1 Chapter One: Come hang out with us!

__________________________________________________________________

It is a typical Tuesday, more or less- well, sort of. I have had a pretty lousy week. Let me back up a bit first... So, I have these seven completely normal friends, except they are famous models; I was unaware of that fact when I first saw them. We met just by chance, and honestly, it seemed like a scene out of a movie...

~***~

I was on my way to the library, which was only a block away now. As I rounded the corner of the local floral shop, I suddenly collided with someone headfirst. I fell backward and yelped as my tailbone hit the sidewalk. I rubbed my forehead in annoyance as I sat up.

"Ouch... That fucking hurt," I groaned before eyeing the stranger in front of me, "Watch where you're going, dickwad!"

The stranger was a young man, early 20s, by the looks of it. He slowly sat up, also rubbing his forehead. He looked over at me, seemingly unphased by the whole situation. At least he did before I heard a bunch of girls screaming. I swear his eyes grew larger than saucers. Before I could lecture him further, he scrambled to his feet, obviously trying to ignore the pain he felt from the fall; his eyes screamed pain, though. I was not, however, expecting him to grab me by the wrist and pull me along like a doll into the floral shop that was by us. He then proceeded to pull me down behind a wall of arrangements breathing heavily as if he was anxious. The sounds of the girls got louder; I figured that they must be heading this way, but why? I soon found my answer when I looked at the man beside me, still holding my wrist. He looked anxious and slightly terrified. Other than that, I noticed that he was heavenly handsome.

"Can you let go of me now," I asked as I tried tugging my arm away from him.

He quickly let go with a quick and quiet apology, "Sorry…".

I looked at him with suspicion before blurting out, "…-and who exactly are you again?"

He did not say a word to me until the sound of the girls passed by the shop and slowly faded. Then, he let out a long breath that I did not even know he had been holding, "Sorry again… My name is Tayden." He cast an apologetic look back at the stunned shopkeeper, "Sorry for the disturbance, Mr. Park..." The shopkeeper just blinked before giving a single and silent nod.

"Okay, well, this has been fun and all, but I actually have a destination to get to. So, if you will excuse me… I'm leaving," I spat out in annoyance, getting to my feet.

Surprisingly enough, he quickly got to his feet and actually tried to block my path. He looked desperate for some unknown reason. "No, please wait! At least give me the chance to explain myself."

Goddess almighty, this better not be another crazy loon bird.

I crossed my arms as I rolled my eyes, "Give me one good reason why I should let you waste any more of my time."

"I…," he started off slow before looking down at his feet, "I don't have one… I just feel bad for dragging you in my mess and wanted to apologize properly…."

You feel bad? Really…? You better hope you can prove it, or so help me-

I raised an eyebrow with a half-smile, "It has been a while since I met an honest man. Very well, I'll give you six minutes of my time and not a second more."

His eyes lit up as he looked back up at me. Then, he turned to the front door until the shopkeeper spoke up.

"Tay, my boy. Use the backdoor. You'll have a better chance to not run into that mob of screaming ladies."

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Park," Tayden thanked the owner. Then he gestured for me to follow him, "Follow me," he started to turn back toward the backdoor until he abruptly stopped, "Uh… I don't think I caught your name?"

"Shiro," I flatly replied.

"Shiro…," he let my name roll off his tongue with a smile, "that's a beautiful name."

Another flirt… Great.

"Tick-tock, Mr. Tayden," I reminded him.

"Right, sorry…," he apologized again as he led me out the back door of the floral shop.

The back door looked like it led into some kind of alleyway. If I said that I did not feel creeped out, that would most certainly be a lie. I looked around at our surroundings and nearly jumped when a random cat knocked over a nearby tin trash can. I could not help but think to myself...

I hope I made the right choice by following this weirdo… He isn't going to kill me off or anything, right?

After looking around the area like a creep, he turned back to me, shyly rubbing the back of his neck. "About earlier… I am really sorry… I just panicked when I heard the screams of those stalkers getting closer… I didn't think and just grabbed you and pulled you along with me. I admit that I was in the wrong; I should not have acted so brashly."

