Let's see if you guys can see something in this chapter that is different to my other chapters!!!!

                        I twisted my body just in time to grab the floor of the rocky cliff. While I struggled to hang on to dear life, I looked up at the stranger towering over me. In the darkness, I couldn’t make out any distinct features. His hair was very long, surpassing his shoulders at the back and his fringe covered his eyes. His thin lips didn’t smile nor frown. His lanky body resembled a robot.

            “You’re lying. Han Haeyoung is my friend.” I trembled. Since he already knew who I really was, I might as well stand up for my friends and myself. “Who are you?”

            “He was only pretending, stupid girl.” His gruff voice was emotionless. “He has always wanted you dead. And now, I am here on his orders, to kill you.” I in a breath and almost lost my hold of the ground above me. The man cackled at my disorientated self. “I think I can leave you like this. I wonder how long you can hold on for.” His mouth pouted a little but I knew that it was all an act. “Tsk tsk, what a pity, such a beautiful face. Don’t worry Minji, it won’t take long, trust me.”

            It was after he left that I tried to save myself. I was now certain that I didn’t want to die yet. It had been a careless thought before, I admit, but now it was different. The mention of Han Haeyoung only reminded me of the past I wanted to return to. It reminded me of my uncle and how he was waiting for our reunion. There was no way that I was going leave him.

            My feet kicked the wall, trying to find a gap to push me up but it was hopeless. My hand dug deep into the rocky ground. I could feel some granules crumble within my grip and I knew that I couldn’t hold on for long. “Help me.” I cried out desperately. “Please. Anyone.” I was really sobbing now. I couldn’t deny it, I was afraid of death. And I was creeping closer and closer to it. Was this really the end for me? Should I just let go and accept my fate? Hanging on was painful when gravity was pulling so hard on you.

            No! I didn’t want to die. But even if I tried to grab on tightly, that didn’t stop the rocky edge breaking away.  It was no longer a part of the cliff anymore, it no longer provided any support for me. I screamed in terror as I suddenly began to fall. But my fall was stopped short as I felt a strong hand tightening around mine.

            My eyes opened but everything was a blur due to my tears. I could feel myself being dragged up to safety onto solid ground again but the fear was still consuming me. I was so close to death, its darkness was creeping inside me, frightening me. Its coldness tingled scarily in every part of me.

            “Are you alright Minni?” The voice was so familiar to me. My throat was scorched from all the screaming that I failed to respond. But many things washed over me. Fear, relief, sadness, happiness and of the many was gratitude. He had come to the rescue again. I brushed the water out of my eyes with the back of my hand until I could see Jaejoong’s worried expression that was almost hidden in the night.

            His legs were sprawled apart and I was kneeling in between them, ever so close to him. Out of nowhere, I looped my arms around his chest. My face fell onto his shoulder and I covered my terrifying cries by suppressing my mouth over his collarbone, just below his shoulder. I never really needed anyone to depend on but at that moment, I felt like I really needed someone. What I went through haunted me, what I held in my arms comforted me. Whether it was because of that terrorising life-threatening moment or because of the appreciation of seeing Jaejoong’s good nature once again, what I was crying about the most, was the fact that I had survived the whole ordeal. I was still alive.

            “It’s okay.” It was his soothing voice again. His fingers cupped the back of my head and he patted my back softly. “It’s okay. I’m right here.” I peeled away from Jaejoong after I couldn’t cry anymore. I looked into Jaejoong’s eyes. It consisted of nothing but concern. He had the heart to care about others. He had the hand to save a life. So why was he hiding it from the world? “What happened?” He asked.

            “Someone pushed me off the cliff.” I told him. He stared away from me and looked at nothing. I knew what he was thinking straight away. “It wasn’t Danseol. It was a young man. I heard his laugh.” Then my mind became occupied with the mere memory of my false friend, Han Haeyoung. He had hated me to the extent that he wanted to kill me. He had never really considered me as a friend of his at all.

            “Do you know anyone who could be responsible for this?” He asked and I shook my head. Telling him the truth would mean that I would have to reveal who I really was as well. I turned away from him slightly looking out at the ocean where my corpse could have laid. After all this time, someone was still out there trying to get rid of me and my family. I wasn’t sure if they were the same people 8 years ago but one thing I knew for sure was that Han Haeyoung was involved somehow.

