Chapter 65

~*Dara’s POV*~

“Are you nervous?”

My eyes flicker up to look at my stylist through the mirror as she straightens my hair. Watching her slow but steady pull of the brush and the iron was somewhat relaxing… but only just a bit.

“No…” I say unconvincingly, “Not really?”

She raises an eyebrow but smiles reassuringly, “You know it’s okay to be nervous… it’s your first time doing this sort of thing… right?”

“Yes…” I give a small nod before focusing on my face in the reflection. My make up had been done already, giving me a very natural glow. I barely had any eyeliner on by my eyes looked fuller and more awake.

“And… there.” The stylist says with finality. She brushes my hair all to one side and has it drape over my left shoulder before stepping back to get a better look. “We’re done.”

I take in the complete appearance and am surprised. They hardly did anything to me. I think back to the music videos I did in the past where there was such a huge difference in my appearance… but now I just looked like plain old me but shinier; like a new penny.

Well, it makes sense since the concept of this interview is ‘me’. Or what YG wanted to appear to be ‘me’.

Another woman came over with two sets of outfits for me to pick between. Both were fairly bright and definitely had a touch of the YG family uniqueness. I ended up going with the bright yellow tiger striped jacket, a plain orange shirt and a teal colored pair of jeans.

The whole time I was getting changed was all a blur since my thoughts were too preoccupied with making up different scenarios of how this interview would go. Worst-case scenario, I slip up and spill that I am dating G-Dragon… Best-case scenario, I successfully persuade every one that there is nothing between us…

But how easy will that be?

My mind began imagining the reporter doing the interview… he or she will have horns that sense when I’m lying… large fangs to the information right out of me… or maybe they’d just put me under a lie detector test and everything will be—

“Dara! YG sajangnim is here to see you!” I hear the stylist call out to me from the door. I quickly get a hold of myself; shake my vivid imagination away from my thoughts and head out of the room.

“Perfect. This will work.” YG sajangnim says as soon as he sees me. All I can do is smile weakly as I felt my nerves grip ever fiber of my body.

“Do you remember what we went over? What to say… what to stay clear away from… how to point out ‘digging’ questions?” His questions jumbled up in my head as I tried to process and remember everything we had discussed the day before.

“Yes…” I managed to answer while playing with my fingers in front of me, “I believe so.”

He smiles at me before placing a hand on my shoulder, “You’ll do fine. Just think about how beneficial this will be to both you and Jiyong, if you do this right.”

Hearing Jiyong’s name made you feel even worse… How could I forget, that no matter how this interview goes… he’s not going to be happy.

“Could I… take a few minutes to gather my thoughts?” I try to say as calmly as possible. YG gives a firm nod as he retracted his hand.

“Of course, you have time. The interview will be at the recording studio, so just head there when you’re ready. 5 minutes.”

“Thank you.” I bowed and watched him walk away. As soon as he was out of sight, I took out my cell phone to check the time. 2:43 PM.

Jiyong is probably at another commercial shoot right now... My finger hovered over his phone number on my screen and hesitated for a split second, but decided to call anyways.

The other night, after he had called me while watching my recording, we made use of the rare opportunity that both of us were free at the same time to talk practically all night. I didn’t dare to mention anywhere in that conversation about the interview I was planning to take. But suddenly, now seemed like he’d be the best person to talk to… maybe it would also lessen the blow if I told him I was doing it…

But of course, with our luck, the dial tone ends and goes to his voice mail. I frown as my hope of some comfort disappears from my grasp. I closed my eyes and tried to even my breathing, in hopes to steady my heart.

Maybe this was a bad idea... will I really be able to do this all right? As I tried to answer my own questions with my frazzled mind, I suddenly remembered someone else who possible could and dialed the number.

After two or so rings, the familiar voice picks up, immediately setting my mind at ease.

“Hey! Um, sorry… are you busy right now?”

---

 

“Annyeonghaseyo,” I say with a bright smile and bow, “I am Park Sandara, a YG trainee.”

“Ah, yes annyeonghaseyo. My name is Lee Soo Min.” A tall slim woman smiled back at me, “Thank you for agreeing on doing this interview! We are very excited to get to know you.”

