BEST Friend, BAD Friend

Min Joo's life was close to perfect. She had a happy family, a group of close knitted friends, excellent conduct in school, perfect results, and a very good buddy, Kelene.

Basically, she had everything a girl ever dreamt of having. Her parents are well off, giving her all the luxurious and material comforts most girls only hope for. The family lived around Siglap area and her father dabbles in the fastfood business.

At the age of twenty, she pursued medicine in one of the best local university in Singapore. She had everything, but little did she expect the person who might hurt her most, was around her all the time.

Nothing wakes a person up better than betrayal.

******************************

It all happened one year back, when Min Joo and Kelene decided to attend the same course after their A levels. Two girls met when they were Primary school and they absolutely loved each other. Even in Secondary school, when Min Joo was in the Special Stream and Kelene in Express, they still met everyday during recess and after school.

They were that close. People practically thought they were siblings. Min Joo, although wealthier than Kelene, never compared their differences. Min Joo gave her best friend everything she had. Hence, they always ended up with the shoes, clothes, bags and laptops. Min Joo always made sure she bought double of everything.

Kelene on the other hand, is the daughter of a Yong Tau Foo stall owner and his wife. They did quite well, though. Their little stall made more money than the other stores in the coffeeshop. Most of the ingredients were sold out before dinnertime. However, Kelene was never proud of her parents. That was why her parents hardly attended any of her schools' events.

On their first day of school, Min Joo was whizzing past the cars on the expressway in her BMW. She did her soft curls the day before and she loved them. She realised that her hairstylist, Kylie, knew exactly what she wanted. Kelene had done the same and they looked like two peas in a pod. Apart from their complexion and features differences, almost everything about them looked alike. Min Joo loved the similarity. It made her feel extremely close to her best friend.

Kelene was sitting beside her, touching up on her make up. She was extremely excited over the first day of school. After all these years of tedious schoolwork and ugly uniforms, she finally made it to the University.

"Do you think there'll be cute guys in our class?" Min Joo asked. She was glowing in the sunlight in her bright yellow 1970's strap dress.

Kelene giggled. "Well, I don't know, but the doctors I've met so far, are not bad looking."

Min Joo pulled the brake and looked through the rearview mirror with a grin. "I'm so excited. You know, it took me exactly three years to get over Russell. I'm now all ready to find a right guy and start all over again."

"I'm sure you will. After all, you're such..." Kelene smiled sweetly and dragged the last word with a bit of a cute tone in it. She stretched over and gave Min Joo a big hug before completing the sentence, "a good friend!"

Min Joo hugged Kelene back. She was blessed to have such a good girlfriend. She was determined to find Kelene a good boyfriend too, if she ever finds one.

*******************************

"I'm even amazed how you two look alike! You guys even have the same curls." Serene, a new classmate gushed when they were at lunch.

Min Joo gave a wide smile and picked up her fork. "We've been best friends since Primary school okay? She's like my other half."

"People sometimes think we're lesbians." Kelene added with a laugh.

Min Joo cut a small cube of her beef steak and fed it to Kelene. Kelene accepted it with grace and did the same to Min Joo.

"Oh my god. I am starting to think you guys are lesbians as well." Serene remarked with a slight shiver in her voice.

Min Joo laughed. "We understand."

**********************************

After school that day, when the girls were about to leave the school campus, they bumped into a senior whom they met during the orientation. Both girls thought he was cute.

"Oh hey." He said with a smile when he saw the two girls near the carpark.

"Hey." The both of them replied in unison, only to realise that both of them were blushing.

"I haven't got your names during the orientation. I'm Neth." He introduced himself and stretched out a hand.

"Min Joo."

"Kelene."

Two girls took turns to shake that large, firm hand. Both girls were almost breathless. Neth was not only blessed with good looks, he was also studying criminal law in school. This was his second year and he had been very popular amongst his peers for his friendly and kind nature.

Neth flashed them another charming smile, showing his perfect set of straight, white teeth. "Well, see you girls around. You guys going home?"

Min Joo nodded shyly. "Yup. Home."

"Well, alright then. I'll catch you some other day. Bye!" With that, Neth walked away towards the school's canteen.

Kelene placed her hand against her chest and looked at her best friend wide eyed. "Oh my god. I could hardly breathe."

Min Joo leaned against the pillar weakly and felt her face. "I feel damn feverish. I think I am fucking blushing."

Kelene giggled. "He's cute. Super cute. Let's go." She grabbed her friend's hand and led her to the car.

