When Jia opened her eyes the next morning, she saw a white rose and a little note on the pillow next to her. She took the note and started to read. ‘Good morning princess. For some reason I thought a white rose would fit you better than a red one. I had to go early to work and I didn’t want wake you, so instead you get a note. I’ll call you in my break. Have a nice day honey ♥’ Jia couldn’t help but smile and roll around in her bed like an overexcited fangirl. She took the rose with her as she got out of bed. When she reached the kitchen she saw a huge bouquet of white roses standing in a vase on the kitchen table. Her smile grew even bigger. “How on earth does he know I like white roses better? I guess I really did find a great guy.” Jia said to herself as she put the single rose in another vase and put back into bedroom on her nightstand.

Jia was sitting and writing some small outlines for her next book when the doorbell rang. Jia got up and went to the door, totally forgetting that she was still in her nightwear. Jia was greeted by Eli’s handsome face. “Hello there.” He waved his hand at Jia. “Hi. Please come in.” Jia moved away so he could enter her apartment. “Woah… Your place is so you! I love all the colours. Oh and nice pjs.” He flashed a breathtaking smile. “I don’t mean to be rude but.” Jia got caught off by Eli. “Why am I here?” Jia nodded. “Well I wanted to see how you were doing and since Soohyun doesn’t tell me anything, I came to you.” Eli started to look at Jia’s book collection, which almost filled an entire wall. “So how are you doing?” He looked back at Jia. Jia put a strain of hair behind her ears. “I’m doing fine.” Jia’s voice was low and sounded like she had something on her mind. Eli raised his eyebrow. “You don’t sound convincing.” Jia felt a wave of nervousness cover her. Eli walked over to Jia and stood quite close to her. “What is it?” He was looking straight into Jia’s green eyes. “Is just… I feel like there’s about to happen something, something unpleasant.” Jia embraced herself. “I’ve had this feeling since Friday.” Eli made a thoughtful expression. “Is it related to that Jaeseop guy?” Jia simply nodded as respond.

Jia walked over and sat down in the couch, Eli followed. “What is the story with you two?” Eli felt how her body tensed up from his question. “H-h he tried to me, several times.” Eli noticed how Jia voice changed from nervous to bitter. “My parents paid him for it, to make me jump over the edge.” Jia felt her eyes get teary. “They never wanted me.” Eli felt his entire body fill with anger. “What the hell!? Who does that to their children? Sick s!” He clenched his fists. He couldn’t believe they would do this to her. “I did as I was told. I even changed my name. What I don’t understand is why he’s still after me.” Eli put his arm around her and held her close to him in a comforting position. “If you ever need help, just call me.” Eli’s words were kind and caring. Jia mumbled a “Thank you” into his shoulder.

“So how is you and Soohyun’s relationship exactly?” Eli asked with a smirk. Jia’s face suddenly became really red. “Well… H-h he, he’s m-my boyfriend now.” Eli’s smirk grew even wider. “You go girl!” Eli said while he ruffled her hair. On the inside he wished to be in Soohyun’s shoes. Eli was starting to get a thing for Jia as well, but he didn’t want to ruin his best friend’s happiness. “Wait. Aren’t you supposed to be at work too?” Jia suddenly asked. Eli shook his head. “Nope. I have the day off. Even the boss needs free time.” They exchanged smiles. Jia looked over at the clock. “Oh crap!” Eli gave her a confused face. “I have to be at a meeting in about 20 minutes. Could you leave so I can get ready?” Eli made a chuckle. “Sure. I’ll see you later then.” Eli gave Jia a light peck on the cheek. “Good luck at your meeting.” Jia stood dumfounded as she watched Eli show himself out. When he was out of the door she took her hand to her cheek. “He just kissed my cheek… why does this make me feel uneasy?” She shook her head. “Aish..! Urgh, I’m gonna be so late!”

