Summary: Jongup stares at the boy in front of him. Dimpled cheeks and a dusky pink nose. He looks like an innocent lamb in his white sweater: sweater paws peeking from under the long sleeves. And he's struck with realization. As if a puzzle piece suddenly fitting in place. Jongup watches the boy blow at the corn cup in his hands with fearful eyes.
It's like he's watching a reflection of a certain boy. And that scares him.
Or, Jongup comes across a diary one day written by a young boy, in the local library. As he unravels the boy's feelings locked within those tattered pages, he realizes that some love stories transcend through time in hopes of being fulfilled.
In which Minah tries to join a support group for people who feel personally victimized by the charming Aries folk in the college
Haneul was surprised when Minah came over to her and asked her for some help. Minah was usually independent, silent for most part and didn’t attract too much attention to herself.
“Uh, Haneul, if you aren’t too busy could I please talk to you about my Sociology of Art class?”
Haneul’s ears perked up. As a member of the student council it was her duty to help out students in need and since Minah was her friend it was all the more reason to do so. Turning around in her seat she looked at Minah who wrung her hands and bit down on her lip.
“I heard there is a support group for people who feel personally victimised by the Aries on campus.”
“Uh,” Haneul cleared her throat “I can’t confirm nor deny it’s existence…”
“And that you’re the head of it.” Minah finished quickly as Haneul’s eyes widened. Had they been caught?!
“Listen, it’s Bang Yongguk. He’s making my life miserable in that class. It’s unfair!”
Haneul paused, she’d heard this before within the group from Wonshik. Yongguk was an incredibly smart and attractive man and was a threat to the other peaceful zodiacs on campus. But, Minah…
“Please.” Minah’s eyes widened and filled with tears. Haneul sighed, before looking around to see if the coast was clear.
“I understand, Yongguk has caused a lot of trouble with how attractive he is. But you need to understand that you are an Aries…”
She noticed Minah rolling her eyes “ I might be born in March, but nothing about me is Aries like.”
“But…you’re Minseok’s sister.”
Minah quirked her eyebrow “He took all the cool genes and left me with nothing okay? Please just…consider my proposal.” She said before freezing as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Haneul froze too when she spotted Bang Yongguk towering over them.
“Hey, do you want to go work on that paper now?” He asked as Minah weakly nodded and got taken away as Haneul watched, praying for her friend’s soul.
“Hey Minah!” She called to the girl walking away with Yongguk “you’re in!”
***
“What do you mean Kim Minseok’s sister is joining?!” Wonshik, the vice head of the support group groaned “what was her name again?”
“Kim Minah,” Haneul replied “she’s more Pisces than Aries. Bang Yongguk’s latest victim.”
Wonshik clicked his tongue in sympathy “my issue is that we have a bunch of members who are in the group because of her brother…isn’t that going to be an issue?”
“But she is suffering too Wonshikkie. It would be cruel to turn her away. Plus look at her, she’s harmless!” Haneul waved around to no one in particular as Wonshik sighed.
“We’ll ask the members?” Wonshik wondered out loud as the group started filing into the discussion room in the library. When Haneul put forth the question, there was a silence that filled the room.
“Who is Kim Minah again?” Yixing asked as Jongin shrugged, they had joined the support group after repeatedly being exposed to Kim Minseok in all his glory.
“Yeah, never heard of her.” Donghae said as he sat down after a gruelling afternoon with Siwon and Hyukjae, both evil Aries men.
“Isn’t she Kim Minseok’s sister?” Hakyeon asked as Sanghyuk nodded. Hongbin sighed before turning back to Haneul, squinting.
“Isn’t her birthday the same day as Kim Minseok?”
“Oh wait, I remember him saying something like that.” Jongin’s eyes widened as Yixing nodded.
“Are you saying that you want an Aries to join a group where people feel victimized by Aries?!” Hakyeon argued as Donghae nodded furiously.
“Who is Kim Minah again?” Taekwoon’s voice piped up, obviously he wasn’t listening.
“She is a girl who feels victimized by Bang Yongguk. That is all that matters.” Haneul said as Wonshik nodded, noticing a need to save Haneul’s ass.
“But she’s an Aries.” Taekwoon deadpanned.
“More Pisces than Aries,” Haneul countered “plus she’s as harmless as a fly.” Haneul added, when a knock on the door caused everyone’s attention to turn towards it.
“Hi, sorry I’m late. Yongguk…” Minah waved as an explanation feeling all the eyes in the room on her “Oh, I’m Kim Minah and I feel victimized by Bang Yongguk’s existence.” She said, repeated what she had seen in the movies about Alcoholics Anonymous. Taking the silence in the room as her indication to enter, stepped in, silently shutting the door behind her and setting her tennis racket down before looking up at Haneul “I have tennis practice after this?” she offered as an explanation thinking that people found her attire strange. She shrugged, she was going to stay silent through this meeting anyway.
