𝐈𝐃𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 • Lookism

V.

CHAPTER FIVE
Proceed | 진행하다

⚘( ၴႅၴ

With your helmet tucked under your arm, you strode towards Crystal's building to retrieve your motorcycle. As you pulled out, a scene unfolding on the street snagged your attention. Your keen eyes honed in on Daniel – the very reason you stopped. Beside him, looking equally startled, stood the small student you'd helped on your first day. The same kid you'd rescued from bullies.

Pulling your motorcycle up beside them with a screech of tires, you addressed them, "Hey, you two. Where are you headed? It's getting dark." Your voice cut through the tense air, and their eyes widened in surprise.

"I- You-" they stammered, a question clearly forming in their minds. But it went unspoken as their gazes lingered on your face – a canvas of fresh bruises.

"Yeah, I am," you replied, your voice gruff but not unfriendly. "So, what's the rush?"

Daniel, still flustered, stammered out, "We're just...going to practice the song."

"Song?" You raised an eyebrow, dismounting your motorcycle with a practiced swing of your leg. "What kind of song?" Curiosity peeked through your gruff exterior.

"We, uh, got accepted into PTJ Entertainment," Daniel blurted, cheeks flushing.

Duke's eyes widened in realization. This was the woman who saved him! His hero, standing right in front of him, looking vaguely interested.

Across from him, Daniel's mind raced. This was the girl everyone at school was buzzing about! The one who took down the bullies with surprising ease.

"PTJ?" you echoed, tilting your head. A flicker of surprise, maybe even amusement, softened the intensity around your eyes. "Interesting. Mind if I tag along?"

Daniel sputtered, caught off guard. "Oh... Sure?" he managed, voice barely above a whisper.

Before he could elaborate, Duke, his excitement bubbling over, cut in. "Yes! You can definitely come with us!" he beamed. "By the way, I'm Duke!" He stuck out a hand, hero worship clear in his wide eyes.

–

"So why did you decide to come with us?"

"Nothing." Nothing--but Daniel has plans to stalk, and is really interested in showing his talent. Really arrogant.

"I'm Daniel, Daniel park, you're pretty– it's p-pretty nice that we have finally met you properly." You put your hands on your head but didn't move. Duke raised an eyebrow.

You looked at the building since you don't usually like being in modern buildings, and you always like local and humble places where there is coffee, and there are a lot of people hanging around. Sometimes there are no people like forests, parks, and construction sites.