Authors Note: This chapter contains mentions of , and strong language. 

… 1.30.2017

Before you judge, and I know you will. Jiyeon never wanted to go. Frankly part of her really didn't know why she was going...but there had been the call. 

“Unnie. I don’t feel so well... I saw him I saw him dancing with her his ex. Why? Why was he dancing with her? Huh?” 

Jiyeon could tell her friend was crying the moment she heard her trembling voice. Knowing exactly what she needed to do, she had left in the middle of a recording session and hopped into her car. Her entertainment agency's headquarters dissapearing in the rearview mirror. As her car sped through gangnam headed towards Seungri's club.

“Unnie, why doesn’t he notice my feelings?”

She sounded drunk.

It was never good to be drunk at the Big Bang parties. Multiple times she had heard that Male idols had taken advantage of intoxicated females. 

Jiyeon, worried for her friend. Didn’t hesitate to rush to check on her.

She knew she had promised Daniel to not go. But what could she do? Her friend might’ve been in trouble. He would understand. 

Part of her thought about calling him. Explaining the situation. But, why would she? This was something she needed to solve. Herself.

Within 20 minutes Jiyeon pulled up in front of Seungri’s bar and dialed again.

Praying her friend would answer and tell her she was ok, so she could just go home.

Please. Please answer.

“Come on. Come on.” Jiyeon tapped nervously against the steering wheel several times. 

There was no response.

She hated the thought of going inside. Seungri's party far from a place she wanted to be a part of.

She called Hyomin next. Thankfully, her unnie picked up instantly.

“Hello? Jiyeon-ah?”

“Unnie, do you see Naeun-si?” Jiyeon demanded straight to the point.

“Huh? Apink’s Naeun?” 

“You’re at the party right?” 

“Yes. But no, I don’t see her?”

Jiyeon clenched her teeth in frustration. What if something bad had happened to her?

Terror began seeping through her mind, concern for her friend.

“Why?”

“Can you look for her? I’m coming inside right now.” 

“Of course. But Jiyeon—I thought you said—”

Jiyeon hung up the phone before she could hear the rest. 

Jiyeon quickly exited her car and dashed towards the entrance. There were two large bouncers holding lists of guests.

Thankfully, she didn’t have to show identification. Her face was enough.

Seungri always made sure the T-ara members felt welcome at his parties even through their scandals. Quite odd considering his business first mindset, nevertheless she was thankful for his hospitality now.

Jiyeon entered the large dark cavern below surface level. It was as massive as she remembered, bright flood lights flashing everywhere, unbearably loud club music blasting through the giant room.

It was a wonder how people didn't get seizures or become deaf from the environment.

In the darkness she scanned around before heading down the stairs. There were just too many idols there, it was impossible to distinguish pretty face from pretty face. Even the distanct cute and chic face of Naeun, was possible to confuse with another idol.

She squeezed her way through a crowd of idols all congregated, looking desperately for her friend.

Were Naeun's other members here?

That’s when she noticed the subject of Naeun’s sadness.

She saw the handsome EXO dancer, with F(x)’s Krystal dancing steamily near the center of the dance floor.

Admittedly, they certainly looked shippable together, still Jiyeon couldn’t approve of him knowing he had been flirting with Naeun for some time now.

Her eyes continued drifting around, trying her best to blend in. Her casual bomber jacket and jeans, sticking out among a sea of club skirts.

She saw a booth on the second level, with Big Bang’s Seungri, and several other celebrities on the second level looking out. 

Immediately she dipped her head hoping not to be seen.

She thought to herself where would she be hiding if she was heartbroken and crying?

Then quickly headed towards the next most likely candidate... the bathroom. Jiyeon unable to see in front of her with the maigrane inducing lights swerved around people. Doing her best to avoid the passionate dancers— “Hey! Watch where you're...”

“Sorry.” She quickly apologized.

“Jiyeon-si?” The voice was a handsome man with a kind face and as she would describe, intense eyebrows.

It was Infinite’s Hoya. She silently cursed under her breath.

Not that he did anything wrong or was a bad person... Just that he would undoubtedly tell… him.

The person she was most keen on avoiding.

“Ah, hello sunbae.” Jiyeon quickly bowed.

“Hello, Jiyeon-ah.” He greeted with a warm smile. “Long time no see. You weren’t here last year." 

