How It Started, How It Ended || Haechan (NCT)

8

〖 The Cat 〗

It had been three days after the announcement of Minjun's departure from the theatre society once they finish the show on December.

It had also been three days since Haechan was announced as the new lead actor for their next show.

He's not sure why he auditioned in the first place. He has other priorities, like the dance competition next month, and his training in their company. On top of that, the dinner meetings with the Kims.

But he just did it without really thinking twice, the audition.

What is he going to do now?

Granted, it's for next year's production and rehearsals won't start until the new semester rolls around. But he just added a new responsibility to his already-full plate.

He guesses it's because it was Johnny who asked him to try and audition. He couldn't say no. The both of them go way back, and the older male has done so much for him as a close friend that he couldn't say no to his one request before he graduates.

Yeah, that's it, he thinks to himself.

However, there's a small voice in his head—a minute part of his subconscious mind—that says otherwise. This small voice, it sounds like his, but he doesn't want it to be. Because it speaks of some other name.

Some other name that might just be the real reason why he auditioned for the lead role.

No, he convinces himself, it's not because of her.

It can't be, he dislikes her attitude. It's not possible, he'd only be tempted to annoy Satan himself out of her if they're ever in the same room.

So no, it's not because of her.

And the chant works.

When Haechan sees Saemi that following Monday, he has a strong urge to get on her nerves at lunch. The usual routine.

Poor Saemi couldn't focus on her food. She's just peacefully eating by herself when he appears by her table, startling her.

"No Hana today, huh?" He asks, a mischievous grin sitting on his lips as he situates himself next to his fiancée.

"No Yerim today, huh?" Saemi quips back, her eyes already rolling. It really has become her favorite habit. "What is it?"

"Nothing, really. I'm just, you know, trying to get used to your," Haechan gestures towards her, "presence. Might learn a thing or two."

"What for?" She frowns but continues eating her lunch.

"For the show next year." He shrugs.

She sighs exasperatedly and says, "oh, please. You're already an actor yourself, Haechan. You don't need to learn a thing or two from me."

"So you do admit that you're a fake, hm? Interesting." He smirks, an eyebrow arching.

She scoffs. "What do you want, Donghyuck?"

"Alright, alright." Haechan puts his hands up slightly, as if to admit defeat, but the smirk hadn't left. "I'm just here to remind you about the dinner. You are aware that this particularly important meeting is on the same day as your last show, right?"

"Yep."

"So, what are you going to do about it?"

"Look, I can handle it, if that's what you're implying." Saemi takes offense, glaring at him. "I don't need you telling me what I can and can't do."