Nothing Comes Close

Summary: How does Geumja handle jealousy when female clients start coming on to Hee Jae? What’s Hee Jae gonna do? Find out. 🙂

This is from 1st Anonymous Writer, same author as All of Me and Because You’re Still You. 

Woohoo! Two fanfics in a day! Thank you, Anonymous Authors! 

Enjoy, Hyena babies! 😊

p.s. We don’t own Hyena.

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When she heard another fit of laughter erupt for the fourth time in the past half hour, Geum Ja threw a glare at the lawyer to her right, who was currently held up with a client. A rich, attractive, and sultry young lady, who was clearly seeking more than just legal advice at the rate she was coming on to Hee Jae. But said lawyer seemed oblivious to the dirty looks being thrown his way. Lee So Hee, the youngest daughter of Haejin Group - the country’s largest media conglomerate - had walked into their office two weeks ago, and asked, or rather demanded, for the firm to handle legal matters for the launch of her new fashion label. She’d specifically requested for Hee Jae, and it didn’t take a genius to see that he was her real target. She wasn’t the first. Their publicity stunt on Tara’s channel had worked a little too well. In just a few days, they were getting visits at the office from a range of women, from infatuated teenage school girls to chaebol madams, all requesting for a consultation with Hee Jae. So far, the youngest was 19 and the oldest, 63. It was clear Geum Ja wasn’t the only one who found Hee Jae sexy. She wasn’t all that surprised, he really was one good-looking man. While she wasn’t particularly fond of the attention he was getting, she took it rather well. After all, she’d told him off for his childish antics with Kevin before and she didn’t want to be seen doing the same. It didn’t hurt either that they’d gotten some pretty big accounts because of him. At some point, Hee Jae, who was somewhat enjoying his newfound popularity, did ask her if she minded. It happened over dinner one evening after he’d gotten a divorce case from a pretty news anchor. She’d been very touchy with him during the consult that even he himself felt uncomfortable. Though Geum Ja said nothing of it, he suspected it irked her. Besides, he’d be secretly thrilled if she was jealous, so he sounded her out. “So, about Han Ye Won, I’ll be handling her divorce.” He trailed off and looked over at Geum Ja, who was busy with her pasta even as she glanced up at him. “What about it?” She replied, her mouth still full. “I was thinking, maybe Lawyer Kim can take this instead.” He snuck a look at her before taking another bite of his dinner. “Why? It should be easy for you.” “Well, I have other cases to handle and Lawyer Kim has always been the best at divorce suits.” “That’s up to you.” Her tone was casual, but Hee Jae thought she sounded more clipped than usual. He sighed, reaching over the table for her hand. “Hey. Look at me.” She paused midway through a bite, and looked at him proper for the first time that evening, her expression nonchalant. “Is it bothering you?” “What is?” “The attention, I mean, from the ladies,” he finished somewhat uncomfortably. She cocked her head, as if considering if she should be giving it more thought, before looking back at him, indifferent. “Why should it?” It reminded him of the very short conversation they’d had when Hyeon Ah first joined. He didn’t question further because their relationship then had been different. “So you’re okay with me handling Han Ye Won’s divorce?” “Why wouldn’t I be? You’re making money for the firm.” Her response was immediate, but he thought he caught a hint of snide in her tone. “With the way she was flirting back there, I just thought maybe you wouldn’t be okay with me taking on the case.” “I’m not that petty.” She gave him a pointed look and his face twisted in annoyance. “Alright. I guess I’m overthinking it.” Did he read her wrongly? Did she really not care? But he left it at that, slightly disappointed that she seemed unaffected. He knew she was a straight-talker, and if she said she was fine, he didn’t have any reason to insist otherwise. He’d learnt not to assume things about her from their rooftop confrontation months back. What he didn’t know was that this time, she was lying to him as much as she was to herself. Geum Ja honestly didn’t mind it most times, because the ladies didn’t go beyond fawning over him. But there’d be one or two who occasionally got under her skin, especially when they didn’t know when to back off, and Han Ye Won was one of those. What annoyed her more was that Hee Jae didn’t say anything to discourage it. He never really saw the need to clarify his relationship status since no one had outrightly asked him out. And no matter how she felt, she didn’t see fit to ask him to do so either. It was a fine line really, and she knew it could come off as presumptuous if he did so. They were clients after all and she didn’t want to be the one turning away business. Neither did she want to start behaving like some possessive girlfriend. She wasn’t worried that Hee Jae would be interested in any of them, the man was too in love with her for that to happen. Which made it harder for her to explain the unfamiliar surge of anger in her gut whenever the ladies got too close. Part of her frustration was self-directed, because it didn’t make sense to her to be jealous, and she chose to ignore it, playing it off as disdain instead. Even if she didn’t like it, she didn’t show it. She was doing rather well maintaining her professionalism until Lee So Hee came along. This girl was on a different level altogether. There was something about her that ticked Geum Ja off more