            “I don’t hate you.” Jaejoong murmured softly all of a sudden. I looked up at him, appalled. His lips twisted upwards and I could sense some humour in his next words. “I know that you were trying to kill yourself because I broke your heart, sweetie, but you can get over it now. I don’t hate you Minni.” He tried to suppress his laugh.

            I was stunned for a few seconds and then I hit him weakly. “This is no time to joke around Jaejoong.” I tried to keep my voice stern but the truth was, I was trying so hard not to break into a smile.

            “I really don’t hate you.” This time Jaejoong’s words were sincere. I was speechless at this point. He really meant it this time. “I have never hated you and I don’t think I can ever hate you.”

            “Then why did you tell me that you hated me?” I asked out of curiosity. “What are you doing exactly?”

            “I hated your selflessness.” He explained. “You seem to be a masochist or something and it really bugs me.”

            “So why did you make me your girlfriend?”

            “I just wanted to give you a hard time to see when you would break.” Jaejoong shrugged. He had been playing with me this entire time? I punched him again but it had no affect on him. “I’m joking.”

            “So what is the real reason?”

            “I needed someone to help me keep the girls away from me and you seemed to be the best candidate.” He seemed to become shy. “And I was afraid to ask.” He added. “But,” he began to raise his voice a little again, “If you don’t want to go through this with me anymore, I’d be happy to break it off.”

            “No.” I replied almost immediately. I stuttered a little at my quick actions and thought it through. Then I looked up at him with an expression full of determination. “I would love to help you out. I’ll definitely stay by your side until you don’t need me anymore. I promise.”

            Jaejoong smiled and I could tell that he was happy. “Well then, let’s do this properly then.” He stood up and pulled me up to stand with him. After I was up he knelt down again. His two hands clasped my left hand. “Would you, Minni, do me the honour of becoming my girlfriend?” He asked.

            I nodded and smiled happily at the official proposal. “Yes.” I said with a slight giggle. He pecked my hand despite the iota of dirt that still remained on it. “But I’m not used to too much intimacy yet and we’re not officially dating,” I said when he stood up again, “so not too much lovey dovey stuff this time, okay?”

            Jaejoong gave me a confused look. “Then what do we do then?” His voice had a hint of disappointment.

            I looked to the hand that was still holding mine. My fingers weaved between his. “We can do this.” I suggested. “And this.” I leaned in and gave him a tight hug, filled with love and gratitude. “And this too.” I pecked him on his left cheek softly. “Thank you Jaejoong, for saving me again.” I murmured. Jaejoong in my arms then seemed to stiffen. “What’s wrong?” I asked innocently and released him.

            I heard Jaejoong clear his throat and then he muttered. “Nothing.” He turned his head away from me. “I think it’s time for you to head off to bed.” I didn’t like the idea of sleeping alone, knowing there was someone out there trying to kill me. But what could I do? I couldn’t tell Jaejoong I was afraid. I just had to make sure that I locked my doors properly. So I followed Jaejoong, relishing his company that was soon to be lost. Fear was trying to overtake me but I wasn’t going to allow it.

            As we neared the girls’ cabins, I started to see that Jaejoong was dragging me to a cabin that wasn’t mine. “Jaejoong, whose room is this?”

            “You’ll see.” He said and knocked as quietly as possible. With a few knocks, the light switched on and the door was opened. Kimmi was rubbing her eyes at the door but she dropped her hand abruptly when she saw Jaejoong and I. Before the both of us could say anything, Jaejoong began. “Minni’s room was vandalised. I think that she should stay here with you tonight.”

            I saw a worried expression that quickly disappeared when she made her assumptions. “It’s your fault that she’s in this state.” She glared at Jaejoong. “Why don’t you take responsibility for it?”

            Jaejoong half smirked. “If you want me to take responsibility for it, I don’t mind it.” He admitted. “I’ll just let her sleep with me for the night.” He crossed his arms, his smile signalling to Kimmi that she had no choice if she considered my virtues.

            “Please can I sleep here with you tonight?” I asked. Jaejoong turned away from us, knowing that it was best not to in. Kimmi eyed me and then sighed.

            “Fine.” She muttered reluctantly.

            I beamed at her. “Thank you so much. You are really are my best friend.”

            “You better come in before I change my mind.” She suggested and I quickly walked into the room. Before I could say goodnight to Jaejoong though, Kimmi had already slammed the door shut.

