KNOT 21 - UNHEARD THOUGHTS, FROZEN MEMORIES

"Wow! You look awful", Joo Won exclaimed upon seeing her on the hotel corridor.

"I will punch you, I swear", Dara said grudgingly as they both walked towards the function room where the bid winner will be announced.

"What a very pleasant personali-..Okay I'm stopping, I'm stopping", Joo Won raised his arms in surrender when Dara aimed her fist at his face. She certainly has no patience in dealing with any crap right now after the emotional nightmare she's been through last night.

If she has any choice, she'd rather stay in her hotel room and never interact with her fellow humans (she should seriously stay away from Bom) than go to the function room and see Jiyong. But the dreaded moment came. It was already 6pm and all the bid participants need to be in attendance. Honestly, why does she have to be there? The winner will be announced whether or not she's there. What difference will it make if she skipped it? WHAT?

"Is there anything wrong?" Joo Won held her arm and stopped her from walking briskly. Startled, Dara looked at him and blinked in confusion, as if it's the first time she's seeing him. Her brain is nothing but a big lump of muddled thoughts and it is quite evident with the way she's acting at the moment.

Dara avoided Joo Won's eyes and sighed heavily. "I just want to get this over with", she said. Their scheduled flight is in the morning while the other participants opted to choose the late-night flight. It felt like years before she will finally be able to go back to Seoul.

"Hang in there. I'm sorry I wasn't able to fulfill my promise. When I get the chance, I'll find the reason why Jiyong suddenly decided to get engaged with Min Young. I was so busy because of the bid presentation that I forgot about it."

"He's not engaged with Min Young. Jiyong lied to me", Dara muttered, the familiar pain tugging her heart once again.

"Wha-"

"Let's go, Joo Won", Dara rushed towards the function room, hoping that everything will end soon.

==

An anxious air filled the room. But nobody can probably match the anxiety that Dara is feeling at the moment.

She was sitting stiffly, her mind barely able to focus on the current speaker in front. Jiyong is sitting at her right side while Joo Won is sitting on her left.

AWK-WARD. She was overly conscious of Jiyong's every action that she even winces in surprise with the soft rustle of paper. If Jiyong coughs, she'll probably die of heart attack.

'This is pathetic.' She nudged Joo Won and leaned forward, whispering on his ear. "Switch seats with me." Understanding the situation, Joo Won complied. The conference went on, discussing the criteria that the investors took into consideration to choose the bid winner. Some of the participants are already worriedly looking at their watches to check the time since they still have a flight to catch. It has been dragging for so long and all they wanted to know is who won the bid.

Finally, Choi Jin-hyuk stepped on the podium and everyone was on high alert. They all know Jin-hyuk is the key as to who the bid winner will be. "I am sorry to announce that we have not decided who the bid winner will be as of this moment. The decision will be communicated with all of you tomorrow", he said and flashed his confident smile.

GOD, WHY?! Dara's eyes were almost popping out of their sockets. She wanted to flip everything including the people inside the room. They all waited for nothing?! If she has a sniper gun, Choi Jin-hyuk will be long dead. They should have booked an earlier flight home if they were informed that the schedule for today is nothing but a boring conference. Argh! She needs to be alone somewhere before she yell at random strangers, because that's what she's craving to do. YELL.

Murmurs filled the room as everyone started talking simultaneously. The organizer filled the spot when Jin-hyuk stepped off. Dara rose from her seat and decided to go to the restroom to splash some water on her face but on her way out, she came across Jin-hyuk who seemed to be waiting for someone.

"Miss Park", he greeted her. It took her entire kung fu to muster a smile when all she wants to do is break his neck in half. What kind of psychotic moron will inconvenience people this much?

"Mr. Choi. It's unfortunate that no bid winner was announced today", she said.

"Do you wish to win the bid?", he asked.

Dara's smile wavered and a frown crossed her face. "Of course. Everyone in this room wishes to win the bid."

"Good", Jin-hyuk said, obviously pleased. "I will be drinking at the hotel bar tonight, Miss Park", he added and left.

Dara furrowed her eyebrows and tilted her head in bewilderment. Uh. What?

_____________________________________________________________

"The destined couple is falling apart. I am curious at to how you'll counter my challenge, hadana."

"I'm still thinking about it", Bom said, scrunching her nose. "Their resolve to stay together should be strengthened before they can gain their place besides each other."

Seunghyun was lounging at Bom's room, both of them sitting at the edge of the bed, when Dara barged in. She then started pacing back and forth in front of them, clearly not in the mood. After a few seconds, she unleashed an angry shriek and kicked her luggage on the floor. The hulk within her has been activated.