Jiyeon who was still glancing around for Naeun smiled awkwardly.

"Actually I think Myung—"

“Yes, actually have you seen Naeun-si?” Jiyeon interupted him before he could continue. 

She needed to find her, not talk about her 3 day ex.

“Apink?”

Jiyeon nodded in confirmation. Hoya shook his head, immediately a wave of disappointment falling upon her. 

“I haven’t, sorry. But if it helps, I saw Eunji walking towards the bathroom a few minutes ago.” 

Jiyeon was already heading towards the bathroom, forgetting to express any gratitude for his help.

She apologized several more times bumping into other idols before finally reaching her destination.

Out of breath she swung open bathroom door and was quickly met with an assuring sight.

Naeun was there.

Safe.

Crouching in the center of the bathroom crying, makeup smudged and eyeliner dripping lines down her cheeks in tear drawn paths. Thankfully, she had her other members surrounding her comforting her. 

A touching moment.

Instantly Naeun noticed her.

“Unnie?” The rest of her members turned towards her.

Jiyeon sighed looking down towards the total mess in front of her. She couldn’t blame her though. The pain she must’ve felt, Jiyeon had felt millions of times.

She walked over and crouched down next to her.

“Are you ok?” Jiyeon inquired, strangely feeling Dejavu from when Naeun had been the one to comfort her two years ago.

The time they had first met.

Naeun sniffled several times the pretty idol wiping her eyes again. She nodded slowly.

“Unnie, why are you here?” 

“Cause I was worried. Why didn’t you answer your phone? Huh?” Jiyeon scolded the younger idol, the concern finally subsiding from her mind. 

Naeun clearly guilty dipped her head apologetically.

“Sorry unnie. I left it outside.” 

Another heartbreaking tear fell from the pretty idol’s eyes, down her soft face. Followed by a sob. 

It broke her heart to see.

Jiyeon sighed as she couldn’t be angry at Naeun. She reached out and pat her on the head, before pulling her into a hug. 

“I’m sorry that happened. It’s ok. It’s ok.” Jiyeon comforted her.

She remembered the way Daniel had been there for her to comfort her. Hoping to emulate the kind of warmth he gave her.

She saw reassured smiles appear on Naeun’s fellow members, Eunji and Bomi. 

“Come on, you shouldn’t be here anymore. You reek of alcohol.” Jiyeon rubbed circles on her back.

“We can take her home.” Eunji offered. “Thanks for coming sunbae-nim.”

It was somewhat awkward to hear the phrase, considering they were probably all the same age.

“Yes. I’ll entrust her to you then.” Jiyeon agreed. 

“Sorry to make you come unnie. I’m just causing problems aren’t I?” Naeun apologized again.

“You deserve better ok? He doesn’t know what he’s missing.” Jiyeon assured her friend.

Making a mental note to text a complaint to Sehun about his fellow member later.

Jiyeon watched as her two members helped Naeun up and out of the bathroom. Their arms around the broken hearted girl shoulder propping her up. 

Jiyeon sighed as she noticed the smudged makeup on her previously white shirt. She didn’t bother trying to wash it off as she exited the bathroom determined to head to her apartment and be rid of the entire situation.

Unfortunately, on the way out, she made a key mistake. She walked through the main floor and bumped right into—“Jiyeon noona!” 

It was Kai. He had a surpisingly worried expression on his face. 

“Have you seen Naeun-si?" He inquired innocently.

Jiyeon breathed out slowly, trying her best to mask her frustration.

“Ya! You... never mind.” She released her clenched fist, rubbing circles with her thumb along her pointer finger, trying her best to stay calm, before coldly walking away from him.

But it was too late... her name had already echoed through the club.

“Park Jiyeon!” She heard her name called out. It was Seungri’s fake joy.

She silently cursed as she glanced up exactly where she had seen him before.

He was leaning over the glass balcony smiling smugly, a small crystal glass wobbling in his hand.

“Hyomin-ah told me you weren’t coming.” He announced loudly. “It’s great to see you here!” 

Why was he bothering her? Why her out of all people? There were much more popular idols he could be socializing with.

She felt Hyomin appear beside her.

“Come on join us!” He beckoned towards the stairs for her to join them. 

