L. All Because I Liked A Boy

xlviii. hopeless

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT ─ hopeless.

❛ i just woke up from a dream where you and i had to say goodbye ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"Sunjae," Inhyuk said to him while they were packing up, ready to leave.

(note- in this fic, both inhyuk and taesung attend yeonseo university with yumi and eunyoung -n.)

Sunjae, jumped a little and turned to look at him. He was still thinking of the kiss from the previous night, and his heart still fluttered as he remembered each and every detail...

"What?"

"I need to tell you something important," he began, looking suspicious.

Sunjae raised an eyebrow at him, "What is it?"

"Remember last night? I was helping you look for your shirt that got lost?" 

"And then I found you snoozing in your bed later?" reminded Sunjae with a spiteful yet playful scowl, "Yeah, I remember that."

"Sorry about that," Inhyuk said briefly, "But I have a reason."

"Is that so?"

"Yes," he replied, "When we got separated, I...  went looking for you, and well... I saw you. I saw you and Eunyoung near the stage."

Sunjae's eyes went wide, "How much did you see?"

"Enough."

There was an awkward silence between the boys that lasted for a few seconds. A blush of embarrassment rose up Sunjae's cheeks. "So... you know?"

"Yeah," Inhyuk replied, "I swear, when I saw the two of you I was so in shock that at first I couldn't move. Then I decided it would be best to get out of there."

Sunjae looked down and mumbled, "Yeah, that was probably wise."

Inhyuk couldn't help but laugh at his friend acting like a completely different person from the Sunjae he had always known. He elbowed him in the ribs and teased, "So~ things are going to start heating up for you now, huh?"

"Stop it," Sunjae said, turning away to hide his face that was a smiling, blushing mess.

As they made their way out of the tent, dragging their luggage along, they ran right into Eunyoung and Yumi, who were going to where the crowd of students gathered. Everyone let out expressions of surprise and murmured their greetings. Eunyoung's expression was unnaturally grave and serious when she looked at Sunjae and said, "Can we talk for a minute?"

Sunjae tried his hardest to suppress his smile when he answered, "Sure."

Following Eunyoung's rather hurried pace, Sunjae followed her to a clearing where no one was there to eavesdrop. She suddenly came to a halt and turned to look at him. Sunjae couldn't decipher her expression. It was a mix of irritation and shame and it made no sense to him.

"What's wrong?" he questioned with furrowed brows.

"I wanted to say sorry about last night," she started off. Sunjae's eyes widened. The truth was that it hurt every part of her being to tell him this, because she wanted to believe so badly that the events of the previous day meant something. But Eunyoung felt far too guilty about Sunjae's death to let herself think that. "I was really drunk last night and I did something so impulsive. It must have been uncomfortable for you, so I wanted to apologize. I'm really sorry, Sunjae. I hope you can pretend that it never happened."

With every word that Eunyoung spoke, he felt his heart twist and break into a million pieces before his eyes. His throat felt choked and the chilly mountain air started to slowly suffocate him. His entire body felt the shock on hearing her tell him it was all a mistake. His brain cursed at him for thinking someone as beautiful and perfect as Eunyoung could ever see him in that way. His feet felt rooted in the ground as he stood before Eunyoung, not daring to utter a single word.

After she had finished speaking, he stared at her face for a few moments quietly. Her hair framed her face, cascading down her shoulders in such a casual and effortless manner that took Sunjae's breath away. He gave himself a moment to think about how unfair it was that she looked like a fallen angel despite being hungover.

"If that's what you want," he murmured out, looking down at the ground to hide his teary eyes. He heard her footsteps as she walked away, the sound fading away into the distance as the tears cascaded down his face, not making a sound.

💿

"You're not sitting with your boyfriend?" Eunyoung asked Yumi who took the seat next to her on the train, "Or fake boyfriend, I should say."

"Keep your voice down," Yumi hissed, checking to see if anyone had heard her, "I haven't spoken to him since last night. I don't have the energy to deal with this right now."

Eunyoung let out a deep sigh, "Why have our love lives suddenly become so complicated?"

"It's all so overwhelming," Yumi nodded in agreement, "But you're acting so stupid. Why did you tell him to forget about it? Don't you like him?"

"I do, but-"

"Then, there! You have it!" Yumi exclaimed, "You like him, so what's the problem?"

"He never said he liked me back!" Eunyoung emphasized.

"Does he have to?" Yumi asked, feeling irritated at her ignorance, "Have you seriously never noticed how he looks at you? Like you're his whole world?"

"I can't let myself believe that," Eunyoung lowered her gaze, fixing her eyes at the blue carpeting below her feet, "The truck driver in Sunjae's accident was my dad."

"Oh," Yumi shrunk back. She reached for Eunyoung's hand, "Eunyoung..."

"It's my fault," she said, feeling her eyes well up with tears, "I was given the chance to protect him and I couldn't do it. I don't deserve him. I'd rather die in his place."

"You can still save him."

"What if I can't?"

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: depressing chapter ._.

delphi's notes: just eunyoung proving that love is deaf, dumb and blind

previous chapter next chapter: friday (out now!) list of chapters here!

xxvi. all roads lead to rome

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX ─ between notes and secrets.

❛ there's many different ways you can kill someone you love the slowest way is not loving them enough ❜

Narrator's Perspective

The doors closed with a thud after one final passenger got on and the bus drove away into the darkness of the early summer morning. The sky was littered with little grey clouds, casting a shadow over the city. 

"It's going to rain today," Yumi observed.

"Yeah," Eunyoung gazed out the window with beady eyes, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Why do you react like that every time someone mentions rain? You're such a weirdo," Yumi scoffed.

"It rained the first time I met Sunjae," she said, still smiling.

"So what?" Yumi spat, "Big deal."

"It is to me."

"Shut up. Where is he anyways?"

