ii Chapter 1: (2015) restart

No Longer a Coward

… 6.25.2015

Jiyeon couldn’t sleep. Perhaps it was her new bed. An unfamiliarly soft mattress compared to the standard ones she had grown used to while sleeping at oversea's hotels.

She had recently moved back to Seoul with her members. But she already knew that it was something else keeping her awake.

They had gone on their first “fake date” today. The press, anyone watching, they all swallowed it up.

The two walked around hongdae, fully aware that they were being watched, wearing only the minimum hat to hide their appearances. 

Truthfully… it had been fun. Lee Donggun was a kind, caring man. He was charismatic, witty, and funny. Jiyeon couldn’t say that she hated the date, or whatever it was. 

But her conscience was unnerved by it. Why was she even going out with someone she didn’t like? It seemed the opposite of everything she had been told before. Don’t ever be seen, don’t let anyone catch you.

Now she was publicly flaunting her relationship. A hundred phone cameras might’ve been filming them at some points of their date. A crowd of people had formed to the sides taking pictures and posting them on SNS.

They had simply walked down a street market together, not even holding hands. They had gotten some food, grabbed an ice cream at a shop, and had a nice conversation. Yet she felt a sort of guilt rain down on her. 

The type she imagined someone would feel if they were having an affair. Who was she cheating on though? She had broken up with him. Not that they had dated long enough for her to consider it a real relationship.

Although it had definitely been the longest period of time she had been in love. 

When she thought again, it was her longest real relationship.

Donggun oppa had left her some messages.

She was about to read them, but she knew it would only make her feel worse. 

What she needed was to sleep. Feeling hot, she rolled onto the other side of her bed.

It didn’t get better. She lurched from her bed and made her way to her kitchen to fill herself a glass of water. In the dark Jiyeon struggled slightly to find her way around her new home. 

Clumsily making her way to the refrigerator, and opening a plastic bottle of cold barley tea. She drank it, praying that it would cool her body, and her conscience enough to let her find peace.

Ten minutes later she found herself in the same position, still unable to fall asleep. 

Had it been her earlier days she might’ve fallen asleep reading articles praising her. Nice comments gushing about her beauty, things that brought a smile to her face. But there were none of those anymore.

Then she remembered something she had bought a while back. Something she had bought during her scandal. She still had them, she was sure of it.

She had tossed them to the back of her cabinet thinking she would never even consider them again. It was 4 am. She needed to sleep.

When she reached past the plastic bottles of vitamins, into her cabinet of her new apartment and finally placed her hand around the circular canister. She wondered what she was doing. 

Jiyeon knew that what she was doing wasn’t good.

If she wasn’t desperate for sleep she would’ve tossed them right away into the trash. 

She groaned, she sighed. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her mind.

Then she popped 2 sleeping pills into and swallowed them.

… 7.2.2015

Daniel and his agent sat together in his living room. His family was watching intently from upstairs, that much he was confident of. 

He refocused on the screen, there was a laptop set on the table in front of them. On it was a live videochat with two Asian men wearing red shirts on the other end. They were representatives. 

“Like I said before, the amount of sponsorships that will be guaranteed here could easily equal that of a NBA team’s salary.” The representative stated in Korean. “As the largest franchise in Seoul we will be able to offer you a contract of 1 billion won for the first year and as sales rise we can add more.” 

A translator repeated the information, but this time in English for Daniel's agent. 

1 billion won meant a little less than 900,000 usd. This was certainly less than the 2 year contract and contract extension Daniel could have signed with the Dallas Mavericks. He knew that no agent would ever vote in favor of less money. But he was sure of his decision, just hearing the Korean being spoken by the representatives had confirmed his earlier intuitions. He glanced back at his agent who seemed to be pondering the possiblities.

“Are you sure about this?” His agent double checked. Daniel nodded his head. He was sure.

“I’m sure.” 

“Then I agree that the amount of sponsorships and press you could get could be a huge win for you. Korea signed a contract with the NBA just to get games of you, I can't imagine how much they'll love their hero returning to them.” His agent agreed with him.

Though Daniel wasn't really Korean by nationality, it was true that he had read that most considered him a national hero of sorts.

“Let’s do it.” His agent announced. "We'll hold a press conference soon."

We’ll send you the contract right away. I can't express how happy we are to hear you're willing to play for us."

It was his chance to try again with her. It was a restart.

… 7.20.2015

ESPN report: Basketball Idol Daniel Choi of the Dallas Mavericks opts out of extension and signs with oversea's team Seoul’s SK Knights hosting press conference today.

