Lisa's POV
My hands reached for my phone on my bedside table after the sound of my alarm starting beeping like crazy. Once I was able to turn it off, my eyes squinted a little at the blinding light coming from the open window of my room.
I grunted, my other hand massaging my temple while the other started scanning through the messages on my phone.
A smile emerged on my face the moment I saw a message from him, the person I've been conversing with for the last two months.
Happykiddo94: So how's the hangover hunn?
Soft chuckles escaped my lips when I saw his message. Pulling my body a little, I rested my back along the headboard of my bed before I start typing for a response.
He's on a tour now and though I'm not sure he's online, there's no harm responding anyways.
Me: Is that your new way of greeting your girl good morning? Because that's mean yakno *pouting
I had been in constant communication with him after that night he made me feel better when I was sulking about my friend and ex. And I am so glad I messaged him because he had been nothing but a sweetheart.
He would greet me every day and ask how my life has been going, constantly reminding me that there are so many things I should be happy about.
I bite my lower lip when I saw the icon of him typing a response.
Happykiddo94: Well hunn, this is me being concern for you, okay? How many time have you been out for a night out in a club these past two months? I wouldn't be surprised if I ever find out your belly looks bigger than mine due to all those alcohols you took. *grins
Me: Wow bitch. Thanks for complimenting my body. I hate you. *laughs
Happykiddo94: You know I still love you even with the big stomach. *winks
My heart flutter at his words.
because we haven't each other and we basically started off with a weird conversation, it has been easy for us to talk like this. However, I always have to remind myself that this guy over here is just naturally sweet and all.
Me: Oppa, why can't you show me your face? *Hopeful
It has been weeks when I started pestering him about who he is. I have an idea he was Jake because as far as I know, he owns this account but seeing my guts tells me otherwise.
To be honest, I haven't seen any one of them in person but when Rosie and I used to watch their concert with Samantha unnie from afar, I feel like Jake isn't the type of person to be sweet like this.
I mean, he got mad at Samantha unnie for leaving and studying abroad. It's just that, I feel like this person has a different character, a lighter one. And I like it.
The truth is, I'm not really pressing him to reveal himself. Me talking and conversing with him like this is more than enough. He brightens up my day and I feel like I have someone that makes me happy.
Happykiddo94: I feel so lonely that you haven't figured it out. Like, Lisa, I've been giving you signs since day one!
I chuckled at his message.
That's partly true though. However, I am too lazy enough to focus on the signs he'd been giving me.
Me: Oppa, I'm not an Army so don't expect me to figure it out after giving signs and all. You know I'm lazy as shit when it comes to those. *ooops
Happykiddo94: Bitch *eye rolls
I giggled at his response.
This is one thing I like about him. He never filters his response to me. I know he was joking but our conversation shows how we have been comfortable with each other.
Me: At least answer this for me then. Are you one from the dance line?
Seen
I started humming as I wait for his response.
One minute...
Two...
My brows furrowed. Is he already busy?
Somehow, my inside dropped a little, sadness enveloping within me.
Chatting with him had been a daily routine that I noticed how I feel down whenever I don't talk with him.
But then, the man is a superstar. Of course, he would be busy.
With that in consideration, I jumped out of my bed and headed down to my bathroom leaving my phone resting on my bedside table.
He's right. I've been going to parties a lot to make myself forget all my problems. Though he had been telling me that there are so many things I should be happy about, I was in a relationship with my ex for a year. That's not something I can easily forget because as much as it hurts, I fucking loved the guy.
But I think I'm getting there.
I took a quick shower so I can head out and go to my friend's studio. I had started teaching dance lessons with kids, something I loves doing.
Dancing had always been my hobby and it's something I can see myself doing even after I reach 40.
With a towel wrapped around my body, I stepped out of my bathroom and reached for another towel to dry my hair.
My classes don't start until three in the afternoon.
Just as I stepped out of the bathroom, I heard the familiar sound coming from my phone and a huge smile emerged from my lips once again. I've set my ringtone for his messages.
I swiftly made my way towards where my phone was and read his message.
Happykiddo94: Sorry, I'm in rehearsals hunn. Chat you later. *winks
Happykiddo94: Btw, your question, YES, I am from the dance line :)
So he's either Jason, Haiden or Jake.
