Dara's POV

I groaned, rolling over to hide my face into the pillow beside me in an attempt to shy away from the light. Wait.. wait a minute.. I actually managed to roll onto the other side of the bed?

My eyes immedaitely snapped open as I pushed myself up, my eyes scanning the empty space beside the bed before turning my alarmed gaze to look at the clock on the wall - 11:20AM.

Jiyong's flight was at 9:30AM this morning.

 

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"Are you okay Dara? You're awfully quiet.." CL asked with concern as we finally arrived back at our apartment. I hadn't said a single word since I had woken up till now.

I gave her a small nod, walking past her as I dragged my small bag behind me and into my room. I didn't bother to turn on my room lights as I flopped onto the bed. I still couldn't believe it. He left. Without a word. He just got up and left without bothering to wake up to say goodbye or anything. He just left.

"Hey Dara, something came for you," CL called out loudly.

I let out a sigh and slowly got up, dragging my feet towards the living room as I continued to grumble in annoyance, "What is it?"

I followed CL's gaze to see a huge bouquet of roses on the kitchen table, "Roses? From who?"

CL rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, "Oh you know, from the postman. Who else do you think it's from?!"

I jogged over to the roses, my eyes catching sight of the folded piece of paper lodged inbetween the bouquet. I carefully pulled it out and unfolded it, immediately recognising the handwirting.

To Dara,

Don't be mad. I can sense it from all the way here. Your aura is lethal. If you don't stop sending me telepathic death messages the whole of Japan are going to think that Godzilla has awoken.

I'm sorry I didn't wake you up. You looked so peaceful, and I didn't want to make things any more difficult. I know you wanted to see me off at the airport, but I also know that one look from you and I would pull out of the deal, and then you'd feel guilty.

Smile for me okay?

Love,

Your Jiyong

P.S Remember to stay away from Jaejoong! I've got my eyes on you Park!

"Hmph! Can you believe the cheek of this guy?!" I exploded as I flailed my arms as CL blinked at me in surprise, "He just left! He just GOT UP... AND LEFT! He didn't even wake me up! Then.. then he thinks he can woo me with these.. damn these are really beautiful roses, but that's not the point! He didn't even say goodbye!"

I huffed loudly at the end of my rant, my nose scrunched up and my lips twitching in annoyance, "He's going to get it from me when he comes back!"

"Come on now Dara. You know he's right," she said giving me a pointed look after scanning the small note in my hand, "What he said is exactly what would have happened if you went to the airport with him."

"Hmph!" I harrumphed, folding my arms and turning away from CL. I knew that Jiyong was right but still, waking up alone.. it wasn't the nicest feeling. I let out soft sigh, my bottom lip jutting out into a small pout, my hands now hanging limply at my side. I can't believe he's gone. I'm going to have to wake up every morning without him by my side.

"NO! Ttokki! You stop that this minute! You hear me? No tears!" CL exclaimed, wagging her finger in front of me, "Stop pouting! I refuse to have a depressed rabbit on my hands okay?"

"B-but.. CL! I miss him already!" I began to whine.

"Oh god.. please.. please help me... give me the strength..." CL began to pray, not holding a single strand of pity or concern for me.

 

== 3 weeks later ==

 

"What?" I questioned as I put my lunch down on the table, feeling conscious of all the stares I was getting from everyone.

"Nothing.. it's just.." Youngbae started as he blinked a couple of times.

"It's just...?" I prompted.

"It's just you look like a normal girl again!" Seunghyun exclaimed, pointing at me with wide eyes.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, feeling offended.

"What we mean is, you no longer looked like a deranged depressed zombie that used to roam the halls of seoul university scaring other students," Bom said, giving me a pointed look.

"What?!" I exclaimed outraged, "Okay.. so maybe i've been a little bit down with Jiyong gone... but I did not look like what you described!"

"Dara. This is probably the first time in three weeks that you brushed your hair and actually came to school with matching shoes.. to be honest it's a relief you're actually wearing shoes and not slippers!" CL said with a shudder as if the mere thought of the image was horrifying.

