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When I came down for breakfast in the hotel the next day, I couldn't help but look around for Changbin, but he was nowhere in sight. Feeling a pang of disappointment, I pouted a little and looked for a small table for myself. Suddenly, I heard someone call out, "Hey, Asami!"

I turned and saw Changbin sitting at a table in a far back corner with two other guys. That must be his friends. He had mentioned that they wrote and produced most of their songs, while the other members stayed back in Korea. Smiling, I made my way over to them.

They were seated at a table for four, with one empty chair next to Changbin. "Guys, that's Asami. Asami, meet Chan and Han," Changbin introduced.

"Nice to meet you," I said, smiling at them. They smiled back warmly.

"Sit down! Do you want coffee?" Changbin asked, already looking around for a waiter.

I laughed. "It's fine, thank you," I said, taking the empty seat. Chan and Han continued to look at me with curiosity.

"So you two met on the plane?" Chan asked after a while.

"Yeah. It's quite funny that we ended up in the same hotel, right?" I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease.

"Small world," Han said with a grin, looking between me and Changbin. "Why did you come to New York?"

"I really wanted to see the city, but none of my friends could join, so I just came on my own," I explained, glancing at Changbin as he ordered me a coffee and some breakfast. "Thanks," I mumbled towards him.

"That's brave," Chan said, nodding in approval. "Traveling on your own is tough."

"Sometimes. But I've met great people along the way," I smiled and glanced at Changbin, who blushed slightly.

"That's true," Han said. "Hey, do you have plans this afternoon? We have a few appointments but we're planning to go sightseeing later. Maybe you could join us!"

I looked at him, surprised. "Really? I don't want to bother..."

"No, you should totally join us! A new perspective on things is great once in a while," Chan reassured me.

I looked at Changbin to make sure he wanted me there. "I would really like it if you came along," he said.

I smiled, heat rising to my cheeks. "Okay. I'll join you guys."

"Great! Let's meet at Central Park at 3 pm, okay?" Han suggested.

***

I met the boys in the afternoon as promised. Walking through Central Park with Changbin, Chan, and Han was an experience I would never forget. They pointed out their favorite spots, shared stories about their adventures, and even brainstormed lyrics for their new song. It was fascinating to see their creative process in action.

As the day went on, we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, took a ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty, and ended up at a cozy café in Greenwich Village. The conversation flowed easily, and I found myself laughing more than I had in a long time.

As evening approached, we made our way back to the hotel. Chan and Han wanted to catch up on some work, but Changbin decided to grab dinner with me. We found a charming little Mexican restaurant nearby and settled into a booth.

"So, did you enjoy today?" Changbin asked, pouring us both a glass of water.

"I did," I said sincerely. "Thank you for inviting me. It was amazing to see the city with you guys."

"Anytime," he replied, smiling broadly.

As we talked over dinner, I felt a connection growing between us. Changbin was not just handsome and kind, but also genuinely interesting and fun to be around. I found myself opening up to him, sharing stories about my travels and my life back in Korea.

When dinner was over, we walked back to the hotel together, the city lights twinkling around us. I felt a sense of contentment I hadn't felt in a long time.

"It was really nice today," I said as we reached my room.

"It was," he agreed, looking at me with a gentle smile. "Good night, Asami."

"Good night, Changbin," I replied.

I hesitated for a moment, then stretched up and planted a sweet kiss on his cheek. He smiled and blushed a little, his hand wandering to the spot where my lips had just been. "I'll see you around," he mumbled, walking away while humming a happy melody.

I finally let myself fall onto my bed, my lips still tingling from the kiss but smiling brightly. I was in trouble.

Skyline Sparks | Seo ChangbinWhere stories live. Discover now