dontreadthistrashgarbage

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

Siobhan set the last of her belongings down in her new dorm. It was small and run down, but she didn't need anything fancy. She had finally come to Seoul to teach for the next year, maybe longer, if she liked it. She couldn't keep the smile off her face as she immediately went about unpacking. Siobhan knew herself well enough that if she didn't ride this high she'd still be half packed by the time she left the country.

Unfortunately for her, a knock at the door interrupted. Getting up she wandered over and opened the door curiously. A freckled teal haired woman greeted her shyly at the door.

"Hi, I'm your neighbor Charlie. I just moved in next door a couple days ago." She said in English.

"Hi Charlie! My name is Siobhan." She responded with a smile, "Please, come in!" She stepped aside to make room for her guest.

"I don't mean to impose." Charlie said as she hesitantly came in.

"Not at all! Are you a teacher too?" Siobhan asked.

"Yeah! I think there's a few of us in this building. They must get a good deal considering the condition of the place." Charlie grimaced slightly.

"True. I think most people that stay probably end up getting other places." Siobhan chuckled, "I'm hoping to save up so I'm going to hold out as long as possible."

The two continued chatting for a while, Siobhan continued to unpack and Charlie helped out. They ordered takeout and struggled to get the wifi figured out until they both were yawning.

"You should go home and get some sleep." Siobhan urged her new friend.

"Yeah, you're right." She nodded and stood to leave.

Siobhan followed her out, "Thanks so much for helping today! I'll get us coffee tomorrow." She promised.

After closing and locking the door, Siobhan showered and hopped into bed. It didn't take long for her to pass out after the long day of travel, unpacking and socializing.

A few hours later Siobhan woke up coughing and sweating. She briefly wondered if she was getting sick before the sounds fully roused her. Her room was filled with smoke and fire which made her eyes water further inhibiting her ability to see clearly as she coughed uncontrolably.

She dropped low and tried crawling toward the door but was deterred by flames. She turned back instead toward the window but felt her strength failing her as she struggled to breath. Tears streamed down her face both from smoke and desperation. Not now, she thought desperately, not now after finally making it here.

Siobhan was so tired, she kept getting brief flashes of her surroundings before falling back into unconsciousness. She would see glimpses of sunlight, or white walls. Sometimes there were people around and she caught snippets of conversation. Her korean was not the best but her studying before the move helped greatly.

"It was a fire."

"One of the tenants used a portable stovetop, right?"

"No it was electrical. That's why the tore the building down."

"Good thing most people weren't hurt at all."

Sometimes she woke to disturbingly loud sounds, which was odd to expect from a hospital. She wondered briefly how long she would struggle like this but drifted off again. Once she began being aware longer, things became even more strange.

Most of the people she saw she didn't recognize at all. When she tried to talk to them it took all her energy and they didn't respond before she lost consciousness again.

Things became more clear and confusing. She wasn't in a hospital. She wasn't in a bed. She was prone on the floor but even when she moved it didn't cause discomfort. Eventually she mustered all of her strength, fighting to stay awake until she felt more aware than she had since... since however long ago the fire was.

"Ya, the heater went out again!" A voice called from the hallway. She looked around. It was a new looking building. It seemed just short of finished.

"Hello?" She yelled. No one responded. She went out to see the person who had shouted about the heater. A man was finishing putting up trimming on a door frame with a rapidly cooling heater behind him. "Excuse me sir, I'm sorry, but I'm lost?" She said.

He didn't respond.

"Sir?" She repeated. He turned suddenly, looking past her.

"Ya, check the breaker!" He hollered and suddenly the heater kicked on again. "Finally" he grumbled and turned back to his work.

Siobhan was speechless. She thought he looked past her but it seemed more like he was looking through her.

"S-sir? Please?" Her voice shook as she reached out to touch him. She passed right through him and he shivered as goosebumps popped up on his exposed skin.

She stared for a moment before she could react, "Ah. Fuck."

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 PT.12

Guerin trotted up to JB's studio door with Eneoji and entered the code he had sent her. JB looked up as she came in, "Jagi, I wasn't expecting you so soon."

"I found a taxi that would take Eneoji, so I didn't need to drop her at home first." She gave him a kiss in greeting and detached the leash. JB grinned as Eneoji wiggled up to him and gave her an affectionate face squish and kiss on the nose before petting her. Guerin's heart swelled as she watched their interaction, settling into the chair next to JB at his desk. Once their greeting was finished Eneoji occupied herself by sniffing around the unfamiliar room and JB swiveled around back to the computer, with a glance at Guerin.

"Are you nervous?" He asked raising his brows over a crooked smile.

Guerin rubbed her knees and laughed almost shyly at his callout, "Yeah I think a little, but I'm also excited."

"Let's watch it then." He pulled up the email that showed two private links, one labeled as the music video and the other just said "watch after".

"What's that?" Guerin asked, pointing at the mysterious message.

"I don't know yet. I guess we'll find out after." JB shrugged and clicked the first link. Maximizing the video he sat back and took Guerin's hand to watch. It followed the storyline they had filmed; meeting, dating, the jealousy and the makeup, all interspersed with Mihi flying or the two of them playing with her. Once it was over Guerin clapped.

"Wow, BamBam did really amazing! Isn't he in the restaurant business? How is he so good?" She gushed.

"He pretty much hired people to run stuff for him, he does video editing as a part time hobby." JB grinned at her reaction, "That turned out better than I thought. His changes were good. You did great too, you looked amazing."

"I mean yeah compared to now." She joked about her post-workout appearance.

"I like you like this too." He took her hand again and met her gaze.

It was too intense for Guerin and she gave a crooked smile before changing the subject, "Let's check out that second link." She suggested suddenly.

JB stares at her for a moment with knowing smile before allowing himself to be distracted. Clicking on the mysterious link brought up another video.

"Behind the scenes?" Guerin read outloud curiously, exchanging a glance with JB before they refocused on the screen. The first few seconds were of Guerin talking, explaining to BamBam the concept of Free Flight. Her words continued as the screen flashed through different scenes of them filming, making mistakes and laughing, JB teasing Guerin and making goofy expressions.

"I had no idea he was recording." Guerin covered her mouth, embarrassed.

Back on the screen was a goofy dance off Guerin had started with Yugyeom before she tagged in JB as she was clearly in over her head. The scenes of Guerin laughing at her phone while JB teased her. The mood subtly changed. The smiles they shared with each other became softer, the reactions as they separated filming scenes they physically touched became shy, sweet even. JB's voice replaced Guerins.

"We're always learning. If we aren't open for improvement we become stagnant. People in our loves either feed that growth or they starve it." The scene changed to the actual moment JB was talking. He wasn't looking at the camera, but behind it, most likely at BamBam. Guerin glanced at JB who looked surprised and a bit anxious.

In the video Guerin was in the background playing with Mihi and JB glanced back at her with a small smile. He didn't say anything for a moment and the scene changed to an outtake from them goofing off when JB's voice cut in again, "I feel like every time we're together we learn something. So it's pretty easy to pretend I'm falling in love with someone I'm actually falling in love with." The scene changed back to a shyly smiling JB before he looked seriously at BamBam, "Don't tell her I said that."

The video wrapped up with a few more outtakes but the two sat someone shocked in silence as the video wrapped up. Guerin was positive she could hear BamBam cackling as he put together this extra content. Her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest, it was such a cheesy line but it was so cute and delivered in such a heartfelt way she could feel herself weakening.

"You didn't want me to hear that?"

"No..." JB said, covering his face, "I'm gonna kill him."

"Technically he didn't tell me." Guerin said unhelpfully trying not to smile. JB leaned back sucking in air through his teeth.

"Hey come on. It's not that bad. It's a teensy bit tacky but actually really sweet and moving." Guerin reached for him, patting his shoulder reassuringly as JB groaned.

"He already sent this to JYPE. We can stop it from getting approved and posted since it hasn't dropped yet." JB said, dropping his head to the side to look at Guerin.

"I dunno. It's actually kinda cute. Maybe people will find it endearing." Guerin shrugged, "If you think it's a problem then stop it, but if I was a fan this kind of stuff would get me super excited."

JB looked nonplussed, so Guerin stood and moved his beanie to kiss his forehead, "Babe you do what you want with it. I'll leave you to your work. I've got a meeting with Jisoo and training with HEET this afternoon so I've got to head out."

As she moved away JB took her wrist and tugged gently. She looked down at his pout and he tapped his lips. Failing to hold in a smile she bent down and kissed him sweetly.

"I got you, Jinri!" JB scooped up the toddler and spun her around as she squealed in joy. He playfully tossed her up, making her scream happily.

"Careful, sweetie." Guerin couldn't help but feel cautious, even if she could see the little girl loved the game.

"She likes it!" JB said, but he obliged her and instead sat on the floor with Jinri and made silly faces with her.

"He is so amazing with her." Charlie sat down cross legged next to Guerin, "It must make you feel all soft." She knew her friend well.

Guerin looked down and smiled. Seeing JB with animals and with children was an extreme soft spot of hers. It had been over a year since the tour with HEET and they were already preparing for another one.

"It definitely makes it harder to go." Guerin admitted, "But work is work. And I do like working with HEET. They're like my sons, I'm so proud of all of them."

"Seungbin has gotten so big! I remember when he was just a baby. He's turning into quite the handsome man." Charlie gushed fondly.

"Why are you talking about another man like that?" Jinyoung fake pouted, joining the two women on the floor. He had just returned from his trip to the store to join the conversation.

"Are you actually pretending to be jealous of a seventeen year old?" Guerin teased.

"I don't want Charlie to see anyone but me." Jinyoung made no effort to hide his smile as he pulled his wife toward him and kissed her head.

Jinri pulled away from JB and headed toward the trio. He called after her and collapsed on the floor from her rejection as Jinri left him. Guerin couldn't help but laugh at the exaggerated expression of hurt on his face. Jinri climbed into Jinyoung's lap and gazed at him lovingly, "Appa." She seemed excited to see her dad. Jinyoung's face hid none of his joy as he immediately cuddled his daughter close, he didn't need words to express his obvious adoration as he cooed at her lovingly while she giggled when he smothered her face with kisses.

"This is so cute I might vomit." Guerin gushed.

"Imagine how I feel." Charlie might as well have actual heart eyes as she watched the two of the interact.

JB sat down next to Guerin, putting his arm around her shoulder and watching his dongsaeng with a jealous expression, "When do we get one of those?" He asked with a pout.

Guerin's eyes widened as she swung to look at him, "Excuse me?" She was surprised into english. Fortunately his biligunal abilities had expanded enough that he understood her shock.

"She's so cute." He pulled Guerin close, staring at Jingyoung's now smug expression with a covetous look of his own, "Let's get one."

"Yeah let's just adopt one right now." Guerin rolled her eyes, trying to cover the palpitations of her heart.

"If you think adoption is faster, let's do it." He responded.

"Don't you think you're missing a step?" Charlie raised an eyebrow at the petulant man and the flabbergasted woman in his arms.

"Well we obviously are going to get married." JB shrugged, "And I'll buy a house for us."

"Okay wait hold up. This is a whole conversation I'd like to be a part of? There's a lot of decisions being made without me despite me being a key player." Guerin said, flustered.

"You don't want kids with me?" JB asked, looking surprised.

"I didn't say that I just... timing and... ability and space... and... JB THIS IS NOT THE PLACE." She protested finally, covering her face.

JB laughed, "Okay, we'll work out the details later." He said as he kissed her temple.

Jinyoung looked at Charlie with a raised brow, "What just happened?"

"Pretty sure they just got engaged and pregnant." Charlie said, holding her arms open for her daughter, who eagerly jumped to her mom.

"Shut up." Guerin said in a muffled voice from behind her hands, a rare blush reddening what little of her face was visible. She peaked up at JB who shrugged.

"It sounds like a plan to me." He said.

"This is the weirdest engagement ever." Jinyoung said.

"It suits them." Charlie said matter of factly about her two friends.

END

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 PT.11

As is the tradition for every fancy party there was a much less formal after party. The girls didn't need to change but Jinyoung changed out his bowtie and suit jacket for his familiar long tan coat and JB simple shed his jacket. The bar down the street from the hotel was just the right amount of informal. While a medium amount of drinking had occurred at the hotel the party goers really dove into the bottle. It was mostly mid and lower level crew members and Jinyoung was the only actor that tagged along, mostly with the intention of making sure Charlie got home safely. They had a sequestered alcove and the staff knew to be on the lookout for creeps with cameras.

The group went through more bottles of soju and beer than Guerin cared to count. Her outgoing personality helped her fit in while they played games, and even chic JB (who quickly revealed how bad he is at games) got enough alcohol in him to warm up to the group for short periods as they played. Eventually Guerin, Charlie and Hyena, one of Charlie's coworkers, agreed it was time for a bathroom break. The three women tottered outside to the single stall bathroom. Charlie went first, then Hyena. Guerin went in last. Charlie and Hyena waited outside but it wasn't long before Hyena began shivering.

"Sunbae, it's cold, let's head back."

"You go first, I can wait for Guerin. If we're both gone she'll assume we were kidnapped." Charlie giggled. Hyena gratefully trotted back to the bar as a foreign man stepped out of it and looked around. Spotting Charlie he walked toward her. Getting nervous she pretended to look elsewhere as he approached.

"Do you speak english?" He asked.

"Yeah..." she said tentatively.

"Thank god. Where are the bathrooms in this place?" He asked sounding exasperated.

Charlie pointed him to the men's restroom just beyond her.

"Oh, of course. Thanks." He smiled, looked her up and down then moved past her, she stepped out of his way to be as far from him as possible.

Just as his door closed Guerin walked out, shaking her hands dry. "For crying out loud just use paper towels." Charlie admonished her friend.

"They're bad for the environment!" Guerin protested, "Where is Hyena?" She asked concerned.

"She was cold so I sent her back." Charlie reassured.

"Awwww you waited for me in the cold? Aw you loooove meeeee!" Guerin gushed throwing an arm around Charlie and giving her an affectionate side hug.

"Ew get your wet hand off me." Charlie shrugged Guerin away.

The two bantered until they got back into the bar.

"I'm gonna get a couple more waters for our table." Charlie said, heading up to the bar.

"I'll come." Guerin offered autpmatically.

"I'll be fine, go back to JB he looks like he is suffering." Charlie pushed her protective friend away. Accurately enough JB had an uncomfortable expression on his face as a couple people around him zoned in on the introverted man. Guerin hesitated, glancing at Charlie who made one more shooing motion before she headed back to her man. Jinyoung caught Charlie's eye and she waved and held up one finger to let him know she would be right back.

As Charlie gathered up a few water bottles from the fridge next to the bar she turned to see the same man from outside.

"Hey again." He smiled at her.

"Oh, hi." She looked down and started to move around him.

"Let me help with that." He stepped in front of her, reaching for the bottles she held.

"No thanks, I've got it." She pulled back from him a little, feeling uncomfortable.

"Sorry, I just..." He smiled again, "I just am happy to run into another English speaker and you're pretty cute so... listen, my name is Kevin and I was wondering if you wanted to meet up while I'm out here."

"Sorry Kevin, I'm pretty busy." She glanced around him toward the table their group was at but it was hidden from sight from where she was.

"Aww, c'mon don't be like that. Why don't I just join you tonight then? You seem like you're out for a good time." He stepped in closer to her, trapping her against the bar. He leaned an arm against the bar trapping her escape. He was close enough that she could feel his breath on her as she looked away and she shivered in fear and disgust.

"I have a boyfriend." She argued. Her shyness was starting to dissipate and she began to feel anger boiling up.

"I don't see him here. C'mon, what he doesn-" Kevin was interrupted as he was yanked aside. Charlie looked up to see Jinyoung looking at her with concern. He had grabbed Kevin and shoved him away before placing himself between the pushy man and Charlie.

"Are you okay?" He asked her, putting a hand to her face and looking into her eyes. Charlie nodded, hating that as soon as she knew she was safe her eyes welled with tears. Jinyoung smiled at her then straightened up and turned to Kevin, who had regained his balance.

"What the hell man, who are you?" Kevin demanded in a raised voice causing a few patrons to look over.

"I am her boyfriend." Jinyoung said in his careful english. Charlie could see Guerin rushing over.

"Really?" Kevin snorted and looked at Charlie, "You'd stick with this small dicked lady looking bitch? Really?"

Jinyoung didn't need to know every word Kevin said to understand that he was being insulted, but he didn't let that phase him. He put his arm around Charlie and began leading her back to their group, "We are going now." Jinyoung said, inclining his head politely as they moved away.

Kevin moved to follow but found a brightly colored obstacle in his way, "Where do you think you're going?" Guerin asked him. He was taller than her by a few inches but her expression was unforgiving.

"Who the fuck are you? Move."

"Hey, dude, quick question. You ever wonder what it's like going to jail in a foreign country?" Guerin asked, pretending to look curious. "Because you sure are acting like you want to find out."

Kevin hesitated, "I haven't done anything."

"I mean. Maybe. That you know of. I saw you harassing that lovely couple and you definitely were holding that poor woman against her will. Do you think you know the legal system in Korea well enough that you could get out of spending a night or two in jail while they get a hold of someone who speaks english who could actually help you?" Guerin tapped her face with her finger thoughtfully.

Kevin didn't say anything and took a step back, but Guerin didn't stop.

"I've never been to jail before but at least if I went I speak Korean well enough to get the help I need right away. I own my own business here so I'm not worried about getting fired and losing my job. But what would happen to you if you were detained? Hm? Do you want to find out?" She leaned forward, to others still watching it looked like she was just being cute but he could see the murder in her eyes, "Fucking try me, I will destroy your whole goddamn life and you won't even see it coming you racist, misogynistic, xenophobic asshat. So do me a favor, pay your bill, get the hell out of here and pray you don't see me on the street for the rest of your trip. And in the future, no means no. Period."

"Whatever bitch, I was done here anyway." He scoffed at her and turned away grumbling under his breath the whole way out. She watched him pay his bill, he flipped her off on his way out and she just smiled and gave him a peace sign that seemed to piss him off more as he stormed out of the bar. Guerin turned to her table to see most of their party had crowded at the entrance of their alcove to watch her. Suddenly embarrassed that Charlie's coworkers had seen her get confrontational in two disputes in the same night she smiled sheepishly and headed back. She needn't have worried, the people that had come out for drinks were definitely the more laid back of the employees.

"Guerin that was awesome."

"What did you say?"

"He was so mad weren't you scared?"

"He looked pissed!"

Guerin waved them off, "It wasn't a big deal, I've dealt with a lot of garbage men. Let's have a drink c'mon."

She pushed her way back to her seat as everyone settled in too. JB sat next to her, glancing at her from the corner of his eye, "You've gotta stop starting fights everywhere we go." He admonished her playfully, his slight lip curl giving him away.

"I don't start fights. I finish them." She said primly and fluttered her lashes at him as she sipped her shot of soju.

His face twisted as he held back a smile, but his hand reached for hers under the table and he placed his fingers with hers, then rested both of their hands on his leg. Something about his motion stirred her affection and she softened, moving closer against him and resting her head on his shoulder. Their moment didn't last long as others around them called for more games to be played.

"JB." Guerin sighed suddenly feeling exhausted. He looked over at her as she continued, "Let's go home."

"Okay." He nodded. The two of them paid their share and said their goodbyes. Charlie and Guerin hugged and Guerin told Jinyoung to be extra careful leaving, lecturing him on what to look for and what to do if anything happened until JB took her hand and pulled her away out the door. As they hailed a cab and climbed in Guerin made sure there was no Kevin skulking around before following JB into the backseat. JB gave the driver Guerin's address and they took off. The two sat quietly for the first few minutes of the drive, Guerin reaching for JB's hand this time.

"Guerin..." JB started, then hesitated. She looked at him and waited for him to continue. He looked serious and contemplative, "I know you didn't do anything wrong. But you don't always need to end the fight."

Guerin sat up and frowned. Her initial instinct was to feel frustration. How could he tell her she hadn't done anything wrong and then tell her not to do what wasn't wrong? "I don't understand."

JB heard the shortness in her words despite her attempt to hide them and thought through his next words carefully, "Sometimes when you defend people, it might escalate. There might be other opportunities to leave a situation."

"Okay. I assume you mean with Minsoo and that one guy... Charlie said his name was Kevin? What should I have done differently?" She was curious but still battling her defensive impulse.

"We could have just walked away from Minsoo. In that environment things could have gone very badly for us. It's likely the director was being forgiving since you are a foreigner and he might assume you aren't as familiar with our culture. Ordinarily all three of us would have been kicked out." JB was being careful but he was serious. Guerin couldn't help but feel like he was right. It seemed so obvious now, but she didn't have to exchange any words at all with Minsoo, let alone step up to her.

Suddenly Guerin was embarrassed again, "Shit." She said under her breath in English, "That's true. I didn't even think of that in the moment."

"I think you're just used to having to be protective and finish things yourself. Even with Kevin, once Charlie was away and safe we could have just called the police or gotten staff to help." JB added.

Guerin went from feeling embarrassed to shame. She was used to a legal system that was much more unreliable and was best to avoid getting authorities involved. On top of that, such aggressive behavior even if only done in response was much more frowned upon culturally.

"I think you just want to protect people and that's good. But I think you should worry about yourself too. It would look bad, especially as a foreigner, if you repeatedly ended up involved in legal disputes." JB trailed off his ramble.

She nodded but didn't know what to say and the rest of the ride was spent in thoughtful silence. Once they got to her apartment JB glanced at Guerin with a question in his eyes and she couldn't help a small smile.

"Are you coming up with me?"

"Sure, I don't have other plans." JB shrugged, playing it cool. He paid the taxi, unburdened by too small pockets. Once they got into the elevator JB cleared his throat and asked.

"Are you mad at me?"

"Mad? Oh geez no. I just-" her eyes welled up and she smiled at shook her head, "Oh this is dumb. I'm just embarrassed."

"No, jagiya." He took her face in his hands then dabbed at her tears with his sleeve. "You were really cool I just want you to be around so I worried that there might be trouble."

"You're right though. I do tend to get protective and go over the top." She smiled wryly.

He gave her his cute close lipped smile that melted her heart as he pinched her cheeks, shaking her face gently.

"Hey hey." She laughed as shook her face free from his assault but he took her face again, this time looking into her eyes with a different expression.

"The longer you're around the longer I can be with you. So maybe just be protective of that." He said, then leaned in a kissed her, just long enough for the elevator to arrive on her floor.

She cleared her throat and tried to play off as though his words hadn't moved her, "Wow, I bet you thought that was a super cool move."

"It was pretty charismatic." He winked at her.

She tried to hide her smile by shaking her head as she pressed the combo for her door and walked in. Eneoji greeted them at the door then turned and went back to the couch where she had obviously been sleeping before they came home. Guerin removed her makeup first then came back out to JB sitting on the couch petting her dog.

"Do you want pajamas again?" She offered. He nodded in response then glanced up to see she had removed her blazer and began unbuttoning her semi transparent shirt as she headed toward her room.

"Are you just casually undressing in front of me?" JB asked, a bit surprised.

"I... kinda I guess? I was just going to hang these up, and it's not like it's nothing you haven't seen all night." Guerin paused, wondering if she had genuinely offended him.

"The trouble you give me over a few buttons." He stood and walked over to her, unbuttoning another button, "You're always nagging me about doing them up." He undid another, glancing at her with a smirk, "You think this might not affect me too?" He undid the last one, opening the shirt to reveal the bandeau underneath.

Guerin's heart raced and her breathing had quickened. He looked back up at her with a tiny smirk and those bedroom eyes from under his long bangs and it was over for her. She stepped into him and kissed him hungrily, arms wrapping around his neck. His hands were much more controlled, holding her waist then trailing leisurely under her loose shirt on her skin to her back, then lower to her pink trousers. His lack of urgency slowed her down enough that she was able to let him go long enough to unbutton his shirt and slide it off of him, slipping out of hers the rest of the way as well.

"Bed." JB said through the kiss, hands gripping her just barely tighter.

"Mmm." She assented, though it took them several more seconds to separate and she got her first good look at his naked torso, "Oh good grief." She exhaled.

JB wasn't familiar with the English phrase but he was able to deduce that she liked what she saw, since right after she spun on her heels and led him by the hand into her bedroom. Once they reached her bed JB pulled her back to him for another deep and languid kiss, this time his hands moving from her shoulders, down her back and sides and back to her trousers. She made an impatient noise as he finally unbuttoned and unzipped and allowed them to fall to the floor. Guerin reached for his pants next but he caught her hand. They broke apart and her eyes held her question.

"Not yet." He said with a wicked grin, moving her back onto the bed, kissing her again as he lay over her. Slowly his kisses strayed down to her jaw, her neck, her clavicle, another sound escaped her as he pulled up the elastic bandeau with his teeth and she moaned.

"JB, please." She moved under him impatiently.

"Jagiya, I've done a lot of waiting for you." He said with that same evil grin from earlier, "I'd like to take my time, if that's alright with you?"

Guerin licked her lips and nodded which set him back to his excruciatingly slow progress. She laced her hands in his hair as he continued down her body while she willed herself not to beg again.

JB was awoken by chatter from Mihi in the second bedroom. Guerin was still fast asleep in his arms, seemingly unperturbed by the morning sounds. Eneoji looked up from the foot of the bed as JB stirred and stretched collecting his awareness. The two blinked at each other before the fluffy dog settled back down with a sigh. JB thought she had the right idea and snuggled up to Guerin again, pulling her against him.

Guerin moaned and rolled in his arms so she was on her back, opening one eye and looking at him. He smiled at her from the pillow, only half his face visible.

"Did you sleep well?" He asked.

"Mmm." She nodded closing both of her eyes as she groaned, "How are you so handsome after just waking up?" She grumbled, pulling the blanket up over her head.

"I was born sexy." He said playfully with a grin, tugging the blanket away from her face so he could kiss her cheek.

"Mmph." She grunted, reaching her hand around his face to pat his head. She turned to face him completely and snuggled into him, "What time is it?"

"I don't know." He responded.

"Why are you awake then." She whined slightly and pouted with her eyes closed as she struggled to decide between trying to sleep more or getting up and starting the day.

He found her vulnerable sleepy mood unbelievably cute and snuggled into her, "Mihi woke me." JB answered and as though on cue more chatter started up in the neighboring room.

"Prolly wants breakfast." Guerin she muttered in English before sighing and throwing the blanket off of her and pulling away from JB. The only word he understood was "breakfast".

"Let's eat later." He protested as she left his arms. Eneoji had hoped up and off the bed with no hesitation as Guerin stood.

"For the... animals." She explained, translating still going slow as she gestured at the disappearing rear of her dog who had left the room in anticipation. Guerin threw on a long tshirt and followed after.

JB got up and foraged around finding the same sweatpants he had borrowed before, ignoring the twinge of jealousy as he remembered why they were there he pulled them on. He located Guerin coming out of the second bedroom with Mihi on hand.

"Good morning. Hi. Hi. Morninggg." Mihi was chattering back to Guerin who despite the short amount of time looked much more awake and was cooing to her bird. JB followed, passing Eneoji in the living room knocking around her food dispenser for her kibble. Guerin set Mihi on a perch just in front of the counter then went into the kitchen, getting vegetables and fruits out along with some toilet paper rolls. Mihi had stopped chattering after seeing JB but he still greeted her when he passed by. She responded with a quiet almost shy sounding, "Hiiiiii..."

"Oh, she's starting to get comfortable with you." Guerin said with a smile as she reached across the counter and handed Mihi a chunk of bell pepper to munch on before resuming weighing and cutting the produce.

"She's not the only one." He said, playfully lifting the hem of her long shirt briefly for a peek at her bare bottom.

Guerin jumped, startled by the unexpected move and pointed her knife at him as he laughed and ducked away, "You should behave while I'm armed, young man." She scolded him.

"Sorry noona." JB scrunched his face cutely, not looking the least bit apologetic as he stepped up to her, arms wrapping around her from behind as he nuzzled into her neck playfully.

"Tch. You think you can get away with anything if you're cute." She shook her head as though it wasn't true.

"Yeah, a little bit." He said, resting his chin on her shoulder. He spotted a strawberry and reached for it. Guerin pushed away his hand.

"Ah-ah! That's for Mihi." She said, "Here this is an extra one." She added as she picked up an extra one and held it up to his face. He happily bit into it, tilting his head back to get the whole fruit in his mouth before kissing her on the cheek.

"Jagiya, I'm going to wash my face." JB said as he chewed, kissed her on the cheek, then walked off as she nodded, busy loading the toilet paper rolls with produce and folding them closed. Once she was finished she put the extras away, picked up all the enrichment, stepped up Mihi and returned her to her room. Guerin went to check on JB, glancing into the bathroom just as he dried his face. The view made her stop in her tracks.

JB didn't have a headband to push his hair back, so he had opted to tie his long hair back into a short ponytail. He looked up from his towel to see his girlfriends expression. He read her easily and smirked, biting his lip and raising his eyebrows suggestively. Guerin had barely been able to keep her cool while he wandered around with no shirt but the hairstyle pushed her over the edge. Wondering vaguely if she would ever get used to looking at him or if she would have to get used to feeling like all the air was sucked out of the room she closed the distance between them. Unlike the night before he matched her urgency as she pressed herself against him, kissing deeply and frantically, breathing elevated already. Her hands were all over him as his found their hold on her rear, pulling her against him as he slid one of his legs between hers. She gasped, breaking the kiss for a moment before targeting his neck instead, careful to not leave obvious marks despite her overwhelming desire. He watched as she made her way down his body, making eye contact as she pulled off the sweatpants making him moan as he bit his lip again, this time no trace of a smirk.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 PT. 10

They shot a few more takes and different angles until BamBam was satisfied. They helped him pack up his things. As he was getting ready to leave Guerin couldn't help but notice JB was making no moves to leave himself, clearly intending to hang back after BamBam had left. BamBam looked curiously at the two of them before giving an obnoxious knowing grin and eye wiggle on his way out. Guerin tsked and closed the door in his face before feeling guilty and cracking it open to thank him and wish him a safe trip home. She mentally steeled herself and turned to see JB standing awkwardly in the center of her living room, swinging his arms gently, mouth slightly pursed as he looked around trying to seem nonchalant.

"I'm starving. Should we order some takeout?" Guerin said suddenly, drawing his gaze back to her with a blink before he nodded.

"Chicken sound good?" She asked, pulling out her phone to pull up the ordering app as she wandered to the kitchen.

JB brightened visibly at the mention of his favorite food, "Yes chicken! Let me order it though."

"It's okay, I've got it." Guerin responded, voice slightly muffled from her face being in the fridge as she pulled out a couple water bottles. She didn't see JB come up behind her and snag her phone away from the hand holding the fridge door open as she straightened up. "Im Jaebeom!" Guerin scolded, pressing her hand to her chest, "You startled me."

"Sorry." He said disingenuously with a bratty grin, holding his own phone and perusing it as he chose a chicken delivery restaurant.

"Ya. Punk. Give me my phone back." She shoved a water bottle into his chest and he laughed, taking it from her and moving back to the living room still focused on his phone. "Hey don't ignore me. I said I would do the order!" Guerin protested, following after him.

"Do you want some beer too? We should get some beer." JB said, still not responding to her protests other than the shit eating grin betraying his amusement.

She huffed, and looked around to see where her phone had gone but she didn't see it anywhere. Guerin changed tactics and pouted, "Jaebummiiiieeee." She whined and pouted, "Why are you being mean to meeee?" JB looked up at her, startled and then laughed as she ramped up her aegyo by swaying her shoulders, lowering her head and looking up at him through her eyelashes. He covered his mouth as he yelled in amusement before laughing again.

"Ya, what is this?" He asked, still in disbelief. He had seen her act cute before but it was usually much shorter or more natural. This full blown attempt at aegyo was throwing him for a loop.

Frustrated and embarrassed she tried to take advantage of his distraction by lunging for his phone instead. He side stepped her reflexively, but as she passed him he stepped in again trapping her against the wall, his hand above her head propping him against the surface. His face was lowered toward hers, broad shoulders and loose fitting sweater combined to make her feel surrounded. Guerin was taken by surprise in this turn of events and in a weak moment she sank back against the wall, especially as she caught his expression. JB's smile had switched to a seductive smirk, his eyes scorching into hers with an eyebrow raised in a challenging manner. She felt like all of her breath had left her body, not that it mattered because she didn't seem to remember how to breathe anyway.

JB's free arm moved behind him, pulling Guerin's phone from his back pocket and handing it back to her with a wink, "I placed the order already."

He straightened up and began to step back looking quite proud of himself before Guerin decided to act. Grabbing the front of his sweater with both her hands she pulled him back to her. His face inches away from hers she spoke a breathless command, "Kiss me."

JB didn't need a second invitation. He stepped close to her, pushing her back against the wall. His movements weren't rushed, but they were deliberate as he lowered his face to hers, pressing his lips against her own, but only for a moment. He broke this kiss, following it with another and another before he felt her arms snake around him, pulling him close as she deepened the kiss. He couldn't help but smile at her pushy display.

Once she pulled back for air he kissed down her jawline to her ear, kissing the colorful feather tattoo behind her ear before moving to her ear lobe and neck. Breathing deeply, mostly from the sensation he elicited from her she spoke again, "I like you too." She almost whispered.

He beamed against her neck as he responded, "Say it again?" He requested, pulling away just enough to look into her eyes.

"I like you, Im Jaebeom." She said louder for him. His hand cupped her cheek as he kissed her again. Beaming he pulled her in for a hug, peppering her face with kisses before ending up back on hip lips, silencing her giggles at his sudden playful joy. Getting fed up with waiting for him to escalate she pushed him back, turning them until he fell back onto the couch. Guerin grinned at his startled expression, straddling his lap boldly. He licked his lips, hands moving up her thighs to her hips. She didn't move in right away, resting her hands on his wide chest, luxuriating in the feel of him. Her hands slid along his body, to his shoulders, neck up until her fingers ran through his shaggy hair, pulling it back away from his face. She gently used this leverage to tilt his head back finally leaning in to kiss him again, slowly at first before increasing the intensity as she gave in to her hunger. His hands tightened on her hips, then worked their way up under her shirt to her waist before they were interrupted by Guerin's door buzzer.

Disoriented she sat up, wondering who it could be and cursing their timing before she groaned remembering ordering food had been her idea. She rolled off JB who laughed at her undisguised frustration before he hopped up, cleverly adjust his pants, then padded to the door to take their food. Thanking the delivery person he closed the door and turned back to Guerin who was running her hands through her hair and they made eye contact. Wordlessly he held up the food with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah let's eat." She laughed, beckoning him over, "I guess we have some stuff to talk about anyway." She added with a grimace.

JB watched her with an unreadable expression for a moment but then moved back to the couch, taking the food and setting it all out.

"You got tteokbokki too?" Guerin gasped suddenly, watching him work.

"Mm." He grunted in the affirmative, handing her chopsticks and setting her favorite dish closer to her.

"You're the best wow." She dove right into the food.

"The best? I'm lucky you're so easy to please." He teased.

"Yeah I'm pretty cheap I can't lie." She fed him a bite of tteokbokki.

They ate in silence for a minute before JB spoke up again between bites, "Did you... talk to Jackson?"

