After their make out session ended upon the sudden call of Hanteo, the two stayed in a warm embrace for a few minutes, not saying anything, just listening to each other's heartbeat. Junmyeon pulled away first. 

"You should probably get changed now. I'll whip you up a sandwich so you'll have something to eat on your way to Music Bank." he cups Jieun's chin in his left hand and playfully ruffles her hair with his right hand. 

"I probably should." she nods, and gets up to go to her bedroom to change her clothes.

While waiting, Junmyeon prepared a packed tuna sandwich for her. Jieun changed into an oversized grey sweater and ripped skinny jeans. Her hair and make up will be done by her stylists once she arrives at the set of Music Bank. She'll also change to her stage outfit with the help of her Johee-unnie and Hyesun there. 

"You ready to go?" Junmyeon asks, the packed sandwich in hand.

"Yup! I'll just wear my shoes when we get to the foyer." she slings her hand bag on her shoulder.

She walks towards the main entrance door and Junmyeon follows her lead. She picks up a pair of sneakers in her shoe cabinet and puts it on hastily.

Junmyeon gives her the packed sandwich. "Here, hold this first." he kneels in front of her.

"Junmyeon-ssi, what are you -"

he reaches for her shoe laces and ties it for her.

"There, all better." he stands up, facing her. "I know you get clumsy most of the time, you might trip on your way there. I can't have you get hurt again, you just cut your finger earlier." 

Jieun could feel the butterflies in her stomach. "T-thanks, Junmyeon-ssi. You shouldn't have. I'll get going then?" she bit her lip. She's about to set off for the door but was halted mid-stride as Junmyeon reached for her hand. 

"Oh, one more thing." he moves closer to her. 

"Yes?" she blinked at him in surprise.

He leans his face inches away from hers and plants a kiss on her forehead. "For good luck." he pulls away. 

"Thank you ... oppa. Can I call you that from now on?" she pleaded.

"Why not? I'd love to hear you call me oppa, Jieun-ah. Can I call you that? Jieun-ah?" he inquired. 

"Sure, oppa."  she then proceeds to give him a peck on the lips. 

They both smiled at each other and head towards the door. Junmyeon waits with Jieun until she gets into the elevator, both of their minds and hearts full of today's events. 

----

Back at his apartment, Junmyeon couldn't hold it any longer and dialed Sehun's number. 

"Hey, it's late at night, what do you want Jun..." Sehun grumbled, his voice sounded like he just woke up from a deep slumber.

"Sehun-ah, I ... I did it." Junmyeon whispered, biting his nails anxiously.

"Huh? Did what?" 

"I ... kissed her... I kissed ... Jieun-ah. No, uh we .. we made out .. just now." Junmyeon stammered and ran his right hand through his hair. "Her face was just so close to me and I couldn't help it but dive right in."

"kissed ..... YOU KISSED YOUR IU-SSI? No no no, let me rephrase that. YOU MADE OUT WITH YOUR IU-SSI?" Sehun bellowed out, the sleepiness in his voice now all gone. "Wahhhh.. you're really on another level Kim Junmyeon, thought you'll never make a move and just stare at her with your puppy eyes forever, pleading for her to pay attention to you." he teased. 

"Ya, you're too much. I don't stare at her like that, okay, maybe I do. I don't know man, I'm being all giddy about it. I haven't felt this way for a long time, you know? I'm scared. What if I mess it up again?"

"Okay listen to me man, there's no harm in trying. Don't push her away just because you're scared of getting hurt again, she doesn't deserve that. Pursue her, go on dates with her. You clearly like her, heck you're already head over heels for her, and after what happened, she clearly likes you too. So, go for it man. You deserve to be happy too." Sehun adviced him firmly.

Will I ever receive love from someone who is like me?

Junmyeon immediately thought of the lyrics from one of IU's latest songs, Ending Scene. 

"You know what? You're right. I won't waste time anymore and express my feelings towards her. Thanks man." he ended the call and proceeded to text Jieun. 

--- 

After picking Jieun in the apartment complex, Hanteo drove to Kakao M office to pick up the whole team before going to the Music Bank set. 

During the car ride, the whole team is bantering as always. Most of the time, it's always Hyesun and Johee who's always joking with each other. 

