…12.5.2011

Jiyeon sighed. She sat in the back of the van. Hyomin was fast asleep beside her. Face buried into her shoulder.

Next to Hyomin was Hwayoung who stared blankly out the window.

They were heading to MBK’s building to talk about new promotions. With Cry Cry’s promotions ending, the Director was going to announce their next comeback.

“Hwayoung.” Jiyeon whispered noticing they still had time before they would arrived.

Hwayoung turned to face her.

“Want to get snacks again after we get back to the dorm?”

“Call.” Hwayoung nodded.

Jiyeon had always felt distant to Hwayoung. At first she was just frustrated, but after talking to Daniel she decided it would probably best to try and repair the relationship.

Those were the kind of things that she would text him about. They didn’t text everyday, sometimes he would just ask her how her day/week was. And she would do the same. But as she grew closer to him, she realized she could share whatever problems and he would give her advice. 

Good advice too. He was someone, who in his words was well experienced in life. Despite teasing him about being a 'nerd', he had clearly lived way more than she had. He had lived a high school life Jiyeon hadn't nor could ever even imagine. Just from listening, she deduced he was friends with guys who got into trouble a lot, went to 'American movie-like' parties, had dated... it was all so fascinating.

This was why Jiyeon actually heeded his advice. 

He was what she had imagined it would be like to have a friend who was a boy. Not a boyfriend, but a close friend. 

Sometimes they would text for an hour, sometimes only a few minutes.

It didn't matter, she enjoyed it. She felt like she finally had someone who would listen to her just spout out the things she was too afraid to ever say in public or even to her members for fear of people misunderstanding her. He always listened and took her side. 

When they arrived at the MBK building, they ran into two of their sunbae's the popular duo Davichi.

“Hello Sunbae-nims.” They all greeted in unison.

“Hello, good to see you again. Great job with the 'Cry Cry' promotions.” Lee Hae-ri praised them a smile on her face.

“Thank you Sunbae!” Hwayoung replied excitedly. 

“You must be the new member.” Minkyung replied smiling at her.

However her eyes quickly shifted to Jiyeon, “Hyomin looks pretty as always, as well as Qri, but Daebak! Jiyeon! You look just like a doll now.”

The pretty singer approached and before Jiyeon could react— "Your face is like the size of my fist." Minkyung gasped placing her fist directly in front of her face.

Jiyeon blushed at the strange compliment. “Thank you Minkyung Sunbae.” 

“Please, speak informally with me. I hope we can become friends.” Minkyung replied in a friendly manner.

Jiyeon nodded smiling back towards her. 

“Ya! Unnie didn’t you say that to me as well?” Eunjung pouted playfully.

“Hey! Who said you could speak informally to me?” Minkyung . “We’re already good friends aren’t we? I treated you to three meals.”

Everyone began to giggle as Eunjung nodded playfully. "True." 

“See you soon Unnie.” Eunjung finished and they all waved as Davichi left with their managers.

They promptly were escorted to the CEO’s office, a large wooden room where he could be seen sitting calmly at his desk. 

They all stood attentively in front of him, lined up like soldiers at base camp.

“Good job everyone!” Kim Kwangsoo began, standing up proudly. “Great work! Album sales are through the roof and you’re in every man’s heart from teens to adults.”

They all giggled at his compliment. His tone completely different from the old days when he used to scold them all for not promoting hard enough. 

Jiyeon wondered if success truly changed everything.

“Just prepare well for your Mini concert in Osaka.” He continued. “Also Jiyeon and Hyomin let’s stay behind for a few minutes.”

The rest of the members bowed before leaving behind the two close friends in his office.

“I don’t think I’m overstating things when I say you two have really taken T-ara to the next level!" The CEO praised them. "Hyomin-si, good as always. But Jiyeon-ah I am amazed by your improvement. I must admit I couldn't even see it coming.”

Hearing him compliment her, the joy she felt inside... it just couldn't be expressed in words.

She still remembered when Mr. Kwangsoo had called her in to offer her the chance to leave as a trainee.

