…7.12.2017

Jiyeon stood in the makeup room of the massive JTBC building as she prepared to go on set. Several makeup artists praised her as she received some last minute blush before the filming.

Eunjung sat in the seat beside her, they had both been surprisingly asked to appear on the latest episode of Knowing Brothers. It had been a quick decision, as originally T-ara had obviously been near the bottom of the guest list. However, her CEO had given her good news the day before.

Jiyeon wondered why they were being pushed up to the top, she had only been told that there would be another guest joining them. She wondered in the back of her head who it might be. 

She checked her phone, unfortunately Daniel had more workouts to attend in the U.S. and was not going to be coming back for another week. Jiyeon silently groaned as happy she was that her comeback was drawing to a close with a strong success she was also disappointed that she couldn’t see Daniel. Not long after this she would have concerts in Vietnam and Japan. 

“Wow what do you think, do I look pretty Jiyeon-a?” Eunjung inquired as she did a small twirl in front of her. 

Dressed in a matching school uniform, Jiyeon nodded towards her member. Glad to see the excitement that was apparent in Eunjung’s eyes. This was one of the shows that Eunjung had always wanted to go on.

When the CEO had told her to bring one of her fellow members with her, she had decided on Eunjung, because Hyomin was busy with a different schedule.

“Who do you think the other guest is?” Jiyeon wondered aloud.

“Who knows maybe it’ll be a handsome idol, or another pretty girl group member.” Eunjung figured. 

Jiyeon was still confused, they hadn’t even been told what the theme was. It was strange, PD’s were never this haste for filming. 

Usually a general outline was given to incoming guests for them to prepare slightly beforehand. But they had nothing. Both had only been told they would have an opportunity to show of their new song, and to fill out entrance cards. 

“Hello!” Heechul burst through the waiting room in his usual carefree manner. 

They both bowed to the older idol. Someone who Jiyeon found it a miracle that he looked so young considering his age. 

“Hello Heechul Sunbae-nim.” Jiyeon greeted respectfully.

“It’s great to see you again Jiyeon-a and Eunjung-a.” He answered with a bright tone. “Actually I’m seriously so excited to see you guys and the guest. I don’t know how you guys got him to come on with you.” 

He was skipping excitedly as Eunjung smiled slightly while Jiyeon just stared in confusion. They hadn’t invited anyone as a guest.

“Anyways I’m really excited for you Eunjung, I watched you in Dream High.” He then turned to Jiyeon, his smile faded as it did. “Please don’t ignore me like you ignored my texts back then.”

Eunjung burst out laughing. Jiyeon chuckled as she began awkwardly scratching her nape.

“Sorry.” She apologized sheepishly. “I really didn’t mean to keep ignoring you, you just texted so much.”

“I’m kidding, but I really won’t hold back to my hoobaes.” He joked before walking out of the waiting room.

The two girls shrugged before giggling slightly at the bubbly idol. Hearing a PD announce it was time to start, they left the makeup room and into the hallway leading towards the school room. 

That’s when a hand placed itself on Jiyeon’s shoulder. She froze. She recognized his touch immediately. No way. It couldn’t be him. Could it?

She spun and saw Daniel standing behind them looking, incredibly handsome in a nicely tailored school uniform. He had his customary goofy grin that Jiyeon still found incredibly attractive. She felt her heart pound as they both stood silently in front of the door.

“Daniel-si?” Eunjung exclaimed as he immediately placed a finger on his lips to beckoning towards the ongoing filming for the intro.

Jiyeon quickly realized that he had tricked her, but also knew that she couldn’t react when there were so many cameras around. 

She could only smirk and beckon for Eunjung to to continue towards the sliding door. Inside, Jiyeon felt two main emotions happiness and fear. 

She was happy that she could be here with her boyfriend. But at the same time hiding her feelings would be difficult, or worse she worried he wouldn’t be able to hide his feelings.

…

Pov: Show

“Isn’t the day so lovely today?” Heechul skipped into the classroom as the other brothers stared at him in confusion.

“If he’s happy, then it must be female transfer students.” Lee Sooguen joked as the other brothers nodded in agreement.

“I think he’s extra happy today.” Janghoon commented. “Give us a hint.”

“You’re so good at guessing Janghoon so why don’t you just do that.” Heechul retorted as they all laughed. Janghoon instead beamed towards the camera as he nodded.

