A/N: WARNING this is not a stand alone fic at all. This is a bonus for my first fic NOONAHOLIC so it won’t make much sense without reading the other one!
This was lowkey rushed..
I feel like this is also a bridge for if I eventually make a pt 2 to noonaholic, because it kind of shows life after the predebut era, and how it is now if that makes sense!
Can we normalize not using tags if it’s not related to the topic at hand.. bc why am I finding cortis fics under the lngshot tag?? That is NOT Kim Ryul gang..
SYNOPSIS — Louis thought it'd be a good idea to sneak you in his dorms, but things didn't go as planned.
You haven’t been able to spend a lot of time with your boyfriend recently. With Louis debuting and lngshot being a pretty successful rookie group, their schedule has been jammed packed – leaving you to your lonesome. So how did he make it up to you? By insisting he sneaks you into his dorm. In any other case maybe it would’ve seemed normal. Sneaking into your boyfriend's house. Teenage activities. The only problem being that his members had no idea about you. You’ve met Woojin briefly at school and that was about it.
“Louis, I really don’t think this is a good idea.” You whispered as he fumbled around for his key. “Y/n it's okay.” He turned to you, a reassuring smile on his face. “All the members are dead asleep. Except maybe Ryul. But he won’t bother us.”
“What?” You whisper-yelled. Louis snickered quietly as he opened the door. “I’m just joking.” The dorm was dark. It seemed like the other members really were asleep. That was until one of the lights flickered on in one of the rooms. “Yo Louis!” A voice called. “Is that you?”
Your eyes widened. You turned to Louis, who was wearing the same expression. “You said they were sleeping!” You panicked. “Well I thought they were!” Louis gestured for you to go into his room. You quickly tiptoed, closing the door shut just in time. “Why didn’t you answer?” From the sound of the voice, you assumed it was Woojin. “Oh I didn’t hear you.” Louis replied, their voices low and sort of muffled.
They continued to chat for the next couple minutes. Woojin somewhat interrogated him about coming home so late. Stuff like that. “Oh, I wanted to borrow one of your hats.” Woojin said, his voice closer as he stepped towards Louis’ room. “No!” Louis yelled. “I mean.. Just show me later. I’m tired.”
“Bro, it takes me like two seconds to grab it.” Woojin argued. You held your breath as you watched the doorknob slowly turn. “Okay fine just tell me which one you want I’ll grab it for you.” “Okay whatever. Give me the blue seattle mariners.”
“Alright. I’m going in now. To my room.” Louis said, his voice a bit high. It was obviously a warning of some kind, but you couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Uhm, okay? I can see that. Hurry up Louis.” Woojin replied, annoyed in his voice. Louis opened the door enough to fit himself in, and closed it behind himself. “Holy shit.” He mouthed to you. You shook your head in disbelief. “Make him go away.” You gestured to the door. “I’m trying!” Louis replied.
“Dude, what's taking so long? I’m just going to come in.” Woojin said, from the other side of the door. Louis tried to hide you with his figure, but failed terribly. You stared at Woojin, Woojin stared at you. “Oh, this is good.” He broke out into a smile. “Woojin. Stop.” Louis groaned. “You snuck a girl in?” He laughed. “Uhm. Nice to meet you.” You stood awkwardly. “I know you right?” Woojin tilted his head, really looking at you.
“Thats right, we’ve met briefly.”
“Why are you guys so loud?” Another voice called. “Oh my god.” Louis buried his face in his hands. “Woojin. We need to hide her.” Louis quickly closed the door. “What's the big deal? Just introduce her.” Woojin shrugged. He was very careless about the situation you were all in. “No way! It’d be humiliating to meet them under these circumstances.” You immediately replied.
The door knob shook. “Why is the door locked?” A voice called. You weren’t familiar with whomever it was. Louis begged Woojin to shoo him away. “Okay, Okay. I got this.” Woojin sighed. “Louis, you owe me.”
“Ohyul hyung I’m changing!” Woojin called. “We’re about to go to sleep right now.” You held the nose of your bridge. Louis was completely frozen, which was funny considering how smug he was earlier. “Why are you changing in Louis’ room?” He asked, from behind the door. “Ah, I was trying on some of his clothing.” Woojin winked at Louis, as if he was some sort of mastermind. “Oh, okay. Well make sure you rest well.” Ohyul said, as he retreated from the door.
Louis finally exhaled. You patted his back. “Louis, you are not cut out for this. Who’s idea was this anyway?” Woojin jumped on his bed, relaxing. You pointed at the culprit. “Okay, well none of this would’ve happened if you were freaking sleeping like you were supposed to be.” Louis defended. “Well that's out of my control.” Woojin rolled his eyes, kicking his feet up.
Louis squinted. “Can you get out of my room now? So I can spend time with my girlfriend?” You snorted at their bickering. That's when you all heard the front door click, a loud voice boasting. “Are you guys awake!?” Jay Park yelled.
You and Louis shared a look of panic. “Dpn, We’re in here!” Woojin called, an evil smile on his face. Yeah, you were cooked.
Thank you for reading!
I wanted to do something short n sweet after my other fic lol.
You hate him, and he hates you. Ever since the beginning of your time at more vision as a trainee, Kwon Ohyul had been a complete pain in the ass. Your entire problem with him was he that he acted like he was the shit. You were only trying to get to know everyone when you approached Ohyul and introduced yourself. Ohyul’s face morphed into obvious irritation as you continued to speak. He scoffed when you reached out your hand for a handshake. He put his earbuds in and walked straight past you.
It was humiliating and rude. Ever since then, you had a bone to pick with the fucker. You even noticed how he acted like he was too good for Ryul at school. His first day, Ohyul ditched him — leaving him to fend for himself. Pitifully, you stayed with Ryul to show him the ropes as you were both in the video production department, and that was the beginning of atleast one good friendship.
So this might leave you wondering, what was his issue with you? He’d never forget the last day of Junior high. When his friend Woonhak convinced him to confess his feeling for his crush. I mean, fuck it right? Last day of school, nobody cares. Given the mentality, Ohyul found his confidence. So how was he (an immature teenage boy) supposed to feel when his crush flat out rejected him. “Oh no.. sorry Wooyul — wait your name is Wooyul right? I just don’t reciprocate. I hope you understand.” With that, you walked away towards your group of friends who stalked your conversation. “Who was that?” “I mean he’s not horrible looking.”
How was ohyul supposed to feel? That feeling of embarrassment and sadness slowly matured into resentment, especially when you came up to him two years later introducing yourself. I mean you already didn’t know his name before, but was he not memorable enough? The thought annoyed Ohyul so much.
So here you guys were, stepping on each others toes, bantering, disagreeing with how the moves were supposed to go. You guys were paired up for the dance at the end of the FaceTime mv and it was not going so well. “CUT” yelled the director. “Okay, what are you guys doing?” Jay park asked as he held his nose bridge, frustrated enough from the argument you guys put up when you were paired up together. “She stepped on my foot.”
“You’re the one who moved the wrong way!” You yelled back. Woojin giggled in the back as you guys were getting scolded by dpn. “I don’t get it though, why do they hate each other so much?” Louis asked his hyungs. “I have no idea. They’ve been at each other’s necks since I joined.”
“I’ve asked Ohyul before and he just brushed me off.” Ryul spoke. “Although, Y/n doesn’t like him because he’s been particularly rude to her since they met a couple years ago.” “Oh so it’s more of Ohyul’s problem then? I’m really curious now.” Louis pondered as he started at Ohyul, who was getting the brunt of dpns anger.
“And Ohyul! Stop glaring at her. You guys are supposed to be happy and Y/n.. try to look like you aren’t being held against your will.” Jay park shook his head. “It feels like I am.” Y/n mumbled. “What was that?” Jaypark looked at her pointedly. “She said “it feels like I am” dpn.” Ohyul ratted. “Ugh shut up!”
“Okay you know what. Everybody but Ohyul and Y/n take five!” Jay Park yelled. Everybody slowly dispersed, Ryul shot Y/n a pity look. “This cannot be happening.” Y/n looked up at the ceiling. “Oh, it’s happening. The two of you are not leaving this room until you figure whatever this-” Jay Park pointed between them rapidly. “…is. And if you guys still can’t work together after this.. there will be serious repercussions.” Jay Park warned.
It was silent up until Jay exited the room. “This is your fault.” Ohyul rolled his eyes as he sat down on the bench. “You know what Ohyul, if you weren’t such a dickhead we wouldn’t be here to begin with.” You shot back. “Well maybe I wouldn’t be a “dickhead” if you weren’t so hell bent on being the most annoying person I’ve ever met.”
“You know what, fuck you! What have I ever done to you Ohyul for you to treat me the way you do. You aren’t like this to anyone else — you actually treat them with respect so what the hell is your issue with me?” You yelled at him, frustrated now more than ever with Ohyul. He looked a little shocked as he just stared at you. “You seriously don’t remember?” He squinted at you. “Remember what?”
Ohyul scoffed. “Does “Wooyul” ring a bell?” You stared at him in confusion when it all came back. Wooyul. Middle school. “Holy shit. You’ve been a pain in my ass for three years just because I shot you down when we were 15?” You said, incredulous. “It’s not just that! you didn’t even know who I was. You just.. came up to me like I was a stranger. Like I didn’t spend a whole summer replaying that conversation in my head.” Ohyul argued back.
“Well I hate to break it to you but you were a stranger to me.” You scoffed. “It’s not like we were friends. What reason would I have to know you, or remember you? It’s not like I knew you took it that serious. We were in middle school for goodness sake. Grow up Ohyul.”
Once again, Ohyul felt angry all over again. Seeing you walk away while downsizing his feelings irritated him to no end, but that was apart of your charm right? Later that day, you guys successfully executed the FaceTime dance to everybody’s surprise. But you were both oddly quiet. No bantering, glaring, sly remarks. Just silence on both ends. “Wow what happened in that room?” Jasmine nudged you as you guys went to your van. “I don’t want to talk about it. It was dumb.” You muttered.
Jasmine and Jihye shared a look. “Woojin just texted me saying that Ohyul isn’t telling him anything either.” Isol notified the group of girls. You snapped your head back. “Guys!” You yelled at them. “Seriously just drop it. I don’t want anything to do with that guy.” You huffed. “Y/n realistically, that’s unrealistic. You guys are from the same company, you see each other almost everyday. You guys can’t be enemies forever.” Minami warned.
“Can and will.” You dismissed. “Honestly you guys give off enemies to lovers vibes. I mean didn’t you like him before?” Jihye giggled. “That was before I realized he was an asshole. I mean, the minute I finally decided to approach the guy he was a total dud.”
A week later, and the FaceTime video has dropped. Besides the overwhelming amount of hate you recieved from dancing with Ohyul, you also have been seeing a lot of positive feedback. They were even digging up your old photos which was extremely embarrassing. All over your fyp and timeline was people praising you and Ohyul’s chemistry to no end. And although it was a little frustrating, deep down you knew it gave you butterflies. Lately you’ve only seen Ohyul once or twice and he’s been blatantly staring which threw you in for a loop.
You were getting ready to go practice for the money shot dance performance. You were doomscrolling as you walked the halls of more vision. Making a sharp turn and not looking where you’re going, you bumped into someone and dropped your phone. And just your luck, you happened into bump into Woonhak, Ohyuls best friend from BND and of course accompanying him was the devil himself. “Are you okay?” Woonhak asked, worry all over his face. “Ah, yeah I’m okay, that was my fault I wasn’t looking where I was going..” you replied bashful. He picked up your phone for you which was pretty much shattered.
You expected a sly remark from Ohyul but he was quiet. “Oh no your phone!” Woonhak pouted. “I’ll take you to get it repaired, if you want of course.” “That’s really not necessary don’t worry! I’ll just do it myself once I get the time.” You scratched your neck. “I insist really. I feel really bad!” Woonhak smiled. You smiled back. You were almost going to say yes when your eyes flickered to the boy standing next to him who was staring into your soul. Your smile faded almost immediately. “I appreciate the offer but it won’t be necessary. Thank you though!” You bowed and went on your way.
“Oh man she really doesn’t like you.” Woonhak laughed. “Her face dropped when she looked at you!” Woonhak mimicked your facial expressions. “Whatever.” Ohyul scoffed. “Do you still like her?” Woonhak inquired. “What kind of question is that.. it was like 5 years ago. Let it go.” Ohyul shoved him playfully as they continued on.
Later that day you were alone in a practice room. Sweat dripping from your chin, and your tank top sticking to your skin. You were messing up so much during the practice for the money shot dance performance and you hated it. You usually excelled in dance, but all you could think of was Ohyul earlier and that whole odd interaction. So here you were, dancing until your legs fall off. You were determined to perfect it. You were taking a little water break when you heard 3 knocks on the door.
You assumed it was Minami or Ara as you went to open the door because they said they’d come back later to check up on you. So imagine your surprise when Ohyul stood at the door. Before you could react, he tossed you a phone which you catched, dumbfounded. “You… you bought me a new phone?” “No you idiot. It’s my other phone. I already reset it so.. you can use it until your phone gets fixed.” He said. You were still shocked by the random act of kindness by Ohyul of all people. You both stood there awkwardly until Ohyul began to leave. “Well that’s all i had to say so..”
Ohyul turned to leave when you grabbed his hand. “Wait!” You were both shocked by your actions, but you were the first to pull away. “I mean, thank you. I just didn’t expect that from you.”
Ohyul nodded in response. “Have.. you eaten yet?” You asked. “Not yet. I was gonna order takeout with the boys at home.” He replied. You cleared your throat. “Do you wanna go grab something? On me.” You made strong eye contact with him as you asked, to which he was avoiding your gaze. “Yeah. I’d like that.”
“Okay! You smiled. I’ll just grab my stuff. Ohyul was actually surprised he managed to pulls a genuine smile from you. You grabbed your bag and stuff and came back. “Uh wait. Where’s the rest of your clothes.” Ohyul asked. Slight rosiness painting his cheeks (if you squinted).
“Jasmine took my sweater after I spilled a drink on it. Minami and Ara were supposed to bring a jacket back for me before we left together.” You giggled. Ohyul took off his sweater, his biceps glistening in the warm light. You couldn’t lie, it was a nice sight. “Here wear this. Return it whenever.”
“Thank you Ohyul. You’re being strangely nice. Did you hit your head somewhere?” You teased. “Shut up before you ruin the moment.” Ohyul smiled, and you guys headed out together.
When Ohyul came back, he was awfully happy. “No! Ohyul is back. I was about to shower right now..” Louis groaned. “Go ahead and shower Louis, I’ll wait.” Ohyul smiled as he sat down on the table. All the boys turned to look at him, then each other, then him. “Are you okay Ohyul?” Woojin asked. “Something good must’ve happened.” Ryul snorted. “Something good did happen but it doesn’t concern you guys.”
“Ah no way! I wanted to know. And where’s your jacket?” Louis asked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ohyul smirked. “Ah come on!”
“Louis go take your shower before I do.”
On the other side, you were listening to summer eyes in bed. You were still wearing his sweater. It smelled so much of him. But then it suddenly dawned to you.. this was weird, really weird. I mean he randomly decided to show you one act of kindness, and you were already fawning over him. He was hot and cold. On top of that, the FaceTime dance performance at the music show was tomorrow. You groaned. When would he stop plaguing your mind?
Besides, you had to deal with a questionnaire from the girls once you came back from your rendezvous with Ohyul. Of course you’d never admit what you were doing and were you been. Your phone suddenly dinged, a message from an unknown number.
(xxx) xxxx - xxxx: let’s talk after the music show tomorrow.
(xxx) xxxx - xxxx: ah, this is Ohyul. If it wasn’t obvious enough..
you: sassy over text too. Okay, that’s fine.
Ohyul reacted 😂 to your message
you and the girls were getting styled for the stage, while the boys were getting ready to head on. You had stage jitters. Everybody knew how conservative Korean music culture is, and the type of reaction that would be received after this performance. You already saw the backlash from the music video which didn’t help your nerves at all. You glanced in the direction of the boys. And Ohyul was already staring at you. He grinned once you made eye contact. He made a “follow me gesture” and headed towards the janitorial area of the backstage.
“I’ll be back I just need to take a quick phone call!” You let the girls and staff know before you headed off. You were looked for Ohyul in the hall when he grabbed your arm gently, guiding you to him. “You’re nervous.” He said as he held both your hands and looked down into your eyes. “W-what?” You stuttered, heat rushing to your face. “Ryul mentioned it.” “Don’t look at the crowd, just look at me. Look at my face.” He said.
“Are you serious?” You nervously laughed but Ohyul didn’t find it funny one bit. “Dead.” He stared at you, blank face. “I gotta go, but you’ll do great. See you on the stage. He tucked a piece of hair behind your ear before rushing off, leaving you to deal with your feelings in a corner. “What was that.” You mumbled to yourself.
When the time for the stage came you listened to his advice. You only stared into his big eyes. It felt like it the world was only you and him as you danced with each other, completely disregarding the distasteful looks everyone was getting and the shameless screams. After the fact, everybody headed back to the company. The boys went into a separate room to do their livestream while you and the girls ate in another.
As soon as you got to the room Isol and Jihye were already searching up fancams of themselves. But their timeline was mostly you and Ohyul. “Holy shit Y/n, you and Ohyul are going viral for literally being in love.” Jasmine showed you a photo on Isol’s phone of Ohyul smiling brightly at you, and you doing the same, completely focused on one another. You almost smiled before you caught yourself. “Look at this video of them dancing!” Ara showed Minami. “Ah guys. Seriously?”