“She’s on the tennis team?” Donghae mumbled to Hakyeon who shrugged and nodded. Yixing pulled his phone out to type in her name and find her on Facebook.
“Profile looks boring, everything is on private.” He mumbled to Jongin who was peering over into his screen.
Haneul cleared her throat for attention “Okay everyone, let’s begin. Who wants to go first?”
“I will,” Jongin said as he took a deep breath “hey everyone, I’m Kim Jongin and I feel personally victimized by Sehun and Minseok.”
“Hi Jongin.” Everyone chorused as Minah’s eyebrow perked at the sound of her brother’s name. She looked at him intently and Jongin blinked, before sighing.
“Well, Sehun is Sehun. He’s always known he’s attractive. But he’s such a cute goof! He’s doing it on purpose I tell you. And Minseok, and his stupid smile and how helpful he is! I swear he’ll make me gay for him.” Jongin grumbled.
“I agree! This week he was helping out with the dance club and damn it, he had to do a sexy dance. Freaking Sehun had to join him.” Yixing frowned as Taekwoon cleared his throat.
“Have you seen him play soccer though?”
There was a gasp in the room as it broke out into discussion about Minseok being out to ruin people’s lives. Minah blinked, baffled.
“Well, he is really passionate about it and he’s been playing since he was teeny.” she mumbled as the group turned to her and she shrugged. “Minseok has always been the good guy. You haven’t seen him being a goofy dummy though.”
“Of course I have! It’s freaking adorable!” Haneul cried out.
“I’ve seen him run around the house in a penguin suit and his underwear on his head, trust me you haven’t.”
“Well Sehun though.” Donghae began.
“Is a long stupid noodle who is scared of the bunsen burner.” Minah deadpanned as everyone gaped at her in horror.
“Really?” Wonshik whispered.
“I needed to do all his tests in the Chemistry lab because he was too scared of a tiny flame.” she shrugged. Is this what this support group was about? She sighed looking at everyone “I’m sorry to have interrupted. Do go on.”
“Wonshik has been having trouble with Jaehwan.” Haneul said as the whole room sighed.
“Wait, didn’t you have trouble with Jaehwan?” Minah asked as Sanghyuk burst out laughing before turning to Minah.
“Lee Jaehwan is out to kill us all with how bloody cute he is.”
“If he managed to make Taekwoon want to bite him, I think he’s been successful.” Hongbin grumbled.
“That kid has far too much aegyo in him for his own good.” Donghae commented as Jongin and Yixing nodded.
“Your men have very little. But so much charisma.” Haneul nodded as Donghae wailed out.
“Hyukjae and Siwon are so damn unfair. They’re so cool!”
“But isn’t Jaehwan just naturally prone to aegyo? It’s not like he does it on purpose. If he does exaggerate it, it’s to make the people around him happy.” Minah reasoned with what she had seen of Jaehwan “Hyukjae is incredibly logical and stuff, but he’s a goof. You should know that Donghae and you also know what a weirdo Siwon is.” she added before rolling her eyes.
“You know what? I don’t understand how anyone in this room feels victimised. Have you guys looked at yourselves?”
There was a silence that filled the room when Minah stood up now choosing to look at everyone. First she looked at Donghae.
“I’m sorry, but you’re one of the most loved men on this campus. You’re incredibly sweet and extremely good looking. Everybody, and I mean everybody is in love with you. Hyukjae and Siwon think the sun shines out of your ass.” She said before turning to Yixing.
“You’ve won awards on how sweet you are. You’re the only Chinese student to be called an angel on campus. Have you seen how ridiculously talented you are? You sing, dance, and compose music. You literally have a fan following. What are you even complaining about my brother and noodle?” She groaned before turning to face Jongin.
“You have no idea how sexy your dances are. After the first dance club performance a large part of the female population wanted to bed you. You’re humble, hardworking and passionate. Everyone can see that.” She sighed as Wonshik quivered under her gaze.
“Do you know that people call you a walking sex god? Of course you don’t. You’ve ruined people’s lives and you’re complaining about Jaehwan being cute? Seriously?” Minah spun around to Hakyeon.
“You’re the most respected senior. You have a beautiful smile. You’re so much fun to talk to and you’re always ready to take people under your wing. You literally have people in love with you. Jaehwan hero worships you! And you!” She looked at Hongbin.