The two deities sat stiffly in fear, both of them not making a sound. They know keeping their silence is the most logical thing to do. The jursa inconspicuously held a pillow as a shield in case Dara starts throwing random things. One thing he learned in the human world is that a woman's wrath should not be underestimated. That, among other things he learned from Jiyong's band. For instance, a guy should instantly answer 'No' without any pause or hesitation when the girl asks if she looks fat (by Daesung); if they ask how old they look, the default reply is 'Nineteen' (by Youngbae); If a woman is mad, you better run like hell mothereffer (by Seungri).

"What are you doing?", Bom asked while looking at him tightly gripping the pillow in front of his body. They both jerked back in surprise when Dara threw something in her now opened luggage.

"We have no ethereal orbs to shield us. What are we supposed to do with this fragile mortal shell if she starts hurling things? Pout and disarm her with our cuteness? I tried it with Jiyong, it didn't work", Seunghyun mumbled in a low voice.

"WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!!", Dara suddenly screamed as she slumped on the floor.

"Grab a pillow! GRAB A PILLOW!", the jursa whispered urgently and Bom complied.

"JURSA SEUNGHYUN!", Dara yelled.

"You are certainly NOT fat and you look nineteen", the jursa hurriedly said.

"What?" Dara frowned at him. She then realized how ridiculous the two looks while shielding themselves with pillows. "Will you both stop that?", she said and tugged the pillows from their grasp. "What are you two doing?"

"The way you scream in anguish can be quite intimidating and...scary, if I may add", Seunghyun admitted. Bom nudged him forcefully to shut him up before joining Dara on the floor. She placed her hand on top of Dara's hand and met her eyes. "I know you are bothered by what happened between you and Jiyong. Jursa Seunghyun told me everything. Your heart and mind are in a state of great disturbance and you are extremely agitated that is why it is not wise to talk. Perhaps you would want to take a stroll to clear your mind?"

Dara's eyes became somber. She inhaled deeply and looked outside the window, contemplating whether to follow the hadana's advice or not. She's beyond exhausted. Her emotion is all over the place.

"Enjoy this island and play in reckless abandon", Seunghyun suddenly chimed in.

"You are not helping at all", Bom hissed at him.

Dara stood up and started heading towards the door. "I'll just go outside for a bit", she said. As soon as Dara left, Bom ran towards the balcony and looked up at the sky. "It's almost time", she mumbled. Seunghyun furrowed his eyebrows and followed her gaze. "What do you mean?"

The hadana faced him and smiled. "My ethereal orb is falling."

_____________________________________________________________

A soft wind blew and the branches of the trees danced. The lunar matchmaker god clasped his hands behind him while humming a melody that the wood nymphs normally sing; the darkness of the night surrounding him. The wood nymphs inhabiting the trees started singing along. It was a lovely music.

Yang Goon was standing on the big branch of a humongous tree in a forest near the destined couple's hotel. He scanned the view below and saw Dara taking a walk. He then looked up at the night sky and noticed the sparkling ethereal orb that Hadana Bom threw when she was about to become a mortal. A smile crossed his face upon remembering her hadana's trick; thinking that perhaps Bom should be a jursa and Seunghyun should be a hadana. He chuckled at the thought. Bom has always been troublesome and almost broke the Ancient Law multiple times. She craves for a magnificent ending for all the destined couples assigned to her; hoping that by doing so, she will achieve the most amazing red string that was only seen between Heloise and Abelard. What she failed to understand is that the simplest things can have a deeper impact than the fabricated magnificent ones.

Hadana Bom has grown. The lunar matchmaker god had observed how she can now understand the heart of the destined couple. And Jursa Seunghyun is growing together with her. Being mortals has unexpectedly served as a good lesson for the two deities. The question now is, how will this end? Despite the jursa and hadana's effort, will the souls of Heloise and Abelard face the same tragic ending?

He then recalled his conversation with Jae Sang at the River of Unbreakable Oath. They ended up drinking the rice wine that Jae Sang brought from the human world after discussing the fate of the destined couple.

'I oath to take Dara's soul after two full moons.' That was what the ruler of the underworld swore on the river. Taking a human's soul means Jang Hyuk will need to guide the soul through the gate of the underworld. Dara will not have a second chance even if Jang Hyuk takes pity on her since he swore to take her soul. No doubt, the ruler of the underworld is wise. He chose his words carefully when he recited his oath.

The lunar matchmaker god slowly shut his eyes and listened to the wood nymphs' song that is now reverberating throughout the forest. It was such a lovely music indeed.

_____________________________________________________________

There are keys to memories. The ringing bell brings you back to your first day of school when you nervously waits for the teacher to call your name for attendance; the sight of cherry blossoms reminds you of your first love and first kiss; the smell of hazelnut makes you remember the Christmas spent with your family; the soft gush of the wind brings you back to your childhood as you sit on the ground together with your friends and worry about trivial things. Some keys can unlock your past swiftly. Some are lost forever.

