How many times can I embarass myself in one night?! I kept my eyes down, shoving food into my mouth, not giving myself time to breathe. I can't believe I had just embarassed myself like that, but at the same time I couldn't help but feel the relief, which seemed to over ride my embarassment. I knew that despite the fact that I was embarassed, I would go back in time and do it over and over again if I had to. It was the least I could do for Jiyong.

Although the atmosphere from earlier had been restored after my outburst, I didn't bother attempting to talk to anyone. Not even Jaejoong. Thankfully, before I knew it, the meal was over, as we began to split the bill.

"Hey, do you guys fancy going to a noraebang? A couple of us think the night it too young and we're going to head downtown," Jaejoong questioned as he shrugged on his jacket.

I quickly shook my head, I think I had pushed myself to the limit with this mingling business already, "No thanks, maybe next time though. I hope you guys have fu--," I paused when I realised Jiyong was my ride, and he may want to go. We hadn't talked since the shrimp incident, and quite frankly I wanted to hide behind a rock and never talk to him again. I can just imagine the endless teasing I would receive from him. I shuddered at the thought.

"Unless you want to go Jiyong? I can catch a cab if you wa--"

"Nah, I don't like noraebangs anyway, don't worry I'll take you home," he cut me off, before turning to Jaejoong, "You guys have fun though." Huh, I guess he had it in him to be nice.

Jaejoong nodded, "Alright, I'll see you guys tomorrow in class!" with that he left the restaurant with the rest of the class, leaving Jiyong and I alone.

/awkward silence/

*cough*

"So let's go?" Jiyong broke the silence and getsured to the restaurant doors. I nodded quickly and walked ahead of him, leaving the restaurant and making my way towards his car door. I stood by the car door, patiently waiting for Jiyong to come and unlock the car.

....

'Where'd he go? I thought. He was right behind me just before, he should've reached the car at the same time as me. I glanced around, wrapping my arms tightly around my body as the cold sea air caressing my skin. Damn it! I forgot to bring a jacket with me and it's freezing cold. I began to get impatient as I looked around. Seriously! Where is he?!

I squinted into the distance, seeing a figure similar to Jiyong. 'What's he doing over there?!' I debated with myself whether to follow him, or just wait for him. Curiosity got the better of me and I began to follow him, my arms still wrapped around my body. 'Besides walking should warm me up a bit..' I thought. He better not be going far, like I said, I didn't fancy walking for long in these heels. Unless... he's doing this on purpose! Ugh! The nerve of him! I just practically saved his life -and got embarassed in the process- and here he was, using a sly method to get me to walk in these killer heels so that I would ask him to carry me! Damn it! If he wasn't my ride, and I wasn't freezing my off, I would take one of these heels off and lob it at his head.

I continued to follow him, looking around. Where the hell is he going? I looked ahead of me and spotted the view I'd seen earlier. The beach? He was going to the beach? I silently followed him and just as I'd predicted we were heading towards the beach.

I finally caught up to him and looked up at him. He looked deep in thought, as his gaze looked out into the sea. Normally I would've left him be, but I really wanted to know what he was doing.

"Yah, Jiyong? What are we doing on the beach?" my voice broke his train of thought as he glanced down at me before smiling and looking back up again. Waht?! That wasn't an answer.

"Yah, Jiyong! I said, what are we doing on the beach? Let's go home! I'm cold and tired!" I complained as I pulled at his jacket. He paused in his footsteps before turning to look at me. I was shivering pretty badly at this point, my teeth chattering against each other.

"Your lips are blue..." he murmured softly, as if he'd only just noticed I was shivering. He lifted his right hand up slowly, his thumb caressing my cold lips. I would've pulled back if I wasn't so shocked at his actions. I blinked and looked up at him as he began to take his jacket off, draping it loosely around my shoulders before turning around and walking towards the sea, his hands in his pockets,  leaving me to stand there confused at his actions. I sighed heavily before catching up to him again.

"Seriously Jiyong, what are we doing here?" I questioned again, falling into step beside him. I was no longer shivering, his jacket providing me with a comforting warmth. I wrapped it around myself tighter, a weird feeling of safety enveloping me.

"Do you remember?" he replied back with a question of his own as we continued to walk side by side.

I glanced up at him, confused as to what he was asking, "Remember what?"

"Remember this beach," he replied simply.

I furrowed my brows in confusion. 'Had I been to this beach before?' I thought to myself. My brows creased further as I tried to think, racking my brains. If Jiyong remembered this beach, surely I should too, I mean with our families being so close together, I was pretty much with Jiyong 24/7. If he came here, I must've come here too.

