The month had come to an end and our feelings were pretty strong, because as soon as the flowers bloomed signaling that it was spring, it was announced that we were dating. Seeing my face and name in the headlines once more wasn’t as shocking as the first few times but seeing it with Jackson’s name almost brought me to tears. After it was announced we started going out as a couple more so than friends and I wasn’t even that worried about all the new anti-fans that I had acquired once it was announced because Jackson was always there to protect me.

Today, more like yesterday, Jackson came bursting through my front door proclaiming that he was going to take me on the best date ever. So getting ready I was pulling my shirt over my head when my bedroom door came swinging open, and it was the least manly thing I have ever done in my life, as I screamed to the highest pitch ever as I quickly covered myself. Hearing this high pitched laughter, I opened my eyes only to see Jackson as he stood in the doorway rolling around on the floor. .

“Didn't anyone every tell you about knocking?!” Screaming he finally calmed down as he got up dusting himself off as I noticed how he wasn't dressed how he normally was.

“Sorry, I was just excited to see you. Also you should really change your passcode because it's really easy to figure out, even though Hyunsik Hyung let me in I guessed it once before and watching you press it in. I couldn't help but laugh.” Rolling my eyes, I pushed him out of my room as I slammed the door closed not wanting him to see me half dressed.

“Aww, come on Seorella! I will knock next time; are you mad at me?” Laughing I held it in because I dreaded that stupid nickname and he knew it.

“Shut up and back away from my door!” Finishing getting dressed I opened the door to hear him and Hyunsik talking as they were dressed similarly.

Both in semi-formal clothing as they had on button ups with rolled up sleeves, slacks, and dress shoes, and right now I felt out of place as I was wearing a denim jacket with a dark blue stripped shirt and white pants along with a pair of converses. Sighing I was going to turn around so I could change but when the door opened revealing Subbie as he was wearing a red sweater with a huge donut on it along with a pair of blue jean shorts and some blue vans. I looked at him as he looked at me and we both sighed as we made our way towards my room but the two of them rushed us out of the door as the slammed it close behind us. I only had time to grab my phone and wallet or else my fingers would have been history.

“Where are we going? And I didn't know this was a double date?” I finally voiced my questions once we were closing in on Sik’s car.

“Why am I even here? I would rather be at home.” Sub spoke causing me to note that they didn't make up yet, causing me to sigh deeply.

“We're going on a date. You should appreciate this, especially seeing as how I have been put on a stress reliever vacation.” Hyunsik spoke as he was walking around the car to get in on the driver’s side.

I knew Sub wanted to answer but he bites his tongue as he only screamed with his mouth closed causing Jackson and I too look at each other before I motioned for him to sit up front. The drive to wherever we were going was silent and filled with a thick are as we were driving farther and farther away from the city and closer to the country.

“I think I know where we are going.” I whispered angrily to Sub causing him to sit up out of his slumped posture as his eyes grew wide before looking at me.

“STOP THE CAR!” Hyunsik ignored us as we were throwing tantrums in the backseat because he continued driving only to tune us out with the radio.

Settling down once I realized that we weren't going to get out of this easily, I could only sigh as I stared at the back of Jackson’s head wanting to punch it. He lied to me as he went along with this stupid plan even though I told him that I didn't want to go. He knew I didn't want to go and here he is acting as if nothing is wrong. Looking at the rear-view mirror I noticed him staring at me so using his chance I flipped him off causing him to laugh as he smiled at me before turning around. When we finally arrived in front of the house I never wanted to see again, there were a bunch of cars as they lined the dirt road causing me to sigh as I wondered how far I would get if I ran right now. The music was turned off and so was the car and all four of us sat in silence as we stared at one another not knowing if we should start a huge argument or let it go for now, and seeing as how more cars were pulling up we left it alone.

“I'm really disappointed in you two, especially seeing as how this isn't nothing. I wish you guys could see your faces right now. Let's all put smiles on our faces and act as if everything is perfect because if we don't then they will be all in our business spreading it faster than the paparazzi. Let's go.” After Sik’s little speech with Jackson yelling fighting I sighed before grabbing Sub’s hand as I squeezed it before telling him to come on.

