𝐈𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 ― part five.
₊˚⊹ᰔ summary: Two childhood best friends who both shared their young love that is truly so unforgettable, but then their friendship was separated by unforeseen circumstances. After 20 years, they saw each other again in a summer getaway from a mutual friend of theirs. What would happen in that whole week of the getaway?
₊˚⊹ᰔ pairing: song kang x OC x rowoon
₊˚⊹ᰔ tags: fluff, angst, slow burn, slight bullying
₊˚⊹ᰔ word count: 3.9k
₊˚⊹ᰔ a/n: we're already in part 5 and will there finally be closure between eunji and hojun? or are you team eunji x taeha? hope you'll like this part!! xx
₊˚⊹ᰔ cast names: Song Kang as LEE HOJUN, Rowoon as KANG TAEHA, and Wi Hajoon as HWANG DOHYUN
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SUMMER OF 2004
Eunji is finally on her second grade in school—getting excited that in a couple of months, she'll be in her third grade, meaning that her school supplies will be much more since she'll learn even more. Her notebooks will be bigger, her pencils will turn into pens, and her bag will be more minimalist than the one she owned today. Eunji aspires to change her personality every grade level, but there's something that will never change within her.
Her friendship with Hojun.
It's been two years since she met Hojun and in those two years, she felt happiness as she found a friend that she knew would never leave her side. Every bully or someone that would make Eunji feel sad, Hojun is always there. She always thought that Hojun is her guardian angel, minus the wings.
Eunji’s ears finally perked up when she heard the school bell ring, echoing through the bright, cheerful hallways. She sprang up from their seats, her eyes wide with excitement. It’s finally summer break. Eunji planned her summer break to hang out with Hojun and explore their neighborhood. She took her things and ran towards the hallway where Hojun’s classroom is, politely greeting the fourth grade students that are the same age as Hojun’s. Her smile went from ear to ear when Hojun finally left the classroom, but then the same smile faded when she saw a girl beside him.
Eunji hid behind the large plant in this hallway, eavesdropping on the two.
“What are you doing for the break?” The girl asked Hojun.
Hojun scratched the back of his head, “I am playing with Eunji, you know her right?”
Eunji smiled on Hojun’s answer, knowing that he’s really a real friend to her.
“Oh…Eunji, the second grader?” The girl said, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice, “She’s cool, but you should come hang out with us this summer.”
“That sounds fun,” Hojun replied, and Eunji felt her heart shatter, “But can Eunji come along?”
Eunji bit her lip, trying not to make a sound because of how happy she is. Hojun is always making her feel like she belongs with the other kids, regardless of their gender and age, because the other kids are just too cruel when they suddenly have a new kid in their group.
“Alright, she can come along. I’ll see you guys tomorrow at the park.” The girl finally bid her goodbyes and left Hojun in the hallway.
Eunji scrambled her way out of the same hallway and pretended that she’s waiting on Hojun to the entrance of the school. Feeling excited for her new playmates for tomorrow. Eunji finally saw the dark haired boy she’s been waiting for as she crashed herself onto him, hugging him tightly.
“Oh Jinnie! Are you waiting for too long?” Hojun asked, smiling down on his longtime friend.
Eunji smiled over the nickname her friend gave to her as she shook her head, “Nope. I just left my classroom.” She replied, pushing herself away from their hug earlier.
The warm afternoon sun greeted them like an old friend. The air smelled of freshly cut grass, and the faint sound of birds chirping made everything feel magical. This summer seems like the best one so far because of how perfect the weather is. Eunji can already imagine herself, Hojun, and the other kids enjoying games under the summer sun.
“Race you back home!” Eunji challenged, already running away from Hojun.
“Oh you’re on!” Hojun called behind Eunji, running faster than he did before.
Eunji laughed loudly as she ran for her life, the wind whipped past her face. Hojun is also laughing along, trying to catch up with his best friend. The sun hung low in the sky, painting the world in warm shades of orange and gold. The air smelled of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass as Eunji and Hojun raced down the sidewalks that led to their neighborhood.
