Dara’s POV

I woke up earlier than I expected. It was apparently only 5am. Donghae will only pick me up at 10am as he says that girls need more sleep. I apparently couldn’t fall back asleep. I looked at my open closet to see my track suit and it sparked off an idea.

I stepped out of the house in less than 10 minutes in my track suit and ear plugs in my ears. I decided to go jogging. It seems like winter mornings is not a good time to jog. Apparently I was freezing. However, I cannot stop. If I do, I may freeze to death due to the decline of body temperature.

I bared with it. I rubbed my upper arm to keep myself warm. Suddenly, I felt something covering me. I turned around to see my friend, Lee Taemin. “Just let me help you, Dara” I’m indeed younger than him. He’s a few month’s older than me. I was in the same class as him since elementary school. Till 3rd year of Junior high, I started jumping grades, and I never seen him anymore after that. I remembered when I was younger, I was always bullied by other as I always fare well. Taemin was the only one who was there for me. I can’t help by smile to myself.

We were already sitting down on the bench beside the pavement. “Why are you smiling?” He gave me his signature smile that no girl can resist.

“Just thinking back about the times we had in school.” I looked up at the sky which was fairly a mix of orange and dark blue.

“Still jogging in the mornings?” I asked him again.

“Yup. A habit that I can never change.” He smiled again, but this time looking down.

“Seems like it’s my fault.” I chuckled. I remembered I use to want to lose weight and would go jogging every morning. When Taemin found out about it, he ran with me, claiming that he was always awake at that time and could not get back to sleep. However, I knew that it was because he wanted to accompany me. During classes, he would yawn and yawn, sometimes even doze off. I am happy to have a friend like him.

“It’s not. It’s just I like the morning air.” He was quite anxious at first, but then he relaxed and smiled, looking up an taking in a deep breath. “How I wish it’s like old times where we hang out.” He said with his eyes closed, still breathing in fresh air.

“I am really sorry… I felt that I abandoned you totally.” I felt really bad. Ever since I started jumping grades, I never hang out with Taemin anymore. It was like he disappeared from my life.

“It seems like it was just yesterday where I would see you from afar, talking to other people. All I could do then was watch.” He smiled.

“I’m really sorry...” I felt really guilty at that instant.

“But. It seems like yesterday we were strangers, but now, we are friends again.” He looked at me again, giving me the smile that never fails to give me comfort. “Want to get coffee?” I asked him as he yet again flashed his killer smile.

We were at Starbucks. He ordered 2 cups of hot chocolate instead. “Coffee is bad for health.” He smiled again and placed it on the table. He was still the caring Taemin I knew. The one who lectures you on health and sickness, just like Jiyong. I started smiling unknowingly again.

“Why are you smiling randomly again?” he gave me a questioning look.

“Just thinking of someone.” His smile faded.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, rarely seeing him act like this when we were younger. He was always the cheerful kid I knew. He just shook his head. I knew something was wrong. ‘’Hold your drink.” He held it tightly. I then stood up and pulled him out of Starbuck, to somewhere quiet where we can talk, privately…

End of Dara’s POV

Jiyong’s POV

It was only 7am and I can’t fall back into sleep. Everything that played in my mind was about Dara. I really wonder how she is doing now. Is she still sleeping? Had she had breakfast? I was so frustrated. Not seeing her for 4 days? Im gonna kill myself.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I jumped immediately grabbed it hoping it was Dara. However, to my disappointment, it was not. It was my soulmate, Yongbae. “Yah! Why are you calling me when you are next door?” I hissed in frustration.

“Chill man. Just calling you to ask you about that song.” After around 10 minutes, Youngbae finally hung up. I was missing Dara so much. I wonder if she was also missing me. I then remembered.

I ran to my bag and found what I was looking for. I placed it into the CD player and blasted it. It was the song I sang with Dara though she was not professional, she sounded like one. I listened to it over and over again. It was as if Dara was just beside me.

I then stopped the music and pulled out my iPod and continued listening to that song on full blast. I was cooking half way when someone pulled out my ear plugs from my iPod and the songs started playing out loud.

“Wow. Nice song. Who’s the girl?” Youngbae clapped a little

“Secret.” I placed my finger on my lips.

“What will happen if Dara found out?” Youngbae threatened and laughed.

“She won’t say anything. She liked the song too.” Youngbae had an O shaped mouth.

“Let’s ask her to feature for our new album since we need a female to feature.” Youngbae suggested.

“I don’t think she would want to feature in our album.” I thought for a while before answering.

“You didn’t ask how would you know?” Youngbae shot back.

