SOOJIN'S POV
I woke up nestled in Minho's arms, a wave of warmth washed over me as I stared at his peaceful face...It felt surreal, like a dream I never wanted to end. Just as I was lost in the moment, a sudden wave of nausea hit me. I quickly scrambled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, where I caught my reflection in the mirror....My heart sank as I noticed the blood coming from my nose. I quickly washed it off.....trying to shake off the unease.
Just then, I heard the doorbell ring, and I hurried to check who it was. To my surprise, Minho had already answered it. "Good morning," I greeted him, my voice a mix of cheer and nerves... He walked toward me with a bright smile, planting a soft kiss on my cheek. "Good morning," he replied, his eyes sparkling with happiness.
"That was Arin... breakfast is ready," he said...and I felt a flutter of excitement. "Oh, I'll go freshen up, and let's go together," I replied.. turning to leave. But before I could get far, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back into a warm embrace. I could feel my heart racing. "What's wrong?" I asked, a hint of concern in my voice.
"I don't know, I just want to hold onto you," he admitted, and I melted into the hug, feeling safe and cherished. "I mean, we could skip breakfast and just hold onto each other," I suggested playfully, but my stomach groaned loudly, reminding us both of the reality. Minho chuckled, "Or maybe not."
With a smile on my face, I reluctantly pulled away from him. "Go freshen up quickly; we need to get you something to eat," he urged, and I nodded...feeling a rush of warmth as I left the room, it was a great morning.
*
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As we sat down with my breakfast, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mixing with the sweetness of the fruit on my plate. Arin looked at me, her eyes bright with excitement. "Are you guys going back today?" she asked, and I felt a pang of reluctance at the thought.
"Well, yes, I'd love to stay.. but I have an appointment this evening," I replied, trying to keep my tone light, even though I wished I could extend our time together.
Arin's face fell slightly. "Well, that's a bummer... I thought we would go hiking later and then watch the sunset together." Her disappointment mirrored my own. I really wanted to stay, but I couldn't skip my medication today. " I'm really sorry," I said, feeling guilty for letting her down.
"Well, don't be. I'll be staying in Han city for a few days before we go back to Xiying, so how about you get a day and show me around? It can be our girls' day out," she suggested, and a smile crept onto my face at the thought.
"Deal," I said, raising my glass of juice in a toast to our plan. Suho joined in, mimicking the gesture, but Arin playfully pulled her glass away. "Girls' night out... please," she teased, and laughter erupted around the table.
" Are you ready?" Minho asked as I picked up my bag.." Yes..let's go.." I replied.." Bring it...I'll carry it for you.." he offered as I handed it to him..." let's go.." I said as he cleared his throat...as I way to stop me.." What's wrong?" I asked as he held out his hand for me to hold.." What's this?" I asked with a smile.." Come on.." he said as I slipped my hand into his.." Happy?" I asked as he cutely nodded.." Now let's go.." I added as we left the room.
" Make sure to call me when you reach..and I'll make sure to call you after we come back.." Arin said to me as we hugged.." See you in a few days.." she said with a smile...I turned back to Suho.." Take care of yourself.." he said as we quickly hugged.....and I got back into the car.
While in the car, I couldn't help stare outside the window in worry of today morning...." You should expose your self to that much wind...you'll catch a cold." Minho said as I pulled back and leaned in my seat.." You don't look okay.." he said.." I think Iam already coming down with a cold.." I replied as I cleared my throat.." Hey! You should have told me sooner..I don't think we shall be able to find a pharmacy any where here.." he said.." it's okay..it isn't bad as yet..plus Iam heading straight to the hospital...to get my medication..I'll get some cold medicine in the process.." Okay then...lean back and have some rest..." He said and with a smile I did.
After a few hours, we finally made it to the hospital where I got my treatment done with Minho waiting for me and then headed home.
