*Hyuna POV*
“We need to talk,” he had said. I had to admit, I didn’t see this coming anytime soon and even then I thought it would be mutual. Sungjong had taken me out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. Fans that had recognized us anxiously stood outside the building waiting for a chance to talk to us. My boyfriend had hardly touched his food and I guess that was the first warning sign. I brushed it off thinking maybe he was dieting and didn’t eat so much either. The second warning was his short replies and the way he didn’t seem interested in keeping up a conversation. I had worn one of my better red dresses today, excited for this date after a successful day of work. Even so, he didn’t compliment me in any way. It was only when he said, “We need to talk,” had the pieces clicked together.
“What about Jongie?” I asked anxiously.
I saw him stiffen, “Please don’t call me that.”
Around that time, cold sweat began to form on my palms, “Is something wrong?”
Sungjong then stared me straight in the eye and inwardly, I sighed. This was it. Even before he confessed to me, I admired him. Especially the way he always worked his hardest and didn’t give up. Even if he received one line in Infinite’s comeback song he’d still give it all he had and practice twice as hard as he normally would. When he confessed to me I was shocked but flattered. I turned him down not just because of work reasons but because I didn’t know if what I felt for him was love or just admiration. I remember thinking, ‘Why not give it a shot?’ I was happy. I had fun.
“I think we should break up.”
But that all ends now, I didn’t cry but he took a piece of my heart and didn’t give it back.
“I understand,” I smiled sadly. “I wish you all the best.”
Sungjong searched my eyes, “Aren’t you mad?”
I glanced at him and sighed, “I should have ended it when I recognized that look you had when you looked at Misora wasn’t just one of friendship.”
He seemed taken aback.
I laughed lightly, “It was fun while it lasted but I can’t replace the one you truly love. What you had for me was probably just a small crush.”
“I’m sorry,” Sungjong apologized looking down at his full plate.
“Don’t apologize,” I chuckled, “Chin up, hwaiting.” I stood up and smiled at him one last time, “I’ll see you around.”
Sungjong nodded and I walked away. I know I had subtly told him to go for it but a part of me was unbelievably heartbroken.
***
*Misora POV*
I sat at the back of the room, watching as Infinite continuously practiced their choreography. I felt a small smile creep onto my lips as I saw how hard they were working. The song ended and they all collapsed onto the floor in pants and huffs. Flitting around, I handed them all drink bottles and towels.
“Good work guys,” I grinned.
They all nodded and resumed panting and downing their drinks.
“I’ll be going now,” I told them.
Sungjong lightly grabbed my ankle from where he was lying on the floor, “Why can’t you stay?”
“I already told you Jongie,” I squatted, ruffling his sweaty hair, “Work.”
“Why am I only hearing about this now?” L chimed in.
I straightened up to face L who had his hands on his hips, “Because I know you’ll get mad if I told you what my part time job is.”
“I won’t,” L cooed earning playful mutters of disgust from the other Infinite members, “Just tell me…”
Sighing, I said, “I’m going to be Chris’ translator.” L’s expression immediately hardened. “I told you that you would get mad!”
“Why are you working for him out of all people?” L asked.
“The pay is good and the work times are suitable,” I reasoned.
L pouted, “When I talked to him his Korean seemed fine to me.”
I poked his forehead gently, “You know it wasn’t. I don’t know what I’ll be translating but I’ll only be translating.”
L smiled widely, “Okay. Take care on your way.” He pulled me in for a hug but paused when he felt me stiffen. “What’s wrong?”
“Sweaty,” I said bluntly slipping away. “See you guys later.”
“Bye bye,” Infinite called after me. “Don’t forget to watch us on Weekly Idol this week!” Before I left the building a familiar, breathless voice called out my name, “Misora! Wait!”
“Dongwoo…?” I asked turning around.
“Have you heard from Hyun Ae lately?” Dongwoo asked.
My eyebrows raised in surprise, “Wow, pretty straight to the point.”
“I mean…” Dongwoo fidgeted, “How’s Hyun Ae… been?”
I laughed at his sudden attitude change, “Yeah, I talked to her just a few days ago. Why?”
“I haven’t heard from her in a few weeks…” Dongwoo confessed.
“Well that’s fine isn’t it?” I shrugged. “Some fans don’t hear from their idols… ever.”
