Have you ever been awake for so long in your bed with no thought or sign of sleep and your heart isn't at peace because you're afraid of what's going to happen as the day goes on?
That's how I felt right at this moment.
I tossed in my bed, turning to the side and looking towards the curtain. There was still no sign of the sun coming up and I was getting frustrated. I wished the sun could come up so that I could meet my end already.
I quickly sat up and went for my phone on the drawer close to my bed. I checked the time. It was only 4 AM.
I fell back on my bed, the back of my head hitting the pillows real hard. I clenched my teeth in irritation. Sunrise felt like forever and I was already tired of sleeping. This had been the third time that I had to wake up and only realise that I had only slept for a few minutes. I wish I could sleep till sunrise, but waking up three times meant I was too bothered in my mind even to dream.
I turned to my other side where my stuffed panda lay beside me and I cuddled it in my arms.
How I wish I could fall asleep. I admired Zoey whom I could hear snoring slightly in her sleep. I stared up at the dark ceiling trying to picture things in my mind but I couldn't. Even my imagination wasn't working.
I sighed as I looked at the panda. I couldn't stop thinking of what I was going to do today, especially with G-Dragon and Zoey.
I knew I now had to face the music. And even though we had quite a hectic day yesterday, Zoey hadn't given up on me about what happened with G-Dragon and me. And even though she was tired when we got back, she still hadn't stopped bothering me until she finally gave up and went straight to bed.
I knew her persistence was far from over and I had to prepare myself for more of it today. I know Zoey must be very worried about me, but I was more worried about her if I had to tell her the truth.
I know sometimes we people lie to prevent the others we love and care about from getting hurt. But there will come a point in time when you can't keep it to yourself any longer because the guilt will eat you up inside. Sadly, I had now reached that point.
I sighed again as I turned again to the other side, taking the panda in my arms with me. What wrong did I ever do to be in the position I was in right now?
If it came to G-Dragon, he was going to be one person who will be difficult to talk to. I know I betrayed his trust, and trying to convince him was going to be a whole lot harder.
How was I going to tell him that yes, Daesung and I did kiss, but all of that happened due to a completely different story? I know how bad he must be feeling and if I was in his shoes, I probably wouldn't believe anything I would say either.
I kicked out the bed covers and got up from the bed. And taking Mr Panda with me and my phone, I slipped my feet into my bed slippers and walked out of the room in my purple pyjamas.
I went straight for the dark, empty lounge and I turned on the lights. I went to sit on the comfortable couch and with my feet up and folded with Mr Panda in my arms, I unlocked my phone and went straight to my contacts and called my mum.
Hopefully, I was calling her at the right time. I wasn't really sure what time it would be back home in the U.S. I was too bothered to even try and figure out all this time zones nonsense. I just had to talk to someone. And why not my mum?
I put the phone to my ear hoping she would pick up. I just hope she wasn't busy at work or something.
She finally picked up the phone on the fourth ring.
"Hello, Sam?"
"Hi, mum."
"Sam, how are you, dear?"
"I'm good. How are you? Are you at work?"
"Yes, I am, sweetie. I am just looking at photos online on the computer. A friend of mine just told me you guys went out bowling with BigBang."
"Ah.." I scratched my head. "We did, mum. And we had fun."
"Ya, I can see you guys smiling and laughing on the photos." I could hear clicking in the background and that confirmed that she was tapping away on the mouse of her computer as she looked at the pictures.
"So, was it more like a competition?" she asked. "It's says here that you guys won."
"It was mum. We won," I said with a smile. "You should have seen what happened. It was awesome."
"I'll check out the videos later on and see everything for myself, dear," I could hear my mum clicking quickly on the mouse. "Now tell me. What's bothering you? Why aren't you asleep?"
I raised an eyebrow. "You know what time it is here?"
"I'm your mother, Sam. Of course I know what time it is."
I could imagine my mum with a stern look on her face as she said that. If we weren't talking on the phone and I was standing in front of her, she probably would have her arms folded.
"I know its way too early in the morning for you to be awake right now," she continued. "What's up?"
"I feel my whole life has been nothing but a lie, mum," I said as I tugged at Mr Panda's ears.
"Your name is Samantha Glasson and you're a famous pop star. That my child, is not a lie."
"Mum, you know what I mean when I say that."
She sighed. "What did you lie about this time?"
"I've lied way too much in my life, but this time, I think I'm in a really big mess that I can't seem to get out of."
"Tell me. I've all the time to listen."
"I've been lying to Zoey and everyone else about G-Dragon and I, and I don't now how to tell them, especially Zoey since she likes G-Dragon so much. It would crush her if she finds out G-Dragon likes me and not her."
"I thought you girls weren't supposed to date any one of those guys."
My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow. Collins really does tell you everything, does he?"
"Whatever he tells you, we as parents have to know too. I hope Zoey's mum isn't going to freak when she finds out."
"Trust me, mum, Collins has no clue with what's going on in our private circle and I suggest that you shouldn't say a word either."
"Is that a threat?" I imagined my mum's eyebrow raised.
"You know I can never threaten you, mum. It's just for now until we come back home. It's a matter of life and death. I've no choice."
"I know. But why does Zoey like him?"
"Knowing Zoey, you must know by now the kind of guy she would fall for, mum."
"True. But how come she likes him but he likes you? Don't tell me you also like him too."
"Well....." I hesitated, trying to figure out what to say next.
"Samantha Glasson," my mum's voice sounded stern now. "Tell me the truth."
I sighed. "I also like him, mum."
There was silence at the other end. Until....
"WHAT!"
"Mum, calm down. It's not what you think."
"Then what is it? The way I'm seeing it, you also like him and you feel guilty because you feel like you're betraying your best friend."
"It was like that at first. I really do like G-Dragon but I'm learning to like him as a close friend because I know how Zoey likes him and because of Collins' 'golden rule'." I put "golden rule" in quotation marks with my remaining fingers.
"What do you mean it was like that at first?"
"I like G-Dragon, but he isn't the only one."
"Don't tell me you like someone else from the same group too."
I closed my eyes as I winced. "Yes, mum."
She didn't say a word. I wondered what she was thinking right now.
"You're really in one hell of a mess, dear."
"And that's not the worst part."
I told her what happened the day Zoey went missing, making sure I didn't mention the stranger in the suit. I talked about what G-Dragon and I had talked about in the park and what we agreed upon. Then I told her what happened with Daesung and the kiss.
"You kissed?" my mum sounded surprised.
"Ssh, and listen."
I told her that G-Dragon and Zoey saw us but they didn't witness the kiss. And I told her what happened afterwards.
"You're in a real mess, Sam. You now have two people to tell the truth to."
"If it's not Zoey and G-Dragon, then it's the entire group."
"I know. But you can't lie forever now, can you?"
I thought of what she said. "You're right. We all deserve to know the truth someday."
"Are you scared?"
"I am. Maybe that's why I can't fall asleep." I hugged Mr Panda close to me.
"It's okay to be scared, sweetie. And it's good that you decided to come out clean."
"I don't want people getting hurt because of me." I could now feel tears coming up in my eyes.
