... 2.8.2017

She wasn't sure how to respond at first. After all the phone call appeared as abruptly as anything. 

 Choi Jenny

"Hello."

Jiyeon breathed out slowly before answering. "Hello, Jenny-si?" 

“Yes.”

It felt awkward. She wasn't sure how to begin. She probably knew… they were on a break, was that why she was calling?

“I’m sorry to bother you.” She began. “But I thought you should know. Why he reacted the way he did. Why he won’t call you again.”

It was something Jiyeon had wondered about.

Why he hadn’t reached out? Why he didn’t come and fix things?

 It had been a week now. She knew she was the one to initiate the break.

But she missed him. She couldn't understand why he hadn't come...

“What do you mean?” Jiyeon questioned.

“He’s afraid Jiyeon, he’s afraid of hurting you and everyone around you.”

“What are you talking about?” 

“It’s because of his past, his ex girlfriend. Hannah.” Jenny explained. 

Jiyeon perked her ears immediately. His ex? The girl who had cheated on him?

Jenny recounted in detail to Jiyeon about his past. As Jiyeon listened in disbelief.

“You see, after she cheated on him and they broke up. The story didn’t end there. Check your messages I’m sending you something.”

Jiyeon opened the message. There was an article. 

It was from an American sports website of all places.

…

LA HS Basketball Recruiting: Upcoming 5 Star prospect Hunter Patterson suffers Career ending Leg Injury during Championship Game

…

“Hey Daniel, isn’t that him?” Mike questioned pointing across the court.

Daniel followed his eyes, it was… that bastard. The one Hannah had slept with.

He was stretching his arms indifferently. A smug grin on his face as Daniel followed his eyes to Hannah who stood among the other cheerleaders smiling towards him.

“Hey, you ok man?” Jay checked in on him, grabbing his shoulder. 

Daniel nodded. But he was lying. It hadn’t even been two weeks since they had broken up. Yet here she was shamelessly flirting with that prick.

He was tall, broad shoulders, dusty brown hair, a golden smile. Daniel cursed silently as he couldn’t help but compare himself. 

“I heard he’s a 5 star prospect, he might go to Duke or Kentucky.” Jalen commented from beside them.

“He goes to that Prep School he must be rich too.” Another teammate added.

Daniel might’ve been fine, he could’ve ignored the voices from around him. But the situation quickly escalated out of control.

“Hey man, no hard feelings right?” 

Daniel glanced up from his stretching. He found himself face to face with the Mr. Perfect himself. 

“Hey, I promise I didn’t know she had a boyfriend at the time.” He grinned.

 Daniel would’ve pummeled the guy, but Jay was already beside him grabbing his shoulder once again.

“Dude, just off and play basketball.” Jay growled instantly beside him.

The boy flashed a competitive grin towards him before walking back. “I’ll see you on the court.”

Daniel never felt so much rage. He wanted to beat him. He wanted to prove them all wrong. 

Was this why Hannah left him? Was it because he wasn’t good looking enough? Because he wasn’t good enough at basketball?

Thoughts filled his mind as his drive to win grew.

The game was extremely close. The other team clearly the better team. But Daniel kept them in it. 

While Mr. Perfect scored basket after basket, Daniel matched him.

Two minutes left. 58 - 57

Daniel was winning by one point. He had just scored a three pointer and the other team was coming down the court. 

Their best player, dribbling it, sweat pouring down his forehead. 

Daniel matched up against him, lowering his hips to the floor and reaching his hands out vertically. 

“Green 21!” Mr. Perfect called a play. 

The team began running a formation as Daniel chased his opponent. 

He dribbled through his legs and passed Daniel. He ran to score a basket and missed. 

Daniel was given the ball immediately and dribbled down. He stared at his coach. 

His coach was already calling a play for their team. 

“Slow down, slow down, run out the clock!” The coach shouted.

But Daniel wasn’t listening. His focus had returned to his opponent, his focus was on her. Hannah.

She was cheering for that bastard. 

