He too, was sleeping, until his phone started ringing. But unfortunately for him, it was his father on the other end instead. 

'So that's why you're missing these days? I thought I told you clearly to keep your temper in check! And you know well enough that now isn't the time to get into trouble.' 

'Father-'

'How am I supposed to explain to our in-laws now? And you better not flare up at Hyewon without giving her the chance to explain.' 

Before he could answer, the line went dead. Jaebum was confused, it has been a long time since he heard his father this mad, and he did not know why. 

He quickly went on the net, and once the main page loaded, he froze. With everything which his father have just told him, chucked to the back of his mind, while he stared at the picture taken of you and his friend. 

 

'Oppa? Jaebum oppa?' 

But it was useless once he hung up. And the call wouldn't get through anymore no matter how much you tried. He wouldn't hurt himself again right? What if he does! He wouldn't even listen to me right now... 

And mom and dad's probably going to nag at me for not being aware of photos being taken. And what if they have a bad impression of oppa because of the article? 

When you felt your phone vibrating in your hands, you immediately answered it without even thinking. 

'Jaebum oppa?'

'Noona, it's me. Are you okay?' You fell silent as you held your phone next to your ear. 'Hyewon, are you there?' 

'Yeah?' 

You heard him heave a sigh of relief from the other end, but you did not know what for. 'I called hyung but he hung up without answering- I'm sorry, I didn't know that-' 

'I should be the one who's apologizing. I'm really sorry, Youngjae-ah.' 

'Do you need me to explain to hyung? I can tell him that the article isn't true-' 

'He wouldn't listen.' 

'I'll say that I called you out 'cos I was bored then!' 

'That wouldn't work...' Especially when I ditched him that morning. 

You could hear beeping again and stared at your phone screen, the Caller ID of the incoming call freezing you in place. 'Youngjae I have an incoming call-' 

'Okay. Noona, don't worry too much about it okay!' 

'T-Thanks.' 



You took in a deep breathe before answering the next call this time. 'H-Hello?' 

'Hyewon?' 

'Yes, father.' 

'I saw the article.' 

'I'm really s-sorry. I can explain-' 

'Jaebum really can't control his temper, that's his only weakness. I'm sorry that you had to see that side of him.' Did he not see the first part of the article? 'And I'm sure he probably didn't give you a chance to even explain yourself about the picture taken with Youngjae, did he?' 

'He didn't...' There was silence on the other hand and you took it as your cue to continue. 'I-I just called to meet-up with Youngjae because I, well I,' Am I really supposed to-? 'I wanted to find out more about Jaebum oppa...' You added really softly. I actually said it. I- I oh my what did I just do. 

You heard light chuckles from the other end, which did not seem to calm your nerves as your grip on your phone was still tighter than ever. 'I'm sorry, what did you say?' Is he serious? 

'I-I wanted to ask him about Jaebum oppa...' 

'You kids really...' He laughed again. 'I don't understand what's with the push and pull. Why do youngsters nowadays take so long to confess huh?' 

You did not know how you were supposed to respond to that. Especially when you expected a lecture from the start. 'Jaebum that fella too, who knows how long he'll take to confess to you.' W-What? 'He thinks nobody knows, when his mother and I could tell from the way he smiles so brightly when we asked him about you. Oh, did I just spoil the surprise for you.' More chuckling. 'He'll take time. Be patient dear. And don't worry 'bout the articles. Someone from the rivaling companies might have found out and leaked it to the press. I'll be able to deal with it.' 

'I'm really sorry father...' 

'It's okay, Hyewon-ah. Just, my son is a tough nut to crack, I'll have to pardon you with him then. You should be able to find out more from Mark if he doesn't answer your calls.' 

'Thank you, and I'm so-' 

'I don't want to hear another word from you starting with 's'. And I'll explain things to your parents too so don't worry too much about it either. You'll have to be quick though, Jaebum might leave soon. All the best.' 

You slowly placed down your phone as you tried to digest what just happened. 