"Maybe, just maybe, he and I can work something out." Min Joo mumbled dreamily as she unlocked the car's door with a smile.

But she did not realise that, Kelene heard what she said.

*****************************************

The next few days in school were passed on quickly and it was finally Friday. The girls loved Fridays. It would mean a night of party, party and more party.

Kelene was at Min Joo's house that evening. They decided to settle for some "GOLD RUSH" look as Min Joo slipped into a Gucci mini dress studded with golden sequins.

"Do you want to borrow my gold top? It's definitely nicer than your Topshop gold dress. It makes you look like a carpet." Min Joo remarked, taking out a beautiful Guess gold top from her wardrobe.

Kelene, sitting by the dressing table, looked away from the mirror. She was applying mascara.
"Oh, that's very cute."

Min Joo smiled proudly and proceeded to remove the curlers from her hair. "Of course. It's mine. You should learn how to dress up sometimes, Kel. Stop shopping at Topshop, Mango... These shops are passe."

Kelene screwed the mascara bottle tight, turned, and face her flawless friend. "I can only afford such brands. I'm not you. I'm not Min Joo with a rich dad."

Min Joo stopped at the removal of her curlers and stared at her best friend. "What do you mean by that? I've given you whatever I have. How can you, of all people, say that I'm just "Min Joo with a rich dad"? That was totally, extremely, hurting." She went on to remove her curlers. "If you know what I mean, I've never despised you."

Kelene broke out a smile and hugged Min Joo. "Yes, I know! Don't get so uptight! It was just a comment. I know how much you love me."

Min Joo's anger seemed to have eased at the sound of that. She liked it when Kelene cared so much about her.

"Well, I guess I'm okay. Hurry and try that top. It'll look fabulous on you."

****************************

The night at Ministry Of Sound was a blast. Min Joo and Kelene went into the VIP room to search for Min Joo's friend, one of the rich businessman's son.

"Min Joo! Look who's here!" Jack welcomed with wide arms when the two girls were granted entry to the VIP room.

"Oh Jack!" Min Joo gushed and gave him a hug.

"Kelene!" Jack greeted the girl behind Min Joo and gave her a hug as well.

"Sit! Order whatever you want. It's on me." Jack offered generously, throwing his wallet on the table.

That was Jack. Always full of enthusiasm and money. He was highly sought after at his university although, to Min Joo, his look was slightly below average. However, he was great company and great fun.

"Hmm! How about a dozen shots of tequila?" Min Joo ordered.

A lady took the order and walked off towards the bar counter.

"How was school for the first week?" Jack asked, taking a generous gulp of his Chivas, a big cube of ice chinkling against the glass. He was leaning back against the comfortable sofa in his black button shirt and pants.

Min Joo placed her gold clutch beside her and straightened her dress. "Fine. Nothing specatacular like I thought."

"Yeah. Except that senior, Neth." Kelene added with a childish giggle.

Min Joo nudged her friend and looked at Jack with a grin. "He's very, very, cute. I think he may not be totally Chinese. He had these pair of deep, dark beautiful eyes. He resembles Utt."

Jack laughed. "So fast you all find new target already huh? Looks like I'll have no chance again." He added with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

Everyone knew that Jack had been into Min Joo for almost ten years now. Min Joo, however, never felt anything special for him.

"You can have Kelene!" Min Joo laughed and gently pushed Kelene to Jack.

A tray of a dozen shots of tequila came just in time. Kelene needed that. Sometimes, she simply could not stand Min Joo's childish attitude.

"Let's drink." Kelene changed the subject and picked up a shot glass. "Let's drink to our first week at school." She toasted to Min Joo and felt the gush of alcohol rushing down her throat. She quickly picked up a slice of lemon and placed it on the top part of her tongue.

*************************************

As the two girls were about to leave the club at four in the morning, they met someone they never thought they would meet at a place like that.

Neth.

"What are you doing here?" Kelene asked, slightly tipsy. She was lucky to have a good tolerance for alcohol.

They were at the entrance when they spotted Neth smoking outside. Min Joo was totally wasted. She was leaning against Kelene.

"Neth." Min Joo slurred, waving her clutch infront of the smoking guy. "Hello." She giggled.

"Hey. Yeah. You guys club often too?" He asked. Kelene could not help it but sink into those pair of dark brown eyes. He was not only tall, but fit. He looked extremely handsome this very night in a dark red button shirt tucked into a low waist straight cut Levi's jeans.

