A kaleidoscope of colours danced across the black, glossy floor as the overhead spotlights spun around in the nightclub. Rays of neon lights sliced through the darkness like laser beams from the DJ's stand as the DJ headbanged and jived to the music that was blaring from the huge speakers. Tangible vibrations reverberated across the dance floor while the K-pop idols danced along without any reservation. Their bodies were like shadows, intertwined and pressed close together in a huddle, as they swayed along to the music in flirtatious and provocative ways.

Nami winced as the oppressive beat hit her like a drum. It was so loud in the nightclub and so dark too, that she immediately felt out of her depth. She immediately regretted coming.

"Are you okay, Nami-ah?"

Nami turned to her side and saw that it was Xiumin. She smiled at him feebly, "I-I'm just not used to clubbing..."

Xiumin raised his hand next to his ear to show that he couldn't hear her. He shouted, "What did you say?" he drew his ear closer to her mouth, surprising her with his close proximity.

She repeated, "I'm not used to clubbing" but a little louder this time.

Xiumin pulled away and gave her a kind smile. "Don't worry about it" he yelled over the music. "Just mingle with the others-- they don't bite."

Nami gave him an uncertain smile. It was finally after the Gayo Daejun concert and Nami and the EXO members were at the after party. The party was exclusive to the K-pop idols who had performed during the concert and she was the only non-idol guest. Normally, Nami didn't mind being the odd one out but, when she was surrounded by dazzling female idols that had goddess-like features, she couldn't help feeling insecure and extremely self-conscious.

She glanced around her and saw that the EXO members had started dispersing and splitting off into smaller groups as they greeted other idols who they were friends with. Nami stood rigidly on the ground as she awkwardly smiled at some idols who met her eye by accident. She felt really uncomfortable and it didn't help that the EXO members had left her to fend for herself.

Like a wallflower, Nami walked up to the bar, where she found it was less busiest, as everyone else was busy getting it down on the dance floor. She made eye contact with the bartender and he jutted his chin upwards as if to ask what she wanted to drink. "Can I have er..." she thought for a second. "Do you have anything non-alcoholic here?"

The bartender scoffed in disbelief, "Non-alcoholic? In a nightclub?"

"You're right. Never mind" she turned away from the bartender and tried to make herself look busy. But inside, Nami couldn't wait to go home.

"What's a pretty lady like you doing alone?" asked an unfamiliar voice.

Nami turned to face the stranger who had approached her. When she did, she saw a handsome man with dark brown hair and pronounced jawline. He smiled at her to reveal a perfect band of white teeth and his dark eyes twinkled like a pair of jewels.

Nami had to look at her surroundings just to check that this handsome stranger was addressing her. The stranger chuckled at her reaction, "Yes, it's you who I'm talking to. The pretty lady in the white dress." He leaned in closer and Nami noticed how broad his shoulders were.

"I-I'm not alone" Nami replied shyly. She wasn't used to talking to random people in nightclubs. And she wasn't at all familiar with the person in front of her.

The stranger continued to grin as he extended his hand out for a handshake. "I'm Jackson, by the way. Jackson Wang."

Nami peered at his fair hand and took it in hers, gently. "Jackson?" Nami repeated, "As in, Jackson from Got 7?"

The handsome stranger smiled at Nami's mentioning of his group. "So you've heard of me?" he queried as he caressed her hand with his thumb.

Nami briefly nodded, "I-I'm Nami. EXO's dorm mother."

Jackson's eyes widened as he held her hand firmly before raising it to his lips for a light kiss. "Charmed to meet you, mademoiselle."

Nami couldn't help blushing slightly as she pulled her hand away.

"So, what's EXO dorm mother doing in a place like this?" he waved his arm about as if to showcase the nightclub.

"I was invited here by EXO" she responded honestly. "Although, I don't think I belong here."

Jackson smirked, "Nope. You definitely don't."

His answer surprised her.

"But that's how I was able to spot you from amongst all these idols" he smirked at her flirtatiously. "You're like a white flower amongst all these roses."

Nami almost cringed at his flirty comparison.

Jackson leaned in closer as he maintained his flirtatious smile. He casually brushed his hand against the small of her back as he gently pulled her close to face the bar once more. "Can I get you a drink?" he offered, as he signalled for the bartender.

"Oh, er, no. It's okay. I'm not really much of a drinker."

Jackson raised his brow, "Then... do you want to dance?"

Nami blinked as Jackson eyed her intently. He had a playful smile dancing on his lips which only grew wider the longer he stared at her. "I--"

"Little Umma!"

