…

Daniel stared at the two star celebrities seated calmly on the other side of the table.

Had he been in a different situation he might’ve been freaking out. But there was lethal expressions on their faces, as if at any moment they may just decide to murder him on the spot. 

“So you’re telling me. You’re her friend?” Inna interrogated, eyeing him suspiciously.

“From America?” IU questioned.

“I told you that already.” Jiyeon exclaimed frustrated that they seemed to be ignoring her.

“Let him speak. Then we’ll decide his verdict.” Inna silenced her.

He felt like two overprotective parents were across from him, not the Nation’s little sister and the sweet voiced actress that was actually present.

“Um, yes. We met in Vegas a long time ago and started texting after.” He proceeded cautiously.

“But, we’re just friends. She’s just letting me stay here for a week.” He quickly clarified.

IU glared at him for a while. Before giggling wildly, Yoo Inna joined in.

“Calm down, we’re just teasing.” IU assured him.

“Any friend of our shy Jiyeon must be a good person.” Inna explained.

Jiyeon hid her face in her arms clearly embarrased by her friends.

“So, it’s obvious why you would want to be friends with her? But why are you friend with him?” IU inquired turning towards Jiyeon.

Daniel leaned back in his chair. He too was curious about the initial reason.

All eyes were on Jiyeon now.

“Um, well… like I said he saved me back in Vegas. But I figured out, that we both had high aspirations, and we encouraged each other a lot. Although at first it was just him encouraging me.” Jiyeon admitted stumbling through her thoughts.

"Daniel oppa, really helped me get through a hard time and I will always be thankful for that.” She finished.

Daniel couldn’t hide a smile. He was touched by the genuineness of the response. 

“Wow, very cool. Daniel-si is it?” IU announced giving him two thumbs up.

He chuckled, even her friends were so cute like her. Cute in different ways, but still cute.

“Wait, Da-ni-el? Like Choi?” Inna coughed almost spitting out the beer she had just inhaled. “I had to do a radio segment on you.”

Daniel nodded hesitantly. 

“The basketball idol?” IU questioned.

They both turned to stare at Jiyeon.

“I’m a fan. I watched one of your games.” IU gasped her eyes windening.

“Why didn’t you say you knew him before Jiyeon?” Inna questioned her friend.

“Because… I didn't think of him as that.” Jiyeon explained cracking open another can of beer. “He’s just my friend.”

“Wow, so she met you before you were a star?” Inna inquired leaning closer towards the table.

Daniel nodded.

“Daebak, how fate works.” IU exclaimed taking another sip. 

Daniel watched as they all talked about his games.

Both the visitors over-drank. He would’ve too, but he knew how he was when he had too much to drink. He had made many mistakes. 

He stared at the two tipsy girls, both became even more adorable as their baby-like aegyo naturally kicked in.

“You know… I thought, oh this oppa is not that good-looking when I saw his games. But! I think you’re so lucky now Jiyeon-si.” IU commented shamelessly, clearly at her maximum intake.

He was still in shock he was sitting across from two drunk celebrities. They seemed so down to earth, he felt like he was acting in a drama alongside them. Maybe that was part of their charm.

“I thought he looked so short on TV. But he’s so tallll..... Why are you so tall? Why can’t you let IU be taller?” Inna spouted nonsense as she almost slammed her head against the table. 

He saw Jiyeon stare in horror at them. He noticed she had also held back from consuming much alcohol compared to her friends.

“How are you going to get back?” Jiyeon questioned, trying to gesture for them to leave.

“Aren’t we home?” IU asked drunkenly scanning the room her head leaning side to side.

“I think we are Jieun-si.” Inna agreed as she fell asleep at the table.

“Aish.” Jiyeon buried her face into her arms.

“I’m kidding. We’ll leave you two alone.” IU stood up abruptly and nudged the asleep Inna. “Come on unnie.” 

“I’m coming. Let's go!” The women groaned as they both stumbled to the door.

“I’ll call my manager!” IU announced proudly, as if she had just boasted her connections.

“I’ll go walk them out and make sure they get on safely.” Jiyeon told Daniel and he nodded, feeling worried for their safety.