Jiyong is the memory to her keys. The smell of old books reminds her of the time she spent with Jiyong in the library; the sound of rustling leaves brings her back to their peaceful moments as they walk in the park; the smell of clean sheets reminds her of Jiyong's bed as they spend their lazy morning rolling on the bed, not wanting to get up.

What they have was perfect... At least that's what she thinks. Is it only her who treasures their time together? Why did Jiyong lie to her? Why does he want to push her out of his life?

Exhausted from roaming aimlessly, Dara sat on a bench overlooking the sea. She turned her head to the right as she was distracted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

"I hope you don't mind my presence", Bom said and sat at the other side of the bench.

"Not at all", Dara muttered and directed her eyes forward once again. The cold breeze of the night air enveloped the two as they sat in silence. The sound of the waves from a distance filled their ears.

"It's our last night in Jeju."

"Mmhmmm", Dara mumbled.

"Don't you want to talk to him?", the hadana asked.

"I don't think I can."

"Staying still will get you nowhere."

Dara shook her head somberly and looked at Bom, "Does he really care for me?"

"You are asking not because you seek the answer, but because you have already found it. You are asking so you can pretend not to know, thus deluding yourself."

"He pushed me away."

"Why is it that you cannot see his pain, Dara? You love him and yet, you instantly stepped away when he pushed you", the hadana countered, narrowing her eyes at her, her words piercing her heart. She lowered her head, unable to find an approriate response.

All of a sudden, a sparkling white orb descended from the sky and hovered in front of her. Dara gasped in shock and she scooted back in fear. She then felt Bom's hand on her shoulder. "It's alright, Dara", she asssured her. "That's my ethereal orb. Touch it and you'll see what your heart is after." Bom said. She then stood up and started walking away.

Dara stared at the hadana's retreating back in bewilderment and glanced at the orb that is still hovering in front of her. Hesitantly, she lifted her hand and reached for it, touching the sparkling white orb with the tip of her fingers. Her eyes widened when the orb exploded and turned into what seemed like a glittery fog with images in it. She looked closely and saw Jiyong's face, then her face came into view - it was as if their past is being played in front of her.

'What a silly woman?'

Dara heard Jiyong's voice but his mouth was not moving based on what was being displayed in the glittery fog. Then why is she hearing his voice? She continued watching and recognized the scene when she made him eat a hamburger.

'Gross. I hate hamburger.'

There it is again - his voice even though he was chewing the food.

The display of their memories continued and she felt like she was watching a television. She found herself smiling and frowning on some scenes, especially when she hears Jiyong's voice even though from what she can see and from what she can remember, Jiyong was silent and did not utter a word during that time.

'Hubby? Ugh! Somebody please make her stop!'

It was the time when she first called her 'hubby', when she was telling him that she still hasn't secured an interview with Lee Soo Man. Dara tilted her head in awe. Why is she hearing his voice even if he's not talking? Dara leaned forward and watched the next memory that was being displayed. It was that time when he first used the 'Meep Meep' random word.

'Kill me. Kill me now. Meep meep? What the hell. Why did I-... She's smiling. Finally!'

It finally dawned on her. She was hearing Jiyong's thoughts! The voice that she's hearing is Jiyong's thoughts during the memories that are being shown in the glittery fog.

'Why is she quiet? Doesn't she like the zoo? Is she mad because of potato head? Did I say something bad? Was it because I didn't let her cling to me?'

Dara giggled as she watched the scene of the poker-faced cyborg staring at her as they roam around the zoo together with Min Young. She didn't know Jiyong was scared out of his wits during that time because she gave him the cold shoulder. The scene faded and was replaced by another memory. It was when Dara met Joo Won at the fire exit staircase of their university while Jiyong hid at the corner of the stair, away from Joo Won's line of vision.

'This ba$tard! After what you've done to her, you have the nerve to show your face? Don't you dare touch-...Baby?! What baby?! #@%^)*)()~!#!$%$ WHY THE FCK ARE YOU HUGGING HER, YOU INSUFFERABLE BA$TARD! #@%^)*)()~!#!$%$~!@_+#$)(#*)$*#(~~@# TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF HER! DIE! DIEEEE!!'

Her smile widened as she heard the endless obscenities that Jiyong has been thinking. The scene faded again and the glittery fog displayed the two of them drinking coffee in the morning at Jiyong's apartment...

'She looks tired. Tsch. I shouldn't have let her watch those silly dramas until midnight. Why is she obsessed with that stupid Lee Minho? I wonder if the KwonDara minions have increased. Oh, she's eating more bread when there's strawberry jam instead of peanut butter. Okay, I need to put strawberry jam in the grocery list. Goodbye peanut butter.'

...them lying on the bed preparing to sleep...

'I wish every night is like this... Even if we're untied, I wish my night will be like this. You're not going to leave me, right cheeseball?'

The memory faded and the scene changed to Jiyong talking to Seunghyun and Bom while she was inside the conference room with Min Young.

"You're not the guy for Sandara Park, Kwon Jiyong. You better let go of her. If you don't let her go, something bad will happen to her."

