We can't

4

It had been two years since their last interaction. That night played on their minds like a broken record. Things were difficult for both of them, different priorities carried them to different places.

It was 2019.

And every day felt like a stab in the heart for Irene. She regretted the way she ran from him but she forced herself to believe that she did the right thing. Her career had sky rocketed, Red Velvet had achieved so much, awards being poured on them for their hard work and Irene's first solo song that was loved by all, she was currently in the process of writing more music and going through the creative process in order to develop the concept she desired to showcase. She was proud of herself for what she had completed and in the short amount of time she had completed it in. The songs were all about him and the beautiful night they experienced together and the memories they shared. She feared what his reaction would be but she needed to release her feelings, which out weighed his reaction. That came from the support of her girls who supported Irene in the decisions she was making, edging her forward when ever she halted; that was their way of thanking her for all the burdens she carried for them, Irene finally allowed them to be an emotional support for her, she listened to Jackson allowing someone in but still she wanted him to fill that role. Within these two years she filled the void he left by watching his interviews and listening to his songs. She was so proud of what he had accomplished and she felt honoured to have known him for a short period of time.

Irene had an interview with her girls today, they had sat down making sure the finishing touches on their hair and makeup were done. The host was warm and respectful which Irene acknowledged. He asked them questions about their new music and Wendy and Joy took the questions followed by Yeri and Seulgi. Irene remained uncharacteristically quite. The host then directed a question at her "Irene, we have recently heard a solo song 'the only' and gosh it was awesome. People have gone crazy over that song. So can we expect anymore music from you?" Irene smiled "Yes, I've currently just finished writing a solo album and have done the sound proofing in the studio. The only thing left to produce is the music video but the concept I want to go for is a lot of work so we are taking our time producing it." The host was lowkey shocked "A album? You hear that guys.. you heard it first here. Any hints as to what it's about?" Irene recovered from laughing and said "Yeah it's kind off an incomplete love story...how work and just how we as individuals hinder our chance of having a relationship.The guy that this is about will know. But it's not out yet... and I've said too much so that's all your getting." Fans noticed the looks on the other girls faces noticing the tension among them as the words left Irene's mouth. She laughed trying to break the tension. The host got the hint, asking "So two years ago you were Mcing with Jackson Wang and now your doing it with Jinyoung what are your thoughts on that?" The girls all visibly tensed but Irene softly smiled "Working with Jackson was lovely, he was respectful and a complete gentleman. He made me feel comfortable and protected me from... well you know exactly what. I'm honoured to have worked with him he gave me some hope that aren't all guys are bad cause as you all know I don't really do the male species." The crowd burst out laughing. Irene continued "Jackson and Jinyoung are best friends I've met both of them before and I know that Got7 in general are very respectful and know how to treat a lady. So working with Jinyoung will be great too." She finished off. The host took that as his que to move on. Ten minutes later the interview finished and was edited and aired within half an hour. The girls stayed talking and interacting with their fans. A stalker came trying to touch Joy, he shoved a fan in the process. Irene helped the girl who fell to the floor asking if she was ok. She then turned to the man In front of her. "Don't push people." She said abruptly. He looked at her in a snide way before turning to Joy trying to touch her. Irene grabbed his wrist shoving him back " I'm talking to you. I get it you like Joy but learn to respect others." He tried to hit Irene who simply beat him at his own game fly kicking him to the floor. Fans gasped as Irene crouched down to his level. " don't touch my girls. I trained in six different martial art in order to protect them from people like you, I could squash you within two minutes." Fans were shocked as she called security. She went back to the fan hugging her and apologising for the scene. She turned to Joy who crashed into her embrace. Tactically she manoeuvred them away from the crowd. Fans had recorded the entire ordeal and social media was broken at this point. Irene was trending on the internet.

Jackson missed her every single second of every day. It had been two years and his mind still reminisced the intimate moment they shared, and the short time they enjoyed each other. He immersed himself in his work, he was doing his solo stuff 6 months out of the year and the other 6 months was dedicated to Got7. He gave himself no break as he knew he would think of her more. His music reached new heights becoming his form of art. It was his pride and soul. His passion for music was clear. He did what he did for his fans, his boys and family. They were nothing but proud of him.

The boys were together at the moment they had gone back to living together for ease. They were each working on music and dance choreography whilst part of the group prepped for an interview. Bambam, was on his phone, he let out a startled gasp grabbing the attention of the other members. Bambam looked directly at Jackson whose brows furrowed in apprehension and pure confusion. He coughed slightly and tried to move away. Mark forced him to sit back down grabbing his phone and sitting next to Jackson. The rest of the group surrounded them as they watched Red Velvets recent interview. They skipped to the part Bambam told them to as they all proceeded to watch Irene. Jackson visibly tensed as she spoke about her new song. The boys looked at Jackson but he couldn't look back at them. They knew about what happened and they knew exactly what Irene was talking about. Jackson sat in denial, "it's not about me guys it's probably about some new guy she hooked up with." The boys didn't say anything back letting Jackson believe what he wanted which he was thankful for. Their conversation was broken by the host asking the next question. Mark pointed out the way the girls tensed as Jackson's name was mentioned, Bambam insisting that the way their eyes tensed for Irene was odd. They watched her inhale before answering. Flabbergasted they all assumed that Irene would have a hard time answering the question however she spoke with confidence, her voice unwavering at all. As she spoke of Jinyoung Jackson paused the video. "Wait a second you guys are working together?" Jinyoung sighed knowing he'd have to come clean now "We got put together to host." Jackson blinked at him "What that's it,that's all your gonna say?" "Well yeah, I mean we were only told three days ago, I was gonna tell you but I didn't want to rub any salt into those wounds." Jackson held his face in his hands. Mark patting his back as Jackson looked back up at Jinyoung "Protect her... look after her for me... she pushes people away and doesn't let them help but-" Jinyoung cut him off "You have my word." They smiled at each other. As Mark, Jinyoung and Bambam phones went off with messages from Wendy, Suelgi and Yeri pouring in. Mark messaged Wendy back and Jinyoung messaged Suelgi as Bambam messaged Yeri. They were all really close with romance blooming between them. Bambam was told to check what was trending. He sat in between Mark and Jackson and put on Irene's video that just went viral. Their eyes bulged out as they watched the notorious stalker charge towards Irene who shoved him and twisted his wrist. They watched in admiration as she helped a fan up before their expression returned to horror at the guy who went for Joy. Irene quickly intervened fly kicking him as the boys mouths opened in shock. They caught the words she said to the man as they looked at Jackson who sat cross armed with a smug look on his face. His smirk was wide as the boys looked in bewilderment. "she's teeny tiny how did she manage such a powerful kick..." Bambam exclaimed. The video ended shortly after Irene had taken control of the situation. Jackson felt a sense of pride in his chest as his mind chided 'that's my girl.'

Authors note:
Hey guys let me know if you like this chapter. Lots of love.