Days, weeks, months passed by.
They could only get more stable, adorable and lovely together. Just like normal couples do, they spend time together. Usually, they would sit by the window stills of the café, listening to the gentle sound of rain. Reading was one of their diversions, releasing tenses and stress away. One would suggest a book to another and vice versa.
The memory of the first time they held hands was still fresh. They were doing their daily routine, spending time with each other at the café when Jinki started feeling restless, playing with his fingers at the edge of the table while his other hand supports a book. He wasn’t paying any attention on what he’s supposed to read, instead, he’s stealing some glances on her.
Slowly, he is moving closer, slightly, he’s becoming bolder. His hands snaked onto hers but his eyes couldn’t meet hers. Jinki’s sudden action made Mari gasp in surprise but she didn’t move her hand away nevertheless. He cleared his throat and intertwined their fingers with a smile. Her boyfriend’s shy and adorable action made her chuckle and smile. She squeezed his hands tighter and moved closer, leaning her head.
Without a word, their hearts would beat loudly. Silence would fill the corners of the café; they just love those times of the day when costumer visits were hitting the rock bottom.
Despite with the great sensation emanated by their relationship, rough edges were still present. It happened once or twice; Jinki forgot to tell Mari his whereabouts, his schedules and such. At first, she grew anxious about it. For something so trivial, she worries a lot. Things like ‘What if I’m not that important to him that he does not remember me?’ or ‘Did he forget about me?’
He did not intend to let it slip his mind. The urge to be with her was always there however, he had appointments that he needs to amend for certain reasons.
In the end, Jinki would clear things up. He became a better speaker—it is somehow different than of when he was SHINee’s Leader—to be quite frank, he managed to get into Mari’s emotions well. How he explicated things, how he sorted things out, it was perfect. Mari couldn’t help but agree and say sorry.
“I am the one at fault, don’t be.” He would pat her head lightly. “I am sorry.”
“No, Jinki. I’m immature. I’m at fault.”
“Shh.” Soothingly, he hugs her. It has become more and more natural. “I love you”
“I love you too.”
It’s a normal romantic relationship between a girl and a boy with a pinch of normal misunderstandings between him and her filled plus normal sweet words and moments of Lee Jinki and Kim Mari.
Everything seemed normal.
Then she remembered it wasn’t and it never could be. He was an idol. He was SHINee’s Onew.
________
“Hyung, thank you for featuring in my album.” The polite maknae of SHINee bowed right after recording. They are now on their way to the parking lot behind the recording studio.
“Don’t mention it Taemin-ah.” He ruffled his hair as usual. “It’s actually my honor since I don’t really have schedules nowadays. You’re the only one who’s willing to take me.” He faked some tears which made the younger laugh.
“What do you and the other hyungs do nowadays anyway? I only hear things about Minho-hyung.”
“I’m going to become a vocal trainer with Jonghyun but he’s busier since he makes songs too. Kibum did internships in America months ago, I think he’s on his final year— on studying and he’s set to become a PD. Well, although fashion was his true love, your Kibum-hyung is still thinking about success. He sees more future in sticking with the industry.”
