The 8th Brother - (K-Idols & Celebs x OC/Male Reader)

Chapter 67 - A shot of First Love

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"What?! Sojiro did that?" Seiichi blurted out and surprised after hearing what Sojiro did couple of days ago. He also spill out some of the tea he is pouring into his cup.

"Yeah... that's what Haejoo told me when I visit them the other day.." James replied while handing out a napkin to Seiichi.

The two best friends are currently having a breakfast in a hotel restaurant located in one of the most luxurious hotels in the city of Seoul. Seiichi invites James whenever they had some free time as both of them are busy with their own work, and while Seiichi is still in Seoul. Seiichi is busy with some business transactions as the Okiya Group expansion in Korea is on its way. Meanwhile, James is busy with his shows, dramas, hosting events, and voice acting.

"So, I guess Sojiro has been stalking Haejoo for quite some time now" Seiichi is wiping the tea he spilled on the table.

"That what it seems like. I mean why would he be in the same restaurant and be at the right moment to save her. " James resume eating his breakfast.

"I guess Sojiro really have.. a thing for that girl Haejoo" Seiichi remarked.

"Told ya~ why else would he spend a lot of money to buy a kimono from Chiso? He could have just buy a simple kimono which is a lot cheaper.." James replied and Seiichi nods, agreeing to his point.

"What about Haejoo? do you think she have a thing with Sojiro too?" Seiichi asked.

"Hmm.. I guess. We kinda have a little talk about it when she received the kimono, and she was mostly speechless and blushing when I translated Sojiro's letter for her.." James replied.

Since Seiichi doesn't know what Sojiro's letter contains, James have to quickly tell him what's in it while he tries to remember every words. Seiichi is shaking his head and giggling most of the time while listening to Sojiro's letter.

"Haha.. 'See you in Spring when the cherry blossoms blooms', and 'Don't forget to wear the kimono', what the hell he means by that? he wants Haejoo to fly to Japan on her own to have a date with him?" Seiichi is laughing hard while quoting some of the things Sojiro wrote in the letter.

"Haha, that's an expensive first date" James chuckled.

"He should have said, 'I will fly back to Seoul in Spring to pick you up and let's go together in Japan to see the cherry blossoms'.. that is the better way to say it" Seiichi is still laughing as he suggests.

"Easy for to say, you own a private jet. Only you can pull off that pick up line" James laughingly scoffed.

"Hey, if Sojiro can afford to buy an expensive specialized kimono for someone who is not even his girlfriend, surely, he can afford a plane ticket as well~" Seiichi reasoned out.

"Well, that's right.." Janes giggles.

"You should have taught him how to get girls since you're good at it~" Seiichi teasingly laughs.

"Eh?! Wha.. hey what the hell do you mean by that?! I only dated two girls, how can I be good at getting girls?" James got a little flustered, and Seiichi is laughing at his reaction.

"Yeah, but the one you got right now is considered a great, not to mention unbelievable and impossible feat. I mean you got... probably the prettiest kpop idol out there. How you get Irene to be your girlfriend still baffles me~" Seiichi laughingly remarked.

James smilingly sighed and let out a small laugh, "We've been a couple for almost 5 months now, and sometimes it is still hard to believe she is my girlfriend".

"Lucky bastard~" Seiichi laughs.

"Yeah, I do get lucky" James smilingly said.

"Care to share some of the things you did?..." Seiichi asked.

"Eh?" James is confused on what Seiichi is talking about.

"You know, the techniques and pick up lines you used to get Irene" Seiichi chuckled.

"What the--" James burst out laughing, and Seiichi burst out laughing as well after realizing that it is a little bit childish thing to ask. Soon the two best friends are laughing together at their table.

"Like I told you before, I didn't do any of that. Well, not that I know of.." James laughingly told him. "Hey, we're talking about Sojiro's love life, why it suddenly becomes mine?" James chuckled.

"Alright, let's go back to our creepy stalker brother" Seiichi giggles as resume eating.

"Give him a break, maybe he's just shy and doesn't know how to approach Haejoo.." James told him, and Seiichi just giggles. "Although it's hard to know if there's really something going on. We are just assuming things" James remarked.

"Hey, do you want to find out more about what's really happening?" Seiichi smirked.

"I'm listening.." James laughs a little.

"Why don't we stalk the stalker? Let's follow him wherever he goes and see it for ourselves.." Seiichi told him.

"Oh, I'm in!" James didn't took a second to come on board with Seiichi's plan.

"So, are you free tomorrow?" Seiichi asked.

"Oh no, I can't. I have a taping of Knowing Brothers tomorrow. Then the next two days is Block B's concert" James replied.

"Damn, you're more busy than me~" Seiichi laughingly commented.

"Haha, sorry. Wait.. what about next week?" James suggests.

"Sure! We extended our stay for one week anyway.." Seiichi told him.

James and Seiichi then plan out everything over breakfast. It's not their first time scheming something like this. They really seem eager to find out what's happening between Sojiro and Haejoo. And they are going to find it using their own ways.

Seiichi decided to extend their stay in Seoul for the reasons that he wanted to have one more week of vacation and for another business opportunity. The timing is also right because by the start of the month of February, James will in his busiest month of his career yet. That is why whenever James have a free time, Seiichi will ask him to hangout, just like what they are doing right now.

Several minutes later, James and Seiichi had finished their breakfast..

"So are you up for dinner later?" Seiichi asked as he is walking James to the hotel's main entrance.

"I'm not sure yet. I'll call you if the script reading finished early" James replied.

"I thought the script reading was more than a week ago?" Seiichi asked.

"No, that's for the script reading of Miss Hammurabi. The script reading later is for Something in the Rain.." James explained.

"I see. Well, don't embarrass yourself in front of the other actors" Seiichi chuckle and pats James shoulders.

"I'm already nervous on meeting Son Ye-jin later, so yeah.. thanks for the good luck~" James told him and laughs in a rather sarcastic way.

"Haha you'll be fine. Just have fun!" Seiichi smilingly laughs.

"Alright, I'll see you around. Thanks for the breakfast and car service" James thanked and fist bumps Seiichi as he starts walking towards the car that is waiting for him outside of hotel.

"No problem. Send my regards Irene noona and to the girls as well" Seiichi said to James.

"Want me to tell Wendy noona that you have a crush on her?" James turns around and teasingly laughs at his best friend.

"Eh? Oyyy, I never said that I have a crush on her. All I said is that she is pretty. I also said that Seolhyun and Hayoung are pretty" Seiichi told him.

"Yeah.. but the way my ears heard it, they choose to hear that you have a crush on Wendy noona~" James laughs and continue to tease Seiichi.

Seiichi laughs as he shakes his head and yelled out, "tch~.. baka!! I hope you mess up reading the script later!".

"Arigatou!!" James giggles and yelled back as he gives a thumbs up before he went inside the car.

James is off to his next appointment before the script reading for the other drama he is in. Seiichi asked his personal driver and one of his guards to pick up James after he invited him for breakfast. He then also offered James a ride to his next appointment. Since James used to work for the Okiya family, he is close to the driver and bodyguard, and this is also like a little reunion with them as well, not just a car service.

..

..

..

About 30 minutes later James arrived at his next appointment.

"Ginshiro-san, Shinta-san, arigatou!!" James thanked the driver and bodyguard for giving him a ride.

"You sure you don't want us to wait for you? We can drive you around to your other appointments" Ginshiro, the driver, said to James. "Yeah, we're not doing anything today since Seiichi-sama have no appointments today, he is just going to stay at the hotel and rest" Shinta, the bodyguard, added.

"Daijoubu~" James smilingly replied to them. "You guys just rest or go sightseeing, although it's really cold, so I think it's better to try some restaurant and order hot meals like kimchi-jjigae" James suggested.

"That sounds great" Shinta remarked and looked at Ginshiro. "Any place you recommend?" Ginshiro asked James.

James spend one more minute in the car to tell them where the good restaurants are. He also give the names of other good restaurants if they want to try some other food. Most of the restaurants are James' favourite places to go get good food for an affordable price.

..

"Annyeonghaseyo~" James head straight to the reception area and politely greets the receptionists.

"Annyeonghaseyo Mr. James~" the receptionists warmly greeted James back. "Oh, you don't have to log anymore, you have VIP access here" one of the receptionist said to him.

"I know but everyone have to do it. My visit should be recorded and it will only take seconds to do it anyway, so why not? haha, gwenchana~" James just smiled at the receptionists. "Oh, wait.." James remembers something, then put his backpack down and get something inside.

"Here, I baked this last night. I hope you girls will like it. I'm not sure what are your preferred sweetness, if it's too sweet, mianhae~" James shyly explained while handing the cookies to the receptionists.

"Omo~ kamsahamnida!!~" the mood of the receptionists visibly brighten up even more upon seeing the cookies that James is giving to them.

"Have a nice day!" James smiled and bows to them before heading to the elevators.

"Kamsahamnida~" the receptionists thanked James again.

James also give out cookies to the two security guards guarding the hallway to the exclusive elevators.

"Irene-ssi is really lucky. I wish I can find a guy like James~" one of the receptionists remarked while watching James having a little chat to the security guards.

"Well, it's obvious why Irene falls in love to him despite being surrounded by handsome idols and celebrities" the other receptionists commented.

"Yeah, I understand Irene-ssi. I would do the same~" the receptionists remarked.

..

James went inside the exclusive elevator to go to the 5th floor. He is currently at SM building to visit his girlfriend. Red Velvet is very busy with their upcoming comeback, especially now that there's only a few couple of days left. Because of this, Irene's time is tied to their hectic schedule of rehearsals, photoshoot, recording, and more rehearsals. This time, James is the one who is going to do a surprise visit.

For a number of reasons, James have a VIP status or rather pass in SM entertainment, meaning, he can visit anytime and go in and out of the building without having an appointment. The first time James got a VIP pass to SM is because of Jonghyun, in which Jonghyun never put out James' name in his list. And recently, James sort of got a permanent VIP pass when Irene put his name in her list, under the category of Family.

..

James arrived at the 5th floor and he is walking in the hallway when he bumped to some of his idol friends. Some of the members of NCT is heading to the elevator to go to the cafeteria.

"Hyung!! Annyeonghaseyo!!" Taeyong, Jaehyun, Ten, Yuta, and Mark greeted James.

"Annyeonghaseyo~" James smilingly greets the five members of NCT and gives each a fist bumps.

"Hyung, let me guess, you're visiting Irene noona?" Jaehyun chuckles.

"Well, there's no point denying it~" James laughingly replied. "By the way, where you guys going and why all of you looked exhausted?" he asked them.

"To the cafeteria to get drinks for everyone" Mark replied. "We're practicing some choreos" Ten added.

