As the fan meeting concluded, Aaliyah's heart raced with a mixture of exhilaration and disbelief. She and Mia joined the throngs of fans who were slowly making their way out of the venue, their excited chatter filling the air.
"He looked even better up close, didn't he?" Mia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
Aaliyah nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely. And he was so kind and genuine."
Mia nudged her playfully. "I told you this would be an unforgettable experience."
As they walked through the exit, Aaliyah couldn't shake the feeling of euphoria. She had met Dae-Seong, handed him her letter, and exchanged words with him. It was a moment she would treasure forever.
Little did she know, her encounter with Dae-Seong had left a lasting impression on him as well. As the fans dispersed, he stood backstage, his thoughts consumed by the unique scent that had wafted toward him when he had shaken Aaliyah's hand.
"What's on your mind, hyung?" Ji-Hoon, Dae-Seong's younger brother and fellow actor, asked with a grin.
Dae-Seong shook his head, his brows furrowing. "It's strange, Ji-Hoon. I met so many fans today, but there was one girl... her scent was different, almost intoxicating."
Ji-Hoon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Scent? Are you suddenly a vampire with a heightened sense of smell?"
Dae-Seong rolled his eyes, playfully shoving Ji-Hoon's shoulder. "You know what I mean. There was something about her that stood out."
Ji-Hoon chuckled. "Maybe she was just wearing a unique perfume."
Dae-Seong considered this but shook his head. "It wasn't perfume. It was her natural scent. It was unlike anything I've ever encountered."
Ji-Hoon's eyes widened in mock surprise. "A mysterious girl with a unique scent? Sounds like the plot of a drama."
Dae-Seong sighed, unable to shake off the feeling that there was something significant about the encounter. "I'm serious, Ji-Hoon. It's like her scent has lingered in the air."
Ji-Hoon shrugged. "Well, maybe you'll meet her again at another event."
Dae-Seong nodded absently, his mind still preoccupied. He knew he had to continue with his commitments, attending more fan meetings and interviews, but a small part of him couldn't shake the curiosity about the girl with the captivating scent.
Meanwhile, Aaliyah and Mia walked down the bustling streets of Manila, the glow of the fan meeting still evident on their faces.
"That was amazing," Aaliyah gushed, her heart still racing.
Mia grinned. "And you handled it like a champ. I'm proud of you."
As they walked, Aaliyah noticed a small park ahead and suggested they take a break. They settled on a bench, the soft breeze rustling the leaves of the trees.
"I can't believe I actually met him," Aaliyah repeated, her smile stretching from ear to ear.
Mia nudged her playfully. "I told you dreams do come true."
Aaliyah chuckled. "You were right."
As they chatted and soaked in the post-fan meeting euphoria, Aaliyah noticed a figure walking towards them. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized it was Dae-Seong, accompanied by a few of his staff members.
"Oh my god, Mia, it's him!" Aaliyah whispered excitedly.
Mia's eyes widened. "No way!"
As Dae-Seong walked past them, he glanced in their direction, his gaze briefly locking onto Aaliyah's. Aaliyah's heart raced as their eyes met, her cheeks flushing.
Dae-Seong continued walking, but something inside him stirred. He slowed his pace, his senses attuned to the memory of that captivating scent he had encountered earlier. He turned to his manager.
"Did you notice that girl sitting on the bench back there?" he asked quietly.
The manager looked back and shrugged. "There were a lot of people around, Dae-Seong."
Dae-Seong's eyes remained fixed on the spot where Aaliyah and Mia were sitting. "No, I mean the girl with the unique scent."
The manager raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Unique scent? Are we in a drama now?"
Dae-Seong ignored the teasing and continued to watch the bench, a determination settling in his gaze. "I want to know who she is."
His manager sighed but nodded. "Alright, let's find out."
As Aaliyah and Mia continued to chat, they suddenly noticed a member of Dae-Seong's staff approaching them.
"Excuse me," the staff member said politely. "Is one of you Aaliyah?"
Aaliyah's heart leaped into her throat as she exchanged a bewildered glance with Mia. "I'm Aaliyah," she managed to reply.
The staff member smiled warmly. "Dae-Seong would like to speak with you for a moment if that's okay."
Aaliyah's eyes widened in disbelief. "Dae-Seong wants to talk to me?"
Mia nudged her playfully. "Looks like your unique scent caught someone's attention."
Aaliyah blushed, her heart racing as she followed the staff member toward where Dae-Seong stood. She couldn't believe what was happening—she was about to have a conversation with her idol once again, and this time, it was entirely unexpected.