"Come on, Sam, please don't do this to us," Mike pleaded.
"Ya, we're your brothers and we're really worried about you," said Daniel.
"Sorry, guys, I'm still not going to tell you," I said. "Well, not now at least."
"You've never been this stubborn in your entire life," said Mike. "What's wrong with you?"
I shrugged. "Well, I guess it's because I don't know what to tell you. I've no idea what to say. And I have no idea where I stand anymore."
I continued to look at my sad face in the mirror as I sat on the chair. My two brothers stood at either side of me, staring back at my reflection. I looked at them through the mirror and I could tell that they were feeling down and low. I hated that I had to put everyone in this situation, especially Zoey.
Yesterday passed on quite slow since everyone now knew that G-Dragon and I still weren't on good terms with each other. And when we had to prepare ourselves for the interview, we had to act like nothing was wrong or else Collins would be up to our necks if he noticed. The rehearsals went on just fine, but afterwards, my group members never stopped bugging me about the whole thing till evening, and I had still not said a word.
"Come on, guys," said Zoey who sat directly behind me, facing another mirror and a makeup stylist was attending to her. "Last night, I tried my best to make her talk before we even went to bed. But she wouldn't budge. I even threatened to rip Mr Panda's head off, but she saved the panda before I could even start the execution."
That was true. Last night didn't end well for both Zoey and I in our room. I was pretty lucky that I even saved the panda before she could rip it's head off. And we ended up going to bed without even saying goodnight to each other.
"I know you're all dying to know," I said as I turned to look at Zoey's back. "But believe me when I say that I don't know what to tell you."
"You've been saying that since yesterday," said Christine who sat in front of the mirror beside mine, her hair was being curled by one of the hair stylists. "We're tired of that, you know?"
"Then it's best you guys stop bugging me about it until we meet with the others after the interview."
"I agree," said Daniel. "I hope you and GD clear everything up."
"I even tried to talk about it with G-Dragon yesterday," said Zoey as the stylist put her on some eyeliner. "But he never texted me back nor picked up his phone to talk. He just went cold on me."
That was GD, alright.I kept that to myself. Saying it out loud will just create a big mess in the dressing room and I wouldn't be able to cool Zoey down.
"I bet he didn't expect it," said Mike. "I think it's better for him not to talk to anyone."
"True," said Christine.
"I just hope he is okay," said Zoey.
I rolled my eyes. Of course he was okay. That's if he wasn't drinking his life away. Maybe I should warn Zoey. But she already knows about his habit, does she? I hope so.
We dropped the topic about G-Dragon. Our minds went on to what's going to happen during the interview. I was pretty nervous about it since it was our first TV interview together as a group ever since we came here to Korea.
It was five minutes tillthe interview and Collins came in to check on us. And he came with the one person I wasn't expecting to see for the rest of the day. Yang Hyun-suk.
I looked down pretendingnot to have seen the two managers enter the room. I saw them through the mirror and luckily I was being applied a little bit of blush by the makeup artist.
"You're all looking glorious today," said Yang Hyun-suk.
He fully got our attention now. We all turned to look at him and muttered 'thank you'.
"You have to get ready," said Collins. "You will be on any minute now."
"Don't worry, we have been prepared for this our whole lives," said Zoey. "We won't let you down."
"I sure hope so," said Collins. "I'm warning you, Zoey. Don't say anything stupid."
"Does that mean I can't joke around, then?" Zoey shrugged.
"You can," said Yang Hyun-suk. "But not about him." He pointed to Collins.
"That, I agree," said Christine.
I smiled when I looked at Collins, giving a face to Yang Hyun-suk.
It was now time for the interview and when we went to face the audience on set, we were welcomedwith a round of applause. And the TV interviewer welcomed us so kindly too.
The interview went on perfectly. We had so much fun talking about our lives and we were asked questions from the audience that weren't so complicated. We were having a good time, especially with Zoey blabbering on and making the others laugh.
We were then asked personal questions about our dating life. That was one topic I never liked talking about. But I had to put up a face for the sake of the audience and the fans watching on TV.
As usual, the questions were mostly directed at me. As usual, I told the audience that I wasn't ready to date yet and that the right one would come when I least expected it. And then the question I hadn't thought of in a while, raised to the surface.
"So, what about you and G-Dragon?" the interviewer asked. "Don't you think you two were meant to be together?"
There was a 'whooo' thatcame from the audience. I should have prepared myself for this. But I was dumbstruck as I looked at the interviewer who couldn't stop smiling at me, waiting for my answer. He had a very mischievous smile.
"I..eh," I hesitated. I probably looked dumb in front of the audience if not the whole world. I twirled my curly hair and didn't know what to say next.
