In the end, Luhan slept for the entire ride and I, didn’t have a choice but to accompany him as I acted like a pillow. I sighed loudly as we finally, FINALLY landed on Britain International Airport and my shoulder felt like it’s been hit by a rock.

I was starving and tired but in Britain it was barely morning.

My father’s staff bought along a couple of guards to pick us up from the airport and drove us to the nearest and most expensive hotel. Luhan didn’t talk ever since he woke up; probably feeling guilty for making me his pillow for the past 8 hours.

Kimmy and the rest were exceptionally high like they were on drugs as they captured the breath-taking scenery of Britain. Their cameras went clicking the whole time even when we’re in the hotel. My father’s staff – Mr. Robert was our translator and guide for this short Britain trip. He led us to our room and waited for us in the lobby as we prepare our stuff.

“Lady Jung? The Chairman Suite is ready for you and your friends. Please follow the Manager of this hotel. I will be waiting for you right here.” Mr. Robert said. He motioned to the guards in black to follow us, scratch that, me up to our room. Stupid parents, always making things a little way too much.

The suite has about five master bed rooms and other small side rooms. All of us took a room and I shared a room with Kimmy. After a short shower, we all gathered down at the lobby.

“Okay, it’s going to be fun starting from now on! But we only have today and half of tomorrow to complete what we came here for – our dresses!” Kimmy instructed. Mr. Robert bought us to a famous English restaurant for our breakfast before proceeding to the tailor shop.

“English breakfast, my favourite.” Says Takashi as we stepped into the restaurant. Since our group was a little… big, Mr. Robert requested a private room for us to dine.

“Hey, Mr. Robert. But I don’t think we need to be guarded in this room...” I signalled to him. He nodded his head, understanding my instruction.

“Boys, guard outside. I’ll be in here with her.”

Without a word, they went out.

“Thank you.” I said to Mr. Robert, he smiled back.

*~*~*~*~*

At the tailor shop

“No way am I going to wear that.” I held two hands in the air, making the X sign. But Kimmy smiled maliciously. “You don’t have a choice.”

I am so dead. So, so dead.

*

Now, with an oversized wig and a super-ultra-big-until-cannot-be-bigger-dress, I looked like a walking idiot. Even without heels, I feel like falling. Kimmy’s dress was simple – that’s right. A maid dress. Takashi and Minhyuk wore smartly and even Young Mi – gorgeous lady.

When Luhan emerged from the dressing room, honestly, I don’t want to admit it but he look like a Hollywood movie star. The air around him changed according to what he’s wearing – confident, charismatic and absolutely charming. The sales girls all looked at the walking model and giggling to themselves.

Luhan offered a slight smile and a playboy wink to them. I swear they literally melted.

When our eyes met, he paused and my heart raced.

Approaching me in his black English suit and well-brushed boots, he smiled a little wider. He took a lock of my fake blonde wig and chuckled softly. “Nice hair.”

“Why, thank you.” I hissed. “Why aren’t you wearing one?”

Dropping my hair, he turned and faced the mirror. “I chose not to. They don’t have a choice to say no.”

I pressed my lips into a thin line and looked at Kimmy who quickly hide her hands behind her back and smiled cheesily at me. “Heard that? We don’t have to wear this ridiculous wig. And this dress is so humongous that I don’t think I could even dance. Maybe wobble.”

“Relax, girl. Maybe I’ll take it easy one you and get you a nicer dress.” Kimmy said, giving in to me.

*

“All right, group photo time!” It was nearly 8PM when we were done. My skin was raw from stripping too much and that rough fabric isn’t doing my skin any justice. Kimmy and the rest was still super crazy even after trying out all the dresses.

In the end, my dresses include: the ballroom dress, male clothes and some other dress that is suitable for dancing. The sales girl ushered us into their private photo-shoot theatre and clever Kimmy suggested that we should make our own photo book to impress the judges.

I dressed in a lovely gown – a lovely lilac silk dress with pale pink lace accents and pearl beading. My feet was sandaled beneath a pair of matching anklets made out of real gold. Gosh I look absolutely retarded and stunning (that’s what Kimmy said). She allowed me to remove my wig but on one condition: I have to style my hair in whatever style she want it. My hair now flowed behind my back like an endless waterfall and a very pretty ivory clip clipped my fringe up.

“All right. In position guys! First up, a group photo!” Kimmy pulled me along with her and we stood in the centre. Next, she pulled Luhan next to me and then Takashi beside Luhan. Young Mi stood next to Kimmy and Minhyuk next to Young Mi.

The English photographer positioned his camera and instructed us to smile gracefully. “Lady Jung, your smile is a little stiff. Please relax.” He said in English. Mr. Robert translated and I tried my best to follow his instructions. We shifted our positions but Kimmy always forced Luhan and I to be next to me. I scowled at her but she ignored me. Luhan, on the other hand, seems like he’s enjoying.

“Individual shots! Romeo is up first!” Kimmy shouted. Luhan posed like a professional. His smile was gorgeous and his pose – like a real Prince.

“Juliet! You’re up next!” I grew anxious and when Luhan came next to me, I hurriedly whispered, hoping he gets it. “If you dare laugh at me I’m going to rip your heart out with my bare hands.”

“I’ll try not to.”  He said, laughing.

After a few awkward poses, it was the next few turns and I thought it was finally over when Kimmy suddenly shouted her voice an octave higher and louder. “COUPLE SHOOT!”

I twirled around, nearly tripping on the long dress. “What? No- NO!” she dragged me to the centre of the shoot and Luhan followed behind her. I glared at him in my mind saying: Why are you so willing to do this?

“We’re putting the both of you on our school’s weekly cover page! It’s going to be a hit! And the judges would be so impressed! Hurry up and just do it!” I sighed loudly as I stood awkwardly facing the camera.

“Smile!” the photographer said. I scowled and the camera went click.

“Jung Eun Ji you better smile or else!” Kimmy warned from the side. I rolled my eyes and faked a smile. The camera went click.

“Mind you, I have a boyfriend.” I said to Kimmy. She ignored me again and this time she asked Luhan to go over to her and even the photographer. While they were discussing I folded my arms and tapped my foot impatiently. “Hurry up.”

“Yeah, yeah. Be patient young lady!” Kimmy yelled and let Luhan return to my side.

“What did she say?” I questioned him but Luhan just smiled his eyes twinkled brightly. “Come on, tell me!” I poked him and surprisingly, he laughed. A grin spread across my cheeks as I continued poking his sides. “Not gonna tell me, huh?”

“Eun Ji,” Luhan stopped fidgeting and my attacks stopped. His hands s around my waist and pulled me closer to him, our body touching. Heat rushed to my cheeks and my smile faltered. He stared into my eyes so deeply I felt like I was drowned in those chocolate orbs of his. "Why are you so... beautiful?"

His other hand came up to my head, cupping my chin. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t talk.

I just stare at those enticing eyes of his as he leaned forward. My hands unknowingly wrapped around his waist.

My heart palpitated. The seconds ticked by.

“All right! Cut! Thank you!”  the photographer finally said and the lights dimmed down. Kimmy and the rest clapped happily and Luhan pulled back, laughing so hard that he collapsed onto the ground.

Embarrassed, angry and frustrated.

I was tricked by almighty Luhan.

Eun Ji 1, Luhan 2. 

*~*~*~*~*