Night-Owl Romance

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Note: Thank you lovelies~! Your support keeps encouraging me and I appreciate every favorite/follow/comment 3 updates will come depending on the rate I write the chapters

Is it a stalker? Is it Seven?! Is it Jumin's bodyguard?!

Let's find out! (more thoughts at the end of the chapter)

PS: I'm currently sketching ideas for chapter 8, 7 being completely done – the updates depend on how fast I write them, so don't expect regular posting ^^;

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Chapter 6: Chance Meetings

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The impact was imminent, Mina slamming into the unyielding pedestrian who acted like a wall pushing her backwards from the impact. Stumbling, the girl instantly lost her footing and headed straight to the ground. Strong and capable hands, however, had caught her by the arms before she came into contact with the hard surface.

'Kya! That was too close...T-T', Mina thought relieved, eyes still moist from the tears she had let out not long ago. Recovering her stance, she bowed down deeply apologetic and thanked the man for his kindness. "No need. Are you alright?"

"Yes... I am unharmed-"

Mid-sentence, her voice faded as her entire body ran cold, finally taking a good look at the young male she had bumped into. Mina would be able to recognize that face anywhere. "My, my...", the stern expression swiftly changed. "I didn't expect this at all."

"How long has it been... although, sometimes it feels like it has only been a day."

The girl wanted to run away and never look back – but she was frozen in place, a smirk contouring slightly on his face.

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"Isn't that right, MC?"

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~oOo~

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The stage was on fire.

Members from the production team and actors alike had gathered around the stage to watch the silver haired man passionately deliver his final lines of the one-page monologue, thus marking the end of the scene and the musical in its entirety. Everyone felt shivers running down their spines, the first in quite a while since working on this performance piece that would open to the public's viewing in less than a week.

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"I'm not your damn sweetheart."

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It was echoing in his ears like a mantra.

It was almost unheard of for a woman to leave Zen speechless to the extent that he would be unable to form a meager sentence from the shock, not finding any suitable words for a reply. Not counting his own mother, there really wasn't anyone who would so openly dismiss the actor. It was usually the opposite. Many girls would – dare he say stampede towards him, grabbing the first opportunity to be near his handsome presence and Zen would be lying if he didn't enjoy the attention or their company / adoration.

Yet MC...

She was an enigma who seemed to have forged a habit of always disappearing mid-conversation – this time, placing a large crevice between them which was rather difficult to mend as things levitated towards a very awkward place.

*deep sigh*

Initially, the actor had a hard time focusing on his role, wishing to be out of this suppressive theater room – a sentiment he wasn't accustomed to since he was usually between the first to show up at rehearsals and the last to leave after the show's curfew had dropped. But these latest events had destabilized his routine and affected his performance.

Zen's fortune was that the current part in the rehearsal revolved around his character's fight and loss of his most beloved, requiring him to be especially heart broken and troubled, emptying agonizing emotions towards the public; stars were his witness as death became the night sky who took his love away, trapping her inside a cage that became known as the moon, its light teasing him about the distance that could never ever be conquered between them. He solemnly swore that they shall meet again and if not in this lifetime, then in the next one or next after...

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The red thread binding their destinies together would never break, no matter the hardships.

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He had been so convincing in the role that even the director's critiquing was put on hold during this enriched performance as he was completely enthralled by what he was seeing. Only after Zen's monolog had ended and a penetrating silence was looming above their heads for a good solid minute did the director cough and resumed his responsibilities towards the crew. He had nothing more to add or improve with Zen's parts, congratulating the young actor for his character's accurate portrayal and hard work. "You've improved a lot during these months."

"Keep up the pace and who knows what's in store for you next!"

Normally, the silver haired man would have been over the moon with glee after receiving such an honor and praise from the director himself! Today, however, this was not the case... And while on their performance break, Zen was so tempted to call MC back or even send the girl a text but her earlier outburst had been quite off-putting.

He didn't want to upset her any further...

But he did not wish any harm falling upon her and if that meant angering the girl while voicing out his concerns,

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Then so damn be it!

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~oOo~

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[Yoosung]: She's late... also she's not answering her phone again.