“Okay guys let’s stop teasing her.” Jasmine laughed. “Okay but one more thing. You guys look like you don’t hate each other and even I know your acting isn’t that good.” Jihye gave her that look. You made a gesture of zipping your mouth and throwing away the key in response. “Holy shit something definitely happened!” Isol yelled as her and Ara held each other while jumping. “We’ve been praying for days like this!” Ara cried. “Okay don’t get too ahead of yourself.” You smiled. “Let’s just say he hasn’t been as much of a dick as usual, and I’ve been hating him a bit less than usual.”
All the girls looked at each other. “You know what guys? Don’t stress. If Y/n doesn’t spill the beans Woojin will definitely get it out of Ohyul sooner or later.” Isol said, slyly. “No he wouldn’t actually because there isn’t anything to get out.” You shot back. “Now eat your food.”
As the girls moved onto the next topic you couldn’t help but search up yourself and Ohyul. Fan and ship accounts have already emerged and you couldn’t lie, it was feeding your delusions.
Ohyul: rooftop
You: Say please?
Ohyul: how about ‘now’
You: on my way brat
Ohyul: 💁♂️💁♂️
The cold air hit your skin immediately. Ohyul immediately turned to you, a smile forming on his face. “Hey.” He grinned as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Hi.” You greeted back, shyly. “So I wanted to talk to you about.. well everything.” Ohyul took in a deep breath. “After our conversation when Dpn forced us to talk, I had a lot of time to think. I mean, I’ve been holding on to resentment of something that could’ve been resolved a long time ago if I hadn’t been so caught up in my own feelings.”
Ohyul held your hands again. You swallowed deeply. “For the past three years, I haven’t been the nicest, and I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness right now. But I want to treat you the way you deserve, buy you the things that you want, Hold you the way you want to be held. Because in all honestly the only reason I’ve been so angry all this time is because I still like you.” Ohyul paused for a moment. “..no. Because I love you and I have for the longest. every single part of you.”
“Being able to be the reason you’re smiling, to see you actually happy because of me has opened my eyes a lot. And I want to be there for you.”
“Y/n, if you give me a chance, I’d love to call myself your boyfriend.” He swallowed, anticipating your answer. “Ohyul, yes of course.” You said, teary eyed. He embraced you, and you guys just stood there for a while, hugging. “You better make up for all the times you’ve made me cry, or feel upset.” You joked as you punched his shoulder. “I’ll make it up to you in no time, you won’t even be thinking of those times when I’m done with you.” He teased.
Before you could snap back with something ohyul pulled you in for a kiss. It was soft, and gentle. He held you by your waist, your hands clasped around his neck as the kissed. Suddenly, a loud noise came from behind you. You jumped instinctively as you turned around. There Louis was, on the floor because Woojin, leaned too much on him, causing him to collapse. Behind them was Ryul, Jihye, Ara, Isol. “Louis seriously?” Woojin yelled at him. “Bro, that was your fault!”
“Both of you idiots blew our cover!” Jihye yelled at them. “These guys… cannot be serious.” You massaged your temples. Ohyul laughed as he brought you closer to him, protectively holding you from the side. “It’s okay babe, they were going to find out anyway.”
If you read this far, thank you so much! Reblogs much appreciated ;3
More to come!
This one shot is pretty short but I just wanted to wrap it up without getting to deep into it, I had a lot of scenes that I ultimately scrapped because I didn’t want to get to lengthy.
For anyone who’s gotten a bit confused over the timeline: Ohyul, Y/n age 15 end of middle school and his confession —> two years later (17) they meet again as trainees where Y/n introduced herself and the start of their feud began —> three years later age (20) and they’ve been training together from 17-20
The money shot and FaceTime performance + mv is the only thing that’s a bit messy because they aren’t actually in that order.
PAIRING — right person, wrong time/frenemies to almost lovers
WARNING — 2 year age gap, emotionally constipated reader, slow burn, forced proximity, unresolved ending, coming of age, angst, wc: 11k+
SYNOPSIS — you had a type, and it wasn’t boys younger than you. Unfortunately, Kim Ryul didn’t care.
Your mother made you in charge of making sure Louis got to his afterschool activities and back. Which meant that occasionally you had to give his annoying friends a ride. You were eighteen years old which meant freshly licensed in Korea. You thought this year would be fun, driving around with your friends, going out every night. But no, it meant being stuck in a four door car — with four teenage boys.
“Noona can I take the aux?!” Woojin called out from the backseat. “No way. I’m not listening to Jay Park or nettspend for the 100th time this week.” You replied immediately. “Sis, put some respect on our dpn.” Louis said. “Yeah noona.” Ryul teased. “Ryul I told you to stop calling me noona! I’m not that much older than you.” You rolled your eyes.
“And didn’t I tell you stop sitting passenger? That’s for my little brother not you.” “He wanted to sit next to Woojin so I did him a favor.” Ryul smiled. “I’m sure you did..” “Also send me your address again. I think I took the wrong turn.”
“Wait why am I getting dropped off first?”
“Because I’m sick of you.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“I definitely do.”
“Can you guys stop flirting every second? I want to go home in peace for once.” Ohyul muttered from the back. “Ew who’s flirting?” You responded immediately, your face contorting with disgust. “I’d never flirt with a little boy.” “And I’d never flirt with an old lady.” Ryul shot back (he would).
“Louis. Don’t ask me to give your friends a ride again.” You gritted. “But I didn’t do anything!” Woojin whined. “You’re complicit.”
Later that week in school, you found yourself being chased around by Ryul. “Stop acting like a lost puppy and get off my back.” You said as you walked away from Ryul who continued to follow you. “Come on. Ohyul ditched me and I don’t know anyone here.” Ryul complained. “I don’t care. It’s lunch break and I certainly don’t want to be seen with you.”
“Are younger boys not your type?” “Definitely not.” You said immediately. “But if I’m younger why can’t I call you Noona?” Ryul asked. You stopped in your tracks immediately. “You’re not that much younger.” You glared at him. “Let’s go on a date then.”
You laughed in response. “You’re 16. I’m 18. It’s not happening.” “I’m turning 17 in a couple months. It’s basically a one year age gap.” Ryul combatted. “But you’re 16 right now.”
“I guess I’m calling you noona then.” Ryul shrugged. “You know, I’m starting to miss when you spoke 5 words a week.” You scowled in disbelief. “And I miss when you were actually nice.”
Before you could snap back, the bell for next period rang, meaning you spent your entire lunch with Ryul. “Thanks for keeping me company noona! see ya later.” And he immediately went off. “This cannot be real.”
Later that week during class, you found out that your department (the modeling one), was set to collab with the video production department for a two person project. By the end of the month, you had to present a portfolio or film representing the diversity of modeling and photography/videography for a grade.
It wasn’t the worst thing ever. Except it was. You hardly knew anyone in said department. Unfortunately for you, the only person you could think of was Ryul. Which irritated you, bad. The teacher informed you that you had two days to find a partner from said department.
Fast forward to lunch break, you were with your friends at a local cafe near the school. You had been distracted from whatever they were talking about. The only thing you could think of is — “who were you gonna partner up?”
“Y/n you seem distracted.” Minami said. “Yeah I’m just thinking about that project I have to do.” You sighed. “I have to find a partner soon.” “Well you better hurry. I already partnered up with someone.” Jasmine nudged you.
“I mean do you know any people in that department?” Minami asked. “A couple.. none I know well enough to partner up with.” You shrugged. “Isn’t that your brothers friend? I think he’s in that department. Maybe you can partner with him!” You and Jasmine turned to look. Ryul, Ohyul and a couple other people that just came in were ordering.
“Hey Ryul!” Jasmine called out. “No! Anyone but him.” You whined. His entire friend groups attention was on you and your friends now. Jasmine made a “come here” gesture at him, to which Ryul abided. “Do you have a partner for the project yet?” Jasmine asked.
“Nope.” “Okay great! Y/n needs a partner.” Minami smiled. Ryul glanced at you, but it seemed like you didn’t ask for this. Your face buried in your hands as you muttered “why why why” “I don’t mind.” Ryul grinned. You sat up, your eyes burning through him. You hated how fast he agreed. “I’d rather cold call for the next 24 hours then be partners with you.”
Ryul stared at you before quietly scoffing. “Be my guest. But aren’t I doing you a favor?” “You? Doing me a favor? Oh please.” You laughed. “Who were you going to partner up with then?” You interrogated. “I’ll find one.” “Well have fun!” You yelled as Ryul walked away. “His audacity is insane.” You said to your friends, who were looking at you crazy.
“What?” You said in confusion. “What do you mean what?” Minami sighed. “We just set you up… to have a partner.. and you totally blew it.” “You guys just don’t understand. That kid is insufferable.”
“Yeah, you’re cooked.” Jasmine shook her head as she shifted attention back to her food. “I’m gonna find a partner!”
Except, Jasmine was right. You’re cooked. It’s been an entire day and you have been calling anyone from the video production department you could think of and they were already partnered up. At this point you accepted your fate. You had to suck it up and ask Ryul to be partners. Assuming he didn’t find one already.
You went to Louis room. “Hey are you still going to the company today?” You asked your younger brother. “Yeah I am.” He said, paying no mind to you. His eyes were glued to his laptop. “What are you doing?”
“I’m working on a mixtape with the guys. What do you want anyway?” Louis took off his headphones. “I’m gonna drop you off.” “I thought you said I had to take the bus today?” Louis questioned. “Yeah well plans are canceled and I’m fucked. Anyway get ready.” You sighed, leaving a very confused Louis.
When you got to the company, you made Louis take you to the practice room. “I didn’t know you were coming in..” Louis mumbled. “It’s only for a quick minute. I need to ask Ryul something.”
Couldn’t you have just called him? Or texted?”
“I don’t have his number.”
Silence stretched across the the elevator. “Noona, is there something going on between you and Ryul?” Louis asked. Your head snapped at him. “What makes you say that?” You looked at him in disbelief. “I mean,” Louis rubbed his neck in discomfort. “Like.. I don’t know.. the vibe? Woojin thinks that you like him.” Louis said meekly, uncomfortable under your sharp gaze.
“Woojin is dumb. I mean if anything he likes me-” you paused. “You know what,” “I’m not getting into this. I don’t like that kid. Okay?”
“Got it.”
You guys walked into the practice room shortly after. “What are you doing here?” Woojin asked, giving you a side hug that you didn’t return. “You. Me. Not friends.” You glared. “What did I do?!” Woojin gasped, clearly shocked. “You know what you did.”
Woojin looked at Louis, who was awkwardly smiling at him.
Suddenly, an understanding crossed his face. “Louis. You’re an idiot seriously.” “You guys are both idiots. Where’s Ryul?”
Woojin grinned at you. You looked at him, exasperated. “Don’t start. I am not in the mood.” “Okay okay. He’s on the roof. He said he needed fresh air or something.”
“Thanks.” You replied. As you made your way to the door, Ohyul walked in. “Uh, what are you doing here?” He blinked at you. “I wanna know too.” You mumbled as you pushed past him.
After many staircases, you finally got to the rooftop, out of breath and tired. It was a good ‘back to reality’ moment, because you realized in that moment — you were so out of shape. You opened the door, the cool air hitting your face. Ryul was on his phone, sitting on the floor.
He looked up at you, his eyebrows slightly raised. “What are you doing here?” He said. “I decided to be generous. You, me, partners.” You smiled.
“You couldn’t find a partner.”
“Guilty as charged. I’m assuming you don’t have one either.” You crossed your arms, anticipating his answer. Ryul just stared at you, his face stoic as ever. “Fine. I couldn’t find one either.”
“Okay great! Come over tomorrow, we can get started.” You began to walk away.
“I didn’t say I wanted to partner up with you though.”
You stopped in your tracks. “Why not?” You said, confusion written all over your face. “You were pretty rude yesterday. Now you just wanna partner up because you couldn’t find anyone else?” Ryul scoffed. “Nah. No way.”
“Alright, sorry. Now can we please be partners?” You groaned. Ryul looked up, as if pretending to think. “Mmmnnn. Nah.”
You huffed. “Are you seriously going to make me beg right now? I already said sorry.” Ryul ignored you, scrolling on his phone. You gritted your teeth, your fists clenching as you swallowed your pride. “Fine. I’m sorry for being rude earlier. Will you please partner up with me now?”
Ryul grinned. “Yeah, but on one condition.” “Oh my god! what is it?”
“After this project, you owe me.”
“You know what? Fine. Whatever.” You rubbed your face tiredly. “I literally don’t care anymore.” the energy literally leaving your body because of this conversation. “Just come over tomorrow so we can discuss this stupid thing.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Currently, you and Ryul were in your kitchen arguing about the project while you made yourself a snack.
You decided you want to do a portfolio. You were photogenic. I mean you were in the modeling department for a reason. “I don’t want to do a portfolio.” Ryul stated. “I’m better at videotaking, not photography.”
“Okay and I’m better at taking photos than videos. What would even film about? It’s a dumb idea.” You argued. “Well we can do both then, because I’m better at editing videos.”
“Oh my goddd. Ryul. Let’s just take photos dude.”
Ryul’s face scrunched at the nickname. He stayed quiet for a bit before reluctantly agreeing. “Okay great. We should figure out a concept.” You said. “We can do coming of age. Something centered around youth.”
“I mean, yeah.” You shrugged. “We can take photos at the beach. Or go to a cafe.” “Sounds like you’re asking me on a date.” “Don’t push it.” “Sorry noona.” Ryul exaggerated. You rolled your eyes. Pretty much used to his behavior. You aren’t even bothered to correct him anymore.
“Did you bring your equipment?” You asked as you plopped some apple slices in your mouth. “Yeah I did.” Ryul showed you his camera equipment, stuffed in his duffle bag. “I need to check the settings real quick.” Ryul quickly snapped a photo of you which caught you off guard. Your eyes wide as the camera flashed. “What the hell!” You said, but it came out as gibberish.
“Chill. Like I said, I’m just checking the settings.” Ryul smiled as he looked down at the photo. Your mouth was stuffed, your cheek bulging on one side. Your hair was messy and out of place. You came behind him, hovering over his shoulder as you looked at the photo. “I look a mess.”
Ryul shrugged. “I think you look cute.” You flicked his forehead. “Ow.” Ryul rubbed his forehead in pain. “Ryul, seriously.” You gave him a stern look.
“Okay okay. Anyways, I wanted to make a Google Doc to track our progress and any ideas but I forgot my laptop.” Ryul mentioned. “That’s fine,” you said. “You can use the my pc.”
“I think this is the first time I’ve been in your room.” Ryul looked around, analyzing her wall decor and set up. “Who cares. Are you a pervert or something?”
“Maybe.”
You scoffed in amusement, opening up your own laptop, getting busy. “What are you doing?” Ryul asked.
“I’m applying to modeling agencies. It’s a long shot but I’m not in the modeling department for no reason.”
“I mean it’s not much of a long shot. Everyone knows you have potential.” Ryul casually complimented. “Thanks..” you had a smile on your face. Small. But it was a smile triggered by Ryul regardless.
After working for a while, you guys were beat. You had everything down. Location ideas, concept, the meaning of the portfolio and what it represented, and basically anything the project required — was now mapped. “I’m so damn tired.” You rubbed your eyes. “Me too.” Ryul agreed.
“Let’s go. I’m gonna drop you off.” “Do you wanna grab something?” Ryul asked. “Like what?” You questioned. “It’s already pretty late.”
“We can grab boba or something. I can take a couple photos. It’s good for the coming of age vibe.” Ryul added.
“I don’t know.. we can just do that tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow is Saturday. It’s not like we have school or anything.”
“.. fine. You’re paying.” Y/n picked up the keys off her desk, and Ryul happily followed her out. “Louis!” You knocked on his door. “What?” He called out. “Do you want boba?”
Louis opened his door, excitement plastered over his face. “Yeah! Can I come?” Louis asked. “No you can’t. We’re working on our project.” You shut him down immediately. Louis gave you that look. The one that made you fold everytime and give him whatever he wanted. “No way. I’ll take you with us another time.”
“There’s gonna be another time?” Ryul teased. “Uh yeah, while we’re working on our project.” You emphasized. “Anyway Louis just text me your order. It’s pretty late anyway. You’re not gonna have fun.”
Once you got your drinks, it was just mostly small talk while Ryul messed with his camera. You guys ended up taking a couple photos like he said. “You look horrible.” Ryul laughed as he looked at the photos. “Thanks. I try.”
Ryul showed you the photos. Your eyebags were dark, and you were just blankly staring at the camera. “Delete those.” You tried to reach for the camera but Ryul snatched it back. “Oh no way. These are gold.”
“Seriously. You’re so annoying.” You complained as you laid your head on the table. “Sorry noona.” Ryul laughed. “But I’m definitely keeping these.”
“Suit yourself.” You yawned. “I’m so tired..” “let’s go home then.” And you guys did go home. An hour later. Ryul ended up talking your ear off while you laid there like a zombie — until the night eventually started to catch up to him too.
It was a hot day. An extremely hot day. Louis was laying on your bedroom floor because you were hogging the fan. Just like any typical cliche, your AC was busted. Which unfortunately meant sweltering in the confinements of your house with your teenage brother for company.
“It’s soo hot.” Louis complained as he flapped his shirt, trying to get some sort of breeze. “Take a cold shower.” You suggested. “I’m gonna get hot again when I come out.”