Nami turned at the sound of someone familiar calling her. As she did so, Jackson immediately retracted his hand away from Nami's waist. He frowned as Baekhyun approached them.

"Little Umma, there you are!" Baekhyun stated, relieved to have found her. He glanced at Jackson who was trying his best to smile politely at Baekhyun. They nodded at each other curtly, "Jackson" Baekhyun greeted.

"Baekhyun" Jackson greeted him back.

Baekhyun turned to address Nami, "Little Umma, I need you to come with me. Umin-hyung is searching for you."

"Oppa is?" Nami questioned.

Jackson interrupted, "I see that you've met up with your friends" he observed, addressing Nami. "But, the offer to dance still stands," he looked at her expectantly, "if you want to."

Nami exchanged glances with Baekhyun as if to ask him for help. Getting the message, Baekhyun replied for her, "Sorry Jackson but, I'm going to have to decline in Little Umma's stead--"

"I'm sure Nami can reply for herself" Jackson interjected.

This riled Baekhyun up. "Yes, and she says 'no'." He took Nami by the arm and started steering her away before Jackson had time to reply.

Nami watched Baekhyun huff once they had escaped Jackson's line of sight. "He's such an ass" she heard Baekhyun mutter under his breath. Baekhyun peered down at Nami as he reproached her, "You should be more careful, Little Umma. You shouldn't wander off without one of us nearby you at all times-- who knows what would've happened if I hadn't come."

"He was only asking me to dance, Baekhyun-oppa" Nami replied. "And Jackson seems like a nice guy, he wasn't doing anything sketchy."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean he wasn't thinking it."

Nami raised her brow at Baekhyun.

"What? I know what guys like him are like. He's called 'Jackson' for goodness sake!"

"And? What's his name got to do it?" Nami queried, befuddled.

"Well, everything" Baekhyun answered. "For one thing, he can be an ass. So the fact that he's called 'Jackson' just adds to the argument that he's a 'jackass'."

Nami looked at him, unimpressed.

Baekhyun had a playful smile, "Coincidence? I think not."

Baekhyun led Nami to the other side of the nightclub where there was an entrance towards the rooftop bar. It was a dark ascent to their destination as the lights that illuminated their path was dim.

"Why are we going all the way up here?" Nami asked Baekhyun, who was behind her. Since the stairwell was narrow, they had to climb up the dimly lit stairs in a single file.

"Oh, erm. It's because it's quieter here" he replied. "And Umin-hyung said that he wanted to talk to you."

"What about the others?" she asked him, as they neared the top.

"Er..." Baekhyun struggled to come up with an answer. "Don't worry about them."

Once they reached the rooftop bar, Nami took in a sharp intake of breath as the cold air entered her lungs. She surveyed her surroundings and found that the rooftop bar was empty. "Baekhyun-oppa, no one's here..." Nami turned around to look behind her but found that Baekhyun was no longer there. The sound of the door locking could be heard as Baekhyun shut it quickly.

Confused, Nami went up to the door, "Yah, oppa!" she started banging on the door but there was no reply. She tested the doorknob and sure enough, it was locked. Baekhyun had locked her upstairs. But why?

"Nami-ah?"

Nami looked behind her and saw that it was Xiumin. He was wearing a black shirt and ripped jeans, now that Nami could see him better. "Did Chen lock you up here too?"

"Chen-oppa?" she repeated. "No, it was Baekhyun-oppa who told me that you wanted to talk to me."

Xiumin was puzzled, "I thought you wanted to talk to me. That's why Chen told me to wait here."

The pair exchanged curious looks with each other before realising what had happened. Chen and Baekhyun had set them up again.

Honestly, that pair... Xiumin grumbled to himself inwardly. He gaped at Nami who was looking around nervously, not knowing what to say or do. "Since we're stuck here, do you perhaps want to join me?" he pointed to the direction of the edge of the roof, where he had been standing earlier. "I was just admiring the skyline before you came."

Nami joined Xiumin as both of them appreciated the beautiful Seoul city lights that shone from the skyscrapers. The sky was already a veil of black that served as a background for the silhouette of shadows that were the buildings of Seoul.

Up on the rooftop bar, the loud techno music was almost inaudible, save for the muted beats that acted as a low drone. The rooftop bar was fairly quiet and with the fairy lights twinkling above them, Xiumin felt like the ambience was just right: it was a peaceful evening.

Xiumin fidgeted slightly as he realised why Chen and Baekhyun had locked them up at the rooftop bar. It didn't take him long to figure out why there was a table for two, set up with a bottle of champagne and two glasses and, why Nami was dressed so beautifully for the after party: Chen and Baekhyun must have orchestrated this opportunity for him to confess.