[Jaehee Kang]: I should have pressed the matter of her security with more conviction...

[Jaehee Kang]: Mr. Han is in a meeting too so I cannot act on my own accord.

[Jaehee Kang]: He was quite bothered that MC hadn't checked-in on time.

[Yoosung]: *upset emoji*

[Yoosung]: Do you think something bad has happened to her?!

[Yoosung]: I'm so worried...

[Yoosung]: I can't focus on this raid at all.

[Jaehee Kang]: *ican'tbelievethis-sigh emoji*

[Jaehee Kang]: Weren't you supposed to be in class today?

[Yoosung]: Free day for club activities~!

[Jaehee Kang]: Is LOLOL a club there...?

[Yoosung]: Ha ha, I wish!

[Yoosung]: ...

[Yoosung]: I should check, actually. *good idea emoji*

[Jaehee Kang]: Forget I've mentioned it.

[Yoosung]: But, come to think of it, there are some game-related ones.

[Yoosung]: I knew of one in high school, members quite renowned, but for Lizzard Games.

[Yoosung]: I'm not a fan, but... maybe we can invite these guys to the party!

[Jaehee Kang]: *ican'tbelievethis-sigh emoji*

[Jaehee Kang]: I digress. Alas, it is not me who is tasked with such decisions.

[Jaehee Kang]: I wish Luciel would calm down the spirits. He said we shouldn't overreact but he had since gone off the grid.

-ZEN has entered the chat room-

[Yoosung]: Hyung!

[Jaehee Kang]: Hello, Zen.

[Yoosung]: *upset emoji*

[Yoosung]: *upset emoji*

[Yoosung]: *upset emoji*

[ZEN]: Yoosung, boy.

[ZEN]: What's with that reaction...? Is your game having maintenance again? O-O?

[Yoosung]: My suffering isn't always LOLOL related! *angry emoji*

[ZEN]: Such a troublesome kid...

[Yoosung]: You're not that older than me!

[ZEN]: Ahem.

[ZEN]: I've just finished rehearsals.*so tired*

[ZEN]: Also... has MC logged on yet?

[ZEN]: I thought she might have returned here after our phone call.

[Yoosung]: HAVE YOU JUST TALKED TO HER?!

[Yoosung]: *shocked emoji*

[ZEN]: What's it to you?

[ZEN]: Are you interested in her that much?

[ZEN]: Well, don't be. ;D

[Yoosung]: She's not picking up!

[Yoosung]: And who wouldn't be interested! Don't be mean and hog all of her attention...

[Jaehee Kang]: Everybody, please, we must focus on the problem at hand...

[Jaehee Kang]: *ican'tbelievethis-sigh emoji*

[Jaehee Kang]: We can't get a hold on MC!

[ZEN]: I knew I messed up... but didn't think it was this badly...

[Yoosung]: HUH?!

[Jaehee Kang]: You know of her whereabouts then?

[ZEN]: No, she kept avoiding an answer to that.

[ZEN]: All alone with this lunatic hacker around... My guts knew it was problematic. Voicing this made her really, really upset.

[ZEN]: *sad emoji* Such a heavy air inside my heart now...

[Jaehee Kang]: Excuse the interruption, but WHEN was this interaction?!

[ZEN]: I had a break at noon, so around that time.

[Jaehee Kang]: ... She's been unresponsive after 12:50, possibly earlier judging by what you had shared.

[Jaehee Kang]: MC didn't return to the apartment before we'd lost connection with Luciel too.

[ZEN]: *surprised emoji*

[Yoosung]: Clock shows 13:30... It was more than half an hour ago.

[ZEN]: ...

[ZEN]: She said she was heading back to Rika's!

[ZEN]: *surprised emoji*

[ZEN]: What does Seven have to say about this?!

[Jaehee Kang]: He suggested we shouldn't be concerned for now. Luciel spotted her walking side-by-side with another man whom he mentioned was 'safe and sound looking - maybe'.

[ZEN]: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

[ZEN]: *angry emoji*

[ZEN]: Who's this 'other man'?

[ZEN]: Also, where the hell has Seven run off to?!

