demiee

While I breathe, I hope

[demusewriter]

୨ৎ Demie's Library ୨୧

Welcome to my library, I’m so glad you found your way here. This library holds tales inspired by Enhypen. Feel free to wander through the shelves and discover what speaks to your heart. I hope you enjoy your stay and find exactly what you’re looking for.

Bake with Love - Yang Jungwon (one shot)

SYNOPSIS: You once dreamed of having your bakery where everyone could use it as a safe refuge from reality, similar to the shop from your childhood. It seems to work as one of the famous boy groups uses it to hang out to temporarily escape the spotlight, especially by one member who seems to be fond of the place.

Word Count: 6.3k

I Loved You Too Early - Yang Jungwon (two-shots)

SYNOPSIS: You've been admiring the captain of the prominent football team in your school, whom you secretly admiring from afar. You thought he was out of your reach until you saw him studying in your brother's room.

Word Count: 26.1k

Change Your Ticket - Yang Jungwon (one shot) recent!

SYNOPSIS: Jungwon has been missing you ever since the tour kicked off, the distance stretching across months like an endless road. Every late-night call, every fleeting messages, makes Jungwon longs for you more than words can say. So why not change your ticket home to surprise him?

Word Count: 2.5k

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more to come...

[demusewriter]

I just finished reading On Thin Ice and I have goosebumps all over me. Reader thinking she was the one watching sunghoon but him never seeing her while he always ALWAYS saw her 😭 I'm low-key glad you left the ending open it leaves so much to the imagination. My heart is so full God I love yearning I love yearning so much 😭 it's such a beautiful emotion.

This really made me smile. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts after reading my story, it genuinely warmed my day in a way I didn’t expect. 🫶

And you’re right. Yearning is such a beauty and poetic human emotion. It means you’re capable of loving deeply, dreaming fearlessly, and holding things close to your heart even when they aren’t fully yours.

Though it often feels bittersweet, but maybe that’s what makes it meaningful. Yearning teaches us to appreciate what’s just out of reach and it’s a reminder that even longing has its own quiet kind of beauty. 🤍

[demusewriter]

ON THIN ICE ₊˚｡❆ P.SH

₊˚.༄ est. 13k+゛⸝⸝.ᐟ⋆ ⸻ .⟡ word count

Pairings: Coach! Park Sunghoon x Coach! Fem Reader 𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚ Figure skater coach Au ⋆ Slow-burn ⋆ One-sided Rivalry-to-Lovers ⋆ Mutual Pinning.

Summary: You grew up chasing dreams on the ice, conquering competition after competition with your partner. Not until Park Sunghoon and his partner shattered your winning streak, leaving a quiet, unspoken bruise beneath your confidence.

Years later, as retired figure skaters and now coaches, fate loops your paths together again when you find yourself accepting his invitation to form a team after your student got drafted for the next potential pair skating to represent the country to international competition.

You thought throw jumps and harsh landings were terrifying, but nothing comes close to the unsettling and breath-catching fear of skating your emotions on thin ice.

Author's Note: The original plot of this story got deleted and the worst part? I had no backup... Sigh. I forgot most of what I wrote, so I had to start completely from scratch, which is something entirely different from the original. 😮‍💨

I still hope you’ll love this version just as much. 🫶 Warning! Not proof-read! hehe

❄️❄️⛸️❄️❄️

You've always love the cold.

Not the kind that bites or numbs or lingers too long, but the gentle kind.

The kind that hushes the world.

You were only four years old when you first discovered your love for it.

It happened during a Christmas visit to your grandpa's house, a place you always remembered as warm and welcoming, despite being nestled among tall trees and snow-covered mountains that silently tells you how cold it was outside.

At first, you hated it. You despise the snow.

You hated how quickly your hands gets freeze, how your cheeks flushed pink the moment the cold wind kissed them, and most of all, walking on the slippery paths and falling on your little butt over and over again.

There was nothing fun about it—just cold, frustrating, and irritating.

However, it all changes when your parent's insisted on going outside in the freezing cold.

You were bundled in your coat, clinging to your grandfather's neck as he carried you gently in his arms down a path you had no interest in.

Your tiny arms wrapped around him tightly, face buried into the warm crook of his neck with eyes closed, wishing you could go back inside.

Then you heard his soft whisper broke through your thoughts.

"Look up, sweetheart"

The tenderness in his voice made you open your eyes and lifting your head to follow the direction he was pointing.

And what you saw made your eyes sparkles in awe.

The lake that you loved visiting for fishing during summer stays was now completely transformed into a solid and shiny, like a giant mirror beneath the soft winter sun.

The tall, lush green pine trees that once surrounded it were now draped in snow, their branches heavy and shimmering with frost.

Even the mountains had changed. Instead of being green, their tops were now white with snow, but they still stood tall beneath the bright blue sky.

Amidst all of that beauty, what caught you the most is seeing your father glided smoothly across the frozen lake, laughing brightly as he pulled your mother along with him. The sound of her laughter echoed across the ice like a melody.

Seeing the joy on their faces made your tiny heart flutter. As if it was the most beautiful thing you had ever seen.

You squirm excitedly in your grandpa's arms, desperate to get down. He chuckled warmly and set you down gently on the ice. You wobbled uncertainly and promptly fell on your bottom.

But instead of crying like you always do as an immediately response to the fall, you just laugh.

A big genuine laugh that bubbled up from inside you.

Your parents laugh along with you, a look of love and adoration shines in their eyes as they rushed over to you. Your father immediately scooped you up into his arms, cradling you securely as he glided across the ice with you.

The cold wind whipped across your face as he picked up the speed, and for the first time, you didn't mind the bite of the cold. You opened you arms wide and laugh with pure joy as your father spun you in a circle.

It was scary.

It was cold.

But it was magical.

You smiled as you watched the little girl giggle, her arms wide open as her father twirled her across the ice.

The sight warmed your heart despite the coldness of the rink. It reminded you so quickly, so vividly, of the very same joy you once felt at her age

"Coach?"

A sudden call of your name broke through the mist of your memories, pulling you back to the present. You blinked, your breath hitching a little as the crisp air of the rink filled your lungs.

You turned and found Haeun standing a few feet away, skates on, bundled up in her practice jacket, a puzzled but patient look on her face. She tilted her head slightly, then followed your gaze to the other side of the rink.

You shook your head slightly, a small laugh escaping your breath as you turned your attention back to Haeun. "Sorry," you softly said. "I got a little distracted."

"Come on" You skated a little closer to her, "Let's run though the jump again. I want you to focus on tightening your core when you take off. You almost had it last time, you just have to trust your landing."

Haeun nodded and started gliding across the ice, taking mental notes of your instructions as her movement steady yet filled with anticipation.

You watched as she took a deep breath, adjusting her posture, her arms extending gracefully as she picked up the speed. The familiar rhythm of her blades carving through the ice echoed in the rink.

Her brows furrowed in concentration, and for a brief moment, you could see the flicker of doubt in her eyes. But then, just as quickly, it vanished—replaced by unwavering determination.

As you continue to observe your student's posture in preparation for the Quadruple Lutz + Triple Toe Loop, a surge of pride roars in your chest when you saw that glint in her eyes as she readies herself for the takeoff.

You had been coaching Haeun since she was much younger, back when she was still clumsy and unsure, skating in local competitions with bright eyes and shaky landings.

It was your first time coaching after retiring from figure skating. You had no idea to how to do it and had no confidence that you could bring the shine in others the way you once did in yourself.

But out of hundreds of professional figure skating coaches, far more skilled and experienced, Haeun chose you.

You saw it in her eyes, the certainty, the quiet belief that she didn't made a mistake. She didn't choose you because she had no other choice.

She chose you because she believed you could bring out the best in her.

In that moment, you believed in yourself too. After years of self-doubt, after countless failures and losses that had driven you to leave the ice behind, you finally felt something shift.

For the first time in a long time, you believed you could do it.

And together, step by step, you guided her.

From local competitions, where she slowly built her confidence, to bigger regional events.

With each season, she sharpened her skills, her performances growing more polished and more commanding.

Eventually, she pierced through the tough competition to qualify for the Korean National Championships.

There, she shined.

Standing on the podium with a silver medal around her neck, she beamed so brightly you thought she might light up the whole rink.

You still remembered the pride, the overwhelming emotion that tightened your chest when they announced her name.

Now, at eighteen, she was stronger, sharper, and hungrier for more.

This season, you were both eyeing the gold. And after that? The world stage awaited.

If all went well, your next goal was the ISU Challenger Series.

A stepping stone into the international circuit. Soon, you and Haeun would be traveling abroad to compete, testing her skills against the best young skaters from all around the world.

It was a thrilling, terrifying thought.

But as you watched her now, still so full of spirit and determination, you knew she was ready for it.

And so were you.

You watch Haeun bent her knees, arms steady at her sides as she gathered momentum across the rink. You watched closely as your breath caught in your throat.

Quadruple Lutz + Triple Toe Loop is one of the most difficult and high-scoring jump combinations in figure skating. It requires a maximum effort jump followed immediately by a triple jump, with a perfect clean landing for each.

It was a beast even for the best skaters in the world.

Haeun had been working on it for months. She had the strength and technique, but the timing, the delicate balance between power and control, was where she still struggled.

You could see her steel herself, a slight tightening of her jaw as she pushed off the ice with her left foot, vaulting into the air.

For a split second, she soared, spinning fast, arms tight, body compact in the air. But halfway through, you noticed a slight tilt, the tiniest break in her axis, a danger sign.

But she fought for it.

Against the pull of gravity, against the instinct to bail, she fought to finish the rotations. Her blades sliced the air sharply.

When she landed, it was messy—her skate wobbled, her arms flailed slightly—but she stayed upright.

Your hear leapt into your throat.

She did it!

A breathless laugh escaped her lips, half-disbelieving, as she steadied herself and looked over at you, eyes wide and shining.

You grinned, clapping your gloved hands together. "You did it!" you praised, pride thick in your voice, "it might not perfect but you fought for it. That's what matters."

Haeun let out a shaky breath, hands on her knees, but she was smiling.

The jump wasn't flawless yet—she had to fix her axis, tighten her arms, work on the land—but today, she proved somethin more important.

She could do it.

That she had the guts to stay in the air and trust herself.

And you knew, this was just the beginning.

You tried to give her more instructions that she can easily understand, but when words weren't enough, you'd show her yourself—how to jump should flow, how to carry her weight, or how to shift momentum.

Even though your jumps weren't as sharp or high as they used to be, you knew it mattered to her in seeing it with her own eyes.

Despite the fact that 4Ltz + 3T had never been your strong suit back in the days you were actively competing, you were determined to help Haeun conquer it.

Because your believed in her.

You wanted to bring Haeun to her highest peak. To see her glide not just as competitor, but as a skater fully in control of her art, her power, and her dream.

After running through her training schedule and reminding her to focus on core strength exercises, you finally called it a day.

You headed straight to your little corner in the office where notebooks, sticky notes, and coffee cups cluttered your desk.

You needed to record your insights before they faded, draft another drill set for tomorrow, and finalize the next two-week plan.

You were already reaching for your pen when you noticed an email notification on your laptop.

As you check the content, you heart felt like pausing in your chest when you read the subject title.

"National Skating Committee: Pair Skating Candidate Selection"

 You quickly clicked it open as you hold your breath.

The email came directly from the Sports Committee. It was a formal invitation to an upcoming meeting—one that would discuss the committee's proposal for the national pairings, with the intent to build a strong roster for the coming national competitions and international qualifiers

The committee was considering merging top-performing athletes from singles into pairs to form competitive duos that can possibly represent the country in figure skating.

And Haeun's name was on that list.

Your lips parted, a soft breath escaping as your gaze lingered on the lines:

"Athlete Seo Haeun has been observed with notable technical capability, performance consistency, and excellent adaptability, traits with high potential for pair skating development. Her growth under your coaching has been exceptional, and she has been shortlisted as a potential candidate for partner matchups."

You couldn't stop the smile from blooming on your face. It wasn't official yet, just early talks, but still this meant something.

This meant they were noticing her.

They saw in Haeun what you'd seen the moment she first stepped on the rink with you. The determination and the quiet hunger behind every fall and every glide.

This was big—no, a huge door opening for Haeun, where she could go further than you have ever imagined, carve a legacy even wider than yours.

This felt eerily familiar.

The rush, the disbelief, the way time slowed down when a news came to you the exact same thing.

Your chest warmed at the thought that Haeun might now given the same opportunity.

As you continue to read the details, your eyes landed on the last part of the email.

Tentative List of Coaches Invited:

Mr. Park Sunghoon - representing candidate Lee Minjun and Park Chaewon.

The warm pride in your chest iced over in an instant.

Of all people.

With all of professional coaches out there, it has to be him.

The one who never let you forget that you'd never be the best, not during your figure skating career, and even now, as a coach.

His name felt like a slap in your face, a harsh reminder that no matter what you do, you'll never see your name above his, because he was always on the top.

In figure skating and even in coaching.

Staring at his name felt like a familiar sting crawl up your spine. You blinked, once, twice. But the letters didn't disappear.

They didn't fade.

They burned.

You remember the first time you received a letter from the local sports committee inviting you to join a pair skating for competition. The envelope was plain, but your name was printed neatly at the center in a formal font.

With trembling hands, you read the letter, your eyes darting over each line as your breath caught your throat. A slow, disbelieving smile began to form on your lips, growing wider with every word.

It felt surreal.

After years of sacrifice, after every bruise and fall, every early morning on the rink and every quiet doubt that crept in when progress felt slow—this moment had arrived.

The long, relentless pursuit of a dream that started on your grandpa's frozen lake, under skies brushed with pink and gold, had led you here.

There were times you questioned if it was all just a childish fantasy—if someone like you, practicing alone on cracked ice in borrowed skates, could ever step into a spotlight beyond your small community rink that your parents enrolled you in.

But someone had been watching.

The committee saw your passion. They noticed the precision in your movements, the determination that didn't falter even after defeat.

They saw the spark in your performance—the quiet fire behind every spin, every jump, every fall you refused to let define you.

And now, they were offering you something more.

A new path.

A new challenge.

You had been chosen to be part of a pair—a new kind of partnership that demanded not only skill, but trust, timing, and connection.

You once thought the small rink was your ceiling. But this letter told you otherwise.

The first time you met your partner, you weren't sure what to expect.

He was taller than you imagined, with calm eyes and quiet kind of confidence—the kind that didn't need to prove itself.

He skated like it was second nature, his movement smooth and unhurried, as if the ice belonged to him.

There was a strange stillness in that first handshake. Not cold, not distant—just cautious. Like two people trying to guess the rhythm of a song they hadn't heard before.

The beginning was clumsy. There were lifts that ended in near-spills. Twists where you pulled too early. Footwork sequences that started with promise and ended with tangled blades and muffled curses. Some days left the rink more frustrated than fulfilled.

But slowly, something began to shift. A rhythm emerged—not perfect, not polished, but promising.

You learned to read the small cues: the way his hand pressed slightly firmer before a lift, the shift of his weight that told you when to prepare.

He learned your energy—how to ground to it, how to move with it instead of against it.

You began to trust. Not just in him—but in the idea of duo.

The very first competition you compete together as a pair, the chemistry was evident from the very first exhibition.

There was something instinctive in the way your movements intertwined—like the ice had always been waiting for the two of you to meet on it.

His lifts gave your jumps new height; your spins, in turn, drew out a poetic grace in him that hadn't been noticed before.

The crowd felt it. So did the judges.

The medals began to follow. A bronze at the invitational. Then silver at regionals. Then gold—once, twice, then again.

Your names began to circulate in skating circles. Whispers turned into cheers. Local fans started bringing banners. Judge leaned forward in their seats as you perform.

You were no longer the underdogs. You both were climbing. Making so much noise.

And for a while, it felt like the ice belonged to you.

Then came the Winter Championships—the highest-profile even you'd ever entered.

The air in the rink buzzed with electricity, the kind that came from lights, nerves and the unspoken knowledge that careers could shift in a single landing.

You and your partner had just stepped off the ice, the final notes of your routine still echoing faintly in the arena.

Applause followed you as you skated toward the edge, flushed and breathless but proud. Your hands were still warm in your partner's as you exited center ice, smiles tugging at your lips.

You were making your way to the waiting area, hearts still pounding when you felt something.

A shift in the air.

As you and your partner glided toward the exit, another pair entered from the opposite side of the rink, crossing paths with you like a slow-moving current colliding with another.

Their movements were quiet, deliberate, and poised with calm of people who didn't need to prove themselves—they just were.

He was the first thing you noticed.

Park Sunghoon.

Tall, lean, with that composed, elegant posture that came from years of rigorous training. His face was unreadable, sharp, and clean like carved ice, but not cold.

There was a control in his stride that unnerved you: confident, but not showy. Precise, but unhurried. It was the kind of aura that demanded space without raising its voice.

And beside him is his beautiful and elegant partner.

She was everything graceful: good postures, serene presence, and eyes that looked straight ahead, never once flickering toward the crowd.

Her hair was tightly pulled back into a neat bun, her costume a shimmered under the lights, an echo of elegance that matched with Sunghoon's midnight-toned attire.

She glided like water beside him, silent but powerful.

They didn't look at you both as they passed. But they didn't need to.

The brief moment—those few seconds of passing—left undeniable pit in your stomach.

Was it jealousy?

Intimidation?

You didn't know what it was exactly, but as their blades sliced into the ice and they began to glide toward center stage, you felt it settle into your bones:

They're going to take this.

And they did.

When their music began, the energy in the rink changed. Where your routine had been romantic and precise, theirs was electric.

Bold.

Raw.

Sunghoon moved with strength and fluidity, lifting his partner like she weighed nothing, throwing her into perfectly timed spins and jumps that made the audience audibly gasp. Their chemistry was immediate, intense, and commanding.

You sat in the waiting area, heartbeat slowing, watching through the monitor as they stole the show.

"They're good." Your partner muttered beside you.

You couldn't form a reply, you were just busy staring, frozen in your seat, unable to take your eyes off from them.

Something in you knew. This was the beginning of an end.

By the time the score were announced—yours second place, their first—the arena was already abuzz with a new story. A new name. A new face of promise.

The prince and the swan, where media immediately named their duo, were quickly crowned as the future of Korean figure skating.

It was everything you once thought you and your partner would be.

You weren't angry, but something inside you cracked a little.

Not because of the loss, but because of what came after—how quickly the spotlight shifted. How interviews dried up. How the federation, once so full of promises, quietly pulled their attention elsewhere.

And now your partner, hungry for bigger opportunities, eventually got tired of waiting for the tides to turn, left with half-hearted apology and a sentence you never forgot.

"I just don't see this going anywhere"

Despite of being abandoned, you still tried to keep going.

You went back to solo skating, clinging to the rhythm that once gave you purpose, hoping to salvage what was left.

Meanwhile, Sunghoon—the Prince and the Swan soared.

They collected gold after gold, like pulling stars from the night sky.

Every competition became another page in their legacy. National titles, Grand Prix medals, World Championships.

And then, the Olympics.

They're the South Korea's first Olympic gold in pair skating.

They reach their heights you once dreamed of, while you remained behind—quiet, unseen, a name that slowly faded from the rankings.

And now, years later, standing at the edge of the rink as a coach, watching Haeun chase her own dream, the past feels dangerously close.

Like history creeping back in.

Especially now that Park Sunghoon has returned—not just as a name in headline, but as a coach. A rival. A shadow of everything you thought you'd left behind.

A living reminder of what could've been... and what you're terrified to lose again.

You stared at yourself on the mirror for god how many hours, trying to hype yourself up inside the bathroom.

"For Haeun" You reminded yourself again why your doing this. You blew a big breath and fix your hair that fell in soft waves before you push yourself to out to the meeting room.

The room was chilled with central air, lit by harsh overhead fluorescents that made the polished floor glint like ice.

Your smoothed a hand down your blazer, exhaled slowly, and greeted the committee members one by one with a small bow and a polite smile, the same kind you'd mastered for press interviews long ago.

The room was already half full, quiet murmurs and rustling papers breaking the silence. Other coaches glanced up briefly to acknowledge your arrival.

Familiar faces. A few nods. A few stares you couldn't quite read.

You tried to appear calm, like trying to stop yourself from fiddling with the hem of you blazer, but your nerves prickled beneath your skin.

Maybe it was the pressure of your first major coaching assignment.

Or perhaps, it was the silent knowledge that he was here.

You scanned the table for an empty seat, careful not to look too desperate. There was one near the end, and you began to head toward it—only to pause.

You eyes caught the little nameplate resting beside the seat.

Coach Park Sunghoon

And directly across from him was your name.

Your breath hitched in your throat.

No.

No way.

You glanced around again, hopeful, but all the other seats were already claimed. One coach even gave you an apologetic smile when your eyes met.

You looked back at your designated spot.

Of course. Of all places.

A bitter part of you wondered if seating chart had been intentional—someone behind the committee desk thinking it would be fun to place the two former rivals face to face, a reunion of tension wrapped in professionalism.

Reluctantly, you stepped forward and pulled the chair back. The legs lightly against the floor as you sank into it, heat pounding louder than you wanted to admit.

And there he was.

The gold Olympic figure skater—Park Sunghoon seated directly across from you like some cruel mirror from the past.

His dark hair fell in soft, deliberate waves, parted just enough to frame his sharp features.

Thin-rimmed glasses sat perfectly on the bridge of his nose, catching the light as he tilted his head slightly.

His posture was relaxed, dressed in a crisp black suit and white dress shirt, a simple tie neately knotted at his collar making him looked effortlessly refined.

But his expression still held the same unreadable calm from all those years ago—remained untouched by time.

Nonchalant, cool, and unbothered.

You couldn't help but watch him, just for a second, as if trying to match the man now with the boy you used to compete against.

Your heart was steady, but your mind was not. It wandered into memories you thought you buried years ago.

The sharp clack of his blades on cold ice. The glint of gold medals you never touched. The empty seats beside you when your partner stopped showing up.

The universe really had a twisted sense of humor.

Everything has changed, yet Sunghoon still look the same.

Still that effortless confidence, the kind that didn't need loud declarations or arrogance. Its the way he didn't need to speak to command presence.

He didn’t need to be loud.

He was the Park Sunghoon, after all.

You didn't know what you expected.

Maybe for him to look older. Maybe to appear tired, weight down by the pressure and glory.

But no.

If anything, time had only refined him.

You didn't notice how long you'd been looking until Sunghoon suddenly lifted his head. His eyes met yours, steady and unmistakably direct.

Not a glance. Not the kind of look that passes through people.

He looked at you.

And for the first time in your life, Park Sunghoon saw you.

Your breath caught, your fingers froze on the corner of the document in front of you.

It was just a few seconds. Maybe less. But it dragged.

His eyes were the same dark shade you remembered—cold on the surface, but intense if you look long enough. You wanted to look away, but you didn't

You held it.

And somehow, that hurt more.

Because now you were face-to-face in the same room, equal on paper yet your body still remembered what it felt like to be the one left behind.

To watch from the sidelines. To be invisible in the presence of someone like him.

Sunghoon broke his gaze and went back to his papers, like nothing had happened.

But something had.

And no matter how calmly you sat there, your heart was still racing from the shock of finally being seen by the person who had unknowingly haunted your career.

You were no longer the girl walking off the rink while the crowd roared for someone else.

But part of you still didn't know how to stop feeling like her.

You forced your eyes back down to the agenda as the meeting officially began. The head of the committee, an older man with silver-rimmed glasses stood at the front of the room.

"We appreciate everyone for attending today," he said. "This is an important year. South Korea's national figure skating committee is working toward forming a final team to represent us at the international invitational next season, and we want the most deserving pair. Regardless of prior titles or popularity. It will be merit-based."

You nodded along with the others, but your hands curled slightly around the edge of the paper in front of you.

Haeun…

She'd been training so hard, you've seen all her efforts to master her craft. She was talented, graceful, and determined. But this wasn't just about effort anymore.

There were other skaters in the running—more seasoned, more connected. And the problem wasn't just the other athletes.

It was the coach sitting directly across from you.

Park Sunghoon.

Of course he was chosen not just one, but two candidates.

Park Chaewon, a striking female soloist who recently made waves in the national circuit, and Lee Minju, a newer male skater who had been gaining traction for his precision and speed.

Both were chosen by the committee under his wings, an Olympic gold medalist.

A person that everyone is sports committee respected.

You could already imagined the amount of praise in headlines that would be plastered in sports news once he secured both the spots for his students.

No one cared how hard you and Haeun worked.

What mattered was who you both were up against.

You couldn't help but gaze briefly at him.

Sunghoon hadn't looked at you again. His eyes remained locked on the speaker, his chin resting on his knuckles in a posture of easy, unreadable calm. Not a single reaction. As if the outcome didn’t matter.

As if he already knew how it would end.

That quiet confidence made something twist in your stomach.

He always carried himself like this—cool and collected, even when everyone else was panicking over scoring or last-minute changes.

That air of control made people listen and trust him.

And maybe that's why the next words hit you so hard.

"To ensure fairness" the committee head continued, "we've decided not to base the final pairing decision purely on recommendation or prior placements. Instead, there will be a closed-door exhibition next month, where the coaches here will collaborate in forming temporary pairs to train together for three weeks and perform a full routine of your own choreography"

A low wave of murmurs rippled across the room. Some relieved, some tense. And you, of course, were part of the latter.

"Each pair's performance will be evaluated for execution, chemistry, artistry, and technical potential" he added. "The pair with the highest score will represent the federation."

Your fingers instinctively twined together in your lap, thumbs fidgeting over each other. An old habit, one that always surfaced when anxiety crept in your bones.

Three weeks.

Was that really enough for Haeun to learn an entire pair routine from scratch?

Pair skating wasn't just about learning steps and synchronization. It's all about surrendering half of your control to someone else's rhythm and strength.

It took years for most to adapt. Heck! including you, also struggled in adjusting before, and now Heaun had to do it in a quarter of a month?

And then the second wave of fear hit you.

Who would even want to collaborate with you?

You weren't the youngest coach in the room, but you were the least known. You didn't have a legacy or a medal count to fall back on. The others had reputations, athletes, and connections.

And you only had Haeun.

A brilliant, expressive student. Fearless, disciplined and hardworking. But the moment she stepped into a pair routine, she would be a beginner again.

You exhaled slowly, trying to ground yourself, but your gaze drifted pulled almost magnetically to the man sitting across from you.

Sunghoon remained stoic, body relaxed as if none of this fazed him.

Of course he wasn't worried.

He had two strong skaters, well-trained, polished, and already compatible with pair elements.

He didn't need to collaborate with the other coaches, he could simply match them together and shape them into something brilliant.

You felt a pang in your chest. Not jealousy, but something more complicated. Something twisted between admiration, intimidation, and the faint memory of standing on opposite ends of a rink, watching him outshine you without ever meaning to.

You looked away quickly, curling your fingers under the table. You knew better than to expect him to acknowledge you. In all the years you'd crossed paths he'd never once looked back at you.

And maybe that was what stung the most.

You had always seen him, but he had never seen you.

You pressed your nails into your thigh, grounding yourself.

No. You couldn't do this. Not now. Not here.

Haeun needed you, and you believed in her more than anyone ever believed in you.

She could do this. You knew she could learn, adapt, and shine fast.

And no matter how nervous or how small you felt in a room full of giants, you would give her every chance you never had.

You lifted your chin, trying to steady your breath.

You got this.

Haeun got this.

You just had to find a way to prove it.

And the first step is to find a good partner with Haeun.

When the meeting adjourned and chairs scraped softly across the floor, you took a quiet breath and approached the one coach you knew well—Coach Minseok.

A kind man, someone you’d spoken to in past competitions. His male student was one of the top choices for the selection. Collaborating with him would've been solid and safe. A good match for Haeun.

"Coach Minseok" you called gently.

He turned, smiling. "Oh, Y/n. Great to see you."

Your hear eased a little. "I was wondering if you've already decided on a collaboration partner? I think our students could complement each other well."

You saw how his expression shifted. Still gentle but now seems apologetic.

"I'm really sorry, Y/n." he said. "I've already agreed to a team-up, just finalized it a minute ago."

You blinked, the disappointment prickling but not surprising. "Oh. No worries, coach. I understand."

He gave a polite nod and moved on to join a cluster of other coaches, already deep in conversation. You stood there for a moment, gathering yourself before turning to scan the room again.

Maybe there was still someone—

Your thoughts were halted when your eyes traveled across the conference room, you suddenly felt dipped in your stomach.

Everyone was already paired off...

Small groups of coaches were chatting animatedly, comparing notes, exchanging numbers, and shaking hands in agreement.

Their faces were bright and confident, some already discussing potential lifts, or choreography ideas, their student's strengths, and their collaborative visions.

And not one of them looked in your direction.

The noise of conversations, the laughter, and the hushed excitement pressed in around you, making the space feel smaller and smaller, like you were fading into the background.

Like you weren't needed.

With a quiet breath, you slipped out of the conference room, pushing the door open as gently as you could so it wouldn't make a sound. The hallway outside was dimmer, cooler, and quiet. The kind of quiet that wrapped around you like a sigh.

