Title: Somebody to Love

Requested by: babygirlYB

Characters: Dong Yong Bae, Big Bang, 2NE1

One Shot Writer: sweetcandie

The sound of the piano drew her to the room. She knew who it was without even seeing them. He was her dream. He had won all their talent shows, earning him various offers from companies. His melodious voice took away all her stress. Upon reaching the door, she slowly stood up to peek through the little glass. Just as she did, he stopped singing. Hearing four more voices, she frowned.

[This happens to me every time.] She stood up straight and began to walk back to class.

“Oh, Mae Eun!” Chae Rin ran up to her.

“Did you hear him again?”

“Neh. But like always, I never get to see him actually sing.”

“I’ve told you to go to the talent shows with us!”

“You know I can’t! I have to study.”

“You always study.”

“UNNI!” Hearing Min Ji, they turned around.

“Unni, the teacher is quizzing us today! Can I borrow your notes really quick to study from?”

“Yeah, follow me.” They continued down the hall, but Chae Rin was not going to drop the topic yet.

“So why don’t you just go up to him during class?” Mae Eun pulled out a notebook and handed it to Min Ji. But instead of leaving right away, Min Ji took a seat to listen to this little story.

“Chae Rin, you’re part of ‘their’ group. You know the answer to your own question.”

“It’s not that he’s scared of girls. He’d just rather not be involved in a relationship right now.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s still in love…”

“With who?”

“He won’t say. But she must be someone special.”

“She’s also very lucky.” Mae Eun went off into her own little world.

“To be wanted by a guy like him… it’s ever girl’s dream.” Chae Rin joined her in her fantasizing.

“I know…” Min Ji leaned and joined them too, though with a different response.

“You girls are crazy.”

“Yah! Don’t ruin our dreams!” Min Ji just laughed at them as she bounded off to class.

“Thanks for the notes, unni! Hope your dream comes true!” Just at that moment, the five kingkas entered the room. It was like the entrance of angels. All Mae Eun could do was stare. Upon meeting her gaze, Young Bae smiled at her, causing her to immediately turn away with a red face.

“Yah, is she the one?” Young Bae turned towards Ji Yong.

“Neh? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just trying to throw her off of staring at me.” Seeing Young Bae’s face color, Seung Ri immediately chuckled at pointed at him.

“Yah. Look at hyung’s face. It’s all red. She is the girl you like, huh? Why don’t you just tell her?”

“She isn’t the girl I like. Why would someone as popular as me go for someone like her?”

“Lies.” Young Bae turned towards Seung Hyun.

“Yah. What is this? Interrogating me for a crime.”

“Hyung, you should date her. Maybe she can be the inspiration of your new song.”

“How so?”

“She’s something new.” Young Bae turned his gaze back towards the girl who was now furiously taking down notes and ignoring his presence.

[She is someone special.]

“Araso. I’ll do it.” After class ended, all the students took a long stretch before packing up to go home. Mae Eun was just leaving the school when Dara approached her.

“Yah, I didn’t get some of the notes. Can I borrow yours?”

“Neh, but I’m going to study off of them tonight. Want to come over tonight?”

“Sure. How about six?”

“Sounds good!”

“Me too!” Bom joined the group.

“Araso. I’ll get some snacks for us tonight then.”

“No, it’s fine. We’ll bring some along, Teacher.” The girls just laughed among themselves until they heard someone call Mae Eun’s name. Mae Eun ignored it, thinking it was another guy who wanted to cheat off of her. But when Bom and Dara stopped walking with her, she stopped too.

“What?” Mae Eun turned around and was immediately shocked to see the one and only, Young Bae, approaching her.

[My dream! Ahhhh! What to do I do?] Immediately Mae Eun froze and couldn’t move or talk. Upon reaching her, Young Bae gave her one of his to-die-for smiles.

“Hi!”

“H-hi… can I help you?”

“I have a question to ask you.”

“Neh?”

“Will you be my girlfriend?” It was as if that question was announced on a megaphone as everyone’s attention seemed to turn towards Mae Eun.

“W-WHAT?!”

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Me and you? You and I?”

“Neh. What’s so hard to believe?” Mae Eun let out a little laugh.