I take a seat in my usual chair closest to the console of the recording studio, with the recording booth behind me as the reporter and her camera crew was set up in the back. This place used to be somewhere I felt relaxed… but now it was filled with bright lights and camera that made my body buzz with anticipation.

Soo Min sits down across from me and crosses her long legs. She was quite pretty and elegant looking, dressed in a dark blue fitted dress… Suddenly, I felt very self-conscious of the bright colors I chose to wear.

“So this interview will be very simple, and I’ve already been told by Yang Hyun Suk-sshi that you would like for it to be recorded, is that correct?

I have no memory of making such a request to sajangnim, I didn’t even know I had an option, but I just smile and nod, “Yes, that is correct.”

“Do you mind if we can get a few pictures of you as well? Since you look so beautiful today.” She said and gestured towards her ready-to-go cameraman.

“Of course, that’s perfectly fine.” I respond, “My stylist would kill me if her hard work wasn’t captured.”

The room erupts with laughter from my small joke, surprising me with their enthusiasm.

“You’re not only a natural beauty but also have a sense of humor.” Soo Min giggled to herself. I personally didn’t think what I said was that funny, but the change of atmosphere in the room helped calm me down, especially now that I’m going to be recorded and shown to the world, which means… it’ll be harder to lie.

After a few pictures were taken of both my profile and front view, everyone else returned towards the back of the room to set up the video camera. Soo Min also took out a microphone and set it on the table facing towards me.

“Now, on to the interview,” She said as she flipped through pages of her leather notebook, “I’ll have some questions for you, feel free to take your time in answering them, and let me know whenever you’d like to stop or take a break. This is all up to you.” She gave me a comforting smile but with sharp and eager eyes.

I nod and wait for her to begin with newfound determination rushing through my body. First, she begins by just speaking into the microphone, stating the date, time and that it was “the interview with Park Sandara: The fresh face of YG Entertainment”. Once she’s finished, she signals the cameraman and the camera turns on with a red light blinking at me.

This is it. I think to myself before I hear another voice in my head speak to me, ‘Just act like yourself, and they will love you.’

“So, Sandara, please say hello and tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be at YG Entertainment.”

I take a second to process the question and make note of what needs to be answered before starting to speak.

“Ah, hello everyone!” I say into the camera and bow my head, “My name is Park Sandara, and I am YG’s new idol in training!” I give a warm smile and bring my hands clasped together in front of me with a hopefully shake. “I guess I could say that this all started a few years ago when I took my very first dance class…” I continued on by explain how my love for music grew through my years of dancing that eventually lead me to YG Entertainment. Speaking about the past bubbled up the excitement and passion I’d almost forgotten I had, allowing me to express my feelings animatedly. But I make sure to not mention Sohee’s role in all of this.

“I wanted to make a career out of what I loved to do, and the only place that I thought could do that for me was YG Entertainment.” I recite the words that YG sajangnim had told me to say.

“How did you manage to get the attention of the president? I hear the application process is quite hard to get through.”

“It was difficult! There is no doubt and I considered giving up at one point.” I say with a shy smile, “But if it wasn’t for my pure stubbornness, I probably wouldn’t have gotten the chance. Not to mention, annoy YG sajangnim to no end.” I earn a couple of laughs around the room at this, so I continue to work the crowd, “If you want to hear the details about that, I’m sure YG sajangnim knows the story well.”

Soo Min has a big smile on her face as she nods, “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind for our next interview with him. So, as you’ve mentioned, you love to dance, you’ve also appeared in the music videos of your label mates, what else have you been training for?”

“Hmmmm.” I think thoughtfully before bringing my finger up against my lips, “It’s a secret. I’m not allowed to say.” I shrug apologetically. “But I hope that whatever it is that I am working on will be well received by everyone.” I say and give a sincere smile to the camera.

