[ONGOING/MIN] A RACE TO MY HEART

A RACE TO MY HEART

CHAPTER 1


"Good news boys!" the DBSK boys manager suddenly announced as soon as he entered the boys' apartment.

"What is it hyung?" Micky asked curiously.

"Well there is going to be a big racing competition here in Japan. And the organizers want a group to sing and promote a song for the race. And that group is you guys," their manager answered happily.

"Racing competition? What kind? Do you mean . . . as in real race cars? Do we get the chance to ride on one of them? Or better yet . . . do we get the chance to meet some famous race car drivers?" Max asked excitedly.

The DBSK boys' manager suddenly laughed. "Max . . . don't get over excited. Don't worry. You'll get the chance to see and ride on real race cars because you will all be doing a commercial for the promotion of the competition. And aside from that, you will also get the chance to meet all the race car drivers who will be competing in the race."

"Really?" Max asked as his eyes suddenly lit up with joy.

Jaejoong, Xiah, Micky and U-Know all laughed as well. Max had really shown his young and innocent side.

"So hyung when is the race going to be held? And when are we going to start recording the song and making the commercial?" U-Know asked.

"Well the race is going to be held next month. And the recording of the song will start the day after tomorrow. As for the commercial, I think it will start next week. There are still some changes that need to be worked out," their manager answered.

"Wow! That is fast. We just learned about this today and it will immediately begin after tomorrow?" Xiah commented.

"Yes, the organizers and sponsors of the race are in a hurry to finish the commercial. Oh! And before I forget, there will be a gathering on Sunday for all the people involved in the race. and that includes you guys. So all of you must attend, " the older man said.

"Sunday? That's six days from now. We still have a lot of time to prepare right?' Jaejoong said.

"Yes . . . That event is still a very big occasion. A lot of high profile people will be attending. So you guys should really prepare," their manager said again.

"But I thought you said that it is only for people involved in the race? How come many people will be attending too?" Max asked.

"This race is sponsored by five huge companies. And there are more than sixty drivers from different countries competing. So it is already attracting the interest of many people. And based on what I learned, some media personalities will also be attending because the organizers will finally introduce all the drivers who will be joining the competition. So you guys better prepare yourselves. You will also be introduced together with the drivers," the DBSK boys' manager said.

"Oh! This is going to be exciting," Max suddenly exclaimed.

The other four DBSK boys laughed again. They were all very hoping and excited as well. They had never seen real race cars up close and they had never met any race car drivers before. So this project was certainly very interesting and new to all of them.

Days passed by quickly . . . and it was already Sunday.

The DBSK boys were already sitting in their van, and on their way to the hotel where the special event for the race was going to be held.

"Hyung . . . Do you think there will be movie personalities in the gathering we are going to?" Max suddenly asked.

"I'm not really sure. But what I do know is that a certain girl in the race is already attracting a lot of attention. Well, it is based on what I heard, of course," their manager said.

"A girl? Why? Don't tell me, there's a female driver who is going to join the competition?" Micky suddenly asked with interest.

U-Know suddenly laughed. "Here we go again. Micky's eyes have suddenly lit up with joys again. He's already interested in the race because of the girl hyung mentioned."

"Hey! It's just that it's very uncommon for a guy like me to actually meet a girl who is more adventurous and who has more guts than me. I've never met a female race car driver before. That's why I am very much interested to meet this girl," Micky tried to explain his side.

"Yeah . . . me too. I am quite curious as to what a female race car driver would actually look like. I mean if she would be pretty or not," Xiah added.

"Well, what do you guys expect? Of course . . . she will look like any ordinary girl. I think there would be no difference at all . . . except maybe if she knows how to cook . . . then that would certainly make a big difference," Max said with a laugh.

Everyone looked at Max. And then they all sighed. Whether a simple or serious conversation, Max still couldn't stop himself from thinking about food.

He was constantly finding some excuse or way to mention about food in all of their conversation.

"Max . . . can you please just stop thinking about food even for one minute?" Jaejoong asked as he suddenly tapped his forehead in disbelief about what Max had said.

Max laughed. "Sorry, hyung. You know how much I love food. All kinds of foods and dishes to be exact."

"I wonder, do you guys think that there is a possibility that maybe somewhere . . . there is a certain girl that can match up with Max's huge appetite?" Xiah suddenly asked the other DBSK boys.

Jaejoong, Micky and U-Know all looked at each other. Somehow they couldn't imagine a girl with a big appetite for food just like Max's. After a few minutes of thinking, all of them started to laugh uncontrollably.

"Hey! Why are you guys laughing?" Max asked with a hurt look on his face.

"Honestly, I can't even try to imagine what a girl with the same appetite as you would actually look like," Micky said with a big laugh.

"Why?" Max asked again.

"Well . . . I can certainly imagine what a girl with Max's appetite would look like . . . " Xiah said with a big grin on his face.

"Well what?" Jaejoong asked.

"Imagine a . . . huge elephant . . ." Xiah said as he suddenly burst out laughing.

Jaejoong, Micky and U-Know and their manager laughed.

"Hey! That's unfair," Max shouted.

"Don't worry, Max. I'm sure you'll meet the perfect girl someday. As for her looks . . . don't worry. I know she'll look just fine," Jaejoong said as he tried to console Max.

"Speaking of girls . . . Hyung do you know the name of the girl who's going to join the race?" Micky suddenly asked their manager.

"Why do you ask?" the older man asked.

Xiah suddenly laughed. "Don't tell me that you're interested in that girl. She's way out of your league."

"I was just asking her name. What's wrong with that?" Micky asked with an innocent look on his face.

U-Know suddenly laughed as well. "I wouldn't even dare think of what would happen once you get the chance to meet that girl."

"Well, I am sure that hyung will find a way to capture that girl's attention," Max said with a broad smile.

"Are you guys teasing me again?" Micky asked suddenly as if hurt.

Jaejoong laughed. "No . . . of course not. We're just expressing what's on our minds."

Micky the shook his head as a sign of disbelief. His friends were totally making fun of him, he thought.

Xiah suddenly placed his arm around Micky's shoulder. "Hey! Don't be so serious. We're just fooling around. But honestly, a race car driver is really way too much for all of us. Let's just say, she's someone we can never be able to handle."

"You're certainly right. That girl is really too uncontrollable for anyone of you to handle. Someone told me that girl in the race is the youngest female driver ever to actually pass and be accepted in the race. They say the organizers in the competition at first . . . were somehow reluctant to let her join because aside from being young. She's actually the one and only daughter of a big business magnate in the US. They say the organizers were somehow afraid that if something bad happened to her, her father might blame the organizers and cause trouble.

"So she's rich? So why does she need to put her life in danger like that? Frankly, I don't get it. I don't understand why some people love racing so much to the point that they don't care about their own safety," Max commented.

"Well, maybe that's the whole point. Maybe she's so rich that she's done everything that she ever wanted that she's trying racing now just to experience something new," Xiah replied.

"I really can't understand it. And somehow I don't think I can ever get along with a person like that. I believe we should always make use and enjoy our lives properly. And honestly I think racing is just a waste of time, money and effort," Max commented.

"Well, we all have different ambitions or dreams. Maybe that girl's dream is to really become a well-known race car driver. We shouldn't judge her," Jaejoong suddenly said.

"Hey guys! We're here. Better get ready," the DBSK boys' manager suddenly announced.

The DBSK boys' conversation was suddenly stopped. As soon as their van parked in front of the hotel, they immediately noticed the large group of people and reporters waiting outside of the hotel's entrance.

"Wow! So many reporters," Max exclaimed.

"I told you guys this event is big," their manager said.

"Well, what are waiting for?" Micky suddenly said.

Jaejoong laughed. "Micky, you're being over-excited again," he said as a joke.

Several minutes later . . . . .

The DBSK boys were already in the gathering. Everyone was already busy doing different things. Micky was already busy chatting with some girls. While Xiah, U-Know and Jaejoong were busy talking with other celebrities. As for the boys' manager, he was already talking with other managers of other stars.

As for Max . . . .

He wasn't in the mood for talking. He was interested in something else. He started to walk while turning his head, left and right. He was looking for something. Then after a few minutes, he stopped. He had already spotted what he was looking for.

He immediately went up to the buffet table, and started to choose what foods to taste first. He was already eating an appetizer he had picked when . . . .

"You should try that appetizer near the one you're eating now. It's quite good. I've already had five of it," a girl's voice suddenly said in fluent English.

Max immediately looked at the girl. She was smiling at him. And instantly, his heart started to beat wildly. She was an Asian, about 5'10", with long black hair and a captivating face and figure.

"You should try this," she said again in fluent English as she pointed at the food she was currently eating. "It's good."

Max stared at the girl. She was very beautiful and obviously very nice. And somehow while she was smiling at him sweetly, his heart was pounding rapidly.

The girl stared at Max for a few minutes. Then she laughed. "You don't understand me?" she asked in English while waiting for an answer.

The girl giggled again. "I'm sorry. I should have spoken in Japanese right away. What I said earlier was that you should try that appetizer near the food that you just ate. It's quite good. In fact, I've already eaten five pieces of it," she said this time in Japanese.

Max suddenly laughed with what the girl had said. "Really? Then I should try it then," he said as he then picked up the appetizer the girl was recommending.

After Max ate the appetizer the girl was suggesting, he immediately smiled back at her.

"Thank you. It's really good. Do you think I can have some more?" he asked.

The girl laughed. "Of course. We can have as many as we want. But we better try the other foods as well. Don't you think so?"

"Yes, you're right. How about we try this one too?" Max asked as he pointed another appetizer.

"Yes . . ." the girl said with a smile.

Max and the girl started to taste the different foods on the buffet table. While eating, they were both exchanging comments on whether the food they ate was good or not, based on their food preferences.

More than thirty minutes passed, Max was already enjoying his time with the girl that he didn't notice that Xiah, Micky, Jaejoong and U-Know were already watching him nearby.

"Look at him! He's already met such a gorgeous girl and he's still busy eating," Micky said in disbelief.

Jaejoong laughed. "Well the girl is busy herself . . . eating."

"Yes, they're both enjoying chatting and eating," Xiah commented with a laugh.

"It seems our little boy has finally found his match. I think that girl has a bigger appetite than him," U-Know said with a laugh as well.

"Yes, I've noticed that. That girl really loves eating," Micky said with a nod.

"Should we interrupt them?" Xiah suddenly asked.

"Definitely . . . yes. Knowing Max, I'm guessing he still doesn't know the girl's name even if he's been with her for more than half an hour now," Micky answered.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's meet Max's new friend," Xiah said with a laugh.

The four DBSK boys slowly walked up to where Max and his new friend were.

"Max . . . ." Micky called out.

Max then looked at his friends and smiled. "Hyung . . ." he uttered.

"We've been looking for you. So you've been busy eating huh?" Xiah asked.

"Yes, the foods here are totally delicious," Max answered.

"So who is your new friend?" U-Know suddenly asked.

Max then stared at the girl he had been talking with. The girl was smiling at him.

"Uhm . . . . We have been talking with one another for a very long time now. But we still haven't introduced ourselves to one another. I'm Max and you are?" Max said with a smile.

The girl laughed lightly. "I was wondering when you were going to ask my name. I thought you were really more interested in the food we were eating than me," she said in Japanese.

Xiah, Jaejoong, Micky and U-Know suddenly burst out laughing.

Max suddenly blushed. "I'm sorry. I know it’s quite impolite. I only remembered to ask your name after my friends asked about you," he said shyly.

The girl smiled sweetly. "It's okay. Don't worry about it. I was just joking with what I said earlier. Anyway . . . I'm Fate Nakamura. Nice meeting you . . . Max," she said as she gave out her hand to him.

Max immediately reached out and shook hands with her. And the moment that his hand touched her hand, he instantly felt a strange feeling. He felt like he had held her hand before . . . and somehow he didn't want to let go of it.

The girl suddenly smiled after noticing that Max had held her hand for a very long time already.

The other DBSK boys also noticed Max. All of them wanted to laugh, but they just stopped themselves. They didn't want to embarrass their friend.

"Hi! I'm Micky," Micky suddenly said to break Max's hand from Fate's hand.

Then Jaejoong suddenly lightly nudged Max as if to make him come to his senses.

"I'm Xiah . . ."

"I'm U-Know . . ."

"And I'm Jaejoong . . ."

"Nice to meet all of you . . . So are you racers as well?" Fate asked.

"You don't know who we are" Micky asked as if unable to believe.

"No . . . sorry," she replied apologetically.

"That's okay. We're not racers but singers. We're a group called Dong Bang Shin Ki. We're the ones singing the song for the commercial of the race," U-Know explained.

"Oh, I see! I am really sorry. I just arrived in Japan today. So I am not familiar with the things going on," she said.

"So are you a part of the crew of the race or are you from the media?" Xiah asked curiously.

Fate smiled and gently shook her head. "No . . . I'm . . ."