You stepped forward, exhaling shakily, trying to gather the pieces of yourself again.

The day has been overwhelming, maybe you just need to go home and rest for a minute and contact any coaches that will agreed to collaborate with you.

With the final thought, you reached for your phone to book a cab in your bag. When you didn't feel the familiar size of your phone, you check the inside pocket... your coat... pants pocket...

Your phone was gone.

Shit!

You must've left it on the table during the meeting, rigth next to the glass of untouched water.

Suppressing a groan, you turned back and walked quickly down the hallway toward the meeting room.

As you turned the corner, you nearly collided with someone.

You immidiately frozen when Sunghoon blinked down at you with the faintest motion of surprise flickering behind his glases.

A first emotion you saw aside from his usual cold and unbothered expressions.

"Oh" you said dumbly, backing up a half step. "S-Sorry. I was just— I left—"

"This?" He said quietly.

You followed his gaze and saw your phone resting in his hand.

He held it out to you with the same controlled elegance he carried on the ice—steady and completely effortless.

And for one reckless heartbeat, you wondered what it would be like to collaborate with someone like him—someone with experience, authority, knowledge, and talent so refined it almost felt untouchable.

Someone who could guide Haeun in ways you were still learning.

But you shook the thought off quickly. Impossible. Sunghoon wasn’t someone you asked favors from, and clearly, you weren’t someone he’d choose.

“T-Thank you,” you muttered as you took the phone. Your fingers brushed his—barely a second of contact, light as air—yet somehow it sent a spark straight up your arm.

"No problem," he murmured

Then he said something you never expected.

"Nice seeing you again, Y/n"

Yor breath hitched. Again?

You looked up and this time, he didn't look away. His gaze held yours with warmth. Like he was seeing you for the first time, and not just as another competitor skating past him

Something fluttered too quickly in your chest.

You scrambled for words, anything at all, but all that escaped was a thin whisper "You too."

Sunghoon's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, eyes darting away as he reached up to touch the back of his neck. A small, almost shy gesture that didn't fit the confident skater everyone knew.

"Thank you again," you added, forcing a smile as you pointed toward exit. "I—I should go."

You stepped past him.

But before you got two steps, a warm hand wrapped gently around your wrist.

"D-Do you already have someone to collaborate with?" Sunghoon asked abruptly.

The question stunned you so hard you almost forgot to breathe. He sounded... nervous. Like the words were heavier than he expected.

You slowly turned to face him. "I haven't..." You swallowed, the memory of all the coaches pairing off like you weren't even there flashing through your mind "...yet."

Sunghoon exhaled softly, almost in relief.

"Then... Would it be fine with you if collaborate?" He asked.

You stared.

Sunghoon, the Olympic champion, the prodigy, and living legend—wanted to collaborate... with you?

"I—I mean" he rushed out quickly, "we're botth experienced in pair skating, and we can teach the routine properly. Since we know the techniques firsthand, we can demonstrate them ourrselves, so our students can visualize better. It gives them an advantage. And I think—"

He hesitated, voice softening nearly to a whisper. "I think we'd make a really good team."

His words blurred at the edges as your thoughts spiraled.

Sunghoon wants... you?

But you weren't like him. You didn't have medals from Wolds and didn't stand on Olympic podiums.

Your expereince lived in local competitions and national championships—not in the global arena where his name shined brightest.

Finally, you managed to speak.

"But... you have Chaewon" you said carefully. "Why Haeun? Why not pair your own athletes?"

"She declined the category " he replied. "She wants to focus on solo competition. So I only have Minju for pairs. You have Haeun. They'd compelement each other well."

You nodded slowly, the logistics made sense.

But that wasn't the real question.

"But why us?" You whispered "Why me?"

Sunghoon opened his mouth, but you spoke again.

"Sunghoon, I'm not as experienced as you think I am" your voice trembling. "After the Winter Championships, I stopped pursuing my dream. I faded out. I never made it to Worlds. I never stood next to people like you on those podiums. I barely scraped national level while you were skating pas the world.

Your throat tightened. "Why me? Out of everyone in that room... Why did you choose me?"

The hallway hummed faintly with the low buzz of flourescent lights, and you could hear the distant echo of voices leaking from the meeting room behind you.

But between the two of you, the silence felt thick, almost fragile.

Sunghoon's hand slowly slipped from your wrist, but he didn't step back. If anything, he shiifted close, just enough that you could feel the subtle warmth radiating from him.

His eyes softened, and you realied this was the first time you'd seen them look... human. Not distant or untouchable.

Just Sunghoon.

"Y/n" he began quiety, "experience isn't just measured by the medals you won."

Your breath stalled.

He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, exhaling through his nose as if he was choosing every word carefully.

"You were the one skater everyone watched when you stepped onto the ice. Not because you were loud or flashy, but because you were—"

He searched for the word and the earnestness in his face made your heart twist.

"captivating."

He rubbed the bacl of his neck, gaze dropping for the briefest second.

"I choose you" he said softly "because you're the only coach in that room who understands what it means to fight for something even after you've lost it." His gaze lifted, locking with yours.

"And because Haeun is like you. She has that same fire and I know you're the only one who can bring it out."

Your heart feels like it’s about to burst from the force of his words. Warmth surges up your chest so quickly it’s dizzying—your pulse loud, fingers trembling, vision blurring at the edges.

But nothing prepares you for the next thing he says.

"And I wanted to work with you. Not because it’s strategic. Not because it’s convenient." His eyes softened again

"Because I never got the chance to, back then."

Your lips parted, but no sound came out—not when his words settled in the hollow of your chest, nor when the quiet sincerity in his eyes pried open every locked door inside you.

It was almost cruel, how easily one moment could unravel years.

Years of swallowing disappointment until it tasted normal. Years of replaying every fall, every misstep, every fraction of a second that cost you a medal.

Years of convincing yourself that you were the reason why you and your partner never won the Winter Olympics, why you didn't go as far as everyone expected, and why the world stopped believing in you long before you stopped believing in yourself.

You carried those failure like a second skin.

You balmed yourself for the scores that never broke records, foe the programs that fell short, for not being brilliant enough to blind the judges. You held every mistake like it was proof of who you were and who you weren't

No one blames—well not directly—but you did.

Quitely

Constantly

Carrying it until now.

It was easier that way.

To be your own villain before anyone else could be.

And then ther was Sunghoon—standing there, looking at you like he could see every crack, every bruise, every feaer you kep buried under years of practice composure.

You expect pity and kind of emoty comfort peoplle offer out of obligation.

But what you got was something far more terrifying

Honesty.

Soft, unwaring honestly that you weren't prepared to receive.

Your chest tightened—not from pain, but from the unfamiliar relief creeping in. It felt like someon had reached into your lungs and finally let the air out. Like someone had loosended the straps you didn't realize you had been wearing for half you life.

For a second, you could only stare at him—because the Sunghoon you remebered from years ago never looked at you like this. Never talked like this.

Never sounded like he was speaking truths he'd been holding for too long.

"I—I donn't know what to say." A soft, shaky breath escape you.

"You don't have to say anything yet." He assured. "Just decide if you want to work with me. With Minju"

Under normal circumstances, taking time to think about an offer would’ve been the smart thing to do—especially when your student’s future was at stake.

But time wasn’t on your side. After witnessing how quickly the coaches in that meeting room had formed their collaborations, how fast they claimed partners and mapped out strategies, you knew the truth:

If you hesitated now, even for a moment, your chances of finding anyone to team up with would shrink to almost nothing.

And then there was Sunghoon. He had offered. The opportunity had already opened its door for you

If you wanted Haeun to reach her dream, you had to walk through it. You had to start now.

Your fingers tightened around your phine.

"I'll do it." You whispered. "Let's collaborate."

Something flickered in Sunghoon's eyes—relief, satisfaction and something softer, almost hidden. He nooded once.

"Good." His voice dipped. "I'll send you the training outline tonight.

You could only nod back.

The hallway lights buzzed softly between you as you stepped past him. The air felt different—heavier on skin but lighter in your chest. Confusing you in way that left your heartbeat unsteady.

You didn't know what agreeing to him meant fully.

But it felt like the start of something you weren't prepared for.

❄️❄️⛸️❄️❄️

You and Haeun arrived earlier than you had ever planned so early that the arena felt like it was still waking up with you.

The overhead lights were only beginning to brighten, stetching thin golden reflections across the untouched surface of the ice.

A chill settled deep into your lungs when you inhaled, grounding you in a moment that was heavier than it appeared.

This wasn't just another morning. This was the start of everything you had been preparing for, the beginning of a three week sprint that would determine Haeun's future and perhapas, in ways you didn't yet date to consider your own as well.

Beside you, Haeum fidgeted with her ponytail, tightening and re-tigthening it until you gently touched her arm to stop her.

"Coach," she whispered, eyes darting nervously across the rink, "what if I mess up? What if I can't keep up with everyone?"

You leaned forward slightly, softening your voice with the cal you hoped woould reach her. "Then we fix it together. Tha'ts the whole point of being here is to learn. No one expects perfection on the first day, Haeun. Not even me."

She nodded, drawing comfort from your steadiness even though her nerves were far from gone.

You both turned from the sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance. You saw Sunghoon walked in with Minju at his side, skate slung over their shoulders.

Sunghoon's hair was slightly tousled, his eyes still touched with that softness people have before fully waking up. For a moment, he looked less like the untouchable Olympic icon and more like someone who'd rushed his moening just to get here on time.

Then his eyes found you.

His expression shifted so subtly most people would've missed it. The faint tiredness vanished from his features, replaced by something softer. His back straightened, but not with intimidation. More like... wanting to look his best.

"Good morning," he said, voice low but noticeably lighter than usual, as if the greeting was meant for you first before anyone else.

"Good morning," you smiled, trying to be sound casual.

Minju bowed politely. "Coach Y/N, Heaun-ssi. I'm looking forward working with you both"

Haeun bowed so fast she nearly tripped. "S-same!"

The introductions were simple and polite, but the air hummed with a quiet tension, soft, strang, and charged with something unspoken.

Sunghoon didn't look away from you for long. His gaze kept drifting back, as if checking whether you... needing anything.

He masket it well, but not well enough for you to miss.

Training began with Sunghoon leading the warmup and safety checks. His voice was steady, focused, but you noticed how he angled himself—close enough to step in if you needed help, far enough to respect your space.

It was not suprising how he was attentive to Minju and Heaun, how can you expect less from a gold medalist?

But you can't help but notice how attentive he is with you as well...

You quickly brushed it off and instead watch Heaun carefully. You noticed immediately the tightness of her shoulders and how some of her movements is quite hesistant.

Pair skating was overwhelming on the first day. You could practically see her fear trying to swallow her confidence. This observation did not escape Sunghoon as well.

"Minju," he called, "slow down a bit. Match her ryhthm and let her find you."

Minju followed the cue without hesitation, muttering a quick apologies before djusting his pace until it matched Haeun's rhythm.

Relief washed over your student's face and her body slowly relaxing making you smile at how fast she adjust on her environment.

You also can't help but admire Minju's capability to adopt and making his partner comfortable. He's a good kid and talented, you can see how far this boy can go.

And it all thanks to his coach.

You look at him, you got caught off guard when you notice that he already looking at your way. His eyes are soft and tender, as if silenty saying that you don't have to worry about Haeun.

A warmth feeling bloomed in your chest despite the cold rink.

Maybe this could work.

Maybe the next three weeks wouldn't be as unbearable as you feared.

And maybe—just maybe—Sunghoon wasn't as unreadble as you once thought.

❄️❄️⛸️❄️❄️

Slowly, like watchig winter melt into spring, Haeun began to adjust to pair skating. Her first few days were fill of uncertain steps, but each morning she arrived a little braver.

Minju on the other hand, matched her growth with patience you didn't realize he possessed. He slowed his pace, softened his tone, encouraged her whenerver her nerves got the best of her.

Seeing their growth in just short period of time, shows how a great team this two make. You can't help but smile of the thought of them being a stable team one day.

Your students doesn't only learn from each other but also yourself, like how to stand beside Sunghon without constantly noticing how close he was.

Day by day, without fully realizing it, you were learning too.

At first, working eside Sunghoon felt like walking on thin ice.

You expect him to be sharp, strict, and intimidating—the kind of coach whose discipine forged medals and crushed anyone who couldn't keep up.

Something you expect from someone who won the Olympic gold medalist.

But the more time you spent beside him, the more those old assumptions fell apart.

He could be strict, yes—his corrections were exact, his standards impossibly high. But he was never cruel.

He explained, demonstrated, and adjusted patiently. Always patient and willing to listen to everyone's opinion.

You can see that he was like this to all his students when you observe Minju who doesn't have a second thoughts when speaking up to him when he could change something or what feels more stable for him and Heaun.

Sunghoon will agree and let his students show him, as if their insights mattered just as much as his own expereince.

And Haeun—your timid and hesitant girl was blooming under that same openness.

She asked questions, voiced her fears, and even laughed with him sometimes.

She trusted him.

And a part of you understood why.

Becaause Sunghoon wasn't the cold, untouchable legend the world made him out to be

Up close, he was warm, gentle, and quietly encouraging.

If he was attentive to his students, you can't helpt but noticed that he was extra attentive to you.

Whenever you spoke, he listened. Not out of obligation, but with a softness that made your pulse jump whenever his eyes lingered too long.

He asked what thought, what Haeun might needed, and adjusted techniques based on your notes.

He also picked up details you missed and pointed out things you hadn't learned yet, always without judgement.

You realized that he was really meant for this job.

Coaching fit him as naturally as breathing.

And without meaning to—without wanting to—you began to admire him.

Not the champion.

Not the rival.

Not the man who once stood above you on every podium.

But him.

The version of Park Sunghoon who knelt to tie Minju's loose skate lace without being asked.

The version who told Haeun, "You're stronger than you think."

The version who stayed late reviewing lifts with you, quietly pointing out ways to support your student better.

The version who smiled—truly smiled—when you praised your team for their progress.

And somewhere in the middle of all that, you learned to stand beside him without feeling inferior of the past.

You learn to be confident with your job without feeling lesser important beside him. You learn to embrace the capabilities that you keep pushing aside.

You learn to let go of the past that inslave your thoughts for so many years.

However, maybe the most terrifying part of all is learning how easy it was to admire Park Sunghoon.

How dangerously easy.

❄️❄️⛸️❄️❄️

After nearly a week, the routine finally started to resemble something cohesive.

The footwork sequence was polished enough to be recognizable. Haeun's glides carried newfound confidence while Minju's lifts were strong and stable.

But the signature element—the key lift near the end—was still a mess of mistumed grips and uneven transitions. If they couldn't get that right, the entire routine lost its edge.

You stood in the center of the rink, notebook in hand, tapping your fingers anxiously agaisnt the spine. The cold air bit at your cheeks as you narrowed your eyes at the formation.

"Maybe if Minju shifts his weight slightly to his left" you began, tracing the motion with your hand.

"It's not the weight," Sunghoon answered from your side, voice low but certain. "They need to understand the full momentum of the transition. It's a speed issue."

He turned his head towrd you, his eyes finding yours with a strange softness. "They need to see it performed properly."

For a moment, he didn't look away. There was a quiet hesistation in the space betwee you like he was debating with himself, weighing soemthing he wasn't sure he should ask.

Then he exhaled, a small sigh of surrender, as if giving the last bit of restraint he was holding onto.

With a voice gentler than you expected, he asked

"Can you show them with me?"

Your breath caught.

Wait—what?

Show them with him? As in... The full routine? With lifts? With him lifting you?

Your mind scrambled. You hadn't done pair elements in so long. The idea alone made your stomach twist. You almost wanted to laugh because it sounded like some kind of joke he forgot to smile through.

There was no way you could just casually do that.

But when you glanced to your right, any trace of amusement faded. Haeun and Minju were watching you with bright-eager eyes, waiting and ready to learn.

This wasn't the moment to be flustered or picky. The needed guidance, and Sunghoon was right they neeed visuals to properly learned it.

You drew a slow breath, preapring yourelf to answer.

But before you could speak, a member of committee called him from the across the rink who visit to supervise their session.

"I'll be right back," Sunghoon said before skating off toward the committee member.

The moment he left, you finally let out a slow breath.

Okay, you could do this. It wasn't like you'd never perforened lifts before. It had been a long time, sure years even, but none of it was impossibe. The movements were still in your body somewhere.

But if you were honest with yourself, the nerves weren't really about the lift.

You were about doing it with Sunghoon.

You were terrified you wouldn't match his level—his precision, his strength, and his reputation. He was an Olympic gold medalist, a falwless pair skater with a career people spent their whole lives trying to earn.

And you... Well, your path didn't shine the way his did. The gap between your achievement felt like a canyon.

Still, for Haeun and Minju, you were willing to try. The deserved a proper demonstration.

You checked your watch, then looked over to where Sunghoon was still deep in conversation with the comittee member. They were taking longer than expected, long enough that you nerves had eased into something calmer, something steadier.

While waiting, you guided Haeun and Minju through repetitions of the other sectiions of the routine, keeping them occupied and focused.

"Coach Y/n!"

Your head snappeed up at the familiar voice.

"Coach Jisung?" You replied, a smile forming instantly as you saw him glide toward you.

Coach Jisung, one of your colleagues, usually handled the youngest skaters but to you, he was more than just a coworker; he was an old friend.

The two of you used to practice pair skating together back when the future still felt wide and bright.

"I see you're making progress with you team," he said giving a small approving nod.

"We are," you answered. "But we're kind of stuck on the lift." You explained the situation briefly, eyes drifting again to Sunghoon, who was still occupied.

Every minute he stayed there was another minute wasted—time you didn't have, not with the committee watching and evaluating.

And then an idea sparked.

"Coach," you said, turning back to Jisung, "do you mind helping me demonstrate the lift?"

Jisung brightened instantly. "Sure thing!"

Relief washed through you. You called Haeun and Minju for a minute for the demonstration.

You stepped into position, grounding your skates. Jisung placed his hands lightly on your waist—professional and respectful.

You aligned your posture, took a steadying breath, and let yourseld rise just enough to show Minju the correct hold.

"See, Minju?" you said, voice steadying with focus. "This is the angle and height Sunghoon meant—"

You didn't notice the change in the air. Not at first.

But halfway through the demonstration, the hairs on the back of your neck prickled. A sensation, like being watched, pulled your attention toward the far side of the rink.

Sunghoon had stopped mid-conversation.

The coach he had been speaking with was still talking, still gesturing but Sunghoon wasn't listening anymore.

He was watching you.

His arms were folded tightly across his chest, not in his usual composed stance, but something more rigid, like he was holding himself in place.

His shoulders were drawn just slightly forward, his posture no longer relaxed. His gaze lingered too long...

Too fixed.

Too intent.

There was something in his expression you couldn't quite name.

Not anger nor frustation.

But something sharper. Something unsettled.

Like he had walked into a moment he didn't expect and didn't quite like.

Your breath falted for half a second.

Jisung lowered you back onto the ice smoothly, his hands steady as always

"Perfect" he said with an easy smile, giving your arm a light pat. "That should help them visualize it."

"Yeah...yeah" you murmured, nodding. But your attention had already drifted.

Sunghoon still hadn't looked away. The conversation around him had clearly ended, yet he hadn't moved. He wasn't speaking and clearly wasn't acknowledging anyone else.

It was as if the entire rink had narrowed into a single point.

You.

A small knot formed in your chest.

Did you do something wronmg?

Was the form off?

Did you misunderstand what he meant?

Your mind started to raced, picking apart every detail of the demonstration.

Was it sloppy? Too basic? What he expected?

You gaze dropped briefly then lifted again.

And that's when you noticed it.

The way his eyes flickered nnot just to you, but to Jisung.

More specifically to Jisung's hand

Which is still resting lightly against your side.

The look on Sunghoon's face shifted almost imperceptibly, but it was enough. His jaw tightened, not aggressively but controlled like he was pressing something down before it surfaced.

His lips parted slightly, then closed again, like he had something to say but swallowed it.

And for a moment, just a fleeting confusing moment, it didn't feel like he was evaluating your teaching.

It felt like he was reacting to something else entirely.

Something you couldn't quite understand.

But somehow... you felt it.

You saw Sunghoon excused himself with a short nod to the other coach, not even waiting for a response before pushing off the ice. His strides were smooth, controlled as always, but there was somthing...quicker about them now.

You straightened instintively as he approched, even before he reached the circle of your awareness. His presence always announced itself quietly before his shadow touched the ice near yours.

Jisung was mid-explanation, still talking to Minju about balance points, when Sunghoon slowed to a stoop beside you.

Closer than necessary.

"The angle is good" he said in calm, almost casual voice. But his eyes didn't leave the position Jisung had just held you in. "But the support point is slightly off."

Jisung blinked. "Oh? I thought—"

"It's fine for a demonstration," Sunghoon cut in gently, not rude, but firm enough to take control of the moment. He stepped forward, gesturing lightly. "But for execution, it needs to be here."

Before you could react, his hands settled at your waist. A slow, assured settling. Like his palms had know exactly where to go long before he put them there, making your breath broke sharp in your chest.

Sunghoon didn't rush the adjustment. He molded your posture with a precision that only came from yeard of mastery—subtle changes, tiny shifts in pressure, enough to realign your center of gravity.

But there was something elese in his touch.

Warmth and familiarity that didn't belong in a cold rink under fluorescent lights.

Minju leaned in, trying to absorb the lesson. Sunghooon's voice dipped toward you. "You're guiding her balance. Once she feels secure, she does hald the work for you."

His thumb pressed loghtly into a stabilizing point at your side.

You inhaled sharply.

And he felt it, making his eyes flicked to yours—briefly but unmistakently aware before he continued, voice smoothing back into instructional calm.

"You'll know when it's right."

Except the words didn't feel like they were only about the lift.

He adjusted you again, a gentle shift that lingered just a fraction longer than necessary. Every centimeter he moved you felt deliberate, protective, like he was not just correcting form—but reminding the entire rink that he knew your center better than anyone else did.

And he didn't step away.

Not until Jisung cleared his throat lightly and took half a step back.

"Ah. Right. Yes, that makes sense," Jisung said, scratching his neck with a sheepish smile. "You always had good precison, Sunghoon."

Sunghoon jlooked at him then—polite, composed, but with a quiet confidence beneath the surface.

"Thank you for helping" he said.

It sounded sincere.

But there was a subtext—soft, unspoken, unmistakenly firm like he can take it from here.

Slowly almost reluctantly, you felt his hands slide away from your waist. Your skin tingled where his fingers had been, awareness humming through you like the aftershock of a fall you almost didn't catch.

You turned to look at him, intending to say something—anything—to diffuse the tension.

But the moment you met his gaze, the words evaporated.

Because his eyes weren't cold, they weren't distant, they weren't annoyed, nor displeased.

They were... soft.

Soft in a way you had no defense for. Soft in a way that felt like it meant something he wasn't ready to say.

Like touching you had stirred something he was trying very had to hide.

And for heartbeat—for a single, fragile moment—you wondered if the correction had even been about the lift at all.

Meanwhile, Haeun and Minju shared a knowing looks—wide eyes, tiny smirks, the kind of expression teenagers wore then they'd witnessed soemthing they absolutely shouldn't comment on but would definitely whisper about later.

You cleared your throat.

"A-Alight! Practice the entry step agaiin from the top," you said, a little too quickly.

"Yes, coach!" Haeun beamed, suspiciously cheerful before skating off with Minju, who kept glancing over his shoulder like this was the most entertaining thing he'd seen all week.

Your face warmed.

Great.

Two teenagers now had material for teasing you.

Sunghoon pretended not to notice... But the faint color high on his cheekbines suggested he absolutely did.

Practice continued smoothly for the next half hour. Sunghoon slipped back into his professional rhythm, offering adjustment, demonstrating transitions, encouraging Minju's stability and Haeun's posture. But every so ofte when he thought you weren't looking his gaze flickered to you with softness.

You tried not to react, tried to keep focused on your notes and corrections, but the awareness lingered like a second heartbeat.

Eventually, practice wound down. Haeun finished her final spin, wobbling a little but managing to stay upright.

"Good work today!" You called out.

She grinned proudly. "Thnak you, Coach Y/n!"

"We'll practice the lift timing tonight." Minju added,

He nudged Haeun lightly, and she nudged him back, both of them glowing with excitement with that knowing look again.

"See you tomorrow!" they chimed in unison, skating towards the exit.

You packed up your clipboard, eager to go breathe somewhere far away from the memory of Sunghoon's on your waist—

"Y/n"

You breath stalled.

Sunghoon was standing a fwe feet behind you, hands in his pockets, expression unreadble except for the slight tension in his jaw.

The rink felt suddently too quiet.

"Yes?" you asked, turning slowly.

He stepped closer, enough not to invade your space, but you felt the change in the air again. Enough that your hearbeat kicked up despite every attempt to stay composed.

"Can you stay for a moment?" he asked gently. Not a comand nor casual request. Something in between careful and hesitation like he was afraid of how you might hear it.

You swallowed. "Did we miss something in the routine?"

"No," he said immadiately. Too quickly. Realizing it, he cleared his throat, gaze softening. "No. It's not about that."

Your pulse fluttered.

"Oh" you forced your voice steady. "Then... what is it about?"

He looked away for a moment, exhaling slowly, as if choosing his words with unbearbale precison.

And when he met your eyes again, there was no coldness, no walls. Just honesty, quiet and disarmingly sincere.

"If it's alright" he said slowly "I wanted us to run the whole routine together."

You frowned slightly, confusion knittling your brows before you could stop it. "The whole routine? Now?"

Your heart tightened with a strange mix of nerves and something you couldn't quite name. "W-why?"

The question lingered between you. He histated again but this time, he didn't look away instead, he held your gaze steadily.

There was no deflection in it, no easy escape. Just quiet resolve, threaded with something softer underneath.

"Becuase they need more than instructions." he said at last, his voice low but certain. "They can memorize steps. They can follow counts."

His expression softened not in a way that weakened him, but in a way that made him feel... more open.

"They need to seet it," he added. "Feel it. The connection between two people moving as one."

Your breath slowed as you listened, something in his tone pulling you in.

"and the only way they'll understand that is if we show them what it looks like."

The explanation made perfect sense, grounding in everything you'd been working toward as a team.

And yet, it feels like there something beneath it,

Something that didn't quite beling to the team alone.

You nodded slowly, your voice soften when it came out. "Okay. I can do that."

For the first time since he'd spoken, a subtle shift passed though him like he had been bracing himself for resistance you hadn't given.

"Okay," he echoed, quieter. He stopped closer, the faint scrape of his blades echoing in the quite rink. Then lifted his hand between you, palm open.

"Ready?" He asked, voice was soft almot intimate.

You inhaled deeply trying to settle your heatbeat, trying to will your legs to stop feeling like they were made of warm jelly.

Then you placed your hand into his.

With the coldness of the rink, his hand is surprising warm, it feels familiar in a way that it startled.

You nodded. "Ready."

His fingers curled gently around yours, sending a bolt of ticklish electricity that traveled in your spine.

And without another word, you both pushed off the ice—gliding forward, the world narrowing to the soft echo of blade, the rising music, and the man guiding you with a tenderness you never expected

But had secretly always wanted.

How many times had Sunghoon dreamed of this moment? He wasn't sure anymore. The number blurred with the years of quiet wishes piling on top of each other like fresh layers of ice.

But he rembered the first time he ever wished for it. That memory was carved perfectly into him.

It happened after a solo regional comeptition, back when the rink was smaller and the air smelled faintly of winter and worn out-skate,

The event had just ended, and he hadn't won. He was disappointed as he dragged his feet away from the rink, he only turned back because he realized he had forgotten his equipment.

He traced his steps relunctantly and that was when he saw an amazing girl that captivated him.

She was alone on the ice, the girl he vaguely remembered competing in the women's category, the one who also hadn't placed. But watching her now, he wouldn't guessed she lost at all.

She skated with instinct instead of choreography, gliding like the ice already knew her name.

No tension, no pressure, just pure feeling.

She spun and her laughter echoed lightly across the empty rink—soft, free, and completely at odds with the fact that she had fallen in the middle of he program earlier.

It feels like it didn't matter to her. The rankings, the stumble and disappointment. Instead, she looked like someone who believed everything would be alright, even with fresh on her shoulders.

And Sunghoon, standing there holding his forgotten bag, felt something dhift within him.

'If I ever skate with someone' he thought, 'I want it to feel like that.'

Effortless, warm, and alive.

He wished, just once, that he could be the one standing beside you on the ice.

Sunghoon finds you waist smoothly with practiced of gentlesness and lift you into the air. Your baldes catch the light as you rise, and the music swells through the cold arena.

For a split second, as he spins beneath you, Sunghoon looks up.

And there it is again.

That same feeling, that same breathless, effortless aliveness he saw in you a decades ago.

Except this time... he isn't watching from afar.

He's holding you and dancing with you.

He's inside the moment he once only dreamed about.

But the dream he held so closely, the one he had quietly guarded like something fragile never came true.

