'Hey there kiddo, miss me?

The man across the road imagined himself saying that as he devoured her with his eyes. From the oversized cardigan draped over her shoulders to the low-slung baseball cap and the light blue denim skinny jeans clinging to her legs, not a single detail escaped him.

The sight of her was a balm to the emptiness that seemed permanently lodged within his soul. The continual darkness that loomed over him, threatening to consume whatever remained of his humanity, finally quieted down. For the first time in years, he felt a familiar sensation that faintly resembled joy.

'I missed you so much!'

His hand instinctively pressed to his chest, trying to ease the galloping beats of his heart.

"They're boarding the vehicle. Bro, are you in position?"

"Yeah, ready to go when you are."

Watching the brunette getting into the black company van, he replied, his right hand already reaching for the slim gear handle of his own SUV. Starting the engine with a low hum, a storm of emotions raged inside him. Yet, his professional mask never slipped.

"Target away!"

"I got your back,"

With a few expert turns, his vehicle merged smoothly with the heavy traffic along the usually bustling area of Gangnam. Following the black van at a discreet distance, he increased the volume of his car.

Humming along softly to Black Wind, even as his sharp eyes never left his target. Mentally noting the rundown of the group's schedule for the day, their manager read it aloud over his communication device.

He stepped on his brake accordingly when he spotted the black van slowing as it drew alongside the walkway of another building. His SUV settled to a halt two vehicles in front and he slid down his seat even as he continued monitoring the flurry of activities from the black van through his side mirror.

The manager and a man dressed in suit alighted, the former hurrying to drag the heavier door of the vehicle open. Then, a series of staff personnel clambered out, hauling bags of clothing and make-ups.

The manager murmured something to the suited man, who waved the passengers out. Whatever he was saying only seemed to irritate the latter, judging from the scowl forming on his face. With a thoughtful look, he pulled a piece of gum from his pocket, popping it into his mouth as he watched the argument unfold.

After a couple of minutes, he saw the suited man flinging his arms up in frustration, breaking away from the manager and striding a few steps away. So, he was ready when the earpiece by his left ear buzzed and the familiar voice traveled over.

"Bro!"

"I heard." He responded, muting the music still playing on his stereo.

"What do you have to say to that?! It's way too dangerous for them to expose themselves this soon!"

"Xiaowo, is this the professional bodyguard talking, or the friend?"

"I... Both."

"Have you forgotten what I've taught you over the past few years while I'm not around?"

"Of course not, Bro! But on live stages? That's too much a risk. There are too many unknown factors that could happen and go wrong."

"Not if we're well prepared." The man inside the vehicle replied with grim determination.

Anyone sighting his expressionless mask and the cold way he was responding would never have guessed that he was cursing the manager inwardly for making such a suggestion. However, unlike his partner, he never paid any heed to his heart.

He didn't do it in the past, and neither will he allow his heart to rule him now.

It was how he had survived this long.

"But--"

"Have I ever let anything happen to them in the past?"

"No, but this time around you won't be close enough to react if anything happened."

"Really? Who said so?"

"What? You mean..."

"Uh-huh. Now, do you feel better?"

"Yes. With you around, I'm sure no one could harm a single hair on them."

He watched with detachment as the suited man turned, a relieved smile spreading across his face after their conversation. His frigid gaze thawed a little as it flicked back to the females exiting the van. There was no way he would allow anyone to hurt them. Not even himself.

'Well, this is it, kiddo. I'm back for good now. Though I've no idea if it's for the better or worse.'

Stonily, he gazed at the retreating figure of the woman who had never left his heart. No one would ever know the longing he felt to march right up to her and announce his return. However, he had lost the right to do so the day he left her.

He knew then, when he made the decision to leave, that he would never be welcomed back. He never expected himself to even return. Fate, however, had a tendency to screw up his life as always.

When he thought he was satisfied with living the way it was, fate threw her into his path. She made him human, made him feel.

He allowed her to lull him into the illusion that he could actually lead the remainder of his life as a normal person, that he might be even worthy of a happy-ever-after.

Apparently, he was merely being delusional.

Why would those gods, who had screwed him over and over again, have sympathy on one such as him? By allowing himself to let her in, he managed to break her heart just as surely when he left.

He had sworn then, that he would never permit himself to get near her once more, to give himself another chance at hurting her. Yet, it seemed he had no other choice.

There was no one else who could protect her better than him.

His confidence stemmed not from arrogance, but from knowing her better than anyone her habits, her nuances, her very thoughts. She was simply the focus of his isolated little world.