"No, way," said Zoey whosat beside me. "G-Dragon and Sam can never date. Besides, it's not like they would date given that we aren't going to say here for long."
I looked over at Zoey and I could tell that she was offended by the question, now that she and GD have some romance between them.
"Long distance relationships do work out sometimes," said the interviewer. "And a lot of us would like to hear what BK has to say about it."
I gulped and found it pretty hard to speak. Everyone was expecting an answer from me and I didn't know what to say.
"GD and I are just good friends," I said. "I don't think of us dating."
"But what of those dating rumours that were going around?" the interviewer asked.
"We cleared all that in our last interview with the media at YG," I said. "It's not like the twoof us ever went out on a date. People like to make up stories. And ever since that video got aired on YouTube, that's when all the dating rumours started."
"Which was Zoey's fault, by the way," said Mike who sat on my other side.
"You don't have to remind me, thank you very much," Zoey looked at Mike as though she was about to bite him. Mike smirked.
"But not only did the video send stories flying," said the interviewer. "When you were done with your interview, G-Dragon saved you from falling and that still sparked more rumours."
"I don't see why people continued with the rumours, to be honest," I said. "He just prevented mefrom falling. It's not like the two of us were ballroom dancing or anything."
"Don't you like GD?"
That was one question I wasn't sure of answering myself. And I had to be careful with what I was going to say.
"I like G-Dragon, but only as a friend," I said. "A good friend."
Saying that made me feela little guilty. G-Dragon and I still weren't on good terms. If I had achance to set things right, I would. But right now, I felt my relationship with him was going nowhere.
"So, you don't like like G-Dragon?" the interviewer asked.
"No, not in that way, no," I said, shaking my head.
"Well, I think the audience and the rest of the world will agree with me that you two make areally cute couple," said the interviewer.
I blushed. That's what everyone was saying on social media nowadays. The audience gave out murmurs of approval. I felt Zoey shift a little uncomfortably. This was awkward for me more than it was for her. I wanted to say sorry, but I kept it to myself.
"I agree with you," said Daniel. "They just look so cute together."
"I also agree," said Christine as she giggled. "To be honest, I really thought the two would date, but sadly, she doesn't feel that way for him."
I looked at both Christine and Daniel and I couldn't tell if they were joking around withme or not. Maybe they were doing this just to intimidate me because of G-Dragon and I. But they were also upsetting Zoey too. Christine knew better.
"Yes, too bad indeed," said the interviewer. "So, moving on...."
The interviewer soon started to talk about the other BigBang members and we talked about how great it was to collaborate with them. That cooled things down a little.
As the interview was coming to an end, we performed one of our hit songs in front of the audience. After a round of applause, the TV interview was over.
I had to admit, it was pretty awesome and we had so much fun. At the end of the interview, we took a few pictures with some people from the audience and even with the interviewer.
It was soon time to leave the TV studio, but we were all back in the dressing room busy chattering about the interview.
"I had fun today," said Mike.
"I hear we will be having more interviews like this one," said Christine.
"That will be great," said Zoey as she had her phone in her hand.
"Trying to call, G-Dragon?" I asked as I came to stand beside her.
"Ya, I left him a message before the interview and he hasn't replied."
"Try calling him again," said Mike.
"Better not call him now," said Daniel. "I bet he still isn't going to answer."
Zoey sneered at Daniel. "You should shut up for once. You have already made me upset because of what you said in the interview."
"What did I say?" Daniel looked confused as he turned to look at me.
"Don't mind her," I said as I held my brother's shoulder and Zoey went to the other side of the room to call G-Dragon.
Christine smirked and I knew that what she said during the interview was just to get on Zoey's nerves.
"Still no answer," Zoey said as she came back to join us. "Now I'm getting worried."
"I hope nothing serious has happened to him," said Daniel.
"Well, we have to leave and meet with the others soon," I said. "At YG."
"We're meeting there? Why?" Zoey asked.
"Tae and the others think it's a good place to meet there. We can't go anywhere else."
"Okay. I hope GD shows up," said Zoey.
"Ya, me too." I rubbed my neck, hoping that GD was okay.
Lee came in the dressing room and announced that we can leave.
"I told the managers that we will need to use the car so they left together," said Lee.
"Thanks, Lee. We better go."
We left the TV studio and while we were in the car, Zoey continued to call G-Dragon, but to no avail. I decided to call Taeyang instead.
"Hello? Sam?" Taeyang answered.
"Hey, Tae, how are you?" I asked.
"I'm okay. I saw your live interview."
"Ya, em, that's not why I called. Have you by any chance checked up on GD to see if he is coming?"