I stared at her flabbergasted. No way! I came to university with slippers on?! Oh the SHAME!

"I..I don't know what you're talking about!" I said, flustered, my cheeks slightly pink, "Whatever! I've decided I need to stop moping now! I've given myself enough time! Jiyong is working hard in Japan, and i'm going to do the same. I have to remember my goal of succeeding my parents business!"

"That's my girl!" CL whooped, throwing an arm over my shoudler and giving em a light squeeze on the shoulder, "It's about time too! There's only so many nighs I can watch you curled up on the sofa staring at your phone."

"Hey! It's not my fault! He hasn't called me! Not even once!" I complained, a frown marring my face, "Has he called any of you guys?"

All off them shook their head, "I'm sure if he were to call anyone, he would call you Dara."

"I guess... I've tried calling him everyday but he never picks up. I'm starting to get worried.."

"He'll be fine," Seunghyun reassured, "He's probably just too busy adjusting over there and he's probably too exhausted at the end of the day to call you."

"Besides, he's been sending you flowers everyday ever since he left! Like seriously, how big does he think our apartment is? It's like a bloody garden of flowers now! They're everywhere!" CL complained.

"I sense a hint of jealously from someone," Bom teased, wriggling her eyebrows at CL.

"Aww, Chaerin. Don't worry. I'll buy you something better than flowers," Seungri cooed, swinging his arm around her shoulder.

"Hmph! Me jealous? Why would I be jealous? Flowers are stupid! I don't want them!" she denied, shrugging his arms away, "Anyway, does anyone fancy doing anything tonight? It's been a while, what with miss depressed over here."

"Sorry guys, I can't come tonight. I'll be busy," Daesung apologised before standing up, "In fact, I have to go now. I'll see you guys tomorrow!"

"Huh, maybe he has a date planned with Minji. How cute. YAH! Seunghyun," Bom roughly slapped Seunghyun in the chest, "Why don't you ever take me out on a date huh?!"

"I'm going to head back to class too, we'll meet at our apartment okay? See you guys later!" I bid them goodbye, smiling as I watched the two couples continue to bicker whilst Youngbae looked at me helplessly.

 

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"Hey Dara..."

I looked up from fumbling in my bag to see Jaejoong had turned to straddle his chair, placing his crossed arms on my table, his chin on his arms as he looked up at me.

"Hey..." I gave him a small smile before returning to root around for my phone in my bag. Who knows? Maybe Jiyong had called me and I missed his call!

"I'm glad to see you smiling again. I was beginning to get really worried."

I blinked at him, tilting my head in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"Well you know, you seemed really down the past few weeks..." he let out a light chuckle his eyes forming moon shapes, "You even came in last week with mismatching slippers on."

I pinked at his last comment, mentally face palming myself. Damn. I still can't believe I did that. The shame!

"Haha... yeah, I guess I..." I looked down at my phone, my lips twitching downwards when I saw no missed calls, ".. was kinda down."

"Is everything okay?" he asked with concern, placing his hand on top of mine.

I flinched slightly from the contact and quickly withdrew my hand as discreetly as possible as my eyes darted left and right. Who knows whose watching?! I wouldn't put it past Jiyong to have a secret spy in class too! I can practically feel his murderous aura from Japan!

"Did something happen between you and Jiyong? I mean.. he hasn't been in class..." he trailed off.

"Oh no! No no no," I vehemently shook my hand, "There's nothing wrong between Jiyong and I. We're fine. He's just gone to Japan for a while to help his Appa with some business."

Jaejoong bobbed his head up and down in understanding, "Well, i'm glad you're okay now. You're much more pretty when you're smiling."

I averted my eyes from his, fidgeting uncomfortably from the compliment, "Uh. T-thanks. I guess."

"If you ever feel down, you can always give me a call. We're friends right? We could always go to see a movie or some--"

"Oh! One minute," I cut him off, lifting my finger up as I pressed my phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Noona.."

"Seungri? What's up?"