"It's so beautiful" Xiumin heard Nami mumble as she stared at the picturesque scene before her.

Xiumin turned his attention to her and smiled. Unbeknownst to her, his gaze never left her profile as he replied, "Yeah, it really is."

Nami suddenly turned to him and he averted his gaze just in time so that he was looking at the skyline. After a few moments of silence, he asked her, "Did you have fun at the concert earlier?"

"Yeah" she responded. "It was such a good experience. It was even made better by the fact that I had a front row seat!"

Xiumin chuckled at Nami's excited reaction. He liked the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke about things she loved. How her lips stretched into that beautiful smile that showed her dimples and the sound of her laugh which made his heart flutter every time he heard it. It was only at that moment did he realise how far he'd fallen for her and how sure he was that he didn't want anyone else to have her.

It was now or never: he had to tell her how he felt about her.

But before he could say anything, soft music started to play in the background. Xiumin and Nami turned around to face the direction of the bar, where there were small speakers hooked up on the wall. Fortunately for them, the music that was playing wasn't the same dance music that was blaring from downstairs. Instead, they heard a sweet tune that further enhanced the romantic ambience that was already around them.

They exchanged looks with each other as they tried to identify what song was playing. Xiumin's eyes widened when he realised what song it was. "Ah. It's the duet I sang with Jimin-ssi from AOA."

Nami listened carefully as the chorus started playing. "What's the title of the song?"

"'Call You Bae'" he replied.

Nami listened to it for a bit longer and Xiumin watched as her lips curled up into a small smile. "The lyrics are cheesy as hell," she told him while trying to stifle a giggle.

Xiumin frowned at her, "Yah, they may be cheesy but they make the fans swoon."

She eyed him playfully, "It sounds like something a love-struck teenager would sing."

Xiumin arched his eyebrow.

"It's cute," she told him finally, "It kinda suits your cute image, oppa."

He pouted, "I'm not cute" he huffed. "I'm manly as hell."

Xiumin's pouting face made Nami giggle and eventually, Xiumin started chortling too. Hearing Nami's laugh couldn't keep him frowning for long.

"Would you let your future girlfriend call you 'bae' instead of 'oppa'?" Nami suddenly asked.

Xiumin was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"Well, if your future girlfriend was younger than you, would you let her call you 'bae' instead of 'oppa'?"

Xiumin eyed Nami's curious gaze. It must have been his imagination but he thought that Nami was blushing slightly. He thought for a while. "I guess I would. It's a term of endearment, right? If I was in a relationship with someone, I'd like us to be equal."

Nami was pensive. Without thinking it through, she suddenly blurted, "Xiumin-bae."

Xiumin's eyes widened and his heart jumped at her words.

Nami, realising what she had just said, rushed to cover her mistake, "Er, sorry. I-I was just trying it out..."

Xiumin laughed it off, "It's okay. I kinda like the sound of it." But he turned away to cover the grin that was forming on his lips. Hearing her call him that made him a lot happier than he originally thought.

"Just to warn you though" Nami suddenly told him. "'Bae' actually means 'shit' in Danish."

Xiumin was surprised, "Bwo? Seriously?"

Nami giggled, "Yeah. So maybe 'oppa' is the better option."

The pair laughed together until the song ended and a new one started.

"Oh?" Nami perked up she listened to the song playing. She noticed that it was an English song. Her eyes softened when she realised what song was playing. "It's Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking Out Loud'" she pointed out to Xiumin.

Xiumin listened carefully and not completely understanding the lyrics, he just nodded along. It was a soft tune with an easy beat. Seeing Nami close her eyes as she swayed along to the music made him want to dance with her. Without hesitating, Xiumin stretched his hand out as he invited her, "Do you want to dance?"

"Dance?" Nami was surprised. "I-I'm not really good at dancing."

He smiled at her kindly, "It's okay. Just follow my lead."

Reluctantly, Nami took Xiumin's outstretched hand and let him lead the way. Like a seasoned dancer, Xiumin led her to the middle of the rooftop bar and gently placed his hand on the small of her back. She guided her by placing her hand on his shoulder while the other one, he took in his and they got into a waltz position. Once they were ready, he started rocking her forwards and backwards along with the music.

Nami, not knowing where to look, stared down at her feet to avoid stepping on Xiumin's toes. Once she got the hang of it, she dared to look up at him in the eye. Her heart thumped at how close they were to each other. She had a perfect view of his lips which were just hovering above her eyes and she was suddenly reminded of their close kiss a few days ago. She blushed. The smell of his cologne travelled to her nostrils and it was the same minty scent she had grown accustomed to. Everything about his presence made her more aware of him.

