----- Chapter Five -----

                It finally was 2ne1’s most awaited two-day vacation. Of course, the girls deserved it – though they really do deserve more than what was given to them. They were very excited, since they’ve been waiting for a break from all the dancing and singing they’ll do for the YG Family Concert which was only few days away. They all wanted to relax, and catch up some much-needed rest. The girls giggled in excitement, since each of them all had plans on their minds for their vacation. Smiles never wore off their faces.

                CL was already on her way to New York. She planned to spend her free time with her friends she hadn’t seen for a long time. She was the first one to leave the dorm.

                Minzy, on the other hand, wanted to spend more time with her family. So she decided to go on a trip with them for some family bonding. She was all prepared with her things and bid goodbye to the other two girls.

                Moments later, Bom finished packing her necessities. She was about to go somewhere with her other girlfriends. She had invited her members, but they declined since they had their own things to do. She zipped her bag and was all ready for her vacation.

                “I’m going now,” she announced as she walked down the stairs.

                “Yeah, take care,” Dara, who was on the sofa in her most comfortable position while watching TV, replied with her eyes still glued on the TV.

                Bom raised an eyebrow at her. “You sure you won’t join me?” She asked as she put her bag on the table.

                “No, no. I’m fine,” Dara insisted.

                “Don’t tell me you’re just going to spend your two days here?” Bom placed her hand on her waist, still with one of her eyebrows raised. She waited for Dara’s answer.

              Dara sighed. “I was supposed to go to Busan,” she finally looked at Bom. “But I’m not feeling well enough to travel,” she frowned. She really planned to go to her hometown, but it was all ruined because she was not in a very good condition.

                Bom picked her bag up and then walked towards the slouching bunny. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay here alone?” She placed her palm on Dara’s forehead, trying to feel her temperature.

                Dara clicked her tongue and shove Bom’s hand away. “I’m not sick,” she assured. “I just feel too tired to travel.”

                “Your temperature is just fine. Just rest, you lazy Santokki!”

                Dara was about to pinch Bom but unfortunately, Bom’s reflexes were too fast that she got herself away from Dara in an instant. She stuck her tongue out. “Bye Dara!” She said as she threw some flying kisses.

                “Whatever!” Dara just chuckled. “Take care! Don’t forget my presents!” She waved her hand goodbye.

                “Home alone,” she sighed as soon as she diverted her attention back to the TV.

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                Dara groggily stood up and stretched her arms. All she did the whole morning was just watching some random TV shows available. She was bored. She was not tired anymore. She didn’t want to spend the day sitting on a couch just watching TV. She wanted to do something else, other than travelling to other places. She stared at nowhere blankly, thinking of some things to do. Though she had not thought of anything good, she just thought of going out and shop, rather than being stuck in their dull dorm. She immediately went upstairs to take a bath and get dressed.

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                Dara dressed herself up, picking clothes that would make her not stand out in the crowd or at least make her look like an ordinary person whom no one would be able to recognize. She wore an oversized hoodie and large sunglasses as disguises. She also wore a scarf around her neck, thick enough to hide the lower part of her face. She took her wallet and phone with her, and went out.

                She was being careful in avoiding the people’s gazes as she walked the streets, after parking her car at the nearby parking lot. She went inside several boutiques and shops along the way. And whenever she sees pretty things and clothing, she buys it. So far, she enjoyed shopping around.

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                “Okay, lunch break!”

                “Aah! I’m so hungry!” Minseok complained as he caressed his grumbling stomach. The boys directly went off to the cafeteria to grab some lunch. They all sat in tables they connected to accommodate the twelve of them. The boys chatted with each other for a while before some of them went in line to order their food. As the portion of them ordered, Kris, Luhan, Sehun and Chanyeol were left on the table, basically to guard their place.

                “I miss bubble tea!” Sehun suddenly cried in between their talks. He pouted as he rested his head on his hand. Kris just rolled his eyes while Luhan and Chanyeol just chuckled.

                “I kind of want some bubble tea too,” Luhan said. Sehun smiled at his hyung. “Then let’s buy, Luhan hyung!” he suggested as he grabbed the older member’s arm, only to be stopped by Chanyeol.

                “Yah, where are you going?” The big-eared member asked.

                “Uh, gonna buy some bubble tea?” The maknae answered sarcastically, with his eyebrow raised at his hyung’s cluelessness.

                “Then buy me too!” The K giant rapper grinned widely. Sehun just rolled his eyes and was about to go with Luhan.

                “Yah, you can’t go,” Kris interrupted.

                The two members looked at him. “But we want some!” the maknae insisted.

                Kris clicked his tongue at ’s childish actions. “We only have a few minutes left for lunch,” he explained with a stoic face. He crossed his arms.