Besides, he doubted she'd give him even the slightest notice. He knew she clammed up at the mere mention of his name, her entire body stiffening whenever she heard so much as a whisper of it.

It was so bad that everyone around her had stopped bringing him up, almost as if the years he had spent with them were erased completely.

He liked to think that even if it was hatred, at least he still occupied a small space in her heart, that she still felt something towards him. And that, for someone as unworthy as he felt, was enough.

Scrubbing his face in a rare show of emotion, he lifted his cap wearily. A glimpse of himself in the rearview mirror made him pause.

His lips twisted up sardonically at the sight of the hideous scar that ran down the left side of his face, starting from his hairline, cutting through his left eye, and ending at his nose. While not the most serious of his injuries, it was the most visible one.

To avoid unwanted attention and to spare others the discomfort of staring, he wore a cap at all times. Coupled with sunglasses and his long fringe, it effectively hid the scar.

Putting on his sunglasses, he averted his gaze and settled the cap back on his head, ignoring the loose strand of fringe that had fallen onto his forehead.

Despite not being a vain person, he now avoided looking at his own reflection. The scar brought back too many unwelcome memories, and he didn't need them adding to the burden he already carried.

He stretched forward to press the button on his SUV's stereo, his playlist of Aria's music playing next. Confident that no one could see him through the heavily tinted windows, he lowered his seat and settled down to wait. His pose was utterly relaxed as 'The Phantom' blared out from the speakers.

5 months laters ..

"Banisuta, baby banisuta."

Holding their positions at the front of the stage, the girls waited patiently for the lights to dim, their smiles professional and fixed. This was the last stage of their whirlwind Japanese promotion for their new single, "Banisuta," and they had given their all for this final performance.

While sadness tugged at them, saying goodbye to their incredibly supportive Japanese fans in this trying period, they also looked forward to returning to Korea. They missed their families and friends, and not even the prospect of malicious comments and a cold reception back home could dampen their anticipation.

"Arigato Gozaimashita!"

At the signal from their stage director, the girls gracefully moved forward, easing out of their positions and approaching the front of the stage to bid farewell to their cheering fans. Every single cheer resonated deeply; they were now incredibly grateful for this outpouring of support.

After the entire fiasco that had exploded in their faces, they had come to appreciate each fan's support on a whole new level. No one could have predicted how a simple argument would spiral so far out of control, nor had they anticipated the massive controversy their tweets would ignite.

But no matter the circumstances, they had vowed to each other to weather the storm together. Aria's name wouldn't be tarnished without a fight. Even if they fell, they would fall swinging.

Beaming, the girls hurried off the stage after their repeated waves and thanks. The adrenaline from a successful performance still pulsed through them.

"Excellent work, ladies! The fans adored you!" Their manager showered them with praise, giving each member a high five. He paused for a moment of appreciation before ushering them out of the mall.

Their exasperated manager watched as they reached their van, completely oblivious to his impatience and the bodyguards' disapproving frowns. The girls waved back enthusiastically at the devoted fans who had followed them out.

Determined to make the most of their limited time, they signed autographs with practiced ease. Finally, the manager intervened, discreetly ushering them one by one into the van.

"Oppa, can't we stay a little longer with the fans?" Hanako pouted, directing a playful whine at the manager who now shared their van.

"We have a schedule, Hannah. Besides, the CEO wouldn't like excessive fan interaction," the manager retorted, giving the female a small frown which she summarily disregarded as usual. Used to their playful routine, she knew his disapproval rarely held weight. They'd played this game countless times. The manager would feign impatience while the girls said their goodbyes, a silent agreement to bend the rules for a few stolen moments.

The moment Hanako finished pleading for more fan time, Song Yi piped up from the back. Bouncing excitedly in her seat, she shot her hand up in the air, mimicking an elementary school student asking permission to speak.

"Lunch, lunch, lunch!" she chanted enthusiastically, nudging the now-grinning Hanako beside her.

"Unnie, why do you always raise your hand before you talk?" Delilah, the youngest of the group couldn't help but ask. Glancing back, she caught sight of the waving arm that had unfortunately connected with her head on more than one occasion in recent months whenever Song Yi sat behind her.

Her innocent question, posed amidst the celebratory chatter, brought an abrupt silence to the van. Confused, Delilah's gaze darted between the suddenly quiet members and her oldest sister, wondering what had caused the unexpected hush.

"I'm sorry," Delilah stammered, "Is that a rude question to ask—"

Before she could finish, a stifled laugh "PFFT!" – erupted.

