Life somewhat returned to normal after that hug-filled moment. Bom, CL and Minzy dragged Dara away for some girl time. Translation: get Dara to spill everything about Kim Jaejoong.

Which she did up to a point.

Surrounded by her members, they huddled close together in her living room. All four of them were seated on the floor, just like how they used to sit whenever they talked back then when they were sharing one room in their dorm. There was a wariness in her members that Dara hated knowing that she put there. So she indulged them by answering their questions as much as she could.

She told them about things she couldn't tell Jiyong or the other Big Bang boys for that matter. Things like how Jaejoong would get that look in his eye if he's about to make fun of her or that flash of panic that always enters his eyes when she starts to cry. Or about how he numbed the pain she felt from her situation with Jiyong at that time, until eventually she started forgetting the pain and started focusing on the man who was with her then.

It felt good, the way the four of them were giggling over a guy, Bom being her usual self, asking about Jaejoong's abs. Minzy asking where they have been together and wondering how they never got caught. CL warning the younger girl to not get any ideas. It felt good to share this with her girls, and for a moment as Dara looked at Bom and Minzy teasing CL about their maknae dating, she regretted her decision. That lasted only as until she remembered the circumstances back then. How she felt trapped and had nowhere else to run. Nowhere else but to Jaejoong. So she told them, told them how she felt and how she was so sorry she didn't tell them and also how she was sorry that she didn't regret doing it because she knew she hurt them.

The girls listened to her silently as she bared her soul. Dara told them almost everything. How they first kissed and when everything changed. How he would sing to her when he would miss performing so much it hurts and any audience, even an audience of one, helps ease that hurt.

She didn't tell them about that awful night in the hotel or why she actually broke things off.

When CL asked if it was because of Jiyong, Dara answered honestly. "A little bit, but not really." She explained how she and Jaejoong both knew that Jiyong would always have a place in her heart. How he would always be special. They both knew it and accepted it. But Dara ended things with Jaejoong long before Jiyong started talking to her again. "I basically chose my career over him. I hurt him so much because I was selfish and that is something I do regret. That seems to be a pattern with me. First Jiyong, then Jaejoong." She whispered in a voice dripping with emotions the other girls couldn't identify and the resolve that was clearly telling them that it's the end of that line of conversation.

Bom gathered her in her arms and hugged her tight for a couple of seconds and then started badgering her about details of when she got drunk with TOP and Jaejoong. Dara laughed at the abruptness but could only look at Bom gratefully, correctly interpreting the girl's motives and the love behind them. So she told them every detail knowing they would get a kick out of a drunk Dara and a flustered TOP.

________________________

Dara's first official public appearance since the photo was at a press conference for her movie with Il Woo.

When she entered the waiting area for the presscon, she found Il Woo chatting with the staff. Upon seeing her, he went up to her and greeted her with a hug and a meaningful, "You okay?"

"It was a long time ago." Dara replied simply, telling him what he needs to know.

"Ah." Il Woo nodded and left it at that. There were no recriminations or questions and Dara was truly thankful. Their easy acceptance of what the other person wants to share and to keep secret is a huge part of why their friendship works and has lasted this long. They both know the business they are in and both are very much aware that a lot of things are on a need to know basis. He offered her his arm, "Shall we go then?"

She took his arm, squeezing it in thanks and they started walking towards the front of the room where a table was set-up for them and their director. Dara smiled and waved as the press greeted them all warmly.

The interviews were going well with the press showing genuine interest in the movie and with Dara and Il Woo's easy friendship and camaraderie. Their friendship was discussed and both answered candidly.

"We've been very open with our friendship from the start that's why I think the fans are very accepting of us." Dara told the group. "Il Woo has been there when I was a relative unknown here in Korea. He was very welcoming and he helped made me feel comfortable."

"And she never forgot me once she became 2ne1's Sandara Park." Il Woo added. "You have no idea how many men have expressed their jealousy at our friendship. I think aside from YG Family, I was the only male that could comfortably get within ten feet of 2ne1."  He chuckled at his own joke."You have no idea how intimidating Se7en, Big Bang, their producers and even Jinusean are when it comes to 2ne1 girls. I don't think they mean to, but they probably repelled the boys away better than YG's dating ban on them did. I considered selling her phone number to the highest bidder. Thankfully, I had regular projects that kept me financially stable. Otherwise, you never know what people strapped for cash are capable of.."

Dara gave him a playful glare as the press laughed.

"Is Kim Jaejoong one of those people?" One very brave reporter asked. Dara stilled but her smile never wavered.

Like the professional he is, Il Woo didn't miss a beat. "That is confidential information which will only be available to you once I find myself in desperate need ofmoney." He joked as Dara laughed along with everyone.

