Before we get into the next chapter, I need to deeply apologize for the LONG, LONG, LONG wait in updates. Life has been getting busier and busier with school finishing, projects on top of projects, sporting events starting up, etc. I barely have time for myself as is, but I have not forgotten this story. Do not worry! I still have plans for this story and hope that you all will continue to support it..... I will update as often as I can

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author’s P.O.V….

Nana took some time for a quick rest after her studio recording and a few hours of working out in the company’s gym, finding herself in one of the various empty studios that honed a white grand piano in the corner of the large, empty room. She slipped her arms through a light coat, hiding the fact that she was only dressed in a teal sports bra and black loose sweat pants, she made her way over to the piano. She stood next to it hesitantly before looking around to see if anyone was hiding out. No one, she slipped onto the cold bench seat before opening the cover of the keys, smiling at the ivory keys smiling back up at her.

She had to be honest, when Sung Hoon had informed her that Jonghyun had been waiting for her while she was recording, her once happy morning had been destroyed. Honestly, what could he want? After everything he did to her, after everything he said to her, all she wanted to do was shove her foot up his and see if she could see her toes wiggling out his mouth. She sighed, putting a hand through her slightly damp multi colored hair before resting them on the keys. She didn’t hate him, she just couldn’t understand what she had done to deserve such an interaction with someone she secretly admired. She rolled her eyes at her thoughts before scooting forward to play the first melody that came to mind, Yiruma’s Maybe. [AN: If you don't know the song she's playing, the audio video is below]

A floor down….

“Hyung, where are you going?” Taemin asked as the ground stepped out of their rehearsal studio. Jonghyun sighed, slipping his coat on.

“I’m going to look for Ana-ah.” Jonghyun admitted as the group stopped in their steps.

“Ya! Jonghyun-ah!” Key snapped, shoving a rude finger at him, sending the man in question turning to the outburst.

“What?” Jonghyun asked uninterested as Key sighed, stepping to stare the man down.

“Just leave her alone. You’ve done enough.” Key hissed as the 3 others quickly stepped over incase a fight broke out suddenly.

“You don’t tell me what to do.” Jonghyun hissed back, an amused smirk playing on his face as Key bit his lip in anger, taking a step forward only for Onew to grip his shoulders, stopping his approach.

“Would the both of you just stop already?” Minho asked annoyed, looking between the two as he forcefully forced his way to stand between the two. Key pushed Onew and Taemin off of him before turning on his heels, trotting down the hallway away from the group who in turn turned back to Jonghyun who was reaching over to pick up his dropped backpack.

“Jonghyun-ah.” Onew finally spoke up as the idol looked to his hyung.

“What’s going on between the two of you?” Onew asked gesturing down the hallway towards the recently disappeared member. Jonghyun put a hand through his hair before looking to the confused faces in front of him, one sticking out to him as something seemed to click in his mind.

“You like her, don’t you?” Minho whispered in realization as Jonghyun, looked down to his shoes, unable to answer their question. Sure, it had been festering in the back of his mind for a while, ever since he first met her, he wasn’t totally sure himself. But he had to admit, there were times when he saw her near various other male idols and felt the need to walk over and rip her away from them, he wanted to protect her for no absolute reason, he wanted to be with her but couldn’t stop doing things to hurt her. He sighed, looking up in defeat.

“I-I don’t know.” He muttered turning on his heels and walking away without saying another word.

Jonghyun searched for a while, going back to her recording studio to find it empty, her dance studio, empty, the company’s gym, empty, where in the world could she be? He stepped off the elevator, pulling out his phone in the process of just dialing her number when he heard a piano playing. Sure, there were a few idols here at SM that could play the piano and damn well at that, but this one was different. He held a different emotion from what he was used to listening to. Slipping his phone back into his pocket, he walked quietly down the hallway, trying to pinpoint the sound before finding it. He leaned against the wall outside the studio, quietly turning the knob before peeking his head in. There she was. He smiled inwardly, gladly that her back was facing him, the sound of her piano playing swallowing up any other noise he could produce as he quietly shut the door behind him, locking it. Taking a seat on the bench near the door, he watched her back move through her wind breaker jacket, her tennis shoes bobbing up and down on the pianos foot pedals. He couldn’t hold back the smile of amazement that she knew how to play the piano in the first place. As far as he knew, she couldn’t play any instruments but here he was, sitting, watching her play perfectly.