Hyesun is looking at a photo of her and Junmyeon, when she requested to have one with him during break time at set. 

"Ugh, I really miss Mr. Vice President and his handsome handsome face." Hyesun pouts. "Jieun-unnie! When would you be seeing Mr. Vice President again? Is it for the press conference? Seriously, those who get to see him on a daily basis are very lucky. His secretary must love her job so much, oh scratch that, I'd rather be his neighbor."

Jieun who's leisurely drinking water almost spit it out with Hyesun's statement. She wanted to tell them that she's not only affiliated with him because of her contract, but that in fact he's her neighbor. She'd been wanting to tell the whole IU Team, even her managers doesn't know yet and she considers them family already, it's just that for the past 3 weeks, both her and Junmyeon were not in good terms. But with what happened to them earlier, she'd rather keep it between the two of them for now. 

"Ummm... I think the press conference would be a few months from now, Hyesunie." Jieun calmly replied while she closed the lid of her bottled water. 

Hyesun pouted even more. "Yaaaa, Hyesunieee stop crushing on Mr. Vice President already. He probably has a girlfriend already. A man like that, he must have a lot of admirers like you." Johee chimed on their conversation. Although already blushing, Jieun tried her best to keep her cool and not let others notice her unusual behavior. Her phone suddenly buzzed, it was a message from Junmyeon.

"Jieun, shall we continue our cooking lessons every day? or atleast whenever you have the time?

Wishing you well for your performance later! Milky Skin IU, fighting! Haha am I a good Uaena yet? ;)

Missing you already."

Xx,

Junmyeon

Upon reading the text message, Jieun couldn't help but feel the heat flush to her cheeks. She suppressed her grin to not get caught and get teased by her team. 

She texts him:

"Are you sure you're fine with it, oppa? How could I ever repay you for doing me this favor? :(

Well, I am lucky to have you as my fan.  

Missing you too, eat your dinner already! I promise I'll cook you something worthy in the future haha."

Just a few moments later, Jieun's phone buzzed again.

"How about we watch a movie after our cooking lessons? You could recommend me your favorites and I'll recommend mine and we can hang out like that?

I already did missy. :P I'm sure you'll be a great cook, you'll be learning from me after all. ;)

You must be on your way to the set now, I'll see you tomorrow!"

Jieun could feel the butterflies in her stomach. Though it's not clear what they are to each other now, but they surely are enjoying each other's company. She went to the shoot feeling energized, Junmyeon's good luck kiss sure is effective. 

-----

The next day, it was Jieun who went over to Junmyeon's place for their cooking lesson together. Junmyeon stated that they use some of his kitchen gadgets and the ingredients he has in his fridge for the next recipe that he'll teach her. Jieun as always is dressed comfortably in her oversized tees and shorts, same with Junmyeon with his usual loose shirt and chino shorts. 

Jumyeon at first gave Jieun instructions on how she should do the recipe. After laying it all down, he sits at the dining table while he lovingly stares at Jieun preparing the ingredients over at the island counter. Jieun could feel Junmyeon's gaze burning at her. 

"Why are you staring at me like that?" she asks, putting down the knife. 

Junmyeon tilts his head sideways, his chin resting on his hands, elbows on the top of the table. "It's amusing ... seeing your brows all furrowed up like that." 

"I'm just worried, I at least have to be good at cooking since I can't do anything else that would benefit the bed and breakfast." she mumbled nervously, eyes cast down to the chopping board in front of her. Junmyeon rose up from his seat and rushed towards her.

"I can't drive, I'm so clumsy, I'm shy with strangers, I-" her voice starts to shake. Junmyeon's arms envelops her from behind, he rests his chin at her right shoulder. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't notice that you're already feeling this way. I'm sorry." he snuggles his head closer to her face. 

She turns around to face him, his arms still around her waist. Junmyeon plants a light kiss on her forehead. 

"Don't worry too much about it, I'm sure they would still love you just as you are." he said in a soothing tone. "You know, I'm a bigger fan of Lee Jieun than I am of IU." 

"I'm flattered." Jieun snickered, punching his chest in a playful manner. "Thank you, oppa. Thank you for taking your time to help me with this. Why are you doing this, despite your busy schedule?" she probed, fidgeting with her fingers, head hung low.

