A/N: For a better reading experience, put Moriah Peter's "I'll Wait For You" and Crush's "Beautiful" on loop. I swear.

[ THE PRESENT ]

Her eyes sparkled with all the choices set out for her. Sun Hee was no stranger to jewelry; she could usually pick one with ease and leave. But today, her purchase was different from the rest. 

She tapped her fingers against the glass.

"That looks pretty."

"Yes, the bird is a popular choice for our customers," said the attendant, "Especially for couples."

"Do you have others?"

"Others?"

"Like other animals?"

The attendant smiled. "We can customize according to your wants," she said pleasantly, "You'll have to give us your recommendations and wait three days."

Sun Hee counted the hours and schedules in her mind then beamed. 

"That's perfect."

"Why don't I bring you to our expert jeweler and he'll handle your requests?" asked the attendant, getting a notepad and inviting Sun Hee to come with her. "Is it for your boyfriend?"

The actress tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, smiling sheepishly. 

[ TWO WEEKS AGO ]

"Do you like Ju Han?"

The question was so abrupt, it startled Sun Hee in her seat. 

Detective Lee, however, seemed so calm. Nothing about his face or voice suggested that he just asked her about her love life or Ju Han. Eyes straight ahead and both hands on the wheel, Lee Hyuk said nothing else, which indicated to Sun Hee that it was her turn to talk. 

"Excuse me?" she asked.

He glanced at her. 

"I asked if you like Ju Han."

Are you okay? Does it still hurt? Do you need medicine? None of these questions came out of his mouth. Granted, he asked the first two during their trip to the emergency room, but Sun Hee expected him to follow up these questions. Except he didn't. The choice of question, however, sort of stirred her interests (she was dead tired already).

"I...in what terms?"

He made a right. "Are there terms?"

"Do you mean romantically or as a friend?"

He shrugged. "Whatever you think."

It was odd that he seemed so calm, but the questions he asked were so loaded -- at least, that's what she thought. Why not pull his trigger?

"Ju Han's cool," she began, "He's a nice guy and he treats me well. He can be a bit corny sometimes, but I guess it's part of his charm."

"So, you think he's cute?"

"He is cute. I mean, he's more than cute. He's dead handsome."

"Your type?"

"I guess."

"Do you like him?"

He asked for the third time. 

"Why are you so interested?"

Lee Hyuk stopped the car at the red light all of a sudden, causing Sun Hee to wobble a bit in her seat. But the abrupt stop did not distract her from her purpose. She kept a keen eye on the Detective as he looked around and waited for the Go signal. He didn't seem bothered with her question. 

"I just want to know," he answered.

"Why?" she asked again.

"Should there be a reason?"

"Of course!" 

Her exclamation was too high pitched for her liking, but the Detective didn't seem to mind. He immediately started the car running once the light hit green. He still kept his mouth shut, lips sealed. 

It felt like one of their normal car rides together -- Sun Hee badgering the Detective with the oddest of questions or stories. Admittedly, it was a nice break from the sudden gap between them these past days. But there was also something different in how Lee Hyuk was asking her questions, particularly this one. She had a feeling, but it was...impossible.

"Isn't it possible that I'm just interested?" he asked.

"Why would you be interested?" she shot back.

Again, he didn't reply.

The way they conversed, you'd think they didn't just encounter a gang scenario at the mall hours ago. It felt like a normal night and Sun Hee was grateful for it, but she was so antsy with Lee Hyuk becoming mysterious again. 

"Anyone who's interested is only one of two things: A) you're bored and you want to know why I'm wasting my life with Ju Han or B) you want to date me. I don't think any of those are your options -- "

"We're here."

He cut her off as he parked right in front of her apartment. Two guards from the station were already waiting by the door.

Sun Hee looked at the detective in disbelief -- the latter clueless to her reaction. Knowing him, she expected that it was going to be another open-ended night with the Detective. She was too tired to push anyway, so she figured she would rather stop. After all, she's had too much drama in a lifetime. 

"Are you doing anything tomorrow?" he asked.

The Detective adjusted in his seat and was looking at her. 

"I have a script reading in the morning, but nothing after that. Why?"

