Closing off a chapter

True to their word, all of Big Bang, 2NE1, and Teddy made sure that they were there when Dae woke up from his sleep.

“You’ve never looked more handsome” Ji joked as soon as Daesung opened his eyes and saw all of them gathered around his bed.

Everyone laughed, relief seeping in to their bones at seeing D smile. He still had that angelic smile… Thank God.

“You’re… all…. here…” he managed to whisper, his voice crackling.

“You don’t need to talk oppa” Minzy answered with a smile, clearing her eyes from tears threatening to fall at the joy of seeing their brother alive and well “The Doctor told us you might find it difficult so… you’re going to have to lie down and just listen to all of us talk.”

“And crack some jokes at you too” T.O.P. added “It’s payback time.”

They laughed again as Dae, helplessly, shook his head. It seemed that payback was indeed upon him. He, who liked cracking jokes and poking fun, was going to have to just watch. His whole body was screaming with pain but seeing everyone made him forget, momentarily, the horror he had gone through for the past 24 hours.

“And you have to thank Mai-noona when she comes in” YB told him “she was the one who rescued you.”

This was incredible news to Dae. The only thing he remembered was the moment the car had swerved towards the guard rails and he had thought he was going to die.

“Where… is she???”

“Right here!” Mai answered, who was at that exact moment just walking in. She was looking absolutely stunning in her white ensemble and Ji couldn’t help but admire how she had easily recovered from last night’s misadventures. “Did someone already tell you you’re not supposed to talk?” she walked towards Daesung and very carefully kissed his forehead “That’s my fee for rescuing you.”

The injured one’s eyes widened in surprise at the kiss. “If I only knew that being… in the hospital would earn me a kiss… I would have gotten myself in an accident a long time ago.”

Everyone laughed again. Trust Dae to control himself from joking around, Ji thought. The man had just come from a car wreck and he was still going to make jibes. Ji had never felt happier knowing that they didn’t lose him to that unfortunate incident.

“I’m glad that you still seem to be in high spirits” Teddy told the young man “but stop using your voice ok? You need to rest up.”

“And you have to recover really quick” Mai added “because I’ve got great news for everyone.”

“News?!?” CL exclaimed.

“News about what noona?” Seung-ri asked.

“Before I say it, will everyone promise me that no one will scream, shout, or break anything and you’re all going to stay as calm and composed as a Koahla?” Mai told them as she looked from one hubae to another. She could tell from their expressions that they were absolutely dumbfounded.

What news could this be?, Ji asked himself and looked at the Manager to Mai. Both were sharing very knowing smiles.

“We promise Unnie” Bom responded for all of them “Won’t we?”

They all nodded. Even Daesung.

“Well… other than to see that our Daesung is well, I have come here to introduce to you a very very important person. I know that since Danny and I have involved ourselves with your training, you have wondered about our reasons. Today… I shall let you know the answer.”

Mai walked towards the door and all of their jaws dropped as the President of YG Entertainment Corp. appeared. The legendary man who shaped mainstream Hip-Hop music with his group Seo Taiji and The Boys stood right outside the door.

“Everyone, this is President Yang Goon” Mai introduced him as the man walked towards them.

“Hello everyone” he greeted.

They all fell into a line and bowed their heads in greeting “Good Afternoon President YG.”

“As you all well know, for almost a month now, Mai and Danny has trained you in various activities that aim to better your craft and to help you explore your othr talents. They have done this under my command because I have discussed with your Manager that I would like you to be a part of the YG Family” the President told them and Mai noted how all of their eyes almost seemed to pop out of their heads.

“Is this serious?!?!” Seung-ri was the only one able to react and Teddy had to smile at that.

“It is VERY serious” YG answered the maknae and didn’t fail to see smiles line up all of their faces.

“Welcome to the YG Family you guys” Mai told them and unable to hold it in any longer, the girls let out very excited screams as the guys thumped each other in the back.

This was a dream come true.

They were going to be free of the bonds of Song Yu Seuk and were now going to be launched as mainstream artists, what could be cooler than that???

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Decisions… Decisions

“Papa, you looked like Santa Claus awhile ago” Mai joked as she pulled out of the hospital driveway. An hour after their announcement that almost shook the whole building and threatened to bring Daesung back on the operating table, they had decided to say goodbye to everyone. YG still had other things to tend to and Mai had a variety interview show to go to tis afternoon.

“I felt like Santa too” YG responded “They were all very excited and lively that I couldn’t help but smile.”

“How could they not be happy? You have given them freedom, Papa. You have released them from Yu Seuk’s bonds.”

“But -“

“Let’s not go there!” Mai immediately cut him off as she predicted where that ‘BUT’ could lead to “I don’t want to talk about that. Let’s talk, instead, about your newest talents and your plans for them.”

“I have already told you… they will all have to say their goodbyes to Teddy’s stage and prepare for that of the world.”

“And Teddy?”

“We’ve discussed that as their primary producer, he would have to dedicate himself to these children. And as now the biggest and only partner he has for all of his clubs, we will work together for his business. I have assigned Chul Yong to handle that side for me.”

Mai smiled satisfactorily and nodded. “Thank you Papa for doing this. I owe you everything.”

“Don’t thank me Mai. You and I both know that I wouldn’t have done this if you didn’t engage me in a battle of wills.”

She just chuckled at the accusation but didn’t deny it. “I have another request to make again Papa.”

“What do you mean? This isn’t…”

“Well” Mai had stopped in an intersection and faced him “this request may or may not lead us both to another battle of wills.”

The President rolled his eyes at her “Please Mai. If it involves dealing again with Yu Seuk, I might fight you again.”

“No Papa” she answered “It has nothing to do with Song Yu Seuk. My request is for you to break a very important rule of yours.”

“And what is that?”

“I know it is important for you that they focus on their training and their music and I know that what has happened to me before has only strengthened your resolve against this but you and I, we both know that when love comes… there is no fighting it… so, allow them to love Papa. Advise them to be careful about it, most especially as the public will be putting their eyes on them from now on but do not restrict them.”

“Why are you asking me this?”

“Because I don’t want them to suffer as we both have” Mai answered him, her voice almost breaking “you have loved Eun for so long but had to keep it from everyone and I… I have loved a man who could never be mine. I will do everything to make sure that no one else suffers the same faith and I know Papa, that you will understand me in this. Can I have your word?”

YG had to shake his head at her unfaltering tenacity. He admired her for that. She had put her heart into giving the freedom and happiness of these children and Teddy and she was going to do everything, down to the smallest deed, just to make sure that she did just that. “What will you do if I say no?”

“I’ll take Eun with me to California” she answered mischievously.

“No fair” the President answered “that hit was below the belt.”

Mai laughed “Knew you’d see it that way.”