“Twice?” The former basketball player guessed.

“No, not that good.” Heechul answered with a smirk as the cast all laughed.

“Ya! Now we’re going to be disappointed by whoever walks through that door.” Hodong responded as Soogeun and Sangmin nod.

“Are they first time transfer students?” Kyunghoon asked.

“Yes.” Heechul nodded.

“I know I know.” Soogeun stood up as the camera focused on him. “Female, first time guests, I know… Kim Jiwon.” 

They all laughed. 

“Isn’t she too popular for this show?” Youngchul questioned as they looked back at Heechul.

“Actually, it’s almost as good.” Heechul sat down, and suddenly the door slid open. Two beautiful girls entered in. 

“Hello everyone!” Eunjung announced as the guys all clapped before ooh and awwing. 

“T-ara!” Ho Dong shouted. The two girls stared at him in surprise.

“Wait you know us?” Eunjung asked curiously.

“Of course we do. Roly Poly!” Ho Dong responded. “Your other member came on my show.” 

He suddenly began to dance a botched up rendition of Roly Poly as Jiyeon seemed to die laughing. 

“Wow you know they’re pretty when Kyunghoon’s ears are red like this.” The shot zooms in on Kyunghoon as blushing art is painted on him. He smiles awkwardly at the pretty girls.

“It’s just when I was in the military they were seriously the most favorite girl group. Everyone would talk about them especially Jiyeon-si.” Kyunghoon remarked shyly.

Jiyeon smiled and nodded her head.

“Even I know.” Soogeun commented as he danced his own rendition of the Bo Peep dance. Now both pretty idols were crouching on the floor laughing.

“Thank you.” Eunjung expressed, almost in tears from laughter. 

“Actually this is so cool, because T-ara used to be the hottest girl group next to SNSD back in the day.” Heechul responded. “Lee Soo man used to scold SNSD all the time in front of us saying just wait til T-ara beats you.”

“What do you mean used to?” Jiyeon suddenly questioned raising an eyebrow. The brothers laughed.

“Yah isn’t that too much?” Hodong added. “T-ara is still here aren’t they?”

“Why did they send you? Huh?” Heechul retorted. 

Jiyeon began to cackle up.

“I’m serious, Jiyeon is just their pretty maknae, she’s seriously so boring, that’s why MBC never sent her on variety shows.” Heechul teased. “I’m actually so scared that this show might dip in ratings because she’s so plain.”

“No, Isn’t this too much!” Eunjung defended her Maknae, but was laughing herself at his joke.

“Yes, I’m kind of boring, but my Unnie isn’t and we both invited a guest to keep you guys entertained. A friend of mine.” Jiyeon finally spoke confidently. 

“Wait… before you call your guest in please introduce yourselves? To promote a song?” Kyunghoon interrupted.

“He wants to see them dance.” Sangmin mumbled. “Just say you want them to dance.”

They all laugh as Jiyeon and Eunjung nod. “That’s right.”

They perform a shortened version of ‘What’s my name’, and the brothers all clap.

“Wow that was good.” 

“Very good.”

Suddenly the door slides open slightly and the shot freezes as a black silhouette and a question mark appearing over it. 

“Who is it?” Janghoon asks quietly as a tall handsome man in a school uniform enters. The brother’s all suddenly stand up and began applauding as they immediately recognized the celebrity.

“DANIEL!” They all exclaim. 

“Yah, have we ever had a bigger applause for a male idol than female guests before?” Heehcul inquires as they laugh.

Hodong quiets down the others before he delivering his punchline. “Shush were just waiting for the ratings to rise.”

Even Daniel began to laugh as he made his way next to the girls. The tall handsome man towering over the two female idols.

“Wow he’s handsome isn’t he?” Lee Sangmin comments.

“Yes.” Kyunghoon agrees along.

“Wow, is this your first time appearing on any variety shows?” Janghoon asks staring at Daniel.

“Actually it is my first time since the Idol Practice Camp but not that many people watched it, I heard because I didn’t let Janghoon talk enough. So I guess this is my first time.” 

Janghoon laughs especially at the joke.

“I watched that.” Youngchul responds. 

“You talk on this show?” Daniel suddenly questions. Youngchul is silenced by the blunt comment, but everyone around laughs.

