CMOL and Fearless

15

We sat in the sun eating lunch. There was a big water fountain and we sat on one side of it eating burgers and fries and drinking juice. The place wasn't too busy thankfully but there were still a lot of people. I assumed it would be busier on holidays. I checked the time. The meeting was at seven and it was already one o'clock.

We had fun for the remaining five hours then we headed back. We couldn't be late. It was a thirty minute drive from the place we were staying to the CEO's place.

The meeting with the ceo was extremely tiring. I was constantly worrying. Is he going to hurt us? I hoped he would only talk to us. We left after about an hour and I calmed down a bit. I could see that Leroy had been really worried that the ceo would realize he'd eaten half a burger for lunch. Leroy worried me a lot these days.

It was 8:22 and the members and I were walking back from the grocery store where we had been dropped off after the meeting with the ceo. My phone started ringing.

I looked at the caller number. I didn't recognize it. I thought for a moment then answered.

"Hello?" I said cautiously.

"Hey, is this Iseul?" A girl's voice asked.

"Mi Kyung?" I asked.

"Yes, that's me."

"How did you get my number?"

"I asked and your manager gave it to me. It's okay for me to call you right? Your manager wasn't going to give it to me, which I understand but I said we were friends and then he gave me your number. I'm not catching you at a bad time am I?"

Panic set in.

"You, you talked to my manager?" I asked.

"When?" I added.

"Just a few minutes ago, I had his number because of when I interviewed you guys."

"I'm, I'm busy right now, it's not a good time to talk. We can talk later, um... I don't know when, just not right now." I said.

I ended the call.

"Who was that? Did I hear Mi Kyung's name?" Junsu asked.

"What do I do?" I asked, uncertain of what I should be doing to fix the situation.

I had never really thought of this situation ever occurring.

"What do you mean?"

"She. She asked our manager for my number."

"What?!" Zeke exclaimed.

"What do I do? What am I supposed to do now? What if the ceo misunderstands and thinks I was planning on telling her everything?!"

"Oh shit. Um... Oh my God. I don't know, how long ago did she ask for your number?"

"A few minutes ago." I replied.

My phone started ringing. I looked at the number and I started breathing hard.

"Guys, it's him."

"Okay. Steady your breathing and answer your phone." Zeke said.

I took a deep breath and answered the phone.

"Hello mr. Paek."

"Iseul."

"I heard something interesting about you not too long ago."

"It's not what you think!"

"So, you're saying you weren't talking to a television host?"

"No, I was talking to a television host but we are just friends and I didn't tell her anything."

Please believe me. I'm telling the truth.

"Really? You want me to believe that you started talking to her just to be friends and not to tell her anything about me? You know, my reputation is very good right now. Everyone loves me, it would be pretty bad for you if my reputation was damaged. Well, it seems like you are telling the truth and who would believe you if you did tell her about me. I'm a bigger celebrity then you. But, you were talking to someone, and a girl at that. Do you like her?"

"No, I said we are just friends." I replied.

"Really."

"Yes, we are just friends!"

"I think you are lying, or at least from what I heard, it sounds like she's interested in you."

"I'm a Kpop idol, there are plenty of people interested in me."

"Yes, but why would you become friends with a fan if you weren't interested in them?"

"And I mentioned you guys couldn't date, I don't care who it is. You all belong to me. Well, maybe Junsu can date, he's too young for me anyway. Actually, Junsu dating might give the group more people interested, more articles, maybe more interviews. I'll let Junsu know he can date whoever he wants."

"I... I'm not dating her, you don't need to worry." I said quietly.

"Oh, I'm already worried, I want you to come over to where I'm staying."

He hung up his phone.

I stood there. Why, why did he have to find out about Mi Kyung.

"I have to go back, see you guys later."

"Do you want me to take a taxi with you until you get there? I'll wait for you if you want." Siwoo offered.

"No, it's okay. I'll be back." I replied.

I headed off to the store which wasn't far away then I called a taxi and waited. It had cooled down outside and although it wasn't that cold outside the night breeze was chilling. Or maybe it was just the fear setting in.

Hello, I hope you all are doing well and staying healthy.