She remembered how her dancing and singing had been first scouted as only subpar. She remembered how she would practice long into the night after their debut to try and improve. 

“Both of you have many variety show appearances and commercial offers. I will let you and your managers decide on which one’s fit into your schedule. You’re doing great Jiyeon, I think your Heroes appearance really propelled your popularity. You are being cast for an upcoming drama, I can’t give you the details but be ready for it.”

“Thank you for giving me that opportunity.” Jiyeon thanked him calmly.

Hyomin also remained her image complimented by the CEO as they walked out together. The moment they exited his room, they both squealed in delight.

“Daebak, I can’t wait to go on Variety shows. We should try and go together on one! Or, is it better to promote separately so we can film more?” Hyomin remarked excitedly.

Jiyeon chuckled as they both leaped up and down holding each others shoudlers.

“The other members will be so jealous.” Hyomin squealed. “Especially Eunjung, who always boasts about her WGM appearances and her role in Dream High.”

Suddenly she stopped. And stared at Jiyeon who returned her gaze. 

“What if you’re going to be in Dream High 2?” Hyomin wondered.

“No way.” Jiyeon brushed the thought aside not wanting to get her hopes up. “It’s probably just a cameo.”

Hyomin shook her head and threw her arm around Jiyeon's shoulder.

“Just trust me maknae, let’s climb to the top together! Call?” Jiyeon nodded overjoyed by the idea. 

But suddenly had a thought she wanted to share.

“Unnie?”

“Yes?” Hyomin responded still celebrating.

“Do you think Hwayoung Unnie hates me?” Jiyeon wasn’t sure how else to phrase it. 

“Of course not, she’s just not as close with us, because she didn’t debut with us. So she didn’t buckle through the empty concerts, the CEO yelling at us, or our manager forcing us to starve.” Hyomin explained.

Jiyeon remembered the days when they first debuted, when she was originally too young to perform. Those days she would watch in the front, cheering on her Unnies as they went from having 10 fans to 100 fans to 1000 fans, and now millions of fans.

She never wanted to go back to those times. But she could also understand, that if you weren't there at the time, something would always be looming over Hwayoung. A comraderie that had formed between the original members, one that could never be replaced.

…

Jiyeon leaped into bed, finally removing her phone from her pocket. She glanced at her roommate who was fast asleep. 

Her Kakao was full of notifications.

93er’s groupchat: 40 new messages

HYOJOON (oppa): 2 new messages

DAEHAN: 1 new message

MINHO: 5 new messages

L (myungsoo): 10 new messages

GIKWANG: 3 new messages

BARO: 2 new messages

JUNSU: 4 new messages 

HEECHUL (sunbae): 2 new messages

YOO INNA: 5 new messages

She stared at her phone, it was tiring practicing all day, then staring at her messages trying to respectfully respond to everyone. She knew it would be awkward if she didn't respond and then met the sender in person. But, it did seem strange that so many people had her number who she had never even shared a conversation with. 

She wondered if it was a mistake giving the sociable Kim Heechul her number. 

93er’s groupchat

IU: omo Super Junior’s Kyhyun offered to buy me a meal.

LUNA: he does that for everyone

IU: he asked for my number though and texts me a lot

LUNA: do you like him?

IU: idk it seems hard to date

LUNA: I wouldn’t know and Jiyeon probably doesn’t either

IU: isn’t she dating Infinite's L?

LUNA: no way

JIYEON: I’m not

LUNA: you should, he’s handsome

IU: Don’t have regrets, I wish I had asked out Wooyoung oppa when I had the chance

LUNA: that was a TV show

IU: spoilsport

JIYEON: I might be in a drama.

Suddenly there was a rustle as Hyomin rolled over to the other side of the best, then rolled again. Jiyeon stared back at her phone

LUNA: really which one?

IU: be in an action one, then you can kick people

JIYEON: maybe.

JIYEON: I don't know if I could surive though

Jiyeon snapped a picture of her Unnie her arms draped halfway off the side of the bed.

