----- Chapter Ten -----

                “Okay,” the director cleared his throat as he waited for the cast to gather around him. Once they were all gathered, he immediately explained the Dark concept further.

                “If the Pink concept was all innocent and cute…” he started. The cast all had their eyes on the director. “…then the Dark concept will be the total opposite,” hearing the gasps from crowd, the director flashed a smirk.

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                “Yah yah, I wonder what’s happening over there,” the worried and curious Chanyeol mumbled to himself as he watch his fellow members and Dara from afar. He was sitting with the K members and his feet were constantly tapping the floor.

                “Yah, stop it Yoda! So noisy,” Baekhyun complained as he poked Chanyeol’s side.

                Chanyeol ignored him and still continued to stare at the crowd on the set.

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                “Dark’s concept is quite seductive, matured and – as the word implies – dark. If Pink is playful, then Dark is serious. So…,” the director then examined each of the M members’ faces and physiques. “I’m going to assign you your roles now.”

                The members couldn’t help but feel nervous as the director eyed them one by one. Dara on the other hand, kept throwing glances at Kris who stayed emotionless throughout the orientation. She was nervous, thinking how matured the CF could get. She couldn’t help but picture herself get intimate with Kris in the CF – if that’s what the matured theme meant. Her thoughts continued to wander but she immediately brushed them off when she realized her thoughts were getting a little bit daring.

                “Omo, Stop it Dara! When did you become a byuntae?! Aish! Pabo Dara!” She mentally scolded herself, which made her knock her head repeatedly in the process. “Pabo Dara!”

                “Dara-ssi, are you okay?”

Dara suddenly snapped out when she realized that she just insulted herself a little too loud. Sets of eyes were all on her as her face turned into crimson red.

                “I-I’m fine! Perfectly fine!” she stuttered, shaking her head.

                “Aigoo, so embarrassing,” she mumbled as she brought her head down in shame. She forced her eyes shut, praying she would just disappear in an instant.

                “Tch,” Her thoughts were suddenly cut off when she heard a soft chuckle. She opened her eyes, still with her head down, scanning the surroundings through the corner of her eyes. She then froze when her dark brown orbs landed on a certain guy she least expected to do such a thing – Kris.

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Dara’s POV

                I swear I just heard someone chuckled, and surely it was because of me. Aigoo, this is too embarrassing! He’s probably making fun of me. I pouted as I tried to search for that certain person – and to my great surprise, it was Kris.

                Omo why should it be him? Why do I keep on embarrassing myself in front of Kris? Why? I really wouldn’t mind if others make fun of me, but Kris? No. I made such a bad impression on him before and now, I’m making it worse. I bet he’s laughing at me deep inside!

                I blinked several times, trying to clear my vision – or actually hoping what I was seeing was pure illusion. I was not wrong, it was really him.

                When he noticed I was staring at him – and when he did I actually gasped quite audibly – he flashed me a smirk and then looked away. Did I just see him smirk? Omo, please tell me I did. I could feel my cheeks burning really hard and my heart was pounding insanely. He just smirked at me, and that smirk could actually melt any girl who sees it. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, and I just realized I was falling for him harder.

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                The EXO-M members slowly gathered around the set after they changed into different outfits since the director announced slight wardrobe changes. The members were all dressed in black and with makeup that go along with their outfits. The director was busy instructing the staff as the boys were busy doing their own thing. EXO-K on the other hand was still there supporting their other half.

                Dara soon went out of her dressing room after changing her outfit. She went straight to the set – only to mesmerize everyone in the place.

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                The boys were getting themselves ready when Dara suddenly entered the set. At the very moment they set their eyes on her, the whole world seemed to freeze. Everything fell into silence. Time seemed to have stopped. Not only were the boys in awe, but also the staff and the director himself. They were all mesmerized by the undeniable beauty of 2ne1’s visual. Sure, Dara’s beauty is well known in Korea but to be able to see it up close and personal, that’s totally a different story.