“Let’s go.” Hyomin whispered nudging for them to leave.

She wanted to leave. 

“Come on, surely you aren’t going to refuse your sunbae!” Seungri appealed, his mischievous smile showing. "I've already quite frustratingly been refused once. I'd prefer not to be again..."

Who refused him before? Jiyeon couldn't imagine the type of confidence someone would need to have to do that.

“Let’s go.” Hyomin nudged Jiyeon again. 

The cup fell from his hand, gravity pulling the heavy glass as it shattered on the dance floor and everyone stopped. The entire club freezing at his childish action.

“Just join us!” He demanded again, clearly trying to mask his frustration in his usual fake friendly self.

What did he want?

The club grew silent immediately as she heard voices begin to whisper around her. More rumors… She couldn’t, T-ara couldn't.

She bit her lip slowly. Hyomin looked equally uncomfortable by the situation, the full weight of all who watched on their shoulders.

But, what choice did she have? 

She couldn’t disrespect a renowned sunbae like Seungri, it would reflect badly on her, on Hyomin. 

She didn’t want to… but if she didn't deal with it herself. What kind of person would she be?

He deserved a stronger Jiyeon. One he could depend on, one he could trust.

“Of course. That’s why I’m here.” Jiyeon lied flashing a smile.

Finding a new confidence, she headed towards the second level determined to refuse him directly.

“Another round of drinks for everyone! Let’s get this party rolling!” Seungri yelled upon her entrance.

Everyone around began cheering, music blasted again, and the sound of alcohol induced socializing could be heard setting the tone.

When she arrived at the booth, she realized she wasn’t the only female there. She immediately recognized Jung Chaeyeon the former ioi member, as well as several other idols she didn’t recognize.

Then there were the men, all well known for being friends with Seungri. Lee Jonghyun of CnBlue, Yoon Junhyung of Highlight, Choi Jonghoon of F.T. Island, and Jung Joonyoung the famous artist and TV host.

The one thing that was clear… the female idols were much younger than the males, and most of them looked uncomfortable.

“Jiyeon! My treasured hoobae. Come have a seat.” Seungri beckoned for her to sit next to him.

At that moment. His cunning smile and intense gaze.

Everything disappeared. Her confidence, her pride, everything. 

She was weak. No wonder he didn't trust her.

The other men smiled as she took a seat.

“Hello Sunbae-nim.” Chaeyeon greeted.

Jiyeon nodded in as calm a voice as she could muster. “It’s nice to meet you as well Chaeyeon-si.” 

She knew most of them were here because no one could say no to Seungri. Once you were pulled into his conversation, you couldn’t leave. 

He had too much pull in the entertainment industry, Music Show directors, Variety show casting crew, and even drama writers. He knew everyone. Disrespecting him could be devastating.

“Actually I invited you here because Joonyoung here is a big fan of yours.” Seungri explained.

A meeting? That was why he was picking on her?

The male celebrity made an awkward smile, he wasn’t particularly handsome, but he had a bad boy vibe that she knew generated many fans. 

“I’ve been a fan of yours and T-ara’s for quite a while actually.” He introduced himself, reaching out his hand.

Jiyeon took it hesitantly and shook it awkwardly.

“You must understand it came as quite a surprise to me that you were reveled to be dating that actor.” Seungri started talking again. “I never knew that was your style Jiyeon-ah, it makes sense now though why you never dated L-si.”

Jiyeon frowned as she heard his name. That had been the entire reason she wanted to avoid going.

“Anyways I just wanted to explain that I’m cheering for you and T-ara’s success and it’d be great if you came on 2 days 1 Night sometime.” Joonyoung replied.

Jiyeon smiled, as much as she was cautious of Seungri. Joonyoung didn’t seem so bad, he seemed to genuinely be her fan.

“Let’s drink to your success then huh?” Seungri remarked. 

“Waiter get her something special!” Joonyoung called out towards a bartender, there was a smirk on his face. 

Jiyeon almost didn’t notice it. Too drawn in by the ongoing conversation everyone seemed to be immersed in.

“I can’t believe after your huge appearance on Happy Together, you haven’t been invited to any variety shows lately.” Joonyoung ranted. 

Jiyeon bowed her head, she couldn’t lie, it was true. She couldn’t understand the reason either. 