Guerin nodded as she finished chewing and swallowed, "Yeah. At his party he asked me... I told him I wouldn't date him." She used her chopsticks to stir around a piece of tteok. "It was honestly really hard. I didn't want to do it." She blinked as her eyes stung, remembering the rapper's hurt expression.

"Why did you then, if you didn't want to?" JB asked curious in spite of himself.

"I just don't think we're compatible. As much as I adore him, I need downtime. Jackson is always going, he doesn't stop to relax. He works to relax. I think that would cause insurmountable conflict." She shrugged sadly, now squashing the tteok with her chopsticks but not picking it up. JB reached across, picked up the abused food and fed it to her.

"Do you have doubts about me?" JB asked.

"Yeah but... they were mostly alleviated. Really my biggest concern is about me. I'm not great at romantic relationships. But I guess I'm selfish enough to try." She took a big piece of chicken interrupting herself by putting the whole large bite in her mouth.

"Dummy." JB rolled his eyes and patted her head. She narrowed her eyes and looked at him sideways until he continued, "That's what dating is. We learn each other."

"Lame." Guerin said through her full cheeks as she shoved his hand away, but she had to cover her mouth as she smiled.

"So... are you my boyfriend now?" Guerin asked after she swallowed. JB looked at her like said something ridiculous and she quickly tried to explain, "I just... wanted to check? It's different in the states we usually have like... it's just different."

He reached across her shoulders and pulled her as he laid down, her head resting on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, "Yeah, I'm your boyfriend." He kissed the top of her head.

Guerin rested her head on him, blissfully comfortable in his arms.

"You look so handsome." Charlie couldn't help but gush at her boyfriend as they went into the hotel hosting the wrap party. Jinyoung did indeed look sharp in his custom fitted, classic black suit complete with bowtie and perfectly coiffed hair.

"I needed to, or you were going to take all the spotlight." He slid an arm around her waist an pulled her in as he kissed the side of her head and murmured into her hair, "You look extra pretty tonight."

"If you say so." She said disbelievingly, perpetually unable to accept a compliment. Jinyoung frowned but didn't argue with her just yet. The bronze dress she and Guerin had found complemented her shape well and suited her purple hair that she further accessorized with purple contacts and shoes. He thought she looked radiant. He offered her his arm, which she took and they entered the room together. It wasn't long into their partnership that they had admitted to dating to the crew and JYPE had made a formal announcement. As an actor he had a lot more leeway than he would have as an idol, and most of his fans were smitten with the story of them meeting on set so there had been minimal blowback. In fact it had served to hype up his drama even more and viewership had increased.

"Do you see JB and Guerin?" Charlie asked, glancing around. They had found out their mutual friends were officially a couple a week prior and had invited them along to the party as their plus ones.

"It's hard to miss Guerin." Jinyoung snickered as he spotted her easily.

"Oh no what is she-" Charlie's eyes landed on the beacon that was her friend and she couldn't help but smile even as she raised a hand to her head. Guerin was wearing a light pink blazer, hot pink bandeau showing under a fairly translucent black shirt tucked into a pair of hot pink high waisted trousers with predictably matching black lipstick, "Is she stuck in the 80's what is wrong with her?" Charlie grumbled as they made their way over to their friends. JB was dressed very fashion forward but still paled in comparison to the highlighter masquerading as his girlfriend. His long dark gray suit jacket and loose fitting trousers hung off his body seductively, with a black and white patterned shirt that he had skipped the tie on in favor of his usual unbuttoned appearance and his hair, just too short for a ponytail hanging around his face and falling into his eyes. Guerin noticed Jinyoung and Charlie approaching first and she lit up.

"Charlie!! You look incredible oh my god!" She gushed, holding her hands out to take in the view, eyes practically sparkling. "Jinyoung, you also look very dapper." She dropped the last word in english. She found it fun to keep him guessing as he cocked his head to the side, glancing at Charlie who smiled and nodded at him.

"Thank you, Guerin. You look. Bright." He offered as she chuckled in turn.

"I'll take it as a compliment." JB wore a slight smile as he stepped up to Guerin and greeted his friends, seemingly undaunted that her black platform shoes made her slightly taller than him.

"Have you two been waiting long?" Charlie asked.

"No, it's still pretty early but you know how I am about being on time." Guerin shrugged.

"She was very strict about me getting ready." JB said with a raised eyebrow at Guerin.

"I was surprised to see you here before me. She must have done something right." Jinyoung admitted with a mischievous expression. JB could only shrug in acceptance, he knew he was chronically late.

The foursome got drinks and chatted more before Jinyoung had to peel off. Guerin and Charlie left JB to his own devices as they meandered around and caught up.

"So you and JB..." Charlie gave her friend The Look.

Guerin glanced around, shushing her friend, before shaking her head.

"What the hell, Guerin? That's super unlike you." Charlie whispered.

"I know, I know." Guerin made a face, "I think i just keep waiting for him to get sick of me. Like... most people only really can handle me in small doses. Or they think I'm so quirky and fun and then the novelty wears off and it gets annoying or it becomes normal and they get bored... or I just do something to fuck it all up. I really like JB and I don't want to get even more attached and emotional just for it to end." As she talked it became clear to Charlie that this had been something Guerin had been holding close to her chest for a while now.

"Guerin." Charlie said.

"Charlie." Guerin responded with the same tone.

"Get over it, and get under him." Charlie stated matter of factly.

"Oh my god. Charlie." Guerin sputtered and tried not to laugh loudly in shock.

"I'm serious. You don't know how a relationship is going to progress if you're walking on eggshells or always waiting for the other shoe to drop. It might end yeah, but the more you hold back the more likely that is to happen." Charlie lectured her friend.

Guerin's lips were pursed thoughtfully as she listened to her friend before she spoke, "Yeah. You right." She memed as she nodded.

"God you're such a nerd. He definitely already knows that about you." Charlie rolled her eyes and Guerin chuckled.

"What are the odds that anyone near us speaks English well enough to have understood our conversation?" Guerin asked, suspiciously looking around. Charlie glanced as well and shook her head.

"No one most likely."

"Most likely. There's a vote of confidence." Guerin finished her drink, "C'mon, let's get some more!" She took her friends arm and led her back to the bar. Once their beverages had been refreshed Charlie glanced up.

"Hey, I think one of our interns is hitting on JB."

"Oh?" Guerin looked around. Sure enough a young pretty woman with long silky straight hair was showing all the signs of flirting. She giggled, tossed her hair, played with her necklace, "Oh yeah look at her go." Guerin nodded and took a sip.

Charlie looked at Guerin astounded, "Is that it?"

"I mean, I'll go interrupt in a minute, JB looks kind of uncomfortable." Guerin shrugged, "But it's kinda funny."

Charlie stared at her friend, "Literally five minutes ago you were telling me you felt insecure with him."

"I mean. Yeah. I'm worried I'll do something to mess it up. I don't think some pretty young thing would successfully get him to cheat on me." Guerin shrugged again. Charlie stared some more and Guerin sighed, "Listen. Look at him. He's a mega babe. There's no doubt he could have any woman he wants. The fact that he pursued me? Appearance isn't his biggest priority. Besides, I trust him. If I didn'ti

I wouldn't date him."

Charlie frowned, turning back to watch the interaction, "I wish I had your confidence."

Guerin put a hand on her friends back sympathetically, "Keep working on it. It doesn't happen overnight, and it takes a lot of work. I can tell you all day how amazing you are but at some point you have to start telling yourself too. You didn't score a hottie like Park Jinyoung by being less than worthy."

Charlie glanced up at Jinyoung, who was chatting with the director and another actor. He glanced at her and caught her eye, smiling briefly before continuing his conversation. Her heart fluttered at the eye contact, and it managed to lift her spirits just a little.

"Ah shit, JB saw me watching." Guerin said suddenly as her boyfriend made eye contact and his eyes widened ever so slightly as he tried to plead with her over the distance.

"Go save him already, he looks like he's trying not to die." Charlie scolded her friend.

"Yeah, he's been doing the slow steps backward to try and leave but she keeps walking with him. It's super funny. Guess the show is over though." Guerin chuckled, "I'll find you soon." She broke off an headed toward her boyfriend.

"So you're friends with Park Jinyoung-ssi? How do you two know each other?" The young woman talking to JB was twisting a lock of hair in her fingers as she swayed in place flirtatiously.

"Hey honey." Guerin stepped up to JB and slid an arm around his waist, his hand automatically snaked around her back. Guerin kissed his temple, grateful for her durable lipstain as he displayed very subtle relief at her appearance. Guerin smiled at the younger woman who looked shocked, "Hello, I'm Go Guerin, it's nice to meet you." She held out her hand, subtly asserting herself.

"I'm Bang Minsoo." The girl took Guerin's hand with only of hers and barely inclined her head as they shook hands. The rude gesture was not lost on Guerin but she didn't let it phase her. JB's brow furrowed at the impolite display.

"Minsoo, that's such a cute name, it suits you well!" Guerin said pleasantly.

"Guerin is my girlfriend." JB said suddenly, as Minsoo looked back and forth between them with growing disbelief.

"Are you serious?" She asked and frowned, "This isn't one of those things where a friend pretends to date someone to chase of someone else?" She raised an eyebrow and her lip curled ever so slightly.

Guerin raised her chin, eyebrows up as she cast a now disparaging gaze at the woman in front of her, eyes flicking down then back up to Minsoo's face. "Would you like to explain that?" She asked.

"I just mean... you two are mismatched." Minsoo said, still informal with the same disbelieving expression only growing more pronounced.

"Ya." JB was seething, his chin jutted forward as he began to speak, eyebrows furrowed.

"Hold on sweetie." Guerin soothed him, "I'd like Minsoo to explain what she means by that."

"Oppa, I don't mean to upset you. I mean you can do better than some fat giant foreigner with the fashion sense of a toddler. It's so obvious she really isn't your girlfriend. If you didn't want to date me you just had to say so, you don't need to lie." Minsoo finished off her explanation with a pout.

Guerin laughed at Minsoo, which made the younger woman angry, and Guerin's next words sliced deep, "You're so adorable on the outside. It's a shame you've got such a bad personality. It must really hurt to know someone like me is with someone you so desperately want, someone who wouldn't even look at you twice." Guerin had dropped her hand from JB and stepped forward to tower over Minsoo.

Minsoo's next action was obvious as her face contorted and she reached back an arm to swing at Guerin. Guerin stepped back at the movement, JB pulling her to him and out of the way in the same moment.

"Bang Minsoo." An approaching voice sternly said her name. The three looked up to see the director approaching, behind him Jinyoung and Charlie watched, as well as a few other people who had gone silent to watch. The three automatically bowed in apology to the other guests, Minsoo looking especially terrified. The director bowed to JB and Guerin, "I apologize on behalf of my employee. Please know that she will he held accountable for her actions." He turned to Minsoo, his expression cold, "Security will escort you out. Your manager and I will meet with you first thing tomorrow morning." True to his word, a shocked Guerin watched as a stern looking suited security guard stepped up to a mortified looking Minsoo and walked her out. By the time she walked through the doors she had hidden her tear stained face in her hands as she clearly attempted to not outright sob.

Guerin couldn't help but feel a bit guilty, "Sir, I appreciate the apology and I accept. Please do not be too harsh with her, she is still so young."

"Whatever words were exchanged might be forgivable, but she did attempt to strike you and violence will not be tolerated." The director said firmly.

"She didn't actually hit me-" Guerin started to protest, but JB interrupted.

"We appreciate your help sir, and we are sorry for the trouble we have caused in turn." JB bowed, with Guerin quickly catching on and following suit. The director walked away as Charlie and Jinyoung came up.

"I assume I just missed something cultural?" Guerin asked JB, feeling embarrassed.

"We're just lucky we didn't also get kicked out." JB shrugged.

"It was pretty obvious to everyone that Minsoo was the problem, even if we couldn't hear what was said." Charlie sighed, "I also maybe mentioned to the director that you two were our guests and pointed out the was harassing you."

"Though maybe next time don't step up like you're ready to fight." Jinyoung scolded Guerin.

She sighed, "I just feel bad now. I did egg her on a little. She was being such a punk and I just found it funny but now she has probably lost her job."

"It's not your fault. She is responsible for her own actions. And she was being rude from the moment you showed up before you even said a word." Charlie argued with Guerin.

"You're too soft. This is how she is going to learn." JB patted Guerin's head, his anger seemed to have mostly abated.

"You did really well. I'm proud of you." Guerin said suddenly, bumping JB with her hip, "I thought you might lose your cool but you kept it in and let me defend myself."

"Do I get a prize?" He asked, hand tightening at her waist and flicking his eyebrows up suggestively.

"Okay that's enough, you have two more people in the conversation that don't want to be involved." Jinyoung said disapprovingly as he covered Charlie's eyes.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

B.A.P ONESHOT

((Authors note: this is an alternative viewpoint from a B.A.P fic my friend is writing with our characters from Guerin's perspective. It might not make sense and may never wrap up. Anyway it makes me feel like a terrible person so.))

“You really should have worn that one hot pink top I picked out for you” Guerin muttered to Charlie as they buzzed at the door.

“Trust me, no one would have wanted to see that” Charlie replied. The purple haired woman was spared Guerin's compliment barrage as Yongguk opened the door. Charlie beamed up at him and he returned the smile. Guerin could practically see the hearts they shot at each other.

"Yongie! This is my friend Go Guerin. Go Guerin this is Bang Yongguk." Charlie introduced the two of them, and they bowed in greeting before he moved aside to let them in and lead them to the kitchen.

"He is seriously fine up close and in person." Guerin whispered to her friend, partially because it was true but also partially to gauge Charlie's reaction. Unfortunately they got to the kitchen where most everyone was hanging out before Charlie could respond. Yongguk had grabbed the two women drinks and passed them over as everyone introduced themselves.

-that feel when you're the least attractive one in a room.- Guerin thought, taking in the unnecessary beauty of all the other guests and helped herself to a hearty drink from her cup -bottoms up!- as she lowered her drink she accidentally made eye contact with one of the guests who was looking at her. She was not great with names but she thought she remebered... Jongup? He was quiet and hadn't smiled at all yet. She held his gaze for a moment, expecting him to get embarrassed at being caught and look away but he didn't. Flicking her gaze down his body and up to his face again she finally turned away first. It certainly wasn't the first time someone had been weirded out by her sense of fashion of makeup.

She followed Charlie who went after Yongguk and Daehyun as they boasted to each other about gaming. The next twenty minutes was spent watching the two men battle it out. Guerin cheered them both on, enjoying the spectacle since she felt no obligation to favor one over another. Jongup had ended up near her, and he too didn't seem to favor either Yongguk or Daehyun but he managed to be much quieter than Guerin's enthusiasm for the match.

She found herself looking over at him more and more, trying to pinpoint why his presence was making her uncomfortable. He was shockingly handsome, but if he had been judging her or disturbed by her earlier why would he bother to meander near her now. He didn't have any obvious behavioral cues that allowed her to read him, so that could play into why she felt so out of the loop. One of the times she glanced at him he caught her. She forced a smile, embarrassed, and quickly tried to make something up to say.

"Do you play too?" She asked.

"A little." He shrugged.

"Ah... I play sometimes, but I'm not really good at games." She babbled, "I don't mind watching though."

He nodded, face impassive. He hadn't looked away yet. She gave another awkward smile and turned back to the game, willing herself to not look at him again. Eventually Daehyun won and most everyone celebrated along with him. Guerin watched as Charlie went over to cheer up Yongguk then drag him away for more drinks. She smirked to herself, choosing to give them some time together. Daehyun swept up the pretty woman they had met earlier in a celebratory hug and kiss and Guerin couldn't help but be a little disappointed that she was spoken for. She went to take another drink from her cup but found it was empty. Disappointed she lowered it. Suddenly Jongup left her side, his movement drawing her attention. She had forgotten he was there, he was so quiet. He didn't seem to notice her jump in surprise much to her relief. She meandered over to the couch and sat down at the end.

"Go Guerin, right?" Said a voice suddenly. She looked up to see yet another handsome face.

"Yes, that's me." She answered, trying to remember his name.

"I'm Youngjae." He said, correctly interpreting her expression.

"That's right! I'm sorry." She apologized as he sat down on the armchair next to the couch.

"Just don't forget again." He said cheekily with a playful smirk. She was grateful most of the people here were much easier to read.

Jongup suddenly appeared again holding two cups and walked over to Guerin, handing one to her. She blinked at the cup then up at Jongup, slowly reaching out for it.

"You were out." He said simply with a shrug as she took it. A smile crept across her face. He was hard to read but nice at least.

"Thank you, Jongup." She took a sip as he sat on the other side of the couch.

"I'm surprised you're here Jongup!" Youngjae said to his dongsaeng. Jongup looked at him quizzically, "Isn't your show on tonight?"

"It's on a midseason break." Jongup responded with a frown. Youngjae glanced at Guerin with a classic troublemaker expression.

"What's it called again? Titan's attack? Attack titan's?" Youngjae asked with exaggerated thoughtfulness.

"Attack on titan?" Guerin spoke up. Both men looked at her and even Jongup had open surprise on his face. "I love that show, it's great!"

Youngjae let out a laugh, sounding delighted despite obviously being thwarted out of teasing Jongup. Jongup leaned forward suddenly, staring at Guerin again, "Did you see the last episode?"

"Boy howdy did I!" She exclaimed in English, unable to hide how excited she was. The two proceeded to talk about the show for awhile, Youngjae disappearing at some point without them noticing. After a bit, Guerin excused herself to go check on Charlie, telling him they would have to continue their conversation later.

“So Jongup is the most adorable weirdo” Guerin mentioned while glancing over to where he stood in the living room after she had managed to separate her friend from Yongguk and the adorably grumpy looking Woozi.

Charlie nodded her head, slightly tipsy and more forward and louder than she normally would be “He’s so cute. But his thighs make me feel some type of way…” she lightly bit her lip and laughed when Guerin nudged her.

"No, you have your own sexy man over there, leave mine alone.” Guerin said being possessive but also stating the obvious.

Charlie looked over when her friend had pointed at Yongguk, “Yongie? I told you, we’re just –“

“Just friends” Guerin finished Charlie's sentence, trying not to roll her eyes “Yeah right, the chemistry you two have together can be seen a mile away. Trust me.”

The two friends were joined by Jisoo, Daehyun's stunning girlfriend as they all bonded by complimenting one another with gusto. It culminated in agreeing on a shopping trip together to help Charlie pick out and outfit for her fancy charity event. They were interrupted as the door buzzed with the arrival of a latecomer and the men all cheered to see their maknae Zelo join the party.

Zelo greeted his friends before grabbing a drink and being led over to the three women who had resumed talking by Daehyun and Yongguk. Daehyun immediately went to Jisoo and put his arm around her, a silent look passing between him and his younger friend as if to make sure he knew she was off limits.

As they were introduced, he smiled at Charlie and Guerin before giving them a wink. “Who wants to dance?” he asked and gave a look that could only be described as sultry as he took a sip of his drink. Guerin almost choked at the display and hid her face behind Charlie to cough but was unnoticed due to Yongguk catching the game his younger was playing and putting his foot down with a firm "No." As he waved him off.

Zelo shrugged and made his way over to Jongup. Charlie noticed Guerin watching him walk away. “When did that man child become so rude?” she whispered to her friend and they giggled quietly.

"He needs to chill the fuck out, he is trouble." Guerin muttered back in English, shaking her head, "How old is he again?"

"97." Charlie offered.

"Oof. Ooooof. Yeah he's trouble." Guerin shook her head, glancing at Jongup before adding, "They're both trouble." Finished off her drink, grabbing another and making her way back to the living room as Charlie laughed at her conflicted friend.

Guerin and Jongup had resumed talking about Attack On Titan and it spread to other shows they shared an interest in. Jongup had even showed some expressions and reactions as they talked. Every now and then they were interrupted by Zelo who seemed desperate for attention. Guerin got the vibe that he was very sure of himself and couldn't help but take verbal jabs at him every now and then which he seemed to enjoy despite sometimes acting offended or cute. The younger man was having a dangerous effect on her and her continued drinking wasn't helping. Suddenly in the middle of one of Zelo's attempts to get attention a favored song of Guerin's came on.

"Oh my god!" She hustled over to the music player and turned of the volume, "I love this song!" She put her hands in the air and did a simple dance to it. Guerin was obviously not a dancer but she kept her grooves simple and basic aside from some obviously goofy moves as she bopped along. Daehyun and Jisoo joined, Jisoo also blissfully not a professional dancer as well. Zelo laughed at Guerin and joined the dancing as well before Jongup made his way over. The two were amazing dancers and Guerin couldn't help but cheer and clap as they busted out some moves. Guerin took a moment to notice but it soon became clear that Jongup and Zelo were trying to one up each other. She backed away, mesmerized by their skills as they competed playfully.

The song ended and up started another song with a different tone completely. A song that lended itself to a different style of dance. A dangerous song. A sexy song.

Guerin was not okay. Once again it started pretty straightforward but as they began ramping up the sexiness of their moves Guerin had to collapse on the couch, pulling up her knees in front of her and even covering her eyes. Zelo did a move involving a particularly erotic hip thrust as he mimed a spanking motion that caused her to outright yell and cover her face.

He heard.

A dangerous smile played across his face as he danced his way over to her. She looked up to see him, "Oh no you don't!" She put up her foot to block him coming closer.

He winked and bit his lip seductively, still dancing as he added a body roll making her hands fly to her face again, "Noona, aren't I a good dancer?" He teased.

"Yeah you are but also get away from me you demon." She groaned at him, "You're like, twelve years old."

"I'm a full grown man, want me to show you?" He flipped up the hem of his shirt.

"Want me to kill you?" She balled up a fist and raised it as he laughed and finally stopped tormenting her.

Jongup meandered over and sat next to her as she leaned back into the couch. She flopped her head over to look at him and gave a small laugh, "That was exhausting. I think I just lost a couple years off my life."

"Sorry." He said, his expression looked a little embarrassed.

"Oh no, don't be! That was incredible watching you dance, you're very good!" She reassured him.

He looked away and smiled at the compliment shyly. She couldn't help but grin affectionately. His cuteness was a much more welcoming kind of dangerous than Zelo's.

"Hey have you ever seen Haikyuu?" She asked suddenly.

He looked thoughtful, "I've heard of it, but I've never seen it."

"Oh geez. It's my favorite show ever. I absolutely love it, I cant recommend it enough." She gushed as she explained her volleyball sons to Jongup until Charlie's unexpected appearance. Guerin noticed her friend looked frazzled and upset so she changed the topic to something Charlie would enjoy. Charlie spent the rest of the party glued to Guerin and seemed to be avoiding Yongguk but she couldn't get her friend alone long enough to find out what had happened. All too soon it was time to go.

"I want to say bye to Jongup, will you be okay on your own for a second?" Guerin asked protectively of Charlie, "I dont need to if you need me."

"No it's fine, go say bye I'll wait here." Charlie said, obviously checking to see where Yongguk was and not spotting him nearby.

Guerin hesitated but then quickly peeled off to say her farewell to the awkward young man.

"We should watch Haikyuu." Jongup said suddenly, and somewhat rehearsed as though he had been working himself up to it.

Guerin blinked in surprise then immediately brightened up, she loved sharing Haikyuu with anyone who would sit still long enough to watch it. "Heck yeah! Add me on kakao. Let's meet up! I'll cook you some delicious food too!"

He gave a small crooked smile and ducked his head shyly as he pulled out his phone, unlocked it and handed it to her. She added her info quickly before passing it back, "Text me when you're free!" She said as he nodded, "I'll see you then. It was great to meet you Jongup, I had a lot of fun."

He nodded, the smile having faded already, "It was nice to meet you too." He said formally. He was such an endearing weirdo, she found herself thinking before turning to go back to Charlie. She spotted Yongguk talking to her friend so she hustled her way back and interrupted as quickly as possible before the two of them safely left.

"Alright spill. What happened between you two?" Guerin demanded of Charlie, who sighed.

Guerin woke up wrapped in Jongup's arms. The moment of peace she felt was soon replaced by the same worries that had begun to enter her mind as she fell asleep- but this time they weren't numbed by post coital bliss.

-I just had sex with Jongup. Fuck. Fuckity fuckshit fuckery fuck.- she panicked as she attempted to lay as still as possible and tried to figure out what to do. If she moved she risked waking him up. If she stayed she risked him potentially trying to wake her up. Interaction was not what she was ready for.

And of course they were both still naked.

She tried to forget about how he looked naked.

She tried to forget how he looked when-

-NO!- she clenched her eyes tightly as the memories flooded back. She didn't want to remember how his dancing skills so effectively translated into-

-NOOOOO!- her inner dialogue was loud but weak against the twinges her body felt as the flashes of memory plagued her. She felt him inhale deeply and let out a sigh. He would be waking up soon.

She needed to make a decision.

She panicked (her ongoing theme for the morning).

Slipping out of his grasp as quickly and carefully as she could she booked it for her bathroom, grabbing her phone on the way out and locking the door behind her. She heard him moving around in her room after a few moments so she started her shower as she texted Charlie urgently. Her messages weren't even being read.

While she sat staring in dismay at her phone there was a gentle knock on her bathroom door and a questioning voice, "Guerin?"

"Oh, you're awake! Sorry if I woke you!" She called back.

"It's okay." He said simply. Guerin didn't need to see him to picture the expression he probably had as he tried to figure out what to say next.

"Sorry, I just needed to get ready for work and I'm running late so I am in kind of a rush." She said. It was a barely convincing half truth. She did need to go in to her rescue but she didn't need to go right away.

"Ah, sorry. I'll leave first then." Jongup said.

Her heart tightened. She felt so guilty but also relieved.

"Sorry Jongup, let's talk later." Guerin called out. She let the water run until she heard her front door close after he had shuffled around, presumably getting dressed and collecting his things. She sat with her head in her hands, waiting for a response from her best friend that didn't come before she finally got up to feed a begging Eneoji and actually start her day.

Her thoughts were all over the place all day. Fortunately she didn't need to teach any classes so she busied herself by popping in ear buds and tackling cleaning while her staff and volunteers focused on other projects.

-He's seven years younger than you.-

-But he did initiate it...-

-you're taking advantage of him.-

-It's not like I'm attracted to him BECAUSE he is young.-

-Can you really be sure of that?-

-what was I thinking?-

-You weren't. You're supposed to be the responsible one.-

-What do I do now?-

Guerin didn't have a plan by the end of the day despite staying much longer than she had planned. Her staff could tell something was up and left her to her own devices as she puttered around. A text from Jongup asking if she wanted to come over and watch some more Ajin, another new show she had introduced him to, gave her hope. Maybe she could just ignore it, maybe he saw it as just as much of a mistake.

She liked this plan. It didn't absolve any of her guilt but it did allow her to avoid an awkward conversation and the loss of a friendship she had come to value. She went home with Eneoji, showered and changed, then headed out to Jongups, determined to act like nothing was different. The first part of the evening was normal enough. He had already ordered takeout, which the two enjoyed while watching tv, sitting apart from each other on the couch. Guerin couldn't help glancing at him from time to time, trying to forget expressions he had made or movements he had done. At the end of the episode for season 1 they both got up as Guerin helped him clean up the mess. She was talking about a particular scene she liked as she sorted the last of it into the appropriate trash bags until she turned to find Jongup just behind her.

"Jongup, jesus fuck, you scared me." She put a hand over her racing heart that had as much to do with his proximity as it did from his sudden appearance.

"Sorry." He said with a half grin, moving in close to her, hands moving to her waist. She had nowhere to step away to, her back was against the counter.

"Jongup." She laughed nervously and licked her lips, "What are you doing?"

He stopped immediately, his expression confused. She knew the question was dumb, it was very obvious what he was doing.

"I mean, do you think this is a good idea?" She tried to clarify.

His small smile returned as he leaned into her, "Why wouldn't it be?"

She wondered how he could be so cute and sexy all at once as her mind raced in an attempt to beat out her hormones, "I just mean, with me? Isn't it inappropriate? I'm older than-" she swallowed and forced herself to stop babbling.

Jongup raised a brow which added more flavor to his small smirk, "Yeah. I think it's a good idea."

All of her arguments and logic seemed so stupid now that he was in front of her, touching her, looking at her, leaning in for a kiss. It seemed so stupid that she abandoned those thoughts and met his lips with her own, eager for a round two.

Guerin woke up the same way she had the morning before. Peace. Panic. Regret. But not enough regret. So a nice peppering of guilt was added in as well. Also a nice dose of shame that she had made the same mistake again. She was far from an unruly teenager, her head should be able to overpower her genitals. And yet they had sex twice the previous night. TWICE. The first time they hadn't even made it out of the kitchen, then again in the bed where he was currently curled around her. She didn't even remember where all her clothes were. Probably still in the kitchen.

She slowly peeled out of his arms, thankfully he didn't wake this time. She gathered her clothes and used the restroom, fixing up her face and hair as much as possible. Once she was dressed again she stood in his hallway, looking at his comfortably sleeping form as she chewed her bottom lip.

He was so handsome, and he looked so cozy. She wanted nothing more than to join him again. He was so sweet and interesting and (her mind flashed to the previous night) okay well maybe not innocent or pure. Not anymore. The guilt at that last thought hit her hard. She blinked back tears and left his apartment, closing the door behind her as quietly as possible before she bolted out.

Once she was a few blocks away she looked at her phone again. Charlie still hadn't read her frantic messages.

Feeling like absolute garbage she walked the whole way home. Just before she got to her building her phone dinged. Glancing at it hoping it was finally Charlie, she instead saw a message from Jongup.

"Where did you go?"

Her heart broke. For him but also for her. She regretted opening the message, he could see she had read it. But she didn't know what to say. Instead, Guerin shoved her phone back in her pocket, then ran up the stairs to go get her dog.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 MARK GETS THE GIRL AU

"I like you." Jinyoung said suddenly.

"You... What?" Charlie asked, surprised.

"I like you. I want to date you." Jinyoung added to his comment.

"... What?" She said again, shaking her head and blinking.

Jinyoung chuckled, taking her chin in his hand and moving her face to look at him, "I like you. I want to date you."

"You. Like me?" She said in disbelief.

He furrowed his brow, "Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know. A thousand reasons. Do you really need me to name them all?" She argued insistently.

"You could if you want. But I like you. You're good at your job. Clever. Thorough. Cute. Fun. Smart. I look forward to seeing you everyday. Our shooting schedule is ending soon and I don't want to stop seeing you regularly." Jinyoung leaned in closer as he spoke, causing Charlie's breath to hitch in her throat.

"I... what do I say? I didn't see this coming?" She said breathlessly. She quickly continued, seeing Jinyoungs face fall as he waited, "I like spending time with you too I just... you never struck me at the... type?" She argued again, dispassionately

"The type to what?" He asked, brow furrowing.

"The type... to like me?" She added quietly.

"I'm being genuine." He almost pouted and moved back slightly, giving her more space. She was both disappointed and relieved, "But what do you feel?" He asked, clearly looking for an answer to his confession.

"I..." Charlie hesitated as someone else's flashed into her mind, "Jinyoung I... I think you're great but I think I like someone else..."

"Ah... I see." Jinyoung nodded, his face neutral as he tucked his hands into the pocket of his coat.

"Jinyoung I'm so sorry-" Charlie started to speak but Jinyoung smiled and waved her off.

"Don't worry about it. Have a good night Charlie-ssi." He bowed, then turned to leave before she had a chance to respond. She called a goodbye at his retreating form, hesitating outside her door as she was plagued with guilt before finally heading upstairs.

"Idiot. Stupid." Charlie said to herself. She had turned down Jinyoung because she liked someone else but there wasn't any evidence that other person liked her bad. A small part of her brain that sounded like Guerin screamed in disagreement but she silenced that voice and distracted herself by pulling out her phone. Seeing a kakaotalk notification she pulled it up to see Mark had sent her a message hoping she got home okay. She smiled and messaged him back that she was just about to wash her face and settle in for the night. The conversation kept up until eventually she fell asleep, unable to keep her eyes open anymore, feelings of guilt long forgotten.

"So... you'll never guess who confessed to who last night." Charlie said to Mark the next day. They had agreed to meet up for lunch the precious night.

Mark looked at her sideways, stopping mid chew for a moment before he spoke, "Why don't you just tell me." He said, not daring to wager a guess.

"Jackson confessed to Guerin. I was lying when I said you'd never guess cause it was hella obvious." Charlie grinned. The two foreigners comfortably switched between korean and English as they spoke with each other.

Mark tried not to look relieved, "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. She told him she'd think about it." Charlie shared more. "I knew he liked her."

"He's never been good at hiding his feelings." Mark chuckled, glad the same wasn't true for him.

The two fell into silence and Charlie thoughtfully swirled her food around her plate. Mark noticed she had stopped eating and tapped her plate, "Ya, finish that or you'll run out of time."

"Ah. Sorry. I was thinking..." She obediently took a bite. He looked at her with the question on his face. Swallowing she coughed shyly before speaking again, "Uh, well. Jackson wasn't the only one to confess... Jinyoung told me he liked me last night."

Mark tried to look nonchalant, turning back to his meal, "Oh yeah? What did you say?" He asked casually.

"I told him... that I like someone else." She was looking at her own food so she missed Mark glancing up at her as she went on, "Which is silly cause I don't even know if he likes me."

Mark was relieved but also curious, "He'd be stupid not to. Who is it?"

"No, he's out of my league..." She muttered.

"That's dumb. You're wrong and if he doesn't like you he's an idiot." Mark said, "It would be his loss. You shouldn't date someone dumb anyway." Despite his supportive words he sounded annoyed.

She got quiet for a moment, "Sorry. I didn't mean to make you mad."

Mark sat up straight, "Not you! You didn't make me mad! Whoever this asshole is that doesn't like you made me upset. You deserve anyone, you're so great. The idea that someone doesn't appreciate you is upsetting." He blushed as he talked much more than he intended to, trying to reassure her.

Charlie decided to go out on a limb very suddenly. Her inner Guerin was hollering and it was hard to ignore. "So are you then? An idiot? Or an asshole?" She couldn't look at him other than a glance up as he froze, his mouth working silently as his brain caught on to her insinuation.

"I'm kid-" she started to say, suddenly chickening out and assuming his silence was a bad sign. But before she could finish her sentence he interrupted, surprisingly loudly.

"I'm not." He said vehemently, "I'm none of those things. Because I do like you."

Charlie was in shock. Despite her moment of bravery she hadn't actually expected to hear this from him. She just hadn't wanted to hold it in anymore. The two sat in silence for a few moments, deciphering what had just happened.

"I like you too." Charlie said quietly, and unnecessarily. They both giggled. Mark tentatively reached across the table for her hand, holding it gently.

"Let's go out tomorrow. On a date." He said with a shy grin. Charlie blushed and nodded.

"That sounds amazing."

Charlie had struggled picking an outfit. She had done her makeup (much more natural than Guerin's bold choices) and styled her hair so it fell in soft waves. After stressing about it for hours and texting Guerin she opted to ignore all her friends suggestions and went with her usual comfortable style, a Jurassic Park hoodie and black skinny Jean's. Guerin had taken no offense at being ignored and still sang her friends praises about how cute and natural she looked. It worked a little but now that she was approaching the meeting spot in the park she and Mark had agreed on the doubts crept back in.

