I woke up with Dara on my side. It surprised me because I thought she won’t be back until this afternoon. We talked late last night and she never mentioned about 2ne1 coming back early.

“Wake up sleepy head” she said as she leaned over to give me a kiss. I took the opportunity to pull her towards me. She didn’t resist at all. She placed her hand on my waist as I let her lay on my arms. We were in that position for a while; none of us talking; just feeling each other’s body heat; and taking in the peacefulness around us.

“Baby, you are back early...” I exclaimed as I hug her tighter. I am sure she came here directly from the airport. Thinking about it placed a small smile on my face. I could get used of having her by my side when I opened my eyes every morning. It would surely give me strength to last the day.

“I have a schedule for Etude at 2:00pm today.” She informed me. I turned to look at my side table were a clock was placed to check for the time.

“Omo~ it is almost 12noon. What time did you arrive?” I inquired.

She smiled, “Almost an hour ago...” She placed her hand on my chest as she looked up at me.

I pulled away from her, “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“I don’t have the heart to do it. Besides... I am sure you were not able to sleep last night.”

I pouted as I started to seat up, “I am really nervous for tonight. Many thoughts are running through my mind.”

She sat beside me and put her hands on my cheeks, “You’ll do great. It’s not like this is the first award show you’re going. You’ve been to a lot both here and Japan. You’ll be fine.”

“But this is the first time I am going alone...” I whined “...and it’s not for singing... I’m scared.”

“Baby... The whole cast will be there too so you are not alone. You are Muneunim, for goodness sakes, you are not scared of anything.” She said playfully and hugged me. “This is going to be your night so enjoy every minute of it. Face it! You are not Kim Jae Joong for nothing.”

I hugged her tighter and nodded. I am thankful that she’s here. She always knew what to say to ease my worries.

“Arasso... let’s eat now.” She stated as she started to get out of the bed.

“You cooked?” I asked, surprised. She grinned and went out ahead of me. I went to the bathroom to wash up before I followed her.

I was shocked when I saw all the food on the table. I took my eyes away from it to look at her.

“Don’t worry; I did not cook it.” She said as if she knew what I was thinking. “I passed by auntie’s restaurant and get all of that there. Well... except for the drinks that I took from your refrigerator.”  Looking at me and gave me a wink.

I smirked, “Funny...Angel....” then asked “Whose restaurant?”

“Oh Joongie, don’t tell me you forget your mother’s restaurant?” She pinched my arms and continued, “That should wake you up now.” as I winched, “ahh...”

She pulled out a chair for me to seat and placed food on my plate. “Ok ...start eating now.” She sat beside me and started putting food on her plate.

Dara washed the dishes while I helped dry the plates and bowls. “What time are you leaving?” she asked.

“Probably the same time as you. Manager hyung is going to be here any time now.”

She washed her hands as I finished wiping the last plate. I reached out for her hands to dry it for her. She had small nails and a simple manicure. Her hands were soft and beautiful; just as I liked it to be. She was looking at me loving and her eyes were glistening.

“I will melt if you continue to stare at me like that.” I teased without looking at her.

“Thank you Joongie...” She said softly.

I put down the rug and looked at her, “No... Thank you for coming. You helped me calm a bit.”

“A bit?” She exclaimed with a creasing forehead.

She placed her hands on my arms and it. “Arasso... You’ll be fine Joongie.  Whatever happened tonight, know that you did your best and your fans love you very much; and they appreciate the work you’ve done. That’s all that matters. An award is just a bonus... “

I smiled and wrapped her in my arms.

Manager hyung arrived and we went out together. We dropped Angel at her dorm. I gave her a kiss and she wished me luck. But just before she went out, she exclaimed “Muneunim, Fighting!” I chuckled at her silliness. However, it did gave me a boost. Kyopta! Even hyung laughed at her childishness.

While waiting for the car that would take me to the red carpet, my anxiousness sky rocketed. I felt like I am going to vomit anytime. Then my phone suddenly beeped signalling that a message just came in. A grinned appeared on my face after reading it. I then gave my phone to hyung feeling a little calmer.

Hyung looked at me knowingly and muttered, “I bet that was Dara... “and I nodded. He continued, “She came back in time, I’m thankful.”

“Indeed... she helped calm my nerves.” I stated.

“That’s love...” I heard hyung remarked lowly just as the car stopped in front of me.

“Yes... that’s my angel... the love of my life.” I said to myself as I went inside the car feeling a little confident.

The show went well until the host asked me and Ji Hye noona about our kiss and the multiple NGs. It was embarrassing. I never thought that my joke at Kang Hee noona’s radio program would backfire. I tried so hard to smile and calm myself