"He usually sleeps in these days since he isn't on the swim team anymore," Eunyoung stated, "He takes the later bus."

"Oh god, where's the off button?" Yumi pretended to gag, "You're making me sick, stop it. I need a subject change, gosh. Why were you and Mom so solemn at dinner yesterday? I thought someone died."

Eunyoung's eyes darkened, bearing an eerie likeliness to the overcast sky.  Her smile fell and she looked away from Yumi because the answer to her question was probably written all over her face.

"Oh no, did someone actually-"

"No!"

"Thank god," Yumi sighed in relief, "You scared me for a second."

"It was nothing," Eunyoung said in answer to her previous question, "I was just tired, I don't know about Mom."

"If you say so."

"How 'bout you? Where are you mysteriously disappearing these days?"

Yumi swallowed. It was her turn to look away to hide her face that had "guilty conscious" written all over it, "Extra practice at the club," she answered curtly, "Didn't I tell you?"

"You did."

"Yeah, so that's it. Nothing mysterious. Just boring old piano practice."

"If you say so."

💿

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

How did I end up here? I wondered, staring out of the bus window. It was nearly half past four, and I should have been home, studying—or at least doing something productive. Maybe it was the fact that I hadn't cracked open a textbook in nearly fifteen years, but I just couldn't muster the motivation to do so. Instead, I found myself deciding to visit Yumi.

The bus screeched to a halt, and I snapped my head around to see the doors swing open. I sprang from my seat and stepped off the bus, right in front of the Jagam High music club. Confusion furrowed my brow as I took a few hesitant steps toward the building, then stopped in my tracks. I rubbed my eyes, hoping I was mistaken, but the scene before me was unmistakable.

There, in plain view, was Yumi climbing onto Kim Taesung's motorcycle. The shock must have paralyzed me, because all I could do was stand there, agape, as they sped away, leaving a cloud of smoke in their wake. It took a moment for reality to sink in, but once it did, I snapped into action. 

I began to run.

💿

I must have really been out of my senses to run after a flipping motorcycle, because, by the time I reached what appeared to be Kim Taesung's front door, I stood at a turning where I was sure they couldn't see me, gasping for breath. Honestly, it was a miracle I didn't lose them. God knows how I was able to keep up; It must have been my determination to find out because there's no way I could have done it otherwise.

I leaned against a nearby wall, heaving and breathless. It took me a while to calm myself down, and in the meanwhile, I could hear his front door close and their muffled conversation. To be fair, there was no reason for me to be hiding like this as if I were committing some kind of crime. Yumi's the one who's been lying. To me. And to mom. Yet, she's going about deceiving me in broad daylight, with no shame whatsoever and I'm hiding behind a wall, trying not to get caught.

The tapping of my shoes against the pavement sounded in the empty street. I let out a long sigh. Behind my anger and frustration, I felt hurt. Hurt that Yumi felt the need to lie. No matter what happened, we had always shared everything with each other. Now, there was this secret between us.

"I would never hide anything from her," I muttered under my breath.

What could she possibly be doing with him that she couldn't even confide in me? My pace quickened as I moved towards Kim Taesung's house, anxiety rising in my chest. I practically zoomed past the outer safety door that was left ajar and stumbled onto the veranda and moved towards the front door. I rang the doorbell and waited impatiently, letting out another sigh.

After a few seconds, I racked my knuckles on the wooden door, the sense of urgency evident in my actions. I heard the doorknob rattle as Yumi opened the door. Her frown slowly morphed into a look of absolute shock and guilt. Her eyes instantly widened and she tried to stutter an excuse but it was no use, "Eun...uh.. I, the thing-"

"Save it," I snapped.

She turned to grab her bag from a nearby chair. I scoffed, mostly to myself as I turned to leave. I heard her call out, "I gotta go!" I heard some words of confusion mumbled by Taesung, but my mind was clouded by rage and betrayal. I couldn't comprehend what he said.

Yumi grabbed my wrist, stopping me as I turned around, frowning at her face.

"Eunyoung, please don't do-"

"Don't do what, exactly?!" I yelled, my voice laced with anger, "Yumi, I don't even know what to say to you right now. What is wrong with you?"

"Why are you mad?" she countered irritably.

"Why am I mad?" I repeated, letting out a strangled chuckle at the irony of her question, "I'll tell you why! You're running off to this guy's house I don't know how often a week, and lie to your family. This guy is the spitting image of a delinquent and he has trouble written all over his face. I hope that answers your question."

"I really don't get it, Eunyoung," she screamed, sighing after a few moments, "I don't get why you're interfering like this. It's my life, and let me screw it up! Why're you getting worked up over nothing?"

"Because I'm trying to protect you!"

"Look, everything I do is my choice. So, if I get hurt, it's on me! Just stay out of it, for God's sake, Eunyoung!" she screamed, "You're not even my real sister, so why does it matter?"

Her words pierced through my heart and all my anger melted away in a moment. The frown fell from my face and I felt a lump in my throat.  I took a step back watching Yumi realise the gravity of her words. They seemed to prick and burn my skin. My lip trembled as I stuttered out, "Fine."

I broke into a run onto the pavement as I faintly heard Yumi's voice call out to me in the distance, but I didn't look back. My vision blurred as tears streamed down my face.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: ouch, yumi, that stings.

delphi's notes: oh eunyoung, only if you understood.

list of chapters here! click here for next chapter.

inconvenience regretted 😞

xix. on my mind

☾⋆｡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!

｡˚ ִ⋆｡ i've got a lot to pine about ;

.˳⁺ i've got a lot to live without . . .

like the moodboard? it's for my lovely runner oc: choi eunyoung! click here to read @the-one-and-only-delphi and my lovely runner fanfic. make sure u follow me and stay tuned! thank you, bye!! <3

x. a taste of victory

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER TEN ─ a taste of victory.

