The plane carrying the YG high schools students safely landed on Jeju International Airport.

As part of the schools tradition, this spring, the students were brought to Jeju for their school excursion. The second year students were the rowdiest as they arrived and got down from the airplane.

There was one particular group, however, that was put into trouble because of one of them. She was none other than the forgetful and timid Sandara Park who, this time, forgot one of her luggage at the airplanes cabin.

CL and Bom were already pissed off for waiting for their friend. They were already standing for almost half an hour waiting for Dara who went back in to get her luggage. The airport staffs only allowed one person to get in.

After more than half an hour, Dara finally got out with her luggage behind her.

YA! Ssantokki! Do you need to be this careless?! Bom scolded, her hands on both of her waist.

Unnie, calm down, we know how Dara is, CL said.

Sorry, Dara apologized timidly. I was sure I left it on the cabin above us, but it turned out that one of the stewards already got it and put it with the other luggage.

What!? CL gasped, totally losing her cool. Out of the three, shes the calmest. You should have told us!

Alright, alright! Scold me later! Theyre waiting for us! Dara said, pulling her friends along with her.

Of course they are! They will surely freak out when they find the reason why it took us so long! Bom scolded.

Yes! For all we know, they already left us! CL said.

Hey, you two! Stop shouting! Dara complained.

After a second passed, the mood totally changed when Bom remembered something, stopping Dara from taking another step forward, as if there werent anyone waiting for them.

Bom pulled Dara and draped her arm over her shoulder. I have news, by the way. Guess who youre sitting with on the bus, Bom said. She did not wait for Dara to respond as she was totally clueless. Its Jiyong!

Dara totally jumped out of surprise, knocking their luggage to the ground.

Isnt it great? To be able to sit with one of the Tom and Jerry brothers? Bom said, clapping her hands together. Im so jealous of you and CL. She sits with the other Tom and Jerry brother, Seungri.

The back-to-her-quiet-self CL, started walking, pulling the still-shocked Dara and the excited Bom. But, Bom, arent you seated next to TOP?

Bom scratched her head. Oh yeah, I guess its fine, then.

What would I do? Of all people, why did it have to be Jiyong? these were Daras thoughts, while she was still being pulled. She was oblivious that they arrived at where the bus was waiting for them.

She turned to Bom. Bommie~ wont you change seats with me?

Bom lazily stared at her. Though it was the popular Jiyong they were talking about, she and CL were on a mission to help Daras discomfort around guys. And they thought that this was the best time.

She crossed her arms, trying her best not to be tempted by Daras offer. No way, Dara. It has always been like this, dont you think?

Dara clasped her hands in front of him. Please, please, please~

Suddenly, a scoff was heard somewhere. Three eyes shifted their gazes to the source, where Jiyong was comfortably leaning his elbow by the window of the bus.

Am I being hated? Jiyong asked, smirking.

The three girls faces mirrored the same expression theyre doomed. They were heard by the person himself. Its like the worst crime ever to be caught talking behind someone elses back.

Dara was walking slowly by the aisle of the bus. She was glad that their teacher wasnt there to scold her. It was only the driver along with the students, who were waiting for them.

Hey! Hurry up and sit down. Youre blocking the way, Jiyong said.

Her heart suddenly gave a leap. She turned backwards where her friends were already seated. They both mouthed a hwaiting! to her.

Ookay, Dara said, reluctantly, settling herself on the comfortable seat of the bus.

The bus started zooming off and for a while, Dara let her thoughts wander off. She was nervous as hell, thinking that she was beside THE JIYONG that every girl dreams of having. She knows most girls would kill just to be on her place.

What should I say? To break the silence? she thought. She was becoming uncomfortable with the silence. But it wasnt silent at all. All of the students inside the bus were noisy, goofing around, laughing like there was no tomorrow, shouting even though they were just seating next to each other.

So, why didnt you want to sit next to me, Sandara Park? Jiyong asked, closing their distance from each other.

Dara was caught off guard, hearing him actually talk to her. But what really shocked her was when he actually called her with her full name. She couldnt believe that someone like Jiyong knew someone like her.

