KNOT 14 - UNTIED

Jiyong swallowed hard and remained frozen on his spot, struggling to digest what the trickster deity is saying.

"You're not the guy for Sandara Park, Kwon Jiyong", Jursa Seunghyun repeated. "You better let go of her"

Insanity. Why? Why is the deity saying this? Why now when he is already beginning to ascertain Dara's place in his heart?

"If you don't let her go, something bad will happen to her"

"I-I don't understand", Jiyong said in a hoarse voice, his chest constricting painfully. Something bad will happen to her? He does not know what to think anymore. The heaviness in his heart brought about by the deity's words is indescribable. The air around him felt so thin that he is already breathing through his mouth. His clothes sticking to his skin, the steady ticking of the clock, the faraway noise of the employees...it's as though his mind is refusing to absorb what is currently happening.

"This is the least I could do for you and for Sandara Park", the jursa somberly said.

"Stop...Shut up", Jiyong hissed while massaging his temples, his eyebrows furrowed deeply.

"I won't listen to you. Why would I believe someone who caused this?", Jiyong raised his right arm, showing the red string on his wrist. "And you lied to us once. You said there are magic words to untie us. Now, you expect me to believe that you want to help us?"

Seunghyun remained silent while eyeing Jiyong, letting him vent his anger on him.

"We've been suffering because of this stupid red string! You've done enough trouble for us. I don't care about anything you told me, I just want you to untie us", he firmly said, his eyes mirroring his rage.

"Very well, Kwon Jiyong. On the coming full moon, you two will be untied. I sincerely hope you will make the right decision", Seunghyun said as a swirling black smoke appeared behind him. He was about to step back and vanish when Jiyong called him out again.

"W-Wait...", Jiyong breathed deeply, trying to gather his thoughts. "The things you told me...please don't tell that to her", he mumbled. "I don't want her to be burdened so please, don't tell that to her"

"I won't", the jursa replied before stepping back; the swirling black smoke engulfing his entire body. Hadana Bom quickly followed suit; stepping in a glittery white orb to go to the Upper World, where Seunghyun is heading.

Bom saw the jursa sitting on a rock with his arms rested on his thighs, seemingly waiting for her. She leaned on a nearby tree and roamed her eyes around the beautiful scenery of the Upper World before finally speaking. "It worries me that even you are uncertain whether Jiyong and Dara will be able to surmount your challenge", she said.

"They have to", he replied wearily, as if all his energy has been drained from him.

"We both know that Kwon Jiyong is the destined guy for her. They have been destined to be with each other centuries ago as Heloise and Abelard. Your lies will not shake the couple, Jursa", Bom said, more to herself than to him.

"Seeds grow into something big", Seunghyun muttered, his face devoid of emotions.

What the jursa said slices through Hadana Bom like a knife. She now fully understands the weight of Jursa Seunghyun's last challenge. It may not be evident now, but Kwon Jiyong will surely be haunted by what Seunghyun told him. The seed of doubt has been planted.

"This is where things will get interesting. Let's see if it will sink or float the ship", he added.

Heloise and Abelard were separated by fate during their time...but their love flourished through their writings. If Sandara Park and Kwon Jiyong are going to be separated by the Jursa's words, will fate reunite or ruin them?

_____________________________________________________________

SANDARA's POV

The college hallway is buzzing noisily; everyone is excited for the upcoming graduation which is already nearing. I can't even force myself to feign excitement as Min Young's words still linger in my mind. Jiyong has been unusually quiet since yesterday as well, seemingly in deep thoughts.

As Jiyong and I gingerly walked towards my classroom, I stared at his back and pondered over what Min Young said once again. An excess baggage he has to carry around. Am I really a burden to Jiyong? Thinking back, I really haven't done anything for him. Perhaps Min Young is right. What exactly can I do for him?

And that stupid strawberry backpack... Tsch. What the hell am I thinking making him carry that?

"Hub-...Jiyong, let me carry that backpack", I said, hastening my pace to walk beside him.

"No", he answered without even glancing at me, his eyes focused forward.

"I'll carry it"

"It's alright"

"But it doesn't suit you", I protested.

"I said, it's fine"

"Just give it to me", I said firmly.

Jiyong suddenly stopped walking and faced me. "You've been behaving strangely since yesterday. What exactly did potato head tell you?"

