For a moment, I stood there in stunned silence, shaking his hand. Could it really be him? Jake from Enhypen? Everything seemed to suggest it was. His voice, his mannerisms—they hinted at a familiarity I had only known through screens and music videos. But here he was, in the flesh, just a few feet away from me in a quiet convenience store on a rainy evening in Seoul.
I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. I didn't want to come across as a crazy fangirl. We had been chatting normally, so why should I act differently now? He was just another person, someone I deeply admired, but still just a person.
"It's nice to meet you, Jake," I said with a smile. He nodded, and once again, I caught that familiar smile hidden behind his mask. It was a smile that fans knew well—a blend of humility and warmth that endeared him to millions.
"The rain is letting up a bit, but it looks like we'll still need to wait a while," he remarked, glancing towards the door.
"My apartment isn't far from here," I mused internally. Should I invite him over? It would be more comfortable than standing here. But wouldn't that be odd? A K-pop idol at my place. Then again, there was no reason to be scared. He seemed genuinely nice in person.
What if he thought I was some kind of crazy fan trying to trap him? But no, I wasn't like that at all. I just wanted to help, to offer some warmth and shelter. Would he even want to come over? Maybe he had other plans, or maybe he was just being polite talking to me.
He didn't seem in a hurry to leave, and that gave me a small glimmer of hope. Inviting him over could be a chance to get to know the real him, beyond the stage persona. Or it could end in awkward silence. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one crashing into the next.
My thoughts must have been plainly written on my face because he asked, "Is everything alright? You seem a bit lost in thought."
I met his gaze, the question hanging in the air. What could go wrong if I invited him over? He'd probably decline anyway.
"Um... I was thinking," I began hesitantly, "maybe we could go to my apartment. It's just around the corner. It's more comfortable than waiting here, don't you think?" I paused, then added, "I know we don't really know each other, but I feel like I can trust you."
He looked at me for a moment, his expression unreadable behind the mask. His eyes, though, were focused and calm. They held a depth that spoke of experiences beyond his years, yet they also carried a sense of curiosity and openness.
The man considered my invitation for another moment, his gaze thoughtful as if weighing the options. The soft patter of rain against the store windows provided a gentle rhythm to the otherwise quiet evening. Inside the convenience store, the fluorescent lights cast a warm glow, contrasting with the cool, dimming light outside as dusk settled over Seoul.
I tried to read Jake's expression, hidden partly behind his mask. His eyes, though, conveyed a mixture of contemplation and something I couldn't quite place—perhaps curiosity or intrigue. It was surreal to be standing here, having a casual conversation with someone I had admired from afar for so long.
"I appreciate the offer, Chloe," he finally replied, his voice gentle yet decisive. "But I wouldn't want to impose."
His sincerity was palpable, and I respected his hesitation. "Oh, it wouldn't be an imposition at all," I assured him quickly, trying to ease any concerns he might have. "I've got some snacks and drinks at home. We could chat more comfortably there."
Jake nodded, his expression still thoughtful.
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