than usual. It was like she knew Hee Jae and her were a thing, and intentionally disregarded that in her face. She flirted with him more than anyone else before had, and was sly enough to stop short of actually asking him out, using consultations as an excuse so he couldn’t refuse her. Word about Geum Ja and her mercenary ways had made its way through the elite circle. And So Hee, being the typical self-entitled chaebol who knew money let her get away with murder, used this to her advantage at every opportunity. She was confident that no matter what she did, Geum Ja wouldn’t be able to refuse her money or her influence. It was this that sickened Geum Ja the most. She knew her reputation amongst the rich and powerful was one of a low-life lawyer, but she stuck it out anyway. She wasn’t an ethical lawyer but she was a good one, and they always came to her when they needed someone to clean up after them. That didn’t mean she enjoyed doing it while having to swallow their insults, but if this was what it took to survive, she would do it. If anything, she was a survivor and she wasn’t going to let something as silly as this get the better of her. So when Hee Jae had approached her with the intention of turning away the case, because he could tell it was affecting her and switching lawyers was not an option, she’d refused. “Why can’t you just let it go?” “She’s got money and the connections,” she replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. But Hee Jae didn’t back down. “So? We’re doing fine without her. I hate the way she’s behaving and I can tell she’s getting to you too.” His eyes challenged her to disagree, but hers was defiant. “She’s not. I’m fine, and you don’t need to worry.” Hee Jae swallowed hard, she knew he was losing his patience. So was she. “You obviously aren’t. Stop pretending that you are.” “You’re mistaken. Stop assuming you know me so well just because we’re dating.” Except he wasn’t, not this time. Her words cut him, but he brushed it off. He knew she was being stubborn. She would’ve been able to throw him off before when he didn’t know her well, but not now. He’d picked up on the way her body stiffened whenever So Hee walked into the office, and the bitter looks she threw at him during their consultations when she thought he wasn’t looking. He saw through her, and while he was infuriated with her for not owning up to her feelings, what angered him more was how she was willing to put up with all this. He sighed, unable to comprehend this time. “Is it always about the money to you?” What about me? His tone was harsh as he leveled his gaze at her. She saw the unspoken question in his eyes and she could tell he was daring her to stake her claim on him, but she didn’t bite. “We have a team that depends on us now. Unlike you, I’m not going to let something like this affect the firm.” Hee Jaw almost forgot how brutal she could be. He took a deep breath, and resigned himself. “Alright. I’ll keep the case, and you can keep your emotions in check.” It didn’t end well. That had been a week ago and because of how busy they both were pulling late nights, they didn’t get to speak much except to discuss work. Things were still tense between them but no one picked up on it. The team had been busy with the public listing of a fintech company, which successfully concluded yesterday. To celebrate the listing, the company had invited the entire team to a formal gala tonight, and everyone had left the office early to prepare. Hee Jae and her had stayed behind to finish up on another court case the following week when So Hee strutted into the office. She didn’t bother acknowledging Geum Ja and went straight for Hee Jae, claiming that she wanted to review distribution contracts for her label. The girl wasted no time in turning on the charm, and even the desk between them did nothing to prevent her from reaching over to touch him. Her hands stroked his arms as she laughed at anything remotely funny that he said. Hee Jae was clearly uncomfortable but forced a smile on and kept it professional. He only hoped it wouldn’t affect Geum Ja too much, but from the death glares he was receiving, that didn’t seem to be the case. Geum Ja felt the anger rising within her as soon as So Hee stepped into the office. But as usual, she ignored it, or at least she tried to. It wasn’t easy when her fake laughter burst out every few minutes or so, and she almost lost it when she saw So Hee brush her foot against his. Thankfully, Hee Jae had the sense to turn away, crossing one leg over the other to put distance between them. The session finally ended after an hour, and when Hee Jae was walking her out, she took the chance to adjust his tie, giving him a wink, and tossing a glance at Geum Ja before she left. Geum Ja knew she did it intentionally to rile her up, and the logical response would be to ignore it. But no matter how much she tried to remain unaffected, her heart refused to listen. Hee Jae shuddered as he walked back to his desk, relief written on his face. “Thank god she’s finally gone.” “It’s not like you weren’t enjoying it.” “What?” “You were clearly having fun.” His eyebrows snapped together. “Excuse me? In case you didn’t notice, I wasn’t exactly comfortable back there, much less having fun.” His tone was sharp. It was an unfair accusation and she knew that. But her emotions got the better of her this time, and all logic was out the window. It was rare for her to be like this, so unlike her rational self. She didn’t respond and Hee Jae went on. “I thought we talked about this. You were the one who insisted on keeping the account. You said you were fine.” His words were biting but he was right. She had nothing to say to