Dara’s POV

It is a fine Sunday, an ordinary day for most. But not for me! This day is the very first time I’ll be going out with a guy -- with an exception of Jiyong, of course.  And heck, I am so freaking excited! I tried sleeping early last night but I was not able to because of too much excitement. I ended up preparing a list of things I want to do on our first date. I’m not really vain and into this kind of things but since it’s my first, I figured I should be ready just in case Donghae oppa asks me what I want to do. Better prepared, you know. Besides, I have been secretly dreaming of this day for so long. Kekeke

I wore the dress Bom bought me from States. It’s a cream flowy knee-length dress accentuated by pink thin belt. I let my hair down with soft curls and matched it with very light make up. I look simple but I know it looks really good on me. Conceited, eh? I let out a contented smile as I check my self in the mirror for the nth time. I checked my watch and my heart started thumping so hard again, it’s almost 1:30. Okay, this is it! Dara, hwaiting!

I asked my driver to drop me at Blends Café and told him to pick me up at 5 pm. I am aware that there are two bodyguards discreetly following me but as per always, they are keeping their distance. I looked around and easily spotted them blending with the walking crowd. I walked towards them and asked them to leave, telling them to just come back after three hours. But I soon realized how hard it is to convince them. They wouldn't give in no matter how I plead and use my aegyo. I exasperatingly glanced sideways, thinking of how I can get out from their sight with no sweat. I immediately saw a little girl crossing the street with her appa on her side, animatedly talking with each other. Bingo! Oh God, I swear this is the very first and last time I’ll use this trick.  I nervously picked my phone and pretended to talk to my appa. I glance at them once in a while as I’m telling my appa that I don’t want to be followed. I caught from my peripheral view how my guards stiffened, I smirked inwardly. I ended the pretend phonecall and faced them.  I told them that appa let me go by myself and assured them that I won’t be leaving the café. They still looked unconvinced so I told them that they should call my appa if they don’t believe me, they seemed taken aback so they slowly retreated.

I know I am being brat and I’m not supposed to lie but I don’t have any other choice. I can’t enjoy my first date if I know there are people closely observing me. I would not let them, or anyone for that matter, spoil my first date.

I checked my watch once more, its 5 minutes past 2 already. Oh shoot! I am already late! I dashed inside the café, checking Donghae oppa inside. I smiled when I saw his back, sitting comfortably in the table near the windowpane. My heart beat faster, excitement getting the best of me. I inhaled and exhaled deeply to lessen the anxiety forming in my chest. I clutched my purse and finally managed to walk slowly towards him. I saw him gingerly tapping the table while sipping water.

When I was almost there, I cleared my throat. “Ummm..oppa.”

He looked at me and smiled tenderly. Damn it. He’s too good looking. He stood up and helped me settle in my seat. “Thanks for coming, Dara.”

I smiled awkwardly. “What time did you arrive?” . I am such a newbie in this kind of things.

“About 20 minutes ago, I guess.” He stared at me.

“Really? I’m sorry for letting you wait.”

“Ahh. No worries. I just came a little earlier. Too excited, you know.” I felt my cheeks blushed hard upon hearing his words.

I’m going to melt. Heavens, help me! What should I say?

“Ummm. Have you ordered already?” I asked instead.

“Not yet. Should we order now?”

“N--neh.”

“What would you like to have?”

“Raspberry frostea and chicken salad sandwich with smoked almond.”

“All right. Wait for a while. I’ll order.”

“All right.”

He left and went to the counter, looking at me once in a while. I looked outside, observing passersby. I suddenly felt an unexplainable feeling. It’s like someone’s staring at me so I curiously examined the interior of the café and looked at other customers casually having their snacks. I found no one staring so I shrugged it off. Maybe I’m just imagining things.

A moment later, Donghae came back with a shy smile on his handsome face.  “Let’s just wait until they serve our order.” He said as he settles back on his seat.

“Arasso. What are your plans---”

I wasn’t able to finish my question as we heard his phone ringing. He looked at me apologetically. I just smiled at him in return.

“Dara, is it okay if I’ll take it?” He asked after a moment or so of his phone’s wild ringing.

“Of course. Go ahead.” I smiled again then looked away, not wanting to make him feel uncomfortable while talking on the phone.

