There’s a certain parking garage, located in Sinsa-dong of Gangnam-gu. The very edge of the affluent district, that often marks the end of Gangnam and the extension into Seocho-gu. Though the parking garage itself belongs to a company building for some unnamed corporation, there’s a beautiful view of the Hangang river. 

Very few people know of the place, in fact if it wasn’t for its close proximity to the old MBK agency. The location would’ve remained a place that the average office worker might bring up in drinking conversations. 

But, there were a handful who kept the location as a sort of meeting place. The darkness of the large parking space, the perfect indiscreet location to meet without fear of the paparazzi. 

Of course, this was limited to MBK Entertainment celebrities and dates of those celebrities. 

The sun is setting on this day. In fact the garage is practically empty this Saturday, with only a select few office slaves.

Except for one rather expensive looking car that is pulling in as we speak. It’s a Mercedes, not an S class, but a C-class. It’s nice, but not flashy. 

This is the 6th floor, of an 8 story garage, and the car parks. A masked lady exists he vehicle, a billed black dad-cap covering her eyes, as she peeks around her surroundings. 

“I’m here.” She speaking aloud, but in the shadowy parking garage, its unclear who she is talking to. 

Slowly, from the right corner, hiding behind a pillar, a silhouette wearing a black hoodie emerges. The figure is not tall, and despite the oversized fit, it’s clear that the person in question is female. 

“You really came.” There’s a hint of surprise in this mysterious person’s voice.

“I won’t ignore you. We’ve been through too much for me to do that.” This is the first person talking, a taller female of about 5’7. 

With one step, a glimpse of sunlight shines on her eyes revealing her identity. Park Jiyeon, the former T-ara member. Her name only climbs up rankings with her most recent comeback. 

“Really? You seem to be living just fine.” The voice of the 2nd figure answers.

“Living just fine? I don’t seem to remember you living through total hatred and depression.” 

Both voices are aggressive, clearly there’s history between the two.

“I guess depression gets you married, and signed by a Big-3 agency.” 

There’s a stare-off, as the threatening silence of the two figures seems like it might break into something more at any second.

“What did you call me for?”

“You ruined my life!” The hooded figure screams abruptly. 

“I should be saying the same, you’re lucky the truth came out. I and the other members suffered in exile because of you and your lies.” Jiyeon retorted her large eyes glaring at the other.

“You pretty faced . It must be so nice that everything’s working out now.”

Jiyeon slowly approached her, “Yes. That’s why I came here. I came here to say I forgive you.” 

“What?” The figure exclaimed in disbelief. 

“I had a hard time, but I never would’ve had the opportunity to be with the man I love if it wasn’t for the scandal. So for that I’ve decided to no longer hate you.” 

There was silence for sometime as the two figures stood about a meter apart from each other.

Then, slowly a sob could be heard coming from inside the hood of the unknown figure.

“I’m sorry. I’ve always been jealous of you. It’s just not fair! It’s not fair things always work out for you!” Came the pitiful cry of the second girl.

“I wish we could’ve been friends, the first time I met you, I thought we could get along. But I’ve realized that, because of your jealousy that was never possible.” Jiyeon whispered back.

“I wish I could go back to that day, I’m so sorry for doing that to you, and the unnies.” 

At that moment, the hood of the figure fell off, revealing the former T-ara member Ryu Hwayoung.

“I never thought that things would get so out of hand, and I was jealous… I thought life would just be better for me.” Hwayoung starts to weep as she covers her weary face in her hands. 

“Hwayoung-a, we can’t change the past. And as much as I forgive you, I can never be friends with you. So let’s move on, you should live diligently, do something different. You’re still so talented.” Jiyeon’s calm but firm stance was spoken.

“Alright… alright… can you just do one thing for me?”

Slowly, Jiyeon approached the crying girl, pity stricken on her face for her former member. 

“What is it?” The tall idol inquired reaching her hands out to try and comfort the suffering woman.

If Park Jiyeon was cold hearted. She would’ve been more cautious. If she had remembered the changing expressions of her nemesis from the past. Then maybe she wouldn’t have been so easily deceived. 

If she wasn’t so loved by her fiancé, then maybe… then maybe…

In a millisecond, the sobbing expression, turned to a tiny smirk. A dark smile that could’ve scared even the evilest of disney villains.

From inside the black hoodie, flashed a glimmer of metal. 

Then a scream, as there was the sound of something metal impaling into the taller woman’s flesh. The first shriek was followed by silence as Jiyeon slumped against Hwayoung, her hands clenching her side, red liquid flooding down her dark outfit.

“Go to hell you .” A cold voice mumbled, as Hwayoung pushed her onto the ground. 

“You…” There was a wheezing sound as the pained girl collapsed onto the ground. “Don’t…” 

Jiyeon, coughing up blood, struggled to reach up to try and snatch towards her assailants ankle, but the strength had completely evaporated from her body. 

“Goodbye Jiyeon. I’m sorry, but I don’t plan on letting you live a good life. Not when mine is so .” And with that Ryu Hwayoung walked calmly away, the clear image of a knife hanging from her hands. Before gently dropping it a few meters away, the metal blade clattering onto the pavement.

"Please... come back." A barely audible voice croaked from the fallen woman.

It was almost 30 minutes before a passing office worker spotted the Idol, and the pool of red blood surrounding her.

In fact it wasn’t even the body that brought her attention, it was the loud ringing of her phone, messages stacking up, and vibrating calls from a single person. 

An ambulance was dispatched immediately and she was taken to the ER not long after.

But she didn’t survive. 

 

And then he was back. No longer staring from the clouds, through the hospital roof, as the EKG machine plateaued to 0. Not, staring motionlessly and helplessly as another Daniel wept in front of a coffin, her beautiful picture plastered over the dark wood table surrounded by candles. 