Min Joo stumbled forward a little and Kelene struggled to catch her. "Yeah. Apparently, Min Joo is drunk." She replied awkwardly, pulling her best friend by the wait.

"Hey! I'm not drunk. I know you," Min Joo pointed her clutch at her friend, "Kelene, and you," she shifted the direction of the clutch to Neth, "Neth."

Neth laughed and threw away the cigarette butt. "Ok ok. I'll see you guys at school. Take care." With that, he left Kelene standing with Min Joo in her arms, staring into space.

For once, Min Joo looked stupid infront of a guy they both liked, and Kelene could almost feel herself smile.

**************************************

The next morning, Kelene woke Min Joo up at eleven. She made some breakfast using what she could find in Min Joo's kitchen. The maids offered to cook, but Kelene insisted on cooking personally. After all, she was in a good mood.

"Joo. Wake up. I made breakfast." Kelene called softly, shaking her friend who was still sleeping under the covers.

Min Joo stirred abit and mumbled, "awhile more."

Kelene laughed and pulled Min Joo up to a sitting position. "Wake up! It's eleven! It's Saturday, we shouldn't waste our time staying at home on a Saturday. Wake up! I made some sandwiches and eggs." She quipped and placed a tray of food on the bed infront of her groggy friend. "Breakfast in bed. Perfect isn't it?"

Min Joo yawned and rubbed her temples as she picked up the glass of freshly blended tomato juice. "Oh, splitting headache." She murmured and finished the glass of juice in a gulp.

Kelene smiled and shifted the plate of food slightly forward. "Eat this, and you'll feel better. I can't imagine how much you drank last night. It's shameful to let Neth-" She paused halfway at the mention of their senior. Quickly, she took away the empty glass and stood up. "I'll go wash this."

"Wait, wait. What about Neth?" Min Joo asked, convinced that Neth must have seen them last night. She had a very faint memory of seeing someone like Neth. However, she was not sure if he was the correct guy.

Kelene wanted to slap herself for blurting this out. She could have kept that small conversation a private memory for Neth and herself. Now, it is all ruined.

She turned around and smiled awkwardly. "Nothing. We sort of met him last night outside MOS."

Min Joo's mouth dropped open. "Oh my god. We did, did we?! I knew it!" She was hitting her head absent-mindedly as she continued. "Oh! Why did I get myself so drunk last night?! I must have appeared stupid. Did I? Did I appear stupid? Oh Kel, tell me!" She was practically begging from the bed.

Kelene smiled. "No. We didn't speak. We just said hi and left. Don't worry, Neth doesn't really know that you're drunk." She lied. "Besides, it was so dark, he wouldn't be able to see the state you were in. So no worries."

Min Joo, in her white nightgown sat up. "Right! He wouldn't have seen how stupid I looked right? It was dark and I bet he drank too."

Her best friend turned around and headed towards the bathroom with the empty glass still in her hand. "Yup. Don't worry."

Kelene went into the bathroom and turned on the tap. The water ran freely down the pipe as she looked into the mirror. She saw a tired face looking back at her. She hated her looks. If only she looked half as pretty as Min Joo, probably, Neth might noticed her.

She splashed some cool water against her face and felt like crying.

***************************************

That day, the girls went shopping at Orchard Road. It was their favourite shopping paradise. There are not only branded products that Min Joo loved, there are also delicious Japanese food that Kelene cannot succumb her temptation to. The two girls were browsing in a Gucci shop when Min Joo's cellphone rang.

"Who's that?" Kelene asked, looking away from the neatly arranged bags on the shelves.

Min Joo looked at the caller-ID and shrugged. Slipping some shopping bags onto her shoulder, she picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi. Hey. Um. This is Neth."

Min Joo nearly dropped her phone when she heard that familiar English accent coming from the other side of the receiver. Kelene grabbed her friend's elbow to stop her from fainting.

"Hello?" Neth asked.

"Oh, yeah. Hey. Hi." Min Joo stuttered, sitting down on a couch.

Neth laughed. "Oh, I think you're quite surprised at this sudden approach. I got your number from the orientation students' list. If you remember, you wrote your number there."

Min Joo remembered. At that time, she wanted to search for Neth's number too, but she did not know his name at that time.

"Oh. Yes?" She asked, still trying to catch her breath.

"Oh. I was thinking, em. Since tomorrow is a Sunday, do you care to go for dinner tonight? I know a great place for pasta." Neth asked, his voice not a tinge of nervousness.

Min Joo gripped her phone and let out a wide smile. "Sure! Where? What time?"

