A cousin's wedding. One mehendi cone. One accidental confession. What started as a simple henna design turned into stolen glances, teasing cousins, a name hidden in mehendi, and a confession neither of them thought would happen…
Yuuka: I loved writing this so damn much… should I write more desi fics?? Cuz personally I love them hehe :3
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It was only a few days before your cousin's wedding, and the entire house had transformed into pure chaos in the best possible way. The mehendi celebration was already in full swing. Fairy lights draped across the enormous white tent outside cast everything in a warm golden glow, while marigold garlands hung from every corner. The sound of laughter mixed with Bollywood music echoed through the air, children darted between chairs, aunties chatted excitedly over plates of snacks, and the unmistakable scent of fresh henna lingered everywhere.
You stood off to the side, absentmindedly twirling a cone of mehendi between your fingers as your gaze wandered across the crowd.
Everyone was occupied.
Some cousins were already halfway through intricate floral designs, others had claimed victims long before you even grabbed a cone. You let out an exaggerated sigh, your shoulders slumping dramatically.
"So unfair..."
Just as you were contemplating walking around and begging someone to spare a hand, a voice spoke from behind you.
"What's wrong?"
You jumped slightly, hand flying to your chest before turning around.
Standing there was one of your cousin's friends—Jungwon.
Jungwon wasn't exactly a stranger. He was one of yours and your cousins' friends from university, someone you'd bump into around campus often enough to exchange smiles, small conversations, or complain about assignments with. But your friend groups were different, and life had a way of keeping you in separate circles. You knew him, and he knew you, but neither of you had ever really gotten the chance to know each other—until now.
He wore a simple cream kurta, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal his wrists, and the soft smile on his face deepened into the cutest dimples the moment your eyes met.
You couldn't help but smile back.
"Oh..." You let out a small laugh, holding up the mehendi cone helplessly. "I'm trying to find someone I can practice on, but apparently everyone already has an artist." You dramatically pouted. "No one's available." Jungwon looked around for a second before his eyes returned to yours.
"You can use my hands."
You blinked.
"...Wait."
Your eyebrows lifted.
"Really?"
He nodded as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Yeah. I don't mind."
The grin that spread across your face was almost instant.
"Seriously?"
Another nod. Before he could even react, you had already grabbed his wrist.
"Come on!"
He let out a surprised laugh as you pulled him through the bustling crowd, weaving between relatives and decorations until you found a quieter corner of the tent. A large plush floor mattress covered in embroidered cushions sat tucked away beneath a canopy of fairy lights, just far enough from the noise that conversations became little more than background music.
"There," you declared triumphantly. You sat cross-legged on one side while Jungwon settled opposite you, stretching his legs comfortably before offering both hands without hesitation.
"Your canvas."
You giggled.
"So much trust." Shaking your head with a smile, you carefully took one of his hands into yours. The first thing you noticed was how warm it was.
The second...
How much bigger it was than yours. Not ridiculously so, but enough that your fingers looked almost tiny wrapped around his palm. Your thumb rested naturally against the side of his hand as you adjusted the angle, and for a split second, you simply stared.
"Huh."
"What?"
"Nothing."
A tiny smile tugged at your lips.
"You've got really nice hands."
The words slipped out before you could stop them. Heat instantly rushed to your cheeks.
"I—I mean..." You cleared your throat awkwardly. "They're... good for mehendi."
Smooth. Real smooth. Jungwon let out the quietest chuckle. His dimples appeared again.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
You laughed softly, shaking your head before uncapping the cone. Carefully, you pressed the tip against the center of his palm, letting the first delicate swirl of henna flow onto his skin. Slowly, intricate vines began curling across his hand, tiny flowers blooming between elegant lines while leaves branched off in neat little patterns.
Your brows furrowed in concentration.
Every few seconds you'd tilt his hand slightly, mumble to yourself about spacing, or pull back to admire your work before leaning in again. Completely focused. Jungwon, meanwhile, wasn't looking at the design at all.
His attention had wandered elsewhere.
The pale yellow sharara you wore shimmered softly whenever the fairy lights caught the embroidery stitched along the sleeves. Tiny mirrorwork reflected little flecks of gold around you, making it seem as though you practically glowed beneath the lights.
A few loose strands of hair had escaped your hairstyle, framing your face as you leaned closer. Every now and then you'd absentmindedly tuck one behind your ear before immediately returning to your work, completely oblivious to the way he was watching you.
There was something oddly peaceful about seeing you so focused. Your lashes lowered every time you concentrated, your lips pursing ever so slightly whenever you drew a particularly detailed curve.
Cute.
Really cute.
"Jungwon-ah..." a familiar voice cut through the quiet atmosphere between the two of you. "You're going to stare a hole into her at this rate."
Jungwon blinked, immediately tearing his eyes away from you as if he'd been caught committing a crime. You looked up from the intricate pattern you were drawing across his palm and let out a small laugh.
"Heeseung!" you smiled.
Heeseung plopped down beside Jungwon on the plush mattress, flashing you a grin. "Hi."
"Hi, Seung," you greeted before returning your attention to Jungwon's hand.
Heeseung glanced between the two of you before nudging Jungwon's shoulder. "You've been looking at her this whole time."
"I have not."
"You literally haven't looked at your own mehendi once."
"I was..."
"You were admiring her."
Jungwon coughed awkwardly, the tips of his ears turning pink as you tried your hardest not to laugh.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Mhm." Heeseung nodded dramatically. "Sure."
The teasing continued every now and then while you carefully finished the last few details. Time seemed to pass unnoticed until you finally leaned back with a satisfied smile, placing the mehendi cone beside you.
"There!" you announced proudly. "Done."
Jungwon turned both of his hands over carefully, admiring the intricate floral vines decorating his palms. "They're really pretty."
"They better be," you joked. "I've been drawing on you for almost an hour."
He chuckled softly.
Heeseung stretched before standing up. "Alright, I'm bored. I'm going to annoy Jake now."
"Poor Jake," you laughed.
"He'll survive."
With that, Heeseung disappeared back into the crowd, leaving the two of you alone once again.
You gently lifted Jungwon's wrists, inspecting the designs one last time before nodding approvingly. "Okay, now listen carefully."
He looked at you attentively.
"You are not allowed to touch anything." He smiled. "Okay." "I'm serious."
"I know."
"If you smudge this after I spent so long doing it, I'll actually cry."
"I promise I'll be careful." Satisfied, you stood up, dusting off your pale yellow sharara.
"You've been sitting here forever. I'll go grab you something to eat."
His eyebrows lifted. "Really?"
"Of course." You smiled. "What do you want? Laddu or gulab jamun?"
"Hmm..." He pretended to think for a moment. "Gulab jamun."
You nodded enthusiastically. "Excellent choice."
"I know."
"I'll be right back." As you disappeared into the crowd, Jungwon watched you until you were completely out of sight, a smile unconsciously settling on his face.