            “Sleep.” She ordered. I was not used to her cold treatment although it had been going on for a week or so. I think it was probably because I hadn’t been spending much time together with her, but at this moment we were sharing a room. I thought she would have accepted the truth already especially since I already told Yunho to tell her the actual truth. However, I found it so hard to act casually around her so all I could do was follow her orders.

            I entered her bed and she followed. “I’ll probably be able to sleep in my room tomorrow when the bunk dries up.” I told her. “Goodnight Kimmi.” I tried to sound chirpy.

            “Wait what? Your bunk is wet?”

            “Well, it was full of tomato sauce so I had to wipe it down and clean it. So now it’s just wet.” I explained.

            I could see Kimmi tighten her hold on the rim of the blanket we shared. “That stupid Jaejoong. When will he see what he’s doing to you?”

            I smiled at the mere fact that Kimmi was concerned about me. “I’m happy to help him. Don’t blame him.” My words started to slur as I started to become comfortable. Slowly, Kimmi and I were going back to how we used to be. It was a very minuscule step but it was a step that had been taken. And that was enough to dominate my thoughts, even though I had almost died on this cold winter night.

                        At 7 am, there was a knocking at the door, waking both of us up. “Wake up Minni!” The husky voice could only belong to Jaejoong.

            I quickly opened the door because I was already awake and had been rummaging through my bags earlier for a change of clothes. “Shh.” I put a finger to my nose.

            He smirked but didn’t lower his voice. “Let me walk you to the bathroom to get washed up.” He offered.

            As soon as he said that, Kimmi was up and alert and rushed to my side, not caring about how she looked. “Minni is going to the bathroom.” She sneered at him disapprovingly. “She’s not walking aimlessly into the forest.”

            “Oh woops.” Jaejoong faked a gasp. “I just can’t stand seeing Minni on her own, even for a millisecond.” He tried to look considerate putting on a pair of puppy eyes, blinking cutely at Kimmi. “Would you be a dear and accompany my girlfriend to the bathroom and back?”

            “You don’t need to tell me that.” She snapped at him. I never knew Kimmi could be so grumpy in the morning. “I would do anything to ensure that you keep your erted nature to yourself.”

            “Why thank you very much.” Jaejoong clasped his hands together enthusiastically. He looked like a gay man to me and I couldn’t help but brighten up at his chirpy side this morning.

            I let out a small laughter when he walked off. Kimmi then turned my way and I went silent. “What are you laughing at?” She scorned at me. Yep, she was definitely not a morning person.

            After we washed up, we went to the eating area again. I easily found Jaejoong, sitting on a large rock, his shoes digging into the sand beneath him. I could feel my feet taking a few steps towards him but Kimmi tugged at my arm. “Aren’t you going to help us with breakfast?” She asked with a hint of urgency.

            “I guess.” I said, still eyeing Jaejoong. At last he looked up and I gave him a wave whilst Kimmi dragged me to the cooking area. I reached the outdoor barbeque that had two portable stovetops on top of it.

            Yunho was happily frying pancakes, using the stoves. “Morning Minni, would you like to taste it for me?” He asked. I ripped a piece and put it in my mouth. It was a bit too bland so I looked at the ingredients nearby.

            I saw the two things that I had in mind. In the batter I added a drizzle of vanilla essence and a few teaspoons of sugar then stirred. “That should do the trick.” I said and handed the bowl back to Yunho. He made another pancake and tasted it. I saw his face glow from the change in taste.

            “I think Minni has done enough this morning.” Jaejoong was right behind me. He had his hands on my shoulders. “Now if you would excuse me, I would like to take my girlfriend on a refreshing morning walk.”

            “Who said that you could take her?” Kimmi stammered at him. She was really irritated with his presence.

            Jaejoong looked from Kimmi to me, eyeing me with sincerity. “Minni, would you like to take a walk with me?” He winked at me. “I promise you it would be fun.”

            This was the first time I have heard a promise from him and strangely, I believed it. I turned to my friends who were waiting patiently for my response. I smiled sadly at them because I knew how they were going to feel when they hear my response. “I’ll be back before breakfast ends.”

            Kimmi grew even more frustrated but Yunho spoke before she could burst. “Yes Minni, be sure to come back. You have to have some breakfast before the day starts.”

