Jaehee inhaled the fresh air surrounding them deeply, enjoying the mild tinge of sweetness in it. It all felt somehow familiar, though she pushed away her thoughts while she strode through the small neighborhood with Zen. "Is there a reason you wished to bring me here, Zen?" she asked, glancing at him.

Zen merely nodded. "Yeah. I'm sorry for intruding but... I heard that you're looking for someone special to you..." He scratched the back of his neck, as if afraid of bringing up the subject.

Jaehee smiled slightly at him, signaling for him to go on. "Oh... you're right. But... we haven't seen each other for a very long time. I can't even clearly remember his face..." she told him.

"Makes me wonder... Why is he so important to you?"

The chief assistant had to admit she was taken aback by the sudden question for a moment, but her expression softened quickly. "Because... he protected me... and I protected him, when we needed each other the most and we didn't have anybody else to take care of us..." She honestly felt it was more than that. Inexplicably, she felt an underlying bond strung between her and the young boy who helped her and she helped during those terrifying times.

They became friends.

Zen remained silent afterwards, waiting for a further explanation.

"..We survived together..." Jaehee sighed while her gaze fell downwards. "But then he suddenly disappeared and I wasn't able to see him again." She paused for a moment to chuckle. "He's the only boy who I've been close enough to to call Oppa in my life."

"That's how close you were, huh." Zen replied, unable to hide the slight bitterness lacing his words.

But Jaehee pretended not to notice it, unable to comprehend why he would feel disdain towards a little boy she just happened to be close to. "Yeah... I only wish to see him again. Even if just once... so I could thank him."

Zen forced a smile while looking at his shorter friend. "I see... You know, you've really helped me, Jaehee. You're always there cheering me on and ready to follow me to any place–"

"Oh? That's because I'm your fan, Zen." Jaehee answered without missing a beat, which made the actor's heart leap a little.

He cleared his throat, continuing. "I want to be your fan, too. I want to be the one to help you this time, because finding this boy is so important to you... I'll find him for you, Jaehee." he declared, full of confidence in his words.

She smiled so warmly he could feel his heart melting slightly. "Thank you, Zen... It means a lot to me."

He'd put his all in finding her friend for her, because he wanted to see her happy...

...And away from the Trust-Fund Kid.
×××

"Should I walk you home?" the albino asked her cheerfully, she chuckled under her breath at his charming expression.

"Ah, no, here's fine. I see Mr. Han returned to the office now." While on her walk with Zen, she had received a call from the director telling her she was required in something important and to come to the office again for a short while.

She immediately rushed towards C&R, apologizing to Zen for having to cut their walk short. Before leaving, she thanked him with a bow of her head and ran towards Jumin, who had walked out the building as soon as he spotted the two.

But to her surprise, Zen didn't walk away from her, remaining by her side even as she approached her boss.

Now the raven-haired and silver-haired glared daggers at each other while she puzzledly stared at the two.

"Um... Mr. Han?" she asked confusedly; something was definitely going on that she wasn't aware of.

"You brought her safely... now leave." Jumin told him as sharply as the edge of a sword.

Zen scoffed at him. "I'll only leave when Jaehee tells me to. And she doesn't want me to leave, right Jaehee?" He sent a look at her direction, completely sure she would take his side.

"Um, Zen... I do think it's about time you return home," she said a bit nervously. She didn't want him to arrive home late.

Zen, however, took it personally, feeling betrayed by the person he least expected. That Trust-Fund Kid really had brainwashed her!

Jumin smirked at him.

Noticing Zen's distressed face, Jaehee quickly explained her words. "B-but I'm only saying it because I want you to return safely, please don't get the wrong idea."

The musical actor sighed softly, smiling at her and patting her head, which caused her to look up at him with widened coffee-colored eyes. "It's fine, Jaehee." He proceeded to ruffle her hair gently. "Have a goodnight."

Jumin glared at him again, crossing his arms while he did it. "Don't mess up her hair, you're going to make it disheveled," he said in a way that sounded strangely threatening, which surprised Jaehee, but Zen merely laughed slightly at him.

