Chapter Sixteen

Dino was thankful for every day-off they had. 

That meant no practices that went on until late at night; no preparations for performances or interviews; no photo shoots for any magazines or other brands; no nothing. Just a free, empty day. 

Not for long, Dino thought as he stared at the screen of his phone. He hasn't seen Hyejin in a while and he honestly wanted to see her again, after seeing her on KBS Celebrity Twenty-Four on TV. He was proud of her, and the way she kept mentioning his name made his heart flutter.

Gosh, I have such a weak heart, Dino thought before he began composing a message for Hyejin. 

The reply didn't come right away, so Dino ended up waiting around for her message. He was once again seated in the living room and was once again on the couch. But he kept on moving—impatiently, at that—and finally ended up on the floor with his arms sprawled around. 

Wonwoo was casually walking out of the bathroom when he noticed what was going on. He let out a chuckle before he crouched down to meet Dino's eyes. "What's up with you, Chan?"

"Nothing much," Dino answered. 

"You look dead," Wonwoo joked, chuckling once again. "Is something wrong? Did you read some nasty articles about yourself? Did it hurt you?"

"No, no and no," Dino answered soullessly. It has been fifty minutes since he sent the message but there were no replies from her. That only meant that she was as busy as she could ever be. Don't get him wrong, Dino was happy for her but he wanted to spend time to with her too. 

"Then, could it quite possibly be about Hwan Hyejin?" Wonwoo asked with a teasing voice. 

This had already caught Dino's attention and had woken him up from his dead-like self. "What? Hyejin? Why would you assume that..."

"It's because of the way you look at her, Chan." Wonwoo chuckled once again before he ruffled the younger one's hair. "I'm no love expert, but I can see the way you look at Hyejin. It isn't that hard to tell that you're in love with her. When did it happen?"

"I don't know for sure," Dino said in return, sitting up straight. He pulled his legs closer until they were cross-legged. "It just did."

"Should I recite a famous line from Goblin? It feels fitting," Wonwoo joked before he pulled Dino into a head lock. "You punk! How could you have fallen in love with your fan?"

"Is it wrong?" Dino asked, chuckling under his breath as Wonwoo tightened his grip. Dino continuously smacked his hyung's arms, begging him to stop. 

"I'm not saying it's wrong. I'm just concerned as an older brother. What about your career, Dino? We're idols. We focus on our work the most," Wonwoo said, his tone changing. He wasn't joking anymore. He was sincerely serious. 

"I think I know how to juggle both," Dino said, shrugging. 

"I don't think so." 

"What do you mean?" Dino whined slightly. At times, he really wanted to show everyone that he wasn't a baby under their roof of their dorm. But at times, he would also act like one. 

"It's because... remember that day of Hwan Hyejin's fan signing? I know you couldn't go, which is why you weren't practicing right. Look, you'll get distracted if you're dating now. You're already getting distracted when you have a crush on her. Just wait a little longer, okay? When we're not as busy, when we're done giving our group a clear name in the K-pop industry," Wonwoo explained, lightly stroking Dino's head with a fatherly smile. 

Dino didn't want to listen to his words because it was equivalent to a no. But he had to take his words to notice just as well because Wonwoo was right. If he was getting distracted by Hyejin when she's his crush, what would it be like when they're together?

"I'm not saying not to date her. I'm just saying this out of concern. Let's not waste our trainee days like this. We suffered enough back then and when we finally debuted, we were so happy. We almost didn't make it. We failed a few missions during our SEVENTEEN Debut Project too. We cried a few times because we felt pressured, because we felt scared," Wonwoo was saying. Then he sighed. "You understand what I'm telling you, right?"

"You don't want our hard work to go to waste," Dino said in a soft whisper, as if he wasn't saying it at all. 

"That's right. Chan, we've worked our butts off just to debut. Now we're at another stage—getting known. We need to work hard and we can't afford to slip up once or twice," Wonwoo explained. 

"I know, hyung. I just... I'm human too. I can make mistakes, even choices that end up being mistakes," Dino confessed. "I like her too much, hyung. I'm just really afraid at this point."