"You know..." someone suddenly spoke as they sat beside him. He turned to see Risha, the bride-to-be, already wearing the biggest knowing grin.
"...one day you're actually going to have to tell her." Jungwon groaned dramatically, throwing his head back. "Please don't start."
"Oh, I'm absolutely starting."
She folded her arms.
"You like her."
He stayed quiet for a second before sighing. He nodded.
"But..." he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "...I can't just randomly confess to her. We've only properly talked today." Risha raised an eyebrow.
"So?"
"So..." he smiled to himself, glancing towards where you were standing by the dessert table. "...I'd rather get to know her first. Then... maybe." Risha couldn't help but smile.
"That was surprisingly mature."
"I know."
"...Still boring though." Before Jungwon could respond, she noticed a tiny empty corner left on one of his palms. Her eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Oh..."
"What?"
"Nothing."
She quietly picked up the mehendi cone you had left behind.
"Risha..."
"Hm?"
"What are you doing?"
"I said nothing."
Without another word, she carefully wrote something in the small empty space before blowing on it gently.
"There."
"What did you write?" She simply placed the cone back down and stood up innocently.
"You'll find out." Before Jungwon could question her any further, she had already disappeared into the sea of guests.
He frowned.
"She's so weird..." A minute later you returned carrying a small bowl. "I'm back!" You carefully sat opposite him again. "Okay... say ahhh." Jungwon laughed. "Seriously?"
"Mhm."
He obediently opened his mouth, and you fed him a gulab jamun, trying not to let the syrup drip onto his fresh mehendi.
"There."
"Thank you."
"No problem."
The rest of the evening passed surprisingly quickly. You both ended up talking about everything from embarrassing childhood stories to favourite foods, movies, university, and the madness that came with Indian weddings. It felt easy—like you'd known each other for much longer than just one afternoon.
Eventually, the mehendi had dried enough. "I'll wash it off and come back," Jungwon said. "Okay! Hurry." A few minutes later, he walked back into the tent, carefully holding up both hands.
"So?" You gasped dramatically.
"Oh my God, it stained so well!"
Excitedly, you reached for his hands without thinking, bringing them closer to inspect every little detail. "The colour is perfect..." you murmured before your eyes suddenly stopped on something near the corner of his palm.
Your smile froze.
"...Wait." You leaned in even closer. "...Is that....my name?" Jungwon blinked before looking down for the first time. "Huh?" You pointed at the tiny script tucked neatly into the design.
"There."
"Oh..."
He frowned in confusion.
"Risha wrote that."
Your cheeks instantly warmed.
"...You know what that means... right?"
He slowly looked back up.
"No?"
You laughed nervously.
"In our culture... writing someone's name in mehendi usually symbolizes love... devotion..." You cleared your throat. "...It's often connected to marriage too."
Silence.
Jungwon stared at you. Then at his hand. Then back at you. His eyes widened so much it made you giggle.
"Oh."
Another pause.
"...Oh."
His ears turned bright red.
"I…I swear I didn't ask her to do that."
"I know."
"I genuinely had no idea."
"I know."
"I mean..." he began rambling, words tumbling over each other. "I'm not upset because... I mean... it's your name... and I don't exactly mind that it's your name... but I wasn't trying to…well…not like this…I mean maybe one day if everything went well and you actually liked me back then maybe—but not because Risha just randomly—"
He stopped, completely losing his train of thought.
"...I don't even know what I'm saying anymore."
You couldn't stop yourself from laughing. Your cheeks burned just as brightly as his. Jungwon covered half his face with the backs of his hands, letting out the most embarrassed groan.
"You just confessed to me," you said, and Jungwon simply stared back at you.
He had no idea what to do. Gosh... why did I just blurt all of that out? Before he could say anything else, he felt a pair of soft lips press against his cheek.
"I like you too," you whispered with a smile, gently pinching his cheeks.
Suddenly—
"Y/N BETA! COME HERE!"
Someone shouted from across the tent.
You laughed, giving Jungwon one last smile before turning around and hurrying towards the voice, leaving him standing there completely stunned, one hand slowly reaching up to touch the cheek you'd just kissed.
anyone who writes rape/ incest respectfully block tf out of me. Instead of “coping” yall are normalising these twisted fantasies, quite literally pushing other victims to think it’s normal to “cope” this way. It’s not.
You’re giving a platform to these things for twisted people to read and goon to.
I will have all the compassion and empathy in the world as a person in the middle of a rape trial but writing incest / rape and putting little bows and decorations as headers is where i draw the line.
synopsis: Jungwon finally talks to you about stuff
pairing: yang jungwon x reader
A/N: I can't believe I forgot I had tumblr, I'm sorry lovies <3. pt. 10 should be out soon.
As soon as Jungwon gets back to his place, no, actually, on the walk back, he's already thinking of how he's going to ask you out. It made sense. He knew what he wanted, despite his initial desire to focus wholly on his degree.
Your attention. Your time. Your love.
After doing some research on the internet, he decided that keeping things simple would be the best thing. Flowers? No, too soon. But he knows that he needs to put all his cards on the table.
For the next week or so, he muses over what to tell you. Some way to express the sticky sweet puddle of affections all meant for you. When he sees you on campus, trying to pretend you don't notice him, he fights the urge to walk up to you and ask for a chance.
But eventually, he decides on what he's going to tell you. Now, to arrange when he's going to meet you. He remembers that Jay gave Jungwon your number before the arcade, so he pulls it up.
Jungwon: "Hi, (Y/N), I hope you're doing well. How have you been?"
(Y/N): "I've been doing well, thanks. And you?"
Jungwon: "I've been doing well, thanks. Great. I want to talk. About what happened at the arcade."
Jungwon: "Can we meet up on Tuesday?"
(Y/N): "yeah. I have some time after that Tuesday lecture."
Jungwon breathes a sigh of relief.
Jungwon: "Ok, see you then."
He turns off his phone and puts it to the side. Lying on his bed, arm over his eyes. To think that he went from wanting nothing to do with this woman to wanting to date her. His past self would be baffled.
Tuesday arrives at a snails pace. Despite drowning himself in work, or other commitments, time passed so slowly he felt as though he could count the milliseconds leading up to the day.
When Tuesday finally arrives, he's now a puddle of nerves. Is his shirt right? There aren't any wrinkles, are there? His jeans fit properly.. and he has a belt... He sighs. It's time to man up.
The campus that morning is warmer now that spring is coming. The air is lighter, and teeming with the heavy pause of something new.
During the Tuesday lecture, he feels that same stare on the back of his head, and yet, it no longer bothers him. His mind strays from the professor droning about something that he'll need to reteach himself later.
When the lecture ends, he finally makes his way to that spot next to the lecture hall doors. Where he grabbed your hand for the first time. If he had to go back in time and tell his past self that he'd end up chasing after this girl, he knew his past self would look at him like he grew a second head.
But he pushed on. He sees you when you're about to exit the hall, and waves. You catch him, and wave back, cautious. You meet him by the doors.