She needn't have worried. As she caught sight of him waiting she found he was also dressed comfortably and simply in jeans and an oversized hoodie. A smile crept across her face, even dressed down he still stood out as he checked his phone, a basket in the crook of his arm. Two women walking by were obviously looking at him and giggling to each other. He looked up as she walked over and beamed his familiar bright smile, walking to meet her.

"What's this?" She asked, poking at the basket after they greeted each other shyly.

"A picnic basket." Mark hefted the basket, his cute shrug contradicting his sassy obvious andwer.

"What's in it." She pushed, reaching over to lift a corner.

"A picnic." He giggled as he pulled it out of her reach.

"You're being so evasive!" Charlie crossed her arms and pouted at him.

"It's a surprise." He reached out with his free hand to take one of hers, "Come on."

His fingers interlacing with hers silenced her pout and she went along placidly.

"Did you actually pack all of this into a fancy picnic basket?" Charlie couldn't help but laugh as Mark pulled out pizza and a bag of cheetoh's.

"Surprise." He smiled shyly, "I thought about getting all fancy but you told me a couple weeks ago how much you miss these."

"I miss it cause I'm on a diet!" Her mouth watered at the scent of the still warm pizza.

"Well stop dieting." He said, "You're perfect the way you are." He opened the bag of cheetoh's and set them down in front of her as he reached for a plate.

Charlie blushed and didn't respond. She ate tentatively at first but couldn't deny her love for pizza and much to Mark's delight she ate well. After the food they sat back on the blanket, people watching and chit chatting between shy silences. Her sweatshirt inspired the topic of movies, both of them a fan of the Jurassic Park franchise, and classics like The Princess Bride. Eventually they landed on something that was a sticking point for Charlie.

"You've never seen any of the Ocean's 11 movies? Oh. Oh we need to fix that."

"Do we?" Mark raised his eyebrows over a crooked smile of amusement.

"Yeah, they're my favorite I love them." Charlie nodded enthusiastically.

"Well let's do it." Mark sat up and started packing away everything.

"Right now?" She asked, surprised.

"Sure why not? Unless you have other plans?" He hesitated and glanced up at her.

"Other pl- no I'm free. Yeah let's watch them! I own them so it'll be easy." She sat up and helped him pack up.

Mark blinked his eyes open and blearily looked around remembering where he was, eyes landing on the pretty purple haired woman snuggled into his arms on the couch. He remembered getting through Oceans Eleven and Twelve and they boldly started Thirteen but Charlie had fallen asleep on him and not wanting to disturb her he seemed to have joined her instead. The loud repeating music of the dvd menu seemed to have woken him up. Begrudgingly he realized he would finally need to wake her. Tightening his arms around her in an embrace he kissed the top of her head, moving back just in time to see her eyes flutter open.

Charlie sat up as she struggled to maintain consciousness, stretching and looking around before her gaze landed on Mark. The last few seconds sharpened into reality and she blushed, hands flying to her face as she worried about the state of her makeup.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry I fell asleep, I didn't mean to." She apologized.

Mark smiled and shook his head, "I fell asleep too. I just woke up."

"I'll be right back!" She hopped up and flew to the bathroom to check her reflection in the mirror. It had mostly stayed on, after a couple of touch ups to correct minor smudging and replacing her lip gloss with chapstick she reappeared. He glanced up at her and her heart raced, still caught up in the adrenaline of waking up in his arms, she felt like she couldn't quite sit down yet, "Sorry... Do you want a water? I'm super thirsty."

"I'm okay." He said, putting his phone down as she turned and headed to the kitchen. Charlie straightened up from the fridge holding a bottle of water and suddenly felt two arms wrap around her from behind. She froze and Mark lowered his lips to her neck.

"You don't need to apologize all the time." His breath wafted across her skin just before his lips made contact, kissing her gently.

She instinctively moved her head to the side with a sigh, responding with the first thing that came to mind, "Ah... sorry."

He chuckled and playfully nipped at her shoulder, making her giggle before biting her lip and leaning back into him. He removed one of his hands temporarily to push her hair away from her neck as his lips traveled up to her earlobe, causing goosebumps to rise on her skin. Charlie felt suddenly emboldened, turning in his arms to face him, her arms slid around his slender waist as her mouth met his and she kissed him greedily. Mark matched her hunger, pushing her back against the fridge, their bodies pressing together. Charlie slid her hands under his shirt, feeling his hot skin beneath her and running her fingers along the hem of his pants. He pushed into her and she raised one of her legs to wrap around him and pull him in. He pulled away from the kiss suddenly, panting, looking into her eyes, "Is this okay? I'm not making you uncomfortable?"

Charlie chose to respond with action, pulling off her shirt, grabbing his hand as she walked past him and lead him to her bedroom. He followed willingly, his usually sweet smile tinted with a much more feral desire.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 PT. 9

"You're a monster." Guerin hissed to Charlie as she did her best to blend in with the crowd.

"What?" Charlie asked, baffled.

"Look at this." She held out her hands to show Charlie the outfit that had been selected for her. A black sequence crop top with a roaring trex head and red pleather leggings announced her presence loudly despite the amount of people.

"... okay how is it different from what you usually wear?" Charlie was perplexed.

"You didn't think I'd maybe want to blend in a little more after making a scene about falling into the pool? It's also a bit over the top even for me come on." Guerin grumbled, folding her arms across herself.

"Well when you say it like that... I did intentionally pick something loud to cheer you up but I didn't think you'd ever want to just blend in. I'm sorry..." Charlie had a smile but her reasoning was sound and her apology seemed genuine, "You look great though."

"Thank you..." Guerin sighed, "Actually I'm sorry. I'm just sensitive cause... you saw Jackson..."

Charlie frowned, "I wondered about that... for what it's worth he seems okay right now." She gestured to the Chinese man who laughed suddenly loudly with one of his staff members.

Guerin shrugged, not fully convinced, "Hopefully he's not just burying it. He seemed so sad when we were talking. It would make me feel better if he wasn't that invested to begin with."

"Wow, Guerin, this is quite the look." Jinyoung sidled up to his girlfriend, sliding an arm around her waist and did nothing to hide the amusement on his face.

"Yeah it is. And where was your fashion sense while this decision was being made?" Guerin passed at him.

"I was playing with Eneoji. But I think Charlie did an amazing job." He said, not swayed at all.

"Well I hope she got fur all over you." Guerin faked a sulk, crossing her arms.

"Oh, she did." Charlie said, opening his jacket to reveal his now tainted black shirt, "It's why he won't take off his coat."

"Hey." He looked offended by the betrayal and pulled his coat back into place but Charlie just slid her arm around him and scrunched her face cutely in response.

"Wow, this outfit is..." JB said, sucking air through his teeth and cocking his head as he suddenly joined them.

"This is all anyone is going to say to me for the rest of the night." Guerin tossed her hands up in the air.

"I mean, it's very YOU. It's just like you with a magnifying glass." JB said squinting his eyes.

"Well I think she looks great." Charlie said, defending her friend.

"Great is..." JB trailed off with a squint. Guerin felt a blow to her ego as she waited for him to finish his sentence, but he was interrupted.

"Guerin, you look straight off a runway girl." BamBam said flirtatiously, appearing next to her suddenly.

"Thank you. But I feel like a lamp attracting moths." Guerin said self consciously, still curious as to what JB was going to say.

"You should wear that to the shoot tomorrow." BamBam said as Byoungjin and Tobio joined. Both of them glanced at Guerin but they were the only ones so far with the sense to not make a comment.

"Absolutely not." Guerin responded to BamBam. "But I guess that means we don't need to wear the same outfit as last time."

"No. If you actually bring an second outfit to change into that would be better." BamBam said.

Byoungjin and Tobio were waiting patiently by the group until Guerin realized they were waiting for an invitation. She quickly introduced them to the rest, Byoungjin already knowing Jinyoung, JB and BamBam but Tobio was new to everyone.

"Noona, what are you filming for?" Tobio asked curiously.

"Ah, it's a music video for the song I recorded with JB." She said, suddenly feeling very silly.

"I cant wait to see it." Charlie said, nudging her friend.

"Yeah, once you make your debut doesn't that make Byoungjin and Tobio your sunbae's?" BamBam cackled at the prospect.

"Does it?" Guerin let out a laugh too.

"You'll always be our Noona first." Tobio assured Guerin with a straight face, only a hint of humor in his expression. She winked at him in return. Her eyes caught Byoungjin looking at JB as though he wanted to say something, which caused her gaze to travel to JB's as the others continued to talk. JB was looking at her and when their eyes met he gave a coy smile. Her mind immediately went back to his unfinished commentary from before. Still feeling raw from her conversation with Jackson she knew she was being unusually sensitive, but she just looked away from him without returning the smile. Guerin missed his surprised and confused expression, but Byoungjin didn't. After the others continued to talk and Byoungjin and Tobio finally got a chance to start a conversation with JB, Guerin excused herself and pretended to leave for the bathroom. Instead she snuck a drink from the bar and headed to the back patio, settling in one of the chairs out by the pool. She played music quietly on her phone and relaxed back, allowing herself to dissociate a bit as she sipped on her drink.

"Here you are Noona." A masculine tone got her attention. Looking up she saw Minhwan and Gabriel approaching.

"Hey boys. I'm surprised you're letting Gabriel out here." She grinned at them.

"He's grounded. Seungbin is with Insu." Minhwan threw his arm around Gabriel whose pout was very obviously over the top fake. "Can we join you?"

"Of course." She sat forward, "Are you guys having fun?"

"Yeah, it's been fun meeting Minhwan-hyung and Byoungjin-hyungs uh... hyungs." Gabriel said clunkily, "They're a lot of fun."

"He likes BamBam the most." Minhwan rolled his eyes, "He high fived him for falling in the pool."

"That tracks." Guerin said in English, knowing HEET knew the slang thanks to her and Gabriel.

"Noona, we wanted to make sure you were okay." Gabriel said suddenly, "Byoungjin mentioned we should check on you."

"You have the subtlety of a bulldozer." Minhwan sighed to his dongsaeng but didn't contradict him and instead looked to Guerin for her answer.

"Aww, you boys are too sweet." She beamed at them affectionately, "I'm okay. It's been an emotional night so I just came out to decompress a little before enjoying the rest of the party."

"Can we help?" Minhwan asked.

"Mmm... no I don't think so. But if that changes I'll definitely let you know." She patted Minhwans knee appreciatively, "You're both good boys, thank you for checking on me."

"I can't believe you're drinking again." Said an increasingly familiar voice. Guerin's smiled faded a little as she looked up at JB and pointedly finished off her drink.

"It's called hair of the dog. Drinking a little when you're hungover is supposed to help." She shrugged and turned back to stare out over the view of the sloping hills the extravagant home was perched on, cicadas and other nightlife chirping through the darkness. "Besides. It's a screwdriver. The orange juice means it's healthy."

"Does it work?" He asked, cocking his head to the side and sticking his hands in his pockets.

She shrugged, "It does if I believe it. I don't know the korean phrase for it, but in English it's called the placebo effect and it's pretty powerful."

JB nodded and greeted Minhwan and Gabriel who suddenly looked very uncomfortable with the change in atmosphere but seemed unwilling to leave their noona just yet.

"Im Jaebeom-ssi." Gabriel said suddenly, very formal. The other three looked at him, JB looked curious, Minhwan seemed worried and Guerin was confused, "Please forgive me if this is rude, I'm a foreigner so it may sound strange, but I would like it if you were sensitive to Guerin-noona right now." Gabriel finished.

JB still looked confused and a bit surprised. He looked from Gabriel to Guerin, whose mouth had dropped open before she let out a nervous laugh and covered her mouth with her free hand. Minhwan panicked and slung an arm around the younger man, covering his mouth from the other side, forcing him into a bow alongside himself. "Jaebeom-hyung, I am so sorry for his words. He did not mean any disrespect."

JB shook his head and raised his hand, "I'm just surprised is all. Would it be alright with you two if I have a private word with Guerin-ssi?"

Gabriel looked at Minhwan sideways from over the older boys hand as Minhwan nodded in agreement, pulling Gabriel up with him as he stood. They bowed again as they left, Guerin waving after them.

"May I join you?" JB asked, waiting for her nod before sitting down, also looking out into the night.

"I was just thinking it's a shame we can't see more stars despite being so far from the city." Guerin said randomly. JB looked at her before casting his gaze upward, "The light pollution isn't as bad but the house it so well lit... I thought about walking downhill a bit to see better."

"Okay, let's do that." He patted his legs and stood up again, gesturing for her to come along. She hesitated, then stood with him, leaving her empty cup behind she followed as he led the way downhill until they couldn't see the house anymore, "This should be good, right?"

"I think so? Our eyes will have to adjust before we can be sure." She said.

"Okay." He sat down again and laid back, patting the ground next to him.

"Ohhhh you think you are so cool right now don't you?" She said with a chuckle.

"I am pretty cool, yeah." He grinned at her as she joined him on the ground. "But not cool enough." He said after she had settled. Guerin turned her head to look at him, "I think I upset you." He said with a frown.

"Yeah, I think so." She sighed and looked back to the sky.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what it was, but if you tell me what it was, I won't do it again." JB said sincerely.

Guerin groaned and gave a small flail rolling away from him suddenly, "Aaaahhhh its dumb though." JB had to press his lips together as he tried not to laugh outright at the sudden tantrum from the older woman. She sighed before speaking again, "Tonight's been emotional so I was already sensitive." JB's hidden smile faded, "But when you were being critical of my appearance earlier it really bothered me."

JB sat up suddenly, "I was being critical?" He thought back on the interaction trying to remember. Guerin peeked through her fingers at him. "Oh, oh no! I was teasing you, I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings! I like your style, it's unusual and fun. I admire that you aren't afraid of attention, but it seems so natural-"

"Okay you don't need to overdo it." Guerin interrupted, still peeking through her fingers. JB stopped and looked embarrassed, his ears reddening slightly but went missed in the dark.

"I'm being genuine." He said sounding a little defensive.

"I appreciate that. And thank you for explaining and apologizing." Guerin dropped her hands and tugged on his sleeve, pointing to the sky when he looked at her, "Look, can you see the stars now?"

He looked up, "Oh... yeah." He started to lay back, then stopped suddenly. He pulled off his oversized dark gray cardigan, tossed it across Guerins body, then laid back in only his tshirt to stargaze with her. Guerin looked at the cardigan then back at JB appreciatively. Slipping her arms through the sleeves rather than argue with him she enjoyed the soft material and his scent now surrounding her as they stargazed in silence for a few minutes, before they headed back to the party.

Guerin had arrived early and was doing what little she could to help BamBam set up as they waited for JB.

"JB-hyung said that coming out and seeing you fly Mihi for the first time inspired him to write this song." BamBam said as they chitchatted.

"Yeah, he was curious how I trained her for free flight." Guerin nodded.

"What did you tell him?" BamBam asked curiously.

"Well, the first part is building and strengthening the relationship. Before any flying can happen she need to actually has to want to come back to me. That means I need to be more exciting and rewarding than anything she may discover on her own. Any punishment or force someone might be tempted to use only damages that relationship. Then she learns the mechanics of flying, how to move through tree branches, the cue to fly, the cue to return, all protected and in controlled circumstances, until finally all we have left is actually trying free flight. In order for that to be successful is eventually just trusting each other and going for it. She has to trust me that I'll be here and be worth returning to, and I have to trust that she finds me worth returning to. You saw yourself sometimes things go wrong, but we work together to overcome those hardships and we can keep flying. I really do approach all my relationships with a similar mentality." She trailed off, seeing BamBam had stopped working and was looking at her thoughtfully

"Ah... sorry, I should warned you it was a long explanation..." she mumbled with a sheepish grin.

"Yeah it was long." He said unable to resist teasing, "But actually it gave me an idea."

"I'm not late this time and I'm the last one?" JB trotted up to the two of them.

"Hyung, just in time. Do you two have plans for the evening? I have a couple extra scenes I want to shoot." BamBam explained eagerly.

"I didn't have solid plans..." JB trailed off, glancing at Guerin.

She looked nervous but slowly nodded, "Yeah... I'm free."

"Perfect, let's get this first part going then." BamBam rubbed his hands together. "So for this part, it's like you're just getting to know each other." BamBam explained, "Guerin, you sit on that bench like you're waiting for JB, JB you're gonna jog up and you'll greet each other."

They followed his instructions, Guerin standing and they bowed in greeting as though they didn't know each other well yet. Guerin couldn't help a nervous giggle and covered her mouth before forcing herself to drop her hands, "Sorry." She said to JB, "This feels silly."

He quirked a brow and held back a laugh, "You're the one making this weird."

She stuck her hip out and placed a fist on it in an exaggerated manner as she looked up to the sky, "I have no idea what you mean." They both giggled at the ridiculousness of the situation. BamBam called for a cut.

"That wasn't bad considering the video won't have any of your audio. He teased and Guerin hid her face again as she giggled in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry! I'm not a good actor!" She called back.

"Let's take another one." BamBam replied with a knowing smirk.

They managed a few more shots, including JB running off to get them drinks from a vending machine and attempts to skip rocks, which Guerin turned out to be more proficient with than JB and she absolutely lorded it over him off script. He tried to grab her hand at her last throw prompting her to dodge away from him and it led to a short game of chase until he caught her as she rounded a tree and the two giggled until BamBam called another cut and they remembered they were being recorded and separated dutifully.

"You two should just date already." BamBam said daringly as he reviewed the latest footage. "I'm not even giving you direction on this and look at it."

"Ya." JB said with a warning tone, resting his hand on the back of BamBam's neck, "Don't embarrass Guerin-noona." Guerin surpressed a smile at his protective response, but she didn't blame BamBam for his comment. The footage did look like a genuine couple.

"Sorry hyung!" BamBam managed to shrug away from JB's grip with a grin. "Let's move on. Change clothes to your other outfits and move. We're gonna shoot the scenes where you're in an established relationship."

These shots required more direction from BamBam. There was more direct contact and physical closeness than Guerin was mentally prepared for. With the setting sun at the park they were shooting at the scene was romantic already. They held hands and walked arm in arm.

"Guerin, in this part I want you to trip, JB, pull her to you in a hug." BamBam instructed.

JB looked at Guerin, "Is that okay?" He asked, reading her expression.

She swallowed and nodded. The closeness they had been exhibiting all day had been for show but it was wreaking havoc on her very real feelings. JB had confessed his feelings for her already but while she liked him she still couldn't help but wonder if they would be a good fit. Still, it was just a hug right?

She was wrong. As she tripped on an imaginary obstacle he pulled her into his arms and she felt her doubts melt away. At first her head was pulled into his shoulder but they separated enough that her eyes met his. He blinked once, slowly like a cat and she inhaled sharply before biting her lip nervously to resist pushing more.

"Yeah okay that's good." BamBam brought them back to earth and they separated quickly, "We don't need to do that again." He sounded both innocuous and lightly teasing as he wrapped up the shot.

"Okay. Both of you go home and get ready like you're going out for a night on the town." BamBam instructed. Both of them looked at him questioningly and he sighed, "It's for my last second inspiration."

"Yugyeomie!" Guerin exclaimed happily, approaching BamBam and seeing his tall best friend with him, "What are you doing here?" The next part was taking place in the city, like friends going out for drinks.

"Hello Guerin-noona." Yugyeom responded politely with a shy smile and a respectful bow.

"Yugyeom-ah is helping with the shoot, I needed a third." BamBam responded to Guerin's inquiry.

Yugyeom was dressed simply but fashionably, matching the tone BamBam had requested Guerin and JB consider; to pick outfits for a night out. "You look so handsome!" Guerin gushed at the younger man who grinned at the compliment both flattered and embarrassed with the attention as he muttered a humble thanks in response.

"He knows he is handsome." JB's voice said in a teasing tone as he stepped up behind Guerin, causing her heart rate to increase and her skin tingled at his proximity before he put a few more inches of distance between them.

"Hyung..." Yugyeom whined with a pout.

"Oh he's just jealous that you're such a cute lil baby." Guerin cooed at Yugyeom.

"Noona, I am an adult man you know." He said turning on his devastatingly handsome charms.

Guerin crooned playfully, "Ooohhh yes I see that." While JB and BamBam visibly cringed causing Yugyeom to break character and hide his embarrassed smile by covering his face and dropping his head, "You might be a man but you look like a cute Yugy to me." She shook his arm cutely as he whined.

"Not to interrupt Yugyeom-ah's torment but we should get started." BamBam said as he reluctantly slid into his director role. It was fairly simple, Guerin and Yugyeom would be playing friends and they meet up with JB who would witness their closeness and have to react to it in his role as Guerin's boyfriend.

Since audio wasn't important she tried to keep her acting genuine by chatting and being friendly with Yugyeom who was clearly trying to be as cool and handsome as possible. They did several shots with them spotting JB and Guerin waving him over before BamBam paused after a take.

"Guerin, would you be okay hugging Yugyeom? That way it seems more obvious that JB has something to react to." He suggested, clearly dissatisfied with what they had gotten so far.

Guerin glanced at Yugyeom, "I'm fine with it if you're comfortable?"

"You've hugged me today already." Yugyeom pushed her shoulder playfully.

"Yeah but it's different on camera!" She protested, playfully punching him in the arm. He pretended to be hurt and Guerin played along with comforting him, missing the thoughtful frown on JB's face.

"Come on, let's get started." BamBam had to rein in his rowdy actors again. They apologized and got back into position.

They started off normally until Guerin comfortably wrapped her arms around the younger man in an affectionate hug after he did something she found cute. Looking up she made eye contact with JB who had entered the frame to his spot. She beamed seeing him and beckoned him over, but faltered seeing his expression. He looked very convincingly shocked and upset, but he walked over to join them. She took his arm affectionately and pretended to introduce the two before BamBam called for a cut and the three separated.

"I think that's the shot." He nodded.

They took the same scene from a few different angles before it was time to move on to the next scene. They all thanked Yugyeom for his help which he politely accepted, saying he couldn't wait to see the finished product.

"You'd think this would be the most comfortable one but it actually feels super weird." Guerin had been instructed to look like she was settling down for the night. She had showered and put on film appropriate pajamas, grey joggers and an oversized hoodie. Eneoji and Mihi were both in the scene as she sat on the couch. With her dog next to her and the severe macaw sitting on her shoulder, she sat back into her couch with her phone that was functioning as a prop.

"You're just expecting too much of yourself. You've been doing really well." JB said. He wasn't in the scene yet so he was just watching from the sidelines.

"All you need to do is act like you're having a text conversation that is upsetting you. You can pretend to be mad, annoyed, sad, stressed, all of it. Just go with it." BamBam said.

Guerin tried to slip into character, but she wasn't at it long before she got an actual text from JB. She couldn't resist glancing up at him but he was looking innocently down at his phone. Opening the message she had to keep from laughing. It was a picture of her with a filter that put her and Mihi in funny sunglasses. She had no idea how he had managed to get the parrots face to make it into the facial recognition.

"Guerin that's the one emotion I didn't ask for." BamBam directed. JB looked at her with eyebrows raised, still acting like he hadn't done anything wrong.

"Sorry." She glared at JB then looked back to her phone. She got another text from JB not long after. She furrowed her brow, refusing to look at him but couldn't resist taking a peak. This time it was a clip of Eneoji with a dinosaur mask on. She pursed her lips unconvincingly but managed her weakness without another scolding. Instead she texted JB back.

"You are so annoying!"

He responded with another image, this one was just a selfie of him making a ridiculous face. She outright laughed in surprise before remembering. BamBam sighed and Guerin launched into defense, "JB is sabotaging me! He keeps sending me funny pics." She sulked back.

"Hyung..." BamBam looked at JB with an expression of suffering.

"Sorry. Sorry I'll stop." JB said through a laugh he hadn't been able to contain after Guerin't outburst.

Despite the distraction the silliness had managed to relax her. JB messaged her again and she furrowed her brow, opening the message.

Whatever expressions she had made while texting with JB BamBam seemed to like. The last part of the scene involved her hearing a knock at her door, which is where JB came in. JB knocked on the door to get the timing right for reaction from the animals in the shot to look up, then Guerin stood, set Mihi on her perch and left the frame toward the door.

After shuffling the set up around to focus on the front door and putting the animals away to avoid distraction they continued with filming. Guerin opened the door to JB holding flowers and looking dejected. They did this several times, each time trying something different. The first time she just moved aside to let him in. The second time she leaned against the door and sighed before beckoning him in. The third time he was making a dumb face so she just shut the door again trying not to laugh. The fourth time she reached for his hand, gently holding his fingers as she raised her gaze to his. Meeting his eyes set her heart pounding loudly. She backed away and brought him into her apartment. Guerin was surprised she was able to hear BamBam call for a cut over the blood rushing through her veins.

"That was really great. Let's try for another like that." BamBam said as she quickly dropped JB's hand and moved away.

In the next take she held her arms open to invite him into a hug. He stepped sweetly to her arms, unexpectedly laying his head on her shoulder as he pulled her closer, like someone might if they were seeking comfort. She rubbed his back as though reassuring him but feeling his body against hers and his breath on her neck was becoming too much, so she stepped away from the embrace.

"I don't know about the hug, it makes it hard to see both of your faces." BamBam said looking at the camera with a thoughtful expression after the take, "Let's do another one."

The sixth take JB actually stepped closer to her first and took her hand. Guerin instinctively stepped back into the door but he was still alarmingly close. He had completely abandoned the apologetic expression he had been wearing before and she had to remind herself that they were supposed to be acting. BamBam called for another cut.

"That was a little aggressive JB. You're supposed to be asking forgiveness remember?" BamBam scolded his hyung.

"Ah, sorry I got carried away." JB said sheepishly, pulling away from Guerin.

"That startled me." She said, pressing her hand to her chest and forcing a laugh to cover for her reaction.

((((Tbc... this was so long ugh))))

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 PT.8

Guerin had found a dog friendly bar and currently sat on the patio with Eneoji sipping at a beer as she waited for JB. Guerin had opted for an oversized black shirt with mesh shoulders and lime green biker shorts. A black lipstick perhaps gave her more of a dark energy than she usually managed to exude. She was leaned back, one leg tucked up under her as she listened to music through headphones with her eyes closed, petting her dog with her free hand. She felt her fluffy companion shift and stand suddenly, prompting Guerin to look up. JB had entered the patio area, raising his hand in greeting as their eyes met. She smiled, sitting up more and taking her headphones out.

"I took the liberty of getting started." She said half apologetically as she gestured at the table. His dark gray button up shirt was half tucked into beige slacks and per usual he seemed to have missed more buttons than necessary. She briefly wondered if she could ever get used to being in the presence of people like him and Jackson, they seemed to always suck the air out of the area.

"Sorry I'm late." He said, sitting in the chair next to her and Eneoji.

"Next round is on you." She stuck her tongue out at him.

"Alright alright." He said, pouring them each shots of soju, handing her one. After their shot he refilled again and cracked his own beer, lounging back into his own chair, "I talked to BamBam about the rest of the video. We don't need more shots of Mihi but he'd like to get more film of us if you'd be okay with that."

Guerin inhaled and nodded. She wasn't thrilled about being on camera again but she had already committed this far. It would seem a shame to back out now. "Short of me falling into the river and drowning it's unlikely to end as poorly as last time." She laughed at he lame attempt of a joke.

"Sorry..." JB said awkwardly, unsure of how to react.

"It's fine. I'm sorry. It's not your fault. It's just been a weird day." She shook her head and focused her attention on Eneoji who leaned into her mom's chair for more attention.

"Ah..." JB started to say something else but he was interrupted by Guerin's phone ringing. Jackson was finally done with his schedule for the day and called as he had promised.

"Sorry JB, can you give me a minute?" She told Eneoji to stay and answered her phone, walking to the far end of the patio that was fortunately mostly empty, "Hi Jackson." She said, making an effort to sound more upbeat than she felt.

"Guerin, I'm so sorry it's late. Are you okay?" Jacksons voice and his obvious concern made her smile. He managed to give her some energy even speaking over the phone.

"I'm fine. I already told you. It's not a big deal." She reassured him.

"She really is just a friend. She works for my label and we see each other a lot." He explained further.

"Jackson, I believe you. It was just a hug. You're allowed to hug people." She smiled and turned, leaning against the railing. JB had been looking over at her and the two made eye contact. She grinned, pointing at her phone and rolling her eyes. He nodded, looking a bit uncomfortable and took a sip of his beer as he looked away. Guerin was under no false pretense that he couldn't hear her side of the conversation but he must have felt a bit like he was eavesdropping.

"I shouldn't though, I just told you how I felt. I should be more reserved." He argued. Guerin frowned.

"That's silly. Platonic affection is fine between friends. I hug my friends too. This really is being blown out of proportion." She frowned, her momentary energy boost was ebbing away.

"Really? Who are you hugging?" Jackson asked. He seemed to be making an effort to not sound like he cared a lot but Guerin furrowed her brow at the question.

"My friends." She repeated, "Jackson I'm sorry to cut this short but I'm out with Eneoji and JB right now so I can't talk long. I just wanted to let you know it's fine." She started to head back to her seat.

"Wait, you're out with JB? Just the two of you?" Jackson sounded worried.

"No, Eneoji is with us too. And I dont think you're in a position to be upset by that." She said, suddenly annoyed with his double standard as she sank into her chair.

"You're right, I'm sorry. I'm having to apologize a lot today. Tell JB I said hi." Jackson corrected himself readily.

"Thank you Jackson. And I'll let him know. Have a good night." She felt a bit guilty for her comment but chose not to address it just yet and hung up after Jackson's farewell. "Sorry JB. Jackson says hi." She took a shot of soju not waiting for him. He leaned forward and automatically refilled it for her, holding up his so they could do the next one together.

"Sounds like that article did cause some problems." He mentioned it for the first time this night. Guerin had wondered if he was aware of everything. She shook her head, closing her eyes and furrowing her brow.

"Honestly it's not even the stupid hug that's the problem." She pinched the bridge of her nose.

"We don't have to talk about it." JB shrugged.

"That would be nice actually." Guerin was grateful. She had hoped the phone call would clear things up but instead she felt tired and conflicted.

"What were you listening to when I got here?" JB asked, ready with a new topic as though it had been planned. Guerin smiled in appreciation.

"HEET. I really do love their music. I'm so grateful I can work so closely with a group I can be a fan of." She gushed excitedly.

"Byoungjin worked really hard composing songs when I knew him." JB nodded with a smile.

"He and Tobio work together well. Both he and Minhwan had good things to say about you." JB's eyes flicked up to hers, "Well, all of you really. But he said you especially taught him a lot about music composition." She shrugged and broke eye contact, taking a sip of her drink.

"I should treat them to a meal sometime." JB said trying to disguise the act of fondness as something cool.

"You are so soft." She giggled into her beer.

"Soft? What does that mean?" JB raised his eyebrows, eyes widening slightly.

"It means despite you trying to be so cool all the time you're actually a cutie baby." She teased him.

His mouth dropped open as he feigned offense, "Ya." He started to protest through Guerins laughter. Their conversation stayed light for another beer and two bottles of soju. Guerin suggested they take Eneoji home and continue drinking from the garden on her rooftop. They stocked up on some drinks from the convenience store, and Guerin grabbed her bluetooth speaker from her apartment along with a blanket and two throw pillows. She and JB set up with their samoyed companion who was allowed free roam of the space.

"Are these your plants?" JB asked curiously at the odd mix of botanicals in pots and planters.

"No, I'm not good with plants besides the couple in my apartment. But everyone here adds their own and we all get to appreciate it." Guerin said, selecting a playlist and quietly starting music as JB poured each of them a somaek. Despite the duration they had been drinking Guerin was starting to teeter from tipsy to drunk, so she sipped this new drink more slowly. The two sat quietly enjoying the night and music, talking at random intervals but neither feeling pressured to keep a conversation going. Suddenly Jackson's song "Bullet to the Heart" came on and without speaking the tone changed.

"You know." Guerin said suddenly after the first verse, "The article and the hug really didn't bother me."

JB nodded slowly but didn't say anything as he waited to see if she wanted to continue.

"But I've been in such a weird mood all day. I've just been kind of tired and more irritable than usual. I couldn't figure out why. But I think it's just that I had to -deal- with it. I had to hear about it over and over again and keep assuring the same people over and over again that I was fine." She sighed, running her hands through her hair.

"I know everyone means well and they care but it also makes me feel strange for being unbothered. Like I have to justify to people why I'm okay with it." She stared at her somaek, avoiding eye contact with JB.

He waited a few moments before speaking, "A lot of times people say they're fine when they aren't." He saw her start to protest but held up his hand, "Not that you aren't! But that happens. You have a legitimate reason to be upset and if you aren't people might think you are just trying to avoid the problem." JB shrugged.

"A legitimate reason to be upset? It's a hug." She protested.

"A hug between a man and a woman." JB added in.

She scoffed and said in English, "So heteronormative." He raised an eyebrow at her and she shook her head, "I don't know the korean phrase. It just references the ridiculous idea that relationships between opposite sexes are the norm and dismisses same sex or other types of relationships." She shrugged.

He nodded but seemed at a loss, "Okay..."

"Later. It's a big topic." She shook her head feeling a pang of disappointment.

"All I mean is that in Korea it's normal for someone to be upset by a hug with someone else." JB picked his words carefully.

"Would you?" Guerin asked suddenly.

"Ah..." he struggled, "I think I would be..." he answered honestly. Guerin chewed the inside of her cheek thoughtfully, another pang of disappointment silencing her. They sat like that for a few moments before he spoke again.

"But I could work on it." He added with a thoughtful nod, "I've worked on a lot of things. I don't see why it couldn't be one more."

Guerin let a small smile escape. Maybe he was just paying lip service but in that moment she appreciated it. Throwing caution to the wind she downed her drink, deciding that was quite enough serious talk.

"Hey. This topic sucks." She said bluntly, "Let's do something else."

JB laughed, killed his drink off too and went along with her clunky subject change. They played games until they finished off the booze and decided to head downstairs. Eneoji perked up as they folded up the blankets and grabbed pillows.

Coming into her apartment she kicked off her shoes, "I'm hungry. You want some ramyeon?" She asked.

He did a double take and poorly hid an immature laugh.

"Stooooop." She laughed, hitting him playfully in the shoulder, "You're such a kid."

"Ya, I'm not a kid, I'm a man." He protested, turning to face her. JB knew how to turn on the sexy act which he utilized in full force, meeting her gaze with hooded eyes and biting his lip with a smirk.

She was speechless for a moment as it very obviously worked, her alcohol addled brain not allowing her the reaction time she needed to recover. She blinked furiously and licked her lips subconsciously, causing his gaze to flick down to her mouth. His expression became suddenly less playful as he stepped closer to her. She panicked, putting a hand on the center of his chest as her breath hitched in her throat.

"Y-you keep missing these buttons." She stammered, lifting her other hand and shakily doing up a couple more buttons on his shirt. He didn't move as she worked, watching her face and his playful smirk came back. She didn't make eye contact with him again, positive she wouldn't survive, "Only kids don't know how to button their shirts." She muttered in an unconvincing attempt to be playful again. She pulled away and headed into the kitchen, JB allowing some distance before a big grin spread across his face and he stuck his tongue out excitedly, winking at Eneoji who watched them, unimpressed, from the couch.

