Don't Go Home





LET’S ROCK!


JUST TAKE IT TO THE TOP!


I groaned as I heard my mobile phone ringing.

I tried to ignore it and continued with my beloved sleep.


AIN’T NEVER GONNA STOP!


I groaned again and covered my ears with my pillow.

“Aigoo! Why can’t it stop??” I yelled.


NOW ALL I WANNA DO IS MAKE YOU ROCK!


I turned my attention to the culprit. My mobile phone was vibrating like crazy, as if dancing with the ringtone.


JUST TAKE IT TO THE TOP!


I reached for my phone and immediately answered it, not wanting to hear another line from our song so early in the morning.

“Yoboseyo?” I sleepily answered the phone while my eyes were still closed.

“Hello? Are you still sleeping?” The person on the other line asked. My eyes were forced open as I recognized the voice.

“Kwon Jiyong-shi? W-why are you calling so early?” Damn! I cursed myself for stuttering.

I heard him snickered a little.

I calmed myself a bit and retaliated. “Ya! Why are you asking me if I am sleeping? Would I be able to answer you if I was sleeping??” Good job, Dara!

“Well, uhm, you seemed to sound sleepy so I thought you were sleeptalking and I…” It was my turn to laugh at his hesitation.

“You know very well that I never sleeptalk, right? You should know that!” I immediately regretted saying those words the minute they came out of my mouth.

I heard Kwon Jiyong taking a sharp breath.

Aigoo, you pabo! Why must you mention that?? I scolded myself after I remembered the nights we spent together, sleeping in his dorm. I felt my cheeks flushed in embarassment.

“Dara, I…” I cut him before he could go any further.

“What is it so important that you had to call me this early?” I looked at my watch and confirmed that it was just six in the morning.

“Well, ah, hyung and I thought we should start practicing your performance for the mini concert and…” I heaved a sigh as I remembered that I have to perform Don’t Go Home in our make-believe mini concert. That also meant working closely with Jiyong if I wanted our performance to even be half-decent.

“… so I guess I would be picking you up after an hour?” W-what?! Wait, he doesn’t need to pick me up!

“You don’t need to pick me up, you know.” I answered him. “Bommie and I could just ride the van and ask…”

“I insist.” He said, his voice full of determination.

I sighed. I know Kwon Jiyong too well. Whenever he used that tone, he meant business.

Wait, things don’t have to always work out the way he wants it too. As far as I know, we are no longer in a relationship and I don’t need to concern myself with what he wants…

“I really don’t think it would be a good idea to pick me up.” I started saying. “We can drive ourselves to the studio and just meet~” I stopped when the other line became silent. “Kwon Jiyong?” I asked. No answer.

“Ya, Kwon Jiyong!” I yelled. Haaaayyyyyyst! Unbelievable! He hung up on me??










I pressed the end call button as soon as I heard her took a deep breath, afraid that she would speak further and reject my offer.

Mianhe, Dara-sshi. You just can’t stop me this time.

I smiled upon remembering what I have prepared for the day.

Haysssst, Jiyong! You’re turning into an eight grader again. I giggled as I made a mental note as to the things I would be needing to make my plan work.

I took out my phone and dialed a number.

“Yoboseyo?” I greeted. “Neh, this is Kwon Jiyong.” 

“We are all ready, sir. All’s clear.” The person on the other line said. He sounded cheerful which I took as a positive response.

“Great. Have all the goods been delivered?” I asked. I felt the person on the other line hesitate for a moment.

“Uhm, the flow…” I listened intently as he filled me in on what was still missing from the set-up. I frowned upon hearing him.

“I’ll take care of it.” I said as soon as he was finished talking. “Just make sure that all’s in place.” I instructed.

“Neh, Mr. Kwon.” He answered, sheepishly. 

I ended the call and dialed another number.

“Yoboseyo?” The person on the other line answered.

“I was told that you haven’t delivered yet the things I ordered yesterday.” I answered sternly. What I hate most about some expensive, high-end stores is they charge you ridiculous amount of money for a cheap service.

“Mianhe, Mr. Kwon.” The person on the other line apoligized. “The delivery van got stuck in traffic and…”

I zoned her out. Well, she wasn’t at fault here so what’s the use of scolding her, right? 

