August 27: 8:30am, Lobby, Shilla Jeju, Jeju-do

“Hyun Jin-ah,” Ji Hoon calls out to get Hayaley’s attention. She was leaving the hotel with her new friends again. She stops and turns. Ji Hoon catches up. A round of introduction ensues. Then, he turns to address Hayaley, “I’m going to extend my stay here. If my mum calls, just tell her the conference got extended or I have some business meetings set-up.”

“You mean don’t tell her the real reason you are staying?” Hayaley eyes the slim-figured girl standing some distance away. “Sure,” she winks.

“Thank you for the suit and tie ensemble. How do I look?”

“Dashing as always but...,” Hayaley reaches up to fix his tie. She can feel the girl shift uncomfortably, staring her down probably with daggers in her eyes. “That’s better. See you later,” as she rushes off.

Ji Hoon watches her, a little envious that she’s having so much fun without him.

The group is having a blast at Aqua Planet Jeju this morning. Everyone is going scuba diving except Hayaley and Chris, who became the designated photographers and videographers.

While waiting in front of the scuba tank, Chris asks, “How have you been?” finally acknowledging their past meeting.

“I’ve been well. How about you?”

“Great! Been super busy. What about your friends?

“They are doing well too.”

“It’s only been 6 months but seems like ages, huh? Have you moved to Korea for good now?”

“I’m not sure,” Hayaley answers cautiously. “I’ll be here while JYJ’s Asian Tour is going on...”

Chris nods, more as understanding her position rather than in agreement.  

Gun Hyuk seems to be the designated driver for the convertible, having been in that seat since yesterday. Chris decides he has had enough of Gun Hyuk’s driving and asks Jae Joong to swap with him. Jae Joong climbs into the back seat.

Gun Hyuk and Hayaley instantly engage in a lively conversation. They’ve become fast friends. Jae Joong is not paying attention to their conversation. The scene from the hotel lobby is playing in his mind. “She did call him a friend,” as if trying to pacify himself. “But what is up with this suit issue and fixing the tie?” A small voice mocks him, “You’re jealous!” He answers back, “No, I’m not. I’m just curious.” He decides it is best to push all thoughts away and concentrate on reality.

The road to Nolman Restaurant is a little curvy and it gets narrower as they get closer to their destination. Hayaley had been okay with Gun Hyuk’s driving thus far but is getting a little anxious with this road. She softly curses at Chris, “He must have known about this and copped out.”

The almost two hour wait at the restaurant gave them some time to plan on what to do after lunch. Most voted for a fun activity so they are going to Seong Eup Land to ride some ATVs.

Hayaley’s phone rings and she walks away to take the call. The boys had noticed the Moldir phone case yesterday but no one said anything till today.

Gun Hyuk asks Jae Joong, “Hyung, did you give her the phone case?”

Jae Joong shakes his head no, which brought them to a discussion of the why.

Jae Beom jokes, echoing Jun Su, “She can’t be a stalker or ssasaeng, can she?”

Always protective of Jae Joong, Ahn-Jjang responds, “I hope not.”

When Hayaley returns to the group, Gun Hyuk, unable to contain his curiosity, asks, “Where did you get your phone case?” Everyone freezes at that question.

Hayaley picks up her phone, “Cool looking huh? Ji Hoon, my friend you met earlier, bought it for his girl...um…friend but apparently she wanted a way bigger gift.” She rolls her eyes and shakes her head, recalling how that gold digger had wanted a car for their one-week anniversary. Thank goodness that relationship lasted only two weeks. “He knows I like red so he gave it to me instead.”    

Gun Hyuk slaps his hands together, “Hah! I was right?” The rest of them protests, saying that was not what he said. But his retort, “At least I didn’t say she was a stalker or ssaseng!”

“What??” Hayaley asks, obviously confused.

Chris explains Jae Joong’s connection to Moldir and how they had debated why she had a Moldir phone case. Hayaley could not help laughing – what a coincidence.

They are ready to be on the move again after enjoying the very scrumptious seafood ramen. Jae Joong demands that Gun Hyuk gives him the car key, who knows better not to argue. Hayaley is glad and settles