The trench coat wasn't your style, but you bought it anyway. Her instructions had been simple, you had to wear it. You didn't ask questions. You already knew the reason. Two recognizable faces couldn't just meet in the open—not when she was one of the most famous idols in the industry, and you, despite joking that you weren't on her level, had enough notoriety to draw a crowd of your own. Tonight, anonymity was worth more than fashion.
After paying for the trench coat, you headed home to get ready.
The coat went on first, followed by a pair of dark sunglasses and a plain black cap pulled low over your brow. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do. The less attention you attracted, the better.
You caught your reflection in the mirror and let out a quiet laugh.
“Subtle” you muttered.
Good enough.
Pulling out your phone, you opened your chat with her and typed a short message.
On my way
(👉ﾟヮﾟ)👉
See you soon
Manager will escort you inside
mkay?(👉ﾟヮﾟ)👉
Ok
Outside, you hailed a cab and gave the driver the location she'd sent. As the taxi pulled away from the curb, you settled into the back seat, your gaze drifting to the passing city lights.
Your heart was pounding.
You frowned to yourself. It wasn't as though this was your first time meeting her outside of work. The two of you had done this before.
So why were you so nervous?
Getting recognized wasn't what worried you. If anyone was likely to draw attention, it was her. One fan catching sight of her could snowball into a crowd, cameras, and headlines before either of you had a chance to leave.
Then another thought quietly slipped into your mind.
Maybe you were just... excited to see her.
The idea lingered for only a moment before you let out a small, amused huff.
Don't be ridiculous.
You'd just gotten along well, that's all. She was easy to talk to, fun to be around. Of course you'd look forward to spending time with a friend.
Satisfied with that explanation, you turned your attention back to the window, unaware that your heartbeat had yet to slow.
Your fingers drummed restlessly against your knee before you caught yourself, lacing your hands together instead. Even then, your thumbs refused to stay still, fidgeting with one another as your thoughts wandered.
How was this supposed to go?
You'd give her the gift, obviously.
Then what?
Would you hand it over, exchange a few words, and head home? That seemed... abrupt. Awkward, even. Had you really arranged this entire meeting just to give her a gift?
The more you thought about it, the less convincing that sounded. You could've easily had it delivered if you were that determined. So why hadn't you?
The question lingered in the back of your mind, unanswered.
You sighed quietly, rubbing your thumb against your knuckles… Maybe you'd figure it out once you saw her.
By the time the cab rolled to a stop, the uneasiness that had followed you throughout the ride had settled firmly in your chest.
You paid the driver, adjusted the brim of your cap, and stepped out onto the quiet street. Towering above you was the apartment building she'd sent the address for, it was sleek, expensive, and surprisingly secluded. Compared to the bustling roads only a block away, this side of the building was almost eerily still.
Before you could gather your thoughts, the entrance doors slid open.
“Right on time.”
You looked up to see her manager waving you over.
As you approached, their eyes swept over your outfit—the trench coat, the sunglasses, the cap pulled low over your forehead. A grin tugged at the corners of their mouth.
“I've got to admit,” they said with a chuckle, “you really went all in.”
You laughed sheepishly, tugging at the lapel of the coat.
“I figured if I was going to do this, I might as well commit.”
“It suits the occasion.” They stepped aside to let you in. “Though you can relax a bit now. This entrance is mostly used by residents and staff. Fans don't really linger around here.”
You hadn't realized how tense your shoulders were until they said that. They loosened ever so slightly as you nodded. “That's... reassuring.”
The two of you walked through the lobby together, your footsteps muffled by the polished marble floors. A blast of cold air greeted you the moment the doors closed behind you, yet you still found yourself tugging absentmindedly at the collar of your shirt.
The manager glanced over.
“Is the coat that warm?”
“Hm?”
“You're sweating.”
Instinctively, you reached up and brushed a hand across your forehead. “I guess I am.”
“I guess the AC’s too weak for you” They laughed softly. “Everything alright?”