“Hey Yeon-ie, isn’t it amazing?” Hyomin commented, the two following their manager down the red path through the cavernous hotel. 

A velvet path that they had been carefully instructed not to veer off. It was strange… how something that was totally illegal in Korea could be so heavily promoted in America. 

This entire hotel… this entire city it seemed like was solely promoting gambling. There were large clumps of men gathered around tables, and various solo people all hooked to what looked to be cheap arcade games. 

Still, their manager explained beforehand that those cheap machines could a person’s life savings away in a few hours… not to mention in an entirely legal way. 

To Jiyeon this was a city of evil, a place full of scammers and broken souls. Truthfully, it made her sad to see it in front of her. Even if she wasn’t underage and the Makae of the group, she wouldn’t have stepped a single foot near the gambling world. 

“Not really.” Jiyeon mumbled as they wandered the casino. 

This particular hotel, was the New York New York, a hotel that almost emulated a miniature version of the city. 

If you’re wondering why three young idols were in a place such as this, for no apparent reason. It’s because of a party. A party hosted by the famous Chris Brown, someone who their recent song writer Brave Brothers had a connection to. To cut a long story short, he was hosting this giant pool party and their CEO had snatched the opportunity to promote internationally.

With little preparation, or anything, they weren’t even allowed to go as a whole, the CEO picking only 3 of them to go, the rest staying for a fan sign event. 

“I bet Soyeon unnie would be going crazy right now, she always wanted to visit New York.” Eunjung commented from behind them.

“True, if only the CEO wasn’t so cheap.” Hyomin muttered under her breath. 

Finally, after passing by rows and rows of machines, and fading money, they arrived at the front desk.

Waiting patiently as one of their managers, a Korean American, checked them into the actual hotel. Jiyeon glanced at her phone, until she got wifi again, she couldn’t text anyone. Which meant… why was she looking at her phone? To play flappy birds?

She saw a small pamphlet full of English and struggled to decipher anything other than the pictures. Suddenly, she regretted never paying attention in English class in High school. 

I mean, in her defense, when was she ever going to need it? T-ara was going to solely promote in Korea and Japan. No one outside of Super Junior ever found real success internationally. 

“This way.” The manager beckoned for them as she and her their head manager grabbed their luggage. 

“You’re in luck, Mr. Brown paid for the three of you to stay in a suite for tonight.” 

The three of them shot each other excited gazes as they all squealed happily. 

A suite, their agency had never paid for them to stay in their own rooms much less suites. 

When they entered inside the room, they all darted into the large suite. A living room-like space filled with glass, along with a giant master bedroom topped with a King size bed. 

Jiyeon threw her face onto the comfortable mattress, feeling a sense of excitement where only frustration had once been. 

“Daebak! Daebak! Daebak!” Eunjung spoke what was on everyone’s minds. 

Meanwhile, Hyomin casually set her luggage by the sofa and took a seat. “I’ll take the pullout bed out there, you two share the bed.” 

As usual, Hyomin was a sense of maturity between the three of the younger members. Eunjung despite being the oldest of the three, was probably not far from Jiyeon in terms of childishness.

“I’m glad to see the three of you happy, we’ll be in the room four doors down, call us if you need anything, Hyomin-ssi you have the phone right?” The manager double checked. 

“Yes.” As the most leader-like, Hyomin had been chosen as the only person to have a working phone. 

“Remember to rest up, in a few hours you’ll be heading to the sound check and makeup, and then tomorrow morning we’ll head to the airport.” 

Jiyeon was still adjusting to the time change, and she was supposed to be ready for a performance? 

It was insane sometimes, she could barely keep her eyes open. 

Still, she was decently excited for the opportunity to perform in front of an international audience. It would be their first time, and even if there were only 3 of them, maybe they could make a few fans. 

She had signed up for this when she had signed the trainee contract. To become successful took hard work and grit. 

Standing on the stage, Jiyeon regretted ever being excited for the performance. When their managers revealed their outfits, Jiyeon and Eunjung had shot each other hesitant glances. 

A black crop top with sheer sleeves and very short matching booty shorts. She knew it was a pool party, but it still made her feel slightly uncomfortable. Since she had grown in height, she had been told by her stylists, that her image was going to change from when she had first debuted. 