Ana sat there, intently staring down at the keys while she played before ending perfectly. She smiled a bit, surprised that she had practically knocked that out of the park without anyone even seeing. Min Hee wouldn’t believe her if she told her now. She shook her head lifting her hands to massage through her still messy hair before flinching when something made a noise behind her. She immediately stood up and turned to be welcomed by a hesitant Jonghyun who was now slowly standing, wide eyes, his hands slowly raising in defense. Ana’s eyes turned from surprised to a death glare that could kill 2 birds in mid-air. Before she could threaten to kill him in the most disgusting and torturous way, Jonghyun spoke up first.

“I-I came to apologize.” He spoke in what could be a whisper, she almost thought she was hearing thing but noticed his lips move. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously as he sighed, slowly lowering his arms.

“Ana, I’m sorry.” He added more sincere this time around as she stood still, her eyes crossing over her chest unconvinced.

“I’m sorry for being such a douche bag to you these past weeks, months, I’m sorry for saying some really rude things to you, I’m sorry for treating you like crap and……. I’m sorry for kissing you.” He said seriously as Ana kept quiet, looking around the room unsure how to react.

“I know I kissed you out of turn and believe me…I wasn’t planning on it when I came over that night, it just sort of, happened.” He stumbled over his words as she continued to watch him, now in amusement. Maybe if she continued to act pissed off beyond reason, she may learn some valuable things.

“I didn’t mean to treat you like absolute crap, it’s just, I wanted you to do your best and you seemed to do incredibly good for someone being trashed to hell and back.” He chuckled at his comment before clearing his throat and looking back up to her seriously.

“Ana-ah, I would never, intentionally hurt you, verbally or physically, I’m sorry.” Jonghyun sighed, looking at her desperately only to receive a sigh. Ana looked around the room slightly annoyed before stepping out from in front of the bench, shutting the case over the keys before pushing the bench back under. She walked to the bench nearest to her, grabbing her bag as Jonghyun stood there fidgeting. He watched closely, knowing that she would be make a b line towards the door he sat near. She slipped the duffle bags handle over her shoulder before pulling her cellphone out from the side pocket, seeing that Min Hee had called her not long ago. She pressed redial, looking away from Jonghyun and to the wall, staring at it like it was the most interesting thing in the room, which it was far from.

“It’s me.” She answered when Min Hee’s voice came online.

“Yeah, I was preoccupied when you called.” Ana sighed, crossing her free arm across her chest before looking momentarily to Jonghyun who was now silently standing across the room, his eyes never moving from her figure. She sighed defeated before turning back to the wall to continue her conversation.

“Are you done already?” Ana then asked interested before chuckling.

“No, I was just curious why you were calling me when you could be spending your time with such a god made body.” She teased before snorting.

“You know that’s true so shut up.” Ana rolled her eyes at whatever Min Hee had commented back.

“Uh no, I haven’t spoken to him since they came over the other night. Why?” She suddenly got defensive sending Jonghyun’s interest skyrocketing at the mention of a ‘he’.

“I don’t see why that’s my problem.” She shrugged innocently before growling.

“I dare you and I’ll spill the beans to everyone I run in after I hang up.” She threatened, a sick smirk crossing her lips.

“No, I finished re-recording a few things and then worked out for a bit, I’m actually just relaxing in one of the studios right now.” She mentioned turning to face Jonghyun fully who in turn couldn’t help as his eyes ran down her mid-section and bare legs then back to her eyes. She rolled her eyes when his stare did not go unnoticed by her trained eyes and turned her attention to her shoes.

“I don’t know, they haven’t called since they left so I’m assuming they found it alright.” She muttered before snorting.

“No, you call them if you’re so worried. I could care less if Koa gets lost.” She hissed, flipping her head to the side slightly to send her hair over her shoulder.

“No, probably not till later. I was planning on going on a run before heading home.” She answered uncaringly.