"Stalkers?" I unintentionally interrupted him, finding his statement hard to believe, "Why the hell would a guy like you have stalkers? I mean, don't get me wrong, you are handsome, but that does not explain why you would have stalkers or why they were chasing you in the first place. Secondly, are you even going to apologize for running into me and knocking me over?"

His face turned red, in what I assumed was embarrassment, "You're right. I deeply apologize for ramming into you," he bowed in a perfect 90-degree angle.

Why the hell is he bowing?

I felt baffled. The way he was acting just weirded me out, "You can stop with the bowing thing now…".

"Wait, you don't know who I am?" he straightened himself out, looking more upset than anything else. That is until his eyes shot up to mine in surprise.

"No? Why would I know a complete stranger that I just met not even ten minutes ago?" I asked, more confused than ever.

His eyes lit up as if they were sparkling with delight. "Can I buy you a cup of coffee or anything???"

"Huh? I just said that I don't know you. Why would I go to a café with a total stranger? You could be some creep posing as someone innocent for all I know. No way. Besides, I thought I already told you I was heading somewhere?"

He frowned, "I promise I'm not some creep. Can I at least walk you to your destination?"

Just as he finished his sentence, I looked down at my watch and smiled. "Time is up. I will take my leave now. Nice meeting you, Tayden," I gave a short wave as I turned around and started walking toward the street. Unfortunately, I did not get far before he called out to me again.

Oh, for fuck's sake…

"Hey, wait!"

I turned around with a blank stare, "What is it now?"

"I want to get to know you more if that's okay with you. It's been a long time since I met someone normal…."

Normal? I am nowhere near normal.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I can explain more if you let me walk with you?" He asked with the most apologetic look I have ever seen.

Oh, good lord, not the puppy eyes…

"F-fine," I stuttered, turning back to the road and continuing on. I swear I saw him do a fist-pump before he rushed after me until we were walking side by side.

"So, where are you headed?"

"The library."

"Oh. Are you a fan of literature then?"

"You could say that…," I carefully answered. A red flag shot up in my mind and, with that, a tinge of panic. I forgot about keeping my emotions down until a strong gust of wind blew by and down the street. Unfortunately, it was strong enough to knock me over for the second time today. However, right before my nose would crash into the pavement, Tayden somehow grabbed me by my waist. He pulled me up so quickly that I crashed into his chest as his back collided with the wall of the nearest building. My mind went blank as my cheeks flushed, "Th-thank you."

He smiled as he gently stood us up straight before letting go, "My pleasure."

After that, I was too embarrassed to say anything else. When we finally got to the library, I turned to say goodbye, but to my surprise, he gestured toward the marble stairs.

"Ladies, first."

What kind of fuckery-

"Are you coming in with me?" I asked him, quite stunned.

"I have some time to kill before I have to go so, I thought maybe I would join you. Besides, if you are willing, I'd like to introduce you to my friends later. They're the ones I have to meet up with within a few hours," he said with a light blush on his cheeks.

Well, shit… There goes my idea about research for the day. If he is coming in with me, I need a plan B.

"Oh, are you sure? I wouldn't want to bore you."

"Nah. You couldn't bore me if you tried. You are a really fascinating person. I meant it when I said that I'd like to get to know you more. I just feel like...," he paused before making sure to meet my eyes, "There is something special about you that I just can't put my finger on. So, would you allow me to keep you company, and are you free for the rest of the day?"

"I think I can clear my schedule for the rest of the day."

Well, he does not seem like a bad guy, I guess. It does not feel like he is lying either… Maybe, I will give this potential friendship a chance.

He radiated with pure joy, almost like a little kid about to get ice cream. "Awesome! I can't wait for you to meet them! I promise I will tell you everything when we meet up with them. For now, I just want to be a normal man with a normal woman for a few hours."

Normal man? Normal woman? Oh, if only he knew that I am far from the average person… Who exactly is he, though?