He watched the three girls leave the apartment and quickly got to work cleaning.

He placed the empty cans in the recycling bin and put the leftover chicken in the fridge. He noticed that her fridge was practically empty. He knew she had not been there in quite a while and was not surprised. But if he was going to show off some of his talents, he needed to be able to cook for her. He figured they'd have time to go shopping at some point. 

He sighed as he sat on the couch, still exhausted from the seemingly endless day. It was 1 am now. He prayed he wouldn’t sleep in too late. He wanted to spend the full amount of each day with her.

He had met her friends, and felt that he had left a pretty good impression. That had to amount to something, wouldn't it?

After about 15 minutes Jiyeon opened the door. She immediately sighed as she returned and threw off her shoes in exhaustion.

“I’m sorry Daniel.” She apologized seeing him waiting for her. “I really didn’t know they would come.”

Daniel smiled, “Don’t apologize, I got to meet two more pretty celebrities, it was an honor.” He assured her and noticed the frown slowly subside from her face.

“Ahh, pretty? I see...” She stumbled forward towards him. 

Was that jealousy in her voice? He wondered if it was the drinks talking, if the alcohol that was making her reveal certain feelings to him.

She was clearly sulking. Was it jealousy?

“Very pretty.” He answered with a stutter. “Almost… almost as pretty as you.” 

He blushed as soon as he said the final statement. Unsure of how she'd react. This was the most direct he had been yet. Was it too much?

Easing the tension he felt in his heart, she nodded, clearly satisfied with his answer. 

That was when their eyes locked. “You’re my number one fan right? Not any of theirs?” She questioned, her eyes pleading for him to answer correctly.

“I’m yours.” He answered as confidently as he could. 

Had he just confessed? Was he crazy?

A smile formed on her face, her rosy cheeks even redder than before.

He took that opportunity and inched closer, he placed his arms around her to steady her slim frame. He stared down at her admiring her cute, pretty face. His eyes found themselves gazing right into her massive puppy-like eyes. 

“Really? Oppa?” She pleaded in such a cute way, he felt unable to mask the delight he felt inside.

He was sweating. His heart pounding quickly, maybe it was her cute voice, maybe it was her beautiful appearance, maybe it was how much he liked everything.

At that moment he couldn’t control himself.

At that moment despite knowing that he should’ve held back. He ignored it. If he made a mistake he'd happily face the aftermath.

He leaned down only enough to plant his lips on her smooth forehead. He swore it was only for a second, as he quickly withdrew. 

He froze. What had he done? Had he just ruined their friendship? The next moment could decide everything.

If she pushed him away… What would he do? His thoughts began to spin in circles.

He had gone too far. He knew it he knew he shouldn't have done that. Everything seemed like a regret at that moment.

This time she took the initiative lifting her arms. He wondered what she would do.

Instead of acting flustered, she cupped his face between her fingers. 

Everything felt surreal, as her beautiful eyes gazed into him. Suddenly, he wondered if he wasn’t crazy in his fantasies.

Did she like him as more than just a friend?

She tugged on him, pulling him closer— and before he could react she planted her lips on his. It was for a second... maybe two. 

He was entraced by her moist skin.

“I like you Daniel.” She whispered as their lips separated.

Her hands wrapped around his nape as she remained in his arms.

He was so happy, he completely forgot that he had ever been tired.

Just hearing her say his name made his heart soar with happiness. After two years his fantasy had come true.

He released his own feelings at that moment. Using one hand to her hair behind her ear. He closed his eyes taking her small top lip between his own. She followed his lead as he bit gently into her lips. 

This time it lasted for longer. He felt the subtle taste of her lipstick in his mouth. He felt her breath, the alcohol. He loved it. 

From his two previous relationships, he had never felt this way, even with his first love. Jiyeon seemed perfect to him.

He wasn’t sure what to say. He wanted to pinch himself, but he didn’t want to ruin the moment.

“Jiyeon.” He began, unsure of what to say.

“Let’s sleep, you look so tired.” She released him and walked away.

He nodded, he could’ve stayed awake for longer, but all he could do was nod as he stared at the beautiful girl in front of him.

“I really really like you.” He suddenly confessed as he watched her enter her room.