SOOMPI: Forgot him for a second? Basketball Idol returns to his roots. Signs with Seoul’s SK Knights on a reported 1 billion won contract

July 21st 2015

After a long anticipated wait, former NBA player and top draft pick, Daniel (Dae Han) Choi signs with Seoul’s SK Knights. Denying a guaranteed 2 more years with playing in the NBA. This comes as a huge shocker as there are rarely cases of people giving up their NBA careers at such a young age. After playing 2 disappointing seasons Daniel Choi hosted a press conference explaining his decision. 

Dubbed by many American analysts as a “Jersey Selling Model”, he felt that he was playing to the best of his abilities in the given situation. He stated:

Through all the hard times, it has been the Korean fans encouragement and support that has kept me going. I feel like I want to pay it back to them and bring them a show here.” 

The Seoul SK Knights who have not won a championship since 2000 are suddenly the most talked about team in Korea.

The basketball idol famed for his good looks, charming personality, and good basketball skills will debut in October. Fans have already rushed to forums to show their support for him. 

Basketball itself may make a resurgence for the first time in Korea since the playing days of Seo Jang Hoon. Tickets for all 54 games have begun selling out in just one day. With many young fans having followed the players journey. It comes as no surprise that many idols have already shown their support for him on Social media.

However, Yang Dong Geun the current raining playoffs MVP has taken to SNS to share his own thoughts.

Think we’re gonna take it easy? Don’t even think about winning until you prove yourself against me. I can’t wait to show Korea’s true talent. #homegrowntalent

This comes in response to the ongoing debate of whether he is actually Korean. Daniel who was born and raised in California and only visited Korea a hand full of times, is considered an American citizen. He will play for now as an international player, however his Korean is as of last summer close to fluent. 

Many netizens defend him from the online attacks stating they are just jealous because he is currently accepting a billion won per year deal from the SK knights. While this is almost 2 billion won less than the contract he could’ve accepted in the NBA, it is the largest contract ever to be signed in the KBL. Almost every company in Korea would like him to sponsor them and i'm sure he'll make up the difference in money.

Will we see Daniel Choi bring a show to Korea? Or will he disappoint the way he did in the NBA? 

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Top comments:

“OMG i can’t wait to see him play here. I already have his NBA jersey and I know he will look good in the red jersey for SK Knights. I have never been to a KBL game but I want to go to as many as I can now to cheer on our idol oppa.” 

“I am so in love with him. He’s so perfect, now I can watch and cheer for my handsome oppa in person. I know a man dancing is hot, but watching him play basketball is pretty much the same for us. Love u Daehan oppa!”

“After watching him take care of our Sehun and Kai so well I can’t wait to see him play. He’s handsome and charming and plays so well. I can’t wait for October for his debut date. Counting down the days 90 starting now.”

… 

Jiyeon stared in disbelief as she read the article.

He was really quitting the NBA? It made so little sense. The moment she had heard it though, she had immediately bought season tickets, so she could attend every game. Thankfully she did quickly, because tickets sold out instantly.

He deserved her support didn’t he? 

She wanted to silently cheer for him. Even if he was no longer hers. She had made a choice and would pay for it. If it meant letting him grow, she didn’t mind. She could tell from the instant fan reaction that he was going straight to the top.

Korea’s new hero. He had finally returned home. That was the narrative, and to her in many ways he was a hero.

She had moved back to Korea with her members and were preparing to debut in August. Ever since her relationship the hate had started to subside, not immediately, but over time less and less people seemed to care.

It wasn’t too much, and she had noticed that people were beginning to payless attention to her. The talks of scandals were not completely gone, if someone noticed her in public she was given either the “you’re Lee donggun’s girlfriend” look, or the “you’re the bully” look.

She had been practicing hard with her members for their redebut in Korea and she felt ready. This would be another big opportunity for them. Some nights she'd practice for hours, practicing her choreographies for each song. Making sure that they could truly leave a new impression on the viewers.

But, this news. She wondered what it meant. Was he coming for her? No, she couldn’t think that. There was no way. 

She wondered what the future held in store. She wanted to watch him rise, not by his side. That was too selfish of her.

She would watch him ascend from the bleachers of the arenas in the shadows.

Watching Daniel, she could at least ease her pain slightly.

… 8.4.2015

KOREA daily: Basketball Idol lands in Incheon Airport and needs police to help getting through the entrance

August 4th 2015

This morning on a direct flight from LA, Daniel (Daehan) Choi and his agent flew into Incheon International Airport. 

Awaiting them was 4,000 fans ranging from young boys who wanted to cheer their hero to young women staring at the handsome celebrity. The airport security had to create a path from the exit to the gate, because so many people were there screaming and pushing just to get a peek of the new star.

Daniel Choi later released a picture of himself in the van moments later on instagram thanking all the fans who showed up and showed their support. Dressed in a pair of black jeans and a black gucci designer shirt tucked in, that on him could’ve emulated the outfits of idols at airports. We were stunned by his similarity to a real idol. 

