Kayla tried to have him pick out a place to go to for breakfast, but he really didn’t know where to go as he usually made his own breakfast. Eventually Kayla picked a buffet so he could try various things. They headed in, got seated and placed their orders and after they headed up and Kyu Jong grabbed a plate and looked everything over. He recognized a few things, but most he didn’t.

“Let me know if you have any questions,” Kayla said, smiling.

He looked to see her loading up her plate. Kyu Jong spooned some eggs onto his plate along with something that looked like thick fried slabs of potatoes, he also grabbed some strips of some brown looking things. Next, he got a couple of link things and a few slices of toast. They headed back to the booth and sat.

“You got a lot of good stuff there K,” Kayla grinned.

Kyu Jong looked down at his plate, it was slightly intimidating to be honest, he only knew the eggs, what if he didn’t like the rest?

“Nervous?” She asked suddenly.

Kyu Jong looked up to see a knowing smiling on her lips and he nodded.

“Give it a try, you don’t have to eat it if you don’t like it.”

He didn’t want to waste it which was why he got a small amount of everything until he knew. Nodding, he picked up his fork and speared one of the link looking things and took a cautious bite, chewing carefully.

“Ooo, that’s good,” he smiled.

“Yeah, I like sausages too, I prefer turkey sausages, but beef ones aren’t bad.”

He nodded and devoured the rest plus the other one. Kyu Jong then moved onto the potato looking thing, cutting a small piece and putting it in his mouth, chewing. He frowned, smacking his lips in distaste.

“Not one for hash browns huh?” Kayla chuckled between bites of her food.

He shook his head, it was greasy and he didn’t like the flavor. He shoved a forkful of eggs into his mouth to get the flavor out before taking a long drink of his coffee. Kayla grinned, cutting what looked like a large piece of circular meat and putting it into . He was wary now, he grabbed the last thing with his fork, but it broke apart.

“You can pick it up with your fingers, bacon is a finger food typically,” Kayla announced.

Kyu Jong nodded, reaching out to pick up a small piece and put it into his mouth and chewed, his eyes lighting up, it tasted very familiar, like the pork belly he had at home, a slightly different flavor, but it was just as good.

“Mmmm…”

“You liked the bacon I see.”

“Yes, delicious!” Kyu Jong nodded.

Kayla nodded, “Yes, such is bacon, the very essence of deliciousness. The smell, the taste,” she sighed.

Kyu Jong chuckled and put the rest in his mouth. After giving Kayla the rest of what she called a hash brown, he headed back up and loaded up his plate this time and then sat back down. They ate in silence and Kyu Jong enjoyed pretty much everything, now he was stuffed. After Kayla paid, much to his dismay, they headed out and back to her car.

“Alright if you’re ready, we’ll get started. Are you sure there’s nowhere you wanted to go first?” She asked.

Kyu Jong shook his head, “I have no plans.”

“Ok, but remember, let me know if you change your mind. We’re off!” She smiled, pulling out of the parking lot and taking off.

Kyu Jong was curious about what she had planned, he hoped it wasn’t anything elaborate, he didn’t want her going to too much trouble because of him. A short time later, she pulled into another parking lot and stopped before turning to him.

“We’re here!” She smiled.

Kyu Jong looked out the window to see an art gallery, he looked over at her.

“I thought we could get started,” she announced.

He smiled and nodded, he truly hadn’t been expecting this, he honestly thought she’d forgotten.

“I know you probably though I’d forgotten, but I haven’t, things have been kinda crazy. I thought now would be a good time to start,” she explained.

It was as if she’d read his mind.

“Did you by chance get to use any of the materials yet?”

He nodded, “Ne, but it is a bit intimidating. I don’t really know what I’m doing.”

Kayla gave him a sympathetic smile, “Ok, that’s why I’ve arranged this. Let’s go in,” she said, making her way out of the car.

