Several stuffed bears and other animals surrounded Sung-hee’s bed all carelessly thrown about and none of them put there by Sung-hee.  Another flew over the railing, a stuffed tiger, and landed on her left leg, in response she twitched, groaned lowly and flipped over loudly earning an exasperated cry from downstairs.  Another sigh and more shuffling broke the momentary silence and a large stuffed dog flew over the railing and straight for Sung-hee.  The stuffed creature landed squarely on her shoulder the cool part of the eyes on her neck.  The initial hit didn’t wake her and the intruder downstairs thought he would have to throw another until Sung-hee shivered from the cool touch and finally woke up. 

A startled scream filled the room as Sung-hee scrambled up her breathing slightly heavy.  Her eyes still adjusting to the darkness she fished around for her glasses and secured them on before falling off the bed and spotted the dark figure downstairs.  Heart racing she shuffled on her knees to find something to hit the person with, maybe a lamp or the baseball bat from her youth she had up there.  “Y-yah!  You better leave I know Tae Kwon Do!” She barked when her hands finally met with the cool surface of her metal bat.  She stood, and slowly slid over to the railing and stairs her bat raised. 

“You would do that to me?”  The teasingly offended voice ceased her frantic behavior, the bat dropped to the floor with a short series of thuds and rolled away from her completely forgotten and a small smile came to her face.  With one final step she flicked on the lights and the sudden brightness made both of them flinch and blink furiously with edges of purple clouding their vision momentarily before finally adjusting after what felt like forever.  She took in his slightly dirty jeans with frayed ends, white shirt and grey jacket and noted that while he looked comfortable it seemed like he would fall over with exhaustion at any moment.  Worry spread over her as she walked down the steps and just as she was about to comment on it she spotted the box on his hands and a look in his eyes that practically begged her to not worry for him.  Too late but she would at least keep her worries silent. 

“Is this your version of a rock on a window?”  She teased as she took the final step and leaned against the stair’s railing with her arms crossed the small smile still on her lips. 

In response Thunder grinned, nodded and began to walk over, “Considering you’re apartment is too high to throw a rock at the window I figured this would be the next best thing.”  He didn’t even get the chance to make his way all the way to her before she giggled and leapt forward wrapping her arms around his neck and took in the familiar and comforting scent of summer rain.  Thunder couldn’t help but laugh a little as he wrapped his arms around her to pull her close and shifted his hold on the box so the edges wouldn’t dig into her back.

“It’s perfect.”  She sighed happily, nuzzling her face into his chest ignoring her glasses as they fell awkwardly on her face too content to deal with them at the moment.  The silence between them didn’t last too long but it was comfortable enough for the tired Sung-hee to start to doze off a little bit.  Just as she caught herself she moved her upper body back just a bit and raised her eyebrow at him.  “Okay, not that I’m not happy to see you but what exactly are you doing here at this late of an hour?”  She had already figured that Hyo had given him the code to get inside so she didn’t feel it was necessary for her to ask. 

Thunder grinned and released her slowly and opened the box to reveal a variety of cookies, enough to keep her awake for the rest of the night if given the chance to devour all of them.  “We’re celebrating.”  When he didn’t elaborate her imagination went into overdrive as she feared she missed an important date or something of the like.  But when she realized it was only April 15^th and they had already celebrated the release of the new Your Luv video and there were no other important dates near she got a little aggravated that he was withholding it from her.

“Celebrating what?  Come on Doong-ah you know I hate being in the dark with things!”  She whined trying to give her best pout which wasn’t exactly that effective since she was still half asleep and getting her to do anything when she was tired never worked out too well.

He still didn’t speak, instead he pulled out two cookies and handed one to Sung-hee which she took with the pout still on her face.  After eternity in her mind he spoke, “We just got off from practice and Ji Hoon hyung just told me that the day after tomorrow we’re having a press conference,” he grinned excitedly, “we’re going to announce our relationship and hyung said that you could come.”  The words spilled from his lips almost too quickly to understand but Sung-hee managed to decipher most of it.  Once his words registered first shock and surprise hit her and then an immense pleasure she hadn’t felt in a long time washed over her.

