XOXOChapter 7XOXO

-Sleepless-

*Hye-Kyung POV*

I did the right thing. I did the right thing. I did the right thing. This phrase has been on repeat in my head since last night. I rub my tired eyes and look at my bedside table. The necklace is still there, untouched, glittering as the sun's ray reflects on it. I roll over, shout on my pillow and sigh. I've been trying to forget everything that happened the day before but I can't seem to. His smile, sarcastic comebacks, foolish remarks and his touch, it haunts me. I shiver from the memory, I can't do this anymore. I promised myself.

 

I stand up and position myself in my small mirror. I pat both my cheeks repeatedly to wake myself up. I stare at my eyes then firmly say "I can do this. I did the right thing and I can forget it ever happened." then I get random clothing from my closet and make my way to the bathroom.

 

Unfortunately, the world isn't with me because Kai was there on the dining table, eyes red and tired. I try to ignore him but he reaches and grabs my arm just before I get in. I turn my head, careful not to meet his eyes and bow. His grip was weak so I pry my arm away and lock the door to the bathroom.

 

What just happened? I was gasping for air, heart thumping way too fast. I can do this. Luckily EXO's schedule was full for the next days -I checked with the manager- and it wouldn't be too hard to avoid him.

 

The day went by like a breeze, there were times when I felt him staring but I ignored him, when I feel that he's coming towards me I move away and head to a different direction. Just to be sure that the day would end without complication I hurriedly went to my room when their schedule was over.

 

5th day

 

Only two more days until I know whether I'll permanently cover EXO or not. I'm conflicted; this could be the big break that I've been waiting for but that would mean spending more time with him... And I don't know how long I can handle.

 

I avoid him again, I don't know how long I'll do it but for now I still can and for some reason I feel guilty. I was taking countless and meaningless pictures of them while they were making a commercial when Kris suddenly called me.

 

"Munchkin!" he shouts. This is meant to be an insult to me because I'm smaller than all of them but a sarcastic remark for him -I didn't mind it though, I'm used to it anyway and I find munchkins cute, they're yummy too.

 

"What's up M?" I ask while he walked towards me.

 

"Uhmm. Can I talk to you for a second?" he asks, bending down and lowering his voice.

 

"Sure." I answer; he leads me away from the other members and suddenly converts to English which doesn't shock me.

 

"We've been noticing that you've been avoiding Kai...." he trails off, leaving the sentence hanging.

 

"I-I'm n-not." I stutter. I'm not that good in telling lies. He chuckles.

 

"Look, we don't know what's going on between the two of you but don't be too harsh on the guy. Yeah?" he finishes, putting up his thumb to a yes sign. I don't speak, he looks up in frustration.

 

"Fine, I'll vouch for the guy. I'll vouch for Jongin. If he ever hurts you then I won't let him near you ever again." he says, holding up his right arm as if promising something.

 

I just smile and nod, I won't avoid him that much anymore but that doesn't mean I'll interact with him either. Kevin Wu, you're condition has too many holes in them.

 

The day goes by, I still don't talk to him but at least I acknowledge him with my half smiles- just enough for him to know that I actually see him but every time he tries to get me alone I busy myself or start a conversation with the people closest to me at the time.

 

Like yesterday, I lock myself in my room the moment we got home.

 

6th day

 

This is a busy day for EXO and I've asked Eun Sang to spend her whole Saturday here- I apologized of course. They were participating in a big fashion show and the staff was having so many problems, they didn't have enough manpower to run the show and since I knew two or three things about running a show I helped out, in 5 minutes I've thought Eun Sang everything so she could help too.

 

Practice went on for hours and I roamed around, helping every section- I was an all-around help and I left Eun Sang with the boys. After I don't know how many hours everything started to be more of a hassle and someone told me the show was about to start so it was already night time. My stomach grumbled, I haven't eaten anything yet but fate wasn't any more kind because I was called to dress and ready them for the show. I run to their direction since everyone was yelling at me to get them ready. I stop in front of them, out of breath.

 

"Can't you guys dress yourselves up?" I ask, my breathing labored.

 

"You're the only one we trust that wouldn't take pictures of us while we change and the only one who won't feel anything when the show starts." Chanyeol answered, showing his big big smile.

 

I couldn't help but smile back. Geessh. These guys.

 

"Fine, divide yourselves into two groups. Eun Sang would be in charge of the other group. You're too many, I'm only one." I said. I made sure to choose the group where Kai didn't belong too but soon enough it became too hectic for the groupings and I just helped whoever needed help.

 

"Oppa!" I called out to D.O who wore his bowtie wrongly. He turns his head to me and smiles, I gesture for him to come and I fix it.

 

"There, all done." I say, straightening it up a little bit.

 

"Thank you Berry~" he says. I just smile at him and his name calling. My eyes go wide when I see Kris still bare of make-up.

 

"Munchkin!" I call out and he immediately makes his way to me. Before he could speak I command him to sit and I do his make-up immediately, it would soon be ShowTime after all.

 

After Kris I see Lay beside me, wearing his jacket the wrong way. I mentally face palm myself.

