Amber had been confused when she had first received the text message, asking her to meet in one of the practice rooms. It was random and she couldn’t help but feel like something was up. She was cautious as she walked into the room, glancing around to make sure she wasn’t being pranked. It was also way past her birthday for it to be a surprise party. So to say she was curious when the boy finally showed up was an understatement.

“Hey what’s up?” She greeted as the boy walked in, narrowing her eyes at the way his eyes lit up.

She knew that look.

Chanyeol was up to something.

“Amber my good friend!” His deep voice echoed in the empty room. “I need a favor…”

“I’m listening.” She said crossing her arms.

“It’s Junmyeon hyung.” He sighed. “And it involves our not so subtle friends Jongin and Soojung.” He said with a pointed look. “Jongins afraid to admit he and Soojung are a thing to Jummyeon. You see, Junmyeon gave Baek a hard time after…” He trails off. Amber knew that story well.

“And where do I come in?” She said intrigued. Anything to help get rid of the dark cloud that was over Soojung’s head the past few weeks. Amber had figured it had something to do with Jongin.

He clapped his hands together, leaning in forward. “Well I had the brilliant idea of getting Junmyeon-ie a girlfriend, so when Jongin finally announced to be dating Soojung it would be easier for him. And you’re the most social person I know.” He shrugged. “But it can’t be any of the SNSD girls. Too close to home and preferably someone not in the company either.”

“What’s wrong with girls in our company?” She narrowed her eyes at him.

He raised his hands defensively, “Nothing, just like I said, too close to home.”

Accepting his answer she brought out her phone. “How exactly are we gonna do this then?”

“I was thinking blind date style. We don’t have any schedules this week but I think earlier in the week and during the day would be best. Maybe a lunch date?” He rubbed his chin in thought.

“Would you like to go through the options?” She said waving her phone.

His eyes brightened, nodding his head furiously. “It can’t just be any girl for my bunny boy.”

The two sat down, backs against the mirrors as they scrolled down Ambers contact list. They had three girls in mind by the time they hit the “S” section.

“Sana?” His eyebrows knitted in confusion. “Who is that?”

“Sana is from Twice.” Amber explained. “The rookie group from JYP.” She explained further at his still confused face.

“How’d you manage to get her number so fast.” He said amused and interested.

“We did the Kiss the Radio show together a few weeks back. She was pretty cool and we exchanged numbers.” She shrugged, “We haven’t really spoken since.”

Chanyeol hummed, pulling out his own phone.

“What are you doing?” Amber looked over to watch.

“Twice is that monster rookie group with a lot of pretty member’s right? Think they sat behind us at the MAMA’s.” He murmured. “A fresh face, no history or prior meetings. Might be what Junmyeon needs.” He said, googling “Sana from Twice” as he spoke. Clicking through the photos, he seemed please with what he saw. “She’s pretty cute.” He nodded.

“Yeah she’s adorable from my first impression of her. Actually now that I think about it, they actually might suit each other.” Amber liked the image she saw in her head of the both of them. “I think she might be the one.”

“I think so too.” Chanyeol grinned.

The pair hi fived and began to plot.

~*~

“Huh.” Sana said surprised as she looked down at her phone.

“What is it unnie?” Dahyun said, craning her head to see.

“Amber sunbae just invited me to lunch.”

Her words brought everyone to her attention and she was immediately attacked with questions.

“Man I was jealous when you came home with her number but I didn’t think she’d actually talk to you.” Jungyeon whined. Jihyo elbowed her and Sana stuck her tongue out at her.

“She wants to meet tomorrow.” Sana said reading her message. “And I think she’s giving me fashion advice?” She said tilting her head in confusion. “She said wear something light and pretty.”

The other girls looked just as confused. “Maybe she’s looking out for you? You’re gonna be with someone more famous so you might get pictures taken. I think she’s looking out for your image.” Nayeon guessed.

The girls slowly began nodding their head. Sana agreed that it was the most likely situation and she was glad that someone was looking out for her. Amber would be the first friend she made since moving to South Korea and wasn’t a JYP trainee or idol. She was proud to have made this friendship all on her own. Which made her excited for their plans the next day and she would take Amber sunbae’s advice graciously.

~*~

Junmyeon was weary of Chanyeol.

The moment he had walked into the dorm he had oozed suspicion. Jongin looked up at him hopefully, which made Junmyeon narrow his eyes. Jongin had been acting weird for weeks. Chanyeol sent Jongin a thumbs up as he approached Junmyeon who sat on the sofa reading a comic. Plopping down beside him, Kyungsoo, who was also on the sofa, sent him a glare from his spot before returning to his book.