Kyu Jong got out and followed her in. Kayla paid for them both, stating she would take care of everything today since it was his birthday and Kyu Jong reluctantly agreed. Once inside they looked around, the gallery was huge, people milled around, going here and there.

“We should be just in time K, it’s right over there,” Kayla announced, motioning off to a point on the right.

“What?”

“We’re starting with a basic art appreciation class, from there we tour around the gallery with a guide, then a few surprises after, it’s complete package. I thought you might enjoy it.”

Kyu Jong looked over at her and smiled, “Thank you Kayla ssi.”

She waved him off and motioned for him to follow her. They headed into the room and took a seat at one of the tables, there was a pen and small, thin hardcover book in front of each seat. A few minutes later, the instructor came in and the session started. Kyu Jong listened intently, taking notes in the book provided, which was also a mini textbook. He glanced over at Kayla who was also listening, she was following along in her book, but she made no notes. He felt kind of silly to be doing it, she obviously didn’t need to as she’d told him before, she used to do art on a regular basis, Kyu Jong slowly turned in his seat a bit, pulling the book with him so Kayla couldn’t see it, he couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

At the end of class, they all headed out to start the tour.

“Did you take a lot of notes?” Kayla asked suddenly.

Kyu Jong turned his head to look at her and blinked when she grinned at him.

“I saw you, I also saw you hiding the book.”

He bit his lip, looking away.

“Nothing to be embarrassed about K, that was the whole point of it in the first place. You’re not gonna remember it all at first, that was a great refresher for me, I’d forgotten a lot of that, it’s been such a long time,” she sighed.

She was right, still he couldn’t help feeling embarrassed. They continued the tour and while Kyu Jong enjoyed it, it was still overwhelming. He still didn’t know how he was going to be able to actually apply anything. As the tour came to an end, the instructor thanked everyone and the group dispersed.

“I’ll be right back K, gonna use the restroom.”

He nodded and watched as she walked off. Turning, he made his way over to one of the pieces they’d just looked at during the tour, trying to remember what the instructor had said.

“Omo!”

