I sat at the hard wooden table of the library, with a book laid out in front of me. It had just been one week since the meeting at tvN headquarters, but I was still as nervous as hell.

I think my brain had temporarily shut down out of nervousness. AISH. It didn't help that I ws dead tired from recording all day today. Being the lead vocal, I had the hardest part of the songs. Being the lead vocal also meant I had a lot of vocal training ahead of me because we were scheduled to have a comeback next month. I was only partly glad that I wasn't the dancer, too.

I pulled on the hem of my knee-length dress, which had a cream pleated skirt and a lace sleeveless top. I twirled my loosely curled hair around my index finger, biting my lip while I stared at the same page of a large novel for fifteen minutes. While I sat, I couldn't stop shaking my leg. My heart was caught inbetween stopping and racing, I couldn't tell anymore. If I took any more time to wait, I would probably have to be sent to the hospital.

 

I guess the crew had had enough of shooting distant scenes of me trying to ignore the camera, because they started to move closer to the table I sat. Perhaps my manager told them that I just needed a little push to start a conversation. He then shot me a stern look which I took as a signal to stop shaking my leg.

Though the crew made a lot of noise moving around equipment, nobody complained.

Because the whole library was empty.

 

The show had somehow gotten permission to shoot here after hours, under the supervision of the head librarian, who was upstairs in his office.

 

As the camera came closer and one of those guys who asked questions sat at the end of my table, some wise words the other participants told me last week ran through my head.

"Interact with the camera, otherwise the audience will think you're boring." Eunji said.

"If it helps, try to think of the camera as your friend." Dasom had offered.

"Also, be careful of what you say, sometimes the media twists your words." Suzy, probably the most experienced out of the four of us, said.

Being the dutiful maknae that I was, I had taken careful note of the advice they gave. After all, they were more experienced than I was, in both the entertainment business and the dating scene.

 

I sighed, regretting that I couldn't contact Kevin-oppa, who was friends with Kirin-unnie. He was probably the one who understood my situation the most. By situation, I mean the fact that I was extremely nervous about having my first ever date, and also have said date televised nationwide for everyone to see just how inexperienced and awkward a 16-year old newbie who had never dated IN HER LIFE would act around probably extremely hot stars of the opposite . AHHH.

Several faces passed my mind, the people who I had always dreamed of dating but sort of hoped would never show up because I would probably DIE: B.A.P's Jung Daehyun, who, in my eyes and ears, is absolutely divine. His voice made me melt; The dreamy-but-too-tall-for-me Choi Minho, whose face was irresistable; Then there was also Lunafly's Yun, who I was really into since their debut. His voice just gives me shivers. Then I thought of the ever-handsome Cho Kyuhyun, whose voice and looks came from heaven, but I'm fairly sure he was too old to get into this show. And of course there was Jaejoong--You know what, I should stop fangirling. This line of thought is getting nowhere.

 

The interviewer cleared his throat, and I reminded myself of Suzy-unnie's number one rule in front of the camera: Smile.

All I managed was a shy grin, but I think I passed it off as endearing.

"So, Saemi-ssi, you seem a little nervous." he said, pointing out my incessant leg-shaking.

"A little is an understatement. On the outside I may seem quiet and calm, but on the inside I'm a dormant volcano that could explode at any second." I let out a nervous laugh that cracked in the end, as if showing how nervous I really was.

"Why are you so nervous?"

"Isn't it obvious? This is my first date, and it's going to be on television for everyone to see!" I buried my face in my hands. I think the staff found it cute, because I heard a few coordi unnies giggle.

 

Then, there was a flurry of activity, sending my heart in a flurry, as well. This was it, wasn't it?

 

As if reading my mind, my manager-oppa nodded to me, whispering, "He's here."

Oh god. Oh god. I wasn't prepared for this. I tried to think of all the advice I was given form my groupmates and other participants, but my mind drew blank. I was on my own.

The staff, seeing me not budging from my place with a panicked look on my face, made me turn around. Someone pulled me behind a row of shelves, from which the entrance of the library was not visible. I heard the creak of the large doors followed by sounds of shuffling feet and clunking equipment, accompanied with random voices, none of which my frazzled mind could distinguish.

 

Finally, after a minute or so, the sound had died down. Unfortunately, my heart did not. I wiped my sweaty palms on my skirt, and took deep breaths. For some reason, I couldn't help but smile, choosing to ignore the camera that was constantly trained on me.

Someone whispered to me that I could go to position. He pointed out the shelf that I should stop before, and told me that there would be a large book I had to pull out. It would be marked by a pink heart sticker.

On the other side of that book, lies my fate.

 

I took nervous steps toward the shelf. My heart rate was increasing with each footfall that echoed through the large library. I clutched my hands to my chest, willing myself to breathe and be calm. It didn't work.