Even knowing that it was another universe didn't for a second make the pain any less. Watching that Daniel only made him feel worse. Knowing exactly how many millions of universes he might've traveled to every time... only one of them surviving. 

"You wanted the truth didn't you?" Even without a single emotion, the voice sounded almost taunting.

He didn't want the truth. What kind of person would ever want to know? A fate where they could never be together.

I should've just died not knowing. Then maybe there wouldn't be this feeling. This hopeless feeling. Without a single person to resent.

"You should've never crossed paths with her that night... only then, only then would the both of you survive." 

What if they had never met? It was strange to even imagine. 

What if he had ignored her cries for help. It wasn't like he was especially compassionate, in fact if he wasn't broken hearted and lonely maybe he would've walked away. 

Why did he suddenly feel a selfish feeling? Like maybe... like maybe just an ounce of regret. Perhaps a tiny voice telling him that if she had died when she was destined... he'd be living. Was even an ounce of him envious of the weeping Daniel who lived longer. He was human after all. 

Was it wrong to selfishly wish to live?

Pound! 

Pound!

Pound! 

Daniel was back in the house. The house that he had been in before he had been dragged through hell and a million parallel universes.

"Oppa are you in there?" It was her voice.

How long had he been gone? It felt like hours at moments, and others it felt like days.

"Oppa!" The door swung open, and she entered through the front door. 

Him, still standing in the place he had been before he had vanished, the floating glass stairs. 

"What are you doing? My parents are calling wondering where we are?" There was a look of confusion on her face. 

He was no longer in control of his emotions, the feeling of hatred boiling in his veins. He clenched his fist, squeezing so tight hoping that he might somehow be able to throw it at himself. 

How had he ever considered his own life? The moment he laid eyes on her... he hated ever wondering whether it was better for him to live. 

Of course not, not when the person he loved more than himself was the person at risk.

"Oppa, what's wrong? You don't look ok..." She slowly stepped forward, a worried expression that made his heart sink in guilt. How could he make her worried at a time like this? 

"Yeon..." He mumbled, still trying to grasp hold of his fleeting control of himself. 

"Yeon..." He took a heavy step down, as Jiyeon winced seeing him move so awkwardly. 

She rushed forward and before he could even blink, she threw her arms around his waist, holding him steady. An amazingly tight fortress considering she was at points maybe half his weight. 

"Are you ok?" She demanded. 

"I'm... fine." He whispered realizing he was short of breath.

"You don't look ok, what's wrong?"

"I think I just got emotional rewatching the proposal." He lied, quickly remembering the purpose of his trip back into the house. 

"Are you sure that's all?" She questioned again.

"I love you." 

Slowly, he felt her grip start to loosen on his shirt, as he felt the tenseness disappear from his own body. 

Gazing at each other, her exactly one step below him, her head barely reaching his chest; Daniel felt tears start to form in his eyes. 

He was happy. 

"Why are you crying?" Her voice was so cute. 

"Huh?" He watched in awe as reciprocated streams began to flow from her own.

He was thankful, to whoever he had been talking to. 

Thankful that it was him, and not her.

Jiyeon... please... please never find out. Please just stay in the darkness.

Please, that's my only wish.

"Ya! I always get emotional when I see you suffering." She grumbled as she instantly turned around to wipe her face. 

"I love you Yeon-ah." 

"If you love me, you wouldn't keep my parents waiting." 

Daniel scoffed as he somehow managed to chuckle at her pettiness. 

"Then let's go." He reached forward and took her hand in his, clenching it tightly, thankful just to feel her presence between his finger tips. 

After what seemed an eternity of never seeing her, this much, this much he needed. 

... 7.7.2018

[Celebrity HOT Clicks: Park Jiyeon & Choi Daehan confirm Engagement with BIG purchase]

"Giving up?" 

[Old commercial clip of Park Jiyeon is replayed with her in a Red SK Knights Cheerleader outfit as she encourages Basketball player Daniel Choi]

Narrator: "And its a good thing he never did. After announcing their relationship publically creatively with a music video cameo. Former T-ara idol Park Jiyeon and Basketball Superstar Daniel Choi, have officially confirmed they are engaged in a much more blunt manner." 

[clips of Kr. Ver of Music video with Park Jiyeon and Daniel together are played in the background]

Narrator: "We at Entertainment Weekly we're able to get the quick scoop on the entire engagement. After, being confirmed to purchase a large mansion in the Ittaewon area costing over 10 billion won. Daniel allegedly proposed to her inside of the house as she entered for the first time. Both were congratulated by their large fanbases, with Daniel's instagram post reaching over 10 million likes with the first 24 hours of its post, the most by a Korean star up to date." 

[Different articles and forums showing the IG posts are shuffled through]

Narrator: "The dubbed Nation's Husband, will soon truly become a Husband, and celebrities all over have been congratulating their engagement. Including best friend of Park Jiyeon, IU congratulated the two on her most recent SNS post. Revealing a picture of her and Jiyeon together back in Heroes."

...

Days passed, and Jiyeon was to say the least stressed. She wasn't an idiot not to notice the change in him. He was different, of course, she knew he was busy and probably under a lot of pressure. He was constantly working with his PR team and hers as they announced news of the engagement, not to mention his training for the upcoming Asian Games.

Meanwhile, Jiyeon almost completely forgot they had gotten engaged, as she prepared for her first comeback with YG. And it wasn't a small endeavor by any means, she was working with R.Tee, the famous YG composer who worked on many Blackpink songs as well as Big Bangs' 'Fxck it'. Jiyeon couldn't remember feeling so small inside the room full of so many producers and composers, and she dated Daniel Choi. 

