The Man Everyone Wants Loves Me

WHO TOOK MY HEART

CHAPTER 5

They went out wearing jeans, sneakers, and cardigans. They put on shades and caps as well. The bodyguards were following them but keeping a safe distance, they hardly noticed their presence. There was also an SUV with a driver following them if they needed a vehicle later. Hyan and Charrie were like two ordinary people, walking and laughing within the area, and no one noticed them. If by chance, people looked at them, it was because they looked good together—an attractive man and a gorgeous lady-- walking side by side on the streets.

Charrie realized Hyan was right. People never noticed them as long as they did not stay in one place. They went to a park, the mall, ate light meals in kiosks, and even rode a train, and people did not recognize Hyan.

It was the simplest Charrie had celebrated her birthday; nevertheless, it was the funniest and most memorable one. Hyan was so much fun to be with. She never thought he could be funny like a clown despite having a serious and snobby appearance, which may be due to his descent or lineage. But he packed a bucket of jokes and unleashed it all in a day. Charrie couldn't remember the number of times she laughed while listening to his jokes and witty antics.

Hyan was surprised himself. He had never had a day similar to this since he entered the entertainment industry. He was more peaceful, happy, and very comfortable. He was so pleased that Charrie had held his interest. She was witty, with no pretensions, and a good conversationalist. Although he could still sense her reservation, she had been considerate and appreciated his efforts in turning the day a memorable one for both of them.

They strolled around the park, carrying in their hands the coffee they had bought at the coffee shop after their dinner. The park was near the hotel, and they had chosen a bench to stay on momentarily while they drank their coffee. The day full of fun would end soon since it was nearing 9 in the evening.

“When will your flight be?-- back to Manila Charrie?” Hyan asked with a serious expression on his face this time.

“We leave here early Sunday morning,” she replied.

“We leave for SK on Saturday night,” Hyan shared his schedule even if she didn't ask for it.“Can we have dinner before we leave for the airport?” He asked her in a more serious tone.

She nodded, “Sure. It’s my treat! I can’t thank you enough for making my birthday a memorable one!” she offered outright.

Hyan chuckled in his glee, “Agreeing to spend the day with me today is enough gratitude, Charrie." he expressed sincerely.

“I am blessed with having you around,” Charrie thought, but she did not say it out loud. "Just the same, allow me to treat you," she uttered instead.

He did not comment on the offer to treat him but said, “By the way, tomorrow I will start my work here in Tokyo. I need to shoot for a commercial, and I’ll have a live appearance in a certain network. I think I will be working until 8 or 9 in the evening. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow,” Hyan's gaze was far away; just thinking of his schedule made him tired already.

“Oh! We needed to go back then to the hotel. You need to rest. After this long day, you must be exhausted,” Charrie considerately uttered. In her excitement, she had forgotten about the matters of tomorrow. Hyan might want to end the day as he needed to rest. She also needed to rest for tomorrow's ordeal, but she was sure her schedule was far lighter than Hyan.

“No! I’m fine,” but Hyan disagreed, shaking his head slightly. He had no intention of ending the night yet.

“You want to have eye bags tomorrow?" Charrie uttered in jest, "Let’s go!” Charrie insisted and stood up.

Hyan grabbed her hand and pulled her back gently on the bench. “Let’s stay here for a little longer--” he was more serious and gazed at Charrie intently.

Charrie stared at the hand Hyan used to pull her back to the bench. She felt energy flowing onto her skin originating from that simple touch. When she looked up, she saw Hyan's gentle but earnest gaze.

He then extended his hand with a small box--a gift for her.

She gasped for air, surprised. She murmured, “Hyan, you already gave me flowers, and you paid for all the snacks and rides. That’s more than enough." She gently refused the additional gift from him, and she pushed back his hand extended to her without touching the box.

Shaking his head, he said, “No!" He got her hand and placed the box on top of it, "Being with you today is your gift to me. I’ve never enjoyed a day since I don’t know when. But for your birthday…this is for you.”

He could not allow her to refuse the gift he picked himself. For whatever reason, he found the piece of jewelry so fitting for her. The concierge made it possible for him to choose from their finest jewelry collection, and as soon as he saw it, he knew it was perfect for her. He snapped the box open.

Inside the box was a pink heart diamond necklace--it shined as it captured some light around them.

It was beautiful!

Overwhelmed at the beauty of the jewelry before her, Charrie froze for a few seconds, and she repeatedly shook her head when she snapped back to her senses.

“Hyan, this is too much. I-i cannot accept this," she whispered. Knowing the cost of such jewelry, it was not proper for someone to accept such a gift from him and for him to gift someone he barely knew. She pushed the box at Hyan's hand.

But--Hyan insisted, “Please accept it... It’s a remembrance and a promise.”

Hyan placed the box in her hand but took the necklace and gently placed it around her neck. In his mind, no one could wear the piece better than her.

“Promise?” Charrie asked, bewildered. What promise was he talking about? she murmured to herself.

He smiled, “Not sure yet-- but at least I know who took my heart!” Hyan whispered, barely audible as if he was speaking to himself. He had a gentle smile on his face when Charrie looked at him with confusion all over her face.

Then, to break the tension he had caused, he said,” Cliché? Old pick-up line,” he teased, trying to hide the feeling he couldn't confirm this early.

Charrie bursts into laughter, believing it was just one of Hyan’s jokes.

He was probably so rich. He wouldn’t mind giving gifts to people he had just met. She thought.