“Everything. What does a guy like you, who can have any girl he wants, choose a girl like me, who doesn’t care much for having a boyfriend right now?”

F  L  A  S  H  B  A  C  K 

“You don’t have enough courage to do it.”

“What makes you think that?” Dae Sung joined in on Seung Hyun’s side.

“He’s right, Young Bae. You’re too innocent. You could never break a girl’s heart.”

“Why would I? I wouldn’t want to be heartbroken.” Ji Yong spoke next.

“Neh, but you’re also going to regret not asking this girl out.” Seung Ri followed his hyungs.

“They’re all right, hyung. Just do it. If it turns out you really don’t like her, then that’s that.” Young Bae just laughed at all their assumptions.

“What you guys don’t get is that I don’t like her.”

“Forget it guys. He’s too stubborn to acknowledge his feelings. Just wait until he realizes what a big mistake it was for him to pass up this chance.”

“Araso.” They all just left Young Bae to think by himself.

[Are they right?]

E  N  D 

“You’re right. I could have any girl I want, and I want you.” That brought out an eruption of ecstatic screams.

“I…” Mae Eun glanced around her.

[If I say yes, people are going to hate me. If I say no, people are going to hate me. Why are you doing this to me?! Throwing such temptation into my path!]

“I’ll think about it. Bye!” With a quick wave, Mae Eun immediately dashed off the school property. Young Bae just couldn’t help but laugh to himself.

[She’ll think about it? So many girls would drop dead to be in her position, and she’ll think about it. She is, indeed, someone special.] Just at that moment, his friends joined him.

“So what made you change your mind?”

“You were right about the regret. So, I didn’t want to have any regrets and asked her.”

“I bet you weren’t expecting her answer though.”

“No, I wasn’t. Just goes to show that I am an arrogant person, even if I don’t think I am.”

“See. Every guy needs a girl to tell him that he has horrible flaws.”

“Whatever. I’m going to head home and start on my composition. I already have an idea flowing through my head.” With a wave to his friends, Young Bae left.

Six o’clock slowly approached. Bom and Dara were sitting in Mae Eun’s room, getting their homework out, but not dropping the subject of Young Bae.

“That was so sweet!”

“How so?”

“Letting all those other girls who think they’re better than you know that in Young Bae’s eyes, you’re the perfect one for him.” Dara chimed in next.

“You should date him. You’ll love the experience.”

“I’m busy with school though.”

“Yah! Jang Mae Eun! Vacation is starting in a few months! What studying could you have then?” Mae Eun took that into deep consideration. Coming to a conclusion, she smiled to herself as they began their studying.

The following day, before school officially started, Mae Eun went in search of Young Bae. She found him sitting under a tree in the school yard. She quietly joined him.

Sensing her presence, Young Bae put his book down and looked at her.

“Do you have an answer for me?” Mae Eun just smiled at him.

“I would’ve never thought you were this kind of person.” Young Bae chuckled at her answer.

“I’m not used to a girl’s presence.” That received a laugh from Mae Eun.

“I do like you. What girl wouldn’t? However, I know that you ranked 100 last year, and I ranked 1. So I have a bet for you. I’ll agree to be your girlfriend if you can rank better than me.” That erupted a laughter from Young Bae.

“So you’re asking me to go up 99 places?”

“Neh.”

“That’s nearly impossible.”

“Not if you study hard. And it’ll benefit you whether you get number one or not. As long as your rank goes up to within at least the top 50. You don’t want to go become a star and have people find out that you ranked low in classes.”

“Araso. However, while I’m studying to do better, you have to go see one of my performances.”

“How did you know I’ve never seen you sing?”

“Chae Rin told me.”

“Haish! That girl…” Young Bae smiled.

“Cute.” As the bell ring, the two walked into class together.

Seeing the two, Bom leaned towards Dara.

“Are they dating already?”

“I don’t know.” Dara leaned towards Chae Rin.

“You’re close to the both of them. Are they dating?”

“I don’t know. They were sitting outside in the school yard just talking. And they’re not really couple-like towards each other right now. I don’t think so.”

“Yah, instead of whispering, why don’t you go ask them?” The three of them turned towards the fourth voice.