“I just know.” Youngbae then kept quiet and headed out. I didn’t want Dara to get into trouble. Coming from a wealthy family, spotlights would be casted on her. If others found out that she was our manager and featuring for us, She would be in a huge mess. I slumped back on the couch thinking about the problem…

End of Jiyong’s POV

Dara’s POV

I pulled him in front of a lake. There was no one and a bench was there, facing the lake. I pulled him to sit down with me beside him. “Tell me what’s wrong.” I demanded, knowing Taemin is someone who is rarely sad.

“It’s nothing.” He shook his head and stared at the lid of his drink. I then sat facing the other side, not facing him, showing him that I was angry.

“Are you angry?” He asked softly. I ignored him. He nudge me and I ignored him again. This time he shook me and I got annoyed. “What?” I said, sounding a little angry.

“Don’t be angry.” He was like always, not wanting people to dislike him or get angry at him. I smiled, knowing that I successfully fooled him, however I changed back into the stern look.

“So tell me what’s wrong.” I said, still not looking at him, rather, I looked at the lake. “It’s just… I’m getting engaged.” He said softly.

“What?” I exclaimed, turning to look at him. He could only nod.

“Who’s the girl? Do I know her?” I asked. He shook his head. I know he was upset. When I was still talking to him in Senior high, he told me he liked a girl and he said I know her, but he didn’t specify who she is. I think he still likes her, causing him to be so upset now.

“I know you have someone you like, but there’s nothing we can do to help you. Your parents are very stern as what we know.” He was silent. I tried to lighten the mood. It was not always we get to sit down and talk like this. I don’t want a bad topic to ruin our conversation.

“Let’s talk about something else and lighten the mood. Don’t let that spoil our day.” He smiled a little, but not like always.

“How’s school?”

“Just finished the university entry exam. I am waiting for the results now.“

“That’s good to hear. Do you have confidence?”

“Dara-ah…”

“Yes….?”

“I like you, and…” Taemin spoke, and I hit him lightly on the arm laughing.

“Of course you do. We are good friends.”

“I really like you and…”

“I like you too.” I smiled.

End of Dara’s POV

Taemin’s POV

I found all the courage I had and confessed to Dara. However, she seems to treat me as her good friend, her childhood friend. I decided to then keep it all to myself and remain good friends with her forever, not ruining this friendship and be friends forever.

I Looked up at her and flash her my most charming smile. She was like always smiling and trying to cheer me up when I am down. “Can I hug you?” I asked her. It was what we always did when we were in school. She looked a little shocked but she still nodded. I pulled her into a hug. I missed her so much. When she started jumping grades, I felt so alone. O had no one to talk to. She made new friends and we rarely talked anymore other than during the morning jogging sessions that’s why I didn’t get rid of the Jogging habit. It is so I can see her.

I felt her hugging me back. I want time to stop now, so that I can make the best out of time. I am going to make this the last time I feel like this towards her. I know she likes someone, but that person’s not me. I pulled away and looked at her. “I feel so much better talking to you.” I smiled.

“You always do. If you have problems, you can always come to me.” She chirped. How I wish I can tell her I like her, I don’t want to get married to that girl, but her. She’s the one I had been crushing since Senior high.

“I need to go now. I call you and we come out for coffee again? Since you are already on holiday, your time should be more open. Maybe you can even introduce me the girl you like.” She smiled and walked off waving. I see her getting smaller and smaller and eventually disappear from my sight. I wonder when will I see her again?

End of Taemin’s POV

Dara’s POV

I walked back home after talking to Taemin. He was still like before, as innocent and cute. He is such a nice guy. The girl he likes must be the luckiest girl in the world. I swung my hands and walked back to my dorm.

I looked at my watch and it was already 8am. I need to go home first since omma called me yesterday night. I quickly showered and got ready and left the house. I texted Donghae that I will be going home so he will see me at home.

When I reached home, I saw Dongho Oppa open the door with his smile. He bowed and led me to the dining room where they were all having breakfast. “Come and join us, Dara ah.” Omma gestured the chef to prepare a set for me.

“No need omma. I don’t have the habit of eating breakfast anymore. I will just have hot chocolate.” The chef then bowed and prepared what I wanted.

“Dara ah, it’s not good to skip breakfast.” Omma said as I took the seat beside her. I gave a slight nod to Donghae who sat opposite me, while he flashed his ever charming smile.

The chef came back not long after with my hot chocolate. I drank it and pulled Donghae who was done with his breakfast out of the house while bidding my parents goodbye as we walked out of the house. Oppa however was turning backwards and bowing to them.

I got into the driver’s seat of his car. He was standing outside the door. I opened the window. “Why aren’t you getting in?” I asked.

