... 10.20.2016

The ceiling was white. It's so perfect.

Those were the only thoughts that seemed to be flowing through his head at the moment.

Daniel was currently laying on his back. His arm wrapped around her shoulder, her tiny face resting against his chest. 

He didn't remember ever feeling so comfortable. The warmth he felt from her soft skin brushing against his bare chest.  

He didn’t feel awkward at all. Somehow everything just felt right. Serenity.

He had waited, he had waited almost 4 years for this, from the moment he had first kissed her to now. It was worth it.

He glanced down towards her. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. Her arm drapped over his abdomen, her figure, even more perfect than any of his wildest fantasies.

“Daniel.” Jiyeon whispered breaking the silence.

“Mhm?" 

“You’re…” Jiyeon faltered in her words. He wondered in curiousity at what she was going to say. 

“You’re my first.” 

Daniel almost choked. His breath completely absent from his lungs, caught completely off guard by her abrupt confession.

He didn't ask for it, but he felt his eyes water up. Small streams of passion flowed down from his eyes. 

How? 

How could someone so beautiful? How could she be so pure at the sametime?

Daniel had wondered this for a while, he found himself leading her as they started the . However, when he had gone down on her, she had been so perfect... there was no awkwardness, no tension, she gave her all to him.

“Jiyeon.” His voice felt distant unsure of how to even respond to such a statement. 

He couldn't express his love for her in words. “How can you be so beautiful and still so innocent,” he ran his fingers down her face.

“I waited for you oppa. I wanted it to be you so badly.” She purred gazing directly into him. 

Her large puppy-like eyes so much more bewitching up close. Her confession made Daniel feel regret. He regretted every doubt he had ever had of her.

How he had once believed she had dumped him because he was insufficient. How he had once believed that perhaps she thought she was too perfect for him.

Daniel took it all back now. He couldn’t believe how he had ever even considered those possibilities. She was so innocent... and he loved her so much.

He knew that this was the type of love he had wanted. Pure and unconditional. Daniel would love her no matter what happened from now on.

“Oppa. Are you happy?”' Happy couldn’t describe the emotions he felt.

“Thank you. Thank you Jiyeon.” He expressed repeating himself.

Silence fell upon them as they both lay face to face. 

He began to her cheek, his thumb tracing her jaw. Just as he had done 3 years ago. He kissed her again. Her lips formed a smile and she looked so cute, her eyes scrunched into tiny upside down smiles. 

“Jiyeon. I want you to tell me everything, everything that scares you, everything that makes you hesitate. I want you to share your burdens with me.” He wasn’t sure where his own words were coming from, but he had this feeling on his chest.

“Actually oppa.” She was staring at the ceiling. Mystery filling his brain as he wondered what she might say. “It’s embarrassing but I feel insecure in front of you.”

Daniel couldn’t understand how Jiyeon could feel insecure? 

He wanted to hear. “Why?” 

“Because for me, this is all new... And I’m scared.” She admitted.

He had forgotten about that, despite her elegant appearance she was someone with very little experience. 

She was constantly preoccupied with being a trainee, then a top idol, and now trying to avoid scandals. He felt so much love and pity towards her. She didn’t deserve any of that. “I’m scared that I’ll mess up and just be in your past.”

She was scared. 

“Actually that bothers me a lot honestly. It bother’s me that you have dated before. I know I’m being selfish and jealous, but I really hate that I’m so jealous, and I hate that you’re so popular among other people."Her insecurities were pouring out.

Tears of innocence and fear flowed from her eyes. Pure love that Daniel wanted so badly to protect. 

“Jiyeon.” He reached his arm over and leaned her head back into his chest as he rested his chin against her long soft hair.

“You don’t ever have to worry about my exes. I’m sorry you feel this way. I’m sorry that I make you worried. But they’re over... I don’t love them anymore.” He comforted her gently.

“To me they were just stepping stones, though they helped me get to where I am, they are in the past. I’m never going to look back. And instead it’s all led up to finding solid ground. My island, my paradise, you.”

She snuggled deeper into his chest as the tears began to stop. 

“So of course you’re allowed to be jealous. That’s natural. But just know that I love you and I hope you’ll trust that I’d never love anyone else. I waited 3 years for you because I loved only you.” Daniel remembered how he had broken up with Ashley when he realized his feelings despite knowing he was in a one-sided love towards Jiyeon back then. 

How things had changed since then.

"So please trust me. I want things to work out between us even if its hard." He revealed his wish.

"The note." Jiyeon suddenly chimed in. "The note you left back then." 

Daniel remembered now. The note he had written barely a day before she had pushed him away all those years ago.