Ah! I see, so its like that, Jiyong suddenly said, not wanting to wait further for her response. He leaned back to his seat and smiled knowingly to himself.

What? Dara asked, suddenly getting nervous.

You like me, right?

What?! Dara was shocked with what he just said. And he, sitting there with a knowing smile plastered on his face, didnt help to ease the nervousness she felt that time. Its not like that!

Jiyong stared at her; the same smile didnt leave his face.

Dara looked down, embarrassed to be stared at by him. II cant talkproperly withboys. I get nervous, I panic, and I start to stutter, she said honestly. An-And Ji-Jiyong-ssi is a very popular boy. So, I was thinking that unlike me, there should be a lot of girls who want to sit here.

Because Dara was still looking down, she was oblivious that Jiyong was already reaching out to her.

*POKE

KYAAAA! Dara shouted as she felt a finger poking her arm. She scooted farther and stared at him with horrified face.

Jiyong was smiling at her. Then he brought his finger to his lips and pressed it to them. Dont say something like that. Youll surely get bullied.

Her eyes widened hearing that. No way!

Jiyong! a voice suddenly filled their ears. Dara and Jiyong turned their heads and saw someone smiling over them. He was leaning his arms on Jiyong and Daras backrest. You shouldnt bully girls!

Dara was staring at him, trying to pinpoint who the guy was.

Suddenly, he turned his head towards her. Right?

Dara gulped as she stared at him, choosing to remain silent.

Seungri is so laidback, a voice said from somewhere.

Ah, so, hes Seungri. Isnt he Jiyongs-

Her thoughts were interrupted when Seungri spoke again. Ah! Sorry for suddenly jumping into your conversation, he said, reaching out his hand and shook it. Im Seungri. Jiyongs younger brother. Nice to meet you!

Seungri was shaking Daras hand way too roughly that she thought her arm would be detached from its socket. It looked like Seungri was excited knowing her.

My my hand! Dara yelled in her mind.

Unknown to them, the guy beside them was just watching their get-to-know moment.

The next day

The bus had a stopover as they decided to eat lunch before strolling around Jeju. Some of them started to take pictures once they finally finished eating. Some were chatting with each other. CL and Bom went to a nearby store to shop while Dara preferred to just sit at a bench.

Im tired, she said the moment her butt got into contact with the bench. Then her thoughts wandered off. I just dont get boys.

Youll get bullied, Jiyongs words echoed her mind. She remembered Jiyongs face while saying that. His knowing smile was never rubbed off his face. It was as if he knows something. And it bothers her. But what bothered her the most was that her heart was thumping too hard against her chest.

Wait! Whys my heart beating so fast? Thats strange! she thought, unconsciously squeezing the bottle of water she bought a while ago.

Ah! Theres something attached to it, she thought, examining something hanging by the neck of the bottled water. She pulled it off.

A hand suddenly snatched it from her. But she refused to let go. Suddenly, the one who tried to snatch it from her showed his face. It was none other than Jiyong!

The next thing she knew, Jiyong was already holding her hand, or perhaps, he was trying to loosen up her hand so that she would let the thing go from her hand.

Wh-What is it? Dara asked, not able to hide the nervousness on her voice.

Amazing Jiyong said. Its Gaho! he looked up at her with a wide smile on his face.

Dara couldnt help but to be amazed at the pair of tantalizing eyes before him and a sweet smile on his lips. He was sincerely happy.

G-Gaho? she asked, unsure of what she heard. It sounded weird to her ears, anyway.

Jiyong looked down at the cellphone strap on her hands, while still clutching her hand, not wanting to let it go. Its my dog. Its amazing how theres something like this. It exactly looks like him!

He looked up at her again.

Amazing. I think this is rare.

Dara wasnt able to blink after that as she was busy staring at Jiyongs handsome face. He was too happy that his smile reached his eyes, creating a cute pair of crescents on his face.

Hes even making a face like that, Dara thought, amazed at this side of Jiyong. Err I dont really need it. So Im giving it to you.

