Jiyong's POV:

I sat there for hours watching my best friend drown himself in sorrow. It's been 3 weeks since we heard from or saw Jessie, we heard she called Teddy hyung and Hyunsuk hyung a lot to coordinate work stuff but they never spoke about anything more than that. Teddy hyung tried to ask where she was but all he got was a faint laugh from Jessie. She wasn't ready to face anyone, I of all people should understand where she's coming from. 

I had a couple of issues like this with Dara in the past, and I gave her such hard times. There were a lot of circumstances where I just really wanted to stop chasing her and give up on our relationship.. Not because I wasn't in love with her or anything, but because I was so tired of frustrating her. And looking at Yongbae now reminded me of myself few years back. I know how it feels to not know where your girlfriend is, I know how it feels to face the judgements of the people around, I know how it feels to compromise my relationship for the sake of surviving in this business. I know how it feels.

"Ji, I don't know what to do anymore. I'm so tired.. Physically, Mentally, in all aspects." Yongbae said in frustration as he takes another sip from his beer

My phone rang and saw that it was Dara. 

"Yeobo..can I call you back in a bit? Now's not really a good time.. Sorry" I said with a caring tone only to hear my girlfriend hiss at me

"This can't wait! That guy over there can." Dara said impatiently

I stood up and told Yongbae that I'll be back as Seungri took my place and sat beside him

"Okay babe, what's up?" I asked

"Don't tell anyone okay? I'm with Jessie now." Dara said whispering as my seemingly frustrated and tired spirits went up just hearing the fact that she knew where Jesse was

"Chincha?! Where are you?? I'll go there now!!" I said excitingly. Part of me wants to see Jesse and ask her how she was.. I never saw her after the news broke out and I really wanted to hear how she was feeling about the whole situation

"I can't tell you, babe I'm sorry. I just called you to tell you that at least I know where she is. I'm gonna try talking to her about this and see if we could help the two of them fix things out. Arasso?" Dara said carefully giving me the information about Jesse. I sighed and although I disagreed, I thought it was only right for Dara to be the one to talk to Jesse.. After all, she was in that kind of situation and she's really good friends with Jesse. I'm pretty sure J will open up to her.

"Can I at least talk to her?" I asked as I heard her tell Jesse that I wanted to talk to her.

"Hi Ji.." She cleared "How are you?" Jesse continued as she tried her best to speak to me casually

"Hey Jess..I won't ask where you are..I just really wanted to hear your voice and let you know that Yongbae really feels bad about what he did to you.." I hesitated but I found the need to continue "..But if you're not yet ready to talk, it's okay. I'm really sorry about what happened.. If I can only shoulder everything I would.." I stopped as I heard her call my name

"Hey, it's not your fault.. I just really need space right now Ji. I still don't have the courage to face the reality that waits for me when I get back there." Jess stopped for a while as she gathered her emotions and settle down "Is he okay? Is he eating on time?" She asked with a subtle yet hurting voice

"He's not okay. He's going crazy looking for you." I said, "I'm sorry but that's the truth and I think you should know." 

There was a long pause before she continued, "Just be with him, Ji. Sorry and thank you.." she handed the phone back to Dara and I got the hint already that she was crying again.

"Babe, I'll call you on my way back okay? I love you. This will be fixed, in time. We both know that right?" Dara cheered me on as we exchanged our greetings for each other and finally dropped the call.

When I went back in the dorm I found a sleeping Yongbae and a cleaning Seungri. Daesung and TOP just came back from the YG office.

"Oh my god, he's a wreck." TOP said while he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and looked at me.

"Did Dara tell you?" He whispered as I got surprised how he knew

"My girl is there too. Dara and Bommie left together this morning when they recognized where the place was basing from Jessie's photo in Twitter." Tabi said

We were all staring at the sleeping Yongbae when Seungri's phone rang.

"Yoboseyo?" Seungri answered hesitantly and continued "Ah Yuri sshi. Hehe. Weh?" Seungri continued his awkward laugh as we all rolled our eyes

"Yongbae hyung?!" he stared at us with an annoying expression "He's sleeping Yuri sshi. Do you want me to tell him anything?" 

TOP hissed and spoke with disgust "That girl sure has guts." I looked at Seugri signalling him to drop the call 

"Yuri ah, I have to go. I'll just tell hyung you called!" He dropped the phone and sighed a heavy sigh as he looked at us and leaned on the counter of the bar

"That girl thinks they're really dating... Aigoo!!" Seungri shook his head and looked at Yongbae.

