♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟNOW PLAYING.. EJEH
WARNING: verbal conflict, break up mentions, stuck together, exes to lovers, wc: 3.7k+
SYNOPSIS: you and Woojin haven’t been getting along since your breakup. Everything changes when you get stuck in a small classroom with him.
Art class was tiresome as usual. Your teacher was droning on and on about a stupid partner project. Your eyes naturally glanced around. Some kid was picking his nose in one corner. Your eyes flickered – and some girls were gossiping as the teacher spoke. Your eyes locked with Woojin who was already staring at you. He made a face at you, before looking away. You rolled your eyes. He was so annoying, acting like he wasn’t caught first. But he looked.. good. You recently saw in Ryul's story that he got his braces removed. His lips weren’t constantly bruised and puffy anymore.
He got a trim, which was funny considering he promised you he’d never cut his hair. But things change right? Like how your relationship did. That version of him felt so familiar. It had you thinking – where exactly did it go wrong? When did everything become so complicated?
“Woojin, I just want you to make more time for me.” You sat on his bed. He was rushing around his room, stuffing all types of items in his duffle. “I mean I just got here and you’re already leaving.”
Woojin audibly sighed. “Babe, you showed up, announced. I still have training.” He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. “I just wanted to surprise you. And you’re the one who told me you weren’t doing anything tomorrow.” You reminded him. Woojin fought the urge to roll his eyes. “Yeah, as in nothing else besides what I do everyday. Like.. training.”
You gritted your teeth. “I don’t want to argue.”
“So don’t.” Woojin followed up immediately. Silence. You both stared at each other in anger. “I’m not asking for something impossible, Woojin.”
He clicked his tongue. “I just want you to try. I mean you cancel the few dates we plan. You barely check up on me. And-”
“You think I don’t know that?” Woojin snapped, interrupting you. You exhaled sharply. “I know that Y/n. I’ve been so damn swamped lately. I don’t even have time for myself. It certainly doesn’t help when my own girlfriend is making me choose between her and my future.” He breathed heavily, as he looked at you in disbelief. You fought the urge to cry. “I’m not trying to make you choose.”
Woojin’s hands flexed at his sides. “I’m doing my best.”
“Well I guess your ‘best’ isn’t enough.” You stood, grabbing your stuff. “What does that mean?” His eyes trailed after you. You whipped your body around. Your chest rising up and down rapidly. Once again, silence. “So what, you’re just done?” Woojin chuckled, as if not taking you seriously. You opened your mouth to speak, but nothing came out. You hesitated, and that hesitation was enough. Woojin’s face tightened. “Woojin-”
"No, it’s fine," he cut in quickly. Too quickly. "I get it."
"I do," he said, his voice rough. “I don’t want to keep begging you to choose me.” You said, softly. Almost pleading. “Find someone who will then.” That landed like a slap. Your eyes widened. “Yeah.” You said, your voice sharp. “Maybe I will.” You walked past him, your shoulders bumping as you stormed off.
Oh yeah. That was why. That was only six months ago. It’s crazy how fast time flies. You didn’t realize the way you were gnawing at your lips, and you certainly didn’t realize you were still staring at him. Woojin’s gaze was directed at the floor, fidgeting with his hair tie – clearly uncomfortable under your sharp, observing gaze.
You turned away, opting to face the window instead. You replayed that memory a hundred times in your head, wondering what you could’ve done, or said differently. Would you guys still be together? But you had to remind yourself there was no point beating a dead horse. Not anymore. “Alright.. Woojin andd… Y/n!” Your teacher announced. You snapped out of your trance. “Uh, what?”
Your teacher frowned at you. “Have you been listening this entire time?” You looked at the popsicle sticks she was holding in her hands with both of your names on it. “Woojin is your partner for the day. Try to.. convey your emotions through a canvas, double handed.”
“Double handed?” You repeated after her. “Yes. Y/n, will that be a problem?” She sighed. At this point the entire classroom's attention was pointed towards you. Before you could rebut, she moved on. You sunk in your chair. Ever since your.. unfortunate separation – the boy in question has been a total ass. From stealing your shared friends away, to making snarky comments when you walk by. It didn’t exactly make the situation anymore bearable.
But neither have you. It’s not like you were waiting around either. You made regrettable decisions as well. You snuck a glance at him. He was burning holes through the teacher's head, which didn’t help your nerves at all. Your stomach churned as you thought of all the possible outcomes this partnership would lead to. Would you cry? Kill him? Unfortunately, only time would tell.
Everybody was now standing in front of a canvas with their partner, left and right hand taped together to ensure teamwork. Sadly, you were not left handed. Your strokes were sloppy and unsteady. “Keep your arm on your side.” Woojin said, through gritted teeth. “I’m trying.” You huffed. It’s not like you were doing it on purpose. Apparently you can’t catch a break. “Well try harder.” He shot back.
