444 (BTS Hyung Line x OCs)

Sixteen: Temptation and Deception

Lola stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the strap of her sleek black dress for what felt like the hundredth time. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, the plunging neckline a little riskier than what she usually wore, but tonight was different. Tonight, she wanted to make Hoseok notice her, to feel his eyes on her the entire evening. She smiled at her reflection, pleased with how the outfit turned out. The deep red lipstick she wore was bold, daring, just like her.

She hadn't expected Hoseok to ask her out so soon after everything that had happened, but she was glad he did. There was something about him—his warmth, his light—that made her feel at ease, even if part of her was still holding back. He had been so understanding when she broke down the other night, chasing after her when no one else did. She owed him for that, and tonight, she wanted to repay him in the way she knew best—by capturing his attention completely.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her purse and headed outside, where Hoseok was waiting. The sight of him made her heart skip a beat. He stood by the car, his hands casually in his pockets, a smile lighting up his face the moment he saw her.

"Wow," he breathed, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. "You look... incredible."

Lola smiled, pleased with his reaction. "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."

Hoseok chuckled, his cheeks turning slightly pink. "Shall we?"

𖤛❀𖤛❀𖤛❀𖤛❀𖤛❀𖤛❀𖤛

They arrived at a quaint restaurant by the beach, the sound of waves crashing against the shore creating a peaceful backdrop for their evening. As they sat down, the candlelight flickered between them, casting a warm glow over their table. It was intimate, romantic, and for a moment, Lola allowed herself to relax, to enjoy the moment without worrying about the secrets she carried.

Hoseok was as charming as ever, his energy infectious as he talked about everything from music to travel. He had a way of making her laugh effortlessly, his bright smile never fading. Lola found herself leaning in closer, hanging on his every word, her hand occasionally brushing against his as they talked.

But there was something beneath his smile, a quiet concern that he hadn't voiced yet, and Lola could sense it. She knew what he was thinking, what he was waiting to ask. It was only a matter of time before the conversation shifted to more serious topics.

Halfway through their meal, after a brief lull in the conversation, Hoseok cleared his throat, his expression softening. "Lola, I've been meaning to ask... how are you doing? I mean, really?"

Lola's heart skipped a beat, her hand tightening around her glass of wine. She had known this was coming, but it still caught her off guard. She met his gaze, trying to keep her expression neutral.

"I'm doing a lot better," she said, her voice steady. "I've been working through things, trying to keep my head on straight."

Hoseok nodded, his eyes searching hers. "And the... other stuff? You know, what happened the other night."

Lola's stomach twisted. She had promised Hoseok that she wouldn't slip up again, that she was in control. But she hadn't been able to keep that promise. After their moment, when she went back to the house, she had used again. The guilt of it weighed on her now, but she couldn't let him know. She couldn't lose him.

"I haven't touched anything since then," she lied, forcing a smile. "It was a one-time thing. I just... got overwhelmed. But I'm fine now."

Hoseok studied her for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly. She could tell he wasn't entirely convinced, but he nodded anyway, choosing to trust her words.