that, so she diverted instead, glancing at her watch. It was already 6 pm and the gala started at 7. “Let’s not talk about this now. We’re late.” He glanced down at his own watch, and though he badly wanted to have this conversation, he didn’t argue further. “Fine.” They didn’t say a word to each other on the ride back, each stewing in their own anger. Once they were home, they got down to their own business, preparing for the gala. It didn’t take him long, since all he had to do was shower, throw on a tux, and style his hair. She had hair and make-up to do though, and as he leaned against the table waiting for her, he thought about how they were going resolve this. He didn’t get very far before she stepped out in a black evening gown with a boat neck and long sleeves, which hugged her body. She had a gold waistband and her rings on, but she switched her usual necklace for a gold knotted one with elegant strands that almost reached her waist. She looked fantastic, and Hee Jae was sure he was gaping at her like a goldfish. He’d never seen her like this before. Even on their White Hotel ‘date’, she wasn’t dressed this formally. It took him a while to register what she was saying. “Let’s go? We’re late.” He regained his senses and found his voice. “You look…stunning.” She gave him a tight smile. “Thanks, you don’t look too bad yourself either.” But before he could say anything else, she gestured for them to leave. They drove in silence to the hotel where the gala was held, and she went ahead of him when they arrived. She was still in a sour mood, and he was no better. He was still upset over what she said back at the office. He made his way to the ballroom, and by the time he found the team, he wasn’t surprised to see that she was not with them. Outside the office, they had a habit of not being around the team together when they fought, so things didn’t get too awkward. According to Ji Eun, Geum Ja was already networking. He was disappointed at how this night was turning out since he’d actually been looking forward to it. They’d worked hard for this and he thought he could at least have a decent evening with her without having to pore over cases. But it looked like he was going to be spending most of the night alone. After the speeches and celebratory items were done, Hee Jae went around networking as well. He wasn’t exactly in the mood and was back with the team before long. He gave up trying to locate Geum Ja, which was impossible with the massive crowd and settled into a conversation with Hyeon Ah. As he was about to take another sip of champagne, he spotted her. And what he saw next made him seethe. There she was, on the dance floor, with none other than Kevin Jung. His eyes popped and his grip tightened around his glass. “What’s wrong?” He could hear Hyeon Ah’s voice in the background but he was currently too focused on the dancing couple. She followed his gaze and comprehension dawned on her. “Trouble in paradise?” He finally tore his gaze away and turned to her, his face still twisted in resentment. “We fought.” Hyeon Ah had a knowing smile on her face. “Over Lee So Hee?” “How did you-” “She’s a woman after all. It’s not always easy to see someone else flirting with the person you love, even if you know nothing’s going to happen.” “I get that. She’s jealous. But I can’t understand why she just won’t say so. I even wanted to drop the case, but she wouldn’t agree to it. Kept insisting she was fine when she clearly wasn’t.” Hyeon Ah could sense the exasperation in his voice. “Maybe she’s coming terms with it herself. She’s a proud woman, you know that. Having been through hell and high water, it’s probably harder for her to admit something like that.” His eyes found her again and even from afar, Hee Jae could tell she wasn’t focused on the dance. Her mind was elsewhere and her smile plastered on. “It’s tough isn’t it? Loving someone like that.” They were both looking at her now. “Yeah it is.” Hee Jae gave a wry smile. “But she’s worth it.” He sighed and turned back to Hyeon Ah again. “You guys will be fine. Good luck.” He thanked her, and Hee Jae thought he really didn’t give her enough credit sometimes. The rest of the evening passed quickly and on the drive back, he pondered over what she’d said. He glanced over at Geum Ja, who hasn’t said a word to him the entire night. Her brows were furrowed, and she was chewing on her bottom lip, something she did only when she was uneasy. He sighed and broke the silence. “I saw you with Kevin.” She looked over at him and shrugged. “He asked me to dance.” She paused and went on. “He said he would stick around if I didn’t agree.” Hee Jae smiled slightly when he heard that, he couldn’t help the slight relief that followed. “I’m jealous you know.” She looked over at him again, one eyebrow raised. “At least now you know how I feel.” “Oh?” Geum Ja cringed. She knew it was too late. “Are you saying that’s what it was the whole time? You were jealous?” He was teasing her now. She glared at him but she didn’t deny it. “Focus on the road.” Hee Jae chuckled and turned his eyes back on the road. They didn’t say anything else the rest of the way, but the mood was considerably lighter. When they arrived home, she was about to head for the bathroom when he pulled her back, into his arms. It surprised her, but soon he felt her relax as her arms went around him. “You know, for all those times you said I was childish? This time, you’re the one behaving like a child.” “Me?” “Yes you.” He tapped a finger on her nose.  “When will you learn to stop running away from your feelings?” She avoided his gaze but he tilted her head back towards him. She sighed. “It wasn’t logical. I know their advances don’t affect you in any way, and there was no reason for me to be jealous.” “But you were.” “But I didn’t want to be, I thought I was above that. Because it’s just so silly, none of it made any sense to me.” She looked away, embarrassed. “Honey, what part of us makes sense? You tricked me into dating you, only for me to fall in love with you again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad it happened now, but back then, what makes you think I had it all figured out? I went with it anyway, and look where we are.” She regarded him for a long moment.  “It doesn’t always have to make sense, and whether or not it does, just tell me. I want to know. Every little thing that bothers you, whatever makes you happy, sad, jealous or scared, I want to know. Alright?” She hesitated for a few moments before answering. “Alright.” “Thank you. You still owe me something else though.” “What’s that?” “I was hurt, by what you said.” She drew back slightly, regret on her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say all that.” He smiled and drew her back in. “You’re forgiven. I can’t be mad at you for long anyway.” He tucked her under his chin and held her like this for a while, savouring the feel of her in his arms before he started swaying. She pulled back again, a question in her eyes. “I didn’t even get to dance with you. It’s not fair.” She laughed but moved with him anyway. After a few moments, he spoke again. “I have a solution to all this though.” “Hmm?” “To all this unnecessary attention from the ladies.” “What would that be?” He hesitated for a second before murmuring. “Marry me.” She stopped moving then. She looked up at him, her eyes widening in surprise. “Just like that?” “Would you rather I go down on one knee in the streets of Myeongdong with balloons and a giant teddy bear? I can if you want me to.” She shook her head, amused. “That’s not necessary. But this seems a little too easy don’t you think?” She tilted her head slightly, giving him a sideways look that said she wasn’t going to agree this easily. He mirrored her with raised eyebrows and conceded with a slight scrunch of his nose. “You’re right. I’ll go shopping for a ring first thing tomorrow morning, and I’ll buy you the biggest diamond I see. All you need to do is say yes.” She laughed in response, a deep belly laugh this time, and Hee Jae thought it was the nicest thing he’s heard this week, the way her voice rang in his ears and tickled his senses. “Ya Yoon Hee Jae, are you bribing me now?” “Is it working?” “Maybe.” They let out another laugh then, and he drew her close once more, breathing her in as they continued to sway. “I’m serious you know.” “It doesn’t change anything, does it? We’re already living together.” “For one, I think the ring will be helpful in warding off the women. At least then they’ll know that I belong to just one woman.” “That’s all?” “Well, if I’m already going to be tied to you my whole life, we might as well make it official. You know that you’re stuck with me right?” He drew back then, his hands sliding up to her shoulders. “And I love you. Do I need another reason to want to marry you?” “Do you want me that badly?” He nodded. “Very badly.” With a smile spread across his face, he got down on one knee and took her hand. Her eyes never left his, and he could see the faint surprise in them. “I don’t think either of us saw this coming when we met that day at the laundromat. But if I had a choice, I would choose to do this all over again if it means I get to meet and fall in love with you.” Her face was tender, and he’d never seen her look this relaxed. He wondered if this meant she finally understood just how much he loved her. He took her in, amazed but thankful nonetheless, that they got to this point. That he was lucky enough to be here, with her. “Do you remember the day we got kicked out of Song & Kim?” “What about it?” “Do you remember what you said to me?” She bit her lip, trying to recall. “I told you to stand tall and clear your office. Be confident.” He nodded. “I knew then that you were a keeper. Nothing you said could’ve chased me away. But I don’t want to just play house with you, I want us to go through life as husband and wife. Marry me?” He saw her smile slowly reach her eyes and he was sure his did too. “You know, things can get ugly if two lawyers file for divorce, especially us,” she warned, her smile turning into a smirk. “Stop it. It’s not going to happen, I’m not going to let that happen. Is that a yes though?” Her hands cupped his face, pulling him up as she leaned down. Just before their lips met, she whispered against him. “Yes.” Months later, they exchanged vows at the art gallery where Hee Jae first gifted her the watch. It was a small ceremony with just his family and their friends. Nothing really changed after that, they still saw each other every day, but Hee Jae was right about one thing though. His ring did wonders to keep the women at bay. Who knew that a casual rub of his chin, or a straightening of his tie - all done with his left hand of course - could be so effective. That, and the fact that he was more open with his affection for Geum Ja whenever there were women trying their luck with him. He would use pet names with her while asking for a favour, or drop a kiss on her head on the way to his desk. It was his way of showing the world, showing her, that he was hers. She loved it, but he didn’t need to know that. Perhaps she’d been missing the little things all this while but now, having noticed the glances he stole at her whenever he was tired, the smile he reserved for her, or just the way he’d ask if she’s eaten, she knew that what they had, nothing, no one, comes close to this.

