CHAPTER 6. PERMISSION

It was dinner time when we finally saw the others.  The guys had a great time skiing.  And they kept telling us to go with them the next day. Everyone was happily gathered round a barbecue buffet.  The guys cooked the meat while the girls prepared the table.

She grabbed a bunch of paper plates when Jiyong approached her.

“Noona…” Jiyong called her attention, “Want me to carry your snowboard for you again?” he teased.

I blushed recalling the silly interview with entertainment relay.  We just came from the ski trip when they made the interview and I was on cloud nine, the memories we made were still fresh.  I couldn’t help but blurt out that I was really happy when Jiyong carried the snowboard for me.

I remember 2ne1 teased me to no end. I even remember Minzy saying, “Unnie…you easily get flattered that way? Aigoo…boys will get your weakness.” She said.

And I remembered myself answering, “I can’t help it if I’m like that. I’m a girl who easily gets happy when the guy carries her heavy things for her without a word, or shares to her his jacket under the rain.”

Sorry I’m that simple minded. Torch me?

Before I could even reply to Jiyongs’ teasing he had already moved away. 

Ugh…I’m so slow…I spent my time day dreaming while he waited for my reply. I could’ve said something funny.

Hopeless…you’re so hopeless Sandara Park…

I shook my head in dismay when a black car parked in the driveway.

“OH! It’s hyung! It’s hyung!” Seungri shouted as he ran towards the car.

My jaw dropped as the old fart himself came out. 

What?! Why?! Now my vacation is ruined!

“Well…if it isn’t my man…TOP in the flesh! Freshly dressed!” Jiyong sang as he high fived with the guy.

Well all the others seem happy that he’s around. Don’t count me in.

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Through out the night I tried to avoid him as much as possible.  Turning the other way when he approaches, occupying a different table, and purposefully avoiding his gaze.

He finally cornered me when I got up to get barbecue refills.  I was standing in the grill when I suddenly felt a presence beside me. I was supposed to turn back and return to my table when Seungri called out if I could bring some for him too. So I stayed, and filled my plate.

“What now?” he mumbled under his breathe. I looked up and he wasn’t looking at me. He was looking out into the mountains.  I glanced behind me, to the noisy group seated in the tables and no one was looking.

“What do you mean?” I answered in a low voice.

“You’re treating me like a statue.” He said.

I was caught of guard.

“Weren’t we always like this in the first place?” I said.

“I know. But now it’s worse.” He answered.

I filled my lungs with a big gulp of air and exhaled it slowly before I answered, “You tell me what you did then you’ll know why I’m behaving this way.”

“I’m sorry.” He said and I couldn’t help how his voice sounded so…so dejected.

But I couldn’t just accept his sorry and forgive him that easily. So I kept my face straight and emotionless.

His bent his head down. And for a minute I was worried. When he looked up suddenly I flinched and looked away. “Look I’m really tired. I just came from a long day of filming. The next time I’ll try to kiss you I’ll ask for your permission.”

I was stunned and rooted to my spot. When I looked back he already moved away and went into the mansion.