“I’m sure it will be! I’m sure your family must be very excited with you following your dreams and being apart of something so big.” Soo Min changed topics so quickly, catching me off guard. This was also not a topic I prepared for…

“Well…” I begin as my mind races to think of the right thing to say. I stare at the cameras and pairs of eyes that were all watching me so carefully. I couldn’t help but wonder what they must be thinking. Would they be able to see through my act right away if I lied? Or would they act as enthusiastic as before like when I made that joke? Time was running out, and I had to think fast so I went with my gut feeling.

“Actually… my parents had left me when I was very young, so I’m sure they had no idea I’d had the dream to go into the entertainment business,” I say wistfully. Immediately, the feeling in the room dropped at the seriousness of the topic, “well, to be fair, I didn’t even know of it myself at that young age.” I add on to lighten the mood, which seemed to work, earning a few smiles from one or two people.

“But up until recently, my aunt and uncle had raised and supported me along with my cousin in all of my endeavors and dreams. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to speak with them since I entered YG Entertainment, but I’m sure like always, they must be happy with what I have been able to accomplish.” Memories of Sohee’s parents remind me how long it’s been since we’ve last spoken. I felt horrible for not contacting them since, especially thinking about all they’ve done for me until now… and of course, what happened with Sohee.

 

“… you’re cousin…?” I wake up from my thoughts and refocus on Soo Min who is looking at me expectantly, as if waiting or an answer.

“Oh, I’m sorry, what was that?” I ask, slightly embarrassed that I zoned out like that.

“Earlier, you mentioned your cousin, did you grow up with her as well then?”

My heart drops at her question, realizing what I had just done. I wasn’t supposed to mention Sohee AT ALL. But it was already too late.

“Yes, I did. We grew up together with my aunt and uncle.” I answer begrudgingly and prayed that she would stop asking about her. But of course, she doesn’t.

“That must be nice,” Soo Min says with a dreamy effect, “I’m sure she must be very proud of you as YG’s newest trainee.”

I couldn’t help but think of how far from the truth that was. It has been a while since I actively thought about Sohee and everything that had happened between us. Although things turned out as bad as it did… I still couldn’t help but feel guilty and upset… after all, if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be sitting here as “the fresh face of YG”.

“Since I grew up with my cousin, we practically see each other as sisters…” I start, not quite sure on where I wanted to take this. My mouth seemed to just move on it’s own. Out of habit, my hand reaches for my wrist where I feel a thin string. At first, I think that it is the red bracelet Jiyong had given me, but when I looked down, I saw that it was pink instead with a small silver charm.

It was the matching bracelet both Sohee and I had… and it occurred to me that I never took it off. The thought of it tugged at a heartstring.

 

“Sandara-sshi?” Soo Min’s voice cuts into my thoughts, “Are you alright?”

“Oh!” I gasp and bow apologetically, “I’m sorry, I got lost thinking about… I’m sorry, let’s continue.” I say and glance at the camera to see that it’s been recording this whole time. I’m really messing this whole thing up.

“Don’t worry, the videos are always edited before released,” She nods before urging me to continue. “You can start over from what you were say…”

“Yes… well… since I grew up with her, we saw each other as sisters,” I repeat but this time with a bit of a smile. The memories of Sohee and I playing, teasing, crying, and laughing together played through my mind. “To be honest, she was the one who helped me get to where I am now.” I feel the need to say this but do not to go into detail.

“Would you like to take a moment to say a few words to your cousin?” Soo Min urged me excitedly while gesturing towards the camera.

“Ah, I don’t think so… we actually got into a bit of a fight,” I laugh nervously. “Knowing her, she’d probably just get even more mad at me if I dare talk to her through an interview…” I sigh and give a slight frown.

“Oh, then we wouldn’t want that now would we! But do you think you two will make up soon?”

I give a lot of thought to the question while thinking about Sohee and try to find the answer that I believed in. Not just for the cameras or for the people who were going to watch this interview. I tightened my hold on the pink bracelet around my wrist.

As crazy as it may seem… I wanted my little cousin back.

“I truly hope so.” I say with a wide smile before looking into the camera, “We may fight, disagree, or even hurt each other, but family is family… and I hope that bond is strong enough to overcome our disputes.” I finish; making clear that there was not much more to be said about the topic.

Soo Min seems to catch on as she just nods and turns a page in her notebook, “Very well said. I’m sure she is lucky to have someone like you to care for her. Don’t fight anymore!”