“I should drive. You’re doing me a favour after all.” He scratched his head.

I started off with Gyeongbokgung Palace. It consisted of an outer court, an inner court where the king, the queen and the late queen’s quarters were located. There is also a palace for the crown prince. It was where the crown Prince and princesses lived and there is also a study room for the crown prince.

“How I wish I was the crown prince. Their room is so grand.”

“If you really are the crown prince, I bet you head will already be filled with white hair.” I said.

“Why?” he asked. I think he really has very little exposure to the Korean culture.

“You will have to study many things, learn how to rule the country, learn every single history of Korea, every single writing there is, every creation of poets and writers. You must be adverse in Korean history.” I said.

“Then I would rather be myself.” I said rubbing the back of his neck. I could only laugh at his silliness.

“That’s what I say. At least now you only need to know how to handle your father’s company and get engaged to some girl. In the past it was worst.” I said. However, I totally forgot that he didn’t like the girl he was engaged to. When I turned to look at him, he was frowning a little and his eyes had sadness.

“I’m sorry. I forgot that you didn’t like the idea of being engaged.”

“I have a photo of her. My father said that we were friends when we were younger, but I don’t recall at all.” He said.

“Maybe you will remember her after seeing her? Think positive.”

“It’s lucky you are not engaged to anyone. You don’t have to suffer a fate like mine.” He smiled a fake smile before standing up, smiling genuinely.

“Let’s go for lunch. I’m hungry.” He rubbed his stomach. I looked at my watch and it was indeed lunch time. We went to a restaurant nearby. I didn’t realize that he was the one driving again. It seems like sub consciously I would sit at the passenger’s seat.

“It seems like you always go to restaurants rather than just normal food stalls or shops.” I said.

“I can’t really eat chill well. And I have a weak stomach.” He said while we waited for our food to be served.

“Next time I bring you somewhere to eat. It’s not spicy and the food is guaranteed clean.” I smile and our food arrived.

After lunch, we decided to go to the nearest place. We then went to Dongdaemun Market. He was fascinated with most of the things there. I then saw a pancake stall on the street and bought 2 of it. I passed him one.

“What’s this?”

“Korean style pancake. It’s sweet. You’ll like it.” He took a bit and his eyes lit up. He liked it. We walked around more and finally night time came.

“I’m so tired.” I sat at the passenger’s seat again.

“Let’s go to Lotte world tomorrow.” He suggested. I thought for a while. Why not?

“Okay.” He smiled and drove somewhere where we can have dinner. Dinner was like usual. We talked and laughed and talked again.

In no time it was time to go home again. He was driving since he said that I had did so much to make him understand Korea more.

“Can you drop me off at Gangnam later? I have something to do.”

“BIGBANG stays there?” I nodded and he went back to look at the road. When I reached the boy’s dorm, I thank Donghae and he drove off. I went up to their dorm. Apparently no one was home. I went to the boy’s room to see their things scattered everywhere. They are really very messy.

I cleared their stuff for them. It took me a while. I then sat at the living room to wait for them. I think I was too tired as I fell asleep. The next moment, I felt something covering me. I opened my eyes to find myself in my room and Jiyong was covering the comforters over me.

I sat up and looked at him. “Miss me?” I asked and smiled. He pulled me into a hug and it lasted very long. “I missed you so much.” He hugged me tighter.

“It has only been a day, Ji.” I hugged him back and got comfortable in his warmth.

“Not seeing you for an hour is already killing me.” I smiled. I didn’t know I meant so much to him. Other guys from what I see would not miss their girlfriend if they don’t meet for one day. I had a number of guy friends who would not even miss their girlfriend even if they didn’t meet up for weeks.

“You must be lucky that I could come today.” He looked at me and smiled.

“You seem tired. What did you do?” He push back my hair which was blocking my face. “I had to help my mum in something.” He nodded and wanted to ask me to go rest.

“I need to go home.” I stood up about to leave my room. He pulled my wrist making me bump into his chest. I looked up as he caressed my face. “You’re beautiful.” He kissed my forehead and loosen his grip. He had his hands on my waist till we reach the door.

“Be careful.” He said I went home. I was looking at the bus going past shops and people, couples. I wonder when will I be able to go on the streets with Jiyong like them. Hand in hand, laughing, talking, be as carefree as ever. I sighed.

Suddenly, something came in my mind. “Lucky you are not engaged to anyone. You don’t have to suffer a fate like mine.” It was what Donghae said. Will I really not get engaged to anyone. With my parent’s business expanding day by day, I hope that I will not get engaged. Omma and Appa won’t treat their only daughter as a business transaction would they? They won’t. I was debating with myself in my mind. I shook my head and got that thought out of my head.