That was why, Jiyeon decided to leave it alone for now. Knowing full well that Daniel would stop smiling the moment she stopped looking. Seeing through the makeup that covered his black and weary eyes every time they met. 

Still, he looked genuinely happy in the off moments that they could meet and go on public dates. Not that they were intended to be, but somehow people just instantly recognized them wherever they met, and they would trend on Naver the next day. 

But at least she could count down the days until he would leave for his filming in Jeju. The third season of Hyori's Homestay would be filmed, and he would work part time for the week. She knew it was a week that he could escape from everything that was going on and just relax. Jiyeon wasn't slated to join him until the last two days, as a surprise part-timer, but she didn't mind waiting. 

"Ready? The first Demo needs to be finished by tomorrow." 

Jiyeon glanced up from her phone, and locked eyes with the handsome producer, barely a few years older than her.

"Yes sir." 

He chuckled as he pointed towards the recording booth, and Jiyeon entered the small room, with a tall mic and headphones already ready.

She had been here for the last few hours, and between mixing and several takes, they had finally made some progress.

"Alright, Chorus 1, you ready?" 

Jiyeon game a thumbs up, and placed the headphones over her ears. 

Within a few seconds she heard the guide track start to play, 

"Dodaeche wae ileohge umuljjumul geolineunde (Why are you hesitating like this?)
Eochapi neona nana imi al geon da aneunde (We both already know)
Baby just put it on me, mwoga dwaessdeun gan-e nan junbidwaess-eo (I’m ready for whatever happens)"

As soon as Jiyeon finished the final line, she paused and a catchy EDM type beat followed. Even hearing it several times, Jiyeon smiled every time she heard it, the YG style really showing in this song. She couldn't lie, it really fit the kind of song she had always wanted to do, and the choreography too. 

"Daeche mwol gidaligo iss-eo (what you waiting for)
Daeche mwol gidaligo iss-eo
daeche mwol gidaligo iss-eo"

"Perfect!" R.tee shouted loudly from the production booth, as she saw a satisfied grin on his lips.

Seeing that affirming grin, hearing the song continue in the background of her headphones. This was why she loved being an artist. 

"I'll play it back for you." The producer pointed towards the large monitor. 

Jiyeon listended as it was no longer the guide track singing the chorus, but her own voice now. It was as powerful as she had expected, actually more.

She found herself closing her eyes as she listened to the tune, masking out every other sense except her auditory, to allow her to better focus on possible errors.

The chorus started to shift into the bridge, and then— there was sound no more.

It was just an ominous ringing in her ears. 

It was strange, it was deafening, but felt her auditory sense heightened at the same time.

Unsure of how else to react, she closed her eyes and cried aloud. But there was no response.

"hello?" 

 

 

>cop.decom.x12 

= x12(cop) plot(cop.decom.x12 , sa=TRUE , trend=TRUE, main = “Shell.oil - X12 decomposed time series plot for Shell oil price ")

“Can you run a cluster package forecast on the Shell data?” 

Daniel stared up from his computer at his manager, nodding silently as he finished the last touches on the last program he had been asked to create. 

“Got it boss.” He quickly answered with a smile.

“Also, when you have a moment, the boss wants to see you.” His manager, a heavy set man in his early 40s, with thin wireframes, and a loosely tucked button down, commented before sitting back down at his workstation. 

“Sounds good.” 

Daniel returned his attention back to his desktop, where he glanced at the time again. 8:00 pm. Another 12 hour work day, that probably still wouldn’t end for another 2 hours. 

Such was the work of a silicon valley data scientist, long hours of number crunching, and programming. 

At exactly 9:00 pm, he sighed leaning back into his chair. It was finished, “Hey Josh, I’ll email you the decomp for shell.” 

“Is it already converted?” Josh, his coworker inquired. 

“Yessir.” Daniel tossed a crumpled piece of scratch paper into a nearby trash can. 

There was just the two of them left in the large company workspace. 

An open space that sometimes consisted of about 30 or 40 different programmers, all with fancy modern work stations. If it wasn’t for the herniated disk that most suffered from hours spent in front of a desktop, it might’ve been an ideal job. 

“Oh didn’t Langston tell you to see the boss?” 

“Oh .” Daniel mumbled as he had completely forgotten the manager’s request. “Thanks Josh.”

He lept from his seat and headed towards the floating staircase, with glass steps all the way to the second floor. 

Inside, looking over, was a curtained glass office. The type of innovative workspace that might’ve looked straight out of a startup drama. 

“Boss, you were looking for me?” Daniel inquired in a changed tone as he opened the door to the boss’s office. 

“Yes, Daniel, have a seat.” The CEO of their data analytics firm was a rather young white man in his late 30s, hovering over a standing desk. 

An alleged ‘started from the bottom’ type of CEO, who searched for perfection in all of his employee’s work.

“How’s the Shell project going?” 

“About 85% finished, just synthesizing the last data, using the new algorithm.” Daniel reported, his hands at his sides.

“At ease soldier, you don’t have to be so uptight.” The CEO chuckled. “That’s great to hear, I saw that you’re taking the weekend and the next two days off.” 

“Yah, Josh will have the rest finished by Monday, and I’ll give it a final lookover before I hand to Langston.” Daniel assured him.

However, to his surprise, the CEO just began to chuckle. “Of course I trust you, you’ve never let me down once. Except when you refused to take the management role. But anyways, what’s the occasion? Are you taking Michelle somewhere?” 

He shook his head, instead flashing a smile, “no my girlfriend’s visiting from Korea, I’m going to pick her up later tonight.” 

“Ah, really? That’s nice. I’ll see you Wednesday then.” The CEO dismissed him. 

Daniel was about to head out of the office when he was stopped. 

“And Daniel…” 

Daniel glanced back. 