"I tried reaching him a few times this morning, but nothing. Is something the matter?"
"Well, ya. Zoey has been trying to reach him since yesterday, but he hasn't called or texted back."
"Let me see if I can call his apartment to see if he is okay," said Taeyang.
"Okay, are you already at YG?"
"Yes, I'm here with Seungri."
"Okay, we will be right there."
I cut the line and turned to Zoey.
"Taeyang has no news either," I said.
"His phone keeps ringing but he isn't answering," said Zoey.
"Why don't you try and call him, Sam?" Lee asked as she turned to look at me from the front passenger's seat.
I went blank. Why was Lee asking me to call G-Dragon? Zoey was already freaking out like the rest of us that he wasn't answering her calls. Did Lee think G-Dragon would respond if I tried to call him?
"Why?" I asked. "I bet he won't answer me as well."
"Can you at least try?" Lee asked.
"There is no harm in trying," said Daniel. "Who knows, he might just answer."
I looked down at my phone in my hand like it was some creature ready to bite my nose off at any moment. I hesitated.
What would everyone think if G-Dragon really did answer my call? I would be toast, especially with Zoey. The two were like a couple now and it wouldn't feel right. What the heck, it wouldn't 'be' right at all. What was I
going to do?
"What are you waiting for?" Mike asked, snapping me back to reality. "Do it."
Everyone's eyes were on me now. And I knew they weren't going to let go of me that easily. I stared at Zoey to see what she thought.
"Go on, Sam," said Zoey.
I gulped and tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear. I unlocked my phone, went to my contacts and called G-Dragon.
I put the phone to my ear and his phone was ringing. I closed my eyes hoping he wouldn't answer. The car had just entered the YG premises. The phone was still ringing.
"Looks like he isn't answering," I said, when the car stopped. My phone still to my ear.
"Just hold on for a few seconds," said Lee as she got out of the car.
The rest also got out and I was left alone. There was no hope left. I knew he wasn't going to answer.
Just when I thought the line would go dead, I heard a clicking sound and I felt my heart stop.
"Hello, Sam?"
I was startled. He answered. Oh, no. This was what I had feared. My jaw dropped and no wordcould come out of my mouth. All this felt like a surprise.
"Sam, are you there?"
Thank goodness he was okay. He did sound a bit strange though. Must be that he was drunk or he wasn't feeling too well.
"I know you're there, Sam. Are you worried about me?"
"I...mm...I," I hesitated. What was I supposed to say? That yes, I was worried or snap out of your drunken state and get your butt over here?
"Has he answered?"
I jumped on my seat and cut the line. Lee was standing by the door of the car looking at me.
"Where are the others?" I asked as I looked outside the car.
"They went inside," said Lee. "We better go."
I nodded my head. By the time I was stepping out of the car, my legs were shaking. And the colour on face seem to have faded away because I felt really pale.
"So, did you talk to him?" Lee asked again.
"I...I..eh."
"He answered, didn't he?"
I looked at Lee and I knew I couldn't lie to her. "Yes," I answered.
Lee's mouth dropped and she looked at me with so much shock.
"I knew it!"
"Shut up, will you? You're going to attract too much attention. Let's go. And don't say a word to anyone."
Lee put her index finger on her lips and the two of us went inside. The others had already gone upstairs. Lee and I went to join them in the studio.
"Hey, guys," I said when I came in with Lee.
"My little panda," said Seungri as he came to hug me. "You looked so beautiful during the interview."
"Thanks," I said as I blushed and Seungri took me by the hand and took me further into the room.
"You guys were just awesome," said Taeyang as he and I both hugged.
"Thanks. Any news of GD yet?" I asked.
"I tried calling his apartment," said Taeyang. "But nothing."
"Did he answer when you called him?" Zoey asked me.
"No, he didn't," I answered.
I should be given the Best Liar Award because Zoey and everyone else believed me for some reason. I looked at Lee and all she could do was nod her head a little to assure me that it was okay that I had lied.
"Maybe it's best we go and check up on him ourselves," said Seungri.
"That's a good idea," said Mike.
"Maybe we should wait and see if he shows up?" I suggested.
"No, I'm getting really worried," said Zoey. "It's best we go."
"I'll go. Who's coming with me?" Taeyang asked.
"I'm coming with you," said Zoey.
"Me too," said Christine.
"Won't you go along, Sam?" Mike asked.
"No, it's best I stay here," I said.
"Okay," said Taeyang. "Come on, let's go."
Taeyang, Zoey and Christine left the studio. I went over to the couch to sit. I felt it was a good thing not to go. He was already upset with me. But I was
still surprised he had answered my call.
