Summary: Jake is finally moving back to Korea after spending years in Brisbane, Australia to spend his senior year at Belift Academy. After fateful meeting with his new school's top student (Y/n), he decides to make her his rival. Along with swearing not to come second, he also refuses to acknowledge his growing crush on his self declared rival. In other words he will NOT confess first. But you know what they say: All is fair, and Love is war.
Warning(s): cursing, light angst, miscommunication, Idk Y/n and Jake are kinda stupid, class difference, suggestive, (will be updated if there is more)
A/n: ignore how bad the banner is, I know it gives graphic design is my passion Another Smau coming to you soon! This one has been in the works for awhile, so I can't wait for you all to read!
Status?!: On-Break
Updates?!: Weekdays (Subject to change)
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Navigation
•Time stamps and dates on tweets are not important •
Love? Love! Fighting!! | Teaser (Feb 27th)
Student Council Besties profiles | Rugby team profiles
Love? Love! Fighting!! | Play 3: #JakeOurShiningStar
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♧ Summary: Jake is finally moving back to Korea after spending years in Brisbane, Australia to spend his senior year at Belift Academy. After fateful meeting with his new school's top student (Y/n), he decides to make her his rival. Along with swearing not to come second, he also refuses to acknowledge his growing crush on his self declared rival. In other words he will NOT confess first. But you know what they say: All is fair, and Love is war.
Making her way through the entrance of the school, Y/n placed the bag of sweets her father gave her on the counter. “Good morning Mr. Murata.”
The front desk clerk smiled softly, pushing his glasses up before looking up to greet her. “Good morning Y/n” He placed a clipboard sign-in sheet in front of her. “Did you enjoy your summer?”
Y/n smiled as she signed in as a campus visitor. “Of course I did.” Once she finished she placed the clipboard back on the desk and slid it over to him. “Did you get my email?”
Mr. Murata chuckled as he reached under his desk and handed her a stack of papers. “Great work on the excel sheets by the way.”
Y/n smiled as she looked over the papers. “You even stapled them thank you.” She reached into the bag and pulled out one of the boxes. “Here you go sir. You can share them with everyone.”
Mr. Murata grabbed the box and nodded. “Before you go Mr. Park wanted to speak with you.”
Y/n gave him an inquisitive look, but he simply shrugged and pointed to Mr. Park’s office. Grabbing the papers and her bag, Y/n made her way to it. “Mr. Park?” She said, gently knocking on the door.
“Come in.” A voice spoke from behind the door. Y/n opened the door and was greeted with Mr. Park typing something at his desk. “Oh Y/n, glad you could make it.”
“Mr. Murata said you wanted to see me?”
Mr. Park reached under his desk and pulled out a folder. “We are getting a new student on Monday and I was hoping you could show him around.”
“Of course.” Y/n reached for the folder and looked it over, carefully flipping through the pages of the ‘Sim Jaeyun’s’ student file.
“He’ll be in your class and since he’s from Australia I thought with your English score you’d be the best fit.”
Y/n nodded, continuing to flip through the pages but was shocked when it didn’t include his student photo. “No ID photo?”
“Wasn’t included in the file.” He sighed. “We’ll call you out during homeroom to do the tour and get you properly acquainted then. Any questions?”
“No sir.” Y/n said, closing the folder and slipping it into the bag.
Mr. Park’s eyes shifted to the bag Y/n had, recognizing it as Y/n’s dad’s cafe. “Y/n did you perhaps-” He pointed to the bag and smiled sheepishly.
“Mr. Murata should’ve placed them in the staff lounge. I made sure to ask dad to make extra honeybuns.”
“Thank you Y/n.”
After leaving the office Y/n made her way to the student council room. Being the first one there she carefully set up everything, placing the boxes of sweets on the table and carefully organized the agenda material.
“Getting started without me?”
Y/n smiled as she turned to face the voice. “Well good morning to you too Soobin.”
Soobin returned her smile as he placed two large bags on the table. “I asked my driver to stop to get us some drinks.”
Y/n nodded as she started to pull out the drinks from the bags. “I already got the agendas printed so you can start to set up the powerpoint.”
“On it.”
After the two finished setting up the council members new, and old started to trickle in. After exchanging their greetings Ms. Jeong urged them to started the meeting. Rising from her seat Y/n moved to the front of the room, she carefully adjusted her uniform blazer before clearing her throat. “The first official student council meeting is now in session.”
After finishing signing into the office Sunghoon patted Jake’s back. “Meet us on the field once you’re finished.”
“We already told coach Jeon and Yudai about you so they want to see how you play.” Jay added, readjusting his gym bag on his shoulder.
Eunchae pushed Sunghoon towards the door. “Now let’s go or else we’re going to be late.”
Jake nodded and waved them goodbye as they left the office. Turning back to the clerk he asked, “Mr. Murata, where are the uniform fittings going to be?”
Mr. Murata looked at his name on the form and gasped. “So you’re the new student? Wait a minute I’ll get your homeroom teacher and notify Mrs. Wilson.”
After a few moments Mr. Murata returned with another man by his side. “Nice to meet you Jaeyun.” He said sticking out his hand. “I’ll be your homeroom teacher this year. I’m Mr. Park.”
Jake took his hand and returned the greeting. “Nice to meet you sir.”
“If I would’ve known you’d be here today I would’ve asked your tour guide to stay a bit. You just missed her.” He chuckled.
“Tour guide?” Jake questioned.
“I was going to have one of your classmates show you around.” He says, gesturing in a circle. “Ms. L/n is very well acquainted with the campus.”
Jake’s curiosity piqued at the mention of her last name. Alarm bells signaling off in his mind, reminding him of the current CEO of Kim Tech. ‘It’s just a coincidence.’ He reminded himself. ‘Maybe the name’s just common.’
“I’ll be looking forward to the tour.”
Mr. Park smiled and glanced at the smart watch on his wrist. “Mrs. Wilson is ready for you. I’ll walk you to the fitting station.”
After the fitting Jake wandered around the campus before finally finding the rugby field. As he made his way closer to it, he saw the other players were running a rectangular drill, sprinting and passing the ball to each other as the coaches blew the whistle after the final cone was reached.
Jay exhaled heavily finishing the drill, lightly jogging back to the starting cone when he noticed Jake. Waving him over, he turned to the coaches. “The guy me and Sunghoon were talking about is here.”
Both of the men looked over at Jake before one of them made his way over to him. “Hi Jake. I’m coach Jeon.”
“Nice to meet you sir.”
“You ever played rugby before?”
“A bit with Jay and Sunghoon when we were younger. I played back in Australia too but I mostly did soccer.”
Coach Jeon tilted his head processing the information Jake mentioned. “Some experience is better than none. We’ve been needing a new kicker anyways.” Looking down at Jake’s attire he sighed. “Well want to join us for a practice match? Give you a chance to get acquainted with the team and Sunghoon and Jay said you came ready to play.”
“Of course.” Jake said, placing the bag that held his uniform down.
“Don’t take this as you’re already on the team.” Coach Jeon said, voice serious. “I’m letting you join because Jay and Sunghoon vouched for you and Eunchae brought me a clearance paper. Otherwise you wouldn’t have even been close to my field.”
“Of course not.” Jake said. “I need to earn that through tryouts.”
“Two laps and then I’ll let you join them in drills. After that we’ll play.”
“Yes sir.”
After running his two laps Jake made his way over the group who were running mirror drills. Blowing his whistle, Coach Jeon, introduced Jake. “Everyone, this is Jake. Jake, this is everyone.”
The other coach chuckled at his senior. “I’m Yudai, assistant coach. And that’s-” He pointed to the members and started naming them one by one.
“Nice to meet you all.” Jake murmured.
“We’re going to do two more drills and then a practice game.” Yudai said. “Everyone ready?”
The group cheered as they ran back to the center of the field, Jake being pulled along by Sunghoon and Jay.
Previous | Next
♧ Summary: Jake is finally moving back to Korea after spending years in Brisbane, Australia to spend his senior year at Belift Academy. After fateful meeting with his new school's top student (Y/n), he decides to make her his rival. Along with swearing not to come second, he also refuses to acknowledge his growing crush on his self declared rival. In other words he will NOT confess first. But you know what they say: All is fair, and Love is war.
Love? Love! Fighting!! | Play 1: Can’t catch a break
Prologue! | Next
♧ Summary: Jake is finally moving back to Korea after spending years in Brisbane, Australia to spend his senior year at Belift Academy. After fateful meeting with his new school's top student (Y/n), he decides to make her his rival. Along with swearing not to come second, he also refuses to acknowledge his growing crush on his self declared rival. In other words he will NOT confess first. But you know what they say: All is fair, and Love is war.
Love? Love! Fighting!! | Prologue: Fateful Meetings *6 Months Ago
Y/n watched as her father continued to set up the dessert table. “Dad do we really-”
“Yes we do.” He said looking over at her.
“We were lucky Mr. L/n offered this to us. He’s been your sponsor all throughout your time at Belift it’s the least we can do.” He placed one of the last desserts on the table and stood in front of her, rubbing her arms softly. “I would do anything if it means getting you through this last year okay?”
Y/n nodded defeatedly.
Being a student at Belift Academy meant a lot of things. For those of the elite, it was a sign of status, a glorious reminder of their wealth, but for people like Y/n it was a lifeline. To have such a high ranking international school under her belt opens up a world often unseen to those like her. After her admittance under the scholarship program 2 years ago, Y/n and her father have worked diligently so Y/n could remain in such a world, even if at times it came at their expense. “Okay.”
“Now go get changed.” He reached under the table and pulled out a bag. “We have to greet Mr. L/n and secure your tuition hm?”
Y/n smoothed out her dress as she stepped out of one of the restroom stalls. “How does it look?”
She looked up to see her phone propped up between the mirror and the sink faucet. “You look great.” Chaewon said. “That’s the one Zuha got you right?”
Y/n nodded somewhat embarrassed having to have relied on her friend to get her a suitable outfit for the event.
“You’ll totally fit in with everyone there.” Yunjin added.
“Fitting in?” Y/n laughed as she reached for her phone. “I feel like a circus monkey.”
The two girls frowned at her comment. “Sorry Y/n if we could help we would.” Yunjin reached over and pulled the phone closer to her. “Mr. L/n isn’t that bad right? I mean he’s managed to sponsor you all this time.”
“That’s true I guess.” Mr. L/n was one of six full tuition sponsors that over 300 scholarship students vetted for and somehow throughout her entire time at Belift Y/n always managed to secure his funding for school. Although he was kind, admiring Y/n’s work ethic and academic abilities he was always expecting the most from her, constant academic feats and consistent results. And though over the years he and her father had built up some rapport, often catering his events, the expectations placed on Y/n hadn’t lessened. “I’ve heard some sponsors do worse.” Y/n shivered remembering one year where her senior had confessed that his sponsor asked him to maintain a 4.3 gpa, once it slipped his entire tuition was pulled and he nearly had to drop out. “It’s just this is the first time he’s having us attend. Usually dad just drops off the food.”
“Maybe he has something good planned.” Chaewon piqued, “I know it’s weird but don’t assume the worst.”
“Maybe.” Y/n grabbed the bag from the floor and placed her folded clothes in. “I should probably get out there. It’s starting soon. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye Y/nnie.” The two said, waving as Y/n pressed the end call button.
Sighing, she placed her phone in her bag and made her way back to the staff room. She placed the bag with her clothes in with her and her father’s other items and then headed towards the main entrance hall. Looking around the various guests she spotted her father and her sponsor.
“Nice of you to join us Ms. Y/n.” Mr. L/n said, taking a sip from a flute of champagne. “I was just talking to your father about how excited I was that you two decided to join me today.”
Her father reached for Y/n and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “We’re very excited as well aren’t we Y/n?”
“Thank you for inviting us.” She said, forcing a smile on her face.
Mr. L/n smirked as he placed the empty flute on a nearby table. “I’ll cut to the chase. I just wanted to bring you here to network.”
Y/n eyes widened. “What?”
“You’ve maintained the top position at the academy and been head of the council for 2 years. That’s a feat anyone with a brain would respect.” He said, pointing around the bustling hall. “No one here knows you’re my sponsee, and they won’t have to if you don’t want to tell them but, a lot of the attendees here are looking for college bound interns. If you find something you’re interested in I’ll put in a good word.”
“Really? Thank you Mr. L/n I- I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” Y/n eyes watered. “And about my tuition-”
He raised his hand in protest. “As long as you're maintaining your current standing it’s done. Both semesters, I swear. Just apply like normal and I’ll take care of the rest.”
‘Easier said than done’ Y/n thought, thinking about all the work she’s had to do in order to achieve her current academic and social standing. But that work in comparison to the nearly ₩72,500,000 needed for a single semester at Belift, made it seem so much more worth it. “I’ll do my best, better than my best.”
Y/n’s father smiled at her, removing his arm from her shoulder and reached out to shake Mr. L/n’s hand. “Thank you sir.”
“For the last time we’re friends. We even share a last name.” He gripped Y/n’s father’s hand tightly. “Call me Jun.”
“Right, Jun.” He said, excitedly shaking his hand. “I’ll remember that.”
Mr. L/n chuckled as he let go and reached into his coat pocket. “Here.” He handed over a business card to Y/n. “Your first one of the night.” Y/n took the card and smiled wide. “Now go out there and mingle. I’ll take care of your dad.”
After mingling for a while, Y/n made her way into a secluded section of the building, a lounge just a ways away from the main hall where the event was taking place. She sighed, stretching her limbs before she plopped down on the couch. “So much talking. So much business.” She groaned, sinking further into the couch.
“I know right?” A voice said, and Y/n nearly bolted up in shock. She turned her head towards where it came from to see a boy around her age on the opposite end of the couch, just barely hidden from her sight by the way they were set up back to back.
“Sorry I thought there wasn’t anyone here.” Y/n started to get up but the boy shook his head.
“No worries.” He pointed towards the main hall. “I wanted to get away too.” He reached his hand out. “My name’s Jake.”
“Y/n” She said, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” Jake smiled wide, “I didn’t think there was going to be anyone here that was my age, I’m pleasantly surprised seeing you.”
Letting go of his hand Y/n leaned closer to him. “I didn’t know what to expect when coming here either. I was actually begging my dad not to come.” She laughed, thinking back to earlier that morning where she had been pleading with her father to pretend they had fallen ill, having her father’s part-time worker fulfill the order for them.
“What have you been doing all this time?” He questioned.
“Networking.” She replied. “You?”
Jake lifted his phone to show a mobile game lobby. “League farming.”
Y/n snickered. “Ditching an elite business party to game?”
“No better option.” He shrugged, “I tried raiding the food table but one of the servers shoo’d me away because they weren’t given the okay yet. Something about them needing the caviar brought to the perfect temperature before they could even consider letting us try it.”
An inexplicable feeling arose in Y/n then, the black hair boy in front of her making her think back to the dessert table her father set up in the room connected to the main hall, how all the delicacies her father and his workers spent hours working on were left unattended, waiting for someone to indulge. “Jake?”
“Yeah?”
“What are your thoughts on sweets?”
Y/n opened the entrance to the staff room and poked her head in to make sure the coast was clear. Seeing no other staff, she turned towards Jake, “We’re good.”
Walking further into the room and towards the door where the deserts were, Jake grabbed her wrist to stop her. “Should we be doing this? It seems a little-”
Y/n nodded, knowing that even if they were caught she had already been id’ as a caterer. “We’ll be fine. Trust me.” Jake hesitantly followed her into the dessert room and Y/n grabbed two tiramisu cakes from the display, careful not to mess up her father’s hard work. She extended one to Jake and smiled. “Here.”
Taking the cake, he grabbed a spoon from the table and took a bite. “Y/n this is delicious. Hurry and try it.”
A cheerful grin made its way across her face and she also grabbed a spoon to try the tiramisu. She let out a sound of satisfaction as the creamy sweet basically melted in her mouth, the sweet and bitter taste blending together perfectly. ‘Dad was right, maybe his tiramisu is his most underrated item.’
As the two continued to eat, noise started to emit from the staff room next to them. Both of them startled, Y/n pointed to another side door. Carefully making their way to it, Jake accidentally bumped into one of the statues in the room.
“Who’s there?” A voice called, and footsteps started to make its way closer to the door. Grabbing her free hand, Jake ran toward the side door and zig zagged through the hallway back to the lobby where the two had been before.
They both heaved out of breath, and Jake noticed that the cake he had been enjoying just minutes prior was all squished in his hand. Looking at each other they both laughed, letting out sighs of relief as they let go of each other.
“Holy shit. I thought we were done for.” Jake said, sitting back down on the couch.
Y/n shook her head, sitting next to him. “We totally weren’t.”
“How come you sound so sure?”
Y/n shrugged, “I just know.”
“Well anyways, thanks for the cake.” he raised what was now a sorry excuse for tiramisu up. “It was great. Probably the best thing I’ve had at these things in awhile now.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Everyone seems to value looks over taste.” he laughed, taking another bite of the cake, trying his best to finish the rest.
“You’re getting it all over yourself, wait here.” She said, placing her cake down before walking over to the restroom. Grabbing a few paper towels Y/n made her way back over to him, “There.”
Jake wiped his mouth, though a small bit of cream remained. “Did I get it?”
“Here let me.” Y/n grabbed the paper towel from him and started to wipe the cream off his face. As she did so Jake started to study her features, falling deeper into her e/c eyes. “Got it.”
“Thanks.” He stammered as she moved away, taking the paper towels and cake before throwing them away in a nearby trashcan.
“Evidence is gone.” She said, wiping her hand clean. “Well almost.”
“Almost?” Jake questioned, eyebrows raised in confusion.
Y/n brought her hands together to make finger guns. “You’re still here.”
Jake raised his hands jokingly. “Turning on me? Y/n you’re cruel.”
“Nothing personal Jakey.” She shrugged. “Just business.” She sat back down next to him, the two of them erupting in laughter. “You know I feel like I haven’t had this much fun in forever. I’m always…” Studying, drowning in council work “...busy”
Jake turned to face her, “I’m glad I could be your reprieve.”
“Me too.” She said, moving herself to face him as well.
The two look at each other, smiles sincere. Jake continued to study her, almost like he was trying to memorize her features, engraving her image in his mind. Turning this beautiful moment of understanding into a memory that would never fade. He was sure it was like that for her to, almost positive in fact.
‘You know you’re really pretty?’ A part of him wanted to say, but he pushed it down, choosing to just bask in her company.
“What?” Y/n asked. “What did you say?”
Jake’s eyes widened, as he created a little more distance between the two of them. “Did I say something?” ‘DID I SAY THAT OUT LOUD?’
“You mumbled something but I didn’t catch it.”
‘Thank God’ Jake cleared his throat, the panic he felt washing away, “It was nothing. Really.”
Y/n bobbed her head as she glanced toward the door of the longue, “I should probably go. I’ve been gone for a while.”
“Already?” Jake looked at her, disappointment written all over his face.
“My dad is probably looking for me.”
“Well maybe we should excha-”
“Jake!” A voice called, and an older man emerged from the door. “Where are you?” The voice called out in English.
Jake tore his attention away from Y/n to look towards his older brother. “Over here Chan.”
Chan sighed as he made his way over to Jake. “Dude we’ve been calling you this whole time you didn’t answer your phone.’
“Sorry I was hanging out with-” Jake turned his head to see that Y/n was no longer there, somehow slipping away in the time Jake had called out to his brother.
“With?”
He let out a frustrated sigh. “Doesn’t matter I guess.”
“Dad has some business clients he wants us to meet. Come on.” Chan gestured for Jake to follow him.
As Jake stood up, a business card was left where Y/n once was, he grabbed it and studied it carefully, reading the Kim Tech Industries printed in bold across it. Flicking the corner of the card he felt his heart sink, seeing that it was the card of one of his father’s biggest competitors.
“Jake you coming?” Chan called out, looking towards his brother.
Jake dropped the business card. “Yeah.”
Start! | Next
♧ Summary: Jake is finally moving back to Korea after spending years in Brisbane, Australia to spend his senior year at Belift Academy. After fateful meeting with his new school's top student (Y/n), he decides to make her his rival. Along with swearing not to come second, he also refuses to acknowledge his growing crush on his self declared rival. In other words he will NOT confess first. But you know what they say: All is fair, and Love is war.
Masterlist
❣️A/n: It feels nice to stay another SMAU! I binged Bitch x Rich and Hierarchy and though this won’t have the mystery thriller aspects to it I thought writing the elite school would be fun loI. Excited for this one and I hope you all stay tuned for what’s to come.
Love? Love! Fighting!! | Five point Try!: Rugby Team Profiles
♧ Sim Jaeyun (Jake) • Senior Recent transfer student to International school, Belift Academy. His move back to Korea is just as sudden as it is unwanted. Jake won’t complain though, as it is his fault after all. He’s the second son of the CEO of Sim Tech, a promising upstart company.
More below the cut!
♧ Park Jongseong (Jay) • Senior One of Jake’s childhood friends. They met when Jake had to attend a shareholder meeting and Jay was also in attendance. He currently is a starter on the school’s varsity rugby team.
♧ Park Sunghoon • Senior One of Jake’s childhood friends. They met during one of Jake’s extended visits to Korea where Jay introduced to two of them. He has a younger “cousin” named Hong Eunchae who is often confused for his younger sister. He is currently a starter on the varsity rugby team.
♧ Lee Heeseung • Senior One of the starting players of the varsity rugby team. He was the captain before stepping down when Jungwon joined the team. And was last year''s V.I.P when the team made the finals.
♧ Nishimura Riki (Ni-Ki ) • Freshman A new promising player who was drafted from the academy’s incoming class. He joined the team during the summer training, and is currently a starter on the Varsity team.
♧ Yang Jungwon • Junior Current Team captain of the rugby team who was hand picked by Heeseung when he wanted to step down. He is passionate about his position and leads his team with everything he has, along with his co-captain Choi Yeonjun. Due to his dedication he often gets into disagreements with Choi Soobin student council Vice President over the funding of their club.
♧ Choi Yeonjun • Senior Co-Captain of the rugby team who works with Coach Jeon and Yudai to make team plans. He and Jungwon both get along although the team would argue different. Due to his dedication he often gets into disagreements with Choi Soobin student council Vice President over the funding of their club.
♧ Hong Eunchae • Freshman Incoming student at Belift Academy. Due to her relationship to Sunghoon as his younger “cousin” she was often sent with him during his summer training. Feeling bad that she had to tag along, Miyawaki Sakura asked Coach Jeon if Eunchae could be appointed a position, thus her becoming an assistant team manager.
♧ Miyawaki Sakura • Senior Current team manager of the rugby team at Belift Academy. She runs all club activities and works closely with Jungwon, Yeonjun and the coaches to create plays, meal plans, training sessions, and more for the team. She also occasionally does the team photo sessions.
♧ Kang Taehyun • Senior One of the starting players of the varsity rugby team. He is probably the most excited about incoming players for the team, as he has a plan with so much potential.
Court is in Session: Student Council Besties Profiles | Start!
♧ Summary: Jake is finally moving back to Korea after spending years in Brisbane, Australia to spend his senior year at Belift Academy. After fateful meeting with his new school's top student (Y/n), he decides to make her his rival. Along with swearing not to come second, he also refuses to acknowledge his growing crush on his self declared rival. In other words he will NOT confess first. But you know what they say: All is fair, and Love is war.
Love? Love! Fighting!! | Court in Session: Student Council Besties Profiles
♧ Y/n • Senior Top student at International school, Belift Academy. Currently ranks as number 1 in the school as well as 2 time council president. She is currently enrolled at Belift due to the school’s scholarship program, that pays for 300 students tuition as long as they remain in good academic and social standing. Despite achieving such a feat, Y/n like many other students, only has her scholarship status known by those she’s close to (aka the council). Her father runs a cafe called Pinwheel that the council often hangs out at.
More below the cut!
♧ Choi Beomgyu • Senior Y/n’s best friend and apart of the Belift Academy’s scholarship program. He like Y/n does not mention this fact to others. He and Y/n became close as they both attend the academy’s tutoring sessions every Friday after school, which led him to join the student council as an event organizer. He is often mistaken as Y/n’s boyfriend because of how much they hang out.
♧ Huening Kai • Senior Y/n’s close friend and accidental member of the student council, after he followed her there on their first day. Apart of the council committee, but holds no official position as he is also involved with the gaming club.
♧ Kim Sunoo • Junior The student council secretary. Due to how often he with Y/n and Soobin on important student documents, they became close friends.
♧ Nakamura Kazuha• Junior The student council’s event planner and Belift Academy’s resident girl-crush. She became close to Y/n and Soobin due to how often Belift hosts sponsor events, as well as club fairs and the like.
♧ Kim Chaewon • Senior One of Y/n’s closest friends as Chaewon suggested she run for student council president. She currently holds the position of student council event organizer.
♧ Choi Soobin • Senior Y/n’s chosen Vice President. After being approached by Y/n their freshman year to run, he has doubled as her right hand and campaign manager. The trust the two share is unbreakable. They have held the titles of President and Vice President 2 times consecutively over their time at Belift academy and he hopes the streak continues. He is very passionate about his work often gets into conflicts with Yang Jungwon and Choi Yeonjun about the rugby teams funding.
♧ Huh Yunjin • Senior The student council committee and also apart of Belift Academy’s scholarship program. She holds no official position due to her splitting her time with her duties in the academy’s drama club. Her and Y/n became close friends during their second year when Yunjin was chosen to represent the drama club during a monthly council review.
Teaser! | Five Point Try! Rugby Team Profiles>
♧ Summary: Jake is finally moving back to Korea after spending years in Brisbane, Australia to spend his senior year at Belift Academy. After fateful meeting with his new school's top student (Y/n), he decides to make her his rival. Along with swearing not to come second, he also refuses to acknowledge his growing crush on his self declared rival. In other words he will NOT confess first. But you know what they say: All is fair, and Love is war.
Love? Love! Fighting!! | All is Fair and Love is War: Teaser!!
“Hyungsik?” Y/n said tapping on the partition of the car. “Can you pull over to this park.”
Hyungsik looked back at her from the rearview mirror, “But Miss Y/n it’s getting late and I have to retire from my post soon.”
“Please?” Y/n pleaded. “I promise it’ll be quick.”
Hyungsik sighed, turning the car around and enticing the parking lot of the park. “Thirty minutes. Then I really have to get you home.”
“Thank you Hyungsik.” Y/n said, “Jake, come on.” Grabbing his hand, Y/n led him out of the car into the park, lightly illuminated by the street lights.