I gasped as the memory came flooding back to me.

~ Flashback to 12 years ago ~

Third Person POV

"Jiyong, come back here right now! I need to apply your suncream before you play!" Jae-Hwa ran after her son who had run off towards the sea upon arrival at the beach.

"Ommaaa!" a 7 year old Jiyong whined loudly as his mother caught up to him and stopped him from entering the water.

"Be a good boy Jiyong and put your suncream on," Jae-Hwa softly chided, as he grabbed his hand and pulled him back to the little beach tent that had been set up by Jin-Sang and Young Jae.

Dara giggle at Jiyong getting shouted at whilst she sat patiently in front of her mother, allowing her to apply the suncream on her. Jiyong heard her giggle and glared at her, as he was pushed down by his mother to sit next to Dara as she began to apply the suncream.

Eun hee patted Dara's shoulder telling her she was done. She got up and turned to Jiyong who was still sitting on the floor sulking whilst his mother applied the cream on evenly, "Mehrong!" Dara stuck her tongue out cutely and ran off into the sea, not waiting for Jiyong.

"Ommaaa!" Jiyong whined again as he enviously watched Dra splash around in the water.

"Arasso, Omma's almost done," she cooed to him, "There you g--" before she could finish Jiyong was up and running towards the Sea.

"YAAH!" Dara squealed as she felt water being splashed at her. She turned around to see the culprit - it was no other than her arch nemesis Kwon Jiyong. Jiyong laughed in her face before running off, knowing that she would attempt revenge.

"YAAH! Kwon Jiyong! Get back here!" Dara began to run after him, but the water was making it difficult for her. She pouted when she noticed Jiyong getting further and further away, she wasn't making much progress. She slumped her shoulders and gave up turning around to play by herself. She soon got bored and wanted a companion to play with, Jiyong's face immediately flashed in her mind, but she shook it away.

"APPA!! Play with me!" Dara yelled at her father, stomping her feet childishly. Young Jae turned around from his current position - making sandcastles with Sanghyun. He smiled at his daughter, told Sanghyun he'd be back, then made his way into the sea.

Dara squealed in happiness as her father splashed her with water playfully, a completely different response to when Jiyong had splashed her. Dara was practically radiating in happiness. It was rare for her to get time to play with her appa since he was busy with business, although he did always try his best to spend time with his three children.

Jiyong watched Dara play with her Appa enviously. It had been so long since his Appa had played with him. He turned around, sulking as he began to play with himself, seeing as his usual playmate - Dara - was preoccupied.

/splash/

Jiyong gasped as he felt the cold water hit his back, he turned around expecting it to be Dara, or Sanghyun, or even his mother.

"YAA--" his scream was cut off when he saw his appa standing in front of him, grinning in mischief. He stood there stunned, not sure how to react. Taking advantage of the situation, Jin-Sang cupped some water and threw it at Jiyong, this time the water splashed on his face, waking Jiyong from his shocked trance.

"Jiyong-ah, You used to be more fun to play with," Jin-sang teased, implying how Jiyong wasn't playing, but just standing there looking at him. Suddenly, the biggest smile grew on Jiyong's face, outshining the bright sun that was beaming down on everybody at the beach. Noticing, Jin-Sang began to run.

"You can't run from me Appa!" Jiyong screamed in happiness as he began to splash water in the general direction of his Appa. Jiyong had never felt so happy before, it had been so long since his Appa had paid much attention to him, other than just giving him the things he wanted. He craved to have the same relationship Dara had with her Appa, and at this moment, he felt complete.

Dara and Jiyong continued to play happily with their Appas until they were called in to eat.

"Dara, Jiyong, Sanghyun, Appas! Come and eat!" Eun Hee called, cradling Durami on her hip, since she was too young to be playing on her own.

"Last one there is a rotten egg!" Jin-Sang shouted to Jiyong, speeding off before Jiyong could even start. Jiyong ran after his appa, sprinting like he'd never done before. He knew he had no chance of outrunning him so he did the next best thing - catch a ride on his appas back. Jiyong leaped onto his Appas back, supring Jin-Sang, who lost his balance. They both crashed to the floor in laughter. Jae-Hwa watched the father and son moment and smiled contented, this is the kind of family she wanted, it had been too long since they had been a real family.

Jiyong and his appa eventually got back up, brushing the wet sand of their body as they went to join the rest for a barbecue.

"YAAH! Jiyong! That was mine!" Dara whined as she saw Jiyong munch down on a hot dog.