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Chanyeol’s POV

                I suddenly got quite thirsty but then I refrained myself from getting a drink simply because I couldn’t afford to miss anything from Dara-noona’s shooting. Good thing, Baekhyun was kind enough to get me some drink. I had a bad feeling about this certain Dark concept that’s why I need to keep an eye throughout the whole taping. Yes, I was very nervous, one could obviously guess it.

                The tension within me grew as I saw the M members going to the set, all dressed fabulously in black. I was kind of jealous because they all looked good. They were oozing with appeal; they looked really manly – even Luhan-hyung looked like one. I knew for sure any girl who sees them will automatically fall for them. That’s why I’m very much worried for my Dara-noona.

                After a few minutes, Baekhyun arrived with cold drinks in his hands. He quickly sat down beside me and gave me my drink. I thanked him and impatiently opened the soda can. Without further adieu I started drinking the soda. As I was enjoying my drink, a gorgeous petite girl who suddenly went out of a dressing room and started approaching the set caught my eye. I was curious that I examined her carefully and when realization hit me, my eyes grew even wider at the sight. That very beautiful, y, mysteriously-looking girl was none other than my Dara-noona. I swear she looked really different – so stunning and elegant. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I never knew a person can look extremely beautiful.

                “Yah Park Chanyeol wha—you’re so disgusting!” I heard Baekhyun exclaimed as he was pointing at me. For a second, I snapped out of my thoughts before realizing my pants were all soaked of soda. And then I remembered that I was drinking my soda while staring at Dara-noona. Before I knew it, I totally forgot swallowing and even breathing, leaving the soda overflowing in my mouth and went straight into my pants.

                I put my soda down and tried to the dampness away. Though my drenched pants gave me cold sensation, I just ignored it and looked for my Dara-noona.

                I was sure Baekhyun was still blabbering nonsense at me but I was too engrossed with my Dara-noona that I didn’t pay any attention to him. I then noticed that he eerily fell into silence. The atmosphere suddenly became quiet. I tore my gaze away from noona for a while only to see that Baekhyun was already staring at her, with his mouth slightly open. I looked around and saw the others doing the same. I realized that all eyes were on my Dara-noona.

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Dara’s POV

                I stepped out of the dressing room after preparing myself visually. I was quite tensed – more like very tensed – as I inched towards the set. My mind was quite preoccupied that time but I was sure that the atmosphere seemed to be a little too quiet. It made me feel uneasy so I snapped out of my thoughts and cleared my mind of them. When I looked up I got crept out to see the people staring at me fixedly. I was confused and started to feel uncomfortable with all the stares. I was not sure why they looked at me like that but that very moment, my insecurities took over me.

                “D-do I look funny? Or weird? Or disappointing?” I thought to myself as I consciously my hair. I looked down and frowned.

                “D-Dara-noona you look so…stunning.”

                I was not sure if I heard it right. I lifted my head and saw Luhan-ssi smiling at me. I knew it was him who complimented me.

                The next thing I knew was that the other M members also complimented me and the director as well. I was embarrassed but I still managed to smile and thanked them. I turned my head and caught a glimpse of Kris. He was staring at me for a while – with a stoic face as usual - but then he looked away. I kind of frowned but it was no doubt that in that brief moment, he still managed to make my heart flutter.

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                For the first scene, the director called for Tao, Minseok and of course, Dara. He explained to the three the things they will do for the scene.

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Scene # 1

                Dara was standing alone in a corner, looking so glamorous yet seemed so cold. Tao noticed her and without any hesitation, he walked towards her coolly as he gracefully took off his suit. He carefully placed the suit around Dara’s shoulders. Right after he covered her with his suit, he wrapped her in his arms, ‘back hugging’ her. Dara glanced at Tao seriously yet seductively.

                They stayed in that position for a while until Minseok arrived in his motorbike. Dara gave Tao one last glance before she broke off from his hug and went towards Minseok. She ily went up the motorbike and placed her arms around Minseok’s waist. Minseok smirked as he felt Dara leaning forward, against his back. He slightly turned his head and gazed at her. Dara, who lovingly rested her head against the boy’s back, looked at the camera. Minseok smirked once again before he drove off.