Bouncing with excitement she grinned and grabbed his hand unable to contain herself as she started jumping up and down all the tiredness from before gone.  Thunder allowed her to fling his arm everywhere, he was just as excited as she was and had done something similar when Ji Hoon told him.  Sung-hee was beyond excited knowing they wouldn’t have to hide anymore.  Fear would set in come morning but for now she was content enjoying the high.  She stopped suddenly and looked up at him, “What should I wear?”  All excitement disappeared from her face, replaced with a much more serious expression.  Thunder laughed not believing she was really worried with something like that and took a bite out of his cookie an example she quickly followed with her own cookie.  He knew she was worried endlessly about backlash but he wasn’t too concerned that the belt she wore would make a difference. 

“Now don’t even start that you’ll look fine no matter what and you know it.”  Gently he flicked her forehead trying to get her to smile to wipe the stubborn and serious look off her face.  His compliment worked, a dark blush crept over her face and she waved her hand at him denying all claims.  Even though she told him time and again that she didn’t take compliments well he was determined to shower her with them until she did. 

“You say that but then Soonjas will want to eat me for dinner.”  Her voice was light and teasing as was her half smirk. 

Thunder raised a brow at her while popping another cookie in his mouth annoyance flashing in his eyes as he thought about backlash.  Antis couldn’t be avoided but that didn’t mean they weren’t going to drive him insane.  “Give them a chance they’ll love you,” He chuckled and picked some lint off her oversized shirt, “almost as much as I do.”  Sung-hee’s heart fluttered and a blush covered her face and her neck as she grabbed another cookie.

“I love you too you Hello Kitty obsessed boy.”

“Soonja!”  He whined with a small pout and in response Sung-hee simply shook her head, giggled and stuck another cookie between his lips.  It was the same playful banter that went between them nearly every time they saw each other.  Her witty sarcasm and his quick mind always made, as Lee Joon said, funny banter of adorable people.  Which in turn got him in trouble but he never stopped saying it. 

Sung-hee grabbed another cookie and shoved it in as if she was avoiding saying something silly.  “Now to tell you my good news.”  She spoke halfway through munching on her cookie.

“Finish eating, and then speak.”  Thunder wrinkled his nose shaking his head a little at her, he knew she was doing this just to annoy him, and it was working.

She narrowed her eyes at him and went to grab another cookie but he held it over his head and being too tired to reach for it she lightly smacked his stomach.  Finally swallowing she tugged on one arm.  “Sanghyun,” she whined, “can I tell you now?”  He nodded and she tugged harder on his arm finally taking it fully in her grasp and led him upstairs.  Neither cared as the cookie box was dropped carelessly on the steps and she led him to the bed.  On the way she noted with pleasure he was able to stand up straight in the upstairs area despite his height.  Letting go of his arm she jumped on the bed bouncing a few times and then motioned for him to sit next to her.

He stared at her for a moment before taking a seat.  “How exactly are you so awake now?” Not ten minutes ago she was falling asleep against him standing up.  She always marveled him with how she could go from tired to awake in a matter of seconds. 

“Ah that is where you are wrong love I am hyper not awake there is a difference.”  She wagged her finger in front of his nose with a playful grin on her face.  If Thunder wasn’t so determined to hear her good news now, he might have tackled her and a tickle war would have started.  He gave her a slightly annoyed and expectant expression of ‘well are you going to tell me or not?’ to which she rolled her eyes.  She held out her hands so the palms were facing him, “Okay,” taking a deep breath she looked up from the sheets and smiled, “you know how I said I got that job?”  He nodded still perturbed she hadn’t told him where it was yet.  “Well it was as a bartender at Escape.” 

It took a few moments for the information to process in Thunder’s head but when it did his jaw dropped and his eyes widened, “Seriously?”  The idea of being able to see her when they got those few precious hours off and he wouldn’t have to waste time travelling all the way to her apartment was intoxicating to him.  She nodded and without a second thought he smiled widely and pulled her into a tight hug nearly pulling her into his lap.