“You’re probably the most aesthetically pleasing human on this campus. And you’re logical and funny when you want to be. You have a voice people would kill for and acting chops to match. Seriously, Jaehwan is the least of your problems when you’re causing problems yourself.”
Sanghyuk might have been the tallest in the room but at this point he had shrunk into his seat.
“Sanghyuk, you’re so damn smart and funny. You’re tall and handsome. You’re literally the whole package. I can’t even count the number of people in our batch want to date you. Stop ruining their lives.”
“Haneul, you’re a member of the student council. You’re popular, friendly, beautiful and incredibly smart. I’m sure some of the men in this room are attracted to you.” She looked around as Wonshik looked down guiltily. Minah turned to Taekwoon.
“You’re the football team captain. You’re every girl’s living Mr. Darcy. I’ve seen you on the field and it’s damn good. You sing like a dream. You’re in the MA program which means you’re smart too…” she sighed “I don’t understand you guys. You guys ruin lives and you’re complaining about people who are just being themselves? That makes no sense. You guys are charming and popular and attractive as hell. So just… don’t.” she ended as silence filled the room yet again. Minah’s phone flashed and she looked at it as her eyes widened.
“I have to go for practice now. But this was great, I just realized that Yongguk is a wonderful human being but a human being all the same. Maybe someday I will also ruin someone’s life being the plain human that I am, but till then thank you guys for this!” she grinned before picking her racket up and heading out of the discussion room.
More silence.
“Well…” Haneul took a deep breath when she noticed something off.
“Donghae why are you staring at the door?”
“Why are you blushing Taekwoon?” Wonshik blinked at his friend. Or rather at the top of his head.
“Uhm,” Jongin piped up as the group turned to him “can Yixing and I go now?”
“Are you guys seriously planning on going to the tennis court?” Hongbin blinked at them.
“Just casually walking to the football field.” Yixing nodded.
“Which is next to the tennis court?” Hakyeon eyed them.
“Do you mind if I join?” Donghae asked as Taekwoon looked at the group.
“Football captain will go for football practice?”
Sanghyuk shifted in his seat “well, I have assignments too.. some group stuff…need to form group…”
“You’re going to ask Minah?” Haneul gaped at him.
“She’s hardworking…?” He offered as Haneul sighed.
The door flew open as Yongguk stood at the entrance “I’m Bang Yongguk and I feel personally victimized by Kim Minah and Kim Himchan.”
The stinging water hit her skin, instantly relaxing her stiff muscles. Arriving home only minutes ago, all she wanted was a hot shower to forget about what happened tonight.
More than anything she felt embarrassed.
In a way, she knew she shouldn't have gone in there thinking everything was going to turn out how she imagined. It was foolish. She wouldn't even be surprised if Yongguk sicked his goons on the man who made her feel temporary relief. And she had no one else to blame but herself.
Regardless, she still felt that pain in her chest that it was Zelo that came and pulled her away and not Yongguk, but was she really surprised? Hell no.
She started to wonder why she even tried to begin with. Clearly, he didn't care about her like he once claimed. How does one say they love you and only want you then go about loving on another woman? It was complete and utter bullshit.
Yet stupidly enough, she still wanted him and she hated herself for that.
She could hear her friends now, "We warned you but you didn't listen, now look at you. He has you out here looking stupid." And sadly enough it was true. She trusted him. Gave him things that she has never given any other man before. Loved him in a way she knew no other woman would be able to. He had her heart and promised to protect it.
Clearly, that was a lie.
At this point, her mind was already made up to make plans to get out of the city and go back home to the states but she knew that would be a challenge. Yongguk had eyes everywhere. There wasn't one move she made that he didn't know about. She would have to go against his words and connect with people he didn't approve of.
At the end of the day, it was her life and no one was in control of it except for her. It was something that she would have to remind herself of constantly.
Stepping out of the shower she quickly dried off and got dressed in a red lace-trimmed slip just as the rain began to pour down outside. Her small but modernized apartment was just enough considering it was only her. The only friends she had over was Francesca and Natalie, the few people she actually trusted and tried to talk some sense into her.
In no time the smoke from the strawberry flavored hookah pen blew from her mouth, filling the air with a sweet scent as she tried to relax enough to fall asleep.
Soft music played in the background of her bedroom while she lazily laid across her comfortable bed. The only source of light coming from a single candle and the occasional flash of lightning as the rain pattered against her windows harshly.
Her phone had been ringing nonstop since she left the club, all calls and text messages from him or his friends. She ignored every single one of them, turning off her phone completely after being annoyed by the constant ringing tone and vibrating sounds.
So naturally, she wasn't surprised that for the last few minutes he had shown up and began banging on her apartment door. She could hear him yelling for her to open up since she changed the code and he could no longer get in. All she wanted was time to herself but he just wouldn't allow it. Groaning in frustration, she kicked the covers off her body and walked slowly towards the door.
