“Hyebs, are you even close to done?” Youjung’s agitated screaming was heard from her room. Hyebin made a face in the mirror, clearly unsatisfied. It had been almost one hour now, and yet she could not quite curl her hair the way she wanted it. Gorgeous and loose curls; that was her style. She was the girl next door most of the time, so why not go full out in a classy way for their dance?

    “Definitely not!” She screamed back, and at those words entered Yousun, Youjung’s older sister. She grabbed the curling wand, rolling her eyes at Hyebin’s helplessness. The three had grown like a family, like three sisters and no parents. Yousun was there for her as that guardian figure, and it was something that she truly had admired the older girl for, despite the lack of time of her being home recently from promotions.

    “Hanbin is coming in a limo soon with the boys. You three girls are due to be picked up fairly soon,” Yousun said with amusement in her tone as she picked up the new wave of panic in Hyebin’s expression. Hyebin was not yet changed into her dress, although her light makeup was complete. The hair was what had truly irked her to no end, and she was struggling to deal with it. Yousun somehow managed to turn it into her ideal style, earning a quick hug from Hyebin, before she rushed off into her room. On her bed was her attire for the evening, and she felt herself almost gasp at amazement yet again.

    Only a week ago, after Junhoe had popped the question, Youjung and Soorim had dragged her off to find her own dress. They entered countless boutiques and shops, and the trio were ecstatic.

    “I just knew he would ask you to the dance!” Soorim squealed in joy as she dragged a rack of flamboyantly designed dresses towards Hyebin, who looked on in awe. She never even realized how exquisite fashion had become when her face was constantly in a book. There were the vibrant hues of purples and reds, the deep blues and pinks, and even pops of coral. However, she quickly looked past those and went for the black and white dresses.

    “Of course she would go for those. Hyebin is too classy for us,” Youjung said with a giggle, watching Hyebin peruse carefully with great focus. There were types of dresses that she liked, although she could tell it would be a hit or no type of thing; with her luck, it was a no most of the time. She was thinking about Junhoe; what was his style? Besides dressing completely unlike the school uniform, which called for neatly tucked in shirts that contrasted heavily to his undone one, or the crisp and polished shoes many guys wore compared to iKONs’ Jordans, it was obvious that she could not just show up in street fashion attire. However, he was always adorned in either some variation with white or black; mostly black. Hence why her fashion for the special event would be just that; white. The exact opposite of what Junhoe would normally go for.

    “I’m not classy. It’s because of June…” She trailed off helplessly as her two dorky best friends decided to let out a shrill squeal. They had their faces in a screwed up expression, all scrunched up as if they were unable to handle something. In this case, it was a throwback to the very beginning of their high school career, when she and Junhoe were something like the hottest topic in the school. And here they were; once again the hottest ship of the school.

    “Did you hear this girl? She just called Junhoe ‘June’. That is absolutely adorable!” Soorim cooed, although Hyebin could tell her friend was putting some sort of emphasis onto it to annoy her a little more. She was just that great of a pal. Hyebin let out a short sigh, before continuing her shifting through of the dresses. Some were too showy for her rather modest style, while others were too flashy. Simply but pretty, what was what she was looking for.

    “This looks nice, doesn’t it?” Hyebin held up a short white dress. It was somehow almost a metallic silvery sort of color, despite it being white. It was rather simple, perhaps plain in comparison to the other dresses, but that was what Hyebin liked about it. Youjung shoved her into the dressing room instantly.

    “Go put it on!” She barked, and that was what Hyebin did. She had changed into it, checking herself in the mirrors, which were covering every wall in the changing room. It fit her somewhat loosely around the waist, which was expected because the one thing Hyebin had was her small waist, but otherwise it was quite a catch. She twirled around for an effect, but stumbled slightly, thumping against the wall.

    “Come out so we can see!” Soorim whined from out of the door. She opened it, stepping out lightly in her shoes that she had brought to imitate the effect of heels she would wear at the event. Youjung clasped her hands together, her eyes shining with admiration as she saw Hyebin, while Soorim let out another shrill squeal.

    “This isn’t too bad, right?” Hyebin asked, and Youjung nodded ecstatically. Soorim called over the employee who was assisting them, and told her that the girls would buy this dress. And that was how she chose it; the very same gorgeous but simple dress on her bed that she was about to put on. She gently tugged the fabric onto herself, and felt it come on in a snug way; she had gotten it altered to fit perfectly. She slipped her feet into the white wedges she had bought, and looked at herself from the full length mirror.

