Dad Joke of the day: 'What do you call someone with no body and no nose? Nobody knows.'

Somin- Bold
Sehun- Italic

I'm really sorry to all the people whom I promised to update sooner, I got caught up. But I worked very hard on this chapter. Hope you'll enjoy so that it makes up for the delay!

-

Jiseok leaned closer to the laptop's screen in concentration. His lips moved inaudibly as he read the statement at least ten times, making sure it was free of errors. Nodding, he clicked the 'send' button and stretched widely.

"Finally." He sighed.

"What were you doing hyung-nim?" Baekhyun asked.

"I was preparing the statement announcing the ticket sale date of Exo'luxion in China." He answered. "Just sent it"

"Ahh.." He nodded.

He glanced around at the Exo members getting ready for their photoshoot, covering Lotte Duty-Free issue of the coming month. Some of them were getting their contouring done or their hair getting crammed with styling gel. Suho, Sehun, and Lay were lazing at the plush auburn couches, they already had their make up done and were waiting for the costume stylist to call their name and then proceed to their hair styling.

Jiseok cracked his knuckles. It had only been a couple of months working for the boy group but he could already feel the pressure. He thought it would be easy but the band had a huge fan base in every single bloody country and it was tiring making monthly feedback reports to present to SM, making sure the albums were available for purchase on every existing website, and looking out for anti-fans. But he needed to prove himself, clean his slate after that disgrace he'd been put in.

Coming here with the boys isn't even my job, for heaven's sake, he thought sourly. Making sure they have the 'right' flavors of coffee and putting up with their banters about who was going to take the passenger seat in the van is the least of my problems. It was actually their personal manager's duty to accompany them for the photoshoot but due to some emergency, Choi Jiseok was asked to fill in and was regretting the moment he said yes. Good thing, I only do the back job. 

He stood and walked around the room, it was boring him. Even Jung was out, making preparations for the next schedule. Something caught his interest. There was a huge wall at the back of the room, brimming with brightly colored photos. All the artists who had sponsored the brand this year had their photos glued, an act of recollection. His eyes fell on a picture of Red Velvet posing modestly.

Jiseok sighed audibly, The work was easy and the girls were sweet. Good old days. His mind wandered back to the certain reason why those days were over and it made him tremble with anger. Composing himself, he moved forward and tried to guess all the idols on the wall. Just as he neared the right corner, he froze.

A shocked gasp escaped his lips. Squinting his eyes, Jiseok bent closer to the frame of a girl group comprising of five girls posing for what looked like a lipstick endorsement. It could have been microseconds, or long minutes that he gazed at one of those girls, in the center. "No way..."

He whipped back towards the boys and coughed to get their attention. "Do you-any of you- know about this group?" Jiseok tried to keep his breathing pace stable and his voice not too jumpy.

They all looked where he was pointing. Most of them shook their heads and went back to their work. Chen answered after some thinking, "Yah! We know them, isn't that the group who came to our fan meet looking for inspiration and guidance? I think it was them..." Many members hummed in recognition and nodded before turning back to their phones. Sehun chose to stay quiet.

"What? Fan meet?" Jiseok asked in confusion. "How come I don't know about this?"

Suho explained, "Actually hyung, that happened before ... you were appointed with us."

Jiseok nodded, his mind was running with a hundred conclusions. Is it really her? So she's an idol. Just great. I couldn't find it out after weeks of forcing Jung to look for her identity... and all this time she's been right here before my eyes, in my own field.

He quickly rushed back to have a look at the face again, the one he could never forget for months. A face whom he despised so intensely. He wanted to check, to confirm. But it was that clever little bitch, no question about it. Jiseok gulped, his fists clenching in victory though he still couldn't believe his sheer luck. Turning back, he realized the boys were still talking about the group.

Baekhyun was laughing, "--a bunch of cute chicks with so many anxieties about debuting."

Lay nodded, "Kind of reminded me of the time we debuted. Weren't we so nervous?!" He laughed. "It sounds like a long time back though."

Jiseok listened quietly. Chen scratched his head, "What was the name of that group though? I remember they were from Cube Entertainment."

"Aura..?" Chanyeol guessed.

Suho shook his head. "It was something space-inspired for sure!"

Sehun sighed. "Aurora." He couldn't help himself this time.

Baekhyun snapped his fingers. "That's right! I've seen them around in shows."

Kai entered the room, in a lush navy blue three-piece exiting the dressing room. "Sehun-ah, Yixing hyung, you're next." They got up and left.

Jiseok cleared his throat and gestured Kai closer. When the dancer approached him, Jiseok nonchalantly pointed towards Aurora. "Do you know their names?"

Kai frowned in concentration. He raced his mind but shook his head apologetically. "Not all of them, I'm sorry. Why are you asking?"

Jiseok laughed lightly. "Oh, its just that I have a friend who was looking for a fresh girl group to endorse his brand. He works for a famous pizza company."

"Oh..." Kai nodded. "Well, I can't help you much there but let's see..." He turned towards the photo again. His eyes narrowed to look closely. Suddenly, an unsure smile appeared and he answered, "There's this one." He placed his finger precisely on Jiseok's target. "I've noticed her, she's their main dancer. I think she's called Somin or something like that."

Jiseok's eyes gleamed. Today is definitely my lucky day. With an air of coolness, the sales manager nodded and dismissed Kai. He quickly unplugged his phone from the charging socket and typed her name on the search engine. Various pictures and videos appeared. His jaw tightened when he saw Somin's smiling face. He went through all the information written there, and it was just enough to kick off his plans into action.

As he dashed of the room to contact his peon, Jung, Chanyeol spoke with admiration. "He's a really professional guy, isn't he?"

"Yes." Kai grinned, "I think he heard about... well... about Krystal and I and he said he was happy about it."

"Really?!" Chen's eyes widened. "He said that?"

"Yeah! He even offered that if we want to come out official or something in the future, I just have to contact him and he'll handle everything. Though I assured him there's nothing there yet." Kai explained.

"Woah.." Baekhyun smiled. At least, my dongsaengs don't have to go through the same situation.

Suho stood up and stretched. "I was going through the fan's comments on the app the other day, and they all were saying that it's so much easier now to purchase our albums online. That the complete versions are always in stock on every site available, saving them from a lot of trouble."

Big, grateful smiles appeared on everyone's face. Chanyeol commented, "Woah...maybe, they were right. We've been provided with the best support staff SM has."

"Hmm.." Xiumin nodded from the mirror, "Jiseok hyung looks like someone we can trust."

As soon as Choi Jiseok left the dressing room and the modeling section in a hurry, he dialed Jung's number. "You fool, I've found her!" He exclaimed with a conniving smile.

"What? Who are you--"

Irritation spread across his features. "You know who I mean! I asked you weeks ago and you couldn't even bring me her name."

"Oh, sir, you found her? How?" The peon quickly caught up. "Who is she?"

"How doesn't matter. But she's an idol from--"

"Idol?!"

Jiseok grinned. "Yes! Isn't that a miracle? It will be so easy to target someone from our own work field. Now, what I want you to do is go and find out everything about her. Her name is Nam Somin from a girl group called Aurora."

"Are you sure it's the same girl?" Jung sounded uncertain.

Jiseok narrowed his eyes. "Are you doubting me? Don't question back." His voice became louder and stern. "She's from Cube Entertainment. Contact all the connections we know. Go there yourself if you have to, find out everything about her. Her debut, training, any scandals hopefully, anything you can get your hands on without raising suspicion. Got it?"

"Yes, sir, I'll be on it." Jung sighed.

"You better not fail me this time!" Jiseok warned. He could feel a surprising amount of will power, now that they were a step ahead. Determination gushed through his being, sweeping him into ecstatic spirits. With a lop-sided smile, he exhaled deeply. "Ahh... this is astonishing. I'd almost lost hope. You better bring me some spicy news, Jung."

Somin dear, just wait.

-

"Cut!"

The six boys dispersed from their assigned positions towards the water cooler to satisfy their thirst and the music stopped. Cha Eunwoo reached for the towel, wiping the sweat on his neck and forehead.

The staff members clapped for the boy's impressive performance for their MV 'Hide & Seek'. The six rookies bowed gratefully in return. Their manager yelled, telling his group, Astro, about the set they'll be heading to for the next scene in the video. They nodded enthusiastically. The director joined them. "Okay, boys. Get in position for the next part in five minutes."