Perspective had disappeared long ago. Daniel’s entire focus was on beating his opponent. Showing Hannah what she was missing. Her hurtful words still rung in his head. 

She said he only wanted her as an achievement. She said he didn’t love her. 

Maybe she was right.

He wanted to spite her.

He threw up a wild shot from way too far away. The ball spiraled through the air and his coach yelled in frustration.

The ball missed and too late he noticed that his opponent had already started sprinting down the court. 

Daniel rushed backwards, not wanting to lose. He had to win. He had to win.

He ran with all of his might and watched as the boy was about to lay the ball into the basket. 

Daniel ran forward and slapped the ball from his hand. 

He wanted to see the horrified expression on his opponents face. He wanted to see her disappointment when she saw how much better Daniel was.

He just wanted to prove to himself.

Daniel wished he could relive this moment a million times. 

He wished he had made a different choice. 

The ball bounced on the ground, and he collided against his opponent. The other boy toppled onto his leg and all at once.

There was a snap.

Daniel who had luckily landed on his knees glanced back to check on his opponent.

There was a scream. The boy was screaming clutching his leg. “I can’t feel my leg! I can’t feel my leg!” 

Daniel stared in horror. Time slowed down. He heard the voices of the referees yelling and blowing their whistles as everyone gasped. 

Everyone ran towards the injured player. Horrified expressions on the faces of everyone. Hannah ran straight past him towards the other person.

Did he do that? 

Did he… he was speechless as he stared at the dislocated leg of the person he had been competing against. 

It was an ugly sight. Daniel began to tremble as he scooted backwards. 

"I'm sorry." He whispered his words inaudible due to the large commotion.

Then he saw her. She turned towards him. Tears streaming down her eyes. Hatred. 

"You monster." He couldn't hear her.

But he already knew what she had said.

…

“It was an accident.” Jenny explained. “But he found out later, the person he hurt came from a poor family.”

“He lived with only his mom and his younger sisters, Daniel blamed himself for taking away that boy’s future. He quit basketball after that, even if it was an accident he blamed himself all the time.” 

“He had everything, a future that spelled out success, but my mother and father worried for him. He stopped being happy. Nothing seemed to make him excited, that’s why they let him go to Vegas back then.” 

Jiyeon swallowed, processing everything she was being told. 

“Then why?” Jiyeon couldn’t understand. 

How could he be playing basketball again now? He had even gone to the NBA.

“We all wondered that as well.” Jenny answered. “After he came back from meeting you… that was the first time we saw him pick up a basketball again.” 

Was she the reason? He had repeatedly told her, she was his motivation… but, she had never taken his word at face value. Assuming he was just being smooth. 

All she had done was encourage him… yet Jenny was telling her, she had given him a dream again.

“That’s why he needs you Jiyeon-si.” Jenny revealed. 

“I know I’m being shameless and taking his side. But I hope you won’t hate my oppa anymore. He loves you a lot, that’s why now that he thinks he’s hurting you… he’ll never bother you again.”

Jiyeon understood now. She had to make things right. She had to go to him. He was undoubtedly suffering.

But before she could face him. She had one last thing to do.

“I promise I’ll take good care of him.” Jiyeon assured her. “I love your oppa a lot. Soon. I promise I’ll go to him.”

... 2.10.2017

Jiyeon could hear his bright voice echoing from outside the office. She waited patiently as the assistant stared blankly towards her. 

"He'll be done soon." She explained before bowing and leaving. 

The door read YURI Investments Strategic Director. Jiyeon was going to fight now.

She wasn't going to standby anymore. 

She wanted to be stronger. 

Against the secretary's recommendation, Jiyeon twisted the door knob and swung it open. She stepped inside, his voice distinct as he stared in shock at her.

"Yah like I said, we'll take good care of them. I promise. Hold on one second." Seungri tapped on the phone before turning to her in dismay. "Jiyeon-a?" 

Jiyeon pointed towards the phone. "Don't mind me. I can wait."

