On My Way To You -10

Dara~~ Choi has his uses

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I’m gonna die. I’m gonna die! I couldn’t breathe. In my befuddled mind, I felt like drowning. I knew I had to move but I can’t feel my limbs. Oh my God! I don’t want to die! Move! Move! I chanted in my mind. It took all my will power to raise my arms and kick my feet. I have to move! I have to –

“Ya! Ya! Ya!” Choi was shouting at me. One hand on my arm, shaking me and the other is covering his face. “Are you killing Jiyong in your dreams or what?” 

Shaking away the vestiges of my nightmare, I stopped trying to move and calmed my heart. I’m not drowning. Thank God! I can breathe again, but just barely. I then looked at Choi. He’s scowling and his face is dangerously close to mine. I blinked once, twice, then … I screamed. 

“Pervert!” I bloody screamed. I tried to move away but my arms and legs are entangled with his. He’s almost on top of me. He has me trapped. “Byuntae! Byuntae! Heeelp!!!”

He tried to put his hand over my mouth to keep me from screaming but I was able to nip his palm making him curse and I managed to wiggle for some room. Giving it my all, I flayed on the bed and managed to kick his shin with my left foot and in his hurry to get away from my kicks; he fell flat down on the floor taking the blanket along with him.

“What the-!” came his muffled voice and then I see his head emerged from the blanket. 

I tried to move again but I couldn’t. My body won’t obey me. My right arm and right leg have fallen asleep. Must be the reason for my dream. I tried to move again but it was useless. I only felt pin prinks of electricity that caused me to let out a pained groan. 

“Weh? Weh? What’s wrong?” asked Choi, still on the floor but he’s now got both of his elbows propped on the bed.

“Can’t … move … I’m paralyzed” I winced.

Choi went back up the bed and gingerly picked my right hand.

“A-Aw!”

“Try to endure it for a while” he admonished and proceeded to massage my arm starting from my palm to my fingertips. He wiggled them one by one and then rotated my wrist. He silently worked his massage slowly up my arm until it no longer felt numb.

“Better?” he asked.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

He then scooted a bit to reach for my right leg and he placed it across his lap. He proceeded to knead my foot and then massaged the muscles between my knee to ankle over my pajamas. I’ve got to give it to him. The guy knows how to give a good massage.

As soon as I began to feel the blood circulating in my leg again, I pulled away my foot and murmured my thanks. 

Choi remained seated on the bed.

I sat up and checked the time on my phone. It’s already 9AM.  

“What would you like for breakfast?” I asked amiably to show my gratitude with what he did.

“Anything will do” he shrugged.

“Okay. Uhm, why don’t you,” I gestured to the bed “get back to bed while I go prepare something.”

He wrapped the blanket around himself and obediently lay back down as I quietly left the room and head for the kitchen.

I was able to find 3 fresh eggs left from yesterday which I fried, a pack of ramyun and cooked some rice.

I called Jjangme to ask if they have more food supplies and he said that they do and he is going to bring some over.

I then decided to take a bath while waiting for him, careful not to wake up Choi who is still sleeping soundly when I went to my room to get my luggage which contains my change of clothes and toiletries. I dragged it to Choi’s room and rummaged there.

In less than half an hour I was done just in time when I heard the knocks on the door. Tightening the belt of my bathrobe and arranging the towel wrapped around my wet hair, I proceeded to open the door.

Jjangme was holding a basket in one hand and a huge plastic container on the other. I reached for it, opened the lid and just as I suspected, it was kimchi. My stomach immediately let out a growl and my mouth started to water. I told Jjangme to come in and he followed me to the kitchen area. I asked him if he already ate and he said that he did. He helped by taking out the different side dishes from the basket.

I checked the rice cooker and it’s done cooking. I asked Jjangme to go wake up Choi and tell him that breakfast is ready.

He came back looking worried just as I placed a steaming bowl of rice on the table.

“Seunghyun is not there” he said with a creased forehead.

“Are you sure? I just saw him sleeping a few minutes ago …”

He shook his head with a worried frown. “Nope, he’s missing.”