You never knew that his father was such an understanding person despite his cold demeanor, which Jaebum probably inherited from. The cold demeanor that is. 

Confess...? Did father get the wrong person? Maybe he wasn't talking about me when answering them. 

But leave? Where is he leaving to? 




'You'll have to hurry if you want to catch him. I'll try calling to check if I can get a ticket for you. He shouldn't have gone too far by now.' 

With only your phone and wallet, you rushed out of your house right after changing into something decent, with Mark's words echoing through your mind. I can't miss him. I can't let him do anything rash again. 
 

You panted as you got on the coach, with some of the passengers glancing disapprovingly at you. You barely missed it, 5 minutes before it's departure time. And fortunately, Mark was able to get a ticket for you. And also of the seat directly next to his. 

Does he always do this? The same destination and seat, that's why Mark oppa knew exactly which seat to buy?

Even with half of his face covered with a mask, and a cap lowered down on his head, you could tell it was him. It might have been the vibe he gave off, but you simply knew that it was him in the second last row of the coach. 

On the other hand, Jaebum did not know who it was who had taken the seat next to his. With arms folded, eyes closed, and earphones plugged in, he did not bother to care, as he focused on getting all his thoughts off his mind. 

 

It wasn't until he felt a slight weight on his shoulder, that he stirred awake. Why would a stranger even- He sighed, before opening his eyes to confront the person next to him.

And was frozen in place when he saw your head resting on his shoulder while you slept peacefully. 

H-How did she get here? But nearly immediately, the article  from that morning flashed across his mind again, causing his breathing to quicken. 

He immediately snapped his eyes shut as he took in deep breathes, and he noticed the peach scent, which made him loosen his fists. 

Is it that-? How is it that she's able to- No. I can't give in this easily even if it's her. And Youngjae. 

 

The bus pulled to a halt as it arrived at the rest stop, and you were awoken as your head jerked forward slightly. 

You opened your eyes and slowly looked around to figure out where you were. And what you were doing there, until you saw the person next to you glaring at you. 

'Move.' You even felt goosebumps and immediately heeded to him, not looking up at him at all. Which was different from your original plan. How could I even tell him anything if I'm afraid of him! Come on, you're not actually scare of him, are you? /

Don't turn back. Don't listen to her. Don't stop. 

'O-Oppa! Jaebum oppa!' He quickened his steps as he headed towards the stalls, but you caught up as you ran after him. 

'Oppa- It really isn't-' Jaebum stiffened for a moment when he felt you grabbing onto his arm, but he quickly got back his senses, or lack thereof. 

'Go. Away.' He snapped, staring straight into your eyes. And that was enough to stop you from following him. 

 

However, he found himself getting worried when he actually did not see you around anymore. 

Jaebum started to glance around, trying to spot you as he stayed by the snack carts, not caring if he was discreet or not with his actions. Until somebody approached him. 

'Excuse me, we're taking the same bus right?' Now what is his problem? How the heck would I know? 

He simply kept quiet as he scrutinized the male before him. Who was slightly taller than him, and seemed around his age. And to add, quite, just quite, decent looking. Which infuriated him even more when he added the next question. 

'So, I was wondering if maybe we could switch seats later?' 

It did not take long for him to realize his motives as he grinned at Jaebum.  This bastard- 'Hell no.' He clenched his fists, actually trying not to throw it at him, before quickly turning away. 

The only thing in his mind then was to find you immediately. 





You were also looking for him, after calming yourself down. But you were suddenly pulled back by your arm, to find a furious Jaebum glaring at you. 'I told you a billion times not to wear sho-' 

And that was when he realized that you were wearing jeans. He internally cursed himself out before toning down his volume. 'Don't go any further from me than this.' And he tugged you closer to him. 

What is he- 'But oppa, you told me to go away-' He paused his footsteps slightly when he heard your voice quivering.  

'Now stay and keep quiet.' 

You was about to follow his instructions, until you recalled what Youngjae said about them leaving him alone whenever he was angry. And you were not going to. Even if you knew bringing up that topic was probably the worst thing that you should do then. 