[Yoosung]: I know! Maybe he's out there stalking them on their date.

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-ZEN has left the chat room-

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[Jaehee Kang]: Yoosung...

[Jaehee Kang]: *ican'tbelievethis-sigh emoji*

[Yoosung]: You've been wondering about this too, right? Since Seven is so calm... and this guy doesn't seem to be 'Unknown'...

[Jaehee Kang]: Still... such a reckless move.

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~oOo~

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"DAMN IT!"

The actor gripped his phone painstakingly hard, checking over the numerous messages he had missed in the wake of the obligations he carried for this musical. Zen attempted reading them all carefully but he wasn't able to go through such a large amount in the limited timeframe he had left of this break. What's more, he was feeling too irritated by everything that had happened today, mumbling curses every few seconds because of this on-growing helplessness he was experiencing. Seven's annoyingly carefree attitude was not helpful either, massively pissing Zen off – he was far too calm about MC's situation!

'And what's this I hear about a date with another man?!'

'Side-by-side, too.'

'Seriously?'

'ACK!', the silver haired man felt like he was going too crazy – his head might explode! Hoping Seven would pick up his phone was quite a stupid idea to consider, minutes later getting nothing out of it... just like with MC. "Pa-ra-ram~! God Seven is out scouting the market for more Honey Buddha Chips and Dr. Peppers~! Defender of Justice needs his daily dose of vitamins and nourishments~!"

More like daily dose of health-shredding.

Nevertheless, Zen was immensely troubled by MC's lost whereabouts.

Whatever opinion she had about him at the moment, the actor didn't want to just sit around and do nothing while god only knew to where she was accompanying a dubious man! She was far too trustworthy or may even be in serious danger – who really knew anymore?! Everyone had the best intentions at heart when involving her wellbeing, she had to understand this somehow. 'Once you join the R.F.A., you are part of our group.' Zen firmly believed so, gladly willing to repeat this notion like a broken record until MC fully understood it too.

And Zen wasn't going to keep feeling guilt for his outbursts!

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"MC. I hope you'll be reading this soon!

People are worried sick about you, you know? I am worried sick about you. So please give a call/message/anything that would let us know that you're alright.

You can get angry at me all you want but I will not apologize for having your safety in mind and pressing on the issue when you're at risk! I stand by what I've told you. Even if it seems like something you've done before – like a stroll in the city – these days aren't the safest to be alone.

Not since you've joined the R.F.A. in the manner you did.

We are here for you.

Rely on us.

Rely on me!

Because you're not alone anymore!"

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"Zen-hyung! There you were!"

One of the staff members had called out for his attention, running towards the actor and panting from such minimal effort. "The meeting will begin in five minutes. They say this suit's brought his top choices from those students so the posters will make the show an even bigger success."

"Oh, that thing again... *sigh* Fine. Alright, I'll join you guys shortly...", he answered annoyed, putting away his phone for a few seconds before he returned his gaze towards the screen... waiting like an idiot for a reply.

"Hyung!'

"Alright, alright!"

Zen would rather be doing something more productive with his time than attend this strange meeting. No matter what the director had told him, the actor had his doubts and questioned the reasoning why he was even made to participate. "Mr. Lee had specifically asked for you to be there.", the director confessed after the rehearsals ended today but the man was more than confused by how odd and sudden this request had been.

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Why would a fancy school teacher believe Zen would be of any importance in their uni meeting...

And from where did this guy hear of the actor?

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Anyway, the subject didn't interest him a whole lot... if it didn't directly involve his performance in the musical in any way, he didn't see the point of participating. He couldn't reap any benefits from the meeting but not like he could refuse the director's demands.

Following the plump worker to the office, Zen stopped in the middle of the corridor as his heart did a dangerous flip in his chest. His phone was vibrating, quickly taking it out only to be severely disappointed and audibly groan – it was only Seven. "Hang on a second, I'll be there in a minute.", Zen told the one in front as he hid in the corner, the worker throwing him a disappointed look. There was no time to waste- "A single minute and I'll be there!"

"...", he did not complain further – the director could handle this issue himself!

