Min-ho
I can't remember a situation as stressful as this in my life!
The concert was a blur, as I was constantly searching for Jade in the crowd.
My eyes seemed to be drawn to her, and I turned in that direction whenever I could, only to keep telling myself to focus.
I greeted the end of the performance with a sigh.
I didn't deprive my fans of my attention; let's just say I gave it less than usual, but without being mean.
Seeing her among the fans shocked me, especially when I realized she was arguing with someone.
It was like going back months and seeing her again on the night of her last performance, when she left the talent show. I was frozen as I looked at her, only to recover and realize that nothing serious was happening.
She's still as beautiful as I remembered, maybe just her hair a little longer, but her eyes...
God, they've been driving me crazy all this time!
And in that moment, they were furious.
Good luck, don't cheat me!
As soon as we got back backstage, what can I say? Everyone was raving about her.
Jon-Ho was as smug as a turkey, as if he'd discovered her himself, and he answered all the questions they asked about her for me.
He didn't even know her.
If he did know...
Seo Joon, on the other hand, smiled and looked at me askance.
I think he realized I was still upset.
Anyway, I gave her a note telling her where I could see her again and talk to her. Even though I don't know what I wanted to tell her anymore.
Maybe just not to leave.
Mom, it drives me crazy to see her disappear from my life every time!
I'd do anything to stop time and be with her for endless moments.
And now, after so many months, I feel as enthusiastic and excited as a child.
The press conference was long, as was the VIP signing where I had to answer so many of the usual questions, but I couldn't wait to get out.
So many identical faces, similar questions, fake smiles.
All of this used to mean something to me, but since Jade left the talent show, it's made me wonder if everything makes me happy.
And I still don't have an answer.
My cell phone rings, and I squint when I see it's Cho, our driver, calling.
"Tell me," I reply, sensing a bad moment.
"Excuse me, sir, but Miss Taylor said you're not coming."
My stomach feels like a punch in the face of disappointment.
Why?
"Hold on a minute, I'll call back."
I hang up and quickly dial Jade's contact information. I place the call with my heart pounding.
Answer immediately.
"What's going on?" I ask her.
"I don't intend to meet you in your room," she says simply.
"Why?"
I hear her sigh.
"Do I have to explain every time?"
"But Jade, I want to see you. I don't know another place where I can meet you, and…"
"Come to my place."
It's a simple sentence, but it confuses me.
"Where?"
She hangs up without answering, except to text me a location.
I frown: where the hell is she?
Then I look closer and realize it's my hotel, but it's on a different floor from where I and the others are staying.
Room 745.
I don't understand, but I don't intend to skip this appointment.
I call Mr. Park, explain that I'm in a hurry to get back to the hotel, and he lets out a smile.
"Miss Taylor, has she struck again?"
I go pale, but finally I nod, and he just gives a dejected gesture.
"I don't need to give you any warnings, do I?"
I shake my head and head for the door.
It feels like the floor is burning under my feet.
"Where are you going? Wait!"
It's Seo Joon chasing me, but I shake his arm free.
"See you later, I have to go!"
He stares at me for a few moments, but then smiles slyly.
"Okay, okay. Make good use of your free time."
I reach the exit and get into the car, leaning back against the seat. The drive seems incredibly long, but I know it's only a few minutes. We reach the basement of the building, I leave the car, hurry to the elevators, and press the button for the seventh floor.
I count the endless moments we spend on the various floors, but finally I arrive.
The corridor is empty, I look around for the room numbers, and finally I find the door I'm looking for.
I inhale slowly and reach out to knock, but the door opens and Jade stares at me with an amused smile.
She takes my raised hand, pulls me toward her, and quickly closes the door.
"We didn't fall this time," she laughs.
I study her for a few moments and can't quite grasp that she's actually standing in front of me.
"Jade..."
"My Sunshine," she whispers, wrapping her arms around my waist and pulling me close.
I welcome her into my embrace and hold her tightly.
No, the sensations I've been holding on to all this time have nothing to do with what I feel now. I'd almost forgotten her scent, her softness, her warmth.
I rest my nose in her hair and inhale, letting myself be swept away by the feeling of peace I feel.
"I missed you," I tell her, pressing my lips to the top of her head.
"You too."
We stand still for a while, then I pull her away to look at her face, and I can't decide whether to kiss her or not.
It seems she's having the same fear, because after a while she smiles awkwardly.
"Do you feel it too?" she asks me.
"What?"
"This strange feeling of unease and attraction. I don't know how to behave."
I nod and feel good.
That feeling I felt the first time I saw her hasn't faded; we belong together, we seek each other, yet we don't know each other.
"How are you?" she asks, studying my features.
"Good now."
And it's true.
I feel complete, satisfied, at peace with the world.
"Perfect," she whispers.
And she kisses me.
And I let myself go, searching for her, for her warmth, for that fire that seems to ignite and consume me from within.
This is Jade.
This is what I truly desire.