                Sehun stomped his feet out of disappointment. Luhan chuckled and patted the younger’s shoulder to comfort him. Chanyeol frowned since he also liked to have some bubble tea. The two sat down.

                After some time, the others returned back to their seat with food for the twelve of them. They feasted on it well. Minseok, Chanyeol and Kai gorged up huge amounts of food as if they haven’t eaten for a long time. They all ate happily like children given lollipops.

                In just a short span of time the food was all gone and there were barely traces of food on the plates. They boys slouched on their chairs, with their hands on their full stomachs. They also had small talks with each other, while some struggled due to their fullness.

                In the middle of their rest, Suho’s phone beeped, signaling a new message was received. He took his phone out from his pocket to check it out. Suho smiled after reading the message. The boys were intrigued and they flocked over their leader to check what he was smiling for.

                “Yah! Yah! Easy guys!” Suho tried to calm everyone else.

                “Who was it, hyung?” Kyungsoo boldly asked.

                “What was it about? What was it about?” Tao excitedly questioned, trying to take a peek at the leader’s phone.

                “Who could it be? Maybe from…a girl?” Chen guessed. He wore a cheeky smile.

                “A girl? You’re dating already hyung?” Chaos followed.

                Suho struggled to calm and make the others behave. Fortunately, the chaos subsided and the members fell back on their seats.

                “Geez, stop making false assumptions!” Suho lectured. Eyes were still on him, Suho just sighed. “It’s from manager-hyung. He said something came up and he had to go with the choreographers somewhere but he’ll be back in an hour,” he revealed.

                The boys cheered loudly since it meant an hour of break from the rehearsals. They were relieved and very much happy.

                “But he said to continue practicing what we rehearsed.”

                The boys groaned at the additional statement. They sadly went back to the practice room.

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                “Do we really have to practice?” Baekhyun whined. He sat on the floor with his back leaning against the wall. Some laid flat on the floor and the others were slouching at the sides.

                “I want bubble tea,” Sehun mumbled.

                “Me too,” Chanyeol supported. The others also agreed to it. They all wanted something refreshing to drink.

                Suho clicked his tongue and waved his hands in the air. “Fine, fine. Let’s just rest,” he finally gave in to what s obviously wanted. The boys cheered and some of them even hugged their leader.

                “But don’t breathe a word to manager-hyung, or else we’ll be dead!” He added. The boys just nodded.

                “Yehet! Bubble tea here we come!” childish Sehun still didn’t give up on his bubble tea. The boys also cheered with him.

                “Yah, I think only one of us should go and buy,” Kai suggested.

                “Yeah, that’s right. Just to make sure most of us are here in case manager-hyung shows up earlier than expected!” Minseok supported. The others agreed.

                “But who’s going to buy then?” Lay suddenly asked. The others looked away, obviously not wanting to volunteer for the task. Sehun grew impatient but since he didn’t want to do the task as well, he came up with an idea.

                “Okay then, to be fair, let’s do this,” He said as he cut out pieces of paper. The boys watched him with a puzzled look. He took out a pen and drew an ‘x’ mark on one of the papers. The boys mouthed an ‘o’ when they finally realized what the maknae had in mind. Sehun collected the pieces and placed them inside a small container and shook it.

                “The one who’ll get the paper with an ‘x’ mark will buy for us,” he said. He opened the container. “On three, let’s pick a piece together. On three.” The boys counted together and on three, they hurriedly picked a piece of paper.

                They opened it together and examined the paper they got. Chanyeol and Tao cheered first, showing their clean paper to the others. Others who got the clean ones cheered as well.

                “Tch,” Kris rolled his eyes and threw his paper away. The boys looked at him with cheeky smiles.

                “Then it’s all settled then!” Sehun evilly remarked.

                Kris just rolled his eyes once again. “Whatever.”

                The boys laughed at him and they all gathered up to list the flavors they wanted for their bubble teas. After a while Chen handed Kris the list they made. He wore his teasing smile. Kris just ignored him. He took his wallet and went off.

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                “I think I bought too much,” Dara thought as she looked at the shopping bags she was carrying. She just heaved a sigh at the thought that she spent too much. “Oh well,” She just shrugged it off. She decided to put the shopping bags in her car since they were too many and too heavy for her to carry any longer.

                She locked her car and decided to take a stroll since she didn’t get the chance to do this for a long time. Her eyes wandered around and appreciated the beauty of Seoul. An attractive accessory shop precipitously caught her eye. Its exterior was too cute to resist and so her body automatically headed to the shop, only to be intervened by the grumbling of her stomach.

                She looked at her watch. “Aish, it’s already noon and I still didn’t have my breakfast.” She looked for a nearby restaurant or food shop, and when she finally saw one, she immediately rushed to it.