I went home to find Bom sitting on the couch, dazed. Approached her and snapped my fingers, snapping her awake. “Oh, you’re back. I didn’t notice you.” She laughed a nervous laugh, stood up and left for her room. I looked at her puzzled. Did something happen between her and Eunhyuk?

I yawned and looked at the clock. It was already 12am. I should get ready for bed. I showered , dry my hair, took out my contact lens and headed to bed. It seems like during the Japan trip, Jiyong’s constant nagging drilled something in my head. I drifted off to sleep by reminiscing about what happened in Japan.

The next morning, I woke up by the ringing of doorbell. It was rings between long intervals. I wonder who would come so early in the morning. I wore my spectacles and headed to the door, not even caring about my horrible appearance. When I opened the door, it was Donghae. I opened my eyes wide and turned back to look at the clock. It was already 10.15am.

“I’m so sorry. I overslept.” I bowed furiously.

“It’s ok. I will wait for you.” He smiled and I invited him in and gave him a cup of tea. I was thinking of taking a quick shower, not wanting Oppa to wait.

“You don’t have to rush, every girl would want to look their best when they go out.” I didn’t get what he was saying at first.

“I am saying if you are afraid you would make me wait, I don’t mind. You can don’t rush your shower. As what I heard from you Appa, you take at least half an hour to shower.” He said.

“How did you…” I then dragged myself back to my room and headed to the shower.

When showering, I kept thinking why did Appa tell him so many things about me. I know he’s a friend but Appa didn’t have to tell him everything. It’s embarrassing to have guys know your secrets. I was finally done and I went to the living room, not finding Donghae there at all.

Suddenly, there was an aroma coming from the kitchen. I went there to find Donghae cooking. I look at the table, it was like a ten course meal. However, there was one thing I was attracted to, which is the chocolate mousse cake. Oppa then realized my presence.

“You’re done? I was just reheating your breakfast. Your mum insisted that I bring it here so you won’t skip the most important meal of the day.” He then sat down in front of me. I laughed silently.

“Why are you laughing?” He gave me a puzzled look.

“You look funny in an apron.” This time I burst out laughing. He was in the midst of taking it off then. When he was finally done, he ruffled his own hair and smiled.

“Do I look funny now?” he grinned. I shook my head and stared at the Bagel in front of me.

“I didn’t know Omma was into western breakfast.” I continued staring.

“I have been having western breakfast ever since I reached Korea.” He scratched his head.

I looked at him with pleading eyes. “Your Omma says you have to eat that. Every single thing.”

“Are you hungry?” I beamed.

“I just had breakfast.” He said.

“I don’t like people to watch me eat. Why not you eat the Bagel and I eat the cake? I’m still eating something at least right?” Oppa thought for a while before nodding his head in defeat.

“You’re the best.” I stuck out my two thumbs and extended my hand. He smiled and reached out for my plate.

“You like chocolate?” He asked. And I nodded my head.

“Cannot live without it. Must have a dose of chocolate a day.” I smiled.

“I only know most girls don’t touch chocolates is because they are afraid they would get fat.” He said.

“I do so much things in a day, I burn away all the calories in no time. And I love to exercise, but don’t have the time to. Working already tires me out.” I was already done with my breakfast and so was Donghae.

“Want to go Lotte world now?” He asked me. I shook my head.

“Let’s go to the park for a walk first. I feel full.” He agreed and we went to the park. After walking for around 15 minutes, we set off to Lotte world.

I haven’t been here for ages. It seems a little different from others. Since both Oppa and I are not afraid of thrilling rides, we took every single one of them. Roller coasters, pirate ships, everything. We had so much fun. The day flew past quickly. It was already night time when we finished almost every ride.

We watched the night parade. It was beautiful as always. I remember when I was a kid, I loved it. The lights attracted me so much that I never want to leave. We finally went to our last ride for the day, The Ferris wheel. The night view was amazing. It’s like I can see the whole Korea from here. I feel wonderful and it is the best way to end the night.

When we finally left Lotte world, I was very tired. I had so much fun. “Tomorrow is the last day for you to bring me around. Where would you suggest that we go?” Oppa asked.

“Do you have any where in particular?”

“Nope.”

“Why not we go shopping and buy your parents something nice?” I suggested since I remembered that his parent’s were not in town.

“Good idea.” He smiled.

“We can go Han river before that. Han river is a must.” I suddenly remembered since I saw water.

“Sure. You’re the guide.”

End of Dara’s POV