"Nothing. She just wants me to fix your schedule", I replied.

He looked at me squarely in the eyes and frowned. "I know you're lying but I don't know why", he said. "Why can't you just tell it to me?"

Tell him what? That Min Young is right? That even if I don't want to be a heavy burden to him, I can't do anything about it? That it makes me feel so helpless and sad because I'm pulling him down since I'm incapable of being any help. This is really frustrating. I'm already feeling pathetic as it is.

At times like this, I really wish that Jiyong and I are not binded by the red string so I can escape for a while and be by myself to gather my thoughts. My head is about to explode from confusion that I just want to run away. With the way I'm reacting to what Min Young told me, it makes me think that I have to step back and put my emotions in check.

"My class is about to start so we better get going", I said and hurriedly proceeded towards the door, with him following behind me.

"Cheeseball..."

"We're going to be late, come on", I said while reaching for the doorknob.

The door was already an inch open when he suddenly reached out behind me and shut it with his right hand, the red string dangling on his wrist. I bit my lips and froze on my spot, unable to turn around and face him. What am I going to say to him when I myself don't even know why I'm behaving this way?

"Did I do something wrong?" he asked.

I blew some air and inhaled deeply before turning around. "No, you didn't", I said and gave him what I hope is a convincing smile. His intense stare is making me uncomfortable so I just shifted my eyes on the floor.

"Then, what's the matter?"

I sighed wearily and lifted my gaze, trying to think of a suitable answer for his question; but I wasn't able to come up with any. "I don't know, Jiyong. Maybe because I don't have the chance to collect my thoughts since we're tied together. Whenever I try to evaluate what's going on, I just have to glance at my side and there's you..."

A suffocating silence passed between us. Something strange crossed his eyes as he continued staring at me.

"Being with me...is it really that bad?", he mumbled.

"T-That's not what I meant. I'm just confus-"

"You'll be late for class", he said stonily.

_____________________________________________________________

CL's POV

It was a spectacular sight. A sight worthy of about a month of nightmares.

When I looked outside of my classroom, I saw Seungri in his hotdog costume waving merrily at me - oblivious to the amused stares of the other students and uncaring of the shame he's bringing to my name. I groaned and planted my face on my palms, refusing to believe what I saw. The vagina is here again! URGH!

"CL, your sweetheart is here", one of my classmates gushed.

"Excuse me?!", I shrieked, making the entire class focus their eyes on me. I mumbled my apology and hung my head low, silently cursing Seungri for calling me 'sweetheart' all the time. The exact moment the bell rang, I immediately bolted out of my seat and strode towards his direction; ready to stab him to death or torch him with the fires of hell.

"What are you doing here again?!", I hissed, unable to hide my annoyance.

"I was giving out flyers in front of your school gate so I decided to drop by since it's almost lunch. Let's eat! I'm hungry", he said.

"Eat by yourself", I shot back as I started walking away from him.

"Oh come on. Let's invite Dara noona and Jiyong hyung too", he said while following me from behind. I probably look ridiculous with a hotdog man walking behind me.

"Sweetheart!"

"Don't call me sweetheart!", I yelled and aimed my fist at his face, threatening to punch him. I seriously want to injure him right now. UGH!

I hastened up my pace and went to the cafeteria to grab a quick lunch since my next class starts at 1 pm. Seungri suddenly disappeared but before I could heave a sigh of relief, he suddenly appeared again carrying his costume and a tray of food and took the seat beside me. Aigoo!

"Go away!"

"I texted Jiyong hyung and told them that we're here", he said, ignoring my wrath. I sighed heavily and just let him be. There's no use arguing to this idiot. A few moments later, Jiyong and Dara joined us; both looking like they just crawled out of the gates of hell.

"Dara, is there anything wrong?", I asked. She just gave me a weak smile and shook her head. "Nothing", she answered and began eating, not even glancing at Jiyong who is looking extra stoic today.

"Eat", Seungri said, nudging me, and placed some food on my tray despite my protests. Our meal would have been very silent but since we have Seungri with us, silence is nearly impossible. His mouth just wouldn't stop moving and continued spouting some nonsense whether or not someone is listening to him. I was keeping an eye on Dara since I have a feeling that there really is something wrong. I'm used to her being all bouncy and cheerful so I'm really worried why she looks so downtrodden.

