unexpected encounter

**IN EMBER'S ROOM** 

Ember stared at the vast array of cosmetics laid out before her. *"Oh my... he brought way too many things,"* she muttered to herself, feeling a mix of amusement and surprise.

Just as she finished getting ready, there was a knock on the door, right on time. 

*"Are you ready? Come out, let's go,"* Dylan's voice called out from the other side. 

Ember hesitated for a moment before answering with a simple, *"Hmm..."*

Her eyes slowly drifted from his shoes all the way up to his face. The moment their eyes met, her heart began to race. It felt like violins were playing in her ears, the air in the room seeming to dance as his hair swayed ever so slightly. His handsome face, his perfect body from head to toe, and that warm, teasing smile—it was all directed at her. 

Dylan stepped closer, leaning in to whisper softly in her ear, *"You look beautiful."*

That single word sent Ember's heart into overdrive, her pulse quickening as her cheeks flushed pink. 

*"You too,"* she replied softly, her voice barely audible. 

Dylan frowned slightly, a playful confusion on his face. *"What do you mean by beautiful?"* 

Ember blushed even deeper. *"No, no, I mean… you're the hottest guy I've ever known."* The words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop herself. 

Her eyes widened, realizing her mistake. *"I mean… you're, uh, good look."* She tried to recover, embarrassed. 

Dylan's smile widened. *"Yes... yes."* 

With a gentle laugh, he offered his hand. *"Let's go. Give me your hand."* 

Ember looked at him, confused. *"What?"* 

*"Just give me your hand,"* he repeated, his tone patient. 

She smiled shyly and placed her hand in his. *"Okay."*

The car was already waiting for them outside.

---

**IN THE CAR** 

They had been driving for a little while when Dylan glanced over at her. He chuckled softly, the corners of his lips turning up in that teasing way he always did. 

*"If you keep blushing like that, I might have to cover your face,"* he teased. 

Ember's hand flew up to her cheeks. *"What? Is it that obvious?"* she asked, embarrassed. 

Dylan's laugh filled the small space of the car. *"You look like a little red-faced monkey,"* he said, grinning widely. 

Ember gasped, pretending to be offended. *"What? Let me see!"* She hurriedly checked her reflection in the rearview mirror, but there was no trace of redness. 

*"Relax,"* Dylan laughed again, clearly enjoying teasing her. 

Ember rolled her eyes. *"Dylan..."* she muttered under her breath, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. 

The rest of the car ride was filled with sweet, quiet moments. Every now and then, Dylan would glance at her, offering small smiles that sent little flutters through her chest.

---

**AT THE PARTY** 

When they arrived, Dylan stepped out first, making his way around to open her door. Ember smiled as she placed her hand in his, letting him guide her out of the car. His touch was firm yet gentle, sending a rush of warmth through her. It was a beautiful moment, almost like something out of a fairytale.

At the entrance, the security guard greeted them. 

*"Welcome, Mr. Dylan... and madam?"* The guard hesitated, clearly unsure of who Ember was. 

Dylan, unfazed, smiled and said, *"Feel free,"* before turning to Ember. 

She gave a small nod, trying to steady her nerves as they entered the party hall.

The room was filled with people, all dressed in glamorous outfits. The moment they stepped inside, eyes turned toward them. 

*"They look so cute together,"* she overheard someone whisper. 

*"Is that Dylan?"* another voice asked, sounding both curious and excited.

The whispers didn't stop. 

*"Here comes Mr. Dylan!"* the reporters shouted, pushing forward with their cameras flashing. Ember froze for a second, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the attention. 

She leaned toward Dylan and whispered, "Why are there so many reporters?"* 

Dylan looked at her with an amused smile. "Don't you know? I'm kind of a star." 

Ember's eyes widened in realization. *"Oh... I almost forgot,"* she murmured. 

Her mind raced as she turned back to him. *"So... what's your plan?"* she asked nervously. 

*"I'm going to tell everyone about us,"* Dylan said casually, as if it were no big deal. 

Ember's heart skipped a beat. *"No! Not now. I'm not ready for that."* The idea of their relationship being out in the open, in front of all these people, made her feel nervous. 

Dylan chuckled softly. *"Okay, okay. When the reporters come over, just move aside."* 

Ember let out a breath of relief. *"That sounds like a good plan."*

As they moved further into the hall, the reporters swarmed around them. 

*"Dylan! Dylan!"* they called, pushing closer. Dylan reached out, taking Ember's hand to steady her. 

*"What are you doing?"* she whispered, feeling her heart race once again.

The reporters were relentless. 

*"Mr. Dylan, you look amazing! Who is this with you? Is she your girlfriend? Miss, can you tell us your name? Is she your co-star?"*

The lights from the cameras were blinding. Ember winced as the flashes went off, one after the other. 

*"Ow... my eyes,"* she muttered, covering her face. 

Dylan immediately stepped in front of her, his voice firm. *"Stop. You're scaring her. No more pictures."* 

He turned back to her, his expression softening. 

*"If you want me to, I'll answer,"* he said quietly. 

Dylan then faced the reporters again. *"First of all, she's my friend. Second, she's not answering any of your questions. Third, stay away from her."* His tone was calm, yet commanding. 

*"You can ask me anything, but it should be about me, not her. And only three questions, because I need to attend the party."* He leaned down, whispering in her ear, *"You can go now. Just don't go too far. I need to be able to find you."* 

Before pulling away, he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, sending her mind into a whirl of emotions. Ember stood frozen for a moment, unable to respond. 

Slowly, she moved away from his side, finding a spot where she could sit down and take a breath. 

*Finally, I can breathe again...* she thought, feeling her heart slowly return to a normal rhythm. 

It wasn't that she wanted to hide their relationship; it was just too soon. She wasn't ready for this kind of attention. 

---

**ON THE COUCH** 

Sitting on the plush couch, Ember glanced toward Dylan, who was still surrounded by reporters. She sighed, feeling a little left out. 

*He's too busy today...* she thought, her lips forming a small pout. 

Suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts. 

*"Hello, beautiful girl!"* The voice spoke in Chinese. 

Ember looked up, startled. *"Sorry, I don't understand Chinese."* 

*"Oh? You don't know me?"* the man asked, switching to English. 

Ember shook her head. *"No, I'm new here."* 

*"Ah, well, my name is Chen Eun Woo, but girls like you can call me Eun Woo,"* he said with a charming smile. 

Ember raised an eyebrow, feeling a little wary. *"Hello, Mr. Woo. I'm Ember."* She gave him a polite nod. 

*"Can I ask why you said 'girls like me'?"* she inquired, her curiosity piqued. 

*"Because you're the most beautiful girl at this party,"* Eun Woo said smoothly, clearly trying to flatter her. 

*"Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Woo,"* Ember replied, though she wasn't entirely comfortable with the conversation. 

Eun Woo slid into the seat next to her. *"Why don't we become friends?"* 

Ember hesitated. *"I don't talk to strangers."* 

*"Let's not be strangers then,"* Eun Woo said with a wink. 

Ember sighed. *"Hmm..."*

*"So, just tell me... who's the lucky person you're with tonight?"* Eun Woo asked, clearly fishing for information. 

Ember smirked. *"I think you can see him."* 

*"Where?"* Eun Woo asked, looking confused. 

Ember pointed behind him. *"Just behind you,"* she said with a knowing smile.