I sighed. “Just have it delivered before 7, araso?” I said firmly.

“Neh, Mr. Kwon.” She answered before I ended the call.

Though I was stressing a bit from all the preparations, I couldn’t help but plaster a boyish smile on my face.

This will be the first time I will be doing this again after a long, long time.

But before I put my plan to action, I had to call one last person.

“Hyung.” I greeted as I heard the person on the other line spoke. “How’s everything?” I asked.

“I’m with her right now.” He answered. “I tell you she’s getting suspicious.” I chuckled.

“Well, you know how feisty she is, right?” I answered. “I’m sure you can pacify her with that eyes of yours.” I heard him snicker at my comment.

“I’ll do my best, Ji.” He said, obviously amused as I heard a girl yelling at him in the background.

“Well, I better go. She’s getting restless.” He informed Jiyong. They both laughed.

“Yeah. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” I informed him before ending our call.

Minutes later, I received a call informing me that everything has been delivered and have been set-up already. 

Now, all that was needed was me

and her.

I stepped on the gas and proceeded to put my plan into full gear.

Dara-sshi, today you’re mine. I thought with a satified smile.











I was drying my hair when I heard a roar of an engine. I looked out and saw a chic looking car parked in front of our building.

I ignored it and commenced to my morning rituals. I applied BB cream, a few blush and lip balm.

I’m not a make-up person, that’s more of Bom. Funny how that’s the case when I’m an endorser for a famous make-up line in Korea.

I tucked my bangs with a simple clip and admired myself in the mirror. 

I didn’t wear anything fancy, just a casual white shirt, comfortable jeans and my favorite pair of sneakers.

I figured we’ll just be going through the song. Kwon Jiyong would probably give me a few pointers on how I should project on stage.

And I also didn’t want to give Kwon Jiyong any lingering idea that I prepared for our little rehearsal because, really, I didn’t. Why do I have to?

Just before exiting my room, I added a little more lip balm, just to, you know, protect my lips from chapping.

I went to the door as I heard a loud knock. I opened it and got the biggest surprise of my life.

There he was, Kwon Jiyong, standing in front of me in all his glory.

I looked at him from head to foot. The Kwon Leadah was looking crisp with his white v-neck shirt neatly tucked in his fancy denim jeans. To top it off, he wore his tailored black blazer over his white v-neck shirt. He looked like he was ready to attend the MAMA awards.

I couldn’t help but feel my heart fluttering a bit. This is my favorite outfit of him. He looked absolutely…

“Annoying.” I managed to say. He looked at me, confused at my unpleasant greeting.

“What’s up with your annoying phone call earlier?” I asked, letting my annoyance cover up my momentary lapse of judgment.

“Oh, that.” He said, realizing what I meant. “Sorry about that, by the way. We need to start early as we’re behind schedule.” He continued.

“Araso. I’ll just go get Bommie then we’ll join you…” He stopped me on my way back to the living room. I saw him holding my arm and immediately felt electricity shooting up my body. 

I yanked my arm away from him, afraid that a brief contact may be hazardous to me.

He bowed his head sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck like a shy boy caught doing something wrong.

Ya! You should be shy of yourself, trying to have skin-ship with me… My thoughts trailed off I stole a quick glance at him.

Haysssst! Why must he be incredibly handsome today? Is he trying to seduce me? I shook my head as if shaking the thoughts away.

Hayyyssst, Dara-ya! Must not succumb now. I scolded myself.

“Hyung informed me that him and Bom noona already went to the studio.” He informed me after awhile. He placed his hands on both pockets.

I eyed him suspiciously. 

“Why would Bommie go ahead without me? We talked this morning that we’ll go there together.” I raised an eyebrow at him.

She looked at me with such innocence in his eyes that I couldn’t help but feel guilty for doubting him.

“Hyung promised to buy her all the corn she wanted to eat for breakfast.” He answered. “He’s probably worried that Bom noona might have a hard time rapping.” He added as we made our way to his car.

He led me to the passenger seat and helped fastened the seat belt for me. I caught a whip of his manly scent. Oh, he’s wearing my favorite scent of his. 

