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CHAPTER FORTY-SIX ─ intoxicating.
❛ the taste of your lips is my idea of luxury ❜
Narrator's Perspective
Night had fallen on that obscure hillside hidden away in the middle of a forest. A chilling, cold stillness hung in the air, threatening to bite anyone who dared to step out. Even the never-ending buzz of the Yeonseo University students had died down, enveloping the place in complete silence. Everything went on within the tents- late night talks and hushed conversations. Outside, just the crickets chirped endlessly, singing their symphonies throughout the night. There were soft, warm, yellow fairy lights that gave a tender illumination to the campsite, just bright enough to make out vague shapes in the night.
Eunyoung sat on the makeshift stage, giggling to herself. Being really bad at drinking games, she had taken one too many shots and had gotten extremely drunk to the point where she didn't have any control over what she was doing or saying. Her mind fogged with confusion and uncertainty, yet she didn't move from her seat. Sunjae's jacket was now draped on her legs that shivered with the biting cold. She let out another soft giggle.
The sound of leaves crunching under someone's feet fell upon her ears and she became suddenly alert. The sound grew louder, as if someone was advancing towards her. Louder and louder, till a tall figure emerged through the darkness. It took a few moments for Eunyoung, in her drunken state, to figure out who it was. The dim glow of the fairy light helped her understand that she was looking at none other than Ryu Sunjae.
The sight of him seemed to sober her up momentarily. He was roaming about with no shirt or any clothing covering his upper body. She could only see him wearing black trousers in the barren cold of the night. Her gaze traced the contours of his upper body, lingering on every sharp definition and smooth curve carved by years of discipline. The play of light accentuated the ridges of his toned muscles, the strength in his broad shoulders, and the graceful taper of his torso. His arms were masterpieces that hung by the pockets of his trousers. Each line and shadow seemed sculpted, as if his body were a masterpiece crafted by the gods themselves. Her eyes followed the subtle shift of his muscles with every movement, captivated by him like never before.
Their eyes met, and there was a silent agreement between them. Sunjae's face flushed with warmth, feeling slightly embarrassed that she had seen him like that. Despite his embarrassment, he couldn't help but notice her shivering in the cold. Putting aside his own pain in the frosty air, he made his way to where she was sitting.
Eunyoung watched as he walked towards her, his figure becoming increasingly clear in the yellow light. She felt a kind of warmth creeping up her cheeks, which she wasn't in a state to decide whether it was because of all the soju in her system or because of the majestic man standing before her. She turned her head up to look into his beautiful, glass-like eyes. Her lips stretched into a smile, "Sunjae," she called out longingly.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked, frowning, his voice full of concern and worry, "It's freezing, why are you still here? Are you... drunk?" He cupped her face without thinking much of it and examined her flushed face and dazed eyes, "You are, oh god."
She pushed his hands away, confusing him even more. She pushed herself off the stage, standing to face him. He picked up the jacket that slipped onto the ground- his jacket. He noticed how she almost came up to his ears. She's so tall... He tied it around her waist as carefully as he could.
Eunyoung's unreadable expression perplexed him to no end. She gazed into his eyes for a long time, eventually smiling at his confusion. Her hand reached up to caress his face, feeling warmer than her hands that shivered in the cold. There was a new kind of bravery burning inside her. Her hand traced the definition on his shoulders, feeling his arms sculpted by endless hard work. Trailing down to his chest, and then his waist, her fingers lingering on his toned abs as she watched in wonder. Finally, in a delicate motion, her arms rested on the sides of his waist.
Every touch sent sparks flying across Sunjae's skin. His heart pounded in his ears. He'd never felt this way and he couldn't possibly put the feeling into words. Her chilly hands feeling up his body and fingers tracing every sharp edge and curve seemed to burst fireworks inside him. Their eyes locked in a split second, never looking away. This felt so right. His body fit perfectly in her hands- as if they were made only for each other.
