So Obsessed With Her Lately 🍓 PS: Sorry For The Post And Ghost 🫢🤐 Edit: HELP- I Was Supposed

xxxviii. undeniable

☾⋆｡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!

xxxvi. those eyes

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX ─ those eyes.

❛ we got nothing else to do, and nothing else to lose ❜

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

Time seemed to be rolling by as I tried my best to help Sunjae with algebra. His dread had considerably reduced, and I thought it was good enough. I had given him a few problems to solve on his own, and I was sitting with my back turned to him. I couldn't help but stare at the pictures on the shelf of Sunjae at his swimming tournaments. So many of them decked the walls. It made me realize just how huge his swimming career must have been. I could almost feel his hurt when he was forced to quit. It filled me with a strange determination and protectiveness. I wanted to save him so desperately.

Then there were other, rather trivial and silly thoughts racing through my mind. Even with wet hair sticking to his face, he looked as handsome as ever. The teenager inside me seemed to be staring at his astonishing figure. I had never realized how incredible his proportions were. Wide shoulders with a torso that tapered towards the waist. I quickly looked away, hot-faced.

I shifted my gaze to my bedroom window which I could see from Sunjae's window. They were so close by. My mind couldn't fathom how all these years, I had been so close to Sunjae; If I had just opened my eyes and sought him out...

Fate had brought us together by some miracle that even I couldn't explain. It was magic. Like some kind of supernatural forces were working to bring us closer. My heart yearned to hold onto the hope that destiny would do it's part and Sunjae would get the happy ending he deserved. Every night was me shutting down the self-doubt that I didn't have the power to change anything.

My eyes fell on the clock, and that was when I realized we had been studying for more than two hours. I quickly shifted back to where Sunjae was sitting, and found him sleeping silently with his head resting on his hands. A smile surfaced on my face. You've worked hard, Sunjae. I placed my two hands on the space next to him and rested my head in a way that I could look at him. My eyes examined his features, as if I was trying to memorize every little detail on his face. His eyes were shut softly, his face showing no signs of discomfort or pain. This is how I wished him to be forever. At peace. The moment my gaze landed on his lips, it was as if a magnetic force prevented me from looking away. Perfect, pillowy... they looked so soft. My mind wandered back to the time we had almost kissed- maybe that was my imagination? I had no idea.

Then, his eyes opened slowly, blinkingly. I was taken aback, but I remained motionless, unable to divert my gaze. At first, I witnessed a confusion in his eyes and then we seemed to melt into each other's gaze. In that moment, our eyes seemed to be delivering professions of love our mouths could never have the courage to voice.

To shatter the moment, the turn of the doorknob sounded in the room, and we weren't nearly quick enough to pull away when Sunjae's dad entered the room. We were suddenly jerked awake, back to reality in an instant. I sat up completely straight, blinking rapidly. 

"Oh, dear, I'm sorry, I-" Sunjae's dad trailed off, a smirk appearing on his face. He backed away, closing the door, leaving me and Sunjae in a state of awkwardness.

"Talk about bad timing," Sunjae muttered, in response to which Eunyoung forced out a chuckle. Did he really have to walk in at that moment? 

"I should get going then," I said, rubbing the back of my neck and gathering my books, "It's been, what, two hours? Let's continue next time?"

"Yeah," he said. Neither of us seemed to know what to say or how to act, "What about the practice problems?"

"Homework?"

He laughed, and it almost sounded genuine. I smiled at him.

"Thanks," he called out just as I was leaving, following me down the staircase, "Thanks for doing this for me."

"Anytime."

When we came down to the living room, it was almost as if his dad had been waiting, smirking this whole time. I didn't have it in me to say anything to him, so I gave him a quick bow as I made my way to the front door, Sunjae close behind me. Just before I went home, our eyes met once again. Our lips stretched into a smile, as if it was instinct. And then I was off. 

Despite my evident embarrassment, the moment in Sunjae's room had made one thing astonishingly clear. I was in love with Ryu Sunjae, and there was no going back.

