"Why didn't you tell me your boyfriend is a gangster?"

That was Jaejoong in Dara's ears.

"Why didn't you tell me you're involved with a gang?"

She closed her eyes as she turned off the radio, wincing from the impending headache happening to her now.

"Park!"

That's it.

"Shut up." She gritted as she glared at the wide-eyed Jaejoong who was probably as shocked as she was in the whole ordeal with the car chase and now with...this—Jiyong approaching them. "He's not my..." she couldn't say the word. "He's not a..."

"Gangster?" Jaejoong finished for her, sarcastically. "I don't know if the concussion from your erratic driving is finally showing up OR you're just in great denial. Because, honey," he jabbed in Jiyong's direction who was tapping the window on her side now and then to the men ahead of them wearing leather jackets and other dark clothing with guns or whatever weapons in their hands. "He's obviously from a gang."

She knew Jaejoong was right. She released the breath she didn't know she was holding as she rolled down her window. She was surprised it was still working, considering how badly beaten the Audi had taken from her erratic driving, as Jaejoong said.

"Are you hurt?" Jiyong asked right after the window rolled down completely as he quickly scanned Dara's body. Noting her formal look and the nice gown she's wearing. He would've drink the gorgeous sight of her he rarely sees but held the compliment because of the petrified look on her face. He briefly glanced at the frowning Jaejoong before he focused on Dara's face again.

Aside from the bruises and minor cuts on her face and the visible part of her arms due to the whiplash, she looked like she could skip the trip to the emergency room today.

She groaned thinking about the body ache that's going to catch her later after her adrenaline subsided. Otherwise, she wanted to believe she's fine.

But that was a lie. She was far from fine.

"W-what's going on, Jiyong? Why was Teddy and the other men were chasing us?" She mustered the courage to ask, hurt evident in her voice. Not physically but emotionally. Hurt about the realization finally sinking in.

Jiyong is a gangster.

And is looking defeated and guilty right now as they speak.

"I'm sorry," Jiyong whispered to Dara as he opened the door to her side and helped her out.

She wasn't surprised to find her legs turned jell-o. But then, her whole body was shaking. Luckily, Jiyong was there to quickly hold her still and prevent her from falling to the cold hard ground of this treacherous woods.

Jaejoong on the other hand was cursing profusely once he was out and saw how much beating and damage his not-so brand new car took.

Jaejoong groaned out loud as he glared at Jiyong. "You and your girlfriend better do something about my car, or else-"

Multiple clicks of the guns were heard in the background as one man stepped forward too.

"Or else what, pretty boy?" The guy didn't hide the contempt in his voice.

Dara saw the guy's face clearly with the help of the car headlights around them and immediately recognized him, as well as a few of the guys there. She groaned again. Of course. How could she be so oblivious?

"TOP, calm down." Tae stopped TOP before his impulsiveness got them in trouble again.

Jaejoong was taken aback at first by the threat before looking around, eyeing the twenty or more men lurking in the dark, all with contemptuous looks on their faces, then to Kwon Jiyong, who stood calmly and proudly among them.

Jaejoong gulped at the sight, chose wisely not to anger the dangerous group further, but still frowned as he looked back at the quiet Dara leaning on Jiyong.

"Not only your boyfriend is a gangster but also the gang leader, huh? Great." Jaejoong stated sarcastically. "Did you know all about this, Park?"

She didn't answer but the deer in the headlights look on her face probably answered his question as Jaejoong groaned again.

"Shit." He cursed.

Tae sighed at the tension happening as he looked at Jiyong. "Big Teddy and his men are gone. What do you want to do now, GD?"

Jiyong didn't answer him but looked at the approaching Dae who just got back from taking a phone call.

