It was late afternoon when they had decided to leave, with Jong Kook politely declining the offer to stay over again, stating that his mother would ask questions to not being home frequently. He had dropped Ji Hyo off home before heading back to his, entering the house whistling the tune to a random song he had heard on the radio.

“You seem chipper today son.” His mother had commented, not mentioning the happiness that radiated from his entire body. He stood up straighter than normal, his smile reached his ears and even the tone of his voice seemed more chipper, if that were possible.

“Had a good night’s sleep.” He had simply shrugged, as if it was nothing. If the conversation had stopped there, it would have been great. Perfect even. Except siblings apparently liked to tease siblings.

“I’m sure you did.” The muttered comment didn’t go unnoticed by Jong Kook, who sent a small glare in the direction of his hyung who merely smirked. It was revenge for when his dongsaeng had when he was still going out with his now wife.

“Did I miss something?” His father enquired, after noting the secret glares between his two sons.

“Oh Jong Kook –“ he could see his younger sibling shaking his head, pleading him not to say anything about spending the night at Ji Hyo’s house, and quite frankly enjoyed it. “texted me yesterday to say that his album’s pretty much complete.” He saw Jong Kook breathe a sigh of relief from the corner of his eye.

“Oh that’s great! You’ve worked really hard with Jung Nam and Mikey this album.” His mum had smiled in delight. It was almost natural that her and her husband had initially opposed his idea of becoming a singer, for they knew both the pros and cons of it. Yet it was the fact that her son had been so determined to succeed that made her change her mind, eventually allowing him to travel to Seoul to train. She couldn’t have been prouder when he had debuted, years of the harsh life of a trainee paying off, although she had equally cringed when he had been forced to act. She had been through a rollercoaster of emotions – heartbreak, worry, joy – through his career spanning over 2 decades. She could remember the times when she had nursed him through ill health – probably as a result of years of dance moves that pressured his joints too much – as well as his back with his scoliosis.

With a career spanning 20 years, girlfriends were inevitable. In the beginning, when he was still young, she hadn’t thought too far into marriage when he had rarely introduced them, thinking that Jong Kook would take care of it himself. But as he grew older, and less and less girlfriends being introduced, marriage came to the forefront of her mind. She had very rarely seen a woman that had made her approve of them for there was always something that either her or her husband disproved of.

The Kim family ate dinner shortly after, an abundant feast prepared by Jong Kook’s mother, before watching the latest drama that was running together after Jong Myung had left. Coincidentally it had been Ji Hyo’s drama, his mother was a huge fan of the show, being engrossed into the emotions portrayed by Ji Hyo.

“She’s really good Jong Kook – ah. And pretty.” His mum had gasped, heart still reeling from the cliffhanger, with the show nearing its’ end.
Damn right she is Jong Kook thought to himself. “I know mum.” He muttered.

“You sure you don’t have any feelings for her?” His dad had pressed. His father was a man of few words, but had always held a soft spot for Ji Hyo. She had never visited however but he had always wanted to meet her. It was due to the fact that Jong Kook had always talked highly of her, highlighting her work ethic as well as her beauty. Jong Kook had always been in awe of how she had kept up with 6 other men, week after week, when they were at times, inconsiderate and immature. Yet, she had always managed to outwit the other members, sometimes even Jong Kook himself, and was definitely braver than most of the members as well. To see an actress mix so well with the men had always amazed him let alone her strength, probably beating some members of the cast and definitely beating Suk Jin. He Had always admired her ability to think out of the box, to read between the lines to solve a mission or to find some clues.

“No dad. She’s just a close dongsaeng is all.” He had lied, of course, knowing that his parents would probably plan his wedding if he had told them of his relationship at present.

“Shame. I think she’d fit in well with our family.”

“You haven’t even met her dad.” Jong Kook sighed, shaking his head.
“Are you offering to introduce her?

