UNDER PRESSURE || HUENING KAI

27. Moonlight

HUENING KAI—

We were finally able to actually rest a few hours after dinner, filming some more content for the show before splitting off into our separate cabins and into our rooms. I was sharing a room with Taehyun, who was already sprawled out on the bed, asleep. Although I was exhausted from today, I always had a hard time falling asleep in new places, and I didn't want to disrupt him by tossing and turning. I ended up leaving and wandering around the living room and kitchen area.

I was about to lay on the couch to go on my phone when I spotted someone outside, sitting on one of the swing chairs. I was concerned for a second thinking a fan had somehow found us—but relaxed when I realized it was Y/N. Curious, I got up and peeked outside to see what she was doing. She was playing the guitar. Again.

Even after dinner and we had some free time, I saw her immediately go straight to it, seemingly obsessed with learning the instrument. I found it cute.

Was she not cold, though? I was worried, grabbing a few blankets from the living room and heading out there to her.

She was focused, because she didn't even notice me walking up to her until I cleared my throat awkwardly. She jumped, cursing.

"You scared me!" Y/N exclaimed.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to." I said sheepishly, holding up the pile of blankets. "I bought these for you."

Y/N paused, staring at me tentatively. I could tell her more cold and reserved demeanor was back now that the cameras weren't on, and I suddenly felt intimidated by her gaze. However, she shyly looked away and muttered a quiet 'thank you' under her breath.

"What are you doing up?" She asked me, lifting up the guitar so I could drape one of the blankets on her lap.

I shrugged, "I can't sleep in new places like these."

"Mm. Me neither." Y/N nodded, her gaze drifting away again. She tilted her head to the seat beside her. "Do you want to join me?"

My heart skipped a beat, excitement rushing through my body although I did my best to stay cool and nonchalant. "Okay." I said, sitting down. Y/N immediately grabbed one side of the blanket and put it over my legs too.

I smiled at her. "Thanks. What are you playing?" I asked her.

She named the song, which she said was one of her favorites. I nodded, recognizing it. She started playing it for me. However, I completely zoned out on her side profile, admiring her beauty under the moonlight. The skies were so clear here, that her face was illuminated beautifully, the curve of her cheeks, chin, and nose highlighted. How was it that someone could be so pretty? I wished I could take a photo of her in this moment and keep it with me forever.

When was the next time I'd be able to sit here beside her on this swing, watching her play guitar under the moonlight, surrounded by lush scenery? It made me sad, realizing that because we were idols, enjoying moments together like these would probably be rare. I also knew that when we left this place and returned back to our busy lives, she'd go back to ignoring me and pretending I didn't exist.

When would be the next time I could see her smile? See her enjoy herself, like this?

"Kai?"

Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts, and I realized that she had stopped playing and was now looking at me with a confused expression. I blinked a couple of times, feeling like I was still in a trance.

"Sorry, did you say something?" I asked softly, taking in every inch of her face, worried I'd forget this moment.

"I said that I'd been working for hours and I'd only gotten this far." Y/N said, looking back down to the guitar. A strand of hair fell on her cheeks, and I itched to reach out and tuck it behind her ear.