"I regret all of that now." Jiyeon sighed. "I don't know even know why I did that."

"Sorry." She apologized.

Daniel shook his head.

"It doesn't matter what happened in the past. What matters is now." He assured her.

Suddenly his stomach growled.

“Sorry.” Jiyeon suddenly sat up. “I forgot that you haven’t eaten. Oh my god I’m sorry oppa.”

Daniel who despite wanting to hold back certain thoughts found himself unable to resist staring at her bare figure as she sat upright. His eyes glued to her slender waist and ample s.

He began to cough uncomfortably. 

Quickly realizing her mistake Jiyeon quickly covered herself with her arms before leaping onto the ground like a cat to find her clothes.

“I’ll go make dinner.” She sputtered out frantically searching to cover herself. Daniel chuckled as she ran out the door blushing furiously. 

Why are you so cute?

A cold truth suddenly dawned on him, as much as he loved her...

Jiyeon was a terrible cook.

He quickly scrambled off the bed to find his clothes. 

Daniel slipped his t-shirt and underwear on followed by his jeans. He rushed out of the room and bounded down the hall towards the kitchen.

He found her taking out several ingredients and his heart might’ve stopped again. 

She wore only his black oversized sweater that draped down covering her . Somewhat ertedly he could tell in her haste she hadn't put on a bra.

“What now?” She inquired staring innocently at him. 

If only she knew. 

“You look great in that one too. I'm beginning to think all of my hoodies were just made for you to wear.” He complemented her moving closer to her. The mysterious food in her hand the target.

She reacted, blushing furiously and he took the opportunity to snatch the ingredients from her hand. A package of fish cake, a package of rice rolls, and a small package of green onions, along with a ready made red sauce.

“Teokbokki?” He guessed from the ingredients. 

“yes. It’s the only thing I can cook.” She glanced down ashamed. 

Daniel chuckled at how much aegyo she had. 

He didn't care. He didn't mind doing all the cooking if it meant being beside her.

“I’ll cook.” He offered, partially making clear that he wasn't going to let her.

“But I wanted to treat you.” She whined reaching for the ingrediants, Daniel holding the food barely out of reach from her arms. “You had a long day.”

He kept them away and placed them on the counter. Instead he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up as she wrapped her legs around him. He gently placed her onto the kitchen counter. She crossed her arms like a child and frowned.

“You can be my cute sous-chef.” He conceded.

Finding her pouting lips irresistibly cute, he kissed her. 

She nodded content with her new role with his flattering.

He opened the cabinets and began collecting a few other things he needed. 

“Isn’t that too much? It’s supposed to be simple.” She inquired curiously.

“Just trust me, I’ve picked up a few skills from living alone.” He boasted. “Why don’t you cook the ramen.”

Jiyeon nodded as she grabbed the package of instant noodles and a small pot. 

He watched her boil the water and place the instant noodles inside once it was steaming. He then refocused as he placed his ingredients inside the large stir fry.

Jiyeon carried the pot of ramen into the small four person dining room table and sit down. Daniel finished the teokbokki soon after. He placed the large pan of spicy fish cakes and rice cake next to the ramen.

“Looks good.” She her lips and then revealed two pairs of chopsticks.

Daniel smiled as they both dug into the food. 

Daniel could’ve watched her eat for hours. She chomped down smiling at his successful cooking. 

“Wow, it’s really good. What did you add?”

“My love.”

Jiyeon blushed at his words. 

Even the cute red she would turn when he said something cringe made his heart race.

Innocent and beautiful. That was how he would describe her. People who judged her, often said she looked arrogant and stuck up. But the girl he knew, the beautiful woman he had been a fan of, was nothing like that.

How could anyone hate her? 

To him she was perfect. 

“What?” There was red sauce smeared on top of her lips.

“Pabo. Why do you look so pretty even right now?” He sighed. 

He reached over and wiped it off. 

Jiyeon shrugged her shoulders cooly as she kept eating ignoring him.

However, the redness of her cheeks betrayed her, revealing her satisfaction at his compliment.

Today might’ve not been the ideal day 1 he had imagined having with her. But in the end it was perfect. Being beside her made it perfect, knowing that this could be everyday made it that much better. 

They didn’t need an awkward first date, they didn’t need to go watch a movie. The two knew each other so well already. They had been lovers for years, yet it wasn’t their day 1 until today.

…

Jiyeon watched his mouth part as small breathes of air went in and out. He was so peaceful when he slept. Jiyeon wanted to snap a picture afraid that she may never see him again.

But that wasn't true anymore. They were together now, for better or for worse. 

Jiyeon gazed lovingly at her sleeping fan.

