Denial || Taemin & Naeun

Confrontations

"Oh, Annyeonghasaeyo...?" Kai looked a little bewildered at first as he watched me crawl to every direction of the floor like a crazy person or something.

But then I think he finally understood why after he saw my coins scattered all around me. He bent down and began helping me collect it as well.

"Oh, no it's oka-"

But one by one he carefully cooped up all my coins in his palm and placed it back into my wallet until there was no visible coin left on the ground - he made sure of that because he checked thoroughly all around.

"There. I think it's all inside now." He reassured me.

"Khamsahamnida..." I gave a soft smile and got up from my knees. My legs kind of hurt from kneeling but all I could think about was how I was going to make this all look less awkward than it already is.

"Are you okay?" He asked in a concerning tone.

"Hm? Me?" I blinked a few times. "Oh, I'm fine don't worry." I smiled politely. Kai scrunched his eyebrows.

"You sure?" He asked, not convinced of my answer. "You seem.. tired and pale. Like you saw a ghost. Is everything alright?"

I wanted to reply with a "not really" but then I realized that this was Taemin's best friend I'm talking to. I couldn't possibly tell him anything. It might go back to Taemin.

Besides, me and Kai are long time friends. I don't want to be all awkward with him just because of some unnecessary stuffs that happened in the past. I'm over it already.

"No, I'm fine." I shook my head with a smile

But Kai wasn't buying it. "Are you sure Naeun-ssi?."

"I am. I'm fine." I urged in the most polite manner. Kai narrowed his eyes and started scrutinizing my honesty. I rolled my eyeballs. He is so annoying.

Kai playfully laughed. "Okay, okay, I understand Naeun-ssi. So are you on your way home or something?"

I scoffed in annoyance. "I'm afraid not." I held my head. "My manager is stuck on the highway so he won't be here anytime soon." I sighed at the thought of me probably not being able to eat dinner.

"Oh.. That sucks." He shook his head. I agreed and let out a soft sigh. "So what are you doing here? Do you have a schedule here or something?" I asked curiously.

I mean there wasn't any reason for him to be here if he didn't have one. So I was lowkey surprised to see him here.

"Ah." He said. "I'm actually free today so I came to see how Taemin was doing." he beamed.

Of course. Why didn't I think of that. He and Taemin are best friend's. It's only natural they would support each other like this.

I smiled along. "Oh, that's nice." Kai carefully looked around to see if anybody was around before saying anything else.

"So did you and Taemin talk or something..?" he asked softly. I froze for a second. I did not see that coming.

"Uhm... not really..." I stuttered a little.

"I see..." He replied with a nod. He then looked down to the floor and suddenly lit up. I was wondering what he saw that would've made him have that reaction.

He reached down to the ground and picked up with what looks like a piece of paper. He stared at it for a moment before turning it to the front showing it to me - it was a picture of Taemin as a child.

I widened my eyes in shock. I felt like killing myself at that moment. That photo was in my wallet along with all my other pictures.

It must have dropped along with all my coins earlier as well but I didn't see it. I really think I should start wearing glasses.

Kai looked over at me in confusion. "Isn't this Taemin?" He scrunched his eyebrows. I quickly took it from his hand and hid it behind my back. "Yeah..." I muttered.

Kai folded his arms and scratched his head. "Is that yours?" he asked. I didn't respond. He took it as a yes either way.

"Why do you have photos of Taemin with you? Especially his baby photos?" he questioned.

I took a deep breathe and thought for a moment. "Do you remember a few years ago... we both were filming that show..." I stopped halfway because it's kind of cringy to bring back old memories.

"We got married?" Kai continued. "Yeah I remember. Did he give it to you back then?" he asked.

"Yeah... He did." I confessed. I didn't dare look at him because it felt so weird. Kai paused for a moment. "And you still have it until this day..?" He looked at me in disbelief.

I kept quiet. I didn't have an answer. I didn't want to have one. I didn't want to have this conversation at all. But I brought this upon myself.

"Do you... like him Naeun-ssi?" he asked me straightforwardly. I stared at him in shock. I didn't know what to say.

If I said no, then he would question why I still had pictures of him in my wallet. If I said yes then it would all be over.

"Of course not Kai-ssi. I just kept it because I didn't have the heart to throw it away." I said nonchalantly.

He stared at me. "You could've just gave him his pictures back? Or put it somewhere in your house? Why do you carry it with you?" he persisted.

I was frustrated at this point. I really didn't have any words left to persuade him that this isn't what he thinks it is. I really don't like Taemin. Not like that. I swear......

"Look you can talk to me if there's something going on. I can help." He assured me. I shook my head.

"No you're wrong Kai-ssi. There isn't anything going on. I think you've got the wrong idea. It's just a photo." I said persistently. Kai was a little stunned at my tone.

But then I smiled and bowed a little to him before grabbing my bag and my jacket. "I need to go now. Thank you for helping me. It was nice seeing you again." And with that I left the room without turning back.

Taemin's POV

There was a short break so I decided to head back to the dressing room to get refreshments. I saw my best friend Jongin from afar and immediately came flying onto him.

"Yoo Kai!" I exclaimed as I entered the room. But Kai didn't seem too energetic as I was. "What's wrong? Did something happen?" I questioned.

Kai shooked his head and smiled. "No nothing." I playfully poked his shoulders "Come on, don't lie. What's up?" I asked as I grabbed a bottle of water.

"Taemin, do you like Son Naeun?" Kai asked out of the sudden.

I almost choked on my water upon hearing that question.

[🌸] Hihi. I'm currently having my exams now so it will be hard for me to update regularly but I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. ❤