The next Monday that Krystal went to campus, she received a lot of stares from students. Of course, she felt self-conscious because she didn’t know what the looks were for. Perhaps her choice of clothing was too strange for others to see?

Noticing Jinri from afar, talking to a group of boys as usual, Krystal waved to her friend. She was left dumb bounded when the said best friend curtly nodded her head and disappeared out of Krystal’s sight. Raising her eyebrows, the dark haired girl looked around and signed. The students wouldn’t seem to stop staring any moment. To feel more secure, she should find a quiet place where she could stay alone before her lecture, Krystal concluded. Fast walking for a long time, she finally decided to stay in a lone field of grass, right behind the furthest of buildings in campus. Setting her big bag on the ground, she leaned her back on the wall and looked at the sky. Something was definitely out of normal.

Luhan was having a short break when one of his workers caught his eyes. Chanyeol. The tall man with a grin on his face seemed awfully happy for some reason. All Luhan could think of was that the young man was really impressed by Luhan’s female quittance: Krystal. To say that the owner of café was really interested in his friends’ little talk a few days ago was an understatement. Luhan was on the verge of chocking someone right now. He knew that it wasn’t his business, but he couldn’t take it anymore. So instead of waiting for some guy-talk between him and Chanyeol, he decided to approach his friend first.

“Chanyeol-ah, do you have a minute?” the worker then turned around to face his boss, whom he was trying to keep a safe distance from for these past few days. Frantically thinking about an excuse to go somewhere, he didn’t notice D.O’s (other worker) smug face and Luhan’s knowing look. Without an answer, however, the boss pulled Chanyeol by his arm outside, to the street.

“What are you afraid of?” Luhan decided to break the silence that had settled between them only a minute ago. The taller youngster then chuckled awkwardly and placed his hands behind his back. After the meeting with the person whom Luhan was talking non-stop for a while now, Chanyeol was kind of afraid that his boss-friend might have misunderstood the small chat. And he was more than sure that Luhan seen him flirting around. ‘.’

“What are you talking about?” Chanyeol plastered his trait wide smile, hoping for his older friend to buy the act. However, Luhan knew Chanyeol too well now. Crossing his arms, the boss gave his co-worker a not amused look and glared.

“That flirting tactic. Last week. With Krystal.”

“Oh, that… That wasn’t flirting, I swear!” Chanyeol showed his hands as if in protection, but the smirk Luhan showed him made the taller boy shiver in unknown fear.

“So you’re saying that you didn’t even think about it then?”

“Well…”

“Well what? She’s not attractive enough for you?” Luhan was holding back his laughter; his antics were proving right with Chanyeol making that kind of lost expression.

“No… she’s really pretty…”

Luhan just glared in return. Chanyeol got on his bait. “So what were you talking about if not you flirting with my friend?”

“It was about her admirer!” Taller man gave a surprised look once he understood what he has done. Gulping down, he smacked his own head in defeat. He was supposed to stay quiet about this. “I seriously don’t know who it is; I just know that a friend of his is giving me all those letters to give to Krystal. She doesn’t seem to know the person herself either.”

“Ah… So that was it.” Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Luhan threw his head upwards and inspected the falling leaves. It surely was going to be a beautiful fall. “You can return to work now. We won’t talk about it anymore.”

Krystal stepped inside her third lecture’s classroom. It was already time to dance. Krystal was seriously considering skipping the class, but even the thought of Victoria getting on her back for it later made her reconsider. Yesterday she was scarred of attending the classes, because she remembers very well Kai saying that he’ll be there too. But, since she hasn’t seen him today at all, she felt a bit more secure now. Only a bit, since the stares she was receiving today hasn’t stopped yet.

Victoria and some other students were already here, when Krystal opened the doors. It was surprising how little wanted to attend the dance lecture today. What was more surprising, however, was spotting Kai here too. And it was still eight minutes left before the practice starts. Why did he come here earlier? The grin on his pretty face said that she probably doesn’t want to know anyway.

Kneeling on the ground to change her shoes, Krystal felt a presence behind her. Looking at the mirror in front of her, she signed deeply.

“What do you want?”

Kai just grinned in return. “Have you heard about our next photo shoot? Or the big party afterwards?”

“What do you mean our photo shoot?” She eyed the boy suspiciously, while he, on the other hand, just raised an eyebrow and sat beside her. His body just inches away from her made Krystal feel goosebumps all over her bare body. Something about Kai always made her feel insecure.