She turned around, her face completely red. 

“What are you doing? Just come.” She ordered him embarrassed by her own words.

He followed her into her bedroom for the first time. It was only a little larger than his room.

There was one large portrait of her on the wall, otherwise it was sparsely decorated.

There was a large closet full of clothes, but it seemed so plain. So lonely.

She lay on the bed and he climbed next to her.

He reached forward and placed his hands around her waist, pulling her close to him.

He rested his head against the pillow and used one hand to lay her head against his. Her long hair resting against his face. He her side, the touch of her body reminding him that everything was real.

“I like this oppa. I like this feeling.” She broke the silence. 

“I still can’t believe this is real.” He told her. “I liked you for so long.”

“I know. But I wasn’t ready then.” She admitted.

“To be honest... I still don’t know if I’m ready.” She revealed her concern.

“We’ll go at your pace Jiyeon.” He assured her.

He would do whatever it took to make this work, to make her feel comfortable by his side.

He had taken a chance, and by some miracle it had succeeded. He wasn't going to let her go. “You don’t need to be afraid, I won’t ever hurt you.”

“Thanks.” Jiyeon expressed, as he could hear the energy start to subside from her voice.

Hearing her fatigue, sleep once again returned to his eyes. The fresh scent of her shampoo acting as a lullaby to ease him into a deep slumber.

… 4.16.2013

Jiyeon stared at Daniel, he was still fast asleep. She couldn’t blame him, he had a long day.

But at the end of that long day, she had made a choice. A choice to put his feelings first.

She had selfishly held onto him for two years, only expecting things from him. He deserved her love. She didn’t know if she deserved his.

Talking to her friends last night, she had realized how much he had done for her. Never once expecting anything in return. 

That was when the lingering question was answered.

She realized why unlike the other handsome idols who quickened her heart beat, Daniel could slow her's down. She loved him.

She loved everything he had done for her. She loved everything about him.

Since the moment she had woken up, she had settled on watching him. Taking the time to admire the handsome boy up close.

Did it bother her? The fact that he was so good at being a boyfriend?

She noticed it when he took her on the date yesterday.

She noticed it as he nodded along to her drunk friends and cleaned up for her.

She noticed it as he kissed her, his experienced lips taking her own. It bothered her a lot. 

Had he slept with his ex-girlfriends? Of course he had. 

Had he made their heart pound as he held them tightly in his strong arms? Of course he had.

She had never officially dated and she didn’t know what to do. How to make him like her more.

“Jiyeon.” He slowly opened his eyes as he slid his fingers along her cheeks. It was warm, his large hand could almost cup the whole side of her face. “You’re so pretty, do you know that?”

She leaned into his chest snuggling up against his shirt.

“I know.” She admitted, she wasn’t usually one to brag, but it’d be a lie if she didn’t know. 

“What should we do today?” He inquired as he closed his eyes again and returned to resting. He looked so tranquil.

“Um… date?” She sat up abruptly trying to think of a good activity.

He chuckled. “What was yesterday then?”

She pondered for a second. “That wasn’t a date.” 

“Why not? My feelings were exactly the same as they are today.”

She blushed. “How, do you so easily say those things?” Jiyeon questioned.

She wanted to reciprocate his feelings the same way, but she felt like she couldn’t say things like that.

“Because I always thought them. Whenever I talked to you, I wanted to say I like you so much Jiyeon, or why are you so pretty? I just held them in, because I thought you were too far away. You were just a fantasy at the time.” Daniel revealed.

“Really?” She felt sorry, she had forced him to suppress his feelings for so long, yet he had waited. He had comforted her every step of the way. “Thanks…”

“Thanks for staying by my side all this time.”

He grinned goofily in response.

“For you, anything.” He replied cooly. “So what should we do for our Day 1?” 

Jiyeon began to think. How did she have no idea? She could only think of cliches. But what did he want to do?

He was after all visiting all the way from America. 

“You know what? Let’s just do everything. We have a whole week.” He whispered as he pulled her back into his embrace, his lips tickling her hair.

…

Jiyeon was scared to look at the group chat, IU had renamed the chat already and it spelled out 'problem'.