"How could you be roaming around like that? What if someone else except me had seen you?" she asked, stepping closer to him. Her hands moved back up to his shoulders, one hand cupping his face. It took him a few seconds to realize that she was no longer looking into his eyes. Her gaze lingered on his pillowy lips.
"I can't believe you're so oblivious. You're beautiful. I like you, silly. More than anyone or anything else. You're all I want. Stay here with me, won't you?"
Those words were all he ever wished to hear from Eunyoung.
His eyes examined her features in the illumination of the dim fairy light. The slope of her nose that was unbelievably perfect, and her intoxicating gaze that stared right at his lips. And her glossy lips that seemed to shine even on that dark night and her radiant skin that seemed to have a soft glow through her flushed cheeks.
Before Sunjae had a chance to comprehend the situation, Eunyoung reached up and pressed her lips onto his. The kiss was like fireworks on new years day. He overcame the initial shock, giving in to her touch. His hands reached for her waist, pulling her closer. She pulled away for a few seconds to admire his face. The cold didn't seem to matter anymore while they held each other.
There was no need for words in that moment while he looked at her with a kind of hunger and longing in his eyes. Those two years of accidental touches and thoughtful actions dismissed as friendship had led up to this moment. She likes me. And I like her. Nothing else mattered to Sunjae. This was all he ever needed. All his self-doubt and negativity melted away into something insignificant.
He pulled her towards himself by her waist, kissing her lips harder than before. He could now feel the slight taste of her sweet lip gloss mixing with the intoxicating taste of alcohol as their lips moved against each others' without a care in the world. Eunyoung's hands roamed his back absent-mindedly, feeling the warmth of his body against her chilly hands that seemed to thaw at his touch. Feeling a tiny bit of his hand against an exposed part of her waist pulled her in deeper. The kiss seemed to make her sober for a moment, butterflies taking flight in her stomach just like the first time she laid her eyes on him.
☾⋆。𖦹 °✩⋆。° ✮
nana's notes: it took them forty six chapters but they finally did it
delphi's notes: who's gonna match eunyoung's freak?
previous chapter next chapter: friday (out now!) list of chapters here!
☾⋆。𖦹 °✩⋆。° ✮
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT ─ undeniable.
❛ it's no surprise i turned you in cause us traitors never win ❜
Narrator's Perspective
Jagam High School, that was usually full of serious teenagers focusing on their studies as much as possible, was now filled with an excited buzz that spread throughout the campus. The energy radiating from each individual was contagious as even their parents were present, with proud smiles plastered on their faces. Time had passed by unbelievably quickly, and it was already time for Yumi and Eunyoung to graduate.
The morning had been just as chaotic as they remembered it. The two girls scrambling around the house looking for jewelry that they had handled carelessly and their mother lectured them about putting things away in a timely fashion. When they were nearly late, they stumbled out onto the road, hurrying to school for the very last time.
"Everyone's so excited," exclaimed their mom with a wide grin, "And so am I! I'm so proud of my girls!"
Both of them smiled warmly at her as they hugged each other tightly. All disagreements or bitterness between them was long forgotten as they honed their focus towards enjoying this moment. Then, to interrupt their wholesome moment, an announcement for all students to take their seats at the front sounded through the air, bringing all the playful chatter to a stop. The three pulled away and bid their goodbyes as they made their way to the front.
"I'm so nervous for the speech," Yumi confessed, her hand holding the written speech trembling.
"It's nothing to be scared about," Eunyoung assured her.
"Easy for you to say," Yumi retorted, scoffing, "You've done this more often than me."
"Look the trick is that even if you fumble, improvise and go with the flow. They're even letting us read off the paper. You'll do fine, trust me."
"And what about the people ogling? Do I picture them in their underwear like people say?"
"No one says that," Eunyoung let out a laugh, "Even if they do, it's terrible advice."
"Got it."
"Just enjoy the moment, Yumi, come on," Eunyoung said as they took their seats, "Not everyone gets to relive their high school graduation twice."
"Yeah well, I'd like to get it over with soon," Yumi dismissed her overly optimistic remark.