"Isn't it obvious? I like you .... I like you A LOT." he announced. He pulled her closer to him, causing her to let out a small squeal.

She blushed at his sudden confession. It's been lingering on her mind for quite some time, the thought of Junmyeon being attracted to her. Their mutual attraction towards each other has been evident from the first time they ate lunch together, to the quick glances they'd steal at each other during her shoot for K Group's new audio products, and frankly to the last kiss they had shared the night before. Hearing Junmyeon say it out loud made Jieun's heart skip a beat. 

Jieun couldn't help but smile uncontrollably, twirling her hair shyly. She slowly looks up to him. "I - I like you too ...  I like you A LOT." she murmured.

Junmyeon grinned so much that the sides of his eyes are crinkling. He leans closer this time. "C - Can we consider our cooking lessons our dates then?" he inquired nervously. 

"I guess so? Yes. It's a date then." Jieun mused. Her big doe eyes are now fixated on Junmyeon's almond shaped eyes. 

"Yes? YES! Thank you, Jieun!" he beamed. He rubs his nose to hers in a loving way and showers her face with continuous kisses causing Jieun to giggle. The two then embraced each other tightly, swaying from side to side from the euphoria they both felt at finally confessing their feelings for one another and the start of their relationship. 

-----

For 3 weeks, Junmyeon continued helping Jieun with her cooking skills whenever they both had free time. Even with their hectic schedules, with Junmyeon often having to go abroad for business meetings, and Jieun promoting her new album, both still find time to communicate through phone whenever they are far away from each other. Though, whenever they get together for their cooking sessions, they would always watch a movie right after. Their movie marathon nights consist of different genres, ranging from classics to indie films. Junmyeon would always put his left arm around Jieun, holding her close and twirling her hair playfully. Jieun would lean at him, rubbing circles on his right hand with her fingers. They would share a kiss every once in a while during their cuddles. 

Nights like these take their stress and worries away. Both have found comfort at each other's company, relieving them of their burdens from time to time. When they're together, he's just Kim Junmyeon and not the Vice President of K Group, while she's just Lee Jieun, and not IU, the treasured artist of South Korea. 

Junmyeon proudly told Sehun about the progress of his relationship with Jieun but decided to keep it from his family first, as they're just at the early stages of dating. Sehun supports the two of them wholeheartedly and even joins them at their cooking sessions to taste Jieun's food. Jieun, on the other hand, had told Yoo Inna about it and kept it from her family as well, with the same reason that Junmyeon has. Although busy with her drama filming, Inna drops by at Jieun's place from time to time to hang out with her and Junmyeon, to get to know him. Upon her judgement, Inna all out supports their relationship as well. 

-----

May 16, 2017

It's Jieun's birthday, however, she's going to have to spend the whole day filming for Fantastic Duo 2 that her sunbae, Psy, had requested of her. Junmyeon also had to go to an urgent meeting to Singapore that day. The two are bummed that they can't celebrate Jieun's special day together, not to mention the fact that Jieun have to go to Jeju the next day for Hyori's Bed and Breakfast. They would be separated from each other for a good 2 - 3 weeks with little contact. Both have decided, that they keep their relationship private from the public. Which means, they won't be able to video call or even call each other while Jieun's away in Jeju. She would be filmed 24/7 for the show, and the only communication that they could have is through text messages. 

The filming for Fantastic Duo 2 took a long time to finish, Jieun got off the set late at night already. Her manager, Hanteo, drove her to her apartment right away, so she could rest and get ready for her flight to Jeju the next day. She got on the elevator in such low spirits. She's already too exhausted from today's events, although it was fulfilling to be able to meet her fans and sing with them on Fantastic Duo 2, she can't help but feel a little sad that her boyfriend is not beside her on her birthday but is on another country doing his duty as the company's Vice President.

Jieun has her head hung low during the whole elevator ride. Slowly getting off the elevator, she saw a man all suited up standing in the hallway, his back facing towards her. 

"Excuse me, sir?" she comes closer, the man's built is somehow too familiar to her. 

It can't be, he's in Singapore right now. He'll be back tomorrow.