“I know it won’t increase our chances of seeing each other much but-”

“It’s amazing.”  He reassured her silencing her and fell back into the bed with her falling half on top of him both of them laughing a bit.  She gave him a smile before sliding off him and nuzzling up against his side and his arm hung comfortable around her shoulders playing with the ends of her hair a comfortable silence bringing them down from their high.  For the better part of twenty minutes the comfortable silence wasn’t disturbed not even a shuffling of sheets could be heard.  Suddenly a feeling of dread washed over Sung-hee as tiredness began to set in.

“How long do you have?”  Her eyes drooped slightly as she looked up at him trying not to get upset with the sheepish smile that he gave her.  She always hated the fact he would be gone come morning but there wasn’t really a way she could force him to stay. 

He clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth and pulled her closer kissing the top of her head, “Don’t worry about that I’m here now so just go to sleep.” 

“But-”

Once again he shook his head and shushed her carefully her hair.  “Hush now you need to sleep to prepare for that art show tomorrow.”  A pleased but tired smile covered Sung-hee’s face and somehow knowing that he remembered the little things she told him through all his busy schedules was enough to relax once more and enjoy the comfort neither of them got very often.  Gripping his shirt lightly for a moment her eyes fluttered shut and she finally fell into a dreamless sleep.

When she woke up the next morning he was gone all that was left next to her were his grey jacket, the box of cookies he had moved back to the bed and a note on top of the box and the glasses he had taken off for her.  He must have known she would turn the cookies into her breakfast because as she put her glasses on she spotted a napkin next to the box.  Rubbing her eyes of sleep she picked up the note her eyes scanning over the scrawl.  You baby know you snore when you sleep ^^ don’t worry it’s a cute snore!  Have a good day and we’ll pick you up tomorrow around five <3 – Sanghyun “I do not snore.”  She grumbled with a smile and a soft blush on her cheeks.

