(Y/n) has never been in a relationship before so she can be a bit vulnerable when it comes to new people showing affection to her. She tried dating but it never really worked out. Most guys would just take one gold look at her and be out the door in seconds because sure she doesn't look like what any guy expects. She's very different from other people. As far as insecurity, it worsened as each guy would pass a date with her.

Her father called when she was asleep, telling her that he needed to see her. She thought it was just another lecture about staying out late so she got off of her bed and washed her face. Since it was nothing important, she went in her sweats and big graphic t-shirts while her hair stayed in a very messy bun.

Pushing the entrance doors, she looked for her dad and wondered if he was up in his office. When you asked one of the assistants, they said he would be in the conference room on the second floor. So she lazily waddled her way towards the elevators and waited for the doors to open.

She was still a bit sleepy, despite it being 2 in the afternoon. Everyone around her would glance at who is supposed to be the CEO's daughter, all clean and dressed up professionally. But they weren't surprised because most times you'd come in your pjs.

As she exited the elevator, she noticed from across the hall that the door of the conference room was open. She walked quietly until she met eyes with her father.

"Ah come in (y/n)", he smiled.

"Dad if you just wanna tell me that coming home late is very irresponsible then I won't do it again. Can I go home and sleep now?", she whined as she stepped into the room.

Once she did, she looked to her left and met eyes with 9 different people.

"(Y/n) I didn't call you I'm for that. I wanted you to meet the group that is under your uncle's company. They will sometimes promote with me and I thought maybe you can hang around people who are of good influences on you", he said.

(Y/n) stood there as she looked at each individual. They were so handsome and clean while she was quite the opposite. She felt embarrassed. Her cheeks turned red as one of them came up and extended his hand, waiting for her to do the same.

"My name is Chan. Our group is Stray Kids. Hopefully you'll take care of us just as we'll take care of you. Your father has spoken greatly about you", he smiled.

"Um..just on sec", she smile awkwardly before facing her dad.

"You couldn't have told me I was meeting people, more importantly Stray Kids. I would've changed", she whispered to her father.

"Ah we don't really care about your apparel. We don't judge. If you're comfortable like that then that is fine", Chan smiled.

"Okay...so why am I here again?", she asked her father.

"You need friends", he said casually.

"Dad I have friends", she said.

"You need friends that don't convince you to stay out all night partying. It's not good for you", he said.

"And you scolding me will only cause them to stay away", she said, pointing the other direction.

"I think it's sweet", one of the guys said.

She turned and met eyes with a vey handsome guy who was smiling at her.

"See, a very good example of a nice friend. This is Huynjin. Your birthday is one day after his so your basically the same age", her father smiled while motioning her towards Huynjin.

Her cheeks turned a rosy red while she looked away, back to her father. She was about to say something but he stopped her by saying he'll be leaving her with them to get to know them a bit better. Even after he left, she just stood there very awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

"So, we're actually gonna go out to eat. Wanna tag along?", Chan asked.

There was one problem (y/n) had that she hates so much. She's never comfortable eating in front of people she hardly knows. There's also another reason but she doesn't like to talk about it.

She has heard of them before. Her dad would talk about them here and then but she has never listened to their music.

"Um..no thanks. I'll pass. I actually have to go", she said.

"To sleep?", Hyunjin smirked.

"No...I have other plans", she mumbled.

"That's okay. We'll take a rain check", Chan smiled.

She quickly nodded and headed out the door. Once she was far enough to not be seen, she leaned against the wall while placing a hand on her chest. It's as if she couldn't breathe.

"Stop it", she whispered to herself, or to her heart which was beating rapidly.

