dashling_ice

Chapter 6 – Open Season

“Ok, that’s all for today. Have a nice day,” the professor said before leaving the class in which Seohyun belonged to. It is really a rare chance to see her attending classes but she is using these opportunities to go to school as often as she could especially now that they are bound to go to Japan for their tour. Seohyun and her friends decided to eat before they went home. As usual, their group consists of majority of girls and three boys all of them are close to her; some are her friends since high school. Their group sat on one of the table outside the cafeteria and they waited for the others who ordered their food. Seohyun and one of her friends were left to their table.

“So, how’s life?” Kim Dong-guk, one of Seohyun’s friends asked her.

“It’s fine. A bit tiring but I can manage,” she answered. She felt uncomfortable sitting there with Dong-guk. After all, they haven’t known each other that long. One of her friend just introduced them when the semester started and since then Dong-guk has been a permanent fixture in their group. He’s close to everyone except Seohyun, maybe because Seohyun is always absent and busy with her schedule as a member of Girl’s Generation.

“I heard that you’re WGM stint is over. How is that?” Dong-guk asked her.

“Yeah, our contract was finished,” Seohyun answered shortly, looking around to see if their other friends are coming.

“So you’re not married anymore.”

“I guess so.”

“So if someone confesses to you then you can accept him, right?”

“Hmmmm. I think so,” Seohyun absent-mindedly said. She is more focused in looking at her friends who ordered their food.

“Say if I tell you that I like you, what would be your answer?” Dong-guk asked her quietly.

“Kim Dong-guk, what are you saying?” Seohyun asked. She’s surprised at the sudden turn of conversation that they are having. One minute, he’s asking her about her job the next minute he’s suddenly confessing.

“Seo Joohyun, I like you. A lot. Can you be my girlfriend?” Dong-guk asked her.

“I’m sorry but I can’t,” Seohyun answered bowing to him to show how sorry she was.

“Why not? You’re not dating anyone, right?”

“I’m sorry, Dong-guk. I can’t accept your feelings. I think it’s better if we’re just friends. I need to go. Will you tell the others that I left first? I remember I need to be at our dorm early. See you next time,” Seohyun hurriedly say before standing and leaving her friend in the table.

Seohyun walked faster. She needs to get out of there. Just when she entered the taxi, her phone rings.

“Hello?”

“Seohyun-a, it’s me Jinwoon.”

“Jinwoon-a, what’s up?”

“Nothing, I’m just calling to ask how you are. We haven’t seen each other lately,” Jinwoon nervously said.

“Ahh. Ne,” Seohyun answered.

“Listen, I know you’re busy right now but if you have some spare time would you like to go out sometimes?” Jinwoon asked her.

‘Not again! What’s with today?’ Seohyun thought upon hearing Jinwoon’s question. ‘First Dong-guk now it is Jinwoon’s turn.’

“Ahh. Jinwoon-a, I think it I might be busy for a while. We’re preparing for our Japanese album and tour. Also we need to rehearse for the SM Town concerts,” Seohyun answered after a short silence.

“Is that so? Don’t worry I can wait. Seohyun you know that I’ve been waiting right?” Jinwoon said on the other line.

“Jinwoon-ah. You’re really a good friend and I hope that we can be friends for a long time. Don’t you think that we’re better off as friends?”

“Oh, right. Friendship is a good start. I like being friends with you too and I can wait. I will wait for as long as it takes for you to see me as more than a friend. Can you give it a try?”

“I’m sorry, Jinwoon but I can’t.”

“Is it someone else? Do you like someone else?”

“I’m sorry Jinwoon but I can only be your friend. That’s the only thing that I can offer,” Seohyun said.

“Jinwoon? Jinwoon-ah, are you still there?” Seohyun asked after a long silence.

“Yeah.  Ah, I need to go. Seul-ong hyung is calling me already. Nice talking to you Seohyun,” Jinwoon said before hanging up the phone. Seohyun can’t do anything but sigh.

------------
Few days later…

Seohyun is waiting outside the WGM studio while her manager talks to the PDs. She and Yonghwa were supposed to visit together but due to the latter’s schedule, she ended up doing this alone. While she is busy bowing to each and every one that walks in the corridor, Junsu of 2PM saw her.

“Seohyun-ssi, annyonghaseyo,” Junsu greeted her.

“Anyonghaseyo ,” she greeted back.

“What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I’m visiting the WGM studio,” Seohyun politely answered.