IU: is that Hyomin sunbae?

LUNA: is she drooling again?

JIYEON: I don’t know how she never falls of the bed

JIYEON: but is never more than 20% on it either

LUNA: haha watch this

A video of F(x)’s Krystal snoring loudly in the bunk underneath Luna popped into the chat.

JIYEON: how do you sleep?

JIYEON: seriously, how do you sleep at night? 

LUNA: ear plugs

IU: Now you’re making me feel lonely :(

LUNA: don’t act like you don’t sleep over at Inna unnie’s place every other week

IU: Caught me. 

LUNA: Good night

IU: Sleep tight

Jiyeon checked the messages from her brother.

HYOJOON: Are you dating that idol?

HYOJOON: You should start doing things.

HYOJOON: I swear you just lie around and eat. You may as well be productive and date.

JIYEON: shut up!

JIYEON: I don't have a boyfriend.

Annoyed by her brother she turned to her other close friend. Yoo Inna. 

INNA: Are you going going to come on my radio show?

INNA: I miss you Jiyeon-ie! :(

INNA: please come on... I want to see you soon 

INNA: or come to my house, I'm tired of having sleepovers with just Ji-eun. 

JIYEON: i'll try and come on when I have a chance

JIYEON: But it might be hard because I'm beginning promotions in Japan.

She had one more person whom she wanted to talk with. She wasn't sure if he was asleep by now, but she saw that he had left her messages. The best for last.

Well, maybe not the best. Yet, for some reason she looked forward to talking with him the most.

DAEHAN: How was your day?

JIYEON: sorry, I was really busy today

JIYEON: I actually had a snack with Hwayoung today. 

JIYEON: you were right, maybe I can become good friends with her through food

JIYEON: How was your test for moldy-vace Calculus or something like that?

Jiyeon noticed it was read instantly. His response came soon after.

DAEHAN: great

DAEHAN: I'm relieved to hear that worked out

DAEHAN: the test was ok, and It's 'multivariable calculus'

Suddenly, Jiyeon remembered what she wanted to say. Call it compliment fishing, but she wanted to hear him praise her. 

Why? She wasn't sure, but she just knew she wanted it.

JIYEON: I might appear on a drama

DAEHAN: cool, now I really have to improve my Korean so I can watch.

JIYEON: what if it fails?

DAEHAN: I’ll still watch, remember I’m your fan. That’s what a true fan would do

DAEHAN: I think... 

DAEHAN: though I may not be able to contribute to raising any TV ratings.

Jiyeon giggled. There was a groan from Hyomin and Jiyeon quickly silenced herself with her palm.

JIYEON: thanks Daniel

DAEHAN: I don’t know how you got casted though

DAEHAN: your acting in Cry Cry was terrible

DAEHAN: and the wig too

Jiyeon rolled her eyes. He loved to make fun of her wig. The only time she ever had to cosplay as a tomboy and he never let her live it down.

JIYEON: shut up!

JIYEON: I liked the wig, I’ll have you know.

JIYEON: I’m gonna wear it on my dates in the future

DAEHAN: bet.

Jiyeons stared at his response. She realized that because his Korean was not the best. Sometimes random English words appeared in their conversations. It was a chance for him to teach her some English and her to teach him more Korean.

JIYEON: bet?

DAEHAN: in English it means: I don’t think you will actually do it

JIYEON: bet.

DAEHAN: haha

JIYEON: I have to sleep now

DAEHAN: good night

Jiyeon closed her phone. She stared at all the other unread messages many from her Sunbaes. Truth be told, she didn’t feel like responding. But maybe just one tonight.

Myungsoo: Hey Jiyeon-si, I don’t usually do this.

Myungsoo: But I watched your performance it was great!

Myungsoo: We should meet up to practice or grab some food, I’ll pay

JIYEON: thank you so much!

JIYEON: we totally should sometime

Jiyeon wondered if she’d ever actually follow through. Likely not, considering they were both busy idols.

