Author's | PARK JIHOON

v.

I broke the eye contact with him and looked at Jihoon when he mentioned his name. His eyes widened, "Okay so don't tell me you and Jinyoung...," he took a glance back at Jinyoung, "Used to be lovers?!"

I pushed his shoulder slightly and creased my eyebrows. He looked at me accusingly, "Or maybe you two are childhood friends and you promised to marry each other once you grow up but suddenly Jinyoung had to move here in South Korea and you lost all contacts with him." He gasped while covering his mouth with both his hands.

I inwardly groaned while rolling my eyes. Sometimes I can't help but think that Jihoon has a secret identity as a bestselling author of some book. He really did have a creative imagination.

Before I could give a sarcastic remark, I saw Jinyoung walking towards our direction. He patted Jihoon's shoulder as a greeting and Jihoon only nodded back. As to confirm his own conclusions, Jihoon slipped to my side, placed his arm around my shoulder, and introduced me to Jinyoung.

"Jinyoung, this is Madison Miller," Jihoon squeezed my shoulder a bit. Ugh, I bet he can't wait to know what's with me and this guy in front of us. Jinyoung's mouth gaped at me with recognition, "Ahh, Madison Miller, Jihoon's ex-girlfriend?" I frowned at that thought. Wow, I feel great that he knew me but is it really good that he knew me as his friend's ex?

I bet Jihoon frowned too, because I think he was expecting some drama. Nevertheless, I only nodded at Jinyoung. He chuckled and took a closer step towards me. I thought he'd do something weird but he only removed the face mask I was still wearing until now. My insides turned as his soft hands touched my cheek while removing the mask. At the same time, I felt Jihoon distance himself from me and Jinyoung.

"You know, it's disrespectful here if you only nod as answer," Jinyoung chuckled as I fixed my hair that was caught up with the straps of the mask I was wearing.

"Ah, yes. Annyeonghaseyo," I took a step back as I bowed down ninety degrees. As I looked again straight at him, I saw that he was staring at the mask that he just removed from me.

"Oh, this is Jihoo—" Before he could finish his sentence, Jihoon immediately lunged forward and grabbed his mask from Jinyoung. "Yes that's mine"

Another trainee ran up to Jinyoung and patted his back rather harshly because it made a sound, "Hey, time to go practice again. Your leader's calling you already." The trainee was Haknyeon. He didn't notice me because he ran back to his group as soon as he delivered the message to Jinyoung. Huh, I bet they're that busy. Now I feel sorry for having a little conversation with Jinyoung.

Jinyoung bid me goodbye. I faced Jihoon gloomily, "Now do you still think there was something between me and him?" I sighed heavily.

He squinted his eyes at me, "So why were you staring at him awhile ago?"

"Duh," I said as a matter-of-fact, "because I like him." He set his lips in a straight line, "Okay but why make a story about me?"

"Well you were the most requested by my readers, so there you have it," I said. I suddenly felt bad and I don't even know why. Was it because I think Jihoon's going to be upset about it?

Jihoon placed his hand on his waist and the other on his chest, "You hurt me." Oh, so he really was honest. I patted his shoulder, "You've got so many fans, I don't think me adding to that fandom would make any difference. That's okay, Jihoon. Not everyone will like you, alright?"

We stayed like that for awhile until Jihoon removed my hand from his shoulder and walked away. I followed him quietly because where else would I go? He was the only person I knew here.

Jihoon stopped walking and threw his face mask back at me, "Don't let any staff see you." It was good that one, I caught the face mask with ease and two, he talked to me already. I thought he was going to hold a grudge against me for a long long time. I placed the mask on my face and he continued walking until we reached their dorms.

I observed the place they were staying on. Amazing, it looks a bit bigger than how I see it on the show. Jihoon pointed his bed, "Stay here and don't touch anybody's stuff, okay? Here's my number so you can call me if anything happens." He gave me his phone with the Contacts app opened. I saved his number and I was about to put my contact in when I realized I couldn't call or text with my own number.

Jihoon knew what I just realized. He quickly opened his bag and searched for his pockets, "Ah right, my manager gave you this." He handed me a micro-sim. "Sorry I forgot to hand it to you." I sat down at the bed while I was inserting the little chip into my phone.

I handed him his phone back once I added myself to his contacts. I sighed once he left the room. I would definitely get bored here.

I fixed my position in this bed and picked my phone up. I noticed that Jihoon also uses the same chat app I have. I smiled evilly as I thought of messaging him while he's at practice.

I put my phone down and tried to close my eyes. I was already dozing off to a good sleep when my phone got a new notification.