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

Chapter Sixty-Five: You Care!

"What about we do a photoshoot in Jeju?" Hanbin said while popping a grape into his mouth. We had the day off and we were currently walking alongside the Han River, while sharing a fruit bowl. I was aware of people talking and noticing us. It was still a little weird being so recognized these days.

After I won the Miss Korea competition seven years ago, it wasn't even remotely like this.

"Jeju?" I replied, while twirling the ring around. It brought me back to the weekend I spend there with Jiwoong in secret.

"Or maybe we should just go to Nami island, Bin. I think that might be a better option."

Hannah had urged us onward with our next photoshoot, and she wanted us to look relaxed and happy. And fully together.

Hanbin plopped a grape between my lips without me asking and I slapped him across his arm.

"Dick!"

He laughed and nearly tumbled straight into someone biking alongside him.

"Don't injure yourself a week before the finale!" I gasped and dragged him to me. My heart beating fast.

"Aaaw, you care?" he pecked me on my lips like it was the most normal thing in the world. There were no obvious cameras around, so it felt different this time.

I gave him a soft smile and released his arm, before stepping back. Swallowing the grape like it was a watermelon, I felt it turn into dust in my mouth. What was I doing?

"Alli..." Hanbin saw all of that on my face and reached for my hand. "Sorry, I was in the moment, and I didn't think."

"It's fine," I sighed. "I know all of this is confusing."

"Yeah," he ran his hand through his hair while staring at the river for a sec. "Do you want to sit down?"

I followed him to a ledge, and we sat down, our legs dangling. It was a beautiful sunny day.

Our shoulders and legs were touching, it felt entirely comfortable.

Debut was only one week away, and things looked hopeful for the two of us. Would I actually make it? Would that impossible dream be possible? It still didn't feel real.

"I can't believe it's almost over," Hanbin said, looking out at the river. "It feels like we've been working towards this for so long."

"Yeah, it's been a long road," I agreed, feeling a pang of sadness in my chest. "But it's also been amazing."

"Definitely," he nodded, his eyes meeting mine. "And I'm so glad I got to experience it all with you."

I felt my cheeks heat up at his words and I looked away, trying to hide my smile.

"Stop it, you're making me blush," I said, playfully pushing him.

He chuckled and leaned his head back against the wall. "I'm serious though. You've been an amazing teammate and friend."

"You too," I said, feeling grateful for his kind words. "I don't think I could have made it this far without you."

He squeezed my hand and we sat in silence for a moment, just enjoying each other's company.

"I know we've talked about this before, but what are your plans after debut?" he asked suddenly.

I shrugged, feeling a little uncertain. "I don't really know. I've always just been focused on getting here, you know?"

"I get it," he nodded. "But it's important to think about what comes next too. We're going to be in the public eye a lot more after this."

"Yeah, I know," I sighed. "I guess I just haven't really figured it out yet."

"Well, we have some time to think about it," he said, giving my hand another reassuring squeeze. "And we'll figure it out together."

We rose and started walking back towards the bus stop. We held hands because we were in a very public place and people would judge us for it otherwise.

"I never ask you about it," Hanbin said after we sat down in the back of the bus. "But is he... does he treat you well?"

I remained quiet. I was taken aback by the question. Hanbin continued. "I just... I need to know he's treating you like you deserve, Alli."

Emotions surfaced. It came from a place of truly caring.

"Jiwoong is the best, I appreciate his patience because all of this can't be easy on him." I stared outside the window, Hanbin's hand on my leg. "I'm just... I don't know it's stupid."

"What? What is?"

I hesitated.

"He's just... not jealous at all. Sometimes it makes me wonder."

Hanbin sighed, "that is a little weird. If the roles were reversed I would be walking up the walls."

I slapped his stomach. "Don't be overdramatic,"

"It is the truth! How can he let another man kiss you, Alli. That's insane to me! I could never share you with anyone."

I gave him a big smile while rolling my eyes.

"But that's why you're my best friend, Bin," I said. "You always have my back, even when it comes to matters of the heart."

"Of course, I do," he replied with a grin. "I just want to make sure you're happy."

"I am," I said. "I really am. Jiwoong is a wonderful guy, and he understands me in a way that no one else does."

"I'm glad to hear that," he said, squeezing my hand. "You deserve nothing less than that."

We chatted about random things for a while, and the conversation eventually turned to the finale. We were both excited and nervous about it. It was the moment we had been waiting for, and it could make or break our careers.

"Whatever happens, we'll always have each other," I said, leaning my head on Hanbin's shoulder.

"Absolutely," he replied, wrapping his arm around me. "No matter what."

The bus came to a stop, and we got off, still holding hands.

As we walked towards our dorm complex, I felt a sense of contentment. Despite all the challenges we had faced, I had a wonderful support system in Hanbin and Jiwoong. And with them by my side, I felt like I could conquer the world.