“Give the Management position one more thought. I can raise your incentives even more if that’s what you want.” 

“Got it boss.” 

Finally leaving the office, Daniel opened his phone and saw somewhere between 10-12 missed calls from his mom. He would’ve panicked, except that he already knew that this wasn’t his mother calling. 

Someone couldn’t wait for tonight.

He climbed into his car, and dialed her back using the car system. It was picked up immediately.

“Appa! Where are you?” A loud voice rang over the phone.

“I’m leaving work right now.” He answered calmly.

“Appa, what if you get stuck in traffic and can’t pick me up and go get Omma from the airport.” Her sentences shot out faster than Daniel could decipher. 

“One, she’s not landing until around midnight.” He saw above the speedometer that it was only 9:30. 

“Two, she’s not your omma until we get married.”

“But Appa, she told me I could call her omma. Also what if her plane lands early and you’re not there to pick her up. So shouldn’t we leave early.”

Daniel chuckled as he listened to his overexcited daughter. “She’ll get here when she gets here. But did you eat dinner yet?”

There was a moment of silence, before another voice rang from the speaker.

“She refused to eat, because she was so excited.” Daniel’s mother revealed.

“But Halmeonni, I really can’t eat right now. She’s coming here! HERE! I’m going to show her all of my toys and then my room.” She would’ve kept going, but Daniel cut her off.

“Michelle I’m not going to take you with me if you don’t eat. Ok?”

Once again silence. He could imagine her adorable sulking face. 

“Did you take a nap today at least?” 

“I’ll eat then. Halmeonni, I’m going to eat now.”

Daniel sighed as he sped towards his parents house, located in Malibu. While he and Michelle lived in an apartment closer to his work, his mother or sister babysat her on weekdays, and many nights Michelle ended up sleeping over at his old house. 

But this weekend was different. The two were going to pick up Jiyeon and she was going to stay with them for the week. Of course, Michelle wasn’t going to be at the apartment every night… for obvious reasons. 

“Ok, I’m hanging up Michelle.” Daniel saw that he was only about 10 minutes away now. 

As usual there was no response from his daughter, who he figured had darted to the kitchen to eat dinner. 

“Are you sure you don’t want me to watch Michelle tonight?” His mother’s was speaking now. 

While the offer did seem tempting. Jiyeon had expressed wanting to see Michelle and spend time with her. 

“I’d love that. But she wanted to see her, and Michelle might actually hate me forever if I didn’t let her tag along.” 

“You need to be more strict on her, and think about how tired Jiyeon is going to be when she lands.” 

“You’re right, but I already promised her.”

“Alright, just let me know if you ever want me to watch her. She’s only going to be here for a week, you should enjoy time together.” His mom expressed her opinion. 

“We will, don’t worry.” 

It had been three months now. Since he had left Korea, he had ended up spending 3 weeks there, helping Jiyeon recover after her accident, and reconnecting as the two realized the undeniable fact. They were undoubtedly soulmates. 

They could’ve spent longer together, but Daniel needed to go back for work, and Michelle as well. 

 Now, they were going to be together again, just the thought made him grin as he pulled up to his parents house. 

…

“That’s her! That’s her!” Michelle was leaping wildly as she pointed towards the crowd of people walking out into the LAX international terminal. 

Daniel smiled and released his hold on his daughter’s hand as she sped forward like a puppy returning to its owner. 

“Jiyeon unnie! Jiyeon unnie!” She exclaimed, careful not to utter the words ‘Omma’ in case of any lingering paparazzi. 

It took Daniel a second longer before his eyes finally met hers. Wearing a brand name baseball cap, with a black celebrity mask veiling . But her distinctive large eyes easily betrayed her disguise.

However, as soon as their eyes met, hers moved back towards the approaching young girl. Jiyeon, quickly released her hold on her luggage, and threw her arms around Michelle. 

Like a proud father, Daniel remained in place, reality slowly dawning that he was still wearing the ugly black work polo that he had told himself to change out of. 

What a mismatch they were in that sense. 

“Are you not going to say hello?” Michelle pointed out to his embarrassment as the two had walked back over to him.

“Welcome.” He whispered as he took the hug she offered to him. 

Immediately, he felt his heart accelerate as she rested her arms around his nape. A feeling he had longed for in their time apart as he tightened his embrace. 

“I missed you.” He heard her mumble. 

“Me too, I thought 3 months would be nothing after 5 years, but I was wrong. I missed you too much.” Daniel admitted. 

Of course, there reunion didn’t last, as he could see Michelle waddling in place waiting for them to finish.

“Shall we go? I think Michelle wants to give a tour of our apartment before she goes to bed.” 

Jiyeon giggled as she pulled away, and nodded silently. He took her luggage in his hands, and even Michelle somehow managed to lug the smallest suitcase in her tiny hands.

 

“Wanna go out?”

“Huh?” Jiyeon slowly opened her eyes as she noticed that he was hovering over vision.

He immediately placed one finger over his lips to signal for them to speak in hushed voices. 

“Michelle’s asleep, so let’s go get something to eat, unless you’re tired.” 

She checked the small digital clock seated by the bedside 2 am. After arriving at their apartment, Michelle had given her the total tour of their 2 bedroom flat, before finally being forced by Daniel to go to bed. 

“Aren’t you tired?” Jiyeon inquired, knowing that he had just spent the entire day working. 

He shook his head, a visible grin appearing on his lips even through the darkness. “I’m just hungry, I didn’t eat dinner. Are you hungry?”

It took a second for her eyes to adjust to the dim setting. 

“I’m starving.” She admitted, glancing down at her unfilled stomach, the plane food disgusting no matter what class you flew in.

“Let’s go then.”