"Dear leader." Dae greeted him then nodded as if the two had a silent conversation going on, then smiled widely at seeing Dara beside the leader. "Hi, Dara. Looking like a queen, huh?" Talking about her gala look. He even winked at her but then she's just too stunned to react to anything right now. Then Dae looked at Jaejoong next and then widened his eyes at him. "No way! It's the famous idol Kim Jaejoong!" He couldn't hide the giddiness in his voice, earning groans from Tae and the others.

Seungri cleared his throat to get Dae's attention back to the important matters. "Bro, you gotta stop fangirl-ing. It's not a good time."

When Dae lunged at Seungri with one arm giving him a lecture about 'living a little' and the two playfully bickering after and Jaejoong muttering 'morons' in the corner, Tae and TOP finally approached Jiyong.

"What do you want us to do next?" it was TOP who asked this question to Jiyong this time.

Jiyong's hand on Dara's waist tightened, she wouldn't be surprised if there's gonna be another bruise showing up later there.

"Meeting at my place," Jiyong answered finally, his voice low and firm, even commanding.

He then glanced at the Audi and then nodded to someone at the back next. "Keith, take this car to the autoshop and have the men there fix it." As if considering something, he coldly looks at Jaejoong. "Unless you want a new one."

It wasn't even a question but Jaejoong was taken aback by the cold gaze and command in his tone, talking as if he buys hundred thousand bucks of luxury cars as a hobby.

"O-of course, a new one!" Jaejoong managed to answer while trying to hide his nervousness. "Same model, same color."

Jiyong nodded. "Consider it done." He then started to walk towards his car, bringing Dara with him.

"You know what, I take it back. I want it in color black!" Jaejoong said.

Most men there groaned in annoyance. Including Dara, if she finally finds her voice again.

TOP was the most annoyed. "Do you want to do something about pretty boy here? I'm sure no one will notice a shallow grave around this area."

"You, piece of sh—!" that was Jaejoong.

He should really shut his mouth, Dara thought.

"No," Jiyong answered firmly as he gently led Dara to the passenger side of his black Bugatti Divo sports car. "He's coming with us to the meeting."

Before Tae could usher Jaejoong into his car, Jaejoong leaped into the back door on the passenger side of Jiyong's car.

"There's no way I'm going with the rest of you! I'm staying with Park," Jaejoong exclaimed as he sat in the back and locked the door for added security if the guys tried to forcefully get him out. They are still strangers to him, after all—dangerous strangers.

Jiyong didn't object as Tae shrugged his shoulders.

Jiyong then nodded to his men who had aided him tonight. "You're done for tonight. Great job," he simply said, their cue to leave as they started to climb into their cars and drove away. He then faced the four guys remaining there. "BIGBANG at my place," he told them as he got inside his car.

"You heard the boss. Let's get this meetin' rollin'!" Dae said, too enthusiastic for his own good.

Tae sighed as the rest of them got in their own cars and followed Jiyong behind. Who knows if Woojae and his men are still lurking behind and are planning an ambush on Jiyong.

-------

Dara's shock wore off as she sat in the passenger seat of a car driven by Jiyong. However, being inside the car again shook her nerves, and she anxiously looked behind, as if Teddy and his men were still chasing and shooting guns at them.

"It's okay, Dara. You can relax now," Jiyong assured softly as he reached for her hand with his free hand, not on the wheel. "You're safe with me."

Jaejoong snorted behind them. Jiyong immediately glared at him from the rearview mirror.

"Well, Kwon, you can't blame me for betting my right arm that you were the reason those lunatics started chasing and shooting us out of nowhere in the first place," Jaejoong exclaimed, frustrated.

Jiyong clenched his jaw and didn't deny anything. It was the truth. But he still wanted to know. He glanced at the quiet Dara. "Why didn't you tell me you were in Yorkville today?" he asked, visibly upset as well.

Dara pursed her lips. She was past survival and denial mode now, and the next emotion kicking in was anger. Anger at what she had gotten herself into, anger about what happened earlier, and anger in the realization that Jiyong is... this person.

"Why you didn't tell me you are a gangster?" She asked back, spice in her voice.