'No. Stop this. Please, tell me you're lying.'

Dara took a sharp intake of breath and covered her mouth in shock. Is this the reason why he's pushing her away?

The glittery fog then showed the two of them sitting on the bench, their backs facing each other with their headsets on. This time, Jiyong is mumbling something but she was listening to music that's why she can't hear him.

"Someone told me I'm not the guy for you and that something bad will happen if I don't let go. I don't want to believe him, but the thought that he's right scares me. How could I forgive myself if I don't see your smile anymore?"

"I don't like it when you're in pain. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. Ever since I met you, I've felt the things that I thought I've already forgotten. Do you know you're the one who scares me the most? When you don't hold tight while riding my motorcycle, when you don't throw tantrums, when you don't say what's on your mind... I'm sure when we get untied, I will be scared. It's like I'm back to being a kid again - helpless and weak"

"Can I be selfish? Even for just a while? I promise to step away when the time comes for me to let go"

Dara massaged her temples, unable to bear it any longer. She finally saw the fragile side of Jiyong that he's been trying to hide. She didn't know all this while, he has been slowly crumbling to pieces. His fears, his sorrows...why didn't she notice?

It faded again and this time, it showed what happened the night before. She was hugging him from behind and Jiyong was biting his lips to stop his tears from falling.

'How much more do I need to love you for you to be mine?'

With Jiyong's fading voice, the fog gradually vanished. Dara hurriedly got up and rushed towards the hotel, hoping to see the guy who was bearing all this pain.

_____________________________________________________________

Everything reminds him of her.

Jiyong hovered his clasped hands in front of his mouth as he slumped by the seashore; his legs spread apart and his elbows propped on his knees. He doesn't know what to do anymore. He wanted to be with her so much that it's suffocating. And yet, he doesn't want to see her because the sight of her makes him waver. He has to be firm in maintaining the distance between them to protect her. That's what he keeps telling himself for how many days now and he thought as time passes by, things will be easier. He was sadly mistaken.

"I FOUND YOU!" Bom sat on the sand near Jiyong and smiled at him but the latter just glanced at her momentarily, his face remaining impassive.

"How is she?" he asked, pertaining to Dara. The emotional turmoil he's been going through is evident in his voice despite his stoic expression.

"Devastated, just like you. But I left her a present, so she should be enlightened now", the hadana answered.

Jiyong frowned at her, "What gift did you give her?"

"A collection of unseen memories and unheard thoughts", Bom replied mysteriously. "My present for you is about to descend from the sky."

"I still don't understand what you are", Jiyong said. The hadana let out a soft chuckle as she hugged her knees and rested her chin on top.

"Long before folklores are told, deities like us already exist. Shall I tell you a story that I heard during my journey?"

"Go ahead"

"There was once a properous village headed by a rich clan. The eldest son of the clan, Majun, is a handsome and intelligent man revered by the people but unknown to many, he has a fragile heart and worries a lot and was only able to obtain great knowledge through constant hard work. He was not as smart as people claims him to be but was regarded as so because he was well-educated. He has a childhood friend named Layla, a servant to his family. Layla was there for him and accompanies him through night of studies and worries. He finds solace in her presence. She was his strength and his comfort. Soon after, their feelings for each other blossomed and both of them pledged their love for each other. However, Majun's father was so against it that he threatened to have Layla executed if he pursues her. 'She is a slave and you are bound to be a man of greater glory', his father said. The distraught Majun chose to move out of the house, loving her from afar.

One day, a Heyoka visited the village. A Heyoka teaches through reversal and absurdity. He often does things backwards or uncoventionally. He has the mouth of a child and say things without reservation. Most of the time, he is seen riding a horse backwards and wearing his clothes inside-out. During very hot and humid days, he would wander around the village covered with thick blanket while complaining how cold it was. On winter, he would lie outside with very little clothing and wish for the wind to come saying that the weather is too hot. He laughs at social norms and doesn't seem to care about boundaries and regulations.

During a fine day, the Heyoka was walking backwards when he chanced upon Majun weeping by the river. The Heyoka then ridiculed him saying, 'A young man with richness that people covet, with beauty that shines among the rest, oh you poor soul.' Majun replied, 'I had to let go of the one I love for if I don't, her life will be taken away by my own father. Be gone from my sight and let me be with my own sorrow.'

The Heyoka's boisterous laughter filled the air. He then told Majun, 'Isn't your choice just as bad, or possibly even worse? During the times of draught, people complain and are distressed by the hot weather, forgetting that the freezing wind of the winter is just as bad, or possibly even worse. What greater sorrow is there but to not hold the hand of the one you love?'

Majun replied, 'I fear my father's words and am worried for her safety. We pledged our love but I would rather her be safe than be with me and face danger.' The Heyoka resumed walking backwards while saying to him, 'Then you must be a man who can see the future; for how can you be certain that your woman will still be alive tomorrow? And you must be a man who can read people's mind; for how can you be certain that she would rather be safe than be with you?'

