Mon Amour // ATEEZ

19 Look at my new hair

"You don't say?!" I retorted sarcastically, then sighed. "We'll have to find a town to refuel"

Fortunately, there's a quaint little town in sight, not too far from where we are. I gave Hongjoong a nod as we continued paddling the boat, though my arms are starting to ache from the effort.

We docked the boat, and I stepped off, my legs felt a bit wobbly from the prolonged time on the water. Hongjoong effortlessly climbed out, one hand casually tucked into his suit pants. He could have given me a helping hand, this damn vampire! He turned towards me. "Let's go"

"You little shi-" I murmured, only to myself.

He arched an eyebrow, a knowing smirk dancing on his lips. "You know that I can hear everything you say from a great distance"

I mustered a pained smile. "Of course, shall we proceed?" With an air of sass, he spun around and began walking ahead.

As we stroll through this quaint little town, I can't help but admit that it's actually quite charming. It reminds me of the cute town from Hometown cha cha cha. I like it. Hongjoong seems indifferent as he just want to find fuel for the boat.

Suddenly, an older lady's voice pierced the air, causing both Hongjoong and I to startle. "Ah! Who is this handsome man!" She exclaimed, grabbing hold of his arm and forcefully pulling him into her shop.

As he glanced back at me, a mixture of fear and concern etched on his face, he called out my name, "Dalhae!" All I could do was suppress my laughter, thoroughly amused by his predicament. "Karma" I whispered.

I could see inside the shop now, it's a hair salon. She sat Hongjoong on a chair abruptly. Other women were there all gawking at him. This is quite amusing. "We never had such an handsome man in this town! Where are you from, young man?"

"Um, not far from here-" Hongjoong stammered, barely able to respond before a barrage of questions bombarded him. "Do you have a girlfriend?" Another woman asked, causing Hongjoong to glance desperately in my direction as to ask for help. "Aah! Is she your girlfriend?" She said with a smile. "Lucky you!" In a swift motion, she grabbed hold of my hands.

"We're not actually-" I began to say.

"Do you plan on getting married?" Another woman interrupted. "Where did you find such a man like him!?" All I wanted to say was that I found him in a coffin but that wouldn't be really appropriate right now. The woman started to slick Hongjoong's hair back. I could see his eyes looking at me, asking for help.

"Um, I'm sorry, do you know where we can get fuel in this town? Our boat stopped and we need some fuel quite urgently" I had to ask before it gets more chaotic.

"There's the repair shop at the end of the street. But I have to tell you that Mingi is not there for the moment. He's only coming back tomorrow morning" The first older woman who grabbed Hongjoong said. Are you kidding me!?

"There's a little motel close" Another woman said, giggling with the other's.

Everything is going wrong. Wow. "Thank you," I did my best to smile at them as I grabbed Hongjoong's arm. "I'll take him back now"

I couldn't even take a step out of the salon when I got yanked by another older woman and sat on a chair. "Your hair is so beautiful darling, let me style it for you!"

I could see Hongjoong surrounded by women sitting on a sofa near by. He seems all shy but I'm sure he likes the attention.

After she finished styling my hair, she spun the chair around. Oh my goodness... I look like I came out of an 80's commercial. The big, voluminous curls and the excessive hairspray were straight out of a different era. I wasn't even born back then. I should have expected this when we walked into this vintage looking salon.

I mustered the best smile I could do. "It looks.. good" I said, trying to sound enthusiastic.

"You can pull off any style, sweetheart!" She said, fluffing my hair.

I finally got up, eager to escape this place. And what do I see? Hongjoong, having the time of his life with the ladies. He's laughing and sipping tea.

Then, his gaze fell upon me, with an expression that I can't decipher. He rose from his seat, almost in slow motion. His dramatic ass did not just do that.

"Dalhae.. you look beautiful" He said, leaving me utterly confused.

The women surrounding us erupted into applause and gleeful exclamations. "Ooooh!!"

"You guys are so cute together!" Chimed in another lady.

I grabbed Hongjoong's hand and paid before scurrying out of there. "We'll invite you to the wedding!" Hongjoong declared, flashing them a charming smirk as we exited. Their jubilant cheers and applause filled the air once again.

"Stop playing"

"I can't help it, their reactions are just too amusing" He replied, his smile widening.

"She made me look like my mom" I grumbled, running my fingers through my crunchy hair full of hairspray, a tear threatening to escape my eye.

Hongjoong grabbed my arm, stopping me from walking away. "I really meant what I said Dalhae, you look beautiful"

His words caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but stare at his face, searching for any signs of insincerity. Surprisingly, I saw a glimmer of genuine emotion in his eyes, breaking through his usual cold facade. My cheeks flushed, betraying my growing embarrassment. I quickly turned on my heel, attempting to hide my reaction. "Let's go to the motel"

We pulled up to what could only be described as a haunted house. I squinted at the sign that read "motel" and couldn't help but question our decision. "Is this seriously the place we're supposed to stay at?" I questioned.

Hongjoong started walking ahead on the path. "Wait for me!" I called after him.

He didn't get far before abruptly halting, causing me to crash into him. "Ouch!"

"Shh" He whispered. I peeked over his shoulder. "What?"

That's when I spotted a shadowy figure approaching us. "Oh" It was coming closer!

In perfect sync, we both bolted backward. "AAAAAH!"

As I glanced behind us for a split second, we abruptly halted in our tracks, coming face-to-face with a grandma. Hongjoong clutched onto my arm, practically climbing me in fear. "Who are you?" He pointed the grandma.

"Hello, young folks. I heard from my neighbors that you were in search of a room" Relief washed over us as we listened to the grandmother speak with a gentle voice.

"Indeed we are, scary woma- I mean, kind lady" I almost cracked a smile at Hongjoong's words since I feel so tired from the day. "Can we sleep here for tonight?" I asked.

"Oh, absolutely"