Inspiration in writing this: B2ST's SAY NO { http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XdYCSKHVY0 }

Jaeyeon was busying herself in the kitchen as she prepared the food she was going to bring to the picnic with her fiance, Gikwang. She just finished packing after a few minutes and was ready to go when her cellphone suddenly rang, to which she immediately responded to. "Yoboseyo?"

She was greeted by a rather weak voice on the other line. "I'm sorry but I couldn't go with you today. Something urgent came." She heard Gikwang sigh through the phone. "But I know you've really prepared a lot for this so I don't want your effort to go to waste." He continued. "Will it be okay with you if I ask my best friend to go and meet you instead?"

Jaeyeon really felt sad and disappointed at the moment. She really wanted to spend time with Gikwang because today was not just any of those ordinary days -- today was her birthday and she really wanted to be with someone special and important on this day. But since everything was set and the food can't go to waste, she just agreed to it.

On the other line, after putting the phone down, Gikwang really felt bad of himself. He didn't even greet her and felt like he's simply pushing her away. Well anyway, that's what he's really doing -- slowly pushing her away so that in the future, it would not be very difficult for him to part ways with her.

FLASHBACK: { GK's POV }

I was staring at my phone the whole time and I could not sleep. It's Jaeyeon's birthday in just 10 seconds. I started to count down from 10..9..8.. until it reached 3.. 2.. and finally.. it's already the 17th of September, my fiance's birthday. I stood up and turned to my right, seeing my best friend sleeping. I walked closer to him and shook his left shoulder lightly. "Hey Woon" I said, "Wake up" He just replied with a groan and continued sleeping but that did not stop me from trying to wake him up. And finally after few more tries, I was successful in waking him up.

"Look, listen.. today is Jaeyeon's birthday. We have already talked about this before, right?" I told him. "She has set up a picnic for both of us.. but I'm not going. I'm sending you there instead." Dongwoon, my best friend, was just listening to me while rubbing his eyes, and I could tell that he was still half-asleep at the moment.

"You know why I'm doing this, right?" I looked at him with a face full of sadness, feeling teary-eyed. "Oh! And don't forget to give her tulips. She likes tulips." I added, trying to hide the sadness that I'm feeling inside.

"Hyung" I heard Woon finally spoke. "You don't have to do this. It's true that I like her but you don't have to do this. You are her fiance, and both of your are going to get married to each other.. soon." He told me, making a lot of sense.

I calmly replied to him saying, "Both you and I know what my current situation is.. and if anything happens, you know I can't trust her to anyone but you.. so please, take care of her." And I tapped his shoulder. "You're like a brother to me, and I know you would not dare hurt her in any way.. so please do me a favor."

And with that, I stood up and left, not giving him an opportunity to possibly refuse me.

-end of flashback-

Making this decision was not easy for Gikwang. They have been in a relationship for almost 3 years already and are about to get married, but he felt like he had no other choice left. He was ill and he did not know when his time will come so this is the only he has thought of -- to put his fiance in his best friend's care.

It was already noon, just about the time that they'll meet. Jaeyeon was already at the park. She already laid the mat and placed the food there. She thought to herself that maybe the phone call earlier was just a little prank, that maybe Gikwang just actually wanted to surprise her.. so that's what she chose to believe.

A couple of minutes passed, she kept waiting but there was still no sign of Gikwang. She was about to get her cellphone from her bag when she saw a man appear, wearing a warm smile on his face and bringing some flowers with him. She actually hoped to see Gikwang standing there but to her surprise, she saw Dongwoon instead.

"Hi Woon~" She stood up and greeted her friend. "I thought Gikwang was just joking when he said you were coming." Then she laughed a little. "But he's also coming, right?" She looked at Dongwoon with hope-filled eyes, who couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

He just simply replied and told her, "Ani, he said he's going to be really busy with somne stuff today so he will not be able to make it."

Jaeyeon felt dismayed when she heard that. She didn't even receive a simple greeting from him and now he could not be with her because he was 'busy'.

"Here are some flowers for you by the way". Dongwoon handed her the tulips and he was relieved when he saw her smile at the sight of the flowers.