“Really, T-ara was the thing just a few years ago, and because of one stupid scandal. I actually can introduce you to the PD-nim of 2 Days and 1 Night were really close.” 

“Yes, I’d appreciate that Sunbae-nim.” Jiyeon agreed. 

Jiyeon couldn’t lie, it seemed like great opportunity. The hesitancy’s she first felt joining the table drifting when offered an opportunity.

“Your drink.” The waiter returned with a small glass on a tray and held it for her.

Jiyeon grabbed the small glass of what seemed to be expensive whiskey. 

“One shot!”

It was CN Blue's Jonghyun urging her out of the blue. A strange fascination in his eyes as if waiting in anticipation for her to drink.

“One shot!” The others around the table all joined in, a repetitive chant arising from the table.

"One Shot!" 

“To your success.” Joonyoung suddenly stood up and raised his glass. 

“Uh, yes.” Jiyeon felt a strange chill fall down her as she lifted herself off her seat, glass in hand.

It was similar to that time. In the van.

Why did she feel this way?

But her eyes were focused on everyone’s keen expressions, all cheering for her to down her drink.

She wasn’t a light weight. It wouldn’t be so bad to take one shot, would it?

Right?

She lifted the cup to . Her eyes following the golden liquid as it swirled around her small crystal cup—a hand appeared out of nowhere pushing the cup from her hand. 

She watched helplessly... a horrified expression on the faces of everyone.

In slow motion the cup smashed onto the ground. Shards of glass exploding everywhere on the dark ground. A gasp erupting from the men beside, followed by a shriek from the other female idols. Everyone shifted away from the collison. Leaving only Jiyeon and her assailant. 

There was silence from everyone. Jiyeon didn't dare to face whoever it was...

“Jiyeon, come with me.” A callus voice whispered, its owner's hand latching onto her arm.

…

Daniel knocked for the fifth time. Still no response. 

Strange. She hadn’t picked up her phone since he had called on the way there either.

It was unlike Jiyeon not to open the door for him.

Finally giving up, Daniel punched in the code to her apartment.

1 9 9 3

He clicked in the code and heard a small jingle followed by the electronic notch slide open. He quickly swung the door open, wondering if she was simply showering or busy.

His eyes darted around the simple apartment. The lights were still—wait, the TV was on.

A drama was playing as he immediately rushed towards her bedroom.

“Jiyeon?” He called out into the seemingly empty space.

No response.

“Jiyeon?” 

He swung the bathroom door open. 

No one.

He opened the door to her bedroom.

Empty.

Everything seemed to be in their normal spots.

He liked to think of one season of CSI New York, he was a detective. There didn't seem to be a sign of forced entry… but where was she?

A wave of anxiety began to set upon him as panic caused his thoughts to start becoming clouded. Had she gone out somewhere? 

Judging by the fact the TV that was still on. She must’ve left in a rush. But, this wasn’t right.

Why didn't she text him? 

Jiyeon was always cautious. More cautious than Daniel most of the time. 

“Jiyeon!” 

He quickly reached for his phone to call her once again.

There was no answer.

He began to tap nervously on his side. 

Should he check her location? 

He didn’t like doing it. Whenever he did... feeling more like a stalker or an obsessed lover, than her boyfriend.

But… he felt desperate, desperate to find her. 

Daniel was about to check her location when a phone number popped onto his screen.

It was an unknown caller. 

“Hello?” He answered immediately wondering if it might have to do with her.

“Hi… It’s Park Hyomin.” 

Her fellow group member, Park Hyomin. 

Was something wrong? Was she ok?

“Hyomin-si, is Jiyeon with you?” Daniel blurted out.

“Um… about that.”

“Where is she?” Daniel demanded not caring about formalities at all anymore. 

After her first kidnapping incident Daniel couldn’t help but worry for her. Terrified at the thought of a similar incident happening to her again.

“I don’t know if I should be doing this… but come to the address I send you.”

… 

Daniel knew exactly where he was. He already had the address from when Seungri had invited him.

But why? Her promsie to him.

He had even lied to the Big Bang member to keep his end of the promise. 

Why was Jiyeon here? Why didn’t she tell him?

He had panicked thinking something bad might've happened to her, yet here she was... at a party. 

Was she serious?

