Sam's P.O.V:
Going to the dumpling store was a complete waste of time. Christine wasn't there. This sent Lee into a frenzy as she complained that she first had to worry about Zoey and now Christine. It's strange how Christine left without telling us where she was going. Maybe she saw something and decided to leave, thinking she would be back soon. If she had gone back to the shop we were at first, she would've called to ask us where we were. So far, all our phones have been silent. Just like Lee, I couldn't help but worry.
Now comes the hard part. Deciding whether Christine might have gone missing and we go look for her; or she's probably somewhere, and we don't have to worry.
"Well, if she did go somewhere, she would answer our calls," said Daniel. "We can't tell whether she's safe or not."
"When I see her, she's also getting an earful," said Lee, who, just like before, looked like an angry aunt.
"Perhaps we should try calling her again," Jungkook suggested.
"Let me try," I said. I pulled my phone out and quickly called her.
"Let's hope she picks up," said Mino.
"I know," said Zoey, who had her arms folded. "We were supposed to be out here having fun, and she walks out on us like that."
"Well, you also did the same an hour ago, didn't you?" Mike asked.
"Your point, Mike?" Zoey asked, trying her best not to lose her temper.
Mike zipped his mouth shut with an invisible zip, and that almost sent Zoey fuming. But she bit her lower lip, stopping herself from saying anything rash. Everyone knew what Mike was going to say, and it's a good thing he didn't bother himself by saying it out loud.
As usual, Christine didn't pick up my call, and I made sure to let everyone know. They all groaned in frustration. This was really weighing us down. Before I could say anything, my phone beeped. I have a message from Christine. I didn't say anything as I opened it.
"There's nothing to worry about," I said as I blacked out the screen of the phone. "Christine just texted me to say she's fine."
"Thank goodness," said Lee, looking relieved. "That's all I needed to know. Where is she?"
"She went searching for more dumplings near some restaurants," I answered. "She got a little distracted, and that's why she didn't pick up the phone."
"Well, she should've said that before leaving," said Jimin. "We would've gone dumpling hunting with her."
"Yeah, I wish I had joined her," said Daniel, looking crestfallen. "We would've eaten different kinds of dumplings."
"I'm sure she'll save some for you when she gets back," I said. "So, should we continue shopping or do we do more looking around?"
"We can do a little of both," said Zoey. "Once Christine is done, we can meet at the store and head back."
Everyone else agreed, and we made our way back onto the street using a different route. I hope we don't find ourselves where Christine is. She texted me, saying that she was having a dinner date with Jinwoo. If the others, especially the other Toxins, find out, they will want to go there and see how it's going. She needed privacy, so this is the least I could do to keep them off her back.
Luckily enough, we found ourselves on the artistic side of Hongdae. We found colorful graffiti on the walls and some street performances, like singing and dancing. This will keep us distracted. I hope.
***
Christine's P.O.V:
Jinwoo couldn't stop smiling under that mask of his as I finished the story of how we came to Hongdae with Jungkook and Jimin. We were eating a delicious Korean meal for the main course, and it was great sitting there with him as he listened. The atmosphere had set me in the mood to be free and excited as I spoke. I couldn't help but avert my eyes to often to avoid looking deep into Jinwoo's. He was so fixated on me for some reason, and I thought for a moment that I had been talking too much. I forgot about that, as I soon felt comfortable and told him the story.
"It's good you found her on time," said Jinwoo after I finished my story. "If she did meet Johnny, something tells me it would've been ugly."
"We all knew that," I said. "That was why we had to be quick. If it weren't for Jungkook and Jimin, who knows what would've happened? Zoey has a temper, so I'm guessing she would've ended up being arrested."
Jinwoo agreed with a nod of his head. "Mino would've ended up in the same predicament."
"True. It's clear that he likes her. Or else he wouldn't be here to help her out in the first place."
"There's no denying it there." Jinwoo picked up the glass of water beside him. "He really does like her."