"I'll pick you up at seven? Your place?"

"Sure. Sure. Yes. Okay. See you. Bye!" Min Joo hung up the phone and grabbed her friend's hands. Kelene had been sitting beside her patiently, trying to guess who that person was on the other end.

"Oh. My. God." Min Joo cried, stressing each word. "That was Neth."

Kelene's heart fell. She dropped her bags of shopping stuff and her eyes were wide open.

"Shocking right?! I was also damn shock! He asked me out for dinner tonight! How?" Min Joo gushed, shaking her friend's hand.

"Neth called? And asked you out for dinner?" Kelene finally managed this question with alot of difficulty.

Min Joo nodded blissfully. "Yes! My god! I can't believe it!" She squealed and looked at her friend. "Do you want to go tonight? Let's go together. Neth said the place he's taking us to has great pastas."

Kelene shook her head. "Nah. It's a date. You two go ahead."

Min Joo giggled and hugged her friend. "I'll never, ever, dump a best friend for a guy. Never."

***********************************

Neth came by at exactly seven pm. He was driving a red Volvo. Although the comparison between his old car and Min Joo's BMW was pretty big, Min Joo told herself that when he officially becomes her boyfriend, she will buy him a new car that will suit his charisma.

"Hey Min Joo." Neth greeted cheerfully as the girl in a black mini dress approached him from her main gate.

"Hey!" She greeted back in a wide smile.

Neth was about to open the door for Min Joo when he realised someone else tagging behind her.

It was Kelene.

She was dressed in a light blue doll dress that had little frills at the collar. Her hair was pulled back with a LV hairband Min Joo bought for her a year ago.

"Hi." She said when Neth met her eyes.

Neth was taken aback slightly for her presence. Nonetheless, he replied her politely. "Hey."

Min Joo grinned and tugged Neth's elbow. "She is my best, best friend. I can't leave her out for such a wonderful dinner right? Kel loves pasta. So I thought we can all go together."

Neth, still slightly shocked, smiled awkwardly. "Right. Yeah. Okay."

Min Joo giggled and opened the backdoor of Neth's car. "Kel, come!"

Kelene could sense Neth's disappointment. The disappointment was written all over his face. She walked forward and past Neth. She slipped into the car slowly and closed the door.

Min Joo got into the front seat and they made their way down to the fanciful restaurant Neth recommended. All the while, in the car, only Neth and Min Joo conversed. Kelene was simply an ornament, at least that was what she felt.

**************************************

The restaurant was quiet when they made an entrance. It had a romantic ambience and the place was lightly dimmed. Couples were seated at their tables, holding hands, enjoying each other's company and the live classical music band on the stage. A waitress came up to them and asked Neth if he made any reservation.

"Neth De Souza." He replied.

De Souza. So, he is an Eurasian, thought Min Joo quietly.

The lady gently scrolled down a list of names using her index finger and stopped at one.

"Neth De Souza. Table for two?" She asked and looked up.

Neth coughed and scratched the back of his head. "Three actually. An extra person decided to come along. Can we make any arrangement?"

The waitress by the name of Nancy smiled politely. "Yes, sure. We'll just add an extra chair. Please follow me."

Kelene was feeling terrible. How could Min Joo do this to her? How could she bring her on HER date? It was totally unforgivable.

While Kelene was feeling negative, Min Joo felt the opposite. She was very happy her friend could share this joy with her. She was glad that her Kelene was part of her first date.

They found a seat that faced the Singapore River directly sat down. Min Joo loved the scenery. It was beautiful as the lights in Singapore begin to light up like little stars. The boats packed with tourists were floating beneath them, taking photos of the beautiful ONE FULLERTON and THE ESPLANADE.

"This place is beautiful." She gasped almost breathlessly as a gust of breeze blew at her face gently.

Neth smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I ordered some red wine as well. Are you fine with it?"

Kelene wanted to reply, but she realised that his eyes were only on Min Joo. She kept the comment to herself.

"Yes, sure. I'm fine with anything." Min Joo replied, crossing her legs beneath the table to make herself more comfortable. "Kel, how about you?"

Kelene smiled weakly and opened up the napkin over her laps. "I'm fine."

Neth gave a signal to the waitress and the waitress came shortly with a bottle of red wine in an ice bucket. She poured into the three glasses gently and walked off after saying, "enjoy."

Neth smiled and picked up his glass. He raised it slightly, "cheers to our first dinner." He spoke softly.