“Oh, really?”

“Ne.”

“I heard that you finished your WGM stint, is that true?” Junsu asked her.

“Ne,” Seohyun answered.

“So what’s next?” Junsu asked.

“We’ll be going to Japan for our tour and then we’ll continue on SM Town concerts. I think we’ll release an album too,” Seohyun said while constantly looking out for her manager.

“Really? That’s great. We’ll be promoting in Japan too,” Junsu said excitedly.

“Ah, ne,” Seohyun answered, wishing that her manager comes out to save her from this awkward conversation. Where are her unnies when she needs them?

“Maybe, if we ever meet there, would you like to hang out?” Junsu courageously asked her.

“Uh? I don’t know. I’ll be very busy...” Seohyun said.  ‘This is not happening. Where is Manager Oppa?’

“You can bring your members and I’ll bring mine. I think it would be good to spend some time since we’ll be promoting in there together,” Junsu said trying to convince her.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think we’ll be allowed to go and even if by some miracle we were given a day off, I prefer to stay at the dorm and get some sleep. I’ll tell my unnies that you invited them though,” Seohyun said slowly excusing herself. “I need to go. I think that’s my manager calling me. Nice meeting you here,” Seohyun said before she walked away a little bit faster than expected.

‘Ugh! Now Junsu Oppa is joining them too.’ Seohyun thought while she entered the WGM studio and greeted the MCs on the show.

“Hyungsoo-nim!” Jungshin called her.

“Junshin-chingoo!” Seohyun said glad to see a friendly face after her encounter with Junsu.

“What are you doing here?” Jungshin asked her, while Seohyun bows to all the staff in the studio.

“Oh, I’m here to do my last visit. I brought some drinks and snacks too,” Seohyun answered giving them the foods that she brought.

“Hyungsoo-nim!” Minhyuk greeted her.

“Anyong!”

“Oh, Seohyun-ssi. It’s nice seeing you here,” Kim Nayoung, one of the MC talked to her.

“Anyonghaseyo, Unnie. Anyonghaseyo Misun Sunbaenim, Jungmin Sunbaenim,” Seohyun greeted the other MCs.

“Hello, Seohyun-ssi. We didn’t know that you were coming,” Park Misun said.

“Yonghwa Oppa and I planned this but Oppa suddenly has a schedule so he can’t come.”

“I see. We just recorded you’re last episode,” Kim Jungmin said.

“Yes and it was great. It’s unfortunate that you have to leave the show,” Misun said.

“I know. I learned a lot being in this show for a year. I want to thank all the staff as well as the MCs for taking care of us,” Seohyun said smiling at the hosts of the show that she’d grown to love for a year.

“Us too. You taught us some important things too. Things that people nowadays are often taking for granted,” Jungmin said seriously.

“Well, we would love to talk to you guys more but we need to go. It’s nice seeing you Seohyun-ssi. I hope we can work together in a show or something,” Misun said.

“I hope we can work together too, Misun Sunbaenim. Take care,” Seohyun said. Seohyun watched the two hosts give their goodbye greeting to the other staff before they left.

“How about some lunch? Does that sound good?” Jungshin suddenly said.

“Yes. I’m kinda hungry. Will you join us Hyungsoonim?” Minhyuk asked her.

“Sure,” Seohyun agreed and the three of them went to MBC’s cafeteria to get something to eat.

“Hyungsoonim, get us a table while Minhyuk and me will get our food,” Jungshin said when they reach the cafeteria.

“Alright,” Seohyun nodded before she picked a table at the far end. She sat alone while she waited for the two. She looked at her phone when she felt it vibrate on her lap.

‘What are you doing?’ Yonghwa’s message appeared on her phone. Seohyun smiled when she read his text.

‘I’m here in MBC. The recording just finished. I saw Misun Sunbaenim and Jungmin Sunbaenim,’ she replied.

‘Where are the boys? Jungshin and Minhyuk are supposed to be there too.’

‘I’m with them. We’re eating in the cafeteria before I go to rehearsal.’

‘Really? Those two are lucky.’

‘Why?’

‘They get to eat with you. L’

‘Ah jeongmal! Oppa you’re being childish again. Have you eaten yet?’ Seohyun asked stirring the topic away from his band mates.

Knowing Yonghwa, if she let him continue they will be having another conversation about his endless jealousy.

‘I ate some sandwich. I think we’ll have a decent meal after the recording,’ Yonghwa replied.