The future SK knight will hold a private press conference in 10 days. Meanwhile fans and idols alike are showing their support as replica jersey’s with his name on them are being distributed before the SK Knight’s have even released it yet. Some fans have even been creative enough to create makeshift lightsticks for him.

Fans all over are showing their support as Korea reports the highest search ranking ever for the Korea Basketball League (KBL). Currently trending number one trending is EXO Exodus, but is closely followed by Daniel Choi.

Many fans similar to idols are claiming control over him since they watched him during his College basketball days, also awaiting his supposed “debut” in October when he plays his first game as a SK Knight.

Your thoughts on the grand entrance of future SK Knight Daniel Choi?

////////////////

Top Comments:

“I was there myself and I have to say he is really handsome and tall. He looked just like a real idol, there was so much support for him that I can’t wait to see him play his first game. Choi fighting!”

“I can’t believe he’s here now! I will definitely be giving him all my love and support. He looks so handsome, in a sort of western style combined with Korean, he must be a perfect mix.”

"Does anyone know where i can buy a replica jersey? I can't wait for the real one! Please KBL hurry up and start producing them."

… 8.5.2015

SOOMPI: T-ara releases “So Crazy” MV, every otaku guys fantasy

August 5th, 2015

T-ara released their brand new single and MV “So Crazy” along with new album So Good. Despite hitting number 4 in GAON billboard Charts in two days and achieving 2 million MV views on Youtube. International success seemed to drop off. The new album ranked 10th in China and 15th in Japan. 

T-ara’s new concept which appealed heavily to the sailor, cute, and bubbly fantasy of many guys, while still remaining y. Should’ve been a huge hit internationally, T-ara’s Hyomin becoming a searched word in China. However, T-ara’s Jiyeon seems to have taken a huge drop in popularity recently.

While all members shined in their new MV and their recent Comeback stage won its first competition. The popularity drop of male fans seems to be due to the Dating confirmation of T-ara’s Jiyeon and actor Lee Donggun. 

Some netizens however, seem to think of it as sort of trade. 

[+20,678 -16,435] “It seems clear to me that in exchange for T-ara winning their Korean fans back they had to sacrifice their Maknae to a dating scandal so that 16 year old girls could rest easy that no more crushes would appear from their idols. What a tough hit for T-ara’s Jiyeon, I hope she is truly in love with the experienced actor and not making some sort of career decision.”

This message though seemingly insane has gathered a large amount of attention from forum boards. Netizens flocking to pick sides.

//////////////////

Top Comments:

“OMG I was so happy to see their first win. I feel like T-ara should just worry about Korean fans because we’ve felt so neglected for so long. I hope no more scandals hurt your career. T-ara fighting!”

“I hate that Jiyeon had to lose her popularity and become “unavailable” for stupid fans to feel safe. What’s wrong with crushes? This is getting ridiculous, if you’re not happy with that old man love someone else Jiyeon unnie fighting!”

“Thank god, Bully Jiyeon is finally hooked up with that old man. I am back on board with T-ara and liked their mv a lot.”

… 8.10.2015

Daniel held his phone up with his left hand, the camera facing the brand new apartment.

His family seen visibly on the screen, his sister on the side with his parents sitting at the center looking directly towards him. 

He had stayed in a hotel for the first few days upon landing in Korea. Where he had been greeted by a crowd, he deemed unimaginable. There were thousands of fans there to just meet him. Korea was truly different. Now he was finally moving into his new residence.

“Can you see it clearly?” He asked. The luxury apartment he had rented was located in Seoul close to the SK Knights arena the Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium. He could see the stadium itself from his 10th floor apartment. It had a great view of Seoul and he could even see the Lotte World tower on the other side, the ginormous skyscraper being constructed for 2018.

While it wasn’t his permanent home he nevertheless would make it his own. It was completely different than the wealthy suburbs of Malibu he had grown up, even different than the city of New York he had attended two years for university. The view of the bustling urban Seoul was completely different than anything he knew before.

Wow a what a beautiful view.” Jenny gasped at the view that Daniel reflected from his phone's camera. 

You have a kitchen right? Are you going to cook? Will you have time without practices? The NBA team paid for chefs what will you do now?” His mother quickly switched the subject from the view to his provisions. Though it was a lot, he knew that his mother was just worried for him.

He had moved all the way to Korea, it was no longer just a new city in America. He had changed countries. They were no longer a short flight away. They were an international voyage away and his parents weren't travelers by any stretch of the imagination.

We’ll send a care package. Also buy some furniture. Ok son? We’ll pay for it.” His father offered, despite knowing that Daniel had plenty of money to buy furniture. He knew his family cared a lot for him and he was thankful for that. It was just how his family was. 

