• Yujin •

Three more days passed before we finally got to meet again for our dinner date. I kept reminding her about our 'date' and she would always be patient about it and answer with a 'Yes. I've already added it to my schedule. I won't forget.'

She doesn't deny it! She might think I'm kidding but I'm legitimately thinking that it's a real date.

In those three days, I kept pestering her through texts and she indulges me.

Shen Xiaoting is so pure and sweet when I actually got to know her. She likes mint chocolate, ramen and stir fried beef! These three (weird combination, I know) will definitely be added in our menu for our date today.

"Fighting, Choi Yujin!"

I pumped myself up.

I can't stop the ever-growing admiration I have for the woman. Within the short span of time we got to know each other, I knew that I had to let her know I wanted something more from whatever we have right now. I planned to do it tonight.

•°~°~°•

When I noticed that it was already near 6PM, I left my house since I told Xiaoting I'll pick her up by 6:30PM

When I stopped by the front of the hotel, Xiaoting was already waiting by the entrance. I honked once and opened the door without getting out.

Should I take my eyeballs out and check if they're really working? It was almost impossible for someone to be this pretty, I swear.

"I was planning to be chivalrous and open the door for you, but the lighting of your hotel is too good that if I was caught by the press, they would know who I am even if I tried wearing glasses and a mask." I said just when Xiaoting sat down on the passenger seat.

She gave me a smile before saying, "Good evening to you too, Yujin."

"Good evening, Xiaoting. You look beautiful by the way. As always." Smooth.

She didn't say anything else. I was starting to get fidgety in the car seat because her stare was too intense that it was making me hot for no reason.

"... Is something wrong?" I couldn't take the silence anymore.

"No," She shook her head. "You're good. Perfect, even. But won't you get cold?"

She called me perfect! And she's concerned for me!

Beauty is pain, my dear Xiaoting. "Oh, don't worry about it. I brought a padded jacket and I reserved a private room so we'll have a heater."

I gave her a toothy grin before steering the wheel to finally go to the restaurant I reserved for us.

Upon our arrival, I reached for my padded down jacket that was on the backseat. It was practically impossible for me not to get a whiff of Xiaoting's scent. I knew that she smelled good, but something was different tonight. Probably because you finally acknowledged the fact that you like her? I squashed the voice that said that.

"You smell awesome. What perfume do you use?" I had to say something before I do something I'll regret for my entire life.

"... Don't just go sniffing people." She turned her head to the side and I chuckled.

"Don't worry I only smell people I like." The words flowed smoothly through my mouth before I could stop it.

"I'm your contracted best friend, you're obligated to like me." I could hear amusement in her voice. I sighed in relief that she didn't dug deeper into that.

I quickly wore my jacket and put on a pair of mask and cap. Xiaoting did the same. I didn't question her about it since I know that people in the business world might be onto each other. Some creepy old geezer might be in love with my Xiaoting, I mean I can't blame them because she's just that amazing, but she's a treasure I'm not willing to share with anyone.

We both got down the car. The luxurious fine dining "Another Dream" was actually suggested by Hikaru. She's a self-proclaimed connoisseur of fine dining so I looked up the restaurant and I was not disappointed. The reviews were amazing and they were known their dream-like ambiance, fantastic food, and exceptional guest experience. Every tiny detail was meant to tie everything together. Nothing was too loud, too bright, or too much. Their main key was subtlety. But most importantly, they arguably serve the best stir fried beef and ramen.

We were immediately guided to the second floor for our private room. We sat down across each other after removing our masks and caps.

We ordered food before falling into conversation. Every topic was easy to talk to when it comes to her. In the middle of our dinner, I suddenly remembered that I haven't told her about her meeting my sister.

"Oh, Xiaoting! Remember when we first met?"

"Of course, it was quite... memorable." She giggled.

I snapped my fingers. "It definitely was! Did you perhaps meet anyone after leaving the elevator? Specifically someone who gave you a jacket."

Xiaoting's eyes widened. "Yes, I actually did. Did you stalk me?"

I glared at her. "How bold of you to assume that I would go that low. You're pretty, but I would probably choose to spill coffee on you twice if we didn't get the chance to know each other better."

"Did you just confess that you're weak to beautiful people?" She laughed.

"By my standards, yes. Anyway, that girl is my sister! Her name's Yeseo and she's currently in high school. She actually acted in some dramas as a supporting role. Oh by the way, don't you dare tell anyone about this. She didn't want to expose our relationship before she hits big. Both of my sisters don't."

"The difference in attitude is quite alarming. Are you sure you're the older one?" I threw an unused napkin at her. "I'm kidding. So you have another sister? Is she older or younger?"

"Younger. I'm the oldest out of the three of us, next is Hikaru, and Yeseo is our maknae. Wait let me show you a picture of them." I took out my phone and showed her my home screen wallpaper.