Min Joo chinked her glass against his and looked at Kelene.

"Kel. Your glass?" She asked.

Kelene pretended to be dreaming and sat up. "Oh, yeah." She picked up her glass and gently knock it against theirs. "Cheers."

Their dinner was basically more about Neth and Min Joo. Kelene had been quiet throughout the entire dinner except when Min Joo urged her to speak. She watched quietly as the two lovebirds conversed with laughter and giggles. Kelene had the urge to leave, but she knew that this move would affect the whole dinner.

"Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom." Kelene spoke as she wiped her mouth with the napkin on her laps. She just finished her mini chocolate fondue and the last course was coffee.

Min Joo was just recovering from a laugh when she looked at her friend. "Do you need me to come with you?"

Kelene smiled and stood up. "No, it's okay. I can go on my own."

Kelene went into the ladies and locked herself in a cubicle. She sat on the toilet cover and sobbed. She felt humilated, and extremely ugly sitting right next to Min Joo the whole night. She was never invited. She was never asked to come along. Why did Min Joo insist she tagged along? Now Neth probably thinks that she is irritating and someone with no sense of initiative. All these thoughts made Kelene sobbed louder.

She stopped sobbing when someone else came into the bathroom. Wiping off the tears and smeared mascara, she flushed the tissue into the toilet bowl and came out. Gently, she splashed some cold water against her face and looked into the mirror. Her make up was running and her eyes were red. For awhile, she felt sorry for herself for landing herself in such plight. She should not have agreed to come.

However, the night had to end. Bracing herself, she wiped off the water droplets off her face and opened up her handbag. She took out her concealer and gently dapped it across her face.

Even if Min Joo made her look bad infront of Neth, she was going to end it with confidence and presentability.

She finished off the touch up with some pink lipstick and pressed her lips together.

"I'm not going to lose to her."

************************************

That night, Kelene went home with a thousand of mixed feelings. Neth had dutifully sent her home before sending Min Joo back. The thought of their private time together suffocated Kelene.

As she walked down the HDB corridors of tenth level, her cellphone beeped.

She took it out from her bag and saw "1 new message received".

Thnx babe for comin with me tonite! Neth is a great guy isnt it? Im glad tat u were there with me on Neth's n my 1st date! Luv ya! Goodnite my BFF!

Kelene had a sudden urge to throw her handphone down from where she stood. She held back and leaned against a wall. Tears were trickling down her cheeks. These were the tears she prevented from falling all night. Now, they flowed freely.

Sobbing loudly now, she sat on the floor and covered her face in her hands.

That night, Kelene decided what she should do.

*******************************

On Monday, Kelene made her way to school on her own. She saw Min Joo coming towards her from the school's carpark and quickened her pace towards the lecture hall.

Min Joo, dressed in a dark blue checkered top and white short pants ran up to her best friend.

"Kel!" She called and stopped her friend's pace abruptly.

Kelene bit her lower lip as she hugged her files tighter towards her chest.

"Kel. I tried calling you the entire Sunday! Why didn't you pick up your phone? I even called your house. I nearly make my way down to your place okay? I thought something happened to you!" Min Joo asked worriedly, placing a hand on Kelene's elbow.

Kelene forced a smile and turned to face her friend with a pretty face. "Um, I was helping out at my dad's all day. You know, Sunday, busy day for my father."

Min Joo looked more relieved. She smiled slightly. "Oh. But you should have at least dropped me a SMS or something. I was worried sick. We contact each other everyday since Primary school. If you don't contact me suddenly, of course I will worry. Right?"

Kelene smiled widely and before she could reply, Neth came jogging towards them.

"Min Joo!" He called out cheerfully.

Min Joo turned around and waved at her new interest. "Neth!"

Neth stopped infront of them and realised Kelene was around. "Oh, good morning." He said, directing it to her.

Kelene nodded with a weak smile. "Morning." She glanced at her watch delibrately and looked up. "I have to run. Lecture. See you guys later." She excused herself and ran up the stairway.

"Kel! Kel!" Min Joo called out from behind but Kelene continued walking, ignoring the calls.

"She's been acting strange since Saturday. I wonder if anything's wrong." Min Joo asked, her brows frowning, showing that she was thinking of something seriously.

Neth shrugged. "I don't think so. She was fine when I dropped her off on Saturday night."

Min Joo disposed the negative thought and shrugged as well. "Oh well. Perhaps." She smiled and looked at Neth. "I don't have lecture this morning. Want to do breakfast together?"