“Well I like to, that’s why.” She retorted.

“No, I asked Minho if he wanted to but he had filming tonight so I’m going alone.” She added perking up Jonghyun’s ears perking up at the name of his group member.

“Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself.” She suddenly hissed annoyed at her friends continuous bantering.

“You think president would allow him to leave me alone after everything that happened? No so I’m sure he’ll be following me.” She spat, adjusting the bag on her shoulder before sighing.

“Well I have to go, so I’ll see you later tonight?” She asked taking slow steps towards the door.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, bye.” She hung up quickly, slipping the phone back into her duffle bags pocket before looking up to the man that still had not moved.

“Do you need something?” She asked amused, an annoyed mask painted on her face as he sighed.
“Ana-ah, I’m being serious.” He whined stepping forward as she put a hand up to stop him before stepping around him for the door. She was incredibly close to Jonghyun at this point so he reached out to stop her from leaving, his arm grasping her hard bicep causing her to look over. Ana looked over, to his hand first then up to his eyes that shone back in sorrow. Ana didn’t hate him as she had mentioned before, she didn’t particularly appreciate that way he treated her but still, she did like him in a way. She sighed, turning away to look at her hand on the door knob before unlocking it, his hand slightly tightening on her arm.

“I’m going down for dinner, if you’re free to join me, I’m fine with it.” She whispered hesitantly, her voice surprisingly wavering a bit, his grip loosening in equal surprise. Once his hand loosened enough that it dropped, Ana took the opportunity to open the door and quickly run out into the hallway and down towards the stairs, her heart pumping.

On the other hand, Jonghyun stood there frozen in his spot as he stared back and forth from his hand to the now open door.

“Did she just….” He whispered to himself, still in disbelief before turning to the open door again. If she was willing to forgive him for being such a bastard this entire time, then he would welcome it willingly.

Ana made it to the cafeteria floor on foot, slightly panting and out of breath as she rounded the corner towards the empty cafeteria. Walking in, the two ladies behind the counter smiled widely at her as she placed her bag on the ground against the wall before walking towards them.

“And here comes the upcoming Mariah Carey of K-pop.” Jae Hee teased as she grabbed an empty plate. Ana couldn’t help but laugh at the comment before dramatically bowing to her in thanks.

“How is training and preparations going?” Eujong asked as Ana sighed, rolling the sleeves of her coat up before taking the offered spoon and chopsticks.

“I’m being worked down to the bone, my throat hurts, I’m tired, and my legs are going to break off, but all in all, its fine.” She explained sarcastically causing the pair of cafeteria ladies to laugh as they filled her plate up.

“Well what did you expect dear?” Jae Hee asked looking up to Ana who smiled.

“Just that.” Ana admitted as the pair nodded again, Eujong handing the full plate over to the waiting lady just as footsteps could be heard coming around the corner. With the plate still in the air, Ana looked over her shoulder, smiling inwardly as the man she had invited strolled around the corner, stopping in his movements like he had just walked in on something private. Ana turned to the two women who smiled at her, a teasing wriggle of the eyebrows causing Ana to shake her head in disbelief at the pair of women before fully taking her plate.
“Thank you ahjummas.” Ana thanked turning towards the usual table in the corner, near the window, never turning to the man that still had not moved as she plopped down, sighing.

Jonghyun watched her closely, the small smile playing on her lips not going unnoticed as he slowly made her way to her usual table in the corner. Jae Hee maneuvered around the corner, patting his shoulder once before walking towards Ana with a glass of water in hand. On the other hand Jonghyun made his way slowly to the food counter where Eujong was already busy making his own plate.

“Afternoon Jonghyun-ah.” She smiled, never looking up from her work as he respectfully smiled.

“Hello Eujong ahjumma.” He answered back, his eyes trailing over to the two women in the corner.

“Dear, if you stare at her any longer, it will be hard to deny that you hold something special with her.” Eujong suddenly spoke as Jonghyun stumbled in surprise looking over in equal emotion.
“W-What?” He stammered over his words, looking at her in slight horror and shock. She just chuckled, shaking her head.