Getting out, we popped the trunk open as Sik and Jackson brought some healthy drinks causing me to stick my hand in my pocket as they should guess I wouldn't bring anything. Walking to the open door we all took a deep breath together as we put smiles on and as Sub held intertwined hands with his “fiancé”, and Jackson wrapped his arm around my waist as they both led us inside. Once inside all eyes were directed at us as the judging eyes and whispers began, and at that moment I turned to run but I was kept in my spot as Jackson led me in deeper. I was nervous as family members that I haven't seen in years stared at me as if I committed a crime and I have done no wrong, not to them at least. We headed for the kitchen knowing that is where the main family members would be as the women would cook and the men would sit outside of the kitchen and in the living room drinking while everyone else who wasn't helping were sprawled out across the lawn doing different activities and such.

The smell of food and sweat was strong as we came closer and closer and before I could even think the woman I loathed was standing in front of the four of us surprised and speechless.

“Hello, Auntie. How are you?” Hyunsik spoke first as he gave his normal smile causing her to smile also but her eyes never left me.

“I'm f-fine. How is everything going with you two?” She was as nervous as I once was but as I looked at her now I felt nothing; no anger, no nervousness, and no sadness, I honestly felt empty.

“Everything is great. Have you seen my Umma?” Sub spoke now as Jackson and I watched the two interact with her as if this was normal.

“My Unnie? Uh, last I saw she was playing with your brothers out in the yard. But then again she might be with your Appa in the living room.” With a nod of his head the two were gone as it left on us as we stood staring at one another not knowing what to say.

“Hello, Mrs. Seo, I'm King J but you can call me Jackson. I brought this for you.” He handed her the drinks as he bowed causing me to pinch his arm as he quickly stood straight as he rubbed the spot that I pinched. “What was that for?”

“She isn't a Seo, she's a Jung.” Correcting him as if it was second nature I never realized how much I used to do it in the past.

“Sorry, it's nice to meet you Jackson. I'll take that and you two can go have fun, I will catch up with you two later.” Grabbing his arm, I dragging him towards the living room and once we stepped inside I wished we didn't because my step-father was staring at me as if I did the greatest sin known to man.

“If it isn't little Miss Popstar. What brings you to the countryside? I thought we were too beneath your perfect little feet.” I hated him for more than one reason and this was it.

“Sorry, but I haven't gotten my perfect feet dirty even when they did touch dirt. How's your hairline? I see that it's still receding.” I threw it right back at him causing a few uncles and cousins to laugh but he only huff in annoyance before looking at Jackson.

“I see you got a new boy toy. Don't tell me his warranty is up in a year or did you get the premium package for 3?” Balling up my fist I was going to punch him but Jackson grabbed my hand as he shook his head.

“It's nice to finally meet you Mr. Jung, I have heard nothing about you but I see you succeed my expectations. I'm King J, aka Jackson and I'll be in for the long run. So I'll make sure that you get a front row seat to the wedding.” Intertwining our hands, he dragged me away as he walked us outside to where everyone else was, and when we finally made it to where Sub and Sik were we all knew it was a bad idea coming here.

Sitting down at our small table next to them, we sat in complete silence as we were all kind of grumbling to ourselves about how much we hated being here. I guess you could say the festivities were now in full swing as Ilhoon and his family arrived causing everyone to greet him and rush over and ask about him and blah blah. I honestly hated it and just looking at him made me disgusted. He noticed how the four of us stayed seated causing him to walk over as my niece and nephew jumped into my arms causing me to jump before I smiled greeting them.

“I guess you weren't as busy as you said you were.” Rolling my eyes, I looked at him with the darkest smile I could muster before looking to his side as I saw his soon-to-be ex-husband as he stood staring at me.

“I guess I wasn't.” I don't have nothing to say to them and after Ilhoon told the kids to go play I wonder how he could have such nice kids when he’s such an .

“I see you brought someone. Isn't it King J or something like that?” Grabbing Jackson’s leg, I squeezed it trying to calm myself down wondering how he could play innocent so well.