“Hey hyung, how are you?”

“Fine.” Junmyeon sighed, preparing for whatever he had plotted.

“Good. Good.” Chanyeol nodded his head.

The rest of the boys who were in the room looked his way with a look of interest; his tone was all too familiar. Even Kyungsoo had looked up.

“What is it?” Junmyeon confronted, putting down his comic.

“Oh I was just with Amber, she’s doing great by the way, and she was talking about how nice and lovely her friend Sana was and I couldn’t help but be reminded of you hyung. So out of the kindness of my heart,” He said with a smack to his chest, “I thought we should hook you two up.”

Staring at him a blank look, Junmyeon tried to process his words.

“You did what?”

“I set you up on a date!” He said happily. “It’s about time you went out on a date hyung. You aint getting any younger and all the good girls will be taken by the time you start looking, right Jongin?” He sent him a smirk. “You’re gonna meet her tomorrow for lunch so wear something nice.”

Junmyeon shook his head, “Cancel it.” He said standing up.

“Hyun-“

“No we’re too busy for any of us to get side tracked by a relationship.”

“I think you should go.” Kyungsoo spoke up.

Junmyeon whipped his head to look at him in surprise. “W-what?” Out of all the members, Junmyeon had expected Kyungsoo to take his side.

“You haven’t dated in a while hyung and I think you deserve a shot at a relationship. Besides it’s one date and our schedules are free this week. It can work out or it won’t but you won’t know unless you try.” He shrugged.

Junmyeon knew he was right, it had been a while and he couldn’t deny he craved to have someone to call his girlfriend, someone who understood him and loved him. He’d convinced himself for a while that the fans were all he needed. Using Baekhyuns experience as an excuse to himself to stay away from anything resembling a relationship. Now that their schedules were free for a while, could he really try for something?

~*~

Sana arrived early for the lunch date with Amber.

She’d dressed prettily like she had been instructed and her stomach was filled with butterflies as she walked into the restaurant Amber had picked out. The girls had pestered her with what to say and how to act; one would think she was going on a date.

“Hello.” She greeted the hostess. “I’m meeting my friend Amber, has she arrived?”

“No but she did call ahead for a table,” the woman informed her, “Follow me.”

Sana was relieved to see that the restaurant was mostly empty and no one seemed in the age range to recognize her. She was seated at a corner table and she chose to sit in the seat with a view of the door.

~*~

Meanwhile Junmyeon was nervously trying to figure if arriving early would be a good or bad idea. Checking his watch he noticed he was only early by a few minutes and decided it was good enough.

“Hello my friend Amber made a reservation?” He spoke formally to the older woman.

“Ah yes, your friend awaits.” The woman winked.

Surprised, Junmyeon followed the woman towards the back where he saw a girl reading through the menu. Her hair was silver and long but he couldn’t yet see her face. Chanyeol had told him her name but had instructed him not to look her up. It would have “taken away the magic” as he put it.

“Miss your other party has arrived.” The woman spoke.

The girl looked up and Junmyeon was stunned by her beauty.

Magic indeed.

Junmyeon found the confused look on her face adorable as she looked between the hostess and him.

“I..” opened but closed as she stared. The hostess placed a menu infront of Junmyeon as he took the empty seat across from the girl, Sana, and thanked her before she left.

Sana watched her leave and Junmyeon wondered what was going on in her head.

“You don’t look to happy to see me.” He laughed nervously.

Blushing, she finally looked at him properly. “I’m sorry, I just,” She shook her head. “Amber sunbae said we were meeting for lunch.” She said with a quiver in her voice.

Her voice was sweet like honey and Junmyeon very much enjoyed the sound of it but her words made him freeze.

“What?” He was all he could respond.

Sana pulled out her phone and he watched as she tapped away until finding her destination.

“What does this say?” She said holding out the phone.

“From Amber sunbae: Sana my friend I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to ask if you’d be up for a blind lunch date? Say tomorrow? If you have any questions ask away but if not then I’d recommend wearing something light and pretty!” He read outloud, looking up at her after.

“Ah.” She said slapping her forward. “I must have read it wrong.” She whined adorably. “I’m sorry, oh, um,” she blushed. “Suho?” She tilted her head in question.

Junmyeon smiled warmly at her, “You can call me Junmyeon.”

