Hae In’s POV

“Boo!”

I was shocked when someone scared me from the back as I was looking through the photographs I had taken. I turned around and saw him grinning from ear to ear, obviously very satisfied with his little prank he did to me. He was still holding onto my camera and happily taking photos around. I hoped he didn't flood my camera with nonsense photos!

“Woo Young-ah! Stop doing childish things like this, I’m working.” I told him jokingly as he came over to sit beside me.

“You’re working too much, Hailey. You need a break.” Woo Young said.

“Me? I think 2PM is busier than me,” I stated as a matter of fact, even Woo Young nodded in agreement.

Woo Young patted my head and said, “But we have regular meals, not like you. You don’t even eat enough!”

“You’re just like a grandmother! We have to get cracking now. Go back to work!” I pushed him away and took my camera away from him. I giggled when he took photos of 2PM goofing around.

Woo Young’s my best friend in 2PM. Ever since I started working for 2PM, I had become much busier than before as I was their personal photographer and had to go to and fro to take photos for them. Woo Young’s age was the same as mine. Maybe that’s why we clicked well and he treated me like a close friend. People would mistake us for a couple but that’s impossible.

Woo Young had a girl he liked in Canada and I had a boyfriend in the States. My boyfriend was still studying abroad and he probably wanted to live there forever. We had been together since three years ago but I came back to Korea for my family and started a job here.

Just then, my phone rang. Oops, I forgot to change it to vibration mode. It was compulsory whenever I was working. I looked at the message. It’s the stranger again.

From Stranger,

Hello stranger, I wonder if you still remember me but today, I’m in a good mood because I overcame my obstacles with your help. I confronted my problem and it was solved today. I just needed to share with someone. Thank you once again, stranger.

I smiled. I helped a person and he really appreciated my help. I was elated as a person was feeling happier because of me. I liked the feeling of helping others.

Really? I’m so happy for you! Oh yes, I still remember you. I knew you are capable enough to overcome your obstacles in life. Never give up, stranger. Also, I’m very honoured to be the one that shared your joy. I hope your upcoming life will be smoother! :)

I had always wondered the particulars of this unknown stranger. I couldn’t even tell whether it’s a male or a female. Nevertheless, I sent this person my well wishes sincerely.

I know this seems a little rude but I’m just wondering who you are. After all, you really sound very optimistic and inspiring. Well, mind if I ask you some questions about you?

I paused for a moment and bit my lips. I knew that I shouldn’t be bothered too much about a stranger but the curiosity was killing me. I felt at ease talking to this person and really wanted to know more but what if the person was just acting all the way? I just sent the message with caution.

Well, I couldn’t really think of any reason why you would want to know me but I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have for me. To tell you the truth, I’m quite curious on who you really are as well. You can ask first, I’ll ask you later.

I said this so that I would know about him/her too. I wouldn’t want to be the only person who disclosed my personal information!

Through this, I found out the person was also 22 years old and was a female student who was studying in Seoul University! It was too much of a coincidence, I thought to myself. I was more wary now. Well, “she” asked for my job and I pondered for a while before answering.

Wow, still studying. Nice to meet you too! I’m working at a café actually.

I felt bad that I had to lie but I would tell her my job – if only I wasn’t working in showbiz. Everything in showbiz was very tight so I couldn’t disclose it now, especially if I was working with a popular idol group like 2PM. What if she was a hardcore 2PM fangirl? I shuddered at the thought of it.

I’m sorry for lying.

Really? Which café?

Oh no! I just replied with a café that I frequent a lot but it was a tad too far from JYP Building but the coffee there was great. Would she ask me to meet up with her? After all, we could possibly be good friends if she was really a girl. However, I was a little disappointed with her answer.

Oh I think I live very far from that café and I don’t have the time to go there too. :P Anyway, let’s not lose contact. I need to go soon. Goodnight!

Going off already? That’s fast. Oh wait, after texting for so long, I didn’t have her name yet. After all, I couldn’t be so strange to save her contact as “Stranger” right?

Oh wait! I still don’t know your name! My name is Hae In. :)

Well, I wasn’t lying about name this time. Yes, my name in work is called Hailey but my real name is Hae In. I waited for a reply but the crew was asking for me already. 2PM was already in their costumes, ready for the photoshoot but I was here – texting an unknown stranger. I felt embarrassed everytime I thought of it. I waited anxiously for the reply as I walked over to them.

My phone vibrated and I eagerly look at the message.

My name is Ji Yeon. Yong Ji Yeon.

Ji Yeon? Nice name. I quickly changed the name of the contact and proceed with my work.

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Author's Note:

A little feature of Woo Young from 2PM but he won't be a big part to the story. Just popping around occasionally. I used him because he's of the same age as Jun Hyung (very lame reason).

Enjoy.