The meeting had gone great and Jia’s next book now had a deadline. The book she had just released seemed to be her bestselling one yet. To celebrate, she bought a strawberry cake from her favourite bakery. On her way out of the shop Jia bumped into a person. “Are you okay?” Jia froze when the man she bumped into started to talk. His voice was eerily familiar. Jia lifted her head up and met a pair of catlike eyes. “Jaeseop.” Jia’s voice had a hint of fear too it. “Yes that is my name. Don’t sweat it.” He gave a charming smile that could melt every girl’s heart. Jia quickly straightened her body and started to walk away from him. Jaeseop took her wrist. “I have something to discuss with you.” Jia gave him a mean glare to make him let go. Jaeseop sighed. “It’s important.” His eyes turned serious. It wasn’t very often Jaeseop looked serious but when he did, Jia knew he really meant what he said.

Jia opened the door to her apartment. “Get in before I change my mind.” She held the door for Jaeseop, who gladly walked into her apartment. “Your place resembles you well.” He looked back at Jia who closed the door. “Yeah, yeah.” She gestured for him to sit on the couch. “So what is it you want to discuss?” Jia sat as far away from Jaeseop as she could. Jaeseop frowned at bit at her action. “I haven’t been completely honest with you.” Jia raised her eyebrow. “Since when have you ever been honest with me?” Jia’s sounded irritated. “Every time I’ve complemented you on your looks.” Jia narrowed her eyes. “But that’s not what I’m here for. Your father sent me.” Jaeseop noticed how Jia’s body tensed up. “I’m in the private detective business now and he asked me to find you, since that’s what my job is about.” Jia felt uneasy. “Why? He always wished for me to disappear, why does he want to find me now?” Jia’s voice was bitter and angry. “Your mother passed away.” Jaeseop studied her reaction. “He wants you to be there for the funeral.” Jia’s face became dark and hateful. “Why?” Jaeseop took a deep breath. “He has arranged a marriage for you. He’s using your mother’s death as an excuse for you to come back. The guy he’s marrying you off to is a total douche. You’ll get beaten up just as much as you used to.” Jaeseop didn’t seem to like the idea of Jia getting treated like that. “I know I’ve done some pretty bad things to you, but I had my reasons. What your dad has planned is downright wrong.” Jaeseop could see Jia’s eyes getting teary. “They said I just had to disappear, that they would leave me alone if I did. I even changed my name!” Jia’s body was shaking as tears started to stream down her face. “I got away from all of this. I did as I was told.” Jia’s voice was scared. Jaeseop wanted to embrace her but held himself back. “She probably doesn’t want my comfort.” Jaeseop went a bit closer to Jia. “I’m not gonna let that happen to you. If I didn’t find you before today the marriage would be cancelled.” Jia looked up at Jaeseop with teary eyes. “Why would you help me?” Jaeseop looked down to his hands in his lap. “As I said before, I had a reason for being to you as I was. I never actually wanted to do it. I liked you a lot back then but I needed the money your parents paid me. No one would give me a job except them.” Jia made a confused face. “My younger brother was really sick and a very expensive operation was the only thing that could save his life.” Jaeseop’s voice had a hint of sadness as he remembered how sick is brother used to be. Jia took Jaeseop’s hand in hers. “Why didn’t you just say that? We used to be friends. I could’ve helped you.” Jaeseop stared down at the two hands. He then locked eyes with Jia. “I didn’t know what your father wanted off me. When I realised, it was too late. I couldn’t just let my brother die.” Jaeseop’s eyes were sad. He really regretted what he did back then, Jia could tell.

After sitting a few minutes in silence Jia spoke. “So what is the plan now?” Jaeseop shrugged. “I guess I didn’t find you.” Jia nodded. “So does this mean we can start over?” Jaeseop’s eyes were hopeful. Jia tapped her chin. “Since you are saving me from my father and apparently a marriage too, I guess I’ll forgive you for the past.” Jia gave him a smile. Jaeseop breathed out a heavy breath. “But.” Jaeseop looked up. “But?” Jia leaned her head a bit to the side. “You are never allowed to lie to me ever again!” Jia’s voice was stern and so were her eyes. “Jaeseop nodded. “Deal!” They exchanged smiles. “Now.” Jia started. “Since you didn’t come here to harass me. why did you do it anyway?” Jia crossed her arms over her chest. Jaeseop smirked at her. “You have always been really good looking. I saw a chance and I grabbed it. I just couldn’t help myself. I really do want to do you sometime.” His voice was plain and simple. Jia’s jaw dropped as she felt her cheeks become hot. “Jaeseop!” Jia slapped him on the shoulder. “What? I’m not allowed to lie.” He gave her a cheeky smile. Jia couldn’t help but smile back. “I really missed you.” Jaeseop said with a low voice. Jia put her arm around Jaeseop. “We used to be really close didn’t we?” Jaeseop just nodded and took his arm around Jia as well. “I missed you too. But just so you know, there is going to go awhile before I’m a 100% comfortable with you again.” Jaeseop made a chuckle but at the same time he felt a little guilty from the past. “I’ll gladly wait.”

