Chapter Five

Before drifting off to sleep, the guys chatted as usual, something they always did whenever there was Running Man filming two days in a row. It was also something Jihyo was jealous of, because she had to stay in a separate room, unable to hear or join in the guys’ conversation. Thus, these talks before entering slumber land often included topics that Jihyo weren’t supposed to hear. As expected, Monday couple was a hot topic among them, and each time they ask Gary about how he truly feels about Jihyo, he wants to tell the truth, but always kept mum, for fear that the cat would be let out of the bag. It wasn’t that he didn’t want them or Jihyo to know the truth, but he knew he wasn’t ready yet. Besides, many consequences would follow if they knew the truth. Things can become awkward between them, and that is one thing he never wants to experience, since he took much time and effort to grow closer to an introvert. Sometimes, Gary would try to figure out why the PDs wouldn’t let Jihyo stay in the same room as them. They were the same PDs who directed Family Outing, which made both females and males sleep in the same room, albeit separated by a tiny gap or something like a bolster. Why couldn’t Running Man have the same system? Of course, it was only the wishful thinking on his part, as he never dared to voice it out, afraid that the members would misunderstand him.

However, as Jihyo was absent from filming that day, the topics they discussed naturally surrounded the only girl in the show.

“Hyung, how about we surprise noona at her house today (since it was already past midnight) after filming? We’re all free tomorrow anyway, and we can help take care of noona. I’ve checked with her manager just now, noona will be staying at home alone.” Kwangsoo suggested.

“Kwangsoo ah, don’t you know she dislikes even mentioning about her house? What makes you think she will let us enter her house? And I think she will have to look after you instead of you taking care of her.” Jaesuk voiced out in the dark.

“Let’s go, hyung!” Gary’s eyes lit up in the dark, he never thought of this and silently thanked Kwangsoo, while hoping the other hyungs and HaHa will agree to it. “We’ve been to all of our houses except her’s. I doubt she will lock 6 men who just finish filming out of her house, waiting for paparazzi to capture pictures of us.” He added, he really wanted to see how she lives, but also wanted to see her.

The rest, apart from Jaesuk agreed to with the plan unanimously. They thought that Jihyo would feel lonely resting alone and tried to convince him.

“I’m not so sure about this but let’s give it a try then. But let’s not force her if she really isn’t comfortable with letting six guys into her home, alright?” Jaesuk finally agreed.

“Hyung, Jihyo isn’t a lady; she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with us!” Jongkook added jokingly.

After filming, Gary offered to drive them to Jihyo’s house, partially because he wanted to drive faster so that they, or rather he, could see her soon. They decided to sit in one car and give their managers a break for the day, as it was pointless driving 6 cars all the way to Ilsan, the outskirts of Seoul. They figured that they could just stayover at HaHa’s place and Gary could just drive Jaesuk and Sukjin to their respective homes if they wanted to be with their families after visiting Jihyo.

Gary bought some fruits and energy drinks on their way to Ilsan, as he always believed that one shouldn’t enter someone’s home empty handed.

“Don’t tell her I bought it, but tell her we bought it together, if not she won’t accept it.” Gary told Kwangsoo, who helped him carry the stuffs to the car.

“Hyung, even if you didn’t tell me that, I will tell noona that I bought it!” Kwangsoo replied with a smirk, knowing that the naive Gary forgot he had betrayal DNA in his blood.

It was an impromptu trip to a colleague, or more so a friend’s, house, and neither any of them know how the trip will turn out to be.