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. 

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. 

Chapter Three

"Is that Gary? Was he waiting for me to be awake?" Jihyo woke up and was shocked when she saw him as soon she opened her eyes, and felt really touched and grateful. She had always only woken up to either her manager or her family members, but never to a guy yet. Besides, he took time off work just for her. She could tell he was writing lyrics when he hummed a tune over and over again while scribbling on some paper. He looked so charming and suave writing lyrics. She always thought men are the most handsome when they focus intently on their work. Her lips curled into a smile as she watched him silently. However, her throat soon felt too dry and needed a sip of water.
"Oppa, can you get me a cup of water?" Jihyo interrupted Gary's hummings.
"Oh! You are awake? Did i wake you up?" Gary replied while pouring her some water.
"Gomawo. Anni(No), did you wait for a long time?"
"Maybe? But it was worth the wait. Why did you take the IV drip knowing you were allergic to it? Didn't you think about the ramifications?"
"I didn't have a choice, filming had to continue. Oppa, are you going to berate me the moment i wake up?" Jihyo pouted. She disliked being scolded even though she could feel that Gary was genuinely concerned for her.
Just then, Jihyo's manager and Kwangsoo came in, interrupting their conversation.
"Noona! Are you alright? What happened? Can you still film Running Man tomorrow morning?" Kwangsoo questioned.
Jihyo rebelled, "Ya! Don't ask me so many questions at once!"
Kwangsoo and Gary laughed, knowing that Jihyo is totally fine.
"Unnie, when is the next filming schedule?"Jihyo asked her manager, fully aware that she has to resume filming soon.
"It was tough persuading the director to postpone the filming schedules. He insisted filming to resume tonight, it will be another overnight shoot." Her manager replied worriedly as Jihyo would not be able to get sufficient rest.
"TONIGHT?! Doesn't she need to rest?! There is Running Man filming tomorrow morning. How can a person who collapsed film a drama and an action variety show back to back with little rest?" Gary suddenly stood up for Jihyo. He felt that it was unjust for a patient to work without recovering.
"Oppa ,it's okay, it is not her fault. Filming schedules cannot delay. Unnie, did you bring the scripts over? I'll memorise them by tonight." Jihyo tried to calm Gary down, even though she wasn't sure her body can take an overnight drama filming and 2 days of Running Man filming non-stop.
There was nothing Gary could do, considering that he wasn't in the acting industry, and the only actors or actresses he is close to are Kwangsoo and Jihyo. Thus, he had no idea how that industry runs. However, he wanted to help Jihyo get some rest and not worry about her tight schedules
"Oppa, Kwangsoo, don't worry about me! I'll take care of myself. See you for filming tomorrow, and tell the other oppas not to worry. Gomawo for coming today, annyong!"She forced a smile on her pale face so that both of them can leave without worries. She didn't want anyone to see her in a weak state. She then refused any other visitors for the day so that she can concentrate fully on memorising the thick stack of scripts before filming. To be honest, she was not confident that her body can handle such a tight filming schedule without recuperating, but she told herself, "If i can't, i must!" With that, she started memorising her script.

Chapter Two

Just then, the doctor came out of the ward. "The patient is out of danger. It was due severe allergic reactions with the contents in IV drips and extreme exhaustion, i suppose you know she has such an allergy ('you' referring to her parents). She has been put under anesthesia and will wake up when it wears off." After thanking the doctor, Gary greeted her parents and proceeded to wait outside the ward while her parents enter.
"It's great that she is fine now! Oh! Do i really have to tell her everything, just like i had promised earlier? I'm not prepared to tell her everything yet. I can break my promise to myself, can't i? No one will know!" Gary leaped with joy as he spoke to himself. He heaved a sigh of relief. After experiencing so much in such a short period of time, his fingers shivered when texting to the members, informing them on her condition.
"Gary, we have something on and have to leave soon. I think she is fine now, could you look after her until her manager arrives? Here, you can contact me if anything happens. Kamsahamnida! We will treat you to a meal one day." Jihyo's mother told Gary, as she passed him a slip of paper with her contact details on it.
As Gary opened the door, he was hit by the strong stench of disinfectants and the extreme silence. Waves of nervousness hit him as he slowly inched towards the chair beside her. There she was, lying peacefully on the bed, with her eyes closed and a white blanket covering her up till her chest. This was another side of her that he had never seen before. She seemed so serene, so calm that she was hardly recognisable. This was the first time Gary could observe every facial features of her so closely. He never thought how long her eyelashes were, how smooth and flawless her skin was, how sharp and pointy her nose was and how kissable her lips looked. He stared silently at her and was lost in his own thoughts. He has never felt this way before, and the feeling felt so warm and comforting. He mustered his courage, inching closer to her, with his lips heading towards her lips. His lips then moved towards her cheek instead and gave her a peck on her cheek. "Get well soon!" He whispered in her ear. "She doesn't know anything about my feelings for her. I shouldn't betray her, we should leave our first kiss for an even more special moment." He thought. Gary continued staring at her, awed by her beauty.
However, he was afraid that Kwangsoo or her manager may come in anytime. Grabbing some paper and a pen, he began to compose some lyrics, which was what he was doing before Jaesuk called. He was so focused in writing lyrics that he did not notice that Jihyo had woke up.

