Chereads / Cuddle Room / Chapter 5 - Just A Little bit

Chapter 5 - Just A Little bit

6 months later

in a room neatly arranged various bouquets of flowers, in front of the entrance there are also several bouquets. in the room there are also various servings and drinks. there is a big banner saying "congratulations for the debut of the Dreamz group".

"Congratulations on your debut" a middle-aged male held out his hand

"thank you, all thanks to the CEO" Jin An smiled back the helping hand of the CEO of K entertainment where his group worked

"I look forward to your success in the present and the future" he said again

Jin An nodded

After six months of being with each other, Jin An and 4 of his teammates have successfully debuted and will be standing on stage. His dream has finally come true despite the many obstacles at past.

"All Dreamz members please prepare to perform," said the music show producer

The stylists immediately checked all Dreamz members including Jin An.

"Oh, Jin An, I think I prepared a necklace for you. Just a moment." Stylist took out a necklace, he then put the necklace on Jin An's neck.

"Jin An can you open this necklace of yours?" the stylist holds Jin An's necklace

"Can't I still wear it? This is from my mother" Jin An said half pleading

"Hmm, okay" said the stylist. This necklace must be very meaningful" the stylist said

Jin An held the ring that he joined as his necklace pendant. the only thing he had as a reminder of the girl who really attracted him. He kisses the ring and hopes that a miracle of their meeting will happen. Jin An hopes that when he debuts, Ga Eul will see him and maybe be able to reach him. although it sounds impossible because Ga Eul herself who chose to leave.

Jin An stood on stage and officially debuted. His schedule started to get tight but he was very excited. finally he was able to achieve his dream and headed to the peak of popularity.

Ga Eul watches Dreamz debut through her laptop again and again along with all Dreamz MV and shows, her eyes can't take off from Jin An who is so charismatic and shining on stage. Ga Eul's finger moves towards her laptop monitor screen and touches Jin An's face in the video.

"if you're so flustered, why don't you just meet him" Hwan appears with a glass of juice

Ga Eul just sighed

"Wow, he looks very good, his voice is melodious, his appearance is attractive. He is very talented" Hwan nodded

Ga Eul hesitates

"You didn't forget tomorrow's schedule right?" Hwan said

"What's the schedule? I thought we don't have any clients tomorrow" Ga Eul gasped

"Tomorrow is your new book fansign," said Hwan

"Oh, I forgot. You are also my manager" Ga Eul put his head on the table

"I don't want to meet anyone right now" Ga Eul said

"Do you feel jealous?" he asked

Ga Eul pout her lips and scratched the table with her finger

"This schedule can't be postponed anymore. I'll pick you up tomorrow" said Hwan

Hwan then leaves Ga Eul

"Am I really jealous?" asked Ga Eul while looking at Jin An's official debut photo

"yes, i'm super jealous. why you must have that kind of attractive face and moves" Ga Eul talked like crazy

"i'm so pitiful" Ga Eul lie down in the couch.

the next day

Hwan knocks on Ga Eul's apartment door

Ga Eul opens the door and coughs

"Today I'm not feeling well, it seems like the fansign must be cancel," said Ga Eul and try to close the door

"Cho Ga Eul" Hwan said while looking at Ga Eul

Hwan knows Ga Eul wants to avoid this fansign. Ga Eul has been a writer for 4 years. She never wants to hold a fansign, She only wants to meet the editor or director. but this time her book really exploded in the market. people started to show interest in her. people say the story that Ga Eul made up is very true. Of course, all the stories come from all the "cuddle room" clients who are willing to have their stories shared and fictionalized.

"Why did you agree to this fansign?" Ga Eul asked

"Come on, it's impossible for a writer to run away from her readers forever," said Hwan

"I don't want to go" said Ga Eul

"Come on, we can't avoid it. We've signed the contract," said Hwan

"You go, you're the one who signs the contract," said Ga Eul

"You're the one who appointed me as a manager and gave me the contract authority" Hwan smiled mischievously

"Shit" said Ga Eul

"Okay, I'll be ready," said Ga Eul

"Don't try to run away" Hwan said 

"ah... really annoying" said Ga Eul

Ga Eul finally gives up and prepares to leave. when she left her apartment she wore a mask and a hat. Hwan just smiled at her.

There is a book on top of the table. Jin An have been stared at the book for a few minutes. He bought the book out of interest, because the title of the book is a word that appears frequently in Ga Eul's journal. Even though many years have passed, Jin An still keeps Ga Eul's Journal well and reads it when he needs support, because Ga Eul's journal contains motivational words and quotes from various sources.

the title of the book is Forget me not, it is also the flower that Ga Eul gave him in her second letter. then he also saw a familiar symbol, the symbol contained in Ga Eul's journal and letters and engraved on the ring Ga Eul gave him.

the book he bought while traveling with his mother after he auditioned. Since then Jin An has continued to read the book. and somehow he felt the author was someone he knew. he hopes that the author of the book is Ga Eul.