That night I couldn't sleep, I spent the whole night tossing and turning.. I felt sorry for my best friend, I felt sorry for Jessie, and surprisingly as much as everyone hated her I kind of felt sorry for Yuri as well. I didn't know what I could do to help iron this situation out, I know the only person who could fix this is Yongbae.. But how can he fix this if he himself is broken too?

After a lot of thoughts, my eyes decided to shut down and just wait for tomorrow's turn of events.

Dara's POV:

As Minzy browsed Twitter, she noticed Jessie posting photos of her whereabouts. She eventually realized that she knew where it was since she was there before as well.

"UNNI!!!!!!!!" Minzy got out of the sofa and approached us in the table "Unni, I think I know where Jessie unni is!" Minzy showed us a photo and we eventually knew where it was.

"Ugh, Yongbae is so stupid to not even notice!!!!" Bom screamed in frustration.

"I don't think he reached that part though, unni. It was just the four of us who went there." Chaerin reminded us while pointing the at photo.

"Oh my god, wait I'll check!" I instantly checked my phone because I knew I saved the number of Jessie's mom. I found it and I dialled it without hesitating.

"Hello?" A cheerful lady on the other line answered

"Tita? Tita si Dara po ito!" I greeted Jessie's mom and reminded her who I was and thankfully she remembered in an instant

"DARA! Oh my goodness dear, how are you? Why didn't you come with Jessie, I heard you guys are on vacation again!"

BOOM, BINGO. Jessie's in Boracay.

I exchanged a few stories with her and eventually asked where Jessie was.

"She's been around, she said she wanted to be alone and needed to focus on conceptualizing new ideas for you guys and upcoming projects so we didn't bother to push the idea of having her come home to Manila. So there, she decided to stay in the Boracay house. Why my dear?"

"Ah nothing tita I just miss her! I think she forgot to bring her phone with her so I decided to check on her by calling you. Anyway, Bom and I are flying to Boracay for the weekend. Will it be okay to stay with Jess tita?" I asked with aegyo as she agreed and we eventually ended the converstation.

"You're right. She's been there all along!!" I said cheerfully "Bommie, go with me! We're taking a little beach trip." Minzy and Chaerin were busy preparing for their album together so they didn't have the time to come with us

"Aigoo Minzy ah...What can we ever do without you Twitter account?!" I joked around, as she got annoyed

"Only MY TWITTER account unni?! Hmph" She pouted and went back to the sofa

We all laughed and sat on beside her

"Aigoo look at the baby feeling bad.. aigoo!!" We sat there laughing hard and Chaerin broke the laughs

"But seriously, it's about time we find out where she is. THE WHOLE BUILDING IS SO AWKWARD especially when Yongabe and the leech are together. Ugh I cringe at the site of those two." She stuck her finger in motioning that she was gonna throw up and we all laughed again

"Unni, make sure J comes back and redeem what's HERS. I swear I want all this drama to be over. I thought we were done when you and Jiyong oppa came out in public, now we're facing another one... And it kind of feel worse coz the girl really doesn't want to talk or see the guy. It's harder. Plus the fact that there’s a certain claiming oppa is ingly annoying." Chaerin stopped talking as we reflected her words

"Woah, 2 swear words in one thought. Who’s mad! Puahaha! We'll bring her back!" Bommie stood up singing the sentence again and again "They've survived 2 years without issues, this is just a test for them. I know Jess will have the heart to take Yongbae back!" She raised her thumbs as she walked to her room "As for me, I'm packing my bags!!" 

We all laughed at the ever so cheerful Bommie. She has always been the calm one; she’s always the one in the middle. Bommie’s a thinker not a feeler.. And I think that’s pretty much why Tabi and her managed their relationship for years.

"Arasso, I better pack too. Manager oppa will be here with our tickets soon. In the meantime, you guys CAN'T TELL Yongbae arasso? Not even Seungri and Daesung!! They would definitely spill once they feel sorry for Yongbae! Just let me and Bom talk it out with Jessie first, okay?" The 2 maknaes smiled and I went straight to my room to pack my weekend bag.

I really felt bad about what happened with Yongbae, I never thought I'd see this situation ever again. But being in that kind of situation helped me grow and realize how much length I'm willing to go through just to be with Jiyong. I know Jessie would do everything as well, if she didn't really want to be in the relationship anymore, she would have ended it the moment Yongbae came back to Seoul. But she chose to go away and think for a while. I know this is just a phase, I hope this is just a phase. Jessie's been to so much heartbreak after Xian, and this would be so much of a disaster if she ends up at the same note with Yongbae. 