Chen Yuqin, the determined and disciplined Lead Vocalist and Lead Dancer of the group, and Melody, the gentle and nurturing Main Vocalist, were the first to erupt in laughter, their amusement causing Song Yi's cheeks to flame red with embarrassment.

The confusion on Delilah's face deepened as the laughter spread to the rest of the members and even the manager. Her simple question, it seemed, was the source of immense hilarity, but she couldn't grasp why.

Melody, still chuckling and wiping tears from her eyes, took pity on Delilah's bewildered state.

"Well, it was because the other time when Kiku-unnie asked a question, but none of us could see her because she was hidden behind the seats? To avoid that confusion in the future, she developed this habit of raising her hand whenever she wants to speak in the van," she explained, snorting with laughter whenever she stole a glance at Song Yi's indignant expression.

"Hey, I'm just being considerate and saving you the trouble of searching for the source of the voice!" Song Yi protested, her voice laced with mock offense.

"We know, we know," Chen Yuqin chimed in, blowing a kiss towards Song Yi. "We love you anyway, shorty!" she declared, grinning as Song Yi wrinkled her nose playfully in response.

In the front seat, their head of security watched the exchange through the rearview mirror, shaking his head in amusement. At the same time, a choked laugh crackled through the earpiece nestled in his left ear.

"You caught that too, Bro?" Hyun-woo asked, amusement echoing in his voice.

He glanced again at the rearview mirror, the sound of the girls' laughter a welcome change. He was grateful they could still bring a smile to his hyung's face.

Despite the Japanese company providing professional security for Aria, Kwon Kyung Sik had insisted on Hyun-woo accompanying them as head of security. This move ruffled feathers with the Japanese team, but KKS's strong will left them with no choice but to accept Hyun-woo as their superior. The battle over the girls' schedule, however, continued even in Japan.

Hyun-woo pulled their vehicle to a stop in front of a ramen restaurant, spotting his hyung's car zoom past and park a short distance away.

"Bro, come eat with us," Hyun-woo called out. "You haven't eaten all day."

"Nah, I'm good," came the muffled response. "Go ahead, I snagged a bun earlier."

Disappointment gnawed at Hyun-woo. Since his return, his hyung had refused every offer to share a meal, preferring isolation to company.

His hyung was a shell of his former self. The cheerful smile Hyun-woo cherished was a distant memory. Since his return, a genuine smile hadn't graced his hyung's face. Forced upturns of his lips revealed only emptiness in his eyes, a chilling emptiness that haunted Hyun-woo's dreams. It was as if his hyung had surrendered to life, merely existing rather than living.

What the hell happened the past few years? Shouldn't he be happier leaving everything behind?

The first signs of emotions he glimpsed were at the mention of Aria. He spotted a flare of recognition in his hyung's eyes whenever they discussed the girls and even a hint of affection.

Hyun-woo noticed a slight thawing in his attitude over the past months, as though the continual exposure to the girls was having a healing effect on his hyung. He could have sworn he even heard him humming a song the other day over his earpiece.

'Well, one step at a time I guess. Impatience will get me nowhere.'

Rolling his tight shoulders, Hyun-woo fiddled uncomfortably with his tie, wondering who on earth invented the rule that bodyguards had to wear suits. If he could fish that person out, he would give him or her a few hard knocks on the head for this ridiculous rule that was constantly irritating him.

The only draw of this suit was that it attracts females to him like bees to honey. What they say about women unable to resist men in formal wear had been proven time and time again.

With a small sigh, he glanced longingly towards the restaurant at his back with the cute waitress he had caught a glimpse of before stiffening his shoulders, marching towards the street vendor by the side instead.

Purchasing two big packets of fried Japanese pizza, he strode towards the grey sedan, knocking on the window sill by the passenger seat. He slid in when he heard the distinct click of the car doors being unlocked, thrusting the food unceremoniously to the man inside.

"What's this?"

"It's been a while since we had a meal together, Bro."

Hyun-woo replied as he smiled, retrieving the bag of food from his hyung's lap, pulling out a box of pizza and a pair of chopsticks.

"There you go. Masissge deuseyo."

With only a raised eyebrow at the sudden intrusion, he accepted the offerings, shaking his head at the enthusiastic way Hyun-woo had begun digging into his food.

"Ne, Chal mokget-ssumnida"

Responding as an afterthought, he set aside the small laptop on his lap and began picking at his pizza bit by bit.

"So, how's everything now? Are preparations ready?"

"Hmm? Yeah, I've worked out the contract details last week, and if there are no problems, everything should be more or less settled."

"What about the er..."

Hyun-woo's words trailed off as he gestured vaguely towards the older man's face, not knowing how to breach the topic regarding the scar on his face as he guessed that it was something of a sore topic.

