“You okay?” Jandi asked caressing Jihoo’s back lightly

“Mmm” Jihoo sniffed. Jandi looked at him worriedly. “I am okay…really” he assured

Jandi knew he wasn’t but she didn’t say anything and walked back to sit at the edge of the bed

“Is it that obvious?” Jihoo inquired after a pause

“Way too much” Jandi blurted out and as soon as the words came out of her she looked at Jihoo fearfully. Jihoo was still and looking at her fixedly. But after a moment he gave out a laugh—it was a forced laugh but it was genuine enough to make Jandi realize that he didn’t held the comment against her. “I dunno…I thought I was doing a good job bottling my feelings up” he looked up at Jandi for her response. He found her biting her lip; that was, Jihoo had observed, a gesture she did whenever she attempted to control herself from saying something that might be offensive. She was so cute Jihoo gave out a chuckle and this time it was fully genuine. “You’re frank beyond your own control aren’t you?”

“More than I would like to admit” Jandi looked down scratching the back of her neck “There’s absolutely no filtration system  and its beyond my control! I get a bad tummy ache everytime I try to control myself” Jandi said uncomfortably

 “So I guess your tummy’s aching now too”Jihoo asked, he rarely heard anyone referring to stomach as tummy at this age—he found it incredibly funny.

“Nope” Jandi lied raising her head but Jihoo narrowed his eyes and that was enough to get the truth out of her “You’re immensely pathetic at hiding your feelings.“ she said in one breath and lowered her head

Jihoo looked down, disappointed

“We are similar that way.For me, whatever is in my mind flies out through my mouth and for you it’s your eyes..”Jandi paused to stare at them. “Your eyes are like mirrors to your heart” she said thoughtfully. “No matter how much you try to hide your eyes are a total giveaway.”

“I am trying…I am trying really hard. These …these feelings I just…I can’t—” Jihoo couldnt finish his sentence and ran his fingers through his hair roughly in frustration. “I know it’s inappropriate…she’s engaged to Hyunjoong….I don’t want to separate them cause I know how much she loves him and that Hyunjoong and Somin are made for each other! But there’s this part of me which still craves for her…and I really cant stop that part of me even if I desperately want to”

“I understand your pain. But I am sure you’ll find someone someday that will fill up the void in your heart” Jandi assured

“I wont…I don’t think I ever will. I-I don’t think I can ever love anybody anymore” Jihoo sighed. Jandi eyed him as he struggled with himself. He was truly a painful sight, his heartache reflected in his eyes

“I better get going” Jihoo said suddenly glancing at the clock and rising up.

“Umm..yea…you probably..are getting late” Jandi nodded, rising up alongside him.

Their eyes locked and nobody moved. Jihoo didn’t understand what but there was something in her eyes which beckoned him. Nobody knew how long they stood like that but it was only when Granny entered that their trance broke

“Hey kids, I brought you some snacks” she said announcing her entrance

“Umm…sorry Granny…I really should get going…maybe next time” Jihoo said. Stealing one quick glance at Jandi and bidding farewell to Granny, Jihoo left the house.

When he woke up, Hyunjoong was no different this morning than he generally was. As usual his boxers were the only piece of clothing clinging onto him and that too in a position much lower than it is supposed to be. He pulled them up and rubbing his eyes went into the bathroom. As he brushed himself, he suddenly remembered and disposing the remnant sleep, ran down to the hall with his toothbrush still in his mouth

And there she was, wearing one of his oversized sweatshirts and baggy pants with an apron tied across her front, Somin stood at the kitchen counter whisking a bowl of eggs

“Good morning hubby" she said when she saw him

Hyunjoong smiled generously and went up to backhug her.

“Mwaking bweakfast?” he said in a muffled way because of the toothbrush still in his mouth.

“Yes. Nothing special though. Just toast and scrambled egg”

“Mmm…english bweakfasht”

“Yea now go and brush your teeth properly..I don’t want toothpaste in my eggs” she said sitting the bowl down and pushing Hyunjoong back to his room

Hyunjoong freshened up and rushed back down. Somin was done by then and was waiting for him at the table.

“It smells really amazing” Hyunjoong said as walked up to kiss her forehead before sitting down in his chair

“Eat and tell me if you like it” Somin said pushing his plate forward.

“Mmm” Hyunjoong nodded taking a big bite of the peanut butter laden toast “Delicious!”

“And the eggs?” Somin asked curiosly

Hyunjoong picked a spoonful of the scrambled eggs stooped in the corner of the plate “Brilliant” he cried as he ate them

“I am glad you liked it” Somin smiled They posted an article in the paper today on how to make traditional English breakfast. I followed that.” She said holding the iPad in her hand.

