Ellie woke up early the next morning to make some soup for Daehyun, knowing he was going to need it after last night.

She tiptoed down the hall first, peeking her head into the spare bedroom.

Dae was lying on his stomach sprawled out across the bed, his left arm and foot hanging over the side of the bed, his head turned in her direction, eyes closed, lips slightly parted.

And he was snoring.

She smiled, trying to stiffle a giggle.

She could remember being startled awake by his snoring one summer while they were camping out in the backyard. She'd thought it was an animal at first.

She sighed and closed his door, making her way down to the kitchen.

As she stood stiring the pot she heard the stairs creak behind her and she turned.

"Ellie, do you mind if i shower? I don't want to go home smelling like booze." 

He was standing on the stairs, barefoot, his hair sticking up at odd angles, his eyes half open.

She chuckled. "You know where the towels are."

He smiled, eyes closed. "Are you making soup?"

"Mm." she responded.

"You're awesome."

"I know it. Go shower."

She smiled as she heard his footsteps moving back up the stairs.

But her smile was quickly replaced by a frown.

god she loved moments like this...but there had been almost none over the past several years.

Even in High school when he started training, they'd spent less and less time together.

She missed him horribly, and ached for him, but she hadn't realized how much until he'd come back home.

Tonight he would be heading back to his dorm and resuming his usual activities. It could be months or even years before she got to do something like this with him again. And who knows, would he even want to, care to? Would he forget about her?

She felt an ache in her chest and shook her head, turning the stove off and getting a bowl from the cupboard.

She spooned the soup into the bowl and set it on the table with a spoon and a glass of water.

She heard his footsteps on the stairs again.

"Ahhh, much better." he said coming into the kitchen, towel drying his hair.

As she turned her eyes widened and she quickly turned away from him. "Dae!"

He stopped moving and looked around. "What?" he asked confused.

"Your shirt..."

He had come into the kitchen wearing nothing but a pair of sweat pants.

"Ah, yeah, apparently i got it dirty last night." he chuckled.

Oh my god! she mouthed before turning back toward him.

"Your..soup is on the table." she said trying not to let her eyes linger on his bare chest.

"Aren't you going to eat with me L?" he asked.

She groaned silently.

"Come on," he pleaded. "I don't know the next chance i'll have to eat with you."

She closed her eyes and silently cursed.

"Sure." she said making herself a bowl.

She sat down at the table in the only other seat, opposite him.

He beamed at her and began eating.

"Wah, this is really good L." he said taking a third spoonful.

"Thanks." she said not lifting her eyes from her bowl.

They ate in silence, except for the occasional slurp.

As Dae finished, he sat back in his seat, his hand resting on his stomach and sighed, happily content.

"I can't remember the last time I had a home cooked meal before coming home this week. Between my moms cooking and yours, im in heaven."

He smiled, the towel that'd been resting on his head sliding off and into his lap.

Ellie finally looked up from her bowl, and found her eyes fixed on his skin.

His wet hair, his damp skin, his chest, his well muscled arms, his abs.

She subconsciously bit her lip.

"L..." Dae said.

She quickly snapped out of it and looked up at his face. "Mm?"

"I was asking you a question but you were totally out of it..what--"

Her face turned at least 3 shades of red.

Dae noticed and smirked. "Why so red Ells?"

She just wanted to crawl under the table and disappear...and he'd called her Ells...

"I'm done, i'm full." she stammered quickly getting up from the table.

"You hardly ate." Dae said reaching out for her arm, a hint of amusement in his voice.

He caught her wrist and held gently until she turned back toward him.

"Are you feeling ok? You're awfully red."

Now he was just teasing.

"Shut up Dae." she said putting her bowl in the sink.

"What's the matter L?" he asked again as he got up and followed her out of the kitchen.

"Oh my god Dae! Go away."

She quickly made her way to the downstairs bathroom and shut and locked the door.

She shook her head and leaned over the sink splashing cold water on her face.

She couldn't help but smile.

Freaking Daehyun. She thought.

She opened the bathroom door only to be met with half Daehyun standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his whole body, his right arm stretched out resting on the opposite side blocking her exit, his chest inches from her face, and all the while wearing his mischevious grin.

"So L, i was thinkin..."

dropped open and she quickly looked away.

"Get out of the way Daehyun."

"Maybe we could hang out a bit today, you know, before i have to go back.."

"MOVE Daehyun."

"Maybe catch a movie or...get something to eat, I dunno, what do you think?"

"JUNG DAEHYUN LET ME OUT!" She yelled.

It didn't even phase him.

She had no choice, she pushed against his chest with her hands in an attempt to escape.

Daehyun opened his mouth and widened his eyes in feigned shock.

"You touched my bare chest L, are you trying to seduce me??"

"oh my goddddd." she groaned running from the bathroom.

In the end, they found themselves running around the couch in the living room, L trying to escape Daehyun who continued to chase after her, teasing her.

"For the love of..would you get a shirt on please!" she pleaded with him.