“I have been in this game for a long time dear. I see everything that goes on in this cafeteria. Even if I was blind, I could still see that you have special feelings for Ana-ah.” Eujong looked to his knowingly as he sighed in defeat, dropping his elbows onto the ledge of the counter before burying his face in his hands.

“Ahjumma, I don’t know what’s going on.” He whispered quietly as she smiled, placing his plate next to his arm before patting his shoulder. Jonghyun looked up with desperation across his face.

“Just treat her right, arasso? No more of this yelling and cursing at her.” Eujong scolded as Jonghyun sighed, nodding slightly.

Ana picked up the chopsticks, placing them between her fingers before tapping it down on the table. She plucked a piece of fishcake from the plate before plopping it into , chewing in content when the still hot concoction slipped down . She couldn’t help but flinch when something cold came into contact with her arm. She quickly looked across the table to see Jae Hee smiling down at her, a cup of cold water in her hand.

“Thought you would need something to slip that food down.” She offered placing the cup of water in front of Ana before taking the empty seat before her.

“Thank you Ahjumma.” Ana thanked as Jae Hee smiled and nodded, her fingers intertwining in front of her. Ana hesitantly took the offered cup, placing it to her lips as she looked around confused, was there a reason she was sitting with her all of a sudden? Swallowing the water, she placed it down before glancing around to see that Jonghyun still had not made it to her and instead was in his own heated conversation with the other cafeteria ahjumma.

“Ana-ah.” Jae Hee’s voice called as Ana turned her eyes to the woman sitting in front of her, a knowing smirk playing across her face.

“Yes?” Ana asked hesitantly, narrowing her eyes in suspicion as she quickly dug into the salad also present on her plate.

“You like Jonghyun-ah, don’t you dear?” Jae Hee smirked as Ana before choking back on the large chunk of tomato that she had just suddenly in shock. Jae Hee stood up, reaching over to pat her back as Ana held a napkin over , coughing back the sudden discomfort playing in .

“Well, you answered that as much as I thought you would.” Jae Hee answered honestly as Ana took a swig of her water, sighing in relief when the coughing subsided down to something livable.

“Can I sit here?” A voice interrupted the two women as they looked up to see Jonghyun looking to them hesitantly. Jae Hee smiled up at him then down to Ana before she stood.

“Of course you can dear. Ana-ah and I were just catching up a bit.” Jae Hee slid out before offering her seat to Jonghyun who hesitantly slid in. Jae Hee smiled at the pair once more before scurrying away just as quickly as she had appeared in the first place. Ana watched her suspiciously, her chopsticks balancing on her lip before clicking her tongue in thought. Those two were up to something.

On the other hand, Jonghyun kept his eyes down to his food, even though she had invited him to eat with her, he couldn’t help but feel a bit hesitant to be sitting with her. He had done so much to her, said so much to her and for her to forgive him so easily was impossible. Ana turned her eyes to the man across from her, his chopsticks poking aimlessly at the food sitting in his plate. She bit her lip, looking down to her food then back up to him sighing.

“I won’t bite.” She spoke up as his head whipped up quickly to look at her.

“I know.” He answered back, going back to poking his food.

“If you weren’t hungry, you didn’t need to come.” She added slightly on edge as she picked up another piece of meat. Jonghyun looked up at the comment before shaking his head.

“No, I’m hungry, it’s just….” He started as she watched him intently.

“Just what?” She asked once the meat was chewed and safely tucked away in her stomach. He scratched the side of his neck suddenly before fidgeting with his chopsticks.

“Are you forgiving me?” He asked suddenly as she looked at him like he grew another head.

“Can I shove these chopsticks up your nose, scramble your brains and yank it out?” She spoke sarcastically holding up the pair of chopsticks like they were lethal weapons. Jonghyun’s eyes widened in slightly fear before he shook his head causing her to smirk and go back to her food.

“Then no, I’m not forgiving you.” She answered as he sighed.

“Are you saying, you’ll forgive me if I let you do that.” He gestured hesitantly to the chopsticks causing her to chuckle.

“Unless you want to be mummified at this young age then no, I was being sarcastic.” She answered proudly as he sent a small smile her way. Maybe if they allowed it, they would become friends or maybe….more?