You thought for a moment. Being cooped up in this house was getting to be too much. Even for you. “Should we go to the beach then?” “Yes!” Louis exclaimed. “Okay sure. I’m inviting my friends though.” You warned. “Then can we pick up my friends?” You didn’t answer immediately. Did you really want sweaty teenage boys in your car? Did you really want to deal with sand and wet seats after? Not really.
But Louis clocked you weighing your pros and cons. “Y/n please! You don’t have to think about it so hard you know.” Louis reasoned. “Fine. You have ten minutes to figure out who’s coming.” You texted your group chat, and surprise. Everybody was down. It seemed you all had the same idea.
“Jasmine and the others are meeting me there. You?”
“The guys agreed to come.”
“Great. Get ready. Also find me moms parasol. I need some shade.” You paused for a moment. “And tell your friends to bring a shirt. We’re probably gonna eat out after.”
You and Louis packed up everything you needed and then you started to make your way towards his friends. Ohyul was the first to be picked up since he lived the closest. Stoic and rude as ever as he sat in the backseat. You guys then picked up Woojin, who was too excited. “You guys do not know how bad I needed to get out the house.” Woojin sighed.
“I feel you bro.” Louis dapped him up. Shortly after, you guys pulled up to Ryul’s house. You were waiting outside for a bit before he finally came out. With a big duffle.
He squeezed into the backseat, setting his duffle between his and Ohyul’s legs. “You know we’re going to the beach right?” Woojin poked fun at the older boy. “It’s my camera equipment. Might as well work on my project while we’re there.”
“Seriously? You turned a fun beach day.. into a work day.. okay Ryul.” You sighed. “It’s a great use of my time actually. I can snap photos of everyone, or maybe even film. Just to add on.” “Tryhard.” Ohyul muttered. “I heard that.”
You ignored the 4 boys as they bickered and focused on getting to the beach.
Once you got there you met up with your friends. Jasmine, Jihye, Isol, Ara, and Minami. “Hey guys!” You smiled. “I am so happy to see you guys after being stuck in a car with Louis and his friends for like an hour.” You began laying down your mat and parasol.
“Yikes. I couldn’t imagine doing that all the time. If my brother asked it’d be a no.” Jihye said. “But she’s a good sister!” Isol defended. “I wish I could say no to Louis more often. He just makes it so hard.” You rolled your eyes.
“I mean.. then again. My brother definitely isn’t as adorable as Louis.” Jihye joked. “That’s true. Your brother is an actual gremlin. Louis is an angel in comparison.” Minami added. “Louis is lowkey an angel in comparison to all our siblings.” Ara added. “Your lucky Y/n.” Jasmine shook her head.
“Yeah super lucky. I’ll cherish it while it lasts.” You laughed. “Hey ladies!” Woojin grinned as he approached you guys with Ryul. “What do you want Woojin?” Jihye deadpanned. “Do you guys wanna play volleyball?” Woojin had a ball in his hands. Ryul on the other hand, was just snapping photos of you. A lazy grin displayed across his face.
You flipped the camera off. “Hey Ryul what’s up with that big ass camera?” Isol asked. “It’s for our project. The grind never stops.” “Are you guys seriously just going to ignore me!?” Woojin complained. “Yeah we seriously are.” Minami replied.
“You know what. I’m actually down. I didn’t come down here for no reason.” You shrugged. You stood up, patting the sand off of yourself. “Okay let’s go! Louis already set up the net.” Woojin yelled as he ran off. “Do you guys want to join?” You asked your friends. None of them wanted to. “Suit yourselves.”
Ryul trailed after you. “So, you gonna be doing this the whole day?” You glanced at him.
“Pretty much yeah.”
“Atleast have a little fun.”
“I am having fun, noona.”
“I’m not your noona.”
After a couple of volley games, you called quits. You and Ohyul were absolutely destroying Louis and Woojin. It wasn’t even fun anymore. Ryul was on the sidelines. Watching for the most part.
The girls even went swimming. You were enjoying yourself. But Ryul, he was just watching you from afar. He watched as you laughed with your friends, got into a water fight with Woojin. He watched as you dragged Louis into the water, he watched you fall. Which actually sounds creepy in hindsight but Ryul wasn’t just watching you. He looked at you with admiration and longing.
Unbeknownst to you of course. The sun was slowly starting to set. Everybody was just sitting around now, enjoying the view. But Ryul, was enjoying a different one. His eyes were glued to his camera as he flipped through the photos. “Yo Ryul, let me see the photos you took.” Ara took the camera from him.
Soon everybody wanted to see the photos. They all huddled around Ara, staring at the camera. Ryul included. “Ooh! I look good in that photo! Send that one to me Ryul.”
Everybody was enjoying Ryuls photography skills while you scrolled on your phone. Skimming through the latest TikTok and what not. “Why are half of these photos photos just Y/n?” Minami pointed out. “We all know why.” Woojin nudged Louis as if they had some type of inside joke. “Woojin,” you called. “Shut up for once.”
“I mean atleast she looks good!” Isol commented. “Let me see.” Ryul took his camera back, analyzing the photo in question. You glanced at him. Everyone was teasing him at this point. But he didn’t care. He continued to look at the photos he took of you. Even while you were right there.
Your eyes flickered away. “Whatever.” You mumbled.
Before the night ended, you guys decided to still go out. And of course Ryul was still sticking to that stupid camera. He thought he was sneaky snapping photos of you eating from across the table. “Quit it.” You glared.
“Sorry noona.” He smiled, putting the camera away. You genuinely wanted to bang your head against the table. “Do you guys have a thing or something?” Jihye asked. Louis choked on his pasta. You stopped chewing. And of course Ryul was smug. “Don’t ever ask me that again.”
“Jihye, incase you haven’t noticed — Y/n is very sensitive about this topic. If you’re not careful she may blow up.” Woojin told the orange haired girl. “Okay guys stop teasing Y/n.” Jasmine laughed. “It’s hardly teasing if it’s true.” Ohyul replied. “Ohyul. Die. Seriously. Die.” You repeated. “I think you’re slow in the head or something. You should get that checked out.”
Before you knew it, you and Ohyul were arguing. Ryul was laughing, finding the whole thing amusing. Louis looked like he wanted to bury himself under a rock, and Woojin was oddly excited.
Needless to say it was an eventful night. A very tiring, eventful night.
You were in your classroom. Everybody has already left for home, but you decided to stay back for a bit to get some things done. The warm sun spilled through the windows. Illuminating every feature of yours as you silently stared at your laptop. While you were applying to modeling agencies, you stumbled across one abroad. It was located in France — Paris specifically.
It was a three year contract if you were accepted. Not thinking much of it, you applied to it like any other. As you were working someone knocked on the door. Ryul stood there at the doorframe. You raised a brow. “Your friend told me where you were.” Ryul said, answering your question before you could ask.
“Weren’t we supposed to work today?” He sat on the desk across, facing you. “Ah. I totally forgot about that.” You rubbed your head. “We can just work now.”
“Wouldn’t communication be so much easier if you actually had my phone number?” Ryul tossed you his phone, the number pad open.
“I mean I guess.” You replied, putting your number in. “That was actually.. easier than I thought. I assumed you’d tell me to die or something.”
“I’m thinking about it.” You looked up. Ryul laughed. “Let’s take some photos then.” “The setting is actually perfect. Classroom basically screams youth, you know?” Ryul held his camera up to your face, watching you through the lens. “Yeah it is actually.”
Silenced stretched across the room. But it was a comfortable one. There weren’t much words needed as he snapped photos of you carefully.
“Try leaning against your hand, and look out the window.” He directed. You quietly followed his lead. Ryul paused. His focus on you. You glanced at him, only to be met with his undivided attention. You suddenly felt small under his gaze. “Stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re analyzing me.” You huffed. Ryul started to laugh. His gummy smile taking over his face as his eyes crinkled. And suddenly, you were the one analyzing him.
“Okay, okay. Let’s go outside, and take a couple more photos.” Ryul stood, snapping you from your trance. “Yeah, whatever.” You muttered, eyes flickering to the floor.
The two of you walked alongside each other in the Hanlim courtyard. There was still a couple students scattered everywhere. “The sun is so bright.” You squinted at the camera, your hand over your face in attempt to shade your eyes. “Wait hold that.” Ryul fumbled in his bag for his camera. “Doesn’t this look kinda stupid?” You sighed.
“Huh? No it’s fine. You look good.” Ryul quickly took a photo of you. “Thanks I guess.” “You’re welcome, I guess.” Ryul mocked. You slapped his arm. “Stop that.”
“You started it.”
You guys began to bicker when a guy came up to you. “Hey Y/n!” You didn’t know he was. “Uh, hey..” your sentence faded as you tried to put a name to face. “Oh my name is Junhyuk.” He awkwardly smiled.
You blinked at him. “Uhm. I sit behind you in maths?”
“Oh yeah! Junhyuk! What’s up?”
“My friends and I are having a get together soon. I was wondering if you wanted to come?” He asked, nervously. “Oh like a party. Is it a small get together?” You inquired. “Ah no, nothing like that. There will be plenty of people.”
You looked unsure. “You can bring someone!” He added after seeing the hesitation on your face. “I’ll think about it.” You smiled.
“Oh okay. Well just let me know before next week.” He waved you off, leaving you and Ryul alone. “That was weird.” Ryul broke the silence. You turned to look at him. “Weird how?”
“He barely knows you.”
“He said there’ll be plenty people though.”
“Only to save face.”
“I don’t think it’s that serious. I’m not so sure I’ll go anyway.”
“He likes you.”
You started laughing, but Ryul wasn’t finding it hilarious. “Wait are you actually serious?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” He grunted. “Even if he does, why do you care?” You asked, incredulous. “Well maybe I like you.”
Silence. You cleared your throat. “You're just full of jokes today, aren't ya."
"I didn't think that was funny."
"lalala I can't hear you!" You plugged your ears, speed walking away. Ryul broke into laughter as he tried to keep up with you.
You guys ended up stopping by your house because Ryul insisted he had to edit the photos immediately. You laid on your bed, casually scrolling on your phone. The only noise in the room being Ryul’s occasional click of the mouse.
You were thinking about what Ryul said earlier. Junhyuk liked you. I mean, you weren’t stupid. You got those vibes. But for some reason, you enjoyed Ryul’s reaction to it.
You sat up, staring at your closet. You went over, and started picking through your clothes. Ryul glanced at you. “What are you doing?”
“I’m picking an outfit just incase I decide to go to Junhyuk’s function.” You replied. Ryul frowned a bit. “I thought you said you didn’t know if you wanted to go.”
“I know. Just incase I make up my mind.”
Ryul scoffed. “You barely know the guy.”
“Maybe he’s just charming.”
Ryul looked over immediately, visibly annoyed. “No he’s not.”
You bit back a smile, but eventually broke. “What are you smiling at?” Ryul tried to keep a straight face, but eventually started smiling back. “It’s nothing. I’m not going anyway.” You dropped back on your bed.
“Good. If you really wanna go somewhere we can go together.” Ryul went back to clicking. “What makes you think I’d want to go with you? I have other friends you know.”
“Why wouldn’t you want to go with me? I’m handsome and smart.” Ryul replied.
“Don’t forget clingy.”
“Only when it comes to you.”
You deadpanned, scoffing softly. Why was your stomach twisting. And why did you like his attention? He was just a kid to you. An annoying one as well.
You glanced at him. He was focused on editing your photo displayed across the screen. A small smile still on his face.
‘It’s nothing.’
Is what you said to yourself. It was nothing.
You can't remember when more vision became the hang out spot. Perks (downsides?) of having trainee friends, maybe. So currently while you were waiting for Woojin and Louis to wrap up. Unfortunately, for some reason you thought you could beat Woojin in rare Pokemon card pulls (something you had no knowledge on), and lost his insane luck.
you were lounging with your friends. Oh, and arguing for your life. "I do not!" you defended yourself. Currently, you were facing accusations of only hanging out with Ry*l, your project partner. "Yes you do! I FaceTimed you the other day and he was hogging you the whole time."
"Well we were working on the project before you called!"
"What about when I hit you up to hang out and Ryul responded to me on your phone?" Minami added. You groaned at the reminder. "I accidentally left my phone unlocked. And I chewed him out for your information!"
"And besides, I wasn't even hanging out with him that day. Louis invited him." You justified. "He was in your room." Minami mumbled. "Y/n. You know it's okay to admit you're friends with him right?" Isol said.
"AHem. More than that." Jihye coughed, earning a glare from you. "Well we're not friends. I just have to tolerate him for one more week and you'l never hear of him again."
Eventually, your friends put the topic to rest. At this point everybody was doing their own thing, a comfortable silence stretching around the room. Suddenly, Woojin and Louis burst through the door. “We’re done!” Woojin yelled.
Fortunately for you, when this consistently happens in your own home, it loses the shock factor. You hardly looked up from your phone, although they startled everyone else. “Why are you so loud?” Jihye said, startled. Woojin rolled his eyes at her. “Y/n I want meat.” Louis shook your shoulder, trying to gain your attention.
“Ya! I won the bet so I pick you little freeloader.” Woojin through his jacket at Louis. “What bet?”
Ryul and Ohyul walked through the door together. You looked up at the familiar voice, your focus changing to Ryul. Isol cleared her throat and gave you a look, which further dampened your mood. “It’s nothing.” You stood patting yourself off. “If you guys are ready let’s go.” You began to leave. Woojin and Louis hurriedly followed.
“What’s her issue?” Ohyul glanced at her leaving momentarily.
The girls exchanged a look of guilt. “What did you guys do?” Ryul asked, noticed their facial expressions.
“Ryul we apologize in advance.”
The following day you were constantly thinking about what your friends were saying. You refused to admit that you and Ryul being closer than usual was actually true. Because why would it be? He’s at your house 24/7 regardless of a project or not. You’ve known him for years, and he’s sixteen.
So when you were just trying to get a snack from your kitchen, you didn’t expect the devil himself to come from behind you. “Hey grab me that snack.” Ryul pointed. “It’s too high. Grab it yourself.”
Ryul reached for the snack, grabbing the cabinet for support and blocking you in. He was practically leaning over you with how close he stood.
The proximity suddenly felt unbearable. Yesterday, you wouldn’t have thought twice about it. “Why are you so close!” You yelled, pushing him away. Ryul blinked at you, still slightly leaning against the cabinet. “..uh what?”
“You have no concept of personal space.”
“Okay? You never cared before.” He shrugged. His response irritated you. You snatched your snack from the cabinet. “Well maybe you’re getting more annoying.” You huffed. “You’re dramatic.” Ryul muttered.
You chose to ignore his statement. You moved to the side, trying to open your snack. “Need help?” He asked.
You shot him a look. Continuing your attempt on opening it yourself before eventually tossing it to him in defeat. Ryul grinned cheekily as he opened it for you. “What are you smiling at?” You said, annoyed. “Nothing.” He replied, giving your snack back and going off to Louis’ room. Even the small interaction made your stomach twist. Maybe your friends had gotten into your head more than you thought.
You were suddenly overanalyzing every interaction you had with Ryul. The way he casually comes in your room without knocking, laying on your bed, texting you random photos at odd hours, was all a bit comfortable for someone you didn't consider your friend, but a nuisance.
“Y/n! Are you even listening?” Minami asked. “What? Oh, sorry. You were saying?” You looked up.
Ara frowned at you. “Are you okay? You seem a bit off.”
“I’m good, don't worry. I was just thinking about something.” You dismissed the attention. “What were you guys saying though?”
“I was just saying that girl keeps looking at you.”
You looked confused. “Huh? Where?” You began to search the cafe, your head turning in every direction. “Don’t be so obvious! She’s behind you.”
Your head snapped. You made eye contact with a girl, someone you didn’t recognize. She looked away immediately, her attention turning to her friend. Your eyebrows furrowed as you continued to look. “Stop staring!” Minami whisper-yelled, slapping your arm. “Who cares.. If shes staring me down with no shame I can do the same.” You scoffed. “Y/n it’s not that serious. I think I saw her in the 1st year class. Maybe she just wants to talk to you?” Ara suggested. You rolled your eyes. It was a funny idea you weren’t interested in entertaining. You’ve never seen her before. So what would she want with you?
“Hey guys!” Jihye smiled. Her and Jasmine came to sit down. “About time you guys showed up. Lets order.”
“Oh no we’re still waiting.” Jasmine stopped you. “For who?” Minami asked. “Uhm. Isol kind of invited Ryul and Ohyul.” Your face dropped. “Y/n don’t be mad!” Jihye immediately began. “They lowkey ambushed her.”
“Ugh.. I’m not that mad. I just have to see them at my house everyday.” You sighed. A couple minutes passed by. The girls were debating what to order up until Isol and them arrived. “Sorry we’re late!” Isol came over. “We got stuck in traffic.” Ohyul added. “Who cares. Let’s just order already.”
“I’m still deciding what I want.” Ara said. “I didn’t really look at the menu.”
“Yeah me too.” Jasmine agreed. “Okay you guys have fun doing that. I’m gonna go order though.” You stood, making your way to the register. “I’ll come with you.” Ryul said, following after you. “You haven’t even had a chance to look at the menu.” You glanced at him. “It’s okay. I’ll just get whatever you’re getting.” Ryul shrugged. “Plus, my treat for crashing your hangout.” He smiled, nudging you. You laughed a bit. “I guess you’re not that useless.”
You momentarily glanced at the girl from earlier. Her eyes were trained on you and Ryul.
“Hey Ryul. Do you know that girl over there?” You pointed. He followed your finger, squinting a bit to get a good look. Once again, she turned away. She actually seemed a bit embarrassed this time. “I think she’s in my department. I don’t know her name though.” Ryul said. “Anyway, what are you getting?”
