********** Part 11
**********
Ji Won continued
holding my hand and never once did he let it go. The walk
********** Part 12
**********
I
was confused and didn’t know what had happened. Ji Won held my hand and
Then he handed the knife to me. “Here.
Engrave your initial ‘M’ too cuz I
**********
Part 13 **********
Years
had pass and I’m still with Ji Won. I didn’t think it was possible
June
15, 1996, My
step mom and dad came home one day from visiting the Euns. “G
********** Part 14 **********
Back at home I was so excited I couldn’t sleep. I know I was still young to be thinking about marriage but I know Ji Won is the only guy for me. I held
my teddy bear close as thoughts of Ji Won drifted me to sleep. It was midnight now. Ji Won snuck out of his house quietly without making a
noise. He carried his backpack full of money on his back. He planned to go
to Mina’s house to grab her and leave. Then it would be just him, Mina, and Sung Hoon leaving together. He was almost to Mina’s house when he realized
that he was being followed. It was his uncle’s men. They came to get rid of him. Ji Won was smart. He
knew the streets too well. He made it through the alley and those men end up losing him. But when Ji Won reached Mina’s house, about 10 men had
surrounded her house. They all saw him approaching. Ji Won began to ran as they chased him. He made it to the dock. He saw Sung Hoon on the boat.
“Hyung! Hurry! The boat is leaving!” Ji Won threw his bag onto the boat first and made a high jump. He landed
safely onto the boat. His uncle’s men couldn’t chase him anymore. Ji Won and Sung Hoon started cheering until Ji Won realized what was missing.
Mina. He had left her. Ji Won fell to his knees.
“What’s wrong?” asked Sung Hoon. “Mina! We left her! We have to go back!” yelled Ji Won.
Sung Hoon opened his mouth in shock because he just realized it too. Then he shook his head sadly. “We can’t. If we go back, we’ll just get killed
and we’ll be putting Mina’s life in danger too.” Ji Won moved away from Sung
Hoon, knowing that the darkness will cover his face. And for the first time in his life, Ji Won cried.
********** Part 15 **********
I woke up the next morning with this strange feeling inside me. I don’t know why but I find it disturbing. Then I remembered that Ji Won and I are
going to get married soon, it subsided. When I went downstairs, my step mom was holding that wooden stick I haven’t seen in years. I began to panic.
She whacked me with it. I fell down surprised. “Where’s Ji Won?” she screamed at me.
I was so confused and surprised I didn’t know what she was talking about. She kept hitting me and telling me to answer her. But how can I answer when
I don’t even know myself? Then something unusual happened. My dad grabbed
the stick away from my step mom. “Stop hitting her! Can’t you tell that she can’t think straight through all
that pain?”
My step mom was shocked and she kept her mouth shut because my dad never did that to her before. “Mina,” my dad said to me, holding my hand. “Ji Won ran
away from home again. He’s no longer in Hawaii and the wedding’s canceled.”
“He left?” I asked blankly. My dad nodded his head sadly. “How can he leave me?” I asked standing up.
My step mom's next words hit me hard and cold like ice. “He probably left because he didn’t want to marry you.”
I sunk to my knees and fell to the floor. I began to sob to myself. My parents left the room, leaving me alone. ‘How can you leave me, Ji Won?
Were all those promises of taking care of me lies?’ I loved Ji Won so much.
All I ever wanted is to be with him, even if he did only consider me as a
dongsang. I needed to know why he left. Being with him all this time, I knew where he went. I’ll search all of Korea if I had to…
One year later…
During this year, my life of hell had return. I managed to save up enough money for a ticket to Korea and money to spend. I had to work odd hours so
my step mom wouldn’t find out or she’ll take the money from me. I also had
to sell some of Ji Won’s gifts to me. He was a really generous oppa who would buy me a lot of expensive clothes, jewelry, perfume, and just about
anything that I wanted. I figured he wouldn’t mind because they’re just material possessions. They were a big help because I managed to trade them
in for a lot of money.
July 24, 1997
I finally had enough money to leave. It took me a while to go because I knew chances are low of finding Ji Won right away. I needed extra money for
my search and I had to pay double for a fake I.D. You could say that I have almost everything planned out. I got a pretty good amount so I planned on
leaving today.
It’s been a little over a year since Ji Won left me with no reason or explanation. I’ve gotten so much thinner because I couldn’t eat or sleep
and I miss him so much. The problem I still had facing me were my parents. I know they were not going to let me leave. I was only 17. Damn. Still a
minor. This year had been total hell for me and I can’t stand another year
of it. I had to leave and I had a plan. I was going to fake my death. It was all so perfect. My family had to go out to a luau with Mr. Eun. He
still keeps in touch with us. I guess it’s because he thinks I might know where Ji Won is. Truth is, I have no idea except I know Ji Won’s somewhere
in Korea.