'Well, who wouldn't be sensitive about such a long scar on the face?'

"Don't worry, I've undergone surgery for that. It's not that prominent unless you stare at my face at extremely close proximity."

Understanding the man's concern, he pulled off his cap and shades, showing Hyun-woo the wonders of technology nowadays. The younger man scrutinised his hyung's face closely, surprised that from his position, there was no sign of any scarring.

If anything, the older man's face seemed as flawless as ever, as though nothing had ever marred its perfection before. Only when he moved closer, so close that his nose was almost bumping that of the latter, that he caught a glimpse of the thin, white line of the once ugly scar.

For those who did not know of its presence beforehand would have attributed that white line as a trick of the light. Besides, how many would even move this close to his hyung to be able to spot it?

"Ahem, Hyun-woo, do you think you have seen enough?"

Frozen at the intimacy of their positions, the man muttered as he became discomfited with the way his dongsaeng was looking at his face. No matter how close their relationship is, it was awkward for two grown men's faces to be this near each other.

"Wow, that's amazing, bro! The scar, it completely disappeared! Like poof!"

"Uh huh."

"And all these even without makeup! This is definitely not an issue anymore."

"Right..."

"How about the other members?"

"What about them?"

"What did they have to say about your return?"

"Er... Yay?"

"Bro, c'mon."

Hyun-woo chastised as he slanted his eyes in disbelief at the man beside him.

"Well, what do you expect them to say? I did plan my departure in advance didn't I? We parted on relatively good terms."

"I don't believe they will just accept your departure to the group this easily,"

"Believe it or not, that was what happened. Besides, this is beneficial to all of our careers."

Shrugging nonchalantly, he replaced his cap and shades, the pretense of eating forgotten. A bitter laugh escaped him, twisting his lips into an ugly smile. Memories flooded back, a physical ache settling in his chest.

"Bro," Hyun-woo spoke, concern lacing his voice, "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Sure?" The man scoffed. "Never been more uncertain in my life."

"You don't have to do this, you know. It wasn't easy for you to leave all those years ago."

"Believe me, I know," he sighed, the sound heavy with regret.

"Bro, there's still time to back out."

"No." His voice hardened with resolve. "If this comeback, even a sliver of it, helps her, then it's worth it."

"It won't be easy, Bro. A year and a half's absence is a long time in the industry."

"Easy? When has anything been easy for me?" A wry smile played on his lips. "I've considered other projects besides the group stuff."

"Beyond music? Does that mean you're staying for good this time?"

He answered after a poignant pause, the weight of his decision settling on him. "I will. I owe her that much at the very least."

Sensing the starkness in his tone, Hyun-woo averted his eyes, a pang of sympathy shooting through him. He knew his hyung despised any display of vulnerability.

In his heart, Hyun-woo disagreed with his hyung's decision to leave all those years ago. He believed his hyung had suffered enough. If anyone deserved a break, it was him. His unwavering dedication to everyone's well-being had come at a heavy personal cost.

Over the past five months, Hyun-woo had become Chen Yuqin's silent guardian, following her discreetly, ensuring her safety from paparazzi and unwanted attention. He had even purchased an apartment in the same building as hers, solely for her protection. Yet, despite his unwavering efforts, a nagging doubt remained. Wasn't it enough?

"Bro, there has to be another way to help her..."

"Believe me," his hyung sighed, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes, "There's no more effective way. If I can influence our fans to accept her, accept them as a couple, their path forward will be smoother."

Giving up on his futile attempt, Hyun-woo could only heave an exasperated sigh. A mixture of exasperation and admiration for his hyung's unwavering loyalty warred within him.

"You're an idiot, bro," he muttered, a hint of fondness lacing his words, "Babo Li Wei!"

"Yah, who gave you permission to address me informally? Come here, you brat!" Li Wei's voice boomed, though a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.

Hyun-woo stuck his tongue out mischievously as he dodged out of the car, slamming the door with a playful thump. "Bro, finish up the pizza alright! First one out gets first dibs on Yukee-ssi!" he called back, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Waving a cheery goodbye to the scowling Li Wei, he disappeared into the crowd, a smile playing on his lips. That playful banter, the way Li Wei's eyes softened for a brief moment it was proof that the warm, caring Leo-hyung he remembered was still in there, buried beneath the layers of stoicism. There was hope.

Li Wei grimaced at the barely touched pizza on his lap, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over him. He shoved the cold slices back into the box, tossing it onto the passenger seat with a sigh. His gaze drifted towards the restaurant entrance, where a group of girls emerged, their laughter echoing in the air. His heart ached as he spotted her among them – Chen Yuqin. The girl who had haunted his every thought, his every dream, even after all these years.