“Oh stop it honey.” Jong kook’s mother had interrupted, thinking that her husband was pushing Jong Kook too far. Jong Kook sighed in relief, silently thanking his mum in his head, as lying had never been his strong spot. Jong Kook had clearly been mistaken – asking Ji Hyo wasn’t the hardest thing that he had to do, it was lying to his friends and family. A quick, although discreet, phone call with Ji Hyo had set him off to sleep quickly however. He had been getting ready for bed when he called her.

“Thank you for driving us to the beach oppa.”
“My pleasure Ji Hyo – yah. If you want to go anywhere else, let me know and I’ll drive.”

“I can’t wait. It was amazing spending time with you today.”

“I loved it too… just the two us, away from work. And I’m glad you got some rest.”

“I wanted to go there with my future boyfriend one day… I’m glad it’s you.”
“Damn right. You’re not going with any other guy Ji Hyo – yah.” He had almost growled, shivering at the thought.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
The silence that followed for a few moments was one filled with a comfortable silence, with both of them smiling on either end of the phone as they reminisced about the time at the beach.

“What are you up to?” Jong Kook inquired, as he lied down in his bed.

“In bed.”
“You trying to suggest something Ji Hyo – yah?” It was a cheeky suggestion although not entirely innocent. Jong Kook had desperately wanted to speed things up – even though it had been a week at the most – wanting to profess his love for her before showing it through actions. Unbeknown to him, Ji Hyo had wanted the same thing. It was ironic how the two were the strongest two players on Running Man, and often figured things out the fastest, yet were the slowest at reading their respective emotions. By that point, even Kwang Soo would have made a move. Most certainly anyway.

“Maybe.” She smirked. It was hard to miss the suggestiveness of the comment that Jong Kook had calculatingly made and the suggestive reply that Ji Hyo had come up with.

“Careful what you wish for.”
“Maybe that’s what I really want oppa.” Ji Hyo had been sure that she heard a small groan from the other side of the phone, albeit small enough to know that it was involuntary. Jong Kook’s imagination was clearly too good – imagination probably aiding him during songwriting. Just not then apparently.

The phone call had ended shortly after, with Ji Hyo citing that she needed sleep before being needed on set by 7 for hair and make – up – too early for her liking. Jong Kook had really tried to sleep, but all his mind could think of when he had closed his eyes was how incredibly slow this relationship was going. And how it had been completely different to him – he was in a group for Turbo for crying out loud as well as him in general being known for being fast. He clearly needed to change that – or he was going to go insane or his hormones would get the better of him.

It was still dark outside when Ji Hyo had been rudely awoken from her peaceful slumber by the front door which shut loudly. She had first thought that it was normal and that her alarm had woken her up – except that she had checked her phone which read 05:03. The second thought was that she was either hungry or needed the toilet – but her stomach didn’t growl nor did she feel the need to empty her bladder. The third thought was that Hye Min or Hong Da had come but then she had remembered that she was meeting them on set and her manager always waited outside instead of coming into her apartment. Then it hit her – it was an intruder; most probably a burglar or even worse… a murderer.

It was almost instinctive that she opened her drawer in her bedside table to get the nunchucks that she stored away. It was a present from Jong Kook years ago – about a year after Running Man – around the time when they started to get close. He had reasoned that it wasn’t safe for her as a celebrity to live alone, especially in Ilsan where it was a highly popular area.

Ji Hyo hid behind her door, stuck closely against the wall, as she positioned her nunchucks as the footsteps gradually got closer. Her heart raced as she tried to suppress a yawn as she got ready as the person behind the door opened it. The person however, seemed too familiar to Ji Hyo, leading her to hesitate. The hoodie that he wore wasn’t doing enough of hiding his big arm muscles and his broad chest and despite it being an autumn morning, the person still wore shorts.

Ji Hyo merely chuckled – trust her boyfriend to wear shorts on a day where it was forecast to rain. “Oppa?” Sure enough, Jong Kook turned around from his position next to the bed, surprise as well as confusion etched on his face at the sight of his girlfriend holding a nunchuck in her hand.
“You were going to hit me?” Silence. Both of their eyes travelled down south towards the said object.