"They're pretty, but what's with the intense stare?" Xiaoting smiled, still looking at the picture.

I laughed when I remembered how I took this. "They weren't exactly happy when I told them that it was impossible for me to win a daesang in MSnake's year-end award shows after I called them out for their evil editing of my labelmates. Lo and behold, despite the many hits I produced that year, I wasn't nominated for any category." I shook my head.

Xiaoting's eyebrows met in a scowl, "How disdainful. Definitely their loss. Should I get back at them?"

I laughed at her joke. "It's okay. Not long after that, it was announced that I was nominated for the Billboard Music Awards. Besides, they didn't just lose me as a performer, they also lost the talents from my company. And they're still a big force in the entertainment industry. I only had the guts to call them out because I had the money, power and reputation to rely on."

Her frown gradually left her face as I kept going. "Hmm, if you say so. If you need help, as your friend, I'm more than willing to help in any way."

My heart warmed at her words. But I was reminded again about what I needed to tell her tonight when she said 'friend'.

However, she started speaking again. "To tell you the truth, this is the first time I went out to casually hang out with a friend."

"... Yeah? You're lucky I invited you, right? But I can offer you something better!" This is should be the time that I tell her how I'm beginning to like her more than a friend should.

"Yes, I'm really lucky. You can even say that you're one of the only ten people I legitimately care about besides myself. I would hate to lose you as a friend." Or maybe not.

I gulped down the wine I was holding. She was obviously drawing a line between our relationship.

Damn, I got rejected before I even confessed.

As much as I am emotionally and physically attracted to her, I don't want to risk losing her when she obviously only sees me as a friend. God, I don't even know if she likes women. I was being too rush so I mentally slapped myself.

"What were you saying about offering me something better?" She curiously peered at my eyes.

I laughed, hoping she didn't sense my nerves. "A-about that...Hmm, oh I know! I can offer you life time offer to be my best friend! That's better than being just a friend."

Xiaoting let out a small giggle. Cute. "Sounds promising, but I seem to be at a disadvantage if I accepted. What inclusions does your offer have?"

I playfully gasped as if truly offended. Thanking that I was able to easily get back in our banter. "What do you mean you'll be in a disadvantage? I'm a cool best friend, if I say so myself. Inclusions would be an unlimited amount of call and texts with yours truly. Entertainment is free when you're with me, and best part of it would be..." I made drum rolls with my fingers tapping the table. "You get to see this face as much as you want!"

I was feeling quite proud at my offer. Anyone is lucky to have me! But when I looked at Xiaoting's eyes shining with amusement partnered with that gummy smile, I thought, I'd be the luckiest girl if I become the closest person to you – may it be as lovers or friends.

"Sounds too good to be true. I feel like there's some setback for this offer."

I puffed up my chest. "Relationships are a two-way street. The things I offer should also be reciprocated!"

"Doesn't sound too bad. Can I sign the contract as soon as possible?"

I gave her a wink. "We can seal the deal right now with a toast."

"I'd love that." And I was once again rewarded by her gummy smile.

Beautiful.

And my heart is definitely in danger of being taken.

After spending almost two hours for a single meal, we left the restaurant. I remembered that there was only one food left that she liked that I haven't given her tonight.

"Before I drop you off back to the hotel, can we stop by a convenience store first?" I asked.

"Mhm."

The drive didn't take long and I could already see the hotel from here. I unconsciously pouted before pumping myself up that I could just ask her out again.

Just as I said, I stopped by a nearby convenience store. There weren't any customers when I bought a gallon of mint choco to give to Xiaoting, so I got back as quickly as I left.

"What's this?" Xiaoting asked when I didn't say anything as I pass her the plastic bag. "Your mint choco."

"I didn't request– Wait, why did you even buy ice cream this late?"

"Because you like it." I smiled at her. "I wanted to give you the best dinner date by giving you the foods you liked."

She was quiet for a few seconds before she grabbed my right hand that was on the space between us. "Thank you, Yujin."

I could feel a blush creeping to my cheeks. I squeezed her hand, "Y-you're welcome." I let go and grabbed the stirring wheel. If I held on too long, I might never want to let go.

The remaining drive was quiet and comfortable.

When we finally arrived by the entrance, I stopped the car's ignition. Hoping I could steal a few more minutes with her. She didn't leave the car as soon as possible either.

"Thanks for tonight, Yujin. Truly. You're a really good friend." She gave one of those smiles that makes my stomach flip.

I felt a pang when she mentioned 'friend' but I smiled the pain away. "You weren't too bad yourself."

We both laughed before a comfortable silence descended upon us again.

"You know..." I looked at her. "The night's still early. Do you want to come up and see my suite?"

At that moment, I swear I went to heaven and came back.