"We all get hurt at some point in our lives, sweetie. That's why there is a time for everything. Just wait and see. After the storm, everything will be back to the way it was and everyone will forget about it. Besides, no one can stay mad at you forever, Sam. Not even me."
I smiled as a tear ran down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away.
"Thanks, mum." I sniffed.
"Don't cry, okay? You're a brave girl. Now, do me a favour and get a few minutes of sleep. You will need all the rest you can get."
"Yes, mum. I will."
"Bye, Sam. Tell me what happens, okay?"
"Okay. Bye."
I hang up and I quickly got up from the couch with Mr Panda and went back in the room, straight into the bed covers. I fell asleep in an instant with Mr Panda in my arms.
It must have been some time around 7:40 when I finally woke up. The sun rays shone brightly into the room that I had to shield my eyes with my hand from the light.
"Wakey! Wakey!" Zoey came over and sat next to me.
"Mmmm." I murmered as I turned around and covered my head with a blanket. "Leave me alone."
"You've to get up, Sam. We have a big day ahead of us."
"Isn't it a Sunday today?" I asked as I removed the blanket from my head.
"Sadly, it isn't, my dear kitty," said Zoey as she placed her hand on my head. "Looks like you weren't the only one praying for it to be a Sunday."
"Okay." I muttered as I sat up on my bed and rubbed away the sleep in my eyes.
"You know you have a lot of explaining to do, right?"
I yawned, then sighed. "I know. You don't have to tell me."
"So, start talking right now."
I looked at Zoey with wide eyes. "You want to talk now?"
"Ya. I'm still really worried about you."
Looks like I had no choice. This was it. Time to tell the truth.
"What I'm about to tell you, is going to crush you completely, Zoey."
Zoey turned to look at me with a serious look on her face. "What are you saying, Sam? Is it that serious?"
"It really is, and I feel bad that I have to tell you."
I hesitated as I looked down at my hands and played with my fingers. Zoey put her hand over mine and I looked at her.
"Just tell me, Sam. Even if it's going to hurt."
I closed my eyes bracing myself for impact. My heart was pounding so hard.
"It's about G-Dragon and I," I said. "I'm sorry to say this but...."
"You like him, don't you?"
I opened my eyes in shock. That wasn't supposed to happen. And what made Zoey say all that?
"I..uh...no, that's not it."
Zoey laughed. "Don't worry, Sam. I know how much you also like him. I'm not mad."
"Zoey, that wasn't what I...."
"Expected from me?" Zoey grinned as she flipped her hair to the side. "I know, you're surprised. I like him, you like him, the whole world likes him."
"Zoey, I..." Zoey placed her index finger on my lips to keep me from talking further.
"I know you feel guilty that you like him because I do too. Don't worry about it, because I know that you wouldn't try to steal him away from me."
I gulped. What was I going to tell her now? How was I going to her that G-Dragon liked me and not her?
"Aren't you worried that G-Dragon might just like someone else and not you?" I asked.
Zoey shrugged as she was deep in thought. "I haven't thought of it that way. I know that he only has eyes for me."
I wanted to slap my forehead in frustration but I gave Zoey a weird look instead. I couldn't blame her when you were blindly in love. But I had to stop this before it gets out of hand.
"Zoey, listen to me," I said as I looked at her in the eye. "I admit that I like G-Dragon, but not in the way you think. You on the other hand, need to know that...."
I paused. That was odd. The words were spilling out of my mouth just fine. What's happened now? I felt someone had just cast a spell on me and now I was tongue tied.
Zoey looked at me, irritated that I had stopped talking. "What do I need to know?"
What was wrong with me? I had so much confidence when I was talking just now and I still do. But now, I couldn't say anything. I opened my mouth to speak, but still nothing came out. Zoey shook her head.
"You're weird, Sam," Zoey stood up from my bed and went straight for the bathroom. "When you finally have the courage to tell me what you wanted to say, I'll be waiting."
Zoey closed the door and I heard the shower tap turn on. Oh no! I blew it this time and that just proves that telling her the truth was going to be a whole lot harder than I thought.
At least Zoey knew that I once liked G-Dragon, that's if she really took what I said seriously.
This was all so messed up and I felt like I was going nuts.
I stood up from my bed and started to pace up and down, thinking. What happened to me a few minutes ago? Why couldn't I tell Zoey the truth? Well, half of it, which is the most important part.
"It's not your portion to say anything to Zoey. And you know it."
Whatever my conscious was saying inside my head was true. G-Dragon did say that he will end things with Zoey and tell her the truth. Was that why I was tongue tied and I couldn't say anything? I had no any other reason as to why.
If that was the case, then G-Dragon better do it fast. The earlier it was, the better. Before Zoey really gets too much involved with him or else she would be shattered completely.
While I was trying to figure out what to do next, my phone rang and I went on the bed to reach out for my phone that laid on top of the drawer next to the lamp.
When I checked the caller ID, I raised an eyebrow. An unknown number. I wonder who it was?
I answered the call. "Hello?"
"Bonjour, mademoiselle," came a deep husky voice from the phone. The man had a French accent.
I held my breath. That sent a chill down my spine. Who was this? Dang it! I'm supposed to be asking that question, not thinking it.
I cleared my throat. "Hello? May I know who this is?"
The man chuckled. "Who I am isn't important. What matters is that we talk."
"Talk? Talk about what?"
"Did you check the photo I sent you?"
"Photo? What...?"
I paused when I realised the photo he was talking about. I had completely forgot about it.
"Oh!" I slapped my forehead. "I never downloaded it to see what it was." I raised an eyebrow. "What's the photo about?"
"If you haven't seen it, then it's best you see it for yourself. I can't tell you over the phone. When you see it call me or text, will you, sweetheart?"
Sweetheart? What was this guy playing at? What was the photo all about?
"Are you trying to blackmail me with the photo?" I asked.
"I wouldn't call it blackmail. But everything would be more interesting if you're involved."
"If I'm involved? What do you mean?"
I could soon hear the person hanging up and I growled. I looked at my phone like I wanted to break it. What was going on today? First, I had G-Dragon and Zoey to handle and now, I had this stranger calling me and making things worse.
I looked back at my phone and started to go straight to my messages. I checked the message I had received from the unknown man and I realised that I still hadn't downloaded the picture. I switched on my mobile data and started to download the photo.
"Sam! Zoey!" Lee came all of the sudden into the room. She almost scared me.
"Goodness, Lee!" I held my chest as my heart beat fast. "There is a thing called knocking, you know?"
"I know, I thought you guys were still asleep."
"No matter," I said. "We're all awake as you can see."
"Okay. Get ready, we have to leave for the studio."
I nodded and Lee left. I went back to looking at my phone. I frowned. The internet was so slow today. The photo hadn't finished downloading yet.
"I'm done," said Zoey as she came out of the bathroom in her towel. "You go get ready."
"I just want to see something first," I said as I pointed at my phone.
Zoey walked up to me, took my phone and threw it on her bed.
"Zoey!"
"Not a word, Sam. You're always the one telling me to get ready and be punctual, but you don't want anyone telling you anything. Just go take a shower. I wonder what's up with you today."