Charlie sleepily blinked her eyes open before sitting up blearily and looking around. It took her a moment to remember where she was until her eyes landed on her boyfriend laying next to her, just beginning to shift himself. He didn't seem to be wearing a shirt which she could appreciate even in her half awake state, but after a beat or two she also realized she wasn't wearing anything either. Just as Jinyoung opened his eyes she dropped back down, pulling her covers up over her.

"Mmm no..." he grumbled, his voice low and gravely from sleep. He reached across her body, pulling her against him as he nuzzled into her affectionately.

"No what?" She asked after clearing her throat.

"No hiding." He said simply, placing a kiss to her jawline.

Her urge to escape was diminished as soon as his arms went around her, but evaporated completely as he continued to be sweet and snuggly with her. Instead she turned in his arms to face him, cuddling up close and tangling her legs into his.

"Mmf. Better." He grunted with a self satisfied smirk, kissing her forehead again, "Good morning." Charlie couldn't imagine anything feeling better in that moment than their skin contact in that moment. Well, until she remembered the night prior. A blush crept onto her face and she tried to hide her smile by pressing her lips together tightly. Jinyoung also must have been having similar memories, but his body responded differently from just a blush. He not so subtly cleared his own throat and rolled onto his back, reaching to the nightstand for their phones, handing Charlie hers. She chose to allow him the distraction this time, but only because she remembered she hadn't checked to see Guerin's response.

Charlie was relieved to see her friends initial response, but that quickly turned to amused as hours later the messages had clearly become drunk texting. She giggled and covered her mouth. Jinyoung peered over her shoulder to see what made her laugh.

"Hey, this is private." She chastised him lightly, moving her phone and rolling away slightly.

"Jagiyaaaa." He pouted reaching for her to pull her toward him again, "I just want to see what's making you so happy." He rested his chin on her shoulder.

"Do you think being cute is going to get you what you want?" She teased him, trying to hide that yes, him being cute would get him everything he wanted.

"Maybe." He sulked, then suddenly snatched at her phone. She yelled and pulled it just out of his reach in time, causing the two to wrestle around in the bed playfully. He finally got his hands on her phone but it had timed out and was locked so he couldnt read it.

"Jagiiii." He whined, "What was funny?"

Charlie was distracted, as they had wrestled the blanket had come off them and she was now looking at Jinyoung in his full glory. She tried to regain her composure.

"It was just Guerin... drunk texting." She said sounding very not casual at all. Jinyoung noticed her distraction and feigned being offended, taking the blanket and pulling it across his body.

"Charlie." He scolded her, but she had seen his body begin to betray him again. This time she had other ideas and she sat up, pushing him the rest of the way down, pulling the blanket away and throwing her leg across him so she was straddling him. Jinyoung was legitimately surprised by the bold move, but he recovered quickly, smirking up at his girlfriend.

"I'll take my phone back now." She held out her hand.

He laughed, tucking his hands behind his head, looking up at her. He might be an excellent actor but Charlie could feel him under her and see the expression in his eyes change. "What if I say no?" He said, determined to keep up his act.

She moved her hips against him, causing him to break character as he blinked rapidly and bit his lip to keep from gasping. Now it was Charlie's turn to smirk. "I can be convincing."

Jinyoung licked his lips before he acted quickly. Holding her hips in place he sat up, shifting to keep her in his lap, he leaned forward and nipped at her neck, "Do your worst." He challenged her, hands holding her in place as he bucked up against her.

In their power play her phone lay lost and forgotten amidst the sheets as the couple managed to distract themselves.

Jackson came back into town with the same energy as when he left, a party. This time he had rented a private residence and hired caterers and bartenders to take care of his staff and friends. His new album had proven to be successful and his staff had worked hard so he wanted to show his appreciation. In addition he had invited his ex-trainee friends, including Byoungjin and Minhwan of HEET, along with their band members, as well as Guerin and Charlie.

"Hey drunky." Charlie said in English as she sauntered up to her friend by the pool in the backyard with a playful smirk.

"Hey... sex person." Guerin offered back laughing at her own inability to make a witty retort.

"Hey, you can't just assume things!" Charlie protested, looking around to make sure no one else was nearby.

"It was only an assumption until your blush and furtive stares confirmed it." Guerin said taking a sip from her drink.

"Are you seriously already drinking again?" Charlie asked incredulously to change the subject.

"Oh hell no. This is water. I'm still not recovered. I drank way too much last night. This old body doesn't recover like it used to." Guerin sighed. "Sorry about those drunk texts."

"Oh don't be. That was hilarious. I expect more in the future." Charlie laughed. "So did you and JB... did anything happen?"

"No, thank god." Guerin shook her head.

"Why would you be happy about that?" Charlie asked in disbelief.

"I do NOT want my first sexual encounter with JB to be while I'm wasted. That would be so sad." Guerin made the mistake of not picking her words carefully.

"Oh? Your first time? So you want to have multiple rounds?" Charlie's knowing grin looked a bit evil.

"Hey. Come on. I'm hung over, go easy on me." Guerin groaned in protest.

"Okay... but does that mean you're ready to give Jackson an answer?" Charlie asked more seriously. Guerin hesitated then nodded slowly. "Are you going to tell him tonight?"

"I'll have to if he asks. I told him I'd give him an answer when he returned, and I don't want to string him along." Guerin looked forlornly at her water then sighed, "Maybe I do need a drink."

The two were interrupted by the sliding glass door opening and an excited voice calling out, "Noona!" Looking up, Guerin spotted Seungbin of HEET, behind him the rest of the group including their manager Insu had all just arrived and were greeting others at the party.

"Baby boy!" Guerin cried out with a happy grin, holding her arms open. The adolescent boy bounded up to her and they hugged. She lifted the slightly taller boy and spun him around happily before setting him down and releasing him. The rest of HEET had started to follow their maknae out and Guerin introduced them to Charlie.

"I like your hair." Seungbin complimented Charlie with a sweet smile after he bowed in greeting. Charlie had already been smitten with the cute behavior exhibited by the boy so she couldn't help be a little extra moved by his compliment as she thanked him.

"Sorry we're late." Tobio said with his usual straight face.

"We came from practice, but it went a little longer than we thought." Minhwan added.

"Don't be silly, I'm sure everyone will be super stoked to see you!" Guerin waved their apology off. "You must have been working hard, have you eaten?"

"Insu bought us some snacks while we were practicing." Byoungjin said pragmatically.

"Snacks are not dinner." Guerin said reprovingly, "Come on let's get you boys some real food." Her brood followed her inside to the party, Insu falling behind looking concerned.

"She always feeds you so much." He said worried.

"It's okay hyung, it's just one night." Gabriel said with a big grin, patting their manager on the shoulder.

"We're on a break anyway. I'll make the team work it off tomorrow. Just enjoy the party hyung." Minhwan reassured him as they followed after.

JB arrived characteristically late to the party as well but with much less fanfare than a small group like HEET had. He located Jackson first and went up to greet and congratulate his friend. Jackson let out his trademark happy squeal when he saw his hyung and embraced him happily. JB grinned with his friends infectious mood and the two began catching up.

"Ya, punk!" An elevated voice drew their attention. JB and Jackson looked up to see Guerin with icing smeared on her cheek and, presumably the culprit, in a headlock under her arm, "You wanna go for a swim?" She scolded, unable to sound believably angry through her laughter. Charlie, Minhwan and Seungbin were laughing, Tobio had raised his eyebrows in surprise while Byoungjin shook his head disapprovingly and Insu looked worried. Guerin carted the cackling troublemaker outside, giving him a noogie on the way out. The others followed, offering apologies.

Jackson and JB exchanged glances and laughed, Jackson much more enthusiastically.

"She manages to cause trouble wherever she goes." JB commented drily.

Jackson nodded, his smile fading a bit, "Has she answered your confession yet?" He asked suddenly.

JB looked surprised and somewhat uncomfortable, before shaking his head, "You?"

"No. She said she'd tell me when I get back. I'm gonna ask her tonight." He looked serious, "I'm worried. She said she wasn't bothered by that news story but I think she is just saying that. She gets annoyed if I bring it up."

"Don't." JB said simply.

"Don't what?" Jackson asked, confused.

"Don't bring it up. If she tells you she's okay then believe her. Trust her word. If she has something to discuss she'll bring it up." He looked over at Jackson who was watching him with a strange expression, "What?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Nothing. You're right." Jackson said, shaking his head and sounding thoughtful. A sudden splash from outside interrupted them again. Charlie poked her head in as people had moved to the door to see what caused the commotion as more splashing and yelling could be heard.

"Um, are there some towels?" She asked struggling to speak through her laughter.

The rental property had fortunately been stocked with towels and bathrobes. Guerin, Gabriel and Seungbin had all rinsed off, bundled up and were sitting in the master bedroom with their wet clothes drip drying outside. Insu had left to get a change of clothes for the boys while Jinyoung had offered to drive Charlie to get clothes for Guerin.

Guerin was embarrassed, she knew it looked like she had been the one to cause the whole incident by threatening Gabriel when dragging him out. She hadn't actually intended to follow through and had even let him go. Unfortunately the youthful Seungbin got caught up in the comedy of it and snuck up on Gabriel to push him in. Double unfortunately, Gabriel responded by grabbing Seungbin to drag him along. Triple unfortunately Guerin had tried to grab the two of them, but had been off balance, somehow one of them had latched onto her thinking she was the other boy and down she went with them. The next few moments were a blur of laughter, splashing and yelling as she processed what had happened and how it would be perceived. Fortunately for her her phone was in a lifeproof case since she had accepted her life was a series of disasters, and the boys didn't have personal phones yet so there was no lasting damage.

Youngjae's loud laugh still rang in her ears. All she could think of to say was "It wasn't me." As she held up her hands defensively, prompting more laughter from the accommodating types in the crowd. Some had surely looking on in disapproval but there wasn't much she could do about that. She spotted JB and Jackson throwing their heads back and laughing at the sad picture of a shamed dripping grown ass woman and two boys. She couldn't help but laugh too.

Insu arrived after Minhwan had finished scolding the boys despite being one of the people who had laughed the loudest. Guerin had been spared since she was older, and perhaps he was afraid he might get a dose of the pool himself if he tested her.

Seungbin had apologized sincerely, worried about Guerin being upset, but she assured him she wasn't. Gabriel apologized less convincingly considering he still seemed to think the whole interaction had been quite fun, though he hadn't intended it to go that far. Tobio had checked on Guerin a few times to make sure she really was uninjured and not too cold. After their apologies the two boys left to change and everyone left Guerin on her own.

A soft knock sounded at the door. Thinking it was Charlie, Guerin called out, "Come in!"

Instead she saw Jackson poking his head in, covering his eyes with his hand as he said, "It's me!"

She laughed despite a worried pang in her stomach, "Jackson you can come in, I'm covered."

He closed the door behind him, peaked through his fingers, the let out a scandalized gasp seeing her in her robe and covering his face again. He dropped the act as she let out another laugh and threw a throw pillow at him. "Ya, careful getting physical, look what happened last time!" He chastised her.

"It wasn't me!" She protested again indignantly.

"I know, I know." He approached her and she was reminded of just how good looking he really was. She became uncharacteristically aware that she was in fact not wearing anything other the bathrobe and had to resist the urge to adjust it just to be sure. He moved one of the plush chairs closer to her and sat in it, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward. He looked nervous but serious and Guerin had a sinking feeling she knew what was coming. She struggled to meet his gaze as he tried to maintain eye contact, "I don't want to pressure you. I was worried there might not be a time to talk one on one. I hoped maybe you had been considering us while I was gone. If not I wanted to say I can wait longer. Things got weird and maybe we can try while spending time together."

The corners of Guerin's lips twitched and she bit her lower lip. The beautiful man in front of her waited as patiently as he could in the few seconds before she found herself responding, "I don't need to think anymore." She said in a choked voice. She took a deep breath and Jackson visibly braced himself. She reached forward and took his hands affectionately, "You're so amazing, I'm happy you're in my life and spending time with you brings me joy. You're one of the kindest, most thoughtful, hard working people I've ever been blessed to know." He seemed to know what was coming and his expression made her choke up again, her eyes stung as they watered and she blinked rapidly to stem the threatening flow, "Ultimately I don't see us working out romantically. The worst part is that it's not a reflection on your character. I just think us together like that would clash. I hate it because I do like you so much Jackson, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I understand if you don't want to see me again, but I hope we can keep being friends if you can forgive me." Her tears began to fall seeing his crushed expression and watering eyes.

He sat for a moment before speaking, his already deep voice slightly more gravelly than usual, "And handsome."

"What?" She asked unable to piece together the context.

"You forgot to mention how handsome I am." He joked.

"Oh, stupid me." She put a hand to her head and rolled her teary eyes. "Super handsome. Ridiculously handsome. So handsome it should be illegal really." They both laughed through their pain and awkward encounter. She wanted to offer him a hug but wasn't sure if it was the right time.

A knock at the door halted further action and they let go of each others hands. Guerin wiped her face on the sleeves of her robe quickly before she answered, "Come in!" She said as Jackson stood and turned to the doorway.

Charlie poked her head in, not reacting as her eyes flicked to Jackson and then back to Guerin, before holding up a bag, "Some clothes!"

Guerin stood and walked over, "Thanks so much Charlie. Will you let Jinyoung know I said thanks as well?" Charlie nodded and dutifully disappeared from the doorway.

"I'll let you change." Jackson said, raising his hand in a small wave as he disappeared through the door. He didn't seem angry, but he did seem eager to part ways. She understood, and was partially relieved by the abrupt end herself. She focused instead on getting dressed and pulled the clothes out that Charlie had grabbed.

"Oh goddammit. I thanked that bitch too soon." She half groaned half laughed at the chosen ensemble.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 PT.7

Guerin was nervous. She had asked JB what to wear and he had told her that her normal style would be fine. He wanted the vibe to be casual. Still, Guerin had managed to overthink, she had changed her outfit multiple times before forcing herself to settle. She approached the designated meeting spot, the same spot by the Han river where they had first flown together, carrying Mihi. She saw both JB and BamBam waiting already. BamBam looked stylish as usual in his expensive brand name clothes. JB looked like he was trying to combine his usual aesthetic with a boyfriend look, a loose fitting dark grey turtleneck sweater that was tucked into fitted black jeans and his hair teased into revealing his forehead. Guerin felt silly in comparison, she opted for an oversized black, pink and orange color blocked T-shirt over distressed Jean shorts with black tights and ending in her same favorite neon shoes. She had started to slow her approach, wondering if there was time for her to go home and change but was foiled by an excited squawk from Mihi. JB and BamBam looked up, the former smiling and waving at her before they both resumed their conversation and moved to meet her.

"You're here early." Guerin said trying to sound natural.

"He was actually late. We were supposed to meet a while ago to figure out how to shoot everything but he just got here ten minutes ago." BamBam said, "He's always late."

JB forces a smile and put his arm around BamBam, resting his hand on the back of his dongsaengs neck. "I told you I'd buy you something delicious to make it up to you." She said through his fake toothy smile that did not reach his eyes.

BamBam wasn't phased and he laughed at his own cheekiness, "Of course hyung. So that's two meals, one for helping you film and edit and another for being late."

"Ya, we're also paying you." JB protested.

"Yeah yeah. So let's get this show on the road. We'll do the flying first and then the human only shots." BamBam changed the subject to hash out final details of how the shooting would work with Guerin and any issues that might affect Mihi. The three meandered to BamBam's chosen spot and Guerin took the opportunity to mutter to JB

"Should I go change real quick? I'm not sure we match convincingly..."

JB stuck out his bottom lip thoughtfully as he looked her over, making her feel more self conscious before he shook his head and looked away, "You look fine."

"Fine?" She asked shocked and not reassured at all. He looked at her from the corner of his eye, a mischievous smirk betraying his perceived dismissal. She frowned, "JB I'm serious, I'm so uncomfortable right now."

He looked shocked and apologetic, "I'm sorry, I thought you just wanted a compliment."

She pouted slightly, "Even then. You could just give me one."

"You look like you. That's perfect. It's exactly what I hoped for." He reached up and patted the top of her head with a puppy smile. Somehow the JB style comment helped her insecurity but ramped up her heart rate. She covered up her reaction by shrugging him off with a tsk.

"You look fine too I guess." She said with exaggerated dismissal, picking up her pace to leave him behind.

The flight portion of the filming went normally for the first and second round. Mihi was even ready for a third flight as they included JB and Guerin playing with Mihi between flights. Two loops into her third flight, JB was watching Guerin when he saw her relaxed and joyful expression change to one of concern and she let out a curse. JB quickly looked up and saw a drone heading toward the bird who was knocked off her usual loops by trying to avoid it, a screech from the bird sounding more like fear than her familiar happy calls.

Guerin looked around for the drone pilot, spotting him in the distance she tried yelling at him to stop. He didn't seem to hear, fixated on his toy. "BamBam, tell him to stop!" Guerin said urgently, pointing at the pilot, grabbed the backpack carrier, then put the whistle to her lips, blowing as she took off the same direction Mihi was headed. Unfortunately Mihi couldnt get an angle.with the wind to get a clean landing and instead kept getting chased away from the open river skies back into the city before disappearing into the taller buildings.

The drone had stopped and was returning its flight. Whether it was just getting too far out of range or BamBam had reached the man Guerin didn't know, but now she had a new concern. She paused, blowing her whistle hoping it would reach through the city sounds and guide her bird back to her.

"How can I help?" JB asked. She hadn't realized he had followed after her.

She glanced at him her face serious, the only hint at anything close to the very bad situation was a tension around her mouth. "I have to go looking for her. Can you make a post on a lost pets page on sns? If someone has seen her they might look there."

I'll have BamBam do that. He needs to stay behind with the equipment anyway, I can help you look. Guerin nodded, "I lost sight of her that way. If you find her just keep her safe, don't try and grab her and call me right away." She immediately turned and ran in the direction she indicated, blowing her whistle intermittentently. JB ran back to give BamBam the update. The drone pilot was talking to him, holding his offending toy looking very distraught.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know it would scare her I thought she was just an interesting bird, I'm sorry." He was saying before JB interjected. He had to swallow his anger at the man, at the same time understanding the perspective. Without the knowledge he had, he might have thought the same way. He did allow himself the rudeness of interrupting without an apology, gave BamBam the information, then took off again not sparing the pilot another glance.

Twenty minutes and several check ins with each other later JB was still feeling sorry and worried. He somehow believed that this wouldn't have happened if he hadn't asked for Guerin to film this stupid music video. It seemed like everything attached to this song was cursed. Lost in his thoughts and running his hand through his now disheveled hair for the hundredth time he almost missed it. A squawk.

"Mihi?" He called suddenly, startling a couple people near him. He apologized with a bow but didn't miss the unmistakable call back, coming from in front of him and to the left. He picked up his pace, calling her name again as he rounded a corner into an alleyway. He was looking up at the roof when another squawk drew his attention down to the ground.

A bedraggled and slightly damp green bird looked miserably up at him from next to a puddle she must have fallen in. He moved slowly toward her as he pulled out his phone and urgently called Guerin. Mihi took a step back as he approached and he froze while the phone rang.

"I found her. She's a bit wet, I cant tell if she is hurt but she is awake and moving." He said.

"Where are you?" She asked immediately. He told her. She sounded strained, not letting herself relax until the bird was back with her, "I'm about ten minutes away, I'm coming now. Just watch her and don't let people near her." She hung up quickly, presumably to start running. The traffic would make taking a can slower than ducking between buildings and sprinting through streets.

JB watched Mihi and squatted down on his heels to watch the bird, turned sideways to see if anyone started trying to come down the alleyway. Mihi watched him, shifting her weight from one foot to another, reaching down to try and chew pebbles or bits of debris around her.

"You gave us a scare." He said to her, talking just as much to keep himself calm as her. "Though you were probably really scared too." He hissed quietly "That idiot has no idea what he even did." Mihi was watching him, chewing an unknown object.

"We found you though. Guerin is coming, you'll be safe soon." He softened his tone, "I bet you wish she had found you. But this is almost as good right?" He kept talking, trying to sound as comforting as possible. Mihi took a step toward him hesitantly. He paused, then continued with his soft reassurances. Slowly and deliberately she came closer and closer to him. He didn't know what to do. Guerin had told him not to approach, but was he supposed to move away too? He opted to not move in case just him moving scared her off again. She walked right up to his leg, reaching out with her beak to chew at the hem of his pants.

"That's not nice." He said, willing himself not to move and hoping she wouldn't bite him.

Mihi straightened up, her feathers fluffing lightly, then raised a leg speaking in her odd mechanical voice in English, "Step UP."

"I don't think I can?" He said back, recognizing her motion more than the words.

She opened and closed her foot at him, then switched to the other leg saying again, "Step UP."

He hesitated again, glancing at his watch. Almost ten minutes had passed. He was at a loss. This didn't fall under the parameters of what Guerin had told him to do and if she was booking it here he couldn't call her for more advice. He was woefully unequipped to make the decision he was faced with, but it was one that still needed to be made.

Slowly he moved his hand, watching the bird for any odd behavior as he lowered it down to her foot. At first she reached for him with her beak. He froze and she straightened up again, shifting back to her original foot, opening and closing it again with her invitation style. He lowered his hand to her foot carefully. She rested her foot on him and pulled herself up. He slowly lifted his hand to rest on his knees, remembering how Guerin described the tactic to prevent the bird from climbing up his arm to his shoulder.

He was familiar enough to think that the bird looked stressed but slightly more comfortable as she looked around, flexing her beak every now and then. A figure appeared at the end of the alleyway, JB looked up to warn away anyone that might try to approach but stopped when he recognized a disheveled Guerin. She was breathing hard but her eyes lit up when she saw her bird.

"Hi baby." She crooned, sounding comforting. Mihi spotted Guerin and immediately started fluffing and flapping, jumping off JB's hand to the ground and walking toward Guerin. Guerin slowly stepped forward and picked up her bird, who immediately began nestling into her moms torso for affection which Guerin was more than happy to give.

"She came to me, I didnt know what to do so I let her climb on me. I'm sorry." JB said, slowly standing from his squat.

"It's fine she's here, I just want to get her in the carrier." Guerin didn't look away from her bird, giving her head small stratches. "You had a crazy adventure huh? I bet JB was a sight for sore eyes, yeah baby?" She kissed her bird, still speaking in her calm tone. After a minute she stepped Mihi into the carrier with little resistance and gave her a big nut and a grape. JB saw her visibly relax.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Not really. But I will be." She said, the tension leaving her body left her shaking. JB walked over to her.

"Do you... want a hug?" He asked, holding his arms open awkwardly.

She looked up at him and he was surprised to see tears in her eyes. She bit her lip to keep her lip from trembling before she nodded and moved into his arms, wrapping her arms around his torso. He closed him arms around her, one hand resting on her head as her tears fell, the other rubbing her back. A squawk from Mihi brought their attention back. Guerin drew back reluctantly from the much needed comfort, wiping her eyes.

"I'm sorry, I think I snorted on your sweater." She let out and embarrassed laugh. He plucked at it then shrugged, unbothered. "God I must look a mess." She kept wiping at her eyes but her mascara had bled down and her lipstick was faded. JB wiped at a smear on her cheek.

"It's fine. We still match then." He said with a small smile. Guerin actually chuckled, still on edge.

"Let's let BamBam know. And I want to get Guerin home asap." Guerin said.

"I'll come with you." Offered, "Let's get a cab, and I'll call BamBam from there."

Following the plan Guerin sat with the carrier in her lap, hugging it as JB talked about rescheduling the rest of filming later. BamBam passed along the pilots information, he had offered to pay any vet bills and very much wanted to apologize directly. He hung up and the two sat in silence for the rest of the ride, both getting out at Guerin's apartment. She didn't question him as he followed her up to her unit and into her apartment.

A fluffy samoyed greeted them at the door, inspecting JB carefully, wagging her tail as Guerin acknowledged the dog in passing. JB waited in the living room with Eneoji for the few minutes Guerin took putting the bird away, examining her for injuries and watching for odd behavior. She came out to find JB seated on the ground with her dog seated, back to him, in his lap. As soon as Eneoji saw Guerin she stood and her fluffy behind wagged in the handsome musicians face making him exclaim and Guerin couldn't help but giggle despite being visibly exhausted. She saved JB by calling her dog to her and greeting her properly before straightening up.

"I'm going to shower and change into pajamas, then I'm going to order takeout and destress. You're welcome to stay but I imagine I'll be poor company." Guerin said to JB.

"Do you mind if I shower too?" He asked carefully, hoping it wouldn't be misinterpreted.

"Sure. I think I have something comfy you can wear too." She said thoughtfully as she tried to remember then shrugged, "I'll find it later."

JB entertained himself with his phone, catching up on messages and following up with BamBam about what else they needed to complete the video. Guerin returned faster than expected, fresh faced and neutral in a tank top and green lantern pajama bottoms. She held out some folded clothes for him, "There's towels in the bathroom, you can use any of the toiletries you need."

He accepted the change of clothes and headed in for his turn. After drying off he unfolded the pants, looking at them curiously, then looking at the shirt with narrowed eyes. Putting on the nondescript sweatpants and white shirt that fit a bit tightly across his broad shoulders and chest he came out of the bathroom.

"Ya, Guerin. These are men's clothes." He said.

She looked up from her phone at him with raised eyebrows, sitting on the couch sideways as she rested her back against the arm, knees up in front of her, "Yeah. Did you think I was going to give you mine?" She responded, nonplussed.

"Why do you have mens clothes? Mens pajamas?" He clarified, his question but sounded displeased.

"... I mean..." she hesitated, "Do you really not know the answer to that? I'm a grown woman JB."

He floundered. She didn't seem embarrassed at all, and did she have a reason to be embarrassed? He certainly didn't think of her as someone inexperienced, but he wasn't familiar with the personality type to make it obvious by not hiding another man's clothes, or at least making up a story about it being a friend or family member.

"JB, I'm emotionally drained today. I'm not going to argue with you about my life before you came into it." She said, sounding a little annoyed as she turned back to her phone.

He hesitated, then swallowed his jealousy. Now was not the time. Instead JB padded over to join her on the couch.

"You do look better in that shirt though." She said, without looking up and trying to withhold a smile.

"Of course I do." He responded matter of factly.

"Oof, you're lucky you're cute enough to get away with that ego." Guerin sputtered through a laugh.

"I'm not cute, I'm sexy." He corrected her matter of factly, which made her laugh harder.

"They're not... oh... what is it in Korean." She giggled, saying in English, "mutually exclusive?" She went back to korean, "You can be both."

"You're the cute one. I'm the sexy one." He shot back, taking the opportunity to compliment her and double down on his mantra.

"So you're saying I'm not sexy?" She stuck up her foot, posing comically like an amateur model.

"Maybe sometimes." He let out a small chuckle.

"Well if I can be both so can you. Let's order food, I'm starving." She said, not allowing him to argue back anymore. He nodded along with her suggestion, watching her relax comfortably in her pajamas. He had already fallen for professional Guerin and her polo shirt, and done up Guerin with her bold lipsticks and loud style, now he found himself falling for this cute casual pajama Guerin. He absentmindedly chewed his bottom lip, reminding himself that she still hadn't answered his confession, but he hoped it would be soon. Tonight wasn't the time to bring it up, so he resolved to just have a relaxing evening instead.

It had nearly been two weeks since Jinyoung and Charlie had started dating. They had gone out quite a few times, taking advantage of their schedules lining up so well. Jinyoung planned most of the dates which had ranged from a simple picnic to the current adventure at a meerkat cafe. They were currently sitting in with the meerkats, blankets across their legs. As soon as they had settled down four of the small animals had crawled into Jinyoungs lap and snuggled in, while a fifth perched on his leg, blinking slowly.

A sixth and seventh were distracting Charlie, climbing up to her and investigating. One settled into her lap while the other tried to dig at her shoe while she giggled and took pictures. Finally looking up Charlie saw Jinyoung coddling the critters in his lap, speaking cutely and making kissy faces. She pressed her lips together to quiet a laugh and surreptitiously recorded him. It took him about a minute to glance up, doing a double take when he saw her phone up.

"What are you doing?" He asked, his eyes widening.

"Nothing." She giggled through her unconvincing lie.

"Let me see that." He said, holding out his hand for her phone.

"No, I'm using it." She giggled again, lowering the camera to the meerkats still with her.

"Did you take pictures or record?" He asked, changing tactics as he tried to sound nonchalant.

"Don't get upset and scare the meerkats." She scolded him, panning up to see his face again. He was pouting but quickly changed his expression to something neutral.

"I'm not upset." He said blankly.

"Okay." She giggled again, finally ending the video and carefully tucking her phone back into her pocket.

Jinyoung managed to let it go long enough for the two of them to enjoy the rest of the visit at the cafe. They got selfies with a young coati crawling across their shoulders and Charlie got a kiss from an arctic fox. After the cafe Jinyoung suggested they take a cab back to his apartment. Charlie agreed, hoping this time the relationship might progress. It had been two weeks and they still hadn't kissed, or really anything beyond hand holding or a brief hug. A small part of her had begun to believe that Jinyoung didn't have romantic feelings toward her after all but she tried to beat those thoughts down.

Once they had arrived at Jinyoungs apartment and he went to make refreshments for the two of them she caught up on messages. A particular news story caught her attention that made her exclaim outloud in anger.

"Jagiya? What is it?" Jinyoung asked, coming from the kitchen with two opened beers and some freshly prepared ramen for them to snack on.

"There's a news article about Jackson!" She said, angrily, already messaging Guerin furiously.

"What is it?" He asked curiously, setting the tray he carried on the coffee table in front of the couch and sitting next to his girlfriend.

"Look." She said, angrily showing Jinyoung the pictures she was looking at, "He's here hugging some random girl in China ONE DAY before he is supposed to come home after confessing to Guerin."

Jinyoung knew of the dual confessions Guerin had received after promises of confidentiality from Charlie, though both his friends had confided in him already so it made it significantly easier to share. Jinyoung frowned at the pictures, taking her phone to read the article.

"It seems mostly like speculation." He said, unconvinced and handing her phone back with a noncommittal shrug, "besides, Jackson is a friendly man. He has a lot of friends. It's just a hug."

"Just a hug caught on camera." Charlie grumbled, taking her phone back with a petulant expression.

Jinyoung put his arm around Charlie with his most winning expression, "There's going to be times I have to hug someone for a camera, would that bother you?"

"No... not if it's for work." She couldnt help but weaken under his grip.

"Jackson is really outgoing. He has a lot of friends and sometimes the media struggles to keep up with him. I promise, knowing Jackson, that hug was platonic." Jinyoung said earnestly to his softening girlfriend.

"... yeah. That makes sense... I can give him the benefit of the doubt. But I worry about how Guerin is going to take it." She sighed, texting her friend again.

"Guerin will be fine. If she has spent time with Jackson she'll understand." Jinyoung assured Charlie.

"How would you feel?" Charlie asked suddenly after a pause, "If I was hugging some random man?"

Jinyoung tsked, "You won't need to. I'll hug you so much anyone else hugging you will be a nuisance." He squeezed her to make a point.

She forced a chuckle, insecurities with their relationship surfacing suddenly at his words. She believed him about Jackson, despite some reservations on behalf of her friend, so instead she flipped to some of the pictures she had taken at the meerkat cafe. Jinyoung brought out his phone and they were sharing photos until she came across a selfie and groaned.

"Wait, that was cute!" Jinyoung said quickly, reaching across to use his finger to swipe back.

"No, it's an awkward angle." She argued, moving her screen away to avoid the photo. Jinyoung huffed and returned to his own photos.

"Look, this is adorable." He said challengingly, showing a picture of her getting a kiss from the fox at the cafe, her face scrunched up in delight.

"Oh god that's an awful picture, please delete it!" She groaned and covered her face.

"What?" Jinyoung asked in disbelief.

"The angle is awful, I look so fat and my face... ugh. I didn't know you were taking a picture." Charlie protested, shaking her head still in her hands.

Jinyoung looked at the picture and back at his embarrassed girlfriend before setting his phone down, gently taking her hands and removing them from her face, "What are you talking about?"

"I just... I'm not cute. And pictures like that don't help. You're already so much more attractive than I am. I'm grateful if there's any man who wants to be in my proximity, let alone one as handsome as you. I have to work extra hard to be worthy." Charlie said despondently, avoiding eye contact as Jinyoung held her hands away from her face.

He dropped Charlie's hands, cupping her face gently and moving her gaze to match his own, "Look at me," he said softly, "You are beautiful, amazing and unique. I was drawn to you long before I said anything and I had to beat competitors to get to you. But none of that matters. None of that, none of my desires for you define you as a person of worth. You are reliable, hard working, dedicated, compassionate and thorough. You are so admirable and I love being around you. I hope as we spend more time together I can learn and grow from your traits but in the meantime I just... really love being in your company. And I want to keep doing that." He ended his speech finally.

Charlie, bit her lip as he spoke but waiting a beat after he finished talking she couldn't hold back anymore and moved in quickly, pressing her lips against his for their first kiss as her arms slung around his shoulders. His own grasp dropped to her waist pulling her in more tightly as he deepened the kiss she had initiated. Once they naturally separated, breathing slightly more accelerated than usual Jinyoung spoke through a smirk.

"I wondered how long that would take you. It was longer than I thought."

"...what?" Charlie asked, still a bit addled from the passionate session.

"I was waiting for you to kiss me first. I thought it would happen much sooner. I was starting to weaken. I thought you didn't like me!" He laughed, pressing his forehead against hers.

"Are you kidding me?!" She exclaimed in response. "I thought you had lost interest in ME! I thought you regretted asking me out!" She couldn't help her raised voice in indignation.

"Lost interest??" Jinyoung was shocked and he responded by pulling her close for other deep kiss before pulling away and pressing his face to the side of her face to whisper in her ear, "No way." He kissed down her neck to the crook of her shoulder, "I'm so sorry you felt that way. I've been holding back for fun, hoping you would push ahead when you were ready." He kissed gently at her throat as he spoke.

"Stop." She gasped at his ministrations. He pulled back but she grasped at him closer, "stop holding back." She said, running her fingers through his hair as he smirked into her throat.

"Would you like to move somewhere more comfortable?" He asked, kissing sweetly back up to her ear.

She responded by standing up then immediately turning toward his bedroom, shucking her usual comfortable hoodie off along the way to lay on the ground with the rest of her disproven doubts. "You better have some way to make it up to me." She snarled, disappearing through his doorway to the bedroom. Jinyoung could barely hide his joyous expression as he bit his lip excitedly, following his girlfriend into his bedroom.

Guerin had felt her phone buzzing in her pocket during her meeting with PWER CEO Jisoo. They had been discussing the next comeback and the possibility of a world tour and Eneoji's role in each. Not willing to interrupt the meeting she shut her phone off, hoping it wasnt an actual emergency. Turning it back on as she left the meeting she was astounded by the amount of kakao messages she had, and a few missed calls from Jackson. She chose to check the kakao messages first, hoping it would clear up the urgency.