The two of them walked side by side down the walking path before sitting on a bench in the middle of the park.
Breathing in the night air Y/n leaned back on the park bench. “I don’t know why but spending time with you is so-” Y/n turned herself to Jake. “Nice.”
Jake chuckled, leaning to face her as well. “Nice? Just nice?”
“I can’t explain it.” Y/n shrugged. “Being with you is just nice. I don't feel burdened by anything. Not by the council, not by my studies…” Y/n’s thoughts trailed. “Not by anything.”
Jake smiled looking at her, taking in her appearance the same way he did all those months ago. The precious memory he tucked in the corner of his mind, coming back to him. “I know.” Jake reached out his hand to grab hers, lightly trailing his thumb over it. “I’m your reprieve, remember?”
Y/n looked down at their hands before looking back up at Jake. “Yeah. You are.”
Holding her hand tighter he spoke softly. “After you left I thought I’d never see you again, you know?”
“I’m sorry about that. Really I am Jake I didn’t mean to-”
“It’s okay.” Jake smiled sincerely, trying his best to lessen Y/n guilty rambling. “Just don’t disappear on me again.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
Teaser! • Student Council Besties Profiles>
♧ Summary: Jake is finally moving back to Korea after spending years in Brisbane, Australia to spend his senior year at Belift Academy. After fateful meeting with his new school's top student (Y/n), he decides to make her his rival. Along with swearing not to come second, he also refuses to acknowledge his growing crush on his self declared rival. In other words he will NOT confess first. But you know what they say: All is fair, and Love is war.
Hiii just finished reading until the end of the world... BRB GONNA GO CRY THEYRE SO CUTE OMG 😭 this series was so good I can't get enough of them I'm so sad it's only a three part series I'd love to see more of their relationship like engagement wedding first kid etc 😭🫶🏻 also can I just say it's SO UNDERRATED?! More ppl need to read this Omg!!! Anyway that's all loved it so very much can't wait to read more if you write any more 😚
Anon I can’t tell you how much this made me smile. I swear I read it over like 30 times before responding. I’m so happy you enjoyed reading my work! Although I don’t have plans on continuing until the end of the world currently I’m not opposed to going back to that work! I do have something planned next so be on the lookout for that! Until then my other work is still available if you’re interested. Thank you so much again 🩷🩷🩷😭😭🫶
Until the End of the World | Yang Jungwon Chapter 3 + Epilogue: Lingering Promise
📻 Summary: The year is 1999 and Sim Y/n is entering the second semester of her senior year of Highschool. What usually would be a time full of stress and uncertainty might prove to be a little different once she develops feelings for the co-president of the school’s broadcast club.
Pairing: Jungwon x Fem! Reader, Unrequited!! Sunoo x reader and Heeseung x Reader
Word Count: 9.5k~
Warnings: Fake dating, unrequited feelings, angst, cursing, mentions of death, drinking, underage drinking? (They turn twenty in like 10 minutes if that helps), possible historical inaccuracy (I tried my best I swear), mentions of doomsday/ the end of the world, unedited*
Navigation // Masterlist
February 2000
The months following went by in a blur. Jungwon had apparently left for school earlier than expected, his going away party never materializing. Not that Y/n would attend, let alone be invited, after all, they were ex’s now.
It seemed that the club members took the news well, Y/n citing Jungwon’s early admittance as the reason for their breakup. Mutual of course, a decision decided a few weeks after Y/n and Jungwon’s initial agreement to help her save face. While everyone was confused at first they ultimately accepted that explanation, not questioning her much afterwards. Even Yunah, who Y/n expected to want every single detail, didn't ask her much. Just a simple “Are you okay?” after she told the news, to which Y/n responded promptly with a “Yes”.
The explanation to her family never really came in such an explicit way. When Y/n started school again Jake was home, asking her when Jungwon would come to visit again, wanting to spend more time with him.
“Jungwon won’t be coming anymore.” Y/n said, walking up to her room. He didn’t ask about him anymore after that, and though she's not sure, she guesses he told her parents because they never mentioned anything about Jungwon after it either.
Five days before her graduation her brother James flew in excited to celebrate such a milestone with his youngest sibling. Jake and Y/n were in charge of picking him up at the airport, holding a sign that said his name. When James arrived the three of them formed a group hug.
“Where’s Layla?” Jake asked, looking around at James’ stuff, hoping to see the border collie that accompanied him in his youth.
“Couldn’t bring her.” James said, disappointed.
Y/n felt herself pout slightly, loving the large dog her brother cared for. “It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re here.”
“I’ll have to go back early on the day of but we can still have dinner.” He said, placing his bag in the trunk of the car.
“What why?” Y/n asked.
“I have an exam.” He said, ruffling her hair. “But don’t worry we still have a few days.”
The few days were mostly spent catching up with each other, the three siblings finally all in one place for the first time in years. “Did you get into the school you applied for?” James asked, adjusting his glasses.
“Yeah. I even got into a better program than Jake.” Y/n teased.
“The science program is ranked higher than the Broadcasting prgram.” Jake scoffed. “Just for that I won’t let you hang out with me on campus.”
“Ew like I wanted too.”
James chuckled watching his two younger siblings. “You know it’s not to late to come back with me to Austrilia. Just because you got in at Hybe doesn’t mean you have to go there. Mom mentioned how nervous you were applying and how she chose the program. You can apply at my school undeclared, no strings.”
“I know.” Y/n said. “But I think I really want to go to Hybe. Not because its the safe choice or because I want to do what my mom thinks is best but because I think it’s what is best for me.”
James nodded somewhat solemnly, nudging Jake. “Our baby sister has really grown up.”
✄---
The day of her graduation was just as exciting as it was scary. Yunah had stayed over at her house so the two could get ready together, trying their best not to get emotional as they put on their uniforms for what would be the last time.
When they lined up at the playground of their school Y/n looked around to the boys side of the campus. Although she wanted to avoid thinking about him, a part of her still wanted to know if he had truly come to their graduation like he said he would. And although she truly tried to find him, he was nowhere to be seen. Turning her attention back to the front of the school the graduation ceremony completed and the students dispersed to meet their parents and sign each other's year books.
The younger members of the broadcast club quickly found Y/n and Yunah, wanting to say their goodbyes before they left.
“Can we take your yearbook?” Eunchae asked after signing it.
“Yeah we can pass it around for you,” Yujin said. “We couldn’t find Moka or Gunwook earlier but we can get them to sign.”
“That’s fine.” Y/n said, handing them her yearbook. “Just make sure you bring it back.” The two excitedly ran off to find the other members as Y/n sighed.
“Tired?” Minju joked.
“Maybe.” Y/n turned to see Sunoo and Yunah off in the distance, their parents taking photos. “What are you doing after this?”
“My parents have a dinner planned. Originally we were going to do a party but they said it was supposed to rain so we rescheduled it. You?”
“We have dinner arrangements too. Afterwards we're taking my brother to the airport.”
A few minutes later Wonyoung and Kazuha returned her yearbook, having it passed on to the two of them. They all said their heartfelt goodbye’s before Y/n left with her family for dinner.
While on the car ride to the airport to drop her brother off she silently flipped through the various messages left for her by her friends. As she reached the end of her yearbook she noticed a message written in familiar handwriting.
‘I want to be with you until the end of the world. I’m not sure if you feel the same but if you do… I’ll be at our place.’
She felt her entire body tense reading it, unresolved feelings bubbling within her. Truthfully she hated what Jungwon did to her, the feelings of hurt and confusion buried deep in her heart and now suddenly after all that time to see a message for them to be together in the way she longed for. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, to be happy or upset. All she really wanted at that moment was to see Jungwon for herself, and get the answers she so desperately deserved.
Closing the yearbook she turned to Jake. “Can you drop me off here?”
Jake looked at her confused. “What do you mean we’re supposed to be taking James to the airport you don’t want to say goodbye?”
“I already did.” She said, pointing to the side of the road. “Just drop me off right here. I have something I need to do.”
Jake pulled the car over. “What are you going to do? Y/n!” Jake watched as she bolted out of the car, haphazardly grabbing her bag. “You couldn’t even close the door?”
Y/n made her way to multiple places her and Jungwon had been during the time of their relationship, the ice cream shop where it all began, their corner of the library, the study room, even making her way back to the school’s garden where the two spent their days on campus. Despite everywhere she went she saw no sign of Jungwon, even asking those around her if they’d seen him. Y/n grew solemn as the day grew dark, begrudgingly making her way to the bus stop. While she was waiting, rain slowly started to fall, and by the time she made her way off the bus it was a full downpour. Despite her efforts to use her bag as an umbrella, every part of her was soaked.
Walking through the door of her home, Jake stood in the doorway. “Where were you?” Y/n remained silent as she slipped off her wet blazer. “Y/n answer me.”
“Did they already drop James off?” Her voice came out monotone.
“They should be on their way back now.”
Y/n nodded as she slipped off her shoes, the rain water dripping off of her making a puddle. She sniffled as she looked at her state and tears started to pooled in her eyes. Everything started to feel like a cosmic joke at this point. The kiss, the message, her running around town for someone who obviously had no plans to see her again. Thinking of it, all the frustration and sadness overcame her.
Since the day Jungwon walked out of her life, Y/n hadn’t cried over the end of their relationship. It wasn’t that she wasn’t upset with the loss of Jungwon, after all during their time together he had become one of her closest friends. It was just, after he bid her goodnight on New Year’s, leaving her stunned and speechless, she grew so numb to it all that the tears just wouldn’t come.
She often wondered at night if she could call Jungwon’s number and by chance he would pick up and the two could continue where they left off or if she could visit his campus in Seoul and after the initial shock Jungwon would take her hand and show her around his campus. But now she knew that could never be, that the friendship between her and Jungwon had been completely severed and though what she believed to have been unrequited feelings were returned, she wanted nothing to do with him anymore. Tears started to fall down her cheeks as she broke into a loud sob.
Jake looked at his sister in surprise before slowly bringing her in for a hug. Although he wasn’t positive about what had happened, it didn’t matter, wanting nothing more for his precious little sister to not be in pain anymore he patted her head as she cried into his shoulder, weakly hugging him back.
September 2000
Y/n sat in the corner of the pub nursing her drink as she watched in amusement as her classmates continued their game of charades. As per the tradition, everyone in her department would gather at a nearby pub for drinks and games. “You have to come,” Her senior Sakura said, when she invited her one day after class. “I promise it’s fun.”
After the game ended the department head Chaewon raised her glass. “Newbies, where are you? Stand up.” Y/n and a few other freshmen stood from their seats. “Who’s the best department at Hybe?”
“Broadcasting and entertainment!” They shouted.
Chaewon and the other laughed. “Not loud enough. Everyone who’s the best department at Hybe?”
“Broadcasting and entertainment!”
“Let’s drink!” She yelled, quickly downing the rest of her drink.
Y/n followed suit, finishing off the rest of the soju in her glass. Her throat burned as she set her glass down. “Here newbie have some more.” Another senior said, who Y/n remembered to be Gi-Hyun.
Y/n held out her glass as he poured more in, before setting his sights on another new member on the other side of the table. She swirled the drink in her glass before taking a swig, almost choking as the alcohol went down the wrong pipe.
“Slow down, newbie.” a voice said, “Wouldn’t want you getting hurt.” Y/n coughed as wiped her mouth, and looked towards the source of the voice, a boy with dark hair and wide brown eyes looked at her smiling. He grabbed a napkin from the holder and handed it to her. “Here.” Y/n murmured a thank you as she continued to wipe her mouth. “Let’s get you some water yeah?”
She nodded as she watched him walk off towards the counter of the pub. She turned to the girl next to her, HeeJin, and whispered. “Who is that?”
“Him? Oh that’s Lee Heeseung. He’s one of our seniors.” She nudged Y/n. “He’s pretty cute don’t you think?”
‘Extremely’ Y/n thought.
✄---
In the weeks following the outing, Y/n became more and more involved with her department, which meant getting involved more and more with the people within her department.
After a philosophy class Y/n felt herself get whooshed away by her classmate HeeJin. “Y/n you have to help.” She said, pulling her towards the department room.
“With what?” Y/n asked, readjusting her bag as she let herself get pulled along by HeeJin.
“Chaewon asked me to help with our department’s food drive and I have no idea where to start.” HeeJin stopped pulling her and rubbed her hands together pleadingly. “If you help I’ll treat you I promise.”
Y/n laughed. “Okay.” Following HeeJin into the department headquarters she sat her bag down and sat at a desk. “What were you in charge of?”
“Donantions. We were tasked with coming up with a good system to make sure everything was accounted for. And on the day of the drive we are in charge of tracking all donations.”
“We?” Y/n questioned.
“Oh right, I forgot to mention it but I’m working with someone with this already.” HeeJin said sheepishly.
Y/n scoffed. “Then why do you need my help?”
HeeJin grabbed her arm and shook it, pouting. “The more help the better. Heeseung thought it was a good idea too.”
“Heeseung?”
“Yes?” A deeper voice responded as it entered the room. Y/n turned to see Heeseung standing in the doorway, his hair styled up and sporting a black leather jacket.
“Glad you’re here.” HeeJin said. “Y/n agreed to help us with the donation drive.”
Heeseung smiled, as he made his way over to them. “That’s great, thanks. I had to pick up the documents from Chaewon so that’s why I’m late. You two didn’t wait long did you?”
“No senior!” HeeJin nudged Y/n. “Right Y/nnie?”
“We didn’t.” She agreed. “Do you have any ideas for what we can do?”
“I have a few.” Heeseung set the materials on the desk. “These are the numbers from the last drive but Chaewon mentioned the system wasn’t the best and a lot of stuff wasn’t properly accounted for.”
“What was the system then?” HeeJin asked.
“Hand written. Done during the drive. I don’t think it's the worst idea but hand writing everything is tedious and a little unreliable.”
Y/n nodded looking over the paperwork. “ I think if we come up with a solid sorting system I think it can work.”
Heeseung raised his brow, “Like what?”
“Seperate by categories: protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, miscellaneous." Y/n grabbed a blank sheet and drew a model. “Have main drop off point and everyone sort into one of the categories, check for expiration dates and if the goods are opened, group them by ten’s and only write down the results once we know for sure there’s ten.”
“Not a bad plan.” HeeJin said, looking at the model. “Doing that we can make sure people are accounting for items that have to be thrown out and we aren't double counting.”
“We had a similar plan.” Heeseung chuckled looking at the model. “But the amount of volunteers isn't nearly enough to warrant this system. We need something similar but more efficient.”
Y/n sighed. “Then I guess we’ll be here awhile then huh?”
“Don’t worry. I promised if you’d help me I’d treat you.” Heejin said smiling. “I’ll go get us some dinner. Chicken and beer okay?”
“We can’t have beer on campus.” Heeseung said.
“Okay… just chicken then?”
“That’s fine.” Y/n said.
“I’ll be back.” HeeJin grabbed her bag and left the room leaving Heeseung and Y/n alone. While she was gone the two worked on how they could optimize the drive.
Heeseung looked at their alternative model and sighed, “We keep running into the same issues.”
“Maybe we need a break.” Y/n said. “Let’s wait until HeeJin gets back.”
He nodded, stacking the materials on top of each other and setting it aside. “So, Y/n how’s classes been for you?”
“Fine.
“Do you like them?”
“They aren’t too bad.” Y/n said. “My favorite is my multi-media class.”
“With professor Kim?”
“You’ve taken it?” Y/n asked excitedly.
“Yeah in my first year.” Heeseung smiled, reminiscing. “I was business major then, taking his class made me want to do music.”
“So you switched to our department?”
“Yep. What about you? Why did you choose your major?”
“I did broadcasting during high school.” Y/n said. “I ended up really liking it and wanted to pursue it further.”
“Do you want to be on TV or something?” Heeseung asked curiously.
“No, no. Nothing like that.” She laughed. “I’ve only been on camera once and it was for this time capsule I had to do. It was awful and I never want to do it again.”
“A shame. I think you’d look great on camera.”
Y/n looked at Heeseung, her eyes widening at his statement. ‘Is he flirting?’
“But didn’t you also film at the at the department welcome event?”
Y/n’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Heeseung chuckled. “The dance.”
Embarrassment flooded over Y/n at the memory. During her welcome week, the broadcasting and entertainment department had a large scale event where all the students in their major gathered to celebrate. Every department on campus does it but, Y/n would argue that her's does it best. At the party the seniors of the club try their best to invite the new blood to join in random games and activities. In a way it was similar to the department outings, though on a much larger scale. During that Y/n was somehow chosen for a round of truth or dare where her senior Gi-Hyun had dared her to dance to a song of his choice.
Y/n gulped as the larger group surrounded her, “Dance dance dance!”
Although she was originally going to pass another freshman made their way through the crowd, “I’ll do it with her!”
Y/n blinked stunned, before falling into relief. “What song?”
Gi-Hyun showed a wide toothy grin, “Happiness by H.O.T. Do you know it?”
Y/n nodded, remembering when in her first year of highschool her and Yunah had spent their freetime listening and dancing to it. “I know it. How about you? Uh-”
“HeeJin!” The girl exclaimed. “I know it too. I was in my school’s dance club.”
Soon after the two stood in the middle of the crowd dancing to the song flowing out of the speakers. Although Y/n was nervous and a little embarrassed, having HeeJin by her side made it easier to continue dancing to the songs, the steps of her youth coming back to her. The crowd cheered as they continued, even singing along when the chorus played.
“♫ With my eyes, I long for you In my heart, I’ve found you I can see the light that brightens me I can’t let go of the eternal happiness. Can you see me? Call my name! By your side I will stay, I love you! Let’s be together, you and me, forever. ♫”
It was only after the song ended that Y/n noticed someone was recording. “You remember that?”
“You were hard to forget.” He chuckled. “You didn’t see me there?”
Y/n shook her head trying to think back to that night. “I thought the first time we met was at the department outing.”
“♫ I never once forgot you, I thought of only you. Then what about you? Did you forget me? My tears fall from my eyes, I feel betrayed. ♫” Heeseung sang jokingly, his voice sweet like honey. “I’m kidding. That was the first time we met but it wasn’t the first time I noticed you.”
“Oh-” Y/n remained silent for a minute afterwards, unsure of how to continue.
“So, what was your capsule about?”
“Uh-” Y/n cleared her throat. “Just a normal letter to your future self.”
“What did you say in it?”
Y/n thought back to the time where she had told Mr. Kwon she was willing to do the video message for the capsule. He was so ecstatic that he had Jungwon set up the camera to film her right then and there before she could change her mind. She remembered her nervousness as the camera was on her and how Jungwon gentle guided her through the process, reassuring looks and touches helping her organize her thoughts. By the time they really filmed she felt confident enough to convey the honesty of her 19 year old self.
Jungwon readjusted the camera one last time before signaling that they were filming. “What do you wish to say to your future self Y/n?”
“It’s strange to think that the me of the future is currently watching the me of the present, or for you it would be the you of the past. I’m sure you know that the I’m the version of you who was scared of even making this video message, the you who was scared of what the future would bring, the you who is still scared. But despite that fear and uncertainity that I feel right now, you’re the version of me who made it through. Something about that feels comforting. A lot more comforting then I would’ve thought it would be. I don’t know what our future looks like, what your present looks like. Whether the people we cherish now are still people we cherish, whether the interest we have are still the same, whether we became a wife or mother, or both, maybe neither. But what I do know is that-” Y/n gulped, shifting her attention from the lens to Jungwon, slightly hunched over to look at her through the view camera only to look up when she changed her gaze. When their eyes locked she continued. “With the right people by your side it doesn’t matter if you’re scared, you can make it through. I’ve learn that a lot these past few months. It’s better to do it scared than to not do anything at all.” She broke contact with Jungwon she looked back onto the camera, focusing on her reflection in the lens. “Because sometimes we can surprise ourselves and the things that seem scary aren’t and the things that are, are bearable. I hope that whatever the future hold you’ll always have the right people by your side, and that the happiness we feel now continues. I hope you can look back at this time and be grateful we made it through.”
Turning off the camera Jungwon grinned widely. “That was great Y/n.” He moved towards her holding her hands in his. “I’m glad you agreed to do this.”
Y/n looked down at their hands, her heart beating wildly in her chest. “I am too.”
Y/n shook the memory from her mind, shifting her focus back onto her message rather than Jungwon. “I basically just said that whatever the future holds all I can hope for is that I’ll have the right people by my side.” A bittersweet smile made its way to her face. “It’s funny because I was so hesitant to do it at the time.”
“Why?”
“I was scared.” Y/n said nonchalantly. “Of the future I guess. Doing felt like…I was directly facing my fears.”
“And what about now?”
Y/n turned her head curiously. “What do you mean?”
“Are you scared now? Of the future?”
“No. If anything-” She paused. “I think I’m looking forward to it.”
Heeseung smiled looking at Y/n, and she felt heat rise to her cheeks. “So,” he said. “Y/n are you sin-”
“Chicken and drinks are here!” HeeJin yelled as she entered the room nearly scaring both Heeseung and Y/n. “I know you said we can’t drink on campus so I just got cola. Is that okay?”
Heeseung responded through gritted teeth. “Peachy.”
The three of them after two days of working on it managed to get a good enough system for the drive to function well, having donors fill out cards prior to handing off the goods to the volunteers. On the day of, all the tables were set out and the sorting system they came up with was successfully put to use.
“Great job everyone!” Chaewon said. “Thanks to all of you we should be able to donate to at least 50 families.”
The volunteers and donors of the drive cheered. Chaewon turned to Heeseung, HeeJin and Y/n and smiled. “And thanks to you three we have a good system for future drives.”
The three thanked her as everyone started to pack up the items and store them away. While Y/n was grabbing her stuff to leave, Heeseung made his way to her. “Hey Y/n thanks for the help today really.”
“It’s a good cause.” She said, “You don’t need to thank me.”
He shook his head. “Still, you helped me and HeeJin a lot with making sure this ran well. I’m sure you know but the department is having a gathering next week.”
Y/n nodded, remembering seeing the notice on the bulletin board in the main hallway. “To celebrate our grants right?”
“Yeah and I was wondering if you were going to make it?”
In reality Y/n hadn’t made plans on attending, being more focused on trying to make sure the drive ran smoothly. “I haven’t really thought about it.”
“A lot of newbies will be there if it helps.” He added.
“I’ll think about it.” She said, handing off her paperwork to him. “These are the final numbers. We counted thrice just to be sure.”
Heeseung nodded, taking the papers from her, “I really hope you consider it Y/n. I’d like to see you there.”
✄---
“So are you going to go?” Yunah asked over the phone.
Y/n sighed, during the two’s weekly planned phone calls she had mentioned her charming and seemingly interested senior to Yunah. “I was considering it.”
“Because he’d like to see you?” She said teasingly.
“Oh come on Yunah it’s just-” Y/n sat in her chair and brought her knees to her chest. “I don’t know.”
Yunah tsked. “Come on, try it out. You said he was cute, why not and try to get to know him? Who knows maybe you two will hit it off.”
“Maybe.” Y/n trailed off. “But it’s tonight and the pub is pretty far from campus and-”
“What don’t tell me you’re still hung up on-”
“Don’t say his name please.” Y/n pleaded, her voice serious. Ever since the night of her graduation Y/n never wanted to hear about Yang Jungwon again. “I’m over him, really I am.”
“You’re right I’m sorry.”
“What about you?”
Yunah groaned. “Sunoo is so busy nowadays I hardly see him. We have a date planned for tomorrow but I miss seeing him everyday.
Y/n quietly gagged at her friend's mushyness. “The distance must be awful.”
“It is but we make it work somehow. Anyways I got to go Y/n I have an exam later. I’ll call you next week.”
“Okay.” Y/n said. “Bye Yunah.”
The phone clicked as Y/n placed it back on the stand. She stared at the paper notice on her desk for the gathering and pondered her friend’s words, ‘Why not?’.
The department gathering was just as lively as the first one, if not more. Having become acquainted with more of her peers, Y/n felt more comfortable interacting with them even joining in on their games.
“How about we play truth or drink?” Sakura offered.
“Truth or drink? What’s that?” Gyuvin asked.
“Someone asks a question, and it’s either you tell the truth or drink.” She explained. “Super simple, we can go in a circle.”
“Who’ll ask the questions?” Y/n asked.
“Whoever wants to first. That's what makes it fun.”
Those who agreed to play all gathered poured themselves shot glasses. “Okay let’s start with Chaewon.”
Chaewon rolled her eyes. “Okay, what do you want to ask?”
Gi-Hyun raised his hand. “What’s the last lie you told?”
“I love you.” She said and the whole room gasped.
“Who did you say it to?”
Chaewon shook her head. “My turn is over.” She turned to the person next to her. “Your turn.”
The game continued like this garner juicier questions and even more satisfactory answers as it continued. When it was finally time for Y/n felt herself grow nervous. “What should we ask our newbie?” Gaeul asked, her tone teasing.
Heeseung raised his hand and Y/n gasped audibly. Although they had noticed each other at the gathering they hadn’t approached each other yet, Y/n too nervous to do so herself. “What is your ideal type?”
Y/n felt her mind blank with the question as heat rose to her cheeks. HeeJin nudged her. “Come on Y/nnie.”
“Awww she’s nervous.” Sakura cooed. “Just drink if you don’t want to say.”
Y/n glanced down at her shot glass before looking back at Heeseung. “Someone handsome, kind and easy to approach, confident.”
“I see.” Heeseung said, and the game continued.
By the time it reached Heeseung’s turn Y/n was hellbent on making sure she was the one to ask him a question. He seemed to have noticed shifting his eyes to her before speaking. “It’s my turn, who shall get the opportunity to ask me a question?” Y/n’s hand shot up before anyone else’s and Heeseung smirked. “What do you want to know?”
Y/n swallowed hard. “Do you have a crush on anyone in the department right now?”
The members ear’s piqued at her question, watching Heeseung closely for a reaction. He let out a huff before reaching for his shot glass. He quickly downed the drink and raised the empty glass above his head. “Ahhh.”
Many of the members made various “ooohs” and “ahhs” at his reaction. The game continued until it reached Chaewon again but Heeseung and Y/n kept their eyes on each other, stealing glances throughout the night.
As Y/n stood outside the pub she tried her best to hail a taxi. After the second one passed her she sighed in frustration.
“Need some help?” Heeseung asked, standing next to her.
“If you don’t mind.”
Heeseeung successfully managed to hail the next taxi that passed. Opening the door for her, he asked “You dorm right?” Y/n nodded. “Would you mind if we went together then?”
