Page 30 of Teach Me K-Pop

I had walked into the salon and said, “Go for it.” My stylist was young and seemed like the kind of person who would keep up with things that were trendy and might make me appear at least adjacent to cool. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this style all over social media lately, which could be either a good or bad sign.

“I like it. It works on you. For you.” He smiles, sweet and genuine. But then there’s the briefest flicker of something else that doesn’t seem so positive. It’s gone as soon as I catch it, though.

“Uh, thanks,” I stammer, bashful at the compliment, even though that’s exactly what I’d been hoping to hear. “I guess I thought it was time to try something new.”

Nikko nods slowly. It’s the same way he does when he’s considering what he wants to say, even though I thought we were past that now. “New can be good,” he says after a moment.

I can tell he wants to ask me something, but can’t decide if he should or not. I’m curious, but I don’t want to push this new-normal, everything-out-in-the-open dynamic too far too fast, so I let it go. “You’ve tried a lot of different colors, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I think I have used almost all of the rainbow.” He laughs a little. “I liked the blue.”

Immediately, I think of a picture I saw of him sitting on the set of what was probably a FLY episode, his hair a vivid shade of blue and pulled up away from his face in an apple ponytail, the bright tips sticking up in every direction. It should have looked ridiculous - and likely would have on anyone else - but was somehow stupidly attractive on him, of course. There was also a very specific shade of magenta that I thought was pretty fantastic, but I end up telling him, “Blue is my favorite color.”

“Hmmmm,” he hums. “Maybe I will do it again soon then.”

I have to smile when he teases me. But that doesn’t seem like just a jokey kind of comment. It’s flirty. At least it feels flirty, with the subtle hint of a smirk that’s playing on his lips. Or maybe I just want to think it is. Hope it might be.

“Don’t mess with the aesthetic on my account,” I insist, willing to try to play into this banter and see where it goes. “I can’t have your style team blaming me for any impulsive decisions.”

Nikko is grinning, but it’s kind of shy, tucked into the fingers of the hand propping up his chin. He mumbles something that sounds like, “They would not be surprised,” and I have no idea what that might mean. Rearranging himself in his chair, he sits up straighter. “I would not be able to change a color in the middle of a tour anyway.”

“Oh. Huh. Okay. I guess that makes sense?” It’s probably got something to do with one of those secret rules of k-pop cosmetology that I definitely don’t know yet and wouldn’t understand even if I was told.

He snickers at my poorly concealed confusion. “We all have dark hair now. It will stay that way until we are done with the shows. And then we will change for the next album.”

“Got it.” I give him a thumbs up, which he immediately returns in a way that’s weirdly cute for such a common gesture. “So what have you been doing today?” I ask, now that I’m allowed to know more of what’s actually going on in his life.

“We had a photoshoot this morning for a magazine,” he says, while reaching for his phone. He taps at it a few times, then turns it to face the screen so I can see it. “I liked some of the clothes. I had Lux take a picture of me.”

I lean in a little, and even though the details aren’t super clear through both the phone and computer, I can see enough to know that he looks stunning. I’m sure he hears my shaky gasp as I take it all in—the sultry look in his eyes as he leans against a colorful backdrop in a black-on-black outfit that appears to have been tailored specifically for him. I immediately decide I will be buying multiple copies of whatever magazine this is for.

“Wow.” It’s the only word I can come up with. “Yeah, that’s… that’s a good look.”

Nikko’s whole face seems to light up, as his cheeks go a little pink. “Thank you,” he whispers, like he’s so pleased with my assessment.

I try to think of something intelligent to say while he pockets his phone again. “Was there an interview, or was it just photos?”

“Only pictures this time. I would not have minded an interview.” He gives me another smile, small and soft but still dazzling. ”I could have said much more now.”

Nodding, I return his pleased expression. “You definitely could have. But you’re ready for next time.”

“Yes. I will be.” He watches as I run my fingers through my hair, giving it a ruffle when I realize that I’ve just messed it up. I can see him tracking each move I make. “Do you have a date?” he asks suddenly.

The question catches me off-guard, throwing me for a loop, like he’s so good at doing. I wonder if this is what’s been on the tip of his tongue every time he’s looked like he’s about to say something.

“What? No.” He must think I’ve changed my hair because there’s something going on—or someone I want to impress. There’s a small part of me that wants to admit I did it for him, but that seems like a bit much still. Is it? I don’t know. I told myself I’d wait on him. Let him guide where this—whatever it turns out to be—goes.

“Oh. Okay.” Nikko bites his lip. “Would you tell me if you did?”

I open my mouth to respond, but I honestly don’t know how to. I guess I’d tell him, because I wouldn’t have a reason not to. But right now I also can’t imagine dating anyone. Well, I can imagine dating him. That, I have definitely thought about a time or two. But I have no idea how to say any of it, so I don’t.

“Sorry. You do not have to answer.” He tugs at the beanie he’s wearing, fidgeting.

I’m sure he’s nervous that he’s overstepped. “Nikko, you’re fine. Don’t worry about it.”

He looks at me for a moment, and I think he’s going to say something—those perfect lips shaped around a word that’s not coming out—and I can’t not stare. Can’t not think about kissing him.

The same thing happened last night as I lay in bed, wondering what he’d think of my hair. If he’d notice. I’d known he would—had counted on it. Because I’ve learned that about him. Know those kinds of things about him now. That he’s observant and thoughtful. And has the most kissable mouth I’ve ever seen.

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