Paper Dolls

Chapter 26

Something sparks within me, an inherent need that I've never felt before. Even though this is probably the worst thing to do right now, I ignore every instinct screaming at me to stop and sidle up next to Jiho, basking in the warmth that seems to radiate off him. 

It's just so comforting, from the way he shifts his body slightly so that we are closer and how his eyes sweep my face in concern. 

I glance at the top corners of the lift noticing the small red light blinking at the centre of the camera lens. We need to keep our distance friendly, especially since that article was published. 

Management doesn't know it was me in that picture with Jiho and they must never find out. 

"Hey, i've been wanting to talk to you but things have been just so crazy," Jiho mutters looking slightly out of breath. 

I notice the slight sheen of sweat making his forehead glisten. He must have just had dance practice. Under these lights it looks like he is shinning. The urge to push his damp hair back makes my fingers twitch. 

"Me too," I say. 

"I'm so sorry!" We both gush in unison and then pause. My cheeks burn bright red and we start laughing. 

"You have nothing to be sorry about. That was pure carelessness on my part," He justifies. 

"No, it was on both of us," I quickly reiterate but he raises his hands in surrender. 

"I should have known better. Don't worry it won't happen again." 

His words make my heart sink momentarily. What does he mean by that? Does that mean he doesn't want to see me again one on one? I mean that's probably the best thing for both of us but the way it makes my chest squeeze doesn't seem like it is. 

"What were you doing on the fifth floor? Everything, okay?" He leans agains the wall and I find myself doing the same. 

"I met my sister after practice yesterday and didn't inform anyone. The girls panicked and it became a big issue." Jiho's eyes widen so I quickly explain further. "But it's over now. We even have weekday phone privileges." 

I smile proudly and he laughs. "Wow, Jina. Wish you were here during my trainee days." 

Firefly has the weirdest rules when it comes to phones. No phones during the weekdays but they are allowed on weekends. It's been a running rule since the second idol group in our company got caught for scandalous texting. 

As if we couldn't 'scandalously text' on the weekends. 

"Yeah, didn't expect this turn out. Not going to lie it's pretty great." 

The lift doors open at the basement carpark and I didn't even realise we were heading here. 

"Coffee?" Jiho asks me looking hopeful. "We have practice together in an hour so I know you don't have anywhere else to be." His smile turns sheepish and I swear it causes some unusual stomach fluttering effect. 

"How do you know I don't have to be somewhere else right now?" I ask him teasingly. 

He gulps and it is one of the only times the ever so charming Jiho looks nervous. 

He leans against the doors, holding them open for me. "Well I'm hoping you don't." 

I can't help the smile that forms on my face nor the butterflies in my stomach. It's a breezy feeling being here with him. Not like the heaviness currently lingering in my trainee dorm. His company makes me feel so much lighter. 

"I heard coffee helps with the vocal cords," I lie, walking out to join him. 

"Of course. Especially iced coffee," He plays along making me laugh.