Day 4

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[a/n: before we get to the chapter, I'd like to thank ACEPandaLover for my poster! Hehehe I love it! And to all of you readers out there thank you! Now let's proceed to the real update! ^_^v Enjoy!]

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Her

I looked outside my window watching the great view of the sea. Instead of enjoying the moment of being thankful of being able to wake up to another day I only felt miserable. I can't help but think deeply, especially with what happened last night. I know how much things had changed from just the four days I've been here and I admit I'm getting more and more scared of it.

 

[Flashback]

I knew I heard him right, he said the words I wish he didn't say. I felt my heart throb in pain since this is not what I had expect my life to turn out to be, especially with my stay here in what I called paradise. I looked at him stunned and I can feel my mouth dry and my voice being pushed back disabling me from speaking. 

"I really do Dara," he said and slowly he moved towards me. I shivered lightly as his hands touched my bare arms and my body ignited which was very unusual for me to feel. "You don't have to tell me anything now Dara," he slowly wrapped his arms around me and something in me long for this, but I'm scared. I'm scared to even think that far without worrying what tomorrow will bring to me.

His eyes looked deeply into mine as if he's trying to search for it. I wanted to look down or somewhere else, but couldn't since his gaze was different. I wanted to remove his arms around me at that moment but I couldn't knowing I'm so cold not because of the weather but something else inside me felt the need to be warmed.

"The moment I saw you," Jiyong whispered looking longingly in my eyes. "I knew it has to be you."

I felt my head lightly shake denying what he's saying but instead of panicking he just smiled at me like he was unaffected with how I am reacting or what I will say.

"I know how scary it is, but I'm willing to wait," he went on with his voice filled with sincerity. His words deeply cut through my skin and into my heart which it can't help but flutter rejoicing hearing this. However with what my head is saying I couldn't agree to what my heart is feeling right now.

A sudden sharp of pain stabbed right into my heart, and I knew at that moment  I needed to go. I knew the corners of my eyes were wet as the pain was much more severe. Could it be? Please not now! I had to leave before he sees me like this, and there's no way I will show him how miserable I feel right now. Not because of this confession, but with what's happening to myself.

I took all my courage and strength and pushed his arms off of me. I heard him gasp knowing he was shock with what I did. But I needed to go.  I needed to run like I always do. 

"Dara," I heard him call, but I was already on my feet running back to my safe haven. 

And as I arrived in my room I quickly grabbed what I needed in my  drawer and pouring myself water. I caugh my breath with my hands clutching on my chest. I felt as if someone had stabbed me deeply with a knife. And  with what Jiyong had said earlier added more pain. 

"Dara," I heard halmoni call from the outside of my door. She then slowly opened my door and there I saw her eyes wide. "Dear Lord you're pale."

She quickly sat next to me checking my forehead and her hand patting my back. 

"I'm fine halmoni," I was able to utter after my longest dreadful run from the shore back here. "I'm fine."

"Should we go to the clinic?" she asked but I shook my head.

"I'm okay halmoni," I sighed and reached for my water drinking more of it. 

"Why don't you rest?" Halmoni said standing up. She guided me on my bed, tucking me in like a little child with a fever. She looked at me worried, but  I just gave her a faint smile.

"I'm okay halmoni, don't worry," I said giving her an assuring smile this time.

"I wish I can do that. Smile like nothing happened," she looked at me scared. The brightness of her orbs turned dull and I remembered everyone in the city looking at me like that. "Don't stress yourself too much okay?"

"I won't," I added a nod. Once halmoni left, I looked outside my window and saw the bright moon. I couldn't help but wonder if Jiyong was still out there. And little did I know thoughts of my rejections on him flash in my mind. Remembering the look on his face didn't make anything feel better in me. I'm sorry Jiyong.

[Flashback ends]

 

I debated to myself whether to go out there. I know once I leave my room, I will have to face him and maybe even talk to him. His surprised eyes and down curved lips flashed in my head. I'm not blind to know that he was hurt with what I did since Jiyong was easy to read. 

