Riannon's POV

'Umm.. Hello. I'm Riannon.' I smiled at him weakly. I was partly too surprised that I hadn't noticed him from the start, partly embaressed and hoping that he didn't see me almost break down and the other smaller part of my mind wondered how could any guy look so ethereal.

Dark raven hair, sharp features,clear light coloured skin. He'd put any model to shame with those looks. What was I even thinking? I shook my head, stopped midway, feeling like I probably looked like an idiot for doing that.

'It's a pleasure to meet you. I don't mean to pry but you must be having a bad day.'

I bit on my lower lip, thinking of how I should respond to that statement. But before I could even come up with anything, he continued on.

'Don't worry, every one has one of those days.' He looked up at the sky,resting his head again against the bark of the tree, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, like he was going through an internal battle himself. 'I am never a fan of such gatherings either, you know? But I get dragged to one of these anyways because work compels me too. Fortunately, I always manage to give them the slip and find such peaceful hideouts till the end of the party though,' he said as he flashed me a gentle smile.

'I can relate. These aren't my usual cup of tea either. I like my bed and the company of my books more,' I replied, my mood feeling lighter at the thought of the tons of novels I borrowed from the library the other day, waiting for me on my bedside table.

'Really?' He looked at me with his eyebrows raised, 'I never thought I'd find another person who prefers the boring quiet life as much as I do,' He said playfully. I couldn't help but return his comment with a grin.

At that moment, we heard footsteps approaching our way.

'Mister Park! I've been looking everywhere for you!' A voice cried out.

'Oops. Busted.' Jinyoung whispered as he pushed himself up from the ground.

A grey haired man, appeared in our view, looking exhausted as he bent over and supported himself on knees to catch his breath. 'They have been calling out your name three times already Mister Park. We need to go immediately.'

'I suppose our little hideout has been infiltrated and exposed sadly,' he said quietly so that only I could hear it. He turned towards me and extended his hands out,a smile on his face, 'It was really nice to meet you Miss Riannon. I hope we cross paths again some time soon.'

I took his hand as he shook it firmly and turned towards the man. 'Let's go get this over with then Lee,' he said with a slight frown on his face and walked towards the hotel.

As I watch his retreating back, I let out a long sigh. Today had been eventful I suppose. But at least I made a new friend.

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The air around me felt humid, I tried my best to suppress a yawn. I was leaning against my desk with my elbows propped up against the table and wondering when would the class be dismissed. The professor was going on and on about the same thing he already taught last week and whatever that was coming out of his mouth was flying way over my head.

Ten minutes later, the clock finally chimed 4 o'clock somewhere outside the lecture hall signalling the end of class as the professor finally stopped and everyone started packing their laptops and their belongings. I gathered my stuff and walked out the class quickly. I was eager to leave and go to Ailee's for a nice bowl of dessert. God knows I deserved to treat myself for all the heartache I've been through the past week. And what better way to alleviate that heartache than through food.

I made my way to the cafe as usual, thoughts of Jackson kept drifting in and out even though I tried my best not to think about him. I knew it'd be painful to go to Ailee's because it was where we hung out daily but I couldn't just stop going to my favourite place because of him, I thought grimly as I kicked a stone on the pavement while walking.

A few minutes later, I was in front of the cafe, and was about to enter when something through the huge glass window caught my eye which immediately made my stomach drop.

There, at our favourite place sat Jackson and that woman, Jiyeon, both engrossed in their conversation and sipping on their coffee mugs.

The start of the week and it's already ruined. I wanted to walk away but my feet were firmly rooted to the spot, my heart taking over my head as my fist clenched tightly and anger took over.

How could he??!! First he left me without any explanation to be with someone else and now this?!! Out of all the places, he took her here knowing it was where I spent my time everyday. Was he trying to rub it in my face?! My eyes were burning and a lump was forming at the back of my throat as I held in my tears. I wanted to scream out of frustration.
I turned to my left to head back home, when I felt a hand on my arm, tugging me back.

The pull made me stumble into the person's hard chest,need I say, not so gracefully, and their arms held my waist firmly to steady me. I looked up, peering into a pair of dark eyes, looking into mine and filled with concern.

'Jinyoung. You startled me again,' I said softly as I gently pried myself away from his hold and turned my back towards him,wiping the few teardrops which had managed to escape.

'Are you alright?' He asked, his voice low and worried, as he placed his hand on my shoulder. I turned to face him again, putting on my best smile hoping it didn't turn out like a grimace instead.

'Yes, I'm okay. What are you doing here? Didn't expect to meet you again so soon.' I was hoping he would get the hint and drop the subject. I just met him and I didn't want to talk about it.