I felt my cheeks suddenly flush. I didn't expect him to admit it so openly. "Wait, for real?" I asked.
"It's not hard to notice," Jinwoo answered after taking a sip of water. "I've noticed the way he looks at her sometimes."
"They would make a good couple. However, they would've a lot of ups and downs since Zoey can sometimes be a little dramatic. Mino might handle her, but the question is, for how long?"
"Nah, he can handle her. I wonder how Sam can handle Seunghoon since he's jumpy all the time."
"Oh, trust me, she will do fine," I said with a smile. "She might not be interested in him, but given the chance, they would be great. I feel Sam is compatible with anyone. She's understanding, loyal, and kind. All she needs is someone who can take care of her like a queen and treat her the way she would treat them."
"Yeah, Sam is pretty awesome," said Jinwoo as he stared above my head as he looked lost in thought.
I start to wonder if he's thinking of her. Can it be that he likes her too? The thought of it makes me a little jealous, no offense. Sam has always been popular, even though she has never dated before. In high school, so many boys crushed on her, but none ever had the guts to ask her out. Now that she's famous, she's probably the ideal girl every guy would prefer to date. I wonder if Jinwoo felt the same way.
He suddenly looked at me, and this time he had a smile on his face. That caught me off guard, and I found myself dragging my head back. He felt too close, and his gaze came out of nowhere.
"You thought I was thinking of her, weren't you?" he asked.
"Ah-n-no," I stuttered. My mouth went completely dry all of a sudden. That question also came out of nowhere. He read my mind, and I can't let him know that he was right.
I nervously laughed. "Were you really thinking of her?" I asked, trying my best not to sound like I cared. However, my laugh wasn't all that believable. Dang it. I shouldn't have laughed.
"I don't believe you," he said. "You were jealous that I was thinking of Sam, weren't you?"
I really shouldn't have laughed. If I hadn't, I would've found a good way to counter his attack, but I was left to be hit wide in the open. There's no running away from it now, but I'm not going to back down without a fight.
"You're wrong," I said, finding the courage to speak. "It's normal for guys like you to think about her, since she's nice and all. But that doesn't make me jealous."
Jinwoo placed his elbows on the table and leaned in closer to my face. "And if I were to tell you that I was only thinking about you, would you believe me?"
The top of my head felt like it would blow up like a lid off a pressure pot that hadn't been removed on time. Jinwoo was joking, wasn't he? He's only telling me this to make me feel better. Yet he's making me blush all the more.
I sat a little straighter and folded my arms, looking the other way. "Well, I know you're only joking with me," I said.
Jinwoo leaned even closer. "And if I'm not?"
My cheeks heated up even more with the way he was so close. I couldn't keep my eyes away from his for too long, and I found myself getting lost in them. What should I do? Those dark eyes of his were so mesmerizing that I was afraid I was going to say things that shouldn't be said aloud.
I look away quickly. "Stop it," I said. "You're wasting your time."
Jinwoo sighed, but I noticed a gentle smile on his face as he straightened himself in his chair. "If you say so," he said. "Would you like to have dumplings for dessert?"
"Yes, please," I said, turning to look at him. It's then that I realized what I had done, and Jinwoo couldn't help but laugh.
"You really like dumplings, don't you?" he asked.
I folded my arms and looked away, angry with him. I'm angry with myself most of all. I did mention earlier, while telling him the story, how we went to get dumplings, and how much I had enjoyed it. He's obviously making fun of me. Now I regret telling him about the dumplings.
He looked around the restaurant for the waiter, and on cue, a waiter appeared right beside him. Jinwoo ordered the dumplings, and the waiter cleared our table. I sure hope I don't unleash this beast that's dying to eat all the dumplings it lays its eyes on. I wonder how this restaurant makes theirs. No doubt, they must be delicious. Their main meal was tasty, so the dumplings should be too.
"You can't wait to taste them, can you?" Jinwoo asked as he turned to look at me.