“I don’t mind.” The ride back to campus was silent. As the two of them stepped out of the car Y/n walked over to Heeseung. “Goodnight senior.”
“I’ll walk you to your dorm.”
Y/n laughed. “You don’t have to.”
“I know.” Heeseung gestured for her to walk. “I just want to make sure you make it back safely.”
Y/n nodded, slowly making her way towards her building. “So what kind of music do you make?”
“All types.” Heeseung said. “Whatever genre I’m into at the moment tends to bleed into my work.
“What genre are you into now?”
“R&B. Hiphop. Maybe one day I’ll let you hear it.”
“I’ll count on that.” Y/n laughed.
“I’m glad you made it tonight.”
“I couldn’t not come.” Y/n said. “The grants are a good thing to celebrate.”
“Are the grants really the only thing?” He questioned.
Y/n shrugged teasing. “Why were you hoping for something else?”
He huffed, his lips turning upward into a smile. “Like you were with your question tonight?”
“Maybe.” Y/n and Heeseung soon reached her doom room. “This is me.” She said pointing up to the building. “Get back safe Heeseung.” Heeseung nodded, but the two both stood there waiting for the other to leave. Looking at him Y/n smiled. “Don’t want to leave me yet?”
“Not really.” Y/n felt strange as Heeseung took a step closer to her, his head leaning down. “Can I?”
“Mhm.” She said as the two pressed their lips together. There was no heat that engulfed her entire being like the previous kiss Y/n had, but she still felt woozy as the two of them parted.
“Goodnight Y/n.”
Walking up to her room Y/n head kept turning. Unlocking the door she was met with her roommate Yunjin in the middle of a face mask and brushing her teeth. Seeing her dreamlike state, Yunjin paused, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“More like I’ve kissed one.”
November 2000
Y/n sat across from Yunjin as she poured more soju in her glass. “And why did you agree to stay friends with him again?’ She asked, stopping Y/n from over pouring the alcohol.
“Because it wasn’t a bad breakup.” Y/n replied, though Yunjin was unsure if she was serious. “But that’s not why we’re here.”
After the two shared a kiss, Heeseung and Y/n had developed a relationship. At the time Y/n had considered him to be a bright spring after a dark and harsh winter. Heeseung was sweet and attentive, often using his free time to walk her to class and spend time with her. Occasionally, he would take her to this bar he frequently played at so she could watch him perform, his honey voice serenading her with cheesy love songs. However unlike the beautiful spring she likened him to, the time in which the two spent together as a couple was embarrassingly short. As Yunah said when Y/n broke the news, “A rebound relationship is never meant to last long.”
The falling out had started just a week after Heeseung's birthday, it’s like the two realized that although they got along they weren’t romantically compatible. After a while, Y/n and Heeseung decided they were better off as friends, an actual mutual agreement between the two, unlike Y/n’s previous break up, if one would even consider it that.
Y/n didn’t mourn the loss of this relationship the same either, her and Heeseung quickly falling into a friendly routine. Perhaps the only thing she missed was the closeness and intimacy, craving his affection more so than him. She could tell because in the two weeks it’s been since they broke up, she’s only wanted to kiss him once; granted it was when he was doing his doe eyed pout. Who wouldn’t want to kiss him then?
“Why are we here then?” Yunjin said, pouring herself another glass.
In truth the thing that actually landed her in the crappy bar across town with Yunjin had everything to do with the boy Y/n so desperately wanted to forget. As if cursed by the universe, Yunah had accidentally dialed Y/n, a thing she had been doing lately since getting a cellphone. Usually Y/n would hang up right away, teasing her about it the next time they chatted but she overheard something that stopped her dead in her tracks.
“What about Jungwon?” Yunah asked, clearly annoyed at the mention of him.
“He told me he had a blind date.” Someone, who Y/n assumed to be Sunoo said.
Y/n quickly hung up the phone afterwards, somewhat stunned at what she listened to. Despite believing she was over him, the remnants of Jungwon remained, proving that no amount of time could possibly heal the wound he left her.
“Someone else.” Y/n downed the glass.
Yunjin’s brow raised. “Your first love?”
‘Not technically’ she thought, but she just replied with a yes.
“Still hung up over him?”
Y/n fiddled with the empty shot glass. “I guess you could say that.”
“I have an idea.” Yunjin said.
“What is it?”
“You should call into this radio show.” Yunjin dug in her bag and pulled out a notepad. “I’ve been listening to it lately and it’s really good. Sometimes the hosts take callers to give advice. Maybe you can call and Jisoo can give you advice. She’s like a love expert.”
Y/n stared at the number on the page and sighed. The concept of a radio advice show reminded her so much of Jungwon it made her sick, but if it could possibly help her get over him why not try? “When’s the next show?”
✄---
Y/n stood in the phonebooth tapping her change against the top. ‘Yunjin said she takes calls at 7.’
She glanced at her watch and sighed. ‘6:59 is as good a time as any.’
She slipped in the coin and dialed the number given to her. The phone rang a few times before the line connected, a feminine voice greeting her. “Hello caller this is Jisoo from 209 FM what’s your name?”
Y/n inhaled heavily, “It’s Layla.” From the time Yunjin had told her about the show, Y/n had carefully crafted a decent enough story to get the advice she wanted, even going as far to use her brother’s dog’s name to help her keep anonymity.
“Hi Layla, what do you need advice with?”
“I was wondering if you had any advice on how to get over someone?”
“Did you recently go through a breakup?”
“Yeah, and my ex-boyfriend is going on a blind date soon. I didn’t think it would affect me but it did.”
“I’m so sorry Layla.” Jisoo said, “My co-host went through something similar recently.”
‘Co-host? I thought it was just Jisoo.’
“Do you have any advice for our caller Jungwon?”
Y/n felt her stomach drop, ‘209…That’s Jungwon’s birthday.’
Her head started to spin and nearly hung up the phone when he started to speak. “Right uhm-” She could tell he was shocked, just as caught off guard as she was. “I had dated briefly in high school, before I left for college, we broke up and a few months ago a mutual friend had mentioned she had started seeing someone.” Tears had started to fall down Y/n cheeks, and she covered the bottom of the handset to muffle the sounds of her sobs. “After we broke up, I immediately knew it was a mistake.”
Y/n cleared her throat, catching her breath as she uncovered the handset, “So why did you? Breakup I mean. It was- It must’ve been really confusing for her.”
“Because we had an agreement. I didn’t know if she felt the same.”
The two remained silent for a second, and noticing the dead air Jisoo nudged Jungwon. “And do you have any advice for Layla?”
Jungwon leaned forward into his mic. “Do you really want to get over your ex?”
“...Yes.”
“Then maybe you should meet him again. One last time, tell him how you feel. That way you have no regrets.”
“That’s what you did, didn’t you Jungwon?” Jisoo asked enthuscially.
“Yeah a few months later I had reached out to her to see me but she never showed. After that I knew that it was really over between the two of us.” His breath hitched.
“No regrets?” Y/n said.
“No regrets.”
“What if she did go and you weren’t there?” Y/n asked, trying her best to maintain composure.
“I never thought that my feelings were requited but maybe-” Jungwon paused. “Maybe we just missed each other.”
“Yeah. Maybe.” Y/n licked her lips in anticipation. “Jungwon?”
“Yes Y/- Layla?”
“Your ex-girlfriend, was she her first love?” Y/n’s voice came out desperate.
“Yes.” Jungwon said. “She was my truest love.”
It is often said that regardless of age one will always be their mother’s child. For some it’s a curse, but as Y/n sat in her family dining room eating a bowl of soybean soup her mother had made her, she interpreted it as a blessing.
Her father had unfortunately returned to Australia shortly after she went to college, leaving her mother alone in their family home. Jake would visit often but Y/n found it difficult to find the time in her new campus life but after that disaster of a call two nights ago, Y/n thought now would be the best time to make her long awaited return home.
“How come she gets soybean soup?” Jake asked, stirring a cup of instant ramen.
Y/n’s mother tsked. “It’s her first time home in months. You’re here every week.”
Y/n stuck her tongue out at her brother, further teasing him by taking a long and loud slurp of the soup.
“Just you wait.” Jake said, grabbing his noodles and making his way to his room.
Y/n and her mom looked at each other and laughed. “Mom he does know he’s getting a birthday dinner later this week right?”
“I tried to keep it a surprise.” She shook her head. “Maybe I should make him something for dinner?” Y/n continued to eat her soup in silence as her mother lingered in the kitchen. “Y/n?”
Y/n looked up at her. “Yes?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Her mother’s eyes softened, Y/n knew that she didn’t believe her. Still, she gave her a weak smile, walking over to her and pressing a kiss on the top of her head. It reminded Y/n of the one she gave her a week after she told Jake that Jungwon wouldn’t be around anymore. Her mother had made one of her favorite dishes and said in a smooth tone that Y/n could tell her anything. She could tell her mother wanted nothing more than to find out what was wrong with her daughter but didn’t want to pry too deeply, showing her support in the only way she knew how. The only way Y/n would let her.
“I love you mom.” Y/n whimpered, holding back her tears.
“I love you too.”
That night after dinner Y/n had decided to take a late night walk. Stepping out of her home the cool autumn air greeted her. Following the familiar streets of her neighborhood Y/n somehow found herself in the city center, the night lights illuminating the streets. Many of the shops had already closed, save for the ice cream shop and market.
Although originally having no plans to stay out long, Y/n found herself going towards the ice cream shop. During the winter and fall months the ice cream shop had developed selling warmer sweets to keep business. Over the years of visiting she had become quite fond of their limited menu, and what’s a better time to have something sweet when life is so bitter?
Pulling open the door Y/n was greeted and ordered a cinnamon waffle. When the employee handed it to her she blew on it softly before taking a small bite, the soft fluffy waffle and cinnamon sugar bringing her instant comfort. Turning her head she looked to the corner seat of the shop.
“Y/n?”
She felt her heart drop, perhaps everything is a cosmic joke. “Jungwon?”
As he stood to greet her Y/n drank in his appearance. He had a new haircut that shaped his face just right, showing off his angular jaw. His cheeks weren’t as full as before, slimming down since the last time she saw him, though his dimple was just as if not more prominent. Everything about the man in front of her screamed maturity, showing that they both had grown during their time apart, no longer the two teenagers they were a year ago.
“What are you doing here?” He asked, eyes studying her.
“Late night walks require late night snacks occasionally.” Y/n lifted the waffle.
“No I meant in town.”
Y/n considers saying ‘To get over you.’ But in what she hopes to be a quick and forgettable meeting with him she decides to try to keep as much dignity as possible. “It’s Jake’s birthday week, I’m staying home for the time being. You?”
“My grandma wanted me to visit.”
Y/n nodded and the two stood awkwardly in the middle of the ice cream place. “I should get going.”
“I’ll walk you.” He said. “It’s late.”
Unable to come up with a good enough reason to refuse, Y/n nodded. “Okay.”
Walking out of the shop Y/n and Jungwon walked side by side back towards her home. At first the two didn't talk, Y/n finishing her waffle and Jungwon busy fiddling with a coin that he would periodically take from his pocket, however after awhile Jungwon broke the silence. “How’s school been for you?”
“It’s going well. You?”
“It’s good. I get to see my parents more often now that I’m there.” Jungwon said.
“Oh Jungwon that’s great. I’m really happy for you.” Y/n meant it, truly she did.
“Sorry about your breakup.”
‘What a conversation jump.’ Y/n turned to him almost sure they were both in a silent agreement to not speak of the disaster that was their on air phone call mere days ago. “I’m surprised you mentioned it.”
“Was I not supposed to?”
“I guess you were never the type to ignore the obvious.” It comes out harsher than Y/n anticipated. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Jungwon laughs.
“I would’ve never called if I knew by the way. My roommate told me to call after my-” Y/n pauses. “You know so, I thought it would be a good idea. I didn’t listen to the show in advance I just called in hoping to get some advice.”
“I see.” There was a visible disappointment on his face.
Y/n is sure the conversation will die there when he speaks again. “Did you take my advice?”
“What?”
“With meeting him?”
‘I am right now.’ She thought. “I haven’t had the chance.”
Y/n and Jungwon walk in silence for a little more, passing the bus stop they spent so much of their time with each other. It’s then that the other part of the call comes to her, Jungwon’s confession of her being his first love.
She steals a few glances at him, only to now notice how his attention is trained on her. The confusion that laid dormant in her for the last year rose again. “Why did you break up with me?”
“I meant what I said by the way.” They say simultaneously and the confession nearly makes her freeze in place.
Regret overtook her, she wasn’t so sure she wanted the answer anymore. “Jungwon-”
“I did. I meant it.” He says, voice desperate. “When I broke up with you on New Year’s I genuinely didn’t know if you felt the same about me. I just wanted to do what we originally planned on. Every time I brought up the end of our deal you never said anything about changing it so I just assumed you-” Jungwon’s breath hitches. “You didn’t want to be with me. I knew afterwards I went about it the wrong way and that it was fucked up, I would’ve hurt you even if you didn’t feel the same. And I’m so sorry for that Y/n really I am but, I like you and I have for a long time.”
“You can’t do this Jungwon.” Y/n said voice breaking. “You hurt me so much when you left.”
“I know.”
“No you don’t know!” Y/n shouted, tears staining her cheeks. “Jungwon you were my friend, my closest friend. I was so confused and hurt. I thought what we had was real.”
Jungwon reached out to hold her shaking hands. “It was. It is.”
“Then why did you do that to me? I-” She let out an exasperated sigh, pulling her hand away ignoring the lingering disappointment in her heart from doing so. “I wasn’t myself when you left. I didn’t have the person I told everything to anymore. God even when I got into a new relationship after we broke up all I could think about was you. I called that show so I could get advice to get over you.”
“So when you called it was-”
“About you yes,” Y/n finished. “I overheard Yunah say you had a blind date and everything just spirled.”
“One of my seniors was trying to set me up but I didn’t…I didn’t go if that means anything.”
“Ah yes Jungwon that changes everything. You not going on a blind date totally cancels out you leaving me.” Y/n’s voice was laced with sarcasm. “I waited for you like an idiot.”
“I waited for you too.” Jungwon's eyes softened, “When you didn’t show up I thought that was the end of it.”
“You said this on the radio show.” Y/n scoffed. “What do you mean I didn’t show up? Jungwon I ran all over town to find you. I even missed saying goodbye to my brother who I hadn’t seen in years.”
Jungwon looked at Y/n confused, “So when you said what if you did show up you meant it?”
“Of course I did! Why would I lie?”
“Y/n where did you go on the day of graduation?”
“The ice cream shop, the library, the study room, the school garden.” Y/n recounted. “I even waited when it was raining.”
A look of disbelief made its way onto Jungwon’s face. “So we did miss each other.”
“What?”
✄---
February 2000
Jungwon broke into a sprint once the train doors opened, determined to make it to his high school campus before graduation had ended. In the month it had been since he left he came to realize he didn’t want to leave things left unsaid. Thinking back to the night where he and Y/n broke up had become one of the biggest regrets of his life, and if there was any way to fix it he would try today.
During his time at school her had often wondered on if he could dial her home phone and if Jake didn’t hang up on him immediately he would be able to lay his feelings bare to her, and they could continue their relationship right where they left off. Or if he could visit his hometown and wait for her by the school gate. After her cursing him she would let him take her hand and he could walk her home. But all of these thoughts had remained as Jungwon’s wishful thinking until his birthday. His sister, parents, and grandmother had visited him after class where they went out to dinner.
Jungwon’s father slide over a small brown box. “Open it.”
His mother smiled in anticipation. “We couldn’t get you much but I think you’ll like it.”
Jungwon carefully opened the box and it revealed a small coin engraved with a radio and 209 F.M at the top. He took the coin in his hand and flipped over the back, reading ‘Make your dreams reality.’ that was carved into it. Immense happiness overwhelmed him. “I love it thank you.”
“Always go for what you love. Leave no regrets.”
That night Jungwon booked a ticket back to his hometown, deciding to take his parent’s advice. He would go for what he loves, hoping to meet Y/n and leave no regrets.
As the day of the graduation approached he thought of hundreds of different ways he could approach Y/n. Each scenario he thought of seemed to fall short but he would spent his whole life apologizing if it meant he could hold the hand he once let go of.
By the time he made it to the front gate the ceremony had concluded, many of his former classmates grouping together to say their final goodbyes. He made his way through the crowd and spotted Y/n laughing and taking photos with her family. He felt his heart race at the sight of her, drinking in her. A part of him wanted to walk up to her right then and there, but on the off chance she rejected him, he didn’t want to ruin her big day.
He walked to the broadcast room where he saw Taesan signing a yearbook. He looked up somewhat confused, “Jungwon? Holy crap you made it.”
Him and Jungwon exchanged greetings. “What are you signing?”
“It’s uh,” He looked at him awkwardly. “Y/n’s yearbook. Some of the club members are passing it around.”
“May I?” Taesan handed over the yearbook and Jungwon flipped to the last page, signing it in a way only him and Y/n would know. “Thanks.”
Taesan nodded as he made his way towards the door, “Do you want to say hi to her?”
Jungwon shook his head, reaching into his pocket and gentle palming the coin. “She’ll know I’m here.”
Hours passed as Jungwon sat in the broadcast room, waiting for Y/n to show up. He felt his heart break more and more as the day turned to night. He looked at the coin in his hand, and sighed. ‘No regrets’
He walked out of the broadcast room and felt droplets of rain hit his skin, ‘If she wasn’t here before she won’t come now.’
He pulled his coat closer to him and walked himself home, having been hours since the last train out of town had left. He knocked on the door and was greeted by his older sister.
“You look horrible.” Jaehee said, ushering him in.
Jungwon slipped off his coat and made his way to the kitchen where his grandmother was cleaning dishes. “Grandmother.”
She looked at him confused before pulling him into a hug, her warmth engulfing him. It hadn’t been long since she had seen him but days often feel like lifetimes when it comes to the ones you love. “Oh my grandson. I missed you so much. How have you been? Are you eating and sleeping well? Have you been feeling homesick? Do you want me to make you something?”
Burying his face in her neck Jungwon started to cry. “Grandmother.”
She patted his head. “Aye my grandson. My precious grandson what happened?”
Jaehee watched from the entrance of the kitchen, knowing how similarly Jungwon looked today as he did when he came home on New Year’s. Although Jungwon never mentioned it, being the kind person to keep his hardships to himself, she knew the look of when he was hurt. Knowing that he went to his girlfriend's home for the holiday it wasn't hard to put two and two together. “It’s his first love Grandma. It must’ve come to an end.” She made her way over to Jungwon and pat his back, hoping to give her baby brother as much comfort as she could.
✄---
Y/n stared at him wide eyed, “The broadcast room.” Y/n started laughing in disbelief.
“I should've been more specific. There was even a chance you wouldn't have seen it day of. I was being too vague I should've-”
She raised her hand to stop him. “Me not remembering that isn’t your fault.”
There was a sense of frustration in the air between them now. The time they spent apart could’ve been time spent together, the spiraling possibility of their future ended by an accident.
The weight of this hit Y/n harder than anticipated. “I hated you. I hated you so much.”
“It’s not your fault.” Jungwon soothed, bringing her into a hug. “And you had every right to hate me. I hated myself.”
Y/n looked at him, teary eyed. “You did?”
“That’s why I came back.” He confessed. “I’m sorry that I broke up with you on New Year’s, if I could I would take it back but I can’t. And since I can't, I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you. That’s if- If you’ll let me.”
Y/n brought a hand to his face, softly caressing his cheek. “I don’t want to be hurt again, Jungwon.”
“I promise I won’t. Not again.” His voice was clear and sure. “I love you Y/n.” Y/n pulled his head down to place a light kiss on his lips. “I take that as a yes?”
Y/n rolled her eyes as she playfully pushed him away. “A maybe.”
“Well, it's a start.”
Though the two still had much to work out for their future together, the promise the two made in their youth still lingered.
“Until the end of the world.” Jungwon said, taking her hand in his.
“What?” Y/n looked at him confused as they continued to stroll in the night.
“I promised to be with you until then.”
Y/n smiled. “I guess we’ll have a long time until then.”
He brought her hand up to his lips, pressing a small kiss to it. “A long time indeed.”
Present Day- Epilogue
“Hyeri asked if you were my first love today.” Y/n said, watching as Jungwon brushed his teeth.
He stuck his head out of the bathroom. “Why did she ask?” He said, voice somewhat gargled by the toothbrush still in his mouth.
“She was looking at our wedding photos because of her family tree project.”
He spit out the toothpaste and groaned. “I totally forgot to give her the albums.”
“It’s fine.” Y/n walked over to him smiling, grabbing a washcloth to wipe his face. “It was fun to reminisce anyways.”
Jungwon smiled at her, now freshly brushed teeth shining. “What did you tell her?”
“The truth.” Y/n teased, facing away from him. “You weren’t my first love. You were my truest love.” She said repeating the words he said all those years ago to him.
He wrapped his arms around her and entrapped her in a backhug, pressing a kiss to her jaw and neck, “You were mine.”
“I know.” Heat rose to Y/n’s cheeks, even after years together he still had such an effect on her. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He turned her to face him. “Until the end of the world.”
Y/n smiled and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Until the end of the world.”
The End
Previous | END!
A/N: Thank you to everyone who read this! I can't explain how grateful I am for all of you for reading. I hope you enjoyed the ending to this story.
A special thanks is also needed for my taglist! Thank you for wanting to be updated when I posted. Your support means to the world to me: @jungwonisme @supershy3
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, feedback, or criticisms about Until the End of the World please feel free to send me a message or an ask! All of it is welcomed. Thank you all once again- Theebaragi
Until the End of the World | Yang Jungwon Chapter 2: When the World Broke Open
📻 Summary: The year is 1999 and Sim Y/n is entering the second semester of her senior year of Highschool. What usually would be a time full of stress and uncertainty might prove to be a little different once she develops feelings for the co-president of the school’s broadcast club.
Pairing: Jungwon x Fem! Reader, Unrequited!! Sunoo x reader and Heeseung x Reader
Word Count: 8.8k~
Warnings: Fake dating, unrequited feelings, angst, cursing, mentions of death, drinking, underage drinking? (They turn twenty in like 10 minutes if that helps), possible historical inaccuracy (I tried my best I swear), mentions of doomsday/ the end of the world, (will be updated if needed) unedited*
Navigation // Masterlist
October 1999 - 1 Month until CSAT, T-Minus 2 Months until the end of the world
The last few weeks of “dating” Jungwon weren’t nearly as weird as Y/n expected them to be. In all reality they were quite nice. During their planned school dates they would meet during their breaks and lunch to discuss different things about the club and it offered some reprieve for Y/n having to constantly hear Yunah gush about Sunoo. Sometimes Y/n would even do her homework during their meetings and Jungwon would guide her through difficult questions to help her better understand the material. His influence was steadily showing in Y/n’s results. And although things did get a little awkward during club meetings, ultimately being with Jungwon offered a little solace in her ever changing reality.
Now that the CSAT was steadily approaching Y/n parents were starting to fully wonder what her goals were, even asking her brother Jake to show her around his school campus and planning to have her apply to her eldest brother James’ university in Australia.
Y/n groaned remembering this during her study session with Jungwon, bringing her head into her workbook.
Other students in the library looked at Y/n angrily for her noise before Jungwon silently apologised for her. “Y/n I don’t care for science either but we do have to be quiet.” He whispered.
Y/n shook her head, ruffling the pages of her workbook as she turned towards Jungwon pouting slightly. “It’s not that. I just remembered I have to visit my brother's college after school today.” She lifted her head and slowly started packing up her things.
“It can’t be that bad.” Jungwon said, also packing up his things.
Stuffing everything into her bag Y/n grabbed onto Jungwon and led them out of the school library. “I don’t know why we chose to study there today.”
Jungwon scoffed. “You said you weren’t hungry and that it was too cold to go to the garden. This was the next best place.”
Y/n rolled her eyes, she hated when Jungwon was right, and most of the time he was. “Still.”
Jungwon shook his head, smiling lightly as he readjusted his bag. “Why are you so upset about visiting your brother’s campus? It’s your prospective school isn’t it?”
“It is but-” Y/n paused for a moment, while everyone around her was joyously counting down the days until they reached their adulthood, Y/n lived in fear, wanting nothing more than to hold on desperately onto her fleeting youth. There was still a level of deniability of her upcoming adulthood at the start of her senior year but now there wasn’t, and she was forced to face what she feared most. “I’m just not ready for what it means I guess.”
Jungwon nodded, over the last few weeks he made quite a few observations about Y/n. For example, he noticed that it takes her 3 tries in order to grasp certain material he teaches her (a benefit for him really as she's a great student when she tries), every Wednesday rather than choosing the cafeteria’s famous ttebbokki and short ribs she goes for the spicy pork and cucumber salad because the lunch ladies “gives bigger servings because no one asks for it”, (He wasn’t sure that was true but seeing how happy she was eating it he believed her regardless), and when she’s bored she taps her pen to the tune of whatever song is playing in her head, (mostly something from S.E.S as when she gets really into she starts singing the lyrics. Jungwon is certain he’ll never be able to listen to Shy Boy without thinking of her.) But most of all Jungwon noticed how everytime someone would mention the future, Y/n would basically become unresponsive, brushing off every mention of university or post-highschool plans.
“Are you scared?” he asked, walking her back to her classroom door.
Y/n’s eyes widened before they softened again. No one had ever really asked her that straight out before. “I guess you could say that.” Before Jungwon could respond the bell rang signaling for all students to return to their classrooms. “You should go Won, you only have 5 minutes to get to your side of the campus.”
✄---
Jungwon didn’t bring it up when they met again after school during their club meeting, and Y/n was quite grateful for it. Especially since Mr. Kwon had asked her again to film for the capsule.
“Ms. Y/n it’s a great opportunity and it’ll be something fun for you and maybe kids to look back at.” He urged her to film. “All the other seniors have filmed one.”
“I don’t know Mr. Kwon.” Y/n said awkwardly. “I just don’t think I have anything to say.”
He sighed, shaking his head receiving the same rejection from her again. “Think about it okay? You have until the end of the year.”
“I will.” She lied, grabbing her stuff. “I promise.” Y/n exited the broadcast room where she was met with Jungwon waiting for her.
He reached out his hand and smiled. “I’ll walk you to the bus stop.”
Jungwon walking her to her stop and holding hands had become a staple in their fake dating routine, so much so that it felt normal to Y/n. She smiled and took his hand. “Thanks.”
“You two are so cute.” Iroha said, looking at them, and a few other lingering members agreed.