Jessie’s POV:

It’s been three weeks and I would admit that I feel better. After a week of locking myself up in my room I finally decided to go somewhere far for a while and just take a breather. I called Hyunsuk oppa and asked for permission and he gave me the permission to leave for a while.

Flashback:

“Just remember, you can’t always run away Jessie. At one point you have to stay still and face what’s coming your way. Yongbae made a huge mistake.. But so does other men, that’s just how it really is. I know it will never be an excuse but I think you should know that even though things like this happen... At the end of the day we end up coming back to the one we love.”

WOW. I have never heard Hyunsuk oppa speak such words. I have never been emotionally close to him but over the past few weeks, he’s been very much like a father to me. Tears formed from my eyes as I thanked him and promised that I will be back as a better person.

“Yes, you have to come back. You have an album pending. You could probably use this chance to write..” He jokingly said as we both laughed and eventually ended the phone conversation.

I took the plane out of Seoul and went back to Manila. I realized that I didn’t really want my parents to know a thing about what’s going on so when my mom secretly asked me about the rumors they heard about Yongbae, I had to lie.

“It was for publicity. Yes, we fought a little but we’re okay now, Ma. No worries!” I faked a smile as I saw worry surround the face of my mom.

“It’s happening again. I’m scared for you my dear. Are you sure you still want this? You can always come back here..” Mom brushed my cheeks as I smiled and held her hands

“Mom, I’m not a child anymore. I can handle this. Yongbae and I can get through this. I love him, dearly. I just really need some space now; I’m not escaping ah? I’m just really caught up with a lot of deadlines and I didn’t need issue and problems to surround me.” I hugged her tight and right at that moment I got that needed comfort I knew I wouldn’t get from anybody.

Everything I told my mom that night was the truth. I didn’t want us to end; I didn’t want to loose Yongbae. Two years made me realize that there’s just so much more about us. But I also don’t want to spoil him, I want him to realize how things are without me, maybe we’re too secured that the other will always be there so it’s okay to make a mistake once in a while when we feel like it.

End of flashback

I’ve been running by the beach every morning for the past week, it somehow helps me clear away my frustrations, after the run I would usually sit in one spot and watch the boats sail. I followed Hyunsuk oppa’s advice too and decided to bring out my lyric notebook again and started writing down random sentences that come out of my head. It’s mostly all about Yongbae and what we’re going through now. Unless it’s about work, I don’t go online too so I wont be seeing anything about Yuri and Yongbae. I also intentionally left my phones in my apartment so I won’t be tempted in taking his calls—I just didn’t want to say the wrong things. It’s so hard to speak up when you’re full of your emotions; you tend to act rash and will end up regretting it.

After my morning session by the beach, I slowly walked towards our house. I intentionally stayed here because staying in the hotel would only remind me of Yongbae more. I knew something wasn’t right anymore when I saw the door opened, I saw 2 small suitcases by the porch and my heart began to beat so fast. I ran around the house looking for Yongbae only to be surprised by who I saw.

“See! I told you she’d assume it was him!” Bommie giggled and motioned her hands to Dara “Pay up, baby girllll”

I shook my head as both ladies smiled and walked towards me and gave me a hug.

“Oh gosh, I missed you both!” I said excitingly.

“Ya if you really did, how come you never even said a word to us!! You’re a bad person!!” Bommie slapped my arms as she cupped my face “You even lost weight! Aigoo look at this girl..”

“Aish, we’re not here to do that Bommie ah! FOCUS!” Dara motioned her fingers to her forehead as they both laughed.

“WE’RE HERE TO BRING YOU BACK!” they declared

“It’s been a long time since you left. I think it’s time to face the music.” Bom added with a faint smile.

I had nothing to fight about, I was taken aback, and I didn’t know what to say to both of them. Nobody in Seoul knew me the way Dara and Bom did, they became my best friends for the past two years. We shared a lot of stories, problems, and funny experiences together and seeing them go all the way here just to make sure I was okay brought me to tears.

“I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye you guys. I really felt like crap. I felt so alone and betrayed, I didn’t want anyone to see me and pity me.” I said while tears fell from my eyes the girls hugged me tight and comforted me. We spent the whole afternoon catching up, Bom would occasionally raise her voice while telling stories about how Yuri comes to the building and act like Yongbae’s girlfriend. I hated hearing it, but I’d rather hear it than remain nonchalant about it. I also heard that Yongbae would either be drunk or sleepless and how he took trips around Korea just to see if I was there.

