System! This Prince Doesn't Want To Be An Idol Popstar!

“No,” the dancer let out a laugh, “I only see her when you are around, Star.”

Smiling relieved, she settled in her seat more relaxed. Of course she trusted Kola to not do something like that, but still… it could had been someone else. One of his trainees maybe? The females were young and pretty. They spent a lot of their times with him as they should, but it didn’t stop her thoughts from heading to a side she didn’t want it to go.

They pulled up to the parking lot and left the car to enter the restaurant. Sitting together, they ordered their usual order. They were a creature of habit, but they had tried a new dish, but preferred their usuals. They spoke about their day and Taemeng mentioned Suu Jin helping him raise money for the studio. He spoke about the girls and what that specific female asked him about his career.

“Ah, you know, I do want to know that too. Either way, I’ll still be here for you, Ah Tae,” Star smiled and the male dancer smiled back.

“I’m not sure.”

“Do you miss it? Performing on stage,” Star questioned as the waitress returned with their meal.

“Hm, if Kaiden returns, then I will too,” Taemeng stated when the waitress left. Star shook her head laughing breathlessly. Jenell was right. Kaiden and Taemeng are inseparable even when both of them were dating these men romantically.

“Ah Tae, you and Ah Kai are really close.”

“Mm.”

Star had spoken with Taemeng on the topic of Kaiden before. Of course, she followed the fandom that put both men together as a couple, but she also felt a bit like a third wheel. Who wouldn’t when the dancer and vocal of Symmony had so much chemistry! Her chemistry with Taemeng was non-existent as compared to it.

“You’re thinking too much Star,” Taemeng stated as he picked up the cooked meat in the hotpot.

“I always think too much,” Star laughed and thanked him when he placed some meat in her bowl.

“You do,” the male dancer nodded and shared a soft smile.

Ah, that smile made Star feel as if her cheeks were going to burn off. They ate quietly and headed out to the car. Their relationship was quiet and comforting. She didn’t need a relationship like Jenell and Kaiden to feel attraction toward Taemeng. She didn’t need a relationship like Shun and Suu Jin to feel in love with her boyfriend. She didn’t need to have longing for years to feel connected to the golden eyed male.

Star and Taemeng had a lot in common and enjoyed quietness. Just because they did not have a whirlwind, feverish, crazy type of love, doesn’t mean they aren’t in love.

“Star,” Taemeng walked her to the front of her group’s house, “I will miss you.”

“I will miss you too,” Star spoke softly and waited for the kiss, but her boyfriend looked away squeezing her hand. She furrowed her brows and stepped forward, but the dancer stepped back. Suddenly, her heart dropped. Why was Taemeng moving away from her? Why was he avoiding her eyes?

“Star…” Taemeng reached a hand into his pocket, “Sorry if this… If this is too soon.”

“Wha-”

A ring. Wait… A RING?!

Star’s eyes widened and her entire body flushed powdered red. The ring pushed through her ring finger and she couldn’t help staring at her boyfriend. Taemeng’s ears were red and his eyes were focused on the ring slipped through her finger.

“A promise ring.”

“…”

“…”

“F… F… For?” Star stuttered with her throat closed.

“…”

“…”

Star’s face reddened further and Taemeng’s hands were sweating. Neither were looking at one another. When Jenell opened the door wondering what was going on outside, she found the couple red cheeked and looking anywhere but one another. Her blue eyes looked to the clasped hand and saw the ring.

“OH MY GOD! Are you two ENGAGED?!”

That caused others in the house to rush out and the couple to look flustered. No matter what Star or Taemeng tried to explain, no one was listening. They received compliments and congratulations for the new engagement. Even their friends were called!

Looking over at Taemeng, the dancer gave up trying to explain. To be honest, she didn’t even know what the promise ring was for since Taemeng never really explained. All he said was that they were engaged. Golden eyes looked at her and she offered a smile that he returned. Fingers interlocking, she moved closer to her boyfriend.

“Sorry,” she apologized.

“Star,” Taemeng smiled defeatedly, “It is alright. Mind if I spend the night?”

“O… Okay.”

Star looked away shyly and bit her lip. They hadn’t… don’t more than kiss and cuddle. She wondered if… with her leaving for a long time, if he wanted… if he wanted to…

She shook her head and tried to keep her mind clear of those thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she pulled her boyfriend with her to her room. She was nervous. It wasn’t like Taemeng hadn’t spent the night before, but Star’s mind just couldn’t help going to certain places. Using the restroom and making sure to have her suitcase near the door so she didn’t forget it, she changed into her pajamas. She smiled when Taemeng joined her in bed.

Arms wrapped around her and she sighed pleased and happy. All her thoughts about what would happen left her mind when sleep took over her. When she woke, it was to Taemeng shaking her awake gently.

“Your flight is soon. Lisa said you have to head out now,” Taemeng whispered quietly.

“Mm kay,” Star yawned and sat up. She went to use the restroom and change into her clothes. When she was ready to join her sisters, she saw her boyfriend had already pulled her suitcase to the car. He placed it into the trunk and waited for her to join him.

“Stay safe, Star. Let me know when you arrive at the airport.”

“I will,” she smiled and kissed Taemeng who leaned down to press their lips together.

She entered the car and waved goodbye as her boyfriend watched the car pull away. A light shoulder bump was felt and she turned to see Kola wiggling her brows.

“So~ Did you two finally, you know~”

“What?”

“You both just got engaged you know, so to celebrate…” Jenell didn’t finish the sentence, but the insinuation was there.

Star covered her face and Lisa had to get the girls to stop, but she was laughing softly.

“Stop messing with Star. When she is ready, she will tell us.”

She smiled and appreciated her sisters. She would focus on creating great performances and then return home. When she got back, she would ask Taemeng what the promise ring was for. Was it a promise for being boyfriend and girlfriend or…

Her cheeks warmed as she stared at the silver ring around her ring finger.

‘Or was it more…’