OOF Hotline |【NCT】

•13.1•

I was nervous to meet the guys, though I honestly don't know why. Probably because of the whole Ten fiasco.. Maybe Mark was right though, what if it was a misunderstanding? What if I'm just super overreacting? It really wouldn't surprise me.. I tend to be a bit oversensitive. Ever since he did what he did to me, i've been self conscious and self loathing. It's been two years now, and I'm slowly getting myself back together.. But I still struggle. I have trouble trusting people, and letting anyone get too close. I shouldn't take it out on these guy's though, they seem kind and sincere.

I finished getting ready, grabbed my keys and purse, and headed outside. After locking my door, I hailed a taxi and made my way to the restaurant Taeil had sent me the address for. Once I reached my destination, I paid the taxi driver and headed inside. The restaurant was super fancy, and I wondered how they got a reservation for it because of the type of upscale place it was. I began to approach the hostess at the front to tell her the name of the party I was meeting, but was instead intercepted by Lucas, who greeted me with a warm smile.
"Hey there, Mimi" he said, seemingly nervous. I smiled back "Hey Lulu. Where is everyone else?" I asked, peering around the semi full restaurant.
"They're over there.." he said, pointing in the direction of a large table "I came to escort you. Also, I wanted the chance to apologize for my assholeness the other night when you said you were going on a date with Ten.. I didn't mean to-"
"Its okay, Lulu. I'm sorry for overreacting" I said, cutting his explanation off. I really did overreact and he didn't deserve that. I patted him on the arm and he smiled, before placing his hand gently on the small of my back and leading me to the table. Once we reached the table, everyone shouted 'hello' to me in unison, and I greeted them back before taking my seat. Fortunately, I was sat between Doyoung and Taeil, so no awkwardness for the beginning half of the evening.

We all decided what we wanted to eat, and ordered. While we waited for our food, we ordered a round of drinks and began chatting in different groups. After a few shots, I felt Taeil tap my shoulder.
"Hey, Azumi?"
"Yes oppa?" I questioned
"I kind of promised Ten that I would get you to talk to him tonight.. Let him explain himself" he explained, scratching the back of his neck. My expression dropped and I glanced over at Ten. He was sitting across from me with a sullen expression on his face, twirling an empty shot glace around on the table. I turned back to Taeil, a look of sadness and slight annoyance on my face. I knew he was right. I should talk to him and see what he has to say, and then maybe the air will be less stiff and tense. I nodded understandingly at Taeil, before standing up and walking to the other side of the table where Ten was seated. I gently tapped his shoulder, and as soon as he made eye contact with me, his face lit up like fireworks on the fourth of July.
"Would you join me outside for a moment?" I asked. He nodded and stood up, following me to the front of the building and out the door.

Once outside, we stood face to face, in silence for what seemed like eternity. Suddenly, he cleared his throat and began speaking.
"Look, Azumi.. I, uh.. I'm sorry that, uh.. That I didn't, uh.. Yaknow, say.. Uh.." he stuttered, seemingly unsure of how to form his words
"Ten"
"Uh, yeah?" he stopped, tearing his eyes away from the ground to meet mine.
"You don't have to be in a rush. Take your time and figure out what you wanna say" I assured him. He nodded slightly, and got quiet again. Soon, he met my eyes once more, and began speaking.
"I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to come off like I didn't think you were beautiful. I honestly think you're one of the most beautiful women I've ever met.." he explained
"Then why didn't you respond when I asked what you thought?" I questioned, furrowing my eyebrows.
"To be frank, I was.. Uhm.. I was.."
"You were?"
"I was trying to find the proper words to tell you how beautiful I think you are.." he finally said, almost inaudible. I suddenly felt my cheeks heat up, and I couldn't stop the smile forming on my face. I quickly slapped my hands over my face and looked down at my feet. After a moment, I felt warm hands creep over my own, and pull them away from my face, though I didn't make eye contact with him.  How could I? I got angry at him and ran off on our date all because I assumed instead of waiting for his answer.
"Hey.." he said softly "look at me"
I shook my head in protest, still staring at my feet. Just then, I felt his fingers under my chin, gently tilting my head up, and soon I was looking directly into his eyes. He smiled at me, and I relaxed a little.
"I'm sorry for making you wait for my answer. Next time I'll make sure to answer faster" he chuckled, which made me giggle in return.
"You don't need to apologize. I assumed, and didn't give you time to reply. I'm sorry" I said.
"As long as we're okay now, then I'm happy" he said, searching my face for assurance. I simply nodded and mouthed 'okay'.