"We'll start from the second chorus, right?" MJ asked as he adjusted his hair.

Moonbin nodded. "Yeah." Jinjin, their leader, turned to their manager. "Can I order ice cream for lunch? It's hot!"

He shook his head. Eunwoo smiled as the boys broke out in an argument with their manager to let them off the hook. When he finally agreed, the argument reverted towards the choice of flavor.

"How about cookie dough? My friend said it was good."

"I'm in the mood for caramel," Rocky whined.

"It's got to be chocolate," Eunwoo stated. "That's final." He took out his phone to place the order. Moonbin snatched it from his hands. "No, you ordered chocolate last time--" He stopped abruptly, eyes widening to someone in distance. "Who's... that?"

The boys turned their back to look at what he was pointing at. Eunwoo gasped, his grip on the phone became unsteady allowing his bandmate to seize it immediately. But nothing mattered more than the view before him. Nam Somin.

Like a programmed robot, Eunwoo's legs walked closer to her. She was wearing a long navy blue dress, full sleeved and high collared with short boots. When her eyes met his, a wide grin jumped to her lips. "Bonjour!" [hello]

Eunwoo let out a surprised laugh. "What are you doing here?!" How did she know where I was, she's never been to my agency. Did she stumble here by mistake?
Of course, it has to be that.

Somin didn't answer and handed him a bouquet of blooming white lilies. "There you go." Then, after a brief hug, she bent down to retrieve something from a plastic bag she'd brought with her that Eunwoo just noticed. He glanced at the bouquet had a card attached to it which said 'Congratulations ASTRO on your debut!' in her slanting writing.

A blissful feeling broke out in his chest, the happiness he felt was unmeasurable. So, she did come here by choice... Somin straightened with a mini-size cake in her hands, she supported a lovely, excited smile. "Congratulations!" He just blinked in surprise. "Here!" She thrust the cake in his hands. "Come on, Eunwoo, unfreeze."

He laughed. His bandmates were getting suspicious of this girl Eunwoo was chatting with so they sneaked closer, hoping to catch something. She was saying, "Don't say that, I had to do this." Her hands moved in the air avidly. "You're debuting, it's such a big moment!"

There was a cheerful glow on his face as he scratched his head. "But still, it's too much--"

"Um, sorry to interrupt but is that cake?" Sanha, the maknae, blurted out, earning everyone's attention.

Somin's head whipped in his direction. "Oh shit, I forgot them. Yes, it's a cake. Eunwoo invite your group too." She waved them over.

Moonbin frowned as the guys came out in open, shaking hands with this pretty idol. She was smiling at everyone and apparently had came over to support their debut. "Do we know you?"

Eunwoo, who rolled his eyes at his friend because it was an insult not recognizing her, answered. "She is Aurora's Somin."

"Oh, you are Nam Somin?" MJ's eyes widened. God, they heard about this girl night and day, how well she sings, and how perfectly she dances. When Eunwoo nodded lightly, his bandmates exchanged a knowing glance, nudging their elbows pointing which didn't go unnoticed by Somin. She sighed and ignored it. A few days back, Sooyoung and her had patched up. Somin had decided that she was going to be extra nice to Eunwoo from now on and be as cautious as to not 'hurt' him as possible. That was all she could do.

"Thank you so much, sunbae-nim!" The leader bowed.

When the director called them to restart shooting, Eunwoo threw her an apologetic glance. She shook her head, "It's okay." She looked at her watch.  "I've already called a cab that will reach here in twenty minutes. I'll watch you perform in the meantime. Go on."

"This is the last scene for today. I'll make sure to end it quickly." He promised,and called the other boys who were busy stuffing there face in the vanilla pineapple cake. 

"Hey, don't ruin your makeup!" Somin reminded.

"Don't worry noona." The maknae replied cheekily.

"You're an angel to bring this treat, I was starving!" MJ cheered with a bright smile.

Somin smiled back. Look at me, I just debuted six months ago and I'm already a 'noona' and 'senior' to someone. 

Jinjin licked his fingers. "Haha, it makes sense why Eunwoo likes you so much. You must always treat him too--"

The man in question who was already on the dance stage placed over the set, threw an irritated glare at his bandmate and yelled, "Yah, stop chatting and come over! We need to finish this quick before she leaves."

The boys scurried back in their positions, the music blasted off and so did their dance moves. Eunwoo thought he'd piss his pants from nervousness because Somin's eyes were constantly on them and just the thought that she was watching him made him feel insecure and inexplicably imperfect.

When he messed up the choreography the third time, confused the arm swing with a hop, the other members groaned in despair as they lost their sync again. "What is suddenly  wrong with you?"

He shook his head. From the corner of his eyes, Eunwoo waved Somin to turn around. She blinked in surprise, then laughed and turned her back to them. I hope I do well now.

Her phone vibrated. Are you a snake or something?

She grinned at Sehun's sudden text. I am, why?

I think so too. 'Cause I was going over one of your dance practice videos and you move like you have no bones.

Snakes do have bones, idiot.

Really? They do?

Did you fail your science class? 

Go to hell -_-

Ahh, now I see why you became an idol.
because you failed high school.

Oh shut up, I'm complimenting you and you're insulting me in return!

Somin broke into a bubble of laughter. Sorry, I missed the 'compliment' part. You just called me a snake.

Ugh, never mind.
You're impossible.

Alright, stop whining. Thanks for stalking me though.

What are you doing?

Just finished a photo shoot for Lotte. You?

She paused for a while. Sehun doesn't have to know about Eunwoo, does he? Nothing much, this and that.

I'm going to pick Vivi from his center. How's Leo?

He's good.
Hopefully.

What?

I've been checking up on his assigned care-taker almost everyday but my manager won't allow me to keep him in the dorm.

Where is he now?

He's in Care.. do you know that place? It's in the Jongnu lane, sixth avenue.

WHAT? If you really love your cat, you won't keep him in such a shabby place.

But I can't afford any other!

You can at least spend your salary on Leo to get him in a animal center that's up to the mark.

She sighed. Boy, what do you know about my salary?  He texted before Somin could reply. I might have missed the part where my science teacher told us if snakes have bones or not but I sure as hell know how to care about my animals.

Woah you're a piece of shit.
Not all of us sell our album in millions, all right? We have to be cautious where we spend our money.

Whatever. the joke's on you, darling.

Before Somin could think of a reply equally witty and insulting, Eunwoo popped up from behind her. Astro had wrapped up shooting at this location. Clicking on the camera in her phone, she ordered him, "Go on, stand with your group and pose. We need to capture this!"

The boys huddled closer and Somin smiled widely as she took their pictures. "Seungmin will want photos when I tell him about this."

Eunwoo nodded. "How's he doing? I haven't been in touch lately."

"Good as ever." Somin shrugged, walking towards the exit because it was time to leave.

A flushed look replaced his features. "All of this..." He pointed back towards the bouquet and the cake currently being devoured by his members. "It wasn't necessary at all. I mean, I ain't even debuting this year."

"Well, shooting the first music video is always nerve-wracking." She shook her head. "And I know, next year will come in the blink of an eye and you'll be shining on the stage, capturing every heart before we even know it."

He chuckled. Not every heart and does it matter it really count if it's not yours? She went on. "So don't fret over it. Also," She paused, covering her face with the face mask as they were out in the open now. "I was thinking if you want to come over for dinner someday?"

"What?" he was startled. She's never sought for spending time alone with me. She's even acting strange today, Somin's never that sweet.

"We can consider it the celebratory treat for my award." She reasoned. "Or for your debut?"

 But then again, if she wants to be closer, why not?  What do I have to complain about. It might lead to something better. He laughed. "I'd love to! When are you free?"

She thought for a minute. "Um.. I'll have to check. This weekend, maybe?" I hope this makes up for the last time you left so abruptly. "And you know what? We'll invite Sooyoung too, turn it into a small high school reunion?" Somin's eyes widened with the brilliant idea she'd just come up with. Maybe, it will show that idiot friend of mine that I don't give him any hope, don't lead him on? She thought. "Three friends turned into idols. How's that?"

Eunwoo face palmed inwardly. Just when things were about to go the way I wanted to. He answered her, uncertainly. "You sure? It's Red Velvet, after all, I don't reckon she'll be able to spare time."