“What do you want Yongguk?” She softly asked, hand on the doorknob, debating if she should just open it or not.
“Let me in.” His voice wasn’t demanding but yet she knew he wasn’t asking her either. “We need to talk.”
She knew better. If she opened this door, there would be no talking. He knew he was her weakness and how to get to her. All it would take is one touch and she would be putty in his hands. “No. We have nothing to talk about. It’s over, just leave me a-alone.” Her voice cracked, realizing she was crying without even noticing it.
“I’m sorry jagiya but you know I can’t do that. Please open up.” Placing her head against the door, she gripped the handle tighter. “Let me hold you.”
"You don't deserve to touch me anymore." She retorted back almost immediately. He honestly didn't and he knew that but he needed her.
As soon as Zelo had come back, he ordered everyone in their section to disperse, only leaving them and the others that knew to stay. Yongguk didn't bother to protest because sooner or later, the discussion was going to happen. He saw the way his boys looked at him. They were not feeling the way he treated Samora at all.
Even they knew how much of a rider she was, especially after what she did to Vega. They were already loyal to her when Yongguk made it known she was his, and that loyalty only grew after she took down one of their most powerful enemies.
"What's going with you hyung? This isn't like you." Zelo stated once he took a seat in front of the man he considered a brother. Yongguk was far from an angel but from the moment he laid eyes on Samora everyone around them saw something change in him. That woman was his life, yet here he was acting as though she meant nothing to him once more.
Yongguk merely grunted in response, he felt as though this wasn't the time or place for this. "Do you not love her anymore?" Zelo continued to ask the one question everyone around them wanted to know the answer to. If he didn't, then Zelo felt as though he should've let her go and not cheat on her with the one person he knew was no good for him.
Zhara was toxic but the sad thing was, Samora had no clue who the woman was to him. She's only seen them together.
Yongguk stood up in a defensive manner, angry that Zelo or anyone would accuse him of not loving the one woman that meant the world to him. "You know how much I love her and so does everybody else!" He snapped as his jaw clenched, trying his best not to do something he'll regret.
"Is that right? So why are you treating her like she does not matter anymore? You see that she's hurting." Jongup spoke up next, coming to stand next to Zelo. "You should've been the one to go after her, not Zelo." He, along with everyone else would kill to have someone like Samora by their side. True love like that was rare to find and here Yongguk was wasting it.
"You should've killed Zhara when you had the chance," Zelo mumbled, hating the fact that vile woman showed up once again. "Whatever voodoo spell she has on you, you need to break it."
Shaking his head, Yongguk picked up a shot glass and quickly drunk the dark liquid that was inside of it. "We didn't sleep together." He finally revealed, although he knew to put his mouth on someone other than Samora was still wrong.
"We know. You're stupid but not stupid, stupid." Jongup said seriously. "Regardless, you need to go and apologize, no matter if she doesn't want to hear it."
"Exactly. Go and get your girl back."
Now here he was hoping she would forgive him somehow. "Please, let me make it up to you."
And just like that, she unlocked the door, knowing he probably found out her new code to get in the first place. Opening the door, she stepped aside and finally let him in. Her eyes stayed glued to the floor, afraid to actually look at him in the face.
“Look at me, Samora.” His deep voice sent chills down her spine. She could already feel a slight wetness between her thick thighs, hating the way he had such control over her body.
Ignoring his request, she turned to walk back towards her bedroom only to have him grab her wrist to stop her from moving.
“You can’t just come here and expect me to forgive you, I refuse to do it.”
He sighed loudly, pulling her back to face him. “I don’t expect you to.” She finally looked at him to see a sad look on his handsome face. His dark eyes gazed into her own, leaning in slowly until she felt his breath hit her heated skin. He always loved seeing her wear these silk slips that showed just enough without giving anything away.
She felt as though her eyes betrayed her and glanced at his lips, lips that she hasn’t kissed in weeks. Deep down she knew she should just turn away and act like he wasn’t here. But here she was going against her own words and falling for him again like always. But she couldn’t help how she felt.
He hurt you, her mind screamed at her but she already had her mind up as he crashed his lips onto hers.
for the love of Chyea---can somebody PLEASE recommend/direct me to a amazing (amazing I say!!!! no shitty smut stories with horrible plot to waste my time) Yongguk and/or BAP fanfic?! I’ve been looking freaking everywhere for months
still haven’t found a decent one?
if you know of any, feel free to inbox me :) :) :)
There are always some moments in life that are more memorable than others. It depends on whatever leaves the most impression.