The white-haired man childishly stuck out tounge at him for a moment, before grinning victoriously again and turning around after waving goodbye at both RFA members.

Jaehee sighed slightly, shaking her head and turning her eyes toward Jumin. "...And Mr. Han, why are you being so rude with Zen? Are you two still arguing?" she questioned, upset with him. She couldn't believe he was being unreasonable again after what happened before.

"When aren't we arguing?" Jumin asked in response with a raised eyebrow.

"...Fair enough. But you seem way more aggressive these days."

"I'm not. Now come with me, there's still something I need your company for." He signaled for her to follow him without any more pretenses.

The chief assistant let out a sigh again as her shoulders slumped. She was sure there was probably a lot of midnight work awaiting her inside the office once again. "I see... " she muttered, sulking.

Jumin turned around, glancing at her and noticing her depressed attitude. "Is there an issue, Assistant Kang?"

Jaehee immediately stood up straight. "Oh no, of course not. I'm just getting mentally prepared for working till late today."

"We're not working," he said simply.

"Then... what are we doing?" She stopped in her tracks, only then realizing where he was taking her. His sophisticated black car. Soon Jumin was opening the vehicle door for her and she got in while she slid in next to her.

"I'm taking you home." He smiled at her.
×××

The ride felt too short for both of them, though neither would say it. They enjoyed simply sitting so close to each other, quietly discussing everyday, casual things that came to their minds; without any business plans in mind and with no professional purpose.

Just as friends and RFA companions.

Even when they weren't talking and there was silence, they could happily stare at the window and take small, coy glances at each other while the other wasn't looking, feeling some kind of mysterious warmth inundate their hearts (and their cheeks).

But it all ended when they reached Jaehee's apartment and Driver Kim's voice stating they had arrived to their destination brought them back from their reverie.

"We're here. Please allow me to accompany you to your door, Assistant Kang," Jumin said, smiling softly, a sincere smile she returned unconsciously.

"I would appreciate it. Thank you." They both got off the car, walking quite slowly towards the entrance, as if somehow looking to spend as much time with each other as they could.

"Have a good night, Mr. Han," she told him quite cheerfully while holding the doorknob, her keys in hand. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."

He chuckled quietly at her cute expression. "I'll see you."

Yet she didn't go inside and they stood outside staring at each other's eyes for longer than either of them intended. "Oh." Jumin's silver eyes widened as if he just remembered something. "I meant to give this earlier to you this morning..." He searched for something inside the small pocket of his striped shirt. "I've seen you enjoying one of these candies before, during your coffee break..."

He gently put the caramel candy between her extended fingers, their skin pleasantly brushing against each other.

"I thought it may be to your liking." He smiled warmly at her, but she was too shocked to say anything in response, just staring at the wrapped candy as if it suddenly grew wings.

He didn't notice her astonishment though, attributing it to the fact that she must really like caramel candies. He laughed ever so slightly before leaving towards his car.
.
.
.

Finally, it was the day.

The Art Project had come to its full course, and they were currently at the inauguration of a new art museum, opened by C&R International.

Zen's brand new work, which aided him in his rise to fame alongside his famed musicals, put him between the highlights of the inauguration, and he was constantly surrounded by people admiring his otherworldly beauty and asking for authoghraps and selfies, which he gladly gave to them.

Jaehee had put aside her shock from last night, now standing next to Jumin while he gave a speech to the wide audience in front of them enjoying the event.

When he finished, receiving a strong applause from the distinguished guests, everyone was led forwards for the incoming press conference for the main star of the day, Zen.

Zen seemed to have another idea in mind though, gazing at Jaehee as if he had finally made his mind about something. A decision that made him smile so blissfully.

"Everything has been going perfectly," Jaehee clasped her hands together, happy and satisfied with their work.

"It has. Your idea of an art project was truly fantastic, Assistant Kang." he complimented her, hands inside his pockets and a rare smile decorating his face.

Jaehee blushed, though she tried to hide it by looking away and smiling at him. "Thank you- oh, wait. You don't give compliments, Mr. Han, you simply state the truth." She reminded herself, laughing.

Jumin laughed in return. "You're right once again."