‘Alright. Don’t forget to eat and don’t drink coffee. It’s bad for you,’ Seohyun said starting her nagging.

‘Ahrasso, Hyun Buin. Tell the boys to go directly to our company. We have some rehearsal to do too.’

‘Ok. I’ll tell them.’

‘Thanks. Love you. Miss you.’ Yonghwa sent with a couple of hearts in it as well.

‘Me too,’ Seohyun replied smiling giddily while she read Yonghwa’s messages.

“What’s up?” Minhyuk said startling Seohyun. Seohyun quickly hid her phone away from the two.

“Here’s your food,” Jungshin said arranging their food in their table.

“Thanks. Yonghwa Oppa said that you need to go to your practice room after this,” Seohyun said after their meal is placed on the table.

“Really? Did you text him?” Jungshin asked.

“Aish, I thought I can go look for some things in the mall,” Minhyuk said while eating.

“I’m sorry but he said you need to have some practice,” Seohyun said smiling at the two who is grumbling and sulking.

“Anyways, let’s enjoy the food,” Jungshin cheerfully said before demolishing his meal in front of Seohyun no less.

The three talked about everything and enjoyed their time together. They finished eating and separated in front of the lobby. The two riding their van while Seohyun riding hers. It feels great spending time with those two. Gone is the awkwardness between them and it was replaced by a friendship. It feels good to talk to her friends comfortably. Her phone rings and while thinking that it’s Yonghwa and without checking the number, she answered it cheerfully.

“Hello Oppa,” Seohyun said on the other line.

“Ah, is this Seohyun-ssi? SNSD’s Seohyun-ssi?” said the person in the other line.

Seohyun is confused as to who is calling so she check the number and found out that it is an unknown caller. “May I know who is calling?” she politely answered.

“Ah-hem. This is Song Dongwoon. Beast’s maknae. Anyonghaseyo,” the other line said.

“Ahhh. Ne. How did you get my number?” Seohyun awkwardly said.

“I got it from a friend. Actually, I stole it. He doesn’t know that I took your number,” Dongwoon said laughing nervously.

“Ah, ne. Why did you call?” Seohyun asked.

“Uh, about that, I was just wondering if.... you know....if .....ever you have some time....maybewecanhangout?” Dongwoon said stuttering and finishing his questions quickly.

“What? Can you say that again? I didn’t get it,” Seohyun said.

“I’m asking if ever you have some free time, would you like to hang out?” Dongwoon asked again.

“Ah,” Seohyun said stalling for answer. It surprised her to hear Dongwoon asking her out. She never talked to him except the occasional greetings when their group met at the music shows. To tell the truth, she is really flabbergasted.

“As friends. We can hang out as friends first if that will make you more comfortable,” Dongwoon suggested when he felt Seohyun’s hesitation.

“I’m sorry Dongwoon-ssi. I can’t go out with you. I’m really sorry,” Seohyun finally said.

“Even as friends?” Dongwoon asked.

“We can be friends but I really can’t hang out with you. We’re busy with concerts and then we will go to Japan and there are really many stuff that I need to do. I’m sorry.”

“We’ll be promoting in Japan too. Maybe we can meet there,” Dongwoon said.

“I don’t think so,” Seohyun said. It looks like Dongwoon is really testing her patience. “I need to go. Uhm, my manager is calling me. Bye.”

“Ah, ok. Bye,” Dongwoon said waiting for Seohyun to hang up before him.

Seohyun released a sigh of relief after the call ended. ‘Why do these guys keep on asking her out? Why all of a sudden? Is there something that I missed?’ Seohyun thought to herself throughout the ride to her dorm.

----------
Few days later, Seohyun is still being troubled by her co singers as well as some of her classmates asking her out. She talked to her unnies about it and their advices only confused her more.

“That’s normal. They’ve been taken with you since forever and now they want to try if you want to be in a relationship,” Tiffany said shrugging her shoulders then caressing Seohyun’s hair. “They like you, Hyunnie.”

“That’s not it. They like her because she is so innocent and those guys just want to corrupt her,” Jessica countered.

“I think we’re doing fine in corrupting Hyunnie. She doesn’t need those guys. Besides, I think they want her because she’s that girl,” Yuri said.

“What girl?”

 “That girl. The girl that is good at everything. Innocent but smart. Polite and charming. Beautiful without trying and to top the list, never had a boyfriend. She’s perfect, for them anyway,” Yuri answered.