“Yoboseyo? Oh neh. Hmmm… Is it necessary? I am in the middle of something important actually…Oh, all right. I guess. U-huh. Bye.”

He looked uneasy the moment he ended the call. “Is there something going on? You look edgy.” I said.

“Ummm… Dara.” He said while his nape. “I’m so sorry but something important came up. Our secretary told me that my dad is looking for me.”

Oh no! I creased my brows and I think he noticed it.

“Dara, I’m really sorry. Can we perhaps just reschedule our date?”

It took me a moment to reply. “Yeah, a next time would do.”

“Should I send you home? We can just take our food out and eat them in the car.” He offered.

“Aniyo.” I shook my head lightly. “I’ll be staying. I have my driver and bodyguards with me actually. They are just waiting outside. Don’t worry about me, oppa. Go on.” I lied.

“Are you sure?” He asked, unconvinced.

“Of course. Go now. Your appa might be waiting for you now.” I clumsily said, comforting myself with the thought that we’ll be having our date re-scheduled. I can’t  look straight in his eyes; I diverted my eyes towards the table instead.

“Ahhh.. Neh. I’m so sorry. I’ll call you later, all right?” Discomfort’s obvious in his voice too.

“Stop saying sorry. It’s not your fault.”

He stared at me tentatively. “I’ll be going ahead. I’ll make it up to you, Dara. I promise.” 

“Umm. Take care!” I said, trying to ease the lump forming in my throat. Dara, smile. Don’t openly show how disappointed you are. I thought as I wave and give him a faint smile.

He glanced at me once again before opening the front door. I later saw his car speeding away. I don’t know what gotten into me that I refused to be sent home. Maybe I was too disappointed that my first date didn’t turn out the way I wanted. Now, what should I do? My driver and bodyguards are not around and I look stupid sitting here alone. A moment later, our orders came. I am not really in the mood to eat now, I lost my appetite. Maybe staying here is a wrong idea. Yeah. It is a very wrong idea.

I took my phone out of my hand purse, ready to call my driver and guards, only to be welcomed by a drained battery. I forgot to charge it this morning. . Lucky you, Dara.

I don’t know how to commute and my dad would surely hold me grounded for weeks if he learned I tricked my guards and went home alone. Worse, he might sack them. My conscience can’t take that. What should I do then? Omo! I would wait for three long hours, alone. Damn.

Can this day be even worse? It is not supposed to be like this. I bit my lower lip, controlling my tears from falling.

 Jiyong’s POV

“Jiyong, why are you doing this? You’re acting like a creepy stalker.” I mumbled to myself. I am now in my car, staring at the café. Thanks to my dear sister, I was able to get the details of Dara’s date.  I spotted Donghae right away. This guy’s really a pain in my . Why do I end up competing with him in almost every ing aspect of my life?

“You want a real competition Donghae huh! I’ll give exactly what you want.” I whispered to myself.

My driver suddenly talked, glancing at me through the rear view mirror. “Are you okay, Sir?”

“Yes. Weyo?”

“You’ve been murmuring since before. I just thought that maybe something’s bothering you.”

I chuckled awkwardly. “Don’t mind me, Mr. Yang.”

I soon spotted a beautiful girl alighting a car that stopped nearby. She walked towards two guys and talked to them. The guys, who he knew very well, walked away; leaving the girl very familiar to him. I smirked. Ssantoki is so predictable. Of course she’ll ask her bodyguards to leave. I think it is a good thing I decided to follow them on their date. She suddenly dashed inside the café. My ssantoki dress up to impress huh. I can’t help but admire her goddess-like beauty.

My smile faded as I realized who she dressed up for.  I gazed at her longingly as I felt an unexplainable tug in my heart. Geez. It’s making me hard to breathe.

I have been observing them attentively for quite awhile now. in air every time Dara would smile sweetly at that guy. I soon noticed the changes in Dara’s pretty face while Donghae was talking. I raised my brow. What’s happening? I became more confused when I saw Donghae storming away. Did that jerk just leave her like that? . I felt my blood boiling. I shifted back to Dara. She looked so disappointed.

“Damn it. Don’t you dare cry.” I muttered. I suddenly climb out the car, surprising my driver.

“Sir, where are you going?” Mr. Yang asked.  

“Stay here. I’ll call you if we’ll be heading back home. I have something important to do.” I said, hurriedly walking towards the café.

