Chapter Four

Filming for Gyebaek was really strenuous and exhausting-both physically and mentally-for Jihyo. Nonetheless, being a strong woman, she was able to bear the overnight filming, which lasted from 8pm till 3am, with only short breaks for her to change her costumes required for different scenes or to touch up her makeup.

Kakao talk:

Jihyo: Oppa, filming has just ended. I’m still feeling alright, I’ll head to Goyang for filming soon. I’m going to sleep on the way there~

Gary: Alright! See you later! Good night and sweet dreams ^^

Gary was glad that she remembered to text him after filming. He was worried for her and could only toss about in bed, unable to fall asleep. He could finally sleep peacefully.

Jihyo also messaged the other members that she will be present for filming later on.

When Gary reached the filming site at Goyang, all of the members except Jihyo and him were seated at a table together with the PDs.

Jongkook happened to spot him in his car and beckoned him over, “Gary ah, come over quickly, we are facing a crisis.”

PD Jay then repeated the sequence of events to Gary. “Jihyo-sshi has been admitted to the hospital again in the morning. We have a problem with how the missions are going to be carried out because of the number of guest invited for this episode. Initially, we only invited 5 guests, so that there will be 12 people. But now there’s only 11.”

“AGAIN? But she was fine today morning. So she won’t participate in today’s and tomorrow’s filming?” Gary exclaimed, but his voice trailed off towards the end, knowing he could only see her a few weeks later during the next filming.

Kakao talk

Gary: Mongji! Are you okay? SNSD appeared as guests for filming, but filming will still be different without you. Get well soon!

Gary felt gloomy throughout filming. Even though it was a couple race with one of the most famous Korean girl groups, filming felt different. There wasn’t someone he could steal glances at every now and then while completing missions, or someone who he could say cheesy lines to. If Jihyo was present for filming, there would be a chance of them partnering together for this couple race, then he could show more love and care to her. Nonetheless, he tried to put on a cheery smile on his face in front of the cameras. He had to be professional and couldn’t let Jihyo’s absence affect today’s filming. Jihyo didn’t reply his message, and he was disappointed every time he checked his phone during breaks. Being professional was tough and the veteran in variety, Jaesuk, saw through him.

“Still worrying about her? If you’re that worried, why don’t we give her a call?” Jaesuk suggested, and signalled the other members to come over. They decided to call her to ask about her condition during one of the longer breaks.

“I shall call her!” Kwangsoo enthusiastically took the initiative.

However, Jihyo didn’t pick the call up, and Kwangsoo was directed to her voice mail.

“Let me try this time. Maybe she refused to pick up your call.” Gary voiced out while putting the call on speaker.

After the second ring, Jihyo answered in a small voice, as if she had just woken up, “Oppa..”

“Ayyy! Why didn’t you answer my call? Do you only answer Gary hyung’s call?” Kwangsoo pointed it out.

“OOOOOHHhhh! Monday couple continues even without cameras filming them?” HaHa disturbed them cheekily.

“How’s your condition?” Gary, whose face started turning a little red, asked in a soft but seemingly caring voice, not giving Jihyo a chance to reply Kwangsoo and Haha.

“I’m feeling much better. Sorry that I missed filming, I hope I didn’t create any hiccups for the missions because of my absence. Mianhe (sorry). How’s filming?” Jihyo answered Gary.

“Jihyo ya, why did you only answer Gary’s question? Are Kwangsoo and Haha invisible?” Jongkook continued teasing them.

“What were their questions again?” A mong her replied innocently, as if she didn’t hear their questions. She had no idea what they asked as she had totally forgotten their questions.

Cheerings could be heard in the background.

“When will you be discharged?” Gary asked in a soft-spoken and caring tone again, with a smile on his face after the teasing.

“Ya, Gary! Why are you speaking in that tone? Is there something between the two of you?” Jaesuk continued with their merciless teasing.

“Tomorrow morning, but I have filming schedules three days later.” Jihyo answered, ignoring Jaesuk this time.

"Filming is starting soon, get ready!" PD Jay suddenly interrupted their conversation.

"Oh, we have to resume filming soon. Get well soon, annyong!" Jaesuk ended the conversation.

"Take care, we'll see you soon! Annyong!" Gary managed to sneak in 2 sentences before ending the call.

Gary became a lot brighter after the phone call. Hearing her voice brought much peace and joy to his heart. Perhaps a phone call with her could suffice to offset her absence for filming for him.