If You

Who You Are

The next few weeks were uneventful. Jiyong was giving Emily the silent treatment, for which she was secretly grateful. Seunghyun made time to show her around Seoul, introducing her to the best restaurants and boutiques. Occasionally Daesung or Seungri would tag along, teaching her the Korean words for things like "dumplings" and "dancing". Emily treasured these times, a brief respite from the drama surrounding BIGBANG.

The bi-weekly meeting at YG came around and Emily showed up, dreading it. The memory of Jiyong's hateful words was still fresh in her mind, and she didn't like the idea of going back there.

After they were all settled, Sagowa cleared his throat. "We've lined up one more live performance on a variety show, then you guys will get a little break."

The band sighed with relief and Seungri even reached across and gave Daesung a high five.

Sagowa outlined the first leg of their upcoming tour, reminding them to take care of their voices. "This winter has been very harsh, so be sure to drink lots of hot tea and don't skip your exercises."

He shuffled his papers together and laid them on the table. "That about does it for today." Everyone stood up to leave, murmuring quietly. Emily turned around to find Sagowa blocking her way. "If I could have a word?" he asked politely.

Emily nodded, sitting down again. Jiyong was one of the last ones out, but Sagowa stopped him too. "Sit," he said, closing the door. Jiyong sat at the foot of the table, visibly grinding his teeth in frustration.

"I know you two are still fighting," Sagowa said, resuming his seat. "You may think you're keeping it hidden, but you're mistaken. Several employees and even executives have mentioned your lack of...camaraderie."

He folded his hands on top of the table. "I must make this very plain: learn how to get along. You don't have to become best friends, or even close friends. But you must learn how to tolerate each other's presence.

"Emily, I've seen you interact with the other boys, and I'm very pleased with the rapport you've formed with them. But you two must get along or BIGBANG will seem fractured. Jiyong," he said, turning his attention to the leader, "I've asked you many times before to try and embrace the situation, but you've stubbornly insisted on ignoring and even mistreating both Emily and your bandmates.

"I've talked with the executives, and until you can find a way to change your attitude, your solo album is on hold indefinitely."

"What?!" Jiyong yelled, standing quickly. "You can't do that!"

"We can and we have," Sagowa said calmly. "Since you insist on acting like a child, you are being treated like one."

Emily pressed her lips together, trying to hide a smile. This is too good, she thought, working to neutralize her face. Jiyong stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

"Thank you, Ms. Carter," Sagowa said, bowing to her. Emily returned the bow, still rather awkwardly, and left the room.

An arm grabbed her and pulled her to one side. It was Seunghyun, who was huddled in a corner with the other BIGBANG members. "What happened in there? We saw Jiyong storm out."

Emily sighed. "Sagowa knows he didn't apologize. He's...put Jiyong's album on hold indefinitely."

The boys gasped. "How long is indefinitely?" Seungri asked.

"Until he can be nice to me."

The boys started laughing so hard Emily thought they might pass out. She felt another smile pull at her lips, but she was determined to remain professional. "Guys, we can't..." she stopped, working hard to keep her composure. "We have to..." she couldn't finish and finally gave in, holding her stomach as she laughed.