“Great. This is really delicious” Hyunjoong said as he indulged into his breakfast as Somin tapped on the tab.

“Oh my God..” Somin suddenly cried

“What?” Hyunjoong looked up with a mouthful of toast and eggs

“Youngsaeng and Hwangbo got engaged!”

“WHAT?!” Hyunjoong dropped his spoon.

“Yes…look” Somin flipped the tab to show him the picture that featured the new couple looking at each other endearingly

“Why is Youngsaeng in his pajamas?” Hyunjoong suddenly noticed. Somin turned the tab towards herself and surely she identified it too. “ Could you read it out to me?” Hyunjoong said as he grabbed a glass of orange juice to gulp down the food in his mouth

Somin read out the article while Hyunjoong listened with utmost shock and bewilderment

Finally when she finished, Somin put down the tab and look ahead blankly letting the story sink in. Hyunjoong also didn’t know what to say “Hwangbo is out of this world!” he finally said with an incredulous smile

“She is!” Somin agreed

When Hyunjoong and Somin finally reached Youngsaeng’s place they realized that they were the last ones to know about the new couple as they saw DongSun,Jessica, Kyu,SeJung, Jungmin, Seungyeon, Haera, Junjin-all flocked in his living room

“Hyung! Finally! What took you so long!” Hyungjun rushed as soon as he saw them entering

“What do you mean?” Hyunjoong said “We just saw it in the paper. We came as soon as we read the news!”

“You didn’t see it LIVE?!” Hyungjun inquired “It was in the 7 am new—” and as soon as he said he got the answer to his question

“Hyunjoong waking up at 7am…that’s one thing we’ll never see in this lifetime” Youngsaeng joked as he rose up to greet Hyunjoong and Somin while everyone laughed in the background

“Whatever…but it really was a shocker!” he hugged Youngsaeng “ I feared you screwed up all your chances at the chapel. I thought Hwangbo would eventually find out that the letter was fake and leave”

Youngsaeng and Hyungjun froze. Hyunjoong and Somin looked at their fearful faces

“What?” Hyunjoong inquired and then it hit him “Don’t tell me….you didn’t…YOU HAVEN’T TOLD HER YET?!”

The four of them slowly turned to Hwangbo and found her looking at them with a straight expressionless face.

“I-I don’t know wha-what he is talking about?” Youngsaeng tried to lie pathetically

“I think the cat’s is well out of the bag oppa…its no use covering it…you better go and apologize”

“You’re right” Youngsaeng sighed.

The room was annoyingly silent as Youngsaeng fearfully walked upto Hwangbo.

“I-I am sorry…I was desperate…and Hyunjoong gave this stupid idea…I wasn’t really thinking…I-I..”Youngsaeng didn’t know what to say

“Saengie…did you know my father served the army?” she said slowly. “Even I took up a training there for 6 months for my taekwando”

Youngsaeng didn’t know what to make of her statements and looked at her with a puzzled expression

“What I am trying to say here is…I am quite familiarized with the army ways and how it functions. So I can definitely identify a fake military letter from a real one”

“You mean…you knew?” Youngsaeng asked, shocked

“From the time I first laid my eyes on it” Hwangbo said matter-of-factly

“Then why..didnt you..say…why did you..”  Youngsaeng was totally confused

“Well at first I wanted to find out what you guys were planning and beat you in your own game. But then when you spoke to me in the chapel…everything you said it really hit me…I realized though you started this love game with a lie your intentions were true” she remembered

Everyone had a smile on their face as they heard Hwangbo’s narration

“So that proposal..it was real right?” Youngsaeng said  “This..all this…whatever is happening right now is real correct…you are not trying to trick me right?”

Everyone was chatting in Youngsaeng’s living room when Dong Sun’s phone vibrated. He looked at the phone and got out of the room with it. “What happened now?” Jessica thought as her worried eyes followed him as he left the room

“Must be from work” Somin said patting her shoulder

“Hmm” Jessica smiled

More than 15minutes had passed by and Dong Sun hadn’t returned. Jessica was getting more worried by the minute and kept looking at the door. Finally just when she was about to go check on him, Dong Sun entered the room

“Guys!” he called out and everyone turned towards him “I just got off the call with KBS.”

“What did they say?” Jessica rose up and rushed to his side

Dong Sun looked down, tensed. Everyone watched him in concern.