Jiyong was quiet as his grip on the steering wheel tightened. He noticed her anger right away. "I never hide it from you. You just don't ask."

Dara scoffed at the stupidity of his reason.

Jiyong tried to calm her down by reaching for Dara's hand again, which was placed on her lap, but she slapped his hand away. He gritted his teeth afterward. "We will talk more later then," he said instead.

Dara glared at him. "Oh yeah, now we're talking about this. You are a gangster. On why Teddy was after me, or wait, was I targeted from the beginning? Why?!"

"Then why you didn't tell me you were going to Yorkville today? I could have done something!"

It was Jiyong's turn to glare as he sharply turned the car at the corner, making them all jump in their seats a few inches high.

Jaejoong cursed as he quickly put his seatbelt on. He was just an audience to the tension unfolding before him right now.

"I don't have to tell you everything—!"

"Yes, you do. We are a cou—"

"—You are not my boyfriend!"

The loud screeching of tires was heard as Jiyong abruptly slammed on the brakes. The car stopped, and he punched the steering wheel at the same time.

Jaejoong gasped at the back, holding the breath he didn't know he was holding.

They stopped in front of Jiyong's tall apartment building.

Before Jiyong could open the door on Dara's side, she beat him to it. She even slammed the door behind her as she ran towards the entrance, pushed the elevator button up, and rode it alone to Jiyong's 7th floor.

She didn't care anymore that she left Jaejoong there all alone with Jiyong. Even if they didn't like each other, Jaejoong might be better off with Jiyong right now than she is with him. She's very pissed at him.

Using her copy of Jiyong's key, she entered the house, and once inside, she suddenly felt claustrophobic. Considering she had been here only yesterday morning, always admiring his place and feeling at home, but being inside now felt like a punch in the gut.

This gorgeous flat of his was probably purchased from his underworld activities— the gangster world he is living in, the dangerous one.

The realization not only created a pit in her stomach but also made her feel nauseous.

This is not happening.

She heard footsteps behind her, so she mustered the courage to walk further inside the house and settled by the window, overlooking the nightly view of downtown Malcom.

Maybe it will distract her from this doomed 'meeting'.

Jaejoong and Jiyong arrived first, and she could feel the latter's gaze fixed on her. However, she ignored him and continued looking outside the window, arms crossed over her chest.

Shortly, five minutes later, the rest of BIGBANG arrived at Dara's place, and she had mixed feelings about them. She had known these guys for two years, working with them at -ONE, but she never suspected they were all gangsters when exchanging hellos and casual talks with them back then. She knew they were very close to Jiyong, but now she realized they were all in the same gang too. She groaned inwardly again.

Dae immediately made himself at home, heading straight to the cupboard under the kitchen island to retrieve multiple bottles of hard liquor. He assumed the role of a bartender, preparing drinks for everyone.

"Here—"

Dara snatched the tequila shot from Dae's hand, and tipped it quickly, before he could finish his sentence.

"Whoah. Easy there, D. I know you don't like alcohol." Dae said, bewildered but amused.

Damn right. But she needed alcohol right now to ease her nerves.

Dae was about to tease her more when he caught a glare from Jiyong. He straightened up as he joined the others, offering the last glass of whisky to Jiyong. He gave him a sheepish smile before quickly running away, afraid the leader might smack him. Dae settled beside the surprisingly calm Jaejoong now.

Everyone was scattered and standing in Jiyong's living room with an open-concept kitchen.

Dara leaned against the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room near the TV, while Jaejoong and Dae were by the kitchen island. TOP stood by the foyer, leaning on the wall with his hands in his pockets. Tae half-sat, leaning on the table, and Seungri stood in the hallway.

They were all waiting for Jiyong who was standing in the middle, commanding them all with his mere presence. His face was serious...and dangerous. They're waiting for him to speak first.

Jiyong only gave one look at Dae for him to immediately relay a message.

