11: Guilty

                                    

                                          
I started walking to the stage while trying to endure the glares and envious stares of the fans. Howon helped me up the stage and whispered on my ear.
                          
“Did you like our surprise?”
                          
“The next time you’ll do something like this, tell me okay? I’ll get a heart attack because of you!” he just laughed and passed me over to Dongwoo.
                          
“Group hug!” Dongwoo yelled and engulfed me in a bear hug. The others followed.
                          
“Yuan, surprise!” Sungjong squealed.
                          
“Gee, thanks.” I mumbled sarcastically and they all laughed.
                          
“Welcome to the family, Inspirit-Han Yuan. Congratulations.” Sunggyu grinned and finally let go of the hug. After that, they sang a love song  entitled Amazing.
                          
Sungjong even kneeled in front of me. The boys also forced Myungsoo to hold my hand, in which I felt really awkward, but his voice was really sweet. Admitting all these good things about him really hurt my pride.
                          
When they finally said goodbye, the people started leaving the theater. I was confused if I should go backstage to wait for Infinite or just stay outside. I ended up just going to a nearby 7/11 store to wait, since I didn’t want to look too eager to see them. Sunggyu would surely check on me anyway, so it’s fine. It was quite cold even inside the store because the air condition was on though it was the coldest time of the night. My coat wasn’t thick enough, so I just rubbed my arms for warmth. My phone suddenly rang, and it was an unknown caller. Probably Sunggyu.
                          
“Yuan, where are you?”
                          
“In a 7/11 store just across the street. It’s impossible to miss.”
                          
“Okay. We’ll go fetch you there soon, since we’re still not done removing make up.”
                          
“Alright,” I shrugged, and then he hung up. I returned my phone to my purse and continued rubbing my arms for warmth. Someone suddenly put a thick jacket over me. Well, that was fast…
                          
“Thanks Sungg—“ I was cut off when I saw that it wasn’t Sunggyu like I expected. It was a complete stranger (whom I admit was quite cute), and was smiling at me.
                          
“Feeling cold?” he asked and took the seat beside me. He leaned on the table to check on my pinkish face, which was already feeling a little numb due to the cold.
                          
“Um, yeah… But aren’t you going to need your jacket?” I awkwardly shifted my position to back away from him a little bit.
                          
“Well, a lady was in need so I’m willing to sacrifice.” He chuckled. Oh, so he’s the prince charming type. I found that kind of too cheesy, which I don’t like very much.
                          
“Um, okay, thanks.”
                          
“I’m Choi Jong Hun by the way,” he offered his hand.
                          
“I’m Han Yuan…,” I hesitated but still took his hand. I thought it was supposed to be a handshake, so I was surprised when he lifted my hand to kiss it. Really, really, a prince charming. Maybe he lives in a castle and owns a dragon.
                          
I quickly took back my hand and he chuckled. “I’m sorry if I make you feel awkward, but I really couldn’t help it when you looked very lonely in such a cold store.”
                          
“Well, I was just waiting for someone…”
                          
“And that someone is making you wait for too long?” he questioned. Hey prince, if only you know that it’s Infinite I’m waiting for. I suddenly sneezed, and the jacket slid off from my shoulders. Jong Hun reflexively caught it with his right hand reaching over me, which made it look like he was about to hug me. I felt warmth on my cheeks at the extreme closeness, and even he was surprised. Someone suddenly grabbed him by the shirt, forcing him to stand up. I was surprised to see Myungsoo.
                          
“What do you think you’re doing?” he hissed, but Jong Hun coolly smiled.
                          
“I was just keeping her company. Are you the one she’s waiting for?” Myungsoo just glared at him, and he smirked. “Well, this is what I tell you boy. Don’t ever, ever make a girl wait for too long, or else someone else might get her while you’re gone.”
                          
Myungsoo clenched his fists and I was afraid that he would cause trouble here. Since he wasn’t wearing any disguise (plus the eye-catching stage outfit he was still wearing…), people would easily recognize him and make rumors. Fortunately, he let go of Jong Hun and pushed him away.
                          
“Get away from here before I ruin your face.” He warned, and Jong Hun chuckled. He bent down to pick up his jacket and swung it over his shoulder. He winked at me before going out of the store.
                          
“Aish, that bastard,” Myungsoo rubbed his forehead with gritted teeth. I turned to look at him, eyes narrowed.
                          
“Why did you have to do that?” he looked at me with a “huh” look. “Why did you have to act all cocky to him? He wasn’t doing anything bad, you know.”
                          
“Oh, so you’re defending that boy that was near enough to harass you?”
                          
“He wasn’t doing anything, okay? The jacket almost fell, and he just catched it, that’s all!”
                          
“But his eyes told me he’s trying to do something else! I’m also a man. I know those things.”
                          
“Why are you being so protective all of a sudden? Yesterday you acted like you wouldn’t care if I get killed at the sidewalk, and now, you’re causing a ruckus just because of your wrong assumption?”
                          
“You might be annoying sometimes, but you’re still a girl!” he said, and I was silenced. “I’m not a heartless person to let a girl get hurt in front of me.”
                          
“You don’t have a protect me. I can take care of myself.” I mumbled.
                          
“No you can’t. You don’t even know who the bad guys are.”
                          
“Just stop protecting me, okay? I’m nothing to you! We feel the same way, so there’s no need to care about me!! Just… STOP!!!” I yelled at him, but he didn’t answer back. He was frozen for a moment, and then turned his back to me.
                          
“Follow me. They might already be waiting for us.” He said in a lifeless tone. I suddenly felt guilty. I know he was just being a responsible man by protecting a woman, but I didn’t think I was the right person to be protected. Just like what I said, I’m just nothing to him. Or…… am I wrong?
                          
Aish!! Should I say sorry, or let it fade from his mind as time goes by? No… I don’t think it would quickly fade like that. I tried to tap his shoulder, but my pride made me draw back my arm. I mentally cursed myself. I wasn’t able to say anything until we reached the group, and I was sure they sensed the tension between us.
                          
They didn’t let me sit beside Myungsoo anymore and moved me to the center between Howon and Sungyeol. They were joking and trying to make me laugh, and I just pretended to laugh along with them. I glanced back at Myungsoo and saw him staring out the window with a blank face.
                          
“Sorry,” I whispered, and I hoped that he heard it. But of course, he didn’t.
                          
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[A/N]: Putting Jong Hun here was kind of random (I smell a bias over here....) but believe me or not, he actually has a big role in here.  To all you people who doesn't know him, Choi Jong Hunnie is FTIsland's main guitarist and Leader. Don't forget to Vote! <3