"Yah.. noona.. must you make this difficult for me?" he whined down the phone.

"I'm sorry?"

"Aish.. just stop talking to that Jaejoong guy! Hyung is going to flip if he finds out!"

My eyes widended as I looked left and right, "What.. how.. YAH! Lee Seungri, where are you?! How do you know?!"

"I have my sources..."

"Stop trying to sound all mysterious and quit spying on me. Jeez, i'll deal with Jiyong," I rolled my eyes, biting my lip to hold back my laugh as the image of a pouting Jiyong throwing a temper tantrum came into mind.

"Sorry, no can do noona! I can't die at the hands of hyung. What would Chaerin do without me huh?"

"Tch, whatever romeo, i'm hanging up."

I shook my head in amusement as I turned back to Jaejoong only to see the back of his head and Miss Kim standing with her arms crossed at the front of the class. Something tells me she's not impressed. I think it might be her facial expression.. or maybe it's the deathly glare she's giving me. I'm not too sure.

"Are you done now Miss Park?" she rose one of her eyebrows questioningly

"Uh.. yes. Sorry," I apologised.

"I know your boyfriend is in Japan. Next time, take your calls elsewhere. Not in my lesson. Do you understand?" she snapped before turning her back on me and turning the powerpoint on.

I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, diverting my eyes to my desk. My brows furrowed when a thought struck me. How did she know Jiyong was in Japan? As far as I can remember he only told the university he was taking leave for family reasons.

"Miss Park!"

I blinked, looking up to see her glaring at me, "Get your head out of the clouds and concentrate!"

"Y-yes. Sorry," I stuttered as I fumbled for my note pad, pulling it close to me and poising my pen ready to take notes.

 

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"Too bad Daesung couldn't come with us," I said as I slipped my shoes on, "I thought he had a date with you or something Minji-ah."

Minji pouted as she shook her head, "No, not today. He went to the hospital."

"Hospital? Is everything okay?" I asked, my brows furrowing in concern.

"He's fine unnie. No need to worry," she giggled, "He volunteers at the hospital and goes there weekly for work experience. It'll make it easier for him to get an internship later."

"I'm sure Dae would be able to get an intership with no problems, considering his parents are famous doctors," Bom commented.

"I guess, but he doesn't want to rely on them you know? He wants to be a capable Doctor by his own means, not because he's his parents son," Minji explained, "Anyway, shall we go?"

"Sure, let's--" I paused, feeling my phone vibrate in my jacket. I fumbled with the zip before finally pulling it out, only for it to drop on the floor.

"Aish," I complained picking it up from the floor, only for my shoulders to slump, when I saw the caller ID, "Omma?"

"D-dara-ah!"

My eyes widened in alarm at the hysterical tone in her voice, "Omma? What's wrong? Is everything okay?"

"S-sanghyun.. he's... hes been in an a-accident," she sobbed down the phone.

I felt the colour drain from my face as her words hit me, "W-what?"

"Dara, we're at the hospital right now. We've already called Durami. Please pick up your sister and come quickly," Appa instructed steadily, but the concern was clear in his voice. He must have taken the phone away from Omma.

I rapidly blinked, "O-okay. I'll come straight away."

"Dara? Is everything okay?" Chaerin asked as they all looked at me with concern.

I shook my head, my eyes tearing up, "O-omma said S-sanghyun got into an accident. I n-need to go pick up Durami and go to the hospital right now."

"Let's go Dara. I'll take you," Youngbae said, grabbing his jacket and keys before steering me out of the apartment.

"Breathe Dara. Calm down. I'm sure Sanghyun is going to be fine. I need you to tell me how to get to Durami okay?" he asked slowly, giving me a soft shake.

I blinked away the tears and took a big breathe. He was right, Sanghyun is going to be fine. I can't go to pick up Durami if i'm upset.

 

========

 

"Park Sanghyun! Where is he? My baby brother! Tell me where he is!" I said hysterically, surprising the nurses at the reception area.

"Sorry miss, please calm down. Who--"

"Dara-ah! Durami!"