It made her aware of the feelings she harboured for him.

Xiumin held her gently but firmly as the song continued to play in the background. His eyes trailed down her face as he peered down at her, his heartbeat racing at their close proximity. He didn't anticipate being in this position with Nami at all. For the first time ever, he was improvising rather than hesitating and thinking it through. Nami had that strange effect on him. It was only when it came to her did his rationale jump out the window.

He studied her carefully. She looked so beautiful that evening that he couldn't help feeling a little nervous. She didn't look like the Nami he saw every day at the dorm. For this particular night and this exact moment, he saw her not as a sister, or as a friend, but as a young woman who he was dangerously attracted to. He found her mesmerising and he simply couldn't take his eyes off of her.

Nami accidentally stepped on Xiumin's foot and she apologised excessively. "I-I'm so sorry, oppa. I'm not good at dancing. People used to say that I had two left feet."

"Don't worry about it" he responded kindly. "You're doing fine."

"I'm not really good at many things" she mentioned as they continued to sway along to the music. "All I'm good at is judo and throwing people about," she told him while smiling awkwardly. "I guess what Chanyeol says about me is right," Xiumin noticed Nami slowing her pace down as she looked away sadly. "I'm just a macho woman."

"That's not true" Xiumin quickly told her. Nami was taken aback by his sharp tone. "You're just naturally athletic. And don't listen to Chanyeol. He's a complete pabo."

Nami managed a small smile, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Xiumin was relieved that Nami agreed with him. He didn't like it when she was upset. Smiling suited Nami the best, he kept thinking. "Did you train a lot for judo?" he asked casually.

"Yeah" she nodded. "I used to train at the gym religiously. But my coach used to tell me that running every morning was better than going to the gym every day."

Xiumin was quiet for a while before he asked, "Did you ever consider running a marathon?" He looked at her expectantly, hoping that she understood what he was referring to.

"A marathon?" Nami repeated as she thought about her answer. "I'm not really an endurance person. I think I'd do better at sprinting."

Xiumin smiled at her fondly as he persisted, "Maybe you should try running a marathon one day. It's actually quite fun."

"Really?" her tone was doubtful. "I think I'd suffer a lot if I did. I'm not at my best form at the moment..."

"But, would you go on one in the future?" he asked.

"I guess I would but I wouldn't want to do it alone."

Xiumin stopped moving as he stared deeply into Nami's eyes. She looked at him confusedly, baffled as to why he had suddenly halted. "Nami-ah," he addressed her, his tone somewhat serious, "Would you like to go on a marathon... with me?"

Nami searched Xiumin's determined eyes, still not understanding why he was so insistent on going on a marathon. But as she searched his expectant gaze, she suddenly remembered their conversation from before.

"I think going on a marathon for a first date is a good way of finding out if we're compatible or not."

Nami blushed as she realised what Xiumin was hinting at.

Seeing the realisation on her face, Xiumin dared to continue, "Nami-ah, when you told me that you would date me even when I'm older, it made me really happy." He smiled at her affectionately as he released her from his hold and traced his hands down her arms until they were holding her hands. "It made me realise that I felt something for you." He swallowed nervously as he continued, "And during that time in the dance studio..." his face flushed pink, " I was able to confirm that what I felt for you was real. Nami-ah" he said steadily, "I like--no--I love you."

Nami's eyes widened as she searched Xiumin's flushed face. Xiumin... loved her?

Finally, he asked her what she'd been dying to hear all along. "Would you be my girlfriend?"

At first, Nami was speechless. She couldn't believe the words that came out of Xiumin's mouth.

Xiumin stared at her anxiously, waiting for her to react. Had he got it wrong? Did Nami not feel the same way? Had he gone and ruined what good friendship they already had by asking for more?

Suddenly, a smile spread across her lips and she leapt into his stunned embrace as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She held him tightly, unable to contain the excitement that was overflowing from within her, "Yes!" she exclaimed. "Yes! I will!"

Xiumin, startled by her response, finally allowed himself to relax at hearing her words. His arms, that lay lifeless at his side, slowly slinked upwards as he embraced her back, burying his face in the crook of her neck as he squeezed her tightly against him. His heart drummed against his chest animatedly and he thought he felt Nami's heart beat just as fast as his.

He couldn't believe it. Nami had said 'yes'. Their feelings were mutual. At last, they were together, in each other's arms, where they belonged.

After a while, they separated momentarily and Xiumin saw Nami's sparkling eyes that seemed much brighter than before. "I love you, oppa," she told him earnestly before he could get a word out.

