Donghae and Dara were finally left alone. The two remained silent but now, both their minds were in a mess. Donghae was trying to think of a conversation starter. It usually comes to him naturally but not today. It has been a while since his conversation with Hara about “going for it.” He hadn't thought much about it since the two of them had been busy with Jiyong and Yerin's project.

“So you met Hara,” he decided to bring up

“Yeah,” Dara fidgeted in her seat at the mention of her name

“How do you like her?” he asked, sitting upright

Dara shot Donghae a look of disbelief.

“Um, she's pretty and seems nice,” she uncomfortably replied

“I want you two to get along,”

“I'm sure we will,” she lied

I don't want to see her anymore.

“She's my best friend and-”

“I get it. She's your best friend. You don't need to add anything more to that.”

Donghae slowly closed his mouth as if he was just attacked by Dara. Did I say something wrong?

“When are you going home?” Dara rested her back on the couch and closed her eyes as she asked him

“Are you telling me to go home?” Donghae moved to the same couch as her

“I was just asking,”

“Dara, did I do something wrong?” he observed her reaction to his question.

Even though her eyes were closed, her facial expression was stiff.

“Nothing,” she answered

“It doesn't feel like nothing. You're not even looking at me,” he sighed.

Dara opened her eyes then to look at him. You can still see the concern in Donghae's face. Donghae is an extraordinary friend. I can't lose him. Stop your nonsense, Dara.

“Nothing's wrong,” her tone finally returning to normal

“I just want you to get along with her,” he said

“Yeah. Of course, she's special to you,”

“And she'll be staying in Korea for awhile. I want her to be a part of our group.”

He wants her to mingle with us. To hang out with us.

“I understand that, Donghae. But,” she paused, and looked at him with pleading eyes, “When we go out for drinks to celebrate Jiyong and Yerin's project, promise it will just be us four.”

Dara's mouth went ahead of her brain. Stupid Dara, why'd you say that?

“Oh, yeah. That's only for us four,”

“Then you can set up a date for us five to hang out.”

Donghae merely smiled as a response. He was glad with the normal flow of their conversation now. Plus, maybe with Hara around, he could gain confidence in pursuing Dara.

“You know, I don't want to leave you,” he suddenly said