“Actually I’m not that entertaining or funny, so I waited for a friend to invite me on. But no one did until my fellow Spokesperson finally did.” He points towards Jiyeon.

“Wow I guess Jiyeon is finally interesting now.” Heechul teases her.

“Aish I really am interesting sometimes.” Jiyeon huffs as she pouts slightly.

“That’s right you were the spokes model for the SK Knights last year.” Kyunghoon comments.

“Ya! You don’t like basketball how did you know?” Heechul accuses the youngest member.

“Hey, I really am a fan of T-ara that’s why.” Kyunghoon defends himself. “Besides, doesn’t everyone know about Daniel?” 

“Almost everyone was watching the KBL last year because of Daniel. Isn’t that right?” Ho Dong adds on.

“Yes.” Eunjung replied. “Jiyeon and I were really big fans of him even before he came to Korea.”

“That’s right you are American, it’s hard to remember because your Korean is so fluent now. You should speak with Youngchul.” Hodong commented.

“Hello? Where are you from? Hawaii?” Youngchul enunciated in surprisingly clear English.

The handsome man stares wide eyed towards the comedian before shaking his head. He glances towards Kang Hodong and shrugs his shoulders. “What did he say?” He inquiries with a heavy Busan accent. 

The other members all burst out laughing at his accent.

“You go to Hawaii! (Quote from old Korea movie)” Daniel replies wittily. 

“Wow, I just got chills, are you sure you weren’t born here?” Seo Janghoon questions suspiciously.

The basketball player shakes his head with a smirk. “After watching a few episodes I realized, even if I respond in English to Youngchul, it probably won’t get aired.” 

“He’s an entertainer, I can already see it!” Hodong gives his a thumbs up.

“I must ask though, how is his English really?” Soogeun inquires with genuine curiosity. “He always boasts about his English. But we can’t understand at all.”

Daniel ponders for a second his eyes gazing at Youngchul. “I would say maybe a 2nd or 3rd…” Everyone nods figuring it meant high school level. “Elementary grade level.”

Hodong began to pound the table as he glanced back at Youngchul who pretended to cry.

“Ok, please introduce yourselves.” Hodong finally requests of the guests.

“Hello, I am T-ara’s Power and Sprit, Eunjung!” Eunjung introduces herself and everyone applauds her.

“Hello everyone, I am T-ara’s Bold and pretty maknae Jiyeon!” Jiyeon introduces herself and the camera cut Kyunghoon clapping especially hard.

“Isn’t pretty an overstatement.” Heechul teases and Jiyeon glares at him coldly.

Noticing it is his turn, Daniel steps up to the podium and then steps off it and suddenly holds out one hand to act like he was pushing an invisible vacuum back and forth.

“Appa will take care of it, I’m the Nation’s Husband and pro athlete Daniel Choi.” He introduces himself with confidence… however he quickly begins giggling as he crouches covering his face as he does. 

“I can’t do it, it’s so embarrassing.”

The brothers all laugh at his flustered reaction.

“The commercial, I saw it many times when I was watching other shows.” Hodong answers cracking up. “You can’t be embarrassed, some of us don’t even have any CF offers.”

“Hey! You can’t be advertising products without our consent. How shameless are you?” Soogeun jokingly accuses as Daniel grinned and bows his head in apology trying to hold himself back from laughing.

“So I know we have many questions for all of you but can we get your transfer forms?” Soogeun interrupts. Jiyeon skips it over to Soogeun and Heechul giggles towards her.

“Aren’t you trying too hard right now?” He teases and Jiyeon frowns. 

Everyone laughs again as Jiyeon hides her face in her arms holding back her own laughter.

“Are you usually this mean to guests?” Daniel suddenly accuses towards Heechul defending her.

“Are you sure you watch this show?” Hodong inquires suspiciously with a smirk.

Daniel ponders for a second. Then stares directly at Janghoon.

“Did you watch a lot of TV when you were winning championships?” Janghoon slowly shakes his head and they laugh.

“I think that answers the question.” He replies grinning. “I enjoy watching variety shows sometimes, but I don’t have time most of the time.”

“Ahhh, I see, it’s easy to forget you are a pro athlete too.” Sangmin comments. 

“Yes I always thought that’s what pro athlete’s looked like?” Heechul mocks pointing at the other professionals in the room as the cameras split between Hodong and Janghoon. Then comparing them to Daniel.