She had her schedules and he had his. She admitted he fit pretty well into her ideal type. A handsome face, pale skin, nice eyes, maybe a little shorter than ideal. However what he lacked in height, he made up with charisma and stage presence. She could... see herself dating him. 

I mean, why not?

…1.5.2012

POV: Show

The set is revealed, the fake interior of a Sauna room, the main hosts all seated in the front facing the audience.

“Today on Happy together to celebrate the New Year we have invited many pretty guests.” The main MC Yoo Jaesuk began.

“And many good looking men as well.” Park Miseon, an middle aged female MC added with her own cheeky smile.

“Let’s call out all the guests! Friend’s come on over.” Park Myeong-su, a short comedian, called for the guest.

They all began to clap as they first guest appeared. 

A pretty actress with fair skin and a baby face surrounded by dark brown hair entered.

“Omo, it’s Yoo Inna!” Shin Bongsun, a female comedian, exclaimed in delight. “Long time no see.”

She was given a small introduction by the show as the second guest entered. 

“Let’s meet our next friend.” Yoo Jae Suk began.

They all clapped as a pretty idol entered next.

“T-ara’s Park Jiyeon!” Myeong-soo remarked as he beckoned for her to sit.

Another small introduction played and they waited as the third guest entered. 

“It’s IU!” Yoo Jae Suk exclaimed happily.

The three girls all wearing pink sauna outfits sat to one side. 

“Next who is it?”

“Hello everyone.” A baby faced handsome man walked in, met by the female host's smiles.

“It’s actor Seo in Guk.” Jaesook announced.

Then an otherworldly handsome idol entered next.

“Infinite’s L!” This time all the lady’s squealed in delight as he walked in.

Then shortly after a final guest that brought another loud cheer. A slim man with mischevious eyes and a killer jaw entered.

“Actor Sungjoon.” There was more cheering and everyone clapped. 

“Today, as you can see there are 6 guests today, 3 boys and 3 girls.” Yoo Jae Suk began. “Today we are focusing on celebrity friendships.”

“Please tell us about how you three became friends? let’s start with IU.” Shin Bongsun inquired turning towards IU.

“Well, we all met on the show Heroes.”

“Ah, I remember watching that, the three of you were voted the most popular members.” Park Myeong-su chimed in.

“Yes, that’s correct me and Jieun became friends very quickly. And then later she introduced me to Jiyeon.” Yoo Innna continued. 

“I see. What was your first impression of each other?” Jae suk asked.

“Actually, I thought I wouldn’t become friends with Jiyeon-si because she looked kind of glamorous, and a little unsociable because of her face. But as I got to know her she was really just a little shy.” IU explained.

“That’s right! At first I was kind of intimidated when I met Jiyeon because she worked really hard at every game and event, but I got to know her and she was just shy so she couldn’t express her emotions as well at the time.” Inna added on.

“Interesting, she does have sort of a mature, and cold look when she just stares at you.” Bongsun commented. 

“Like this?” Jiyeon gazed coldly at the comedian. Everyone laughed as Bongsun pretended to shiver and overlay of animated Ice placed over her.

“Wow, she’s funny and pretty.” Myeong-su added on. “Rare traits.”

“Which one is not true of me?” Miseon inquired playfully. As they all laughed again.

“Moving back to the topic, what was your first impression of those two Jiyeon?” Jae suk asked.

“At first I was kind of, kind of… annoyed by IU.” Everyone gasped as IU hid her face in embarrassment. 

“Not like that, I just kept wondering why this cute and loud girl kept trying to talk to me?” She explained more clearly.

The cast laughed again, Yoo Jaesuk nodding along.

“IU can be like that.” Inna chuckled.

“But then, I realized after sharing about our training, we were very similar. We both left home at young ages and have been trainees for a long time. I think we connected over that.” Jiyeon continued.

“Yoo In Na, unnie, hmm… I think when she introduced herself I thought. Oh, she’s so pretty and cute I want to be like her. But then, as I got to know her she’s really funny and I enjoyed being around her.” 