"Why didn't you go with them, Sam?" Mike asked.
"Why should I go?" I asked.
"Because everyone listens to you," said Seungri as he came to sit beside me.
"I wonder why he didn't answer your call, though," said Daniel.
"Maybe it's because he is ignoring all of us," I answered, as I looked at my fingernails.
"I don't think so," said Mike. "One thing I can guarantee for sure, he would listen to you no matter what."
"Listen to me? For he and I not to be on good terms, he doesn't."
Lee was still standing in front of me and said, "call him again, Sam."
I looked at Lee as though she had read out my death sentence.
"Are you kidding me? I just told everyone that he didn't answer," I said.
"Come on, Sam, the others aren't here," said Lee. "Especially Zoey."
"Wait, what's going on?" Seungri asked as he looked at me and then at Lee.
"G-Dragon answered Sam's call," said Lee.
"For real?" Mike and Daniel asked at the same time.
"Yes," I answered.
"But why didn't you say anything when the others were here?" Seungri asked.
"Zoey," again, Mike and Daniel answered at the same time.
"What does this have to do with Zoey?" Seungri looked even more confused.
"Zoey likes G-Dragon," said Mike.
"And those two now seem like a couple," said Daniel.
"If Zoey knew that G-Dragon answered Sam's call...."
".....she would be jealous and throw a tantrum," Daniel finished. The two high-fived each other.
I was wide-eyed by my brother's enthusiasm with all this. Looks like they already knew about G-Dragon and Zoey.
"I'm not going to ask how you know," I said as I folded my arms.
"We figure things out easily," said Mike with a smirk.
"Looks like it runs in the family," said Lee as she raised an eyebrow at me.
"I knew there was a reason you delayed to get out of the car," said Daniel.
"At least you didn't tell Zoey," said Mike.
"Wait, I'm so confused here," said Seungri, blinking his eyes as though trying to see if all of this was a dream. "Zoey likes G-Dragon. And the two are now like a couple but without the whole world knowing. And G-Dragon only answered to Sam and not to Zoey and that might upset her because....."
"G-Dragon likes Sam," finished Lee. She quickly covered her mouth after blurting that out.
I turned to look at Lee with a frown. "Seriously? You can't possibly be too sure about that."
"It kind of looks like he does, Sam," said Daniel. "It's not that hard to notice."
"Well, I didn't notice," said Seungri.
"Let's just skip this topic and wait for the others to get here," I said. "By the way, aren't Daesung and TOP supposed to be here?"
"They would be here in a few minutes," said Seungri.
"Should we tell them about all this?" Daniel asked looking at me.
"I don't know," I said as I rolled my eyes. "I really don't care if you tell them or not. That's if they don't tell Zoey."
"I'm just worried about Zoey," said Lee. "Should we tell her?"
"Are you kidding me? That's one thing we shouldn't do," said Seungri. "Who knows what she would do."
"But keeping it from her will just make things worse, especially when she finds out later on," I said.
"Just think, Sam," said Mike. "Will it be right to tell her today?"
"No."
"Exactly. Zoey will feel hurt that G-Dragon answered you and not her. She will get really jealous."
Mike did have a point. Telling Zoey was going to be like suicide. She was going to be hurt and we first had to clear things up with GD and I.
"You're right," I said. "No one should say anything."
"Agreed," said the rest as they nodded their heads.
We waited for the others in the studio. TOP and Daesung came in a few minutes later. We told them about G-Dragon's recent behaviour. But we didn't tell them about the supposed love triangle.
"These guys are taking forever to get here," I said as I went over to the window to check at the parking lot. It was now close to three in the afternoon.
"I told you to try and call him again," said Lee.
"It's best we call the others first," Seungri said as he pulled out his phone. "I'll call Taeyang."
"Please do," I said as I sat back down on the couch.
"Don't stress yourself,"said TOP who sat beside me and placed his hand on my shoulder for comfort. "They should be back by now."
"Tae, where are you?" Seungri asked. "We've been worried sick. Did you find GD?"
We paused for a while as we looked at Seungri, waiting for what's to come.
"What? He isn't at the apartment?" Seungri asked looking surprised.
That sent a different atmosphere around the room. I felt my face drain of colour as I started to think of the worst.
"Tell them to come back," I said to Seungri. I held my forehead. This can't be happening right now.
"I told you to call GD," said Lee after Seungri cut the call. "They haven't found him and the day will end without us knowing where he is."
"Don't blame me for this," I said. "This is not entirely my fault."
"Just call him," said Daesung. "He answered you the first time. He would likely answer again."
"Fine," I took out my phone and dialled G-Dragon's number. I put the phone to my ear.
