Chapter 1:
The city lights of Seoul sparkled beneath the crisp autumn sky as Jake strolled through a quiet park after practice. His mind buzzed with the pressure of their upcoming album release, and he longed for a moment of peace.
He found himself at a cozy café tucked away on a side street. The warm glow of fairy lights and the scent of fresh pastries drew him in. Only a few tables were occupied, and soft acoustic music played in the background.
Jake ordered a latte and settled near the window, enjoying the rare solitude. Just as he reached for his phone, the bell above the door chimed, and a girl rushed in, cheeks flushed from the cold. She fumbled with a stack of notebooks in her arms, nearly dropping them.
Without thinking, Jake sprang up to help. "Here, let me—"
Their hands brushed as they steadied the pile. She looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. "Oh! Thank you so much." Her voice was soft but warm.
Jake smiled, noticing the name "Lia" scribbled on one of the notebooks. "Are you a student?" he asked curiously.
She nodded, still catching her breath. "Yeah, fashion design. Deadlines are brutal."
Jake chuckled. "I know the feeling."
They shared a brief, comfortable silence before the barista called out her order. As Lia grabbed her drink, she hesitated, then turned back to Jake. "I... know this might sound weird, but do you want some company? You seem like you could use a break too."
Surprised but intrigued, Jake nodded. "I'd like that."
As they talked, Jake found himself easing into the conversation, forgetting the weight of his busy life. Lia's passion for fashion design reminded him of Tianna, Heeseung's girlfriend, who often helped the group with styling advice.
Before they knew it, the café staff announced closing time. Lia gathered her things, offering Jake a genuine smile. "Thanks for letting me crash your quiet night."
Jake smiled back, warmth spreading through his chest. "Anytime."
As they parted ways, Jake couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just met someone special.
YOU ARE READING
Chasing stars
FanfictionBlurb: What begins as a tentative friendship blossoms into a slow-burn romance, tested by the pressures of fame, relentless media scrutiny, and their own insecurities. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of their intertwined careers, finding...