'You raaaaaang~?!', the hacker's voice pierced through in a cheerful manner, the actor's emotions shredding his last drop of patience away.

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*DOOR CREAKING*

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Zen's back was pressed against the wall, trying to suppress his voice from lashing out and keeping the volume low. Everything was fine and dandy with the party planner according to Seven – oh, and he had a surprise waiting for Zen but he wouldn't make it known until~~~~!

"Until what-?!"

It would be evident soon enough~! "What are you blabbing about?!"

"Just wait a few seconds and you'll see~!"

"Don't have the patience for this...", he hissed and then glanced sideways, peeking towards the meeting room for his queue to enter. The actor's ears suddenly picked up some chatter coming from within, Zen eyeing the door from where he noticed a girl leaving in a rush. "Please wait a minute, Miss Choi! I'll lead you outside."

"Oh!", she stopped midway. "Ok- *slams door* ay!"

The smiling girl had been silenced mid-answer and just stood there utterly confused for a few seconds, the actor hearing her sigh heavily and muttering something under her breathe while caressing the side of her face in a tired manner. "Definitely not my day..." Luckily for her, she didn't wait long for him as she was leaning against the wall and resting her head on it too. Her expression showed her being lost in a pensive state – nothing irregular about that in such a setting at work. But it was troublesome how saddened her eyes appeared nearly moments after exhuming such a positive energy.

Zen observed her features some more like in a creepy trance as if he was expecting something to happen.

Either that or maybe Seven drove him to such madness that stalking other women with his eyes was turning into his second nature. She was neither tall nor short, quite thin framed, had brown hair that was short and messy with bangs. She was wearing a cream winter coat, dark jeans and ankle high boots.

She was definitely a new face at their theatre.

Was she in a predicament or merely exhausted? The darkness underneath her eyes and paleness of the skin had an unhealthy hue to them. A student at the university perhaps? That would explain part of her appearance considering many of Yoosung's selfies carried a similar unhealthy color – the difference was, the blonde was too addicted to his games to properly take care of himself.

Zen would have dragged his feet towards her for some small talk – or at least radiate the rest of her day with much-needed sunshine and happiness with his handsome features and why not – a fan foto – but he had been too slow to act. An older male sporting a darker trench coat and slick gelled hairdo joined her soon. It offered him Jumin vibes had the trust fund kid worn glasses on a regular basis, scrunching his nose from this awful association.

"Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, Miss Choi!"

Somehow, the guy's smile felt too intimate.

"It's fine~!"

Zen also noticed the man's hand cupping the girl's shoulder fondly that was followed by an even less professional hand rolling through her hair and brushing her stray locks down. She looked quite embarrassed and red, tapping down other locks that had been disturbed by her wall leaning.

"Come along with me now. I won't take long."

The actor rolled his eyes lightly, glancing away from the private gestures.

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Womanizer even when he has a meeting next.

What a man.

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End note1: To be completely fair, I was aiming for the stalker initially, but then I thought it wouldn't really advance the story anywhere at this point. And it would have been too predictable – toopredictableisboring. So, either bodyguard, Seven or stalker was kind of... nah~!

I do want Zen to be the first one from the R.F.A. to properly meet the MC, so no hackers.

Properly. *accidents/pranks don't count*

Instead~~~ Oh lala, is it trouble, is it not~~~?!

End note2: Regarding V's situation... I honestly don't know so early in the story. I'll have to think about it when the time comes. I don't plan that much ahead ^^; I might go for the real ending with V, but I could also change my mind – depends of the direction this fanfic will take after the party. Which, at the rate I am going at... don't expect it to happen any time soon. So for now, V is breathing in my fic.

End note3: In 707's case, since he sees MC so often in the CCTV footage, he might end up 'falling' for her, just like Yoosung – MC is currently a girl crush for all of them (minus Jumin/Jaehee).

And since their interactions with girls in real life is... well... close to none (Jaehee is like a dude in their eyes *le sobs*), MC is just target-practice type of novelty. A curiosity crush.

Also, in Day5 phone call, he says 'Seven Zero Seven' (I rechecked to make sure). I don't really know when he says 'Seven One Seven' o-o if you know, please tell me XD