The Eclipse members- now including Sunjae, who joined their band as a vocalist, sat next to them and exchanged greetings. The tension between Yumi and Taesung was still very evident as he took the seat farthest from her. Eunyoung and Sunjae's eyes lingered on each other for exceptionally long before they pulled away. Inhyuk smirked, knowing all the feelings they never spoke about.
"How obvious is the scar on my face?" Yumi whispered, "I tried to cover it up but it was too dark."
"Don't worry," Eunyoung whispered.
Soon, they were all called onto the podium to receive their diplomas and deliver a speech. Eunyoung's name was called, and she got up from her seat and made her way towards the headmaster handing over the diploma.
Sunjae's eyes scanned her movements, flowing with beauty and elegance as his lips stretched into a smile he couldn't bite back. She wore a long red dress underneath her robe, appearing as a pop of color among the astonishing number of people wearing blue such as himself. The breeze in her hair, each smile and glint in her eyes made him fall in love every time he looked at her.
"Headmaster, my teachers, faculty members and friends," she began speaking, "Who knew we'd finally make it to this podium? A lot of us have spent the year hearing taunts about how if we don't study we'd never be here. But look how things turned out. Here we are, all of us, standing tall in our graduation gowns. Jagam High has taught me a lot of things. Among learning algebra and the history of the Joseon Dynasty, it also taught me never to give up. One can never go wrong with hard work and perseverance. Your determination and willpower takes you to places in life you only dreamed about. They radiate as a silent confidence through you. As I step into a new phase of my life- college, I'm surely going to keep in mind all the values I learned from my high school that I'm going to cherish forever. Thank you for everything, Jagam High!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as Eunyoung smiled and bowed before stepping down from the podium. They called Yumi's name and Eunyoung occupied Yumi's seat next to Sunjae. Sunjae smiled and whispered, "You were great." Eunyoung, blushing, replied with a quick 'thanks' before shifting her attention to Yumi.
Yumi took a deep breath before advancing towards the mic with the diploma clutched in one hand and her speech in the other. Taesung couldn't help but stare at her. Despite everything she had said to him, his heart seemed to beat only for her.
"Hello, all. Headmaster, my teachers and classmates," she started, her eyes darting from here to there, "Senior year. The words practically crashed on your head when you first heard them. We've all been through a lot this year- tests, quizzes, projects, assignments, you name it. One thing I feel we can all take away is that when faced with hurdles, it's best to sit down and attempt to resolve the problem instead of running away."
Just as she said that, her gaze landed on Taesung. The very sight of him took away her breath in an instant as she fell suddenly silent. His eyebrows shot up in confusion, but his eyes stayed locked with hers, as if to communicate feeling they themselves were oblivious to. The sea of people around them melted away as they continued staring without a care in the world. The crowd waited in anticipation, thinking it was a strategic pause. Eunyoung looked at her urgently, trying to figure out why she suddenly stopped speaking. It only took her a few seconds to spot Yumi's distraction. Promptly, she began clapping as Yumi and Taesung tore away. Soon, the rest of the crowd clapped, half snickering and half confused as a Yumi fled from the stage with a flushed face.
Taesung looked at Eunyoung, feigning confusion. But at the back of his mind, he knew exactly what that moment meant.
"Look, I didn't mean to interrupt your little movie moment, but as Yumi's sister I had to save her from complete humiliation," she said to him plainly.
☾⋆。𖦹 °✩⋆。° ✮
nana's notes: yumi and taesung need to figure shit OUT
delphi's notes: eunyoung saved the day again 🏅
next chapter: friday (out now!) list of chapters here!
