Even with a heavy heart and a troubled mind, Jongkook, being a professional in his line of work, focused more on finishing the show rather than thinking about his personal problems. But since both the Ace and the Commander work in one show, there were instances that they would be forced to interact with each other. Every time this chance comes, the singer would turn away and treat the woman he loves like one of the guest he’d show disinterest on.

This sulking act didn’t go unnoticed by the Ace. Each time she’d see Jongkook avoid her, the actress would sigh and think that what she feared the most was true. But even as these thoughts circulated in her head, she chose her work as her center of attention rather than entertain her disturbing and heartbreaking thoughts.

Passing each task quickly, the members finally arrived at last mission location, being forced to sit under the drizzly evening just to catch fish. Rain coats and other rain clothes covered their beings as they sat on the beach chairs, waiting for fishes to bite their sunken baits. The production team was already feeling sorry for the ahjusshis who were their guests but being a good sport in the show, they stuck up with the weather and stayed with the members till the PDs declared that filming would be done. One by one, the members stood up from their seats and evacuated the area, heading towards their separate vans that would take them to the resting venue that the staff has prepared.

The aroma of grilled meat and kimchi stew soon filled the small room as the members, guests and staff started munching on their dinner. Laughter and stories were heard as well, making the atmosphere fun and lively. Everyone was having a share of mirth but the Ace who was picking on her food.

Even with the merriment, Jihyo couldn’t make effort to join the rest since all her worries and troubles were consuming her once more. Poking the cooked meat on her plate with her chopsticks, she battled with herself, thinking if she should just give up her feelings for the Commander or still pursue them.

“Noona?” Kwangsoo nudged the actress, interrupting her train of though. “Are you okay?” He asked in a hushed voice.

“Ne, Kwangsoo.” Jihyo faked a smile. “Don’t wor– “

“Lies.” The actor said bluntly and took a piece of meat to his mouth. “Don’t lie to me, Noona. I may be young but I ain’t dumb.” The comedian grinned before facing the frowning actress. “You and Baek Changjoo-ssi. It’s fake right?”

Feeling her body stiffen, the Ace looked at her friend as soon as he threw the most unexpected question. She didn’t know how Kwangsoo found out about Changjoo and her being a fake couple but as she assessed the male, she figured that it was no use lying to him. They were friends and Kwangsoo was second to Jongkook who knew everything that had to do with the Ace. Giving out a silent sigh, she nodded.

Seeing the actress’ action, Kwangsoo couldn’t hide his happiness as he ate another piece of meat along with a spoonful of rice. The actor thought that both Jongkook and Jihyo were acting stupid and foolish. If only they’ve confessed, this wouldn’t be happening. Kwangsoo nodded to himself before facing the actress again. “Why don’t you go talk to him, Noona? He’s been sad all week since you started avoiding him.”

“He was?” Jihyo looked at the actor; her eyes wide open in shock.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t he?” Kwangsoo replied with a mouthful.

“Because..”

“Look. I’m not the one who’s supposed to hear it.” Kwangsoo smiled and pointed out the window, seeing his hyung sitting alone in the cold.

Swallowing hard, Jihyo didn’t know if talking to Jongkook was the smartest idea at that moment. What should she say? What should she act like? Questions with unknown answered kept flooding in her mind. But thinking of what the Commander will say and how he will react was far more important.

Nodding to herself once, Jihyo took her shot glass filled with soju that was sitting on the table for half an hour already, drank its contents and smiled at Kwangsoo before making her way out to the Commander.

Fingers interlacing each other, Jongkook looked up at the heavens and gave out a deep sigh before facing down to the ground, his heart heavy from all the emotional stress he’s been going through. He could hear the lively chattering inside the restaurant but he was too deep in agony to even start up a conversation. The whole news about Jihyo having a boyfriend was eating him alive. He felt lost and mostly confused. I thought she loves me. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, his animal instincts suddenly came to life when he heard footsteps coming his way. Turning his head where he heard the footsteps, his eyes opened wide when he saw the last person he expected walking towards him coming close. Seongim.

“Oppa..” Jihyo called out, a small smile on her face. “Why are you out here and not in there?”

“It was too noisy.” Jongkook smiled back. “And I wasn’t that hungry.”

Moving towards the Commander, Jihyo took a seat beside the man and tucked her hands inside the pockets of her sweater as she looked up at the sky as well. “No stars.”

“Because it’s covered.” Jongkook explained.

“Covered?” The actress looked at the singer, her head tilted to the side as her curiosity piqued.

“Ne. Rain clouds are covering the stars. That’s why you can’t see them. No wishes will come true today I guess.” The smile on the singer’s lips disappeared as he said those words.

Jihyo couldn’t help but notice that Jongkook’s liveliness around her has definitely disappeared. He would talk non-stop about anything and everything just to make the actress feel that she wasn’t a boring companion. He’d make jokes and laugh and eat happily around the woman. But now, she sees a depressed and lonely man and she couldn’t help but blame herself for turning the once happy tiger into a sad cat.

“Hey, Oppa. Do you want to have a walk?” The actress smiled and stood up before extending her hand to reach for his.

Reluctant at first but Jongkook smiled and nodded, taking hold of the woman’s hand before standing up and walking out on the vacant street.

The place was quiet and all that the couple could hear was the sound of the crickets chirping amongst the trees. Neither of them was talking nor dared to initiate a conversation with each other. It seemed that the happy and comfortable bonding that both beings shared vanished into thin air.

Holding her hand and taking quick glances at the woman who holds his heart, Jongkook couldn’t stand the silence that was slowly consuming him. He had to know why the once love for him was now gone and transferred to the man she works for. The man he used to work for as well. It pained the Commander that he lost a battle he hasn’t even fought in. And the prize that was Jihyo’s love, the love he only desired to gain, was now in the arms of someone that part of his circle of friends.

“Seongim?” Jongkook finally broke the silence. “How are you?” Looking at the actress, the singer gave her a sincere smile before looking up ahead once again.

Jihyo faced the man as soon as he asked the question then smiled, happy that her best friend was still talking to her. “Been okay.” She said curtly. “Just a bit busy.”

“You don’t call anymore. Or m