… 10.1.11

“Today we are joined by Oricon number 1 debut, and Japan's Top Billboard, Number 1 artist T-ara!” The female interviewer spoke in Japanese staring towards them. 

Jiyeon glanced back towards the Korean translator who stood ready to translate them questions in case they didn’t understand.

Honestly, Jiyeon’s Japanese was still pretty bad, she loosely understood the introduction in itself. Thankfully, her members' Japanese were significantly better, especially Qri and Hyomin who were quite proficient.

“Konichiwa, we are T-ara.” Their voices rang out in unison as they all bowed. 

“How do you feel to be the first Korean group to hold the Number One spot on so many Japanese Music Boards for two consecutive weeks?” The interviewer inquired.

“It is a great honor, and we are very happy, because we all worked very hard.” Qri whose Japanese was the best responded first.

“One of your members, Jiyeon-chan was chosen as the August cover model for ViVi magazine. How do you feel about this?”

Jiyeon blushed slightly embarrassed by the sudden compliment.

“We are extremely proud and happy that our fan’s are noticing how pretty she is!” Hyomin praised her.

“We already knew that she was pretty. So there’s nothing new for us.” Boram joked as she placed her arm around Jiyeon’s shoulder.

Jiyeon chuckled as she leaned her head into Boram.

“Thank you Unnie.” She thanked in Korean.

When the interview was over, some of the company workers asked her to stay behind for another photoshoot. Her manager told her to comply and she stayed behind, uncomfortably waiting, while her members left to the next venue.

She was instructed by Oricon's employees to change into several outfits. She posed for several pictures which her manager explained was for the Oricon Ranking board cover. 

She noticed that beside her manager, stood a young-ish man in a suit. He was slim, tall, curly hair, and round glasses. The reflection of the studio lights covering his eyes.

The hour long shoot finally drew to a close and her manager rushed over to her with water. Jiyeon headed to change back to her normal attire when two employees came over.

“The Chairman of Oricon’s son is a big fan of yours, if you don’t mind he’d like to meet you.”

Upon hearing the words 'Chairman', Jiyeon nodded noticing the fake smile than was plastered over her manager's face.

The young man who had been watching in the shadows made his way to her.

Jiyeon stared at her manager, she felt slightly uncomfortable by his presence. But her manager whispered into her ear. "It's important to make good relations with VIPs."

She nodded hesitantly.

“Nice to meet you.” He suprised her speaking in slightly broken Korean. “I’m Hideki Saito.”

“Nice to meet you.” She bowed respectfully. 

“I’ve been following T-ara since their debut, and I must compliment you are even prettier in person.” He reached over and was about to trace his thumb down her face. 

Jiyeon froze. She felt extremely vulnerable, but also knew she couldn’t react.

Thankfully he seemed to notice her discomfort and withdrew his hand. Electing to smile instead.

"I look forward to seeing your success." He answered clearing his throat.

“I’m glad you are a fan...” She nudged her manager in the shoulder. “But I do have a concert tomorrow I have to practice for.” 

“Yes. I’m terribly sorry to break up this meeting.” Her manager interrupted for her.

“Too bad, I would like to treat you to a meal someday.” His voice was mysterious to her. It was friendly, yet she wondered what intentions were behind them.

“You don’t need to.” She tried to laugh it off.

“I insist.” He continued.

With that Jiyeon bowed, as she followed her manager out the building.

“Your members are all practicing for the concert. You’ll meet them at the venue now.” Her manager explained.

Then noticing her discomfort after the awkward confrontation, “Don’t speak of that ever. He is just a big fan that’s all.” Her manager instructed her.

Jiyeon nodded hesitantly and climbed into the black van that drove her back to the concert venue.

She entered and was quickly mic-ed up for the practice before rejoining her members on stage. 

“Look who it is! Little Miss Covergirl. Late because she wanted to take more pictures.” Hwayoung mocked her.

Hwayoung, who had joined the band later, always seemed to throw snide remarks at Jiyeon whenever she could. As much as Jiyeon tried to ignore her, sometimes it bothered her... especially after such a long day. Did she even know how uncomfortable she felt all alone?

“Not right now Hwayoung, let’s just practice.” Qri scolded her.

Averting her eyes from the short haired annoyance, she noticed Hyomin beckon for her to join her. Exhausted, Jiyeon happily oblidged.

“How was the shoot? My pretty little maknae.” Hyomin rubbed Jiyeon's cheek between her fingers.