Guerin was confused. An article about Jackson and some girl? Even more curious she responded quickly saying she was fine but had no idea what Charlie was talking about before she switched to her chat with Jackson.

Guerin was alarmed with the urgency of his messages. What in the world could be this bad? She sent Jackson a quick message explaining she had been in a meeting and had no idea what was going on but she was okay. She flipped to the news search on her phone and was greeted readily with an article at the top of the feed with a headline announcing Jackson Wang was in a relationship with an unidentified woman. Guerin clicked on the article and read a couple short paragraphs about Jackson and his recent activities all leading up to him being caught with a new girlfriend. The pictures attached were clearly shot without any person in the area aware of the cameras. Both Jackson and the woman were smiling and laughing, then a few shots of the two hugging each other. She couldn't help but chuckle. This was what had gotten everyone so worked up?

While she was reading Jackson had sent her a few more messages. She clicked over to his chat and reassured him that she wasn't bothered. He asked to call her later and she agreed. She set her phone down as her bus approached, stepping into it and settling into a seat, looking out the window. She hadn't been lying about not being bothered by the hug, but dealing with the aftermath had left her a bit stressed. It was just a hug, was it really something to get upset over?

Her phone buzzed in her hand and she grimaced for a moment before making herself check. It was a message from JB and she visibly relaxed seeing a simple message asking to meet up for drinks. A drink sounded like just what she needed so she agreed. She dropped her phone and let her fall to her shoulder as she stared out the window for the rest of the ride trying to figure out why she felt so strange.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 PT.6

A couple days passed and Guerin met JB for the open mic night. She was a good ten minutes early but he was already at the quaint coffee shop, seated in a hidden corner booth. As soon as he saw her, he beckoned her over, gesturing at the drinks he had already ordered.

"You didn't have to get me something." She said, wandering over to him.

He shrugged, and patted the seat next to him for her to slide in. She hesitated for a moment. "It's so we can both see the stage." He explained.

"We'll look like a couple..." Guerin said, uncharacteristically shy, but she still slid into the booth next to him.

He shrugged again, "So?"

She puffed her cheeks out slightly, feeling awkward before covering it up with a sip from the iced americano he had bought for her, "Thank you for the drink." She said, setting it down. She couldn't help but be hyper aware of him while he was so close to her, but it helped she didn't have to look directly at him. JB was easily one of the most beautiful people she had ever seen and today was like putting a magnifying glass on that fact. He was wearing a black dress shirt, more buttons than necessary undone under a stylishly patterned blazer. His hair looked freshly cut and styled. She felt even more strange appreciating this side of him after Jackson's confession and her promise to consider it.

"You look nice." He said after a few more moments of awkward silence and Guerin realized she had been looking at him despite being relieved she didn't need to. She started and looked straight ahead as though it would undo her being caught. "I like the orange lipstick." JB's voice gave away his smile of amusement.

Guerin chided herself for being so weird. There was no reason for her to feel conflicted. They were friends and had spent a lot of time together already. Why would this now feel like such a date? She inhaled and fell back on old habits.

"Thanks." She puckered her lips and poked her cheek with a wink. "It's one of my favorites, and it matches my sassy shirt and neon shoes." Guerin showed off her favorite shoes.

JB gave a close lipped smile at the dorky response, trying not to laugh outloud, "How old are you again?"

"Old enough that you better respect me." She bumped him with her shoulder making him laugh, "and here I was going to say how nice you looked too." Her sass turned to a small sulk.

"I'm sorry." He said respectfully and bowed as much as he could in the small space.

"Oh god no stop that." She laughed and pushed him again, wondering in the back of why she felt so aware of each time she made physical contact with him.

JB looked up at her with a smirk and amusement in his eyes before straightening up and dropping the gag.

"What are you singing tonight?" Guerin changed the subject, focusing her gaze back on her coffee as she took another sip from it.

"A couple new songs. Each performer can sing up to three. I actually just finished one today. It's called Rainy." He answered.

"Appropriate." She nodded, referencing the weather outside. Since her walk with Jackson it had been raining on and off for days now. JB nodded along with her. The two sank into a comfortable silence, lost in their own thoughts. The booths at this particular shop were somewhat oversized and cushy, an oddity for Korea. It enabled Guerin to relax and cross her legs under her as she took in the decorations. JB was sitting in his signature slouch, one leg crossed over the other as he toyed with the straw in his drink.

The performances started, JB was much more critical and sparing of his responses but Guerin openly enjoyed most of the songs each artist played. She found something positive about each song, sharing with JB at the end and asking for his input. He couldn't help but appreciate her enthusiasm.

"I don't have any creative talent or skill of my own, but I am an avid consumer of art." Guerin explained between sets when he voiced his opinion on her perspective, "Each one of these people is working hard and improving. It does so much more to bolster creativity and exploration if they're encouraged rather than constantly corrected or told they're failing."

JB cocked his head, "Most successful artists I know where trained very harshly."

"Sure, there's people who survive the process but think of all the talented people who gave up because their learning style wasn't catered to. Just like the animal training we've talked about, you get more successes with patience and kindness than you do with punishment. The people who are successful are that way in spite of the harsh teaching methods, rather than because of them. In the meantime we lose out on so much potential art. So I just... do what I can to encourage it." She trailed off with a shrug realizing she was lecturing. JB was looking at her with a thoughtful tilt to his head.

"Sorry, I'm rambling." Guerin let out an embarrassed laugh and looked away self consciously. If JB was planning on saying anything he was unable to as the next artist started up. Finally JB was up as the last performer of the evening. Guerin let him out of the booth and he grabbed his keyboard case from the bench across the booth from them. As he set up Guerin checked her phone, responded to a couple texts from Charlie and Jackson. She felt a pang of guilt again thinking of Jackson but buried it quickly. -I have nothing to feel guilty about- she reminded herself as she put her phone away.

JB's two song set left her breathless. As he performed he rarely made eye contact with anyone, even closing his eyes for a good portion of the time. When he did look up it tended to be in her direction and those moments stopped her heart. Guerin had to physically stop herself from clutching the front of her shirt defensively. His first song was Be With You. Its sweet lyrics and melody made her smile without realizing. It was a direct contradiction to his second song, Rainy. The song was close to perfection and his performance clinched it. Guerin was fighting off tears, cursing her eye makeup silently as she dabbed at her eyes with a spare napkin.

"Why are you crying?" Asked a surprised JB. He had seen her and moved quickly to her side, squatting next to her at the end of the table.

Another embarrassed laugh escaped her, sounding a bit water logged this time, "I'm sorry, this is nothing. That was just a really good song." She took a shaky breath and straightened up, smiling through watery eyes, "They were both excellent, but Rainy got me good." She laughed again.

"Noona, don't cry." JB said serious but tinged with his natural cuteness as he appealed to her. He used the extra long sleeves of his shirt to dab at the neglected tears that threatened to spill.

She laughed again, shaking her head, "No it's a good thing. I really liked it." JB dropped his hand from her face as the tears slowed, still looking somewhat concerned as he stared at her. "You're drawing attention to me." Guerin scolded, covering half her face with the hand holding the napkin, "Go pack your stuff up and greet your fans." She insisted, pushing his shoulder lightly. He hesitated so she gestured again, "I'm fine I promise, hurry hurry."

JB did as she said, glancing over at her as he packed, catching her using her phone to check her appearance. He didn't realize she would cry and he felt bad. Guerin certainly emoted her way through life and he couldn't help but find it fascinating and endearing. He finished putting away his keyboard and stared down at it for a moment wondering what to do now. He needed the evening to continue.

The cafe staff was announcing closing and putting away the equipment around him. A few patrons and fellow performers, both familiar and new, came up to chat with him. He stayed as long as was polite before excusing himself back to the patiently waiting Guerin.

"I thought you'd still be crying." He teased.

"I'm soft and weak. I cry all the time. I exist in a perpetual state of holding back." She stuck her tongue out at him and he laughed.

"Let's go for a walk, since the rain stopped." JB suggested suddenly.

"Sure." Guerin agreed with minimal thought.

"I just need to drop this at my studio." JB hefted the keyboard case and Guerin nodded as the two headed out, thanking the staff as they left. JB was a regular, and even chose his personal studio location because it was just around the corner. Once empty handed, the two wandered aimlessly. They stopped at a convenience store and picked out a few beers to share.

"The lyrics you sing in english for Rainy I find incredible." Guerin gushed. The topic had turned back to his performance, "When you say 'I love you alone' it's such an interesting way to express one sided love, or a doomed love?" She mused, looking at him, expecting an answer.

"Thank you." JB responded simply instead, flattered with her praise but unfocused. Guerin pressed her lips together thoughtfully, watching him before her gaze caught something behind him.

"Oh, JB!" She was so excited she grabbed his long sleeve peaking out from under his blazer.

"What?" He asked, startled, eyes wide as he looked at her and looked around.

"Swings! Let's go!" She cut past him, still holding his sleeve and forcing him along with her.

"Seriously? How old are you?" He asked again, rolling his eyes.

"Depends on the situation." She quipped, not bothering with sass this time. "Right now I'm whatever age it is appropriate to be happy about swings."

"You startled me. I thought something bad happened." JB chastised her but still didn't pull out of her grasp.

"Aww, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." She looked back at him with an exaggerated apologetic expression. He sucked air through his teeth and cocked his head, making her giggle with his feigned disapproval, "I'll buy you a drink to make up for it." She promised as they reached the swings, only then releasing his sleeve as she sat on one of the two swings.

JB set their bag next to him, pulled out two beers and sank down on the second swing, handing one of the beers to Guerin who was already starting to swing gently.

"I wrote that lyric thinking I had to give up on a love." JB answered suddenly, cracking his beer open and taking a sip.

Guerin paused, taking a moment to piece together the sudden change in topic before figuring it out, "You mean from Rainy?"

JB nodded.

Guerin looked thoughtful, swinging gently again, this time from side to side, "Did you pair it with Be With You because you were telling a story?"

JB nodded again.

"Did someone hurt you? Do I need to fight someone?" She shook her fist and JB laughed at the unexpected mood shift.

"No, I wouldn't say someone hurt me. I think I did most of the hurting." His smile faded and became more forced.

Guerin let him have his thoughts for a few moments, drinking more of her beer before speaking again, "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked.

JB hesitated then nodded a third time. She waited and the two continued drinking in silence.

"There's someone I like a lot. I wrote Be With You inspired by our time together. Then someone close and precious to me said that they liked her too." He started. Guerin nodded as he spoke, offering quiet sympathetic sounds as he continued, "I thought it would be best for everyone if I just let it go. No one knew my feelings except me." He sighed and stopped again, pressing his lips together and casting his gaze to the treetops.

"I thought I needed to withdraw and instead it made me seem distant which was hurtful, then it made me angry and I lashed out which was even worse."

Guerin had gone completely quiet and still as he told the story, convincing herself that this story was becoming more familiar by coincidence.

"I told my friend the truth. I told him I couldn't give up without trying, that I had to tell the truth. Even though I accidentally already did." JB looked sheepish, "I remember going to your house Guerin. I remember what I said. It was vague enough to play off. I let you believe I didn't remember. I'm sorry I deceived you. But I wanted to do this right." JB was looking at Guerin. Her gaze met his, still in disbelief as she switched her gaze between his eyes. Her face felt tingly and her chest tight, like she couldn't catch her breath.

"Do what?" She asked tightly.

"Those songs were inspired by you. By us. I like being with you, I want more. Rainy was me trying to deny my feelings and I don't want that song to be true."

JB stared into Guerin's eyes for a beat. His expression was genuine and serious. The only hint of nerves was the swallow he gave before licking his lips and saying the words he had been saving.

"Go Guerin, I like you."

Her mouth opened and closed as she blinked, eyes flicking around while she tried to process this unexpected turn of events. She managed a strangled laugh, "I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you. It's just. I'm so surprised. And the timing?" She laughed the strange laugh again.

"Timing?" JB asked, curiously.

"Uh, is Jackson the friend you were talking about?" Guerin asked and JB nodded, "He also confessed before he left for China."

JB looked surprised, "I thought he would have said something if you two were dating."

"He probably would have. If we were dating." Guerin said somewhat guiltily.

"Did you reject him?" JB still sounded surprised but a little hope peeked through.

"No... he told me to think about it... he said I should answer him when he gets back." She exhaled, still feeling guilty.

"Good." JB said, Guerin glanced at him questioningly, "I mean... do you have an answer for me?" He asked.

Guerin felt bad, he must have been anxious that whole tangent but she still was processing the information, "I... I... JB..." Making words was suddenly the most difficult challenge to overcome. Of course she liked JB. He matched her introverted qualities, he was talented, funny, cute and sexy in the worst way. She also liked Jackson, despite her reservations, and it's not like she didn't have reservations for JB too. He was working on his anger and while he seemed to be doing well according to those who had known him a while, what would happen if they spent more time together?

Guerin must have been quiet longer than she intended because JB spoke up again, "You don't have to answer now. Take your time to think about it." JB shrugged, probably intending to seem nonchalant but looking stiff.

"Thank you." She said quietly. "I'm sorry to make you wait." She apologized as JB finished his drink and he shook his head.

"I got to take my time to figure out this. You should take your time to respond." He reassured her, "I'd be lying if I said I'm not disappointed it isn't an immediate yes." He shot her a wry smile.

Guerin stood, walking over and picking up their bag taking his empty can along with hers and switching them for full ones. "Come on, let's go get a late night snack." She handed him the new drink. He stood and walked along with her. Despite the silence neither of them felt awkward. The mood was pensive but a bit relieved. As they headed toward the busier city area JB took the bag Guerin was carrying between them. He bit his lip, looking straight ahead and trying to stay cool before clearing his throat and speaking.

"Would it be okay if I held your hand?"

Guerin fought back her grin at his adorable and respectful request that he very clearly was trying to maintain a chic demeanor for. Instead of answering verbally, she stepped in closer to him and took his hand in her own, lacing their fingers together. Both of them smiled without looking at each other.

"What do you want to eat?" JB asked after a few paces.

"Tteokbokki." Guerin answered decisively with a single big nod.

JB swung her hand back and forth with his gently, "Okay. I know a place nearby. My treat."

"No, you already got coffee." Guerin protested.

He shrugged and kept walking until she tugged his hand for attention and stopped in her tracks. JB faced her as she pouted at him and he laughed, "Fine, you can get drinks." He walked backwards, leading her along again.

"Deal." She tapped her beer against his, held in the same hand as their bag and took a deep pull, "But don't get drunk and confess again. Twice is enough for me to get the point." She avoided eye contact with him to prevent herself from bursting out into laughter.

"Ya..." He said in disbelief, now it was her turn to pull him along as he stopped and stared after her. Guerin's lack of poker face won out and she let out her typical loud laugh.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist, I'm sorry. Come on let's go." She said between chuckles.

He feigned being hurt but fell into step beside her as the two continued their trek, still hand in hand.

Mark didn't look up from the computer screen when the seat next to him was pulled out and someone settled into it. He knew Jinyoung would be coming since they had texted earlier. Jinyoung wanted wanted to meet up and said he would go to Mark. He stayed focused on the game since, well, he WAS a gamer, but also partially because a part of him wanted to avoid the conversation. Too soon the round ended with him losing. He exhaled and leaned his head back against the headrest, closing his eyes for a few moments before reaching up to remove his headphones and turning to Jinyoung patiently waiting next to him.

"Hi, Hyung." Jinyoung greeted the older man.

"Hi Jinyoung-ah." Mark greeted in return, "You distracted me so I lost."

Jinyoung looked amused, "You didn't look distracted. You didn't even seem to notice me arriving."

Mark shrugged, not really feeling the small talk. Jinyoung waited a few beats before changing the subject. "I'll get to the point. Charlie-ssi and I are dating now."

Mark glanced at his dongsaeng from the corner of his eye before looking straight ahead and nodded slowly a couple times. "Okay."

"I wanted to tell you in person." Jinyoung said seriously.

"Okay." Mark said again. His expression was masked but Jinyoung knew him well enough that he recognized the clear displeasure.

"I... suspected that you also had feelings for Charlie. That's why I wanted to tell you." He added.

"You know..." Mark started and tilted his head in annoyance, "You are making this gesture of kindness after you already disrespected me. I find it almost more annoying."

"You mean when I insisted on walking Charlie home." Jinyoung said. It wasn't a question.

Mark nodded.

"I'm sorry hyung." Jinyoung said genuinely.

"Bullshit." Mark verbally sniped the apology, "You admit you knew how I felt, you pushed me out and now you're here telling me that it all paid off and expect me to believe you're sorry?"

Jinyoung went quiet for a moment before speaking again, "I can see why it might be hard to believe... hyung please believe me, my intention wasn't to upset you. I insisted on walking her home because that had been my plan all along. I had made the decision to confess and I didn't want to have to stress over it again. I should have taken your feelings into consideration and I didn't. My thoughtlessness hurt you, but that wasn't what I wanted. I'm sorry."

Mark clicked through a few screens after Jinyoung finished talked, hitting the mouse and keyboard buttons a bit harder than necessary before sighing again and leaning back. "What's done is done." Mark said frankly, "I'll accept it. But for now I need to be mad. So go away or it'll just get worse."

Jinyoung hesitated, wanting more but knowing Mark well enough to not push him when he was so close to the brink of anger already. With a sigh he stood, adjusting his long tan coat back into place and turning to go.

"Jinyoungie." Mark said suddenly, "Don't give her a reason to leave, cause if she needs one I'll be there. You owe me that."

Jinyoung looked down at Mark, "If I give her a reason to leave I'd prefer that option over any other." He chafed at the idea of losing Charlie, but in that undesirable scenario at least Mark would be happy. Mark started to put his headphones back on but Jinyoung quickly spoke up again, "Hyung, will we be okay?"

Mark looked annoyed, glancing up at Jinyoung, "Of course."

Having turned back to the computer screen he missed Jinyoungs visible relief. For now, he would give Mark the space he requested, hopefully soon they could repair the damage he had carelessly caused in their friendship. He was grateful to learn that it wasn't the end of such a bond. On his way out he ordered some snacks to be delivered to Mark and paid before leaving to meet his new girlfriend for a date.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 pt.5

JB's private studio was much smaller and less intimidating. Everything was in the same room, and there weren't any extra people there. Guerin couldn't help but fidget nervously as JB gave her some pointers based on the last recording session. She was looking at his computer screen with him when he shot her a glance, noticing her fingers tracing repetitive patterns around each other. He reached out and put his hand over hers to still her, turning casually back to his computer at the same time.

Guerin froze, looking down at his hand then back up to him as he gave a reassuring squeeze before moving his hand back to the mouse. Her chest tightened, sometimes he could be so chic it stressed her out. Even now he was acting like it was nothing which it very well could have just been a friend comforting another. Her brain went back to the conversation with Charlie before she remembered to focus on what JB was saying.

"Ah, sorry, could you repeat that last part?"

JB glanced at her, a slight smirk in place, fully believing he had distracted her, "I said, I think that's everything for now, are you ready to give it a shot?"

She kicked herself mentally, his expression was so cocky she wanted to snark back at him but her usual wit was hindered by her nerves, so she just nodded. JB handed her the headphones and adjusted the mic to her position.

Just like last time it was a bit rough at first, but unlike then JB offered support and feedback. He reacted genuinely and even laughed at some of her voice cracks, but she found it oddly comforting and it helped her relax and find her groove. His reactions would shift between cute praise, to simple eyebrow raises and nods, sometimes even exclamations if she hit a particularly difficult note. She couldn't help but fall into step with his mood.

"That's it. We got it." JB clapped once and turned in his chair to face Guerin as she beamed and removed the headphones. She did a small victory dance as she set the headphones back in their spot. JB held back a laugh.

"What?" She asked.

"It's a good thing you don't need to dance for this song." JB joked.

"Listen here you-" She raised her fist jokingly, making JB laugh again, "So now what happens?" Guerin asked.

"Now I put everything together." He said, turning back to the computer as she sat down next to him, looking at the screen.

"It's almost like another language." Guerin said, impressed.

"Nothing as intense at that." He shook his head, then began explaining basic parts of the programming as he started the process.

"I am in awe." She stated, "The creative process is so amazing. I love music but can't make it. Being able to do so is... mind blowing."

JB looked at Guerin who had moved unexpectedly close while he had been explaining the program. He studied her face for a moment before she looked up, curious about his silence.

"It's a compliment." She assured him, as though he didn't realize, "Your brain is special and cool."

JB tucked his chin into his neck and made an awkward face as a response. Guerin almost spit, covering her mouth as a laugh was startled out of her, volume easily matching Youngjae. JB just smiled as he waited for her to recover.

"What the hell?" She asked in delight, "Why are you so weird?"

"It's my special brain." JB shrugged. Guerin cackled again for a moment. Once she recovered he spoke again, "Guerin. There's an open mic night in a couple days. I go there sometimes to workshop songs. Will you come?"

"Like... to sing?" She asked apprehensively.

"No, just to support and give feedback." He said.

"Oh... yeah. I can do that." She agreed.

"Thanks Noona." He winked and held up a peace sign to his face for a cute moment before turning serious and going back to the song while Guerin was forced to recover from his unexpected attack.

Jackson was leaving for China the next day for some schedules for his upcoming album release. He wanted to celebrate with friends so he had a big get together, inviting all his fellow past trainee friends, Guerin and Charlie amongst some others. It was an odd mix of people, Guerin felt like she particularly stood out since her connection to the celebrity industry was tenuous at best.

"I'm not famous either." Charlie argued when Guerin voiced her nerves.

"Yeah but you work with them all the time." Guerin responded.

"You've met famous people before. You're even friends with one now." Charlie frowned.

"Yeah but usually that was in a very controlled professional setting. And Jackson is... different. I don't know." Guerin was starting to look more nervous. The two already stood out as obvious foreigners, but Guerin's sense of style made it worse. Charlie's purple hair and simple wardrobe helped her almost blend in, but Guerin's blue lips and green crop top felt more like regret than confidence to her now.

"You sound like you need a drink." Charlie turned her friend to a table so she could get started on some soju.

"Hell yeah I do." Guerin didn't need any convincing and went along willingly with the new plan. No sooner had they sat down then they were joined by familiar faces.

"You're going to need more people if you're planning on playing drinking games." Jinyoung had meandered over with JB. They both looked completely at home at the party, but they could have been wearing bathrobes and everyone else would have looked out of place.

"Oh, hi Jinyoung-ssi!" Charlie said as Guerin stood. "Jinyoung, this Go Guerin. Guerin this is Park Jinyoung."

They both greeted each other and bowed before sitting down. Jinyoung claimed a seat next to Charlie and JB nonchalantly slid in next to Guerin. "It's nice to meet you finally. I've heard so much about you." Jinyoung smiled at Guerin. He was so handsome her heart couldn't help but skip a beat. How did Charlie survive around him all the time? She glanced at JB before smiling to herself. The body finds a way to survive apparently.

"I hope it's mostly good things." She said in response.

"Excusively." He nodded.

"I haven't talked that much about Guerin to you." Charlie said to Jinyoung, puzzled.

"Oh, there's other people in our company that do." He said airily, unscrewing a bottle of soju and starting to pour out shots to avoid eye contact. Charlie and Guerin exchanged glances, then both looked to JB who was pointedly glaring at Jinyoung, waiting for him to look up. Jinyoung handed JB a shot first, making eye contact only then, he had to avoid laughing and instead handed out the rest of the glasses. Guerin raised her eyebrows but was distracted by soju.

After the first shot they began playing games and others came around to join them. The familiar Youngjae joined, along with Mark who settled on the other side of Charlie. Two new faces joined as well, Yugyeom and BamBam who would have been the youngest of their group. Yugyeom was now a choreographer and BamBam had many successful restaurants. The two especially were close friends. Yugyeom was on the other side of Guerin. She couldn't help coddling the tall maknae, he was so polite and formal with her and such a baby with everyone else.

"Stop picking on my son." Guerin admonished Jinyoung as BamBam cackled. "He's a good boy, be nice to him." She put a hand on his shoulder protectively.

"Yeah." Yugyeom agreed, a bit flushed from the soju.

"Guerin-ssi don't fall for it. It's an act." Jinyoung tried to reason with her. Mark and Charlie were giggling to each other beside him.

"No, look. He's just a baby." She pinched his cheek affectionately, saying in English, "Baby boy."

"Guerin, he's an adult man." JB tried to join in on Jinyoungs side. He somehow couldn't help but feel a little jealous with the attention his dongsaeng was getting.

"Well yeah. But he's also a baby." She shrugged.

"Noona, it's true, I'm a man." Yugyeom said with a serious expression, "But I can be cute for you if you like it." He said suddenly pulling out aegyo and making everyone at the table yell.

"What just happened?" Charlie yelled as she Mark and Jinyoung were in stitches. BamBam had fallen to the floor acting like he had been killed, Youngjae's loud laugh alerted the whole room to the event. Guerin had recoiled, her hand over her heart.

"I feel so attacked!" Guerin exclaimed, bumping into JB as she fanned herself. JB automatically put an arm around her as he leaned in to speak to Yugyeom.

"Ya, go easy on noona, she's weak to that nonsense."

Guerin had frozen when JB had moved in and she felt him behind her. She looked at his face next to her as he spoke to Yugyeom before willing herself to shake it off, but not before glancing at Charlie who had the most smug expression on her face. Jackson chose that moment to come up.

"Ya, what's all the commotion?" He looked at all of them with a grin that suddenly seemed a little forced when his eyes landed on JB and Guerin. The two separated subconsciously under his gaze.

"Hyung, Yugyeom is doing aegyo. It's awful." Jinyoung snitched readily.

"It was very good, just very unexpected." Guerin argued.

Jackson wasn't about to lose an aegyo competition if it meant showing off to Guerin. He forced his way between Yugyeom and Guerin and proceeded to use every opportunity to attack with anything from subtle pouts or small squirtle smiles to his more classic loud outbursts if he lost a game.

The party went on and they all broke off and intermingled. Jinyoung and Mark seemed to be vying for Charlie's attention so Guerin let them have it. She winked at JB and gestured with her head as she got up to walk away leaving the three on their own, so engrossed in their own conversation they didn't notice.

"I can't tell if she's blessed or cursed." Guerin said to JB quietly, referencing the trio they just left.

He glanced back and gave a half smile, "Maybe both."

"So I'm right? They both like her?" She cocked her head at him with a shit eating grin. He realized too late he might have given more confirmation than intended.

"Ah..." he was a bit tipsy from the alcohol and couldn't think of a clever way to backtrack, so he fell silent instead and shrugged.

"Oh come on, it's obvious." She laughed and patted his back reassuringly. He chuckled and rubbed his nose, still not trusting himself to speak. "It makes sense, she's a total catch." Guerin smiled, proudly talking up her friend, "If she picked one of them they'll be lucky."

"If?" JB asked, "Doesn't she like one of them more?"

Guerin looked at him with a smirk, "Trying to trick me now?"

He shrugged, playing it off as though he didn't really care, "I had to try."

"Well, as far as I know she doesn't even think either of them like her." Guerin frowned.

The irony of Guerin saying that was not lost on JB and he let out a laugh.

"I know, it's so obvious right?" Guerin said, mistaking the reason for his reaction.

"It really is." He laughed again.

"Noona, there you are!" Jackson found the duo after having left to socialize with other guests. He was an unrestrained extrovert and having the time of his life surrounded by friends. More and more people had left as the party dragged on and it seemed to finally be wrapping up.

"Hey Jackson!" She welcomed him back with a smile.

"It's so late, let me take you home." He said.

"You don't have to do that. I can get a cab." She said.

"I want to, I wanted to talk to you." He said earnestly. JB's reaction was nearly imperceptible, his mouth twitched slightly and his eyes flicked to his friend who was not looking at him. He focused on the glass he was holding instead.

"Oh... yeah okay. Let me make sure Charlie gets home safely though." She said, before the three of them headed back to the table.

"Hey Charlie, do you have a way home? Do you want me to call you a cab?" Guerin asked her friend.

"I can take her home." Mark said, before Charlie answered.

"I can do it. We live in the same direction, Mark, you'd be going out of your way." Jinyoung said, looking at Mark. Mark stared at Jinyoung for a few seconds.

"It's really okay I don't need as escort." Charlie said, her skin flush could have been from drinking or the idea of being alone with either attractive man, it was a mystery.

"You've been drinking. It's not safe. Besides, I'm heading that direction myself." Jinyoung pressed, putting a hand on Charlie's shoulder.

"Oh... uh... okay..." she said, turning more red at the physical contact.

Guerin couldn't help but feel a bit bad for Mark who had so obviously been railroaded. Guerin couldn't help but notice his expression was very subtly annoyed, but no one seemed to acknowledge it and he didn't say anything. Instead he turned back to his glass and finished off his beer.

"We'll head out first, if you're ready?" Charlie said as she stood, eager to put some distance between herself and Jinyoung. Her heart could only handle so much at one time. Jinyoung agreed and the two said their farewells, Guerin shot Charlie a look but her friend didn't reciprocate. Guerin chuckled, knowing her friend was nervous as the two left.

"I just need to say some goodbyes but I'll be ready soon!" Jackson said to Guerin.

"I'm not in a rush, take your time." Guerin waved him off, sitting back down at the table with Mark, JB following suit.

"I'm leaving too." Mark said standing suddenly. JB and Guerin waved him off as he forced a small smile and headed out, leaving the two alone. As soon as the door closed behind him Guerin turned to JB who had begun pouring the two of the a somaek.

"Is he gonna be okay?" Guerin asked, accepting the beverage gratefully.

"Hmm?" JB looked up, eyebrows raised unquestioningly. He took a sip, looking at the door Mark had walked out of, then shrugged, "Yeah."

Guerin frowned, unconvinced, "He looked upset..." she followed suit, drinking with JB.

"He'll talk if he wants to when he's ready." JB said. Guerin continued to look at him, so he gave a small smile, "No one can make Mark do something he doesn't want to. He'll either get over it or confront it when he's ready."

"It would just be a shame for Jinyoung and Mark to lose their friendship." Guerin said, casting her gaze down to her drink.

JB watched her pensively, then reached out his glass to clink against hers, "Jjan. Drink up." Then drank deeply. Guerin tsked but followed suit with a small smile.

"Don't worry so much. Focus on me. Let's just have fun." He said with a chic smile.

"Oof. JB." She pretended to be put off by his cheesy line, but the truth was it had made her stomach clench and her face felt warm. It really should be against the law for someone as attractive as him to be so smooth.

The two chatted for a bit before settling into a comfortable silence until Jackson joined them again. Naturally with him around the conversation ramped up until it was time to go. JB waved the two off and went his own way, sparing a glance back to their retreating forms.

"Sorry to put you out like this." Charlie said as they neared her apartment. Her and Jinyoung had chatted comfortably on the walk back, making the trek itself seem very short.

"It was nothing. I enjoyed it." Jinyoung assured her, a natural smile played at the corners of his lips.

"Well... I appreciate the gesture." She couldn't being herself to look at him, instead forcing a smile and turning to head inside.

"Wait, please." Jinyoung reached out and took her wrist, stopping her from moving away from him. She stared at his hand holding her, speechless. He quickly dropped it, "I'm sorry." He added hastily.

"I-it's okay. What is it?" She spoke slowly, translating her shocked brain deliberately from english to Korean.

"I wanted to say... I..." Jinyoung uncharacteristically struggled with his words and Charlie waited nervously. As he stammered out words, a motorbike buzzed down the alleyway past her complex with a large pile of rugs tied to the back.

"Look out!" She said in English, but it didn't matter because in the same breath she grabbed Jinyoung's arm and yanked him toward her and away from the road, backing into the wall of her apartment complex. Jinyoung shot his free arm up, landing it against the wall Charlie was against. He watched the bike disappear around the corner with a scowl before looking down at Charlie, inches away from him, under his arm against the wall in unintentionally close quarters. As she recovered from the shock of getting him to safety, Charlie was then stuck dealing with an issue of boundaries. She couldn't look at his face for more than a glance or two but his neck, clavicle and shoulders were hardly a better option. She licked her suddenly dry lips, "Ah... sorry, he just looked... close to hitting you an-"

"I like you." Jinyoung said suddenly.

"You... What?" She asked, surprised.

"I like you. I want to date you." Jinyoung added to his comment.

"... What?" She said again, shaking her head and blinking.

Jinyoung chuckled, taking her chin in his hand and moving her face to look at him, "I like you. I want to date you."

"You. Like me?" She said in disbelief.

He furrowed his brow, "Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know. A thousand reasons. Do you really need me to name them all?" She argued insistently.

"You could if you want. But I like you. You're good at your job. Clever. Thorough. Cute. Fun. Smart. I look forward to seeing you everyday. Our shooting schedule is ending soon and I don't want to stop seeing you regularly." Jinyoung leaned in closer as he spoke, causing Charlie's breath to hitch in her throat.

"I... what do I say? I didn't see this coming?" She said breathlessly. She quickly continued, seeing Jinyoungs face fall as he waited, "I like spending time with you too I just... you never struck me at the... type?" She argued again, dispassionately

"The type to what?" He asked, brow furrowing.

"The type... to like me?" She added quietly.

"I'm being genuine." He almost pouted and moved back slightly, giving her more space. She was both disappointed and relieved, "But what do you feel?" He asked, clearly looking for an answer to his confession.

Charlie didn't need to think, she wasn't questioning her own feelings. Those were making themselves very obvious as her heart began feeling like it would pound out of her chest. She shut off her brain and all it's arguments and doubts. Her hands moved forward of their own accord, grabbing the front of his shirt to stop him from moving further away.

"I like you too, of course." She said quickly.

Jinyoung, being the experienced actor he was, controlled his facial expression and opted for an amused and cocky smirk as he looked down at her hands and back up at her, "Of course?" He teased her word choice.

"Oh god, stop." She blushed at the call out, sropping her hands and covering her face out of embarrassment.

Jinyoung dropped the act and laughed at her cute reaction, unable to help himself he pulled her into a hug. Charlie was trapped in his arms and it wasn't an unpleasant place to be but she hardly had time to react before it was over. They both hesitated awkwardly, unsure of what to say next. Jinyoung met Charlie's gaze, then glanced up to her apartment, both of them knowing the interaction had to end, but Charlie didn't want him to leave so soon.

"Do you... want to come upstairs?" She asked tentatively.

His eyes widened for a moment before turning his head slightly to look at her from the corner of his eyes questioningly.

"Oh god no, not like that, I didn't mean, no, I just meant to, talk or... oh god. Nevermind." Charlie stammered, half of her words in English.

Jinyoung laughed again at his adorable new girlfriend. He took her face in his hands, "I'd love to join you upstairs." He said smoothly, then kissed her forehead, causing her blush to return.

"Not fair." She pouted, then turned and punched her code into the building door.

"What isnt fair?" He asked.

"You're a drama actor and this is all new to me, so you get to be the cool one." She shot him a sulky look and moved inside as he laughed again and followed her.

Jackson and Guerin had been walking for a while, they kept doing laps around her apartment before they opted to walk along the river instead. Their conversation had developed more depth as they talked about their lives and history.

"I'm glad you were able to find success in your dream." Guerin said, "But sometimes it doesn't work out, y'know?" She took advantage of his language skills to relax and pepper her korean with english slang, "And I'm not unhappy, I just didn't see my life going this way." She shrugged.