“Unnie, that’s not true,” Seohyun protested.

“I think they like her for who she is,” Yoona said.

“How do they know who she is? They are not close to her, we are. They only know who she is as Seohyun of SNSD. They don’t know Seo Joohyun,” Sunny said.

“Unnie I’m not interested on why they like me. I want to know why they keep asking me out,” Seohyun said.

“That’s obvious. They know that you’re single. Now that your contract in WGM ended, it’s open season on dating you. Nothing is holding you back in having a relationship,” Jessica explained while they eat their snacks. They are in the middle of endless dance practice and now taking a short break.

“Except our management and our schedules. How can we find our future boyfriend if we’re caught up in a never ending shows and concerts?” Sooyoung said.

“Choi Sooyoung, we need to be grateful that they are giving us these opportunities. It just happens that it affects a large part of our social life,” Taeyeon reprimanded her member.

“I know that. I don’t mean it to sound like I’m not thankful because I am very thankful. It’s just getting harder these days. I’m human too, we all are, and I feel like I’m slowly getting tired,” Sooyoung explained.

“I get that. We just need to persevere. We can do this. Besides, I don’t think our schedules will stop us from having a relationship. Look at maknae, she found hers amidst full packed shows,” Tiffany said teasing Seohyun which made the others laugh and forget the serious conversation they just had.

“Imagine that! Why does the one who’s not even interested in guys found her first love and here I am shouting to the world every chance I got that I want to be in love and yet nothing,” Sooyoung said sarcastically while she smiled at Seohyun.

“That’s because you’re trying too hard. Let fate take over and we’ll see,” Sunny advised her.

“What do you know about fate? Huh?” Sooyoung countered.

“Trust me I know a lot about fate,” Sunny said.

“Don’t tell me. Are you dating somebody?” Yuri asked.

“No of course not. Why would you think that?” Sunny said denying the accusation.

“You’re the one who’s talking about fate and everything,” Yoona added.

“I’m not so stop it. We’re talking about Hyunnie here not me,” Sunny said.

“Thank you Unnie. I’m amazed that you still remember the real reason why we’re having this conversation,” Seohyun said.

“You’re being dramatic, maknae. I guess that’s the effect of spending time with Yongseobang,” Jessica said.

“No I’m not. Unnie-deul we’re talking about some important things here,” Seohyun whined.

“I don’t think there is a problem, Hyunnie. What’s happening is perfectly normal. We also experienced those kinds of things. You just need to get used to it,” Tiffany said seriously.

“But it’s so awkward and I don’t know what to say. It’s hard being polite if they’re being persistent. I don’t know how to decline without hurting their feelings,” Seohyun said.

“You just need to tell them that you’re not interested. Don’t try so hard not to hurt them because there’s no point in that. You’re not responsible in their feelings. You need to get used to saying no. Don’t think so hard about it. You just have to be firm in your decisions,” Taeyeon said.

“Unless you want to say yes,” Yuri teased her.

“Of course not. I have Yonghwa Oppa already. I don’t want anyone else,” Seohyun said.

“Aww!” her unnies cheered falling like dominoes on the floor.

“That’s so sweet!” Tiffany exclaimed.

“Guys, she said she has Yonghwa Oppa already,” Sooyoung said reiterating what Seohyun said making the other girls shout in excitement.

“She doesn’t want anyone else,” Yoona added.

“Unnie! Stop it!” Seohyun whined touching her cheeks to hide her red face.

“Uri maknae has grown up. I’m so proud of you,” Sunny said hugging Seohyun.

“Unnie, stop it,” Seohyun continue to whine trying but failing to stop her face from getting any redder.

“I’m so envious!” Sooyoung said.

“Oohh, Sooyoung needs some lovin’,” Jessica said before she hugged Sooyoung and planted a kiss on her cheek.

“Get off of me! That’s gross,” Sooyoung said pushing Jessica away.

“No way!” Jessica said clinging to Sooyoung. Then Tiffany saw them and decided to join in messing with Sooyoung. Soon the other girls join too.

Seohyun looked at her unnies having fun on her expense. She shook her head smiling before standing up.

“Where are you going?” Taeyeon asked when she noticed Seohyun stood up.

“I’ll go down to the practice room at the ground floor. I want to play the piano a little as well as think a little,” Seohyun said.

“Ok, but don’t go anywhere. Our practice will start any minute,” Taeyeon agreed.

“Ne, Unnie,” Seohyun said smiling at her leader.