“Ya! In my day I was popular then too.” Janghoon defends himself. As a decently handsome photo of Janghoon is shown on the screen.

“Actually I read somewhere that Daniel is breaking all the previous records that Janghoon and others set in the KBL is that true?” Kyunghoon inquires. 

“Yes.” Jiyeon suddenly interjects.

“You again?” Heechul mocks her. Jiyeon frowns and Daniel tries to hide a grin.

“Actually, he has the most points ever, the most wins ever and the first to average the most points an assists in one season.” Jiyeon suddenly spouts out.

“Wow, a true spokes person, I thought you were an actual sports caster.” Hodong comments.

“She’s too pretty to be a sports caster.” Eunjung replies as old pictures of sports casters were put on the screen.

“True I’ll agree with that.” Janghoon acknowledges.

“Here’s their Transfer Request let me begin.” Soogeun silences them. “Name! Interesting the two idols are actually using their real names as their stage names. Ham Eun Jung and Park Ji Yeon.” 

“Yes. That’s correct our CEO changed all the other members names, but they said we had fairly original names so we just went with it.” Eunjung explains. 

“Ham Eun Jung.” Janghoon spells out. “Where are you from?”

“Seoul. We’re actually both from Seoul.” She points to Jiyeon and she nods along.

“Choi Daehan. Is that your actual name?” Soogeun inquires.

“Yes, I was born in California, so my real name is technically Daniel, but my mother tried to speak Korean with me so she always called me Daehan until I was older.” Daniel replies.

“Now for nicknames, Eun Jung… is this right?” He pauses as he began to chuckle. The other brothers all stare in curiosity. “Is Oppa.” 

Heechul stands up with a grin and began to nod as the two T-ara members laugh along.

“Actually I used to have a very boyish concept and often had short hair as well. So my fans used to call me ‘oppa’ whenever I was with other members. I at first liked it cause I was very tomboy, but other idols started teasing me and I stopped liking it.” Eunjung explains.

“So you liked it at first, but it became tiring after others kept calling you it. I can understand.” Hodong replies. 

“Actually similarly people used to make fun of me for having a more girlish concept and at first it was funny, but it became too over done.” Heechul empathizes. 

“But you really do look like a girl.” Sangmin retorts and they all laugh at Heechul’s expense.

“Park Jiyeon’s nickname is none.” Soogeun looks back up towards the other idol.

“That’s such a lie.” Suddenly Daniel interjects as everyone suddenly stares at him in shock. Even Heechul stands up and starts laughing.

“I know what you’re thinking of, but how do you know?” Heechul inquired suspiciously as he leans against the desk.

“He’s right, Jiyeon hates the nickname, but everyone used to call her Baby Dinosaur because of how she looks when she eats and how she gets mad.” Eunjung explains as they all laugh.

“Baby dinosaur?” Hodong suddenly was interested. “Let’s see. Do it for Kyunghoon!” 

“No, it was when I was younger on the show Heroes, IU and Inna unnie used to make fun of me for it.” Jiyeon tries to deny. “I seriously don’t think I can do it.”

“There’s clips on YouTube with her doing it and it’s seriously so cute.” Heechul continues. A clip showing Jiyeon stomping with her oversized shoes on Heroes and acting like a dinosaur plays. Then another clip showed her trying to bite tape with her teeth. The brother’s all laughs as they watch.

“Wow Hodong can be cute too.” Hodong replies as he pretends to bite down showing his front teeth and cutely put his hands in front of him.

Suddenly a producer appears with plush shoe covers. 

“Someone back there is really working hard.” Eunjung exclaims as she ran over to Jiyeon who was standing completely flustered.

“That was seriously so long ago.” Jiyeon shakes her head.

“But we have to see it now. Look how excited Kyunghoon looks?” Janghoon reasons.

Jiyeon reluctantly places on the shoe covers, opens revealing her cute front teeth in front of Kyunghoon. She makes a small roar sound. And Kyunghoon leans back into his seat so hard the chair almost falls backward. The editors adding extra blush to his already red cheeks.

“Omo he’s seriously blushing so hard. Wow, Kyunghoon what are we going to do?” Heechul teases as Jiyeon immediately runs back to her member.

“T-rex, a t-rex that’s what you look like.” Youngchul teases her.

“And you look like a seal.” Daniel suddenly makes a snide remark as everyone laughs. 