He held out his hand toward me, and at first, I just stared at it with skepticism. Then, he smiled at me, and I swear that my heart skipped a beat. He didn't retreat; he just patiently waited as if hoping that I would accept his offer. For some reason, I felt like I should just take his hand in mine. It just felt like the right thing to do. However, on the other end of my mind, it was just screaming red flag after red flag.

What is wrong with me? He doesn't seem dangerous, right? Maybe this would be okay, or would I only be leading him on? It's not like I have feelings for him. Then again, what if I am stupidly befriending some psychopath?

So, instead of entertaining his idea, I came up with something witty.

"I'm sorry, did you want a high-five or to shake hands?"

His reaction was priceless. I had never seen a man's face become so deeply red before. He immediately retracted his hand, awkwardly scratching the side of his head.

"Oh... Uh...," he tried to say.

"Let's get going then," I smiled as I started up the stairs to the revolving door. I had to try hard not to laugh when he quickly followed up after me.

Upon entering the library, the Librarian greeted me as always.

"Good morning, Miss Anatolio," she began before spotting Tayden coming up behind me, "Oh, and good morning to you, Mr. Brumal. You don't come here often; what's the occasion?"

Brumal? Why does that sound familiar?

"Ah, good morning, Mrs. Keys," Tayden smiled brightly, "I'm just hanging out with a new friend today."

"Oh? When did you two meet?"

"A few minutes ago," I replied as my eyes wandered around the Librarian toward the upper floor.

"More research today, Miss Anatolio?" She asked with mere curiosity, trying to be as helpful as always. She was one of the few people that knew my secret. I had been researching my superpowers for the last few weeks, hoping I might understand them more, but to no avail thus far. I looked at her in a panic, and once she registered that that was not something she should talk about in front of others, she swiftly changed the subject. "Oh, I seem to be forgetful today. Did you want to return or check out any new books? A new fiction, perhaps?"

"Yes, please," I sighed in relief, hoping Tayden would not ask any questions. "The book I checked out last week, could I have an extension on it? Oh, and by the way," I rambled on before leaning closer on the counter and whispered the last part, "Have you caught wind of anything new?"

"Actually, yes. I saved something for you here," the Librarian started as she revealed a small bookbag from under the desk. This was the same bookbag I had left here last week, just in case she found anything to help with my research on my own superpowers that I do not fully understand. I leave it here after returning books and files so that what I check out is kept secret from prying eyes.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Keys! You're a lifesaver!" Unfortunately, I raised my voice a little too loud in my excitement.

"Shh. Darling, this is still a library," she scolded me playfully as she handed me my bookbag.

"Sorry," I grinned innocently.

Well, now I do not have a reason to stay at the library.

Just as I was putting my bag on my back, she tossed another question my way.

"Anything else I can help you with today?"

"No, this saves me some time. Thank you for finding this for me."

"What about you, Mr. Brumal?" She looked over at Tayden with a warm smile.

"Oh, I don't need anything today, but thank you, Mrs. Keys."

"Very well then," she nodded her head in satisfaction, "You two enjoy the rest of your day."

Tayden grinned like a child before gently grabbing me by the wrist and tugged me toward the revolving doors. "Thank you; we will.~"

His actions startled me, but for some reason, I just went along with it. He did not let go until we were outside and had climbed down the stairs to the sidewalk. He laughed awkwardly as he let go before making a comment that only confused me more.

"Sorry about that. Force of habit."

Force of habit???

"You often pull girls along by their wrists?" I arched my right brow to challenge him.

Realizing his mistake, he quickly waved his hands in front of himself, "Ah, no, no, no! That is not what I meant! I meant I just pull my friends along out of habit."

"Right... So," I tried to change the topic now that I was satisfied with his answer, "you said something about a café earlier, right? Do you still want to go?"

"Yes!" He exclaimed, happiness replacing the worry in his eyes.

What a fascinating man... I wonder what his friends are like.

~***~

It has been six years since that day, and I still have not told them my secret. Who would have thought I would become friends with a bunch of celebrities? Lady Fate sure does love to throw in unexpected plot twists into my life… Anyways, A LOT of weird stuff happens when I am with them. I always brush it off when they ask about it, though. There is this secret I have been hiding from them since we met; I was scared they would reject me if they knew.