It was obvious that he was hesitating with something; she could see it in his eyes. He leaned forward. "There's somewhere we have to go -- if you're free, that is," he said.

One of the guards opened her side of the door, startling the actress. She was too focused with the detective (and his eyes) that she failed to notice the guards inviting her to come inside her apartment. 

"Miss...you can come--"

"Wait just a moment!" she exclaimed, glaring at the guard and returning her attention to Lee Hyuk. He was surprised with her sudden exclamation, but Sun Hee wasn't going to let him get away.

"Where are you taking me?"

"Just somewhere."

"Why?"

There was a matter-of-fact expression on his face. "I guess...I just wanted to take you out."

----

"Are you serious?"

Sun Hee couldn't contain her shock. Lee Hyuk, on the other hand, seemed surprised with her shock. He was probably wondering why she was surprised. 

Just an hour ago, Sun Hee wrapped up her first script reading for her new drama and it was the first time she saw some light in her career. Despite being the second lead, it was better than being the third or fourth lead. She already liked her character: a quirky rookie detective who is best friends with the male lead. Given her countless experiences with the law (thanks to her stalker), she swore to portray the role as authentic as possible. 

When she got out of the studio, she was surprised to see Lee Hyuk outside -- leaning casually and looking at his watch ever so often. 

It slipped her mind that he said he wanted to take her out. 

He didn't actually say where he was taking her. When she asked, he kept quiet. 

So when he led her towards the local amusement park, her jaws dropped. 

"Why did you take me here?" she asked him. 

Hyuk stared at her, very confused. "Don't you like amusement parks?"

"I do. I like them, I mean, they're fun," she answered, "But...I don't get it. Do you have an investigation here? Are you going to get another eyewitness report?"

"Why would I do that here?"

"Why would you bring me here?"

He shoved his hands in his coat pockets. "To distract you," he said, "I know you've had a rough couple of days. My mother used to say that amusement parks are one of the best places on earth."

It was the afternoon of a weekday. There were only small groups of people visiting the small amusement park and Lee Hyuk stood in the middle of them all, hands in his pockets and observant. As he stood there, Sun Hee was still trying to make sense of the situation. What in the world convinced him to bring her here?

Not that she didn't want to, but there was something odd.

"Shall we get going?" he asked. 

"Where?"

"I don't know. Where do you want to ride?"

"Are you serious?"

Everything seemed so surreal for the actress; she couldn't believe it. All these months with Lee Hyuk were the same: the station, the set, stoicness, rigid schedules, and her trying to break his shell. Now, here they were -- in an amusement park and the detective asking her where she wanted to ride first. 

"Do I look like I'm kidding?" he asked.

"Is this part of your new protection service?"

"Is it really that hard to believe that I'm doing this on my own?"

His deadpan voice had more conviction as he stared at her with those eyes. Before Sun Hee could react, he was already observing again, staring at the cotton candy with subtle disdain. He was obviously not a big fan of amusement parks, but he brought her here because 1) his mother said it was one of the happiest places on earth and 2) he wanted to distract her.

She felt touched. 

Sun Hee spotted a tiny shop that sold funny hats, headbands, and accessories. He did say that he wanted to distract her, right?

"Well, if you're serious," she said, smiling at him and grabbing his hand, "Come with me."

----

She had to stop staring, she knew that. But it was so damn hard. She'd been doing it since they got there.

Lee Hyuk, on the other hand, was clueless to that fact. He was busy staring at the group of kids climbing up and down the ladder (which lit up with every step they took), sipping his cup of iced coffee, head bent forward (he looked like a child whenever he did this). It was already his third cup since they sat down; apparently, caffeine was the best remedy after he almost threw up after the roller coaster ride. 

Hair still in disarray and face very much pale, Hyuk was still recovering from the rides. Despite his mini suffering, Sun Hee couldn't help but adore him in secret. 

Apart from the fact that he was wearing an angel's halo headband (he accepted the accesory grudgingly, choosing that over the bunny ears she suggested), she found out that he really wasn't a big fan of big rides. Carousels and merry-go-rounds were fine, but when she suggested the Vikings ride, his face automatically went paler.

"I'll just watch," he said.

