“Unnie, finally you’re back!” Sulli jumped toward Luna with a loving hug, both the girls smiling. “What took you so long?” She was jumpy and hyper, “Oh, what’s in your-“

“When is practice?” Luna interrupted, pulling the bag away from Sulli’s grasp. The younger blinked in shock, but lowered her hands.

“At around five or six I think…”

Luna nodded, she was acting like Victoria at this moment, looking poised and mature. She moved over toward the bathroom, her plastic bag shuffling in her arms.

“How was the hospital visit?” Sulli ran up behind her, following her like a child. Luna looked down, smiling softly. Before she could answer, the two heard a loud knocking at their door. She could tell it was Krystal, Victoria, and Amber.

“A masquerade? Really?” Jonghyun had his little puppy Roo in his lap, squirming to get down onto the carpet. All five boys were in Key and Jonghyun’s room discussing their plan.

“Exactly. We should figure out where it should be though…” Key’s thought trailed off as the others were thinking as well.

“Well what if we ask to use this hotel’s banquet? Do you think we’d be allowed?” Jonghuyn joined in, the others nodding.

“Maybe. I can talk to manager hyung. Onew hyung, are you even listening?”

Onew’s head popped up toward Key, alarmed. He had his cellphone in his hand, texting. “Sorry, I’m distracted.”

“Well what do you think-“

“I think it sounds great and it’s a great idea. Hopefully manager hyung will try and talk to the hotel’s workers.” Onew mumbled, texting more.

MSG: Don’t shut me out, please just let me know.

LUNA MSG: Okay, well I want to be alone about it.

MSG: Why? I’m in on this too. Please, you don’t have to be alone with this. I’m here.

LUNA MSG: I want to.

“Hyung, are you okay?” Taemin peeked his head down toward Onew, the older one quickly hiding his cellphone. He nodded, smiling up at Taemin, although it was nowhere near convincing.

“Well, can you text Luna about this? We should get more people aware of it before practice tonight.”

Onew nodded again, beginning to text numerous other idols. Taemin watched his movement, staring at his expression. The others were busy talking more about the party, but Taemin observed his hyung. Taemin pulled out his phone as well.

MSG: You okay?

He waited for Onew to see it, pretending to listen to the others.

“Yeah, well how will we celebrate the time turning midnight? TV broadcast?”

Onew looked at his cellphone again, his expression softening.

“I don’t know, what do you think, Minho?”

Onew peeked up toward Taemin, the two staring for a moment, before Onew looked back down.

JINKI MSG: Fine.

Practice went by quickly for the girls. Luna was particularly quiet, wanting to just go back to the hotel. The night was dragging on, however, due to the production messing up with the lights, timing on the fire, and other problems.

“I’m sorry girls, just start from the second chorus.” Manager oppa announced from the bottom of the stage. Sulli groaned out, she was the most tired.

Finally, it was time for their last song, Lollipop with SHINee. Luna watched the boys step up onto the stage, Onew’s steps a bit slower than the rest. He had a genuine smile on his face, which surprised Luna, since he seemed to be in pain.

“Alright, boys, make sure you’re behind the second line from the front to avoid the fire lines. Onew, step back a bit so you have more room to move.”

They continued on with practice, Onew’s steps being softer and less sharp as the others, but it was understandable. He knew he would save his energy for tomorrow, and just stretch his ankles tonight.

Luna couldn’t help but look over at Onew every once in a while. Honestly, seeing him struggle with his dancing made her upset. She wanted to do something to help, but at the same time…

She knew she didn’t take the test yet, because she was afraid. Luna felt stupid for avoiding such an important thing, but still, her young mind couldn’t grasp the idea of facing her reality. This fantasy of Baeho was taking over her, and any other fate made for her, she couldn’t accept it. Simple as that.

“Good job, everybody. Alright, just wait until our last group is over to leave.” Manager oppa clapped his hands together, walking up onto the stairs to walk the girls backstage. The girls shuffled away as SHINee stayed, beginning to practice their own performance.

