“Lay, want anything?”

“Hm?”

“I’m going for a food run,” I smiled sheepishly.

“Oh.” He gave me a knowing look. “Nah, I’m good.”

Lay’s right. I am hungry all the time. I can’t help my tummy: it has a mind of its own. So there I was, walking to the nearest fast food joint. It’s actually two blocks away, but I’d rather walk—it makes me feel less guilty for eating fatty food late at night. Besides, the wind feels nice in the night time.

I swung my arms, humming a tune. It gave me the illusion that I was burning more calories. (A girl can dream, okay?) I guess I walked for a while, in a humming trance. But then do you get that sudden feeling that someone’s watching you? Yeah, that’s what it felt like. I picked up my pace, suddenly acutely aware that it was dark out, I’m a lady with not an ounce of self-defense training, and bad things could happen. Maybe I should’ve asked for company.

Did I mention that I have a tendency to be paranoid? My heart started racing, palms sweating. This isn’t cool. Should I sneak a glance behind my back? Should I run for it? But you know what killed the cat.

I turned around abruptly, ready to kick . Nope. No one. This was starting to look like a horrible stalker movie. I looked around me, hoping to see if anyone could help. And then there it was—a pair of eyes trained on me. I froze in my tracks, realization hitting me. They were crescent-shaped—laughing. Relief flooded through me before embarrassment took over. I fought the urge to blush. He must have been watching me act like a freak. He must have been the pair of eyes I felt on my back, except he was across the street, backpack slung over his shoulders, hands in pockets.

I gave him a small wave with my hands, motioning him to cross the street. He nodded, pointing to the nearest stoplight. We fell into step, a road apart, looking at each other from time to time. He still had a smile on his face. I started laughing at my silliness. That was pretty stupid.

We finally reached the stoplight, a pedestrian crossing in between us.

“Are you okay?” He shouted at me across the street.

“Yeah,” I shouted back.

He laughed heartily. The stoplight changed from green to red as an automated machine instructed him to cross safely. With a few long strides, he reached me, a permanent crescent-smile lining his face.

“For how long were you looking at me?” I asked as soon as he stepped up beside me, immediately matching my shorter steps.

“Since about five minutes before you started freaking out.”

“So were you my creeper this whole time?”

“Uh… if you say so, I guess.”

“Why didn’t you call me out? Were you planning to just creep on me the whole time?”

“That’s not what I thought I was doing.”

“Well, that’s what it seemed like. Do you know how freaked out I was?!”

“I think I have an idea,” he chuckled. “But what are you doing walking by yourself so late?”

“I got hungry, okay? How about you? Why are you walking so late?”

“I got off work,” he shrugged.

“And you’re walking home?”

“Yup. It’s my daily exercise.”

“How far away is your house?”

“About two and a half miles from here,” he smiled.

I nodded.

“So what are you getting?” he looked at me.

“Probably a burger and some fries.” On cue, my tummy started grumbling. I just keep embarrassing myself, don’t I?

He laughed again. Well, I guess it isn’t so bad when I see him laugh.

“I hope this night stays between us.” Nobody else needs to know that I’m a psycho.

He wiggled his eyebrows at me provocatively. “Of course. If you want it that way.”

This kid. Seriously. “Stop thinking stupid thoughts, you freak,” we both laughed at his silliness. I guess sharing an office space brought us closer.

We finally reached McDonald’s. “What do you want? I’m buying.” I looked up so I could see his eyes.

“Is that a bribe to keep me quiet?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Maybe?” I hid a smile.

“Well, I’m sold. But I’m not going easy on you.” He wasn’t lying. A double cheeseburger, large fries, a supersized drink, and an Oreo McFlurry later, he finally gave a satisfied grunt.

“For someone so skinny, you have the appetite of an army, dude.” I gave him a look.

“You may not see it, but I have muscles. It’s just hidden behind my suit.”

I laughed. “Are you sure?”

“Of course I am. Wanna see?” He wiggled his eyebrows again.

“No, Sehun, I don’t wanna see.” Not gonna lie, I was intrigued.

“Are you sure? Because I can show you.” He still had a mischievous tone in his voice.

Was he flirting with me? “What happened to the stoic guy I showed around at work?” I gave him a disapproving look.

“I take my time warming up to people, that’s all.” He smiled, no trace of teasing at all. I found that was my favorite smile of all—a simple smile that reached his eyes.

“I’m glad you warmed up to me, then.” I tried keeping my tone light, a hint of a joke in it. But I meant it.

“Yeah, me too,” he said with that smile again. I felt myself get in. I looked away, suddenly feeling ten degrees warmer.

“Thanks for the meal, Shiyoung.” The teasing man-boy was back.

“No problem. It’s your turn next time, okay?” I responded, matching his tone.

“Who said there’s a next time?”

I feigned shock. “You’re seriously not planning to treat me to a meal after making me watch you eat all of that?”

He stuck his tongue out at me. “Chivalry’s long been dead.”

“Ugh. You’re mean.”

“Nah. I’m just kidding. Of course! Next time’s my treat.” He was extra happy today. It was infectious.

I am extra happy today.

--

So, this chapter was inspired by the song Chen sang on Sukira. Hahaha you know when he (or anyone in Exo, for that matter) sings it I'm immediately sold... so I looked up the song lyrics, and guess what I found? THE SWEETEST SONG EVER. hahaha here--let me share. It's by a singer called 40, and the song title is Zodiac. (Go check out his other songs. They're pretty too *_*) Now, you may ask what part of the song inspired the chapter. It's the part Chen sang: (I roughly translated for you)

Your figure, standing across the sidewalk, was so pretty
That even when the stoplights changed colors, I found myself rooted at my spot [looking at you]...

I hope you chew that over and meld it with what I wrote. Hahaha *wink wink* (The rest of the song is just as pretty. Sigh)

OH! And guys, check out my new one-shot--it's called 'Binary.' I hope you really give it a shot, because I'm pretty proud of that piece of work. ^_^