I set down my chopsticks and was about to confront her again when Seungri suddenly kicked my foot while looking at me sideways like he's expecting me to go crazy any moment.

"What?", I asked.

"Just eat"

"But-"

"Eat, sweetheart", he goofily said and tried to feed me with a spoonful of food.

"Stop calling me sweetheart!", I growled and kicked his foot forcefully. This fcking vagina is lucky that there is no katana within my reach. I will slash him in half if there is.

"I'll see you later, CL", Dara suddenly said as they both stood up and gathered their things.

"Wait, Dara.", I called out, making her stop a few steps away from our table. I walked towards her and gave her a brochure of the new place that I'm planning to lease.

"I found an apartment along the university road. I was wondering if you want to be roommates with me after we graduate", I asked. I'm not sure how long her stint with Jiyong will last and I would've given up the idea of being roommates with her if I see her smiling like she used to. But with the way things are right now, I'm getting really worried.

"CL..uhm..the thing is..", she shifted her feet and casted her eyes downwards, unable to give me a clear response.

"Yes, she's going to be your roommate after your graduation", Jiyong suddenly said, making us all stare at him in surprise. The devastated expression on Dara's face squeezes my heart. What exactly is happening between these two?

"J-Jiyong..."

"Let's go", he said and began striding away from us, with Dara following him.

"Dar-"

"Let them be, sweetheart", Seungri grabbed my wrist, preventing me from running after them.

"Dara gets stressed and tends to think a lot whenever someone is displeased with her. From the looks of it, I'm fairly certain they had a disagreement"

The vagina just nodded knowingly and didn't utter a word. I really hate it when he acts like this. I wiggled free from his grasp and grumpily sat again, crossing my arms over my chest.

"I'm worried for Jiyong hyung as well", he mumbled. "He tends to put a distance on people he cares about and he doesn't say what's on his mind. Or perhaps, he'd rather stay quiet about it because he doesn't know how to express himself. But with Dara, I'm beginning to see how he really is when he breaks out of his shell. The problem is, he clamps up and bottles everything in if something bad happens. That's just the way he is even with us. He'd rather take the blow and shoulder the problem himself than share it with anyone"

"If that's the case, then we really should follow them. Dara is not good with confrontations. She'll crumble!"

"But they have to go through it, sweetheart. So, just let them be"

I sighed heavily and pondered over what he said. "You're right", I said. "Surprisingly, you say some things that makes sense", I muttered afterwards while glancing at him, only to frown at his teasing gaze.

"Awww, sweetheart. Are you having a crush on me now?"

A crush on him??!! What the...Argh! KATANA!

_____________________________________________________________

As days pass by, Dara felt like her heart is carrying a metric ton of weight. Jiyong always seem to be thinking about something and barely talks to her. Whenever she asks him if he's mad, he'll just shake his head to dismiss her question.

On the other hand, Joo Won is still persistent on wooing her even though she already told him that she has forgiven him. He constantly sends text messages to her asking her to give him a second chance but currently, she doesn't know where her heart stands right now. Her mind often wanders back to the contents of the 'Old Man in the Moonlight' book, making her more confused than she already is.

Her phone rang and when she answered it, it was Joo Won.

"Dara, are you free? Can we talk?", he asked.

"Joo Won. Uhm...it's not a good time right now", she said. She heard him sigh on the other end before he continued speaking, "Alright. You're with him again, aren't you?"

"Who?"

"Kwon Jiyong. Dara, is there something between you and Jiyong?"

She was unable to answer. Her eyes darted on Jiyong who didn't stop walking as she talks over the phone. Is there something between her and Jiyong? Yes, there is. Although she's not sure what it is. They do what couples do but they don't say what couples would normally say to each other.

"I'll just talk to you later, Joo Won. I'm in the middle of something", she said and said her goodbye. Jiyong didn't even glance at her and continued ignoring her.

As they walk along the park near the library building, Dara can't help but stare at Jiyong's back. The sight of him walking in front of her always brings a sense of comfort to her. The park is already empty and the orange sky indicating the end of day lights up the surrounding beautifully. Jiyong suddenly stopped in front of a bench and faced Dara, startling her.

"Sit here", he instructed.

Dara complied silently and sat at the opposite end of the bench while Jiyong sat at the opposite end.