This time, G-Dragon didn't delay to answer like last time. After three rings, he picked up.
"GD, where are you?" I asked. Everyone's ears perked up to listen.
"Why?" He sounded normal. Maybe he was sober.
"We're so worried about you. We need to know where you are."
"Don't worry about me. And tell the others that I'm fine."
"Then come here at YG. We're worried sick."
"Aren't you more worried about me?"
That question moved me. I was worried. Dead worried. I needed him back here safe and sound. We all did.
"Yes, I am," I said. "I'm really worried. Why don't you come here and talk."
For a moment, he didn't say anything. All I got was the static silence from the phone.
"Hello? Are you there?"
"Ya. I'm here."
"You will come, right?"
"I guess I should."
"Yes, please do."
"I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Okay."
I cut the line. All this was just heartbreaking. I couldn't help but feel all this was my fault. He was hurting and even as we talked on the phone, I could tell. I was still stunned that he was talking to me and calmly too.
"He'll be here," I announced.
"Thank goodness," said Daniel as he stared up at the ceiling sighing in relief.
"You should have done this earlier," said Lee. "He clearly listens to you."
I rolled my eyes. There was no need to remind me. He might have listened to me now, but I wouldn't expect him to do so later on.
Ten minutes later, Taeyang and the others came in the studio.
"Any news?" Zoey asked.
"He will be arriving shortly," said Mike.
"You talked to him?" Taeyang asked.
"No, Sam did," TOP answered.
Zoey, Christine and Taeyang looked at me as though I was an alien. I wanted to slap my face. I should have warned the others not to say anything.
"You talked to him? Is he okay?" Zoey asked in a rush.
"Chill, Zoey," I said as I stood up and walked up to her. "He's fine. He told me he will be arriving soon."
"That's good news," said Christine.
"Are you sure?" Zoey asked me.
"Don't worry, I'm sure he is coming. He gave me his word," I said.
Zoey hugged me and I patted her on the back for comfort. It looks like she cared more about G-Dragon than the rest of us did.
"I'm just glad you called and he picked up," said Zoey after she broke away from me. "Had you been trying to reach him after you called the first time?"
Before I could answer, Mike said, "we tried calling him a few times before he finally picked up."
My heart settled. I thought he would tell her the truth. Looks like he wasn't that silly enough to provoke her right now.
"Did he tell you where he went?" Taeyang asked.
"No," I replied. "He just told me he was fine and that you all shouldn't worry. I asked him to come here and he agreed."
"He is going to get a scolding from me," said Zoey, folding her arms.
"And she is back," I heard Daniel mutter and Mike who sat beside him was snickering.
"Just sit down, please," I said trying to calm my best friend. "All that matters is that he is fine and he will be here."
Zoey listened to me and sat down. Taeyang and Christine joined her. Before I could sit down, Lee stood up and walked up to me.
"Can we talk?" Lee asked.
"Huh? Why?"
"Come on," said Lee, as she held my arm. "I want to talk to you about what happened during the interview. Excuse us, guys."
Lee was still holding on to my arm as we both left the room and we were in the hall. We went into another studio room which was empty, away from the others.
"Why did you bring me here?" I asked as I turned to Lee who closed the door behind her. I knewall this wasn't about the interview.
"It's G-Dragon," Lee answered.
She didn't hesitate to say it and she sounded serious. What would she probably want to talk to me about him now?
"What's the matter with him?"
"I'm worried about what's going to happen when G-Dragon comes here and tells everyone why he did this and why he is still mad at you."
"You're scared he might possibly tell Zoey that he likes me?"
Lee nodded. I sighed andclosed my eyes. I knew she was right and this might just bring in a horrible argument amongst ourselves.
"And what do you want me to do?" I asked.
"Talk to G-Dragon yourself and solve this once and for all."
"How? Now that everyone knows, they would want to know what's really going on."
"I have myself to blame for saying all that yesterday. But right now, you guys have a song to work on and when things get messy, you know what might happen. And you don't want your managers finding out about this."
I had to admit that Lee was right. But what was I going to do now? I just couldn't tell the others a lie. I had lied too much already and I wasn't ready to do so again.
I looked on at Lee and Icould tell she was feeling bad about telling everyone yesterday that GD and I weren't on good terms. But I couldn't blame her for it.
"What I'm I going to do?" I asked as I held my forehead feeling stressed out. "I don't know how I'm going to tell these guys."
"I don't know," said Lee. "Maybe you should find a way to talk to GD alone."
"You're right," I said. "But he should be here by now."
I quickly pushed myself past Lee, reached for the door and found myself in the hall. Just as I was heading towards the elevator, the doors flew open. And as though I knew he was coming, G-Dragon stepped out.