💿

On reaching home, I was met with a full on interrogation by my mother. Her flushed face and eyes wide with rage made me realize that she must have fought with Yumi. A sense of guilt washed over me because I couldn't help Yumi as much as I hoped to.

"Where were you?" she asked me, her voice irritable.

"I was at Sunjae's house," I explained calmly, "I'm helping him study."

She went quiet, and sat down on the couch. I took the seat beside her and grabbed her hand, "It's not Taesung's fault, you know," I said gently.

"I know..." she whispered.

💿

I sat in my room, deep in thought as my mind replayed todays events over and over. I had the most trivial anxieties racing through my brain. I sat staring at Sunjae's window, trying to make sense of the mess in me. I could practically see Sunjae's eyes staring into mine. I didn't want to get my hopes up by thinking that Sunjae replicated my feelings. At the same time, the fear of losing him crept in my mind, gnawing on my self- doubt.

I scribbled another note on a piece of paper- "If you ask for flowers, don't be surprised if it starts to rain. The hardships you're facing are only temporary. Happier days are coming."

The moment after the paper airplane landed on Sunjae's window, my phone buzzed, interrupting my train of thoughts. It was a text message from my father.

Eunyoung, I want to meet you, I've missed you.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: this chapter was a whole rollercoaster ride tbh

delphi's notes: someone check on yumi pls

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

࣪𓇻 ݁ㅤׂ if a man talks sh!t then i owe him nothing . . .

ྀི ⁺ ͙۪ 🥀 i don't regret it one bit cause he had it coming

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

( + 🥂 ) ⁺ ˳ ★ cause i dropped your hand while dancing . . .

♩ ⁺ * 𝒴ou won't remember all my champagne problems . . .

like the moodboard? it's a teaser for an upcoming fanfic! make sure u follow me and stay tuned! thank you, bye!! <33

( +📽️ ) ͏ ͏ ͏͏ oh say it ditto . . . ͏ ͏ ͏͏ ͏@nayoungs-archive

𓇼 𝑵ayoung, she/her, main!

nayoung's writing!

TOWARDS YOU ── lovely runner. ➡️ (on hiatus till april 4th)

﹒ 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

xxv. between notes and secrets

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE ─ between notes and secrets.

❛ and i feel so high school

every time i look at you ❜

Choi Yumi's Perspective

The sunlight peered into my room through the translucent curtains hanging over my window. The light cast itself on every surface- my desk, the wooden floor littered with various teenage junk and my spinning chair. Even my bed, which was in an obscure corner of my room couldn't avoid the stingy hot rays of the sun. I lay on my bed like a dead starfish abandoned on the sea shore, staring blankly at the ceiling above, deep in thought.

It's been a couple of weeks since I started learning guitar from Taesung. No matter how hard I tried to be nonchalant about it- I couldn't help myself. He was on my mind, all right, consuming my thoughts day and night. Here I was, rotting in my bedroom on a perfectly pleasant summer Sunday afternoon, thinking about a boy who probably never had a comprehensible thought in his life. Scenes played in my mind like flashbacks in a movie. His gentle tone explained things to me; How our hands would brush ever so often and my stupid heart would start racing like a mad horse.

I wanted to believe so desperately that I was the only one in the world who knew this side of him. Sensitive, kind, gentle- vulnerable. His tough-guy act was all just a pretence. I could see a new part of him now that I had spent so much time with him. His eyes showed a glint as he spoke about music- passion. There was something else about him that he wasn't ready to tell me. The melancholy in his voice whenever the subject of family came up- neglect.

I felt pathetic thinking this to myself, but I wanted to know. Curiosity pierced through my heart, a desire to know him better. What kept him up at night? What makes him smile? Or cry? I wanted to know it all.

I lazily moved to my desk, slouching in my chair as I propelled myself towards the table with my legs. I gazed at the music sheet lying on the table. This music sheet wasn't an ordinary one. It was for the song Taesung was teaching me on the guitar. My fingers played with the corners of the paper, mindlessly folding it. My other hand reached for my pencil as I began to scribble on a different scrap of paper.