“I thought you were a burglar.” Ji Hyo shrugged, as if it was obvious.

“Well… I’m glad that you took my advice.” He chuckled softly, hinting at the weapon that JI Hyo was now placing back in the drawer.

“What are you doing here so early oppa?” She rubbed her eyes, still feeling the effects of being woken up by Jong Kook. Jong Kook lightly chuckled at the way that her hair was dishevelled

“Surprise. Grab a coat and come with me.” He started walking, back where he had come from.

“What? It’s not even half 5 oppa.” The complaint was purely from being awoken although Jong Kook sense that her annoyance was subsiding from that threatened to form at seeing him first thing in the morning.

“Surprise Ji Hyo – yah. You trust me right?”

“Of course.” The answer came along with a small nod without a moment’s hesitation for it was true. The two were often deemed the closest of the Running Man members, although an initial year of awkwardness did need to be overcome. However, the two quickly became the members that understood each other most – perhaps due to their similar personalities, similar strengths and similar way of thinking – meaning that they were undeniably the scariest couple and definitely the aces. The two’s loyalty to each other, and their respective friends and family, was unquestionable and nobody dared to mess with them. For Jong Kook it was pure fear that crossing over the line with him result in being the victim. And for Ji Hyo it was the fear that that person would be chased by 7 members – her Running Man family – with Jong Kook leading them. It was well known in the entertainment industry, that hurting a Running Man member meant that you had 6 other members chasing after you. Safe to say, nobody really tried.

“Then grab a jacket and come with me.” He whispered, ushering her outside. They had left the apartment as entered and sat in Jong Kook’s car, Ji Hyo giving up questioning what they were doing. She had tried in the elevator but was only met with “trust me” or “it’s a surprise” which wasn’t of much help. She had learned quickly to give up as Jong Kook was stubborn.

Jong Kook drove of course, being the only one who knew the location out of the two as to where they were going, as Ji Hyo reclined the seat. She couldn’t sleep however, so she settled for staring outside the window, watching the car pass various streetlights which only served as a reminder of her being up so early. It was when Jong Kook reached for her hand, softly caressing it as he drove with the other hand, that she Ji Hyo sat forward.

“Where are you taking me after kidnapping me at quarter past 5 in the morning?” She grumbled.

“I’m hardly kidnapping you.” Jong Kook laughed as he checked the road name before heading on towards his destination. “Plus you’ll like the surprise.” He promised.

“After taking me at half 5 in the morning I don’t know whether to believe you or not.” Ji Hyo teased back. Jong Kook merely smirked in response.

A comfortable silence sat amongst the pair as Jong Kook continued to drive. Looking outside the window, Ji Hyo was familiar with her surroundings, giving her a bit of comfort – she had come here before with her friends for a picnic a couple of times – which was made obvious with the entrance sign.

“Oppa, is this Naksan park*?”
“Don’t tell me your ex brought you here?” Jong Kook grumbled.

Ji Hyo merely chuckled in response. “And don’t tell me that you’re jealous at half 5 in the morning.” Ji Hyo teased.

“Touché.”

Jong Kook parked the car and made Ji Hyo change into trainers – he had a pair in the boot of the car from when they had gone to the gym together one time – reasoning that she’d need them. The two made their way, following one of the least used trails, as Jong Kook led. It was a simple trail in all fairness – pure concrete – but the uphill tracks, adding to the fact that the concrete was slippery from the rain, meant that one was prone to slipping. Jong Kook had still refused to answer any of Ji Hyo’s questions, refusing to shed any light as to what they were doing in a park when it hadn’t even gone past 6.

“Oppa I swear that if you’ve dragged me here in the morning to merely exercise then I’ll-“ she stopped mid – sentence as she crashed into Jong Kook, who had suddenly stopped to turn around, taking Ji Hyo by complete surprise. It had also rendered Ji Hyo to be completely speechless at the sudden almost non – existent gap between the two.

