Sang Hee's POV

My daily life returned as quickly as it had disappeared for a moment. Many things had also changed though: the picture of my stars radiated happiness into my room and Stephy and I had started exchanging texts. She was my first friend here in Seoul and the person I was the closest with. I had asked her where her name Stephanie came from, seeing as she looked and spoke korean, and she answered that she was born in Chicago but moved to Seoul when she was around 3 years old. She was therefore just like any korean who's lived in Seoul; her name was the only thing that was foreign. I told her it was fascinating, to have a background like hers; she, on the contrary, found it completely futile. I felt special, to have such an interesting and kind friend.

I was still too shy to ask for us to meet again; I think she understood that though, since she never mentioned anything about it either.

I had also joined SHINee's official fanclub site and, to my surprise, most of the Shawols on there were quite kind. I would sometimes add a reply to some topics, but I was mainly a silent reader. As I look back, I had been into the section dedicated to Jonghyun quite often; it's a bit embarassing, now that I think about it.

Here I am now, 2 months later, on my way back home from school. The other students' comments hurt me less, now that I had other things to rely on. It was a sunny afternoon; as I walked by La Patîsserie Élégante, the view of the sweet and colorful cupcakes enchanted me. I came out shortly after, with a few cupcakes accompanying me. I took a picture of the cupcakes in my hand and sent it to Stephy. A text soon appeared.

"Hey~! I'm hungry too you know~!

-Stephy <(TTwTT)>"

I laughed slightly and savoured one of the cupcakes. Stephy's presence through texts added a touch of happiness to my life. The feeling of loneliness had faded away; I was really grateful to her. I would be lying though if I said I didn't mind talking to SHINee again. I still yearned to talk to them again, to be surrounded by their kindness, but they were only meant to be gazed at from afar. I had no place beside them, because I was, am and will be only a fan.

As I entered the fanclub's site, I noticed they had changed the layout; it made me proud to know that so many other Shawols were dedicating their efforts for our one common love: SHINee.

I was one of the few Shawols to actually check the events' calendar, since most of the events were held in Seoul. As I went through it, I noticed a note for this Friday afternoon for a guerilla date. Huh? What's a guerilla date? Stephy probably knows this though~.

"Hey Stephy~

Do you know what's a guerilla date?

-Sang Hee"

A reply soon appeared. Does she have her cellphone on 24/7?

"Oh~ They're dates held by idol groups with their fans. They usually try to attract the least attention possible for these, but it's almost impossible so they haven't been organizing much lately~ TwT

-Stephy ♦"

A date with SHINee? Was I dreaming? I thanked her then took note of the location: it was around one of the fountains downtown. Tomorrow was Friday; I couldn't believe it. Everything was so sudden. It seemed so out of place of me to go, yet my heart wanted to attend. They probably forgot about me though, so I'll just be a normal fan to them... I have nothing to lose, right?

Since it was after school, I had to change clothes right after. Where would I change? What would the other students say if they saw me?

Fear took hold of me as I tried to think of a way to avoid changing at school. If I remember correctly, the bakery is on the way to the meeting place. I think I can change there instead!

Relief replaced my fear; I didn't need to face any of the remarks they would give me if they saw me. I've often thought like this ever since I came to this school: thought of how they would react, how hurt I would be. I couldn't remember anymore how it was like not to face this situation.

I shook my head, as a means to change the state of mind I was in. Don't ruin your mood like that, Sang Hee. I lied down on my bed and started texting Stephy.

"Give me an idea of what I should wear to SHINee's guerilla date tomorrow~

-Sang Hee"

"What!~ You're going to one tomorrow?! I'll wish you good luck tomorrow then! ^^ As for the clothes, dress up casually yet cutely! I think it fits you the best~! Get a skirt and a colorful t-shirt. Maybe high heels if you feel daring or too small!

-Stephy ^-^ "

And so I spent the rest of the night searching through my closet, with Stephy's advice; it felt refreshing to have someone help me through the usual girly fusses. It felt like Stephy was right beside me; she was an important person in my life and no one could replace a friend like her now. I wouldn't know how to react if she really was right next to me; would it have been okay to act happy? Would I have seemed too clingy? I was glad we were only exchanging texts; I'd look like such an idiot in front of her.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

There was 1 minute left. I heard some chuckles behind me. Were they going to tease me again? I looked at the clock and stared at it; I could hear Dae Myung whispering something behind me. The other students whispered my name. Just ring, bell, ring... Free me from here...!