“All the way from South Korea let’s welcome friends of Chris Brown himself!” 

Jiyeon didn’t really understand what the DJs were saying, but she could understand the surprised gazes of all of the participants of the pool party. There was a large mix of people, many tall females in swimsuits wading around each other, men in tank tops holding drinks and backwards caps. 

There was one similarity though, a combined disinterest in their performance. And to be honest, she couldn’t really blame them. Singing in a language they couldn’t understand, while most of the music that had been playing was just Club music. 

As they entered into the chorus, and Jiyeon and Hyomin continued dancing, the music suddenly cut out.

“Hey DJ, hold up real quick, hold up.” Came Chris Brown’s voice from over the loudspeaker. 

Jiyeon glanced back towards the DJ, who had completely stopped their track.

Eunjung immediately turned around in confusion as the person who had invited them began talking something that none of the three seemed to understand. 

Meanwhile, Jiyeon glanced towards the pool, feeling a humiliating tension as she felt helpless from the pitying gazes of some of the audience. 

“Get off the stage!” A female voice screamed something Jiyeon didn’t need a translator to understand that. 

She might’ve been discouraged as she could see Eunjung and Hyomin were by the strange interruption.

However, her eyes strangely settled towards the back of the pool. Unlike everyone else who seemed to be complaining amongst themselves, there was someone staring straight towards her in what looked to be genuine interest. He was definitely Asian, broad shoulders, and an indistinguishable face from the distance.

Unfortunately, right as she started to squint to see what he looked like— the music started again. At first, the three of them didn’t react, but noticing their manager signaling to them, they slowly started to dance again. 

“Boo! Get off the stage chinks!” A drunk person wailed. 

While dancing she started to look for him again, and saw that he had rejoined a group of guys. All of them staring attentively towards them, unlike most of the crowd. Just judging by their diversity, she figured they weren’t actual fans. But, still it was encouraging to see some people enjoying the music. 

“What the hell was that?” Hyomin had completely lost it as she stood on the side talking to their manager. 

Meanwhile Eunjung was frowning next to her, Jiyeon, well she was staring towards the pool. Looking for the group of guys that she had seen watching their song. She couldn’t find them anymore, perhaps they had already left. 

“He just paused the song to promote his new song, but told the DJ to continue your song right after.” Their manager explained. 

“Why in the middle though?” Eunjung questioned.

“I’m… I’m not sure.” Even the manager couldn’t seem to come up with a logical excuse.

“Anyways, I know that this wasn’t exactly what we planned, but it’s still an opportunity to promote, so let’s not dwell on the past.” 

For Idols, no matter the result, they had been drilled to seek perfection by all of their trainers. That was why all three were so upset. A failed performance would haunt them for weeks even if  it wasn’t their fault. It was a sort of PTSD that was the result of the harshness of debut preparations for trainees. 

Their manager disappeared for a few minutes to go talk to the stage crew for the party, while their head manager stayed with them.

“Mr. Brown doesn’t seem to really know who we are. Why are we even here?” Eunjung mumbled as they saw that the party had continued to the same repetitive EDM music. 

When the translator returned he had a bright smile on his face. “He wanted to apologize for the inconvenience by inviting you to the after party, it will be held at the Bellagio buffet!” 

The three of them stared at him in confusion. What did that mean?

“It’s the best food in all of Las Vegas.” 

While their translator was wide eyed in excitement, Jiyeon stared towards their manager.

“Just tonight. Just tonight you can ease up on your diets.”

Slowly smiles began to creep up on their faces, as the thought of eating carbs excited them.

Gently Jiyeon shut the door behind her, after eating quite their shares worth of the extravagant buffet, Hyomin and Eunjung had collapsed and fallen into a food “coma”. Meanwhile, Jiyeon had held back, remembering the earlier criticisms of her bloated face. 

Of course… resisting the opportunity to have lobster wasn’t easy. Still, she had eaten considerably less than her fellow members. Which was why, neither noticed as she quietly slipped out of the room. 

She knew what she was doing was wrong. But, she was only here for a day, what was the hurt in exploring a little? 

She used to sneak out of her dorms with Eunjung unnie all the time. How was this any different? So she threw over an oversized hoodie just in case and crept out. 

With just an ounce of guilt in her mind, she sneaked into the elevator and pressed the bottom floor. 