“You’ll do what Ji Hyo – yah?” Jong Kook whispered, smirking at how his girlfriend, the strong ace and the one who could probably outwit most guys, was helpless in the situation.

“N-“ Great. She couldn’t even get a word out. She cleared . “Nothing.”

“Thought so. We’re nearly there.” Jong Kook turned around abruptly, resuming the walk.

“Yeah. Walking.” She shook her head before following Jong Kook. She had been wide awake for a while now – as soon as she had seen Jong Kook to be frank – so she couldn’t even use the excuse of not being awake.

It was another 10 minutes before the walk had slowed down. “We’re here. Be careful Ji Hyo – yah. It rained a lot during the night so it’ll be slippery.” Jong Kook had warned, extending his hands to help Ji Hyo as they climbed up the steepest steps. “Surprise Ji Hyo – yah.” He whispered as he pulled Ji Hyo up. After Ji Hyo had been dusted off her trousers, she was left speechless by what she saw. The steps had led to the night view of Seoul with its’ skyscrapers which, like most cities, was more beautiful early in the morning. The minority of buildings which had their lights on was a testament to the 24-hour life that most people lived in. At that early in the morning, when pubs, clubs and late – night restaurants had just shut their doors, doors of businesses and families were opening with people getting ready to work.

“It’s great oppa but you can barely see much apart from the lights from the buildings.” She half – grumbled. She hadn’t meant to come across as unappreciative that Jong Kook had picked her up in the morning, but more so she had to be on set in an hour.

Jong Kook chuckled – trust Ji Hyo to be so fiery in the morning.

“What about now?” Jong Kook whispered, as he pulled Ji Hyo towards him, as he nodded towards the view again. Sure enough, almost as if he had perfectly timed it, sunlight started to paint the sky with pure scattered light; its mixture of hues illuminating each crevice of the Seoul skyline. Sparrows chirped a melody that fitted the sunrise. The trees from below shone as if they were wearing golden crowns and the hues of orange, red and yellow kissed the numerous clouds.

“Oppa…” Ji Hyo exclaimed. It had literally been a scene from a sort of movie and the feelings that he felt complimented that. Fuzziness overwhelmed her as well as a sense of pure happiness. The fact that Jong Kook had woken up and picked her up, most probably missing his morning workout, had been enough to awe her but it was also the fact that Jong Kook had taken the time to research, knowing him, which park to go to and what time the sunrise was at. He had even prepared some fruits that they had shared on the walk up as well as giving her a cup of green tea that she liked to drink.

Jong Kook interrupted her, one hand on the back of her neck and the other at her cheek, as he bent down to meet her as his lips met hers, softly at first and then he increased the intensity that only made her cling onto him as if he was the only thing in her swaying world. A small noise escaped Ji Hyo’s lips as it had happened. Finally, after nearly 8 years of being oblivious to each other’s feelings, the kiss happened so tenderly. They moved in rhythm together as feelings each other’s touch was electric as Ji Hyo felt Jong Kook’s arm pulled her in closer as they moulded together perfectly, as Ji Hyo tightened his grip on him. Jong Kook’s hand moved to cradle Ji Hyo’s cheek as they continued to move in perfect rhythm, as if they had practiced before, before Ji Hyo pulled back when she ran out of breath, a testament to her limited lung capacity. They still held each other near, as she rested her forehead with his and she held one of his hand and cupping the back of his neck with the other. It was unconscious that she bit her lip, tempting Jong Kook to kiss her again, only just refraining.

“Can I kidnap you at half 5 in the morning again?” Jong Kook, a lop sided grin painted on his lips.