I breathed out a sigh of relief. He was okay. Thank goodness. He didn't look drunk either or was he? It didn't matter. I caught up with him just in time.
"There you're," I said as I got closer. "Thank goodness you're okay."
He didn't say anything as he looked at me. His deep dark eyes were trying to find its way to mine but I was avoiding them. I didn't want to look him in the eye and see how he felt. I didn't want to lose focus with what I was about to say.
"You were worried about me," he said, his voice with almost no emotion.
"Of course I was worried. And everyone else too."
"You of all people should have been the least worried."
That was cold. I looked him directly in the eye. He was hurting alright. And he was hurting me too.
"I don't care what you think, Kwon Ji Yong," I said. I was kind of surprised that I had called him by his real name.
"Excuse me?" G-Dragon raised an eyebrow.
"You heard me." I took a step towards him. "I don't care what you think of me anymore. I'm tired of this crap. It's time we laid the cards on the table once and for all."
G-Dragon shrugged. "What?"
"I want to know what issue you have with me. In fact, I don't want to know, I need to know."
"Aren't you just acting delirious?"
"How I wish I was," I took another step forward. "But even from miles away I could tell you hate me for some reason and I want to know why."
"Now you're just crazy."
"Crazy to know the truth? Yes, I am."
He didn't say anything. He just looked at me still with no emotion. That irritated me a lot and I felt like shaking him to get the truth out of his mouth.
"I thought I was going to explain that in front of everyone," said G-Dragon.
"And how am I so sure you aren't going to tell a lie?"
He didn't answer and I knew I had him.
"I don't want to involve the others with something personal. It's going to affect them. Especially Zoey."
G-Dragon looked surprised. I bet he didn't expect me to know about him and Zoey.
"I know you wouldn't like to hurt Zoey, at all," I continued. "That's why you and I need to resolve this issue now."
"What issue?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. You tell me. I know it's not about what happened after the Caribbean Bay incident when I suggested that we should all participate in writing the lyrics for the song, it's something else. And you have been giving me a hell of an attitude because of it."
"Nothing is wrong, Sam."
"I'll believe you when I stop seeing the hurt in your eyes."
G-Dragon took one step closer to me and that left a small gap between us. I held my breath for a second. That was sudden and I tried to keep my composure. Looking at him made me weak in the knees and I felt like at any moment, I would fall to the ground.
I was so caught up in his eyes. And with him so close, I couldn't break away from his spell. I hated him for this. I hated him for a lot of other things too. How he made me feel like all I wanted was to be in his arms.
I had been locking all these feelings I had for him for the sake of so many things. For the group, for my career. For Zoey.
I wanted to push him away. I didn't want to him so close to me. His manly cologne filled with rich spices intoxicated me and I just wanted to breathe all of him in me.
He continued to look at me and at that moment time had stopped. Everything around me seem to disappear and it was just only me and him left alone in the world.
"Would you be able to take away the pain? My pain?" he asked as he came closer to whisper in my ear and his deep husky voice made my heart beat faster and I felt light headed.
I didn't say anything. I couldn't say anything. He had me under his spell and he knew it as his lips brushed against my cheek leaving behind electric sparks, making his way towards my lips.
I felt his hand on my waist and he pulled me closer to him. Our bodies touched and his touch on my waist sent chills down my spine. His lips were now so close to mine. Any wrong move and I would kiss him. I tried to get myself under control, but I couldn't. I was caught in his web and I was too light headed to break away.
"Only you, my little kitty," he said as he looked at me with those dreamy eyes of his, "can take this pain away."
I closer my eyes ready to receive his lips. I wanted to kiss him so badly. I couldn't help it. I just wanted him to get on with it. I was so thrilled to ride the road of ecstasy.
Then a wave of dizziness hit me.
"No."
I took a step back and my head was pounding like crazy. What just happened? For a moment, I didn't recognise where I was and the floor beneath me was spinning. What was happening to me?
"Sam, are you okay?" I heard G-Dragon's voice, it felt like I could hear his voice from a distance, but he was standing right next to me.
I looked at the floor and felt like I was going to puke all over. I bended over trying to breathe and held my knees to support myself.
"Sam," came Lee's voice behind me. "Are you okay?"
I was soon regaining my bearings and I was able to steady myself. I took in long deep breaths, slowly at a time.
"Hey, what's happening here?" I heard the door of the studio room open and Zoey's voice.
I straightened myself up and I realised that G-Dragon was right behind me for support. His hand was on my back the the whole time and I hadn't even noticed. Lee was already there, looking at me with concern.