 A voice next to him said suddenly. Startled, he turned to come face to face with three young girls who stared at him in adoration.

~~~

Kayla headed back to where she’d left Kyu Jong, bags in hand. Things seemed to be going well so far, it looked as if Kyu Jong had really enjoyed the class and the tour, though she could still sense his feeling of trepidation. She couldn’t help but be amused of him being so worried about taking notes, so much so he didn’t want her to see, but she had. Kayla hoped he didn’t think she expected him to remember all that the first time through, that was impossible. The intention was to just introduce him to art and she would pick up from there. They would work on finding out what his skill level was and what style he liked and where his affinity laid as far as a medium. First, she had to make him comfortable with art and learning and learning around her if he was worried about being new around her.

She made her way closer and stopped. Standing around Kyu Jong there were three young girls who looked clearly overcome to be with him. Kayla frowned in confusion as the girls all whipped out what looked like a pamphlet from the gallery and handed it to Kyu Jong. He smiled beatifically and started to write something on each of them. There was a different to him Kayla notice, a confidence and aura of naturalness she’d never seen from him since they’d met. He looked as if he was in his element, suddenly the girls took their phones out, one by one posing for pictures, each one giving a peace sign, one by her eyes, another by and one made a heart with Kyu Jong using one hand each. They bowed several times, backing away, giggling shyly. Kayla slowly made her way over, watching as Kyu Jong bowed back at them, waving. He turned to her as she came up and he changed again, his features softened and that shyness, caution back in his eyes once again.

“Hey K, everything ok?” She asked.

He smiled and nodded, “Ne, fine.”              

Kayla looked over at where the girls had left to then back over at him, “I saw you with those girls…” she started.

Kyu Jong smiled warmly, “Yes, they are from Korea here visiting, they recognized me from my work at home, musicals and such,” he explained.

She nodded, “Wow, those must be some musicals, imagine what’ll happen when you finally release an album.”

Kyu Jong looked pained for a moment, staring at her sadly, “Ne, I hope so,” he said softly.

“Don’t worry K, it’ll happen and your fans will love you even more,” Kayla smiled.

Kyu Jong sighed and looked at her, “Kayla ssi…” He started then stopped, just watching her.

He looked so sad, so sad and a bit nervous.

“It’s ok K, we don’t have to talk about it anymore. I shouldn’t have brought it up, I keep doing that, sorry,” she frowned.

He must think she was a real jerk.

“Ani, you’re fine, nothing at all to apologize for. I just…” He sighed again.

“Damnit, I’m ruining your birthday. No more talk about it, we’re done. Let’s move on, here, this is for you,” she announced wanting to take his mind off what they’d been discussing, she felt awful. She handed him a bag, “For you!”

“What’s this?” He questioned, looking in the bag.

“It’s all part of the package, there’s all kinds of goodies. Some prints of famous pieces of art, a few supplies, trinkets like keychains and bookmarks. Let’s see, there’s a few mini art books, a bottle of water, snacks…” she called out as she rummaged through her bag.

“Omo, this is very nice,” Kyu Jong nodded, sifting through the bag.

“Well we’re not done yet, there’s another part to this, c’mon, it’s over here,” she announced, leading him over to another part of the gallery.

She found the room and they made their way in. There were two easels set up in the center and one in the front.

“Have a seat,” she announced, sitting next to him.

Kayla grabbed a couple tubes of paint set out and squeezed them onto the palette that had been laid out. She looked over at Kyu Jong who was watching her in curiosity,” Go ahead, get your palette set up.”

He blinked and looked down.

“Set it up in whatever order you’d like.”

“Ne, but what’s going on?” He asked.

“It’s your first lesson, a private one for just the two of us, to learn the basics. You know, styles and all that good stuff,” she smiled.

“But Kayla ssi, aren’t you going to be bored? You already know all this.”

She shrugged, “I can always use a refresher. Don’t worry K, this is all about you today,” Kayla announced just as the instructor came in.

She introduced herself and started setting up her palette as Kyu Jong finished his. Soon after they started, Kayla watched as Kyu Jong worked intently, he seemed to have a knack for it, he caught on quickly. The instructor apparently thought so too judging by the impressed looks she was giving him.

“You’re really picking this up, I’d love to continue to work with you. I have classes two times a week, I’d love it if you’d join. I can help you to register before you leave,” she offered, giving him a bright smile.