When the federation announced the new pair lineups, and he saw his name linked not with yours but with Seoin soemthing inside him cracked with quite, devastating ache.

He tried to smile though it. Tried to accept it like an athlete should but the truth was harsh and simple.

He wanted you.

Only you.

He had imagined what it would feel like to skate beside you, to match your lines, to share breath and rhythm on the ice. To lift you, to trust, and to build something beautiful together.

Losing that before it even began left him gutted.

For a moment he considered withdrawing. Considering telling the coaches he couldn't do it.

But then Seoin walked toward him with full of hopes in her eyes.

And Sunghoon realized, this wasn't only his dream anymore. Someone else was tied to it now, someone who believed in what they could achieve together.

So he swallowed the hurt and forced himself to let go of the "what if" he could built around you, telling himself that maybe dreams could be rewritten.

But it never stopped hurting.

Because whenever you competed, he was always there somewhere in the stands or somewhere backstage, watching you skate with someon else.

Every medal you earned felt like a victory he was proud of and a wound he never admitted to.

And everytime your partner lifted you, every time you glided in perfect unison with another person, something inside him whispered,

That could've been me.

That should've been me.

But he never let the though linger. He had responsibilities and a dream he couldn't abandon just because his heart leaned in a different direction.

Still the ache stayed.

You glide forward on a cue and Sunghoon meets you in the center. His hands slip smoothly to your waist, guiding you into a rotational lift.

Your breath brushes his cheek as you rise.

For a heartbeat, your eyes meet and everythin in him stops.

Sunghoon had always been afraid to meet your eyes whenever you competed against each other.

The first time your teams shared the ice in the same event, he remembered how you passed him on your way out of the rink after your performance.

He tried to look past you, pretending he didn't notice and he wasm't affected, but the moment you passed by, his resolved cracked.

Before he could stop himself, his head turned. Following your movement until you entirely leave the rink.

He was terrified that if you couaght him staring, you would see everything he was trying so hard to hide, how deeply he longed to hold your hand and dance beside you on this cold, glittering stage.

In every competition that followed, it was alwayd the same. Whenever he sensed that you weren't looking, his gaze drifted toward you. The scoreboard, the audience, and even the judges faded into background noise.

You were the only thing he sought.

He wanted to see the bright, unrestrained smile you wore when you skated well. He wanted to see the light in your eyes, the way they softened when you watched other skaters with admiration instead of rivalry.

He knew he shouldn't watch you like that, but he couldn't help it.

Because even as a competitor, he had always been your quiet admirer.

That's way it hurts him more than he ever admitted to watch the light in your face slowly dim each time your team was defeated.

It wasn't just sympathy, it was something sharper that twisted deep in his chest everytime your smile faltered or your shoulder sagged after a disappointing score.

Sometimes the pain was so strong that he questioned whether he could keep competing against you.

There wer moment that he wanted to withdraw and disapper from the ranking just so he wouldn't have to watch your heart break over and over.

But how could he abandon Seoin? How could he throw away the dreams she trusted him to share?

He only pushed forward for her because she deserved a partner who satyed, not someone who gave up because he couldn't handle his own feelings.

So he climed until he stood at the peak of his career, an Olympic gold medal hheavy around his neck.

Everyone called it the highlight of his life yet, everything felt strangely dull.

Because somewhere along the way, he'd learned you had already retired.

The knowledge hollowed something inside him, turning what should have been triumph into a bittersweet echo of what he once dreamed for himself.

But it feels like the hope is not completely vanished because the moment he heard that you had returned to the ice, but as a coach this time, his heart nearly burst with excitement

You were back!

Maybe not as the girl who spun across the rink with effortless joy, but as someone who still chose the ice.

Still belonged to it.

Sunghoon draw you into the next sequence with a gentle pull of your hand like his body already knows where you're meant  to be.

His blades fall into rhythm with you, tracing clean parallel lines before crossing, weaving together again like something practiced but this, right now, doesn't feel practiced at all.

It feels...natural.

His grip shift without thought, fingers sliding from your hand to your wrist, then settling at the small of your back as you turn beneath his arm.

God, you were beautiful when you skates, completely unaware of how you pulled him in without trying.

When you turn for a second, just one impossibly delicate second, your face are close enough that he can feel the warmth of your cheek in the cold air.

Sunghoon feel his heartbeat stumble so loud like a drum echoing in his chest the moment your eyes meet his.

He can't believed how coward he is for not meeting your eyes just once before.

Because your eyes?

God, your eyes.

They're the most beautiful thing he's ever seen on or off the ice. It looks so warm, luminous, and too honest for him to hide from.

And he thinks, with a quite ache settling his chest:

If heaven ever had windows, they would look exactly like this.

"Do it, Sunghoon." Seoin encouraged gently. Her voice was soft, carrying the kind of sincerity that didn't demand anything, only understanding.

She offered him a small smile, warm with kindess and quite acceptance.

She had know for a while.

Known that his plan to step away from competitive pair skating wasn't just about exhaustion or career growth, but about something, or rather someone, he had been quietly orbiting for years.

And if becoming a coach was the only way he could stay close to that orbit... then she wouldn't stand in his way.

"I know you've been longing to find her...to be with her on the ice" she continued, nodding as if she had always understood what he never said out loud. "This is the opportunity that's been opened for you. Grab it."

Sunghoon looked at her for a moment, something unspoken passing between them—years of shared discipline, trust, and silent understanding. Then, slowly, he nodded.

The hug that follwed was simple platonic and familiar. A quiet gesture between two people who had shared pressure and victories for years. It wasn't romantic, but it carried weight like closing one chapter without bitterness, only acceptance.

With that, Sunghoon stepped away from competitive skating and announced his retirement, choosing instead to pursue coaching.

At the time, he told himself it was a rational decision. A new directiion and a stable path forward, but deep down, he knew the truth. He hadn't left the ice at all, he just simply chnaged where he stood.

So he could finally stand closer to you.

And then, unexpectedly, he saw you again.

He almost stop breathing when you entered the meeting room after receiving an invitation for the paring competition where both of his student got drafted.

This was the first time he’d seen you after so many years, and he couldn’t tear his eyes away.

Your beauty had only grown more refined, more breathtaking—and the way you still captured his heart so effortlessly made it feel like those years apart hadn’t existed at all.

When he finally gathered the courage to meet your gaze, his hand curled into a fist beneath the table, trying to steady himself.

His heart was pounding so hard he was terrified the whole room could hear it. It took every ounce of willpower to look away, to break the stare—because if he didn’t, he was certain he would faint right there and embarrass himself in front of you.

His cowardice almost crawled back up his spine when he hesitated to invite you for the coach pairing.

He was so nervous when he finally asked you—the kind of nervous that felt like he was performing at the Olympics again, only sharper, heavier, far more terrifying.

He might looked composed but beneath those expression, there was a quiet, stubborn hope he had never fully learned how to abandon—that maybe, this time, you would be there too.

That maybe, fate would finally stop keeping you at a distance.

And the universe finally heard him after so many years of longing because you accepted the invitation.

You saying yes to forming a team with him felt like you were letting him enter this world for the second time.

But this time, with him beside you.

As the music fades into its final notes, neither of you moves. His hand is still lightly at your waist, while yours hovering near his shoulder. Both of you are suspended in that strange silence that only exists after something too meaningful to name.

Sunghoon swallows. He should step back, he knows he should, but when your eyes lift meet his, the air in his lungs stutters.

Your gaze hits him with the same force that the longing he's fought so hard to bury claws its way up the moment you look at him.

For a second, he wonders if you can hear his heartbeat pounding between the two of you, because it feels impossibly loud, like its synchronizing with you without his permission.

And before he can stop himself, before he can remind himself of lines he's not supposed to cross—his hand lifts, hovering the space between you, trembling just enough for him to feel the vulnerability of his bones.

Your breath barely hitches but he notices. Of course he notice, he notices everything about you.

Your reaction gives him enough courage to touch your cheek with his fingertips. He exhales shakily as if he'd been drowning and finally reached the surface.

His palm completely curves over your cheek with his thumb resting just below your eye. He feels the faint heat of your skin, the subtle tremor in your breath, and the way you instinctively lean into his touch before you can stop yourself.

In that moment, with his hand trembling against your skin, Sunghoon realizes something.

He might not get his original wish or didn't stand beside you on the world stage as partners in their prime.

But standing here now, training with you, move with you, and build something with you—

Maybe his dream hadn't disappeared at all.

Maybe it had only been waiting for the right moment to finally begin.

And right, in this quiet unfolding of fate, he finally had what he once dared to wish for—to skate with you.

Even if it meant stepping onto thin ice.

Apologies for the ass ending, I'm already out of ideas hehe 🫶

₊˚.༄ ©2025 Demuse Writer. All Right Reserved.

[fics-lovebot]

enhypen fic recs pt.5

main masterlist - pt. 1 - pt. 2 - pt. 3 - pt. 4

· · ♡ · · tysm to the amazing creative minds of the writers for giving me sevaral moments of joy reading your creations

these are my personal favs, so pls reblog if you like any of my recs❤️

kiss me, he´s watching - ( @enhaflixer ) smut, fake bf!Heeseung x being stalked!reader - You kissed Heeseung to escape your stalker’s gaze—this is diffferentttt, i loved reading it sm, felt like a movie

cherry trees - ( @enhaflixer ) smut, angst, fluff, second chandce rom, arranged husband!Jungwon x trophy wife!reader - WHEWWWW this was intenssee, I LOVE WHEN MEN FUCK UP AND THEN GO INSANE :p. also, the whole plot felt real, like hard work was being put in to fix everything. deff one of my jungwon favs out there

change your ticket - ( @demusewriter ) so much fluff, Idol!Jungwon x Non-idol!reader. yESSSss, loved the yearning

the grinch that stole my… pants? - ( @mandukkul ) fluff, crack. bf!ni-ki x fIreader, established relationship. nahh this is so cute, reader is valid af

quacked up - ( @veilstqr ) downbad!ni-ki, fluff and crack x ni-ki being whipped and the members not letting him breathe. jungwon is so wrong for that lmao, poor niki

rich boy enha - ( @blairbliss ) fluff, rich!ot7, this is like my dream come true. rICH PRETTY MEN IN LOVE, THAT´S WHAT IM ABOUT

faces and sounds they make - ( @enhaflixer ) smut, ot7. YESSSSSSSSSSSSS, i have no words. this had me grinning like a gremling. yall know that one freaky sonic gif? yeah.

between the shelves - ( @liuhsng ) fluff, strangers to lover, soulmate au, alpha!jake, omega!reader, alpha!enha. I LOVEDDD THISSSSSSS, jake´s so dreamy cool and collected, got me giggling and kicking my feet

perv!sunghoon - ( @urlovebot ) smut. MY JAW IS ON THE FLOOR. this is crrraazzzzyyyyyyyyyyyyy

the price of perfection - ( @woniedarlin ) angst, fluff, academic rival!jake, academic pressure. now now, i know i said i hate those academy rivals, work rivals, enemies to lovers tropes, and i do!, BUUTTT this one´s differente. They aren´t really rivals, she´s just jealouse and jake´s just vibing lmao, but they end up being what each other´s need

king of tears - ( @enhaflixer ) ANGST, fluff, smut. Chaebol Husband!Sunghoon, slow burn, second chance rom. WHAT COMES AFTER 7???? this is honestly amazing, i´ve never read a kdrama inspired fic like this one, so so good. and as the Angsty Fic Ambassador, i aprove tf out of this skdjfkjf, also SUNOO AND NIKI HAD ME CACKLING. After you´re done, read this one too

heavy little love - ( @hazelira ) fluff :´(. dad!heeseung, this is so wholesome, so beautiful. i also believe he´s such a boy dad idk idk.

i´ll never let that happen again - ( @semisasseater ) fluff, angst, protective bf!niki. this one´s for my delulu riki stans, ik you´ll like it :p

take me back! - ( @heeseung64 ) text au, suggestive. desperate ex!hee, bad bitch!reader as she should. sdfkjskj this ones funny af, i do like them a lil crazy anyway

the dollmaker - ( @faeyun ) smut, fluff lowk, husband!sunghoon, dark gothic heavy themes (read warnings). YUUUPPPP, this is an art piece right here. wowwww, author i love ur brain, i´ve never read anything like this!

wrong contact - ( @heeseung64 ) text au, best friend!enha. love love accidental confessiones sjdskjf had me giggling and kicking my feet like the delulu ass bitch i am

off the ice - ( @luvsicktyun ) angst, smut, fluff. hockey player!jake, pregnant!reader, college au, accidental pregnancy trope. this is gewddd, i love how this is written. reader feelings are so so valid and real, getting pregg after a ons by a man who´s future doesn´t seem to include being a father whatsoever is scary af, luckily this is sim jake we´re talking about

beneath the blue - ( @enjake ) fluff, smut, the plot is EVERYTHING. marine engineer!Jake x marine biologist!Fem!Reade. HOW DOESNT THIS HAVE LIKE +30K NOTES??????? THIS IS A WHOLE MOVIE, ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? people really don´t appreciate lengthy, detailed, beautifully written fics with a thick-interesting-innovating plot anymore and that´s fucking sad. author, this is a MASTERPIECE

caught in my web - ( @fatalhoon ) fluff, crack. spiderman!jake, loser!jake, bsf!reader, school au. this is so cuuteeee and jake aint sleek at all lmao

just married - ( @bywons ) FLUFF, down bad!sunghoon (YOU ALREADY KNOW IM EATING TS UPPP), drunk!sunghoon, not him wanting to elope and get married after breakdancing at a friend´s wedding, i love this sm

hoodie thief - ( @tobiosbbyghorl ) smut, fluff, roomamate!sunghoon, he´s a total boobs guy (canon) so him losing it over them isn´t strange lmao, loved this

richman´s world - ( @okwonyo ) text au, fluff, ceo!jay. ahaha i´m gonna crash tf oUT bc wdym HE´S RICH AF AND GETS TURNED ON BY YOU SPENDING HIS MONEYYYDSLFLSKJFHSKJH and he´s dOWN BAD TOO????? you´re done.

let´s play - ( @fgumi ) crack, fluff. not heeseung getting humbled by his own gf on LOL lmao

loser in a hot man´s body - ( @fgumi ) fluff, school/college au, loser bf!hee (LETSFUCKINGGOOOO) x hot popular!gf. i LOVEEEEEEEEE a hot man with a quirky personality who´s down bad for his gf, i eat it up EVERY TIME

my kind of girl - ( @okwonyo ) scenarios of bf!enha getting on their knees for you. wait why ni-ki kinda,,, afhalksfjhlajfhlah, i love this

[demusewriter]

Thank you for recommending "Change Your Ticket!" I'm glad you liked it 💗 Always have a great day! ☺🤍

[demusewriter]

Hello, it’s Demie!

I’m so excited to finally share this with all of you soon! I just finished creating the teaser and already started drafting the story.

This is my first time writing a story for another member of enha, so I’m feeling a little bit nervous. It’s also my first time exploring this kind of trope so, I truly hope I can do it justice.

I was so excited while making the plot for this story and I hope you all will like it.

As always, feel free to share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them.

See you soon, and stay safe!

[demusewriter]

hello! do you plan to make a masterlist? 🥺

Hello! Yes, I plan to make it! I'm currently figuring out how to make a good outline for my masterlist, because as you can see in my story, I don't know how to make an appealing mood boards 😆.

I'll publish it soon! ☺👍

[demusewriter]

Change Your Ticket

Summary: Jungwon has been missing you ever since the tour kicked off, the distance stretching across months like an endless road. Every late-night call, every fleeting messages, makes Jungwon longs for you more than words can say. So why not change your ticket home to surprise him? Pairing: Idol!Jungwon x Non-idol!reader Genre: Tooth rotting fluff! A Short drabble Warning: Still unedited because of jetlag (_　_)。゜zｚＺ Word Count: 2.5k Author's Note: I randomly wrote this while on a business trip, waiting to board my flight, when my favorite One Direction song started playing. (yass, I’m an og directioner!) That’s when the idea for this story hit me. (￣︶￣）↗　 After that, all I could think about was changing my ticket and flying to the next wtl tour stop. ＞︿＜ (I’m still having pcd from wtl bulacan (┬┬﹏┬┬) I miss them so much, please). So yeah, this is inspired by my favorite song that made me delulu during my teenage years—Change Your Ticket by One Direction. Enjoy! ♪(´▽｀)

Jungwon loved performing. There was no hesitation, no doubt, this was what he was born to do. Under the dazzling stage lights, with crowd's cheers echoing in his ears, he felt alive. Every move was second nature, every note resonated through his veins, and every glance into the sea of fans felt electric.

The stage was his home and the music is his heartbeat. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight, the rest of the world faded away. It was just him and the rhythm, the pulse of the bass guiding his body, the lyrics slipping from is lips like a secret shared between him and the thousands of strangers.

There was no fear, no weight on his shoulders. Even in the chaos of rehearsals, the endless flights, and the night with barely any sleep, he never questioned it.

This is life, the lights, the screams, the rush, it wasn't a burden.

It was a dream he chased with everything he had. The hours of training, the sacrifices, the pressure... it had all been worth it the moment he felt the heat of the stage lights and heard the first chords of the opening song.

And he wasn't alone. His members were right there with him, their presence steady anchor through the whirlwind. They understood the unspoken pressure came with the dream, the nerves before a performance, the exhaustion after long days, the quiet moments backstage where they'd catch their breath and share soft smiles.

They were his brothers, his family.

The playful teasing during practice, the shared excitement when they nailed a difficult routine, the late-night talks after shows... those moments kept him grounded.

On stage, they moved as one, each member feeding off the other's energy, every glance, and subtle nod speaking volumes. Off stage, they were his comfort.

Every member brought a piece of home to to his life. No matter where they went, no matter how far the tour took them, they always had each other.

But even with that comfort, there was still a part of him that longed for something more.

Because as mush as he loved the stage, the adrenaline, and the bond with his members, the silence that followed was deafening.

When the light dimmed and the music stopped, when he stepped offstage and into the solitude of his hotel room, the emptiness settled in

And lately, that emptiness felt heavier.

Because he missed you.

The hotel room was quiet, almost too quiet. The only sound came from the soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional distant honk from the streets below. Jungwon lay on the massive king-sized, the blanket pooling around his waist, his phone resting on the pillow beside him.

The screen glowed faintly, casting a soft light across his face as your voice filled the space.

"...and then I spilled coffee all over my papers. It was a total disaster," you said with a laugh, your face lighting up the screen. "I hade to redo everything."

Jungwon smiled softly, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. He listened, hanging onto every word, but his mind kept drifting, not because he wasn't interested, but because he missed you so much it hurt. He missed hearing your stories in person, missed the way you'd curl up beside him, your head resting on his shoulder while you talked about your day.

"You're pouting again" you teased, tilting your head slightly.

Jungwon blinked, lips pressing into a thin line before sighing. "Am not" he mumbled, turning onto his side to face the screen properly. His voice was quiet, almost sulky, making the corners of your lips tugged up into a soft smile.

"You totally are." You giggled, and his heart clenched at the sound.

God, he missed that.

Jungwon buried his face into the pillow for a moment before peeking at you again, his beautiful bobba eyes soft with longing. "I just... miss you, baby" he admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

Your face softened, eyes flickering with understanding. "I miss you too, wonnie."

He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "It's just...after the shows, when I come back to the hotel, it feels so empty. The hyungs are around, but it's not the same. I keep wishing you were here. I got used to you being by my side, y'know?" He bit his lip, hesitating.

"I didn't realize how much I needed your constant presence until now."

You heart ached at his words. You could see it in his eyes, the quiet loneliness, the weight of the distance between you.

He tried to respect the fact that you had work, that you also have life and couldn't always be with him on tour, and you never heard him asked you to drop everything just to be by his side.

He love you so much to ask something selfishly.

But you knew, you knew him too well.

With every call, every soft "I miss you," he was one step away from asking you to pack you bags and join him.

And you missed him too.

Who wouldn't miss this adorable, sweet as strawberry with chocolate that you are lucky to claim as you boyfriend?

You giggled softly, turning onto your side in bed, you phone still in hand as you gazed at him. He looked so pouty and cute, lying there with the blankets pulled up to his chest, blond hair falling into his eyes.

If only he knew.

Because you weren't halfway across the world.

You were in the same country. The same city. The same hotel. Just a few floors away from him.

After you business trip overseas, instead of flying home, you changed you ticket and booked a flight to his next tour stop. With the help of his members, who'd struggled to keep the secret under wraps, given how easily your leader boyfriend could sniff out their lies, you'd managed to sneak in unnoticed.

You kept the conversation light, telling him about your day while Jungwon listened quietly. His eyes stayed on you, soft and heavy with longing. Every now and then, his gaze flickered across the screen, taking in the little details, the way your hair fell over your face, the curve of your lips when you smiled.

But then his eyes shifted past you for a moment, narrowing slightly.

"Wait..." He squinted at the screen. "What's that behind you?"

"Hm?" You tiled your head, trying to keep your voice causal. "What do you mean?"

Jungwon sat up slightly, his brows furrowing. "The wall." He pointed at the screen. "It looks...familiar."

Your heart skipped a beat. "Does it?" you asked innocently, shifting a bit to the side to block more of the background.

But it was too late. Jungwon's eyes darted back to the screen, scanning every corner. The beige walls, the faint texture of the wallpaper, even the soft glow of the bedside lamp, they all matched his room perfectly.

His breath caught.

"Wait...No way." His eyes widened. "Baby... where are you right now?"

You bit your lip, trying to fight the grin threatening to spread across your face. "What do you mean? I'm at my hotel."

Jungwon's brows furrowed deeper. "Which hotel?" His voice barely above a whisper now, his mind racing. He shifted off the bed, glancing around his own room as if expecting you to jump out of the closet.

You giggled, shaking your head as you tried to keep your voice steady. "Baby, you're overthinking too much"

"I'm not" he shot back, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Tell me where you are."

"I told you," you teased. "I'm at my hotel."

"Which. Hotel."

You bit your lip, holding back another laugh. He looked like he was on the verge of losing his mind. His patience was running thin, and you could practically see the gears in his head turning.

Sighing dramatically, you pouted. "Can't you just wait until tomorrow?"

Jungwon frowned. "What? Why tomorrow?"

You shrugged, trying to act casual. "Just... because."

His eyes narrowed further. "Y/n..." He dragged out your name, suspicion lacing every syllable. His gaze flicked past you again, studying the background. And when he saw the same chocolates that the hotel given to them for free on your bedside table. His lips parted slight, and his eyes widened.

"Wait a minute." He sat up straighter. "Are we on the same hotel?"

You heart skipped a beat. "What? No!" you quickly blurted out, but giggles escaping you weren't helping your case.

"You are." He gasped, running a hand through his hair. "You're here. You're literally here."

"Jungwon—"

A sudden shake of the screen made you burst into laughter as Jungwon scrambled out of the bed, the phone slipping from his grasp before he caught it again. You could hear the shuffle of his footsteps, the rustling of blankets being thrown aside, and the soft thud of a door being swung open.

"Oh my god," you laughed, watching his blurry movements. "Won, wait—"

"Nope." His voice was firm, rushed. "Which room you are"

"Come on, wonnie can you just wai—"

"Baby" His voice softened, almost breaking. "I'm this close to going crazy if I don't see you right now. So please, sweetheart, which room are you in? I badly need to see your gorgeous face that I've been missing so much."

You heart pounded breath hitching at the raw emotion on his voice. The way he begged made your chest tighten, and you knew there was no point in hiding anymore.

The plan the members wanted you to do to surprise their leader were thrown out the window when you saw the desperation in your boyfriends face.

With a tenderness in your eyes and softness in your lips, you gave in.

"Room 1009"

Within a minutes, a loud knock echoed through your room. Without hesitation, you flung the door open.

And there he is, you adorable boyfriend that you misses so much, standing there, chest heaving, and eyed wide as they met yours.

For a split second neither of you moved. Then, in a blur, he surged forward, arms wrapping tightly around you. His warmth engulfed you as he buried his face in your neck, holding you like he never wanted to let go.

“You’re really here,” he whispered, voice cracking slightly.

You clung to him, fingers gripping his shirt as you buried yourself in his embrace. “I’m here,” you breathed.

His arms tightened around you, as if making sure you were real. “God, I missed you.”

He continue clung to you like you were his lifeline, his arms trembling slightly as they tightened around you. You felt his heartbeat pounding against your chest, fast and uneven, and when you pulled back just enough to look at him, the sight made you heart ache.

His eyes were glassy, dark pools shimmering with unshed tears. His lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out. He just stared at you, his gaze flickering across your face like he was trying to memorize every detail, the curve of your lips, the softness of your eyes, the warmth of your touch.

"You're really here..." he whispered again, his voice cracking. "Please, don't make this a dream" he begged as he shook his head.

You reached up, cupping his check gently. He leaned immediately into your touch, eyes fluttering closed for a moment. "I'm here, baby. It's real. I'm not going anywhere."

A shaky breath escaped him as he opened his eyes again. One tear slipped free, trailing down his cheek. You wiped it away softly, your thumb lingering on his skin.

"I missed you so much, baby" he confessed, his voice barely holding together. "Every ight, I'd come back to the hotel, and it felt...empty. I'd lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, wishing you were there beside me. Even when we'd call, it wasn't the same. I just wanted to hold you."

Your heart clenched. "I missed you too. Every day."

He swallowed thickly, pulling you closer until there wasn't a silver of space between you. His forehead pressed against yours, his breath warm and shaku. "You don't know how much this means to me."

You smiled softly, brushing your fingers through his hair. "I think I do."

Jungwon let out a soft, shaky laugh, through it sounded more like a sob. He squeezed his eyes shut, resting his head on your shoulder as his arms wrapped around you again. You felt his tears soak into your shirt, but you didn't mind. You held him tighter, running your fingers up and down his back in slow, soothing strokes.

Jungwon sighed softly, his breath warm against your skin as he nestled deeper into your embrace. The weight of the past month apart melted away, replaced by the steady rhythm of your heartbeat against his cheek,

His arms held you close, fingers lazily tracing patterns along your back as the two of you settled onto the bed.

Jungwon buried his face in your hair, breathing you in, his hold tightening as if afraid you might slip away again. You felt his lips press a soft, lingering kiss against the top of your head, his warmth wrapping around you like a protective shield.

Slowly, the hotel room that once so cold and empty, now felt like home.

You shifted slightly, tucking yourself against his chest, and he immediately tightened his hold on you. The warmth of your body, the softness of your touch — it was everything he’d longed for.

It was everything he'd been craving for months.

No cameras, no crowds, no stage lights. Just you.

Jungwon pressed another kiss to your forehead, his eyes fluttering shut. His heart ached at the thought of you leaving again, of coming back to empty hotel rooms and cold beds. No. Not this time.

This time, he was going to be selfish.

As you slept soundly in his arms, Jungwon quietly reached for his phone. With careful fingers, he opened your flight details, scrolling down to the option he’d already decided on the moment he saw you standing in front of him.

Change return flight.

With a soft smile, he tucked the phone away and pulled you even closer, his heart finally at peace. No more waiting. No more distance. From now on, you’d face the world together.

As sleep threatened to pull him under, one final thought lingered in his mind, bringing a small, satisfied smile to his lips.

This time, we’re going home together.

©2025 Demuse Writer. All Right Reserved.

[demusewriter]

I Loved You Too Early

Summary: You've been admiring the captain of the prominent football team in your school, whom you secretly admiring from afar. You thought he was out of your reach until you saw him studying in your brother's room. Genre: brother's best friend, slow-burn Pairing: Non-idol! Jungwon x Fem! Reader Word count: 14.2k Chapters: 10 (Completed) (divided in two parts) Warnings: This is heavily inspired by the Chinese drama 'Hidden Love' so, there's a big resemblance, age gap (5 years difference), unrequited love, a little bit of sprinkle of angst, fluff, time skip, just a teeny-weeny bit of fist fighting (but not too much!), and not solid proof-read because its too long (╥﹏╥). Author's Note: Thank you for patiently reading my story! I’m glad you’re still with me through the second part, despite how long it’s gotten (≧∇≦). I really appreciate you taking the time to enjoy my work. I hope you enjoyed it! (´▽`ʃƪ)♡

Please don’t forget to support ENHYPEN and the members in their projects as well. Let's show them the love and appreciation we have on their crafts. ( ˊᵕˋ )♡.°⑅

Enjoy, and maybe I'll see you again next year? (˵ ¬ᴗ¬˵) Haha!

PART I PART II

Chapter Six

Amidst the chatter of the crowd and the rhythmic pulse of music drifting from nearby venues, you find yourself enveloped in the energy of the night.

Tonight feels different, a subtle shift in the air that whispers of newfound freedom and possibilities.

For the first time, you find yourself standing amidst the crowded club, a cocktail in hands, embracing the intoxicating energy of the night as you celebrate along with your friends the milestone of entering your senior year of college.

As you glance around taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling club scene, you can't help but wonder how much has changed.

Ever since your move to the other city after getting accepted to your dream University, you started to learn to become independent which slowly shaped you into adulthood with each passing day.