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MINHO'S POV
As I parked the car outside Soojin's place, the soft glow from the streetlights illuminated her peaceful face....I glanced back and noticed she had fallen asleep... her head resting against the window... A smile crept onto my face as I unbuckled my seatbelt....I gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear and as I stared at her.. lost in the moment...she suddenly opened her eyes. Our gazes locked, and I felt a rush of warmth flood my cheeks. I instinctively pulled back, caught off guard by the intensity of her gaze. But before I could fully retreat, she reached out... and grabbed me by the collar and then pulled me closer..... She closed her eyes and leaned in...moving closer to me, and I felt my breath hitch in my throat. Just as our lips were about to meet...she suddenly let go..." We shouldn't do this..you might end up getting the cold as well..." She said as I sighed.." I wouldn't really mind that?" I mumbled..." What's that?" She asked.." " I wouldn't really mind it.." I said as she smiled...and then leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek..." One of us needs to stay healthy..." She said..." I should get going then.." she added as she unbuckled her seatbelt..." Hey! Stop..you very well know how reporter can be creeping up in this place..you don't want to make the headlines again..I don't think Mr song has any more variety show to use as an excuse for us.." she said as I chuckled softly.." Right..well make sure to take your medicine and take warm water..and call me in case of anything.." I said.." Okay.." she replied as she stepped out of the car and turned to wave..." Good night.." I said as I watched her leave...I then leaned back in my seat and couldn't help but smile.
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"How are you now?" I asked..soojin who was sneezing non stop..."I won't say better," she replied, and my heart sank a little. "Should I come over?" I offered, hoping to help her in any way I could. ..."No... you have work to do... go do that. I'll be okay after I take a nice cup of hot ginger tea," she assured me...."And you know how to make that?" I teased, wanting to lighten the mood..."Well, that's offensive," she shot back playfully. "I do know how to cook other things that aren't easy to make noodles." We both laughed, and I felt a bit of relief...."Okay... just keep in touch in case of anything," I said before hanging up, still a little worried but knowing she could handle it.
I headed to work, and as I walked in, Jinyoung greeted me with a smirk. "Look who finally decided to show up," he said, and I rolled my eyes. "What do you mean finally? I was off for the weekend," I replied, trying to defend myself...."Yah... I didn't realize because I was here the entire weekend," he said, sounding a bit exasperated...."Well, it ain't my fault that you pushed all your week's work to the weekend," I shot back, and we both laughed.
"Good morning," he said, and I felt a bit of normalcy return. "By the way... I heard that the interview results will be announced this week. Are you ready?" he asked, and I could feel the nerves creeping in. "Well, I wouldn't say I am, but I am dying to know the results," I admitted, the anticipation weighing on me...."Well, good luck," he said before heading out.
"I'm heading over to Harry's. You want something?" he asked, and I quickly replied, "Iced Americano... thank you." As he left, I couldn't help but think about Soojin and the results... hoping for the best in both cases.
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SOOJIN'S POV
I laid down in bed, feeling feverish from the cold. Just as I was finally getting some sleep, I heard the doorbell ring. With a heavy sigh, I slowly stood up to check who was at the door. When I opened it, I was surprised to see a deliveryman wearing a mask.
"I don't think I ordered anything," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. He took off his mask, and my heart skipped a beat. "Minho!" I exclaimed, stunned. "What are you... and why are you dressed like that?"...."I needed to play it safe since I came to visit you," he explained, but then he stopped and stared at me with concern. "You don't look okay..." He placed his palm on my forehead, and I could feel his worry radiating off him. "Soojin, you're burning up."...." It's okay... I've just taken some medicine. I'll be fine," I tried to reassure him, but as I spoke, I almost stumbled.
" I told you I'm fine," I insisted, but he wasn't convinced. He gently helped me back to my room and tucked me into bed...."You're not fine, so have some rest. I'll make you some porridge," he said firmly, but with that familiar warmth in his voice..." How can I say no to some red date porridge?" I replied, managing a small smile. He smiled back, and it made my heart flutter a little despite how awful I felt. "Have some rest," he concluded, leaning down to kiss my forehead before turning to leave. I closed my eyes, feeling comforted by his presence.