“You’re never gonna catch me!" Eunji shouted, her laughter trailing behind her like music in the wind.
Hojun, who is grinning wide, pumped his arms faster. "Oh yeah? Watch this!" His sneakers pounded the ground as he closed the gap between them. Eunji's pigtails bounced with every step, and her heart thudded joyfully in her chest. The world blurred around them—just trees, pretty flowers, and endless possibilities.
Hojun finally saw his house and threw himself on the soft grass of their front lawn, catching his breath. He heard Eunji’s pants getting closer and watched her lay down on the grass beside him. Their tired selves just enjoying the summer sun and watching the clouds pass by in the wind.
“That’s not fair, you have longer legs." Eunji gasped for breath as she let out a cough.
Hojun laughed, “It’s not my fault you’re slow Jinnie!"
“I’m not slow.” Eunji protested, glaring at her best friend.
Hojun’s mother heard the two bickering at each other in their front lawn, she soon stepped out of their house and chuckled upon seeing the two just laying on the grass and staring at the clouds.
“Did you just arrive, my darlings?” Hojun’s mother said, smiling warmly on the two.
Hojun sat up from the ground upon hearing his mother’s voice, “Yes mom! It’s finally summer break again! We will be playing with the other kids at the park tomorrow!” He exclaimed.
Hojun’s mother chuckled, “Alright, you’ll truly make the most out of this summer break again. Don’t forget to look after Eunji too.” She reminds him.
Eunji smiled over Hojun’s mother’s words as she tried not to blush that hard. She really can’t wait for tomorrow where she can meet new kids and new friends.
Hide and seek. It's a game that is frequently played by Eunji and Hojun. They usually just play at either of their homes, but this day, it's different. It will happen in the park. Their parents would constantly say that they shouldn't play hide and seek in the park, since there are woods behind that park. Eunji was scared of the stories about the woods, she heard there are countless ghosts wandering around that area and big insects that are half her size. Hojun, on the other hand, was intrigued by the big insects their parents were talking about.
Today, Eunji finally met Hojun's classmates and they are starting the game. Hojun was it.
The afternoon sun filtered through the tall trees, casting patches of golden light on the ground. Eunji brushed the stray hair away from her face, grinning nervously at Hojun's classmates walking ahead of her in these woods.
“Why do we have to hide back here?” Eunji sheepishly asked, walking slowly behind the older kids.
One of them looked back at her and shot her a scowl as they taunted her, “Why? You're scared?”
Eunji swallowed hard, her chest tightening and her hands balled up in fists. After all her scaredy cat moments about the woods, she decided today that she'll overcome this fear.
“No.” Eunji half lied, forcing herself to move forward from her spot.
The other kids soon told her hiding spot and said that spot is the best one. Eunji soon crouched behind a huge tree, heart still thumping loudly in her chest. She's really praying hard that Hojun would just come and find her throughout the game.
Minutes have passed, then what felt like hours.
Eunji is only hearing the wind rustling the branches and the fallen leaves on the ground. The shadows of the trees looked like an unknown abyss on the forest floor. Her breath quickened as fear crept in.
Eunji stood up and looked around the area, tears now prickling her eyes when he realized everything. They left her there. Alone.
“H-Hojun…come find me now.” Eunji cried, still looking around the space that filled her deepest fears. She can't take it anymore.
Eunji just crouched down again, hiding her face in her hands as she broke down in tears. The heartbreak that she went through with those kids because her intentions are so pure and she really wants to gain more friends. But why, why does this always happen to her, every time with Hojun's friends.
“Jinnie! Eunji!”
Eunji looked around her again when she suddenly heard her name being called. Then after a few minutes, she saw the familiar dark hair that surely belongs to her best friend.
“Hojun?” Her small, shaky voice answered back.