With the Heyoka's words, Majun gained courage. For the entire day, he etched poems on trees all over the village about his love for Layla. At night, he and Layla escaped and lived in a far away land. They were able to experience how it was to be in each other's arms. But their happiness is short-lived because Layla fell sick and was soon consumed by her illness. Majun lived his life recounting his memories with Layla through his poems; carving his poems in rocks and in the bark of trees which earned him the nickname 'The Madman of Layla'."

(Writer's Note: This folklore does not exist and is only a work of fiction. Some of the information used are taken from "Possessed by Madness for Layla" and "Heyoka" in wikipedia). I just twisted some of the info and created the 'folklore' to suit this story.)

"Tragic", Jiyong muttered.

"In the end, he earned those extra few precious moments with the one he loves. The opposite is just as bad, which is living alone in sorrow far from her without having to experience those precious memories. So, it actually depends on the way you see it. Just like you and Dara."

"What do you mean just like m-.." Jiyong stared in shock at the the sparkling white orb that appeared in front of him. "Hey, what is this?" He glanced at the hadana who was wearing a big smile on her face. "Touch it. It is a reminder of your happiness; a reminder of what you're missing and of what you're letting go", she responded.

Although bewildered, Jiyong complied and reached for the orb. As soon as he touched it, the sparkling white orb exploded. It became big bubbles which floated all over the seashore. With furrowed eyebrows, he stood up and looked at one of them. Inside the bubble, he saw what seemed like a still photo of Dara and him when they were still tied by the red string. "W-What are these?"

"They are frozen memories."

Jiyong began walking slowly and looked through the bubbles floating in the air, a smile unconsciously curving on his lips. There was a frozen memory of Dara holding his hand while he was sleeping, of him doing the Super Aegyo Wink at her that time when she cried in the classroom, of her puckering her lips at him playfully in his bedroom. There was a frozen memory of Dara waving at the KwonDara minions, of them playing seesaw at the playground near Han River, of him stealing glances at her in the office. Mixed emotions swelled inside his chest as he continued shifting his eyes from one bubble to another, the precious moments of the two of them piercing his heart. The hadana was walking a few steps behind him, gazing at his back.

"He said something bad will happen to Dara if I don't let her go", Jiyong mumbled, pertaining to the jursa's warning. He stared somberly at a frozen memory of them smiling at each other, his chest constricting in pain.

"And with those words, you chose for your heart to weep."

"She almost had an accident. I don't think I can bear if it happens again and she'll get hurt."

"Living like this is just as bad, or possibly even worse", the hadana muttered. "You took it upon yourself to make the decision for both of you without hearing her out. Wouldn't it hurt more if you're not beside her to protect her and something bad happened to her? What made you think you're the one who'll cause her harm? The jursa told you that she will be in danger, but did he assure you that she will be safe if you let her go?"

Jiyong shut his eyes tightly remembering the jursa's words. You're not the guy for Sandara Park, Kwon Jiyong. You better let go of her. If you don't let her go, something bad will happen to her.

"Choose your own pain, Jiyong. Nobody but you should do it."

His eyes fluttered open as he suddenly recalled the dream he had about the old man in the moonlight.

Choose your own pain, Abelard.

Think about the jursa's words. Twist his words and seek the proper question. Only then will you have the proper answer.

The hadana is right. Jursa Seunghyun just told him that something bad will happen to Dara if he doesn't let her go. But he didn't assure him that Dara will be safe if he walks away from her life. He didn't even tell him what kind of danger she will be facing. Jiyong raked his hair with his fingers and exhaled loudly. He should have been honest to Dara. They should have come up with a decision together.

He then felt Hadana Bom pushing him lightly. "Go, Jiyong", she said. "There might be a million reasons why you should not be with her and only one reason why you should be. But I think that one reason is enough."

_____________________________________________________________

Jiyong...

Dara ran with all her might towards the hotel, the pain in her chest becoming unbearable. How could she not know that Jiyong is hurting because of her? How could she doubt him? She should have stayed when he pushed her away. She knew he was hiding something and yet, she chose to leave him instead of fighting to find the truth. When he told her that she's marrying Min Young, she knew that something was odd.

I hurt him...

She was consumed by anger when she found out that he lied to her. She should have listened when he tried to explain, but she was blinded with fury. Instead of hearing him out, she sealed her ears and chose what she wanted to believe. She should have known that him hurting her will bring more pain to Jiyong - the guy who tolerates her irritating miu-mius; the guy who prepares a box of tissues whenever she watches her crappy tv dramas; the guy who sends her weird emoticons; the guy who bade farewell to peanut butter because she prefers strawberry jam...