About an hour passed hanging out with your friends. Eventually the girls left with Ohyul to drop him off and go do their own things. You decided to stay back and complete some work and Ryul insisted on staying with you. “Should we go take photos later?” Ryul asked. He picked at your sleeve out of boredom. “Didn’t you already take all the photos you need? And stop touching me.”
“I like touching you.”
“Ew. Don’t make it sound weird.” Your face scrunched. “You’re the one making it sound weird. Maybe I do like touching you.”
“Ryul.”
“Sorry noona.” He smiled, sitting up. “But seriously. I could use a bit more material.”
“Just take them right now if you have a camera. I don’t want to spend more time on this than necessary.” You said. “Don’t act like you don’t enjoy my company.” Ryul leaned back. “Quite the opposite actually. Let’s just get this over with.”
Ryul stared at you in silence, his face a bit hard to read. “..I’m going to use the bathroom first.”
You continued to work as you waited for him to come back. Turned in a couple assignments, applied to a couple agencies. So far every one that had actually gotten back to you was a total dud. But that wasn’t stopping you. As you continued to mind your business, you felt someone tap you on the shoulder.
You turned around, to be met with the mystery girl from earlier. “Are you and Ryul dating?” She blurted. Your face contorted with distaste. “Excuse me?”
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” She quickly responded, seeing the look on your face. “My name is Soojin, I’m a grade younger than you.”
“Okay. No we’re not dating.” You said, flat. “I’m sorry to impose.. it’s just that — I kind of like him but he’s a total loner y’know? So far the only people I’ve seen him hang out with are Ohyul and you..”
‘She likes him?’ You thought to yourself. It made sense why she was staring earlier. But the conclusion she came to kind of irritated you. “I’m surprised anyone likes him to be honest.” You replied, scrolling on your laptop for applications. “Uh. Yeah. Well anyway, I was wondering how I could get close to him? If you don’t mind.” She looked to the ground.
You didn’t reply immediately. How could she get closer to him? You thought it was silly. You haven’t done anything yourself for him to act as casual as he does with you, it just happened. “I don’t have advice for you. He’s my brother’s friend so naturally I have some type of relationship with him. Just try to initiate a conversation maybe.” You glanced at her.
“Oh okay.. well. Thanks anyway.” She politely bowed before leaving.
You felt less irritated when she left. Which was surprising. Honestly, why were you so annoyed anyway? You were immensely guarded during the conversation, and weren’t all that nice to her. Was the idea of a girl liking Ryul really that annoying to you?
Ryul came back shortly after. “Hey listen, I gotta run. Come by my classroom tomorrow and we can take more photos, okay?” And he immediately left, not even giving you a chance to protest. You did not wanna go to his classroom.
You spent the entirety of the next morning trying to convince yourself to not go. It wasn’t necessary at all. The photography part was already over with. Three more days to turn it in. So at this point you guys had entered the editing phase which he seemed to have done. Deep down you knew it was an excuse to spend more time. Maybe that's why you found yourself outside of his classroom like he asked. Because you didn’t completely hate hanging out with him. In your head, it was justifiable that way.
You peeked inside the classroom. Ryul sat in the corner, his eyes focused on his laptop. In front of him – stood Soojin. They both hadn’t noticed you. Ryul seemed to be nodding at whatever she was saying. The sight made you strangely uneasy. “To be honest, I want to know you better. Would you like to go out sometime?” Soojin swayed as she asked, her stance awkward. It felt like you were invading something that was supposed to be private. You turned on your heel, deciding to wait for him outside. You shot him a text, telling him you didn’t want to walk all the way there and that you'd be outside. A couple minutes later he showed up. “Should we go to the Han River?” he asked. “Wherever you want.” You replied.
“I think some videos under the sunset would be fun.”
“Yeah I guess.” You shrugged. You guys walked over to your car. Ryul glanced at you. He felt like something was off with you. Strangely quiet was never a good sign when it came to you. The car drive was silent as well, the only noise being the hum of the engine. “Why are you being so weird?” Ryul turned to you. “What? I’m not being weird.” You rebutted.
Ryul raised his brows. “Yes.. you are.”
There was no way in hell you’d tell him why you were upset. Because it was embarrassing, dumb, and something you shouldn’t be feeling. “.. It’s nothing. Just leave it.”
Ryul clicked his tongue, looking off to the side. The tension was still thick when you guys arrived. The wind blowing through your hair as you guys walked along the river. You glanced at Ryul, who seemed to be a bit upset. He clicked through photos on his camera, his tongue poking the side of his cheek. “I don’t want to ruin the mood,” You inhaled deeply. Ryul turned to you. “It’s just that.. I saw something I didn’t really like earlier. And I don’t really know how to say it.”
“Whatever it is you can tell me. It’s not like I’m going to judge you.” Ryul said, his head low.
“That.. girl.” You swallowed. It was hard to say the words. It was immensely cringe and humbling on your end. Ryul looked at you, waiting for you to speak. “This is dumb.” You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “Just say it.” Ryul pushed.
“Oh my god, fine. That girl from the cafe approached me about you when you were in the bathroom.” You blurted. Ryul furrowed his brows. “..Okay? Is that it?” He said, confused. “She likes you.”
“I know she does.”
You pursed your lips. “Did.. she ask you out in the classroom?”
“Yeah she did.” Ryul replied, looking straight ahead. You turned to the side, watching the water move back and forth, wondering why you forced yourself into such an awkward conversation. “Then I guess you didn’t hear me tell her that I have feelings for someone else.” Ryul smiled. “Huh?” You whipped your head. “I’m just saying. Next time you’re eavesdropping, listen to the whole thing.”
You scoffed. “Shut up..”
“I can’t believe that was bothering you the whole time.” Ryul was smug. “It wasn’t! I was just weirded out.” You crossed your arms.
“Yeah sure.”
“It’s true!”
It was finally the day to present the project. One month, four weeks, thirty days. It was finally done. Cohesive enough for a good grade. You and Ryul went over almost one hundred times the night before. Most of all, you should’ve been happy that you didn’t have to spend time with Ryul anymore. Counting the days down from the first day you had to partner up with him, but for some reason you felt unsatisfied, and a little nervous. After this, you no longer could disguise time with Ryul as an excuse for the project, because in one hour, it’d be over with.
Right now, you were waiting for Ryul at the school entrance. He was running a bit late, which didn’t help your nerves at all. Ryul finally arrived. “You took your sweet time.” You said, unamused. “I was looking for where I put the portfolio.” He held up the giant folder with a collage of your photos inside. “Okay whatever. Let’s just go already.”
Most of the presentations went by smoothly. A lot of people had amazing ideas, and unique deliveries for it, which applied pressure on the remaining presentees, including yourself. “Okay, Y/n and Ryul.. you guys decided to do a film and portfolio?” The teacher questioned. “Alright, go ahead and come up when you’re ready.”
You turned to Ryul, your eyes wide. “What is she talking about?” You whispered. “Just come up.” Ryul replied, oddly calm. That's when you knew, this was his doing. You should’ve known he’d never agree that’d easily when you guys were discussing the project. “I hate you.”
“Well I like you.” Ryul grinned. “Hurry up.”
You reluctantly followed him upfront. The attention of two whole departments on you two. Ryul set up the portfolio on the display, and then a video started to play on screen. A clip, you forgot he even recorded, started to roll. “So what does modeling mean to you?” Ryul asked behind the camera.
You were silent at first. “I love modeling because you can do so much with it. It’s a unique art and something I’m good at. So I take pride in it.” You replied. “A little artificial but not bad.” Ryul snickered. “Shut up.” You smiled as you covered the camera, the clip changing. Numerous videos played. You show a couple notes you learned on the guitar from when you were briefly interested in the instrument. You casually drive while talking with Ryul. Him directing you while taking photos. Videos from the beach with your friends.
It had a very nostalgic vibe. It felt like an old memory. “What’s something you want people to know when they see our project?” Ryul asked, his voice a bit choppy. “I want them to realize that youth is temporary, and to take full advantage of it. Because it’ll be gone before they know.” You replied, throwing a rock into the Han river and watching it sink. “I really suck at rock skipping.”
“Let me try.” Ryul said, handing you the camera to film him this time around. He threw a rock, it skipped five times before eventually sinking. “Yes!” Ryul exclaimed, his hands in the air as he celebrated his triumph. The clip fading with your laughter.
It was a very beautiful film, and it wasn’t anything you had seen coming either. You guys quickly wrapped up the portfolio presentation.
Ryul ended up dragging you to a hotpot after school. “I really liked it.” You told him. “Thanks. I worked hard on it y’know?” Ryul stuffed his mouth. “I know. And that's the only reason I’m treating you right now.” You leaned on your hand. You guys talked a lot. There was never an awkward beat, not even for one moment. “I think I want to post it.” You picked at your food. “I’ll send it to you.” Ryul replied. “We should go out tomorrow.”
You raised your brows. “Nope. It’s time to push you out of my daily routine and return back to normal.” You exaggerated. “Ah, so you’re just going to get rid of me?” Ryul held a hand over his heart. “Exactly that.” You deadpanned.
“Hey, do you remember when I told you in the beginning of our project that you owe me?” Ryul smirked. You shut your eyes tight. “I actually hate you so much.”
“We’re definitely going out tomorrow.”
As annoyed as you pretended to be, you chose to blame it on habit — but the thought of not seeing him tomorrow didn’t sit as comfortably as it should have.
The next couple days were a blur. Everything felt quieter. You found yourself seeking Ryul’s presence in familiar places, looking at your phone for his texts, and lingering around your home, waiting for him to appear from Louis’ room like he always did. So at one point, you had to confront why the silence bothered you so much.
So you texted him to come outside in ten minutes and made your way to his house. He came outside as you pulled in. “Did you miss me?” He joked as he got in the car. “.. Maybe a little.” You replied, which surprised Ryul a little bit. “But you missed me too.” You responded, unfazed. “You don’t even know what we’re doing, you just came out.”
“No denying here.” Ryul shrugged. “I don’t care what we do.. I just wanted to see you.” He said it like it was nothing. For a second you didn’t respond. There weren't any excuses for you to hide behind anymore. There was no way your mind could rationalize or reduce your feelings anymore — The way your chest tightened, and your stomach twisted.
You stared at him a little too long — at the way he wasn’t waiting for your reaction, At the way he was already looking away like it didn’t matter if you understood it or not.
Nothing about it felt casual anymore.
And that was the problem.
fuck.
“You’re freaking famous dude!” Isol burst into your room, your friends trailing after. “Uhm, who let you in?” You sat up. “Louis did. But that’s besides the point.” Jasmine sat next to you.
You looked confused. “That video you and Ryul made has reached like.. A Hundred thousand views!” Jihye yelled, shaking you and back and forth. “Wait what? Are you serious?” You asked, pulling out your phone to look at the video you posted on youtube. And she was right, it did have a lot of views.
“Thats insane.” You blinked, looking at the thousands of comments. “Don’t forget us when you become famous.” Isol nudged you. “Wait, what's your name again?” You smiled.
“But all jokes aside, your video is really good.” Minami said. You looked at the video, Ryul’s insanely blurred video at the end rock skipping. “I mean it’s all thanks to Ryul. I didn’t even want to film.”
“I mean.. that kid really likes you. Only someone in love with you could film like that.” Jasmine laughed, the other girls joining her. You didn’t really react to the sentence, but as the video replayed, you found yourself staring at the way Ryul filmed you. How could anyone besides him capture you on camera in such an intimate way? The video played over and over.
Later that week you found yourself alone most of the time. All your friends, including your little brother, were all busy with more vision. With monthly evals coming in, they were all putting in hard work. Louis asked you to pick them up afterwards, which you agreed to.
The backseat door opened and someone sat down. “What's up?” Ryul said, his attention on his phone. “Why are you sitting back there?” You turned. Ryul grinned. “I thought the front seat was reserved for Louis?”
You rolled your eyes playfully. “Thats true. But there's a hierarchy, and my friends come first.” Your lips twitched upwards. “Is this your way of friendzoning me?” Ryul moved up to the front seat carefully. “Maybe.”
Ryul shook his head in amusement. “Oh by the way, Louis and the other two are staying back. Just us two today.”
“Huh? Why?”
“They didn’t get the scores they wanted.” Ryul shrugged.
“Did you?”
“I’m content.” He looked at you knowingly.
“Whatever.” You began to drive towards his home. “Let's go to a park.” Ryul said. “All of a sudden?” You glanced at him.
“Yeah. I haven’t been able to see you as much this week.” Ryul’s gaze lingered on you. “Don’t make it sound like we’re dating.” You failed to hide your amusement. “Ah sorry noona.” Ryul poked at you. “You’re so annoying.” You let out a dry laugh, rolling your eyes.
“Why? You told me you weren’t into younger guys.” Ryul reminded.
“How could I forget?” You smiled. “That was like a month ago.”
“Not that long.” Ryul turned to you. “Change your mind or something?”
You didn’t reply, opting to leave your silence to interpretation. The rest of the drive was silent. The two of you walked across the field. “Did you see our video on youtube?” You asked, glancing at Ryul. “Yeah. My classmates were talking about it.” Ryul nodded. “Its pretty cool.”
As you guys continued to walk around, you eventually sat on a bench. “Hey Ryul?”
Ryul hummed, his attention turning to you. “Maybe I did.” You said softly, looking at the floor. “Huh?” His expression slightly faltered. You looked up, making direct eye contact with him. “Maybe I did change my mind.”
It was quiet as you guys looked at each other. Ryul knew exactly what you were talking about. The night air was still. So was he. Many words weren’t needed.
“Holy shit!” You yelled, jumping around your room in excitement. Louis peeked his head in. “Did someone die?”
“I have an influx of agencies in my email!” You smiled. “What? That's crazy!” Louis began jumping with you. “What are we yelling about!” Woojin came in, jumping up and down. “I need to open these.” You sat down. “Open what?” Ryul and Ohyul also walked in. “She got offers from modeling agencies.”
You skimmed the offers. Many of them had insane signing bonuses, the contracts were to be discussed upon an in person meeting. Your smile widened as you read them.
You noticed a particular one. It wasn’t reaching out to you. It was replying back. “Oh my god.” You slapped your hand over your mouth. “What is it?” Ohyul asked, leaning closer to read it.
Dear Y/n Jourdain, we’re pleased to offer you a contract in our agency, debeaux de francais. Please refer to this number xxx xxx xxxx for further information.
Read the beginning of the email. “Wait, it’s a french agency?" Ohyul squinted. You reread the email again. debeaux de francais. The name alone sounded like it belonged somewhere far away, polished, expensive, untouchable. Your heart kept tripping over itself, like it couldn’t decide if this was real or a mistake, sent by accident.
“You’re gonna become rich!” Woojin added. You were still awestruck. It was hard to process the hundreds of agencies that reached out, especially considering two weeks ago, you couldn’t even get a reply. “So no audition? They’re going to actually give it to you?” Louis asked. “Not exactly. It says in person discussion, so they probably want me to go first.”
But the room didn’t feel loud anymore. “Go?” Woojin was confused. “I thought it was a french agency based in korea.” Ohyul added.
“I mean.. Yeah. It's in France. I thought that part was obvious.” You shrugged. “..Are you actually considering it?” Ryul looked at you, his face a bit frozen. The room held its breath without meaning to. “Woah. You guys are acting like I’m gone already.” You joked, in an attempt to lighten up the room. “Theres a lot of other agencies offering. It’s not like I’ve decided yet.”
“Yeah. If you’re just thinking about it then it's not a big deal.” Woojin said. “Exactly.” You agreed. As the room erupted back into chaos, you hadn’t noticed Ryul's expression.
At this point, the video you and Ryul made together had hundreds of thousands views. You were getting recognition over many different social media platforms. It was insane. After careful consideration you and your father flew to France over the weekend to discuss the terms and conditions of the contract offered to you. And surprisingly enough, it was better than most. The signing bonus had the largest sum you’ve been offered so far, and the contract was extremely lenient unlike the ones in Korea – where you'd be watched under a microscope.
And although you were happy, it almost felt comical. You liked your life in Korea with your family and loved ones. You didn’t want to leave them. But it would be a disservice to yourself to not take that contract. It would open many doors and opportunities, and it was only for three years. Not like the typical seven year+ contracts.
They gave you a week to make your final decision. And in that week, you read every email up and down in hopes of slim chance, there’d be a Korean agency offering you everything and more so you could stay. But there wasn’t. No miracle offer. No perfect compromise. No reason strong enough to stay — and no one selfish enough to ask her to.
As you were going crazy, someone softly knocked on your door. “Come in!” You called out. The door slowly opened, and Ryul’s head popped in. His face changed to a soft smile. “Hey.”
“Hi.” You smiled back. “Uhm, Louis told me you just got back.” He stood awkwardly. “Yeah, just a couple hours ago.” The room fell into uncomfortable silence. “Do you want to sit?” You shifted uncomfortably, gesturing to the spot next you on your bed. “Yeah, yeah.” Ryul sat next to you.
“So, did you decide where you’re going to take the contract?” Ryul asked, straight to the point. “No I haven’t.. But so far Paris once has all the good prospects.” You said quietly, your eyes trained on the floor. “Oh. You should take it then.” Ryul turned to the side. “I mean there's still a chance I won’t go. I’ll find a better one here.” You smiled. Ryul was quiet for a moment.
