Fated||K

chapter five

"listen chloe," jaehyung spoke in the meeting room, "i know it's only been a few days after you've debuted, but remember the collaboration stage with k that i mentioned?"

"uh yeah," chloe nodded, "what about it?"

"the practices for that are going to start soon. i know you're busy with your promotions, but it's already been added to your schedules," jaehyung explained.

chloe let out a big breath and smiled, "o- okay. if that's what i'm supposed to do, then i'll do it."

"you're sure?"

"yes," chloe nodded, following jaehyung nodding and walking away.

"i have no choice either way," she sighed quietly to herself.

it wasn't that chloe didn't want to work with k. she was more than excited to work with him. it also wasn't because of the busy schedule either.

a few days after her debut, she took time out of her day to read the comments of her music and performance videos. without a doubt, chloe knew that she'd be seeing negative feedback.

however, she didn't expect to see hate comment after hate comment after hate comment with a few positive ones here and there. it made her feel like all her training and hard work was for nothing. all the confidence that she had gained over time felt like it was all for nothing as well.

but is it really the idol life if there aren't people who despise you?
—
"well i'd like to start this meeting by congratulating chloe on her debut," one of the choreographers smiled.

"thank you," chloe shyly chuckled, looking down at her hands that were placed in her lap.

manager jaehyung, chloe, k, and k's manager were all in a meeting with the choreographer and stylists of their special stage performance they'd be doing soon. they discussed the song choice and which parts k and chloe would be having as well as the outfits they'd be wearing.

since it was the winter time, they agreed to perform mistletoe, which was perfect because christmas was a few days after their performance.

the song would start off in english, then transition into korean and chloe and k could not have seemed to be more excited.

after the meeting, the two were immediately brought into separate rooms to begin the fitting for their outfits, which did not take half as long as the meeting did.

chloe and k ended up running into each other as they exited the room after finishing their fitting, allowing them to walk together.

"so how's it been? you know, with your busy idol life after debut?" k asked with his signature smile that always greeted chloe.

chloe let out a sigh and put her hands into the pocket of her coat before replying, "it's been .. quite something."

k turned to look down at chloe and gave her an unsatisfied look.

"you don't sound so excited anymore," he chuckled to lighten the mood, "is everything okay?"

"i- no .." chloe hesitated, "but it will be .. eventually."

chloe turned to face k who seemed to expect more of a clearer answer, but knew his limits. he didn't want to create tension between the two, so he stayed quiet and didn't try to push an answer out of chloe.

"what?" chloe chuckled, "i'm fine."

k scrunched his face, "for someone who told me that nothing is okay when i asked, you don't seem fine, but i won't push your buttons."

"i'll tell you what," he began, "let's go for lunch. just us two. of course only if you don't have anything scheduled after. it's on me. you seem like you need someone to talk to, but even if you don't, we can take this chance to get to know each other better."

of course chloe being chloe, knowing something that k may not, had thoughts running around in her mind.

one way or another, we were going to get to know each other anyways. we were fated to.

giving into k's warm smile, chloe smiled as well and nodded, "i don't think i have anything scheduled until five, so why not?"

"okay then," k grinned, "also .. i already said it'll be on me, so i don't want you offering to pay. it's all on me."

"yes sir," chloe saluted, continuing the serious act that k began.

k let out a chuckle and playfully rolled his eyes.

"anywhere specific you have in mind?" he asked.

"no no," chloe shook her head, "you insisted on it being your treat, so i insist that you lead us wherever you want."

k let out a gasp, "you can't leave that up to me. where i take you will give you an impression on who i am and what if who i am doesn't fit your liking and want if you back out of our collaboration."

"i can't possibly be accountable of such a big responsibility," he dramatically added.

"you already gave me an impression of yourself from what you just said," chloe laughed, "just surprise me."

the two reached where jaehyung was waiting for chloe. they stopped to check if he was okay with chloe going out for lunch with k.

"this is strictly for business right?" jaehyung asked the two in a very serious tone, which frightened chloe a bit.

"yes. of course," the two answered immediately.

jaehyung broke out into a smile, "eh? why do you two look so scared? don't worry. it's the company's rules and as your manager, i just have to make sure there's nothing .. you know."

"right," chloe responded quietly.

"it's strictly for our collaboration," k assured.

"that's good to hear," jaehyung smiled, "chloe, can i talk to you for a second before you go?"

"yeah."

chloe stepped to the side with jaehyung as k went to go grab something.

"i don't know if you're aware, but.." jaehyung began.

"but ..?"

"there's a certain amount of time that soulmates spend together befor-"

"chloe," k called out, "ready?"

"uh yeah," she replied, "can it wait manager jae?"

"y-yeah yes, of course. make sure no one around you seems suspicious and make sure your face is covered as much as you can get it to be covered. if you need anything, call me and i'll be there as soon as possible."

"got it," chloe smiled, "are you sure it's nothing important you need to tell me?"

"no, it's nothing. go."

"okay then," chloe replied, walking out the building with k as they both put on their masks.

"it's nothing," jaehyung mumbled, "there's just a certain amount of time soulmates spend together before feelings kick in. it's nothing important at all."

"this is going to be a fun ride," he sighed.