The recording room door opened and a staff member poked her head inside.

"Dara-sshi had just arrived." She informed everyone in the room.

"Kamsahamnida." Kush replied.

She bowed and closed the door.

Kush turned to Teddy and Se7en. "So are we going to ask her what happened?"

Se7en shook his head.

"I don't think that's a good idea, hyung." He said. "We all know she's hurt with this whole scandal thing. Having her talk about it would surely make her sad again."

Teddy nods his head in agreement. "He's right. Let's just act normal."

"And besides, it's Ji that I want to grill with questions." He added.

++++++++++

"Sit down, Dara."

Dara obeyed and sat in the chair across from the president’s desk.

She lowered her gaze and didn't dare look at him.

"I'm sure you didn't get some sleep last night."  Hyun Suk said.

She slowly lifted her eyes and was surprised to see him giving her a warm smile.

"Dara, when you came here in YG what was your goal?" He asked.

Hearing his question made her think about the past.

She felt hot tears gathering up in her eyes

"To become a singer, sajangnim." She answered quietly.

"Why do you want to become a singer?"

"So that I can help my mother and siblings." She wiped the tear that rolled down her face. "And I really want to become a singer."

"Now that you're a singer and part of 2NE1, how do you feel?"

She stared at him, wondering where their talk is leading.

"I-I'm happy because my dreams came true." She answered.

"Dara-ah, 2NE1 might be the hottest group right now, but you girls still have a long way to go." Hyun Suk seriously said.

"I'm telling you this because I know how you feel about Jiyong's scandal. You're hurt and angry."

She lowered her gaze again when she couldn't stop her tears from falling.

"Having known you for years now, I know how you react on these things." He said. “You maybe unpredictable but still when it comes to Jiyong, I can read you.”

"I hope whatever happens you won't lose your drive in striving to be more than what you are right now."

"S-sajangnim," She sobbed.  

"You're the strongest and toughest girl here in YG, Dara." He said with a chuckle. "Don't cry like silly again."

"S-sajangnim, can I stay with my family for a couple of days?" She asked, wiping her tears.

"Of course." He smiled. "Just don't forget your schedule, arasseo?"

"Ye, Sajangnim." She answered. "Kamsahamnida."

++++++++++

Dara was inside the elevator when she received a text from Hanbyul asking her to join them in the dinning hall.

Though she wants to go home and take some rest, she decided to meet them anyway.

"Dara-ah!" Hanbyul quickly stood up from her seat and went to her.

She hugged her friend tightly, making her chuckle. "Aigoo Hanbyul-ah, I can't breathe."

"I just missed you .” Hanbyul said, slowly letting go. "I haven't seen you in awhile."

Before Dara could open , Se7en called her attention.

"Dara-ah!" He gestured her to join them.

Kush, Teddy, Youngbae, and Seunghyun were present at the table.

She didn't realize it was lunch time already.

"Come and sit here," Youngbae said giving her space. "I already ordered your food."

Dara sat between him and Teddy.

"Whoa," She said looking at the food in front of her. "Are these mine?"

"Eat up, skinny." Teddy teased, putting some kimchi in her bowl of rice.

"Yah!" Dara glared at him, grabbing her chopsticks and spoon. "I can't help it if my body won't develop."

"Why are you all teasing her?" Se7en said looking at them. "She is the curviest skinny girl there is."

The dining hall was suddenly filled with laughter.

"Hey Dara, we're going to NB tonight. Wanna join us?" Kush asked.

She wrinkled her nose. "Sorry, I'll pass for tonight."

Seunghyun frowned. "Waeyo, nuna?"

"I'll be staying at our place for couple of days." She simple answered.

The guys and Hanbyul exchanged glances.

++++++++++

Unable to sleep, Jiyong tossed his blanket and got out of bed.

He went to take a bath and prepared himself to go somewhere.

When he walked out of his room the manager was in the kitchen washing dishes.

"Jiyong-ah," Namguk called. "Where are you going? Come and eat first."

He didn't answer and headed to the door.

The door opened before he could even grab the doorknob.

Seungri was surprised to see him.
 He just came back from a TV show recording.

"O hyung," He greeted. "Where-"

He watched as his leader walked past him without saying a word.

Namguk suddenly appeared beside him.

"Follow him, Seungri-ah." He instructed the maknae.

Without thinking twice, Seungri ran after Jiyong.


Jiyong buckled his seatbelt then put the key into the ignition.

The passenger door suddenly opened and Seungri got in.

"What the f^ck do you think you're doing?" He snapped raising an eyebrow.

The maknae just gave him a wide smile while reaching for the seatbelt.

"I want to go with you, hyung." He said, trying to act cute.

+++++++++

Se7en walked Hanbyul to her car.

"I'll call you once I get home." She said.

He nods his head and opened the car door for her.

When his girlfriend was settled inside the car, he poked his head in to give her a smack on the lips.

"I'll be hanging out with the guys here till late." He said.

"Don't drink too much, okay?" She reminded him.

"Arasseo," He closed the car door and waved.

When Hanbyul left, Se7en noticed a familiar car arriving.

++++++++++

"No, no." Kush argued. "I think Dara should sing this part."

Teddy looked at him. "Do you think so?"

Kush nods his head and turned to Youngbae who was standing behind them.

"Am I right, Youngbae-ah?"

The latter nods his head.

"I still have to consult Master Wu." Teddy said.

Seunghyun stood up from the couch and joined them.

"What is that?" He asked looking at Teddy's computer screen.

"It's the girls' song for the album." Youngbae explained.

"Wae? They haven't finished recording yet?" Seunghyun asked.

"Yup," Teddy answered while typing something in his computer. "This is the last song that sajangnim wants to add in the album."

"Love is ouch?" Seunghyun read.

"Don't you think it's kinda weird that Dara nuna's gonna sing this?" He snorted.

The three guys glared at him.

"Wooow, just an opinion." He said waving his hands.

The door in the recording room burst open making them turn their heads.

"Hey guys!" Se7en called their attention. "Guess who's here."

He grabbed Jiyong by the nape and pulled him inside the room.

Seungri followed with a mortified look on his face.