[I highly recommend you listen to this song while reading: LINK ] 

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Of course, Kyungsoo knew something was up.

You seemed happy yet so unhappy. Excited but miserable.

What made it all the worse, was that you couldn’t look at him; ‘What’s wrong?’ He asked, trying to meet your eyes-

But you lied, and looked away.

What was it? What couldn’t you say?

He’d listen. He’d help; just like he’d done before.

Don’t you trust me? Look at me.

Then.

Kyungsoo found out why;

‘I’m dating someone.’ – The words twisted a rope inside him so hard it almost snapped.

He should’ve been prepared to hear you say it. He should’ve known this would happen eventually. All he could, no, what he had to do was accept it.

Look at her.

But his jaw remained clenched. Kyungsoo kept his spoon stuck into his bowl, gripping onto it tightly.

She wants you to look at her.

He hesitated, tensing up inside, trying to hold onto that rope that threatened to snap.

And Kyungsoo knew…if he turned. If he looked at you-

-‘It’s your choice.’ He said those words and meant it.   

But don’t ask me if I want this.

He continued eating, stuffing food into his mouth as nonchalantly as he could, unable to look at you.

Coward.

But…Lee Taemin wasn’t a coward.

You sniffed beside him, blowing into the tissue he’d given you.

Kyungsoo felt it then. Some sort of line drawn between you. 

It was Taemin. Taemin who should comfort you; who could hold you...and tell you everything was going to be alright...

In that moment, he saw it; the two choices laid out in front of him; Keep holding on…or let go-

-Finally Kyungsoo turned.

Dark round eyes met your deep ones. You looked back at him in pleading silence.  

Pleading him.

For what? Do you want me to let go? Should I let you go?

Will you be happier?

Is that what you want?

His chest tightened, his jaw remained clenched, and his lips stayed still. He’d forgotten Junmyeon was there, or that Baekhyun had stormed out…None of that mattered while Kyungsoo lifted a hand-

Was it Lee Taemin on your mind, all this time?

- And wiped away a tear that slid down your cheek, his expression giving nothing away. 

If it’s him you chose, then…

…Then I-

With a final tightening of his chest; Kyungsoo let the rope go.

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Taemin was grieving alone that night on the roof.  

And then he saw you.

Initially, he thought you were a crazed fan girl. He contemplated throwing the cigarette of the roof and making a run for the door. He could do it, you hadn’t noticed him yet-

-And then he saw it.

A look he was all too familiar with.

Sadness.  

He sighed at the irony: was this where all lost souls went? Was it fate?

He watched you for a while longer, seeing troubled tears and an even more troubled expression.

What was your story?

Finally, Taemin in a breath and then spoke in a regular, cool-toned manner to put you at ease. Your shocked expression amused him. And not once did you ask for an autograph.

Perhaps you weren’t a fan- oh, you were staff. The revelation surprised him further; how had he never noticed you? You didn’t exactly blend in.

Regardless, he continued to smile; to make those around him feel more at ease. Immediately, you relaxed, and spoke more. But…it wasn’t enough for him-

Who were you, and why were you here?

Wait, why do I care?

Does it matter if I don’t know the reason why?

Before falling asleep, he continued to think of you. The way you spoke, the way your eyes seemed to illuminate even amidst pain and hurt.

Your eyes.

He couldn’t help but fixate on them; they were foreign, unique…He wanted-

-‘What are you looking at?’ Nami asked with a raised eyebrow. Taemin jumped in his makeup chair; ‘What?’ He spluttered, completely forgetting where he was.

‘Usually you talk, a lot. Or you look at your phone. But today, you’re just staring at me.’ Nami; Taemin’s long-term makeup artist said casually. Dipping her brush into a pot by her side and dabbing Taemin’s face once more, she regarded him with suspicion.

‘No, it’s nothing.’ He guffawed, realising he’d fallen into a memory. Nami hummed in response; ‘Relax. My boyfriend wouldn’t like me dating more than one guy.’ She said amusedly. ‘N-no it’s not like that. I’m just-‘

‘-What’s her name?’ She said unblinking while she delicately lined his eye. Taemin stared back at her perplexed. ‘I’ve dated men with the same look on your face. Who is she?’ She asked with a raised eyebrow. ‘No one.’ Taemin mumbled, trying not to squirm in his seat. ‘Well…technically she is no one…’

‘So, she’s not famous? Then just ask her out.’ His makeup artist concluded. Taemin mused the point; ‘But I hardly know her.’

‘Sometimes you don’t have to.’ Nami shrugged; ‘Sometimes you just know.’ His pulse quickened, but he wafted the idea away; ‘I don’t have her number, I don’t even know if I’ll ever see her again.’ He slumped in his chair woefully. ‘Do you know where she works? Ask here there.’ Nami responded, but Taemin shook his head; ‘She works he-‘ Immediately he cut himself off, pursing his lips together tightly, hoping Nami didn’t hear-

‘She works here?’ Intrigue coated her tone. ‘No!’ Taemin exclaimed, but Nami cut him off; ‘My lips are sealed.’ She said with a knowing wink while gathering her things; ‘What does she look like?’ He didn’t quite know how to answer that question; ‘…she’s…different.’ He tilted his head confusedly; ‘But she has nice eyes.’

‘Nice eyes.’ Nami repeated, ‘Different? Is she Korean?’ Nami