“Oppa… you can do it anytime.” Ji Hyo smiled a small smile, before leaning into kiss Jong Kook. The kiss was more passionate this time with a small moan. Electricity coursed through Ji Hyo and Jong Kook’s body as the kiss turned more frantic, intensity creeping in and 7 years of hidden feelings taking over. Jong Kook’s tongue searched Ji Hyo’s mouth, asking for entrance, with Ji Hyo granting it. Their tongues fought for dominance, a guttural moan escaping Jong Kook’s throat, as the gap physical gap between them became non – existent. It was Jong Kook who had pulled her closer, his hand frantically pulling Ji Hyo’s head in deeper, as he became more frantic. It was Jong Kook who pulled away this time, wanting to catch his breath from the sheer passion behind the kiss.

“I never want to let you go Ji Hyo – yah.” Jong Kook whispered, as he kissed her forehead whilst pulling her in towards him. The two enjoyed the remaining sunrise with Jong Kook enveloping Ji Hyo into a side hug as conversation flowed easily between them, with small kisses being shared every so often.

“What time do you have to get to set?”

“In about 20 mins.” She grumbled.

“So in 20 minutes you’ll be cuddling up to Dong Wook?” Jong Kook grumbled back, tightening his arm around her.

“Why don’t you come round mine later for a late night Netflix date? I don’t have filming until after lunch tomorrow.” Ji Hyo suggested, lacing her hands with Jong Kook’s spare hand as they admired the sunrise in front of them. It was the fact that it was just after six on a weekday that meant that the couple were on their own, having the whole park, or at least that area, to themselves, something that Jong Kook was thankful for. He had known the risks of asking Ji Hyo to be his girlfriend, breaking from his previous pattern of being in relationships with non – celebrities. It also served as one of the biggest reasons for him being hesitant of asking Ji Hyo, yet the more he distanced himself from her, the more that his feelings grew. Distance and feelings intercorrelated for him, and it had frustrated him a lot. He had become more irrational in that his thoughts were clouded by a particular actress and so he vented his frustration in the gym, working on extra weights. Yet thinking about it, he felt something that he hadn’t felt before – helplessness. He had felt frustrated at his lack of options, either distance himself completely from her or stay (at least try his best to) friends with Ji Hyo whilst staying with his temporary girlfriend. Admittedly, going out with a random girl that he didn’t even like didn’t help matters, only straining possibilities of having somewhat of a normal friendship with her.

It had been the day after the night before. The day when filming had finished slowly for both of them, evident through their actions and words. Sitting on opposite sides of the table as Ji Hyo focused on her food, picking at it, she zoned out of the conversation from fellow members. Jae Suk was the first to pick up on it, giving her a small nudge, only to be met with a small yet firm shake of the head. It hadn’t necessarily struck Jae Suk as odd for he knew that Ji Hyo would talk to him if she needed for she was independent. It was odd however, when she had come back with puffy eyes after lunch, giving the excuse that something had happened to one of her family members. It was, of course, a lie that was clearly a lie yet could fool anyone else. Piecing together the fact that Jong Kook and Ji Hyo had barely had any form of contact, considering the two were the closest of the members every week, it wasn’t hard to infer that Jong Kook and Ji Hyo’s relationship had been strained. Consequently, it was Jae Suk who had messaged the group on the group’s chat, after Gary complaining that Ji Hyo was abnormally irritable, asking the rest of the members to be careful and to separate the pair for the duration of filming. It wasn’t the best move or the one that they would have liked, as Suk Jin had argued, but it was the logical move – pretending that everything was okay to at least fool necessary people, including viewers and staff, for an episode. Haha had taken the role of separating the two, which was fairly easy considering there were no guests for the episode, something that Ji Hyo had silently thanked when she gave him a small nod during one of their breaks.

The biggest giveaway however, was when filming had ended, and the members had discussed transportation to the restaurant they were having dinner at in celebration of Gary’s new album that had been released. Ji Hyo, like previous times, had excused herself to get home early for she apparently had a friend who was ill, calling out her own lie used earlier at lunch in the process. It was let go by the members as they knew that she needed space to sort out whatever had happened at the request of Suk Jin. Of course, Jong Kook ignored that and went to sort it out.