"Fate . . . ." a man's voice suddenly called out.

Suddenly a man came up to them and immediately held Fate's hand. The man was an American, about 6'0 tall, blond, good-looking and with a well-built body.

Max looked at the man. And then at the man's hand as it tightly held Fate's hand. Somehow his heart started to ache.

"I've been looking for you. Come on . . . The program's going to start," the man said to Fate in English.

"Sorry, I got hungry. And then I met some new friends. They’re the ones doing the song for the race," Fate said to the man.

The man then looked at the DBSK boys. " Sorry . . . but we've got to leave. Maybe you can talk again with Fate after the program," he then said in fluent Japanese.

The DBSK boys didn't know what to say, so they just nodded.

"Goodbye . . . Maybe we can continue chatting with one another after the program. Goodbye . . . Max," Fate said as she was gently being pulled away.

Within seconds, Fate disappeared among a crowd of people. Max suddenly asked himself if he was really going to see her again.

Then after several minutes, the program started. All the race car drivers in the competition were introduced, one by one.

While the program was going on, Max's mind was being filled with questions concerning Fate. Somehow he wanted to see her again. But he knew it was somewhat impossible.

Then lastly . . . the organizers introduced the only female driver in the race.

Instantly . . . Max's attention was drawn to the stage.

Max couldn't believe what he was seeing. The female racer everyone was talking about was no other than . . . . Fate.

CHAPTER 2



Max was staring blankly at the TV screen. He had been watching an English movie for more than half an hour. But somehow nothing was getting through his head.

Suddenly . . . he sighed, then just decided to turn off the TV. He was just wasting his time, he suddenly thought. Slowly he walked back into his room and just sat down on his bed. Then he started to stare at his computer.

Somehow he couldn't understand why he was feeling so restless. As he stared at his computer, an idea came into his head. He then hurriedly opened his computer and started to type in a name . . . . Fate Nakamura.

After a few seconds, different pictures and different details came to his view.

Fate had the same age as him, an only daughter of a large business tycoon in America, born in New York but was raised in Japan until she finished her primary education. She was then sent to England until she finished college at the age of 18. Many people considered her gifted since she was able to finish her studies 3 years in advance.

It was in England where she first experienced driving a race car at the age of 16. At first, it was only for fun. But after a few months of undergoing race car courses, her pastime became an obsession.

She continued to practice race car driving almost everyday. But during this time, she still gave great attention to her studies. She was determined to finish early so she could finally devote all her time in racing. So finally at the age of 18, she was able to finish a degree in Business Management in one of the top schools in England.

As soon as she finished college, she immediately focused all her attention in racing. She joined various races in England and United States. Then at the age of 19, she was able to win first place in a racing competition held in Germany. She was the youngest female driver to ever win such a prestigious competition. And since then she had been one of the most sought after race car drivers in the world.

Max sighed. "You're really something," he suddenly exclaimed.

"What are you saying?" Jaejoong suddenly asked.

Startled, Max suddenly turned around to see Jaejoong smiling at him.

"Hyung . . . how long have you been standing there?" Max asked.

"How long? Let's see . . . I think I've already heard you sigh for more than twenty times already," Jaejoong replied with a laugh.

"That long huh?" Max asked with a laugh as well. "I was just browsing . . ."

"Browsing? I don't think so . . . more like . . . seriously reading is the right word," Jaejoong said.

Max suddenly laughed. "You were really watching me all this time?"

Jaejoong just nodded his head. "We've noticed that you haven't been yourself lately. Is there something bothering you?"

"Bothering me? No, nothing is bothering me. Why do you ask?" Max asked curiously.

"Well you've totally been restless since you met that girl in the party," Jaejoong answered.

"Girl? What girl?" Max asked as if in denial.

Jaejoong let out a laugh. "Girl? You know the girl that you spent a lot of time eating with at the buffet table . . . the girl who you forgot to ask what her name was . . . and lastly, the girl displayed on your computer monitor."

Max suddenly turned around to look at his computer. He had totally forgotten that the page he was reading was still open. Totally embarrassed, he slowly closed his computer.

"Hyung . . . don't tell the others okay?" Max said with a grin as he faced Jaejoong again.

"Why not? We all know that Fate is the reason why you're acting funny these passed few days. So there's no use in denying it," Jaejoong said.

"But the others will just continuously tease me, especially Micky," Max said with a sigh.

"God! Will you please stop sighing? You're sounding more like an old man with thousands of problems on his shoulder," Jaejoong said with a mischievous smile.

"What can I do? I really can't explain why I'm feeling this way. It's as if I'm totally drawn to her. I can't get her out of my mind," Max confessed.

Jaejoong laughed lightly. "Is our little boy in love?" he teased.

"Hyung, don't make fun of me please," Max said.

Jaejoong laughed again. "You're really something. You meet a gorgeous girl . . . then you just ignore her and concentrate in the food that you are eating . . . you never asked her name and her number . . . and then afterwards when she's already gone . . . you're saying you can't forget her," he then started to laugh continuously. "Oh! You're killing me . . ." he said again with a laugh.

"Hyung!" Max uttered. He knew what Jaejoong said was right. He was too focused on the food that day. Instead of concentrating or Fate, he was more drawn to the food.

Jaejoong suddenly stopped laughing. He saw the serious expression on Max's face.

"Max . . ." he uttered.

"Hyung, what should I do? Do you think I will ever meet her again?" Max asked seriously.

"I really have no idea. She's here to compete. So she won't have much time to do anything else except racing. And with our busy schedule . . . I really doubt it, if the two of you will ever meet again," Jaejoong answered.

"Oh . . ." Max uttered. He suddenly felt like he was going to have a headache.

Jaejoong suddenly smiled and walked up to Max. Then he gently patted Max's shoulder.

"Just keep your hopes up. Who knows . . . maybe you'll meet again someday . . ." he said. "Come on, let's sleep already. We have a commercial to do tomorrow."

The next day . . . .

The DBSK arrived early at the race track. They wanted to have some time to rest first before doing their commercial.

When they arrived, three cars were already having a race. Several men were scattered on the sides of the race track, watching the ongoing race.

The DBSK boys decided to go where the other men were. They also wanted to watch up close. They were all very curious as to who were the drivers of the three cars.

"Look at that red car! It's so fast," Max exclaimed.

Micky laughed. "I can't even try to imagine myself driving like that."

"I would surely have a heart attack if I was in a car that was moving that fast," Jaejoong uttered.

"I wonder who is the driver of that car," Xiah uttered.

"He must be one of the leading race car drivers in the competition," U-Know commented.

"Look at that other blue car . . . It is always beside the red car. It is really good too," Max suddenly noticed.

"Yes, I've already noticed that too," Jaejoong replied.

The DBSK boys continued to watch until finally the race ended. The red car emerged as the winner.

All the three cars suddenly parked close to where the DBSK boys were standing. Then one by one, the drivers got out of their cars. Then they started to walk to the direction of the DBSK boys. The boys were all focused on the driver of the red race car. They wanted to know who the driver was.

As the driver approached the men near the DBSK boys, they started to take off their helmets . . . one by one.

The DBSK boys were shocked after seeing who the driver of the red race car was.

"It's her!" Micky exclaimed.

Max suddenly smiled. "Fate . . ." he uttered.

Fate immediately noticed Max and she suddenly walked towards the DBSK boys.

"Hello . . . so we meet again," she greeted the boys cheerfully.

Max suddenly felt very nervous. Somehow he wanted to just turn back and hide.

"Hello, nice to see you again," Xiah greeted.

Fate smiled. "So you guys are here for the commercial right?" she asked.

"Yes, how did you know?" Micky asked.

Fate laughed. "I'm one of the drivers who will join you in the commercial."

"Really? That's great! Isn't it . . . Max?" Jaejoong said with a light laugh as he gently nudged Max's shoulder.

"Oh. . . yes. . .yes, that's great," Max uttered nervously.

Fate stared at Max for a very long time as if thinking of something. Somehow it made Max very uneasy. Cold sweat started to show on his forehead.

Fate suddenly walked up to Max. Then she took out her handkerchief from her pocket. And then she surprisingly wiped away the sweat on Max's forehead and face.

"Why are you sweating so much? Are you sick? If you're sick . . . we can just do the commercial tomorrow. You don't have to force yourself," she said worriedly.

Max suddenly froze as Fate stood in front of him.

"I . . .I . . .I'm fine," he tried to say.

"Really? Oh . . . well. you shouldn't let yourself get so soaked in sweat. You might get sick. And besides, having sweat on your face . . . somehow ruins your handsome face," Fate uttered with a smile.

Max felt his heart was having a race of its own. He unexpectedly looked straight into Fate's eyes. Then he grasped Fate's hand that was holding a handkerchief to his face.

At that exact moment . . . somehow the world suddenly stopped . . . everything and everyone disappeared and they were the only ones left.

Max could hear the strong and very fast beating of his heart. While Fate was somehow able to hear it too. She couldn't explain why but she could feel a very strong connection between her and Max.

As they both stared deep into each other's eyes, their hearts continued to beat wildly.

"Fate!" a voice suddenly called out.

It was only then that Fate and Max suddenly snapped out of their trance. Max suddenly realized that he was still holding Fate's hand. He immediately released it and shyly looked away.

Fate suddenly smiled after seeing Max's reaction. "You're cute!" she uttered with a smile.

Max turned to look at Fate. Somehow he couldn't believe what he heard. But Fate had already turned away and was already heading to the man who called her. It was the same man she was with in the conference.

Max's heart suddenly skipped a beat. He couldn't explain it . . . but he knew he was jealous. He shook his head in disbelief. It was impossible for him to fall in love with a girl he barely knew.

He then looked at Fate again, as she slowly walked away.

"Is this what they call love?" he asked himself over and over again.

CHAPTER 3



"Fate . . ." the man sitting beside her said, as if to attract her attention. She had been staring at the DBSK boys, specifically Max for the passed ten minutes.

"Hmmm?" Fate uttered as she looked at the man who called her.

"What's wrong? You've been looking at that guy ever since he arrived," the man said.

Fate lightly laughed. "Michael, are you jealous?"

"Me? Jealous? Are you kidding?" he asked with a grin. "I guess . . . I'm just not used to seeing you . . . drool over a guy," he said with a laugh.

Fate's expression suddenly changed. "Drool? Excuse me! But I've never . . . ever drooled over a guy," she said, obviously irritated. She stood up and was about to walk away when Michael grabbed her hand.

"Hey! Don't be mad. I was just joking," he said as he made a begging expression on his face.

Fate laughed out loud after seeing Michael's face.

The DBSK boys who were busy preparing immediately looked at Fate's direction after hearing her continuous laughing.

Max's heart somehow became heavy after seeing Fate with Michael. He was still holding Fate's hand, and was obviously being sweet with her. But no matter how hard he tried to control his emotions, he was still feeling jealous of Michael. He knew he had no right to feel this way but he just couldn't stop himself.

Michael glanced at the DBSK boys' direction. He then noticed the jealous look on Max's face.

"Fate . . . will you please have pity on the guy . . . I think he's already falling for you. So please stop teasing him. We will only stay here in Japan for maybe more than a month. Then after the race, we will be moving on to France. You don't have the time to have a relationship with anyone . . . You know that, don't you?" he said seriously.

"Michael, I'm not teasing him. It's just that . . . I really like him. I was instantly attracted to him . . . the first time I saw him. But the funny thing was he was really more interested in the food we were eating than me," Fate said with a sweet laugh.

Michael smiled, then he stood up and gently drew Fate closer to him. Slowly he placed his hands around Fate's waist, while both of them stood face to face.

Fate looked straight at Michael. He was a very handsome man. In fact, a lot of women were constantly trying to get close to him. But he always avoided them. He wasn't really interested in women. He didn't have time for them. He was too focused on racing and he was more interested in cars.

The two of them had been friends ever since she got interested in racing. He was already professional race car driver when she met him. One of Fate's friends introduced him to her after learning that she was interested in racing.

During their first meeting, Michael was very cold with her. But she still begged him to train her for her very first competition. He was very hesitant at first. He didn't really think that a beautiful, smart and rich girl like Fate was fitted to enter the race car world. He believed that she was more suited in the socialite world where she formerly belonged. But she proved him wrong. She showed him her determination and dedication to racing. So she was able to win his admiration, and he finally agreed to train with her. After a month of training with each other, they finally became very close with each other . . . So close that a lot of people mistook their closeness as something more serious.

And they both used this misconception to an advantage. Michael was finally able to fully avoid all the girls that he didn't want to associate with, and Fate was also able to do the same. Since a lot of men were also constantly pursuing her. And she found that having men courting her were more of a distraction than an inspiration. She didn't really want men around her.

So they made each other as an excuse to drive away all the unwanted admirers. The two of them had been together for years. So they were already very at ease with each other, that even physical closeness was nothing to them. They would hold hands or embrace each other, as if it was nothing. Both of them were very comfortable with each other. They both liked the special connection that they shared.