            “Aww, how sweet!” Jaejoong forced a smile. “I don’t think she’ll be needing this breakfast though. She rarely eats anyways.”

            Kimmi’s glare seemed to penetrate Jaejoong figure but he was unaffected by it as he intertwined our fingers and tried to pull me along with him. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.” I mouthed to my friends who just watched me helplessly as I went further and further away.

            “Jaejoong, where are we going?” I asked when we were quite a distance away from the campsite. It was also quite chilly this morning as well since we were creeping closer and closer to the middle of winter.

            “Away from prying eyes.” Jaejoong managed to say while we climbed over some large rocks. “I don’t intend to bring you back before breakfast, just so you know.”

            I found it odd that Jaejoong was making me skip my meal. He was always the one making me eat but it wasn’t like I haven’t skipped a meal before, so I really didn’t mind. We walked to a park table that seemed be filled with the one thing that I couldn’t resist. “But why is there waffles there?” I asked my thoughts out loud. They were still steaming hot too.

            I felt Jaejoong’s fingers wrap around my hand tighter as his lips neared my ear and he muttered, “I thought that we should celebrate.”

            “Celebrate what?” I couldn’t help but let out a laugh with delight.

            “Celebrate what?” Jaejoong started to smile at my idiocy. “Well, we are an official couple now. We need to celebrate that.”

            “But-“ I began.

            “Minni!” I was pulled out of Jaejoong’s grasps and locked into a tight embrace. “Oh, how I’ve missed you!” Ms. Gu seemed to have pop out out of nowhere. “Has Jaejoong been treating you well? I made you some waffles because I heard that you love them.”

            “Good morning Ms. Gu.” I said when she released me. “Thank you for the waffles.” I leaned in close to whisper. “Jaejoong told you that I liked waffles didn’t he?”

            Ms. Gu managed a nod and led me to the table. “Now eat up. I also made some hot chocolate and put it in this flask.” She continued, completely ignoring the fact that Jaejoong was also there. Jaejoong didn’t seem to mind and took his spot opposite me. His hand reached for a crispy waffle but Ms. Gu slapped it. “This is your breakfast.” She spoke demandingly and pointed at a plate with two packets of icy pole sticks and a bottle of apple and blackcurrant juice.

            “Ms. Gu!” Jaejoong retorted. “It’s cold.”

            “I know, but this is what you get for making Minni freeze the other day.” Ms. Gu explained.

            “Ms. Gu, just let Jaejoong eat this.” I gestured to the waffles. “What if he gets sick?”

            “He can eat it, after he finishes these first.” Ms. Gu’s decision was final.

            I shook my head at her stubbornness. “I’ll help.” I took an icy pole and opened it. I took a bite and hissed at how cold it was but at least it tasted nice. Ms. Gu sighed in defeat. Jaejoong smiled victoriously. I pointed to him with the ice cream. “Don’t you dare do something like that again though. I won’t let you off next time.” I warned him.

            “You didn’t let me off the hook last time either.” He told me and took a bite of his icy pole. I guess I didn’t but I didn’t say anything after that. I really wanted to eat my waffles before they got cold.

            Ms. Gu left us after breakfast because we had to return to our school activities. Jaejoong was aware that we were going to the rock pools nearby so we had to be on our way.

            “How dare you let Minni starve.” Kimmi scorned at him, ready to start an argument any minute now with Jaejoong.

            Jaejoong snickered. “We had better things to do.” He bit his bottom lip whilst grinning, obviously trying to send the wrong message to her. His hands were in his pocket, I noticed, so he must really be taking my words last night seriously this time.

            “Jaejoong you erted little…” Kimmi looked around for a word, “rock!”

            “I am not little.” Jaejoong scoffed, faking a sense of irritation. “I am bigger than you although you’re quite big yourself.” He lifted an eyebrow in a playful manner. That just caused Kimmi to erupt. She was ready to hit him hard with her fist but unfortunately she slipped.

            “Kimmi.” I went to her aid to stop her fall. Kimmi however was more built than me, so it was obvious that I wasn’t much help. I was now in a position where I was going to be a soft landing for my best friend. I felt a warmth radiate against my back as I hit the rock floor. I had landed on Jaejoong again and this time, Kimmi was on top of me as well.