“Ji Hyo – yah! Wait up!” Jong Kook had called, trying to catch up at Ji Hyo’s quickening pace, ignoring the stares from staff members packing equipment. “Hey.” Jong Kook caught Ji Hyo’s wrist. Jong Kook hadn’t expected her to turn around with glossy eyes, evidence of her breaking point. “Are you crying?” Jong Kook frowned, tightening his grip on her.

“Jong Kook – ssi, please leave me alone.” The formality Ji Hyo used had surprised Jong Kook the most, only usually being used when meeting someone for the first time, or in this case being used to create distance between two good friends, and he raised an eyebrow.
“Hey. What’s wrong?” He whispered, a gentle tone opposed to the one that he had used an hour previously at Ha Ha. Laced behind it was genuine concern and worry that he had done something to upset her which, in all fairness, he had despite him not knowing the extent to which his actions had hurt Ji Hyo which only stemmed from her feelings for him. It was ironic, and fascinating, to the rest of the members that Jong Kook was so quick witted yet couldn’t see what was blatantly in front of him. Kwang Soo had taken the opportunity to blame Jong Kook’s small eyes of course.

“Surprised that you care Jong Kook – ssi.” She snapped back with bitterness laced behind her words, pushing Jong Kook’s hand away.

“Of course I care Ji Hyo – yah.”
“Funny way of showing it.” She spat out.

“Why are you being like this? Is this about last night?” He sighed, words coming out at an incessant speed. “Look I’m sorry that I got drunk and went to yours – I don’t know why I did that – but you don’t need to know about my private life anyway.” Jong Kook had raised his voice, annoyance creeping in. It was a problem for the pair of them – annoyance often came into their conversations, rather quickly. It wasn’t necessarily intentional in all fairness, just that it’d often happen from habit with their personalities meaning that they were often impatient and had the urge to know different information about people. Being adults, they had obviously come to learn how to keep it under control yet it was something being in each other’s presence – two peoples who personalities were equally as fiery as the other – made it come to the forefront of conversations. It seemed especially so when they argued, or at least had a conflict in differences, and more so when Jong Kook tried to hide his feelings towards Ji Hyo with her being so oblivious to his intentions.

Ji Hyo stood there, shocked at the harshness displayed in Jong Kook’s voice. It was bad enough that she hadn’t apparently mattered to him from Kwang Soo’s phone call the night before, but to actually hear it from him face to face affected her even more. The fact that Ji Hyo had considered Jong Kook to be one of her closest friends, them often spending time together as well as confiding in each other, only made his words hurt even more. It was as if her world had been crushed – her idea of who her good friends with were questioned even though it was almost a given that she’d be friends with the Running Man members. It was even more so crushing that Ji Hyo and Jong Kook were arguably the closest of all the members, and it was noticeable through their understanding of each other and their intentions, for the most part at least. Jae Suk looked on from the other side of the lawn as he helped to pack up some equipment before the members left to a local restaurant. He hadn’t blamed Ji Hyo for not going, in fact he had expected it since seeing her in the morning, yet he thought they’d simply sort it out like the previous times that they had fought. Jae Suk simply sighed, two see two people who were like family to him and thus just wanting the two to be happy, fight and making something that should be simple to be complicated frustrated him. It had maybe been because he was married but he was pretty sure that they’d be happy and sort it out themselves given some time. As if 7 years hadn’t been enough.

Jong Kook kicked himself, internally at least. As much as he tried to deduce why he had said what he said, he couldn’t come up with anything. His words had wanted to utter an apology yet they were frozen in place. And now the one woman he had wanted to protect most in the world was standing in front of him as she tried to blink back tears furiously. And it had been his fault.

“Ji Hyo – yah… I…” Jong Kook spoke softly, trying to rectify his evidently poor choice of words.