"Are you happy?" He asked.

"Are you?" She asked in turn.

Jackson looked thoughtful, "Sometimes. I am right now." He cocked his head and she smiled fondly.

"It's a trick question. No one is happy all the time. It's just nice when it happens more than not. I think I'm there." Guerin nodded.

"Are you happy right now?" He asked. She was looking ahead and missed his expression.

"Yeah, this is a pretty good place to be." She smiled as she gave her honest answer.

Jackson reached out and took her hand, stopping so she had to turn to see him.

"I like you."

Guerin was shocked and didn't move except to blink at him, "You... what?" She was convinced she had misheard him.

"I'm happy with you. I want to be with you more. I like you." He said, his gravelly voice deepening with his earnest confession.

"I... Jackson?" She looked at their hands as he squeezed, nervously waiting for her reaction.

"Jackson." She started and stopped again.

"Noona, I'm dying here." He said with a nervous smile, shaking the hand he was holding and stepping closer. Her heart started up again full force, sending the blood back to her brain.

"Sorry." She gave a breathless laugh at how cute he was, "Jackson I don't know what to say. I'm surprised. I mean. I like you too-" his face started to light up, "But that's a lot to take on and I'm not even sure if it's romantic."

His face fell and he took a step back. It was her turn to hold onto his hand as he went to let go.

"Listen, Jackson, you're so sweet and kind and talented and unbearably handsome." He looked up at her, looking more than ever like a hopeful puppy, "I'm serious it's hard to look at you sometimes. I like being around you so much but I worry that we aren't compatible romantically."

There was a few moments of silence before Jackson spoke, "Then think about it." Guerin cocked her head at him, "I'm going to China tomorrow for my album release. Take the time to think about us and answer me when I get back in two weeks."

Guerin paused then slowly started to nod her head, "Yeah... okay. I'll do that."

"Now you know how I feel so think hard." He stepped close again, brushing his free hand against the side of her face then cupping her cheek as he made eye contact. She held his gaze as long as she could before she had to duck away, making him laugh as she exclaimed, "Ah, you're too powerful Jackson Wang."

It started to drizzle forcing the two to end the night. Jackson got her to her door, "Remember, think about me." He grinned boyishly, then leaned in suddenly close. Guerin took a moment to realize what he was waiting for. Turning her cheek to his face she tapped on her face in an invitation. Jackson gave a chaste peck, then exclaimed in excitement, leaning away. Guerin couldn't help but giggle at how cute he was.

"Go home, and dry off!" She shooed him away as the rain started to come down harder.

"I'm standing here until you go inside!" He called back, with a big grin, opening his arms to the rain.

"Oh my god." She chose not to argue and went inside before shooing him away again from inside. He skipped off happily. Guerin exhaled and shook her head. "What the hell." She said under her breath before starting up the stairs.

JB sat on the patio of his apartment, mostly sheltered from the rain other than a gentle splash back causing a build up of dew on him that slowly gathered and soaked into his clothes and dampened his hair. He held his camera, taking pictures of puddles, the lights through the rain and the people hustling below both with and without umbrellas. He was completely in his own head. Finally he got up and went inside to shower and warm up.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 pt.4

"Hey kiddos!" Guerin called out in English as she entered the dorm for HEET. She had messaged them earlier that she would be stopping by. Having wrapped up breakfast with JB she had enough time to catch the boys and Eneoji before they left for work for the day.

"Noona!" Seungbin jumped up from the couch and ran to into entryway to greet her, the large white Samoyed hot on his heels. Guerin hugged the maknae in greeting then kneeled down to give her dog attention. The other five members of HEET made their way out to greet her as well. They all settled in the living room, Eneoji sprawled across both her and the typically nonexpressive Tobio next to her.

She listened as they caught her up on how everyone had been faring and some plans they had begun working on, including a possible World Tour now that they had gotten their first wins. It hadn't been long since their last promotions ended but they had all been working hard on preparing for the next comeback. Guerin asked them if she should take Eneoji home but Seungbin and Tobio asked to let her stay longer.

"Just let me know if your days get too long and you can't get away to take her out or you cant bring her to work. She needs the attention." Guerin cautioned.

"That time might be coming soon." Byoungjin said reasonably, but once he caught the pathetic expression from Seungbin he added, "But we have another couple days at least."

"I've been running with her everyday still! Sometimes people recognize us!" The American Gabriel said excitedly, "She's been giving out pawtagraphs." The pun had been a joke between him and Guerin but had become recognized fandom canon when he had let it slip in a vlive.

"Did Jackson ever make an appointment with you?" Minhwan asked suddenly, remembering his Sunbae reaching out to him.

"Yes he did, and his puppy is super adorable, we should absolutely schedule a playdate with MinNao and Eneoji." Guerin gushed.

"I haven't seen him in a while. It would be nice to see him again." Byoungjin said, happy at the prospect of meeting up with his fellow trainee.

"I met a few other people you guys know too. Mark Tuan and JB." Guerin said, though she opted to leave out that she had just gotten breakfast with the latter to avoid too many questions, "JB even came to see Mihi fly."

"I've head of JB. Doesn't he produce under the name Defsoul?" Tobio asked curiously.

"Yes, he helped me learn music composition and arrangement." Byoungjin answered, "How is he?" He turned to Guerin and she faltered.

"Ahh... we... he is nice but we kinda had a disagreement recently." She said honestly.

"What happened? Noona are you okay?" Seungbin sat up protectively.

"Yes I'm fine. He apologized." Guerin said, touched by the fifteen-year-old's reaction as she pinched his cheek, causing him to pout slightly.

"I'm not that surprised. JB was always a little hot headed." Minhwan frowned.

Guerin was shocked, "Hot headed? I would never have described him that way. I thought he was fairly laid back, even cute sometimes."

"Cute?" Minhwan coughed out a laugh, "Im Jaebeom? He hated aegyo!"

"No I dont mean aegyo." Guerin couldn't help but laugh at the idea of JB attempting full blown aegyo, "But he has... cute mannerisms? Like he puffs out his cheeks when he is thinking, or scrunches up his face when he teases, or plays up certain emotions when he gets excited." She tried to explain.

Byoungjin was looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

"What?" She asked.

"Nothing. You just described him very well." Byoungjin shrugged, clearly not telling the full truth.

"Yeah he had some of that too but he used to get mad and blow up a lot." Minhwan explained, "If he thought someone was being disrespectful, wasting time, not trying hard enough..." Minhwan flinched, "It wasn't fun being on the receiving end of that."

"I never would have guessed." Guerin said.

"Did you get yelled at a lot, Hyung?" Gabriel asked leader Minhwan, a slight cheeky quality to the inquiry.

"No, you rude punk." Minhwan answered back with even more sass, "But JB would have destroyed you. If you aren't careful I'll call him in to teach you a lesson." He threatened playfully, giving the younger man a couple pokes to the ribs, causing Gabriel to giggle and flinch away.

"JB had a rough childhood. His birth father wasn't a good person and he suffered for it. He talked about trying to change it. He was aware and he didn't want to be the kind of man that hurt his mom." Byoungjin said seriously. Minhwan and Gabriel looked chagrined. Everyone was quiet, unsure of what to say. Guerin processed the new information carefully, adding a bit more understanding to JB's personality.

"He must be working hard. It's not easy to overcome that kind of trauma." Tobio unexpectedly said. He wasn't as talkative as the others but when he did he had a habit of poignancy. The others nodded thoughtfully.

"What did you two fight about?" Seungbin asked suddenly.

"Oh... it's so embarrassing." Guerin hid her face in Eneoji's fur.

"Noonaaaaa, tell us!" Seungbin plied, pushing her gently and using full aegyo to get her to answer. She tried to avoid looking at him but he was too powerful.

"Okay fine." She pushed Seungbin away as he grinned in triumph and Gabriel cackled.

"He... asked me to sing a song he wrote." She said quietly.

"He asked you to sing?" Gabriel was floored.

"Noona we told you that you have a nice singing voice." Minhwan boasted. They had all spent time around her so they had heard her many times.

"Yeah but I'm not a professional. It's just for fun." She felt like she had to keep repeating it.

"Maybe he likes you." Gabriel said, then adding in English, "-likes you- likes you. Y'know?"

"Gabriel!" She said astonished, "Minhwan I can't reach, would you shove him for me."

"I don't know, he might have a point." Minhwan shrugged, trying not to laugh.

"Well he better not." Seungbin said making a face, "Noona you deserve someone nice."

"Don't speak ill of people you haven't met." Tobio scolded the youngest gently. Seungbin apologized and ducked his head. Guerin smiled fondly at the well intentioned boy before she caught another thoughtful expression on Byoungjin, who quickly blanked his face as soon as their eyes met. She didn't have a chance to question him before Minhwan changed the subject to talk about Mark and Jackson too and she forgot to bring it up again until after she had left.

"Charlie-ssi, have you eaten yet?" Jinyoung asked, coming up beside his favorite producer as she pored over a thick stack of notes.

"No, not yet..." she answered, distracted.

"That's silly, it's our meal break. Come eat with me." He said, taking a step back and gesturing toward the food truck that had been sent by his costars friends.

She glanced up, feeling regretful at having to say no to such a handsome man asking her to join him for a meal, "I can't, I want to finish this first. Besides, I'm on a diet, I wasn't going to eat anyway."

Jinyoung looked offended, "A diet?" He repeated blankly.

"Yeah, I've put on some weight and being around all these beautiful actors..." she trailed off realizing she might be oversharing.

Jinyoung shook his head disapprovingly, "Ridiculous. You're beautiful the way you are." He turned to walk away, muttering, "A diet."

She was frozen for a moment. Did Park Jinyoung just call her beautiful? She shook her head. It was probably just lip service. Still, it was disappointing not being able to eat with him. But she had eaten and drunk so much last night, she was feeling positively bloated. Shaking her head once more she turned back to her notes.

A few minutes later a plate of chicken with vegetable sides and half a cupcake was placed on the table in front of her. Looking up she saw Jinyoung settling in the chair next to her, holding a similar looking plate with the other half of the cupcake. She watched him in surprise as he nonchalantly settled in, picking up his chopsticks before meeting her gaze.

"Skipping meals is unhealthy. You should take care of your body and feed it well." His genuine smile made her heart race and she blinked to get her bearings. His smile turned slightly more mischievous as he reached over to break off a piece of cupcake with his chopsticks and raise it to her lips, "but a little treat every now and then is good too."

It took her a moment but she responded by opening her mouth and taking the bite, blushing and quickly looking around to see if anyone had seen. Jinyoungs smile took over his whole face, eyes crinkling as he turned happily back to his own meal. Charlie smiled too, then set aside her notes to dig in as well, talking with him as a few more crew members joined them at the table creating happy chatter during their break.

Guerin had met up with Jackson and MinNao for another training session, this one focusing on loose leash walking. Jackson and his puppy were both eager to learn and absorbed information, putting it into practice readily. The two humans chatted about training theory as they walked but it devolved into general chatter and joking around.

"Oh, why don't we get a coffee? MinNao can practice being calm and greeting people." Guerin suggested suddenly as they passed a shop with outdoor seating.

Jackson beamed, "That sounds great!"

"Go ahead and get seated. I'll order inside." Guerin pointed to a table on the patio.

"Wait, take my card." Jackson started to reach for his wallet.

"Nope! It's on me!" Guerin grinned and skipped away from him through the doors, ignoring his protests. He was left to make his way to the patio with his rotund red puppy. It wasn't long before Guerin reappeared with two iced Americanos, placing one in front of a pouty Jackson as she settled across from him.

"Oh MinNao, yes, I missed you too." Guerin cooed at the puppy who had begun wiggling as soon as she was back in sight, pointedly ignoring the sulking man. Jackson squinted his eyes petulantly, reaching over to his drink for a sip, not looking away. Once Guerin sat back she couldnt help but giggle at Jackson's exaggerated mood.

"Oh come on," she protested with a laugh, "Can't I buy a friend a coffee?" She returned his pout playing up the cuteness as much as possible.

Jackson let out his trademark high pitched squeal "Cuuuuute!" He exclaimed, leaning back and crossing his arms over himself defensively, dimples showing from his grin. Guerin couldn't help but laughing at his adorable reaction. The two continued their banter, intermittently reinforcing and playing with MinNao until during a lull Jackson changed the subject.

"Did you ever end up talking to JB again?"

Guerin took a moment, piecing together how she wanted to phrase the experience, "Yeah... he actually apologized. He seemed really genuinely upset with himself."

"What happened?" Jackson leaned forward curiously.

"It happened the same night we went out." She paused, "It sounds weird but he ended up at my apartment, drunk. He was really upset and apologizing a lot. I didn't feel comfortable sending him away that drunk so I let him pass out on the couch."

Jackson had no poker face. He sat back, looking disgruntled, "He spent the night?"

Guerin immediately tried to clarify, "Yeah but he was just passed out on the couch. It wasn't like... that." She floundered, "The next morning he didn't even remember but he bought us breakfast and apologized properly." Jackson still had an odd expression on his face so she tried to move on, unsure of how to phrase the scenario any better, "He actually asked me to try recording again."

"What did you say?" Jackson asked.

"I told him I'd try it." She felt strangely guilty admitting it so she avoided Jacksons gaze by focusing on taking a sip on her drink. Jackson floundered for a moment. He didn't want Guerin to set herself up for hurt again but JB was a close friend.

"If he apologized then he'll be better this time." He said, nodding resolutely, "You can trust him."

Guerin was relieved with Jacksons understanding. Him vouching for JB's character set her more at ease, "Thanks Jackson. It feels good to hear you say that." She smiled softly at him.

He beamed back at her before changing his expression to overdone disapproval to match his scolding tone, "But you don't have to let just anyone stay at your house overnight. You should be more careful!"

She laughed in shock, "Oh my god!" She exclaimed in English, "Nothing happened! It was nothing!" She said defensively.

"Still. It looks bad. Next time send him home." He said petulantly.

"Whatever." She said in English again, tsking at his attitude dismissively. They argued playfully for a bit before the conversation flowed naturally in another direction.

JB and Jackson met for dinner later that evening. They caught up with light chatter about their current projects and Jacksons upcoming schedules in China. Their discussion was light and friendly, with a lot of laughter from the both of them.

"Guerin agreed to try recording for my new song." JB brought up amidst their discussion of projects.

"Hyung." Jackson said suddenly. JB looked up at Jackson while reaching for a bite of food, "You need to be nice to her this time." Jackson added seriously. JB hesitated, remembering seeing Jackson hugging Guerin after his blow up.

"Ah..." he didn't know what to say so he shoved some food in his mouth as he thought. Jackson waited. "I was wrong that time. I was a jerk. I won't do it again." He said resolutely.

"And you shouldn't spend the night at her house either." Jackson added seriously. JB looked at his friend with wide eyes, shocked.

"I saw Guerin today. She said you came over to apologize." Jackson said, "I know you meant well... but... I told you before I like her. So I don't like you staying there overnight."

JB finished chewing and swallowed, "Ah... about that..." Jackson looked at him inquisitively, "I didn't say anything before. I thought I could give it up. But I like Guerin too." He looked ashamed, "I tried to distance myself and I got upset and I took it out on her. So I decided I need to be honest with both of you. I'm sorry I wasn't honest from the beginning."

Jackson couldn't hide his surprise. A variety of emotions passed across his face rendered uncharacteristically speechless. JB waited patiently for him to recover. After a few moments Jackson looked resolute, "We can't help how we feel. Neither of us own Guerin or have a right. Regardless, you're my precious friend and nothing is going to change that."

"Waaahhhh." JB said, impressed. He offered his hand to his friend which Jackson took and they shook fondly, "That was cool." They grinned at each other.

"I'm still going to confess." Jackson said, widening his eyes and locking eyes with JB who chuckled at his friends comical expression.

"Yeah. I think I will too." JB responded.

"Don't spend the night at her house again though." Jackson pouted at JB.

"I can't promise that." JB said breaking the seriousness, turning his gaze to food and reaching for another bite.

"Hyunggg." Jackson caught onto the shift in the mood as he whined, "Don't be like this."

"Like what?" JB played innocent, chewing and opening his arms questioningly.

"Hyuuuunnngggg...." Jackson whined more, pouting with his full body, causing JB to laugh loudly and offer the barely younger man a bite of food to satiate his sulk.

"Thanks for helping me pick out some new makeup." Charlie smiled at Mark. The two of them were meandering toward the famous makeup district in Seoul.

"It's no problem! I don't have a shoot today and I like spending time with you." He responded with a smile, but had to look away at the last part shyly. Charlie blushed, unsure of how he intended the message but she was flattered regardless.

"I usually do really simple makeup but with our wrap party soon I wanted something a bit more flashy. I figured, you're a model, you might know what you're doing." She shrugged.

Mark laughed, "Well I usually have makeup done to me but lucky you I can do some as well."

The pair entered a shop and meandered through, with Mark making suggestions and offering feedback on Charlie's questions.

"I don't know if that color would look good on me..." she said dubiously eyeing sparkly purple eyeshadow.

"Sure it will. Pair it with this lighter shade, it'll complement your hair well and go with your pink contacts." He pushed. When she continued looking doubtful he pouted at her, "You said you wanted a bolder look, don't you trust me? You should at least try it."

"Okay... I'll try it." Charlie gave in to his cute expression.

Mark beamed, causing her heart to race. He really had an unnecessarily beautiful face. An unnecessarily beautiful everything. She blinked to clear her thoughts as he grabbed the sample eyeshadows. She reached to out to take them from him but he pulled away.

"I'll do it, so you can see what I mean." Mark said. Charlie hesitated then dropped her hand.

"Okay..." She couldn't think of a reason to not let him and just hoped she could cope with proximity.

"Close your eyes." He instructed as he opened the first shade. She obeyed and tried not to flinch as he applied the colors and blended them together. It felt like forever. He was so close his breath would wash across her face and neck. His touches were gentle but precise. Her mind wanted to wander but she locked that down as best she could. "Okay." He said finally.

Charlie's eyes fluttered open, she was surprised to still see him so close to her. He studied his handiwork then nodded, looking into her eyes with a proud close lipped smile, "It looks great on you."

She felt herself blushing again and turned away quickly with the pretense of finding a mirror. Locating one quickly she looked in and gasped, "Oh, wow that does look really cool."

"Thanks." Mark stepped up behind her, still looking proud.

"Alright I'll get these then." She nodded but avoided his gaze.

"Let's find a lip color to go with it. Maybe something more neutral..." Mark said thoughtfully before turning and wandering toward the lip section. Charlie took a couple breaths before following after him.

"Boy Howdy do I got news." Guerin said, slipping into the chair across the table from her friend. The two of them often defaulted to English when speaking with each other. Charlie looked up, from her coffee. She and Mark had gone their separate ways not too long ago. She had, of course, removed the makeup before leaving the shop.

"Same." Charlie sighed in response, leaning her head on her hand as she frowned at her friend.

"Oh? Tell me about it." Guerin leaned forward expectantly, curious about the news.

"I might be imagining things..." Charlie started, then fidgeted as she tried to piece together what to say, "Probably just wishful thinking..." she trailed off again.

"Spit it out!" Guerin urged, tapping the table to snap her friend back to attention.

Charlie groaned and covered her face, "I'm just thinking ugh! So... I think I have feelings."

"Oooohhhhhh?!" Guerin sat up with a grin and wiggled excitedly, "Who is the lucky person?"

"That's the problem. Well. One of them..." she started to trail off again before she caught Guerin's gaze again and forced herself to spit out, "I think I like two people. I think I like Jinyoung and Mark..." Guerin grinned and let out an appreciative sound but Charlie continued, "And I think... they might like me? But I'm not sure. And like... what could two such handsome men see in someone like me? I must be imagining it."

Guerin scoffed, "Yeah, what could two men see in a smart, fun, sweet, beautiful, strong woman like yourself. Absolutely ridiculous." The sarcasm couldn't have been laid on thicker.

Charlie forced one corner of her mouth up into what was supposed to be a smile but was more like a disbelieving grimace, "Thanks..."

"Don't you give me that face. Give yourself some credit. You don't have to believe everything I said, even if it IS the truth. But you have a lot of excellent qualities. What's not to like?" Guerin argued.

"Come on, maybe for an average person. But these guys are surrounded by incredibly beautiful people all the time. I am so plain in comparison. I barely wear makeup and my standard is hoodies and jeans." Charlie looked increasingly despondent as she spoke.

Guerin frowned, "You might not be a movie star but give these guys some credit. Hopefully anyone you like would be decent enough to not measure a person's worth by how glamorous they can be." Charlie still didn't look convinced, "Listen I can't make you believe me. I haven't met Jinyoung but I did meet Mark. I might have been having a bad night but even I could tell, ya boi was into ya."

Charlie couldn't help but chuckle at her friends earnest and goofy way of speaking. "If you say so." She suddenly looked up, determined, "Speaking of! Any news on that front?"

"Oh, yeah. Geez." Guerin launched into the explanation of JB coming over drunk that same night. At first she told the same edited version she had told Jackson but after finishing she hesitated.

"Well it's good that he apologized." Charlie narrowed her eyes at her friends expression, "Guerin you have no poker face. What are you hiding?"

Guerin laughed nervously, "I uh... well... while he was drunk... it kinda sounded like he was confessing feelings too."

It was Charlie's turn to coo at the juicy gossip. Guerin waved her hand dismissively, "Don't get excited. When he woke up he didn't say it again. He didn't even remember."

"Mmhmm." Charlie said, sipping her coffee like Hyungwon. Guerin rolled her eyes, uncharacteristically at a loss for words. "Sounds like you've got a love triangle."

"What? With who?" Guerin gasped.

"JB and Jackson." Charlie said in a sing song voice.

"Oh stop. JB was drunk and Jackson is friendly with everyone." Guerin shook her head.

"Mmhmm." She made another point of sipping her coffee with emphasis. "You make a big production of how every man should be in love with me and you can't even notice a puppy begging for attention and a drunk confession. Come on."

Guerin could understand her perspective but still found it unbelievable. She didn't voice her thoughts again.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 PT.3

Mark smiled as he blew out the candles on the cake the crew had gotten him to celebrate his last day on set. Everyone cheered and clapped and Jinyoung slung an arm across his friends shoulder, shaking him gently.

"Hyung you did so well, I'll miss working with you!" Jinyoung said as Mark carefully set the cake on the table.

"I'm not sure acting is my thing. But it was fun." Mark admitted. A few other crew members jostled around to talk to him and Jinyoung peeled himself away to share the popular model. Spotting Charlie hanging back Jinyoung headed her way.

"Charlie-ssi, make sure you get some cake." Jinyoung said as he approached her.

"I might but the competition looks fierce over there." She joked lightly. "Are you going to miss working with him?" She asked, spotting a wistful look on his face as he watched his friend.

He smiled a bit guiltily, "It has been nice seeing him often. It's hard to meet up all the time like we used to." Jinyoung admitted, "At least I'll have you to keep me company." He sent a coy smile her way.

"You are absolutely shameless." She shook her head, turning her face away so he couldnt see her blush. Jinyoung laughed and she forced herself to move away from him, "I'm going to take my chances with the cake." She waved the actor off, leaving him to his own devices.

As she meandered the gathering with her slice she stumbled across Mark hanging out in a corner by himself, checking his phone. "Hi." She said smiling as she approached him.

"Hi Charlie." He smiled back, straightening up and making room for her to join him.

"It's gonna be sad without you here." She said, "I won't get to see you again any time soon." She added with an exaggerated pout.

"Says who?" He asked.

"Well... I mean... we...?" She trailed off unsure of how to respond.

"Why dont you come out with me tonight? We can celebrate my last day with some drinks!" Mark invited.

"Oh, yeah! That could be fun. I'll come!" She agreed.

"Here, give me your number." He handed his phone to her so she could add herself. Once she had and was handing his phone back she was about to ask who else was coming but was interrupted by the director calling everyone back to set to finish the last shot of the day.

Guerin fought back the tears in her eyes as she stormed out of the recording studio to leave. It wasnt long before she realized she was very lost. So far when she had visited the facility she had followed someone around. The situation fortunately distracted her from fully crying out of frustration. She had just managed to find an elevator and was about to step in when she heard a familiar voice.

"Noona!"

She looked up to see Jackson who had asked her on day one if he could call her noona. She much preferred casual interactions and readily agreed. As soon as their eyes met there must have been something in her face giving her away.

"Oh, hi Jackson."

"You all go on without me, I'll see you tomorrow." He said to what must have been his manager and assistant. He stepped out of the elevator and took her by the elbow guiding her to the stairwell nearby.

"What are you doing?" She asked, startled by his actions, "What are you even doing here?"

"JYPE helps with the distribution of my music in Korea and let's me use some of their facilities. They're like a brother company. But that doesn't matter, what's wrong? Why are you here?" He didn't let himself be distracted for long.

"It's nothing, it's dumb." She tried to dismiss her feelings nonchalantly but was betrayed by the memory of JB being so angry with her and immediately started to tear up again, "It's not a big deal. This is so embarrassing." She made herself laugh as she wiped away her tears.

"Noona, don't cry, it's okay." Jackson wiped at her tears too and then hugged her. She was too grateful for the comfort to think anything of superstar Jackson comforting her. After a moment she got control of her emotions and pulled away.

"Come on, let's go get some drinks and food and we can talk about it." Jackson urged, taking her hand and leading her down the stairs.

"We don't need to do that it's not a big deal. You don't need to do this Jackson." She protested.

"Let me do it. I want to." He said earnestly, looking at her. She was surprised by this side of him. He was always kind and genuine but their limited interaction before he had seemed "on" while this version of him felt more... genuine?

She nodded finally and followed him down the stairs, very aware that he was still holding her hand and didn't let go until they left the stairwell.

JB had been looking for Guerin when he finally saw her waiting for the elevator. Hearing the sing of it arriving he took a step to intercept before hearing his friend Jackson. He stopped and moved back around the corner, just enough to still be able to see as Jackson stepped out and lead her to the stairwell.

He didnt know why but he followed the two of them. He reached the door just in time to see Jackson hug Guerin through the small window of the door. Frozen he watched as they broke apart then walked down the stairs holding hands.

As soon as they were out of sight he turned and headed to his personal studio. Closing the door he flopped into his chair. Anger bubbled up inside of him again, this time focused on himself over his own rash actions. He had worked hard to tamp down on his lashing out but apparently the scars of his childhood would still rear their ugly head to hurt those around him and chase away people he wanted in his life.

JB willed himself to not lash out and instead stared at his closed fists as the images of Jackson and Guerin embracing, holding hands, and her hurt expression from his words played through his head again and again.

Guerin had trouble hiding her puffy eyes. The tears she had still not shed felt like they were consistently on the precipice but as they walked she continued to hold in and dab at her eyes. Jackson was kind enough to pretend not to notice, keeping the topic light and discussing MinNao as they found a place to get drinks and snacks.

Charlie had met up with Mark, surprised to find no one else had joined them. He didn't seemed bothered so she played it cool, as though she wasn't nervous at all to be one on one with a model in her plain sweatshirt. They had just sat down and ordered some soju and chicken when she saw two familiar figures walk past the window.

"Oh, hey! Hold on!" She jumped up and rushed out.

"Guerin! Jackson!" She called out as they meandered past. They both turned in surprise seeing their pretty purple haired friend. She waved from the door.

"Charlie!" Guerin squeaked happily, rushing over to greet her newly reacquainted friend. Jackson followed happily, greeting her as well.

"What are you two doing?" Charlie asked curiously.

"Just looking for somewhere that has drinks and food." Guerin answered.

Charlie got her first good look at her friend, noticing she seemed upset. Playing it cool she didn't mention it right away.

"Mark and I are in here. You two should join us!" Charlie offered eagerly.

"We don't want to impose..." Guerin said, no amount of emotional need would cockblock her friend right now.

"We're celebrating his last day on set, come join us." Charlie restated more firmly, pulling them in. Jackson, eager to see Mark again needed no such persuading.

Mark had been curious as to why Charlie had jumped up suddenly when he saw Jackson and an unfamiliar face of a foreigner come into view. Eventually the two of them came in.

"MARK HYUNG!" Jackson exclaimed loudly with his arms out as he approached his old friend.

Mark couldn't help grinning, he loved Jackson and him being around was always welcome.

"Mark, this is Go Guerin, she's our animal trainer friend we were talking about the other night. Guerin, this is Mark Tuan." Charlie introduced the two who bowed politely to each other. Jackson and Guerin settled on one side of the table while Charlie joined Mark on the other side.

The conversation started off light as they ordered more drinks and food. They all congratulated Mark on finishing his part in the drama. Guerin talked a little about Eneoji and how she was enjoying her break staying with the boys of HEET. Mark mentioned how happy he was to see Byoungjin and Minhwan finding success.

The drinks continued flowing.

"No way you're from LA?" Guerin said in english to Mark. He laughed at nodded.

"I grew up in San Diego! We're socal brats hell yeah!" She exclaimed and high fived him.

"I speak English too." Jackson said sulkily, bumping Guerin lightly for attention.

"Ohhh! You speak it so well!" She gushed, patting his shoulder appreciatively as he preened with her praise.

"I didn't know you grew up in the states. You never spoke english on set." Charlie said, now all four of them had switched to english.

"It didn't come up." Mark shrugged.

The four began chattering in English, discussing each others pasts that took them to South Korea.

More drinking and time passed.

"So what were you two doing together tonight?" Charlie asked Guerin and Jackson casually.

Guerin looked down at her shot glass quietly as Jackson glanced at her. She downed the soju in her glass and Jackson automatically refilled it.

"Jackson and I ran into each other. I was sad and he offered to take me out to cheer me up." Guerin said.

"I still don't know why you were at JYPE." Jackson stated.

Mark and Charlie glanced at each other and didnt say anything. Guerin was feeling bold enough with the soju in her to share more. She held up her shot glass which all three of her youngers cheers and did the shot with her. Charlie dutifully filled their glasses.

"JB asked me to record a song with him." She said.

"He... what?" Jackson asked, surprised.

"He said I had a good singing voice and it suited a song he wrote. He said he was inspired by Mihi when we went flying." She leaned back into the chair making herself smaller, "I told him I wasn't a professional singer. I even tried to train with Youngjae to get ready."

She pursed her lips and forced herself to smile. Feeling a bit tipsy it was harder to fight off her emotions and she blinked hastily to hide her tears that everyone saw despite the efforts.

"What happened?" Jackson asked.

Guerin hesitated.

"Something must have happened. You seem upset." Charlie supplemented.

"I didn't do well. It made him and his friend mad. They fought and then JB told me I wasted their time." The tears Guerin had been holding in all night started to spill finally.

"He said that?" Mark asked surprised.

Guerin shrugged and did another shot by herself rather than answer. Charlie nudged Mark and gave him an expression to scold him for his questioning and he shrugged defensively.

"I know I'm not a great singer. I just didn't think he'd say that to me. I told him I wasn't good." Her tears continued spilling and she covered her face. Jackson leaned in and wiped her eyes with his own sleeves.

"JB can fuck off." Charlie said loudly, still in English. The other three looked at her in shock and Guerin even chuckled, "No one has a right to treat you that way. He knows singing isn't your thing and you even reminded him. Sorry you can't live up to his fantasy but you're a real person and you deserve respect."

Guerin beamed through her tears at her friend.

"Jaebeom hyung can be stern sometimes. But you don't deserve to be talked to like that." Jackson said, dropping one of his hands to hold Guerin's. She squeezed his hand, looking at all three of them thankful for the support.

"It's dumb. I'll get over over it." She laughed again then held up her newly filled shot glass courtesy of Mark and all four of them did another shot.

"Do you want to see something?" Mark asked suddenly. The other three looked at him over the sudden subject change. "It'll help make JB a little less threatening." Mark said with a small smile.

"Hyung." Jackson covered his mouth as he realized what Mark was hinting at. Charlie and Guerin offered confused glances. Mark pulled out his phone.

"So our group never happened but JB and Jinyoung both debuted as a duo once. It didn't gain a lot of traction but..." Mark couldnt help but snicker as he pulled up the video for JJ Project.

Jinyoung had texted JB inviting him out for drinks. Unable to focus on work or shake off his bad mood he had agreed. Once they met up there was little discussion as the two of them loaded up with drinks.

"I messed up Jinyoung." JB admitted, not looking up from his empty glass. Jinyoung waited patiently for him to continue, refilling his glass in the meantime.

"I like someone." JB admitted, for the first time outloud. Jinyoung sat back and waited for his hyung to piece together rest of his thoughts.

"I didn't want to say anything. Jackson told me he likes her too. I wanted to let it go. I didn't want to interrupt Jackson's happiness." He inhaled deeply and dropped his head backward, "But instead of dropping it I got mad and took it out on her. And it reminded me of my father."

Jinyoung sipped his drink, waiting to make sure JB had finished speaking. "Hyung." JB dropped his head down to look at Jinyoung, "You've suffered a lot. And I don't mean lashing out at people you value is acceptable." He added sternly, "But you are working very hard to overcome that trauma. And it's a process. Whatever you've done... all you can do is apologize." He finished wisely.

"Jingyoung-ah... I was so cruel." JB said desperately.

"It's up to her to accept or reject your apology. But you owning your mistake shouldn't rely on being forgiven. It should be about you progressing as a person." Jinyoung said, offering another cheers and doing a shot with with his hyung.

JB downed his drink and paused thoughtfully, staring into an imaginary void as he thought. Jinyoung waited patiently for his friend to exit his train of thought.

"What about you?" JB asked suddenly.

"Me?" Jinyoung asked innocently.

"Yes. Why did you ask me out to drink out of the blue. You didn't know I was upset when you asked me out." JB watched his actor friend closely.

"Ah..." Jinyoung hesitated, but he knew his patience wouldn't outlast JB, "I also have someone I like... and there might also be someone else that likes her." Jinyoung admitted finally.

JB looked thoughtful for a moment before being unable to resist his laugh as he figured it out, "Charlie. And Mark likes her."

"Maybe. I saw him get her number today..." jinyoung trailed off.

"So step up your game." JB said simply.

"You should talk." Jinyoung responded judgmentally.

"I can't do anything with Guerin until I find out if she'll ever not hate me." He said, the alcohol in his system making him careless.

"Oh so it's Guerin that you like?" Jinyiung said suddenly playful, "you didn't tell me it was her. I don't know if you stand a chance with someone who reads behavior for a living. You're kind of a disaster." Jinyoung added jokingly.

"Hey, come on." JB responded, annoyed at the dig, but not enough to stop from pouring them each more drinks.

"But seriously. You should tell her how you feel sooner rather than later. You could miss your chance if you take too long." Jinyoung added.

"You too. If she is out with Mark your time is limited." JB said in response.

JB had drunk way more than he intended to. He had decided to take a taxi to the same spot he and Guerin had met up to fly Mihi, and he stumbled to the spot they had shared the good time. Sitting down clumsily he ran his hands through his hair, holding it back as he laced his fingers beside his head and staring out at the river, sparkling with the reflection of city lights.

"Agh. What do I do?" He lamented outloud, throwing himself back and laying on the ground, kicking his feet in frustration. Once he was done with his physical tantrum he stared up at the stars.