“Ahh. I see.” Miseon nodded her head.

“With IU having her huge success on her single 'You and I' and her release of her album Last Fantasy. Jiyeon having T-ara’s huge success in Korea and Japan, with the most digital sales of a girl group for an album ever with Black Eyes. And Yoo Inna staring in many dramas and hosting a radio show. Do you even have time to meet the three of you?” Jaesook read the next question.

“Not, really. We sometimes meet in pairs or also with our other friend Luna.” IU explained.

“F(x)’s luna?” Myeongsu asked for clarification.

“Yes.” Jiyeon nodded.

“But, we haven’t really met up with each other all three of us. Until today.” IU revealed.

“Among the three of you, who do you think is the prettiest?” Myeong-su inquired. 

“Are you stupid? You should never ask that to a group of girls.” Bongsun scolded him.

“Without any hurt feelings. Point to the person you think is the prettiest in the group.” Jaesuk requested as the three smiled. “1,2,3.”

IU and INNA both pointed towards Jiyeon, while Jiyeon pointed at Yoo Inna. 

“I see, don’t worry IU, we think you’re pretty.” Myeong-su joked as everyone laughed.

“I think Jiyeon is like a cute baby dinosaur.” IU explained her answer. 

“I think Inna unnie is so cute and glamorous too.” Jiyeon explained her choice.

“I think Jiyeon is really pretty when she dances, and she always wears… how do you say.” Inna pondered for a second as everyone stared at her anticipating her response. “...Revealing outfits. They make my heart race a lot.”

Everyone laughed as Jiyeon covered her face in embarrasment. 

“That’s my concept for T-ara, y and cute.” Jiyeon replied still red.

“So now let’s move on to the boys. Where did you all meet?”

The show continued with the handsome young men all explaining their friendship in detail, and the female hosts fawning over the men. 

“I am quite curious here, among the handsome and beautiful people here, who do they find most like their ideal type.” Miseon asked. 

"Hey, how is that question any worse than what I asked?" Myung-su questioned.

“Hold on. Before you say anything we try to explain that there shouldn’t be a scandal here.” Jaesuk joked. “I can already see the headlines.” 

They all burst out laughing.

“For those of you tuning in, this is simply hypothetical. Point to the person who is most like your ideal type. In 1, 2, 3.” 

There was a large explosion of laughter as the hosts noticed first that IU and Yoo in na were pointing at each other.

The camera then zoomed out to show that Seo in Guk was pointing towards IU, Jiyeon and Myungsoo were pointing at each other. And Sung Joon was pointing towards Yoo Inna.

“Wow, they really are true male friends.” Myeongsu spoke first. “They all pointed to different girls, that’s the way men should be.”

Yoo Jae suk however was still laughing. 

“Hold on. IU and Yoo Inna you cannot point at each other otherwise we’ll really think you’re dating.” He teased.

“But we are.” IU complained as she playfully sulked grabbing onto Inna's arm. 

“Well, I am most interested in you two. L and Jiyeon pointed towards each other. What a cute couple.” Bongsun began. “Can you talk more?”

All the hosts suddenly started listening intentively.

“Um... well Myungsoo Sunbaenim has always been a person I looked up to, and I think he is very cool when he dances.” Jiyeon answered clearly nervous.

“Ah, yes, he is one year older I believe.” Jaesuk added in.

“My ideal type is someone who is cute, yet can also be y and Jiyeon is my ideal type. To be honest, I’m a huge fan of T-ara because of her.” He announced confidently.

“Daebak! Look at Jiyeon’s reaction she’s blushing.” Bongsun announced. “You two should date already!” 

“Ya! You’re not allowed to say that otherwise they’ll get in big trouble.” Jaesuk scolded her.

"Everyone watching, this is not a scandal. Repeat this question was completely hypothetical."

Everyone chuckled at the MC's continued clarification. 

The show continued for a little longer until it finally drew to a close. 