The long-hidden time, calls us back again.

💿

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

"Have you ever felt like someone is keeping something from you?" I asked Sunjae as we walked back home from the bus stop through the warm Monday afternoon.

"The feeling of being lied to?" he asked.

"No," I replied, "Like they're withholding information on purpose."

"I don't know," he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck that glistened with sweat, "Is something on your mind?"

"It's probably nothing," I shrugged, looking up at him to smile reassuringly, "Yumi had been coming home late these days. She said there are extra lessons at the music club, but I have a feeling that isn't the whole story."

He smiled back at me, flashing his dimples. My face must have turned the colour of a fresh tomato because I could feel the heat rising. I tried to play it cool, but it was no use. 

I knew it was silly. But there was something about him that just drew me in. Maybe it was his kind eyes that sparkled in the sunlight, or his laugh that not once failed to bring a smile to my face, or it was just the way he made me feel. Whatever it was, I couldn't deny it. I had a stupid, hopeless crush on him.

"It feels amazing to take off my shoulder brace," he sighed as we turned a corner.

"Does it still hurt?"

He shook his head, "The doctor said that it won't get triggered unless I engage in strenuous physical exercise."

"I'm glad you're better now."

A comfortable silence filled the air, our smiles never leaving our faces as we journeyed home. I don't know when I'll be going back to my time, or how much time I had left. In that moment, none of it mattered. All that was important was the soft melody of "Sonaki" in my mind and Sunjae's company which was as warm as the summer breeze flowing through my hair.

💿

I stared blankly at my flip-phone screen displaying a message from an unknown sender.

Hello Eunyoung. 

It's your dad.

My heart raced, threatening to burst out of my chest. I felt my breath become shaky and my hand reached up to my heart in attempt to calm myself. There were a million thoughts and questions running through my mind since the moment I saw the message. What did he want? How did he find my number? But one question brought my spirits crashing down to rock bottom. Where had he been my whole life?

Everything seemed to come back to me. Memories of me as a baby, tiny and vulnerable, desperate to be loved. Now I remember everything I did to try and get my dad to look at me longer than a fraction of a second. I once even tore his favourite pair of shoes to catch his attention. That seemed to make things worse. I thought he hated me. I never once thought he was capable of love. The way he screamed at my mom...

I covered my ears in agony- I could hear the scene replay in my head.

Another message flashed on the screen.

Let me make things right. Can we meet up somewhere?

"Eunyoung?" My mother's voice fell upon my ears. In shock, I spinned in my chair to look at her beady eyes staring down at me.

"M-mom..." My voice stuttered and stammered as I felt a lump in my throat, "D-did you..."

I want to cry.

"Listen, Eunyoung," she began, her voice cold and stiff, "I know this isn't your fault, but under no circumstances will you agree to this. Do you understand? I hope I've made myself clear."

"Yes, mummy," I said, faking a smile, trying to blink away my tears. A warm smile appeared on her face as she pulled me in for a hug, "You're all the family I need." I said to her, biting my lip, trying desperately to hold back the urge to cry my eyes out.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: i'm so proud of that header 🥹 also eunyoung is so real for that last line.

delphi's notes: the way she calls her mom mummy ;(

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

li. thunderstorm

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE ─ thunderstorm.

❛ meet me in the pouring rain, kiss me on the sidewalk, take away the pain ❜

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

My footsteps sounded on the concrete pavement as I ran with all my might towards Eunyoung's house. All the strength in my body was being utilized just to bring me to her and fix all the misunderstandings once and for all. I felt the chilly wind through my hair, and the breeze picking up dust and sending it flying everywhere, as if transporting me to my first meeting with Eunyoung. The skies had begun to grow darker, grey clouds casting their shadow over the Earth. I felt a sharp pain in my left leg, but I kept going, desperation flowing through my veins, pulling me closer to Eunyoung.