“I hope so. But if you don't, you should go.” He encouraged. Your smile faltered a bit. “All I’m saying is don’t hold yourself back.” Ryul said quickly, after seeing the expression on your face. “I mean I suppose..”
The tension in the room was incredibly thick. “I should go.” Ryul spoke. You nodded. And he left.
“Wait so you’re actually going to France?" Jihye asked. “I mean yeah.. It seems like the best decision.” You shrugged, awkwardly smiling. “How many days left?” Jasmine inquired. “I have four days left to accept.”
“Only three?!” Isol gasped. “This is happening way too fast.” Ara added. You frowned, looking down. “Y/n? What's wrong?” Minami immediately noticed the expression on your face. “It’s just.. I don’t want to leave everything I know behind. It’s scary. And I know the greatest thing ever happened to me, and I should be really happy but I feel like I’ve been looking for an excuse to stay this whole time but everybody's been supporting this decision.” You blurted really fast. Your friends fell quiet.
“Okay, this is a lot to unpack.” Jasmine said slowly. “Jasmine shut up!” Isol hit her arm. “Ouch!” You couldn’t help but laugh a little at the ridiculousness of your friends. “Y/n, If you want to stay, we’re here for you.” Ara smiled, holding your hand. “Yeah. We won’t tell you to go. It’s up to you. We’ll support whatever you decide.” Minami added. “Yeah!” Jihye nodded.
“Ugh.. you guys really are the best.” Your expression warmed. “Of course we are.” Jasmine smirked. “Jasmine shut up!”
Four days quickly turned to three, which became two. The France contract haunted you through every moment of the day. At one point, you even began looking through what you wanted to pack or toss. As you wallowed in self despair, a text pinged from your phone.
Ryul texted you to come out. You couldn’t help the way your lips betrayed you. You quickly went outside. Ryul stood outside your street, waiting for you. “What are you doing here?” You brought attention to yourself. Ryul grinned. “No reason in particular.. I just wanted to see you.”
“It’s really late.”
“I know.”
“You’re obsessed with me.”
“I definitely am.”
You rolled your eyes playfully. “Do you want to go on a walk?” Ryul asked. “Yeah. I’d like that.” You guys walked for a while, your feet leading you to a park nearby. “It’s so freaking cold.” You shivered. “Why did you come out without a sweater?”
You thought to yourself for a moment. There's no way you’d tell him you dropped everything you were doing and rushed out as soon as you saw his text. So you settled for, “I didn’t think we’d be going so far.” A beat passed before Ryul tossed you his hoodie. You blinked, holding it in your hand. “Keep it. I probably won’t get a chance to get it back anyway.” Ryul joked.
“What do you mean?” You looked at him, confusion written all over your face. “You’re leaving?” Ryul said, in a question-like tone. “Oh, right.” You mumbled.
“It’s crazy how we’re not going to have moments like this anymore.” Ryul mentioned, casually. “Yeah. It’s crazy.” You responded, your tone flat.
“You know I’m going to miss you, right?” Ryul turned to you. You shook your head. “Of course I know.”
Ryul watched you. The way you were kicking the dirt on the floor, your expression, tone, the way you were responding. Something was off. “Are you nervous or something?” He goes. You turned to him. “What makes you think that?”
“I don’t know.. You’re acting weird.”
“I just don’t really like how you’re already talking about us in past-tense. I’m not gone yet.” You ran a hand through your hair, a bit frustrated. “Then should I talk about how bad I want to kiss you right now?” Ryul said, his face stoic. You froze. “.. What?” You whispered, caught off guard. “I want to kiss you.”
“You just said that, idiot.” You stared at him in disbelief. Ryul gently grabbed your hand, pulling you closer. “I guess in a way, it feels like you’re already gone.” Ryul said softly as he tucked a piece of your hair behind your ear. “Thats why I need to kiss you. You know, to check if you’re still actually here.”
“You’re so dum–” And before you could finish your sentence, Ryul pressed his lips to yours, his hands tangled in your hair. He held you tight, because he didn’t want to let you go yet. For a second, you thought Ryul would say something. Anything.
You wanted so badly for him to tell you to stay, but it never came. He just looked at you like you were already 5,585 miles away.
It came down to the last couple of hours before your flight. You had accepted the contract as soon as you got home from your rendezvous with Ryul. It was inevitable anyway. You packed your clothes in your room with the help of your brother Louis. “I can’t believe you're actually going to France. You need to practice your French.” He joked. “Ha Ha, very funny. I speak enough.” You deadpanned.
“Yeah, maybe enough to get by..” Louis joked. But you didn’t laugh. You lazily folded your clothes. Louis watched you. “To be honest, I thought you’d be more excited.”
You shrugged. Louis frowned at your lack of energy. “Seriously, what's wrong?” He pressed. You sighed at your brother's persistence. “You want to know what's wrong Louis? I thought Ryul would ask me to stay. But he didn’t. And I was an idiot for waiting.” You said bluntly, as if it was obvious. As if you didn’t just drop a huge bomb on your little brother. “What the hell, you like Ryul?” Louis gasped.
“Don’t act like you’re shocked.” You rolled your eyes. “I am shocked! You said you didn’t like him!” Louis yelled. “Well then you’re gullible.” You turned back to your clothes, continuing to fold them like nothing happened. “Help me with this or get out,” you said flatly. Louis didn’t say anything else after that. He just helped you finish packing in silence. It wasn’t brought up again.
You rolled your suitcase through the airport. Your flight was boarding in about ten minutes and you were saying your goodbyes. “I'm going to miss my uber driver.” Woojin hugged you tightly. “I’ll miss you too.” You winced, patting his back. “You’re going to visit, right?” Jihye asked. “I don’t know. Maybe.” You shrugged. “Huh? You better visit or I’ll personally hunt you down Ms. Hollywood.” Jasmine pointed her finger at you. “Okay, okay.” You laughed. “Have a safe flight.” Ohyul nodded.
You said most of your goodbyes. Your parents hugged you tightly. The noise around you blurred slightly as everyone drifted back into their own conversations. And then it was just Ryul. He went in for a hug, while you brought up your hand to high five him. It quickly became awkward, and you settled for a handshake. “Don’t forget me.” He smiled. “I won’t.”
Louis watched your awkward exchange, he wanted to die on the spot. And you boarded your flight.
It’s been a couple days since you’ve left. Everybody was readjusting. Louis was still popping into your room to show you a funny video he saw, Woojin found himself asking what time you’d be picking them up, and Ryul.. was getting used to not bothering you everyday.
But he thought things would be different. Especially after the kiss. He audibly sighed, looking at his phone every other minute. “Just text her.” Ohyul stated plainly. Currently, everybody was gathered at more vision. Ryul quickly put his phone down. “Shut up Ohyul.”
“He’s right. A text from Y/n isn’t going to magically appear. We’re all sick of seeing you sulk around.” Woojin added, earning a couple laughs from Ara and Isol. “I just thought she’d message me first. It’s been a couple of days.” Ryul grumbled. “If it's any consolation, she hasn’t talked to me much either. I think she’s just busy.” Minami said.
Louis looked uncomfortable. “I mean.. She wasn’t too happy before she left.” He shifted. Everyone's attention turned to Louis. “What do you mean?” Ryul asked.
“I really shouldn’t say anything..” Louis trailed off, scratching his head. “Louis if you don’t spit it out I swear.” Ryul glared at him. “Louis, just say it!” Woojin groaned. “Okay okay fine!” Louis sighed. “I think she was waiting for you to say something to her.” Louis looked at Ryul. “What?” Ryul’s face morphed into confusion. “Louis, be clearer.” Ohyul urged.
“Yeah. I’m invested too.” Jihye said. A beat passed. “She’s going to kill me..” Louis groaned. “She told me before she left, she thought you’d tell her to say.” Louis finally said. Silence filled the room. “No freaking way.” Woojin laughed, incredulous. “Wait, that makes everything she was saying make more sense.” Jasmine confirmed. Ryul stood up. “Where are you going?” Isol asked. But he didn’t answer. He just walked out.
His feet led him to the rooftop. The air felt cold. He pulled out his phone. No notifications. He suddenly found himself remembering things you said.
“I’m not gone yet.”
Your voice replayed in his head. Ryul exhaled slowly. “…You were waiting,” he said quietly. Ryul finally realized what he was missing all along.
If you’ve read this far, thank you so much! I have the general idea for an act II if I ever decide to do it so this is not goodbye forever!
I’m going to start working on a bonus for this story :)
SYNOPSIS — Louis thought it'd be a good idea to sneak you in his dorms, but things didn't go as planned.
You haven’t been able to spend a lot of time with your boyfriend recently. With Louis debuting and lngshot being a pretty successful rookie group, their schedule has been jammed packed – leaving you to your lonesome. So how did he make it up to you? By insisting he sneaks you into his dorm. In any other case maybe it would’ve seemed normal. Sneaking into your boyfriend's house. Teenage activities. The only problem being that his members had no idea about you. You’ve met Woojin briefly at school and that was about it.
“Louis, I really don’t think this is a good idea.” You whispered as he fumbled around for his key. “Y/n it's okay.” He turned to you, a reassuring smile on his face. “All the members are dead asleep. Except maybe Ryul. But he won’t bother us.”
“What?” You whisper-yelled. Louis snickered quietly as he opened the door. “I’m just joking.” The dorm was dark. It seemed like the other members really were asleep. That was until one of the lights flickered on in one of the rooms. “Yo Louis!” A voice called. “Is that you?”
Your eyes widened. You turned to Louis, who was wearing the same expression. “You said they were sleeping!” You panicked. “Well I thought they were!” Louis gestured for you to go into his room. You quickly tiptoed, closing the door shut just in time. “Why didn’t you answer?” From the sound of the voice, you assumed it was Woojin. “Oh I didn’t hear you.” Louis replied, their voices low and sort of muffled.
They continued to chat for the next couple minutes. Woojin somewhat interrogated him about coming home so late. Stuff like that. “Oh, I wanted to borrow one of your hats.” Woojin said, his voice closer as he stepped towards Louis’ room. “No!” Louis yelled. “I mean.. Just show me later. I’m tired.”
“Bro, it takes me like two seconds to grab it.” Woojin argued. You held your breath as you watched the doorknob slowly turn. “Okay fine just tell me which one you want I’ll grab it for you.” “Okay whatever. Give me the blue seattle mariners.”
“Alright. I’m going in now. To my room.” Louis said, his voice a bit high. It was obviously a warning of some kind, but you couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Uhm, okay? I can see that. Hurry up Louis.” Woojin replied, annoyed in his voice. Louis opened the door enough to fit himself in, and closed it behind himself. “Holy shit.” He mouthed to you. You shook your head in disbelief. “Make him go away.” You gestured to the door. “I’m trying!” Louis replied.
“Dude, what's taking so long? I’m just going to come in.” Woojin said, from the other side of the door. Louis tried to hide you with his figure, but failed terribly. You stared at Woojin, Woojin stared at you. “Oh, this is good.” He broke out into a smile. “Woojin. Stop.” Louis groaned. “You snuck a girl in?” He laughed. “Uhm. Nice to meet you.” You stood awkwardly. “I know you right?” Woojin tilted his head, really looking at you.
“Thats right, we’ve met briefly.”
“Why are you guys so loud?” Another voice called. “Oh my god.” Louis buried his face in his hands. “Woojin. We need to hide her.” Louis quickly closed the door. “What's the big deal? Just introduce her.” Woojin shrugged. He was very careless about the situation you were all in. “No way! It’d be humiliating to meet them under these circumstances.” You immediately replied.
The door knob shook. “Why is the door locked?” A voice called. You weren’t familiar with whomever it was. Louis begged Woojin to shoo him away. “Okay, Okay. I got this.” Woojin sighed. “Louis, you owe me.”
“Ohyul hyung I’m changing!” Woojin called. “We’re about to go to sleep right now.” You held the nose of your bridge. Louis was completely frozen, which was funny considering how smug he was earlier. “Why are you changing in Louis’ room?” He asked, from behind the door. “Ah, I was trying on some of his clothing.” Woojin winked at Louis, as if he was some sort of mastermind. “Oh, okay. Well make sure you rest well.” Ohyul said, as he retreated from the door.
Louis finally exhaled. You patted his back. “Louis, you are not cut out for this. Who’s idea was this anyway?” Woojin jumped on his bed, relaxing. You pointed at the culprit. “Okay, well none of this would’ve happened if you were freaking sleeping like you were supposed to be.” Louis defended. “Well that's out of my control.” Woojin rolled his eyes, kicking his feet up.
Louis squinted. “Can you get out of my room now? So I can spend time with my girlfriend?” You snorted at their bickering. That's when you all heard the front door click, a loud voice boasting. “Are you guys awake!?” Jay Park yelled.
You and Louis shared a look of panic. “Dpn, We’re in here!” Woojin called, an evil smile on his face. Yeah, you were cooked.
Thank you for reading!
I wanted to do something short n sweet after my other fic lol.
PAIRING — right person, wrong time/frenemies to almost lovers
WARNING — 2 year age gap, emotionally constipated reader, slow burn, forced proximity, unresolved ending, coming of age, angst, wc: 11k+
SYNOPSIS — you had a type, and it wasn’t boys younger than you. Unfortunately, Kim Ryul didn’t care.
Your mother made you in charge of making sure Louis got to his afterschool activities and back. Which meant that occasionally you had to give his annoying friends a ride. You were eighteen years old which meant freshly licensed in Korea. You thought this year would be fun, driving around with your friends, going out every night. But no, it meant being stuck in a four door car — with four teenage boys.
“Noona can I take the aux?!” Woojin called out from the backseat. “No way. I’m not listening to Jay Park or nettspend for the 100th time this week.” You replied immediately. “Sis, put some respect on our dpn.” Louis said. “Yeah noona.” Ryul teased. “Ryul I told you to stop calling me noona! I’m not that much older than you.” You rolled your eyes.
“And didn’t I tell you stop sitting passenger? That’s for my little brother not you.” “He wanted to sit next to Woojin so I did him a favor.” Ryul smiled. “I’m sure you did..” “Also send me your address again. I think I took the wrong turn.”
“Wait why am I getting dropped off first?”
“Because I’m sick of you.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“I definitely do.”
“Can you guys stop flirting every second? I want to go home in peace for once.” Ohyul muttered from the back. “Ew who’s flirting?” You responded immediately, your face contorting with disgust. “I’d never flirt with a little boy.” “And I’d never flirt with an old lady.” Ryul shot back (he would).
“Louis. Don’t ask me to give your friends a ride again.” You gritted. “But I didn’t do anything!” Woojin whined. “You’re complicit.”
Later that week in school, you found yourself being chased around by Ryul. “Stop acting like a lost puppy and get off my back.” You said as you walked away from Ryul who continued to follow you. “Come on. Ohyul ditched me and I don’t know anyone here.” Ryul complained. “I don’t care. It’s lunch break and I certainly don’t want to be seen with you.”
“Are younger boys not your type?” “Definitely not.” You said immediately. “But if I’m younger why can’t I call you Noona?” Ryul asked. You stopped in your tracks immediately. “You’re not that much younger.” You glared at him. “Let’s go on a date then.”
You laughed in response. “You’re 16. I’m 18. It’s not happening.” “I’m turning 17 in a couple months. It’s basically a one year age gap.” Ryul combatted. “But you’re 16 right now.”
“I guess I’m calling you noona then.” Ryul shrugged. “You know, I’m starting to miss when you spoke 5 words a week.” You scowled in disbelief. “And I miss when you were actually nice.”
Before you could snap back, the bell for next period rang, meaning you spent your entire lunch with Ryul. “Thanks for keeping me company noona! see ya later.” And he immediately went off. “This cannot be real.”
Later that week during class, you found out that your department (the modeling one), was set to collab with the video production department for a two person project. By the end of the month, you had to present a portfolio or film representing the diversity of modeling and photography/videography for a grade.
It wasn’t the worst thing ever. Except it was. You hardly knew anyone in said department. Unfortunately for you, the only person you could think of was Ryul. Which irritated you, bad. The teacher informed you that you had two days to find a partner from said department.
Fast forward to lunch break, you were with your friends at a local cafe near the school. You had been distracted from whatever they were talking about. The only thing you could think of is — “who were you gonna partner up?”
“Y/n you seem distracted.” Minami said. “Yeah I’m just thinking about that project I have to do.” You sighed. “I have to find a partner soon.” “Well you better hurry. I already partnered up with someone.” Jasmine nudged you.
“I mean do you know any people in that department?” Minami asked. “A couple.. none I know well enough to partner up with.” You shrugged. “Isn’t that your brothers friend? I think he’s in that department. Maybe you can partner with him!” You and Jasmine turned to look. Ryul, Ohyul and a couple other people that just came in were ordering.
“Hey Ryul!” Jasmine called out. “No! Anyone but him.” You whined. His entire friend groups attention was on you and your friends now. Jasmine made a “come here” gesture at him, to which Ryul abided. “Do you have a partner for the project yet?” Jasmine asked.
“Nope.” “Okay great! Y/n needs a partner.” Minami smiled. Ryul glanced at you, but it seemed like you didn’t ask for this. Your face buried in your hands as you muttered “why why why” “I don’t mind.” Ryul grinned. You sat up, your eyes burning through him. You hated how fast he agreed. “I’d rather cold call for the next 24 hours then be partners with you.”
Ryul stared at you before quietly scoffing. “Be my guest. But aren’t I doing you a favor?” “You? Doing me a favor? Oh please.” You laughed. “Who were you going to partner up with then?” You interrogated. “I’ll find one.” “Well have fun!” You yelled as Ryul walked away. “His audacity is insane.” You said to your friends, who were looking at you crazy.