The minute she arrived a foul stench navigated through the sliding gold doors. It was horrible. A pungent odor of cigarettes, liquor, and broken dreams. She ducked her head and noticed that there wasn’t any suspicion at all in the eyes of any of the security guards. She realized unlike Korea, the hotel was so full of ruffians and shady people, that just wearing a hoodie didn’t mean anything. 

Jiyeon exited through the closest door, and immediately found herself in the streets of Las Vegas. Unlike what she had imagined, the streets weren’t empty at all. There were couples walking around arm in arm, large groups of middle aged men together, and just lonely looking people all by themselves. 

Amazed by the glowing lights of every hotel, she started to follow the flow of the crowd. So this was the nightlife she had heard about, it didn’t seem all that bad. 

It wasn’t until about 15 minutes into her walk, she began to regret her outfit choice. Several passers didn’t even attempt to hide their gawking towards her slightly covered thighs. Even men walking around in couples. 

In her defense, it was hot outside, basically the middle of a desert. 

As she finally had enough of her exploration, she suddenly felt a chill down her spine. Even without looking behind her, there was a pair of footsteps closely trailing her. The street had cleared slightly, and she felt fear. 

Would anybody even help her if she called for help?

She turned towards an overpass, a bridge that crossed over the large street, hoping to lose them. However, with a glance, the two men had followed her, their lustful gazes on her lower body. 

She needed to lose them, quickening her pace slightly… however, just as she did she felt two heavy arms around her shoulders. They must’ve rushed forward before she could…

“Hey babe, wanna get some drinks with us?” A drunken voice inquired something indecipherable as she turned away from the foul odor. 

“Asian Chick, even better.” 

At that moment, seeing just how much bigger they were than her, she froze. She could be in trouble… what if they had a knife… or worse, in America guns were legal. 

She felt her entire body start to tremble. She needed help. She needed help fast.

“Please, no.” She squeaked out in fear trying to assess the situation.

“Come on. Free drinks. Have some fun!” The bigger man leaned his head closer to her, flashing a vile grin.

Glancing around desperately, she decided to take a risk. “Help!” 

But there was no one around, no other passerbyers to save her. 

Feeling the weight of their arms against her back, she could no longer move. Her body completely buckling, as she searched for any escape. She never should’ve left. Was she going to die or worse be ?

“Someone save me!” She instinctively screamed in her native tongue. Knowing that it was pointless— the larger man was pushed away from her, as some other person had clearly entered the picture. 

Realizing that someone had just shoved his friend, the other drunk man backed away from her. She spun around in relief, wondering who had helped her. Expecting a random stranger to have shown some compassion, she wasn’t at all prepared for the reality.

He was Asian, maybe a little dark to be Korean, “Gwaenchana?” He was definitely Korean. Tall with broad shoulders, mid length black hair and a sharp jaw. Not to mention the strangely gentle eyes that gazed right into her. 

The two men behind them growled something, but her savior quickly formed a barrier between her and them. 

“Grab my arm.” If it wasn’t apparent before, it was now obvious that Korean was not his first language. Still, she was thankful to hear someone who spoke her language. 

“Trust me.” His previously gentle eyes had changed now, a hint of assurance and genuine sincerity in his action. She found herself trusting him without even second guessing herself. 

She was surprised herself, how easily she wrapped her arms around his, pulling herself close to him.

“What the are you doing huh? With my girlfriend.” He had raised his voice now, a voice that contrasted with the original voice he had spoken to her with.

Gentle yet strong. Who was he? At one glance he wasn’t dashingly handsome or manly, with a cute face that didn’t quite fit with his large frame. Yet, there was something about his aura, the way he towered over both her assailants and her… it was attractive.

Instantly noticing the aggressive tone of her saviors voice, the two drunken men began to back away. Fear in their cowardly eyes, as they retreated away. 

Jiyeon wasn’t at all thinking about the two drunks anymore. The fact that she might’ve been if not for help no longer even crossed her mind. Instead, her focus was entirely on him, the way he glared at them, as she latched onto his muscular arm. 

Suddenly, he caught her staring, as they gazes locked, but not for long, as she quickly turned away. 

“Are you scared? Sorry.” He spoke again in his Americanized Korean.