How clearly I remembered the very first day I encountered her. It was a day so magical and surreal, unlike any other; And I doubt any day could be compared with it. We had only known each other for a brief few minutes when she took my hand as we ran through the rain without a care in the world. Her actions were so elegant, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, and for the first time, I found myself unable to hate the rain. It left me breathless and awestruck at her sheer beauty- and that smile that I could never erase from my mind.

Memories with little stolen moments with her flashed before my eyes. My mind wandered back to the night of the field trip; Her delicate fingers tracing the contours on my body, her warm touch and seemingly careless drunken words that meant the world to me. At first, I had been quick to believe that it was all a mistake. But there was an undeniable sincerity in her voice, something too real to be ignored.

Realizing that she was upset and in tears because she thought I had left for America blossomed hope inside me. Though it was hard to believe that someone as dazzling as Eunyoung could ever like me back, a feeling in my gut told me that it was meant to be. And all the moments we spent together had come to this. For a split second, I had considered going to America and giving it another shot. But then the thought of being separated from Eunyoung made me feel dizzy and sick.

As I turned a corner, my pace slowed down as I saw her at last, walking in her rain with no umbrella. Eunyoung.

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

Rainwater trickled down from my hair, onto my face and even my clothes. I felt it slowly dripping down, soaking my jacket as the downpour grew heavier by the minute. The storm was just like the day I met Sunjae, and we ran through the rain without a care in the world. There was a different kind of storm brewing inside of me. The memory came back to me, but rather than feeling happy reminiscing on it, it felt more like a needle pricking me, piercing through my skin.

I dragged my feet along the street. I couldn't even find the strength to lift my feet. No matter how I tried to explain to myself that Sunjae going away was a good thing, and that he would be happier, my stubborn heart continued to ache with longing. The thought of not being able to see him again was unbearable and the thought of which brought tears to my eyes.

My tears, mixing with the rainwater, cascaded down my face like a mighty waterfall. I had never felt more pathetic. Not only had I embarrassed myself in front of the boy I loved, but I had also lost the chance to say a proper goodbye. It was completely heartbreaking and I could feel the pain in my chest as I started to sob loudly. The rain drowned the sound, and it was as if the skies cried with me, engulfed in sorrow.

Just then, I felt someone's grip on my wrist. The touch startled me, and I turned to see who it was with hesitation. My eyes, red and sore, still streaming tears, went wide. It was Sunjae, wet hair dripping down his face and he was breathing heavily. His furrowed eyebrows softened on seeing me, and my heart skipped a beat. Even in this situation... he looked as beautiful as ever.

"Sunjae," I breathed out, "What- what-"

Before I had the chance to finish my sentence, both his hands grabbed my face and I felt his lips crash onto mine. My heart pounded in my head, and I felt my body getting warmer despite the cold rainwater sticking to me. The kiss was aggressive at first, as if desperate to prove a point. I was taken aback. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought something like this would happen. I found myself melting into his kiss without another thought, my body yielding to his touch in the most natural way possible. 

My hands reached for his waist, and in that moment, the world fell away. The sound of the rain pounding against the pavement was muffled, as if we were lost in our own little universe, a place untouched by time or reality. All thoughts, all worries evaporated like mist, leaving just the feel of him—us.

His lips moved against mine with a kind of tenderness that made my heart stutter, like he'd been waiting for this as long as I had. It was as though each kiss carried a silent promise. The raindrops slid down our faces, mixing with the heat of our skin, and it felt right—like the storm itself was rooting for us, draping us in its cold embrace while we burned in the middle of it.

His hands cradled my face so delicately, fitting there perfectly—naturally—as though we'd been sculpted to match each other. The warmth of his palms grounded me, even as my knees felt ready to give way under the weight of everything he made me feel.

And his lips... God, his lips. They were soft, impossibly soft, as though I'd finally found the place I was meant to be. Like they were spun from clouds, stitched together with every unspoken desire I'd ever had. Every gentle brush sent sparks along my skin, igniting a fire that I didn't want to put out.