“What?” You said in confusion. “What do you mean what?” Minami sighed. “We just set you up… to have a partner.. and you totally blew it.” “You guys just don’t understand. That kid is insufferable.”
“Yeah, you’re cooked.” Jasmine shook her head as she shifted attention back to her food. “I’m gonna find a partner!”
Except, Jasmine was right. You’re cooked. It’s been an entire day and you have been calling anyone from the video production department you could think of and they were already partnered up. At this point you accepted your fate. You had to suck it up and ask Ryul to be partners. Assuming he didn’t find one already.
You went to Louis room. “Hey are you still going to the company today?” You asked your younger brother. “Yeah I am.” He said, paying no mind to you. His eyes were glued to his laptop. “What are you doing?”
“I’m working on a mixtape with the guys. What do you want anyway?” Louis took off his headphones. “I’m gonna drop you off.” “I thought you said I had to take the bus today?” Louis questioned. “Yeah well plans are canceled and I’m fucked. Anyway get ready.” You sighed, leaving a very confused Louis.
When you got to the company, you made Louis take you to the practice room. “I didn’t know you were coming in..” Louis mumbled. “It’s only for a quick minute. I need to ask Ryul something.”
Couldn’t you have just called him? Or texted?”
“I don’t have his number.”
Silence stretched across the the elevator. “Noona, is there something going on between you and Ryul?” Louis asked. Your head snapped at him. “What makes you say that?” You looked at him in disbelief. “I mean,” Louis rubbed his neck in discomfort. “Like.. I don’t know.. the vibe? Woojin thinks that you like him.” Louis said meekly, uncomfortable under your sharp gaze.
“Woojin is dumb. I mean if anything he likes me-” you paused. “You know what,” “I’m not getting into this. I don’t like that kid. Okay?”
“Got it.”
You guys walked into the practice room shortly after. “What are you doing here?” Woojin asked, giving you a side hug that you didn’t return. “You. Me. Not friends.” You glared. “What did I do?!” Woojin gasped, clearly shocked. “You know what you did.”
Woojin looked at Louis, who was awkwardly smiling at him.
Suddenly, an understanding crossed his face. “Louis. You’re an idiot seriously.” “You guys are both idiots. Where’s Ryul?”
Woojin grinned at you. You looked at him, exasperated. “Don’t start. I am not in the mood.” “Okay okay. He’s on the roof. He said he needed fresh air or something.”
“Thanks.” You replied. As you made your way to the door, Ohyul walked in. “Uh, what are you doing here?” He blinked at you. “I wanna know too.” You mumbled as you pushed past him.
After many staircases, you finally got to the rooftop, out of breath and tired. It was a good ‘back to reality’ moment, because you realized in that moment — you were so out of shape. You opened the door, the cool air hitting your face. Ryul was on his phone, sitting on the floor.
He looked up at you, his eyebrows slightly raised. “What are you doing here?” He said. “I decided to be generous. You, me, partners.” You smiled.
“You couldn’t find a partner.”
“Guilty as charged. I’m assuming you don’t have one either.” You crossed your arms, anticipating his answer. Ryul just stared at you, his face stoic as ever. “Fine. I couldn’t find one either.”
“Okay great! Come over tomorrow, we can get started.” You began to walk away.
“I didn’t say I wanted to partner up with you though.”
You stopped in your tracks. “Why not?” You said, confusion written all over your face. “You were pretty rude yesterday. Now you just wanna partner up because you couldn’t find anyone else?” Ryul scoffed. “Nah. No way.”
“Alright, sorry. Now can we please be partners?” You groaned. Ryul looked up, as if pretending to think. “Mmmnnn. Nah.”
You huffed. “Are you seriously going to make me beg right now? I already said sorry.” Ryul ignored you, scrolling on his phone. You gritted your teeth, your fists clenching as you swallowed your pride. “Fine. I’m sorry for being rude earlier. Will you please partner up with me now?”
Ryul grinned. “Yeah, but on one condition.” “Oh my god! what is it?”
“After this project, you owe me.”
“You know what? Fine. Whatever.” You rubbed your face tiredly. “I literally don’t care anymore.” the energy literally leaving your body because of this conversation. “Just come over tomorrow so we can discuss this stupid thing.”
“Yeah, sure.”
Currently, you and Ryul were in your kitchen arguing about the project while you made yourself a snack.
You decided you want to do a portfolio. You were photogenic. I mean you were in the modeling department for a reason. “I don’t want to do a portfolio.” Ryul stated. “I’m better at videotaking, not photography.”
“Okay and I’m better at taking photos than videos. What would even film about? It’s a dumb idea.” You argued. “Well we can do both then, because I’m better at editing videos.”
“Oh my goddd. Ryul. Let’s just take photos dude.”
Ryul’s face scrunched at the nickname. He stayed quiet for a bit before reluctantly agreeing. “Okay great. We should figure out a concept.” You said. “We can do coming of age. Something centered around youth.”
“I mean, yeah.” You shrugged. “We can take photos at the beach. Or go to a cafe.” “Sounds like you’re asking me on a date.” “Don’t push it.” “Sorry noona.” Ryul exaggerated. You rolled your eyes. Pretty much used to his behavior. You aren’t even bothered to correct him anymore.
“Did you bring your equipment?” You asked as you plopped some apple slices in your mouth. “Yeah I did.” Ryul showed you his camera equipment, stuffed in his duffle bag. “I need to check the settings real quick.” Ryul quickly snapped a photo of you which caught you off guard. Your eyes wide as the camera flashed. “What the hell!” You said, but it came out as gibberish.
“Chill. Like I said, I’m just checking the settings.” Ryul smiled as he looked down at the photo. Your mouth was stuffed, your cheek bulging on one side. Your hair was messy and out of place. You came behind him, hovering over his shoulder as you looked at the photo. “I look a mess.”
Ryul shrugged. “I think you look cute.” You flicked his forehead. “Ow.” Ryul rubbed his forehead in pain. “Ryul, seriously.” You gave him a stern look.
“Okay okay. Anyways, I wanted to make a Google Doc to track our progress and any ideas but I forgot my laptop.” Ryul mentioned. “That’s fine,” you said. “You can use the my pc.”
“I think this is the first time I’ve been in your room.” Ryul looked around, analyzing her wall decor and set up. “Who cares. Are you a pervert or something?”
“Maybe.”
You scoffed in amusement, opening up your own laptop, getting busy. “What are you doing?” Ryul asked.
“I’m applying to modeling agencies. It’s a long shot but I’m not in the modeling department for no reason.”
“I mean it’s not much of a long shot. Everyone knows you have potential.” Ryul casually complimented. “Thanks..” you had a smile on your face. Small. But it was a smile triggered by Ryul regardless.
After working for a while, you guys were beat. You had everything down. Location ideas, concept, the meaning of the portfolio and what it represented, and basically anything the project required — was now mapped. “I’m so damn tired.” You rubbed your eyes. “Me too.” Ryul agreed.
“Let’s go. I’m gonna drop you off.” “Do you wanna grab something?” Ryul asked. “Like what?” You questioned. “It’s already pretty late.”
“We can grab boba or something. I can take a couple photos. It’s good for the coming of age vibe.” Ryul added.
“I don’t know.. we can just do that tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow is Saturday. It’s not like we have school or anything.”
“.. fine. You’re paying.” Y/n picked up the keys off her desk, and Ryul happily followed her out. “Louis!” You knocked on his door. “What?” He called out. “Do you want boba?”
Louis opened his door, excitement plastered over his face. “Yeah! Can I come?” Louis asked. “No you can’t. We’re working on our project.” You shut him down immediately. Louis gave you that look. The one that made you fold everytime and give him whatever he wanted. “No way. I’ll take you with us another time.”
“There’s gonna be another time?” Ryul teased. “Uh yeah, while we’re working on our project.” You emphasized. “Anyway Louis just text me your order. It’s pretty late anyway. You’re not gonna have fun.”
Once you got your drinks, it was just mostly small talk while Ryul messed with his camera. You guys ended up taking a couple photos like he said. “You look horrible.” Ryul laughed as he looked at the photos. “Thanks. I try.”
Ryul showed you the photos. Your eyebags were dark, and you were just blankly staring at the camera. “Delete those.” You tried to reach for the camera but Ryul snatched it back. “Oh no way. These are gold.”
“Seriously. You’re so annoying.” You complained as you laid your head on the table. “Sorry noona.” Ryul laughed. “But I’m definitely keeping these.”
“Suit yourself.” You yawned. “I’m so tired..” “let’s go home then.” And you guys did go home. An hour later. Ryul ended up talking your ear off while you laid there like a zombie — until the night eventually started to catch up to him too.
It was a hot day. An extremely hot day. Louis was laying on your bedroom floor because you were hogging the fan. Just like any typical cliche, your AC was busted. Which unfortunately meant sweltering in the confinements of your house with your teenage brother for company.
“It’s soo hot.” Louis complained as he flapped his shirt, trying to get some sort of breeze. “Take a cold shower.” You suggested. “I’m gonna get hot again when I come out.”
You thought for a moment. Being cooped up in this house was getting to be too much. Even for you. “Should we go to the beach then?” “Yes!” Louis exclaimed. “Okay sure. I’m inviting my friends though.” You warned. “Then can we pick up my friends?” You didn’t answer immediately. Did you really want sweaty teenage boys in your car? Did you really want to deal with sand and wet seats after? Not really.
But Louis clocked you weighing your pros and cons. “Y/n please! You don’t have to think about it so hard you know.” Louis reasoned. “Fine. You have ten minutes to figure out who’s coming.” You texted your group chat, and surprise. Everybody was down. It seemed you all had the same idea.
“Jasmine and the others are meeting me there. You?”
“The guys agreed to come.”
“Great. Get ready. Also find me moms parasol. I need some shade.” You paused for a moment. “And tell your friends to bring a shirt. We’re probably gonna eat out after.”
You and Louis packed up everything you needed and then you started to make your way towards his friends. Ohyul was the first to be picked up since he lived the closest. Stoic and rude as ever as he sat in the backseat. You guys then picked up Woojin, who was too excited. “You guys do not know how bad I needed to get out the house.” Woojin sighed.
“I feel you bro.” Louis dapped him up. Shortly after, you guys pulled up to Ryul’s house. You were waiting outside for a bit before he finally came out. With a big duffle.
He squeezed into the backseat, setting his duffle between his and Ohyul’s legs. “You know we’re going to the beach right?” Woojin poked fun at the older boy. “It’s my camera equipment. Might as well work on my project while we’re there.”
“Seriously? You turned a fun beach day.. into a work day.. okay Ryul.” You sighed. “It’s a great use of my time actually. I can snap photos of everyone, or maybe even film. Just to add on.” “Tryhard.” Ohyul muttered. “I heard that.”
You ignored the 4 boys as they bickered and focused on getting to the beach.
Once you got there you met up with your friends. Jasmine, Jihye, Isol, Ara, and Minami. “Hey guys!” You smiled. “I am so happy to see you guys after being stuck in a car with Louis and his friends for like an hour.” You began laying down your mat and parasol.
“Yikes. I couldn’t imagine doing that all the time. If my brother asked it’d be a no.” Jihye said. “But she’s a good sister!” Isol defended. “I wish I could say no to Louis more often. He just makes it so hard.” You rolled your eyes.
“I mean.. then again. My brother definitely isn’t as adorable as Louis.” Jihye joked. “That’s true. Your brother is an actual gremlin. Louis is an angel in comparison.” Minami added. “Louis is lowkey an angel in comparison to all our siblings.” Ara added. “Your lucky Y/n.” Jasmine shook her head.
“Yeah super lucky. I’ll cherish it while it lasts.” You laughed. “Hey ladies!” Woojin grinned as he approached you guys with Ryul. “What do you want Woojin?” Jihye deadpanned. “Do you guys wanna play volleyball?” Woojin had a ball in his hands. Ryul on the other hand, was just snapping photos of you. A lazy grin displayed across his face.
You flipped the camera off. “Hey Ryul what’s up with that big ass camera?” Isol asked. “It’s for our project. The grind never stops.” “Are you guys seriously just going to ignore me!?” Woojin complained. “Yeah we seriously are.” Minami replied.
“You know what. I’m actually down. I didn’t come down here for no reason.” You shrugged. You stood up, patting the sand off of yourself. “Okay let’s go! Louis already set up the net.” Woojin yelled as he ran off. “Do you guys want to join?” You asked your friends. None of them wanted to. “Suit yourselves.”
Ryul trailed after you. “So, you gonna be doing this the whole day?” You glanced at him.
“Pretty much yeah.”
“Atleast have a little fun.”
“I am having fun, noona.”
“I’m not your noona.”
After a couple of volley games, you called quits. You and Ohyul were absolutely destroying Louis and Woojin. It wasn’t even fun anymore. Ryul was on the sidelines. Watching for the most part.
The girls even went swimming. You were enjoying yourself. But Ryul, he was just watching you from afar. He watched as you laughed with your friends, got into a water fight with Woojin. He watched as you dragged Louis into the water, he watched you fall. Which actually sounds creepy in hindsight but Ryul wasn’t just watching you. He looked at you with admiration and longing.
Unbeknownst to you of course. The sun was slowly starting to set. Everybody was just sitting around now, enjoying the view. But Ryul, was enjoying a different one. His eyes were glued to his camera as he flipped through the photos. “Yo Ryul, let me see the photos you took.” Ara took the camera from him.
Soon everybody wanted to see the photos. They all huddled around Ara, staring at the camera. Ryul included. “Ooh! I look good in that photo! Send that one to me Ryul.”
Everybody was enjoying Ryuls photography skills while you scrolled on your phone. Skimming through the latest TikTok and what not. “Why are half of these photos photos just Y/n?” Minami pointed out. “We all know why.” Woojin nudged Louis as if they had some type of inside joke. “Woojin,” you called. “Shut up for once.”
“I mean atleast she looks good!” Isol commented. “Let me see.” Ryul took his camera back, analyzing the photo in question. You glanced at him. Everyone was teasing him at this point. But he didn’t care. He continued to look at the photos he took of you. Even while you were right there.
Your eyes flickered away. “Whatever.” You mumbled.
Before the night ended, you guys decided to still go out. And of course Ryul was still sticking to that stupid camera. He thought he was sneaky snapping photos of you eating from across the table. “Quit it.” You glared.
“Sorry noona.” He smiled, putting the camera away. You genuinely wanted to bang your head against the table. “Do you guys have a thing or something?” Jihye asked. Louis choked on his pasta. You stopped chewing. And of course Ryul was smug. “Don’t ever ask me that again.”
“Jihye, incase you haven’t noticed — Y/n is very sensitive about this topic. If you’re not careful she may blow up.” Woojin told the orange haired girl. “Okay guys stop teasing Y/n.” Jasmine laughed. “It’s hardly teasing if it’s true.” Ohyul replied. “Ohyul. Die. Seriously. Die.” You repeated. “I think you’re slow in the head or something. You should get that checked out.”
Before you knew it, you and Ohyul were arguing. Ryul was laughing, finding the whole thing amusing. Louis looked like he wanted to bury himself under a rock, and Woojin was oddly excited.
Needless to say it was an eventful night. A very tiring, eventful night.
You were in your classroom. Everybody has already left for home, but you decided to stay back for a bit to get some things done. The warm sun spilled through the windows. Illuminating every feature of yours as you silently stared at your laptop. While you were applying to modeling agencies, you stumbled across one abroad. It was located in France — Paris specifically.
It was a three year contract if you were accepted. Not thinking much of it, you applied to it like any other. As you were working someone knocked on the door. Ryul stood there at the doorframe. You raised a brow. “Your friend told me where you were.” Ryul said, answering your question before you could ask.
“Weren’t we supposed to work today?” He sat on the desk across, facing you. “Ah. I totally forgot about that.” You rubbed your head. “We can just work now.”
“Wouldn’t communication be so much easier if you actually had my phone number?” Ryul tossed you his phone, the number pad open.
“I mean I guess.” You replied, putting your number in. “That was actually.. easier than I thought. I assumed you’d tell me to die or something.”
“I’m thinking about it.” You looked up. Ryul laughed. “Let’s take some photos then.” “The setting is actually perfect. Classroom basically screams youth, you know?” Ryul held his camera up to your face, watching you through the lens. “Yeah it is actually.”
Silenced stretched across the room. But it was a comfortable one. There weren’t much words needed as he snapped photos of you carefully.
“Try leaning against your hand, and look out the window.” He directed. You quietly followed his lead. Ryul paused. His focus on you. You glanced at him, only to be met with his undivided attention. You suddenly felt small under his gaze. “Stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re analyzing me.” You huffed. Ryul started to laugh. His gummy smile taking over his face as his eyes crinkled. And suddenly, you were the one analyzing him.
“Okay, okay. Let’s go outside, and take a couple more photos.” Ryul stood, snapping you from your trance. “Yeah, whatever.” You muttered, eyes flickering to the floor.
The two of you walked alongside each other in the Hanlim courtyard. There was still a couple students scattered everywhere. “The sun is so bright.” You squinted at the camera, your hand over your face in attempt to shade your eyes. “Wait hold that.” Ryul fumbled in his bag for his camera. “Doesn’t this look kinda stupid?” You sighed.
“Huh? No it’s fine. You look good.” Ryul quickly took a photo of you. “Thanks I guess.” “You’re welcome, I guess.” Ryul mocked. You slapped his arm. “Stop that.”