****************************

Kelene was at Min Joo's house that evening. They were lying lazily around in bed with fashion magazines. Min Joo was munching on a chocolate bar when her phone beeped.

She jumped out of bed and rushed to the dressing table. She opened the message and smiled to herself.

hey sweetie. im going home now. had a long day. call u later. hugs and loves, ur boy. xoxoxo

"Neth?" Kelene asked, sitting up from her lying position.

Min Joo grinned and jumped back into bed. "Yeah."

"Are you guys sort of together?" Kelene asked, putting her packet of chips aside.

Min Joo giggled and faced her best friend. "I don't know Kel. Everything feels just right when I'm with him. He's so handsome, so smart. He is practically everything I look for all these years. I think he likes me too."

Kelene looked away. "Oh really."

"Yeah. If we get together, oh Kel. I don't know what to say. I'll be on cloud nine. It's like a dream come true." Min Joo spoke dreamily.

"Oh yeah. It will be." Kelene replied coldly and reached into her bag of chips once again.

**************************************

"Hello?"

"Jack? This is Kelene."

"Oh, hey."

"Look, I have something to propose. Are you free to meet up?"

"Oh, sure. What is it about?"

"Min Joo."

****************************

The week breezed past quickly. It was finally Friday night once again. Kelene urged Min Joo to go clubbing since she was not feeling too happy the whole week because of PMS. Min Joo totally understood. Her best friend was not herself since Sunday.

"You know, I promised Neth I'll not go clubbing."

The girls were dressing up in Min Joo's room. Min Joo was applying a light touch of blush across her cheeks.

"Oh please Joo! I need to let it out. I had a hard week. Can't you just come with me? Just tonight? We'll keep it from Neth." Kelene pleaded, kneeling on the bed with her hands clasped together.

Min Joo stopped and turned around. "Oh, alright. Last time okay?"

Kelene smiled widely and went over to give her best friend a hug.

"You're my best friend."

**************************

Jack was waiting for them in the VIP room. He was thinking back of the conversation Kelene and him had on Wednesday. They met up at Vivocity that very evening for dinner and Kelene proposed something that he was looking forward to for the past ten years.

"You know, after Russell, she never really dated any other guys." Kelene was saying, taking a sip of her white wine. "You had a great chance, but she never really did see you, because this guy Neth came along."

"Neth?"

"Yeah. A senior in our school. I think they just got together recently. That's why I come forward to you now, before they sink in any deeper. I'm sure you don't want Min Joo to start going out with this guy. You know how serious Min Joo is about relationships. You don't want to wait for another three to five years again." Kelene spoke confidently, leaning back against the chair.

Jack took a sip of his wine and leaned back. "What do you mean? Why are you telling me all these?'

Kelene smiled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Simple. Because I like Neth, and you like Min Joo. It's simple isn't it? It's like one plus one, will always equal to two. If we work hand in hand together, we might just get what we want."

Jack arched a brow and looked at Kelene with a puzzled look. "What do you mean?"

Kelene laughed. Jack had never seen this side of her. Kelene had always appeared to be quiet and polite.

"My, my. Jack, are you THAT dense? No wonder Min Joo never looked at you. You're dense." She remarked coldly.

Jack finished his glass of wine and poured himself another.

"What do you want me to do?"

********************************

"Hey Jack!" Min Joo called out and brought Jack back to earth.

"Oh, hey." He managed with a smile and looked at Kelene. "Hey."

"Hi." Kelene greeted back and sat down.

"I'm here to accompany Kel tonight. You probably won't see me much anymore. I'm not even supposed to be here. My boyfriend would get mad at me for coming back here." Min Joo told Jack as she took her seat beside Kelene.

Jack smiled. "No worries. This secret is safe with us."

Kelene smiled back and gave Min Joo a gently pat on the hand. "Neth wouldn't know."

Min Joo finally smiled. "Well, alright. Let's drink to our hearts' content then! A dozen shots of tequila please!"

*************************

By three a.m, Min Joo was drunk. She was blabbering nonsense and swinging her shoes all over the room, the bouncer had to pick it up for her several times until Kelene decided it would be better if the shoes remained off.

She smiled at Jack when Min Joo was lying on the sofa.

"I'll go, and make a phonecall." She spoke in a crisp voice and walked out of the room.

Jack looked at the drunk Min Joo and touched her face.

"You're mine. I hope you forgive me." He whispered and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

Min Joo groaned and swept Jack's hand away.