“And Seohyun-ah,” Taeyeon called her.

“Ne, Unnie?”

“Think about what we said. Believe it or not but we’re serious in what we said even though it might look like we’re joking,” Taeyeon said.

“I know Unnie. Thank you very much,” Seohyun said.

“Anything for our favourite maknae,” Taeyeon said before joining the girls who are now done with Sooyoung and moved on to teasing Tiffany.

Seohyun left and went down to have some alone time. She entered the practice room and sat in front of the piano. She slowly tinkered some of the chords while her mind wander to what her unnies said to her. Getting used to saying no, looks like a good idea. Her unnies really know what to say in any situation. She’s still confused as to why those guys suddenly started showing signs of interest in her, well except Jinwoon because he’s been very vocal about his feelings towards her but the others really surprised her. She thought that saying her name as their ideal girl when they are in shows is just for entertainment purpose. She guessed wrong. Then a horrible thought crossed her mind. If she is having trouble in guys showing interest to her then what about Yonghwa Oppa. What if there are some girls who are making a move on him. Will he tell her about that? What if those girls are much better than her? Can she blame him? She’s ordinary. She’s still learning to be comfortable in the presence of the opposite sex. She has zero experience in dating. She doesn’t know how to be a proper girlfriend. She’s new to these things. Those girls are not. They might know what to do in a relationship. They can be cheerful and sweet to him. They can be comfortable enough to talk to him about everything. Yonghwa Oppa won’t need to be too careful when he is with them. He can be like his normal self. He won’t need to watch his every move. He won’t need to mind if he’s crossing some unknown barriers. Yonghwa Oppa has a lot of female idol friends, hasn’t he? What if one of those girls likes him? What will he do? What will she do?

‘Stop Seo Joohyun! You’re being paranoid,’ she scolded herself. ‘You’ll make yourself sick. Yonghwa Oppa is YOUR boyfriend. Besides, he told you that he loves you and you believe him. He won’t do that to you. Just relax.’

Her musings were interrupted when she heard someone entered the room. She looked up expecting to see one of her unnies, only to find Minho there.

“Seohyun-ah!” Minho greeted her.

“Anyong, Minho,” she greeted back.

“Good thing, I found you here. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”

“Talk?” Seohyun asked having a bad premonition. ‘Not again. Not Minho,’ she thought.

“Yes.”

“About what?” she asked hesitantly, almost afraid of what Minho is going to say.

“Well you see, ah…listen carefully coz I have a confession to make. I-I- t-th-think…..I’m beginning to…you know… li-“

“Stop!” Seohyun said before Minho finishes what he’s saying.

“What?” Minho asked, confused as to why Seohyun didn’t let him finish.

“Just stop. I know what you’re trying to say and I’m sorry but I can’t. Not that I’m exaggerating but believe it or not, I’ve been having these ‘talks’ with some other guys and I’m done with it. I’m sorry but I don’t think I am the right person to talk about that. I don’t know what got into your head that you think that I am ready to hear your confession but I’m not and I’ll never be ready. So my answer is no. I’m sorry,” Seohyun ranted staring at Minho.

“There are other guys who asked for your help in courting Krystal too?” Minho asked surprised at Seohyun’s sudden outburst. This is the first time that he sees Seohyun getting worked up. Usually she’s so calm and collected.

“Huh? What? Courting Krystal?” Seohyun asked looking more confused than ever. “What does Krystal has to do with your confession?”

“I want to confess to her. I thought you knew already. That’s why you stopped me from talking earlier, right?” Minho asked.

“You like Krystal? As in Jung Soojung? Sica Unnie’s sister?” Seohyun clarified.

“Yes.”

“Not me?” Seohyun asked.

“You? Of course not. I mean I like you as a friend only,” Minho said vehemently. “Do you like me?” Minho asked on second thought.

“What? No, of course not. I thought you’re confessing to me.”

“No I’m not. I’m asking you if you can help me tell Krystal what I feel. Maybe you can ask for some advice from Sica Noona.”

“Ah, ok. I get it. Sure I can help. I’ll ask Sica Unnie later,” Seohyun agreed, releasing a sigh of relief.

“Thanks but why would you think that I am confessing to you?” Minho asked, remembering what she said earlier.

“It’s complicated.”

“I get it. You said that you’ve been having some ‘talks’. Who confessed to you? Can you tell me?” Minho asked excited at the sudden news.

“No I can’t. That’s private.”