Somehow Jiyeon managed to quietly creep out of the house, hesitating slightly in front of the closed door with Michelle’s name colored in crayon.

“Is it ok to leave her?” Jiyeon whispered following behind Daniel. 

As soon as the front door closed, she realized they were not alone. 

“Annyeong unnie.” Jenny was standing in front of them, holding her phone up as a flashlight.

Seeing a familiar face, Jiyeon quickly embraced the girl who had brought them together again. 

“How’s Dani doing?” 

“She says hello, and I have some stuff for you from her.” Jiyeon had been showered by gifts from her members. Primarily stuff for Michelle, but Dani had also requested her to deliver some clothes and memorabilia to Jenny. 

“Let’s get going.” She felt a soft tug at her sleeve, and saw Daniel beckoning for them to go. 

“We can talk later.” Jenny assured her. 

The two of them walked through the small apartment complex, full of modern white two-story buildings, all congregated around a community pool. It was nice, much different than the type of high rises that she knew of in Seoul. 

The drive itself was peaceful, through dark and dimly lit streets that were very different from the painted lights of Ittaewon and Gangnam. 

“Where are we going to eat?” Jiyeon wondered, her eyes aimlessly counting lights in order to avoid fawning over his handsome face. 

When he focused on something… the road ahead of him, his computer screen, her gaze. It was terribly dangerous to her heart rate.

“Tacos, are you ok with that?”

Jiyeon nodded, she didn’t particularly love or hate Mexican food. But Daniel had previously raved about the street tacos near where he lived. And anything sounded better than the tough “bulgogi” that had come in a tin tray with dehydrated broccoli and cauliflower. 

“Sounds good.” 

Gazing outside the window, Jiyeon noticed that the they were pulling into what seemed to be an almost empty lot. It was completely pitch black outside save for the small light emitting from a metal square parked directly in the center. 

“We’re here.” Daniel revealed parking in a sea of empty spaces. 

“Here?” Jiyeon didn’t want to doubt him, he was perfect in many ways including impressive cooking skills and tastes. However, this seemed a strange place to take her. 

“It’s like our Hangang River Teokbokki stands.” Daniel chuckled, clearly noting her hesitancy. 

“I see.” 

The two walked away from the simple sedan, and Jiyeon deciphered a tiny line all gathered near the taco truck. Some men dressed in hoodies, a couple, and even an older lady. 

“Daniel!” The moment they approached the brightly lit yellow food truck, a friendly voice called his name. 

Daniel walked over and dapped up the heavyset Hispanic man who seemed to be taking orders. Clearly the two seemed to be friends. 

“Long time no see, what can I get for you? Where’s Michelle?” 

Jiyeon now standing alone, immediately noticed the annoyed expressions on the faces of the 6 other people in line. 

“It’s ok, I’m in no rush Artuto. And Michelle’s sleeping at home.” Seeming to forget her presence, Daniel returned back to Jiyeon, an apologetic smile on his lips. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine, you know the owners?” Jiyeon wondered. 

“I used to be sort of a regular, Michelle really likes their Carnitas.” 

“Ka- Ni- huh?” She scratched her head, trying to decipher what he had just said. 

“Pork, it’s really good.” 

Staring at the tiny menu located at the top of the food truck was meaningless, the small English she had learned not accounting for transliterated Spanish. 

Thankfully, Daniel ordered for the two of them, after exchanging more greetings with the nice man. 

“Are you cold?” 

Jiyeon turned to see Daniel holding up a Starbucks-like paper cup in his large hands. 

“A little.” She whispered, curiosity more than anything leading he to wonder what was inside. 

“It’s called Champurrado.” 

She began to giggle slightly, at his over emphasize of his rolled R’s. 

“I’m not even going to try.” Jiyeon teased as she finally took a sip. 

It was delicious. It tasted like Hot Chocolate… but there was so much more, Cinnamon, vanilla, and some type of nutty flavor that she couldn’t pinpoint. 

“Wow.” 

She noticed Daniel muffling his laughter as he stared in amusement towards her.

“What?” 

“You’re so cute. That’s all.” He struggled to bite whatever real reason was humoring him. 

“Ya! What is it?” 

Finally, finished observing, Daniel pointed towards her mustache area, and she didn’t need an explanation to figure out what was causing his laughter. 

“It’s cause your skin’s so white.” 

“Get it for me.” She didn’t want to waste an opportunity to draw some skinship. 

However, instead of a gentle hand, he didn’t hesitate to dip his head towards hers. Taken aback, Jiyeon almost spilled the drink, if not for his fast reaction, as his larger fingers steadied hers. 

Barely a centimeter apart, she could feel his breath on her lips, his starlit eyes gazing straight into her. Wow. They weren’t giant and intense like many Korean Actors, yet there was something about them. Gentle and assuring, eyes that didn’t at all match with his muscular frame. 

Jiyeon closed her eyes, waiting expectantly to feel the taste of his lips— instead she felt something more slimy off the tiny amount of liquid above . 

“Mmm. I forgot how good it tastes.” 

She opened her eyes and noticed that he had already pulled away, leaving her in a totally awkward position, her lips puckered. 

“Your orders ready!”

Daniel grinned mischievously, as he turned back towards the truck. 

“I’ll go grab the food, be right back.” 

Jiyeon must’ve forgotten that she was the dignified face of several Makeup brands. Because, she started to smile like a fool, an immature and naive fool. 

She was a fool for him. 

Staring at him as he excitedly held the paper box containing their tacos, waiving with one hand like a little boy might. She loved him. She loved him so much… that she had decided to live here. 

She hadn’t told him yet, that would come soon. 

She was going to live here, with him and Michelle. She was going to retire her celebrity career. 

Standing there, his broad shoulders and handsome face, completely unaware. 