“Ah!” I exclaimed with my palm on my forehead, remembering, I told him’ “I forgot to tell you, he’s sleeping in my room.”

Jjangme nodded and then, his eyes went wide as saucers. He looked at me as if just realizing that I’m in my bathrobe and then looked in the direction of my room and then back at me again. 

I could practically see his brain thinking of adding 1 plus 1 and coming up with 3. 

“Stop! Stop. Stop what you’re thinking” I said, holding my right forefinger in the air. “It’s not what you think …”

Jjangme’s eyes were still wide but waited for my explanation.

I exhaled loudly. “He’s just sleeping there, okay? Nothing happened.”

“Where did you sleep?” he inquired.

“We slept together” I innocently answered which made Jjangme drop his jaw.

“I meant slept slept not slept like had sex” I scowled at him. “I didn’t know you had a dirty mind.” I chided him. “I’m gonna go get dressed. Please wake him up.” I huffed as I disappeared into Choi’s room.

Minutes later, I come out fully dressed in blue Adidas track suit and see Choi and Jjangme at the table, both eating. I smiled to myself remembering Jjangme saying that he already ate and yet, here he is, eating deliciously.

 I grabbed my bowl of rice and began to eat without saying a word.

It was Jjangme who kept the conversation flowing with the occasional grunts from Choi. It was only when he mentioned that we may leave the island by tomorrow noon did I join in.

“Can we really leave by tomorrow?” I asked.

He nodded. “Storm’s gone and the locals say that the waves will be calm by tomorrow.”

Choi’s eyes and mine met, revealing nothing. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’m happy with the prospect of leaving the island soon. I’m not sure about his thoughts, though.

“The eldest local is having his birthday celebration tonight so everybody’s invited.” Jjangme told us. “It will be held near the community hall. The rest of the staff and crew are helping out in the preparations and cleaning up the mess created by the storm.”

Hearing this made me feel guilty. We should at least help clean the grounds of the house were staying at. “I’ll help too after I’m done cleaning the house,” I said.

“Wake me up when it’s time for dinner.” Choi stated.

I made a sound of disapproval but didn’t lecture him. I suppose he’ll be more of a nuisance if he tried to help out, being the diva that he is.

After eating, Jjangme took his leave and I took care of the kitchen and Choi went back to bed. 

My bed.

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Seunghyun~~ Park is a problem and a half

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I squirm in embarrassment as the eldest village elder asked me if I can sing a song for him upon knowing that I am a celebrity and as a favor since it’s his birthday. It was actually the team I came with who volunteered my services telling them that I can sing. I tried to deflect the villager’s requests saying that I’m really a rapper and not a singer to no avail. 

So here I am, standing in the middle of the room, holding a microphone while browsing through the songs that I can sing. There are a lot of elders and they kept shouting names of singers and songs from long ago which I’m not familiar with. I mentally groan while smiling at them. I see some staff taking pictures of me so I let out a warning, “No videos” I half-growled with a smile but my eyes tell a different story.

Feeling my face heat up, I chose a song by Choi Yong-pil, one that my Mom likes. I wish the ground would swallow me up. I can’t believe that this is happening. RIP to my cool image. Aigoo.

After one song, the elders asked for more and to my horror, began dancing and requested for an upbeat song. I wanted to cry.

It seems like everyone was having a very good time except for me. I was the entertainment. My manager, Park, was cackling and egging on the halmonis to get up and dance. She was all pouting earlier because I refused to let her drink a sip of alcohol but as soon as I left her side, she started downing one shot after another. I swear I’ll leave her here in the island tomorrow if she gets drunk.

With a suffering breath, I faced my waiting audience and flashed them a killer smile which made the girls, old and young, shriek and Park roll her eyes.

“Where are you going?!” I asked Park, alarmed at the direction she’s taking.

The celebration is now done and we are heading back home. I let Park walk ahead of me as she walked unsteadily and haphazardly along the narrow trail down the street. Multiple times, I was tempted to scoop her up seeing her almost stumble but she trudged on and waved my arms away. This time though, instead of going straight towards the house we’re staying in, she changed her direction and climbed up the dirt trail where we hiked for the photo shoot the other day.

