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Their relationship was a secret, Hyuna knew that.
Personally, she wouldn’t mind if her and Luka’s relationship was made public, in fact, she wished it was common knowledge. Her stomach twisted every time an adoring fan came up to her boyfriend and professed their love for him. She hated every time an interviewer, athlete or celebrity touched Luka during events, even an accidental brush irked her.
It wasn’t jealousy, it was because in the public eye, there was nothing that distinguished her from the other fans, from the other athletes with their lingering hand shakes. Publicly, she was in that category, a seemingly unreachable distance from Luka’s heart. That’s what angered her.
But she respected Luka’s wish for privacy, she didn’t resent him for that choice. It was something they’ve discussed in detail. Hyuna would never want to make Luka feel uncomfortable or pressurised into doing something he wasn’t ready for.
As she waited outside the main building of the trainee centre, she tried to bring her mind back to the reason why she was here. She and the five other new athletes from the national team were selected to be photographed before international competitions began.
Thankfully, she didn’t need to worry too much about getting dressed up. It wasn’t that Hyuna was against getting dolled up, she had rocked many dresses and extravagant make up looks at events before, but her training schedule was rigid so for a big fuss over an outfit would consume time she didn’t have.
She was dressed casually, an orange tank top under her training pants and jumper. Her hair was tied into a messy ponytail, loose strands sticking out erratically. She mightn’t look extremely glamorous, but she felt like her true self.
A smile spread across her face and her heart beat faster when she spotted Luka in the distance, his face largely obscured by his black baseball cap and a face mask. He was always hiding like this, trying to conceal himself from constant media attention.
He wore a lavender jumper over a grey striped shirt, much more formal than what the occasion required. But Hyuna supposed that’s the way he was most comfortable.
A lock of blonde hair escaped from behind his ear and out of habit she reached her hand forward to tuck it back in place. Luka froze and looked tentatively over his shoulder. It hurt Hyuna that they couldn’t even show the meagrest amounts of affection in public, but she let her hand drop to her side.
”Oh, right. I forgot,” she mumbled, trying her best to not let her pain and frustration seep into her voice.
Luka glanced at his watch, sighing slightly. “We best head inside now, don’t you think?”
They were the last of the six to arrive in the large gymnasium, the Korean flag raised above the entrance. The double height ceilings never failed to take her breath away, the white gleam of the walls almost blinding.
Hyuna vaguely knew the others, she knew their sports more than their personalities. There was the tennis prodigy Mizi smiling at whatever her girlfriend Sua, the elegant rhythmic dancer, was saying. She was surprised to see Ivan, the figure skater who always looked so composed and dignified on the rink and during interviews, was joking with his boyfriend Till. A fierce blush rose on the basketball star’s cheeks as Ivan continued to mess with him. All were dressed in hoodies and training gear, much more casual than Luka’s attire.
They all seemed so relaxed and comfortable in each other’s presence, not caring about how others might perceive them or their relationship. Hyuna hoped that one day, Luka wouldn’t feel like hiding, that they could be this free with each other too.
”Alright, I’m sure all of you athletes are incredibly busy people, so let’s make this quick!” A man who was leaning against the wall and fiddling with a camera called. The photographer, of course. Hyuna had been so engrossed in the watching the others that she had failed to notice him.
”Would it be okay with you if we stood beside each other?” Hyuna asked Luka cautiously, not wanting to push him away or drag him away. An unreadable expression fell across his face.
”Of course, I’d feel too nervous without you.”
Hyuna felt an uncontrollable urge to squeeze his hand, but she settled with a curt nod.
The six of them lined up, a wide gap between Hyuna and Luka. They all stood awkwardly, their arms straight by their sides, solemn expressions shifting from foot to foot, the couples not embracing each other.
”Come on guys,” the photographer groaned. “Have some fun with it! Be yourselves!”
Not needing further prompting, Mizi wrapped her arms around Sua, almost knocking her glasses off in the process. Sua giggled, a soft sound Hyuna didn’t expect from her cold demeanour. Ivan leaned his head in to touch off of Till’s, throwing bunny ears behind his head and grinning manically, even winking at the camera. Till’s blush deepened as he clutched onto the strap of his bag tightly, blinking rapidly as he wielded a peace sign.
Hyuna flicked a backward peace sign over Mizi and Sua, wanting to be involved in the team spirit in some way. She didn’t look back at Luka, she didn’t want to guilt trip him into doing something he didn’t want to do. Their relationship was different, Hyuna had come to terms with that.
”Much better,” the photographer beamed. “So on the count of three, I want you all to smile!”
”Three,”
Hyuna felt Luka move closer towards her. One step and then another.
”Two,”
Luka’s hand reached for Hyuna and he interlocked their fingers. “Hyuna, I’m ready,”
”One! Everyone smile!”
A sly grin slid across her lips. It was happening. Their relationship was progressing. As the camera blinked white, Luka squeezed her hand tightly, the way they did in private, in secret.
After the photo was taken and the photographer thanked them before leaving, Hyuna turned to Luka, their hands still together. “Are you sure about this? I can ask him to delete the photo if you want,” Hyuna whispered.
”I’m certain about this. I’m yours Hyuna, no one else’s.”
Mizi approached them with wide eyes. “You guys are dating?”
”Actually-“ Hyuna began, tying to think of an excuse. She tried to let go of Luka’s hand, to hide again but Luka stayed firm.
”We’re dating,” Luka cut across. “Pretty serious, actually.”
Mizi gasped. “I knew it! You guys look so cute together.”
Sua hummed in agreement and Ivan and Till chimed in with their surprise and support for them.
Hyuna’s smile widened, not letting go of her boyfriend’s hand, glad that the world would see them together.