❛ where's the trophy? he just

comes running over to me. ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"By the way," Inhyuk said to Sunjae the morning of the swimming competition, "Where is your Eunyoung today?"

Your Eunyoung. The moment those words fell upon Sunjae's ears, he beamed, flashing the dimple on his right cheek. His face turned pink, recalling the events of the previous evening.

"Oh, dear," Inhyuk expressed, "You should look at yourself right now! You're completely in love with her!"

"She's coming to cheer for me," Sunjae told him proudly, "She was telling me to take it easy and not participate, but when she told me that she'd come today, she seemed to have faith in me. So, I'll make sure not to let her down."

"You can't seem to stop yapping when it comes to her," Inhyuk observed, a cheeky smile surfacing on his face, "Don't tell me she's the reason you're competing today!"

"It's not like that!" Sunjae exclaimed defensively, "It's just... another reason to do well. That's it."

Inhyuk shook his head in disappointment. Sunjae was the last person he expected to fall for someone and act like a total loser.

But, after all, we're all fools in love.

💿

Minutes ticked by, each one echoing like a hammer blow in the tense silence before the competition. Sunjae, clad in his racing suit, felt a familiar knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. He scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face amidst the sea of spectators. Doubt, a cold serpent, began to coil around his heart. Would she make it? Had something happened? His focus, so meticulously honed, threatened to shatter.

Then, just as despair threatened to consume him, a splash of pink cut through the cacophony of pre-race jitters. There, in the stands, was Eunyoung. His face broke into a radiant smile, a beacon that chased away the shadows of doubt. She wore a soft pink dress, the colour a burst of life against the sterile white walls of the pool complex. A white cardigan draped gracefully over her shoulders, adding a touch of elegance.

As she made her way down the rows, a revelation struck Sunjae. He'd never truly noticed how tall she was. Even in her simple white flats, she seemed to carry herself with a quiet confidence. Yesterday, on their walk together, her head must have brushed his ear. Suddenly, the way they walked side-by-side, a memory from only a day ago, took on a new meaning. His gaze lingered on her, a wave of warmth washing over him. The familiar knot of anxiety loosened its grip, replaced by a surge of determination. He wouldn't just swim this race, he would win it. For her.

Simultaneously, a smile surfaced on both their faces as their eyes met. She waved at him, mouthing "good luck," as she took a seat in front of the railing that separated the pool and seating area. Behind her was a group of Sunjae's supporters, wearing t-shirts with messages cheering him on and shouting messages of encouragement. Eunyoung's erect posture was just a disguise for her nervousness. Despite her earnest wish for Sunjae to complete this race without injuries, worry rose in her chest. Please prove me wrong, Sunjae.

The pool stretched before her, a shimmering lane of blue below her. In the water, a blur of movement─ that was Sunjae, his powerful strokes propelling him forward with a focused intensity.

This was the final stretch, the culmination of years of gruelling training. Every flick of his wrist, every powerful kick, echoed in Eunyoung's chest. A tendinous strain, a cramp, a single misstep – any of these could shatter Sunjae's dreams of gold. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing her anxieties away, willing him strength.

Then, the electronic board pinged, and the crowd erupted in a deafening roar. Eunyoung snapped her eyes open, heart leaping into her throat. Sunjae was surging towards the finish, his form flawless, his determination etched on his face. He touched the touchpad a fraction of a second before anyone else, and the stadium lights seemed to dim for a moment before exploding in a kaleidoscope of colours.

Sunjae emerged from under the water, shaking off the hair stuck to his forehead, running his hands down his face, attempting to clear his vision. As he turned to look at the scoreboard, his joy knew no bounds as he saw his name at the top of the list. Letting out a euphoric yelp of victory, he pumped his fists in the air with a triumphant grin on his face.

Eunyoung's eyes had begun to well up with tears of happiness that she couldn't hold back no matter how hard she tried. The shouts from Sunjae's friends and supporters around her muffled as if it was a faraway sound; the only thing she could hear was the excited beating of her heart. She placed a hand over her chest in disbelief at what she had just witnessed.

Sunjae's eyes scanned the stands impatiently, only wanting to look at one person. As their eyes met, his smile widened, the dimple on his right cheek making a reappearance. The tears in Eunyoung's eyes spilt, blurring her vision as she returned his smile, her throat choking with tears. At that moment, the rest of the world seemed to melt away, leaving them alone, their eyes giving a million soliloquies their mouths could never.

Eunyoung's legs propelled her forwards as she ran past the crowd, down the stairs, straight towards Sunjae. It was as if her body had began to move on its own, not wasting a single second on thinking. Her desperation to get rid of the distance between them reflected in her teary, glassy eyes as she stood in front of him, the smile never leaving her face. Their gaze was fixed on each other.

Without a second thought, she reached for him, wrapping her arms around his bare torso that dripped with little droplets of water. She felt her clothes becoming moist, but couldn't care less at that moment. Her embrace enveloped him in warmth as she smiled wider, the joy of his victory a physical force she needed to press against. She couldn't believe it. He had won the gold medal! His fate had taken a turn for the better.

Sunjae's eyes widened at the sudden contact of her soft hands that clung onto him. She hugged him with such force that the deep blue towel he wore fell backwards, exposing his toned shoulders in a moment of vulnerability. The feeling of her soft cardigan against his bare torso and the tiny point of contact of her palms against his back sparked an unexplainable warmth inside him. He coughed out a surprised laugh, the coolness of his moist skin a stark contrast to the fire that flared at her touch. Years of training had honed his muscles, and Eunyoung, clung to him with a possessiveness that sent a shiver down his spine. The shock he felt countered his exhaustion that threatened to pull him under.