Kayla was impressed herself, it wasn’t often for an instructor to suggest someone to come in, it was pretty rare.

“Oh, thank you, but I have already promised to take lessons from Kayla.”

The instructor looked over at Kayla in surprise,

Kayla chuckled and looked at Kyu Jong, “Go on K, this is a great opportunity. She’s an instructor and way more qualified than I am.”

Kyu Jong looked over at her, “But you are very good as well, why wouldn’t I want to learn from you? You said you could’ve gone on if you wanted to.”

“Oh? Is that so?” The instructor said suddenly, giving Kayla a harsh glare.

She shrugged, “I had some offers to some art schools here and in London a few years ago.”

“Oh, and you didn’t go, seems kind of foolish if you ask me,” the instructor snapped.

Kyu Jong blinked, clearly startled by her reaction.

Kayla smiled a bit, “Yes well my heart wasn’t into it.”

“If you have the talent, why waste it? Do you know how many potential artists would kill to study in London? Do you have any idea how hard it is to get an offer?” She asked in clear annoyance.

“Yes, that’s why I said no, it would’ve been wrong for me to go when I really don’t want it,” Kayla reasoned.

The instructor stared at her a moment longer before turning from her in a clear sign of dismissal, “I’m not sure you’d be wise in taking lessons from someone with so little respect for talent and for everyone who wanted the kind of opportunity they were given,” the instructor said coolly.

Kayla sighed inwardly, it wasn’t anything she hadn’t heard before, from her past instructors and classmates.

Kyu Jong bowed and looked up at her, “She is exactly the person I want to take lessons from, I would be worried about taking lessons from an instructor who is supposed to be professional to potential students, not put them down. I would be and consider myself very lucky to be taught by Kayla ssi. Thank you for your help today,” he said, bowing again. He took his canvas and looked at Kayla, “Are you ready Kayla ssi?”

Reaching out, he took her hand in his other and started out, Kayla grabbing her canvas as well.

“Wait wait, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you, really,” the instructor said, coming up to stand in front of Kyu Jong. “Just…come to the class ok? I’ll help you out, we can work together to get you into a great school, you could be famous,” the instructor pleaded.

Kayla looked over at Kyu Jong who was watching the instructor suspiciously.

He shook his head, “No, thank you, I will go with Kayla, excuse me,” he said firmly and made his way around her, pulling Kayla gently along with him.

“K, you didn’t have to do that. I’m sure she’s very good, she could’ve taught you way more than I ever could. She’s still active and practicing, you don’t have to do this.”

Kyu Jong came to a stop and turned to her, watching her, “Kayla, she is not the kind of person I’d want to learn from.”

She shook her head, “I just don’t get it.”

Kyu Jong continued to watch her, “If that is how she is as a person, if how blatantly rude and disrespectful she was to you is any indication, there is nothing I could or would want to learn from such a person. I would take you over her any day Kayla ssi,” he finished, smiling.

She stared at him in shock, anyone would jump at the chance, but he’d stood by her, even defended her to a total stranger, she couldn’t believe it.

She’d heard time and time again how crazy she was to pass up the opportunities she’d had when it came to art. No one had given her a harder time than her father. He’d been relentless in trying to get her to accept one of the many offers. No one had ever really stuck up for her before, no one besides her Mom and Brother, she wasn’t sure what to say.

“Can we look around a bit longer?”

“Oh, of course, sure we can,” Kayla nodded and they continued walking.

They looked at various pieces, Kayla’s thoughts kept drifting to what’d happened, she’d be lying if she said it didn’t make her feel good to have Kyu Jong come to her defense the way he had, it’d been so long that she didn’t feel she was fighting alone. They walked around a bit longer before finally making their way out.

“Well I hope you enjoyed that K.”

“Ne, I did, I learned a lot, I look forward to our classes even more than I did before.”

Kayla smiled, “Good, I’m glad. Now, it’s time for lunch, I have a reservation somewhere, are you ready?” She asked.

“Ne,” he smiled.

They got into the car and Kayla took off. They arrived at the building a short time later and headed in, Kayla led them over to the elevator and they took it up to the 30^th floor before getting out.

“Here we are, it’s one of the most popular points, you can eat and have an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s even nicer with all the snow. In the summer, it’s awesome,” she explained, heading over to give her name to the hostess.

They were led to a booth by the pane glass window and were seated. The hostess left them with menus before leaving.

“Order anything you’d like,” she announced, picking up her menu.

She just had to keep this up so he’d have a great day.