My face grew hot, and I almost let out a squeal. I quickly had to cover my mouth to stop myself, and I let out something similar to a tiny hiccup instead. Better that than a squeal. That would've been embarrassing.
"Well, they are tasty, aren't they?" I answered with a question.
He smiled, obviously mocking me. "You really like them. Your face says so."
Gosh, I wish he could stop looking at me like that. I still had my hand covering my mouth this time around, too afraid to speak. I wish I could find a place to hide from this embarrassment. I wonder how Sam would've dealt with this. Zoey, no doubt, knows how to get out of these situations. I wish I could call Sam and ask, but I don't want to look rude. Moreover, the others don't know where I am. I wouldn't like to get unwanted attention. Knowing The Toxins, they would come rushing here if they knew about this date.
Anyway, all that is left is dessert, and this dinner date will be over. I dropped my hand from my mouth and put up a composed face. What could probably go wrong at this point?
***
Sam's P.O.V:
We cheered and clapped for a group of random people that had just finished a dance to a famous K-pop song. We stood among a group of people watching the open dance floor. There were huge speakers on the side of the street, and whenever a song came up, anyone who knew the moves to the song could take center stage and dance. Usually, the chorus of the song is played. So far, we have watched a few dances, and most of us couldn't help but anticipate which song would be played next.
"Wouldn't you guys like to dance too?" Jimin asked Zoey and me, who stood close to each other.
"If I knew most of the dance moves, I gladly would," Zoey answered. I agreed with her with a nod.
"And what if they played the song you did with BIGBANG? Would you go?"
Mike, who was eavesdropping on the conversation as he stood next to Jimin, answered, "Yeah, I would. This looks like so much fun."
"Oh, to hell you are," said Lee, who stood behind me. "Why would you risk yourselves to go dance in front of the crowd? Don't forget that you're not supposed to reveal your faces."
"But we're wearing disguises, aren't we?" Mike asked, turning to look at Lee. "We won't compromise ourselves."
Lee folded her arms. "When you think you won't, you will," she said.
"As fun as it looks, even I wouldn't risk it," I said. Another K-pop song came on, but I was too preoccupied to listen at first. "Anything can happen, you know?"
"Gosh," said Daniel. "Until it is your last by BLACKPINK is playing."
We watched as a good number of people made their way to the center to dance to the song. Many of them were in harmony with the song, and they knew the dance moves. I looked at Daniel, and something told me he knew the moves. As soon as the song stopped playing, the rest of us in the crowd clapped for those who had participated.
"I wish I went over there," said Daniel. "I know the moves to that song."
"Geez, explains why you take so long in the bathroom sometimes," Mike mocked him with a funny look on his face. Daniel stuck his tongue out at him.
"Don't even think of going there, Zoey," said Lee, who had her eyes on Zoey the entire time. Zoey winced beside me. Lee knew her all too well.
"Can we go just this once?" Zoey asked as she turned to look at Lee. "I won't remove the face mask, I promise."
"And what if anyone in the crowd recognizes you? Then we will all be done for."
"Okay, Lee, you made your point," said Mike. "But what if-?"
Mike stopped his sentence short when Lee glared at him. He looked ahead to prevent himself from looking at her piercing eyes.
I now start to look around and realize that something doesn't feel right. It's then that I asked, "Has anyone seen Mino and Jungkook anywhere?"
"Great, do I have to start worrying about them too?" Lee asked.
"I think you've done enough worrying over people for one day, don't you think?" Mike asked, still with his eyes looking straight ahead.
"See what I put up with every day?" Zoey asked Lee after Lee threw Mike a confused look.
"Oh, there they are," said Jimin as he looked to his left. The rest of us followed his gaze. Jungkook and Mino walked their way through the crowd to get to us.
"Where were you guys?" Zoey asked.
"Oh, uh, I hope you won't get mad at us for what's about to happen," said Jungkook. He had an apologetic yet excited look on his face.