“Yah! Ji Yong, get out of our conversation!” Ji Yong just smiled at the girls as he left to take his seat. Chae Rin went up to Mae Eun.

“Yah, so are you two official now?” Mae Eun couldn’t help but feel giddy.

“No. However, I am going to the next talent show.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. In exchange for being Young Bae’s tutor, I get two free tickets to go see his performance.”

“What?! Free! Yah! Do you know how fast his tickets sell out?! I always have to order them two months ahead of time! When they’re more expensive!” Mae Eun laughed at her best friend.

“Want to go with me?

“Are you kidding me?!” Chae Rin sat down and clung to Mae Eun.

“Of course I would, best friend.” The two girls quietly laughed to themselves as the teacher began class.

During the two months that the school took in prepping the students for their exams, Young Bae and Mae Eun were always together, nose in books, pencils scribbling with an immense speed and constantly flipping through notecards.

“Yah! That’s not right! The answer is this!”

“No. Look. Do you see how this adds out to be this? And then you multiply this, divide this, factor this out, square this, and then you get this answer.”

“Oh… you’re right. I don’t feel so good about my ranking now.”

“Why? You don’t want to be my girlfriend?”

“No. But I don’t want to be number two either.” Young Bae just laughed as he wrapped his arms around Mae Eun’s shoulder.

“You’ll always be my number one.” Mae Eun laughed.

“Aigoo. So corny. But thank you. I appreciate knowing that you’ll never change your heart.” Mae Eun quickly pecked Young Bae’s cheek.

“Yah! What was that?!” Mae Eun just flashed Young Bae a smile.

“A good luck kiss. I won’t be seeing you tomorrow, remember?”

“Oh, that’s right. You’re taking a different test tomorrow.” Young Bae kissed Mae Eun’s cheek too.

“There, now you’ll have good luck too.” They both laughed as they went to their designated seats.

“When are you two going to just become official? It’ll be sad if Young Bae doesn’t get first and you end up not being his girlfriend.” Mae Eun just smiled at Chae Rin.

“Don’t worry. Whether he gets first or not, I’m not letting him go. I just want him to do better in school so that his dreams can come true.”

“And what about you?”

“I’m enjoying the experience. You know, what’s the use of dating someone if you can’t really like them first? I really like Young Bae right now, and it won’t be long before I ask him to be an official couple. I’m going to surprise him at his performance after our exams.”

“Yah, you had everything planned out.” Mae Eun flashed Chae Rin a sarcastic smile.

“Neh, I did. You of all people should know that I like to plan things ahead of time. I don’t like surprises.”

“Young Bae asking you to be his girlfriend was a surprise.”

“Neh, but I didn’t like it when I froze.”

“When you freeze, don’t forget to breathe.”

“Wow, that’s deep.”

“Thank you. I was watching Forbidden Kingdom last night.” Mae Eun laughed as class began.

The exams for the following week was tough. Students were annoyed by the testing habits of others, sweating, flipping pages, and staying up late to study for their next tests. Everyone wanted to be the best. What surprised everyone though were the kingkas. No one had ever seen them so focused. Each one was seriously thinking about their answers instead of scribbling one down.

As the last test was turned in and the final bell rung, students dashed out of their classes and shouted with joy. They were anxious for Young Bae’s performance that night. They heard that a surprise was incorporated with it along with Young Bae’s new song.

Mae Eun dashed up to Young Bae, linking her arm with his. Upon seeing her, he couldn’t help but smile. This girl had captured his heart, and there was no way he was going to let her go even if he lost the bet.

“How do you think you did?”

“Good. Better than previous years, thanks to you.” Mae Eun smiled up at him.

“You’re welcome. And for your hard work, I have a surprise for you after your performance.”

“Really? I can’t wait. Are you still coming to my performance tonight?”

“Of course. I woudn’t miss it for the world.” Laughing, Young Bae wrapped his arm around her, bringing her closer to him.

“Good to know. I’d be upset if you didn’t show.”

“I know, that’s why I’m going. You won’t do as well if I’m not there.”

“Yah, when did you become so arrogant?”

“When I started hanging out with you more often.” Young Bae laughed.