If only she knew. So many things were running in my mind that I couldn't seem to focus on one thing because something else would just pop up all of the sudden.
I went to the bathroom and locked the door behind me. Before I could undress and get into the shower, I went over to the mirror above the sink and looked at my own reflection.
I looked like I hadn't had sleep in days with all the dark circles underneath my eyes. I was deeply troubled, that's for sure. My problems just got increased by one if not by two.
G-Dragon and Zoey were my main problem to tackle today. And all of the sudden, an unknown stranger calls and tells me about the photo which I had no idea or clue about. And why he sent it to me was the most confusing part. If he wasn't blackmailing me, then what was this charade about?
After I took a quick shower, I quickly went back in the room and I went straight for my phone on Zoey's bed. Zoey had already dressed up and she went past me into the bathroom to get her makeup done.
I unlocked my phone. I was pretty anxious about the photo that even my hands were shaking. The photo must be done downloading by now.
Just as I unlocked the phone, it vibrated. Someone was calling me. Oh no! What now?
Seungri was calling. What could he probably want to talk to me about this early in the morning?
"Hello, Seungri?" I answered.
"Morning, my panda," said Seungri.
"Morning. How was your night?"
"My night was perfect, since I dreamt of you."
If I was myself, I would have blushed by those words. But now, I was as confused as ever and I didn't know what to say next.
"Oh, wow," I said, trying to act a little surprised. I hope he bought it.
"I've a little something I want to give you when you get to YG."
I smiled a little. At least out of all that was going on, Seungri managed to make me smile, which was quiet peculiar because he didn't say anything funny. I was already imagining another huge stuffed panda waiting for me.
"Can't wait," I said with a little laugh. "See you."
"You too."
He cut the line and I threw my phone on the bed. I decided to dress up first and have my breakfast, before Zoey came back in the room and start to pressurise me again. I had already pissed her enough this morning.
After I dressed up and Zoey had left for breakfast, I went in the bathroom to get my hair done and applied a bit of makeup to hide my dark circles. When I was done, I went back in the room and without a thought of making my bed, which I always did, I wore my black pumps, grabbed my phone and went out of the room.
Just as I got into the lounge, I made a bee line to the dining table. Everyone was at the table eating their breakfast.
"Someone isn't themselves this morning," said Collins as he watched me approach the dining table.
I knew he was talking about how late I was today. I was usually the earliest to be at the dining table.
"Sorry," I said as sat down next to Lee. "I was pretty bummed up, that's why."
"No pressure, just eat up, we have a lot of work to do today."
There was a variety of breakfast options today and I decided to take some cereal, which I haven't had in a while.
As I got the box of cereal and poured the contents in the bowl in front of me, I couldn't help feel all eyes were on me.
I looked up and just as I had guessed it, all eyes were definitely on me. What had I done now? I put the box of cereal down.
I looked at everyone at the table and when they didn't say a word, I shrugged my shoulders.
"What?" I asked.
Mike who sat opposite me cleared his throat. "You're eating cereal."
I frowned. "So?"
"But there is bacon and eggs with toast," said Daniel.
I was still confused. "So?"
"You usually don't eat cereal when there is bacon, eggs and toast," said Collins.
"And cereal is kind of like my thing," said Daniel.
I don't know if I just hit my head or I had now landed in Crazy Town. What was wrong with just having cereal for a change?
"I don't see the harm in eating cereal. I have oatmeal whenever I feel like it and that's still cereal," I said. "I just wanted something different for a change. Is that wrong?"
Everyone else looked at each other and then they looked back at me, shaking their heads.
"Thank you," I said as I got a jug of milk and poured into the bowl. "I haven't had sweet cereal in a while and I miss it."
"I can see that," said Zoey as she drank from her cup of coffee. I knew she was making fun of me but I decided not to say anything.
When we were done with breakfast, we headed downstairs in the lobby and the black SUV was waiting for us as usual. When we got in, I made sure to take the back seat with my brothers next to the window so that I would avoid people looking at my phone.
When everyone in the car was engrossed in some conversation that I had no interest in joining in or listening to, I decided to check my phone. The photo was done downloading and what I saw made my mouth drop and my eyes pop.
"What's wrong, Sam?" Mike who sat next to me asked.
I quickly pressed the power button on the side of the phone and blacked the screen. Mike was already leaning onto my side to see what was on my phone.
"Nothing, just some scary video," I said.
"May I see?"
"No. You won't be sleeping for the next two days."
"I've watched horror movies before. I can handle a little scare."
"No can do, bro," I said as I put my phone into my purse that I had decided to carry with me.
Mike leaned back and folded his arms. "Whatever."
I wish I could tell him and everyone else what was going on. But at the moment, I felt like keeping everything to myself, not after what I had seen.
Now that I had seen the photo, I had to meet up with the stranger and talk about all this. But where to meet the person and when was going to be a hustle. It was pretty obvious that I had to meet him alone.
Speaking of which, I still had to convince G-Dragon about telling Zoey the truth. Now how was I going to do that given the little time I had in my hands? We had a music video to prepare for and we had to start working on the choreography today. This was hectic. And I knew that if I was pushed further onto the edge, I would burst.
Time seemed so short, given that I was thinking of ways to do things today. The next thing I knew, we had finally arrived at YG.
My heart skipped a beat. I swallowed. This was it. G-Dragon was probably with the others waiting for us inside. For a moment, I didn't want to go in. But I had no choice.
As soon as I stepped out of the vehicle, I took a deep breath as I looked at the entrance. I felt like I was about to walk into hell and that frightened me.
"Are you okay, Sam?" Christine asked as she came to stand in front of me.
"I'm fine," I said. "I just realised that I haven't really thought of any ideas for the music video."
"You're aren't the only one," Christine said with a smile. "Let's just hope our minds will get to work on that when we get in there."
I managed to put up a smile, but I knew my mind wasn't going to be on full throttle today. How I wish this wasn't happening to me right now.
As I came into the lobby with Christine, we found Collins talking to the receptionist. The rest were heading towards the elevator and we joined them.
"You will be going up to the dance studio," Collins said as he turned to us. "The others are waiting for you there."
"Okay," the others responded. I for one felt really jumpy at the moment.
We all got in the elevator and Mike was busy talking about some dance moves he had come up with and I wasn't really paying attention though I did get one or two things.
We got to the dance studio while Lee and Collins decided to go upstairs to meet with Yang Hyun-suk. We checked a few dance studios before we finally found them.
"Hey, guys!" Zoey greeted so enthusiastically as we came in the room.
I was too lost in thought to even reply to the other's greetings until Seungri came up to me and hugged me. That brought me right back down to earth.
"Hey, what's wrong with you?" Seungri asked, still hugging me.
"I'm fine," I said, as I pulled myself away.
"If I know you well, you look pretty occupied in that head of yours," said TOP as he walked up to us.
"Tell me about it," said Zoey as she was now on the floor with Daesung standing right beside her and she was removing her shoes. "She's been weird all morning."
"How weird?" Taeyang asked.
"Too weird," said Daniel.