I just don't know what to do or say once he talks to me. Will he even talk about it? 

-

As I got out of my room, I looked all over the place hoping he wasn't here right now. I just didn't have the courage to talk to him about his confession last night after all it was really serious. I'm not really ready for anything heck even with what's happening to myself. I was never ready for anything that life would throw at me. I reacted rationally that all I know I can't. I can't be with Jiyong. 

I reached the kitchen which was empty, I pass the livingroom and found it empty as well. Looking at the door that leads to the outside I once again debated whether to go out there. I was never really ready for anything in this world and even something simple like this I was never ready or prepared. 

I slowly dragged my feet, going out of the resthouse. The bright sun welcomed me and the rest of the paradise appeared. I roamed my eyes around searching for his presence and seeing him nowhere I let out a sigh of relief. 

"Dara," I stiffened hearing him call me. I slowly turned around and there he was looking at me as if nothing happened last night. Unless it was all a dream. "Good Afternoon." Jiyong smiled.

"Ahh," I found myself stuttering. "Afternoon."

"I got you these," I looked down at his hand and there he was holding a bouquet of flowers. "Peace offering."

"Peace offering?" I repeated earning a nod from the guy. 

"I know how much I scared you last night," Jiyong said. "But I mean it. No rush."

I took the flowers from his hand and I can't help but admire it. I never got flowers for a different reason and receiving something like this in an unusual day and no occasion I can't help but smile. It was beautiful, like the paradise here.

"Thanks," I faintly smiled looking at him and then at the flowers.

"Umm..." I looked up and there I found him contemplating like he wanted to say something but can't bring himself to do so. And the way he was fidgeting at his spot tells me he's nervous.

"Yea?" I looked at him curious.

"I was wondering if you want to hang out," he asked nervously. "Maybe go in town and eat out, as new friends."

"Jiyong," I tried forming something to say, but couldn't. I didn't want to have to reject him again.

"Don't worry Dara," he smiled. "It's just for fun, I mean wouldn't it be nice to go sight seeing with someone. I mean lets be a tourist, just like what we are supposed to be here. I heard the town at night looks really nice."

"Why don't you go with Jiyong, Dara?" halmoni came out of nowhere. "You should be enjoying your time here. It's a vacation after all."

I saw Jiyong smile and I couldn't help but give halmoni a faint glare. However instead of scolding me for being rude she just laughed. "Go dear," she went on this time smiling widely. "Jiyong is right. The town at night is very lovely a lot of young people go in there and do what young people do."

"And that is?" I asked since I am clueless in stuff like this.

"Date," she teased and this shocked me. I looked at Jiyong and I knew he was blushing since his cheeks were slightly pink compare to earlier. I know my cheeks are flushed as well as I can feel it burning already. "Be young and have fun!" 

Halmoni left us which I wish she didn't at that moment. I tried to ease the bright pink on my cheeks but couldn't since our situation right now is much worst. 

"Halmoni is right!" Jiyong said. "Be ready at five okay? I'll be waiting for you here!"

"Ji..." I called but he was already out the door.

"Aish!" I can't help but bite my lips trying not to scold myself for acting like this. "I am not excited! No I am not going. Aishhh!" 

"You are excited Dara," I heard halmoni from the kitchen.

"HALMONI!" I yelled, but the old lady just laughed. "Hmmmph," I frowned.

-

I looked at the clock in my room and I suddenly felt nervous. The butterflies in my stomach started fluttering as if its telling me something. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and found myself ready. The moment Jiyong left me earlier, I knew I had no choice but to go. 

I got up and looked at the rest of my outfit. The champagne colored knee length summer dress I had on made me look pale. But I didn't dare change since its the who knows nth dress I have tried on. 