As you watch your friends lose themselves in the rhythm of the music, you can't help but realize how time flies so fast.

It seems like yesterday you were a freshman, and now, you're already in your final year of college.

You shook your head with a soft smile as you put down your drink.

You look at your friends one last time before you sneak your way outside of the club to get some fresh air.

Stepping outside, you were greeted by the breathtaking sight of the city skyline glowing with lights, a mesmerizing contrast to the dimly lit interior of the club.

Leaning against the railing, you let out a deep breath, allowing the cool night air to soothe your senses. You lean your head down on your arms, which rest on the railing, and drown yourself in admiring the city lights.

The mesmerizing glow of the city lights illuminates another pair of eyes, making it look like there's a stars twinkle in their eyes.

With his arms leaning over the railing, he gently swirls the glass of champagne in his hands before bringing it to his lips for a sip.

Jungwon can't help but nod to the taste of champagne which leaves a refreshing sensation that lingers on his tongue.

He was supposed to be inside of the club enjoying the celebration of his friend's promotion but the noise was too much for him that he found the balcony as his temporary refuge from the chaos inside.

As his eyes went back to the city skyline, his head were once again flooded with loneliness.

It's been five years since he decided to move to another city to pursue his dreams, and despite achieving them and even reaching more than he expected, there is still a nagging emptiness in his soul that casts a shadow over his triumphs.

The success he had worked so hard for felt hallow, leaving him questioning whether the sacrifices he had made truly worth it or if he had taken a wrong turn somewhere along the way.

It feels like something is missing that leaves a huge void inside of him.

As Jungwon's gaze wandered into the big city skyline that screamed mockery at his loneliness, his eyes traced the twinkling lights of the cityscape until they fell upon a figure standing five meters beside him.

Jungwon's felt his heart pound so hard for the first time as he watched her looking at the same city skyline with her head cradled in her arms in the railing with a same gentle smile that he used to adore in the past.

He can't believe that after so many years, he was now able to see some familiar face back in his hometown.

"Y/n?"

A familiar voice broke through your reverie, calling out your name with a hint of disbelief.

Startled, you glance at your side, searching for the source of the voice that had called out to you.

Your gaze settled on the figure meters away, and as you squinted to get a better look, a subtle beat stirred inside your chest.

As recognition dawned on you, your heart finally quickened its pace, its rhythm echoing a familiar tune that you haven't felt for five long years.

With each beat, the sensation grew stronger, enveloping you in a wave of nostalgia.

It was a rhythm so deeply ingrained, so unmistakably familiar, that despite the passage of time, you felt it once again, coursing through your veins like a rediscovered melody from the past.

After all those years, he is the only one that continues to stir your heart with this much intensity.

Standing beneath the glow of the city lights, he exuded an aura of masculinity that seemed to draw everyone's eyes effortlessly.

His once-boyish features had transformed into a striking display of manliness, with a jawline so sharp it could cut through the night air with ease

The black polo that he was wearing perfectly hugged his broad shoulders, accentuating every muscle beneath.

At that moment, it was as if time stood still, the world around you fading into the background as you found yourself captivated with disbelief.

"Jungwon?"

The simple sound of his name on your lips sends a rush of warmth flooding through him, igniting a smile that stretches across Jungwon's face in disbelief.

It's new that you didn't call him with the honorifics that you used to call him before yet it was the least of his problem—it's the fact that it's you, someone he hasn't seen in what feels like an eternity, who has spoken it.

"Yeah. It's me, Y/n," he softly said "It's been a long time"

His eyes sparkle with joy as he responds, and you can't help but feel a pang in your heart at the sight.

How is it that after purposely ghosting him for years, he still finds happiness in seeing you?

"Yeah, it is," you murmur, averting your eyes as guilt slowly consumes your soul. "How are you?"

"Everything's fine," Jungwon leans on the railing looking at the cityscape with a faint smile "although a little bit lonely for being away in home"

You nodded, clasping your hands behind your back. You anxiously chewed on the inside of your cheek, feeling the weight of awkward silence settling the atmosphere.

Your conflicted thoughts race through your mind on what to say next, wondering if you should apologize or stay silent.

As if Jungwon could read your mind, he broke through your reverie.

"You don't have to worry about anything, Y/n," his eyes find yours again, this time with more gentleness on it, making your heart beat a little faster. "I understand, you might have your own reason"

Despite the course of time, Jungwon remained unchanged. He was still the same person you remembered—understanding, reassuring, and everything you had once fallen in love with.

"Although, you owe me a dinner for all the lost time we haven't seen each other," he teasingly says with a mischievous glint in his eyes, matching it with a playful smirk.

Your eyes went wide, taken aback by what he said.

You spoke too soon; he's now become playful.

Jungwon's eyes formed into a crescent moon as he chuckles at your reaction.

"Sorry, I can't help but tease you. It's really been a long time since I've talked to someone I know from back home," he said, tucking his hands into his neatly ironed dark pants and leaning his back against the railing. "Besides your brother, of course."

"You still in contact with Riki-niisan?" You ask in surprise.

"We never lost contact with each other. I never knew your brother could be clingy" He joked, making you smile. "I also found out from him that you moved to this city to study"

His eyes found yours again, and as you looked into them, a hint of sadness reflected back at you, instantly making you feel like your heart dropped.

"I've been wanting to get in touch with you, but I'm afraid you might not want to talk to me."

As you continue to look into Jungwon's eyes, the regrets succeed in clouding not only your mind but also your heart.

Regrets about the times you had a chance back then to make up with him, thinking that if you had just been capable of handling your emotions instead of avoiding him and projecting your feelings onto him, there wouldn't be this series of "what if's" that has built in your mind.

But because of how childishly you handled the situation, you ended up hurting the person who had only pure intentions, and now he is doubting whether he was the problem when it was you to blame.

"Jungwon, I—"

"Y/n," your words were suddenly cut off when you heard one of your friends call you, her face showing signs of tiredness.

"I think we need to go home; Soo-ah is too wasted," she sighed, shaking her head as if she was stressed about something.

You peeked inside the club, trying to find the rest of your friends from the balcony. As you caught a glimpse of them, you couldn't help but feel worried.

The scene where one of your friends swaying side to side, raising a bottle of champagne, and shouting colorful words at the top of her lungs, is enough for you to end the night.

However, you were snapped back to reality when you realized Jungwon was still there with you on the balcony.

As you looked at him, he already had his arms crossed over his chest, still leaning on the railing. His eyes were on you, and a small, wistful smile played on his lips, carrying a hint of understanding.

"Go ahead, it's getting late," he said with a nod, gesturing for you to follow your friend, who was still standing by the sliding door, waiting for you to join her and go home.

Not wanting to bother your friend any further, as she looked exhausted, you nodded at him and proceeded to follow your friend to the rest of the girls to pack up.

As you walked away from the balcony, it felt like each step was stamping on your heart, making a cracking noise and echoing another layer of guilt that piled up in your heart.

You closed your eyes and clutched your chest, trying to soothe the pain you were feeling.

"What if this is the final chance?"

Your steps came to a halt.

"What if this is the last?"

As if your body took over, you turned around and ran back to the balcony with a pounding heart.

Maybe you acted like a child for ignoring him for years, thinking he might have moved on and forgotten about it, but you were so wrong.

Meeting him tonight, felt like fate had a reason.

"Jungwon!" you called. You found him still in the same position but now looking up at the sky with his eyes closed.

Those gorgeous eyes found yours once again, wide from hearing his name exclaimed by you.

"Let's do it," you said, still catching your breath. Jungwon frowned, dumbfounded by your words.

"Let's get dinner to catch up," you continued, the words slipped in your mouth feel like a weight you had been carrying for five years, slightly lifted, making you genuinely smile. "My treat."

At that moment, not only did your heart feel like it could finally breathe from the chains of guilt that caged you, but also the man who had been wishing to meet you could finally gather the courage to ask about the things he did that made you avoid him and formally apologize for it.

With a soft smile, he uttered words that came straight from his heart.

"I'm looking forward to it, Y/n"

Chapter Seven

Sometimes, it feels like the universe adores you, bestowing blessings that you don't always feel you deserve. Sure, life isn't as easy as it seems in the movies, but with the universe blessing you with people who become your strong support system, life becomes bearable.

However, just as much as the universe adores you, it can also seem to curse you with its worst imaginable trials. It felt like the universe was in that state with you when a realization dawned on you.

How can you keep the dinner that you promise when you have no means to contact Jungwon?

You slammed your head onto the open book placed in your desk with the rest of your study materials creating a loud thud. You groaned at your stupidity.

This realization have been bugging you for days.

You were ready to give Jungwon the details about the dinner you planned, but as you scrolled through your contacts, a sudden lightning bolt of awareness struck you.

You had deleted his number a long time ago.

You stomped your feet in frustration, you thought studying will help you ignore this feeling but it wasn’t working well for you.

"Still thinking about it?"

With your head still resting on the desk, you turned your head towards the sound of a voice and saw Eunhee standing in the doorway, a plastic bag in one hand and the other resting on her waist.

"Okaeri" you lifelessly greet.

After graduating high school, you and Eunhee decided to apply to the same university and, miraculously, both passed the entrance exam.

Her presence was one of the reasons your parents felt comfortable letting you move to another city for your studies; knowing someone would be there to accompany you gave them peace of mind.

"Tadaima" she greets back with a smile.

You and Eunhee had been roommates ever since freshman year, sharing both the challenges and joys of college life together, including the history you had with Jungwon.

The first time you told her about it, you got hit in the head, delivering a much-needed reality check.

She scolded you for how poorly you handled the situation, insisting that if you had told her sooner, she would have knocked some senses into you to prevent it from happening.

You couldn't help but agree and wish you had confided in her back then.

"I told you, just contact your brother; he surely has Jungwon's number" Eunhee suggested.

You knew she was right. It was an obvious solution to simply ask your brother, especially since Jungwon had mentioned they were still in contact.

It was an easy fix, a straightforward way to solve your problem. Yet, for some reason, it felt incredibly difficult for you.

The thought of reaching out to your brother and admitting that you needed Jungwon's number was daunting. It made you confront the reality of your past actions and the lingering feelings of guilt and regret.

Despite knowing it was the simplest way forward, the emotional weight of the situation made it seem far from easy.

Now, lying in your bed, you stared at your brother's message inbox. You typed out comprehensive sentences, trying to find the right words to ask for Jungwon's number, only to delete them repeatedly.

The task should have been simple, but each attempt felt like an impossible hurdle. The more you tried, the more the words eluded you, as if the gravity of the situation rendered you unable to reach out for the help you needed.

With a heavy sigh, you finally gave up and turned off your phone, placing it on your bedside table.

Ready to accept defeat and let sleep take you away from your misery, you closed your eyes.

Just as you began to drift off, your phone chimed with a notification. You reached for your phone again and squinted to the sudden brightness of the screen.

"Hi, it's Jungwon. I hope you haven't forgotten the dinner you promised ;)"

The content of the message nearly made you jump out of bed, totally erasing any trace of sleep from your mind.

The message took you aback, making you question if it was really him, as it was a mystery how he had gotten your number.

And with a wink emoji?!

It was all so new to you that it took a while to gather your thoughts and reply.

"Is it really you, Jungwon?"

As if he was waiting for your reply, he responded almost instantly.

"Yeah, it's me~"

You let out a gasp, covering your mouth in disbelief when he sent you a selfie. He was lying on his bed, wearing a black shirt with his hair visibly wet from the shower.

He was dashingly handsome.

The sight of him was enough to make your face turn as red as a tomato and cause your brain to short-circuit, rendering you completely speechless.

"I got your number from your brother when you started studying here. He insisted I have it in case of an emergency. I'm glad I kept it."

His message left you in a daze. All those years, he had your number?

The realization hit you hard, for all this time, the means to contact him had been right there, and he had known how to reach you?

The thought of him having your number all these years sent a whirlwind of emotions through you, from shock to a bittersweet.

"I've always wanted to reach out," Jungwon admitted. "But I wasn't sure if you wanted to hear from me."

His words words made your heart swell with emotion. You felt a mix of guilt, relief, and a new kind of happiness. You realized that despite the years of silence, he had always kept a piece of you with him, waiting for the right moment.

"Thank you for reaching out, Jungwon," you finally replied. You bit your lip, nervous about the next message you wanted to send, something you had been wanting to say to him for a very long time.

"I've missed you."

With shaky hands, you quickly typed the next message to divert his attention from the first one.

"And yes, the dinner is still up. Are you free next Friday night?"

As you sat there, staring at your phone, with all the details being set for the upcoming dinner, you felt a sudden shift within you.

The regret and guilt began to fade, replaced by hopeful anticipation. You knew that this was a second chance, a moment to reconnect and rebuild what had been lost.

For the first time in a long while, you felt a genuine sense of happiness.

This time, you were determined to make the right choices.

Chapter Eight

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, gently waking you from a restless sleep. The sudden feeling of significant weighed heavily on your mind.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady the butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

Today was the day of your dinner with Jungwon.

Rising from bed, you went through your morning routine with a sense of purpose. This wasn’t just any day; it was a chance to make things right.

After a quick shower, you wrapped yourself in a towel and stood in front of your closet, contemplating your outfit. You wanted to look perfect, not just for Jungwon, but for yourself—an expression of the new beginning you were stepping into.

Next, you moved to your vanity, carefully applying makeup that enhanced your natural beauty. A bit of eyeliner, a touch of blush, and a swipe of your favorite lipstick completed the look.

You wanted to present the best version of yourself, one that reflected the changes you had undergone over the years.

Satisfied with your appearance, you slipped into a pair of comfortable yet stylish shoes and gave yourself a final once-over in the mirror. You felt a surge of confidence and a sense of readiness to face whatever the evening might bring.

With everything in place, you grabbed your purse and checked your phone for any messages from Jungwon. Seeing none, you took a deep breath, allowing a wave of calm to wash over you.

Today was about seizing the moment and embracing the second chance you had been given.

When the time finally arrived, you felt a sudden mix of excitement and nervousness as you entered the restaurant.

You took a seat at the table you had reserved, heart brimming with hope as you awaited Jungwon's arrival.

Or so you thought would happen.

You nervously swirled the third juice you had ordered with the straw, eyes constantly darting outside and then back to your phone, waiting for a notification. Thirty minutes had passed since you arrived, and there was still no sign of Jungwon. Restlessness began to seep in, and doubts started to creep into your mind.

"Just thirty more minutes," you told yourself. "He'll come."

Yet as the minutes ticked by, Jungwon was still nowhere to be found. You tried to convince yourself that he hadn’t intentionally ditched you, reasoning that perhaps he had forgotten since you hadn’t notified him today or given him a heads-up that you were already at the meeting spot.

Sighing in defeat, you felt a lump forming in your throat, tears threatening to spill. Gathering your things, you decided to leave, hoping that some ice cream might help soothe the growing sadness in your chest.

As you left the restaurant, your phone rang. Despite not being in the mood to talk to anyone, you still answered, seeing it was your brother.

"Nini?" you tried to casually greet Ni-ki, masking the sadness in your tone.

"Are you free tonight?" he asked. You were about to decline, assuming he was about to pull one of his usual stunts, flying over to visit you as if it were just a short trip instead of thousands of miles away.

You really weren’t in the mood for his crazy antics. But his next words stopped you in your tracks.

"Can you check on Jungwon? He hasn't been answering his phone since yesterday."

The sadness and frustration that had boiled inside you as you exited the restaurant evaporated in an instant, replaced by concern and agitation as you stood in front of Jungwon's apartment door.

Ni-ki had given you directions to Jungwon's place, asking you to check on him after he'd become unresponsive. Your brother wanted to do it himself, but work had him tied up, leaving you with the task.

"Jungwon?" you called out after ringing the doorbell.

No response.

You tried again, but just like the first time, silence greeted you from the other side. Your worry intensified, and you began chewing the inside of your cheek anxiously.

Glancing at one of your brother's messages, you carefully entered the passcode for Jungwon's apartment that Ni-ki had provided.

The door clicked open after you entered the passcode, and as you turned the knob, the trembling in your hand was a clear sign of your nervousness.

You had no idea what you were about to see behind that door, and the fear of finding something horrible gnawed at you. Images from the countless crime documentaries you had binge-watched replayed in your mind, making you gulp.

You pushed the door open slowly, and immediately, the darkness inside greeted you. Cold sweat formed on your forehead as you hesitated.

This was exactly how things started in horror movies!

With a swift motion, you swung the door wide open and frantically searched for the light switch, tapping the wall until, by some miracle, you found it. The lights flickered on, and you let out a sigh of relief as you scanned the room, finding nothing unusual.

You called for Jungwon again, but still, no response. Your phone was still clutched in your hand, already open to the call app, ready to dial for help if needed. Your heart raced as you faced another door.

Jungwon's room.

You knocked once more, calling his name, but it was the same as before—silence. Slowly, you opened the door, bracing yourself for what lay inside. The room was dark, but with the lights from the hallway spilling in, you quickly spotted Jungwon lying on his bed, wrapped in a thick blanket.

Rushing to his side, you immediately noticed he was drenched in sweat, his breath labored and pained. You pressed your palm to his forehead, and the burning heat of his skin confirmed what your instincts had already told you.

Jungwon hadn’t missed your dinner out of spite or to get back at you.

He couldn’t come because he was sick.

Somehow, knowing this brought a sense of peace to your heart.

The room seemed to swirl and twist as Jungwon slowly opened his eyes to a blurry world. His head throbbed with each heartbeat, and though his body was consumed by an insatiable heat, he felt cold to the bone.

As consciousness slowly seeped back into him, the realization struck—he was burning up with fever. Struggling to focus his blurred vision on the ceiling above him, fragments of memory began to return.

He was supposed to have dinner with you.

The thought hit him like an ice-cold bucket of water, sending a shiver down his spine that was ten times colder than the fever raging through his body.

Jungwon had felt under the weather the day before, but he had brushed it off, determined to finish his work. Even though he had felt worse earlier, he convinced himself that a little rest would set him right. He had been looking forward to tonight's dinner so much that he ignored the signs. But as the day wore on, his condition only worsened until he was now bedridden.

Panic surged through him as he tried to sit up, imagining you sitting alone at the restaurant, thinking he had abandoned you. But a wave of dizziness hit him, forcing him back down onto the bed. He closed his eyes in frustration, unable to bear the thought of you drowning in negative thoughts, believing he had stood you up.

He needed to get to you, even if it meant pushing through the fever and dealing with the consequences of his stubbornness.

As Jungwon gathered his strength to make another attempt to rise, he flinched when something cool and damp touched his forehead. His eyes snapped open, and he was greeted by the sight of your gentle face, leaning over him as you carefully wiped his forehead.

Jungwon blinked, struggling to process the sight of you beside him. The cool cloth in your hand was a stark contrast to the feverish heat radiating from his skin. He opened his mouth to speak, but his throat was dry and scratchy, and only a faint croak escaped.

"Shh," you whispered, your voice soothing. "Don't try to talk."

Your gentle tone, combined with the sight of your concerned eyes, made something inside Jungwon twist with emotion. He hadn't seen you this close in what felt like forever, and the reality of you being here, taking care of him, was overwhelming.

Your touch was calming, a balm to the chaotic storm of thoughts and fever plaguing him. He felt guilty—guilty for worrying you, for not being able to show up like he had promised. But the guilt was slowly being replaced by something else, something he couldn't name as he watched you care for him.

"I tried..." he began again, his voice cracking. "I didn't want you to think.."

"I know," you said softly, cutting him off. "I know you didn't stand me up on purpose."

He wanted to apologize, to explain how much it had meant to him, how much he had looked forward seeing you again. But the words wouldn't come out right, and the exhaustion tugging at him was too strong.

Instead, he just watched you, his eyes heavy but refusing to close, afraid that if he blinked, you might disappear.

As he looked like you, he had noticed something in you that he failed to realized when he first saw you at the club.

You had changed.

Gone was the carefree, youthful face he remembered from before. Now, your features had matured, carrying a grace and poise that hadn't been there before.

The roundness of your cheeks had given at to a more defined structure, your eyes still held the same warmth but with the depth that spoke of experiences lived and lessons learned. There was a quiet strength in the way you moved, in the way you cared for him, that he hadn't noticed before.

You were beautiful.

Not just in the way he had always known, but in a way that took his breath away. The realization stirred something deep within him, an unfamiliar feeling that made his heart beat in a different, almost unsteady rhythm.

The longer he continue staring at your face, his vision slowly turning blurry with only your angelic face being in the focus. It feels like every blink there's slowly a heart shapes one by one appearing, floating around you.

'It's just the fever,' he told himself, trying to push the feeling down. His thoughts were muddled, and he knew better than to trust them when he was this sick.

But even as he told himself this, his eyes couldn't stop tracing your features, his heart couldn't stop its erratic rhythm. The sight of you like this, so close, so caring, was doing things to him—things he hadn't expected, things he wasn't prepared for.

It made him uneasy, yet at the same time, he felt drawn to it, to you.

"Jungwon?" Your voice broke through his thoughts, soft and concerned.

He blinked, realizing that he's been staring, his heart still thudding painfully in his chest. "I-I'm okay," he croaked, though he wasn't sure if he was saying it to reassure you or himself.

You gave him a small, understanding smile, one that made his heart twist in that strange, unfamiliar way again. "You should rest," you said gently, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "You need to get better."

Jungwon nodded, though his thoughts were far from restful. As he closed his eyes, he couldn't shake the image of you from his mind, couldn't stop the way his heart was responding to your presence.

He tried to ignore it, tried to convince himself that it was nothing, just the fever messing with his head.

But deep down, he knew better.

As he drifted back into a fitful sleep, one thought lingered in his mind: you had changed,

so had his feelings.

Chapter Nine

Jungwon never felt a relief in his entire life as he open his eyes from a good sleep. He lay there for a moment, letting the stillness of the morning settle over him, before finally pushing himself up, testing his strength.

After a sleepless night and days of feeling weak, the fever finally broken leaving him feeling lighter, almost like he was waking up from a long, hazy dream.

He stretched, feeling the tightness in his muscles, but it was the good kind—the kind that reminded him he was alive, that he was getting better.

All thanks to you.

There are no days that you are not there beside him while he was battling with his sickness. Without you it will make sure take him longer to recover.

As his thoughts drifted back to you, the way you'd cared for him so gently, the concern in your eyes, the way your hand felt cool and reassuring against his fevered skin made him smile, soft smile that felt like it came from a place deep inside him that he hadn't accessed in years.

He got out of bed slowly, steadying himself as got out bed slowly, steading himself as he made his way to the bathroom. The face that looked back at him in the mirror was pale, but there was a spark in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

He splashed some water on his face, feeling the coolness refresh him, waking him up fully. As he patted his face with a clean towel, he noticed a bright, bear shaped sticky note stuck on the bathroom mirror.

"Don't forget to take your medicine on time! ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧ – Y/N"

He can't help but giggled at the kaomoji that you used, quickly reminded him those notes he gets on the gifts he received when he was high school usually on his energy drink, so much similar.

He knows.

He continued his path though the apartment, finding more notes: one on the refrigerator door, reminding him to eat healthy foods, another on the nightstand urging him to rest, and even one on the kitchen counter suggesting he hydrate often.

Each note was a tiny piece of your care left behind, and with each one he read, a warmth spread through his chest.

Jungwon's fingers lingered over the last note, his mind replaying the moments when you must have placed them there. He hadn't realized how much these small gestures would mean to him.

The realization that you've been here, that you cared enough to leave these notes, stirred something in him.

With a smirk, he grabbed a pen and a small notepad, mirroring your approach. He walked back to the refrigerator and placed his first note next to yours:

"Only if you join me for the next meal"

He continued around the apartment, leaving playful and grateful replies to each of your notes:

"You've got great handwriting, by the way."

"Feeling much better, thank to your TLC."

Jungwon grabbed his phone, the weight of it in his hand grounding him as he scrolled through his messages. There were a few from his coworkers, a missed call from his boss, but it was your message that caught his eye.

"Went back to uni to attend some classes. Let me know if you need anything. :)"

He smiled and quickly typed out a reply.

"Thank you, I really appreciate everything you did for me. How about we reschedule that dinner? This time, I promise I'll be there."

He hit send, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He hadn't felt like this in a long time—like a kid waiting for something exciting to happen, something that could change everything.

Jungwon walked into his kitchen, making a simple breakfast as he waited for your reply. He couldn't stop himself from glancing at his phone every few minutes, his mind racing with thoughts of what might happen next.

When his phone finally buzzed with a new message, he nearly knocked over his coffee in his haste to grab it.

''How about tomorrow night?"

Jungwon smiled, his heart doing that weird, excited flutter again. He quickly typed back a confirmation, his fingers moving almost on their own as he set the plan in motion.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. He spent most of it thinking about the dinner. Part of him was still nervous, still unsure of how to navigate these new feelings, but another part—a bigger part— was excited. He wanted to see you, to talk to you, to spend time with you.

By the time the day rolled around, Jungwon found himself standing outside your dorm, nervously rubbing his hands together as he leaned against his car, the soft glow of the evening lights reflecting on his face. His mind was spinning with anticipation, wondering how the night would go.

"Jungwon!"

The sound of your voice instantly pulled him from his thoughts. His head turned in your direction, and for a moment, everything seemed to move in slow motion.

There you were, walking toward him in the simplest of dresses—a light pastel that flowed effortlessly with the breeze. It wasn't flashy or overly formal, but in Jungwon's eyes, it was like the world had frozen just to capture this moment.

His breath hitched as he took in every detail—the way your hair swayed with each step, the soft smile on your face, and how the gentle evening light highlighted your features.

There was something so natural yet mesmerizing about you. You weren't just the girl he had known from years ago; you really had matured, grown into someone even more beautiful than he had imagined. His heart stirred, beating a rhythm he hadn't quite felt before.

"Something's wrong?" You asked in confusion with his sudden stillness.

Jungwon snapped back to reality, quickly composing himself before flashing a warm smile.

"You... you look beautiful tonight" Jungwon said, his voice slightly betraying his nerves. He looked down to cleared his throat, missing the way you blushed with his compliment.

Jungwon stepped forward and opened the car door for you, his movements gentle and deliberate.

"Shall we?" he asked, still feeling the lingering effects of seeing you in a new light.

As you stepped into the car, Jungwon couldn't help but let his gaze linger just a second longer, feeling that unfamiliar flutter in his chest once more.

The evening was pleasant, with the sound of your laughter filling the air as you caught up on everything that had happened since you last spoke.

Jungwon found himself smiling more than he had in a while, but there was something he couldn't shake—the weight of the questions he had buried for so long.

As the conversation drifted, he saw the way you fiddled with the napkin in your hand, your eyes dropping to the table for a moment.

He knew that look. You were nervous, maybe even hesitant, and his heart tightened in anticipation.

He had a feeling he knew what was coming next.

"Jungwon," you started, your voice soft, almost unsure. He immediately turned his full attention to you, his heart beating a little faster. "I wanted to apologize... for suddenly losing contact with you back then."

There it was.

Jungwon's chest tightened, but he didn't show it. He smiled softly, nodding, trying to ease the tension.

"It's okay," he said, meaning it. He didn't want to make this harder for you than it already was. "People grow apart sometimes... but, if it's not too much to ask—" he hesitated, feeling selfish for even bringing it up, but he had to know.

"Is it okay to know why?"

He watched as you expression shifted, the light in your eyes dimming slightly. You looked down, fidgeting with you napkin again, and for a moment, he thought you might actually tell him the truth. But then you gave a small laugh, almost forced, and shrugged.

"I guess I was just...really busy" You nervously laugh "School, life, you know. It all kind of caught up with me."

Jungwon smiled, but deep down, he know that wasn't it. Not the whole truth, anyway.

He knows.

He has always known.

When you stopped talking to him, when you disappeared from his life, he has sensed there was going on. The way you had distanced yourself felt deliberate, and it hurt more than he could admit.

But what really gave it away was the gifts—the little care packages, the foods, and sticky notes filled with motivational puns and quotes accompanied with cute doodles.

He had always suspected it was you. No one else would gone out of their way to make sure he was taken care of, not like you had.

The moment you stopped talking to him, those small, thoughtful gestures had stopped too. He has noticed, and the pieces had fallen into place.

But he didn't push it. Not then, and not now.

He nodded again, forcing his smile to stay in place even though part of him was disappointed. "I understand," he said quietly. "I'm just glad we're talking again."

And he meant that.

He was happy to have you back in his life, even if there was still questions unanswered. He wouldn't force you to explain what had really happened. You had your reason, and he respected that.

But deep down, he couldn't help but hope that one day, you'd tell him. One day, you'd trust him again to share the real reason you had pulled away.

For now, though, Jungwon take what he could get. He wouldn't push, because having you here, across from him, was enough.

It was more than enough.

Chapter Ten

After the dinner, your friendship with Jungwon began to feel like it had slipped back into the comfortable rhythm it had in high school.

The awkwardness of lost time seemed to melt away, replaced by an easy companionship.

Whenever you both had free time, you found yourselves spending it together—catching dinners, window shopping, or simply grabbing snacks for a quick break.