"Cut me some slack, guys," I said. I looked at Taeyang. "They are just saying nonsense."
"Says the person who was so late to wake up today," said Zoey.
"And ate sweet cereal for breakfast instead of bacon, eggs and toast," said Christine.
"And refused to give me her phone to check out what she was watching," said Mike.
I shrugged. "So? And Mike, seriously? Just over a phone?" I shook my head at my brother.
"It's not like you, Sam," said Daniel. "That's all we are trying to say."
I rubbed my forehead. "Look, guys, I'm just a little bummed out because of yesterday. Is that so wrong?"
"No, I think something is bothering you," said Zoey, still on the floor.
"I'm fine. Trust me. My mind is pretty tired."
"Come on, guys, let's not stress her out because of this," said Daesung. "If she says she is tired, then she is."
Zoey slapped Daesung's leg with her hand and Daesung looked down at her. "Don't try to defend her."
"I'm not."
Zoey snickered at him and I knew why. She still remembered the little incident yesterday with Daesung and me.
"Where is G-Dragon?" Daniel asked.
I looked around the room and I noticed that GD was the only group member who wasn't here.
"He went to get the choreographer," TOP answered.
"Now, Sam, about your little problem...." said Mike, turning to face me.
"Not now, Mike," I said as I folded my arms. "You can attack me later, just not now."
"Not to worry, my little kitty," said Seungri who stood right behind me. "Maybe this will cheer you up."
Before I could turn around to ask what he meant, I felt something settle at the top of my head. My hand reached up for whatever it was.
"A lovely crown for the lovely queen of k-pop," said Seungri.
I took the crown from the top of my head to look at it. It looked more like a tiara but it was big enough to be called a crown. It was silver and studded around with what looked like real diamonds. Perched in the middle surrounded by diamonds was a sapphire stone in an oval shape.
"Wait, are these real diamonds?" I asked as I turned to look at Seungri with a surprised look on my face.
"It is," said Seungri with a huge smile on his face. "And I know how much you value sapphire stones because it's your birth stone."
"Aww! Thank you so much, Seungri!" I gave him a hug and I couldn't stop smiling. Somehow, I knew he was going to brighten up my day today.
"So pretty, let me see," said Christine, as she came and took the crown from my hand. "Wow!"
"I want to wear it," said Zoey as she got up from the floor and rushed to look at the crown. Christine put the crown on Zoey's head.
"Don't I look like a true queen?" Zoey asked as she looked at her reflection through the studio mirrors that lined up the walls of the room.
"You look like that evil witch in those fairy tale fantasy movies," said Mike.
"Haha, very funny," Zoey said as she turned to look at Mike.
"When did you even have the time to get it done, Seungri?" I asked, still a little surprised.
"I have my way of doing things just to impress you," said Seungri with a corky smile.
"Thank you. You don't know how much you just made me smile."
"It can clearly show on your face." Seungri softly pinched my cheek and I blushed.
"I should get my own crown," said Christine who also wore the crown and was looking at herself in the mirror.
"May her royal majesty get her crown back?" Taeyang asked as he came behind Christine and took the crown from her head. He came up to me and put the crown on my head.
"Oh, hail the queen!" Taeyang chanted and I broke into a laugh, playfully hitting him on the shoulder.
"Stop it, will you? You're making me blush," I said, trying to cover my laugh with my hand.
"You look just like a real queen, Sam," said TOP.
"Thanks." I was still blushing like crazy.
"Let me take a photo," said Daesung, pulling out his phone.
"Ya. The whole world should see the queen of k-pop," said Zoey.
"Are you really calling me that?" I asked.
"We did win last night, didn't we?" Zoey asked. "Of course I'm calling you that."
I rolled my eyes. "I wasn't really taking it that seriously. It was nothing but a game."
"A game we won. Cheer up. We are all kings and queens with you."
I looked on at Zoey trying to smile as best as I could, but somehow I couldn't.
She couldn't tell the look on my face because she didn't even ask. Daesung went ahead and took pictures of me, and then we huddled together as a group to take a group photo with me in the middle.
"Hey, what's going on here?" G-Dragon asked as he came in the room.
"Taking photos with the queen," said Daniel.
"The queen?" G-Dragon looked confused until he saw the crown on top of my head. "Oh..."
"It's pretty, isn't it?" Zoey asked. "You should also get me one."
"I can make a gold one if you want," said G-Dragon.
Zoey smiled. "Even better."
G-Dragon turned to Taeyang. "The choreographer is going to be here any moment now. So I suggest we bring out your ideas if you have any. We can start without him and he will find us."
"Mike told me over the phone earlier that he had some brand ideas," said Taeyang.
"Ya, I do," said Mike. "You guys just watch. I have the song in my phone so I'll play it from there."
We all stood on one side of the room while Mike took off his jacket and got his phone to search for the track. He gave Daniel to hold the phone and when he positioned himself in the middle of the room and turned to look at us.
"So, I was thinking, since G-Dragon and Zoey start the first verse, they should open up the dance floor. So, I need someone to act as Zoey so that I could show you guys."
Christine came forward and Mike gave her a few instructions on what to do. She nodded her head and Mike told Daniel to press the play button on cue.
With Christine and Mike each facing opposite directions with their backs touching, the music started to play. Still not looking at each other, the two started the dance with each of them taking a step forward, breaking the contact between them and then like a powerful force pulling them, they dragged themselves back and they again their backs touched.
With a bit of skilful footwork, they turned to face each other and with their hands, they drew closer and then skidded away from each other with their hands in the air.
"Then you guys will come in through the middle then make a formation in front."
"That's pretty awesome," said Taeyang.
"Very smart," said G-Dragon.
"Let's practise that," said Zoey taking G-Dragon's hand and taking him in the middle of the dance floor.
"I'll take you through the moves," said Mike as he faced them.
"Your brother is a total genius, isn't he?" TOP asked as he stood next to me.
"Ya, he is," I said with a smile.
The door soon opened and the person who I guessed was our choreographer walked in. We stopped what we were doing and bowed as he came further in the room.
"So, I see you guys are already getting started," said the choreographer.
"Yes, we are," said Seungri.
"Okay, let me see what you have done so far."
Mike and Christine stepped forward and the music playing on Mikes phone, they did the dance routine. After their hands broke apart, Mike explained how the rest of us will come in the scene.
"Mmmm," the choreographer looked on at Mike as he tapped his chin. For a moment I thought he was going to say something bad, but he didn't.
"I like it," said the choreographer. "So far, the starting part is brilliant. I wouldn't have thought of anything better. Now let's see if Zoey and G-Dragon could quickly work on their moves then we will come to the part when everyone comes in."
Zoey and G-Dragon took to the center and with Mike telling and showing them what to do, they did so accordingly. After a few tries, they got the hang of it and they were perfect.
"Excellent," said the choreographer as he stood in front of us. "Now, when they break apart, that's when the rest of you guys come in through the space in between them like a doorway. We will come in a straight line and then make a formation in front of them."
We did as the choreographer said and the next hour, we were practising our hearts out for the music video. We made a few mistakes here and there, but we got the hang of it.