 

"Uni." I nudge him. He looks surprised then smiles, I start to take of his jacket and he obliges. I felt weak, I haven't eaten yet. I fix it for him and he thanks me.

 

I look around, everything seems to be in place so I allow myself to sit but not more than 5 minutes later the show already started and the buzz started up again. Now I know what Chanyeol meant, everywhere models were stripping into their second costume and later EXO members were starting to pile in. They had their own curtains but they needed the costumes to be ready so I was dragged inside with Eun Sang and we were the one helping them get the costumes on. It was hard since they were taller but I wasn't complaining, I won't deny it they have good bodies and everything was fine until Kai came in and purposely lined up for me even when Eun Sang had no one. I was left with no choice.

After helping Sehun put his 2nd batch of clothes on Kai was next but he wasn't taking anything off.

 

"Take your top off." I tell him while rummaging for clothes with his name on it.

 

"What was that again?" he asks, I finally see his clothes and smile to myself. Fine, if he won't do it then I will, time is precious in events like these. I start to take off his jacket when he holds my hand and just stares; I refuse to look him in the eyes.

 

I smile; I'm going to act normal. "Please take your top off, the fashion show is still going on and you need to be there on time." I say sweetly, that wasn't too fake was it?

 

I finally found the courage to look at him -not in the eyes- and I see a sad smile on his lips, he let go of my arm and obliged. We didn't speak again. I know it's harsh but I'm doing what's best for the both of us, if he forgets that day then everything would be so simple but then again a part of me wants him to remember. I want him to remember the day when all our masks were forgotten and all that existed was us, plain and uncomplicated us.

 

When the show finished it was a little past ten and my stomach was growling, the day wasn't over though because we still had to go to SMent - for what I didn't know but since it was my job to cover their every move I told Eun Sang to go home and that I'll be the one to manage the situation.

 

************

 

We arrived in SMent, there were only a few people left probably because it was already late and all I could think about was bulgogi, kimchi and banana milk. I wasn't aware of my surroundings anymore, maybe it was the hunger or over all fatigue but I didn't notice that EXO met someone they knew well in the hallway until a familiar voice knocked me out of food land.

 

"Cookie!" when I heard that I whip my head to that direction and I couldn't help but crack a big smile. It was Taemin.

 

He waves, smiles and walks toward me. "I've been calling you for 3 minutes but you didn't even look at me but when I call you cookie once, you look. Tsk. Tsk." he says.

 

"Sorry. I haven't eaten the whole day." I say, slightly pouting.

 

"The first time we see each other for months and the first thing I get is a complain. Not even a hug." he complains, furrowing his brow.

 

He opens his arms and hugs me tight. "Ughhhh. Stop it, I can't breathe." I say with a squeaky voice -since I was being squeezed. He lets go then looks down at me.

 

"Sorry. I just missed you." he shrugs.

 

I just smile, stand on my toes and hug him.

 

"Don't worry, I missed you too min-min." I say, holding back a laugh. Chanyeol laughs, if he didn't I would have forgotten that they were here.

Taemin runs a hand through his hair, looks at me then sighing says.

 

"I told you not to call me that." I just shrug.

 

"You guys are so sweet whenever you see each other. Hye Kyung doesn't even give us a smile." Onew complains.

 

My eyes widen, I totally forgot.  I smile at them, bowing as I go.

 

"Well, since you haven't eaten yet. I think it's time for me to treat you." Taemin tells me, smiling.

 

"I don't know. EXO is being called." I answer pouting. I really want to eat.

 

Then Manager Hyung suddenly speaks up. "You don't need to be there, you can go if you want to."

 

I smile -the widest for this day- and skip towards the exit.

 

"Yah! Hye Kyung, you don't even say good bye?" Suho shouts out.

 

Uh-oh. I forgot- again. I was about to say sorry when Taemin spoke for me.

 

"No need to say good bye, you can come after the things you need to do. Just text her or Me." he tells EXO.

I bow then wait for Taemin. After that, we go and find something to eat.

 

************

We were at a random 24-hour eatery, 20 minutes have already passed. Key was the only one with us; the others already went back to their dorms.

 

We were all laughing about how Dorky EXO is when suddenly they came pouring in. They all sat down and ordered. Baekhyun and Chanyeol were complaining about how hungry they were, D.O and Kai were talking in hushed tones and the others were their usual hyper, dorky selves.

 

I was laughing at an imitation Taemin did when Tao spoke up.

 

"Soooo... Hye Kyung and Taemin huh? What about Ka-" Kris cut him short. I just smile.

 

"No, No. Min-min, I mean Taemin and I am just close friends. He's like my legit older brother. We look alike don't we?" I smile my wackiest smile.

 

Tao, Kris, Baekhyun and Chanyeol surveyed our faces when Baekhyun suddenly shouted.

 

"How?! You guys look the same in some angles. Aisshh. You could pass for relatives." he says, eyes wandering around seemingly finding agreement from the others. Then the others started bobbing their head up and down.

 

"Yah. Kai, why have been quiet all this time?" Taemin asks.

