{ 04 }

“AAAAH!” She screamed as she splayed herself on the floor. “I’m so tired, Bacon-ah!” She whined and made faces.

The two of them were practicing their dances for her debut. It had been almost a month since the two of them met, and now there are only two weeks left to the party. They’re just starting on the choreography, so they’re behind the schedule. It was late since Haeyoung was being stubborn about the grand party before Baekhyun came and changed everything.

“You’re being annoying,” he answered as he sat next to her. He threw his towel on her to cover her face. “How do you think I feel then?” He added before drinking from his water bottle.

Haeyoung grew quiet. She’s not stupid; she knows that Baekhyun’s not putting up with her out of his own volition. He’s just doing it because he’s a good son and he wants to help his parents. She couldn’t help but feel sad though, because she thought that he’s actually warming up to her.

“Yah, crazy girl?” Baekhyun called out when she didn’t answer anymore. He grabbed the towel from her face but she only turned to her side so that her back was facing him. He moved closer to her and rested his hand on top of her pelvic bone. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” He asked, his voice thick with worry.

“Nah,” she lamely responded. “Don’t mind me.”

Silence ensued between the two of them. His warm hand was still on top of her pelvis, and he made no move to budge. She, on the other hand, suddenly felt hot tears silently streaming down from her face.

Her eyes widened. Ugh, why am I crying?! She scolded herself. She did her best to steady her breathing but her tears were making it hard. She rested her head on her arms and turned her face away completely.

It surprised her when she felt her head being gently lifted from the floor and onto Baekhyun’s lap. She still kept her face hidden as her tears kept on falling. His hands were awkwardly caressing her hair, and it was obvious that he’s not used to comforting people. “I’m sorry,” he softly apologized. “I crossed the line there.”

Like the crazy girl that she is, her tears only fell harder as he kept on comforting her. She realized that as she spends more days with Baekhyun, her feelings for him actually deepens. And the more her feelings deepen, the more she becomes sensitive to what he does and what he says.

If he said those words when they first met, Haeyoung figured that she won’t really care much and only some more. Things have changed since then though, and it’s not good– at least for her. She’s really trying her best to get him to like her, but it’s just so hard. He’s so closed off most of the time, and she figured that she doesn’t really know much about him.

“C’mon, please stop crying,” he pleaded. “I’m not good with crying girls. Just be crazy and I can handle you much better.”

No, Baek, maybe this is better, she thought to herself. Because you don’t reject me when I’m crying.

“Do you want to go out? Let’s tell the choreographer.” He coaxed. She was glad that he’s really worried for her, and maybe that’s enough for now. Right, Haeyoung, she conceded. Don’t ask him for too much. Take it one step at a time.

She slowly got up from his lap. Baekhyun held her face and gently wiped off her tears. He softly smiled at her. “I’m sorry, Haeyoung.”

She felt her heart thud as they kept on staring at each other. My name sounds so beautiful when he says it, she thought. It was the first time that he uttered her name, and it was so beautiful. She never liked her name as much as she does now.

Haeyoung only nodded and he held her hand, guiding her back to her room. “I’ll pick you up in thirty minutes.” He said before grinning. “Let’s have that date, Moon Haeyoung.”

Her eyes were as wide as saucers when Baekhyun left. She was still in a daze when she remembered that she only has thirty minutes to doll up.

“Let’s have that date, Moon Haeyoung.”

--

Haeyoung put a peach-colored lipstick for the final touch. She was wearing a white empire-cut dress which fell mid-thigh for an attempt to femininity. She donned on an army jacket with the sleeves rolled to her elbows and combat boots along with a gold bangle to complete the look. She let her hair down and she was satisfied with her mini-transformation.

A knock was heard on the door, “Miss Haeyoung? Mr. Byun is already waiting.” The maid said. She quickly grabbed her purse and shot a last look on the mirror before running down the stairs.

Baekhyun stood up when he saw her walking towards him. The dress’ length disturbed him because he knows that she will be ogled at again, but he doesn’t want to create another argument so he kept his mouth shut. Overall though, she looks really pretty. Besides, Haeyoung looked happy that he doesn’t have the heart to reprimand her.

“Let’s go?” He asked, smiling.

