Dara felt close to Jiyong because of the concern—which at times bordered on sweetness—that he had shown her since her training days. He was even instrumental in her being chosen for 2NE1.

But what she thought of as mere sweetness on his part to a junior trainee was actually a deepening affection for her. He even started courting her, though in his own quiet way that she remained oblivious.

Then Big Bang became famous.

President Yang, more perceptive than Dara, convinced Jiyong to stop his romantic pursuit, and to focus instead on the realization of his childhood dream.

Then 2NE1 debuted.

Dara started attracting fanboys, including celebrities. This spurred Jiyong to try wooing her covertly but the president still noticed.

Not contented with his warning to Jiyong, Pres. Yang imposed a ruling on 2NE1 that prevented them from having boyfriends within five years from their debut.

Once again, Jiyong was forced to retreat until…