“How is your ankle doing, Onew?” Manager hyung patted the leader’s back, him responding with a smile.

“I’m okay. Just ready to perform.”

“A masquerade? At the hotel’s banquet?” Victoria was speaking with Sunny, Sooyoung, and Jessica. Krystal and Luna overheard this conversation, attracted by the gossip.

“Yeah. Onew texted me and told me they want to have a party like this.” Jessica commented. She turned to Luna. “Luna-shi, did he mention this to you?”

Luna blinked slightly. “Uh-er… no, he didn’t.”

“Is it some kind of adult party then? Drinking age only?” Sunny asked.

Victoria shook her head. “No, he didn’t mention anything like that.” Jessica felt someone’s hands on her arms, thin and grasping with excitement.

“I got a text from Minho a couple hours ago,” Yoona suddenly joined in, “Isn’t this exciting?”

“Well,” Victoria poked her finger at her lip, “Will the hotel be okay with it?”

“I bet.” One of them added.

Luna and Krystal looked at each other, both thinking the same thought. Luna was a bit confused on why Onew never mentioned anything. Then again, all he’s been texting her about has been over the same thing. She grasped her phone, scrolling through the numerous messages. Luna felt guilty not answering much, but really, she had nothing to say. She just wanted to avoid the situation, although that’s impossible.

JINKI MSG: I love you, please answer me.

JINKI MSG: Can you tell me when you’re deciding on it?

JINKI MSG: Are you doing okay?

Luna sighed, but suddenly felt Krystal’s hand on her shoulder. “You okay, Unnie? Tired?” Krystal a piece of hair out of Luna’s face, making her smile.

“I’ll be okay. Just stressed.”

“Hey, maybe this party will be fun. Oh! You and Sulli should wear your new dresses!”

Hearing her name, Sulli jumped up in excitement. “Yes! That’s a perfect idea! Oh, I hope this plan will work out!”

The girls laughed together, continuing their chatting as Amber was quietly watching the TV set displaying SHINee’s practice. “Poor Onew.” She stated.

“What?” Luna asked, her head turning to face the TV.

“Oh, he’s just struggling.”

Luna’s eyes watched her oppa carefully now. He smiled brightly, singing his heart out to their song Hello. At least this dance routine wasn’t too difficult for him. Watching him always made her feel excited, seeing him as a completely different person. She smiled warmly, knowing he’s doing his best.

“Alright good job, boys, Onew-ah, let me help you down. How are you feeling?” Manager hyung wrapped an arm around Onew, the two walking in sync.

“I feel fine. I just am trying to leave the pressure off of my foot.”

The short conversation was interrupted by Key’s sudden begging- “Manager hyung, we need to ask you about something for New Years. After the performance.”

“Ah, yes? Well, I thought you guys would want to do something afterwards…”

“Well, we wanted to know if… you could talk to the hotel owner and see if we can possibly have a party at their banquet?”

“Oh… the grand hall? Well, maybe I can try and talk to them. We didn’t pay for anything other than room service and your rooms.”

“Oh please, please, manager hyung. Please! We’ll help pay!” Key and the rest of the boys besides Onew went on their knees, their hands grasping each other in desperation. Manager hyung couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’ll talk to them. But if it’s too expensive, no.”

“Oh thank you!”

“Yes! Manager hyung, you’re the best!”

“Thank you manager hyung!”

“Thank you so much, manager hyung!”

“Thank you,” Onew was the last to say, bowing.

The idols made it back to their hotel, this whole plan spreading like a rumor. Everyone was talking about it now, each begging their manager to convince the hotel to allow it.

It was official by the time everyone headed into the lobby. The banquet was open for the idols to celebrate tomorrow night. Key felt quite proud of being the creator of this whole deal, feeling like a leader, planning out everything.

Practice was tiring for everyone, but for Luna, the night getting later made her feel even more nervous.

Take the test, you idiot.

She and Sulli were getting ready for bed, Luna watching TV while Sulli showered. The plastic bag container her pregnancy test was stuff inside her pink bag, mocking her.

