Love In The Dark - XIAOJUN

Chapter One

Laluna stood near the wall, chatting with the members of Aespa. Her best friend since childhood, Karina, had rented out the entire club for her birthday, ensuring a private and uninterrupted celebration with fellow idols and close friends. Laluna, feeling slightly out of place amidst the celebrity crowd, appreciated the familiar faces of Karina and her group.

As Karina approached the girls, her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Hey, what are you guys talking about over here?"

Winter smirked and nudged Laluna. "We were just talking about how a certain someone keeps throwing looks over here at our girl Laluna."

Karina's gaze followed Winter's nod, landing on Xiaojun, who was glancing their way while his bandmate, Hendery, seemed to be encouraging him to make a move. Karina's eyes lit up. "Oh, he's perfect for you, Lu," she teased.

Laluna couldn't deny Xiaojun's appeal. With his sharp jawline, playful smile, and eyes that held a hint of mischief, he was undeniably cute. "He is really cute," she admitted.

"But you know I don't like getting involved with idols," Laluna hesitated.

Ningning laughed. "We're not pimping you out or anything."

Giselle chimed in, "Yeah, just talk to him. He's obviously interested in you."

Laluna rolled her eyes. "Or he's wondering why the hell I'm here if I'm not a celebrity."

Before the conversation could continue, Xiaojun excused himself from Hendery and began navigating his way towards them. Laluna, oblivious to his approach, continued talking with her friends.

Winter's eyes widened slightly. "Well, we're about to find out if that's true."

Xiaojun greeted the group with a charming smile. "Happy birthday, Karina."

"Thanks, Xiaojun," Karina replied warmly.

He glanced at Laluna and then back at Karina. "Do you mind if I steal this pretty lady from you for a second?"

Karina raised an eyebrow playfully. "That depends. Did you buy me a present?"

Xiaojun flashed a grin that made Laluna's heart skip a beat. "It's with Hendery," he replied.

Karina laughed. "Alright, she's all yours." She then skipped away, leaving Laluna and Xiaojun face to face.

Laluna muttered to herself, "She sells me out for a birthday present."

The other members chuckled and took their leave, leaving Laluna alone with the handsome idol. Taking Winter's spot, Xiaojun introduced himself. Laluna introduced herself too, secretly enjoying the way his gaze lingered on her face.

"Pretty name," he said, his voice dropping a touch lower. "It suits you."

A small smile played on Laluna's lips. "Thank you."

"So, how do you know Karina?" he asked. "I assumed you were a trainee, but I don't think we've met before."

"Maybe we have and you just don't remember," she teased.

He shook his head, moving a fraction closer. "I would never forget those beautiful brown eyes,"

Laluna fought back a smile. "Karina's been my best friend since middle school," she revealed.

Xiaojun nodded. "That's a shame," he said. "She's been hiding you from us this long."

Laluna couldn't deny the spark of intrigue that ignited in her. "It's actually my fault," she admitted. "I like to keep my distance from idols."

He waved a finger between them, closing the distance slightly. "Yeah, this isn't close at all."

Laluna felt a shiver run down her spine. This wasn't supposed to be happening. Yet, here she was, captivated by this charming idol who seemed genuinely interested in her.

She laughed softly. "I guess you're an exception." She laughed softly. "And you're really cute, so that helps."

Her voice was barely a whisper, sending a thrill down Xiaojun's spine. He knew then, that the attraction was mutual.

Mustering his courage, he leaned in even closer, the space between them shrinking to a mere breath. "Can I kiss you?

She darted a glance around the room. "I'm not gonna wake up to my face plastered on koreaboo.com tomorrow, am I?"

Xiaojun laughed. "Definitely not," he assured her, shaking his head. "Everyone here has secrets. What happens at these parties, stays at these parties. Unwritten rule."

Her gaze swept the room again, searching for any watchful eyes. Finding none, a slow smile spread across her face. "Then this," she said, her voice barely audible, "this is our secret."

With that, she closed the gap between them. Xiaojun's lips were soft and warm against hers, the taste a delicious combination of mint and something faintly sweet. He explored her mouth gently, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Laluna met his passion with equal fervor, her own kiss deepening as her inhibitions melted away.

They explored each other with a hungry urgency, their tongues intertwining in a silent conversation. It was a kiss filled with discovery, a promise of something more waiting to be explored. When they finally broke apart, gasping for breath, their eyes locked in a silent exchange that spoke volumes.

Xiaojun brushed a strand of hair from Laluna's flushed face. "You want to come back to my place?"

Laluna, still reeling from the intensity of the kiss, surprised even herself by nodding almost immediately. The thrill of the forbidden, the unexpected connection with this handsome guy, it was all too intoxicating to resist.

Xiaojun leaned in again, his touch feather-light as he grazed his lips against hers. "I'll go get the NDA from my manager."

But before he could pull away, Laluna stopped him, placing a hand on his chest.

"Hold on," she said. "I'll go with you, but I'm not signing anything."

Xiaojun looked at her with a mixture of passion and concern. "And how do I know you won't go posting about our night together?"

She slowly looked him over before meeting his gaze again. "You think you have something worth posting?" A sly smile playing on her lips.

He cupped her chin gently, his thumb tracing the soft curve of her jaw. "I'm serious, beautiful."

Laluna leaned into his touch, her eyes searching his. "Then you're going to have to trust me,"

Xiaojun spoke softly, "I really want to believe you, but my company will kill me if we leave without an NDA."

Laluna leaned in to kiss him again, but just before their lips touched, she whispered, "It was nice meeting you, Xiaojun." She then turned and walked away, heading back toward her friends, leaving Xiaojun standing there, wrestling with his own internal conflict.

***

To be continued...