But fancy dresses obviously required a different set of rules... And this was no exception. So, she fought with the stupid dress for a good twenty minutes, which put her behind schedule. She wore her hair down and curled and kept her make up minimal. She didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard, after all. Sure, she had knots in her stomach, but Hee Young was fairly certain it wasn’t because of the “date” and more because of the event itself. When she heard the knock on her apartment door, she was finishing up her lip gloss and on her way.
Grabbing her purse and keys, she opened the door and offered a very small smile. “You clean up nicely.”
Seiya’s jaw may have slightly hung down, but he was quick to clamp it shut enough to swallow hard and pull the corsage from behind hi,. “Uh... Got this for you to match mine and to go with the dress. Which looks gorgeous on you. You look gorgeous.” He coughed, ran a hand over the back of his neck and took it out of the box. “May I?”
He’s referring to letting him slip it onto her wrist. As is tradition after all, nothing more. With how good she looked, it was proving difficult not to flirt too much. But dammit, he was going to try. It wasn’t like this. He didn’t want it to end like that. No matter what urges happened, be them wishing to terribly and blatantly flirt, or sexual. Swallowing hard again, he held his hand out, the flowers in the other.
Hee Young smiled at the corsage, clearly impressed with the level of thought he put into this. “Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever worn anything this nice. Ever.”
Which was the truth, she wasn’t materialistic and rarely even cared about owning things that were too costly. Somehow, though, this felt right... Being dressed so nice, going to events like this... She shrugged her shoulders and offered him her hand. “You may. Thank you for asking.”
With him being so civil and kind, it was easy for her to let go of how annoyed she had been with him just days before. Maybe they really could be friends after all, if he could manage to be this civil all the time.
He took her hand as gently as he could, stretching the band over her fingers and to her wrist before tugging it to keep a soft but firm grip around. He wanted to pull off the gentlemen, so briefly he bowed, keeping her hand in his and gave soft kiss to the top of it before standing back properly. “It suits you.”
Seiya stepped back, keeping his hands to his side, tugging nervously at the ends of his coat. Why was he even bloody nervous, this wasn’t a date at all. He tugged at his collar again before speaking. “So, shall we? Don’t want to be late. I rented a limo to give more room, and the top has a large canopy window to look at the stars while we head there. It’s not too far... And there are drinks, both alcoholic and non in it in case you get thirsty.”
He could pull this off, dammit. That crazy ‘lovelove’ woman had basically challenged him, and he would rise to that challenge at any cost. He loved a good competition. Not that he was competing for Hee Young or anything... He was slowly beginning to understand that. Hee Young has gained his utmost respect, and it was slowly opening his eyes that all woman were to get that respect. Years of a father raising you differently would take a while to unteach.
“Thank you.”
Unused to such formal actions, it took a lot of restraint for Hee Young to not retract her hand from the kiss. Raising an eyebrow at Seiya, she offered him one last smile and nodded. “I don’t care for being late to things.”
Closing the door behind herself and locking it, Hee Young slipped her keys into her purse and smoothed out her dress a little before starting towards the limo, kind of floored by the fact that she was going to arrive at this event in one. This was like every little girl’s dream ‘Princess’ moment and she was able to live it... Even if it was with someone she wasn’t entirely sure she could get along with all night. “Sounds like you’ve thought of everything.”
“I wanted this to be a good evening for you...” He led her to the limo, opening the door for her when they did. Seiya got in on the other side and motioned for the man up front to head off to their destination. He made sure to stay a few feet away and he went quiet. For a man who talked so much on the internet, talked all high and mighty and cocky to other girls - he was at a loss for what to talk about.
This was bad, very bad. Or at least in his eyes. Each time he went to speak, he quickly shut his mouth because it was not something appropriate for how he wanted today to go. After eight or so times of shutting his mouth, offering only squeaks of noise he turned his head to the window and just stared out. ‘Good going, Seiya. You have no idea how to speak with a girl without making it to flirting.’ he thought and ran a hand through his hair.