I planned to fake a drowning. Because of my heart failure, it helped me close off my air circulation for up to 4 minutes. This time I am using it
to let my family think that I have drowned and the tides drifted my body to sea so I will never be found…
But before I go I had to say goodbye to my father. I hugged him hard. He looked at me surprised.
“What was that for?” he asked. I shook my head. “It wasn’t for anything dad. I did it because I love you.”
My dad had tears in his eyes. “I’m so sorry Mina. I’m so worthless as your
father.” “No you’re not but you have to do what’s right dad. Don’t let anyone stop
you and stop putting yourself down.”
He nodded his head. I hugged him for the last time. “I’m going for a swim okay?” He nodded his head and watched me head toward the ocean. The plan
went perfect. I stayed underwater for a while and swam myself to the other side of the beach where they couldn’t see me. All my belongings were there.
I got on the dock and sailed to the mainland airport leaving Hawaii
forever…
********** Part 16 **********
[Seoul, Korea]
July 26, 1997
Ji Won traced the ‘M’scar on his back. ‘Damn,’ he thought. ‘I miss Mina so
much.’ He sent out one of his men to retrieve news about her and if they could, get her here to him in Korea. Ji Won had it all. Money and power.
The only thing that was missing was Mina. So much had happened to Ji Won as he remembered back.
Ji Won and Sung Hoon made it to Seoul, Korea. With Ji Won’s leadership skills and Sung Hoon’s smooth talking, they end up getting a lot of
businesses and putting others of out business. Money was not enough for Ji Won. He needed power so he created Sechs Kies, where he was the leader and
Sung Hoon was his 2nd-in command. He and Sung Hoon managed to eliminate the group Quiksilver on their own and gained the respect and loyalty of the two
members Kim Jae Duc and Lee Jae Jin. Along the way, they found Ko Ji Yong
and Jang Su Won wandering the streets. Ji Yong proved to be a genius and Su Won was handy in finding information.
Ji Won knew they were enough. They had hundreds of men under them but Sechskies were the main leaders with Ji Won as the head. They committed a
lot of crimes but no evidence was ever found to convict them. Just then there was a knock on his door, interrupting his thoughts.
“Come in,” said Ji Won. Jang Su Won came in. “I have news for you, boss,” he said.
“Well what is it? What did you find out about Mina?” Ji Won asked. Sun Won looked down and hesitated to reply. “I’m afraid it’s bad news.”
Those words made Ji Won panic. “Jang Su Won, you answer me now!” yelled Ji
Won with rage. Ji Won’s yell scared Su Won so he blurted it out. “Mina Nam is dead. She
drowned while she was swimming in the ocean. Her body has not been found and is still missing.”
Ji Won fell back in his seat in shock. ‘Mina’s dead? No, anyone but Mina,’
he thought. Su Won knew it was a good time to leave so he left Ji Won in his office. “Mina!” Ji Won screamed out of his window in pain. His cries
echoed throughout the city of Seoul.
********** Part 17 **********
I finally made it to Chejudo, Korea. I didn’t know where to look for Ji Won
so anywhere was fine. I was never a lucky person. I couldn’t find any signs of Ji Won there so I traveled to Inchun City. My search for Ji Won
continued for another year. During that time I had traveled to many cities like Guam, Pusan, etc. It must have been a gift from God because one day my
search was over…
November 21, 1998
I had just finish my overtime shift at the Nam Hotel. It was pretty ironic because my whole family spent their lives working for hotels and here is
the biggest one in all of Seoul with our family name. I went into the worker’s lounge to take a break and pour myself some tea. I sat down and
read the headlines. ‘Sechskies are to open a conference broadcasting live on Channel 6 today’
I rolled my eyes. Not them again. They were the notorious mafia lead by Matthew
Eun. I shuddered. I can’t believe the leader has the same last name as my beloved Ji Won. Actually 6kies was composed of 6 leaders. They
committed a lot of crimes and were always challenging the authorities. They had a lot of power and no one could take their pictures without their
consent but a lot of people know what they look like. I didn’t care. I was too busy looking for Ji Won to notice them.
A worker with me named So Kyung Hee came in. “Hey,” she said, patting me lightly on the knee. “On break?” I took a sip and nodded. “Me too,” she
said smiling. I smiled back at her. Kyung Hee was actually one of the nicest people at the hotel. Most of them were cold and just worried about
how much tips they can get. Kyung Hee picked up the TV remote and turned to Channel 6. “Hey Mina,
there’s supposed to be showing 6kies today. Wonder what they look like.” I
nodded and watched with her. When the clock struck 9, I felt my heart had stopped and it was not from my heart failure either. I stared at the face
that was giving a *bleep*y smile to the camera. Ji Won. Slowly the camera pulled out revealing the other 5 members.