…

Jiyeon hugged Jieun once more in front of the KBS Building. Both happy to have been able to see each other even with their busy schedules.

"Sorry to interrupt but we have another schedule soon." IU's manager revealed himself from the large black van parked in front.

"Let's meet up for a meal soon. With Luna and Inna unnie." Jieun offered.

"Call." Jiyeon answered lifting her lips to form a smile.

She waved towards the black van before another celebrity transport soon pulled up. She recognized it as hers, and walked towards the familiar van. The door slid open revealing her own manager beckoning for her to enter. 

“Jiyeon!” 

She froze upon hearing the voice. The voice was oddly familiar... from the filming, she turned and— Kim Myungsoo appeared behind her gasping for breath.

Clearly he had just run to catch up with her. Why?

She stared in confusion as he held up a hand pausing to catch his breath, “Jiyeon-ssi. Can I treat you to a meal? If it's ok with your manager that is.”

Jiyeon instantly recalled her earlier messages with him. It was true. She had technically agreed to it.

She glanced at her manager still waiting in the van. He seemed to ponder for a second before shrugging his shoulders and giving her a simple 'ok'.

"I'll make sure to drop her off at her dorm." Myungsoo assured her manager.

She carefully nodded. Still surprised by the sudden turn of events. She had fully expected her manager to disagree with the idea.

 Yet here she was following him back into the large building. He brought her down to the underground parking garage. Did he have his own car?

She knew Infinite had just recently debuted. She wondered how he could afford such an expensive vehicle.

He unlocked the car door to a nice Mercedes. He ran to the passenger side of the car and quickly opened it for her. 

He has nice manners. A gentleman. Jiyeon definitely found that attractive. She sat comfortably against the nice leather seats.

“Is beef ok?” He inquired entering on his side. 

“Sure Myungsoo-ssi.” She addressed him awkwardly.

She wasn't sure exactly how to address him. He was technically a 'hoobae' debuting in 2010. But he was also older than her by 2 years. 'Oppa?' Jiyeon felt awkwardly calling anyone she barely knew 'Oppa'.

“Please, speak informally.” He assured her, a handsome smile on his face.

She nodded her head. She was not used to this, but she had to admit she liked it. In the dim light, his manly features only more accented. Her eyes gravitating to his tight jaw, perfect nose, handsome eyes. He really did look otherworldly.

She wasn't sure if she was overstepping her boundaries, but she wanted to become more confident. “Ok. Then shall I call you... Oppa?”

His face lit up at the words. A wicked grin appearing on his lips. He became flustered as his hands flew onto the wheel, struggling to start the car. 

“That’s... sounds fine.” He replied clearly trying to suppress his emotions and refocus on his driving.

Feeling a little more comfortable now Jiyeon continued.

"But oppa." She was curious now.

"What?" He inquried.

They pulled out of the garage and onto the crowded streets of Gangnam. 

"Is this really your car?" Jiyeon questioned still stunned by how nice it was.

Myungsoo chuckled as he shook his head. "Did it make an impression?" 

Jiyeon nodded her head. Despite being an idol, she couldn't remember ever getting into such a fancy vehicle. 

"It's my Dad's car." He revealed. "Truthfully, my family does pretty ok for themselves. Why does it make me seem less attractive to you?"

"No. Not at all." Jiyeon quickly shook her head.

She wondered if she should feel proud. A handsome and rich idol, expressing interest in her. Shouldn't it be a major confidence booster?

…1.10.2012

Soompi: Dating report: After filming KBS’s Happy Together, Infinite’s L and T-ara’s Park Jiyeon spotted eating together 

On January 5th after the filming of KBS’s show Happy together featuring T-ara’s Jiyeon, IU, Yoo In na, Infinite’s L, Seo in Guk, and Sung Joon.

The episode when released had a scene where they were asked to name their ideal type. The two idols immediately pointed towards each other.

When asked to explain their responses, Park Jiyeon gave a fairly vague and common answer:

“Myungsoo Sunbaenim has always been a person I looked up to, and I think he is very cool when he dances.”