However, today they invited me to one of their photoshoots and to get dinner afterward. So, I am going to take today's opportunity to tell them!

"I'm here!" I shouted as I walked through the building doors.

Noam turned around, greeting me first with a hug. Yeah, the name sounds weird, but it is pronounced just like the word gnome. "Shiro! Glad you could make it!"

"I always will," I replied as I tightly hugged him back.

"Howard and Justin are over at the snack table if you want to try to surprise them," he pointed out.

"Justin will probably know I am there before I even try to scare him, but I'll try," I giggled happily, wiggling my eyebrows. Ever since I met this bunch, I have enjoyed mischief. I tried my best to tip-toe as quietly as possible over to Howard and Justin. As soon as I was behind them, I raised my arms to hug them both at the same time while I shouted out a greeting, but...

"GOTCHA!!!!" Justin caught me off guard by swiftly turning on his heel as he shouted, scaring me instead before I could even touch him.

"EEEEEEEK!!!" I shrieked, falling backward.

"Shiro~ You made it," Howard smiled warmly as he turned around.

As Justin helped me up from the ground laughing because I fell on my bum when he scared the living daylights out of me, I smiled back at Howard, hiding the obvious pain that I felt in my tailbone.

"Hey, Howie.~" I called him by his nickname that I gave him. Of course, he throws a fit if anyone but me calls him that.

"I got you good, Shiro; admit it," Justin continued to laugh, wiping away fake tears.

"Yes, you got me... I wanted to surprise you, but I guess you must have spotted me beforehand," I rolled my eyes as I regained my balance.

Howard gave me a warm hug, but I let my emotions get the best of me without thinking. Amid my happiness, I ended up giving Howard a relatively solid static shock.

"Ack!" Howard jumped back suddenly, letting go of me, "Shirooo... You shocked me!" He ended up whining like a child. Immediately, I made up an excuse for the incident.

"Sorry, I uh, must have gotten a small electrical charge when I fell or something."

Justin arched an eyebrow, staring at me suspiciously. "I didn't get shocked, though?"

"What?! Why didn't you get shocked," Howard protested, "That's not fair...," he grumbled.

"Sooooo, where are the others?" I quickly tried changing the subject.

"Ah, Jibben is still getting make-up done. Yuvin is taking a nap somewhere, as usual. Gin is shooting right now, and Tayden is up next," Justin rattled off.

"C-cool! I'll go greet them," I stuttered unintentionally.

Howard and Justin looked oddly at each other and then at me. I was about to turn around when I felt someone grab my sleeve.

"Shiro... Are you feeling okay today? You seem a little off," Howard asked me, concern laced in his voice.

I looked back at Howard and gave him a beaming smile. "I'm fine.~"

That is a total lie…

"Okay, I believe you," he let go, giving me a return smile.

I shot him and Justin a finger-heart before wandering off to find whoever may be closer.

I am not really sure where I am going, though.

Then, as I was coming up on some large lights, someone covered my eyes from behind. Then, from those hands came a cute, affectionate voice.

"Guess who?!?"

"Tayden?" I guessed.

I felt a pair of lips give the back of my neck a sweet and soft but quick peck. It sent shivers down my spine.

Stay strong, Shiro. This is no time to be affected by skinship. Keep it together...

"Nope! Guess again.~"

"Uhhhh... Jibben...?" I tried again.

I felt another peck but on my shoulder this time.

This man, I swear-.

"Strike two.~"

"Well, you can't possibly be Yuvin; he's still sleeping, or so I was told," I stated matter-of-factly. "I already met up with Noam, Howard, and Justin. Gin, I was also told, is still shooting, but maybe he's all done, and you, are he?" I guessed for a third time, trying to rationalize my decision.

The pair of hands slid down from my eyes to my waist, giving me a warming back hug. That was followed by yet another peck on my opposite shoulder. That cute, affectionate voice had now reverted itself back to its rightful owner.

"Miss Shiro... I am disappointed in you... How could you not know it was me?" He asked me, sounding very disappointed in my detective work.

-End of Chapter 1-

Next chapter