| Playing the Part |

A Familiar Stranger
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A few months after Jae Seok and Jong Kook's visit to Ji Hyo's apartment, the cold winter had finally taken over the spring breeze in the air. The couple has been happily spending time with each other without drawing any suspicions. Ha Ha who was always observing Ji Hyo's attitude towards the younger man had seemed to presume that the older woman had decided to just maintain her friendship with Kwang Soo. While Se Chan and So Min just seem to be oblivious of everything, seemingly pre-occupied with enjoying their early thirties. Meanwhile, the eldest hyung, Seok Jin has been clueless as per usual. To be fair, the pair's interaction with each other hasn't changed, they would still bicker and have endless conversations about trivial things. And most importantly, they still took good care of each other. To the other members, this was nothing new. Apart from stolen kisses and subtle touches, the two has been successfully restraining themselves from any display of affection towards each other. And surprisingly, the two members who has been keeping their secret never mentioned it again, sure they would hide a small smile every once in a while when the ace and the giraffe would stand or sit close together, but apart from that, they have actually been doing quite well with keeping their silly comments to themselves. Even though they knew Jong Kook and Jae Seok is itching to tease them, their lips remain sealed, honoring their promise to not say a thing.

 

As the bus comes to an abrupt halt, the members are met with a large metal gate as the producers instruct them to change into orange overalls. It seems like they are going to be prisoners for the day. Walking out of the bathroom, she sees Kwang Soo leaning against the wall, he raises his head as soon as he sees her. Without saying a word, he slides a hot pack onto her hand. 

 

Smiling, she takes it. His hand lingering for a second longer. "Thanks, Love." 

 

"You're welcome."

 

As the members gather in the room, the PD instructs them to confess and apologize to their choice of member. And the points they receive from the rest of the members for their apology allows their "jail sentence" to be reduced.

 

"Ya! I'm apologizing to you! At least give me a thirty-minute reduction, I'm still your hyung!" Seok Jin yells.

 

"Hye, hyung. Why apologize to me for not picking up the bill when we ate out? Just pay next time!" He complains as the laughing Jae Seok confidently writes a massive zero on his chalkboard. 

 

After all the messy bargaining, the eldest member ends up with a mere 10-minute reduction in his jail time.

 

Next up is Kwang Soo. Standing up, he gives Ji Hyo a look before he speaks. Instantly, she knew he was about to fulfill the role as So Min's official loveline. Ji Hyo appreciates this head's up. She never thought that she is a woman with a bone of jealousy in her body. But with Kwang Soo, it was different. The two understood that keeping their relationship out of the limelight also comes with a price. Seeing each other away from the scrutinizing eyes of the public also meant that work is work. It meant that their roles in the show remained intact. And to be honest, they'd rather keep it this way. Ji Hyo knew Kwang Soo is professional and so was she.

 

T

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kwangsooxkyungsoo
I should really edit the earlier chapters, shouldn't I? Every time I read them, I can't help but think that I need to edit them to make the flow of the words better, especially for the new readers. I'd hate it if they stop reading half-way through because the first few chapters are iffy. Lol

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Chicha27 #1
Chapter 60: This chapter very sad :(( . Thank you for the update!!! Can't wait for your next update^^
maisie010 12 streak #2
Chapter 60: My heart breaks for Kwang Soo *sigh*. Thank you for the update!! ^^
maisie010 12 streak #3
Chapter 58: "And though it was spring again, the bed didn't feel as warm as she thought it would be." I like how this sentence perfectly encapsulates how she really feels.

Didn't realize I'm already at the end of the story! I will wait for updates ^^ Fighting!
maisie010 12 streak #4
Chapter 56: It's like the World of the Married! I feel so sad for both of them. I feel like it's all just a misunderstanding. Kwang Soo couldn't possibly.. :(
maisie010 12 streak #5
Chapter 54: I feel so sad for this chapter huhu I dread the next one. Jealousy and insecurity can really make one think irrationally. :(
regzlim
#6
Chapter 58: I guess Dong Wook was there to pick up the pieces after the dissolution of the marriage.

I really enjoyed the way you wrote about Ji Hyo waking up to the sight of a sleeping Dong Wook. It invoked a sense of warmth in the scene's sweetness, and I can feel Ji Hyo's affection for him. Yet, reading further, one gets the impression that Dong Wook is nothing but a replacement. A rebound love. And I find that somewhat sad, and I feel myself pitying the man and rooting for him. NOOooo! LOL.

But I digress. I think deep inside Ji Hyo knows this. Knows that she is treating him as a replacement and is trying to compensate for it. She definitely is trying to convince herself about the rice. To me, the bibimbap scene is an analogy of their relationship. She wants Dong Wook's bibimbap to be like Kwang Soo's. She wants it to be good, she convinces herself it is as good. She wants Dong Wook to be like Kwang Soo. She wants their love to be the same as what she had with Kwang Soo. I found that tragic and heartbreaking.

The last paragraph infuriates me though. I would never answer a loved one's question on whether I loved her by giving her another question, even if her previous statement about meeting her ex surprises me.

"What kind of question is that?" Yeah, Dong Wook. I could ask you the same. It comes from a woman who is insecure, and wants reassurance. An answer like that says a lot about a man. He isn't confident enough in his love for her.

Darn it, I am confused again. And that's a testament on your writing skills! Good job!
alwayskpoplover
#7
Chapter 58: Aigoo... Dongwook should have gave a proper answer! I hope Ji Hyo isn't too bothered. Then again, being woman, woman overthinks way too much so... >< aigoo!!
Lmoonlight #8
Chapter 57: Why am I crying like this?? gosh they don't deserve this I hope that ji hyo would find out that it's just a misunderstanding
And im curious how kwang soo adopted the girl
Tasyakamila27 #9
Chapter 57: Why? Why? Why? This is very sad! I feel that there is still love between them but because of that misunderstanding.........
I just want them to resolve the misunderstanding all this time.

Can they still be together again? And I want them to get back together!
alwayskpoplover
#10
Chapter 57: Damn! I'm crying yet again! How ironic how life is! Once the person you thought you couldn't live without had suddenly become more than a stranger and that hurts! Aigoo!