He entered the driver seat and started the engine.

I couldn’t help but ask him one question.

“Do you think I will have a hard time doing your parts as well?” I asked him, hesitantly. 

He smiled a little but continued looking forward as the car started moving.

“I think it will be hard for you in the beginning.” He answered. My face fell in disappointment. He suddenly reached for my chin and pinch it gently.

“But I think you’ll eventually get it.” He said with a big smile. “You always do.” 

His answer made me smile.

“Kamsahamnida.” I replied, shyly. I saw him smiling even more.

I gently leaned my back on the seat and closed my eyes.











“What do you mean they left?!” CL was shouting on the phone at Seungri who was on the other line. It was 7 in the morning and she and Minji found out that both Bom and Dara were not in the apartment anymore.

“Ya, Chaecat!” Seungri shouted as well. “All I know is that they went to pick up Bom and Dara to do rehearsals for their performance. They probably are at the studio as we speak.” He added, annoyed. His cat, Chaerin, just woke him up from his peaceful sleep.

On other occasion, hearing his cat’s voice in the morning would have been a pleasant morning greeting for him.

But today, however, hearing Chaerin’s high-pitched screams and rantings suddenly made him nauseous. 

“YOU BETTER DRIVE ME TO THE STUDIO RIGHT NOW AND I BETTER SEE THE FOUR OF THEM REHEARSING THERE ALL ELSE I WOULD MAKE SURE…” Seungri zoned her off and went to the bathroom to take a quick bath.

“Seung-rat?” CL asked, as she heard water running. “Are you taking a bath?? Seungri?” No response. All she heard was water running.


“SEUNG-RAT!!!!!!!!!!”












Bom and Seung Hyun arrived ath their destination. Bom looked around and noticed that they weren’t at the studio. Instead, they were at a park, surrounded by magnificent greenery.

“WOOOOW!” Bom couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp, her eyes widening as she took in the beauty of the garden they were looking at.

Seung Hyun couldn’t help but chuckle and pat his back mentally for the genius that he is. He had stayed up last night bugging Mr. Google on where’s the best place to hold a romantic date in Minato and he found out that Shiba Park was known to be a favorite of couples.

Now, looking around, he could definitely tell why this park is so popular to couples in Japan. Heck, even a bachelor like him couldn’t help but feel giddy upon seeing the colorful landscape of the park, as if painted romantically to be enjoyed by people in love.

He turned to Bom and noticed that she was on the verge of tears. He couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.

Bom noticed his stifled laugh and immediately slapped him in his shoulder.

“Ya! Why are you laughing at me?!” She pouted. Seung Hyun couldn’t help but placed his hands on both her shoulder.

“Aniyo!” He answered while still stifling a laugh. Bom frowned at him.

“Ya! You’re laughing again!” She continued slapping him in his arm. Seung Hyun couldn’t help but laugh at how adorably chidish she looked at the moment.

When Bom had calmed down, Seung Hyun motioned for them to sit in a nearby bench. 

As they settled on the bench, Bom couldn’t help but marveled at the beauty of their surroundings. It was like the park was made to be included in a romantic movie.

Beside her, Seung Hyun was also marveling at a different beauty. Being this close to her, Seung Hyun noticed the different features of Park Bom. 

He noticed her creamy white skin that glistened as the sun shone its rays on her.

He noticed how adorable she looked as her nose twitched as a small butterfly landed briefly on it.

He noticed how her thin pink lips curved slowly into a small smile as she caught sight of two old couple walking hand in hand, staring contentedly into each other’s eyes.

Would we also end up like them someday? Seung Hyun found himself asking the question.

His thoughts were disrupted when Bom turned to him, her face full of curiosity.

“Tabi,” She started. “why did you bring me here?” She asked me. I hesitated. 

“Don’t you like it here?” I asked her, avoiding the question.

She looked away for a moment and bowed her head. “Aniyo. I actually find this place beautiful… serene.” She answered truthfully. She turned towards me again. “It’s just that, I expected us to rehearse in the studio with Dara-unnie and Jiyong oppa.” She told me, still looking in my eyes.