I whirled around to go but Dongwoo grabbed my wrist, “But I don’t see her as just a fan…” This is getting good. “She’s my friend.”
I mentally face palmed. “Is that so…? Then maybe you did something to make her mad.”
“Oh,” Dongwoo pulled back his hand with a sad expression.
“Don’t take it so seriously.” I smiled lightly. “I know she likes you a lot.”
“Really?” Dongwoo brightened.
“Give her some time, kay?” I winked. “I really got to go now. I’ll see you.”
Dongwoo nodded cheerfully, “Thanks Misora! I’ll see ya later!”
“Tell Sungjong I said to practice hard,” I called over my shoulder.
I didn’t look back meaning I didn’t notice the slightly sorry look on Dongwoo’s face, “Sungjong this, Sungjong that… What about L Misora?”
***
I trailed behind Chris, my eyes sometimes lifting up to his tall frame. The city was alive like it normally was. Here and there you could see the occasional high schoolers ditching classes. I smiled sadly as the memories of us pierced my mind.
“Misora,” Chris broke my daze, “Aren’t you going to walk beside me?”
“I’d rather not,” I answered shortly. Chris sighed, slowing his pace so it was him walking beside me instead.
“So tell me,” He said casually, “What are you studying?”
“What are you still doing in Korea?” I shot back at him.
“Answer my question first,” Chris prompted.
“Business… management and finance… stuff like that,” I replied softly.
“Why?” Chris looked sideways at me.
“One day, I want to become a CEO for an entertainment,” I confessed annoyed that he was the one I was telling this to.
“Become your boyfriend’s boss?”
I shot him a cold glare, “Why am I telling you this anyway?”
Chris grinned cheekily, “If you want me to answer your question then it’s only fair you answer one of mine.” He then muttered something under his breath, “And I wanted to know something about you L didn’t.”
I heard him unfortunately and scoffed, “Childish.”
I saw Chris frown slightly from out of the corner of my eye, “Say Misora… You’ve become a lot… what’s the right word? Colder? Meaner?” He thought for a second, “…More distant?”
“Your imagination,” I told him. “Now it’s your turn to answer my question. Why are you still in Korea?”
“I told you didn’t I?” Chris smirked. “I’m going to get you back.”
“You already know that isn’t happening,” I said in a monotone. “I know you didn’t mean a thing you said over the phone that night. You aren’t in love with me anymore so why are you still here?”
Chris let out a breathless laugh, “Awh, you caught me…”
I glanced at him, “Did you think I wouldn’t?”
“I’m here to say sorry,” Chris said quietly.
“It was two years ago, I’m over it,” I brushed him off briskly.
Chris stepped in front of me, blocking my path, “Not for our break up but for breaking you.”
I scoffed and rolled my eyes, “You think you broke me?” I pushed him out of my way, “You weren’t the thing that broke me.”
Chris’ confused expression made me laugh.
“Why do you think I’m in Korea?” I stared at him. At his dumbfounded expression I answered my question for him, “Because there was no one else in New Zealand to take care of me.”
“So, on the news around half a year ago…” Chris confirmed, “That woman was your Japanese woman was your mum?”
I turned my back to him, holding my forehead and tilting my head up at the cloudy sky. “Why am I telling you this…?”
“…Because deep down you still love me?” Chris teased.
“Don’t tell anyone else,” I said with utmost seriousness. “Only Ren and you know.”
Chris nodded, “Promise… this time I won’t break your trust.”
I sighed and motioned for him to keep walking, “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”
“Oh yeah,” Chris perked up. “To make it up to you until I feel like I can be forgiven.”
“What?”
Chris rested his large hand on my head, “That’s why I’m still in Korea idiot.”
I swatted it off and managed to pull a small smile onto my face, “You better start working hard then.” I put on a more serious look, “So where do you need to be?”
Chris grinned, “We’re going to dinner. You’re going to help me translate the menu.”
***
A few days later, Misora crashed at Nu’est’s dorm to watch Infinite’s Weekly Idol episode which was scheduled to be aired that day.
“No, no, no,” Ren whined. “Like this.” He demonstrated the section of the girl’s group dance once more. I tried again at Ren’s instruction and he nodded in approval. “There we go.”
“Why am I learning this in the first place?” I kept dancing to ‘Something’ by Girls Day.