You’re not jet legged are you? Are you going to sleep? Does the bed have sheets?” His mother’s barrage of questions continued and he nodded as he tried his best to answer each one. 

"Yes, I'm not too jet legged, I took a pill and slept on the plane. The bed has bedsheets, but I'm probably going to buy a bigger bed, the one they gave isn't made for basketball players." Daniel joked.

"How are you going to eat? Are you getting take out? Will they hire private chefs for you?"

“I'm going to get food and explore a little. Mike will drive me around.” He finally announced. “I’m going to be fine, don’t worry about me. You have a little girl heading off to college soon.” 

Ya! I'm not a little girl anymore.” Jenny retorted. “Besides its only Irvine, that’s like an hour away. You’re in a whole other continent oppa.” 

“I know. I’ll be careful I promise.” He responded as he sat on the brand new couch just one of the many new furniture that had been placed for him. 

“Mike say hi.” He turned his phone and showed his new agent, a Korean who's proficient english made it easier for his old agent to keep in contact with him.

“Hello Choi family.” He began in Korean, knowing Daniel's mother enjoyed listening to her native language. “I promise I’ll make sure that Daniel has everything he could possibly need.”

Watch him carefully please, he’s a real trouble maker.” Daniel’s father scolded him in Korean. 

“I will.” They both laughed at his father's blatantness. 

“I’ll call you soon.” Daniel finally announced. "We're going to go get some food."

The call ended.

He was hungry, but also, he knew his mother would overthink things if he continued the call.

He just had to show them he was fine. He was 22 now. He had lived alone, this would only be slightly different.

“So I’m sure you know this already, but here’s a list of the plays the team would like you to know.” He placed a booklet on the table. “Remember, it's important you make a big impact, because each team can only have two international players maximum. You are replacing a possible 210 cm tall (6'9) player who they had scouted.” 

Daniel nodded. He knew he had to make sure he was useful. He was no longer going to just sell Jerseys anymore. He would make a name for himself. 

He stared at the Seoul Skyline which had turned dark and allowed the beautiful lights to shine. The blur of car headlights dashing down the barely noticable roads. The faint silhouettes of people walking up and down the crowded sidewalks. 

"Go grab a coat, let's go get some food I'm sure you're starving." Mike instructed him as he walked out of the apartment to go get the car. "Anything you want?"

"I'm fine with anything." Daniel yelled and heard his voice echo through the hallway of the apartment building. Before silencing as the door shut. 

At that moment, he was alone. He was in Seoul. Two months ago, he never could've imagined him being here. The city was something else, it was a place where he would find her again. He had already made up his mind that night.

He would win her back. His Jiyeon.

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Repthebae
I just wanted to thank all the new subs and upvotes, L&B may be over, but getting the notifications that people are reading means the world. Please feel free to leave thoughts and comments, I'll try to reply haha.

Comments

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gogixx
#1
Chapter 7: this is so nice ^^
iv7000 #2
Chapter 11: Wow this is so cool.
I was in the fandom during these times when they actually happened.
All personal opinions aside, the recreation of how the news articles were released is so accurate.
I feel like I time traveled to a degree xD
Awesome writing!
tarafan2 #3
So glad you will continue to write a Part 4. Happy new year
justcrazy #4
Chapter 68: Would love to read more of this. Thank you!
tarafan2 #5
Chapter 66: Looks at the [M] tag. woohoo! it's like christmas came early.

Too bad you didn't/won't continue writing. The 6 members of T-ara are still active (well, except for Boram). Soyeon is back in the entertainment industry too.
ilovenobody #6
Chapter 66: It's ending soon :(
I'm still hoping to see if they will get expose and receive blessing from public.
Looking forward to the last chapter :)
justcrazy #7
Chapter 65: Aww. I’m so sad this is ending. I was hoping there will be more but thank you very much for this story. Looking forward to more of your works!
justcrazy #8
Chapter 64: I am really happy I found this story. I love their love story and I hope they get to date peacefully for at least a year lmao. And I hope after all those years they are not together, their relationship will somehow be smooth sailing from now.
ali1432d5h #9
Chapter 62: I read this in a day and im eager to read more im so sad I finished it 😭 I’ve heard of T-ara but I never knew how big they actually were or the whole story of what happened to them, now since yesterday I’ve been looking into them and I love them also I can’t stop listening to Jiyeon’s Take a Hike and I’m about to watch the variety she’s in 😭 thank you for introducing me to T-ara and Jiyeon ✨😭 I’m also enjoying their relationship so much and all of the events in the story, I wonder if we are gonna see some current time scenes hopefully 🥺 I can’t waitttty
tarafan2 #10
Chapter 62: Aww <3