"Hey, Jungwon." You say, taking in his features. Gosh, it's been too long since you last saw him.
"Hi, (Y/N). It's been a while. How are you?" He asks.
"Good thanks. And you?" You respond.
"I've been good. Just... thinking. Walk with me? I need to tell you something." His fingers twitch, like he wants to hold your hand, but can't quite get himself to do it.
You nod. "Sure. Lead the way."
Jungwon nods, and you both exit the lecture hall. You two walk for a bit. After getting to the quieter part of campus, he slows his pace, and turns to look at you. "I said earlier, that I was thinking." He says gently.
You nod. "Yeah. What have you been... thinking about?"
"The arcade. What almost happened." Jungwon replies. His skin is a bit rosy. "How we almost..." he trails off.
"How we almost kissed during laser tag." You finish for him.
"Yeah, that. And, well, you said that if I wanted you, I should ask you out properly. So I..." He clears his throat. "Would you like to go on a date with me? This Saturday? I can pick you up, and we can go to the mall. Eat at a restaurant of your choice. Would you be interested in that?"
You freeze. "A... a date? With me?" You start blushing. He nods.
"Yeah. You. Me. Saturday. 6pm." Jungwon says. "We can eat whatever you like. I... I'd actually like you to choose the restaurant, because I want to know about your tastes." He adds. "But if you want me to choose, I can do that too. No pressure."
You look into his eyes, only to find tentative adoration. His pupils were dilated. His blond hair catching the midday sun. His honey skin looked a bit rosier than normal.
"Yeah. I'd like that." You say softly. "I'd like that a lot." You smile.
Jungwon grins, his dimple popping. "Great! Uhhh... Saturday, 6pm, you, me, dinner... wow. Ok. This... thanks, (Y/N), I promise I won't let you regret it. Let me walk you to your car while we get the details fleshed out."
The walk to the car is spent chatting about where you are going, exchanging necessary information about each other for the date and other things. You mention your flower allergy, and he mentions liking chocolate coated strawberries. Chocolate coated anything, really. and so you go your separate ways... until saturday, at least.
Everything changed the day Amira was born.
The world outside was collapsing — bombs, dust, screams, and fear. Yet inside a small room, by the dim light of a single candle, a new life began.
While others were running for shelter, I was holding my newborn daughter, trembling, crying, trying to believe that something so pure could still exist in a place like Gaza.
I named her Amira, because I wanted her to feel like a child of life —not a child of war.
A year has passed since that night, but nothing has really changed
Our house is still rubble, our streets still carry the smell of smoke, and the sky still echoes with sounds that make Amira flinch in her sleep.
She has just turned one.
She’s learning to walk, holding my finger with her tiny hand, laughing at the smallest things — as if she doesn’t see the destruction around her.
She doesn’t know the word “loss.”
She never met her father, but when she smiles, I see him there.
Sometimes I watch her sleeping, and I wonder what kind of world she will grow up in — whether she will ever know what peace feels like, what home smells like.
And yet, when she opens her eyes in the morning and says “mama,” everything becomes bearable again.
I want to rebuild our home.
Not just for the walls — but for her future.
For Amira to have a small room, a safe place to dream, a life that belongs to her, not to war.
I’m not asking for much. Only for a chance to give her a beginning filled with warmth instead of fear
My name is Saja. I am a mother, a wife, and just one of many women in Gaza trying to hold on — to hope, to my family, and to a life that no
A Mother’s Message
To everyone reading this — thank you for listening to our story.
Your kindness means more than words.
Every share, every message, every donation — it all helps me rebuild not just a house, but a future for Amira.
From the heart of Gaza, from a mother learning to hope again —
we will live. And I will make sure my daughter grows up in a world that knows love more than war.
A Gentle Reminder About What Jungwon Has Been Going Through This Year (please reblog)
(For anyone who hasn’t been keeping up or didn’t know the full picture)
I think it’s important—especially now—to talk honestly about what Yang Jungwon has been dealing with behind the scenes. Not in a dramatic way. Not in a “cancel the company” way. Just facts, because a lot of people genuinely don’t know how heavy this year was for him. (press keep reading)
1. The Rumors From Last December Were Never Addressed
Last December, Jungwon was targeted with completely baseless rumors that spread everywhere.
Even though the claims were proven false, the company never took legal action.
No official protection.
No follow-up.
No reassurance.
He was left to deal with the damage alone.
2. He Admitted This Was the Year He Cried the Most
During multiple fan interactions, Jungwon shared that 2024–2025 has been the hardest year of his life and that he’s cried more this year than any other.
He said it quietly.
Honestly.
Almost like he hoped no one would make a big deal out of it.
But it is a big deal.
3. He Has Been Performing Injured
Throughout the tour, fans noticed:
• a wrist band on his right hand
• knee patches hidden under outfits
• visible swelling in some dance practice videos
And despite that…
he still performs at 100%.
No complaints.
No excuses.
No missed shows.
Just him pushing through everything with a smile.
4. Jungwon Sells Out Everything He Touches (With 0 Solo Deals)
This part genuinely hurts:
Jungwon is one of the strongest sellers in ENHYPEN:
• His photocards sell out first.
• His fansigns sell out instantly.
• His merch consistently ranks highest.
And yet—
he is the only member with zero solo brand deals this entire year.
Not because he lacks impact.
Not because he lacks popularity.
But because he is not given opportunities.
5. “Just the Leader” — A Narrative That’s Hurt Him
There’s been a slow shift in the fandom where people reduce him to:
“Just the leader.”
“The responsible one.”
“The organizer.”
“The guy who speaks during speeches.”
And completely ignore the fact that he is:
• one of the best dancers of 4th gen
• one of the most stable live vocalists
• a performer with natural center presence
• an idol who balances leadership + talent + emotional labor
This narrative has been incredibly unfair to him.
6. He Keeps Getting Pushed to the Back of Choreo
Despite being the strongest dancer, Jungwon:
• gets fewer center parts
• gets noticeably reduced lines each comeback
• is often placed in the back during formations
• rarely gets the camera angles he deserves
Fans see it.
He sees it.
And you can tell it eats at him, even when he doesn’t say anything.
⸻
Jungwon never complains.
He never calls anyone out.
He never asks for anything.
He cries in private, tapes his own injuries, and shows up every day trying to be strong.
The least we can do is stay aware.
Speak up respectfully.
Support him consistently.
And make sure his hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
This isn’t fanwar bait.
This isn’t “hate the company.”
This is just acknowledging what he’s endured, so people don’t forget.
He deserves softness.
He deserves protection.
He deserves support without being reduced to a role.
A/N: I forgot I wrote this on the same day I posted the previous chapter. Enjoy <3
The moment Jungwon turns to face you, you back off. You know for a fact that as long as you're out of range, he won't be able to zap you. So you step back. One step, two steps, three steps, four steps. And him?
He follows. Every step you take, he takes one too. He's got this determined look in his eyes, like he only sees you. His focus is wholly on you.