That makes it more likely to be Jake. Though I have VOELEVARD in mind, at least I found something interesting today.
"I can probably ask for a few advices in dancing if we ever meet," I whispered to myself.
Yeah, I'd like to see him in person someday.
Soon...
-----
Lisa's POV
Happykiddo94: Lisa, I swear, I'm so close to hating you. You promised! *pouts
My hands went to cover my mouth when I read his chat, a lopsided grin showing on my face.
I can sense the frustration on his message, something he never tries to hide whenever I forget to listen to what he said.
For the umpteenth time, I promised to watched their V-live and he told me I'll know when it's him. He'll gave me a sign but I guess he didn't do it since he knows I told him I'll write a comment about me watching it. And of course, he knows my id.
To be honest, I don't really understand why he can't just give me his name. We've been talking for what, almost five months now? Though we don't normally talk regularly due to his busy schedule and sometimes, I get swamped with work too, we still catch up with each other from time to time. However, lately, I've been keeping in touch with him almost every night.
I'm not sure why but we seemed comfortable with each other. Though I don't exactly know who he is out of the seven boys, I'm guessing he isn't Josh oppa nor Yohan oppa because that would be weird. I mean, he calls me with every endearment. I heard Yohan oppa and Samantha unnie's friend - Jessie, are dating.
Me: Hey, I'm sorry. I totally forgot, I had a full schedule at the studio and I went home late too, *puppy eyes
Happykiddo94: Puppy eyes won't work on me since I can't see it anyways. I'm still mad.
Soft chuckles escaped my lips at how childish yet cute he sounded. This guy, he never fails to make me laugh.
An idea suddenly popped on my head.
After fixing my hair and making sure I at least look okay, I snap a picture of me with my puppy eyes ready. Once satisfied with the photo, I send it to him.
Me: forgive me oppa 😗
I laughed a little when I saw him gave a heart on me photo and for some reason, it made my heart flutter.
Why?
I started giggling.
Am I flirting with him?
Happykiddo94: Do you want me to die of heart attack? *clutching chest
But what surprised me most was the next message he sent.
Happykiddo94: 😊
Loud laughter boomed inside my room when I saw his photo.
It was a photo of his hands doing a finger heart.
I plopped my body on my bed. i just came home from an exhausting day at work.
Happykiddo94: btw, you look so pretty and hot *fanning face
You little flirt.
Me: so, am I forgiven?
A few more weeks passed and we kept on exchanging messages.
Me: Well I can't promise I can but I will try. I had full load schedule today *pouts
I laugh a little as I send the message over to him though I am sure he will be upset once he reads it.
And I wasn't wrong.
Happykiddo94: Wow Lisa. You're a busy woman. You don't even have time for me anymore, *sad face
You little cutie.
He told me the group will be doing a V-live again and stated that I watch so I'd finally see him, which I will. It's just that, I wanted to annoy him a little because he's cute like that.
He told me he will be waving a plushie three times and I should get it. But he only will if he sees me leaving comments.
I just wanted to surprise him when he sees my id on the comments. It is true though that I have a schedule but I can have the kids on a break once their V-live starts.
Me: Well indeed. I'm a hardworking individual, I hope you realize that. 😒
My eyes wandered on the empty studio before me. It isn't until thirty minutes before my students will arrive and I had already warmed up my body for today's session.
A smile emerged on my lips.
Dancing had always been something I enjoy and being able to do this after finishing my degree makes me really happy.
My Dad is a chef and our family has a stable business, enough for me not to be required to find some work.
Besides, I can simply help with my Mom run the business since I'd like for her to stop working too. However, being hard headed that she is, which a trait I got from her, she told me I should do what I like until she decides that she no longer wants to work and I can take over.
Which both my Dad and I agreed because there's no point in arguing anyways. My mom will always win in the end.
So here I am, fulfilling my passion with dancing by teaching kids and teenagers how to dance.
In all honesty, I have seen a few of VOELEVARD's performances. Thanks to Samantha unnie who made us watch their videos when we were still living in one apartment. Even Rosie was able to watch them no matter how much she tells unnie that she doesn't want to.
We even went in one of their concerts which I enjoyed to be honest. Though I'm not familiar with everything about VOELEVARD, I at least heard a lot of their music and enjoys their dynamic performances.
Heck, I actually love their choreographies - they are amazing!