She wanted to decline, but she saw Hyan’s expression when he looked into the necklace on her neck. For whatever reason, she could utter her refusal.

Instead, she told him, “Thank you, Hyan. I never thought this day would turn out like this."

The day turned out more than what both of them thought was possible, and it was indeed beyond their expectations.

“It’s a pleasure to make you happy, Charrie!” Hyan wanted to kiss her but decided it was not time yet, and it was not proper no matter how he wanted it, and he had to refrain from doing so.

Charrie was so adorable, even more so when she was confused and didn't know what was happening around her.

Hyan knew it was more than a simple attraction between them, and he just needed to be sure of his feelings before he made a move. As a celebrity, he could have anyone he wished to have. Ladies couldn't seem to resist his charm, but Charrie was different and would always be different in his eyes. Up to what extent-- he had to figure out.

“Now we can go back to the hotel,” He heaved a heavy sigh and announced before he could do something else that Charrie wouldn't like. He extended a hand to Charrie as he stood up.

“Yes! Let’s go!” Charrie took his hand, and they walked towards the waiting SUV.

Despite the tension between them, Charrie still felt comfortable with him.

They decided to take the SUV instead to get to the hotel faster. It was getting late, they still had tomorrow and the day after that to figure out what was happening between them.

When they reached the hotel, they proceeded to the elevator hurriedly. Hyan waited until she was inside her suite and said goodbye. After that, he just took the service stairs to go to his own, just above Charrie’s.

His staff was still busy when he arrived. Dennis saw him enter his room, and he followed him. He gave him a bottle of cold beer as it usually soothed Hyan after a long day.

“Did you have a nice day, man?” he asked, although he could tell that Hyan did. Joy was written on his face.

“Ye (Yes). Jal naonda It turns out well”. He responded with a smile on his face.

“Hay!" Dennis repeatedly shook his head, "Remember what I told you, Hyan, we have a contract to fulfill,” He gently reminded Hyan, speaking in the Korean language.

“Easy, man! It’s a good thing I had a splendid day! Your protocols can’t ruin its”, Hyan chuckled.

“I was just worried, man. You never acted like this, and there are complications-- if you are not careful.” Dennis was both happy and anxious. Hyan never behaved like this before, so that he couldn't compare, but just the same, a celebrity's life was so different from the ordinary man and woman. Hyan has restrictions, protocols to follow, and commitments to the management.

“Are we ready for tomorrow?” Hyan tried to change the subject.

“Yes! Everything is alright. Just look good and follow the script tomorrow! Ha! That face!” Dennis smirked but was confident in Hyan’s ability, especially if he was happy. In front of the camera, Hyan always delivered what was asked of him.

“Go get some rest when you are good! Take it, easy, man.” He could sense Hyan was in high-sp, and therefore was no doubt that he had enjoyed the day.

Something was budding. He just realized Hyan had never been this vigorous since he got on board. Hyan’s display of interest had been a revelation to them. In his younger years, he had a relationship but nothing that intense. As he matured, he became more impartial in entering relationships due to his hectic schedule. He became more reserved and perhaps picky about who he dates, then lost interest after a while. Dennis just scratched his head. It’s too early to tell.

In Charrie’s suite, she’s staring at the necklace Hyan gave her. She also glanced at the beautiful roses which were currently blooming. She took a picture of both. She usually took pictures of every gift that he gave to her.

Hyan not only gave her excellent material gifts but, he also gave her his time. He made her birthday memorable, and it would be hard to forget what happened today.

She looked at the diamond necklace again. He said, “He knows who took his heart.” Was he implying something?

She discovered a handful of Hyan’s personality today. He had been generous in his revelations, and he had let her know, the Hyan behind the camera, despite his popularity, did not affect the person within.

When she met him, he sent her on a roller-coaster experience. It was unexpectedly blissful, but she was so afraid of the rush, the pleasure & the odds.

Charrie was logical. While it was confirmed, there might be a strong attraction. There were consequences. He remains a dream, and that’s where he stays. When the trip was finally over, he would be gone. The developing rapport might pass as quickly as it arrived. He treated her well, so she was obliged to do the same. He's a good man, and she’s safe.

The call of Candies interrupted her thoughts.

“Hello girl, Happy birthday!” she greeted her.

“Thanks, Candies”

“Where have you been all day? We keep calling you but can’t get through.” She’s worried.

“I sent you a message, right? I’m taking the day off after signing the deal”. Hyan told her to keep her phone off so they could enjoy the day as he did the same. A few minutes ago, when she opened it, she had yet to review her messages.

“Oh well, yes, of course, you are entitled to a day's rest. I was just curious about what you had been up to and how you spent the day. I suddenly regretted not being there.”

She was thankful for Candies' friendship.

“You’ll never know what I did today.” Charrie chuckled in glee.

“Huh! When did you learn to keep secrets from me? Tomorrow you’ll answer all my questions. It’s so unlike you!” Charrie could imagine her expression, and she laughed even more.

Candies laughed also. “Anyway, expect us to be there around 2 pm. We’ll grab food along the way, so no need to worry!”

“Did you check the room reservation?” Charrie asked her.

“Yes, mam, the door next to you was vacated today. So, tomorrow we will open the connecting door. Also, I’ve booked another room for the boys on the same floor. We will do all the preps in your suite.” Candies confirmed the preparations.

“Okay, then I will see you all tomorrow. Safe flight!” They said goodbye.

She still has time to check and respond to her well-wishers for the day. It was almost midnight when she finally got to rest.