“Wait, wait, you’re not supposed to take our jobs away.” Hodong replied. “At this rate you’re just a better looking Seo Jang hoon.” 

“Hey, don’t compare me to him…” Janghoon defends himself standing up in frustration. “He’s way younger.”

“I’m kidding, but seriously, Jiyeon looks so cute when she looks like that.” Daniel apologizes, not realizing the mistake he had made.

“Wait! Wait! When did you drop honorifics with her? Huh? Don’t think we didn’t see that.” Heechul suddenly accuses pointing his finger at the handsome athlete. 

Jiyeon quickly jumps to defend him.

“We’re close friends that’s why. He used to be a big fan of T-ara he told me and I’m a fan of his so were close.” Jiyeon interjects.

“Ahhh. I see that would make sense.” Hodong comments.

“I’m a big fan of his too, so sometimes our members watch his games together.” Eunjung replies.

“Is this your first time meeting together besides Jiyeon?” Kyunghoon inquires.

“Yes.” Daniel answer confidently. “Both are so pretty aren’t they?”

“Yes. We all know.” Sangmin mumbles.

“Daniel’s nickname is Basketball Idol.” Soogeun continues. “But everyone already knows that one.” 

“Isn’t the recent one…” Hodong suddenly looks at him as Daniel is seen blushing. “Nation’s Husband?”

“That’s right!” Eunjung suddenly gives him a thumbs up. “He’s seriously so popular right now.”

“Even my mother knows about him now.” Soogeun replies. “And my mother and father don’t know how basketball works.”

They all stare at him as he tries to deny it.

“Actually I was really surprised by this nickname, I really didn’t know I would get this kind of nickname from doing two commercials.”

“Your CF was seriously everywhere.” Janghoon comments. “I wish I could film commercials when I was a basketball player with such beautiful women.”

“You’re ugly that’s why.” Youngchul remarks bluntly.

“And what does that make you?” Heechul taunts him. Everyone laughs once again.

“If he’s the nation’s husband… why doesn’t he have a wife?” Soogeun comments. Jiyeon and Eunjung are seen bent over laughing as Daniel only shakes his head in defeat. 

“Is he like Janghoon?” Kyunghoon comments. A frown and then a playful rage appearing on the former basketball player as he stands up and began to chase the younger singer around the room.

“Wow he’s really not saying anything.” Soogeun continues. Daniel shake his head in shame.

“I don’t have a wife. So I guess I’ll just be Daehan’s Husband instead. (Dae Han Min Guk, is like saying The Nation’s)” He makes a pun pointing towards himself. 

“You’re really entertaining to be a basketball player, if I didn’t know I’d think you were just an actor or an idol.” Hodong commented. 

“Actually in the idol circles Daniel is seriously the most popular, he’s called sunbae-nim by other idols as if he was actually an idol. Many female idols come up to me, because I’m known for knowing a lot of people and ask me if they can get Daniel’s number. But I seriously don’t know.” Heechul revealed.

“Wait that reminds me, Jiyeon-si you had his number.” Kyunghoon suddenly commented. “You called him on Happy Together.”

“Wait you are watching Yoo Jae Suk again?” Hodong accused as they laughed.

“No, No it was a YouTube clip it had like 6 million views of her calling Daniel.” Kyunghoon expanded upon.

“Ahh, I think I saw that.” Janghoon replied. 

“Do you really answer every idols calls?” Sangmin asked curiously.

“Are you calling me a player?” Daniel retorted.

“Are you one?” The ambiance was serious for a second.

“Of course not, I really only answered because she’s my workmate.” Daniel responded.

“Oh why is he blushing?” Heechul suddenly jumped up. “Didn’t you say she was your ideal type?” 

Daniel slowly nodded as the background oohed. 

“Wait when did this become a matchmaking show?” Soogeun asked as they laughed.

“Now it’s time for their strengths and weaknesses.” The scene cut to an Ariel view of the brothers before shifting back to Soogeun.

“First we’ll start with Eunjung. She says Taekwondo.”

“Yes actually I’m a black belt along with Jiyeon.” Eunjung replied. “I learned when I was really young, and won 3 competitions.” 

“Really? Soogeun, Youngchul, and Kyunghoon are both really good.” Janghoon replied. 

“Ok let’s see, high kicks.”

The three competed with high kicks and in the end Youngchul won. 