“Because JR,Minhyun, Baekho and Aron won’t let me teach them,” Ren pouted. He flung himself at me, enveloping me in a warm embrace, “I love you Mimi!”
I gave him a light flick on the head, “Love you too. Now get off me.”
“Could someone remind me why we have a stranger sitting on our couch?” Baekho nodded at Chris who was lounging in Baekho’s usual spot.
Ren grinned, “He’s no stranger. He’s the person who completely destroyed Misora’s trust.”
Baekho’s eyes widened as Chris introduced himself, “I’m Chris Li, nice to meet you.”
Nodding, Baekho slipped out of the room slowly, “Nice to meet you too…”
Chris looked over at Ren and I who were dancing the girl group in perfect sync, “So this is the Ren you used to tell me about.”
Ren brightened, “You talked about me?”
I shrugged, “Occasionally.”
Chris chuckled, “You mentioned him at least once every time we were together.”
Ren clicked his tongue and shook his head, “That’s no good Misora-yah. When you’re with your boyfriend you shouldn’t talk about other guys.”
“Fine, I won’t anymore,” I said with a sly grin.
Ren immediately pouted, “You shouldn’t talk about other guys unless it’s me.”
“He’s a bit more childish than I imagined but he fits your exact description,” Chris said thoughtfully.
“Awh Misora!” Ren hooked an arm around my shoulders, “I didn’t know you loved me so much,” shooting a playful glare at Chris he added, “And I’m not childish.”
“I bought us all bubble tea,” I spoke up. “It’s in the kitchen.”
Ren clapped his hands together, “Ooooh, let’s go on an adventure to the kitchen!”
“Childish,” I assessed as Ren pranced off to where the rest of Nu’est were already choosing the flavour they wanted.
Chris laughed and followed after Ren. “I like your brother,” he called over his shoulder. “He reminds me of you when we were still dating.”
I made a face and proceeded to the kitchen as well.
I watched with amusement as JR held the needle with steady hands. He carefully pierced the seal over the bubble tea forming a small hole that was suitable for squirting the tasty drink at people.
JR looked over at me and nodded with an evil grin. I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. Us two, forever partners in crime towards our dear Ren.
“Misora! Misora!” Ren’s bubbly voice called. “Did you notice my new haircut?”
I rolled my eyes, “How could I not. It’s short and brown now.”
“Well,” Ren struck a dramatic pose, “How does it look.”
“It makes you look very manly,” I praised with a smile.
Ren giggled, “Hell yeah…”
Aron laughed with a snort, “The manly maknae giggled.”
“I am very manly,” Ren whined.
“’Fantasy’ in English, go,” I shot at him quickly.
“F-A-N—“ Before he could finish JR squeezed his drink lightly and Ren was hit in the face with chocolate milk tea.
“Saranghae Rennie,” JR and I chorused.
He looked at us with feigned annoyance, “You guys planned it?”
“You don’t love us?” JR and I said in sync both of us pouting slightly.
“I love you two!” Ren glomped us only to receive another squirt of bubble tea in his face.
Us culprits cracked up as Ren attacked us with his own bubble tea.
Chris looked on and smiled. Half to himself, half to no one, he said, “That’s the Misora I used to know.”
“You idiots!” Aron glanced at the clock, “We’ve missed half of Misora’s boyfriend’s Weekly Idol episode.” In a second, the eldest had us all seated on the couch, our attention focused on the TV.
I couldn’t help but smile when I saw Sungjong beaming happily on air. His happy expression contrasted mine when I heard the question the MC asked.
“A few months ago, the news was released that you and Hyuna were dating,” The MC said playfully. “How are things going for you two?”
“Oh that?” Sungjong scratched his head sheepishly, “Things didn’t really work out…” My eyebrows shot up in surprise.
“Did I hear that correctly?” I murmured to Ren who was seated beside me.
“They broke up,” Ren replied. I nodded, oh.
The MC seemed like he already knew about the break up. “Is there anything you want to say to Hyuna or her fans that don’t like seeing their idol unhappy?”
Sungjong looked straight at the camera. “First of all I would like to apologize to Hyuna’s fans, if she’s not as lively and bubbly as she usually is that’s probably my fault,” Sungjong said sincerely. “I would like you all to understand the break up was mutual but I hope you guys can give her the love I wasn’t able to give her. Thank you.”
I nodded in approval, “That’s my Jongie.”