He wrapped his arms around her just as fiercely; The weight of the race, the pressure of expectation─ it all melted away in the press of her body against his.  Under the deafening cacophony of cheers, there was only them, her skin tingling against his, a shared victory written in the frantic dance of their heartbeats. He buried his face in her hair, the scent of chlorine and victory mingling with the familiar sweetness of her shampoo, a perfect encapsulation of this overwhelming moment. In that tight embrace, their bodies spoke a language far more profound than any roar of the crowd, a language of love and pride that resonated in the echoing silence of his own racing heart.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nayoung's notes: okay, taemi content in the next chapter, i promise. kinda got carried away with this lol. its already 1310 words and if i continue i may never stop. also, now that it think about it, the chapter title is implying something entirely different... ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

delphi's notes: sunjae's pov speaks volumes about his feelings. he's down bad guys. who's surprised? not me (but then again i helped decide this lolol)

next chapter: friday (out now!)

list of chapters here!

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR ─ expect the unexpected.

❛ you're so lovely, when you cry, it hurts me ❜

Narrator's Perspective

Sunjae rang the doorbell and stood nervously before Eunyoung's front door, anticipating someone to open the door. All day, only thoughts of Eunyoung occupied his mind. Worry clouded his thoughts as he kept wondering how she was doing, would she be okay, would she miss him? A few moments later, just as he was about to leave because he thought no one must be there to open the door, Eunyoung's mother opened the door, glaring down at him spitefully.

"You must be Sunjae," she said unblinkingly, "I've heard a lot about you."

"I'm here to see Eunyoung," he blurted out, swallowing his fear, "Yumi said she was sick."

"Wait here."

And she disappeared into the house. Sunjae took off his shoes and stepped into their living room. He was met with a sense of familiarity, recalling the day he found out he could never swim again, and Eunyoung was there for him as a pillar of support, offering priceless comfort and kindness, as she always had; And they had been moments away from kissing. The moment had been fleeting, almost as if they imagined it all. Now, they were together at last, nothing holding them back. Eunyoung had brought happiness back into his life after he was forced to give up on his dream. Thinking back, Eunyoung was his only reason to keep going...

"She's inside," Eunyoung's mother told him, her previous cold demeanor had thawed, seeing his worried frown and nervous behavior, "You can go and see her."

"Thank you," he gave a quick bow and entered the room Eunyoung's mother had pointed to. It must have been Eunyoung's room, and he paused for a brief second taking it all in. A couple of picture frames of her with her family and a couple of bookshelves lined with various books. A subtle sterile scent of medicine had settled in the room, along with the aroma of some kind of soothing balm. He finally laid his eyes on Eunyoung, sitting on her bed with a white blanket draped over her body. A bowl of water with a napkin was placed at her bedside table with care- presumably by her mother.

Eunyoung's face melted into a warm, welcoming smile as her eyes met Sunjae's. He smiled back, and it was like honey dripping from his crescent-moon-eyes. He quickly took a seat on the chair beside the bed, "I was so worried," he said, taking her hands, caressing them softly as he spoke, "Yumi said you got a hundred degree fever."

"Oh please!" Eunyoung exclaimed, trying her hardest to ignore the heat on her face when he held her hands, "She must have said that to make you feel guilty. My temperature has gone down now. I'll be fine by tomorrow. It's nothing to worry about."

"How could I not worry about you?"

Eunyoung's face turned a bright red, her eyes widening.

"Your face looks flushed, what's wrong?" he asked, concerned, placing the back of his hand on her cheek, "You're so warm! I can leave if you need to rest-"

"Don't go!" Eunyoung called out as he stood up, grabbing a hold of his hand. It was now Sunjae's turn to blush like a fool. His heart swelled with the warmth of Eunyoung's touch. He slowly turned back and sat once again, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Eunyoung answered with no hesitation, "I want you here."

💿

"YOU DID WHAT?" Yumi bellowed at Taesung. Taesung shrunk back, his ears left in pain from the unexpected power in her voice.

"Shhh!" he hissed at her. They were currently at the bus stop, and people turned to look at them.

"Oh, look they're having a lovers' quarrel!"

"Young love, oh!"

Taesung felt his face flush as he leaned closer to her. "People are looking," he muttered under his breath, trying to deflect the growing attention.

"I can see that," she snapped back, her arms crossed in frustration, "But how the hell did you in your right mind enroll me to act in a Shakespeare play? Did I seem like that kind of girl to you? Because I'm not!"

Taesung stayed silent for a few seconds. He couldn't find the words to tell her that he wanted to spend more time with her. They had been separated after that horrible accident, and he finally had an excuse to see her. It made him feel at peace again. Like a part of him that had been forcefully taken away had returned to him. Now he had no choice but to hold on to her for dear life, praying that she wouldn't leave again.

"I'm sorry," was all he could mutter.

Yumi's heart sank watching his posture droop and his eyes focus on the ground. She hadn't meant to be that harsh, she was just shocked at his sudden decision, "No... I'm not mad. Just surprised... It's okay. I can do it. We get some kind of participation reward too right? I'll do it."

A flicker of life returned to Taesung's eyes at her reluctant acceptance. "You don't have to if you don't want to-" he began, his voice lifting slightly with hope.

"No, it's fine," she assured, waving her hand in front of her face. She didn't want to hurt him. Not again. Not after everything they had been through, "I'll have a bad image if I back down, anyways. And it could be fun, right?!"

"Yeah, Sunjae, Eunyoung, Inhyuk are all there," he replied, his face lighting up with an enthusiastic smile that always had the power to melt her defenses. Watching him, Yumi felt a warmth spread through her chest, the tension easing as memories of their past together flickered in her mind. Despite the rough start, she couldn't help but feel a spark of hope rekindling between them.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: sunjae and eunyoung are literally so precious i cannot even-

delphi's notes: yumi's soft spot for taesung is reviving my will to live

list of chapters here! next chapter: friday

viii. heartbeat

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER EIGHT ─ heartbeat.

