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Haechan stared into the emptiness as he held Faazila tight in his arms. They were lying on his bed in his house and all he wanted was to never let her go. For time to freeze. She was fast asleep as she clutched his shirt tight in her fists. She squirmed and that snapped him out of his trance. He moved a little and looked down at her pretty face that looked peaceful and relaxed as her lips parted a little in her sleep. She looked nothing like how stressed she had been in the evening. He smiled at her sleeping form as he gently traced a finger over nose, down her soft lips to her chin. Her lips curved into a small smile and that had him tumbling over. All over again.

Why was she doing this to him?

Why was she so perfect?

Why had he pulled her into his life?

She definitely did not deserve to go through something like what had happened in the evening. She deserved better. So much better. Better than him. But, he was a selfish man. Too selfish because he was never going to let her go and was going to keep her for himself. She was his. And was stuck with him.

Forever. For eternity.

The woman had him in the palm of her hand and he was not complaining. He smiled as her nose nuzzled his neck as she rested her head comfortably on his shoulder and held onto him for dear life. Her even breathing against his neck gave him goosebumps having the tiny hairs on his body stand up right, but in the good way.

He had to bring her home. At that moment he had felt that, that was the right place to take her. She had been silent throughout the hour and a half drive back. She hadn't acknowledged any of his attempts to make a conversation to try to lighten up the tense, dense atmosphere in the car as they rode back home. Her silent treatment had driven him insane. Even if they hadn't spoken to each other a lot or even if they didn't met each other as much, they always sent each other voice notes. And now, with her sitting next to him and not uttering a word, drove him mad. Screw the long drive, that he had planned. The best solution was a cozy place like home. He had cooked dinner as she sat silently looking around his apartment, sneaking little peeks of him. He'd chuckle at her antics. They had eaten in silence and it was killing him. It took everything in him to not pull her into his arms. She needed some space and he knew how overwhelming it could be for her. She was dating him, with not complete knowledge of how things in the industry worked.

"Baby, stay" he whispered, when she got up taking her things.

"Haechan, I-" she sighed.

He wanted to scream. Scream out to the world that she had finally spoken to him. Heard her voice after so long. After so many torturous hours of silence.

"Please, let me hold you. Just tonight" he pleaded.

"Okay" she nodded, putting her things back down.

His head snapped back to present and to the attention of his lady love who slurred words he couldn't understand. Definitely not a language he knew.

"Mine" he heard her faint sleepy voice. The only word he understood.

"Yours" he affirmed, kissing her temple.

He held her even more tighter, but not too tight and fought the sleep that sat heavy on his eyelids. He didn't want it to be a dream. He didn't want her to be taken away. He wanted to stay awake and just watch her. But he felt himself drifting into a peaceful slumber as he breathed in her sweet feminine scent.

The next morning when he woke up, he felt the other side of the bed empty and cold. He panicked as his eyes shot open. Had she left without saying a word? Was she that mad? He shifted to the side of the bed she had slept in. It still smelled like her and he got off the bed disappointed. Feeling alone and unwanted. He pinched the bridge of his nose and raked his fingers through his hair harshly. That was when smelled something. The smell of food. So, she was here. She was making breakfast for the both of them. He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw her denim jacket at the end of the bed. He walked to his bathroom to freshen up with a smile. She was still here. The thought of the articles from yesterday's encounter with Kim So Hee made him grit his teeth. He was going to take care of it. He walked out of his room dressed, with her jacket in his hand. He walked into the kitchen to see her humming to a tune that maybe she had made up and she smiled as she some poured soup into one of the many bowls that sat in his cupboard. She was wearing his shirt and water droplets dripping down her wet showered hair. He walked upto her as she switched off the stove and wrapped his arms from behind.

"Good morning" he whispered, wresting his chin on her shoulder.

"Let go!" she snapped, smacking his hands playfully.

"Nope" he shook his head, holding her tighter.

"Go eat your breakfast" she said, turning around to face him.

"Good morning" she smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck and ruffled his hair playfully.

"Hi" he chuckled.

"Go eat. Now!" she pushed him away.

He turned to see that there was already kimchijeon, some toasts and mixed fruits in a small bowl on the table. She walked behind him with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

"Coffee?" he asked.

"No" she shook her head.

"Why?" he pouted.

"No caffeine early in the morning" she said, motioning her finger in a no.

"But.." he stopped when he saw her glare.

"What is it with you idols and obsession for coffee?" she frowned "drink the juice now and I don't care when you drink coffee" she said, walking towards to living room.

"Where are you going?" he asked, stuffing a piece of the pancake into his mouth.

"Work, where else" he heard her call out.

"Come eat breakfast" he said, walking to her.

"I'm already late. It takes me an hour and a half, well since it's early, forty five minutes to reach from here" she said.

"Eat a little" he said.

"I said I'm.." she turned around, but couldn't finish her words as a piece of the pancake was stuffed into her mouth.

"It actually tastes good" she said, eyes going wide.