I recognized Sung Hoon. He and Ji Won looked completely different but I still recognized them. Ji Won had his hair dyed completely blonde while
Sung Hoon’s was streaked. Kyung Hee and I watched them in silence as they began to talk. Ji Won and the others introduced themselves. Then the camera
showed directly at Ji Won.
To most people he would look like an evil gang leader but in my eyes he was a beautiful angel. If it was ever possible, Ji Won was even finer than
before. “Mina, are you okay?” asked Kyung Hee, as she waved a hand in front of my
face. “Huh?” I asked looking at her. “Oh, I’m fine. Just listening to what they
have to say.” I pointed to Ji Won on the screen. “Who is he?”
“That’s Matthew Eun,” she answered me. I stared at Ji Won some more. He had change his name and so did Sung Hoon.
No wonder I couldn’t find them. Kyung Hee caught me staring so she smiled at me. “The leader is cute huh?”
I blushed. “Yeah.” “Too bad in real life he’s such a jerk.” “He is not!” I yelled at her.
Kyung Hee scooted her seat back in shock. I apologized right away. “Sorry Kyung
Hee, I didn’t mean to yell at you.” She had a confused look on her
face but she said, “Uh, it’s okay Mina.” I pulled a finger to my lips. “Shh…let’s listen to what they have to say…”
Ji Won began talking. “This is Sechkies speaking to all you losers out there watching us. We just want to say that we’re open to hire new
‘employees’. We usually travel around to our many hotels but you’ll find us
if you have the right connections. Also a word to the police of Korea. Why re you picking on us?, “ Ji Won asked sarcastically. “We’re good,
law-abiding citizens.” Ji Won folded his hands together and gave a little low. Then all of the Sechskies leaders started laughing.
“Oh my gosh! Look at him!” yelled Kyung Hee and pointed to Sung Hoon on the
T.V. screen. “Look at that stupid smile and that perverted laugh. Kekeke…”
Kyung Hee made a poor impression of Sung Hoon’s laugh and it made me laugh.
Geez, I thought. Sung Hoon would kill her if he knew she made fun of his trademark smile.
The show ended a little too soon for me but Ji Won did say he was visiting many hotels and mine is the biggest one. He has to come here. I went back
to work and waited for him to come.
********** Part 18 **********
Ji Won entered the main doors of the Nam Hotel and headed towards the
lobby. He let out a sigh. Being in a hotel brought back to him a lot of memories. He remembered how he would take Mina to the hotels to trash it or
slide down the long stairway banisters. But those carefree days are over. His only love had died and he no longer has the heart to love anyone else.
Ever since the news of Mina’s death, Ji Won began to develop a passion for anything he thinks is related to her. Things like her hairbrush, the same
type of lip gloss she uses, her little respirator, etc. There are times when he had to give her mouth to mouth if the respirator wasn’t around. Ji Won
smiled remembering that she had told him that he was her first kiss. Mina
never went out with any guys so it made him really happy but he also found it very strange. He didn’t want to give her any ideas about dating other
guys so he never asked. Ji Won had changed his name to Matthew. It’s to symbolize that Ji Won died
with Mina and Matthew replaced him. He chose the name Matthew because of Mina’s initial ‘M’ and if anyone asks, the ‘M’ stands for Matthew.
Sung Hoon wanted to changed his name to Ricky but Ji Won wouldn’t let him. Ji Won only allowed him to change it if it had the letter ‘M’ so Sung Hoon
ended up changing it to Mickey instead.
“Hey hyung! Over here!” shouted Sung Hoon. JiWon looked over at his five friends. He walked over to them and was
surprised at what he saw. “What the hell is this?” he asked angrily. Every
single one of them had a girl in each arm. “What do you guys think you’re doing?” he asked as he strode over to them.
“Come on hyung,” said Jae Duc. “Lighten up.”
“Yeah,” said Jae Jin. “We worked hard all day and now let’s have a little
fun.”
Ji Won rolled his eyes and then he saw two girls wrap their arms around him. He smiled. “Yeah, I guess.” “Alright!” they all shouted. They like it
when Ji Won is in a good mood.
From where I was standing, I felt as though someone had stabbed me with a knife. Ji Won looked so happy with those 2 girls sitting on both sides of
his lap. I stared at my reflection in the hotel mirror. Big, glassy eyes, pale skin, and waist-length black hair. I looked kind of like a ghost. Not
much to look at, I thought sighing sadly. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder
and I slowly turned around
********** Part 19 **********
“What are you looking at?” asked Kyung Hee. Whew. I let out a sigh of relief. “They’re here,” I whispered to her.