He would find out soon, the truth. Her life was counting down.

After her first visit to the beach, she had realized the sad reality.

 30 days. All of those, she would spend with him. Her accident had taken her life, but by some miracle… by some miracle she had been allowed to spend a few more with him.

Him, her soulmate. The one person she couldn’t have a happy ending with. 

And yet, he was the only person she even could imagine a happy ending with.

 

Then in a flash, there was no longer the parking lot. There was no longer taco trucks or night. 

There was a beach. 

Gentle blue waves rolling up onto the fine white sand. 

There was the two of them. 

Gently cuddling together, Jiyeon seated meekly on his lap. His arms cradling her as hers clung tightly to him. 

There was Michelle as well.

Jumping and squealing as the cold water scraped against her bare ankles. 

There was tranquility.

Justified by the lack of emotions anymore in the couple. 

There was Daniel.

Gazing down at the woman he loved as the spark in her eyes started to fade.

There was Jiyeon

Gauntly resting between his arms, a final farewell as the final day counted down.

T-0 days, 0 hours, 0 minutes, 1 second

And like that the final spark of life faded from her being, a single teardrop etching down her small face

 

Jiyeon woke up in a cold sweat. 

Where was she?

"Yeon-ah!" It was his desperate voice, worry laced in his tone.

"Oppa?" He was by her side, kneeling as he held her hand in his. 

"Where are we?" She questioned, staring around at the empty room. Bare white walls, and a large glass window with no curtain. Wait, she knew where she was.

This was home. Or at least the place she would soon call home. 

"You don't remember?" 

Remember what?

Jiyeon tried to recount what had happened, yet somehow her dream had completely cleared her memory of where she had just— wait, she was in the recording studio. 

There was that strange ringing sound and then, and then... she couldn't remember anything after that. 

"You passed out." Daniel relayed.

"I did?" 

"Do you know how worried I was when I got the call?" He berated her, a gentle yet firm voice. 

She felt guilty, she really did... even if she didn't know what she did wrong. Why did she pass out?

"You're lucky there was a nurse on staff, who said you just seemed to be asleep." He explained. 

"Was I snoring?" Jiyeon tried to lighten the mood. 

"Ya! I still wanted to take you to the hospital, but your manager told me the agency didn't want to draw unnecessary attention." He looked dishearted when he said it. She could see that he was clearly very worried. 

"I'm fine oppa, I'm really ok. I must've just been fatigued." She reached out a hand and gently patted his arm.

"Are you sure you're fine? What has you so fatigued? Do you want to still go to the hospital?" His never ending questions just made her smile. 

There was never any doubt, he never left any doubt. He cared for her deeply. 

"I love you. I'm totally fine." She reached backwards to propell herself onto a seated position, but a strong hand forced her back down.

"Don't move, just get some rest right now. Ok?" 

Realizing just how much force he had used, he quickly frowned. "Did that hurt? I'm so sorry Yeon-ah," he immediately retreated backwards, squeezing his fists and clearly berating himself internally.

"No, its fine, you're right. I should get some more rest." 

His eyes, there was something about the amount of fear and worry. It was slightly upsetting... how weak did he think she was? Just a week ago, she accidentally cut herself while chopping vegetables and he had almost threw a fit about it. He wasn't usually like this.

When did it start? 

Was it after his proposal?

It wasn't exactly overbearing. She knew it was all in love, but it was those eyes. It was the terror that popped into his eyes whenever he looked at her. Like she was being threatened. 

"I'll go downstairs and order you something to eat, what are you craving— you know what I'll just order everything you like." He was speaking in English again. Jiyeon knew he spoke in English when his brain was processing faster then his genius brain could translate the words into Hangul. 

"Food sounds great. I'm really fine though, I just had a strange dream." She tried to calm him.

He froze on his way out, and spun around faster than a normal human could, it looked almost like a ballet pirouette. 

"What kind of dream?" 

Jiyeon knew that these strange dreams never seemed to be able to be explained. 

"I dreamed that same dream again. The one where I never had my scandal." She wondered if it sounded like she was expressing some type of regret. Which she wasn't. 

She wouldn't ever give up the life she had now. Especially, especially after seeing what seemed to be the ending of that universe. So many things didn't make sense, but her passing was crystal clear. 

His expression wasn't anything like she expected. Unlike the time she had randomly called him in New York, he looked unsettled by her statement. 

"What happened?" Coming to some type of self realization, Daniel quickly lessened his expressed interest, "I mean in the dream that is..."

Jiyeon shook her head, "it wasn't anything really. I don't really remember it to be honest."

She was lying. Why? 

"I see, well if you remember anything, you're welcome to keep unloading them to me." He was smiling now, a calm demeanor rushing over him. 

It wasn't always there, but he seemed to be able to seamlessly transition to some type of commercial facade. A charming grin, an upright posture, and a deep masculine voice. 

Still, he never used it around her. Because it wasn't him, he didn't need to put on a show, not when he so clearly expressed all of his emotions to her. 

So seeing him scared her, terrified her way more than the dream had. 

What was going on inside his mind? Did their promise to trust each other fade?

For the first time, she regretted never confronting what had happened that night. The night after their engagement, something had clearly happened. 

She wanted answers.

 

… 7.20.2018

Korea Digest: Daniel Choi spotted filming in Jeju Island for 3rd Season of Hyori’s Bed & Breakfast.

> "OMG, with the news of his engagement, I hope that he finally addresses it on the show."

> "I know that its unlikely, but i'd love to see Jiyeon together with him on it."

> "What is the PD-nim thinking? No one wants to watch a Korean American, what a disgrace of National pride."

>  "I can't wait to watch! The nation's Husband and Sangsoon are going to be a great pairing!!" 

...