˚. ♩ i'm the wind in our free-flowing sails ⁺ . and the liquor in our cocktails ⭒ ֗
﹒ ʬʬ ﹒₊﹒✶﹑kissin' and hope they caught us﹏ ﹪
like the moodboard? it's a teaser for an upcoming fanfic! make sure u follow me and stay tuned! thank you, bye!! <33
oc by: @the-one-and-only-delphi
new fanfiction titled TOWARDS YOU coming out this wednesday! stay tuned! <3
with @the-one-and-only-delphi
◎﹒⊹ ﹔ . . . feels like we had matching wounds, but mine's still black and bruised and yours is perfectly fine.
like the moodboard? it's a teaser for an upcoming fanfic! make sure u follow me and stay tuned! thank you, bye!! <33
posting this in light of gojo's birthday yesterday!!
(psst... @the-one-and-only-delphi she's defrosting)
☾⋆。𖦹 °✩⋆。° ✮
CHAPTER NINETEEN ─ on my mind.
❛ in losing grip on sinking ships, you showed up just in time. ❜
Choi Yumi's Perspective
The metal benches in the music club waiting area felt cool against my legs which swung back and forth leisurely. It occurred to me that I probably looked extremely suspicious sitting there idly, looking here and there, as if I was waiting for someone. If I was completely honest to myself, I would have said that I wanted to see Taesung one more time. It was stupid, but it was true. I'd found it impossible to keep his kitty cat face out of my head, and I hadn't seen him in a few days. However, I'd rather tear apart my limbs and use them for making furniture than admit that I was interested in a teenage boy. So, I sat there, telling myself that the cool breeze that entered through the main entrance felt nice and there was nothing to do at home.
My head turned way faster than it should have when I heard one of the doors open. To my dismay, it was Inhyuk. And all the band members. Except Taesung. It was as if the universe was playing tricks on me. I failed to fight the urge, and asked Inhyuk, "Hey! Do you have any idea where Taesung is? I haven't seen him in a few days."
"Oh! He's sick, actually," he informed me, "Why do you ask?"
"Oh... umm..." I stuttered, "I wanted to uhh... talk to him... about... something."
"He should be back soon," said Inhyuk thoughtfully, "It's a shame he's got sick just before his birthday."
His words struck me like lightning in a thunderstorm, "His birthday? When's that?" I asked before I could stop myself.
"It's on the coming Sunday," Inhyuk answered, and I could have sworn there was a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I feel like we should plan something for him. His mom lives overseas, and his dad is a cop, so he's always busy."
"We should," it was too late until I realized my choice of words, "I mean you! You should..."
Inhyuk smirked, "You can help if you like! You guys are friends, right?"
"I guess so," I mumbled, feeling my face getting warmer. I may have looked normal at that moment, but my heart was ready to leap out of my chest and run a half marathon.
Choi Eunyoung's Perspective
The summer heat pricked my skin, relieved by the occasional breeze. I sat at the bus stop with my head hung, as if I looked up at the Sun for even a second, I would have lost my eyesight, which I valued far too much. I must have looked like a ghost, for I was so absorbed by my own thoughts that they drowned out the chatter of other students around me.
Sunjae occupied every corner of my mind, a relentless tide washing away thoughts of anything else. Even after my daily visits, a gnawing worry remained. Was the brave facade he presented a mask for a deeper pain? Witnessing his struggle fueled an anger within me, an anger directed at the cruel twist of fate that had stolen his dream.
But beneath the anger, a different emotion swirled – a confusing tangle that defied definition. Was it simple admiration for his talent? Fanatic devotion for the singer? Or was it something more? The thought itself sent a shiver down my spine.
I couldn't dare to contemplate any further. Trapped in this strange era, with no clue when – or even if – I'd return to my own time, the future stretched before me like a blurry landscape. Each stolen moment with Sunjae felt like a step closer to a precipice, a place where the joy of connection might be shattered by the inevitable goodbye. Fear rose inside my chest from time to time- if I gave in to these feelings, would I ever be able to look away?
Breaking my train of thought, a finger tapped on my shoulder. I looked up slowly, my eyes widening at the face that stared at me with a mischievous smirk. Eyes that glimmered in the Sun and smiling lips that sent my heart racing. "Sunjae! What are you doing here!"
