The final day of filming for Running Man was fairly expected with Kwang Soo betraying everyone in the individual yet Ji Hyo still ending up as the winner much to everyone’s delight and amusement. They all had dinner before the members – minus Ji Hyo – would leave for the airport. Jong Kook was notably down at the thought of not being able to see Ji Hyo for a couple of weeks, always trailing behind her or slowing down how fast he ate to just spend more time at the dining table with her. They both decided to take a walk outside after they had finished lunch, both wanting some fresh air after being indoors most of the morning. The other members noticed of course, Jae Suk being the one to mention it in their group chat, yet it was a semi regular occurrence so they didn’t question it further.

“I’ll miss you.” Jong Kook spoke first, wanting so much to hold Ji Hyo’s hands. But they were in a public area so decided against it.

“Me too.” Ji Hyo sighed. “It’ll be weird not seeing you so often.”

“You know what I’m going to miss the most?”

“The ?” Ji Hyo smirked.

“No! I mean yes-“ Ji Hyo giggled at his flustered response, clearly not the intended answer yet still a legitimate response, as Jong Kook’s brows furrowed. “You’re really asking for it huh?” A veiled threat of course but it didn’t stop Ji Hyo emitting a laugh. “I’ll just miss knowing that I can come home to you. After a hard day practicing, I can come home to you and all my frustrations just disappear.”

That was true. The Running Man episodes that they had filmed in Jeju was enough to cover them for the month for Jong Kook’s tour so it meant that even after Ji Hyo was finished and back in Seoul, they still wouldn’t be able to meet up.

“We can still video chat each other grandpa.” Ji Hyo took the opportunity to jibe him to lighten the mood, hoping that it’d work. It elicited a small chuckle but the sadness behind it was unmistakable. It didn’t surprise her of course, since they knew that they’d have to be apart at some time, but it happened when two people spent so much time together, savouring and treasuring every stollen moment amongst their busy and hectic lives. Yet it was bittersweet, knowing that they needed to do what they loved to do – music and acting respectively – but also not wanting to be apart from each other.

They had come to a bench now, deciding to sit down but apart as to not rise suspicions. Jong Kook sat on the edge facing Ji Hyo, arms outstretched so that his hand skimmed her back.

“Just not the same you know?”

“I know.”

“But hey you’ll be touring and doing what you love again in front of your fans oppa!”
“Yeah and Dong Hoon, Se Chan and Kwang Soo are joining me in Busan as well.” He smiled brightly, sharing the stage with his treasured dongsaengs was a joy that he loved, even if it was temporary.

“See? You’ll love it and we can text and video call every day so it won’t feel like we’re not together as much.”

“You know I love you right?” He smiled, eyes truly looking as if only Ji Hyo was in the world. Ji Hyo was amazed at how much love could radiate from a man and it truly made her feel incredibly special. It of course had crossed her mind the insecurity of being compared to Jong Kook’s previous girlfriend, who were, even in her opinion, stunningly beautiful. It made sense for he was almost every woman’s dream of a boyfriend – loyal, conscientious and kind – and despite absolutely hating her guts, she had to admit that Soo Jin was absolutely, stunningly and unfairly beautiful. She had long, sleek back hair that came halfway down her back, pearl white smile and a supermodel -like body that any girl would be jealous of and any guy would be envious of Jong Kook.

“I know.” They made some more small talk, wanting to treasure the moment before Jong Kook would have to leave, before they headed back to the restaurant to resume filming.

Filming was shorter than usual, the members and staff needing to catch their flight, which ended in Jong Kook, Se Chan and Ha Ha’s team winning much to complaints by the others in that the last, and deciding game, was ultimately a game of ripping off the name-tags. Jong Kook had eliminated Ji Hyo in the elevator fairly early since she was tired and could do with the rest but cheekily, as some would argue, took advantage and held her hands longer than he should as he ripped off her name tag, with Jae Suk naming it as a “lover’s quarrel” instead.

