The next day...

Youngbae wasn't able to sleep well.
He was up all night thinking about what he overheard yesterday from Seungri's conversation with Angela.

He took a cold shower to wake himself up.
When he was done dressing up, his mother came into his room.

"Youngbae-ah," Mrs. Dong called.

Youngbae came out of the bathroom when he heard his mother.

"Good morning, omma."

"Good morning." Mrs. Dong gave his son a hug.

"So are you fit to work?" She asked with concern.

"Yup!" Youngbae said facing his mirror and fixing his tie.

Mrs. Dong went over to help him.

"Omma, I can do this you know." He chuckled, but still letting his mom fix his tie.

"Even so, I still want to do this for my son." She said with a smile.

"Who knows, maybe soon someone will be doing this for you."

He looked at his mother and saw a hint of sadness in her eyes.
He put his arm around his mother's shoulder.

"Omma, that will not happen yet." He assured her.

"And besides, I'm still my omma's little boy." He joked.

Mrs. Dong laughed. "Silly boy!"

She held on Youngbae's arm as they walked out of the room.

"You know I don't mind if you get married now." She said grinning.

He just smiled.

After eating breakfast with his parents, Youngbae headed for work.

He couldn't concentrate while he was driving so he pulled over and dialed a number on his cellphone.

"Sanghee-sshi, I'll be late today." He informed his secretary.

**********

At Seunghyun's office...

Seunghyun was on the phone talking to someone when his secretary knocked.

"Hyun Joong-ah, I'll call you back later." He said on the phone.

The secretary bowed and approached him.

"Sajangnim, there's someone outside who wants to see you." She said.

"Who is it?"

"Dong Youngbae-sshi of Dong Plaza Hotel." The secretary replied.

Seunghyun wrinkled his forehead. "Youngbae-sshi?"

"Ye,"

"Please let him in." He said.

Heran bowed before stepping out of his office.

After a few minutes, Youngbae entered.
Seunghyun stood up when he saw him.
He bowed and so did Youngbae.

"How can I help you, Youngbae?" He greeted while gesturing for him to sit.

But he didn't sit.

"I'll cut to the chase, Seunghyun." He darkly said.

Instead of looking surprise, Seunghyun chuckled.

"So what is this about?" He asked even though he has an idea on where their conversation is going to lead.

"Are you and Dara dating now?" Youngbae asked looking intently at him.

He gave out a laugh. "I'm impressed with your straight question, Youngbae."

"Just answer the question."

"Shouldn't you be asking Dara about this?"

Youngbae just stared at him; he is starting to lose his patience.

Seunghyun went to him so that they can talk face to face.

"Currently, we are not dating." He answered with a smile.

Youngbae was relieved to hear his reply.

"But that's not what's important right now." He said turning his back at Youngbae as he went back to his chair.

"We are not dating but I want to pursue her."

Youngbae tried to absorb what he was telling him.

"So you're saying--"

"Yes Youngbae." Seunghyun cuts him. "Remember what we've talked about two years ago?"


= FLASHBACK =

At the university...

Three days before Youngbae's confession to Dara.....
(In The Club Epilogue - Confession of A Best Friend)
http://www.winglin.net/fanfic/mch0nz/

Youngbae's class was over.
Angela still has her violin lesson so he decided to leave first.
He was on his way to the parking lot when he received a call.

"Yoboseyo?"

"Youngbae!"

"Seunghyun-ah, what's up?" He was surprised to receive a call from him since they rarely talk.

"I was wondering if I can invite you for a drink."

"Huh?!" He checked his watch and it was only past 4:00PM. in the afternoon. "Uh... don’t' you think it's kinda early?"

Seunghyun laughed. "Not in our bar."

"Okay, I'll be there."

After 30 minutes Youngbae arrived at Seunghyun's bar.

"So it's just the two of us, huh?" He asked looking around an empty place.

Seunghyun's family owns the bar, so he's free to use the place anytime.

They sat at the bar section and only one waiter was there to serve them.

"What's the reason for this invitation?" Youngbae suddenly asked when the drinks were served.

Seunghyun sipped his beer and didn't look at him.

"I won't beat around the bush, Youngbae." He said in a serious tone. "I asked you out today to make you a deal."

"A deal?" He asked, wrinkling his forehead. "I don't understand."

"About Dara."

"Dara?!" Youngbae became more confused.

"Yes, Dara." Seunghyun answered turning his head towards him.

"Dara my best friend?"

"Yes."

"Dara the one you're dating?" He asked innocently, but obviously he was being sarcastic.

"Yes, Dara the one I'm dating." Seunghyun paused and looked at her straight in the eyes. "The Dara YOU love."

Youngbae choked, but managed to give out a nervous laugh.

He looked away from Seunghyun's gaze.

"Are you sure we're talking about the same Dara here."

"How many Daras do you know, Youngbae?"

"I'm sorry but I don't think we're on the same wavelength here." He said turning to Seunghyun again.

"How long are you going to keep lying to yourself, Youngbae?"