"Sorry!" Jiyong apologised sincerely, causing Dara to blink in surprise at his kind tone. Jiyong was so consumed with happiness that he didn't even give her a horrible remark.

'He's acting weird' she thought to herself, before shrugging and grabbing another hot dog.

After having their fill of food the kids ran back out to play in the sea, whilst the adults decided to sit out this round, staying behind and chatting amongst themselves.

Dara had grabbed a ball from the beach bag and was now currently knee deep in the water, playing catch with herself, seeing how many times she could throw and catch succesfully in a row "7... 8... 9"

"BOO!" Jiyong shouted behind her, causing her to scream in fright and throw the ball deep into the sea. She whipped around and glared at him.

"YAH! That's not funny! How am I going to get the ball back now?! I can't swim!" Dara screamed in his face.

"Well sorry I didn't know you were going to lob it over there!" he shouted back.

"Go get it for me now!" Dara ordered, as she pointed towards the ball that had drifted even further than before, "Unless you're scared!" Dara mocked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Jiyong narrowed his eyes, "Pfft, of course not!" he refuted.

"Well?" Dara said, in a voice that said, 'Prove it!'

"Fine, I'll get your stupid ball!" he grumbled as he turned taking a couple of steps towards the ball. He couldn't help but feel nervous. He couldn't swim either. He was about to change his mind whe--

"I knew you were too chicken," Dara's mocking voice rang out behind him. He gritted his teeth and his hands stayed clenched by his side. He hated it when people mocked him.

'Come on Jiyong! You can do it! It's simple... just alternate your arms and kick!' he told himself. It wasn't like he didn't want to learn how to swim. In fact when he was 6 he had gone to the swimming baths. His Omma had taken him there, but they were waiting for Jin-sang to turn up and teach him - to have some father-son bonding time. They waited for over an hour, but he never showed up. Jae-Hwa drove back a very disappointed Jiyong home, only to find Jin-Sang at home. When Jae-Hwa accused him off not showing up and Jin-Sang replied that he'd forgotten and he'd only just returned back from a meeting. He offered to take Jiyong again another time, but Jiyong was too angry and disappointed, so he never actually learnt how to swim.

He squared his shoulders and began to walk towards the ball. He walked deeper and deeper until his whole body was emerged up till his neck. Jiyong breathed in heavily. This was where he would have to start swimming. He closed his eyes tightly and threw himself in, kicking with all his might and flailing his arms in the direction of the ball.

Dara was stood in the same positon as before, but this time was hanging open, her arms now limp by her sides, her eyes bulging out. She didn't think he'd actually do it. She knew he couldn't swim, so why did he do it? He watched the area he had dived in to nervously. Why wasn't he coming back up? Dara began to panic.

"APPA! SAMCHON!!" She screamed as she began to point at the general direction of Jiyong.

Jin-Sang and Young Jae immediately upon hearing the alarm in Dara's voice, they looked at each other before sprinting towards Dara.

"JIYONG! JIYONG WENT TO GET THE BALL AND HE HASN'T COME BACK UP!" she screamed hysterically still pointing at where Jiyong had disappeared off to. Jin-Sang blanched and turned to where Dara was pointed.

"JIYONG!" he screamed before running into the water and diving in, searching for his son. Young Jae soon followed after him, after all two people searching was better than one.

Dara stood there as tears began to fall. This was all her fault. If she hadn't been so childish as to mock him, he wouldn't have gone in. She knew him well enough to know that he hated being mocked. She began to cry hysterically, wiping her tears away with her arm as she kept looking where Jiyong had disappeared, hoping he would come up.

She saw her Appa's head pop up and hope filled her, only for her to cry harder when she realised he'd resurfaced alone. Dara watched as her appa dove back down again after catching his breathe.

10 seconds had passed since Young Jae had dived down when Jin-Sang resurfaced with Jiyong in his arms. Dara continued to cry as she saw Jiyong's limp body in Jin-Sang's arms. Jin-Sang swam back with speed, keeping Jiyong's head above the water. They reached the beach in record time, where Eun Hee was currently trying her best to comfort a hysterical Jae-Hwa who was in floods of tears. Young Jae soon resurfaced again and seeing Jiyong safe, he swam back, and picked up the crying Dara in his arms as he made his way over.

Jiyong was now lying on the beach, his lips blue. Jin-Sang immediately began doing CPR, his palms pushing down on Jiyong's chest. He leaned down to see if he could hear his breathing.

Nothing.