I then felt someone poke my back. I turned around half-heartedly and saw Dae Myung giving me a peace sign with a stone grin. The other students behind him chuckled. Bearing his teasing no more, I turned around, humiliated.

At that moment, the bell rang. I took my books, put them in my bag then made my way outside the classroom, holding back my tears from falling.

Why did they have to do this right before the date with SHINee? Why?

As I saw the bakery, relief filled me; I wiped away the tears I had cried on the way. The colorful displays and furniture created a whole different world; a world where I could be in peace, where being alone in my thoughts was okay. I entered and quickly made my way for the bathroom, feeling everyone's stares on me.

As I closed the door, I sighed and covered my face silently, collecting my thoughts. It's okay, Sang Hee. You're going to see SHINee soon...

After a while, I came back to reality and changed into my clothes. As I exited the bathroom, I noticed my eyes were red. Really now? Could things get any worse?

I went outside and made my way to the fountain, but the anticipation and giddiness I had had disappeared. Fear and anxiety had taken its place.

Jonghyun's POV

"Let's give the fans a chance. We will be holding a guerilla date next week, so you only have practice in the morning that day."

That's what the manager had told us last Friday. We were a bit surprised, to be honest, by that announcement; it's usually impossible to spend time with fans on a date without being recognized on the streets by other Shawols. It was going to be slightly different this time though: we're going to each choose one lucky fan to go on a date with us. The date will be held in different locations (all reserved, therefore private) for each of us.

I honestly had no idea how to feel about this. I was glad we could meet more fans, but wasn't it wrong to play with their hearts this way? Fans really need to stop putting their heart on the line like this. In this industry, a heart of stone is required as well as a talent for hypocrisy.

I sighed, staring at the buildings passing by. We were on our way to the meeting place in our group's van; everyone was silent. Silent out of exhaustion perhaps?

We had been training non-stop for our upcoming album promotions, training with no restraints from morning till night, as well as appearing on various shows to increase our popularity.

"Yah, Kim Jonghyun," a voice called as I saw a cellphone put in front of me. "I'm putting this on me2day, so you better smile."

I  glanced and saw Key, already making a pose. I quickly took a childish, growling pose; the camera made a clicking sound. I stopped smiling and stared back outside. Key went to fiddling with the Internet to post it.

Minho must've noticed my lack of energy, as I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard him ask if I was okay.

"Just tired," I replied, not detaching my gaze from outside.

"Everyone is, Jonghyun," he said calmly. "Just think of this as an oppurtunity to have fun a bit, alright?"

"Alright," I said, not too confident. Having fun by using the fans' hearts like this? Do we really have the right to?

Sang Hee's POV

As I arrived at the fountain, there were about 30 fans waiting already. Most of them were with friends, giggling and taking pictures of each other. I felt so out of place, all alone with my tear-streaked face.

I walked over to the fountain and sat on the edge, looking at the ground. I took out my cellphone and looked at the time; they were going to be here soon. I started to feel nervous; what will they think when they'll see me?

As I tried to calm myself down, my cellphone rang shortly, alerting me of a new text.

"Sang Hee~! Good luck girl! Don't you go all nervous this time! >n < Just try your best to have fun~! That's all that matters right?~ Fighting!

-Stephy ♥"

As I read her text, I smiled. At that moment, it felt like Stephy was cheering me on somewhere, holding up a fist while yelling "Fighting!" The funny thing was that I actually could see her doing that.

Thank you so much Stephy~.

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Alright! I wrote so much during my vacation~. I've been retyping everything on the computer; I didn't have my laptop... Since I felt that this whole event was too thick to put all in one chapter, I separated it into 2 chapters~! So it's a double update this time! I hope you guys'll enjoy it~ <3

PS.: After releasing chapter 7, one of my subscribers unsubscribed. I was a bit sad actually, since this was my very first fanfic, but as my friend said: "You can't always please everyone." I don't hold anything against the ex-subscriber, but I just think it's a shame they didn't wait one day to read the next 2 chapters. :< But thank you so much everyone who've sticked with the story! <3

PSS.: The fountain picture is an actual fountain from Seoul; it's from Seoul plaza. :D I just found the pic on Google though. LOL

PSSS.: Guerilla dates are really true; idols really do take some fans on a date. :o I wished I would be chosen too~ LOL