Nocturnal Buddies ✩ Yang Jeongin

Chapter 77

Hyunjoo tightened her grip on the strap of her purse, her nerves beginning to skyrocket. It was the first time in a week that she had left her house, discarding the times she went to work. She anxiously looked around, feeling like eyes were boring their way into her. Despite being in an environment that she had grown accustomed to, she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable by any form of staring.

The girl followed behind her boyfriend as he led them to a conference room in his company. He opened the door for her before she entered, thanking him. Eyes fell onto the couple the second they entered, causing her to stiffen a little. Hyunjoo eased up a little when she recognized the staff members in the room. Regardless, she couldn't help the nerves she felt for what they would discuss.

Jeongin guided the girl to the empty seats before they sat down. His team started to discuss what they were planning to say for the announcement, the one that would reveal the couple's relationship. Hyunjoo nervously bounced her leg up and down as she tried her best to listen to them. Her mind was cloudy though, terrified of what would happen the second the news came out. Jeongin noticed and placed a caring hand on top of her trembling one.

He rubbed his thumb against hers, hoping to soothe the girl into a calmer state. It worked slowly but her nerves were still evident. Hyunjoo spoke up occasionally during the meeting, inputting her own thoughts on the matter. She made a few suggestions to the announcement, one that would continue to be PR friendly. Jeongin's team took note of everything that was said before it wrapped up.

Although somewhat relieved, and satisfied with the final results, she knew the worse had yet to come.

"They said they'll release it this afternoon, right?" Hyunjoo inquired as they stepped into the elevator, her anxiousness evidently making itself known through her voice.

Jeongin nodded in response as he pressed the button for the lobby. "Yeah, you'll see it after they finalize it."

He made his way over to his girlfriend before pulling her into his arms, hoping to comfort her. The boy rested his chin on top of her head as her arms snaked around his waist.

"What's on your mind?" he quietly asked, knowing how stressed she has been lately.

"I'm just wondering how I'm going to start showing myself in public again," she mumbled into his hoodie. "I'm genuinely scared that I'll get attacked again, Innie."

Jeongin hummed in acknowledgement, yet he wasn't sure what to say. He knew things would only become more difficult if they made their relationship public. That's why he wanted to make sure she was absolutely certain about her decision. There was nothing he could really say to ease her fears, especially since some of his "fans" were crazy.

"It's okay to be scared, just make sure you're with someone when you start going out. Carry something with you as well, like pepper spray- I'm sure you already do that though," he advised, but he hated the fact he had to tell her to do this type of stuff in the first place.

Hyunjoo wordlessly nodded in response, prompting him to pull back a little to look at her face. The second they made eye contact, he couldn't help but feel guilty for what he's put her through already. His lips drew into a thin line as he contemplated going back to tell his team that he reconsidered the announcement. As if she noticed, she reached up and patted the side of his face.

She gave him a reassuring smile, prompting him to smile back at her. He kissed her for a brief second, hoping to ease both their worried minds. They pulled away seconds later when the elevator reached the lobby. He walked the girl outside and to her car before bidding her farewell. Hyunjoo pulled out of her parking spot, and waved at him one last time, before driving back home.