𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐀𝐓 [𝟏] 𝐃𝐞𝐣𝐚 𝐯𝐮 || 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐

POV Minho

- "Be careful with Shizuka, she's going to break your heart," Dayu declares.

I look at her, confused by this sudden revelation.

Firstly, because I didn't even know she was in the training room where I thought I was alone.

And secondly, because Shizuka and Dayu are friends.

We've only been dating for three weeks, calm down.

- "Thanks?"

- "I'm serious."

I nod sarcastically.

- "Sure."

▪︎▫︎▫︎▫︎▫︎

- "Minho, come in," Shizuka announces, opening the door to her room.

It's become our little ritual. When we're both free on the same night, we watch a movie. Tonight, it's in her room because Yeou is sleeping at home after a photoshoot, and Mi-cha went to visit her family.

We settle in her bed, watching a movie that's half horror, half romantic — something I like and something she likes.

Her head on my shoulder, her hand holding mine as I stroke the back of her hand, we watch the movie silently together.

We love each other quietly.

- "Are you okay?"

- "Huh?" I ask, almost startled by her sudden question. "Yeah, why?"

- "You've been acting strange since you got here."

I sigh and lower my head onto our intertwined hands, murmuring:

- "Nothing serious."

- "Tell me anyway."

A scream on the screen. Neither of us flinches.

- "I was wondering about us... Like, how it's going to be? I mean... Malee and Yeonjun got some hate comments. I don't want to lose fans..."

I look at her and quickly add:

- "But I don't want to lose you either."

She smiles gently and rests her head on my shoulder again.

- "You know, I have a lot of questions too. It's normal."

- "I'm afraid I won't measure up. For both of us, and for the group..."

I sigh and look up at the ceiling.

- "And besides, your manager probably won't want you to be in a relationship, after what happened with Malee."

She nods slowly, and I ask:

- "When will we finally be happy together?"

- "One thing at a time."

I smile and lay my head on hers.

- "Thank you."

- "For?"

- "For reassuring me. Thank you, Shizuka."

She laughs and taps my hand.

- "You're welcome."

▪︎▫︎▫︎▫︎▫︎

I wake up to the sound of an alarm ringing.

It's not my ringtone.

I reach out blindly and tap on the phone, then flop back onto the pillow.

Wait.

I open my eyes again and look beside me.

Shizuka asleep. Next.to.me.

At least this time she didn't run off. Well, hard to ditch me in her room, I guess.

I tap her head and she opens her eyes, giving me a cold glare.

- "Once you turn off the alarm, you go back to sleep."

I laugh before nodding.

- "Sorry, couldn't resist."

She rolls her eyes and then closes them again, quickly returning to sleep.

But I don't fall back asleep, I watch her.

Creepy psycho.

Jisung. Shut up.

▪︎▫︎▫︎▫︎▫︎

- "Minho!" Dayu exclaims as she enters the training room where I am.

I'm stretching on the floor after dancing for an hour.

And here she comes.

- "Yes, Dayu?" I ask with a faint smile.

She closes the door and asks:

- "Where's Shizuka?"

- "At Music Bank for an interview."

- "I saw her kissing Soobin."

I narrow my eyes.

- "Weren't you unsure where she was five seconds ago?"

- "I was checking if she lied to you. At least she's honest halfway."

What the fuck.

- "Is this a dare?"

I look around, puzzled by this sudden behavior, but she shakes her head.

- "I'm telling you as a friend. You might feel strong feelings for her, but it may not be mutual, I'm afraid..."

I roll my eyes before standing up.

- "Thanks, but I'll pass on your opinion."

▪︎▫︎▫︎▫︎▫︎

I arrive at Music Bank thirty minutes later and spot Shizuka at the back. I've decided to go fetch her, to talk to her about Dayu's behavior.

I start approaching when I see Soobin coming up behind her and tapping her shoulder.

I stop and watch them talk, smile, and laugh.

They're just friends, she lied to you.

But why would Dayu lie? Besides being slightly annoyed lately, she wouldn't benefit from causing trouble.

And besides, she considers me her friend, she just wants to warn me.

I rub my forehead, overwhelmed by conflicting thoughts.

This is insane, Minho.

I look up and then see Soobin whispering in Shizuka's ear. She turns around and looks at me.

Maybe not, after all.

I turn around and leave, leaving her with Soobin.