“Ahhhhh! Yes, that's me. It's a pleasure to meet you…” He left it open allowing the best to introduce himself.

“Ilhoon. Jung Ilhoon, I'm Eunkwang’s baby brother.” I had to stop myself from screaming at him especially since children were everywhere.

“Ah, yes, I have heard good things about you.” Finally letting go of his leg I grabbed Sub’s as it was his turn now.

“I hope so, because I only talk about the best when it comes to my Hyung. Oh, I almost forgot and this is my husband, Taekwoon but we call him Leo.” Jackson stood as the two shook hands and I noticed the look in both of their eyes as if they were challenging one another.

“Nice to meet you.” They both said but Jackson called him Sunbae which irked my last nerve.

“Eunkwang.”

“Leo.” And we left our greetings at that, I was glad when his father came out of the house causing him to leave us.

Finally letting go of Sub’s leg he sighed in relief causing Sik to sigh in relief also. Apologizing they said they understood and we left it at that. As more and more people came by Jackson, being the polite idiot that he was, he introduced himself and greeted each and every one of them causing me to smack his arm as I told him that he couldn't get up and greet anyone anymore.

“Eunkwang can I speak with you for a moment.” I was in the middle of talking with Changsub about our escape plan when her voice interrupted us.

Looking around at everyone else, I sighed before giving in as I nodded before following her inside the house and towards my old bedroom. Opening the door, I almost laughed as everything was the way I left it; posters, books, even my bedsheets were still made. Turning to look at her I noticed how she wasn't nervous anymore and was actually back to being her normal self, this whole family is two-faced.

“How could you act like that in front of Jackson especially when he was treating me like how you are supposed to?!” I stood with a blank expression on my face as I moved my eyes from side to side not caring one bit.

“Sorry, to dampen whatever mods you were put in by me being here, but I was dragged here and not by my own will. So don't act like this because if Jackson wasn't here then you wouldn't have cared.” Going around her I opened the door as I left not caring if she followed me or not.

Making my way back to our table I noticed how Changsub and Hyunsik stood off to the side as the whole table was covered in my female cousins as they were all over Jackson. Walking I went to go stand next to the two as they asked what happened but waving it off I looked as he was getting a little cocky with all the attention he was getting. Crossing my arms, I watched in amusement as he would rap and speak in different languages causing them all to swoon and I couldn't help but laugh. I laughed so hard the two standing next to me began laughing causing us to look even more out of place than we already did. Calming down a little bit I noticed how Jackson looked at me as if he saw a ghosted but I told him to spit another verse or speak in mandarin again. And finally getting all the way together I noticed how he was rubbing the back of his neck before he excused himself sliding out from the circle as he came running over to us, but he seemed to be having fun and I wasn't a party pooper so I told him to enjoy himself.

“Are you sure?” Nodding it seems as if he jumped into the pile of girls as he was quickly back in his spot asking them to ask him questions.

“I'm hungry. Who else?” Raising my hand at Sik's question, he nodded before saying he was going to check on the food.

And as we watched him leave Sub and I went to a bench as we sat down against the house exhausted and we haven't even really done anything. Sighing I watched with interest as he played with a skateboard under his feet causing us to start talking about childhood memories of when I fell off of his skateboard and sprained my ankle, and as he tried it after he broke his wrist. That was actually the funniest time in my life and I didn't even care that I got injured because of it. It didn't take long before we were back in silence as I laid my head on his shoulder trying to get my stomach to stop rumbling, but trying to sleep wasn't helping.

“So how are you and Sik? Because I love the company but he's starting to get too comfortable.” He laughed for the first time in a while when I said his name and it made me feel good.

“How comfortable?” Sitting up I have him the look causing him to give it back as he knew how comfortable Hyunsik can get.

“Underwear with your name on it comfortable. No shirt always walking around the house comfortable. Busting open the bathroom door to ask if I was wheat or white toast comfortable. He even sleeps on my couch sometimes comfortable.” He covered his mouth as he started laughing like crazy causing me to smile.

“Did you see the tattoo on his hip?” Nodding he sighed before putting his face in his hands as he stared off into the distance.

