It was an evening just like any other. The two housemates were chilling in the living room. Lee Changhyuk was reading a newspaper on the sofa while singing to warm up his vocal cord. Whereas Shizu tried to finish her report for Ayu while occasionally received calls from RHK.
Lee Changhyuk would stop singing without being asked whenever she received phone calls. And when he sang, he intentionally picked a light and easy song in order not to disturb the milk girl. His voice was beautiful, she loved listening to him.
The milk girl didn't feel disturbed, instead she was feeling comfortable with his presence. Concentrating on work was so easy cause it felt safe. It was as if she could go all out because she knew he got her back.
She applauded wholeheartedly when he finished the song and Lee Changhyuk replied her with a smile that just seemed so genuinely sweet that unexpected warmth rushed through her.
Her phone rang again it broke their eye contact. She picked up then talked to the RHK representative.
"We are going to Hakone?" Lee Changhyuk dropped the magazine and sat himself straight as soon as the milk girl hung up.
"Umm.. not 'we'.. You are..." not officially registered under Le Sucre.
But that froze in her throat as she saw his facial expression. There he goes again, looking at her with those eyes, like she could give him the entire world.
There was a promotional photoshoot for Cheerful Youth for 3 days and 2 nights.
Since the Stars had different schedules, RHK and Le Sucre had to expand the photoshoot to shoot Yui Shidoh and Kumo Bell at different times.
Day 1. The arrival of RHK and Le Sucre Crew in the evening to prepare for the photoshoot.
Day 2. Photo shoot of Kumo Bell
Day 3. Photo shoot of Yui Shidoh
3 days were not long, but for Lee Changhyuk who was on holiday, 3 short days were indeed precious. Those happy eyes that always looked at her with ray of sunshine, what would be his reaction if she told him that he's not coming?
She was going to hell.
Yes. The Deities would punish her if she ever made that pure boy sad!!! Aaargggh Lee Changhyuk, why???? The milk girl was frustrated inside. There were billions of people in the world and the deities sent the superstar to her house. If she ever made him sad... The Deities would give her 1 in a billion punishment!!!
I'm sorry Ayu, but I am taking this kid with me!
She was sure that Ayu wouldn't mind. So far, the milk girl just told Ayu that a friend was helping Le Sucre and Ayu just thanked Shizu without asking many questions. Ayu was still busy with the fashion week, it seemed that the show was a huge success.
She could already picture the paperwork that she had to go through in order to take this extra person without id card with her. She must figure out ways to answer those RHK curious people about him. Since it was her idea to take him, Shizu could not let Le Sucre pay for him and would have to pay for his expense from her own pocket. Oohhhh, the hassle!!!
But he was on holiday, going to the famous Hakone where he could find the most beautiful hotsprings must be exciting for him. Has he ever been to a hotspring? She studied his face quietly.
"Are you excited?" She finally asked him.
"Yes!"
And just like that, the look on her face softened. The hassle would be worth it. She convinced herself.
Shizu almost put her hand on top of his head and caressed him like a puppy just because of how adorable he looked in her eyes. She diverted her gaze to bury that idea, and put both of her hands in the back.
"But I can't guarantee that you will get your own room."
"Aee, I can even sleep on the floor." As long as I can spend time with you.
His korean accent suddenly thickened as he playfully waved his hand. He really didn't care about the small details.
"I'm not that ruthless to let you sleep on the floor."
"Isn't my milk girl the best?" His voice was as cheerful as an early spring day. He opened his arms wide, silently asking her for a hug like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Whose what!?
Her face reddened but she tried to cover her awkwardness by clearing her throat. She approached that puppy who was patiently waiting for a hug.
She looked down to meet his gaze. His dark eyes were as clear as the sky, there was no bad intention behind them. She could smell his soothing fragrant that never failed to calm her. Lee Changhyuk, has she ever told him that he was beautiful?
Oh Lee Changhyuk, be careful will you? He got used to hug her, didn't he? It would be dangerous if she got used to this behaviour. He was a superstar. What if she couldn't act properly in front of other people? How many people would kill to take her place?
Lee Changhyuk was about to wrap his hands around her but the milk girl put her palms on his cheeks and pinched them.
"You should really stop acting like a brat, okay!?"
"Hey! I am older than you, you know!" He protested.
"2 years." He lifted two fingers then continued "You can start calling me 'Oppa'." He shrugged nonchalantly.
"Op.. oppa?" Startled, she let go of his cheeks and took a step back.
Wait, didn't the Korean girls use the word Oppa to call older guys? But they also used it to address their loved ones? Like.. their boyfriend!?
Shizu's face blushed instantly. Lee Changhyuk, her boyfriend? She unconsciously bite her lower lip and almost fainted.
Gyaaahh!!!!!! Ok, ok it's really dangerous, she shouldn't think that far! Time for some mantras to cleanse her thoughts!
But to call him Oppa? Were they really that close?
Those wet lips widened as he lazily leaned back. Locking his gaze on the confused milk girl, he tilted his head then crossed his arms like some hot devil who was unfairly judging some poor soul.
"Someone did their homework, didn't they?"
"Oppa?" She repeated, again. But her mind wandered else where.
There was a moment of silence between them. Lee Changhyuk bite his tongue to stop himself from teasing her even further.
Of course he would be happy if she called him Oppa! It was a sign of intimacy, a sign that they're really close! Millions of girls called him Oppa but if it was coming out from her sweet lips... He would brag about it to Kangyu hyung!
Only the deities knew what's inside that head. Shizu was back with her staring competition and glared at Lee Changhyuk for two minutes without blinking.
That endless monologue in her head, Lee Changhyuk was so dying to know what they were. Aaah, milk girl... Why are you so cute?
Ok time's up. Milk girl please don't ignore me. He waved his hand in front of her to snatch her back from dreamland.
It seemed that Shizu had come to a conclusion. Like nothing happened, she took a deep breath and said: "I'll prepare dinner."
She then strode away to the kitchen.
Lee Changhyuk was grinning from ear to ear. He got up from his seat and like a puppy, followed her from behind.
"Can I have the teriyaki chicken? Miruku - chan, when are we going to Le Sucre's boutique to prepare for Hakone? Do we need to call Andy so that he could bring some cards? We should play cards till very late! Ooh, we'll also have to check if there's a festival around! Miruku chan..."