I took a deep breath and answered her question. “I figured that if we stayed in the studio, you might just get pressured, you know?” I told her. “You’ve been under a lot of pressure from Hyun hyung and I did not want to add more pressure on you.” I rambled on. “I figured rehearsing in a peaceful place will help calm your nerves.”

She looked away, but not before I saw a hint of sadness in her eyes. “So, that’s the only reason?” She asked me. She looked at me with expectant eyes.

I tore my eyes away from him and concentrated on a couple who were laughing as if the world around them did not exist.

“Neh.” I answered timidly.

I felt her heave a sigh, as if she was letting out a burden in her heart.

I looked at her and held her head, placing it carefully on my shoulder. Her body gave a sudden jolt at my action but her head remained in my shoulder.

I smiled contentedly as we watched the world resume their everyday activity, paying no attention to us as we drifted into another world.













I slowly opened my eyes as I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I looked to my left and saw Kwon Jiyong smiling at me.

“We’re here.” He informed me. His smile not leaving his handsome face.

I looked outside and frowned. 

“Kwon Jiyong, this is not the studio.” I told him, confused. He exited the car and went to my side. Like a true gentleman, he opened my car door.

“Who told you we were going to the studio?” He asked innocently. He closed the car door and led me to a beautiful café. 

Toshi Yoroizuka. I read the sign in front of the café.

“I tried to look inside the café. Although the front of the café was made of glass, there was a crimson curtain concealing the inside of the café.

I looked at Kwon Jiyong, puzzled at what we were doing there so early in the morning.

“I don’t think the café’s open yet.” I told him. He just smiled at me and motioned for me to follow him.

I followed him reluctantly.

What do you have in mind, Kwon Jiyong?

I had to squint my eyes when we entered the café to adjust to the darkness. All the lights were turned off and the crimson curtain added emphasis to the darkness inside.

I rubbed my eyes and gasped in shock as suddenly, my surroundings lit up.

I looked around in amazement as I saw little lights flickering, as if they were fireflies illuminating a beautiful night.

A smile formed on my lips as I saw miniature replica of butterflies fluttering on the crimson curtains, as if dancing to the faint music on the background.

My smile got bigger as I recognized the song.

I turned to look for Kwon Jiyon. I frowned when I could not see him.

I was assisted by a waiter to sit on the single chair that was situated in the middle of the room.

I obliged and waited patiently, unsure of what will happen next.

Suddenly, a heard a familiar voice humming from out of nowhere.


Jibe gajima baby

Noege jul sonmuri yogi itneunde


My eyes grew in shock as I saw Kwon Jiyong appeared on a small stage, holding a microphone and performing his song, live.

I looked around. I was the only person left. 

No waiters. 

No spectators.

Just the two of us.


Onereun jibe gajima baby ye...


His eyes were locked with mine, as if telling me that the words he were singing were all for me.

For me alone.

I felt my heart beating uncontrollably.

I wanted to tear my eyes off him but my eyes had a mind of its own. 

It was as if it were caught in a trap, one it couldn’t get out of.

I sat, stunned, unsure what to do.


Buderoun emak sorie ppalgan jangmi kkot gadeukhan areum, ooh..


He danced like the way he did when he was performing the song on various music shows.

The only difference is he was dancing it for me.

He was blowing the indirect kisses to me.

His stares were solely dedicated to me.


Hey i can't let you go, no wa jamsirado, 

Ttorojilsu obso okjiro chamji marajwo


I held my breath as he came towards me, his fingers that he touched his lips with, touched my already flushed cheeks.

I shivered at the brief contact.


Jibe gajima baby

Noege jul sonmuri yogi itneunde

Onereun jibe gajima baby ye

Nado sireun iksukhaji anhayo sweet heart..


He continued singing, his eyes not once leaving me.

I stared at his eyes and I saw it.

I saw what I have been missing and longing for the a long time.


Ah…

Ah…

Moduga jamdeun i bam honja itneun gon shirho


He reached from behind him and produced a single long-stemmed rose.

He approached me once again and reached out for me to take it.

My hands were trembling.

My tears were threatening to fall any minute.

For the first time in eight months, 

Kwon Jiyong serenaded me.