“So how’re you?” Youngbae sat beside Jiyong in their usual place.

 

“Huh?” the other looked up from his phone, not hearing what his best friend said.

 

“God, you are so whipped!” Youngbae said, smacking his friends shoulder.

 

“Ow!” Jiyong held his shoulder over dramatically.

 

“Youngbae hyung. Don’t even bother talking to Jiyong hyung. We’ve been here an hour and he barely said anything to us. His eyes are practically glued to his phone.” Seungri said while munching on a burger.

 

“Yah. I was just waiting for something important.” Jiyong said defensively.

 

“Yeah right.” TOP smirked.

 

“Anyway, Jiyong, there’s this something I heard around about people spotting you with a female the other day. And apparently that female is not Chaerin.” Youngbae said carefully, gauging his best friend’s reaction.

 

Seungri scoffed. “Impossible. Hyung’s practically been glued to Chaerin ever since they became official.” He said surely.

 

But Jiyong still hasn’t said anything.

 

“I heard something like that too but decided it wasn’t worth our time because it couldn’t possibly be true. But seeing that Jiyong isn’t saying anything then it might be true. The one I also heard included a certain name that I never would have imagined would be linked with your name again. Sohee.” TOP said straight forwardly.

 

Jiyong shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He never would have thought that somebody had seen them. Well, it wasn’t that he did something wrong or even remotely cheated on Chaerin. He would never.

 

“Is it true, Ji?” Youngbae asked.

 

He breathed out and nodded. The others were undoubtedly shocked but of course wouldn’t pass judgment until they heard the whole story.

 

“Don’t misunderstand.” Jiyong started.

 

“You starting with that definitely doesn’t help.” Youngbae said.

 

“Just listen first.” Jiyong said, a bit annoyed.

 

The others nodded for him to continue.

 

“She called me. Said, she was sorry about the trouble she caused and couldn’t forgive herself for doing that to me. She was crying when she called. She sounded hysterical, talking about how bad a person she is and not deserving to live anymore and all that. She asked to meet me. I said no but she started sobbing on the phone so I said I could meet her for a short while.”

 

The others visibly shook their heads, practically saying how bad an idea that was.

 

Jiyong sighed and continued. “So we met at the café we used to go to. She hugged me as soon as I entered the door and started crying. I had to calm her down because we were getting attention from everybody in the place. I told her we should go to my car. One because she was making a scene by crying there and two because I didn’t want anybody to see us together.”

 

“Tsk tsk. Wrong move Ji.” Youngbae said, shaking his head.

 

“Nothing happened!” Jiyong snapped. “I would never do that to Chaerin. Ever.”

 

“Okay. Cool down. So what happened?” TOP said.

 

“We went to my car and she cried some more and apologized. Then started hugging me some more which I rejected. I told her I forgave her already and that she should move on too. I drove her to her house and dropped her off.”

 

“That’s it?” Daesung asked.

 

“Yeah. That’s it. That’s all it will ever be. She’s nothing to me now.” Jiyong said, relaxing after telling the story.

 

“Why didn’t you tell us this before?” TOP asked.

 

“Because I didn’t think it was important. What happened didn’t mean anything to me.  Anything not related to you guys or anything not Chaerin related doesn’t matter to me.” Jiyong said.

 

“Wow, hyung.” Seungri said.

 

“What?” Jiyong asked.

 

“You really are whipped.” He said and laughed causing the others to laugh too.

 

Jiyong threw a kimbab at him but Seungri moved fast and caught it with his mouth. “Thanks hyung!” he said which made Jiyong laugh.

 

......

 

“Unnie~”

 

“Hmm?” Bom looked up and saw Chaerin looking cutely at her. “What is it Chaerin-ah?” she said and reached over to pinch her cheeks.

 

“Ow!” Chaerin winced, pulled back and flattened her red cheeks. “Unnie!” she squealed cutely making the rest of the girls giggle at her reaction.

 

The four of them decided to hang out in Chaerin’s house for the day just to do girl stuff or mainly just eat and watch movies.

 

“What did you wanna ask, Chaerin-ah?” Bom asked.

 

“Uhm… what do you call TOP?” She said quietly.

 

Bom scrunched her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

 

“Just normally, what do you call him?”

 

“Oh, uhm. I just call him Seunghyun or babe.” Bom winked.

 

Chaerin nodded her head. “You don’t call him oppa?”

 

“Uhm. No not really. I rarely call him that. Just to . Why the question though?”