You scoffed. “Sounds familiar.” You muttered. Woojin’s eyes slowly dragged towards you. “What?”
“No, please. If you have something to say – say it with your chest.” He turned to you abruptly, a flick of yellow paint landed on your cheek and uniform. You gasped. “You stained my shirt, asshole! This is not coming out.” You wiped it off your shirt, uncovering the nasty mark. “Speak louder next time.” His attention turned back to the canvas. You dragged your wrist down (dragging his as well), as you dipped into your paint bucket. “Hey!” Woojin yelled. And with a flick of your wrist, paint was all over his shirt too. Much larger than your stain. “Oops. Maybe stay out of my way next time.” You threw his messy logic back at him.
You guys both stared daggers at each other. He pushed his arm towards you, trying to get the paint brush all over your shirt. You pushed back, leaning away, the struggle evident as you both shot profanities at each other, gaining the attention of your peers and teacher. “Woojin! Y/n!” Your teacher yelled. You both turned to her, caught yellow handed.
“Is this going to be an issue?” She asked, sternly. “No.” You guys said in unison, promptly making faces at each other afterwards. “Good. I won’t warn you again.” She looked between you two, before walking away. “Nice job idiot.” Woojin glared at you.
“You started it!” You whisper-yelled back. “Oh please. YOU started it – referencing a freaking breakup that happened six months ago. Get over it.” Woojin snarled at you. Your breath hitched at his straightforward hostility. “Yeah,” You breathily laughed. “Because you’re over it, right?”
Woojin slightly froze. He didn’t answer immediately. “You really think I moved on first?”
“I’m not the one who was acting like I didn’t care. You’re the one who shut me out.”
His hand paused mid-stroke. That got his attention. “I shut you out?” he repeated, finally turning his head to you. “That’s funny.”
“Oh it’s funny?” Your grip tightened around the brush. “You told me to find someone else, Woojin.” His jaw ticked. “And you did a great job listening, didn’t you?”
“You don’t get to be angry. I followed your advice.” Woojin’s jaw clenched. Nothing came out of his mouth, because he knew you were right. “You walked away.” He reminded you. “There was nothing to walk away from. You made it clear there was nothing left for me in that relationship!” You turned to him. Your right elbow brushed against the canvas, causing it to rock.
Yellow paint splattered across Woojin’s shoes, your legs, and the floor in one loud, messy crash. Suddenly, the room went quiet. Your mouth gaped open at the mess in front of you. “Unbelievable.” Woojin shook his head.
“Y/n, Woojin. Outside. Now!’ Your teacher yelled. You ripped the tape off of your wrist, storming off. Woojin followed a few seconds later, rubbing his sore wrist as he tracked paint down the hallway. “Great job Y/n.” He said, sarcasm dripping from his tone. You exhaled from your nose, choosing to not engage. Your teacher came out. “Both of you, detention after school. I expect you to bring your butts to this very door the moment the last bell rings!” She yelled. “And unless you want an F for this assignment, you guys will stay bound during the duration of your punishment. Maybe you can convey your emotions with a rag and soap.” She said.
“Thats not fair-” Woojin cut in, but closed his mouth when the teacher gave him a stern look. “I don’t want to hear you guys assign blame. You guys are equally at fault.” She pointed her index finger at you guys.
You sighed. Today wasn’t going as planned at all. And it just got worse.
The entire day you were dealing with odd looks left and right. Your skin was stained with bright yellow paint, spots all over your shirt. And now, you had to return to where it all started. You pushed the sliding door open aggressively, walking in with attitude. Woojin looked up from his seat. “Took you long enough.” He muttered.
“Well I wasn’t exactly rushing to spend my afternoon hours stuck with you.” You spat back, taking a seat. Before further bickering began, your teacher entered. In her hand was a roll of tape. “I want this place spotless. When I enter this classroom tomorrow morning I better not see a speck of paint.” She enunciated. She pointed to the bucket of soap water and rags in the corner of the classroom, and made you tape yourself to Woojin before she left.
Silence echoed in the room. The tension was heavy as you guys stared at the cleaning supplies in front of you. “Let's just get this over with.” Woojin mumbled. You briefly glanced at him, nodding in agreement. You guys got to work, but immediately things started to go wrong. Woojin pulled your wrist in his direction back and forth, causing you to lose balance, your right hand flailing. “Stop pulling so much.”
“I can’t.” Woojin emphasized. “Use your other hand!” You yelled. “No, that's going to take longer.” He replied. You felt like steam was coming out of your head. You continued to scrub diligently, trying to ignore the fact that you were being pulled in a different direction every other second.