Jin-Sang pinched Jiyong's nose and breathed into Jiyong's mouth. Jiyong's chest rose with the air Jin-Sang had provided. Jin-Sang let go of Jiyong's nose and chin and went back to pumping down on Jiyong's chest.

Dara hid her face in her Appa's chest as she continued to cry. Jiyong was dead and it was all her fault!

/cough cough/

"Jiyong!" Jae-Hwa cried in relief as she knelt down, pulling Jiyong's upper body onto her knees, cradling his head.

"O-omma?" Jiyong replied as he stared up through blurry eyes to meet the worried face of his mother.

"Don't you EVER do that again Jiyong! Do you hear me?!" Jin-Sang's thunderous voice rang out on the beach.

Jiyong turned his head to see his Appa glaring down at him. Jin-Sang met his sons scared eyes and his glare immediately softened and he broke down into tears, grabbing Jiyong from Jae-Hwa's safe arms, and bringing him into his strong ones.

"Don't EVER scare appa like that again Jiyong!" Jin-Sang whispered softly in his ear as he cradled Jiyong against his chest, trembling from all the strong emotions. He had almost lost his son. His precious son.

"I won't Appa," Jiyong replied as tears began to fall from his eyes. So this is what it felt like to feel loved by your father. This is what it felt like to be held like you meant everything in the world to him.

"I love you Jiyong, always remember that" Jin-Sang whispered. Despite what had just occured, the brightest smile lit up Jiyong's face. He was the happiest son in the world at that moment.

"I love you too Appa," he replied back, heavy emotions laced in his voice.

Despite being so close to his death, this was the happiest moment he had ever had in his whole life. If he could go back in time to when he was deciding whether to dive in or not, Jiyong would always always chose to dive back in. Why? Because it was all worth it for that short moment where his heart felt complete. The short moment where he felt truly loved.

~ End of Flashback ~

Dara's POV

I hadn't realised that Jiyong and I had reached where the sea and beach met, standing side by side as we looked out into the vast ocean. I felt tears run down my face, as I thought back to what had occured on that day.

"I-I.. I'm S-so S-sorry Jiyong," I apologised inbetween my soft cries, "I-I should've never egged you on. I'm so sorry." I broke down, kneeling on the floor my hands covering my face as the tears rapidly fell. I had locked that memory away. I had been so traumatised when I had seen Jiyong's limp body, minutes away from death, that I was too afraid to relive the moment, so I had locked it away, convincing myself it was all a bad nightmare. It was all my fault.

I felt strong arms wrap around me and pull me up to stand, "Shhh, don't cry Dara," I heard Jiyong softly coo, "It wasn't your fault, I shouldn't have scared you the way I did."

I pushed away from him, my hands falling to my sides, "Yes it is my fault Jiyong! I almsot got you killed!" As soon as the words came out, more tears fell.

I felt his strong arms around me again, as he pulled me to his chest, his chin leaning on my head. I cried even harder. I had almost gotten him killed. He should be the one crying, yet here he was comforting me. I couldn't help but feel safe and protected in his arms as I let my tears fall freely.

"Shhh..." he cooed into my ear as he rubbed my back soothingly, "It wasn't your fault Dara." he repeated reassuringly. I was about to protest but instead I continued to cry at his reassuring words.

"You know... if I could go back to that moment... if I could turn back the time, to when I was standing there, debating whether to go in or not... I would always always choose to dive in. So don't blame yourself," he said softly, his voice full of an emotion I couldn't understand. I pushed away from him slightly so I could see his eyes that was looking out into the ocean. Into the exact spot where he'd almost drowned. They were swimming with an emotion I didn't understand.

He looked down at me, meeting my confused gaze. I was beyond confused, why? Why would he choose to dive in when he almost died? He removed his hands from around me and brought them up to my face, using the pads of his thumbs to wipe the tears from my face, but they kept falling.

He sighed and wrapped his arms around me again - tightly. "That was the single most happiest moment in my life Dara," he sid, his voice cracking slightly under all the emotions, "I had never felt so loved before in my life."

He loosened his hold to peer down at me again, and that's when I saw it. His eyes. They were swimming with such deep emotions. Loneliness. Sadness. Longing. He looked like a lost boy. A boy who had been deprived of loved. At that moment, I felt like I had completely misunderstood him my whole life. I brought my right palm to cup his cold face, and he leaned into my touch.

"I'll be here for you Jiyong. I'll always be here." I whispered softly, as I wrapped my arms around him, and buried my face into his chest. I felt his arms tighten around me, as his cheek leaned down on the top of my head.

We may have been stood on a freezing cold beach, but I had never felt so warm and secure in my life.