“I said, where are you going?” I called again, loudly. Park didn’t answer and steadily climbed up the trail, holding on to trees on the way.

I was sorely tempted to let her go alone but being the good guy that I am, my conscience wouldn’t let me so I grudgingly followed. She was only relying on the perfect full moon’s light while I hold an old fashioned gas lamp with me.

I was surprised to realize where she was heading. I didn’t think that she’ll be able to find the way to the waterfall. She must not be drunk enough. When we got there, I was flabbergasted when I saw her taking off her Adidas jacket and throwing it to the ground. Next, she took off her shift and then came the pants. I wanted to remind her that I was there to stop her from stripping but my power of speech left me. I averted my eyes.

She’s now standing on the edge of the small lake and her skin glows, bathed in moonlight. She dipped one foot in the water and turned to say to me, “It’s not cold.”

So, she was aware that I was there. She doesn’t look the least embarrassed to be seen in just her sleeveless shirt and boy shorts. Well, it’s not like I’ll be tempted or something. I like women with curves and Park? I turned to look at her silhouette, unexpectedly, it seems like she has … some … barely …

“What do you think you’re doing?” I called out seeing her starting to walk into the lake.

“What do you think?” she answered without looking back. She is now half submerged in water. “You can leave if you want.”

“Are you crazy? You’re drunk! Do you want to drown?”

“I was a mermaid in my previous life” she laughed. She then submerged herself fully in the water and when she didn’t come up after a few seconds, I started to panic. 

I kicked off my rubber shoes and was half running towards the lake when I saw her head bob up the water, a few feet farther from where I saw her last.

“Park!” I shouted over the sound of the waterfall. “I swear if you don’t come up this instant, I’ll – I’ll –"

“You’ll what?” she taunted. “C’mon, Choi … don’t be such a killjoy. I’m perfectly fine. Why don’t you come join me? The water temperature’s perfect!”

She made a few backstrokes and she was getting father and farther away.

“I’m going to drag you out of there” I warned.

She laughed. “You’re going to have to catch me first.” 

Going underwater again, I waited for her to come up for air but she didn’t. I started to shout for her name.

“Relax” I heard her voice coming from the right side and saw her holding on the big rock in the middle of the lake half concealing her and coming up to sit on it. “Seriously Choi, what’s up your ass? You nag like a girl.”

My face flushed. Good thing it’s dark. “If you want to drown yourself, please don’t do it under my watch.” I gritted my teeth.

“I am not planning on drowning myself, okay? I just want to go for a swim … I’ve been wanting to since the first day we got here and now that we’re leaving, this is my only chance … So take a chill pill and leave me alone, alright? Unless you want to join me?”

I scowled at her although I’m not sure if she can clearly see my face.

“Ooh, I get it.” She exclaimed with a wave of her hand. “You’re embarrassed to take off your clothes,” she declared. “Don’t worry, I won’t peek.”

“Who say’s I’m embarrassed?” I rebuffed. 

“Then why don’t you jump in? When else can you enjoy the whole waterfall to yourself? There are no fans or paparazzi around … now is your chance” she challenged.

And I was tempted. Sorely tempted. I don’t remember the last time I went for a swim aside from a chlorine filled swimming pool.

“C’mon chinggu. The water’s lovely …”Park tempted as she slid down the water again. “You can strip down. I promise I won’t look …”

I felt the corners of my mouth started lifting and the idea of taking a quick dip in the lake doesn’t sound so bad anymore. I started fumbling for my belt and I swear I saw a glint of triumph from Park’s eyes. “Don’t look” I called out.

Park laughed but nevertheless complied. “Come in quickly … it’s colder out of the water …”

Like a child, I excitedly ran for the water as soon as stripped down to my boxers. I let out a scream. “Park!”

I see Park a few feet away and laughing like a hyena pointing a finger at me. “Bwahahahaha…”

“You said the w-waters not c-cold” I accused, my teeth chattering. My momentum didn’t allow me to stop going in the lake. If I suddenly stopped, I might have fallen flat, face–down.