Another reason why she has trouble dating. If she keeps it up, she'll die alone.

~~~

The next day (y/n) had volunteered to help her father out since his assistant was out sick. This time she dressed appropriately. Instead of her usual messy bun, she slicked it up into a tight ponytail.

Giving herself a quick look in the mirror, she grabbed her purse and headed towards 'work'.

Every time she walks into the building, it always smells like coffee  and cleanliness, if that makes sense.

"Good morning", she smiled at the staff as she passed them.

Her father's office was up at the third floor so she pressed the number three button on the elevator and sighed. The doors were about to close but a hand blocked it. When the doors opened again, Hyunjin smiled as soon as he saw her.

"Wow, (y/n)...you clean up nice", he smiled once he entered and stood next to her.

"T-Thanks", she stuttered and looked down.

As soon as the doors close, she feels herself becoming light-headed. Her breathing became heavy and little droplets of sweat formed on her forehead. So much for doing her hair, it probably looks frizzy now with her baby hairs poking up.

"You work here?", he asked.

"No..um..my dad's assistant is sick. I offered to help", she said.

"Huh, that's really nice of you", he said.

Second floor, doors open but no one enters.

"So...What are you doing here?", she asked, trying to push herself from that 'shy' phase.

"Your father called for me. He said it was urgent. I'm guessing he didn't say anything to you", he said.

Third floor, doors open and both of you exit. He walked beside her whole heading towards the office.

"Ah, you're here. (Y/n), can I talk to Hyunjin alone for a sec? It won't take long", her father smiled before motioning him to come inside.

She waited outside of the office for a few minutes. While waiting, a guy not too far from her was watching her. She glanced up at him, he smiled but she quickly looked away.

She wondered how much longer they'll be. Finally after what seemed like ages, her father walks out with Hyunjin, patting his back before telling her to come inside. She looked over Hyunjin who was avoiding her eyes. He walked away very awkwardly.

"So all you're gonna be doing is organizing papers. That's it. It's not a lot so when you're done, come back here and I'll see what else I have for you, Okay?", her father gave her a box of files.

"What did you tell Hyunjin? He looked upset", she said.

"Nothing. I just gave him a project to do and he has to miss out on a few group activities. Nothing to worry about. Anyways, what do you think about him?", he asked.

"He's really nice. Why?", she asked.

"Just curious. Will you be hanging out with him soon? I hope you say you will. I think you guys will make such good friends..maybe even more", he mentioned casually.

"Dad-"

"What? I'm only looking out for you sweetie", he said.

"I can handle making my own friends", she said.

"You have three friends and they're all girls", he said.

"Oh my- I'm leaving. I have things to do", she said, referring to the box of files in her hands.

She walked down to an empty room and placed the box on a desk. She huffed out a breath and took out five files before sitting down on the chair and glanced in them, making sure everything is correct.

Two hours later, she stumbled upon the file of Huynjin.

"Hwang Hyunjin. Born on March 20, 2000. He's an only child. Trained for two years....does this count as stalking?..maybe it does..I should stop", she mumbled to herself.

She closed the file but kept glancing at it, still curious to know who he is.

"Just a little peek", she said.

She read everything about him and instantly had a hook on him. She read everyone else's file yet his got her more curious. When she finished, she placed the box on the shelf and walked towards the cafeteria. She ordered a cup of coffee and banana bread. Sitting on one of the tables near the window, she ate slowly and looked out to watch the people pass by.

"(Y/n)?"

She turned and saw Hyunjin carrying a tray of food. It had noodles, dumplings, some fruit, biscuits, and juice.

"Can I sit down with you?", he asked.

She nodded and faced down. He placed the tray in front of him and began eating. She couldn't help but gulp down as the delicious scent of his food entered her nose. He noticed she was hardly eating, mostly because banana bread isn't lunch.

"You can have some of my food", he offered.

"No..that's okay", she said.

Even though she declined, he grabbed an extra bowl and placed some of his food in it. He put it in front of her and handed her his juice that he hasn't touched.

"Seriously it's fine", she said.

"You're working. I'm not. You need it more than I do. Besides, there's no way I can eat this without sharing", he smiled.

She thanked him and took a bite, widening her eyes as she tasted how delicious the food is.

"This is really good", she said, with her mouth slightly full.

He smiled, satisfied that she's enjoying it. He can see how thin she is but knows not to ask. While she ate, there were two girls a few tables away from them that kept saying stuff to each other but loud enough for (y/n) and Hyunjin to hear. They were commenting on how much of a 'pig' (y/n) is and how she can eat like that in front of him. He can see her eating more slowly until she stopped.

"I'm a bit full", she said, pushing the bowl away.

They got her upset. Now he knows why she doesn't eat so much in public. He smiled and stood up from the table, heading their way. The two girls began to get excited and twirled their hair as he kneeled to talk to them.

"Hi how are you?", he asked them.

She watched from where she was sitting, wondering what he was doing.

"Good", they replied, giggling.

"Yeah I don't believe that because if you guys were good, you wouldn't have been saying those rude comments about my friend right there. Is everything alright with you two? Getting bullied yourselves so you decide to bully someone who you think isn't good enough? You shouldn't go around and judge people", he said before leaving and sitting down in front of (y/n).

The girls were quite shocked. They scoffed and left, mumbling words before they were out of sight.

"Why did you say that? I'm gonna get in trouble", she told him.

"For what? You didn't do anything. They were the ones who said horrible things about you", he said.

"I gotta go. Thanks for sharing your food. I have to find my dad", she said as she left.