Chapter One

"Ya! Gary ah! Sung Im (Jihyo's real name) has collapsed during drama filming! Hurry rush down to xxx hospital. it's near your studio right? The ambulance is on its way. Kwang Soo will reach in an hour's time, the rest of us have schedules. Tell us about her condition as soon as possible! Get there quickly! I've got to go, annyong! Remember to update us! Gomawo!" Before Gary could speak a single word, Jaesuk had rattled off like a machine gun, with an anxious yet worried tone, As soon as Gary heard the news, he immediately dropped whatever he was doing, snatched his phone and keys(for the studio) and sprinted out of the studio.
However, he was stopped by the red man at the traffic light. Unable to cross the road due to the heavy traffic, Gary cursed under his breath. Waiting caused his mind to wander off, and soon, frightening images of Jihyo in pain flashed through his mind. In no time, his mind was brimming with uncountable scenarios that could happen to her.A worried expression appeared on his usually calm face. In that instant when the green man flashed, Gary dashed across the roads, this time ignoring the many cars that came his way. 
"Get out of the way! Uisa (doctor)! she is in a critical condition! It has been 20 minutes since this happened!" A paramedic swiftly jumped out of the ambulance and wheeled Jihyo into a ward, as he spoke in an urgent tone to the man clad in white, with a stereoscope hung around his neck. Gary recognised Jihyo instantaneously while panting from the morning run to the hospital. However, he was stopped from entering the ward.
All he could see while Jihyo was being wheeled into the ward was the girl he love gasping for air, like a fish out of water. Her flawless face was flushed red and seemed to be in great agony. His heart pained to see such a strong and sanguine lady suffer so much. The lady he saw smiling and laughing heartily yesterday disappeared overnight. He was stunned. 
As she was shut away from his view, the scene of her suffering replayed endlessly in his mind, and an increasingly apprehensive expression hung on his face. He was overwhelmed experiencing so many different feelings at once. Gary could not stop picturing what could happen to her, and became even more frantic. 
"Jihyo, continue to stay strong! I don't want anything nasty to happen to you. Hang in there, i know you can and i strongly believe in you. I can't lose you, i have so many things i have yet to say to you. I promise you, as long as you can be well again, I will confess my feelings for you. I will reveal everything." Gary worriedly said in his mind, hoping with all his heart that Jihyo will be fine. All of these were witnessed by Jihyo's parents, who rushed over after hearing the news about their daughter.


**Here are two articles that will give you much more information on what actually happened to Jihyo and why she was hospitalized.
http://www.soompi.com/2011/09/19/song-ji-hyo-rushed-to-the-hospital-for-dyspnoea/#.UpdSldIW1IU
http://www.dramabeans.com/2011/09/song-ji-hyo-in-and-out-of-hospital-requests-schedule-cutbacks/

[My exams just ended today and i'm tired (mentally drained). But i promised to upload chapter 1 tonight, so here you go! I know there's not much interaction between Gary and Jihyo in this chapter, but you will see much more interactions in the chapters to come. I will upload the next few chapters whenever i am able to.]

Heyyo! This is my first time writing a fanfic, but has always wanted to try writing one. (It had been quite awhile since i did narrative writing, so i'm a little rusty at that hahahs). Just a little bit about myself: I'm a huge fan or Running Man, especially Monday couple and Song Jihyo. I just started a fanbase on twitter, support me by following mongxgae! I accept feedbacks and comments to improve on writing an even better fanfic. Do correct me if there are any grammar errors, etc as i can be pretty careless at times. I will correct them asap. Enjoy the fanfic(:
Ohya, do ignore the goggle+ thing. Im not sure how to un-sync that.