"Turn your back at me", he said.

Although she doesn't know what he's planning, Dara obeyed and shifted on her seat; their backs facing each other as they sat on opposite ends of the bench. He then pulled out two headsets from the strawberry backpack and handed her one.

"Put this on"

"W-Why?", she asked, utterly bewildered.

"You said you're confused and wants to collect your thoughts, right? So put this on and turn your back at me. Pretend that you're alone", he said and placed his headset on his ears and turned his back at her.

Not knowing how to react with Jiyong's odd behaviour, Dara just placed the headset on and complied. A soothing music entered her ears and she began to relax. Instead of pondering over things, she just sat there enjoying the music while clearing her mind. She watched the scenery and the people from a distance and sighed contentedly. What good will worrying about things bring about anyway?

She doesn't know how long they've been sitting but darkness began to fall. She stretched her arm, accidentally pushing the headset making it fall off her shoulders. She heard Jiyong mumbling something but he suddenly stopped and looked over at her.

"Huh? What were you saying?", she asked.

"Nothing", he said in a flat tone.

Meanwhile, standing on the bushes behind the trees are Hadana Bom and Jursa Seunghyun. Bom had her hands covering her mouth as tears kept on falling from her eyes. A sad smile is painted on Seunghyun's lips while staring at Jiyong; his heart clenching in pain.

_____________________________________________________________

Dara sighed heavily and rolled over the edge of the bed, lying on her stomach. She rested her chin on her arm and watched Jiyong who is lying on the floor, his back facing her.

"Jiyong, Jiyong", she called out softly. No response.

"You're not asleep yet, are you?", she pressed on.

Silence. He's clearly ignoring her so she crawled on the bed, planning to go on the floor and lie beside him but her foot got caught on the bedsheet, causing her to fall down.

Jiyong heard a loud thud followed by Dara's whimpers. "Ouchhh", she whined.

He immediately sat up and glanced at her. "What happened?! Are you alright?", he asked worriedly and immediately came beside her.

"I'm alright", she said afterwards while hugging her knees as she sat on the floor, staring at him.

"Why did you get out of bed? You should be sleeping", he said condescendingly. He leaned back on the edge of the bed while focusing her eyes on her, making sure she's not hurt anywhere.

Dara just pouted and rested her chin on her knees. "It's been days and you're still ignoring me"

"I'm not ignoring you"

"Yes, you are. And now, you won't even sleep beside me"

"Arasseo, I'll sleep on the bed", he said dismissively, resting his arm on his bended knee while sighing deeply.

"See? You're still mad. I told you that's not what I meant when I said whenever I glance at my side, there's always you that's why it's hard for me to think", Dara explained.

Jiyong clicked his tongue and raked his hair with his fingers. "I don't normally care what people says. What irritates me is that...you were the one who said it. But, I guess you're right. I guess being with me is suffocating"

"No! I'm actually thankful that it's you. I can't imagine being tied with someone else"

Jiyong glanced at her and nibbled on his lips, seemingly battling with himself. After a momentary pause, he finally spoke. "Come here", he instructed. Dara crawled towards Jiyong and sat on the floor facing him.

"What are you doing there? Why don't you sit here?", he asked while frowning, tapping the space beside him.

"Because you're still mad at me"

"Just come here, you silly cheeseball", he said, grabbing Dara's hand and pulling her towards him. As soon as Dara settled beside him, they gazed at each other and a stupid grin immediately broke on their faces.

"Why are you smiling?", she asked and chuckled softly.

"I don't know. Why are you smiling?"

"Because you're so cute!", she gushed and hid her face with her palms, making him laugh.

They remained seated on the floor, with Dara resting her head on Jiyong's shoulder while talking about things. There are a lot of matters to discuss but the important things are left unsaid. Dara didn't tell Jiyong about what Min Young told her and Jiyong did not tell Dara about what the jursa told him.

"I should've chosen my words carefully. I'm really sorry. I don't mean that your presence is suffocating. It's just that, being in this situation sometimes gets to me", Dara explained.

"Mmmhhhmm. You're sorry? Then you should do something for me"

"Ah! Super Aegyo Hug!", Dara exclaimed and wrapped her arms around Jiyong while beaming at him.

"Is that your only Super Aegyo attack?"

"Super Aegyo Wink?", she said and playfully winked at him several times.