~~~

It's been about two months since (y/n) has met Hyunjin. They get along really well and she doesn't feel nervous around him anymore. But she's been feeling something weird every time they're alone. Her heart would race rapidly and she felt like she was floating on clouds. She would stop breathing for a sec. She didn't want to admit it at first but when she talked to one of her closest friends, she realized that she did like him.

But he wouldn't like her back..right?

"Hey (y/n)!"

Hyunjin called out for her as she was sitting on one of the chairs in the lounging room, minding her own business. He smiled widely at her before sitting down in the same lounging couch.

"Yeah?", she asked.

"I have a question for you. Do you like baseball?", he asked.

"Baseball? Sure I guess. I used to watch it all the time with my dad but lately we haven't because of how busy he is", she said.

"Well I have an extra ticket for Friday's baseball game. Wanna come?", he asked.

"You're asking me? What about your friends?", she asked.

"They have plans. I was supposed to go with Jeongin but his grandma is sick so he's going with his family. He mentioned you and I thought it was a great idea since we only hang out here. What do you say?", he asked.

"Uh sure", she said.

"Great. Have you eaten yet?", he asked.

"No. I'm not hungry. I ate a lot for breakfast. What about you? You have to keep your figure in good shape so you won't get exhausted as easily", she said.

"Don't worry. I'm a big boy. And yes I already ate before coming here", he said.

She smiled and looked out the window, noticing how sunny it was. Hyunjin watched as she pushed a few strands of hair behind her ear but it would keep blocking her face so he reached over and slowly pushed it back, making sure it wouldn't be in the way. While doing that, (y/n) stared at him as he was so concentrated on her hair. She blushed and looked away hoping he doesn't find her weird.

"Um..did my dad ask for you again?", she asked, changing the subject.

"Yeah, he wants to talk to me about something", he said.

"Is it like a secret? Is that why you don't tell me what that 'something' is? He's always asking for you and not the whole group. He said he gave you a project", she said.

"Yeah he did. Can't say though", he said.

"Aw come on. Am I not your friend?", she pouted.

"Do you wanna go for a walk? After I talk to your dad though", he said.

"A walk?..sure", she said.

"Okay. Wait for me here. I'll be right back", he smiled before heading towards her father's office.

She smiled to herself, realizing that this would be the first time hanging out with a guy that doesn't have to do with business.

~~~

(Y/n) and Hyunjin were walking along the path that leads towards the park. They talked about things that they don't know about each other or what they heard. She was a bit more calm since it wasn't a date but what about the baseball game? Is that a date?

"You know, I remember your dad telling us that you used to sing when you were small. Are you a good singer?", Hyunjin asked.

"No. It's just something I would do to cheer up my dad whenever he had a hard time at work. He would say that I sound like a star but I know he was lying", she said.

"I wanna hear", he said.

"No! I suck at it. I'm gonna sound like an idiot", she whined.

He stood in front of her and raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to sing. Placing his hand in his pockets, he tapped his foot and said he wasn't moving until he heard her sing. She rolled her eyes and stepped to the side but he got in the way.

"You're really gonna make me embarrass myself?", she asked.

"Yes", he smiled.

"Okay if I sing then what do I get in return?", she asked.

"That is something that is meant to be kept a secret. Now sing", he said.

She groaned and rolled her eyes. She closed her eyes with her hands, hoping that would make it easier for her. When she started singing, instantly her face turned red. Hyunjin was enjoying it, a huge smile plastered onto his face.

After she finished, he clapped and cheered loudly, making her feel more embarrassed.

"I'm never doing anything like that again", she said as she passed by him.

He chuckled and caught up to her. They walked silently next to each other, hands brushing against each other. Hyunjin looked down at her hand and quickly intertwined it with his. (Y/n) was a bit startled and tried not to smile.

Maybe he does like her.

~~~

It was night Friday night. (Y/n) was getting ready for the baseball game that Hyunjin invited her to. She knew it was gonna be cold so she wore some jeans and a jersey along with a leather jacket. Her hair was up in a ponytail while her baby hairs were slicked down with some hairspray.