Take it!

She groaned, changing channels vigorously. They were all in Japanese so she understood nothing, although everything was pretty entertaining.

“Okay,” Sulli breathed out, feeling the cold air against her skin. “You can take one now, Unnie.” She stepped over to her bed, her hair still dripping. She shivered a bit from the cold, grabbing onto her fluffy robe.

Luna sighed once more, thinking. She stepped toward the bathroom, phone in hand, and closed the door behind her. Once she felt the warm, humid air, her legs allowed Luna’s body to slide against the door, settling onto the floor. She didn’t realize how tired practice made her until now.

She opened her phone. A new message.

JINKI: I need you to answer me.

She sat there staring for a moment, feeling guilt. Simply guilt. How could she ignore him like this?

MSG: I haven’t taken it yet.

It was almost instant when she received a message back.

JINKI MSG: Finally, you answer me! :o How are you?

MSG: I’m okay. You?

JINKI MSG: Well, I have a sprained ankle, performing tomorrow with it, my girlfriend hasn’t taken her pregnancy test yet, and well, I’m worried.

Luna’s heart beat faster once she read the word girlfriend.

MSG: I promise I’ll let you know when I take it.

JINKI MSG: I want to be there for you, Luna, but I feel like you’re not allowing me to.

MSG: I just want to take it when I’m ready. I don’t feel alone or anything.

She didn’t get an answer for a few minutes, understanding how frustrated Onew oppa may be, she couldn’t help but be stubborn about this, though. She’s only eighteen, and honestly all of this was too much it angered her. Her hormones gave her a headache, his fingers rubbing at her temples as she typed another text.

MSG: This is just hard to deal with, okay?

Luna slid back up onto her feet and unclothed. Her leg muscles clenched every time she bent over, a groan coming out in pain. Her stomach hurts as well, she realized. She twisted the shower knock, the warm water coming out instantly.

JINKI MSG: Well let me help you. I’ve already told you I’m here.

She placed her phone down onto the sink’s counter, stepping inside the warm, comfortable shower. She first soaked her hair, feeling less tension in her head from the relaxing warmth against her scalp. She allowed the harsh spraying of the water to hit her sore legs, arms, and shoulders. She heard another text going off, but ignored the sound, beginning to wash her body and hair.

Once Luna was out, it was as if Onew had perfect timing, calling her the moment she stepped onto the white rug.

“Hello?”

“Let me come over,” he demanded, “I want to talk to-“

“Oppa, please, Sulli is here and we’re about to go to bed.”

“Luna-“

“No. I have to go.”

She heard him call out his name again but hung up in the middle of it, slamming it back onto the counter. She let out a breath again, even more frustrated with herself.

Why am I doing this?

“Aigoo.” She calls out to herself, feeling her lips beginning to tremble, “My hormones are so stupid.” Luna lets out a quiet sob, and begins to cry in frustration.

“!” Onew yells out, tossing his phone onto the carpet. “Why can’t she just talk to me…” He laid on his bed, rubbing his temples. His anger was getting the best of him, feeling lonely and afraid. “I just want to be there for her, but she won’t let me,” he spoke in his head now, unable to speak now. He closes his eyes, hoping tomorrow turns out better.

He suddenly heard a knock on the door. Quickly, he stood to his feet and waddled to the door. He opened it to see Taemin.

“Hyung… are you okay?”

Onew blinked for a split second, but answered with a simple, “Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Hyung. You know, I don’t believe you,” Taemin confidently stepped past his hyung into the hotel room, comfortably placing himself on his bed. “I know why you’re upset.”

Onew tried not to seem obvious. “What? Oh, my ankle?”

“No. You and Luna are having problems. I can tell.”

Onew sighed, and finally closed the door, walking toward Taemin. “Me and Luna are fine, Taeminnie. Couples fight, and you would know that.”

Taemin was quick to answer. “Well, Minho and I, I never know how we’ll end up… but seeing you and Luna unhappy like this, well. I don’t like it, hyung.”

Onew sat next to Taemin, listening.