Funny how that was how it had all started.

A fan who had later saved her more times than she could count. A fan who had never given up on her even when she had. The boy who seemed to be her rock keeping steady as she struggled to find any consistency in her life.

Daniel.

Her Daniel.

She would learn English for him, she would learn how to play basketball… at least to the best of her abilities for him. She would do anything to keep him happy. He deserved that after all he had done for her.

Suddenly, she noticed his phone ring, not wanting it to wake him, she immediately picked it up without checking the caller and climbed out of the bed, quietly creeping out the room.

“Hello?” Jiyeon asked.

“Jiyeon-si?”

Jiyeon checked the contact information it was English, Choi Jenny. She was Daniel’s sister.

“Yes.” She responded nervously unsure of what Daniel had told her.

“Oh my god! Are you ok? You weren’t hurt right?” Jenny's Korean was actually pretty decent. Not as good as Daniel's, but pretty good.

The barrage of questions made Jiyeon assume that Daniel had told her.

“I’m fine. Sorry you must be surprised to hear me. Has Daniel not talked to you recently?” 

“I think he’s been busy. He told me the whole story when he first came back to Korea because my Mom kept begging me for answers." 

At the mention of his mom, Jiyeon realized that she had never asked about his parents. The topic had just never come up.

What would they think of her? Would they approve of her?

“Is everything ok now?” Jiyeon inquired. 

"Yes. My mom knows about you and Daniel. She thinks you're really pretty and well, I think you're really pretty too." 

"Thank you." Jiyeon was smiling widely as she said this. Thankful to hear that she had their support.

"My Omma already wants to find a way to fly you and Daniel here to meet you." 

Jiyeon wasn't sure if Jenny was joking. She had heard that Daniel's family was pretty wealthy in America.

"I'd love that." Jiyeon replied.

"Well, I'm sure you must be tired. Is my oppa already asleep?" 

“Yes. He’s sleeping right now. Sorry I didn’t want him to wake up.”

“No its fine I’ll call him tomorrow.” Jenny assured her. “Please take good care of my oppa.”

“I will.” Jiyeon promised. 

“I know this may seem strange for me to say. He's annoying a lot and sometimes acts kind of stupid. But I’ve never seen him love anyone the way he loves you, I hope that you know he really cares for you a lot.” 

“I know. He has always been such a caring person.” Jiyeon was aware more than anyone how well Daniel took care of her. 

“I hope we can be good friends. Tell him to give you my number. I don't know if you know but i'm actually a big fan of you too and was a fan of you before he was.”

Jiyeon giggled hearing her statement. She remembered in their first meeting in Vegas how he had admitted that he wasn't a fan of Hallyu stars nor did he know who she was before then.

“Thank you so much. Let’s definitely be good friends.” Jiyeon answered.

Daniel had made such a good impression on her family so she hoped to make a good impression on his. This was certainly a good start.

... 10.21.2016

Daniel had never felt so much joy waking up. A beautiful dream was followed by the sight of a beautiful person. His eyes opened and there she was. 

Lying across from him, her head resting on her cheek so that they were face to face. He wanted to reach over and her. But he was afraid she would wake up. 

She should rest. He knew from their texts that she would have to start working again today. Their first real date would have to wait. 

He knew he had a morning workout scheduled and had to go in for that. He covered his mouth as he yawned, slowly raising from the sheets and off the bed. 

It was a little strange waking up in another person's room. But knowing that it was Jiyeon's apartment, not some stranger's made it feel homely. He realized he didn't have a change of clothes. But remembered he still had workout clothes at the practice facility. 

He hopped into the shower and took a quick shower before exiting in the same clothes. He saw that Jiyeon was still sleeping and gently opened the door and left. 

He walked down the hallway to the living area and dining room. The fairly modern apartment equipped with everything an idol would need. Despite the lack of success later for T-ara. It wasn't unreasonable to say Jiyeon had made a significant amount of money internationally especially in China. 

He peaked into the kitchen and noticed that despite assuring him that she wanted to do the dishes after letting him cook. The dirty dishes sat in the sink. He shook his head as he sighed and got to work. 

Within about 10 or so minutes he finished the dishes and had put together a decent breakfast with some side dishes and eggs. 

He placed a plate of food in the microwave for Jiyeon writing a note on the table for her. 

Then after eating quickly he left, closing the front door ever so quietly. 

It was a strange feeling for him. Sitting in the car, driving towards the facility. A smile on his face as he listened to the radio.

Somehow just knowing she was sleeping safely in her apartment have him a warm feeling. He wanted to be in her life, to support her from beside her, to hold her when she was sad.