“Not bad.” Jiyeon lied, enjoying the show of affection. “You know I’d rather be here with you guys.”

“I know.” Hyomin responded. “But we all have to do our part to promote.”

This unnie always seemed to understand Jiyeon, maybe that was why she was Jiyeon’s favorite unnie. 

Hyomin had been Jiyeon’s role model when she first joined the group. She encapsulated the perfect balance of pretty and y; but was kind hearted and outgoing when she got to know her. Jiyeon who was shy at first, found herself becoming more confident with Hyomin’s help and continued praises.

… 11.2.2011

Daniel lugged the water bottles to the bench. Carrying two racks of 6 water bottles was not as easy as it looked. 

He had tried out in front of the coach and had been allowed to become a manager for the team. The coach who admitted that he couldn’t add another player to the team, advised him to manage this year and that his sophomore year would have a guaranteed spot. At least he was allowed to practice with the team occasionally. 

This was his situation as he watched his team play a practice game against the nearby Fordham university. 

It was certainly humbling watching from the bench. He had always started in his high school team and had even been the captain since his sophomore year. Now he wasn’t even allowed to play because he wasn’t an official member. Why was he doing this?

The question had occured a multitude of times. Was he even doing what he liked? 

Between school and practice he was basically always busy.

He joined a Korean club because he thought it might be interesting, but they were mainly international students and non-Koreans. Not that he didn’t like them, but he didn’t feel as comfortable talking with them.

When the game ended, he watched as the players all returned to the bench.

“Hey, don’t look so down, you’ll have your chance.” Anthony assured him patting him on the shoulder.

Daniel nodded with a fake smile as he exited the arena with his teammates.

He made his way back to the dorm where his roommate, Ben was already sleeping. 

Ben who slept at 9 pm everyday. Ben who woke up at 6 am everyday to go to the gym, and studied like a maniac whenever he wasn’t with his friends. Daniel crept in and glanced at his phone. He quietly checked his twitter feed and saw that T-ara would soon release their next mini album: Black Eyes. 

He stared at the wallpapers that had been released for the new music video. He chuckled silently, even in a cute bob-like haircut she was still beautiful.

He wondered if she even remembered him. If she had ever once thought of him. He knew he was far too late to try and request now. He was just her fan. That was all.

He sometimes still thought of that night, the night he had met her. Was that why he kept being a manager? 

Because of her inspiring words? Daniel wasn't even sure this was the right direction. He already knew his parents opposed the decision. His GPA might suffer too.

Grad school? Would he have to sacrifice that?

He felt confused. But he couldn't stop. He finally felt a sense of direction. He wanted to pursue it.

… 11.10.2011

“To Choi Daniel our handsome new member!” Sam echoed in Korean.

Everyone cheered as they all took shots of soju. Besides the juniors and seniors in the club, the others were underage, so they met at one of the club member’s apartments.

“Thanks.” Daniel thanked as he stared at the mix of largely girls in the group.

He could tell from their hungry glares, they were ready to pounce on him, as if he was one of their idols.

“Oppa.” Sarah edged herself closer to him, confidently placing her hand on his shoulder. “Want to take a shot together?”

Immediately a bunch of people oohed. Daniel shook his head.

“Noona, aren’t you two years older than me?” He teased.

Everyone chuckled as she turned away embarrassed.

Daniel drank with them and several began to dance. Kpop was played in the background and many tried to replicate the advanced moves to little success. He wondered if this was the type of people who largely followed it. It was amusing to say the least.

“Hey, Daniel I’m sure everyone is wondering. Who’s your idol crush?” One of the girls asked out of the blue. “I’m sure that’s why you’re a fan isn’t it?”

Daniel choked on the soju he was drinking as he started coughing.

“I mean, you’re handsome, tall, from California and even are on the basketball team. Why are you here?” Ken asked.

Daniel took a second to gather his thoughts.

“First, I’m just a manager for the team. Second, I’m a huge of fan of T-ara.” He admitted.

He would never do this in front of his old friends, but he felt a little more comfortable sharing it here. His tipsy state adding to his shamelessness.

“Wow, Daebak.” One girl exclaimed. “Us too.”

A bunch of guys raised their hands as well. 

“Dude, Hyomin. She’s so y.”

“Eunjung is prettier.” 

“Jiyeon is also so pretty.” 

Daniel chuckled. He didn’t want to fanboy in front of them, but he enjoyed watching them do it. 