Hojun followed the sound of the shaky voice he just heard until he finally spotted Eunji crouched down and drowning in her tears. Hojun ran towards her and helped her up, then gave her a bone crushing hug.
“You found me,” Eunji sniffled, trying not to cry even harder in her best friend's arms.
“Don't worry Jinnie. I'm here now.” Hojun comforted her.
That same afternoon, Hojun lost some friends, but he's still as happy as before, because he'll never lose his only friend and the friend who is genuinely happy when they're together.
“I actually don't have anything in mind on what we'll be doing today.” Dohyun said while pacing back and forth in the living room. Me and Taeha are just watching him while we're sharing a bowl of nachos on this sunny afternoon.
I was beyond happy when I heard Dohyun say that. No more teamworks and misunderstandings, and I want more sleep, sleep, and yes, sleep. And just me basking in the sun while overlooking the beautiful lake.
“Maybe like…a lazy day perhaps?” I sneakily suggested. Taeha agreed with me too.
Dohyun shot us a knowing look, “Lazy day? No, that's not in my vocabulary for this summer getaway.” He said, crossing his arms.
I rolled my eyes, slouching my back on this couch we're lounging on, “Then what are you planning? It's already 3 in the afternoon, and the others are still sleeping.”
Dohyun thought of it thoroughly, returning in pacing back and forth in front of us again. He looked out at the lake and scanned towards the bar. A smile soon appeared on his lips.
“What do you think of an outdoor party? I got lots of booze in the bar and I can get more. I can put pretty lights outside and music.” Dohyun suggested.
An outdoor party would look perfect by the beautiful lake just as I imagined. I nudged Taeha beside me, “What do you think? I like outdoor parties, especially with a view like this.” I grinned.
Taeha nodded in response, “If you like it, then I like it.” He warmly smiled back.
Dohyun clapped his hands in excitement that made me and Taeha tear our eyes from each other. Our friend was so excited for the outdoor party later that he immediately called Hongchul for help. Dohyun already told the others about the party and they are scrambling to find their outfits and the others are offering to help him.
Me and Taeha went back to our room to find an outfit that is suitable for a party. I just found two summer dresses that I still didn’t use. I laid the dresses on my bed and began comparing the two. My arms crossed and face scrunched in frustration.
“You’ll look good in white.” Taeha suddenly spoke behind me. I looked at him and saw him gazing back at me.
A blush crept on my cheeks again and looked back on the white summer dress on my bed, my breath hitched when I felt Taeha’s presence close to me as he took the white dress from the bed and put it in front of my body—visualizing what I would look in that dress.
“Yeah, you’ll look beautiful.” He smiled.
“You think?” I nervously laughed, trying not to look too flustered in front of him again, “I would put on some of my jewelry.” I tried to dodge him again as I went to my bedside table, rummaging through my jewelry bag.
My eyes looked out of the window and something caught my attention.
It’s surely Hojun who made his way to the trail towards the falls we took days ago. He’s all alone and that makes me wonder why he’s going back to the falls. I kept thinking about yesterday, where me and Taeha were in the balcony, his eyes that time were haunting me and making me overthink everything about us again. I didn’t even have the chance to talk to him after that, since he kept avoiding me.
That made me think that I should talk to him now. And maybe finally open up about our past, if he still remembers.
I closed my jewelry bag and decided to follow Hojun, but I stopped in my tracks when Taeha wondered why I’m leaving. “Where are you going?” Taeha asked while he’s still rummaging through his clothes on what he’ll wear tonight.
“Um,” I stammered at first, but soon found my excuse, “I’ll just go by the lake. I saw Yoobin outside too.” I lied.
Taeha bought my excuse again as he nodded, “Okay, I’ll come along with you after I finish deciding my outfit.” He smiled at me.
My heart dropped when I felt like I have been lying too much to Taeha, and I think he also deserves an explanation about my past and feelings for Hojun. Soon. I smiled back at him and soon bid my goodbyes, my feet quickly dragged me downstairs and outside the cabin. I glanced at the trail where Hojun walked into and soon followed after.