"I'm here to surprise you," he said, taking a seat beside me, flashing the dimple on his right cheek. He was dressed in a simple white t-shirt and black jeans. As I noticed the sling wrapped around his injured shoulder, I felt my heart sink. "You're happy to see me, I hope?"
"Of course I am!" I exclaimed, beaming. How could I not be? "Are you even allowed to be roaming around like this? Weren't you supposed to be discharged this Friday?"
"The doctor said I didn't need to stay in the hospital any longer," he informed me. A wave of relief washed over me.Sunjae's face broke into a wide grin, the first genuine happiness I'd seen since his surgery. His smile, like sunlight breaking through the clouds, made my stomach do a little flip.
"I'm so glad!" I said to him, the smile never leaving my face, "I bet you were tried of seeing those white walls everyday. There's no place like home, am I right?"
Ryu Sunjae's Perspective
She had no idea that she was, in fact, home to him. A constant pillar of support in his darkest hour. Admist the uncertainties of his career, she stood by him unfailingly, offering priceless advice and a shoulder to cry on. "You're right. I'm glad to be back home." I answered, thinking to myself, "By your side, that is."
"Your dad must be thrilled, right? she beamed.
"Sure, he is," even mention of my father's apparent elation couldn't dim my spirits as I continued smiling at her, mostly in admiration of her unreal beauty.
"Oh! I almost forgot!" she uttered suddenly, "I got something for you!" My eyebrows shot up, "What?! How come?!"
"It's just a little gift," Eunyoung told me, "Something to cheer you up after your days in the hospital."
Narrator's Perspective
Sunjae sat silently in the living room of Eunyoung's house with his hands placed awkwardly on his lap. His eyes scanned the place absent-mindedly as he waited for Eunyoung to emerge from her room. The atmosphere was extremely still and silent. A stack of magazines and newspapers sat on the little coffee table in the centre of the room alongside the couch. The curtains were drawn, and the only sources of light were two tall lamps on either corner of the sofa. It was almost as if no one had been living there.
To anyone else, it might have seemed slightly spooky; But all Sunjae could think of was their stolen moment after he got taken to the hospital during swim practice. About two weeks had passed since it happened, but to him, the memory was crystal clear, as if it happened the previous day. A warmth crept up his cheeks at the thought. A part of him felt embarrassed and stupid. Was he really going to kiss her? Did that make him look brazen to her? He had successfully convinced himself that he imagined it, but he could have sworn that she leaned in too.
"I found it!" Eunyoung's voice put a full stop to Sunjae's flashback as he pulled himself back to the present. She held a blue cap in her hand. It was an ordinary cap to anyone else, but she had picked it out with great thoughtfulness. "Blue was the colour of the umbrella that you gave me the day we met. I wanted it to be something meaningful." A shy smile and a soft pink blush surfaced on her face.
Sunjae could feel his entire body burning up. He felt as if he had been glued to the couch. He didn't want to lead himself on and let himself misinterpret her actions. How could someone so dazzling have the slightest interest in him? Yet, the smallest glimmer of hope bloomed in his heart. Maybe, just maybe...
"It's incredible," he breathed out. The words barely made it out of his mouth, and he could swear his heart had plans of jumping out of his heart and clinging onto Eunyoung. "I love it... thank you! I can't- I don't know how to thank you, really."
"It's nothing," she brushed off, the blush on her cheeks deepening, "I'm just glad you like it."
☾⋆。𖦹 °✩⋆。° ✮
nayoung's notes:eunyoung and sunjae are so cute i can't 🤧✋
delphi's notes: yumi has no idea what she just got herself into.
next chapter: saturday (out now!) list of chapters here!
☾⋆。𖦹 °✩⋆。° ✮
CHAPTER FOURTEEN ─ the space between us.
❛ our secret moments in a crowded room, they got no idea 'bout me and you. ❜
Narrator's Perspective
Sunjae and Eunyoung sat silently in Eunyoung's living room, the sound of occasional hiccups or sobs breaking the silence. She reached for his clenched hand, gently squeezing it as an acknowledgement of the agony that he felt as if to say, "I'm here for you."