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                “Aish,” Kris mentally whined as he repeatedly tapped the floor with his right foot, obviously running out of patience. The line at the counter was quite long and it couldn’t be blamed since it was noon, and people were on their lunch breaks. He kept glancing at his watch, praying that time would be in his favor. He was wearing a cap and hoodie. He also wore shades. He consciously adjusted his cap lower so that nobody would be able to notice him. He was thankful that no one recognized him yet.

                Finally, it was Kris’ turn to order. He gave the list to the crew, with his head lying low. He also gave the payment. The cashier gave him the receipt and told him that his order will be up soon. Kris nodded and decided to find a seat while waiting for his order.

                He looked around, but most of the tables were occupied. He tried to look for a vacant one again and luckily, he found one. He immediately rushed to it, afraid that others might get it first. He was about to reach for the table when he suddenly bumped on someone, who was also trying to reach for the same table.

                “Ow!” the girl yelped after the impact. Her shades were halfway from falling off, but she was fast enough to catch her shades and was in panic as she immediately positioned them properly.

                “Oh I’m sor--,” Kris was about to apologize but when he faced her, his eyes widened, and he suddenly got tongue-tied. Though the girl’s reflexes were fast, he was still able to catch a glimpse of her face, without the shades. He froze in his place. He knew those adorable eyes and cute nose. It was no doubt. It was definitely her. And everything else fell silent.

                “Omo! Did he recognize me?” Dara’s hands were still on the handles of her shades. She froze. She had her head lying low, to avoid eye contact. She was in panic. She noticed that the man she bumped into became silent – eerily. She forced her eyes shut. “Omo what to do?”

                Kris was still in shock that he unknowingly called her name. “D-Dar—,“ before he could even finish what he was saying, Dara hastily covered his mouth with both of her hands. “Shh!”

                Her sudden action surprised Kris, and it also accidentally stirred his own shades, which revealed his beautiful eyes. Dara’s jaw dropped at the sight. She knew who this guy was. She knew him. But it took a while for her brain cells to process what she just saw. It was Kris. It was definitely him. She was very sure of it.

                Kris rapidly adjusted his shades properly. Dara just stared at him. Kris never took his eyes off her either. For a minute, they had a mini staring contest, until their instincts snapped them out of it.

                “I-I’m sorry,” Kris stuttered as he looked away from Dara. He was embarrassed since he’s been staring at her for quite a long time. His heart was beating crazily.

                “N-no, it’s my fault. My clumsiness,” Dara answered, avoiding any more eye contact with him. She was constantly caressing her hair. She looked away because she felt her cheeks hot. Her heart was beating madly and wildly, as if it was trying to break free from her chest. “Get a hold of yourself, Dara! Get a hold of yourself!” She constantly repeated, mentally.

                Kris faked a cough, trying to get rid of the very much awkward atmosphere. He took a deep breath and tried to keep his well-known stoic face. He bravely faced Dara.

                “I’m very sorry,” He apologized. He did it without stuttering anymore. He tried his best to act cool and calm.

                “No, I wasn’t looking, Kris-ssi,” She answered and she smiled sweetly like the usual thing she does on TV.

                Kris was surprised. “She…knows my name?” He thought. He felt his cheeks burning, but he tried to compose himself.

                “You can take this table, Dara...sunbae-nim,” Kris almost forgot to connect an honorific to Dara's name. He was not really used to that. He offered her the table and gave off a small but genuine smile. Dara’s eyes sparkled. He was really cool in her eyes. She was so absorbed with his charisma that she couldn’t help but stare at him. But before she completely lost herself, she suddenly – and unconsciously – slapped her cheeks with both her hands.

                Kris’ eyes widened with her action. He found it very adorable and funny, but he tried hard not to laugh. Dara finally realized what she just did. She was very much surprised and embarrassed.

                “SANDARA PARK WHAT DID YOU JUST DO?!” She mentally scolded herself. She couldn’t believe she embarrassed herself in front of Kris Wu – in front of the guy she likes. She really wanted to cry that moment. She was definitely embarrassed, but it would be much more embarrassing if she’d cry.

                “Ah, a m-mosquito!” she made a lame excuse as she acted as if she really caught the ‘mosquito.’ Kris couldn’t help but chuckle at her cuteness.

                “I’m sure he’s making fun of me now!” she thought as she pouted. She was really teary-eyed. But she couldn’t do anything about it anymore. “Now, come on, Dara, just be yourself! Don’t do anything stupid again!” Dara chanted mentally. She took a deep breath and gathered courage to face him again. She showed him her best smile. “Ah, Kris-ssi, since there are no other vacant tables, we can share this one!” She suggested. She tried to be in her usual 4D personality.