"Why? I saw you looking, I could tell you enjoyed it, isn't that why you turned all red, hmm?"

"Please shut up."

"I'm right aren't I?" he teased some more.

"You still snore like a pig, you know that right?" she shouted as she ran.

He lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her waist, finally catching her, and tossing both of them onto the couch, with him landing on top of her.

She pushed against his chest with her hands in an attempt to get him off.

He propped himself up so he wouldn't crush her and just smiled down at her, as she cringed behind closed eyes.

"Jung Daehyun, control yourself." she pleaded.

He chuckled hysterically, still trying to catch his breath from chasing her around.

"Ah Ellie, you were always so fun to tease."

"It's not funny Dae."

"god I've missed you." he said as he removed her hands from his chest and leaned forward, placing a kiss on her cheek before getting up.

She lay stunned for a moment.

What was the meaning of that kiss?

Was it given as a friend?

Or was it something more?

Or was it nothing at all, just something he did in reaction to all the playing around and teasing....

Now she was even more red than before.

"Hey L, " came his voice from the stairs. "I'm gonna run home real quick and change my clothes."

"O...k." she squeaked.

"But after that I really would like to hang out together." 

She listened to his feet on the stairs once again as she buried her face in the couch pillows.

It wasn't even 9am yet and he'd already almost killed her.

How was she going to survive an entire day??

As the evening came to an end, Ellie and Dae found themselves walking side by side through the streets of Busan.

They had seen a movie together, went out to eat, done some shopping and now they were heading back to the car.

They both smiled as they walked, and Ellie couldn't help but notice the way Dae's hand kept bumping into hers as they walked.

Daehyun was going on and on about his travels with the rest of the members of B.A.P, and laughing about different things that had happened.

His whole face lit up when he spoke of his friends. 

She had met them once or twice briefly, and she had of course seen them on tv. They seemed like a great group of guys.

She couldn't help but feel a small twinge of jealousy.

But still, she was happy he had them. She couldn't imagine him being miserable away from home with no friends at his side.

Then, there was that ache in her chest again.

He was leaving tonight, and neither of them knew how long it would be until he returned.

She was quickly pulled from her thoughts as she felt Dae's hand slip into hers.

"L?" he said softly.

Her eyes widened and her head snapped up in his direction.

"Everything ok? You got quiet." 

"Oh." she smiled nervously. "I'm fine, just lost in thought i guess."

"About what?" he stopped walking.

She shook her head. "Nothing important." she insisted.

She couldn't seem to think of anything right now, besides the warmth and softness of the hand that was now holding hers.

"Are you sure?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"Mm." she nodded.

They continued walking, his thumb absentmindedly caressing her hand as they went.

When they finally reached the car, he opened her door and released her hand as she got inside, then went around to get in the drivers seat.

She fastened her seat belt, and smiled at him as he got in.

"When we get back, i'll grab my stuff, say goodbye to my parents, and then i'll meet you outside, so don't go home right away, ok?"

"Ok." she said.

When they arrived she stood outside his front gate slowly pacing back and forth, kicking at the gravel as she waited for him. She smiled to herself at the thought that he'd spent his last day with her, even though he hardly gets time off. And her heart fluttered remembering how he'd taken her hand as they walked. But still, she was confused. Was he just being friendly? They had held hands many times as kids when they played together but...not since they'd grown up. She was unsure of how to take all these little gestures. 

She sighed deeply and shook her head.

You know, it really doesn't matter. She thought to herself. She was greatful for his friendship. She didn't need to know what all the little things meant. And besides, he'd already said he didn't have time for a relationship...

She heard the front door close and looked up as he came down the walk carrying his duffel bag.

He opened the back door of his car and tossed the bag on to the seat, before closing the door again.

He put his keys in his pocket and turned to Ellie smiling.

He stood in front of her and reached out taking her hands.

She felt her heart sputter, but tried to remain calm.

He looked down at their hands that he gently swayed then looked back up at her face and smiled again. 

"I had a lot of fun today Ells." 

"Me too." she said softly.

"It was nice. I don't get to come home often, and right now, with everything going on with my Dad, that whole situation is kinda stressful, and there's work, and...it's nice to know I have you, and to be able to be myself and goof around and forget about things for a bit."

Ellie nodded slowly.

"Sorry again for throwing up in your bushes." he chuckled embarassed.

Ellie laughed. "No biggie Dae. You can throw up in my bushes anytime if it means i get to see you."

She silently scolded herself. What the hell did i just say??

"I'm sorry, i know i keep asking, but, are you sure you're ok? I feel like there's something on your mind."

And he wasn't wrong, she just, wasn't sure how to bring it up, or even if she should bring it up.

She bit her lip, contemplating whether to brush it off again, or if she should go ahead and tell him.

"It's just me you know." he said, seeing her hesitation. "You can tell me anything."

That did it.

Why did he have to be so perfect, so wonderful...so..

"Ellie.." he said gently lifting her chin with his finger.