"How did you know?" Sunjae asked quietly, trying to conceal the spark he felt at her touch, "That I got hurt."
"I realized you never showed up the the bus stop, so I asked your friend," she answered, "I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" he countered, "Even though we haven't known each other for long, you've been here for me like a pillar of support. You always seem to say the right thing at the right time. I feel comfortable with you. You've got nothing to be sorry for. In fact, I'm the one who should be sorry. I should have listened to your advice."
His words seemed to melt her heart like ice cream on a sunny day as her face began to feel warm, "It's not your fault, Sunjae. I should have tried harder."
"No," he said firmly, taking both her hands as she gazed into his glassy eyes, "You tried to warn me, but I was too stubborn. You can't possibly blame yourself for what happened to me. Maybe fate has other plans for me."
His words echoed in her mind; all she could do was sit and stare at him because she was the only one who knew what destiny had in store for him.
Their eyes locked as both of them desired to look nowhere but at each other. The air seemed to grow heavy with words they had been holding back since their first meeting. Eunyoung's breathing became slow and the sound pierced through the silence. As she continued to stare at his perfect face, her gaze shifted from his pillowy, soft lips to his eyes, moist from crying, then fixed on his lips, unable to look away. Sunjae, slowly, in a moment of realization, became aware of where Eunyoung was looking. Eunyoung's breath hitched ever so slightly as he leaned towards her, the action filled with hesitation. Their lips were a whisper apart, a secret yearning about to be fulfilled.
The doorknob rattling filled the air as they pulled away abruptly. Sunjae let go of his grip on Eunyoung's hands, startled at the rude interruption. Both their eyes began blinking rapidly, looking everywhere but at each other.
As Yumi entered the room she stopped in her tracks, trying to make sense of what they were doing. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "What are you two─ have you been crying? What happened?" Her voice was now laced with worry, oblivious to what she had walked in on.
"It's nothing," Eunyoung said sharply. A hiccup escaped her mouth as she sloppily tried to cover up the situation.
"I'll leave you two alone," said Yumi, although as she walked to her room, her eyes seemed to convey a message to Eunyoung, as if to say You're telling me everything later.
Sunjae and Eunyoung were left alone once again and the silence felt louder than ever. Tension filled the room as she avoided his gaze. A tangled web of emotions and unspoken desires hung heavy in the air, a barrier that was both thrilling and terrifying.
💿
The newspaper room of Jagam High School was usually a lively place to be. The place always buzzed with heated discussions and the sound of busy fingers typing. However, at this moment only Hyejin and Yerin sat lazily in their designated chairs, gazing out at the bright summer day through the single, huge window in front of them. Yerin's cellphone buzzed, breaking the silence.
"Hey, look Mrs. Hong just messaged," she told her friend, who peeked into her phone, curious as to what their teacher had said, "The meeting is shifted to tomorrow."
Hyejin groaned, "The one day we show up early the meeting gets cancelled. Great."
"It's so unfair," Yerin grumbled.
"By the way, did you hear from Jiwoo? How's she doing?" Hyejin asked after a few moments of silence.
"I spoke to her yesterday," answered Yerin, "She's supposed to be discharged from the hospital this weekend. I can't believe she got chicken pox; It must have been so painful."
"Who wrote her article about the swim team?" Hyejin inquired.
"Don't you remember the teacher praising Eunyoung about─ oh yeah, you weren't there," she realized suddenly, "Do you know Choi Eunyoung?"
"Yeah, of course I do," she answered as if it was the most natural thing in the world, "She's probably the prettiest in our grade─ or maybe in our whole school."
"Well, she's the one who wrote the article," Yerin said, "She wrote it well, honestly. All the teachers like her."
"The people in my class said that Jiwoon sunbae likes her," she remembered suddenly, "He tried to get close to her and stuff last year. They're saying he's planning on confessing his feelings to her."
