Chapter 158

Chapter 158

Raise Three Idols Well And They’ll Launch a Confession Attack.

Episode 158: Chapter 15 – Confessions Of A Girl Who Didn’t Believe In Herself (END)

In front of Gyeoul, carefully peeling an apple, her grandfather, dressed in a patient gown, laughed heartily and spoke.

“Haha, I really thought I was going to die.”

“…Grandfather.”

“Why the long face? As long as I’m alive, that’s all that matters. Haha.”

“…Yes, I’m really glad.”

Before exchanging such lighthearted jokes, a lot had happened.

Seon Taeyang, realizing that Han Gyeoul had arrived at her hometown in Jeonnam without permission, explained the situation to Cheon Aram and other broadcasting stations, taking full responsibility for everything on Gyeoul’s behalf.

Then, as if such a burden didn’t bother him at all, Taeyang lightly suggested to Gyeoul that she think of today as just a vacation.

As she couldn’t raise her head, only able to say, “I’m sorry,” he gently stroked her head and said, “Thank you for being strong.”

Not wanting to appear like a crybaby, Gyeoul struggled to hold back her tears, but those words easily made her tear up again.

The time that followed felt like a long-awaited vacation.

Though Gyeoul’s grandfather was startled by their sudden appearance, he quickly welcomed them.

They spent time enjoying delicious food without worrying about their weight, chatting casually, watching Gyeoul’s grandfather’s workshop, and even trying out some activities.

At one point, Gyeoul’s grandfather, who had started practicing after watching the Witches competition, shyly suggested that they play a game together.

Instead of the embarrassed Gyeoul, Taeyang took the lead, saying it would be fun and that they should play together.

The game was a mess due to Gyeoul’s grandfather, who was a beginner, and Taeyang, who wasn’t particularly good at games. Gyeoul had to handle all the setbacks on her own, but throughout the game, laughter never left her lips.

Both Seon Taeyang and Gyeoul’s grandfather laughed together.

She was happy. So much so that she wished this moment could last forever.

After finishing dinner and with a cup of tea, just as Gyeoul’s grandfather began to slowly speak about his old stories, the expected misfortune began.

It was a heart attack.

In that situation, Seon Taeyang, as if he had anticipated it, used the defibrillator he had prepared and performed CPR.

He also called an ambulance he had arranged beforehand to quickly transport Gyeoul’s grandfather to the hospital for expert care.

The doctor observing the patient praised the quick actions, saying it was the best possible response.

Thus, the future changed.

Gyeoul’s grandfather survived.

“Hehe, Seon Taeyang helped again.”

That was the reason Gyeoul could have this time.

“Well, a remarkable guy is a remarkable guy. It’s a blessing that someone like him is sticking with Gyeoul.”

“That’s right. Taeyang oppa is really amazing. He’s so different from someone like me.”

“Hey, don’t say that. What’s lacking in you? Why are you always putting yourself down?”

“…”

Seeing Gyeoul, who couldn’t answer and lowered her head, her grandfather smiled bitterly and spoke.

“At this rate, I might die before hearing news of my granddaughter’s marriage.”

“…”

Her grandfather’s words were familiar.

After all, they were the words that opened the door to the last conversation she had with him in the future.

Gyeoul’s hand trembled slightly. Her nose felt tight and teary.

But she wiped away the tears and spoke as indifferently as she could, pretending to hear it for the first time.

“Marriage? Who are you talking about?”

“Who else? You and Seon Taeyang, of course.”

“No, someone like me, how could I be with Taeyang oppa?”

“Hey, what’s lacking in you? If you don’t believe it, I’ll show you the deed to my land. A handsome, well-mannered man with money—how could you resist?”

“…But still.”

Her grandfather burst into laughter and said.

“I approve. Just know that.”

Gyeoul smiled faintly, as if she might break down at any moment.

“I’ll remember that.”

On the way back to Seoul, Seon Taeyang, who was driving, asked.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Shouldn’t you stay a little longer?”

“Yes, I’m fine. I’ve stopped what I needed to.”

“Still, it’s okay to stay a little longer by your grandfather’s side. After everything you’ve been through, it’s natural that you’d want to be with him more. As for your schedule, I’ll take care of it.”