“Did you accept someone? Are you dating now?”

“That’s none of your business. Do you want my help or not?” Seohyun asked changing the topic.

“Of course I want it. Help me,” Minho said cutely begging Seohyun with each of his palms rubbing the other in front of his face.

“Fine, I’ll help you,” Seohyun relented.

“Thanks Seohyun. You’re the best. I owe you one,” Minho said thanking Seohyun.

Hyoyeon entered the room to find Seohyun and Minho talking seriously. She frowned because Taeyeon didn’t say that Minho is with Seohyun.

“Hey guys,” Hyoyeon greeted the two.

“Oh Unnie, you’re back. Did you buy all that snacks?” Seohyun asked when she saw the food that Hyoyeon is carrying. “You should have let me come with you.”

“That’s fine. What are you two doing here?” Hyoyeon asked.

“I’m just asking Seohyun something, Noona,” Minho answered. Hyoyeon’s eyes suddenly got big when she realized the situation to which she entered with.

“Let me guess, you’ve said some confession or something?” Hyoyeon asked.

“Oh, how did you know?” Minho asked surprised at what Hyoyeon said.

Hyoyeon suddenly bursts into laughter. “Oh my God, don’t tell me? Not you too,” Hyoyeon said laughing hysterically.

“Unnie, what are you saying?” Seohyun asked, worried about what’s happening to Hyoyeon.

“Noona, you’re scaring me,” Minho added.

“What I’m saying is that I never thought of you as one of Seohyun’s fan boys. I always thought that you like Krystal,” Hyoyeon said when she finally relaxed.

“I do. I like Krystal,” Minho admitted.

“Then what are you doing here confessing to Seohyun?” Hyoyeon asked, confused as to what Minho is saying.

“I asked Seohyun if she can help me tell Krystal what I’m feeling,” Minho explained.

“Oh, I thought you declaring your undying love to Seohyun too. Just like the others,” Hyoyeon said.

“No I’m not. Seohyun is my friend just like you Noona,” Minho clarified. “By the way, how did you know that I like Krystal?”

“Ah, that, it’s obvious. You always dote on her and your eyes follow her every move whenever you’re in a room together.”

“Am I that obvious?”

“Slight of,” Hyoyeon said smiling at her dongsaeng.

“You said that others confessed to Seohyun. Can you tell me who are they?”

“Well, there’s Jin-“

“Unnie! I told Minho that it is none of business. Don’t you think we need to get back to our practice? Taeyeon Unnie must be looking for us,” Seohyun said interrupting Hyoyeon.

“Right, Taenggo texted me when I was in the store to stop by here to get you. Let’s go. The girls must be looking for us,” Hyoyeon said.

“Hey, Noona you haven’t finished what you’re saying,” Minho complained.

“Ask Seohyun,” Hyoyeon said, giving some of the bags of snacks to Seohyun.

“She won’t tell me,” Minho said.

“Tough luck. Try again next time,” Hyoyeon suggested. The two of them already at the door.

“Noona!” Minho called.

“See you later, Choi Minho,” Seohyun said waving at him before she steer Hyoyeon away from him.

------------------
Seohyun entered Yonghwa’s apartment, THEIR apartment. Thinking about this place makes her feel giddy and causes the butterflies in her stomach to fly. She remembered the look on Yonghwa’s face when he gave her, her own set of keys, his intense gaze when he told her that she can come whenever she wants and her very own happiness when Yonghwa mentioned that he had it named for him and her, making this apartment theirs.  She still can’t believe that they have a place of their own and that Yonghwa prepared it with thoughts of staying with her. How fortunate is she to have Yonghwa as her boyfriend.

They agreed to meet at their apartment after all their schedules are finished. For Seohyun, she only needed to attend all her recordings and dance rehearsals but for Yonghwa, it is a different story. After all, he is in the midst of promoting his first album in Korea. Seohyun arrived first and proceeded to prepare a late dinner for the two of them. Upon looking at the interior of the house, she can’t help but feel a sense of familiarity. Yonghwa did his best to make their new apartment the same with their old house in Sangdo-dong. Yonghwa knew how Seohyun loved that house so he tried to make the new one almost the same as the old one.  Now, it is Seohyun’s turn to show him how grateful she is to him. She decided to cook him some of her learned dishes. She entered the kitchen and started to prepare all of what she needs.

A while later, the door opened and Yonghwa entered their apartment. He immediately went straight to the kitchen upon smelling the food that Seohyun is preparing. He stealthily walked behind her and suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist earning a shriek of surprise from Seohyun.