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                The director finally was satisfied with their performance after a series of retakes. The boys had their mouths opened throughout the scene which they found really seductive. Chanyeol was definitely fuming with anger and jealousy. He tried to intervene with the shooting several times, but good thing Baekhyun and the other K members were there to stop him.

                Kris on the other hand was just in the corner, silently observing the whole time – with his piercing eyes.

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                The director summoned Luhan and Chen for the second scene of the CF. The setting for the scene was in a bar. Dara then showed up in a different outfit.

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Scene # 2

                Luhan was seating on a couch with Dara. They were cuddling each other. Dara’s head rested on Luhan’s chest and her hands around his waist. Luhan had one of his hands Dara’s hair as he pulled her closer. His other hand was around Dara. He flashed a small smile as he brought his lips closer to Dara’s hair. Dara, on the other hand, could feel Luhan’s warm breath above her. She also maintained her serious expression.

                Moments later, Dara unwrapped herself from Luhan’s hug and went straight to the bartender’s area. She ordered a cocktail drink and the bartender happily obliged. The bartender then handed her the drink. She reached for it but before she could even react, another hand reached for her drink – basically ended up holding her hand instead.

                Dara didn’t turn her head but she looked for the owner of the hand, who was behind her, through the corner of her eyes. And before she realized it, she was already trapped in between the man and the table. Chen trapped her, placing his free hand at the side of Dara, against the table and the other hand still holding Dara’s hand. He smirked as he leaned closer to her and whispered something ily on her ear. Chen looked at her intently as he continued whispering things to her. Dara glanced at him before looking at the camera.

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                Chanyeol gritted his teeth throughout the filming of the second scene. He was very furious that he wanted to confront the director for such too daring and too intimate scenes. He described it as pure torture to him and the others couldn’t do anything but pat his shoulder. The boys undeniably felt a bit of jealousy to Chen and Luhan but they just ignored it.

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                The director then called for the last batch for the final scene for the Dark Temptation CF. Dara went to the set right after her wardrobe change. She suddenly felt her stomach flinch realizing that she would finally film a scene with Kris. Just thinking of it made her heart beat wildly. She stared at Kris, who was coming closer to the set together with Lay. partially went open as she gazed at him, who looked really seductive, stunning, gorgeous and all other adjectives of beautiful. He looked so perfect yet mysterious. He effortlessly fit the Dark concept, especially with those cold eyes.

                Dara snapped out of her thoughts when the director called for her attention. She realized she was lost in her thoughts and bowed to apologize to the director. The director then instructed the batch about the final scene and Dara couldn’t help but gasp in shock.

Setting: Music Store

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Scene # 3

                Dara scanned through the guitars displayed in the store. Her eyes wandered, gracefully walking around before bumping into someone. She looked up only to be caught in Kris’ y stare. Dara froze and ended up staring at Kris longer than what was expected.

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                “Cut! Cut!” The director cried as he eyed Dara. Kris looked at the director. Dara, on the other hand, was still staring at Kris.

                “Dara-ssi, are you okay?” The director asked when he noticed that Dara seemed lost and not focused.

                Dara finally came back to her senses and hastily looked down. Her face turned bright red, she felt her cheeks burning. Her heart was pounding so fast. For a while she went speechless, realizing what she just did. She couldn’t believe how foolish she looked like staring at Kris for a very long time.

                “W-what did I just do?!” Dara mentally cried. She swore she was close to tears due to embarrassment. She got lost in Kris’ stare – she couldn’t help it. She was not prepared at all. She was right. She couldn’t act well in front of Kris. She knew she’d get too tensed and would eventually get carried away. With these thoughts, she buried her face on her palms. When she gathered courage, she faced the director with a jolly smile and apologized, saying that she forgot what to do next. She also apologized to Kris.