“Well, you know I’m sorry for kissing her. I don’t know why I did, I guess I just felt alone… and… is that still a problem to you?”

“Honestly, it’s… not, Taemin. I’ve moved past that, and I trust her. I just think you need to control yourself a bit,” Onew joked, pinching Taemin’s cheek.

“Yah! Hyung!” He smiled, brushing off Onew’s pinching. “Well, please, can I know? Luna is one of my best friends.”

Onew felt strange once Taemin said that, but sighed, trying not to give in. “She’s just stressed out. I think we both are.”

“Over what?”

Onew looked down, thinking. “Taemin… look… if I tell you this, please… just keep in mind that it’s only a possibility, okay?”

“What is it hyung?”

“Luna and I… we’re just going through a sort of… scare.”

Taemin blinked in confusion. “Huh?”

Onew sighed but heard another knock at the door. He jumped up at the opportunity and opened the door to find Minho.

“Is Taemin in here, hyung? I just got back from the café and he’s not in our room.”

Taemin followed behind Onew, squeezing between the two.

“S-sorry, I just wanted to talk to him.”

Minho smiled seeing Taemin, “It’s fine. Just come back when you’re done, okay?”

“A-actually,” Onew interrupted, “I’m planning on going to bed… so…”

Taemin looked over to Onew, a bit disappointed. “Oh. Um, okay.”

“Alright, let’s go to bed, too, Taeminnie.” Minho pulled at the younger boy’s hand, the two sliding away from the door as Onew sighed in relief.

Finally, he was alone again, less frustrated. His phone buzzed on the floor against one of the walls, Onew jumping down to see the message.

LUNA MSG: Maybe I can visit you tonight, but I don’t know.

MSG: Please try.

Onew sat back onto his bed, looking at the time. 11:48 p.m. Maybe he will be able to see her.

LUNA MSG: I’m sorry for ignoring you today, by the way.

MSG: It’s fine, as long as you get back to me. I know all of this is hard but I’m here.

He suddenly heard a knock, realizing he dozed off for a bit. 12:18 a.m. Onew jumped up, stumbling back to the door. He must have slept on his ankle weird since it was hurting again.

He opened the door, and finally got to see her. Luna stood with a slight smile, her hair more straight and natural now than how it was done during practice. “Hi, oppa.” She stated. He didn’t respond, but simply smiled in return. His hand moved up to her face, playing with a strand of her hair.

“Ugh, finally.” Onew smiled.

She didn’t feel angry or depressed once she stepped inside the room. All of the anxiety she caused on herself from buying the pregnancy test faded away once she was able to smell his room again. She had such a dorky smile on her face, sitting down next to him on his bed.

“I want to apologize for… well… making you upset.” Luna leveled her head down toward his shoulders, rubbing her face against his shirt. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

Onew responded with a tight squeeze around her waist. “Luna-shi, please, it’s fine. We’re both scared and lost about all of this.”

“But Onew oppa, I… I don’t know… I just want it to go the way I want it to, and I feel like if,” She revealed her face to him again, her hair messy in his chest. “If I take it… then it will all go away, and I’ll just be unhappy.”

Onew fixed her hair out of the way, a calm, gentle voice. “Whatever happens, Luna-shi, you know I’m not going anywhere. I mean, how many times have I told you that? And besides… I’m going to be happy with whatever happens between us.” She smiled, his words making her feel comfort. They both smiled at each other now, silent.

“I feel like we haven’t kissed in forever,” she bluntly stated. That made Onew flinch with surprise, blushing.

“Uh-er… well, we haven’t, I guess.”

“Well, can you kiss me?” Luna was surprised by her sudden flood of emotions; like her hormones raging out of control. Onew obeyed, slowly allowing his head to lower down to hers. Both of them felt nervous now for some reason, considering it’s been so long.

Onew placed a hand on her cheek, giving her a long peck. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, their embrace tighter now. “Oh, god, I missed this,” He breathed out before kissing her once more. His arms wrapped around her hips, pulling at her shorts to move closer to him.