You guys are gonna have to forgive me for two things. First, it's been 7 months. I know I said I would try not to let 6 months pass... (but hey, 7 months is not 6 months so forgive me? XD haha). Second, I'm gonna shamelessly promote my other story featuring NCT's Nakamoto Yuta, SM Entertainment's first ever Japanese artist whose smile is as blinding as the sun. It's a new venture for me because it's the first time I'm writing supernatural romance. Anyway, just give it a shot here: Hansha. Don't forget to leave behind your thoughts! Enjoy!

Not later than that afternoon, the final cast for the year-end musical had spread around campus. Much to Solenn’s annoyance, it was Aya flaunting the female lead role. She had not expected this from the girl she was supposedly cornering. To top it all, she couldn’t afford to let the play flop, lest she suffer having the reputation of the club she was vice-president of crumble to dust. Which could only mean one thing—she and Aya had to work hand in hand to make the musical a grand success.

Meanwhile Aya could not fully celebrate her revenge. For one thing, how would she explain to her parents their play practices, which would very likely drag late into weeknights? Exposing Solenn’s little threat was out of the question either, unless she wished for her parents to find out about her dance escapades with Sehun. And speaking of her boyfriend, she could not take advantage of him being in her parents' good books anymore—not when he had already made a fuss about how she supposedly danced like a stick.

Which led her to her only salvation at the moment: Byun Baekhyun.   Aya found the boy immersed in his script when she reported to their very first practice on Saturday morning.   “Hello, milady,” he cooed as soon as he caught sight of her walking towards him. “Do you have any more secrets to divulge?”   She laughed, sinking beside him. “What secrets?”   Two things that made Baekhyun raise his brows at her. One, Aya seemed happier than usual. He’d found her forlorn and maybe a little bit cranky the past few weeks. Perhaps something good happened?   Two, was she fine with the current setup? Landing the lead role? He was still unsure why Aya suddenly decided to audition for back-up. As far as he could recall, she was intent on keeping her graceful moves to herself. What changed?   “Baek?”   “Hm?”   “Er, I think you’re being a little too—”   “Oh!” Baekhyun leaned away suddenly, too fast it looked like he were a magnet catapulted away from the same pole. “Sorry, what were we talking about before you shamelessly bewitched me with your beauty?” Another laugh erupted from Aya’s lips. He was sure of it now. “Aren’t we happy today, honey?”   “Well, not really.” Aya heaved in a long breath. She composed herself and looked straight into his eyes. Here goes nothing. “I think I’m in big trouble, and I need your help.”   “All right.” With a murderous expression replacing the frolic on his harmless face, Baekhyun was up on both feet. Hands planted on his waist, he scanned the entire theater house. “Who is troubling you and what sort of punishment do you want me to administer to this ninny?”   “What are you—what d’you mean ninny?” Aya had pulled him back down beside her.   “Tell me!” He leaned towards her eagerly. What he couldn’t see was that she was already angled towards him, so that when he faced her, their noses touched. If he hadn’t pulled an infinitesimal inch back at the last second, he was pretty sure their lips would have touched.   With the boy’s incredible reputation at flirting, anyone would have believed he was not new to kissing. Contrary to established belief, however, he was an ignoramus. Zero experience. Besides, he’d never had a girlfriend, and thus, he had never found a reason to kiss anyone.   Having nearly kissed Aya then made his chest pound uncontrollably. He would have uttered an impromptu poem to describe what he was feeling at the moment, just to ease his jitters and perhaps tease Aya as well. But one look at her—at her trembling lips and ashen face—told him her mood might not improve if he pushed her further with his flirting. He didn’t want that. It’s incredible how he used to not care. He’d had girls turning purple with embarrassment after surviving his flirty advances. It was different this time. He convinced himself that it rattled him now because Aya was his friend. She’s a good friend.   Also, didn’t she avoid Sehun for months because he kissed her in front of others?   “I can’t believe you can dare to get bothered by personal matters,” Baekhyun grumbled playfully as he leaned back, steering the conversation to Aya’s troubles, “knowing you are the lead character and you have an entire booklet to memorize.” He studied her face for a second, trying to detect relief or the slightest shift in her abashment. “Half the success of the show is in your hands, you know.”   “Hey,” Aya protested, frowning, “I am doing my best to cement the script into my head. And why are you putting it all on me? Solenn is heading the production team. We have an able director. And you, of course, you have to do your best as back-up as well.”   “Well, excuse you but I have already memorized my lines.” Baekhyun was smirking now. He was glad she had already recovered from earlier.   Aya scoffed. “Do you even have any? Does your stage time even exceed five minutes?”   “Whoah, there, honey.” Baekhyun’s eyes were fully rounded now, brows arched way up on his forehead, grin stretched devilishly. “I never thought you the type to belittle me just because you think your role is more important than mine.”   “Aye think? Weren’t you the one making such a big deal about it? Besides,” she raised her chin, “whether we like it or not, I am the lead role so—”   “Show off!”   “Shut up, Baek.” She stood up, sighing. “Are you going to listen to me or not?”   “How could I not? Your voice is easily the sweetest, most relaxing—okay, okay.” He was chortling as he leapt up and reached for a retreating Aya. He held her by the wrist, pulling her close to him. “Talk to me anytime, baby. I’m all ears.”   She sighed again, trying to wriggl