I laugh heartily and nod, “Yes, thank you.”

“Now, I have one final question for you… and I’m sure with all the ruckus that has been going on, you must know what I want to ask.” She says while carefully watching my reaction. But as YG sajangnim told me, I act oblivious until she finally says it.

“There was information that surfaced that you and your sunbaenim, G-Dragon-sshi, were possibily dating… would you like to tell us your thoughts about that?”

I smile and shake my head before speaking, “It’s been a HUGE misunderstanding. As stated before G-Dragon sunbaenim and I have a sunbae-hubae relationship and nothing more.”

Soo Min’s eyebrow twitches before she looks down at her notes again, “A lot of fans and observers have said that you two seem to have ‘great and undeniable chemistry’…” She quotes. But I remain calm and carefully plan out my sentence before speaking.

“It must be all of G-Dragon sunbaenim’s own talents. He is very good at making his partners feel at ease a comfortable, sometimes even get lost in the scene or performance that it makes you forget what’s real.” I explain enthusiastically, “I can only hope to be able to have that affect in the future. To be the amazing artist that he is, he’s amazing at acting.”

Soo Min takes a while to process my answer, as if deciding if she should continue probing me or not. After pursing her lips and reading over her notes once more, her eyes brighten as she begins to ask her next question.

“It has been said by an unknown source, that there seemed to be favoritism from G-Dragon-sshi and Yang Hyun Suk towards you…” I catch the glint in her eyes and can see that she hopes to accomplish what she wants from this question, “What do you have to say about this?”

The straightforwardness of her question, I had to admit, was challenging and if I wasn’t so determined, I would’ve faltered. But the whole reason why I was doing this interview was for this very reason: to end this mess surrounding Jiyong, the YG family, and me.

“I was really surprised to hear such a thing about two of the most respectable people of this company,” I speak clearly and slowly so that each word could be heard, “At YG Entertainment, the one thing I learned and will never forget is that we are all a family, and in a family we all strive to help and improve each other no matter who we are.” I pause to let the words sink into, “I have to admit, I am not the most talented person in this company or the industry. I can’t rap like G-Dragon sunbaenim, I can’t sing as well as Taeyang sunbaenim, and I can’t dance better than the YG dancers… but that’s why I’m here training; to improve. The family I’m a part of now knows this, so they are willing to help me in whatever way they can.”

“To those who may have felt wronged by this, I apologize. But I don’t think my family should be viewed in such a negative light based on a misunderstanding.” I conclude and folded my hands on top of my lap for they were shaking from the adrenaline rush I got mid-speech.

The room was completely quiet as I watched Soo Min barely keep up her smile through her disappointment.

“So, I suppose this means that G-Dragon’s many fans should feel at ease at what you’re saying?” She asks through gritted teeth.

I smile sincerely at her before turning to the camera and make a ‘OK’ sign with my fingers.

“He’s all yours, ladies! Treat my sunbaenim well!”

---

 

“Thank you, sajangnim!” I say politely with a bow before closing the door to YG’s office behind me. I turn to face the empty corridor and take a much-needed sigh of a relief.

It’s been done. The interview had finished… and in a matter of minutes, all that I have said to the camera will be received and judged by who knows how many people…

I take my time walking down the hall to nowhere in particular as I played back everything I said and everyone’s reactions. Were my answers good enough?

After the interview was done, Soo Min, the interviewer seemed somewhat pleased with what she got… then YG sajangnim, was not as please as first, since I ended up mentioning Sohee by accident. But in the end, he reassured me that I did a decent job considering that this was my first publicity interview. After a few more reruns of the interview, I finally started to feel content with how I did. In the end, I might have finally successfully done something for this whole scandal.

An image of Jiyong’s proud smile appeared in my mind, making my nerves build up in the pit of my stomach. Will he react well to all of this?

“Hey trainee!” Someone’s voice calls out to me, as I begin to realize someone jogging towards my direction. It doesn’t take long to realize who it is and a smile breaks through on my face.

“Youngyang!” I waved and met him half way, “What are you doing here? I thought you had a meeting!”