Jin An twitched a finger on his chin, he was too focused on the book to not hear his manager come in.

"Jin An" his manager broke his reverie

Jin An was slightly surprised but quickly controlled his expression.

"Here is your schedule for today. We have a video call event at 4, then there is a radio show at 7" said the manager

"Okay" Jin An said, he looked at the wall clock, it's 9 am now.

"oh have you read this book?" asked his manager, holding a book

"Yes, I like this book" Jin An said while accepting the book from his manager's hand

"Wow, that's perfect, today the author held a fansign. Even though she never..."

Jin An stood up quickly

"Really? The writer held a fansign? Where?" asked Jin An

"wow, what's this?" asked his manager seeing Jin An's overreaction

Jin An sighed and pulled away

"I'm kidding. Today's fanmeet is at 11 at XX mall. I plan to go after telling your schedule and arranging clothes" said the manager

Jin An looked at his manager

"Don't look at me with that look. I'll be in trouble if I take you there" said the manager

Jin An then sat down and turned his back to his manager, he rested his head on the back of the sofa.

His manager let out a long sigh. He then called someone and kept saying "yes.. yes.. ok". he then hangs up.

"Jin An get ready we're going to the fansign" his manager said

"Is that true?" Jin An was excited

"but promise not to stand out, i'll stand in line for you and when it's my turn then we'll swap" the manager said

"thank you" Jin An jumped happily

"I even sacrificed my chance to meet the author of my favorite book for you. So don't make trouble and be nice to me in the future" said his manager

Jin An nodded with a big smile.

finally the chance came, he just needed to come, see the writer's face and make sure who she was.

Ga Eul sits in a room with Hwan and the program director. they held a small meeting as a final preparation. Ga Eul makes an annoyed face at Hwan all day. Hwan just smiles while holding himself back from getting too happy about pranking Ga Eul.

"Miss Ga Eul's fansign will start in 15 minutes. Are you ready? Do you need to put on make up or change clothes?" he asked

"No," answered Ga Eul

"Later you have to take off your mask and hat" he said again

"Can't I still wear a mask? I don't feel well," said Ga Eul

the show director looks at the editor. the editor thought for a moment and finally nodded.

Ga Eul makes a fist as a "yes" celebrating her success in keeping her face hidden.

Ga Eul sits on the chair where she is about to sign autographs to her readers. while Hwan stands beside her. one by one people started queuing as well as manager Jin An. Jin An watched from a distance. he wears a light brown coat with a mask and a hat. however he is one of the members of the newly debuted boy group. he just debuted for 100 days. He should not appear carelessly.

Jin An tried to see the writer's face but the writer was wearing a mask. Jin An needed to take a closer look to be sure. he has to be patient while his manager waiting in line.

Ga Eul greets her readers in a friendly manner and signs their books. until it was Jin An's manager's turn.

"Sorry, I need a little time" he said

Ga Eul nodded, he then noticed a man walking towards him. tall man in simple clothes and wearing a mask and hat, as if wanting to hide his identity. The man brought the book she wrote.

"I'm standing in line for him" said his manager

Jin An then handed his book to Ga Eul

"Your name?" Ga Eul asked

"Lee Jin An" Jin An said while trying to see the face behind the mask

Ga Eul's hand stops for a moment when she hears Jin An's name. Ga Eul tries to stay calm. She must not act rashly. If Jin An knew that the writer was her, Jin An could have acted recklessly.

Ga Eul signs Jin An's book and gives it back to Jin An.

"Are you Cho Ga Eul?" Jin An asked

Hwan, who had been on alert, began to detect danger. he then said

"Sorry not allowed to ask personal questions" Hwan said with a smile

Jin An's manager was worried and held Jin An's hand

"sorry, we'll be leaving soon" the manager said

Jin An looked at the face of the writer- who is Ga Eul- again carefully. Jin An is sure that it is Ga Eul. those eyes are Ga Eul's eyes. but Jin An tries to control himself because both he and Ga Eul seem to have to protect their identities.

Jin An was immediately pulled by his manager into their car. The manager took a deep breath.

"My heart is about to fall apart. Why did you mention your real name and ask something like that. Luckily I was able to quickly take you from there"

Jin An leaned his head against the car seat and held his head. he then took off his mask and hat.

"Can you tell me why you are acting like that?" asked the manager

"I just feel like she is someone I know. Someone from my past" Jin An said

"Okay, I won't ask any further. I'll take you back to the dorm," said Jin An's manager

"Wait a minute. I want to rest for a while. I don't feel well" said Jin An

his manager saw Jin An from the small mirror. Jin An seemed to really look uneasy. there was something Jin An thought. the manager then decided to take a 10 minute break, after all this was in a parking lot, what bad could happen.

Ga Eul glares at Hwan. as if to say "look what happened". Hwan didn't expect Jin An to come out in public a day after his debut just to meet Ga Eul.