Once Hyunjin was outside, she quickly looked at herself in the mirror and left. He greeted her and asked if she ate which she answered with the same response, 'I'm not hungry'. He knew that wasn't true so instead of forcing her to eat, he would buy something and ask if she wanted to try it which then she would.

When they arrived at the stadium, they got in and sat down on their reserved seats which was close to the field. The employee that was going around seeming hot dogs was near, catching Hyunjin's attention.

"You want one? They're so good", he asked her.

"Um..no I'm okay", she answered.

"You sure. I wouldn't feel comfortable eating in front of you when you don't have anything", he said.

"It's okay", she smiled.

He looked at her for a few seconds before he told the man that he just wants water so he gave him two bottled waters. She thanked him as he handed her one.

"You could've gotten one if you were hungry", she said.

"And so would you. We can eat after the game is over", he smiled.

During the game, Hyunjin would cheer for the team that he likes. Honestly, she didn't like baseball. When she said that she would watch baseball with her dad, it's because she didn't want him to watch it alone.

Now what really made her nervous was the time of kiss cams and unfortunately, it caught them. She just looked at the screen weirdly, cheeks burning as Hyunjin turned towards her. His hands softly grabbed her cheeks and stared into her eyes before connecting his lips with her. Eyes widening and heart racing, she lightly pushed him away and covered her face. He chuckled and put an arm around her, shielding her from the camera.

The rest of the game she was quiet. She can still feel his lips on hers. Her first kiss, stolen by a guy she likes. Was it a good thing?

After the game, they walked towards his car, hand in hand. She was shaking, despite her jacket keeping her warm. Her hand was close to grabbing the handle of the car but he pulled her away, making her face him.

"Hungry now?", he asked.

"..no", she breathed out.

"You haven't eaten anything since this afternoon. Come on, I know a place. There's something I need to talk to you about", he said.

He opened the car door for her and waited until she got in.

He drove her towards a small restaurant that was near a hill. He parked the car and helped her out.

"Really, you shouldn't be spending your money if I'm not hungry", she said.

"I am and yes you're hungry. I could hear your stomach in the car. You don't need to eat a lot but just eat something. We'll eat outside on the benches", he said.

They got their food and sat down on the benches, silently eating.

"So..can I ask you something?", he asked.

"Sure", she said.

"You mentioned that your luck with guys has been pretty bad. Can I ask why? You don't have to answer if you don't want to", he said.

"Well..growing up I was always known as the tomboy girl. But as soon as I changed my style in clothing, some guys would notice me but it didn't work out. Some either stood me up or made fun of me. Because of that I would eat a lot from stress. I gained weight and that caused for people to make more fun of me. There was this guy I really liked and I thought he liked me since he asked me out. He was nice...until he dressed as a pig and had a picture of my face on. He humiliated me in front of everyone. I've had trust issues since then", she explained her love life.

"Is that why you don't eat around me? You think I'll make fun of you?", he asked.

"I just got used to not eating so much. I mean I've lost weight ever since I started working out", she said.

"Well you need to eat to keep a good balance", he said.

She nodded and softly smiled at him. Knowing her story, he felt instant guilt. He knew what he was doing is wrong so he had to come clean because he really is starting to like her.

"(Y/n) there's something that I have to tell you...and I don't want you to get mad even though you will", he said.

"I don't think I can get mad at you", she chuckled.

"I doubt that. Anyways, remember when you asked me about a project that your father assigned to me? Well, he was really worried about you not making any new friends so since you and I are the same age, he thought I would be perfect to be your friend. He asked me to sign a contract and I'd get paid just to hang out with you. But-"

"Wait...so all this time, you were talking to me because my dad asked you to? Not because you were interested", she asked.

"No..well yeah at first but-"

"So if it wasn't for my dad telling you to do that, you wouldn't have noticed me?", she asked.

"..I don't know. But I'm trying to say that I shouldn't have agreed to it. It was wrong of me to do", he said.

She scoffed and stood up, walking towards the sidewalk. Hyunjin quickly ran after her and tried getting her attention but she was just so pissed off.

"Wait (y/n)-", he stopped talking once she turned around and slapped him.

She felt nothing but hurt and pain.

"Leave me alone", she said before running off into the dark.