Today was a rather important day for Sung-hee and her friend Delphine at the art center as it was a new artist showcase this afternoon.  And with only two others as competition if you didn’t manage to sell at least one painting or capture some attention you could kiss your hopeful career goodbye.  Sung-hee wasn’t too worried about Delphine though she was an amazing sculptor and they had already promised that if one got noticed they would shamelessly advertise for the other even if Sung-hee was a painter.  Sliding out of bed she tiredly made her way downstairs realizing halfway down she had forgotten the cookies but she was too lazy to go back up.  Meeting with the unopened boxes she groaned at their silent teasing and rubbed her hand over her face.  “I’m never going to get a chance to unpack this week am I?”  She questioned a stuffed dolphin that had landed downstairs, a gift from Hyo when they went to Lotte World.  When it didn’t respond she pursed her lips, grumbled, kicked the object then shuffled over to the bathroom still in a daze.

~~~~~~

“Kill me now.  All they want to do is get in my pants not hiring me.”  Delphine hissed in Sung-hee’s ear after the fifth man that came by pretending to look at her work really spent the whole time checking her out. 

Sung-hee glanced around before turning to her perturbed friend and sighed, “Well what do you expect you’re kind of hot even I’d tap that.”  She winked at the slightly shorter girl who rolled her eyes in disbelief though they both knew it to be true.  Delphine had milky white and clear skin, thick, brown, curly hair and large doe like eyes with an S-shaped body.  With the amount of food she consumed her tiny frame greatly surprised Sung-hee actually.  Regardless Sung-hee would often tease Delphine she could be an ulzzang even though Delphine hated taking pictures, unless Sung-hee poked her into it.  Not to mention the perpetual ‘back off or I’ll punch you in your happy place’ face didn’t exactly fit the stereotype either.

“I should smack you but you smack back.”  Though Delphine’s tone was rough a somewhat pleased smile tugged at her lips as she glanced around the room once more trying to find perspective buys.  Suddenly she widened her eyes and nudged Sung-hee with her elbow.  “Look alive! Critics from that women’s association are looking at your stuff!”  She added a quick fighting before shoving Sung-hee over to where the woman was and slid back to her own work hoping the friend of the critic that had wondered off would come her way. 

Perplexed Sung-hee straightened up and looked to where the critic was supposed to be.  Sure enough a vaguely familiar woman a few years older than Sung-hee was observing the picture Thunder had inspired with great scrutiny.  The drawing had been turned into a painting with acrylic colors with a few more scars on the heart and the hand have been changed to a more feminine one with a masculine one over the girl’s hand guiding it.  Stepping closer Sung-hee watched and waited in anticipation as the dark eyes of the critic scanned over each painting in turn.  “You’re the artist yes?”  Sung-hee couldn’t breathe as those eyes looked at her and she nodded.  “You titled it ‘With his help’ who exactly is he?” 

Sung-hee knew that if she answered this correctly they might buy her piece but it wasn’t like she could really reveal who inspired the work.  Oh you know just my idol boyfriend when I was getting over my psychopathic ex.  Yeah you totally want to buy from a crazy dysfunctional person like me go ahead.  Biting back all the sarcasm she could possible use Sung-hee smiled a bit.  “For me it was a boy who is very dear to me but,” she rolled her tongue across the back of her top row of teeth, “I would like the viewer to interpret him as whoever they wish.”  The woman hmed, rolled her tongue over her lips, and nodded.

“And all of these are yours as well?”  She gestured to the other six paintings that had been set up and once again Sung-hee nodded in response chewing on the inside of her cheek nervously.  Two of the paintings were of landscapes, another of the city’s skyline and three were portraits.

To the great surprise of the younger girl the woman pulled out a card and handed it to her.  “My name is Yen Im from the Women’s Art International I’m sure as you know we make it our business to get women art out there.  You and your friend have a lot of raw talent we have been, and would like to continue, keeping an eye on.”  Sung-hee could only nod dumbly and take the card with a shaking hand staring at Yen in shock.  “Tomorrow, call us before seven pm and we’ll set up a meeting time for the both of you.”  Yen turned, motioned her friend over, and after an exchange of bows they disappeared in the crowd. 

Sung-hee stared after where they disappeared hardly noticing as Delphine came up beside her but that was fine the both of them were in too much shock for conversation.  Finally she looked down at the card and scanned over the phone numbers, fax numbers and eloquently etched name.  “What do you think Del?”  She, like Sung-hee, probably wouldn’t like how they randomly decided to approach them now after all this time.

Delphine’s lips were pursed as she looked from the card and to where the woman had disappeared.  “I think we need to do more research before we say yes.  I’ve heard about them and they’ve helped a lot of women if you can get past the entry period that is.”  Delphine looked over to Sung-hee her expression softening and she pocketed the card.  “What about you?”

Sung-hee paused and jutted out her lower lip in thought, “I think it’s odd that they’re just no coming up to us I’ve seen those same women at showcases before.  And I think when we schedule that meeting they need to answer a lot of questions but,” she looked again to the painting Yen looked at, “I think it could be a good thing in the long run.”  Truthfully Sung-hee was more worried with the fact everything was suddenly falling into place for her, that just didn’t happen. 

The shorter of the pair nodded and patted Sung-hee’s shoulder, “Come on we got another hour to sit through then it’s Dunkin’ Donuts time and you can tell me this great news of yours.”  The great news was actually Sung-hee informing Delphine that she was dating Thunder.  While, by the request of Kaang, she had kept it a secret from Delphine, Sung-hee knew that if the Japanese girl found out via media the sculptor may try to rip her in half.