❛ no proof, one touch, but you felt enough. ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"Huh?"

"Get on the bike," Taesung repeated. Yumi stood completely still for a few moments before asking him again, "Are you sure? Is it safe?"

"Sure, it is," he answered, chuckling at her inquiry, "The offer expires in ten seconds, think fast." He then began counting down from ten to one. Thinking that this was her only option to get home at a reasonable time, she quickly hopped onto his bike, his countdown sounding like a ticking bomb ready to explode any moment.

"Welcome aboard," he announced in a mocking formal tone, "Hold on tight."

Yumi awkwardly pinched one side of his jacket. "It's okay, don't be shy," he assured on seeing her hesitation, "You've never been on a motorcycle, have you?" Yumi slowly shook her head.

He gripped her wrist tightly and without any prior warning. Yumi's eyebrows flicked up in surprise at the sudden urgency. Without waiting for a response, he gently but firmly pulled her closer, guiding her arms to wrap securely around his torso. The movement was swift, ensuring her safety before she even realized the need for it.

"Stay like this until I stop, okay?" Taesung instructed. Yumi's throat had gone completely dry, the ability to speak evaporating into the afternoon heat. He turned his head on hearing no answer. She simply nodded at him.

"Okay, I'll take that as a yes," just after he said this, the engine made a loud, unpleasant growling sound as he twisted the throttle, "I'm just praying you don't have motion sickness."

💿

A soft tapping sound on the pavement sounded in the narrow lane through which Sunjae and Eunyoung journeyed from the bus stop to their homes. At first, awkwardness prevailed as Sunjae's eyes rapidly darted from here to there, wondering what he should say next. On the other hand, Eunyoung's gaze was fixated on the path, her blank face masking the countless thoughts racing through her head.

Like a rude awakening, the sound of a motorcycle engine pierced through the air, shattering the silence and peacefulness of their walk. Without a moment's hesitation, Sunjae's hand clamped onto Eunyoung's wrist, pulling her to the side gently yet firmly as the bike zoomed past them, the smell of gasoline lingering in the air. Her breath hitched, and the pace of the motorcycle as well as Sunjae's prompt reaction sent her heart racing. With her back against Sunjae's torso, she let out a sigh of relief, "Thanks for"

Her voice failed her as she looked up at Sunjae's face, their eyes meeting for a split second before they realised how close they were. The two pulled away with flushed cheeks, "Thanks for that," said Eunyoung with a hint of awkwardness in her voice.

"Don't mention it," Sunjae spoke with a smile.

"That's so dangerous," Eunyoung commented attempting to divert the conversation, "I think they were wearing our school uniform."

"Yeah, I noticed that," Sunjae nodded in agreement, "I think I've seen that guy before."

"You have?" asked Eunyoung as they resumed walking.

"I'm not sure where..."

💿

"Thanks for dropping me off," Yumi said to Taesung as she got off the bike.

"No worries," he replied, smiling after removing his helmet. An awkward silence followed it since neither of them could think of anything to say.

"I guess... I'll see you around?" Yumi attempted to break the silence.

"Yeah, sure. I should get going, then."

"You can go ahead, then," she replied politely, "Just one thing before you go─ don't talk to anyone on your way back."

"Okay," he said in confusion. 

"Hey! It's you!" a voice accused. As the two turned to look at the person, Eunyoung stood before them, "You too were the ones on the bike?!"

Yumi avoided her gaze, looking at the ground, while Taesung stood staring at Eunyoung, oblivious to the cause of her agitation. 

"Yeah, why?" he asked. It was as if a cloud of misfortune had started following Yumi everywhere. She sighed in an attempt to rationalize with Eunyoung, "Look, he was just dropping me off. The bus strike is today, remember?" Eunyoung's expression momentarily softened, "That's right," she realized.

Turning to Taesung, regaining her composure, she said, "Thanks for dropping her off; But don't ever drive like that again, I'm warning you─ especially when Yumi's with you.

"Got it," Taesung gulped, "Sorry about that." With a bow, he hurriedly departed with his motorcycle, wanting to run away as soon as he could.

Once the sound of the obnoxious engine revving sounded in the air, Eunyoung turned to Yumi, who was trying to sneak into their home without her sister noticing, "Where are you scurrying off to? Where did you meet this delinquent anyway?! Don't you dare hide from me!"

"He's in Inhyuk's band, actually," Yumi informed her.

"Really?" the harshness in her voice subsided, "No wonder he was kicked out. He doesn't seem like too great of a guy."

"You don't even know him," Yumi defended him, not understanding why she did so.

"And you do?" Eunyoung retorted.

"This is stupid, let's not fight," Yumi diverted the topic, "Let's be friends again."

"Fine," Eunyoung said, trying to stifle her smile.

Entering their house, Eunyoung noticed the blue umbrella sitting by the door. Her gaze lingered on it and she called out to Yumi, "Listen! I'm going to return Sunjae's umbrella. I'll be back soon!"

"Okay~" Yumi yelled back from her room.

Skipping down the flight of stairs, two at a time, she made her way to Sunjae's house. Not long after her short journey, she was faced with a blue gate. Her fingers reached out to ring the doorbell. Clutching the umbrella, patiently waiting for someone to open the door. Sunjae's father emerged from the front door, advancing to the outer gate. Smiling on seeing Eunyoung, the iron gate swung open as he unlatched it, "Oh, it's you! Tell me, what brings you here?"

"I just wanted to return the umbrella I borrowed the other day. Sorry for not bringing it back sooner; It completely slipped my mind."

"Oh, don't worry about it," he waved his hand in front of his face, as if to fan away Eunyoung's apology, "He's gone to the swimming pool just now; I'll return it to him once he reaches home. Thank you for bringing it back, dear."

"Oh, that's alright. It wasn't a big deal," she smiled appreciatively. Turning back to go home, she was attacked by a sudden heavy downpour, which caught her off guard. 