A few minutes later, most of us were splayed on the floor after the choreographer announced that we can take a break with some of us with our backs on the floor and staring at the ceiling. Others were seated.
"This is why I hate dancing," said TOP, laying opposite me staring at the ceiling.
I laughed, also staring at the ceiling. "I love dancing. It just makes you forget about all your problems for a while. It's kind of like sleeping."
"Ya, true," said Christine who also had her back on the floor and laid a few feet away from me.
Speaking of problems, I completely forgot about that French guy.
I quickly scrambled up from the floor passing Mike and Taeyang who were seated on the floor and still talking about the dance moves. I went to the corner of the room where we had piled up our shoes and phones and my crown. I got my purse and removed my phone.
I sent a message to the stranger telling him that I had already seen the photo. Thinking that he would reply later on, he repiled in an instant. That was fast. I imagined he had been waiting for me to either call or text.
"Good. We should meet."
Was this guy serious right now? I was really busy and meeting him didn't sound like a good idea. I texted back.
"I can't see you today. I'm kind of busy."
"But this is a very important issue, Sam."
Great. He was calling me by name now? How I wished I knew his.
I texted, "what happens if I don't meet with you today?"
"You're one smart girl. I don't have to explain because you know what will happen when the whole world sees this. It's today or never. And never comes with consequences."
I growled. This guy had put me in a tight corner and I couldn't refuse.
"Fine. I'll tell you when to meet when I'm done."
"That's my girl."
I wanted to throw up. I bet this guy was way older than me and him calling me his girl made me nauseous.
As I tucked my phone back into my purse, I looked up and everyone was still resting. Luckily their eyes weren't on me. I went to lay back down with TOP when I realised that Mike and Taeyang weren't the only ones engrossed in their own conversation. G-Dragon and Zoey were too.
I looked at them and unlike the others, they were whispering. I wondered what they were talking about in secret.
When they both turned to look at me, they quickly looked away again. My face turned pale. Oh, no. Were they talking about me? Their look sent me weird vibes and I couldn't help but feel that they were.
I laid back down pretending that all was alright. I stared up the ceiling as I thought. Could it be that Zoey was telling G-Dragon about the conversation the two of us had in our room this morning?
Yikes! If she did, then I had just made a bigger mess for myself, again. If I'm right, (hoping that I'm wrong) G-Dragon wouldn't like this at all. We agreed that he would tell Zoey everything. And just a few hours ago, I had almost told her the whole truth. So much for trying to be honest.
Still in my own thoughts, the door to the studio opened. Collins, Lee and Yang Hyun-suk came in.
"I see you guys are bummed out," said Collins with a smirk on his face as he looked at each of us.
"Ya, we are," said Seungri, his back also on the floor.
"Okay, guys, sit up, we have something to tell you," said Yang Hyun-suk.
Most of us who were on lying on the floor sat up and looked on intently at our managers and Lee.
"We came up with where we will be shooting the music video," said Yang Hyun-suk.
"Where?" Christine and Daesung asked at the same time.
"Caribbean Bay," answered Collins.
"Caribbean Bay?" I asked with my eyebrow raised.
"It's not the only place we would be shooting the video," said Lee, tilting her head at me.
"But it would be more likely that we would shoot it at Caribbean Bay?"
"That's right," said Yang Hyun-suk. "Do you think it's a bad idea?"
"No. It sounds great."
"Well, the song is based on fun," said Zoey. "And we did have fun there."
"Well, not for some of us who ended up playing cop," I said, replaying in my mind what a hectic time I had that day.
"Haha, that was fun," said Daniel, staring off into space with a smile.
"So, you finish up the choreography today and then we can start shooting the video on Monday."
"But can't we meet tomorrow?" I asked. "You know, to perfect the dance and all?"
"I don't think people will like to meet on a Sunday," said Collins.
"True," said Taeyang.
"Okay," I said, feeling a little disappointed. That meant we had to finish up and perfect the dance routine today. And I don't know what time we will be done.
"Okay, we'll leave you guys," said Yang Hyun-suk.
After the three had left, we went back to what we were doing, waiting for the choreographer to show up because he was coming in with some backup dancers.
While we waited, G-Dragon came over to me, his head hovered over my sight as I still laid down on the floor. I looked up at this face and couldn't make up the expression on his face.
"Sam, we need to talk," he said, as he looked down on me.
He sounded serious and I couldn't say no. I tried not to show that I was scared but I could feel my body tremble. All I did was nod my head.
"Let's talk outside," he said and he went ahead of me out of the room.
I got up from the floor and I realised that everyone was looking at me now, obviously wondering what was going on. I ignored them and none of them asked anything as I stood up from the floor and walked out of the room.
I found G-Dragon three doors down the hall, obviously trying to avoid anyone from listening to our conversation. I quickly walked up to him with his back facing me. I stopped a few feet away from him taking extra precaution not to be too close.
"I'm here. What do you want to talk about?" I asked.
G-Dragon turned to look at me and I could see he was upset. It was good that I wasn't that close to him in the first place.
"It's about Zoey," he said.
I gulped. "Zoey must have told you what happened this morning, didn't she?"
"She did," he said as he nodded his head. "What's up with you lately? Didn't we agree that I would tell her everything?"
"Sorry, I just.... I couldn't keep lying anymore."
"Really? That's all you can say?"
"Well, it's the truth. And besides, I never told her that you liked me, because I couldn't bring myself to."
"But you almost had."
"Yet I couldn't."
"Zoey is right. You're been acting really weird today. Weird enough to tell her the truth when you know I was supposed to do it."
"Well, you were taking too much time and I couldn't help myself seeing the way how angry you were yesterday and now."
"And so telling the truth would help solve my anger issue? Or are you jealous of Zoey because she is happy with me?"
I paused before I could say, "what?"
"You heard me loud and clear, Sam. As though kissing Daesung wasn't enough, you're now trying to take matters into your own hands."
Oh no. He knew Daesung and I kissed. I wonder how he found out because I didn't tell anyone about it. Not even Zoey.
"Wait, that's not true," I said.
"Which one? You kissing Daesung or taking matters into your hands?"
I now realised that I was stuck. This time I couldn't tell if he was sure that I had kissed Daesung or he was trying to test me to see what I would say to prove his assumption right. But there was no point in hiding now. The truth was bound to come up sooner rather than later.
"Aren't you going to answer? Which one of the two?"
I sighed. "You're being ridiculous, GD."
"But I'm not and you know it." He took a step closer. "Now answer the question. Which one?"
"If you want to hear it, then fine. I did kiss Daesung but it's not what you think."
G-Dragon took a step back. "I knew it. You tell me you want nothing to do with me and then you kiss my best friend who is like a brother to me!"
"You wanted the truth, didn't you? You got one! But backstabbing you wasn't what happened."
"Then what did happen?"
"All of this is nothing but a misunderstanding. I never went back on my word. Things just happened that I myself couldn't control."
"Don't lie to me, Sam."
"You know what, I'm trying my best here to try and tell you the truth but you're acting like a deaf person blocking my words out. I knew from the very beginning that I could never be with you nor with Daesung and I have accepted it. I talked about that with him yesterday. That's why he kissed me."