"What's about to happen?" Daniel asked.
We didn't have to be told because, as soon as the speakers started to play a certain song - the song we sang with BIGBANG - we knew immediately what the two had done.
"Is this our-?" Zoey stopped herself as she thought of what to say next. "You told them to play this song?"
"Yeah, come on," said Jungkook as he quickly came in between Zoey and me, taking both our hands and pulling us with him to the front. "Let's dance before the song ends."
Everything happened so fast. Jungkook pulled Zoey and me so strongly that we couldn't stop ourselves, not with the crowd of people all around. Lee called behind us, telling us to stop. The next thing I knew, Zoey and I were standing in the open with the rest of the crowd looking on. We both turned to look at each other. What are we supposed to do? For a moment, I forgot.
Mino had come in, dragging Mike and Daniel with him as they stood behind us. Mike and Daniel looked just as confused as we were.
"Wake up; the chorus is about to begin," said Jungkook as he stood in front of Zoey and me.
With everything happening so fast, I felt my head get fuzzy and my heart beat so fast. I don't know what to do. Then the familiar sound of the song reached my ears as soon as I started to relax. My panicked state had somehow blocked my senses for a bit, and it was reassuring to hear the familiar sound of the song. As soon as the chorus played, I knew exactly how to respond.
I started to dance to the song automatically, and I noticed Zoey and the other Toxins do the same. Jungkook and Mino also danced. It's surprising how they also knew the dance moves. Well, I shouldn't be too surprised considering they were idols with an incredible amount of talent. Other civilians who knew the moves also joined in on the performance. I've got to admit, this was really fun.
As soon as the song was done, there was a large cheer from the crowd, and I couldn't help but clap alongside those who also participated. I quickly went back into the crowd to join Lee and Jimin, who stayed with her to watch. Zoey was right at my heels, as were the others. We had to keep ourselves hidden just in case anyone recognized us.
When the six of us joined Lee and Jimin, she couldn't help but put her hands on her hips. She had to be careful with what she had to say, for she might give us away.
"I hope you're happy now," she said, her eyes saying something completely different.
"That was awesome," said Mike. "Do you mind if we can go again, Lee?"
"No, let's keep moving," she insisted as she turned around and started to make her way out of the crowd.
We all looked at each other, and we knew trying to convince Lee was out of the question. We started to follow her without saying anything more.
"I think we've had enough fun for tonight, don't you think?" Lee asked after we were further away from the crowd that watched others dance to a famous EXO song.
"I guess so," said Mike. "Coming here was a real stress reliever, if you ask me."
"I think you should give Christine a call to tell her it's time to go."
"Let me," I said as I quickly pulled out my phone and called her.
She picked up immediately. I bet if it were anyone else calling, she would've hesitated to pick up the call or wouldn't have picked up at all. I told her to meet at the shop we were shopping for Hanboks, and she agreed without hesitation. She sounded a little different, too. Could something have gone wrong with her date with Jinwoo? I will ask her later, I told myself as I cut the call.
As agreed upon, we found Christine already waiting for us at the shop with boxes of dumplings. Lee and Zoey were on her, expressing how worried they were when she disappeared. Their raised concerns attracted those in the shop and also those that happened to be passing by outside. Jimin and I had to remind the two to keep their voices down.
After they cooled down, Zoey decided to get the traditional shoes she needed for her Hanbok. Mino and Jimin joined her. Lee, who wanted to cool down a little, decided to go out for some air. Jungkook, Mike, and Daniel decided to keep her company, which was probably a good idea. That left me with Christine.
I looked around to make sure there was no one nearby as the two of us stood a few feet away from the entrance. But we were out of earshot from those outside.
I turned to look at her and asked, "So how did your date go?"
Christine blushed immediately. She looked down at her feet. "It was alright," she replied.
"That's good to hear." I said this with a smile. "But are you okay? You sounded a little different over the phone when I called you."
Christine looked up at me, shaking her head. "Oh, no, uh, I was a little nervous during our date, that's all."