"Look what we have here." He says, approaching, despite your attempts to flee. "It's almost nostalgic." He murmurs.
Your back hits the wall, and your heart rate increases as Jungwon gets closer and closer.
Jungwon gets within range, and you feel your heart in your throat. You barely register when Jungwon lowers his tagging gun, getting more into your space.
You can feel his breath on your face. You feel his warmth against you through the gear. You can smell him. Your head gets dizzy as your eyes flicker over his features.
"You're too close" You whisper, trying to regain your logic. Your sanity.
"And?" He whispers, leaning in more.
"You're still too close." You pathetically whisper back.
"You're blushing." He murmurs, eyes drinking in your features. Almost reverent. Almost.
Your brain scrambles, looking for anything to get out of this situation. Anything. 'Think. Come on. Think. Tag. Jungwon. Hot. Jungwon. Hot. Jungwon. Jungwon. Honey. Jungwon. Error. God his lips are so close, I wanna kiss him so bad- TAG' You brain finally realizes why you're here.
Jungwon leans in, breathing soft, but heavy. His hand rests just next to your head, fingertips digging into the wall like he's trying to stop something.
"You look stunning tonight." He murmurs, lashes fluttering, eyes about to close. "I can barely look away from you." He leans in and you almost forget where you are. Your eyes start to flutter shut, and your fingers start to go lax on the trigger. The gun almost slips from your hand, and your brain remembers what you're supposed to be doing.
Your fingers tighten on your tagging gun, as you lean in. He's so close. Too close. You might explode if you're not careful.
"You don't have a right to say that. You rejected me three weeks ago." You counter softly, taking in his features and Honey skin. So sweet. In range.
"You didn't confess to me back then." He retorts, leaning in more. You could smell the faint hint of gum on his breath.
"But you still confronted me." You say, aiming your tagging gun at him. He doesn't even notice.
"I changed my mind." He whispers. "I thought I could stay away. Live a normal life... but ever since I spoke to you in that lecture hall... I can't get you out of my head."
"It's a bit late for that. How do you know if I haven't moved on?" You murmur. Your fingers tense on the trigger.
"Because you're here. With me. Cornered against this wall despite me giving you an opening to walk away whenever you want." He whispers, his hand moving from beside your head, to just grazing your side. Your breath hitches. He notices. He smirks. "You wouldn't make that sound if you were over me. Admit it, (Y/N)."
"I...."
ZAP. Your fingers press on the trigger before you can realize what you've done. Jungwon's gear light switches off, showing that he's out of the game.
"I just want to play tag." You murmur, brain retreating back into it's logical burrow. "Cornering me to talk about emotions when we're here to have fun... that's low." He looks baffled that he didn't get you to confess.
And with that you walk off.
The rest of the night is a blur. The laser tag game ends, and you spend the night with Jay and his crush, who have clearly hit it off, while Jungwon remains uncharacteristically quiet. It makes sense. You too have a lot to think about. Before you know it, the night ends, You get ready for bed, then go to sleep.
A/N: Heyyy it's been a long time... how you're doing well... I promise you this is building up to something nice. I have a few days off from uni, so I'll be able to post more chapters. Who knows? Maybe I'll be able to finish this, and work on my next idea? (Hint: it has to do with Ni-ki, lmk if you want me to drop a basic hint of what I have in mind for it?). Enjoy~
As soon as Jungwon leads you to Jay and his crush, you quickly pull your hand away, your palms clammy, heart racing, throat parched. A lingering, creeping feeling from the back of your skull finally reveals itself as suppressed feelings. 'Oh great.' You think, but Jungwon's voice snaps you out of your thoughts during your conversation.
"So, I was thinking, (Y/N) and I are going to the claw machines. I wanna get her something. You guys ok with that?" Jungwon's voice cuts through your small talk with Jay.
"Yeah, that's fine by me... but I saw that there's a laser tag match opening up in about 30 minutes, so let's meet back here in 20 minutes. That way, we can book ourselves in." Jay's crush answers. Jay nods in agreement, and you agree too. Laser tag? Super fun.
And so, you and Jungwon head to the claw machines. He turns his gaze to you. "...see anything you like?" He asks, careful. You scan the various claw machines, looking for something that would pique your interest. As you look, you see a cute plush in one of the machines that you could picture in your room. Your gaze lingers on it, before your brain wonders if it's too childish. You look on, at some other gizmos in the adjacent machines.
"No, not really", you murmur, looking back at Jungwon. He tilts his head, not really believing you, but decides to play along.
"Do you see anything you like? I can try and get it." You offer. "I might not look it, but I'm quite good at claw machines... with proper guidance." Jungwon smirks, trying not to laugh.
"No, but I appreciate the sentiment." Jungwon replies. You then take in your bearings in the arcade. People of various ages laughing and screaming with joy, or despair at losing all their tokens. You and Jungwon make small talk as you two walk around the arcade for 20 minutes, playing various games while making small talk. You find out that he has an older sister, and that he used to do Taekwondo. You divulge what degree you're doing, and how you used to commute to campus before getting a place nearby with a roommate. Surprisingly enough, it's the first time you feel like there's no lingering tension over your head, and you could forget about life for a bit.
Before you two know it, 20 minutes are up, and you go to the entrance of the laser tag arena, waiting for Jay and his 'date'.
About 2 minutes later, Jay and his date arrive, clearly looking like they're having a blast. Making little comments and everything. As you look at Jay, silently checking his expression, you see that he looks comfortable. It makes you relax, knowing the date is going so well.
"Right! So, 4 for laser tag, yes?" Jay asks, confirming with you two.
"Yep!" You respond, casting a brief glance at Jungwon, before looking back at Jay and his date. "I've been waiting for this for like, ever." Jay's crush laughs, nodding.
"Same! If I don't get my irritation for test week out of my system, I'm going to explode." She says, looking at Jay. Jay looks back at her, something fond in his eyes.
"Ok then. I'll go book us in." Jay says, walking to the counter, leaving the three of you there. You already have some things you want to ask Jay's crush, so you use this opportunity to do so.
"So... are you having a good night? Is Jay treating you right? If not, I'll beat him up for you-" You're interrupted by Jay's crush's laughter.
"No, no, he's been an absolute sweetheart. I'm so glad I asked him to come with me tonight." She says with a smile.
"Oh. That’s good. Of course, Jay is a sweetheart." You say, nodding, internally praising Jay for doing a good job at wooing his date. Jay then returns, with a cheeky grin.
"We're booked for the next round. You wanna work as one team, or is it every man for himself?" Jay asks.
"Hmmm... we could do teams. Of two." Jungwon starts. "Like, me and (Y/N), you and your-" You worry that Jungwon might let Jay's crush slip, so you cut him off.
"We could do guys vs. girls" you say, hoping it's well received. Jay's crush ponders, in thought.