"I spoke with our intel from District 1 earlier and looks like Dara is on their red list to watch out for if she's in Yorkville." Dae started as he glanced at Dara who stiffened at the hear of that. "Red list means you are a VIP - Very Important Person." Now she was breathing fast as Dae looked apologetically at her. "I'm sorry, D. Someone saw you attending a big party in Yorkville and reported it to District 1. That's why there was an attempt to kidnap you today."

Now, she's hyperventilating. She didn't even understand some of what he was talking about. District names? Red list? VIP?

"Kidnap?!" She exclaimed, incredulously. "The shooting was clear they want me dead!"

Everyone flinched at her loud voice as she tried to calm her nerves.

She then looked sharply at Dae who flinched under her gaze. He was only the bearer of the news, but she didn't care. "Why would I be on their hit list—"

"Red List." Dae corrected.

"Red list, whatever." She motioned her hand, frustrated. "Why would I be on their red list?"

Most of them looked at her like she grew two heads, including Jaejoong who just shook his head at her. Has she always been this oblivious?

Dae cleared his throat. "Well, District 1 thought you and GD were going to get married and have babies so—"

The glares from everyone were enough to shut him up as Dae smiled at her sheepishly.

Tae sighed as he answered this time and looked at Dara, sympathetically. "You are very important that's why you've been targeted. Being Jiyong's girlfriend—"

"He's not my boyfriend!" She said the second time today.

Most of them gasped to hear that. Even TOP who was usually cold and nonchalant, reacted as he straightened up from leaning on the wall. Seungri gaped. Dae gaped wider. Jaejoong uttered 'Damn, Park, Damn.' or was it 'dumb, Park, dumb'. And Tae was looking sorry at the quiet Jiyong standing still in the middle, clenching his jaw.

"And that's our cue to leave." Dae managed to say, cutting them from their trance at looking at Dara, disbelievingly. "We don't want to get into a crossfire between a lovers quarrel, do we?"

"Right." Seungri quickly agreed, uncomfortable with the atmosphere. "We can continue the meeting sans leader in our second-in-command leader's place." He referred Tae who stood up and started to head for the door.

Shaking his head, TOP followed after Tae and Seungri.

"What's District 1?" Jaejoong asked Dae as they headed for the door too.

Dae smirked at him. "It is the Yorkville's gang name. Sucks, isn't it?"

Jaejoong nodded. "True. What's Malcom's gang name, then?"

"District 7. Cool, isn't it?" Dae grinned at him.

Jaejoong snorted. "Christ. It's as lame as District 1. Can't you guys think of cooler gang names, for fuck's sake?"

Dae laughed. "Ask the dead men a century ago why they came up with these names." He then cupped Jaejoong's shoulders and they walked together as if long-time friends. "You should come with us to Tae's place. It's awesome, man. There, you can teach me how you did that falsetto in your last album."

"Sure." Jaejoong quickly agreed. "In exchange, you tell me more about your gang and its history. I can't believe Kwon is a gang leader. We're schoolmates, you know?"

"I can't believe our leader is wrapped up in an unrequited love, too. Totally sucks."

"Fools."

"Yeah."

"Can we please go now?" That was Tae, looking impatient as he opened the door wide for the two fools.

They exited and Tae gave Jiyong one last sympathetic look like telling him 'Good Luck' before closing the door and leaving Dara and Jiyong alone.

Dara sighed heavily as she walked towards the fridge and poured herself a glass of cold water. She drank it quickly to calm her nerves.

She was aware that Jiyong remained standing in the middle of the living room and watching her every move.

She finally turned to face him and his grim face greeted her. Now, he's also angry.

"We need to talk," Jiyong said.

She huffed. "What do you want to talk about? About why I was in Yorkville, again?"

He shook his head. "Kim already told me about that." He looked at her straight. "Your life is in danger and I want—need you to tell me if you're going outside Malcom again or if your life is in danger."