I turned my head to see Omma and Appa making their way over to us, their faces pale and worn out, "Sanghyun.. is he.. is he..."

"He's fine," Appa said giving Durami a hug as she continued to sob.

"W-what happened?"

"I'm sorry I worried you so much Dara, I was just panicking at the time. He got into a minor car collision. Luckily he was on the other side of the car," Omma explained.

I pulled her in for a hug as I let out a big breathe of air that I hadn't realised I was holding in, the heavy weight on my shoulders lifting at her words.

"C-can we see him?" Durami mumbled as she rubbed her red puffy eyes, the tear stains still evident on her face.

"Of course, but he's still sleeping right now," Appa replied as he gestured to us to follow him.

"Oh," I paused and turned around, "Thank you for bringing us here Youngbe."

"No problem, i'm glad Sanghyun is okay. I'll stick around here and take you back later," he promised.

"Oh no! There's really no need Bae.. we--"

"Don't be silly. Do you really think Jiyong would let me live if I didn't look after you whilst he's gone?" he raised his eyebrow, daring me to argue with him, "Besides, Daesung should be around here somewhere, I need to have a word with him."

With that Youngbae place his hands on my shoulders and turned me around before giving me a gentle push in the direction of my family.

I slowly entered his private room, my heart giving a painful pinch at the sight of my baby brother lying unconscious on the bed, the sound of the heart monitor humming in the background.

"It's not as bad as it looks," Omma reassured me weakly, "He should be awake sometime tomorrow. He didn't have any major damage but he did have a lot of blood loss."

I nodded, making my way to his bed side and slipping my hand in his, giving it a soft squeeze before looking up to see the exhausted faces of my parents, "Omma, Appa, you should go home and get some sleep. Take Durami with you, i'll stay with him tonight."

"No, i'll stay--"

"Omma," I cut her off with a stern look, "You said so yourself he's perfectly fine. I'll call you as soon as he wakes up okay? Go home and rest, you must be tired."

Omma opened to protest again when Appa placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her, "She's right jagiya, Sanghyun will be fine, we'll come first thing tomorrow morning."

 

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I sighed as I began to fidget in my seat next to Sanghyun's bed. It had been a couple of hours since they had left, leaving me to watch over Sanghyun. The private room was silent save for the humming of his heart monitor and the occassional sound of people walking by the room, allowing me time to think to myself.

"Sanghyun-ah, I really miss Jiyong," I confessed to him, "It's been almost a month with no contact with him. I wonder what he's doing, what he's eating, who he's seeing. Is he happy?"

"I wonder if he's thinking about me too?" I questioned before scowling, "Tch! If he was thinking about me he would at least give me a call right? He can't be that busy right? Noona's right huh Ddoongie?"

"Aigoo, you must be thinking your noona's being silly right?" I asked again, my eyes softening when I once again received no response, "Sanghyun-ah.. wake up soon huh? Omma and Appa are so worried. Me too.. and Durami.. don't tell her I told you but she cried enough tears to fill the han river!"

I sighed, pulling my hand away from his to adjust his blanket, something I had done twenty times over, despite his lack of movement.

"Noona's just going to fill up this jug okay? I'll be back soon," I promised, grabbing the empty jug at his bedside table and making my way out of the room.

"Ah.. excuse me?" I tapped a nurse that was walking past, "Where can I fill this up?"

"Oh, there's a water dispenser near the doctor's staff room. You just need to go down this corridor, turn right, go straight then turn left and it should be there" she gestured down the hall.

I thanked her, turning around to follow her directions, my brows furrowed in concentration in fear of getting lost. I wasn't all too great with directions and I didn't want to stay away from Sanghyun for too long in case he woke up.

"She said turn.. left?" I muttered to myself, making a move to turn around the corner when--

"--Jiyong hasn't been around lately?"

I blinked, pausing in my stride. Jiyong? Kwon Jiyong? My Jiyong?

"Yeah Daesung, it's been a couple of weeks now and we haven't seen him around, where is he?"