“I guess I should accept his next apology so we can finally get married, and then he will be back to the same old Hyunsik. I’m not going to lie I do miss him but this time I'm trying to prove to him that if he doesn't start acting right then I'm going to find someone who will, and honestly I don't want to. We have been together since we were 12 years old, started off as friends and after 3 years become lovers. We have been in this way too long and we are already too deep, I can't see myself without him but we aren't getting any younger and that bothers me.” I felt sad listening to him, and I wouldn't make the situation better anyway.

“I can tell you from many sleepless nights of listening to him sing, scream, and cry though two doors and a hallway that he is ready to come home. But right now he is acting like this because he knows that if he keeps addressing the issue then you will talk to him. He thinks that that is the only way.” Turning to look at me I smiled trying to comfort him because I really needed a good night’s sleep once more.

“Gosh, he is such an idiot. But at least he is my idiot and I wouldn't want it any other way.” He smiled as a blush came into his checks before he made a funny face causing me to laugh.

“There goes your idiot and mine to accompany him.” We looked in the direction of the two as they were playing with the kids as they made their way over to us.

“Jackson is actually a pretty decent guy, and he stands up for you and cares for you deeply. I gave him the old razzle dazzle to let him know that I'm not afraid to go to back to jail. So treat him right and make sure he does the same for you; I never want to see another ghost knocking at my door at 3 am asking for a hug and some strong liquor.” Laughing I smacked his arm as he had to bring that one time up, but looking at Jackson I knew he wasn't bad but I don’t know if he is what I need.

When they finally came over sweaty and with clothes sticking to their bodies we laughed before patting the seats next to us as they both sat down. Leaning on Jackson I put my legs across his as I really wanted to go to sleep, and he was actually comfortable. Closing my eyes, I let the wind blow over me as I began humming an old song that Sub and I wrote as he sung it to Sik for their first anniversary. I actually always liked the song and wanted to make it one of my own but I left it as one for special occasions liking that it only belonged to us. Changsub began humming along also causing me to smile as Hyunsik did also leaving Jackson to stare at all three of us as he swayed along.

“Did you find out when dinner would be ready? Because if not soon I'm hitchhiking to the nearest restaurant.” I whined as my stomached was getting louder and other thoughts wouldn't be able to distract me.

“They said that they had a few more dishes and that the men would already be setting up the long table before long.” Nodding I sighed heavily as I couldn't wait any longer.

“Let's go help!” Standing I pulled Changsub with me as I dragged him along with me to the kitchen causing everyone to stop as they stared at us.

“Do you need any help?” They stood silent as we asked before they began shaking their heads as they made up excuses as to why are help wasn't wanted.

Trying to be understanding and not be the of the kitchen’s joke, we left but we didn't get far before the gossiping began once more.

“I can't believe those little city freaks even asked to help. I bet they can't even cook ramen with all the fancy food they be eating.” Laughter followed.

“I don't even think they eat! Look at how skinny those two are! I wonder why they starve themselves when they are ugly anyway, it just ruins a perfectly healthy body.” Agreement followed.

“They need some good ol’ country work on their hands and then they would see that singing and dancing aren’t going to get you nowhere. All celebrities are shallow human beings and that short one is one of them. Always tossing us aside saying that he is busy knowing damn well he's probably cuddling up with someone looking for a scandal so that he can get known more. No one cares about an ugly duckling but he does have a nice voice.” Cackling followed.

“But isn't this his 5^th boyfriend or something like that? I'm not against him loving who he wants but he needs to settle down because as of right now he's a hot sweet potato being passed around from hand to hand. He's a and I can't see why nobody notices it.” Humming in agreement follows.

“Oh, and the other one, he's a mess too. Been with that other boy for more than 10 years now and still haven't tied the knot. Always breaking up and getting back together and then they come here acting like they can fool us country folk by putting on a smile and holding hands. Pathetic I tell you! And their children won't be any better!” Laughter follows.