"Really?"

"Yeah." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder since he could see her cab pulling in the parking lot. "It's better if it's just the two of us, don't you think so?" He flashed her a divine smile. 

Somin sighed. "I'll text if I'm free this week." Before they entered the parking lot, she pushed him away. "Don't. We don't want to be seen in public under broad daylight, do we?"

-

In Aurora's dance practice room during break time, Saebyul was on the floor, massaging her foot that she'd injured during the recording of Hello Counselor last night, and Ariya was video-calling with her family in the corner of the small room. Rio was catching up on some videos of Exo's concert in Bangkok the previous week. Somin sat beside her, her eyes occasionally drifting to the screen searching for only one man among nine, while arguing with Jae.

Jae said, "All I am saying is that Mr. Lee mentioned something if we wanted to enter any song in the albums. You can do that."

"But I don't produce music," Somin denied, popping her feet on the couch's armrest. "I just write."

Jae persuaded. "Yes, you showed us the lyrics drafts you wrote once, didn't you? Why don't you hand them over and they'll see if there's a music piece that will fit well with it."

Somin thought for a second. "Nah.. the stuff I wrote isn't rainbows and unicorns. This album wouldn't fit with the angsty, sad stuff."

Saebyul raised an eyebrow. "By the way." She stood up and seated herself beside Somin. "You've been going out a lot lately. Even manager unnie notices sometimes but I make an excuse so she's not suspicious yet."

The other girl stared blankly at the leader. "Oh, I um... nothing special, really. Sometimes I go to vibe or I visit Leo--"

"Hey, Somin..." Jae exclaimed, her face had a pensive look. "Vibe reminded me of something."

"Hmm?"

"You told us about a guy once, who flirted and danced with you, remember?" She asked, catching her by surprise.

Saebyul chuckled. "Oh yes, did he call?"

"How would she know? didn't she give him a fake number?" Rio reasoned.

Somin knew it was better to stay quiet. Lying was never difficult for her but lying to the people she cherished so much made her feel guilty. And she did it day and night, whenever she was smiling over her phone, using her secret Instagram account or going out to meet Sehun. The lies flooded out from her mouth before she could even think about it.

"So?" They asked.

"Uhh." She scratched the back of her head. Can I at least tell them who he really is? Sometimes, she really wanted to spill the beans to her band members. Tell them how one look at him made her heart go crazy and that she wanted to break all the rules for him. She wanted to tell the truth so badly but her mind was overflowing with doubts. Will they support me? Will they even understand?

No, it's too risky. She smiled uneasily. "Haha no, I told you guys it was a one-time thing."

"Ah good thing, though." Saebyul nodded quickly. "'Cause even if you did meet him, it's not like you can date."

Somin's eyes anxiously bolted to her leader's face to check if she implied a double meaning but all the girls looked as clueless as ever. Though she was glad she hadn't babbled about Sehun like an idiot when they had asked, nevertheless, the leader's words stung her differently. The guilt she felt about lying heightened as this new addition piled up.

Rio saved her from the troubled job of answering. "My doctor isn't happy with me." She announced.

Three heads turned in her direction. "What?"

The maknae was gazing at the floor, a dull gloom over her face. "He says I am over-working myself. When people with type 2 diabetes are under mental stress, they generally experience an increase in their blood glucose levels."

"And?"

"He advised me to take rest, sleep six hours at least. Have a healthy diet..." She trailed off. "It's impossible and you guys know that."

It was true though. The girls hardly slept five hours a day. The recording had ended the day before thankfully but there was still much to do. Promotional campaigns, MV shooting, and TV appearances. It would be impractical to fall out of their schedule at this moment. They knew how much Rio used to fall sick during the trainee era because they'd stay late every night.

"Can't you enhance your medication or something?" Jae suggested.

"I said that too, he said it's not preferable to take more dose at my age." She sighed. "I haven't told my parents about this but they will find out and.."

A dejected gloom suspended over the dance practice room. Ariya ended the call and joined them. "Should I talk to the manager unnie?" The leader voiced out. "To go easy on you?"

"What good will it do?" Rio shook her head. "I'll just have to be careful myself."

"We're there for you." Ariya smiled.

Somin cleared her throat. "Actually, I was thinking of inviting you guys to my place this Sunday. I am throwing Eunwoo a dinner but I guess y'all should come along as well. I'm cooking this time and that happens once a year so consider yourself lucky. We all deserve a break."

Rio shot her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry but I was planning to lie in."

"It's okay, I understand." She assured her, looking at the others in question.

Ariya nudged the leader's elbow playfully. "I don't think we should intervene either."

Jae started laughing. "I agree, we should give these two some lonely time."

Somin made a disapproving face, hitting Jae's arm. "Ew, no!"

Ariya smiled, clutching her heart. "I bet when you're both allowed to date, he wouldn't wait a day to ask you out!"

Somin rolled her eyes. "Yea, that would be so much fun."

Rio chimed. "And when they announce their relationship officially I will tell the whole world how they were in love even before debuting-"

"Shut up." Somin complained. She couldn't help laughing listening to her members were writing out her destiny, clearly unaware of her love life. "This is nonsense."

"Oh, she's just acting." Saebyul shook her head. "You might not realize it now but your feelings will come up in a few years."

Somin scrunched her nose. "You guys are ridiculous." Standing up from her position, she stretched. "That's it, I take my invitation back."

-

"Where's the celery?" Cha Eunwoo asked.

Her eyes darted from the stove to the counter before they fell on the green leaves. She pointed them to him, he nodded and placed them over the chopping board. Although Somin had asked Eunwoo to come over at around 9 p.m, he still chose to reach earlier and offered her to help with the dinner.

Leo purred happily from over his basket and Seungmin was present on the video call, telling the two of them about how he was doing while shouting instructions in between. "Oh my god... what has she done to my kitchen?" His face was filled with horror.

Eunwoo laughed. "You should take a look at your bedroom. It's a bigger mess."

Seungmin scolded. "Nam Somin! You promised to look after this place."

She whined. "I rarely come here, and you want me to clean?!"

The broasted chicken was grilling in the electric oven, its sauces, and appetizers already prepared while she put all her efforts in perfecting the special dessert of the night-- chocolate soufflé. She licked the viscous hot chocolate from the saucer pan and thought for a minute. Turning to Eunwoo who was immersed in fixing the salad, she asked, "Taste this. Is it sweet enough?"

He scrunched his nose when he tried it. "No, add more cooking chocolate."

They sat over the dining counter an hour later with the freshly prepared aromatic food served before them. Leo blissfully nibbling on his food, curled up around his owner's feet. The sound of cutlery clanking on the plates provided them a comfortable atmosphere. Somin hoped with all her heart that this night would go as normal as possible so that she could shove it in Sooyoung's face later that she wasn't as cruel as she believed. Little did she know, her plans were only adding fuel to Eunwoo's hopes.

 As they pigged on the kimbap they had ordered, the two friends chatted over every story they knew of. He told her about the drama his group was shooting these days. "They've fallen in love with you. My bandmates." He didn't look too happy to announce it.

Somin was surprised. "Really? Because I came to show support?"

"No." He shook his head, gulping his wine. "Because you came with a cake."

She laughed, a merry sound that brought tingles to his ears. "That's cool."

"Whenever we're hungry, they go on thinking when will Nam Somin come again with her treats and snacks... aish, those idiots."

She shook her head amusingly. "Haven't you told them? Nam Somin is broke."

 "Not for long, though." He smirked.

"Of course." Somin sipped from her wine. "Money will come in a year or two. I can feel it."

He nodded encouragingly. "My friends will have to wait for a few more years, then." She commented. "So it's true what they say then, the way to any man's heart is from his stomach?"

"Yup."  Eunwoo nodded. "The chicken's really good." Is there anything she isn't good at?

She grinned. "I think I should have added less spice but yeah, thanks."

He gazed at her for a minute. Though realizing she looked beautiful wasn't anything new, but the fluttering feelings in his heart always felt new. She's so much fun when she's single free. Why does she have to get in a relationship? Date a guy that's not me? Though he had avoided bringing up the topic and could tell she avoided it too, Eunwoo couldn't help but be curious who this guy was who had managed to catch her attention. "I still don't believe you cooked all this yourself."