"I'd actually like to do each person for themself." Jay's crush interjects. You nod, deciding that would be better. It would give you some space from Jungwon, to sort out whatever is going on in your head, and maybe you could blow off some steam.
"I like that idea. Are you guys ok with it?" You ask Jungwon and Jay, who nod, honestly just excited to play.
"Great. It's decided. Each man for himself." Says Jay, already leading us to get geared up for laser tag.
After getting all geared up, you're allowed into the arena, with various other strangers, mainly kids and their accompanying parents.
"May the best person win." Jay says, getting himself psyched up.
"I'm so ready for this." Jay's crush says, looking at her gear.
You check your gear, feeling the weight of it on you. You look to your left, sneaking a peek at Jungwon. He seemed to be deep in thought, and you reluctantly look away before he spots you staring. The speakerphone turns on.
"Alright Taggers! Are you ready to face off in a gruesome battle to the end? The match will start in 5! 4! 3! 2! 1...."
A moment. You decide to glance at Jungwon again, despite your better judgement, and see he's looking at you this time. You hurriedly look away, plotting out places to hide, to strategize while you get your head right.
"START!"
As soon as the voice announces the start, you scurry off into the dark corridors, leaving the ZZINGS and ZAPS of players using their guns far behind you. You duck and dive, weave and twist until you get to a quiet spot. There, you wait. For unsuspecting players who wander nearby, looking for refuge.
As time goes on, you manage to snag a few players, while ruminating over how your dynamic has changed so much with Jungwon. A month ago, you were certain he didn't know you existed. Now, he's here. In the same arcade as you. After rejecting you three weeks ago. It's like he wants to be in your space, but the idea of him catching feelings like this for you is too jarring for you to accept.
Eventually, you hear some players run past your hiding spot, sometimes alone, sometimes in teams. At some point, however, you hear someone walking softly, trying not to be heard. Your instincts pick up, and something in your gut tells you to switch hiding spots. You decide you might as well go out and play properly, after the person passes your hiding spot.
So, you wait. Step by step, the person walks past you, and you almost silently get out of your spot, readying your tagging gun. So, when you see him, Jungwon, the very man who's been making a cozy home in the nest of your thoughts for the past 20 minutes, you freeze for a second. Careful to not make a sound, you get within the range of the laser tags gun. Your surroundings blur as you focus wholly on the person in front of you, determined to get this shot for some reason. To snag him. Just as you aim to shoot, however, Jungwon turns around, clearly not worried, like he knew you were there, gun at the ready.
synopsis: The first part of your arcade double 'date' unfolds... wait, why is Jungwon actually being nice???
previous parts: pt1, pt2, pt3, pt4, pt5
pairing: yang jungwon x reader
WC: 1356 (a little long, but the end is worth it I promise)
A/N: I know, I know, it's been a while. Thank you for waiting <3. I was kicking my feet and giggling while writing the last part- I did say I was going to live vicariously through Y/N for this one. I hope you enjoy this as much as I loved writing it.
As Jay puts your number into Jungwon's phone, Jungwon can't help but feel like he's achieved something noteworthy. He doesn't need to look at you to know that you're watching him, wary, caught off guard. There's something addictive about the way that your brow furrows as you try to come up with possible answers regarding his sudden interest. He smirks. Sure, the two birds one stone comment was a little dicey, but he thinks it went straight over your head. The first bird: he can help Jay, who seems like a solid guy. The second bird? Getting to hang out with you. He figures your mind is trying to process the conversation, and you'll figure it out... hopefully.
The next Friday arrives painfully slowly, and finally, after a hellish test week, you get ready for what's to come. The arcade. It's a fun place. Nothing’s wrong with it, it's just that the planned company is a little.... unexpected. One of your best friends, his crush, and your crush. Well, not your crush, but the guy you used to like but still have latent feelings for? Gosh, human emotions are hard.
'What if I was a rock? I wouldn't have to worry about such baffling human politics then...' You muse as you put your smart yet casual outfit on. You double check yourself in the mirror, and then do your makeup. Since you're going out for the first time in a while, you decide to do your makeup a little nicer today (totally no other reason, it's not like anyone you like is going to be there).
You put some real effort into your eyeliner, ensuring it enhances the shape of your eyes, and you apply some light blush and highlighter to your cheeks. The final touch? Lips. You do your lipliner, making your lips look a little poutier, before adding your lipstick, and then some gloss to make it plumper. You decide to leave your hair loose, because it frames your face better. Technically, it is a double date, so it's not wrong to put effort into your appearance. You apply your perfume, grab your purse, noting the pale yellow skies, then get walking to the arcade.
When you get to the arcade, you spot Jay is already there, talking to Jungwon.
You almost forget how to breathe. Jungwon was wearing a black and white, loose fitting, long sleeved pullover, that had a V-neckline, black wide leg jeans with black sneakers. He had a flannel shirt tied around his waist.
'He looks.... scrumptious? Divine? Amazing? No, no, snap out of it! You're better than this, (Y/N). This is just a chance to get Jay with his date. That's all. Remember, you're Jay's wing woman, not Jungwon's girlfriend.'
You walk up to Jay and Jungwon.
"Hey guys." You say, internally celebrating how your voice didn't waver.
"Hey (Y/N)." Jay greets back. "You look good." Jay gives you a subtle smirk, and you try not to look (too) bashful when you smile. Jungwon nods, but keeps quiet.
"Thanks. Will your date be here soon?" You tease Jay, knowing that it'll make him flustered. He lets out a surprised scoff, before shrugging.
"She said she'll be here in about 10 minutes. Something about her roommate needing help to get rid of a spider in the living room of her dorm." Jay says. You nod in response, silently surprised someone has enough courage to deal with a spider. You'd start crying if you saw one in your dorm, and your roommate doesn’t have the guts to deal with it either.
It goes silent between the three of you, as you look around the area, wondering when Jay's crush will get here, but also surprised that Jungwon didn't say anything. You decide to brush it off, and it takes root in the back of your mind.
You don't catch a certain pair of cola eyes watching you, unable to help himself. You certainly don't notice how his gaze darts to your lips every so often, and there's no way that you could catch him looking at your loose hair.
When Jungwon saw you approach him and Jay, he was stunned. Literally. He couldn't talk to you because he was worried that he'd stutter. You looked so mesmerizing.
‘Was it the hair? Or maybe your eyes?’
Jungwon had half a mind to grab your hand and walk off, leaving Jay alone with his crush. You usually looked neat and presentable, even charmingly cute on campus, but outside of campus you looked...
‘Gorgeous. Maybe it was the more fitted clothes you wore?’
But as soon as Jungwon saw your lips, he knew his answer. He didn't realize that someone’s lips could look so inviting. He remembers how his older sister would get ready for dates, applying lipstick and gloss, and not really understanding how pigments and shimmers could enhance someone's features, but after seeing you, he could understand why.
Eventually, the fourth member of your party arrives, and politely, yet sweetly apologizes for being late. After some casual niceties, you go into the arcade.