His brow furrowed in mild curiousity as his gaze swept over my face.
'Yeah me too. I just reached a while ago, heard that they make the best coffee so I wanted to try it out myself. I noticed you standing at the entrance and called out to you but you seemed a bit...distracted.'

I felt myself redden out of embaressment, and cursed fate for always making us meet at such awkward situations.

'Would you like to come have coffee with me?'

I looked up at him, surprised by his abrupt question and wondered how should I tell him politely that I didn't wanna be in the same space as Jackson right now but he cut me off my thoughts quickly.

'I just want to lighten up your mood,that's all. And I'm hoping a plate of cake and good hot chocolate would help you smile even if I don't know what is bothering you.' I looked at his hopeful expression and let out a groan. I guess I couldn't really shut down his attempt at cheering me up. He didn't even know me but he was still trying to be nice.

'Okay. That sounds good.' I replied, offering a small smile despite the inner turmoil I was going through.

'Come on then.' He opened the door and held it out for me to enter first. As I stepped foot into the cafe, the bell rang and Jackson's head automatically turned around and his eyes found mine. I was momentarily frozen, but a soft nudge on my lower back brought me back to my senses. Jinyoung leaned in on one side of my face, and I could feel his breath on my cheeks, 'Let's go find a seat. I'm starving.'

I looked back at Jackson and I didn't know if I was just over analysing it but he looked angry for a moment but just in a second his emotions were masked again, replaced by the same blank expression he wore at the party.

Well screw him, he had no right to feel angry after all he had done. I followed Jinyoung through the crowd as he finally found a cosy place near the window. One of Ailee's helpers came to give us the menu and to take our orders a moment later. She was obviously very much smitten by his looks at first glance apparently as she kept trying to get close to him as he scanned through the items, and she offered her suggestions here and there about the various delicacies they had. I looked out of the window and tuned out her over exaggerated laughter at whatever he just said, my mind too scrambled to care.

'Riannon? What would you like to have?' He didn't seem to pay her any heed as he looked at me intently.

'I guess the blueberry cheese-cake and hot chocolate.'

'I'll have whatever she's having then. I trust her choices are great.' He winked at me as her face scrunched up in annoyance and went away to get our orders.

'Well that blew away your chance. She was pretty interested in you.' I said, jokingly.

'But I'm not. I just want my hot chocolate.'

I laughed at his childish comment, feeling my frustration dissipate a bit.

'I'm glad you're smiling. You should smile more often.' He added with a wide grin of his own,as the waitress brought our drinks.

For the next one hour, I got to know more about him. He was, to my surprise, a part of Jyp entertainment as well but he had been touring abroad along with several other colleages and returned only on the day that I met him at the party. He was finally taking a break for a few weeks after many months of travelling all over.

Throughout our conversation, I couldn't help but think of how different he was from Jackson. He seemed more matured and calm and he had a very pleasant nature that seemed to be able to soothe anyone's dull mood. But I missed Jackson's fun loving, mischievous and easy going nature anyways, the way he was always able to make me laugh with his silly and cringy jokes or his never ending funny encounters. Speaking of which, I had to admit that I was so tempted to take a glance at him but I had decided it was best to ignore him completely and actually try to have some fun in jinyoung's company than spoiling my mood.

Unfortunately, a few minutes later, he got a call from his CEO who requested an urgent meeting with him. He apologised profusely for cutting our time hanging out, short.

'We should meet up again. If you'd let me, I know quite a few places where I'm sure you'd love.' He seemed so enthusiastic throughout the whole time about trying to make me feel better that I couldn't refuse his offer.

'Alright.' I replied, as my lips tugged into a smile.

'Great! Here, this is my number. Send me a text or call me whenever you're free okay?' He handed me his card as we got up to leave. Even I needed to get back home since it was pretty late already and I had an assignment to work on. We paid for our food and walked out towards the streets.

'Are you sure you'll be alright walking home alone?' He turned aound to ask me before he got into his car.

'Yeah. It's only a few blocks away, I'll be fine. No need to worry.'

He hesitated for a moment as he opened the car door. 'Go Jinyoung! You'll be late for your meeting,' I said as I playfully pushed him.

He finally gave in and said good bye, reminding me to text him after I reached home safely else he would call the cops. I shook my head as I watched him drive away, honestly grateful that I met him.

Deciding that it was best I head back as well, I took a few steps forward when I heard an unfamiliar voice call my name. When I turned, I was taken aback when I saw that it was Jiyeon, Jackson nowhere to be seen.

'I need to talk to you.'

Author's note:  ^_^ I hope you like the chapter. Please leave your comments and let me know what you think.