            I tried to get up quickly but that wasn’t easy when Kimmi was above me. After Kimmi became aware of the situation and rose, I did so as well. “Are you okay Jaejoong?” I asked sitting by his side.

            Jaejoong took in a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. He eyed me with discontent. “You have got to stop doing that.”

            “I’m sorry.” I mumbled shyly. “Here, let me help you up.” I held out my hand.

            “Only to let you fall on me again?” Jaejoong asked rhetorically. “I don’t think so Minni. I know how much you love laying on top of me but let’s save that for when it’s just the two of us, okay?” His voice was only for me to hear.

            I took my hand back and stood up abruptly. “I guess I know why was written on my cabin wall now.” I muttered a bit dully. Jaejoong wore a face of slight guilt. He quickly sat up and grabbed my hand before I could walk away.

            I felt the palm of my hand being pressed to his cheek. “Minni.” He sounded whiny and his voice was raised. Some of the students turned around to look at us. “When will we get to do it? I really want to do it now!” He was starting to resemble Ms. Gu, flaunting his childish nature like that.

            Everyone, including Ms. Oh was staring blankly at us. I felt myself redden within seconds as I tried to tug my hand out of Jaejoong’s. Jaejoong had a firm grip and held on even when he was standing up. He leaned in a bit and I backed out a little. “Who’s going to call you a now, Mary?” He whispered to me.

            I didn’t reply but I felt Jaejoong’s grip loosen so I released myself and rushed to Kimmi. “Kimmi, let’s go.” I told her. She broke away from her shock. I guess she couldn’t believe that Jaejoong had just blurted something like that out in public. She nodded and I walked away from my boyfriend who didn’t seem to mind my disappearance at all.

                        Jaejoong was very observant. When he was sure that no one was paying attention to him, he darted from the rock pools and trailed after a mysterious man who had been watching from afar on a pathway on the side of the cliffs.

            The man had light steps and had very lanky body. His actions looked skilled though. As he crept away from the scene, he made sure to turn and look back a few times in case he was being watched himself.

            Jaejoong had almost been caught once, but fortunately the path on the cliff wasn’t an open one. There were shrubs and tight turns where he could hide himself completely. When Jaejoong was quite close, he thought he would bring in a casual approach.

            He grabbed the man’s shoulder but the man turned around and launched an attack in which Jaejoong dodged neatly. Jaejoong however felt a on his other shoulder and stumbled back a little, holding the rocky wall for support.

            The stranger took this opportunity to run for it, but Jaejoong quickly regained himself and chased after the tall man. On an open area, Jaejoong tackled the man to the floor. Although the man was skilled, he didn’t have much muscle yet. Jaejoong used his weight and strength to keep the man pinned down.

            “Who are you?” Jaejoong asked between clenched teeth, his hands grabbed both of the stranger’s wrists and twisted it behind his back. “Why are you watching Minni?”

            “Afraid that I’m going to kill your girlfriend?” The man had a very deep voice. The stranger’s cackling annoyed Jaejoong.

            Securing the man’s hands with one hand, Jaejoong used his free hand to knock the man’s face to the ground once. “What is your purpose?” He interrogated.

            The criminal spat fresh blood onto the sand beneath him. “To fulfil the wishes of Han Haeyoung.” He announced clearly. “But of course you wouldn’t know him because you don’t even know who Minni is, don’t you?”

            Jaejoong was taken completely by surprise. The man below him took his chance to break free, rolling over and giving Jaejoong a punch across the face before he ran into the forest.

            A lot of questions ran through Jaejoong’s head. The concern on his face was evident on his face. His hands were sweating and he could feel his body tingling with suspicion. But instead of running after the lanky man, he rushed back to the rock pools. Why?

            Because he truly cared about Minni.

AN:

Okay, just before I forget. I have to show some gratitude to my fellow readers who have done phenomonal things for me and Love in the Ice.

First of all are the voters. I have only four votes and I'm not sure if i deserve the votes yet but I am ecstatic to find that there are readers out there who are happy enough with Love in the Ice to vote for it. Thank you so much for your support. I am so happy XD

So thank you, jaeshinki, ChunNong12, Minki_Locket_NL and kristelle001

And lastly, I would like to thank hanapark6002 for always following and commenting on my story. I really really really really (like for real) really appreciate your support and your love for my story.

I send my regards to all five of you (air hugs)

Enjoy everybody... whitedreamm is signing off ^^