Y/n blushed and waved her free hand. “Stop.”
Jungwoon shook his head as he started walking her through the school yard to the front gate. “Is your brother picking you up from the bus stop?”
Y/n sighed. “He said he would. My mom and dad are supposed to meet us there so we can talk to a counselor about possible admissions.” Although Y/n’s grades were average, the program her family wanted her to apply for had certain criteria that she wasn’t sure she met. “They’re probably going to tell me the scores I need to get on my CSAT to be admitted.”
Jungwon rubbed her hand with his thumb. “Don’t be nervous, okay? You’ve been doing great in our study sessions.”
Y/n felt a strange warmth overtake her when Jungwon did that, and his praise made her smile. “Thanks Wonie.”
“Wonie?” Jungwon questioned, the new nickname Y/n had created for him now sounded absolutely ridiculous.
Panic started to settle in Y/n. “I mean I don’t have to call you that if you hate it I-”
“I like it.” Jungwon interrupted her. “I was just surprised.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
The two continued to walk to the front gate and Y/n eyed Jungwon curiously. “Wonie?”
He hummed, cheeks slightly pink. “Yes Y/n?”
“What’s your prospective school?” She questioned. Y/n like Jungwon had also made quite a few observations about him during their time together. Like when he would tutor her he would give the vaguest hints imaginable about what the answer could be even when Y/n begged him to just tell her (although she complained it did help her with overall grasping the material), he when he wasn’t doing his homework he would be writing scripts for morning broadcast, sometimes reading the scripts aloud to make sure they flowed well (Y/n would always watch in amusement when he would read something he didn’t like and tsk as he moved his head to the side always saying “Ah that's not it”), and that he had abnormally long eyelashes (an accidental observation she noticed when he was fixing his bangs of course). But one that had always stumped her was his casualness about the CSAT and their future schools. “Aren’t you worried about the CSAT?”
“I’m not taking it.” Jungwon said, casually. “I got early admission for a school in Seoul. I’m joining their broadcasting department.”
Y/n stopped walking and looked at him in surprise “You got early admission?”
He nodded, gently tugging her arm to get her to keep walking. “Mr. Kwon told me to apply to this radio program at the school and they had an early admission application. My sister helped me fill it out and when I got in I just accepted it right away.”
“So no CSAT for you?”
Jungwon chuckled. “No CSAT for me.”
“Then why do we do study dates?”
Jungwon turned to her and tapped her forehead. “You still need to take it, plus I still have to finish school here. They can rescind the admission if I fall behind.”
She rubbed the place where Jungwon tapped her and pouted. “So is that why you write the morning announcements?”
“Hmm. It’s like practice even if I’m not the host.”
“Why don’t you host by the way?”
“More of a behind the scenes guy. Haven’t you heard? I’m not much of a talker.”
“I have but-“ Y/n shook her head. “I don’t think that’s true. I’d love to see you do announcements for once.”
Jungwon was quiet for a second. “I wanna be a host when I start school in January.”
“January?” There was a slight disappointment in her voice. “You aren’t staying until graduation?” ‘Is that why we’re only together until new years?’
“I-“
Before Jungwon could explain a deep voice called out in confusion. “Y/n?”
Jungwon looked towards the source of the voice curiously while Y/n felt herself freeze in fear.
The owner of the voice stood in front of an old truck, had fluffy brown hair and an overall gentle look to him, almost like a puppy. Jungwon glanced back between him and Y/n before Y/n slowly turned towards the man. “So it is you.”
Y/n let go of Jungwon's hand and stepped away from him in panic. “It’s not what it looks like Jake I-“
Jungwon's head started spinning at the recognition of the name. Jake, Y/n’s older brother. Y/n’s state of panic mirrored itself into Jungwon. “I thought he was picking you up at the bus stop?”
Jake laughed at the two of them. “I was, until I thought it would be easier to pick her up from school.” Jake walked up to Jungwon and raised his brow. “And you are?”
“Jungwon, Yang Jungwon Y/n’s-”
“Boyfriend?” He finished, looking at his sister before sizing up Jungwon.
Y/n sighed pushing Jake away from Jungwon towards the car. “I’ll explain later-“ She turned back towards Jungwon and gave him a weak smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow Wonie.”
“Wonie?” Jake exclaimed, as Jungwon watched as Y/n continued to push him towards the car.
✄---
The advising session was much shorter than Y/n expected, and far less nerve wracking. After a quick assessment of her grades and latest test scores she would only need to bring her score up 4 points in math and 6 in science in order to qualify for the program, which was entirely doable with the new tutoring she was receiving from Jungwon.
Now she walked awkwardly with her brother and his two dorm mates, Park Jay and Park Sunghoon as they showed her around the campus. Although Jay, Sunghoon, and Jake weren't apart of the Broadcasting and Entertainment department in which Y/n was applying to (a suggestion from her mother after seeing her new interest in the broadcast club) the three still took it upon themselves to bring her around campus.
Y/n was somewhat familiar with the two since Jake had roomed with them since last year, often bringing Jay home for holidays when he was unable to visit his family back home and Sunghoon whenever the two craved a home cooked meal. Jay, although Korean, was a foreign business student from America, studying there to reconnect with his heritage, and Sunghoon, born and raised in Gyeonggi Province, was a Physical Education major.
Although the tour was awkward at first, the two trying to get reacquainted with Y/n and the tense atmosphere with Jake it had offered much more than what she ever could've anticipated. The fear that had been plaguing Y/n for the last year turned to relief as the vast campus she was sure would swallow her whole, turned out inviting. Everywhere the boys took her made her excited to find out more, to experience it for herself.
After showing her around the campus Sunghoon took it upon himself to ask Y/n some questions. “So have you decided what department you’re going to go to?”
Jay scoffed. “That’s what she’s here for dude.”
“Still, just because that’s what her parents planned doesn’t mean that’s what she’ll choose.” Sunghoon said, clearly annoyed.
Jay patted Sunghoon’s shoulder and laughed. “You’re right.” He turned his attention back to Y/n. “If you have any questions feel free to ask.”
“Thank you.” Y/n said as she glanced over to her brother, who was walking with them in silence, hands settled in his pockets with an unreadable expression. He had been like this the entire way to the campus and she was a little anxious about what it could mean.
As they reached Y/n’s parents at the front of the campus Jay and Sunghoon said their goodbyes with the promise to visit for New Year’s, and although Y/n and her parents thought Jake would stay at the dorms he insisted on going back home with them.
Walking to the car park Jake pulled Y/n aside. “You’ll ride with me.”
Y/n nodded, understanding he was finally going to ask about Jungwon. She followed him to the car and sat awkwardly in the front seat, fiddling with her hands as Jake tapped the steering wheel with his thumb.
“What did you think of the campus?”
“It was nice.” Y/n said, shifting slightly wondering when he was going to address the issue at hand. “I think I’ll like it here.”
“How long have you two been together?”
‘And there it is.’ She thought. “Not long, since the beginning of October.”
He nodded. “Any reason why you’re dating before your exams?”
“I really didn't mean to.” She sighed, “Everything just sorta happened.”
“Mom and dad don’t know?” She shook her head. “James?”
“That would require him being here.” Y/n said. “Plus even if I told him I don’t want a scolding over the phone. Getting one from you is enough.”
Jake sighed, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. “Are you going to continue to hide it from mom and dad?”
“Well I can’t now.”
Jake stayed silent for a while. “Do you want me to back you up?”
Y/n looked at him softly. “Will you?”
“Of course.”
✄---
Truthfully as Jungwon prepared for his and Y/n’s Saturday morning library session he half expected her not to come, so when he saw her in their usual spot he was somewhat surprised. Walking over to her he set his bag on the table. “I didn’t think I’d see you here.”
Y/n smiled looking up from her workbook. “I told you I’d see you today didn’t I?”
“Yeah but after yesterday-“
“I know.” She said smiling. “Nothing horrible happened so you don’t have to worry.”
Jungwon nodded, pulling out his work book and a practice sheet he made to Y/n. “So then, how was the school?”
“Honestly? It was nice.” Y/n smiled remembering the vast campus, “I actually really liked it there.”
“Did it make everything less scary?”
“No.” Y/n grabbed the practice sheet from Jungwon glancing over the problems he had complied. “But it may not be too bad. What’s this?”
“I thought doing the school's workbook questions alone may not help so I picked a few from my sister's old study books. It’s all the stuff you need to work on.”
Y/n nodded. “Jungwon, are you free later today?”
“Yeah why”
“Do you want to get dinner?”
✄---
Stepping off the bus Jungwon followed Y/n, “so where are we eating?”
“At home.” Y/n said.
Jungwon looked at her confused. “What?”
“My parents wanted me to invite you to dinner.” She turned to him and smiled. “My dad's a good cook, don't worry.”
Jungwon's head spiraled. Was meeting his fake girlfriend's parents a part of the arrangement? Did they really need to go this far to keep up the act of fooling Yunah? She wasn’t even there, who were they performing for? But, in a way, the same could’ve been said about their weekend dates and occasional school hangouts couldn’t it?
As Jungwon approached Y/n’s family home he felt himself growing more and more nervous. Y/n noticed and reached out to give his hand a gentle reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry Wonie, my family isn’t going to eat you for dinner.”
“I don’t know about that.” Jake said, leaning against the front doorway. “I am pretty hungry.”
Y/n rolled her eyes pushing Jake in the house. “Come on Won. We have some guest slippers you can use.”
Jungwon sat awkwardly at Y/n's kitchen table as Y/n brought him a glass of water. He smiled as he thanked her.
Y/n’s mother smiled. “Do you like homemade barbeque Jungwon?”
He nodded. “Yes of course, who doesn’t?”
“So Jungwon-” Y/n dad started, “Y/n tells me you’ve been tutoring her.”
“Yes, she’s a great student.” Jungwon laughed.
“So you must be the reason why her grades have been improving.” Her dad chuckled, moving some of the meats he seasoned to the table.
“I can’t take all the credit Y/n works hard too.”
“Already defending her?” Jake said. “Y/n it seems like you got a good one.”
“Shut up.” Y/n grabbed a lettuce wrap and stuffed it in Jake’s mouth.
“So what are your plans for after your CSAT?” Y/n’s mom asked, sitting next to Jungwon.
“Jungwon’s not taking it.” Y/n answered. “He has early admission for a school in Seoul. That’s why he’s free to tutor me.”
Y/n mother’s eyes widened. “Early admission?”
Jungwon took a small sip of water. “I applied last year and was accepted. I start in January."
“Your parents must be so proud of you.”
Jungwon chuckled awkwardly. “My grandmother is. My parents work in a different city so I haven’t had the chance to tell them yet.”
Y/n parents looked at each other and nodded. “Jungwon?”
“Yes, Mrs. Sim?”
“What are your favorite dishes?”
November 1999 - 1 Week until the CSAT, 1 Month until the end of the World
“I’m convinced I see math problems in my sleep.” Sunoo said, holding his head in his hands.
Yunah shook her head and closed his math workbook. “Maybe you should try a different subject.”
“Or maybe we should take a break.” Taesan said, also closing his workbook. “We’ve been at this for hours.”
Now with the CSAT only days away the seniors of the broadcast club decided it would be best to have a group study session after their meeting. The members ended up pitching together for a study room at a local tutoring place and have been doing non-stop studying for the last 2 hours.
“Good idea.” Kazuha agreed.
“How about we take a snack break?” Wonyoung said. “Get some brain food before finishing up.”
Jungwon checked his watch. “We still have an hour left in our session so a 10 minute break won’t hurt.”
Moka stood up from her seat and gestured to the door. “I’m going to the vending machine. Does anyone want anything?”
The other called out for certain things while Y/n closed her workbook and reached into her bag, pulling out a small tub of food her parents packed her and Jungwon for this study session. She reached over and pulled on Jungwon’s sleeve. “My mom made you a snack.”
Jungwon smiled, taking the tub and opening it to see cut fruits and what looked to be a crab sandwich. “Tell her thank you for me later.” He reached into the box and split the sandwich in half, handing the other piece to Y/n.
The two ate silently as the others chatted amongst themselves.
“After our CSAT we should have a trip.” Sunoo said.
“We should go back to that beach we went to during our field trip.” Yunah added.
“What about an amusement park?” Jaehyun said. “I haven’t been to one in forever.”
“Lotte World?” Minju asked.
“What about Lotte world?” Moka asked as she re-entered the room, setting down the various snacks.
“We were planning a possible trip.”
“Maybe we should go for graduation.” Y/n said, peeling the crust of her sandwich. “Gives us enough time to plan for it.”
“Works for me.” Jungwon said.
“Will you even be there for that?” Taesan asked.
“I’ll be back on campus for graduation so we can plan it then. Everything still works.”
Taesan nodded looking at his watch. “Ten minutes are up. Back to the books.”
After the study session Jungwon walked Y/n back towards the bus stop. “Thanks for the worksheet you made, Wonie. It’s been really helpful.”
“It’s no problem Y/n. How are you feeling about the exam?”
“Nervous.” Y/n exhaled. “My homeroom teacher wanted to make sure we were all ready so we did a practice exam.”
“How’d you do?”
Y/n pulled out the score sheet from her pocket and handed it to him. Jungwon glanced over the results, “Not bad, you’ll definitely be fine on the exam.”
Y/n let out a sigh and pulled her coat closer to her. “I wish you were taking it.”
Jungwon’s brow raised as he looked at her. “Why?”
“Then I wouldn’t be alone.” Y/n shrugged. “Everyone's in a different testing group than me. Even though we can’t talk during the exam, you being there would be like a comfort to me.” Y/n eyed him nervously. “Is that weird?”
Jungwon shook his head. “No. I don’t think so.”
November 1999- Day of CSAT and 6 Weeks until the end of the world
Y/n nervously looked at the window of the car as they pulled up to her testing site. “Relax, you got this.” Jake said, patting her shoulder.
“Let’s make sure you get in on time hm.” Y/n dad said, parking the car before getting out.
Her family made their way towards the entrance where so many families were gathered with signs to cheer on their students. A large welcome banner reading ‘1999 CSAT Testing Site: Students Bring your Success into the New Millennium’
Y/n felt her throat dry the closer they got to the gate. Her mother turned to her and pressed their foreheads together. “No matter what happens we’re proud of you.”
“But you’re going to do amazing so don’t worry about it.” He father said. “Remeber what your brother said?”
Y/n nodded, last night before she went to be her eldest brother James called to give her some words of encouragement. Saying how she was going to pass and that all her hard work would pay off.
Her parents continued to comfort her as Jake awkwardly looked around at the crowd. “What are you looking at?” Y/n asked, confused by his actions.
Something in the distance caught his attention and Jake smiled. “That.”
Y/n turned to see Jungwon walking towards her with a small banner saying ‘Y/n fighting’ in his hands. Y/n laughed seeing him. “You came?”
Seeing the two of them her parents and Jake slowly backed away to give them their privacy. “I know how stressed you were about this, so I thought me being here would offer you some comfort.” Jungwon placed a small pencil case in her hands. “For good luck. And don’t worry it’s compliant with the rules.”
Y/n opened the pencil case and saw all the necessary test materials. Feeling tears well in her eyes she reached out and pulled him into a hug. “Thank you Wonie. You’re one of the best friends I’ve ever had.”
Jungwon hesitated for a moment before hugging her back, almost melting into her. “You’re welcome. You should probably get going now.”
Y/n let go of him and nodded, wiping a stray tear before she turned back towards her family waving them goodbye. “Love you guys!” She exclaimed as she made her way through the front gate.
✄---
“Congratulations to you all for completing your CSATS!” Mrs. Kim exclaimed, “I wish you all great results. But now that your exams are over and you are applying to colleges I think it’s time you make the most of these last few weeks of school. Don’t think you can slack off now that it’s done. Understand?”
The class all let out an excited “Yes!” As Mrs. Kim erased the chalkboard containing their CSAT countdown. “Make sure you do your homework and I’ll see you all next week.”
The school bell rang and Y/n nearly rushed to get out of her chair to make it to the broadcast room. “Slow down Y/n wait for me!” Yunah yelled, following close behind her.
As the exam period was finally over, Mr. Kwon organized a surprise for the seniors as a congratulations for completing their exams. Y/n and Yunah were nearly out of breath by the time they made it to the broadcast room.
“Well someone’s excited.” Yujin teased, opening the door to lead them in.
The broadcast room had little decorations in it and a platter of various foods. “Congrats on finishing your exams.” Mr. Kwon said. “These last few months with you all have been a joy as a teacher, let's make the most of these last two weeks before the break. Now eat, this was expensive.”
Everyone cheered as they started to grab pieces of various things. After Y/n made herself a plate Jungwon pulled her aside.
“What is it Wonie?”
“Mr. Kwon mentioned that you haven’t filmed for the capsule yet.”
Y/n sighed. “Jungwon-”
“I know I know.” Jungwon insisted, “He just wanted me to see if I could convince you. But there was something else I wanted to ask you Y/n.”
Y/n hummed. “What?”
“I was hoping that we could do something this weekend. Now that we don’t have to study.”
“Like get lunch?”
“Something like that.” Jungwon looked away from her nervously.
“I’d love to.”
✄---
Y/n felt much more nervous about this outing with Jungwon than any of their previous ones. She rocked back and forth in front of their usual meeting spot anxiously while waiting for him. When Jungwon came he was wearing a thick winter jumper with a puffer coat over it. The temperature had dropped considerably within the last few weeks, and Y/n was still trying to adjust from the cool weather. She waved towards him and he jogged over to her. “You didn’t wait long did you?”
Y/n studied his face for a moment, his cheeks were slightly pink from the cold. “I didn’t. Ready to go?”
“Yeah.”
Jungwon led Y/n to a bustling food market, tons of vendors lined the streets and the smell of all the food overwhelmed her. “What is this?”
“It’s the night food market.” Jungwon said excitedly. “My parents used to take me and my sister here all the time before they got busy.
“Your parents?” Y/n questioned. Ever since Jungwon mentioned his parents living in a different city, she tried to avoid mentioning them, noticing that it was a bit of a sore spot for him.
“Yeah. It was like our family tradition until I got to middle school.” Jungwon smiled reminiscing on the time spent with his family. “It’s the best place to try food I promise.”
Y/n raised her brow curiously but continued to follow Jungwon as he led her to various booths for food. After getting everything they wanted they sat down at one of the many eating stations. “Try it.” Jungwon said blowing on the skewers he got himself.
Y/n nodded and reached for the bowl of soybean soup she ordered. After blowing on it she tasted it and nearly gasped in delight. “Jungwon, this is delicious.”
“I told you.” Jungwon grabbed some of the tteokbokki and offered it to her. “Try this.”
Y/n bit into it and accidentally got a little bit of the sauce on the side of her lip. “Oh this one is good too.”
Jungwon laughed seeing her and grabbed a napkin, reaching over to wipe the sauce from her face. Watching as he gently tapped the napkin to her lips Y/n felt her cheeks warm and her heartbeat fasten. “Got it.” He said and the two continued to eat.
After disposing of their plates Jungwon stretched. “So what did you think?”
“It was so good, Wonie.” She said, “Thanks for bringing me here.”
As the two of them made their way towards the exit of the market their hands brushed and Y/n started to think quite a bit about Jungwon.
At first the two were simply acquaintances due to being in the same club, then distant friends, and due to their strange circumstances now a fake couple, but that blossomed into a deep and beautiful friendship for the two of them. As time passed Y/n realized her once all consuming crush on Sunoo had long fizzled out, no longer being the occupier of her heart. But it never had occurred to her that perhaps that place wasn’t vacant anymore, occupied by another, the boy constantly in her corner.
The realization scared Y/n, the possibility of fleeting romantic feelings or confused platonic care perhaps ruining one of her best friendships, but as their hands brush against each other again, electricity sparking between them, Y/n wanted nothing more than to test the waters.
She reached over for his hand and continued walking as if nothing had happened.
“Your hands are cold.” He said, tightening his grip before placing their hands in his coat pocket.
Y/n smiled, moving closer to Jungwon. “I think I’m going to do the capsule.”
“Really?” Jungwon looked at her shocked.
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot more. I don’t think the future is all that scary now.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Well after the campus tour I realized that maybe it won’t be too bad going to college.” Y/n sighed, thinking back to the relief and new found excitement she had while exploring. “And then I finished the CSAT, and although things are still changing and they’re still scary-“ she paused and Jungwon squeezed her hand in reassurance. “I think with the right people by my side, it’ll be okay.”
Jungwon smiled. “I’m glad. I’m sure Mr. Kwon will be excited about it too.”
The two continued to hold hands all the way back until they reached the bus stop. Then a slight breeze came and Y/n felt a cold drop hit her nose. She looked around and started to notice small white flakes falling around her. She shook Jungwon, “Wonie it's snowing. It’s the first snow.”
Jungwon held his hand out and felt the snow hit his skin. He watched as Y/n excitedly looked at the falling snow. “Perhaps it is a new beginning.”
✄---
Jungwon shivered as he entered through his front door quickly changing into his slippers and taking off his coat. His older sister Jaehee leaned against the entrance of the hallway.
“What?” Jungwon asked, moving past her.
“Where were you?” She questioned.
“With Sunoo.” He lied.
Jaehee laughed. “No you weren’t.”
Jungwon looked at her confused. “Yes I was. I’m always with Sunoo on weekends.”
“Maybe but you weren’t today.” She said, “I saw him out with his sister today. And you weren’t there.” Jungwon's breath hitched having been caught. “But you know who saw you today? Jiwoo.”
Jungwon's eyes widened at the mention of his sister's friend. “I was-“
“At the food market with a girl.” She placed a hand on her brother's shoulder. “Is she your girlfriend?”
“Yes.” ‘Technically’
“I can’t believe you didn’t say anything.” Jaehee exclaimed. “How long have you been together? When can I meet her? What’s her name? What does she look like?”
Jungwon rolled his eyes and started walking up the stairs to his room. Jaehee, still in the teasing mood, called out to him. “Did you see the first snow together? You know what they say, if you witness it with someone you’re destined for each other!”
December 1999- 2 Weeks until the end of the world
“Enjoy the break!” Mr. Kwon said goodbye waving to his students. “I’ll miss all of you!”
All the students in the club waved back to him, some with tears in their eyes. After a long semester it was finally time for their winter break and the end of senior elective club activities.
Jungwon and Y/n slowly made their way to the front gate, walking hand in hand. After the two went to the food market and Y/n tested the waters of the possibility of truly liking Jungwon, they seemed to have entered a new stage in their relationship. As Yunah put it, “You two seem like you just started dating.”
“Want to go out for a while?” Y/n asked. “I want to stop by the shopping center for something.”
Jungwon nodded as they made their way towards the city center. Various Christmas celebration decorations lined the streets.
“I can’t believe it's almost Christmas.” Jungwon said, looking around.
“You start school next month don’t you?”
“On the sixth.”
“Are you nervous?”
“A little. My grandma has been slowly packing everything in my room so it’s easier for my move in date.”
Y/n nodded. “Are you planning anything before you leave?”
“Nothing major, just a normal send off after New Years.” Jungwon peered inside one of the department stores. “No way.”
“What is it?”
He pointed at a display and Y/n peered in slightly. “They have Y2K kits here.”
Y/n looked at him curiously. “A Y2K kit?”
Jungwon pulled her into the store, walking straight over to display. Tons of various survival kits lined the shelves. Jungwon grabbed one and started studying it. “Survival kit for 2 people, filled with all the necessary items to survive the end times.”
“I can’t believe people really made this stuff.” Y/n grabbed the kit from Jungwon and placed it back on the shelf. “Don’t tell me you were thinking of buying one.”
“Not at all. I told you I didn’t buy into it. I just think it’s entertaining.” Jungwon raised his hands. “That’s why we agreed to only date until then.”
Y/n felt her heart drop at the mention of the agreement ending. Even before her new feelings, Jungwon and her never really mentioned the termination of their relationship. In a way, Y/n wasn’t sure they ever would, especially now that she was actually trying to see if what they had was real. “Oh…right.”
The two exited the store and walked over to the music store. “What do you need from here?” Jungwon asked.
“Two months ago S.E.S came out with a new album. I wasn't able to listen to it or watch any music shows because I was studying. Maybe they’ll have it here.” Y/n walked over to the cashier and smiled. “Hello sir, do you guys have S.E.S’s album Love?”
The man sighed. “Everytime we restock we sell out. Sorry. We have some of their other albums.”
Y/n shook her head, face full of disappointment. “It’s okay. Thank you anyways.”
She turned away and walked back over to Jungwon. “Let’s go. That’s the only reason why I wanted to come out today.”
“You don’t want to try a different store?”
“No, I’ll just try to stay up to watch music shows until I can buy it.”
Jungwon nodded and followed her back towards the bus stop. “Do you have any plans for the holidays? Is your brother visiting?”
“No, I Wish.” Y/n huffed. “James isn’t coming back until my graduation. And we’re having a family dinner for Christmas, and for New Years some of my brother’s friends are coming. What about you?”
“Just a normal family dinner. My parents finally got time off to come home.”
“Oh Jungwon, that's great.” Y/n said excitedly. “How long has it been since you’ve seen them?”
“Maybe six months? They promised to stay until new years this time.”
“You must be excited to see them again. I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like not to have seen them for so long.”
“It’s not too bad since they call once a week. But I am pretty excited, me and Jaehee planned a lot of stuff for us to do while they’re home.”
Y/n nodded. “James calls a lot too.”
“Do your parents let you use the landline? Like privately?”
“Yes. I only ever call Yunah though.”
“Sometimes my grandma lets me use ours.”
“Oh.” Y/n said, unsure of where Jungwon was going with the conversation.
“Would you mind if I called you during the break?”
“I wouldn’t.”
“Cool.” Jungwon pulled out a piece of paper from his bag and wrote his number on it. “If you’re up for it you can call later, around 7?”
Y/n took the paper carefully reading over the numbers. “I’ll be up for it.”
✄---
Y/n stared at the phone at her bedside. ‘He said that I should call around 7’. She glanced up at her clock to check the time. ‘It’s 6:59’ She let out a laugh of nervousness as she pulled the piece of paper containing Jungwon’s number from her pocket.
She picked up the phone and carefully inputted his number slightly hesitating before pressing the last digit. ‘Why am I so nervous? We see each other every day.’ Shaking off her nerves she raised the phone to her ear. The connecting dial tone rang out as she waited for the other line to pick up, after a few seconds she heard a woman’s voice speak. “Hello?”
Y/n swallowed before replying. “Hello uhm… is there a Yang Jungwon there?”