"You really like him huh?" Michael asked seriously as he stared at her.

Fate just nodded.

"I'm not saying that you don't have the right to like him. It's just that . . . we're here to race. I certainly don't want you to get distracted. We have both worked very hard for this competition. I just don't want to see all your hard go to waste all because of a guy you barely know," Michael explained.

Fate smiled. "I know and I understand. And frankly I'm not expecting anything to happen between us. I like him . . . . That's it! I don't think he's really serious about me anyway. He's a famous singer. So I know he's got millions of girls running after him. And besides if he's also interested in me . . . he should have made a move already. So far . . . the only significant thing he has done is ask my name," she said with a laugh. "Do you know how frustrating it is to meet a guy you like at first sight . . . and he doesn't even like you back in return?" she asked as she shook her head.

Michael laughed out loud. "So you've really fallen hard for that guy?" Want me to help?" he asked teasingly.

"But I thought you said that I should just leave him alone . . . So why are you offering to help me now?" Fate asked with a raised eyebrow. She suddenly became confused.

Michael laughed again. "Because like what I've said before . . . I'm not used to seeing you drool over a man. It is too humiliating to see you liking a guy, and then left with just liking him from a distance. And besides, it's not everyday that you actually admit that you like a man. I always thought that you might be a tomboy or something."

"I'm not a tomboy," Fate protested as she suddenly pouted her lips.

Michael laughed again. "Okay . . . okay . . . sorry," he uttered as he embraced her. Then he quickly lifted her up on his shoulder.

"Michael, what are you doing? Put me down!" Fate screamed as she tried to shake herself free from Michael's hold.

"Sssshhh . . . . I'm going to help you win your prince, my dear," he said while trying to control his laugh.

"What? What do you mean? How?" Fate continuously asked.

"Just play along," Michael uttered as he chuckled.

While Fate and Michael were fooling around, the DBSK boys were busy watching.

"Uh-oh! Looks like Fate is already involved with someone," Micky uttered.

"Yes, it really looks like it," Max said sadly.

Then two men from Fate's group suddenly passed by where the DBSK boys were sitting.

"Fate and Michael are playing around again," one of the men said.

"Yes, they sure a perfect couple. Both rich, good-looking, talented and famous . . . truly a match-made in heaven," the other man said.

The DBSK boys heard what the men said. And at that instant, Max's heart ached so hard that he unconsciously grasped his chest.

"Max, are you all right?' Xiah asked worriedly.

Max tried to smile. "Yes, I'm fine," he lied.

Micky, Xiah, U-Know and Jaejoong exchanged glances with each other. They all knew that Max was lying.

Michael was still carrying Fate on his shoulder, when he suddenly said something.

"Hold on Fate . . . ."

"What? Hey, Michael . . . stop already . . . ." Fate shouted again.

Michael laughed again, then he started running round around with Fate still on his shoulder.

"Michael, put me down!" Fate kept on shouting.

But Michael just kept on running round and round, as if doing an exercise. Then he slowly went to where the DBSK boys were sitting. He already knew what to do.

"Michael, I'm very dizzy already. I feel sick. Please put me down," Fate weakly begged. She felt her head was very light, and everything she was seeing was already blurry.

Michael suddenly stopped running in front of the DBSK boys. Then he quickly released Fate.

As soon as Michael placed Fate down on her feet, her dizziness became worse.

"Michael . . . I'm feeling sick," she complained as she touched her head. She then took a step forward, but her whole body was weak. So she instantly slipped.

Fate knew that she was about to fall down on her back. But she felt very dizzy, and she didn't have any strength to stop her fall.

"Fate . . . ." some of the DBSK boys exclaimed in shock.

Fate just closed her eyes, and waited for her body to fall on the ground. Seconds passed, she then realized that someone was holding her. She slowly opened her eyes. And as soon as she opened them, she was faced with the man that her heart was longing for.

"Are you all right? Are you hurt?" Max asked with concern written all over his face.

"I . . .I'm fine . . . Thank you," Fate tried to utter.

Michael who was just watching everything just smiled mischievously. His plan had actually worked.

Max stared at Michael. "You should have been more careful. What if I didn't catch her on time . . . and she hit her head or something?" he angrily said to him.

Michael smiled again. "This guy has guts," he said in his mind.

"She could have been hurt bad . . ." Max added.

"Sorry . . . frankly I was very dizzy as well," Michael defended himself.

Fate looked at Max, then at Michael. "I'm fine. So let's just forget everything," she said as she tried to get up.

Max carefully helped Fate on her feet. But she was still feeling sick. Her whole body swayed as she tried to walk away from Max. Then as she was about to fall again, Max had instinctively pulled her into his arms.

As Max tightly held Fate, they both gazed straight into each other's eyes. Their hearts were beating wildly and pounding so hard that somehow they could both each other's heart beats.

"Max . . ." Fate uttered.

"Fate . . . ." Max uttered as well.

It was as if their whole world had suddenly stopped revolving, and everything was focused on them. Max felt Fate's heart beating next to his. And somehow he felt like she was so perfect in his arms. At that exact moment, he had learned the true meaning of love. . . . He had finally fallen in love. He had also decided that he was going to do everything just to have her. Fate was going to be his destiny.

CHAPTER 4



"Fate . . . Michael, please be ready in a few minutes," the group assistant said.

"Okay," Michael replied, as he carefully arranged his clothes. "Do I look okay?" he asked Fate, who was also busy brushing her hair.

"Yes, you look so handsome in whatever attire you wear," Fate answered with a sweet smile.

"Really? Well I really can't help it. Frankly I'm too handsome to be just a race car driver. I should have been a movie star or something," Michael said jokingly.

Fate laughed. "A movie star? Give me a break. If you became a movie star . . . Then more women will surely get hooked on you . . . And that would mean . . . more women will suffer. So I think it is more appropriate, if you just became hidden in an office. Just like the job your dad is offering you."

"A job in an office? Unbelievable! You know I hate being stuck in an office. That would totally kill me," Michael spoke.

Fate laughed again. "Yeah, I know you're too wild to be kept in an office."

"We're both wild, my dear. That's why you can't keep yourself locked up in an office too," Michael said as a joke.

The DBSK boys just watched and listened as Fate and Michael continued to tease each other. Max tried to make himself busy with other things. He was already very jealous, but he knew he ahd no right to feel that way.

"Okay . . . let's start!"

Everybody was then called near the race cars.

"First, we will be pairing the DBSK boys with the three drivers. Micky and Xiah, both of you will be paired up with Tony Mason, the driver of the yellow race car. Then Jaejoong and U-Know with Michael Smith, the driver of the blue race car. And lastly Max will be with Fate Nakamura, the driver of the red race car," one of the assistants announced.

"Why are we being paired up?" Xiah suddenly asked.

"Each pairing will have their own commercial. So we will be making 3 separate commercials today," the assistant answered.

"Oh, really?" Michael asked with a grin. "I think someone's going to be very happy," he said as he teasingly looked at Fate.

"Hey! Stop with your teasing," Fate said with a pout.

"Okay, just make sure you go easy on the guy. Don't seduce him okay," Michael suddenly whispered to Fate.

"Eh? Michael . . ." Fate uttered as she tried to pinch him.

Michael hurriedly moved away from Fate. "Someone's getting angry . . ." he teased again.

"Please get ready Fate . . . and Max. You will be the first ones to make the commercial," one of the assistants said.

Fate immediately went to where Max was. she then took his hand and pulled him to where her race car was. "Come on," she said with a smile.

Max's heart was pounding very hard. Somehow he couldn't believe that Fate was actually holding his hand.

The other DBSK boys just smiled as they all silently watched Max being pulled away by Fate.

"He's quite lucky . . . The girl is actually more braver than him," Micky commented.

U-Know couldn't help but laugh. "I just hope that everything works out for him."

"Do you really think Fate likes Max? Frankly I think she's just being friendly and sweet," Jaejoong suddenly asked.

"Nah, the girl has a thing for Max too. You can easily tell from the look in Fate's eyes whenever she looks at Max," Micky answered.

"Well, let's wish Max all the luck he can get. Fate is really a very beautiful and nice girl," Xiah added.

As soon as Fate and Max were near her car . . .

"Are you afraid of racing?" she suddenly asked Max.

Max looked at Fate. He was suddenly taken by surprise by her question. "Me? I . . . I . . . really don't know. I haven't done it before . . ." he tried to answer.

Fate smiled. "Well then, how about we go on a joy ride first? So you can actually get a feel of how it feels like to be in a race . . ."

Max didn't know what to say. He just nodded his head in approval.

Fate smiled sweetly at Max. "Wait a minute okay," she then approached the director.

Several minutes passed . . . She returned with a sweet smile on her face.

"The director already agreed to shoot the part where we will be riding on the race car. So . . . are you ready?" Fate asked.

"Yes," Max shyly replied.

"You know you should be more at ease with me," she suddenly uttered. "How can we work with each other more comfortably . . . if you're like that?"

"I . . . I'm sorry . . . It's just that I can't help it. I feel a little bit nervous around you," Max answered with his head lowered.

"A little bit nervous? It's more like you're afraid of me," she said with a laugh.

"No . . . no . . . I'm not afraid of you . . . I'm just nervous because . . . I like you," Max suddenly blurted out. He immediately looked at Fate. He didn't know why he was so careless. He suddenly became afraid of what her reaction might be.

Fate stared at Max seriously. Then slowly . . . a smile appeared on her lips. "Wow! And I thought you were shy," she uttered.

"I . . . I'm sorry. . . It just slipped out . . ." Max tried to apologize.

Fate couldn't help but laugh. "You don't have to apologize. Honestly I'm glad you said it. Because now . . . I'm no longer afraid to tell you something . . .Do you want to know what it is?" she said as she slowly moved closer to him.

Max could feel his heart was beating very fast. "What . . . what is it?" he asked nervously.

Face to face . . . Fate looked deep into Max's eyes. Then she quickly planted a short kiss on Max's cheek. "I like you too, Max," she finally confessed.

Instantly Max's heart started rejoicing. It was like he was in heaven. He couldn't believe what he just heard. . . and especially what just happened. He gently touched the spot where Fate kissed him. It was like he could still feel her warm lips on his face.

"Wohhooo!!! Way to go girl!" Michael cheered after he saw what Fate did. He was very happy for his friend.

The other DBSK boys were all shocked with what they witnessed. But their shock was immediately replaced with happiness. All of them couldn't help but smile and grin. They knew their friend had already won the girl of his dreams.

The other people who saw what Fate did were shocked at first. But then they immediately brushed aside their personal thoughts and continued to concentrate on what they were supposed to do.

"Your friend is quite lucky . . ." Michael said to the other DBSK boys as he suddenly approached them.

"What do you mean?" Xiah asked curiously.

"Well Fate has never shown any interest in a guy before. And this is certainly the first time that she actually kissed a guy intentionally. So this only means that Fate really likes your friend. I know millions of guys all over the world will surely envy your friend, once news about them leaks out," Michael explained.

"Leak out? Oh, I hope not. We don't want any trouble with the press and the fans . . ." Xiah said worriedly.

Michael couldn't stop himself from laughing. "All of you superstars are all alike, whether actors or singers. All of you are scared of scandals and rumors. Unlike us . . . race car drivers . . . even though we are also popular, we don't really care about news, gossips and rumors. Whatever is written about us, doesn't really affect us at all."

"Well, we're just being careful. Since we're not the only ones who will be affected . . . even the girls we get involved with are affected by whatever news or rumors are written about us," U-Know tried to defend themselves.

Michael looked at U-Know seriously. "I'm sorry, if I offended you guys. But I just want you guys to tell your friend to be serious with Fate. She's been with me for years now. I have been taking care of her, just like a real brother to a sister. I don't want her to get hurt in anyway. And if by chance, your friend doesn't have any intentions of being true to her . . . then tell him to just stop now before Fate falls for him any deeper. Because if even one drop of Fate's tears fall because of him . . . I promise you, I won't let your friend go so easily. I'll make sure that he sheds ten times more tears than what Fate sheds. She may act tough and present herself to be strong . . . but in reality . . . she is like any other woman . . . fragile . . . easily hurt. I don't want her to get hurt in anyway," he said with a serious tone.

The other DBSK boys exchanged glances with each other.

"Max isn't the type who plays around. He's quite serious with Fate. So you don't have anything to be worried about," Micky said.

Michael just nodded his head. "Then we don't have any problem . . . The only thing I want now is for her to be happy."

"Don't worry. . . Max will surely take good care of Fate," Jaejoong said with a smile.

"I really do hope so," Michael uttered as he looked at Max and Fate from afar.

Max was still staring at Fate. Somehow he didn't know what to say after she kissed him. He was feeling like he was in a dream . . . a very sweet and wonderful dream. Somehow he wanted to kiss her . . . on her sweet lips . . . He wanted to experience what it would feel like . . . to kiss a girl that he really liked.