He was almost humming as he entered the facility. 

Several of his teammates were there as well. 

"You're in a good mood today." Eric appeared from behind him as usual. Startling him.

"Ya! Hyung." Daniel complained. 

"Why? Why? Why are you in such a good mood?" Eric interrogated.

"What are you talking about?" Daniel realized hiding his grin was harder than he thought.

"A girl? Is it a girl? Finally?" Eric was smiling brighter than he had ever seen him smile.

"What are you saying?" Daniel tried to brush him off coldly walking towards the practice courts.

"It is isn't it? Who? An idol, an actress, a model?" Eric continued to pester him following him.

Daniel grabbed a ball resting on the ground and threw it towards Eric.

"Hyung, if you have this much energy worrying about my love life how about you use some of it to practice." Daniel scolded him.

"ya, I'm your hyung-nim. Don't ignore my questions." He playfully retorted.

Daniel shook his head as he sighed. He shot another ball from the three point line and smiled as he watched it swoosh into the net.

"I'm just excited to play our next game that's all." Daniel lied.

"Really?" Eric frowned.

Daniel nodded his head as he shot again. This time the ball rolled around the rim before rolling out.

"That's not good." It was the voice of his trainer. "Something on your mind? You should never miss that shot."

Daniel chuckled.

His training lasted for two hours. 

Daniel was counting the minutes as he finally finished.

Walking quickly back to the locker room to change again. 

He dashed to his phone to check his messages.

To his joy she had already texted him.

There was a picture of the food he had made for breakfast.

JIYEON: thanks oppa! It was really good :)

JIYEON: I just left for work.

DAEHAN: of course. I'm glad you liked it.

DAEHAN: Remind me we need to go shopping to buy more groceries, your refrigerator is always empty

JIYEON: should we go to your apartment then?

DAEHAN: Yes.

JIYEON: ok. I'll meet you there after my schedules. 

DAEHAN: ok, you're coming to my game right?

JIYEON: I'll think about it.

DAEHAN: Aren't you the spokes person? 

JIYEON: Well, if i do. will you be able to focus?

Daniel finished putting on a fresh t shirt and jeans and grabbed his gym bag as he brushed his wet hair back. Walking towards the exit of the practice facility, he would have about 5 hours before he needed to go to the Arena for his game.

DAEHAN: of course. I'll play harder knowing you'll be watching. 

Daniel finished putting on a fresh t shirt and jeans and grabbed his gym bag as he brushed his wet hair back. Walking towards the exit of the practice facility.

He would have about 5 hours before he needed to go to the Arena for his game.

DAEHAN: of course. I'll play harder knowing you'll be watching.  

JIYEON: Then I’ll talk to Jooyoung unnie, but it should be fine.

Daniel began driving back to his apartment. Realizing he should probably tidy it up a little before she came over. 

…

Jiyeon smiled as she sat court side, the ginormous roar of the crowd behind her. Despite her busy schedule with her upcoming comeback. A contract was still a contract, and she had already missed three home games because of the incident.

"Daniel oppa I love you!" 

"You're so handsome!" 

"Go Daehan oppa!"

On the court in front of her, a tall handsome young man casually walking towards the center. He was lightly sweating, but it only accentuated his toned arms and nice build. She blushed thinking about how she had traced every vein and muscle in his body the night before.

Their eyes met for a second, and she grinned at him. He turned away, careful not to raise any suspicion as one of his teammates took him aside to talk with him.

It was a different feeling now, she was no longer watching in the rafters, supporting him with only her heart. Now she was beside him, sometimes only a meter away.

Just watching his eyes narrow towards the center of the court as the game began made her heart flutter. Similar to when she used to watch him on her computer screen when he was still playing in college.

His teammate caught the tip off as Daniel began to dribble down the court towards the otherside in a composed manner. One arm pointing in several directions, signalling for his teammates to engage in their plays. 

Jiyeon wished she could say it was a close game. But it wasn’t. Daniel was amazing.

By the first half, he had already scored 20 points and the team was ahead by 15 points to the Incheon Electroland Elephants. 

She watched as the SK Knights cheer team leaped onto the court to perform a dance routine. The eyes of many of their cheerleaders wandering to the young star as he walked towards the locker room. 

Especially Lee Chaeun. Jiyeon could clearly see her gaze on Daniel. Like a cat eyeing its prey.

Would she make her move on him? Jiyeon hoped not. 

Daniel passed by her and a tiny gaze was enough for her to feel his affection assuring her. 

“Want to get something to eat?” Jooyoung asked from behind her snapping her from her thoughts. 

Jiyeon hadn’t eaten since breakfast, her entire day filled with preparations for their comeback.