She stuck out her tongue and swam away. “It’ll get better.”

A minute passed and I let my body adjust to the temperature. I flexed my arms and shoulders and started to swim. It doesn’t feel as cold anymore. I relaxed and enjoyed the water. I admit, having the lake and waterfall to ourselves felt nice. Being a celebrity has its downfall with people being constantly on watch on whatever you do. Feeling at peace, I let go and let my body float.

I was startled when Park suddenly came up beside me making me wade furiously to keep me afloat but she kept swimming towards me until we’re only inches away. My feet touched the smooth cool stone floor of the lake, standing up. Park is also standing, with her head only coming up as high as my shoulders. 

“Where is it?” I heard her say, her eyes on my chest.

“What?” I asked, bewildered.

I felt her step forward and her face is almost on my chest. When I saw her hand come up as if to touch me, I took several steps back which made me slip and sit down before I regained my footing. “What are you doing?” I crossed my arms on my chest, protecting my body. “Are you going pervert on me?”

“Where is it?” she asked again.

“What are you looking for?’’

“Your third nipple …”

“M-my what?!” I spluttered.

“Your third nipple” she repeated, as a matter of fact. “Isn’t that the reason why you refuse to show your body to anyone?”

I look at Park blinking up at me in all seriousness. 

A dark thought formulated in my head. I think Park is going to drown tonight after all.

She must have sensed the dark aura emanating from me because she took a step back and hurriedly dove back into the water. “Race you to the waterfall!” she threw out and swam away.

I caught up with her when she was almost at the bottom of the waterfall. Man, she swims fast. The mist from the falling water was cold and it stopped me from doing my revenge. “Park” I growled.

I swear I heard her squeak as she dove down. I followed when she didn’t come up and I emerged from behind the waterfall and I saw her climbing up a step of stones with a concave on the stone wall which protects you from the falling water. It looks like a little cave even. She took shelter under it and I followed suit.

I sat right beside her. Park gave a small shiver as she hugged her knees while I sat cross legged. The sound of the waterfall was loud but calming. Park reached out her hand and played with the falling water. Her tinkling laughter echoing in the small space we’re in. I, too, followed her movements and couldn’t resist splashing some water on her making her shriek.

“Hey!” Park retaliated and on her knees, she used both hands to scoop water and throwing it straight to my face. She was about to do it again but I grasped her by the shoulder, afraid she’ll fall down. 

“I surrender” I said. “You’ll fall down if you’re not careful…”

We enjoyed a few minutes of silence just watching the sparkling water illumined by the moonlight. It was amazing how clear the night sky was. It seemed like all the stars have decided to come out in full force after being hidden for a few nights due to the storm. I almost wish that we can stay one more day or two here in the island.

“This almost makes me wish we weren’t leaving tomorrow.” I voiced out.

“I know.” Park agreed. “Shall I do a rain dance and make the storm make a U-turn?”

I chuckled. “I’d like that but my new movie starts shooting next week.”

“Ah, that’s too bad,” she laments. “When will we ever be in a vacation like this?”

I nodded. “I like the privacy and the bonding with mother nature.”

“You should thank me then because this is my idea.”

I gave her a smirk.

“The movie,” Park said, “Is it another action movie? I’m sorry, I didn’t have time to read what it’s all about. I just heard it’s about gambling?”

“Mostly” I shrugged. “I’ll have to go into a crash course for different card games as soon as we get back to Seoul.”

Her eyes lit up. “I can teach you some …”

I looked at her skeptically.

“Ya, I’m sure I can beat you in Poker or Blackjack.” She confidently challenged, bumping her elbow on my arm.

“Is that a dare?”

“Only if you’ll accept it.”

“Call” I told her.

She raised her right fist for a fist bump. “Call” she smiled. I connected my fist with hers, remembering our pinky swear the other night.

“Are you ready to go back?” I asked and she looked at me catching the meaning of my words.