"It does" he smiled, feeding her another piece.

"Okay, that's enough. Bye" she waved, swallowing the food.

"Wait" he said.

"What?" now she sounded annoyed as she watched him walk into the kitchen.

"Take these" he smiled handing her a granola bar, a bottle of apple juice and her jacket.

"Thank you!" she smiled.

She got on her tiptoes and gave his lips a quick peck. She laughed as he stood frozen. He had least expected it and she knew that for sure.

"Bye!" she pecked his cheek and ran out the door.

He stood there like a fool. It took him a few seconds to recover from what had happened a minute ago.

"Bye" he chuckled to himself.

He walked back to the table to finish his breakfast and then left for work. It was going to be another hectic day today. Now, it'd be even more busier for him as activities for his collaboration with Mark were going to start from tomorrow. He was supposed to sign the clause that 2(EJ) Entertainment would send over.

His phone vibrated "Have a good day" the text read.

His lips turned up into a huge smile and he chuckled shaking his head.

"You too have an amazing day" he punched back a reply.

"Haechan-ah" he heard Renjun.

"Hmmm" he quirked up a brow, looking up from his phone.

"There's trouble" Renjun sighed.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Come in" Renjun motioned to the practice room.

He entered and found his manager standing in the middle of the room with a deadpanned face. Right. Yesterday. The rumours.

"Are you dating that controversial woman again?" his manager asked, annoyance lacing his tone.

"No! I am not! That was a misunderstanding! Way too big" he groaned, massaging his temples.

"What were you doing there then?" Jaemin asked.

"You know that my mom works in that school right? She's a music teacher there. Was it wrong to go visit?" he sighed.

It was a lie. He'd wanted to see Faazila. But it was true that his mom worked there too. Speaking of his mother, she was going to be disappointed. His mother hated So Hee. So Hee had made it to the news headlines for her cat fishing, for falsely framing her stylists for using expired products on her and rude behaviour.

"This is enough" his manager showed the player.

He took the phone from Jisung who had been recording and walked out. He didn't even know that they had done that. They were going to play his voice recording to the media and have it all cleared. The netizens did have mixed opinions. With most of them against it because of how So Hee was.

"You're supposed to go to 2(EJ) for the final meeting tomorrow. You and Mark hyung will be good to begin preparations after that" Jeno smiled, walking forward.

"I'm so excited" he smiled, nodding.

It was still so hard to believe that Mark was back. But his return and him joining 2(EJ) Entertainment hadn't been announced yet. But he knew that things were going to go well.

"Is this what you were talking about as a problem?" he asked, turning to Renjun.

"There's something else" Renjun replied.

"What?" he asked.

"Chenle" Jisung said "he's injured. He won't be joining us for this comeback and the repackage" he sighed.

"What did you say?" Haechan choked out.

"Yes. It'll take quite a long time for him to recover" he sighed, looking down.

"What happened?" Haechan asked as he still couldn't recover from the shock.

"He fell during practice and hurt his knee. He will not be part of any of the group activities. His solo promotions have been canceled too" he replied.

"How long will he be on a hiatus for? And why didn't you all call me?" Haechan asked, disappointed.

"It's indefinite. It'll take time. We didn't want to call you because we saw how uncomfortable you got with yesterday's conversation. We're sorry" Jeno said.

"We need to do everything again. All over again" Jisung sighed "he worked so hard for his album" he kneeled shaking his head.

Everyone looked at Jisung who looked upset. It was not his fault, but definitely was hurt by his best friend's injury. They all had their own share of painful injuries, but by how it looked and sounded, this was definitely Chenle's worst injury.

"It's okay guys. Jisung-ah, Chenle will be okay soon" Haechan walked to him and patted his shoulder "I'll go meet Chenle after we're done with today" he sighed.

Faazila sat exhausted as she looked at her now completed oil painting. It had taken her thirty days to complete the realistic painting. It was a painting of Haechan. But people definitely wouldn't be able to tell that it was him because it was a painting of his back. The night when they had first met at the old tiny restaurant. It was him staring the night sky with with his arm stretched out, reaching for the moon. There was another half completed oil painting that was waiting for her attention. It was going to take her twelve more days. It was another painting of Haechan. The painting of his hand extended out for a shake with his sleeve pulled back a little. A bracelet with six little charms hanging. And a female's hand.. her hand reaching out to take the hand. She had completed half the outline and had given it the first few coats. Now the colour blending and fine final detailing remained.

It seemed she could not get enough of him. She had to keep drawing or painting something regarding him. She sighed. She did seem like an obsessed creep. An obsessed creep of a woman who had managed to be the closest to him. But she knew it was not her obsession, but her fondness for him. She wanted him all to herself and the lack of interaction and meeting gave her no other go. When she didn't see him, all she had was memories of the time they had met and that was all she could hold on till the next time. And she was not going to be meeting him till the display was over. She was not going to be distracted and act like a dramatic boyfriend deprived soul when she had one. And he had his own schedule as well. He had too concentrate and focus too. She must not be a distraction for him as well.