Daniel sighed, a million questions on his mind as he finally pulled into the parking lot. 

He wanted to believe she had a reason for going.

Of course she did.

But was it unreasonable to ask her not to go to a party? Was he being selfish by asking that? 

He just felt uncomfortable with her being around that idol. This dark feeling he had, it wasn't unwarranted either.

Years ago, high school. His girlfriend, while he was forced to study by his parents, she would go to parties.

He learned later from Jay, several times she had slept with other guys. That was the end of his first love. A scar that had embedded itself in Daniel, something he thought would never appear again.

This was why Daniel hated parties.

He could already see on the outside of the large club several idols outside. He even saw two indistinguishable figures in a corner making out passionately in the night sky. A sight he wished he didn't see. 

He didn't bother to grab his cap as he exited his car. 

Walking towards the entrance he could feel a mix of frustration and agony slowly building, unaware that his own thoughts were slowly becoming clouded by his past.

He had only heard from Jiyeon what these parties were like. A mixture of liquor, attractive people, drugs, and sensual dancing.

He was about to walk up to the bouncers to enter when he heard her voice, or was it her voice? 

The line between reality and imagination can become paper thin, when one's desired scenario is what he wishes to see.

"I told you I'm ing done with your obsessive personality?" 

"I'm obsessive? I asked you where you were going and you lied to me."

"What's wrong with me going to a party? I feel so suffocated dating you."

"Why would you even date me then?"

Myungsoo stood in front of Jiyeon holding her shoulders tightly, a serious expression on both of their faces. Clearly they had been talking about something. Their lips clearly discussing something. Why was she so calm?

"Hey man, chill. I didn't know she had a boyfriend. She didn't say anything" An annoyingly indifferent tall white hunk tried to reason with him.

"Get the out of my sight." Daniel threatened his angry tone forcing the taller person to stumble backwards.

"Hey, hey, hey, calm down." Jay tried to reason with him, his hand on his shoulder. 

"I'm tired of this. You act like you love me. But how many other bastards have you slept with?" Daniel had enough. Everything, his friends, his parents, his sister, had despised his relationship. Yet he held tight. He wanted to think he had found his perfect romance.

"You're such a ing loser, you know that? Love? You just hate being alone, you insecure piece of ! I can't even deal with you right now." 

Tears began pouring out of her eyes as once again she played the victim. Whispers labeling him as obsessive and pitiable  from around him.

Daniel was the monster, he was the one in the wrong. Despite getting cheated on.

A handsome face that Daniel could never compete with. A charming gaze that stirred all of the insecurities and fears that Daniel stuffed in his heart. It was just like before. Nothing had changed. Except that Jiyeon was someone he couldn't let go of. Unlike his ex, he couldn't lose her.

At this moment the scenarios of his past and present had combined into one. His expression changed, and Daniel didn't need to know what he was thinking to know where his lips were heading.

Something snapped inside of him.

Selfishness, jealousy, rage. A monster he wished never existed found its way out of the locked corridors he tried to contain him in. A shadow of doubt he had planted long ago finally returning to haunt him. 

She had lied. She was here for him.

…

“What the hell Myungsoo oppa?” Jiyeon screamed as he forced her outside the door, both greeted by the cold harsh night.

The dismayed faces of everyone around them still fresh in her mind.

He had literally dragged her from her seat all the way as she tried to yank her arm from his grip to no avail.

What was he thinking? 

Was he this desperate? Didn't he know she didn't love him?

“Jiyeon, what were you thinking?” Myungsoo scolded her in mysterious frustration.

“Huh?”

That’s when she noticed it for the first time. He wasn’t jealous or angry. There was concern painted on his face. His hand desperately gripping her arm still, not in jealousy, but out of genuine fear.

“Do you even know? What they were going to do?” He questioned condescendingly.

“What?” Jiyeon shook her head.

What was he talking about?

“You were about to be drugged.” He revealed, a tsunami of shock slamming against Jiyeon.

“They slipped date pills into your drink.” Myungsoo continued.

“What!” She clenched her fist at his statement.

"You're lucky Hoya told me you were here."

Was that why she had felt chills at that moment?

So he had saved her? Her run in with Hoya, a miracle.

She felt guilty for cursing him out now.

“Sorry.” She apologized humiliated by the situation. What if that had happened? 

