Money Loving CEO's Detective Lover

Green. A color which was associated with nature. The color which created a blend of beauty and tranquility, adding a layer of meaning to everything in its shade. The calm and soothing color was enough to make anyone feel at peace upon being surrounded by it.     

It was also the color for envy. And unfortunately for Hwang Minho, all he could see in front of him was the dark shade of envious green as the anger in him hissed like a serpent, ready to unleash itself upon a certain sanitizer lover.     

But he stood there at his spot, watching Gayoon crying on Jaewan's chest. Jina was also trying to assure her mother that she was fine and nothing happened. Jongin and the other guards has excused themselves, unwilling to fall in the middle of the perceived love triangle and face their boss' wrath.     

Gayoon was not sure why she clung onto Jaewan at that moment. She was so exhausted by the events of the past month and suppressing them took a huge toll on her emotionally. The ordeal she went through with CCK followed by so many revelations and Minho's coldness towards her was making her weak. And the momentary fear of losing Jina once again completely broke her.     

So when Jaewan, one of her only friends, appeared in front of her, she could not help but break down completely. Disregarding his obsession with cleanliness and hygiene, Jaewan held her, not asking anything. He glanced at the little girl who was hugging her mother from the back and then his eyes fell on Minho.     

So this is him, he realized. The father.     

There was no doubt in his mind that Hwang Minho made Gayoon cry. Both the men glared at each other as a silent war brewed between them. Minho wanted to rip those two apart and possibly throw Jaewan off the eighth floor but his pride was not allowing him to do so. He was still disappointed in Gayoon for not only endangering their daughter's life with such a curse but she also almost lost her today. It was not forgivable.     

"It's alright," Jaewan consoled her. "I'm here now. And I'll always be here with you."     

Gayoon nodded and let go of him, wiping her eyes.     

"You remember me!" she sniffed. "I thought that you'd forget all about me. Especially after how I left."     

She felt really guilty for leaving him behind without any notice. After all, he was the only guy who accepted her abilities and embraced her as a friend. The other children would run away and call her a freak but Ahn Jaewan stayed by her side, protecting her whenever she needed help.     

But after a devastating incident, Gayoon ran away to get rid of her abilities for once and for all, resulting in an everlasting guilt which tore her apart everyday. Seeing Jaewan after so many years only made her appreciate her friend even more.     

"I'll never forget you, ghost girl," he said, poking her forehead. "Neither did Mona."     

"Mona?"     

"This is Mona!" Jina yelped, showing off the pug in her arms which immediately jumped into Gayoon's arms.     

"Mona!" Gayoon exclaimed as the dog licked her face. "You still have her?"     

It was the same puppy she had found on the street but it had grown now. Even though it was small in size, the dog was now happier and more energetic. After an accident killed her mother, Mona was wandering the streets helplessly. Gayoon had seen the spirit of the mother dog tailing her little pup, worried for her safety since Mona was a weak pup. It was when Jaewan saw her talking to the pup, he decided to adopt it.     

"She must have realized that you were nearby," Jaewan said. "That's why she ran off. But she found Jina and brought her to us."     

"And oppa decided to marry me when I grow up!" Jina piped in.     

"I did not!"     

"Yes you did!"     

Gayoon laughed at them but suddenly noticed Minho was standing at the corner, coldly staring at them. She glared back, not backing down. His earlier words rang in her ears and she was no longer going to stay quiet.     

"If you are done with this happy reunion," he spoke up. "We need to go home."     

"I wanna stay with my future hubby!" Jina protested.     

"Don't be a killjoy, Mr. Hwang," Jaewan smirked. "We can go and buy some of the drug store brands you like."     

"Unlike you, I have very limited time to spare," Minho shot back. "You see, my time means money. Some of us work hard for it instead of using our faces."     

Jaewan was about to snap back but Gayoon intervened and said, "Oppa, you can have my number. I'd love to catch up with you in your spare time. And I've heard that a high school reunion is also coming up. If you are able to go, let me know."     

"Fine," he agreed, taking out his phone. He saved her number, fully intending to call her everyday.     

"Did you become a cop like you had planned?" he asked.     

"I did," Gayoon nodded. She held his hand and clasped their palms together. "Thank you for supporting me."     

She smiled at him, grateful for the unending encouragement he gave her when they were in school. Meanwhile, the green shades were getting darker in front of Minho and he turned on his heels to leave.     

"Oppa when will you take me to sign the marriage certificate?" Jina asked in a dreamy tone.     

"Never!"     

Gayoon giggled at their banter and took Jina's hand. "Let's go home," she laughed. Turning to Jaewan, she added, "I'll meet up with you soon."     

"Don't run away this time, Gayoon," Jaewan said. There was a longing in his tone. He was afraid that she would disappear again, this time for eternity.     

"I won't," she promised. "Not this time."     

They shared a smile, reminiscing about the past left behind before bidding each other goodbye. Jaewan watched her leave, his heart beating fast. She was the same kind and strong Jeon Gayoon as she was ten years ago. It was hard to pinpoint what made him fall for her all those years ago but he did and was still very much in love with her.     

And now that he found her again, he was determined to be with her. Forever.