Moments with Bang Yongguk weren’t always pleasant.
Junmi said, impressionable…she never said good moments.
The first moment was when they were both in middle school –
Junmi was at her desk, doing what good students do. Working on classwork that the teacher had assigned to be finished. Her concentration was working at its utmost best.
“Who? Junmi?”
She perked up at the sound of her name. That was enough to break that concentration she had going.
“I never looked at her as a girl.”
From her desk, she stared at the boy whose lips said those very words. He didn’t care too much to even send a glance her way – not even to make sure his words were correct.
Junmi softly scoffed. “Then, am I boy?” She muttered to herself.
She has known Yongguk for a while now. Boy never really thought before speaking. So, she wasn’t surprised that he would say that when she was in the same room.
Yet, she let it go.
It wasn’t worth her time.
The second moment was when they were first years in high school. Being among the few that came from the same middle school, Junmi ended up running in the same circle as Yongguk.
He didn’t change all that much from middle school if she had to be honest.
“Oh my God.” Yongguk sighed. “I was talking to the back of your head the entire time?”
She looked away from her locker to send him a strange look. A look that appeared often whenever his words would make her go mute. As in, ridiculous words that make it hard for her to offer a response to.
“What is wrong with you?” Junmi finally questioned.
“It’s not my fault your front looks just like the back of you.”
And the look returns.
“Yongguk, come over here.” One of his friends from down the hall waved him over and the boy quickly left her behind, gaping.
Sighing to herself, she looked down at her chest. Just a late bloomer, that’s all, Junmi, that’s all.
“God has something planned for me, I just know.” Junmi comforted herself before going back to her task.
The third moment was when they were second years and surely, it wasn’t any less painful than the last –
“Junmi, why don’t you do some squats?”
She stopped chewing to give the boy her attention. “Because eating dessert takes up too much of my time.” She couldn’t be silent – no, she needed to stick up for herself.
The look wasn’t enough anymore.
“Yeah, but a toned butt is –“ He pursed his lips whole making motions into the air that resembles someone’s behind.
“Still not as good as cheesecake.” Junmi was quick to say while Yongguk stared at her. “I thought I was supposed to finish your sentence.” She rebutted.
That wasn’t the last time Yongguk had made those types of comments but they definitely didn’t stick out to be moments.
Now that they were third years, Junmi has made sure she didn’t cross Yongguk’s path in worry of the next thing that would come out of his mouth.
Not that she would care – she was a confident woman. One man’s opinion wouldn’t change how she felt about herself but she couldn’t help but feel irked every time she remembered his little remarks.
But, this weekend will be a little hard.
Standing beside one another, Junmi and Yongguk waited for the van that is supposed to pick them up in a few minutes. Since they were third years, graduation was coming up soon. Their little circle of friends decided that there was no better way to send each other off than a weekend being in each other’s presences.
“What do you think we’ll do?” Yongguk questioned casually.
“Eat…is Himchan coming along?” Junmi thinks for a moment and sees Yongguk nod from the corner of her eyes. “He’s going to bring alcohol.” Looks like the night is already planned out.
“Did he tell you that?”
“I just know.” Himchan is predictable.
The next second, a black van pulls up at the curb in front of the two. Before they could see who it was, Himchan sticks his head out the window.
“I got beer!”
He really was so predictable.
Once the van came to a full halt, they quickly packed their things into the trunk before joining the others in the vehicle.
“We rented a lodge out by the lake.”
***
The rest of the day was normal – the group unpacked, played some games outside, and ate.
Then night came.
They all sat in a circle in the living space while Himchan pulled out cans and cans of alcohol to pass around. Junmi took one but never really enjoyed the taste of it. Unlike some others, she preferred sips instead of full on gulps.
And into the night, coherent words soon turned into slurs of nonsense.
“Watch, Junmi, it’s going to get fun.” Himchan leaned over and whispered.
She knew what he meant.
He basically said drunks were entertaining. And she didn’t disagree. There were some who were still fine, those that could hold a bit of alcohol but there were others who were the total opposite.
One prime example was the boy next to Junmi.
Yongguk.
She doesn’t know if he was a good drinker or not but at this point, did it matter. She watched him nod back and forth, trying his best to stay seated on the ground and not fall backwards onto his back.
“Are the truths going to come out soon?” Himchan wondered aloud and the group chuckled along. Seeing his first victim, Himchan called out to Yongguk. “Hey, Yongguk, don’t you always have something to say?”
He went on to mumble about an exam on Monday but Junmi wasn’t too sure.
“Remember those comments he always made about Junmi?” Daehyun pointed out.
“He never held back.” Youngjae added. “It was like he had it out for her.”