~~~   

Kyu Jong looked down at the menu, everything sounded good, but was also very expensive. He really didn’t feel comfortable with her paying for everything like she had been, he wasn’t used to it, that’s not how it was done at home. He knew typically when they hung out they paid for themselves, but even that bothered him. Normally he’d pay, but he couldn’t do that, she was someone else’s girlfriend, it already looked bad for how much time they spent together. He kept thinking he should stop, but he couldn’t. He sighed heavily, it just wasn’t like him, the way he acted around her wasn’t normal and it almost scared him. Kyu Jong looked up at her, she was studying the menu intently, he felt bad about earlier, that instructor had been way out of line. What had stunned him the most had been the fact that she looked like she expected it, like it was normal for her to hear someone talk to her that way. She didn’t seem hurt or surprised, which meant it’d happened before and Kyu Jong didn’t have to try too hard to figure out who had said something to her. The waitress came and too their orders and menus before leaving, Kyu Jong looked at Kayla again and she smiled.

“So, did you enjoy the gallery?” She asked.

He nodded “Very much thank you.”

“Good, I know so little about you, I wasn’t sure what to plan. Since we hadn’t really done anything with art yet, I thought it’d be a good place to start.”

Kyu Jong nodded again, “Yes, I really loved it. I honestly thought you’d forgotten.”

Kayla nodded and smiled, “Yeah, I figured. Things have just been so crazy lately. I promise to make time going forward, we’ll work around your schedule. Now that you’ve at least got the basics, we can really get going. I’ll come up with a syllabus of sorts,” she nodded.

“Thank you, Kayla really. I appreciate you taking the time to help me like this.”

She waved him off, “Don’t mention it, no big deal.”

Kyu Jong studied her for a moment, “Kayla, do you mind if I ask about what happened with the instructor?”

She frowned, “The inst…oh you mean about me not going to the art schools? Eh, that’s nothing I’ve never heard before,” she shrugged.

Kyu Jong frowned, “She was very rude to you.”

Kayla nodded, “I imagine for her it’s personal, I think she was one of the ones she was talking about, that wanted those offers but never got them. It’s for people like that that I didn’t take them, it’d be wrong when it wasn’t what I really wanted. Everyone wanted me to do it even it if meant I wasn’t happy because I could do it and do it well, that’s all that mattered. I didn’t see it that way though, I felt it was disrespectful to do something and half it because I should when there were others just as good that didn’t get the chance, but should’ve. How could I look myself in the mirror knowing I was there and shouldn’t be? No one could seem to understand that,” she sighed, giving him a sad smile.

“I understand why you didn’t, that takes a lot of courage.”

She chuckled softly, “Not really, I probably should’ve just done it, thing would be very different right now, especially with my Dad, but what’s done is done, right?”

“If given the opportunity again, would you make the same choice?” He questioned.

Kayla nodded, “Absolutely.”

“Well then things turned out just the way they should’ve. You did what’s best for you, that’s what counts in the long run. If you can look at yourself and know you’ve done what was right, that’s what matters,” Kyu Jong finished.

She stared at him, clearly stunned and Kyu Jong frowned.

“I am sorry no one has told you that before.”

She bit her lip, giving him a shaky smile, “Thanks K, you’ve actually made me feel like I made the right choice for the first time.”

“Ani, just supported your choice, that is all. I think, you’re finally allowing yourself to acknowledge it.”

She chuckled again, “You know, I think you’re right.”

Kyu Jong smiled and nodded just as the waitress came up, setting their food down. They ate in a companionable silence, each commenting on how good the food was and Kyu Jong was thoroughly enjoying his time with her so far. After lunch, they headed out the restaurant and Kayla took him around to some famous places. A few hours later, they headed back to their homes.

“Now for what’s next, it’s formal, not super formal with tuxes and all, but nice. So why don’t we meet at my place in about an hour, hour and half, is that enough time?” Kayla asked.

He nodded, “Ne.”

“Ok see you in a bit.”

Kyu Jong headed upstairs and in. He wondered what Kayla had planned and how dressed up he should get, she said it wasn’t extremely formal. He hurried into his room, deciding on black slacks with a red dress shirt and black tie. He quickly showered and dressed, fixing his hair, snapping his watch on and putting on a few of his favorite rings before spraying some cologne on. It reminded him of the times he’d go out with s to some function. It was always a process, but it was still fun, being with them had been fun. He hoped someday soon they’d be able to do it again.

Kyu Jong started pacing, he was nervous for some reason, he just didn’t know why. He couldn’t help but keep thinking this was wrong, all the time they spent together, had she even told Terrance? He didn’t imagine that Terrance would be happy knowing they hung out, that she was with him now on his birthday. They weren’t talking, but she was still his girlfriend and she was hanging out with a man who wasn’t her boyfriend. It wasn’t as if they were doing anything wrong, they were just friends, he still felt as if they were taking advantage of the situation. She’d invited him though, he hadn’t asked her to do anything for him, but he had done everything else, including signing up for the same acting class and going to the monthly movie nights.