Xiumin felt heat rise to his cheeks and he couldn't help but grin. He was so happy. He still couldn't believe that they were finally together. "But I love you more." He leaned in, closing the distance between him and Nami's face as he went in for a kiss.

Nami closed her eyes in anticipation and Xiumin did too. Their noses bumped against each other as he drew closer and this time, Xiumin didn't hesitate as he pressed his lips against hers.

Xiumin felt Nami's soft lips against his as their breaths mixed together and his lips gently stroked hers. The soft sensation sent bursts of happiness around his body making his heart race to the point that he thought it might explode from the euphoria. At first, he kissed her gently, sweetly, softly. His lips caressed hers in slow motion, savouring her sweet taste and the exciting sensation of having finally kissed the person he desired most. But as he started intensifying their kiss into a passionate one, he noticed that Nami wasn't kissing him back. He pulled away, curious as to why Nami wasn't responding to him. Did their kiss not feel as good for her as it did for him?

"Why aren't you kissing me back?" he asked her, worried that he may have been overthinking things.

Nami was flustered as she replied, "But, I-I am." She turned away embarrassed and Xiumin soon realised why.

"Nami-ah, am I... your first kiss?"

She looked at him suddenly, her eyes wide and her cheeks pink with embarrassment. Shyly, she admitted it. "Y-yes, you are. You're my first everything."

Xiumin's heart fluttered and he pulled her into his embrace. "Oppa?" Nami's voice was muffled as Xiumin squeezed her closer towards him.

"Don't worry" he whispered into her hair. "I just don't want you to see my face right now." Xiumin felt Nami shift while in his embrace. It was as if she was trying to look at him. "I'm just so happy that I'm smiling like an idiot." Xiumin tried to compose himself but he couldn't seem to wipe away his goofy grin. "I can't believe I'm your first. Why has no one noticed you until now?"

"It's because I'm not pretty like other girls."

"No" Xiumin released her from his embrace and Nami saw that his face was glowing. "Nami-ah, you're beautiful."

Nami coloured in response.

"And I'm glad I'm your first."

"Why?"

Xiumin smiled as he touched her forehead with his, "Because that means I can keep kissing you until you get it right."

Xiumin kissed her again, catching her by surprise and he smirked when he saw her startled expression. "As your first boyfriend, I can teach you all sorts of things." With little warning, he hoisted Nami up in his arms by supporting her from the small of her back and spun her around, causing her to squeal in delight while Xiumin laughed heartily.

"Nami-ah, you've made me the happiest man alive" Xiumin proclaimed.

As the two lovebirds stayed wrapped up in their own world of happiness, little did they notice, that somewhere above them, two sneaky figures high-fived each other.

Baekhyun sighed contentedly as he observed Nami and Xiumin cuddling, "Look at them. They're so cute together!"

"Yep. I've never seen hyung so happy" Chen agreed.

Baekhyun peeped at Chen's direction and saw that he had a whimsical look about him. "Don't get too down, Chen. I'm still here."

"I'm not down! Why would I be down? Today's a happy occasion."

"Yeah, but you look so forlorn. Don't worry, hyung won't forget us."

Chen nodded as he gave in and admitted that he was feeling a little sad. "It's just that, it's always been us three, you know? Now hyung's all grown up and he's finally dating. Kinda makes me realise that we won't be spending much time with each other like we used to."

The pair exchanged knowing looks with each other.

"But doesn't this scene kind of remind you of the 'Lion King'?" Baekhyun pointed out.

"Huh? How?"

"You know, the scene when Simba gets together with Nala and his friends, Timone and Pumba just watches them from afar. It's kinda like what we're doing now."

Chen chuckled, "I see what you mean." Both of them looked at Xiumin and Nami. "And if he falls in love tonight, it can be assumed. His carefree days with us are history, in short, our pal is doomed~"

Baekhyun grinned, "Exactly. But, he's doomed in a good way."

"Hey, if they're Nala and Simba, then, I'm Timone and you're Pumba."

"Why am I the warthog?" Baekhyun complained.

"Because you're the funny one."

"Oh" Baekhyun responded, satisfied. "Okay."

They turned their attention to the couple once more.

"I guess you really can feel the love tonight" Baekhyun observed with a wily grin.

"Yeah." Chen offered his hand to Baekhyun, "It was nice working with you, Love Doctor."

Baekhyun took it. "Same with you, Cupid."

The pair stared at the happy couple below them.

Chen smiled as he declared, "Operation Cupid's Arrow was a success."

~*~

Author's Note:

Hi reader! Thanks for reading Xiumin's alternate ending. So this is what would have happened had Nami's cover not been busted. I hope I was able to satisfy you Xiumin stans!

Next time...