Song Jihyo stared with pure happiness at the prized possession Yoo Jaesuk was holding – the Running Ball with her name on it. She jumped around in glee, despite her exhaustion from the past seven hours of filming.

It was currently 3 in the morning. Filming had started as late as six in the evening, and every member and producers are ready to drop.

Jaesuk gritted his teeth; his Running Ball has yet to appear. The next three balls will determine who would have to stay back for a few more hours to clean up. 

Only a few minutes had passed, but it had felt like a century for everyone – except Jihyo. The next ball that came out from the machine was Kang Gary's. 

"Yeah!" Gary yelled, running towards Jihyo. He grabbed her hands and together, they spinned around in a circle. 

"Aish," Ha Donghoon cursed quietly, holding tight onto Kim Jongkook's hand. "It's definitely going to be me again."

Jongkook looked down at his dongsaeng. "Be optimistic, Donghoon-ah."

Jihyo, Gary, Jaesuk, HaHa were spinning around in a circle, as the rest of the members were looking down solemnly at their feet. 

"Ah, hyung!" Kwangsoo grumbled. "You don't have to rub it in our faces."

"And, cut!" The PD in-charge yelled. "Alright, those who don't have to stay please leave. Have a safe trip back home!" 

Gary and HaHa headed off to their personal stylist to grab their clothes, while Jihyo and Jaesuk stood around to cheer the remaining members up. 

"Kookjongie, don't be sad, you have Kwangsoo here with you," Jaesuk teased before turning to Ji Sukjin.

Jongkook chuckled, bending down to pick up his water bottle. He let out a yawn before bringing the opening of the bottle to his mouth. 

"Oppa," Jihyo called. 

Jongkook looked down at the pretty woman. "Yes, Jihyo?"

"Thanks for the help, just now," she grinned. "If it wasn't for you, I would never have a running ball and I would have to stay over too."

Jongkook smiled. "You're welcome, Jihyo. I know you have to wake up early later, so why don't you head on home and have a good rest?"

"I will. See you, Oppa!" Jihyo waved before walking towards her manager who was waiting for her at the side. 

Jongkook chuckled inwardly. He was actually thankful that Jihyo was part of the cast of Running Man. He was known as the Commander; Mr Capable, and everyone was always plotting his downfall. Even though Jihyo wants him to fail once in a while too, he has never seen anyone who stood up for him the way she does. He remembered once during an individual race, everyone wanted to get rid of him to stand in chance in getting first place. But as the men were fighting it out, Jihyo helped him. He knew that it was part of his job to be the antagonist of the show, but sometimes it hurts to know that everyone was going to gang up on him. He  had never voiced it out, but he knew that Jihyo understood him. Understood that he doesn't just want to win, he wants to win with someone; someone who would never betray him for just the prize. And because of this, he would always be grateful of her. 

He didn't know what would happen to him if the PDs had never asked her to join the cast. 
 

22/08/2015:

Hey guys! I've changed the foreword.

I've always thought that Jihyo was the one who understands Jongkook the most. Am I being delusional or am I not the only one who thinks that? :)

Poster and Background credits: Chinab3rry @ Spotlight Posters