"That's too weak"

"Super Aegyo...uhmmm.."

Jiyong cocked his eyebrows while snaking his arms on her waist. "Super Aegyo what?"

"Super Aegyo...Kiss?", she said and puckered her lips playfully. Jiyong chuckled and gently pressed his lips against hers. He pulled back and stared at her, noticing how she can't look at him directly in the eyes.

"Oh. Someone's shy"

"I'm not", she protested and stood up, getting on the bed. She shrieked in surprise when Jiyong pulled her leg and crawled on top of her, pinning her down with his weight.

"Let's do something that you'll be more embarrassed about", he teased and bit her shoulder.

"JIYONG!"

_____________________________________________________________

SANDARA's POV

I swear, Jiyong can be evil sometimes! My ovaries kept rolling around the room last night because he kept on teasing me!

I huffed furiously while stomping my feet as I walk ahead of him towards his office. When I heard his soft chuckles behind me, I abruptly stopped and whipped my head towards him.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Nothing", he said, but kept on smiling teasingly at me. URGH! Okay, I'm grateful that my miu miu power has shattered the cyborg barrier but I think I created a monster.

"Don't you dare do anything stupid in the office", I warned him.

"Anything stupid? Like what?", he asked in amusement. I WILL KILL HIM.

"Like...you know", I hissed.

"Huh?"

"Like kissing me or biting my shoulder", I whispered loud enough for him to hear.

"Oh, that. I can't promise that", he answered while shoving his hands inside his pockets. Is he trying to make my head explode? If rumors circulate in the office, I'm sure Park Min Young will rip my neck off. I'm trying not to stir anything that might provoke the demon and yet here he is, taunting me.

"I'm warning you, Mr. Kwon", I said in a threatening tone before spinning on my heels and proceeding to the door. I was about to open it when I felt his presence behind me. Before I could turn around, Jiyong leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the crook of my neck! ON MY NECK! GAAAAAAAAHH!!!

"Jiyong!", I hissed and slapped his arm.

I've already predicted that this day is going to be one of the longest days of my life. Whether we're alone in the office or in a conference meeting, the cyborg just kept on driving me insane.

I don't know what's up with him, but he's being extra sweet today. As we got in the elevator towards our next meeting, I kept on praying that he wouldn't do anything stupid as there are a lot of employees in that enclosed space. We stood at the back and as soon as the elevator door closes, Jiyong whispered on my ear, making me flinch.

"You haven't called me hubby", he said.

I elbowed him inconspicuously while trying not to shrivel up and die. My gosh! He's putting me into so much stress!

When all the employees got off the elevator and it was only the two of us, I immediately faced him and snarled at him. "Why are you acting this way? What if people hear you?"

"Your graduation is near", he answered. What? What has got to do with this?

"Jiyong..."

"Call me hubby", he said seriously while resting his hand on my waist.

I sighed and fixed his necktie, not meeting his eyes. I'm trying not to do the things that I used to but Jiyong is making it hard for me.

"You don't want to call me hubby anymore?"

I lifted my gaze and met his expectant eyes. "Ji-...Hubby, we're in the office. Please behave. Mmmhhhmm?", I said while resting my hands on his chest.

He finally smiled and nodded. "Okay, I'll behave", he answered.

When we finally entered the conference room, I was surprised that Mr. Lee Soo Man is there together with Min Young and Joo Won. We immediately took a seat and waited for what Mr. Lee has to say.

"Jiyong, you and Dara as well as Min Young and Joo Won will be attending the bid in Jeju Island", he said and started explaining the details as I take down notes. I don't know why but I can't help but feel nervous about this. Fortunately, our business trip to Jeju is after my graduation so I won't have any problems with my schedule.

Yes, there won't be any problem. Besides...my hubby will be with me all the time.

_____________________________________________________________

"WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THE ENDING AGAIN?!!", Dara screamed in annoyance. "I swear, this drama is written by someone who hates happy people. Or who hates people in general! I seriously want to punch the TV screen right now"

Jiyong just glanced at her without saying anything. He threw the box of tissues on the sidetable since it's quite obvious that Dara won't need it, judging from her reaction at the moment.