Jiyeon’s Dating Life: 30 new messages

IU: Luna guess what!

LUNA: what?

IU: Jiyeon’s dating now!

IU: Not dating now, but soon

IU: that guy from America came all the way here

IU: how romantic <3

LUNA: Jiyeon is back?

IU: Me and Inna unnie visited her last night

IU: He’s pretty good looking

IU: he’s really tall

IU: I was like daebak

IU: he’s tall

LUNA: Jiyeon is back?

IU: I said that already!

LUNA: she never told me

IU: her brother told me

IU: she was going to just spend the whole week with just him

LUNA: really?

LUNA: Is that true Jiyeon?

IU: yes

JIYEON: shut up

LUNA: so its true then they’re dating

JIYEON: not true

LUNA: you’re not dating him?

JIYEON: …

IU: you guys started dating? Last night?

LUNA: it’s your day 1 today?

JIYEON: yes

IU: omg im so happy for you!

IU: I’m telling Inna unnie we set you guys up

LUNA: congrats!

LUNA: ignore Jieun-i

LUNA: you deserve to be happy now, don't forget that

Jiyeon closed her phone, perhaps it wasn’t so bad.

She felt somewhat relieved actually. Happiness quickly replacing the uncertainty she had felt before.

“I’m going to take a shower.” She called to Daniel entering the bathroom. 

She took her time to wash up and found herself face to face with her reflection.

Staring into the mirror she scowled at her puffy face, coming to the conclusion she should've removed her makeup the night before.

She didn't have time to go to the salon today. So she opened the small medicine cabinet and stared at the collection of once sponsored products she had just lying around.

After applying some simple makeup she exited the bathroom tightly wrapped in only a towel. Noticing that his door was closed, she rushed into her room and slammed the door behind her. She hastily picked out three outfits to try on, deciding on something that would impress him.

Finally settling on a fitted black t-shirt dress, she exited to find Daniel waiting patiently in her small living room. 

“Ready?” She asked, giving a small twirl to highlight her outfit.

He grinned as he approached, clearly shielding something behind his back. It turned out to be a blue sweater. The NYU hoodie that had caught her attention the day before.

He beckoned for her to lift her arms and he plopped it over her body. She wiggled around until the large hoodie fell over her her arms.

It was definitely oversized, but surprisingly comfortable. As an added bonus, she could smell his manly scent on it. 

“In America, girlfriends always take their boyfriends hoodies to wear.” He explained as she stared at him.

“Thank you. Oppa.” 

He reached over and fixed her hair so that it ran over the hood, “Wow.” He remarked, leaning down towards her.

“What?” 

“I don’t know, I think you look better in it.” He complimented, his face centimeters away from hers.

“It’s cause I’m 'cute and y'.” She for his earlier comment. Caught off guard by her teasing he nodded. 

“Yes. You really are.” He affirmed. 

…

“This is humiliating.” Daniel sighed, sitting awkwardly in the passenger’s seat.

“I can’t let you drive oppa. You don’t have a Korean license.” She reminded him.

As much as she trusted him to drive, there could be major consequences if they were caught.

“I want to hold your hand too...” He answered, before grinning. “But I don’t want to die either.” 

He chuckled as she shook her head at him slightly annoyed by his continued teasing. 

“You think that’s funny? Huh?” She poked him and he winced back exaggeratedly in his fitted white t-shirt and ripped black jeans. 

Thinking about it, she had to admit he was certainly good at dressing. Or maybe she was just happy to be wearing his hoodie.

There was a feeling of possession by wearing it. Like she had claimed him and his clothes. She had to hand it to whoever thought of such a genius idea.

“Are you thinking about the hoodie?” He inquired positioning himself so he was staring directly towards her.

Jiyeon tried to ignore him and focus on the road. But the feeling of his loving gaze made her heart race. 

“How’d you know?” She asked cooly, taking one hand off the wheel.

“I read minds.” He answered coyly.

Jiyeon scoffed at his response. 

“I’m kidding, you kept glancing down at it. If I had known you would like it this much, I’d have brought more hoodies.”

“They take more than one hoodie?” Jiyeon wondered.

