Haven’t done this for a while…This week’s music will be featured throughout the chapter. I’ve picked a classic – “Hello” by Lionel Richie. Italics for conversations in English.

I’ve been alone with you inside my mind
And in my dreams I’ve kissed your lips a thousand times

October 9: 5:33am, Jae Joong’s Villa, Gangnam, Seoul

After a fitful night of tossing and turning, Hayaley finally drags herself out of bed at 4am to make some fish congee for Jae Joong. He is still nursing a cold. The fish will be a good immunity boost. She had hoped the wonderful aroma of garlic, ginger and scallions would rouse Jae Joong from his sleep but no sign of him so while the rice soup boils, she writes him a note. 

Jae, I’m sorry to have upset you. I wish we had talked it out last night. I’m not even sure if I know why you are really mad. Is it just because I accepted Superstar-J’s offer? Or is there something else? I really hate that I’m leaving before we clear the air. Just so you know, that hurt…when you turned around and walked away while I was still speaking, treating me like a stranger. Can we please not do that again?

She was going to tell him about the porridge on the stove next when she feels strong arms hugging her from behind. Feeling her tense up, Jae Joong brings her closer, resting his head on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry about the way I acted last night,” he says softly. He lifts his head and plants a kiss on her exposed shoulder. “I was so tired from the cold. I didn’t have the energy to discuss it further. I was upset at so many different things and I took it out on you.”

“I didn’t think I would catch you before I leave.”

“How could anyone sleep through that amazing aroma?” Truth is, as soon as he had calmed down some, he had realized what an he had been to Hayaley. He had come back out to the living room but found it dark and empty. He trudged to the guest bedroom but saw no light under the door and decided he’ll just have to wait to talk to her the next morning. He had tossed and turned all night. He couldn’t sleep despite being exhausted from his cold. He felt so alone, wishing Hayaley was by his side.

“I’m making you fish porridge for breakfast. It’ll be good for you with that cold.”

“Thank you.”

“Jae…,” she turns around in his arms, resting her hands on his chest. “What made you so upset last night?”

He sighs, frowning. “Do we have to discuss it today? We have minutes left before you leave for a week.” 

“Five days. I’ll be back in five days. And yes, I don’t want this hanging over me…over us…the next few days.”

He thought for a moment then, “While in Bangkok, I came to realize that we have very similar lifestyle, which means our schedule too...” He pauses. He never talks about his past relationships with current ones especially if one or the other is from the entertainment industry. But he feels compelled to tell Hayaley. “Actually, I’ve dated other celebrities and due to our schedules, all the relationships were short-lived.”

Hayaley remembers Jae Joong’s pensive mood in Bangkok after he had heard about her concert schedule.

“I don’t want ours to end the same way. I’ve been trying to find the right time to talk about this. I want to try to make us work, despite our schedule. I have felt we could. But then yesterday, they drop the bomb about the Japan tour…”

“And I drop the bomb about my added schedule,” Hayaley adds apologetically.

“Suddenly it felt more daunting. Not to mention, we would have to keep us a secret even longer. I don’t like keeping things from Yoo Chun and Jun Su. We’ve been through so much together. I got frustrated thinking about all that.”

“And being sick probably didn’t help either,” she reasons to herself. She is glad that all that was bothering him is out in the open. And hugs him. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to add to it. I just wanted to tell you about Superstar-J before anyone else does.”

Jae Joong hugs her back. He feels relieved that he got everything off his chest. But suddenly realizes something, “Wait, did Director Yoon call you already?”

“No.” She hugs him tighter. “But I have a pretty good hunch why he would be.”

You’re all I’ve ever wanted, and my arms are open wide…
And I want to tell you so much, I love you

October 9: 10:10am, Departure Gate, Incheon International Airport

Hayaley looks at the text message on her phone and smiles. It’s Jae Joong’s saying the fish porridge is really good along with a picture of the empty bowl. His next text warms her heart: “I promise not to turn and walk away from you like that again. I’m really sorry.”

She had forgotten to toss the note out, having been interrupted by her brother’s phone call and then rushing out of Jae Joong’s villa. “Maybe that was a good thing,” she thinks now.

Her brother had given her a ride to the airport so she’s had the chance to reflect on her conversation with Jae Joong this morning. They never got to discuss any more about JYJ’s Japan concerts. She’ll just have to wait and see if Seung Hoon-oppa calls. Deep down, she is hoping he doesn’t.

Hayaley’s beginning to feel apprehensive about her schedule, Jae Joong’s schedule and how they are going to make all the pieces work together. No doubt she wants to make it work and will do everything she can to make it work. She quickly gets her phone out and texts Takeshi Sakata, Managing Director for Common Musical Ground Japan (CMG Japan). She requests for the most recent copy of Superstar-J’s filming schedule and asks if there is room to negotiate