He drank again as he felt more and more comfortable. 

“You know, I think my opinion is unpopular… but I think Jiyeon is the most pretty out of everyone.” He was drunk. He wasn’t really sure what he was saying, but the other club members began arguing. 

“Yoona is prettier.”

“IU is a goddess.”

“But Suzy...”

Daniel shook his head trying to focus on the conversation, but the world seemed to be spinning. 

He glared at his phone.

The last thing he remembered was PJY1993.

… 

“Everyone in outfits?” Their manager called as they all stood in the waiting room. 

“Yes!” Qri answered for the girls. 

They were preparing for their comeback stage for Cry Cry, after releasing their music video the day before. The video had already gathered 10 million views a record in one day for a Korean girl group.

Jiyeon stared at herself in the mirror, she wore a tightly fit black leather top and tiny black leather shorts. She also wore a black wig on top to give her a similar appearance to the music video. 

She silently took a picture and posted it to her chat.

IU: Wow, City girl to Apocalypse girl, looks pretty

LUNA: imagine IU in anything that revealing

JIYEON: haha i can't imagine

IU: hey its cause im short I look bad in crop tops

LUNA: It’s cause your s are small

JIYEON: nah they’re decent I touched them before

IU: shut up! Lol

IU: anyways good luck fighting!

Jiyeon giggled as she stared at her KaKao talk.

“5 minutes until performances start.” The stage manager called through the door. 

Suddenly the door swung open, “Annyeong T-ara!” The five Shinee members excitedly entered their dressing room.

“Shinee Sunbae-nims hello.” They all quickly leaped to their feat and bowed respectfully, to the five handsome boy crushes.

“We just wanted to wish you all luck and say hi!” Onew began.

“Also Minho wanted to meet Jiyeon-si.” Taemin joked. 

“Ya!” Minho retorted as he locked eyes with her.

He was clearly nervous. But his intense eyes combined with his handsome face, made Jiyeon's heart flutter. 

“Hello Minho Sunbae.” She bowed awkwardly unsure of what to say.

“Oh, no need to be so formal.” He assured her. “I just think you’re pretty is all. I hope we can be friends.”

Jiyeon blushed hearing the handsome idol's confession. 

“Thank you.” She bowed again smiling. "I'd like that as well."

“Ya, look at that, our Minho already making moves.” The shorter Jonghyun teased.

“Can I get your number?” He suddenly requested. The other members squealed in delight as Jiyeon nodded hesitantly.

He was certainly handsome... and it wasn't like she liked anyone. Jiyeon handed him her phone and he entered his number.

She took back her phone and saved his contact. Hyomin jumped to her side and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. Minho grinned brightly, but in seconds rushed out completely flustered as the other Shinee members laughed watching him.

“Anyways good luck, T-ara fighting!” Onew cheered again as the rest of Shinee exited the room.

There was a moment of silence before Eunjung jumped excitedly, rushing to Jiyeon's side.

“Wow, do you like him? He’s so handsome isn’t he? Is he your type?” Eunjung sputtered through her questions. “I’m so jealous. But I like Taemin more. I think his dancing is so manly.”

Jiyeon nodded happily. Content with the boost of confidence she received from his confession. However, it changed the moment her phone vibrated, the screen lighting up beneath her.

She almost gasped staring blankly towards the device. There was a notification from her Kakao talk. Her mind completely emptying of her earlier interactions.

“Did you know Infinite’s Myungsoo asked me for Jiyeon’s number too?” Hyomin commented in the background. “I’m friends with Jungwoo oppa.” 

“Wow Daebak! Jiyeon's visuals really aren't a joke.” Boram praised her before turning back towards Hwayoung.

“Didn’t you like him though Hwayoung?” 

“Just a little.” Hwayoung replied indifferently. “Obviously he likes the prettier Jiyeon.”

Jiyeon wasn’t paying attention, because if she did, she might've prevented a growing storm. But she didn't, the notification the only thing running through her mind. She exited the application twice. Doubting herself whether it was real or not.

CHOI DAEHAN HAS SENT YOU A FRIEND REQUEST

It was Daniel... she was sure of it.

Should she accept?

To be honest... she had almost forgotten about the incident. Constant practices, a hectic schedule full of Music Shows and Variety Shows. She had no time to think about the past. But the moment she saw his name. In an instant she recalled it all. 

How he had saved her, their conversation, watching the colorful fountains, the icecream. 

“Jiyeon?” 