“Of course. Hannah still has 4 of my…” He corrected himself as Jiyeon glared right at him. “Sorry.”

“Wow, you sure dated a lot. Were you that popular in high school?” Jiyeon questioned quickly filling with jealousy. “Answer carefully.”

“I wasn’t that popular…” He scratched his head. “Although I bet you were. I bet guys lined up from other schools to ask you out.”

Jiyeon probably could’ve lied and said so, “No.” She thought back to her high school days.

“I transferred to 2 different high schools and I was already well known as an idol back then. So people were too afraid to ever talk to me. Except Luna.” 

“Sorry.” He apologized.

“It’s fine.” She assured him. “But I did get a lot of confessions from my sunbae-nims.” 

She took this opportunity to boast and throw her own bait. He took it instantly.

“Ya! You better not answer any of their messages anymore!" He ordered, his voice full of jealousy.

“I wont. I promise.” She answered with a smile pulled into a parking spot.

They both got out, Jiyeon immediately placed the hood over her head. The large hood drooping down over her forehead. She took one step forward when she felt his hand grab onto her wrist pulling her back. 

In an instant, his fingers intertwined around hers. She stared back at him. He only grinned, beckoning for her to lead him. 

“This is Yeouido park.” She revealed as they started walking. “In the spring the cherry blossoms bloom, it’s a really nice date spot.” 

She watched him stare in amazement at the road filled with pink cherry blossom trees. It was indeed a beautiful sight.

“I always wanted to go here with my boyfriend.” She admitted, feeling reminiscent. “Instead I came here with Jieun a lot.” 

He chuckled as they continued walking. Suddenly he froze, and tugged on her arm, “Let me take your picture.” He offered revealing his phone from his pocket.

Jiyeon slowly agreed and positioned herself next to a cherry blossom.

He held his phone up. 

“Can you see me?” She checked adjusting the large hood to reveal more of her face.

He nodded, she glanced cautiously around the vicinity, there was no one looking.

She pulled her hood off and smiled towards the camera. He grinned as he snapped several pictures. 

Jiyeon made a V-shape with her hands around her cheeks, wondering what he found so amusing.

“Wow, so pretty.” He complimented as he took picture after picture.

Finally embarrassed by the showered compliments, she put her hood back on in shame. 

Without saying anything, he walked towards her and switched the camera. He took a selfie with the two of them and he laid his arm around her shoulder.

Jiyeon posed despite the hood, giving the cutest smile she could think of.

Suddenly, he turned his head and planted a kiss on her cheek. 

She wondered how red she must’ve been in the picture because her ears were burning up.

They continued strolling along the park, hand in hand, enjoying the pleasant scenery.

Thankfully at this time, mainly older couples and small children populated the park. So the two twenty-year-olds found themselves able to enjoy their romantic date without interruption. 

About an hour passed when they made their way back to the car. She decided to take him to lunch. She drove to a nearby restaurant she had once frequented.

“Seolleongtang.” He read the sign in front of the restaurant located in Gangnam.

Then he stared back at her. “That’s your favorite food isn’t it?”

“Wow, good memory.” She replied genuinely impresseed. “But, my favorite food is actually Ramyun, I’m just not supposed to say that.”

Daniel chuckled as he took her hand again and led her inside. 

Jiyeon entered and the owner instantly recognized her. Thankfully, the owner had liked her, because Jiyeon had frequented the place even as a trainee.

The middle aged woman led them to a small room near the back of the restaurant.

They entered the private room and both sat down at the small table. The owner smiled at the two of them.

“Hello, it’s been quite a while Jiyeon-si.”

Jiyeon nodded with a smile. "Yes, it has."

“I’m glad you could come back and eat here.”

“Thank you so much. I’ll never forget your kindness.” Jiyeon expressed her gratitude.

There were good people, for all the people who hated her. There were those who were kind through her even through the controversies.

“Of course, I hope T-ara will rise again.” She cheered before revealing a small piece of paper to take their order. “The usual?”

Jiyeon nodded. 

“I’ll get whatever she’s getting.” Daniel added on.

“Wow, did you settle Jiyeon-a? What happened to all the handsome idols in Korea who adamently pursued you?” The owner remarked staring at Daniel.