The arcade is bustling, filled with other students who are eager to work off the stress from the week that just ended. Jay and his crush lead the way, heading to the token dispenser. You get some cash from your purse, heading to the dispenser next to theirs. You're just about to feed your cash into the machine, when a familiar, honey-toned hand gently moves your hand away from the machine. You look at the person stopping you.
Jungwon.
Strange, he hasn't spoken to you all evening. You raise an eyebrow. Jungwon looks at your features, studying you, before leaning in and calmly speaking into your ear. "Let me. Since I'm your 'date' tonight."
You can feel your ears getting warm, and you swallow thickly. You tilt your head, lip gloss almost smudging onto the lobe of his ear. "We're just pretending so that we can push Jay and his crush together... you don't have to go overboard." You say, trying to make sure he hears you over the bustle of the arcade. Jungwon chuckles.
"I want to. Really." He keeps your hand away from the machine with his own as he feeds his own cash into the machine. Your tokens are dispensed, and he quickly pockets them. "Come on." He takes your hand and leads (drags) you along to where Jay is waiting.
When Jungwon saw you about to put your own cash into the dispenser, he knew he needed to act. He was your date; he can't let you pay for stuff. His feet guide him to you, and before he can think this through, he's moving your hand away from the token dispenser.
He leans in, not caring about the noise of others, but wanting to be closer. When he catches a whiff of your perfume, he almost gasps. His lips part, ready to make the sound, but he stays calm. He must stay calm.
When you tilt your head to talk to him directly, he almost wants your lip gloss to smudge his skin, to feel your presence.
But all he does is get tokens for the games. It gnaws at him. This desire to pull you closer. He doesn't need to do anything else, he just wants to pull you closer, to feel your warmth near his skin, and to inhale your perfume.
He felt dizzy, senses befuddled by someone he didn't care for, someone who now became the focus of his mind.
So, he grabs your hand and leads you to Jay and his date, trying to calm down, to remember why he was here.
As he catches you chatting to Jay and his date, clearly trying to make Jay look super cool to the other girl, he wonders if your lips would fit perfectly against his. He shakes himself out of it, already planning on trying to win something for you at the claw machine.
‘What would you like?’ He wonders, his gaze already going back to the curve of your sweet smile.
I am working on it, and it should be released within the next week or so. Let me just say that I WILL be vicariously living through Y/N for this chapter - and there is a heart racing part planned.
synopsis: Jungwon accompanied your group to lunch, and suddenly, you have solid plans of meeting him next week????
previous parts: pt1, pt2, pt3, pt4
pairing: Yang Jungwon x reader
WC: 1615
A/N: It's been a while... I had to study for finals, all loose threads from here will be tied up either here or in future series, (source; trust me bro).
Enjoy!
When you saw Jungwon approach Heeseung, you were caught off guard. After all, why would you think shy, quiet Heeseung, the crush of your friend, would know the cocky, confident, charming Jungwon? The two together didn't click in your mind.
It certainly wasn't good for your heart either, knowing you'd probably see Jungwon more often if your friend manages to ask Heeseung out.
That's why you decide to just focus on the conversation you were already having with your friend Jay. Even though you and Jay had miserable love life's, you could joke and talk about it with each other.
As the sunlight filtered out from the clouds, you were relieved to put your umbrella down. Sure, rainy weather was the perfect time to romanticize studying, but after a while, it's always good to see the pale golden glow of the sun.
When you all arrived at the cafe, you were able to quickly grab a table and sit down. You sat next to Jay... and Jungwon sat next to you. Heeseung and your friend sat next to each other opposite you three. You steel yourself, preparing for war, a snarky remark, teasing, anything. But when you decide to glance at Jungwon, all you see is his calm, focused gaze on whoever is talking at the time.
It's the same gaze you've seen in class. The one he has when he's focused on what the professor was saying. It's like he's studying the people at the table, trying to understand what's going on in their minds. Wondering if what they're saying is aligning with his understanding of them. You don't know if you could keep yourself together if you became the singular focus of that gaze.
'This is stupid.' You think to yourself. 'He already rejected me. It's been 3 weeks... why do I still get so nervous around him? I thought focusing on what the others were saying would distract me, but now I find myself wondering what it would be like to be like to get his full attention...'
"...(/N)... (Y/n)." Your friends' voice snaps you out of your thoughts, and you tear your gaze away from Jungwon, looking briefly at the menu, then at your friend. She gives you a knowing look.
"Sorry?" You ask. You feel your face getting warm.
"What do you want to eat? I was thinking we could share a pizza, and then we could get sweet treats after at the pastry store near the Economics Sector." Your friend says. You can't find it in you to think of an alternative, mind reeling from how easy it was for you to fall back into thought about Jungwon. You nod absentmindedly.
"Yeah, that works for me.." You murmur, looking at Jay, who seems to be deciding what he wants to eat. You look around, trying to reposition your mind in reality, and not in fleeting fantasies about pretty boys who have honey skin.
You decide it's for the best to be more present in the conversations happening around you. You look at Jay, but he's still going through the menu. Heeseung and your friend are chatting about a common course you don't take. Your only other option is Jungwon.
'Should I just check if he's open to conversation?' You think to yourself as you hesitantly look to your left. Jungwon is looking at his phone. You look at him for a bit, debating if you should break the silence, but then he looks at you. His eyebrow quirks up.
"What?" He asks.
You feel your esophagus tremble. 'Is this nausea, or nerves?' You've never struggled with making small talk...
"I was just wondering..." You pause, trying to steel yourself. "How do you know Heeseung?" You blurted out the first thing that came to head. In hindsight, pro move. You get to learn about your friends' potential boyfriend, while you get to have Jungwon's gaze on you.
Jungwon looks mildly surprised you asked such a thing. "Well... he's a friend of my roommate, Riki."
Riki? Why did that name sound familiar to you...? You vaguely recall something one of your other friends mentioned to you, but push it to the back of your mind.
"Oh. So, a friend of a friend..." You murmur, looking into his eyes.
Jungwon nods. "Yep."
You nod. It goes quiet between the two of you. You look around the cafe. It's quite busy, so you wonder how long it'll be before your food comes out. There's some other students with laptops out, clearly talking about a project. The barista looks busy with drink orders.
As your gaze sweeps across the cafe, you finally look at Jay. He's looking at something on his phone, brow furrowed, lips pulled tight. You know that look.
"Is it that girl again?" You ask, giving Jay a knowing smile. Almost all of Jay's close friends knew about the girl he was hopelessly in love with. He's liked her since his first year. Jay gives you a sheepish smile.
"Is it obvious?" He asks, looking back at his phone quickly. You nod, about to answer when Jungwon cuts in.
"Girl? What girl?" Jungwon asks, leaning in to you slightly, to hear Jay's answer better through the bustle of the cafe. The proximity catches you off guard.
"Oh... just this girl that I like... she's a friend of mine.." Jay answers, a little shy. You can see Jungwon's interest is piqued. The shift from lazy ease to sharp focus in his gaze in unmistakable.