"A few months back, we discussed this, girls," Kwon Kyung Sik , CEO of Dream Star Entertainment began, his gaze sweeping across the seven Aria members. "The plan is to split you into two sub-units, with Prisms debuting here in Korea first."

A tense silence followed. He watched them, noting the worry etched on their faces. Since the controversy, they'd grown thinner, the relentless scrutiny of the media taking its toll. Yet, he couldn't help but admire their resilience, their refusal to be broken by the negativity.

It reaffirmed his belief in their potential. Their unwavering determination was a rare quality, a cornerstone for any artist's success.

"Your recent successful promotion in Japan has established the fact that the sub-unit which will debut in Japan will probably meet with success. However, the one promoting in Korea will have a much harder time. Are the four of you mentally prepared?"

Gazing solemnly at Hanako, Chen Yuqin, Kang Jinho and Delilah, he reminded them again of the hardship they would face in Korea, where the hate was the strongest. The public opinion towards Aria had not turn for the better despite them avoiding having activities in Korea in the hope that the controversy would die down with time. This will be an extremely rocky path for the four girls who are tasked with the monumental responsibility of turning the tide.

If this was war, they would be the first wave, the vanguards who will absorb most of the damage, smoothing the pave for a future Aria comeback.

"We understand the difficulties," Hanako declared, her gaze resolute.

A flicker of defiance sparked in Kang Jinho's eyes as she echoed, "We have to face this, unnie."

Melody's voice softened with concern, "But Hanako-chan, shouldn't we, the older ones, be the shield? You girls shouldn't bear this burden."

"No, unnie," Kang Jinho countered, her voice firm. "My tweet started this fire. Let me help extinguish it."

Hanako placed a hand on Melody's shoulder, her expression unwavering. "We're in this together."

Song Yi's worry etched deeper lines on her face. "What about Lia and Qin'er? They had nothing to do with—"

"My Korean is a mess, jiejie," Chen Yuqin interrupted, a wry smile gracing her lips.

"Japan would be a disaster for me right now." Delilah chimed in, her voice laced with determination, "Besides, we're a team, remember? We face this together, as Aria."

The KKS' voice boomed, "Enough!" silencing the room. "I understand your protectiveness," he said, "But arguing won't change the plan. Let's stick to it, shall we?"

Melody started to protest, but Kwon Kyung Sik cut her off. "No more on this for now. Understood?" His authoritative tone brooked no argument.

He shifted gears, outlining the next steps. "There are songs being considered for both sub-units. Listen to them all, and we'll pick them in a few days. Recording starts next week, followed by dance practice and music video filming."

As the girls nodded in agreement, he rose to dismiss them. "That's all for today, girls. Get some rest. You've earned it."

"A compliment from KKS?" Hyun-woo asked incredulously as the CEO's door shut softly. "He actually acknowledged your hard work?"

"Hyun-woo oppa! You're being too dramatic!"

Chen Yuqin protested along with her other members as she prodded her long time head of security that had an exaggerated expression of incredulity on his face. While he groaned good-naturedly at their whacking, he merely grinned in response to hers, before leaving them in their practice room where they had intended to spend the rest of their day in.

Sometimes Chen Yuqin wondered if she was being overly sensitive at times as she felt that Hyun-woo was more withdrawn towards her than the other members. He had joined their company around two years ago, and since then, she could feel his reticence towards her.

Chen Yuqin had attributed that to the fact that she looked colder and more unfriendly on first sight, assuming that he would warm up to her after some time. However, even after two years, she could still feel the barrier between them. She had brought this up to the other members, but none of them found any problem with the way he interacted with her, leaving her wondering if she was truly being overly sensitive, especially during moments like this.

Melody's surprised shriek tore Chen Yuqin from her thoughts. In the practice room sat a man who should've been at the military camp.

"Yesung oppa?" Her voice cracked with confusion.

He rose with a polite bow to the girls, his smile softening as his gaze landed on Chen Yuqin.

"Hi there," he murmured, his voice a deep rumble. Arms outstretched, he awaited her embrace.

Flustered, Chen Yuqin squeezed past her bandmates, her eyes darting between Yesung and their smirking faces. With a forced smile, she stepped into his hug, willing herself to appear unaffected. Public displays of affection weren't her style, but for Yesung's happiness...

Later, a whisper escaped her lips as they held each other close. "Jongwoon, shouldn't you be in basic training?"