“Ok unnie.” Jiyeon agreed. 

Both stood up from their seats and headed to get refreshments, they had at least 30 minutes before the game would resume. 

Jiyeon was escorted by a security guard and her manager as there were people snapping pictures and squealing as she headed for a spicy Chicken stand.

The food was worth the fuss, as she returned to her seat the fried chicken in hand. 

She sat down and glanced to her right for the first time for the whole game. Sure, mostly rich CEO’s and investors sat in the row, but a few seats away she thought she saw the face of the famous actor Jo Jungsuk. 

She was tempted to introduce herself, but sided against it. He probably didn't know who she was. 

The game continued and Daniel played hard once again. His nimble body running up and down the court, flinging the ball to his teammates. Skillfully navigating through his opponents scoring easily. Jiyeon lost count but checked the score board and saw by the end of the third quarter he had a total of 34 points.

He didn’t play in the fourth quarter, the SK Knights up 18 points over their opponents.

She watched as he sat on the bench across from her. A towel over his damp long hair, bangs seeping into his eyes that were glancing back and forth between the game and well… her.

She could see him gaze at her for long spurts of the game, the towel covering his eyes from the photographers.

When they locked eyes he grinned at her, before turning to talk with one of his teammates. 

The final buzzer ended and the SK Knights once again won by a landslide. 

She was escorted out by her manager through the tunnel and towards the exit of the arena. 

Jiyeon reached for her phone.

JIYEON: I’m heading to my apartment, but I’ll drive to yours after

JIYEON: send me your address

DAEHAN: I’ll meet you there then. I have a press conference and I’ll be right there.

Jiyeon lay back in the van, reclining it back as she closed her eyes imagining meeting him again. She couldn’t wait. Her arms were shaking.

“Excited about something?” Jooyoung asked from beside her. 

Despite knowing the truth about her and Daniel. Her manager still enjoyed teasing her.

“For the comeback.” Jiyeon answered.

“Well you should be. We’ll be heading to Jeju in about a week to start filming the Music Video.” 

Jiyeon didn’t know this. That meant more time away from him. She would have to make the most of the time she had.

“Ok unnie.” Jiyeon answered her eyes wandering out the window.

“Just remember you’re still an idol. Even with all of the things going on. Please remember you have a job just like him.” Jooyoung advised her.

Jiyeon nodded. She knew that there was a lot of people counting on her. T-ara needed this comeback to be successful. 

Balancing her relationship and her work would certainly be something new to figure out.

…

Daniel could barely wait as he punched in the numbers to his apartment lock. 

The door swung open. He entered glancing around.

Had she not come yet?

Daniel suddenly glanced down and spotted her shoes near the door. He realized she was trying to scare him. Usually he’d expose the fact he knew immediately but decided against it this time. 

He let the door close behind him and acted like he was in the house alone.

He purposely jumped up when she tapped him on the back. 

“Boo!” He couldn’t hide a smile as her tiny hands pushing gently against his back.

He turned around and immediately noticed she was frowning.

“You knew didn’t you.” She was scratching her head in wonder. 

Daniel chuckled as he shook his head. 

“You scared me.” He lied.

Jiyeon remained frozen, clearly suspicious. A cute expression forming on her face as she seemed to be deep in thought. 

Unable to resist himself. He pulled her into his embrace, gently dabbing his lips against her hair.

“Thanks for coming.” He whispered.

“Why do you keep saying thank you? I’m the one who should be saying that.” She argued. 

Daniel began to her long hair burying her head deeper into his chest.

“Of course I’m thankful. I’m thankful you’re alive. I’m thankful you accepted my feelings.” He explained.

“I love you.” 

It was quiet. Barely audible through his tight embrace. But it was there nonetheless.

The words warming his heart. Remembering his request of her the night before.

“I love you Daniel.” She repeated now looking up at him. Their eyes meeting each other. The darkness providing a perfect backdrop for their affectionate moment.

“Me too.” He leaned down and kissed her. Noticing how cute she looked with her eyes closed he repeated the action. 

The action oddly enough didn’t escalate more. Instead, the two lovers began to play around, a fun night filled with food and light hearted conversation. 

They were both comfortable with each other.

Daniel enjoyed just her company, the way she would giggle so cutely whenever she found something funny, her voice raising whenever she felt embarrassed or flustered. The flashes of her dinosaur like teeth as she struggled to hide it with her hands. He loved all of it.

Before he realized it, he had fallen asleep on the sofa. His head resting against her lap, as she his messy hair. Her gentle hands running down his face providing warmth and peace. 

The perfect ending to a long day.