“Jiyong!” 

Her voice vibrated in my ears. Her eyes were shooting daggers towards my direction. I tugged my wrist from Jiyong but, he just tightened his grip on me.

“What’s going on here?”

Neither of us answered. My already abused heart was about to burst inside my chest.

Please. Someone save me. I silently prayed.

“Kiko-“  I stuttered.

“There you are!”

Oh God. Thank you!

Hyori unnie appeared unexpectedly. She tackled Jiyong into a hug.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Jiyongie.” She chirped.  Patting Jiyong’s back on the process.

“Noona-“ He mumbled. Hyori understood his predicament.

“Who’s this?” She turned to Kiko while still hugging Jiyong.

 “I’m Jiyong’s girlfriend. My name is Kiko Mizuhara.”

She emphasized each word.  Loud enough to make others turned their heads to us.

“We finally meet. I heard so much about you.” Hyori offered her hand to her. They shook hands briefly.

“I guess I’m quite popular these days.” She said with her eyebrows raised.

“I and Dara are going someplace else. Would you like to join us?”

“Oh! I’d love to. But Jiyong and I already have plans. Right, Jiyong?” She stepped closer to Jiyong  who had regained composure. His jaw tightened at the mere touch of the girl.

“Maybe next time then.” Hyori said.

“Shall we go, Dara? They’re waiting for us.” Unni hooked her arm on mine pulling me closer to her. I forced a smile. I realized my knees were shaking when I tried to make a step.

I ignored Jiyong’s murderous glare. He wanted to protest with Hyori’s idea but, Kiko’s presence was holding him back.

I didn’t know how I managed to get out of the bar alive. I was gasping for air when I finally stepped outside. Hyori unni just watched me as I try to pull myself back together.

“How are you gonna survive if you are like this?” Hyori said pointedly at me.

“I think I did well back there. I didn’t shed a tear, did I?” I answered sarcastically.

Who am I kidding? Said the other voice inside my head.

“Very funny.”

“Do you still want to continue?”

“I think I already had enough for tonight. Why don’t we go some place more sober?”

“Which is?”

“Follow me.”

Han River.

An escape from the noisy world we are living in.  It’s where tired and lost souls come to ease their burdens. 

We found a spot just below the bridge. There were a few couples making out not far from us. Oblivious of the passersby ogling at them.

“We kind of look out of place here.” Hyori commented.

I chuckled. With our party dress on, we were quite conspicuous.

“So, what’s the plan?” Hyori asked.

I kept silent for a while.  After tonight, I don’t have anything in my mind. I just want to forget everything for a while.

“I don’t know.”  I sighed heavily.

“I already started it. There’s no going back.”

“I think you need a change of environment.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have an idea. But, I need YG’s approval.”

Hyori sparked my curiosity. She started calling people on her phone. She had a determined smile on her lips. My ears extended when I heard her talking to YG.

My eyes widened as I realized what Hyori was planning all along.