“So a detective huh?” Jia asked while she and Jaeseop were sharing some of the strawberry cake Jia had bought earlier. “Yeah.” Jaeseop simply said. “So you’re still just as much into criminal mysteries as you used to be?” Jaeseop gave a kind smile. “Pretty much.” Jia nodded. “I see you reached your dream.” Jia made a slight chuckle. “Not really. I still need to win an award.” Jaeseop took a piece of cake in his mouth. “With the stories you write I’m pretty sure you’ll win one soon.” Jaeseop winked at Jia. Jia gave him suspicious look. “Have you even read any of my books?” Jaeseop looked down at his plate and whispered. “No.” Jia crossed her arms over her chest and gave Jaeseop a judging look. “What? I’m still young, so therefor I have plenty of time to read them.” Jia just shook her head at him. “Well I really should be going now.” Jaeseop said while standing up. “Thank you for listening to me, oh and thanks for the cake too.” Jia followed him out to the door. “Can I get a goodbye hug?” Jaeseop smoothly asked. Jia narrowed her eyes at him but gave in. As they hugged she felt Jaeseop sniff in her scent. “YA!” Jia exclaimed as she pushed Jaeseop away. “You smell as good as ever.” Jia’s face was flustered and red. “Just leave before I slap you.” Jia said with a frown. “But I like that.” Jaeseop said with a seductive tone to his voice. “Get out of my apartment you ert!” Jia pushed him out of the door. Jaeseop had a huge smile plastered on his face as Jia shut the door. She was happy to finally know the story behind Jaeseop’s actions back then. She was also happy to finally have her old friend back. Now she just had to explain it to Kevin, Yuna Eli and Soohyun.

Jia was preparing dinner when she heard the door to her apartment open. She knew it had to be Soohyun since she always kept her door locked. The thought of him locking himself in made her smile. “I’m in the kitchen.” Jia yelled at she heard Soohyun take off his shoes. Soohyun entered the kitchen with a big smile on his face. “Hey beautiful.” Soohyun said while he gave her a peck on the cheek. Jia felt her body tingle. “How was work?” Jia asked while washing some vegetables. “We are always extra busy in the kitchen when Eli’s off. The others aren’t really as quick. Other than that is was normal.” Soohyun walked over and slid his arms around Jia’s waist. He gave Jia a gentle kiss on the neck before he rested his head on her shoulder. Jia loved the feeling of him close to her. “Need any help?” Jia shook her head. “Nope. I’ve got this.” Jia rotated her head so she could give Soohyun a kiss on the lips. It was a sweet but passionate kiss. Soohyun looked surprised to see her take the first step. “What was that for?” He asked with a smile. “Does there need to be a reason for me to kiss my boyfriend?” Soohyun liked how Jia sounded when she called him her boyfriend. He couldn’t’ help but smile. “I guess you’re staying for dinner?”

While eating dinner Soohyun asked about Jia’s day. “Something quite unexpected happened today.” Jia said as she took a sip of water. “I met Jaeseop.” Jia studied Soohyun to see his reaction. He tensed up a little. “What did he want?” Jia looked down to her plate as she took a deep breath. She started to tell all the things Jaeseop told her earlier. “And you just believed him?” Soohyun sounded a bit agitated. “Jaeseop isn’t a person who’s very often serious but when he is, you can be sure he’s not messing with you.” Jia had a very serious tone to her voice. Soohyun looked at her with worried eyes. “Are you sure this is the end then?” Jia shrugged her shoulders. “Don’t know but I hope so.” Jia was a bit worried herself. Soohyun held his hand out over the table. Jia put her hand in his. “I’m sorry about your mom though.” Jia shook her head. “Don’t be. She’s probably in a better place now anyway.” Jia gave a weak smile.