Seungri grinned fakely before unmuting himself. "Hey, let's talk about this a little later, I have some important company."

He placed the phone on the table, a guilty expression on his face as he stood up and straightened his shoulders.

"Jiyeon-a, my favorite dongsaeng, its a shame you left the party so abruptly. What can I help you with?" He inquired feigning ignorance.

"You know why I'm here." Jiyeon replied making herself comfortable on his chair. 

Seungri froze, his usual confident smile quickly disappearing from his smug face. Suddenly, the door swung open and his secretary appeared. "Miss Jiyeon-si, would you like some tea?" 

Seungri glared at his secretary before beckoning for her to leave. The door locked behind her.

"About what?" He questioned his voice clearly trembling.

"I have a feeling if I had taken a drink at your party, we'd be having a very different conversation." 

Seungri gasped before quickly composing himself. "Why do you say that?"

Jiyeon glared at him, using the cold expression she knew could strike fear into the hearts of men. The glare that had been used as false evidence for her millions of antifans.

"You're crazy." He accused realizing she knew. "He told you didn't he? That ungrateful bastard Myungsoo."

"I wonder what would happen if I posted it online." 

"It was a prank. I promise it was Joonyoung's idea. He was just going to take some pictures and that's it." Seungri snapped. 

"A prank?" Jiyeon was disgusted by the very idea. How could he compare this to a prank?

He sighed as he leaned back into his chair. Clearly deep in thought. Not an ounce of guilt in his face now that the truth was out. 

"Ok, what do you want?" He questioned his eyes closed. "Money? Variety show appearances? Want me to buy albums? What do you want?"

"Huh?" Jiyeon couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"I'm going to expose all of you for the bastards you are." Jiyeon whispered, standing up abruptly. She wasn't sure what she was looking for. But this definitely wasn't it. 

It just made her feel better about her decision.

"You wouldn't dare." He retorted.

"What?" Jiyeon questioned.

"Your career ends the moment you say anything. You know that?" He threatened. "Besides, you're a walking scandal! Do you think anyone would believe you?" 

Jiyeon hated to admit it, but it was true, her words could easily be manipulated and dispersed. Seungri had influence. What did she have?

"Maybe my career will end. But if it means stopping you and your disgusting friends from continuing. It'll be well worth it." She growled back. "Besides what do I have left to lose?"

She had taken money before in exchange for silence. She had once naively believed if she just stayed silently beside Daniel. She'd be ok. 

But where had that gotten her? She couldn't cower anymore. She couldn't hide behind Daniel. She needed to be strong.

She knew no one else would ever speak up about this. She knew other idols would stay silent in exchange for money and opportunity. But what did she have left to lose besides her pride?

"Jiyeon-si, listen to me. Let's both be calm about this." He answered clearly at the edge of his own nerves. "Your ex-member. Remember her?" 

Jiyeon gasped. What was he talking about?

"She's scheduled to go on Entertainment Today in a week." He revealed. "If she talks about the scandal again, T-ara's over." 

Jiyeon clenched her fist. Why was she bothering her again? Why Hwayoung again? Wasn't causing the scandal enough?

"I can stop her. I can reschedule her, prevent her from going on at all. Let's make a deal ok?" Seungri offered desperation in his voice. 

Jiyeon trembled. The memories of the scandal returning all at once. Her depression, her loneliness. All of it. 

The only reason she had gotten through it was... him. Now she had even pushed him away.

"Your silence, and in exchange we never talk about this again." 

Jiyeon wavered. She hated that once again she was wavering in her confidence. 

"Jiyeon let's think about this. Think about all of the other female idols lives you could ruin. I provide opportunities to them." He reasoned. 

Jiyeon glared at him. Her hands shaking, her fists wanting to pummel through his smug grin. 

That's when her eyes wandered to the desk. On it was a calender. many dates were marked, 'Favors'. One was marked for today. No tonight.

She remembered it instantly. Their first meeting with Daniel. The cheerleader.

She stood up and left abruptly. 

"Jiyeon-a! Are you crazy? Let's talk about this."