"As long as you're aware, you'll be fine. Just be careful. You two are part of the media now. You guys belong to them the same way a painter is with his canvas. They can do anything they want, as long as they have the evidence. And you two are still young," Wonwoo said out of concern. 

"Hyung, I don't want to hurt her. Indirectly or directly, I don't want to do that." 

"You won't, if you're careful enough." Wonwoo patted his head and gave him an assuring smile. "Just remember that. Okay?"

"I will, hyung." Dino nodded, finally smiling. Then a sound came from his phone and Dino had another reason to smile again. "I think that's her. As of now, hyung, I will enjoy every second spent with her. Because, if I find out that everything won't last, that everything will change, at least I can say, I've had my happy times with her." 

+ + + 

Due to all of Hyejin's plans for the day, the movie date was pushed to later at night, at around eleven. 

It was their typical outfits every time they met; a medical mask, a hoodie and a baseball cap. And when they saw each other, their eyes lit up. They were smiling, although they both knew it wasn't visible. They were smiling behind their masks. But they were happy with each other's presence. 

"Hi," Dino greeted. 

"Hi," Hyejin greeted back, giggling. 

"Movie dates are slowly become our usual thing," Dino commented as he handed Hyejin her ticket. 

"It's just the second time, Dino," she said, raising an eyebrow at him. 

"You'll never know. It'll be the third time next time. Then the fourth time and the fifth time, the sixth time, the seventh time..." Dino went on. 

"I get it," Hyejin said, stopping him before he would continue any more. "The movie is starting in five minutes. Let's just go in now. Since it's eleven, there's barely anyone around and it will be empty. I like it like that."

"Why?" Dino asked as they moved to the nearest escalator. 

"I don't like a crowd," Hyejin confessed. 

"But you're famous now," Dino pointed out. 

"I know. But ever since, I've never really liked a crowd. I don't really know why, either," Hyejin said as her eyes wandered elsewhere. 

Had there been much more that Dino was still not aware about? He thought he knew her perfectly (with her facts being posted around the internet and everything). But there was much more that the internet has never talked about. Her feelings, for one. Her feelings about certain things, in fact. 

Dino wanted to assure her that it was fine but he couldn't find the right words. But his body reacted faster than he could so he found himself patting her back with reassurance. It was awkward, but Dino thought it was something. 

"I'll be here to talk about your feelings if you ever need someone," Dino said in a whisper. They reached the cinema floor and quickly slipped away from any possible eyes that would recognize them. 

"Thank you. At least I have someone who understands. Because when I talk about this with my best friend, he doesn't seem to understand the whole concept of being famous and having everyone judge whatever you do, whatever you say," Hyejin was saying. 

"I understand. I'll be that person that helps you, too," Dino said with assurance, hoping it would help her. 

The two of them slipped into the movie theater and sat in their seats. Other than one couple that sat several seats below them, the cinema was empty. Since there were barely any eyes—the couple in the cinema was too busy kissing up each other to probably notice their presence—Hyejin and Dino removed their masks.

"If you feel sleepy, you can always lean on me," Dino said, smiling sincerely at her. He was overwhelming with happiness just by being by her side. 

"Too many schedules in a day does make me sleepy. How do you survive this type of condition?" Hyejin sleepily asked him. After that, she yawned. "It doesn't help that I usually sleep early and am not used to staying up this late."

"I'm actually surprised that your parents let you out at this late of night," Dino said, slightly smiling.

Hyejin weakly smiled back, obviously showing him that she was also tired from the entire day. When the movie started, Dino noticed that her head kept dropping and her eyes were really droopy. Dino couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. She was so cute. 

Dino couldn't even watch the movie because he was too busy staring at Hyejin. Apparently, she was more interesting than the movie. 

As he continued to watch her, the voices of his hyungs came back into his head. All of his concerns and it made him doubt himself and his feelings. His feelings were growing, but his hyungs told him to be careful. 

Dino's eyes shot up, suspiciously examining every single person in the cinema at that very moment. He even turned around—after slipping his mask on first, of course—just to see if anyone would be secretly taking photos of the two. Luckily, there was no one but them and the couple sitting up front. 