Youngbae straightened himself. "I'm sorry Seunghyun, but I really don't understand what you're talking about."

He sipped the last of his beer and stood up.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go. Thank you for the drink." He turned and started to walk away.

"I'm planning to ask Dara to be my girlfriend." Seunghyun announced.

Youngbae stopped in his tracks.

"Is that okay with you Youngbae?"

He didn't turn around nor answered.

"Since you're her best friend, I thought I should ask for your approval." Seunghyun continued.

Youngbae turned around.

"Why do you need my approval?" He smirked.

"Dara's the one who is going to decide, not me."

Seunghyun returned the smirk.

"So what you mean to say is that..." He paused and ran his index finger along his jaw line. "You don't mind."

Youngbae went back to face him.

"What is it that you want from me, Seunghyun?" He asked trying to be calm as possible.

"What do you think?"

"I have no time for riddles, Seunghyun." He said feeling aggravated.

Seunghyun gave out a chuckle and that made him even more furious.

"If Dara wasn't dating you, I swear, you wouldn't be laughing now."

"If Dara wasn't in love with you, I could've just disregarded what you both are feeling and go on with my intentions."

Youngbae stared at him confused,

"Can you try talking to me using a language that we can both understand? He suggested.

Seunghyun scoffed then sipped his beer.

"For a man who is known to be a playboy, you sure are stupid when it comes to knowing a woman's heart."

Hearing his insult, Youngbae's hands balled into fists.

"You're lucky this is your territory, if not it wouldn't be a pretty sight."

Seunghyun looked around.

"Feel free to hit me all you want. Nobody here will stop you." He said spreading his arms.

Youngbae gave him a weird look.

"Just make sure you'll be hitting me for all the right reasons." He added with a smile.

"I'll repeat Seunghyun, what is it that you want from me?" Youngbae asked trying to keep his cool.

"Just tell me the truth." Seunghyun said. "You love Dara, right?"

Youngbae snorted.

"I already have Angela." He answered. "And besides, Dara is just my best friend."

He saw Seunghyun shaking his head.

"You haven't answered my question, Youngbae." He said.

Youngbae didn't reply.

"I've been hanging out with you guys for months already." Seunghyun said.

"I've observed you and Dara. And from the looks of it there's something more between the two of you than what you both are saying to us."

"I didn't know that we're your guinea pigs now." Youngbae said sarcastically. "What are you? Scientist? Doctor?"

"It's no rocket science, Youngbae." Seunghyun calmly replied. "Having a girl beside you that you call your girlfriend but don't have feelings with doesn't cover up what you truly are hiding inside."

He was speechless.

"I love and care for Dara, but she wants you. I can't do anything about that." Seunghyun said.

"How can you be so sure that she has feelings for me?" He asked curiously. "She's dating you, isn't she?"

"Open your eyes, Youngbae. If there isn't something between the two of you then tell me why did your relationship became awkward after Angela and I showed up?"

He didn't answer.

"Listen, I'll give you three days to do your thing." Seunghyun said putting down his bottle of beer.

"After three days and you still didn't make your move, prepare to regret."

"Is that a threat?" He sneered.

Seunghyun shrugged his shoulders. "It's up to you on how you take it."

"What if I do something?" He asked Seunghyun with a serious tone.

"Then both of you will be happy."

He turned around to leave.

"Just remember this Youngbae," Seunghyun spoke.

"If you hurt her, I swear I'll come back and take her away from you."

"That will never happen." Youngbae muttered without looking back.

= End of flashback =


"For your information, I was wronged, Seunghyun." Youngbae defended himself. "It was all Angela's doing."

Seunghyun sat down on his chair and looked up at Youngbae who was standing in front of his desk.

"But still you got swayed. You weren't able to avoid temptation. And with that Youngbae, Dara got hurt."

"I don't need to hear this crap from you." Youngbae retorted. "I still deserve a second chance to redeem myself."

Seunghyun entwined his fingers together and rested his elbows on his table.

"Honestly, I also think that you should be given a chance." He agreed.

"Don't get me wrong Youngbae, I don't hate you. But you should also remember that the one who deserves that chance now is me."

Youngbae gave out a big laugh. "Says who?"

Seunghyun smiled. "I made way for you two years ago, remember?"

"Nobody asked you to do that."

He stood up and walked towards him.

"The point is that, I never had my chance. And I believe this is the time where I enter the scene. And I can guarantee you Youngbae, I won't hold back."

"Fat chance." Youngbae sneered.

"I was very generous to you because Dara loves you. But sadly, you didn't live up to my expectation."

Hearing those words made Youngbae's blood boil.
He balled his fist and hit Seunghyun straight on the face.
Seunghyun didn't fought back.
Instead, he just wiped the blood off his lips and smirked at him.

"The truth hurts, huh?" He taunted.

Youngbae grabbed him by the collar and pushed him hard, making him fall to the ground.

"Stop it!" They heard a voice said.

Youngbae turned to see who it was and he was surprised to see Jiyong standing by the door.

He walked towards his best friend and helped him up.