"But what's the point of bringing me here if you're going to make me ride alone?" she countered.

And that's how Lee Hyuk ended up riding almost everything. From the roller coaster to the terrifying horror house ride, he forced himself to hop in with her. By the end of it, he was so dizzy, he had to hold on to Sun Hee as she guided him towards the food court where they got the coffee. 

Now, he was still fixated with the kids and his coffee.

There was a warm feeling that came with watching him. Was it because this was the first time she had seen him in a normal setting? Or because he really looked adorable with that angel's halo?

"Are you okay?" she asked him.

The detective sipped the last drop of coffee, took a deep breath before he looked at her.

"I think I can walk again," he told her.

"So, you're game for another round of roller coasters?"

He gulped. She laughed.

"I was kidding. Do you want to try the arcades?" 

Lee Hyuk smirked. "Are you sure?" he asked, "I'm pretty good at them."

"Wow now," she remarked, "Is it me or are you challenging my skills?"

"I'm not. I'm just stating facts."

"Huh," said Sun Hee, staring at him, "Well, Detective Lee, it would be a shame if a woman beat you at a game of basketball."

"Try me."

She did try him and he was right -- he was that good. Compared to the rides, Hyuk had more fun shooting, driving, and whacking at the arcade center. He laughed when she failed to score more, smirked when he won for the nth time, and smiled crookedly when she cheated to win air hockey. 

He was having fun.

It was a new sight for Sun Hee, seeing him like this.

She didn't tell him, but secretly, she wanted the moment to last a little longer.

[ 12 DAYS AGO ]

"Punch! Kick! One more time!"

Sun Hee mustered up all her strength as she punched and kicked the bag in front of her. Her trainer continued to encourage her, telling her to channel all of her energies towards the bag. 

It was day one of her training for the new crime drama. Unlike the previous one she took, this role required her to be more physically active because she'd have a lot of fight scenes. She had just finished rounds of sparring sessions; now, she was building her muscles. The punches and kicks gave her a surge of adrenaline rush, she couldn't help but love it.

All the stresses of the past week, chanelled in her punches.

The rookies from the Gangnam police station were also astounded with her performance. She could see them gaping at her, albeit trying to be subtle about it. But Sun Hee didn't mind; she loved it.

"Okay, that's a wrap!" announced her trainer, "Good job, Sun Hee."

The actress smiled as she grabbed her bottle of water and started chugging. 

"Do some cool downs by the middle, honey," he said, "Tomorrow, I'll see you again for another round."

"Can't we just do it now?"

"It's already nearly midnight, little miss," teased the trainer, "You've been working hard. Plus, I think those kids," referring to the rookie officers, "Need to get some shut-eye. I understand they can't leave you, right?"

She sighed. "True. Alright," she said, "I'll do some cool downs and I'll hit the showers."

"Atta girl!"

It took her a total of an hour to cool down her body, take a shower, and end her session. She thanked her trainer for the good session, saying she couldn't wait for tomorrow (she really couldn't; she was excited to start with the fight scenes). As she made her way out, the new boys tailed her, both of them rigid and also admiring her from afar. 

"Do you really have to drive me?" she asked them, "Won't your mothers look for you?"

"We just have to keep you safe, Miss Kim."

"We'll let you drive on your own if you like!"

The first one bopped the second one on the head, reprimanding him for being so lax with security. Sun Hee, however, agreed with the second rookie. She didn't want to bother them anymore. 

"Look boys, just help me hail a cab. Take down the number and put a tracker," she told them, "If your superiors get mad, tell them I made you. I just need to eat in peace."

"Miss Kim, we can't do that."

"Yeah we have to follow you."

"Guys I'm not feeling it."

"But -- "

"I'll take it from here."

All three were startled at the deep voice. 

Lee Hyuk was leaning casually against his car, almost as if he had been waiting there for hours. Sun Hee looked at her watch; it was already past midnight. What was he doing there?

"Sunbae!" greeted the two, "Why are you here?"

Good question.

"To Miss Sun Hee," he answered.

"But you're not scheduled," answered one of the interns, "Not this week."

"I know that."

"Why are you here?"

Again, good question.

