IT WAS TAKING THEM LONGER TO GET TO THE DINNER SINCE SHE AND MANAGER JUN WERE TRYING TO SHAKE OFF SOME PRESS PEOPLE OFF THEIR TAIL. A decoy riding Shin Hye's van was sent ahead to divert any unwelcome media attention away from them. 

From what she gathered from Jun-oppa’s cryptic explanations, news about Min Ho’s surprise was embargoed until morning. 

“There’s nothing much we can do tonight anyway,” Jun explained. “Why don’t you just enjoy the rest of your birthday celebrations and let tomorrow take care of itself, Arasso?”

Shin-Hye agreed, although she was itching to check her SNS. One of her phones was already buzzing non-stop since the concert ended. So much that she had to turn it off.

On the drive to the restaurant, the reality of what happened at the concert finally sank in. Away from the screaming crowds, the glaring lights, and Min Ho’s gentle eyes, Shin Hye was finally able to think.

“Gwen cha nah?” Jun asked once they were stopped at a light. 

She nodded. “I’m okay. Just tired. Why’d do you ask, Oppa?” 

Jun smiled. “You just had this look on your face.”

“Ah. It just feels so... surreal. I still can’t believe it.”

Jun chuckled. “I still can’t believe the kid went through with it and survived!” 

Shin Hye nudged his elbow. “Aw, give the guy some credit. He didn’t let me fall or throw me off the stage.” She joked.

Jun agreed, still chuckling. “Aigoo, it’s great that I can laugh about it now. I thought I’d have a heart attack from all those lifts he had to do with you. Look, I‘d almost bitten my nails off worrying!” he waggled one of his hands near her face.

She laughed. “Gamsahamnida, Oppa. For worrying about me. About us. Although I have a right mind to beat you up once we get out of this car.”

“What? Wae?”

“He couldn’t have done this alone. You and Jae-hee Oppa had something to do with it, I bet!”

Jun looked sheepish. “De. But it was for a good cause!” he defended.

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