While doing the dishes Jia suddenly jumped up. “I totally forgot to thank you for the flowers!” She ran over to Soohyun and bend down to give him a gently kiss on the lips. “Thank you. White roses are my favourite.” Soohyun put his arms around her waist and forced her to sit on his lap. “You’re welcome.” Soohyun pressed his lips lovingly against Jia’s. Jia slid her arms around Soohyun’s neck as Soohyun held her tighter. “I-I lo..” Jia’s face was red and flustered as she had trouble speaking “What is it Jia?” Soohyun put their foreheads together. “I think I’m in love with you.” Soohyun felt a smile roll over his lips. Instead of saying anything, Soohyun just captured Jia’s lips in a deep kiss.

Jia stepped out of the shower just to realise she had forgotten to bring clothes with her. “Aish!” Jia ruffled her hair in frustration. Jia bit down on her bottom lip as she walked out of the bathroom with a towel around her to cover her underwear. Soohyun was standing and looking through a book on her bookshelf when he heard the bathroom door open. He looked over his shoulder to say something but stopped himself when he saw Jia. Soohyun swallowed hard as he tried his best to keep in control. “Is she doing this on purpose? The way her wet hair covers her shoulders… God she looks hot! I could just… Pull yourself together Soohyun!” Soohyun took a deep breath. “You know.” Soohyun started to speak as Jia just froze in her spot. “The way you look right now is making me kind of… .” Jia’s eyes got wide. “This was such a bad idea! Why am I not moving my legs… MOVE JIA!”  She saw Soohyun turn around and walk over to her. She still couldn’t get her body to move. Soohyun walked behind Jia and moved her hair away from her shoulder. He gave her a gently kiss on the neck. Jia felt her body heat up. Her face was flustered and her breathing was getting unsteady. “You should really go get dressed.” Soohyun’s voice was husky as he moved his hands down her arms. He moved his lips to her ear. “Like right now.” Soohyun gently pushed her towards her bedroom. Jia quickly entered and closed the door behind her. Soohyun let out a deep breath. “If she keeps this up I won’t be able to wait for her.” He ran his fingers through his hair as he sat down on the couch.

Jia stood in front of her bedroom mirror as she tried to control her hammering heartbeat. She felt how her body was longing for Soohyun’s touch but at the same time she was scared. She’d never done anything like this before. She had no idea what to do or act. She held her hand over her beating heart. All these new feeling and thoughts was making her go crazy on the inside. “What do I do?” She shook her head as she found a red silk nightgown. “I think he will like this.” Jia wanted to do something special for him, since he bought her flowers this morning. She changed and walked back to the bathroom to hang the towel and dry her hair.

Soohyun’s eyes almost popped out of his head as he saw Jia in the red nightgown. She really wasn’t making it easy for him. He felt his lower region react. Jia saw his expression and suddenly regretted her choice. “I’ll just go change again.” Jia turned around to walk to bedroom but was stopped by Soohyun. “No don’t! It looks y.” Soohyun hid a smirk. “And in my favourite colour too.” Jia turned around to look at Soohyun. “Do you like it?” Soohyun’s eyes checked Jia out. She felt like he was undressing her with his eyes. “I really and I mean really like it.” Jia felt a blush rise. She shyly walked over to sit next to Soohyun on the couch.

When they were lying in bed Jia decided to speak. “I got a call from Mrs Kang today. She wanted to know if you were available for dinner this Wednesday.” Soohyun looked down at Jia. “That was quick.” Jia chuckled a bit. “Mrs Kang doesn’t waste time. So are you?” Soohyun nodded. “I’ll just ask my parents to keep Dongho for one more day.” Soohyun gave Jia a reassuring smile. “I hope you can handle her.” Jia said with a smile. “Old people love me.” Soohyun made a -I’m awesome- expression as he flashed a big smile. Jia just rolled her eyes at him. “Sure they do.” Jia gave him a gentle pat on the chest. Soohyun gently gave Jia a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight honey.” Jia smiled at Soohyun’s words. “Goodnight Soohyun.” Soohyun leaned down to give Jia a goodnight kiss.