The rain poured harder, soaking through our clothes, tangling in our hair, but I didn't care. I could have stayed there forever—wrapped in his arms, our bodies close, and our hearts speaking louder than any words ever could. For the first time in forever, it felt like nothing else mattered but him and me. Just us, against the world.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: at long last!!!

delphi's notes: everyone clap for eunjae 👏🥳

previous chapter next chapter: friday list of chapters here!

a/n: sorry for the mess up in the chapter order and late chapter i was travelling :(

xxi. clarity in the darkness

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE ─ clarity in the darkness.

❛ and i know i make the same mistakes every time. ❜

Choi Yumi's Perspective

See, I've always prided myself on the fact that I had the ability to make rational decisions. That's why, when I stood in the dark hallways of Jagam High School after hours with the Eclipse members and Sunjae, I felt like the biggest idiot to ever walk this Earth. What had gotten into me? Why in god's name would I ever agree to something like this? I felt like slapping myself for getting swayed by Inhyuk's persuasion. However, there was another storm brewing in my mind that haunted my thoughts. I was doing this for Taesung. For his birthday. I refused to let myself think of it.

"Hyunsoo," hissed Inhyuk.

"What?" he responded in a similar fashion.

"Stop breathing so loudly," he made an effort to keep his volume as low as possible, "You're going to wake the dead."

"Shut your trap."

"Um, Guys?" Sunjae intervened, "We've been standing at the door for a while. Don't you think we should start looking?"

"He's right, we should get it over with and vamoose before anyone catches us," I chimed in.

"Where do you think all the student records are kept?" asked Inhyuk. Despite all our efforts to speak as quietly as possible, our voices echoed in the empty hallways.

"Let's check the staff room?" I suggested.

We moved like a gang of thieves, sticking close to each other as fear gripped our bones. A cold gush of wind sent a shiver through my body as we inched closer to the staff room. I never realised I was such a coward until now. Paranoia had consumed me entirely. I dreaded the consequences of this reckless adventure. Someone speaks an octave too high, someone drops a heavy object, one small mistake and they all would be dead meat.

We were faced with the extensive staff room, and rows of tables and chairs, sending confusion through us all.  "Do you know where his homeroom teacher sits?"

"Here," said Hyunsoo, Eclipse's drummer. He followed him to a desk by the door. Inhyuk took the initiative to reach out and shuffle through the files lying on the table. The shuffling and rustling of papers sounded painfully loud in the silence of the deserted school. "Quieter!" hissed Sunjae.

Inhyuk retrieved the thin sheet with the personal details of students pinned on the soft board. Just then, as if a manifestation of my worry, slow, steady footsteps echoed in the hallway outside the room. Panic surged through my body as I felt my breathing become unsteady.

Inhyuk got a hold of the sheet holding Taesung's information. Hearing the footsteps getting closer, I motioned everyone to duck under the table with my shaking hands. As we all crouched under the table, my body shook with terror. A bright flashlight flashed on the ground next to us. Everyone held their breath as a voice spoke, "I could have sword there was something..."

The light faded out of sight as all of us heaved a sigh of relief. "I got a picture!" whispered Inhyuk, his voice laced with triumph.

"Great, now let's get out of here!"

💿

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

Going back to school after my surgery was an experience in itself. I received sympathy from peers and teachers that I had never received in my years in high school. It seemed as if the world was showering me in pity, rubbing salt in my fresh wound that had gotten no time to heal. I felt dejected, and it showed. I slouched in class, stared blankly into space and zoned out when someone was speaking to me. In this confusing haze of people's sympathy towards me, I found solace in the blue cap I wore─ Eunyoung's thoughtful gift. It rested atop my head like a reminder of her warmth and the gentleness of her voice.

Eunyoung was different. She treated me like she always had. Through all the changes I observed in everyone's attitude towards me, Eunyoung stood like a guiding light, staying constant through my adversity. I found comfort in her unchanging demeanor. 

As she took her usual seat next to me as per usual, the familiarity of the scenario sent tingles through my body. I smiled secretly to myself on seeing her face. How could she take away my breath? Just by being herself? I must be crazy. 