“So you haven’t heard yet. A little bird told me that someone wanted us to take couple photos in the upcoming week. The date hasn’t been decided yet, however.”

Krystal glared at him. For a mere model he knew too much about something that hasn’t been decided yet. “And how did you get to know such information? Perhaps you were the one so suggest such a thing?” She accused him; however, the grin on Kai’s face grew only wider.

“That might be the case. You’ll never know.” Then, unexpectedly for Krystal, Kai extended his hand to her, while standing up himself. “Take care of me at work. I’m glad we’ll be working together soon enough.”

In return, Krystal scoffed and lightly shook his hand. She then tried to free her hand, but to her dismay, Kai only tightened his grip on her and quickly pushed her off the ground, making her body fell all of its weight on him. He smirked and pushed his tongue out. Not noticing it herself, Krystal was blushing madly already. She should have known better than to trust him even at small things like handshake.

“Should we start already?” Came Victoria’s voice; the commanding note in it made Kai free Krystal from his grip, for what the younger girl was thankful to her teacher for.

Just like in the first dance practice, it all started with a hard workout and stretch routine. Krystal was more than glad that she didn’t have much of a trouble with the moves, looking at all the struggling students around her. She could already tell that more students will dropout from the lesson in upcoming month. Glancing to her left, she noted that Kai was looking even more confident than ever. That is, if it is even possible. His eyes shined brightly, what told Krystal that he was enjoying dancing. He even looked somewhat different from the Kai she knew, when he danced. The sudden lock of gazes between them, however, set Kai in his usual smirk. He was too much, Krystal thought.

Even though it was only one of the first practices this year, Victoria decided to explain her future plans to the dance students at the end of the lesson. According to her, it’ll be the first year that Seoul University will be doing talent show. Hearing that, students seemed more excited than ever, since, it will feel like high school activity where everyone can perform with their friends and make new ones. It was strange for Krystal that the staff of the university agreed to this, since SU was very well known for strict rules and hard lessons, but since Victoria was added to the teaching staff… While Victoria’s going to be here, some huge changes will be made, that for sure.

Explaining more, Victoria mentioned that the show is mainly for dance-sing performers, so she expects to get some applications from her dance lesson students. When everyone hung their heads low, she scoffed that kids should be a little bit more confident. Noticing him in the far end, Victoria pointed her finger to Kai, making Krystal roll her eyes. She was more than sure that after his last mini solo performance, he was added to Victoria’s list of favorites. Nevertheless, Victoria continued her mind, even though mainly all of students eyed Kai suspiciously.

“Since the talent show will be held some when in spring, I’m going to make a small audition before that. You can perform alone, in pairs and even in groups. Creating a dance group with students outside my classes is permitted, too. Therefore, all of you will have to create a performance.” When someone loudly breathed out, she angrily added, “And no but’s.”

Watching as others grimaced in disgust and fear, Krystal couldn’t help but chuckle lightly. Victoria truly had hawk eyes, since she noticed Krystal’s light laugh. Swaying her finger towards Krystal, Victoria showed her students her one of kind, devious smile. Krystal immediately dropped her smile and gulped down. Her dance teacher was just as unpredictable as Kai was. He, on the other hand, also grinned madly.

“I see you’re glad about my announcements, miss. Krystal, am I right?” Victoria stopped and waited for the younger girl’s confirmation, and when Krystal nodded hesitantly after a while, the teacher continued. “Since you’re so excited, I’ll be expecting a lot from you. Let’s have a small talk. Others, dismissed,” she commanded. Other students hurriedly took their belongings and went outside. Only one student caught the teacher’s eyes, again. “Kai, you also stay.”

Krystal bit her lower lip in frustration. What has she done wrong? One small smile was enough to get on Victoria’s bad list? She was angrier than scarred of hearing what the teacher had to say. Frustration only rose when Kai was told to stay too. Nevertheless, the two youngsters were interested what the woman had to say to them.

“I already noticed that the two of you seem close. Couple, perhaps?” Victoria finally broke it to them, making Krystal choke out of nowhere. Victoria only pursed her lips and crossed her arms on her chest, eyeing Kai, who was looking just as surprised as Krystal was. Their reaction told her that they may not be a couple, at least right now.

“You know, the two of you interfere with my lessons a lot. You’re like a new attraction for the kids. All the stupid acts that you pull, make it hard for everyone to concentrate on what matters the most here: dancing.”

