Star Planet I - Boys Planet / Zerobaseone Added Members (COMPLETED)

Chapter Sixty: Teambuilding (4)

I walked into the cabin's dining hall, with its giant table, it almost looked unreal. All thirty of us were seated and it ran the entire length of the cabin. The four judges were seated at the head of the table and were making some kind of toast.

I hurried towards my seat, nearly forgetting I was supposed to sit next to Hanbin and not Jiwoong. There was only one seat free, so I hoped nobody noticed I had given Nina a weird look just now. She was sitting awfully close to my man.

Jiwoong gave me a quick smile, those eyes saying 'don't worry, I got you.'

On instinct my fingertips found the pendant with his ring on it, and I twirled it around. I sat down next to Hanbin, his hand drifted to my knee and he squeezed it in recognition of me.

"You almost missed it," he whispered in my ear and I leaned in closer. We were being watched by everyone right now. In this competition I trusted not a single soul beside perhaps Lux and little Choonhae. The others would turn around and stab me in the back to get my top five spot. They couldn't know this wasn't real; I would protect that secret at all cost.

We ostentatiously clasped hands and put them down on the table, his thumb caressing the back of my hand absently. Across from us Jiwoong was looking our way, but I couldn't bear and glance his way. I couldn't see that look in his eyes as he saw me holding hands with another man.

The judges continued with their toasts, thanking us for being a part of the competition and wishing us all the best of luck in the next challenge. I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched by them too, like they were trying to read into every move I made.

As the speeches continued, I felt Hanbin's hand slide up my thigh absently like he wasn't even aware he was doing it, and I had to suppress a gasp. I knew we were taking a risk with this fake relationship thing and our feelings were dangling on a slippery slope. We had to be careful though, one wrong move and everything could come crashing down. I couldn't develop feelings for him too. It would make everything a hundred times worse.

Eventually, the speeches ended and we were served our meal. It was a delicious spread of Korean dishes, and I couldn't help but think about how lucky we were to be here, living our dreams. But I also knew that it could all be taken away in an instant.

As the food was being served, I tried my best to focus on my plate and not the tension between Jiwoong and me. Hanbin kept up his end of the conversation, chatting with me about his experience in the competition so far and how he was feeling about the upcoming challenges.

But my mind kept drifting back to Jiwoong, wondering how he was feeling about seeing me with Hanbin. Did he understand that it was just for show, or did he think I was actually interested in Hanbin?

I couldn't bear to look at him, afraid that I might see disappointment or hurt in his eyes. But I couldn't help but steal a glance every now and then, just to make sure he was okay.

As dessert was being served, Jiwoong got up from his seat and made his way over to me. My heart skipped a beat, unsure of what he was going to say or do.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, his voice low and serious.

I nodded, following him to a quieter corner of the room. Hanbin watched us go, his expression curious and a little worried.

"What's going on?" I asked as soon as we were out of earshot.

Jiwoong took a deep breath. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I saw you holding hands with Hanbin earlier and I wasn't sure..."

I cut him off before he could finish. "It's just for show, Jiwoong. You know that. Hanbin knows that too. It doesn't mean anything."

He nodded slowly, still looking unsure. "I trust you, Allison. It's just hard to see you with another guy, even if it's just pretend."

I reached out and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I know. And I'm sorry. But we have to do what we have to do to stay in this competition. You understand that, right?"

He nodded again, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Of course I do. And I'm proud of you, for doing whatever it takes to succeed." He leaned in closer. "Yet, it takes everything of me not to kiss you right now."

I felt a warm rush of emotion at his words. "Ji, stop." I glance around us but nobody was paying attention.

We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. I felt like I could get lost in his eyes, that warm brown that always made me feel safe and understood. Tension cackled and I felt so completely in love I was floating with happiness.

But we were interrupted by Lux, who had come over to ask us something about the next challenge. Jiwoong and I quickly parted ways, but not before he gave my hand one last squeeze. Those eyes conveying everything.

As I made my way back to my seat, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Jiwoong understood, and he trusted me. That was all that mattered.

Yet, Hanbin's mood had shifted.

I searched for his hand and he hesitated before sliding it in mine.

"You alright, Binnie?" I whispered as I reached for a macaron. I squeezed his warm palm and I felt his mood descend down further. He didn't respond.

"Hanbin?"

"Yeah, fine." He snapped and reached for his glass of wine.

"You guys are adorable!" Jisoo was seated next to us today and she gave us those big eyes, that sometimes looked like nobody was home. I nodded sheepishly. Hanbin dragged me into his side for a hug and I felt relieved his sudden funk had passed. I felt his lips kiss the top of my head.

"She's the best," he replied, yet his voice still contained some ice.

We chatted some more with Jisoo about random things before the night was slowly dwindling down.

I pushed the thoughts aside as I made my way back to my cabin, Hanbin accompanied me in silence and everyttime I troed to start a conversation he managed to answer in one or two words. As I opened the door, I had enough of this.

"Hey," I said softly, shutting the door behind us as I dragged him into my bedroom to talk. "What is going on?"

He looked up at me, his expression unreadable. "I'm not sure, Alli. I'm not sure..."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, but I tried to play it cool. "About what?"

He took a step towards me. "About us. Or, well, the lack of 'us'."

I felt my cheeks heat up as he continued, his eyes never leaving mine. "I know I've been distant lately, and I'm sorry. It's just...it's hard for me to see you with someone else."

I opened my mouth to respond, but he held up a hand to stop me. "Let me finish. I don't want to come between you and Jiwoong, but...I can't help the way I feel. And I don't want to lose you."

I felt a lump form in my throat as he spoke, my heart aching at the vulnerability in his voice. I took a step towards him, placing a hand on his chest. "Hanbin, I care about you too. But I can't ignore my feelings for Jiwoong."

He looked down at my hand on his chest, then back up at me. "I know. I just...I needed to tell you how I feel."

I gave him a small smile, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you for being honest with me. It means a lot."