"I'm fine," I said. I was feeling a lot better now. "I was just feeling nauseous."
"I hope you aren't sick," said Zoey as she approached us.
"No, Zoey, I'm fine, don't worry."
"Come on, we better go inside," said G-Dragon, his hand still on my back. "You look really pale."
I nodded. I couldn't help but realise that all of this was just weird. How had I become so sick all of the sudden? Did I need to go for a check up just to be sure that I was alright? I don't know.
When I came into the room, I was soon surrounded by the others asking questions all at the same time if I was alright. Their random questions almost made me dizzy again.
"Guys, make room or else she is going to faint," said Lee, trying to move people aside as I came in futher into the room.
"People, I'm fine," I said as G-Dragon still followed behind me to the couch. "You don't have to worry about me."
"Are you okay?" TOP asked. "What happened to you?"
"Nothing, I just felt dizzy," I answered.
"Are you sure? You don't need a doctor?" Taeyang asked.
"Believe me, I'm okay," I managed to put up a smile.
"Well, at least the person we wanted to see is here," said Zoey, her hands on her hips as she looked at G-Dragon.
"Ya, we were worried sick about you," said Seungri.
I quickly sat down on the couch, not ready for what's to come next. I wasn't in the mood to start arguing with G-Dragon. I would let the others handle him.
"Where did you go? Why weren't you picking up my calls?" Zoey stood right in front of G-Dragon like an angry girlfriend.
"I was around," said G-Dragon.
"Around where? Be more specific!"
"Zoey, chill," said Lee. "You're angry and you're not okay."
"I was sick and worried about him. We all were."
Well, not me. That's according to G-Dragon of course. I looked away remembering those words and they still stung like hell.
"I was around town, just going here and there," said G-Dragon.
"You have a lot of explaining to do," said Daesung. "But now, we have other things to look at. Why you and Sam are arguing again."
I looked at Daesung and I would've told him that we weren't necessarily arguing. I kept my mouth shut. I felt more of the victim and it was best to keep quiet on my part. It was then that I remembered what Lee told me when we were in theother room.
I looked up at the others and they looked like they were all about to gang up on G-Dragon when all they wanted was an explanation from him. All of this was frightening.
I knew he was going to tell them a lie. I wouldn't blame him. Besides, this only had to do with me and him. No one else. If he had to tell them, something told me they wouldn't even believe him.
I looked at Lee who stood behind the others. She had been looking at me the whole time trying to get my attention. She had a warning look in her eye, telling me to do something.
But what was I supposed to do? All this was just getting more complicated and I feared I might just make it as worse as it already was.
"If you want to know, then fine," said G-Dragon.
I looked up at him. Oh no. Was he really going to tell them the truth? Right now, I couldn't even tell for sure. I wanted to know the truth for myself and not involve anyone else.
What if in the attempt to tell truth he ends up hurting Zoey? I still wasn't sure why he was giving me the attitude, but if all this was going to hurt everyone in the end, I better do something. And now.
"All of this was nothing but a misunderstanding."
Everyone turned to me now. I stood up from her couch. Thank goodness I wasn't feeling dizzy anymore.
"What?" Christine asked.
"All of this was nothing but a misunderstanding," I repeated. "We talked about it in the hall when he came and you don't need to worry anymore."
Everyone looked at me now and I could tell they were as confused as ever. I had to sound more convincing.
I put up a smile and said, "you guys were taking this all too seriously
for no good reason at all. Lee made everything sound really serious when
she told you yesterday."
"Wait, so what was the argument all about?" Mike asked, looking confused.
"Well, G-Dragon and I had gone somewhere on Sunday, to get smoothies." I looked at G-Dragon
and he at me. "We were joking around until I joked about something
personal. He was upset and though he was acting like he didn't mind, he was still giving me an attitude. I told Lee about it and that's why she said all that yesterday."
Lee wiped her brow and looked relieved. I started to feel that way myself. I could feel the tension from G-Dragon slowly start to disappear. I turned to look at him.
"I'm still really sorry, GD," I said. "I shouldn't have said all that."
I shouldn't have done what I did for you to hate me. That'swhat was in my heart the whole time. I wanted to say it out loud so that he should know. But that's just going to raise everyone's suspicion.
G-Dragon continued to look at me, and in his eyes, he knew exactly what I meant. I was hoping he would forgive me but I was wasn't raising that thought too high.
He nodded his head and didn't say a word. That meant he still hadn't forgiven me for something I didn't know I had done. Well, I might have an idea why but I had to be sure from him.
"Oh, thank goodness," said Christine and Seungri at the same time.
"I thought it was something so serious," said Daniel. "I was expecting a juicy story. Thanks for nothing."