The women let out a hum. “One second please.” She lowered the phone carefully covering the microphone of the handset. “Jungwon!” she yelled. “Your girlfriend is on the phone.” Y/n’s body froze with embarrassment, faintly hearing the women’s words. Seeing Jungwon’s shocked expression, the woman uncovered the microphone. “He’s coming.”
“Yah Jaehee!” Jungwon ran from the kitchen into the family room, grabbing the phone from his sister.
His sister giggled. “Don’t leave her waiting~” She teased walking away from him.
Jungwon scoffed before bringing the phone up to his ear. “I’m sorry about that Y/n.”
“It’s fine Wonie.” She said, twirling the cord of the handset. “So… you told your family? About us I mean?”
“Sort of?” Jungwon replied. “They got suspicious about me coming home so late and the excuse that I was hanging out with Sunoo wasn’t working anymore once my sister saw him with his sister. I didn’t say all of the specifics though if that helps.”
“No no, it’s only fair you tell them, since mine know and all.”
“Oh good, I thought you’d be upset with me or something.” Jungwon chuckled.
“I could never.” Y/n laughed. “But since we told them… this won’t be a problem when we-”
“No.” Jungwon interrupted. “We’ll be fine.”
“Good. I don’t want anything to be more awkward when it happens, especially since it’s so close.” Y/n let out a sigh of relief, laying back on her bed. “So what did you want me to call you for?”
“Oh right. Just hang on a sec I’m going to move rooms.” Jungwon lowered the phone and called out to his sister. “Jaehee!”
Jaehee poked her head out from the kitchen. “What is it?”
“Can you hold the phone for me? I’m moving to the phone in my room.”
“That private of a conversation huh?” She playfully rubbed her shoulder with him.
Jungwon rolled his eyes as he handed her the phone. “Just hold it please.”
“I will, I will.”
Jungwon ran up to his room and quickly picked up the phone in his room. “You can hang it up in there now Jaehee!” He watched carefully as his sister hung the phone up before lifting the phone back to his ear. “Okay, Y/n I’m back.”
Y/n smiled, finally hearing Jungwon’s voice again. “Welcome back. So now will you tell me why you wanted me to call?”
“Yeah. Do you remember when we were at the record store earlier today?”
“Uhm yeah?” Y/n heard Jungwon shuffling in his room. “What about it?”
“You said you wanted to hear S.E.S’s new album right?” Jungwon plugged in his CD player and grabbed the CD case off of his desk, pulling off the plastic wrapping covering it.
Y/n raised her brow in confusion. “Mhm I did, but it was sold out, remember?”
Jungwon smirked as he pressed the play button, the soft tune of S.E.S’s ‘Love’ flowing out of its speakers. “Can you hear it? Do I need to fix the volume?”
“No, I can hear it just fine.”
He smiled. “Great, I can’t put it too loud or my grandma might be upset.” Jungwon laid on the floor next to the CD player, silently humming along to the song.
♫ Baby always brand new, your love. Nothing makes me happy more than anything else. Every day I felt the clear feeling of first love ♫
Y/n smiled hearing his voice humming along, finding herself focusing more on him than the actual song. “Wonie?”
“Yes?”
“How did you get the CD?”
“My uh-” Jungwon cleared his throat. “My sister bought it. She lined up the day it was released, she’s letting me borrow it just for this.”
’Just for this? He’s doing this just for me?’ Y/n felt her cheeks grow hot. “But why? I said I was just going to stay up for their music show performances until I could buy it”
“Even if our exams are over you shouldn’t stay up too late you know?” Jungwon laughed. “It’s not good to stay up this late when you don’t have to.”
“You’re so kind Jungwon, always worrying for me.” She teased. “Thank you.”
Jungwon smiled hearing the sincerity in her voice even with her teasing. “You’re welcome Y/n.”
She didn’t need to know that after they parted he went to 3 different music stores on the way home before finally finding a copy of the CD. Nor how he had to plead with his older sister to let him borrow her CD player in case Y/n did end up calling. None of that matter now that he was hearing her silently hum along to the chorus of the song.
♫ Preparing for a goodbye that’ll come some day, but none of that matters in front of your love. The girl that I used to be you’ll be changing my heart baby I’d like that, this dream-like time I’ll give you my everlasting love. Don’t forget our promise, please remember: I’ll always be there my baby. Until always ♫
December 31st 1999 - End of the World
Sunghoon cheered as he beat Jay and Jake again in a game of cards. The three of them immediately getting into an argument.
Y/n shook her head as she watched, making her way to the front door.
“Where are you going?” Her mother called.
“Just going to take a walk.” As soon as Y/n opened the door she was met with Jungwon. “Wonie what are you doing here?”
He held up a bag. “My grandma made a lot of food since my parents were supposed to be here but, some things came up. It would be too much for me and Jaehee to finish alone so I thought you might like some.”
“How thoughtful of you Jungwon.” Y/n’s dad said walking up to him and grabbing the food. “We were just about to start another game of cards if you’d like to join us?”
“No thank you Mr. Sim, I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“Nonsense.” Y/n’s mother gestured for him to join them. “You’re always welcome.”
Jungwon glanced at Y/n and she gave him an approving nod. Soon everyone was gathered at the table playing card games.
“You have to be cheating.” Y/n said, watching as Jay placed a draw four card into the pile.
“You’re just saying that because you’re losing.” Sunghoon said, grabbing the 4 cards and handing them to her. “What color?”
“Yellow.”
Jungwon placed a card down and Jake groaned when it was his turn. Drawing cards from the deck until he got a yellow card.
Y/n’s mother excitedly put down a draw two card as she nudged her husband. He smiled and pulled the cards before the turn circled back to Jay.
Y/n eyed him as he placed another draw 4 card. “Uno and out!”
Y/n slammed her cards on the table. “I need a break.” She moved away from the table and started to make a break for her room.
“At least come back in time for the countdown!” Jake said.
Y/n’s mother looked towards Jungwon gesturing for him to follow Y/n. “She has her brother's temper.”
“Not even.” Jake said, gathering the cards.
Jungwon laughed as he got up to follow Y/n up to her room. Y/n’s father called out to them, “Leave the door open!”
Y/n sat on her window sill breathing in the night air. “You okay?”
Y/n took a deep breath “I’m fine. A little embarrassed but fine.” She moved over and tapped the spot next to her.
Jungwon moved to sit next to her and looked down the window, watching the children in the streets playing with various firecrackers.
“I’m sorry about your parents.” Jungwon looked up at Y/n slightly confused. “I know you were excited to see them for the holiday.”
Jungwon shrugged. “Not the first time it’s happened. Me and Jaehee were even talking about the fact that we were shocked we got them for Christmas.” He forced a laugh.
“Still.” Y/n reached out to hold his hand. “You mentioned that you two made plans.”
Jungwon remained silent for a while, focusing on the children playing in the streets. At one point one of the children’s parents picked them up, their father hoisting him up on his shoulder while the mother held a sparkler, drawing shapes in its fleeting glow. The sight stirred something in Jungwon, jealousy rose within him. “Do you know why I want to be a radio host?”
Y/n tore her sight away from the street back to Jungwon. “Why?”
“When I was in middle school my parents weren’t always busy.” Jungwon’s sight stayed glued to the family, “We all lived together, and they had time to spend with me and Jaehee. About the time when I was in middle school the company they worked for got bought out and they had to transfer to an office in a different city. Since Jaehee was going into her senior year then it wasn’t convenient to uproot everything so they decided to have us live with my grandma while they worked there. Originally it was only supposed to be until the local office was finished being converted but then-”
“The financial crisis happened.”
He nodded. “We were luckier than most. Their company didn’t go under and they still had jobs but they had to work double the hours to make a half of what they used to. Since the company couldn’t afford it anymore the work on the local office ceased, meaning they had to stay at the dorms in the city. At first they planned to move all of us there but the cost of living would’ve been too much to maintain.”
Y/n looked at him solemnly. The current financial crisis had affected many within the country, although only being in her first year of high school at the time Y/n had seen friends, neighbors, and strangers alike struggle with the after effects. Her family had also been somewhat affected, with her mother losing her longtime job however they were able to manage with her father’s company being based both in Korea and Australia, having to travel back and forth relentlessly to manage. It was only in recent months that the travel seemed to stop, some stability returning to her father’s job. “Jungwon-”
“It’s okay. I promise.” He raised a hand to stop her. “During that time with my parents away my grandmother managed to get us a radio. No idea how but she did. She said me and Jaehee could use it whenever we missed our parents, something to fill the silence. As you could guess I used it almost everyday. There was this one show that I would listen to all the time, something called Highway 1009, it was this guy who would give advice based on the listener’s concerns. One day when I was listening he read this message from a student who felt really lonely. She had said something about being bullied at school and how difficult it was for her. I couldn’t really relate but I felt for her anyway. At the end of her message she said something about not feeling as lonely now because of listening to his show. Even if he didn’t know her personally he always spoke to her and she felt heard by someone. After that I realized that’s what I wanted to do, make someone feel heard. Like they mattered, like…”
“They weren’t alone.” Y/n finished.
Jungwon's gaze shifted from the family to Y/n, eyes glassy. “Yeah. That they weren’t alone.”
“Is that why you helped me that day? So I wouldn’t be alone?
Jungwon nodded, and slowly turned to stare back out the window at the bustling street full of those ready to ring in the new year. Jungwon gave her hand a squeeze, pulling her attention back to him. “I really do enjoy being with you Y/n. When I start school next week I’ll miss being around you all the time.”
“I’m going to miss you too, Wonie.”
Suddenly Jake called from downstairs. “Y/n, Jungwon it’s ten minutes til midnight!”
Y/n excused herself motioning for Jungwon to stay in her room. Making her way downstairs Jake stopped her at the edge of the staircase. “For you.” He handed her two bottles of beer. “And Jungwon too I guess.”
Y/n’s brow raised. “Jake we can’t drink this were-”
“Twenty in like eight minutes.” Sunghoon said, coming up from behind Jake. “Think of it as a coming of age gift.”
“Your parents already know.” Jay said. “It’s a really good brand. Imported.”
Y/n nodded, taking the beers and making her way back upstairs. She took her seat back next to Jungwon and slid him the bottle. “What’s this?” He asked.
“Beer.” She said attempting to open hers. “Gifts from the idiots.”
Jungwon chuckled looking at the bottle before opening it. “Cheers?”
Y/n clinked her bottle with his. “Cheers.”
The two both took sips from the bottle, feeling the alcohol burn their throat as it went down. Y/n coughed a bit afterwards looking at the bottle as if it had personally wronged her. “That’s disgusting.”
Jungwon shrugged. “Not horrible but I can’t see myself drinking that much.” He sat the bottle next to him as he continued to watch the people in the street set up fireworks.
“Our neighbors get pretty good ones.” Y/n said pointing at them. “We get the best view from here.”
“How many minutes left?”
“I don’t know, maybe four?” Y/n glanced back at the clock in her room. “Oh about three actually.” Jungwon hummed, taking a slow sip of the beer. “I’m glad you came.”
“I am too. There’s no one else who I would've wanted to spend the end of the world with.” He teased.
Y/n rolled her eyes gently pushing Jungwon. “Again with you and that.”
“I know I know.” Jungwon laughed, shifting closer to her. “But still, if the world ended right now I’m glad I’m with you.”
Warmth spread throughout her as she looked at him, his bangs perfectly framing his face, stopping just above his lashes. She noticed as his dimple showed as he smiled, and how handsome he looked in the moonlight. At that moment a new emotion towards Jungwon arose within her, something stronger than just her possible fleeting ‘like’. She knew at that moment she wasn’t confused when it came to her feelings with Jungwon, she wanted to be with him, to truly be his girlfriend.
Y/n thoughts spiraled as the street erupted with shouts counting down from ten. “10, 9, 8, 7-” they cheered as Jungwon looked at her and started to lean in closer as the numbers lessened. “6, 5-” His eyes closed as he turned his head. “4, 3” Y/n did something similar, her eyes fluttering closed as she leaned into him. “2, 1! Happy New Year!”
The two’s lips collided. While at first awkward, just the mushing of their lips together, the two slowly found rhythm, sharing a sweet kiss that set Y/n’s entire body aflame. As they parted Jungwon blinked slowly, lips slightly red and swollen. “Happy new year Y/n.” Before she could respond, Jungwon gave her a smile, as solemn as it was sincere. “Will you break up with me?”
As the fireworks ignited, Y/n’s soaring heart sank, the warmth in her body feeling like she was in pain. Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked at him, confused and hurt. Although there was no world ending apocalypse that had befallen them, Y/n would always remember this day as the day the world broke open.
Previous | Next
A/N: Thank you all for the support on this work thus far I appreciate it so much. I hope you all enjoyed this part even with the angst! Last part coming soon
Pairing: Jungwon x Fem! Reader, Unrequited!! Sunoo x reader and Heeseung x Reader
📻 Summary: The year is 1999 and Sim Y/n is entering the second semester of her senior year of Highschool. What usually would be a time full of stress and uncertainty might prove to be a little different once she develops feelings for the co-president of the school’s broadcast club.
Warning(s): Fake dating, unrequited feelings, angst, cursing, mentions of death, drinking, underage drinking? (They turn twenty in like 10 minutes if that helps), possible historical inaccuracy (I tried my best I swear), mentions of doomsday/ the end of the world, (will be updated if needed) unedited*
Until the end of the world | Yang Jungwon Chapter 1: Beginning of the End
📻 Summary: The year is 1999 and Sim Y/n is entering the second semester of her senior year of Highschool. What usually would be a time full of stress and uncertainty might prove to be a little different once she develops feelings for the co-president of the school’s broadcast club.
Pairing: Jungwon x Fem! Reader, Unrequited!! Sunoo x reader and Heeseung x Reader
Word Count: 13.6k~
Warnings: Fake dating, unrequited feelings, angst, cursing, mentions of death, drinking, underage drinking? (They turn twenty in like 10 minutes if that helps), possible historical inaccuracy (I tried my best I swear), mentions of doomsday/ the end of the world, (will be updated if needed) unedited*
Navigation//Masterlist
Y/n hummed as she turned the page of her book. She was carefully reading the contents of its pages when she heard a faint voice towards the end of the hall. “Dad?” The voice called, progressively getting closer to Y/n in her room. “Dad?” The owner of the voice let out a sigh walking up to Y/n defeated. “Mom, have you seen dad?”
Y/n looked up at her daughter and nodded. “He just left a few minutes ago, why do you ask?”
She groaned in frustration. “He was supposed to help me with my family tree project.”
Y/n placed her book down and stood up to comfort her. “I can help you, what do you need?”
“Our family picture books. Dad said he would get them for me before he left.”
“Oh, I know where those are.” Y/n moved past her and headed into the living room. She bent down to a cabinet and pulled out a large wooden box. “They should be in here.”
She sat on the floor and dusted off the box, opening it to reveal multiple photobooks. “Thanks, mom.”
Y/n hummed and sat next to her. “I haven’t seen these in years.”
“Really? I couldn’t tell.”
“Don’t get smart, Hyeri.”
Hyeri tried to hide her smile as she looked through the albums. “Oh, mom, is this you?” She pulled out a leather book with a large photo of Y/n centered in the middle.
Y/n looked at the album and smiled. “It’s my wedding book.” She wiped some of the dust off of the book and opened it up looking at some of the photos. “It was years ago but I still feel like it was yesterday..”
Hyeri leaned her head on her mom’s shoulder looking at the photos with her. When Y/n flipped to a page of Hyeri’s father, she turned to her. “Hey, mom?”
“Yes?”
“Was dad your first love?”
Y/n chuckled at Hyeri’s curiosity. “No, but your dad was my truest love. And that’s what’s most important.” She closed the wedding album and carefully placed it back in the box.
Hyeri shrugged and continued to dig through the box, “Oh what’s this?” She pulled out a hard-covered green book.
Y/n nearly gasped at the sight of it. “It’s my high school yearbook.”
“Really?” Hyeri excitedly flipped through the pages of the yearbook. “You and aunt Yunah were in the broadcast club?”
“Mhm. She was the morning announcer. “ Y/n smiled fondly at the memory. “And like usual I followed her everywhere.”
“Oh, there’s dad.” She pointed to the picture of her father in the group broadcast club photo. “I thought you two didn’t meet until college?”
“No, we didn’t start dating until college.” She smiled and flipped through the yearbook before settling on the signature pages.
Her daughter looked through all the signatures. “Wow, you were popular.”
Y/n raised her brow in suspicion. “Why do you sound shocked?”
Hyeri made a zipping motion over her mouth. “No reason.”
“Gosh, I wonder how all of them are doing. It seemed like we’d be best friends forever back then.” She brought the book closer to her and looked through all of her classmate’s messages.
‘Thanks for all the hard work this year. I was glad to be your friend Y/n. Stay safe and healthy - Sunoo
‘Have a great summer! I’ll miss being in class with you :((. Love U - Moka
Thanks for making this year so fun, I’ll miss working the sound board with you. Have a great summer Y/n. - Jaehyun
HAGS :P Taesan
I going to miss you so much Y/nnie! Have a great summer! -Minju
I’ll miss seeing you everyday Y/nnie! Thanks for being friends with me since freshman year. I love you so much so make sure you try to keep in touch!!! - Kazuha
Meeting on the playground when we were 5 was definitely the best thing to ever happen to me. These past few years with you have been the best and I can’t wait to spend more time with you in the future!!. I love you!!!! Let’s be best friends forever! - Yunah
Thanks for always helping me with our English homework. I’ll miss you…I guess.- Your Riki
Love U girl! I hope you stay healthy and happy! - Wonyoung
I’ll miss you so much Y/nnie. Have a great summer :(( -Eunchae
I’ll let you have my signature for free since you always cheered during my performances. Don’t forget about me when I’m on the big stage okay? - Gunwook
I can’t believe you’re leaving us Y/nnie. We’ll miss you so much. Have a great summer - Iroha & Wonhee'
She smiled, memories of her beloved high school years flooding back to her. She flipped to the last page of her yearbook to see more before noticing a message tucked in the corner. She felt her heart drop and she shakily brought her hands to trace over the words of the message.
‘I want to be with you until the end of the world. I’m not sure if you feel the same but if you do… I’ll be at our place.’
Summer of 1999- One week before the start of the second semester
Y/n had been peacefully residing in her dream world when she suddenly felt herself being shaken awake. The person shaking her gently called to her, “Y/n wake up.”
Y/n groaned, slowly sitting up and rubbing her eyes. “Yunah do we have to go?”
The brown haired girl giggled as she stood up from Y/n’s side and adjusted the bow on her uniform. “If we don’t we won’t graduate.” She reached up and grabbed Y/n’s uniform off the door stopper and handed it to her. “Plus my mom made pancakes.”
Her eyes widened at the mention. “Is it the chocolate ones?”
“You’ll have to get ready to find out.” Yunah teased, before walking out of the room.
Y/n quickly got up and got herself ready before coming down the stairs into the kitchen. “Ah there she is.” Yunah’s mother smiled seeing Y/n enter. “I was scared you might miss breakfast.”
Y/n sat at the table next to her. “I’d never miss your famous pancakes, Ms. Noh.”
“You almost did.” Yunah hummed, taking a bite of her food.
Y/n rolled her eyes. “But I didn’t.”
“Honey, stop making fun of Y/n. I’m sure you’ve done the same at her house.” Ms. Noh laughed as she placed Y/n’s plate in front of her.
“Yeah what your mom said.”
Yunah stuck her tongue out at Y/n before continuing to eat her food.
“So are you two excited?” Yunah’s mother asked, taking her seat across from Y/n.
Yunah nodded. “I already know what club I want to join.”
Y/n looked at her with slight confusion. “You do? I thought we hadn’t decided on one yet.”
“Oh right, it’s just-” She paused, moving around her food on the plate whilst trying to find her words. “I want to try journalism and I wasn’t sure if you’d be interested so I didn’t bring it up.”
Y/n remained silent as she listened to her explanation. In truth Yunah was right, journalism club wasn’t something she thought she would be interested in, but then again it’s not like she had put much thought into it either. Still regardless there was a hint of disappointment that her friend hadn’t mentioned anything about it to her. “Oh well, journalism is cool. I don’t think it suits me but being in separate clubs isn’t too bad right?”
“My two girls are growing up.” Ms. Noh chuckled, “Now hurry and finish breakfast before you miss the bus.”
✄---
Y/n rocked back and forth on her heels while waiting with Yunah at the bus stop. She stared as Yunah dug through her bag before letting out a groan. “I can’t believe I forgot it.”
“Forgot what?”
“The CD. I brought my dad’s walkman but not the CD we bought.” Yunah sighed. “I must’ve left it in my room.”
Y/n laughed before opening her bag and pulling out the CD. “You did, that’s why I grabbed it before we left. S.E.S’s second album was safe with me.”
Yunah excitedly grabbed the CD. “Have I ever told you how much I love you?”
Y/n laughed, closing her bag. “You’re welcome.”
“Now we can listen to music on the way to and home from school.”
More students gathered around the bus stop as the bus approached the station. Y/n and Yunah quickly lined up in front of the door of the bus. When the doors of the bus opened and the boy in front of them walked up to the fare box. He brought his hand to his pockets and felt around for his fare, however, his search grew more and more frantic. “If you don’t have the money, get off.” The bus driver said.
The boy groaned and began to turn around to get off the bus but Y/n walked up to the fare box and placed two student fare tickets. “I got it.”
The driver turned to the boy and pointed to the empty seats. “You heard her kid. Go sit down.”
The boy thanked her quickly before turning around to head to a seat. She shrugged and walked to an open seat waiting for Yunah to join her. Yunah quickly followed behind her and pulled the walkman out of her bag as she sat. “Headphone,” She said, handing one to Y/n.
Y/n placed it in her ear and waited for Yunah to place the CD into the walkman. “Okay and go.”
She pressed play and a soft tune started playing in Y/n’s ear. As the bus pulled off Y/n had started to think back to their conversation that morning, the slight disappointment bubbling inside her. It’s not that she was upset that Yunah and her weren’t going to be in the same club like they originally planned to be, more so she was upset of what it signified: Two best friends getting ready to grow up and go their separate ways. Y/n always had a feeling it would come, the year approaching her 20th birthday solidified it but there was always a part of her that was hopeful it wouldn’t happen, that time would freeze on this moment of their youth forever. “Yunah?”
“Hm?”
“Are you-” She paused, conflicted if she should even continue asking her. “Are you really going to sign up for journalism?”
“Hm.” Yunah's voice came out firmly. “I’m going to sign up for it. What are you going to sign up for?
Y/n fiddled with a charm on her bag. “I’m not sure yet honestly.”
“You have until the end of today to choose.” She rested her hand on top of Y/n’s “So don’t worry too much okay?”
Y/n nodded, looking out the bus’s windows, trying her best to shift the conversation “I can’t believe we graduate next year.” So much for a conversation shift
“And our CSAT exam is in 4 months.” Yunah leaned her head on Y/n’s shoulder. “Senior year goes so fast doesn’t it?”
“At least we have each other right?” The question came out more desperate than intended, Y/n hoped Yunah didn’t notice but knowing her she probably did.
Yunah tightened her grip on Y/n’s hand in assurance. “Always.”
The two continued to have small talk and sing along to the album all the way until up to the school gate.
“I can’t move with my eyes closed.” Yunah sang.
“Now you're on my lips.” Y/n giggled.
“Alright ladies, you know the rules.” The two looked at their homeroom teacher at the gate, as they got closer he reached out his hand. “No electronics.”
Yunah pouted and took out her headphones. “Really Mr. Min?”
“Rules are rules Miss Noh.”
Y/n took out her headphones and pleaded with Mr. Min. “Please Mr. Min. We’ll put it away.”
Yunah nodded. “Yeah, we’ll even help collect homework.”
He looked at them and sighed. “Fine, I won’t confiscate it. But if I see it again I’ll take it and you’ll be out on cleaning duty all month.”
“Thanks, Mr. Min.” Yunah placed the walkman back into her bag. “We promise we won’t use it again.”
He raised his brow, his face full of doubt. “We’ll see about that. Go line up at the flagpole, we have an announcement.”
They nodded and made their way to the flagpole getting into their class formation. As time passed the rest of the seniors made their way through the gate of the school and lined up in formation.
Once the school gates were closed the principal of the school made his way to the podium in front of the flagpole. “Hello everyone.”
“Good morning Mr. Choi.” The students greeted each other.
“As you know, you all are now second-semester seniors. Soon you will all be starting the next part of your lives and starting jobs and school. As this is your final semester you all will need to choose an elective class for your graduation. These electives will help you all find what you may be interested in pursuing in the future. We have 7 electives so choose the one you will enjoy most during these last few months of your high school experience. You are all free to go after you sign up for an elective and bring the paperwork to your homeroom teacher. Dismissed.”
The students all broke formation and made their way to the playground.
“Oh, there’s the journalism booth.” Y/n pointed out the booth to Yunah.
Yunah smiled seeing the booth. “I’ll head over once we find something for you.” She looked around at the booths and her eyes stopped at the baking elective. “How about you go look at baking? That could be fun.”
“Me and baking?” Y/n laughed. “Did you forget what happened when I went with you to Yunjin’s and we made banana bread?”
Yunah laughed remembering how distraught Y/n’s face looked when her banana bread failed to rise. “You’re right, maybe you should look for something else.”
“I’ll look around while you sign up for journalism.” She directed Yunah towards the journalism booth. “I’ll be okay on my own.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Yunah reluctantly nodded and headed off toward the journalism booth. Now on her own, Y/n took her time looking at each elective’s flyers before she stopped at the one that caught her interest, the broadcast club.
She approached the booth curiously, watching as a boy was adjusting a camera. She moved to greet him however before she could approach him someone tapped her on the shoulder. When she turned she was greeted by a tall boy with rounded cheeks and fox like eyes. He flashed her a bright smile when their eyes met, “So it is you.”
Y/n tilted her head in confusion. “What?”
“The girl on the bus.” He explained, and Y/n still didn’t seem to register what he meant. He let out a soft chuckle. “You paid for my fare. Remember?”
“Oh, that.” The moment was so insignificant in comparison to everything else that it completely slipped her mind. “That was you?”
He hummed. “I never got to properly thank you. Without you doing that I would’ve been late.”
Y/n shook her head. “It’s no problem.”
“So-” He gestured towards the booth. “Are you thinking of signing up for broadcasting?”
“Oh I was curious, I’m still not sure about it.”