This time, it was Jungwon's idea to got to the movies after he learned you were eager to see the latest release in a series you'd both followed.

The two of you sat through the film, laughing at the same parts and exchanging quiet comments, surrounding the both of you with warm and familiar atmosphere.

As you sat in the car on the way back, a thought crossed your mind. Jungwon had been spending so much time with you lately, always eager to hang out, always suggesting things to do.

It made you wonder.

Did he have other friends?

Friends he shared these kinds of moments with?

You hesitated for a moment before asking. "So... do you hang out like this with your other friends?"

Jungwon glanced at you briefly before returning his attention to the road, his brows slightly raised at the question.

"Friends?" He repeated, as if to make sure he heard you right. You nodded, curiosity getting the better of you.

"I mean, I do have friends" he said, shrugging slightly. "But they don't really like doing this kind of stuff."

The answer surprised you a little, and it made you wonder something else. You knew he was good-looking, kind, and had that natural charm about him.

Surely, he'd had a girlfriend at some point, right?

But before you could ask directly, you found yourself hesitating.

Was that too personal?

You didn't want to pry but the curiosity kills you at the moment.

"I'm sure you've done these things with a girl before, though..." You said it casually, hoping it wouldn't sound too invasive, your gaze shifting out the window to avoid his reaction.

To you surprise, Jungwon chuckled softly. "No, not really."

Your head snapped toward him in shock. "Really?" The disbelief in your voice was clear.

Jungwon nodded, his expression calm and sincere. "Yeah, I've never had a girlfriend."

You blinked, trying to process that. Jungwon? Never had a girlfriend?

It was hard to believe, given how many girls had swooned over him back in high school—and probably still did. He seemed so...put together.

You were at a loss for words, but Jungwon didn't seemed to mind your reaction.

"Well," he said, a playful lilt to his voice, "if you know someone, maybe you could match me up."

His suggestion caught you off guard, and suddenly, a small but sharp pang shot though your chest, like a sting you weren't expecting.

You blinked in surprise, forcing a smile, but deep down, it hurt in a way you hadn't anticipated. You didn't understand why.

Why did the idea of introducing him to someone else—someone who might catch his interest—bother you so much?

The thought of seeing him with another girl, laughing, and sharing the same moments the two of you had been enjoying lately, made something inside of you twist.

Quickly, you shook your head. "I don't think I can do that." you said, trying to keep your voice casual.

Jungwon seemed confused for a moment. "Why not?" he asked, his tone still playful, unaware of the strange ache his words had caused.

You bit your lip, searching for an excuse. "I don't know any women around your age," you finally said, managing to sound nonchalant. "Most of my friends are close to my age."

It was true; you were twenty-two years old, surrounded by a vibrant group of friends your age, all still navigating the ups and downs of college life together. Your felt sense of comfort and camaraderie among them, but when it came to Jungwon, everything was different.

You couldn't help but wonder if he would actually consider dating someone younger. Surely, a guy like him would be interested in a women who were around his age—twenty-seven or older, women who had their lives more figured out than you did.

Jungwon fell silent for a moment, as if considering your response. Then, with a soft smile, his voice quieter, more serious than before said,

"Around your age, huh?" He looked at you, and there was something in his gaze that made your heart skip a beat.

"I'm fine with that."

His words hug in the air, leaving you momentarily speechless. There was something about the way he said it—something gentle but also bold, like he was hinting at something more.

The pain that you felt earlier sudden disappeared, totally gone like it didn't happen, only to be replaced with a quick beat of your heart and warmth spreading across you cheeks.

Was he... implying something?

You looked away, quickly, trying to steady yourself. Your thought were suddenly racing, a strange fluttering sensation stirring in your stomach. You weren't sure how to respond, or if you even should.

A part of you wanted to brush it off as causal banter, but the way he had look at you made it had to dismiss.

And then there was your heart, beating a little faster, making you wonder if maybe just maybe, this was more than just two old friend reconnecting.

As the weeks passed, your time with Jungwon grew more frequent and comfortable. Each outing felt like a glimpse into a friendship that had been rekindled, a spark that had never truly gone out.

You found yourselves laughing more often, sharing more stories, and creating new memories that felt just as precious as those from high school.

Being with Jungwon very often can't help but make you realize some moments that made you wonder if there was something more between you two.

During a spontaneous lunch one afternoon, Jungwon had leaned closer, whispering a joke that made your stomach flutter.

The way he looked at you sometimes, with that gentle smile and twinkling eyes, sent your heart racing.

Sometimes, you caught him watching you with fondness when you laughed, his gaze lingering a little too long, and each time you felt an electric thrill dance down your spine.

One day, as you were both walking through a local park, he playfully nudged you with his shoulder and said, "You know, I really like spending time with you. You make everything more fun."

You brushed it off, laughing it off lightly, but inside, your mind was racing.

Was he just being friendly? Or was there something deeper behind those words?

Then, one evening, everything took a turn. Your dorm experienced a power outrage, leaving you with no way to study for your major exam the next day. You felt a wave of panic wash over you. You needed to review, and the library was already closed.

However, Jungwon didn't hesitate to invite you to his apartment after hearing your situation.

"It's no big deal," he assured you, his voice warm and inviting. "I'll inform your parents and Ni-ki."

His last words gives you so much assurance to accept his kind offer.

Once inside his apartment, you immediately settled in at his dining table, books sprawled out around you. You tried to focus, flipping through your notes and practice problems, but the anxiety of the impeding exam loomed over you like a storm cloud.

As the minutes turned into an hour, you found yourself staring blankly at a particularly difficult math problem, your frustration mouthing with each failed attempt to solve it.

You let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through your hair. The numbers seemed to blur together, and your concentration slipped further away.

Jungwon passed by but quickly halted when he saw your miserable expression.

"You okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

You sighed dramatically. "I'm fine, just struggling with this problem"

He stepped closer, brow furrowed as he glanced at the paper in front of you. "Want me to take a look?"

Before you could respond, he pulled up a chair beside you, towel still draped around his neck from a shower, water droplets glistening in his tousled hair.

You couldn't help but stare, feeling a rush of warmth in your cheeks.

There was something effortlessly charming about him, even in such a casual state.

As he leaned over to see your work, your heart raced. It felt so nostalgic, the way he was explaining the problem to you, reminiscent of those afternoons in middle school when he'd patiently guided you through your studies. His voice was calm and reassuring, and you found yourself hanging on his every word.

But then, something on the table caught your eye. There, beside your notes, was the mug you had gifted him ages ago—the one with the garden design that reminded of you of his name.

The very reason you had stopped sending him gifts and pulled away.

The sight of the mug stirred something within you, a mix of nostalgia and warmth.

He kept it?

I thought his friends don't like it?

"Hey, is this the problem you're stuck on?" Jungwon's voice snapped you back to the present, his brow raised in curiosity.

"Yeah," you admitted, trying to focus on the task at hand instead of the emotions swirling inside you. "I just can't wrap my head around it."

He studied the problem for a moment before his fingers brushed against yours as he pointed to the paper. You felt a jolt of electricity at the contact, and your heart raced again. Jungwon's closeness, his focus on you, everything felt changed with an energy you couldn't ignore.

"This part is tricky," he explained, his voice steady and clear. "But if you look at it this way..."

As he walked you through the steps, you felt a sense of comfort was over you. His presence was calming, and the way he spoke made everything feel manageable.

You focused on him, on the way his eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he explained the concepts. You were reminded once more of how much you valued not just his help but his company.

And as he continued, something deeper began to stir within you, a growing awareness of your feelings. It was becoming increasingly clear that your feelings for Jungwon didn't die down, not a single thing.

You were still in love with him.

And seeing that mug, healed something inside of you.

As you worked through the problem Jungwon had just explained, you could feel his presence lingering beside you. He hadn't left your side after finishing his explanation, and though he was silent, you couldn't share the feeling of his gaze on you. Your eyes stayed fixed on your notebook, but the heat in your cheeks grew as you became increasingly aware of him.

You stole a quick glance from the corner of your eye, and your heart skipped a beat.

Jungwon had his head resting on his arm, lying on the table just inches away, his eyes soft as he watched you. He looked so at ease, but there was a gentleness in his gaze that made your pulse race. His other arm lay near the open notebook, as if he was still ready to help but, at the moment, was more focused on you than on the math problem in front of him.

Feeling flustered, you looked down again, trying to concentrate on the numbers, but his gaze felt as tangible as a touch. You shifted in your seat, forcing yourself to refocus, yet you could still feel him looking at you, and it was making you incredibly self-conscious.

When you finally turned to him, cheeks flushed, you managed to stammer, "I-Is something wrong?"

Jungwon chuckled softly, lifting his head just a little to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear. His touch was gentle, warm, and it made you freeze. He smiled, his voice a quite murmur, "Yeah, you look beautiful today."

Your heart immediately fluttered and a rush of warmth filling your chest as his words sank in. He kept his gaze steady on you, his expression unwavering and full of something that made you breathless.

"And it makes my heart go crazy," he added, leaning back slightly but never breaking eye contact. His eyes held a playful glint, but there was also something deeper, more serious.

You felt your cheeks grow even warmer as your tore your gaze away, attempting to hide the way his words affected you.

"D-don't be ridiculous," you mumbled, trying to downplay the fluttering in your stomach, even though you were sure he could see right through you.

Jungwon's smile widened, clearly amused by your reaction. "You're so cute when you're embarrassed," he teased, and you shot him a look of mock annoyance, though your blush betrayed you.

"Stop distracting me, I'm trying to study," you replied, attempting to sound stern but failing miserably as you couldn't help but smile.

Jungwon leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, still watching you with that soft look. "Alright, alright, I'll behave. But hey," he added, his tone becoming more thoughtful, "after your exam, if you're free, maybe we can go out and celebrate? Just the two of us?"

You met his gaze, your heart skipping a beat at the hint of excitement in his eyes.

"Yeah," you replied, smiling shyly, "I'd like that."

He nodded, seeming pleased, and you noticed a spark in his expression, ad if he'd already made up his mind about something.

He turned his attention back to your notebook, giving you space to study, but you could still feel the warmth of his lingering presence. It felt comforting, steady and you couldn't help but feel that this moment was the beginning of something more.

After days of studying and pouring all your energy into the exam, the moment finally arrived. As you left the exam room, a wave of relied washed over you.

You'd given it your all, and now, the excitement of the evening with Jungwon took over your thoughts. He'd promised a celebration, and you were determined to make it one worth remembering, regardless of the results.

You met him outside, where he greeted you with a warm smile. "Ready?" he asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.

You nodded, and he led you to a narrow spiral staircase that wound up the side of a building. Just as you reached the base, he extended his hands, gently holding yours to guide you up. You felt your cheeks warm at the touch, but his grip was steady and reassuring.

He seemed to sense your nerves, giving your hand a slight squeeze as you climbed the stairs together.

When you finally reached the top, you gasped at the sight ahead of you.

Spread across the rooftop was a cozy setup: a blanket laid out under a canopy of string lights that twinkled like stars, a small table with a cake and some snacks, and a perfect view of the city skyline glowing against the evening sky. The lights of the city stretched out before you, painting a breathtaking scene.

Turning to Jungwon, you felt a surge of emotions welling up. He'd gone through so much trouble for this moment, and you hadn't even received your exam result yet.

"Jungwon... you didn't have to do all this," you said, your voiced tinged with both gratitude and a bit of worry.

"But I wanted to," he replied softly, meeting your gaze. There was sincerity in his eyes that made your heart flutter. "You worked so hard. You deserve a celebration, no matter what."

You gave him a small, grateful smile, and you both walked over to the edge of the rooftop, where you settled by the railing. As you admired the view, you found yourselves talking easily—about your exam, Jungwon's latest projects at work, and everything in between.

The conversation was light, punctuated with laughter, and the atmosphere felt intimate and warm.

As you finished a bite of cake, Jungwon suddenly cleared his throat, drawing your attention. He seemed a little nervous, which was unusual for him, and it made you raise an eyebrow curiously.

"So," he began, a small smile playing on his lips, "you said last time that someone was recently trying to get your attention, right?" You nodded, confirming that someone from another department in your college was indeed trying to pursue you. "What happened with that?"

"I turned him down. I don't have any feelings for him, and I felt bad letting him continue pursuing me without any feelings on my part. I might lead him on and waste his time." You took another bite, savoring the sweetness as Jungwon watched you intently. "Besides, I was too busy with school."

"So, if you weren't busy," he said, a bit more casually, "what kind of guy would you go for?"

You thought for a moment, pretending to consider it seriously. "Well... he'd have to be handsome," you said with playful grin, watching as Jungwon subtly brushed a hand through his hair, giving you a self-assured smile in response.

"Good temper?" he asked, as if he was mentally checking off boxes.

"Definitely," you agreed. " And he'd have to be at least this tall." You raised you hand above your head, gesturing a bit higher than his height.

With a chuckle, Jungwon straightened straightened his posture, lifting his chin proudly to meet the mark.

You giggled at his antics, playfully nudging him. "And, of course, he should be kind."

Jungwon looked thoughtful as he turned his gaze to the city lights. After a brief pause, he glanced back at you, a hint of vulnerability in his expression.

"You know..." he paused, nervous starting creeping up on him.

"...I think I possess the qualities you mentioned."

Your heart skipped a beat as you froze, fork halfway to your mouth. His eyes held yours, and he took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.

"That's why I wanted to ask you..." He hesitated, his tone suddenly soft and serious. "Can I be the man who gets to be part of your life? To stand by your side, to laugh with you... to make you smile like this?"

You stared at him, feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions. Jungwon was offering you something you'd dreamed of, and you could see the sincerity in his eyes.

For a moment, you felt like you were floating in a dream.

The boy you'd admired since middle school, the one who had occupied your thought through the years, the one who you silently cheering on the sidelines when he practicing for a football game, the one you effortlessly make pack gifts to cheer him up during game season... was here, confessing that he felt the same way.

It was the kind of moment you'd only ever imagined, a quiet hope you'd carried through so many stages of your life, never quite believing it would come true.

Your heart raced as you took it all in—the warmth in his gaze, the way he looked at you with such tenderness. It was like you were suspended in a beautiful, beautiful, fragile dream, and a small part of you feared that if you moved or spoke, you might wake up, and this moment slip away.

But it was real, he was real.

And he was right here, waiting for you, giving you the space to breath and to let the reality of his words sink in.

You felt a spark that immediately sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach when he reached for your hand and caressed it gently. He gave you a soft smile and continued, "You don't have to answer me right away. Take your time, okay? I just wanted you to know how I feel."

You could feel your checks warming, your pulse quickening, but there was a sense of calm that washed over you too. You squeeze his hand as you managed to whisper,

"Just so you know... the feeling is mutual."

Jungwon's face lit up with a soft, genuine smile, with his dimple deepening that you really love. You felt his thumb brushing over you knuckles that sent another waves of butterflies on your stomach.

He seemed content with the simple connection, knowing that there was no rush, and that the possibility of something beautiful had just begun to unfold between you.

The two of you continued to talk, your words filled with quite hopes and lingering glances.

Jungwon felt a quiet contentment settle within him, knowing he could now pursue you openly, with no reservations—only the pure, genuine love and admiration he held for you, hoping that his feelings would eventually find their way to your heart.

The days that followed Jungwon's quiet confession felt like a gentle unfolding of a dream you hadn't realized could be real.

True to his word, he started showing you, in every little way possible, how much he cared. From bringing you coffee on mornings when he knew you had early classes, to waiting for you outside the library after late study sessions, his gestures were sweet, consistent, and undeniably meaningful.

He was there with small surprises—an extra jacket when he noticed you'd forgotten yours, or a quick note tucked into your notebook remining you to take a break. And every time you looked up, he'd be watching with that soft, affectionate gaze that made your heart skip a beat.

It wasn't just the small gestures, either. When he found out you'd been stressing about an upcoming presentation, he organized a mini study session at his place, complete with snacks and calming playlist. And when he saw how nervous you were, he even practiced with you, listening intently, giving you feedback, and reassuring you that you were more than capable.

His consistency, his warmth, and the way he openly showed how much he liked you made you felt cherished in a way you hadn't expected.

And now, after a long day out together—an impromptu dinner date that had him sneaking you off to his favorite hidden restaurant—Jungwon was walking you back to your dorm.

His fingers were intertwined with yours, his thumb gently brushing against you knuckles as you both strolled through the quiet campus, sharing laughs and reliving moment from your date.

All of that with your pink purse dangling on his shoulder, a sight that made you giggle at how casually he carried it unbothered by how girly it looked on him. He wore it with a smile, squeezing your hand every now and then, as if to reassure you that he was exactly where he wanted to be.

As you strolled through the quite campus, your phone suddenly rang, and when you glanced down, you saw it was Ni-ki.

You answered immediately, expecting his usual check-in, half expecting his usual teasing tone, but instead, his voice came through dark and uncharacteristically stern.

"Have you arrived at your dorm?" he asked, and the strictness in his voice made you pause.

You glanced up at Jungwon, who squeezed your hand reassuringly, his warm smile grounding you. "Almost," you replied softly, trying to keep the peace.

"What's the matter?" you asked, hoping to keep things light.

There was a pause, and the Ni-ki's voice lowered even more. "There's a girl holding hands with a guy on campus right now..."

You were confused at what your brother saying, but his next word felt like someone throw an ice bucket over your head.

"that's you, right?"

You froze mid-step, your heart dropping as you realized what he was implying.

Jungwon stopped too, looking at you with a slight tilt of his head, concern flickering in his eyes. Your mind raced as you glanced around, searching for any sign of your brother.

And then, like a scene straight our of a dramatic movie, you spotted him—Ni-ki, walking towards you with dark expression, his phone still on his ear, eyes fixed on your intertwined hands with a cold expression that made your blood run cold.

"Riki-nii..." you whispered, pulling your hand back from Jungwon's, though he gave you a soft, reassuring look, his calm presence keeping you grounded even as a wave of worry swept over you.

A few moments later, Ni-ki was by your side, his gaze cold and intense as he sized up the situation.

Without a word, he took your purse from Jungwon's shoulder and held it firmly, then mentioned for you to walk with him. "Come on," he muttered, not giving Jungwon a glance.

You gave Jungwon an apologetic look as Ni-ki led you forward, your brother's silent insistence making it clear he wasn't in the mood to talk just yet.

Jungwon followed a few steps behind, hands shoved into his pockets, his jaw clenched but his eyes softened whenever you glanced back.

After a few moments of walking, you finally broke the silence. "I was going to tell you, Nii-san. I just wanted to make sure.... that you'd understand" you said softly, hoping he'd listened.

Ni-ki only gave you a sharp glare. "Understand? You could've given me a heads-up before I caught you sneaking around like this." He looked straight ahead, his face set in a stern expression, guiding you toward your dorm.

You sighed, trying to reason with him as you matched his stride. "We're not even together yet, Riki-nii. I didn't hide anything—"

But Ni-ki cut you off, thrusting your purse back into your hands as you reached your dorm's entrance. "Get inside," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

"Nini, please..." you tried, feeling helpless as he kept his gaze away from you, his tone rigid. It felt as though the brother you knew, the one who always teased and protected you, had been replaced by a stern stranger.

Just as you were about to turn to Jungwon for some support, he stepped forward, his warm hand reaching for your elbow, his touch calming you instantly. You looked up, meeting his soft, understanding eyes as he gave you a gentle smile.

"You should go inside," he said kindly, his thumb grazing your arm soothingly. "It's already dark, and you have classes tomorrow."

You hesitated, glancing between Jungwon and your brother, not wanting to leave them like this. "But..."

Jungwon leaned in, his hand moving up to brush a strand of hair from your face, his touch calming despite the tension between you and your brother.

"I can handle this, okay? Don't worry." He spoke with a calm assurance, his gaze never wavering, and though you still felt anxious, his words helped settle your nerves.

Reluctantly, you nodded, giving Ni-ki one last pleading look, but he remained stoic, his gaze unwavering.

With a heavy heart, you turned and walked inside, glancing back one last time. You watched as Ni-ki and Jungwon turned and began to walk, their figures disappearing into the night.

The sight left a lingering ache in your chest, but the look in Jungwon's eyes reassured you that he would handle it.

You trusted Jungwon, and deep down, you hoped Ni-ki would see thins your way... eventually.

The silence between Jungwon and Ni-ki was thick, almost suffocating, as they made their way to the empty park under a dim glow of streetlights.

Jungwon felt his heart racing, the gravity of the situation sinking in with each step. He knew he was in the wrong for not speaking to Ni-ki first, for not even realizing that what he shared with you would hit his best friend this deeply.

He knew he should have asked Ni-ki's permission before pursuing you, especially since you meant so much to him. He understood the hurt and sense of betrayal Ni-ki must be feeling, after all, they were best friends, and here he was, holding onto a secret that concerned his sister.

When they stopped, Ni-ki remained with his back turned to Jungwon, his stance tense, fists clenched at his sides. Jungwon opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Ni-ki whipped around and swung a punch that landed square on his jaw, sending him stumbling back.

Pain shot through him, and he clutched his cheek, catching his breath. He barely had time to steady himself when another punch connected with his stomach, knocking the air out of him.

He doubled over, coughing as he tasted blood on his lip. Despite the pain, he didn't try to defend himself. He knew Ni-ki needed this release, needed to let out the anger and betrayal he felt.

If this was what it took for him to listen, Jungwon would endure it.

He braced himself, expecting another blow, but instead, Ni-ki took a deep, frustrated breath and ran a hand through his hair, as though he was trying to collect himself.

"Jungwon," Ni-ki's voice was hoarse with anger, "I don't care if you date someone younger. I don't care if you date someone who isn't in our circle. But why... why does it have to be my sister?" His voice broke a little, caught between fury and something close to betrayal.

"Out of all the girls who chase after you, why did it have to be her?"

Jungwon opened his mouth, but Ni-ki held up a hand, demanding silence. There was so much pain in his friend's eyes, and Jungwon knew that if he tried to defend himself now, Ni-ki wouldn't be able to hear him. So he waited, fists still clenched, willing himself to listen, to let Ni-ki's anger run its course.

Ni-ki's voice dropped, his words cutting like a knife. "Tell me, are you the reason she moved here? Are you the reason she wanted to study in this city?" The accusation hit like another blow, and Jungwon shook his head in confusion, trying to process what Ni-ki was saying.

"My sister... she's liked you since middle school, Jungwon" Ni-ki continued, his voice shaking with something deeper than anger. "Did you think I wouldn't notice? Do you think I didn't see it—that you were the reason she insisted on having you as her tutor?”

Jungwon blinked, taken a aback. He'd known that you were gifted in physics, but he'd brushed it off as you just being a fast learner.

But the idea, that you had pretend to need help just to be around him—made his heart ache with mix of regret and tenderness.

Ni-ki let out a bitter, humorless chuckle. "She didn't need tutoring. She was already brilliant in physics. But she wanted to help you because she likes you, Jungwon. She went out of her way for you, all without expecting anything in return." His voice softened just a bit, and Jungwon could see the pain hidden behind Ni-ki's anger.

"Do you know how hard it is to watch someone you care about quietly sacrifice for someone else?"

Jungwon felt warmth spread through him at Ni-ki's words, realizing just how deeply you had cared for him, even he hadn't deserved it. You'd gone to all this effort, all the while hiding your own feelings, and now...

Now he'd understood why he was drawn to you, why his own feelings had shifted.

You'd shown him a quiet, steady love, even when he hadn't seen it.

Finally, Jungwon met Ni-ki's gaze, eyes filled with sincerity. "I didn't know, Ni-ki. I swear, I had no ideas she liked me. I thought she was just being kind, trying to help me without any other reason. But now that I know...I can't see her that way anymore. She's become so much more to me."

Ni-ki clenched his fists, his jaw tight as he stared hard at Jungwon, trying to decide if he could believe him.

"You don't deserve my sister, Jungwon" He said, bitterness lacing his words.

The statement hit Jungwon hard, a painful truth that he felt in the core of his being. He understood—you were someone precious, someone worth protecting. Maybe Ni-ki was right, maybe he didn't serve you.

You deserved someone who would give you nothing less than the world.

But that was exactly why he couldn't walk away. He had to prove that he could be the one to give you that.

"I know," Jungwon admitted, his voice low and filled with sincerity. "i know I don't deserve her—not yet. She's kind, selfless, and she deserves someone who can measure up to that. But please...give me a chance to prove myself." He swallowed, his gaze unwavering as he Ni-ki's eyes. "Let me prove to you, and to her, tat I can be the person she deserves. I'll do whatever it takes. I'll earn her trust—and yours—if you give me the chance."

His voice softened, tinged with quite desperation. " I want to be the one who protects her, who supports he. I want to worthy of her, Ni-ki. I may not be there yet, but I'll work every day to become that person. I swear it."

There was silence, the weight of Jungwon's hanging heavy between them. He hoped Ni-ki could see the honestly in his eyes, could feel how much this meant to him. Jungwon knew he couldn't erase past or change how things had unfolded, be he could promise one thing—

that he would never take your love or trust for granted.

"Please," Jungwon continued, his voice voice barely above a whisper, "I love her, Ni-ki. Just give me a chance to show you that I'm worthy of her."

A flicker of doubt crossed Ni-ki's face, and then something shifted.

The hardness in his gaze softened, even if only slightly, as he let out long, frustrated breath. Deep down, Ni-ki knew Jungwon was a good guy. He'd always trusted him with almost everything.

And maybe, as much he hated to admit it, he was a little relieved it was Jungwon and not some stranger he couldn't trust.

"You have one chance, Jungwon," Ni-ki muttered, his voice still sharp but with a trace of reluctant acceptance. "If you mess this up...if you break her heart... I will personally make your life hell. I will destroy you. Do you understand?"

Jungwon nodded, feeling a mix of relief and respect. He straightened, ignoring the ache in his bruised face and stomach, and met Ni-ki's eyes. "I understand. And I promise, I won't let you down."

They stood in silence for a moment, tension slowly giving way to uneasy truce. Ni-ki's glare softened just a bit, though he couldn't completely mask the protective worry lingering in his gaze.

"Don't make me regret this, Jungwon," Ni-ki said, the threat clear but a hint of acceptance in his voice.

"I won't," Jungwon replied, feeling a newfound determination. For you, and for Ni-ki he'd make sure of it.

Back in your dorm room, you can't help but pace back and forth, your mind whirling with worry. Every possible scenario runs through your head, each one making your heart race faster.

You can only imagine what your brother and Jungwon might be discussing right now. Would Ni-ki react calmly, or would his protectiveness take over, sparking a fight?

You've seen him play the role of the overprotective brother before, but this time feels different, heavier.

You pause by the window, chewing your lip as you stare out at the quiet campus, your chest tightening with guilt. You know you should have told Ni-ki about your feelings for Jungwon earlier. You've heard your brother's opinions on dating enough to know that your relationship with Jungwon—his best friend, of all people—might feel like a betrayal.

The last thing you want is to be the reason they grow cold toward each other.

An hour passes, your anxious pacing only making your heart pound harder. Eventually, unable to stand the silence any longer, you grab your keys and decided to go to Jungwon's apartment, hoping he's already back. You need to see him, to know what happened, and—if nothing else—to make sure he's okay.

When you reach his apartment and knock, he open the door, and your heart drops at the sight of him. There's a fresh bruise darkening his cheek, and another on his jaw. He gives you a small, apologetic smile, but the sight of his injuries makes your concern turn to anger in an instant.

"Did Riki-nii do this to you?" you ask, voice shaking with fury. "I'm going to give my brother a piece of my mind"

Before you can turn to leave, Jungwon catches your wrist, pulling you back. "Hey, hey it's okay," he says softly, his voice soothing. "I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

You narrow your eyes, a scowl replacing your earlier worry. "No, you're not fine! Look at you! I trusted him to talk things out, not..." You gesture to his face, a frustrated huff escaping you. "I'm going over there. He has no right—"

Your words were cut off when Jungwon pulls you closer, resting his forehead against yours, his eyes closed as though your presence was all he needed to feel grounded. For a moment, the world quiets, and you feel his steady breaths matching yours, calming you.

"Please," he murmurs. "Don't be mad at him. We already talked it out, everything's okay now."

Your heart softens, but a part of you is still bristling with protectiveness for him. He watches your face, a gentle smile curving his lips, as if he can see the conflict within you. After a beat, you sigh and nod, choosing to trust him.

Once inside, you sit him down and grab a washcloth, dabbing it gently over the bruise on his cheek. Your touch is light, your fingers trembling slightly with worry.

Jungwon watches you in silence, his eyes soft, filled with something warm and unspoken. As you concentrate on his face, he feels a pang in his chest, remembering what Ni-ki had said:

You don't deserve her.

He lets out a sigh, breaking the quiet. "Your brother's right, you know," he murmurs almost to himself. "I don't deserve you."

Your hand freezes, and you look up, frowning. "Stop saying that." Despite everything Jungwon told you about his talk with Ni-ki, the thought of your brother's words cutting him like this makes anger simmer beneath your skin again. "I swear, if he made you feel—"

Jungwon chuckles softly, his eyes filled with affection as he reached for your hand, resting it against his bruised cheek, and leaned into her your touch, cherishing the warmth you gave, with his thump brushing over your knuckles.

