It sounded dumb, but you were star-struck. He was constantly sent you selfies over the messenger, but to be that close to the real living, breathing him was something else entirely. He was dressed in a crisp black tuxedo that was quite complimenting on his form, his white hair pulled back into an effortless ponytail that somehow still managed to look sophisticated. And there was this stupid goofy grin on his dazzling face - you could've melted on the spot.

"Oh, thank god," he breathed with a little laugh - his voice sounded even better in person than it did over the phone. "I was afraid it wasn't going to be you."

"Well, it's me," you managed to get out, with a smile. Your face was burning. "It's… It's so great to see you, Zen."

"You too, lovely."

You didn't know what to say. There was a pause in the conversation - you didn't know if it counted as awkward or not. It lasted three seconds or so before Zen spoke up once more.

"You're shorter than I imagined."

Just like that, the ice broke. You seemed to remember all the prior conversations you'd had - the teasing, the flirting, the confiding. You just had to remind myself that this would be just like texting, but.. more direct.

"What?!" You huffed, giving a playful stomp of your foot to emphasize your mock anger. "We finally meet in person, and that's one of the first things you say to me? I'm hurt."

He laughed. "What? It's true. What are you, five two?"

"Um- five four, thank you very much."

"Riiight. Either way, you're tiny."

Zen was actually much taller than you'd expected. You reached just up to his shoulder, but you didn't mind.

He held out his hand. "Would you like to dance while we catch up?"

You stared at his offered hand for a moment. The idea of finally touching him, even if it was something as simple as joining hands, was spine-tingling. You grinned, entwining your fingers. You saw his eyes widen slightly. His skin was soft.

"L-Let's go then." His voice cracked.

You couldn't help but chuckle. "Nervous?" You asked.

"What?! No. Of course not. The great Zen doesn't get nervous."

"Mm, I beg to differ." He lead you out to the middle of the dance floor. The quartet was playing a slowed down version of jingle bells. Zen took both of your hands and lifted them up. He tapped his foot to the beat for a second or two, and then he whisked you off, pulling you in a fluid circle to the pleasant music. You smiled.

"I had no idea you could dance."

"There's a lot you don't know about me. And honestly, I want to change that, Y/N."

You barely heard what he was saying, as bad as that sounded. Your eyes were wandering. Some of the other guests - ones that recognized Zen, obviously - were watching you and whispering. Your stomach tied itself into knots. You couldn't help but think about what Jaehee was always saying - that Zen being in a relationship with you would start a scandal and ruin his career.

Zen either didn't notice the other people or didn't care, which you doubted. He looked at you expectantly. "Well? How do you feel?"

You blinked, locking eyes with him. "No - I agree completely. I want to know you, Zen."

That seemed to satisfy him. He spun you in a circle; the bottom of your dress fanned out and then came back in. "Ok.. the basics, then. What is… your favorite color?"

You giggled. "Really?"

"What? I did say basics." His cheeks were tinted red.

"Alright, alright, calm down. My favorite color is… blue. Like, a teal-ish blue, but not too teal."

"Huh. Specific. Well, in case you were wondering - which I know you were - my favorite color is orange."

"Orange? I didn't expect that. I thought you were going to say… Black. Or something lame."

"Black is not lame! It's a very fitting color for me."

"Fine… I do agree with that." The song ended, and you slowed down with the rest of the dancing couples, coming to a stop. Both of you were breathing a bit more heavily than usual, grinning at each other.

"Let's go get some drinks."

You nodded, leading him away from the dance floor and back towards the food tables. He picked up a glass of pale yellow wine and leaned against the wall, bringing it to his lips. He rose an eyebrow at you. "Well?" He mumbled past the lip of the glass, "You gonna have anything, love?"

Your face burned red hot. You tugged at your dress sheepishly. "I'm eighteen, remember?"

"Psh-" Zen scoffed, smirking. "What a little baby! Right then, no adult drinks for you. Want some… milk?" He broke into sputtering laughter again.

You rolled your eyes, a wry smile on your face, and turned to give him the cold shoulder.

Out of the corner of your eye you saw him pout, which was an expression nearly impossible to say no to. "Aw, don't be like that! I was only kidding. I actually admire you for not succumbing early. When I was your age, I… wasn't as smart." He looked sheepish.

That won you back over. You turned towards him again, sighing. "Apology accepted, Zen. And thanks, I'm… trying my hardest here."

Zen met eyes with you. He looked suddenly solemn. "Y/N, I-"

"I see you two are already all over each other."

The voice came from behind you, butyou were already quite aware of who had spoken. You had talked to him over the phone only a couple of times, but his words gave him away. You spun around on your heels and backed up a step so that you were nearly brushing up against Zen. Nearly.

"Jumin," You greeted pointedly, taking a glass of water from the drinks table. It was him, without a doubt - he wore a velvet black tuxedo complimented by a golden-threaded tie. "I-"

"Don't you have more important things to do than harass Y/N and I?" Zen growled, crossing his arms over his chest.

Jumin frowned, tilting his chin back just slightly. "I just wanted to see how you were enjoying my party." There was just enough emphasis on the word 'my' to be noticeable.

Zen tensed. He opened his mouth as if planning on responding himself - probably in the snarkiest possible manner - but you quickly offered your own words. "It's amazing, Jumin. Before I forget, it's nice to actually meet you."

The dark-haired man smiled, but it was more of a 'I'm mocking Zen' smile than an 'It's a pleasure' one. "Thank you. And you as well, Y/N." He offered his hand.

"Er…" Realizing that he wanted a handshake, You cleared yout throat and returned it with a firm grasp.

"Say, Y/N… would you care for a dance?" Jumin offered, tilting his head ever-so-innocently. He ignored the seething anger that appeared on Zen's face, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Oh, you-" You glanced back; Zen looked about ready to square up. You placed a gentle palm on his chest, which seemed to surprise him and calm him down at the same time. You quirked your eyebrows in his direction, silently telling him that he had absolutely nothing to worry about.

"Sure, Mr. Han. A quick one couldn't hurt."

Jumin dipped his head in a small nod, reaching out his hands for you to take. And you did, albeit gingerly. There was a moment's pause before you were off, surging with the other dancing couples to a cheerful instrumental of Silver Bells. You could see Zen sulking out of the corner of your eye; you felt bad about leaving him in the dust, and with Jumin no less, but you would be sure to make it up to him later. Besides, as soon as you were gone he was practically enveloped by a group of people eager to chat him up.