“Wait, he’s really good at that.” Daniel suddenly remarked as Youngchul gave him a crazy smile. 

“Yes. I am good at everything.”

“Except being funny.” Heechul commented. Youngchul frowned.

“Now next, Jiyeon says her skill is Skateboarding?” 

Jiyeon nodded.

“Actually I challenge you all to beat me.” Jiyeon proudly announced.

The stage helpers brought out two skateboards and the men all tried riding on it, only Soo geun, Sangmin, and Heechul showing any talent at all. 

Jiyeon shows off her ability to flip the board into her hand. In front of the stage she also displays her skills to turn smoothly and turn her board with a foot planted on the board. 

“Wow you’re good. I admit defeat.” Heechul acknowledges as Sangmin agrees.

Soogeun sits on the board and rolls cutely to one side as everyone laughs at him. 

“So cute.” Eunjung comments. 

They place the boards down and the brothers all acknowledge Jiyeon’s talent. Suddenly in the back of the classroom the camera pans to Daniel who just flipped the upside down board so that he is standing on it.

“Wait a second! Wait a second!” Heechul stands up and points at Daniel.

“Why didn’t you say you knew?” He question. Daniel looks flustered.

“Because it was her talent?” Daniel defends himself, shrugging his shoulders. “I’m not going to take away from that.”

“Ya! You’re too nice Daniel let’s see your skills huh?” Soo geun points towards him. Daniel does a series of flips on the skateboard and then stops and covers his face embarrassed.

“Wow, he just stole your talent Jiyeon.” Heechul teases. “You really are so plain.”

Jiyeon can only grin as she and everyone else stare in wonder at his talents. 

“Actually it’s because I lived in California, I learned from my friends when I was young. I really wanted to be cool like my friends because they used to tease me. So I learned how to skateboard and play sports to fit in.” Daniel explained. They all nodded their heads understanding his point.

“So that’s when you started playing basketball?” Janghoon asked.

“Yes. When I was 10.” Daniel replied. “When did you start?”

“Hold on. You’re not the host of this program please don’t act like one.” Hodong interrupted. “I will really be out of a job otherwise.”

They all cracked up at his overreaction. 

“Let him talk. He’s going to boost our ratings.” Kyunghoon complained as everyone laughed again. Even Hodong stood up and shook his hand proud of the younger brother’s joke. Daniel could only shake his head in embarrassment.

“Good one. Good one.” Hodong bowed to Kyunghoon.

...

“Now onto the question segment of our show.” Soogeun moves the conversation along to the next segment.

“I’ll go first. I’ll begin now” Eunjung volunteers.

They answer questions about her and Soogeun answers it correctly, Eunjung makes her way over to sit next to him.

“I’ll be next then.” Jiyeon heads to the podium as several of the brothers cheer her entrance.

“Boring, next.” Heechul interrupts her as they laugh again.

“The way he teases her you would think she’s part of SM entertainment.” Hodong comments.

“She’s not, but one of their members Soyeon was originally going to debut with a SM Group so I actually met her when she was a trainee and became close with T-ara. Super Junior met them a lot at singing shows.” Heechul explains. 

“That’s right Heechul sunbae-nim and Kyuhyun Sunbae-nim have always been close to us.” Eunjung adds on.

“Yes, all the members always texted me and congratulated me except Jiyeon.” Heechul complains.

Several of the brothers gasp as Jiyeon shakes her head in embarrassment. 

“This is really a true story, back then, Jiyeon used to be the ideal type of almost every male idol, and so many idols would ask for your number because I knew Soyeon. But whenever I texted Jiyeon even just to ask how she was doing I would wait maybe 5 days before she said anything. I’m not lying she was seriously so popular that other male idols used to try and buy me meals because they thought I could introduce her to them.” 

They all look at Jiyeon who blushes profusely.

“I really didn’t have many male idol friends because I was really shy, so Heechul Sunbae would always try and introduce me to them. But most of the time back then I was scared so I didn’t know what to do when they asked me to eat.” Jiyeon admits. The knowing brothers all nod in agreement. 

“But you didn’t actually answer any of them right?” Daniel suddenly questions.

“Why are you jealous? Huh?” Soogeun suddenly accuses as he stands up. 

Daniel tries to deny it, frantically shaking his head, but it was too late. All the brothers already begin teasing him about it.