"What's the meaning of this?" Jiyong asked, looking at the two.

He glanced at Youngbae. "Why are you here?"

Youngbae didn't answer and just marched out of the office.

***********

"Thank you, Heran-sshi." Seunghyun said.

Heran placed the clean cloth and ice pack at his desk.
She bowed and left the office.

Jiyong watched as his friend winced while dabbing the cloth on his wounded lips.
He was standing beside the window shaking his head.

"What was that all about?" He asked him.

Seunghyun ignored him and continued tending to his wound and bruise.

"If you don't tell me what happened," Jiyong said, reaching to his pocket to get his cellphone. "I'd gladly call Dara and tell her what I saw."

Seunghyun was alarmed.

He turned and gave his best friend a warning look.  "You wouldn't."

"Oh, you just watch me." He said putting the cellphone against his ear.

"Alright already." Seunghyun stopped him, sounding annoyed.

"I see you changed your mind." Jiyong slid his cellphone back to his pocket.

"Now shoot."

"He came to ask if Dara and I are dating." Seunghyun explained.

"Then?"

"Then I told him we're not, but I'm planning to pursue her."

"I'm guessing that's when his fist went flying on your face, right?"

Seunghyun glared at him.

"But you do know Dara's decision to keep their friendship, right?" Jiyong reminded him.

He nodded.


= Flashback =

Inside Seunghyun's car...

"So what did you do yesterday?" Seunghyun asked glancing at Dara who's in a trance.

The two were on their way to get some snacks.

"Oh, I just stayed at Youngbae's house." She simply answered.

"Youngbae was sick so had to take care of him. Omonim and abonim's request."

"So did you two talk?" Seunghyun curiously asked.

"Yes we did." Dara sighed. "I told him that we should remain best friends. It's much better."

= End of Flashback =


"I know it will be hard for me since Youngbae will always be around. But I'll bear with that." Seunghyun told Jiyong while pressing the ice pack on his bruised face.

"You really do love Dara, huh?"

He shyly smiled. "You know the answer to that already. I do and always will."

"If Youngbae didn't mess up, what will happen to you?" Jiyong asked.

Seunghyun shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know. Maybe I'll just stay single for the rest of my life." He chuckled.

"Well good luck on your plan Seunghyun-ah." Jiyong said while he patted his best friend's shoulder.

"I hope you'll succeed." He added. "If you do, I hope you can take good care of her."

Seunghyun patted his hand and smiled. "Thanks man."

**********

The next day, Jiyong met up with the girls at Chaerin's office.
He told them what happened to Seunghyun and Youngbae.

"Oh my, this is getting intense." Bom exclaimed, covering with her hand.

"Is Seunghyun oppa okay?" Chaerin worriedly asked.

"He's fine, just a little cut on the lip and a bruise on the face." Jiyong replied.

"What will Dara say about this?" Bom said, wrinkling her forehead.

"Poor Youngbae oppa." Minji whispered.

The two girls and Jiyong turned to look at her like she said something weird.

Jiyong's phone suddenly rang.

"Yes Yoojin-sshi, what is it?" He excused himself and stepped out of the office.

Bom noticed how gloomy the maknae's face was.

"Hey Minji, what's up?" She called her attention.

She glanced at her not saying anything.

"Why so quiet?" Chaerin put her arm around her.

She gave out a sigh. "I just feel bad for Youngbae oppa."

"It's Seunghyun oppa who got hurt, Minji." Chaerin reminded her.

Minji stood up from where she was sitting and walked towards the mannequin that was standing near Chaerin's window.
She touched the dress that the mannequin was wearing.

"Seunghyun oppa was physically hurt. But have you ever thought how emotionally painful it is for Youngbae oppa?" She asked her two friends.

The two older girls exchanged glances.

"Where is this coming from, Minji?" Bom asked with her eyes widened.

Minji glanced at her friends with sadness in her eyes.

"I don't hate Seunghyun oppa, but I feel that Youngbae oppa deserves a second chance." She said.

"Ever since Youngbae oppa and Dara unnie broke up, it's like Seunghyun oppa is taking advantage of the whole situation." She continued.

"Uhm, Minji-ah," Chaerin cleared . "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Minji looked at her confused.

"Are you saying that you like Youngbae oppa for Dara more than Seunghyun oppa?" Chaerin asked.

Minji answered with a nod.

"Babo-yah! It's not for you to decide!" Bom snapped at Minji.

"I know you like Seunghyun oppa for Dara unnie!" Minji fired back.

"But I don't act that way." Bom reasoned.

"From what I remember, you always nagged Dara unnie that you don't like Youngbae oppa because he's a player."

"I'm right, aren't I?" Her friend replied raising her voice. "Open your eyes Minji. If not for Seunghyun, Dara wouldn't even know about Youngbae's secret rendezvous with Angela."

Minji feeling defeated, just pouted her lips and didn't answer.

Chaerin just sat there looking appalled, listening to her two friends bicker about the guys from Dara's life.

Jiyong came back into the office and felt the tension in the atmosphere.

"Oookay, what did I miss?"