His eyes wandered back to where Hyejin was dozing off and looked at her with worry. I want to do everything to protect you, but I'm scared that if I fail even in that, I won't be able to see you as casually like this anymore. 

New thoughts arose in Dino's head that night. He was afraid of the consequences of if he weren't careful enough and they get into a scandal. But at the same time, he was ready. He wanted her to know the heart that has been waiting.

+ + + 

"Did I fall asleep throughout the entire movie?" Hyejin asked once the credit started rolling.

Dino put on the mask again and even helped Hyejin with hers. "Yes, you did. Don't worry, you didn't miss much. The movie wasn't even that interesting, in my opinion."

"Oh, good." Hyejin sighed in relief before the two of them walked out of the exit, right behind the other couple. "Where should we go now?"

"Oh, there's a place nearby here. It's like a rooftop veranda. We should go. Around these times, it would be empty so we can enjoy the peace and serenity of tonight," Dino answered, slightly staring at her hand. He wasn't sure whether to take it or just lead her casually. 

"Okay. Lead the way," Hyejin said, probably smiling behind her mask. Dino couldn't tell.

Oh, casually leading her without holding her hand it is. Luckily, Dino wore a mask so Hyejin wouldn't be able to see his faltering smile. He was slightly disappointed in himself for not taking the lead. But there were times where he could be shy too. 

Before they knew it, they had already arrived at the empty scene of a rooftop that resembled a veranda. Below them were wooden planks that was steady and had a modern design touch to it. A few plants were placed strategically to compliment the late night view of the lights of both the city and the lamps that were placed there. 

"You're right. It is peaceful here," said Hyejin, finally removing her mask and stuffing it inside her pocket. She looked at Dino and smiled before she took a seat on a nearby bench to examine the city and its lights.

"I t-told you," Dino stuttered. He waited a few seconds to calm himself down before he finally pulled off his mask. 

The two sat on the same bench, admiring the view of Seoul at night in silence. 

Dino's heart was thumping hard. He was thinking about confessing, but at the same time, he was afraid of the outcome. He didn't want to lose Hyejin because of a silly confession of his. He knew that she probably likes her, but in what sense? Just as an idol? Or something beyond that point?

Dino opened his mouth but at the sight of her, all the words he had already prepared had slipped out of his mind, leaving it to be a blank canvas once again. He slowly grew frustrated but he reminded himself not to rush something such as this. 

"It's getting pretty late," Hyejin said, looking at her phone. It displayed 12:08 AM. It was late for a girl her age indeed. 

"I'll walk you home!" Dino offered, standing up when she did too. He was too jittery tonight and was probably making himself look too obvious.

"I think that's fine. You should go back to your dorm. Your members might be worried. Or your manager, even. Just go first. I can text my dad," Hyejin reassuringly told him with a smile. 

Dino wasn't convinced. It wasn't safe for her to be out at this type of night. Especially knowing that she wasn't some everyday girl in this country. She was Seoul's rising author and a instant star. Who knows what could happen if he left her alone?

Dino shook his head and told her, "No. Hyejin, it's not safe for you to be left alone. Therefore, I will wait for your dad to come and head back to the dorm after that."

Hyejin was about to protest, but Dino gave a firm head shake. Hyejin had no other choice but to agree, which made Dino's heart feel at ease. He didn't want to head back to the dorm, anxiously thinking whether or not she got back home safely.

"Thanks for keeping me safe then," she said as she gave her dad a ring. 

Dino smiled—almost to himself, since she was too busy on her phone to notice him smiling. The conversation on the phone slowly continued until it ended with a goodbye. "All good?"

"Yup," she answered, screen locking her phone. "He'll be here in twenty minutes. In the mean time, let's stare at the night view of Seoul."

They sat back down. It was nothing but quiet and peaceful at this hour. Although in silence, Dino was having the time of his life. Especially since he was spending his time with his crush. 

"Was it always your dream to be an idol?" Hyejin asked out of nowhere, suddenly breaking the silence. 