As a dancer, I can say that they are all so good in dancing, but my eyes always gets attracted to that one person, Jung Haiden.
I mean, Jake and Vash dances so powerful while Jason was flowy. But Haiden, everything about him is perfect if I'm going to talk about technicality.
I know people have their preferences and will say they love the other's more but to me, personally, I'd love to be able to dance with him one day.
The way he moved his body screams passion that touches my very soul as a dancer. And even though I don't know him personally, I have this sense of connection feeling inside me every time I see videos of him dancing.
I must say that I'm a fan and I'd hope to really meet him someday.
But of course, that's after I meet this little flirt.
Four hours...
Finally, I'll know who you are.
---
Haiden's POV
"Jake, can you just -" A long sigh escaped my lips as I watch our youngest member absentmindedly play with a stuffed toy our fan sent me as a gift, the very same stuff toy I sent a photo with to Lisa.
It's been months since Rosie and him last talk. And ever since the girl left, Jake had never been the same. All of us had been sad about her departure but with Jake, it's different.
They were inseparable.
They love each other.
And I know the two have issues between them, not mostly with their relationship but both have restrictions and walls they need to break free with.
I glance at him with worry when he didn't even realize that I called his name.
Like how it has always been, Jake is fine on our performances, on our fan meets and concerts but once he turned his back to those cameras, to those people who knew would be worried for him, he's almost dead, or maybe almost a robot.
Even to us, he tried so hard to show that he's fine when he's not. If we don't have schedules, he spends his time practicing, almost killing his body.
And it's wrecking us.
It's wrecking me.
It pains to see our youngest, the most playful one building his walls in front of him. And we can't break through. It's sad to know that even though we know what's bothering him, we can't do anything about it, because it's something only him and Rosie have to deal with.
So on times like this, I can't really do anything but support him.
"Hey guys, we'll start with the V-live in two minutes! I'm excited to talk our fans!" Vash came bouncing, and like always, unaware about the current situation. And we're glad. Sometimes, all we need is someone like Vash so we can temporarily forget what's happening, what's hurting and bothering us. Besides, even Josh hyung just recently came back to his usual self after Samantha and her finally made up.
This team is in a total mess these days and my insides felt so heavy because I can't fix it. I can't fix everything.
I shifted on my seat when Jason cme running towards me.
"Aistt!" I snickered and he just grinned at me. Sometimes, Jason and Vash is too much to handle. Usually, it's the three youngest but given Jake's situation, it feels like nothing had change because taming Jason and Vash is almost taking care of us seven.
And then there's Lisa.
A smile came across my lips upon remembering the girl I had been communicating with. She had been nothing but a sweetheart. She's so sweet and fun to chat with. And though we haven't met each other before, I feel like I already knew everything about her. She's that transparent.
And I love it about her. With her, I can be me. I can be sweet without her being offended or anything. With her, I can joke around comfortably and she's the same with me.
I'm glad she's open. She tells me her concerns and she lets me help her feel better.
And moreover, she's beautiful.
I bit my lower lip upon remembering our previous conversation.
The girl has serious working issues. She's so workaholic to the point that she always forgets it every time I tell her to watch our V-live so I can finally introduce myself to her.
To be honest, I could have told her I'm Jung Haiden.
But I'm not sure why I can't seem to just tell it directly to her.
Am I afraid she won't treat me the same? I don't know, Maybe.
Even I have insecurities of my own.
I know she's not a fan but I can't help but be afraid she won’t be the same once she found out it was me.
I mean, everyone the rest of VOELEVARD first except me. And I felt it even more when I did a V-live before.
They don't want me. They want somebody else.
To be honest, it's the boys, the fans who continuously shows their appreciation towards me and my love for what I am doing is what keeps me going.
It hurts.
It fucking hurts to be neglected.
It burns like a hole when people don't give importance to you or appreciate you even after you gave your all. What hurts the most is, I can't even tell it to them. I can't say that I'm hurting.
Because I'm Haiden.
I'm their Haiden, their angel. I'm their sunshine.
Haiden can't be mad.
Well fuck, I should have named myself something else instead. Maybe then I will have the right to tell people that I'm hurting too.
"Hyung!"
I was startled when Jason nudged me on the shoulders, his hand pointing at the camera.
Oh shit.
I was spacing out too much, I didn’t even realize that the V-live had been on.
