“Oppa, how are you?” Crystal asked through a whisper as they waited in the back of a car dropping them off at the awards. Crystal hadn’t spoken to TOP since the whole ‘Tyra’ incident. She understood that it was his ex they were talking about, that he would need time to calm down and get over what had happened. Top looked over to the woman sitting next to him before nodding. He felt so bad that after news had been released, he had become so distant from her, it wasn’t her fault and she didn’t deserve his cold shoulders.

“I’m fine, thanks.” TOP mentioned back pulling on his fake façade as she continued to look at him worried.

“If you ever want to talk, I’m here for you.” Crystal reassured reaching over and patting his hand comfortingly before pulling away only to find that his hand was now intertwined in her fingers.

“Thanks.” He whispered smiling over at her blush. Crystal watched as he turned away from her, keeping his surprisingly cold hand in hers. They pulled up in front of a building that she recognized to be where Big Bang was staying for the weekend.

“I’ll just be a minute, alright?” TOP mentioned pulling his seat belt off as she smiled and nodded.

“Stay in the car.” He instructed as she nodded and watched his disappearing figure out into the night sky. She adjusted the dress she was in before looking back out the tinted window. She couldn’t help but blush as her stomach growled just by looking at the pastry shop right outside the hotel.

“I’ll be right back Simon.” She spoke to the driver who hesitantly nodded. She climbed out, holding her dress off the ground, shutting the door before walking over towards the shop. The moment she opened the door, she was engulfed in the intoxicating aroma that surrounded her.

“Welcome!” The woman behind the counter announced before her eyes shot open.

“Omo Crystal.” The woman said surprised causing Crystal to chuckle and bow carefully.
“Evening.” Crystal spoke back looking at the delicious pastries lined on the wall.

“You look amazing tonight.” The woman praised as Crystal blushed, bowing her thanks.

“I’m accompanying TOP-ssi to the Seoul Music Awards.” Crystal explained as the woman nodded in understanding.
“I’m starving, and then I saw your shop.” She teased causing the woman to chuckle. She grabbed a few pastries before taking it to the counter to pay for. Crystal looked over her shoulder as the bell rung at the door to see an unfamiliar man walk in and towards the pastries. Looking out the window to the car still waiting at the curb she turned back to the cashier when she heard the ring.

“Here you go dear.” The woman handed her the paper bag of goodies along with her change.

“Please give my regards and condolences to TOP-ssi.” The woman said sadly as crystal nodded, bowing her thanks before making her way out of the store into the cold night. She looked around once more, not seeing TOP anywhere before she began making her way around the shop to where the car was parked.

“Excuse me?” A voice called out causing Crystal to pause in her movements and look over her shoulder to see the same man from the store walking towards her.

“Yes?” She asked uncomfortably as he approached closer and closer.

“You’re Crystal right?” he asked amused causing her to look side to side before locking eyes with his.

“Yes.” She answered in a small voice, bumping into the railing behind her.

“You look lovely tonight, can I take you somewhere?” He asked cockily holding a hand out to her as she looked down to it then back up to him.

“Ya!” A voice shouted startling them both before a figure stepped up in front of Crystal.

“Are you bothering my girlfriend?” Top’s deep voice threatened causing the man to back down and step back.

“Come on.” Top said once he was over the staring contest he was having with the man. He grabbed Crystal’s arm and forcefully pulled her towards the car, letting her get in before he climbed in behind her.

“Go.” He instructed the driver as Crystal sat there, hesitantly looking over to TOP’s unreadable expression.

“Why did you get out of the car?” He finally asked never turning to look at her. She just swallowed, looking down to the bag in her lap before looking back to him.

“I’m sorry, I was hungry.” She whispered sheepishly causing him to sigh before reaching over to hold her hand.

“When I tell you don’t, please don’t, ok?” he asked finally looking up to her.

“I’ve seen too many things happen, I’m just looking out for you.” He added as she blushed, feeling her heart pick up its pace before she nodded.

This was the first time TOP had felt like he needed to protect the woman next to him. With Tyra it was a whole other feeling. She was tough enough to stand her ground but the woman now at his side was as fragile and shy as a child. He couldn’t help but feel that he was going to corrupt her one way or another. But she was the one thing he needed right now, someone to be there for him while he dealt with the passing of someone he still cared for. She understood his feelings and still never turned her back on him. She was different.