"Thank you for these. But, how did you know I like tulips?" She asked as she smiled at him.

"Oh, you do? That's great then! Well I really did not know what to buy when I dropped by the flower shop earlier.. so I'm glad you liked it." He was not the type who was good at lying but he tried his best to keep a poker face.

Accepting the flowers, Jaeyeon led Dongwoon to sit on the mat. They shared the food she prepared while talking about random things. She also told him that most of the food there are Gikwang's favorite. He was already starting to feel guilty thinking about how this poor lady had no idea about what's really going on. He was also moved by the fact that even if it was her birthday, she was thinking and putting other people before her first. Sure he likes her, but he did not want to take advantage of the moment that they are together. To him, her happiness is more important.. and he knows that happiness means being with Gikwang.

After eating almost everything on the mat, the two decided to stroll around the park and enjoy the fresh air breeze. Their hands were so close, it already brushed past against each other. Dongwoon wanted to take the chance to hold her hand but he knew better than that. He knew that once he let feelings get the best of him, it will only make him greedy and want her all to himself.

As they continued strolling in the park, Dongwoon's cellphone suddenly rang and it was a call from Gikwang. He immediately excused himself and walked a little distance so Jaeyeon won't hear their conversation.

"Hyung" he began.

"How are things going?" Gikwang asked on the other line. Sadness was evident in his tone but Dongwoon can tell that he was at least smiling a little.

"So far it's good.. but don't you think you owe her? I mean, if only you see her efforts.." The younger one trailed off with a sigh. He was about to say another thing when suddenly he heard someone sneezed, and when he turned around, he saw Jaeyeon there eavesdropping on his conversation. He switched his cellphone off right away and kept it back in his pocket.

"W-what are you doing here?" He asked her, a little surprised. "Did you.. hear anything?"

"That 'hyung'... was that Gikwang?" She asked him straight away without hesitation.

"Ah, y-yes.. he was just asking how you are and told me to tell you that he's sorry for not being here."

Jaeyeon was happy that Gikwang was at least able to remember her but was disappointed that he really didn't greet her a happy birthday.

The day continued with Jaeyeon and Dongwoon spending time together at the park... talking and asking little stuff about each other, eating street food, and taking pictures like they were a real couple when they actually weren't. At least, for a little moment, she was able to forget the sadness that she was feeling.

As it started getting darker, Dongwoon told Jaeyeon that it's better if they already go home and offered her a ride. They gathered all stuff and placed it back inside the picnic basket the walked to his car.

Not so far from where they were, someone suddenly appeared from behind a trunk... it was Gikwang. He had actually been watching the two of them in silence throughout the day. He just wanted to make sure everything will turn out well.

"I believe this is for the best." He whispered to himself as a small smile crept to his face becfore he slowly walked away.

---oOo---

The next morning, Dongwoon visited Gikwang in the latter's apartment and they talked about what happened the previous day.

"Hyung, I can't believe you didn't even greet her. You could have at least done that. She wasn't expecting too much." Dongwoon told his hyung, worry evident in his tone.

"Ani, if I want to avoid her then I should start avoiding her by all means." Gikwang replied as he was standing by the window of his room, looking at the view outside. Seconds later, he noticed a tiny figure walking towards the direction of his house and it was not long before he figured that it was Jaeyeon.

"Woon, Jaeyeon is on her way here. She can't see me. Please face her and tell her I'm not here." He pushed his friend lightly and opened the door for him.

"But hyung" Dongwoon protested, "You can't always be like this. You can't always avoid her whenever she wants to have a word with you." Then he closed the door and continued, "When are you going to tell her about your condition? If she would not know now, then when? And from whom?"

"Yah, you sound like you a lecturing me right now. Are you my father or something? Please Woon, do me a favor just this once... or, I know this is not the first time I asked a favor from you but please." Dongwoon said nothing and just sighed before leaving the room and heading downstairs. As if on cue, the door bell rang and he answered it, revealing a surprised Jaeyeon.

"Hi Woon, we meet again" She flashed a genuine smile that almost melted Dongwoon's heart. "What are you doing here? Where is Gikwang?" She asked as she took a step inside the house, making Dongwoon step aside.

