Xiaojun is the main singer of the hit Chinese boyband group, Wayv. Despite the adoration of countless fans and the relentless demands of his career, he longs for something more authentic. His world changes when he meets Laluna, a vibrant and indepen...
The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. Laluna lay still, her eyes slowly opening as she became aware of her surroundings. The first thing she noticed was Xiaojun, asleep beside her, his breathing steady and peaceful. His face was relaxed, the usual intensity he carried in his waking hours softened by sleep. He looked beautiful, almost serene, and for a moment, Laluna allowed herself to simply admire him.
She traced the lines of his face with her eyes, memorizing every detail, wishing she could freeze this moment in time. There was something so perfect about it—about being this close to him, wrapped in the warmth of his bed, sharing the silence of the early morning. But reality tugged at her thoughts, reminding her that this wasn't something she could hold onto.
She knew how things worked in his world, the boundaries that fame and public life imposed. This, right here, was as close as she would ever get. The thought made her heart ache, but she steeled herself, knowing she had to leave before things became awkward or complicated.
Carefully, she lifted Xiaojun's arm off her, moving slowly to avoid waking him. He stirred slightly but didn't wake, his face remaining peaceful. Laluna held her breath, waiting for him to settle back into sleep, and when he did, she smoothly slid out of the bed.
As she quietly dressed, she glanced back at him one last time. Part of her wanted to crawl back under the covers and stay there, to wake up with him and see what the day would bring. But she pushed that thought away, knowing it was better this way. With one final look, she opened the bedroom door and slipped out, closing it gently behind her.
The apartment was quiet, the morning still early enough that his bandmates were either still asleep or out of sight. Laluna moved quickly, her footsteps light as she made her way to the door. She paused for a moment, listening for any sounds, but all was silent. Relieved, she darted out and didn't look back.
Once she was outside, the cool air hit her, waking her up fully. She hurried to the nearest bus stop, her heart still racing from the escape. As she sat on the bench, she pulled out her phone and dialed Karina. The video call connected, and she was greeted by the sight of Karina in the kitchen, the other aespa members bustling around in the background.
"Morning," Laluna greeted with a small smile.
Karina looked at her through the screen, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Morning. So... how'd it go?"
Laluna could see the other girls in the background leaning in, clearly interested in the conversation. She hesitated for a moment before replying, "It was... great. More than great, it was incredible."
Winter's face appeared in the camera, "And what did he have to say about it?"
Laluna managed a small smile. "He didn't say anything... because he was still asleep when I left."
Karina raised an eyebrow just as Ningning's voice rang out from the background. "YOU ONE NIGHT STANDED HIM?"
Laluna's eyes widened in horror as she noticed the older woman sitting beside her at the bus stop, staring at her in surprise. Laluna offered an apologetic smile before turning her attention back to the phone. "You want to put it on a billboard too?"
Winter's voice softened as she apologized, "Sorry,"
Laluna sighed, shaking her head. "Besides, it's not like I did anything wrong. It was always meant to be a one-time thing. If anything, I saved him the awkwardness of kicking me out afterward."
Karina frowned, stirring her pot absentmindedly. "I don't think Xiaojun is that type of guy."
"Well, it's too late now. The damage is already done," Laluna said, glancing down the street to see if her bus was approaching.
Karina wasn't ready to let it go. "Maybe not. He might still be asleep. You could just slide back into bed like nothing happened."
Laluna shook her head at the suggestion, her resolve firm. "If I sleep any more, I'll be late to work."
Karina started to say something, but Laluna cut her off, not wanting to dwell on it any longer. "I see the bus coming. I've got to go."
"Wait, Lu, maybe—"
"Bye, guys." Laluna ended the call before her friend could finish, not wanting to hear any more suggestions about what could have been.
She sighed again, her mind replaying the events of the night before. Despite everything, a small smile crept onto her face as she remembered the way Xiaojun had kissed her, the way he had held her like she was something precious.
But all good things must come to an end, she reminded herself as she stood up to board the bus. And this was the end of her and Xiaojun.
***
To be continued...
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