“Six black sugar donuts and milk bubble tea?”

“Girl what else do we get?”

“Hey I have to make sure.  Some people don’t like donuts as much as I do.”

Delphine smiled, “Oh you’ve met your match Park.”

Sure enough an hour and a half later the two were in Dunkin Donuts with originally eight, now six black sugar donuts, two drinks and two plates by the window.  Their typical dinner and spot after an art show.  Currently Delphine was ranting about the onslaught of new bands and how she had given up on trying to learn about all of them.  Sung-hee rolled her tongue over her lower lip, took in a deep breath and up all her courage.  “So I know you listen to MBLAQ-”

“And I’m convinced Seung Ho is the embodiment of a perfect man yes go on.”

After a few blinks Sung-hee rolled her eyes, hearing her friend gush about a boy she considered to be an adopted older brother of sorts was awkward still.  Though on some level she was glad it was Seung Ho and not her Thunder.  “And I worked from them for a while.  But there’s something I haven’t told you,” Delphine stopped munching and raised an eyebrow skeptically and Sung-hee motioned for her to come closer.  With Delphine’s attention completely captured now Sung-hee began again, “For the past month I’ve been dating Cheon doong.”  And, as expected, Delphine gave her a ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ look.  “I’m serious!” She hissed.  “It’s going to be announced tomorrow and I wanted to tell you before you saw it in fear you might rip me in half.”  Delphine’s expression didn’t change and Sung-hee sighed before pulling her phone out and pulled up her pictures.  “See for yourself.”

Still skeptic Delphine took the phone and scrolled through the pictures.  Most were of Sung-hee and Thunder bit there were also some of the whole group and with just her and Mir all of them quite comfortable looking.  Slowly Delphine’s expression changed to that of pure excitement and a twinge of annoyance as she hanged the phone back to Sung-hee.  “Let it be known I only believe you because I know you’re with Photoshop.  Why didn’t you tell me sooner?   Don’t tell me you thought I was going to beg you for backstage passes and then ditch you!”  She demanded in a hushed tone. 

Sung-hee knew that Delphine wasn’t a crazy fan though she had admitted that if she did ever see Seung Ho up close she probably would faint.  “No it’s nothing like that.  The managers wanted to keep it hush-hush only the band and our siblings know.” 

Delphine leaned back and nodded, “Well because of promotions that makes sense but this close to Japanese promotions it seems kind of out of the blue.” 

“I think Cheon doong had a hand in that.”  He was always perturbed that they had to keep their relationship a secret.

“Are you worried?”  Delphine’s tone and expression turned serious, she had even forgotten about the donuts now more concerned with her friend. 

Sung-hee sighed and leaned back as well, “I like to think that A+ won’t be too upset but yeah I’m terrified of netizens and hardcore fans.  I mean I’m some unknown girl that’s taking their precious Cheon doong away I’m scared I won’t meet their expectations you know?”  Sung-hee sent a thank you up to whoever would listen for delivering Delphine to her.  She was probably one of the only people she knew wouldn’t judge her for being insecure about this.

“MBLAQ can only protect you so much in that case it’s true but you have to expect backlash most people have nothing better to do with their lives then to hate on people.  Just be honest with them and if they don’t like you?”  Delphine scoffed and shrugged, “ em.  They’re just pissy because they want your man.”  A wicked grin covered Delphine’s lips and Sung-hee couldn’t help but smile as well and suddenly both of them fell into a fit of laughter clapping loudly and drawing quite a bit of attention to them.  Neither of the girls cared.

“Yeah he is pretty awesome and you know Del,” Sung-hee wiggled her brow suggestively, “after all this calms down if you really want to meet them I might be able to convince the staff to let it happen.”  Delphine blushed and waved her hands out in front of her face furiously embarrassment washing over her.

“And come off as the crazy fangirl friend?  Ha I think not.”  She snatched her drink up and started biting the straw her blush slowly fading.

To Sung-hee it was obvious that Delphine wanted to take her up on the offer but she also knew that there was no way she was going to abandon her tough image for a fangirl one.  Of course the girl’s stubbornness was one of the things Sung-hee liked her about her. 

“Scaredy cat.”  Delphine instantly turned a dark glare on Sung-hee.  “Yeah you heard me.”

“You know what Park?  For that you better take me just to prove to you I’m not.”  Delphine snatched up a donut from Sung-hee’s plate and shoved half the treat in chewing angrily. 

The aforementioned girl rolled her eyes, “Yeah because you’re the baddest Japanese girl in all South Korea.”  While she was talking she snatched a donut off Delphine’s plate and took a bite.

“You’re damn ri-hey!”  Delphine pouted and looked down at her plate seeing only one donut left.  Just as she was about to reach out for one off Sung-hee’s plate the older girl slapped her hand away and she yelped in surprise rubbing her slightly sore hand.

Scoffing Sung-hee took a bite of the donut, “Yeah serves you right stealing one of my donuts.”

“I should so go ninja on your .”

“Oh stop using stereotypes, besides I’m the one here with ninja skills.”

“Mine are so ninja you don’t even know about them until it’s too late and then bam you’re dead.”  A staring contest ensued between the two for a full minute before they fell into another fit of laughter, once again earning quite a bit of attention.

After she calmed down Sung-hee wrapped her remaining donut in a napkin and stood.  “I have to get ready for my job I’ll see you later Del.”

Just as Sung-hee was starting to walk away Delphine turned in her chair and called out after her, “I like the bar tender!”  She sang to her with a wink and Sung-hee waved her off sporting a grin.