"Dara it's not a date!" I sighed as I think about this hanging out with Jiyong thing. I looked at my face in the mirror and saw how it's lightly painted with makeup. And my lips brightly shining from the cherry flavored lip gloss I just had put on. Then I bit my lips feeling pathetic all dressed up and concern for this night. 

"Dara," I looked back and found halmoni.

"Yes?" I uttered.

"Jiyong is waiting for you," she said making me nod. "Do you have everything?"

With that I knew what she meant, "Yes halmoni," I smiled.

"You look lovely dear," halmoni smiled widely making me blush in my spot. "Don't forget to bring you cardigan. It'll get a bit cold."

"I will halmoni," I answered.

Once halmoni left, I grabbed my small purse and a cardigan and slowly made my way out of my room. I felt my heart beat faster, nervous as I make my way to where Jiyong is. I scolded myself, but my mind and brain seems to be rejoicing right now. 

"I can do this," I lowly murmured. 

-

 

Him

I tried to stay still near the door, but couldn't as I move here and there. I suddenly felt nervous and at the same anticipating in spending this night with Dara. Even though it'll just be a friendly date, I still felt excited. 

I stood still for a moment hearing feet shuffling and I knew it has to be Dara. Like my urge to turn I looked back and found Dara in another beautiful dress. Her hair was once again down, but this time it was straight just the way it was when I first saw her in the beach. 

Her face, it's glowing from her faint makeup and those precious lips I once again had to urge to kiss. 

"Ready?" I was able to utter despite lacking the words my mind can come up with.

"Hmm," she nodded at me.

"Yoojun's appa was nice enough to lend me their car," I said shyly which made her nod again. "Let's go?"

As she came closer to me, I can't help but take another look at her. I got a closer look at her face, which I know is a flawless beauty.

From our distance I was able to smell her faint perfume which was really nice. It was a soft blend of summer breeze and spring flowers. It wasn't strong or faint it was just right.

In my eyes everything about her is perfect and with this it made me love her more.

Like a true gentleman, I opened the car door for her. She once again gave me a faint smile which I returned with my genuine smile. As I closed her door, I quickly ran to my side with that smile I couldn't erase.

And even though our ride to the town was quiet, I can't help but feel happy knowing I am right next to her. I tried forming something to say to her, but nothing would come out. I didn't want to pressure her by asking her about last night. I just didn't want to force her to answer me since maybe this was going way too fast for her. Maybe that was it, maybe everything for her is going too fast right now.

As we got to the town, I saw how much Dara was mesmerized and I did too. The town looked lively at night with the bright lights and noises from people all over the place. Halmoni was right, the town were filled with couples, and I suddenly had the urge to walk down the street holding Dara's hand.

"It's beautiful huh?" I was finally able to speak. She looked at me and nodded excitedly. "Ready to explore the town with me?"

"Yea," she spoke softly.

I couldn't really pay attention to our surrounding since I wanted to look at Dara. I don't know why I always have the urge to look at her and try to comfort her. Seeing her like this, I knew she doesn't seem to go out much. I suddenly had the urge to show her the world and perhaps the beautiful places I have been.

"I'm sorry ma'am," I quickly turned and found a guy that had bumped into Dara.

"No it's okay," she politely bowed.

I smiled knowing the girl was too drown with everything in town that she wasn't able to pay attention where she was walking.

"Be careful," I suddenly grabbed her hand entwining our fingers together.

"Jiyong," she whispered.

"I might lose you if I don't do hold your hand," I reasoned which made her blush. "Let's go and see what we can do here."

I bit my lips trying not to smile. The feeling inside me just boosted and I can't help but treasure this moment. I didn't let her protest since I have my many reasons which she couldn't say no to, and having her to agree with it made me feel at ease. After her running away last night,  I knew how much I scared her. It's just that my feelings for her is over flowing and I can't help but tell her everything I have inside me. 

I want Dara in my future. I see her in my future. I know she's the girl I will marry, and now that I am given a chance there is no way I'm letting it slip off of my hand. Even when our time comes where we'll have to returnn to the city and into our normal lives, I don't care. I'll chase her wherever she goes. I will never give up on her. 