"Maybe Kim Jaejoong doesn't need it since he already has her number." Another voice called out. The person who made the comment pointedly ignored the staff who were signalling him to end that line of questioning. He figured if he was getting booted out of the presscon, he might as well make sure to get his money's worth. "Sandara, can you confirm that Kim Jaejoong has your number?"

"Of course he does." Dara answered confidently. Although, her hands, which were hidden from the reporters' view, were clenched tightly. "We have worked together on two projects now. We have a chat group with Tabi, although we're all so busy we don't really say anything there." She gave an airy laugh that hid how bothered she actually was. "I think the last things we talked about were all the memes and fan arts that came out after a photo of the three of us came out. Then someone sent a sticker, then someone sent an emoticon and then someone sent another sticker. It's basically filled with stickers that we send whenever we finally get a chance to open that group chat, just to show the other two that we read their message and aren't ignoring them."

"What about your photo with Kim Jae-"

"Guys, guys." Il Woo interrupted. Putting a hand on his chest, he pretended to be hurt. "How can you talk about another guy when I am right here? I am hurt. Seriously hurt. Dara, comfort me." He leaned his forehead on Dara's shoulder and pretended to cry. Dara patted him on the head a couple of times.

"I promise you, he acts better in the movie. Way better." Dara assured the press. "Isn't that right, Director Lee?"

Taking his cue, Director Lee launched into the challenges that the actors faced while filming. He also told them about some key scenes that he found difficult to film. Thankfully, the press got the message and stayed on topic. That and the staff were glowering at them from the sidelines, the threat of ending the interview clear in their postures. The reporters knew that if there were celebrities who were not as friendly as these two, they would have either walked out already or had their managers field the questions.

Unknown to the trio conducting the press conference, several articles and tweets have already come up about how, Kim Jajeoong and Sandara Park are sending each other stickers and emoticons even when they're busy just so the other knows that he or she isn't being ignored. There are some who correctly reported that TOP was also in the group chat and was also a sender and receiver of stickers and emoticons, but most articles only mention him briefly in passing.

The netizens' reactions were mostly about how cute and sweet they are, not wanting the other to be 'seen-zoned'. There were a few who were saying that everything is a publicity stunt but a lot were just urging them to admit that they are dating.

Hours later, a man was staring at his computer screen with bleary eyes. He has been working on new songs all day and decided to take a break by surfing the net. Big mistake! He found that one of South Korea's top trending topics is about Sandara Park and Kim Jaejoong's "cute" chat habits. He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair as he read the comments.

'Jaejoong and Dara are so cute! Their visuals are superior! I'm sure their kids would be extremely gorgeous.'

'They should just get married and have cute babies! Then Jaejoong can join The Return of Superman!'

'Just admit you're dating already!'

'Must be a ploy. They have projects right now. Maybe they're hoping for more.'

'Kim Jaejoong oppa take care of our Dara unnie.'

With each comment he read his face grew darker. He's been in the business long enough to know how these things work. He's been on the receiving end of these comments.. and yet..

Releasing another sigh, he closed the browser and started going through his music library.

He needs to rest his mind and his heart needs peace right now. He needs to remember why every crappy thing is but a challenge to be overcome. His heart needs to remember that it doesn't always hurt like this. Finally finding the song he was looking for, he clicked play and leaned back into his chair, crossing his arms over his chest and closing his eyes. He let the familiar melody envelope him and waited for it to soothe his soul.

He smiled a little as soon as he heard the first words of the song. Her song.

It's all about you
My butterfly
 

________________________

The first installment of TOP, Jaejoong and Dara's CF has already been released to rave reviews. The first part paid tribute to their Moments of Love cameos. It was practically a retelling of their scenes but with a Cass twist, of course.

Due to their schedules, the three weren't able to promote the first installment together. Their contract only stipulated three joint appearances wherein all three must be present. The people from Cass were initially happy with that arrangement, thinking to save one for the promotions for the finale and spreading out the other two along with their three stars individual appearances but after Jaejoong and Dara's photo was released they were cursing themselves for not demanding more.

So it was only Jaejoong who was filming for Happy Together today. Although not directly promoting the product, everyone knows it will come up one way or the other. He was actually looking forward to promoting with TOP since that is something they haven't done before.

He was currently seated in the sauna set with fellow guests, Choi Siwon, Lee Sang-woo and Hwang Kwanghee. They've started filming and the hosts were teasing Kwanghee.

"There's something I really want to know. Why is he here?" Jun Hyun-moo asked pointing at Kwanghee.

"Well, what do you think? You invited me here, must be t