- Hello - he said softly in Korean, leaning slightly towards you with that look that seemed to cross any defense.
- Good job! Don't be nervous.
- You came... - he smiled, shy, but there was something in his eyes that looked different from what he showed on stage. More human. More real.
- Today, on stage, I realized how authentic you are. He didn't try to be someone else. That caught my attention. - He scratched the back of his neck, as if he was revealing a secret. - I wanted to talk to you more.
- I... I also wanted to thank you. You were very kind - you answered, trying to control the trembling voice.
- Can I offer you a coffee? - he asked, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. - Not far from here. Just the two of us.
The auditorium was full. The lights flashed in shades of red and green, reminiscent of the intense climate of Round 6. On stage, part of the cast was already gathered, smiling and waving to the fans who shouted excitedly. Among them was Park Sung-hoon - tall, elegant, with that discreet smile that made his heart race just by seeing him on the screen.
The presenter announced that four fans would be chosen to go on stage and participate in fun challenges inspired by drama. You shook hands nervously, not imagining that the impossible could happen. And then, suddenly, he heard his number being called.
Your legs trembled, but you walked to the stage. The lights were strong, and the audience looked like a blur behind so much brightness. When he finally stopped at the indicated place, he realized that he was right next to Sung-hoon. His heart shot.
You managed to return the greeting, even if your voice almost didn't come out.
The first challenge has begun: a quick race of musical statues. You made an effort, but you could barely concentrate, since Sung-hoon kept laughing next to you every time the music stopped. He even encouraged you:
The audience vibrated, and the proximity between the two of you seemed more and more real.
In the second challenge, you were put in pairs, and to your surprise, the draw put you right next to you. The task was to assemble a block tower in one minute. You laughed together when the tower almost collapsed, and he, without thinking, put his hand on yours to hold the last piece.
For a moment, time seemed to stop.
The other challenges passed quickly, between laughter, small victories and looks that only you two realized. In the end, all the fans received gifts, but Sung-hoon did something unexpected: he discreetly handed you a small sheet of folded paper along with the official gift.
You had the courage to look only later, far away already stage. His hands were shaking when he opened the note and read:
"Thank you very much for participating. You seem very special. Would you like to talk more after the event?"
His heart almost exploded.
After the Round 6 event, you were still in shock. The little paper that Park Sung Hoon had put in his hand was stored in his coat pocket, as if it were the greatest treasure in the world.
"Meet me in the side corridor."
You hesitated, but your heart spoke louder. She walked there, trying not to be noticed. When he turned the corner, he was there, leaning against the wall, fiddling with his cell phone. Upon hearing his footsteps, Sung Hoon looked up.
You didn't know what to say. She just nodded, nervous.
His hands were sweating. He, Park Sung Hoon, his biggest crush, was there, talking as if it were something natural.
He laughed low, and that sound made his heart race even more.
You left discreetly, without drawing attention. They walked side by side through the lighted streets of Seoul to a small and cozy coffee shop. The conversation flowed unexpectedly. He wanted to know about you, about your life, about what you liked to do. And, in each of his answers, he seemed even more interested.
And you, only fell in love more.