"Really?" Hyejin exclaimed, "I saw her with Ryu Sunjae on the bus the other day─ I thought they're going out. He kept her head on his shoulder and all. It seemed kind of serious if you ask me."
"No way!" Yerin remarked, shocked, "She's like─ really pretty, though. She and Sunjae would look good with each other. I've heard she's kind of reserved, so I don't think she would go out with someone for fun. I know so many people who tried to speak to her, but she gave them the cold shoulder and was really formal."
"Ugh, I hate girls like that. They always turn out to be so bitchy," she grumbled, "She has a sister who she's close with; but I don't think she has many friends. It's so high-and-mighty of her."
"Have you ever spoken to her?"
"Can't say I have."
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nayoung's notes: the first scene of this chapter is literally just a product of my intrusive thoughts lmao. i randomly came up with it and ended up keeping it. hope you liked it!
delphi's notes: yumi's got no idea what she walked in on 🫢
next chapter: friday (out now!) list of chapters here!
☾⋆。𖦹 °✩⋆。° ✮
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN ─ dead end.
❛ remember when we hit the brakes too soon? twenty stiches in a hospital room ❜
Choi Yumi's Perspective
I dragged my feet across the pavement, walking unwillingly towards the school gate. My hands clutched my backpack tightly as I sighed for the fifth time since I got off the bus. My eyes fixated on the ground while my mind was filled with echoes of what I said to Eunyoung the previous day.
"You're not even my real sister, so why does it matter?!" I had yelled out stupidly. How could I have been so thoughtless? I clearly remember the instant wave of regret that washed over me the next second after those words left my mouth. It was true that Eunyoung had been getting on my nerves. But what I said was completely out of line. We'd been friends our whole lives, and I always considered Eunyoung my sister. My own family abandoned me; my abusive father refused to take care of me after my mom took her own life. Eunyoung's family treated me like their daughter, and this is what I say to her?
"Are you auditioning for the role of a haunted spirit in a horror movie?" piped a familiar voice. I whipped my head around and my tensed shoulders relaxed when I saw it was Taesung, "Because if you are, you're doing an amazing job."
"Hi," I sighed, still half occupied by my thoughts. For a while, we walked in silence, the only sound was that of our footsteps against the road.
"Did your sister totally fire you yesterday?" he asked me.
"She was asleep when I reached home yesterday," said my lifeless voice, "I left early today because I couldn't get myself to face her. I feel like shit."
"That's what you get," he sneered mockingly, "I would have slapped someone across the face if they said that to me."
"You're making me feel a lot better, thanks," Even though my eyebrows were frowning, I couldn't fight the smile tugging at my lips as my heart felt infinitely lighter.
Narrator's Perspective
This particular morning, a strange, still silence hung over the living room. Neither Eunyoung nor her mother spoke a word to each other, and the soft sound of utensils clanking against each other was as loud as ever. Eunyoung's mother pondered over what could possibly be the reason behind Eunyoung's sudden quietness, and Eunyoung's thoughts circled back to Yumi's words no matter how hard she tried to distract herself.
She felt completely pathetic and idiotic, her chest tightening with a wave of disappointment. How had she been so blind? She had always believed that their friendship was built on trust, mutual respect, and a deep sense of loyalty. But now, in the cold light of Yumi's indifference, it was clear she had misread everything. The way Yumi dismissed her concerns, her casual disregard for the years they had spent together, made her stomach churn with a bitter sense of betrayal. She never thought that their bond could hold such little value in Yumi's eyes. To think that something she cherished so deeply had meant so little to her friend was a blow she wasn't prepared for, and the unwelcome realization left her feeling utterly alone.
"Can I stay home today?" Eunyoung's meek voice asked.
"Why?" countered her mom, the words full of concern, "Are you not feeling well?"
"Yeah, I'm not feeling too great."
Eunyoung's mom took the seat next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "Are you an Yumi in a fight?"
Eunyoung's jaw dropped as she exclaimed in shock, "How?!"