It was strange getting into the limo with that dress on, but she managed it somehow. Hee Young sat quietly on the other side, her hands folded in her lap as she glanced around it. This was much fancier than anything she’d ever been used to. She noticed he was struggling to speak up, which really just confused her. He hadn’t had that much trouble being talkative online, it was amazing he was right now...
“Do you always travel by limo or have a driver?”
It wasn’t difficult making small talk, a lot of his lifestyle was foreign to her. She just had to wonder why he was finding it so difficult.
At her question he perked up and looked over, shaking his head. “No. I haven’t driven in a limo like this since... Well back in Korea. I have my Mustang, and my bike. But I usually walk. Everything I need is close to my flat...” He rubbed his neck and went quiet again. He had no idea what to really do.
In a fit of idea, Seiya reached over to open the fridge built in. “Are you thirsty, there’s many different drinks in here...” He grabbed a bottle of cream soda, bent on not drinking tonight at all. Last thing he needed was to get drunk. He’s an asshole when he gets drunk. “There will be a meal served at the event, but I have a few snack ideas in case you need something to tide you over...”
Well, at least he was talking. That would make the ride go by a little quicker. “That’s probably for the best, since traffic is terrible here.”
Hee Young didn’t even bat an eye when he mentioned his mustang and bike, though she was shocked his ego didn’t demand he ride in a limo at all times. At his offer, she shrugged a little. “A bottle of water would be nice... I can wait until the event to eat, however.... Thank you.”
“It keeps me fit too...” He grabbed the water and opened it initially before shutting it a bit looser and handed it to her. “You’re welcome...” He took down his own soda, drinking most of it down before dropping his head and letting his hair fall over his face. This was not his comfort zone and he was feeling more than a little self conscious.
Seiya looked over to her and dared to give a small compliment, trying to limit the flirtatious smirk that wanted so badly to creep over his face. He could control it dammit. “You really do look radiant in the gown. It was pretty enough on the mannequin, on you it paints a picture. Like a sunset of fire over an elegant orchid of floral trees.”
He took another sip, looking away. “You can hit me if that made you uncomfortable.” It was far from his usual flirting that’s for sure. It had a ring of the poetic nature he got in his music and not just wanting a wham-bam-thank you ma’am.
Mumbling another thank you, she accepted the water and took a sip right away. And to prove that she could accept a compliment, she just gave him a polite smile. “No, that was a little poetic. Thank you...”
She would get through this evening and be as polite as possible. It was, after all, kind of him to go out of his way to make sure she was comfortable like this. She just, wasn’t prepared at all to deal with something like this. “But if that offer stands all night, you’d better watch what you say....”
Was she joking? It was hard to tell, but there was a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
“Oh, I. Of course... I want this night to be about just your enjoyment. These balls and events are never usually my style. Much as I like the limelight... It can be tiring and hard when half of what the media says about me is a lie.” Mostly when it comes down to who he’s dating. He’s never actually dated for more than a day. He leaned back into his seat and let out a heavy sigh. “I just figured you would enjoy it. I’ve heard some girls enjoy dancing and being treated like a princess and well...”
Seiya looked at her then stopped. He wanted to say something, but that was probably taking it too far. He grabbed another soda because the nerves were making his mouth dry. He drank half of it down before looking out the window to see how long it would be, see where they were in the city. “...we’re about three minutes away. We arrive out front. I’m hoping there are no cameras...”
Hee Young took another sip of her water, watching him carefully over it. This person sitting across from her was the polar opposite of the one she’d argued with online the other day. Part of her had to wonder just why it was so.... And why he was being so strange. “I have thick skin, even if there are cameras and idiots reporting, I can shrug it off.”
Because that’s what he was worried about, wasn’t it? How she was going to handle being shoved into the spotlight? A small smile and shrug. “And I promise I won’t do anything to tarnish your reputation....”
She didn’t comment on the “feeling like a Princess” thing because she still wasn’t sure if that was something she had been always wanting or not.
