Chapter 23

There were so many students from other schools who were going in and out of Korean Foreign School. ​Since it was the host for the private school's sports festival within their city district, it was one of the rare times that the prestigious and tightly-secured institution was open for all.

Top and Seungri were varsity players for their school's basketball team while Youngbae and Jiyong were two of the aces in the volleyball team. Daesung was unbeatable in swimming. Chaerin was popular for martial arts. Bom and Minzy were the ever-glowing cheerleaders and Dara was just a plain spectator. Yes, being an athlete was truly not in her blood and cheerleading wasn't in her vocabulary so in every sport activity, she would just stay as a timid bench watcher and would only be reunited with her girls and Bigbang if they wouldn't have any scheduled game to play or to cheer.

Dara was sad that Jiyong was not around for 3 days already. Lately, he had been called by his father more often than usual. Dara's mother would go home to their apartment after working with Jiyong's mom to accompany her. They had zero communication since they were in a fight when he left.

FLASHBACK

​​​​​​Dara excitedly ran down the spectacular view of the place that Jiyong brought her to. It was their 100th day together and Jiyong thought of a wonderful surprise for their celebration. He has brought her to many places but they've never spent a night away from their apartment and at their home and he wanted her to be one with nature because it was what she loved the most.  She had been stressed by the many requirements in school and had been experiencing headaches since she was busy coping with her grades as a scholar. They hadn't been spending much time with each other since she was so busy and Jiyong had to understand her situation. Teachers often asked her for favors regarding peer tutorials and she could not say no.

To give her a stress-free environment, he made a reservation in a first-class glamping area located in the middle of the beautiful Janggun-bong rock mountain near Daejeon. They took a two-day leave of absence stating different reasons and kept it a secret from their friends. They rode the KTX train for the first time and had fun talking and laughing together while riding it. They arrived at their destination after one hour and 20 minutes of travel. Just looking at Dara in full wonder of the scenery in front of her, already made Jiyong’s efforts worth it.

When Dara turned around, she had this look of happiness and gratitude that touched his heart. He closed the distance between them. She looked up to him while he looked down on her. He interlaced their fingers while kissing her forehead. Dara closed her eyes with the gesture. She opened them after he pulled her for an embrace. Dara tiptoed and whispered to his ears, “Thank you, Babe and I love you.” Then, she got away from him and ran towards their cottage. Jiyong broke into a wide gummy smile. He turned around and ran after her. “What did you call me? Can you say them again?”

“Uh-uhm… One word is enough for a wise man!” Dara fastened her speed and keyed in the key to their tent that Jiyong gave her earlier as his gift to their 100 days of togetherness. Upon entering, Jiyong found her in awe at what she was seeing. There were flowers, wine, and food already served at a table for two. They ate the food heartily and after eating, walked around the premises, took pictures, spent an afternoon just sitting at the porch and laughing together. It was a perfect day for the two. 

After dinner, Jiyong prepared a bonfire outside to bring warmth to their place. The night was chilly and Jiyong wanted to make sure that Dara was comfortable and warm. There were only very few people in the place because aside from the fact that it was a night in the middle of the week and the place was really expensive that only rich people could afford it. They enjoyed a cozy evening near the fire, talking about their jealous moments when they were not yet together. 

"You have no idea how I wanted to strangle Jaejoong when I knew you took him to our beach getaway. I was not ready to see you with any other man after Haejin left. I was already so hurt when you answered him and so thankful when he went abroad! Then, you were entertaining that bastard who has no compassion to his friends and thought only of himself. I couldn't let him be with you but couldn't say 'No' when you asked you could break up with him if I say so because I honestly thought you liked him and I was just your best friend forever." JIyong's pissed-off face humored Dara. She laughed and Jiyong frowned. He looked like a kid sulking. 

"Yah, you were hurting me so bad and you had no idea about it." He added. 

"And you have no idea how you hurt me when you took notice of all the beautiful girls inside and outside the campus but you never took notice of me!" Dara told him shyly. 

Jiyong looked at her intently, the kind of look that would melt any woman's heart. "Really?" 

She nodded and bowed her head to hide her embarrassment. Jiyong took hold of her hands and with all honesty declared, "And you have no idea how easily I can ditch all of them for you. But I was so afraid you didn't feel the same way as I do and that it might ruin the friendship that I treasure the most so I couldn't confess to you." Jiyong excluded the matter about his family as and his responsibilities. 

Dara met his gaze. He continued, "You have no idea how nervous I was when Jaejoong asked for a light's out in Donghae's party! I couldn't imagine any man to be your first kiss that I made sure to be near you when it turned pitch-black. I stole your first kiss, Dee, and I wasn't even sorry about it." 

Dara's eyes widened then opened. "So, it was really you!" Instead of getting angry, she was exhilarated. "Thank God it was you! You have no idea how I wished that you will be my first kiss." She admitted shyly. 

Jiyong could feel the happiness in his heart and looking at how beautiful Dara was, sitting beside her in the mat, a reflection of the bonfire in her eyes and face, he wanted so much to kiss her. When he lowered his face to get closer, Dara instantaneously bowed her head and just settled on his shoulders. Jiyong got the message clearly.  He took a deep breath and just let her be. 

When Jiyong entered the tent after making sure