You were a nervous wreck. Just yesterday, you were musing about how you had no plans for the weekends and now suddenly, you had a date with the school’s smartest and most popular guy. You had no idea how it happened but yesterday, Youngjae had dropped by your lunch table and, in front of your bewildered friends, asked you out.

            You had looked at him with a stupid look and he had smiled. “Would you be willing to go on a date with me tomorrow?” He had asked again, with a grin on his face as if he knew how dumbstruck you were.

            Your best friend was the first to recover and she nudged you hard enough that you almost toppled over. “Oh, er, I guess I’m free tomorrow.”

            He smiled. “Great, I can come pick you up. I know where you live.”

            You just nodded and watched him walk back to his table where the other popular boys were waiting. Afterwards, your friends had freaked out and your best friend volunteered to come over to help you prepare.

            “I wish I knew where you would be going. Because I don’t know how to dress you! If I let you out casual, and you’re going to a fancy dinner, you would be ostracized immediately. But if I let you out in a ball gown and you were just going to bowling, it’d be stupid too.” You kept silent and let her fret.

            She finally settled on a nice miniskirt that “set off your long legs” and a peasant top. “Very casual, but very cute.” You only allowed her to put on minimal makeup, however, much to her chagrin.

            She winked at you and slipped out of the house ten minutes before he was set to arrive. He arrived a minute later, earlier than you expected. Your brother ran to get the door and was disappointed to see a stranger rather than his friend.

            “Sis!” he called, “There’s a guy here for you. Why are you so fancy?” he asked rudely and you blushed.

            Your mother came out of the kitchen and took him away, apologizing for his forwardness. Youngjae shook his head. “Not a problem. I walked out of the house wearing cologne and my cousins were having a field day.”

            You turned red. He was implying that he normally didn’t and was doing it just for you. “Well, have fun okay?” Your mom waved and you stepped out with him.

            “If it’s okay, can I hold your hand?” You were shocked to see the tips of his ears turn red. You thought he would be filled with confidence. He gestured at your dangling hand and you nodded. He picked it up and immediately wrapped your hand in his warm, large one.

            “We’re not going to do anything fancy but I’m going to take you somewhere that nobody in school knows about.”

            You had to admit, you still weren’t over the fact that he had asked you out. “But why would you show me?” You asked.

            He laughed and bashfully ruffled his hair. “I’ve always liked you. And I liked that you weren’t shallow like the others. I know our classmates consider as “kingkas” or whatever it is that those types are called, but my friends and I are really pretty normal. And it’s rare a pretty girl sees it.”

            Your cheeks flamed at his compliment. “I mean, I’m sure you guys are as great as everyone say you are. I just like looking at the more human aspect.” You sounded like an idiot. Why were you philosophizing when you should be acting coquettish? You could picture your friend’s face palm.

            Youngjae smiled. “Great! I love looking for the inner spiritual meanings in a person too.” He sounded like a dork when he said it, but an adorable one because he gave you a lopsided grin.

            You continued walking until you reached a small store. He pushed open the door and walked down to the basement, holding onto you to prevent you from falling. Downstairs, it was loud and people your age were milling around, holding cans of soda and juice and laughing.

            There was a large stage and you saw Youngjae’s friends setting up their microphones. “My friends and I are in a band. We call ourselves B.A.P. for Best, Absolute, Perfect. I’m a lead vocal and Yongguk and Zelo rap. Himchan-hyung is our instrumentalist, Daehyun sings as well and Jongup dances. We put on performances every week here. I guess no one at school really understands because it’s not as glamorous as they think our lives should be. But it’s our passion.”

            You were flattered that he would share this piece of information about himself and he led you to a table near the front. You recognized a few faces from the neighborhood and Youngjae hugged you. “Thanks for coming. We’re performing now but it’s only three songs so I’ll be back later. Watch us well.” Then, dispelling his image, he brought a fist to his cheek and winked.

            You watched him walk onto the stage and immediately the atmosphere changed. The crowd started cheering and chanting, “B.A.P.! B.A.P.!” You chanted along, getting caught up in the excitement.

            Himchan’s drums started playing and Youngjae’s first note was belted. Their songs had a wild energy and you saw a different side to him than you had ever seen. Youngjae on stage was charismatic and his singing was fierce. His other friends also shedded their cool and aloof identities as well when they got into the music.

            When they finished, the entire room erupted into applause and you stood up to give them a well deserved standing ovation. Youngjae came over and you reached up with a napkin to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

            “You were really good.”

            He grinned and took your hand, leading you over to meet his friends. His friends were goofy and they were friendly as they greeted you. “Youngjae has been dying to talk to you ever since sophomore year,” Daehyun disclosed to you and Youngjae grinned shyly.

            When you were walking home, Youngjae hugged you to him. “I’m sorry if today wasn’t the conventional first date. Was it too much for you? Zelo was scared that I was giving too much of myself away and you wouldn’t be interested.”

            You smiled at him. “I’m glad you trusted me enough to show me actually. I had a lot of fun and I think you’re really talented.”

            He beamed. “So can I go on ahead and book you for another date?”

            You bumped his hip, all shyness falling away in the face of his good humor. “Let me check with my secretary.” 

requested by: beingalazyass