    Once upon a time, she was that quiet wallflower. She was hardly noticeable, almost an object in the scene. Here she was now, a well matured girl who even had a date for one of the most important social events of the high school years. It was unfathomable, but it was her reality, and she smiled knowingly to herself as she spritzed on her perfume. Soorim had said that every girl needed something like a signature scent. It was something that others could identify yourself with in the halls, and Hyebin was against dousing herself with some strong scented chemical, she eventually found herself wearing one that was not so bad. Youjung was something sweet like her feminine image; she reminded others of daisies and blue spring skies. Soorim was feisty and warm, both tomboy and girly; she was floral peony and cinnamon. And then there was Hyebin; a girl- next- door kind of refreshing, so she was wearing her favorite honeysuckle and nectar scent.

    She walked out of her room, fixing her necklace once more with her clutch tucked between her arm and her body. She was ready for go for a miniature photoshoot, before heading off to the revenue. Soorim and Youjung were already outside in the living room, both dressed and dolled up beautifully. They were just like they acted; Youjung in a pretty pink dress, and Soorim rocking out in a vivid purple. They brightened up at Hyebin’s appearance, before they made their way out of the apartment. Yousun was commenting about how fast the three grew, before wishing them a good evening. And with that, the three were off.

    Hanbin was the first to be seen, his bowtie on his tuxedo matching Youjung’s baby pink colored dress. His hair was styled in a chic manner, and he was posed rather coolly. However, all of that melted away the moment he saw Youjung, and he was reduced to something like a blushing high school boy. Youjung was all smiles. Next was Jinhyeong, who was somewhat shocked when he saw Soorim, and he could not even stop stuttering; this was something that Hyebin was sure she would never stop teasing him about. He too had matching purple bowties, his hair simple and falling in bangs across his forehead, and a shy smile on his face.

    But the real person she wanted to see was finally in her sight; Junhoe. He was standing with his back towards the girls, his tall physique looking like the epitome of a model. His hair was styled upwards, and as he turned around to see Hyebin, she felt weak to the knees. She was not sure if he was as astounded as she was, but she could see something like amazement in his eyes. She felt confident at that, and smiled softly, tucking a curl of hair behind her ear. He was standing there in his own tuxedo, which was all black until his white bow tie. He looked like an adult, much more handsome than the fifteen year old boy she had met on their pre- high school bonding trip. He had certainly come a long way.

    “You look beautiful.” She blushed insanely at his words, and wondered if he realized what effect he had on her mental state. However, she could tell he was still quite awestruck by her transformation; she and the girls had never shown their dates the dresses they would be wearing, but instead picked out a color for the ties and corsages to be.

    “Gomawo. You look pretty good yourself,” she said and he gave her a look, as if to question if that was all she would say. “Okay fine, you look handsome.” He grinned fully, his signature lopsided smile appearing. As he took a step closer, his cologne scent washed over her own perfume; it was not the same boyish kind he had before. It was woody and warm, and she liked it.

    “Let’s go to the limo, and get to our picture place. The photographer is waiting,” he said, extending an elbow to offer. She took it gingerly, and they walked out to meet up with the other two couples. The rest of iKON were elsewhere with their own dates. The trip to the location was rather uneventful, with the pairs just sending bashful glances at each other, simply admiring.

    “The photographer is a friend of my mother’s. She’ll do a good job,” Jinhyeong said as they arrived. It was a park with a bubbling fountain making the centerpiece of the background. They took rotational turns; first would be Hanbin, then Jinhyeong, and Junhoe last. While the other two were actually couples, the chemistry was quite evident in their shots; it was natural and beautiful to see. Junhoe and Hyebin watched on, obviously tensed at the thought of what to do. Hanbin and Jinhyeong were planting pecks on their partner’s cheeks, doing back hugs and everything. It was obviously harder for Junhoe and her to do anything of the sort.

    “Let’s be comfortable,” Hyebin said, glancing up at Junhoe. He nodded, a look of relaxation overcoming his previously tense expression. As the photographer called up the two, they moved towards the front of the fountain, before she started the first countdown. They looked at each other in the face and smiled.  To Hyebin, as she met his eyes, she could never find a more memorable moment. There was something different about this moment; his eyes were more caring, a little more tender than usual. And for Junhoe, he was proud. This girl was not simply a date for his dance; she was his best friend, his soul mate, and someone who was there through his hardest moments in high school up to date. It was unlike him to feel so attached to a person out of the boys, but here he was with Hyebin, thanking her for giving him another shoulder to lean on.

