Rainy Days - Haerin x Danielle

1. Wishes

It was around 10 p.m., and Haerin was about to pack up and head back to her dorm. Working at the convenience store wasn't too laborious, helping an international student like her earn extra income. However, her body was still tired from the confusing jumble of college homework that morning. She didn't know if she would be able to maintain her scholarship or get good grades next semester. Everything seemed so stressful, and she had never thought she would be able to cope with it.

She knew she wasn't exceptionally smart; she had just failed more than others. It was okay to fail further, but she shouldn't be lazy. Closing her eyes, she glanced at a corner, and turned on New Jeans' "Cool with You." They were the reason she had suddenly changed her mind about studying in Korea and trying to win a scholarship. She simply thought that if she went to a top school, she could see them perform at the school's music festival. She didn't know if it was worth it; she just knew she enjoyed the fun in this band. No matter how tired she was, when she went home to look at their photos, she felt everything was worth it.

Lifting her head, Haerin was stunned. A newly arrived visitor was walking towards the checkout. She realized that the older she got, the harder it was for her to snap out of her train of thought. At times, she got completely lost in them. Paying for a carton of melon milk and a box of salad for the guest, she looked up...

This world was strange; sometimes it was impossible to know what was real and what was a dream.

Four years ago, she used to like a girl group. She liked them, but then, because of her studies, work, and busyness, she gradually ignored them and thought that maybe when she grew up, she wouldn't be interested in idols anymore. After all, not all idols are kind, and she found it hard to trust even the people around her, let alone the idols in front of the camera.

But at this moment, in front of her, was a very familiar face. The girl waiting for payment bore a striking resemblance to Danielle Marsh, who had appeared in all sorts of fanfics she had read on Wattpad whenever she got tired, and whose image she had used as wallpaper. She should ignore the fact that she knows her, and Danielle wouldn't know who she was, which was probably for the best. If Danielle remembered her name, it might fuel Haerin's delusions. Hoping in impossible situations was the most tormenting thing.

Haerin's POV:

I watch as Danielle walks out of the store. It's time for me to leave, but I should wait for her to go first. If I were an idol, I didn't want to be bothered, so I would pretend I didn't know Danielle for a while. She doesn't look very happy today, if she talks to me, she will probably have to force a smile. I don't like that smile.

It's been about 10 minutes, and Danielle is still waiting for someone in front of the convenience store. Waiting for someone to pick her up? The snow begins to fall, there are strong winds again, and Danielle shivers a few times.

It is still very cold, and Danielle's mother said she would pick her up but had not found her car keys. She doesn't like taking taxis, and the bus isn't really convenient. She just wanted to wait a little longer.

Haerin walked over to Danielle, putting this extra jacket on Danielle to keep her from the cold.

"If you stay like that longer, you will get sick. "

Having known it was cold today, she wore warm enough, and the jacket given to Danielle was the one left at the store yesterday. Absent-mindedness seems to be beneficial at times.

Seeing Danielle's slight hesitation, she said:

"You can ask whoever returns it to you the next day. I don't want to see my idol sick."

Danielle watched Haerin put her jacket on her, looking at the familiar blue... it turned out to be a coat from Yonsei University.

That moment is unexpected, but also reassuring.

"Thank you"

"Do you want to take a walk with me, I don't feel safe letting you stand alone like this."

"Hmm...that sounds good."

Danielle's mom picked up the phone and said she was going to ask Danielle's bodyguard to pick her up, but she said it was late so she let him rest for her schedule early tomorrow and she would walk back to her friend.

Friend? Danielle called Haerin a friend, not a fan, or someone.

The Korean night sky is truly beautiful, from streetlights to roadside houses.

"Do you really like me? I mean you look so calm compared to other fans." - Danielle curioused.

"You look tired today. "

"Yeah I feel a bit sleepy. Thanks for your jacket anyway, it's so warm. "

"When I saw you, I thought it was a dream. By the way, can I get your autograph? I already bought pen and paper here after school."

" Hmmm naur."

"Are you serious Danielle?"

She gently explained:

"Let me tell you this. If two people borrow something from each other, then they will be less likely to never meet again. Do you want to see me again, huh?"

"So, it means you owe me my autograph ?"

"And your jacket as well"

"This is so strange. I've never seen an idol owe her autograph to her fan :)). But why did you trust me and let me walk you home? "

"Because you offered me."

Finally, they reach a big mansion.

" I will not tell anyone about your location, ok"

"How can I believe you - she chuckles"

"I thought you did Danielle Marsh"

"I changed my mind"

"How can I prove it?"

"I will keep your jacket."

"Don't you scare that I will tell people after having taken my jacket"

" So I won't give it back."

"Hurry, I think you have to sleep early to maintain your beauty."

"Bye. But what's your name?"

"I-WON'T-TELL"

"What a special name"

Haerin's dormitory is just over there. She walks while thinking about this strange thing. It's incredible that this relationship might not end as a fan seeing her idol for the first time, but Danielle kept her jacket and even told a strange story to her. "This dream might be too delusional, I should sleep to have another one," she thinks.