A/N: As much as I hope to stick to the facts (regarding their schedules), it'll be too difficult because I'm feeling lazy to even research, so sorry :( But I'd still include SOME facts.

~December 2014~ (continued)

After the peppermint-flavored kiss, the couple went inside, back to their table, their hands still entwined. There seemed to be a lot to talk about but so little time. But there is one thing Kris wanted to know. He was curious to hear what she thought about the article. So he asked.

"I never thought that you'd do those things so that we can meet again," she admitted.

"Really? You never suspected even just a little, that I'm up to something?" His eyes narrowed at her, observing her expression. She looked so beautiful that he wanted to kiss her.

"Not one bit---because you're too innocent-looking to be scheming such things," she stated with a smile, which only made her more beautiful. "But now that I know what you're capable of, I had to be very careful," she teased, pretending to be wary of him and his future schemes.

He chuckled and then stopped when he realized that there's a more serious matter they should talk about---the negative comments, the haters/bashers to be more specific.

"Don't let those negative comments get to you," he mildly told her. He knew how harsh the netizens can be. He had experienced that most especially during the lawsuit.

"Don't worry. If not accidentally, I do not even dare read the comments section. I'm an expert in ignoring those kinds of things," she assured him. And then a cloud of worry passed over her expression. "But what about you?"

"I'm good at ignoring too, that's why we're very compatible," he said, an attempt to lighten the mood.

"Aigo, enough of the negative stuff. What else is new with you?" She felt despite the fact that they keep in touch, it's possible that they haven't talked about everything that's been going on with their lives lately.

"Nothing much. Just that I still love you," he said, while looking very serious. 

She couldn't help but blush at the obvious declaration of feelings. "Besides that?" She managed to say to cover-up her momentary lack of response.

"The columnist who interviewed me was interested to get your side of the story," he revealed. "But then I told her that you would rather keep some things private."

She nodded slowly while digesting what he said.

"Should I do it?" she suddenly asked, taking him off-guard.

Did that mean she's considering it or was she just simply kidding?

"Are you serious?" He gave her hand a squeeze. He was enjoying the contact too much to let her hand go.

"I'm considering it," she said with a tinge of uncertainty.

"Okay. Just let me know if you have decided to really want to do it." He knew what could be the reason behind her hesitation--- the possible reaction of the public. Her agency only gave a very brief but meaningful statement with regard to her personal life, that she was indeed in a relationship and whether or not she chose to talk about it was up to her because YG Entertainment do not wish to meddle with the affairs of their artists.

* * * * *

Kris kept his promise that he'll open the gift only when he got home, or in his case, when he got back in the hotel he's staying at currently. No matter how curious and excited he was to find out what it is, he endured it. It was a miracle he managed not to be in a hurry. 

When inside, he placed the box on his bed and fished for his phone. First things first; he composed a message to let Dara know he got back safe.

I'm back at the hotel.

I miss you already >.<

He took off his winter coat and went to the bathroom for a hot bath. He wanted to be ready for bed before calling her because he knew they may end up talking until morning or at least until the time she will allow him to since his flight back to China was early tomorrow. 

She always worried about him not getting enough sleep. At her thoughtfulness, he couldn't help but smile.

After a quick bath and preparation for bed, he can finally see what she got him. He sat on the bed, leaned against the headboard after putting the comforter over his lap. He opened the box and instantly he knew how expensive it was---a Cartier White Gold Plated Love Bracelet With Diamonds of different colors. It was too much. He stared at it, open-mouthed.

So that's why she insisted he open the gift later because she knew how he'd react. 

A piece of pink paper tucked in the side caught his attention because it seemed out-of-place. He plucked the paper and placed the box on the bed. Excitement and curiosity overcoming him as he opened it. It's more than just a note; it's a letter actually and her handwriting is very cute.

WYF >.<

Surprised?!? Aigo, it took me a couple of hours to finally decide on getting that bracelet, so you better wear it until it wore out, okay? kekeke.