"Oh, you guys preparing for a new album?" James asked.

"Ne, hyung! It's a big one also because there will be a new unit and new members will be added as well" Taeyong answered.

"Eh? a new unit? and new members?" James was actually surprised and a little confused.

"Ne~" Taeyong nods, "NCT 2018, it's a project where all 18 members are a part of.." he explained. James is just looking at them all confused. The five members of NCT are laughing at his reaction.

"I'm still confused on which members belongs to what unit, and now there's another unit and new members? There's NCT 127, Dream, U, and now 2018. From this point I think you guys should just name everything to NCT WTF, because I don't know what the hell SM is trying to pull off" James told them, and the members of NCT burst out laughing.

"You guys know what, add me as the leader of NCT WTF. I'll be in the music video just walking around and doing stuff while all of you are dancing and singing. People will be like 'What the fuck is he doing in the group?', the name of the unit will be the disclaimer" James laughingly said to them. Him and the five members of NCT are dying from laughter in the hallway. "The goal of the unit is for the people to literally starts thinking What The Fuck is going on, hence, NCT WTF" James laughingly added.

"Ohh~" NCT members actually likes the idea even though James is just joking around.

"Then on music shows, everyone will just be standing and do nothing on the stage while the song is playing. When the song finished, everyone will exit the stage. and what will the viewers will say after watching it?" James smilingly asked them.

"What The Fuck!!!" Taeyong, Jaehyun, Mark, Ten, and Yuta, all said in unison before burst out laughing.

"Aigoo~ mianhae for stopping you guys. You should go to the cafeteria now, the others are waiting for the five you" James apologized while calming down from laughing.

"Gwenchana hyung~" the five members of NCT are still giggling.

"Oh, wait I have something for you guys.." James put his backpack down and also give cookies to the members of NCT. "Mianhae, there's not enough for everyone, but there's like 10 pieces in each pack, so there's at least 2 pieces for each members.." James explained as he gave them 4 packs of cookies.

"It's okay hyung, don't worry. Kamsahamnida~~" the members of NCT politely thanked James for the cookies.

"Alright, I'll see you guys around and good luck with the preparations. Fighting!~" James smilingly said to the members of NCT and also cheering them.

"Kamsahamnida hyung! fighting!~" NCT members energetically thanked James.

..

..

*knock knock*

James knocks to the dance studio where Red Velvet members is currently practicing for their comeback. Last night, James called the managers of Red Velvet if he can do a surprise visit even for just a short time. The managers gladly allowed him and actually helped out to plan his surprise visit.

Members of Red Velvet have no idea that they going to have a surprise visitor during their practice. Especially Irene, all she know is that James is going to have a breakfast with Seiichi and hangout with him until the script reading.

"Annyeong hyung~" James greets one of the managers of Red Velvet who is waiting for him at the door.

"Annyeong, come in, come in~" the manager smilingly greeted him. He is also whispering and asked James to enter quietly. James just nods as he quietly enters the dance studio. Everybody else noticed James when he enters the room, except for the members of Red Velvet, as they are focused on rehearsing.

James is also a little surprised because it seems like all of the staff members of Red Velvet are in the dance studio. James hides behind Red Velvet managers and some of the staff while trying to peak out the members of Red Velvet who are currently practicing and perfecting the choreo for their comeback.

"Ohh~" James mutters to himself as he can't helped but to be amazed while watching the girls dancing.

"Are you ready?" one of the managers whispered to James.

"Ne~, noona" James nods.

"Araseo, just simply walk back there and just wait for Irene to notice you" the manager chuckled as she points where James suppose to go.

"Ne, araseo~" James shyly giggled. He then slowly starts walking to the spot where the manager pointed at.

Red Velvet members are currently in the middle of the song. They are practicing their dancing and singing that is why all their focus is at themselves. All of them are looking at the reflection of themselves in the huge mirror in the dance studio, perfecting their dance moves, the timing and executions of each steps. The staff of Red Velvet are quietly waiting and excited on how Irene will react when she finally noticed that James is standing at the back. Some of them already pull out their phones to record it. A few more seconds later...

"♫sanghwangeun jom dallajeo~ juwireul maemdoneun---.... Eh?!... OMO!!~"

Irene finally noticed her boyfriend standing at the back. Irene was actually doing her rap part at the second refrain or verse of the song Bad Boy. She is actually walking up to the front and across while doing her part, and that is when she got a glance of a very familiar figure standing at the back. Irene stopped midway in her part of the song, she then stopped looking at the reflection in the mirror and looked behind her, and saw that James is really standing there.

"huh? wae?" the girls briefly got confused why their leader suddenly stopped. They immediately looked to where Irene is looking and they finally saw why she got distracted. "WAHH!! OMO!!" the girls then squealed. The staff of Red Velvet happily squealed and started clapping.

"Annyeong~" James smiled warmly and brightly at Irene. Seeing that his girlfriend is shocked and stunned in her place, he starts walking towards her with arms widespread, ready to hug her. Irene can't stop smiling and she knew that she is blushing really hard so she shyly cover half of her face.

"Surprise~ hehe" James hugs Irene. And Irene returns the hug tightly as she really misses her boyfriend whom she haven't see in almost three weeks. "You look so cute and sexy. Is this your outfit for the comeback?" James asked his girlfriend who is hugging him tightly. Irene didn't say any word, she just nods. Members of Red Velvet and their staff giggles on how cute Irene is. "Haha, I see.. that's why all of you are dressed up" James remarked. It is now clear to him why every staff of Red Velvet are present, they are practicing with their outfits that they are going to use for the comeback stages in different music shows.

"Oppa!! How long have you been standing there?" Joy kinda yelled while asking James, or rather she just said it loudly out of excitement.

"Since the start of the chorus~" James replied.

"Why you didn't tell me you are coming?" Irene loosen up the hug a little and looked up to her boyfriend.

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise" James smilingly told him. "I called hyung and noona last night to ask if I can surprise you and they helped me" he then explained that the managers of Red Velvet helped him.

"Oppa, I know you bring some food. You never come empty handed~" Joy laughingly said as her and Yeri already behind James trying to open his backpack. "Pali~" Seulgi and Wendy joins in. Everyone in the room started laughing when the girls started raiding James' backpack.

"Haha of course, hold on~" James and Irene can't stop smiling as the girls knew him too well. James put down his backpack and started getting the food he brings.

"Wahh~" the girls are happy and excited to see the cookies. "Wah, it looks delicious~ but we can't eat this now" Wendy sadly pouts.

"Ani, you girls can eat it. I already checked to noona last night. I asked her what foods I can bring for all of you~" James smilingly said to them. "Gwenchana~ you girls worked really hard for the past couple of weeks. This will be you reward" the female manager told them. "This will be your cheat day, haha. Besides, your diet is almost over and we're already done filming the music video" the male manager chuckled.

"Yey!! Gomawo!!" the girls happily exclaimed and they quickly open the pack of cookies.

James then brings out more cookies and give it to the staff of Red Velvet. It is a good thing that he baked a lot of cookies last night. After that, he brings out some huge containers where he put different kinds of dishes.

"Ahaha, yahh! Your bag only contains food?" Irene's cute and high-pitched laugh echoes loudly in the room. "Ne, I'm like Doraemon.. look..." James shyly laughs as he pull out the biggest container at the bottom of his bag. Red Velvet members and their staff can't help but to laugh even more after seeing that big ass container.

"I made tteokbokki for everyone~" James laughingly said what's inside that last container. "It's your mother's recipe~" James smilingly whispered to Irene.

With James unexpectedly became a caterer for a day, Red Velvet members and their staff are having a little picnic and early lunch, more so like a brunch, in the dance studio. James asked the managers beforehand that he will also bring food for them and other staff, good thing that James decided to cook almost twice the amount of what he originally planned. The staff are enjoying all the food that James cooked, and they now found out that what they were hearing about James' cooking is true after all.

"Gomawo~" Irene cutely smiled at her boyfriend. Irene is clinging her left arm to James' right arm as they're sitting together at the floor while enjoying the foods. "Anything for you~" James smiled and lightly pinched Irene's cheeks.

"I thought you are going to have breakfast with Seiichi and hangout with him until afternoon.." Irene said to him.

"We did had breakfast.." James replied.

"Eh? but how did you managed to cook all of these?" Irene asked.

"I woke up 4 in the morning. Then the cookies, well I baked it all night last night because I knew it will take awhile and I will mess up a lot, which.. I did" James chuckles as he explained. "So, I called Yoona noona for some help since she is more experienced in baking than me" he added.

"Haha jinjja? You called Yoona unnie?" Irene laughs. "Yeah, so basically the cookies are Yoona noona's recipe, ssshhh~" James whispered.

..

"By the way, why only the two of you had breakfast? Where's Sojiro?" Irene asked while enjoying the tteokbokki. She then took another piece and going to feed it to her boyfriend.

"He's with Inui-san, they're going to finish some business deal. Then he will escort Inui-san to the airport" James explained and eat the piece of tteokbokki that Irene is feeding to him.

"Oh, but why Seiichi and Sojiro are not yet going back to Japan?" Irene asked.

"Seiichi wants to extend his vacation and he told me earlier that there might be another business that he is interested to buy, or acquire.." James replied.

"Tell Seiichi to buy SM. I bet they can handle this company way better~" Irene laughingly and jokingly whispered to James. "I'll tell him later~" James jokingly whispered back, and the two of them started giggling.

"James, is Makoto-sama and his wife are still here?" Seulgi asked while munching down the kimchi grilled cheese sandwich that James made.

"Ani, they went back to Japan couple of days ago" James replied.

"Aw.. I wished they stayed longer. I want to meet his wife.." Seulgi sadly pouts and since she is eating, her cheeks got more puffy as she is chewing her food.

"Chifuyu-sama was actually looking forward to meet all of you~" James said to the girls.

"Aw, they could have stayed a little longer like Seiichi did. Then they can all go back to Japan together~" Wendy is a little disappointed as she really wants to meet Chifuyu-sama. "Yeah, I want to meet the only person James oppa is scared of.." Joy sadly pouts, but rather teasing James.

"Mianhae, but they have to go back because of business related stuff that requires decisions are piling up since all of the big bosses are here" James explained to the girls. "Plus, they can't go back together~" he added.

"huh?" the girls stopped eating and they looked at James with a little confusion. "What do you mean?" Irene asked.

"Makoto-sama and Seiichi can't travel together. They can't be on the same plane, or same car, etc.." James told them.

"But... why?" Seulgi asked.

"They are the only remaining members of the Okiya family. Makoto-sama made that protocol after the accident. Just in case if there will be an accident. But I really hope there won't be anymore accident.." James explained to the girls.

