I don't know why I was freaking out over my outfit. It wasn't like this was a date. It's just an outing with friends.

And outing where I intended to introduce Antieno to my friends.

Bottom line is, this isn't a date.

I need to chill. Did it really matter a whole lot what I looked like? I already know he likes me just the way I am. Except I know he'll be dressed like a whole full course meal.

"Relax Haya. You look adorable," Sora assured. A gentle hand soothing down my arm. "Just the perfect mix of pretty without overbearing on the cute."

"I thought this wasn't a date," Hyejin said. Lying on the bed, buried up to her head in the clothes I'd tossed out, she sounded bitter.

Exchanging a concerned look with me, I and Sora turned to her.

"Jin-ah?"

"I still can't believe I agreed to this! This is absurd. The mans a murderer. Does it really matter how hot he is or how much like a deep ocean his hair is or how smooth and soft like melted chocolate he sounds?" She ranted before turning her words to Sora. "And we just let her gallivant around with that man like there are no consequences to her actions."

Sora sighed, eyes flicking up to mine with worry. Biting my lip, I looked at the ground. This has been an ongoing argument between us since this morning - when I dropped the news on her.

"Jin-ah-" I stared but she cut me off. Sitting upright with a jerk - sending my clothes flying all over. Her eyes held fire in them as she stared down at me.

"No! Don't 'Jin-ah' me. He is dangerous Eunha. What part of that do you not understand? I don't care that you think bull of all the rumors surrounding the man, but even you have agree that all the rumors started from a seed of truth. And now you want to introduce him to everyone?"

I walked over to the bed. Sitting down as I took her hand in mine. Her glare hardened, however she didn't pull away.

"And those rumours has been circling since your grandmothers time, maybe even older. Tio isn't a hundred years old. He's still in his twenties. Barely 2 years older than me. If their ever was a seed of truth to those rumours it was never about Tio. His family maybe... but Tio is all alone."

"The apple never falls far from the tree."

"You aren't who your parents are. People can change. Give him a chance. Please,"

Eyes pleading with hers to just, this once, do this for me. Clasping her hands between mine, I wasn't above begging her if push came to shove.

Before she could reply there was a knock on the door.

"Ladies, your ride is here." Hajun's voice shouted.

"They'll be right there Honey!" Sora called to hajun before turning to us. "Jin-ah stop being a brat and behave yourself. You already agreed to meet him, that's the only reason Eunha even invited him. Now stop giving her such a hard time and get going."

Hyejin grounded her teeth as she stared from me to Sora. I could read the protest in her eyes clear as day. I gave her a pleading look, a silent beg to drop it for now. She could rant and shout all she wanted later.

Taking a deep breath she shook her head.

"Alright, I'll reserve judgement for now," She grumbled. Pushing the clothes off her body and still grumbling under her breath walked out of the room.

"See you later Eonnie." I called to Sora as I raced out if the room after my best friend. Throwing my arms around her the moment I reached her.

"I love you so much. Thank you," I said hugging her tight.

She gave a pat to my hand with a tight smile. "For you Haya. Only for you."

Waving our goodbyes to Hajun and wishing him luck with his proposal (in a whisper) we were out the door.

My world narrowed in an instant the moment my eyes landed on the blue haired man leaning against the sleek silver Hyundai Elantra.

He looked up as we approached, walking around from the drivers side to stand beside his car. Hand tucked into his pant, an easygoing smile on his lips.

I know I wasn't the only one who thought how utterly perfect he looked. Even if she didn't give an outward reaction, I felt Hyejin's breath catch.

"Tio!"

I gave an exclamation as I rushed over to him. His arms opening with a laugh to pull me into a tight hug. Lifting me right off my feet as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Hi there Dewdrop. You look as beautiful as the setting sun," He whispered against my ear. Laughing I whacked his shoulder. Ignoring the heat rising to my cheeks at the cheesy compliment.

"You look ravishing yourself," I said as he placed me back on my feet. I fixed the collar of his coat, our hug having rumpled his otherwise neat appearance.

Shaking his head, his eyes flickered behind me. Curiosity filling his gaze as he looked at Hyejin, patiently waiting to be introduced.

Taking a step away from him, I wrapped my arm around her. Pulling her to my side.

"Tio meet my best friend, my platonic soulmate, my other half, Lee Hyejin. Jin-ah, the angel from the woods, Ong Antieno."

Recognition was instant to light up his eyes as he took an eager step forward. Hand extended in greeting.

"I have heard so much about you from Dew- Eunha. It's an honor to finally meet you."

Eyes holding the earnestness of his words, the smile he shot her a reminiscent of a bright sunny afternoon.

Red in the face, Hyejin took his hand. "Ur- yeah. Likewise. All we had to listen to these past few days was Tio this, Tio that. It's refreshing to finally put a face to the name."

Despite the stutter at the start she sounded pretty confident in her answer. None of the hostility from inside showing.

It wasn't an act. Hyejin could never hide her dislike towards someone. Whatever she saw, she must genuinely want to give him a chance. Especially if she was being friendly towards him.

"It is," Tio agreed as he opened the back door of the car. "Shall we get going?"

Shooting him a smile in thanks, Hyejin was quick to duck inside. I followed her inside, opting to sit back and keep her company than sit up front with him.

The drive to the beach was nice.

Hyejin and Tio mostly kept the conversation flowing. Exchanging stories about me and getting to know each other. I didn't even mind her embarrassing me by explaining in detail how blue his hair looked or how mesmerizing the clashing, shifting colors of his eyes are in my words.

I was just glad the two of them got along as well as the two of them were. Nothing could make me more happier than two of my most favourite people getting along so well.

A/N~

Apologies for the late update, since I keep forgetting to update on Mondays, I'm switching my schedule to updating this every Friday.

On that note, how are you guys enjoying the story so far? Who's your favourite character? Do you like the dynamic between the main characters?

I love to hear from you guys, and I promise I don't bite, so do leave your thoughts in the comments.

Rena💜