Jiyeon texted him repeatedly. She called him. But there was no response. 

Seungri followed her out. He grabbed her arm and yanked the phone away.

"Jiyeon!" He shouted. "Let's talk about this ok?" 

His voice was filled with desperation. Fear of his perfect world falling apart. Shameless when his friends had destroyed the lives of countless. 

"Where is that meeting taking place?" She questioned. "For today."

"Huh?" Seungri was confused. 

"Cancel it!" She screamed. "Cancel it and I'll never tell a soul!"

She thought of Daniel. How guilty he'd feel if he knew he had been the one to lead Chaeun into a trap. How much he would resent himself.

She couldn't let him suffer. She would rather suffer for him.

"Jiyeon-a, I can't just cancel it. Their billion won investors. I made a promise. It's not so easy." He mumbled clearly still shocked. "Why though?"

"I said cancel it." She threatened pulling her phone up.

He grinned tightening his grip around her arm. "I'm tired of your bluffing Jiyeon. I wanted to settle this the easy way, but you're really getting on my nerves." 

"If you say anything, I'll throw lawsuits worth billions of won at you, T-ara, and anyone you know." He threatened.

Jiyeon slapped him in the face. Startled he released her, stepping backwards.

Jiyeon took the opportunity and ran.

"YA! Come back! I'll do whatever you want!" 

She needed to warn him. 

...

Daniel watched as Jinah ran excitedly down the walkway. They had come to the Hangang river park.

He had promised Chaeun to babysit her for the day.

Today she had her meeting with several director's and even Big Bang's Seungri.

He was happy for her, and well, Jinah was cute. So he didn't mind babysitting at all.

"Look oppa!" Jinah bounced up and down on a small patch of grass. 

"Should we have our picnic here?" He inquired pointing to his backpack which he had filled with food and a blanket. 

"Sure." Jinah squealed as she rolled around the grass.

He was only 24 in Korean age. But seeing her made him want to have kids. A daughter preferrably. 

They set up the blanket on the soft grass and he revealed the aluminum foil wrapped kimbaps he had made. 

Jinah's face glowed as she stared at it. 

"Thank you for the food." 

Daniel nodded, unwrapping the small seaweed roll and handing it to her. 

They both enjoyed the food, as he stared out towards the river. The visor of his cap covered much of his vision. But he didn't care. He wasn't really looking. 

Instead he was spacing out again. 

His focus was on the river. He thought about his trips here with Jiyeon. Their midnights dates, filled with snacks and teasing. He missed it. 

He never felt like he had taken them for granted, but he regretted not chasing after her that night. Almost a week had passed. Everyday he wanted to torture himself for hurting her. He wondered if he had been more truthful with her, perhaps they wouldn't be in this dilemna. It wasn't her, it had never been about her. It was his own stupid insecurities. 

"What's wrong oppa?" 

Daniel turned towards the six year old Jinah sitting beside him. She stared in innocent curiousity.

"Just thinking." He answered. 

"About who?" Jinah inquired.

Daniel chuckled. "How did you know it was about a person?" 

Jinah shrugged her shoulders. "My omma sometimes does that. When she misses appa."

Daniel nodded. She was certainly observant. 

"You're right. I used to come here with someone I miss very much." 

"Do you still know that person?" Jinah wondered. 

"Yes. But I was a mean person to her and now she's upset." Daniel confessed, questioning himself why he seemed to completely lower his guard with a young girl of all people.

"At least you can always say sorry." The little girl remarked smiling.

"Huh?" Her comment perked his interest.

"I mean, my appa doesn't even know about me, so he can never say sorry." 

Daniel froze. 

"Your appa doesn't know about you?" He inquired. 

"My omma says she never told him about me." Jinah explained. 

He smiled. She was right.

"I'm sorry."

"It's ok. I don't even know who he is." Jinah replied brightly. 

Daniel grinned. It must be hard for such a young girl. He wondered how she could remain so strong. 

It reminded him of her.