I rapidly blinked, retracting my foot and leaned my back against the wall as I hugged the empty jug to my chest. Daesung?

"Ah, yeah, he had to go to Japan for some business," I immediately recognised Daesung's voice. There was no doubt about it now, they were talking about Jiyong. My Jiyong.

"Business? Really?" someone said, the tone of surprise in their voice was evident, "I'm sure I remember Jiyong saying he didn't want to go into business."

"Well..."

"Yeah, I mean.. that's why he's been coming here right?" another voice spoke, speaking over Daesung, "Has he changed his mind? Given up? I mean I know he was just testing the waters..."

"No way! Jiyong wouldn't just give up like that," the first guy declared, "Besides, we could really do with his help around here again. You two don't come much in a week, but you really do help out a lot. You both definitely have the skill needed. You'll definitely be able to get your internship here Daesung!"

My eyes widened as I continued eavesdrop on their conversation. Jiyong. Daesung. Hospital.

"Ah, thank you hyung," Daesung thanked, "I don't think Jiyong has given up... just yet... but i'm not so sure anymore."

"Well tell him that the hospital needs him back!" the second guy joked before his tone took on a more serious note, "If Jiyong is really serious about going into medecine he has to put his heart and soul in to it. He will have to make his choice eventually, the sooner the better."

"Anyway, breaks over! Let Jiyong know we said hi. Work hard Daesung-ah!"

The sounds of their footsteps nearing snapped me out of my reverie, making me panic, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping. I darted my eyes left and right before dashing away from the wall and heading back in the direction I had come, the empty jug in my hand long forgotten.

I tilted my head downwards, gripping the jug tightly in my hands as I felt the presence of two people walk by. I bit my lip, hoping against hope that Daesung wasn't one of them.

I let out a sigh of relief when I realised neither of them were Daesung, and were most likely the other two residents that were conversing with him earlier.

I slowly retraced my steps back towards Sanghyun's room, having no intention of going to the water dispenser in fear of bumping into Daesung. I dragged my feet against the floor as I let their conversation play over and over in my mind. What did they mean? Jiyong and.. medecine? When... that's.. impossible. Jiyong never told me about this before, but then... all those times...

"Dara, I need to be somewhere tonight... Sorry I can't take you home tonight, text me when you get back neh?" Jiyong said as he placed my bag on my shoulder.

"But.. I thought we could go out tonight..." I murmured sadly.

Jiyong leaned down to place a soft kiss on my lips, "Sorry babe, maybe tomorrow hmm?"

"Where are you going?" I asked as I flickered my eyes over to Daesung who was looking away as he rubbed his neck awkwardly. 

"Just somewhere," he said evasively as he my cheek softly.

 

I paused in my stride, taking a step back to lean against the wall as another memory hit me.

 

"Why can't you help her Ji? What are you going to be busy with?" I asked with a hint of harshness in my voice.

Jiyong avoided my eyes as he started to play around with his food on the plate, "Just busy."

"Busy? 'Busy' doing what? Is it the same 'busy' as yesterday?" I spat in annoyance as I unwrapped his arms from around my waist and slid off of his lap to take my own seat.

Jiyong stayed silent, his eyes on his plate.

"What are you so 'busy' with that you can't tell me?!" I said in frustration.

"Dara..."

"No! Why can't you tell me? Are you hiding something from me?"

"It's nothing important--"

"Not important? If it's not important why can't you tell me?!"

"Noona, it really isn't--" Daesung tried to in.

"What? So Daesung knows but I don't?" I asked offended, "Don't you trust me?"

Jiyong grabbed my hands as he tried to get me to look at him, but I just turned my head away in anger, "Of course I trust you Dara. Please believe me. I... I will tell you... Eventually. I just.. I need to be sure..."

I turned to look into his pleading eyes, "Sure? Sure about what?"

"I'll tell you when I'm sure."