~~~~~~

The waiting room or the conference was nearly empty, only Sung-hee and the stacks of makeup remained as her companions.  Thunder and the rest of MBLAQ had been shooed away for last minute sound checks and other prep right after they got the chance to say hello.  At the moment Sung-hee was staring in the mirror practicing what she was going to say, so far all she had were incoherent grumbles.  “Maybe he should do all the talking.”  She sighed tugging on her braid anxiously.  “Aish this is scarier than when I went rock climbing with oppa.”

“You’re over thinking it.”

Turning Sung-hee found Thunder entering, closing the door behind him and shifting his left foot just a bit, a habit she had noticed he had when he was nervous.  For some reason knowing he was nervous as well calmed her nerves just a little. “Says the idol who does this all the time.”  She turned back to the mirror and Thunder didn’t speak until he was behind her with his arms wrapped around her and his chin on the top of her head. 

“The nervousness never really goes away you just have to try and show a real and comfortable image it makes it a lot easier than you think.  And they’ll accept you in time.” 

She relaxed against him and a small hmm left her lips as her eyes shut for a moment trying to soak up the comfortableness he made her feel.  “Just promise me that no matter what happens we’ll get through it together.”  She held out her pinky finger and opened her eyes to look at him through the mirror.

He locked his pinky with her and kissed the top of her head, “Of course little miss pessimistic.”  He teased lightly not at all surprised when she turned around and thumped his chest.

“Game addict.”

He gasped and pouted, “Take that back.”

“Nope.”

“Fine.”  In an instant he laughed a merciless attack on her sides tickling her as quickly as he could no matter how much she squirmed.  After a bit of flailing she managed to escape only to be chased around the room and it took all of Sung-hee’s will to not move the game of sorts to a bigger arena.  When he finally reached out and grabbed her arm she squealed out of shock and delight.  “Take it back!”

“Never!”

All game play came to an end as the door opened and the frozen pair turned to find Seung Ho standing in the door.  He didn’t even have to speak, just motioned for the two to follow and they nodded the nervousness suddenly returning to Sung-hee.  Thunder took Sung-hee’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze as they met up with the others.  The journey to the stage was silent, only the sounds of a restless press audience could be heard.  Just before the six of them entered Kaang told them to hold off with questions until they were informed otherwise.  

Sung-hee was the last to enter and she winced a bit as she did so noting the way the crowd grew more restless as she did so.  Her entire body erupted into an itchy mess and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat attempting to focus on something other than her desire to scratch and run out of there.  As the boys talked about upcoming promotions she grew even more uncomfortable and too nervous to even reach for her water.  Every now and then she felt Thunder’s worried gaze on her but she couldn’t take her eyes away from the wall in the back of the room. 

Finally Seung Ho started to get to why she was there and Sung-hee breathed a small sigh of relief.  “You all know that promotional discussion isn’t the only reason we called you here today.”  He looked over at Sung-hee and then back to the press, “You’re all curious as to who this young woman beside Thunder is.  Due to promotional and scheduling conflicts this is the first chance we’ve have to tell you.”  He paused hesitantly and looked over to Thunder who nodded understanding his cue.  The truth would come better from him anyway. 

He cleared his throat and met gazes with a few of the press members.  “Yes well, her name is Sung-hee Park a very good friend to all of us and for the past month we’ve-” she stopped short and looked to Sung-hee he nodded in reassurance wanting more than anything to get this over with.  He gave her a ghost of a smile and shifted the microphone closer to her.

Leaning in she finished for him, “We’ve been dating.”

The entire room erupted in camera flashes, questions and the audience stood a few actually trying to get closer to get noticed and get the ‘scoop’.  It took all the composure Sung-hee had to not run away from the onslaught.  No matter how much mental prep I had for this it’s still damn terrifying.  “Please, please we’ll answer questions after Cheon doong has a chance to speak.”  Turning to him her eyes begged forgiveness for using him as a meat shield and for him to save her as well.