"Are you trying to confess to her?" Jungwon asks, and you wonder why he's suddenly so interested in Jay's love life, considering that he seemed almost reluctant to speak just now. And the fact he met Jay about 45 minutes ago. Jay shakes his head.
"I'm just wondering where I stand with her, you know? I don't want to confess, and then she rejects me and I lose what I have with her." Jay murmurs, replying to a text on his phone. Jungwon pauses, thoughtful.
"I see. Makes sense. She must be important to you." Jungwon then looks at you. You look back at him, confused as to why he's looking. Jungwon tilts his head slightly, silently questioning your silence. You look away, back at Jay.
"What is she texting about?" You ask, curious as to what Jay's crush has to say.
"She's asking if we can hang out at the arcade near campus. You, me, and her." This catches you off guard. You've met Jay's crush about 3 or 4 times. You look at the cup in front of you.
'Why would she want to meet me at an arcade? Let's think this through... I think she's into Jay. Maybe she doesn't want to look like she's asking him out... so inviting me might make it seem more neutral. She can't ask a guy because asking to hang out with two guys might seem a little weird, or might make Jay think she's a pick-me girl...' You sigh, in thought. You look back at Jay.
"Depends. Did she say what day?" You ask, Jay, wondering how you could be a good wing woman for one of your closest friends.
"She said next Friday."
"I can do that. But... ok, hear me out, yeah?" You tell Jay.
"I'm listening."
"I think she wants to hang out with you. But she doesn't want it to look like a date. So she's asking me. But... if I come with, we both know I'm going to third wheel. So... I have two options for you."
"And what are those two options?" Jay asks, not sure if he likes where this is going.
"Option 1: I say I'm coming with, but then I ditch at the last minute, leaving you and her to hang out. Voila! Perfect date setting. Option 2: I find a willing guy to come with me. I make it a... double date sort of thing. Then you're forced to talk to her, since I'll hang out with the other guy. But the second option is... not my thing. I don't have another guy to go with." You tell Jay, wondering what he'll think. He usually balanced you out when you were acting extra delusional.
Jay rubs his temple. "But she asked you to come specifically as well. It would be rude for you to just... not show. We can hang out, just the three of us, you know. I'll try my best to include you. You don't have to play wing woman all the time."
"But Jay, this is a chance for you to get closer to her!"
"Yes, but you don't have to try-"
"I could go with. As (Y/N)'s date."
The intervention of a familiar saccharine voice cuts through your focus on Jay, and you remember Jungwon is sitting right next to you. You look back at Jungwon.
"What?" He asks. "I like the arcade too. Two birds, one stone."
You look at him, skeptical. You thought you understood him, having observed him in your lecture more than you've written notes. You clearly recall him rejecting you. 'Why is he suddenly worming himself into this?' You ponder, but ironically, it seems Jay has seen an opportunity to be a good wingman.
"That actually works perfectly, Jungwon." Jay says, looking like the cat that got the canary. "Do you have (Y/N)'s number?" He asks Jungwon smoothly. Jungwon confirms he doesn't have your number, and Jay calmly sends it to Jungwon. You observe the interaction like a person observing alien life through a glass pane. You suddenly went from pining after Jungwon to him wanting to hang out with you and your friends.
synopsis: Jungwon has an unexpected interaction and realizes something.
Here are the other chapters (the ones that come before): pt1, pt2, pt3.
pairing: reader x yang jungwon
WC: 823
A/N: Can you tell I listened to 'Brought the Heat Back' by Enhypen when I wrote this? I tried to keep it a little shorter this time. Let me know if you'd like a part 5. I got inspired after watching that Face Reading of Enhypen (I think it's Korean Fortune Telling?) with Enhypen pre-debut. I'm thinking about making a taglist for this as well. Thank you everyone for the love and support! Happy reading. :)
It's been three weeks since Jungwon saw you. It doesn't bother him, or at least, that's what he tells himself, but every time he didn't see you, he felt a lingering cloud at the back of his mind.
He even sits a few rows back from the row he saw you sitting at, just to get a different view of the class in hopes that it would get him out of his slump. It just so happened to have a good view of the door, so on the off chance that you came late, he'd be able to see you perfectly.
But you'd never show.
If his friends had to ask him about his sullen mood, he'd simply say he's tired. After all, who would catch feelings for someone after they already turned them down?
'It doesn't help that this weather is absolute hell. Who would even want to come to campus with all this rain, or the harsh grey skies?' He muses, his focus slipping for the last 10 minutes of the lecture.
When the lecture ends, he packs his things quickly, and leaves.
The cold campus air smacks Jungwon's face, and he internally curses himself for not bringing his jersey as he takes out his umbrella. He heads to usual coffee spot on campus, desperate for a mocha.
His mind is halfway between what work he needs to do in preparation for his semester tests next week, and whether he should have ramen for supper (again), when he sees his friend, Heeseung come out from his own lecture, Heeseung's crush, some other guy and... her. She's laughing at something the guy said, face brightening, lips smiling. Heeseung spots him and waves, beckoning him over.
"Jungwon. How're you doing?" Heeseung grins, clearly happy he's getting to spend time with his crush. "This is that friend in my lecture I was talking about...." He gestures to the girl he likes, but that isn't what captures Jungwon's attention.
You're still chatting with Jay, the two of you in your own world. It stands out to him more than it should. Your relaxed posture. Your cheery smile. Even the way you're talking. 'She's so... calm around him.' He thinks to himself, quickly comparing your and his interaction to what he sees in front of him.
Jungwon quickly shakes it off, and greets the friend, introducing himself to her. She greets back politely, then turns to look at you, who's still chatting with Jay.
"Erm... earth to Jay and (Y/N)? Aren't you two going to be polite?"
Jay looks at Jungwon and politely introduces himself, and you look at him, apprehensive.
"We already know each other." You say casually.
Your friend looks surprised, and Heeseung remarks about how it's a "small world".
It takes everything in Jungwons mind to not blurt the question that's burning the neurons in his brain about why you haven't been going to those lectures, until Jay offhandedly remarks about how it's nicer to see you in his Wednesday lectures instead of trying to tire yourself out with those god-awful early 08:30 ones.
Like something slotting into place, he realized that he was, in fact, disappointed that he wasn't seeing you in lectures. He looked at Jay and you, who are already back to chatting. The rain finally settles into cloudy skies.
Heeseung looks at Jungwon, slightly confused about his more serious demeanor, but brushes it off. "Uhh... we're going to sit somewhere and eat lunch... you wanna join us?" Heeseungs calm, but excited voice snaps Jungwon out of his reverie, and he nods half-heartedly.
"Sure, hyung. I was going to get myself a coffee anyway."
The group makes its way to the cafeteria, with Heeseung and his crush sharing an umbrella, and you and Jay each having your own.