“You started it.”
You guys began to bicker when a guy came up to you. “Hey Y/n!” You didn’t know he was. “Uh, hey..” your sentence faded as you tried to put a name to face. “Oh my name is Junhyuk.” He awkwardly smiled.
You blinked at him. “Uhm. I sit behind you in maths?”
“Oh yeah! Junhyuk! What’s up?”
“My friends and I are having a get together soon. I was wondering if you wanted to come?” He asked, nervously. “Oh like a party. Is it a small get together?” You inquired. “Ah no, nothing like that. There will be plenty of people.”
You looked unsure. “You can bring someone!” He added after seeing the hesitation on your face. “I’ll think about it.” You smiled.
“Oh okay. Well just let me know before next week.” He waved you off, leaving you and Ryul alone. “That was weird.” Ryul broke the silence. You turned to look at him. “Weird how?”
“He barely knows you.”
“He said there’ll be plenty people though.”
“Only to save face.”
“I don’t think it’s that serious. I’m not so sure I’ll go anyway.”
“He likes you.”
You started laughing, but Ryul wasn’t finding it hilarious. “Wait are you actually serious?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” He grunted. “Even if he does, why do you care?” You asked, incredulous. “Well maybe I like you.”
Silence. You cleared your throat. “You're just full of jokes today, aren't ya."
"I didn't think that was funny."
"lalala I can't hear you!" You plugged your ears, speed walking away. Ryul broke into laughter as he tried to keep up with you.
You guys ended up stopping by your house because Ryul insisted he had to edit the photos immediately. You laid on your bed, casually scrolling on your phone. The only noise in the room being Ryul’s occasional click of the mouse.
You were thinking about what Ryul said earlier. Junhyuk liked you. I mean, you weren’t stupid. You got those vibes. But for some reason, you enjoyed Ryul’s reaction to it.
You sat up, staring at your closet. You went over, and started picking through your clothes. Ryul glanced at you. “What are you doing?”
“I’m picking an outfit just incase I decide to go to Junhyuk’s function.” You replied. Ryul frowned a bit. “I thought you said you didn’t know if you wanted to go.”
“I know. Just incase I make up my mind.”
Ryul scoffed. “You barely know the guy.”
“Maybe he’s just charming.”
Ryul looked over immediately, visibly annoyed. “No he’s not.”
You bit back a smile, but eventually broke. “What are you smiling at?” Ryul tried to keep a straight face, but eventually started smiling back. “It’s nothing. I’m not going anyway.” You dropped back on your bed.
“Good. If you really wanna go somewhere we can go together.” Ryul went back to clicking. “What makes you think I’d want to go with you? I have other friends you know.”
“Why wouldn’t you want to go with me? I’m handsome and smart.” Ryul replied.
“Don’t forget clingy.”
“Only when it comes to you.”
You deadpanned, scoffing softly. Why was your stomach twisting. And why did you like his attention? He was just a kid to you. An annoying one as well.
You glanced at him. He was focused on editing your photo displayed across the screen. A small smile still on his face.
‘It’s nothing.’
Is what you said to yourself. It was nothing.
You can't remember when more vision became the hang out spot. Perks (downsides?) of having trainee friends, maybe. So currently while you were waiting for Woojin and Louis to wrap up. Unfortunately, for some reason you thought you could beat Woojin in rare Pokemon card pulls (something you had no knowledge on), and lost his insane luck.
you were lounging with your friends. Oh, and arguing for your life. "I do not!" you defended yourself. Currently, you were facing accusations of only hanging out with Ry*l, your project partner. "Yes you do! I FaceTimed you the other day and he was hogging you the whole time."
"Well we were working on the project before you called!"
"What about when I hit you up to hang out and Ryul responded to me on your phone?" Minami added. You groaned at the reminder. "I accidentally left my phone unlocked. And I chewed him out for your information!"
"And besides, I wasn't even hanging out with him that day. Louis invited him." You justified. "He was in your room." Minami mumbled. "Y/n. You know it's okay to admit you're friends with him right?" Isol said.
"AHem. More than that." Jihye coughed, earning a glare from you. "Well we're not friends. I just have to tolerate him for one more week and you'l never hear of him again."
Eventually, your friends put the topic to rest. At this point everybody was doing their own thing, a comfortable silence stretching around the room. Suddenly, Woojin and Louis burst through the door. “We’re done!” Woojin yelled.
Fortunately for you, when this consistently happens in your own home, it loses the shock factor. You hardly looked up from your phone, although they startled everyone else. “Why are you so loud?” Jihye said, startled. Woojin rolled his eyes at her. “Y/n I want meat.” Louis shook your shoulder, trying to gain your attention.
“Ya! I won the bet so I pick you little freeloader.” Woojin through his jacket at Louis. “What bet?”
Ryul and Ohyul walked through the door together. You looked up at the familiar voice, your focus changing to Ryul. Isol cleared her throat and gave you a look, which further dampened your mood. “It’s nothing.” You stood patting yourself off. “If you guys are ready let’s go.” You began to leave. Woojin and Louis hurriedly followed.
“What’s her issue?” Ohyul glanced at her leaving momentarily.
The girls exchanged a look of guilt. “What did you guys do?” Ryul asked, noticed their facial expressions.
“Ryul we apologize in advance.”
The following day you were constantly thinking about what your friends were saying. You refused to admit that you and Ryul being closer than usual was actually true. Because why would it be? He’s at your house 24/7 regardless of a project or not. You’ve known him for years, and he’s sixteen.
So when you were just trying to get a snack from your kitchen, you didn’t expect the devil himself to come from behind you. “Hey grab me that snack.” Ryul pointed. “It’s too high. Grab it yourself.”
Ryul reached for the snack, grabbing the cabinet for support and blocking you in. He was practically leaning over you with how close he stood.
The proximity suddenly felt unbearable. Yesterday, you wouldn’t have thought twice about it. “Why are you so close!” You yelled, pushing him away. Ryul blinked at you, still slightly leaning against the cabinet. “..uh what?”
“You have no concept of personal space.”
“Okay? You never cared before.” He shrugged. His response irritated you. You snatched your snack from the cabinet. “Well maybe you’re getting more annoying.” You huffed. “You’re dramatic.” Ryul muttered.
You chose to ignore his statement. You moved to the side, trying to open your snack. “Need help?” He asked.
You shot him a look. Continuing your attempt on opening it yourself before eventually tossing it to him in defeat. Ryul grinned cheekily as he opened it for you. “What are you smiling at?” You said, annoyed. “Nothing.” He replied, giving your snack back and going off to Louis’ room. Even the small interaction made your stomach twist. Maybe your friends had gotten into your head more than you thought.
You were suddenly overanalyzing every interaction you had with Ryul. The way he casually comes in your room without knocking, laying on your bed, texting you random photos at odd hours, was all a bit comfortable for someone you didn't consider your friend, but a nuisance.
“Y/n! Are you even listening?” Minami asked. “What? Oh, sorry. You were saying?” You looked up.
Ara frowned at you. “Are you okay? You seem a bit off.”
“I’m good, don't worry. I was just thinking about something.” You dismissed the attention. “What were you guys saying though?”
“I was just saying that girl keeps looking at you.”
You looked confused. “Huh? Where?” You began to search the cafe, your head turning in every direction. “Don’t be so obvious! She’s behind you.”
Your head snapped. You made eye contact with a girl, someone you didn’t recognize. She looked away immediately, her attention turning to her friend. Your eyebrows furrowed as you continued to look. “Stop staring!” Minami whisper-yelled, slapping your arm. “Who cares.. If shes staring me down with no shame I can do the same.” You scoffed. “Y/n it’s not that serious. I think I saw her in the 1st year class. Maybe she just wants to talk to you?” Ara suggested. You rolled your eyes. It was a funny idea you weren’t interested in entertaining. You’ve never seen her before. So what would she want with you?
“Hey guys!” Jihye smiled. Her and Jasmine came to sit down. “About time you guys showed up. Lets order.”
“Oh no we’re still waiting.” Jasmine stopped you. “For who?” Minami asked. “Uhm. Isol kind of invited Ryul and Ohyul.” Your face dropped. “Y/n don’t be mad!” Jihye immediately began. “They lowkey ambushed her.”
“Ugh.. I’m not that mad. I just have to see them at my house everyday.” You sighed. A couple minutes passed by. The girls were debating what to order up until Isol and them arrived. “Sorry we’re late!” Isol came over. “We got stuck in traffic.” Ohyul added. “Who cares. Let’s just order already.”
“I’m still deciding what I want.” Ara said. “I didn’t really look at the menu.”
“Yeah me too.” Jasmine agreed. “Okay you guys have fun doing that. I’m gonna go order though.” You stood, making your way to the register. “I’ll come with you.” Ryul said, following after you. “You haven’t even had a chance to look at the menu.” You glanced at him. “It’s okay. I’ll just get whatever you’re getting.” Ryul shrugged. “Plus, my treat for crashing your hangout.” He smiled, nudging you. You laughed a bit. “I guess you’re not that useless.”
You momentarily glanced at the girl from earlier. Her eyes were trained on you and Ryul.
“Hey Ryul. Do you know that girl over there?” You pointed. He followed your finger, squinting a bit to get a good look. Once again, she turned away. She actually seemed a bit embarrassed this time. “I think she’s in my department. I don’t know her name though.” Ryul said. “Anyway, what are you getting?”
About an hour passed hanging out with your friends. Eventually the girls left with Ohyul to drop him off and go do their own things. You decided to stay back and complete some work and Ryul insisted on staying with you. “Should we go take photos later?” Ryul asked. He picked at your sleeve out of boredom. “Didn’t you already take all the photos you need? And stop touching me.”
“I like touching you.”
“Ew. Don’t make it sound weird.” Your face scrunched. “You’re the one making it sound weird. Maybe I do like touching you.”
“Ryul.”
“Sorry noona.” He smiled, sitting up. “But seriously. I could use a bit more material.”
“Just take them right now if you have a camera. I don’t want to spend more time on this than necessary.” You said. “Don’t act like you don’t enjoy my company.” Ryul leaned back. “Quite the opposite actually. Let’s just get this over with.”
Ryul stared at you in silence, his face a bit hard to read. “..I’m going to use the bathroom first.”
You continued to work as you waited for him to come back. Turned in a couple assignments, applied to a couple agencies. So far every one that had actually gotten back to you was a total dud. But that wasn’t stopping you. As you continued to mind your business, you felt someone tap you on the shoulder.
You turned around, to be met with the mystery girl from earlier. “Are you and Ryul dating?” She blurted. Your face contorted with distaste. “Excuse me?”
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” She quickly responded, seeing the look on your face. “My name is Soojin, I’m a grade younger than you.”
“Okay. No we’re not dating.” You said, flat. “I’m sorry to impose.. it’s just that — I kind of like him but he’s a total loner y’know? So far the only people I’ve seen him hang out with are Ohyul and you..”
‘She likes him?’ You thought to yourself. It made sense why she was staring earlier. But the conclusion she came to kind of irritated you. “I’m surprised anyone likes him to be honest.” You replied, scrolling on your laptop for applications. “Uh. Yeah. Well anyway, I was wondering how I could get close to him? If you don’t mind.” She looked to the ground.
You didn’t reply immediately. How could she get closer to him? You thought it was silly. You haven’t done anything yourself for him to act as casual as he does with you, it just happened. “I don’t have advice for you. He’s my brother’s friend so naturally I have some type of relationship with him. Just try to initiate a conversation maybe.” You glanced at her.
“Oh okay.. well. Thanks anyway.” She politely bowed before leaving.
You felt less irritated when she left. Which was surprising. Honestly, why were you so annoyed anyway? You were immensely guarded during the conversation, and weren’t all that nice to her. Was the idea of a girl liking Ryul really that annoying to you?
Ryul came back shortly after. “Hey listen, I gotta run. Come by my classroom tomorrow and we can take more photos, okay?” And he immediately left, not even giving you a chance to protest. You did not wanna go to his classroom.
You spent the entirety of the next morning trying to convince yourself to not go. It wasn’t necessary at all. The photography part was already over with. Three more days to turn it in. So at this point you guys had entered the editing phase which he seemed to have done. Deep down you knew it was an excuse to spend more time. Maybe that's why you found yourself outside of his classroom like he asked. Because you didn’t completely hate hanging out with him. In your head, it was justifiable that way.
You peeked inside the classroom. Ryul sat in the corner, his eyes focused on his laptop. In front of him – stood Soojin. They both hadn’t noticed you. Ryul seemed to be nodding at whatever she was saying. The sight made you strangely uneasy. “To be honest, I want to know you better. Would you like to go out sometime?” Soojin swayed as she asked, her stance awkward. It felt like you were invading something that was supposed to be private. You turned on your heel, deciding to wait for him outside. You shot him a text, telling him you didn’t want to walk all the way there and that you'd be outside. A couple minutes later he showed up. “Should we go to the Han River?” he asked. “Wherever you want.” You replied.
“I think some videos under the sunset would be fun.”
“Yeah I guess.” You shrugged. You guys walked over to your car. Ryul glanced at you. He felt like something was off with you. Strangely quiet was never a good sign when it came to you. The car drive was silent as well, the only noise being the hum of the engine. “Why are you being so weird?” Ryul turned to you. “What? I’m not being weird.” You rebutted.
Ryul raised his brows. “Yes.. you are.”
There was no way in hell you’d tell him why you were upset. Because it was embarrassing, dumb, and something you shouldn’t be feeling. “.. It’s nothing. Just leave it.”
Ryul clicked his tongue, looking off to the side. The tension was still thick when you guys arrived. The wind blowing through your hair as you guys walked along the river. You glanced at Ryul, who seemed to be a bit upset. He clicked through photos on his camera, his tongue poking the side of his cheek. “I don’t want to ruin the mood,” You inhaled deeply. Ryul turned to you. “It’s just that.. I saw something I didn’t really like earlier. And I don’t really know how to say it.”
“Whatever it is you can tell me. It’s not like I’m going to judge you.” Ryul said, his head low.
“That.. girl.” You swallowed. It was hard to say the words. It was immensely cringe and humbling on your end. Ryul looked at you, waiting for you to speak. “This is dumb.” You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “Just say it.” Ryul pushed.
“Oh my god, fine. That girl from the cafe approached me about you when you were in the bathroom.” You blurted. Ryul furrowed his brows. “..Okay? Is that it?” He said, confused. “She likes you.”
“I know she does.”
You pursed your lips. “Did.. she ask you out in the classroom?”
“Yeah she did.” Ryul replied, looking straight ahead. You turned to the side, watching the water move back and forth, wondering why you forced yourself into such an awkward conversation. “Then I guess you didn’t hear me tell her that I have feelings for someone else.” Ryul smiled. “Huh?” You whipped your head. “I’m just saying. Next time you’re eavesdropping, listen to the whole thing.”
You scoffed. “Shut up..”
“I can’t believe that was bothering you the whole time.” Ryul was smug. “It wasn’t! I was just weirded out.” You crossed your arms.
“Yeah sure.”
“It’s true!”
It was finally the day to present the project. One month, four weeks, thirty days. It was finally done. Cohesive enough for a good grade. You and Ryul went over almost one hundred times the night before. Most of all, you should’ve been happy that you didn’t have to spend time with Ryul anymore. Counting the days down from the first day you had to partner up with him, but for some reason you felt unsatisfied, and a little nervous. After this, you no longer could disguise time with Ryul as an excuse for the project, because in one hour, it’d be over with.
Right now, you were waiting for Ryul at the school entrance. He was running a bit late, which didn’t help your nerves at all. Ryul finally arrived. “You took your sweet time.” You said, unamused. “I was looking for where I put the portfolio.” He held up the giant folder with a collage of your photos inside. “Okay whatever. Let’s just go already.”
Most of the presentations went by smoothly. A lot of people had amazing ideas, and unique deliveries for it, which applied pressure on the remaining presentees, including yourself. “Okay, Y/n and Ryul.. you guys decided to do a film and portfolio?” The teacher questioned. “Alright, go ahead and come up when you’re ready.”
You turned to Ryul, your eyes wide. “What is she talking about?” You whispered. “Just come up.” Ryul replied, oddly calm. That's when you knew, this was his doing. You should’ve known he’d never agree that’d easily when you guys were discussing the project. “I hate you.”
“Well I like you.” Ryul grinned. “Hurry up.”
You reluctantly followed him upfront. The attention of two whole departments on you two. Ryul set up the portfolio on the display, and then a video started to play on screen. A clip, you forgot he even recorded, started to roll. “So what does modeling mean to you?” Ryul asked behind the camera.
You were silent at first. “I love modeling because you can do so much with it. It’s a unique art and something I’m good at. So I take pride in it.” You replied. “A little artificial but not bad.” Ryul snickered. “Shut up.” You smiled as you covered the camera, the clip changing. Numerous videos played. You show a couple notes you learned on the guitar from when you were briefly interested in the instrument. You casually drive while talking with Ryul. Him directing you while taking photos. Videos from the beach with your friends.
It had a very nostalgic vibe. It felt like an old memory. “What’s something you want people to know when they see our project?” Ryul asked, his voice a bit choppy. “I want them to realize that youth is temporary, and to take full advantage of it. Because it’ll be gone before they know.” You replied, throwing a rock into the Han river and watching it sink. “I really suck at rock skipping.”
“Let me try.” Ryul said, handing you the camera to film him this time around. He threw a rock, it skipped five times before eventually sinking. “Yes!” Ryul exclaimed, his hands in the air as he celebrated his triumph. The clip fading with your laughter.