Slowly, his eyes wandered down to his arm as she realized…

She quickly pulled away and saw a surprisingly flustered expression on his face, considering how unfazed he had been previously. 

“Thanks.” She mumbled, unsure of what else to say. 

Should she get on her knees in gratitude?

An awkward tension immediately fell over them, as the two stared at the ground in silence.

“Um no problem.” 

He had just saved her. So why did she make this so awkward? She was an idol, her entire job was to make strangers feel comfortable around her. 

That said… she didn’t actually have any male friends, so to say that she knew how to converse with them would be shameless. 

“I’m… Park Jiyeon.” She settled on reaching her hand forward. A simple introduction.

Jiyeon instantly regretted it. Was this a business meeting? Why was she looking for a handshake, after the situation that had just transpired. He must’ve thought she was a psychopath.

His arm was shaking as he took it. Was he nervous? 

Well she was an idol, and not to brag… now one of the visuals of their group. Maybe he knew them.

No, he didn’t really look like someone who would listen to Hallyu music. 

“I’m Choi Daehan, but in English it’s Daniel.” Daniel. His name was Daniel. 

What a nice name.

Years ago. That was how they had met. 

Since then he had saved her countless more times, stayed beside her whenever she needed him, and flashed her the same gentle gaze whenever she felt down. 

To think, if she had never left her hotel room, then she might’ve never met him. Was that the best choice she had ever made?

Possibly… 

No, definitely.

“What are you thinking about?” He shuffled slightly in the sheets, scooting slightly towards her. His masculine aroma intensifying as he drew near. 

Even in the morning he smelled nice.

“The past.” Jiyeon whispered in response as she reached over to caress his cheek. 

There was something about tracing his bone structure that was oddly satisfying. 

“The past? Why?” He inquired curiously, ignoring her touch.

“I was just thinking… what if I had never wandered out of my hotel room that night.” 

“What night?” He paused for a second, his genius brain recounting through millions of memories. “Oh, in Vegas?”

Jiyeon nodded her head, no longer amazed by the perfect recall he had. 

“Then, I’d be a nobody.” He answered before she could react.

“No, that’s not true.” 

She felt his hand on her hand, as he gazed straight at her. “I needed you. I still do.”

No more cheesy lines. One more and she might go crazy. It was hard to contain herself even now.

“You sound like a psycho when you say it like that.” She joked as she leaned over and snatched a kiss.

A warm taste that could easily brighten up her morning, and energize her for the rest of the day. 

“I hear psychopath’s and geniuses are not too different.” He whispered with a grin as they separated.

Addiction. She was addicted to him. 

Having enough, she pulled herself on top of him, so that she was straddling him between her thighs. “So which one are you?” 

Daniel’s eyes previously innocent eyes widened as she began to tie her hair up into a loose ponytail. Knowing full well, not only the implications, but also the “hard” that she brought upon his lower body.

“I’m insane. Definitely insane.” He mumbled as naughty eyes traced her up and down, settling on her chest. 

With a smirk, she threw off her top, as she reached down and began pressing her lips against his. Both decided in a millisecond to take full advantage of the lack of schedule either had for the day.

She knew not everyday would be like this.

She knew they would fight again someday.

She knew he may grow tired of her someday, and he would have thoughts of others.

But that would be someday. Not today.

… 7.5.2018

Jiyeon giggled as she felt his hands on her shoulders leading her from the car. He had tied a blindfold over her eyes and she walked slowly in an unknown direction. 

“One second.” He commented as she heard a metal creaking similar to the sound of a gate open.

Jiyeon stood motionless as he continued leading her forward. With one step, she felt she was no longer on cement anymore. She was standing on something soft. Grass?

Where was she? They had only been driving about 10 minutes. Not long enough to go from the center of Seoul to anywhere with grass. 

Were they at a park?

“A little forward.” He whispered his strong hands pushing her forward. “Watch your step.” 

Jiyeon cautiously stepped onto what appeared to be stone slabs as she followed his directions.

“Aren’t you going to tell me now?” Jiyeon questioned slightly annoyed by all of the mystery.

“Just trust me.” He requested in her ear, his warm breath running down her spine. 

Jiyeon conceded at that moment. Deciding just to trust him and endure the small humiliation she felt.