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Scene # 3 (Take Two)

                As Dara examined the guitars on display, she clumsily bumped into Kris. She looked up and was caught in Kris’ y stare. They looked in each other’s eyes for a while before Dara broke it off and walked past Kris. But before she could completely walk away, Kris caught her wrist and pushed her against the wall as softly as possible. Dara, who was trapped between Kris and the wall, just gazed at Kris. Kris let go of Dara’s wrist and placed his hand next to Dara, leaning it against the wall. His other hand was just free.

                Kris slowly leaned closer towards Dara until their faces were just inches apart. Dara’s heart started to beat uncontrollably. She was wide-eyed that she suddenly forgot how to breathe. She froze once again.

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                “Cut! Cut!” The director intervened with the scene, in a disappointing tone. The boys had their jaws dropped at the scene Kris and Dara were in. They were all shocked at the level of intimacy they just showed.

                As soon as the director cut the scene, Kris immediately pulled away from Dara and looked away. Dara was still flushed and remained leaning against the wall, not moving an inch. Her eyes were still wide and her heart wasn’t stable just yet.

                Fortunately, Dara was able to recover quickly and so she didn’t get herself embarrassed once more. She shook her head to get rid of her nervousness, though she knew it would never work.

                “Dara-ssi, are you okay? Do you need a break?” the director asked worriedly.

                Dara shook her head and assured the director that she was fine and that she was just nervous. The boys also got worried for Dara who seemed to be slacking off.

                “It’s the first time Dara-noona made a lot of mistakes,” Baekhyun mumbled. Chanyeol was unbelievably silent that time. He did not throw tantrums, and did not even utter a single word since the second take of scene three. He was just observing Dara the whole time in that scene.

                “Dara please focus, focus…” Dara chanted mentally, closing her eyes. “Please don’t get carried away, please don’t make mistakes anymore. You’re embarrassing yourself. Act normally!” She heaved a heavy sigh. “If you keep acting like this, he might know! Get a hold of yourself, Sandara!”

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Scene # 3 (Take Three)

                Dara was trapped between Kris and the wall. Kris leaned closer towards her until their faces were only inches apart. Dara stared at Kris’ eyes (actually trying her best not to get lost in his stare) seriously yet enticingly before she looked away and gently shoved Kris’ arm so that she could free herself from him. She walked away slowly and went to Lay, who was playing the grand piano. Kris just looked at Dara as she walked away.

                Dara sat beside Lay as he played the piano soulfully. She gave off a small smile as she closed her eyes, losing herself in Lay’s music. Lay looked at her, still playing the piano. He flashed a mini smile (showing off his killer dimple). Dara, still with her eyes closed, slowly rested her head on Lay’s shoulder. Lay looked back at the piano. Dara opened her eyes slowly and looked at the camera.

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                The director was satisfied with the performance but he wasn’t all smiles yet. He suddenly called for the three.

                “You did a good job,” he complimented the three for their acting performance. But they did not fail to notice the director’s disturbed face.

                “What’s wrong, director-nim?” Dara politely asked.

                The director scratched his head before heaving a sigh. “I just think the scene isn’t at its best yet.”

                The three were puzzled by what he said. They knew they did what the director told them to do. But what could have gone wrong?

                “You see, the end wasn’t really satisfying. So how about…” He cleared his throat. “…How about ending it with a kiss?”

                “Mwo?!” Lay and Dara exclaimed. Kris was wide-eyed but remained silent.

                “Hey hey what’s happening?” The other M members butted in.

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“A KISS SCENE?!” The M members squealed loudly.

“A kiss--- WHAT?!” Chanyeol’s eyes grew wider as soon as the news reached his big ears. The K members were also surprised and they all dashed towards the director.

                “Who’s the lucky guy?” Kai curiously asked, trying to squeeze into the crowd.

                “Yah what is happening?” was Chanyeol’s desperate cry. Unwanted noise emerged, but was hushed by the director in no time.

                The director then told them his alternate ending for scene three which he thought was much better than the previous one. He explained why he came up with a kissing scene.

                “So who’s the lucky guy?” Kai asked for the second time.