She sighed deeply looking away, unable to look him in the eye as she spoke.

"I just....It was so nice having you back, even if it was for a short time. But it made me realize how much I miss you, and how much I miss this and us and...I know you have a lot going on, and I don't want you to feel guilty or anything i just...it makes me sad knowing you are going back and not knowing when i'll see you again or when we'll ever get to hang out like this again, but i know you have so many obligations and, i feel guilty for taking up your time today when you came home to be with your family Dae, I...."

"Ellie...you are family."

She dropped her head in embarassment. She hadn't meant to say all that, but once she'd started, the rest of it just kind of followed.

"I'm sorry Dae.." 

"Don't be." he said moving closer to her.

All at once he pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tightly to his chest.

She couldn't remember the last time they'd hugged like this.

"You're my best friend Ellie, I wanted to spend time with you. Don't feel guilty. I've missed you too. I try not to think about it while I'm away because there's nothing I can do about it, and it makes it harder...You know i miss this, i've been telling you all week. Everytime I think of home, it's not just Busan, and my parents and my school,...it's you too. And it's nice...knowing that you miss me."

His hands came up, framing her face as his mouth moved close to her ear, speaking softly. "I don't know when i'll be back and for that i'm sorry, i am, just know that I want to and I will be back as soon as i can ok?"

She gripped the sleeves of his shirt, fighting back tears.

She still wasn't any clearer on his feelings for her, and whether all of this was done as a friend, or if he felt something more. 

And she wasn't ready for him to go back.

All she had guaranteed was this moment right now, beyond that, she didn't know what would happen.

He took a step back, his palms against her cheeks. 

His eyes met hers for a moment, then they dropped to her lips as he moved closer.

As his eyes closed, hers opened wide.

What is he doing?! her mind screamed.

Then, his lips were on hers.

Soft, and warm....pressing against her, not too hard, but not too soft.

Her heart jumped into and she whimpered.

He smiled at the sound, before finally pulling away.

"I have to get going." he whispered softly. "but i promise you I will be back at the first chance I get."

When she looked up at him he smiled and her heart nearly melted.

"You know there's no one else for me besides my L right?"

ing . she thought. Why would he say something like this right before leaving.

She'd be lying if she said it didn't make her want to squeal like one of his fangirls though.

He leaned in once more, kissing her cheek before pulling away and running around to the other side of the car, opening his door.

He looked at her from over the top of his car. "I miss you already Ells. Take care of yourself, i'll be back soon ok?"

She forced a smile and nodded. "Mm. Drive carefully please."

"Mm." he nodded.

With that he ducked inside the car and started the engine. 

The passenger window rolled down and he called out to her. 

"I'll call you soon, yeah?"

She nodded. 

"Goodnight Ellie."

And with that he left.

Ellie watched as his car disappeared down the street, bringing her fingers lightly to her lips as his tail lights vanished.

Surely that wasn't a friend kiss, right?

There was something to that kiss, she felt it.

Ugh, this was all so confusing.

"When are you going to tell him?" came Dae's mother's voice suddenly behind her.

Ellie gasped and spun around. "Ah, you scared me Omma." Ellie half laughed bringing her hand to her chest.

She chuckled softly. "I'm sorry, I thought you heard me come out."

"And tell him what?" Ellie asked cocking her head to the side refering to her earlier question.

She opened the front gate and came over,  taking Ellie's hands in her own and patted them gently. "When are you going to tell him that you love him?"

Her eyes looked at Ellie sympathetically.

"Omma!" she said a little too forcefully, more out of embarassment than anything.

Dae's mother chuckled gently. "I've known you since you were 5 years old Ellie, I've watched the two of you grow up together. I remember the day that i noticed the way you looked at him had changed."

"Ugh," Ellie groaned softly.

Dae's mother laughed again. "It's ok, it's just me."

Ellie stared at the floor, nervously rolling her foot to the side.

"Is it really that obvious?" Ellie asked, barely more than a whisper.

Dae's mother pulled her into a hug, gently patting her back.

"You will always be special to him Ellie. To all of us. Don't think because he's busy that he doesn't care."

Ellie finally gave in and broke down, letting herself cry softly into his mother's shoulder. "I miss him. And him being here the last couple days just made me realize how badly I miss his friendship...."

She continued to pat Ellie on the back gently.

"I'm sorry, I don't have any right to complain, he's your son and you barely get to see him..."

"Oh Ellie stop." she teased. "You have every right to be upset."

Ellie sighed, straightening up and wiping the tears from her face.

"I don't know i'm just so confused. I don't think he really wants a relationship right now i mean, he already said he doesn't have time for one, and I don't want to be a burden to him..."

"He cares for you Ellie, don't doubt that. Tell him how you feel."

"I don't want to ruin our friendship Omma."

She shook her head a smile on her lips. "Silly girl."

Ellie sniffed and tried to smile.

Her heart already ached and longed to have him back.

It wouldn't be long though. It wouldn't be more than a month before his father's death brought him home again.