"Ah, he's not here. Earlier he called me and asked if I could come here and guard the house since he will be away." As much as he didn't want to lie, he just formed another one once again, hoping that Jaeyeon would believe it.

At that point, Jaeyeon was already starting to doubt. She had thought if he was possibly avoiding her because since yesterday, he didn't even talk to her, didn't even greet her on her birthday, and now.. Woon says he is away but did not even tell her a thing. But Jaeyeon just shrugged it off and put into consideration that maybe Gikwang was just really busy with some stuff.. that perhaps he might be preparing a surprise for her -- that's what she wants to think of right now... to get rid of the negative ideas.

Gikwang just stayed in his room, but he left a slight opening to his door so that he will be able to hear their conversation downstairs. He couldn't help but feel guilty as well when he heard Jaeyeon complaining as to why he didn't talk to her and all but he remained firm with his decision not to keep in touch with her anymore.

"I might tell you someday, but definitely not now. I'm sorry." He uttered with apolgetic eyes.

---oOo---

Day 3 came, same thing happened. Gikwang was always finding excuses and of course he wanted to give Jaeyeon and Dongwoon more time to spend with each other. Day 4, 5, 6... until Gikwang decided to write a letter saying that he's leaving for another country for family businesses purposes.. but of course that was only a cover-up. He then asked Dongwoon to hand the letter to Jaeyeon and tell her that he received that letter just some minutes ago when in fact, it has been with him for almost a day now.

Jaeyeon was already feeling very down at the moment thinking how he could do this to her... but still at some point, she tried to understand that maybe the matter was really urgent and he had to go without thinking twice.

The letter even contained Gikwang's condition that if he could not return within a month or two, Jaeyeon could end her relationship with him, and that if she wants to replace him, it should be no one else but Dongwoon.

Jaeyeon was tearing up as she kept reading the letter. Dongwoon just patted her back to comfort her. "I'm sorry this has to happen. I don't even know why he had to do this." He gave her a friendly and comforting embrace as he sighed. He had the chance to tell her what Gikwang was planning all along but he chose not to because Gikwang asked him and he also believes that his friend will really appear one day and decide to take a step and tell her everything.

---oOo---

The following days and weeks have not been easy for both Jaeyeon and Dongwoon. Gikwang on the other hand still keeps in touch with Dongwoon only to ask about Jaeyeon's condition. Although he did not move to another country, he went to another place far from them as he did not want to interfere anymore in whatever that was going on with the two.

After a couple more of days, the 2-month period that Gikwang stated in his conditional letter finally came. Jaeyeon feared this moment. She was scared and worried at the same time. Truth be told, she started to harvest feelings for Dongwoon during the past times that they were always together but knowing that she was still officially with Gikwang told her it would be wrong to commit to someone else.

---oOo---

It was a Saturday, Dongwoon's birthday. Jaeyeon specially organized a little birthday celebration for him and invited some of their common friends to the party venue since she really like celebrations like this. She already knew long ago that he has feelings for her, and today, she finally decided to accept and return the feelings. She had made up her mind that she was going to reveal that during her little speech at the end of the party.

The guests were pretty much enjoying the moment, chitchatting with each other while enjoying the good music that was playing in the background and eating snacks served right there. Dongwoon, however, could not be seen anywhere so when Jaeyeon noticed this, she decided to look for him all around the house.

And there she spotted him near the main door. She was ready to approach him when she stopped as he was talking to someone.. someone rather familiar. The back of the person was facing her so she could not make much of it... so what she did was to take steps closer and kind of eavesdropped on the conversation that they were having.

"Woon! It's been a long time, huh?" The guy tapped Dongwoon's arm. "Happy birthday, my favorite little brother." He tried to ruffle Dongwoon's hair but the latter avoided him just before he could.

"Yah hyung, I'm no longer a kid. And besides, my hairdo will be ruined." And they both laughed at what he said.

Jaeyeon was about to go since she thought it would take a long time for them to talk when she heard Dongwoon asked the person, "Do you want to go inside? I'm sure you'll enjoy there. The food and the people plus the atmosphere are great."