“Well, you should. It would be nice to have some new faces around. Even if it’s just for a few months.”
“You’re in the broadcast club?”
“Right, I never probably introduced myself.” He cleared his throat. “I’m Sunoo, Kim Sunoo class 3-5 and co-president of the broadcast club.”
“Oh you do the morning announcements don’t you?”
“Guilty.” He moved to stand behind the booth and patted the boy working on the camera. “And this is Jungwon, my co-president.”
Jungwon waved without looking up from his camera, still completely focused on adjusting it to the perfect position. “He’s not much of a talker.”
Y/n waved back, slightly unsure if he even saw her greeting. She turned her focus back to Sunoo. “What positions do you guys have available?”
“We still need someone at our soundboard and someone to help Jungwon filming.”
“Are there benefits in joining your club?”
“Well, your diploma.” He chuckled. “But we have this really cool club trip in the middle of September.”
The mention of a club trip grabbed her attention. “I thought seniors didn’t have club trips. Because of the-“
“Exam?” Sunoo interrupted. “That’s what makes it special.” He picked up the clipboard. “So sign?”
Before Y/n could sign, Yunah came up from behind her. “What are you signing?” She asked.
“I’m not signing anything yet.” She raised her brow teasingly at Sunoo. “Did you finish signing up for journalism?”
Yunah rolled her eyes. “No, they wanted me to bring some of my writing before I could join. If I knew I would’ve been prepared.”
“Journalism huh?” Sunoo spoke and Yunah looked at him confused. “Sorry for my intrusion but broadcasting can be like journalism.”
Yunah crossed her arms. “Really?”
Sunoo hummed. “We actually need a new announcer. Mr. Kwon said it would be a good idea to bring new life to the morning broadcast. I think someone like you would be a great addition to the team.” He tapped the clipboard with his pen. “But that’s of course if you want to sign.”
Yunah looked at the board in contemplation. “Are you positive it's like journalism?”
“Of course.” Sunoo outstretched the clipboard towards her. “I wouldn’t tell a lie…” He trailed off hoping to get her name.
“Yunah. Noh Yunah.” She said, grabbing the board and signing her name.
Sunoo smirked at her. “It’s nice to meet you Yunah. I’m Sunoo.” Sunoo grabbed the clipboard and shifted his attention back to Y/n. “And if you’re still interested, we’d love to have you.” Y/n nodded and signed the forms on the clipboard. Sunoo looked over the forms and read out her name. “Y/n.” He smiled to himself. “I’ll see you two next week.”
“Of course,” Y/n said, a hint of excitement in her voice. Maybe we won’t be splitting up this early.
“You better have been telling the truth Sunoo.” Yunah said, turning around.
“I swear.” He chuckled. “And thanks again for earlier Y/n, I really appreciated it.”
Y/n felt her cheeks warm as she smiled at him. “You’re welcome.”
✄ - - -
The week following the senior elective fair went as normal. Y/n and Yunah made use of the last few days of their summer break by having sleepovers at each other’s houses that mostly (always) ended up with them staying up to watch inkigayo stages which quickly turned into morning regret and parental scoldings.
The only discrepancy in her normal week was that Y/n had somehow managed to forget the summer math homework she had been putting off for the month. And in her panicked state, decided to pull an all-nighter to finish the Sunday night before the first day back at school. A stressful routine, but somehow throughout her last two years of highschool it had yet to fail her. Well of course that was until it did.
“Hey get up.”
Y/n groaned hearing her brother's voice. “Jake, what are you doing here? I thought I told you never to come in here.”
Jake scoffed at her comment. “And to think I was doing you a favor.”
“What favor?” Y/n asked, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Uh yeah. That’s why I asked.”
Jaeyun pointed to the clock beside her bed. “Have fun trying to make it through the first gate in time.”
Y/n squinted at the clock waiting for her vision to focus. When it finally did she made out ‘7:23’ less than an hour before she had to at school. She let out a small screech at the realization, getting out of her bed to get ready. “Why didn’t you wake me sooner?!”
“I just forgot.” He shrugged and walked to the door. “But since I’m such a good brother I’ll drive you. You have 20 minutes.” He said before shutting the door.
Y/n let out an exasperated sigh. ‘Good thing I showered last night and got my bag ready already.’ She quickly brushed her teeth and did her hair while haphazardly putting on her uniform.
She ran to her kitchen and saw her mom with two brown lunch bags. “Some steamed buns for breakfast and make sure you share them with your brother.”
Y/n quickly grabbed the bags and hugged her mom. “Thanks mom.”
“You’re welcome sweetie.” She placed a kiss on Y/n’s forehead. “Now run on or you’ll really be late.”
Y/n nodded and ran out to her brother's car. “Wow you made it with 3 minutes to spare, who would’ve thought?”
Y/n rolled her eyes and threw one of the paper bags at him. “Just drive Jake.”
Jake chuckled while turning on the car. “Whatever you say.”
(Regrettably) With the help of her brother Y/n somehow managed to make it to school before their Monday morning formations. Unfortunately, she did not make it in time to beat the front gate closing.
“Shit.” She said as she watched the security guard close the front gates to the school. “If I’m on the late sheet I’ll have to be on trash duty.”
She looked around in thought. ‘They closed off the secret entrance the girls made on our side before summer but maybe they still don’t know about the hill on the boy’s side.’ She ran towards the boys’ side of the campus trying her best to avoid the eyes of the surrounding teachers. She managed to make it up the hill and looked over the school gate. And by what felt like a stroke of luck she saw a male student sitting under her.
“Pst.” She whispered.
The boy looked around in confusion. “What was that?”
“Up here!” She said a little bit louder.
“Uh hello?”
“I’m sorry to bother you but can you help me?” She pointed towards the front gate of the school. “I kind of missed getting in before the gate closed and I can’t afford to be marked late.”
“Sure but uhm.” He looked up at her and down towards the floor. “How?”
“Erm.” Y/n looked at the distance between her and him, realizing it was much greater than she anticipated. “I’m not sure. Do you have any ideas?”
The boy thought for a second. “Maybe? Hand me your bag.” Y/n nodded and grabbed her school bag and slowly lowered it to him. “Okay now-“
“Jungwon?” Someone yelled and the boy quickly turned around hiding her school bag behind his back while Y/n ducked back from the fence. Jungwon’s friend looked at him in confusion. “What are you doing?”
“Me? What? I'm doing nothing.”
“Then whose bag is that?” He pointed.
Jungwon stopped hiding the bag and scoffed. “This it’s just…uhm… it was just here. I found it. Yeah, I found it.”
“Right…” His friend nodded. “So are you going to turn it in? To the lost and found?”
“Yeah of course.”
“Well, aren’t you going to go?”
“Oh, you mean right now?”
Y/n couldn’t help but laugh hearing the exchange. Jungwon’s friend smirked at the sound. “You can come out. I won’t tell on you.”
Y/n slowly lifted her head up from her heading place. “Y/n?” The voice said.
She looked down. “Sunoo?”
He looked at her shocked. “What are you doing?”
Jungwon pointed to the school gate. “She’s late.”
“I overslept. Can you please help?” She pleaded.
“Sure.” Sunoo walked closer to the gate and turned to Jungwon. “Keep watch okay?” Jungwon nodded and started to look around where they were for teachers. “Okay now Y/n you’re going to need to climb down the fence.”
“What?!” She exclaimed. “Are you crazy Sunoo I can’t do that?! What if I fall? Or worse, what if I die?”
Sunoo smiled softly at her. “That won’t happen, I'm here to help catch you. Plus it’s either that or get marked late.”
Y/n looked over towards the fence and all the students coming in late and getting marked down. She sighed defeated and looked down towards Sunoo. “You better catch me.”
“I promise.” Y/n let out a deep breath as she started to climb over the fence. “Okay now slide down slowly.” Y/n nodded and gripped the fence tightly as she slowly made her descent. “You’re doing great.” Sunoo praised. “Keep going just a little bit more.” Y/n continued her way down before she felt her feet hit the bottom bars of the fence. “And welcome in.”
“Guys I think you should hurry, there is a teacher headed this way.” Jungwon said, looking back at them.
“Thanks Won.” Sunoo said. He turned back to Y/n who was stepping off of the fence. “Now that wasn’t so bad was it?”
Y/n turned around to look at him, her balance still a bit off. “Yeah, I guess so. Thanks Sunoo.”
“It’s nothing really but uhm?” He watched her slight wobble as she tried to regain her balance. “Are you okay there?”
“Just a little bit shaken is all.”
Sunoo smiled and placed his hands on her arms and placed them to her side. “Let’s get you to regain a little bit of balance before you leave.”
“And what’s going on here?” The teacher that Jungwon warned them of had finally reached them. His voice came out stern and full of warning. “Shouldn’t you all be in your formations?"
Sunoo let go of Y/n and she stumbled back. “Of course sir. We’ll do just that.”
Y/n grabbed the fence to rebalance herself. “Yeah, we’re on our way sir.”
“Well get moving.” The teacher huffed before walking off towards the playground.
As soon as he was far enough away Y/n let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks for helping you guys.”
“Anytime Y/n,” Sunoo said, smiling at her. “Well I’d love to stick around and chat but I have to do morning announcements. I’ll see you after school?”
Y/n nodded. “Of course.”
“Great,” Sunoo said, backing away. “I’ll see you later Y/n.”
Y/n waved him goodbye before she turned back to Jungwon. “Are you okay?” He asked, handing her back her bag. “You lost your balance again once Sunoo let go of you.”
“Oh it’s fine.” Y/n grabbed her bag from him. “Thanks again Jungwon.”
“I hardly did anything.” Jungwon said bashedly, “Sunoo basically did everything.”
“Still-” She insisted. “I appreciate that you were willing to help. It’s just a bit embarrassing that this is what your first impression of me is. I promise I’m not always like this, today was just an off day.” She placed the bag back on her shoulder. “It won’t be like this when we work together this semester, I swear I’ll be one hundred percent dedicated to… whatever we do.”
Jungwon felt the sides of his lips raise into a smile. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“Well I’ll see you after school Jungwon, I kinda have to get going.” She pointed to the growing formation in front of the school's flagpole.
“Of course, I should be too.” He said pointing to the broadcast room.
“Cool, I’ll see you later then.” She waved Jungwon goodbye and he turned away to head towards the broadcast room. “Jungwon, wait!” He turned around to see Y/n holding a brown paper bag. “Here take this.”
“What is it?” He asked, grabbing the bag.
“Some steamed buns my mom made for breakfast. I already ate some but I had two leftovers and it’s no good when it’s cold so I thought you and Sunoo should have it. As a thank you.”
“Oh, thanks.” He raised the bag. “I’ll make sure Sunoo gets one.”
“No thank you.” She smiled. “Now for real this time, I’ll see you later.”
Jungwon watched as she ran towards the formation and smiled as he pulled out one of the steamed buns. “I’ll see you later Y/n.”
September 1999
Y/n looked into the viewfinder of the camera and zoomed in slowly on Sunoo and Yunah who were seated behind the glass of the recording room. While looking over his script Sunoo looked up and smiled at the camera. Y/n felt her cheeks heat as she looked up from the camera to meet his gaze.
Y/n had found her last month within the broadcast club to be quite enlightening. She genuinely did enjoy performing her duties for the club and the members had become her new friends but there was one in particular that caught her attention.
Sunoo waved to her and she nervously waved back. Even after Sunoo looked away to continue looking over his script she found herself focused on him.
“Y/n?” Jungwon asked. “Y/n?” He sighed as she was still in her trance. He cleared his throat and leaned in closer for her to hear him. “Y/n!”
“Huh?” Y/n jolted as she broke out of her trance and turned to look at Jungwon.
He stifled a laugh. “Are you okay you’re spacing out?”.
“Oh yeah, I’m fine.” She said, stepping away from the camera. “Just a little distracted is all. I’m sorry.”
Jungwon nodded, taking her place behind the camera. “So are you excited for tomorrow?”
“What’s tomorrow?”
“The trip. You know the one you joined for.”
“I didn’t join the club just for the trip.” Y/n crossed her arms. “What makes you think that?”
“When you signed up you mentioned it to Sunoo.” Jungwon adjusted the settings in the camera. “Remember?”
“You were listening then?” Y/n looked at him confused. “I could’ve sworn you were all caught up with using your camera.”
He shrugged. “Multitasking.”
“Speaking of multitasking.” A voice said. “Jungwon, can you please help me with packing my tripod?”
Y/n and Jungwon turned toward the voice. “Can’t Taesan help you Jaehyun? I’m supposed to help Y/n film Sunoo’s interview.”
“He is helping us. He went down with Mr. Kwon a few minutes ago.” Jaehyun sighed. “Please? Taesan, Riki, and I can’t do it alone.”
Y/n looked back at Jungwon. “I can handle it. You can go help them.
“You sure?”
Y/n nodded, having somewhat of confidence in herself. The interview was hardly formal, just a short message for a time capsule Mr. Kwon was planning. “I’ll be fine. It’s just a little interview.”
“If you need help just ask Wonhee or Moka.” Jungwon said walking away from Y/n with Jaehyun.
Y/n stood up and knocked on the door of the recording room. “Sunoo, we're ready for your interview.”
Sunoo stood up and Yunah gave Sunoo a thumbs up. “Good luck Sunoo.”
He laughed. “Why would I need luck?” Sunoo followed Y/n and stood in front of the camera. “Where’s Jungwon?”
“Oh, he had to help Jaehyun with packing for the trip Saturday. It’ll just be me asking questions.” Y/n placed an earphone in her ear. “Is that okay?”
“That’s fine.”
Y/n smiled and hovered her finger over the record button. “Let me know when you’re ready.”
Sunoo straightened the coat of his uniform “Ready.”
Pressing record, Y/n spoke in a clear voice. “So as the president of the broadcast club what do you wish to say to your future self?”
Sunoo fake pondered for a minute, clearly having practiced beforehand. “I’m not sure when Sunoo of the future will be watching this but, I’ll try my best to speak sincerely. I- no. We graduate this year and right now we are dealing with a lot of pressure from running the club, the csat and university but I know if you’re watching this we managed to overcome it. I’m sure since you’re older than me you’re more mature too, so I hope we have a more solid mindset now. The nineteen year old me is still immature but we are still ambitious, so I hope we are able to share our charms more. I think we are quite unique so I hope the version of me watching this has become more confident in ourself to share it with others. And I hope you don’t think I’m too naggy, thinking ‘What is this kid even saying? He knows nothing of the adult world.’ I hope we still treat people around us well. The friends I have now mean a lot to me so treating them with care is important to me. I hope we still are able to share parts of ourselves with the people around us. I know the me of the future is cool, so I will continue to work hard no matter what. No matter what we will overcome and better ourselves. I know we’ll always do well so I trust you and I trust myself. ” Sunoo paused and looked at Y/n. “Was that good?”
Y/n looked at Sunoo stunned, moved by his message. “Sunoo, that was amazing.” She pressed the stop button on the camera and smiled at him. “I hope that you in the future appreciate the sincerity you have now.”
Sunoo smiled. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” She removed the earphone from her ear and sighed. “Well that’s it you’re done.”
“Here.” Sunoo reached out to help disassemble the camera set up. “I’ll help you put everything away.”
“You don’t have to,” Y/n said, opening the camera case. “I can handle it.”
“No, I want to help,” Sunoo said, picking up the camera.
“Since I can’t stop you, be my guest.” She gestured to the case and she and Sunoo had begun to set all the pieces in together.
When they went to close it their hands brushed against each other. Y/n felt her cheeks warm as she slowly moved her hand away from his. “Hey Y/n?”
“Yeah?” She said weakly.
“Have you recorded your interview yet?”
Y/n shook her head. Every time Mr. Kwon asked her whether or not she would record for the capsule she always had fervently denied the offer. Something about filming a video for her future self made everything feel so finite. She just wasn’t ready, she wasn't sure if she’d ever be. “No, not yet.”
“You know what I said earlier? About my friends?”
“Yeah, you said they mean a lot to you. What about it?”
Sunoo smiled to himself. “I know we haven’t been friends long but I hope you know you’re a precious friend to me.”
Y/n froze and looked up at Sunoo. “What?”
Sunoo looked at her and gave her a sincere smile. “You’re a precious friend to me Y/n.”
Y/n felt her stomach erupt with butterflies, the minuscule schoolgirl crush she’d harbored on him hitting her full force. “Sunoo I-“
“We’re back.” Riki said, busting through the broadcast room door.
“And we are all set for the trip tomorrow.” Jaehyun said, coming in from behind him.
Sunoo turned his attention toward them. “Great, that means today's meeting is over.” He looked back toward Y/n. “See you tomorrow.”
✄---
“Okay everyone I know you’re excited to be on a trip but please remember to complete your assigned duties. We can have fun and work.” Mr. Kwon said. “At 2:30 we’ll meet at the benches for lunch and after that you'll have free time until 6 when we’ll meet back here, grab our luggage and have dinner at the hotel. Is that alright?” The students all have various responses of yes. “Great, now get into the groups I assigned before we left and get to work.”
Y/n smiled as she nudged Yunah. “Partner.”
“Partner.” Yunah giggled, grabbing their equipment bag.
“Great way to include us.” Sunoo said, grabbing the equipment bag from Yunah.
“If this is how our entire trip is going to be we might as well work in duos.” Jungwon joked.
“It won’t.” Yunah said in a mocking tone. “You two are so dramatic.”
Jungwon shook his head. “Whatever, let's just go.”
“We have to take videos of the statue first.” Y/n said, pulling their assignment packet from her bag. “A history of the statue and then a local interview ”
“Me and Y/n wrote a script for the statue beforehand so maybe we can split up?” Yunah said, pulling out her own packet.
Sunoo and Jungwon nodded in agreement. Jungwon grabbed the equipment from Sunoo. “Yunah you know the script for the statue right?” She nodded. “Great then Sunoo and Y/n you two can find a local to interview. Me and Yunah will catch up to you after we film.”
“Sounds good.” Sunoo walked up to Y/n and sent her a soft smile. “Shall we?”
Y/n nodded shyly. “Yeah.”
The two walked together to where the merchant shops were and looked around for potential interviewees. “So…” Sunoo said wanting to break the silence between them. “I heard you mention on the bus that you’d never been here before. What do you think?”
Y/n looked at him shocked. “You heard that?”
He nodded. “Yeah you were talking to Minju and I happened to overhear it. Sorry.”
“Although I’m not entirely happy you eavesdropped on my conversation… I think you’ll be glad to know that yes I like it here. It’s a pity we’re only here for a day.”
“Let's make the most of it.” Sunoo said. “After we finish our duties of course.”
Y/n laughed. “Yes of course. Let’s be diligent students first.”
“And since we are such diligent students-“ Sunoo looked around at all the people in the area. “Does anyone look interesting enough to interview?”
“Hm.” Y/n looked around searching for the perfect interviewee. “How about her?” She pointed in the direction of an older woman selling various trinkets.
Sunoo nodded and walked up to her booth. “Hello.”
The women smiled seeing the two of them. “Hello, what can I do for you today? Can I interest you in these couple’s keychains?”
Sunoo smirked at the suggestion. “Ma’am we actually wanted to ask you something.”
The women eyed them curiously. “What?”
“We are members of the broadcast club at our school and we are doing an assignment about the locals in tourist places. If you are from here we wanted to know if we could interview you, we have a camera and everything.” Y/n said.
The woman’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Oh of course. I’ve been living here since I was a child. I’d love to.”
“We’ll be back with our equipment then.”
✄---
“So what do you sell at your shop?” Yunah asked the women, who they all had come to know as Mrs. Park.
“Handmade trinkets.” Mrs. Park picked up one of her creations. “It’s a technique that’s been passed down in my family for years.”
Y/n smiled as she watched the interview. “Good choice.” Y/n turned around to see Sunoo standing right beside her. “She seems really happy to share her story.”
“Just luck.” She smiled, “But I appreciate the praise.”
Jungwon turned around and gestured at them to be silent. Yunah asked her a few more questions before turning the interview over to Sunoo.
While switching out the film Jungwon turned to Sunoo. “You memorized what I wrote?”
Sunoo scoffed, making his way into frame. “When have I not?”
As Jungwon and Sunoo continued to set up for the interview, Yunah made her way over to Y/n. “How was it?”
“It was good.” Y/n praised, as she continued to watch as Sunoo practiced the questions with Mrs. Park. “I didn’t know that Jungwon wrote the script for this interview.”
“He always does.” Yunah said, with a level of casualness that surprised Y/n. “He writes the majority of the daily announcements.”
As much as she wanted to, Y/n didn’t pursue questioning it further as Jungwon signaled that he was ready to start rolling. ‘Maybe he really isn’t much of a talker’
The interview quickly wrapped soon after, thanks to Sunoo’s memory and Mrs. Park quick but well thought answers. Jungwon smiled as he carefully packaged the last bit of filming equipment. “Thank you for the interview, Mrs. Park. We really appreciate it.”
“It was my pleasure. Here.” She picked up four keychains and placed them in each of their hands. “As my thank you.”
Yunah tried to hand back the keychain to her. “We can’t take these.”
Mrs. Park shook her head in protest. “Take them. If you don’t I’ll be insulted.”
“We’ll at least let us pay for them.” Sunoo pleaded.
Y/n nodded in agreement. “Yes, let us pay you.”
“Are all kids your age this stubborn?” Mrs. Park tsked, swatting their hands away. “You kids showed me your kindness now let me show mine. Shoo shoo, and tell all your friends to come visit.”
The four of them look at each other awkwardly before hesitantly accepting Mrs. Park’s gift. After their goodbyes, they started making their way back towards the designated meeting spot.
“Which one did you guys get?” Jungwon asked, holding out his keychain for the others to see.
Y/n eyes sparkled with recognition of the small wooden trinket, an intricate carved seagull. “We got the same one.”
“Mine’s different.” Yunah reached into her pocket to pull out hers, instead being a wave keychain.
“Oh, we have the same one.” Sunoo pipped. “It must be the couple’s keychains she mentioned earlier.”
Yunah smiled with reddened cheeks. “We have a couple’s item then?”
“I guess so.” Sunoo chuckled. “Now let’s get to the beach, it’s almost lunch.”
✄ ---
Y/n used the towel to dry her hair as she sat on her side of the bed. “Yunah can you hand me my brush?”
Yunah reached over to Y/n’s bag towards the end of the bed and grabbed her brush from it. “Here.”
“Thank you.” She grabbed the brush and slowly started to brush through it. “This hotel is nice isn’t it?”
Yunah hummed as she resettled on the bed. “Better than the full room assignments we got for our first school trip.”
Y/n shivered at the memory. “Sharing a room with 15 other girls wasn’t fun.” She looked around their single bed room and sighed. “This really is better.”
“So-” Yunah laid back so she was looking up at the ceiling. “Have you decided which colleges you’re applying for?”
Y/n stomach dropped at the mention. Now with her CSAT just two months away the feeling of dread constantly filled her and despite her protest her parents were seriously trying to get her to start planning for her future. “My grades aren’t good enough for schools in Seoul and my dad is trying to convince me to apply for that university that James goes to.”
Yunah's ears piqued at the mention of Y/n eldest brother. “The one in Australia?"
“Mhm. ” Y/n nodded, setting her brush down on the side table. “He thinks it'll be easier with his job, but it’s just so far. And the school year there is different from the one here.”
“Still you should consider it.”
“I guess you’re right. I’ll probably go the safe route and apply for the one Jake attends.” Though Jake’s university wasn’t one that would be considered to be a top school, it was still good and offered Y/n at least a semblance of the normalcy she craved in her ever changing future. “What about you?”
“I want to go to one in Seoul. Somewhere close to home.” She turned over to look at Y/n. “We have a practice exam next week.”
“I know. Kazuha was studying for it the entire way up here.”
“I think- “ She averted her eyes, trying to find the right words.
“What?” Y/n questioned.
“I think, if I pass, I'll confess to someone.”
“You like someone?” There was a hint of excitement in Y/n's voice and she shook Yunah. “Why didn’t you tell me? We have crushes at the same time”
“I’m telling you now.” Yunah said, sitting up to properly face her.
“Who is it?” Y/n asked face full of anticipation.
Yunah's cheeks grew bright and rosy, “I like Sunoo.”
Y/n felt her heart sink. “What?”
“It just happened. After doing all the morning announcements with him I just-” She sighed out dreamily. “I don't know. But I really like him.”
Y/n tried her best to mask her disappointment, forcing a wry smile. “I see.”
“What do you think about that?”
“About what?”
“About me confessing?” Yunah's face turned more serious.
“Oh right uhm.” Y/n felt like her head was spinning, but still she forced out a response. “You should.”
Yunah let out a sigh of relief. “As soon as we get back home I’m going to study my ass off. But what about you?”
“I mean I’ll probably study too but-”
“No no-” Yunah interrupted her. “You said we had crushes at the same time. Who do you like?” Y/n’s face dropped and she internally cursed herself for mentioning it. Yunah pulled her arm and pleaded. “Come on, I told you mine.”
“Yeah uhm I like-” There was a small part of her that debated being truthful, sure that Yunah would find out her lie anyways, but after seeing the joy her friend had, how could she deny her that? ‘Yunah’s feelings are more important to me than Sunoo.’ Swallowing back her guilt, Y/n said the name of the first boy she could think of. “I like Jungwon.”
✄---
Taesan stretched as he stepped out of the hotel, his eyes slowly adjusting to the difference in lighting. “Is it just me or is the sun like…really bright right now.”
“Extremely bright. We shouldn’t have stayed up so late last night.” Riki yawned while standing next to Sunoo.
“You’re the one who wanted to stay up,” Gunwook said. “And stop yawning, you’re making me more tired.”
Sunoo laughed at the two. “Can you two at least try to get along? We have a group photo to take.”
Gunwook sighed. “We do get along.”
“Getting along is definitely a stretch,” Jaehyun said. “Did you two already forget that you argued about who would get the last piece of desert last night?”
Riki scoffed. “We ended up splitting it.”
“Yeah because I suggested it,” Jungwon said. “Now hurry up, the girls are waiting for us.”
They all walked down to where the designated photo spot was to see the girls and Mr. Kwon standing there waiting. “Morning boys.” Mr. Kwon greeted. “Did you sleep well?”
“Judging by the eye bags I’m guessing they didn’t.” Kazuha teased.
“Well try to look alive in this photo. You may show your future kids this.” Mr. Kwon laughed. The boys joined them and got set up in the frame for the photo. “Okay now, Yunah and Sunoo in the middle please.”