 

“Oh… nothing.” Chaerin said waving her hand off.

 

“I think I know what this is about.” Dara said while smiling brightly.

 

“What unnie?” Minzy asked.

 

“This is about Jiyong asking you to call him oppa, isn’t it?” Dara said and Chaerin blushed.

 

“Oooohhhh.” Both Bom and Minzy said.

 

“Youngbae mentioned it before. We met up this one time and he looked annoyed. I asked him what was bothering him and he told me all about how Jiyong was on his balls about you calling him oppa and not him.” Dara said chuckling as she remembered how exasperated Youngbae looked that day.

 

“Oh unnie, you don’t call Jiyong oppa, oppa? What do you call him then?” Minzy asked.

 

“Jiyong.” Chaerin said nonchalantly.

 

“Wow Chaerin. You really know how to be sweet huh?” Bom said sarcastically.

 

“I just don’t understand why he insists on me calling him that. I call him babe at times too.” Chaerin said and flipped the channel they were watching.

 

“Just call him oppa, Chae. You won’t lose anything.” Bom said and started eating the cake that was left from their lunch.

 

Dara and Minzy both nodded to that.

 

 

To: ChaeBaby 4:52 PM

From: GDBaby

Chaerin OPPA. What are you up to? ;)

 

Chaerin giggled while reading his message.

 

To: GDBaby 4:55 PM

From: ChaeBaby

BABE. I’m with the girls. We’re watching a movie. You?

 

 

To: ChaeBaby 4:57 PM

From: GDBaby

I’m at home. Thinking about you. I miss you xxx

 

Chaerin could practically feel the butterflies in her stomach do somersaults.

 

To: GDBaby 5:02 PM

From: ChaeBaby

Go hang out with the boys.

 

 

To: ChaeBaby 5:05 PM

From: GDBaby

Yah Chaerin! I tell you I miss you and you tell me to go hang out with other people. You really know how to break my heart. T.T

 

 

To: GDBaby 5:12 PM

From: ChaeBaby

We’ll hang out tomorrow J I have to catch up with the girls. We haven’t seen each other for some time now. P.S. I miss you too xo

 

To: ChaeBaby 5:14 PM

From: GDBaby

Can’t wait for tomorrow babe. :* Enjoy your time with the girls. Call me later?

 

 

To: GDBaby 5:18 PM

From: ChaeBaby

YOU call me.

 

Jiyong smiled while reading her text. Always so bossy, his girl.

 

 

To: ChaeBaby 5:20 PM

From: GDBaby

I definitely will.

 

Chaerin couldn’t hide the face splitting grin she had on.

 

Bom and Minzy smiled when they saw that. It had been too long since she had that face on and they were very happy she was happy now.

 

“Oh hey Chae.” Dara said when they were fixing the mess they made in Chaerin’s room.

 

“Yes unnie?”

 

“There was this guy the other night at the bar. He was asking for your number.” Dara said.

 

“Oh? Who?” Chaerin asked while putting wrappers in the trash bag.

 

“I forgot his name…” Dara put her hand to her face and closed her eyes to remember it. “Ugh. I forgot his name. But he was the guy that got into a fight with Youngbae and their group before. Remember that?”

 

Chaerin stopped her movements and went back to that day. Of course she remembered that day.

 

She narrowed her eyes. “Jay? Jay Park?”

 

“Yes! That’s the one! Remember when you took time off when you had stuff to do with your dad?”

 

Chaerin nodded her head.

 

“This Jay guy went to the bar for like two days straight asking me for your number and if I know where to find you and all that.”

 

“Did you give it to him?” Chaerin asked.

 

“Of course not. I told him to go ask Jiyong for it.” Dara winked.

 

Chaerin laughed at this. But high-fived her anyway.

 

“I wonder what he wants.” Chaerin mumbled.

 

“Probably to get in your pants.” Bom said.

 

“Unnie!” Chaerin threw a nut at her.

 

“What? It’s true!” Bom said, unsuccessfully dodging the peanut.

 

“Unnie’s right though.” Minzy said. “But he’s an . So forget about him.”

 

“I never even thought of him.” Chaerin said.

 

“Well, just a heads up though. He’s a rapper right? He’s gonna have a show at the club sometime soon. I heard from the manager when he was talking to him.” Dara said.

 

“Do you know when?” Chaerin wanted to know so she knows when to not go to the club.

 

“No, sorry. They didn’t say.”