Infinite’s L gave a much more descriptive and wooing answer:

“My ideal type is someone who is cute, yet can also be y and Jiyeon is my ideal type. I’m a huge fan of T-ara because of her.”

Korea Dispatch revealed that after the filming was over, the same day. The two were photographed eating together at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Ittaewon.

See more Photos at their website:

(Photo of Jiyeon smiling as Myungsoo holds up a lettuce wrap near his mouth)

Both idols are climbing towards the top of their popularity. With Kim Myungsoo widely agreed upon as the most handsome even among hundreds of other Idols. And Park Jiyeon climbing to the top of the charts with T-ara. Currently labled the 2nd most popular girl group in Korea and the most popular artist in Japan.

Jiyeon’s improvement alone and stunning visuals has been discussed as propelling them forward. Receiving attention along with established visuals Hyomin and Eunjung.

Both artist's agencies have yet to release statements. What are your thoughts on the possible celebrity couple?

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

Top comments:

“I’m so happy to see her hanging out with such a handsome oppa, whether they are dating or not. I’d love to see them star together in a MV or even a drama.”

“I can’t say I’m happy to see our handsome Myungsoo oppa taken. But Jiyeon is beautiful and stunning so I can’t blame him too much.”

“NOOOO, I love Jiyeon too much for her to date. But I’m happy if they are really dating! I wish her happiness as she is so pretty!” 

…

Daniel read through the article.

Was it disappointment? Why did he feel like he had just been dumped? 

He was just a fan, yet he felt jealous and unsettled. 

He hated that he felt like was turning into something he had once mocked. He had once mocked his sister for crying when her favorite idols would have dating scandals.

Yet, he felt like this was a slightly different case. He knew her. He talked to her frequently and felt that they had been growing closer.

It occured to him because of her 'tight' schedule they hadn’t texted for about a week. It made him doubt himself. Was this why? 

Was she really dating? Would she even need him anymore? She had never mentioned to him about a guy... but it wasn't like she had any obligation too either.

He to her was just a fan and a close friend. He shouldn’t overstep his boundaries.

His phone began to vibrate and he instantly checked it. Unsure of what he was expecting. Could it be her?

It was Ashley. She had stolen his phone a while back and inserted a pretty selfie of her as her contact picture. 

“Hello?” He answered still feeling gloomy.

“Are we studying or not?” 

He silently cursed at himself, as he remembered he had promised he would help her study for the upcoming exam.

“You did promise you would help me."

“Sorry, I’m on my way. I’ll be there in 10 minutes.” He grabbed his duffle bag deciding to practice basketball after.

…1.11.2012

"We want you to be happy and not to feel like you can’t date. But there is our group’s reputation at stake too. Please understand a scandal could be bad for our image.” Boram explained.

“I understand Unnie, I’m very sorry. I promise I’ll be more careful.” Jiyeon apologized, she knew her unnies were right.

“Just be careful in the future.” Soyeon requested of her.

“Of course Unnie.” 

“So, are you dating him?” Hyomin suddenly asked eyes widened.

“No, but he asked me on another date.” Jiyeon answered.

She wasn’t completely sure how she felt him yet. Thankfully he had been understanding. He told her he’d give her time to think about it, then respond.

“Wow, Daebak, I’m so happy for you.” Hyomin squealed excitedly. 

“He is very handsome.” Qri remarked nodding her head.

“Is that Jealousy Unnie?” Eunjung teased the leader.

“Of course not. I want you to be happy Jiyeon, trust me. You’ve done a lot for our group these past few comebacks."

“A lot.” Hwayoung interjected sarcastically. “Like smile and act pretty.”

Jiyeon frowned. She thought she had finally gotten on Hwayoung’s good side, but clearly she had been imagining things.

“A special order for Jiyeon.” The manager burst through the door holding two large bags of fried chicken.

They all rushed excitedly over to the manager as he set it down on the table. Jiyeon staring in confusion at the food.

“Did you order this?” Eunjung inquired of her, holding the bags up. The aroma of the delicious chicken filling the practice room.