Krystal was about to apologize, but Victoria beat her to it. Shushing her students, the female teacher let out a sign and caressed her temples. She was getting too old for this. “I also noticed your potential. While others are working hard to learn some moves, you two seem at ease. I suppose, it’s too easy for you?” She indicated it for Kai, since she locked her eyes on him only. Krystal didn’t know whether to answer it or not, so she chose to stay quiet. The teacher was probably really angry at her. ‘Aish, it was all Kai’s fault!’

“So, as a punishment, I’m making you two work together for the upcoming show. You’ll go straight to the show, even if your performance will . Which, I hope for your safety, will definitely not.” With that, Krystal let out a slightly audible what the hell, to what she earned a soft chuckle from the boy on her side.

“But teacher, I don’t even know him that well! It’s in his nature to do immature things and he’s the one who got us in trouble.” Even if she argued, the look on Victoria’s face told Krystal that there would be no chance in mind. Kai grumpily said something under his breath, clearly not amused by Krystal’s words. Well, he accepted that it was his fault. Furthermore, he didn’t want to work his off for some talent show. Not his thing, he concluded.

“Besides, isn’t this too much of a punishment? The year only started. One warning would have done it’s thing,” he sided with Krystal. Victoria only laughed out loud. She was insane, both youngsters thought.

“I told you right from the start. I’m strict. If you didn’t want anything like this to happen, you shouldn’t have gotten on my back either. Like I told earlier, no but’s. That’s all for today.” Without a care in the world, the woman went out of the classroom, leaving both Krystal and Kai gaping at the doors. They will have to form something like teamwork, if they want to pass Victoria’s judgment. The young girl wasn’t too keen with the idea.

Without looking at the boy, Krystal, too, took her belongings and was about to leave the room, when a soft tapping on her shoulder got her attention. Kai walked past the girl and put his hand on the door, not letting Krystal get out. She stepped few steps back; it seems like Kai wanted to say something. Grunting her teeth, Krystal put her hands on her hips, waiting for him to begin.

“You know I don’t like this thing either. So, let’s bear it for the mean time and get it over with as soon as possible.”

“Sounds fine with me. I don’t want to stick around you too much.”

Something that Krystal said made Kai grin evilly. “Afraid to end up like other girls- too immersed in my charms?”

“What charms? Haven’t seen any,” she scoffed in comeback, sparing him only one and rare smirk of hers. Kai’s smile dropped and his hand slid to the door’s handle, the other hand found its way in his pocket.

“Stay this obnoxious and by the end of the semester you’ll be one of my biggest seekers. Now that I think about it, having heard some rumors about your past experiences, you would as lover.” Being reminded of that, something broke inside Krystal. Something she was starting to build up in the past months. That would probably be her confidence. Noticing her sad expression, Kai felt somewhat sorry for his words, but he was too selfish and prideful to apologize.

“Let me leave.” Krystal swayed Kai’s hand away from the handle, but he was too strong for her to push him away to get some space to open the doors. He placed his now free hand on her neck, raising it to her chin. Hardly pushing her face upwards for her to face him better, he quietly cursed.

“Don’t be such a turn off every time I insult you. You should be getting used to it by now anyway.”

“If you don’t want to see that, then don’t say things like these to me. Better yet, leave me alone.”

“I thought you had more fire in you, Krystal,” Kai smirked, even if it wasn’t intentional. The burning sensation rose in Krystal again, and when gathered enough strength, she slapped Kai across the face.

“Bad idea, stupid.” Right then Kai, with most of his strength, pushed Krystal on the ground and locked her swaying hands under his body. “I seriously cannot see what my brother sees in you. To even start a fight like that…”

Even though Krystal felt scarred of Kai, she couldn’t help but be curious about what Kai said. She stopped moving and locked her gaze on his. “What fight?”

Kai felt really amused so he let out a surprised laugh. ‘She doesn’t know?’ “So I guess Taemin is really staying away from you. You see, we fought about you. Not entirely you, but you started it.” Krystal was a bit confused and her facial expression told Kai more than he needed to know. “You’re not that close to him?”

Inside, Krystal was battling whether to give the boy on top of her some sort of response or not. His narrowed eyes on her face interrupted her thoughts; she noticed him looking at every part of her face, and stopping onto her… lips.

“Wha-what…” she stammered, but Kai had no intention on listening to her blabbering any longer. Quickly pecking her lips, he carefully studied her reaction. Seeing her frozen in spot, Kai, again, let his lips meet her ones, only this time the kiss was slower and more passionate.