More hatred against us followed and that woman didn't say one thing to defend or agree and this is another reason I can't stand her, always neutral when it comes to me but let it be that brat and she stands up for him. I didn't notice how tears came to my eyes by hearing their harsh words about what they thought about me, and even though I didn't care deep down it hurt a lot. Wiping my eyes harshly I walked always leaving Changsub as he continued to listen only getting himself angrier. I don't know where I was going but finding some quiet place under a tree I sat and cried for a long time ignoring my name as it was being screamed.

Looking at the tree it was the one I always cried under when I was younger and I loved it because no one could find me because of the overhanging low leaves and small bushes that surrounded it. This was the tree that I promised Appa I would get married by and he laughed promising to be buried next to it so that he could attend it. Looking over I noticed the little tombstone that sat next to one of the bushes as it was just right and as Appa’s name was engraved in it I cried even more. I knew I shouldn't have come, I knew we should have stayed in the city, and I knew they should have turned around the car when we had the chance to. But now we are being laughed at and being made fun of because we aren't country folks anymore and instead are city people.

“Kwangie? Seorella?” I jumped a little bit causing me to squeak out a sob on accident as I was trying to hide it. “What are you doing in here?”

As the leaves were moved aside and Jackson came ducking in as he scurried over to me before pulling me to his chest as he hugged me causing me to cry even harder. I just couldn't take the pressure anymore. Everyone wants me to be and act like every other celebrity and when I try it isn't me and when I don't try I'm being arrogant because I'm acting different. I'm tired of having to be told to come home even when I scream at the top of my lungs that I don't want to, and even then they only see me as an arrogant brat with a big ego because I can sing and get awards for it. I just want to be myself and no one seems to notice that. JB didn't even understand; he was just in it for the power couple boost it gave his career and when he was done with me he tossed me, the main course, for a side salad and some French fries. Every single last one of my boyfriend’s only wanted something from me and when they got it they left, and in the end I was only seen as a as I became the victim to societies standards and idealism.

“Are you okay? What's wrong? Who do I need to beat up?” I wanted to laugh but instead I shook my head as I turned my head so that I was staring towards the party, and no one even seems to care that we are gone.

“It's nothing. You wouldn't understand anyway.” I knew I should have talked to him about it but we just started dating and he's already at the place I hated the most; it took a whole year before JB dragged himself here so he could meet my “parents”.

“Then make me understand. I’m your boyfriend, or should I say man. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon and I know that we will last as long as we need too, and even after I'll still be yours. I want to understand why you are crying and who made you cry?” Looking up at him I placed my chin on his chest wondering how he could go from a child to a grown up in a matter of seconds.

“I just don't want you to make a scene and make them think that I am even more of a shallow freak. So can we toss this away for later and just stay like this.” He nodded before kissing my forehead causing me to smile before he wiped away my tears.

We sat under that tree holding each other for an hour or so before it got dark and everyone began to prepare to eat. Coming from out of the tree I remembered about Appa and bring him around I crouched down removing the fallen leaves before standing as I bowed causing Jackson to do the same.

“Appa, this is my boyfriend Jackson. Jackson this is my Appa.” I introduced the two as if he were still alive causing Jackson to smile as he bowed once more.

“Sir, I'm going to take good care of him, so don't worry too much. I have everything under control, especially him, did you know that for small hands he has a lot of power in those little fingers. I might end up next to you if he doesn't stop hitting me.” I punched him as he joked causing him to tackle me in a hug and as the wind picked up before calming down, it felt as if Appa was giving his approval.

Racing him back to the house we quickly grabbed seats at the far end with Hyunsik and Changsub as I noticed how Sub’s cheek was a bright pink. I already had an idea of what happened and as we were getting even more disapproving looks I couldn't help but pinch it causing him to hiss in pain. We ate in our own world as we blocked everyone else out causing the four of us to laugh and talk in our own comfort ignoring the states directed at us.

“So who made you rosy?” I finally asked as I wiped my mouth causing him to his teeth.

“All five of them stood smacking me because I told them to not talk when they don't even know the half of it. Even that younger stood up as she punched me in my stomach telling me not to talk to my elders like that, and I laughed. I laughed so hard that they were scared for a moment as my face turned serious before I left telling them to watch their backs. Now I know why I don't come to these things anymore, it's bad for my health.” Laughing I couldn't hold it in any longer as I told him about his temper, that's the main reason Hyunsik lives with me half of the time.

