Chapter Twenty Four

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Music. Talking.

The atmosphere is nice. No stress involved. Everyone is simply having a good time. A few of them had drinks in their hands, nursing a glass of wine or whiskey. SHINee we're all standing in a group together, smiles on their faces as they talked to one another. It had been at least two months at most since they've seen their leader.

The four of them missed Jinki, a lot. They were trying their best to catch up with him while they had free time. All five of them were dressed nicely, even a little bit of makeup. It was different dressing themselves for occasions like this. They were used to being pulled around by their makeup artists, telling them what to wear and to sit still for their makeup to be applied. It was less stressful this way.

Jinki stands, waiting patiently for Ally as he talks with the others. His own outfit being quite the spectacle among the crowd. He still had to take things easily, his body healing from the multiple injuries from the last month. He had found some temporary hair dye, giving it a purple tint. He is content though, being with his band members and the rest of their friends.

"Jinki Hyung," one of the boys nudge his side. He looks to the white haired boy, raising an eyebrow. He points the entertrance, a small smirk on his lips. The leader turns to see her, a look of awe on his face. She looks absolutely stunning, a beautiful dress on her frame. Her hair was pulled up into a hairstyle, giving view to her shoulders.

"Hyung, your going to catch a bug in your mouth. Close it," Kibum pushes the man's mouth close, chuckling. He is glad that his leader and friend is finally happy and safe. Key grabs the others, pulling them away as Ally approaches Jinki. She smiles, nearly teasing as she sees the red on the older's cheeks.

"Did I take your breath away?" She asks, reaching a hand up to gently pat the side of his face. He quickly adjusts himself, clearing his throat. "You look beautiful." A faint blush forms on her face, the smile not leaving. "You don't look too bad yourself, Lee Jinki."

He laughs softly, offering her a hand. She takes it, being led over to the refreshment table. She grabs a small plate, fixing herself something to eat. Just because she's in a dress isn't going to keep her from consuming food.

-

Two hours have gone by, the group and Ally are sitting at a table. Music fills the room, The Rose playing on the makeshift stage. Monsta X also showed up for the party, feeling bad about not helping with the battle. Namjoon let them know that it is okay, not every idol is going to be at SHINee World at the same time.

The rest of the idols were filled in on what happened the last few days. Many were regretful as Monsta X, not being able to lend a hand. Thankfully, everyone is a safe. That put Ally at ease, knowing that when she does leave, everyone is in safe hands. A soft sigh escapes her lips as she watches the band perform.

A hand is placed on hers, bringing her attention to Jinki. "What's wrong? Something seems to be bothering you." She shrugs a little, picking up her glass with her free hand. She looks down at the liquid, almost like she's seeing the past events of the month go by in the glass. She doesn't want to leave and return to her mundane life. She would like to stay here, in SHINee World, with Jinki and the boys. With BTS, GOT7 and ATEEZ.

She knows that isn't a choice though. To be ripped away from the one she has developed feelings for. She sits the glass down, her hands shaking a little. "I'm not ready to leave." He squeezes her hand a little, making her look up again. "No one really ever is but you'll have to, love. You need to return to the real world and finish school."

A few tears prick at her eyes, making the leader feel dread and sadness. "I don't want you to return either but I promise, I will find you again Ally." She nods, understanding that he could not change the fate of things. She needs to finish school, begin her dream and maybe, one day, visit the places she wants.

The music starts to change up, making everyone look up at the stage. "Time to slow things down a bit. A request from one the younger members of a group," Woosung speaks up, a smile on his face. Jinki sets his eyes on Taemin, seeing the boy hiding behind Kibum. "Take her to dance, Hyung," he peeks from behind the hatter. Jonghyun watches, amused before grabbing Key and pulling his own soulmate onto the dance floor.

Taemin quickly leaves, going to find someone to dance with. Jinki looks over to Ally, who was looking at the stage. The soft words of She's in The Rain playing. "Ally, would you like to dance?" She snaps back to it, looking at the other.

"Sure. Why not. Just a heads up, I'm not a professional dance like you and every other idol in this party." He laughs, offering her a hand and helping her up. The two head to the center and he places his hands on her waist. Her own hands go to his shoulders, making her look up to gaze into his eyes. A small smile is on her lips and a few unshed tears behind her eyes.

She feels like this a goodbye, that after this song, she won't be here anymore. No. Don't think like for now. Enjoy the beautiful man in front of you. Her thoughts chide at her, making her stop thinking negatively. She steps closer to him, making look at her in confusion. Ally smiles, wrapping her arms around his neck loosely.

"It's more comfortable." He shakes his head, amusement in eyes. He doesn't make her step back, glad she's closer.

"Maybe we can do this again one day," he states, hopefulness in his voice. For once, she agrees. She hopes to dance with him again. As the chorus approaches, he seems to be hesitant to ask a question. "What's on your mind, Jinki?"

A faint blush appears on his face for the second time that night. "Can I kiss you?" She blushes a little as well, but being the confident person she is, she decides to tease him. "I don't know, can you?" He laughs, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead. He leans back, "Just remember that I don't see you just as a fan, Ally. You are much more and I do love you." She doesn't hold the tears back this time as they fall down.

"Jinki.."

He shakes his head, a sad smile forming on his lips. Right as he's about to kiss her, the flash appears and everything goes dark. The last few words she hears fill her mind.

"Don't forget SHINee World. It won't be the same without you."

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Word Count: 1,201

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