    “This was a really nice shot, you two! I love the emotion in your eyes. Next position, please.” Hyebin froze slightly, unable to think of something, before Junhoe slowly moved beside her, pulling her to sit on the edge of the fountain. They smiled innocently at the camera, his arm around her shoulders, before another shot was taken.

    “Another good one. Next photo position!” They both stood up, although it was obvious they were both unsure of what to do at this point. There was only so much they could do as friends before it became blurred into what a couple would do. The camera’s countdown was already starting, and Junhoe quickly took a step back, before wrapping his arms around Hyebin’s narrow waist, turning it into something like a backhug. Hyebin’s expression turned into shock, but it was luckily after the camera already clicked. The photographer was obviously pleased, before signalling for the last one. Junhoe looked stumped, but before the counter ticked off the it, Hyebin decided to take the initiative.

    There was a fine line between bravery and being crazy. It was often somewhat vague, but it was there. But Hyebin was completely unsure of what her action was: had it been bravery, or simply being wrong in the head? Regardless, it was too late to take back her motion. She was already a step too forward, on her toes even in her wedges, with her lips barely skimming his cheek. And that was their final picture; him looking barely composed with a lopsided smile, and her giving him a small peck.

    “Time for the corsages.” Hanbin and Jinhyeong were lined up with Junhoe, while Youjung, Soorim and Hyebin were in front of them. Youjung and Soorim were obviously dying to pester her about her last photo, and Junhoe looked a little confused himself, but it was nothing to the amount of turmoil in Hyebin’s stomach. No doubt, she would be unable to eat well at the event.

    More photos were taken, and finally it was wrapped up. The woman promised to send them all to Jinhyeong’s email by the time the event was over, and they were finally off to the real venue. They all walked back towards the limo, buzzing with excitement to meet up with the rest of their friends. There were many selcas to be taken, and in the long half hour ride there, the music was already turned up. Hanbin and Youjung were off in their own world, being crazy in the car. Jinhyeong and Soorim were playfully teasing each other. Junhoe and Hyebin sat in silence, both in their own thoughts.

    “Want to take a picture?” Junhoe finally broke the silence. It was one of the few times he ever initiated for the two to take a picture together, and it was quite a pleasant surprise for Hyebin. Today was definitely a little different, but Hyebin would welcome this difference. It was not bad at all.

    They scooted together, and he held up his phone. They looked up into the lens, a comfortable smile lighting up their faces. It came out like something in a dream. It was mesmerizing for Hyebin, and something in her soared. She felt on top of the world, seeing that one photo.

    “Hey, you two. Smile!” Soorim had taken out her new polaroid, which she was somewhat obsessed with. There was a flash, and then another. Then two films came out, which she handed gently to the pair. They waited in silence, watching the images to form. First came the outlines of their bodies. Then the color became coming in, along with the smaller details. And finally, came the whole scene. And it was as beautiful as any wish she had ever made with Junhoe.

    “I think I look pretty hot here,” Junhoe said with a cocky grin, earning a light smack on his arm from Hyebin.

    “Ew June. Everyone knows I’m better than you.” He chuckled at her words, and she cracked a grin. Yes, it was a little iffy right after that last photo. But it was somehow able to jump back to what it was. A friendship that she was wishing to last a lifetime.

    “I think someone caught princess syndrome,” he said thoughtfully, as it to be a physician that was looking to diagnose a patient. She tapped her chin, pretending to think.

    “Really? Is it a guy in a black tux with a white bowtie and rose on his lapel? Because that’s some severe case of princess syndrome.” He let out a puff of air, as if to be annoyed. She found it cute, but mainly comforting, of how timeless this all was. Their playful banter was never going to end. Sure, a lot of people pointed fingers at the pair and wondered how the infamous “Junbin” was not yet official. It didn’t need to be; it was their friendship that was stronger.

    “Says the girl who couldn’t hold herself back from giving me a little peck?” He said victoriously, earning a much harder smack on the arm. She was blushing, but the interior of the limo was rather dim, much to Hyebin’s relief.

    “Don’t you dare get me started,, mister. I can crush you in an argument.” She warned at him, wagging a finger. He met her gaze, which softened considerably as he did so.

    “Really? I think I have time to try.”