After all, if I give up now, I might regret this later on in my life.

"Are you hungry?" I eased the smile on face before I scare her again. 

"Hmm... so-so," she shyly answered making me smile. 

"Let's try that food stalls over there," I pointed which she just nodded to. "Halmoni said they have good street food here."

"Hmm..." she murmured. 

I pulled her in the food stall and asked the ahjumma to give me everything I had asked for. I looked at Dara and she was rather shocked with all my orders.

"Are you that hungry?" she muttered making me laugh.

"Hmmm not really," I laughed once again which she looked at me weirdly at first but I know I saw a faint smile paint on her lips. "I don't know what you want so I decided to get everything."

"You could have asked me," she uttered in a matter of fact tone.

"Right," I bit my lips nervous. Aish Jiyong calm the fck down! "I..." I began stuttering since she got me so bad. "Well, it won't be that bad to try other dishes."

"Sure," she bit her lips trying not to laugh. 

Once we got our food, we decided to head to the mini plaza where performers were ready to play their music. I took my jean jacket off of me and placed it on the semi-cold grass for Dara to sit on. She smiled at me genuinely for the first time making my heart flutter in joy. 

"Thanks," she whispered. As she settled down on the ground, I too did the same thing sitting next to her. I placed the food in front of us and I signaled her to dig in. 

I knew she's hesitating which I find so cute, and so I pushed myself and grabbed one of the tteobokki in a paper bowl handing it to her.

"What's this?" she asked looking at the food in my hand.

"You've never had tteobokki?" I asked and she faintly shook her head. "It's spicy rice cake with fish cake. It's one of the best common street food. It's tasty too! Come on try it for yourself."

She took the tteobokki from my hand and slowly took a piece of the fish cake and ate it. I saw her close her eyes for a bit maybe trying to get use to the taste and spice. 

"Is it too spicy?" I asked. My eyes gleamed in delight seeing her eyes water and her constant nods got me the answer. I quickly grabbed the bottled water opening it for her. 

"Ugh..." she coughed making me smile. She looked at me shyly, but surprisingly she continued eating the food. 

"You don't have to eat it all," I was able to say. 

"Hmm it's good," she took another bite. "I just need to get used to the spiciness. What's that one?" she asked pointing at another food I got.

"That one is odeng," I said and when she still had no clue what it is, I chuckled. "It's another fish cake with a little spicy sauce drizzled on top."

"Can I have one?" she asked making me nod.

"I got these all for you," I uttered shyly. I saw her flushed a bit telling me she suddenly became shy. "So eat up okay?"

"Here try this one," I grabbed a kimbap and led it towards . She looked at me first before she opened small. "Ahhh..." She then willing opened wider letting me slip the kimbap in and there she nodded liking the taste.

"This hmmm one is hmmm good," she uttered with food in . "Better than hmmm halhmmmmoni's."

"Slow down," I took my napkin and wiped the corner of . Her cheeks once again flushed a faint shade of pink which I found so cute. "Here drink water."

She grabbed the bottle from my hand and drank the water graciously. And the she let out a one satisfied sigh, making me smile.

"Do you have a room for dessert later?" I asked andd she bit her lips nodding. "Good, we'll grab one after the performers."

Dara gave me one last look before she turned her eyes on the performers. I knew she was really happy since it was painted all over her eyes. It sparkled different this time, it is as if she's carefree from whatever deep thoughts or problem is inside her. I sure didn't regret asking her to come with me to town.

"Put this on, it's getting cold," I grabbed her cardigan that was beside me placing it over her shoulder. The closeness between us, made her stiff a bit. And feeling her skin with mine didn't help either. I was close enough to smell her sweet scent which I would never get tired of. She looked at me calm and there she looked back at the performers. My hands slowly fell on my sides again, and somehow my inside turned as I felt giddy like a little highs school boy in love. 

