Love Him...Forever

Yuzuru's House

Allen arrived at the club later that afternoon to pick up Min.

"Allen? Why are you here?" Hana asked, momentarily forgetting that Allen was supposed to be her boyfriend.

Allen chuckled at her obliviousness.
"Uh... because my girlfriend works here?" he said sarcastically, laughing.

Shine frowned and shot him a deadly look.

Allen only grinned wider. He cupped her face and gently leaned his forehead against hers—an intimate scene that made several people walking past stare.

"Don't be mad," Allen said softly, flashing his deep dimples.

Shine pushed him lightly, still frowning. Allen continued smiling, obviously enjoying her reaction.

"The truth is, I'm here to pick up Min. His dad can't make it today," he explained.

Just as Allen expected, Shine's expression softened the moment he mentioned her brother.

"I see," she said, a tiny smile appearing—small enough that only Allen noticed.

"Don't be mad at me anymore," Allen pleaded, giving her a puppy-eyed look.

"How can I be angry with that face?" her inner self sighed.

"Okay, okay," Shine said in surrender.

Allen brightened.
Then Shine suddenly added, "By the way, I'll be at Yuzuru's house later."

Allen's smile dropped instantly. He frowned, silently waiting for more explanation.

"We're celebrating Javi's victory tonight. It's the only time we're complete," Shine said, trying to keep her voice neutral. "Yuzuru offered his place since he'll be in Japan until mid-August. He probably wants to bond before he leaves again."

"I see..." Allen muttered, still frowning.

"I can drop you off," he offered. "Min's house is just a few houses away from his."

"No need!" Monika chimed in as she returned to reception. She draped an arm around Shine's shoulders. "Nam and I will go with her."

Shine could see the doubt still lingering in Allen's eyes.

"Don't worry, I'll return Hana to you in one piece," Monika assured him with a bright smile—almost too bright.

Shine noticed Allen didn't have the heart to refuse Monika.
Maybe Allen likes her, her inner self muttered jealously.

"You can count on me," Monika added with a flirty smile.

"Allen!" Min suddenly ran toward him.

"Hey, buddy." Allen bent down. "Your dad asked me to take you home today. Is that okay?"

Min nodded, used to Allen picking him up from time to time.

"Good!" Allen said and grabbed Min's bag. Min handed Shine his keys and waved goodbye.

"Hana, Monika—we'll go ahead. And Monika, take care of my girlfriend. Hana, call me when you get there, okay?" Allen said firmly.

"Don't worry, I will," Monika answered, still clinging to Shine.

Shine nodded and waved at Min.
Allen leaned in and kissed her cheek.

"Call me," he repeated, then left with Min.

The moment they were gone, Monika shot Shine a curious, almost suspicious look.

"What?" Shine frowned, confused.