“Isn’t he grinning too much? Whenever I see him on TV he’s so serious or calm.” Janghoon remarks. “Just find a wife soon. You’re the nation’s husband after all.” 

“I’m trying to find a permanent one, let me be patient.” Daniel snaps back and they explode in laughter. 

Then Daniel suddenly walks over towards Jiyeon and bow his head. “Sorry for taking up your time.”

Jiyeon blushes as she assures him it was ok.

“Yes, let Jiyeon ask her question.” Kyunghoon chimes in her defense. Jiyeon winks at him and he leans back in his seat blushing.

“Isn’t that too much? Hold on. Are they allowed to flirt openly like this?” Daniel steps up once again as they all chuckle at his jealousy. “Really? Aren’t there kids watching this?”

Hodong is face down on his desk trying to contain his laughter.

“I’m sorry.” Daniel bows once again to Jiyeon. She smirks before snatching the hammer from the podium and hitting him on the head.

He steps back up and topples backwards pretending to be hurt. Jiyeon rushes over completely flustered and starts apologizing.

“Isn’t that flopping?” Janghoon exclaims standing up. “When a basketball player pretends to be fouled.”

Daniel sits up abruptly and points towards him.

“Correct!”

“Ok, please let me talk.” Jiyeon huffs cutely. 

“This is a common misconception about me that fans and many people have when they first see me or watch my performances.”

“I got it. They think you’re a good dancer.” Heechul teases. She slaps him on the head with the rubber hammer.

“I got it, when they hear your name called they hear Jiyeon and think it’s actually Ji Eun!” Hodong makes a pun with her and IU’s name and then laughs at the camera.

“No, but we are close friends and people used to mess up our names when we were on the same show.” Jiyeon responds rolling her eyes.

“I got it, they think you’re the maknae and the youngest. But when it’s just you and your members you order them to get you cigarettes.” Soogeun fakes a cigarette in his mouth and they laugh.

“Similar.” Jiyeon answers.

“I got it, people think that you’re the cute on in the group, but you’re the most mature.” Youngchul answers with the most reasonable answer so far.

“No, think kind of the opposite.” Eunjung gives them a hint.

“Oh I know it, think about her appearance look at her appearance.” Heechul tries to help his fellow cast members.

“I got it.” Janghoon announces. “You have a more mature and bold look, but you’re actually not, you’re more cute and maknae like.”

The camera zooms back to Jiyeon who is smiling. “Correct.” 

“Ahh, I can see how people might think that.” Sangmin comments. “She has a more arrogant and mature look to her, as a producer I can see that.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Daniel suddenly interjects loudly. 

“No I didn’t mean like that.” Sangmin responds to the threat. He bows towards her apologetically. “I’m sorry I really didn’t mean it like that, I just meant that was the kind of vibe you give off.”

“No, you’re right.” Jiyeon defends him. “Even drama directors would never give me parts for cute leads and my CEO would always encourage me to do more y concepts because he said it suited my appearance more.” 

“But if you get to know her she’s really cute and talkative. But people misunderstand her shyness for overconfidence.” Eunjung explains. 

“Ahh I see.” Hodong nods his head.

“Wait a second are we going to gloss over how protective Daniel is right now?” Heechul suddenly remarks accusing Daniel who waives his hands to deny it.

“It really slipped out.” Daniel apologizes. “I’m sorry Sangmin-ssi.” 

“No it’s fine it’s fine.”

“Actually can I ask one more question?” Hodong suddenly spouts out towards Jiyeon. “You are good friends with IU and Yoo In Na why didn’t you invite them instead of this guy?”

“Isn’t that too much? You’re asking for her best friend instead of her?” Janghoon spouts out.

“I wanted to invite my friends but they are all busy with their schedules. I’m sorry.” She bows in apology.

“Why are you apologizing?” Soogeun suddenly stood up.

“Ya! Isn’t that too much?” Heechul accuses the former Sirreum wrestler.

The tables turning on him, Hodong jumps up to defend himself. 

“No that’s not what I meant I was just curious why she didn’t invite her friends instead of her workmate.” He tries to correct himself, before slowly electing to simply bow towards the camera.

Jiyeon takes a seat next to Janghoon who smiles as the pretty idol sits next to him.

“Ok, this is a funny thing that many Halmeoni’s told me whenever I bought food from a stall, when I told them I play basketball.”

