Hyun Joong’s POV

“Thanks for today So-Min ah! I really had fun. The movie is great!”

“You’re welcome! It’s a fan’s honor to make her idol happy! It’s actually my second time watching it. My first time was its opening in Korea. Aside from you, Mario Maurer is also one of my idols! Kyaaaaaaaa!! Isn’t he handsome?!”

I felt a little hurt when she said that she’s also a fan of the guy in the movie and that he’s handsome! Aish! Who is that Mario Maurer? C’mon! Take him here. NOW. But… I don’t really know why I suddenly felt that. Forget it. I was too busy looking at how she looks amazed by looking at the poster of A Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

“Waeyo?”

She let out a sigh, a deep one.

“You know what? I can totally relate to this story. I felt like I was Nam and that… you’re Shone actually.”

“MWO?!” I was totally shocked by her revelation. Her eyes widened. Maybe she doesn’t really intended for me to know about it.

“I… uh…” She looked like she’s taking an exam or something. She looked really nervous.

“It’s ok. Tell me. I’m really curious. Promise! I won’t tell anyone.” I reassured her that it’s fine and that there’s nothing to worry about. I initiated a pinky swear. She didn’t hesitate to give in. Her mood shifted to seriousness.

“Well, uhm… OK. Here it goes. I know this will sound like I’m bragging but… Have Shin Hye told you that I ranked 1 in our batch way back in school?”

“Ne. What about that? She even told me that you weren’t able to bond with them sometimes because you’re busy as hell studying.”

“Just like Nam… my parents will reward me everytime I get the top spot in academics.”

“Jinja? And what reward is that?”

“You served as my inspiration to get better and better in school. Everytime I had done well, they will give me concert tickets and passes for your shows.”

I was totally shocked by her confession. I didn’t even know I have made such a big impact to a person I merely knew, a fan who has always been present in my shows. I was really deeply touched. I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. She patted my back, softly. She became lively again.

“And that ends the story.” She bowed as if she was on orator.

“Oh my… I didn’t… I didn’t know I have made such an impact to you.”

“I’m actually happy that I was able to tell it to you. Gomawo, Hyun Joong-ssi… I mean… Hyun Joong-ah.”

That was one priceless smile I will NEVER forget. It was truly genuine. She looked really charming.

***

I took So Min to her dorm. It was a great day! I never had fun like this for so many years. I felt like I’m just a normal person again. No cameras, not too many people surrounding you, just me and So Min. I missed that kind of feeling—being a commoner, no one doesn’t care what you are doing.

Finally I can have a rest now. While I was lying on my bed again, I remember to check my phone just in case Shin Hye had contacted me. I intentionally left my phone in the hotel because I don’t think I will have time to take a look at it.

Tsk. No calls. No messages. NOT EVEN A SINGLE HI?! She must have been really mad. GOD. I have to call her. NOW.

“Joong-ah…”

“Good thing you picked up! Mianhae Shin Hye… about the interview earlier before I set off to the Philippines… I’m really really sorry.”

“I understand… “

“MWO?! You’re not mad?!”

“Not anymore. Really. I understand now. I know you’re still hurt about the proposal…”

“Gwaenchanha. I also understand it now. I’m glad we’re ok now.”

“Joong-ah… I have to tell you something…”

“Waeyo?”

“I… I need space… I need time to think… on certain things.”

“Shin Hye-ya… But, why do you need those?”

“Because… I have to face this on my own… My heart’s really confused right now. I have to figure things out. I think we should cool off.”

“But…”

“Mianhae Joong-ah… But I have to do this.”

She left me hanging. I couldn’t believe this! Girls are really hard to read! I thought we’re already ok. What went wrong again?! I’m getting confused too.

My mind and body has gone really tired. It’s as if my entire energy has been drained after our conversation. I lied down on my bed wanting that this will go away after I take a deep sleep.

Maybe she’s right. We both need a break. I let out a deep sigh before covering my face with pillows.

End of POV

***

Shin Hye’s POV

“Mianhae Joong-ah… But I have to do this.”

I was the first one to hang up because I know it’ll only hurt him more if I’ll continue talking to him. I know it was rude to go talk over with those things on the phone but… I do really think this is the right time. This can’t wait until he goes back here in Korea. Besides, we are both getting more busy gearing up for our careers and I’m afraid that there’s no other time to tell him that. It was just 7pm and Min Young barged in my room.

“Hey! You didn’t tell us that you’re going out with Yong Hwa today in Lotte World!”

“Mianhae… We’ll go there together next time. Sorry for the short notice.”

“I heard about Hyun Joong’s interview early this morning…”

I don’t want to hear it all again. It makes me guiltier for what I just did to him a few minutes ago so I snapped at her,

“We are on a cool off stage right now.”

“MWO?”

I’m not really sure if she’s sad or shocked or what. But I saw a grin for a split-second. Why will she be happy?! Forget it. Maybe I’m just hallucinating.

“You heard me.”

“Oh Shin Hye-ya! I know you’re feeling really uneasy right now but… you did the right thing. If you’re not really sure of what’s going on with your commitment with Hyun Joong, then it’s the best decision you can make as of now. You will just be unfair to him if you’ll continue to act like you’re fine when in fact you are not because he will notice for sure.”

Am I dreaming or is dongsaeng really gave me a SERIOUS piece of advice? She’s really my sister. She can tell what is happening to me without me telling her the whole situation. After a moment of seriousness, she is back to her bubbly self again.

“Are you already tired?”

“Hmm… I still have some stamina left. Wae?”

“Get dressed ASAP! We are going to have a surprise visit on Yong Hwa’s gig tonight!”

“Where?”

“Remember Min Ho’s cousin, Hong Ki?”

“Ne. What does he have to do with it?”

“He owns this high-end bar named BLUE ISLE, where Yong Hwa will be performing later. C’mon! Don’t be such a killjoy! It’ll be fun!”

I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to come. I remembered our… kiss… earlier which I told him to forget. But then, he is my best friend. I should be supporting him in his endeavors just like what he did to me.

“Meet me downstairs in thirty minutes.”

“YESSSS!!!

End of POV

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. I'm really confused on what is going to happen next to this story but please bear with it. I've been trying my very best to bring out the best in my work. Besides, today's Paekasang Awards really gave me a boost to continue writing this fic. I know this is quite a heavy chap. But, enjoy reading! :)

Have a nice day chingus! :)