"How is it?" Minho asked after feeding me a spoonful of porridge. "It's really good... I actually admire your cooking skills. I might use up my wishes to ask you to cook for me.." I said, teasing him a little...." No, don't," he replied, a hint of seriousness in his tone...."Why? Don't you want to share your skills with anyone?" I asked, genuinely curious...." It's not that... I want to cook for you. If I teach you how to cook, then you'll be able to do it for yourself, and then... what about me?" he said, and I couldn't help but smile at his words..."Are you trying to make me dependent on you?" I teased. "Because if you are, then I might get used to it. So what will happen to me if you aren't there?" ..." Who says I won't always be there?" he asked, locking eyes with me...."We wasted over ten years apart... now I want to be there forever... with you," he said, his voice sincere....."Me too... I also want you to always be there. But you still have to teach me how to cook," I insisted, and I could see him pout in response.
"You need to taste the food I prepare too," I added playfully, and he smiled, leaning in closer.... But I quickly placed my hand over his mouth. "I have a cold, remember?" I reminded him...."I don't care," he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, I do," I said, chuckling softly at the look of defeat on his face...."Okay... continue to have your porridge before it gets cold," he said, and I nodded and continued to have some more....
After helping me out, he insisted on staying over, and honestly, it was something I didn't want to say no to. The warmth of his company made me feel better already, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of him being there for me.
*
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I woke up to the sound of clattering in the kitchen, curiosity bubbling inside me. What was Minho up to this time? Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I felt a rush of anticipation. I quickly made my way downstairs, my heart racing with excitement.
As I entered the kitchen, I spotted Minho, focused and determined, preparing breakfast. The sight warmed my heart. "Good morning," I said softly, wrapping my arms around him from behind. It felt comforting to be close to him....He turned to me, a bright smile lighting up his face. "Good morning... Are you feeling better?" His hand gently brushed my forehead, a tender gesture that made me feel cared for."I am feeling better," I replied, glancing around the kitchen and inhaling the delicious aroma wafting through the air. "Is that...?""Beef pancakes," he answered proudly, a hint of excitement in his voice.
My eyes widened in surprise. "How did you...?"..."I remember you talking about your cravings for these, so I made some," he said, his pride evident....Eagerly, I reached out for a bite but suddenly paused. "No... I'll first go and brush so I can enjoy these properly." I dashed back to my room, my mind racing with thoughts of the tasty breakfast waiting for me.
When I returned to the kitchen, the sight of the pancakes made me smile. "These look amazing!" I exclaimed, taking my first bite. The flavors danced on my tongue, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for Minho's effort....As we ate, he encouraged me to try more. "You should have some more!"
"I would love to, but I have an ad shoot in two hours..." I replied, savoring another bite, trying to balance my excitement with the reality of my schedule."Well, what's your schedule this week?" he asked, genuinely interested.
"I'm not really sure..." I admitted, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my voice."Why?" I asked.."Well... I'd love for us to go out," he said, a hopeful tone in his voice that made my heart flutter...."Like a date?" I teased, a playful smile tugging at my lips..."Yes... a date," he confirmed with a smile...
"Well, I mostly have ad shoots this week, plus our girls' day out with Arin tomorrow... and then, that's pretty much it. I'll confirm, and we can pick a day for this date," I replied, my smile brightening as I continued to enjoy the delicious pancakes Minho had made...." Okay.." he replied as he wiped the smudges off my lips.."
After I was done with breakfast..he had to live as I was also going to get ready for work..."Make sure to call me in case of anything," Minho said, wrapping me in a warm hug before turning to leave. "Bye bye," I replied, feeling a mix of emotions as he walked away.
