'OFFICIAL' MEETING

DESPITE the person standing right in front of him, Haneul still couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise. However, he quickly regained his composure and cautiously asked, "Um, is there something you need?"

Before responding, Jung Taeyang turned to his mother and made a respectful bow. "Hello, ma'am. I'm sorry to trouble you, but I wanted to thank your son for the help he gave my cousin."

Eunji glanced at the young man, who had suddenly approached them. He was the same person Robin had talked about earlier, praising his talent. She hadn't expected her son to have any connection with him. Though her mind was flooded with questions, she decided to ask Haneul about it later. For now, she simply nodded in acknowledgment without saying a word.

Then the young man turned to Haneul. "I didn't get the chance to properly thank you before. Now, seeing that you also attended the same audition and passed successfully as well, I think it's only right to express my gratitude now when we had meet here like this. Thank you again."

Haneul was momentarily speechless, surprised that Jung Taeyang had chased after him just to say 'thank you'. In Haneul's mind, he hadn't done anything deserving of such gratitude; all he did was provide a bottle of suppressants. The way Jung Taeyang spoke, it felt as though Haneul had saved someone's life. Perhaps Jung Taeyang was simply that close to his cousin, making him feel this thankful?

"It's fine. Anyone would do the same."

That was all Haneul could manage to say in the end. What else could he say? If he told Jung Taeyang that there was no need to thank him, Taeyang might insist that his actions were deserving of gratitude, prolonging the conversation unnecessarily.

It wasn't that he didn't want to talk to Jung Taeyang; he just couldn't help but feel nervous around him. Typically, a fan would have one of two major reactions when in the presence of someone they admired: either they'd be so excited they'd be jumping up and down, or they'd be too nervous to speak properly. Right now, Haneul was a mix of both, leaning more toward the latter.

Although he claimed that it was Jung Taeyang's music he admired, it was understandable that some of those feelings extended to the person who composed and performed the songs, especially since this was the first time he had been this close to Jung Taeyang. The fact that Taeyang was even talking to him made his emotions right now all the more justified.

At least, Haneul hoped that was the case.

"Still, a thank you is in order," Jung Taeyang said, his expression remaining unchanged. "Since we'll definitely be seeing each other again, let me introduce myself." He then extended his hand. "I'm Jung Taeyang."

'Yes, I know,' Haneul almost said. Fortunately, he had become quite adept at controlling his actions and expressions.

He looked down at the outstretched hand and slowly raised his own to meet it. His heart began to beat faster and faster. The moment their palms touched, an unexpected jolt ran through him, causing him to quickly pull his hand away.

"Then, see you at the start of shooting," he said quickly, hoping to cover up any awkwardness his reaction might have caused.

After saying that, he didn't wait for Jung Taeyang's response and immediately led his mother to the elevator. He pressed the ground floor button, and as the doors closed, he could still feel Jung Taeyang's gaze on him, leaving him inexplicably flushed.

Jung Taeyang's gaze lingered until the elevator doors finally closed. Only then did Haneul subconsciously let out the breath he was holding.

If this was how he would react every time Jung Taeyang was around, it might be better to avoid him altogether. He sighed, never imagining that being a fan would cause such a problem for him.

"So, how do you know that young man?"

His mother's voice pulled Haneul from his thoughts. He turned to her and let out an awkward laugh. "Well, there was this incident..."

He then began to recount the story of how he met Jung Taeyang during that restroom incident.

***

Taeyang continued to stare at the elevator doors even after they closed. He then glanced down at his hand, the one Kang Haneul had briefly held before quickly letting go.

He wondered if it had been uncomfortable for the other to hold his hand. His brows furrowed at the thought.

Then he suddenly smelled a whiff of something. It was faint, just a hint in the air, almost as if it was carried from a distance. Despite its subtlety, the scent was distinct enough to catch his attention, making him pause. Because it was the scent of his favorite candy flavor.

Was that... caramel?