The fansign ended 5 minutes later. Ga Eul immediately left the venue after saying goodbye to the rest of the readers who were still in the venue. Ga Eul steps quickly followed by Hwan. they walked towards the parking lot.

Jin An leaned his head against the window, he then turned his head against the window pane and looked outside. Jin An's eyes suddenly widened. He saw the writer with Hwan. Jin An looked at his manager who was distracted by his phone. Jin An felt that this opportunity might not come again. He opened the car door and ran towards Ga Eul and managed to grab Ga Eul's arm. Ga Eul and Hwan are shocked.

This time, Ga Eul can see Jin An's face, which is no longer wearing a hat or mask. Jin An's breath hitches and his eyes stare at Ga Eul with an uneasy look. Hwan pulled Jin An's hand, releasing it from Ga Eul's hand. Ga Eul immediately ran to their car. Jin An is about to chase him but Hwan blocks him.

"Get out of the way" Jin An said

Jin An's manager ran with all his might towards Jin An. Hwan looks at the manager, Jin An sees a chance and pushes Hwan then chases after Ga Eul.

Jin An manages to hold Ga Eul's hand as she opens the car door.

"why?" Jin An asked

"why you run from me?" asked Jin An again

Ga Eul doesn't say anything

"You're Cho Ga Eul right?" Jin An asked breathlessly

Ga Eul looks at Jin An with loving eyes, but she can't get carried away. this could become a bad rumor for Jin An. Hwan immediately followed to the car and pulled Jin An

"Stop, this could be a bad rumor for you" said Hwan

It didn't take long for his manager to show up

"Jin An, stop. people can pop up and start rumor" the manager then put a hat on Jin An

"Please answer me" Jin An said in a frustrated voice

Ga Eul tried to hold back her tears. she was as frustrated as Jin An. Hwan opened the door and pushed Ga Eul inside. he also immediately got in and drove away leaving Jin An and his manager behind. Jin An's manager immediately pulled Jin An carefully. they also then left the parking lot and went back to the dorm.

"Have you lost your mind?" asked the manager

"Didn't you get swept up in rumors in the past. even though it's not true, but if you come up with new rumors then it could be dangerous for you"

"Do you want your career to end quickly?" the manager is angry at Jin an's attitude

Jin An brushed his hair and held his head. he felt dizzy and mixed feelings. If it's true that the author is Ga Eul, then what? What will he do? will he confess his feelings? then what will happen if it's not Ga Eul.

His mind kept spinning and without realizing it he was already at the location for his group's event video call. He took a few deep breaths before starting. His manager is very worried that the incident this afternoon will affect his attitude. But it turns out that Jin An is someone who is professional in his work. He greets fans in a friendly way and always makes his fans blush and be happy.

after the event was over Jin An went back to daydreaming about all the things that happened today on the 3rd floor balcony of his agency office. His manager then approached and gave him a can of drink.

"Drink this" said the manager

"Thank you" Jin An accepted the drink but didn't drink it straight away. he held the can and twirled it in his hands.

"I'm sorry" Jin An apologized while looking down

The manager sighed and patted Jin An on the back

"straighten up. brace yourself" his manager said

Jin An then followed his manager's words

"Jin An, do you know how long I've been working as an idol manager?" asked the manager

"I don't know" replied Jin An

"I've been doing this job for almost 12 years. During that time I've been the manager of 2 idols. You are the 3rd. I've experienced many things with the idols I've been with since their debut. There will be times when they struggle and are mentally exhausted and physically. at that time I played a role in helping them as much as possible. I also tried my best so that they would avoid problems or rumors. because I realized that being an idol is not easy. you have to be in top condition and clean from rumors. that's why, Jin An. you've had a hard time ,It's hard to get to this point. Just hang on." His manager patted Jin An on the back and left

Jin An looked up at the clear and vast blue sky. He closed his eyes for a moment. Jin An's feelings welled up, he really missed Ga Eul. Ga Eul's presence in the past left such an impression on him. the look in her eyes, her long hair, the way she spoke, all of that strange attraction that seemed to bind Jin An's soul. feelings that he had long forgotten suddenly reappeared and seemed to have grown ever since he had a "fever". Jin An will not stop looking for Ga Eul. but this time he would no longer act rashly like today. he must control himself and find a way so he can find and meet Ga Eul without anyone knowing.

"just a little bit. I'll definitely find you" Jin An mumble

Ga Eul lay on her bed. her memory drifted to the past. the time when she spent a short time with Jin An. Hwan is right, why are we so complicated. maybe because we were young and very selfish then. From the past till now, Ga Eul has never forgotten Jin An. She still keeps all those memories neatly. Ga Eul took out her cell phone and turned on the screen. She never even changed her cellphone wallpaper. polaroid photo of her and Jin An, their last time together by the lake.

"should I show myself?" muttered Ga Eul

"Just wait a little bit. I'll see you," said Ga Eul

A light breeze wind moves the curtains on Ga Eul's apartment window. calmed her down. She close her eyes and eventually fell asleep.