                “Lay,” the director answered straight-forwardly.

                The boys gasped in shock and then teased Lay. Chanyeol froze in his place. He couldn’t believe it. He was Dara’s loyal fanboy, and yet it was Lay who was given such an opportunity. Could life get any more unfair? Baekhyun on the other hand, tried to comfort him.

                Kris stayed silent the whole time. He couldn’t explain how he felt. Lay was such a lucky bastard – a very lucky bastard. He was definitely not amused.

                Of course, they couldn’t do anything about it. It was the director’s command anyway. But before they pursue the scene, he asked the consent of Dara and Lay. And they did not mind.

                Chanyeol was still grieving inside. He was deeply saddened. He just stood at the corner, watching the shooting. Baekhyun never left his side, trying to cheer him up saying it was only for work.

                “Lay-ssi, Dara-ssi. The scene is the same, except that in the end, you have to kiss. That’s it.”

After some orientation and instructions, the director then asked to retake the whole scene three and this time, with the modified ending. Everyone couldn’t help but feel nervous.

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Scene # 3 (Final)

                As Dara examined the guitars on display, she clumsily bumped into Kris. She looked up and was caught in Kris’ y stare. They looked in each other’s eyes for a while before Dara broke it off and walked past Kris. But before she could completely walk away, Kris caught her wrist and pushed her against the wall as softly as possible. Dara, who was trapped between Kris and the wall, just gazed at Kris.

                Pinning Dara against the wall, Kris leaned closer towards her until their faces were only inches apart. Dara stared at Kris’ eyes (still trying her hardest not to get lost in Kris’ deathly stare) seriously yet enticingly before she looked away and gently shoved Kris’ arm so that she could free herself from him. She walked away slowly and went to Lay, who was playing the grand piano. Kris just looked at Dara as she walked away.

                Dara sat beside Lay as he played the piano soulfully. She gave off a small smile as she closed her eyes, losing herself in Lay’s music. Lay looked at her, still playing the piano. He flashed a mini smile (showing off his killer dimple). Dara, still with her eyes closed, slowly rested her head on Lay’s shoulder.         

                Lay suddenly stopped playing as he slowly brought his hand to Dara’s cheek and caressed it lovingly. Dara slowly opened her eyes, realizing Lay stopped playing the piano. Dara gently lifted her head and stared at him. Lay stared back, as he cupped Dara’s cheek softly before he leaned closer to her. (The staff and the members were all gaping at the expected and awaited kissing scene) Dara looked confused with Lay’s action but found herself slowly closing her eyes. Lay smiled a little before shutting his eyes as he neared Dara’s lips.

                Their lips were only a few centimeters apart when Dara suddenly felt a hand gripping her wrist. Before she knew it, she was already being pulled away from Lay. (Everyone behind the camera gasped) Dara opened her eyes and found herself in Kris’ arms.

                Lay was surprised with Kris’ action. (So were the staff and crew and the boys) Dara’s eyes widened as she felt Kris’ warmth around her. Kris just stared (or more like glared) at Lay nonchalantly. Dara felt like she could faint anytime because of the position she was in. She couldn’t believe she’d find herself in Kris’ hug. It wasn’t even scripted! Her heart skipped a beat. She knew she was already blushing really hard.

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                “C-Cut!” the director stuttered, obviously still in the state of shock. Silence followed. The boys had their mouths opened with Kris’ sudden move, so did the director.

                It was only then when Kris realized what he just did. “Crap…” He mentally cursed himself as he pushed Dara away a little bit hard. For once in his life he was embarrassed. The cool Kris was embarrassed. But of course he tried his best to keep his poker face.

                Dara was still shocked. Yes, she was pushed away by Kris but she didn’t mind. Her brain was too busy processing every detailed that happened. She was…happy – very happy. How she wished time would stop that instant. Her eyes never left Kris.

                “Now what?” Kris thought as he tried to avoid everyone’s gaze. He himself did not even know why he did that – well, it was his body that moved on its own. He just couldn’t bear to see Dara kissing another man in front of him. Even he was surprised in his own actions. It seemed like his body has a mind of its own, to move on its own.