"You know what I dislike the most about dramas?", she continued. "When the lead character breaks up or gives up his loved one because he thought by doing so, he's saving her - saving her dream...saving her life. I mean, do they really think that giving up is the solution? It will just hurt both of them!", she exasperatedly sighed and leaned back on the couch.

"Where's strawberry?", he suddenly asked while frowning.

"Strawberry the backpack?", she pulled the bag beneath the couch pillows and gave it to him. He then checked their things inside the bag and suddenly stood up.

"Let's go", he said.

"To where? Library to search for magic words?"

"No"

Dara stood up and followed him in bewilderment. "Hubby, where are we going?"

"We'll do what you've been asking me to do - drama day", he said flatly.

Her eyes were wide with shock as she stared at him. "A-Are you serious?", she asked. Dara has been trying to convince Jiyong to go on a 'drama day' with her where they will do what couples in dramas normally do and re-enact her favorite scenes. Unfortunately, Jiyong never agreed because it was too cheesy and embarrassing. He once told her that he'd rather die than go through with it so what's with the sudden change of heart?

"Yeah, I'm serious. Let's go before I change my mind", he answered while rolling his eyes at her.

"KYAAHH!! THANK YOU HUBBY!!", she said and suddenly dragged him towards the bedroom. She fumbled in the drawers and when she finally pulled out the couple shirts that she has been saving, Jiyong can only shake his head in defeat. Nothing can beat Dara when it comes to being a cheeseball.

==

"Damn it, cheeseball. Can we just do another drama scene? Just..not this", Jiyong muttered while trying not to die in shame.

"But this is the most famous scene in Secret Garden!", Dara protested with a coffee foam on her upper lip, completely oblivious to the amused stares of the customers in the coffee shop.

"HUBBY! ~ ~"

"Fine", Jiyong sighed exasperatedly before leaning on the table towards her and re-enacting the 'foam kiss' in Secret Garden drama. He licked the foam on her upper lip and gave her a quick peck before pulling back. The other customers were watching them while smiling and some even clapped their hands while cheering.

When he finally sat back, he was ready to die of embarrassment while Dara's soul is already in drama heaven, totally ecstatic of the fact that they're doing her favorite drama scenes. All of a sudden, Dara frowned and took out her phone. "Let's do that again"

"What?!"

"Hubby, we should take a picture", she reasoned out and waved at the waiter.

"Damn it!", Jiyong cursed while planting his face on his palms.

==

"Cheeseball...", Jiyong said in frustration.

"Yes, hubby?"

"If I do this, I will never be able to walk in Seoul again"

"You don't have to say the exact lines! You can just shout I am cheeseball's hubby!"

Jiyong grimaced and was about to walk away but Dara clung tightly to his arm. "Hubbyyyyy ~ ~. Please! I really love this scene from Lie to Me", she said, pertaining to the scene of Lie to Me drama where the leading man announced his love for the woman by shouting it in an open area.

"But this is just too much"

"You're not going to announce your name. Please please please"

Jiyong inhaled deeply and roamed his eyes around. "I am cheeseball's hubby", he mumbled.

"Louder!"

"I am cheeseball's hubby", he said.

"You have to shout it"

"I AM CHEESEBALL'S HUBBY!", he yelled and immediately bolted away from there, dragging the shrieking Dara with him.

==

All throughout the day, Jiyong has been tortured with Dara's drama craziness. Surprisingly, even though he often complains, Jiyong complied to her every whims.

"Why do I have to piggyback you?"

"Piggyback is like one of the basic scenes in the KDrama bible"

"Seriously? You want me to tie your shoelaces?"

"Just do it, hubby! It's in I Need Romance drama"

"Why do we have to switch shoes?!"

"My Sassy Girl scene!"

The cold breeze of the night blew as Jiyong and Dara sat on top of the wall of Naksan Park, where one of the scenes of King 2 Hearts drama was filmed. Jiyong was beyond exhausted while Dara is evidently more than satisfied with their drama day. She rested her head on his shoulder while looking at the scenery below.

"This day was really fun", she mumbled. "You've worked hard, hubby", she teased and traced the tattoos on his right arm.

"You really went crazy today", he said, capturing her hand and interlacing his fingers with hers. "I lost all my dignity and pride with all the things you made me do"

Dara chuckled and rested her chin on his shoulder, staring at him as the rays of the setting sun illuminates his face. Her heart beats rapidly as she studied his features. After Jiyong told her of his past, she fully understands why it's hard for him to open up to others. Jiyong may be wearing a sturdy armor outside, but his heart is fragile and vulnerable. Their relationship might be a blur now; but she hopes they will take a step further after their issues are settled. After they are untied, everything will be clear.