"Are we just going to stand here . . . until the sun sets?" Fate asked with a smile.

"What?" Max asked as he snapped out of his dreaming state.

Fate laughed. "Let's go . . . we can kiss each other again later . . . when we're no longer busy," she said as a tease.

"What?" Max asked with his eyes wide with shock. He was surprised with what Fate had said. It was as if she could read what was on his mind.

Fate giggled. "Oh my! You're so cute . . . Let's go. We have a commercial to finish," she said as she helped Max get into her car.

As Fate and Max sat side by side in the car . . . both their hearts were racing.

"Are you ready Max" she asked as she started the car.

"Yes," he replied as he slowly covered her hand that was on the steering wheel, with his own hand.

Fate stared at Max's hand that held her hand. Then she looked deep into his eyes.

Max smiled. "Do you really think you're the only one who is brave?"

Fate smile as well. "No . . ."

Suddenly Max took Fate's hand and gently squeezed it. "Well let's start this . . . Let's see where this road takes us," he said sweetly.

Fate nodded. "Let's start . . . and just follow where our hearts leads us . . ."

As Fate's car started to move . . . both her and Max's hearts were already finished with racing. . . Both their hearts had already found the right path to each other's hearts.

CHAPTER 5


Fate and Max's commercial was finally finished, and they were already free to do whatever they wanted.

They were quietly sitting beside each other, while watching Micky and Xiah prepare themselves for their own commercial.

"Max . . ." Fate uttered.

"Uhmm . . . What is it?" Max asked quickly.

"About . . . about what you said earlier . . . and what I said as well . . ." Fate started to say.

Max suddenly became serious. "Why? Do you . . . do you want to take back what you said?"

"No, it's not like that. It's just . . . it's just that I'm a little bit concerned that . . . maybe . . . you're not that serious about what you said," Fate said with hesitation.

Max smiled sweetly at Fate. Then he took her hand and gently kissed it. "I like you . . . and I'm serious about you. Are you doubting my sincerity?"

Fate smiled back at him. "Don't you think we're moving too fast? We just met a few days ago . . . and we're already involved with each other."

"What can we do? We're both hooked with each other. We didn't plan any of this. It just happened . . . So we should just go with the flow and follow our hearts," Max said seriously.

"Are you sure you want to be with me, Max? This . . . this relationship we're starting will surely cause some problems for both of us. Are you willing to take the risk?" Fate asked as she looked at him.

"Yes, I'm willing to go through anything . . . as long as I can have the chance to be with you," Max replied.

Fate's heart suddenly skipped a beat. Somehow Max's words were like music to her ears.

Max tightened his hold on Fate's hand. "Just to make everything clear . . . starting today . . . you're officially my girl. . ." he said with love in his eyes.

Fate didn't know what to say. Her heart was dancing with joy. She had never experienced how to be in a relationship before. . . This was her very first time.

She smiled sweetly at Max, then she just nodded. "Starting today . . . you're mine," she uttered with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Max then gently caressed Fate's cheek. "Starting today . . . I'll be yours forever."

Fate laughed. "You know, if people accidentally heard all the things we've been saying, they would think that we're being too dramatic."

Max let out a laugh as well. "You're right. But what can we do? . . . We're just being honest with our feelings."

"Aren't you afraid of what other people might say about us?" Fate asked out of the blue.

"No, why should I be afraid?" Max replied.

"Well we just met each other," Fate uttered.

"Just forget that we just met. Let's just concentrate on what our present situation, that is more important," Max spoke.

"Do you think that your friends will accept me?" she asked nervously.

Max smiled again. "Why shouldn't they? I know they will surely like you."

"Oh I hope so," she uttered.

"Where will you go after the commercials are finished? Would you like to go to our apartment?" Max asked sweetly.

"To your apartment? Sure . . ." she quickly replied.

Max looked at Fate. He was very happy. He then took her hand and gently held it.

Several hours passed . . .

All of the commercials were already finished. And everyone were already getting ready to go home.

"Aaahhh . . . finished at last! I though it was going to last for a few hours more," Xiah exclaimed.

Jaejoong laughed. "Would you believe that I was actually praying while I was in that car? My god! I never imagined that being in a race car could be so frightening. I thought I was going to have a heart attack."

"But even though it was scary . . . it still had its feel of excitement. The thought of being there . . . racing . . . is also very challenging," Micky added.

"But what I'm totally sure is. . . that I am not fit to be in such a field. I don't think my heart can take the pressure of being in an actual race," U-Know uttered.

"But it's quite fun. It's not really scary at all," Fate interrupted.

Both she and Max had already walked up to where the other DBSK boys were sitting.

Xiah, Micky, U-Know and Jaejoong all looked at Fate, then smiled.

"You know . . . the two of you have been holding hands ever since you finished your commercial. You're already being talked about by the whole staff," Micky warned.

Max smiled mischievously. "We know . . ."

The other DBSK boys lightly laughed. "Oh . . . our little boy is really in love," Jaejoong uttered.

"Do you think our manager will object to our relationship?" Max asked worriedly.

"I don't think he has any objections. He's already seen the two of you holding hands . . . So if he had any negative reactions to your relationship, he would have talked to the two of you already," U-Know replied.

"Oh . . . that's a relief," Max said with a smile.

"So . . . are you really a couple now? I mean . . . is your relationship official now?" Xiah asked teasingly.

Fate couldn't help but smile, and Max slightly blushed.

"I think those reactions means a yes," Jaejoong said with a laugh.

"The two of you are really fast," Micky commented as he tried to hide the grin on his face.

"I've invited Fate to come to our apartment . . . Is it okay with you guys?" Max asked his friends.

"Of course," Jaejoong immediately replied.

"We already had dinner, but still early for a midnight snack . . . But anyway, Would you guys like me to cook for you?" Fate asked sweetly.

"You know how to cook?" Max asked, quite surprised.

Fate laughed. "Of course, I know how to cook. I've been living alone for years now. If I didn't know how to cook, I would surely starve to death."

"Yes," Max happily uttered.

Xiah, Micky, Jaejoong and U-Know exchanged glances with one another, then all of them broke down into laughs.

"Max, you're totally unbelievable . . . You're still thinking about food?" Micky asked in disbelief.

Fate laughed as well. "Well . . . I hope I won't disappoint you guys with the foods I am going to prepare. I already heard that Jaejoong is a great cook. I may not be able to match up with him."

"Oh, don't worry about us. We're not that difficult to feed. We're used to eating different kinds of foods . . . especially Max. He eats almost anything . . . as long as it is edible," Micky commented with a laugh.

"Hey, that's unfair," Max uttered.

"Well it is the truth. You're the only one among us who don't have any food preferences. You basically eat anything that is served," Jaejoong added.

Fate tried to hide her laugh. She was finding Max so adorable with the way he was blushing. She then decided to release her hand from Max's hand.

Max immediately stopped talking and looked at Fate, as soon as their hands were separated.

"Why? What's wrong?" he asked worriedly.

Fate smiled. "Nothing's wrong. I just thought that we've been holding hands for a very long time now. And maybe you're tired already . . ."

Max quickly took Fate's hand again and held it tightly. "I'm not tired of holding your hand. . . And I don't think I will ever grow tired of it . . ." he said sweetly.

Xiah couldn't help but smile sweetly. "God! Max you're so sweet! Ants will surely follow the two of you wherever you go," he said as a tease.

"I think millions of fans will be crying if they ever found out that their beloved Max has finally fallen in love," Micky suddenly whispered to Xiah.

Xiah just nodded. "They look so good together. . . quite perfect for each other," he uttered as he continued to look at the happy expression on Max's face.

"We're all ready to go . . ." one of the staff members said to the DBSK boys.

"Okay, thank you very much," U-Know uttered.

"Fate . . . we're already finished. It's time to go," Michael said as he slowly approached Fate and the DBSK boys.

"I'm going to Max's apartment, Michael. You can go ahead. I'll just go to the hotel later . . ." Fate spoke.

Michael looked at Max seriously, then at Fate. "You're going to his apartment? Alone?" he asked with a raised tone.

Fate laughed lightly. "Don't worry. I won't be alone with him. His friends will be there too. So you don't have anything to worry about."

Michael suddenly let out a sigh of relief. "Oh . . . Well, then I'll be going now. Just make sure you don't stay out too late. we still have a scheduled practice and meeting tomorrow."

Fate nodded. "I know."

Michael stared at Max. "Congratulations, you're a very lucky man. Take good care of her."

Max smiled, then nodded his head. "Don't worry. I will surely take good care of her."

"I'll be going now. Bye . . ." Michael uttered as he slowly walked away.

A few minutes passed . . .

"Well, let's go," Max sweetly said to Fate.

"Okay," she replied. "You're hungry already?" she sweetly asked.

Max nodded. "More like starving . . ." he jokingly said.

"Uh-oh! . . . Better prepare yourself Fate. He has a very large appetite. I think you will be very surprised once you find out about his eating habits," Jaejoong warned with a laugh.

Max blushed again. "Hyung, you're embarrassing me."

The other DBSK boys laughed. They were all very happy that Max had finally found his match.

CHAPTER 6



As soon as Fate arrived at the boys' apartment, she immediately went straight to the kitchen. The boys followed her into the kitchen, and they sat down on the table near the kitchen counter.

"I'll prepare our snack now . . . Do you have any special requests? Any specific dish you want to eat?" Fate asked Max and the other boys.

U-Know shook his head. "Anything is fine with us. Just prepare whatever you want," he said with a smile.

Max smiled. "I'll definitely eat anything that you prepare."

Jaejoong laughed. "See . . . Max eats almost anything . . . just as long as it is edible."

"So you don't have to worry about preparing anything special. Max will surely finish any dish served in front of him without any complaints," Xiah added.

"Just make sure that you don't put in so much hot sauce or anything spicy . . . just like what Jaejoong does. My tongue is still aching from the last spicy dish he prepared for us," Micky said with a grin.

"Spicy? You guys don't like spicy foods?" she asked curiously.

U-Know let out a laugh. "Everything that Jaejoong cooks is spicy. So we're sort of afraid of eating spicy foods. Because frankly . . . all the foods that Jaejoong cooks can basically make an elephant jump into cold water. That's how spicy his dishes are . . ." he tried to explain.

"Hey! I never thought that you guys were actually complaining with the dishes I'm preparing," Jaejoong said as if hurt.

"We never complain . . . because we don't have any choice. And we know if we complain, we might end up eating take out foods instead," Xiah said with a laugh.

"And your home cooked meals is still better than take out foods," Micky added with a grin.

"Don't worry hyung. I'm not complaining . . . I just love all the dishes you prepare for us," Max said with a smile.

"Max, you're not complaining because you can eat any dish even if it is mixed with a million spices," Micky teased.

"Hyung, you're too much," Max complained.

Fate giggled. She was totally amused with the way the boys were teasing each other. Somehow she found the boys' closeness quite extraordinary.

Fate lightly laughed. "You guys are just so cute . . . I'll start cooking now. Don't worry. I won't make your tongues hurt with so much spice. . . But I will surely make you guys cry because of the taste," she said with a grin, as she started to gather all the needed ingredients for her dishes.

"Do you want me to help you?" Jaejoong asked Fate with a smile.

Fate smiled back at Jaejoong. "No, thanks. Just sit there and relax. Or better yet . . .why don't you guys just wait in the living room while I'm still cooking. I'll just call you after I'm finished. We can then all eat at the living room . . . while watching a movie. But you can start watching the movie while waiting for me, so you guys won't get bored," she suggested.

"A movie? Hmmm . . . that sounds like fun," Max commented.

"Yes, watching a movie seems the perfect relaxation for all of us," Micky said as well.

"But what are we going to watch?" Jaejoong asked.

"Our manager just brought us some new movies to watch two days ago. I asked him to buy some new cds and he also bought several movies as well," U-Know informed the others.

"That's great. It's settled then. We're all going to watch a movie," Xiah said with a grin.

"Would you like me to keep you company while you're cooking?" Max asked Fate sweetly.

"Max, some people don't want to be bothered whenever they are cooking. So don't bother Fate . . . she needs some peace when cooking," Jaejoong said with a grin.

"Oh . . . all right. I'll just go with the guys then. Are you sure . . . you want to be left alone?" Max asked again.

Fate smiled, then nodded. "Jaejoong is right. I work faster when I'm alone . . ."

"Well, come on Max. Let's leave your princess alone for a few minutes," Micky said with a smile.

The DBSK boys all stood up and went directly to the door.

"Just call us . . . if you need any help," Max said with concern.

Fate lightly laughed. "Don't worry, Max. I won't get eaten by vegetables and pasta," she said teasingly.

The other DBSK boys laughed as well. And they just pulled Max out of the kitchen.

More than half an hour passed . . .

Max just kept on looking back and forth between the TV screen and the door leading to the kitchen.