“Who?” she asked, looking over my shoulder. “SechsKies.”
“Oh. So you want to go serve them?” I shook my head ‘no’ quickly. Kyung Hee
laughed. “Okay. Don’t get so worked up, Mina. I’ll do it.” She took a waitress pad and headed over to their table. I remained in the corner
watching them.
“Hi, my name is Kyung Hee and I’ll be your waitress today. May I take your
order?”
All the SechsKies members looked up to the pretty, young girl who just approached them. Instantly Sung Hoon made the 2 girls on his lap move. He
looked up at Kyung Hee, giving her his best smile. “I don’t know what I want for dinner, but you want to be my dessert?” The other 5 Kies members
laughed while Kyung Hee rolled her eyes. “That’s so cute. Must have took
you all day to think up that one huh?” “Ooh,” shouted Ji Yong. “This one has a mouth.”
Sung Hoon just smiled. “Feisty. I like it.” Then he pinched Kyung Hee’s side playfully. She moved away, glaring. “Hey
don’t touch me!” “Come on babe. Go out with me. I’ll show you a good time.”
“Hell no!” Kyung Hee shouted back in his face.
Then Ji Won stood up. “Don’t talk to my friend like that,” he said in a low
threatening voice. “Or else I’ll have you fired.” Ji Won’s glare made Kyung
Hee move back a little bit but she answered back anyways. “You can’t fire me! I quit!”
She handed Jae Jin her apron and pad and stomped over to me in the dark corner. “Stupid, lousy jerks,” she whispered to me. “I know,” I whispered
back, patting her shoulder. Suddenly, I caught Ji Won staring at me. I didn’t know what to say or do so
I just left.
********** Part 20 **********
Ji Won stared at the girl who was talking to Kyung Hee. ‘She looks like
Mina,’ he thought. ‘But can’t be.’
“Hyung,” said Sung Hoon. “What are you looking at?” “Her,” said Ji Won, pointing in Kyung Hee’s and Mina’s direction.
“You like my waitress too?” asked Sung Hoon, pouting. “No,” said Ji Won, shaking his head. “Her friend. Doesn’t she look like
Mina?” Sung Hoon glanced at the person Ji Won was pointing to and watched her walk
away. “No...” said Sung Hoon slowly. “That girl’s hair is much longer and
Mina has a nicer body. That chick looks like a stick.” Ji Won *bleep*ed an eyebrow at Sung Hoon. “How do you know Mina have a nice
body?” Sung Hoon’s eyes widened. “I dunno… just guessing. Ji Yong’s calling
me. I’ll go see what he wants,” Sung Hoon said quickly and ran over to Ji Yong right away. Ji Won began to chase the girlwho just left.
I heard some footsteps following behind me. I quickly turned a corner and entered my room.
Ji Won ran after her as fast as he could. He saw the girl turn a corner and he continued chasing her. He saw a figure up ahead and he grabbed her by
the shoulder. When the girl turned around, she had a surprised expression on her face.
“What do you want?” Ji Won looked at the strange girl. She looked nothing like Mina. “Wrong
person.” The girl walked way. Ji Won sighed. ‘Maybe it’s cause I miss Mina
so much that I’m beginning to see her.’ He began to walk back to the lobby,
disappointedly. From my hotel room, I was watching Ji Won with the little hole in the door.
I saw him pat a girl and then walk away with him head bowed down. I went over and sat down on my bed. I let out a sigh. Ji Won doesn’t miss me. He
has too many girls with him already. He probably forgot who I am by now.
Tears fell down my face and I didn’t even realize it. I quickly wiped them away. I wanted to tell myself that I hate Ji Won but I couldn’t because
then I’d just be lying. There was only one thing left for me to do.
I stood in front of my bathroom mirror. I can’t be with Ji Won as Mina, but I wanted to be by his side to watch over him. I thought about it for a
while and remembered they were recruiting new members for Black Kies. I looked at myself. Hmm…if my hair is short and put into a cap, I wear
sunglasses more, darken my skin with make-up, and lower my voice…I can pass
for a guy. So I did it. Within an hour, I had transformed myself into a guy. I checked
myself over. As a guy, I didn’t look too bad. I smoothed out my new short hair and tucked it into a cap. Guys wear earrings too so I didn’t have to
orry about my earring holes. I wore a couple of T-shirts under my flannel and 2 pairs of boxers under my baggy jeans so I would fill out more and
wouldn’t look so scrawny. I checked my make-up, making sure I waswell-covered. I put my sunglasses on. Perfect, I
thought. Now all I have to do is have to pass the test to join the gang.