Today was the day.
He was going back.
His bags were packed. The car was ready. His manager had arrived and was now quietly seated in the lounge.
Kim Bum had sighed at least ten times in the past twenty minutes.
Y/N's parents were there. Eman was there too, sitting with an iced drink, talking to the manager politely. Everyone was chatting, filling the room with light conversation.
Everyone except him.
Because he was still waiting.
Waiting for her.
The manager glanced at his watch. "Shall we go, Mr. Kim?"
Bum didn't look away from the stairs. "Let's wait."
The manager blinked. "Wait? For whom?"
A smile tugged at Bum's lips as he chuckled. "Little fox."
Y/N's mom laughed gently from behind. "Bum-ahh, does your manager even know who this 'little fox' is?"
Kim Bum giggled like a kid. "Y/N, I mean. Let's wait for her."
The manager raised a curious brow, still unaware of the nickname's backstory.
And just then—
Footsteps.
They all looked up.
Y/N entered the house, wearing a long maroon frock that moved with grace as she walked. A matching dupatta was loosely wrapped around her shoulders. She didn't even glance up, totally absorbed in the paper in her hand.
She headed straight to her room, placed her bag inside, and came back downstairs — still reading. Eyes scanning the page, lips moving slightly as she mumbled something like a victory chant.
"Abbo ji, yeh dekha! Finally!" she beamed, holding the paper like a trophy.
Then—she looked up.
And saw him.
Standing beside an unfamiliar man who looked to be in his 40s.
She blinked, surprised. "Is he your manager?" she asked quietly.
He nodded, then stepped beside her like he belonged there.
Y/N gave a small, respectful bow. "Assalamualaikum."
The manager smiled and returned the gesture. "Wa Alaikum Assalam."
The adults carried the conversation, mostly about how thankful the manager was for the care his artist had received, and how warm everyone had been. Compliments, smiles, gratitude.
And then—
He leaned forward slightly, just close enough for her to hear.
"Little fox…" he whispered.
"Hmm?" she replied, still looking forward so no one would think anything odd.
"I want my last wish."
"What is it?" she asked softly, still not turning to face him.
He didn't blink. "I want a hug."
She smirked slightly. "Then hug my mom. She'll clearly miss you."
He didn't laugh. Didn't move. Just whispered again—
"I want to hug you."
She paused. Her lips parted slightly in shock.
Then—
"Didn't your wish completion service end yesterday?"
He pouted. Like, actually pouted.
"Still…" he muttered.
Y/N couldn't help it. She chuckled under her breath. "No. And don't pout."
He sighed dramatically, then smiled — just a little.
And just then, the manager looked over at him curiously.
Kim Bum quickly straightened up and turned back to the others, hands behind his back like nothing had happened.
But her heart was still thudding.
Because that small, innocent wish…
Felt a lot bigger than it sounded.
Y/N's mom softly placed her hand on her daughter's back. "Guide them till the door, beta."
She nodded. "Let's go."
The paper was still in her hand.
They walked together toward the front door. The manager walked ahead to open the car door.
He was silent.
Because he didn't want to leave.
Not the house.
Not her.
Especially not her.
"Mr. Actor," she said, arms folded, trying not to smile, "go. Your manager is waiting."
He glared lightly at her with narrowed eyes. "I can't believe my fan doesn't even want to see me anymore."
She giggled. "Ji, already."
He sighed and turned around, walking slowly toward the car like a sulking puppy.
Halfway there—
"Mr. Actor!"
He paused and turned. "Yes, little fox?"
She chuckled, eyes twinkling.
"Ek aakhri khwahish mein aapki poori kar hi daiti hoon."(I am completing your last wish)
He tilted his head, curious. "Kaun si?"(which one)
She smirked and said, "Aapne kaha aapko hug chahiye tha, toh aaiye aur le lijiye."(you said you wanted a hug take it then)
His eyes widened.
He didn't wait.
Didn't ask again.
He ran.
And pulled her into a warm, tight hug right there in front of the house.
The poor manager stood at the car, completely lost about what they were talking about.
But Bum didn't care.
Not at all.
She softly smiled in his arms and said, "See? Your fan completed your wish."
He chuckled, voice low against her ear.
"And my fan gives the best goodbye gift."
She bit her lip to hold in her laughter.
Then she looked up. "Mr. Actor… should I tell you something?"
He nodded. "Yes."
Still hugging her.
She whispered, "Next month… you better pick me up from the airport."
He blinked, confused. "From… what airport?"
She smiled even brighter.
"From Seoul airport. I got scholarship there. As an intern."
He stepped back slightly, holding her shoulders now. "Are you joking?"
She shook her head, still looking too adorable to be real.
"Nope."
He blinked. Then laughed.
Then actually picked her up and spun her.
She squealed. "Yaaahh! I'll fall down!"
He grinned and gently put her down, eyes shining.
"I swear, if you fell, I would've caught you. Always."
She rolled her eyes but her heart was racing.
"You better prepare everything," she teased.
He grinned wider. "Can't I just come with you instead?"
"You have to go now," she said, lightly nudging his arm. "Just… prepare everything."
He stepped back reluctantly.
"Okay," he agreed, still smiling like a little boy who just found out he gets to keep the puppy.
Then —
He leaned in again.
Right next to her ear.
Voice low. Dangerous. Soft.
And whispered:
"I'll prepare everything, little fox. Including the bed you'll be sharing with me once you arrive."
Her eyes went wide.
She gasped. "KIM BUM!!"
But he was already walking off with the most innocent look ever.
She stood there frozen, paper still in hand, stunned, flustered, speechless.
Her mom called from behind, "Beta? Are you okay?"
Y/N blinked, face heating up like fire.
"Ji… sirf… dhoop lag rahi hai thodi si…"(uh...sun)
(She wasn't fooling anyone.)
And from the car window, he waved like the prince of mischief himself.
Because oh yes, he knew exactly what he'd done.