She rolled her eyes. "I am rarely ever motivated to cook, but when I do..."

"When you do, it can pave the way to any man's heart?" Eunwoo asked, his eyes twinkling.

Somin looked at him for a minute. "Yes, exactly."

" I should consider myself lucky, should I?" Eunwoo went on. "To have tasted your skills?"

"Whatever you name it." She shrugged.

Eunwoo muttered, munching on the crackers, "So I was doing this commercial for a cosmetic brand the other day and..." He looked lost.

"Yeah?"

"They put on so much makeup on me, I mean I'm a guy! Is that normal?"

Somin smiled. "It shouldn't be but you were doing it for a makeup brand, what did you expect?"

"And they kept yelling at me to look here!

"And tilt your head this way!" She giggled, mimicking the photographers.

"Shoulders back!" He added in amusement.

"Chin up!" She ordered him to lift his chin with her silver fork. The two of them burst into laughter. It felt comforting to know they both experienced the same things, had something ugly to relate to in this world of perfect people.

"I'm almost done. What about you?" She glanced at his half-empty plate. Eunwoo nodded. "I'll finish this. Your majesty may serve her grand dessert now."

As Somin got up and pulled open the fridge door, the delicate dish was placed before her. One can never have enough chocolate. Just as she bent down to pick it, the bell rung. Twice.

Somin and Eunwoo exchanged a startled glance. It was ten in the night, not exactly late, but she couldn't remember if anybody was supposed to come.

"I'll check." He began to lift from his seat. Somin immediately shook her head in denial. "No, I-I'll see." I have a small suspicion of who it could be.

Making sure he wasn't following her, Somin opened the door and her stomach tightened in a knot. The man in front of her was the one she'd expected but the last person who could have crashed their party.

"Sehun!" She whispered in a panicked tone. "What are you doing here!" It sounded more like an accusation than a question.

He immediately felt something warm in his chest seeing her. Her russet brown hair cascading over her shoulders, the dark blue top complimenting her porcelain skin. He could almost see his reflection on her glossy cheekbones. She was dressed up, he noticed. Flashing her one of his dashing smiles, "Why? Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course not, I--" Somin looked over her shoulder. Oh no, I should have known. Showing him the address of my apartment complex meant he could come over anytime, even at the times when he was clearly not welcome. "I was not expecting you. I have a guest-"

She heard Eunwoo's voice call from the living room."Somin?" It seemed that he was coming this way. "Who it it?"

Sehun's eyes held a mixture of surprise and confusion. He repeated the question. "Who is that ?"

Somin felt like she was going to pass out then and there. The night was going great, almost perfect. Her heart was at peace that she wasn't playing with Eunwoo as Sooyoung had implied but if Sehun entered, she knew all her efforts will crumble to dust. 

When the sound of Eunwoo's light steps became louder, she hurriedly blocked his view by closing the door. "Who is there??" He asked.

She smiled confidently. "The postman. Um, you go on, I'll see it." He peered curiously over her shoulder. Why is she guarding the door like that?

Eunwoo shoved his hands in his pant's pocket and smirked. "There's no post on Sunday, Somin." 

Her smile fell and he could see the wheels running in her mind to look for another excuse. Who could she be hiding like that? Is it perhaps... that guy?

Suddenly filled with determination to come face to face with his contender, Eunwoo turned the doorknob to open the door. She gasped. "Wait, don't-"

Outside, he came across a confused guy. He was tall and broad-shouldered and fully concealed. A face mask, a cap, and a branded jacket. As simple as that attire was, his clothes still screamed 'rich'. "Yes?"

Sehun turned towards her with a demanding stare. She sighed, shutting the door on his face again. What the hell is the problem with this girl? And who was that?

On the other side of the door, Somin spoke in a rushed tone. "I'm so sorry. I swear I didn't invite him! We can explain and send him back. I'll apologize--"

He shook his head. "No, I want to meet him."

She was taken aback. "You do? I don't want him to crash our party."

"I do."

With that, he turned the silver doorknob with a smile. "We're sorry. Please come inside."

Sehun looked fixedly at her, a look that screamed of betrayal. "No, I am sorry to interrupt. I'll leave."

She huffed a frustrated sigh. These over-reactive men will be the death of me one day. "Now that you're here, you're not going anywhere. Come inside before someone spots you." She ordered.

Sehun was seated in the living room, he felt a lot of emotions bubbling inside him. Anger and confusion were leading. Somin was moving around in the kitchen and the other guy was sitting before him. Sehun's posture was uncomfortable and he hated being in this situation. This was far from what he had imagined before coming over to her apartment. By now, he had deduced two observations about this guy who was Somin's guest. First, he was acting two sweet with her, and too curious around Sehun. Second, he was drop-dead gorgeous.

Eunwoo stated proudly. "I am Cha Eunwoo, Somin's friend. We were having dinner, we're almost finished. The dessert's left though. You should join us." 

Friend? Really, dude? Sehun nodded shortly. Taking off his mask, he said. "I don't think I need an introduction but anyways...I'm Oh Sehun." He held a hand before him. Eunwoo's mouth dropped. He's right, he doesn't need an introduction. Who doesn't know EXO's rapper?!

Before throwing a baffled glance in Somin's direction, who was watching them keenly through the open kitchen, Eunwoo shook Sehun's hand. "I'm really sorry for intruding your... eh- your dinner-"

"Oh, it's not a bother." Eunwoo waved his hand dismissively. "Any friend of hers is a friend of mine. Make yourself comfortable." Not too comfortable, though, he thought. Somin brought the oval-shaped dish and placed it carefully over the coffee table, her eyes met with Sehun's for a brief second. They held so many questions.

She served them in their china bowls. Never in her life had Somin felt so powerless and paralyzed. The night had had a shift of events so suddenly, she couldn't adjust to it. Sehun's sudden arrival coupled with Eunwoo's incomprehensible eagerness to meet him was making her mind burst and her sweat glands leaking. The three of them were quiet but the silence was anything but comfortable this time. The air had a tense, suffocating effect on the three of them.

Eunwoo had a lot on his mind as he nibbled on Somin's delicious soufflé. It had a crusty exterior, a dramatic rise above the rim, and a rich, loose center. It was bursting his mouth with the bright, clear taste of the chocolate. Eunwoo didn't like the looks of this guy at all. He seemed a too good competition, he had everything Somin could take a fancy to. When she said it was 'someone better this time' did she honestly mean Exo's Sehun? His group is the hottest craze these days. Where did they even meet? How far are they now? Does he know about me? My god, I know I wanted to see him but this was not what I was expecting.

He broke the silence. "It's delicious, Som. I must say, you amazed me once again!"

She jumped a little at the sudden praise, then she smiled at him. "Thank you."

Sehun figured he should say something too."Oh yes, Som. It's just great." His voice dripped with sarcasm.

She threw him a glare. Eunwoo spoke up. "Did your mother teach this too? I've never eaten a dessert like this before."

She nodded. "Yeah, it's French. But it's pretty common these days. I'm sure Korea's five-star restaurants must serve Souffle.

"Yeah, I've had it loads of times before." Sehun folded his arms.

His tone made her squirm. Eunwoo raised a skeptical brow in Sehun's direction. Typical popular type isn't he? Haughty and snobbish. He checked his watch. "I should leave. My dorm curfew begins in half an hour."

She nodded quickly. "Okay. Should I pack you something?"

He grinned. "No, it's fine. I don't want to spoil my bandmates."

"Bandmates?" Sehun looked up, surprised. "You're an idol?"

Eunwoo nodded shortly as he tied his shoelaces. "About to be. I will debut the coming year."

Sehun just nodded a goodbye, while she stood up to see him off. Though he didn't join them as they walked away, his eyes and ears were glued on the pair. Somin smiled slightly. "Thanks for coming. I'm sorry for the--"

"It's okay." Eunwoo shook his head. With a pause, he whispered when they reached the main door. "He's not going to stay over, is he?"

Somin's eyes widened. "What! No."

He nodded a little. "Yeah, it's just that..." What can I say? Don't date him, don't see him anymore? "Seungmin hyung wouldn't appreciate if a man stayed here without him knowing." What a shitty excuse, Eunwoo. Way to go.

"Of course, you don't have to remind me."

 "Anyways, I loved being here. And thanks for having me." He smiled.