“No, I’ve already indulged myself enough. I need to return as Han Gyeoul of Girl Revolution now.”

“Really? Then, I guess I’ll have to rely on you, Gyeoul. Honestly, your role in Girl Revolution is so important right now… Haha, forgive this foolish adult.”

“…”

There were words that came to Gyeoul’s mind, but whenever she tried to say them, her mouth felt dry, as if it wouldn’t work.

After hesitating and opening her mouth, she finally said something else.

“And more than anything, I want to be by your side, Taeyang oppa.”

“Hehe, how is it that our Gyeoul speaks so beautifully? I’m so lucky to have you as my idol.”

Gyeoul turned her head and looked at his profile.

His hairstyle, neatly combed with pomade, though a few strands of bangs were left casually falling.

His deep black eyes, almost as if they were pulling her in.

His attractive lips, gently smiling.

Gyeoul, mesmerized by his appearance, spoke again.

“Taeyang oppa.”

“Yes?”

“In the future you saw, what happens to me?”

With the real question she had been hesitant to ask.

“What do you mean, ‘What happens to you?’”

“How do I become happy?”

Taeyang, who had been thinking deeply about her question, finally spoke.

“Well… You’ll top the music shows, become the best idol, receive love from your fans, grow close with your Girl Revolution colleagues, and make a lot of money. That’s how you’ll become happy.”

“Anything else? Anything more?”

“Something else? Hmm, let me think…”

Taeyang, looking troubled as the right answer didn’t come to him, smiled awkwardly and spoke.

“Haha, no, it’s not that I didn’t see the future, but I might not remember it. Maybe there’s something else that should be added?”

“Yes, there is. I can’t be happy with just what you said.”

The most important thing was missing from the future Taeyang had spoken about.

“No, actually, even if all those things were gone, I could still be happy with just one thing.”

“What is it?”

“You, Taeyang oppa.”

“…”

As Seon Taeyang struggled to respond to the weight of her words, Gyeoul continued speaking.

“Taeyang oppa, I didn’t believe that you saw the future. Specifically, I didn’t believe you saw the future where I become happy.”

“Is it because you didn’t trust my actions? I’m sorry if I couldn’t reassure you.”

“No, it’s not your fault, Taeyang oppa.”

At that moment, Gyeoul didn’t believe what Taeyang had said about seeing the future.

She knew how impossible it was that he had seen the future where she became happy.

After all, for Gyeoul to be happy, she just needed to be by Taeyang’s side.

“Because I couldn’t believe that you would be by my side in the future.”

So, she asked Seon Taeyang many times.

If she would be by his side in the future.

And whenever she asked, Seon Taeyang always said the same thing.

“I will always be by your side.”

Gyeoul couldn’t believe those words either.

But it wasn’t because she didn’t trust him. It was because she didn’t trust herself.

“I didn’t think that someone like me could be given such an undeserved future of being by your side.”

He was warm.

He was sweet.

He was incredibly charming.

There were countless people who needed the warmth he gave.

It wasn’t only Gyeoul who lived through winter. Everyone had a coldness in their hearts, and Taeyang was needed.

And those people had much more than Gyeoul, and they could give more to Taeyang.

So did Yeoreum and Gaeul.

That was why Gyeoul thought she wouldn’t belong in that place.

Even though she wished and hoped, she thought that no matter how much Taeyang gave her his trust, it wouldn’t be enough, and the people around him wouldn’t allow it.

“But now, I want to stop giving up. I want to stop not trusting you, Taeyang oppa.”

But still.

Even so.

Even if she couldn’t get it.

Even if she couldn’t be chosen in the end.

The girl named Han Gyeoul realized she could no longer hide this feeling.

‘So, Han Gyeoul, face it properly. Don’t just give up, thinking it won’t work. Don’t compromise by thinking it’s okay to just be by his side. Prepare to confront your heart, or you’ll regret it.’

Just like what Jin Yeoreum had once said to her, she no longer wanted to regret.

“I like you.”

And so, Gyeoul uttered those words that filled her heart, almost to the point of bursting.

“No, I love you.”

“Are you saying that to me as your manager?”

“No.”

Affection.

Longing.

Attachment.

Admiration.

With all the meanings of the words for love.

“I’m saying this as a woman.”