Chocolate Hearts | Jongin

22. Day Out

Chocolate Hearts
Chapter Twenty-Two
Day Out

The first month spent dating Nari was one of the best months in Jongin's life.

Nothing much changed about their relationship, except that they were now closer and spent more time around each other. They still talked the same way, laughed at each other's jokes, and danced and baked. But those dancing sessions were now often interrupted for a kiss, and they'd talk while locked in each other's arms.

A month after dating her, and Jongin would still feel his stomach swoop when he saw Nari smile; saw her eyes crinkle at the sides as she threw her head back and laughed. He hoped that would never change about Nari, about them. He almost wished to freeze time so it never would have to change.

Even after practices, they were spending time together. Jongin would bring her back to the dorms and they'd either do something with the others, or spend time in his room cuddling and maybe watching a movie on a laptop, out of the stares and teasing of the others. It wasn't fully private though as a lot of the time the door would be thrown open unexpectedly as someone checked on them, most often Jongdae, Chanyeol, and Sehun.

If they really wanted a quiet environment, they'd spend the night at Nari's, just enjoying the other's company. Jongin had even stayed the night a few times, and enjoyed every second he had to be with her.

Their relationship was confined to the inside of these private areas, out of the public eye and the rumours. But they both wanted to go outside for once, like a normal couple would. It was when Nari noted she needed a new summer wardrobe that Jongin suggested he'd go with her, to which Nari quickly and enthusiastically agreed. Before they finalised it Jongin first asked Suho about it, to see if he could get their leader's approval.

When he told Suho that they wanted to go shopping together, their leader had been reluctant, concerned about rumours that might spread from the two of them being seen together, and what it would mean for both Exo and Nari. Eventually he agreed, if they were able to take at least one other person with them to hopefully not start rumours.

Looking at his hyung's reasoning, Jongin knew it made sense. By being seen with more people and not just him, it would look like Nari was just a friend, and not his girlfriend. He couldn't help but be disappointed though. He'd prefer to be alone with Nari and spend time with her.

That was one of the downsides of being an idol; he could almost go nowhere without being recognised, and stories started over the smallest of things. He had to keep Nari out of that, even if he did want to date her out on a date at a place such as a nice restaurant. He couldn't put her in the firing line, especially considering how some of the fans would be likely to react.

Fortunately, Nari understood the situation and agreed to the change, and he found someone willing to tag along with him; Sehun. Though he stressed that they had to keep the 'romance stuff' down to a minimum, but Jongin knew he wouldn't be doing things such as holding Nari's hand or kissing her. He needed to keep the rumours down to a minimum.

It wasn't how Jongin had originally envisioned it, but he would be with Nari.

In the end, that was all that really mattered.

* * *

Even though she understood the necessity of Sehun coming along with them, and knowing the words that would surely be spoken against her should people find out she was dating Jongin, Nari couldn't help but feel disappointed. If there was one downside to dating Jongin it had to be the secrecy. They wouldn't be able to go out to the movies together or do any of the things couples would normally do because of Jongin's idol status.