 Taking a deep breath, he leaned down and pasted a chaste kiss on her head, sucking out all breath from her lungs. Somin quickly stepped back, staring at him in shock. She was unable to say another word or move a limb. Worse, she could feel Sehun's eyes on them. With another charming smile, Eunwoo waved and left.

When the loud shutting noise of the door boomed, Sehun stood up and walked towards her. He didn't say a word but she already felt intimidated under his gaze. His accusing eyes were piercing right through her like a sharp blade. "You could have informed before coming."

"I did call. But I guess you were too busy."

She sighed, shifting her gaze away. Sehun demanded, "Nam Somin, you have a lot of explaining to do."

"What explaining?" She raised an eyebrow. "Eunwoo's my friend, you met him."

When she moved to pick up the empty bowls, he stopped her. "A friend who kisses you?"

I knew this would come up. But I'm not obliged to explain, am I? He's nothing more than Eunwoo is, if not less. "I don't know how and why that happened, neither do I care. It's never happened before. Can we stop talking about this now?"

Sehun nodded after a minute of consideration. He was in no position to question about her company and her relation with them but that certainly didn't mean he wasn't allowed to be jealous secretly.

He helped her as she placed the dirty dishes in the wash sink and the remaining food in the refrigerator. Filling himself a glass of water, he observed his surroundings. The kitchen opened into the living room which was dipped in the soft shades of peach and white. Three bedroom doors could be seen. The pantry was probably on the backside of the kitchen.  A small balcony also opened before him. The apartment wasn't lush, but it was comfortable.

"Where are your parents?" He asked.

"I don't..." She was startled by his question. "I don't have parents," Somin answered intelligently.

He laughed. "What? So, did you descend directly from the heavens? Oh, or does your specie grow on trees?"

Somin burst into laughter. "No, I didn't mean that!" She shook her head. "I meant, my parents aren't here. They don't live here."

"Ahh.. where are they then?"

Always prying his nose here and there, isn't he?  She threw him a warning look and he understood. Her tight-lipped attitude annoyed him but he had to adjust to it. I guess I'll just have to wait for the answers?

"I always wanted my parents to live with me." He told her.

Throwing him a glance as she placed the ingredients littering the counter in their respective places, she asked. "Don't you have a place of your own?" 

"I do have a rented unit, and I'm saving up for my own property, but my family insists that they feel comfortable as they are now." He scowled. 

"Maybe when you move in a bigger, permanent place, they'll change their minds." She suggested.

"Yeah, that's what I am hoping." He nodded. 

Somin asked. "You're an only child?"

He was absent-mindedly playing with the cat's soft hair. shook his head. "I have a hyung, three years older."

She grinned, "So you're the youngest in your family too?" Sehun nodded. "Hmm...that explains a lot of things."

He frowned when he turned around to catch Somin's lips twisted in mocking smile like she was secretly amused by the fact. "What things?"

"You know." She shrugged her shoulder. "Why you're a spoiled brat."

Sehun sniggered. "Spoiled brat?" Now he was laughing. "I am a very kind, mannered and decent gentleman if you know me."

She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Who are we kidding."

"I am!" He exclaimed indignantly. "I--I.." He thought for a minute. "I help old ladies cross the road once a week." She burst into laughter. "...and I save puppies and offer my seat to ladies and open the door for them when--"

"Stop it!" She hit his back with her spatula, giggling. It was a melodious voice that rung in his ears. Sehun made an offended face, dramatically massaging the area where she'd hit him. "I'll have to teach you some manners, though."

He walked slowly into the living room, afraid she might use a knife next time. His mind traveled back to the guy who'd been here earlier. In all honestly, he couldn't stop thinking about what was going on before he showed up. He could see how natural the two friends looked like they'd known each other for ages. But what troubled him more was that it didn't really look like 'friendship'. Was she just leading me on all this time? Her phone that was sitting on the coffee table, rang up. He saw the word Dad flash up on the screen. Somin's head appeared from the kitchen. "Is it my phone?"

He nodded and brought it to her. Sehun saw all shades of color drain up from her face and a frown make its way. Just as she was about to deny the call, he thrust it in her hands. "You can attend the call... in the meanwhile, I'll just have some more of that?" He pointed at the soufflé dish.

She chuckled. "I thought you've had better soufflé before?"

"I have." Sehun licked his lips. "Not better than this."

Her heart fluttered. She beamed. "Serve yourself. I'll be right back."

Somin left the kitchen and went to her room, she couldn't risk Sehun overhearing any part of the conversation. "Hey, Dad."

"Ahh, how are you, my dear?" His voice was pleasant, as always.

"Great. What about you guys?"

"Hmm, we're okay too. Is your brother alright? I was calling him but he isn't picking up."

"Really? I just video called him today. He must be sleeping." Somin reasoned. She sat on her bed. "So you have reserved today to call up on the old family, have you?"

"Yes, you can say that."

She laughed sarcastically. "Why? Are you bored with the new one already?"

She could hear her father letting out a troubled sigh. "Oh.. Somin." Why are you always so bitter?

"Are you in contact with Mom too?" She asked carefully.

"Somin, why do you ask that question?" He demanded. She sighed. Like a small child, she liked to believe that there was some hope of restoring her broken family life again. It was just wishful thinking. Maybe one day, Dad will come back to us, Mom will return from France and Seungmin oppa will have completed his probation by then and all of us will live together again? Like a true family, like old times?

He replied in an annoyed tone. "I've told you a thousand times, the last time I saw and spoke to your mother was in court and I don't plan to go over this again so stop bringing it over and over again!"

Sometimes, somethings were too painful to accept. Even after decades, you couldn't stop wishing. "Okay."

After a pause, he said. "By the way, congratulations on that award! I didn't watch the show, I read it somewhere. Aren't you going great, darling?"

Somin smiled, playing with the print on her skirt. "Thanks, Dad."

"I'm surprised to see how much Jiyeon likes to watch your videos. She always was an ecstatic fan for music but she likes you a lot--"

"What do you mean?" She interrupted. "Jiyeon doesn't know who I really am?" Jiyeon was her stepsister, the reason behind her parent's divorce.

There was an awkward silence on the line. "Uh, yes, she doesn't. Her--" He coughed. "Her mother and I haven't told her about my-- um my other family..."

Somin could feel the heat rushing to her head. "What the hell, dad. She splits up my whole family and you don't even want her to worry her pretty, innocent mind about her father's first marriage?" She asked indignantly.

"Jiyeon did nothing. And besides, she doesn't have to know."

"Oh of course, how can we stain the image of the perfect family in her eyes. Jiyeon would be so hurt."

"We will let her know when the time comes." He sighed defeatedly. "She admires you so much, and when we'll tell her that you're both sisters, she'd go crazy."

"I'm thrilled." Somin rolled her eyes. "Anyways, I have somebody waiting. Bye, Dad."

"Take care, darling."

Not once had she ended a call with her parents without souring her mood entirely. Sehun looked up when she emerged from the bedroom, a deep frown glued on her face. Her body language showed she shouldn't be messed with at the moment. He was well aware of her temper. Nevertheless, he said. "How did it go?"

"Fine." She shrugged.

"Wasn't that your father?" He commented casually.

"Hmm."

"What does he do?" Sehun asked. "Other than pissing you off?"

Somin smiled reluctantly. "He's a businessman." She clenched her jaw, hoping he wouldn't delve deeper into her family. She had a feeling that he would and it wouldn't go well because one, she really was pissed off because of her conversation with her father and two, Sehun had a knack for touching matters that were too sensitive.

When she didn't say any further, Sehun went on, "Your mother, why is she in France though?"

Somin blew a deep breath in, pointing at the bowl in his hand. "I think the cream needed more beating, don't you think? There are a few air bubbles--"

An annoyed expression masked his face. "You're dodging my questions." He pointed out simply.

She rolled her eyes. "Glad you got the point."

Somin was making her way back to the kitchen when he got up from the couch and grumbled, "Why this secrecy?" She didn't answer. "I am honest. I am open to you about everything." Unlike you, who has secret lovers.

Somin's ears perked up when he said that. Is that why he suddenly began telling me about his family? It makes sense. "I am not. It's simple as that." She replied calmly.