"Oh, that's why Seiichi arrived here first~" Irene just realized, and James smilingly nods.

"But isn't that a little sad?" Irene remarked. "Yeah, it is. That's the downside of owning a huge company. But don't worry, they both understand why they have to do that. A lot of people and their families are relying in their safety" James said to her.

"Seiichi must be feeling a little lonely travelling alone. Makoto-sama have his wife with him.." Wendy sadly remarked as she feel sad for Seiichi.

"You can travel with him, he won't feel lonely for sure.." James mutters while he is opening a bottled water. "Eh?" Irene frowns as she looked at James in confusion.

"What?" Wendy didn't really heard it, all she heard is like James mumbled some words.

"Nothing! I mean Seiichi is not lonely, most of the time Sojiro is with him" James smilingly told Wendy. He then started drinking his water.

"Ohh.. yeah, that's right~" Wendy nods and she went back eating her food.

Meanwhile, Irene clearly heard every word. She is confused and trying to figure out what James meant. James quietly giggle when he look at Irene's very confused expression. "I'll tell you later~" James whispered it to Irene.

James spend about an hour in SM Ent building cheering and supporting Red Velvet's come back. The managers allowed James to watch the rehearsals and other preparations of Red Velvet for their come back. Because of that, James heard Red Velvet's new song Bad Boy, which is set to be released in a couple of days. Since he became the first ones to know the song, he needs to keep quiet until it's release.

Before he left, James made sure to try finding his idol friends in SM to give some cookies to them. But since most are busy with their respective schedules, James only managed to give cookies to BoA and Krystal, since they are the only ones who are in the building at that time.

..

..

Couple of hours later, James is in the middle of the first script reading of the drama Something in the Rain, starring Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in. This marks James' second drama for the year 2018, and his third overall, so far. Unlike in the drama Miss Hammurabi where James is part of the main cast, for this drama James is part of the supporting cast. James is going to play the character Yoon Seung-ho, the younger brother of Son Ye-jin's character Yoon Jin-ah, and the best friend of Jung Hae-in's character Seo Joon-hee.

James is both nervous and excited because he is going to be acting with another group of great actors. All throughout the script reading, James is trying his best to calm down and not to freak out and get starstruck while doing a script with the main actors. James just focused on what he practiced and prepared for his role, and it actually helped a bit while doing some lines with Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in.

About an hour later, the first script reading of Something in the Rain is finally finished, and James can now take a rest and breathe. Even though it is just a script reading and basically a small practice, James cannot believe that he read some lines with Son Ye-jin, one of the actresses he admires.

James took the opportunity to greet the main actors and asked for a photograph with them. Both Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in were actually excited to meet James and they are looking forward doing scenes with them. The reason being that he is a popular comedian and expecting that he will bring fun in the set. This bring happiness to James because he feels like he is very welcome to the cast of the drama, also it bring some pressure to him. But overall, he is just happy that he is part of another drama and get the chance to work alongside great actors.

..

..

..

The next day..

James had finished the weekly taping of an episode of Knowing Brothers. He now had just arrived on his next schedule.

"Annyeonghaseyo~" James enter the venue and greets everyone.

"Annyeong!!" members of Block B greeted the host of their concert.

James arrived at the rehearsals of Block B for their two-day concert at Jamsil Arena. It is the final rehearsal before the concert day.

"Perfect timing! We are about to run through the set for the second time!" Zico said to James while giving him a fist bump. "But you just arrived, have a break for a couple of minutes" Zico told him.

"Gomawo hyung, but I'm good to go!" James told him as he finished giving fist bumps to the other members.

"Are you sure?" Zico asked.

"Of course! Let's do this!" James smilingly replied.

Zico smiled and said, "Araseo~ let's go!"

Block B members head to their places for their entrance at the start of the concert. While the members and backup dancers are getting in their position and the other concert crew are setting up the stage, James talking to the concert staff while he is re-reading and memorizing the set list of the concert.

As planned, they re-run the set list of the concert. Block B members are practicing hard as they all wanted to give their fans a great experience in the concert. The same goes with James as he is receiving tons of support and excitement from the fans of Block B who are looking forward on how he can make the concert a fun experience as well.

While the members of Block B are rehearsing in the stage with the backup dancers, James is using that time to try and come up with other fun gimmicks for the fans of Block B. He is discussing it with the concert staff and directors.

..

"I think we can insert another break period after all the members are done with their solo stages. James can fill in and entertain the audience while the members prepare for the next set.." one of the concert directors suggests as everyone is having a small meeting while everyone is having a 50 minutes break that includes the dinner.

"What do you think James-ssi? Can you prepare another material if we insert you after the solo stages?" the stage director asked.

"Sure, PD-nim, no problem~" James politely replied.

"Araseo~ it's not yet final but just prepare something if ever" the stage director said to him.

"Ne~" James replied. He then looked at his copy of the concert's set and look at the possible part where the directors are talking about.

"Can you prepare another material in just a short time?" P.O. and Taeil worriedly asked.

"No worries hyung, I have a lot of reserves~" James smilingly said to them. "Plus, I think that is a great idea by directors. I mean that will give you guys more time to prepare and have some rest.." he added.

"Wah~ we made the right decision to ask James to host our concert!" Zico and U-kwon happily remarked.

"James, how many times did you get on stage at IU's concert?" Park Kyung asked while giving James a can of energy drink.

"Gomawo hyung~" James thanked him for the drink. "Hmm.. about 4 to 6 times, depending on IU noona's condition. Also sometimes, IU noona will call me to come up on stage and accompany her while engaging conversations and interacting to the fans" he then replied to Park Kyung's question.

"Ohh, that's actually way more compare here. James will come up to the stage 3 times here" Jaehyo remarked.

"So, that's why it's fine with me if you guys want me to go up to the stage more, so that I can give you guys more time" James said to the group. "That's basically what my role in IU noona's concert, since she is a solo artist, it's important for her to get more time to rest her voice. And I can do that to you guys as well~" he added.

"We can do it just like that. We can ask James to join us on the stage and we can have fun with our fans" Zico suggests

"I like that, what do you guys think?" Taeil asked his members. "I like it!" Jaehyo and Minhyuk raised their hands. "Sounds great~" the rest of the members agrees.

The group then discuss it with the directors that they wanted give James more time in the stage and help to have fun interaction with the fans. The directors jumps on board with that idea wherein they kinda omit one of the greetings stages and make it as the bonding/interaction stage that the group proposes. While having the dinner break, they are also brain storming on what else they can do on that part.

After some discussion and adjustments to the set lists, they re-run the entire set list for one last time. They are now currently in the middle of the set list where some adjustments has made, James is now in his position in the centre stage where he is introducing and calling each members one by one for the new stage they added.

"And now.. this member admitted that he started watching porn since elementary school. I didn't know that until just now. Zico hyung told me that information backstage. So don't blame for this~" James is now introducing each members of Block B with a little twist. He is doing it like a sport commentator but the introductory is fun and maybe a little embarrassing. Laughter echoes in the concert venue as everyone is laughing hard on how James is introducing each members. ".. aside from that he is a very smart student and he studied in New Zealand where there are more cows than people. He is one of rappers of the group and his nickname is 'cucumber', in which kinda makes sense if you look at it in a wrong way.." James breaks out laughing at the same time with everybody else. The directors and all the staff of the concert are laughing hard while members of Block B is dying. "It's.. Park Kyung!!" James is still giggling as he announced the member. Park Kyung is actually walking weakly as he enters the stage. His jaw is aching a little from laughing.

"Mianhae hyung~ Zico hyung told me change my introduction to that~" James laughingly explained as he meet Park Kyung half way on the stage. "But it's up to you if I will use that" James jokingly said.

"I think it's fine. But don't include the cucumber thing, people might think it's kinda......" Park Kyung then whispered something to James. Seconds later both of them burst out laughing. "Right?" Park Kyung laughingly asked. James can't even say a word, he just laughs while nodding.

..

"Wait hyung.. let's do this.." James asked Park Kyung to stay beside him as he will now do the introduction for the next member. James then whispered something to Park Kyung, in which Park Kyung started laughing.

"And now for the next member... we have a special guest to introduce him. Ladies and gentlemen, please give her a round of applause...." James passed the mic to Park Kyung. "It's Kim Seolhyun!!" Park Kyung shouted.

The directors, staff, and every crew of the concert burst out laughing when James and Park Kyung poked fun to Zico by using his ex-girlfriend's name. James and Park Kyung immediately run away and jump out of the stage laughing as Zico started chasing them. James stopped running as Zico is now just chasing Park Kyung.

"Let's do that! Let's do that!" Taeil shouted, as him and the rest of the members of Block B are laughing.

James continue with the fun introduction of each members. To make it more hilarious, each members of Block B helped by giving more info to James on how to introduce the others. They basically spilling out each other's embarrassing things. Whether or not they will do it on the concert day, it's up to the members if they are willing to sacrifice some embarrassing things to their fans for the sake of having a fun concert. All James will do is to include it in the introduction.

..

..

Several minutes later, they are now heading towards the end of the concert. The group are now just sitting on stage while taking a short break..

"Hyung, this mic is much cooler than the one you have earlier" James sat down beside P.O. and picks up the mic on the floor beside him.

"Yeah, but I prefer the one I have earlier because it's lighter" P.O. told him and he turns on the mic because he guessed that James wants to play with it.

"I see, I guess that's more important so it won't be a burden while performing" James remarked. "Mic check... mic check..." James started speaking in the mic.

"♫Yo~~ His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy. There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's SPAGHETTI~" James playfully rap the first lines of one of Eminem's song. The members of Block B burst out laughing when James yelled out the word spaghetti. "Wow, I do feel like an idol and rapper while using this cool mic~" James laughingly remarked.

"Zico hyung come on, I'm challenging you to a rap battle~" James laughingly and playfully challenged Zico. "The loser will buy a spaghetti~" he added and the members of Block B burst out laughing.

"Haha, araseo~" Zico plays along and accepts the challenge. "YEAH!!" the members of Block B started clapping their hands and cheering.

"But in English, so I have a chance to beat you~" James laughingly said. "Araseo, araseo~" Zico agrees.

"Hyung-nim, can you play something" Park Kyung asked the person in charge in the audio booth.

A hip-hop beat started playing in the sound system of the venue. Zico and James did a one round of rock-paper-scissor to decide who will go first. Zico won and he will go first..

♫

"Yo~ We're here in Jamsil Arena for Block B's concert, that is going to be a hit.

The songs I made are so good that I will get a huge profit.

You can dance, jump, clap to my songs because they are lit.

But remember that when I start spitting those words it's not gonna be implicit, it's gonna be explicit.

Now, boy stand up.

Let's go to a candy shop and let me buy you a lollipop.