“What's so funny?” We stopped laughing as Changsub’s younger brother Yano, who was in high school, came over to us.

“Mind your own business, brat. Don't you have homework to do or something?” I listened as the two interacted causing me to sigh each time because they argue as if they are close, and they are far from it.

“Not unless you have coffee to brew and tables to clean.”

“At least I got a skill other than that whack you call rapping! It honestly sounds like you’re just mumbling at a fast pace, last time I checked you weren't Eminem, so stick to the books. Okay kid?” As Yano’s face went red I turned to look at Jackson who was holding in his laughter seeing as how it has nothing to do with us.

“ you! At least I have a stable life and actual friends, while your only friend is Eunkwang. I hope you don't get married and he leaves you for someone else. Dumb .” We all went quiet as Yano finished speaking as he stood to leave causing Hyunsik to finally step in as he grabbed Yano by his collar with both hands.

“Listen here you little scrawny failing teacher ing flunking no talent squirt, don't talk to my wife like that and if I hear you speak like that again I'll show you a dumb , got it?! And last time I checked your only friend was your teacher who you are ing to pass the class. So why don't you bend over and a , okay…brother-in-law?” Jackson started oohing as if we were back in high school causing me to cover his mouth as I shook my head causing him to shut up.

After dropping Yano to the ground Hyunsik sat back down as he began eating again as he feed Changsub a few pieces of meat before handing me a piece which I took without saying anything, because when he was pissed you should not say a thing to make it worse. Handing Jackson something to drink as he started chocking I looked at everyone else as they stared at us before Aunt Suhee, Changsub's Umma, started chocking before she stood dragging Yano away by his ear as she smacked him a few times. Everyone else at in silence as the only noise in the background belonged to Yano as he was screaming for her to stop, but we all knew it would be no time soon.

Standing we were preparing to leave when Ilhoon finally stepped up as he suddenly had something to say.

“Hyung, can I speak with you for a minute?” I wanted to say no but as Jackson pushed me to follow I did as we walked towards his favorite tree as it held his old tire swing.

“What do you want?” I was really not in the mood for this and would rather be at home preparing for bed.

“I just wanted to thank you for…”

“Cut the bull. Tell me so we can both get out of each other's hair for a while, and seeing as how I came don't pop up in my face asking for anything because…”

“The answer is no. Gosh! I can't even say anything without you cutting me off and/or telling me to off. I was going to say that seeing as how Umma’s birthday is coming up, that since you came here then…” Cutting him off once more I shook my head no before I turned to walk away.

“Don't think that just because I'm here that everything is rainbows and unicorns, it's not. So stop calling and asking for because the answer is no, and plus I'm busy with another comeback.” Walking away I went around the table where everyone sat and joining hands with Jackson we left ignoring everyone behind us.

Once back in the car we all took a deep breath as we began wondering how we could hold it for so long. Deciding to go back to my place seeing as how we were all tired, we got comfortable in the car as Jackson and Changsub switched seats. Changsub laid his seat back allowing me to put my feet by his head as I laid my head on Jackson’s lap because even though it was hard it was comfy. Hyunsik drove like a bag out of hell and I was glad to hear the sounds of the city once more as Sik honked his horn causing all of us to start as he began cursing under his breath.

Finally making it home I didn't want to wake up and as Jackson carried me like how he did when I was drunk I was kind of expecting it. We were all stumbling around as sleep was clouding our better judgements and as Sik unlocked the front door we almost piled up on one another in the doorway. But we kept it moving as Sik and Sub went into the guest room and Jackson dropped me off in my room.

“I guess I'll sleep on the couch.” Rubbing my eyes, I knew it was childish but I whined at his stupidity.

“Lay down already!” Crawling towards one side I patted the side next to me causing him to stand as if frozen.

“Are you sure? Because…”

“We slept in the same bed once before, so what's the difference?! Lay down!” He finally got on the bed as I pulled the covers over myself causing him to do the same.

“Good night, Eunkwang.”

“Night.”