Rainy Days - Haerin x Danielle

6. Love u from afar

Danielle's POV:

One year ago

After our chance encounter at the convenience store, I suddenly felt that Haerin was truly special. I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, but I had a strong desire to get to know her better. Especially... Haerin's beauty was truly captivating.

There are different kinds of love. Some require a deep understanding of the other person to commit, but what I was feeling was something predestined. Maybe I didn't need to fully understand her to know my feelings. In other words, as long as it was her, everything else could be known gradually.

I had no idea why I was so drawn to Haerin. Was it those eyes and words that made me want to surrender? Life as an idol was already incredibly hectic, with mounting pressure from all directions. Yet, Haerin's presence gave me hope that my heart could experience the same kind of love that a regular person does. I found myself smiling more than often whenever imagining her.

Unfortunately, the next day, during a board meeting at HYBE and the group, my manager informed me about a two-year dating ban.

At first, upon hearing this, I imagined the type of love through the window with Haerin. I believed I could hide this relationship if I was in love with her. Moreover, we are girls.

This Sunday, after I'm done, I'm going to ask her to hang out.

On that Saturday afternoon, news of Sakura's relationship started circulating within the company's board. Dating restrictions for members of musical groups varied. Sakura, despite having been in the industry for years, still faced limitations in her dating life. Being one of the most popular members of Le Sserafim, HYBE took a harsh approach rather than immediately terminating her contract.

Once the news came out, the male police officer dating Sakura faced demotion and he even became a suspect in a case he was investigating. 

The culprit behind this was HYBE. While HYBE appeared lenient regarding activities and schedules, dating was a whole different matter. Violating this taboo could lead to unforeseen consequences for an idol.

So... I decided I wouldn't see Haerin again until the dating ban was lifted. I feared that even one more meeting with her would jeopardize my commitment to this relationship. Just one more year, and I hoped everything would align with my desires.

Life continued on its course. Each morning, I would pass by Haerin's house or occasionally visit the library to watch her study and work. Sometimes, in the evening after finishing my training, I would pretend to casually stroll by her house. These secrets were likely only known to Kim Minji and Hanni Pham.

Now

There are only a few days left until the 2-year deadline, which means I can meet Haerin. Even though I hadn't waited until that day and had sneaked up on her, I was still very nervous. I feel like I am a fan girl waiting to see Kang Haerin again. I will slowly get to know her as a friend, and then when enough time will express my feelings. That's the plan.

It was a rainy night, and the streetlights appeared unusually bright. I waited for Haerin to return home, clutching the Yonsei jacket I intended to use as Hanni had advised—to return the jacket to Haerin and take her heart.

For the past year, this was perhaps the most nerve-wracking moment I had experienced.

As I spotted Haerin approaching, my heart began to race uncontrollably. The warmth in my face grew intense, making it impossible to stay composed as I blushed. I forgot what I should do next, keep watching her. In just a few minutes, I will be able to talk to Haerin again.

Wait, Haerin was not alone; she was with another man, who seemed taller than her, carrying the backpack for her. This is so unusual, she always loves walking home alone, or in another case, maybe with me. His step came to a halt, and he kissed Haerin.

At that moment, I forgot how to breathe, as if oxygen itself had become unnecessary.