Hyuk was getting annoyed with all the questions; it showed on his face. He sighed. "I don't remember teaching you to ask me questions -- unless I'm a suspect," he retorted, "I'm not. So, do as I say: go home and leave Miss Kim to me."

Before he could rip their heads off, the interns bowed quickly, apologizing, and headed off to their car, leaving Sun Hee with the Grim Reaper of Violent Crimes. 

"Okay, I know you told them off for asking you," she began, "But again...why are you here?"

He looked at her as if she was missing out on the obvious. "To take you home," he answered.

"It's not your turn."

"Does it have to be my turn?"

"Well... you don't usually pick me up or guard me when it's not on your schedule," she said, "Can you blame me for wondering?"

For a second, the detective was out of words. What would be his explanation.

"Are you hungry?" was all he said.

"What?"

"You just finished your training," he explained, "I know a good samgyupsal place nearby. Do you want to try it?"

Again with the matter-of-fact tone and the face devoid of various expressions. 

"Are you sure?" she asked, "Didn't you just get off the station?"

"Yeah. Drug case."

"Investigation?"

"Interrogation and bust."

His face showed he was tired from the day's lineup of activities; she could see those dark circles under his eyes. But instead of going to sleep, he decided to drop by and take her out for food. 

"Are you sure?" she asked again, "Don't you want to get some rest? I'll be fine."

"I could get some rest, but I also want to eat."

"Aren't there any samgyupsal places near your station?"

"There are, but I'd rather be here."

"Why?"

As always, he didn't answer the question. He just opened the door for her. 

"Come on," he said, "Before the good meat gets snuffed."

She just stared up at him, hoping to get some answers. Lee Hyuk also stared back at her, stubbornly silent. 

Sun Hee had a lot of questions, but it seemed like she wasn't going to get any answers. Instead of arguing, she just got inside and waited for the detective to enter his side of the car. Once he was settled in, they strapped on their seat belts. 

"Ugh, mine's too short," she complained, "Who sat here before me?"

"A witness. Smaller than both of us."

She pulled again. "I can't get it to lock."

"So impatient," remarked Hyuk, leaning forward to tug at her belt. Sun Hee gasped a little as he edged closer, still pulling. He was too busy with the belt that he didn't notice they were only two inches apart. The actress, however, noticed; she could already see how long his lashes were. Has his nose always been that straight? Why did his lips look like petals from where she looked?

It took the detective approximately 5 seconds to notice she was staring. 

There was silence. 

Only the click of the seatbelt distracted them.

"There you go," he said, "All buckled up."

He cleared his throat as he adjusted back to his seat, leaving Sun Hee all flustered, Her cheeks were red; she was grateful it was dark inside his car; otherwise, he'd see.

"So, do you want to eat?" he asked.

[ THREE DAYS AGO ]

"I swear Jin Hae, I don't know what to think of it."

"Don't be stupid; you know you do! You know what's happening. He just hasn't said anything."

Sun Hee couldn't help but smile as she closed her script. She was done memorizing for tomorrow's scenes. It was a miracle she got through the 10-pages; she had been distracted all day, racking her brains as she tried to make sense of Lee Hyuk. 

"So, do you think it's possible?"

Jin Hae raised an eyebrow. "Girl, that supposedly cold man has been seeing you everyday since last week. You say he turns up at the oddest of times and brings you everywhere," she recounted, "Might I remind you that you spent three hours laughing your heads off at a samgyupsal place? And that he accompanied you to the mall to help you buy your shoes? That he took you to a local park for a 'breather'?" 

"Don't forget the sudden night visit to check if I was okay."

"That too!" exclaimed Jin Hae, "He wasn't like this. I mean, yeah, he used to be around a lot, but not like this. You know what I mean!"

Sun Hee contained her giggles, forcing herself to open her mirror and gaze at her reflection. "But this sounds like a colossal joke, Jin Hae," she said, "This is the Detective -- the cold, soulless guy who didn't give a damn before. Don't you think it's impossible?"

"Why would it be?" countered Jin Hae, "It's not like he's out of your league and vice versa! Plus, you know you want it to be true."