 

Chaerin nodded her head and wondered if she should tell this to Jiyong or no. Would it matter anyway? She decided not to. It might just cause misunderstanding.

 

......

 

“Guess who?”

 

Chaerin felt two familiar hands cover her eyes from behind. Of course it’s Jiyong. But she decided to play for a bit.

 

“Oh I don’t know. I’m not expecting anybody.” Chaerin said, not trying to make an effort to remove the hands covering her eyes. She was actually really waiting for Jiyong at the fountain where they decided to meet.

 

“Chaerin-ah~” Jiyong whined.

 

“I really don’t know who you are. Sorry.” Chaerin giggled.

 

Then the hands were removed and before she could open her eyes she felt a sweet, chaste kiss on her lips.

 

“Yah!” she said and opened her eyes. She saw Jiyong sitting in front of her smiling widely. She hit his shoulder and glared at him.

 

“What?” Jiyong said innocently.

 

“You know what!” Chaerin said childishly, making Jiyong laugh.

 

“What? What’re you talking about?” Jiyong said, it was his time to play innocent now.

 

Chaerin couldn’t help but laugh too. It has been their routine. They loved teasing each other, every chance they get.

 

“Did you wait long?” Jiyong asked.

 

“Uhm… just about an hour.”

 

“What?!” Jiyong’s jaw dropped.

 

Chaerin laughed. “I’m kidding. Just about ten minutes.”

 

Jiyong let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t want her to ever wait for him.

 

“Let’s go.” Jiyong stood up and held his hand out to her.

 

“Where to?” she said and fixed her stuff. But instead of holding on to Jiyong’s hand. She placed her heavy book on it for him to carry. She smiled at him and he couldn’t help but smile too. She had told him before that she wasn’t comfortable in PDA especially in school. But he always tries anyway.

 

“I was wondering if you’d like to come to my house today.” Jiyong said, a bit nervous of her reaction.

 

She stopped in her tracks and turned to him. “What?”

 

“I said, I was wondering—“

 

“Why?” she said, she felt her heartbeat pick up its pace.

 

“I don’t know. To eat? Watch a movie? Do whatever you want.” Jiyong said, carefully reading her expression.

 

Chaerin visibly relaxed. “Okay.” she said and smiled at him.

 

He smiled back.

 

“Am I gonna meet your father or sister or something?” Chaerin asked when they were in the car.

 

“My sister, probably. My father, unlikely.” He said flatly, with a bit of distaste that wasn’t lost in Chaerin’s ears.

 

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to go there?” Chaerin asked nervously. She was nervous to meet his family. She didn’t want to disappoint them.

 

“OF course. You can go there anytime.”

 

And in no time, they were already there. Jiyong parked the car in their very big parking lot. She saw the Bentley there. Ever since their ‘misunderstanding’ that other day, Jiyong had been driving the lambo.

 

“Ji?”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Why aren’t you driving the Bentley anymore?” she asked when they passed by it.

 

“Oh. Uhm. I just got it back today. I sent it for cleaning, the other day.” It wasn’t a lie. He did send it out for a car wash. It was because Sohee spilled coffee all over the car when he met up with her that other time. But he wasn’t gonna tell Chaerin that. He didn’t want her to misunderstand.

 

“Oh.”

 

“You really like that car huh?” He asked.

 

“Like I said before, what’s not to like?” She smiled.

 

“Does that apply to the owner too?” Jiyong raised an eyebrow.

 

She couldn’t answer because she practically almost fell when two huge dogs climbed on to her.

 

“Gaho! Jolie!” she heard Jiyong say and they immediately got off her. She was giggling the whole time. She loved pets. She saw Jiyong raising an eyebrow at her with an amused look.

 

“What?” she asked.

 

“Nothing. I’m just glad you didn’t run off screaming or something. Girls usually do that.”

 

“Well, too bad, Mr. Kwon. I love pets.” I said and patted both dogs. They were smart dogs, she can tell. They listen to their owner and they smelled really nice too.

 

“That’s good to hear.” Jiyong said and led her in.

 

The last time she was here was when he held a party for the school. It looked at lot bigger now that it was only the two of them there. It had a classy design. It was a huge house. Too big for three people to live in. Only now did she appreciate the paintings and photography surrounding the house. She didn’t see them the last time she was here.

 

“My mom was really into art.” Jiyong said when he saw her ogling at the pictures. “She was into paintings, photography and all that. I bet you two would have gotten along well.” He said and a hint of pain flashed across his face.

