Forever Young 영원히 젊은 Park Jimin

Chapter 27: The Invitation

It's been around seven months since our last comeback so I was a bit nervous about our performance. This was a new concept for us. As If It's Your Last was more of a cute, summer pop song. The dance was also more girly, as well as our outfits. This was also our first comeback since all of the rumors about me have come out, which was why I was so nervous standing at the backstage of Show! Music Core, waiting for our turn to perform.

I haven't been this nervous since our debut.

My throat was beginning to feel dry, just like it did every time I get nervous, so I told the girls that I was just going to get some water and made my way to the water dispenser on the other side. I got a disposable cup, filled it with warm water, and drank it. As I was about to throw the cup away, someone stepped in front of me. Luckily, I was able to stop before I hit their chest.

"Annyeong haseyo." The boy greeted. I looked up to see a boy with sharp features and light pink hair. "I'm Lee Taeyong from NCT."

His hands were in his pockets, and he was giving off a cool, but gentle vibe. However, the way his eyes shifted told me that he was a bit nervous.

Was he nervous because he was talking to me?

I realized that I haven't responded yet, so I decided to introduce myself.

"Hello. I'm-"

"Cheon Gaeil. BLACKPINK. Trust me I know." He said, cutting me off. I playfully raised an eyebrow, which made him turn red in embarrassment.

It must be my "YG image". He must think that I'm really intimidating.

I chuckled to let him know that I wasn't mad or anything, and I saw him let out a huge breath.

"Um, is there anything I can help you with?" I asked him.

"No. Um sorry, yes actually." He said. "I'd like to apologize for the dating rumor."

I looked at him quizzically, not knowing what he was talking about.

"The one between us three weeks ago. It's kind of my fault." He explained shyly, scratching the back of his neck.

Oh, that one. The one my manager told me about while we were in Hawaii.

Wait, did he say it was his fault?

"Really?" I questioned in disbelief. He gave me an embarrassed smile, then hid his face in his hands.

"Yeah." He replied. "I was doing a VLive and they asked me who my ideal girl was."

My eyes widened a bit when I realize what he meant.

Me. I was his ideal girl.

"Oh, um, it's okay." I answered, awkwardly patting his shoulder.

"Thanks. It was kind of stupid of me actually. I shouldn't have said it like that." He chuckled. I smiled at him, not knowing what else to say. I was about to bow and walk away when he started to speak again.

"Actually I wanted to ask you something." He paused, clearing his throat. I started to panic internally. I could kind of tell what he was going to say next and I was not in the mood to hear it, but at the same time, I didn't want to be rude, so I just braced myself.

"I was wondering if-"

"There you are Gale-ah!" Jennie said, appearing out of nowhere and hugging me from the side. I hugged her back and shot her a very grateful look.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation but we need to get ready for our performance." She told Taeyong. He looked a bit disappointed, but he covered it with a smile.