“Oppa!”  Seohyun shouted when she turned and saw Yonghwa grinning at her.

“Annyeong, Joohyun-ah,” Yonghwa said before giving her a chaste kiss on her lips.

“You scared me,” Seohyun said squirming away from Yonghwa. She tried to release herself from his grip on her waist but to no avail.

“I just want to surprise you. I’m sorry.”

“Ah cham! You’re such a choding.” Seohyun turned around to continue cooking while Yonghwa back hugged her. He rests his head on her shoulders while he peers at what she is making.

“It smells delicious. Is that kimchi stew?”

“Yes. My mom gave us some kimchi and some other side dishes in the dorm so I brought some here with me.”

“You shouldn’t have. That is for you and your sisters.”

“We have more than enough besides you said that this is my house too right? So I can bring anything I want in our home. Am I correct?” Seohyun asked with overflowing of aegyo to make sure that Yonghwa won’t say no.

Yonghwa smiled hearing Seohyun say ‘our home’. He can’t explain it but it gives him a thrill to see her claim his home hers too. “Of course this is your home too. You can bring anything you want.”

“Done!” Seohyun said looking at her dish. “Oppa, can you help me set the table?”

“Sure. Anything you want,” Yonghwa said kissing her cheeks before he went to get some plates and cups.

“How is your voice Oppa? Aren’t you getting sick? You’ve been doing so many events these past few days,” Seohyun said. Worry is evident in her voice seeing Yonghwa’s tired face.

“Wow! This is really delicious Hyun,” Yonghwa said when he started to eat Seohyun’s dish.

“Oppa don’t  change the subject.”

“Ahrasso Hyun. I’m fine. Don’t worry too much. I’m taking care of myself. You’re the one who I should be worrying. You’ve been going back and forth to Japan and here. It must be wearing you out,” Yonghwa said reaching out to touch Seohyun’s cheeks.

“Don’t worry Oppa. You know me, I’m very good at taking care of my health,” Seohyun said assuring Yonghwa.

They continued eating after that. “This is really delicious,” Yonghwa said a while later.

“Really?”

“Yes. Your cooking skills are improving. Daebak!” Yonghwa said giving a two thumbs up.

“Thank you. I’ll cook some more in the future.  What do you want to eat next? I’ll make it for you,” Seohyun offered while smiling at him brightly. She is really happy seeing Yonghwa eats the food that she made.

“Anything. I’ll eat any food that you make. Just don’t cook for someone else. Only for me?”

“Ah cham. Oppa of course I can cook for anyone.”

“Why? Just cook for me.”

“What about my unnies and my parents?”

“Fine, you can cook for them but more for me, ok?”

“Ahrasso,” Seohyun conceded, feeding Yonghwa.

“Ah, don’t cook for some other guy. I’ll be angry if you do that. I want to be the only guy that you will cook for, except maybe your dad,” Yonghwa said.

“Ah jeongmal! You have so many demands,” Seohyun said.

“Promise me,” Yonghwa insisted.

“Ahrasso, ahrasso. Just eat,” Seohyun said while she fed him in order for him to stop talking. Yonghwa gladly ate all of it.

---------------------------
At the other side of Seoul, Choi Hongchul walked the corridors of MPY building. He used to think that being the secretary of the director of the Planning Department is the best job there is but lately he is beginning to second guess this. It all started with the director’s sudden interest in the daughter of the CEO.

He entered Director Park’s office and saw him hunched over his desk reading some reports.

“Director?”

“Oh, Mr. Choi. Come in,” Director Park said motioning for him to come closer. “What’s up?”

“Well, I looked into what you’ve asked me to do. Apparently MPY evaluations for the artists’ endorsement are being held in closed doors. I’ve asked some people and they all said that Director Min and her assistant, Kim Yoonshik, are the one who is doing the evaluation. No one can tell the process of evaluations.”

“Really? What about the Board of Directors? Surely they must know,” Director Park asked, his eyebrows crossing due to irritation.

“They too, are not saying anything. They said that only Director Min has the power to divulge that information. All they can say is that they fully support Director Min’s way of handling the evaluation and that they are quite thankful because it helps the company to really screen those artists. Now, according to our company’s statistics, we’ve encountered little problems from the new endorsed artists.”

“Did you look into those who took the screening tests? Those who passed? Those who failed?”