"He'll need the umbrella while coming back," Sunjae's dad thought out loud, mostly to himself.

"I'll give it to him," Eunyoung offered generously.

"Are you sure?" he asked to confirm, but he had already handed her the umbrella, "Thanks a lot!" He said, running off into his house.

So, Eunyoung was off toward the school swimming pool.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nayoung's notes: eunyoung's animosity towards taesung has begun 👀 i just love wonyoung's expression in the header. that's her judging taesung. hope you liked this chapter!

delphi's notes: eunyoung the original knight in shining armour. the long legs make her work easier.

next chapter: friday! (out now) list of chapters here!

iii. opportunities

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER THREE ─ opportunities.

❛ but this is getting good now, he's so tall and handsome as hell ❜

Narrator's Perspective

The final bell pierced the air, a sharp clang that shattered the focused hum of the classroom. A collective sigh rippled through the students, a wave of relief washing over them after a day of lessons, tests, and social navigation. Papers rustled as they're shoved into backpacks, textbooks slammed shut with finality.

A teacher who Eunyoung recognized as the head of the school newspaper approached her as she and Yumi made their way to the gate.

"Eunyoung! I'm so glad I caught you!" she sighed in relief, "There's an article that we need done urgently for next week. It involves interviewing the swimming team regarding the upcoming tournament. I understand you're swarmed in other schoolwork too, but could you cover it this one time? The boy who was supposed to write it is down with chicken pox, and won't be able to complete it."

"Sure Ma'am, it's no hassle," Eunyoung agreed with a smile, her heart swelling up with happiness, "I'll submit it by next week."

"Thank you so much!"

As the teacher left, Yumi stared at Eunyoung with a teasing smile. "I don't remember this happening before."

"This article was given to someone else because I declined it," Eunyoung answered, smiling, "I was never one for sports."

"You're getting used to this era pretty well, I see," the teasing smile was still plastered on Yumi's face.

"I hope you remember that you have piano practice at the music club today," Eunyoung attempted to change the topic.

"I remember it very well," Yumi answered, noticing the shift as well as her sister's flushed face, "Enjoy writing your article," she winked and skipped away.

Eunyoung, a smile playing on her lips, strolled leisurely towards the bus stop. The familiar path triggered a wave of deja vu, a feeling that mirrored her experience earlier that day. It was as if she were walking this very route not for the first time today, but for the hundredth, a memory from fifteen years ago inexplicably resurfacing.

Reaching the bus stop, she was met with the usual chaos - a throng of students jostling for a spot on the overflowing bus. But amidst the sea of uniforms, a single figure caught her eye. There, like a beacon cutting through the crowd, stood Sunjae. His beauty was undeniable - flawless features that seemed sculpted by the gods, and a mess of fluffy hair that cascaded down his forehead. He was a picture of youthful perfection, a vision that both startled and soothed her. 

So, this is the bus he takes... She thought to herself, the fact that she takes the same one slipping her mind completely.

💿

Yumi dragged her feet along the pavement, making her way to the school music club to practice piano. Learning the piano was never something she wanted to do, but continued passively as she loathed the idea of quitting in the middle of learning. She remembers ceasing to practice after law school, which meant she hadn't touched a piano for nearly fifteen years. She couldn't recall her dislike for it, but reckoned that those old emotions would come crashing back to her the second she sat down on her piano stool.

Upon reaching the looming building, she was unable to take any steps inside, but simply gaped at it in silence. It was a place she kept revisiting, every single day, no matter what. Coming to practice consistently was something her younger self had never challenged, but now as she viewed life from a different lens, that had been weathered by adversities, she began to question if there was any meaning in these recurring religious visits.

Drawing up the courage from an unknown source within her, she entered the building with a blank, bored face. Sitting down at the waiting area outside the various practice rooms, she dug out her music sheets from her backpack, attempting at familiarizing herself with them after being parted for dog ages. 

Then suddenly, a cry of agitation diverted her focus to the source of the sound. 

"Yah! Kim Taesung! I can't believe you're late again!" Inhyuk scolded the boy.

Yumi turned her head the other way to find out who he was looking at. Her eyes fell upon a messy-looking boy- seemingly from her school, wearing just a white shirt with no tie and a bright red biker jacket. His hair fell loosely on his face, ruffled by the wind. He had a cat-like face and a cheeky demeanour as he smiled sheepishly at Inhyuk, "Let me go this time, I really got stuck in traffic."

"What bullshit," Inhyuk countered, "It doesn't even take 10 minutes to walk from school to here. Quit dilly-dallying and get your act together."

Taesung scoffed and murmured another apology.

Just then, a strong gust of wind blew through the open door, and the music sheets on which Yumi's grip had loosened while staring at the unknown boy, scattered across the floor. Both Inhyuk and Taesung lunged to grab them in time before they could fly away while Yumi closed the door. Taesung gathered the sheets from the ground and from Inhyuk and handed them to her.

"Here," he said. Yumi looked up at his eyes creased with a smile. All she could do was stare at his face blankly.

Why am I behaving like this?

"Thank you," she mumbled and took the sheets and made a run for the piano room.

"How odd..." Taesung muttered under his breath.

💿

"So, what, you just stared at his face?" Eunyoung questioned after Yumi narrated the events of that day.

"I said thank you after," Yumi corrected, unsure of what to feel.

"How polite," Eunyoung said thoughtfully, "What about Inhyuk, did you talk to him?"

"What do you think?" Yumi retorted, "I need a reason to talk to him."

"I guess," she answered, "What about the other guy? You think he knows Sunjae?"

"I don't know," Yumi confessed, "Guess I'll have to find out."

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nayoung's notes: taesung cat agenda is going to continue throughout this book btw. hope you enjoyed reading this! 

delphi's notes: let's go taesung debut! the best thing is that yumi just freezes when she sees him lmfao. she's so real for that.