All the members were saying their goodbyes in front of the airport when Ji Hyo got round to saying goodbye to Jong Kook, who was visibly upset at the thought. He welcomed her hug of course, whispering a small “love you” in her ear, before reluctantly breaking apart, not wanting to arise suspicion at how long their hug lasted. He turned to look at Ji Hyo one last time before walking his way to check in, somewhat solemnly.

It was later at night when Ji Hyo was in her hotel room going over her script with a glass of wine (she had forgone dinner with her team however) when she got a call from her boyfriend.

“You’re awfully awake for someone who has to get up at 5 tomorrow morning.” His sweet voice automatically bought a smile on Ji Hyo’s lips.

“And you’re awfully annoying for someone who was depressed a mere couple of hours ago at leaving.” She poked back.

“Hey! You can’t use such a sad occasion against me.”

“What are you going to do about it Sparta?” It was a challenge from Ji Hyo and she knew. He knew it. And he was well aware of what she was insinuating. And whether it was them being apart, or the events of the night before, he was screwed.

“Just you wait until I see you next.” He warned much to her amusement.

“Are you on your way to Daegu?”

“Yeah, we’re all rehearsing there before the opening night next week.” It made sense from a logistical perspective – they needed time to set up the stage, sort out mics and speaker systems and rehearse properly with the stage. But they were renting out a dance school’s practice room for the time being until a few days before the actual concert to test it out properly.

“Just make sure you don’t get injured. I know what you’re like overworking yourself and your tour is a month.”

“I promise. And the same goes for you too. I don’t like the idea of you having such irregular shooting hours anyway.”

“I will oppa. Love you.”

“Love you too. You should get to sleep.”

“Mmm.” A small moan. Yet it sent more than inappropriate thoughts to Jong Kook considering he was in a car on his way to Daegu where privacy at that current moment was not an option.

“Ji Hyo…” He groaned in warning. “I’m in the car.”

“I know. Sounds more of a problem for you than me. But just think about what you could do if you were here? Your hands running down me, going under the waistband of my trousers…”

It was the smallest of moans which alerted Jong Kook to what Ji Hyo was doing. “. Are you-“

“I am oppa. But I’d much rather it be you.”

“ you’re killing me here.” Jong Kook groaned as he felt his trousers become tighter. The vivid memories of the night before – how beautiful Ji Hyo looked as he made her come and the way that she looked at him as she him off. The more time he spent with her the more he felt affirmed that Ji Hyo was truly perfect in every way. Not only was she beautiful inside and out, she was shamefully, almost illegally, beautiful when she was under him as he rocked in and out of her. And having a good and vivid memory was truly his downfall in the current situation.

“And I’m going to sleep. Night oppa.”
“Wait what?” He questioned, alarmed. “You can’t-“ Jong Kook chuckled when he was met by the disconnected tone on the other end and groaned as he was only left with the imagination of Ji Hyo pleasuring himself whilst he still had an hour until he arrived. He needed a cold shower when he got to Deagu that’s for sure.

The next day, Jong Kook was certain that he was doomed. It had been four hours of rehearsals and he was slowly losing the will to live due to some of his dancers still making mistakes. He was currently scrutinising some of them who were going over steps with their very frustrated choreographer when Ji Soo came and sat next to him.

“You ok Ji Soo-yah?” He kindly offered his water seeing as she just finished rehearsing.

“Better that I’ve got some water. Thanks oppa.” She chirped. Gap Jin, who was observing from the opposite side of the room, rolled his eyes. It was no secret (to him anyway) that Jong Kook was dating Ji Hyo and that Jong Kook was so much happier as a result. He had known Jong Kook for at least 10 years, and had been with him through highs and lows, yet it was arguably the happiest he had seen his hyung. Jong Kook was so focused on caring for others that it was refreshing to see someone make him so happy and care for him. And to be honest, in Gap Jin’s opinion, there was no one better than Ji Hyo to do that. Not only was she one of the kindest people Gap Jin had the pleasure of knowing, but she was good for him. She was the only one who could put him in his place successfully, the one he trusted the most and the one who was right for him. And working with Jong Kook for more than 10 years and seeing him so happy, he would be damned that it would be ruined by someone like Ji Soo.

“Oppa?”

“Hmm?”

“My knee still hurts when I do squats, could you have a look at it?”

