“Are you going to sleep again?” He gave you an enquiring look when you returned from your little walk about in the plane, which you had also used to visit the lavatory. It seemed that your plan to drink less water was working because you had only needed to go to the restroom this one time in over 6 hours.

You thought for a moment. “I don’t think I can even if I wanted to. I’m too awake at the moment. Why?” You cocked you head to the side.

“Well, I can’t sleep too and I was wondering if you wanted to talk. You know, since we don’t have anything else to do. You can say no if you don’t want to, I won’t take offense.” He promised.

“That would be nice.” You smiled. “Let’s start off with introductions first then. I’m Lee ------. It’s nice to meet you.” You extended your hand towards him.

He took it and gave it a gentle yet firm shake. “I’m Kim Kibum. It’s nice to meet you too, -------ssi.”

“Hmm. I’m turning 19 this year. How about you? Shall we drop the formalities?” You suggested.

“I’m turning 19 as well. Let’s just speak comfortably then.” He agreed. “So, how come you’re going to LA by yourself?”

“I got a graduate scholarship to study at UCLA. How about yourself then?”

“Wow. What a coincidence. I’m going to UCLA as well but I’m going to be on exchange for 6 months. But wait, you’re 19 and you got a graduate scholarship? That just doesn’t add up.” A look of confusion painted his face.

“Um.. I’m not sure how I should say this so that I don’t appear arrogant but let’s just say that I’m pretty good at studying.” You scrunched up your face. You didn’t like revealing that to people, they usually didn’t want to be around you after that, something about the being stereotyped as nerd or geek.

“Wow. You must be gifted then. That’s just awesome! I can’t wait to tell my friends. They’d be so jealous that I know someone so smart!” He exclaimed excitedly.

“Shh.” You put your finger to your lips. “You’re strange you know that? Most people avoid me after I tell them that, well except for my best friend, but you’re the only one who got so excited.” You creased your eyebrows together. It seemed that the more you talked to Kibum, the more confused you got. Now, you just couldn’t figure him out anymore. “The more I talk to you, the more confused I get. When I first saw you, you looked so unapproachable but then I discovered that you’re actually really polite, and kind, and warm, and considerate.” You blushed as a smirk formed on his face.

“Are you confessing to me right now?” He arched a brow, smirk still on his face.

You pointed at him. “See! That’s exactly what I mean! Do you have a split personality? Or are you training to be an actor?” You voiced out what you had been thinking earlier.

He laughed out and had to place both his hands over his mouth to muffle the laughter. “You’re hilarious! That’s a good one though, I’ve never heard those before. Most people just think that I’m an arrogant jerk. Others just hate me because of the way I look and dress. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m none of what you mentioned.”

You pouted. “Can’t you give me a hint?”

“Hmm. All I will say is that it is part of the entertainment industry.” He gave in and revealed.

You gasped. Don’t tell me. “Are… are you training to be a singer?” He shook his head. You let out a breath and started to relax a little.

“I’m training to be a singer, rapper and dancer.” He empahsized and flashed a proud smile.

You tensed but he was too distracted to notice.

Thankfully, at that moment, the lights in the passenger cabin came back on and the other passengers started to wake. Food was going to be served again. Like before, you got your meal before he did. You were grateful that he let you eat without trying to continue the conversation. His revelation had awoken many of the memories and feelings that you had promised to keep buried. You weren’t sure if you wanted to have anything to do with Kibum anymore.

Like before, you fell asleep while Kibum was having his meal. You were glad that you actually felt tired otherwise, you would have to pretend to sleep and as bad a liar as you were, you were an even worse actor. You didn’t want Kibum to feel bad that you were avoiding him because he didn’t even do anything wrong to you. You were avoiding him because you had to. You needed to protect yourself, to prevent yourself from getting hurt again.

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Yay! It's finally been confirmed that the mystery guy is indeed Kibum! Yay! Everyone got it right :D

Just in case you were wondering, this is how I pictured Kibum to look. His hair undyed :)