@the-one-and-only-delphi

next chapter: saturday! (out now) list of chapters here!

xxiii. whispers in the dark

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE ─ whispers in the dark.

❛ and i should get a ciggarette for so much restraint ❜

Kim Taesung's Perspective

For a few moments after Yumi left, I found myself staring blankly at the door. I too was shocked at the fact that I offered to teach her guitar. Did I have that much restraint? And that too, at my house? I couldn't stop thinking of her and it drove me nuts. Tonight, she looked stunning. She had always been pretty, but today? She took my breath away. Her hair framed her face in a way that seemed so effortless, like a masterpiece painted with the dim light bulbs that lit up my living room.

I couldn't shake off the conversation that I had with Inhyuk in the kitchen. He said Yumi was the one who planned everything, and then slapped my shoulder playfully. Was it really the case? Or was he just teasing me? I had so many questioned swirling around my head, and I couldn't make sense of any of them.

I suddenly remembered that she got me a gift. It really wasn't a big deal, I tried to tell myself. Everyone got me gifts. But desire to see what she got me devoured me whole and I found myself inching towards the dark blue paper bag that sat on the table, which seemed to be calling out to me, waiting to be opened.

I sensed some hesitation as my hand reached inside it, pulling out a box—that seemed rather heavy for its size. My heart pounded in my ears as my fingers brushed against the smooth, velvety surface. A chill ran down my spine as my eyes landed on the label.

It was a perfume.

The delicate glass bottle shimmered in the dim light, its contents a mystery waiting to be unveiled. A wave of emotions crashed over me—surprise, confusion, and a strange sense of anticipation. How did she know? Had she been paying attention to my preferences, or was this a random act of kindness?

With a shaking hand, I lifted the box lid, revealing a delicate glass bottle. It was a simple rectangular bottle, yet its cold surface sent shivers down my spine. A clear blue liquid swirled within it. My hand reached for the bottle cap, unscrewing it with a newfound gentleness in my hands. I lifted the bottle up to my nose, inhaling the scent.

Unlike anything I'd expected, the fragrance was a captivating paradox. Woody notes, reminiscent of sun-warmed cedarwood, formed the base, grounding the scent with a sense of strength and earthiness. But then, a wave of unexpected freshness washed over it. A hint of salt air hit my nose, and I could practically feel the ocean breeze. It was the scent of a tropical beach after summer rain, where the heat had coaxed out the earthy aromas of the forest floor while leaving the air fresh and alive.

What does this mean?

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

My mom had come into my room about half an hour ago, bidding me good night. I too, had tucked myself into my warm, comfy bed, when the realization that Yumi wasn't home hit me like a speeding truck on an expressway. An uneasy feeling washed over me, as all my drowsiness was drowned out by worry and concern. Ever since then, I've been sitting on the kitchen platform, staring out the little square window that looked down on the street.

I remember the day I first met Yumi. It was one of my most vivid memories as a child when my age was just a single digit. I don't remember a lot of things from when I was that little but that day was fresh in my mind as if it happened yesterday. I had heard a loud wailing sound from the sand pit in the park and found Yumi crying because all the other kids had sand toys except her. I remember chuckling and offering my toys, telling her to stop crying. I never knew that she would become such a significant part of my life.

When Yumi had been working at the law firm, I watched the spark slowly disappear from her eyes each evening she reached home. The vibrant young woman I knew was slowly fading away, slipping from my reach, replaced by a weary stranger burdened by unseen woes. My heart ached for her, but my attempts to reach out were met with a wall of silence. Whenever I brought up the subject of her job, a guarded look would cloud her features, and the conversation would hit a dead end. It was as if her feelings were locked in a vault, and she'd thrown away the key.

That's why, when I spotted her- practically skipping down the street, my lips stretched into a huge grin. I hadn't seen her smile like that in ages. It was as if someone had flipped a switch within her, igniting a forgotten light that had been buried beneath the weight of her burdens. The world, usually cast in a dull, dreary filter, seemed to come alive again. Even the streetlights, normally harsh and flickering, seemed to dim in reverence, their feeble glow overshadowed by the radiance emanating from Yumi.

Instead of letting myself ponder on the reasons for her newfound joy, I let myself appreciate the happiness radiating off her. Though we weren't related by blood, our bond was as strong as that of real sisters. I wanted her to keep smiling like that for the rest of time. 

As I heard her footsteps making their way to the front door, I leaped off the platform and bolted to my room, switching off the lights in a frenzy. I stumbled on my way, not being able to differentiate a lamp from a clothing rack thanks to the fact that I was sitting like a ghost in the darkness. Aside from the fact that I would have knocked the living daylight out of her, it would have been pretty difficult to explain why I was awake at that ungodly hour. I lay in my bed- that somehow felt warmer than before, and let myself fall into a slumber as the smile never left my lips.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: the header turned out so cute (*^_^*)

delphi's notes: taesung entering his loser era

next chapter: saturday list of chapters here!

xvi. my fragile heart

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER SIXTEEN ─ my fragile heart.

❛ and i'm highly suspicious that everyone who sees you wants you. ❜

Narrator's Perspective

Yumi and Eunyoung stood on the sidewalk, awaiting the arrival of the bus. It seemed like a regular weekday morning to the naked eye, but there was something about them that seemed odd. Eunyoung's face appeared swollen─ especially her eyes; They had a faint red tint and traces of dried tears lingered on her cheeks.

"I heard you last night," said Yumi quietly, "Crying in your room?"

"You must have misheard," Eunyoung's gaze fixed on the ground, "Because I wasn't crying."

Yumi reached for Eunyoung's hand, gripping it tightly. Her sudden action surprised Eunyoung as she looked up at Yumi. "It's going to be okay," Yumi whispered, letting go of her hand gently.