And so she decided to stay a bit longer... but the next words she heard really surprised her... and she couldn't believe how familiar the voice was, she couldn't believe how she realized it only now..

"No, I don't want Jaeyeon to see me. All the plans and the things we have done in the past will only go to waste when that happens."

And now she was sure it was Gikwang's voice. She was ready to leave the place but she stood up, she stumbled over some stones on the ground, causing her to lose balance and eventually fall to the ground, which caught the two guys' attention as they turned their attention to her. Instead of waiting for help, she immediately stood up and approached them, obviously feeling angry at what she had just heard.

"So" She started, "Hello there, Gikwang" She smiled at Gikwang then asked him, "How was the family business trip? I can't believe I'm actually seeing you here after all this time."

"Jay'' He called her by the nickname he gave her and tried to hold her arm but she yanked his hand off. "I want to explain things."

"Oh yes~" Jaeyeon cut him off. "You really have lots of explaining to do.. And you~" She turned to Dongwoon, "You have to explain too. What's this 'plan' he was talking about? Is it the conditional letter telling me to be with you in case he doesn't return?"

Right at that very moment, confrontation began. Jaeyeon kept shooting questions to Gikwang and Dongwoon, letting all her frustrations out. They could even barely find time to answer and explain.

Jaeyeon was obviously mad and hurt because she felt like she was betrayed, she was fooled. She was really in love with Gikwang before but then one day, everything about them seemed to fall when he no longer contacted her and all, and what's worse is that he left her.. with an unclear reason. And now, when she's finally starting to move on and find new love in his best friend, he resurfaces in her life? It's totally not what she wished for.

"I-I think the two of you need to talk" Dongwoon suddenly delcared as he looked down and took few steps backwards. "But please.. don't get mad at him. He has a big reason why he did this." And then he walked away.

Gikwang pulled Jaeyeon's hand and brought her to the poolside since not much was there and she was left with no choice but to follow.

"You can start explaining now." Jaeyeon plainly said.

Gikwang heaved a deep sigh before starting to speak, "I'm sick.. I'm ill. I did that because I'm not sure when my time will come. I've been sick ever since I was a child but I didn't know about it until now" Then he looked at her straight into the eyes, seeing the tears that are threatening to fall down her smooth cheeks. "Please don't hate Dongwoon, he's out of this. Everything was my plan and I merely convinced him to do me a favor."

Jaeyeon just stood there, feeling speechless. She chose to keep quiet and listen to him instead. He held her right hand in his before continuing, "I know I will be gone someday. I have a heat failure... and my doctor told me that the next two attacks I will have will be really dangerous... and that the second one might be fatal. I don't want to leave you behind though. And no, I don't want you to go and be with someone I don't know.. so I chose to do this, and because Dongwoon likes you, I've thought about setting you up together. I will really be happy if you two end up together." Gikwang smiled at her. "He's good for you. I know he treats you really well."

Jaeyeon started sobbing as she heard those words from him. "Tell me you're kidding. This isn't true, right?" She faked a laughter, hoping that this 'joke' would end but Gikwang's expression didn't change.

Instead, he just softly smiled and told her, "Do you think this decision was easy for me? It's nowhere near easy.. but I know there's no other choice left." He squeezed her hand lightly before wiping the tears on her face. "Please promise me you'll be with him when I'm gone."

"But you're still here!" She nearly shouted out of frustration. "Do you know why I'm feeling mad right now?" She started as tears continued streaming down her face. "It's because I'm starting to fall for him and now I'm ready to tell him that but you suddenly appear and reveal this truth to me. You're making me feel guilty!" She continued crying and he embraced her to comfort her.

"No, don't feel guilty." He smiled and patted her back lighlty. "We all know that will still happen someday. And you and him? You look perfect with each other... trust me." He gave her an assuring smile.

"Are you seriously giving me away right now?" She shot her a glare and he only laughed at the sight. "And well you said 'might be', right? Now what are the chances that you would not survive the attack?"