Then we'll go cruising in Gangnam in my drop top.

But wait, I forgot it's still winter, snow starts falling in the sky, it's snowdrop.

♫

Zico dropped a rather hard and strong start. Immediately showing James why is one of the best rappers in Kpop as he rapped perfectly to the beat while maintaining a smooth flow. The members of Block B erupted and howling like crazy fans who is watching a real rap battle.

"Hyung we are just playing!!!" James now wanted to back out of the game after Zico drop a hard one.

"Yah, why are you rapping seriously? We're just having fun!" Taeil laughingly yelled at Zico, who is now giggling.

"Come on James you can do it!" P.O is sitting beside James as he cheer him up.

"Yeah, give him something good. Don't mind the beat, say whatever in your mind! Just do it!" Park Kyung is cheering and encouraging James to just spit out words in his mind.

"Wait give me a few seconds..." James nervously smiled as he listen to the beat and try to find how to ride the flow.

♫

"I'm a little scared now but now you see me.

Right here in Seoul, in the big O' double five. I will try to rap and tell a secret in one, two, and to the three.

I saw Zico with a pretty girl and they went to the Namsam tower.

Then they went to a hotel and took a shower.

For about an hour.

And when they got out.. his snek got devour"

♫

James panicked that he just let his comedic spirit do the work. The outcome, he messed up and kinda failed to rap on beat as he just spit those words hurriedly. He knew that there's now way he can't beat Zico in rapping, so he uses one of his best weapons in his arsenal, making fun and teasing people in a creative way.

Block B members erupted because for them James actually did a great job. But the kicker for them is the semi.. not so much.. subtle teasing he did to Zico. Taeil, Jaehyo, U-kwon and Minhyuk are rolling on the stage laughing. Park Kyung and P.O. are yelling out of excitement as they showered James with high-fives, which a lot of it missed it's target and just hit James in different part of his body. Meanwhile, Zico is stunned and blushing a little. His mind freeze and didn't even bother to make a comeback. Now, the big question to everyone is whether it is true or James was just playing a joke on Zico. It certainly looks like Zico won in rap and freestyle aspects, but James definitely won by making his opponent speechless.

"Wahh!! that is actually really good~" Taeil remarked and smiling proudly.

"Zico, out!~" Jaehyo laughingly announced that Zico loses that battle.

"Wait, what does 'big O' double five' mean?" Minhyuk curiously asked.

"It means 055, the first three digit of the postal/zip code of Songpa-gu. Where this arena is located" James explained.

"Ohhhh~~" Block B members are very impressed that James even managed to add that.

"Waahhh.. I think James can write a song~" Zico remarked as he is really impressed that James can even think that.

"Ani hyung~ I don't even know how to construct a song and the, uh elements of it or something. That was just a fluke. I just happen to know the postal code of this area~" James laughingly replied.

Zico is just smiling while looking at James as an idea suddenly came up to him. He then seriously considering the thing that he is thinking and he is liking what possibilities and outcomes that will come out from it.

..

For the next two days, James only have two work for the entire two days. His weekend morning radio show and Block B's two day concert. As soon as the radio show ends, James immediately head to the concert venue in Jamsil Arena to get ready for the concert he is hosting. Since it's winter and the concert promoters didn't want Block B's fans to wait outside that long, they decided to open the venue and let in the fans much earlier than the usual. Because of this, they put James on another task to entertain the fans until the original starting time of the concert.

The concert was a success as everything went according to plan. Block B presented their fans with a wonderful and energetic performance as their thanks for the unending supports. Fans of Block B also warmly welcomed James as their concert hosts. They also did tease James about his girlfriend as they probably learned it from IU's concert, where it all started. James was a little shocked at first but then it makes sense since the Kpop world is small, in some ways. That's why it's not surprising at all that some of Block B's fans are also IU's fans. James is in fact actually happy whenever fans teases him with Irene, not just Reveluvs, but different fandoms as well. Whenever they tease him, James think that there are way more people who likes and support his relationship with Irene.

The following day, Red Velvet has make a comeback with their new song Bad Boy. The song is an instant hit and sore up to the charts. Fans went bananas because of the music video and the mature concept that the girls showed in their new song. Red Velvet shows again why they are the most versatile girl group in Kpop. The amazing and soothing vocals, stunning visuals, lyrics, choreography.. and everything else is perfect. Together with the fans, James also freaked out when he saw the music video. He even have to push up and hold his jaw to prevent it from dropping down. James was so engrossed that for about an hour, he just kept watching the music video. (I think y'all know why James freaked out, or at least y'all know which parts of the music video, lol).

..

..

Couple of days later since Red Velvet's comeback, James was seen entering the CJ E&M Center Studio. After the sightings, there are some media outlet who immediately released some articles and reports that James was seen entering the building. Mostly because he was carrying a bouquets of flowers, and was seen getting accompanied by one of the managers of Red Velvet.

"Looks like they got a good shot of you" the manager of Red Velvet giggled as she help James carry some of the bouquets of flowers.

"Gomawo noona~ Yeah, hehe. I didn't know there will be media people out there" James chuckled.

"Mianhae, I should have asked you to use the other entrance. That entrance is used by idols, but I didn't expect that they are still out there. I thought they left once every idols arrived earlier~" the manager apologized.

"Ani, it's fine noona. Don't worry. I was just startled by the camera flashes when I stepped out of the car, hehe~" James laughs.

"Well you're a celebrity now, you should have get use to it" the manager laughingly said to him.

"But that one, I feel like I'm an idol~" James laughingly replied.

..

About a minute later, James arrived in the waiting room of Red Velvet to surprise Irene, as well as to support and wish good luck on their comeback stage. He didn't also forgot to bring flowers to the other girls as well.

"Omo~ ohhhh~~~" the makeup artists, stylists, well basically everyone in the staff of Red Velvet kinda squealed when James enter the room with bouquets of flowers, even though they already knew that he will drop by to surprise Irene.

Irene is so surprised that it looks like she was about to cry a little. Irene smiled the brightest that day when she saw her boyfriend is holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers and walking towards her smiling.

"Wahh.. you are so beautiful~" James smiled as he can't help to compliment his beautiful girlfriend.

Irene didn't get the flowers first, she went to hug James first, very tightly. People in the room cutely giggles as they just witnessed again how the strong and mother like leader of Red Velvet got soft and becomes a baby every time James is around.

"I miss you~" James kissed Irene's forehead as he return the warm and tight hug. "Oh, mianhae~ I hope I didn't messed up your makeup.." James laughingly said. Irene just shake her head.

"Gwenchana~ kiss her more! I will just redo her makeup" one of the makeup artists laughingly yelled. "You can kiss her on the lips. It's okay~" another makeup artist yelled and everyone started laughing.

"Noona, I will. But put down your phones first~" James laughingly replied. Pointing out that some of them are still recording his surprise visit to Irene.

Irene then ended the hug and receive the beautiful bouquet of flowers. James also give bouquets of flowers to Seulgi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri. It is his little present for the girls to wish them good luck on their comeback stage. The one for Irene is expected to be more special than the other four. James gave Irene a bouquet of purple tulips and white lilies.

The managers of Red Velvet then asked the girls to have a group photo with James, together with the flowers that he gave to them. Irene and James are in the middle while the girls surrounds them as they took several photos. The girls also wanted to have their own photos with James. Of course, everyone got excited when it's time for Irene and James to have their own photo together.

..

"Where's Seiichi? I thought you are with him?" Irene asked James as they sat down together. James decided to stay for a couple of minutes or at least when it's time for Red Velvet to hit the stage.

"He's in a coffee shop nearby.." James replied.

"Appa!! You didn't bring any snacks?" Yeri shouted and interrupted the couple. Most of the people in the room were laughing out of surprise that Yeri is addressing James as appa.

"Mianhae, I forgot~ but don't worry, next time, aside from snacks, I will cook you a tuna kimchi fried rice~" James smilingly replied.

"Yey!! That's a promise!" Yeri smiled brightly and cutely walks towards James to ask for a pinky promise. "Just want to make sure~" Yeri laughs.

"I didn't know Yeri calls you appa, that's cute~" one of the stylists commented.

"Yep. I have a 19 yr. old daughter now" James laughingly replied.

..

"Are you and Seiichi going to stalk Sojiro again today?" Irene asked and she giggled a little.

"Ne~ but this is the last day. We will stalk them little then Me and Seiichi is going to show ourselves today" James replied.

"Jinjja? Aw.. I wish I can come with you guys~" Irene sadly and cutely pouts.

"I wish too but Sojiro and Haejoo are going to meet up with the girls. I mean Haejoo's friends. She is going to introduce Sojiro to them. And they are going to meet up in a crowded place.." James said to her. "hehe, Sojiro is visibly nervous even though he is trying to hide it from us~" James laughingly added.

"Aww.. that's cute~" Irene commented. "But how are you guys going to approach them?".

"Hmm.. maybe we'll sit on the next table" James chuckled.

"Haha I want to see Sojiro's face when he saw the two of you. He's been hiding that he is meeting Haejoo~" Irene cutely giggles. "I wish I have those spy cameras like in the eyeglasses" James started laughing as well.

"By the way, what do you think? Is Haejoo and Sojiro...." Irene has been also wondering when she found out what Sojiro did last week, and how Haejoo and Sojiro meeting each other for the last couple of days.

"It's still hard to say. Since we met Sojiro, he never had a girlfriend, he never try to go out on a date, and he even never had a crush.." James told her.

"So... he never loved someone? not even a first love?" Irene asked.

"Not that we know of. But yeah, I guess we can assume that" James replied. It is one of the things that he has been wondering since he met Sojiro.

"Ahh!! It's cute if his first love is Haejoo!!" Irene cutely squealed as she starts hitting James arm out of excitement. "Yea--- ouch!" James tries to dodge Irene excited slaps.

"Haejoo's parents already met Sojiro right?" Irene asked after calming down.

"Yup. But the real deal is Haewon noona. She is very protective to Haejoo. So I think it's Haewon noona that Sojiro should ask for a blessing to date Haejoo" James explained. "Plus, it's still unclear if they have feelings for each other. But if ever, well Sojiro should at least meet with the husband first before the wife" he added.

"Eh? What do you mean?" Irene looks a little confused.

"Kyuhan hyung is coming here in Seoul tomorrow. So, I guess Sojiro should meet him at least if he has intention on dating Haejoo" James explained.

"Haewon noona is not coming with him?" Irene asked.

"No, he is only going to be here for two days. There's a big meeting he have attend" James explained.

"Wait, what is his work again?" Irene asked.

"He's a drug dealer~" James replied.

"Eh?" Irene is just looking straight at James, with a mixed of confused and shocked expression.