“He basically tracked every place in the country that had sand on it! He’s so crazy for you J. He’s a complete wreck without you.” Dara admitted. The day finished with me hearing a lot, things I missed for 3 weeks, things I’ve been trying to run away from.

“You can’t always run, J.” Bom told me sipping wine as we sat by the porch and watched the moon illuminating the calm waters. Dara was on the phone with Jiyong and she’s probably telling him that I’m with her by now. My gut was right.

“Ji wants to talk to you.” Dara handed me the phone and I gathered all the courage I have to speak to my boyfriend’s best friend. Jiyong basically told me the same things Dara and Bom has been telling me, and every time I hear it my heart broke. Part of me wanted to take the first flight back to Korea and a part of me tells me to preserve myself and heal my broken heart before coming back. I was torn between two things. I knew I had to make a choice. And I know I have to choose soon.

The weekend passed with Dara and Bom by my side, we would go on Skype with Minzy and Chaerin every chance we get. The two girls would tell me the same things, Chaerin hated Yuri with so much passion and instead of feeling the same thing, I kind of felt sorry for Yuri in a way. This girl had no idea I even existed in Yongbae’s life so I couldn’t really blame it all to her, she is just like everyone else in this messed up situation is a victim.

Sunday morning before Dara and Bom flew back to Korea was spent by the porch. We laughed, sang, sunbathed, took photos together, hugged, cried, ate, and just do what good friends do: make the most out of our time together.

“Oh gosh,” Bom wiped tears from her eyes from laughing so hard “I can’t believe he didn’t even consider this place. How stupid!” she shakes her head as Dara laughed as well “Good thing Mingkki was too observant to notice that” I laughed too, I haven’t laughed in a while and it really feels good to be able to laugh again

“OMO!! You laughed! Bommie ah, did you see that, she’s laughing!” Dara clapped her hands and so did Bom.

Having these two around over the weekend helped me a lot, I somehow feel at peace now and I think I already know what to do. Everyone was right, I can’t run away forever I have to face Yongbae and I have to fix this soon. I realized that I wasn’t ready to let go yet, I realized how much I still love Yongbae and how much I’m willing to forget just to be with him again.

Afternoon came and I drove the girls to the port, we had the boat for ourselves as we observed the sunshine and the beautiful island. “Thank you guys, I don’t know what to do without the two of you.” I smiled and said while the two just looked at me and smiled as well.

“Don’t mention it. Who would understand you better but the ones who went through the same things too?” Dara smiled sincerely.

We reached the airport and the girls had to finally go, we hugged for the last time when Dara gave me something and whispered “Jiyong sneaked this out of Yongbae’s room. I believe this belongs to you?” Right there I saw the ring Yongbae gave me and I realized that he’s been to my apartment. He’s probably seen my ticket to New York and his photos too. Dara for the last time told me “Redeem what is yours, chingu. Don’t let it slip away to just anyone.” She smiled as she followed Bom inside the airport lounge, I was completely taken aback by those last words.

From the boat ride back to the house I would occasionally stare at the ring and back to the surroundings. The sun preparing to set, the people from the other side of Boracay was enjoying the view and the company of the people around them, I saw a lot of couples walking hand in hand sharing a kiss or two. If only things between me and Yongbae were this simple, I wouldn’t have a hard time choosing. If only I could get a sign now. If only God can just come out and speak to me about what I should do next.

If only.

Taeyang’s POV:

Flashback:

"Oppa? Are you listening oppa?" Yuri waved her hands in front of my face as I sat there absentmindedly.

"Ah, miyanhae. What were you saying?" I said snapping out of my absence

"Oppa, you haven't been the same eversince we went back from New York. What happened oppa? Did I do something wrong?" Yuri asked with a worried and pissed off tone.

"I wasn't?" I stupidly asked scratching my head as I observed the people around us watch our every move. I grabbed Yuri's hand and brought her out of the cafe and decided to take her out for a drive.

Dead air and awkwardness enveloped the whole drive until Yuri finally broke the silence.

"You have a girlfriend, don't you?" She asked and started crying "You had a girlfriend and you never told me.." She continued.

I had to stop the car and look at the crying girl beside me. I realized how screwed up I was making 2 girls cry over me. 