"You're too good to me, you know that?" His gaze holds yours, tender and vulnerable. "How did I not see it before? All those years, I was so blind."

You shake your head, thumb tracing his cheek gently. "Don't blame yourself. I never wanted you to feel burdened by what I felt. I just...wanted you to know."

He holds your gaze, his own eyes soft with a mixture of regret and wonder. "You've always treated me better than I deserve, "he says quietly. "Whether it was back then or now, you've always seen the best in me." His voice drops to a whisper. "Maybe I don't deserve you , but I'm going to spend every day trying to."

Your heart skips a beat, and before you can reply, he leans in, his eyes searching yours. "Y/n," he breathes. "I love you."

The words send a shiver down your spine, your heart swelling as his confession sinks in. "Jungwon..." you whisper, voice with emotion.

"I'm sorry I took so long to say it," he continues, his gaze steady and full of sincerity. "I know I made you wait, that I hurt you without even realizing it. But because of you, I finally saw the truth. You deserve someone who will appreciate you fully—and I promise, I won't let you regret the choice you made."

Tears well up in your eyes as his words wrap around you heart, warm and reassuring. You've always struggled to find the right words, to articulate the depth of what you feel, but as you look into his eyes, you realize that you don't need to say anything.

Without another word, you lean forward, closing the distance between you, and press your lips to his in a gentle, lingering kiss. He responds immediately, his hand moving to the back of your head, holding you close as he kisses you with a tenderness that speaks of all the feelings he's been holding back.

It's soft, unhurried, a shared breath that feels like both an answer and a promise. In this single, heartfelt moment, everything you've held in silence, every hope, and every dream, finds its voice.

When you finally pull apart, foreheads still touching, he whispers, "How did I get so lucky?"

You smile, cheeks flushed, heart full, feeling like this moment was worth every hidden glance, every unspoken word. It feels like all those moments—years of quietly loving him, of small sacrifices he never even knew—were leading up to this.

You think back to middle school, how you'd linger at the edge of the field after school, cheering for him at his football games, hidden among the crowd so he wouldn't see the way your heart skipped with each play he made. Ever packed snack, every energy drink left "by accident" on his locker, was your way of showing care without a word spoken.

You'd insisted on become his tutor student, it wasn't because you needed help but to help him with his financial struggles, the extra weight he carried, and wanting to ease that burden in any way you could. Being his student gave you a reason to stay close, a way to support him without making him feel like he was in your debt.

It was never about him noticing; it was simply about making his days a little easier, seeing him smile a little brighter, and knowing you could play a part in it.

You used to wonder if loving someone silently was enough, if perhaps it was the purest form of love because there was no expectation, no demand, only quiet affection. And even though you thought it might go unrequited, your heart found joy in seeing him happy, whether he knew your feelings or not.

But now, as he stand before you, gazing back at you with the same depth and warmth you've felt for so long, fate seems has a way of hearing those hidden hopes, granting the quite wishes of a gentle heart.

Perhaps it was that purity of your love, the unwavering care you showed him, that allowed your feelings to reach him. All those moments you held your love back now feels like steps that led you to this moment—a moment that feels so much deeper because of all the waiting, all the silent sacrifices.

You realize that your patience, your quite devotion, has come back to you tenfold.

In this moment, Jungwon's love feels like it wraps around every hidden hope you held in your heart, filling in the spaces that were left waiting, growing over time. He sees you now—not just the present-day you, but the younger girl who quietly cheered him on, the one who made excuses to give him snacks, who silently offered help when he needed it most.

There's a quiet strength in his gaze, a tenderness that assures you that he won't just take your love for granted, as if he's promising not just to return your love but to honor it, to protect it with commitment that will last.

And you know now that he'll hold your heart with the same care you held for his all those years.

You feel complete.

Like you've finally come home to the love you've always longed for, only to find it more beautiful than you'd ever dared to dream.

As his hand lingers against you cheek, a soft smile on his lips, you know that his love for you is rooted not just in passion but in gratitude, in awe of the patience you showed.

His love isn't just a response; it's a promise—a promise to take care of your heart the way you took care of his, and to make you feel loved every day from here on out.

In his gaze, you can see the same warmth you've held for so long, a warmth that reflects back to you, returned and magnified. Your heart is no longer alone in its silent longing; it had found a partner in him, one who will carry it carefully.

'I might have loved Jungwon too early,' you think to yourself as you take in the softness in his eyes.

But he loved you at the perfect time.

©2024 Demuse Writer. All Right Reserved.

[demusewriter]

I Loved You Too Early

Summary: You've been admiring the captain of the prominent football team in your school, whom you secretly admiring from afar. You thought he was out of your reach until you saw him studying in your brother's room. Genre: brother's best friend, slow-burn Pairing: Non-idol! Jungwon x Fem! Reader Word count: 11.4k Chapters: 10 (Completed) (divided in two parts) Warnings: This is heavily inspired by the Chinese drama 'Hidden Love' so there's a big resemblance, age gap (5 years difference), unrequited love, a little bit of sprinkle of angst, fluff, time skip, just a teeny-weeny bit of fist fighting (but not too much!), and not solid proof-read because its too long (╥﹏╥). Author's Note: I apologize for being gone for a year (⭑•͈ 𓎟 •͈ ). While working on this, I suddenly became so busy with college that I decided to put it on hold. Now that I've graduated and started working in corporate, my responsibilities have doubled or even tripled, and I completely forgot to continue this. (◞‸ ◟) However, in the past few days, I've been motivated to finally finish it. ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´- This was supposed to be in a longer format, but I decided to divide it into two parts so you can take breaks without missing where you left off. Thank you all for patiently waiting! I hope you'll enjoy this one as well. Enjoy!

PART I PART II

Chapter One

You don't know exactly when your dull world was invaded by an unexpected rhythm that made your whole world sway in unending swirling motions.

When did your pulse start to waltz to the beat of an unknown tune, or when did your heart seem to pound louder than before, like a drum heralding the arrival of a marching band.

At first, these sensations frighten you, as you thought you were experiencing early symptoms of heart disease since your heart was not beating normally.

But this unfamiliar heartbeat, the strong and powerful thump of your heart, doesn't hurt; instead, it is sweet, pleasant, and almost comforting.

Then it hit you like an epiphany.

The erratic rhythm of your heart wasn't a medical heart disease at all, but an emotional one.

The strange heartbeat wasn't a signal of a heart condition—it was the throbbing pulse of attraction, of affection, of something you had never felt before:

Love.

A feeling that is often described as an intense, affectionate concern for another individual or object. It is one of humanity's most profound emotions, embedded in both our psyche and our essence.

They said that love's profound complexity underscores its paradoxical nature; you have to—

'pay attention'

—pay attention to recognize it as an emotion that deserves—

'Y/N'

—respect, care and openne—

"Nishimura Y/N!"

Your eyes immediately snapped open when you heard the scream of your name, making you bolt upright from your productive daydreaming.

You quickly blink your eyes to adjust your vision from the blurriness brought on by your deep slumber.

As you tried to shake off the sleepiness, your eyes settled on the person standing in front of the blackboard, brows furrowed, glaring at you with irritation.

You immediately stood up like a soldier from your chair, making a loud screeching noise from the abrupt motion.

"You're not paying attention in my class, Ms. Y/N." Your math teacher pointed out the obvious when she got you caught slacking off in her subject.

Your face burned hotter than a thousand suns, and your ears tingled with embarrassment. The usual supportive wall of the classroom felt like it bows inward, ready to collapse on you.

"I-I'm sorry, Mrs. K-kim" You bowed as you stammered an apology, voice barely audible.

You kept your head down, feeling the sudden shame creep in your body when you saw everyone in the class watching you.

Their interest was now directed from the perplexing equations on the board to the scene unfolding at the back.

"I expect all of you to respect the time I put into preparing lessons and the class itself. If you have issues staying awake in my class, especially you, Ms. Nishimura," you flinched at the mention of your family name.

"I suggest you try to figure out the equation for resolving that issue before you start learning about algebra," she continued, her gaze firmly locked with yours while her face was void of any emotion.

The snickers from your classmates were almost as unbearable as the chasing glare from Mrs. Kim. She let out a disappointed sigh before deciding to continue the discussion.

You slowly sat back on your chair, still red with embarrassment, knowing that this unforgettable scene would become classroom lore, a tale that would inevitably follow you through the rest of your middle school year.

"Someone stayed up all night reading manga again." Chunso, one of your bestfriend, teases you after the math class ends.

"Is it my fault that her voice sounds like a lullaby?" You pouted while putting all your things in your bag.

Well, it's true.

Mrs. Kim, who had been teaching for thirty good years, had a voice with a subdued resonance, softer than silk yet harder than rock.

It was a perfect lullaby for you when the math equations emerged with her voice, creating a hypnotic sonata of numbers.

"Really?" He deadpanned. "You're going to blame her voice when your thick eyebags already speak for you that you haven't had enough sleep?" he playfully flicked your forehead, making you whine. "You're lucky she didn't put you in detention."

You continued to pursed your lips and decided not to comment on anything since it was really your fault for spending the rest of your night reading Shounen manga until dawn, leaving you only 4 hours of sleep.

And so you thought of sneakily using the time in math class to take a short nap, but that short snooze took you to dreamland, completely sweeping you off from reality.

Then you get caught.

If only the first letter in Chunso's last name is closer to yours, then there's a big chance he'll be your seatmate, which will help you prevent getting caught.

But you were so unlucky, as he was in the front row while you were in the last.

"Oh, what happened to her?" your other bestfriend, Eunhee, asked when she saw you sulking while clinging to Chunso's arm.

Unfortunately, she's not in the same class as you and Chunso, so you all just meet in the hallway every lunch break.

"Got caught sleeping." You hide your face behind Chunso's arm when you feel another wave of embarrassment hit you. You also expected a row of teasing words from her, but instead, you were embraced by a warm arm around your shoulder with a gentle rub on your arm.

"Did you get detention?" You looked up to her and shook your head in response.

"Then there's nothing to be worried about," she consoled, offering you a comforting smile that wipes your shame away.

You let go of Chunso's arm and cling your arms around her.

You wanted the rest of your high school journey to be quiet and unnoticed, your presence a mere ripple in the grand ocean of faces. But, as luck would have it, today you were scolded in front of 35 students.

"Aigoo, my little sister had a rough day." She coos while patting your head gently. Even though she was only four months older than you, she always considered you her younger sibling, as she never had one.

"Yah! Did you tease her about it?" Eunhee's soft voice was quickly replaced with a loud, arrogant one when her attention went back to Chunso.

"I didn't!" Chunso defended, his eyes suddenly finding the floor interesting as he tried to avoid the scrutinizing eyes of his friend.

You felt Eunhee's hand stop patting your head when she sensed that he was lying. Suddenly, Chunso yelped in pain. You looked up and saw her pulling the boy's poor hair.

You let out a giggle at your two friends acting like they were going to make each other bald by snatching each other's hair.

You take hold of their arms and gently remove their holds on both of their hair.

"It's okay, I'm good now," you assured them while softly fixing their messy hair. You might get teased about what happened earlier, but at least it leaves you with a lesson to learn to balance your time to avoid getting sleepy in class.

Your genuine smile partnered with the softness in your eyes removes their worries.

Ever since your friendship bloomed after you helped the two treat their wounds after the incident in your PE class in 4th grade, they have always stuck with you and considered you their precious little sister that they needed to protect.

So, the thought that you might get teased about the humiliating situation concerns them.

"Let's have lunch!" You excitedly exclaim and drag them with you as you cling to their arms.

Chunso and Eunhee shared a look while they let you yank them to the cafeteria, a silent agreement that your lunch is on them to brighten the rest of your day.

After the delightful lunch break that you have with your friends, which they surprise you with a once-a-month sale of bacon croque monsieur in the cafeteria along with a legendary chocolate mousse that makes you jump from happiness, you shortly parted ways with them as you are instructed by your teacher to get some books from the library that will be used in your class activity.

As you walk through the empty hallways, with the crisp pages and musty scent of the books accompanying you, something catches your peripheral vision.

Across the dusty path to your next class, you saw a spectacle unfolding on the bustling football field.

Captivated by the sudden burst of energy from the loud cheering, you rubbed your eyes and squinted through your glasses, pausing your hurried steps.

From your point in the hallway, you can see a group of people energetically playing football, and the scene looks like a small showdown.

You were never the biggest football fan, but you could at least appreciate the smooth precision of their passes.

With a further inspection from your spot, you could make out why a handful of spectators and students are basking in the afternoon sun when you see some of the players wearing the most famous navy blue and white striped jersey.

The group that clad themselves in that jersey were not just average students; they were the revered football team of your school.

The Nightball Team.

Ever since the establishment of the Nightball Team, it has consistently reigned supreme, its renown spreading far beyond the city.

The team is born out of a unique blend of teamwork, discipline, ambition, and a fierce drive for continuous development.

Making them act as an emblem representing not just the school but the principles its students stand for.

Every time the name of your school is mentioned, the Nightball Team is always the first thing that comes to everyone's mind.

That's how famous they are.

Amidst the navy blue and white-soaked jerseys, a certain person caught your attention. His physique was chiseled, his movements defying time as he led the team with an innate confidence that was as charming as it was stirring.

His jersey number 04, clung to his athletic body as he ran, skillfully dodging the opponents while carrying the ball that was tucked in his arm. Each tactical maneuver, every calculated move, displayed an enchanting dance of dominance and tenacity.

Then it happened—Nightball Team scored, erupting a loud cheer from the crowd.

As the dust settled around him, he looked up, his face breaking into a humble, triumphant grin that lit up his eyes.

It was as if the Earth rotated a little slower, distorted only by the increased pace of your heart.

Ah, now you remember when did your heart started to act out like a drum roll, jumping to the beat like a fool.

It was when he humbly acknowledged a job well done, his genuine joy for the game, and the soft crinkles around his eyes as he gently smiled while everyone praised him for scoring the goal.

That was the moment when you felt it for the first time—your stomach fluttering like there was a swarm of butterflies lodged in there, and your heart skipped a beat—for the first time, not for the new volume of Shounen Manga

but for someone else.

A peculiar sensation that only happens because of him.

Only because of him.

Chapter Two

As everyone in the class attempts to pay attention, the warm sunlight flowing through the classroom window did little to improve the class' concentration.

The monotone voice of your teacher talking about some dead men who died in a fight hundreds of years ago slowly puts everyone to sleep.

It was another ordinary Wednesday for the rest of the students, but for you, it was unimaginably extraordinary.

Before, there was no particular day that seemed special for you.

It was all just ordinary that you have to get through—well, except for Sunday, since that's the scheduled release for each chapter of the manga you are currently binge-reading.

However, after you learned that every Wednesday was the Nightball Team's practice in the field, it became a day that you always looked forward to.

The day when you can only see him.

It's unexplainable how his humble smile, which makes his dimples dig deeper into his natural rosy cheeks while his eyes form a crescent moon, can catch not only your attention but also your very young heart.

Maybe you were simply mesmerized by a man who wore the number 04 jersey, even though you didn't know his name.

You tried everything you could to know his name; you tried to dig through the old school newspapers that you sometimes kept to solve the sudoku part and re-read the sports section in the hope his name would be mentioned.

You also tried to go to your school's website, searching for him by using the Nightball Team's name in the search engine, which is always a hot topic on the website, but surprisingly, you were still left wondering what his name was.

The two options that you chose to know who is the mysterious jersey number 04 are the best choices that you could have since that's all you can do.

However, you still have one good option left.

The best option that will surely secure the chance of knowing his name.

But no matter how great this option was, you would rather get embarrassed again in the class than choosing it.

Asking your brother.

Your brother, Ni-ki Nishimura, who is part of the baseball team, is the best option to ask anything about sports, as he has been athletic and very knowledgeable in that area ever since you were both children.

He is a born sports prodigy.

Besides being part of the sports club at your school, he also has a huge number of friends, not only on his team but especially on the football team.

You don't know why, because the last time you checked, baseball and football are different sports, but your brother appears to be much closer to the members of the Nightball Team than his.

He really is the best choice to finally name the one you are admiring if he is not only a pain in the ass.

Despite your family's crowning him a prodigy and naturally talented, he is always the annoying and bloody irritating brother in your eyes.

He will literally make fun of your desperate mission of knowing the name of a particular person on the football team.

Heck, he might give you the wrong name just for fun.

However, that is not the worst thing that might happen if you ask him something that will give him a hint that you have developed a sudden interest in someone, especially if that someone is the opposite gender from you.

He will explode.

Your brother, who is five years older than you, has the tendency to become very protective when it comes to you.

He might be an obnoxious and nosy brother, but he has a soft spot for you that he cannot admit.

He will do everything to protect you, especially your heart, from men.

Therefore, if he finds out that you are growing admiration for someone, especially in the Nightball Team, he will literally ban you from going to the football field.

You sigh as you scribble his jersey number in your notebook while the boring class continues.

The bell signaling the end of the class of the day rang, making your mood reach the ceiling of happiness. The usual fidgeting in your seat to the rhythm of the clock turned into a wild scramble as you packed up your textbooks and pencil case into your bag.

You rush out of the classroom with thoughts of finally watching a football practice occupying your mind.

But before you could fully get out of the room, you felt a tug on your bag forcefully stop you in your tracks.

"What's with the rush?" Chunso asked still holding your bag.

"I-I'm going to the l-library!" You exclaim as you stumble over your words. Your friend's eyes immediately narrowed into slits when he sense you are making excuses.

"What will you do there?" he interrogates, as it was unusual for you to go to the library after class since you were always eager to go back home to spend the rest of your day reading manga.

"To study, o-of course," you said, forcing a smile in the hopes he would buy your alibi. However, it just proved his suspicion that you are hiding some information that you don't want him to know.

"Hmm." Your smile slowly faded when you realized he didn't believe you. You sigh in defeat.

"I promise that I'm not doing anything bad." You raised your pinky at him as an assurance to ease his worries.

Chunso was still observing you, looking for any hint of lying. He then let out a sigh, seeing the sincere look behind your words.

"You promise to message me and Eunhee when you get home," he said, raising his pinky. A big smile made its way into your face, brightening your mood.

Even though Chunso is not entirely convinced to let you go since you didn't tell him the real reason why you don't want to go home yet, he still trusts you that you're not doing anything behind their back that will make them worried.

You tightly cling your pinky to his, sealing it with both of your thumbs touching.

"I promise!"

After saying goodbye to Chunso, you immediately skip your way to the football field with so much giddiness. Each step you take intensifies your excitement as you are finally able to watch the practice match of the Nightball Team without using the view from the hallway.

You spot an empty seat that is secluded from the rest of the bleachers, although it is far away from the field where the players play, it is still enough for you to cheerfully cheer for your jersey number 04 without being noticed.

The crowd suddenly screamed with excitement when the players of the Nightball team showed up on the field. Your eyes started to scan the players, finding the specific person who always filled your sketchbook and slowly became your favorite muse.

It was as if your world had suddenly slipped into slow motion, and all the noises were muted when you saw him walking with confidence in the field—everything but him and his bright smile faded away.

You held your chest when you felt your heart skip again in a beat that only he could make.

Each time he ran across the field, swinging the ball with finesse, you would do a small victory dance in your heart. You watched every move, every goal, every mistake he made, and still supported him while your hand was busy sketching every movement he made and leaving small comments of amazement beside your sketch.

You would also offer whispers of encouragement, muffled applause, and silent woohoo with your heart thumped in silent cheer.

As the sun went down and the practice match ended, you found a sense of fulfillment you had rarely felt before. You hadn't elbowed your way through the fanatic crowd or screamed your lungs out, but something told you that you cheered the loudest.

It feels like you were bewitched by his enchanting display of professionalism and respect for the game, that you always find yourself in the same seat every week, watching him with full admiration in your eyes.

Your heart fluttered as you headed home while reminiscing the practice match you watched earlier, already dreaming of the next Wednesday when you could watch your jersey number 04 playing on the field again.

"Practice match?" Your mom spoke once you entered the house.

She's the only one who knows that you always watch the football practice, as you can never lie to her. Somehow it makes you guilty because your mom thought you were just growing a fascination with that sport, not knowing you're only there for a certain person.

"Yep!" You sneakily grab a slice of fruit in a bowl that your mom passionately peeled and cut into pieces. "But I went to Eunhee's house to do our assignments."

The football match ended much earlier than usual; sometimes it takes two to three hours, but today they concluded the practice for an hour, giving you time to drop by Eunhee's house when she invited you and Chunso to do your homework there, although you three only ended up watching movies instead of doing it.

You were about to get another slice of fruit when your mother gently slapped your hand, stopping you from getting more.

"You're going to be full before you can get dinner. Go to your room to wash up and call your brother; we will have dinner in a minute." She ushered as you pouted and sulkingly went upstairs, making your mom shake her head at your sillyness.

Then she remembered something.

"Ah, bring down your brother's friend as well!!" she yelled from downstairs, muffling her voice in the process as you entered your room, making you not hear the rest of her words.

"Nii-san, we're going to eat" You called outside your brother's room, clad in your blue Cinnamoroll print pajamas after you wash up. 

"Riki-niisan!" You knock on his door repeatedly when he doesn't respond, making your cheeks puff in annoyance. 

"I'm going to your room if you don't come out," you threatened, knowing your brother doesn't like you setting foot in his room. 

You rolled your eyes and barged into his room, kicking the door open.

"Nii-chan! What's taking you so long!?" You screamed at the top of your lungs with both of your hands resting on your hips.

You expect to see him playing PlayStation while wearing his headphones, the reason he couldn't hear you calling because of the noises in the game, but instead, you are greeted with a familiar pair of Boba eyes staring at you.

You furrowed your eyebrows, squinting your eyes in the process to get a better look at the person sitting on the chair, as you forgot to wear your glasses.

He's definitely not your brother, as his eyes were sharper, contrasting to the softer eyes of this person in front of you.

You take a step closer to see his face, which is still blurry in your vision.

On the other hand, the boy suddenly felt amused at how you tried to scrutinize him. He couldn't help but chuckle when you got even closer.

You were taken aback when he suddenly let out a soft laugh. His dimples appeared on his left cheek with his eyes turning to a crescent moon.

Your eyes slowly went wide when you finally got familiar with those traits that make your heart do summersaults.

You suddenly felt frozen in your position when it slowly registered to you, who were occupying the study table of your brother, surrounded by papers and textbooks that were neatly organized on top of the desk.

You stumbled aback.

How on earth did your nameless jersey number 4 end up in your brother's room?!

Chapter Three

When God decided to create you, he probably accidentally poured too much embarrassment into your basin of personality, or when heaven decided to shower humiliation, you caught all of it as it became a frequent situation that always happened to you.

What's worse is that it happens in front of a person for whom you are developing intense admiration!

You dove into your bed, your face buried deep in your pillow. You gave a mighty inhale and unleashed a deafening scream into its soft embrace while your feet kicked with frustration.

You can bear to get embarrassed again in front of your classmates while your raging teacher scolds you, but not in front of your jersey number 4!

Your first encounter with him wasn't imagined this way; in fact, you didn't have a plan to talk to or be involved with him because you only wanted to admire him from afar.

Still! You had expected to meet him more decently, not while scrutinizing him with squinted eyes in your printed pajamas!

God! You can't imagine how unpleasant you look with your eyes squinting to make your vision clearer with your nose crunching in the process!

"Y/n-chan" You suddenly stop your antics when you hear your brother calling you outside your room. You stay buried in your pillow waiting for him to speak again.

"I'm hungry. Let's go downstairs to eat." Normally, you would straight-up come out of your room and sprint down the stairs, racing your brother ahead to prevent him from getting most of the food that your mother had prepared.

But now, you just want to stay in your room and pray for it to disappear.

"I'm not hungry," you said with a tinge of lack of enthusiasm in your voice.

Although your voice is quite muffled by your pillow, your brother on the other side of the door can clearly sense that you're not in your usual mood.

His brows furrowed.

Ni-ki's sure that he heard you earlier screaming his name at the top of your lungs while he was in the shower, certainly ready to annoy him again. But now, you're acting like your energy suddenly got sucked out of your whole body.

"Really? Mom cooked Oyakodon." He made sure that you heard the last part, knowing that it was your favorite and that it would be hard for you to refuse not to eat. "If you don't come down at any moment, I'm going to eat all of it."

Ni-ki expected the door to burst open and you to rush down the stairs to prevent him from hogging all the meals for himself; however, he was greeted by a different response.

"Hmm, okay" Your muffled hum is his cue to storm inside your room.

"Okay, what's going on with you, brat?" he demandingly asked. Ni-ki might sound annoyed at your unusual antics, but in reality, he was worried and now started racking his head if he did something that made you upset.

He snatches the pillow where your head is buried when you don't reply to his question, making you groan and kick your feet in annoyance.

"Seriously, what's wrong?" Ni-ki slightly cringed when his voice suddenly sounded soft, wishing you hadn't heard it.

He proceeded to touch your forehead, checking your temperature to see if you had gotten sick, to which you only whined and smacked his hand away. Your brother sighed.

"If you have no plan to eat, at least tell mom. She even made an effort to make a big serving of your favorite dish just for you."

Your body went still at what your brother softly said.

Since childhood, your parents have always reminded you of the importance of being grateful for all aspects of life, especially the food that graces your table.

Having been born and raised in Japan, you've been instilled with a deep reverence for food to express your appreciation for the hard work of the farmers and the dedication of those who prepare your meals.

Out of guilt, you found yourself sitting at the dining table savoring your favorite Oyakodon while trying to resist stealing glances at the person seated across from you, right beside your brother.

If it were any ordinary day, you'd likely be devouring your meal with gusto, prompting your mother's gentle reminders to slow down.

But today was different.

The presence of the boy who made your heart race like a runaway train transformed your mealtime into a royal feast, leaving your brother to cast perplexed glances your way, baffled by your another uncharacteristic behavior.

"Did you like the food, Y/n-chan?" your father asked when he also noticed that you weren't eating as usual. You wanted to scold your father for mentioning your name, as you felt all the eyes, including the adorable boba eyes, looking at you.

You wanted to say something, but you were afraid that when you spoke, his eyes would linger on you, making you feel another wave of shame. So, you nodded in response without lifting your head and continued looking at your food.

Your parents looked at each other with worry in their eyes, wondering what had happened to their precious, bubbly daughter.

You felt a hand gently rubbing against your back, making you look at your mother, who was beside you.

"Go finish your food so you can have a rest. I'm going to make you green tea later to help you feel better, hmm?" You felt your eyes slightly water as your mom gently cared for you.

Your guilt increased as they thought you were feeling under the weather when, in fact, you were just shy and embarrassed because your jersey no. 4 was on the same table as you.

"How about you, Jungwon? Did you like the food?" Your ears perked up as you looked in his direction when your mother called his name.

His name is Jungwon?

Your heart pounded in your chest, and a mix of excitement and giddiness coursed through your veins. The name resonated with you in a way you couldn't understand.

His name could be translated to "garden," a fitting name that perfectly describes the feeling you experience every time you see him.

Comfort.

"It always tastes good, Mrs. Nishimura. Thank you so much for the wonderful meal." He replied genuinely with a smile.

'Always? This isn't his first time here?' You unconsciously frowned.

Jungwon looked your way, making your eyes widen due to the unexpected eye contact. You quickly looked down at your plate to avoid his gaze, feeling your cheeks burn, with a lasting redness that stayed through the end of dinner.

You weren't sure whether you would be happy to return to your room and continue to privately revel in your embarrassment or disappointed that dinner had passed so quickly.

As you helped your mom with the dishes, you overheard Jungwon expressing his gratitude to your father for inviting him to dinner as they arranged the table.

A sign that he was about to leave.

"Can you send Jungwon to the door, Y/n-chan?" Your mother's request caught you slightly off guard. You had the urge to decline and come up with an excuse, but the guilt of lying to your mother again held you back.

Reluctantly, you found yourself nodding and accepting the request.

A sigh of relief washed over you when your brother also joined you in sending Jungwon off. However, your relief quickly faded when your brother jokingly rushed out the door, leaving Jungwon behind and you alone with him in the genkan as he put on his shoes.

As you stood by the front door, an awkward silence hung between the two of you. You avoided making eye contact, and as Jungwon prepared to leave, you muttered a shy goodbye.

Throughout dinner, Jungwon had been bothered by your quietness and avoidance of eye contact. It led him to believe that he had made you uncomfortable, especially after your encounter with him in Ni-ki's room that made you dash out of your brother's room.

Ni-ki's comment about you acting unusually and not being in the mood for dinner further supported his belief that he had made you uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable tonight," he softly said, his voice tinged with worry, making your brows furrowed in confusion.

"I'm sorry if I laughed earlier; I didn't mean it in a bad way," Jungwon continued as he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. He thought that his chuckles over your actions were the reason why you got uncomfortable.

Your heart sank when you realized that your actions during dinner had made him think that you were offended by him and that his presence made you uncomfortable.