Krystal was still frozen, her eyes wide open. Why was Kai doing this, was the only thing on her mind. When she felt his kiss getting rougher, she finally fully understood what was happening and started beating his chest in order to free herself from him. Feeling sudden change of behavior, Kai immediately shot up from his pose and stood up, thinking frantically about what just happened.

“Don’t get near me. It was an assault, harassment even.” Krystal straightened herself from the ground, furiously wiping her lips as if it would remove the kiss. Kai’s self-esteem couldn’t let him to watch such action of disgust, so he turned around and left. It took a few more minutes for Krystal to gain her balance and leave the studio.

Skipping next class, Krystal walked the streets of Seoul, all alone. She wished she could talk with her best friend, but Jinri didn’t answer any of her messages nor calls. Walking past Luhan’s café, she noticed one familiar face, aside from her childhood friend. Walking back to the entrance, she went inside. Not waiting for any waiter to approach her, she walked straight to one table in the middle.

“Taemin. We have to talk.” There he was, the person Krystal’s problems started from. At least, she hoped it was the case for his younger brother’s behavior towards her.

The older boy sat there in silence, watching intently as Krystal took the seat in front of him. He was alone there and had no mood to have a company. However, since it was her, he accepted the fact that they have to talk.

“Sorry,” it was the first thing that left Taemin’s mouth. The sincere look in his eyes surprised Krystal. For the past weeks or even months, he seemed so uncharacteristically cold to her. Not that they were that close, but Krystal thought she knew him a bit to notice his personality change in front of her. But his apology reminded Krystal of Taemin she got to know at the start of summer holidays.

“Did you fight with Kai?”

“You shouldn’t get involved in this,” he muttered under the breath, audible enough for Krystal to hear. Resting her head on her hands, she blew out a raspberry.

“I think I am, at least he told me that.” She stopped to lock her sight on Taemin’s face. She hasn’t been able to talk to him for such a long time. It shocked her how much she became attached to him, even though they had only one date, or moreover, a hangout. “So what was it all about?”

“So you met him. He’s dangerous, Krys. You weren’t the center of the fight either way. He just said that to get your attention into this mess.”

“Then why was he doing that? Today, he even…” the young girl’s mind wandered off to the kiss scene and her fingers innocently touched her own lips, as if trying to remember what it felt like. Krystal’s mind became complicated. Once Kai let go of her, she denied any giddiness and warm feelings towards him, so why couldn’t she forget his touch right now?

Taemin probably noticed her trance since he coughed to catch her attention. “What happened?”

“Doesn’t matter,” she answered, deciding to keep her deep thoughts shut inside. “Why did you fight?”

“Not your business.” Taemin’s irritated voice scarred Krystal; her face became blank and pale.

“Then why am I in this?” She asked quietly, more to herself than to the boy in front of her. Taemin let out a deep sign.

“He thinks I like you.”

Somehow, Krystal wasn’t lost this time. “Why does he think that?”

“No apparent reason, really. Maybe that date did it’s work.” ‘So it was a date, after all,” Krystal concluded in her thoughts.

“And that’s the reason why you’re avoiding me.”

Taemin was taken a back; Krystal seemed so straight forward right now, he didn’t know whether to be scarred or impressed.

“That’s not how it started. But, you’re right. If we won’t be seen anymore, Kai might get off of your back.”

Krystal shook her head in disagreement. A small chuckle escaped her bitten lips; she grew fond of biting her lips to keep her calm. A new habit was formed when the mess with these brothers started.

“I think it’s too late for it now. If what he said is true, I’ll be seeing him around a lot. Not to mention we have to pair up for the upcoming talent show.”

“I suppose you aren’t so keen of my brother, huh?” Taemin smiled in his used to be usual, now old manner.

“That’s a nice way to put it.” Looking around, Krystal spotted Luhan and two of the waiters, D.O and Chanyeol, looking at her. Averting her gaze to Taemin, she met his expectant eyes. Did he want to hear something more from her?

“Well, since you say that he won’t leave you alone…”

“No.” Krystal stopped him right away. She knew where this was going. Without further ado, she stood up from her seat and left the open-mouthed senior at the table. Nodding to Luhan and his friends when passing them, she left the café.

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First thing first: sorry! I'm really sorry for anyone that was waiting for the continuation :)

Secondly, I wanna tell you a small secret. In the near future, Kai will dye his hair for good reasons! (No, it has nothing to do with my endless tries of finding his blonde hair photos without mic or waving at the camera, no...)

Finally, sorry again and please make my day by COMMENTING, SUBSCRIBING or UPVOTING!