"Jiyeon-a!" Soyeon repeated.

“Huh unnie?” Jiyeon snapped back to reality, staring around her. The other members all staring blankly towards her expecting something...

“Which guy do you like?” Jiyeon had no clue what Soyeon was talking about.

But decided on nodding sheepishly. A good escape when you're unsure.

“Um, they’re all cute.” She phrased out, instantly regretting it.

Cute? She was talking about boys. She should've said 'handsome'.

Thankfully the other members giggled instead, and Jiyeon guessed she had answered correctly enough.

“Performances are starting.” The stage manager announced again.

The other girls quickly stood up and Jiyeon elected to deal with this matter later. Daniel would have to wait. After all he had made her wait... what was it 4 months since then?

The thought certainly occuring to her, should she even deal with it at all?

… 11.11.2011

PARK JIYEON HAS ACCEPTED YOUR REQUEST

Daniel stared at the notification with an empty mind. It had been the focus of his attention for the past few hours. He sat at his desk in the lecture room, but he couldn’t pay attention to the ongoing lecture. Instead his mind wandered through a million scenarios. 

What should he say? Why had he drank so much the previous night? 

Why had he been so careless? 

“You ok?” Ashley asked. “You look like you drank a lot at the club meet last night.”

Daniel nodded grinning. “How’d you know?”

“Rebecca told me.” Ashley revealed. “I would’ve gone, but… I’m not really into Kpop.”

Daniel chuckled feeling slightly embarrased. “Did they tell you?”

“I heard you had a lot of surprising takes on different idols. I guess I never pictured you as being so passionate about it.” She giggled. He furrowed his brow as he nodded.

“Let’s not be talking while I’m speaking.” The professor growled.

Both of them immediately shut up. 

Unfortunately, shutting up didn't mean he refocused. Instead, he snuck quick glances at his phone hidden under the desk. He still couldn’t believe it... she had actually accepted. 

It was embarrasing enough he had requested. But what was he supposed to do now?

DAEHAN: Hey

Stupid idiot. You sound like such a loser. 

Daniel immediately thought of unsending it, but realized that would be even weirder and cause more misunderstandings. 

He checked the time and realized if it was 10 am here. It would be 2 am in the morning for her.

DAEHAN: Sorry, that was weird. I doubt you remember me, but I met you in Las Vegas.

His Korean writing ability was not much better than his speaking. He double checked with google translate making sure he didn't mispell anything.

He stared at his phone seconds after sending it. He must’ve been crazy. Why did he say that?

The class ended and he immediately headed to the cafeteria. He had already promised to meet up with Anthony and some other teammates.

He found them sitting at a large table. Pretty cheerleaders already sat beside each player. 

“Dude, you came!” Anthony stood up waving at Daniel.

“For sure bro.” He dapped him up.

“I’m telling you, I can’t believe coach won’t let you play. It’s stupid is what it is. You’re killing it in scrimages.” He defended him.

“Yah, but he doesn’t have space.” Daniel defended the coach, even though he himself disagreed with the decision.

“Just wait, once he sees you play, he’ll regret ever benching you.” Anthony assured him.

“Thanks.” Daniel enjoyed hanging out with Anthony despite their rough first meeting.

He was a pretty carefree player who reminded him a lot of Mike and Jay. Genetically talented, tall and muscular, but not the hardest worker.

After a few minutes, Daniel tuned out the conversation as he glanced repeatedly at his phone. It was 4 am there. Why was he still checking to see if she responded?

“You got a girlfriend back in Cali?” His teammate Winston asked.

“No.” Daniel responded flustered.

“Come on bro, we all know that look. The 'waiting for your girl to respond' look.” Anthony . “Who’s the lucky girl?”

“She’s a little out of my league at the moment.” Daniel admitted. 

“Bull , I’m not even Asian but you’re a good looking guy.” Winston praised him. 

"Yah for sure, chin up King." Anthony ordered as Daniel laughed at his teammate's cheesiness.

When lunch was over, Daniel feeling a little more confident in himself exited the cafeteria. He had another class soon after and then he had practice. It would be another long day.

“Data is all about collection, a database is really just a collection tool that files the data for easier access. It’s our job as Analyst to make something of that…” His professor rambled on.

Daniel zoned in and out of the lecture. 

He stared at the time, 2:55 before glancing back to his mostly empty notes. This was becoming a problem. What was he expecting? She was a celebrity...

It was time to snap back to reality. 