She snorted. "My life is already in danger. I'm a VIP, remember?"

He clenched his jaw as he uttered the words, "You are very important to me." it was almost a whisper.

She ignored the fast beating of her heart at the intensity in his voice as she met his gaze. "But not important enough to tell me that you are what, a gangster? A gang leader?" She exclaimed. "Hell, I have known you for two years. You didn't even once tell me about it."

Jiyong looked in pain. "You never ask me, Dara. You never ask questions about my personal life." He sighed. "You don't want to know me." The last one was a painful truth.

She bit her lip as screaming at him was tempting. "Well, I don't like asking questions!"

"You should've if you care about me. You let me kiss you. You give me mixed signals." He was frustrated. "You even called me first for help. And I thought, you also like me too."

Like me too.

Heck, she did say that to him back then, but then the circumstances was different. She closed her eyes as the headache hit her deeply. "I called you because you are one of my friends."

"I'm your only friend, Dara. I'm the only person who cared about you." He gritted his teeth.

He hits the nail. She was difficult and indifferent to be around. Didn't want connections with anyone as she was afraid to get attached and be hurt once they left her. As everything in her life. Her dad, her mom, her dreams. Her life is constantly challenging. She has no time for friends nor lovers.

Jiyong wasn't done as he continued. "And you are welcome, by the way. For saving you today. Because not only you are bad at asking questions. You don't like to give thanks too." He was sarcastic.

Dara glared at him. "That's it then. You didn't like that I don't like to ask questions, how I don't like to say thanks?" She asked him, her eyes widening. "Because, okay, THANK YOU for saving my life today from the danger because they think I'm with YOU."

This is not going anywhere. Jiyong realized that as he marched towards Dara. Towering over her with his height and the urge to kiss her endlessly was so tempting to get his message across from her stubborn self.

"You are not only oblivious but," he stated, his voice low and deep. "also very infuriating."

Dara held her chin up, her arms crossed over her chest, meeting his gaze.

Jiyong shook his head. He knew she was stubborn but not this stubborn. Maybe, telling it straight to her face and spelling it out to her will get his message across.

He heaved a deep sigh. "They think you are with me because they—everyone knows I like you. No," he held her gaze as he said the next words carefully. "Not only do I like you but I love you. I love you, Dara. Always been. For two years now. Damn it."

And now, your life is in danger because of me, he wanted to add but his heart was beating so fast at his confession. He had been holding it in his heart for so long. He couldn't find the perfect time to say it but he needed her to understand this, to know this, why she mattered to him a lot. That he would do everything to protect her.

Damn, why it has come to this?

Dara gasped at Jiyong's confession. She wanted to tell herself she was surprised but deep inside her, she knew, she always knew. She was just in denial.

She has no time for this. She has her goals. No time for romance. Especially now, that she knew who he was.

It just couldn't happen.

Dara bit her lip as tears welled in her eyes. The next thing she knew, she couldn't stop them from streaming down her cheeks.

Tears not of happiness due to Jiyong's confession. Jiyong loves her. She should jump in glee that someone out there loves her. But no, her tears is for sorrow. They cannot just be together.

She has her goals.

She has a role to take back.

She has to graduate, get a job, get a place.

She has her history.

History involving her parents when her mother killed herself because she couldn't live in a world without her father who was also a gang leader who died in a senseless battle between stupid gang fights.

She couldn't afford to repeat the history.

Because no matter how she denies it, she knows, she deeply cares about Jiyong, too.

And her tears were for grief and sorrow about the whole thing spiraling in her life right now.

That's why she needed a goal. She needed something to focus on because if there was none, she would be lost.

Fucking lost.

--//--//tbc

a/n: I'll give you guys time to process this chapter like Dara's emotions. And once you're done, you can probably tell how this story is headed to. Thanks for reading. Thanks for the love. Please leave me some votes & comments. See you in the next chapter.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!