"What's taking Fate so long to cook?" he asked worriedly. "Maybe I should take a look."

"Nope . . . just sit here," Micky said as he grabbed Max's arm and made him sit closer to him.

"Max, you've gone to the kitchen almost every three minutes. You're the reason why she's taking so long to finish her cooking. You're totally disturbing her," Jaejoong said as he shook his head in disbelief and amusement.

"But hyung . . . I just want to see if she's all right . . . What if she needs my help or something?" Max tried to reason with his friends.

U-Know shook his head and grinned. "Fate will call us if she needs any help. So just sit and enjoy the movie . . ."

Max sighed. It seems he didn't have any choice but to follow his friends.

Several minutes passed . . .

A sweet aroma started to fill the living room . . .

"God! What is that sweet smell?" Micky asked suddenly.

"It smells so delicious," Xiah added.

"So can I go to the kitchen now . . . to see if Fate is finished?" Max asked his friends. Somehow he didn't want to leave Fate alone even for one minute. Being away from her was quite frustrating for him.

"No," Jaejoong replied with a smile. "Just leave her alone while she's cooking . . ."

Max sighed heavily. "But I want to see her already," he complained.

Micky laughed. "She's not going anywhere . . . so just relax. You don't have to act like her bodyguard or something," he teased.

"Our snack is ready . . ." Fate suddenly announced as she entered the living room.

"Finally . . ." Max exclaimed.

Fate curiously stared at Max. "Finally? Did I take such a long time to cook? Are you starving already?" she asked continuously.

"Well . . . I was really waiting for you . . . and not the food . . ." Max replied.

"Whoaah . . . That's a first! Max is actually waiting for a girl and not food," Micky said with a loud laugh.

Jaejoong grinned. "Max is a big boy now . . . He's no longer thinking about food but girls instead," he also teased.

"Do you think we should mark this day on our calendars?" Xiah asked with a maddening smile.

"Let's just post it in a blog or something," U-Know said as he joined in teasing Max.

Max blushed, and shyly looked at Fate. "All of you are embarrassing me," he cried out at the other DBSK boys.

Fate went straight to where Max was sitting. Then she took his hand and smiled at him.

"Come on, help me to get all the dishes out of the kitchen," she said sweetly.

Max smiled as well, then nodded.

As Max and Fate entered the kitchen, the other DBSK boys couldn't help but smile.

They were very happy that Max had found someone like Fate. She was totally sweet and very caring. She was the perfect match for someone like Max.

"Those two are really well-matched," Micky commented.

U-Know nodded. "Max is quite lucky. Fate is such a wonderful girl. We've only known her for a few days but I already feel so comfortable with her."

"Yes, Fate is really special. She's down to earth . . . considering she's rich and famous," Xiah said.

"I hope everything goes well between them," Jaejoong said with concern.

Micky sighed. "I just hope our status as singers and Fate's status as a famous race car driver doesn't clash with each other . . ."

"Somehow I am a bit concerned with our fans. I don't think Max's fans will be kind to Fate. I am a little bit worried that some fans might eventually harrass Fate," U-Know said as he sighed.

The other DBSK boys all exchanged glances with one another. They all knew being a member of a famous boy band was really very hard, not only on the physical aspect but on the emotional one as well. All of them knew having a relationship was very hard. They also knew that many obstacles were going to appear once they started a relationship with a girl. So as much as possible they avoided being involved with someone. They knew it wasn't only going to be hard on them, but mostly on the girl as well.

"I wish everything will be all right between Max and Fate. It would surely hurt Max if something suddenly happens to him and Fate. He really likes her. . ." Micky said with concern.

"Yes, we all know that Max is quite serious with her. He hasn't been this courageous before. He actually surprised me. He proved to me that he's no longer the little boy that we all keep on protecting and pampering," U-Know said again.

"Let's just hope that no news comes out about their relationship. As long as they keep a low profile, and no one knows about them being involved with each other . . . then they are basically safe," Xiah said.

Micky sighed. "Low profile? Are you kidding? They have already shown their relationship to the entire staff today. It would be a miracle if no news about them comes out by tomorrow morning," Jaejoong uttered.

"Well there's nothing we can do but wait. Let's just keep our fingers crossed. I really hope everything goes smoothly for Max and Fate," Micky said.

The other DBSK boys nodded. All of them were wishing very hard that nothing comes between Max and Fate, but somehow they knew it was impossible. As they kept on wishing, their hearts were being filled with fear. Somehow they already knew that something was going to happen . . . something was coming . . . or someone . . .

CHAPTER 7


"Max! Max! Wake up," Xiah said in quite a rush. He continuously shook Max's shoulder to get him out of bed.

Max slowly opened his eyes. "What's wrong hyung?" he asked Xiah with a confused expression on his face.

"Get up. We have something to show you. It's quite serious. So hurry," U-Know suddenly said. He was also standing next to Xiah.

Max stared at Xiah and U-Know with curiosity on his face. He carefully got up and stretched his arms. He was still very sleepy. He was already planning to sleep until after lunch time since they didn't have anything to do that day. So he was totally confused on what was happening.

"Is he up yet?" Jaejoong asked as he entered the room.

"Yes, he is," Xiah replied.

"Get him into the living room. I think you guys need to see the news," Jaejoong said with a worried look on his face.

"What?" U-Know asked with a more confused look that quickly appeared on his face.

U-Know, Xiah and Max hurriedly went to the living room with their hearts racing with fear.

In the living room, Micky was already quietly watching the morning news. He looked at Max with mixed expressions on his face. "Max . . ." he uttered.

"This news really made such a big commotion last night on the internet. It seems several pictures were posted on different sites. The controversial pictures showed Max Changmin of the very famous boyband Dong Bang Shin Ki, holding hands with a girl. . . But the most revealing picture that really caused an uproar amongst fans was the picture showing the said girl kissing Max. Our sources have confirmed that the girl in the picture is race car driver Fate Nakamura. She is currently in Japan to attend a racing competition. It is also said that the two met because the said event. It seems that the DBSK boys are the ones who sung the song for the commercial of the race car competition. And the pictures that were leaked out were actually taken during the making of the commercial yesterday," the female host of the show started to say.

Max continued to stare at the TV screen with shock and fear in his eyes. He had already become very pale and he somehow had lost all his strength. He felt very weak that he just fell down on the couch near him.

The other DBSK boys looked at their friend. They were all very concerned with what was happening. They didn't want Max to face any problems.

"We have already contacted SM Entertainment and they have already made an official statement regarding this matter. It seems that the supposedly relationship between Max Changmin and Fate Nakamura is real. . . So for all the fans out there . . . this is official, Max Changmin and Fate Nakamura are a couple now. I know a lot of girls will be crying today. But let's just wish them all the luck with their new relationship. I really think that they look so good together. . . A perfect match to be exact," the female host said with a light laugh. "Anyway we will try to get Max and Fate on the show . . . so we can personally interview them . . . if their schedules permits. So just continue to wait for our other upcoming reports regarding this new cute couple. Thank you so much for watching . . . ."

Micky quickly turned off the TV. Then they all faced Max who was obviously very much confused on what to do.

"Max . . ." U-Know uttered with concern.

"Hyung . . . what should I do?" Max asked the other DBSK boys.

Micky, Xiah, Jaejoong and U-Know exchanged glances with each other. They didn't know what to do either.

"Frankly . . . we don't know what to do either," U-Know replied as he sat down beside Max.

"But what really makes me worried is . . . why did our company admit Max's relationship with Fate. I find it to be really weird," Micky said with a worried look on his face.

"I guess we're both thinking about the same thing. Do you think President Lee is planning something?" Jaejoong asked the other boys.

"Planning something? What kind of thing . . . are you thinking about?" Max asked with fear in his eyes.

"I just think that everything that is happening is really weird. How come pictures in the set yesterday were leaked out? It only means that one of the staff members were the ones who released it. There was no way that a fan could have taken those pictures," Micky said.

U-Know nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, maybe one of the staff took pictures of Max and Fate. But the question is . . . why post the pictures? What do they get from doing it?"

Max ran his fingers through his hair in total confusion. He was totally lost on what to do next.

"Sorry Max, but I have a bad feeling about all of this. I think you should prepare yourself already for the other effects that this news will bring. And I am telling you . . . it won't be good," Micky warned Max.

Max sighed heavily. "Do you think Fate already knows about this?"

"It's already passed 9 in the morning. She's supposed to be in a meeting right?" Jaejoong asked back.

Max felt like his head going to explode. He suddenly leaned on the couch and just closed his eyes. "I am so embarrassed . . . What will Fate think of me now? She might actually think that I'm just using her for publicity," he said with a trembling voice.

"Don't think like that . . . I know Fate will understand what is happening. It isn't our fault that those pictures were leaked out. She's also famous . . . So she knows all about the scandals and gossips that are spread around almost everyday on the news," Xiah tried to comfort Max.

"I . . . I . . . I want to call her but . . . what am I supposed to say?" Max said.

"Just call her and ask her how she is doing. . ." Jaejoong suggested.

"But . . ." Max said with hesitation.

"Call her . . ." Micky said with a more firm tone.

Max stared at his friends . . . then after a few minutes, just nodded his head.

In Fate's hotel room . . .

"What do you plan to do now?" Michael asked Fate as she just turned off the TV.

"Well . . . what am I supposed to do?" she asked back.

Michael sighed. "I think what you got yourself into . . . is really a very difficult situation. Do you know that there are already several reporters outside the hotel waiting for you? And aside from that, I already spotted several groups of young girls waiting outside the hotel as well. And I wouldn't be surprised, if they are waiting for you too. I think you better prepare yourself."

"I'm not regretting anything . . . if that is what you're waiting for me to say . . ." she said as she slowly put on her coat.

"And where do you think you are going?" Michael asked worriedly.

"Out," she simply replied.

"Out? Where? You can't go out now . . . Just let a day pass . . . You can go out tomorrow," Michael said firmly.

Fate smiled at her friend. "Michael, we have a meeting today right. I can't possibly miss it."

Michael sighed again. "You can just skip the meeting for today. It might be bad for you to go out. I'll just explain everything to the organizers and the other staff members."

"No, I am going to the meeting . . . and that is final," she said with firmness in her voice.

"But . . ." Michael was about to say something.

"Don't worry . . . Everything will be all right," Fate said with a light laugh. "You're worrying too much."

Michael shook his head in total disbelief with the way Fate was acting. Somehow she didn't care about what was going to happen to her.

Suddenly . . . Fate's phone rang . . . She quickly answered it and was surprised to hear who was calling her.

"Max . . ." she uttered with delight.

"How are you? Are you okay?" Max asked with a trembling voice.

Fate immediately noticed the change in Max's voice.

"What's wrong Max? What's wrong with you?" she asked with concern.

"Have you watched the news? Did you go online today?" he asked worriedly.

Fate laughed lightly. "Is that the reason why you're acting so gloomy? . . . Yes, I have watched the news and I have also read all the news on the internet . . . You don't have worry . . . I already expected this kind of thing to happen," she said with a soft voice.

Max sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" she asked.

"Sorry for causing such a commotion . . . Sorry for all the trouble," he replied.

"Max, you don't have to say sorry. I understand . . . I already knew that things like this was bound to happen once I got involved with you. I really like you . . . I've never felt such a strong attraction to a guy before. That's why I decided to be true to myself and let out my real feelings for you. So I don't care about all the news that is scattering all over the internet or on TV. . . as long as I am happy with you. I don't care about anything else," Fate said bravely.

Max felt like his heart was going dancing in the clouds. He couldn't explain the happiness he was feeling.

"Fate . . ." he uttered.

"Uhmmm?" she asked.

"Thank you . . . for understanding," he said shyly.

Fate couldn't help but smile. "I have to go on a meeting now, Max. I'll call you later okay?"

"Oh . . . sure. Take care of yourself," he said with a sweet voice.

"Take care of yourself too," she replied, as she closed her phone.

Somehow something was running in Fate's mind that she just kept staring blankly infront of her for several minutes after she finished her conversation with Max.

"Fate? Fate . . . Are you all right?" Michael asked as he gently tapped her shoulder.

Instantly Fate snapped out of what she was thinking, and smiled at Michael.

"Let's go . . . We might end up being late, if we don't hurry," she said with a fake smile.

Michael just stared closely at his friend. He knew that something was bothering Fate . . . but he just decided to leave her alone.

Michael and Fate easily got into the new sports car that he had rented so to avoid the people that were after Fate. He figured that those people may already know what both their cars look like. So to avoid being tracked, he had ordered a new car that they can use.

He carefully drove the car out of the parking area of the hotel . . . The car's windows were all tinted. So they were safe from being recognized.

As their car passed by the groups of girls waiting outside the hotel . . . Fate curiously read the messages written on the banners the girls were holding . . . Her heart immediately ached and somehow she felt that it was thrown into the deepest part of the ocean.