Hyunjin didn't see where she went. He couldn't leave her by herself, knowing how late it is. So he got in his car and looked for her. After two hours pass, he decided to call her father and tell him everything. They looked for her everywhere but had no luck. Her father said that she just needed some space so they went home but Hyunjin didn't like it one bit.

The next day, Hyunjin decided not to go to practice and tried looking for her again. He called her over and over again, leaving message after message. He hated himself for hurting her.

"Hey", Chan found Hyunjin sitting on one of the benches near the building.

"Any luck?", he asked.

"No. It just goes straight to voicemail", Hyunjin said.

"Don't beat yourself up. I'm sure she's fine", Chan said.

"She's not fine. You didn't see her face. She trusted me. And now I don't think she's ever gonna forgive me. I didn't even think I was gonna start liking her", he admitted.

""So you do like her?", Chan asked.

"Yeah", Hyunjin said.

"Well..(y/n) called me a few minutes ago. She's fine and said that she's taking care of something. She didn't want me to tell you that she called though", Chan said.

"Where is she??", he asked.

"She's back at her house. She's talking to her dad."

~~~

"I was only trying to help you."

"Help me with what?? A fake friendship?? You were paying him dad", (y/n) argued with her father as she paced back at forth.

"Look I didn't know it was gonna upset you like this. I'm sorry sweetie. But you shouldn't be mad at Hyunjin because of my mistake. He did talk to me yesterday morning about how he didn't want to continue with it. He cares about you", her father explained.

"I don't even know who to trust anymore. I really liked him. I thought he was different", she said.

"What if he likes you back?", he asked.

"Dad stop saying nonsense. Can I just be alone please?", she lightly groaned while pressing her fingers onto her temples.

Her father began walking to the front door and opened it. Hyunjin didn't even have a chance to knock as he saw her father.

"(Y/n), you have a visitor", he said before leaving.

She walked to the front door and stopped once she saw Hyunjin. He was smiling apologetically at her but that just got her more annoyed. She went up to the door and almost closed it since his foot got in the way.

"(Y/n) please. I feel really bad from what I did to you. Let me in. I wanna talk to you", he said.

"I have nothing to say to you", she said.

"Okay well you don't have to talk. Just hear me out and if you still feel the same then I won't ever bother you again", he said.

She thought about it and let him in. She sat down on the couch and waited for him to speak. He can see how red and puffy her eyes were. She was probably crying all night.

"I'm really sorry (y/n). I know you hate me. I don't blame you. I can't forgive myself for what I did. Yes I agreed to do what your father said but deep down inside I knew it was wrong. I didn't like the idea of forcing a friendship. But as I got to know you, I actually thought you're pretty cool. And the more time I spent with you, more guilt would climb on my shoulders. The reason why I told you the truth yesterday is because I couldn't handle going through with it anymore. I started liking you and that made me feel more guilt, especially what you told me about what happened to you as you were growing up. Now I would understand if you don't believe what I'm saying. It's sucks but I guess I deserve it. I haven't been a real good friend to you", he said.

She tried not to cry. Looking at him will make it worse. Strangely enough, her heart is beating more rapidly than usual.

"I'm guessing you don't forgive me. That's fine. I'll just leave you alone", he smiled sadly, standing up from the chair and heading towards the front door.

His hand was on the doorknob, about to turn it until she stopped him.

"Wait!...did you say that you liked me?", she mumbled.

"Well..like. I like you. Present tense", he said.

"Why do you like me,?", she asked.

He walked towards her, cautiously holding her hands.

"Because you're easy to talk to. You're very sweet and beautiful. Seeing you smile and laugh makes me happy. My heart skips a beat whenever I see you. Every morning I wake up excited to see you. I care about you a lot. I've never felt anything like this for anyone before", he said.

"Are you telling the truth?", she asked.

He placed her hand on his chest, leaving his hand over hers. She can feel his heart beating out of control, the same way her heart is.

"I like you (y/n). I really do", he whispered.

She quickly embraced him into a hug, sighing as she dug her face onto his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head.

"I like you too", she mumbled.

"..glad to hear", he smiled and hugged her tighter.

As she pulled away, she looked into his eyes, longer than usual and placed her hand on his cheek. He knew what she was thinking so he leaned in and softly kissed her lips.

After that day, she trusted Hyunjin more and made sure her father stayed out of her business. Fortunately, her father agreed because her happiness means a lot to him. Now does (y/n) think this is happily ever after? She'll have to find out.