"Ah.. I wonder who it is..." I whispered to no one in particular, but I meant it for the camera. "So nervous... Can I run away? Otteoke..."

 

When I reached the shelf, I saw it. The bright pink heart was difficult to miss. The camera crew that was on the other side of the shelf had already spilt into the hall, not fitting into the small aisle, but I couldn't see who it was. All this mystery was exciting and nerve-wracking and dizzying all at the same time. The fluttery feeling in my stomach had calmed, but only a little. Here goes nothing.

 

As I approached the book in the middle of the shelf, I brushed my hand along the spines of the books on the way, just like I saw in the clip. Only this time it wasn't  a clip; this was really happening. And somehow, it seemed appropriate.

I reached up to the top corner of the book that was marked. It was really thick, but not that heavy-looking. I pulled it out, and at the same time, from the other side of the shelf, the book that was immediately opposite it was pulled out, as well.

 

And to my shock, there stood the most perfect guy on earth.

 

 

Jung Daehyun peeked out from the gap made by removing the books. He looked… pleasantly surprised. I can't imagine what the look on my face was. I think my mouth was hanging three feet open.

Quickly remembering my manners, I bowed. "Annyeonghaseyo, Yoo Saemi imnida. Nice to meet you."

He bowed back. "Annyeonghaseyo. Jung Daehyun imnida."

"I know." What I don't know is why I just said that out loud, in a fangirl-y soft voice, at that.

I swear he just blushed.

"I've seen you backstage before. Usually you're in your costume, but I think you're prettier this way." he said shyly. Now it was my turn to blush.

"G-Gomawo." Cue awkward silence. Both of us were quiet people.

 

"So..." Both of us started at the same time. The tension broke and we laughed together. His laugh is heavenly.

"What do you want to do?" Daehyun said first, tentatively.

"Um…" I thought. "How about we go around the shelf first." he chuckled and we both shyly stepped out of the cramped the aisles.

"Um… have you eaten yet?" He asked.

My suddenly growling stomach answered for me, making me instantly embarrassed.

"Sorry. I haven't eaten dinner yet since I came from recording."

Daehyun just laughed and said, "Come on, I know where we can have a nice meal."

 

 

We walked to the restaurant which was only two buildings away form the library. We sat in a booth away from the window; both of us wanted our privacy (Which I guess, didn't really matter since we had cameras and mics on us the whole time.) The mood was a bit lighter now, but I still had no idea what I was going to do.

"So… oppa… can I call you oppa?" Daehyun nodded, flushing pink at the word 'oppa'.

"Oppa, how were your promotions for One Shot? You must be really tired."

"Ah, you follow us?" I nodded. "I'm a big fan," I replied.

"Well, it is really tiring… but it's also really fun." he smiled, making me smile as well. This guy really knows how to make my heart flutter.

"You know," he said as he his glass of water, "you're always really quiet. But when when you went onstage, your voice was really powerful."

He watched me? He knows who I am?? He HEARD ME SING??? AHHHHHHHHHH I had to resist the urge to scream out loud. Instead, I answered back with a light chuckle, "Shouldn't I say the same for you?"

We both laughed, feeling the tensions ease between us. We began to talk a bit more comfortably.

 

Then the waitress came by to take our orders. With a pad and pen in her hands, she asked politely, "What would you kids like to have?"

I said in my best kid voice, "I'm not a kid!" prompting Daehyun to giggle behind the menu.

"Hmmm.. I really can't decide…" Daehyun put the menu down to face me, looked me in the eyes and said, "What do you want?"

"Um… I don't know either," I nervously said, but tried not to hide behind the menu.

The waitress out in, "May I suggest the seafood platter?"

"I don't like seafood." Both Daehyun and I answered her at the same time, then turned to look at each other and grinned happily for some reason.

"I think I'll just have bulgogi." I handed the menu to the waitress.

"Then, same for me." Daehyun said, giving me a warm smile that reached my bones.

 

After that, we talked more comfortably with each other, finding out that we actually had a lot in common, especially our taste in music. We began to forget that there were still cameras on us.

"So, this is really your first time dating?"

"Yeah. You should be honored." I laughed. He was starting to break down the walls I used to put up. Is this what unnie meant when she told me to open up?

"I am greatly honored." he did a mock bow. I felt that Daehyun was opening up more to me, too. Before, we would be the only quiet ones in the dressing room. But now, we're the loudest in the restaurant. I had to stop eating for a while because I might choke.

"So how am I doing on the first try?" I asked.

"Not bad." he said, making me smile.

"For a first timer." He grinned.

"Yah!" I slapped his arm playfully.

 

After a while, we left. We decided to take a walk for a while to get to know each other more. We were so busy talking, I didn't notice the steel fence that was jutting out from a local flower shop.

