Love Him...Forever

Close Call, Closer Hearts

"Allen, you don't have to do that," Shine whispered into his ear while keeping a polite smile for the others.

"You can't blame me," Allen argued quietly. "The first and second time you were alone with him, you ended up crying."

Shine quickly pulled Allen toward a corner of the room.

"I know... but it wasn't entirely his fault," she said in a guilty tone. "The first time, I wanted to tell him the truth but I knew I couldn't. And the second... was because I was jealous."

"Whatever the reason," Allen said honestly, "you can't be alone with Yuzuru. No offense, but it seems like you can't handle it. One of these days you might accidentally spill our secret in front of him."

"It won't happen. I promise," Shine declared confidently.

"How will I know that?" Allen asked.

"Because this time, he really believes I'm Hana," Shine replied with finality.

"Come on, let's go back. If we disappear too long, they'll get suspicious," she added.

"What suspicion?" Allen scoffed. "They already think we're a couple."

"Oh... right," Shine muttered. "Still, we should go back."

She turned, but Allen caught her hand and pulled her into a tight hug.

"I'm glad you're okay... but you always make me so worried," Allen whispered, his voice heavy with concern.

"Hey! Hey! Keep it wholesome!" Nam called out loudly, laughing.

Allen let go, and Shine faced the group—Nam, Monika, Javier, Miki, Yuzuru, Kazumi, and Mikka were approaching.

"This is my princess, Miki," Javier said proudly, introducing her.

Allen extended his hand, and Shine followed. Miki gave Shine a head-to-toe look—sharp, assessing. Shine felt a twinge of discomfort. Nam seemed to notice and jumped in.

"She's Hana, our receptionist. And her BOYFRIEND, Allen," Nam emphasized.

"I feel like I've seen you before," Miki said, eyes still locked on Shine.

Javier whispered something to her. Miki's expression shifted to surprise.

"I see..." she murmured, though her suspicious stare remained.

"Hana, you look gorgeous in that dress," Mikka said to break the tension.

"Thank you," Shine replied shyly.

"What were you two talking about?" Monika asked, glancing between Shine and Allen—hungry for details.

"I just told Hana never to leave my sight again," Allen answered, eyes lingering on Shine.

Under different circumstances, Shine would've found that unbearably cringeworthy.

Later...

The banquet ended, and everyone headed to their rooms, exhausted.

Shine kicked off her five-inch heels and threw herself onto the bed. But the moment her body touched the mattress—

Ding-dong... Ding-dong...

"Who could it be?" she groaned lifelessly.

Ding-dong... Ding-dong...

"WAIT!" Shine yelled, dragging herself up and heading to the door.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"It's me—Yuzuru!"

Shine instantly opened the door. Yuzuru stood there with a bright smile, waving, flanked by Mr. Horishima and two bodyguards.

"Hello," he greeted cheerfully.

"Isn't he tired?" Shine's inner voice complained. She wanted to shut the door on instinct.

"Yuzuru... what do you want?" Shine asked instead.

"Can I come in?" he asked.

"I... guess?" she said uncertainly, stepping aside.

He walked in and sat comfortably on the couch. Shine sat too, but far less relaxed.

"What brings you here?" she asked, confused by his late-night visit.

"Nothing, actually," he said casually.

"Nothing? Nothing? You disturbed my peace for NOTHING?" her inner self snapped internally.

"Nothing? I don't believe you. For you to come here personally, it must be something," Shine said aloud—less sarcastic but honest.

"Actually... I came to see you," Yuzuru said calmly.

Her inner voice rolled its eyes. Here we go again. One moment he's fine with Hana, the next he isn't.

"See me? What for?" Shine asked, keeping a neutral expression even though her heart was pounding.

"Don't worry, it's nothing serious. I just... need someone to talk to." His voice grew distant, eyes fixed on nothing.

Shine frowned—completely confused.

"Is that why he brought his bodyguards? Does he want me to admit I'm Shine?" her inner voice panicked.

"I know you don't trust me anymore because of our past encounter," Yuzuru continued honestly, "but I really just need someone to talk to."

"Why me? Where's Mikka, Kazumi... even Monika? And why not just call me?" Shine asked.

"Mikka had something urgent and left early. Kazumi—well, I don't feel comfortable talking to her this late. Monika is with Nam, and I didn't want to disturb them. So..." he paused, showing her his dead phone.
"My phone died."

"Oh. I see," Shine said, finally understanding.

She crossed her legs and sat back—more relaxed now.

"So... what did you want to talk about, Yuzuru?" she asked.