You quickly shook your head, desperately wanting him to understand the truth. "No, no, there's nothing to apologize for! I assure you, you didn't make me uncomfortable. I'm just naturally shy."

Relief washed over his face as he let out a breath he seemed to have been holding. "Really? I thought I made you upset."

"Not at all. I just felt embarrassed because I didn't know Ni-chan had a guest, and I didn't greet them properly." You couldn't help but puff your cheeks when you felt another wave of shyness as you looked down at your fiddling fingers.

A smile crept onto Jungwon's face, making his eyes soften. "It's okay, I know you were just surprised. No need to get embarrassed."

A surge of warm feelings engulfed your heart when you heard his gentle reassurance. You really wanted to look at him, but you were afraid that he'd see the redness in your cheeks that reflected your true feelings for him.

Your thoughts were cut off when you saw his hand offered towards you. You try to swallow your fears and find a courage to slowly looked up from his hand to his face.

You could almost hear your heart pound with fervor, like a wild drumbeat in harmony with your emotions, when you saw him closely with a soft expression paired with a gentle smile, making his dimple make another appearance.

"Hello, I'm Yang Jungwon, your brother's friend." Your eyes almost welled up when you realized that he was making you forget the embarrassing first encounter by redoing it as if you had just met each other.

You softly smiled and took his hand in a handshake. You felt a sudden spark of electricity shroud your body because of the contact.

"I'm Nishimura Y/n, Riki-nii's sister." Jungwon's eyes formed into crescent moons when you accepted his gesture of starting over. Although he already knew a little about you because of your brother, it was still nice to finally meet his friend's sister whom the latter always talked about adorably.

"Nice meeting you, Y/n." He started shaking both of your hands as if sealing a deal, making you giggle.

"Nice meeting you too, Jungwon nii-san."

Chapter Four

You thought that your feelings for Jungwon wouldn't blossom any further, but you were proven wrong when you found yourself researching nutritious foods appropriate for a football player that can boost his energy during practice games, instead of focusing on your homework.

Never in your life did you imagine that there would be a day when it's your turn to give someone a gift to show your appreciation, just like your schoolmates in 6th grade used to do for their crushes—a gesture you often found cringy before.

Yet now, you're going to do it as well.

Football season is just around the corner, making the Nightball Team busier with their practice. Hence, you see this as an opportunity to support Jungwon by providing snacks and bottles of energy drinks anonymously.

You know how intensely athletes practice during the game season, as you've witnessed it to your brother.

To help their bodies keep up with the rigorous training, nutritious foods are very essential.

As you stroll around the convenience store with a basket in hand already full of nutritious foods and energy drinks, a colorful message cards and envelopes caught your eyes.

The intricate design of each card and envelopes make your eyes twinkle in delight.

You've been also a fan of stationery items, developing a fascination for collecting envelopes and colored papers that pave the way for another passion—creating a journal with these elegant items.

If not for manga, the excess in your allowance is spent on stationery items.

As you eye the items, a sudden thought crosses your mind, making your heart beat to a now familiar tune that you are slowly getting used to.

You nibble the side of your cheek, contemplating whether it would be worth it.

You close your eyes, slowly taking deep breaths and gathering the confidence to do it.

Now full of determination, you took the cards and envelopes and proceeded to the counter to check out the items.

Your entire night was spent carefully preparing small packages, filling them with nutritious snacks and energy drinks. Along these, you include heartfelt and motivational notes crafted on small cards that you've intricately designed.

The following morning, you found yourself navigating the empty hallway in an unusual early hour while clutching the gift in your trembling hands, your heart pounding with each step.

Reaching Jungwon's locker, you hesitated for a moment, your mind replaying scenarios of what could happen next.

Would someone appear out of nowhere? Would Jungwon catch a glimpse of you?

With a last scanned around the hallway to make sure no one is around, you took a deep breath, reassuring yourself that the early morning cloak of silence was on your side.

Swiftly, you slipped your gift along with the letter into his locker, your hands moving with a kind of precision that only nervous anticipation could bring.

As you put the gifts gently, you feel a rush of adrenaline, a mixture of satisfaction and nervous energy coursing through your veins.

With the deed done, you retraced your steps, leaving behind the token of your affection. The school began to stir with the arrival of students, and you blended seamlessly into the crowd, keeping your secret hidden behind a casual smile.

You wanted to wait and witness Jungwon's reaction to your gift, but fear taking ahead of you as you pondered the possibility that his response might not align with your expectations.

Ultimately, you chose not to proceed and continued on your way to class.

Later in the afternoon, you found yourself on the same bench you sat, watching the practice game just as you always done. The field was buzzing with energy as the players warmed up, their determination evident in every stride they took.

Amongst them, Jungwon stood out like a star.

As the game began, you found yourself entranced once again by Jungwon's performance. He darted across the field, effortlessly evading opponents with his nimble footwork. His passes were precise and his shots were powerful.

He commanded the field with an air of confidence that made your heart swell with pride.

His performance today was exceptionally good compared to the previous practice games. Not that he wasn't good before—he truly was—but today, it felt like he was in his zone.

Every move he made was so powerful. You couldn't help but wonder if the pressure of the upcoming football season was driving him to new heights.

However, it wasn't just Jungwon's skill that impressed you; it was the pure sheer joy he exude while playing that you always like to see.

His face lit up with a radiant smile every time he made a good play or celebrated a victory. It was clear the football was more than just a game to him; it was a passion that ignited and fueled his determination.

A soft and gentle smile made its way to your face as you held your hands close to your chest, feeling the crazy beat of your heart as you admired Jungwon from afar.

A whistle blew across the field, signaling that the first half of the practice game had just ended, making the players come back to the dugout to take a break. As the players made their way, your eyes only remained and followed Jungwon.

As he talked to one of the players, you saw him reach out for something among the water bottles and energy drinks. He twisted the cup and chugged its contents, making his Adam's apple bob with every gulp. The afternoon sun struck his skin, making it glow like honey and accentuating his chiseled jaw.

You catch your breath in a small gasp, not because of how attractive he looks but because the bottle he is holding is slowly becoming familiar.

It's the energy drink that you brought for him!

You know that it was yours because you made sure that the energy drink that you brought was different from the energy drink that they always drink every day, plus you can see the bright yellow sticker message that contained your motivational pun attached to the bottle!

You suddenly felt like you were not breathing when he noticed the sticker; his furrowed brows made you nervous as he read the message. You almost wanted to leave the field, thinking he didn't like what was written there, when all of a sudden he burst into laughter, making the other players look his way.

His teammates wanted to see what made him laugh, but Jungwon held the bottle close to his chest and refused to let anybody know.

Your cheeks suddenly flamed with redness; you don't know if it was from embarrassment or because of the overwhelming feeling of seeing his positive reaction to your motivational pun.

Jungwon looked at the sticker on the bottle once again and let out a chuckle while shaking his head in amusement. His smile and bright eyes didn't leave until the end of the practice game, making you feel a new sense of fulfillment knowing the small act of affection had reached him.

You guess the "Kick some Asparag-ass

(૭ ｡•̀ ᵕ •́｡ )૭" somehow made his day.

Seeing Jungwon's positive impact of your secret gesture fueled a newfound motivation deep within your soul.

Especially when you saw his soft smile upon discovering the rest of the gift you had left in his locker, a moment for which you had finally summoned the courage to witness his reaction.

Due to this, you can't help but ponder what else you could do—or another motivational pun to put— to bring him happiness and encouragement without revealing your true identity.

With each passing day, you continued to surprise Jungwon with small anonymous gifts, each carefully selected to brighten his practice session and show your support.

Noticing Jungwon excelled in his games and his skills shone even brighter with added encouragement, made your heart swell with pride each time you witnessed his growth, even though he remained unaware of your involvement.

You planned to spend your whole day today coming up with different ideas to keep Jungwon motivated, but since it was Sunday—meaning today was the scheduled release of a new chapter of the manga you were reading—you got distracted and ended up lying down lazily on the couch in the leaving room with an iPad hovering over your face.

You giggled when the supporting character thought that the protagonist was a love child of a known superhero in the story.

As you continued scrolling the pages, you heard the front door open.

Since the iPad completely covered your vision of the door, you didn't see who entered the house; you didn't mind and didn't bother to look who it was and continued reading, thinking it was only your brother since your dog, Bisco, immediately ran to the door with enthusiasm.

"Hey, make me some snacks." The voice of your irritating brother demanded—you guessed it right—it was your brother, which made your eyes immediately roll.

"Make your own," you grumbled, your eyes remaining on the screen.

"I'm going to study," he retorted, earning a scoff from you. 'Study my ass'

You remained unmoved, pretending not to hear him. However, your brother was relentless about getting you to make him snacks, resorting to tickling your foot.

You squirmed and kicked his hands away, still avoiding eye contact, thinking that ignoring him would make him leave you alone.

But the more you resisted, the more persistent your brother became.

Ni-ki decided to take it a step further and removed the socks you were wearing, continuing to tickle your bare foot.

You dramatically squirm around as if you were being possessed, earning a hearty laugh from your brother.

You got up and lodged a smack on your brother's arm when you had enough of his annoyance.

The sound of it resonated through the living room, proving how strong it was. You were ready to give him another one when you noticed another presence in the room.

Your fist hung mid-air, and your body froze as you saw Jungwon smiling at you.

"Hi, Y/n"

You immediately straightened your posture and quickly tucked your messy hair behind your ears.

"H-hello, Jungwon n-nii-san," you stammered while simply trying to fix your clothes, in which you are clad in your usual pajamas with pompompurin designs. You chew the side of your cheek.

Why is it that every time you look at your worst, Jungwon always shows up?

"Nii-san?" Your brother questioned, making you look at him. His brows furrowed like he couldn't believe what he had heard.

"We've been living here in South Korea for 5 years; it should be Oppa now."

Your fist suddenly feels itchy to punch your brother at the moment.

He knows that you're not yet comfortable using those honorifics because you're still adjusting to their culture; you're still slowly trying to fit in. 

Your fist has already collided with his arm; if not, your jersey no. 4 is not here.

"O-opp—" You gulp, looking down at your feet, trying your best to find the courage to say it. Wanting to put a good impression in front of the person you are admiring, you will try to say it.

"O-opp—"

"—ah"

"O-op—" 

"It's okay, Y/n" You immediately stopped when you heard a reassuring voice. You looked up, and your eyes immediately softened when you saw Jungwon looking at you with gentleness.

"I'm fine with Nii-san; you don't have to force yourself." You felt a warm glow of reassurance spread through your body, thawing the icy grip of fear that had taken hold of you.

"Nah, man. She can say i—" Before your brother could finish his words, Jungwon's fist already collided with Ni-ki's back, playfully smacking his friend.

"Let's have your sister do what makes her comfortable. Respect her decision, dude." Your brother quickly returns the punch to his friend, which only makes the latter laugh.

As Jungwon and Ni-ki were laughing and playfully bickering at each other, you stood there watching as if your world stood still, leaving you with the feeling of a crushing wave of warmth washing over you.

In the quiet corners of your heart, a warm ember began to glow.

It flickered gently at first, timidly reaching out to the cool, untouched spaces within.

Jungwon's gentle smile, the softness of his eyes, and his kindness made the ember grow, its flames dancing in harmony with the newfound rhythm of your heartbeat that you didn't know suddenly changed into something more.

'Uh, oh, you're falling in love'

The fluttering of your heart becomes more frequent and pronounced that every time Jungwon appears in your line of sight, you experience this peculiar feeling.

These little flutters seemed to build into a crescendo, filling your heart with a strange yet amazing feeling.

Every word that Jungwon says to you always shows how pure and kind his soul was, making the beat of your heart grow louder as if announcing to the cosmos the love that is blossoming within you.

Slowly, your heart was no longer fluttering; it was soaring.

'Oh no, you're falling in love'

You had always believed in love because of your parents, but you had never truly understood its power until now.

You realized that love was more than a fleeting connection; it was the awakening of your soul.

It was a feeling that washed over you like a gentle wave, leaving you breathless and craving for more.

As you look at Jungwon, a new, profound, warm sensation spreads through your chest, gradually seeping into every corner of your being.

It was a sensation of love, softening your edges and illuminating your soul.

It was a feeling that found solace in vulnerability and flourished in the light of trust.

'Oh, you're falling in love.'

Chapter Five

The newfound realization made your heart skip a beat and sent a rush of nervous energy through your veins.

You can't believe it, you have fallen in love.

With such a simple word, its complexities were unraveling before you, leaving you both exhilarated and terrified.

At a young age, you already found yourself entangled in a web of emotions that you had never encountered.

It was your first taste of this intoxicating elixir, and you were utterly unprepared for its effects.

With this newfound love came a wave of shyness that seemed to wash over you whenever you were in Jungwon's presence, making you tongue-tied like every word you wanted to say remained locked behind closed lips.

You couldn't even bring yourself to meet his gaze when you brought snacks to your brother's room while they were studying.

As you thought they were both studying.

Because upon handling their snack, you realized that only your brother was engrossed in his studies, while Jungwon was actively helping and guiding him, almost like a dedicated tutor.

This observation lingered in your thoughts, making you seek clarification from your mother about it.

"Oh, Jungwon?" Your mother started "his tutoring your brother on some of his subjects for weeks now." She continued while chopping some vegetables for dinner.

While this information seemed like a casual detail to your mother, for you, it was a revelation that left your eyes widening in shock.

How had you not noticed him doing this earlier, especially considering he had been tutoring your brother in his room for several days now?

What surprised you even more was how he managed to balance this commitment with the intensity of their practice games.

"But why? He's an athlete like Riki-nisan; wouldn't it be exhausting to do both?" Your curiosity compelled you to ask.

The chopping abruptly ceased. Your mother gently set down the knife, her gaze softening as she looked at you.

"You see, Jungwon has been struggling to pay off all of his school expenses—" You saw how the sad smile made its way to your mother's face.

"—despite working part-time, it hasn't been enough. Your brother offered financial assistance, but he always refused. Your brother was determined to help, so he proposed the idea of Jungwon tutoring your brother in subjects he was struggling with," your mother explained, continuing to chop vegetables as you listened attentively.

"That young boy is such a genuine friend to your brother. Despite his financial struggles, he consistently rejects any money from your brother's pocket. If only his mother hadn't fallen ill, he would have also declined your brother's offer."

The weight of the revelation made your heart sink.

While you admired Jungwon for his skills and charm, little did you know about the silent battles he faced. Yet, he remained a compassionate soul willing to endure hardships to support his family.

"So, if your friends are also struggling with their studies, let me know so we can recommend Jungwon to them, okay?" Your mother said with a hopeful smile on her face, also wanting to extend her help to her son's friend.

You nodded and agreed without hesitation, though deep down, a secret plan was forming in your mind.

You were the one who would be getting the tutoring sessions with Jungwon.

If Ni-ki was naturally a sports prodigy, you on the other hand were a naturally gifted student, excelling in all subjects effortlessly.

Despite being smart and not needing any help with your studies, you plan to take on the role of a struggling student to help Jungwon to support him financially.

With that plan, you were more determined to help Jungwon rather than get closer to him.

You were pacing back and forth, your heart pounding with anticipation. It was the day of your tutoring session with the person who only can make your heart do crazy act like this.

When you brought up the topic of needing a tutor during dinner, your parents were taken aback, nearly choking on their food.

It seemed incomprehensible to them that their academically successful daughter, particularly excelling in physics, would require assistance in any subject.

Fortunately, you are gifted an understanding parents who acknowledge that even bright students face challenges. Consequently, they graciously granted your request for a tutor, specifically Jungwon as your tutor in the subject where you usually excel the most—physics.

You will literally rot in hell for lying too much to your parents.

Back in your brother's room—which is the place you have requested to use for your tutor session—your mind swirling with thoughts of how the session would go.

You meticulously organized your study materials, ensuring they were arranged perfectly on your desk. You adjusted your hair, clothes, and everything in an attempt to look decent.

When the knock finally came at the door, your heart felt like leaped into your throat. You took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts, before answering it. There stood Jungwon, clad in a fresh fluffy gray hoodie with a shy smile playing on his lips.

"Hey, Y/n. How are you today?" He casually asks as he enters your brother's room, seemingly unaware of the effect he had on you.

"I-I'm g-good, thank y-you." You cleared your throat, trying to cover your stuttered response. You felt your face immediately flush from embarrassment.

Jungwon smiled gently, sensing your nervousness. "Great! Let's start our lesson then," he said, pulling out a chair for you. "Remember, there's no need to be nervous. We're here to learn together, and I'm here to help."

From his assurance, you felt again the familiar melody in your heart that you can slowly put into a song, and it swelled every time he spoke with kindness.

Whenever you feel embarrassed or in trouble speaking your mind, Jungwon always catches you with soothing words, wrapping around you like a warm blanket. It was as if he knew exactly what to say to make you feel validated and loved.

His kind words seemed to have a power of their own, melting away your doubts and worries.

It wasn't just the words, though. It was the way Jungwon said them, the gentle sincerity in his voice. His words were not empty promises or shallow compliments; they held a genuine warmth that touched your heart.

Each day, his kind words reaffirmed your belief that your heart made the right choice in loving him.

"I hear you were having trouble in advanced physics?" You sheepishly nodded, crossing your fingers under the table, invoking a protective power to mitigate the bad consequences that will come to you for lying too much.

"Well, it's not your fault for finding this subject challenging. Teaching this level of physics in 7th grade is a bit advanced for young minds. I only started learning it last year in the 11th grade," Jungwon said, shaking his head in disappointment. "Our school's curriculum isn't the best, is it?" he added with a playful wiggle of his eyebrows, earning a giggle from you.

He smiled, sensing that you were getting more comfortable, and began to slowly proceed with tutoring you.

As the session went on, Jungwon always been patient with you, eager to make you comfortable around him and create an environment wherein you could truly "learn."

But you've got to admit, the tips he is providing to help you understand the concept better are much easier to grasp than the way your teacher teaches.

As you spent more time with Jungwon, diving into deeper topics week after week, your feelings for him grew stronger. The way he explained things made you admire and like him more.

In those quite study moments, he made the subject matter feel like a beautiful melody, resonating not just in your head but also in your heart.

Falling for Jungwon was like a slow waterfall, this gentle descent into a realm where every drop carried a piece of your heart, cascading softly into the pool of emotions that brought a sense of calmness to your soul.

As the weeks pass, not only your feelings blossom but also your friendship with Jungwon.

Jungwon is an easygoing person, conversations with him flowed like a gentle stream, unhurried and reassuring. 

Before you start to study, he will ask about how your day went, and he will also share his with you.

Whenever you take a break from the study session, he will offer an icebreaker, such as playing a little bit of brain games or letting you rumble about the manga you were reading while he listens attentively.

One of the things you always look forward to in your study sessions is his thoughtful gifts, given as a reward every time you ace the study exercises or tests and quizzes in physics.

Sometimes, he surprises you with snacks, sharing his favorite jelly, and there's that one thing you can't forget: gifting you the latest volume of the manga you were reading.

"Since you ace the exam last time," Jungwon declared with a mischievous glint in his eye, "I think my student deserves this reward." The corners of his lips curled into a playful smile, as he reached for his bag and pulled out a paper bag and handed it to you.

Curiosity piqued, you eagerly open the bag to reveal the latest volume of your favorite manga series.

Your eyes immediately widened in surprise, a delightful smile spreading across your face. "Jungwon nii-san, you remembered!" You exclaimed, flipping through the pages with excitement. " I can't believe you got this for me!"

Jungwon softly grinned, his own excitement mirrored in his eyes. "Of course, I remembered. You've been talking about this series non-stop, so I thought you'd appreciate having the next volume"

You couldn't count how many time you have been grateful for Jungwon's kindness, the kindness that always feels so warm and welcoming.

However, as you observed the way he interacted with others, you realized that his kindness and warmth were extended to all.

You're not as special to him as you thought.

You felt a bittersweet pang in your chest, acknowledging that he only saw you as his student, a friend, and nothing more.

Much worse, as his little sister.

In the bustling football stadium, under the warm glow of the stadium lights, you found yourself once again in your usual seat, holding your breath as the football game were in full swing. The players of Nightball team sprinted across the field, their feet grazing the perfectly manicured grass.

Suddenly, your heart skipped a beat as Jungwon miraculously spotted you amidst the crowd.

A wide smile spread across Jungwon's face, and he waved at you with unreserved excitement. Your heart fluttered, surprised that he had noticed your presence among the large supporters. You waved back, returning his infectious smile.

As the game continued, you couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with Jungwon, knowing that after all months of unwavering support for him, he was finally aware of it.

In a brief pause between play, Jungwon jog on your way to quickly thank you for cheering for him, as he talks to you, another talented football player, Jake, approached him, curiosity and amusement evident on is face.

He nudged him and teasingly asked, "Who's this girl you're waving at, man? Do we have a secret fan club now?"

Jungwon simply chuckled, "This is Ni-ki's little sister, Y/n." he look down at you with a softness in his eyes as he gently patted your head, "She's like my little sister too."

You felt a pang in your chest as disappointment washed over you, slowly realizing your position in Jungwon's life.

While your heart crazily beat of full affection for him, his was platonically calm for you.

Despite all of that, you swallowed the hurtful truth and softly smiled, accepting the role of being his only little sister.

From then on, you made a choice to embrace the only friendship you have with Jungwon without demanding more.

You continue to fill the pages of your heart with cherished moments, etching them with love and gratitude.

With each passing day, you learn the true essence of selflessness and acceptance.

Despite the unrequited love that lingered in the depths of your soul, you found solace in the knowledge that the friendship you shared with Jungwon was a treasure you could forever hold dear.

Although you acknowledge already the fact that your relationship with Jungwon will only stay as friends, it didn't stop you to continue sending him gifts and letters still anonymously.

You were happily skipping your way through the school hallway as the morning sun shone brightly, clutching yet again a beautifully wrapped gift along with a heartfelt letter of encouragement for his upcoming football game, and also discreetly thanking him for showing kindness and his help in tutoring you.

But as you approached Jungwon's locker, you noticed him standing there with his group of friends.

Startled, you quickly ducked behind a nearby row of lockers.

Seeing him still engrossed in conversation with his friends and seems like they have no plans to leave the lockers at any moment, you decided to retreat and come back later when they were gone.

With a small and hopeful smile, you turned around and began walking away. But just as you were about to go to your class, something caught your attention.

"Man, you remember the gift that Jungwon received last Friday?" an unfamiliar voice of a boy started, piquing your interest, especially since you knew you had gifted Jungwon that day.

"The design looks so damn childish like it was made by an elementary schooler for their art project." The boy snickered, "And all of the things, a freaking garden design mug as a gift?" he mockingly remarked with a chuckle, causing the others to burst into laughter.

You felt like someone poured a bucket of ice-cold water over your head when you overheard their conversations. It felt as though an icy hand wrapped itself around your heart, squeezing it with an unbearable heaviness.

You in fact, gifted him a mug with a garden design, thinking he will like it because it reminds you of him and his name upon seeing it on the store.

With tears slowly well up in your eyes, you look down at your gift, which is wrapped in Tamama design gift wrappers with a cute bow ribbon.

Well, maybe they were right, your choice of gifts was childish.

But you had put so much thought and effort into those gifts, believing that Jungwon would appreciate them. However, it seemed like your gesture had become the subject of ridicule.

You felt as if the world crumbling around you, your heart sinking even deeper as if it had shattered into countless fragments. The thought that Jungwon might be also laughing at your "childish" designs only added to the weight of despair.

Unable to face the humiliation, you quickly turned in your heels and retreated, your footsteps echoing the emptiness in your heart.

Unbeknownst to you, Jungwon, in fact, stood in silence, his usual smile faltered, a hint of offense flickering in his eyes.

"Hey, guys," he spoke up, his voice filled with a strength his friends never heard before. "That gift is special to me. It's different, sure, but it's unique. The person who gifted it to me probably has a reason for choosing a mug, and I appreciate it. It's the thought behind it that counts. So, please, show some respect."

His friends fell silent, stunned by the defense he had just given. Jungwon understood that his friends might not comprehend the deeper meaning behind someone's gift, but he couldn't let them belittle their efforts, especially since how those gifts consistently brightened his day.

You who are still unaware of Jungwon's defense, spent the rest of your day lost in your gloomy thoughts. Your heartache enveloped you like a tight cage, leaving you feeling isolated and alone.

You replayed the scene in your mind over and over, the sting of humiliation and embarrassment refused to subside.

You don't know how you will face Jungwon after all those words.

The idea of facing him, of looking into his eyes and pretending to be casual while those words in the back of your head kept stabbing you like a broken record was unbearable.

As you grappled with your own emotions, the glow of your phone screen caught your attention, announcing the arrival of a new message.

'Hi, Y/n! I might be a little bit late for our study session because of a team meeting ╥ ╥ , but I'll make sure to be there before 6:30 pm so we can have more time to study!'

'As an apology, I'll be bringing snacks~~'

The message from Jungwon illuminated your phone screen, and a mixture of conflicting emotions surged through you.

On the surface, the excitement of an incoming study session and the promise of snacks brought a fleeting smile to your face. However, deep within, a pang of heartache tugged at your insides.

The knot in your stomach tightened, and a lump formed in your throat. Jungwon's innocence, and his kindness, clashed violently with the echoes of humiliation and embarrassment that still pound within you.

The vivid memories of his friends' mockery haunted you, turning the joyous act of giving into a painful reminder of vulnerability.

With a heavy heart, you fabricated an excuse about feeling unwell and unable to attend the tutoring session that day.

It was a lie, one that marked the beginning of a pattern.

The tutor sessions turned into missed opportunities to see him, and the football games became distant scene you chose to avoid.

Jungwon, puzzled by your sudden change in behavior, continued to inquire about your well-being.

Each message from him tugged at your heart, but the walls you created held firm.

His concern was met with vague responses, masking the turmoil within you. The more he reached out, the deeper you delved into your cocoon of self-inflicted solitude.

The peak of this emotional turmoil came when Jungwon sensing your distance.

"Are you okay, Y/n?"

"Is there something wrong?"

"Are you mad at me?"

The lies you spun become more elaborate, the excuses more intricate. You assured him that everything is fine and your not mad at him, that you were just busy, that life had taken unexpected turns.

Jungwon, the patient soul he was, accepted your explanations with a grace that only deepened the ache in your chest.

When he extended an invitation to his high school graduation ceremony, offering you a ticket and a chance to be part of his celebration, you hesitated.

The battle within you raged—the desire to reconnect, to salvage what was left, clashed with the fear of facing the unspoken truths.

In the end, you declined, citing other commitments and responsibilities that seemed to multiply in your made-up reality.

You both slowly grew apart, especially as he moved to another city to pursue his dreams at a different university.

It was a bittersweet decision but for now, you resigned yourself to the knowledge that some chapters must end before new ones can begin.

And though your story with Jungwon may have concluded on a sour note, you refused to close the book entirely, holding on to the faint glimmer of hope that perhaps, someday, your path would cross once more.

©2024 Demuse Writer. All Right Reserved.

[demusewriter]

So hey, hi. It's me again and i kinda saw that your last post was a month ago. Just here to check up on one of my fav authors and just want to say hi i hope you're going well<3

Hello, Ayadikreino! Thank you for checking up on me ☺🤍. I apologize for responding late as I've been quite busy. I am doing fine! Life is challenging, but I'm still here continuing and surviving ☺. How about you? How are you doing right now? I hope you are also doing well. ☺🤍

[demusewriter]

Hello, everyone! I want to express my gratitude for the positive response to my very first story, "Baked with Love." I never expected it to receive so much love, but your comments, reblogs, and likes have truly touched me. As a beginner writer, your support warms my heart and boosts my confidence. 🤍

I apologize for the sudden inactivity after posting. I've been occupied with school commitments, especially as a graduating student. Now that we have a holiday break, I plan to use this opportunity to finish the story I've been working on bit by bit. Although it will be quite difficult to do it since I have to review for the upcoming civil service exam, however, I am determined to complete it, as writing has become my source of rest and quick escape.

I'm already at 75% of finishing this work, and I hope you will all also love this one. 🤍

[demusewriter]

baked with live was ducking amazing omgg🤩

Thank you very much! I'm glad that you liked it. 🤍☺ I really appreciate your feedback, it really means a lot! (❁´◡`❁). Have a great day ahead~

[demusewriter]

I just want to say that i LOVE bake w love so much😭❤️, it's so wholesome AND YOU'RE WHOLESOME AND AMAZING FOR THAT, anyways hahaha hope you have a wonderful day/night, take care👋😁

Awe! Thank you for saying that! ☺I'm glad that you like the story; you don't know how much I appreciate your feedback. 🤍 I'll do my best next time to deliver another wholesome story. 😉

I'm very humbled by your comments, and I'll keep your words close to my heart. 🤍☺

Have a wonderful day or night as well with you~

[demusewriter]

OMG BAKED W LOVE WAS SO CUTE I LOVED IT !!!