"What's with you and your habit of hiding all the people in your life?" He was determined to get to the core this time. Her guarded words about her family are one thing, but if she's really lying about being 'friends' with that guest then it was getting on his nerves.

She sighed. "I'm not hiding anyone."

Sehun's brows furrowed. "If you're going to keep lying then there's no point of this."

She shut her eyes close, taking a deep breath. She heard him say, "I am sure that he knows everything about your highly confidential life, right?"

"Who?" She looked at him in confusion.

"Your dear friend." The words came out as a spat.

Somin was really bent out of shape now. "So that's what this is all about."

"Take it how ever you want to." Sehun shrugged, he was still eager for her answer.

"Stop acting all hurt." She snapped back. "I didn't hide anyone."

He threw his arms in the air, frustrated. "Oh really? You told me about your bandmates, your friendship with Joy and other people, but you never mentioned this so-called friend of yours and now you say you didn't hide anyone."

So called? "What is that supposed to mean?" Her tone was louder and dripping in anger. She'd had enough men making a fuss out of her life for the day.

Sehun huffed. Maybe this was just a bad choice, she isn't even serious here. He shook his head and turned back. Somin followed him to the living room. "Answer me!"

He whipped back, his sharp eyes glowering at Somin. "Just because you're ashamed of your personal life doesn't mean you have to snap at everyone about it!"

He had crossed the limits. Somin scoffed. "Oh please, stop talking as if you're really interested in my life, you're just jealous of Eunwoo."

Sehun gritted his teeth. "Oh, trust me, I have no interest in all the boys you've kept for back up."

Somin's jaw dropped, her world stopped for a moment. "What did you say?"

"You heard me."

"Oh I did, I'm just giving you a chance to take it back." Her voice turned dangerously threatening.

His words stung her like hot, sweltering fire catching her by surprise and burning her insides. It was bold of him to bring up her family life in front of her and not only that, to shove it in Somin's face was another story. But this time he had aimed her directly. 

She looked away. Her entire stature was shaking, her breath hitched in her throat. Somin had put up with this kind of criticism all her life. But she never expected it from him.

"You're no better. You're just like all of them." Her voice came out as a whisper.

Judging by her stunned face, Sehun could tell he had hit a nerve. Once again, he could only marvel how unpleasantly things had turned this night into a disaster, this situation didn't even lie in his sub-conscience when he had decided to pay her a visit.

"Leave." She turned to him again, there was no warmth in those eyes. The hurt look was now replaced by a cold, hard expression.

"You're not--" Sehun started.

"Get out while I'm asking nicely." She hissed.

He stared at her for a minute. "Fine."

And just like the passing breeze, he was gone but had evoked a raging storm in her chest that sent twinges of disappointment and pain all through her spine. She had seen too many judgmental people and encountered their cruel conclusions. Even Sooyoung, her best friend, accused her of playing with Eunwoo, hell this was the reason she had even set up the dinner for; to erase any bad feelings... but it hurt so badly when the words came out of Sehun's mouth.

-

Aurora was on their feet the entire week. With the upcoming comeback preparations and additional solo schedules, the girls hardly found time for themselves. They were practically running from one place to another hoping they would make it to the next schedule on time. A few hours they found free were spent in catching up on sleep, even then four hours of sleep a night was the most they could manage. A proper lunch and dinner was a privilege now because most of the easting was done in their vans. Stress and anticipation kept building on them. Rio and Ariya would break down in tears almost every night after practice.

But even with everything on her plate, Somin still found time to revisit that night. Boys you've kept for back up... She couldn't help his words from ringing in her ears. He takes me as the type of girl to toy with people's feelings. She felt disgusted. Though Somin wasn't that vulnerable to be affected so easily but for the previous few weeks, she'd grown fond of him and it made it worse.

When she tried to think about it with a cool head, she wondered if she'd been too rude to him, if she'd said too much. But then, she only came to one conclusion" I wouldn't stand anyone's bullshit and I can never let a man say anything and assume I will not respond in the same tone.

The previous night, at the Dream Concert, she'd seen him again in the ocean of so many people, the first time after he'd left her apartment. None of them tried to reach out for the other. Somin made it clear that she didn't want to do anything with him, however, the way Sehun shamelessly stared at her through the whole program, it was obvious he didn't plan the same.

"The photoshoot for the Etude House Fragrances will be with Somin and Jae in an hour." Manager Nancy read off the schedule she had set on her phone. "The rest of you have a fan sign today and in the afternoon the five of you will appear together in Happy Camp."

Jae pouted. "I want to go to the fansign. The fans will think Somin and I are being snobby." Meeting the fans was the only part of the schedule where they found contentment, it helped them relax.

The manager shook her head. "We only advertised you both for endorsement. Besides, we have released a statement that you can't be there because you're shooting promos but that you really wanted to be there for the fans."

Somin argued, taking a bite off her strawberry pastry. "Still it's better than having a bunch of people yelling at you."

"If you behave and do as you're told," The manager was unsure if she had the authority to offer that to the two girls. "Maybe the photoshoot will end in time for both of you to get to the fansign. But that's ultimately going to be up to you."

Jae's eyes beamed with excitement. "We will behave, I swear."

Somin and Jae rood in the middle of the room, surrounded by blinding lights and people buzzing around them. There was a pillar in between them where bottles of the new perfume rested atop. Heavy-duty fans blew gusts of air in their faces to blow their hair which made them shiver since the temperature was starting to drop, a sign of the arrival of Autumn.

"Straighten out your neck." The photographer scolded Jae. "You look like a turtle."

"I can't." Jae shook her head, her shoulders hunched to protect herself. "The wind from the fan is tickling me."

"Come on, Jae." Somin's voice was more soothing unlike the impatient tones of the photographers. "Remember we want to get to the fan sign in time, so please endure it a little more."

Jae sucked her breath with determination. "I'll try for the fans." She announced triumphantly.

When the girls finally got through the photoshoot for the new perfume that was coming out in a few months, they hurriedly changed out of their expensive clothes and rushed out.

"We have two hours till the fan meet ends." Jae told her as their van bolted to the road. "I just called manager unnie, she says that we need to stop by the dorm to get in fresh clothes and then if we hurry, we can at least make it to the last hour." Their manager had congratulated them for being highly professional.

But things didn't proceed as planned, they were caught up in traffic just before they could reach the dorm. The area was a mess of cars and trunks bonking their ears to the next century. Tapping her fingers impatiently on the armrest, Somin said, "We'll never make it there."

Within seconds, the traffic jam came to a complete stand and the girls began to feel anxious. Her gaze was trained out the window to the sidewalk when she spotted a place to rent motor scooters. She quickly tugged on her friend's arm. 

"Jae, I know how to get there."

The older girl quickly shook her head, refusing. "Oh no, we're not renting scooters. We don't even know how to drive one."

"It's just like riding a motorcycle." Somin insisted.

"Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?"

"No." She replied. "But I'm sure it's easy. My brother used to. It's honestly a piece of cake."

Jae heaved a sigh but didn't say no. Somin took that as a good sign. She knew that Jae loved adventure and that she really wanted to be their to the greet the fans too. The pleased looks on everyone's face when they'd enter the event was just too good to miss, they wanted to see their fans happy. 

"Somehow, I think you driving a scooter will not end well." Jae spoke. 

"I'll be careful," Somin swore. Jae nodded hesitantly and told their driver the plan. He refused to go with it but Somin had an excuse for that too. "Look, manager unnie will never disapprove. I mean the public might take it as a grand gesture on our end, right? It will be a publicity stunt."

He complied. "Fine, go to the dorm, you know the way. I will catch up as soon as the traffic clears."

The girls squealed in excitement, opening the door and jumped out of the stopped car. They raced into the rental place, knocking the flower pots on their way. "I need your fastest scooter, please." Somin blurted at the counter. She couldn't wait for the cool breeze to hit her face, to experience the feeling of freedom.

Jae came after her, catching her breath. "Don't listen to her. We will rent two scooters with average speed. You can't be trusted with fast vehicles." 

"We need to get there today. Not next week!"

"We'll get there," Jae assured.

And soon enough, the girls were riding to their dorm on their scooters after the payment and getting their helmets and a brief guide of all the levers. through the small spaces they found on their lane on the busy road. When they turned left to a frontage road leading to their dorm, Somin yelled at Jae, "First one to reach gets to shower first!"