Their moment together was interrupted when Zen walked into the stage, in which they were situated while making the few preparations that were still needed.

"Jaehee?" He chimed in, happily grinning at her, while ignoring Jumin.

"Oh, Zen!" She smiled back at him. "Are you ready for your conference?" she excitedly asked.

He chuckled, approaching her. "Of course. Well, hmm." He blushed slightly, looking away momentarily. "Except for a few things there and there. I'm kind of getting cold feet," he joked.

Jaehee seemed worried. "Really? That could be a problem."

He nodded. "That's why... I wondered if you would help me a bit practicing what I'll say."

"Um, well..." She didn't expect him to ask something like that. But she wasn't about to refuse helping a friend. "Of course." She smiled apologetically at Jumin as a goodbye, which he returned, even though he felt dejected seeing her go.
.
.
.

"What parts do you have problems with, Zen?" Jaehee asked, sitting down across from him in a sofa.

He smiled. "The parts in which I have to explain where I got the concept for my play."

"Well, your play... is centered around the idea of love, isn't it?" Jaehee pondered, trying to help. "You should probably explain whether if this love you wrote about was based in a personal experience or-"

The longhaired young woman became confused when he chuckled as she said the last words. "Huh, Zen...?"

"Sorry, I couldn't help it..." He looked down for a moment, unsure of how to tell her he really did base it on a personal experience... with someone very close to him. "I... Jaehee, do you mind if I tell you something?"

"O-of course not." She was slightly taken aback by the change of subject, but agreed.

He got up, walking slowly towards her. Then he leaned down until he was crouching in front of her. "We... became very close through the last days. Before, we wouldn't talk and approach each other so often, right?"

"Yes, um, you're right."

"But... even though we haven't always been such close friends, you've always been the person I came to respect the most in the RFA."

Jaehee's golden eyes widened slightly.

"You've always been the person I would trust first before anyone else. You're someone who inspires me nearly everyday... and I... I just want to help you, and take care of you."

"Take care of me...? What is he talking about?" Jaehee wondered more and more puzzled the more he talked. This wasn't... no, it couldn't be.

"Jaehee, please understand when I tell you..." His bigger hand slowly took a hold of hers, his touch lingering on her fingers. He took a deep breath. "I like you..."

Words were unable to escape from the brunette's throat. She had suddenly become mute and her eyes wouldn't blink for even a second.

Zen didn't notice her utter shock, and he delicately took both Jaehee's hands between his, leaving a gentle kiss on them and looking at her with something she could not have fathomed so many years ago.

All those years when she had liked him way more than she let on.

She had felt herself too pathetic and lowly to ever deserve to have Zen so close. Not to mention, she definitely wouldn't be worth his amazing career... his reputation.

Exactly one month ago, she would have been flying in the clouds at the mere thought of Zen looking at her like that. Exactly one month ago... before she came to like someone else, much more intensely.

She unconsciously gripped her fingers on his hands, completely unable to move anything else. Zen now looked at her with clear worry.

"Ja-Jaehee?" he fumbled, unable to comprehend why she didn't look nearly as ecstatic as he expected her to be.

Jumin Han had the worst timing. He could attest to that, especially because he walked into the room in that exact moment; Zen with his lips hovering above Jaehee's small hands, and Jaehee looking at him in something akin to horror, especially when she met eyes with the C&R Director.

Jumin stood there, thunderstruck.

Jaehee immediately, against the best of herself, snatched Zen's hands away from hers in a panic, staring at the raven-haired man silently, yet breathing heavily.

Zen got up as well, but with a glare accompanied by crossed arms. "What's with the scary eyes?" he asked, referring Jumin's glare directed at him, and raising a brow. "Jaehee was just helping me with my interview."

Jumin remained immobile, but he finally managed to pull out words. "...If you need last minute help for a nationwide interview, you most likely shouldn't be doing it to begin with."

Zen didn't say anything in response, merely glancing at Jaehee, expecting her to hopefully jump in his defense. But her eyes reflected her mind like an open book, and he wasn't anywhere to be seen.

Only that Trust-Fund jerk.