“Oh yeah, I said that I’d take a look huh?” Jong Kook vaguely remembered their text exchange a couple of days ago. “Hmm shall we go into the next room? You know all your moves and the rest of them are still far from finishing going over the moves.” It was an innocent suggestion, to Jong Kook anyway, since he was just genuinely having a look at her posture. He honestly couldn’t bear having one of his best dancers out with an injury a week before the start of his tour.

“Sure!” Jong Kook (somehow) missed how giddy and opportune Ji Soo was as they made their way to the next room. It was a typical dance studio with the added benefits of a high ceiling with loads of natural light with the mirrors along the wall adding to the brightness of the room.

“Where should we start?” It seemed an innocent question was it not for Ji Soo smirking and looking Jong Kook up and down as if he was the last meal on Earth. And of course, Jong Kook was none the wiser.

“Try squatting in front of the mirror and I can have a look.” He smiled back and it sent Ji Soo into much glee. She had always been a fan of his from when she was younger, her older sister playing Turbo songs and Ji Soo making up her own dance moves when she was younger. So, when she saw auditions, considering she had just started her postgraduate degree in dance and needed some sort of income to supplement herself, for his tour, she grabbed the chance. She remembered when she first met Jong Kook, he had kitted out in black (unsurprisingly) and his hair poked through his cap that he had on as he sipped through an iced Americano. He was immediately nice to all the dancers, making an effort to remember all their names, as he talked about how he wanted this tour to be one of the best he had produced. It was to include both Turbo and his own solo songs, a reminiscent tour if you like, for his fans and had immediately struck a conversation with Ji Soo, noting that he saw her talent in her audition tape. It gave her a huge sense of pride that someone that she had previously looked up to as a role model in work ethic gave her a compliment and as a consequence put her in charge of the some of the dancers. She didn’t know exactly when her feelings of admiration turned into something more although she supposed that it didn’t surprise her. The more time she spent with him during rehearsals, the more she began to like everything about him. His work ethic, his kindness to everyone he met, his encouragement to dancers who weren’t perfecting the moves as fast as others and him being a family man and his frequent phone calls to his mother. But perhaps most of all, she loved how he viewed her as any other dancer who had been in the industry a long time. Despite this being her first full professional gig, Jong Kook never viewed her as such. Instead, he treated with her respect immediately and continued to encourage her from her talents. Plus, Ji Soo wasn’t blind. She knew that Jong Kook was handsome.

She did as she was instructed and squatted in front of the mirror as Jong Kook watched her posture from the side.

“Hmm, you keep leaning forward and your knees rolls inwards.” Jong Kook frowned, coming behind her.

“Do you use weights Ji Soo – yah?”

“Yeah.”

“Since you lean forwards it puts unnecessary pressure on your neck and spine. You need to straighten up your back.”

“How oppa?”

Jong Kook put his hands either side of her shoulders, rolling them back with Ji Soo naturally puffing out her chest. “That’s it.” He murmured, not thinking about anything he was doing.

“And my knees oppa?”

“You need to sit back more and place a resistance band to prevent them rolling in.” Ji Soo tried to sit backwards more but struggled and wanted Jong Kook to know it.

“Oppa I still can’t sit back. Can you help?” It was a small whine that came off her lips and honestly Jong Kook should have picked it up. Yet Jong Kook silently placed his hands on her hips, still standing behind her, as he bent her knees but making sure that her hips didn’t lean too forward nor her back curving forward.

“Try now.” It was a whisper that came out of Jong Kook yet it made Ji Soo feel something. Their close proximity, knowing full well that she only had to push her hips back and she would brush against him, something she had dreamed about for years. His hands on her hips burned her, with his touch tantalising her and testing her self-control. She shamelessly admitted to herself numerous times about the thoughts she had about him whilst she laid in bed at night, fingers going down to her as she thought about the things that she wanted him to do to her. After years of dreaming about how he was her ideal man, being in such close proximity to him filled her with butterflies in her stomach.