                “I-I thought it was cool,” Kris stuttered – so uncool. He looked at the director indifferently. “Wow, Kris. What a wonderful excuse,” he sarcastically insulted himself in his mind.

                It took a while before the director recovered from shock. Kris forced his eyes shut, expecting the worst to happen. But to his surprise, he heard applause.

                Kris opened his eyes and saw the director smiling widely at him as he clapped his hands. Kris was puzzled, but nonetheless relieved. The boys also came back to their senses and looked at the happy director.

                “Great job, Kris-ssi! Splendid!” He praised Kris. He walked towards the duizhang.

                When Dara’s soul finally came back in her frozen body, she followed what the director did – she clapped her hands though she was oblivious on why she was doing so.

                “It was wonderful. Better than the kissing scene I thought of. It made the CF quite wholesome. I like it very much,” the director continued praising Kris as he patted him.

                Kris was confused but he just smirked and thanked the director.

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                “Woah, great job, Kris-ssi, splendid!” Baekhyun mimicked the director’s voice as he teased Kris.

                “Whatever, Baekhyun.”

                The boys were already preparing themselves as well as their things after the whole CF filming. It was tiring but fun at the same time. It was a whole new experience for them.

                The boys couldn’t help but tease the M leader of the compliments and praises he received from the director. Good thing, Kris was patient. So he just shrugged them off.

                “Kris-hyung,” Chanyeol suddenly called.

                “Hm?” Kris asked as he fixed his things.

                “I just want to say, thank you.”

                Kris stopped fixing his things then faced Chanyeol. “For what?”

                “F-For modifying the ending!” He stuttered. Kris raised an eyebrow at him.

                “What he meant is, because of you, the kiss scene was canceled!” Baekhyun butted in.

                “Shut up, Bacon!”

                Baekhyun just stuck his tongue out at him. Laughter followed.

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                Dara placed her palm on her chest. She could still feel the abnormal beating of her heart. She unconsciously let out a smile. She was thankful Shin Hye left first because she might get suspicious on her.

                “Aigoo!” She softly spanked both of her cheeks with her hands as she giggled. It was definitely the most memorable day for her. Though everything was only because of her work, she was still very happy. Her thoughts were interrupted when she suddenly heard a knock at her door. Without a second thought she hastily opened the door, thinking it was her makeup artist.

                “Chanyeol-ssi?”

                “H-Hi, Dara-noona,” Chanyeol stuttered as he awkwardly smiled at her.

                “Come on in!” Dara flashed him a genuine smile and cheerfully invited him.

                They both sat down in front of each other. It was obvious that Chanyeol was nervous, and Dara couldn’t help but chuckle at his cuteness.

                “I got something for you,” he said as he handed her a small gift, covered in a cute wrapper. Dara’s eyes lit up with glee.

                “For me? Aww thank you Chanyeol!” She clapped her hands before accepting the gift. But her smile quickly turned into a pout.

                “What’s wrong noona? You don’t like it?” Chanyeol asked worriedly.

                Dara shook her head. “No, no. I do like it, but I was not able to prepare gifts for you guys,” she frowned.

                Chanyeol chuckled. “No, it’s okay noona. I just want to give you a gift, that’s all.”

                Dara smiled at the younger’s thoughtfulness. How she wanted to pinch his cute cheeks.

                Chanyeol then cleared his throat before his expression turned serious. He hesitated at first, but he still looked at Dara in the eyes.

                “Noona, I want to ask you something, if you don’t mind.” He uttered shyly.

                “Sure, what is it?”

                Chanyeol first gathered courage before heaving a sigh. He closed his eyes for a while before he gazed at her again.

                “Noona.”

                “Hm?” Dara’s smile did not wear off.

                Chanyeol paused for a second before going on.

                “D-Do you like Kris-hyung?”

----- End of Chapter -----

< Author's Note > I MISS WU YI FAN SO MUCH...