The moment we step outside, the cool night air hits us like a splash of cold water, jolting me from my delusion, a lingering warmth of what felt like our almost-kiss. My heart races not only from the adrenaline of our earlier encounter but also from the sight before us. A group of fans is gathered at the large iron gates, their faces a mix of excitement and desperation as they shout Lee Ye's name in unison.
"Ahn Seo Yeon!" he exclaims again, his voice sharp with disbelief. Chaos ripples in his eyes, and I can't help but feel my own pulse spike.
"What do we do?" I whisper, almost trembling, trying to gauge his next move.
He takes a deep breath, shifting from shock to determination. "We need to calm them. If they see me, it might help." he says, already moving toward the gates.
"Wait! I—uhm... I need to hide. They'll tear me into a million pieces if they see me." I panic.
He raises an eyebrow, smirking just slightly. "Alright, you hide. I'll handle this." He ushers me behind a rose bush and strides confidently toward the fans, hands raised. "Hey! Everyone! Please listen!"
The fans freeze for a split second, captivated by his presence. My eyes widen as I peek around the bush—there he is, my handsome oppa, bathed in moonlight, with an untouchable aura.
"Thank you, everyone, for your support." he begins, voice smooth yet firm. "But stalking my privacy? Not cute. Not. Cute. Next time, and I mean next time, I'll have to call the police. So let's keep things safe and respectful, okay?"
The crowd erupts in a mix of laughter, cheers, and stunned whispers. I have never seen him like this before...
Then, disaster. One overly enthusiastic fan shoves the gate open slightly, slipping through the crowd. "Lee Ye oppa! I love you!" she screams, charging forward like a cannonball.
My stomach drops, but before panic can fully set in, the tall gate man steps in. Towering and solid, he blocks her path effortlessly, arms out like a human barrier. "Careful!" he says firmly, his deep voice carrying over the commotion. "Don't run!"
The fan halts mid-charge, eyes wide with a mix of awe and embarrassment. Lee Ye steps forward, catching her just in time. "Whoa! Hold on there," he says, gently grabbing her shoulders to steady her, "and I love you too."
Wide-eyed and starstruck, she whispers, "Can I get a selfie?"
Lee Ye glances back at me briefly. "Sure."
As they pose, I can't stop myself from thinking this is like watching a live-action fan-fiction unfold. I have to give it to him—he handled the chaos maturely, like a pro.
Other fans start pressing forward again, energy escalating like a tidal wave. I watch the poor gate man fight for his life. A sigh escapes my lips as I feel exhaustion on his behalf.
"Okay... This is getting out of hand."
Lee Ye sighs, facing the crowd. "Alright, everyone! How about we continue this inside? Quick meet-and-greet sessions in my living room. Still fun, still safe." Cheers erupt, some fans even jumping with excitement.
As Lee Ye and his gate man lead them inside, I dash to my room before I'm spotted. The living room is scattered with gifts from earlier—stuffed animals, handmade crafts, even a giant crayon poster. I peek through the door, my heart swelling as I watch him charm his fans effortlessly, laughter filling the room like music.
After selfies and laughter, he orders rides for the departing fans. The chaotic energy shifts into bittersweet farewells as they leave one by one, still buzzing from meeting him.
Once silence falls, Lee Ye exhales, relief washing over his features. "That was... intense."
I nod, frowning. "Maybe sleeping here tonight isn't the best idea after all that chaos."
He raises an eyebrow. "Good idea. I'll just crash at a hotel nearby after reaching out to my team to handle this. This must never happen again."
I bite my lip, hesitating. "Considering the scandal you're tangled in... it might actually be safer somewhere else."
He ponders for a moment. "Yeah, you're right. But... where?"
An idea strikes. "What about my place? I don't think my friend would mind." I pull out my phone, dialing Hye Ri's number
Silence falls, his expression a mix of uncertainty and intrigue.
Next thing, we are inside Hye Ri's apartment. Her jaw drops as she sees Lee Ye in a hoodie and joggers, with sunglasses perched on his nose, in an attempt to look low-key.
"Hye Ri..." I call slowly, trying not to laugh at her expression.
Though hidden beneath casual clothes, he still looks effortlessly gorgeous from head to toe.
Hye Ri whispers incredulously, pinching herself. "What is happening right now?"
I chuckle nervously while Lee Ye waves awkwardly, saying hello. A gesture that somehow became both charming and hilarious.
"Just another normal night." I say sarcastically.
Because with Lee Ye, it seems normal is clearly overrated...