"Hi everyone!" I greeted, a huge smile showing on my face.
My eyes snapped on Jake's direction when he greeted our fans and realized that he still has my stuffed toy in his hands.
Should I get it?
Lisa said she might not see the V-live anyways.
With that in thought, I decided to let Jake play with it.
It should be okay right?
Of all the days, it'll be really weird if Lisa would suddenly watch the V-live after she missed it multiple times and even confirmed that she's busy.
Yeah, it should be fine.
With that, I faced our fans with a huge grin on my face.
They are here to see VOELEVARD anyways. And Haiden is part of VOELEVARD.
Right now, I'm Haiden...
-----
Lisa's POV
"So it was you..." I whispered before finally putting down my phone on the flat surface, my bad leaning on the glassed wall as I wait for my students to come back after sending them for quite a long break so I can watch VOELEVARD's V-live. I had a feeling it might be him because he was the one who sent a message to Samantha unnie before but I don't know. Somehow, there is a weird feeling inside me that I can't seem to point out.
Contrary to what I promised, I didn't leave a comment so he'd see I was watching. I'm not sure why but somehow, I feel like I wasn't ready to tell him that I finally know who he was.
Was I disappointed? I don't know.
Was I expecting someone else? I'm not sure.
But when I was watching, I keep thinking about how it shouldn't be him.
Not that I don't like him but I feel like I wasn't really as comfortable as when we chat on Instagram.
I just...
I just don't get the feeling.
I don't feel quite comfortable.
And I'm not sure I like it.
A long sigh escaped my lips.
What is this I'm feeling? I should be thankful I found someone like him.
He had been nothing but a sweetheart and here I am not being happy after finding out who he was. Sure he is handsome, well-built and yeah, charming, but I just...
I bite my lower lip in frustration.
Why?
Why am I feeling like this?
Why does it feel like he wasn't the same person?
Just when I decided to go show myself to him, why am I having second thoughts?
My hands reached for my phone and dialed Samantha unnie's number.
I waited.
First ring...
Second...
And when she picked up, "Unnie..."
I have decided.
"I'm coming in three days. See you..." I whispered.
I'm going to meet Jeon Jake. Maybe then, maybe when I see him in person, this weird feeling will go away.
Even after the day of my flight came, I am still reluctant and not excited about it.
I pulled my jumper a little, fixing the hem as I walk nervously.
Jake didn't know I am coming. The last time we were chatting, I told him I will be away for a vacation and I'm surprised he didn't ask me where.
A huge smile showed on my face as I slowly reached the Arrival area. Samantha unnie told me beforehand that Rosie will also be arriving and since I haven't seen the girl for like ages, I was more than excited.
I guess this trip is really worth it.
After filing an indefinite leave on my job and telling Samantha unnie about it, I book a flight to Korea in instant.
A lot of people were excitedly rushing before me and my eyes went wide when I reached the end and saw the two.
Samantha unnie and Rosie were smiling as their eyes scanned the people going out, probably searching for me.
"Unnies!!!!" I can't help it, I squealed so loud a few of the passengers raised their eyebrows while looking at me.
I shrugged my shoulders in embarrassment.
I'm excited, okay.
"Lisa!!!" Rosie whisper-shouted excitedly as both her and Samantha unnie run towards me for a hug.
In no time, we were jumping up and down as the three of us hug each other. It took us a whole five minutes before we can calm down.
"Lisa, you got taller!" Rosie nudged me by the shoulder and I just rolled my eyes at her.
Rosie and I are of the same age and maybe because of that, we banter a lot when we were still living in the same house. Even so, I know we still have each other's backs.
I know that no matter how many fights we have, I love her and she loves me the same.
I eyed at her wearily, noticing the glow emitting on her face.
"You got prettier. Do you have a boyfriend?" I raised my eyebrow at her and I noticed how her cheeks turned red, Samantha unnie's faint laughter can be heard behind us.
We were just waiting for the car to arrive.
Once it arrives and our luggage was already loaded at the back, the three of us ended up talking non-stop while on our way to God knows where.
"Jessie is such a sweetheart. The two of you will surely love her," Samantha unnie excitedly told us and both Rosie and me smiled.
The girl had been talking about her other friend nonstop and I feel like I already know her by heart.