Dara was panting heavily as she reached Jiyong's hotel suite. She knocked on his door and waited nervously. Unfortunately, it was Seunghyun who opened the door. "Is Jiyong there?", she asked.

"No", the jursa replied. Disappointment crossed Dara's face and this didn't escape Seunghyun's eyes. "He told me that he's going to the hotel bar and take a walk afterwards", he added.

"Thanks, Seunghyun!" Dara hastily fled, leaving the curious jursa behind.

She couldn't wait to see Jiyong and patch things up. They have already wasted enough time. Tomorrow morning is their flight back and they weren't even able to enjoy their Jeju trip. Dara was lost in her thoughts while running that she wasn't able to stop instantly when Jin-hyuk suddenly appeared in front of her as soon as she arrived at the hotel bar. She bumped into him and Jin-hyuk held her by the shoulders to stop her from falling back.

"Miss Park, what's the rush?" Jin-hyuk chuckled while gazing into her eyes. Dara stepped back and politely smiled, her eyes looking past him as she searched for Jiyong in the hotel bar. "I'm glad you're here. Let's go have a drink", the man said and before she could protest, he already ushered her towards his reserved table at the corner, away from the eyes of the other customers.

"Mr. Choi, I'm sorry but-.."

"Just one drink, Miss Park. That's all I'm asking from you as we discuss about business. I'm giving you a chance to change my mind since honestly, the Lee Group of Companies' bid presentation fell short as compared to the other participants", Jin-hyuk muttered, his eyes narrowing at her.

"I-I see. Should I call my colleagues as well to discuss it with you?"

"No. This is just going to be a brief meeting", he pulled the chair for her and coaxed her to sit. Dara occupied the seat and nervously clasped her hands on her lap, thinking that winning the bid is now upon her shoulders. Jin-hyuk ordered some food and drinks for them and they started talking about the bid presentation, with Jin-hyuk constantly interrupting Dara and asking her irrelevant things like her favorite movie, her hobbies, and practically anything related about her.

It is becoming difficult to maintain a straight face at each passing minute. If she was not concerned about not winning the bid, she would have probably bolted out of there in record time. "I like watching dramas too! Wow, we have the same hobbies. We're compatible don't you think?", Jin-hyuk exclaimed. Dara willed herself not to roll her eyes. The man sitting in front of her is, after all, the representative of the main investor.

"I wonder how 'compatible' we really are", he said huskily as he hovered the glass of wine near his mouth. What in the name of all ancestors was that about? She seriously want to throw up, hit his face with the plate, then throw up again. His flirting is getting obvious and she cannot stand his annoying smirk anymore.

She cleared her throat and grabbed her glass. Unknown to her, Jin-hyuk discreetly put something in her wine when she was not looking. After a few minutes and a couple of drinks more, Dara felt a bit lightheaded and her vision became unfocused.

"I don't feel good", she said and chuckled. "Why is everything funny? You're funny", she laughed and pointed at him.

"Am I?", Jin-hyuk smiled at her.

"You are!", she exclaimed, her droopy eyes staring at him in amusement. Then, her eyebrows furrowed and she began fanning herself. "It's hot. I feel hot."

"Then, we should do something about it", Jin-hyuk answered while cupping his face with his hand, his elbow rested on the table.

Dara's mouth formed a big 'O' before giggling uncontrollably, her body shaking clumsily as she wobbled on her seat.

"Let's go somewhere else, shall we?"

_____________________________________________________________

There might be a million reasons why you should not be with her and only one reason why you should be. But I think that one reason is enough.

The hadana's words echoed through his mind. Jiyong hastened his pace and proceeded to his hotel suite. Upon arriving to his room, he slammed the door shut and confronted the stunned jursa.

"Tell me honestly..." Jiyong glared at Seunghyun as he slowly strode towards him, "...if I walk away from Dara's life, can I be assured that nothing bad will happen to her?"

The jursa looked at him in bewilderment but after seeing the resolve on Jiyong's eyes, a tiny smile tugged at the corner of Seunghyun's lips. "If I say that she will be safe if you're not in her life, will you let go of her?"

Jiyong was stunned and lowered his eyes for a moment, but it was instantly replaced by determination as he met the jursa's gaze again. "If that's the case, then I will discuss this with Dara first so we can both decide on what to do."

"And if she insists that you stay with her despite the impending danger?"

"Then I will stay, and I will protect her", Jiyong muttered under gritted teeth.

"Won't you regret it if the worst happened?"

"I will. But not having her beside me because of fear of an uncertain future is just as bad. I won't let you dictate what we should do", Jiyong shot back, his chest heaving up and down in anger. "And while I'm with her, I'll take as much joy as I could get", he whispered with conviction before turning around and headed towards the door.

As he rested his hands on the doorknob, the jursa spoke, "You are right, there is no assurance that she will be safe if you walk away from her. Well done, Abelard." With furrowed eyebrows, Jiyong glanced back at Seunghyun. He should have punched the jursa for bringing him pain but when he saw him smiling and genuinely happy for him, relief overcame his anger.