Jiyongs eyes immediately widened. Eh? Really? he asked. He was too happy that he wasnt able to process his next actions. He immediately wrapped his arms around Daras body and hugged her tight. Youre the best, Dara!

Dara shouted, as she was caught off guard. Stop!

Ah, sorry, Jiyong said, but he sounded insincere. And he even tried to hug her once again.

Geez, no more already! Dara complained, pushing him away. How can you be perfectly fine with doing those kinds of things?

Jiyong rubbed his nape and looked anywhere but Dara. So-sorry for being so sudden

Dara could only stare. Hes shy

Jiyong rummaged for something from his pocket. Ah, Ill give you this, then, he said as he showed two candies on his palm. Though its not much, its thanks for the cellphone strap.

Jiyong then gave her the candies. Dara just stared at them.

When youre tired, its good to have sugar, right? he said before leaving.

Even if youre so cool and being looked up to by many, Dara thought while watching his retreating back. Somehow, its cute. She couldnt help but smile.

She was watching Jiyong secretly, as he was laughing at some jokes by his companions. And here I thought I was going to get bullied, as he said. It turned out hes like a kid to get into so much high spirits by simple things.

Dara unwrapped one of the candies and put it into her mouth, tasting the sweetness it brought. She smiled and thought. I shouldnt run away just because hes a boy. I need to be able to face him properly. Dara was already sitting on her assigned seat in the bus. She stared at the empty seat beside her and smiled at Jiyongs phone sitting on it. Along with it was the cellphone strap.

Ah! Hes using the strap already.

Ah, Dara! I mean, Sandara! Jiyongs voice filled her ears. He then took his seat beside her. Thank you so much for the cellphone strap!

No problem. Its good that you took it, Dara said, smiling at him, trying her hardest not to blush, as she usually does around boys. AndumDara is fine.

Dara? Jiyong said.

This time, Dara smiled sincerely. Yup.

Jiyong could just stare at her sweet smile. It looked like her face was shining.

Were leaving now! a teacher called up ahead. Squad leaders, start with the roll call!

Yes, sir!

Okay!

Jiyong was looking out of the bus window. Hes hand was clenched on his chest as he tried to control the heavy beating of his heart. He gritted his teeth, annoyed at how his heart could not seem to calm down.

Crap, he mumbled.

The group was then divided and they were allowed to go sightseeing. Dara, Bom, and CL, along with their partners, Jiyong, T.O.P, and Seungri were strolling the city together.

Waa! Its so amazing and beautiful! Bom gasped.

They reached a photo studio with mannequins dressed in hanbok were displayed. The girls were leaning their hands flat on the glass while admiring the beauty of the traditional Korean clothing. They wanted to try too.

Hey, do you want to try this? Bom opened up, the first one to find her voice after being amazed.

It would take a lot of our time, though, CL said.

Its fine, ladies, Seungri said, butting in.

Yeah, TOP agreed. We want to see you, girls, dressed in hanbok too.

The group didnt notice Seungri joining Dara, who was the only one left with her palms flat on the glass and was still amazed with the displays.

Oh, theres a discount for couples. If a girl is paired with a boy, they pay half, Seungri said.

Jiyong, who was standing behind the others and was seemingly uninterested for their sightseeing, suddenly whipped at the two people who looked like they wanted to be swallowed whole by the glass. He frowned at first, but when Seungris words finally registered to his mind, a smile formed on his lips.

Then, lets take photos with our pair! Bom suggested, clapping.

Dara snapped her head towards her friend.

Okay? Seungri, who was equally excited, joined Bom. Everyone approves, he declared, not waiting for everyone to respond.

Dara could only stare at her friends idea.

Then, were going first! Jiyong spoke for the first time. He draped his arm over Dara and pushed her gently. So lets go, Dara.

Jiyong opened the door and they went in.

Welcome! the girl behind the counter greeted.

Excuse me, we saw you have a couple discount, Jiyong said.

Wa-wait Dara stuttered, not liking Jiyongs idea. She started wiggling free as she felt her face flush. But Jiyongs grip on her shoulder was tight and she could not get away.

