Walking under the night sky is great, but it's better when accompanied by someone. The world suddenly becomes immersive—you start noticing tiny details.
Leaves falling, the sound of insects, flickering lights, the faces of people passing by, the plate numbers of cars. Everything becomes noticeable in a short span of time.
Under the night sky, footsteps echo on the concrete street.
Two people are strolling late at night.
It's Minji and Aiden.
Walking side by side after an eventful meeting. The awkwardness between them could be felt from two miles away. A small distance separates their shoulders—about the width of a stick.
Hands tucked into pockets as the sheer cold brushes against their skin.
Never in Aiden's life did he think this kind of moment would happen, especially with an idol.
The silence is deafening. Naturally, someone has to break it.
"So—" he spoke.
"S—" she spoke.
They didn't anticipate speaking at the same time. The awkwardness intensifies, and neither of them knows what to do. After a brief pause, Minji is the first to break the tension.
"You go first," she says.
Aiden, clearly flustered, manages to calm down and looks straight ahead.
"Ladies first," he replies.
That simple response makes Minji roll her eyes forward and mutter, "Cringe."
A funny clapback, Aiden thought. He laughs.
"You're a funny one."
Despite the awkward start, the short exchange eases the tension.
"I was about to ask how the performance went," he says.
A question with an obvious answer, asked anyway.
"It went as I expected," Minji replies bluntly.
"I see," he says—but one word catches his attention.
"'I?'" he asks.
"Yeah. I'm the leader, so I should have the vision for how it would go."
Their walk continues. As they approach the pedestrian lane, they stop—red light from the traffic signal casting over them. Aiden notices that Minji lacks a scarf. He touches his own, hesitating. He might die from embarrassment, but he grips it. The thought of looking cool gives him just enough courage.
He removes his scarf and places it gently on her neck.
Surprised by the gesture, she flinches—but seeing his intent, she stays still.
Seeing her reaction, Aiden quickly apologizes.
"I'm sorry... that was a bit sudden."
Minji, now holding the scarf around her neck, lifts a part of it to her nose and casually says,
"It smells good."
She's clearly blushing, but the night hides it well.
Aiden hears this and wrestles between saying something cool or brushing it off.
But before he can stop himself, he blurts out—
"You too."
Minji turns to him, surprised—not in disgust, but with a look that says, You weirdo.
Realizing what he said, Aiden panics.
"No, no, no, that's not what I meant—"
Before he can finish, Minji bursts into laughter. It catches Aiden off guard.
Warm light spills onto her from the streetlamp.
Cars pass slowly behind her, as if the world adjusts its pace for her.
A pretty girl laughing softly—like a Mona Lisa painting in motion.
It's a stunning sight. That's the only word Aiden can think of.
Seeing her like this makes him smile without realizing.
Soon, the red light turns green.
"I get it, Aiden. Let's go," she says.
A sigh of relief escapes him.
"Alright, let's go."
As they continue walking, Aiden speaks.
"Shouldn't we avoid this kind of place?" he asks, worried. But Minji doesn't seem bothered. "Don't worry about it. Media's tired after a grande performance like that—besides, only old folks are awake at this hour." She pauses.
"Also... I'm not even there yet."
"There yet?" he repeats.
"Nation's star," she says.
Thinking about her words, he nods.
"I guess you do have a point."
Then, out of nowhere—
"Chocolate or vanilla?"
Minji is surprised by the random question.
"What is with that?" she chuckles.
"What do you think, then?" she throws the challenge back.
"Well, since I'm a fan, I feel like I should know this."
"Uh-huh," she nods, amused.
Aiden puts a hand to his chin, pretending to think deeply.
He tries to remember every vlog, every behind-the-scenes clip—but nothing comes to mind.
So he goes with his gut. A 50/50 chance.
"I did watch one vlog when you were a trainee..."
"Uh-huh, uh-huh," she replies sarcastically.
"And walking beside you... gives me the vibe you're a chocolate girl."
"Uh-huh, uh-huh."
He looks at her, nervous.
"Chocolate?"
"Deng."
"Wrong."
Disappointed at himself, "You're a vanilla fan?", "I'm disappointed Aiden" she said. " I thought you were a fan" she continued. Can't believe he lost the probability, he throwed a question frustratingly "Since when?". Minji replied funnily "Since now"
"Heeey, that's cheating."
"Deal with it."
"Alright then, I'm asking next," Minji says, Aiden squaring up as if preparing for an interview.
Posture fixed. Ears open. "Yuna or Mirae?" Aiden wasn't expecting a question about LUNAE.
"Well, Yuna and Mirae both have their own—"
"5... 4... 3..." she starts counting down.
"Come on, don't be like that!"
"2—"
"Alright, alright!" he panics.
"Mirae. I choose Mirae."
Minji visibly deflates.
"I see."
"Why?" he asks, confused—but then it hits him.
"Even though I'm right here?" she says with a mock-hurt expression.
"No, no, no! You weren't even in the choices!"
Realizing how that sounds, Aiden shuts his mouth.
"I'm making this worse."
Minji laughs.
"I wish you could see your face right now."
"I'm just joking. Woman, right?" she smirks.
He wisely stays quiet but laughs anyway.
Scared to answer he remained silent but still laugh. Both continued to throw question left and right while walking peacefully. They're getting to know more better. They're having a great time but soon it will end as every great beginnings has an end.
"I guess this is goodbye, then?"
"Yeah," she replies.
"I had a good time," she adds.
"Yeah... me too," he says softly.
Waving goodbye, they part ways and go in opposite directions.
They don't know when they'll meet again.
But one thing is certain—
The stars are excited for the next encounter.