You had enough when woojin tugged too hard, causing you to stumble into the bucket beside you. You gasped in shock. Ice cold water spilled all over your thighs, and legs. Your clothes clung uncomfortably to your skin as soapy yellow water dripped from your legs, reactivating the paint stains already scattered across your uniform. Woojin froze as he just stared at you. “You are unbelievable.” You breathed, voice shaking with frustration. “It was clearly an accident!” Woojin defended. “I already told you to stop tugging!”
Something in you snapped at the way he undermined his actions.
“Nothing is ever your fault huh?” You spat. It was so silent a pin could drop. Woojin knew you weren’t just talking about crashing into a bucket because of him. It was deeper than that.
Woojin's eyes fluttered to the side. His tongue poked through his cheek. He looked at you once again, exasperated. “Sorry. Now can we finish this up?”
“Sorry for what exactly? For ruining my entire day? Stringing me along for a year?” You pressed. “I never strung you along!” Woojin threw his rag on the floor. It shocked you, your eyes widening at his anger.
“My feelings were never fake. So stop acting like I never cared because I did!” Woojin huffed. His outburst took you by surprise. You parted your lips to say something, but you were at a loss for words. "Woojin I-"
The lights shut off. "What the hell?" Woojin spoke, looking up.
The hallway lights turned off too. That's when you heard a click at the door. "No no no no." You repeated as you took the tape off that bonded the two of you together, stumbling towards the door. You attempted to slide it open but it wasn't budging.
"Woojin we're stuck!" You said, fear struck.
Woojin came to the door. "Let me try."
He pulled the door with all his strength, his face scrunching up. Woojin sighed as he let up. "Hello?!" You yelled as you banged on the door. "We're still here!" You knocked rapidly. But it seemed Woojin accepted his fate, his back slid against the wall as he sat down.
"Our phones! We can call for help." You remembered. "They're still in the principal's office." Woojin quickly reminded you. Your face dropped. You guys were really stuck. "This can't be happening." You sat on the floor. Realization finally settling in. You might be locked up for a long time.
"I don't understand why the Janitor locked up early though." Woojin furrowed his brows as he nibbled on his nail. "It's Friday." You said, tone flat.
Awkward silence filled the room. You mentally weighed the pros and cons of the situation. But there weren't any pros that came to mind.
The classroom was getting colder by the minute. It didn’t help that your clothes were still damp. You crossed your arms tightly over your chest, but it did little to help. A violent shiver ran through you, and your teeth began to chatter.
“You’re shivering.” Woojin said, who was analyzing you the entire time. You glanced at him briefly, annoyance painted all over your face. “I’m not.”
“And I’m not covered in paint.” Woojin said sarcastically. “Let. It. Go.” You said slowly before looking away, your arms tightening.
But that didn’t help you stop shivering. Woojin sighed loudly before coming over to you. You looked up at him warily as he sat down next to you. He took off his jacket, putting on top of you two like a blanket.
“What are you doing?” You looked at him weirdly. “What do you think?” He snapped back quickly.
It did help. You did feel warmer. But something in your chest didn’t allow you to accept his kindness so easily. So what did you do? Pick a fight of course.
“You didn’t need to do that.” You muttered. “Well I decided to. You shiver pretty loudly. And it’s annoying.” Woojin rolled his eyes.
“Yeah? And who needs your pity anyway?” You sat forward. “I’m sorry your highness, would you rather die from the cold?”
“Well, be my guest!” Woojin began to stand up. “Wait!” You grabbed his arm. His eyebrows raised, as if telling you to hurry up and plead your case before he leaves you to shiver to death. “.. it’s your fault I’m so cold anyway. You spilled water on me.” You swallowed.
Woojin scoffed before sitting back down. “..that’s what I thought.” He mumbled to himself. You wanted to bite back so bad but you knew better.
So there you were, stuck in a small, dark classroom pressed shoulder to shoulder with your ex boyfriend in a stiffening silence. The clock now read six p.m which meant you’ve been stuck here for three hours. You were deep in thought when Woojin suddenly spoke up. “Stop chewing your lips.” He glanced briefly at you. You paused immediately. It was a bad habit you developed a long time ago. It was also something he was constantly reminding you to stop doing when you were together.
Some things never change.
“Stop looking at me like that.” Woojin said uncomfortably as he shifted. A small smile found itself on your face, one that didn’t go unnoticed.
“You still fidget with your hair tie.” You quietly replied. Woojin shook his head. “Only because all the ones I have belong to you.” He slipped.
Both of you froze. You weren’t expecting that, at all. It was a small detail you forgot with time. “I mean- it’s just that-” Woojin fumbled.
“Stop.” You looked down. He swallowed.
“..I get it.” You said. “I mean it’s not like I don’t wear your t-shirts to sleep still.” You shrugged. It should’ve been embarrassing to admit. But you didn’t care anymore. You were stuck in this dumb room with Woojin, and suddenly all your walls were breaking down. And so was his. “But only sometimes.” You added, letting him know to not let it go to his head.