Everyone in the room heard it, and all of them stopped whatever they are doing. They all looked at James at the same time. All have a rather shocked and confused looks in their faces, the same what Irene is feeling at the moment.

"He's a pharmaceutical sales representative~" James told everyone and he burst out laughing because of everyone's reaction.

"YAH!! AHAHA~" Irene burst out in her addictive loud high-pitched cute laugh.

"What? He sell drugs. So, technically he's a drug dealer. But not the illegal ones.." James laughingly explained.

Red Velvet's waiting room suddenly filled with loud laughter that it is echoing a little in the hallway outside. The culprit of those laughter suddenly got a little shy because it looks like every work and other productivity in that room stopped or slowed down because of him.

"I hate you James! I may have to redo my makeup" Wendy told him while she is still laughing as she approach their makeup artists, who are also still laughing.

"Mianhae~ but it's true, right?" James giggled. Irene is still cracking up sitting beside James.

..

..

..

A couple of hours later..

James and Seiichi are still stalking Haejoo and Sojiro. The two of them are obviously good at surveilling as Sojiro has no idea that the two bestfriends has been tailing him for three days now. It is a little odd way of bonding between for bestfriends but they surely enjoying every second of it.

Sojiro already met all of Haejoo's friend. He is now with them hanging out as they went to a couple of places in the city. Thankfully, Sojiro can speak Korean, that's he didn't get a hard time communicating with them. Haejoo's friends are obviously curious about Sojiro as they asked him a bunch of questions the whole time they are with him.

At one point, James and Seiichi had to stop using the car to follow Sojiro as the group are now in the part of the city which is hard to move around while in the car. James and Seiichi decided to just walk so they can follow the group wherever they go. Seiichi asked his driver to just drive around the area or wait somewhere nearby.

"Where the hell they are going?" Seiichi remarked as they have been following them for quite some time now. They are now currently passing by in a market as they continue to follow the group.

"Oh, I think I have an idea. I've been in this area with them a lot of times" James thinks that the group is going to that restaurant where they used to hangout.

"You've been here? with them?" Seiichi looked at him.

"Yeah, I'm close with Haejoo's friends. They are my first group of friends when I arrived here. And we hangout to a lot of places, and there's one in this area where we frequently hangout" James explained.

"I see. Well, is it a good place?" Seiichi asked.

"Hell yeah!~ They sell one of the best odeng and bungeoppang in the city!(fish cake and fish-shaped bread filled with red beans)" James told him.

"Ohh~ I'm craving for some Korean street food~" Seiichi is almost drooling as he really love odeng specially.

..

"Hey.. wanna have some fun?" James smirked evilly as he suddenly think of something while they are walking through the market.

"I know that smirk~" Seiichi laughs as he knows that James is up for something fun every time he smirked that way. "I'm in! What's on your mind?".

"Remember Akihabara? That time where we had to find that big Totoro stuffed toy for Natsuki?" James tries to give a clue to Seiichi.

Seiichi thinks for a couple seconds until he remembers it. "OH! Wait, we're going to do it here? the same way?".

"Yeah, but you know..." James winked at him.

"Alright, you start~" Seiichi chuckled.

James and Seiichi waited for several seconds until they get to the more crowded part of the market. And when they got to, James starts..

"Hey~ you want some dakbal(chicken feet)?" James asked Seiichi as they stop in one of the food stand.

"Hai, oishi-so~" Seiichi replied in Japanese.

James and Seiichi continue to converse in that way. James is talking in Korean while Seiichi is talking in Japanese. The owner of the store and the other customer were all confused on what the hell is going on. To make things more fun, and more confusing to the others, they switched it. James is now talking in Japanese while Seiichi is now talking in Korean. The two bestfriends are not yet done as if they want everyone's head to blow up. James and Seiichi are talking to each other while using Korean, Japanese, English, and (James'/reader native language). They never replied to each other in the same language, they just kept going and switched up among those 4 languages every time they speak.

"Espero que haya chuleta" James suddenly speaks in Spanish.

"What the hell is that?" Seiichi replied in James' native language.

"Pokuchoppu~ watashi---..... " James replied in Japanese and he almost breaks. He managed to hold his laughter but didn't get to finish his sentence.

Seiichi also almost burst into laughter as he is having a hard time maintaining this shenanigans they're doing. Good thing that James and Seiichi are wearing face masks because it helped them to hide that their lips are twitching as they hold their laughs. James and Seiichi continue to that for a couple of minutes as they stopped by to each store to just freak people out. They didn't even buy anything beside from the dakbal. They just stop and have a conversation about whatever each store is selling. They want to do it longer as they are having too much fun, but that is not what they're suppose to be doing that moment.

Couple of minutes later everybody arrived at the restaurant. James and Seiichi didn't enter just yet, they just waited outside for about minute so that the group will settle down. Everything is working out for them as there's only a few people inside the restaurant. Which is a good thing for James considering he is now a popular celebrity. He can now take off his face mask without attracting too much attention.

James and Seiichi then enters the room and out of the many vacant tables, they take the table right beside the table of Haejoo and her friends. Sojiro and Haejoo are sitting together and their backs are facing the table where James and Seiichi sits.

The place is owned by a family which means that everyone working in there are family members. And since James has been going to that restaurant with Haejoo and her friends ever since, the people working in that restaurant know him very well, especially now that he is now a famous celebrity and still visiting that restaurant from time to time. One of the waitress there is almost done taking the orders from Haejoo's table. And when she's done...

"Uh.. halmeoni, can we have 2 plates of odeng, two bungeoppang, and a glass of soju~" James politely calls the attention of the waitress and said his order loud enough to catch the attention of the next table. He then take off his mask and cap while saying the orders.

"HAAA---!! JAMES OPPA!!" Haejoo's friends freaked out when they saw James. It's been a long time since he saw him and that is why they are very excited.

"Heeyyyyyoooooowwww~~" James greeted them with a big smile as he is excited to see them as well.

"Heeeyyyoooowww~~" the girls still remember their official greeting. They then stood up and went to James to give him a hug. James then happily hugs his literally first group of friends when he came to Korea.

"How you guys doing?" James happy to see everyone.

"Oppa!! Where's Irene unnie?! We want to meet her!!" the girls said to him.

"She's busy with their new comeback. There's the comeback stage and other promotions so her schedule is pretty hectic. Mianhae~" James apologized and explained to the girls. "Hey, please support their new song" he told them.

"Oppa, pshh.. we already bought their album and we've been streaming non-stop" , "Their new song is really amazing. I'm listening to it on repeat even when I'm studying" , "No need to tell us oppa. Of course we will support our Queens!" the girls told him.

"Ohh.. gomawo~~" James smilingly thanked the girls.

"Oppa, can you get our albums signed by Irene unnie??" one of the girls asked.

"Sure! Give me all your albums and I will ask her to sign it" James said to the girls, and they all excitedly squealed.

"Oh, by the way, this my bestfriend Seiichi. He's Japanese but don't worry he can speak in Korean~" James introduced Seiichi to the girls.

"Annyeonghaseyo~" the girls politely greets Seiichi.

"Annyeonghaseyo~ nice to finally meet all of you~" Seiichi stood up and greets everyone.

Meanwhile, Sojiro and and Haejoo are frozen in their seats when they saw that it is really James and Seiichi. The one who is nervous the most and obviously sweating a lot despite a very cold weather is Sojiro. His excuse to Seiichi for the last couple of days is that he wants to revisit the places he went to, the last he was in Seoul.

"Se-Se-... Seiichi-sama.. I.. I-I was....." Sojiro is stuttering like crazy and wasn't able to get is excuse out.

"Don't worry, it's fine. Sit down~" Seiichi just smiled at him.

"Sama? wait... is he?" Haejoo is figuring out who is that guy with James. "Ne~ that's Seiichi-sama.." Sojiro nods at her.

"Omo!" Haejoo immediately stood up and bows to Seiichi. "Uh... Se-Seiichi.. s-s-sama! Nice to finally meet you! And thank you so much for the gifts you sent to us!" Haejoo just had a little goosebumps on finally meeting James' bestfriend from Japan.

"Haha, gwenchana. No need to be so polite. Just call me Seiichi, or oppa~" Seiichi said to her.

"huh? Haejoo wae?" her friends asked her as they curious why Haejoo is acting very polite to James' friend.

"That's Seiichi-sama... I mean Seiichi oppa. The president of Okiya Group" Haejoo told them.

"Omo!!" the girls exclaimed. "Wait... we should kneel down. Pali~~" one of the girls laughingly said.

"Aniya, aniya~" Seiichi stopped them. He then starts to get shy and blush a little.

"Yah, ask for money.. pali~" James acts like he is whispering it to the girls. On command, the girls lined up in front of Seiichi with their hands out like they are asking for money.

Seiichi burst into laughter as it clear that James influenced those girls to be a goofball like him. "Haha, you girls should stop hanging out with him. But don't worry, it's on me! Just order what you like, and after this let's go grab some coffee in a nice cafe" he smilingly told him.

"Wahh~~ kamsahamnida!!!" the girls jumps out of excitement and they all bow to Seiichi at the same time.

"Told y'all~" James laughs and winked at the girls.

"Oppa come join us~" the girls said to them.

"You want to?" James looked at Seiichi. "Of course~" Seiichi replied.

"Halmeoni, can we push the table so we can join them?" James asked for permission first.

"Of course! Anything for our favourite customer~" the owner of the restaurant smilingly said.

"Kamsahamnida~" James thanked her. "Excuse me for a second, I'm just gonna say 'Hi' to them~" James excused himself to greet the family who runs the restaurant.

While James is talking to them. Some of the other customer also took this chance to have photo with him. Meanwhile, Seiichi is happily having conversation with everybody else. He understood why they became James first group of friends. Haejoo and her friends are very energetic, kind and overall friendly. He also saw that James influenced them in many ways.

..

"So girls, I saw that you already met Sojiro~" James said the moment he came back to the table. He then quickly look over to Sojiro and Haejoo who are sitting beside each other.

"Yeah, Sojiro oppa is.. cool~" the girls replied.

"So, y'all know they're dating now, right?" James blurted out and everyone in the table is shocked. "What? they didn't tell you?" he chuckled.

"Wah.. yah Haejoo-ah!! Why didn't you tell us?" the girls looked at Haejoo.

"Wha... YAH!! OPPAA!!!" Haejoo yelled at James. she then started blushing.

"Haha, just kidding.. but don't they look cute as a couple?" James smilingly said to the girls.

"Ohh.. now that you mention it.. hmm" the girls then looking at Haejoo and Sojiro with a smirk. They then started commenting that they actually be a cute couple.