It was strange, he didn't think he would grow use to it. The cameras that followed them around wherever they want. The filming crew that requested he pretened they be invisble. In most Korean Variety shows, camera men were part of the show, a comedic relief that broke the '3rd wall'. Still, after almost 4 days of filming, Daniel had started to adapt to the constant eye of the cameras.

He slowly started to loosen his control over constantly second guessing his actions. When he had signed on, he didn't expect to say it... but it was fun. 

Meeting new people, seeing their faces light up whenever he engaged in conversation with them. Guys and girls alike, Daniel easily was able to spend time communicating and even passing on his own advice. Long drives in the car, conversing sports and life lessons with a small family of 4. At some point, he didn't need to act, it was just getting to know new people. 

Today, they had just sent off a group of male best friends in their 20s, and now were relaxing at the house after doing some cleaning. He specifically was sitting on the porch, staring at the scenery in front of him. Not purposelly looking wistful, but not completely relaxing himself either. 

He could just imagine the BGM playing as captions appeared beneath him.

"We have some free time, do you want to go walk Soonshim and Mocha by the beach?" 

Daniel glanced up to see the beautiful former 1st gen idol Lee Hyori. Even if he didn't like Kpop in his past, every Korean knew the Nation's Fairy. 

"Sounds fun." He replied with a smile. 

"Oppa, we're going to go talk the dogs!" Hyori shuffled back into the house to tell her husband. 

Daniel yawned as he stood up to stretch. It was slightly tiring, filming the whole day, especially because he had practice in the morning. His managers had found a nearby high school to let him practice in their facilities every morning from 5-6:30, from which he would shower and go straight to 'work'. 

"Ready?" 

The two set off in the sponsored white SUV that had become the designated car. Daniel at this point very comfortable at the wheel, only glanced sometimes towards the navigation system as they began the drive to the seaside trail. 

"You used to live in LA right?" Hyori asked, the cute white dog seated comfortably in her lap.

"Yes." 

"Are the beaches there, like here?" 

"Not quite, I think the beaches there are always way too crowded." He joked, "I think I would almost compare Jeju as similar to Hawaii." 

"Ah, really? Do you surf?"

"Ah, yes. And not to boast, but I'm pretty good too." 

"Really? I'll tell Sangsoon oppa we should go to the beach sometime then." Hyori responded.

As they accelerated forward, Daniel glimpsed what appeared to be the approaching ocean. Oceans and beaches, two things he had started to resent. 

"Hyori noona, do you mind if I ask you something?" He was still filming, and he knew he had to create some airtime. 

"Sure, fire away." Came back the friendly yet experienced voice of the woman who had aged perfectly through the years. 

"How did you know when was the right time to leave? I mean like taking time for yourself." It was a question he was truly curious about. 

Of course he had worded it differently, there was no way to cooly bring up, 'I'm dying' or 'If you had 300 days left' without drawing suspicion. 

"You know I think time for yourself is the most important." As usual her words were blunt yet wise. "I think I realized I needed time to prioritize not only myself but my relationship as well, so sometimes taking that leap is scary, but necessary."

Daniel nodded, taking that leap. Could he do it?

"Of course I was worried about disappointing my fans as well."

He was worried about disappointing her.

"Are you scared?" Her question caught him off guard.

"Are you scared of dying?"

Daniel turned his head to look at her. Something felt wrong, her voice was cold as ice.

"Does dying finally scare you? Knowing that you're dying in place of her, aren't you upset?" 

Her eyes were completely black, small flames in them, as the familiar voice from the beach seemed to be the one speaking.

"Get upset, tell her its her fault! Maybe then, maybe then just for fun I'll spare you instead." 

Daniel felt hot inside, struggling to stay calm against the taunting. He knew this wasn't real.

"Don't you want to live?" 

"Don't you hate her?"

 

"Daniel you ok?" 

Daniel woke up right back where he started, leaning against the post of the vacation house that he was filming at. 

It was Hyori, the real Hyori. 

"We have some free time, do you want to go walk Soonshim and Mocha by the beach?" 

He had been dreaming, or had he? 

"Sure, sounds good." Daniel breathed out, his hand moving towards his sweaty face. 

"If you want to take a nap, just let us know and you can go nap in your room. You're working so hard this week, you should rest." Her voice was comforting, but rest wasn't what he needed. 

"Ok, thanks. I could really use a walk right now." He expressed with a smile. 

No amount of rest could save him. 

He was going to die, he was just going to have to accept it.

 

…8.18.2018

Soompi: JTBC’s Hyori’s Homestay debuts to 12% National Ratings

With much interest in the upcoming season, after announcing the participation of recently engaged celebrity couple Daniel Choi and Park Jiyeon as the part timers. It was unsurprising to see the large viewership of the show, especially with the current participation of Daniel Choi in the South Korean National team at the Asian Games. With some netizens joking:

[+19,284, -2,421] “Is Daniel Choi competing against himself in ratings? With his reality show and the broadcast of the Asian games?” 

The handsome Nation’s Husband soon to officially become a husband, certainly didn’t disappoint. While many viewers were disappointed to learn that he would be the solo part timer for the first few episodes, the anticipation for the screen time of the celebrity couple is only building.

 

… 9.1.2018

Sports Korea: At 2018 Asian Games South Korean National team led by Daniel Choi breeze through China to win Men’s Gold. Daniel Choi with 36 points in final game.

-> "I heard he's traveling back to the U.S. to start practice. I hope he gets enough rest. :("

-> "Our Nation's Representative! He's so handsome, I envy Jiyeon unnie so much."

-> "Korea #1 Daniel #1!"

 

 

9.23.2018

Dear Jiyeon, 

I hope you never have to read this and that I’m completely out of my mind. That I’m hallucinating everything and that this is all fake. I can’t explain anything, because there’s so much I don’t understand. 