G-Dragon shook his head. "So you're saying that he kissed you and not that you kissed him?"
"Yes. But I know you won't believe me. Unlike you, at least Daesung realised and accepted it for himself that he and I could never be together."
I looked at G-Dragon and I knew I hit the spot. I just hope that what I said would make him understand.
"The sooner you accept all this, the better it would be for all of us," I said.
I turned around to head back for the studio. As I walked away, I realised that I wasn't upset or angry. I was frustrated and my problems were far from over.
When I came back in the studio, all eyes were on me as soon as I walked in. I could tell on their faces that they had heard the entire conversation.
"Sam, are you okay?" Taeyang asked.
I didn't want to beat around the brush. "No. I'm not."
I came in further into the room and sat down on the floor, not looking at the others.
"You and G-Dragon were arguing," said Zoey as she came to sit down beside me. "Would like to talk about it?"
I looked at Zoey. "I'm certainly not the one to tell you what's going on."
I went back to looking at the floor. My chin rested on my knees and I hugged myself, lost in thought.
I heard the door open behind me and I knew G-Dragon had come into the room. At the corner of my eye, I could see Zoey turn towards the door.
"Care to explain to us what's going on?" Mike asked G-Dragon. "You two argued and we could hear you guys down the hall."
"It's nothing," I heard G-Dragon say.
"It's nothing? Looking at both of your faces, something did happen," said TOP.
"Look guys," I said as quickly stood up from the floor and turned to face them. "Tell me if I'm wrong, but you guys heard the entire conversation, right?"
No one said anything and they had guilty looks on their faces. That settled it.
"I'm sorry you had to hear all that," I said as I scratched my head. "We shouldn't have been so loud."
"Why didn't you two tell us all this before?" Seungri asked.
I didn't say anything and neither did G-Dragon. We looked at each other and then at the others who were waiting for either of us to say something.
Before anyone could break the silence, the door to the studio opened and the choreographer came in with some backup dancers and pretending like nothing happened, we went back to practising.
I don't know how I managed to go through the entire dance session without making a mistake. Not after what happened some minutes ago. Now that everyone knows what's been going on between G-Dragon and I, it was supposed to affect me in some way but it didn't. I felt bad, but right now I had to keep my head in the real world and not mess things up.
It was lunch time and again we took a break. We were almost done with the dance routine but I was so tired, I wondered if I would be able to meet up with the unknown stranger.
Now that we were on a break, no one said anything to each other even after the choreographer left with the backup dancers. As much as I would have loved to say something to the others concerning the argument, I couldn't. It was just too awkward for me.
Zoey cleared her throat first. "Mmmm, so are we going to talk about this or are we going to have lunch?"
I looked at Zoey. "You and G-Dragon have a lot to talk about." I then turned to face G-Dragon.
"Sam's right, Zoey," said G-Dragon.
Zoey looked a little downcast as though she knew to expect the worst.
"Well, you guys can talk if you want," said Seungri, "but I'm hungry."
"Ya, me too," said Daniel.
"We can order a pizza," said Christine.
"Good idea," said Taeyang.
As though they couldn't stay in the room any longer, the others walked out, leaving Zoey, G-Dragon and I in the room. I couldn't blame them. There was too much tension going on and I couldn't help to think it was entirely my fault.
A few seconds later, when I knew that the others had gone, I also left the room with my purse and crown without saying a word. Zoey and G-Dragon had a lot of talking to do and I would come back for that later. And while the others had plans for lunch, I had other plans of my own.
As I walked down the empty hall, I called Lee and she picked up immediately.
"Hey, Sam, why are you calling?" Lee asked.
"A lot has happened today that I need to tell you, Lee," I said, keeping my voice down in case there were any people snooping around.
"What? What's happened?"
"Everyone now knows the truth about G-Dragon and I. They heard us arguing."
I could hear Lee gasp and I pictured her ready to drop and faint. "For real? Oh, gosh, this is bad."
"That's not the worst part," I said as I found myself at the end of the hall going down a flight of stairs. "A weird guy called me today and I need to meet him."
"Huh? What for? Who is this guy?"
"Like I said, he is weird. Something bad came up and if I don't meet him soon, a lot of us are going to be toast especially with the press."
"Is he blackmailing you or something?"
"I'm not sure if I can call it that. But if I'm affected too, then it kind of looks that way. Do me a favour and meet me at the back of the building."
Lee paused. "Why? You aren't going to meet him, are you?"
"I've no choice and I would better do it now because we are going to be here for a while until we are done with the dance routine. Bring me a pair of sunglasses, a cap and a scarf."
"What will you need that for?"
"Trust me," I said as stopped on the stairs. I wasn't too sure which floor I was on at the moment.
"Okay, fine. I'll see where I can get those."
"Thanks, Lee. Don't tell anyone."
I cut the call and this time, I ran down the stairs with a new found energy. I was tired from all the dancing but I had some reasonable ounce of energy left in me.
I reached the bottom of the steps. I had reached the ground floor. There was a passage behind the stairs which lead to a door. The back door, I presume. And in front of me was a short passage which lead to the lobby. I could hear a few voices that I could recognise.
I went over to look, making sure I had my back against the wall. I took a peek and I saw The Toxins and BigBang in the lobby heading out. They were going out for lunch instead of ordering it from here. Before I could turn around and head for the back door, I ended up hearing their conversation.
"I wish Sam could have told me what was going on," said Christine.
"How could we have known?" Daesung asked. "Sam and I just talked about it yesterday, but she never mentioned G-Dragon."
"I'm just surprised that you kissed my sister," said Mike. For some reason, I was surprised that he wasn't upset like I thought he would.
"Well, whatever she did that for," said Taeyang, "she will tell us eventually."
"Should we go back for her and see if she would come with us for lunch?" TOP asked.
"No, I bet she wants to be alone for a while," said Seungri.
"I think so too," said Daniel. "But just in case, we would order her and the others a takeout. Sometimes Sam would starve herself without even realising it."
The next thing I knew, their voices became distant. I peeked again and I saw that they had already walked out of the lobby.
I was expecting them to be mad and all, but they didn't seem like they were. Maybe they were just hiding it and they would throw all of their anger on me later on. Who knows?
Throwing that thought out of my head, I quickly went back down the hall, heading for the back door. I hope it wasn't locked. I swung the door and it opened. Lucky me. Now I had to wait for Lee to show up.
There were still more vehicles parked at the back of the building. Some of which were delivery trucks. I waited for Lee on the slab with my back leaning against the wall. I could hear the sound of the vehicle's engine coming from the front and I knew the others were leaving until I heard the noise fade away.
In what seemed like forever, Lee appeared around the corner of the building with her handbag. When she spotted me, she quickened her steps.
"It's about time," I said with my arms folded.
"Don't act all grumpy on me," said Lee. "So as to let you know, finding what you wanted wasn't all that easy."
"Okay, thanks," I said as Lee gave me her bag and I gave her my crown and purse to hold. "Hold this."
"Oh, wow!" Lee marvelled as she looked at my crown. "Who gave this to you?"