Sunoo and Yunah moved to the middle, Y/n standing on the other side of her. She looked at them and felt her heart break a little more. ‘They do look good together.’ She noticed Yunah’s flustered expression and sighed internally. ‘How did I not notice sooner?’
Mr. Kwon adjusted the camera and gave a thumbs-up. “Okay on three! One two three! Say cheese!” All the students smiled at the camera. “One more! One two three!” Mr. Kwon smiled at the results. “Okay everyone now one with me in it!” The students groaned at the suggestion. “Hey? I thought you all loved me.” Mr. Kwon chuckled, moving into the frame with all of them. “Okay now say cheese!”
All the students smiled widely and shouted. “Cheese!” The camera flashed and afterward, Y/n’s smile dropped.
“Alright all done.” Mr. Kwon said. “Head to the bus.”
Y/n slowly made her way to the bus looking back only to see Yunah and Sunoo conversing on the way. She swallowed heavily and focused her attention back forward. ‘This is going to be more difficult than I thought.’
October 1999- 1 Week after practice exams, 2 days before results
Y/n stretched as she entered the broadcast room. “Afternoon.”
“Oh hey, Y/n.” Jungwon greeted.
Y/n looked around and noticed that it was only the two of them inside. “Where is everyone?”
“Uhm not sure.” He said fiddling with the soundboard. “Eunchae was here a little bit earlier but she left to go find everyone.”
“That’s weird.” Y/n put her bag down and walked over to Jungwon. “What are you doing?”
“Some soundcheck. We had some problems during this morning's broadcast.”
Y/n thought back to this morning's broadcast and remembered the weird static on Yunah’s voice. “Oh yeah, the static.”
Jungwon nodded. “Yeah, I'm just trying to reset everything so it’s fine for tomorrow.”
She nodded and sat in the seat next to him. “Let me know if I can do anything, I’m kind of useless until everyone gets here.”
“You’re not useless.” Jungwon said.
Y/n looked at Jungwon and smiled. “Thanks, Won.”
“Just wanted to make sure my partner didn’t feel useless is all.” He chuckled. “But if you're really thankful you can do the mic checks for me.”
“Sure I can do that.” Y/n got up from her chair and walked into the broadcast room and sat in front of the mics. “Which ones first?”
Jungwon placed on headphones and pointed to Sunoo’s mic. “Mic one.”
Y/n leaned into the mic. “Yang Jungwon mic check one two.”
Jungwon laughed after hearing the feedback. “What was that?”
“You told me to check it.”
Jungwon shook his head. “Mic two.”
She leaned into Yunah’s mic. “Mic check one-two.”
Jungwon gave her a thumbs up and she turned off the mic before she went back into the room with Jungwon. “Thanks Y/n.”
Y/n shook her head. “No problem. I’m glad I could help.”
Jungwon shut off the soundboard and sat down. “I wonder where everyone is. Eunchae should be back by now.”
“Maybe they're studying? Our exams are next month, you know.”
Jungwon shrugged unphased by the statement. “Still, this is one of our briefing days. Everyone should’ve been here.”
“Maybe we should go check. Mr. Kwon might’ve canceled our meeting today.”
“That’s a good idea.” Jungwon got up and walked over to the door of the broadcast room. However, when he tried to open the door it wouldn’t open. “What?” He tried turning the knob again and the door still wouldn’t open.
“Uh Jungwon, is everything okay?”
“The door isn’t opening.”
Y/n rolled her eyes. “Oh haha, Jungwon is very funny.”
“No Y/n I’m serious the door isn’t opening.”
“Let me try.” Jungwon moved and let Y/n try opening the door. She tried turning the knob but when she tried to push open the door it wouldn’t move. “Why won’t it open?”
Jungwon looked at the door confused. “The knob turns but the door won’t open. I think something is blocking it.”
“Shit.” Y/n sighed going back to sit at the table. “We’re stuck in here.”
“Just until Eunchae comes back. We’ll be fine.”
“Yeah you’re right.” Y/n smiled softly. “We’ll be fine.”
“So until then… What should we do?” Jungwon asked, sitting across from Y/n.
“We could talk. I don’t think we do that much.” She said playfully.
“Yeah we could totally do that.” Jungwon nodded. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something anyways.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“Recently when we meet you’ve been acting really odd.”
Y/n tilted her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Ever since we returned from the trip. You’ve kinda been… not you.” Jungwon trailed off. “I’m sorry if that sounds rude it’s just you were so drastically different is all.”
Y/n felt her heart drop. “Oh, the trip.” She suddenly was reminded of what she had been desperately trying to avoid these past two weeks since she had returned from the trip. “It’s just… Jungwon, can you keep a secret?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I can do that.”
“I haven’t been able to tell anyone this… not even Yunah.” Y/n sighed. “It’s actually pretty complicated.”
“I’ll listen.” Jungwon’s voice was soft and full of warmth.
“So basically when we were on the trip me and Yunah decided to tell each other a secret about our crushes. And at the time I thought it would be fine because, obviously we would have different crushes right?”
Jungwon quickly caught on. “But you didn’t? Did you?”
Y/n nodded defeatedly. “Not at all. So in an act of self preservation? Friend preservation? I decided to lie and say I had a crush on someone else. So now I just… try my best to ignore it but it sucks… like really bad.” Y/n thought of all the stolen glances, hushed giggles, lingering touches she had bore witness to during Sunoo and Yunah’s announcements and felt her stomach churn.
“That must be really hard for you. I’m sorry.”
“Yeah.” Y/n stared down at her hands in her lap. “It’s getting even worse now cause Yunah keeps pushing me to talk to the person who I said I had a crush on.”
“Who did you say you had a crush on?”
She looked up at him. “What?”
“Who did you say you had a crush on?”
“Really that’s what you want to know?” Y/n laughs. “Not who I have a crush on but the person who I lied about?”
He shrugged. “The crush thing isn’t my business really. And if you didn’t mention it already you probably don’t want to share it.”
“We’ll since you want to know so bad. I said it was you.”
Jungwon’s eyes widened. “Oh.”
“Sorry-” Y/n looked away from him. “If that makes things awkward now.”
He shook his head. “It’s not awkward. Shocking, sure but not awkward.”
“You’re okay with Yunah thinking I have a crush on you?”
“Are you okay with Yunah thinking you have a crush on me?
She shook her head in defeat. “It’s just a lot harder than I expected it to be. Like I bit off more than I can chew? Having to see someone I care about be more than friendly with the guy I like. Having her keep expecting me to confess when-“
“You never planned to in the first place.”
“Yeah. You really do get me Jungwon.” She laughed. “I just wish there was something to get her off my back you know? Not even saying I want to wait until our exam is over is helping. And I’ve tried the whole I’m not into you thing too but she said-” Y/n air quotes. “She sees the way I look at you. I don’t even think I look at you that much.”
A laugh escapes Jungwon. “I don’t think you do either.”
“See.” Y/n huffed. “Glad we are both in agreement.”
In the silence that follows, Jungwon thinks about Y/n’s predicament, and a small half baked plan arises within him. “If you need help, there is one thing you can do but it’s kinda stupid.”
“Just say it. I’ll take something stupid over nothing at this point.”
“You could confess.”
“What?”
“The way to get her off your back. You confess, I reject you and… You’re free.” The idea came from him so easily that Y/n was a little surprised. “Oh but it could be a bit embarrassing if you confess and I reject you huh? Even if it’s fake for us it’s not for her.”
Y/n was stunned in thought. “Jungwon I-“
“I told you it was stupid.” Jungwon turned away from her, the faulty nature of the plan hitting him full force. “Forget I mentioned it.”
“No, Jungwon that…” The gears in Y/n brain started to turn. “That could work.”
“It could?” Jungwon raised his brow in confusion.
“Yes.” Y/n moved to sit next to him, gripping his hands in excitement. “We’ll do it on Friday, just before the announcements.”
Jungwon looked down in surprise at their hands before shifting his attention back to Y/n’s face. “Friday?”
“Yes!”
Before Jungwon could respond the broadcast door opened. “Sorry I took so long, turns out the door lock is broken and Mr. Kwon moved our meeting to his cla-“ Eunchae looked at Y/n and Jungwon and her brows raised inquisitively. “What’s going on here?”
Y/n moved away from Jungwon and he cleared his throat. “Let’s just go to the meeting, yeah?” Jungwon stood up and grabbed his bag.
✄---
The plan was simple. Jungwon and Y/n would meet outside the broadcast room before morning formation, Y/n would confess, Jungwon would reject her. Simple plan, simple execution, with hardly any room for error, just as they planned… or just as Y/n planned.
Y/n smiled as she walked up past the front gates of the school. “What’s that?” Eunchae asked, looking at the plushie in her hand.
Y/n looked down at the plushie, an orange cat toy she got on the way home from school on Thursday for Jungwon. ‘A token of admiration really seals the deal, and it makes for a cute decoration for when he ultimately rejects it.’ She thought. “A plushie.” She held it up closer for Eunchae to see. “Isn’t it cute?”
Eunchae giggled seeing the cat plush. “Obviously, but what is it for?”
Y/n hummed. “You’ll see.”
As the two of them made their way toward the broadcast room they passed the exam board, now displaying the results of their practice exams. “Don’t you want to look?” Eunchae asked, slowing her pace to try to read it.
Y/n shook her head. “I basically already know my results.” ‘Barely passing’
Eunchae shrugged as they came up to the broadcast room being greeted with their fellow club mates circling around the front. “What’s happening?”
They both walked up towards the circle and stood next to Kazuha.
“What’s happening?” Eunchae whispered.
Kazuha smirked and made room for them next to her. “A confession.”
Y/n moved to see a better view and saw Yunah and Sunoo in the center. She felt her heart plummet into her stomach at the sight of them. She must’ve already checked them.
Moka giggled in excitement. “She’s finally confessing, I was wondering when she would.”
Yujin shushed them. “I'm trying to hear what they are saying.”
“Yunah,” Sunoo said. “What did you call me for?”
“I have something I wanted to tell you.”
Sunoo looked around and noticed the crowd that had formed around them. “Uhm… are you okay with the crowd? Do you want to go somewhere else?”
Yunah shook her head. “If I don’t say it now I might not ever say it.”
He smiled softly at her. “Then tell me. What do you want to say Yunah?”
“Sunoo…” Yunah gulped. “I like you.”
“Oh.”
“I don’t expect you to return my feelings, I just wanted to tell you. That I like you.”
Sunoo stepped closer to her, grabbing her hands. “And why don’t you expect me to return your feelings?”
Yunah shifted awkwardly. “I don’t know. I never got that feeling that you liked me back.”
“Well, I do.” Sunoo pulled her into a hug. “Does this prove it?” The club members cheered and Yunah, embarrassed, hid her face in his chest.
“Alright alright, kids.” Mr. Kwon said, stepping out of the broadcast room. “I let you make your confession Yunah now everyone get in here so you can do your jobs.”
Yunah broke away from her hug with Sunoo. “Thank you, Mr. Kwon.”
“Thank me by putting on a good broadcast.” He sighed, ushering them inside. “Dating before exams, don’t you have studying to do?”
“I did this because I studied.” Yunah laughed before grabbing Sunoo’s hand and pulling him inside. “We’ll do our best.”
The rest of the members followed inside behind them leaving Y/n outside frozen in shock. “Aren’t you coming Ms. Sim?” Mr. Kwon asked.
“In a minute,” Y/n said, her voice weak. “I don’t feel well. I’m just going to go to the bathroom.”
Mr. Kwon looked concerned. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the nurse? You don’t look all too well.”
She shook her head. “I’ll be fine Mr. Kwon, just give me a second.” Y/n slowly walked off and headed towards the restrooms and Mr. Kwon headed back into the broadcast room. “Wonhee you’re on soundboard Y/n is out.”
“What? But she was just here.” Wonhee said.
“She’s not feeling well and Jungwon will help.” He pointed to the control panel. “Now hurry, we have 5 minutes to prepare.”
She sighed before making her way to the control panel taking her seat next to Jungwon. “How do you even work this thing?”
Jungwon looked at her confused. “Huh Wonhee, what are you doing here? Where’s Y/n?”
“Mr. Kwon said she got sick.” She said looking over the labels on the panel.
“Sick?”
“It’s weird though because she seemed fine before.” Wonhee thought for a second before letting out a loud gasp. “What if she got the stomach flu? I heard that’s going around these days, Mrs. Kim got it a few days ago too. She had to leave the class and everything.”
“Oh really?” Jungwon’s attention shifted from the soundboard to his hosts, immediately noticing how much closer Yunah and Sunoo were. Having already come to the correct conclusion he figured out exactly why Y/n was suddenly sick.
“Mhm. Now tell me how this works.” She pointed to the soundboard in frantic desperation. “We are on in like a minute.”
“Right uhm-”
Y/n slowly entered the broadcast room and sat next to Riki. “Where were you?” He whispered.
“I just had to go to the bathroom.” She whispered back. “I didn’t feel well.”
“Are you okay?” Moka asked, touching Y/n’s forehead. “You feel a bit warm but you aren’t burning up.”
Y/n nodded. “I’m fine. Just felt a bit off is all.”
The two nodded and shifted their attention back to the broadcast. Y/n took a deep breath before looking at them. Yunah beamed as she read out the announcements, and Sunoo looked at her tenderly as she did so. The soft gaze Y/n had grown so fond of, made her heartache. She should be happy, her two friends who had been harboring feelings for each finally knew that they were requited, and yet she didn’t. Y/n wasn’t proud of how she felt either, the feelings of disappointment and jealousy disgusted her, but yet it didn’t stop her from feeling them.
She sighed before looking away, not wanting a repeat of the crying spell she had in the bathroom minutes prior. ‘Don’t cry, you’re better than this. Yunah and Sunoo are happy and that’s what should matter.’ The thought repeated in her head like a mantra drowning out the sound around her.
The broadcast ended a few moments later, Sunoo and Yunah exited the recording booth whilst Jungwon focused on shutting off the soundboard. “Great work everyone.” Mr. Kwon applauded. “You all have some time before the next period so have some free time.”
“Y/n!” Yunah squealed.
Y/n flashed her a pained smile. “Yunah.”
Yunah engulfed her in a hug. “I did it! I asked him out.”
“I saw. I’m-” Y/n paused. “I’m really happy for you.”
“Hey, Y/n are you sure you’re okay?” Wonhee asked, sitting next to them. “Mr. Kwon said you didn’t feel well.”
“What?” Yunah exclaimed. “You didn’t feel well?”
“Just felt off is all. I feel a lot better now.” Y/n smiled weakly.
“That’s a relief.” Sunoo said, sitting next to Yunah.
Y/n looked away from them. “Yeah it is.”
Jungwon stood from the panel and turned towards them. “Y/n?”
“Mhm?”
“Can we talk?” He pointed towards the door.
Y/n nodded and stood up. “I’ll be back.” Y/n grabbed her bag and followed Jungwon outside the broadcast room and towards a secluded corner. “So what did you want to talk about?”
“Are you okay?”
“Huh?” Y/n asked surprised.
“Wonhee mentioned you didn’t feel good earlier. I kinda figured why but I just wanted to ask if you were okay.”
“I’ll be okay.” Y/n sighed. “But since that happened we don’t need to go through with the plan anymore.”
Jungwon nodded. “It was kinda a stupid plan anyways. I don’t know how it would’ve helped.”
“Stupid yes but thanks for offering to help me anyways.” Y/n reached into her bag to grab the plushie. “I got this for you on my way home yesterday. I was going to use it to confess but that’s not happening anymore.” She handed the plushie to Jungwon. “I still think you should have it though, a token of my thanks I guess.”
“Another token of your thanks?” Jungwon looked at the plushie. “A cat plushie? Really?”
“What it totally looks like to you.” Y/n says grabbing the plushie back from him and holding it up to his face. “It’s uncanny actually.”
“Does not.” He snorts, bringing her hand down and taking the plushie back..
“Does too.”
“It doesn’t but-” He swallowed. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”
“No.” Honestly, it seemed to come easy to her with him. “But I will be. I have no choice but to.”
Jungwon sends her a half hearted smile. “I'm here for you if you need me, you know.”
“I know. And I appreciate it. You’re a good friend Jungwon.” Jungwon nods softly, not knowing how to thank her. She sighs out, looking back towards the broadcast room. “Since I have you here I should probably mention that I won’t be at today's meeting.”
“What?” Jungwon asks. “You aren’t going?”
Y/n shrugs. “I don’t think so. I’m not sure if I can see them right now.”
Truthfully Jungwon understood, if he had been in her position he would want to be there either. “We’ll if you aren’t going I won’t either.”
“Jungwon you’re the co-president shouldn’t you go?”
“We’ll yeah but I don’t want you to be alone.”
It’s a simple gesture, but it’s one that touches Y/n’s heart. While Y/n prior to this wouldn’t have considered them the closest, after this she could easily see this seedling of friendship they planted blossom. “You don’t need to do that, you know.”
Jungwon shook his head. “I know but I already set my mind to it unfortunately. When I said I’m here for you I meant it.”
Y/n let out a small laugh, the silliness of Jungwon’s sentiment settling in. “You’re ridiculous you know that?”
“Is that why you’re dumping me?” he teased.
Y/n rolled her eyes and laughed. “I can’t dump you if I never confessed.” Then the bell for the first class rang, singling them to head to their classes. “I’ll see you after school Jungwon.”
“So you are coming?”
“Something tells me as long as you’re there with me everything will be okay.” She nudged her new confidant. “Plus someone has to run the soundboard.”
“I’ll see you after school then.” Y/n picked up her bag and waved Jungwon goodbye. He quickly got up and made his way back into the broadcast room to grab his stuff.
“What’s that?” Sunoo pointed out.
“Huh?” Jungwon looked down at the cat plushie. “Oh nothing.” Eunchae looked over at them on her way out catching a glimpse of the plushie. Her brows raised in curiosity before she left. Jungwon carefully placed the plushie in his bag before turning back to Sunoo “Let’s go to class?”
✄ - - -
Y/n entered the broadcast room and instantly started scanning the room for Jungwon. ‘He’s the only one that could help me get through this.’ She internally let out a sigh of relief when she saw him fiddling with the microphones inside the recording booth. She walked over to the soundboard and pressed the mic. “Jungwon.”
He looked up in surprise, his eyes softening when they settled on her. He smiled before stopping what he was doing and exciting the booth. “You did come.”
Y/n nodded. “I told you I would, didn't I?”
“Yeah you did.” Jungwon settles in the seat next to her. “How are you holding up?”
Y/n shakes her head, recalling the school day. “Better than I thought I would. Everyone wouldn’t stop asking about it during break and then when lunch came around they ate together.”
“It’ll get better.” He says, unsure if that was the best way to comfort her.
“I know.” She agrees. “I just have to make it through until it does.”
The two continue to make small talk until the other members of the club pile in. “Mr. Kwon is just finishing up a teacher meeting and he’ll be here soon.” Sunoo said coming into the room, Yunah following close behind him. “They seemed pretty close to finishing soon so it shouldn’t be long.” She said.
Wonyoung smiled seeing the two of them. “Our broadcast club officially has two lovebirds now. How exciting.”
“Exciting? I think you mean gross.” Riki said.
“You’re just jealous.” Jaehyun said.
“Am not.” Riki retorted.
Sunoo and Yunah laugh at them before taking their seats at the meeting table. “It’s really not that big of a deal guys.” Yunah says.
“It totally is.” Kazuha said. “It’s the first time we have a couple in the club.”
Eunchae nods. “She’s right, it is a big deal that two of our members are dating don’t you think so Y/n?”
Y/n looked up at Eunchae, slightly confused and totally caught off guard. “Totally. A huge deal.”
“What about you Jungwon?” Eunchae asks. “What do you think?”
Jungwon clears his throat. “It’s totally cool, congratulations you two.”
Eunchae’s line of questions doesn’t let up though. “Don’t you guys think it would be nice if say I don’t know there were two couples in the club?”
Wonyoung laughed at Eunchae’s statement. “Yeah but there isn’t one.”
“I’m not too sure about that.” Eunchae shifted her attention back to Y/n. “Y/n where’s that cat plushie you had earlier?”
“Oh right you had one this morning.” Kazuha said. “A little orange one.”
“You mentioned we would see what it was for later.” A devilish smile made its way onto Eunchae’s face. “It’s later isn’t it? What was it for?”
Y/n felt her stomach plummet. “I- uhm it was for-”
“Wait, you said an orange cat plush?” Sunoo looked at Jungwon, eyes curious. “Jungwon, didn't you have a cat plushie? You had it when-”
“He came back from talking to Y/n” Yunah finished, letting out a shriek of excitement when she realized. “Are you two dating?”
Y/n blinked slowly, turning completely taken aback from the ambush. “Uh we-”
Jungwon, similarly surprised, laughed awkwardly. “What are you guys talking about?”
Eunchae shook her head. “No use in hiding it. I saw what you two were up to on Wednesday.”
Y/n looked at Jungwon helplessly, sending silent, ‘I’m so sorry’ statements through her gaze.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Yunah said, pouting.
“So we have two couples in the club now?” Gunwoo said curiously.
Jungwon sighed, glancing at Y/n tenderly before interlocking hands with her. “We didn’t want to say anything until after the exam. But because of Eunchae I guess that’s out the window.”
Moka lightly slapped Eunchae’s arm. “Why did you expose them like that?”
“I thought you were going to say something.” Eunchae said defensively. “Sorry for bombarding you.”
Jaehyun tsked as he nudged Jungwon. “I can’t believe you got a girlfriend, Jungwon.”
“I can’t either.” Jungwon said, looking down at their hands before letting go. “But we have a meeting to start.”
Everyone gathered around and pulled out their meeting material.
Yunah scooted closer to Y/n. “You have to tell me everything later.”
“Of course.” Y/n whispered, mentally wondering how the hell she got herself in such a situation.
After the meeting Jungwon and Y/n walked next to each other silently on their way home. Despite almost making it to the bus stop Y/n looked at him and pointed to a side street going into their town’s bustling city center. “Do you want to get some ice cream? ”
Jungwon nodded as he followed her to a small ice cream shop seated at the edge of the city center. As they entered they were greeted by the bright pink and white interior of the shop and the sweet smell of various ice creams.
“Welcome!” The cashier greeted, “How can I help you two today?”
“Can I get a scoop of cheesecake ice cream please? Waffle cone.” Y/n said.
“Perfect and for you sir?”
Jungwon took a quick peek at the menu before asking for a classic vanilla milkshake. After getting their orders Y/n excused herself to the restroom and Jungwon sat in the booth tucked into the corner of the ice cream shop. He stirred his spoon around in his ice cream and sighed.
“Do you not like it?” Y/n asked, sliding into the booth across from him. “This is my favorite ice cream place. If you don’t like it here I’m afraid you won’t like it anywhere else.”
Jungwon shook his head. The ice cream was fine, it was everything else that was the problem, but he was sure Y/n was aware of that, afterall they were both in this mess together. He watched as she joyfully indulged in her cheesecake ice cream, and he both was confused as well as admired her ability to completely ignore the elephant in the room.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m not talking about that whole ambush at the meeting.” She said plainly.
“A little.” Jungwon set his spoon down on a napkin.
Y/n let out a shaky sigh as she also set her spoon down. “I’m avoiding it because if I think about it too much I’ll spiral.”
It was only at this confession that Jungwon really had started to notice how her body language was. Her face tense and hands clenched, eyes welled with tears almost ready to burst out at any moment. “Y/n-”
“I thought it was over.” The tears had slowly started to flow from her eyes. “I had already accepted that they were going to be together. Why did this have to happen?”
Guilt slowly started to settle in for Jungwon, being somewhat responsible for this new development. “I’m sorry I went along with it.” In truth, Jungwon hadn’t completely worked out how any of this would benefit them, especially if it went south. But in the moment seeing how helpless Y/n looked while everyone questioned them, he wanted nothing but to stop it. “I should’ve just denied it and said we weren’t.”
“It’s not your fault.” Y/n wiped away the stray tears. “They had already made up their minds at that point. You’re just as much a victim to this whole thing as I am. If anything I’m sorry I dragged you into this mess.”
“We can tell them we broke up.” Jungwon said, stirring his straw in what was his milkshake but was more of a sad vanilla puddle now.
“Wouldn’t things be awkward if we did?” Y/n shifted a little in her seat. “It’s like you said with the rejected confession.”
Jungwon nodded. “So what do you want to do?”
“I don’t know.” Y/n shrugged. “And truthfully the more I think about this the more I can’t handle it. Jungwon, I'll trust you with this.”
Jungwon swallowed, nervous on how to resolve this situation, afterall it was his poor judgement that got them here in the first place. “What if we go along with it?”
“What do you mean?”
“What if we date? Not seriously of course but, we can just set a timeframe to break up that way there’s little awkwardness and we can go about our lives.”
Y/n pondered on his suggestion for a while, swirling her spoon in her bowl. “Are you sure you’d be okay with that?”
Jungwon nodded, pulling out a pen and paper. “I don’t mind. Plus with this you can avoid Sunoo and Yunah. We can even plan everything out.”
“Should we really be writing this down?” She glanced at the paper as Jungwon wrote ‘Dating Agreement’ at the top of the page. “It would be a little embarrassing if someone found out right?”
“Don’t worry I’ll rip it up and throw it away before we leave.” Jungwon smiled gently in reassurance. “But we should come up with a backstory on how we started dating and some ground rules about this.”
Nodding Y/n took the pen from Jungwon and jotted something down on the paper.
‘Rule #1: No one can find out about this ever’
“Agreed.” Taking the pen back Jungwon thought about some other rules. “So since this is a fake relationship I guess we’ll have to do some PDA right? What are you okay with?”
“What do you mean?”
Jungwon gulped nervously. “You know, like hand holding and stuff. I held your hand earlier but I don’t know if you’d be okay with that all the time.”
“I didn’t mind. I guess we can work all that out when it comes down to it right? But for right now hand holding is fine with me.”
Taking this as a sign Jungwon wrote down another rule
‘Rule #2: Let’s not do anything that makes each other uncomfortable’
“Should we go on dates?” Y/n asked. “ So it’s believable?”
“But your exams.” Jungwon said. “You shouldn’t really be doing this much for a fake relationship.”
Y/n’s brow raised in curiosity as to why Jungwon was talking about the CSAT like she was the only one taking it, but she decided that would be something she would inquire about later. “We can keep it as simple as us eating lunch together and if we do have dates outside of school they can be study sessions. That way it’s beneficial to us.”
Jungwon hummed, writing down the rule.
‘Rule #3: Lunch dates every other day, and study dates on weekends’
“Any particular place we should meet?”