100 days have passed now, and to be honest… knowing that our goodbye at the airport might be the last. It kills me inside. 

It’s only been 10 days since I left but I already miss you. 

Jiyeon, I haven’t given up yet. I know that there must be a way for us to stay together. I promise I won’t give up, that’s why I can’t tell you. Because the moment you know, I know that I’ll waiver…

I love you. 

Writing it down feels so weird when I can say the words to you everyday. But just know that there hasn’t ever been a time I said those words half heartedly to you.

Just in case, I never write another entry again, I want you to know that I’m sorry for lying. 

 

Daniel

 

11.2.2018

Dear Jiyeon,

 

I honestly thought it would be so much easier. I thought I could do it in intervals of 5 days or even 25 days. But every time I start, I scrap it thinking that it sounds stupid. 

It’s been 150 days now.

Sometimes I cry when I read them, and it makes me stop thinking that it might make you cry. I hope you don’t cry. 

Actually, I hope you never have to read these.

I love you. We spoke on the phone yesterday and seeing your face as you talked about your comeback made me so happy. As jealous as I am I can’t be there… as much as I hate that I keep forcing myself to do the one thing that can clear my mind.

I still can’t tell you, and I’m sorry. 

I thought about it a million times, and I know that you’ll be upset. Just please don’t blame yourself. There was nothing you could’ve done.

I think this is all I can say otherwise it’ll start looking like a term paper. 

 

Daniel

 

1.1.2019

Dear Jiyeon, 

 

It’s been 200 days now. I can’t believe I still haven’t told you. I must be insane. We talk on the phone less frequently now, and I know it upsets you. But what can I do? I’m selfish that way. 

Facetiming you on Christmas was so hard. I spent Christmas with my family and I could only think about how much I wish my last one was with you. 

I must be insane. I’m lying to everyone I love, and I drown my worries into a sport that doesn’t even make me happy anymore. 

Last night I had another dream, that’s right. I’ve been having them as well. I regret not taking you seriously back then, they were all warning what was to come. 

But then again, what would knowing sooner do?

I’ve been trying to video everything, leave messages or something. But I keep deleting them thinking that I look ugly. I know its dumb, but I don’t want you to remember me like that.

Anyways this is as much as I can write. It’s just too hard otherwise. Good luck on your drama auditions, though you’ll probably starring in them by the time you read this.

 

Daniel

… 2.20.2019

Small flakes of confetti fell from the sky, the cavernous arena allowing the depiction of the falling specks of paper to be easily mistaken for snow.

The echoing of the roaring crowd was almost as loud as the exciting Rap music the dj pumped through the air. 

Daniel dapped up the famous Basketball player Chris Paul, both relatively small and skilled players. 

"Great game, keep up the hardwork." He heard him whisper into his ear, if this was any other time, Daniel might've been through the roof. 

He had just beaten one of the NBA stars he had idolized as a young man. In the world of NBA players getting acknowledgement from the experienced superstars was everything.

But today marked another time passage for him. Today was another 50. Time was ticking, and faster then expected. 

"Ready for post game?" His agent was standing near the benches waiting for him.

Immediately he could see an entire camera crew all ready to interview him. Daniel smiled, knowing that this was part of the job, if you played well and won, this was the reward. 

"Daniel, what a night tonight, you scored 35 points and defeated the Houston Rockets, the top seed in the West. Can you walk us through how you were able to hit those last few shots to close out the game?" 

"Of course, the Rockets played a great game, you've got to hand it to them, they came in ready. But thankfully my teammates and I we're able to get a few stops down the stretch and keep us close. And in the end, it just takes a few lucky openings for us to win." Daniel answered in a very composed manner. 

"Thanks Daniel. Once again congratulations on a great game." 

As he watched the camera's green light disappear, he quickly walked back towards the underground cave leading into the locker room. He was exhausted, and just wanted to go home and call her. At somepoint he'd have to write as well. 

"Hey Daniel!" Immediately as he entered into the tunnel, he saw a strange face. 

It was Mike, his agent from Korea. 

"Mike, long time no see." Daniel immediately walked towards his friend, when he noticed a strange smile on the man's face.

"Long time no see, but I have a sort of surprise..." Mike didn't get to finish his sentence because Daniel's eyes wandered behind him to another person trailing behind the taller man. It was a women, wearing a dark black cap that concealed her face from his vision.

"Daniel."

Just one word brought a million thoughts to his brain.

It was her voice... But why? 

How? Why was she here?

Did she come to surprise him?

He should've been happy.

"Daniel." 

"I'll let you two have a few minutes." Mike quickly excused himself.

"Daniel, we need to talk." There was something about her tone.

He found himself curiously removing her cap.

She was crying. Tears pouring down her eyes removing whatever makeup had once been there.

"Yeon-ah." He missed her. He didn't care what shape he was in.

Everything, everything he wanted to say to her. He didn't want to hide anymore behind a few stupid letters.

"Daniel, don't do this." 

He froze, as he felt her arms wrap themselves around his waist, her face burying itself once again into his sweaty chest. 

"Daniel... don't die."

 

T-50.

 

 

 

/////////

Hey everyone, thanks for reading. I know this is kind of all over the place, but the countdown begins. with 50 days and 1 final chapter remaining, please continue to read and comment! This chapter honestly has been changed a million times, so somehow I ended up here. 

Also if you are wondering, the song 'What you Waiting for' by Anda and R.tee, I think would perfectly fit Jiyeon's voice and style. 

 

I've never done the comment response, but here goes nothing haha

@Ali1432: I'm glad and sorry to hear that. Hopefully the finale will finally give you a little closure

@Suhaaana: Hope this chapter met some of your expectations.