"WHAT?" The elder girl asked worriedly. She couldn't catch her friend's words but the mischievous look on Somin's face told her it wasn't something nice. Soon she witnessed her dongsaeng accelerating the speed and vanishing into thin air. Jae groaned in despair, taking after the younger girl. 

As she followed behind closely, Somin's head whipped back again holding an over-excited smile and Jae could hear her saying something again. But her attention was more focused at the tall lamp post that was just ahead Somin's scooter but the stupid girl was busy saying something over her shoulder. Jae screamed. "SOMIN! Look straight!"

But the warning reached her ears too late.

-

Sehun shut off his laptop after exiting the game he was playing. Losing repeatedly was better than doing nothing. He had figured that maybe it could help release the mental stress and the internal struggle he was experiencing but it was a bad idea.

Stretching his long legs on the bed, Sehun stared at the ceiling. The last few days had been so utterly boring and well... guilt-ridden that his sour mood seemed everlasting. He didn't feel like joining whenever his bandmates went for a drink or asked for a round of video games. 

He wanted to make it up to her. Somin's anger made absolute sense to him, he really had crossed the boundary that night. Nobody can take up that much insult under their own roof and if it was Nam Somin, the girl with the biggest ego, it's a wonder why she didn't 'literally' kick me.

But he also knew his face was the last thing she probably wanted to see right now and texting her was something he'd pondered over a lot and decided it would be a lost cause. He sighed loudly, thinking about the time he'd dropped her at her apartment building, they'd almost kissed. How could things get so ugly after that? Why did I let things get so ugly? Why couldn't I have just shut my mouth and swallowed my jealousy? It's Nam Somin we're talking about, the charming Frenchie, of course, she's got a hundred admirers.

"You're no better. You're just like all of them." 
Her words kept reverberating in Sehun's mind, causing the pangs of guilt to prick him again and again.

The door opened with a soft sound, with Suho strolling inside. He sighed, the maknae was deep in his thoughts again and the leader hated it when Sehun was down for mysterious reasons. But it wouldn't stay like that. Suho had something he was sure Sehun would listen to.

"Yah." He called. Sehun titled his head in the direction yet his eyes were distant. Suho started, "That Aurora girl you're so into lately..." Sehun sat straighter. "Heard about her accident?"

"What?" Something in his chest went berserk. He cleared his throat tensely. "What did you say?"

Suho smirked, seeing the color drain from the maknae's cheeks to a pale white. "I read somewhere, I thought you'd know... anyways, I brought Kimchi, it's in the kitchen. Have some before Baekhyun swipes it clean."

With that, he went to the bath room and locked the door. Sehun jumped off his bed, searching  for his phone hurriedly. "Shit!" He groaned when he saw that it only had  2 percent battery. Nevertheless, he tried his luck and clicked on the search engine, typed her name and waited. Even the WiFi connection is slower when I need it the most. He prayed that he wouldn't see any news article regarding this accident and Suho was joking, getting his revenge after all the pranks Sehun had pulled on him.

It was no joke.

Sehun's heart dropped to his stomach. "No.." Pulling himself together, his eyes anxiously darted over every bit of information written in the article.

'Cube Entertainment later assured the fans that it was a minor injury in her wrist which is being tended. It will not cause a delay in the comeback schedule and she will participate in it. Recently it was announced that Aurora will be coming back with their first studio album 'Sugar'. Pre-orders available at...'

"What the fuck!" he exclaimed. The information isn't even complete! He thought. Aren't they going to tell how it happened? How's she doing now?

Pursing his lips in determination, he opened the chat box to check up on her but his phone's battery died on the very moment.

-

"This is why you need parental supervision all the time!" Manager unnie berated. "I wouldn't be surprised if you make it to top ten list of 'Most Problematic Idols' this year." 

Somin rolled her eyes. "I'm not problematic--"

"Ever since Aurora debuted, you have done nothing but stir trouble. You punch men in bars and crash into lamp posts! A scooter--oh god, who even told you it was okay to ride something you've never tried before?!"

She made a face. "I brought you an award too, if you're forgetting that." The rest of the girls muffled a laugh at that. 

After the ugly collision with the metal post, Somin had been thrown to the ground but her helmet saved her head. She was immediately taken to a nearby clinic. Thankfully, only her arm had been slashed and was tended by a nurse on duty who cleaned her wound. She was happy she convinced them not to get sutures on the arm because that would have been the end of all of her efforts. The cut was still raw along with a few bruises here and there. The pain was fading but the only thing that bothered her was falling behind in the dance practice.

"Are you sure?" Saebyul asked for the third time that night, after their manager left. "You'll be okay on your own?"

Somin nodded bravely. "I told you, I feel perfect. Our comeback is just a couple weeks away, I need to polish the choreography, it's more important. I've already missed so many practices." The group's practices and vocal lessons were ordered to be carried on as usual, even when their main dancer was absent for a week.

Ariya massaged her back. "I still think you need rest, Somin. You're our lead dancer, we want you to be in perfect health."

She chuckled. "Exactly. I'm the lead dancer and I have to work hard if you want me to dance flawlessly." She looked around on the uncertain expressions on her group mate's faces. "You guys go back to the dorm and don't worry. Let me work."

She had willingly offered to stay behind to rehearse the dance moves. After many precautionary warnings and wishes, the four girls left while Somin went through the moves. She encountered great difficulty when moving her arm, pain shot up across it every time she shifted it to a sharp angle so she focused more on the leg movements. Sweat would break out on her forehead causing her to fall on her knees and catch her breath. 

Around midnight, Somin's moves were becoming precise as she grasped on the rhythm. It was the same time when the door clicked open so softly that she didn't hear it over the loud music. It was when the man appeared in reflection of the mirrors that she jumped in shock. Turning around to face him, she gaped. His hair was covered by a p-cap, and his figure dominated over hers.

"What are you doing here?"

A lop-sided smile covered his face. "Just making sure you're okay, love. I heard about the accident."

"I am perfectly fine." Her nostrils blew in anger. "Get out."

The tattoo on his wrist became visible when he lifted his hand to touch her hair. She slapped it away. It was such a familiar touch. "Baby, why are you being like this?"

Somin sucked in a deep breath and distanced herself. "Sam, you know I can call the guard. But I don't wanna do that to you."

"Guard?" He looked puzzled. "Give me some credit, Somin, I was your boyfriend!"

She rolled her eyes, questioning her choice of going out with him in her training era. He even looks crap. She walked closer to the music system and shut it off. It was time to leave anyway, because she knew he wouldn't so easily. "Look at me." She asked. "Don't I look okay? I'm sure you wouldn't be so concerned about me now that you've made sure. Take your ass out right now."

"Ahh, look at you." Throwing his head back, Sam laughed. "Being all superior and conceited now that you're an idol. But the girl I remember..." he eyed her from head to toe. "...used to be so romantic."

Somin narrowed her eyes, picking her sling bag from the couch. "This conversation is useless, Sam. Besides, there's nothing more you deserve than my conceited attitude."

 He went on. "Faking smiles and manipulating fans with your words, hmm... must be so normal for you. But don't act, I'm still a part of you, you know." He looked around the room. Being the assistant to her dance trainer, these rooms used to be their only meet-up spots. "Be nicer, baby."

Somin threw him a sweet smile. "A part I chose to leave behind in this room." She reached closer to the door and looked back. "Turn off the lights and lock the door. Oh, and the audio speakers by the couch aren't working properly. Please look into that, must be normal for you."

She tried to walk away as fast as she could. But her killing ankle didn't make it an easy task. Still, she made it to the front lobby of Cube's head office and pulled out her phone to call the driver. One of the watchmen made their way towards her. "Annyeong haseyo ajhussi!" A wide smile jumped to her lips.

The elderly guard smile. "Ahh, Somin. You're leaving very late."

"I had practice, ajhussi."

"Take care of yourself." He advised, then pointed outside. "There's somebody asking for you outside."

"Who?"

"The stubborn lad wouldn't tell his name. It's been an hour. You better hurry."

Somin nodded and trudged outside expecting Eunwoo but there was no one at all. She curiously walked out the gates on the road, squinting her eyes in the darkness to clear her view. She spotted a black Audi. A familiar one.

Her face turned stone cold when the driver's door opened, revealing the owner. Sehun sprinted closer to her. "Somin!"