Dino was caught off-guard and ended up staring at Hyejin with a confused face. 

Hyejin tucked her hair behind her ear and repeated, "Your career. Have you always wanted to be an idol?"

"Well... my dad was a dancer. It was only logical that I inherited the same passion of dancing as he did. Eventually, I took part in dancing competitions and gradually got better and finally got into Pledis, where I became a trainee. I think either way, I would've ended up doing something that involved dancing, even if I didn't end up an idol," Dino honestly answered, with a big smile on his face.

"You must really like dancing," Hyejin noted. 

"Huh?"

Hyejin's lips slowly raised up into a smile and then she pointed at his face. "Your smile. It widened as you talked about dancing. You must really like it, huh?"

"I... really do," Dino shyly said as his head slowly dropped low. He couldn't help but feel shy whenever he was with her. "What about you?"

"Me?" Hyejin was taken aback by the sudden question. 

"Yeah, you." Dino slowly clarified what he was trying to say, "Writing. Has it always been your passion? Have you ever once imagined going this big? With fans all over South Korea and maybe even over the world?"

"I have, but never once have I ever thought of it becoming true," she admitted. She scratched her ear a little before she continued on, "I never really thought I would stand at this position. Writing came as something sudden. It was back when I was in Grade 4 when it happened. It was a random, short and supposedly "horror" story that I made. Some enjoyed it and I guess that trigger something in me. It made me happy knowing that someone actually enjoyed what I had written."

Dino smiled. He has never heard this story before. It was never once mentioned in the websites that involved her nor any shows which talked about her. This was new and a never-before-shared story. He was glad he was the first one to listen to it. 

Hyejin continued, "Then, the following year, my friend had introduced me to a website where it focused on writing. I read a few books there and made a story of my own. With every few votes, I was able to receive happiness. I was even happy when someone commented on my story for the first time.

"I made about three... or four stories on that website. But the thing was, I wasn't even that great. My story structures weren't even the same as they were before. If I read back on it—not like I could ever find it anymore—I would definitely cringe. Slowly, I was then introduced to Wattpad, which was a whole lot easier than the website I had used from before.

"The story goes on from there. And the story you hear everyday is probably the same story that will be repeated until who knows when? Wherever I go, it seems like the story of me becoming famous because of my fanfiction, Highlight, would always follow. I'm thankful about it, of course. Always."

Dino smiled. He liked hearing her stories, especially when they were ones he hasn't heard about because a site had not published about it. But it was nice hearing it from her instead. It made him believe that they were nothing but normal people, not some stars who had people following them around and secretly taking pictures. 

"Oh, my dad's calling," said Hyejin, noticing that her phone was ringing. 

"Do you have to go now?" Dino tried not to sound too sad about her leaving. He needed her to head home safely, after all. There were too many risks of them still staying out here, where anyone could easily see them. One snap of a picture, a few simple but strong, effective words, and it could ruin everything. 

"Yeah," Hyejin answered, standing up from the bench. She pulled her out her mask once again before slipping it back on. Afterwards, the two of them walked to the entrance of E-Cube Mall. 

Hyejin had spotted her car and before she left, she waved goodbye to Dino. Although her mask concealed half her face, Dino could tell that she was smiling. 

"I'm going now," she said, waving brightly.

Dino nodded, also smiling behind his mask. "Head home safely, Hwan Hyejin."

"I will. You head home safely, too. Tell the members I said hi, too," she said before she rushed to her car and climbed in. By the window, they could still see each other and they waved before the car drove away. 

Dino stood there for a few more seconds to let everything sink in, such as the fact that tonight was such a perfect night to confess. However, he became a coward and decided not to. He was only full of regret as he stood there for another few seconds. 

Somewhere not too far away, somewhere well-hidden in the dark, was a person who had their phone recording the entire scene of Dino and Hyejin.

~Author's Notes~

Oh, dear. :(((( [I hope you're not too annoyed by the almost daily updates by me :3]

Here's a longer update to make up for two previous and short chapters ;) Hope you enjoyed their little "date" together. ;)