“For lunch there is a spot in the school garden we can go to. It’s pretty secluded.” Jungwon said, recalling the time he had spent there while interviewing the garden club members. “And for our study dates we can meet at that library near the Italian restaurant.”
“That works.” Y/n said, making mental notes of everything. “Anything else?”
“When did we start dating?”
Y/n thought for a moment. “We can say we started on Wednesday after we were locked in the broadcast room. It makes for a believable enough timeframe and it lets us have a little legroom to learn more about each other and get through the awkwardness. But when should we stop?”
“I know exactly when we should stop.” A grin made its way onto Jungwon’s face as he scribbled onto the paper.
‘Rule #4: Let’s date until the end of the world.’
Y/n looked at him confused. “Until the end of the world? This is only temporary, we do not have to get married.”
“I know that.” Jungwon chuckled. “We can date until the end of our club activities. The senior elective ends on New Years.”
“Okay then why did you put until the end of the world? Why not put until New Year’s or the end of senior electives?”
“You haven’t heard have you?” Jungwon reached into his bag and pulled out a folded paper. “Read it.”
Y/n unfolded the paper and noticed it was a newspaper, The Korean Press, printed boldly in block letters. She looked through before her eyes settled on the headline. ‘2000?! Marks the end of the world?? Y2K Bug May Spark the Computer Apocalypse’ she scoffed. “No way you believe this?”
Jungwon grabbed the newspaper. “Never said I did. But it sounds cool, no?”
“Define cool.” She sighed. “My dad’s work computer suddenly crashing because of some silly millennium bug does not sound cool.”
“To each their own but…” Jungwon said. “Saying we date until the end of the world does sound cool.”
“Fine. You got me there.” She said, “Okay Yang Jungwon, starting from today on you are my boyfriend.”
“Until the end of the world?” Jungwon outstretched his pinkie to Y/n.
Y/n linked her pinkie with his. “Until the end of the world.”
After that Jungwon folded the paper up and tore it, throwing it away before he and Y/n parted ways. As he got home that night and started to work on his assignments he pulled the orange cat plush from his bag and set it on his desk. He gently patted it as he studied its features, suddenly recalling how Y/n said it looked like him. Picking the plush back up he showed it to his dog Maeumi who was lying peacefully on his bed.
“Maeumi, do you think this looks like me?” He placed the plush close to his face and leaned in closer to the dog.
Maeumi ears perked up at the sound of his name, and after looking at Jungwon he let out a cheerful bark.
Start! | Next
A/N: Thank you for the wait! I wanted to post this for New Year at first but then I wasn't happy with the ending and then I wanted to post it for Enhypen's comeback but ended up reworking it. Either way I'm grateful for the support on the teaser! Originally this wasn't going to be a series but after it hit more than 17k I thought it would be best to split it up into a few parts. The next part will be out very soon as well as a master list! I hope everyone enjoyed.
📻 Summary: The year is 1999 and Sim Y/n is entering the second semester of her senior year of Highschool. What usually would be a time full of stress and uncertainty might prove to be a little different once she develops feelings for the co-president of the school’s broadcast club.
Pairing: Jungwon x Fem! Reader, Unrequited!! Sunoo x reader and Heeseung x Reader
Word Count: 1.6k
Warnings: Fake dating, unrequited feelings, angst, cursing, mentions of death (Will be updated if more occur)
Taglist?: It’s Open! Please send an ASK to be added!
A/n: A month hiatus to bring you this! I’m really excited about this fic so I hope you all enjoy the teaser! 😊
Navigation// Masterlist
Y/n hummed as she turned the page of her book. She was carefully reading the contents of its pages when she heard a faint voice towards the end of the hall. “Dad?” The voice called, progressively getting closer to Y/n in her room. “Dad?” The owner of the voice let out a sigh walking up to Y/n defeated. “Mom, have you seen dad?”
Y/n looked up at her daughter and nodded. “He just left a few minutes ago, why do you ask?”
She groaned in frustration. “He was supposed to help me with my family tree project.”
Y/n placed her book down and stood up to comfort her. “I can help you, what do you need?”
“Our family picture books. Dad said he would get them for me before he left.”
“Oh, I know where those are.” Y/n moved past her and headed into the living room. She bent down to a cabinet and pulled out a large wooden box. “They should be in here.”
She sat on the floor and dusted off the box, opening it to reveal multiple photobooks. “Thanks, mom.”
Y/n hummed and sat next to her. “I haven’t seen these in years.”
“Really? I couldn’t tell.”
“Don’t get smart, Hyeri.”
Hyeri tried to hide her smile as she looked through the albums. “Oh, mom, is this you?” She pulled out a leather book with a large photo of Y/n centered in the middle.
Y/n looked at the album and smiled. “It’s my wedding book.” She wiped some of the dust off of the book and opened it up looking at some of the photos. “It was years ago but I still feel like it was yesterday..”
Hyeri leaned her head on her mom’s shoulder looking at the photos with her. When Y/n flipped to a page of Hyeri’s father, she turned to her. “Hey, mom?”
“Yes?”
“Was dad your first love?”
Y/n chuckled at Hyeri’s curiosity. “No, but your dad was my truest love. And that’s what’s most important.” She closed the wedding album and carefully placed it back in the box.
Hyeri shrugged and continued to dig through the box, “Oh what’s this?” She pulled out a hard-covered green book.
Y/n nearly gasped at the sight of it. “It’s my high school yearbook.”
“Really?” Hyeri excitedly flipped through the pages of the yearbook. “You and aunt Yunah were in the broadcast club?”
“Mhm. She was the morning announcer. “ Y/n smiled fondly at the memory. “And like usual I followed her everywhere.”
“Oh, there’s dad.” She pointed to the picture of her father in the group broadcast club photo. “I thought you two didn’t meet until college?”
“No, we didn’t start dating until college.” She smiled and flipped through the yearbook before settling on the signature pages.
Her daughter looked through all the signatures. “Wow, you were popular.”
Y/n raised her brow in suspicion. “Why do you sound shocked?”
Hyeri made a zipping motion over her mouth. “No reason.”
“Gosh, I wonder how all of them are doing. It seemed like we’d be best friends forever back then.” She brought the book closer to her and looked through all of her classmate’s messages.
‘Thanks for all the hard work this year. I was glad to be your friend Y/n. Stay safe and healthy - Sunoo
‘Have a great summer! I’ll miss being in class with you :((. Love U - Moka
Thanks for making this year so fun, I’ll miss working the sound board with you. Have a great summer Y/n. - Jaehyun
HAGS :P Taesan
I going to miss you so much Y/nnie! Have a great summer! -Minju
I’ll miss seeing you everyday Y/nnie! Thanks for being friends with me since freshman year. I love you so much so make sure you try to keep in touch!!! - Kazuha
Meeting on the playground when we were 5 was definitely the best thing to ever happen to me. These past few years with you have been the best and I can’t wait to spend more time with you in the future!!. I love you!!!! Let’s be best friends forever! - Yunah
Thanks for always helping me with our English homework. I’ll miss you…I guess.- Your Riki
Love U girl! I hope you stay healthy and happy! - Wonyoung
I’ll miss you so much Y/nnie. Have a great summer :(( -Eunchae
I’ll let you have my signature for free since you always cheered during my performances. Don’t forget about me when I’m on the big stage okay? - Gunwook
I can’t believe you’re leaving us Y/nnie. We’ll miss you so much. Have a great summer - Iroha & Wonhee'
She smiled, memories of her beloved high school years flooding back to her. She flipped to the last page of her yearbook to see more before noticing a message tucked in the corner. She felt her heart drop and she shakily brought her hands to trace over the words of the message.
‘I want to be with you until the end of the world. I’m not sure if you feel the same but if you do… I’ll be at our place.’
Winter of 1999 T-Minus 14 days before the end of the world
Y/n stared at the phone at her bedside. ‘He said that I should call around 7’. She glanced up at her clock to check the time. ‘It’s 6:59’ She let out a laugh of nervousness as she pulled the piece of paper containing Jungwon’s number from her pocket.
She picked up the phone and carefully inputted his number slightly hesitating before pressing the last digit. ‘Why am I so nervous? We see each other every day.’ Shaking off her nerves she raised the phone to her ear. The connecting dial tone rang out as she waited for the other line to pick up, after a few seconds she heard a woman’s voice speak. “Hello?”
Y/n swallowed before replying. “Hello uhm… is there a Yang Jungwon there?”
The women let out a hum. “One second please.” She lowered the phone carefully covering the microphone of the handset. “Jungwon!” she yelled. “Your girlfriend is on the phone.” Y/n’s body froze with embarrassment, faintly hearing the women’s words. Seeing Jungwon’s shocked expression, the woman uncovered the microphone. “He’s coming.”
“Yah Jaehee!” Jungwon ran from the kitchen into the family room, grabbing the phone from his sister.
His sister giggled. “Don’t leave her waiting~” She teased walking away from him.
Jungwon scoffed before bringing the phone up to his ear. “I’m sorry about that Y/n.”
“It’s fine Wonie.” She said, twirling the cord of the handset. “So… you told your family? About us I mean?”
“Sort of?” Jungwon replied. “They got suspicious about me coming home so late and the excuse that I was hanging out with Sunoo wasn’t working anymore once my sister saw him with his sister. I didn’t say all of the specifics though if that helps.”
“No no, it’s only fair you tell them, since mine know and all.”
“Oh good, I thought you’d be upset with me or something.” Jungwon chuckled.
“I could never.” Y/n laughed. “But since we told them… this won’t be a problem when we-”
“No.” Jungwon interrupted. “We’ll be fine.”
“Good. I don’t want anything to be more awkward when it happens, especially since it’s so close.” Y/n let out a sigh of relief, laying back on her bed. “So what did you want me to call you for?”
“Oh right. Just hang on a sec I’m going to move rooms.” Jungwon lowered the phone and called out to his sister. “Jaehee!”
Jaehee poked her head out from the kitchen. “What is it?”
“Can you hold the phone for me? I’m moving to the phone in my room.”
“That private of a conversation huh?” She playfully rubbed her shoulder with him.
Jungwon rolled his eyes as he handed her the phone. “Just hold it please.”
“I will, I will.”
Jungwon ran up to his room and quickly picked up the phone in his room. “You can hang it up in there now Jaehee!” He watched carefully as his sister hung the phone up before lifting the phone back to his ear. “Okay, Y/n I’m back.”
Y/n smiled, finally hearing Jungwon’s voice again. “Welcome back. So now will you tell me why you wanted me to call?”
“Yeah. Do you remember when we were at the record store earlier today?”
“Uhm yeah?” Y/n heard Jungwon shuffling in his room. “What about it?”
“You said you wanted to hear S.E.S’s new album right?” Jungwon plugged in his CD player and grabbed the CD case off of his desk, pulling off the plastic wrapping covering it.
Y/n raised her brow in confusion. “Mhm I did, but it was sold out, remember?”
Jungwon smirked as he pressed the play button, the soft tune of S.E.S’s ‘Love’ flowing out of its speakers. “Can you hear it? Do I need to fix the volume?”
“No, I can hear it just fine.”
He smiled. “Great, I can’t put it too loud or my grandma might be upset.” Jungwon laid on the floor next to the CD player, silently humming along to the song.
♫ Baby always brand new, your love. Nothing makes me happy more than anything else. Every day I felt the clear feeling of first love ♫
Y/n smiled hearing his voice humming along, finding herself focusing more on him than the actual song. “Wonie?”
“Yes?”
“How did you get the CD?”
“My uh-” Jungwon cleared his throat. “My sister bought it. She lined up the day it was released, she’s letting me borrow it just for this.”
’Just for this? He’s doing this just for me?’ Y/n felt her cheeks grow hot. “But why? I said I was just going to stay up for their music show performances until I could buy it”
“Even if our exams are over you shouldn’t stay up too late you know?” Jungwon laughed. “It’s not good to stay up this late when you don’t have to.”
“You’re so kind Jungwon, always worrying for me.” She teased. “Thank you.”
Jungwon smiled hearing the sincerity in her voice even with her teasing. “You’re welcome Y/n.”
Romance 101 | Supplemental reading #3 for Lesson 48: Dress shopping and bracelets
“Why are we at the mall again?” Sunghoon asked, looking at Y/n as they walked hand and hand through the bustling mall.
Y/n rolled her eyes. “We are getting those business cards printed and I need to get a formal outfit for the festival. We aren’t just going to be showing a film we are also networking.”
Sunghoon nodded, “Right networking.” With the festival about a week and half away Sunghoon and Y/n were doing everything to prepare for it and although Sunghoon was aware it would be quite a bit of work, he was completely shocked at just how much preparation he’d end up doing. “If you are getting an outfit does that mean I need to get one?”
“The suit you have in your closet is actually pretty good. We can just send it to the cleaners and get you a new tie. No need to get another one.”
Sunghoon furrowed his brow in confusion as he and Y/n walked into one of the shops in the mall. “Then why do you need a new outfit?”
“All my nicer clothes are at home.” Y/n started to look through the various outfits the store had displayed on the mannequins. “I’d ask my parents to bring one but they’re coming up on the day of the festival. It would be too much of a gamble.”
As Y/n continued to look and employee walked up to the two of them. “Hello, welcome to Orla’s boutique. How can I help you two today?”
“Hi, I'm looking for something a little more formal.” Y/n responded, “Something sleek and chic.”
The employee pointed to a section of the store. “If you’d follow me, we have a section that I think you’d find your perfect fit.”
Y/n turned towards Sunghoon and smiled, “You can go look around until I’m done.” She pulled out her phone, and gave it a little shake. “I’ll call you when I’m ready.”
“You don’t want my opinion?” There was a hint of disappointment in his tone.
“I do, I just wanted to wait to ask when I had a few options already.” She reassured him. “I’m going to go now.”
Sunghoon waved goodbye as he walked Y/n walk off with the employee. She let out a sigh as he walked out the store and started to look around the mall. Although he had been here once with Y/n for their movie date and occasionally treating his little sister Yeji he didn’t often find himself in the mall for anything else.
As he continued through the mall he came across a jewelry shop and nearly froze as he saw one of the bracelets on display. ‘It’s mom’s’ He made his way closer to the shop and took a closer look at the bracelet kept within a glass container.
“Do you like it?” a voice asked.
Sunghoon looked towards the source and was met with an older man dressed nice and his hair slicked back. “Yeah, my mom has one like this.” A slight smile made its way onto Sunghoon’s face as he recalled his mom showing off a new charm his father had gifted her when he was still in highschool.
During that time Sunghoon had always noticed his mother’s love for that bracelet but never knew the story behind it. “He gave it to me about a year into us dating.” Sunghoon's mom carefully admired the bracelet on her wrist. “He said I was the one when he gave it to me.” She let out a small laugh. “It was still too early for our parents to agree to our marriage so he gave me this as a placeholder. Your dad can be quite the romantic you know?”
“Then are you looking to get her a new charm?” The man moved to another display showcasing the various different add ons. “This heart tag is one of our best sellers. For an extra few you can even get it personalized.”
“Thank you but no.” Sunghoon shook his head, “I wasn’t interested in getting her a new charm.”
The man tsked, seemingly upset to have lost a potential customer before he shifted his attention to another display. “Since you have an interest in our products, how about you look around hm? Maybe you’ll change your mind.” Sunghoon, feeling bad, decided to humor the man, looking through the various products. “We have plenty of high quality bracelets, watches, rings and necklaces for all your needs.” He pointed out the different items with small explanations for each, however Sunghoon didn't feel particularly moved by anything, only hoping the man’s showcasing would end so he could have a reason to leave.
As the man defeatedly was showing Sunghoon the last display case Sunghoon, saw a piece that caught his eye. He pointed towards the piece settled in the corner of the display, almost like it was a hidden treasure. “What’s this one?”
“What a good eye you have, sir. That’s-” The man leaned over the display to get a better look at the piece, “Ah, it’s our interlocking circles bracelet.”
“Can I see it?”
“Of course.” He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and carefully unlocked the display to pull out the bracelet. “This piece is unisex and it comes in a variety of different materials, from sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold. The circles can even be mixed material, having a silver chain and a gold circle.”
Sunghoon admired the bracelet as he continued to look at it. Imagining it on Y/n’s arm a gift similar to the one his father gave his mother. ‘If I can’t follow dad’s footsteps in my career maybe I can in romance.’
“Can this be personalized?”
The man looked at the piece and shook his head. “This piece isn’t one that is usually one of our customizable pieces.”
Sunghoon sighed and started to hand back the piece, “If that’s the case then-”
“But I’m sure I can make something work for you sir.” The man laughed, pushing the piece back into Sunghoon’s hand. “How about you tell me what you want?”
“A camera.” Sunghoon handed the piece back to the man, refusing his attempt to place it back into his hand. “Can you do that?”
The man studied the piece intensely. “It will be difficult but I accept such a challenge. How about we measure your wrist so I know what size to make the chain sir.”
“It’s not for me.” Sunghoon waved his hand in protest. “It’s for my girlfriend.”
“Bring her over and we can measure her.” The man opened the case and placed the bracelet back into its original position. “I will give you a discount since you are a first time customer.”
“I want it to be a surprise.” A hint of nervousness came out in his voice. “How should I go about getting her wrist size?”
The man patted Sunghoon’s shoulder. “I admire you sir. Here I’ll give you the supplies.” He bent down under the kiosk and handed Sunghoon a piece of red string. “Use this to measure her wrist and bring it back to me. I can make accurate measurements after that.”
Sunghoon held onto the red string wondering how he was going to use this to get Y/n’s wrist size secretly. Every idea he had come up with since leaving the shop made it glaring obvious what he was intending to do. Sighing he stuffed the string in his pocket and pulled out his phone. Checking his notifications he noticed one new message from Jake, two emails from Doctor Min, three assignments graded but no calls from Y/n.
He continued to walk around the mall thinking about how to get her measurements when his phone finally started to ring. “Hm?”
“I’m ready.” Y/n said. “I found four really cute ones but I’m not sure which one is most appropriate.”
“I’m on my way.”
After returning to the boutique, Sunghoon made his way to the fitting rooms. He looked around and cautiously called for Y/n. “Y/n are you in here?”
Y/n opened the curtain of her stall just enough to stick her hand out. “Over here Hoon.”
Sunghoon walked over to the stall and smiled, sitting down on the seat across from her room. “Okay what did you pick?”
Y/n slide open the curtain fully, revealing a light pink gown draped across one shoulder with a reflective pearl underbust. “I like this one but I don’t know if this is a film festival and meeting my boyfriend's parents appropriate dress.”
Y/n felt her cheeks warm. “Thank you but your opinion?”
“That was my opinion.” Sunghoon continued to drink in her appearance, a part of him felt guilty for having nothing more to say other than tell her how beautiful she looked.
Y/n found it hard to be upset with him when he had such a good opinion, because in fact she did look beautiful in that dress, but it still didn’t change the fact that she wasn't sure if it was appropriate. “Do you think your parents would like me if they saw me in this?”
Sunghoon thought for a second. He would consider his parents a bit traditional but I didn’t think something like this would be too much. “They would be okay with it. But-” He looked the pearl underbust, “Is that practical?”
Y/n felt the bust and sighed. “Defineitly not. We’ll be sitting for hours and this is like a corset.”
“Okay so pink dress is a no go, what about the other three?”
“Give me a second to change.” Y/n pulled the curtain closed again and changed into her next outfit, this time now wearing a black off the shoulder gown, with puffy tulle bottom. “What do you think?”
“I can't just say you look beautiful again can I?”
Y/n waved her finger in retort. “Nope, you actually have to help me here Hoonie.”
Sunghoon looked at the dress and though he admired how pretty Y/n looked he couldn’t help but think it was a little plain. “It’s sort of-” He hesitated.
“Say it Hoon. I won’t be upset.”
Taking her word, Sunghoon continued. “It’s boring. Since it’s a formal event I'm sure everyone will be wearing black anyway. Maybe you should choose something that stands out a little more?”
Y/n looked at herself in the mirror and nodded. “Good thinking. Okay black dress is out. I’ll try this red one next.”
After a few minutes Y/n still hadn’t come out to show him. Sunghoon shifted around in his seat before gently calling to her. “Y/n? Is everything alright?”
“Hoon?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you zip me up please? The straps on this don’t feel secure.”
Sunghoon stood up and walked towards the curtain slipping his way in. Once he did he was greeted by Y/n’s bare back. He stared for a moment glancing towards the mirror in front of them catching a glimpse towards Y/n who was holding up the dress so it wouldn’t fall.
Y/n looked up towards the mirror and their glances met. Her lips turned upward into a smile, as Sunghoon turned red as if he had been caught in the middle of doing something wrong. “Are you going to zip me up?”
Sunghoon let out a pitchy “Yeah”, as he finally started to zip her up. Once he was done Y/n reached over to grab the neck scarf that went with it, wrapping it around her neck. “So what do you think?”
Sunghoon, so distracted by Y/n finally took the time to look at the dress, it was a mermaid cherry red beaded dress with chiffon fabric. The straps were made of the same shiny beads that were on the dress and the scarf perfectly cascaded down the back of the dress that gave its wearer a sort of poise. “I like this one.”
Y/n raised her brow as she turned around to look at Sunghoon. “Really you don’t think it’s a bit much?” She flattened out the dress and felt the various beads, “It feels a bit eccentric.”
Sunghoon looked over the dress and nodded, understanding her concern. “A little but, you look so beautiful does that even matter?”
Y/n looked away, moving her attention to the floor. “Of course it does.”
Seeing her flushed state Sunghoon let out a chuckle and brought his fingers to her chin and gently raised it up so they could look at each other again. “You get embarrassed easily.”
Y/n moved her chin out of his grip and groaned. “And you are annoying.” She took off the scarf, turned around and held the front of the dress again. “Unzip me please.”
Sunghoon obliged, unzipping her, revealing the same sight that flustered him earlier. He gulped, ‘Why does this feel more illegal than helping her zip it up?’
He quickly averted his eyes and Y/n laughed seeing him, “You should probably get out Hoon. I have to change.”
“Right!” He backed out of the changing room not even bothering to properly open the curtain and let out a deep breath once he made it out.
Rather than sitting, Sunghoon paced back and forth waiting for Y/n to try on her final dress. He stopped when he heard the sound of the curtain opening.
“I think I like this one the most.” Y/n gave a slight twirl admiring the sparkly midnight blue dress she now donned. It was a beaded halter-neck dress with a diamond trail embedded down the center of her chest. On the right side of the dress there was a slit, not to high but enough to allow for movement. “It’s between this one and the red one.”
“But you like this one.” Sunghoon said, reaching out to grab her hands. “Why not get it?”
“You like the other one.”
“You were going to get something because I liked it?” Sunghoon laughed.
“That’s not the only reason, I liked it too.” Y/n looked down at her dress and smiled. “I wasn’t even going to try this one on because I liked the other one but this one is so nice isn’t it?”
“It is.” He gave her hands a light squeeze. “So you should get it, you may like the other one but this is calling to you.”
Y/n turned around and looked at herself in the mirror, taking in her appearance. ‘I love it so much.’
Sunghoon smiled and hugged Y/n wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head on her shoulder. “How about I get a tie that matches?”
“You want to match?”
Sunghoon let out a ‘mhm’ as he let go. “Go get changed. I’ll go look at the ties.”
After paying for the dress and finding a suitable tie and cuff links that matched Sunghoon and Y/n made their way towards the print shop.
“I’ll go in and pick up our order.” Y/n pointed toward the shop before heading in.
He sighed as she left and he felt around in his pocket for the red string. ‘I need to find a way to get her size before we leave.’
Then like he had just been blessed by the heavens he noticed a small kiosk selling hand made bracelets. ‘That’s it!’
As Y/n walked out of the print shop she held up the bag holding their business cards. “They look so nice. Are you ready to go home?”
Sunghoon pointed to the bracelet shop, “Let’s look at this first.”
“Hello!” The owner, an older woman, greeted as the two approached. “How can I help you?”
Sunghoon outstretched his wrist. “Braclets?”
“All my bracelets are hand made and adjustable. I have a couple’s bracelet I think would suit you.” The owner took Sunghoon's hand and placed a red knitted bracelet on Sunghoon’s wrist. “May I see your hand young lady?” Y/n gave the owner her hand slightly confused as she placed the bracelet on her. “I call these fated bracelets, it’s red color symbolizes eternal love.”
“Perfect, we'll take it!” Sunghoon took out a few dollars from his wallet and handed it to the lady.
The women smiled at him. “Thank you for your patronage.”
Sunghoon internally celebrated as he looked at the bracelet on Y/n’s wrist. “What was all that for?” She asked.
“We just should get something to commemorate today.” Sunghoon chuckled. “And what’s a better memento than soulmate bracelets.”
Y/n lifted her wrist to look at the bracelet admiring its intricacies. “It is pretty.” Y/n moved her hand to grab Sunghoon, hearing a slight click when she did. Gasping, she brought her and Sunghoon’s hands up. “There’s a magnet in it.”
Sunghoon smiled at her amusement. “I’m going to head to the restroom then we can go okay?”
“Okay. I’ll be right here then.”
Sunghoon set their items down on the bench and needing a distraction to take the bracelet off Y/n without her noticing, kissed her. At first taken by surprise Y/n eased into the kiss, Sunghoon took her hand with the bracelet in one hand and brought his other to her face, deepening the kiss.
He carefully slipped off the bracelet and placed it in his pocket, finally breaking away from the kiss.
When Y/n opened her eyes as they parted she felt breathless, “Why did you do that?”
“I’ve been waiting all day for that.” He said, also slightly out of breath. “I’m going to go now.” Sunghoon walked towards the restrooms and took another turn to make his way back towards the jewelry shop. He pulled the bracelet out his pocket and handed it to the man. “Will this work? It fits her perfectly.”
The man looked at the bracelet, and nodded. “It’s perfect.” The man quickly measured the bracelet and wrote down all the necessary details. “I’ll have the bracelet ready in about a month.” He pointed to the card reader, a wide grin across his face. “Now will that be cash or card?”
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🎞️ Summary: Love is brewing on Hybe University's campus and Hong Y/n is just another one of the campus's seasonal love bug victims. Despite her attempts to avoid her feeling she develops a huge crush on the senior she’s working with for the school's film festival. But alas, Park Sunghoon has a girlfriend, it’s just a shame Y/n doesn’t realize that she’s his girlfriend.
Masterlist
🗯️A/n: this is officially the last chapter for this smau! thank you all again for your support with this story I can't thank you enough.