Jiyong leaned close to her, too close that only an inch can be seen between their faces. Sssh. We need to pretend to be a couple, right?

Dara stared at her in disbelief. Pretend? I dont-

Jiyong pressed his finger on his lips to shut her up. Just follow my lead.

Her face became deep red as she felt his finger against her soft lips. She gulped hard.

Am I being made fun of again? she thought. My cheeks are hot. I cant take it anymore. Why is my heart beating so fast?

Shes ready, the assistant called out. The door of the dressing room opened and out came Dara in her red and black hanbok. She looked stunning with her traditional dress. Her beauty just radiated with it.

Her friends could only stare. But Bom started to squeal in delight as she stared at her beautiful friend. Jiyong, on the other hand, was still staring at her in awe. He, too, was clothed in his red and black hanbok. They were a matching couple with their hanboks.

Dara lifted her eyes from the ground. The moment she stepped out of the room, she refused to lift her eyes. Somehow, she felt nervous how, not her friends but only Jiyong, would react seeing her on those clothes.

But when her eyes lifted, they immediately met Jiyongs. She felt herself blush as she realized Jiyongs expression looking at her. Suddenly, Jiyong lifted his hand to reach out to her.

Dara he said, a smiled already plastered on his face.

For some reason, I felt relieved, she thought. She further wondered why she felt nervous of Jiyongs reaction the moment she would come out. -------Okay, if youre ready, Im taking it! the photographer called.

Dara and Jiyong were already standing side by side in front of the camera. The photographer instructed them to hold hands and look sweet. But Dara did not like that. Her heart was

thumping too hard to her liking. She also felt her face warm as it was tainted with faint pink. Adding to that, her hand was shaking even though it was held by Jiyong. She didnt know, and would not want to ask, if Jiyong knew how nervous she was.

Smile, the photographer said behind the camera.

Dara lifted her eyes. Yes, she said, voice shaking. She suddenly got more nervous when she noticed that all of her friends were watching. Boms eager face, T.O.Ps anticipating face, CLs smiling face, and Seungris impassive face.

Im being watched, she thought.

Hmmm the photographer straightened his thumb and index finger rubbing his chin. Her expression is stiff.

Omona~ even they can tell that my face is stiff. Ottokae? My face is cramped, she thought, panicking.

Jiyong cleared his throat upon looking down at Dara who had her face firm alright. She looked funny, but he stopped himself to laugh. He was thinking of ways how to make her relaxed but couldnt make up one.

Suddenly, a finger poked up behind the photographers head, when the latter bent down again behind his camera. It turned out, it belonged to Seungri. He wiggled it behind the photographers head. The photographer was oblivious of what was being done behind his back.

Dara and Jiyong stared at Seungri who was acting innocent and was only whistling. Then he faced the couple and flashed them a wide smile.

The photographer, sensing that something was wrong, straightened up and looked behind him. Seungri hid his hand behind him. He then looked anywhere but the photographer.

What are you doing, Seungri? Jiyong mumbled, as if Seungri could actually hear him. Suddenly, he heard a chuckle beside him. He looked down at Dara who had a genuine smile on her face. Her chuckle became giggles, later.

The camera then flashed.

That smile just now was great. It was natural, the photographer complimented. With this, were done, eh?

Dara and Jiyong were staring at the picture on Seungris hand. They were already walking along the streets of the city.

Next time, hyung, you should look ahead. The cameras not on Daras face, Seungri commented.

But, it was great, wasnt it? CL chimed in.

What is? That picture would have been perfect if only Jiyong here looked at the camera. Instead, his eyes were on Dara, T.O.P commented.

Aish! Boys can really be clueless at times, Bom chimed in. Look at Jiyongs eyes, they were tantalizing. His eyes were lovingly on Dara, as if inspecting her perfect feature and all.

That made Dara blushed. She stole a glance towards Jiyongs direction. It turned out it was bad move because he was actually trying to steal glance towards her way too. Dara immediately looked away, embarrassed. Jiyong smiled to himself.