"Fate you're a bitch. You just seduced him. You don't deserve Max. You should just leave him alone. Just go back where you came from. You're not wanted here. Leave bitch!"

Fate quickly turned her face to look at Michael. He was staring at her with concern in his eyes. She tried to smile at him, then just silently lowered her head. She thought she was strong to face anything . . . but she was wrong.

CHAPTER 8


Michael and Fate entered the hotel where the meeting for the competition was being held with worry and fear. They both knew that the situation regarding Fate's relationship with Max will be an issue in the meeting.

As soon as they entered the room, they were immediately greeted with worried and angry looks on the sponsors' faces, and the other drivers as well.

"So Fate you have finally arrived," one of the drivers from the other group said with sarcasm.

"Fate and Michael, please sit down," one of the sponsors said with a serious look on his face.

Fate looked at Michael, as if asking him to help her. Michael took Fate's hand and they both sat down side by side. Michael knew that she was scared.

"So what can you say for yourself Fate? You have really made such a commotion with your supposed relationship with Max Changmin of DBSK. What we want to know is . . . if it is true," another man from the sponsors side asked.

Fate looked at Michael first, then she stood up bravely. "I'm sorry for making such a big issue. But I just want to make it clear that my relationship with Max doesn't have any connection with my being a race car driver. So I don't see any reason for all of you to make such a big commotion about it."

Michael couldn't help but smile. He knew Fate was really very brave and was such a straight forward girl. It was one of Fate's traits that he just found to be quite admirable. He hasn't met a girl that can be more frank that Fate. She was totally honest with everything.

"Do you know what you are saying young lady?" one of the old men on the sponsors side asked with a raised voice.

Fate took in a deep breath. "I am sorry if I sound too sarcastic or impolite. But I am a race car driver. My personal life isn't in anyway connected with my profession. Yes, I am involved with Max Changmin. But I don't see anything wrong with it."

"You're really involved with that member of that boy band?" the old man who had asked before questioned again.

Fate nodded her head. "Yes."

"But you have only arrived in Japan a few days ago. How can you possibly develop a relationship with someone you just met?" another man from the sponsors' side asked.

"I'm sorry . . . but do I really have to answer that question? I don't see the connection of my personal life with my career life. If you want . . . I am willing to drop out of the competition so that all the issues will stop," Fate said as she looked straight at the sponsors of the race.

The people in Michael and Fate's team were all nervous. They didn't want Fate to drop out of the competition. They had all worked hard for that contest. And they all knew that Fate had worked for months just to prepare. They didn't want all Fate's hard work to go to waste for just a simple matter.

"I think this is going to be bad," one of the mechanics from Fate's team whispered to another mechanic.

Everyone in Fate and Michael's team knew about Fate's character. She was really a very sweet person. But she was also known to the racing world as one of the toughest and most frank of all the drivers. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind. She was always honest about everything that she felt whether it be bad or good. They all knew that she was very serious with her relationship with Max because she was willing to trade her work with it. . . It was something she hasn't done even once.

"She's really serious with that guy huh?" one of the helpers in Michael and Fate's team uttered.

"This is the first time that she's really willing to trade her work for a guy. She must really be in love with that guy," another man from Fate and Michael's team said as he shook his head in disbelief.

"I'm sorry . . . I will personally make an announcement to the press that I am withdrawing from the race . . .if that is what you want," Fate said bravely.

"If you back out from the race . . . then I am dropping out as well," Michael said seriously.

"Me too," another driver with golden hair said. "The only reason why I joined this competition is because I want to compete with you Fate. So if you're not going to race, I might as well not join too. It will just be a waste of time."

"I am quitting too if Fate quits," another driver from another team shouted.

"I am dropping out too. I don't see the reason why you're all questioning Fate about her love life. It is like intruding in our personal lives. You don't have any right to do that," another fellow driver said seriously.

More than half of the racers in the competition suddenly announced that they were all quitting if Fate was dropped from the competition.

All the sponsors looked at each other. They were all very nervous. Somehow they didn't want Fate to drop out as well. They knew she was one of the most popular racers in the competition. And if she was to back out now would only cause more problems for them. Fate had a large group of followers and supporters. She was also one of the most well-funded and most influential racers in the competition. Messing around with her was like messing around with her father who was very influential in the business industry of almost all of the countries in Asia.

"You don't have to quit. We were just asking . . . because we were a little concerned. But just like what you said . . . your personal life is not related to your professional life. So we don't have any right to intrude. I'm sorry for making you feel uneasy. I hope you can reconsider your decision again. We certainly don't want you to drop out from the competition for such a small misunderstanding," the main sponsor said carefully.

Fate looked at Michael, and then at the other members of their team.

Michael nodded his head, as if saying to Fate that she should just accept what the sponsors were saying.

"I'm sorry too . . . I hope I didn't sound to be so sarcastic or ungrateful," Fate said softly.

"All right . . . Let's just close that topic. No one is dropping out of the competition. Let's move on to the real reason why we are having a meeting today. Please Fate sit down. Let's just forget what had happened. I hope you will stay and race in our competition," a man from the sponsors' side said with a smile.

Fate nodded her head and smiled. Then she sat down beside Michael again.

"Well what is the real reason why you're all suddenly calling for a meeting?" one of the racers asked out loud.

"We just want to make an important announcement. We will be having a little get together party for all the drivers and their team members two days from now. We just want to make sure that all of you will attend the said event since the party will be aired live on TV. It is sort of a promotion for the race. Hope all of you will try to attend," an old man from the sponsors' side said with a smile.

"Can we bring along our dates?" one of the drivers asked.

"Sure. You can bring along anyone you want. It will be dinner and party all in one," one of the men from the sponsors answered.

"Two days from now? I better prepare . . . I need to get a date," Michael uttered with a light laugh.

Fate suddenly giggled. She had already forgotten all the worries she was feeling just a few minutes before. "You don't have to worry. I know you just have to wink and you will instantly get a date," she jokingly said.

"Talk about having a date . . . Do you think your boyfriend can come to our party? Is he allowed to go?" Michael asked.

Fate smiled. "Frankly . . . I don't know. Maybe we can just pair up again . . . just like old times."

Michael let out a sigh. "That's the problem with having a famous boyfriend. You can't easily get him to take you around just like ordinary guys do."

"Don't worry. I'm not complaining. And besides I already understood where our relationship stands even before we started it. I understand his situation," Fate said seriously.

Michael stared at Fate. He admired everything about her. She was truly a remarkable woman . . . one in a million. Max was truly very lucky to have her.

"You better call him and just ask him anyway. It doesn't hurt to ask," Michael said with a smile.

Fate nodded. "Yes, I will call him later."

An hour after the meeting . . .

Fate was already in her room. She was standing on the balcony and was looking at the other nearby buildings. Her phone suddenly rang and she hurriedly answered it.

"Fate," Max said sweetly.

"Max, how are you? How is your day?" Fate asked while smiling.

"I should be the one asking you that . . . I already heard that some of my fans went to your hotel and . . ." somehow Max couldn't continue what he wanted to say. He was feeling too embarrassed.

"It's all right Max. It's not your fault. I understand. And besides your fans didn't do anything wrong. They just voiced out what they wanted to say. They're being honest. And being honest isn't wrong. So you don't have to worry about me," Fate said slowly.

"Are you sure . . . you're okay? Aren't you upset . . . even one bit?" Max asked again.

"No . . . I'm fine. How about you? Did your manager or your company have anything to say about us?" Fate asked with concern.

"No, they're totally fine with our relationship," Max answered.

"Thank God, I was really worried on your part. I thought our relationship was going to cause problems on your part," Fate said with a sigh of relief.

"Fate . . ." Max uttered.

"Hmmm? What is it?" she asked.

"Can I see you? I mean . . . do you think we can meet up so we can see each other," Max said with a serious tone.

"Well, aren't you busy? Don't you have a schedule today?" Fate suddenly asked with concern.

"Honestly, I still have several things to attend to . . . But I am really missing you. . . And I really want to see you," Max said with a low voice.

Fate couldn't help but smile with what Max said. "You're really too sweet. How about I go to you now? I don't have any schedule for today. Where are you?"

"I am in a TV station right now. Are you sure you're allowed to see me?" Max asked with worry.

"Of course. Don't worry. I will ask Michael to come with me. So I can have someone to drive once your fans ran after me," Fate said with a laugh.

"Sorry," Max uttered.

"Sorry for what?" she asked as if confused.

"Sorry that my fans are causing you trouble," Max said apologetically.

"Don't worry. Your fans are much nicer compared with my admirers . . . believe me. Good thing that Norman isn't here yet. He can really make your head hurt once you meet him," Fate said with a laugh again.

"Norman? Who is he?" Max asked curiously.

"Norman Horton is one of my suitors. He has been courting me for more than two years now. I know once he learns about us. He will surely make your life a living hell," Fate answered with a laugh.

"Really? He's been courting you for two years?" Max asked with a hint of jealousy in his voice.

"Yes, frankly . . . he's quite cute and nice too. But the only problem is I really don't feel anything for him. That's why I have been continuously telling him to find another girl for the last two years. But he's too stubborn. He just keeps on courting over and over again," she said softly.

"Norman . . . what does he do? I mean what kind of work does he do," Max asked.

"He's a businessman. His father is my father's best friend. He just took over his family's business a few months ago. That's why he hasn't been around me for the last few months . . . He said he's too busy. But he still calls me almost everyday," Fate said.

"He calls you everyday? Has he called you today?" Max asked with jealousy filling his entire soul.

"Nope, he only calls me at night," Fate replied.

"Haven't you told him that you're already involved with someone?" Max asked seriously.

"I haven't had the chance to tell him. He hasn't called for me two days now. Maybe he's really busy," Fate answered.

"Oh . . ." Max said with a sigh of relief. "Just make sure that you tell him that you already have a boyfriend . . . maybe that will stop him from courting you."

"Don't worry . . . I'll make sure to tell him . . . Why? Are you jealous?" Fate teased.

Max became silent for a few seconds. "Yes, quite jealous to be exact," he seriously answered.

Somehow Fate's heart jumped with joy. "Max . . ."

"Yes?" he asked.

"I really miss you too. I want to see you and your beautiful eyes," she said lovingly.

"I miss you too. I want to see you as well," Max replied.

"I'll ask Michael to go with me. Where are you exactly? Just give me the address. And I'll try to be there in thirty minutes okay?" she asked sweetly.

"All right. See you after thirty minutes then. . . Take care of your self okay . . ." Max said lovingly.

"Bye . . ." she uttered.

"Bye . . . See you. . ." Max uttered back.

As Fate slowly closed her phone, her heart was like racing. It was beating so fast that she couldn't help but smile. She was already sure . . . She was really in love. . . She was finally in love . . . with Max.

CHAPTER 9


As soon as Fate finished arranging her things, she immediately went out of her room to look for Michael.

"You want to go out? Are you serious? You already know how hard it was for us to go out of this hotel without being noticed and it was also very hard to get in . . . And now you're telling me that you want to go out?," Michael asked in disbelief.

"Yes, I want to go out. I promised Max that I'll go and see him," Fate replied.

Michael shook his head in total disapproval. "I don't think it would be safe for you to go out. A lot of Max's fans are still angry with you. I think you should lie low for a while. You can't be seen in public with him. It would totally cause more trouble for both of you."

"But Michael . . . I want to see him," Fate protested.

"You can see him some other day. But today . . . I'm confining you in your room. You're not allowed to go out. It is for your own safety Fate. So please try and understand. Max's fans are still upset and may unintentionally hurt you. It is better to be careful than sorry in the end," Michael tried to reason with Fate.

Fate stared at Michael, then she placed a pitiful look on her face.

"Aren't you feeling sorry for me? Look at me. I look so pitiful that even angels will cry once they see me," Fate uttered as she tried not to laugh.

Michael stared at Fate. Somehow he couldn't stop himself from laughing out loud.

"You? Look pitiful? Sorry dear, but you will never look pitiful . . . even one bit. You're the kind of person that will never look ugly or pitiful in someone's eyes. Your image as a whole is almost perfect except for one thing . . ." Michael said with a naughty smile.

"And what is that one thing you're referring to?" Fate asked curiously.

"You're . . . too stubborn. Pretty and rich girls like you should be obedient and well-behave," Michael replied.

"What? Are you looking for trouble?" Fate asked with a raised tone.

Michael laughed again. "No, I'm not looking for trouble. It's just that . . . you look so cute whenever you're angry," he said as a tease.

Fate suddenly pouted. "If you don't want to go with me . . . I can go out alone," she said with stubbornness.

"Hey, you can't go without me," Michael said with panic.

"You don't have to go with me. I can go out without you," Fate said as if angry.

Michael looked at Fate. He knew she was already upset. He couldn't help but smile. He just loved teasing Fate. He loved the way she would start acting like a child. He found this quality of hers to be so adorable and irresistible. Somehow she was like a small child that you would want to take care of.