"Oppa, can you say something? Can you at least tell me if I'm right or not? Don't you think I deserve the truth?!" Yuri raised her voice as she gave me a cold and heartbroken stare

I sighed "Who told you?" I finally asked as she rolled her eyes and gave a sarcastic grin

"So it's true?! Ha.. I can't believe this.. I'm so stupid!" Yuri cried and cried and slapped my shoulders "Oppa why didn't you say anything? Why did you have to wait for things to be complicated? Why did you have to make me fall in love with you?!" I watched a heartbroken Yuri and for some reason I had no idea what to say or how to comfort the girl crying in front of me. 

"Yuri...I'm sorry. I have no words.. I really didn't want this to happen." I said staring ahead the dashboard "I have a girlfriend, I've been dating her for 2 years. That's the truth." I started crying as well as I punched the stirring wheel "I don't even know where she is now! I haven't seen her since we came back. I haven't even seen her cry like how you're crying now.. If I can only turn back time I would Yuri.. I would.." We both stayed silent for a long time as I decided to start driving again and bring her to her dorm.

Yuri went down of the car and I had the urge to go after her.

"Yuri. Talk to me, please? What's on your mind?" I asked as I held her arms.

"Oppa, what do you want me to say? All this was a mistake from the very start. No wonder I got death stares from everyone in your company, no wonder I always felt like I was doing something wrong!" Yuri cried again and leaned by the car. "But oppa only you could fix this. I can't. I'm a victim too. No matter how much I hate you now, I can't fully blame you too. I made the choice to push myself towards you without even asking if I was gonna hurt anyone.." Yuri sighed and wiped her tears away.

"Who is she?" She finally asked. As I hesitated to speak she smirked "Oppa, don't tell me you won't even bother telling the name of the person who's the most hurt here?!" Yuri exclaimed.

"Jessie." I said as tears fell from my eyes and Yuri stood there astounded. 

"Your Creative Director.." Yuri continued the thought. I stood beside her as we both leaned in the car "Oppa, you've got to fix this. Never mind me, I'll get by but I can't stand this awkward situation anymore. I can't keep pretending to date you when I actually feel something for you, I can't keep pretending to date you when I fully know that we're hurting someone too. Oppa, let's fix this I don't want to be in this situation anymore.." Yuri leaned her head in my shoulders as we both sighed.

"People will hate us if we do that." I said "Your company will hate you too.." I added

Yuri hissed "They can hate us all they want, they aren't fully part of our lives. But Jessie, she's a big part of your life. Can you handle her hating you forever? I sure can't. I can't stand the fact that someone is hurting because of one mistake I've done, because I was selfish. Oppa you deserve to be happy" She held my hands "And you clearly won't be happy with me." She stood straight and let go of my hands "Let's announce the break up tomorrow." Yuri kissed me by the cheeks as she walked inside her building.

I stood there for quite some time reflecting on Yuri's words. She made a point in everything. I have to make things right, I can't stand this anymore. It's been almost a month since I did this and shook the world of the people around me. I can't stay this way forever. I have to choose. 

I actually have chosen already.

On my way home my phone rang and I saw it was Bom nuna, I really don't feel like socializing with anyone right now so I dropped the call. After a few minutes nuna sent me an SMS:

"YA, YOU BETTER ANSWER OR ELSE YOU WOULDN'T KNOW WHERE JESSIE IS."

I had to read the message again and finally realized that she knows where Jessie is. I called her directly and she answered in the first ring

"YA! You dare drop my call??!" nuna shouted as I had to take my phone out of my ears

"Nuna I'm sorry." I said "You..you know where she is? I'm driving now, let me know where she is I can turn the other way around and drive there" I heard nuna laugh so hard and I also heard Dara nuna in the background

"Aigoo, goodluck driving all the way to Boracay, pabo!!" Nuna dropped the call. I tried calling her again and she wouldnt answer anymore, I tried calling Dara nuna and she did the same. 

I reached home and told the members about Jessie's whereabouts and asked if they knew only for me to get a shrug. I went crazy that night, I didn't know what to do first, talk to Jane nuna about Yuri or book the first flight out to Boracay.

End of flashback

I searched all over for you. I asked people about you. Only to find you here, more beautiful than ever. Watching you walk by the beach with your hair being swifted by the wind, seeing your lovely eyes, seeing you quaintly smile at the children surrounding you, just seeing you--I missed this and I want to freeze the time.

"Sir, you probably have to start hiding now." her maid warned me as I started to back away and hide.

"Okay, but please give her these, and don't tell her who it came from." I said as I handed a card inviting her to dinner tonight.

In the card, I wrote: 

"Jessie,

I made a choice, and that is to be with you. I love you, if you still feel the same.. Come meet me where we started and let's work this out.

I can't be without you.

Yongbae"