She linked her arm through his. “C’mon!”

--

Neither of them really planned anything for the supposed “date”. After all, the idea just came to Baekhyun since Haeyoung looks so down earlier. They decided to just stroll around and tell the other if they thought of something fun.

Haeyoung doesn’t think she’ll demand for anything else, though. Being with Baekhyun already makes her happy, so she’s already feeling great with just walking around together. Finally, her visions are coming true! She’s finally having a date with the guy she likes, and it feels terrific.

“Omo, Baekhyun?!” A sweet voice exclaimed as the two of them were about to enter one of the shops. They both turned their heads and were met with the sight of another couple. The girl’s fair skin stands out more as she held her bronze-skinned boyfriend’s hand. The couple walked to them, both having a smile on their faces while Baekhyun seemed so stiff next to her.

“Hi!” Haeyoung immediately greeted and bowed a little. “I’m Moon Haeyoung!”

“I’m Choi Sulli!” The girl answered before bowing. The guy next to her also smiled. “I’m Kim Kai, Jinnie’s boyfriend.”

“Are you two dating?!” Sulli excitedly asked. Haeyoung only nodded shyly.

“Great!” Sulli clapped her hands in excitement. “We’re Baekhyun’s friends from school. Can we join you for a bit?”

“Jinnie…” Kai warned her but Sulli only shushed him.

Haeyoung looked at Baekhyun who seemed like he was just waking up from a daze. “A–ah, sure.” He awkwardly answered.

The couple may not sense it, but she could feel how awkward Baekhyun became because of Sulli and Kai. She has a feeling about who Sulli really was for Baekhyun, but she did her best to cover up her reaction. She happily smiled at the couple. “I think that’d be fun!” She exclaimed. “We’re just entering this shop. Is it okay with you guys?”

Sulli nodded enthusiastically and pulled Kai inside, leaving the two of them behind. Baekhyun pulled her inside the shop.

As the three of them fell into a conversation about their school, Haeyoung immediately noticed the differences between her and Sulli. Sulli’s a demure girl, it was easy to spot it in the way she talks and the way she dresses. Even now, she’s wearing a baby blue dress with long sleeves. Even her way of laughing is different from hers. She’s really cute and modest too. Her, on the other hand, was crude compared to Sulli. She may have been wearing a dress, but her army jacket and combat boots are totally tomboyish when placed next to the flats that Sulli’s wearing.

It’s not a wonder that Baekhyun likes her, she bitterly thought. It was easy to see the truth, actually. Baekhyun looks at Sulli in the way that she looks at him, and no matter how much she tries to hide it… it hurts. It hurts so much because her feelings for him aren’t just a joke anymore. She’s serious about him, but it looks like he’s serious about another girl too.

“Jinnie-yah, don’t talk too much about school. Haeyoung-ssi gets excluded,” Kai reminded his girlfriend.

Sulli slapped her hand on . “Omona! I’m sorry, Haeyoung-ssi!” She apologized. “I’m just really happy that Baek’s dating now!” She evilly grinned as she nudged Baekhyun. “We’ll surely tell the others. Maybe Sehun should organize another party?” She teased, and the three of them laughed again.

Sulli’s obviously miles away from her. This. Choi Sulli is Byun Baekhyun’s type. Not only that, it appears that she’s already close with his friends too. Maybe the only reason why Baekhyun didn’t pursue her was because she’s already head over heels in love with Kai, just as the latter was with her. Haeyoung couldn’t help but to envy Sulli who’s well-loved by the people around her. What a lucky girl, having Baekhyun’s heart…

“Are you hungry, Haeyoung-ssi?” Kai asked and smiled.

She shyly smiled back at him. She really finds him great because he seems like a cool guy and he really loves Sulli. He never let go of her hand the whole time they were in the shop. “I’m okay, Kai-ssi.”

Baekhyun suddenly tugged her hand. “Let’s eat.” He invited. “I’m hungry. You are too, right, Sulli?”

Sulli nodded with a smile, and Haeyoung couldn’t help but to feel so inferior. And now he’s asking me to do something because Sulli wants it. She heaved a deep sigh. Great! What a ing great first date!

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A/N: Whoa, this is already ending soon ~ Only one chapter left plus the epilogue...