*******************************

Kelene was waiting outside of MOS as Neth's car stopped by the pathway. Quickly, she gave Jack a call.

"He's here. Bring her out." She spoke quickly and jogged up to Neth's car.

Neth stood out from the car and saw Kelene approaching him. He could not see Min Joo.

"Where is she?" He asked.

Kelene looked into his dark brown eyes. "Neth."

"Where is Min Joo?" He asked again, looking past the girl.

"She-" Kelene was about to speak when she saw Neth's eyes fixed on something behind her.

She turned around and saw Min Joo walking out with Jack. Jack was grabbing her by the waist and when they were nearer to Neth, Min Joo planted a long kiss onto Jack's lips.

Neth's eyes dropped and looked at Kelene.

"What is going on?" He finally mustered the courage to ask.

Jack came forward with Min Joo still in his arm, wasted. She was slightly conscious, leaning against Jack's shoulder.

"That is Min Joo's boyfriend, Jack." Kelene replied softly.

Neth looked at Jack immediately, searching for an answer.

Jack looked at Neth. "I'm Jack. Min Joo's boyfriend. I'm sorry if she didn't tell you anything. She had been two timing me several times the past ten years, and each time I forgive her because I love her. This time, I have to stop it before it gets out of hand. I hope you understand."

Neth was leaning against his car as Jack spoke. Kelene could see Neth's face turning white.

"Kelene. Tell me this isn't true. Did you call me to come just because of this?" He asked, his voice shaking.

Kelene reached out and touched Neth's arm which he withdrew almost immediately.

"Look. This is the truth. I meant to tell you on Saturday, but realised that it wouldn't be too good for me to interfere. So I got her boyfriend to talk to you instead. It would be much better and understood. Now you know, Min Joo isn't suitable for you. She has someone else-"

Neth went back into his car before Kelene could complete her sentence.

He stepped on the accelerator and went off.

In his mind, there were thousands of questions. That girl was Min Joo's friend for over ten years, why would she lie about something like that? And that guy, Jack, seemed sincere about what he said too.

Nothing beats Min Joo's kiss for Jack.

With that, Neth made up his mind.

********************************

The next morning, Min Joo woke up with a splitting headache. Kelene was beside her, sleeping.

She sat up and inhaled deeply. She needed oxygen for her brain. She felt like her head was splitting into two. She always knew that going clubbing with Kelene was safe. She can be dead drunk, and the next morning, she would always be at home.

She decided to give Neth a call. After all, she did not contact him all night. He would be worried sick.

Quietly, she walked towards her window and dialed Neth's number.

It took awhile before Neth picked it up.

"Hey baby. I'm up. You sleeping?" She asked, her voice raspy.

Neth was quiet over the other side.

"Baby?"

"I think, we can stop seeing each other. Really Min Joo. What game are you playing?" Neth asked, his voice thickened with disappointment.

"Game? What are you talking about?" Min Joo asked back, gripping her phone.

"You fucking have a boyfriend and you didn't tell me! You made me think you're all so single and available since the orientation! Thanks so much for fucking leading me on." Neth shouted, his voice breaking into sobs.

"I-" Min Joo wanted to say something but was at a loss. What was happening?

"Shut up! I don't want to listen to your lies anymore! You fucking liar. How can you do this to me?! I actually DID love you, and YOU betrayed my love for you. How can you date someone and at the same time tell me you like me? You're just a fucking player." He ranted angrily, "I don't want to ever talk to you again. Even if we see each other at school, PLEASE do not come forward. I will turn nasty, so don't try me. You don't want me to humiliate you at school."

With that, he hung up the phone mercilessly, leaving Min Joo standing in her pink nightgown, completely dazed.

Min Joo turned around and looked at Kelene, still asleep. What happened last night?

She sat on a couch and thought carefully. She could not remember anything distinctive besides getting drunk.

She tip-toed across the room and took out Kelene's phone. She peeped at the call log and dropped the phone with a dull thud.

Kelene woke up to that sound and sat up groggily. "What's that sound?" She asked before regaining her senses when she saw Min Joo standing by the dressing table, her face looking straight at Kelene. She had tears in her eyes.

"Joo. What is it?" She asked, pushing the covers aside and got off the bed.

"Tell me, did you call Neth last night?" Min Joo asked calmly.

Kelene smiled nervously. "Of course not. It was our secret, remember?"

Min Joo picked up the phone that dropped on the floor and showed it to Kelene. "Then, why did you call Neth at three in the morning?"

Kelene took a step back and covered her mouth with one hand. She had totally forgotten about the call log.