“Is that so?”

That night, the school auditorium filled up for Young Bae’s performance.

“Nervous?”

“No. I may have my solo stage, but you guys are going to be with me up there. We aren’t as good unless we’re together.” They all smiled at each other as they group hugged.

“BIG BANG!!!!!”

The show they put on that night was spectacular. Fans shouted with joy at their performance. Their smiles on stage just wouldn’t go away. For the moment, they were living their dreams.

The time came finally for Young Bae to perform his newly written composition.

“Yah! Mae Eun! Excited?!”

“Of course! My man is about to make his dream come true!” Chae Rin just smiled.

[You don’t know how close to the truth you are because you are his dream.]

It all went silent as Young Bae approached the microphone.

“Thank you all for coming out here tonight to support Big Bang. This new song that I wrote goes out to someone very special. Without them, I wouldn’t be standing up here with the song. They were my inspiration. Throughout our whole relationship, we had our tough times because they thought that we were too different to be together. But in truth, I think this person completes me. So here it is, my new song, Somebody To Love.” Young Bae took his seat at the piano. Taking a deep breath, he turned towards the crowd, in search of one person.

Upon meeting his gaze, Mae Eun smiled. She mouthed the words “Hwaiting!” and encouraged him on. That was all he needed. He set his hands upon the piano and began playing.

~  Somebody to love.

      Can you hear me?

      I want somebody to love.

      Somebody to love!

      Somebody to love.

      Just to stop all of this searching now.

      I want somebody to love.

      Some-somebody to love.

      Before tonight ends without anything.

   The feeling inside my heart is making its’ way to you.

      As I close my eyes and sit, I’m being driven over.

      Tik, tik, tok, Time will never stop for us.

      Don’t stop.

      Don’t be afraid, open your heart up.

      Make it bounce, make it bounce, make it bounce.

  Somebody to love!

      Somebody to love.

      Just to stop all of this searching now.

      I want somebody to love.

      Some-somebody to love. ~

When he finished, he received a loud cheer from the crowd.

“Woo! Go Young Bae!”

“We love you!” After bowing, he took his place at the microphone again.

“Jang Mae Eun, will you please come up on this stage?” Immediately, there was silence.

[Oh no! What do I do?]

“Remember Forbidden Kingdom? Don’t forget to breathe.” Upon hearing that Mae Eun laughed and turned to hug her best friend.

“Thank you Chae Rin. What would I do without a best friend like you.” Taking a deep breath, Mae Eun walked up onto the stage, taking Young Bae’s hands.

“At first, I thought I’d only date you for the experience. But when you turned the tables on me, I knew that you were my someone special. During the times that we were together, no matter how harsh people cursed us, I’m glad you stuck by me. And you were right, you can’t date someone if you can’t really like them. But now I don’t want to date you. I want to be with you.” Mae Eun couldn’t help but tear up at his words. It was like he read her mind. She wanted nothing else than to be the one by his side through everything.

“I want to be with you when you’re in pain. I want to be with you when you’re happy. I want to be by your side for as long as I can. And to be with someone in that way, you have to love them.” Young Bae got down on one knee as he sincerely looked into Mae Eun’s eyes.

“And I do love you, Jang Mae Eun. So will you forget out bet and be my girlfriend?” Mae Eun laughed.

“Young Bae, I did really like you. And just like you, I want to be with you for as long as I can too, so yes, I want nothing more than to become an official couple. I love you.” A loud cheer went up for the new couple as Young Bae pulled Mae Eun into his arms.

“It never mattered to me whether you ranked high or not, Young Bae. I was going to be your girl no matter what.” Young Bae smiled.

“I knew you were the moment I caught you staring at me.”

“Lies.” The two laughed as they continued to just hug each other.

The following day, the rankings were posted. And what do you know? Young Bae did get the first ranking.

“My day is ruined.” Smiling, Young Bae put his arm around Mae Eun.

“Look on the bright side. This thing gave me you.” Mae Eun laughed.

“Still… oh well. At least I got you out of all this.”

“Must you be so harsh.”

“Only because I love you.” Young Bae quickly stole a kiss from Mae Eun.

“And I love you too.”