I noticed her yawn next to me, covering her mouth with her hand. Her blinking became slower as there was a visible struggle for her to keep her eyes open.

"Long day?" I asked.

"The substitute teacher for geography did a fantastic job," she let out another yawn, "At putting the class to sleep."

I chuckled. She looked up at me, smiling with sleepy eyes. 

💿

I felt Eunyoung's head fall gently on my shoulder. I slowly turned to look at her head resting peacefully on my shoulder. Thankfully, it wasn't the shoulder that got operated on. I would hate to push her away. A few strands of her hair framed her angelic face. Her soft breath fanned my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. The gentle rise and fall of her chest was rhythmic and calming, a stark contrast to the chaos of the day. A wave of protectiveness washed over me as I realized how vulnerable she looked in this moment.

I couldn't help but trace the outline of her face with my eyes. Her lips were slightly parted, and her eyelashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks.

This has happened before. I remembered the moment we had previously shared with shocking clarity. It replayed in my mind like my favourite scene from my favourite movie. The point of contact that made my heart flutter back then, did the same today. The tingling feeling surged through my body, just like that day. She looked as perfect as ever─ maybe more. Every moment I spent with her, I found myself wishing it would last forever.

I stole another glance at her. A warmth spread through me, a comforting familiarity that I hadn't felt in a long time. This was a moment of peace, a sanctuary from the world outside. And in that moment, I knew that I would do anything to protect this fragile, beautiful girl beside me.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: eunyoung if falling asleep on the bus was a job 💸💸

delphi's notes: ryu sunjae, the biggest loser to exist ;)

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

v. sudden shower

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER FIVE ─ sudden shower.

❛ she looks just like a dream, the prettiest girl i've ever seen ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"Thank you for your time," she expressed her gratitude to the Jagam High swimming team. Her smiling face reflected contentment with the outcome of their interview. The boys broke out in chatter on hearing a final note of conclusion and began biding their goodbyes to Eunyoung as well as to each other. Their coach gave Eunyoung a polite smile and a bow before taking his leave, his kind gesture returned by Eunyoung. She switched off her recorder, gathered her stuff and began her walk home.

Reaching the bus stop, she took a seat, a satisfied sigh leaving her mouth which seemed to say "It's over, and I did my best." Just as she looked out the window, she heard someone sit down beside her. Turning around, she couldn't believe whose face she saw. Eunyoung's eyes widened, her pupils constricting into tiny black beads. Her jaw slackens, and a breath hitches in her throat, momentarily stolen by surprise. She blinks rapidly, once, twice, willing herself not to be hallucinating.

"Choi Eunyoung?" Sunjae's voice fell on her ears, "So, you take this bus too?"

Pretending to look at his name tag, Eunyoung said, "Ryu Sunjae?"

"Hmm, that's me," he said rather cooly. His wandering gaze betrayed his faux composure, which went unnoticed by Eunyoung, who was too caught up in processing this new information.

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

Sunjae and I sat in silence for the first half of the bus ride. I had to fight my instinct to fidget with the hem of my skirt or press the buttons on my MP3 recorder, both of which would make me look like a nervous disaster, not to mention serve no purpose to calm my racing heartbeat. It took all the strength in my body not to look at Sunjae, as I knew that if I did, I doubt I would ever be able to look away. My favourite idol was sitting next to me on a bus, oblivious to his future that I was painfully aware of. After about ten minutes, I thought it was a good opportunity to talk to him privately, and I mustered up some courage to say something.

"The coach was telling me you recently came back from rehab after shoulder surgery," I started as he turned to face me, "How is it that you were able to bounce back so quickly?"

"It feels as if I'm still being interviewed," he said with a cheeky chuckle.

"Sorry to put you on the spot," I apologized quickly with an embarrassed smile, "You don't have to answer that unless you want to."

"I don't mind," he smiled politely, "I think my determination played a major role. During rehab, all I could think of was the day I could swim again. I wanted to start as soon as my doctor said it would be okay."