“I trust you won’t, Miss Hee.” Seiya responded, continuing to stare out the window. “You seem to be a lady... If anything I’ve already tarnished my reputation. And I fear there is not changing the way the world sees me.” He hung his head, hair tipping slightly over his eyes. The drinking, the drugs, the woman and occasional man he’s been with. And the media just ate it up, fueling the rumour mill to the brim.
When he heard the car come to a halt, he was silent in opening his door and stepping out. Soon as he did the lights started flashing and the cheers. He gave a silent wave and a fake smile before moving to her side and opening the door. He Seiya offered her his hand, figuring the dress was awkward to get in and out of a vehicle enough on her own.
He didn’t give her a chance to respond, or rather their arrival hadn’t. Hee Young pursed her lips and watched him quietly get out of the limo with that fake smile on his face. He was right in his assumption, however, the dress was difficult to maneuver around a vehicle in. Which was why she accepted his hand when she got up to get out of the car, accompanied by another small thank you....
Okay, and that was quite a few more cameras than she’d expected. But she had every intention of smiling politely and... Well, how else do you react to those things? Wave? She wasn’t famous so it would be silly of her to do that, wouldn’t it?
He made quick time in trying to escort her into the building. What stopped him was a little girl with a cheap one time camera and a white stuffed rabbit. Seiya looked at her more than a little confused before turning to Hee Young. “Give me one moment...” He made a weird ‘stay there’ gesture with his hands before going over to her and dropped to one knee. The conversation no one but the girl and himself could hear, but it seemed nice enough.
Seiya made the silliest face he could while the girl took a picture, then he signed the bunny on the back of it’s hand. What he did next was seemingly adorable. He pulled out the handkerchief from his front pocket and held it out, along with handing her sharpie back. She looked at him in awe before giving a huge grin and signing the cloth rather sloppy in her handwriting. He smiled, patted her head, then got up and took her hand once more and led her up the stairs.
She was thankful for him trying to get them into the building quickly, and she was hardly one to complain when he had her wait so he could talk with a child. It was sweet and sincere, hardly any of the fake attitude she’d seen on him when they first met. It wasn’t just an act, he wasn’t paying attention to the cameras and he was making certain that no one could hear his conversation.
Hee Young accepted his hand when he returned and allowed him to lead her into the event, glad to be away from the flashing cameras and annoying reporters. But before they were out of sight of the little girl, she glanced back at her and gave her a small smile... That had been sweet, and although she wasn’t sure if half of this was just a show to impress her, it didn’t matter now because of the look of excitement on that child’s face.
When they’d gotten inside the proceedings were already being mentioned, and the band was behind waiting for the cue. “Forgive me, Miss Hee.” He pulled out the chair at one of the tables closest to the stage and dance area, with name cards for ‘Kou and Guest’. Once Seiya was sure she was seated and comfortable. He bowed. “I must be off. I may have failed to mention that I’ve been asked to perform.”
He heard a call for him from an organiser and he held a hand up with one finger. “I will return shortly, feel free to order drink and whatever you wish. It’s on me...” He rolled his eyes when his name was called again and did a quick bow and headed off, ranting something to the rude man about ‘don’t rush me!’.
The next time he was out, he was holding a microphone and whispered a few things to the band before turning to the room. “Hey you all! I hope you’re eager for a great evening!” He cleared his throat. “I was asked to perform today, and it took my guest coming for me to show up. So, thank her. Not me.” He made sure they wouldn’t shine onto her, just in case it was awkward. “So... This song is something I’ve been working on. It’s in Japanese, and something about meeting someone who feels a galaxy away, feels so far out of your reach that you struggle and fight to grab onto them, and to keep them safe. Keep them safe even if they never have the same feelings for you.”