Dara didn't react much nor the awkwardness we had earlier was long gone. I looked at her and she had a smile on her lips as she watches the live performers. She would faintly bob her head to the beat which I found so unusual for her to do. But for this very moment I wanted to capture it and deeply intact it in my brain. 

She turned towards me for a second smiling which I returned willingly. Tonight's, coudn't have been more perfect. 

I saw her shiver for a bit and I knew she's getting cold. It's now or never Jiyong.

I sneakily scratch the back of my neck before reaching for her shoulder. I felt her froze for a bit, but I didn't dare stop. I was ready for whatever she'll do to me. Slap me or shout at me, I didn't care. All that matters to me is she's comfortable, warm and feel loved. 

And as my hand reached her shoulder she loosened a bit and pulling her closer to me she followed. 

"Warm?" I asked and feeling her nod made me smile. And I no longered looked at her as I watched what she's watching. 

The music was calm and slow blending perfectly with the woman's soothing voice in a perfect summer nights. Everyone watching were in each other's arms sharing that one particular moment which I myself is enjoying with Dara. 

"Jiyong," I hear Dara call. 

"Hmm..." I looked to my side and there she was looking at me relaxed.

"Thank you," Dara softly murmured. I reached for her flushed cheek brushing it gently as I tuck the loose stray hair behind her ear. 

"You're welcome," I smiled and looked at her deeply in her dark, sparkling orbs. "Thank you Dara."

"Hmm?" she creased her forehead probably questioning me why I'm thanking her.

"For the time," I leaned down planting my lips on her forehead. I felt her gasp, but her tensed body slowly eased down. After planting a kiss, I turned my head towards the performer which she did too. 

And for the rest of the hour we watched the show in silence, but our distance is now closed and the longing for each other's warmth lingered. 

-

Her

His hand, entwined with mine felt so different as if they belong together. No matter how much I tried to ignore the feeling, I couldn't since a part of me is liking what is happening. The fear I always have would diminish for a moment, but it would slowly creep in reminding me how this, whatever this is between Jiyong and I are, is not going to happen. Or it can never work out.

The night in the town was perfect like it had come out of a fairytale book I have read when I was young and wished that such thing would happen to me. And when it finally did happen to me, the fear inside me creeps in. 

The little voice inside me would remind me how I can never be with him. 

I looked at him for the first time with no hesitation or fear. His arms around me, it assured me that I am in good hands. But the thought of expiration date in all this made me lose that little hope I had built for a second. 

And in the end, I am back to where I was. I am back to hiding what I truly feel for the sake of the people around me. Most of all for myself, since I don't have the call in my life anymore. The time I have left, is the one in charge of what's tomorrow will bring to me. 

There is no way, I am going to hurt Jiyong like this. It's the last thing I would ever do. 

I can't bound to see him in despair once I am no longer here.

"Are you okay?" he asked as we made our way back from our walk to the shore. Our hands were still locked in each others like what couples would do.

"Hmm yea," I nodded. 

"You seem quiet when we got back?" Jiyong said looking at me worried. "Are you tired?"

"Maybe," I chuckled. "It was a fun, tiring night I guess."

"At least you had fun, right?" he smiled, the smile that would tug my heart.

"Yea," I nodded. "Look Jiyong..."

"I know, Dara," he beat me to it. "We don't have to talk about it now. I know how much I scared you last night. I just needed to tell you what I truly feel. But this night, I really had planned this as for fun. No malicious meanings to it aside from friendly sightseeing with a fellow tourist."

"I just don't want to give you hope," I uttered painfully. His face paled for a bit, but then a smile formed in his lips.

"I won't give up though," Jiyong exclaimed. "I won't rush you Dara, but please allow me to spend some time with you. I want to show you the rest of the world or in this case this paradise. Let's have at least memories together."

"It won't hurt to start small right?" he asked and I knew what he meant. "As friends first?"