As Jin Hae finished her mocha frappe, Sun Hee mulled over the facts and her basket of feelings. Of course she wanted it to be true, but the detective hasn't formally said anything. His actions were far off from what he was before (albeit sometimes stoic and still rigid); never in her wildest dreams did she think Lee Hyuk actually could care. 

Her phone beeped.

Someone texted her.

"Oh could it be your dreamy detective?" teased Jin Hae. Sun Hee smiled and opened her phone. 

It was Ju Han. 

Hey, sorry if I've been out for a while. Had to go to the SMPA to finish stuff. Can I take you out tonight please?

Sun Hee's smile faltered as she remembered Ju Han -- the handsome inspector. She hadn't heard from him in a week because he did had to go back to the SMPA. The last time they saw each other, they got mixed up with bad company, and he visited her in the hospital, apologizing for the nth time. He was a sweet pea, she had to admit -- all adorable and dedicated. 

But if she was going to be honest --

"It's Ju Han," she said.

"Oh, the other guy?"

"Yep."

"What about him?"

"He wants to go out."

"Wow," remarked Jin Hae, "What are you going to do about it? Doesn't this guy really like you?"

Sun Hee stared at her phone and sighed.

What was the right thing to do?

---

"...and I might move back to the SMPA next week," Ju Han was saying, "My superiors miss me, apparently. So they just want me to wrap up what I have at Gangnam and head back."

Sun Hee nodded absentmindedly, still focused on her drink.

"It was a nice run at Ganganam and I still can help out with your stalker problems when I have time," he continued, "It's a plus, really."

"How is that a plus?" she asked.

His eyes sparkled. "I have an excuse to see you."

They were in the middle of a super fancy coffee shop. Sun Hee always wondered how Ju Han afforded these pretty pricey dates; during their White Week, he brought her to expensive shops. It was then she found out that the chef thing was also real; he did high-class cooking for his family's restaurant whenever he had the time. His sample of dishes were proof of his talent.

Handsome, a good cook, and a gentleman -- anyone would say Cha Ju Han was THE dreamboat. As he sat opposite her, holding his cup of tea and smiling like a demi god, she knew any girl would know that.

But somehow, Sun Hee would rather sit in a shady samgyupsal place and inhale all the smoke...with someone else.

"Ju Han," she began.

"Yes, Sun Hee?"

"There's something you have to know."

There was no certainty in the aftermath of this conversation. Sun Hee was just acting on a hunch; for all she knew, she could be letting a good catch go. Ju Han would make any girl happy, but it might not be her. 

"You're not dumping me, are you?"

He was torn between a joke and a serious question -- those exquisite eyes of his questioning her. 

"We had a great White Week, didn't we?" he continued, "And if you're wondering about dating a witness, there's nothing wrong about that. Just as long as we keep thing professional in the station -- "

"It's not that."

"Then what is it?" he asked, "Are you really dumping me?"

Sun Hee could already see the hurt and confusion in his eyes. To be fair, however, they weren't anything serious yet, but he did invest much during their White Week. It's not just the money; he told her much about himself and listened to all of her stories. They had great conversations, they really did. She enjoyed the attention he gave.

"You're a great guy, Ju Han. You really are," she said, "I really enjoyed the White Week and all those hours you gave. You're definitely a guy for keeps, I swear."

"But?"

She sighed. This was hard.

"Don't you like me?" he asked.

"I do, it's just that---"

She paused. Sun Hee didn't know how to break it to him. It should be easy; how hard was it to say? Was it because this was the first time she felt something real? 

Or was it because she was uncertain of the next step?

"There's someone else, huh?"

She was surprised when he broke the news to himself. It was almost as if Ju Han was expecting it, judging from the expression on his face. All Sun Hee could do was look down. 

What was she supposed to say? 

"I'm sorry, Ju Han," she said, looking up at him, "If I lead you on, I'm so sorry. It's not my intention, believe me. You really are a great guy --"

"He's just greater?"

She wondered why he talked as if he knew who it was. 

"It's not like that," she explained, "I guess I just really like him a lot. Since the beginning. I tried un-liking him, believe me. But...I don't know. I must be crazy."

"Does he like you back?"

Good question.