“I’ve got to go.” Ji Hyo made her way past Jong Kook, not giving him the chance to stop her again. She felt suffocated – her chest getting tight from the pain – as she ran to her manager’s car before telling him to get home quickly.

Jong Kook ran a hand down his face as he groaned with frustration, conscious of the prying eyes of the staff that had suddenly spectated on their conversation. Numerous curse words floated from his mouth as he kicked the nearest wall as he sighed a heavy sigh. Yeah, his plan of getting a girlfriend to distract himself from Ji Hyo had most definitely had been the worst idea he had come up with.

Needless to say, both Jong Kook and Ji Hyo had arguably the worst night that night. Ji Hyo was cooped up in a blanket with the remnants of takeout fried chicken and numerous cans of beers and wine glasses, evidence of her time spilling her emotions and feelings to Hong Da and Hye Min. They had both cursed the man in question, a “girl thing” one might argue, and it pained the two dongsaengs to watch the woman who was drunkenly cursing Jong Kook as they knew why she had been so deeply affected although Ji Hyo hadn’t necessarily openly admitted it to anyone else apart from them.

Similar to Ji Hyo, Jong Kook was nursing his grave mistake as he rambled on to Ha Ha and Kwang Soo what had happened over bottles of Soju… for the fifth time. It was a surprise to all the members that he had opted to join in the drinks in the first place, and even more so when he downed them in straight shots, and now Ha Ha and Kwang Soo looked at each other in confusion at the once – in – a – lifetime picture in front of them. Jae Suk simply patted Jong Kook on the back as he left, promising that everything would eventually work out as he left, Suk Jin at his side. Gary had stayed for a few more rounds but eventually left after, meaning that Ha Ha and Kwang Soo were left to be on the unfortunate receiving end of Jong Kook’s woes. It had only confirmed their suspicions of Jong Kook’s feelings towards Ji Hyo and they smiled along, not wanting to rub the salt in Jong Kook’s wounds further. It was no lie that Jong Kook’s was in a bad situation – having a girlfriend and then his words towards Ji Hyo – and he knew that, along with the two dongsaengs siting across the table. Both wanted for both Ji Hyo and Jong Kook – two of their closest friends and people who they regarded as family members – to be happy, yet they knew that with the situation that Jong Kook had created, it would be difficult. So they both settled for just being the good dongsaeng and listened.

“Hyung, you need to sort your feelings first before you can try anything with Ji Hyo.” Ha Ha had sighed, flicking the metal cap from their 8^th bottle of Soju.

“And stringing along your girlfriend when you’re not even remotely interested in her isn’t fair to her as well. As annoying as she is, she doesn’t deserve it.” Kwang Soo chipped in, shivering at the memories, and quite frankly traumatic memory of his run – in with Jong Kook’s girlfriend. Jong Kook had stayed at his overnight as Jong Kook had wanted to give his parents some space for their anniversary whilst Kwang Soo and Jong Kook had spent the night talking and eventually falling asleep in the midst of beer cans. He hadn’t expected to be woken up at half 2 in the morning to a woman who he had never met turn up at his door, just in a silk dressing gown, wearing a fake innocent smile with doe – like eyes. She had walked confidently past Kwang Soo, leaving him with a right mind to call the police, when he saw her cuddled up to Jong Kook, as he stirred awake. Shock covered his face along with a small apologetic gaze towards his dongsaeng as he was forced to listen to the woman in front of him. He had tried to rebut and argue against her justifications that she was “scared” to sleep alone, despite having done that 30 plus years. Kwang Soo had to result to using ear plugs to sleep in the guest room, after having some hot milk to ease him into sleep. Needless to say, Jong Kook had promised to buy him nice food after that. Kwang Soo had noted that it was strange; she had been everything that Jong Kook looked for in a woman – cooked, family – orientated, loved sports – but she was unbelievably clingy, almost disgustingly so, something that struck Kwang Soo as odd as Jong Kook preferred independent women due to his hectic and busy schedule.