                Kris sort of blushed at the idea. “But—“

                “No buts! This is a table for two anyway!” She grabbed Kris’ arm and made him sit at the seat across her. Dara has always been friendly to other people. And she’s also like this to her hoobaes such as Lee Hi.

                Kris felt his heart just skipped a beat. He always admired her bubbly and cheerful personality. He heard from others how kind Dara is, even to those she doesn’t really know. And he knew at that moment that it was true. Dara’s really kind. He was on the verge of smiling widely, but he bottled it in. He kept his ‘cool face’.

                Dara was determined to get rid of the uncomfortable atmosphere – one, because she has this cheerful personality, and two, she’s afraid Kris might see through her. She thought of something to keep the conversation going.

                “Ne, you’re Kris from EXO, right?” She asked what was obvious to her.

                “Yes, Dara-sunbaenim,” Kris answered formally.

                “I knew it!” Dara clapped her hands. It was very cute. “EXO’s really famous right now. Congratulations!”

                “Thank you, sunbaenim. 2ne1’s very famous as well,” He returned the compliment.

                “Heh!” Dara giggled. She looked around the shop. “You’re alone? Where are your members?” She asked.

                “Yeah. I’m just here to buy bubble teas for them,” He replied shortly.

                “Ooh. That’s very kind of you!” She smiled.

                “If you only knew what happened,” Kris thought and mentally slapped himself at the thought of how he ended up buying for them.

                Dara was about to talk more when a waitress interfered with their conversation.

                “Here’s your order, sir,” The waitress announced as she gave Kris the bubble teas. He nodded and thanked her. He took the bubble teas.

                “I guess, uh, I have to go, Dara-sunbaenim,” Kris said as he stood up. He really wanted to talk with her more, but he was hesitant. And if he stayed there with her any longer, his heart might not be able to handle his emotions, so he decided to leave.

                Dara was kind of sad, but she just shrugged it off. “Ah okay, okay. Nice meeting you, Kris. Bye bye!” She cheerfully said as she waved her hand.

                Kris smiled and bowed respectfully to her and left. Dara’s eyes followed him until he was out of sight.

Dara’s POV

                I heaved a sigh loudly as soon as he was gone. My heart was continuously beating madly. My cheeks were burning. I tried to calm myself. I can’t believe this happened. I can’t believe I would be able to meet and talk to him. Everything happened so fast. My mind was still trying to process every single detail that happened.

                I placed my hand over my chest. I can still feel the crazy yet fast beating of my heart. I still felt that my cheeks were burning. I really can’t believe I got the chance to talk to him.

                I was staring at nowhere when the same waitress came to me to give my order. I snapped out of my thoughts and thanked her, and then went back to my thoughts. In the middle of my reminiscing, my smile suddenly wore off.

                “Was I too boring?” I mumbled as I remembered Kris quietness and his stoic expression. I frowned. “He seemed uninterested,” I thought as I buried my face in my arms. Right at that moment, my theories and thoughts were getting stronger. He doesn’t like me, and he will never like me. But I was still very happy with what happened.

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Kris’ POV

               Everything felt light, it was as if I was in cloud nine. Never in my life that I thought that thing would happen. I was happy, though it might not be as obvious as it should be. I never expected that. I never thought I’d meet her. No words can describe what I was feeling. I was nervous. I don’t want to smile like a fool in front of her. She might see through me. She might know what I truly feel for her. And I don’t want that to happen. She was very kind to me, and I knew she was like that to others too. I know she’ll only see me as how she sees others as well. I will only be one of them. But it’s okay. I will be okay – I hope.

                As soon as I arrived at the building, I directly went to the practice room. My members excitedly flocked around me – or should I say, around the bubble teas I brought.

Author’s POV

                The boys flocked over Kris and excitedly picked their respective bubble teas. They were very happy as they took a sip from their drinks, and as they were happily drinking their teas, Kai noticed Kris unusually smiling at the corner. He got intrigued.

                “Yah, Kris-hyung’s smiling unusually!” Kai squeaked as he pointed at Kris. The others instantly looked at the M leader. Kris snapped out of his thoughts when he noticed everyone’s looking at him.

                “Did something great happened, Kris?” Luhan asked.

                “What? No,” Kris answered. “It’s just that, you all looked funny,” he reasoned out.

                Though they were not convinced with the duizhang’s excuse, they decided to ignore it and they continued drinking their bubble teas.

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

< Author's Note > Well, this has been the longest chapter of the story so far. I'm very sorry for the super late update. I was actually already finished with this chapter more than a week ago, but my laptop broke and it took a while for me to recover my files. :( But anyways, how was it? I hope you all still like it. Thank you very much for reading! I'm really touched with the comments and the subscriptions I got so far, they make me so happy! I hope I will not let you down. Thanks. Well, please comment on your thoughts and subscribe and upvote this story...PLEASE? Keke. Thank you very much.