“It was in the building and just finished,” He said while smiling at me expectantly, “So? How’d the interview go? I went to the studio but no one was there.”

I shrugged but couldn’t keep my proud smile off my face, “It went… alright. You know, a piece of cake like you said.”

He raised an eyebrow at me before nudging me with his elbow, “Oh? You are so confident now? If I remember correctly, an hour ago I got such a nervous call from a certain someone. I could practically hear you shaking in your boots through the phone.”

I slapped his arm lightly before walking past him with my head up, “Shut up, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He hooks his arm around my neck and ruffles the top of my head as we walk side by side, “Sure, you don’t, trainee. Just don’t forget you owe me now.”

“Arrasso, Taeyang sunbaenim! Are you free now? I’ll treat you to dinner right now!” I give him a thumbs up and see his light up in excitement.

“Oh really? Where?”

I move his arm away and hurry ahead of him so that I was out of reach before turning around, “The YG cafeteria of course! I am a poor trainee after all, it’s all I can afford!”

His mouth drops as I stick my tongue out at him and hurry towards the cafeteria.

“Yah, you’re going to have to do better than that!”

 

 

 

~*Jiyong’s POV*~

“Thank you for the hard work…” I called out to the rest of the room before leaving, barely being able to project my voice. It had been a long day of non-stop interviews, photo shoots, and other promotional work for my solo album.

“Jiyong, quickly, we are already late for the recording.” My manager rushes me through the hallway towards the parking lot. I try to contain my mixing feelings of exhaustion, hunger and pure annoyance with everything today. So instead, I say nothing and slide into the car, ignoring the flashes of cameras and voices calling out to me from the reporters.

The sound of the car doors slamming repeatedly one after another, shaking the car slightly while they are at it, aggravated me even more. The only thing that was keeping me somewhat sane was the thought of Dara.

At the thought of her, I take out and check my phone for the first time this whole day and frown at her missed call. But before I could call her back, the car door opens and a person who wasn’t manager climbed into the seat beside me.

“What the…” I jump in surprise and turn to the person who I eventually recognize as Kiko, “What the hell, Kiko? What are you doing here?! Did they see you come in—“

But I stop mid sentence as soon as she pulled her sunglasses away from her face and see tears streaming from her red eyes.

“Jiyong…” Her voice cracks through her quivering lips, clearly trying to prevent herself from breaking at that very moment. “I’m… I’m pregnant…”

 

 

 

~*Dara’s POV*~

“Ahhhh~ that really hits the spot!” I let out a satisfied sigh and rub my stomach happily. I look towards Youngbae who is poking at his food, clearly sulking.

“Hey, show a little appreciation for the food that was given to you!” I scold and poke his arm. He looks up at me and glares before returning to his food, “Yah! What’s wrong?”

“I thought you’d really treat me to something nice.” He pouts and moves his rice around the bowl, “But instead, I get this. After all that I’ve done for you.”

“Hey, those ahjummas over there work hard to make such delicious food!” I say and point towards the window where the older women watched us happily, “Be grateful!”

Youngbae gives the women a polite smile and nod before turning back to his food. “Fine…” He says while taking a spoonful of rice into his mouth. I giggle slightly at how childish he was being, but had to admit that I did owe him a lot.

“If you stop being so busy with your new idol life, I’ll treat you to your favorite.” I finally say, “Whatever you want. My treat. Arrasso?”

He looks up at me with a mouth full of food, “Finally. This is long overdue.”

My jaw drops at his recent sassiness and was about to hit his arm when someone sat down at our table.

“Well, well what do we have here?” My entire body lights up at the familiar voice and am welcomed by the smiling face of the director from both the ‘Breathe’ and ‘I Need a Girl’ music video.

“Omo!” Both Youngbae and I stand up and bow towards him, “Good evening, Director! What brings you here?”

He urges both of us to sit, “Didn’t Youngbae tell you? We were discussing the setting for his new music video.”

“Oh! The ‘Wedding Dress’ music video? Of course, it’d be great to have you as the director again.” I say honestly, “I’m sure it’s going to be beautifully done.”