They both laughed as Jiyeon shook her head, “He’s the best.” She defended him, before staring back at Daniel.

His goofy smile that had happiness written all over.

The manager returned not long after with two large bowls of the Ox bone soup and placed two bowls of rice beside it. A white milky translucent liquid with meat and noodles inside.

…

“Looks good.” Daniel commented as he stared at the soup.

He was starving. Unlike idols, an athlete had to be fed constantly because of how often he worked out.

“So, tell me about college, I’ve never been to one.” Jiyeon requested.

“It’s fun.” He answered pondering his answer. “I’m sure it’s different than in Korea... but besides studying, practice, and parties…”

“Parties huh?” Jiyeon interrupted.

He wasn't sure if she was jealous or not, but she had lowered her head. Her eyes suspiciously glued to the bowl.

“Well, I’m sure you have fun with your members a lot.” Daniel defended himself.

“I guess.”

“It’s just dancing, alcohol, and well…"

“What?” Jiyeon inquired her interest piqued.

“Medicine.” He responded as he searched for a better word to talk about drugs. “Coke?”

Jiyeon clearly couldn’t understand what he meant.

"Like the soda?" Jiyeon questioned innocently.

“The medicine, .” He tried to imitate rolling a blunt.

She followed him with her eyes, but was clearly too pure to understand. 

“OH.” She suddenly exclaimed.

“Smoking!” She said a little too loudly. 

Daniel scratched his head. He decided not to go further. 

“Do you smoke?” She questioned her tone completely changing.

“No, I can’t. Cause of sports.” He responded. 

She nodded, satisfied by his answer.

“Do you?” He .

“No.” She quickly denied as her face scrunched up cutely. 

“Are you sure?” He dug deeper.

“I said no Oppa!” She denied again as he chuckled. 

“How can you look so pretty and cool on stage, but be so cute.” He wondered aloud.

“Like this?” She gave a cold stare and Daniel felt chills down his back.

“Exactly. Very cool.” 

They continued eating as Daniel finished his bowl quickly.

Suddenly, he stood up, “I have to use the restroom.” He pointed to outside the door as he exited the room.

Once he closed the door behind him, he rushed to find the owner and quickly paid for the two of them.

“Wow, she’s lucky to have a boyfriend like you.” The owner responded. “But have I seen you before?” 

“Probably not, but I hear that I look like a celebrity.” He denied as he bowed and went back to the room.

However to his surprise he found her standing calmly outside already. 

“You’re sly.” She muttered. There was a smile on her face though. 

“Of course men pay on the first date.” He responded taking her hand. “Are you done?”

She nodded her head and he lead her towards the exit as she placed her hood over her head again.

“I’m supposed to show you around and treat you though?” She whined. “Are you really not going to let me?”

“Okay, okay, next time you can pay.” Daniel conceded. 

They headed into the car, as he sat comfortably in the passenger’s seat. 

“Where to next?” He inquired.

“Hmm… should we watch a movie?” Daniel nodded, then suddenly shook his head. He had a different idea.

“Let’s go shopping.” He remarked.

She stared in confusion.

“For groceries. You have nothing in your fridge." He joked. 

…

“So you can cook?” Jiyeon found herself helplessly ogling the broad shoulders and wide back of the athlete.

 Daniel stood in front of the stove chopping several ingredients on the side as she sat comfortably on her knees looking over the sofa.

“Just a little. I learned from my mom, and from living alone in college.” He explained. 

However she could tell he was being humble. He skillfully sliced through a green onion his large fingers craftfully handling the knife.

“What can’t you do?” She questioned half jokingly.

“Nothing.” He boasted a proud grin on his face.

Jiyeon realized there really was a lot he could do. She found herself listing the talents she remembered either hearing about or reading.

“You study well, you dress well, you are good at sports, you can cook, you come from a good family.” She remember all these from the article that had been released on him.

“Can you skateboard?” Jiyeon was proud of the fact that she was one of the few idols who could skateboard well.

He chuckled as he shook his head. “I lived in LA, I learned how to skate before I could walk.” 

Jiyeon frowned. 