“Dong Sun-nim?” Hyunjoong asked

Dong Sun’s head suddenly shot up. “They are bringing back the show!” he exclaimed loudly

Everyone burst out in cheer. Jessica hugged Dong Sun tighter than she ever dared. Somin and Hyunjoong shared a brief kiss as everyone showered them with congratulations.

“And not just that guys” Dong Sun said “We are also getting a bigger budget than last time!”

“Wow!!” everyone in the room exclaimed

“This truly calls for a celebration!” Hyungjun announced.

“Absolutely!” Jungmin chimed in “With all these controversies happening we didn’t really have the time to properly celebrate the success of our comeback concert…and now we have double reasons to celebrate!”

“You guys are right!” Hyunjoong agreed “What do you say Dong Sun-nim”

“Umm we need to prepare for season 2” Dong Sun said doubtfully

“Oh c’mon Dong Sun-nim there’s plenty of time to work on season 2” Somin said “Right now we all need a major break”

“Somin’s right dear” Jessica said patting Dong Sun’s chest lightly

“Good morning Granny” Somin almost sang as she greeted her grandmother

“Oh my sweetheart” Granny rushed and hugged her precious granddaughter. Hyunjoong entered with Somin’s bags and smiled at their reunion. When Granny and Somin finally released each other Hyunjoong went up to greet Granny and hugged her.

Jandi came out of Somin’s room when she heard the voices. Somin noticed her standing in the corner “You must be Jandi!” she said and went upto her. Jandi managed to nod somehow, she was totally starstruck upon seeing Hyunjoong. She had been with the SS501 members for quite a number of times now, but still they managed to dazzle her, specially in scenarios like this where Hyunjoong looks no different from an ordinary caring boyfriend, no golden suits or bold eyeliners. Somin observed her and giggled “Now I know how I might have looked when you saw me on your first day of shoot” she said turning to Hyunjoong. Hyunjoong chuckled.”Breathe Jandi…I know its difficult to wrap your head around it but he is Hyunjoong and he is real” Somin said.

Somin’s jokes made Jandi instantly warming upto her which she feared she never will since Hyunjoong was her ultimate bias and she fantasized about marrying him someday

“On a serious note..”Somin said “I never got the chance to tell you how grateful I am to you. You saved my life. Thank you”

“We all are grateful to her for that” Hyunjoong came forward with Granny by his side

“You didn’t just save her …you saved all of us” Granny said, tears glistening in her eyes thinking of what might have happened to Somin if Jandi didn’t find her

“Please..dont” Jandi shook her head “ I was just lucky”

“No…we were lucky you were there with us…lucky we found you” Hyunjoong said. Somin hugged her tightly

“Anyway” Somin said releasing her “We have some good news. Hyunjoong’s drama got confirmed for a season two “

“Congratulations oppa” Jandi said, though alittle timidly.

“Yes congratulations son” Granny patted his back

“Thank you. We are having a huge party tonight to celebrate that and the success of SS501’s comeback concert and you two must come” Hyunjoong beamed at Granny and Jandi

“Umm…I would have loved to son…but Somin’s grandpa is abit unwell since the incident happened” Granny said grimly

“Why what happened? Is he alright?” Hyunjoong asked worriedly. Somin immediatelywent to her Granny’s side

“Oh nothing” Granny waved “oh its just side effects of stress plus what will we old people do at your young and happening party!”

“Okay Granny you take care of grandpa” Hyunjoong said

“Do you need any help? I can stay back” Somin said

“Please no! You have been through a lot. Go to this party..relax and enjoy” Granny instructed

“Okay” Somin nodded and turned to Jandi “You’re coming right?”

“Umm..”

“No ‘Umm’s or excuses…you’re coming…that’s my orders” Hyunjoong said and smiled broadly. Jandi was starstruck again and this time she couldn’t even manage a nod. “I’ll pick you girls up at seven” he said and giving Somin a peck on the cheek, left.

“Umm unnie…I cant go to the party” Jandi said when Hyunjoong left

“But why?” Jandi and Granny asked simultaneously

“I don’t have any clothes” Jandi said in embarrassment

“Even I don’t! Hence we two are going shopping!” Somin said cheerfully

“Unnie I don’t think I have money for buying new clothes” Jandi said apologetically

“Don’t worry I’ll buy it for you. Just choose the prettiest dress you like and look gorgeous” Somin assured

“No unnie I cant”

“You call me unnie right?” Somin said holding her shoulder “Take it as a gift from unnie”

“Don’t think so much child” Granny said when Jandi didn’t speak. “Infact by going shopping with her, you’re in a way doing us both a favour. “ she said pointing to herself and then Somin”This girl always whines to go shopping and when we go she goes insame! I just cant keep up with her!” she said hitting Somin’s head lightly. Jandi smiled as Somin pouted

“So you’ll come?” Somin said a glitter of excitement in her eyes

“Jandi come out and let me see” Somin cried as she stood outside the trial room waiting with a bunch of dresses in her hand. Somin look around and found the receptionist staring at her weirdly. This was the 5^th time she had caught her staring at her, but eventhough she felt truly annoyed she decided to ignore. She was about to call out for Jandi again when the trial room door opened and Jandi stepped out in a peach coloured lace skater dress.