The woods were thick with towering different trees as I remembered, their leaves a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold. Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. I hesitated at the trailhead, wondering if I could walk through this path alone. But the thought of turning back left me feeling hollow. I had to know where Hojun was.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as I walked even deeper into the woods. My eyes kept looking around the tall trees and the thick bushes around them. The further I went, the quieter it became. The path narrowed, winding deeper into the woods, and the thick canopy above blocked out much of the sunlight. Shadows danced across the forest floor, twisting into shapes that made me think of that time again.
I just want to see Hojun, or I hope Hojun will find me.
A sudden crack echoed through the woods, and I froze in my spot, breath catching in my throat. My eyes darted around, searching for the source of the noise. Was it just a branch snapping under its own weight? Or was someone—or something—out there?
I remembered my seven-years old self again, where I was left alone by the other kids. Fear soon clawed at my chest, regretting why I entered the trail alone with this fear of mine. I crouched down and hugged my trembling frame, comforting and telling myself that I should overcome this.
Then, a familiar voice broke through the fear. "Eunji?"
My eyes flew open and saw them standing just a few feet away from me was Hojun, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "What are you doing out here?" He asked, his voice low but steady.
I immediately stood up and patted the dirt out of my pants, “I…I was walking around.” I tried to lie, but my trembling voice is giving it away.
Hojun made his way closer to me and I just stood my ground, my breath hitched when he suddenly reached over my hair, realizing that there’s a leaf resting there. He’s quiet—too quiet, his eyes looking around but mine. The silence between us is making me feel those years of longing because of our lost time.
“You shouldn’t be alone out here, it’s dangerous.” Hojun said in concern, “We should head back—”
“No.” I suddenly blurted out, holding his hand to prevent him from leaving. Hojun was surprised by my sudden remark, probably wondering why I wanted him to stay. I took a deep breath and finally gathered the strength to finally open up to him.
“Eunji—”
“2002. 23 years ago, I felt lonely as a child because I had no one to share my wildest imaginations and activities that I dreamed of doing as a child. My mother would play with me sometimes but then would just leave me alone playing because she had to make dinner for us, my father on the other hand would also play with me but he’s busy with work. I just dream to have someone who would be my very first best friend. Springtime came and I met one kid…that changed my life.” I exhaled sharply, trying not to cry in front of him.
My eyes found Hojun’s and again was trapped into his gaze. My heart automatically raced as I stared into those eyes, those familiar brown depths that had once been the backdrop to countless childhood moments. But now, there was something different—something deeper. My chest tightened with a longing I had carried silently for far too long.
I broke out a laugh and wiped away the small tears forming around my eyes, “This is absurd.” I whispered to myself, “I’m sorry for suddenly being emotional, and um…you’re right, we should head out now.”
I turn myself away from him, regretting that I just said everything earlier. When I stared into his eyes earlier, I knew that I’m already one of his forgotten memories and I am tangled with the fear of rejection.
“Jinnie…”
My breath hitched. Again.
Jinnie.
The childhood nickname I hadn’t heard in over twenty years. A name bestowed upon me by none other than Lee Hojun—my one and only best friend when I was a little kid, during those endless playdates and my unforgettable puppy love.
I return my eyes to him, heart racing. The same eyes I stared into earlier were now sparkled with the same warmth I remembered back then. Memories surged to the surface—Hojun catching me from falling when I first met him, the unexpected playdates our fathers would plan because they wanted to hangout too, racing home from school, and everything that made our childhood the happiest. We had been inseparable once, two halves of a whole, until life pulled us in opposite directions.
In the very moment, fate has pulled us back together again.
“Hojun…” I sobbed, the weight of those lost years pressing down on me.