It was a very beautiful film, and it wasn’t anything you had seen coming either. You guys quickly wrapped up the portfolio presentation.
Ryul ended up dragging you to a hotpot after school. “I really liked it.” You told him. “Thanks. I worked hard on it y’know?” Ryul stuffed his mouth. “I know. And that's the only reason I’m treating you right now.” You leaned on your hand. You guys talked a lot. There was never an awkward beat, not even for one moment. “I think I want to post it.” You picked at your food. “I’ll send it to you.” Ryul replied. “We should go out tomorrow.”
You raised your brows. “Nope. It’s time to push you out of my daily routine and return back to normal.” You exaggerated. “Ah, so you’re just going to get rid of me?” Ryul held a hand over his heart. “Exactly that.” You deadpanned.
“Hey, do you remember when I told you in the beginning of our project that you owe me?” Ryul smirked. You shut your eyes tight. “I actually hate you so much.”
“We’re definitely going out tomorrow.”
As annoyed as you pretended to be, you chose to blame it on habit — but the thought of not seeing him tomorrow didn’t sit as comfortably as it should have.
The next couple days were a blur. Everything felt quieter. You found yourself seeking Ryul’s presence in familiar places, looking at your phone for his texts, and lingering around your home, waiting for him to appear from Louis’ room like he always did. So at one point, you had to confront why the silence bothered you so much.
So you texted him to come outside in ten minutes and made your way to his house. He came outside as you pulled in. “Did you miss me?” He joked as he got in the car. “.. Maybe a little.” You replied, which surprised Ryul a little bit. “But you missed me too.” You responded, unfazed. “You don’t even know what we’re doing, you just came out.”
“No denying here.” Ryul shrugged. “I don’t care what we do.. I just wanted to see you.” He said it like it was nothing. For a second you didn’t respond. There weren't any excuses for you to hide behind anymore. There was no way your mind could rationalize or reduce your feelings anymore — The way your chest tightened, and your stomach twisted.
You stared at him a little too long — at the way he wasn’t waiting for your reaction, At the way he was already looking away like it didn’t matter if you understood it or not.
Nothing about it felt casual anymore.
And that was the problem.
fuck.
“You’re freaking famous dude!” Isol burst into your room, your friends trailing after. “Uhm, who let you in?” You sat up. “Louis did. But that’s besides the point.” Jasmine sat next to you.
You looked confused. “That video you and Ryul made has reached like.. A Hundred thousand views!” Jihye yelled, shaking you and back and forth. “Wait what? Are you serious?” You asked, pulling out your phone to look at the video you posted on youtube. And she was right, it did have a lot of views.
“Thats insane.” You blinked, looking at the thousands of comments. “Don’t forget us when you become famous.” Isol nudged you. “Wait, what's your name again?” You smiled.
“But all jokes aside, your video is really good.” Minami said. You looked at the video, Ryul’s insanely blurred video at the end rock skipping. “I mean it’s all thanks to Ryul. I didn’t even want to film.”
“I mean.. that kid really likes you. Only someone in love with you could film like that.” Jasmine laughed, the other girls joining her. You didn’t really react to the sentence, but as the video replayed, you found yourself staring at the way Ryul filmed you. How could anyone besides him capture you on camera in such an intimate way? The video played over and over.
Later that week you found yourself alone most of the time. All your friends, including your little brother, were all busy with more vision. With monthly evals coming in, they were all putting in hard work. Louis asked you to pick them up afterwards, which you agreed to.
The backseat door opened and someone sat down. “What's up?” Ryul said, his attention on his phone. “Why are you sitting back there?” You turned. Ryul grinned. “I thought the front seat was reserved for Louis?”
You rolled your eyes playfully. “Thats true. But there's a hierarchy, and my friends come first.” Your lips twitched upwards. “Is this your way of friendzoning me?” Ryul moved up to the front seat carefully. “Maybe.”
Ryul shook his head in amusement. “Oh by the way, Louis and the other two are staying back. Just us two today.”
“Huh? Why?”
“They didn’t get the scores they wanted.” Ryul shrugged.
“Did you?”
“I’m content.” He looked at you knowingly.
“Whatever.” You began to drive towards his home. “Let's go to a park.” Ryul said. “All of a sudden?” You glanced at him.
“Yeah. I haven’t been able to see you as much this week.” Ryul’s gaze lingered on you. “Don’t make it sound like we’re dating.” You failed to hide your amusement. “Ah sorry noona.” Ryul poked at you. “You’re so annoying.” You let out a dry laugh, rolling your eyes.
“Why? You told me you weren’t into younger guys.” Ryul reminded.
“How could I forget?” You smiled. “That was like a month ago.”
“Not that long.” Ryul turned to you. “Change your mind or something?”
You didn’t reply, opting to leave your silence to interpretation. The rest of the drive was silent. The two of you walked across the field. “Did you see our video on youtube?” You asked, glancing at Ryul. “Yeah. My classmates were talking about it.” Ryul nodded. “Its pretty cool.”
As you guys continued to walk around, you eventually sat on a bench. “Hey Ryul?”
Ryul hummed, his attention turning to you. “Maybe I did.” You said softly, looking at the floor. “Huh?” His expression slightly faltered. You looked up, making direct eye contact with him. “Maybe I did change my mind.”
It was quiet as you guys looked at each other. Ryul knew exactly what you were talking about. The night air was still. So was he. Many words weren’t needed.
“Holy shit!” You yelled, jumping around your room in excitement. Louis peeked his head in. “Did someone die?”
“I have an influx of agencies in my email!” You smiled. “What? That's crazy!” Louis began jumping with you. “What are we yelling about!” Woojin came in, jumping up and down. “I need to open these.” You sat down. “Open what?” Ryul and Ohyul also walked in. “She got offers from modeling agencies.”
You skimmed the offers. Many of them had insane signing bonuses, the contracts were to be discussed upon an in person meeting. Your smile widened as you read them.
You noticed a particular one. It wasn’t reaching out to you. It was replying back. “Oh my god.” You slapped your hand over your mouth. “What is it?” Ohyul asked, leaning closer to read it.
Dear Y/n Jourdain, we’re pleased to offer you a contract in our agency, debeaux de francais. Please refer to this number xxx xxx xxxx for further information.
Read the beginning of the email. “Wait, it’s a french agency?" Ohyul squinted. You reread the email again. debeaux de francais. The name alone sounded like it belonged somewhere far away, polished, expensive, untouchable. Your heart kept tripping over itself, like it couldn’t decide if this was real or a mistake, sent by accident.
“You’re gonna become rich!” Woojin added. You were still awestruck. It was hard to process the hundreds of agencies that reached out, especially considering two weeks ago, you couldn’t even get a reply. “So no audition? They’re going to actually give it to you?” Louis asked. “Not exactly. It says in person discussion, so they probably want me to go first.”
But the room didn’t feel loud anymore. “Go?” Woojin was confused. “I thought it was a french agency based in korea.” Ohyul added.
“I mean.. Yeah. It's in France. I thought that part was obvious.” You shrugged. “..Are you actually considering it?” Ryul looked at you, his face a bit frozen. The room held its breath without meaning to. “Woah. You guys are acting like I’m gone already.” You joked, in an attempt to lighten up the room. “Theres a lot of other agencies offering. It’s not like I’ve decided yet.”
“Yeah. If you’re just thinking about it then it's not a big deal.” Woojin said. “Exactly.” You agreed. As the room erupted back into chaos, you hadn’t noticed Ryul's expression.
At this point, the video you and Ryul made together had hundreds of thousands views. You were getting recognition over many different social media platforms. It was insane. After careful consideration you and your father flew to France over the weekend to discuss the terms and conditions of the contract offered to you. And surprisingly enough, it was better than most. The signing bonus had the largest sum you’ve been offered so far, and the contract was extremely lenient unlike the ones in Korea – where you'd be watched under a microscope.
And although you were happy, it almost felt comical. You liked your life in Korea with your family and loved ones. You didn’t want to leave them. But it would be a disservice to yourself to not take that contract. It would open many doors and opportunities, and it was only for three years. Not like the typical seven year+ contracts.
They gave you a week to make your final decision. And in that week, you read every email up and down in hopes of slim chance, there’d be a Korean agency offering you everything and more so you could stay. But there wasn’t. No miracle offer. No perfect compromise. No reason strong enough to stay — and no one selfish enough to ask her to.
As you were going crazy, someone softly knocked on your door. “Come in!” You called out. The door slowly opened, and Ryul’s head popped in. His face changed to a soft smile. “Hey.”
“Hi.” You smiled back. “Uhm, Louis told me you just got back.” He stood awkwardly. “Yeah, just a couple hours ago.” The room fell into uncomfortable silence. “Do you want to sit?” You shifted uncomfortably, gesturing to the spot next you on your bed. “Yeah, yeah.” Ryul sat next to you.
“So, did you decide where you’re going to take the contract?” Ryul asked, straight to the point. “No I haven’t.. But so far Paris once has all the good prospects.” You said quietly, your eyes trained on the floor. “Oh. You should take it then.” Ryul turned to the side. “I mean there's still a chance I won’t go. I’ll find a better one here.” You smiled. Ryul was quiet for a moment.
“I hope so. But if you don't, you should go.” He encouraged. Your smile faltered a bit. “All I’m saying is don’t hold yourself back.” Ryul said quickly, after seeing the expression on your face. “I mean I suppose..”
The tension in the room was incredibly thick. “I should go.” Ryul spoke. You nodded. And he left.
“Wait so you’re actually going to France?" Jihye asked. “I mean yeah.. It seems like the best decision.” You shrugged, awkwardly smiling. “How many days left?” Jasmine inquired. “I have four days left to accept.”
“Only four?!” Isol gasped. “This is happening way too fast.” Ara added. You frowned, looking down. “Y/n? What's wrong?” Minami immediately noticed the expression on your face. “It’s just.. I don’t want to leave everything I know behind. It’s scary. And I know the greatest thing ever happened to me, and I should be really happy but I feel like I’ve been looking for an excuse to stay this whole time but everybody's been supporting this decision.” You blurted really fast. Your friends fell quiet.
“Okay, this is a lot to unpack.” Jasmine said slowly. “Jasmine shut up!” Isol hit her arm. “Ouch!” You couldn’t help but laugh a little at the ridiculousness of your friends. “Y/n, If you want to stay, we’re here for you.” Ara smiled, holding your hand. “Yeah. We won’t tell you to go. It’s up to you. We’ll support whatever you decide.” Minami added. “Yeah!” Jihye nodded.
“Ugh.. you guys really are the best.” Your expression warmed. “Of course we are.” Jasmine smirked. “Jasmine shut up!”
Four days quickly turned to three, which became two. The France contract haunted you through every moment of the day. At one point, you even began looking through what you wanted to pack or toss. As you wallowed in self despair, a text pinged from your phone.
Ryul texted you to come out. You couldn’t help the way your lips betrayed you. You quickly went outside. Ryul stood outside your street, waiting for you. “What are you doing here?” You brought attention to yourself. Ryul grinned. “No reason in particular.. I just wanted to see you.”
“It’s really late.”
“I know.”
“You’re obsessed with me.”
“I definitely am.”
You rolled your eyes playfully. “Do you want to go on a walk?” Ryul asked. “Yeah. I’d like that.” You guys walked for a while, your feet leading you to a park nearby. “It’s so freaking cold.” You shivered. “Why did you come out without a sweater?”
You thought to yourself for a moment. There's no way you’d tell him you dropped everything you were doing and rushed out as soon as you saw his text. So you settled for, “I didn’t think we’d be going so far.” A beat passed before Ryul tossed you his hoodie. You blinked, holding it in your hand. “Keep it. I probably won’t get a chance to get it back anyway.” Ryul joked.
“What do you mean?” You looked at him, confusion written all over your face. “You’re leaving?” Ryul said, in a question-like tone. “Oh, right.” You mumbled.
“It’s crazy how we’re not going to have moments like this anymore.” Ryul mentioned, casually. “Yeah. It’s crazy.” You responded, your tone flat.
“You know I’m going to miss you, right?” Ryul turned to you. You shook your head. “Of course I know.”
Ryul watched you. The way you were kicking the dirt on the floor, your expression, tone, the way you were responding. Something was off. “Are you nervous or something?” He goes. You turned to him. “What makes you think that?”
“I don’t know.. You’re acting weird.”
“I just don’t really like how you’re already talking about us in past-tense. I’m not gone yet.” You ran a hand through your hair, a bit frustrated. “Then should I talk about how bad I want to kiss you right now?” Ryul said, his face stoic. You froze. “.. What?” You whispered, caught off guard. “I want to kiss you.”
“You just said that, idiot.” You stared at him in disbelief. Ryul gently grabbed your hand, pulling you closer. “I guess in a way, it feels like you’re already gone.” Ryul said softly as he tucked a piece of your hair behind your ear. “Thats why I need to kiss you. You know, to check if you’re still actually here.”
“You’re so dum–” And before you could finish your sentence, Ryul pressed his lips to yours, his hands tangled in your hair. He held you tight, because he didn’t want to let you go yet. For a second, you thought Ryul would say something. Anything.
You wanted so badly for him to tell you to stay, but it never came. He just looked at you like you were already 5,585 miles away.
It came down to the last couple of hours before your flight. You had accepted the contract as soon as you got home from your rendezvous with Ryul. It was inevitable anyway. You packed your clothes in your room with the help of your brother Louis. “I can’t believe you're actually going to France. You need to practice your French.” He joked. “Ha Ha, very funny. I speak enough.” You deadpanned.
“Yeah, maybe enough to get by..” Louis joked. But you didn’t laugh. You lazily folded your clothes. Louis watched you. “To be honest, I thought you’d be more excited.”
You shrugged. Louis frowned at your lack of energy. “Seriously, what's wrong?” He pressed. You sighed at your brother's persistence. “You want to know what's wrong Louis? I thought Ryul would ask me to stay. But he didn’t. And I was an idiot for waiting.” You said bluntly, as if it was obvious. As if you didn’t just drop a huge bomb on your little brother. “What the hell, you like Ryul?” Louis gasped.
“Don’t act like you’re shocked.” You rolled your eyes. “I am shocked! You said you didn’t like him!” Louis yelled. “Well then you’re gullible.” You turned back to your clothes, continuing to fold them like nothing happened. “Help me with this or get out,” you said flatly. Louis didn’t say anything else after that. He just helped you finish packing in silence. It wasn’t brought up again.
You rolled your suitcase through the airport. Your flight was boarding in about ten minutes and you were saying your goodbyes. “I'm going to miss my uber driver.” Woojin hugged you tightly. “I’ll miss you too.” You winced, patting his back. “You’re going to visit, right?” Jihye asked. “I don’t know. Maybe.” You shrugged. “Huh? You better visit or I’ll personally hunt you down Ms. Hollywood.” Jasmine pointed her finger at you. “Okay, okay.” You laughed. “Have a safe flight.” Ohyul nodded.
You said most of your goodbyes. Your parents hugged you tightly. The noise around you blurred slightly as everyone drifted back into their own conversations. And then it was just Ryul. He went in for a hug, while you brought up your hand to high five him. It quickly became awkward, and you settled for a handshake. “Don’t forget me.” He smiled. “I won’t.”
Louis watched your awkward exchange, he wanted to die on the spot. And you boarded your flight.
It’s been a couple days since you’ve left. Everybody was readjusting. Louis was still popping into your room to show you a funny video he saw, Woojin found himself asking what time you’d be picking them up, and Ryul.. was getting used to not bothering you everyday.
But he thought things would be different. Especially after the kiss. He audibly sighed, looking at his phone every other minute. “Just text her.” Ohyul stated plainly. Currently, everybody was gathered at more vision. Ryul quickly put his phone down. “Shut up Ohyul.”
“He’s right. A text from Y/n isn’t going to magically appear. We’re all sick of seeing you sulk around.” Woojin added, earning a couple laughs from Ara and Isol. “I just thought she’d message me first. It’s been a couple of days.” Ryul grumbled. “If it's any consolation, she hasn’t talked to me much either. I think she’s just busy.” Minami said.
Louis looked uncomfortable. “I mean.. She wasn’t too happy before she left.” He shifted. Everyone's attention turned to Louis. “What do you mean?” Ryul asked.
“I really shouldn’t say anything..” Louis trailed off, scratching his head. “Louis if you don’t spit it out I swear.” Ryul glared at him. “Louis, just say it!” Woojin groaned. “Okay okay fine!” Louis sighed. “I think she was waiting for you to say something to her.” Louis looked at Ryul. “What?” Ryul’s face morphed into confusion. “Louis, be clearer.” Ohyul urged.
“Yeah. I’m invested too.” Jihye said. A beat passed. “She’s going to kill me..” Louis groaned. “She told me before she left, she thought you’d tell her to stay.” Louis finally said. Silence filled the room. “No freaking way.” Woojin laughed, incredulous. “Wait, that makes everything she was saying make more sense.” Jasmine confirmed. Ryul stood up. “Where are you going?” Isol asked. But he didn’t answer. He just walked out.
His feet led him to the rooftop. The air felt cold. He pulled out his phone. No notifications. He suddenly found himself remembering things you said.
“I’m not gone yet.”
Your voice replayed in his head. Ryul exhaled slowly. “…You were waiting,” he said quietly. Ryul finally realized what he was missing all along.
If you’ve read this far, thank you so much! I have the general idea for an act II if I ever decide to do it so this is not goodbye forever!
I’m going to start working on a bonus for this story :)
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