He smiled. “Old habits die hard I guess.”
You nodded in agreement. “I wonder when someone will notice we’re missing.” You said. “It’s almost seven. What if my parents are trying to get hold of me but they can’t?” You pondered. “Then that’d be pretty troublesome.” Woojin replied, stating the obvious.
“..but. We’ll be fine. At least we’ll be able to guilt trip ms. into giving us an easy A right?” Woojin smiled. You laughed. “That’s true. If she doesn’t give us a good grade after this we’ll have a serious problem.” You giggled.
Woojin looked at you fondly. His face slowly relaxed. His head tilted back as he stared at the ceiling.
Silence fell again. But it felt heavy. Then almost like he didn’t mean to say it out loud—
“Did you really think I just.. stopped caring?” Woojin blurted.
You blinked. He didn’t look at you when he said it. You shifted slightly under the jacket, suddenly more aware of how close he actually was.
Woojin let out a short breath through his nose, like he was already annoyed at himself for bringing it up.
“I didn’t know what to think.. I still don’t.” You said quietly.
Woojin swallowed. “It was hard for me too. It’s not like my feelings just disappeared. We were together for a whole year.”
“That’s just not what happened.” Woojin shook his head. “So what happened then?” You asked, peering at him.
Woojin refused to look at you as his feelings poured out of him. “I miss you everyday. It was easier to act like I didn’t care than to actually confront how I felt.” Woojin began.
“When you were walking away, I wanted nothing more to pull you back and never let go.”
“Then why didn’t you?” You interrupted. “It felt like I was the only one fighting for our relationship.” You felt angry just thinking about it.
But Woojin didn’t take offense. His face was still sitting straight. “I honestly don’t know.”
You pursed your lips. It wasn’t a good answer and he knew that. “I guess I was just scared. Thought it was better to let you go.” He finally looked up at you.
“I never wanted to hurt you.”
His eyes softened. You didn’t know how to react to him being vulnerable. “I could never move on how you did.”
“Oh please. Don’t even start.” You scoffed.
“I’m not. I didn’t mean it like that.” Woojin defended himself. “But I still don’t get it.”
“How you could act like we broke up so long ago. Do you know how I felt, hearing from our mutual friends that you’ve been on dates? Or that you were talking to someone? It felt like what we had meant nothing.” He faltered.
“Woojin, I never moved on. I was trying to get over you because I didn’t want to think about it anymore.” You replied. “Well, have you?” Woojin asked. “Have you gotten over me?”
You didn’t answer immediately. “Have you moved on?”
You both asked each other two loaded questions that neither wanted to answer. “I asked first.” Woojin narrowed his eyes on you.
“Well I’m not answering first.”
“That gives away your answer anyway.” Woojin grinned. “Oh please. And you’re so sure of yourself?” You quipped.
“Positive.” Woojin quipped back. You both stared at each other. “Well I know your answer too.” You crossed your arms under the jacket.
There it was. That natural bickering, like nothing ever happened. It felt like everything was back to normal for a moment. Like you guys never broke up. “For your information, I never moved on from you. It hasn’t been that long anyway.” Woojin looked into your eyes as he admitted his feelings.
You knew, but it felt good to hear. “Don’t grin so cheekily.” He mumbled. “What? I’m not.” You smiled. “Well anyway, I feel the same.”
“What is ‘the same’? Put it into words.” He nudged you. “Fine. I never got over you Woojin. How could I when you plagued my mind every moment of the day? When I was reminded of you in everything I saw.” You said in an animated way. “Is that what you wanted to hear?” You cocked your head to the side.
“Tsk. Something like that.” Woojin rolled his eyes.
It dawned on you how close you’ve gotten. Faces inches from each other as you stared into each other's eyes. Neither of you made the first move. You swallowed as the tension was getting deeper. Woojin inched closer, as if he was unsure. “Just kiss me.” You whispered.
And that’s all it took. It was a chaste kiss at first. Like you guys were relearning your rhythm. He held your hand under the jacket.
Your eyes fluttered open as he pulled back.
No one said anything. “Does this mean..?” Woojin trailed off.
“No. I mean. I don’t know.” You panicked. “I just don’t think we should rush anything. I don’t want to get h-” you stopped yourself from completing the sentence. “I get it. We don’t have to act like nothing happened. We’ll work towards it.” He squeezed your hand. You smiled at him.
“So can I kiss you again..?” Woojin smirked. “Do you even have to ask?” You rolled your eyes. Woojin leaned once more, kissing you. Suddenly — the door slid open. You both jumped from each other immediately.
“Uhm. I was informed some students were still here.” The janitor scratched his head.
Finally done with this writing.. it’s not even that long but it took me awhile to get it written out! Anyway I’m just glad to have something written out for woojin nowww
anyway if you’ve made it this far thanks for reading!
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