"It's Saturday, baby," he chuckled against her hair. "I finished my basic military training yesterday. From tomorrow on wards, I'm a public service worker. Did you forget?"

A muffled apology escaped Jiyeon's lips as she hid her face in Yesung's shoulder. She vaguely recalled him mentioning this before his four-week stint in basic training. Time had blurred with their hectic Japan promotions.

Jongwoon, or Yesung to his fans, leaned back, his fingers cupping her chin to lift her gaze. His eyes held a playful glint. "Did you miss me at all?"

"Of course!" she blurted, guilt twisting in her stomach. "Busy schedules… Japan…" Her voice trailed off, replaced by a wave of aegyo as she saw the hurt fade from his eyes. Relief flooded her as his smile returned, lighting up his handsome face.

He leaned closer, their foreheads touching. A flicker of panic shot through Chen Yuqin.

‘Don't tell me, he wants to do it here?’

Suddenly Han Linyin's voice, laced with a sudden edge, sliced through the air. "Don't mind us. Do whatever you want." Her glare sent a jolt through Yesung, who straightened up immediately.

As the leader of Aria, Han Linyin or Lin Lin known to the public, was a figure of quiet composure, bordering on chilly detachment. However, her inner circle knew a different warmth.

Hanako, the first to recover, forced a laugh. "Look what you've done," she teased Chen Yuqin. "Lin Lin unnie is embarrassed!"

Catching on, Melody chimed in, whacking Jiyeon on the back playfully. "Chen Yuqin! You've made Lin Lin unnie jealous! Don't you care about your single unnies?"

Song Yi, understanding the act, deflected the attention. "Sso! Don't forget you're taken too!"

Despite the charade, Chen Yuqin knew better. Lin Lin's behavior wasn't jealousy. And it wasn't the first time.

Every time Yesung was around, Lin Lin's usually calm demeanor vanished, replaced by thinly veiled barbs. Chen Yuqin hated confrontation, especially with Lin Lin who loathed it even more. But this was getting out of hand. Yesung deserved better than to be Lin Lin's constant target.

Chen Yuqin sighed inwardly. The cowardly silence had gone on long enough. Yesung was suffering because of it. She braced herself for a conversation with Lin Lin– it wouldn't be easy, but it was necessary.

A sudden warmth enveloped her as a pair of arms snaked around her waist. Startled, she whipped her head around, only to meet Yesung's loving gaze.

Her fingers hesitantly reached for his muscled arms, a silent plea for him to let go. The other members were still present, and the memory of Lin Lin's barely contained fury at their earlier display of affection was fresh. A repeat wouldn't be pleasant.

"It's been so long, baby. I need you..." His voice trailed off, husky and pleading.

He continued, his hands slipping unobtrusively under her shirt, rubbing circles around her flat stomach, his caress making her breathing quicken.

Uncaring of the members who were still bickering good-naturedly around them, he pressed an open mouth kiss upon the side of her nape, grinning knowingly as she unconsciously tightened her grip on his arms.

He continued his seduction as his palms slowly inched upwards, cupping her firm breasts even as he closed his eyes in ecstasy.

He had missed this delectable body of his girlfriend during his four weeks of confinement in the military.

Only memories of their nights together had kept him going, and it was no wonder that he turned up at Chen Yuqin's company the moment he was officially finished with his training.

Judging from the quickened breathing of his girlfriend, along with the half suppressed moan she had made when he rolled her nipples teasingly, Yesung knew that she was more than ready for him, just like how ready he was for her.

He grounded his hips against the softness of her buttocks, showing her exactly just how much he had missed her. The feel of his erection only served to excite her more as he anticipated, tightening the nipples that his fingers were playing with into small hard nubs.

"God, you feel so good."

He groaned softly as he filled his hands with her breasts, his hips thrusting periodically against her ass as he unconsciously tried to assuage all his pent up frustration for the past month. Already forgetting that there was a small audience merely a few feet away from them, the couple was lost in their world of lust, their breaths heavy as they grind their hips against one another.

Fortunately for them, Melody was the first to realise that the couple was making out, and having experienced the torture of having to go without her own boyfriend's company during his stint in the military, she understood the need for their privacy, and just how over-consuming their passion could be.

She covertly moved to cover their heated embrace, her face turning red as she spied Yesung's roving hands within the shirt of Chen Yuqin.

"Come on girls, let's go have our lunch before choosing the songs."

"Lunch? Lunch?! Did I hear that right, Sso?" Song Yi slammed her notebook shut, her eyes widening at Melody's sudden suggestion.

"Huh? Isn't it a little early, unnie?" Hanako chimed in, ever the voice of reason.

