After you left, I’m always sad

No matter how sad I am, the sadness is not enough

I look for a place to hurt and hide

In front of my dark house, in my stopped car, in front of your house

A life without love is like poverty, the only thing remaining is an empty room

You and I, we’re like day and night, which cannot be together

Leessang’s new song was being played live, the audience sat in silence, drinking in the harmony and emotions of ‘Tears’. The MC even had his eyes closed whilst listening.

Alone between narrow streets in tears

In case someone sees, I secretly shed tears

I try so hard not to become weak

My tears

Sit alone on the stairs in front of my house in tears

In case you find out, I secretly shed tears

I try so hard not to become weak

My tears

As the song came to a close, everyone in the set stood and roared in approval and support, the clapping of hands deafening the studio. Gary and Gil stood there with broad smiles, bowing to their fans in the audience in acknowledgement and gratitude to their cheers. After a well deserved ovation, the MC cued for the interview to continue.

“Waahhh, Kang Gary ssi, Gil ssi…. One word. DAEBAK!!!!!” Again, the crowd were on their feet screaming and applauding. Shouts of ‘Kang Gary’, ‘Gil’ and ‘Leessang forever’ could even be heard down the hall from the set.

“Well everyone, that was Leessang’s newest hit single, ‘Tears’. I don’t even need to tell you judging from your reactions, that it was an absolute success. A of musical genius. How is it possible that the two of you, and let’s not forget Eugene, come together in such harmony. Your beats and rhythm are off the chart. And the lyrics, powerful to say the least. How do you guys do it?”

“Well we work hard to not disappoint our fans.” Gil said to the immediate approval of the audience and another round of applause. “It gets harder and harder in this industry. There are so many talented people these days and to able to even be regarded on the same level as them, is in itself enough to keep us pushing on.”

“One word: Sarang!” Gary chipped in, and the entire audience burst into laughter. Gary was the proclaimed ‘Love Specialist’ within Runningman and the public loved him for that. “Love of the music, love of the fans, love of Kpop, love for each other. Love is the driving force behind our music.”

The MC looked at them suggestively, “Is love also the reason for your deep soulful lyrics?” Gil looked directly at Gary, unsure of how to answer. The MC spotted that straight away. “Ahh Gary ssi, Gil ssi staring at you like that suggests that you are responsible for the lyrics of this song. Can I pry a little and ask what inspired you on the lyrics. Has this happened to you before?”, the MC directly asked Gary, grinning as he did.

“Ah, well, erm, *coughs* eotokke,” Gary fumbled in embarrassment at his question, earning giggles and ‘awws’ from the audience. He composed himself for a moment. “Well to be absolutely honest, it has. As I said, love is the driving force behind our music, and we put a lot of heart into all of it, not just the words. Hyung and I try to keep things realistic and on a personal level so people can connect with us as we compose. There are lyrics in some of our songs that came from our life experiences,” Gary unexpectedly answered truthfully.

“Ah jjinja? I can’t imagine either one of you could be as tortured as your lyrics depict. Surely there wouldn’t be anyone on this planet foolish enough to deny affection from either of you,” the MC continued. The audience roared in agreement and someone screamed out ‘Oppa marry me instead’ causing everyone to double over in a fit of laughter.

“ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. Anyhow, if you loved this person so much, why did you not try to pursue her more. Surely she wouldn’t deny you now. You are Kang Gary, love specialist and rap extraordinaire!” the MC teased.

Gil forced a fake laugh, discreetly eyeing his dongsaeng. “Gary-ah, Hwaiting. Don’t let this get at you. Be strong.”

However to Gil’s surprise, Gary didn’t hesitate in replying immediately, without any hostile tone. “The privilege of being this person’s partner is no longer mine.” This shocked the host and audible gasps could be heard from the fans. “She is happy with her current partner and it is not my intention of putting sand in other people’s ricebowl.”

“Wah, Gary ssi, that is very commendable of you. Jjang-yida! I noticed you said that the ‘privilege’ was no longer yours. That must mean you are still fond of this person. Do you still love her?”

“She will forever have a place in my heart, but, as I said, she is happy.” Gary quickly replied. Gil was ready to faint inside.

“Well, since you are here today, would you like to say a few words to this mysterious woman? I don’t know who she is, but I will say this: She is one lucky woman to be able to conquer this soulful man’s heart.” The crowd applauded to the last remark.

Gary looked right at the cameras as if to say this to her face to face. Sincerity was the most apt word to describe his demeanor. “It is obvious to me that you have found the person you want to be with. He makes you happier than I’ve seen you before, and I hope that you remain happy and in love for the rest of your life. Your happiness is my ultimate wish.”

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Hi all,

i know that this chapter is a little short, but i did want to end the chapter there since the last was a bit long. It seemed like a good stopping point as well, both in the story and in realtime since its way too late right now. Will keep updating as fast as I can. please continue to comment/subscribe and leave me feedback if you wish. Thanks again for reading and supporting my FF.

~C