Fate

Chapter 176

Mina's P.O.V.
After exiting the stage and getting a group hug with the girls, I went to congratulate one in particular. "Janyoung, that ending was spot on! Beautiful, really. You jumped into this after touring? I'm tipping my hat to you."

She was flattered. "Oh, please. Eonni. I couldn't pass the opportunity."

"Clearly not." Not hearing Mina-ssi or sunbae made this moment even better. Oh, no. Is that silver hair? I pulled her inside our assigned room.
"It's been a delight to work with you."

She looked behind her. "What's going on? I've never seen that look on your face."

Yes, because it's fear. I don't fear many things, but being rejected by the people I love was what scared me the most. Keep your composure. "I thought I saw someone I've been in disagreement with. That's all."

That young lady had a character, and I greatly appreciated it. "You? Yoon Mina sunbaenim, hiding? The only reaction I've seen you have to disagreements, was speaking your mind. Where did that go?"

"You'd be right about that.. But, I suppose that some exceptions apply."

I was surprised by her hand on my arm. "Don't make it a habit, eonni. It's not a good look on you."
She smiled and picked up her things. "That person must be gone by now, you should so like all of us and go home."

Sadly, my issue would still be at home, if not here. I smiled back. "Sure. Lead the way."
Maybe I saw wrong. But I knew that shade of hair dye.

Could I just stay here? Leaning on the cold concrete wall of the building. It'd be colder home, surely. He must despise me by now, resent me..
"What-" I jumped a sudden touch. It turned into a firm grasp on my hand.

"Keep your head high, and stride." I wasn't mistaken.
"You were brilliant."

I couldn't meet his gaze. I couldn't begin to understand what was going on. Thinking was impossible. I..did as I was told, until he closed the taxi door. "What are you..."
Doing here? The words couldn't leave my mouth. I couldn't articulate a syllable in English, Hangul even less.

His hold of my hand softened, lacing his fingers with mine, caressing the back of my hand with his thumb. What on Earth was he doing?  "I didn't mean to startle you."
Well, you have me stunned and confused. "Do I need to speak French? Because I'm not sure I'm good enough to do so."

I shook my head, but my eyes stayed on the seat in front of me. I couldn't get his tone. Was he angry? Upset? He called the performance brilliant, but one didn't stop the other. The look on his face would give it away.
.
.
.
"Mina. Say something."

My thoughts finished loading once home and I dumped them on him. "Why were you there? Why did you take me home? Why did you hold my hand? Why did you caress my hair? Why do YOU care? Weren't you pissed at me? I've never felt so small, numb, and afraid to lose what I have. Then, you show up without warning? Giving me orders? I'm not a pet."

How fast was that? Did I even breathe? "You CAN talk.. I was getting worried."

"Worried? If only you knew how worried I am that you've known this long. If it came out, it'd be terrible. I'm anxious enough about performing this song in the outfit without fishnet tights. Concealer's good enough for the editors of the clip, but live? Whispers already started. How do you think it looks? We were happily chatting away three days ago on a night out and now-"

He jumped in.
"That's why I said to keep your head high and walk. I'd rather see pride on your face, instead of that contorted mixture of sadness, rage and fear."
He saw my face? Don't hate me. It's complicated. I can explain.. somewhat.
"Yoon Mina.. Will you please look at me? I beg you."

That man never begged, ever. When we were eye to eye, I couldn't believe the stern expression from yesterday got replaced by this wounded one. "If you want an apology, I already pleaded my case."

"I know about the NDA." That sentence alone made my knees buckle. Thankfully, the couch's armrest was right behind me. Namjoon's hand was on my back.
Was he trying to be nice? He read it? How? Why? What did he think about it? Was he gonna be angry again?
I shifted to remain seated, elbows on my thighs, head in my hands.
"I came to apologize. I couldn't risk you deciding to sleep at a friend's.."

Let me get this straight. You're saying that.. "You read what I signed?"

He moved back. "Before you say anything, I know it's a private document. You are in your right to be livid. I get that. A man in your life dealt with your legal stuff without your consent. I'm deeply sorry, but the way they did it forced me to. It wasn't right. I'm sorry I blew up at you. My reaction would've been different, if they told me after the tour was over, if they or you explained everything from the start, but you weren't allowed and they wouldn't say a word."

I was upset, but relieved and also weary. "Am I supposed to forgive you? I can't say you've been very forgiving. You brought it up straight AFTER sex. I felt used. I wasn't in a position to argue about that, but you tricked me.. acting like it was fine."

Namjoon's P.O.V.
She should- actually.. I'm not entitled to forgiveness. I certainly didn't grace her with it yesterday. Looking back.. I felt awful.
"You're right. What I did was disgusting, not gauche. I knew what I was doing. I didn't show you kindness."

Mina.. Look at me. I get how annoying not being glanced at is now. I'm sorry.
"You really didn't. What else did you get your nose into?"
Why was it obvious that I had more to hide?
"What are you doing?"

Ha! She took a look. Maybe I could get her eyes on me. If I had to do more than kneeling, I would.
"Getting your attention.."
Please, let me hold your hand. Please- I could? Good..
"I did a few things."
Sh*t, was that how I looked at her yesterday?
"The nurse that came home wasn't a standard procedure."
I expected her eyes to go wide..
"I got the updates too. I was sent those separately.. From the beginning."

Was she angry? Now that her gaze was on me, I couldn't meet it. "Namjoon, is there anything else?"

She didn't sound sweet, but I couldn't find anger either.
"One last thing.. You won't have to pay for the private room. I took care of it when Moonbyul noona was filling your admission."

I was waiting for her to go off on me like she did with Hoseok hyung.
"That's why it wasn't on my bill.."
Her hand held mine tighter.
"You would've found out anyway, huh? We went through all that ordeal for nothing?"
What? She did have a point.
"Talk about morally grey.."

"It's not because we have a wide vocabulary that we are good communicators with each other, are we?"

"Obviously.." I don't know whose eyes were redder with tears at this point. Hers or mine.
"..Says the man who spoke at The United Nations."

I choked on my laugh. "Doesn't mean anything, does it? That's not a class on how to resolve conflicts with my girlfriend."
I carefully pulled her chin up.
"We're good?"

A shy smile. "I'm still upset with you, but I think we can work it out."

We're on the same page then.
"Me too."
I got up, so did she. Thankfully, she didn't refuse my hug.
"All of those misunderstandings aside.. Everything else I've said and done still stands."

"Knowing you did, while you were aware of what was going on... I'm truly thankful, Joonie."
Min initiated a light peck. Her lips meeting mine made me so relieved.

I brought her head back to my shoulder. "And I'm glad you're well, Foxy.."