“Thanks so much oppa.” Again it was a whisper before Ji Soo turned round to face Jong Kook who was slightly alarmed but kept his hands on her waist unconsciously anyway. Ji Soo in a sharp breath as she examined just how close they were, Jong Kook’s lips within touching distance if she tip-toed to meet him. So close yet so far was never truer for Ji Soo.

Simultaneously, Jong Kook looked down to meet Ji Soo’s somewhat hopeful eyes, offering a small smile. He admitted that he liked Ji Soo for she was someone of character and not afraid to put in hard work. Spending some time and sharing conversations gave some insight into her hard life with her mother and trying to support her and he admired that in someone so young and normally embedded in their social life. But there was also something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on – he, for some reason, felt like he had to take care of her and was responsible for her. And that intrigued him.

It was when Jong Kook heard someone opening the door that he pushed Ji Soo away, a sense of guilt overwhelming him despite not doing anything wrong in his mind as such. It was one of the dancers that came in, telling them of a last rehearsal before they would head home, as Ji Soo and Jong Kook followed.

Rehearsals finished with one last run through and Jong Kook let out a sigh as he arrived at

his hotel, immediately dropping his backpack on the floor before heading into the shower. The stresses of organising the tour and ultimately being responsible for everything and everyone meant that if anything was to go wrong or if things looked sub-par, then the blame would be placed on him. Not only that but the staff that worked with him, including sound engineers, dancers, lighting staff and more, were relying on the concert going well to get paid so they could provide for their families, pay rent, get food on the table and other stuff.

As he leant his head back as the stream of hot water hit him, he really wished Ji Hyo was next to him. The time that they spent together in between filming in Jeju-do reminded him how happy she made him, and the effect she had. He noticed It during rehearsals that afternoon, how he couldn’t concentrate, how sluggish he felt and how heavy his body felt in his dance moves. It was noticeable to everyone as well and in all honesty it worried him. He questioned to himself whether Ji Hyo’s effect on him was too much. He knew the positive effects she had on him – she motivated him to work harder for one – but if this was how he was after spending a couple of days with her, questions as to whether he leaned on her too much ran through his mind.

He was eating a light dinner, some mindless TV on in the background, when she called.

“Oppa!” And suddenly all the thoughts he had previously were pushed out of his mind. How could he have those thoughts when hearing her voice immediately put him in a better mood? However, a part of him frowned at the chatter in the background although he knew that it was common for the staff to have dinner after filming but he supposed speaking to her was better than nothing.

“Ji Hyo-yah! How was filming today?”

“Hmmm it was ok. Dong Wook has kept me sane. I miss you though.” He chuckled at the yell of “tell her to stop being violent!” supposedly from Dong Wook in the background. The laughter from Ji Hyo told him that she was happy doing what she loved to do and he felt guilty almost for being jealous of her company. Plus, he trusted her.

“I miss you too.” It was sincere despite the clipped tone and it was something that didn’t go unnoticed by her.

“Give me a minute ok?” Jong Kook supposed it was a staff member as he heard the hustle and bustle of the restaurant dwindled to silence. “You ok oppa?”

“Just stressed I suppose.”

“Hey it’ll be worth it all when your tour starts.”

“Yeah.” Silence. And unlike other silences they had in the past when they were together, it had a tinge of uncomfortableness, making Ji Hyo nervous. She was almost painfully aware that due to filming she had no choice but to be away from Jong Kook but couldn’t help but think if it was that which made Jong Kook well not… himself. Maybe he had taken them being apart harder than she had or it was that coupled with the stress of rehearsals. Either way, it worried her.

“You ok oppa?”

“I said I was stressed Ji Hyo-yah.”

“Oh.” Another uncomfortable silence and Jong Kook seriously wanted to kick himself. The one person who could make him feel better and he was an absolute towards her. “I’ve got to get back but take care of yourself ok? I know what you’re like oppa. Love you.” Even over the phone Jong Kook could tell that she was upset.