“We’re almost there.” He assured her repeatedly.

Jiyeon felt herself now stepping onto some type of paneling. She had taken a few steps onto a platform now. Were they at someone’s house? Everyone she knew lived in apartments.

“And one second” 

She felt his hands disappear from her shoulders momentarily. Before hearing the faint sound of a locking mechanism sliding open. 

His hands returned to her shoulders and she was led inside now. She had no clues anymore. A cafe? Considering there was grass on the outside that seemed the most probable. 

Was it a trendy cafe that had beautiful plants decorating the inside and out, one of the retro designs? What was it called again? Planterior... or something like that.

“Stop.” Daniel held her in place as she stood motionless at his beckon.

“What now?” Jiyeon questioned, awkwardly.

Then before she could react, she felt him sweep her off her feet and pick her up bridal style.

“Ya!” She exclaimed, a contrary smile forming on her lips as he did. “Oppa!” 

“This is the fastest way.” He revealed as he carried her through the mysterious location. 

He climbed a flight of stairs up to the second floor. 

“Is this a cafe?” Jiyeon wondered unable to hide her curiosity.

“Maybe.” Daniel answered vaguely. 

He carried her all the way to the center of a new room and gently placed her down on the ground.

Jiyeon felt around with her hands and propelled herself back to her feet. 

Her hands had touched some type of cold smooth surface. Marble? Hardwood?

“Ok oppa what next?” Jiyeon inquired her arms swimming through the empty air looking for him. 

There was no response.

“Oppa?” She called out. 

Silence.

The mystery was killing her now. Finally, unable to hold it in, she grabbed both ends of the blindfold and threw it off her head. 

She opened her eyes.

It was dark. 

She was in a house, facing a large glass paned window that looked out into the night. The skyline of Seoul quite visible.

Where was she? It was a beautiful two story house. A modern interior, long windows all around, hardwood floors. But it was devoid of any furniture at all.

It felt empty.

Speaking of empty, where was he? 

Jiyeon turned around and— Oh my God! 

His presence caught her off guard. He was standing in front of her. Dressed dashingly in a black suit with a white t-shirt underneath. His goofy grin far too handsome to explain in words. 

Why was he looking at her like that?

She felt underdressed herself. Wearing only an oversized knit sweater dress. 

“You like it?” Daniel inquired, with a smirk.

Jiyeon nodded her head slowly. 

“It’s empty though.” Jiyeon commented. 

“You’re right it’s missing an owner.” Daniel revealed a cunning smile on his lips.

Jiyeon stared in disbelief. He didn’t mean.

“Jiyeon. I’m going to go back to America to play again, but I can’t leave without an answer.” He replied. “I’d like Mrs. Choi to live here.” 

Jiyeon didn’t understand. Mrs. Choi? 

What was he thinking right now? It felt overwhelming. The house. The title. Him.

Then it happened. Jiyeon had imagined it before. Several times when she was apart from him while he was in America. She had imagined it on lonely nights. Gushing to herself how he would undoubtedly be creative with his proposal.

He got on one knee. His left hand revealing a small box.

Jiyeon had promised herself in this moment she wouldn’t break down. She had cried an ocean of tears after all of her scandals. Shouldn’t she reserve her tears for the sad times?

But they poured out anyways. Streaming down her face as she tried in vain to wipe them away.

She must’ve looked hideous when he looked so perfect.

He gently opened the box revealing a simple yet beautiful diamond ring. He gazed towards her, his warm eyes providing tranquility after what felt like a tsunami had just swept over her.

“I don’t want distance to keep being an excuse. I love you Park Jiyeon. I love you more than I ever knew was possible to love someone. I don’t want to waste another second not with you.” He spoke confidently. 

His genuine feelings being conveyed through more than just his words, his expression, it was like a fantasy.

“So will you, Park Jiyeon. Make me the happiest man—” He was speaking in English but after enough Romcoms, Jiyeon understood every word.

“Yes.” Jiyeon answered without hesitation. “Yes I’ll marry you.” 

Happiness could be seen in his own eyes now. His confident exterior slowly fading as she could see small specks of joy start to flow down his cheeks.

Jiyeon stood silent as she held out her hand to allow him to slide the jewel onto her ring finger. It glistened as Jiyeon held her hand. The moon’s rays glistening through the glass filled wall before reflecting onto the small diamond. 