"I am assuming Hadana Bom enlightened both you and Dara. Dara was eagerly looking for you a while ago and I told her that you plan to go to the hotel bar and take a walk afterwards."

Jiyong didn't waste any more time and bolted out of the room. He rushed towards the hotel bar downstairs and roamed his eyes around but he unfortunately didn't find her. He was about to go outside when something caught his sight. He turned his head in the direction of the elevators and saw the closing elevator door with Jin-hyuk inside, his arm wrapped around Dara's waist who seemed to be drunk. His eyes widened and his heartbeat doubled its pace, a pang of excruciating pain engulfing him.

Jiyong ran towards the elevator calling Dara's name but he was too late.

==

"Where are we going? Who are you?" Dara squinted her eyes but her vision remained blurry. Jin-hyuk did not respond and continued guiding her as they walked towards his suite. "I don't feel good", Dara complained, her head hanging clumsily.

"Don't worry, I'll make you feel good", a smirk crossed Jin-hyuk's face as he pulled the keycard from his pocket. He was about to insert it to the door when someone yanked Dara away from him.

"It was very nice of you to take care of her, Mr. Choi", Jiyong sarcastically said, his eyes full of rage as he protectively secured Dara against his body. Jin-hyuk took a step back in surprise, swallowing hard with the sight of the furious man. "J-Jiyong", he stuttered. "Uh, Miss Park got drunk during our brief meeting and I was about to call the reception in my room to ask for your hotel suite number so you can fetch her. I-I guess that's not needed now, ha ha ha", he reasoned and laughed awkwardly.

Jiyong remained silent and glared at him, his imposing presence shutting Jin-hyuk up. The tension was in the air but it was interrupted when Dara whimpered and moved slightly in his arms, making Jiyong look at her. He sighed and gazed back at Jin-hyuk once again, "Almost everyone know that you're sly and a lot of women under your supervision became your victim. No one dared to go against you because you're hiding behind your father. But make no mistake, Choi. If you pull this shit again, I will crush you." With Dara in his arm, he turned around and was about to walk away when Jin-hyuk's voice halted his steps.

"Is that a threat, Kwon?" Jin-hyuk muttered. "Don't forget that with my influence, I can destroy Lee Group of Companies."

Jiyong glanced back and cocked his eyebrows at him. "I'd like to see you try", he said with equal spite. He then continued guiding the half-conscious Dara towards the elevator while Jin-hyuk was left frozen on his spot, fuming with rage.

Not knowing whether Bom is in the hotel suite or not and unable to find Dara's keycard, Jiyong opted to take Dara to his room. There, he found the two former deities slumped on the floor, drinking wine and laughing merrily. When they saw Jiyong with his arm wrapped on Dara's waist, Bom jumped up and shrieked while clapping her hands.

"Bom, Dara needs to rest. I think she's drunk", Jiyong said, ignoring her excited squeals.

"OH! Then we will take our leave", the hadana said, grabbing the bottle of wine and dragging the jursa by the wrist.

"What?", Jiyong and Seunghyun looked at her in bewilderment.

"Let Dara sleep here since you've already taken her here, Jiyong", Bom explained. "Jursa Seunghyun can just let the night pass in my room."

The jursa's eyes almost popped out of their sockets upon realizing what she's planning. "I BEG YOUR PARDON? I strongly refuse to-"

"There's more wine in Dara's room."

"See you tomorrow, Jiyong", Seunghyun said and obediently followed the hadana.

"What? Hey!", Jiyong called out but the two deities already shut the door. His mouth slightly opened and closed, unsure of what to do. His breathing hiked up when Dara suddenly snaked her arms around his torso.

"Mmmmmhhmm", Dara moaned, rubbing her cheek against his chest. "Jiyong", she mumbled.

Oh boy.

_____________________________________________________________

SANDARA's POV

It felt wonderful. The soft shirt slightly covering my body, the steady beating of the heart filling my ears, the sturdy chest, the strong arm as my pillow, and the intoxicating masculine scent with a hint of perfume. I arched my back and snuggled closer to the warmth lying beside me on the comfortable bed. The peace was disturbed by the sound of alarm clock, making me frown while my eyes remained tightly shut. I whimpered and felt the body beside me moved, probably turning off the alarm since the annoying sound stopped. An arm snaked its way around my waist and hugged me tightly. I moaned in bliss and rubbed my face against his bare chest. Then, I felt warm lips showering my face with soft kisses.

"Mmmmhhhmm", I heard myself moan in contentment and slowly, my eyes opened slightly. Dreams are sometimes like this. You'll dream that you are waking up when in fact, you're still fast asleep. It was such a weird feeling - being deep in slumber but dreaming that you're awake.