Shifting in his seat all attention turned to him and he took a moment to sip his water his cool demeanor never fading.  Despite herself Sung-hee couldn’t help but find herself incredibly attracted to him at the moment that he was able to be so unfazed by this.  “No, Sung-hee is not a trainee; she worked for the company for a short period of time before we started dating and yes she’s important to all of us.  I will not tolerate anyone harassing her because of this.”  Some of the well known reporters were given stern looks before he gave a quick thank you and leaned back in his chair.  The entire room fell silent, not even the other members had the courage to break it.

“So if she’s not a trainee what is she?”  One reporter dared to ask after what seemed like hours of silence. 

Fury built up in Sung-hee as the reporter looked at Thunder with skeptical and displeased eyes.  He dare he ask about her like that as if she wasn’t there!  Clearing she drew the reporter’s attention.  “I’m an artist, a painter and a calligrapher.”  She specified to avoid the next question she figured he would ask.

“Why haven’t we heard of you before?”

“I’m a new artist but I’ve been training for years.”  She responded without skipping a beat.

“What do you specialize in?”

“Water colors and acrylics.”

“And how did you meet Thunder?”

This guy doesn’t stop does he?  She could feel Thunder getting annoyed next to her despite his calm appearance.  All she did was give the reporter a small smile though she wanted to do so much more to him. “Through a friend.”

“How long did you know each other before you dated?”

“Half a year.”

"How long did you work for J.Tune?"

“Just a couple of months I was in-between jobs and a friend outside of the company recommended me.”  Sung-hee was meeting his questions evenly but she prayed he would stop soon otherwise she felt she was going to snap.

“Why keep your relationship a secret?”

That was all she could take.  Staring hard at the reporter she noted he was trying to hide a victorious smirk thinking that she was finally going to explode.  Oh I won’t give you that satisfaction.  Smiling sweetly, she resting her laced hands on the table, “Sir it appears you’re trying to find some great fault in me to exploit.  We have already said that because of scheduling issues and time constraints we weren’t able to announce it.  We could have just sent a message but we wanted this to be more personal and direct.  Cheon doong and I have not been sneaking around and I’m not using him as a ticket to fame, in fact I prefer a private life.  Yes I’m flawed and I may not have the most stable of professions but I can promise all of A+ that I will be the best I can for Cheon doong if they and the rest of you give me a chance.  Do you have any further questions?”  The reporter shook his head dumbly and Sung-hee had to hide her own victorious smirk.  “Thank you.”  With a deep bow she exited spotting some impressed but mostly shocked looks throughout the room. 

As soon as she was out of the area and near the waiting room again she kicked the cinder of the wall.  “Great job Park they’re going to eat you alive now.”  A groan parted her lips as she leaned her forehead against the cool blocks.

“Don’t be so sure.”

Head snapping to the left she found Kaang with a bottle of water.  He walked over and handed the bottle to her and she stared down at it for a moment before looking to him once more.  “What do you mean?”

“Some netizens will still try and eat you for dinner but you have to be strong.  Some may very well admire your courage just remember it will take time.”  It was the same thing she had been hearing from everyone but for some reason, from Kaang, she was finally listening to it. 

“So what do I do?”  She questioned while fiddling with the cap of the bottle.

A heavy silence took them over with only the bustling workers creating noise as they passed by.  Suddenly he pushed off the wall he had been leaning on and his lips.  “The only thing you can do endure.  That’s something I’ve noticed you’re rather good at, continue to portray an honest image and the fans love will follow you.” 

“You make it sound easier than it really is.”  She grumbled pouting a little and grumbled in Tagalog about how unfair it was grateful that Thunder was teaching her how to speak it.

“I know but don’t forget you do have help Sung-hee.”  He patted her shoulder not at all surprised by her annoyance; he had seen her in a worse state.  Of course he wouldn’t tell her he was fluent in Tagalog that would only make her mood worse.  He gave her one more small smile before excusing himself to go and bring the car around. 

A few minutes later she headed to the waiting room and was about to sit down only to have MBLAQ burst in with Mir and Lee Joon out in front.  Thunder pushed past both of them and instantly went to Sung-hee’s side pulling her down to sit with him.  “Erm sorry about earlier guys.”  She mumbled looking at each of them with a slightly guilty expression on her face. 