And because Jong Kook was an idiot, he didn’t answer and she took that silence as his answer, ending the call with a strange feeling washing over both of them. People often spoke of a so called honeymoon period in couples, where things are bliss and couples are almost blinded by love so that the other person can’t do anything wrong in their eyes, and Ji Hyo was left wondering if this was the end of said period. If it was then it would be short but she supposed that their relationship was hardly a normal one, considering they had been good friends for nearer to 10 years before delving into a romantic relationship. Thoughts of Jong Kook possibly having had enough of her plagued her mind or the fact that he thought that being in a relationship with her wasn’t what he thought it’d be yet tried to convince herself that they were merely that – thoughts.

Jong Kook on the other hand was left cursing himself. The stresses of the last few days of tour preparation were real, something that was normal, yet something else made him act that way to Ji Hyo although he couldn’t put his finger on it. But whatever it was he knew he needed to make up for it. He groaned as he put his dishes in the sink, not having the energy to wash them, before gladly letting the day end.

The next day of rehearsals were busy, annoyingly so for Jong Kook since he had barely any time to call Ji Hyo to apologise. Instead, Jong Kook was left groaning when he checked his phone before they headed out for a staff meeting when he saw that he had 5 missed calls and 7 text messages. Ji Hyo was right in guessing that he was busy with rehearsals yet the final one – You must be busy. Speak tomorrow. Love you. – and it left Jong Kook with a heavy heart as he scrolled up and read all of them. It was then when he decided that he had to do something as he dialled Ji Hyo’s number, praying that she would pick up in the hopes of explaining that he isn’t an absolute .

“Oppa?”

“Ji Hyo-yah!”

“You must have been busy huh?”

“Yeah sorry about that.”

“Why are you sorry?” She laughed and Jong Kook honestly thought he was in heaven just hearing it. “You’re busy it happens.”

“Still… how was your day?”

“Good. We film the last honeymoon scene tomorrow and then I’ll be back home on the evening flight.”

“I’ll be in Deagu…”

“I know. But you’re coming up to Seoul after Busan right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then I’ll see you then Sparta. I’m sure you can last a week and a half.”

“Trust me it’s hard.” He pouted, a smirk forming nonetheless.

“Oh you’ll be fine you big baby.” Ji Hyo chuckled. She remembered when she had met Jong Kook during an episode of Family Outing and being wary of his big and muscular build, something that carried on in the initial filming days of Running Man. It was obvious that he was “a lad” – comfortable with hanging out with the guys where he tended to lead whatever was going on, and immediately becoming like a small mouse in front of women that he was unfamiliar with. It had intrigued Ji Hyo as to how a seemingly confident man could become shy, stuttering and so anxious of his actions dependent on the company whom he was with. Initial conversations were awkward, not knowing what to do when it was just them two in a room together, with only pleasantries being exchanged as a way to pass the time. Ji Hyo remembered dreading being in the room with Jong Kook alone, with the overbearing awkwardness filling the room between them, her fidgeting with her hands in nervousness whilst Jong Kook tried to think of things to say. Yet, the more time they spent together, getting to know each other, the nervousness disappeared and she got a glimpse into the “real” Jong Kook. The Jong Kook that cared for everyone who was close to him as well as the one who would hand a bottle of water nonchalantly. It was when she saw how much pride he had in his close friends whenever they released a new album or were involved in a new drama or film and she supposed, in hindsight, it was this that slowly made her fall for him. His infectious personality meant that Ji Hyo was able to slowly but surely let down her guards around him, telling some of her secrets whilst they had lunch together. He slowly became her rock, being able to go to him for whatever the issues – whether professional or personal – as well as becoming the person to lay everything to when things got too much for her. In essence, slowly but surely, he became her everything.

“Hey Ji Hyo, you coming?” Jong Kook frowned when he heard a man call her. “Coming! Sorry oppa I’ve-“

“Got to go?”

“Yeah. Sorry oppa.”

“Never be sorry if it’s work related Ji Hyo – yah.” He smiled. He knew how important acting was for her, like singing was for him, so he truly didn’t mind.

“What are you doing tonight? I could call you after I finish.”

“Nah, I’ll just go to the gym and have an early night. These idiots are driving me insane.” He muttered.

“I’ll call you tomorrow then oppa. I love you.”

“Love you too beautiful.” He mustered the happiness he could to say it, yet he was only left with an overwhelming sense of guilt when he hung up the phone. It was just an innocent team dinner to discuss logistics, then why did he feel so incredibly guilty?