"You need to apologize. Idiot. Dummy. Stupid." He chastised himself, words slightly slurred. He watched the clouds blow through the sky. It wasnt late was it? It couldn't be too bad. He remembered how to get to Guerin's apartment from here, it was close.

He wrested himself up, standing, stumbling, then standing straight again before turning and walking purposefully. It was a tiny miracle that he managed to find his way with minimal backtracking. He found himself squinting at the intercom box realizing he didn't actually know what number apartment she was in.

JB pulled his phone out and called her instead. The first time she didn't answer but the second time he heard a sleepy "JB? What's wrong?"

"I'm outside, but I don't know what number you are." He said matter of factly.

"You... what... what number I am?" She was clearly still not fully processing.

"I'm at your apartment. But I can't get in you need to let me in. And also tell me the apartment number." At no point did he seem to realize there was anything out of the ordinary with the situation.

Guerin, tipsy herself and having just been woken up didn't have the state of mind to argue just yet, "oh... yeah... uhhh okay..." she shook her head as she got up to buzz him in and told him her apartment number. As she waited for him to come up she pulled out a couple water bottles, and the events of the day before started to come back.

"Shit. I super don't want to deal with this." She rubbed her eyes as her door buzzed. Looking through the door camera she saw a bedraggled JB, five'o'clock shadow and bloodshot puffy eyes as he swayed slightly before leaning against the door. "Oh hell."

She opened the door, annoyed, and gestured him in.

"Noona." He kicked off his shoes, using the term of endearment for the first time.

"JB, come sit down, let me get you some water." She reach out for him. He went to take her hand then stopped and held up a finger, looking at her.

"Can I touch you?" He asked seriously. Guerin flashed back to how she had reacted last time he tried to touch her and she melted ever so slightly at how serious he was taking that even in this state.

"Yes JB you can."

"Kay." He let her guide him to the couch and took the water bottle offered as she sat next to him.

"JB why are you here?" She asked.

He looked at her and a small smile came to his face as he dropped his chin and looked up at her endearingly, "Noona you look so cute with your bedhead right now."

"JB..." her heart fluttered at his cute moment but hastily ran her hands through her hair to try and tame it a bit. "JB. Why are you here?" She asked again, bringing him back to the topic.

"I need to apologize." He said as though it was obvious.

"JB it's three in the morning." She reasoned.

"It is?" He looked shocked, "It doesn't matter." He shook his head, then focused his gaze on hers, as best he could. "Guerin I was so rude earlier. I was so dumb. I was wrong. You're amazing and good and sweet and no one should ever treat you like I treated you." His eyes began to look a bit wet as he flashed back to older memories, memories of where he learned the behaviors from.

"You're right. You really hurt me." Guerin said seriously.

"I shouldn't have. I didn't want to. But I did and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I like you so much and I hurt you and I hate that. I want to be better. I'm working hard to be better. And sometimes I'm not great at it but I'm trying and you make that easier. I want you to like being around me because I like being around you." He was rambling in his apology and confession combined.

Guerin was confused. She was already tipsy but some of his word choices left her baffled. She sighed, "JB, thank you for apologizing."

"Do you like me?" He asked suddenly.

"D- what?" She stammered.

"Do you like me too. Even a little?" He asked.

"I like being around you yeah." She couldnt ask for clarification now, he was too far gone, "JB it's late, let's talk tomorrow morning okay? Drink your water." She pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and handed it to JB. He nodded and nestled into the couch wrapped in the blanket.

"Good night Noona." He said sweetly from being all bundled up.

"Good night." She patted his head then went back to her room to crash for the rest of the night.

"Hello." Said an oddly sounding mechanical voice in English. Some gentle clattering background sounds filtered into JB's head. He rolled and shifted. "Hi. What're doin?" The same odd voice, "Hi Bluuuueberrrryyyyy." He peeled his eyes open, staring at an unfamiliar coffee table with an unopened water bottle and some painkillers set on it.

"Mihi hiiiiii." The voice said again.

JB sat up abruptly, a huge mistake the pounding in his head was quick to remind him. A squawk and feather ruffling greeted his sudden action. He groaned and held his head.

"Good morning." Said a human voice. He peered through his fingers to see Guerin in the kitchen with Mihi on her shoulder. She was chopping up vegetables and fruits, and Mihi appeared to be munching something.

"Guerin. Oh god. What-" he didn't want to finish asking.

"What do you remember of last night?" Guerin asked cautiously, popping a blueberry into her mouth and offering a small piece to Mihi who was now silent again, but watching JB with that same curious expression.

"I..." he remembered the decision to come, he didn't remember how he got here, he remembered apologizing and also telling her, "I remember... coming here..." he started and trailed off.

Guerin was both relieved and a small part disappointed. She took him trailing off to mean he didn't remember anything after. "I'm making Mihi some breakfast. You should drink some water and take some of those painkillers and I've got some coffee brewing if you want any."

She started balling up pieces of vegetables and fruit into newspaper and shoving it in a cardboard box. JB followed her suggestion, his head pounding before he watched her working. "What... are you doing?" He asked finally.

"I'm making her breakfast into enrichment. It keeps her brain working and healthy to forage as opposed to just getting everything handed to her." She explained simply, finishing up.

"Was... was Mihi talking earlier?" He asked, remembering the strange mechanical voice suddenly.

Guerin smiled, "She does some mimicry yeah. She doesn't in front of strangers usually but I don't think she realized you were there. I'll be back." She his view with the box and bird, returning with neither, presumably having left Mihi in her cage with her breakfast. She turned her attention to pulling out coffee mugs and pouring each of them a cup then joining JB on the couch.

"So after you woke me up at three in the morning." Guerin started suddenly and JB tensed, "You... apologized and then I put you to bed. How much did you drink?" She omitted details. He was drunk he couldn't have meant most of what he was saying.

"I don't know. A lot." He rubbed his face, "Guerin I'm so sorry."

"What for? There's a growing list." She sipped her coffee.

"Everything. I'm sorry I barged in so late and waking you. I'm sorry for passing out on your couch. I'm sorry I said those awful things to you yesterday. It was out of line and untrue. You were right, I was being a jerk from the beginning I should have been a better friend." JB listed everything off.

Guerin softened at his genuine demeanor and set her coffee down. "Thank you for apologizing. Just... I really want to know why you shut down like that yesterday. It really stressed me out."

"I..." JB faltered, "I was trying to be professional. I thought... it might help you focus." He lied. He felt terrible saying it but he wasn't ready to give the full account of his emotional withdrawal from her.

Guerin nodded. It didn't make sense but she didn't have a reason to doubt him so she accepted it. "Okay. Well. If you're truly sorry you can start by buying us breakfast."

"Breakfast?" He asked, thrown by the sudden subject change.

"Yeah, go wash your face if you want. I assume you don't have other clothes but I'm hungry and you owe me and we're both hung over so treat us to some hangover soup and we'll see about forgiveness." She stood up and walked back to her bedroom to change.

"Jinyoung-ssi, are you ready?" Charlie had found him heading back to makeup.

"Oh, I was looking for you." He smiled, reaching for something in his pocket.

"Well you found me. Come on, we need to bounce." She smiled innocuously as she dropped the last word in English, watching his expression and trying desperately not to laugh.

Jinyoung froze, his eyes wide and lips slightly parted in surprise, "We... what?" He asked in shock.

"Oh, sorry. That's american slang. It means we need to go!" She allowed herself a harmless laugh.

Jinyoung relaxed slightly, "I see." He unfroze, "But before we... go..." He pulled a small vitamin energy drink from his pocket, "I got this for you. You seemed a bit tired this morning."

"Oh... Jinyoung thank you. This is really sweet!" She said genuinely, "I was out a bit later than I intended last night."

"Really? Anyone I know?" He asked, acting aloof to hide how curious he really was.

"Yeah actually! I was with Mark and Jackson. And Guerin was there too. She had a rough day so we were all drinking." She was leading Jinyoung to the set as she talked.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." He said genuinely, but he was also happy to hear that it had been a group meeting.

"Jinyoung-ssi..." Charlie looked up at him as he walked next to her.

"Yes?" He asked, looking down into her green eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat and she needed a moment to recover from his stunning visuals, but she did manage to continue her thought, "I... ahem... I've... never had this drink before. Before I drink it, do I need to shake it and shake it for me?"

Jinyoung stopped in his tracks looking electrified. His dark past. She did know. Charlie, on the other hand, couldn't stop walking or he would see her face as she nearly cried to keep her laughter in.

"I'm going to kill Mark." Jinyoung said under his breath, knowing exactly who had exposed him, before forcing himself to follow the producer.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G O T 7 JB PT.2

Guerin arrived at her favorite flying spot by the han river. Since it wasn't a work engagement she had allowed her vanity to insist she show off a bit. Earrings dangling from her lobes, a pattern blocked mismatched long sleeve crop top and high waisted shorts with plain black sneakers were what Guerin had finally settled on after several outfit changes. Topped off with an orange lipstick she felt particularly bold.

She was at the top of the stairs and looked out over the view. It was a weekday so there wasn't a lot of people, but the weather was clear and warm without much wind. A perfect day for flying. She couldn't help but grin before setting her backpack styled bird transport down gently. Opening the door she reached in and stepped up a severe macaw. The bird look around, clearly excited and knowing what would be going on.

"Go Guerin-ssi!" JB approached from behind.

Guerin looked up to see JB, then turned to face him with her smile still in place and a bird on her hand. He froze for a moment seeing the mini macaw, who had let out a small squawk and flapped her wings, rustling her feathers with anticipation.

"Hello JB! We were just getting ready. This is my little girl Mihi." Guerin fed a safflower seed to the parrot and pinched her beak lovingly. JB had a thin grey t shirt with an oversized collar, the fabric draping from his broad shoulders and hanging tantalizingly from his fit form poorly hidden by the material. Guerin had to refocus and looked away from him back to her bird.

"Is she mad?" JB asked, warily approaching as the bird cocked her head, chewing the seed and watching him.

"No, she's just excited. She seems interested in you but she looks comfortable." Guerin assured him, giving the bird scratches on the top of her head.

"Can I take pictures?" He asked, suddenly eager, holding up the camera he had brought.

"Yeah absolutely. You want to get started?" Guerin responded, handing another safflower seed to the Mihi. The bird thoughtfully raised a foot to crack the shell, still watching JB as he raised his camera and took a couple snapshots. Once Mihi finished the seed, Guerin turned, moving the hand Mihi was sitting on up and open toward the river.

Almost immediately Mihi took off her hand with a loud happy scream, flapping and swooping to catch the currents of the air to get more lift. JB stepped up beside Guerin as she watched her bird fly, holding a hand to her forehead to block the sun. He watched Mihi looping and screeching, taking some more pictures. He glanced at Guerin, seeing her purely elated expression. He couldn't help but smile too as he snuck a quick picture of her.

"Hey now," she put up a hand to block her face, which made him laugh and take another picture as he dodged away from her, "Mihi is the star of this show." She protested but laughed at his suddenly playful demeanor and stuck her tongue out, which he snapped another picture of. "JB! I gotta watch my bird and you're distracting me." She pouted at him for a moment before turning back to the circling green bird in the sky. He beamed in victory, looking at the new pictures he had taken before refocusing on the show.

Guerin held out a hand and blew a whistle. Mihi didn't seem to respond right away, causing JB to look at Guerin with concern. She didn't react so he looked back. With one final loop that put her in position against the wind, Mihi angled her way down to Guerin's waiting hand, JB snapping pictures the whole descent. Once Mihi had landed Guerin began praising her and handed her an entire nut, which she took despite panting and catching her breath. She sat with the nut in her mouth breathing before finally catching her breath enough to crack into it, holding it in position with her foot and using her dexterous tongue to tease the treat out.

JB finally lowered his camera and just watched the bird. Guerin sat on the stairs, moving the bird to her knee and leaning back on her hands while Mihi rested. JB sat next to her.

"Once she rests a little we can fly again. She can usually go two or three times depending on how long each flight is." Guerin said.

JB nodded and looked around.

"No one seems to have noticed." He stated, confused.

"You'd be surprised what people don't notice." Guerin chuckled. "Sometimes she likes to fly just in front of people. That gets them to notice."

"Do people talk to you?" He asked curiously, flipping through the pictures on the camera.

"Sometimes. I've gotten people interested, scared, impressed, angry... one person tried to take a swipe at her." Guerin frowned at the memory and JB looked up in shock. "They missed, everything was fine. It was still while I didn't know much Korean so I'm not entirely sure what they were angry about." She shrugged. "Hey girl, where are you going?" Guerin redirected her attention back to the macaw. She had climbed off Guerin to the ground and was slowly walking toward JB, cocking her head to look at him and his camera, still holding what was left of the nut in her beak as she took tentative steps toward him.

JB automatically leaned away, understandably nervous. Guerin offered her hand to the bird who paused a few moments still looking at JB before slowly stepping onto Guerin's hand. The decision earned her a couple seeds. "She's very interested in you. Not a lot of people come flying with us." Guerin smiled and kissed Mihi's beak. Guerin glanced at JB, "Do you want to hold her?" She offered.

JB hesitated, "Is that okay?"

Guerin nodded, "I think so. Hold out your hand." She instructed. He followed her orders as she gave him a quick explanation on how to hold Mihi before holding out the bird, who stepped to his hand for another couple of seeds. Guerin couldn't help but laugh as Mihi studied the new human, chewing thoughtfully, paired with JB's dubious expression along with his uncomfortable body posture. Mihi finished the seeds and began squawking and ruffling feathers again. JB flinched slightly.

"She wants to fly again." Guerin laughed at his nervous behavior. "Just turn and hold up your hand like I did."

JB did as he was told and Mihi took off with another screech, flipping playfully in the slight breeze. His expression went from apprehensive to a deceptively chic smile. Guerin tore her eyes away from him to watch her bird circling.

Mihi landed on JB for another nut, crawling back and forth between the two and foraging around on the ground, always keeping close and returning to Guerin when she called for random check ins. The two humans talked at length, interacting with Mihi at intervals. JB got another photoshoot of her foraging on the ground, and a few cute photos of the parrot reaching for his lens before Guerin warning him that the little beak could do damage to his equipment. She had climbed to him several times and now he looked a bit more comfortable holding her on his hand. He also made sure to get pictures of Guerin being sweet with the bird, giving kisses, offering scritches, and even laying directly on the ground to play with the bird as Mihi rolled on her back, kicking her feet in the air to play wrestle.

At one point JB started playing music, humming along as the two focused on the bird, comfortable despite the lack of exchange. Guerin sang along softly to a few of the songs before JB commented. "Guerin-ssi." She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, still focused mostly on giving Mihi scratches on her head.

"Yes?"

"You have a great singing voice." He said.

"Oh, it's passable for karaoke." She laughed, "But I've got no training, I'm not a professional at all."

"I am." He said, earning another glance this one a little longer and clearly showing her dubious thoughts. "I mean it. You have a nice voice." He managed to sound nonchalant but decisive as he shrugged and leaned back.

"Well... thank you." She smiled shyly at the compliment, still not looking at him which meant she missed the proud smile he had.

Finally it was time to pack up and head home. Mihi climbed into the transport cage and Guerin slipped it carefully onto her back.

"I'll take you back to your place." JB offered.

"You don't need to do that." Guerin protested.

"I know." He answered with a charismatic smirk. She tsked at his sass but couldn't help the smile. Guerin's apartment was close to the park so the escort didn't last long, which JB felt disappointed in.

"Thank you for letting me come." JB said as they hovered just outside her apartment building entrance.

"Thanks for coming. You did great." She praised him, "It was a lot of fun."

The two stood in an awkward silence for a few beats, the desire to be in each others company longer unspoken.

"I'd love to see some of the pictures of Mihi you took!" Guerin said eagerly.

"I'll show you, after I pick out the best ones." JB agreed, hiding his relief that there was another excuse to meet up again.

"Well... I'll go in now." Guerin backed to the door, waving before turning to head inside. JB waved back, watching her go until the door closed securely behind her. Looking around casually and seeing no one he did a little dance, tongue out from his open grin, before playing it cool again and meandering back toward his own place.

JB chose an expensive bbq restaurant for Jackson to treat him. Jackson had complained exageratedly once he saw the menu and prices but with some well placed jibes from JB, he acquiesced.

"How is MinNao?" JB asked, taking a sip of barley tea.

"She's doing amazing. Guerin came by yesterday too. She went over everything again. MinNao loves her it's so cool to see them work." Jackson was excited and impressed.

"She definitely knows her stuff." JB nodded.

"I learned so much, I kept asking her questions and questions and she was always so thorough answering." Jackson was still enthusiastic. JB nodded and smiled, taking a bite of meat while his friend talked.

"I think I might like her. Like I might ask her on a date." Jackson added unexpectedly.

"What?" JB froze, already holding another piece of meat despite his bulging mouth. His eyes had widened as he looked across the table to his friend.

"I might ask her on a date." Jackson said again with a grin, "aaaah she is so fun to talk to!" He gestured happily.

JB slowly resumed chewing, "Did she seem like she liked you too?" He asked carefully.

"Well she stayed late and talked with me a lot, and she seemed like she enjoyed it. Yeah, I think so?" Jackson reasoned, not really put off by the question before thinking for a moment and frowning, "Why, do you think she wouldn't like me? Why wouldn't she like me?" He pouted at his friend.

"Eeeeey I didn't say that." JB cocked his head and leaned back.

"So you think I should do it?" Jackson recovered quickly to being his bright self, leaning in with a smile.

Before JB could respond a call from a familiar voice behind him interrupted the conversation.

"Hyung!"

Jackson and JB looked over to see Jinyoung, waving in greeting with Mark and a pretty woman with dark purple hair. The four men embraced as they greeted each other.

"This is Charlie." Jinyoung politely introduced Charlie, "She is working with Mark and I on our movie and has been very helpful and supportive so we're treating her to dinner."

"It's nice to meet you." Charlie bowed politely.

Both Jackson and JB greeted her politely in turn.

"We haven't seen each other in so long, sit with us!" Jackson invited the three newcomers.

Mark and Jinyoung hesitated but JB spoke up, "Sit down, we can order more food!" He said, eager for the subject change.

The three obediently followed suit. Charlie was sat between JB and Jinyoung with Mark settled across from her and next to Jackson. She was already somewhat nervous being out with two ridiculously attractive men, but now that problem had doubled. Still, it was hard to be shy when someone was as aggressively friendly as Jackson.

"How do you all know each other?" She asked after they settled in and ordered more food for the party. Mark surreptitiously put a piece of meat on her rice bowl, which Jinyoung noticed and glanced up at his friend with an unreadable expression.

"We were trainees together." JB answered.

"We were supposed to debut as a group but it fell through. JB was the leader." Mark added with a teasing tone and matching smile.

"Heyyyy. Why do you need to mention that?" JB said brandishing his chopsticks at the snickering trio of men. Charlie ducked her head down and toward Jinyoung to avoid JB noticing her poorly hidden smile, amused by the relationship.

"Jackson, I saw you got a new puppy." Mark mentioned as everyone calmed down.

"Yes!" Jackson pulled out his phone and began showing off pictures of the puppy and how much he loved her but how frustrated he had been with her, "But I just hired this trainer that works with HEET and their mascot Eneoji and it's already making a huge difference."

"Oh, is it Go Guerin?" Charlie asked suddenly, a moment of recognition crossing her face.

JB and Jackson both looked at her shocked.

"Yes, that's her!" Jackson answeres surprised.

"I worked with her." Charlie said excited, "She had a web mini series on animal training with a couple celebrity clients. I helped produce it."

"We were talking about her just when you three showed up!" Jackson said. Charlie noticed JB suddenly detach from the conversation, looking away and pulling out his phone as though he was uncomfortable. "You've worked with her, what do you think?" Jackson continued.

"She's great at her job." Charlie said confidently.

"No no I mean as a person. Is she nice? Does she have a boyfriend?" Jackson persisted. Mark and Jinyoung looked at Jackson somewhat surprised, JB seemed to dissociate and act like the conversation wasnt happening at all.

"Uhhh well yeah I liked her a lot. She is very fun but we fell out of contact cause we both got too busy. I don't... think she had a boyfriend at the time...?" Charlie cocked her head thoughtfully, "Why do you ask?" She inquired curiously, but already pretty sure she knew the answer.

Jackson seemed to realize he was being dangerously obvious and he straightened up, "No reason." He said not convincing anyone. Charlie was polite enough to play along. The subject changed again and JB rejoined the conversation. Jinyoung suddenly refilled her cup with barley water and she looked up at him thanking him. He smiled and she was forced to look away from him, unable to take the visual assault in such close proximity.

The two women met like old friends, hugging each other and greeting each other cheerfully despite the time apart. They each got a coffee and settled in to catch up, Charlie telling her about the programs she had worked on since the web series and how she ended up finding a fairly high profile company that she was doing well with.

"So that's how I ended up meeting Jinyoung and Mark." Charlie wrapped up.

"At least one of them likes you." Guerin said without any doubt. "Probably both." She sipped her coffee pointedly.

"Oh stop." Charlie dismissed her, waving her hand. "Tell me what you've been doing! I heard about HEET and Eneoji!"

"Oh you'll like this. Do you remember Han Jisoo? She's the CEO of PWER which is HEET's label. We met by chance after I just got Eneoji and long story short she hired us to work with the boys. They're absolutely delightful, and they LOVE Eneoji. Now that they're done with promotions there's a bit of a lull so I'm just meeting with private clients now." She explained how Jackson knew HEET and found her that way, and then the mix up with JB being the one at the first session.

"That's incredible! Are you still flying your bird too?" Charlie asked.

"Yeah! A few times a week weather permitting. JB just came to watch a session, and Jackson said he wants to as well. You should come too!" Guerin answered enthusiastically.

Charlie was listening intently. Guerin had a habit of not really looking people in the face when talking or she might have noticed her friend looking more and more smug earlier.

"... What does that face mean?" Guerin asked suspiciously, finally noticing.

"You're so good at reading animals but you're kind of lost on humans." Charlie shook her head.

"That's not true. But humans are much more likely to deceive so it's not very reliable." Guerin looked thoughtful, "But what do you think I'm missing?" She pressed.

"You, my friend, have a classic love triangle going." Charlie said confidently.

"Oh come on. We only know each other professionally." Guerin protested.

"That bird flying with JB sounded like a date. And now Jackson wants in?" Charlie argued.

"It's not a date, I just invited you too so what does that mean?" Guerin reasoned.

"I'm just saying. They clearly wanna spend time with you outside of training sessions." Charlie shrugged.

"You should talk, you're the one simultaneously going on a date with an actor AND a model." Guerin teased.

"That's not what it was and DON'T change the subject. Besides, I saw Jackson and JB talking about you. I have inside knowledge." Charlie redirected.

"Yeah okay." Guerin rolled her eyes. She had enjoyed spending time with JB, and Jackson had been so friendly and fun to be around. She wasn't sure how she felt about either one of them maybe liking her in a romantic way but it wouldn't be unpleasant... she shook her head. It was unlikely. Both of them were ridiculously good looking, and Jackson was a famous musician while JB was consistently working with attractive celebrities. There's no way they'd like someone like her.

Charlie watched as her friend got quiet and thoughtful, her thoughts similar. Jinyoung and Mark hadn't offered to treat anyone else one on one but maybe that was an indication that they just felt that unthreatened by being seen with her? Yeah... that might be it.

Both women took a sip of coffee before starting to talk again, on a different subject.

JB had Guerin train a few times with his friend and JYPE vocal coach Choi Youngjae before they started recording. In the meantime he had fine tuned the song until it was ready for recording. His friend and fellow producer Hojun was in the studio now with him, Youngjae and a very nervous looking Guerin who kept sipping water and clearing her throat. Youngjae kept reminding her to stop clearing her throat and encouraged her through some exercises until JB and Hojun were ready.

"Alright, let's get you in there." JB swung around in his chair. He walked with her into the soundproof studio.

"Wow this feel disconcerting." She laughed awkwardly as the soundproofing ate any echo.

"You'll get used to it. And the headphones will help." JB smiled encouragingly. Guerin offered a tense smile and licked her lips as she looked around. They had already briefed her on what to expect and how she shouldn't wear noisy clothes or accessories. Once JB gave a brief run down on the equipment he put the headphones on her head, making sure they fit her ears before their eyes met.

He was struck suddenly by the memory of Jackson saying he liked Guerin. Feeling like he took a hit to the gut his smile fell and he dropped his hands from her face. All business now he turned and left the studio.

Guerin watched him go, she noticed the sudden change in demeanor but with no context she wasn't sure what it could mean and it made her more nervous. What if he had changed his mind and regretted asking her to do this? Clearly she wasn't as good as most of the people he was used to. She cleared her throat again.

"Stop that." Youngjae said through the intercom suddenly, startling her.

"Jesus the fuck." She jumped, english escaping her as she was startled.

Her temporary vocal coach laughed loudly, or so she guessed since he had let go of the button and she could only see him delight in her reaction. She forced herself to smile as she apologized.

JB settled into the chair next to Hojun and they began recording.

It did not go well.

Between Guerin's nerves and inexperience it started rough. She missed the timing the first two times, and the third time her voice croaked out. JB was no longer smiling or being friendly which made it worse. Hojun had started off friendly enough but was getting obviously annoyed as the takes kept falling short of expectation. They were slowly making progress with Youngjae being the only one now offering tips and encouragement to Guerin who was having a very bad time. Even the successes she had were resulting in relief rather than joy and they seemed more like luck than any skill.

Finally after another mistake take Hojun held up a finger to Guerin and turned to JB.

"This is going to take forever. Is this some kind of joke? Are you trying to impress some girl and wasting my time?"

JB grew irritated, already in a bad mood over the memory of Jackson deciding to pursue Guerin, "No, she really does have talent. This isn't what I expected."

"You need to consider switching her out if you want this song to have any success. Almost none of these takes are usable." Hojun threw up his hands.

"She's just nervous. She's not a musician. This is all new to her." JB argued back, getting more angry.

"Hey, you don't need to get mad at me for telling the truth. You're the one wasting my time trying to get into the pants of some untalented foreigner." Hojun snapped back.

JB stood so fast his chair fell over, teeth clenched, hands balled into fists as he fought to control his temper. Hojun stood to face him as Youngjae moved between them trying to stop a potential fight.

Guerin had been watching the soundless fight with growing worry. Sometimes humans were hard to read but the behavior had been increasingly aggressive until she saw JB leap up. Quickly she took off the headphones, leaving the booth and booking it to the control room.

"I don't have time for this. Hit me up when you're serious about recording." Hojun said just as Guerin entered the room. He nodded his head to her as he left the room. Guerin stepped to the side allowing him to leave, looking back to JB and Youngjae.

"I-I'm so sorry." She stammered.

JB was still steaming, the impulse to hit his friend was still subsiding and his anger still palpable, "Sorry doesn't give us time back. I know you were nervous but this was pretty much all a waste of time." He snapped.

Guerin recoiled as though she had been slapped. Hurt and anger overtook her nerves.

"Hyung!" Youngjae said in protest.

JB was already kicking himself. He hadn't meant to sound like that. But he was so worked up he didn't even know how to recover or explain himself.

"Yeah, I was nervous." Guerin started, "But you know what didn't help? Your cold behavior from the BEGINNING of the recording. Or how Hojun oh so obviously gave up on me three whole takes in and you sat there and let it go on with no encouragement or feedback. Youngjae is the only one who tried to help at all. I agreed to do this as a friend and with the clear disclaimer that I'm NOT a professional. I don't know why you thought I would magically step up but you don't have to be a DICK."

JB knew he was in the wrong but he didn't know what to say so they stood in silence for a few moments. "I... I didn't mean to..." he struggled.

"Nevermind. Youngjae, thank you for everything. I had fun with you and learned a lot." She bowed to him and turned to go.

"Noona wait, let's work this out." Youngjae protested.

JB walked forward taking her wrist to stop her from leaving. Incensed Guerin yanked her arm away from him, staring at him furiously, "Don't you ever touch me without permission." She demanded, "I'm too angry to discuss anything. I need space." She walked out the door leaving JB and Youngjae looking after her.

"Hyung... why were you being so cold with her?" Youngjae asked.

JB didn't even look at him as he left the room.

"What is going on?" Youngjae asked the empty room out of frustration.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

G o t 7 au pt.1

(((((AU where Got7 never debuted. Each member took on other roles mostly still in the music world.)))))

Jackson had invited JB over to meet his new puppy. It was apparent just by viewing the apartment that Jackson had gone to so.e lengths to control the red heeler puppy that was currently occupied chewing on a bone. One wouldn't realize from this snapshot that Jackson was overwhelmed and had been largely unprepared for the terror that this dog had turned out to be. He had met s dog of the same breed when visiting his brother, rugby player in Australia and had fallen in love. Despite being cautioned he thought he could do it.

He was wrong.

JB was overwhelmed and while he liked MinNao well enough, she was quite a handful. Jackson had turned on the tv to one of the music programs airing.

"There's a group that uses a dog in their comebacks." Jackson said excitedly.

"Oh yeah?" JB asked, lounging comfortably on the couch next to his friend.

"Yeah, it's cool, I thought Min could be like that too." He continued, "Have you heard of HEET?"

"Yeah, that's Byoungjin's and Minhwan's group." JB said, squinting his eyes as he remembered the two young trainees that had previously been with JYPE before he stopped being a trainee.

"Yeah that's them. Their mascot is a samoyed and this famous trainer works with them. Oh look! Look! They're on now!" Jackson pointed and leaned forward enthusiastically.

JB sat up to see better, watching the performance. Sure enough a fluffy white dog, was part of the performance. Even her shirt style matched the concept of the rest of the group. She wasn't out with them the entire time but had a role in the chorus as well as the finale where she ran out, jumped off one members back into another members arms and posed with them.

JB grinned as Jackson clapped and laughed, "Isn't that cool!"

"Yeah that's really good. That must be really hard." JB was impressed, "That's a cute dog."

"I'm gonna hire that trainer." Jackson said matter of factly. JB raised his eyebrows, looking over at his friend questioningly, "I am! Minhwan is the leader of HEET. He put me in contact with her. Once this comeback wraps up she said she'd meet with me."

JB shrugged and leaned back, "You'll need all the help you can get with that monster."

Almost on cue Jackson looked over to see that Min had decided to switch from her bone to one of his shoes. "YA! What are you doing?" He jumped up and she immediately went into a play bow then took off running, Jackson hot on her heels. JB watched, his mouth stretched in a line and eyebrows raised before turning back to the TV to see the next act.

JB was awoken by his phone ringing early in the morning. Seeing it was Jackson he almost ignored it but given the odd hour he decided to answer.

"Hello."

"Hyung." JB blinked as Jackson whined out the word.

"What do you need." JB sighed as he struggled to wake up more fully.

"Hyung can you come over and watch MinNao for a couple days?" Jackson pleaded.

"Watch... Min." JB was speechless. He absolutely did not want to do this.

"Hyung please. Jinyoung and Mark and filming right now and Youngjae is out of town. My grandma is sick, I need to see her." Jackson sounded genuinely desperate.

"Ahh... just a few days?" JB clarified rubbing his face.

"Yes yes please!" Jackson now sounded hopeful.

"Yeah, I guess I can." JB sighed, flopping back onto the bed.

"Hyung thank you! I'll buy you something delicious when I get back! Whatever you want." Jackson promised.

"I'll make it worth my while." JB threatened lightly.

"Oh, the trainer is coming this week too, I dont want to cancel with her, can you meet with her for me?" Jackson added almost as an afterthought. JB hesitated then agreed as well. Talking to a trainer wouldn't be a problem. Maybe they knew some cat stuff too, Odd had developed an annoying habit of missing the litterbox.

"Hyung, you're the best! I'll text you instructions." Jackson said.

"Yeah okay. You can stop sucking up now. I'm going back to sleep." JB hung up and rolled over, certain he had heard Jackson start another sentence and not caring.

Guerin made her way to the apartment after getting through security. Jackson was a well known rapper and it was reflected in his choice of home. She had researched him when he first hired her so she could be as prepared as possible, and Minhwan had assured her he was a hard worker and dog lover. While she had worked for celebrities before, Jackson was probably one of the most famous that had reached out to her.

"Stay back, stay!" Said a voice on the other side of the door. She couldn't help but smile, sure that the offending animal was not staying even a little.

The door opened and a red blur leapt over the foot attempting to block the way out. Guerin's reflexes saved the day as she dropped down and snatched up the escapee, grinning at the rotund monster that now flailed in her arms.

What her research had not prepared her for was the stranger that had opened the door. Out of habit she bowed politely and greeted him, which he reciprocated, thanking her for catching the puppy and seeming embarrassed as he invited her inside. Once the door was closed she set the puppy down who took off after a toy. Guerin might not have recognized him but he was easily as handsome as Jackson, if not more so. He was dressed stylishly grungy with loose fitting clothes, the first two button on his shirt undone. She felt suddenly self conscious in her plain khakis and work polo with her company named embroidered on the left (Pounce! Animal Training). She didn't look dirty but he looked like he could be chilling at a club and she looked like she worked for Best Buy.

"Ah... is Jackson here?" She asked after a beat of silence.

JB looked surprised then somewhat embarrassed with a hint of annoyance, he sucked in air through his teeth before answering, "He must have forgotten to tell you. He had to leave town unexpectedly and asked me to look after things here."

"I see." She nodded, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"Sorry! I'm Im Jaebeom, most people call me JB. I'm a friend of Jackson's." JB bowed again.

"Nice to meet you, I am Go Guerin." There was another awkward pause, "Would you introduce me to the puppy?" She asked.

"Sorry, of course. Yes." JB turned to find the troublemaker that had managed to disappear.

Guerin was rarely this uncomfortable meeting someone in a professional environment, but she had been thrown for a loop by the unexpected face, let alone such a strikingly attractive one. The twin moles above his left eye were especially charming she mused to herself before pushing the thoughts out of her head as he reappeared with the puppy, writhing unhappily in his arms.

Guerin went into work mode, suggesting he put a leash on the puppy to keep her in the area and started talking about treats. JB listened well, asking thoughtful questions as she discussed treats, reinforcement schedules and behaviors to look for all while covering the basics of how to get her attention and basic commands like Sit and Lay.

Before they knew it the hour had passed, with Min showing significant interest and improvement. "It'll take time. She's still a puppy, and a highly intelligent working breed. But if you keep at it and keep her busy she'll grow into a lovely dog."

JB had been surprised to see how focused and eager MinNao had been once they started working. He was impressed with how easily Guerin worked with the dog, and how much harder it felt when he tried it himself. She kept assuring him that it would get easier with time with genuine smiles and praise.

"Do you work with cats too?" JB asked curiously, stepping out of the x-pen that Guerin had set up around them as a designated play area for MinNao when when was unsupervised.

"Yes, I can work with any animal." Guerin responded with confidence.

"I had a question about one of my cats..." he trailed off, looking at her.

"Sure, what can I help with?"

They spent the time talking about Odd and his new habit, what could have caused it and tips to address it. Eventually the topic shifted to different animals Guerin had worked with and both exotic and the more famous dog of HEET (JB learned the dog was named Eneoji), which led into JB talking about music and his work. Before they knew it 45 more minutes had passed.