He placed his phone back into his pocket, deciding to shrug off whatever hopes he still had.

A minute later his pocket vibrated. Forgetting everything, he snatched his phone out again. 

1 new notification

PARK JIYEON: 3 new messages

He was about to open it— "Alright that's it for today. Make sure to finish your database assignments by Friday, and don't forget Labs tomorrow."

He threw his laptop into his backpack and hurried out of the classroom before a crowd formed by the door.

He rushed and found a small lounge he could sit at in the lecture building. 

He breathed out slowly before finally opening the messages.

JIYEON: Of course I remember you. 

JIYEON: What took you so long to request? :(

JIYEON: How are you doing?

Daniel wasn’t sure how to respond at first. He knew he should respond quickly.

DAEHAN: I’m sorry, I almost forgot and found the memo a few days ago.

He felt bad he was lying, but he couldn’t think of a better response.

What was he supposed to say to such a beautiful girl? And a celebrity at that? I'm sorry I got drunk talking about you and made a mistake requesting you.

DAEHAN: I’m doing good, classes are hard, but I’m surviving.

DAEHAN: How about you?

He noticed that they were read immediately and his heart raced.

JIYEON: First, it's 'I'm doing Well' haha

JIYEON: I’m doing well

JIYEON: lots of schedules, so I'm busy, but I think that's a good thing 

JIYEON: I had three big comebacks since we met. 

JIYEON: Are you holding your end of the deal?

JIYEON: Are you a fan now?

DAEHAN: Lol, I'm the one in college, yet i'm the one getting my grammar corrected.

DAEHAN: Of course I'm a fan now. I even watched some of T-ara’s performances too. 

He wasn’t about to say he watched all of her performances, watched her fancams and even bought all of T-ara’s albums despite his sister already having them.

JIYEON: I guess you just have to pay more attention in Korean 101 ;)

JIYEON: Anyways, thanks for being my fan. Welcome to the Queens! That’s T-ara’s fandom name.

DAEHAN: Of course, I knew that.

DAEHAN: Also I’m not about to be called a 'Queen' though

JIYEON: Even for me?

Daniel chuckled aloud. He could imagine her large adorable eyes pleading for him to give in. He figured... perhaps being called a Queen wasn't so bad.

DAEHAN: I never said I was your fan.

DAEHAN: There’s so many more pretty girls in your group.

It occurred to him seconds later... he was flirting with an idol. What the hell was wrong with him? This was more than being a fan.

JIYEON: Really? Who’s your favorite member? Hyomin unnie?

Oddly, she didn't seem to notice the sarcasm in his statement.

DAEHAN: The one who eats the most. 

Daniel had seen it all. All the variety shows she appeared on, the Japanese talk shows that he had watched subbed. He knew that she was famous for eating a lot, it reminded him of when he had seen her cutely devour the ice cream he had given her.

Like a cute baby dinosaur.

DAEHAN: or eats ice cream the best.

JIYEON: Pabo-ya

DAEHAN: :)

JIYEON: So are you playing basketball? 

JIYEON: Are you doing what makes you happy?

DAEHAN: No, I'm not on the team yet... but hopefully someday.

JIYEON: Don’t give up! I’m sure you’ll make it if you're really doing what you love.

JIYEON: Fighting!

Daniel grinned. With that kind of encouragement he felt like he could score a thousand points. 

DAEHAN: What are you up to? 

DAEHAN: isn’t it 7 am there?

JIYEON: I have breakfast and then practices soon :(

JIYEON: But my unnies are still sleeping, so I probably have a little time.

DAEHAN: Is practice hard? 

JIYEON: Is practice hard for you? 

DAEHAN: You’re right :p

JIYEON: I like practice, but I don’t have much talent for dancing or singing like my members do.

JIYEON: So I feel like I have to practice harder. 

DAEHAN: I see, 

DAEHAN: well I think you’ve definitely improved these past few albums.

JIYEON: So you’ve seen my old performances too? 

She had caught him. He quickly realized his mistake. 

DAEHAN: No, I just imagined you were bad before.

JIYEON: Fair enough. You’re not wrong. Haha

JIYEON: Ok. My manager just screamed for us all to wake up. I probably should get going.

JIYEON: Talk to you later.

DAEHAN: Sure

Daniel placed his phone back into his pocket. He finally exited the lecture building. He would go back to his dorm change and then head to practice. With a renewed sense of energy he found himself playing even better than usual.