“Sweet, isn’t he?” Ren chimed in.
The MC patted him on the back, “Uwaa, so manly!”
Sungjong nodded with a sheepish smile, “Thank you.”
The other MC draped his arm around my L’s shoulder, “How about the visual? How’s your love life? As the supposedly most handsome one you must have girls following you everywhere?”
L smiled and said modestly, “Not really.” He didn’t answer the second question.
“What’s your ideal type then?” The MC said cheekily.
L bit his lip nervously and I narrowed my eyes. This was filmed and then scheduled to air after being edited right? Why didn’t my boyfriend tell me about this cut?
He cleared his throat, “Someone like Miss A’s Suzy…”
The MC laughed, “Pretty specific.” L laughed along but anyone could tell it was strained.
I scoffed and stood up.
“Where are you going Misora?” Ren held onto my wrist.
“Can’t bear to watch this anymore,” I glanced at the display in disgust.
“Wow,” Ren grinned, “Even Misora can get jealous sometimes.”
Chris was staring at the visual on screen with a look of distrust no one noticed.
***
I stood on the now familiar street that Sungjong and I once had quality time on. The sun was low in the sky, about to set. I sighed; the days seriously were getting shorter. I let out a little huff of displeasure; if I were still in New Zealand the seasons would be changing into summer.
“The winter here is so much colder,” I muttered to myself, kicking a stray pebble out of my path.
“Don’t take it out on the pebble,” A cute, cheery voice spoke up.
I turned around, frowning at the newcomer who had broken my strange peace, “What are you doing here?”
Sungjong pouted, “That’s a mean way to greet someone. I was just walking around the area and saw you kicking the hell out of that pebble.”
I scoffed, “It was just a little nudge for it to get out of my way.”
“I wish I could give someone a little nudge to get out of my way,” Sungjong breathed.
“What?” I stared at him in amusement.
Sungjong put on his usual joyful smile, “Nothing.”
I gave him a sympathetic look, “So you and Hyuna…”
“Yeah, we broke up,” Sungjong shrugged. “Things didn’t work out.”
I stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, “I’m always here if you want to talk about it.” I shot him a slight grin, “So don’t be depressed.”
“Yah!” Sungjong exclaimed, “I’m not depressed!”
I laughed at his reaction and gave him a hug, “I haven’t seen you for a while my Jongie!”
Sungjong wrapped his arms around my small frame, “You seem to be doing well. How’s your job?”
“Oh, that,” I chuckled lightly, “He just wanted me to translate things for him so he could enjoy his vacation.”
“How’s the pay?” Sungjong asked playfully.
“Not bad,” I smiled smugly, “Not bad at all…”
Sungjong eyed my suspiciously, “So you two are getting along well then…”
“Better than before I suppose,” I shrugged leaning against the stone wall.
Sungjong pinched my cheek gently, “You grow up so fast.”
“It’s a long way to the top though,” I sighed. Footsteps drew closer as the two of us chatted happily for a long while. The usual cold glare was given and silence laced the dim street.
“Misora,” L said grabbing my hand, “I know you saw our Weekly Idol episode and I want to explain.”
I hissed, ripping my hand away from his hold, “And I had just forgotten about it too.”
“Look, can we talk somewhere privately?” L extended his hand once more. I am getting an extreme sense of déjà vu right now.
“L hyung, Misora and I were in the middle of a conversation,” Sungjong piped up.
“I believe this is more important,” L said sternly. “Let’s go Misora.” He reached for my wrist and I pulled away from him.
“I’d rather stay with Sungjong for now…” I glanced at him. “I’ll listen to you once I’ve cooled down a bit.”
L nodded with a dismayed expression, “I’ll see you tomorrow then…”
I didn’t even try to pull a smile on to face, “Yeah.”
*L POV*
Everything was going wrong. I had said before that I didn’t care if anyone found out about our relationship but not caring and announcing it to the world was entirely different. I just hoped Misora would understand. Misora cast her beautiful green eyes away from me and towards the ground as Sungjong sent me a sympathetic smile. I glared at him, I didn’t need his pity. I fought hard for Misora and I intended to keep her. My love surpassing the love fangirls had for their idols was enough to keep me going. The second Misora had chosen Sungjong over me I felt like crawling into a corner and sulking to my heart’s content. I gritted my teeth to keep myself from howling in frustration. I would have to wait. Patience is a virtue as they say. One day, just one day and everything would be cleared up… right?