For a second, Sun Hee felt trapped. Ju Han was going to think of a comeback because to be honest, she didn't know if he did like her back. For all she knew, everything could be a misunderstanding again and she'd end up looking stupid. 

"It doesn't matter," she answered, "That's what I feel right now. I'd rather like him and he not like me back than lie to myself, don't you think?"

Silence. 

"Wow," remarked Ju Han after seconds of pause, "You must really like this guy."

"I do. I'm crazy, I told you. Another reason why you shouldn't date me."

"I like you because you're crazy."

He was looking at her with a purpose. For a second, Sun Hee thought that he would fight for his case. She couldn't blame him if he did; she didn't exactly seem confident with her future. But whatever he said, she would have one response. She didn't want to lead him on anymore anyway; Cha Ju Han deserved more than that. 

"Okay, I understand."

He set down his cup and smiled at her. 

"You're right, I can't make you lie to yourself," he continued, "I'm a little disappointed right now, but I can't make you like me, right?"

There was a wounded expression on his face; it made Sun Hee feel bad for him. But there was also an optimistic tone in his voice. 

"Ju Hanah..."

He reached out for her hands and closed it with his. "You're a very special girl, Sun Hee. I hope you know that. It's one of the reasons I was instantly drawn to you," he said, "This guy better be worth your time, because if not -- I will beat him down, I swear. He's won too many times and I have to say -- this is one of the wins that I hate."

She smiled sympathetically at him.

"But I can always hope, can't I?" he added, "When he messes up, I'll be here. You know that, right?"

Sun Hee laughed. "I hope there won't be a need for that. But if it does happen, feel free."

Ju Han's blinding smile brightened up the room. He looked disappointed, but Sun Hee knew that he understood where she was coming from. She breathed a sigh of relief before remembering the uncertainty.

---

Ju Han pecked her on the cheek before he said his goodbyes. She watched as he entered his car, saying he'll see her soon, and eventually drive off.  She thought this day would end on a negative tone. Sun Hee was very grateful that Inspector Cha understood; he did, however, insist that he would always wait in the wings, expecting the other guy to mess up.

The other guy hasn't even said anything. She wasn't even sure if he was going to confirm or deny anything.

Sun Hee didn't know, but she didn't care. 

It was better this way.

She embraced herself as she stood on the top step of the cafe's entrance. It was pretty cold outside and her coat was not enough to shield her from the winds. It was time to get going. 

Just as Sun Hee was about to go down, she caught sight of a familiar figure.

Across the street stood the detective, both hands inside his coat pockets. 

He was here again. 

Lee Hyuk looked up at her, his red lips slightly parted. Again, there was no reason for him to be there. But similar to the past days, without fail, he was where she was again. 

He walked towards her.

She stepped down towards him. 

That look in his eyes indiciated that there was definitely something different this time around. 

Once they reached the middle, they met. 

His eyes glanced at the departing car then at Sun Hee. He was probably wondering what Ju Han was doing there. She might have some explaining to do, but she was unsure where she stood with him. This could be just another part of his extended protection service. But as he stood in front of her, she couldn't help but strongly hope that she was wrong. 

He didn't say anything anymore. 

The detective unwrapped the scarf he wore around his neck. Before she could say anything, he gently wrapped the scarf around her, giving it a gentle pat to see if she was warm enough. 

Despite the absence of words, Sun Hee strongly felt that she could be wrong with her assumptions. 

He could prove her uncertainty.

[ THE PRESENT -- 3 DAYS LATER ]

Sun Hee clutched the small paper bag in her hands, heart full of hope. 

She didn't know what was going to happen next. She finally decided to ask him the real score. He could say otherwise; he could take back everything, but she had a good feeling he wouldn't. Hopefully. 

Whatever the day would bring, she wouldn't mind. 

She was going to see him again.

Her smile couldn't get wider than it already was.

A/N: I actually had the time to write during my mini vacation! The ideas just kept coming and I hope I did well. I'm always after doing justice to the original story while adding my personal opinions through fan fiction. I read somewhere in the comments that I should try to inject the old Sunny x Wang Yeo in their reincarnated versions. I'll try dear readers, but for now, enjoy Lee Hyuk and Kim Sun Hee. 

I guess you know what's going to happen next. :)