 

Chaerin didn’t know what to say. He was opening up to her and she liked it.

 

“I bet that too.” She smiled at him.

 

“Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.” Jiyong took her hand and led her to the kitchen.

 

“You cook?” Chaerin asked, amused as she watched Jiyong bring out ingredients from the refrigerator and from the cupboards.

 

“Hmp. As if.” He mumbled then looked at her. “Nope. But you will.” His smile grew wider.

 

Chaerin narrowed her eyes at him and looked at all the ingredients he placed in the table. She didn’t know what type of food required all that ingredients.

 

“You asked me to come to your house to cook?” she said as she went near him still with eyes narrowed.

 

Jiyong shrugged and just continued smiling at her. “Why? You wanna do something else?” he enveloped her in a hug and nuzzled her neck.

 

“Yah!” Chaerin immediately pushed him off and Jiyong just laughed when he saw her flushed face. “Fine. I’ll cook. But what are all these? Do I need to use them all?” Chaerin said pointing at all the things Jiyong placed on the center island.

 

“I don’t know. I just randomly picked all that out.” He said innocently making Chaerin look at him with an amused expression.

 

“What do you want to eat then?”

 

“Uhm… steak!” he said, remembering what Chaerin’s dad said about Chaerin’s fondness of steak.

 

“Hmm… okay.” Chaerin started putting back all unnecessary ingredients that Jiyong took out. Jiyong sat on a kitchen stool and just watched every move she made. She put her hair in a bun and started working. He smiled at the small gestures and facial expressions she made when she cooked. She didn’t even acknowledge his presence. It was like she was in her own world.

 

Finally when everything was done and all they needed to do was let the meat simmer a bit more, Chaerin let out a breath and removed her apron. She cleaned whatever mess she made and then turned off the stove when the meat was soft enough.

 

She was startled when Jiyong suddenly clapped his hands. “Whoo!” Jiyong said while continuously clapping.

 

Chaerin slapped his shoulder lightly. “Yah. Stop that.”

 

“My girlfriend is amazing.” Jiyong said and pulled her towards him. She was now between his legs while He sat on the high kitchen chair.

 

“Of course I am.” Chaerin grinned at him.

 

He moved closer and pecked her forehead then her nose then finally when he was about to kiss her…

 

“Ahem…”

 

Startled. Chaerin separated from him and looked at where the sound came from. She saw a beautiful woman standing at the entrance of the kitchen looking at Jiyong first then her with amusement.

 

Chaerin immediately bowed thinking that she was Jiyong’s sister. Their resemblance isn’t that hard to miss.

 

“Annyeonghaseyo.” Chaerin said politely.

 

“Chaerin, this is Dami noona. Noona, this is Chaerin. My girlfriend.” Jiyong said when he stood beside Chaerin. Chaerin could still feel the flutter in her heart every time Jiyong calls her that.

 

“I can see that.” Dami smiled and approached them. “Hi. Just call me unnie, okay?” she said to Chaerin.

 

“Okay unnie.” Chaerin responded sweetly.

 

“What smells good?” Dami said going straight to the stove and opening the lid of the pot where the steak was. “Yum. Did ahjumma cook?” She said while she turned around and looked at Jiyong.

 

“Nope. Chaerin did.” Jiyong said proudly.

 

“You invite a girl to your house to cook? Tsk. You’ve lost your touch, little bro.” Dami said shaking her head but with a grin on her face. “Come Chaerin, let’s go to the living room and leave this lazy boy to set up the table.”

 

Jiyong couldn’t even complain because they were out of there before he could even open his mouth so he just shut up and started setting the table.

 

 

“How old are you Chaerin?” Dami asked when they were comfortably sitting on the sofa.

 

“I’m 20, unnie. Gonna be 21 soon though.” Chaerin smiled.

 

“I see. So what course are you taking up?”

 

“I’m actually taking up interdisciplinary studies. I haven’t decided yet on what major I would take.” Chaerin said.

 

“Ah. Well, you’re still young. You have your whole life ahead of you to decide what you want to do.” Dami smiled sweetly at her.

 

Chaerin liked her. She felt comfortable around her and she’s nice and easy to talk to.

 

“I heard you’re engaged.” Chaerin said.