He sighed, pulling his dress shoes and coat on before heading out and making his way down the stairs, stopping by Kayla’s door. He was a few minutes early, he hoped it wasn’t too much of a problem. He rang the doorbell and a few seconds later the door opened and Kyu Jong’s smile froze on his lips.

“Hey, c’mon in, I’m just about done,” Kayla smiled, fixing her earring.

Kyu Jong his lips, slowly making his way in, shutting the door behind him. He watched as she made her way towards the kitchen. He continued to stare at her, his eyes once again racking her over her body in a more defined way than the other times. Her curves were more prominent; her figure was different than what he was used to. She was heavier, full figured, he never really noticed it before, but the more exposure he had to her in dresses like these, the more he saw, the more he found himself liking it.

She turned towards him, her gaze resting on something and his gaze was pulled to the V neckline of her dress, it dipped low to give an enticingly and yet somehow minimal view of the gentle swell and curve of her s. He swallowed hard and quickly looked away, his face burning, glad she hadn’t noticed him watching her.

“You look very handsome K, red is a great color on you, I love it.”

He looked back over at her and she made her way towards him, smiling. The black see through lace sleeves reveled the cocoa color of her tanned skin reminding him of creamy milk chocolate.

“I-I…Thank you Kayla ssi.”

“K? You ok? You look all flushed.”

“I feel…H-hot, I mean kind of warm,” he stuttered.

She frowned, “Oh no, really?”

She came up close to him, the scent of her perfume swimming around him teasingly, he backed up until he hit the door.

“I hope you’re not getting sick,” she said, reaching up suddenly and pressing her hand to his forehead.  

His heart skipped a beat.

“You don’t feel like you’ve got a fever or anything,” she said softly, bringing her hand down to his cheek gently and then she turned it so the back of her fingers pressed against his skin lightly. She moved her hand lower then to his neck, “Wow, your pulse is racing, do you feel sick?” She questioned, looking into his eyes as if searching for something, worry apparent in her features.

He shook his head, her touch was driving his senses crazy, he wasn’t used to such forwardness, to so much skinship from someone he hadn’t known for very long, “A-ani…”

“Hmmm, I hope you’re not coming down with something, you know, there’s all kinds of bugs and viruses going…”

“You look very beautiful Kayla ssi,” he said suddenly, he couldn’t hold back any longer.

She blinked, “K, if this is your way of trying to hide the fact that you may be sick, it’s not going to work. Mmmm, maybe we should go to the hos…”

“Andwae, it is not. You look very beautiful tonight,” he said softly, looking into her eyes.

Kayla blinked again and Kyu Jong could see the faint blush spreading over her cheeks.

“Ohh…well thank you K,” she smiled a bit, “I’m still gonna be worried about you you know,” she said, winking, turning from him and heading over to the couch.

He swallowed hard, at his lips again, trying to calm his heart and ease his reaction to her.

“Your pulse was pretty fast though, we’ll keep an eye on it ok? Let me know if you start feeling bad, lightheaded, dizzy, anything like that,” she ordered, picking her coat up and starting to put it on.

Kyu Jong hurried over, taking it from her and holding it open.

Kayla looked back at him, “Thanks,” she said softly.

She slid her arms in, pulled it closed and buttoned it up, effectively cutting off his view. He cleared his throat, what was with him?

“Ready?” She asked, looking at him.

He nodded and they headed out. They got into Kayla’s car and she took off.

“I’m really hoping you like where we’re going, we’re lucky it happened to be going on right now.”

“Can you give me a hint?” He asked.

“No way! Besides, we’ll be there soon and all will be revealed,” she winked.

Kyu Jong chuckled and looked back over at her, his thoughts drifting back to that dress she was wearing, he couldn’t get it out of his head. His pulse had most certainly been racing, but not for the reasons she thought. A short time later they turned down a particularly busy street, Kayla handled the busy traffic like a pro.

“We’re here!” She announced suddenly.