Was there really nothing?

“Can you act?” She questioned.

“I acted like a friend for 2 years.” He commented wittily.

“Ya, oppa.” She scoffed at his statement. 

“I’m kidding, I can’t act.”

“Can you dance?” She wondered.

“Nope.”

“Can you sing?”

“Nope.” 

“Really? Even just for me?” Jiyeon begged.

She wanted to hear him sing however embarrassing it might be for him.

“Maybe later.” He told her as Jiyeon sulked, biting her lip.

“You can’t do a lot of things.” She announced. 

“I guess that’s why you’re perfect for me.” He flirted.

Jiyeon didn’t respond, now wanting to give him the satisfaction of impressing her. But he did have a way with his words.

“Oppa.” 

“yes?”

“What are you making?” She changed the subject as she stared at the sliced vegetables.

“Is the rice almost ready?” She nodded as she stared at the rice cooker.

“Good job.” He patted her head condescendingly. “That will be your job.” 

“You like eggs don’t you?” He inquired as if an after thought.

“Yes, oppa.” She nodded. 

Daniel placed the rice that she had just made into the pan and stir fried it together. 

“Fried rice?” 

He didn’t respond.

He then placed the rice mixture into two bowls and plopped them down onto a plate. Jiyeon still confused by what he was doing just sat at the table waiting.

He returned a few minutes later with the two plates, the rice was now covered by an omelette. He revealed a knife and sliced into the omelette just slightly so that it folded out revealing the yolky inside.

“Daebak.” She gasped genuinely impressed by his skills. “That was cool.”

“It never ceases to impress.” He responded. “Omellete rice, kimchi style.”

Jiyeon didn’t want to be jealous, but she wondered what other girls had he made this dish for.

She dug into the food and had to admit, despite his shortcomings in the singing and dancing, he could definitely cook. 

She had always been attracted to more manly men.

She remembered now as she cringed at the fact that she had once been so in love with an actor named Lee Chun Hee.

The manliest man she knew at the time. But Daniel was different.

Despite being Korean American, he exhibited so many of the qualities she found attractive.

Then, there was the fact that he was so caring towards her as well.

She had once believed being manly meant being cold hearted and usually older. But Daniel dispelled all of those ideas.

She had completely fallen for the charming ahtlete. Almost to the point she felt afraid.

…

A cute Jiyeon ran in a blue denim outfit to stop a bus. She climbed on the railing and began pounding on the window.

“Why are we watching this?” Jiyeon questioned tapping the couch in frustration. “Don’t you know this is embarrassing.”

They both sat next to each other on her couch as Dream High 2 played on the small TV in front of them. Something that Daniel had wanted to do.

“Wow, you’re really so pretty in that shot.” Daniel commented. “Wow, its crazy that the girl I liked on the screen is right next to me.”

“I look ugly on camera.” Jiyeon frowned as she watched.

“Cry why can’t I cry? Are you sure this is the stuff Gwenyth Paltrow uses to cry?” Jiyeon's character asked herself.

“Wow I can’t believe how sassy I was in that drama.” Jiyeon commented. “They kept telling me cause of my appearance.”

“Yah, you are a little intimidating.” He commented completely forgetting she was beside him.

Jiyeon stared at him and he grinned at his mistake as he quickly redeemed himself by gently  her face with his hand.

“In a cute sort of way.” He continued.

He kissed her on the lips and they kept watching.

The scene changed to her and her fake ‘members’ in a makeup room.

“Aish, why were we called Hershe, what are we chocolate?” Jiyeon complained at the writing.

“Just watch.” Daniel responded as he leaned her head into his shoulder. He felt Jiyeon’s hair brush against his neck.

Jiyeon and the two other Hershe members danced along to their title song as they watched Kang Sora leave.

“Wow, I can’t believe she left your concert.” He exclaimed.

“Right? Not everyone can see me live.” She agreed.

Suddenly she jumped out of his arms and paused the show. 

“Ok that's enough, now I want to see you dance.” She suddenly begged. 

“I can’t, I really can’t.” He pleaded wanting to hold onto his dignity.

“Please…” She gazed into him with her puppy eyes, the beautiful orbs disolving whatever strength he had to fight against her.