She nodded, still looking troubled. “Junmyeon sunbae, is this, perhaps, a date?” Her voice pitched on the last word.

He nodded this time, looking at her curiously. “It hasn’t exactly gone as I thought but I’m optimistic.”

“Oh no.” She said, making Junmyeon frown.

His guard began to rise at her words. “What’s the matter?”

“I can’t be on a date.” She explained; her eyes wide with fear, “I have a three year dating ban! Junhyeok oppa left Day6 because he couldn’t date his girlfriend. I’m sorry if I’ve offended you but I can’t date you.” She finished sadly.

Junmyeon shouldn’t have been surprised; she was a rookie after all. Even so, a part of him was saddened. He’d finally opened up to the idea of dating and the universe was there to ruin it for him yet again. “I understand.” He finally replied with a sad sigh.

“I’m truly sorry.” She said, hesitantly touching his hand in comfort. “I should go…” She stood.

“No no!” Junmyeon said quickly. For some reason not wanting her to leave just yet. “We’re already here and you must be hungry. I’ll treat you to lunch, just as a friend.” He pleaded.

Biting her lip, she looked around nervously.

“Please it’s the least I can do.”

He let out a sigh of relief as she sat down.

“Thank you.” She whispered, looking at her own menu.

“No need to thank me.” He smiled at her, slightly dazzed by her beauty. “Now you’re Korean is really good but I can tell you’re not Korean. Mind if I try guessing?”

She shook her head and he could tell she was still cautious.

“Hmm,” He now had the perfect excuse to stare at her and study her features. Her eyes were what caught his attention as she looked at him. They stared at him with intense focus, making him feel like he was the only one in the room. Studying every curve and blemish, he memorized the features.

She ducked her head with a blush as his staring dragged on and he cleared his throat, realizing he had been looking for too long.

“Japanese?” He guessed.

She looked up in delight, “Yes.”

“Ah, hello,” He greeted in Japanese.

“Hello.” She responded happily.

He smiled at how adorable her voice was in both languages.

The two chuckled as the hostess approached the table.

“Ready to order?”

Junmyeon nodded and looked over to Sana who frantically read her menu. “I can order for us both if you’d like?” He offered, noticing her internal struggle.

She looked up at him gratefully and nodded.

He hoped he didn’t offend her as he placed their order, she looked pleased with his selections but he was still cautious, he knew rookie diets were very strict. “I’m sorry if I ordered too much, I wasn’t sure of your diet plan. I know what it’s like.”

She giggled, “You don’t have to worry, I know how to eat.” She winked.

Her response confused him but he didn’t want to pry.

“So tell me about Japan.”

~*~

It’s not a date, Sana repeated in her head as she laughed at Junmyeons joke. Although the fear of being caught was still very much present, Junmyeon sunbae was a very easy person to be around. He seemed genuinely interested to hear her speak of her home and for once it didn’t sadden her as much to talk about her family that was so far away. She very much enjoyed his company and couldn’t help but hang onto his every word. She also tried not to notice the way he looked at her either, with his upmost attention and soft smiles.

Just friends they had agreed.

But Sana couldn’t help that deep down she wished it was a date. If only she hadn’t said anything.

She was sad to see the hostess bring the check and she couldn’t help the disappointed look on her face as they stood to leave. Before they could reach the door she reached for his arm.

He looked back at her in surprise and Sana was reminded of how handsome he was as she looked at him.

“My manager is waiting for me outside, if he sees us…” She murmured sadly.

He nodded, “I understand. Well Minatozaki Sana, I had a wonderful time.”

“As did I.” She smiled genuinely.

He thought for a second before extending a palm. “May I see your phone?”

Confused she placed the phone on his palm.

He began typing and Sana watched curiously.

“I’m giving you my number, don’t be afraid to call or text me if you need anything. We’re friends not after all.” He explained. He brought out his own phone to decline the call he had sent to himself. “And now I have yours.” He said handing back her phone.

He looked down at his phone and frowned. “But something is missing.” He murmured. “Ah! A picture! Let’s take a selca? I’ll send it to you afterwards.”

Sana tried not to show how happy she was as he wrapped a arm around her and pulled her close.

“Say cheese!” The two said, prompting them to both laugh. After the picture, Junmyeon looked down pleased with the outcome. “I’ll send these to you later.”

Nodding Sana looked down at the new number on her phone. “I really should go now. Thank you for the meal and understanding.”

“Like I said I understand. Don’t be a stranger.” He waved.

She waved back as she left first.

Hoping it wouldn’t be the last time they met.