“I got it.” Heechul was first, he switches his voice to that of an older lady. “You should give up those childish thoughts you have to be taller to play basketball like Seo Jang Hoon.”

“Nope.” 

“I got it, they said are you kidding me? Basketball is for Americans.” Youngchul responds. Daniel laughs as the camera zooms in on the frustrated expression on Janghoon’s face. 

“What do you mean Korean’s can’t play basketball?” He shouts.

“I got it.” Lee Soo Geun stands up, beaming with pride as he answers. “You told them you were an athlete and they said, Aigoo! Great job Son Heungmin, Korea's Pride and Joy!” 

“Nope!” He breaks down laughing as he taps Soogeun's head with the mallet. 

“I got it, she said, Aren’t basketball players supposed to be ugly and divorced like Janghoon?” Kyunghoon mocks the retired athlete. The camera pans between a glaring Janghoon and then a grinning Daniel.

“Close.” He acknowledges.

“I got it.” Heechul promptly stands up. “They said, no way… you’re too handsome to play sports.”

Daniel smiles in response. “Yes.” 

“The halmeonni’s would always step back in show when they heard that I was an athlete.” He explains. “So I told them that there were plenty of attractive athletes like Kim Yuna.” 

“Wait are you comparing yourself to Kim Yuna?” Soogeun leaps up from his chair, eyeing him suspiciously. 

“That’s pretty fair.” He quickly follows up with, and they laugh at the misdirection of the experienced comedian.

“I see I can see how that would happen.” Sangmin answers.

…7.12.2017

“I really had no clue you were coming.” Jiyeon whispered her head laying comfortably against Daniel’s exposed chest.

“I wanted to surprise you, so I’m sorry I lied.” Daniel expressed, his arm wrapped around her shoulder, he leaned his head against her soft hair. He couldn’t explain how much he missed her. Having her in his arms again, he wondered how he would be able to do this for the next 8 months of the NBA season. 

“But oppa? Why did you do that?” She questioned in concern.

“Don’t you know what the articles are going to say? What if we slipped up?” She worried. He began gently caressing her face, the feel of her smooth skin under his fingers. Assuring her with his eyes, that he would find a way.

“Then we’ll let the nation know a little at a time. I know that there will be a lot of people against us, but I really think there will be people who will support us.” He responded firmly. This was a subject that they couldn't take lightly... not when her career could be at stake.

“Besides, I am already known as a charmer, I’m sure that most people won’t read too much into it.” Daniel reasoned as he planted a quick kiss on her forehead.

“I know, but it’s still scary. All I did was hug an idol once and thousands of fans went to protest me...” He noticed her purposely hold back from bringing up the Park Kiryang incident that had formed a barrier between them many months before. 

“Whatever happens we’ll make it through.” Daniel comforted her.

Jiyeon snuggled her tiny head deeper into his chest. He felt a warmth rush over him, as he clutched her tightly in his arms. 

“I trust you.” She purred using her aegyo. "Oppa." 

It took everything for him to resist her cuteness. The beautiful girl in his arms, made him feel all sorts of ways. 

“What am I going to do? I’m still so deeply in love.” He professed. “I think I might have a disease.”

She slowly lifted herself on top of him, wrapping her legs around his thighs, completely straddling him. Her beautiful eyes gazing directly at him, her arms gently wrapped around his neck. He knew his manhood had reacted in delight.

“Then as your doctor. Let me treat you.” She diagnosed in her deep voice, as she struggled to hold back her own laughter.

Daniel's heart raced from delight, and he leaned in stealing a kiss from her innocent lips. 

“Do as you please doctor, I’m all yours.” He mumbled coyly into her ears as he pulled away. 

She grinned, flashing her pearly white upper teeth, her mischief filled eyes targeting his neck and proceeding to mark her territory all over. 

Daniel's breathing grew desperate, an electric pleasure surging through his body. Tomorrow's problems would be for tomorrow. Tonight, he would enjoy the gift that was her. 

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

To be honest the show was written back in the summer when I had too much free time, I never finished writing it, and I'm too lazy to go back and watch anymore for inspiration to continue. Anyways, if this is not your cup of tea, don't worry just enjoy the fluff, there's more Daniel and Jiyeon content coming. Thanks to everyone who subscribed and please continue to leave comments, because that really motivates me to update. Thankfully, no misdirections in this chapter.