Instead, Dara turned towards Seungri. Ah, Seungri-ssi. Im really grateful that you made me smile back there.

Hmm? Sure thing, Seungri said, smiling at her. That aside, Dara-ssi, you have an amazingly cute laughing face.

The comment totally caught her off guard, she immediately blushed. Geez, what are you saying?

Its the truth, Seungri insisted. It was so cute, my chest squeezed.

Eh, whats this? Bom asked. Seungri-ssi, have you fallen in love with Dara?

Seungri looked beside him where Bom was squealing. Fallen for her? Well he started, then stared back at Dara. Maybe!

Dara was shocked hearing this. Maybe, he says. Yah! Seungri-ssi! What are you saying?

Aah! Dara, your face is bright red, CL noticed.

Dara stared at her then back to Bom. She started hitting Bom on her arms. She then ran away and hid behind T.O.P. The latter was just watching the two chasing each other.

Hey, Jiyong! What do you think about Seungri and Dara-ssi? T.O.P chimed, making Bom and Dara halt on their spots.

Somehow, Dara found herself interested and anticipating on what Jiyong had to say. She slowly turned her head towards him. To her surprise, he was smiling.

Well Jiyong started.

Dara immediately looked away. She didnt want him to see her anxious expression. Why was she anxious, anyway? She did not know herself. I dont like this, she thought.

I think theyll look good together, he finally said.

Daras eyes widened a bit but she tried to compose herself to not make it obvious. She felt her heart squeezed by some invisible hand.

An authorization from the older brother himself, CL said, her face masked by some unknown expression.

Really, thats cool, Seungri joined.

What will you do, Dara? Bom enthusiastically asked her friend. But she was surprised to not get a response. She was more surprised to see her spacing out. Her voice softened before calling her. Dara?

Eh? Dara turned to her.

Bom was too pumped up, Dara-ssi. That was all, T.O.P interrupted, noticing her pale face.

Oh, Dara nodded at T.O.Ps words.

Suddenly, Jiyongs phone vibrated, indicating a call. He picked it up. Yeoboseyo? he greeted. Eh okay, Ill come right away.

Hyung, what was it? Seungri asked the moment Jiyong dropped the call.

Well, a girl from group B called and asked help from me. So, Ill go, ahead, Jiyong said.

Huh? Whats with that? Thats definitely a lie, Bom said.

Its just an excuse to call Jiyong-ssi so you would go with them, CL said.

Why not call Sunseng-nim instead? T.O.P suggested.

Jiyong was thoughtful for a while. Well, I can do that too, but he trailed off as his eyes shifted towards Dara who has been intently listening to their conversation. He then turned around, instead. I think Ill just go. Ill get back in time for the assembly.

Just now, what was with that expression? Dara asked herself as they all watched Jiyongs retreating back. Could he left because I dont know what to think anymore. Whats wrong with me?

Oblivious to her tears, she choked out a sob. Her friends eyes were all on her.

Dara? it was T.O.P who first voiced out.

Whats wrong, Dara-ssi? Seungri asked finally.

Her girlfriends started panicking as they surrounded her to comfort her.

Why am I being like this? Does he hate me? I dont know. Maybe Im just overthinking it, but I dont want Jiyong to hate me.

Has Sunseng-nim gone? Bom asked while they were already on the bed.

Yeah, CL answered, as her ears were on the door, listening for footsteps.

Lets turn on the lamp then, Bom suggested.

This was what the drawback of being on a school trip. The teachers are too strict that they order their students to sleep before ten or earlier. As teenagers, they would want freedom, right? So, they would pretend to comply, and then if theyre sure that the coast is clear, they would decide to stay up late with their friends.

Like what CL, Bom, and Dara did.

CL and Bom were sitting on the bed, legs folded.

Dara, CL called.

Dara turned her head towards the two. They were wearing too serious expressions that it scared her. Oh, scratch that. She was used to CLs serious expression, but Boms was a different story.

Sit here, Bom ordered, pointing the space in front of them.

Despite of suspicions, Dara complied. Okay, she said, as she climbed the bed.