"Get yourself together Beary" she whispered to herself.

And like said, two weeks passed like it was never there. Invitations had been handed out to the big names and the art critics. Both Faazila and Haechan had been busy with their works, but Haechan knew how nervous she was since she was the one who had initiated the event. He always made sure to encourage her and to have her confidence level at it's best. Faazila got out of the car as it stopped in front of Dee's house. The event started by 7:30 PM and she had to be there to make sure everything was fine, but here she was at her friend's place.

"Dee?" Faazila called out as she entered the huge empty house.

"I'm here" she heard a voice.

She smiled as she walked to the dining area. She watched Dee walk out carrying a few bowls and some pots. Plates and cutleries neatly arranged at the table.

"Hi!" she smiled at Dee as she walked out again.

"Hello! Take a seat. I'll be back. Just give me a minute" Dee smiled, walking back to the kitchen.

"Where are all the help? You're alone?" she asked a little loud.

"Akki, my sister needs the kitchen to herself when she's cooking. She gives the staff a let off" she heard a voice from behind.

"Mayi" she smiled.

"Good morning ma'am. You look stressed" Jieun shook her head.

"You seem to be in a hurry" she said.

"Got a conference" Jieun shook her head.

"Eat, or else I'll pack a box for you" they heard Dee as she walked out of the kitchen.

"I am eating, I still have time" Jieun smiled as she sat down to eat.

"Dee, why did you call me?" she asked.

"I know you're going to be skipping meals, so I cooked you some" Dee smiled.

Dee moved forward and opened each lid to show the items. There was mutton biriyani, two chicken side dishes, raita, salad, kheer and gajar ka halwa.

"So much?" she gasped.

"Eat. Like a lot. You're going to skipping lunch for sure and I know that. So, at least have a good breakfast" Dee smiled.

"Zee, sit down and eat. We'll both drop you to the gallery. Relax, it's going to be amazing" Jieun smiled "and oh, for someone like my sister who doesn't eat mutton, I can tell she's made it well" she laughed.

"Miss Mayi, shut up and eat. No phones at the dining table" Dee threw her sister a soft glare.

The three of them ate quite quickly, but did enjoy their meal. Faazila felt much better than before as walked into her gallery to see people cleaning every nook and corner of the hall to make it look shiny and spotless. It was going to take a while and later, they were going to have to put everything up on the walls. She had already planned on which one was going to go where. There was enough place for snacks and drinks and also for people to walk around freely.

Time flew by and things were done perfectly. She was proud of everyone. Her students, the people who helped and she was proud of herself too. The invited guests started to enter and soon did the critics. The paintings were both up for display and sale. She smiled when she spotted Haechan enter with the huge NCT bunch and their wives. A while later, Dee and Jieun.

"I'm so happy for you" Dee smiled the moment she reached her.

"You know each other?" Haechan asked as he approached them.

He was having a hard time keeping his hands to himself. It had been two weeks since he had seen her. She was standing right in front of him with a smile, not as his girlfriend, but as the host of the event.

"She is the friend I was talking about" she whispered to him.

"Of course we do" Dee answered out loud "she's my friend and I'm one of her customers as well" she smiled.

Dee turned around panicked when she couldn't find her sister. But heaved a sigh of relief when she found her smiling wide with Jaemin at her side, looking at the art pieces in awe. She could do nothing now. Her sister looked happy.

"The wives are here. You go meet them Zee, I'll go take a look around" she smiled.

"Nuna, how do you know everyone?" Jeno asked.

"I just happen to know everyone" she smiled rolling her eyes with shrug and walked away.

That was when Haechan heaved a sight of relief and entwined his fingers with hers. He was going to keep it a secret from her. The others laughed at the relaxed look on Haechan's and smiled at her Faazila, giving an accepting nod. The twenty one of them being there, stood in a tight circle, trying to protect Haechan and Faazila from the media. She was so happy that she got to meet Shreya and the other wives who seemed just as happy. A big female company was what she just needed. She was relieved.

But as the host, there were other guests she had to take care of. She smiled watching people walk around with their snacks and drinks as they had appreciative looks and nods.

"That's us, isn't it?" Haechan whispered next to her as he looked at her painting of hands.

"Yes" she nodded.

"I'm taking these two" he smiled at her indicating at ones she had painted of him.

He was going to have it no other way.

The night went well with all the student's art pieces receiving a positive critique and with almost all of the pieces being sold out. She straight hit bed the moment she reached home. She was happy with how things had turned out to be. She was proud of her students. Happy that her man had made it to come see her event. Her eyes drifted close as her lips curved into the most happiest of smiles.

WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH!

WE DONE HERE! WELL THAT WAS A BIG WHOLE GATHERING WASNT IT?

SOMEONE HELP ME! I CANT BELIEVE THIS STORY IS COMING TO AN END.

HOPE TODAYS UPDATE WAS GOOD.

OKAYYYY! CUT!

LOVE YOU 🤍♥️