Eunyoung's mom smiled knowingly, then chuckling at the disbelief on her daughter's face. "Do all mothers have telepathic abilities or are you special?" she demanded.
"I think it's a Choi family thing," said her mother, "Your grandmother did this all the time, and it drove me nuts."
"Grandma is practically a witch," said Eunyoung, her voice cheerier than before.
"I'm gonna tell her you said that."
"Don't you dare!"
The previously empty living room was now filled with the lively sounds of their giggles. Once the silence returned, Eunyoung's mother held her daughter in a silent embrace, "You can stay home today- as long as you're sure you won't regret it tomorrow."
"We both screwed up," Eunyoung said in a whisper.
"Shhh... I know."
Moms really do have superpowers.
💿
"Oh god, look at the time!" Yumi cried out.
"Are you saying that because you're bored?" asked Taesung, slightly hurt, "It's only been an hour."
"No, I'm serious, look at the time," she said, pointing to the clock.
"Oh my god it's already 8?!" he exclaimed, a hint of disappointment showing through his tone. He turned to look at Yumi, and that's when he realized how close they were sitting. Soon, the living room was filled with the soft sound of their breath. Their eyes met, continuing to stare at each other for god knows how long. Yumi could feel her face getting warmer as her grip on the guitar tightened. Taesung's arm lightly brushed hers, and for a split second it was as if sparks went off and they both pulled away hastily.
Taesung stood up abruptly, clearing his throat in a way that was so obviously fake that even a deaf person could see through his mediocre acting attempt. Yumi placed the guitar on its place on the wall and began gathering her stuff, desperately trying to ignore the thumping of her heart.
Choi Yumi's Perspective
The engine of Taesung's motorcycle hummed beneath me as we sped down the quiet streets. I tightened my grip around his waist, feeling the warmth of his body through his jacket. The wind rushed past, lifting my hair and tossing it wildly behind me, the cool breeze tickling my neck and cheeks. It felt exhilarating, the way the air seemed to carry all my thoughts away, but at the same time, my heart pounded louder than the engine.
I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, partly from the wind but mostly from the way my chest was pressed against his back. The closeness was overwhelming, making me acutely aware of every little movement—how his muscles tensed as he steered, how his scent mixed with the fresh night air. I lowered my head, burying my face against his shoulder to hide my embarrassment, hoping he didn't notice how stiff I was with nerves.
I wasn't used to this—being so close to him, feeling every shift of his body under my hands. Every time the bike turned a corner, I clung a little tighter, my heart fluttering, both from the thrill of the ride and from the proximity I wasn't sure how to handle.
"Are you sure this is alright?" I asked him when I realized that we were both without helmets.
"Yeah, it's short distance," he said on a whim, but his carefree tone did nothing to ease my anxieties. I felt a pit in my stomach, like my gut was trying to tell me something. Or maybe I was just hungry.
Suddenly, there was a whirring noise and I lifted my head to see where it was coming from. My eyes landed on a white taxi, driving in the wrong direction, charging straight towards us. "Taesung, Taesung look-" I must have screamed in his ear. The bright, white headlights seemed to be blinding me as I squinted, then it was as if the world began spinning. There was barely any sensation in my body. The last thing I felt was my head hitting the pavement and a splash of red as the world around me disappeared.
☾⋆。𖦹 °✩⋆。° ✮
nana's notes: karma bit yumi's ass
delphi's notes: moral of the story; Always trust your gut!
next chapter: saturday (out now!) list of chapters here!
(つ﹏<。) . . . everybody said "don't rush into things," then you flashed your green eyes at me ﹢ヾ𓈒⁀➷
the fanart is by gus__pa on instagram! i found it on pinterest, so dm me if you want it removed!
I WANT RANPOE TO ADOPT ME THEY ARE ADORABLE
jang nayoung/nana for short. swiftie. bsd stan. hates eggs. wonyoung's lookalike. gilmore girls lover. dancer. writer!in my consistent era
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