The teasing from Haejoo's friends continues for a couple of minutes. Sojiro is shyly blushing as Haejoo's friends are teasing him that he is fit to be Haejoo's boyfriend. Meanwhile, Haejoo is just glaring angrily at the culprit of the teasing. James is avoiding eye contact with Haejoo as he just kept eating. James and Seiichi can't stop giggling because this is the first time they saw Sojiro blushing.

The topic briefly turns towards James and his relationship with Irene. Haejoo's friends especially loves talking about it as they ask tons of question regarding them like what they do when they're on dates and other stuff. But the question or topic that the girls are more interested to know is how Irene as a girlfriend. Of course, James proudly told them that Irene is a very caring and loving girlfriend.

But then, James and Seiichi managed to turn back the topic to Haejoo and Sojiro. At some point, the two admits that the two of them has been hanging out almost everyday after that incident. Because of that the speculation and accusations that they are a couple just grew as Haejoo's friends relentlessly interrogates the two. Meanwhile, the two bestfriends can't stop giggling as they successfully leading the topic where they want it to go and the fact that they don't have to confess that they have been stalking them. James and Seiichi are just leading Haejoo's friends to ask and find it out themselves what they had been doing for the past couple of days.

..

About 40 minutes later, all of them are almost done eating. The topic has now move to a lot of things. Haejoo and her friends are still eating, just finishing the food they have. James and Seiichi are also done eating for a quite some time now. They are now just drinking and finishing the 2 bottle of soju they ordered. But they move their table away from Haejoo and her friends as a show of respect as the girls don't drink. Sojiro also joined them on drinking.

"Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom" Sojiro excuses himself. "Save the last shot for me~" he said to James and Seiichi. The two just give him a thumbs up.

While Sojiro is in bathroom, a group of five guys entered the restaurant. Haejoo immediately sighed when she saw the guys.

"Why? you okay?" one of Haejoo's friends asks her.

"That jerk again..." Haejoo shakes her head and tries to just ignore that Minjae and his friends are in the restaurant.

"Oh, that's Minjae?" James take a quick look at Minjae. Seiichi also looked while drinking a shot of soju. "He does look like a taekwondo varsity" he commented.

"Yeah, just don't mind them oppa.." Haejoo said to James.

"Alright~" James and Seiichi just resume finishing the last bottle of soju.

..

"Haejoo-ssi!!" Minjae spots Haejoo and he calls her name. Haejoo forcibly looked at him and give him a forced small smile.

"Nice to see you again! What are you doing in this area? I lived nearby. Are you stalking me?" Minjae laughingly said as he walks towards Haejoo.

"Yeah, right.." Haejoo rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Come on, give me another chance. Let's go out on a date.." Minjae said to her. "I know that guy is not your boyfriend and he is just pretending" he added, he then put his hand on Haejoo's shoulder.

"I told you, I'm not interested" Haejoo told him and try to pushed away Minjae's hand off her.

..

"Should we do something?" Seiichi asks James as he pours the soju in the shot glass.

"If I counted correctly.. there's a total of 5 cameras in this restaurant, and I think 3 of them are catching that table. And then obviously his friends will jump in to help. So that's 5 taekwondo varsity.." James mutters as he drink a glass of soju. "I think just you is enough to take all five of them~" he laughingly added.

"Eh? why me?" Seiichi chuckled.

"Just let each one of them land a kick on you and it's over. They can go to jail and get kicked out of the university once the news is out that those 5 guys assaulted the president of the Okiya Group, one of the biggest companies in Japan. It will be a disgrace to their families, friends, and school. So, basically you are enough to ruin their lives.." James laughingly explained.

"By sacrificing myself to get beaten up?" Seiichi laughs at his bestfriend's plan.

"Hey, not all fight have to be physical. There are a lot of ways to fight" James laughingly told him.

"So we're not gonna do anything?" Seiichi asks.

"Haejoo can take care of herself. But if he crosses the line, I'm gonna jump on him, I don't care if he knows taekwondo.." James said to Seiichi while pouring the soju in the shot glass. "Alright, whatever you do.. I'll be right behind you" Seiichi drinks.

..

"Or we can do it here" Minjae takes a chair and sits beside Haejoo.

"We're done eating so I'm full already" Haejoo told him.

"Yah! Don't touch her! Go away!" , "She doesn't even want you here" , "Stop bothering her!" Haejoo's friends said to Minjae.

"Pfft.. what did I do? I'm just asking her out?" Minjae told them.

And then..

"I'm not sure if you're an idiot or something.. but aren't you a college student? You know what 'go away' means, right?" Sojiro just came back from the restroom.

..

"Oh.. this is gonna be interesting.." James smilingly remarked as he drink. "Looks like we're not needed.." Seiichi chuckled.

..

"Oppa, don't..." Haejoo stood up from her seat and hold Sojiro's arm.

"What did you say? huh?.. why are you always interrupting when I'm talking to Haejoo? idiot~" Minjae stood up and sized up Sojiro. He is about three inches taller than Sojiro and he is smiling as he look down on him.

"I'm pretty sure I'm not interrupting anything. And don't you think you're the idiot who is interrupting something?" Sojiro told him, and looking at him dead in his eyes.

"You know what, I really wanted to beat the crap out of you last time but the university is nearby and there will be many witness if I beat you there. But now... the university is far away...." Minjae threatens Sojiro and walks closer to him.

"I'm not sure if there will any difference if we fight back there and in here.." Sojiro told him.

Minjae scoffed, "You're too cocky for someone who doesn't know who is he talking to. I'm the captain of the taekwondo varsity team in our university and I'm also member of the national team" he braggingly told Sojiro. Minjae's 4 other friends walks up and surround them. "In fact, we're all part of the taekwondo varsity team".

"And... that means what?" Sojiro have that smug smile on his face.

"Oppa, don't! Let's just go..." Haejoo is getting scared as they are now surrounded by 5 taekwondo black belters.

"Gwenchana~ just go to your friends, pali~" Sojiro gave Haejoo a reassuring smile. Haejoo breathes nervously. She doesn't want to leave Sojiro's side, but her body unconsciously move on it's own to safety.

"Oh, you wanna fight huh?" Minjae smilingly said to him.

Sojiro didn't say a word. He then turn his head at the table where James and Seiichi are sitting. He is looking straight at James..

"Don't look at me, I'm not your boss.." James told him while pouring the last shot of soju. He then smirked a little and winked at Sojiro as he stood up. James went to the counter where the owner and the rest of the restaurant employee are.

Seiichi also stood up from his seat and smiled while saying, "Tanoshinde ne, Sojiro-kun~".

After Seiichi said to him have fun, and it seems like James gave his blessing to him. Sojiro can't help but to smile after getting permission from people he respects so much. A permission to unchain something inside him.

..

"This is it? I think you need to call more people. Pali, call the entire taekwondo team" Sojiro mockingly smiled.

"Shibalno--"

Minjae loses his temper and he quickly did a roundhouse kick aiming for Sojiro's head. Sojiro blocked it using his arm and he immediately counter attacks by doing a low kick to Minjae's other leg. Minjae got off balance after that low kick that his whole body flipped and falls down to the floor hard, head first. Sojiro swiftly turns around and sucker punched one of the guys behind him who is about to attack him. Sojiro then proceed to beat the other three guys all at the same time.

"Ohh.. he deeeaaad~ night night~" James commented after that sucker punch. He then took a bite of the odeng(fishcake) he is eating.

"Yeah, and good read~" Seiichi's mouth is full as he is also eating an odeng.

"Oh, halmeoni~ can we get two more sticks of odeng... and 20 sticks of odeng for take out~" James turns around and politely asked for another order of odeng.

"Don't worry halmeoni~ I will pay for any damages after they fight" Seiichi smilingly said to the owner of the restaurant.

"Aigoo, gwenchanayo~ those brats are always bothering people and loitering around in this area, always looking to bully someone. I'm glad your friend is teaching them a lesson" the old woman who owns the restaurant said to them and giggles a little. "Don't worry, any of Janchi's friend is welcome here~" the old lady smilingly said while looking at James.

"Aww, kamsahamnida halmeoni~" James smilingly bows to the owner.

"Janchi?" Seiichi asked as he took another bite of odeng.

"Yeah, she was having a hard time pronouncing my name. So I asked her to call me janchi instead, which means noodles.." James explained and Seiichi almost choked from laughing.

Sojiro took some hits but it's all for nothing as he didn't even bothered by any of the kicks and punches. After tanking some hits, one guy tried to throw a punch from a blind side but Sojiro managed to predict it again. Sojiro dodged it and quickly throw an elbow to the rib of that guy, he then put his hand to that guy's head and slammed it to the table. Sojiro continue to pummel the other two guys until they fall down to the floor limping from the pain.

Haejoo and her friends, as well as the other few customers are in the corner, all are quietly watching in the fight. Haejoo is hella confused because James and Seiichi are just enjoying eating their odengs while watching Sojiro fight the five guys. She doesn't understand why they are not helping Sojiro.

Minjae finally stood back up. He then do a stance, and seconds later he started throwing some kicks. Sojiro dodged and tries to block some of it. He also got hit by some. In an instant, Minjae managed to connect a powerful spinning roundhouse kick straight into Sojiro's head.

"AHH!!" Haejoo and her friends screamed in fear as they clearly saw and heard the impact of the kick. Haejoo is now about to cry when she saw that it looks like Sojiro's head snapped to the side. Meanwhile...

"Hehe, he got hit~" , "That's a good kick~" James and Seiichi are giggling while their mouths are full of odeng. The seem to really enjoying those fishcakes.

..

"Not bad.." Sojiro have big smile when he looked back to Minjae. "Yeah, I can see why you're a varsity.." Sojiro smilingly said to him while stretching his neck.

Minjae is now confused and freaking out. He is sure that he connected that kick but it doesn't seem to do any damage to Sojiro. He is now starting to get scared and stepping back away from the monster in front of him.

"Is that it? Come on, you can do better~" Sojiro is smilingly as he provoke Minjae.

Minjae panicked and stopped thinking. He then charged and tries to throw a sucker punch. Unfortunately, Sojiro anticipated it and as he caught Minjae's arm, he swiftly did an ippon seoi nage, or one arm shoulder throw. It is a judo throw, and one of the techniques Sojiro learned from his teacher. Sojiro executes that throw perfectly and smoothly, which resulted to Minjae's back gets slammed in the hard floor.

"Eyyyyyy~" Seiichi proudly nods after Sojiro used that technique. "Dammit, I should've recorded it! Daigo-sensei would be proud to see that!" James remarked while his mouth is full.

Sojiro then reaches for something on the table that James and Seiichi used. He took the last shot of soju that James poured and left for him to drink. After Sojiro drinks it, he looked at Minjae and says, "No one disrespects my first love~".