A smile crossed my face when I saw Dream Jiyong lying beside me on the bed and smiling, his arms still wrapped around me. And Oh God, his naked upper body! I planted my face on Dream Jiyong's bare chest and tenderly kissed him below the shoulder, making him chuckle.

"Cheeseball", he murmured. With half-lidded eyes, I gazed at him and puckered my lips. He grinned at me before granting my silent plea, leaning forward and brushing his lips against mine. "MMhhhmmm", I mumbled. Apparently, the dream me loves moaning A LOT. "You're not awake, are you?" Dream Jiyong's husky voice made me moan once again and I reached for his lips to dive for another kiss. Seriously, stop moaning dream me! How embarrassing.

"Dara...Cheeseball", he whispered, gripping my arm. I winced slightly. His grip in my arm, his kisses and his presence felt too real. I-Is this really a dream? OH MY GOD PLEASE LET THIS BE A DREAM!

My eyes widened and I stared at Dream Jiyong, pushing him a bit. I then looked at myself and was flabbergasted when I found out that I was wearing only a large shirt, probably his. I sat up and I felt like my blood started rushing to my head. Oh my gosh! This is-..How did I-..What ha-... This is not a freaking dream!

With my mouth hanging open, I slowly glanced at him. He pushed himself up and wrapped his right arm around my waist, pulling me against him. He then planted a kiss on my exposed shoulder since the neckhole of the shirt was large and the thin clothing is loose. I was still disoriented as I gawked at him and darted my eyes to his tattooed right arm that was tightly embracing me. Then, I saw my clothes littered on the floor...together with my bra and panty!!!

When everything finally settled in, I shrieked mightily, surprising him. I immediately crawled towards the headbord of the bed and pulled the blanket to cover my body. "WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT?!", I screamed in panic, staring at him accusingly.

"You don't remember?"

I frowned at him and tried to recall what happened last night. My last recollection was looking for him at the hotel bar, but I ended up drinking with Mr. Choi as we discuss the bid. "Wasn't I with Mr. Choi at the hotel bar? Oh no, did I get drunk?!", I gasped.

His features immediately darkened and his jaws clenched. "Yes, you were drinking with that asshole. And he dragged you to his suite afterwards. Fortunately, I was able to find you and get you away from him before he can take you inside his room. Why were you with him?", he snarled.

Mr. Choi tried to take me to his suite? What the hell! He's really screwed up in the head. I exhaled furiously and focused my attention at Jiyong again. "D-Did anything else happen last night?", I asked, swallowing hard as I noted his disheveled hair, naked upper body and droopy eyes.

"What do you m-..." He paused and tilted his head while frowning. Then, a sudden realization seemed to cross his face. "Ahhh. You mean us?", he grinned sexily at me. Wahhh! Does he want to see my exploding ovaries this early in the morning?! I hid half of my face under the blanket and waited for him to clarify things. I felt like my heart is trying to get out of my chest as it pounded loudly. I squirmed and pressed my thighs together as I suddenly became overly aware of the bareness of my private part. Gosh, if we did what I think we did last night, I'm going to dieeee!!

"TELL ME!", I yelled as he just continued smirking at me.

"Tell you what?", his smile widened.

He is doing this on purpose! This cyborg! I can't bring myself to ask him if we *gulp* did the deed so I just rephrased my question. "A-Are you my boyfriend now?"

"Yeah."

"WHAT?! No, you're not! How can that be?"

"Okay, then no."

"What is it, really?" I asked in frustration. My brain.IS.BLEEDING! Can't he see I'm a heartbeat away from a full-blown heart attack?!

"What do you want to hear?", he asked.

"The truth!"

"We kind of skipped the bases and headed straight to the goal", Jiyong said and motioned towards the bed.

GAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

"You took advantage of me!"

"Are you kidding me? I just lied there. You practically did all the work."

What happened last night? I was wheezing like Darth Vader to calm myself. No. NO! Nothing happened. I don't feel anything...weird in my lower region. It is not possible.

"You're lying", I hissed. He arched his eyebrows at me and cocked his head to the side, his gaze fixed on a certain spot near me. With a frown, I followed his gaze and I almost fainted when my eyes landed on the box at the bedside table. It's a box of super jumbo size strawberry condoms! SUPER JUMBO SIZE?! Is that even human?! Oh my God, help me. I placed my hand on my forehead, feeling a bit lightheaded. Super jumbo size, people! Where on earth did he get that from and how in hell can a super jumbo size fit in my-..in my... GAHHH, I DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT!

"Please tell me you're joking", I said in weak voice.

"I thrust here and there."

No way!

"You were moaning and cursing in German."

Please, just shoot me.

"I was practically begging for my life but you won't stop."

Oh noooo!!

"I'm kidding. Nothing happened." A boyish grin escaped his lips as he moved closer. "I'm out of cheeseball. Give me a kiss."

Writer's Note:

I hope you're enjoying this story! Thanks for reading! ^_^