Chapter 7: The Growing Bond

[POV. Naina]

It started with simple messages.

At first, it was nothing more than a text here and there—small things, harmless.

Kilin: Did you eat?

Naina: Yes. You?

Kilin: Kinda. I stole a bite from my hyung's ramen. He's mad now.

I smiled at my screen, imagining his playful smirk as he dodged a half-hearted slap from his friend.

Then, it became more frequent. Late-night texts when he was exhausted from practice, random updates from his day, even secret inside jokes that only we understood.

Kilin: Saw a cat today. Looked grumpy, kinda like my manager.

Naina: Did it glare at you for breathing too?

Kilin: YES. I think we connected on a spiritual level.

I laughed softly, hugging my pillow as I texted back. It was strange—how easy this was.

With Kilin, conversation never felt forced. It was effortless, natural. Like we had always known each other.

But we both knew this was something we couldn't talk about openly.

Kilin wasn't just any guy. He was Kilin—the idol. If people found out he was talking to a girl, rumors would spread like wildfire. His agency would tighten their grip on him. His fans… I didn't even want to imagine their reaction.So, we kept it a secret.

[Pov. Kilin]

I wasn't supposed to be doing this.Sneaking out. Texting her between practice. Making excuses to see her. But I couldn't stop.

Naina was different. She never treated me like an idol, never acted like I was some untouchable star.

With her, I wasn't "Kilin of Eclipse." I was just… me.Maybe that's why I found myself texting her at random times. Maybe that's why I kept wanting to see her.

Tonight was one of those nights. I pulled my hood lower over my face, adjusting my mask as I scanned the quiet street.

Yongdusan Park. Our usual meeting spot. It wasn't too crowded at this hour, making it the perfect place to disappear for a while.When I saw her, standing near the railing overlooking the city, something in my chest eased.

Naina: You're late.

She teased, turning to face me.

I sighed dramatically.

Kilin: Blame my manager. He thinks I'm sleeping right now.

She laughed.

Naina: So you're sneaking out?

I smirked.

Kilin: Wouldn't be the first time.

She shook her head but didn't scold me. She never did. Instead, she gestured to the view.

Naina: Come on, it's peaceful tonight.

We sat on the bench, side by side, the distant hum of the city below filling the silence.

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. She looked calm, staring at the night sky like she belonged there.And for a moment, I let myself forget who I was supposed to be.

Kilin: Do you ever feel like running away?

I asked suddenly.

She turned to me, surprised.

Naina: What?

I hesitated, then shrugged, looking back at the sky.

Kilin: Just… disappearing. Leaving everything behind."

She was quiet for a while, then said softly.

Naina: Would you, if you could?

I didn't answer right away. Could I? I had dreamed of it—walking away from the pressure, the expectations. But at the same time…

Kilin: I don't know.

I admitted.

Kilin: But right now, this—.

I gestured to us sitting here

Kilin: —feels close enough.

I didn't have to explain. She understood. She always did.

She smiled, resting her chin on her knees.

Naina: Well, if you ever decide to run away, let me know. I'll help you pack.

I chuckled, shaking my head.

Kilin: And where would we go?

She grinned.

Naina: Anywhere. As long as there's good food.

I laughed, a real laugh this time. I didn't realize how much I needed this—this small moment of freedom.As the night stretched on, we talked about everything and nothing. Music. Childhood memories. Dumb things that made us laugh.

We kept our voices low, careful, but the ease between us remained.And as I watched her, I realized something. This wasn't just a secret friendship anymore. It was something more. And that terrified me.