'It wasn't a date. With Youngjae. It wasn't a date.' 

'I said, keep quiet.' He gritted his teeth as he eyes remained on the path before him. 

'The article isn't true-' 

'SHUTUP.' He turned to glare at you again. 'If it isn't true. It wouldn't be in the article in the first place!'

And that was when you, too, did not hold back anymore. 'Does the article include a recording or video taken! It's just a photo!'

His eyes widened as his neck was turning red, 'Did you just shout at-' 

'Yes I did!' You flung his grip off your hand, hard. 'So what!' 

'I don't think you know what's going on-' 

'You're the one who doesn't! What makes you think that you know everything!'

'Kim Hyewon!' 

'What right do you have to shout at me like that too! When you're not giving me the chance to explain! When you're not even listening! Do you know the reporter better than you know me? Or Youngjae?' 

'Stop saying that name-'

'You're not the only one affected by the article right now! Do you not know how horrible I feel about it too? Is it that wrong to ask Youngjae about you? If you would always hurt yourself whenever something bad happens?' 

Wait-

'I was feeling stuffy at home alone. It's not like I could call you back either after leaving! I have feelings too! Especially when I needed time to think!' You screamed. 

Does that mean- 

'Can't I even ask Youngjae about you? Is it a sin to think about you? If it is, then fine! I'll leave!' You were breathing heavily after your outburst. And Jaebum stood still as you were now glaring at him. Countless of things going on in his head. 

And hesitantly, he held onto your arm, pulling you gently towards him. 'I said stay.' His arms wrapped around you tightly as he hugged onto you, his voice close to a whisper. 'Stay with me.' 

That was when you felt his hands shaking against you as he also tried to get his breathing back. 

'I-I'm sorry oppa.' 

'Stay.' 





'Sit inside.' You did not look at him, but still listened to him again as he gently nudged you in, not forgetting to glare at the guy from before. 

Meanwhile, your line of sight fixated on the scenery outside, until you felt someone holding onto your hand. 

'Aren't you cold? Your hands are cold. Do you not have a sweater?' Jaebum asked, finally realizing that you didn't bring anything with you. 

You turned to him when he let go of your hands for a moment to reach up for his bag, and took out another sweater for you, covering your arms with it. 

But his hand soon found yours again as it stayed beneath the sweater on your lap. 

'I'm sorry.' You said softly, unsure if he could even hear you. 'For leaving and for shouting.' 

'I'm sorry.' Jaebum felt you tensed up slightly when he moved his arms to wrap around your waist, bringing his face closer to yours. 'I'm sorry for doubting you, for shouting, for losing my temper at you.' 

'Are you still mad?' You asked, after a moment of silence. 

'No, are you? I was acting like a total jerk.' 

'You weren't.' 

'Are you still mad?' 

'I wasn't.'

You felt him leaning in to you as he whispered into your ear. 'You should learn to answer my questions.' Before resting his head on your shoulder.





'I told you that I'm fine. It's already recovering.' Jaebum stared at your face as you applied the newly bought ointment on the bruises on his face. 

You insisted on getting it when you realized that he did not bring any, not suprisingly, and dragged him into the nearest convenience store you could find. And now he was seated before you on the couch of the hotel room that he booked for the night.  

'But I'm not.'

His eyes widened in alarm as he immediately looked you up and down. 'Are you injured? Where?'

'I'm not fine with your bruises not tended to.'

After that, Jaebum was back to staring at your face, but as usual, the silence did not stay for long. 'Do you like me?' 

You blinked as you looked at him. I don't think so. Well, at least not yet. 'Tell me if it hurts.'

'I do. I like you.'

[A/N] Updated! I kind of think that this chapter has weirder grammar than usual so please bear with it xD

Thank you for the many subscribes, comments, and upvote! <3

And I hope that this chapter was okay! 

(Don't forget to comment and subscribe! ;))

Thank you! 

<3