"By the way, I'm sure the boys already knew you're here Chaeng. I don't even know why but their fans always tag my photos to their account as if I'd be missing any minute," Samantha unnie stated and I chuckled. I know she and Josh oppa were in a relationship so it doesn't surprise me one bit.
"Oh right, I heard you stayed with them on their tour bus. How was it?" I asked a little too excitedly. Jake once told me about it but we never really talk about it into more details.
It has been three days but finally calling the person I usually chat with having a name still doesn't sit with me.
She looked surprised at my question but the car halted in front of what seemed like a hotel or apartment building, and we all hop down the car before following Samantha unnie as she headed straight to the elevator.
While inside the elevator, I fiddled with my hands in nervousness.
Jake will be shocked, wouldn't he?
Just then, Rosie turned to my direction, confusion masking her face.
"Hey, Lisa, how did you know I stayed with them?" she asked confused, the sound of the elevator opening can be heard.
----
Lisa’s POV
"Hey, Lisa, how did you know I stayed with them?" she asked confused, the sound of the elevator opening can be heard.
I gulped. For some reason, I felt nervous about sharing the information with her.
Rosie never really liked Jake after all that had happened with Samantha unnie.
"Well, someone close to me told me about it," I just whispered hoping she would let it go. She tilted her head as if thinking of something but didn't ask any more questions.
I sigh in relief.
Soon enough, the three of us were standing in front of the door and my heart started beating rapidly.
How will he react?
I had openly shared my photos with him before so I know she'd recognized me in instant.
My hand reached for my chest, the fast rate of my heartbeat can be heard.
I didn't even notice that Samantha unit already had the door opened and I immediately followed Samantha funny, my mind blanked for a moment.
Once I entered, I noticed how a lot of things were scattered proving me that there are indeed boys who are living in this unit.
And then my eyes landed at the two people cuddling on the bean bag facing the door.- Jessie and Yohan oppa. they were sleeping while hugging each other, and my heart fluttered at how adorable they look.
I never really had a firsthand contact with any of them except for Josh oppa whom we always see everytime Samantha unnie was video calling him when she was having a vacation with us. However, I'm still pretty much familiar with every one of them since I had seen them perform before and watched a lot of their videos which Samantha unnie had forced us before.
The guy, whom I was able to identify as Jason, who was sitting on the couch saw us first.
"Oh," he mumbled, unable to utter the right words. His eyes landed on me, then landed back on Rosie's direction.
Due to Jason's reaction, Rome and Vash soon followed his gazed only to show the same reactions.
"Where are the others?" Samantha unnie asked as we all move forward towards them.
I was too nervous I barely have time to appreciate the surroundings before me. Of course, it was big but I don't think I am in my right state to appreciate the place at this moment.
I wonder where he is.
And as if on cue, Josh oppa emerged from what it seems like a kitchen. A smile came to my lips. I finally saw the person who made my Samantha unnie happy.
And then my eyes caught Jung Haiden's form and I don't know why but I feel like I started blushing a little.
I had always admired him even before due to his dancing and seeing him right now made me feel even giddier.
Stop it, Lisa. You came here for Jake.
My brows furrowed a little when Haiden oppa looked shocked at the sight of me but I simply brushed it off.
I have no time to fan girl right now.
Soon enough, the very reason why I came here for suddenly emerged from the kitchen, his eyes focused before him and if not for Haiden oppa who stopped walking, he wouldn't feel the need to look around after he almost bumped into him.
There he is.
He looked shocked but the giddy me failed to recognize the mixed emotion showing on his face.
I failed to notice how his lips quivered at the sight of Rosie.
All I had in mind was how I had been conversing with him for a long time...
How he was so kind and understanding to me...
How he was there when I needed someone...
Forget about the feeling of doubts and second thoughts...
All I had in mind is how he was finally there, a few inches away from me.
So with that in thought, I screamed out his name and run towards the person who I thought I knew.
"Jake!" I screamed happily as I rush towards him, my arms wide engulfing him in a big hug.
I was too excited, I didn't even notice his own reaction and the reaction of everyone with us.
A wide smile was showing on my face, the weird feeling still lingering my chest but I still brush the thought. Until I heard his voice screaming a name we're both familiar with.
And it's not mine.
"Rosie!"
My stomach started churning and the feeling of something unlikely is about to happened shook my system really hard.
Nothing is about to go wrong, isn't it?