I am NOT your fan | EXO CHEN

41. Don't apologize

Song: Windflower - MAMAMOO✨

'You probably already know, I was really lonely while you weren't here, I had a hard time. When I was with you, why couldn't I treat you better? Why are sweet words starting to linger now? How many times do I have to regret?'

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Finally, Sunday came. I looked forward to the end of the week so that I could spend some quality time with Mel again - at the carnival we both loved going.

Also, I was excited to tell her about last night, how Jongdae insisted on doing OT work with me, not to mention him whining about the unnecessary shredded paper job for the rest of the night.

If you wondered, Jongdae didn't throw the shredded work away. He kept it, saying that this would help him remember how the night with me went by. But come on, we both knew he just didn't want to throw away the hard work he spent on for three full hours.

By 2 am, we were done and out of the office. Jongdae insisted on sending me home, but I threatened that if he did that, I wouldn't talk to him ever again.

It's not that I wanted to push him away again, but I could tell he was tired too and I wanted him to head straight home and get a good rest. He probably took it the other way though.

So here I was standing in front of the carnival entrance, wearing my pair of shades to shield from the scorching sun. The weather was getting slightly warmer thanks to that, and I love it.

But Mel was late.

It was five minutes past 12 pm, and she was nowhere in sight. It was only odd because Mel was always either early or punctual.

I dialed her number and gave her a call. "Hey, where are you? Don't tell me you forgot about our date."

"I'm sorry, I didn't forget about it. It's just that..."

"Just what?"

"S-Something urgent came up today, I can't make it."

"Is everything okay? What happened? Do you want me to drop by your place?"

"NO! STAY RIGHT THERE," she voiced out through the phone. "I-I can't make it, but since you're already at the carnival, you should just go ahead without me."

"Where would I go without you? We're supposed to come here together. I obviously won't go in alone." As I talked, I strolled away from the entrance, assuming our date got canceled.

"You're not alone. I sent someone else in my place to meet you."

"WHAT? Who?" I pressed the phone closer to my ears and slowed down my footsteps.

"You'll see soon!" And she rushed to hang up on me.

"Woman what the heck!" I hissed at the empty line, feeling so betrayed and confused suddenly.

Mel said 'you'll see soon'? What does that even mean? Am I really supposed to wait and expect someone else? Who am I even supposed to look out for?

Maybe I should give Mel another call.

"Rosie, hi."

A mysterious male called out to me. I looked around, trying to spot the man whose voice I found familiar. I know I heard it before. When he tapped my back, I spun around coming face to face with him.

"MINHO?"

He was standing there, wearing an awkward smile. "Hi," he waved.

"What are you doing here?" I asked even though I knew the reason - that cunning Mel must've sent him here.