"Hey isn't that your phone?" The little girl pointed towards his phone. 

It was. He reached over and picked it up.

Park Jiyeon

Daniel froze.

"It's her isn't it!" Jinah exclaimed leaping to her feet.

Daniel nodded. But found himself unable to answer.

"Answer it!" Jinah whined.

Daniel shook his head. He couldn't. Not right now.

"I'll talk to her a little later."

The frown that appeared on the younger girl's face expressed an imense amount of frustration. Daniel grinned seeing how cute she was. 

"Why not?" She questioned.

Daniel wasn't sure. But for some reason he just couldn't. 

"Let's go back to my apartment, we can watch TV, and I'm pretty sure your omma said you should take a nap soon." Daniel scolded Jinah lightly. 

"Alright oppa." Jinah answered with a smile. "I don't want to take a nap though."

Daniel scoffed as he stood up and picked up the little girl. "I don't want your omma to get mad at me. She specifically told me." 

"I don't want to!" Jinah complained as she laughed.

Daniel couldn't get the feeling out of his head though.

Why had she called him? Why after all this time? 

He wanted to talk to her, but not over the phone. He needed to talk face to face. He wanted to apologize. He wanted to say sorry.

...

Daniel stared in shock at the person in front of him. He had opened the door unsure of who it could be.

She was certainly beautiful. Dressed nicely in a slim black cocktail dress, her nice curves accented by the tight fabric. 

"I wasn't expecting you here." He remarked. 

"They cancelled the meeting." Chaeun replied with a frown.

"Really?" Daniel questioned in confusion. "Why?" 

"I'm not sure." Chaeun answered sighing as she entered. "Is she asleep?" 

Daniel nodded. 

"Thank you." She turned back to him a smile on her face.

"I'm sorry. About the meeting." He expressed slightly disappointed. 

He wondered if Seungri was someone to not keep his words.

"It's fine, actually I'm a little relieved. I kept thinking about it, and I felt a little uncomfortable when I got to the room and they told me the meeting had been cancelled." Chaeun replied. 

"Really?" Daniel wondered. 

"It was at a nightclub, I just don't feel comfortable in those kind of atmospheres."

Daniel nodded. It was a strange place to have a meeting with directors. Although he knew making connections within the Korean entertainment scenes often required shading interactions. 

He waived goodbye to Jinah and her mother as they both left his apartment. Wondering why he still felt so strangely about the whole incident. 

Daniel found himself calling the number he had been given by Seungri. There was no response.

He was sent straight to voicemail.

...

Jiyeon collapsed into her unnie's arms as tears poured down her eyes. 

"Good job Jiyeon-a." Inna comforted her.

"I finally did something for him. After all he's done for me. I did a good job didn't I?" Jiyeon questioned as she felt Inna's hand gently her back.

"Good job Jiyeon-a." 

Jiyeon knew that tonight she had just made a choice.

She had chosen Daniel over her career. She had pondered the question back then... being an idol... or loving Daniel.

When the opportunity came up she didn't hesitate for a second. It felt reassuring in a way. She never would doubt her feelings for him now. 

But still knowing her end was coming soon wasn't easy. Soon Hwayoung would go on TV and restart all of the malicious rumors that she had barely escaped. 

Once again T-ara would jump to the top of Search engines and not for a good reason.She had given up that option. She had given up exposing Seungri and all of those monsters.

But at least tonight. Tonight, Daniel would not be reminded of his past. If she could do that much, she would be happy. 

She figured she could live content beside him. Whether it meant hiding or dating in pure secrecy. She didn't care, he was enough. 

Now... now she just had to go to him.

"I promised I'd take care of him." Jiyeon whispered. 

For the first time she felt like she had been able to be the knight. Even if he never found out about it. 

It didn't matter.

"I'm proud of you Jiyeon. You're much stronger than anyone else." Inna replied. "Just promise me you'll be happy. ok?"

Jiyeon nodded. It wouldn't be easy. But seeing him smile again. That would be enough.

She just missed him. She missed him dearly.