“You look beautiful. I think you should buy this one TOTALLY!” Somin said admiring her

“You like it?” Jandi asked, her eyes clearly stating she loved the dress

“1000%” Somin cried

Jandi went back to change and the two girls proceeded towards the payment counter with their choice of dresses

 The receptionist billed their purchase though much to Somin’s annoyance, even while billing she glanced at her quite a few times

“The receptionist creeped me out” Somin said in annoyance “She kept staring at me!”

“Ofcourse..unnie you should bear in mind that you are no longer an ordinary girl, you’re Hyunjoong’s fiancé” Jandi said matter-of-factly

“What?” Somin stopped in her tracks

“People have been staring at you for quite some time now but you seemed to be oblivious about it until the receptionist” Jandi stated

Somin looked around and to her complete surprise she observed hardly anybody passed by her without glancing; some were infact standing at a distance from her and staring at her fixedly. Suddenly she felt very uncomfortable ‘I-I didn’t realize…I am definitely not liking this” she said timidly

“Just relax unnie and keep walking…don’t make eye contact with anyone” Jandi advised

Somin followed her instruction and walked closely together with her. It was an experience of utter horror as Somin felt the eyes of a mall full of people boring into her. She suddenly started feeling claustrophobic and just wanted to get out of the mall but she didn’t know what awaited  them outside the mall. As soon as the automatic doors of the mall’s entrance flung open and they stepped out, a crowd of reporters hurled towards them with their mics and cameras.

Somin and Jandi were overwhelmed. They couldn’t see past the herd of reporter heads who were shouting out questions like ‘How do you feel getting married to the biggest star of the Hallyu wave?’,’Who is she? Is she your friend?’,’ Do you come here to shop?’,’where do you shop from?’

Jandi and Somin felt trapped when suddenly they felt a firm arm shielding them from behind. They both turned to find Jihoo standing beside them. He had a serious expression on his face. Without removing his hand that guarded their back, he held out his other arm like a shield and dragged them out forcing the crowd of reporters to create a way for them.  Jandi and Somin felt relieved when they finally got into Jihoo’s car.

Somin was checking if all her belongings were alright when she heard Jihoo call out “Are you alright?”

“Yes thank you” Somin said but when she looked up she was surprised to find Jihoo not looking at her but at Jandi, who was sitting next to her. It was hardly for a moment before Jihoo’s eyes spun towards her but it happened only when he received an assurance nod from Jandi.

“Are you alright?” Jihoo repeated now looking at Somin

“Ye-Yes I am” Somin said alittle puzzled by what she noticed

“We are here” Jihoo said after he stopped infront of Somin’s place

“Thanks for the rescue” Jandi said politely. Jihoo smiled softly at her.

“Thanks Jihoo” Somin said, again noticing the way Jihoo looked at Jandi before turning to her. There was something, but she couldn’t put a finger on it.

Somin and Jandi got off the car when “Umm…Somin..” Jihoo suddenly called out

“De” Somin turned around along with Jandi. Jihoo got out and moved across the car to stand before them.

“Next time don’t go off alone without bodyguards; you’re not just Jung Somin anymore..remember?”

And there it was, Somin found to her dismay, the obvious pain in Jihoo’s voice whenever he said something that implemented Somin was Hyunjoong’s.

“I’ll ask Hyunjoong to arrange for it” Jihoo said and  got into his car silently

As he drove off, Somin noticed that during this particular conversation , Jihoo never for once looked at Jandi. There were instances when his eyes flickered but he pulled them back before they could meet hers.

Somin was confused. She had heard from the others that Jihoo had given Jandi quite a hard time when she got kidnapped and during her recovery. But earlier when he got them into the car the way he looked at her seemed quite out of that character .

“Unnie..lets go in” Jandi shook Somin lightly

“Ye-Yes..let’s..” Somin said coming out of her thoughts and followed Jandi into the house. “Am I reading too much into this..” Somin thought to herself as she followed Jandi. “I don’t understand …I have to keep an eye on these two” she decided