The dinner that night was boring in Jong Kook’s point of view. It had started out well, the stage team advising a change in the setting of the stage due to the stage being smaller than expected and the sound and lighting team ironing out a proposed new transition tomorrow to give Jong Kook and his dancers more time to get changed. He was sandwiched in between Ji Soo and head of the sound team, something which Ji Soo took advantage of considering 7 of them were sat round a small table. She had casually leaned in closer into his personal space, muttering a small ‘sorry’ only to be met with a reassuring smile and the small skinships – the small leaning into him when she laughed and the one hand she put on his arm when he made a joke as if it was the funniest thing in the world when, in reality, a child could come up with something funnier. Gap Jin raised an eyebrow when he saw Ji Soo hug him suddenly when his side of the table won a drinking game and raised it even higher when Jong Kook returned it, squeezing her slightly in happiness. They had certainly been suspicious, the two of them wrapped up in their own conversation for the majority of the dinner, even as people filed out and heading home. It was just him, Jong Kook, Ji Soo and two other staff members when one of the staff brought the topic up.

“So Jong Kook, don’t you have any plans for marriage?”

“Just got to find the right woman I suppose hyung.” He chuckled, others none the wiser that he already had. The more he thought about it, the more sure he was that he had been so stupid in leaving it so late to confess, what with the mess with his ex.

“How about… what’s her name? Ji Hyun? Ji-?”

“Ji Hyo?” He politely prompted.

“Yeah! She’s pretty and seems really nice.” Gap Jin smirked, even if Jong Kook and Ji Hyo were really going out, Jong Kook couldn’t admit it in any way or show any preference towards her despite wanting to. Ji Soo on the hand suddenly found her rice more interesting, poking at the few grains left with her chopsticks, as she felt jealousy rise inside her. She was sure Ji Hyo was nice as a person, yet she would be lying if she said she wasn’t jealous of their friendship. Just through viewing episodes she could see how close they were, the small touches here and there and the way they gravitated towards each other she could tell they were close and working with him in preparation for the tour made her want the same type of relationship. No, she yearned for a relationship that was more than what he and Ji Hyo had whilst filming.

“No, she’s like family to me.”

“Any man would be lucky to have her. I bet she’d be good in be-“

“Again, she’s like my sister so I’d rather not have an image in my head.” Jong Kook cut off, teeth gritted. It made him ridiculously angry at how many times Ji Hyo – and other females in the industry – were going to be ualised because of their looks. Granted, no one could deny how beautiful she was and after having had with her multiple times he of all people would know, but that was for him. Ji Hyo was insanely talented as an actress, able to pull off a variety of roles, yet that seemed to get overlook in favour of her looks and it angered him so long, witnessing it on the side.

“I get it Jong Kook-ah.” The elder staff chuckled as he downed a shot of Soju.

Conversation died down again yet Jong Kook was still angry, unable to stomach more food, which Ji Soo seemed to notice. She offered a small smile, asking him if he was all right by tapping his leg to which he merely nodded, and that seemed to help, anger dissipating almost instantly. Watching this across the table, Gap Jin frowned.

Goodbyes were loud, with plenty of ‘see you tomorrow’s, as the remaining people parted ways. Jong Kook offered to drop Ji Hyo off along the way to which she politely declined, not wanting to seem desperate (much to Gap Jin’s relief), as finally Jong Kook was able to get to his hotel and get some damn rest.

---------------

Word Count: 5228

A/N: So uh the monthly update didn’t quite work out 😅 But I have an explanation for that! I’ve accepted a new job which I will be starting in September and so have been having all my training for it and making sure the paperwork is all sorted so it’s been a busy couple of weeks ahahha. And speaking of job, I'm completely aware that I won't be able to spend as much time writing when I start (it's a full time job afterall) so I'll be thinking of wrapping up the story in the last couple of chapters soon. But I'll keep you all updated! You've all been amazing in keeping updated and giving me your comments - I love reading them! 

Other than that, I hope you’re all safe! Please be careful and wear a mask if you can!