The journey to Taeyang’s house wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be.

Dara just stared ahead of the road and kept silent.

Taeyang couldn’t help but steal glances at her.

“Are you hurt?” Taeyang asked out of the blue.

Dara, who had her mind elsewhere, was surprised when she heard his voice. “Aniyo.”

“I don’t believe you.” He smirked.

Dara then started to play at the hem of her ripped school dress. “I, Um… Uh, why are you helping me?”

“Because what Jiyong did to you is unacceptable.” He replied.

“Oh. But you hardly know me.”

“I’ve seen you around. Sandara Park right?”

“OMO!” Dara gasped. “You know my name!!!”

“Yeah. You’re in my geography class.” He said enthusiastically.

Dara never pays any attention when it comes to her classmates. As soon as the school bell rings, she dashes for her next class and only focuses on the lessons of her teachers. She would often say a quick hello to her peers even if she doesn’t know any of their names.

Taeyang parked his car in front of the grand revolving doors of an apartment building. Dara felt scared the moment she saw how prestigious the building looked.

“You should drive me home.” She whispered.

“I’m not letting you go home looking like, THAT.”

Taeyang grabbed her hand, and lead her towards the apartment lobby. They took the elevator leading up to his apartment.

The elevator swung open. Dara’s mouth fell open.

“WOOOOW!!!” she exclaimed.

“I live alone.”

“You…. Live alone?” Dara looked at Taeyang curiously.

“Neh. My parents are living abroad. I only see them once a year.” He said sadly.

Dara couldn’t believe what she just heard. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Dara whispered.

“It’s fine. Let’s get you cleaned up shall we?” He said coolly.

He led Dara to the bathroom. He handed her a towel and a robe. “Just yell if you need anything. I’ll be in the lounge with the first aid kit.”

“Uh…. Neh.” She bowed.

Dara closed the bathroom door and could not believe the size of it. It was much bigger than her room. In fact, the room itself, is bigger than their own house.

It took her several minutes to get cleaned up. “This feels better.” She thought.

She got out of the bathroom and rushed to the lounge room.

Taeyang quickly looked up from the book he was reading and ushered her to sit down beside him.

Dara felt scared the moment he saw him pat the sofa. She crossed her arms and placed it in front of her chest.

Taeyang who was observing her face bursts into laughter. “Yah. I’m not going to you.”

“OMO!” Dara put one of her hands to cover .

Taeyang helped her clean the multiple wounds on her arms and legs.

“IT HURTS!!!!!” She wailed.

“Aish! Stay still!” He gently tapped her head.

“YAH! That hurts too!” She exclaimed.

They were both laughing when suddenly, her phone vibrated.

She looked at the caller I.D, it was her omma.

“Yoboseyo?” Dara whispered.

Knowing her omma’s reaction, Dara quickly removed the phone from her ear.

A minute later, her mother’s voice boomed on the other line.

“DARA-YAH! DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS? GET HOME NOW OR YOU WILL BE GROUNDED!!!”

“Omma! It’s only 7. I’ll be home soon.” Dara whined.

“IF YOU DON’T COME HOME SOON, I’LL CALL THE POLICE AND LOOK FOR YOU!!”

Taeyang bit his lip to prevent himself from laughing. He found it quite amusing by just listening to the conversation between Dara and her omma.

“Neh, omma. I’m coming.” Dara sighed. She clicked her phone shut and shook her head.

“Let’s get you home.” Taeyang grabbed Dara’s hand. She quickly pulled away. “I can’t go home wearing this robe.” She choked.

“Stay there.” Taeyang ran off to the room across the lounge.

After several minutes, Taeyang came and tossed her pieces of clothing.

Dara was shocked when she saw the brand.

“CHROME HEARTS??!!!! I can’t wear this!!!”

“You can. Don’t bother returning it. I have a wardrobe full of it.”

Dara quickly got changed. When she was finally ready, Taeyang drove her home.

The two grew comfortable with each other in the span of 15 minutes. Taeyang parked his car in front of Dara’s house.

“Thank you so much for helping me out.” She bowed to him.

“Don’t mention it.” He said coolly.

Sandara flashed her smile which made Taeyang’s heart flutter. As she was about to get out of the car, both of her parents came out of the gate.

“I am so dead.” Dara said sadly and slowly got out of the car.

Taeyang smirked and got out of the car as well.

“DARA! DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?” Her omma asked with an annoyed voice.

“Uh, umm,. Omma.. I was-..”

“She was helping me with my homework.”

Dara turned around and was surprised to see Taeyang finishing her sentence.

“Annyeong haseyo, je ireumeun, Dong Youngbae immida.” He bowed deeply.

“Omo! Is he your boyfriend?” Dara’s omma clapped her hands happily.

“Omma! He’s a friend.”  Dara turned to Taeyang. “Um.. Uh, meet my foster parents. My appa, Gary and my omma, Jihyo.”

“Foster?” Taeyang asked.

Dara furrowed her eyebrows. “Uh.. yeah. I’m adopted.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Dara’s appa, Gary shook Taeyang’s hand.

“You are one gorgeous guy!” Ji Hyo smiled and pinched Taeyang’s cheeks.

“OMMA! STOP!”

“Waeyo? He’s a flower boy.” She nudged her daughter.

“I’m so sorry for this.” Dara said apologetically.

“It’s cool.” Taeyang smiled.

Her parents talked to Taeyang for a mere 20 minutes. Dara just stood beside the gate and watched how Taeyang interacted with her parents.

“He’s so different.” She thought to herself and a smile forming on her lips.