“We hope so,” Youngbae says with a modest smile, “It’s too bad we can’t have our favorite actress to star in the video this time.”

“Favorite actress?” I ask with curiosity. I knew that YG had a few actresses within the company but couldn’t see why anyone would turn the opportunity down. “Who is it?”

The Director and Youngbae share a knowing smile that I don’t quite catch, but instead the Director changes the topic abruptly, “Speaking of actresses… how have you been doing Dara? Have you been working on improving your acting?”

I tell him no, regrettably and explain that I’ve been busy with training my vocals instead. Especially due to the recent scandal, YG sajangnim had decided it would be best to keep me hidden.

“That’s a shame…” The Director says with a sigh and a shake of his head, “I’m sure you’re beginning to see how aggravating this industry can be….”

“I’m starting to.” I express honestly but with a confident smile, “But it hasn’t discouraged me at all. If anything, it only motivates me that much more.”

“It’s true.” Youngbae chimes in and points at me with his chopsticks, “This one had her first publicity interview today… they mauled her with questions about Jiyong and she handled it like a pro.”

I shake my head at his statement, “Aigoo, you didn’t even see it! I did all right, but it all depends on how the viewers will receive it. I can only hope for the best at this moment.”

“Well, I’m sure you did perfectly fine as Youngbae said.” The Director says with full confidence, making me feel that more assured about my interview. “In fact, I am actually glad I ran into you so easily this evening. Youngbae here is not the only reason why I came to the YG building tonight.”

I watch him curiously as he takes out a thin envelope from his briefcase and placed it in front of me. I take a glance at Youngbae who just shrugs, not having a clue on what he was referring to.

“Go on. Take a look.” The Director says with a warm smile, “I have a feeling this will intrigue you.”

I reach for the folder and open it, not sure to expect. The first thing that I see is a lyric sheet titled, ‘I’m Sorry’. I move the paper away from the rest of the pile and see a storyboard with several scenes of something that could be a drama. I spot a name and read ‘Director Lee Jae Han’. Confusion sets in seeing that it is not the same Director as the one sitting beside me… but then another name catches my eye: ‘Gummy’.

“Director Lee Jae Han is a good friend of mine… and he will be directing your sunbaenim, Gummy’s, music video.” The Director began to explain, “The male actor has already been picked, and all they needed was the female actress… and he asked me to scout one for him. And well, I did say that in the future I’d make a request for you...”

I glance up at him in surprise as I begin to realize what he was proposing. “Eh?”

“Although it’s not my own personal project, I would still very much like you to take this opportunity and I believe you fit this role perfectly.” The Director said animatedly and pointed towards the sheets in front of me. “Director Lee is one of the best in the industry, Gummy-sshi is very popular so you will be seen… and this time, the music video will require you to ONLY act. No dancing, no singing, just pure acting… and I think this would really help you find that actress within yourself.”

I simply nod to what he’s saying as my eyes ran over each frame of the storyboard and begin to imagine the possibility that the female character drawn in each of these scenes could be me. My mind races with all the possibilities, all the work, time, and responsibility I will have with such an opportunity. Working with a new director… not to mention, working with Gummy sunbaenim who is watching me so carefully. Thinking about it was quite terrifying yet thrilling at the same time.

I look up to see Youngbae already looking at me with amazement. He didn’t have to speak to tell me what he was thinking and what we both knew.

“So?” The Director looks at me hopefully, “Can I tell Director Lee that I found his actress?”

---

 

Once again, my feet somehow drag me to the door of my apartment without me aware of the trip there. So much had happened in this one day that I didn’t know how to process it all. I see the usual sight of the rose and card at my door and immediately fill with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

I wanted to tell Jiyong everything about today, the interview, the Director’s offer… but I knew that those two events would create two very different reactions from him.

I lifted the rose to my nose to take in scent, hoping that it would calm me down, but it did very little. With another sigh, I entered into my apartment with Jiyong in mind, wondering what the best way to go about all of this was. The last thing I wanted was a fight… but did I have an argument even though I went against his only wish of me while he was gone?