She agreed silently and it seems she wasn’t the only one that remembers them.
“Junmi?” Yongguk drawled.
Upon hearing her name, Junmi prepared herself. How bad could it be this time?
What would he say?
She’s flat chested?
No hips?
Come at her with his worst. She can handle it.
Junmi turned to look at him when he also went to face her. Catching her off-guard, Yongguk placed both hands on the sides of her face before holding her in place as he leaned in, pushing his lips against hers.
Within seconds, he pulled away and ended up dropping his head right on top of the table as snores left his lips.
Frozen in her spot, Junmi tried to make sense of things while those that were still coherent, gaped at the sight they just witnessed.
“Oh my God.” Himchan uttered.
Junmi stared down at the boy slumbering away. If only he was awake to catch the look on her face.
***
It was already past lunchtime when Junmi realized she was still in bed. Well, it’s not like the others were awake.
She figured that when she heard groaning, that would be the moment when she would get up. But as soon as that thought visited – there was this strong urge that prompted her to stay in the same place.
And that’s what happened.
“Junmi, are you still tired?” Himchan peeked in and asked.
“Yes.” She mumbled, hoping that would be enough reason for him to just close the door.
“We’re going to the lake, join us when you can.”
“Sure.” Hearing the door click close, she sighs. Maybe if she were lucky, no one else would be around. Rolling over on the mattress, she pulled the comforter over her head.
Before she could get too lost in her thoughts, knocks on the door quickly stole her attention. She pulled the comforter slightly away so that she could peer towards the door. And when no one answered, the knocks came for a second time.
Throwing the comforter off of her, Junmi stepped out of bed and reached for the door. Upon seeing the face on the other side, she immediately regretted her decision.
Yongguk met her face to face without qualms but didn’t know what to say. “About last night…”
She remained silent. Not because she wanted to hear what he wanted to say but she wanted to figure out how to escape her current situation.
“Sorry.”
Junmi finally met his eyes. “Sorry doesn’t cut it.”
Irked by her words, his expression shifted away from being apologetic. “Then what do you want me to do? Take responsibility?”
“Yes.” How so? She wasn’t sure, she didn’t know how to feel better about this situation.
“Fine.” Yongguk crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Want to date?”
Without a moment of hesitation, Junmi shuts the door but Yongguk’s reflexes were quick. He stuck his hand in just enough to prevent it from completely closing. Using a bit more strength, he opened it up once more and shuffled inside and Junmi was pushed backwards.
“I was talking to you.” He pointed out before allowing his eyes to wander.
Junmi, noticing his eyes, brought her hands up and covered her chest.
“What’s the point?” Yongguk quickly retorted. “There’s nothing to cover.”
“Get out.”
“Wait –“ Yongguk places his hands up. “Sorry. It’s habit.”
“If you came here to insult me, stop wasting your time.”
“I came here to tell you, let’s date.”
Junmi narrowed her eyes. He’s still joking around? “Why would you want to date me? After all the things you’ve said about me.”
Yongguk doesn’t answer right away and sighs. “Look – I didn’t mean any of it.”
It sure felt differently.
Seeing that his words weren’t exactly appealing to Junmi, Yongguk tried again. “I was mean.”
“Isn’t it too late to admit that?”
“I’ll make up for it.”
“That’s a lot of making up to do.”
“Let’s go to the lake.” Yongguk interjected. “I’ll start making up for it now.”
“You don’t deserve forgiveness at this point in time.” What a strange boy. This was the first time Junmi has ever had a conversation like this with him.
“I’ll work for it.” He merely responds. “Lake time.” He spun Junmi around and shoved her towards her luggage. “Grab your bathing suit.”
Junmi eyed him. How exactly was he going to make up for it?
“Show off that nice chest you got there.” He nodded towards her and her mouth dropped open at his words.
“Yongguk –“
“Don’t hide those hips either.”
“Stop it.”
“Really, everything about you looks good to me.” He continued, nonetheless.
“I feel uncomfortable.” Junmi blurted and Yongguk sighed.
“Fine. I’ll just shut up.”
Kids, stick with drinking age. Let your brain finish developing.
Youngji’s eyes followed the two boys that ran past her down the sidewalk. One smiled widely at her while the other was trying his best to pull his friend away from the scene. She tried to get a good look at his face but he was trying oh so hard to keep it hidden, embarrassed by the few but impactful words that came out of his best friend’s loose mouth.
But with his friend not easily budging, it was enough time for Youngji to catch a short glimpse of the hiding boy.
Jung Daehyun.
The boy that would occasionally fall in her line of vision whenever they passed each other in the hallway. Other than that, she doesn’t think they have ever exchanged any words with one another.