I sometimes wonder why you never asked when was it that I started noticing you--- Are you not curious at all? Come to think of it, we haven't talked about that yet... anyway, some other time maybe ^___^

I was trembling while writing this. I usually don't like winter, because it's too cold. But when I met you and being with you in such cold weather, winter did not seem so bad at all, especially when you're holding my hands to make sure they are warmed. And you know what else I love? Walking along the street during winter; it is one of the best because no one seemed to bother us---maybe they just didn't recognize us (/^_^\)

What I'm really trying to say is, THANK YOU for making me feel special and HAPPY~ I appreciate the winter season more because of you ^_^ SARANGHAE! <3

Who knew she had that cuteness in her? He was touched. Maybe he shouldn't be surprised since she's someone who appreciated letters more than gifts. At least that's what he heard; she told her fans to give her letters instead.

His thoughts were cut-off when his phone vibrated, signaling a new message.

I miss you too, always >.<

That did it. He tapped the call button and after one ring, she answered.

"When did you start to notice me?" he asked playfully. It was his way of telling her that he read the letter.

"Ahhhm..." she laughed lightly. He could tell she was nervous. Maybe she didn't expect that he'd ask almost immediately. 

"Thank you for the gift and letter. Now I understand why you don't want me to open it earlier."

"Don't mention it," she said shyly.

"But you haven't answered my question yet," he pointed out. Even though he had some doubt she will tell him tonight, he still tried.

"I'll tell you the next time we see each other," she said. It made him all the more curious. And he couldn't help but regret why he never asked her about that the night she accepted his feelings. Now he would have to wait, who knows how many days, so he could know the answer.

"Then let's meet tomorrow," he suggested despite the fact that it was impossible.

"Ya! Patience is a virtue," she reminded him.

He sighed while realizing he had no other choice but to wait patiently.

~February 2015~

It was in the last week of February that they finally get to have some time together away from their busy schedules. It was not hard to decide on where to go. Her love for amusement parks led him to suggest that they go to Hong Kong Disneyland. Due to time constraints, they could not afford to travel far and it's only for two days.

It was very difficult to go unnoticed; she had to be on her guard every second ever since she arrived at INC airport. To avoid being spotted, which was clearly impossible, she donned a black hoodie over her cap, a mask and her hair was tied in a ponytail; in short, she had to disregard airport fashion. She was traveling alone; it somehow felt strange and lonesome. How she wished he was beside her. But that's like wishing for the impossible. He was already in Hong Kong for a previous engagement. 

When she arrived at HK International Airport, it was a blessing in disguise that the hotel's owner was an acquaintance of his. The hotel provided her with a means to safely leave the airport unscathed. Sadly, he couldn't come to pick her up due to a conflict in schedule, but the next day, he was all hers. That's what he said. At the backseat, she couldn't help but chuckle at the memory when they talked about it over the phone.

It was before lunch when she arrived at the hotel where the staff was very accommodating. At the reception, she was given her card-key and an English speaking attendant will assist her with her luggage which only composed of a medium sized black suitcase. She couldn't help but love the atmosphere at the lobby; it's as if she was just one of the guests which she didn't mind; she didn't want too much attention and special treatment. If possible, she wanted to go about unnoticed. Maybe it helped that the hotel was one of the most expensive; only a few people were at the lobby and the hotel crew were probably very used to seeing artists more famous than her checking-in that it had become normal.

Upon her arrival at the deluxe room, the first thing she saw when she opened the door was the perfect bouquet of stargazer lilies. Its color and arrangement was pleasing to the eyes. At first she thought it could be from the hotel but when she saw the card attached to it, she was glad to know it was from him.

Be ready by 6:30PM. We'll have dinner.

                                                       -WYF

It couldn't possibly be a Valentine's Day gift because he already gave her a bouquet of red roses. Unfortunately, she was not home to accept it personally. Her mother took a photo of it and sent it to her so she could see. She was a little disappointed when he didn't include at least a card. But then he surprised her by sending a photo of it. He said he'd give it to her the next time they meet.

The realization that she forgot to text him cut her train of th