"Seungri," I answered as I rummaged through the bag to get the items out.
"This is so pretty. These diamonds look so real."
"They are," I said as I put the blue baseball cap on.
"So sweet of him to do this," said Lee. She looked at me. "Are they all still inside?"
"They have gone out for lunch. But Zoey and G-Dragon are talking in the studio. Hopefully things will work out okay. Though I highly doubt it will."
"Things are really bad, huh?" Lee asked with a sad expression on her face.
"Ya. And they are about to get a whole lot worse. Wish me luck." I put on the sunglasses and the light scarf around my neck. Lee gave me back my purse.
"Okay. Tell me how everything goes," said Lee. "Want me to escort you out of the gate?"
"Ya, that will be a good idea," I said. "Leaving me alone would be dangerous and who knows what the guards might think when they see me."
Lee and I started to walk and we turned around the corner finding ourselves back at the front parking lot. As we were heading towards the gate, Lee started some random conversation and I played along making sure not to look suspicious in front of the guards who didn't seem to be paying much attention. I made sure that they didn't notice my face.
When I finally managed to get out of the gate, Lee wished me luck. I nodded my head and walked away from the YG gate and down the street.
I had to admit, I was so scared. For one reason, I had no idea where I was going since I hadn't fully known the place and this was the first time I had to walk around in the streets by myself. Going around alone was too dangerous for me and I was crazy to think I would manage on my own.
After walking a few blocks away from YG, I reached the crosswords and I stopped at the traffic walking sign. I looked around and so far, no one had recognised me under my little disguise. When the robot indicated 'walk' I crossed the road with a few people and got to the other side of the street.
As I walked, passing a shoe shop, I took my phone out from my purse and called the unknown man.
"Ah, you finally called," said the stranger who had answered after the first ring. "I've been waiting."
"Ya, I figured," I said, looking around hoping that no one noticed me but the cap hid my face
pretty well. "I've no idea where to meet you and I'm not so familiar with the place."
"Not to worry, dear. I already see you. Nice disguise by the way. I can hardly tell it is you under that baseball cap."
I froze as I soon looked left and right and across the street hoping to see him. But I couldn't spot out any French native among the midst of Koreans. Feeling a little out of place, I figured I might just be the odd one around here too.
I heard him laugh through the phone and I could tell he was making fun of me. "Not to worry, Sam. Be careful or you might just blow your cover."
I gritted my teeth. "Just show yourself. Where are you?"
"I'm right here."
"Right where?" I looked around and still nothing. People walked past me and I got frustrated. "Don't try play games with-"
My sentence was cut short when down the road, a fancy black shiny Bugatti parked at the edge of the concrete slab right in front of me. I looked on with my mouth agape. I have always admired fancy cars but this was one hell of a ride.
A smartly dressed looking chauffeur came out of the driver's seat and came to my side. With his white gloved hand, he opened the door to the passenger's seat.
"You may go in, mademoiselle," said the driver in deep French accent, as he bowed.
At first I was dumbfounded and I didn't know whether to run and head back to YG, or just go in and get this over with.
A few heads turned my way and I could only imagine what people must think of a Bugatti and a smartly dressed chauffeur waiting for me to go in. Strange, I suppose and a little suspicious too.
I managed to awake from my slumber and got in the car before people fully start to look at me and figure out who I was. As I got in, a nice car smell wafted in the air and into my nostrils. The chauffeur closed the door and went to the driver's seat.
"Samantha Glasson, nice to finally meet you at last," came a deep voice.
With my eyes, I looked at the person sitting right beside me in the passenger's seat. For a moment, I was scared. But when I looked at the man fully, my face fell.
He looked to be in the same age group as me but maybe two years older. I guessed in my head that he must be 24 or 25. He had gorgeous blue eyes like the colour of the sea and brown short curly hair. His dashing lips were lifted up into a smile and under that navy blue suit of his, I could tell he was one who had one heck of a body.
I hadn't said a word and the car started to drive down the road when the young man offered his open hand. I stared at it and noticed a shiny gold Rolex on his left wrist. Who was this guy?
"Aren't we going to shake hands?" he asked.
I opened my mouth but then closed it again knowing that it was pointless to argue. I took his hand and shook it, scared that I might receive a shocking zap from the contact.
"And you must be the guy I was talking to over the phone?" I asked.
"Yes, a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." He lightly pressed his lips on the back of my palm and I blushed as I slowly withdrew my hand.
"I'm sorry we had to meet under such awkward circumstances," he said as he leaned back in the fancy leathered seats. "But I needed to talk to you, and fast."
I looked at him and realised that all his was just too surreal. This wasn't what I was expecting. I was expecting a man much older than me and rafia looking. This guy right beside me looked like one of those handsome Greek gods we hear about in mythical tales.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked with the corner of his lips raised up to a smile.
"I...uh." Yikes! I was caught looking at him. I blushed and turned to face the window beside me. "Nothing. This wasn't what I was expecting."
There was silence and I didn't want to look at him. He was obviously looking at me and that made me play around with my fingers because I was nervous. Then I realised something.
"You never told me your name," I said as I looked at him. Dang it! I wasn't supposed to look at him.
"Oh, silly me. Where are my manners? I'm Derrick."
"That's a weird name, given that you're French."
"I was born in the States and my parents preferred giving me this name even though they are both French. I grew up in France almost my whole life and my parents are people who like to travel a lot for business. Building their business empire is what's so important to them."
"I can clearly see that," I said as I wondrously looked around in the car.
My expression might have amused him because he chuckled. I blushed as I pushed my glasses further up my nose and folded my arms.
"This is going to be fun," he said to himself.
I changed the topic. "About the photo, why did you want to see me?"
"Can we talk about this over lunch?"
"Lunch?"
"Yes, lunch."
A moment ago, I wasn't in the mood for lunch. But now that he mentioned it, I was starving.
"Lunch sounds good. But not in the open. I don't want to grab any attention."
"Of course. I figured you would want that. Given that no one knows where you are anyway."
I raised an eyebrow at him. "You've been following me the whole time, haven't you? That's how you have been able to find me on the street."
He gave me that dashing smile of his. "Of course. I just had to. I knew sooner or later that we would meet. I had to come prepared."
"That's sounds creepy if you ask me," I said as looked out the window. "So, where are we going?"
"My apartment. It's much safer there."
"You own an apartment?"
"Like I said, my parents travel around for world and South Korea, is one of their favourite spots."
"So, it's their apartment then and not yours."
"They have their own apartment and I have mine."
"Oh." I couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
"Here we are now," said Derrick as he looked out of the car window on his side and followed suit.
It was a huge apartment building kind of like the ones famous people live in. The car took a turn and went down the road to an underground parking lot.
After the car parked, the chauffeur quickly came out and opened the car door on Derrick's side. Derrick came out and I followed. Before I could step out of the car, Derrick held out his hand to help me out. I took his hand and I came out of the car.
Derrick lead the way, still holding my hand, to the elevator and the chauffeur stayed behind with the car as he watched us go. I couldn't help but feel that the chauffeur had been smiling at us from the time we got out of the car.