***
*Misora POV*
I loitered around the busy street L told me to wait for him at. The buses were busy wheezing down the bus lane. Toots from cars and their owners occasionally filled the street. The weather wasn’t much better today either, still the dreary, grey skies.
“So,” Ren said from beside me, “Why am I here?”
I prodded him in the stomach, “If you asked to come along why are you the one asking stupid questions?”
“Oh yeah,” Ren giggled to himself, “I forgot.”
I rolled my eyes, hiding my amused smile from him. A pretty, delicate looking girl, frantically looking around caught my immediate attention. She spotted me staring at her and rushed straight towards me.
“Your eyes,” she gasped, “Are you Akemi Misora?”
I snuck a quick glance at Ren who looked just as confused as me, “…Yes, I am. Who are you?”
“I’m Park Yujin,” she said hurriedly. “You have to listen to me.”
“What’s wrong?” I said, furrowing my eyebrows.
“You’re dating Kim Myungsoo right?”
I nodded again, “How did you know…?”
“A friend of mine told me,” Yujin said looking around in a panic again. “I need to tell you something important.”
I smiled trying to calm her down, “I’m all ears.”
“L, I’m his ex-girlfriend,” Yujin said with urgency and hurt in her brown doe eyes. “Less than a year ago, he broke my heart.” My eyes widened. “I truly thought he loved me, he was so sweet and nice, everything I could ask for but…” Yujin choked on her words a little, “One day, he cut it off completely. Changed his phone number, wouldn’t see me when I knocked on his door. He tore out my heart and shredded it,” she said in disgust. “Looking back, I don’t know why I let him get away with it. I’m close to his friend Sungjong. He was the one who told me about you and L. I found you in this crowd because of your eyes. They’re exactly the way Sungjong described them when he talked about his best friend that moved far away.”
Yujin was completely serious when she said her next sentence. “He is only playing with you Misora-ssi.” And the funny thing was, I completely believed her. No questions asked whatsoever. She could have just been some crazy fan that knew about L and my relationship but the thought passed through then out of my mind.
I nodded and smiled, “Thank you Yujin-ssi.” I bowed slightly before gesturing to Ren, “We’re leaving.”
“W-Why? How are you so sure she’s telling the truth?” Ren questioned me.
I sighed, ignoring the heartache, “Sungjong once told me about Yujin. It slipped from his mouth when we were having some random conversation. I didn’t believe L would break up with someone just like that.” I took a deep breath, “But seeing the pain and hatred in Yujin-ssi…”
“Yujin?” L disguised with sunglasses and a cap appeared from behind us.
Yujin sent him a cold glare before grabbing my hand and leading me away.
“Misora wait, whatever she told you wasn’t true,” L said seriously.
“The same story from two different people,” I looked at him. “I don’t know what to believe.”
L grabbed my wrist that wasn’t already being held by Yujin. “I’ll explain, just please… listen.”
“Let go of me Myungsoo!” I yelled. “I don’t think I can be around you right now.”
“But you said,” L pleaded, “Today you’d let me explain.”
Yujin let go of my wrist and in one swift movement slapped L so hard his sunglasses flew off his face and left a burning red mark on his cheek. “She doesn’t want to hear it. You’ve already broken my heart; I won’t let you break my sister’s.”
The four of us lapsed into a shocked silence for a second before Ren placed a hesitant hand on L’s chest, “I think you should back off for today, leave Mimi alone for a while.”
My boyfriend was enraged. Whether it was from seeing Yujin again or from me not keeping my promise he was as angry as hell. “DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!” L grabbed Ren and shoved him out of his way… into the sea of cars.
I watched his death unfold before I knew what was happening. Ren stumbled, tittering on one foot before landing with a thud on his knees in the lane of cars. His beautiful, chocolate brown eyes made contact with mine before widening at the fast incoming red car. A screech, panicked yells. Ren was lying at an awkward angle on the grey road that mirrored the sky. Red was seeping from his body, the same red as the car. I run over crouching next to him not paying attention to the chaos going on around me.
“Ren?” I stare at his angelic face, his wonderful brown hair complementing his fair skin.
I hear the slightest breath wheeze out of him, “Mimi. F-A-N-T-A-S…Y.”
And I laughed. I laughed and laughed until I realized I was crying.