The Rogues (2): A Heartfelt Message

Sojin was glued to the TV. It was Yoona's first performance on a national channel and that too for Jinhyun's company. She was excited for Yoona but most importantly, desperate to get a glimpse of Jinhyun.

Jinhyun was shown sitting on the judge's panel. He was judging alone for the first episode. Even though he was smiling, he looked tired and worn out.

"He became so thin," she muttered in a worried tone. "Is he not eating well?"

His weight loss was causing her a great deal of concern. He was always smiling and from all his interviews, she perceived him as a positive person. But she knew that beneath that happy persona, was a lonely boy who had no malice in his heart.

Sometimes she wondered if she should be proud of her son or worried. He was thirty two years old and still single. Sojin really wished that he would fall in love and find a woman worthy of him. Someone who would be able to give him genuine happiness.

"The show has started?"

Sojin jumped in surprise. Startled, she turned around to see Sung Gojin, standing across the living room. She immediately stood up and bowed.

"Yoona will have her first performance today," she said sheepishly. "I couldn't stop myself from-"

"Don't worry about all that!" Gojin shrugged. "Even though I don't approve of her joining that brat's agency, I'll still support her choice. She's my daughter after all."

He sat down on the couch while Sojin quietly stood at the back.

Yoona's face was sprawled on the screen as she answered Sedong's question.

"I…honestly don't have a gallant answer like the others," she was saying. "But if I had to choose a reason, I guess I want to be an idol for… Love?"

Sojin frowned at her answer. Love? Did Yoona have a lover? But that was not possible. Yoona hardly ever interacted with other males. Her father even stopped trying to set her up with other men since she showed no interest in them. When did she get a boyfriend?

"Love?" Sedong asked. "Are you in love with someone, Yoona?"

"I am," she replied. The crowd was shocked at her bold confession. "But I feel that I'm not worthy of that love," she said in a sad tone. "So I want to become an idol, so that I can infuse my love for him in all my performances in the hopes that someday, he will return my feelings."

"Love?" Gojin spoke out. "Who is she talking about?"

But Sojin knew who it was. She was well aware of Yoona's feelings towards Jinhyun. It was not some fanciful crush like everyone thought but truly strong emotions.

"I don't know, sir," Sojin lied. "Maybe she will tell us when the time comes."

Gojin grumbled. He was curious about Yoona's statement and fully intended to investigate this mysterious man.

Sojin stared at the TV. Jinhyun's smiling face was flashing on it. The host, Sedong, was asking him a series of questions. Jinhyun, being a veteran in the field answered all of them in a candid manner.

"Jinhyun, before we start," Sedong was saying. "Do you have any special message for someone you love?"

The host was teasing him for some juicy gossip.

Jinhyun thought for a while before answering.

"I would love to convey my message to the most important person in my life," he said.

He looked directly at the camera, his eyes unflinching. "I want that person to know that I am truly happy," he went on, his eyes brimming with sincerity. "It was a difficult journey, but thanks to her prayers, I've managed to come this far. I know she worries about me a lot. But I want her to know that I am living well. I'm happy doing the things I love and I hope she is proud of me."

The audience gasped and whispered amongst themselves. Was he proclaiming his love for someone? Who is this mysterious woman?

"Oho!" Sedong exclaimed. "Who is this woman? She must be very special to you!"

Everyone held their breath as they waited for Jinhyun's answer. He smiled and replied, "It's my mother."

The audience fell silent. Even Sedong was baffled.

"But aren't you an orphan?" he asked bluntly. "Then how come…"

"Truthfully, I've never met her," Jinhyun admitted. "I don't even know if I will ever meet her. But…"

He took a deep breath. "But she is alive," he said. "I know she is. I cannot say how I know, but I know she is nearby. Maybe she has a good reason not to openly meet me. But I feel as if she's always watching me. Everytime I'm on stage or TV, I can feel her eyes on me. I became an idol so that she can see my music videos whenever she wants to."

His words left everyone teary eyed. Even Sedong was speechless at his heartfelt message. The smile on their Idol King's face hid an unbearable agony.

….

Cherry was watching his interview with full attention. Despite her intense dislike of him, she could not help but wonder how he managed to hide his true emotions so well.

Typical, she scoffed inwardly. At first, Cherry used to think that Seyoung and Jinhyun were vastly different people. Seyoung was cold and manipulative. He was good at hiding his thoughts and attacked his enemies from the shadows. It was the norm of those days. Lying, cheating and backstabbing were second nature to the inhabitants of the palace. Even Cherry was involved in a lot of the schemings.

Jinhyun, on the other hand, was infectiously optimistic who seemingly wore his heart on his sleeve. He only wanted to sing and be happy.

But after watching the interview, Cherry was reflecting on how similar he actually was to Seyoung. He may smile from the outside, but inside, he was just as cold as her former husband. He knew how to mask his emotions well. Even if it was sadness, he would cover it up with his fake and happy image.

"How long will you keep lying?" she wondered out loud. But for once, her statement held a tiny bit of pity.

From the backstage, Yoona was also watching his interview. Her fingers curled into a tight fist. Her knuckles were turning white as his words stabbed her hearts like prickly thorns.

Mother, huh? She thought. I must find her before he does. Otherwise, I will lose him to her. Forever.