The hands of time slows down for Haejoo after hearing those words from Sojiro. She then starting to clearly hear every single beat of her heart. The surroundings became inaudible, all Haejoo can hear is her heartbeat and Sojiro's panting. Haejoo snapped back from reality when she heard the voices of James and Seiichi..

"That's a little too short for a street fight.." James remarked after he ate the last bite.

"Is he really a captain and part of the national team? I've seen a lot of people who can fight way better than him.." Seiichi commented.

"Well, on the bright side.. the fight didn't caused too much commotion" James commented.

"Yeah~" Seiichi nods. "Anyway, halmeoni here's the payment.." Seiichi then pay their bills to the cashier. He also talked to the owner that he wants a copy of the CCTV footage. Seiichi also left his business card if ever the police come and look for statement.

"I'll be back tomorrow with some of my friends. I'm sure they will love the odeng and bungeoppang! Kamsahamnida halmeoni~" Seiichi politely thanked the owner and apologized for the fight that happened.

"Halmaeoni, I'm really sorry for the trouble~" Sojiro deeply bows and apologized to the owner.

"Gwechanayo~ nothing is destroyed and you taught those boys a lesson they will never forget~" the old lady smilingly said to Sojiro.

"James-ssi, gwenchana.. we can handle this~" one of the waitress shyly said to James, who is helping the staff of the restaurant to fix the tables and other mess.

"It's okay noona, we're almost done anyway. I'm glad nothing is broken..... except for that guy's nose..." James replied while helping to fix the table.

"They deserve it. After this, I'm sure they will stop bothering people in this area" the waitress chuckled.

..

A minute later, James, Seiichi and Sojiro walks out of the restaurant to meet Haejoo and her friends.

"Oppa, is everything okay?" one of Haejoo's friends asks James.

"Don't worry~ Seiichi talked to them. Halmeoni and as well as the other customers are fine with what happened. Apparently, that Minjae and his friends have been causing some problems in this area. So they are just happy someone put them in to place. They are not going to report the fight.." James explained to the girls.

"Oh, thank god~" the girls sighed in relief.

"And I'm sure Minjae and his friends aren't going to report it because everything was caught on camera. If they do, they are just going to put themselves in more trouble" Seiichi added.

"By the way, are you girls okay?" James asked the girls.

"Ne~ we just got a little scared but we're okay~" the girls replied.

"Araseo~ let's go get some coffee now" Seiichi smiled at them.

The group are now going to a nice coffee place that Seiichi promised earlier. While they were eating earlier, Seiichi messaged his driver to go and rent a bigger car for them. Haejoo and her friends are basically stunned to see how rich Okiya Seiichi really is. A big luxurious van is there to pick them up.

..

While on their way, James and Seiichi felt the need to tell the girls about what they saw earlier. They gladly shared some stories about the past, including how they get to met Sojiro and eventually became like a brother to them. Haejoo already know a lot of things about James' past in Japan, including the Okiya family, Sojiro's past, Akako.. almost everything. She still listen to the stories because she has nothing else to do, it is now awkward between her and Sojiro.

Seiichi brings everyone in one of the high-end places in Seoul. He kicked it up a notch when he took them to a restaurant that have a michelin star. Everyone is very excited as they haven't been in that kind of restaurant in their lives, including James.

"Show off~" James laughingly said to his bestfriend.

"Haha, this not entirely for you and the girls" Seiichi have that evil smirk in his face.

"Hey, what do you mean??" James curiously asked.

"You'll see in a couple of seconds.." Seiichi giggles and wink. "I don't know what it is, but I like that smile.. you're up to something" James laughingly said.

"Mr. Okiya, welcome~" the restaurant's maitre d' personally approached them.

"Annyeong~ are the tables ready?" Seiichi asked the maitre d'.

"Yes. Please follow me~" the maitre d' said.

..

The maitre d' then show them their table..

"Huh? are we going to fit on this?" the girls are confused why the maitre d' took them to a small table, a table that is only good for 2 to 4 persons.

The maitre d' just smiles and remain quiet as she got instructed by Seiichi ahead of time to don't say anything.

"Don't be picky! Just sit.." James said to the girls and he started pushing them to the seats. He now caught the thing that Seiichi planned. James specifically pushes Haejoo first. Meanwhile, Seiichi pushes Sojiro first to the seat as well. Then followed by the other girls.

"Oh!.. that's we can't fit, this is not our table! Haha mianhae~" Seiichi started acting dumb and like he didn't planned anything. Sojiro, Haejoo, and the girls all looked at him all confused.

"This table is reserved for Hosokawa Sojiro and Yoo Hae-joo, right?" Seiichi acted like he is asking the maitre d'.

"Huh? , "Eh?" Haejoo and Sojiro got startled and their eyes got big.

"Yes, sir~" the maitre d' just bows as she can't keep a straight face.

"Girls you heard them. Come on, this is not our table~" James smilingly said to the girls. Haejoo's friends started laughing and squealing as Haejoo and Sojiro are going to have a table for themselves.

"Eh? wha-... I... I..... I... ?" Sojiro is already blushing and starting to panicking. He is about to stand up but James stopped him..

"huh, what's that? I am groot? Okay groot, sit your ass down and stop sweating~" James makes fun of Sojiro stuttering out of nervousness, he then pushes Sojiro back to his seat.

"Oppa.. w...wa.. wai.." Haejoo is also blushing and panicking.

"huh? We are family? Yeah you two will be a family in a couple years don't worry!" James also makes fun of Haejoo.

"Yah!! Oppa!!" Haejoo shyly yelled and she blushes even more. Her friends and Seiichi are dying from laughter after James makes fun of the two nervous love birds.

"Haha, don't worry Haejoo-ssi. The bill for this table is going to me. You two just have fun, araseo?~" Seiichi smilingly said to them.

James and Seiichi gave Sojiro a teasing smirk as they walk away from them. Haejoo's friends also did the same thing to her.

"I knew it..." Sojiro facepalmed himself and putting his head down out of embarrassment as he realized that they set him up.

It remained silent in the table as Haejoo and Sojiro can't even looked at each other. The two of them are just looking at the menu, most probably to hide their face and avoid eye contact. Both of them wanted to say something to destroy the awkward silence, but it seems like both of their tongues are tied.

..

Meanwhile, on a table not far away..

"Haha they are still not talking to each other!" , "Come on, Haejoo-ah!!" , "How can they order if they can't even speak to each other" the girls are having fun watching the awkwardness at Haejoo and Sojiro's table.

"Hey, well played~" James is giving Seiichi a well deserved slow clap. Seiichi just smiled and bows a little, accepting the applause.

Haejoo's friend suddenly starts to take some photos secretly. And of course, James and Seiichi joins in and take their phones out to take some photos.

..

A couple minutes of later, there's still silence in the table as Haejoo and Sojiro aren't still talking to each other. Both of them really wanted to say something to break the ice but for some reason, they can't open their mouth.

"Good evening~" the maitre d' approaches the table and break the silence. "Are you guys ready to order?".

"Ohh.. uh..." Haejoo and Sojiro both look back at the menu because they haven't even decide which to order.

"If I may, Mr. Okiya suggests that you guys order the truffle croque monsieur, the harissa-marinated lamb with mint chutney, the seafood platter, and the patatas alinadas with pan-fried cod. Then Mr. James suggested the smoked ox tongue with peas and vegetables, because he said.. mianhae, I'm just quoting what he said, he said that you guys might need a new tongue so you two can talk. I'm really sorry, he told me to say that~~" the maitre d' shyly laughs as she said exactly what Seiichi and James suggested. Haejoo and Sojiro both laugh at the same time. They looked at the table of the others not far away, and they saw everyone laughing, James and Seiichi are even putting their hands up while giving a thumbs up.

"But if you guys don't like any of the suggested dishes, I can run down our specials for today~" the maitre d' said to them.

"Oh, gwenchana unnie~ I think I will get the lamb... one.." Haejoo already forgot the name of the dish.

"Araseo~" the maitre d' smiled while writing down the order.

"Uh.. I will get the same thing.." Sojiro doesn't even know what to order so he just order the same dish.

"Araseo~ If you guys wants to order more, don't be afraid to call my attention. Have a nice night~" the maitre d' bows to them after taking their orders.

After the maitre d' left. Haejoo and Sojiro suddenly had eye contact. They immediately and shyly looked away. They then tried to look at each other again at the same time, which only make them to shy laughs a little.

"Sojiro oppa..."

"Haejoo-ssi...."

Haejoo and Sojiro finally had the courage to talk, but they both speak at the same time. They started to blush a little and panic again.

"Uh.. m-mianhae.. you first.." Haejoo said to Sojiro.

"Ani, go ahead... l-ladies first..." Sojiro shyly told her.

Haejoo nods a little. She inhales first to gather herself, "Oppa... go-gomawo~ for saving me... again".

"Oh.. uh... d-don't mind it. It's nothing~" Sojiro shyly replied.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Haejoo has been worrying about him for quite some time now.

"Don't worry, I'm fine" Sojiro replied and smiled a little. Can't hide his happiness that Haejoo is worried about him.

"Are you sure? you got kicked right in your head..." Haejoo worriedly asked.

"Ne~ don't worry, I can only see one of you~" Sojiro said, and Haejoo started giggling.

With that, Haejoo and Sojiro started talking to each other again. They talk again just like how they normally do. They are now smiling and laughing again as they talked about the fight earlier, mostly about what James and Seiichi doing while the fight is happening. They also seems to both intentionally not bringing up what Sojiro said after the drinks the last shot of soju.

On a table not far away, they are happy that Haejoo and Sojiro are talking again. They decided to just have fun on their own and not disturb the night for Haejoo and Sojiro.

..

..

Almost an hour later..

"........ ever since he came here to Korea, James oppa has always been buying odeng in that place. Even now that he is famous, he still go to that place from time to time. He really love their odeng and bungeoppang" Haejoo is smiling and laughing while telling a little story about James and that place.

"That's why he has photo on their wall. They must've love him~" Sojiro remarked.

"Well, James oppa is a famous celebrity now, so you can't blame them...... wait, where are they?" Haejoo caught a glimpse of the other table. She then looked again and saw that the table is empty. James, Seiichi and her friends are gone. "Eh?..." Sojiro stood up from his seat and looked around the restaurant.

The maitre d' then saw Haejoo and Sojiro standing up and scanning the restaurant looking for the others. She immediately ran towards them.

"Annyeong~ are you guys looking for Mr. Okiya and the others?" the maitre d' politely asked them.

"Ne~ have you seen them unnie?" Haejoo asked the maitre d'.

"They already left about 20 minutes ago.." the maitre d'.

"What?!" Haejoo and Sojiro are shocked to heard that. They haven't even notice that their friends already left.