"Yah! It's never too early for lunch! Let's go!" Melody, her eyes sparkling with mischief, cut Hanako off before she could finish.

Song Yi a mischievous glint mirroring Melody's, stared playfully menacing at the bewildered Hanako. Afraid Soyeon might regret the suggestion, Song Yi hurriedly gathered the amused members, determined not to waste this opportunity.

Following at a leisurely pace, Melody shook her head with a smile at Song Yi's unyielding enthusiasm for food. There was no quicker way to get her unnie moving than the promise of a good meal.

"Qin'er, we'll meet you in the practice room on the second level after we're done, okay?" Melody called out, a hint of worry flickering in her eyes as she watched the oblivious couple disappear down the hall. Closing the door with a sigh, she hoped she was doing the right thing by giving them space.

‘Qin'er, I hope you know what you're doing. You're no longer a kid anymore, and I have to trust in your judgement.’

"Oppa-"

Chen Yuqin moaned as she was caught up in the tornado of heat and lust that Yesung had stirred up in her. The moment the door clicked shut, Yesung lost all sense of decorum. Not pausing in his caresses, he walked his girlfriend over to the couch by his back, toppling them down onto it.

"I got you!"

He murmured wolfishly in her ear when Chen Yuqin yelped out in surprise as she went falling down. Reversing their positions immediately, he leaned his lower body on her so that she would feel the bulk of his member.

"Baby, you're so hot you're setting me on fire."

Trembling with lust, he fumbled with her short pants, pulling them down, heaving in her ears while she moaned for him to hurry. He found her undergarment and jerked it down, impatient.

"I miss you so much,"

He growled as he palmed her buttocks. She sucked in a breath of relief as he finally stopped his teasing, his fingers surrounding her thighs and creeping in between her legs. His body pressed down on her harder even as his fingers dived into her dripping wetness.

"Oh god!"

Blind with lust, his mouth came down to meet hers, tongue delving in without any preamble, sucking, licking and biting in their passion. Her head fell back and she moaned. The combination of the open mouthed kiss together with his wicked fingers was setting her aflame.

He left her dripping moisture to unbuckle his belt, snapping open his fly with a jerk. He held her tighter as he positioned himself in her entrance.

"Wait, wait! Oppa, pro-protection!"

Even while overwhelmed with passion, Chen Yuqin still possessed a hint of rationality. Biting off a protest at her insistence, he grumbled as he pulled out a small pack from the back pocket of his jeans, ripping it apart savagely and slipping the condom on.

The moment he was fully protected, he returned to his initial position, guiding himself into her wet passage. Eyes hazed with desire, she arched her back to allow him easier access, and he slid in deeply with a heartfelt groan.

"God, I love you so much, babe!"

His fingers got back to her womanhood, rubbing her clit as how she loved it, driving Chen Yuqin closer to madness.

Her arms went up, tightening around his neck as he penetrated her deeper and deeper, massaging her button in a maddening rhythm.

She arched more, urging him to go faster with her plaintive cries. Obligingly, he pushed and pushed repeatedly, his finger still tantalising her clit, his mouth moving to suck her neck savagely.

She felt the prickle surge in her very core and orgasm came in an avalanche that left nothing in its wake, exploding ardently as she cried out loudly in the empty room.

Her cries and contractions undid him completely. Now, he grunted as he came closer to his edge. He thrust deeply once more and stopped, finally bursting like a volcano as flow after flow shook out of him and filled the condom. His head fell and he touched his forehead to her shoulder. Both panted heavily as they tried to catch their breaths, one glued to the other where they stayed for long minutes.

Chen Yuqin was the first to stir, pushing weakly at the man who had all but collapsed upon her upon his climax.

"Oppa, you're crushing me."

"Sorry baby,"

With a tired murmur, Yesung shifted, and Chen Yuqin made use to this opportunity to slip out under him, deftly avoiding his arms which was stretched out towards her.

"Oppa, I have to go clean up. The unnies might be back any minute."

She protested with a half laugh when she saw the disgruntled look upon his face at her escape.

"Alright, but will I see you tonight?"

He murmured as he drew the used condom off his now pallid member, tossing it negligently into the waste bin beside the couch. Despite their activity earlier, she turned her back to him as she rearranged her clothing, pulling up her shorts and pulling down her shirt before turning around again.

"It might be a bit difficult as we will be choosing the songs for our comeback."

Disappointment was clear in his eyes at her words, but he mustered a half-hearted smile for her sake.

"Well, I guessed it can't be helped then. Go do your thing. Baby, I love you."