“Youngjae, let’s go.” This time, Daehyun tugged harder, forcibly removing his friend.
Before they could take another step, she took the chance to speak up. “Tell your friend that I think he’s quite handsome also.” She didn’t know if her words would make anything better but it was worth a try.
Youngjae’s smile briefly vanishes in surprise before a wide grin replaces it once more. “Did you hear that?” He turned to face Daehyun who couldn’t seem to wipe off the shock look on his own face. “She thinks you’re –“
Before he had an opportunity to finish his words, he was forced away while Youngji was left watching the two stumbling over one another down the sidewalk.
“He’s in class 2B, right next to yours!” Youngjae could be heard shouting before Daehyun clamped a hand right over the boy’s mouth this time in a desperate attempt to save the situation.
And by chance, that marked the moment the two stole each other’s attentions.
***
Ever since that incident, both Youngji and Daehyun found themselves self-conscious whenever they knew each other was within feet of them. Always meeting each other’s eyes but then turning away awkwardly.
Actions they were aware of but couldn’t seem to do anything about it because neither knew how to act in each other’s presences.
It was like there were unspoken words between the two but at the same time, they wouldn’t know what words to say even if they were to be put in front of each other and forced to begin a conversation.
And one day, by chance, they found themselves together.
Cleaning duties. Classrooms 2A and 2B duties.
“I can get the blackboard if you would like to sweep the classroom.” Daehyun breaks the silence but couldn’t get himself to meet her eyes even once. It makes it so much harder now that it was only the two of them.
But on the contrary to Daehyun’s action, Youngji made sure to look at him and nodded. “Sure, I can do that.”
And quietly, the two classmates got to work.
And it was the same silence that bothered Youngji quite a bit. After a few minutes of complete stillness in the classroom – with the exceptions of the sound of the broom brushing against the floor and the sound of the eraser moving across the blackboard – she decided to break it.
“Did you change your mind?”
Daehyun snapped his head around startled by her sudden question. “…About what?”
Youngji didn’t stop her movements and continued her task, dragging the broom across the brown hardwood floor of the classroom. “What you thought about me?” He should understand what she was hinting at, right? She didn’t exactly want to say the exact words that she would be reminded of every time her sights fell on him.
“That…you’re – uh –“
Youngji pushed away her shyness and forced herself to look up at Daehyun and caught his obvious sudden nervous gulp that interrupted his words.
“Pretty?” She offered help and it made Daehyun drop his head in embarrassment once more. The familiar action spurred a smile to appear on her lips. If there was anyone more shy than she was, it would be this boy standing before her. This time there was no Youngjae for him to hide behind.
Not catching her expression, Daehyun turned back to face the blackboard. “Y-yes. And about…me –“
“I still think you’re handsome.” The more she spoke, the more confidence Youngji found herself filled with. A spark of giddiness spread across her body at the conversation they were currently having due to her own assertiveness. “In case you were wondering.” She added jokingly.
Daehyun took a quick glimpse of Youngji over his shoulder after gathering a bit of courage. “I was wondering.” He admittedly muttered before diverting his eyes.
“Then why haven’t you spoken to me?” Stopping her task altogether, she clasped her hands on top of the broomstick and leaned her chin on them to focus all of her attention on the boy.
“…Why haven’t you spoken to me?” He questioned back as his hand fiddled with the board eraser. Though he had turned to face her, he still couldn’t lift his head just yet.
Youngji thought for a moment, finding his question just as valid. “I didn’t know what to say.”
Daehyun nodded his head slightly. “Sorry if Youngjae’s words burdened you.”
Taken aback, Youngji was quick to deny that was ever the case. “I never thought that.” It was flattering and the memory of how Daehyun reacted when the secret spilled from his friend’s lips was also amusing. It was a genuine reaction spurred by a genuine thought of his.
“He wasn’t supposed to blurt that out.” Daehyun continued, caught up in his emotions. Seems like Daehyun is still bitter about it.
“But, wasn’t it good that he did?” Youngji pondered. “Because of him, we’re speaking to each other.”
Daehyun blinked back from his thoughts and looked at the girl in front of him.
Her lips formed a smile. “I like meeting new people.”
And by chance, the two managed to become acquainted.
***
Hearing the chair across from her slide out, Youngji looked up and away from her book. There in the seat sat Daehyun who returned a bright grin, an expression that urged her to mimic in response.
“How long are you planning to stay here?” He whispered in order to not disrupt the quiet atmosphere in the library.
Youngji looked up at the clock, hanging from the opposite wall. “Just for a few more minutes.”
“Are you still joining us?”