She fixed him with a sharp look, raising an eyebrow. Sehun bit his lower lip, his eyes glued to her injured arm. He could see how frail she looked, there were circles underneath her eyes."Are you okay? How is your arm now? How did it happen?"

She sighed. "Do you have any idea how dangerous coming here is?"

Sehun looked up. "I know. I... I needed to see you."

Somin gulped the lump in her throat. Even in the dark, his flustered and worried expression could be seen. It melted a part of her heart. "They will kill me if they find you and me here." She pointed at the large Cube's building on her left. "So please--"

"Can we talk?"

"No."

Her tone was kinder than her words. Taking that as a good sign, he stepped forward. "Look, just hear me out, please. I will never--"

A scraping sound could be heard at the end of the street. The two of them stopped dead in their tracks. After a minute of holding their breaths, and squinting in the darkness, Sehun cleared his throat. "You're right. It's not safe here. Can we-- will you come with me? I have a lot to say."

Somin wanted to protest but his earnest voice made it hard to keep up the angry facade. "Alright."

Sehun advanced to open the passenger door, anxious about the condition of her arm that was wrapped up in gauze. All through the car ride to an unknown destination, there was silence. Somin could see him nervously tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, shooting her glances once in a while. I shouldn't have come with him. "Is it healing well?" He blurted out.

"Yeah, I guess."

"How did it happen? The accident, I mean?" His voice was controlled, almost robotic. 

She was more interested in her surroundings than answering his questions. They'd driven for only ten minutes and she could already make out the shimmery glimmer of the Han river in distance. "Where are we..?"

He replied quickly. "Uh, I often come here with my bandmates. The air is really nice."

She nodded. She remembered cycling here along the Hangang bridges with her siblings when they were just carefree teenagers, when life hadn't swept them away to far off places. She couldn't fathom how the conversation would even go on. In her mind, she'd told herself to erase any soft spot for Sehun but he still managed to wiggle his way back in her heart.

He led the way to the secluded portion of the park. In a distance she could see a small place for renting bicycles, mostly doubles for couples who wanted to bike by the river. The trees were aligned in a straight row. The leaves had turned an attractive shade of rust, some had already shed off. He was right, the air did have a refreshing effect, it helped to soothe her nerves. The river water was calm, stretching to an extent she could not see.

When Sehun coughed to get her attention, she nodded at him to continue. "I'm sorry", was the first thing he said.

"Everything that I said that night was wrong. I shouldn't have, it was... it was really inappropriate of me to say those things."

"Actually, it was not," Somin said scathingly, making him stare in wonder. "I mean if that's what you think, there's no harm in speaking out your--"

"No." His tone became unfaltering. "It's not what I think, I was just angry."

"Then why did you say it?"

"Because.." He stopped. He stopped, her razor-sharp gaze devoured him, making it harder to think of a good answer.

"Liar."

"What?"

Somin pointed out. "Anger always forces the truth out of people. And it made you say what you think of me, don't say you didn't mean it."

Wow, she is more prepared than I am. Looking away, Sehun gulped. "Alright, I did mean it."

A bitter smirk covered her lips. He spoke quickly, "But I've realized my mistake, Somin. I was not thinking clearly, I was-- you were right. I was just jealous of your friend." Sehun admitted. " I guess I got pissed off seeing you so close to him. I should have believed you when you said he was a friend."

"You honestly thought-- what was that word? oh yeah, 'back up' you think I--"

He intervened. "I have a terrible choice of words. And... I know you probably have many admirers, I can't envy all of them."

"You wouldn't envy any of them." Somin took a step closer,  he could make out the small scratch on her cheek. Even her usual sparkling eyes looked weary. "And you certainly wouldn't fight with Eunwoo. He's been my friend for a very long time, he holds a special place."

Where, in fact, he should be the one to be jealous of you, Somin almost said that. He nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder, on a bruise. Somin grimaced in pain and moved away quickly. In her heart, she knew she'd forgiven him but she needed to make sure how intent he was on having her affections back, to what lengths he would go for it.

"And when did you realize that?" She questioned, folding her arms.

"The day after we fought."

"And you're saying all of this now?"

A troubled expression masked Sehun's face. Why the hell is she so difficult?

"Because I... I was hesitant at first but I couldn't stop myself after I heard about your accident." He explained.

Somin ragged on with a scoff. "Oh, you pitied me."

His eyes widened. "What are you--"

"I didn't know sympathy made you come back."

Sehun groaned, his palmed covered his face. Signs of irritation could be seen on his face. He knew it would be hard, but her words stung him. He thought he had her but she slipped from his grasp like sand. But Sehun was more determined to want her more, knowing she isn't an easy catch.

He told her firmly. "You know what? Why don't you just tell me what you want to hear and I'll say it because everything that I had prepared is clearly not working on you."

For the first time that night, he witnessed a pretty smile on Somin's face, her eyes crinkled. He was surprised to see it. "If you didn't mean it, then I'm not mad at you."

"I didn't." Sehun smiled back. "Now will you tell me what made you think you could ride a scooter?"

Somin chuckled, her chest felt lighter suddenly, like a burden had been lifted off. "I was riding it fine. I wasn't careful, that's all."

"What did you crash into?"

"A metal post."

"Poor thing." He sighed. She laughed, "Great, the sarcasm is back. I was starting to miss it."

Sehun's face beamed. His sober mood came back. "But seriously you should take care of your image. Trust me, if the people label you as someone troublesome, it will be hard to fix  it."

Somin shrugged. "I could care less."

He took a step closer. "But you should. Your agency is such a hard ass, you can never convince them of something you want and they don't unless you have a clean slate."

Somin gasped inwardly, her heart pace getting faster. What is he talking about? Is he really saying what I think he is?

Sehun said, "Be a good, obedient girl and get in their good books." He paused. "Or they'll never be lenient on us."

Us. There it was again. This time, her mind wasn't filled with doubts, she knew what he was implying, either deliberately or not. A hopeful smile made its way. "About what?"

He went on, "Don't you ruin your reputation, because even if things do go the way we want them to--" He halted abruptly, his words finally made sense to him.

"The way we want them to," Somin repeated, smiling demurely. "And how do we want things to go?"

Sehun gazed into her eyes for a moment, to detect any fleck of hesitation but he didn't find anything except affection. So he leaned down, grabbing her chin and pressed his lips on hers. She gasped a little but he could feel her smile against his lips before Somin began to respond. Her good arm wrapped around his neck while his traveled to the small of her back.

She'd pictured this moment several times, but the reality was even better, it was terrific, an irreplaceable feeling, an out-of-this-world sensation to have him so close, his hot breath fanning on your cheek and his fingers wandering everywhere. His eager mouth moving against hers as if his world depended on it. Sehun felt like he'd been over-dosed with serotonin, he felt he was the luckiest man on Earth.

His hand prodded her injured arm by accident making her wince in pain as her eyes sprang open. She broke the kiss. "Shit." His eyes widened. "Did I hurt you?"

She shook her head when the pain subsided. Sehun moved the strands of hair away from her face making their eyes meet again. He noted the shyness in her dreamy, upturned eyes with color filling up her cheeks. A coy smile leapt up his face, his nose grazing hers. "I hope that answered your question."

"It did." She smiled contentedly. "And I want to scream it to the whole world now, tell them about us."

"I do too, but we wouldn't, we can't."

In the dead of the night under the clear, lucid sky where the stars flashed and flickered over their heads as they stood in each other's arms. A crystal orb that hung victoriously in the tall sky gleamed at their faces. The view was beautiful, like a large hand had tossed diamond dust into the sky. Stars that held a faint silver tint, stars that held their intertwined fate.

"Of course not, I'd rather keep it a secret. A sweet, little secret." Somin whispered. "Just between the two of us." 

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Aaand we're done. I'm really curious to know what your thoughts are, don't forget to share it with me! Not sure about you, but I definitely waited a long time for the action to actually kick up, I'm thrilled about the upcoming chapters :D

If I asked you to describe Somin in one sentence, what would it be?

Stay tuned for more! I hate to say this but slower updates from now on. 

~Here is our Ari Chan, as promised :)

This is how I imagined him, beautiful, as always, beside a pretty river. :)

P.S I AM SO EXCITED FOR 1 BILLION VIEWS!!