 

“Ah. So I guess my brother still talks about our family… that’s nice to know.” She smiled sadly. “Oh and yes I’m engaged. Have been for five months now. The wedding is next month actually. I just came from the dress shop a while ago. You should definitely come. Wait a second…” Dami said and started searching through her bag. “Here.” she held out a pretty silver envelope to her.

 

Chaerin took it and opened it. It was her wedding invitation.

 

“Dad insisted that an invitation is needed so the visitors can attend the wedding so don’t forget to bring it okay?” Dami smiled and patted her hand.

 

“She won’t be needing it anyway because I’ll be there with her.” Jiyong emerged to the living room. “The table’s ready.” He said and held out his hand to Chaerin who shyly took it because she was aware of Dami watching them.

 

Dami smiled at their cute interactions. It had been a while since she saw Jiyong that happy and the first time in a while that they spent time together that wasn’t either quiet or just pure indifference.

 

They praised Chaerin’s cooking and ate happily while chatting.

 

“I hope to see you again soon, Chaerin. I’ll be heading up now. Need to do some planning.” Dami squeezed her hand and went upstairs.

 

“Your sister’s really nice.” Chaerin said and started putting away the things they used.

 

“You don’t need to do that.” Jiyong held her hand to stop her. “Someone will do it later.”

 

Chaerin understandingly nodded. Of course they had housekeepers. For a house they big and clean, it would need a lot of maintenance.

 

She looked at her watch and it was already 9:30 in the evening. “Oh .” She mumbled.

 

“What?” Jiyong asked, hearing her curse.

 

“Oh sorry, I just realized it was half past 9 already.” She said, clearly thinking hard.

 

“Yeah. So?”

 

“I have a shift at the bar tonight.” She said, fixing her bag, preparing to leave.

 

“Oh.” Jiyong’s face dropped. “I was thinking we could stay in for the night.” He said with hope.

 

“Oh… sorry Ji. I can’t. The manager said I had to come in tonight. Something about an event.” Chaerin said apologetically.

 

Jiyong nodded his head once. “Okay, what time do you have to be there? I’ll take you.”

 

“Uhm. About 10. You don’t have to trouble yourself. I’ll just get my car.” Chaerin said, ready to leave his house to go to hers.

 

“You really think I would let you go alone in a club full of dirty s, alone?” he said and kissed her forehead. “Do you have everything you need to go the club?”

 

“Uhm I was planning on going to my house first to get a jacket but nevermind that I don’t wanna be late.” Chaerin said.

 

“Wait here a sec.” Jiyong said and jogged upstairs. Chaerin heard the faint sound of a door opening and a few moments later, it closed.

 

“Here.” Jiyong handed her a jacket and Chaerin eyed it, spreading it wide. She calculated and concluded it would end mid thigh. She turned it to look at the back and read what was written “G-DRAGON”. She looked at him, amused.

 

“G-Dragon?” she asked.

 

Jiyong just shrugged and took her hand and went to the door but stopped. “NOONA! We’re leaving.” He shouted and seconds later, Dami appeared at the top of the stairs, her hair in a messy bun and she was holding what seemed like a figurine in her hand. She waved at us and smiled warmly. “Bye Chaerin! I’ll see you soon!”

 

Chaerin bowed and said good bye.

 

 

“Isn’t it too early for you to be here? Where’s your crew?” the bouncer said to Jiyong when they fist bumped and he made way for us.

 

“I’m with my girl.” Jiyong said.

 

“Hi Chaerin.” He smiled at Chaerin.

 

“Hi Cheng!” Chaerin smiled back and waved goodbye as they entered.

 

 

It was only 10 but the club was packed.

 

“Must be because of that event thing!” Chaerin screamed over the booming music.

 

Jiyong just nodded his head and navigated towards the bar. He held Chaerin’s hand tightly to make sure they wouldn’t be separated by the large crowd.

 

“You sure you have to be here tonight?” Jiyong said to her ear.

 

“Positive.” Chaerin said and pecked his cheek and went to the other side of the bar and prepared her stuff while Jiyong settled on one bar stool.

 

Jiyong texted the other boys to tell them he was there and was quickly replied that the others were already on their way there. Then he saw a very familiar face.

 

“CHAE!” Jiyong called her. “I’m just gonna talk to someone.  I’ll come back later.” He said to her ear. He wasn’t a fan of shouting.

 

“Yeah. Go do your thing.” Chaerin smiled.

 

“See you later babe.” he pecked her cheek and left.

---

I stopped there because it would be too long if I didn't. I'll post the next one when I'm done with it :) happy reading!