I folded my arms. "That's true, considering that you're shy when it comes to such things. But I know something happened between the two of you."
Christine sighed heavily as she slumped her body downward. Something tells me she really wanted to release the tension she's been holding in for a while.
"You're right," said Christine. "I think I messed up big time."
I took hold of her shoulders and made her upper body go straight up. "If the others see you like this, they will know something is wrong," I said as I looked at her earnestly. "Now, let's be quick. What did you do?"
Christine told me briefly about her date, and I listened. She also described the embarrassing moments of their conversation, including the part where they talked about me. I didn't want to question it as she continued. She talked about how Jinwoo had ordered dumplings just to get to her. I stopped her there by raising my hand.
"Wait, so you thought he was only making fun of you?" I asked.
"Well, yeah, wasn't he?" Christine asked.
I chuckled. "It may seem that way, but it's a way a guy treats a girl he likes. It's annoying, yeah, but Jinwoo doesn't look like the kind who would want to offend you to the extreme."
"So, he was just teasing me?" Christine asked.
"Yep, he was just teasing you."
"Oh, okay then." Christine put her hands behind her back.
I raised an eyebrow. "Spill it, Christine. What happened next?"
"What?" Christine looked up at me with a startled look.
"What happened next? I doubt it all ended like that. So tell me what happened during dessert."
Christine played with her hair and talked to me without looking straight in the eye. "Oh, nothing much," she said. "We had dumplings then; uh, yeah, that was it."
I didn't believe her, and she knew it too when she nervously turned her eyes to look at me. She knew she wasn't going to get off the hook that easily.
"After dessert," she continued, "he asked if I wanted to go out for a movie with him tomorrow night."
"Wow, seriously?" I couldn't believe it.
"Yeah. However, considering that we might be busy tomorrow, I told him I'd get back to him. What do you think I should do?"
"You can go if you want to. Yet something tells me we will be tired tomorrow. If you think going out with him for a movie will be worth it, then don't let me stop you."
Christine smiled. "Thanks, Sam. But we've got to see how things turn out tomorrow."
"Good idea. You make sure he knows that."
"Who knows what?" Zoey asked.
Christine and I turned to see Zoey with white kkotshin shoes in her hands. Jimin and Mino were coming right behind her. Christine quickly looked at me, and I knew I had to come up with something right away.
"Oh, Christine complained about feeling her ankle after walking around too much," I lied. "I told her if the effect doesn't subside tomorrow morning, we should tell Collins."
"Well, that's why you were given painkillers, right?" Zoey asked as she turned to look at Christine. "Just take them, and you'll be fine."
"Okay, it looks like we're done here," I said as Mino and Jimin joined us. "We've got another long day tomorrow. We better head back before curfew."
Mino agreed and said he would go back to his apartment on his own since he came with his car. Jimin and Jungkook will have to drop us off at the hotel first before they also take off for home.
After leaving the shop, we started to make our way out of Hongdae Street. We couldn't help but talk about how exciting the experience has been, especially for us Toxins. We couldn't wait to get the next opportunity to come here again. Jimin and Jongkuk said they would love to come along with us if we ever decide to.
We soon reached the side of the road separating Hongdae Street from the next, and our car was parked right across. Mino decided to escort us to our car before he headed out. We waited by the zebra crossing for the pedestrian traffic light to turn green. As soon as it did, we heard a voice behind us.
"Well, well. I didn't expect to see you here, Toxins."
I froze before I could even take a step forward. Mino, Jimin, and Jungkook had gone ahead, while the rest of us stood frozen on the spot. Our cover has been blown. However, it's not that that has us worried. The person who spoke was the problem.
Zoey, who stood next to me, cursed under her breath; she quickly turned around, and so did I. The rest of the Toxins and Lee also turned. Standing in front of us was Johnny, smiling widely, with the two friends he went with to the club standing on either side of him.