"I-" She started.

"What?! What did you do? What did you say? Why does Neth think that I have a boyfriend?!" Min Joo asked, now angry.

Kelene took a step forward, this time braver. "Tan Min Joo, what happened today, was purely YOUR doing." She started, taking a step forward again. "YOU think you own everything, anything. Oh, you're the happy little Min Joo everyone loves. But you are wrong! There are other people who deserve some love too! Like me!"

Min Joo stumbled back and knocked against her make up stool, tears in her eyes.

"You think, being rich, being beautiful, makes you EVERYTHING? Isn't it? You get the best guys, you get the best things, you have a great family, well, YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST KEPT AT THAT!" Kelene shouted, pointing at Min Joo with her index finger as she completed her last sentence.

Min Joo covered her ears and screamed.

"Stop! Stop!"

Kelene laughed coldly, walking towards the bed. "Min Joo. Look at you. You have this day too."

Min Joo, now crying, grabbed Kelene by the arm and shook her. "Tell me! Tell me! Why did you do that? I gave you everything. Everything I have. Why do you have to do this to ME?! I'm your best friend! How can you do this to me?!"

Kelene broke free from the grasp and pushed Min Joo onto the floor. "Shut up! You gave me EVERYTHING? Yeah, sure, you gave me heartbreaks and insults too! What a PERFECT package."

Min Joo sat up and hugged her knees. "Why? Why did you have to do this? What did I do?" She asked in between sobs.

Kelene smirked and knelt beside the crying girl. "Do you remember, in Primary school? People often laughed at me for being your dog. And do you remember, what you said? You told them that I'm a cute puppy you bought from a pet shop. Do you remember that? I bet you don't! Because to you, it was a joke! A bloody fucked up joke! In Secondary school, we met Russell the same time, but he DID NOT even look at me! Not even once! As long as you were there, he could never see me! When you were not around, do you know that he smiled at me? He spoke to me with such gentleness I thought I could fall in love with him. But YOU! You had to take him away! Why?! Why?!" Kelene cried and shook Min Joo by the arm, causing the nightgown straps to fall sideways from Min Joo's boney shoulders.

"You had FUCKING everything and I have none! NONE! I worked so damn hard in JC to get into the medical course and YOU!? You got your fucking dad to pay for your degree! Why?! Why do you have to keep tagging around me?! Why?! Do you know how ugly I feel when I'm with you?! Because you MADE me feel that way! You took me out on YOUR dates and made ME feel like shit. I like Neth! I love him! But you had to take him away! Like the way you took Russell away from me! You're doing the fucking same! Now, you know, how it feels like to be dumped by a guy and great for you, Tan Min Joo. Congrats to having your FIRST imperfection in life!"

With that, Kelene stood up and went into the bathroom.

Min Joo was shaking badly as she curled herself up on the floor. What exactly happened? What did she do? How? How could Kelene treat her this way, after all these years of being together. How?

Kelene came out shortly in her own dress and grabbed her bag. Before heading out, she turned around. "I hope your NEXT BBF wouldn't suffer the same fate as me. It's insufferable."

Ending their friendship at that, Kelene left the room.

**************************

Kelene was waiting at the void deck of her house in a black tanktop and straight cut jeans when a red Volvo stopped infront of her.

She smiled as Neth stepped out of the car. "Hey." He spoke, with a wide, handsome smile.

"Hey, yourself." Kelene teased.

Neth opened the front door for Kelene and Kelene slipped into the car.

Kelene smiled as she fastened her seatbelt.

Finally, she takes the front seat, and she is no longer just an ornament.

Neth placed a hand over Kelene's and asked, "so, where do you want to go for dinner?"

Kelene sat up and looked into Neth's deep eyes. "I'm okay with anything."

Neth smiled. "Right, I'll take you to somewhere beautiful and romantic for some Japanese cuisine. Okay?"

His girlfriend nodded in approval as the car left the side curb.

"I wonder, how Min Joo is. I haven't seen her around in school." Neth spoke, breaking the short silence in between them.

"Oh? I heard she left Singapore. Well, it would be better for her that way, especially after what she did to you." Kelene replied, dabbing some lipgloss on her lips.

Neth smiled and placed his hand over Kelene's again. "Thanks for telling me the truth that night. I would have been hurt if you didn't do what you did."

Kelene smiled and held onto Neth's hand. "You know, everything I did, was worth it. Because, it was all for you."

"I would do anything for you, Neth."