He extended his hand out which I looked at for a bit. Then I turned my gaze back to his eyes and in it were just sincerity and nothing more. What do you have to lose Dara? It's friendship he's asking. In the end, it's still you that will need to decide.

"Friends," I extended my hand which he took. 

"Thanks!" he firmly shook it. "I promise you Dara I will work hard to get you to see that what I am doing is true and sincere. I won't let you down for sure!"

Jiyong grabbed my shoulders gently and slowly pulled me in his arms. The warmth of his body is surely relaxing and it made me feel warm from the cold nights of being alone. The fear I have inside me, slowly vanishes as I feel comfort being in his strong arms as if he's shielding me from the pain.

Everything about Jiyong is safe heaven.

Everything he offers me feels like safe heaven.

That anytime I can fall and I know he'll be there to catch me.

"Thank you," I heard him whisper. "Thank you Dara."

-

I looked at him nervously as he drops me off to my room. I felt my cheeks burning probably because of what's running in my head. Jiyong on the other was just looking at me happily as if he had won the jackpot.

"So... I guess it's good night?" he uttered disappointed. I tried to hold the smile on my lips but failed as it came out automatically.

"It's not like we won't see each other the next day," I whispered and this made him smile.

"Thanks for hanging out with me," Jiyong said which I just nodded to. "See, isn't it fun to go with somebody! Imagine me going there alone. I'd be left out especially during that performance."

Then I remembered being in his arms as we watched the live perfomers and the people around us were no different from how we looked. 

"It's not like you'll have a hard time finding someone to cuddle with," I suddenly blurted and it was all too late for me to take it back.

"That's the thing," he looked at me in the eyes. "I don't want anyone else, but you Dara."

My heart, it fluttered unexpectedly. It was strong and it made me feel giddy inside. Stop it Dara! 

"I'm just glad you were there with me," Jiyong closed our distance making me gulp at my pool of saliva in my mouth. I felt my throat move as I let the saliva from my mouth slide smoothly inside it. My eyes couldn't leave his as if I was in some kind of hypnotism.

For all I know, my eyes were wide for a second as I felt his lips against mine.

"I'm breaking my rule just for tonight," he whispered allowing me to still feel his lips brushing against mine. "Because the feel is so right Dara. So thank you," he then planted his lips once again on mine, but this time it was firm. And my once wide eyes slowly closes allowing me to feel my very first kiss.

It's indeed sweet, slow and perfect just as what I had pictured my first kiss to be.

"Good night Dara," I didn't realize he had pulled from our kiss. "Sweet dreams. Don't dream about me okay?"

Once my eyes fluttered open, he was already moving, but his eyes were still on mine.

"See you in the morning," he kept on moving back yet his eyes were still locked in mine.

And once he disappeared from the hall, I quickly went inside my room. I sat on my bed and taking the nearest pillow I placed it in my face letting out the frustrated giggles I had earlier. 

"No," I bit my lips but it only reminded me how soft his lips felt on mine. 

"Gahhh Dara!" I scolded myself. 

But in the end, I decided to treasure the moments we had, starting from our holding hands to the very first kiss of mine. I kept scolding myself, but in the end I succumb to that feeling. 

"Just this night," I huffed as I think about the happiness I had. "I will be happy. That's right! One night isn't bad Dara."

I laid on my bed looking straight at the ceiling with a huge smile on my face and for all I know my eyes gradually closes as I went off to dreamland feeling relax and happy.

 

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Author's Note:

You can never be tired of some DaraGon sweetness right? I guess some of you or all of you know what's going on with Dara? I will keep the ending to myself though. Will it be a twist or not? You'll find out when we get further in this fic. which will take awhile. hehehe but we'll get there!

Thanks again ACEPandaLover for the poster! And to everyone reading this fic! Silent ones and not thank you! I hope you like this update! Many more sweetness overload to come! For now I'll leave you with this one! Thank you once again! See you in Day 5!

Sarang you all,

Seungska!