But it was clear I no longer had much time to think as my phone lit up with his name on my caller ID. Shivers went through my body at how perfect (or horrible) his timing could be. It took me a moment, but I reached for the phone and made a split second decision that I had at least 24-hours until he found out about the interview… so there’s no reason to spoil the night.

“Hello?” I answered and tried to sound as cheerful as possible, “Jiyong! I was just about to—“

“Listen,” The cold and sharpness of his tone made my heart drop immediately, “I don’t have a lot of time to talk right now. So just answer one thing, honestly.”

If my heartbeat was any louder, I might not have noticed the shuffling and noisiness coming from the background. But I was too afraid to say another word.

“Why did you do that interview when I specifically told you to promise not to do any damage control?”

I closed my eyes and placed a hand on my forehead. He found out. He knows. And I didn’t even prepare for this. There was no use hiding it.

“How did you… find out?” I dare to ask, but realize a second too late that it may not have been the best time.

“God Dara, is that really the first thing you are going to say when I’m asking you this seriously?” He says without holding back his annoyance, “What? You were going to hide this from me?”

Slightly taken aback by his accusations, I retort, “Well, yes if this was how you were going to react.”

I hear him mumble or curse something incoherent before he began to speak again. By then, my heart was racing and heat was rushing to my face. I didn’t want a fight… but I couldn’t help but feel wrongly accused.

“Why, Dara? Why did you do it? Who told you to do this interview?”

“The same reason why you left for Japan without telling me the real reason.” I blurt out earning silence from the other line, “I am just as much part of this scandal as you are. So why should I just sit back and let you do whatever it is you are doing for BOTH of our careers?”

“Because I’ve been in this damn industry much longer than you have!” His voice raises but at last minute he attempts to control it. He must be somewhere public. “Dara, you are a TRAINEE. You haven’t learned how to handle the media, what to say, what to do, how to act. You are dealing with a society that will judge you harshly even if you say ONE word wrong. You have absolutely no idea what you are getting yourself into!”

“First of all, that may be all true but it’s not only your career that is on the line. It is also my future career at stake. Second, YG sajangnim made sure prompt me as much as possible within the scare amount of time we had before the interview.” I spat angrily into the phone.

“YG was the one who had you do this interview wasn’t he?” Jiyong suddenly cut into my rant, making me even more annoyed.

“Yes, he is the head of the company so of course, he did. Why?” I reply, not bothering to hide the obviousness of the answer.

Jiyong remained silent before letting out an annoyed sigh, “Well regardless of how he prepped you, you still aren’t ready to handle stuff like this.”

“Youngbae doesn’t seem to think so. When I asked him for advice, he gladly gave it to me.” I began, not knowing where I was going with bringing up Youngbae. But my anger was growing much larger than my sensibility, “He didn’t even see my interview but by the end of it, he believed that I did great.”

There was another pause.

“I’m just trying to protect you, Dara. Why can’t you just see that?” His tone was much softer this time as if he was pleading. But it did little to sedate my frustration with this entire situation.

“How am I supposed to see anything if you aren’t even here?” I say harshly, bitterness filled my mouth immediately.

Silence surrounded me. The noise on the other line was no longer there, and it was absolutely quiet. So much so, that I thought he might have hung up… but he didn’t, yet.

“Well, now I may have to stay here longer than either of us would’ve liked.” And with that, the line went dead.

With the phone still pressed against my ear, I stared off into the open space before me as I recollect what had just happened. It took a while, but eventually my anger and adrenaline began to dissipate and dread and regret filled me almost instantly.

I wanted to avoid this exact situation that I am in now. Granted, it all started horribly from the beginning of the call but in the end, I may have just added to the flames. Finally, I placed the phone down on the counter and stare at it, noticing how late it was… and that there was no way either of us were in the right minds of mood to talk again tonight.

Placing both hands on the tabletop, I looked over at the vase full of roses, some wilted and some still alive.

I forgot to tell him to stop sending me these again… I smile painfully and try to push back the tears that began to rise at my next thought. Maybe after what happened tonight… he’ll stop sending them...

This will be the first time we will go to sleep still in a fight…

And it felt like the doors to my heart are wide open and vulnerable, not knowing what to expect or how to comfort itself. But all I could do was wait until tomorrow.