Instead of answering the question, he decided to avoid it. "Well you know you have to choose now. It's either you choose me and stick with me until the end, meaning you can't find anyone else after even after I'm gone.. or you choose Dongwoon who's there to love and protect you." Then he caressed her cheek. "Look, I know you think of him as a selfish person right now because he didn't tell you, but believe me.. he was feeling guilty all this time. It was my fault that he didn't tell you. I asked him not to. I told him I'll be the one to tell you everything someday."

"Now, I have one last thing to ask you.. and you can only answer with 'Yes' or 'No'." He continued.

Jaeyeon blinked her eyes twice as she put all her attention to him. "I promise to be honest."

"Do you love him?" He asked.

And without hesitation, she answered "Yes, I do."

Gikwang smiled and said, "Then be with him."

As soon as he said that, Dongwoon appeared beside Jaeyeon and held her left hand, making her turn to him.

"You've been here all this time?" She asked him and he nodded.

"Ahn Jaeyeon, please be my girlfriend." He bravely asked Jaeyeon in front of Gikwang.

Jaeyeon smiled and nodded then Dongwoon hugged her tightly. Gikwang smiled at the scene in front of him, feeling that he can finally be at peace.

"Hyung" Dongwoon offered a handshake and a fist bump.

"This is probably the best birthday gift I've received. Thank you."

Gikwang tapped his shoulder and said, "There's no need to thank me." And then he added a threat, "But make sure to take care of her, or else.. I'll haunt you after I'm gone." causing the three of them to laugh.

---oOo---

It's been five years now since that confrontation happened. It's also been five years since Dongwoon and Jaeyeon's wonderful relationship began to unfold. And now, they're happily married with one child.

Today, they were going to celebrate Gikwang's bithday. Jaeyeon was busy preparing the dishes that Gikwang liked the most while Dongwoon prepared the car.

As soon as she finished, she started packing the food and went to get her son's stroller. "Baby, today we're going to visit mom and dad's friend, ne?" Then she went straight to the car after making sure that the house was locked.

It didn't take them long to arrive at Gikwang's place. Jaeyeon spread the mat on the ground right away and brought some food out from the basket.

"Gikwangie, we're here again. Because today is your birhtday, we decided to spend the day here with you." She smiled as she spoke.

Some minutes later, Dongwoon came and sat from across her. "Hyung, look! Jaeyeon prepared all your favorite dishes. She's really thoughtful, isn't she?" And he let out a chuckle. 

After they finished eating, they placed back all the remaining food back in the basket. All of a sudden, Jaeyeon took her son from the stroller and placed him on her lap. And facing Gikwang, she said, "Look, isn't he handsome? Just like his appa." She laughed before contuining, "He is 1 year old now by the way. I know it's the first time you're seeing him. I'm so sorry we weren't able to visit last year because things just really came out of hand." Then she looked at the stone in front of her and paused for a bit, as if trying to listen to what Gikwang has to say. "Aww don't be mad now. I'm sure you'll be happy with what I'm gonna tell you next. We named him after you~!" She happily chimed. "But we didn't get your whole name of course.. just the 'Kwang'. His name is Kwang Min~ Son Kwang Min. Cute, right?" Then she pretended to listen again. "Aigoo, don't argue anymore. I know you agree with me."

Dongwoon who was behind them was just laughing and smiling at how cute the 'conversation' between Jaeyeon and Gikwang was. The rest of the day was spent there as what Jaeyeon had mentioned a while ago. As it started getting dark, both of them touched up and fixed some things, bringing it back to the car.

Jaeyeon then stood up from her spot, carrying Kwang Min with her, and facing the stone in front of her, she said "Kwangie~ We'll be going for now. You take care there." She looked around her then back to the stone. "I guess you won't feel lonely there anyway because you have many companions here." She laughed softly before continuing, "Look after us, okay?" Then she lifted her son's right hand and waved it a little before walking away.

As she was making her way to the car, the wind softly blew on her and her son's faces. As if knowing what it meant, she turned around shortly to where Gikwang was and smiled then continued walking until she reached the car.

And there appeared Gikwang, standing beside his grave, looking handsome in his all-white clothes. And with the sweetest smile on his face, he whispered to thin air, "Thank you for visiting... I love you." and it sent another wave of cool breeze around the memorial park.