"Wait here. I'll look for a car that we can use. We can't use the same car twice," Michael uttered seriously.

Fate immediately smiled sweetly at Michael. "Thanks."

Michael gave her a quick glance before heading out of the room. "You know I will always be willing to help you."

An hour passed . . .

Michael carefully entered the TV station with Fate right beside him. He had already talked with the head of the station and they were easily permitted to enter, in exchange, he was asked to do a one on one interview with one of the reporters of the TV station.

Even though he didn't want to be interviewed, he couldn't help but agree since it was the only way for Fate to see Max. And he really wanted to help Fate in any way he can.

"Do you know where they are?" Fate asked Michael as they started to walk around the station.

"Yes," Michael replied. "Just follow me."

Some of the staff members in the station were surprised and were already staring at Michael and Fate with wide eyes.

"Hey, isn't that Fate Nakamura and Michael Smith?" a woman asked another woman.

"What are they doing here?" a man asked another woman standing next to him.

"Maybe they are here to do an interview," a woman suggested.

"Michael," Fate uttered. She was very conscious of the curious stares that all the people in the station were giving them.

"Here's their room," Michael uttered. "Hurry, go inside," he said as he led her into the room.

Max and the other DBSK members who were patiently waiting for their next interview were all surprised as Fate and Michael entered the room.

"Fate," Max uttered happily.

"Max," she said with a sweet smile on her lips.

"I thought you wouldn't be able to come," Max said with a low voice.

Fate quickly walked towards Max. Then she sat down next to him. "I told you I would go to you right? I always fulfill whatever I say."

"How did you guys get into the station?" Micky asked curiously.

"I talked with the station head. He had been asking me for an interview ever since I arrived in Japan, but I just kept on rejecting him. But since Fate wanted to see Max, I agreed to finally have the interview that he wanted, in exchange, that we were allowed to enter and see you guys," Michael explained.

"Wow, you're really something. Thank you for helping us out," Max said to Michael.

"How long will you guys be here?" Michael suddenly asked.

"We still have an interview to finish in about 30 minutes. Then after that we're free for the day," U-Know answered. "Why?"

"Well I have to go and finish the interview I promised. I think it will only take about 15 to 20 minutes. Is it okay if Fate stays here with you guys while I do my interview?" Michael asked.

"Sure, don't worry. I'll be with her," Max replied with a smile.

Michael nodded his head. "Okay, I'll go now. Don't let her go out of this room. I'll try to finish everything as soon as possible."

"Sure," Max replied.

Michael quickly left the room.

Max stared at Fate. Somehow he couldn't explain the happiness that he was feeling. He was so happy that Fate was right beside him.

"How are you Max?" Fate asked as she stared back at him.

"I should be the one asking you that question," Max said with a smile.

"I'm fine. A little tired, but still able to cope I guess," Fate answered.

"Tired?" Max asked with concern written all over his face.

Fate couldn't help but giggle after seeing the expression on Max's face.

"Don't worry . . . I'm not that tired. Well . . . not anymore . . . after seeing you . . . somehow I feel so renewed again," Fate uttered as she placed her head on Max's shoulder.

The other DBSK boys in the room who were watching and listening to Max and Fate suddenly felt embarrassed. Somehow they felt like they were intruding into such a personal moment.

Micky and Xiah exchanged glances with each other. Both of them had big smiles on their faces.

Jaejoong gave Fate a quick glance again before he quickly faced the other DBSK members.

"Come on, let's go out. We still have 30 minutes before the next interview. We can go and have a look around the station," Jaejoong said to the other DBSK members.

Xiah couldn't stop himself from smiling like crazy. "Yes, let's go . . . and leave those two love birds alone even for a few minutes."

U-Know gave Max a quick glance and then smiled as well. "Let's go . . . I need something to drink."

Micky stood up and went straight to the door. "Max, Fate, we're going out for a while. Max . . . be a good boy okay. Don't bite . . ." he said as he started laughing uncontrollably.

Xiah, U-Know and Jaejoong started to laugh as well. They even laughed harder after seeing Max's face turn totally red.

"Hyung . . ." Max uttered.

Fate started to giggle and laugh uncontrollably as well. She found Max to be so irresistible with his innocent and boyish ways.

As soon as the other DBSK boys left the room . . .

Max stared at Fate with a serious expression on his face.

"Are you really okay?" he asked with a concern in his eyes.

"Of course, I'm okay. Why do you ask?" she asked back.

"I mean . . . are you really okay with the way my fans are treating you?" Max asked with a low voice.

Fate smiled. "I know it isn't your fault. I am not complaining . . . I already anticipated this kind of things even before we started to get serious with each other," she answered.

Max gently took Fate into his arms. He lovingly embraced her. "I'm sorry. I wish . . . things didn't have to be so complicated like this."

Fate slowly returned Max’s embrace. "It's okay. I understand."

Max sighed. "Please be patient with me. . . Please don't leave me."

Fate stared at Max. "Why are you suddenly saying that? Why? What makes you think that I will leave you?"

"Nothing . . . It's just that I am a bit scared that you might suddenly grow tired of our situation. I know having me as a boyfriend is quite difficult for you," he answered.

Fate placed her head on Max's chest. "I won't grow tired of being with you. This is the first time that I felt such a strong attraction for a guy. I admit . . . I am still confused with a lot of things concerning handling a relationship. But believe me when I say . . . my feelings for you are real. I am already sure of it. So you don't have anything to be worried about. I like you Max . . . and that is the way it will stay," Fate said frankly.

"I like you too Fate . . . with all my heart," Max said with the sweetest voice.

Fate slowly closed her eyes. Just being near Max was already bringing her such a comforting feeling. How she wished that they could stay together forever . . . But her heart was already fearing something . . . She knew nothing can last forever . . .

CHAPTER 10


Two days passed . . . . Day of the party . . . It was already passed 5pm.

Max was nervously arranging the clothes he was going to wear to the party.

Jaejoong couldn't help but smile as he kept on watching Max as he continuously checked his things over and over again.

"Hey, relax. You're not going to a trial or something. No one is going to hang you. So stop walking around nervously. You're making me sick," Jaejoong said with a smile.

"Sorry, hyung. But I really can't help it. I feel so nervous. It's like my heart is constantly beating very fast. Do you really think my clothes are all right? I don't even know what Fate is going to wear. Shouldn't our clothes sort of be color coordinated or something? Do you think I should call her to . . . ask her what she is going to wear?" Max continuously asked.

Jaejoong lightly laughed. "Don't disturb her. She's already very busy. Don't you remember she's supposed to attend a fan meeting before she goes to the party? I think that event is supposed to be aired live. Why don't we watch it?"

Max nodded his head. "Yes, I totally forgot about that fan meeting. We still have an hour before we prepare for the party. Let's just watch Fate and the other drivers on TV. Maybe that can help ease some of my nervousness," Max uttered.

As soon as Max and Jaejoong entered the living room . . . .

"Max, I think you should see this," Micky said as he signaled Max to look at the TV.

Max quickly sat down beside Micky, and focused his attention on the TV monitor in front of him.

A female reporter was currently reporting live on the exact location where the fan meeting was being held.

"As you can see this long line of people have been patiently waiting for more than 3 hours just to have the chance to personally greet and have an autograph or picture of the famous female race car driver Fate Nakamura. Among all the participants in the race, Fate is the only female driver and currently the most talked about, both in the sports and entertainment world.

As of now, the line for the fans of Fate Nakamura have been closed. More than half of the drivers in the race have already left the fan meeting, and only a few are still left signing autographs or taking pictures with their fans.

Fate Nakamura and Michael Smith are currently trying to finish everything in a hurry. They only have an hour left before the party. And they still have to go back to their hotel rooms and prepare themselves.

Based on what I can see here, Fate and Michael both have so many fans still waiting in line. I really don't think they can finish in time for the party.

I am now going to a van near the stage where Fate and Michael are signing autographs. Some of the staff members have told me that I will be shocked with the number of bouquets and gifts that Fate received from her fans. They said that all the gifts are immediately placed in the van.

I am now going to see for myself if what they are saying is true."

Several minutes passed . . .

The camera suddenly focused on the tons of bouquets and wrapped gifts inside the van.

"Wow . . . That's really a lot of gifts! I guess she's really very popular like a real superstar. And speaking of superstar, a lot of people are already asking who Fate's partner for the party will be. All of us already know about her supposed relationship with DBSK member Max Changmin. But a lot of people are still skeptical about this and are still hesitant to believe this news. Some people are still thinking that it is just a publicity stunt. And they all say that they won't believe it unless they see it for themselves.

Now the questions people are asking are . . . 'Will Fate and Max finally make their relationship official in the party tonight? Or will they continue to hide it just like what most artists do?’

A reliable source told me that Fate's most well known admirer and suitor, Norman Horton had just arrived in Japan an hour ago. This certainly makes things a lot more interesting, don't you think?

Everyone is already asking who will be Fate's partner for the party. . . Will it be her long time partner and friend Michael Smith, or millionaire businessman Norman Horton . . . or the famous DBSK member Max Changmin? . . .

I am already very excited to know the answer. Fate is really such a lucky girl. She's already got everything. She's beautiful, smart, rich, famous and have so many irresistible men linked to her.

I know a lot of girls out there are already very envious, and are already wishing that they could take her place.

I, for one, would certainly trade places with her anytime," the female reporter said as she started to giggle and laugh both at the same time.

Then someone suddenly gave the reporter a piece of paper.

"Oh . . . someone just informed me that Norman Horton had just arrived here in the fan meeting. It seems he's already asking Fate to go with him. Come on, let's go and see . . ."

The female reporter with the camera man quickly walked to the place where Fate was still patiently signing autographs with fans.

"Fate is still here . . . But where is Norman?" the female reporter asked the camera man.

Then a man suddenly walked up to Fate and whispered something to her. Fate suddenly laughed and nodded her head, as if agreeing with what the man had said.

The man was quite good looking, 6'2" tall, blond hair, blue eyes, with a well-built body and was wearing an obviously very expensive set of clothes.

Max's heart immediately sank down after finally seeing Norman for the first time. He couldn't deny the fact that he was a better man than him in all aspects.

Jaejoong saw the expression on Max's face. "Max, are you all right?" he asked with concern.

Max looked back at Jaejoong with fear in his eyes. "Hyung," was all that he could utter.

Xiah quickly closed the TV. "Hey Max . . . don't be like that. Don't tell me that you're scared of that guy," he said as a joke.

"But . . ." Max tried to utter.

"Don't worry, Max. He's nothing compared with you. That's why Fate chose you remember?" Micky tried to boost Max's self confidence.

Max tried to smile. But his heart was sort of aching after seeing the way Fate smiled at Norman. He was jealous. He couldn't help himself. But he was very jealous. Somehow he felt like he wanted to fly to where Fate was at that exact moment. And take her away instantly to a place where he could lock her up, and he would be the only who can see her and touch her.

Max ran his fingers through his hair in total frustration.

Micky looked at the other DBSK members. All of them exchanged glances with one another. They all knew that Max was really upset. They seldom see him running his fingers through his hair except on occasions that he is really mad or upset.

Jaejoong quickly pulled Max's hand. "Come on . . . Let's prepare early. Don't think about that guy. Don't you dare spoil such a wonderful night all because of a small matter," he said with a smile.

Max stared at Jaejoong. Somehow what he said made him think again. His friend was totally right, he thought. He needed to show Fate that she made the right decision in choosing him over Norman. He needed to control his emotions.

Max let out a long sigh. Then he quickly stood up. "Don't worry, hyung. I am going to show Fate that she made the right decision in choosing me. I will certainly make this night a very memorable night for her," he said with unexplainable warmth in his eyes.

Jaejoong smiled back at Max. "That's good. Better prepare yourself now. We will leave early."

Max nodded his head and hurriedly went to his room.

As soon as Max left . . .

"Hope that guy doesn't interfere with Max and Fate," Xiah commented instantly.

"I doubt it. By the way he was looking at Fate . . . I don't think he will easily give up, even if he knows that Fate is already involved with someone else," Micky uttered.

"I smell trouble for our friend. Better make him prepared for the storm," U-Know uttered.

"Hey! You guys, stop being so negative. Everything will be all right. We should be supporting Max, and not saying things like that," Jaejoong said with a raised tone.

"Sorry . . . just couldn't help it. We all know that Fate and Max are really two different worlds apart. And that sooner or later . . . their worlds will certainly crash with one another," Micky said as he slowly shook his head.

"Everything will be all right. We just have to help him . . . no matter what happens. We have to be there for him . . ." Jaejoong uttered.

Xiah, Micky and U-Know looked at each other. Then they all nodded their heads in approval. They were all going to help Max . . . They were determined to do everything just to make him happy. . . .

CHAPTER 10


Two days passed . . . . Day of the party . . . It was already passed 5pm.

Max was nervously arranging the clothes he was going to wear to the party.

Jaejoong couldn't help but smile as he kept on watching Max as he continuously checked his things over and over again.