Kyu Jong looked around in confusion.

“Look to your left,” she grinned just as they turned into a parking garage.

He looked over just in time to see a huge marque with the word that said “Majestic”. They drove around a bit and she found a parking spot and parked.

“C’mon!” She said excitedly.

She hurried out and he followed, her excitement infectious, he was equally excited and he didn’t even know why. He followed her down and out the large garage and he looked up at the six-story high building.

“We’re going to see “The Phantom of the Opera”! I thought you’d like it since you did musicals at home. This theater is famous for this show, it’s the best place to watch!” She smiled broadly.

“Ahh Kayla ssi,” he whispered.

“Let’s get in and find our seats!” She announced, she was practically jumping up and down.

Kyu Jong was stunned, he’d never been to an actual Broadway show before, he was in shock. They headed in and over to the line, getting their tickets before heading to the auditorium. He looked around, it was huge, people shuffled around, trying to find their seats. He looked up towards the back, starting towards it when Kayla stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“This way K, we’re down here, by the orchestra,” she announced suddenly.

He looked over, his eyes widening that was right up front! He followed her, watching as she showed her ticket to the usher who lead them to their row, center of the section. They made their way down the row, finding their seats and sitting, getting settled in.

“Kayla…this is…” he stopped, he was so overwhelmed, he really didn’t know what to say.

“Are you excited? I really hope you like this, Phantom is my favorite musical, I saw it a few times in school and have been meaning to see it again, but never got around to it. I thought seeing it with you would be perfect. I feel kinda bad though, I don’t know if it’s something you’d want to see or if…” she hesitated.

“Ani, no, this is great, thank you Kayla, wow. Back home, this is something singers and actors strive for, to come to the states and perform on Broadway. I never thought I’d ever see an actual show, I really…” he stopped, once again overcome with emotion, it closed his throat, causing his eyes to well up.

“Aww K, I’m so happy you’re happy. I couldn’t think of a better person to share this with,” Kayla said softly.

Kyu Jong turned to her, trying desperately to hold back the tears. She reached out, taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Me either,” he whispered.

_________________________________________

A/N: Whoa it's been so long hasn't it! Hello to my readers who are still here, thank you so much for waiting and sticking with me, I'm sorry it took so long. What can I say other than life gets in the way, work is tiring, I'm so tired at the end of the night I can barely stay up, my hand aches, ahhh so many excuses. I'm seriously considering shortening my chapters so they don't take so long to type up, but I hate to short change readers, it takes me so long, I want the chapters to make up for such long breaks in-between. Not sure what I want to do, but I'll continue to think about it. I am still contiuing to write, I'm several chapters ahead, I need to just keep going with typing up the finished ones at a more steady clip, hang in there with me please! Also, check into the story once in a while, I'm gonna try to update the story feed if I can to keep you all up to date on any changes or whatnot, so be on the lookout. 

I've been considering using the blog option in reguards to my stories or for questions you may have for me about writing or something, try to be a bit more interactive with my readers. Any comments on that would be appreicated as I wouldn't use it for general blogging.

Anyway, to the story. Kyu Jong's birthday continued! Finally a run in with some fans, Kayla is curious and not really sure what she's witness, she has no idea of the full gravity of what she saw and what it'll mean to her later on. Yes, that's already been written and it's coming soon! I really loved the whole art thing, what a great introduction for Kyu Jong and also he learns a bit more insight into her life and her past. How about that meeting in her townhouse huh? Look at Kyu Jong, liking Kayla in a dress, yet again. It seems to be that he has a small attraction to her, though he wouldn't label that as such at this point, what's even more amusing is Kayla has no idea.

Thinking of possibly doing another character interview from readers to the characters where they answer your questions! For an exampe, check out Young Saeng's story, that seems to work out well and the readers who were choosen, seemed to really enjoy it. Let me know if this is something you'd be interested in.

Thanks again for those who are still here, I so appreicate your paitence and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

See you soon!

MO ~