Thank youuu~ I'm glad that you enjoyed it! Your compliment means a lot. 🤍

[demusewriter]

hi! I just read baked with love and I absolutely loved it! it was beautifully written and so cute, especially for your first time! so pls don't feel like u have to apologize abt grammar and vocab or whatnot.

good luck w writing and im looking forward to ur next works :)

Awe! Thank you for saying that! 🥺I was kind of hesitant to post the story since it feels like I lack the ability to describe the details, especially the character's emotions, but I'm glad I still published it. ☺Thank you also for the gentle assurance. 🤍

Btw, I'm a fan of your written works, so getting a compliment from you is fluttering and overwhelming; it really means a lot! Thank you so much! 🤍

[demusewriter]

Baked with Love

Summary: You once dreamed of having your bakery where everyone could use it as a safe refuge from reality, similar to the shop from your childhood. It seems to work as one of the famous boy groups uses it to hang out to temporarily escape the spotlight, especially by one member who seems to be fond of the place. Genre: Fluff Pairing: Idol! Jungwon x Baker Fem! Reader Word Count: 6.3k Warnings: Slow-burn (?); the reader is slightly oblivious; mutual-pinning (?); the introduction is too long, it took 1k words before Jungwon is introduced lol; the reader and Jungwon is both in their mid-20s Author's Note: This is my first time writing fanfic, so I apologize if the story does not fit to your liking. 😅 English is also not my first language, so forgive me for the wrong grammar and lack of vocabulary. 😔 I will try my best next time. ☺ Regardless, I'm hoping that you all will like this. Enjoy reading! ☺

Ever since you were a child, you've been wanting to own a bakeshop. You remember how you accidentally stumbled into this shop when you tried to hide from the kid who constantly bullies you. Your trembling body and the constant sob that came from your mouth magically disappeared when you saw a bunch of colorful pastries displayed on those shiny glass cabinets.

You recall how the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies engulfs your small body with a sense of comfort, and the soft jazz music that plays in the background whispers in your ear, easing your fear.

"Why is such a pretty young lady having a sad look on her face?" `You look up to the source of the soft voice, and your eyes settle on the old lady on the counter with a warm, gentle smile on her face.  You intertwine your little hands and shyly look down.

"I am hiding," you mumbled.

"Hiding?" You nodded. You heard a footstep coming near you, then a gentle hand rubbing your small back.

"Why don't you eat something while you hide?" You look up once again at the lady. You see how those wrinkles stretch with the soft smile she has on her face; that softness somehow brings security to you.

"Cookies?" you said in wonder. The lady let out a giggle when you spoke with sweetness, your eyes twinkling in the process. How can she turn down such a cute lady like you?

"Yes, cookies! And you can also have some of those sweets that we have!" You wipe your teary eyes, then hold the hand of the old lady and let her guide you to the rest of the shop with the widest smile on your face.

At that moment, the little Y/N always finds herself munching on sweet pastries in the old lady's bakeshop. The shop becomes your escape, which eases your worries about the bullies. In return, you try to assist the old lady with baking by simply putting flour on measuring cups, cracking eggs, and sometimes kneading the dough.

However, the shop that had grown to be your safe refuge was lost when the old lady died from sickness. Due to this, the bakery has to be taken down, as no one claims to continue the business. You remember crying for days because of the sudden loss of the person you adored and the shop that became your home.

That event brings blossoms to your dreams of having a similar cozy shop where people entering the place instantly light up their eyes when they are greeted by rows of pastries that you freshly bake with passion.

You looked up to the small shop where there were tables outside, each with a brown vintage-style umbrella with brilliant lighting inside. You smiled when you saw the big signage that left you sleepless for nights from thinking of a perfect name for the shop.

'Sweet Greets Bakery'

As you make your way through the transparent door, a blanket of the sweet smell of baked pastries engulfs your now-grown body bringing back your childhood memories of the old lady's bakeshop. You also smell the roasted coffee beans that saturate the air.

As you grow older, coffee becomes your best buddy every time you pull all-nighters, which becomes endless when you enter college. Drinking coffee also helps you relax your mind while reading your favorite book on weekends, which fuels your growing addiction.

Because of this, you consider offering various coffee and tea drinks that will perfectly match the pastries that you bake.

"Noona?" You looked at the counter and saw one of your employees with wide eyes. You chuckle at his reaction like he has seen a ghost.

"Hi!" You greeted as you joined him at the counter.

"You're back!" He joyfully exclaims and even claps in excitement. A door from the storage room burst open, slightly startling you. You saw two ladies emerge from the room with the same disbelief on their faces.

"Unnie!" You let out a giggle when they engulfed you in a bone-crushing hug. You wrap your arms around the two teenagers and return the gestures while swaying their bodies from side to side.

 "We miss you!" Narae one of your employees pouted. You playfully flick the girl's head.

"I'm only gone for a week, 'Rae"

"Still" she mumbles while massaging her forehead. You only shook your head at her silliness and reached for the brown cap under the counter that was similarly worn by the three teens.

"How's Switzerland?" Chuwon asked while drying the mug using the table napkin designated for it.

"As usual, loaded with work." You sigh. Owning a bakery is your ultimate dream, and you did achieve it. However, the process of getting you where you are right now is a rough path. You apply for different jobs and dribble tons of tasks to save money for your dream shop, and up until now, you’re still doing it to keep your business running.

And it happens that one of the jobs for which you apply requires you to travel to different places. It gives you a lot of money, so you have no problem with it. Although it somehow makes you feel sad as it lessens your time to spend working on your bakery.

"Did you find yourself a potential Swiss boyfriend?" Seoyun asked while wiggling her eyes, helping you to divert your attention from stressful work. You pulled your tied hair on the hole at the back of the cap and slightly tugged the visor to adjust it in your head before sending the girl a playful glare.

"I have no time for that." A disappointed groan erupted from the three teenagers at your reply. You only chuckle and shake your head while continuing to put on your brown apron. Being the only full-grown adult working in the bakeshop with the civil status of single, your young employees can't help but wonder about your romantic life.

But your reply stands true; you have no time to get into a romantic relationship.

Nevertheless, it does not mean that you will turn it down once you meet someone who captures your heart. You, yourself are a hopeless romantic. The books in the romance genre displayed on the bookshelves at the right corner of your shop say it all.

And if it happens that your 'the one' walks someday in your mundane then, who are you to deny. Right?

The sound of a bell chimes in, indicating that someone has entered the shop. You immediately smile and greet the customers with enthusiasm.

"Hello, welcome to Sweet Greets Bakery!" You bowed along with your three employees. You saw the seven young men return the gestures and proceed to the counter while looking at the menu drink display at your back and the pastries on the glass displays. You keep your genuine smile on while waiting for their orders.

You can't help but observe that every single one of them has different fashion styles, which you can easily identify by whether they are into casual style, semi-formal, aesthetic, or just want to wear comfy clothes. They have different tastes, but it seems like they all get along as they are in tune with each other while discussing their orders.

The only similarity they have at this point is that all of them wore facemasks that covered half of their faces.

"Good morning! We would like to order a three-chocolate chip Frappuccino, two iced Americanos, one vanilla latte, and a mint chocolate drink." You nodded at the guy who wore a snapback and quickly punched their order on the monitor in front of you.

"Would you like to add some pastries to match your drinks?" You ask politely. All of them look once again at the glass cabinets where the pastries are displayed.

"Ah, we'll take slices of chocolate and strawberry cake. That's all." You smile and completely place their orders.

"That will be 71,432.91 won." The men look in unison at the guy whose fashion style gives you rich uncle vibes.

The man flinches and then lets out a disappointed sigh while reaching for his pocket. He gives you his black card, and you quickly slide it at the card reader. You heard them all chuckle at the poor man and slap his butt for comfort.

"You can find comfortable seats while we arrange your orders. Thank you!" You gleefully thank them as you give back the card accompanied by a receipt and a small round pager with your two hands.

"I bet they're idols" Narae whispers beside you as you grind some coffee beans. You saw her staring at those men on her tippy toes to get a better look.

"How'd you know?" You wonder. Although you grow up in a country where being an idol is everyone else's dream and exposes people to that kind of industry at an early young age, you seem clueless about it. Guess your mind is so focused on building a bakery that you missed that part as you grew up.

And it seems that you're right when Narae looks at you like you just grew two heads.

"Unnie, look!" She simply gestures at the men who found themselves sitting in a secluded corner, quietly observing the interior of your humble shop.

"They are obviously wearing masks to avoid the crazy media" she pointed out.

"They're seated at the back of the shop, so fans won't notice them." Seoyun chimed in beside you.

"And they chose this small, unfamiliar bakeshop so no one would find their location" Chuwon added. The three squeeze themselves beside you, looking at the men while hiding behind a huge espresso machine.

"They're indeed idols" all of them whisper at you in unison. You shook your head at their silliness and poked their sides, which earned you squeals and giggles.

"Okay, okay. If they are idols, then we need to stop staring and leave them alone." You scold, to which you only receive a playful stick of their tongue before they proceed to help you with the orders.

While filling the cups with ice cubes, you can't help but glance at those men. Chuwon is right; your bakery is still unfamiliar since it is new and has only been running for five months. Although there aren't a lot of customers, you remain optimistic as your business has only just started.

If ever those young men are indeed idols, then you're glad they found your bakery a safe place to hang out, even just for a minute. That's been the main purpose of your shop: to become a safe refuge for everyone, even an idol. With those thoughts in mind, it made you smile throughout the day.

Weeks passed, those young men kept coming back to your bakeshop, to the point that you already memorized their regular orders. Due to this, your three employees become busy browsing the internet to find out which group these mysterious men belong to.

You put both of your hands on your hips when you saw the three once again inside the storage room, gathering in front of your laptop to find the identity of these men during their lunch breaks.

"I told you to quit doing that, you're invading their privacy." Your words fell on deaf ears when they didn't even give you a single glance. You sighed and decided to leave them alone. You proceed instead to stack the single pack of colorful macarons that you made last night.

"Oh my god!" Your head snaps back at the storage room where you hear the scream.

"Unnie, your bakeshop will finally become famous!" Narae squeals once you enter the room.

"What?" Your brows furrow.

"Noona! Those men are hella popular!' "Chuwon exclaims.

"They’re Enhypen!" The three shouted. You were startled by their loud voices, which made you put your hand on your chest to calm your beating heart.

"Okay," You calmly respond. "What's the connection of them making my bakeshop famous?" you dumbfoundedly ask.

"Unnie, if people saw them here in your shop, there would be plenty of customers who would come here to see them. And if they came here, they would also buy your delicious pastries because their idols seemed to like them for constantly coming here." Seoyun explains with matching exaggerated hand gestures.

"So you're saying we would expose them that they've been constantly hanging out here to make the bakery well-known?"

"Exactly!" The three of them exclaim in unison like you just announced that you won the lottery. Their faces lit up when you pulled out the sweetest smile you could muster.

"No." You flatly said. Their jaws dropped as they didn't expect you to disagree despite knowing that it would help your shop. Just like a light switch, your face suddenly turned serious.

"We're not going to use their vulnerability so we can gain something. Leave them alone and let them enjoy the privacy they have in this shop." You put back your sweet smile.

"If I ever find out that you all still did it behind my back, your vacation leave will be denied." You warned on sing-song and returned to the counter when you heard the chime of the bell.

And it seems that your threatening worked when more weeks passed and those men still went to your bakery without getting recognized or mobbed. You're thankful; however, the three are starting to become their fans that the only topic you can hear from their mouths is about the group's music, variety shows, and concerts.

The slow jazz that was used to play in the background in your shop? It was now replaced by the group's songs.

Although sometimes you find yourself humming and bobbing your head to their music.

But the soft jazz music makes a comeback to your bakery, as today is the start of the exam week. Meaning, the three crackheads are off duty as you did not allow them to work during the exam.

The shop is not that busy, so you have no problem handling the tasks alone for a week. As a good employer, you want them to focus on their studies without worrying about their work shift.

The day went by quickly, and the night sky was quickly blanketed with stars that stretched to infinity. The pale crescent moon started to shine like a silver claw, outshining the bright city lights.

The night just started; however, for your shop, it's closing time.

You often close your shop by 10 p.m., but since you don't have any staff around, you decided to close it earlier as it becomes dangerous for a lone worker to work at a very late hour, which you also strictly apply to your three employees, especially since they are minors.

As you neared the door to flip the 'open' signage to 'closed,' the bell chimed in for the last time. Then a man in his iconic orange hoodie steps into the shop.

"Hi, thank you for visiting, but we're closing early," you sadly informed. The guy's tired eyes flickered with sadness before he nodded and turned around without a word to reach for the door.

You felt your heart squeeze with sadness as you saw how tired his eyes were. Even though his face is hidden with a mask and a thick black beanie, you can practically imagine the dejection on his face. You felt like you had failed to fulfill the main purpose of your shop.

"But if you want, you can stay while I'm tidying the shop" you tried to offer. The man halted his step and looked at you with hopeful eyes.

"Is that alright?" He asked. His voice immediately sends a tingling sensation to your body that you cannot explain. This is your first time hearing his voice, despite him constantly coming into your shop since his friend often order for the rest of them.

His voice is so soft and soothing, yet it sounds very manly.

"Yup, it's not a problem," you quickly reassure him. You heard him heave a sigh and bow at you.

"Thank you." You smiled and returned the gesture.

"You want your usual?" You continued to flip the signage and went to the counter to prepare the food he usually orders.

"Yes, please." You give him a thumbs up and quickly arrange his meal.

Instead of sitting in the back corner, where he and his friends are usually seated, he opted for the table near the counter you were working on. For the first time, he removed his mask and proceeded to busy himself on the phone.

Although the group often visits your shop, they are still cautious about removing their masks; they only do it if the food is ready to dig in. So, seeing him remove it comfortably surprised you a little.

If you remember correctly from the various videos and images that are forcefully shoved in your face by your annoying staff, his name is Jungwon. He is Seoyun's bias, as she claimed that she was captured by his cute but manly features, his adorable yet savage personality, and mostly by being an amazing singer and performer on stage.

A complete package, according to Seoyun.

Even though you cannot confirm any of those claims against the man as you don't know him and don't pay much attention to the group's performances that your three employees are constantly watching, you can totally agree with one thing that Seoyun said.

He is indeed handsome.

"Here's your chocolate chip frappuccino and strawberry cake. Enjoy!" You smile as you serve the food on his table. For once, you saw him smile, and although you could tell it was a tired smile, that still didn't stop his dimple from showing and his eyes from forming into a crescent moon.

You quickly turned around like a soldier in training and tightly hugged the tray in front of your chest when you felt your heart suddenly beating like a horse on a race track. You don't know why your heart reacted to a simple expression, so you tried to shrug it off and didn't make it a big deal.

As you put the cake and pastries back in their respective containers before placing it in the refrigerators to preserve them, you take a quick glance at your only customer for the night.

You immediately stopped in your tracks when you saw him leaning on his knees with eyes closed while pinching the bridge of his nose.

From the look of it, he must have been stressed out about something that made him this exhausted. You felt a wave of sadness as you could practically imagine how tired he must have felt.

You can't help but wonder. 'Is being an idol can be this draining?'

Now, you were pondering whether it would be a good or bad idea to give him a slice of Oreo cheesecake that you baked yesterday to try to cheer him up. Plus, this cake is still not officially on the menu yet, so you can't help but overthink if he will like it or will find you weird as you try to offer him something.

As you paced back and forth inside the storage room while eyeing the poor cake, the bell rang from the counter which is used for the customer to call a staff member. You were startled by the sound and hastily put the sliced cake in the box.

"Done?" You politely ask when you see him waiting in front of the counter. He lightly smile and nodded in reply. You smile and punches his order to the monitor to compute the total of his purchase.

While waiting for the receipt to be printed out, your mind is still trying to contemplate if you're going to give him the piece of cake. You bit the side of your cheek when you gave him the receipt, and he started to make his way to the door. You sigh and give yourself a try.

"W-wait" you called out. He immediately turned around and gently raised his brows at you. You secretly pinch your side to give yourself courage. You left the counter and finally gave him the box.

"I can't help but notice that you seem quite a bit exhausted." You averted your eyes to the floor as you felt yourself getting embarrassed. "H-here's a piece of Oreo cheesecake to cheer you up a little" you nervously said, while slightly nudging the box at him.

"Oh, no. I've been intruding on you too much." He gently tried to refuse your offer. You shook your head and let out a genuine smile.

"Trust me, you did not. You're always welcome here, anytime." His face washes with gentleness, and it feels like some weight on his shoulder has taken off from the sincerity of your words. The softness of your voice made him smile, then he reached for the box and accepted it wholeheartedly.

"The stress has been draining my energy lately, so this will really help. Thank you." His appreciation made you smile and eased your worry earlier. Suddenly, your mind made a suggestion, just like a light bulb.

"Just a second." You quickly made your way back to the counter and tried to reach something on a cupboard with your tippy toes, which made Jungwon chuckle as he found you cute while doing it.

You mentally cheered when you saw the box of tea that you were finding. You went back where he stood and gave it to him.

"Here's a chamomile tea. This might help you relieve your stress." Your thoughtfulness brightens Jungwon's mood and quickly sends a warm feeling to his heart.

"Is there anything I can do to repay your kindness?" he asked. He cannot think of ways to express his gratitude, but if you request something, he will grant it devotedly.

You, on the other hand, were ready to decline and reassure him that he didn't need to do it when something popped an idea into your head once again.

"How about you give me your honest taste review of the cake?"

Ever since your interaction with Jungwon, you've started to get a little bit curious about him and his group.

At first, you just wanted to see current news or articles about them to find some answers about the reason he was exhausted that day. But now, you find yourself rewatching their performance videos on various music shows that Narae and Chuwon showed you before. This time you paid attention, and you got to admit, they are pretty good.

Especially, the guy with similar eyes of an adorable cat.

You can't help but get a little bit excited for their comeback, which is said in one of the newest articles you find about them. You came to the conclusion that this might be the reason behind the stress that Jungwon felt that night.

"Welcome to Sweet Greets Bakery!" You automatically greet without looking up when you hear the chime of the bell. You were so focused on putting the icing on top of the cupcake that you failed to notice a young man that you were just thinking about looking at you with full admiration.

"Would that be on the menu?" You looked up when you heard a familiar voice speak. Your smile immediately made its way to your face when your eyes made contact with his boba-shaped ones.

"Yup!" You put down the bag of icing you were holding and went to the counter where Jungwon was leaning over, ready to take his order. You looked at the back corner and saw his friends already seated comfortably there.

"The usual?" He nodded and let out a chuckle, as he found it amusing how you grew used to their presence. While you're busy punching their usual orders, he can't help but stare at you with softness in his eyes.

That night was the first time he actually paid attention to you. He might be hanging with his members here often, but he kept his interaction with anyone minimal as he didn't want to gain anyone's attention. But now that he got to talk to you, he can't help but regret those times that he could have used to get to know you.

Nonetheless, he was thankful that he made the right decision to go to your shop that night to unwind.

"Can I still have the slice of cake you gave me?" He shyly asked while rubbing the back of his neck. Your fingers stop pressing the items on the monitor, and you look at him with a hint of hope in your eyes.

"Did you like it?" Your question came in whispers, afraid to hear his answer about disliking your cake.

"The Oreo cheesecake was fantastic!" He looked up like he was trying to remember about its taste. "It felt smooth, and the sweetness definitely tasted like home," he praised, then he looked at it with full sincerity swimming in his eyes.

"I enjoyed every bite of it."

As the words hung in the air, the bulletproof shield around your heart trembled. Of course, you had heard compliments before, but none had touched you the way Jungwon's heartfelt words did. His simple compliment tore open a new doorway to your emotions, making your heart flutter like a trapped bird, banging against the confines of your narrow chest.

"So, I was wondering if it can be my usual order now?" He mumbled and lowered his head trying to hide his apple cheeks, which were blazing with redness.

Just like Jungwon, your cheeks are now a deeper shade of red, and your heart is still dancing in the confetti of admiration.

"B-but it is still not yet on the m-menu." You stutter as you put your attention on the monitor once again and slowly complete the orders. You bite your lower lip and look at the young men through your lashes. You tried to suppress your giggles when you saw a sad pout adorning his face.

"Though I can make an exception for you." 

From the moment you handed him the slice of cake he specially requested. A friendship unexpectedly blossomed, stretching far beyond the typical baker-and-customer set-up. Jungwon, being the leader of a well-known boy group, felt comfortable letting go of his duties when he was with you inside your comfy bakery.

Soon, Jungwon's late-night visits to the bakeshop became a tradition.

"How many eggs should I put in again?" Jungwon asked you, clad in a brown apron similar to the one you were wearing.

One such evening, while you were discussing with him the recipe for your Oreo cheesecake, he suddenly got the idea to let you teach him the process of making it so he could use it as content in his short vlog and impress his Jay-hyung.

And so, you and Jungwon's baking adventure began. Your simple and quiet evening in your shop was now filled with laughter, occasional flour fights, and piles of failed cookies he tried to make. Slowly, you began to look forward to his late-night visit.

"You ready?" you asked him while you carefully took the Oreo cheesecake out of the oven, which he had solely made without your help.

With eyes closed, he nodded in anticipation.

"You can now open your eyes." Once his eyes did, his mouth slowly hang open.

"I made that?" You softly laugh when he eyed his cake with disbelief.

"Yes, you did!" You cheered. The cake really turned out great for his first attempt, you couldn't be even more proud of him. Jungwon jumps with happiness making you giggle.

He raised his hands at you, asking for a high-five, which you quickly reciprocated and clapped hands with him. You thought it was just a brief contact, but Jungwon decided to intertwined his fingers with yours and clasped them tightly.

A wave of unexpected electricity rushes through your veins and sends your heart to flutter.

Every time you spend your night with Jungwon, you always experience this peculiar feeling. Making the fluttering of your heart more frequent and pronounced. These little flutters seemed to build into a crescendo, filling your heart with a strange yet sweet emotion.

"Y-you want to t-taste it?" You quickly removed your hands from his hold and quickly turned around to find some utensils and to hide your flushed face from his heart-melting stares. As you did it, you failed to see how his face filled with disappointment from the lost contact.

Unbeknownst to you, Jungwon was also experiencing the same surge of electrifying waves within him. His insides also fluttered in a way he only felt when he first walked into the cozy, aromatic haven of your bakeshop.

However, this time, the butterflies were not from the sweet baked goods but from a newfound emotion he felt for you.

"Can you send me the cake instead" You halted your action when you heard his request. It was odd, however, you just thought that he wanted to show his members the cake he made. Although you're quite disappointed that you couldn't taste it.

"Sure, when would you like me to send it to you?"

"On February 9." That's three days from now; the usual span of the cake is 4 to 5 days before it expires. The cake will still make it.

"I'll take note of that." You smiled.

The slow jazz music that helped set the mood for your relaxing shop was short-lived when your three staff members returned after the long week of exams and a well-deserved vacation leave that you granted. You were judgingly watching them as they danced to one of Enhypen's songs while they arranged the chairs and mopped the floor.

"Omo! Jungwon is on live!" Your ears suddenly perked when you heard Seoyun exclaim. The two immediately surrounded the girl, who was watching something on her phone. You tried to stop yourself from joining them, as you didn't want to be seen as suspicious for having a sudden interest in him.

Although you somehow did.

You were saddened that he failed to visit the shop three days in a row, and you got to admit that you missed his presence, which slowly became part of your small shop. However, you understand that his job can be a little demanding.

Still, you're slightly thankful that he didn't suddenly show up, as your three staff members will literally scream with enthusiasm and confusion when they see him having a comfortable conversation with you since you never told them about your growing friendship with him while they were gone.

You got a little bit curious behind their giggles, so you tried to sneak a peek from behind them.

Indeed, you saw Jungwon, with a wide smile, having fun talking to his fans. On his back were blue foil curtains with silver balloons around them, while in front of him was the cake he made that you just delivered this afternoon with a cake topper and candles.

Then it hits you.

Today is his birthday.

"Where did I get the recipe for the cake? From 'Sweet Greets Bakery!' They sell the best pastries, yoii~"

You know your heart is in trouble when it automatically flutters like a kite in the wind at the sound of his voice, even if he is away from you.

The unusual skipping beat of your heart when you heard Jungwon's laughter at your dry jokes, the always-fluttering when he listened to you attentively, and the feeling like something was missing when he was away were so unfamiliar, yet they made your heart full of so much happiness and affection.

This realization shattered the protective wall around your heart that you had meticulously crafted. The only one thing that you had never felt before was happening.

You are in love.

You are falling in love with Yang Jungwon.

Eventually, words about Jungwon liking your bakeshop spread like wildfire, sending fans into a frenzy. Your shop, which was almost empty of customers, was now filled with people trying to taste your baked goods, especially the Oreo cheesecake.

It was overwhelming not only to you but also to your three employees, as this is your first time taking so many orders in a day. It is tiring, but it feels like it magically vanished every time you saw the genuine reaction of your customers at every bite they took from the pastries you passionately baked.

It was a long, eventful three weeks, but your heart is grateful.

You were just basking in the quiet surroundings, as you had already closed your bakery and let three teenagers go home earlier, when someone knocked on the door.

A bright smile immediately made its way onto your face when you saw Jungwon in his thick gray hoodie and dark bucket hat waving his hand cutely at you through the glass door.

"What are you doing here?" are the first words that come out of your mouth once you unlock the door.

"I was supposed to visit you earlier, but the bakery is quite busy." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I really wanted to see you, so I came back."

You tried so hard not to put a meaning behind his words, but your heart seemed not to want to listen as it beat like crazy, and it feels like a cage of butterflies has been set free in your stomach.

"W-well, thanks to you, my bakeshop got a lot of recognition." You sincerely thanking him, even though you use it to try to ignore the last thing he said.

Jungwon felt his heart torn into pieces when you brushed off the words that reflected his overflowing affection for you. Yet, his heart is still filled with hope.

"You watched my live?" You were frozen from his question.

In fact, you did. Not the only part where you sneak a peak on Seoyun's phone but the whole birthday live. You personally made an account just to watch the replay of his live that day.

"I d-did" You averted your eyes. "Although it was a replay," you pursed your lips as you felt ashamed of yourself for doing it and letting him find it out.

Jungwon felt his heart jump with giddiness when you showed signs of interest in him.

"Yoi~" He adorably cooed and gently brushed his shoulder with yours. The sound of your giggles from what he did sends butterflies to his stomach.

"Oh, I have a surprise for you!" You exclaim after you remember the gift that you prepared for his birthday, even though his birthday was three weeks ago. You went to the storage room, leaving Jungwon full of anticipation.

Soon, you emerge from the room, holding your present for him. Despite the excitement of seeing his reaction, you were still nervous as it took you so many attempts to make your gift presentable. Plus, it was your first time making this design in your entire baking life.

However, your worries dissipated when you saw his mouth hang open in amazement at the cat-shaped cake that you were holding. You started singing him the birthday song while slowly making your way to him.

As you softly sang, his vision magically became blurry, and the only thing he could see clearly was your pretty face, which was always clad with gentle and genuine expressions. Your soothing voice is like a whisper in his heart that slowly dances and sways to its rhythm.

Those days that he couldn't see you, he felt something was missing. Your smiles, the melody of your laughter, and your comforting presence keep lingering in his mind. The only thing running through his head is to see you and spend his time with you once again.

The three long, agonizing weeks of not seeing you make his heart yearn for your presence, like a parched desert yearning for rain.

From the moment you hand him the slice of cake as an offer to relieve his stress, he knows he is down. Being away from you only confirms his feelings for you.

He is in love,

with you.

"Make a wish," you said after finishing the song. You expect Jungwon to close his eyes as he makes his wish, but your heart begins to race when he looks you in the eye, gazing at you with only a soft and gentle stare.

"I wish—" He removes your hold on the cake and carries it instead with one hand. Then, his other hand found its way to yours and slowly intertwined them without breaking eye contact.

"—I can spend the rest of my birthdays with you."

A torrent of emotions—warmth, joy, and love—fused together, igniting an electrifying light show within your chest. It feels like a burst of the sparkling fireworks display, not in the sky but in your heart.

You felt his thumb softly draw small circles in your hand, quickly sending tingles through your body.

"My bakery will go bankrupt from sending you birthday cake each year," you joked. Jungwon chuckled and gently squeezed your hand, still looking at you with sparkles in his eyes.

You pressed your palm on his cheek and rubbed your thumb against it with full affection, making him lean to your touch.

"Your wish is granted, Jungwon."

It was like both of your hearts exploded into an incandescent shower of feelings that mingled with the colors of the frosted night sky—a vivid, heart-pumping confetti of joy and love.

You both giggle at the strange way of confessing to each other. Although it was an odd confession, it was enough to convey the euphoric feelings you have for each other.

You and Jungwon's bond, baked and constructed in the 'Sweet Greets Bakery' hearth, had matured into love. From friends, you both seamlessly become lovers, with the love story orchestrated by fate and shared fondness for the bakeshop that brought you two together tying in the sweet, aromatic embrace of love forever.

Jungwon thought that the bakery was the only safe refuge he could have away from the limelight. He thought it was a place.

But it was a person.

You are his safe place.

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