Seiya bowed once before tilting his head. “Without further adieu... Ginga Ichi Mibun Chigai na Kataomoi. Or, One-sided love.” He looked out into the brightness of the lights as they burned down against him. It took a few chords before he started. “Kagayaku shiroi sekai no naka ni.... Tsubasa wo hirogeta kimi ga iru, Demo sono tsubasa wa kuroku omoku....Unmei ni kimi wa oshitsubusaresou.” He held his hand up to the ceiling, moving his hips and shoulders to the music.
“Tasuketai, sukuitai, ore ni dekiru nara...Inochi sae nagedashite, kimi no tame ni... “ He ran a hand through his hair, giving a glance to Hee Young just to check on her before moving to stage left, furthest from her, singing to a couple that were hand in hand.
Hee Young didn’t mind that he had to leave her so soon, it gave her a chance to breathe a little at the very least. Still, she gave him a polite smile and assured him it was alright, she wouldn’t be upset with him. After all, she should have expected as much considering the nature of this event. His little spiel before the song? Yeah, she was glad he didn’t let the spotlight get to her. She was already imagining what sort of lies the tabloids were going to dream up so far...
It was kind of nice, getting to watch him do what he loved to do... To sing so passionately. She paid no mind to the lyrics, instead choosing to glance around the room and watch the other guests’ reactions. That’s what she was most interested in: Seeing how other people reacted to the pop idol.... And how much everyone else was enjoying it.
“Fuan no toki, tsurai toki, ore ga tsuite iru...Itsumo misete ite kure, kimi no egao.” Seiya continued the song, smiling when the couple he was aiming at seemed to really enjoy it. He hopped up and made his way towards stage right. Seiya no ore ga kanjiru, fushigi na kimochi, Faitaa no ore ga kanjiru, shimeikan to wa chigatta...Kitto ginga ichi mibun chigai na kataomoi da neeeee” He brought his hand up to the ceiling and brought it down to hold at his heart.
He shifted his hips and smiled to Hee Young. A genuine smile, one he couldn't fake or control because somewhere deep inside of him he was singing for her, and it radiated in his body. The joy of doing something for someone. “Kuuru na akai sekai no naka ni. Kanpeki na senshi, ore ga iru....Demo sono mae ni kimi wa araware, totsuzen haato wa harisakesou da ze.” He tapped the center of his chest twice before hopping into the center stage and doing a few spur of the moment dance moves. Not what he’d practiced but, the warmth he felt was kind of overpowering. “Akogare wa, tada hitori ore no purinsesu. Hakai sae okoranakya, heiwa na hibi...Nagarete kita, taiyoukei, kimi mo purinsesu...Aru hi miserareta, kimi no egao!”
Seiya lifted his hand out, holding it towards the audience as the sound rose through the building. Seiya no ore ga kanjiru, fushigi na kimochi...Faitaa no ore ga kanjiru, shimeikan to wa chigatta... Kitto ginga ichi mibun chigai na kataomoi da neeee...” He let the microphone fall from his lips for a moment to let it sink in. He paused, made a swiping motion with his hand then seemed to grab something from the air and held it to his chest.
“Hoshizora wo tsukinuke, ginga wo kirisaki. Mirai wo kimeru tatakai. Ima wa sukoshi de mo Kimi no kioku no katasumi ni irareru you ni. Kami furimidashi dance dance dance.”Song almost done, he lifted his hand to the sky again as if letting what he’d had free. “Tasuketai, sukuitai, ore ni dekiru nara. Inochi sae nagedashite, kimi no tame ni.... Fuan no toki, tsurai toki, ore ga tsuite iru. Itsumo misete ite kure, kimi no egao......Seiya no ore ga kanjiru, fushigi na kimochi...” Made saluting motion and a spin before halting square on his heels. “Faitaa no ore ga kanjiru, shimeikan to wa chigatta....Kitto ginga ichi mibun chigai na kataomoi da neeeee...”
He held the end note a little while longer while the music finished before dropping the microphone to his sides and bowing to the audience in thanks. A man came up and thanked him and went on to announce there were other performances to follow while he went back to freshen up. The lights were hot.
When Seiya got back to the table, he has a half drunken water bottle in his hand and he’s smiling. “Hey again...”