Jumin finally got the courage to look at Jaehee, even if he couldn't exactly keep an intent gaze on her wide golden-brown eyes. "Let's go now," he stated before simply turning around, clearly still shaken.

"Jae... Jaehee," Zen muttered when he saw the Chief Assistant practically run after him without another word.

"Wait, Mr. Han!" She finally managed to catch up to him, and he stopped his walking, standing in front of her. "It's not what you think. Really, what happened... It wasn't what you think-"

"Mr. Director!" one of the subordinates hollered, informing him about some magnates wishing to speak with him in a meeting.

"Let's go," Jumin ordered him, walking in a rush towards the direction he was pointing out.

Jaehee didn't chase him again, standing in her spot while fidgeting with the edges of her white shirt and biting her bottom lip nervously.
---

During Zen's press conference, he looked more than pale and much less enthusiastic that he did before he confessed to Jaehee, but he was a good actor and nobody suspected a thing.

Jaehee worriedly stared at him from afar, but the bigger part of her worry was centered on a certain raven-haired man, that was avoiding her like the plague.

Brown eyes met grey from different sidelines inside the auditorium, and immediately he turned away with less than half a second passing; he rushed away from the place, leaving Jaehee more than distressed and preoccupied for him.

In the short time that their gazes met, she could see that pained look that he tried so hard to hide, but he wasn't exactly successful at acting.

She sighed deeply, turning on her heel and running after him.
---

The two were now outside in the back of the building, away from all the commotion and prying eyes. Jaehee finally began to calm down slightly as she was alone with Jumin as she wished.

"Mr. Han..."

"What?"

"What happened with Zen was a misunderstanding."

Jumin scoffed, pretending he truly wasn't pained when he saw him so intimately with her. "Why are you telling me this? I will stand everything. I will support you no matter what. You don't have to explain anything to me, and you don't have to apologize."

"I will explain everything to you anyway."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want you to get the wrong idea..."

"Again, I fail to comphrend-"

"Because I like you." She finally said it. She could not hold the truth in any longer. Her eyes glimmered sincerely as she stared at him, not a single ounce of doubt in her voice as she spoke. "I feel like I've lasted too long to respond to you... I'm sorry," she apologized, referring to the time he kissed her as a blush rushed to her cheeks.

Perhaps for the first time in his life, Jumin was truly speechless. He finally knew what it felt not to not have anything to say, but to have gigantic tides of words wanting to escape from his mouth unceremoniously; yet he contained it all with a pale face, not knowing how to react.

"I... like you, Mr. Han," Jaehee stated firmly, but seeing him looking exactly like a deer caught in headlights did take her by surprise. It even managed to make her wonder if perhaps she never should have let him know.

Perhaps he was disgusted or disappointed by what she said. Or she was just another of his fanatic, crazy admirers to him and he didn't want her anywhere near him. Maybe he regretted ever hiring her as his assistant to begin with-

Before she could wonder any longer, he suddenly grabbed her and pulled her in a hug, setting his head comfortably next to her neck. His eyes were still as wide as plates and his heart was still beating like a drum, to the point that even she could feel it. She wondered if he could feel her quickened heartbeat too, before indulging in the sweetness of having him so close once again. 

"...Thank you," he said sincerely. "Thank you..."

Something washed over both of them like a tremendous wave. Something that made their bodies flutter with warmth, something that drew a smile on both their faces.

Slowly, he eventually pulled away from her, their foreheads now touched as they looked deeply into each other's eyes. He started leaning in, eagerly wishing to plant a kiss on her; but as soon as he closed his eyes, the nightmares came back, shaking him momentarily. Jaehee jumped back in slight surprise, but didn't let this deter her this time.

She slid her fingers through his silky raven hair, pulling him down in a slow manner. Their lips touched again, just like last time, only this time...

He didn't push her away, and his own grey eyes fluttered close. This was their real kiss, and they savored every second of it.

However, Jaehee pulled away after a moment, seeming slightly indecisive in what to do as she still held his face close to hers. He didn't let her go for long before leaning down again and kissing her even more intensely than before.

There they stood blissfully; the bright moon their only witness. Everything surrounding them was peaceful silence, nobody to disrupt this perfect moment.

Just the two of them.