"They said that they don't want to disturb the two you. And Ms. Yoo, they want me to inform you that your friends will be fine and Mr. Okiya already arranged a service to take them to their homes. " the maitre d' relays the message from Seiichi. ".. and you guys don't have to worry about the bill, Mr. Okiya already arranged everything. So if you guys wanted to do something else, just let me know~" the maitre d' added.

Sojiro then looked at the maitre d' suspiciously. He suddenly felt that something is not right. He feels like this is not just a simple set up, like there is more to it.

"Noona... can I ask you something?" Sojiro looked at the maitre d'.

"Yes, Mr. Hosokawa.." the maitre d' smiled.

"May I ask who owns this restaurant?" Sojiro asks.

"This restaurant was owned by Chef Hwang, but it's been on a market since last November, and a couple of days ago... Mr. Okiya Seiichi bought this restaurant. It is now part of the Okiya Group~" the maitre d' smilingly explained.

"WAAH--" Haejoo's jaw dropped after hearing that Seiichi is now the owner of a restaurant with michelin star.

"Tch... that explains everything. That's why Kuroba-san is saying 'show off' to Seiichi-sama when we enter this restaurant~ " Sojiro sighed and started giggling.

"Mianhae~ Mr. Okiya told me not say anything to you until you ask it yourself~" the maitre d' explained.

"Gwenchana noona, haha. He always do this kind of thing to me. Anyway, welcome to the Okiya Group~" Sojiro smiled at the maitre d'.

"It's my pleasure~ kamsahamnida~" the maitre d' politely bows to Sojiro.

..

..

..

About an hour later..

Since it's getting late, Sojiro accompanied Haejoo home. The awkwardness between briefly disappears that night. But that is not going to last as it is bound to go back in that situation, sort of. The quiet cold winter night in Seoul is slowly starting to feel magical as if it is pushing for something to happen.

After a bus ride, Sojiro is now walking Haejoo to her house. The two of them are currently having a little conversation about their friends who left them at the restaurant.

"Oppa, do you think they walk out of the restaurant one by one or as a group? I mean because we didn't even notice them leaving the table, and they're not that far away from our table" Haejoo laughingly asked as they continue to walk in the street of a quiet neighborhood.

"Kuroba-san is with them, so I'd say he planned it and ask everyone to leave one by one" Sojiro chuckled as he pictured it perfectly that James planned it.

"Yeah, I can see James oppa doing that~" Haejoo agrees and she started laughing while imagining it. "I also think he is the one who asked everyone to take photos of us~" Sojiro added, and the two of them started blaming James as the mastermind of everything.

"I wish I can flick James oppa in the forehead really hard that it will leave a mark. But I can't, Irene unnie might get mad at me~" Haejoo remarked, and she starts giggling.

"Haha, just explain to her that he set you up and you felt uncomfortable. I think Irene noona will understand, she might even asked you to flick him twice~" Sojiro laughs.

"Haha, araseo, I will try" Haejoo replied.

The two of them continue to walk in the street quietly. They turn their attention to the clear skies. They are now just quietly watching the few visible stars twinkling in the far reaches of the cosmos.

A minute later..

"Oppa..." Haejoo suddenly speaks and stopped walking. Sojiro stopped walking as well and looked at her.

"Did you mean it? the thing that you said to Minjae.." Haejoo is looking straight at Sojiro's eyes.

Sojiro was caught off guard. He immediately knew what Haejoo is talking about. What surprises him the most is that Haejoo doesn't feel nervous and shy about asking that question, wherein just an hour ago, she can't even talk and look at him in the eyes. Sojiro knew that he is suppose to be freaking out and most likely panicking at that moment, but then, he is just calmly standing in front of Haejoo because he knows exactly what is the answer.

"Yes, you are my... first love~" Sojiro replied while looking back straight into Haejoo's eyes.

Both of them starts to blush slowly while locked up in each other's warm gaze. They both felt a beautiful and warm feeling of lightness in their hearts. A few more seconds later, a bright smile appears in their faces and they shyly laughs.

"But Haejoo, I'm not saying that to ask you to be my girlfriend. I know you mentioned before that you wanted to graduate first before getting into a relationship, and I respect that. I guess I'm not really good at hiding what I feel because I've never been in this kind of situation, but that is the truth, you are my first love. I'm not expecting anything from you, it's okay if you don't have feelings for me. I'm already satisfied and happy to let you know what I feel about you~" Sojiro bravely said everything he wanted to say to Haejoo. He has no regrets now no matter what the outcome will be.

Haejoo remained quiet for a couple of seconds as she still absorbing and processing everything that Sojiro said to her.

"Gomawo~" Haejoo gives Sojiro a very bright and warm smile. Sojiro smiled and he started walking again.

"Oppa wait..." Haejoo walks towards Sojiro and stand in front of him, closely. Sojiro got startled that he took a couple of steps back but Haejoo steps closer to him.

"Can I ask for a favor?" Haejoo asked.

"Uh, s-sure.." Sojiro replied and he can't look away from Haejoo's eyes, as if her eyes are paralyzing his body.

"Mianhae, but can I borrow that pin? the one that Natsuki gave to you.." Haejoo shyly smiled.

"Uh.. how... why..." Sojiro is stunned for a couple of seconds because he never knew that Haejoo knows about the special pin.

"Haewon unnie saw the same pin that James oppa has, back when he was still living with us. Then James oppa told us the story behind it, and he told us everything about Natsuki as well.." Haejoo explained.

"I see.." Sojiro forgot that the Yoo family knew about James' past. He can't help but to smile thinking that the Yoo family is really close and treats James as part of their family that he even opens up about his painful past in Japan.

"If it's only okay with you, oppa. I know how important that pin is.." Haejoo said to him.

"Oh, I-It's okay.." Sojiro reached for his pocket to get the pin. "But, how did you know I have it even though I'm not wearing it?" he asked.

"Hmm, I just guessed, because James oppa always have it with him. He don't wear it but it's always in his pocket" Haejoo explained.

"I see... um, here.." Sojiro give the pin to Haejoo.

"Gomawo~" Haejoo smiled while looking at the rose-gold pin.

"Why did you want to borrow it?" Sojiro curiously asked.

"Well..." Haejoo took a deep breath first. ".. you are going to back to Japan in a couple of days, I just want to have a little remembrance of you. I promise that I will take care of this and gave it back to you once we see each other again" Haejoo smilingly said to Sojiro.

"Oh, uh.. a-araseo~" Sojiro replied.

"But, I feel bad. I need to give you something in return.." Haejoo said and she started reaching and looking for something to trade in her pockets. "Ahh, there it is. Oppa! close your eyes first~".

"Wait, no need.. gwenchana~" Sojiro chuckled.

"Aniyoo~ close your eyes pali~" Haejoo cutely said to him.

"Araseo~" Sojiro smilingly sighed and he closes his eyes while putting his hand out to receive the item from Haejoo.

Seconds later..

Haejoo leans in to kiss Sojiro in the cheeks. Sojiro immediately opens his eyes out of shock. When he opens his eyes, Haejoo is gone. He looked around and saw Haejoo running down the street. Sojiro immediately started blushing as it is the first time he receive a kiss from a girl.

Moments later, Haejoo stopped running at turns around..

"OPPPAAA!!" Haejoo started shouting. "I lied!! The reason I want to borrow this pin is because.. I like you!! I will return this pin when I'm ready to be your girlfriend!!!!" Haejoo smilingly panting after she shouted those things to Sojiro.

"Jalgayo!!~~" Haejoo waved her hands and shouted one last time before she started running again.

Sojiro is just standing in the middle of the street blushing. The hands of time slows down as he watches his first love running with a thing that is very important to him. His hand slowly cupped the cheek where Haejoo kissed him. Sojiro is basically still stunned from what happened, and once Haejoo is gone from his sight, he then turns around and started walking to the other direction. Sojiro has that huge smile in his face as he walks back to the bus stop.

..

..

A few minutes later when Sojiro is just sitting in the bus stop, waiting..

"So are you guys a couple now?" James and Seiichi suddenly shows up in the bus stop. Sojiro got scared that he almost cursed. James and Seiichi started laughing.

"Don't do that, you guys are going to give me a heart attack~" Sojiro said to them.

"You got scared by that but you didn't even flinched in front of 5 taekwondo black belters" Seiichi laughingly said as he sat down beside Sojiro.

"What are you guys doing here? I thought you guys went home already after you left us in the restaurant. Are you two stalking us again" Sojiro asked them.

"A little bit, yes" Seiichi chuckled. "We waited in that convenient store in the corner of the street. It has a good view of this bus stop, so we can see you and Haejoo getting off the bus" he then explained.

"We also took the girls back to their homes. Then we went head straight here because I know you will not let your first love go home alone at this hour~" James starts the teasing about what Sojiro said earlier. "No one disrespects my first love~" James then tries to mimic Sojiro earlier.

Seiichi burst out laughing while Sojiro is blushing out of embarrassment.

"Wait.. wait... it's more like this... No one disrespects my first love~ *panting*... and he was sweating and everything..." James is now doing an impression of Sojiro. Thanks to his ability to do and copy voices, the impression got better and better every time he do it because for the fact that he can perfectly copy Sojiro's voice.

Seiichi actually falls down to the ground laughing. He is really dying because it was a perfect copy. Sojiro blushes even more and gets more embarrassed as James continue to copy him.

"Wait.. do it again, do it again.." Seiichi is on the ground laughing and holding his stomach.

James acts it again, "*drinks the shot*.. No one disrespects my first love~... *exaggerated panting*. James and Seiichi falls and rolling to the ground laughing.

Sojiro also can't hold his laughter because James is doing a perfect imitation, and the exaggeration is way to funny for them. Their loud and yet muffled laughter echoes across to the empty street in the middle of the night.

.

.

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"Hold on, how do we get home?"

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To be continued...

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Annyeong!!

I'm really sorry that it took a long time to update this book. I'm really really really sorry, TT. Lot of things had happened in the past couple of weeks, one is that I have to be on bed rest for about two weeks as a reoccurring sickness came back again. Those days are super boring because I literally just have to rest and I can't do anything like using my phone, laptop, etc. But don't worry, everything is fine now and back to normal. During those days, I also drafted the rest of this book, well in my mind at least hehe. As well as the next book I'm planning to write once this book reached the end. So yeah, I took a week of just finishing the work I left behind while I'm on bed rest. That is another reason why this chapter is late.

Once again, I'm really sorry and thankful for all you guys who are waiting every week. I promise, soon, we will be back to 1 chapter per week.

I love you all! have a nice weekend and stay safe everyone! :)

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renebaebae is back bitches!! Ladida-do Ba-badida~~

:)