"Oppa, it's official." Dara said.

She was talking to Wooyoung on the phone long distance.
"They're officially dating now." She told Wooyoung while sobbing.

Wooyoung listened as Dara narrates on how their best friend, Jiyong, and her new friend, Chaerin, started dating.

= FLASHBACK =

Three years ago...

Wooyoung invited Dara and Jiyong for a sleep over at their mansion.
It was the night before Wooyoung and his family will be departuring for the US.
The three best friends decided to camp out at the Jang's garden.
They built a tent and had bonfire.

As the night passes by, Dara grew sadder.
She started crying her heart out that the two boys rushed to calm her.
Unfortunately, they weren't successful.
Upon hearing that Dara was crying non-stop, Mrs. Jang went out to help.

"Shhh.. its okay Dara-ah." Mrs. Jang consoled her.
She led her inside the mansion leaving the two boys worried.
Wooyoung felt bad seeing Dara in that state. Jiyong was too surprised to even speak.
They were used to Dara's constant crying because she's like that ever since they were young.
But tonight was different. They know she's devastated because Wooyoung's leaving.

Kwon Jiyong, Jang Wooyoung, and Park Dara have known each other since they were babies.
Their mothers were close friends and neighbors.
It was because of that, that the three grew up together.

Jiyong is the eldest, after three months came Wooyoung.
And after a year, Dara was born.
They treat each other as siblings.

Since Dara was the only girl, the two boys were very protective of her.
She was a fragile girl and the boys spoiled her a lot.
Her father died when she was still a baby, growing up with the two boys made her feel secure.
For her it was like having two big brothers.

The three were doing fine until Wooyoung's parents announced that they'll be migrating to the States.
At that time, Jiyong and Wooyoung just finished middle school.

"You shouldn't have made a speech like that." Jiyong hit Wooyoung's shoulder.

Wooyoung looked at him, surprised.

"What am I suppose to do?" He answered back. "I have to say goodbye somehow."

"You know how upset she is already." Jiyong pointed out. "You made it worst, dude!"

Wooyoung felt guilty so he just kept quiet.

They both sat down on the grass facing the bonfire.

"I'm really gonna miss that girl." He said with a chuckle.

Jiyong could sense the sadness in his best friend's voice.

"What about me? You won't miss me?" He asked, putting his hand on his left chest while pretending to look sad. "I'm hurt."

Wooyoung laughed and put his arm around his shoulder. "Of course I'm gonna miss you, hyung."

"And since when did you call me hyung?" Jiyong grimaced.

"Just now." He chuckled. "It feels kinda weird though. I think I'm gonna stick with the name calling instead. Whatcha think?

Both laughed.

Wooyoung glanced at their house frowning. "I sure hope that she'll be okay."

"She will be." Jiyong assured him. "I'm here to protect her."

Wooyoung faintly smiled.

"You do that, Jiyong." He said, patting his back. "Promise me, okay?"

Jiyong gave him a puzzled look.

"Okay, now this is getting weird." He said raising an eyebrow.

"Why worry so much? You'll be back here in no time."

Wooyoung turned to him with a serious look on his face.

"I'll tell you a secret but promise me that you won't tell anyone." He said.

"Go on,"

"I like Dara."

"I like Dara too."

"Not like-like." Wooyoung rolled his eyes. "I mean I feel something special for her."

"Huh?" Jiyong uttered. "You mean..." His eyes widened.

Wooyoung shyly smiled and nodded.

"How could you?!" Jiyong exclaimed, pushing him. "She's like our sister, for God's sake!"

Wooyoung shrugged his shoulders. "It just happened."

"Oh man! You're sick!" Jiyong pushed him again, making his friend lean to the side.

Wooyoung just smiled.

"Jiyong-ah, promise me that whatever happens you'll take good care of her." He said seriously. "Don't make her sad or hurt."

"You don't need to say that." Jiyong said, waving his hand. "We're her big brothers, remember?"

Wooyoung sighed. "When I come back, I'll definitely confess to her."

His friend's eyes grew wider, shaking his head in disgust. "This is REALLY getting weirder!"

Both managed to laugh.

= End of FLASHBACK =



Wooyoung was able to calm Dara for a bit.
After the call, he got ready for school.
His mind was full of Dara and how he feels helpless because he's not beside her when she needs her the most.
He can't blame Jiyong, he knows Jiyong has his own life too.
He can't watch Dara 24/7.

"Just wait a bit Dara," He whispered while looking at his reflection on the mirror. "I'll come back next year and everything will be fine."

He grabbed his cellphone and checked his watch.
'There's still time.' He thought.

Wooyoung called Jiyong.
It's Jiyong who actually ordered him to call Dara since she's not speaking to him.
He wanted to know what's happening to her.
Dara's been avoiding him the past few days.

Unfortunately, Jiyong was not picking up and Wooyoung assumed that he's talking to his girlfriend, Chaerin.
"Why aren't you answering, babo!" Wooyoung muttered. "Aishhh, forget it!"

He ran downstairs and was greeted by his mom.

"Breakfast!"


**********


Dara was crying in her bed. She felt lonely, sad, and betrayed.
Part of her also wants to scold herself for acting like a brat.
Her best friend right now has a girlfriend. She should be happy for him... for them.
But instead, she went crazy and got mad at him.
She never felt that kind of emotion before.
But for some reason, she felt betrayed by Jiyong.

It was a long night and she's wishing it's morning already.
She closed her eyes with tears still flowing.
"I hate you Jiyong!" She sobbed.