My lips curled into a smile, which surfaced despite my efforts to conceal it. I recalled the time he said that the day of his last swimming competition was the most heartbreaking moment of his life. He must have been so dejected. The realization hit me like a bulldozer, that Sunjae loved swimming with his whole heart.

"I might not be in the place to say this, but wouldn't it be better to rest a while longer, so you can return when you've regained your strength?" I suggested gently, "Taking time off might do you some good."

"I appreciate your concern, but I feel ready," he argued, "I've rested enough."

Just as I began to speak, the bus came to a screeching halt, the announcement of my stop breaking my train of thought. Sunjae rose to his feet before I could say anything, "I need to get off here."

I sat hesitantly in my seat, trying to comprehend his declaration. I snapped out of my trance and rushed out of the bus. Sunjae stood before me with his back to me.

"Sunjae!" I called out to him.

He was just as surprised to see me, "This is your stop too?"

"Yeah," I said through laughs. We could only chuckle at all the coincidences we realized within about thirty minutes. A fat, cold drop of water spattered on my face, missing my right eye by less than an inch. I flinched in surprise, looking up at the grey skies, darkened by the dense sea of clouds that floated around, threatening to unleash the rain at any moment. 

Another drop fell on my face, the water cool against my flushed face. The little droplets were followed by a whole downpour of them, startling me as well as Sunjae, who jumped back. It felt like the sky had opened up and decided to dump its entire bucket of rainwater on us. The wind whipped up instantly, yanking at my hair and sending loose flyers skittering across the sidewalk like startled pigeons.

"What now?" Sunjae shouted over the drumming rain.

"Run!" I yelled back. An unknown instinct took over my body as I reached for Sunjae's hand, which felt twice the size of mine. Warmth filled my body as I clutched his hand tightly and looked up at his face, eyebrows raised in surprise, eyes wide and full of confusion. "Huh?"

I pulled him along as I broke off into a run. I felt his shock too, as his body couldn't react to my impulsive action soon enough. At first, it was as if I dragged him along, but then his feet began to pick up pace, our footsteps splashing against the wet street as we made our way through the narrow lanes leading me home.

For a moment, I looked back at Sunjae, his right hand still clutched mine and his other hand was risen in a desperate attempt to shield his head from the rain. A chuckle escaped my mouth on seeing him struggling. Since smiles are contagious, he began smiling, hesitantly at first, then flashing his dimples in a real laugh. Our voices muffled by the rain rang through the air, drowning out any thoughts I might have had then. His hair flopped atop his head like a puppy's ears, the creased corners of his eyes lighting up his entire face.

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

I watched in awe as Eunyoung pulled my hand through the streets of a series of familiar narrow, winding lanes. Our hands clutched each other tightly, not letting go for reasons to which we were oblivious. The rain had always felt bothersome; I hated being drenched after spending long hours swimming. It exhausted me, as I drowned in feelings of resentment for it.

Today, this moment, was nothing like anything I had felt before. Adrenaline rushed through my veins pulling me towards Eunyoung as our feet splashed against the wet streets. My gaze wandered to Eunyoung's face. Her long, black hair was getting soaked by the minute, little water droplets running down her face. She looked back at me, laughing heartily at my surprised face. Her lips extended into a bright smile, the creased corners of her eyes expressing happiness I hadn't felt in god knows how long. Unknowingly, I joined in the laughter, the melodies of our voices resounding in my ears, muffled by the rain.

Something about her aura pulled me in, refusing to let me go. It felt like we had become intertwined in a few fleeting moments. I didn't know how long we had been running when her surprisingly tight grip dragged me into a restaurant nearby.

Is this what they call love at first sight? 

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nayoung's notes: no matter what universe sunjae is in, he can't escape his loser identity. this scene plays in my head every time it rains 🤧 this is my probablly my favorite chapter(so far) hope you liked it!

delphi's notes: SONAKI BITCHESSS. Not the love at first sight tho. 

@the-one-and-only-delphi

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