Jiyeon gazed back towards him. Now standing across from her. Love and joy. She swore she could see it.

Nothing was said. Yet everything could be felt. 

Distance it didn’t matter. They loved each other.

Jiyeon rushed forward into his arms wrapping them tightly around his waist.

“I’ll live here, but you better visit often.” Jiyeon whispered resting her head against his chest.

It was certainly a nice house. It still seemed surreal to think that she would live here from now on.

“I’ll be good to you.” He replied his arms squeezing her body tightly into his.

At that moment the lights flickered on. Lighting up the entire second floor.

“Surprise!!!!!” Jieun appeared rushing out of a room quickly followed by Inna and Luna.

Then several others appeared. Jenny, Hyojoon, Daniel’s friend Hae-in, his manager, her manager, his former teammate Eric, and finally her members, all five of them. 

Jiyeon gasped as she saw them enter with bright smiles on their face.

“Soyeon unnie! Boram unnie!” 

"Maknae-ah!" Boram, as cute as ever, exclaimed taking her in her arms. 

Soyeon and the others joined in soon after.

"Congrats on getting married!" Eunjung was definitely the loudest of the bunch. 

Jiyeon didn't even get to ask how they had all gathered when she found herself in a conversation with her three best friends. 

"To the couple of the hour!" They heard the pop of a cork, and a bottle of champagne in the hands of the tall basketball player. 

Jiyeon had met him the last time she had joined Daniel to go to the SK Knights game.

There was conversation for the next hour. Jiyeon reconnecting with her members, talking with Hyojoon and then Jenny of course. Jenny had flown all the way in without her knowing just to help Daniel with the surprise. 

She proudly flaunted her ring to her friends and playfully teasing that she was the first to be married. 

When everyone had left, Jiyeon walked back to his car as he stayed to lock up the house. They were going to go to her family’s apartment now, to celebrate as her oppa had already left with Jenny in his car to give them a little privacy.

She was thankful for everyone who had come, especially her members who had flown up, but everything felt like a blur at the moment. It was just so much to process.

Jiyeon took the opportunity to take in her surroundings a little, hoping a breath of fresh air might calm herself a little. They were in the affluent private neighborhoods in Ittaewon. She knew only wealthy CEO’s and many international ambassadors could afford the houses here. It made her wonder how much the house was priced at. 

“It wasn’t cheap.” Daniel announced reading her mind as he took her hand in his.

“Ya, how am I supposed to live here then?” She questioned.

Daniel pulled her close to him. “This is the only place with privacy. Most of our neighbors are foreigners.” 

“You don’t have to move in right away. I just want to know you’re in a safe place when I’m gone.” He explained.

When i'm gone. Why did he emphasize it so much? It made her slightly disappointed. 

Jiyeon tiptoed and planted her lips on his. Something she had wanted to do for some time. But had been too embarrassed to do with all of the guests that had appeared. 

“I want to live here in Korea with you. I don’t know how long my career in the NBA will last, but knowing that you will be here. Knowing we’ll have a home together.” Like before, he had a way with words. 

“Ah, I forgot my camera inside, I’ll be right back.”

“Huh?” Jiyeon inquired tugging on his sleeve. 

“The camera I used to film the proposal, your parents and mine requested I film the proposal because they couldn’t make it.” He revealed.

“Alright, I’m freezing though so hurry up oppa.” Jiyeon teased crossing her arms and playfully shivering. 

“I’ll be right back,” he dashed towards the house, before stopping at the front gate, and rushing back. 

He smiled as he pulled of his jacket, and wrapped it around her shoulders, his face inching towards hers. Before suddenly pulling away and continuing back in an awkward jog to the house.

She chuckled, enjoying how funny his tall silhouette looked rushing forward for something so trivial.

Adjusting the jacket slightly more around her shoulders, she felt something vibrate in his pocket. Out of curiosity she reached into the pocket, expecting her parents to be texting him or possibly one of their siblings. 

    Doctor Kim: Test results are back. Please click the link below to see:

Jiyeon narrowed her eyes on the message. She remembered him mentioning he had gone to the doctors. In fact, he had acted suspiciously the past few weeks in general. Whenever she asked him where he was, he always told her it was training things… but she knew it wasn’t. 