"Do you really have to wear such petty disguises?" Johnny sneered. "Even if you didn't want so much attention, this isn't the way to go, don't you think?"
We all continued to stare at him, and I could already see Zoey start to boil. She might make things worse by opening her mouth and accusing him of what he did today at YG. One of us had to think of something quickly before this confrontation attracts a crowd.
"Are you talking to us?" Mike finally asked.
Johnny scoffed. "Of course, I'm talking to you. What do you think?"
"But you addressed us like we knew you," Mike answered. "Do you know us from somewhere?"
Johnny looked confused, but I knew what Mike was playing at. Johnny might have somehow recognized us, but we still had our disguises on. If we play as if we're clueless, we might just get out of here scot-free.
"And he called us Toxins," Daniel joined in, making his voice sound a little deeper. "Sorry, buddy. You must have mistaken us for the wrong people."
Johnny's friends looked at him surprised, wondering what was going on. One of them even asked, "Are you sure that it's them?"
"Of course, I'm sure," said Johnny. He didn't look happy with what was going on. He looked at each one of us. "Stop playing around, you guys. This is embarrassing."
For him at least. "We're sorry, but you're the one who came here calling us who we aren't," I said in a British accent.
Zoey looked at me, and I could tell a smile came across her face. If Mike hadn't said anything first, she would've lashed out at Johnny and would've completely blown our cover.
"Don't try and play dumb with me," said Johnny, almost losing his head. "Aren't you all mad because of what I did at the YG building?"
"YG? What does he mean?" Christine asked as she turned to look at Lee beside her.
"No clue," Lee answered in a Boston accent.
"Hey, Johnny," his other friend started to say, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe we should just go."
"No, I'm telling you, they are The Toxins," Johnny insisted.
"Oh, is he talking about The Toxins?" Zoey asked excitedly as she looked at me. "They're my favorite group."
"You're The Toxins!" Johnny said it aloud. "Why are you all pretending?"
"Because we're not," said Daniel with a deep voice.
"You better get your eyes checked, buddy," said Lee with her Boston accent. "And everyone here who is a fan of them will know they are five, not six."
What Lee said made Johnny almost shut his mouth in an instant when he thought of retaliating. What a nice way to put it, Lee.
"We better be off now," said the man beside Johnny, still with his hand on his shoulder and dragging Johnny back. "Come on, you're attracting a crowd."
I hadn't noticed a few passersby who had stopped to watch. I turned to see if the traffic light was green behind me. Immediately, it did, and I turned to the others.
"We better get going," I said in my British accent. I turned to look at Johnny. "You really should be sure of yourself before calling out to people like you just did."
Johnny looked at me, and before he could say anything, I already had my back turned and walked down the road along the pedestrian crossing. The others followed behind me.
We joined Mino, Jimin, and Jungkook, who were waiting on the other side. We could see Johnny being dragged away by his friends from across the street as he kept on telling them that we really were The Toxins. The passersby who had watched the scene shook their heads and went about their business.
"Well, that was something," said Christine.
"Mino told us that was Johnny," said Jimin.
"He even had the nerve to call us out in public," said Zoey, furrowing her eyebrows. "I really wish I gave him a piece of my mind."
"If you ask me, you handled him pretty well," said Mino.
"Yeah, we've got Mike to thank for being so sharp," I said, smiling at my brother.
"Yeah, I'm smart, I know," said Mike with a smug smile on his face. "I had to be quick before Zoey charged at him."
"I was definitely going to charge at him," said Zoey. "Thanks for that, Mike."
"And we really embarrassed him," said Daniel. "What's shocking is that he actually confessed to doing what he did at YG."
"He really did," said Lee. "But even if we tried telling the managers about it, it's already done and sorted out. If we do, we're going to look like angry kids who couldn't help but try to prove we were right."
"And that wastes time and energy," said Christine.
Everyone agreed. Mino soon walked to his car after saying his goodbyes, while the rest of us entered the car and drove back to the hotel.