A few days ago, Youngjae had mentioned going out for snacks after school but she didn’t think he actually meant it. She figured it was only a passing thought. But, she had no reason to skip out on their little hangout now that she knew it was going to happen.
She nodded her head.
“Then, let’s go.” He reached out and shut the book she was currently reading and helped her gather the rest of her things. And within seconds, Youngji was wearing her backpack and the two were hurrying out of the library and heading towards the front entrance of the school building.
“There you two are.” Youngjae was sitting on the steps when he found Daehyun and Youngji arriving. He stood to his feet while patting his bottom to remove any of the tiny pebbles that managed to stick to him.
“Which shop are we going to?” Daehyun questions as the three began their trek down the sidewalk.
The two suddenly turned towards Youngji and she thought for a moment. “Let’s just go to Yongguk’s snack shop.” It was the closest and it had all the snacks that Daehyun and Youngjae enjoyed.
Agreeing, the boys led the way and upon opening the door, the little bell hung at the corner rung to signal the new customers. They had been visiting so often together that they started to become familiar with the shop owner and the pretty young woman sitting at the counter.
“Welcome.” Yongguk would greet them like other times and they would respond with our own polite greetings.
“Youngji, let’s go pick out chips.”
Following after Daehyun, Youngji’s eyes scanned the shelves and while carefully making her selection, Youngji naturally caught Youngjae’s odd behavior through the spaces. She peered over the bags of snacks to find the boy shifting back and forth on his feet while seemingly staring in one direction.
Silently, Youngji patted Daehyun’s arm, successfully gathering the boy’s attention. With a simple point, Daehyun caught on to what Youngji was focused on. Sneaking a look from the opposite side, a small smile soon appears on Daehyun’s lips before he whispered back.
“He’s staring at a girl.”
The news spurred quiet laughter between the two as they forgot their initial goal of picking out snacks. Sharing a mutual understanding just from a simple look, the two walked beside one another towards the shop’s door.
With one hand on the door, Daehyun called out. “Hey.”
It was simple but oh so distracting. The single word drew attention from the other students present in the shop – including the girl’s and Youngjae’s. Meeting the girl’s gaze, Daehyun continued as he pointed at Youngjae.
“He thinks you’re pretty.”
As soon as those words left his lips, Daehyun gripped Youngji’s hand and hurried out the shop and sprinted down the sidewalk while laughing to himself. Youngji joined in as she remembered the look on Youngjae’s face just before they ditched.
Coming to a slow stop on the sidewalk, Daehyun bent over, attempting to catch his breath. Youngji breathed hard and turned around to see if an angry Youngjae had chased after them.
“You’re not going to get away with it, Daehyun.”
“We can call it even.” He retorts through pants.
His words spurs the memory and a small smile appeared on Youngji’s lips. It has been a year since that time and she wouldn’t have guessed that simple encounter would bring her here. Some things have changed since then but Daehyun’s shy behavior is still the same. It has come to a point where it was driving Youngji quietly insane.
“Let’s go.” Daehyun breathes out and smiles. “I’ll walk you home.”
Blinking back from her silent thoughts, Youngji follows after the boy but she couldn’t brush aside the contemplations from before. They were always passing thoughts when she was with him but she didn’t know why today was different. Today, they were especially stubborn.
“Daehyun –“
“We should hurry before Youngjae catches up to us.” He starts down the sidewalk, not noticing the situation and while leaving Youngji in a complete stupor.
With a sigh, she matches his pace in the direction of her home.
Upon reaching the front of her house, Youngji knew this was going to be the moment she reveals everything. “Daehyun, I have something to say.”
He looks back at her with an undecipherable expression.
“All this time, I don’t know if you have been really oblivious or if you were just ignoring it –“ Youngji begins. “ – I have been very obvious and I don’t know if you actually need me to spell it out for you –“ She halts in her rant as she catches the look on his face. One moment she wouldn’t know what he was thinking and in the next, it was like everything was written on his face. “…You knew.”
He diverts his eyes.
Youngji huffs in frustration. “You knew!” So he was pretending not to notice.
She spun around, ready to leave him there and go into her home when the gentle grasp around her hand stopped her in her movements.
“I like you.”
Hearing the words that she has desired to hear after all this time left her dumbstruck. Not a single thought formulated in her mind and nothing could be placed into words.
“I just couldn’t bring myself to say it.” Daehyun continued from behind Youngji. His heart pounded in his ears as he waited for her response but second after second, not a single word was uttered. “Can you please say something?”
Youngji turned around and wrapped her arms around him and Daehyun let out a sound of surprise at the sudden pressure.
“You’re an idiot.”
“That’s not exactly what I wanted to hear.” He stood frozen in his spot and mumbled.