"Hey, relax. You're not going to a trial or something. No one is going to hang you. So stop walking around nervously. You're making me sick," Jaejoong said with a smile.

"Sorry, hyung. But I really can't help it. I feel so nervous. It's like my heart is constantly beating very fast. Do you really think my clothes are all right? I don't even know what Fate is going to wear. Shouldn't our clothes sort of be color coordinated or something? Do you think I should call her to . . . ask her what she is going to wear?" Max continuously asked.

Jaejoong lightly laughed. "Don't disturb her. She's already very busy. Don't you remember she's supposed to attend a fan meeting before she goes to the party? I think that event is supposed to be aired live. Why don't we watch it?"

Max nodded his head. "Yes, I totally forgot about that fan meeting. We still have an hour before we prepare for the party. Let's just watch Fate and the other drivers on TV. Maybe that can help ease some of my nervousness," Max uttered.

As soon as Max and Jaejoong entered the living room . . . .

"Max, I think you should see this," Micky said as he signaled Max to look at the TV.

Max quickly sat down beside Micky, and focused his attention on the TV monitor in front of him.

A female reporter was currently reporting live on the exact location where the fan meeting was being held.

"As you can see this long line of people have been patiently waiting for more than 3 hours just to have the chance to personally greet and have an autograph or picture of the famous female race car driver Fate Nakamura. Among all the participants in the race, Fate is the only female driver and currently the most talked about, both in the sports and entertainment world.

As of now, the line for the fans of Fate Nakamura have been closed. More than half of the drivers in the race have already left the fan meeting, and only a few are still left signing autographs or taking pictures with their fans.

Fate Nakamura and Michael Smith are currently trying to finish everything in a hurry. They only have an hour left before the party. And they still have to go back to their hotel rooms and prepare themselves.

Based on what I can see here, Fate and Michael both have so many fans still waiting in line. I really don't think they can finish in time for the party.

I am now going to a van near the stage where Fate and Michael are signing autographs. Some of the staff members have told me that I will be shocked with the number of bouquets and gifts that Fate received from her fans. They said that all the gifts are immediately placed in the van.

I am now going to see for myself if what they are saying is true."

Several minutes passed . . .

The camera suddenly focused on the tons of bouquets and wrapped gifts inside the van.

"Wow . . . That's really a lot of gifts! I guess she's really very popular like a real superstar. And speaking of superstar, a lot of people are already asking who Fate's partner for the party will be. All of us already know about her supposed relationship with DBSK member Max Changmin. But a lot of people are still skeptical about this and are still hesitant to believe this news. Some people are still thinking that it is just a publicity stunt. And they all say that they won't believe it unless they see it for themselves.

Now the questions people are asking are . . . 'Will Fate and Max finally make their relationship official in the party tonight? Or will they continue to hide it just like what most artists do?’

A reliable source told me that Fate's most well known admirer and suitor, Norman Horton had just arrived in Japan an hour ago. This certainly makes things a lot more interesting, don't you think?

Everyone is already asking who will be Fate's partner for the party. . . Will it be her long time partner and friend Michael Smith, or millionaire businessman Norman Horton . . . or the famous DBSK member Max Changmin? . . .

I am already very excited to know the answer. Fate is really such a lucky girl. She's already got everything. She's beautiful, smart, rich, famous and have so many irresistible men linked to her.

I know a lot of girls out there are already very envious, and are already wishing that they could take her place.

I, for one, would certainly trade places with her anytime," the female reporter said as she started to giggle and laugh both at the same time.

Then someone suddenly gave the reporter a piece of paper.

"Oh . . . someone just informed me that Norman Horton had just arrived here in the fan meeting. It seems he's already asking Fate to go with him. Come on, let's go and see . . ."

The female reporter with the camera man quickly walked to the place where Fate was still patiently signing autographs with fans.

"Fate is still here . . . But where is Norman?" the female reporter asked the camera man.

Then a man suddenly walked up to Fate and whispered something to her. Fate suddenly laughed and nodded her head, as if agreeing with what the man had said.

The man was quite good looking, 6'2" tall, blond hair, blue eyes, with a well-built body and was wearing an obviously very expensive set of clothes.

Max's heart immediately sank down after finally seeing Norman for the first time. He couldn't deny the fact that he was a better man than him in all aspects.

Jaejoong saw the expression on Max's face. "Max, are you all right?" he asked with concern.

Max looked back at Jaejoong with fear in his eyes. "Hyung," was all that he could utter.

Xiah quickly closed the TV. "Hey Max . . . don't be like that. Don't tell me that you're scared of that guy," he said as a joke.

"But . . ." Max tried to utter.

"Don't worry, Max. He's nothing compared with you. That's why Fate chose you remember?" Micky tried to boost Max's self confidence.

Max tried to smile. But his heart was sort of aching after seeing the way Fate smiled at Norman. He was jealous. He couldn't help himself. But he was very jealous. Somehow he felt like he wanted to fly to where Fate was at that exact moment. And take her away instantly to a place where he could lock her up, and he would be the only who can see her and touch her.

Max ran his fingers through his hair in total frustration.

Micky looked at the other DBSK members. All of them exchanged glances with one another. They all knew that Max was really upset. They seldom see him running his fingers through his hair except on occasions that he is really mad or upset.

Jaejoong quickly pulled Max's hand. "Come on . . . Let's prepare early. Don't think about that guy. Don't you dare spoil such a wonderful night all because of a small matter," he said with a smile.

Max stared at Jaejoong. Somehow what he said made him think again. His friend was totally right, he thought. He needed to show Fate that she made the right decision in choosing him over Norman. He needed to control his emotions.

Max let out a long sigh. Then he quickly stood up. "Don't worry, hyung. I am going to show Fate that she made the right decision in choosing me. I will certainly make this night a very memorable night for her," he said with unexplainable warmth in his eyes.

Jaejoong smiled back at Max. "That's good. Better prepare yourself now. We will leave early."

Max nodded his head and hurriedly went to his room.

As soon as Max left . . .

"Hope that guy doesn't interfere with Max and Fate," Xiah commented instantly.

"I doubt it. By the way he was looking at Fate . . . I don't think he will easily give up, even if he knows that Fate is already involved with someone else," Micky uttered.

"I smell trouble for our friend. Better make him prepared for the storm," U-Know uttered.

"Hey! You guys, stop being so negative. Everything will be all right. We should be supporting Max, and not saying things like that," Jaejoong said with a raised tone.

"Sorry . . . just couldn't help it. We all know that Fate and Max are really two different worlds apart. And that sooner or later . . . their worlds will certainly crash with one another," Micky said as he slowly shook his head.

"Everything will be all right. We just have to help him . . . no matter what happens. We have to be there for him . . ." Jaejoong uttered.

Xiah, Micky and U-Know looked at each other. Then they all nodded their heads in approval. They were all going to help Max . . . They were determined to do everything just to make him happy. . . .

CHAPTER 12



In Norman's hotel room . . . .

"What are you planning to do now?" Norman asked as he quickly drunk all the contents of his glass in one gulp.

Michael continued to play around with his glass of wine. "What am I supposed to do?" he asked back.

Norman slowly stared at the man sitting beside him. "You're really unbelievable. Imagine you have been in love with Fate much longer than I have . . . but you're just letting her go so easily. Why is it so easy for you to see her with another man? If I were in your position, I would have already taken advantage of my friendship with her. Do you really like her? Or are you just saying it so to confuse me?"

Michael drunk all the contents of his glass in one shot as well. "Do I look I am fooling around with you?" he asked Norman with a serious expression on his face.

Norman slowly shook his head. "Well it's too late now. She's really fallen for that guy. I can see it in her eyes. She has never been this bold with anyone before."

Michael lightly laughed. "She has always been a strong girl. I never imagined she can be so bold even when it comes to love."

Norman nodded his head. "That Max guy is truly very lucky. I just hope that he knows how to take care of her."

Michael took the bottle in front of him and poured himself another shot. "Don't worry. Max is very serious with her. I know he will surely take good care of her. The thing I am worried about now . . . is their way of life. They are both very busy and they have their own priorities in life. I just hope that they will be able to work everything out."

"Yes, they are really different from each other," Norman uttered. "Imagine a racer and a singer . . . such an unusual couple."

"I am quite mad with myself right now. Somehow I can't stop myself from feeling like I just did the most stupid thing a guy could ever do. Do you think I really did something stupid?" Michael confessed and asked.

Norman couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, you just did the most stupid thing. You just gave away the only woman you have loved for years."

Michael stared at Norman. He was trying to deny the fact that Norman had already stated. He was trying to justify to himself what he had done. But his heart was already telling him another opinion.

"I just wish that Max really loves her with all his heart or else I will surely make him regret it for the rest of his life," Norman said with a serious tone.

"Why do you keep saying that? Max maybe young. . . but he seems to be quite responsible and straight with everything he does," Michael said.

Norman shook his head in disbelief. "How can you still have the heart to defend that guy? You're truly remarkable."

"I am just being fair," Michael answered.

"Fair? You're being fair with him? But can you say that you are fair with yourself?" Norman asked sarcastically.

Michael looked at Norman seriously. Somehow he knew he had a point. He knew he was right, but he was just too afraid to admit that he was wrong.

In the DBSK's hotel room . . . .

"Do you think it is wise that we left Max with Fate? He is still drunk," Xiah asked U-Know.

"What can we do? Fate wanted us to leave him there. Do you want us to stay there too?" Micky asked with a grin.

"But . . ." Xiah said with hesitation.

"We will just be a bother to both of them," Micky uttered.

"What's wrong? Are you afraid that something bad will happen to those two?" Jaejoong asked Xiah curiously.

Xiah just lowered his head. Somehow he was embarrassed with what he was thinking. "He's drunk. We might never know what will run through his head," he tried to justify himself.

"Trust him," U-Know uttered. "He's not like that. He can handle himself."

"I just hope so. But he's still young . . . and this is his first relationship," Xiah said with concern.

"That's another reason why we should respect his decision and his actions. He is already mature enough to be responsible for his deeds. If he does decide to do something . . . then I believe he is already man enough to be accountable for his acts."

"Hey, we're talking about Max here. He's not like Micky," Jaejoong said with a laugh. "If it was Micky that was left with Fate . . . then we should be worried," he said with a laugh.

"Hey, and what do you mean with that kind of a remark?" Micky asked with a raised tone.

Xiah and U-Know couldn't help but laugh. Somehow the tension and concern they were all feeling suddenly disappeared.

"I was just joking. I just mean . . . Max is harmless. . . compared with you," Jaejoong answered with a loud laugh.

Micky started to laugh as well. "Let's just forget about Max and Fate. I believe they are already having a wonderful time together."

And after several minutes of talking, they had already forgotten about Max and Fate being left alone in a room. All their worries had finally disappeared.

While in Fate's hotel room . . . .

"So are you happy now?" Fate sweetly asked Max. They were both sitting on the couch. Max was tightly holding her in his arms while she was playing around with his hand.

"Very happy," he answered. "How about you? Aren't you regretting that we already announced our relationship?"

"Why should I regret it? I love you Max and I'm not afraid to let everyone know about it," she answered.

"Fate. . . thank you," Max uttered.

She looked at him for a few seconds. "Thank you for what?"

"Thank you for loving me . . . inspite of a lot of things," he replied.

Fate lovingly stared at Max's face. Then she cupped his face her hands. "I should be the one saying thank you Max."

"Why?" Max asked, quite confused.

"Because . . . because you returned my love. Frankly I don't know what I would be feeling right now if I was in love with you and you didn't return my feelings. I believe I was the first one who fell in love. So I am very lucky that you felt the same way I did," she answered.

Max gently took Fate's hands and sweetly kissed them one by one.

Fate felt like a certain electricity was traveling through her entire body. "Max, I love you."

Max stared deep into her eyes. "I love you too Fate." He slowly covered her waiting lips. Their kiss was more passionate and more exploring this time. They didn't care about anything else but the emotions they were feeling. They were finally in each other's arms and their hearts were telling them to let out all their hidden desires.

Somehow everything stood still as the two lovers continued to kiss each other. All they could think about was they loved each other and there was nothing that could ever separate them apart. As Max started to become more daring with his moves, Fate's mind was starting to have doubts.

"Max . . . aren't we taking this too fast? Don't you think we should slow down?" she asked with concern. She was trying to stop Max from what he was doing. She was trying to tell herself that Max was just acting weird because of the wine he had drunk before.

"You love me right? Please. . . I need you," Max begged as he held her tighter. Somehow he couldn't stop the desire that was taking control of his entire body.

Fate didn't know what to do. She could hear and feel the longing in Max's voice. Somehow she didn't want to make him feel rejected. She wanted to give him everything . . . everything. . . just to make him happy.

Slowly Fate just closed her eyes. She was willing to do anything just to prove her love for him. As Max continued to kiss her, a tear slowly escaped from her eye.