 

Kai suddenly perks up and just smiles. "Just tired." is all he says while looking at me and the others notice this too, so I change the topic.

 

We were already talking about random stuff when I noticed that it was already 3 am. I yawn and tell them that I'll be going and the others taking note of the time also bade good bye. I hugged Taemin for the last time and he told me to keep in touch and I nod.

 

When we arrived I was already so tired that I even forgot to lock my door.

 

7th day

 

The last day. I was a ball of nerves; from the moment I woke up I couldn't stay still. I've been pacing back and forth, jumping in place and other stuff just to calm my wild imagination.

 

It was a Sunday so EXO had no schedules, others went to their families and others stayed. I was waiting for my phone to ring, informing me to go to Soo Man's office but it wouldn't ring.

 

"Don't stress. You got the job already." Luhan comforts me. I just smile; I can't seem to stop my heart from beating too fast.

 

The opening song of pororo starts- my ringtone- and I almost trip on my own two feet. I grab my phone from the couch; I didn't even bother checking the caller ID. I put the phone on my ear and breathe deeply.

 

"Yoboseo?" I start, voice shaking.

 

"Yah, Rae. Why is your voice shaking?" I release the breath I held back. It's just Dong Mi.

 

"I'm just waiting to know if I got the job permanently or not." I say. Closing my eyes.

 

"Oh. You already got it. -I can hear the smile in his voice- Anyway, are you free next week? Dinner? Uhmm. Wednesday?" he asks.

 

"Uhmmm. As of now I'm free but sure, text me the details. I need to do something now. Bye." I say, hanging up. I suddenly remembered that I still needed to update the company's online blog. I sigh, Sunday but I still need to work.

 

The time swooped by fast, most probably because the deadline's pressuring me, and before I knew it the time was already 7:30pm and my phone started to ring again. I totally forgot about Soo Man's decision and I was already tired so I answered the phone in a hurry- my article is about to be finished and I don't want any disturbance.

 

"Yoboseo?" I say, still typing away on my laptop.

 

"Ms. Lim?" the person on the other side of the phone asks.

 

"Yes?" I ask irritation evident.

 

"This is Mr. Lee's secretary and he wants to see you in 15 minutes." she says.

 

I almost deleted my file in shock. I hurrily put my laptop to sleep, get my essentials (cellphone and keys) then make my way to the office.

 

************

 

My hands begin to sweat, I feel myself tremble; what’s going to happen? Would it be safe to assume that I permanently got the job or would that be too confident?

 

I stood in front of Soo Man's office and I take the deepest breath I have yet to take. This is it, time to make my big break. I knock three times and shakily walk in. I see Soo Man reading one of the thousand organized papers on his flawless desk.

 

"Oh, Miss Han. Seat, seat. Sorry if I could only call you now, I don't have much time to spare so I'll just say it directly." he stops signing paper after paper then looks at me. "You got the job."

 

I don't know if I heard it right, so I just sit there, mouth hanging open until Mr. Soo Man taps my arm. I wake up from my daze, smile, stand up then bow.

 

"Thank You. Thank you for giving me this opportunity." I scurry towards the door when I shout over my shoulder "You won't regret this."

 

I made my way back to the dorm skipping, I'm so happy that I felt like treating everyone. When I reached the dorm, I slam the door open and shout.

 

"Let's go out and eat!" everyone started make their way to me and before we went out Sehun whispered "Forgotten" my eyes grew wide and I instinctively look at my laptop, still placed on the table and I wanted to check it but almost everyone was already complaining about their empty and grumbling stomachs. So I just go with them.

 

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They picked a place that had dim lights and lots of music, we rented our own cubicle and I was already on my third round of Soju. I'm very determined to find out what Sehun knows and he might just spill something if his system is induced with enough alcohol but no such luck. We were laughing and having a good time but I feel someone staring at me, my vision was already a bit blurry and because of the lighting I can't clearly see who it was but It's clear that for every five minutes or so Kris would whisper reminders about drinking moderately but I would only shrug it off. Then the intro to "What is love" plays and maybe it was the impulsive courage from the alcohol or the pent up courage that was always there but I stood up, went to the front and started dancing to the sweet melody. I'm not a great dancer but at the moment I didn't care, all I cared about was the music and my the waves they sent to my body.

 

After a while, I notice that everyone went silent and that someone was dancing with me, I noticed because that someone was too close for my comfort but he moved with the music and he moved perfectly with my every step that I didn't mind.

 

The song finished and I needed to go the bathroom, they all offered to come with me, I refused. But one of them was persistent, before I went inside the restroom he grabbed my arm and pinned me in the wall. I felt so weak that I couldn't even fight back. Something tells me that I know this guy, I just can't place him.

 

Then he speaks, his voice seemingly caressing my whole being, I know this voice.

 

"Why are you avoiding me?" the person says, his voice tinted with hurt. I furrow my brow, trying to make his voice out then it hits me, it's Kai.

 

"So Dangerous." is all I manage to say before everything went black.
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Update! :3 Hope you guys like it!

xoxoxo Kyon Seul