Without thinking, without hesitation, I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around him, holding on as if letting go would shatter me. Hojun’s arms came around me instantly, strong and reassuring. We fit together as seamlessly as we had all those years ago. I buried my face against his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of warmth and comfort.
“I thought you didn’t recognize me since the first time we saw each other again.” Hojun said and that made me suddenly pull away from our hug and slapped his bicep, causing him to wince and stare at me in confusion.
“Me?! I thought you were the one who didn't recognize me!,” I raised my voice and paced back and forth before him, “So all this time, we—”
Hojun let out a laugh, “God, we really are still stupid, just like when we were kids.” He said, his gaze still on my pouty self.
I can’t believe we were feeling the same way for five consecutive days.
“Then why didn’t you make a single move? Even on the night when we were all alone by the lake.” I complained again, crossing my arms together.
Hojun lets out a deep breath, “Because I thought you and Taeha are together and I don’t want to make suspicions and ruin this getaway for Dohyun.” He explained, his voice filled with gentleness
I rolled my eyes, “But I already mentioned that me and Taeha are just friends.” I pout at him again.
I heard him let out a playful chuckle and noticed him getting closer to me again, then I was surprised when he pinched my cheeks—but he’s gentle, unlike the ones he would do to me when we were kids. That gummy smile in full view, making my heart do somersaults.
“You’re still adorable, Jinnie.” He chuckled before pulling his hands away from my cheeks.
Our moment was ruined when I suddenly felt a drop of water that touched my forehead. Hojun was also confused and looked up at the sky, without any warning, the warm sun earlier turned into gray clouds and rain soon began to pour. With the summer rain and Hojun standing before me, all I could ever think about is our childhood memories when we would play in the rain, not even caring that we could get sick the following day.
We just let the rain fully drench us, then our eyes met again, causing us both to break into laughter. Reminiscing about our good old days.
“How I wish we were kids again.” I deeply sighed.
“I hope not though.”
I furrowed my brows at him, “Why not?”
I noticed his eyes are on me right now, “Because I don’t want to go back to the time that I left you.” His expression tightened, a hint of guilt flickering his eyes.
“But…you needed to leave that day. It’s for the sake of your father.” I said, fighting the lump rising in my throat.
Hojun looked down on the ground, my eyes fixated over the droplets of water from his drenched hair, “I should’ve done this back then…”
“Done what—”
The world seemed to pause, the rain fading into background noise. My eyes widened when Hojun suddenly closed the distance between us again, his hand cupping my cheek with a tenderness that spoke of longing and regret. My skin burned under his touch despite the rain drenching us both.
And then it happened.
Hojun’s lips found mine with a passion that spoke of every unsaid word and every missed opportunity that is filled with longing. I melted into him, my hands tangling in his wet hair and his hands wrapping around my waist as the rain poured down around us. Not only the rain drenching my face, but also there were tears that shed with the droplets of rain.
The rain was relentless, soaking through our clothes and chilling our skin, but we didn't care. We kissed as if the world depended on it, as if that moment was our redemption, our only chance to rewrite our story that we didn’t like how it first ended.
Me and Hojun finally broke apart, gasping for air, I rested my forehead against his. Laughter bubbled from my lips, pure and joyous.
“What do you mean that you want to do this? We were just kids back then.” I giggled, playfully hitting his pec.
Hojun bites down his lips, “Yeah, you have a point.” He chuckled.
His arms are still wrapped around my waist and our eyes are still gazing at each other, “We’re really drenched right now.” I giggled again.
“I think we should really head back now.” Hojun said, pulling away from my touch.
I nodded and sighed, “Yeah, we really should.”
While we were walking back to the cabin, with our hands tangled together, I also mentioned the outdoor party that will happen tonight and Hojun was excited, since it’s been a while for him to attend a party and enjoy some booze. We also planned on seeing each other in the middle of the night by the lake again and catching up with our lost time. The warmth of Hojun’s presence beside me again was enough to erase the shadows of doubt, making my heart flutter a million times.
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