How could she have been so stupid, so rash?

“They’re horrible people ok? Stay away from Seungri. He helps male idols set up with the girl they want and drugs them so they can sleep with them in exchange for favors.” Myungsoo begged his grip tightening around her.

Jiyeon had heard… of bad things that happened there. But this bad? She never could’ve imagined in her wildest dreams, just the thought infuriated her.

“Anyone he thinks is a second or third tier idol he’ll target, because he knows he can silence you by giving you opportunities or money.” 

2nd or 3rd tier idol, it was hurtful to hear. But deep inside she knew he was right, that explained so many things. Why he had been so adament about her coming despite her scandals. Why he welcomed her with such a wide smile. But there was one mystery...

How did he know?

“How do you know? Oppa... How do you know?” Jiyeon questioned anxiety setting in. Afraid of hearing whatever answer he might give.

“I know…” He paused choking on his words. A pained expression on his face.

“Because, because he offered it to me, two years ago after you dumped me at the party. He does it every year, him and his friends.” Myungsoo revealed.

Two years ago. She remembered walking away from him. That meant, if she had gone last year—her eyes show back to him, hatred burning inside her heart.

“No, I didn’t accept. I have pride ok? What kind of man would I be if I couldn’t make you fall for me?” Myungsoo defended himself noticing her horrified expression.

His excuse wasn't righteous. But nevertheless, it cleared his name. Besides the fact that he had saved her showed his decency.

Suddenly, her mind drifted back to the other female idols at the table.

“I have to go.” She suddenly gasped. 

What if they were about to be drugged? What if they...

“No!” Myungsoo reached over and grabbed her shoulder. Forcing her backwards she fell into his chest. “You can’t go back in there!” 

His voice pleaded with her, his hands tightly gripping her shoulders.

“You can’t…”

“The others. They… what if?” Jiyeon screamed.

She felt a tear fall from her cheeks just thinking about it. Those monsters.

“I’ll watch out for them ok?” He whispered trying to assure her. 

For a second Jiyeon completely forgot that she was still in his grip, she quickly turned around, hoping to shake his hands off of her. 

"I don't want you getting hurt. I'm worried about you." His expression changed his deep eyes gazing directly towards her.

It was no longer concern on the idol's face, it was affection now, he leaned towards her, his head moving towards hers. Jiyeon... at that moment, could only think of him. Of the person she loved. 

She would never forgive herself if she didn't resist.

But she wasn't even given the choice. Instead.

“Hey you son of a—” A cold voice called out from behind them.

Myungsoo released her and turned to face the person—there was a loud smash. Myungsoo toppled over.

Jiyeon screamed. Was it one of those monsters?  Now she turned around and—Daniel. Why was he here?

“Get away from her!” His voice was as icy his expression. Colder than he had ever shown her before.

This time it was Daniel who clenched his fingers tightly around her wrist, his short nails digging into her skin.

A deep guilty feeling that snapped inside. She hadn't even cheated yet... why did it feel so suffocating? 

“Come with me.”  

His voice it was unfamiliar. There wasn't a hint of affection the way he usually laced his words with it.

For the second time that night she was dragged arm first. But this time she didn't resist. 

Not against the person she loved. Why was he here? Had someone told him?

That was when she remembered. They were supposed to meet at her apartment. She completely forgot about it after Naeun, and then this whole incident— Daniel. I’m sorry.

He turned back towards her for a moment. His face, the amount of pain she could see in his usually gentle eyes. 

He released her moments later as he headed towards his car. The bright white Tesla parked near her own car. 

His footsteps were heavy. His shoulders slumped, almost like he was sulking. She wished he would turn back again. Just once so she could express how sorry she was.

“Are you coming with me?” He inquired in an aggressive tone.

Jiyeon nodded unsure of how to begin.

She realized how the situation must’ve looked. It made her heart ache. It was all a misunderstanding.

She climbed into the passenger seat of his car. She expected a rant or better for him to yell at her, as they drove. 

But it was worse. Far worse. 

///////////

So, the drama begins. I hope it wasn't too confusing the shift from present to past, and you don't mind that the story has taken a dark turn. What I am writing is completely fictional, however, there are references to men who have made bad decisions. I'm sorry to make you another week for the update, but please understand with work and school. Thanks for reading!