The man slowly turns around with a bouquet of red roses and white lilies in his right hand and a gift box on the left.

"Yes, miss?" he tilts his head sideways, smiling from ear to ear. 

"Junmyeon?! HOW are you here? I thought you're in Singapore right now?" she covered with her hands. 

"I was in Singapore but, I couldn't help but miss you that I just had to come back right away." he chuckled. 

He comes closer and gives the bouquet and gift to Jieun, caressed her face and plants a kiss on her forehead. 

"Happy Birthday, love." he wraps his arms around her tightly, his chin resting on her head. 

Pet names just came up as their topic during one of their movie date nights at home, and with both of them being the hopeless romantic types, they settled to call each other "love." Hearing it come out of one another's lips, definitely makes each of them weak on their knees, too flustered that they really are dating now. 

The two of them went inside Jieun's apartment to have one of their house dates and celebrate her birthday before the day ends. They are now sitted in the living room, the bouquet and the gift box placed on the coffee table. The floor to ceiling windows give them a magnificent view of the bustling city of Seoul and the serene Han River. 

"I thought of including the lilies in the bouquet because I remembered it's your favorite, and that it's your birth month's flower too." Junmyeon explained as he played with the flower petals. "For my gift, promise me that you'll only open it when you're on the plane." Jieun nods in acceptance. 

"Love, I can't even express how touched I am that you're here. Thank you so much." she leans closer to him, cups his cheeks with her hands and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. 

"Anything for you, love. Do you have any more requests?" he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, and her cheek with his right thumb. 

"Stay. Sleep here tonight, with me." she pleaded as she purposely widens her already big, beautiful doe eyes at him, like a puppy. 

Junmyeon chuckled at his girlfriend's adorable actions. "I was just about to ask the same thing. Just give me a moment, I'll go to my apartment to take a quick shower and change to my pajamas, and I'll come back here for your slumber party. You should do the same too, love." 

After a quick shower and after changing to pajamas, Junmyeon went over to Jieun's place quickly. She too is already finished and prepared for their slumber party. Jieun leads Junmyeon to her bedroom, their hands intertwined. It is the first time that they'll ever have their date at her bedroom. They sat in the bed, their backs leaning on the headboard. 

"I haven't seen you with your hair down before." Jieun ruffles Junmyeon's bangs playfully. "You look cuter, like a baby."

"You mean, your baby?" he pinched her cheeks and rubs his nose to hers. 

"Aw!" she rubbed her hands on her cheeks. "For a moment, I forgot that my boyfriend is the leading person in the world when it comes to dad jokes." she snorted. 

"Ha! Says a person that always enthusiastically tells me her dad jokes on our dates." he puffed out his chest, arms on his hips. 

Jieun threw her hands in the air. "Okay, okay, love. Let's just admit that we both tell lame jokes. You're one of the few people to ever laugh and think that my jokes are funny."

"Well, you and Sehun are the only people to ever laugh at my jokes too." he admitted. He holds her right hand with his left hand, intertwining their fingers. 

"Love, can you be honest with me?" Jieun asked, caressing his face with her left hand. 

"With what exactly?"

"Aren't you getting tired of our home dates? I'm sure you would want to have it outside too." she lamented, her wistful eyes looking straight at him. 

"I would love to take you on a date somewhere else than our apartments, but it doesn't matter where our dates take place. What matters is that you're right beside me." he looks at her reasurringly with honey dripping in his eyes. He cups her chin with his right hand and leans closer.

"I'm happy as long as I'm with you." He pressed his lips gently onto hers and she returned it all too willingly. He laid her supine onto the bed and made himself comfortable on top of her. His weight sent shivers up and down her spine. 

"I love you, Jieun." he breathed against her lips. 

She smiled and ran her hands through his soft hair. "I love you too, oppa." She pulls him towards her for another kiss. 

The two shared languid kisses through the night, with their whole bodies interlaced with each other. Both wanting to savor their time left together before they have to part ways again for a long time. When their lips are finally swollen from their long make out session and their fatigue has kicked in, they both pulled away and cuddled instead. Junmyeon hummed to the tune of Jieun's song "Knees" as he lulls her to sleep. 

----- 

That's it for this chapter, my longest one to date! More to come!