Hee Young joined the rest of the audience in their applause for his performance. He was good, she’d admit that much. But she hardly had any plans to join his throng of crazy fangirls. No, his ego didn’t need yet another. So her polite clapping died down with the rest of the crowd’s as the emcee dismissed him and announce the other performances.
When Seiya returned, she offered him a small smile and nod. “I can certainly see why they asked you to perform. Everyone loved it.”
Yes, including her, but it was easier for her to admit that in a very roundabout way.
Her clapping was a nice sign to him, but he wasn’t about to make a big deal about it. He sat down to rest himself, it had been a while since he last practised and he was a little out of wind. Seiya leaned back in the chair and pushed the cold of the drink against his forehead. When he’d caught his focus he took a sip of the drink to swish at his throat before swallowing and turning to her. “Forgive me. That song is out of performance and I’ve not practiced that many high notes together before in a long while. I hope you weren’t too out of place here, Miss.”
He bit his lip and ran a hand through his hair. “Uhm... We should order our dinner. They have just about anything able to be created.” As should be obvious by the huge menu that was on the table in front of each of them. Seiya picked his up and began scanning over it. Sure the prices were on the high side, but it was for charity he expected that. “Order whatever you wish, blind eye at the price, please.” Gave another genuine smile before looking back at the laminated paper.
“No one could tell... As they say, you are your own worst critic.”
Hee Young picked up her menu and stared at it for a few moments, frowning slightly. There was a huge selection, and while he said not to pay attention to cost... She couldn’t help but wonder at why someone would pay so much for some of these things. Finally coming across something relatively inexpensive (and honestly, something she knew she’d like).
“I guess they do say that.” Seiya ordered his own meal, and dessert for good measure before handing over to the menu. Now was his time to breathe and relax. He knew these types of events like the back of his hand, yet he couldn’t help feeling still rather nervous. “So... I hope you’re enjoying yourself?” Tipped his head to the side and tried his best to seem eager and not creepy.
“If there’s anything that can be done to make it better, please don’t feel afraid to ask.” He smiled, genuinely concerned at her enjoying this more than him.
“Seiya,” Hee Young began with a sigh, still smiling a little. “You don’t need to constantly make sure I’m okay. I promise, I will let you know if anything is less than satisfactory...”
She shrugged her shoulders and placed her hands in her lap as she waited for their food to be served, which was (shockingly) pretty quickly. “You deserve to enjoy the evening as much as you can as well, you know.”
Seiya nodded and went to eating. He normally at in silence, a habit drilled into him by his father, so by the time he was at least done the dancing had begun. He looked over to see some of the more elderly couples dancing away to the song veered more to their era’s, and the younger ones seeming to have too much fun. At a song that he seemed to obviously enjoy more, Seiya stood and brushed off his coat. It was a slow song, so he reached out to Hee Young as he bowed. “May I have a dance?”
He had asked that they have one slow dance that evening, just one.
Hee Young was more than fine with eating in silence, she was the type of person that preferred to people watch than actually try with conversation. She finished her own food shortly after he did, mostly because she kept getting distracted by everyone else around the room...
And she had promised him a dance, so she didn’t see the harm in accepting it now... She couldn’t help but smile and laugh as she accepted his hand. “You may. I did promise one, after all.”
Seiya smiled and led her out onto the dancefloor, taking hold of the middle of her back and her hand before starting to say and move her along with the music. He may not be the best dancer, but he wouldn’t step on her feet.
In fact, it would seem he was trying harder and harder not to get too close to her or to put her off it at all, and it was making it seem not fun at all for him. Can’t have fun when you’re second guessing and checking everything you do before you do them.
Oh, she’s noticed.... and it’s really taking all she has not to try and lead him. When she manages to, Hee Young catches his eye and raises her eyebrow at him. “Hey,” she whispers. “Relax... it’s just a dance...”
Because there was no way for her to have fun if he wasn’t either. That was the honest truth, it would be the same for anyone else in the room.