ShIInee and Me~

Chapter 3 - The Fashion Diva

As the car rolled into the central mall of Seoul, Taemin was jumping up and down in his seat in excitement.

Ali just stares at him. "What's so exciting about shopping? And I thought you said you guys didn't like to be seen in public."

Taemin finishes texting someone and grins at her. "I mean yeah, but. One of the five of us enjoys it a lot, especially shopping." She raises an eyebrow at him. "And no, I'm not talking about me."

Looking back outside and crossing her arms, she mutters to herself. "Then I know EXACTLY who you're talking about..."

"What was that?" Taemin asked.

She just dismisses what she said motioning her hand to him like she was swatting away a fly. "Oh nothing, just speaking to myself. That happens quite often." She feigns confidence while her hairs stood on edge.

Is she going to meet ALL of them? This is too much of a coincidence, and way too good to be true.

Minho had struck away her confidence the moment she saw him. Her life here is supposed to be quiet, with no excitement or drama. No one making decisions for her, telling her what to do. And ESPECIALLY; no bossy ex-boyfriends shaping her life.

She wanted no part in this. Fear began seeping into her as the car was parked on the sidewalk in front of the mall.

Taemin excitedly got out and opened the door for her. She muttered a thank you and gripped her Shinee wallet tight, ready to make a run for it.

Anywhere could and would be better than here.

Closing her eyes tight and deciding what to do in her head, Taemin had lightly touched her arm, worry evident in his face.

"Ali? What's wrong?"

Her eyes flutter open ever so slowly. She bites her lower lip. "I-I'm not sure I should say." She spoke hesitantly.

"Do you want to leave?"

And she did want to... Well, sort of. Mostly out of fear, because she thought this was all a dream that she would wake up from. Or worse, this would completely shatter the peaceful life she had created here.

But she honestly wanted to stay. Not because she used to be a fan of Shinee, but because so far, they've shown her nothing but kindness. Both Taemin and Minho have been patient with her... Perhaps the others will be, as well.

Ali shakes it all off, pushes her thoughts aside, smiles and speaks with the utmost sincerity.

"I'm just a little nervous, Taemin. I never thought I'd be able to meet you guys."

Her answer made him sigh in relief. "Oh, thank goodness!" He placed a hand in his chest. "I thought you were gonna say that you didn't like me." He pouted like a little boy.

She shakes her head and giggles, taking him by his hand this time and strolling in through the doors of the mall, the fear dissipating from her. "You're very likeable, Tae. Trust me."

As they both entered the mall hand-in-hand, Ali began to notice that people were whispering around them.

This was definitely not like in the U.S., where people would care less if you're holding someone's hand. Ali remembered than in Korea, physical contact with people was well... More respected. So she quickly, but without urgency, took her hand out of his.

He just smiled and nodded in understanding, also having noticed the whispering voices around them.

Out of nowhere, some girls ran towards Taemin and asked for his picture, recognizing who he was. He happily welcomed the fans and left Ali by herself in the now crowded space where he was.