SILENT ELEVATOR RIDE

THE two quickly saw Jung Taeyang not because of his overwhelming presence, but because he was literally standing just outside the elevator door. As if he was about to use the elevator.

"Well, at least he's prompt," Robin commented as they walked out.

Haneul merely shook his head at the snide remark. Standing before Jung Taeyang, he instinctively began to address him by his full name, but quickly remembered they had agreed to call each other more informally. Adjusting mid-thought, he changed the way he addressed him.

"Taeyang, have you been waiting long?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Haneul felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him. Calling the other by name—especially in such a casual, informal way—felt unnatural. He knew this discomfort was rooted in his lingering 'fan mentality.' In his mind, Jung Taeyang, or rather, Taeyang, was still the musician he had admired from afar for so long.