I bet the juicy story might be about G-Dragon liking me. My brothers were such a menace sometimes.
"Don't blame me for this," I said as I raised my hands in surrender.
"It's my fault," said Lee. "Sorry, guys."
"We would've been doing other things by now if it wasn't for this," said Taeyang.
"And by other things, you mean, Hyo-rin," I said with a smirk and Taeyang confirmed it with a smile.
"Well, now that the drama is over," said Zoey, as she hooked her arm around G-Dragon's elbow. "Why don't we do something fun? The day is almost over, you know?"
"I agree," said Daesung.
Everyone else seemed to agree to go out and have fun. Lee and I hadn't say a word.
"Aren't you coming along, sis?" Mike asked.
"Arrh..." I thought for a while. Should I go? "No, you guys go ahead and have fun."
"No! Sam, stop being a party pooper for once in your life," said Zoey as she stomped her foot on the ground.
"Guys, I need to rest. I must have felt dizzy because I still didn't get enough sleep after finishing up the lyrics. And you guys came with all those presents the other day that made me restless. The interview made me all the more
tired."
"Ya, true," said TOP. "I can see the bags under your eyes."
I knew he was just joking around and I smiled. I tried not to take notice of G-Dragon's sharp gaze at me.
"Fine, we will see you later back at the hotel to come check on you," said Daesung.
"Okay, then let's go have some fun then," said Seungri.
One by one, the others started to leave the room. Seungri with my brothers and Christine went out first. Taeyang and TOP also left soon after. That left the two love birds with Lee and I.
"Make sure you get enough rest, okay?" Zoey said as though she was giving me instructions. "We still need you for tomorrow."
"Of course I will," I said. "You guys go have as much fun as possible."
"We certainly will," said G-Dragon as he smiled at Zoey.
"Come on," said Zoey tugging G-Dragon along with her.
When they had left and closed the door behind them, I waited for thirty seconds to pass until I dropped myself backwards onto the couch as I closed my eyes. I sighed in relief as I slumped myself on the couch.
"Phew! That was close," said Lee as she rushed to the window. She was obviously trying to see the others down at the parking lot.
"I've never lied like that in my entire life," I said as I looked at Lee. "And not like that in one day."
"But it's a good thing you did," said Lee, still looking out the window. "Okay, they are leaving."
"All this lying has got me hungry," I said.
"Why don't we go back to the hotel and order something nice for ourselves."
"Sounds like a good idea. We should watch some k-drama too."
"That's exactly what I thought. Let's go."
"Yes, please."
I quickly got up from the couch and I left with Lee. I couldn't have felt more relieved to have left the studio. I was feeling too awkward not after what happened.
When we got to the hotel, the first thing I did was kick off my shoes and I went in the lounge with Lee. She was already checking for k-drama series on the TV and I sat on the couch.
"What happened to you when you were dizzy in the hallway?" Lee asked.
"I was having my usual conversation with GD and it didn't end well," I replied.
Lee turned away from the TV and looked at me. "Give me details."
I shrugged as I read her eyes. "Something tells me you already know what happened."
"Well, hearing you say it was going to be music to my ears," said Lee with a grin.
"Pfft, ya right."
"Why didn't you let him kiss you, huh?" Lee asked as she sat down beside me.
"I just couldn't let him, Lee," I said as I thought of what happened. "It wasn't going to feel right."
"Did you fake the illness then?"
"No, at least that was one thing I couldn't lie about today."
"Then what happened?"
"Guilt. That's what happened."
Lee looked confused for a moment but she quickly understood.
"Looks like your body also has a conscious," said Lee. "How righteous of you."
"Don't make fun of me, Lee. I just couldn't hurt Zoey. Not in this way."
"But didn't you want to kiss him?"
"Well, I did. But I don't know what happened. I was so caught up in the moment I had no control of my own body. Then guilt came in the worst possible way and prevented me from doing something I could regret doing afterwards."
"Well, it came at the right time. I'm just glad no one saw that."
"We would be having an entirely different conversation right now."
"True, let me go and take my shoes off."
"I will let room service bring us some snacks while we enjoy our series," I stood up and went for the land line.
"You do that."
As Lee left for her room, my phone beeped just as I was about to pick up the land line. I fetched for my phone in the pocket. I had a message from G-Dragon.
"I've to hand it to you, not only did you save my neck, you also prevented World War Three from breaking loose. I never knew you would be a liar. And a good one. You're right, you and I need to talk without involving anyone else."
I frowned. He didn't even say thank you. So much for saving him. I decided not to reply. I had no words.
I did agree that he was right about one thing. I was a liar. A big fat one.