A/N: this chapter is a continuity of the previous in the perspective of the male protagonist, Jaehyun. It won't be like this for the entire story but I thought it would be interesting to put the (first) interactions between the two in separate chapters to give more background information. 

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“Lay low for a while, the company will take care of everything”, his manager echoed from the other side of the device, hesitant in his approach to tell him of the news. He continues on to advise him to stay away from the internet as well as not picking up any unknown calls, in case it’s a reporter. 

Hands trembling and voice tight, Jaehyun slowly draws the phone away from his face. With his back pressed against the couch, he lets out a tearful groan. Living as a celebrity wasn’t for everyone, especially for a free-spirited being like him. There were occasions where his private life went public and other times, he couldn’t even stand up for himself due to the restrictions his company placed on him. All the rumors going on about him felt like it was never going to fade away, one thing after another. It was more frustrating to have to watch someone else take care of his problems. 

His arrival in Tokyo felt surreal since he was practically smuggled. The agency figured it would be better to get him away from the spotlight until a verdict was reached from the ongoing investigation. Jaehyun didn’t know how he managed to board a plane at the peak of dawn while avoiding a whole crowd of ambitious reporters, who were definitely dying for crumbs. A secret mission gone right in this case. 

The first few days were tough since he had plenty to think about. Tossing and turning he laid, the ticking from the alarm-clock that stood on his nightstand was the only thing he heard throughout the night. His phone was on silent, curtains were firmly sealed and his luggage sat untouched at the entrance of his apartment. A cave, rather than a residence, was better in terms of describing the place. 

“Ah, my eyes are so puffy”, he grunts as he glances into the wall mirror plastered on the entryway. The young man staring back at him felt strange, seemingly like he aged ten years. His normally pale face has shrunken in color, evident with dark circles underneath his eyes that left him looking lifeless, in a way. He also noticed how his hair hadn't been kept the past few days so it pronged in all directions. Greasy and stiff in texture it stood. Refusing to give in to the image, he throws on his hood and grabs a pair of sunglasses, adding these items to his version of a perfect cover-up besides his mask. 

The air outside of his apartment felt different, refreshing to the least since he hasn’t been out for a while. Jaehyun takes cautious steps into the nearly empty streets, pedestrians and vehicles were barely anywhere in sight. Not only that, almost all of the shops were closed. Something about walking through the night, aimlessly, felt peaceful. With every stride he took, he noticed how the details complimented the alley. How the vending machines were lined up against the streets and the lanterns that marked his path, luminously glowed in colors that felt animated. 

“The members would’ve loved all this”, he whispers under his breath, doing a quick scan of the area before placing his shades back onto its rightful spot. 

When he had gone on tour with his bandmates, they had stayed at a prestigious hotel located a couple of blocks away from the venue. His roommate for the trip was Johnny and sharing a room with the older companion meant an adventure was waiting to happen anytime, any moment. They had snuck out at two in the morning as quietly as they could, dodging their manager who was a couple of rooms away from theirs as well as the security guards that circled the lobby. All that for a sip of his favorite drink, milktea. 

Jaehyun chuckles as he reminisces on his past. Afterall, there was nothing better than spending time with s who, to most, knows of how lively they are. 

He spots a life-sized cardboard cutout of his bandmate in front of the brightly lit convenience store in front of him. Much to his surprise, there were also a bunch of posters plastered in every corner of the windows.

No doubt, Yuta was Japan’s pride. 

As soon as he entered, he noticed how the fellow at the counter seemed a bit alarmed by his presence. Jaehyun figured it was the way he was dressed, all black on a sunday night was not the right choice but he hadn’t thought that far. 

Lightly inspecting the place, he quickly spots the section that held beverages. Of course, the thing that caught his attention was the can of milk teas that were arranged creatively according to the color that indicated their flavors. But he wasn't as shocked by it since everything in the store seemed to be neatly organized. 

With ease, he brings his pick to the counter only to realize that he didn’t have his wallet with him since he originally left his house with no plans of buying anything. Instead of trying to make it difficult, he figured it would be best to leave it be and come back another time. 

Before his thoughts could process, he could feel a light tap against his shoulder, causing him to turn around in an instant.

Through his black and white world, there was a petite figure in front of him perched in a guarded stance. Jaehyun hadn’t even noticed that there was someone else in the store besides him and the employee at the front. She seemed to slightly flinch with every abrasion his jacket made, inching further away but still remaining eye contact with him. 

“I-I can pay”, she says in a way that almost seems like she was making sure to enunciate every syllable carefully. 

He could tell that she wasn’t native based on her pronunciation but it wasn't like he was either. Heck, to be fluent was a flex but remaining humble was better. The only lessons he’s gotten on the language was offered by his company, six months in advance, in order to prepare for a concert. In times like those, having a Japanese member proved quite useful as well. But that was nearly two years ago so it has been quite a while since he’s had to use it. 

Though the atmosphere was normal, he couldn't help but wonder why she would offer to pay for him. After all, he was a stranger and so was she. Due to his current lifestyle, it was only natural that his defenses were always up. There was no telling when a crazy stalker would come blazing after him with a knife in hand, especially after the traumatic encounters he's had back in Korea. Some were immediately recognized but others, disguised themselves in acts of kindess like this. 

“It’s really no big deal”, she says once more but this time, it was felt more lighthearted. 

To him, there wasn’t anything extraordinary about the young lady in terms of face value. She looked like any other stranger he would have crossed paths with, back in his hometown. But the way her eyes glistened with innocence was what set her apart, drawing him to the conclusion that she couldn't have had any ill-intentions. Clearly, there was nothing remotely threatening about her. 

Jaehyun couldn't help but laugh at his own thoughts, playing detective didn't suit him at all.

Although grateful, he declines her offer before disappearing into the night.