She let out a huge sigh. “I have to be” she said with a determined look. “Actually, before we left Seoul, I talked to a real estate management and I put up our apartment for rent. Honestly I wanted to sell it but it doesn’t feel right, you know? Jiyong bought it with his money although it’s legally mine. But I don’t think that I can live in that house anymore … it’ll be just pure torture …”

I nodded, completely sympathizing with her. “Have you found another place?”

She shook her head. “Nope. Not yet. I guess I’ll have to start looking for one as soon as we get back.” She smiled. “It makes me feel excited thinking about it, you know? The thought of starting all over … start with a clean slate … brand new beginnings …”

“It’s a brand new start for you, too. Good luck on your new movie.” She turned to me. “Tell me more about it.”

And I did.

We went straight to YG building straight from Yeoseo island. There were some media around the premises. I checked into some news portals as soon as my phone managed to grasp some signal. As it was, the situation that I got marooned in the island because of the storm made it to the news. 

I also called my mother and reassured her that I was alive and well and that I’ll see her the day after tomorrow.

I glanced to my right and see that Park is still napping. 

YG sajangnim sent someone to pick us up from the port and I notice that Jjangme is also nodding his head off, riding in front of the luxury van.

I gently shake Park’s shoulder to wake her up seeing that we have now reached YG.

It took her awhile to get her bearings and it looked like she was really sleepy. I couldn’t blame her. We went back pretty late after our little swimming expedition.

“We’re here” I say.

“Hmmm mmmm” she mumbled and stifled a yawn.

Jjangme woke up as well and got out to open our door.

“C’mon” I nudged Park whose eyes remained closed. “Sajangnim wants to meet us in his office.”

She nodded and wiped the sleep off her eyes. 

When we got out, I see a handful of people with welcome handmade banners. I recognize some of the faces from the make-up and stylist teams. I suspect the welcome is more for Park than me but they also greeted me enthusiastically and I said my thanks.

All of a sudden, I hear a loud yell. 

“Darong!”

Park, who still looks half asleep, and greeting our welcoming party, was enveloped into a crushing hug by Park Bom. 

“Are you okay? I was so worried when I heard that you got trapped in the island in the middle of the storm” she exclaimed. “Were you hurt?” She proceeded to turn her around and around until Park complained.

“Bom” she said, holding her head with both hands. “I’m getting dizzy.”

Bom hugged her once again. “We need to catch up. I was really hurt when you disappeared” she pouted.

“I’m sorry” Park returned her hug. “I promise I’ll make time and have our chat.”

Bom then turned her attention on me. “Good to know you made it back okay, too.”

I flashed her a brief smile. “We survived.”

“I hope you took good care of my friend.” She then wound her arm around my manager.

“You won’t believe the trouble she put me through” I muttered under my breath.

Park made a scowling face at me and then feigned an innocent look at Bom. 

“I see you’re arrived safely.” We looked up and saw YG himself, coming down from the stairs to greet us.

We bowed and said our greetings.

After a few pleasantries, he invited us to come up to his office. 

I followed him up the stairs while Park said her final goodbyes to the rest. I was halfway up the stairs when I saw something move from my right in my peripheral vision. I turned to look and saw Kwon Jiyong looking down at the people downstairs from the 2^nd floor hallway, half concealed from the stone pillar. I stopped to stare and I swear that his gaze is trained on Park.

He must have perceived that someone’s attention is on him because he raised his eyes and met mine. He gave a quick, silent nod at me which I returned. 

He turned to leave after that just as Park caught up with me on the stairs.

“What’s wrong?” Park asked with a slight inclination of her head.

I realized that I have my brows furrowed. “Nothing.” I answered. “C’mon. Sajangnim is waiting.”

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A/N:

Another update! Yey! 

Anyone excited for G to the D's appearance?

It seems like a lot of you are hoping for a tabisan ending eh? But I can’t guarantee that because the story’s just begun and I still have the 3^rd guy to introduce. Speaking of which, are there any Darahae fans out there? I need to have him included in the poster soon.

Song for the day is the It’s Time by Imagine Dragons=> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOatp-OCw3E

 

If you have comments, suggestions or violent reactions, feel free to state your case below.

*bisous*

~mzbookworm4life