Bom? CL turned to her friend, who seemed to could not take it anymore. She looked like she would blast off anytime from forcing herself not to smile.

Bom suddenly jumped towards Dara and hugged her tight. Dara! Congratulations!

Dara gave her a slight shriek, trying to stifle her being surprised, or else they would wake the teacher up.

CL was also stifling her laugh. Bom then spoke, Im really happy, Dara. We can finally have conversations about love.

Co-conversations about love? Dara asked.

Bommie! Stop that, youre scaring her, CL scolded. Back to the main agendum, isnt there something youre troubled about, Dara?

Dara blushed as she looked down at her lap. Her fingers were curling up. They were truly her best friends. They knew something was wrong with just some silence. They would always notice it.

Sensing it was useless to keep it from them, Dara decided to speak up. II have someone in my mind.

CL and Bom were silently anticipating to what she was going to say next. But she remained silent.

Realizing that she needed some push, CL reached out and landed her hand on her knee. Jiyong?

Dara flinched, shocked that they had figured it out. Yeah, but its weird. I dont really know Jiyong-ssi. Just yesterday, we talked for the first time. And yet, Im suddenly falling in love with him. Will he think Im not serious? she was already crying without her notice.

Dara! Dont talk like that. Timing has nothing to do with love! Bom scolded.

Dara shook her head. Anyway, Im an idiot for falling for Jiyong-ssi.

Persistent knocking interrupted their conversation. They jumped on their places as they let out a slight yelp. They were too engrossed with their conversation that they forgot it was past bedtime already.

Crap, Bom cursed. They found out were still up?

Thats some amazing knocking, Dara said, as the knockings were still continued.

Is that really, Sunseng-nim? CL asked, trying to keep her cool. She then started standing up. Wait, Ill go and see who it is.

But, before CL could even open it, a voice was heard behind the door.

Dara! the voice called, alarm was on the owners voice.

The door opened and Jiyong immediately stepped inside, without thinking about it twice, even though he knew that this was a girls room. He was panting hard as he rested his hand on the wall.

Daras heart immediately gave a leap, seeing Jiyong in that state. He looked like he was scared with his flushed face. Beads of sweat were on his forehead.

Jiyong pulled Dara from the bed. Sorry, let me borrow Dara for a while.

Eh? Dara was shocked as she was already dragged out of the room. But before disappearing, she looked behind her.

Fighting! Bom shouted, while CL was just standing in the middle of the room.

Dara and Jiyong were strolling outside of the hotel. The chilly night gave out a creepy feeling as cold wind gushed against their faces. Once in a while, Dara would shiver, but the warm hand entangling with hers warmed her up a bit.

I heard you cried, Jiyong started, not wanting to be suffocated by the awkward silence.

A thump was felt against her chest. Y-Yeah.

Im sorry, he said.

Eh? No, its-

But you know, he said, interrupting Dara. I was really annoyed that you blushed because of Seungri. In front of me, youre always frowning. So how can you laugh so freely with Seungri? Jiyong gasped suddenly. Crap he mumbled under his breath. Thats not it. I sound completely jealous.

Unknown to him, Dara heard every word he said, even the latter parts. These overwhelming emotions Dara started to weep. She tried to wipe the tears away but every time she does, new ones fall. Im happy.

Dara called Jiyong, who just noticed the tears.

Jiyong pulled Dara and lifted her head towards him. In a second, their lips met. For a while, they thought the world had stopped moving. For a while, they were the only persons in the world.

Dara, I like you very much, he whispered to her lips, even as he kissed her.

Jiyong pulled away and hugged Dara towards his chest, where she could hear the heavy thumping of his heart.

I want to talk more I want us to be together Jiyong whispered, caressing her hair. Will you be my girlfriend?

At first, Dara was wide-eyed, totally speechless. She did not see this one coming. But eventually, she closed them as she savored the moment of being with Jiyong in his arms.

Yes, she said against his chest.

During this field trip, Daras first love was born. This love will live inside of Dara and Jiyongs hearts for eternity, always shining.