“It makes me sound like such a bad person.” Jong Kook groaned as he downed another shot.

“You are hyung. No offense, but playing along one woman when you have feelings for another yet pushing the other out is beyond bad.” Ha Ha lightly chastised, having the courage after a few drinks for he would never even think about doing it without about 3 drinks… those drinks being bottles.

“You need to talk to Ji Hyo noona hyung. I love you both like family but I know what she’s been through and judging by how close you two are so do you. If you hurt her, I won’t hesitate to hurt you.”
“As if you could take him on.” Ha Ha scoffed, downing a shot, which was mirrored by Jong Kook as they felt the harsh liquor burn their throat.
“I’ll call in some friends.” Kwang Soo rebutted, although it came out more as a slur.

The drinks pretty much finished thereafter, with a couple more “reminders” of how Ji Hyo was like family to both Ha Ha and Kwang Soo, when they went their separate ways as Ha Ha complained how he’d probably get scolded by Byul the next day for coming home so late. Jong Kook chuckled as he promised that he’d take the blame for keeping his dongsaeng out so late with him making a promise as well to Kwang Soo – that he’d talk to Ji Hyo.

“Sounds perfect. I’ll be round with wine and food.” Jong Kook agreed. To be honest, any excuse to see her was excuse enough in his eyes. He kissed her forehead before they made their way down back to the car. Ji Hyo had whined that she didn’t want to leave and go to set although Jong Kook softly reminded her that she needed to earn money.

“Go do your thing.” Jong Kook smiled as he dropped Ji Hyo off although the sincerity wasn’t present.

“Don’t tell me you’re unwilling to let me go because of the scenes with Dong Wook.” She chuckled.

“I’m your boyfriend Ji Hyo – yah.”
“Which is why I only do this with you.” She reassured him, leaning across the gear stick to lock her lips with his. It was a tender moment, although short, yet their passion for each other was evident through their body language and the way they clung to each other. Jong Kook smirked as he pulled Ji Hyo in closer, deepening the kiss before breaking off, much to both their displeasure.

“I’d love to continue but you need to go in and start filming.” Jong Kook chuckled.

“I’d rather be doing the stuff that I’m shooting with you.”

Jong Kook bit his lip. “Are you trying to make me jealous or Ji Hyo – yah.” He groaned, his tightened grasp on Ji Hyo’s hand as he tried to pull her closer.

“Maybe both.” She winked, before giving him a peck on the cheek before leaving as she walked, more like waltzed into set, leaving Jong Kook dumbfounded.

“Yeah, you really have it bad Kim Jong Kook.” He muttered to himself, he shook his head, as he chuckled at how head over heels he was over Ji Hyo. It hadn’t surprised him in all honesty, he had felt himself falling for her over the 7-year period, yet being with her was even better than he had imagined, and definitely better than his previous girlfriends.

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Word Count: 6394

A/N: Hey Runners! So I realise that I’ve been away for a month but I have reasons. A lot went on during that month – I’ve moved houses for uni, redecorated my parents’ house, had my internship report to finish, finished my internship report, been ill, had one of my family members pass away and started my new job plus continue my placement for university - so I haven't had the time to necessarily edit. I've been writing on my phone/tablet as much as I could (bus journeys etc) but I haven't had the chance to properly re - read them and edit them to acceptable certain standard. But I managed to stay up long enough (it’s half 3 in the morning and I have to be up at 7 XD) to edit it and put together a chapter.
This is a bit longer than other chapters so I hope this makes up for it slightly. I’m sorry for the lack of an update but I hope you understand.
During that time the 1^st year of starting this fic had passed! I can’t believe it’s been so fast and I honestly couldn’t have imagined this when I first started. Thank you for all your support and know that I really do appreciate it! Messages on Tumblr and comments on AFF do really help me to keep writing, especially when I question myself/lost motivation to write.

Until next time Runners!