Blowing him a kiss, she slipped out of the room, knowing that he will be asleep before the minute was up, judging from the drowsy way he was slurring his words. She winced a little as she walked as Yesung had not been too gentle with her in his haste. The moment the door closed behind her, the smile slipped from Chen Yuqin's face.

A knot of unease tightened in Chen Yuqin's stomach as Yesung's desires played on repeat in her mind.

Sure, a part of her had enjoyed his touch, the intimacy they shared. But another, deeper voice whispered doubts. Was she truly ready for this level of closeness? At her age, shouldn't there be more exploration, more innocent affection before this?

Fear, cold and sharp, pricked at her. What if giving in was a mistake? What if Yesung saw her as just a way to fulfill his needs? The thought sent a tremor through her. She loved him, deeply, but the weight of his expectations felt suffocating.

Taking a shaky breath, Chen Yuqin attempted to silence the doubts. "Chen Yuqin," she muttered to herself, "You're being ridiculous. He's your boyfriend, the man you love. Isn't this what couples do?"

Yet, the unease persisted. Images of Yesung's demanding gaze flashed in her mind, fueling her anxiety.

Pushing past the discomfort, Chen Yuqin forced a smile and started rehearsing the mental pep talk she'd crafted on the walk. "He loves you, Chen Yuqin. He wouldn't ask for this if he didn't. Besides, you enjoyed it, didn't you?" But the words rang hollow, failing to quell the disquiet in her heart.

Lost in her thoughts, she failed to notice the figures standing by the side. She almost walked past them before her CEO's familiar voice halted her in its tracks.

"Yah, Chen Yuqin! Are you going to ignore me?" boomed KKS.

"Sa-sajang-nim! I'm sorry, I didn't see you!"

Startled out of her reverie by KKS' indignant holler, she swivelled abruptly and would have lost her balance if not for the quick reaction of the other man standing silently by her CEO's side.

"Be careful," a familiar voice murmured by her ear as a strong hand steadied her. Chen Yuqin froze, her heart hammering against her ribs. This touch, this voice, it couldn't be...

He had left, promising never to return. Remember his letter?

But denial crumbled under the weight of undeniable evidence. Slowly, as if afraid of what she might see, Chen Yuqin turned her head. Her breath hitched in her throat, eyes widening as they met the familiar dark orbs staring back at her.

This sense of stability, reliance, a warmth that only he could evoke there was no mistaking it.

"Wei gege?" Her voice trembled, a whisper escaping her lips.

The man before her was a mirror reflecting a fractured image. Li Wei's familiar features held a distance she couldn't bridge. His usual goofy grin was MIA, replaced by a stoic mask that sent shivers down her spine. Where were the eyes that always sparkled with secrets and mischief?

A flicker of his old smile, that infuriatingly endearing quirk of his lips, threatened to pull her back in. Just as quickly, the warmth vanished, leaving behind a hollowness that echoed the emptiness in her chest.

Almost.

Fury, a white-hot ember that had simmered for so long, erupted. "Bastard!" she snarled, her hand connecting with his cheek with a satisfying smack.

Silence descended, thick and heavy. Li Wei slowly turned his head, a playful glint dancing in his eyes despite the reddening mark on his face.

"Well, I'm glad we got that out of the way," he muttered, reaching up to rub his cheek with a sheepish grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Before KKS could launch into a lecture, Li Wei held up a hand, his gaze meeting Chen Yuqin's. "I knew that was coming," he said with a nonchalant shrug.

Chen Yuqin's breath hitched. The infuriating confidence, the unwavering surety in his voice it was all so infuriatingly Li Wei. With a frustrated huff, she pushed past him, a tangled mess of emotions churning in her gut.

She stormed into the practice room, slamming the door shut behind her. Tears pricked at her eyes, blurring her vision.

Li Wei. The man who had been her brother, confidante, and best friend. The one person she'd shared everything with, the one who knew her better than anyone. His abrupt departure had left a gaping hole in her life, a wound that had barely begun to scar over.

She had poured her heart out in countless calls, emails, and unanswered letters desperate pleas that were met with a deafening silence. His coldness had extinguished any lingering affection, forcing her to build a life without him.

It hadn't been easy. Everywhere she looked, memories of him lay in wait. But she had persevered, brick by brick, rebuilding her world. And just when she'd finally acclimated to his absence, he waltzes back in.

Who did he think he was? Some cosmic plaything, free to enter and leave her life on a whim?

Glaring at the door, she grabbed a stray cushion and hurled it with a cry of frustration.

"I won't let you in again!" she screamed, her voice thick with unshed tears. "I hate you, Li Wei."