“Yes. I’ve asked those artists that passed but they don’t know too. Their company is not talking either. Also, it is taking a lot of time looking into those who failed because no one is brave enough to admit into failing the evaluation.”

“Min Ara really knows how to erase her traces. I’m sure we’ll find out about it. Continue looking into it.”

“Ne, Director Park.”

“Ah, also monitor Min Ara’s moves. Do it secretly. I don’t want her to get a wind of what I’m up to. Did you find out about that mishap in our system? The one where Min Ara used an unauthorized user to track Seohyun-ssi’s phone?”

“Ne, it seems that Director Min is really doing a maintenance test that day. I asked my friend in the IT Department and he said that there really is no report about the output of that search. Our system erased it completely for security purposes.”

“There is no method to retrieve it?”

“There is none, Sir. I think that it will be harder to look into it because Director Min updated the system.”

“I really don’t think that she’s doing a maintenance test that day. It is so unusual for her. Did you look into Seohyun-ssi’s whereabouts that day?”

“According to her schedule, Seohyun is in their dorm that morning. Then she left to visit her parents. She spent the whole day there. Later in the evening, she returned to the dorm to get ready for their flight to Japan.”

“I see. Get some people to monitor all of SM artists’ activities.  If we want to get Min Ara, we need to watch the people who are closest to her. Min Ara is so upright and rule abiding but above all else, she is most loyal and protective of the people she holds dear in her heart. If we want to expose her, we need to go through her loved ones and that is SM artists. I’m sure we’ll find something.”

“Director?”

“Yes?”

“If I may ask, aren’t you getting ahead of yourself? Director Min is the daughter of the CEO. There is no point in antagonizing her because at the end of the day, she is still our boss.”

“Min Ara as well as the two heirs doesn’t belong here. Making them the directors of the three main branches of MPY here in Korea is absurd. They should return to New York. Their rightful place is in the main office there. We don’t need them here. We can function well without them. I don’t understand why the CEO’s assigned them here.”

“I see. I’ll get going Director Park,” Choi Hongchul said agreeing for now. He can’t exactly disagree to that because it might cost him his job.

“Yes, you may go. Remember what I said, do all of this discreetly.”

“Ne. Good evening Director,” Choi Hongchul said before leaving the office.

When his secretary left, Director Park stood up and went to look at the scenery outside his office. He can see all of Seoul just standing there in his floor to ceiling windows.

“Just you wait Min Ara. I’ll make you regret the day you accepted being the director of Min Branch. I’ll let you see that being the daughter of the owner can’t be all that great. You should have just stayed in New York. You should have not taken my promotion. I will make you go back to where you came from.” Director Park vowed to himself. He will take control and sooner or later, he will be the one calling the shots in this company.
-------------------------------------

Author's Note:


hey guys! i'm back with another chapter. hope you like this one. just like always, i welcome all comments, suggestions, reviews, reactions, as well as criticisms. i want to hear from you. even as simple as 'hey what's up, i'm reading your story.' just to let me know those who i should be thankful for waiting in my irregular updates.
as i am writing this chapter, i realized that i want to change my first choice in how i like this story to end and i decided to make this story open ended. meaning that i will continue to write this story as long as i am enjoying following YongSeo. besides, seeing that this story comprises of behind the scenes with a little AU in it, i think that i can keep this up maybe until YongSeo announced their relationship in public and maybe even after that. that just shows how much i like those two and how much i want them to end up together in real life. after all, my initial ending was making YongSeo reveal their secret relationship so i guess i'll be doing this until then. what do you think? do you agree? or do you disagree? tell me what you think. 

i'm having fun writing this story even though i can only do it in my spare time. especially now with all the hints and YongSeo interactions that happened these past few months. i'm doing my best to finish writing the rest of my take on what happen in year 2011 so that i can be on track in YongSeo interactions this year. i found my inspiration as well as my drive to write more because of those little things that Yonghwa and Seohyun did. i miss them so much and i really wish to see them together. in a movie, a drama or even a music video or a CF or another duet. i think even seeing them standing together will make me into spazz mode. anything as long as they are together. lol

i hope i didn't bore you guys with my nonsensical rumblings here in my author's note. and i hope that you are still enjoying reading this story. cheers chingoo! till next time, xoxo  ;p

ah, to those who have a twitter account, follow me @dashling_ice i want to spazz with you guys. i want to talk to other gogumas too. hehehe. so that's it, till next time. xoxo (again) :)