Chapter Text
"Hey, Gunwook, right? I'm Zhang Hao," he said, holding out his right hand.
Zhang Hao was not completely aware of what he was doing when he approached Park Gunwook. Just a week ago, he would not dare meet this man in the eye even when they were 50+ meters apart in the Audition Stage. But there was something about Gunwook that called to Zhang Hao, something that made him want to get to know the man behind this intimidating exterior. And today, after a week of being trainees, his body, even without him knowing it fully, initiated a conversation on his behalf.
Hao has always been mystified by how Park Gunwook carries himself. From the very first day, when their eyes met right after Gunwook's audition stage, he already knew that there is something about this man that makes him feel uncomfortable.
The very first time Hao walked near Gunwook, he only heard him chiming in the conversation with his co-YueHua trainees from time to time. Hao thought it must be the way he is since other trainees have been saying he does not speak much, but what he says usually carry weight as if he knows something that other people in the room do not know. As he speaks, Gunwook exudes an air of confidence that people around him cannot help but notice. As other trainees describe him, Gunwook's presence makes them afraid of him. Some even consciously avoid him and not even have eye contact with him from afar, something that Hao now feels as well.
Although he did not hear much of the conversation happening between Gunwook and his friends, Hao felt something strange as he got closer to Gunwook. There is something about the aura of this man, Hao thought, that intimidates him a bit but he cannot really explain. Since he is not fond of toying around with uncertain feelings like this, Hao knew that he has to learn more about the man as soon as possible.
With rigorous shooting schedule and different training rooms, however, it was almost impossible for them to formally meet each other or even cross each other's paths in the dormitory hallways. That was until today, when Gunwook has been moved from 3 Stars to All Stars.
Right after the cameras stopped filming, Hao suddenly found himself near Gunwook. He then became overwhelmed by his curiosity to demystify the man behind the intimaditing aura that his words came out of his mouth even before he thought about mustering the courage to start a conversation.
"Hey, Gunwook, right? I'm Zhang Hao." He then held out his right hand that is now a little bit sweaty.
Gunwook, looked him in the eye for a moment, his face unreadable. After a while, he then took Hao's hand and gave a warm, firm handshake.
"Nice to finally meet you," Gunwook uttered with his low voice.
Finally? What did he mean by saying that? Why did he say that?
Hao felt shivers run down his spine while hearing Gunwook say those five words. He thought the sound of this man's voice is unlike anything he had ever heard before. For some reason, he found himself wanting to hear Gunwook say more.
"So, how does it feel, now that you are already part of the All Star group?," he asked, attempting to sound casual.
"Fine. There's still much to learn though," Gunwook replied simply.
Zhang Hao nodded, as he did not know what else to do in the moment.
"Well, I believe you are in the right place. I learned a lot from the guys in this group and they are real friendly too," Hao said to make Gunwook feel welcome.
"I can see that," Gunwook said as his eyes scanned the room then back to Hao.
Hao felt his heart skipped a few beats as Gunwook's gaze lingered on him for a while before walking away.
To be continued.