“The moon exists only because of the sun.”

“I-I….” Ara stammered, avoiding YoungK’s intensified gaze.

She had been asked this question multiple times. Her parents, her friends, and other fansites had asked her that before. She could go on and on listing all the positive qualities of Sungjin but she didn’t know why before the other Day6 member, she couldn’t utter a single word. Within seconds, the built-up tension faded away as YoungK flashed his smile at her.

“Just kidding. Here you go” He passed the signed album back to her.

Ara was about to leave when YoungK spoke again.

“Sungjin, he deserves mydays love”

“You too, oppa”

“Thank you, Ara-ssi”

YoungK smiled. This time, it was genuine.

Ara returned home by midnight with her luggage emptied of the fan goods. The lights were out and she figured everyone was probably sleeping. Dragging her luggage into the room, she took care not to wake her sister up. Placing her camera on the table, she sat on the bed tiredly. Hyun Joo rolled over, rubbing her eyes.

“I am sorry for waking you up” Ara apologized gently, ruffling her messy hair.

“Was Japan fun?” she blurted out in her half-awake state.

In the darkness, Ara could barely make out her sister’s nod.

The next morning.

“Ara is back” she vaguely heard her mother’s acknowledgement.

“She will probably be gone tomorrow or the day after that” Her father replied, closing the door behind them.

Ara closed her eyes, brushing aside the hints of bitterness in her father’s words. It was time to pay off her sleep debts. Approximately at 3 PM, Ara woke up to a text from their Kakao talk group chat. The fansite wanted to gather for dinner. She washed up and put on some light makeup before leaving the house. On their dining table, she left a note for her mom not to make dinner for her.

“Hey” ShinYe waved excitedly to Ara.

“Before we eat, let’s take a picture” Lea suggested.

“How about burger hearts?” ShinYe posed the idea.

Everyone did Day6 favorite burger hearts and took pictures. If not for the sajangnim urging them to eat before the food turns cold, they had totally forgotten to tuck in. It was a habit for them to take such outing pictures and post it on SNS or Instagram. Truth be told, a part of them wanted others to see that they had a life apart from chasing the boys. They wanted others to know that they too had friends and would go for gatherings like this, just like any teen or adult. Watching everyone dig in, chatting happily at random encounters in Japan, Ara smiled to herself.

Ara had always wondered if they didn’t like Day6, would everyone have met each other in some way or another in life? Would they be able to become close friends like this? Or would they live without crossing each other’s path? Nevertheless, she was glad. She fell in love with a boy called Sungjin and because of him, she met these wonderful people.

“Yah, what are you thinking of? You’re so out of it!” ShinYe stuffed a sashimi into her mouth.
Ara could barely laugh with her filled mouth as she stuffed some vegetables into ShinYe’s mouth in retaliation.

The night was filled with laughter, chattering, and squabbling.

“Thank you” The girls bowed to the sajangnim after settling the bill.

“Get home safely” Sajangnim replied.

“Ne” They chorused, putting on their shoes.

They started hailing cabs. The sashimi restaurant never fails to amaze Ara each time she visits. The collections of fan stickers, banners, photo cards, and other merchandise in the restaurant were crazy.

On her way home, Ara watched the waters and the city lights reflecting off its surface shimmering. She smiled, capturing the beautiful sight with her bare eyes.

“See you soon!” Ara said, waving goodbye to ShinYe.

Soon, as in next week- mutually understood. Day6’s schedule had also become their schedule for the past years. When Day6 toured the world for the first time in their ‘Youth’ tour, they toured around the globe as well. People mocked that they were like shadows. Ara wanted to think that they were like the moon, and Day6 is their sun. Sometimes, Ara wonders if she hadn’t followed them, what would she be doing with her life. Perhaps, she would be studying in a local university like Hyun Joo. However, she was certain without her sun, her world would be darkness. She would not be happy, because she wouldn’t have these amazing friends and Sungjin. A life without Sungjin was something she didn’t want to imagine. Not at all.

“I’m home!” Ara announced softly, stepping into the house.
She was greeted with darkness, once again. It was nothing new but every time, she still couldn’t help but feel empty inside.

He stopped stirring the tea before him and shifted his body closer to sniff its scent. Reclining back into the sofa seat, he smiled with his eyes closed. It was such a simple act but how could it end up being so beautiful as a painting. Perhaps because he was Park Sungjin.

Ara placed her camera down when she noticed him looking in her direction.

“Why are you there?” he mouthed.

Shaking his head in amusement, he stood up. Sungjin joined her at the desk, startling Ara a little as she shifted uncomfortably.

Taking the seat opposite her, she crossed his leg casually.

“What would you like to have?” he asked.

“E-English breakfast tea” she stuttered slightly.

“English breakfast it is” He looked towards the waiter who nodded in response.

“You look beautiful today” Sungjin stated as if it was the simplest logic in the world.

Looking up again, she locked eyes with him.

“Why are you here?” he asked again with a gentle smile.

Ara pondered hard and eventually, she blurted out, “I don’t know”

He smiled at her response with that, she woke up.

Ara laid back in bed, hoping to return to the simple yet beautiful dream. Even if it were just a few seconds more, a few more words exchanged, she was delighted. Because in the realms of dreams, she was finally no longer a fan and he was no longer an idol.

“Just a little more!” she thought to herself, forcing herself to fall back asleep.