---

 

Morning finally came to signal and end to my sleepless night. I tried, I really tried to get at least some rest especially since I was supposed to meet with Director Lee and Gummy today… but every time I closed my eyes, I’d be awaken by the last words he said to me on the phone… and the clear disappointment in his voice.

I had heard him angry, sad, pain, excited, and all other types of emotions… but I never heard him so disappointed. I couldn’t help but wonder and think that it was disappointment in me? In the situation maybe? The whole circumstance that we were in?

My mind raced all night to find the right answers, but none of them came to. The only thing that came close was that I had used not only his best friend, but also the sensitive topic of all three of our connections as my weapon against him. Before, in the midst of being angry, Youngbae’s name came to mind without a moment to think. But I had said it because I knew it would upset him.

I was upset and felt like I was being falsely accused. It was true that I broke a promise that we had made. But it shouldn’t have been made to begin with. He also should be able to trust me and support me in the decisions I make for myself. As I pushed myself out of bed and got change, I knew that we were both in the wrong as usual.

But why did I still feel so guilty?

I checked the time and see that it is just past 7 AM. There was a chance that Jiyong would be up by now… but that would also mean he may be busy with whatever it is that he’s filling his time up with there.

But the longer I think about him, the more my need to at least hear his voice fills me. I first decide to dial his cellphone. As the phone rings, I pace back and forth nervously to try and come up with what to say.

As I pass by my laptop on my desk, another thought comes to mind; I am reminded that Soo Min mentioned the interview would be posted around this time. Quickly and with a bit of excitement, I open my laptop and begin my search as I wait for an answer.

I get no luck with his cellphone and take a moment before deciding to call the number he gave me for the place he was staying temporarily while in Japan.

Just when I see a link saying “Exclusive Interview with Park Sandara of YG Entertainment”, another headline below it catches my eye instead…

 

Photos of G-Dragon and model, Kiko Mizuhara Resurface Dating Rumor!

 

My cursor falls on the link and clicks it immediately opening up an article with several pictures of the same woman I saw on set of the ‘Breathe’ MV along side Jiyong. They both were covered up and seemed to be rushing, but it was no mistake it was the two of them.

My eyes look towards the date the article was posted, which was only a few hours ago, before reading bits of the article:

 

Kiko Mizuhara was first spotted with G-Dragon when she entered his company van and never came out even when it left towards the next destination.........Later that night, fans reported they saw the two stars enter a lounge together and looked very close. G-Dragon seemed to be very careful with the famous model every step she took........The last reports of the two were that they left the lounge together in the same car early in the morning!

It seems that Park Sandara, the YG Trainee that was recently tied with G-Dragon earlier this month, really isn’t dating her label-mate! Maybe in fact, the couple to speculate are these two instead?

 

I couldn’t read another word as it felt as if the pixels on the screen were sharp pins digging into my eyes and chest. My mouth and throat were dry as my whole body felt numb. Words and pictures of the two flew through my mind, as pieces begin to come together. She was Kiko Mizuhara, the girl from the ‘Breathe’ set, the girl he was rumored to be dating, the girl Youngbae said Jiyong was close to…He was busy all day… when he called, it was noisy… and he had very little time to talk.

I tried to think realistically and tell myself that those pictures didn’t suggest anything. They weren’t embracing or looked more like just friends… and those statements in the articles… they could be false or over-exaggerated, just like Jiyong said happens with these types of articles.

But just I realized that I was still on the phone calling the main subject of this questionable article, a voice came through from the receiver.

“Moshi Mosh—Ah I mean, yoboseyo?”

All the facts and comforting thoughts I fed to myself cracked and crumbled into dust upon hearing that voice.

 

It was a woman.

*BlueNote*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
FInally an update that doesn't take 1000000 years to do!
But anyways, here it is~ and once again I apologize for updating so slowly

As for the content of this chapter.
Stay strong and don't worry too much

Believe in the strength of our couple <3

Thank you for reading and patiently waiting

Please leave me comments!!! I miss hearing from you lovely readers. Let me know what you think!