💿

"Here," Taesung mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. He thrust his hand towards Yumi, the ice cream carton almost falling from his sweaty grip.

Yumi's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's this?"

"Ice cream," he blurted out, forcing a casual tone that sounded more like a croak. His heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs, a stark contrast to the coolness of the ice cream carton. Every fibre of his being screamed "awkward," yet he persevered.

Yumi's gaze flicked between the proffered carton and his face, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. Hesitantly, she reached out and took the ice cream, her fingers brushing against his briefly. "Thanks," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

A wave of relief washed over Taesung, so suddenly that it almost left him breathless. "You're welcome," he managed, his voice a little steadier now. He fumbled in his pocket, the crinkling sound echoing in the sudden silence, before pulling out another carton.

Yumi stared at his face unblinkingly as he took a bite of the ice cream. 

"You know, you look like a cat."

Taesung's heart lurched in his chest, a sudden skip that made him catch his breath. Her words echoed in his ears, instantly transporting him back to a conversation just a few days ago. The memory flickered to life─ He asked her if she liked cats, and Yumi's smile, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners, the casualness of her words: "I love them."

At that moment, it had seemed like a harmless comment, a shared interest. But now, with the way she spoke it again, a different meaning seemed to shimmer just beneath the surface. Was it just his imagination, or was there a hint of vulnerability, a subtle invitation in her voice? His pulse quickened, a knot of anticipation tightening in his stomach. Could she be hinting at something more? Or was he reading too much into it all?

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

"Eunyoung, I like you."

My initial smile on seeing Eunyoung at the bus stop faded away as those words in someone's voice─ not his own, fell upon my ears. My eyebrows shot up in a moment of surprise, feeling an ache in my heart while I anticipated her reply.

Eunyoung stood staring at Jihoon's face in shock, too stunned to speak. "Why aren't you saying anything?" he inquired impatiently. My fists clenched, my fingernails digging into my palms as I resisted his urge to step in and intervene.

"Jihoon─" he interrupted her, "I really like you, Eunyoung. Ever since we first met. Will you be my girlfriend?"

A crowd of students had gathered around them, gasping and hooting at his bold confession while i stood watching them from afar, becoming increasingly irritable by the second. Eunyoung's eyebrows furrowed, "I can't go out with you."

There was a murmur of disappointment from the crowd. "Why not?" Jihoon demanded.

I took a step forward, unable to control myself any longer. However, I found myself stopping in my tracks upon hearing Eunyoung's reply, "Because I don't want to." her tone sounded calm, yet cold and firm.

"I don't get it!"

"Listen!" Eunyoung snapped, taking a menacing step towards Jihoon, "I've told you countless times to keep your distance and stay in your lane. I'm going to say this once and for all─ I would rather gauge my eyes out with a spatula than date you. If you come near me one more time, I'm going to file a restraining order against you, I swear to god!"

A smile surfaced on my face. Jihoon took a step back, his ego hurt by her harsh comments. He scoffed arrogantly, shooing the crowd away as he glared at her angrily.

The bus arrived, hissing to a stop. "I didn't expect this from you," Jihoon grumbled.

"I have to go," she said sharply, stepping onto the bus.

I approached the bus, stealing a quick glance at the boy nearby. With a deliberate nudge of my shoulder against his, I trailed behind Eunyoung as we boarded the bus.

I took a seat next to Eunyoung, who was staring out the window, the annoyance still evident on her face. She whipped around to look at me. Her irritation seemed to melt away on seeing me, the corners of her eyes crinkling and her lips stretching into a smile, "Sunjae!" she exclaimed, "How are you doing? I spoke to Inhyuk yesterday, he said you weren't feeling too well."

"I'm much better now," I assured her, my heart skipping a beat on hearing the worry in her voice, "My dad and I have patched things up, and we discussed a date for the surgery with the doctor."

"That's great to hear," she said, relieved, "When's your surgery? I'll make sure to visit you."

"This Saturday," I answered, feeling my face getting warmer, "It's kind of soon, but the doctor thought it was a good idea."

Her lips stretched into a sympathetic smile and I could feel her sincerity as her gaze softened. 

"Good luck, Sunjae. I'm praying the surgery goes well."

There it was again; The melody of her voice, as soft as the summer breeze, echoing in my mind as soon as the sound hit my ears. I had forgotten how to breathe, mesmerized by the girl in front of me. All she had to do was exist, and I would fall for her a little harder every passing second. I could feel myself beaming from ear to ear, mumbling a thank you that could never express my feelings for her. I suddenly became conscious of my behaviours. Was I being too forward? A fake cough, a terrible attempt at concealing my elation escaped my lips. 

"By the way," I sloppily attempted to change the subject, "Who's that guy who asked you out? Do you know him well?"

"You saw that, huh?" she said, smiling in embarrassment, "Not exactly; He used to follow me around. I told him to back off, but he just wouldn't listen. I kind of exploded at him earlier."

"That was a pretty strong insult," I said, chuckling. My happiness knew no bounds on knowing that she didn't like him. 

"You think I was too harsh?" she asked doubtfully.

"I think you put him in his place," I smiled wider, "What type of guys do you like? Do you not like it when they're clingy?"

"Him being clingy wasn't the issue. He was a total douchebag and flirts with everyone. He wasn't exactly the best person you want to be with," said Eunyoung, then looking up at me, "I think I would like someone who's warm-hearted─ someone who doesn't see me as a status symbol. Someone who makes me feel loved."

Sunjae was lost for words. A tiny glimmer of hope bloomed in his heart─ that maybe, just maybe, he stood a chance.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nayoung's notes: it's been sixteen chapters and the only one who can accept the fact that they're in love is sunjae lmfao. hope you liked the chapter!

delphi's notes: gauge your eyes out with a spatula is crazyy. pop off ig.

next chapter: friday (out now!) list of chapters here!