"The other day at work, I had this thought – Even if I could just be by his side, that would be nice. Then I wouldn’t have anything more to wish for", she suddenly said.

Jiyong glanced at Dara and stared at her with questioning eyes.

"Lines of Eun Chan in Coffee Prince", she beamed at him and kissed his shoulder. Jiyong chuckled as he wrapped his arm around Dara and directed his eyes forward.

"I want to live with you for the rest of my life. I want to eat together, talk together, sleep together, be together. Do I need any other reason?", he said.

"What?"

"Lines of Han Kyul in Coffee Prince", he explained.

"You must stay by my side. Not those who constantly press and urge me, those who make me feel even more lonely, but someone to make eye contact with, someone who will bring me flowers, whose histrionics always comforts me, even holding my trembling hands", she said while smiling. "Lines of Queen Seon Deok to Bidam", she continued.

His grip on her hands tightened. You must stay by my side. Can he really do it? Is he allowed to? What if the words of the deity are true?

A bitter smile formed on his lips. "What’s so hard about love? You simply grab the other’s hand and refuse to let go"

"I know that! Lines of Goo Jun Pyo on Boys Over Flowers!", Dara exclaimed.

"Can I be selfish? Even for just a while? I promise to step away when the time comes for me to let go", he whispered without glancing at her.

"Hmmm...Those lines are from...Wait, I don't remember which drama those lines belong to"

_____________________________________________________________

"What are you doing here, hadana?", the lunar matchmaker god asked without glancing behind him, his eyes roaming around the entangled red strings in the darkness of night as he stood at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the city below.

"Ascendant Yang Goon, the jursa casted his last challenge", she informed him.

"And a great challenge it was. By deceiving Kwon Jiyong that he's not the guy for Sandara Park, not only did Jursa Seunghyun planted a seed of doubt. He was able to make use of the painful memory of Jiyong's mother leaving him. The helplessness he felt when he was a child will certainly resurface once again. I cannot wait to see how he will handle things", he said. "And I cannot wait to see what will happen once they've surmounted this. Only the man who crosses the river at night knows the value of the light of day"

(source: http://www.searchquo..._Love_Proverbs/)

"And I'm unable to be of any help to the destined couple", Bom somberly said. "We will soon become mortals and yet, I haven't fulfilled my duties"

"Being a mortal does not mean you cannot fulfill your duties as a hadana"

"B-But, I don't know how to counter the jursa's challenge", she admitted.

"Why do you think you need to counter it? You can always use the sword of your opponent as your weapon"

Bom nodded thoughtfully while pondering over her ascendant's words.

"You must stay strong, hadana. Kwon Jiyong and Sandara Park are destined together, but I chose not to tie them because I cannot bear to witness another tragedy between the poor souls of Heloise and Abelard. My feeble resolve caused this complication. I should not have prevented the storm out of compassion and trusted the destined couple"

"I-If you were not the one who tied them, then who did?", Bom asked in bewilderment..

The lunar matchmaker god turned his gaze at a far distance and sighed, a tiny smile forming on his lips. "Someone who is foolish and brave", he answered.

_____________________________________________________________

It was the day of Dara's graduation and Jiyong has been very quiet once again. But Dara doesn't mind. He's not saying anything but he's been holding her hand the entire time. Even when she was mingling with her fellow graduates to congratulate them, he didn't let go. The Senior's Farewell Festival which will be held at night of the same day is also a common topic among students. They were all excited and curious as to what CL has prepared for them. The cheerful leader of the KwonDara minion, the hotdog man, has been with her for the past days and it seems they're both planning something awesome for the festival.

"Hubby, let's go! The festival will start!", Dara said excitedly; but Jiyong did not even respond. He was staring at nothing in particular, lost in deep thoughts.

"Hubby?"

"Huh?"

"The festival will start. Let's go. CL prepared a lot of fun booths!"

"Alright", he answered and followed her.

The entire university ground is bursting with energy as all the students gathered, enjoying the booths and the food. CL was busy managing everything, with Seungri helping her.