Fin

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Thanks again, First Anonymous Writer! ❤️ Lovely, lovely work

To fellow Hyena babies who read our stuff here, thank you! Love to all. ❤️ ❤️❤️

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COMMENTS (off Tumblr) nothingremainsunsaid posted this ohhunchae We are so spoilt for Hyena fanfic. THANK YOU EVERY WRITERS OUT THERE FOR FEEDING MY SOUL 😭💜 nothingremainsunsaid @ohhunchae aww thanks, fellow hyena baby! yes! thank you, anonymous authors! you make us miss this less (actually more, but who cares? that's pain we can live with haha.) Haha! Also, thanks for stopping by, ohhunchae! 😊

b-is-for Thank you for this First Anonymous Writer! I really felt SO MUCH for both of them in this story. Hee Jae's initial frustration towards Geum Ja. Geum Ja's frustration towards herself. Kudos to GJ for being able to contain herself around Han Ye Won and So Hee. Because I srsly just wanted those biatches in the face. 😂😂😂 b-is-for But the latter part of the fic just made me sigh with hearts in my eyes because god, Hee Jae's reaction to seeing her in that dress. That conversation in the car was so loving and mature and ❤❤❤❤. And the back hug and geum ja hugging back and the swaying because they didn't even get to dance together and the proposal and ahhh just everything! b-is-for Thanks too @nothingremainsunsaid for posting and for this little community we have here that certainly makes this bizarre situation we are all in a little bit better. 💖 nothingremainsunsaid @b-is-for​: Bwhaha on punching their faces! i felt the same! Aww, yes, that car conversation. i keep going “aww” over every observation haha. aww yes, Hyena came at just the right moment. It's a lifesaver for me too, esp. given the covid situation. Love fangirling with fellow hyena babies! This fandom is awesome. ❤️ 😊

b-is-for @nothingremainsunsaid I was so livid I couldn't even write the complete sentence about punching those two in the face. 😂😂😂 nothingremainsunsaid @b-is-for ahahaha livid. i'm relieved she didn't punch 'em. though, knowing geumja, if she ever needs to do some payback, it'll involve a lot of fun fare and will be a great deal more satisfying than a punch. 😆 'coz she'll hit them where they hurt the most. 😆 i can already see it in my head. haha happym8 Thank you Anonymous writer, it was great seeing Geum Ja jealous for once 😌. Keep up the really good work 🥰

nothingremainsunsaid @happym8​: ❤️❤️❤️ Yup, enjoyed seeing GJ jealous too. Hihi. 😆

findingnima98 This was soooooo good, thank you author, I could imagine exactly what they both were feeling, it was written so well 😍

nothingremainsunsaid @findingnima98: so true! 🙂❤️ thanks for stopping by! ❤️

saltr0se I AM WEEPING 😭😭😭😭 just....THANK YOU THIS IS BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT AND NOTHING HURTS

nothingremainsunsaid awww i'm sure the writer will be so happy to hear that! thank you, @saltr0se! 😊😊😊 ❤️❤️❤️

sherrykinssnothingremainsunsaid 😍 ♥

nothingremainsunsaid thank you! the author would be happy to hear that. enjoy the rest of the ffs on this site. ps. i hafta warn you, though, there are khs-jjh fics here. if that's not your thing, hehe just skip them over. thanks for stopping by! 😊

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