"I'm sorry to have kept you!" JB looked shocked, "I'll make sure to tell Jackson to pay you for it."

"Don't be silly. Most of that wasn't work anyway." She waved him off, having morphed into casual speech unintentionally as they had spoken, "You should probably let MinNao out to potty soon though. Here's my card if you have any more questions about your cats." She passed him her business card, then the two of them said their farewells and she headed out.

JB closed the door after her, leaning against it before looking down at the puppy, who was looking up at him while ripping the stuffing out of a plush toy. He sighed then went to get the leash and a plastic bag to take the puppy outside.

JB texted Guerin to schedule an appointment. She had an opening the next day so she agreed to assess the current set up with his cats and give suggestions. The first part of the appointment went normally enough as she offered pointers and praised how most of his set up was very cat friendly. She then introduced herself to the cats by sitting calmly and allowing them to approach her as the two chatted, straying naturally from the intended topic.

"What other animals have you worked with?" JB asked.

"All kinds. Back in the states I worked at a few different zoos, with everything from tigers to spider monkeys to vultures to insects. I love all kinds of animals." Guerin responded, giving Nora scratches behind the ear.

"Wow that's awesome." JB's eyes were wide, "What was your favorite?"

"I like working with birds the best. I have a parrot too, and I take her out flying a couple times a week. Free flight is so fun."

"You fly your parrot? Like on a leash?" JB's eyebrows were high into his hairline.

"No, no leash. She flies where she wants and comes back to me on a cue." Guerin couldn't help but grin a little in pride. She knew it was a cool behavior.

"How hard is it to train that?"

"It's a lot of work, and a lot of patience and relationship building. But it's seriously so much fun." Guerin answered.

"It must be amazing." JB looked impressed.

"Do you want to come sometime?" Guerin invited him, looking up from petting Nora.

"Really? Can I take pictures too?" JB asked, almost disbelievingly.

"Sure, I don't see why not." Guerin shrugged, secretly happy to show off but also somewhat thrilled to have an excuse to meet up with JB, and this time not in a professional setting. The two of them hashed out a time and JB talked about his photography and how he used it as inspiration for his music. Before they knew it time was up and Guerin had to leave for her next appointment. She felt a bit embarrassed that the subject hadn't stayed on topic and told him she would do the follow up appointment pro-bono. JB accepted, also looking forward to see her again. She had turned out to be interesting to talk to and he learned a lot. The two parted ways, both feeling it was a bit too soon.

Jinyoung and Mark were monitoring the last shot they had completed for the drama Jinyoung was starring in. Mark, usually a model, had been recommended by Jinyoung for the small supporting role that required some dancing. Both of them had a background as trainees and while a bit out of practice they had picked it up again surprisingly quickly.

"Charlie." Jinyoung had looked up to see the foreign producer walking past, and gestured for her to come over, "May I make a suggestion?" She hesitated a moment but came over, Mark moving slightly to make room for her.

"I think this move isn't filming well from this angle. Is there a chance we can do something else instead?" Jinyoung pointed out, Mark nodding in agreement.

Charlie looked thoughtful, "What did you have in mind?"

Jinyoung and Mark gave a few options and Charlie agreed that one of the choices would look better on camera, "I'll run it by the director. I think you're right."

"Thank you Charlie, you have a way with getting him to agree with you." Jinyoung smiled disarmingly at the pretty fair skinned woman.

"You're the best." Mark agreed with a small smile while maintaining eye contact.

She couldn't help a slight blush at the flattery from the handsome men, "Oh stop, it's nothing."

Jinyoung had enjoyed working with Charlie, she did her job well, she was likable and thoughtful. He had also learned that she had an unusual amount of pull with the crew as they seemed to trust her opinion. He and Mark had learned to come to her with their requests, since if she agreed it usually went their way.

"I'm serious, we should treat you to something delicious soon for all your good work." Jinyoung smiled coyly, gaining an unnoticed and unreadable glance from his model friend.

"I'm just doing my job." Charlie protested lightly.

"We just want to express our gratitude." Mark pouted cutely which caused her to melt.

"Oh my gosh you two are too much." She patted her warm cheeks self consciously, glancing back and forth between their eager, increasingly cutesy expressions, "Fine if it means you'll stop looking at me like that, you're embarrassing me!" She turned and hustled away to talk to the director about their suggested change before they could butter her up anymore.

Jinyoung watched her go with a satisfied expression before turning back to the monitor, feeling accomplished.

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

Pt. 10 (end)

Guerin had gotten the all clear from Charlie, so she headed home with Seyoon and her newest addition, a three month old samoyed puppy that she named Eneoji. She explained to Wow that the name was inspired by HEET but it was also apparent the name was appropriate for the boundless energy contained in the body of the still growing pup.

They both played with her and Guerin gave a demonstration on the training style she would be using with her puppy by teaching her to sit. Seyoon turned out to be very lenient on his criteria for success. Within three attempts Eneoji had learned to con treats out of him for free before Guerin jokingly banned him from teaching her anything.

Eventually Eneoji went into her crate in the bedroom and fell asleep, allowing Guerin and Seyoon to rest against each other on the bed. Both of them were quiet in their own thoughts as they absently stared lovingly at the sleeping puppy.

"I'm sorry." Seyoon said finally.

Guerin looked at him, puzzled, "Why?"

"For Eunkyung. Earlier." His expression was blank with a hint of stress in the corners of his mouth.

"Oh... you don't need to be sorry for that." Guerin shrugged. He looked at her cautiously and she smiled at him reassuringly, "You didn't do anything wrong. And I can't hold you accountable for others actions."

He looked down at his hands, "I should have done more to dissuade her before it escalated."

"Did you ever give her reason to think you liked her?" Guerin asked.

He looked thoughtful, "She was one of our makeup artists. We were all friendly with her. It could have given her the wrong idea."

Guerin scoffed, "It would be unreasonable for me to expect you to not be friendly with people. If someone develops a crush on you it's on them. If they choose to act on that crush it's still on them. What can you do, go around being rude to people?"

Seyoon's expression was still blank as he looked up at her, but his lines had softened. "I expected you to be upset. I feel like I've always been told that girlfriend get upset over stuff like that."

Guerin shrugged, "I trust you. If I didn't I wouldn't date you, the doubt would be too exhausting."

He still hadn't smiled, so Guerin pulled out the big guns. "Seyoonie. Seyoonaaaah. I like you. Kim. Se. Yoon." she said in a high voice, pushing into his shoulder with balled up hands. Wow was surprised into laughter at her sudden aegyo attack and pulled her pouty face into his chest to protect himself from further attacks.

"Yaaaaa." He moaned, feigning distress, "I wasn't ready for that." He pinched her cheek.

She winked and shot finger guns at him in response, "But I like Yoonie so much."

He pushed her away, clutching at his chest and rolling to end up face down at the edge of the bed, kicking his feet and then not moving at all.

She finally broke and started laughing, climbing over to him and shaking him, "I'm sorry I'm sorry don't die please." She pulled his limp body over and he flopped along, staring vacantly at the ceiling before spazzing and feigning a seizure. She laughed and moved away from his flailing limbs until he stilled again.

"Oh noooo, I killed my boyfriend." She sighed and lay next to him, "What a shame. There was so much I still wanted to do with him."

He suddenly rolled so he was over her, grinning seductively, "What kind of things?" He asked.

She licked her lips instinctively as her chest tightened in response to his sudden proximity, betraying her attempt to seem nonchalant, "Oh... you know..." her English slipped out as her brain failed her for a moment, "Going grocery shopping. Taking a trip. Meeting each others families."

"Ah, those kinds of things." He leaned in closer, "Is that all?"

Her breath hitched and her words completely failed her. All she managed to do was shake her head.

"What else?" He asked, his tongue peeked out from the corner of his full lips as he teased her, grin still in place.

She decided words were for chumps, reaching up she pulled him down into her kissing him intensely, tangling her legs with his and pressing her body up against him as much as she could. He returned her fervor, using one of his hands to push her shirt up, exposing her bra. She took his hand and placed it on her breast encouragingly, inviting him to escalate. He broke away from her mouth kissing down from just behind her ear.

"Seyoon." She managed to gasp.

"Mm." He paused and pushed himself up to look at her.

"Do you..." she started.

"I have condoms." He stated eagerly.

She laughed as a knee jerk reaction, "Good to know, and I'm on birth control anyway. But I guess that does answer my question." She pulled her shirt off and started working on his.

"What was the question going to be?" He kept his head enough to he curious.

"I was going to ask if you wanted to have sex tonight." She smiled up at him, patting his chest, then rolling so she was straddling him.

"Yes." He went to hold her hips but she took his wrists and pinned them up by his head as she looked hungrily down at him.

"Thank god." She moved down to capture his mouth with hers.

Woojin had carted HEET to Guerin's favorite park by the Han river where they met up with Charlie. Guerin was intentionally a couple minutes late and hiding to make sure everyone was there before her, fully equipped for a playdate with Eneoji. Once she was sure everyone was there she snuck up as quickly as she could. She was about ten feet away when Charlie spotted her and gave up the ghost.

"Oh my god! Guerin what is that?" She demanded in a high pitched voice. The rest of the group turned curiously to see Guerin approaching with her new puppy. Eneoji was bounding along fluffily by Guerin with heart stopping cuteness. The reactions were varying degrees of excitement with one exception. Minhwan was surprised but looked nervous and hung back as the others surged forward.

Eneoji darted around everyone, clearly excited as they all tried to pet her. She moved so fast the ones lucky enough to touch her had brief encounters at best. Guerin hung back, watching everyone with a grin, holding the end of the long lead she had put her puppy on.

"Everyone, this Eneoji!" She said. The boys all sounded off in approval, happy to have been the inspiration behind the name.

"She must be our mascot!" Gabriel said as Eneoni had finally stopped running long enough to squirm into some enthusiastic petting from him.

Guerin laughed, "We'll see how she likes the idol life."

Everyone eventually settled to the ground, petting and playing with Eneoji. Seungbin had settled close to Guerin. He had been extra clingy with her since she had returned as their manager, she figured eventually he would feel secure enough to return to normal so she allowed it. While Eneoji flitted from person to person she did still make frequent stops to check on her new mom, often throwing herself into her lap for a few moments before getting up to play with someone else. Guerin encouraged the behavior, often cooing at her new pet, enamored with how adorable she was. What Guerin didn't notice was the increasingly sulky looks Seungbin would throw Eneoji's way each time Guerin's attention was stolen.

Guerin did notice, however, Minhwan didn't try to pet the puppy even once. One time Eneoji started to approach him and he leaned away, reaching out and grabbing Woojin's sleeve for support. Tobio managed to divert Eneoji, unintentionally saving their leader.

"Minhwanie," she got his attention, "Are you afraid of dogs?"

He looked embarrassed, "I don't... know dogs. We never had any or any friends with any."

"That's okay!" Guerin said encouragingly, "Do you want to work on it?"

He looked nervous at the thought, but Woojin then shook the arm that Minhwan was still clinging to, reminding the young man of the fearful reaction. Minhwan dropped his hand, apologizing to Woojin.

"You should try. She's very cute." Woojin suggested.

"Yeah... yeah I can. If noona is going to have her around we should at least like each other." Minhwan nodded tentatively.

Guerin began explaining as best she could in Korean about dog body language, showing how comfortable the pup was, but also showing what it looked like when someone tried to hold her paw. She then demonstrated a quick relationship building training session before asking Seungbin to try one as well so she could talk through how it went with someone Eneoji wasn't as familiar with.

Seungbin went along with it but he seemed to agree out of obligation over an actual desire to participate.

He started mimicking the training the Guerin had shown, teaching Eneoji how to respond to her name, or a sit. The puppy was so eager to work that if he took too long to ask for a behavior she would climb up onto his lap and try to give him kisses or barking and wagging her tail for attention. Seungbin's demeanor changed from annoyed to amused and finally when Eneoji ran in a circle and jumped into his lap he stopped pushing her off and instead hugged her, burying his face into her wriggling fluffy form cooing about how she was too cute.

Guerin had Minhwan try next, seated next to him. He only fed treats and offered gentle touches. He was still nervous by the end of the session but admitted he felt a little better.

"We can keep working on it. It takes time! You did really well I'm proud of you." She rubbed his head and slung an arm around his shoulder as she watched Seungbin sprinting around with Eneoji and, surprisingly, Tobio. All three seemed to have been running from Gabriel who had dramatically rolled onto the ground.

As the sun started to set the group had resettled. HEET was taking group and individual selfies with Eneoji and uploading them to SNS using Guerin's and Woojin's phones. The fandom, Joules, had a strong positive response to the puppy pictures and videos.

"Oh they're here!" Charlie perked up suddenly.

"They...?" Guerin sat up straighter and looked around.

"Yeah, I took the liberty of adding to the surprise." Charlie grinned, standing up and brushing herself off as Guerin spotted A.C.E and Minseok headed toward them in the orange light of the sunset.

"A.C.E Sunbaenim!" Byoungjin had been sitting closest to the women and overheard them. He stood up as the rest of HEET and Woojin reacted, greeting their hyungs. Tobio was holding Eneoji who had started to nap, but she woke up with the movement and recognized Wow. Scrambling out of Tobio's arms she ran over to him who automatically crouched down with arms open and a big grin, giving her energetic body scratches before squishing her face and kissing the top of her head.

Charlie had meandered over to Jun who, despite being distracted, managed to greet his girlfriend. The two groups all exchanged greetings all with a freshly revived puppy introducing herself to the newcomers.

Guerin felt her heart rate increase when she saw Seyoon, and melted at how happy he and Eneoji had been to meet again. After their night together she had to forcibly stop herself from dwelling on flashbacks. Maybe she was projecting but it seemed Jun and Charlie were having similar issues as they kept stealing glances at each other.

"Hi Noona." Seyoon had made his way to her, with his usual alluring smile in place. Chan and Byeongkwan had taken over with Eneoji for selfie time, a challenge given that she was trying very hard to kiss them both on the face any time they moved close to her.

"Hi Seyoonie." She smiled as she battled her one track mind. Guerin was offered a distraction as Minseok approached the two of them with Donghun.

"Noona, can we post our selfies with Eneoji?" Donghun asked.

"That's a question for Minseokie, isn't it?" She glanced to their manager.

"Since HEET already posted pictures with her it would make it pretty obvious that HEET and A.C.E spend unofficial time together. Kim Hyeim approved the pictures but said to ask Han Jisoo first."

"I'll text her and ask." Guerin said, pulling out her phone. She had an inkling that given Jisoo's adoration for Hyeim as well as being able to capitalize on the newly debuted group being affiliated with a successful established group like A.C.E, there wouldnt be a problem. Jisoo's response was a simple approval but Guerin knew her friend was probably secretly stoked.

Jun had the fluffy puppy up pressed against his face for a selfie with Charlie when Guerin shared the approval. The two groups got group photos and paired off for personal SNS accounts. Byoungjin and Chan, Seyoon and Seungbin, Minhwan and Jun, Gabriel and Beyongkwan and Tobio and Donghun all paired together for selfies as well.

Unfortunately as the darkness deepened Eneoji began looking more and more tired so the outing had to end.

"Oppa, do you have to go now?" Guerin overheard Charlie ask Jun. The two had separated from the group that was saying their farewells. Guerin whipped around, catching Charlie's eye. Guerin could only see a little bit of Jun's face, but his shoulders had raised slightly as he responded to the term of affection with a wide smile.

"O P P A??" Guerin mouthed at her friend, unable to resist teasing. Charlie gave a small shake to her head, which of course Jun noticed who then got to see Guerin unable to keep her chill.

"Opppaaaaaa." She wiggled her shoulders at the two of them as she cooed the nickname, "Oppayaaaa. It's dark and oppa should walk Charlie home." She pouted.

Jun looked mortified and Charlie was ready for murder, "Guerin if you don't shut your mouth right now I swear to God there won't even be a body to hide." She threatened in English.

Guerin couldnt help but laugh when she felt a familiar arm across her shoulders, looking over to see Wow as he spoke, "I think it's cute. You could call me Oppa."

Jun snorted in disbelieving laughter and Guerin scoffed, "You? Oppa? Hah. Maybe Daddy if you play your cards right." She winked as Charlie hid her face, ducking behind Jun to laugh. The commotion caused the others to look over.

"Noona? What happened?" Seungbin came over as Seyoon dropped his arm from her shoulder, ears red but grin still in place. Guerin looked into the sweet face of the fifteen year old idol.

"Ah, it's nothing. I was just teasing Wowie." She lied badly but she wasn't about to explain daddy kinks to her youngest charge.

Seungbin frowned curiously but didn't press.

Time passed, HEET had made two comebacks and were planning a third soon. Eneoji had debuted as their official mascot, often part of their promotional materials and being featured in their photo books and music videos wearing the neon yellow and white fandom colors. Tobio in particular had gotten an interest in training her with Guerin and had creative ideas about how to include her, but Seungbin and her were particularly inseparable and could often be found napping or lounging together in waiting rooms or recording studios. Minhwan had gotten much more comfortable with her but still wasn't sold on dogs as a whole. Byoungjin and Tobio had written the title track for their third EP that earned them their first win, and Gabriel had come up with the design for soon to be released lightning bolt shaped lightsticks.

Charlie had accepted a full time position at the zoo and moved into her own apartment which made things go much more smoothly for her and Jun.

Sometimes gossip articles and criticisms still cropped up about A.C.E's relationships with Charlie and Guerin, but by and large Choice and Joules supported the groups, who kept working hard, not letting their relationships get in the way of their dream. It helped that the two women were also passionately invested in their careers.

Nothing could be perfect. Guerin and Seyoon were aware that hardship was ahead, they hadn't talked about it at length, but it was looming ever closer. A few days after their one year anniversary the two of them were cuddled up with Eneoji on the couch.

"Guerin." Seyoon said suddenly after a period of comfortable silence. Guerin looked up at him, it was odd that he had chosen to use her chosen name so plainly like that. His expression was difficult to read but some of his personal tics revealed that he wasn't going to be talking about something good.

"Yes Seyoon?" She asked him, sitting up a bit to look at him more clearly, unable to help being somewhat nervous.

"We should talk about my military enlistment." He looked determined and uncomfortable as dread filled her. This explained why he had been so quiet and distracted since their anniversary celebration. "I didn't really want to think about it a lot. But I will be enlisting soon."

Guerin nodded as he spoke, nervously licking her lips and blinking, eyes feeling the strain that threatened tears. She fought to keep her expression neutral but he didn't look up at her.

A million thoughts and scenarios had been plaguing him for a while now, increasing exponentially as he reached 28 and knew he'd have to act soon. On top of the stress of being in the military he had worries about A.C.E, but they had done okay without Chan so he knew they could continue on. Additionally they had increased greatly in popularity, especially internationally. But the uncertainty lay largely in what to do with his relationship with Guerin.

"I think I'm going to enlist in the Army." He added, stalling as he suddenly felt somewhat lost.

"So, that's eighteen months right?" Guerin asked unnecessarily. She had done research and even asked Byoungjin and Woojin about their expereinces.

Seyoon nodded, "It's unlikely I'll get a lot of time to see anyone. Communication is limited too..." he trailed off. Guerin clenched her fists, "It's not fair for me to expect you to wait a year and a half."

"Kim Seyoon if you're breaking up with me I'd rather you not drag it out." Her voice broke as tears started to fall.

His eyes wide he looked at her for the first time since he had started talking. "Break up? Ya, why are you crying?" He asked in shock, "Stop, stop crying." He took her face and wiped her tears away, then pulled her against him.

"Well it sounds like it. You're scaring me." Guerin's voice was muffled as she hid her face in his shirt to disguise further tears.

"I don't want to break up with you. I just... don't want to be selfish and ask you to wait." He said as he wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her back soothingly.

Guerin took a minute to compose herself before pulling away from him to respond. She took his hands and kissed each of them before she spoke, "I want you to be selfish and ask me to wait for you. I want you to ask for letters constantly. I want you to miss me and long for the days you can come back to me. I want you to fight through until you're back in my arms. I want that because that's what I want too. I don't want you to leave me at all but that's not an option so instead I want you to get through it for the future when we're together again. I know I'm going to feel all those things too and it would crush me if you found it easy to be away from me. I want you to be selfish because I am being selfish and if you are too then at least we can get through the suffering together." Her tears had started up again.

Seyoon watched her in silence for her whole speech, helping her wipe her tears as she continued. He waited a beat to make sure she had finished, moving toward her he kissed her lovingly, ignoring the dampness of her face. She returned the kiss, a little desperate from the fear she had felt about possibly losing him.

He ended the kiss slowly, then hand his forehead against hers, "I love you." He confessed. It wasn't new, they had said it to each other, but he felt the moment demanded it.

Guerin smiled and gave him a peck, tears no longer falling, "I love you too."

"When I get back, let's get married." He said suddenly. Guerin sat back in shock. Her emotions were in disarray. The past few minutes had been chaotic but she had gone from believing Seyoon was breaking up with her to this sudden proposal. Was it even a proposal?

"You want to get married when you get back?" She parroted back to him.

"We could get married before I leave, but it would be rushed. If we wait until I get back we can plan a wedding with enough time for our families to both be involved." He said sensibly.

Guerin was gobsmacked.

"I love you. Noona. Go Guerin. Paisley. I love you and I want to keep loving you forever." He said with a big smile. Guerin found it positively cute, but not in an exaggerated aegyo way that the two of them indulged in. It was genuine and pure and sweet and her heart swelled as she looked at the man that she believed to be the love of her life.

She stammered then laughed in shock, "Yes, let's do it. Let's get married."

"Now?" He asked perking up.

"No. Well. Maybe. I dont know! Let's figure it out later. Kim Seyoon I love you, I love you so much." She crashed into his arms kissing him as they laughed through the embrace. Flashes of their possible future with this weird, adorable, dedicated and handsome man went through her mind. The matrimonial thoughts inspired the two of them into a mood shift, until Eneoji awoke to the mess that was her human parents and decided to interrupt the flow by trying to join the laughing couple.

-End-

[dontreadthistrashgarbage]

Pt. 9

Han Jisoo was true to her word and within a week she called HEET and Woojin in for a meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to tell them that Guerin would be reinstated as their manager, and that Woojin would be staying on as an assistant. Woojin had already been briefed, but he was better at keeping a straight face than Guerin so she had to wait outside the room or the boys would know before Jisoo got to announce it.

Once Guerin heard a ruckus inside the room she knew it was okay to open the door and peek her head in, beaming at the scene that greeted her. Jisoo was laughing at the surprised reactions of her boy group, taken with their joy. Minhwan had jumped up and was hugging Gabriel and Woojin, the latter being a less willing participate in the spritely jumping around of the other two but still smiling. Seungbin was standing and asking if it was real and not a prank, Byoungjin had his hand buried in his face, likely starting to cry while Tobio crooned to him and comforted him. In a split second that changed as soon as they saw her coming through the door and she was rushed by her boys all speaking and shouting indecipherably at once.

She bounced around with them and couldn't help shedding a few happy tears herself, so relieved that this part of her life could return to normal finally and moved by everyone's reaction.

Once everyone had calmed down and reseated themselves, Seungbin had tried to sit on Guerins lap but she redirected him to his chair reminding him that it was a professional meeting. He settled for pulling his chair close to her and holding her arm while resting his head on her shoulder. No one had the heart to tell him to stop.

After the meeting Minhwan suggested they all get dinner to celebrate once their lessons and practice were over. Jisoo politely declined attending but handed over the company card to Guerin in support. Guerin resisted hugging her friend and instead bowed deeply with all the boys following suit.

"Noona, are you going to invite Wow-hyung to dinner with us too?" Byoungjin asked as Guerin escorted them back to their practice room.

"No!" Seungbin said quickly before Guerin had a chance to respond. She gave him a curious look before speaking into the silence that his abrupt interruption had caused.

"I was going to say that I think this is a team celebration so we should keep it to us."

"Seungbin, don't be rude. You need to apologize." Minhwan chastised the younger boy in true leader fashion.

Seungbin's eyes were on the floor, "I'm sorry Noona..."

She didn't respond right away but did give him a head pat and a smile as he looked up at her from under her hand. Once they were in the practice room Guerin cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention.

"I think we should talk really quickly before you all start." She looked at each of them, "Wow is my boyfriend. I like him a lot. All of A.C.E are my friends. But HEET are my boys. I love you all so very much and I'm always rooting for you first. I might have to balance my personal life a bit differently, but know that my love for you hasn't changed." Tobio remained largely expressionless per usual, Byoungjin looked curious, Minhwan was nodding, Gabriel had a slightly disbelieving look, Woojin looked uncomfortable as though he had been caught eavesdropping and Seungbin looked conflicted.

"I'm sorry Noona... it's just that... we just got you back and he's been with you this whole time..." Seungbin rubbed the toe of his shoe on the floor as he looked down.

"I understand. And you'll have enough of me around soon enough since we're getting back to normal. It was hard for me to be apart from you, and Kim Seyoon was a part of that support to help me get through it. All of you make me so happy, his is just a different kind of happy." She caught Gabriel hiding a laugh at her last comment.

"Oh shut up you know what I mean." She scolded him in English, unconvincingly because she had to fight to hide a laugh too.

"What I really want to say," she continued, "is to please not hold any grudges with him or any of A.C.E. Just like you don't with Charlie. And if you feel sad, worried or insecure you can talk to me. Don't bottle it up okay? And don't judge Wow unfairly." She finished.

A smattering of nods and words of affirmation from HEET were enough for her for now.

"Okay, let me see what you've been working on!" She clapped her hands and walked over to the music player with Woojin while HEET scurried to get warmed up.

"You still haven't had sex?" Charlie hissed.

Guerin shushed her, looking around quickly, "Just because we're speaking English doesn't mean we should assume people won't understand, or record and translate."

"I was quiet, but more importantly are you dying?" Charlie looked at Guerin with concern and held a hand to her forehead. Guerin groaned and rested her head on the table.

"Yeah I think I am." Her respond was muffled and tragic.

The two girls were in a small bakery sharing a piece of cake. It had been a couple days since their respective dates, Seyoon and Jun were busy as their fan project had been released and they had some schedules pertaining to that.

"You know how much effort I've put into making that situation happen for me and you have your own place and it is WASTED on you." Charlie feigned anger at the top of her friends head.

"I know." Guerin turned her head to the side to stare absently out the window, watching a young woman sitting on a bench outside on her phone. Charlie changed tactics and patted Guerin on the head encouragingly.

"We can see them again soon. You can try again!"

Guerin sighed and forced herself to sit up, "I'm not really worried. We'll get there eventually. But like... I want to."

"I believe in you." Charlie offered, taking a bite of cake.

Seyoon and Jun had their final schedule for their fan project. They sat in their respective seats getting their makeup done after their hair. The usual staff were tending to their cosmetics so the chatter was friendly per usual. Eunkyung was adding some finishing touches to Seyoon's look before changing the subject.

"These schedules are all because of your girlfriends right?"

He hesitated as he decided how to respond, feeling about odd, "It's not because of them." She didn't say anything as though waiting for him to finish a thought but he didn't say anything else.

"But... because you are openly dating now?"

Seyoon glanced at Jun but he was engrossed in conversation with his own makeup artist and didn't seem to hear the topic change, "We just want to assure our fans our love for them hasn't changed." He finally answered.

Eunkyung nodded absentmindedly, adding some gentle brush strokes to the foundation on his face. "I have to admit. I was surprised when I saw who you were dating."

Seyoon glanced up at her but she was seemingly focused on his makeup. He felt a response wasn't necessary so he didn't say anything.

"I thought you'd definitely date another idol once your ban was up." She smiled, stopping the touch ups to look at his face as she appreciated her handiwork. He nodded again, still not sure how to respond.

"When I was little my parents divorced." She started, "My parents never seemed to be suited for each other. I asked my dad how he and my mom had decided to start a family despite being so I'll suited for each other." Seyoon watched her pensively as she focused on more makeup details, not meeting his eyes.

"He said he felt that deciding to get married was like being a taxi going on duty. Once he turned on his light, whoever hopped into the cab was his responsibility. It was just unfortunate that it turned out to be a bad tipper." Eunkyung finished her story and sat back again, then met his eyes and the slight young woman smiled prettily. "You're all set for stage."

He thanked her and stood to move to the couch to wait for Jun for them to start their surprise vlive before the schedule.

Charlie had arrived at Guerin's place ahead of time to set up. She had asked him over with a movie night, only letting him know that it would be more private than at his dorm. Other than that she hadn't given him other details. Charlie had spent ages deciding on whether lighting candles would be too much or not and kept lighting, blowing them out, then lighting them until a knock finally came at the door.

The secluded environment that they were about to be in had inspired some ideas in Jun. He hesitated outside the door for a moment, trying to get his thoughts under control before ringing the buzzer. He continued reminding himself to not jump to conclusions and to just enjoy the movie with Charlie while he waited for her to answer the door.

Hearing the buzzer Charlie froze and took a deep breath to calm the butterflies in her stomache. She opened the door, relieved for a moment to see that Jun had also dressed casually, even though her outfit hid her much more selectively chosen lingerie. Once the door was closed behind him they embraced, almost a little awkwardly.

The two of them puttered around until eventually settling onto the couch with some snacks as they started the movie they had agreed on beforehand. Charlie was completely unable to focus on the movie as she kept going through her plan for later in the evening in her head. She was so distracted she didn't even notice Jun's lack of reactions to the comedy. He was equally as distracted as the two of them cuddled closer and closer.

Charlie couldn't handle it, about an hour into the movie she couldn't even follow what was happening. She gave up and decided to go for it. Acting on impulse, refusing herself the opportunity to overthink anymore. Pulling away from him she pulled off her shirt, revealing a lacey surprise, the swung her leg over his lap, blocking the television.

Jun, who hadn't even been paying attention and contemplating along the same (although less bold) options was taken by surprise. His hands went automatically to the hips of his girlfriend. Jun's attention was snapped to attention as his eyeline, which started at her new lingerie before traveling up to her face, forced the reaction he had been lacking from the film. His eyes wide, he couldn't help but grin as a reaction before biting his lip and increasing pressure on her hips, pulling her closer. Their lips met, the kiss passionate and deep without lacked any pretense. Charlie removed his hands from him long enough to stand and remove her jeans, revealing the rest of her lacey provocation. He had all of a full second to react, not even noticing her flush before she moved back onto his lap her arms pulling him close as their lips met again.

His hands moved up to trace the edges of her bra, moving back to touch the clasp before hesitating. She pressed against him, wordlessly encouraging him grinding on his lap. Motivated by her response he fumbled momentarily before unhooking her and exposing her torso to him. He had seen her like this once before, but the moment had been ruined by Wow bumbling into their moment. This time no such distractions marred the experience. He took the time to experience the full glory, holding her away for a few moments.

She allowed him the enjoyment before stepping off him, taking his hands in hers and pulling him up. She snuck a kiss as they stood, lasting a few seconds longer than intended, before leading him away into the bedroom where they were finally able to more fully explore their desires.

For security and privacy, Kim Hyeim had allowed Guerin and Charlie access to the main waiting area of Beat Interactive. Seyoon had worked late knowing Guerin had a personal matter to attend to. Once she texted him that she was waiting for him when he was ready, he wrapped up his work and headed to the main floor immediately.

Guerin was waiting close to the door with her surprise. As soon as the elevator doors dinged she looked up to see Seyoon stepping out. She had time to stand up before seeing a pretty young woman that had been waiting closer to the elevators pop up and rush over to him.

Seyoon was surprised with Eunkyung greeting him first at the elevator doors. "Oppa!" She greeted him excitedly, hugging him without precedent. He froze for a moment looking down at her before patting her head, causing her to look up at him, "I waited for you!" She added.

He took her shoulders and gently moved her away from him. She complied by letting him go but still leaning close to him. He wasn't sure what to say but she seemed expectant so he mentally scrambled before settling on "Why?"

"I... I like you!" She said earnestly, pushing against his hands on her shoulders again. His lost expression only grew more confused and desperate as he floundered on how to react.

"Your girlfriend... she doesn't suit you! You have more options." She pressed, "I think you should know... you don't have to settle for the first customer once your light comes on!"

Seyoon had been known to react to annoying stimuli in situations like Jun singing loudly in the shower at bedtime, but he had rarely been moved to anger. The feeling for him was less a hot flash and more a settling cold at his face froze, eyes darkening. He was spared an immediate reaction as Guerin stepped up.

Seeing Eunkyung embrace Seyoon had made her heart lurch. She stood in place gathering her emotions, forcing herself to calm down as she watched another woman overtly throwing herself on her boyfriend. Swallowing her bubbling rage she forced a smile and moved to the pair.

"Seyoonie." Guerin said, greeting her boyfriend with forced cheerfulness before staring pointedly at the shorter woman leaning into him.

Eunkyung started. She hadn't noticed Guerin come into the waiting room, unaware she was allowed and having spent the last few hours working up her courage to confess to Seyoon. Seeing Guerin, the obstacle she perceived between her and Seyoon, she stepped back but couldn't hide a hateful expression.

The animosity was not lost on Guerin, who proceeded to politely bow and introduce herself. Eunkyung barely inclined her head in response. Guerin let her gaze linger almost condescendingly on Eunkyung, her annoyance poorly hidden before she turned fully to Seyoon, "Are you ready to go?" She asked.

"One moment." He reached for Guerin's hand, the turned to Eunkyung, "My light wasn't on when I met Guerin. But meeting her changed that." Guerin looked at him, baffled by his words and sure that her language skills were failing her. He continued, "I don't expect anyone to understand. I don't need them to. Least of all you." Eunkyung's expression became hurt and shocked but he wasn't done, "Our relationship has been professional until now. It's clear to me that it can't continue. I'll speak with Kim Hyeim so you won't need to be bothered by my presence anymore. It's been nice working with you, you've done well." He bowed politely to her form as she was frozen in surprise.

"Are you serious? Her??" Eunkyung spat, recovering enough to be angry. Guerin raised her eyebrows but Seyoon spoke.

"You have been inappropriate this entire time and I've been patient. You are about to cross the line." His cold expression was unfamiliar and scary, even Guerin looked to him in surprise, "At this point you will be leaving with a good recommendation. I suggest you don't throw that away."

Eunkyung took a step backward, paused and looked at him in shock. She seemed to debate saying something, threw a last disgusted expression at Guerin then turned to leave, angry tears in her eyes. The pair watched her leave. As soon as the doors closed behind her, Seyoon pulled Guerin into him hugging her close. Guerin was temporarily lost for words. She knew she had been insulted but the interaction had been confusing, so her anger was curbed by curiosity, and embracing Seyoon who held her so tenderly helped abate the strong negative emotions she felt.

"What just happened?" She asked.

"She's not important. She was wrong." He rested his head against hers, trying to calm himself.

"Will you tell me more later?" She asked, snesing he might be too worked up now to get into details. He nodded into her. After a moment he relaxed and changed the subject.

"So what was your surprise?" He asked.

"Oh... well I hope this cheers you up..." she pulled away from him and reached down to a crate she had set behind her protectively out of habit. Opening the door a white fluffy cloud of a creature pushed out, wagging a happy tail.

Seyoon dissolved.