A Silent Night of Temptat (1/2)

A man splashed some cold water on his face, his palms cupped his cheeks, the fingers slowly dropped on the sink.  He lift his head to face the large mirror in front, his reflection stared back.  The attractive features looked back: the large vortexes, the high cheek-bones, the slightly thick lips- he's picture-perfect.  The man flashed a small smile, a rarity for someone who usually stretched his grin from ear to ear; however, this small smile was a sincere one because it displayed the happiness of a child.  There was no mistake in spotting the fatigue in Kim Kibum's eyes because he was tired, that's the truth: these last few days wore him to the bone ever since SHINee had risen to their popularity at its peak.  Key quickly glanced over at his modestly toned muscles and the hint of his six-pack before putting on his pyjama top, buttoning all except for the top and last button.

Switching off the bathroom light, he hopped straight into the king-sized bed.  It was twenty past ten, the gentle night breeze blew into the room from the open window.  Kim Kibum closed his eyes, his chest rose and fell from his regular breathing; from the side anyone would think that SHINee's Key was resting, falling asleep like a baby, but in Key's mind everything was thrown into chaos.

You've changed so much…

His eyebrows knitted together.

What happened to the person from 6 years ago?

The lines on his forehead deepened.

You've become arrogant and more determined…

His mouth twitched.

… nothing could change how I feel about you… Why must it be you?

You're perfect in my eyes despite your many flaws.

Charlotte could not sleep: Oppa was flying back tomorrow and she wanted to be with him, to make the most of the time left so when she looks back, she could honestly say she did as much as she could to be with Kim Kibum- the Key to her heart.  It was 2 minutes to 11 and she was tired but the thought of the man next to her room kept her awake.

I want to be with him.  I could go there, but he might think I'm pestering him…

Charlotte got up.

He's my friend, why can't I see him?  Thoughts whirled in her mind, He doesn't know I like him in that way so it shouldn't be awkward.

Charlotte slipped out of her bed, the cool breeze danced around her feet.  Not bothering to tidy the bed she slipped out of the room, her feet padded softly on the B&B carpet, and stopped in front of Key's door.  It seemed quite daunting and weird to Charlotte all of a sudden.  Taking a deep breath she knocked on the door.

Urgh, she silently cursed herself, what on earth possessed me to do that?

Nothing.  No response.

Charlotte began to tip-toe away when Key's clear voice rang on the other side of the door.

"Come in."

Stupid, insolent fool, now you've done it.

Somehow her palms became sweaty and her mind was restless.  She opened the door, the hinges creaked at its slowness and she saw Key sat up in bed, obviously wide awake.

"Couldn't sleep?"

Charlotte nodded, biting down her lip to suppress her yawn.  Key switched on the bedside lamp and the warm hazy light did not help either.  He patted on the space next to him and Charlotte obeyed.

Oh Lord, stay awake!  She started blinking her eyes to stop them from closing but her eye-lids were as heavy as steel.  No-no-no-no-noo..  Her body was on autopilot; she slipped into his bed, beside him, her head sank on the soft pillow.  Stay awake you fool…!  Her eye-lids were weighty so they were half-closed, enough to see Key looming over her, his head cocked to one side.

Charlotte?

Was that me talking?  Her arms and legs were paralysed from fatigue.  In a few moments Charlotte Fournier would be out, straight into dreamland.

Are you asleep…?

No… I… you… … stay.. Key…

Key smiled at the girl who fell fast asleep beside him.

Sweet.

He quietly stretched out next to Charlotte, making minimal movements as not to wake her.  His face was inches from hers, the tip of their noses was almost touching: she was stunning in his eyes, from her radiant skin to her chubby cheeks.  Her hand rested between them and slowly, Key reached and squeezed it very gently, his eyes stayed locked at her.

Was that love?  He became aware of Charlotte's control; her power to tug at his heartstrings and his influence over her heart.

I don't want it.