"OW!" I felt the sudden jolt of pain in my right calf, and bent my leg to inspect the cut. It wasn't too deep or big, but it hurt. And it was bleeding.

"Are you okay? You better sit down." Daehyun said, hands hovering over me while I hobbled over to a nearby bench. A crew member came rushing with a first aid kit.

"Andwae! Andwae!" I said as the crew member's hand with a cotton ball soaked in disinfectant was about a millimeter away from my skin. I knew this would sting. A lot.

"You okay?" Daehyun asked. I bit my lip, not answering. But I think he saw what I was feeling. He sat down beside me, put his arm on my shoulder, and offered me his other hand. I gladly took it. They applied the disinfectant onto my skin, bringing a stinging pain up my leg. Though my mouth was closed, I let out a squeal of pain. I impulsively squeezed Daehyun's hand and turned my head into his neck, squeezing my eyes shut. What? I have a really low pain tolerance.

When they put the bandage on and the pain subsided, I immediately realized my position. I jumped back, but  couldn't move back very far because Daehyun's arm was still around me, and he wouldn't let go of my hand.

"Can you stand?"

I tried to push myself up, tentatively taking a step with Daehyun's support. It didn't hurt that much anymore. I gave a little wince, feeling a slight sharp pain in my leg, making Daehyun panic. He brought his face close to mine, and asked worriedly, "Gwenchanayo??"

"Gwenchana." I gave him a reassuring smile. The pain lessened, but that may have been because I was concious of his hands.

 

After I was sure I could walk without support, Daehyun let his hands go, but instead moved my hand from his left to his right, so now we could walk side by side. "For protection." He said.

His hand felt really warm. I didn't mind not letting go of his hand. It felt really nice. Usually I wouldn't be so comfortable around someone I just met for the first time, but… I don't know. Somehow I felt like I had known him for years. I couldn't help but sing in my head.

 

 

 

 

(Keep playing it cuz it's catchy lol)

I can’t believe it, it’s really perfect

I am breathless, it’s not fair
Your eyes, your lips, your everything really left me shook up

Like a fool, I lost myself to her unforgettable first impression

It’s like my heart is broken (malfunctioning)
My love is on fire
My heart beats thump thump (and beats)
Please save me (You’re my girl)

Help me help me help me
My breath quickens when I see you
Help me help me help me
When I see you my eyes get dazzled
My heart thumps thumps and looks for you
Where you are? I’m waiting for you

 

After a few minutes of walking and laughing and swinging our arms, the PD gave us a pink envelope. Mission card!!! These things were usually really embarrassing, but can anything really get more embarrassing than this?

Mission #1: Hold Hands!

 Daehyun and I exchanged looks, then raised our hands and laughed. "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!" So that was one thing less to worry about. We just went on continuing what we were doing.

 

 

After a while, the PD tapped his watch, signalling that we were supposed to go to the airport now. We nodded and got in the car, while the crew packed their equipment. We never even asked who the other participants were. We were too busy getting to know each other. We even got so comfortable holding hands that we forgot we were doing so.

 

When we got there, we greeted the camera crew, anticipating meeting the others, and also there was the underlying fact that I would be living with them for four days. Daehyun and I were both nervous, so we gave each other reassuring looks. We didn't let go of each other.

Once we got to the top of the escalator, we saw Suzy and Myungsoo-- the Myungsoo-- and it was like they didn't notice us. We greeted them, and only then did they turn to see us. HEHE I got to see Myungzy in action! My life is complete. I kept in my inner fangirl.

 

We were only the second couple (I can't say that word out loud...aigoo.) to arrive, so while we waited for the others, we chatted amongst ourselves. Daehyun and I went back to our quiet selves when we were in front of them, but they were really open and friendly and made us comfortable. They did most of the talking, anyway. We talked about work, mostly, since B.A.P and Infinite were supposed to be promoting. They were given permission to record this show, but it was still considered work. Even idols need vacations!

 

Next to appear over the escalator was… Eunji and BTOB's Jung Ilhoon! Good thing I'm a good actress, or else I would have screamed til I fainted. They greeted us and we greeted them back. Just behind them came Dasom and Boyfriend's Hyunseong. They were comfortable with each other, being the same age, but I was very surprised because they were labelmates. Coincidence? Ohoho. (Excuse my inner fangirl. I keep forgetting that nowadays I'm considered a celebrity.)

I had to introduce myself, since I was the rookie and they didn't really know me. I realized I was the youngest in the room, but being the maknae, I was used to it.

Myungsoo even randomly pointed out that Daehyun and I were still holding hands, making us blush and let go.

 

When we were about to board, we raised our hands together and shouted a bit too loudly, "KAJA!!!!"