 

I slowly slid down the wall, hugging the jug to my chest as everything gradually started to click together in my mind. All those times that Jiyong told me he was busy he was.. he was at the hospital volunteering? And the reason Daesung knew was because he was doing it with Daesung?

I blinked as another thought struck me. The time we bumped into Mr Paek the paramedic from our childhood when we were visitng Seungri. That look Jiyong had in his eyes - the look of pure admiration when he talked to him.

 

"Oh Jiyong! I hope the last email was detailed enough and contained all the information you needed abo--"

"Ah yes yes, it did. Thanks Mr Paek," Jiyong cut him off quickly as he gave him a look.

"OH!" he nodded in understanding before turning to smile at me, "You've got a good man here Dara! Hold on to him!"

"PAEK! You're on call!"

"Looks like i've got work to do! I'll catch up with you two another time neh?" he waved at us before turning to leave.

"I really can't believe you kept in touch with him for all these years!" I said in surprise as Jiyong intertwined our hands again as we made our way out of the hospital.

"Of course! He's an incredible man you know. I wish I could be like him one day," Jiyong said wistfully.

 

"Why?" I whispered to myself, my mind clouded in confusion. Why didn't he just tell me? Why was he so adamant as to hide this from me? Why did let me think the worse, like accusing him of cheating on me with Yuri instead of being straight and telling me? Why was it such a big deal?

 

"You know, I don't know why you're bothering to do this. You've always been a goody-two shoes," he remarked.

"Well, I'm sorry If I don't want to get on the bad side of our lecturer who will be teaching me for the next three years. I don't know about you but I want to pass with a high mark." I retorted.

"It's just a piece of paper, you're still going to take over your family business even if you get a high grade or not," he replied, with a hint of an emotion I couldn't quite place. Was that anger?

"It's not just about taking over the family business. I want to bring pride to the Park family. I want my parents to be assured that their baby will be in good hands. I want to do well for my parents, even if they have never asked me to" I explained, a small smile tugging at my face, as I thought of my loving parents.

"Tch! That's the most stupid, pathetic thing I've ever heard. You should be doing it for yourself. If you're only doing this for pride or whatever, and to take on your family business... you're more stupid than I thought you were. What about your dreams and your wishes? You're just going to discard them? I thought you were more ambitious than that, I guess I was wrong," he spat. Woah, why is he getting so angry and riled up about this?

 

I leaned my head against the wall, staring up at the light as his angered words rang in my mind. So this is what he meant.. this is why he was hiding it from me. He knew how much I wanted to inherit my parents business.. he could see my passion for business, whereas he... he didn't want any of it. He had his own ambitions that didn't lie within the future that his parents had laid out for him. Was he.. was he scared? Of me? Of what I thought? That I would laugh it off? That I wouldn't support him?

"Dara?"

I blinked tilting my head to the right to see Youngbae looking down at me with concern, his phone gripped in his hand, "Are you okay?"

"I'm.. fine, is everything okay?" I asked him, giving him a tight smile.

He gave me a look that told me he didn't believe me but didn't pursue the issue any further, instead, he rolled his eyes exaggeratedly, "I texted Jiyong earlier to let him know and he called me when I stepped out before. He sounds pretty panicked right now. He's been trying to call you for the last couple of hours but I guess your phone was turned off since you were in the hospital."

"He.. did?"

"Yeah, he wants you to call him immediately," he instructed, offering his hand out to pull me up from my position on the floor, "I would do as he says before all hell breaks loose. I would also advise you to prepare yourself for the crap load of text messages and voicemails he probably left."

"Go outside to take the call, i'll go check on Sanghyun," he reassured, giving me a small push towards the hospital doors.

"Thanks Bae," I said gratefully, passing him the empty jug before making my way towards the hospital doors. I pulled my phone out of my jacket and pressed the power button, taking a seat on the bench outside as I stared up at the full moon, waiting for it to turn on.

Within seconds of my phone turning on, it began to vibrate, the familiar ringtone that I had been craving to hear for the past month playing softly in the night.

"Hello?"

"DARA!"

