresponsive. 

"Somi…" he called cautiously. She slowly turned her head towards him. There were tears in her eyes but she was smiling.

"He can't torture another girl anymore," she said. She felt as if a huge burden had lifted off her chest. The scars were there but the fact that he could no longer harm others anymore gave her immense satisfaction. The guilt and despair she felt over the years was burdensome but this was giving her strength to fight back. 

Somi was quiet the rest of the way. Hyun Jung did not probe her but kept on driving. Finally, they pulled up in front of her apartment. 

Hyun Jung accompanied her to her unit. He carried her suitcase inside while Somi quietly watched him. 

"I'll take my leave then," he said, heading towards the door but Somi held his hand. 

"Can you stay for a while?" she asked. "I don't think I can fall asleep if I'm alone here." 

"I…" Hyun Jung was speechless. He was very worried about her wellbeing and was afraid to leave her alone. But knowing her state of mind, he did not dare to voice out his thoughts. And now she was telling him to stay. 

"Alright," he finally said. "You should freshen up first," he added awkwardly. 

Somi nodded and headed towards her bedroom. Hyun Jung was a little apprehensive. He was worried about how she would take the news but she was strangely calm. 

He decided to prepare dinner for her to keep her calm and healthy. 

When Somi came out of the bathroom, she smelled ox bone soup and jjajamyeong. Her stomach growled loudly. 

"The food smells good," she said excitedly as she entered the dining room. Hyun Jung had already laid out the plates for them. 

"Have your dinner," he smiled. "You still have your medicines to take."

She nodded and digged into the food. Normally, Somi had to follow strict dietary regimes to keep in shape for her dramas. But at that moment, she was so happy to have Hyun Jung by her side, that she did not care how much she ate. She finished her soup in one go and took a second helping. 

"I feel like I haven't had a proper meal in ages," she said. Hyun Jung, who was watching her eat, chuckled. 

"I figured," he said, wiping off food from her cheek. Somi blushed as his fingers touched her skin. Her attention fell on his full lips. For a brief moment, she had the urge to kiss him. She cleared her throat. 

"Well you know, diet," she said. Hyun Jung smiled.

"Eat more," he said as she piled her plate with jjajamyeong. 

Finally, Somi was done stuffing herself and let out a yawn. She leaned back against the chair, looking at him with doey eyes. 

"Go to bed, sleepyhead," Hyun Jung poked her head. "I'll camp out in the living room and-" 

"Come with me," she whispered. "I can't sleep alone. That monster keeps popping up in my dreams." 

Hyun Jung could not argue against her pleading eyes. 

"Alright," he said. "I'll tuck you in." 

He got up and stretched out his hand. Somi took it and let him lead her towards the bedroom. He gently laid her down and was about to pull the blanket above her but she shook her head and scooted over. 

"Come on," she said. 

"Somi, I-" 

But she was not listening. She took his hand and gently tugged him closer. Hyun Jung sighed and got on to the bed, next to her. She snuggled into his arms and closed her eyes. 

"Are you really alright?" he asked, stroking her hair. 

"I am," she m.o.a.ned. "If I wasn't I'd have had another attack. But I don't think I'll have them anymore. Not for a while at least." 

They were silent for a while, lost in their own thoughts. It was the first time in years they were sleeping together but it felt as if no time had passed. 

"Hey Hyun," Somi spoke out. 

"Yes?" Hyun Jung responded. 

"Are you still up for it?" she asked. 

"Up for what?" he asked. 

"Us?" she wondered. "Can we give ourselves another chance?" 

Hyun Jung turned to look at her. "Only if you want to," he replied, looking at her intently. 

She did not say anything but leaned forward to kiss him softly. 

"I want to," she admitted. She was done running away. For the past few days at the hospital, she pondered over the life she was leading. Why should she suffer because of that man? Why should she give up her happiness? 

She looked into Hyun Jung's eyes. Her happiness was in front of her. She was finally home.