Jungwon looks at you and Jay, chatting away, and notices things he didn't see before. Why would he? He's always about achieving goals, and learning, and improving oneself. He didn't give himself the time for simple, silly things like this. But he couldn't stop himself from noticing certain things. The sway of your hair as you walk, your bright eyes as you're talking about something you're passionate about. It's almost like masterpiece coming to form, showcasing your attributes.
The sun makes its first welcomed appearance for the day, and everyone lowers their umbrellas.
"Finally." Says Heeseungs crush, and everyone chuckles.
Jungwon looks to you, and what he sees makes his heart flutter. Your skin looks honeyed by the soft morning sunlight. It's ironic, considering you were laughing at something Jay said like a madman, but seeing you in such a state of joy, Jungwon realized he can't fool himself into thinking that he's only noticing you purely because he caught you staring at him.
But it looks like you've already moved on, chatting to Jay like your confrontation with Jungwon didn't happen.
'Dammit. This was not in my plan.'
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pairing: reader x yang jungwon, yang jungwon x reader.
POV: Yang Jungwon confronts you after the strange encounter during the lecture. Can your brain help you get out of this one?
Here are the first two parts: Pt1 (Your Pov), pt2 (Jungwon's POV)
pairing: reader x yang jungwon
WC: 1159
A/N: I guess I got inspired after watching En-drama ep2 and now it's 2AM again, was listening to 'First Impressions' by Shigeru Nagata (from the Studio Ghibli movie Ocean Waves) while I was writing this, Jungwon is kind of emotionally not so smart, Reader is a female, y/n has some braincells at least [i hope], I really tried, 'shit' is the only cussword used.
Let me know if you want a pt4... I hope you enjoy! <3
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'WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S LOOKING AT ME!?'
You never thought that he would even cast a glance your way. Your predictions were wrong. WHY is he looking at you?! You hurriedly look away. You saw it. The smirk. That damn knowing smirk. 'Shit.' You knew you had to get out of here. Thankfully, there's only 3 minutes left in the lecture now, so you already start to pack your things.
By the time the professor dismisses you, you're already half-way out of your seat, ready to hightail it out of there.
You rush. Pushing past people, murmuring apologies. It's life or death. Your pulse is in your ears. Your hands are cold and clammy. The door is in sight. Within arm’s reach. You're going to make it.
At least, that's what you think, before a warm hand grabs your wrist and pulls you slightly away from the doorway.
'No. NO!'
(That metaphorical sound of glass cracking, is the last bits of your sanity breaking away.)
You hesitate, then look.
Honey skin. Sparkling Cola. That damn smirk.
You feel your face getting warm before you can try to control it. Not that it would work, but because you wanted to try.
"Hi." He leans in slightly. 'Gosh, his voice sounds prettier- no. Focus. You're not some girl who's going to be taken by some pretty, charming- no.' You internally shake your head, perishing the thought.
"Hello." You respond, unsure of how this is going to play out. He chuckles.
"Why pretend? I know it's you." He says teasingly.
"Me? What do you mean?" You tried to push certainty in your voice, cringing as it tremored.
"You know what I mean. You're the one who's been staring at me during these lectures. You know that's creepy, right?" Jungwon says, calm. Confident. But not unbothered.
"You don't know if it was me looking-"
"We both know it was you."
You scowl. "Just because you saw me looking at you once, doesn't mean that I'm someone who spends the entire lecture slot looking at you."
"But this isn't the first time. (Y/N), right? I saw you at the grocery store the other day. When I caught you staring at me. You know, if you want to, you're free to take a photo."
Somehow, that's worse. You can feel your heartbeat stutter in your chest.
"And why would I waste my phone storage on that!?" You snap, trying to pull yourself out of this wreck, but somehow digging yourself deeper into it.
Jungwon smirks as he leans in a little more. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about, you know." Something you can't quite recognize flashes in his eyes when he does so. He realizes he's too close for decency's sake and straightens. "I'm flattered. Really. But I'd have to turn you down." He keeps his tone lighthearted, hoping that would soften the blow.
You sigh. "Turn me down? I didn't even ask you out or do anything that would make you think that I would."
"Your staring gave me enough information."
You roll your eyes, feeling like your mind is both reeling and a lump forming in your throat. You yank your hand away, and your fingers fiddle with the strap of your bag. "Well, it's not like matters anyway, right? I need to go." You leave, not wanting Jungwon to see your disappointment.
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Truth be told, Jungwon himself doesn't know why he grabbed your wrist. He could tell you were trying to leave, to remain unseen in his eyes, but the idea of just letting you go without talking about it made something in his chest twist and squirm. Luckily, he's fast, and was able to catch up to you in no time. He recalls how your skin felt under his hand. Soft. A little cold, most likely during the AC, but it wasn't deterring him from holding on.
During that conversation, he didn't realize he was leaning in like that until he caught the familiar hint of vanilla that usually clings to your form. Soft, subtle. It's not like him to just... lean in like that. 'The doorway is quite crowded, and considering we're standing close by, I want to make sure she hears me...' He thinks to himself.
If it wasn't for you yanking your hand away, he would've probably forgotten to let go.
'Why was I so eager to talk to her anyway? That's not like me... Most likely just excitement from finding out someone is interested...' He quickly rationalizes, as he watches you leave. 'Besides, I already turned her down. Life will go back to normal, and that's exactly what I need right now.'
As soon as you got out of the lecture hall, you were already on your way back to your apartment. 'No ways. I'm never stepping a foot in that lecture hall again. Oh my gosh I want the earth to just open and swallow me at this point!' You wanted to hide under your blankets until the end of the semester. It was a broken record in your mind.
Honey skin. Sparking cola. That damn smirk.
You even recalled how he was looking at you before you were looking at him. 'It's not like there was a lot of time until the lecture ended anyway. It was like, what, 10 minutes? And he just had to be looking at me at that time. Wait. Was he already looking at me?' You pause, letting your mind go through the moment again, with purpose. 'He was. Wait a moment.' You pause, going over the entire interaction in your head, driving in your car to your apartment. ' Why was I even... floundering like that? I didn't even need to- dammit, I assumed. I assumed he knew, and because I assumed he knew, I panicked... no... it wasn't mean to play out like this!' He was looking at me first! He even knows my name! You clutch the steering wheel tighter.
"Why didn't I ask him why he was- no! I could've deflected. Asked him why he was staring at me!" You exclaim, realizing you could've avoided this entire shame show if your brain decided to be aware during the interaction.
'Since that's what happened, I have no reason to be embarrassed. If anything, it just means that he should be embarrassed instead, and I need to prove to him- no. I don't need to prove anything to him. I... my first focus is getting through this semester. Come on, (y/n), you don't have to worry about a single thing. Besides, who wants to show up to class on Tuesday at 08:30 in the morning? I could sleep in instead... maybe join my friends at their Wednesday 12:30 lecture... that's it. It's all coming together...' By the time you get back to your apartment, your earlier turmoil has been resolved.
That next Tuesday, for the first time in 2 months, you skip the 08:30 lecture.
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