I pulled the phone away from my ear, slightly startled by his loud voice, my heart giving out a small jump out of happiness, as if it's longing to hear his voice had been fulfilled.

"Jiyong..." I murmured, my eyes gradually began to well up with tears, out of both happiness and sadness.

"Babe..." he said softly, much calmer than before, "I heard what happened, is Sanghyun okay? Are you okay?"

I took a large gulp of air in an attempt to calm myself, "Yes.. he's fine.. i'm fine."

"Are you sure?" he asked worriedly, "Maybe.. maybe I should come back. I would be a bad hyung if I didn't come to see if he's okay with my own two eyes."

"Jiyong..."

"I'll ge the next flight over Dara. There's no need to worry, i'll be right there okay?" he continued, the sound of shuffling and tapping could be heard in the background.

"Jiyong..."

"Damn.. it's too late.. the next free flight is sometime tomorrow afternoon," he cursed, mumbling under his breath.

"Jiyong... I miss you," I managed to get out as I began to feel the lump in my throat rise, "So much..."

All movement ceased, the only sound I could hear was the short hitch in his throat.

A couple more seconds of silence passed by before I heard his soft voice again, "I miss you too Dara, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I've been meaning to call you. I've wanted to call you, video call you every second since i've come here.. I just.. I was scared that just one look at you.. just the sound of your voice.. I would take the first flight back and I know that's not what you would want. You want me to try my best over here, and I don't want to disappoint you. I'm sorry."

I looked up towards the sky, the image of the moon blurring as my tears began to fall at his voice, at his words. Everyday since he had left I had been itching to talk to him, to give him a peace of my mind for just getting up and leaving without saying goodbye. To shout at him for making me wait so long before contacting him. To shout at him for the ridiculous number of flowers he sent everyday, but never did this scenario appear in my mind. Never did I think I would feel so much guilt.

Just hearing him apologising over and over for not calling me because he was afraid he would come back. I was right. He was scared. Of me. He was scared of what I would think. He was scared that I wouldn't be happy with what he wanted. What he's doing in Japan.. he doesn't want any of that.. and yet I pushed him. I kept pushing him.

But.. but it wasn't all about the business right? I wanted him to go over there to repair the bond with his father. Right?

"Babe? Please talk... you're angry aren't you?" he asked, his voice coloured in worry.

I let out a small sigh, wiping the tears away with the back of my hand a sad smile on my face, "I'm here. No, i'm not angry at you Jiyong. Of course i'm not angry at you. I understand."

There was a small pause before he spoke again, "Really...?"

"Yes.. really," I let out a small laugh, "There's no need for you to come back. Sanghyun's fine, i'm fine. He'll be up and running before we know it."

"I still feel like I should.." he murmured, "I want to see you too."

I blinked, realising what I had just said. I had done it again.

"I mean.. it's up to you Jiyong. If.. if you.. if you don't want to be in Japan anymore. You should come back. If you aren't happy.. then come back."

There was a long pause, making me pull the phone away from my face to check if he was still there, "Jiyong...?"

"Sorry. I'm still here.. I just.. what brought this on babe? You wanted me to come here so why...?" he trailed off, his voice clearing showing his confusion.

"Nothing... I've just been...." I paused, debating whether I should tell him what I had learnt. I shook my head, no... I had to pretend I didn't know. I had to let him tell me himself, "...doing a lot of thinking recently. I don't want you to be unhappy Jiyong. I don't want to force you to do something that you don't want."

He sighed, "I'm not going to lie and say i'm happy over here, but if I was being honest I think you were right. I needed to come here, to sort things out for myself, and.. it's not going too badly either."

"R-really?" I stuttered, pushing myself from my slouched position in surprise.

"Mmm. It was hard at first. I still hate him for what he did, so i'm still keeping my distance," he admitted, "But I can see he's trying, and sometimes.. sometimes I feel like he's still the same man he was before we moved to Japan."

"So, there's progress?" I asked hopefully, "How about the business?"

"I guess," Jiyong grumbled grudgingly, "The business.. is doing OK. I'm not sure how much I can actually help."