"Photoboot!", Dara exclaimed merrily. She then faced Jiyong who's expression remained impassive, totally uncaring of everything that is happening around him.

"Hubby, please. Let's take a picture", she pleaded.

"But you've taken lots of pictures during our drama day"

"This is different!"

"Okay"

Dara's eyes widened before shrieking and jumping with glee. They entered the photoboot and took pictures; but to her disappointment, Jiyong just looked at the camera lens with deadpan eyes.

"Can you look more alive!", Dara whined and pouted. Jiyong glanced at her and when the next picture was about to be taken, he suddenly leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek, startling her.

"There", he said. The KwonDara minions outside the booth, headed by Seungri, are roaring with delight.

Dara shyly casted her gaze downwards and fumbled with the hem of her dress. "That's not what I meant. I just want us to have a picture together where you're smiling. You've been very quiet since this morning. This is my last day of college and I at least want to have a picture of us with a happy memory"

"Oh. So...no to kissing?", Jiyong asked, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"What?! Yes to kissing!", Dara exclaimed before realizing what she just said. Jiyong finally chuckled and pinched her nose while the camera continuously takes photos of them since Seungri has already bribed the photoboot operator to take loads of pictures. The KwonDara minions, on the other hand, were all crawling to their graveyard after some serious spazzing. Who needs life when there's KwonDara?

"Attention everyone. Please proceed to the viewing deck! The fireworks will start!", they heard CL's voice on all the speakers surrounding the university ground.

"There's fireworks display?! Wow! So this is what CL and Seungri were planning!", Dara said and was about to walk ahead but Jiyong gripped her hand firmly.

"L-Let's walk slowly", he said while darting his eyes at the sky, where the full moon is shining brightly.

Dara nodded in bewilderment and walked slowly beside him, with Jiyong still firmly gripping her hand. "What's wrong?", she finally asked.

"Nothing"

"Hubby..."

"Don't mind me. Just enjoy this night", he said.

"If you want to say something, just tell it to me, okay? I'm always walking behind you, Jiyong. You don't need to glance back to know that I'm there. I'm tied to you"

His heart clenched in pain as he darted his eyes on the full moon once again.

Hadana Bom and Jursa Seunghyun were also staring at the full moon when Ascendant Yang Goon and Ascendant Jae Sang appeared.

"It's time", the lunar matchmaker god announced. A glittery white smoke engulfed the hadana's body while a swirling black smoke enveloped the jursa.

The lunar matchmaker god began striding towards where the destined couple is standing. Hadana Bom lifted her gaze and stared at Dara and Jiyong. The words that Jiyong uttered when Dara was listening to the music with her headset on resonated on her mind.

"Someone told me I'm not the guy for you and that something bad will happen if I don't let go. I don't want to believe him, but the thought that he's right scares me. How could I forgive myself if I don't see your smile anymore?"

The fireworks started; beautifully lighting the night sky. Dara gasped when all of a sudden, Jiyong gently wrapped his right arm around her neck from behind and pulled her closer to him. Her breathing was caught on her throat as she waited for his next move, wondering why he's suddenly acting in an odd way. Silence passed between them as they remained in that position while watching the fireworks.

"I don't like it when you're in pain. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. Ever since I met you, I've felt the things that I thought I've already forgotten. Do you know you're the one who scares me the most? When you don't hold tight while riding my motorcycle, when you don't throw tantrums, when you don't say what's on your mind... I'm sure when we get untied, I will be scared. It's like I'm back to being a kid again - helpless and weak"

She lifted her left hand and rested it on his arm; the red string binding them together swaying with her every movement. She felt elated. All the dramas that she watched are nothing compared to what she's experiencing at that very moment. A sense of peace, comfort and indescribable happiness enveloped her. With Jiyong's arms wrapped around her, his sturdy chest behind her, she felt that nothing can go wrong.

"Can I be selfish? Even for just a while? I promise to step away when the time comes for me to let go"

A sigh escaped her lips as she continued staring at the night sky while resting her head on Jiyong's chest. The words that came out of his mouth afterwards is something that she will never forget.

"Thank you....Dara", he whispered.

Her name never sounded so beautiful in her ears.

Writer's Note:

Sorry, busy with work :) I hope you're enjoying the story. I only see 'pls update' comments in all my stories :(