"I didn't know things would turn out this way." I looked down, my lips were tight. I was tired, "I'm sorry."

My first ever dating scandal not even two months into my career. No fucking way.

"You were just getting along with her, you didn't do anything wrong." The adult in front of me pushed up his glasses with his name tag grandly displaying his title. production director.

"But he should have been more careful!" Another staff member suddenly interrupted us, causing me to look down again. social media manager.

Taking the chance, I anxiously glanced at my phone when my eyes widened.

Fuck, I was late to our date.

...which technically wasn't a date since she didn't know that it was one yet, but still.

"I'm sorry." I apologized again. My voice was becoming impatient, "And I can confirm, that it's not true. Me and Ae Cha aren't dating." I just wanted to get done with this.

"Alright..."

"We will schedule a press conference as soon as possible." The same social media manager as before spoke, making my eyes widen.

"What?" My voice was shaking slightly, "A press conference? Over a small allegation?"

"Jungwon, it hasn't been long since you guys debuted." The adult sighed, "We can't risk your fans losing interest over such a small allegation, when you didn't even have the chance to fully break through yet."

"He's right. You should learn to take responsibility." Another voice agreed.

"I understand. I really do. But did Ae Cha's company say something yet?" I managed to ask, "Why are we the only ones taking responsibility? I am not dating her!" I kept emphasizing.

I couldn't believe it. I was supposed to be with Ji at the convenience store and spent time with her.

But now I was stuck in an iffy company room with a bunch of adults who swear to only want the best for me.

"Ae Cha's company decided to not deny the allegations since it helps with her upcoming drama's promotion." My manager rubbed his tired eyes.

It was late.

"No way." I shook my head in disbelief, "I should have never gone on that variety show with her."

Please just let me meet Ji.

"Don't say that, Jungwon."

"No, I'm serious. I can't believe everyone is freaking out so much over a little rumor." I couldn't stay composed any longer. My jaw was clenched, "I am not dating her."

Suddenly the room felt so much colder. Why did I feel so powerless? I couldn't even go public myself and deny it, because our company made a deal with Ae Cha's company to keep quiet till the actual press conference would take place.

How is this fair?

"I know, Jungwon. I know. But it's important to stay in the favor of your fans in the first years of being an idol group."

"I get it." I tiredly closed my eyes and slowly stood up, I was already way too late, "Can I...go to our dorm now?"

"Wait." My manager suddenly put both of his hands onto the desk, shifting his weight to his arms. His gaze suddenly turned serious, "Please leave your phone with us."

"What?" There was a hint of ridicule in my voice, "Please tell me this is a joke."

"We won't keep it for long. We just have to make sure that you really are not in a relationship right now."

"I am not dating her, how many times do I have to repeat myself?" I shook my head, "Is this really necessary?"

"We are sorry." The adult looked away as if he really actually was ashamed, "I really don't want to do this either."

Breathing out audibly, I slowly put my mobile phone onto the blank table. The sound filled the whole room and for a second I was scared that my phone shattered. My face was cold, "Can I go now?"

"Yes, that will be all." The social media manager spoke again, his eyes glancing at me carefully.

Without waiting for another word, I quickly bowed and said goodbye before storming out of the suffocating room.

"Jungwon, Wait—!"

I stopped in my tracks, looking back over my shoulder.

"There are many reporters standing outside our building right now." An adult which face I didn't recognize spoke, "They are here for you. They are coming for you."

"Shit, shit, shit—..." I was still crouching down behind a plant in the reception room of our company's building, keeping an eye on the crowd of reporters outside. For some reason every back door was locked and I couldn't text Ji since my phone was taken.

I thought of going back to the staff, but when I stood in front of the door I could see them arguing loudly and excessively with each other through the glass door. I didn't feel like going in at all and I was sure that they would grow even more suspicious if I tell them that I had to text someone.

And I was already late as it is.

What if Ji was waiting for me in the cold, wondering where I was?

My blood froze and I started to panic at the thought of disappointing her.

Looking to the clock on the wall again, I put up my hood and decided to just storm past them.

I couldn't waste any second longer.

I counted to three, before taking a deep breath and opening the door. The crowd fell silent as they glanced at me in curiosity.

It almost felt like I was walking past a bunch of animals, the way the were gawking at me with their hands tightly wrapped around their cameras.

Just when they were starting to recognize my features, I decided to pull down the hood further into my face and sprinted.

At first. I could feel a few of them running after me, their voices were loud and full of eager.

I was scared, afraid that they would follow me all the way, but they would give up soon.

I ran across every street despite the numerous red lights that I came across. It was a miracle that I wasn't hit by a car yet.

To my luck, the convenience store she worked at wasn't too far and deep down I was internally hoping that she was still waiting for me.

My legs hurt, sweat ran down my face and my breath was unstable, but the thought of finally meeting Ji again motivated me to keep going.

There it was!

My eyes lit up at the familiar sign of the convenience store's name.

"Ji? I'm—"

—here,

sorry,

in love with you.

Disappointment hit me soon later. My sprinting slowed down visibly.

It was closed.

I was too late.

"Ni-ki, please lend me your phone. I need to text her." Jungwon desperately pleaded the younger, his eyes full of despair.

It was the next morning and he hasn't stopped pestering his friend about it. Jungwon couldn't sleep a blink last night, the guilt was eating him up from the inside.

"Text her yourself."

"But my phone was taken.."

"So? Don't get into dating scandals then." Ni-ki shrugged, causing Jungwon to send him a death glare.

"I'm trying." The older spoke through gritted teeth, "I just need it for a second, Ni-ki. Please."

"Do you like her or something? Just tell her later!" Ni-ki was annoyed. He'd rather continue playing his game than help his lovesick friend.

"Yes..Yes, I do."

"What?!"

"I like Ji." Jungwon's face was red by now.

"Aren't you dating that cute actress?!" Ni-ki's jaw hit the floor.

"No! I told you it's just a rumor." Jungwon shook his head, and continued to try and convince the other.

"Hold up, hold up, hold up...So, you like Ji?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" The older tilted his head, "I like her, I'm sure of it."

If he were honest, Jungwon hasn't been sure about his feelings at all till the other had asked him about it, but now that he voiced them out he felt so much more confident. It was as if everything made sense to him now.

He liked her.

Jungwon liked Ji.

"But it hasn't been long since you guys met..."

"So?"

"Does she feel the same?"

"She doesn't have to." Jungwon shook his head. He hasn't thought about dating her yet. He was simply just liking her, enjoying talking to her.

The boy was happy with what they had.

Of course, he could be even happier with more, but for now he was satisfied, "Now, please let me use your phone. I really don't want to worry her."

"Alright." The younger gave in, lazily passing his phone to the other, "Wait..Don't tell me you have her number memorized...?"

"..."

Ni-ki let out a sigh, a teasing grin making its way up to his lips a second later, "So that's a yes."

_

:

it's me jungwon

:

the company's got my phone

:

i'm so sorry for being late yesterday

:

the next time we see each other you can hit me all you want

:

i didn't forget you

:

something important happened and i was held back

:

i was dying to meet you again really

:

were you waiting for me?

:

please tell me you weren't

yeah i was