Just a few minutes ago, she had figured everything was related to proposal planning. 

But was that what it was?

She hovered her finger over the message. Should she click it?

They were about to be married, was she already going to be the suspicious wife? He wasn’t sick was he?

No. He would tell her if it was anything serious. They had promised not to keep secrets anymore. And she had no reason to believe he wouldn’t tell her if there was something important. 

So she placed the phone back into his jacket pocket, and mentally patted herself on the back. 

…

Daniel grabbed the small Go-pro from off the small shelf he had hidden it on. He checked the replay ensuring that everything had been recorded and couldn’t help but cringe watching him awkwardly stand behind her all that time.

It was one of the most nerve racking moments in his entire life, perhaps close behind the first time he had ever kissed her on her forehead. 

Even knowing that she would accept, he had toiled over hundreds of different proposals. Researched YouTube, his friends, his parents, and anyone he knew looking for the perfect method. 

He smiled before noticing his smart watch vibrate. He reached for his pocket… . He had left his phone in his jacket pocket. 

He glanced at the watch and saw it was his doctor.

Would she see it?

No, way… right? 

Daniel almost scrambled downstairs, before quickly stopping himself. That would only look more suspicious. 

Call himself paranoid, but ever since that day… Daniel had freaked out. Even if every test result told him he was healthier than 99.9% of the population, he couldn’t sleep. He began researching anything he could find on heart conditions. 

His doctors out of concern had even been the ones to recommend this smart watch that would call an ambulance if he ever had heart palpitations. 

But, realized that it was just a bad dream, a nightmare. Now it was over, everything was looking great again, and he wouldn’t even have to think about it anymore. 

“Are you coming?” He heard her adorable voice shout from outside, and quickly composed himself before heading down the stairs.

Daniel shrugged off the small doubts he had and quickly descended the stairs towards the first floor. 

The moment his foot touched the final step, he felt his shoe sink into the sand below him.

Not now. Why now of all times?

He wasn't at the large house he had purchased for them to live together anymore, he was at the island. The fantasy island he had been to the first time he had been told of his upcoming passing.

"Welcome back." It's the same voice. The same cold emotionless voice Daniel remembered.

"Why?" There's no longer a need for an introduction. He already knows he won't get an answer to that question.

"Just tell me why I'm dying, and don't give me that perfect bull." He commanded staring into the never ending crystal waters. Was this the afterlife?

If so, maybe it wasn't so bad.

"Ha ha, I guess you deserve to know the truth."

At that moment, Daniel felt the strength disappear from his legs, as he felt extremely tired all of the sudden.

"What the hell..." He barely squeaked out before collapsing onto the ground.

"You want the truth... here's the truth."

The car sped off. 

A timer ticking. 

A race against death.

Seeing her in this position he felt so helpless once again… she might die in his arms… if he had been there sooner…

He suddenly couldn’t find a better solution. He leaned down towards her tiny mouth, her swollen face destroying him internally. He needed her to live. For his sake.

He began to blow into . Praying it might help reciprocate her breathing. Unsure of whether he was helping or not. 

His lips pressed against hers and he released breath after breath into her lungs. He didn’t care if Jooyoung was watching. 

He continued to do so all the way to the hospital. Tears pouring down his own face. Dripping from his face down towards hers.

Please live Jiyeon. Please… Please…

“I love you. Ok? Don’t die.” He screamed towards her blank emotionless face.

Angry, upset, scared.

"I love you. So please. Please stay alive." He shook her body hoping to stir her into consciousness. 

But she didn't move. Her eyes glued shut.

In most universes, that was the end. 

Park Jiyeon, the idol. Overdosed on sleeping pills, and was declared as suicidal after her scandals.

But not this one. 

For an unexplainable reason, she began to breathe again. 

She was able to regurgitate the sleeping pills. 

And she survived.

With her life came a sacrifice. His.

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

Thanks for reading. Sorry for the extended hiatus. I really had a lot of writer's block, as well as work... anyways, as you can see some of the previous dreams, aren't just dreams.

I know this has sort of shifted to fantasy, but as mentioned this story is a creative way for me to express a slew of different genres. Anyways, this may or may not connect to the epilogue in No Longer a coward. 

Thanks for all the new subscribers there.