Derrick pressed the elevator button and when they drew open, we stepped in at the same time.
When the door closed, I withdrew my hand from his. He pressed the button to his floor and I felt the elevator move.
"So, about that photo, I need to know what's going on," I said as stared at the floor.
"What do you want to know?" Derrick asked. I could feel his eyes on me.
"Everything," I said as I looked at him. "But one thing I don't get is why you're involving me in all this."
"But don't you want to know what's going on?"
"Well, ya, I do! You're the one who sent me the photo so I'm curious. Do you know what? It was best you didn't send it to me in the first place."
"Why?"
"Maybe then I wouldn't be here."
The elevator doors flew open and in front of me was a lavishly looking hall. The white painted hall and the bright lighting above made the hall look angelic that if you were to see it for yourself, you would think you had just stepped into heaven.
I stepped out of the elevator and beautiful paintings lined up the walls. I noticed that the doors leading to other people's apartments were white doors with fancy looking gold plated handles. The floor of the hall was covered with a soft red carpet.
"This place looks nice," I said as I walked down the hall.
"I know," said Derrick as he came up behind me. "My apartment is the door at the end of the hall."
I looked down the hall and there stood two huge white doors. I walked up to it and just as I was about to turn and look at Derrick, the right door flew open and in front of me stood a smartly dressed butler. It's like he knew I was coming.
"Welcome, mademoiselle," said the butler as he stepped aside and and with his hand, he gestured to come in.
For a moment, I hesitated. Until I felt Derrick behind me.
"Ladies first," said Derrick.
I gulped and took a step into his apartment.
"This place is very nice," I said when I looked around the foyer and I when turned round the corner, there was lavishly looking sitting room with creamed coloured sofas with a glass coffee table and I huge smart screen TV pinned on the wall.
I looked to the other side and there was a fancy looking table with a beautuful chandelier above it. Beautiful artistic pictures filled the place and there were beautiful flower vases with orchids.
"I see you like orchids," I said as I went over to the flower vase close to the sitting area and looked at the orchids. They were fresh and lovely.
"I know you like roses," said Derrick as he stared at me.
"Almost everything that celebrities like and don't like are always found on the internet." I rolled my eyes at him.
"True, but I can tell what a woman likes and doesn't."
I gave him a smile that showed how impressed I was.
"Lunch is ready, sir," said the butler. "Should I serve the food?"
"Yes, please," sad Derrick.
The butler bowed and left for the kitchen. I continued to look around and I went over by the windows to look down at the city below. We were so high above the ground.
"Is it just me or are we on the last floor of this building?" I asked.
"We are," said Derrick who came to join me by the window. "This place is lovely, isn't it?"
"Ya, it surly is." I knew he meant Seoul.
"Food is ready, Master Derrick," came the butler behind us.
"Shall we?" Derrick gestured his hand towards the dining table and I walked up to it with him following behind me.
As we got to the dining table, Derrick pushed back a chair for me and I took my seat, removing my glasses and cap putting the glasses in my purse. I said thank you and he sat at the head of the table right next to mine.
The butler had served our plates on the table and just by looking at the cutlery and napkins laid and folded neatly I couldn't help but feel I was in some kind of fancy fairytale. The table was set to perfection and the wine glasses next to the plates were spotless.
Dishes of food were lined in the middle of the table and my mouth couldn't help but water. If I wasn't in such an elegant apartment, I would have just dug in and started to eat. I was really hungry. But for now, I had to act like a lady.
The butler helped to serve the food and I didn't hesitate eating right there and then. I made sure not to eat too much and take my time.
"This was really good," I said, after I was done with my food.
"France's finest traditional dishes," said Derrick with a smile.
"Now, about the issue at hand," I said, wiping the corner of my mouth with a napkin as the butler came to take away my plate and also Derrick's.
"Let's talk then," said Derrick.
"First of all, I need to know why you sent it to me."
"Because as much as you don't want to get involved, it concerns you more than you can ever imagine."
I shook my head as I got my purse and removed my phone. I went to the gallery and checked out the photo.
"How does this have to do with me?" I asked as I showed him the photo.
The photo showed Zoey in a some place that looked like a garden or a park and in front of her stood a man I couldn't recognise. His face was hidden because his back faced the camera and whoever had taken the photo, took it behind some bushes so it was hard to make out who he was. But there was something completely odd about what I saw in the photo.
"I know this isn't really supposed to concern me," I said as Derrick looked at the photo and then back at me. "Who was Zoey with?"
"That's my brother," Derrick answered.
Now that was a surprise. Derrick had a brother?
"Wait? Brother?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Sadly, yes," said Derrick clearing his throat.
I looked at the photo again. "So, you're saying that, this happened the time Zoey went to Paris with G-Dragon and the others? And this person in the photo is your brother?"
I still couldn't believe it when Derrick nodded his head at me.
"You never told me you had a brother," I said, looking at Derrick.
"We don't really get along," said Derrick.
"That figures," I said as I rolled my eyes. "Why?"
"We have been different from each other since we were kids. You can't even tell that he and I are brothers."
"So, what's do you think he wants with Zoey?"
"I have no idea but I know it's something serious."
"So, you're just assuming all this or what?"
"I know my brother very well. I know something is going on between the two of them. I had my suspicions during the Chanel fashion show."
I then remembered the time Zoey came back to Korea the following day after the fashion show. She was acting all weird and the way she had hugged me surprised me a little. And so did the others. Were these guys really in trouble?
"Are my brothers and Christine involved in this too?"
"I can't be too sure. You have to ask them."
"But that's strange. If it's something so serious as you put it, they would have told me. I don't see the reason why they would hide."
"If it's anything concerning my brother, I suggest you find out what's going on and fast. I don't like it."
"But what if all this isn't that serious? In fact, what makes you think your brother is that dangerous enough to hurt us?"
Derrick leaned back on his chair as he looked at me and I waited for him to answer.
"My brother isn't one person to mess around with. He is one person who threatens when things don't go his way."
"You think he is threatening Zoey?"
"He did visit Zoey in that café, didn't he?"
"Wait! That was him?"
"Yes. I was there."
"You were there too?"
"Yes. That's when I thought you should help me out with this."
"But what if I can't?" I folded my arms
"Zoey is your best friend, isn't she?"
"She is."
"And wouldn't you like to help her out?"
I was frustrated with the questions. "I would. But if she didn't tell me, then maybe it's not that serious."
"And do you really think she would?"
I thought about his question for a moment. He was right. Some people wouldn't tell the truth just to prevent the ones they love from getting hurt. Maybe that's what Zoey did and I was too silly not to have realised it sooner.
"You're right," I said as I looked at my hands on my lap. She wasn't the only one who kept secrets.
"Have you tried talking to your brother about this?" I asked.
"No. He doesn't know that I'm onto him. And knowing how he is, he isn't going to tell me anything."
I tapped my fingers on the table and I took the glass of water that was next to me and I drank.
I had to think of something fast and I was running out of time. I had to get back to the studio within thirty minutes.
"Before I go, tell me all you know about what happened in Paris," I said as I looked at Derrick, giving him the eye. "And don't leave anything out."