"So.. when do you think you'll come back?" I asked quietly. A part of me was overjoyed at the news that Jiyong was progressing with his Appa, but another part of me.. the selfish part of me just wanted him to come home. I wanted him to come home before, but now.. after learning about how this was hindering his ambitions in the field of medecine, I wanted him home even more, and when he comes home, i'm going to make it known that i'll support him in any of his endeavours.

"Babe..." he said, his voice begging, "If you keep talking like that i'll defy gravity and fly over there right now!"

"Sorry," I giggled at the visual image of Jiyong in a superman outfit flying through the sky, "I just really miss you."

"Do you really?" he said suspiciously, "A little birdy told me you were talking to someone I thought I told you not to talk to!"

"Aish.. that little rat," I muttered, making a mental note to punish Seungri tomorrow, "He was just asking me if I was okay."

"Why would he do that huh?"

"He thought you and me got into a fight and that's why you weren't in class and I wasn't being myself," I explained.

Jiyong scoffed, "A fight? I hope you told him to keep his nose out of things unless he wants it broken!"

"Jiyong!"

"I mean, who does he think he is? Does he know who I am? Does he think I can't take care of my girlfriend huh?" he continued to rant, "Does he think I can't make my girl happy huh?!"

I giggled at his rant, my heart swelling in pride hearing him call me his 'girl', "Aish, stop it Jiyong. There's no doubt you're the best okay? I mean, seriously, who sends a bouquet of flowers everyday for a month?!"

"I'm romantic right?" he said smugly.

I rolled my eyes, "Romantically stupid."

"Hey!"

"CL is going crazy.. There isn't enough place to put them! I've had to put some in your apartme--"

"Our apartment," he corrected.

"Yah, Seungri is still there, it isn't our apartment!"

"He's easily disposable."

"Wow... i'm sure he would be over the moon hearing you speak so affectonally about him," I said sarcastically.

"I miss this.." he sighed down the phone, "I miss you,"

"I miss you too. I don't want to make it difficult for you.. but if you can.. try call me every so often okay?"

"Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake again. I didn't realise just how much I missed you till I heard your voice today," he admitted, "I don't think i'll be survive without my Dara top up."

"Oh really? You're not going all Edward Cullen on me are you? Am I a drug to you?" I .

"Tch, i'm much more awesome than a sparkly vampire," he scoffed, "Well, you are my addiction, so I guess you could say you are my own personal drug."

I giggled at his cheesy-ness, "I think i'm going to have to start charging you. I'm a very expensive drug you know."

"That's extortion!" he accused jokingly, "You're definitely a business-focused woman aren't you? You even know how to exploit your boyfriend!"

I let out a soft sigh at his choice of words, reminding me of how my dreams and ambitions weren't the same as his.

"Hey, you should go to sleep," I said upon hearing him yawn, "You must be tired."

"Mm," he hummed in agreement, "I have a meeting to attend to tomorrow. Try to get some sleep as well okay?"

"I will... I love you Jiyong."

"I love you too Dara," he said sweetly, "Goodnight, see you in my dreams."

---

Author's Note:

Annyeong Yeoruben!

Another update, because I am feeling uber guilty for not updating for so long!

I hope this wasn't too anti-climatic... This is what Jiyong was hiding. I know a lot of you must be thinking he was being too extreme by hiding it from Dara, but he knows how dara is so passionate about going into business and he was afraid she wouldn't approve. He didn't want her to think he had made the decission half-heartedly, hence why he didn't want to let her know unless he was 100% sure it was what he really wanted.

From what i'm aware, the only person who guessed this correctly from the sbutle hints was Kriselle:

Kriselle (Apr 2, 2013 16:36:17) says about chapter 53: I think Ji is planning to be a doctor just like Mr. Paek.

Well done for guessing it right! Well done to anyone else who had their sneaky suspicions too!!

Just a note, the flashbacks from this chapter happened in the chapters 8, 50, 51 and 52!!

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Until next time! ^^

~Water Phoenix