“Fine.” He conceded. “But if you laugh, It’ll really hurt my pride.”

“What can you dance to?” She inquired with a smile as she pulled out her phone. 

“just the beginning of Roly Poly.”

Jiyeon started the music, and Daniel remembered the part that he had learned when Jenny had begged him to do so. 

Daniel danced the intro and then as he neared the chorus he noticed that Jiyeon was sitting on the couch her hand clasping over .

He stopped as she was clearly using everything to hold in her apparent laughter.

“Ya! Don’t laugh.” He ordered. "You promised."

“I’m not. Why’d you stop?” She looked like she could’ve cried at that moment from laughter.

She was biting her lip furiously as Daniel took a step over.

“Ya! I said don’t laugh.” Daniel rushed towards her, her cute low pitched laugh finally escpaing from .

And she would’ve kept laughing, except Daniel immediately silenced her with his lips. 

She laughed again, and he kissed her again.

“Oppa—”

Her desperate attempts were cut off as he continued to plant short kisses on her.

“I’m not going to stop, until you stop laughing.” He expressed.

“Okay, fine, fine oppa. I'm done.” She sat on the couch trying to calm down, staring at the ground, until another giggle came.

He kissed her again, but this time Jiyeon didn’t break away.

He watched as she shut her eyes wrapping her tiny hands around his nape. He picked her up and laid her flat on the couch. 

He hovered over her and gazing passionately towards her, continued the kiss.

She was stunning, her eyes, her face, her nose.

The way she looked in his blue NYU hoodie. The childish smile she had whenever she lay flat. 

This time their mouths opened to allow their tongues to explore each other. Each rubbing desperately against the other.

His heart could’ve exploded right there, but he was too deep in the kiss. 

“I love you so much.” He whispered as they pulled apart both frantically gasping for air.

His lips met hers again, and with a new sense of desperateness tilted side to side exploring every inch of .

He placed kiss after kiss on her face moving down towards her neck. 

“Oppa...” She moaned. “Let’s, not go any further.”

Daniel stopped, and placed one more kiss on her lips.

He gazed into her eyes, there was a worried expression painted across her face. Like she had just messed up something. 

“Of course Jiyeon. I told you I’d go at your pace, so just tell me when.” He assured her. 

Suddenly without warning he pulled up her hood and drew the drawstrings tight, her tiny face barely peeping through the small hole left in the middle. She struggled but he pulled her into his embrace.

“Ya, oppa! It’s so stuffy.” She whined.

“That’s for laughing at my dancing.” He scolded her playfully. 

“Oppa.” 

He laughed as he watched her cutely bite her lip in annoyance.

“Let’s go to sleep. I’m getting tired.” Daniel announced as he began to stretch his arms.

Jiyeon took the opportunity to try and tickle him. But the problem was he wasn’t.

“Huh? You’re not ticklish?” Jiyeon questioned. Regret slowly creeping onto her fae.

“Nope.” He sighed as he gazed down at Jiyeon mischievously. 

She immediately backed away noticing his playful grin.

“But I’m guessing you are.” He figured. 

He effortlessly swept her off her feet and picked her up bridal style taking and laying her on the bed. He began to tickle her and she laughed uncontrollably, begging for him to stop. 

…

Jiyeon couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun. She gazed at Daniel, he was already fast asleep. 

She kissed him on his forehead as she wrapped her arms around his strong body. She brought her hand down and could feel his abs even through his shirt.

She wondered what would’ve happened if they had never met before. Would she still have fallen in love with the young athlete? Or would she have never even met him?

It was strange the way fate brought people together.

Unlike him, she looked to the future. She knew that this wasn’t going to last forever. She would ultimately return to Japan to continue promoting and then likely another country that wasn’t Korea. Korea was now just an old memory. He would return to America and become a basketball player for perhaps another 10 years.

They might never have time to meet again unless one sacrificed their future for the other. She couldn’t, no matter how much she would love him, she couldn’t sacrifice her career. She had spent so much time, so much pain, she didn’t want that to go to waste.

But would he? She prayed he wouldn’t either.

Which left one option.

The question was, when would that happen?