“A note came with it.” He revealed a card that had come with the delivery. 

At that moment Jiyeon gasped. It couldn't be.

“Dear Jiyeon, here’s a special treat from me and the other Infinite members for you and the other T-ara Sunbae-nims to share. T-ara fighting! By the way Dongwoo Hyung has a crush on Qri Sunbae.” Hyomin read aloud a smile forming on her lips.

All the girls chuckled and teased Jiyeon for her “boyfriends” gift.

That night, Jiyeon checked her phone again. The rustling of her unnie becoming pretty standard now.

93er’s group chat

IU: omg did you say yes yet? 

LUNA: You should totally say yes

LUNA: Food is the way to a woman's heart

IU: I want to take credit for setting you two up

LUNA: shut up you didn’t do anything

IU: I totally did, I talked her up the whole show

IU: tell her Jiyeon

Jiyeon chuckled reading her friends texts, always finding the bickering between IU and Luna amusing.

JIYEON: thanks Jieun, I guess I owe you

JIYEON: I don’t know if I'll say yes,

JIYEON: he sent me chicken today for my members, I like a lot of things about him too.

JIYEON: But I want to make sure I like him before I date.

IU: you should go for it! 

IU: I remember being with Wooyoung in dream high. It’s dreamy to be with handsome men

LUNA: idiot that’s a drama

JIYEON: I’ll let you know if we start dating.

Then she found herself once again checking for his messages.

There were no new messages, it had been two weeks. He usually began the conversation... so she felt saddened that he hadn't said anything. She didn't even know how to begin.

JIYEON: hello, sorry I’ve been busy

Was that even an apology? Should she have said more? 

Suprisingly the 'Read' notification popped up instantly. Had he been waiting for her?

DAEHAN: No problem

DAEHAN:  sorry I’ve been busy too

JIYEON: I’m sure you saw the scandal.

DAEHAN: just read the headline

Jiyeon felt embarrased as she wondered why she had assumed he would've seen it. He had his own things to worry about. His own life. 

JIYEON: can I ask you something?

DAEHAN: sure, anything

JIYEON: you’ve dated before right?

DAEHAN: yes, once.

DAEHAN:  Unless you count a random kiss I got from my middle school crush

JIYEON: what’s it like to date? How do you know if you like someone?

DAEHAN: I can’t really tell you a good answer for sure, because obviously...

DAEHAN: my relationship failed

JIYEON: true

JIYEON: I mean... sorry

DAEHAN: no I was kidding, I'm glad its over.

DAEHAN: But I think dating someone, can be used to find what you like in a person

DAEHAN: I mean you shouldn't "use" someone, but you shouldn't be afraid of it if it doesn't work out

JIYEON: what do you think of Kim Myungsoo-si?

JIYEON: I mean from your perspective

DAEHAN: I don’t know his personality, but he’s handsome.

JIYEON: I think I like him

JIYEON:  but I don’t know for sure

DAEHAN: Why are you asking me though?

Jiyeon couldn't answer that. Why was she asking him?

It wasn’t like he was her actual brother. Although sometimes the way they talked, she felt the most comfortable talking to him. 

JIYEON: because I value your advice,

JIYEON: you haven’t steered me wrong yet, haha

DAEHAN: well I do give good advice don’t I?

JIYEON: don’t let it get to your head

DAEHAN: As your fan I’ll be rooting for you no matter what

DAEHAN: if you’re dating someone or not 

JIYEON: thanks it means a lot

JIYEON: actually I wanted to thank you

DAEHAN: really? 

DAEHAN: why?

JIYEON: for being one of my closest friends

JIYEON: tbh I don’t have many

DAEHAN: same goes for you

DAEHAN: I don't have too many either

Jiyeon smiled feeling a new sense of confidence. She needed to hear that.

He always had something comforting to say to her. She wanted to keep him close, she wanted him to stay by her sides.

Unknowingly in the past few months she had grown rather attached to him. Her friend.