Just then, my assistant Nana arrived to pick me up, and I knew my busy day was about to begin.....As we drove, I quickly texted Arin. "I'll be done with the commercial shoot by 12, so let's meet at the hair salon." I could almost hear her excitement through the phone when she replied, "No... how about I come to your commercial shoot and we can both leave from there?" ..."Are you sure?" I asked, a bit surprised but thrilled at the idea...."Yah... I have always wanted to see how one of those are shot," she insisted, and I couldn't help but agree. It would be fun to share that experience with her.
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The next day, as promised, Arin showed up at the set where I was shooting. I quickly got her settled and asked her to wait while I finished up my scenes. The energy on set was electric, but I couldn't shake the excitement of our day out ahead. Once I wrapped up my shoot, I felt a rush of relief and anticipation. "Finally!" I exclaimed, rushing over to Arin. "Let's go!"
We stepped out into the bright sunlight, ready for our long-awaited day. With a list of fun activities planned, I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. We were going to do it all—shop, eat, and just enjoy each other's company. The world felt full of possibilities, and I couldn't wait to dive into it with Arin by my side.
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For our day out, Arin and I decided to hit the salon first as promised... where we transformed our hair into beautiful curls..... Then, we hit the mall and indulged in a shopping spree, picking out clothes and accessories that caught our eyes. The excitement continued as we made our way to the nail salon, where we pampered ourselves with fresh manicures. After that, we watched a movie, laughing and enjoying the time together, and finally wrapped up our day at the club.
Later that day as we entered the club...Minho called..." I'll pick this up first.." I said to Arin who signalled to me that she will be waiting outside..."I don't know if I should feel jealous that my girlfriend and I haven't gotten a proper date because she's busy hanging out with her friend," he said, and I chuckled at his words...." Girlfriend?" I questioned playfully..."Yes, girlfriend... you have no idea how long I've been wanting to call you that," he replied, and I could feel my cheeks heat up at his confession...."Well, don't worry... we are going to have time to ourselves this weekend. My schedule is free, so prepare," I assured him...."Really!" he exclaimed, excitement bubbling in his voice...."Really," I confirmed, and I could almost hear him cheering on the other end of the line. "I'll make a list of things to do that day," he said before hanging up.
After that call, I made my way to the club where Arin was waiting for me. "What took you so long?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation...."I had a phone call," I replied, trying to shake off the lingering warmth from my conversation with Minho...."Wow, it must have been a while since I came to a club... all the loud music is making my ears ring," I commented, and we both laughed, reveling in the vibrant atmosphere...."Well, let's have fun! How about I go get us drinks?" she offered...." No, sit! I'll go and get drinks," I insisted...."Aren't you worried someone might notice you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow..."Well, that's why I have this," I said, pointing at the mask I had brought along, slipping it over my face. "I'll be back," I promised as I turned to leave, ready to dive into the night and enjoy every moment.
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The music thumped around me, a pulsating beat that seemed to sync with my heart...as I walked towards the bar..... a strange fog enveloped my mind.... Suddenly, everything felt distant. The laughter and chatter of the club faded into a muffled hum, and I froze in place, my feet rooted to the floor.
What am I doing here...? I questioned...as I looked around, the vibrant lights swirling in a dizzying dance. Faces blurred together, strangers lost in their own worlds, and I felt like an outsider peering in. My breath quickened as confusion washed over me...My hands trembled slightly, and I fought to grasp the thread of my thoughts, but it slipped away like sand through my fingers.
I blinked, trying to shake off the haze....and as I turned around I bumped Into some one.." Sorry.." I said as I turned to leave when this strange man grabbed my hand..." Do you really think a simple sorry will cut it?" He questioned as he chuckled.." Let go of my arm.." I said in a calm yet frustrated tone.." I refuse too...he said.." And what's with the mask and cap..are you some kind of burglar.." he said as he removed my cap.." let me go.." I said as he proceeded to my mask but before he could do anything...I had a familiar voice yell.." Let her go.." and when I turned I saw Arin..." But what exactly is she doing here?" I questioned.