“You handled it a lot better than any of us expected.”  As G.O spoke Thunder rubbed her arm a little for reassurance and there were nods and sounds of agreement from the others. 

Sung-hee looked at the others dumbfounded, “What does that mean?”

“Oh we just expected cursing-”

“Yelling-”

“Sarcasm-”

“Throwing of water-”

Narrowing her eyes at Lee Joon and Mir she took two magazines and threw them at the boys’ heads with a growl.  They both let out a startled cry and ducked away from the paper projectiles of death.

“Serves you right you inconsiderate asses.”  She growled and huffed before crossing her arms defiantly and was about to take another magazine when Mir stuck his tongue out at her but Thunder pulled her back and shook his head.

“You did amazing calm down.” 

Gratefully she leaned against him and shifted closer to him her nerves calming and anger disappearing completely.  The pleasant moment didn’t last long however, a coordinator popped in the room with her clipboard in hand, her hair wild and a tired look in her eyes.  “The car is ready to drop Sung-hee off if we leave now we can still make your next schedule on time.”  As quickly as the woman came she disappeared and almost like robots the six of them followed her out to the doors where the body guards and other managers waited. 

The coordinator ushered Thunder and Sung-hee to stand between the others but still near the front, “Keep in-between them as best you can and get to the car quickly.  Apparently some of the fans waiting outside have already heard your little bombshell.”  Getting through the crowd was a little difficult with screaming girls and frantic waving of signs.  While many of them didn’t know about the announcement that didn’t stop them from yelling about it and those that didn’t know argued with them. 

“Thunder how could you?”

“I’m so much better than her!” 

“Shut up, you don’t even know her!”

“You shut up!”

Protective instincts kicking in Thunder brought Sung-hee closer and walked as fast as the guards would allow them to.  Sung-hee just focused on the door for the van her eyes never moving no matter how crazy the crowd got or how sick she felt on her stomach.  Though she wasn’t allowing herself to show her discomfort Thunder spotted it knowing a fair amount of her habits when she was upset.  As they got in their customary seats in the van he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and she placed her head on his shoulder sighing.  “Are you alright?”  Obviously she wasn’t but it had to be asked as he played with the ends of her braid. 

There was no way that Sung-hee was going to admit how she was feeling, at least not in front of the others and not without some serious prying.  After all she still hated putting the burden on others.  Forcing a small smile she looked up at him, “I’m fine just a little tired from excitement.”  He didn’t believe her for a second and she knew it.  But he wouldn’t push for now, working with Sung-hee required baby steps most of the time.  With a small sigh he continued to play with the ends of her hair and for the whole twenty minutes the ride was silent save for the sounds of the traffic outside.

All too soon for his taste they arrived at the front of her door both of their hands laced together.  He tsked and unlocked one hand to brush her bangs out of her eyes and cupped her cheek in his hand.  “Text me when you get to work safely alright?” 

“It’ll be a few hours; you may be recording at the time.”  She warned as he pulled her closer trying to get a few last minute hugs in not knowing when he would be able to spend an extended amount of time with her again. 

“Stop worrying about that,” he kissed her forehead, “I don’t care,” he kissed her eyes and cheeks, “at all.”  With a small shake of her head Sung-hee cupped Thunder’s face and before he could do it, pressed her lips to his finally expressing all her emotions she had been hiding throughout the car ride and most of the day.  In return he silently reassured her and wrapped his arm protectively around her.  Just as the kiss was starting to deepen he received a message demanding he returned to the van now; that always seemed to happen to them.  With an apologetic smile he gave her a goodbye kiss before reluctantly leaving her.

“This boy,” she sighed after waving at him until the elevator door closed, “is way too good for me.”  With a quick look around she slipped back into her apartment not daring to check online forums for reactions yet.  That could wait until the morning.

Yay extra long chapter!  Heh I felt really bad for not being able to update for 2 weeks so you get the sooper long chapter!  Ain't it fantastical?  Erm yeah I can not promise that the ones that follow will be nearly as long as this one though.  As always let me know what you think guys <3