The gallery finally opened after months of being involved in the preparation. After all the relentless work, you were granted a few days off before resuming your job back in Seoul. And so two weeks after Seung Hyun’s birthday, you found yourself booking a flight to Fukuoka to watch their concert. It had also been two weeks since you were together. The two of you had both been incredibly busy. And even though you knew he liked having his alone time, he preferred calling you once in a while to catch up with what was happening in your lives. He had told you his schedule—how busy they had been filming the other music video for the full-length album, stories from the set, and even how Jiyong pissed him off very badly recently. Curious, you asked him the reason why but he was quick to change the topic and you just let it slide since he was probably uncomfortable to talk about it. Still, there was a growing sense of unease… at how strangely your relationship with him was starting.

Everything seemed so surreal.

You finally admitted your feelings to him and you were even expecting to get rejected… but he turned your world upside down with his own confession. Come to think of it… it was even more realistic to be rejected than being told that he liked you since Cologne. Since that night in your hotel room, he remained his usual self when he was around you… but you couldn’t help but feel a discord between you two. Maybe it was because everything happened so quickly you didn’t have enough time to really digest what just happened. And you weren’t able to spend time together after that night. That was probably the reason why you kept getting anxious about everything and nothing.

Did you arrive safely?

He had just sent a message and a small smile appeared on your lips. No matter how confused you were at the moment, Seung Hyun could make you feel happy. And all other emotions you could think of for that matter.

Yes. I just left the hotel and I’m on my way there. Do you want me to bring anything?

His response made your smile widen as you desperately tried to stifle a giggle.

Just bring yourself.

How cheesy could he be? Another message quickly popped in.

The guys are waiting for you, too.

They know I’m coming?

Yes.

Do they know? About us? You couldn’t seem to bring yourself to type those last two words.

Probably… yes.

Groaning, you felt your face heat up and then started thinking that you probably shouldn’t have worn a turtleneck because it seemed like it was getting harder to breathe by then. Everything was so nerve-wracking. Having to face Seung Hyun after your confession and s probably knowing about it… You felt like you were going to a death match instead of a concert.

Shouldn’t I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world? Tears prickled your eyes but you forced yourself not to cry inside a taxi. Why of all things you were feeling so miserable when everything was turning out so well? Was it the pressure of starting a relationship with someone? Not just anyone but with a man you adored for so long? And doing that would mean being around the people close to him as well? Being part of his life? Your self-esteem should’ve shot right through the roof the moment he kissed you… but you were still doubting yourself for reasons you couldn’t seem to understand.

It felt like you were just aimlessly trying to make your way around blindfolded.

Hong Il was waiting for you at the entrance you were instructed to go to. The man was still as amiable as ever when he greeted you with a brief hug. He seemed a bit antsy when he noticed a few people milling around the area. Quickly ushering you inside the long hallway, he gave you an all-access pass and you gingerly wore it around your neck.

“How’s everything?” He asked once you were walking amongst the busy crew.

“My work in Tokyo is finally done. It’s been very stressful but I learned a lot.”

“And you’re going back to Seoul with Seung Hyun.” He stated and your eyes widened in surprise. Hong Il just laughed. “I do everything for him. He made me book a seat for you, too.”

“I was actually planning to book my flight later. He didn’t even tell me.”

The manager made a worried face. “Oops. It must be a surprise.”

“I’ll just pretend to be surprised.” You laughed and Hong Il rubbed the back of his head—suddenly looking quite sheepish.

“Are you two really dating now?” You had foreseen his question before he even asked it. It was easy to come to terms with Hong Il knowing everything about Seung Hyun that there was no need to lie about it.

Nodding shyly, you felt him pat your back as he started laughing. “I always knew you two had a thing for each other. I’m happy for you.”

The sudden feeling of embarrassment left you speechless and Hong Il’s laugh became louder.

“I hope you guys have talked about a lot of things. It’s been very difficult for Seung Hyun lately… with the group’s schedule and his upcoming enlistment.” Hong Il paused as the two of you let a crew who was pushing a clothes rack pass. “You know that he is very soft-hearted and he’s been more sensitive than usual recently. I hope that you’ll make it easy for him…”

He trailed off and then suddenly looked like he was about to be scolded for talking too much.

“I understand.” Was the only thing you could say and it seemed futile for some reason.

Hong Il nodded and you fully knew where he was coming from. He was looking out for Seung Hyun but his job entailed it. If something bad happens, he would also be affected. And there was no way you would let that happen to him or anyone else for that matter.

“I know you’re a good person. But just… be careful, okay?” The way his eyes hardened with resolve made you nod fervently. Hong Il smiled as he patted the top of your head. “They’re waiting for you.”

The manager pushed the white door and you were met with more people inside the spacious waiting area. Stylists were busy preparing the members and the other managers and coordinators were on their phones and laptops—too busy to look at the visitor who just came in. Your eyes automatically searched for the silver-haired Seung Hyun but couldn’t quite see him. It was Youngbae’s strange spider-looking hair that caught your attention first. His eyes met yours and a wide grin crossed his face.

Even though you were breaking out in cold sweat, you managed to smile at him.

“Y/N-ah!” He exclaimed as he stood up from the couch and you both greeted each other. You bowed to the other people in the room while he introduced you. “This is Y/N. She’s a friend who came here to cheer us up.”

The other members waved at you from their chairs—all couldn’t move since their hair and makeup were being done. You gave the box of macarons you bought earlier to Youngbae who then gave it to his manager. The big guy smiled at you shyly when you greeted him. Remembering that time he had fetched you at the after party a few months ago, you couldn’t help but find him adorable yet again.

“How was your flight?” Youngbae asked as he made you sit beside him on the empty couch. You had noticed that Hong Il was suddenly nowhere in sight. You were feeling so nervous even though you had met the guys several times before.

“Well... This Japanese woman sitting next to me was watching Tazza…” Everyone was listening and you didn’t even realize you were clutching the hems of your sweater too tightly until Youngbae patted the back of your hand. Smiling a little, you continued your story. “And then she told me she finds T.O.P y but her favorite is still Daesung.”

Youngbae laughed—his eyes forming into slits. The others chuckled as Daesung stuck out his chest.

“I get all the love.” He joked good-naturedly and he shot you heart fingers which made you grin in return. Your nerves somewhat easing a little.

“Hyung’s also done with his hair and makeup so he’s just changing.” Youngbae whispered and you simply nodded your head.

As if on cue, the door opened and who… more like what you saw made your eyes go wide.

“Finally!” Daesung exclaimed from his seat and Seung Hyun’s gaze met yours.

His spiky hair was pale pink but the roots remained black. You had been too busy to check your Instagram so you had not seen recent photos of him. And this look definitely surprised you. A shy smile appeared on your lips and he did the same as you both politely greeted each other.

“Pink.” You pointed at his hair and he consciously patted its side.

“It reminds me of someone’s hair from before.” He remained standing there and you knew that the other members were eavesdropping on the conversation with the way Youngbae lightly snickered beside you.

“I hope it’s not me, hyung. I had pink hair over a year ago.”

“I had that color, too.”