I walked in front of the café and knocked on the window glass. She looked at me and I swear I felt my heart just exploded. She’s so stunning. I waved at her and smiled. She looked surprised but she easily recovered and smiled back at me. I mouthed if she’s alone; I know the answer of course. She said yes and gestured me to come in. I nodded and smiled foolishly.

“Annyeong!” I said and sit down comfortably in front of her, taking the seat Donghae previously occupied. 

“Why are you here? Are you following me?” She said, obviously picking a playful fight.

I’m glad she’s smiling now. I grit my teeth upon remembering Donghae ditching her. “Me? Following you? Why would I do that? Are you doing something that needed some following?”

I noticed her shifting uneasily on her seat. I chuckled. “Anyway, why are you here?”

“I asked first.” She said coolly.

“I was roaming around with TOP. We just parted minutes ago and I was supposed to head home until I noticed a beautiful girl sitting here alone.” I replied, yeah I partly lied.  

She just frowned and didn’t say any. I swear I can feel the gloominess enveloping her as she looks down her plate.

 “Ya! What’s with that long face. Are you with someone? I thought you're alone. Why are there two glasses here?” I asked innocently.

She cleared and combed her hair with her hand --- an obvious sign that she’s about to lie. “Bom!” She exclaimed.  “She’s supposed to be here but told me she can’t go.”

“Really? Funny I remembered talking to Bom this morning. She told me she’s staying home to study.” I raised my brow.

She became fidgety. “Actually… Donghae and I are on a date.”

“Chincha?”

“Neh.”

“Then where is he?”

“He left.”

“What are you still doing here then? You should have gone home. Why did he leave you in the first place?”

“Something important came up.”

“More important than you?”

“Jiyong…let’s not talk about it. Donghae apologized already.”

“That’s just it? He just apologized and you’re okay with it already?”

“You know that I would forgive you too if you’d have to ditch me.”

“You know I would never ditch you.”

“Jiyong…” She said, more like pleading for me to stop digging in more.

“Arasso. I won’t pry but quit that disappointed look. It’s making me uncomfortable.”

“But I am really upset.” She said sadly again.

Since I can’t take her sad expressions any longer, I diverted the topic. “You better go home. Where’s your driver by the way?”

“He and the guards aren’t going to be back until 5 pm.”

“Is that so? Hmmm……” I thought of how we can kill time until I finally made up my mind. Guess this is my chance to confess. “Let’s go out then. What do you want to do?”

“This is supposed to be my first date and I actually thought of doings some things with Donghae oppa but I guess I would have to wait until we reschedule.”

“You’re going to do those things with me today. With ME, arasso? So better tell me now.” I put so much emphasis on the word ‘me’. She’s been saying his name for God knows how many times already and his name sure hurts my poor ear and ego. Add to it that she's openly calling him oppa but stubbornly refusing to call me that when I have asked her too many times already. Damn it.

“Aissshhh. We can’t. Didn’t you hear me? It’s my first date, Jiyong. My first date should be memorable.”

“We’ll make it memorable. That’s why I’m asking you out now, Ssantoki.”

“But…Jiyong, you’re my fr--”

“You’re so stubborn. If you’re so against the idea of me being your first date, Id’ better get going then.” I stood up, ready to leave her. I’m just acting up of course.

“Ani! Okay, fine! I’m coming with you.” She said as she held my arm, trying to stop me from leaving.

I smirked.

“Kaja!”  I said as I hold her hand, leading her out.

“Jiyong, we don’t really need to hold hands you know.” She tried to pull away.

I held her hand tighter. “It’s a date remember? And you should stop complaining and thank me instead. I’m saving your precious first date.”

“You’re not trying to do anything freaky, are you Jiyong?” She stopped walking and looked suspiciously at me.

“Aniyo.” I looked at her intently.

She looked away and said, “Fine. But this is NOT my first date. Well, technically it is but it is not really. If you know what I mean.”

“You’re rambling.” I said amusingly.

“Jiyong!” She exclaimed, hitting my arms lightly.

“All right, all right! Whatever you say, brat.”

Looks like the heaven's favoring my side.

A/N:

I’m sorry for the late update. I’m not really satisfied with this chapter. Ottoke! I feel like it’s kinda choppy, mianhe. But anyway, I hope you somehow enjoyed reading it.  Please look forward to the next chapter. Hengsho!