( closed )

hi! 🤍 i got you curious, didn’t i?

i have a lot to say but i’ll try my best to keep this short and worth your time, because, you did click the read more button ^^ a lengthy post won’t do much for the missed time i had here on my blog however, i do hope you’ll continue reading and hear me out.

it’s been a while since i opened jae-canikeepyou,

and believe it or not, i started it without thinking it would reach a span of…

…three years, eight months and nine days where…

i’ve completed 18 fluffs, 8 angsts/drabbles/prompts, 11 snaps, 25 blurbs and 5 finished series!

they were wonderful and fun times, especially during the pandemic where everything seemed to crumble. this platform was my go-to place to de-stress from all i thought were distractions.

i gained so many lovely mutuals (you know who you are!), 2.5k followers and feedbacks for my writings. even one message from my anon ask box already made my day, and i couldn’t be any more happier that you all enjoyed every single one of them ;’)

so with a heavy yet very contented heart, i’m closing this blog for good, leaving it behind as the year ends. whatever the reason is, i ask for your understanding because we all know the phrase “all good things come to an end”. i believe my time to end this blog has come, because eventually we all move on with our lives and this blog is just a fraction of what i’ve achieved, what you’ve enjoyed, and what’s yet to come for all of us in the future.

if you’ve only discovered my blog while reading this, i apologise for the sudden announcement but i do hope you’ll find pleasure into reading my works or maybe swerve lanes to jaehyun :P

thank you so much for the time and memories and i for sure will treasure them! why is it hard to say goodbye? :( if the universe makes it happen, maybe i can meet some of you at any nct concerts in the future! *winks*

i won’t be logging into this blog anymore but this will always be here if you need it or reminisce the good vibes we’ve had :D you guys are amazing! always have, always will! whatever happens, please do stay safe and healthy.

i hope the best for you and success in your life 🥂 from the bottom of my heart, thank you again 🤍

let’s keep in touch ok? you can find my ig here 🤭

jaehyun pursed and dampened his lips. although he just woke up from a nap, he tried to stay awake. his eyes were glued to the screen with reluctant and hesitating fingers, lightly placed on the mousepad. his heart was pounding though it had only been two to three minutes since his roommates informed him that their own professors recently sent in an email about their grades.

yuta, johnny, mark, jungwoo and taeyong behind him were creating their own background music while they anticipated for jaehyun’s grades to appear. they’ve waited another semester for this day, and hoped that it would finally be this time. they just knew it.

“you know i can’t really focus when you’re all breathing next to my ears.” jaehyun pointed out the obvious.

“because you’re damn slow! it doesn’t take you eternity to log into your account. get this overwith!” johnny raised his tone, growing impatient by the minute.

the guys put pressure onto jaehyun by scooting closer until he actually felt discomfort. “sheesh i will! just move away!” he quickly typed password and clicked the file, complaining like a child. “i don’t understand why we’re still doing this. we all know that i’m the winner of this game agai— what the hell?!” he lifted his laptop so close to his eyes that he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

based on his reaction and panicked voice, yuta stole the device from the younger one, pushed him off the chair, and began to read out his grade. “oh my g-” yuta flipped the screen towards the rest of the guys, a growing smile spreading across his face.

“he got a 3.4 gpa!” mark and jungwoo repeated and hugged each other, yelling and laughing until they both collapsed into the sinking sofa. the others followed suit, grabbing bottles of soju from the fridge to celebrate.

after years of trying— since high school— to remove jaehyun from the first place rank amongst them, they rejoiced at the fact their hardwork and grind has paid off for the semester. “jaehyun finally lost!” johnny ran across the shared apartment, pulling the boys to huddle into a circle.

jaehyun was flabbergasted, frozen on the floor and looked at the laptop screen once again. he was glad he didn’t fail, but he could’ve worked harder because this was lower than the previous semester. and he wasn’t going to lie, he was distracted and probably lazed off a bit. “wait you guys.. what’s your gpa?” he asked, lips agape and fast pacing breaths.

“3.7”

“3.6”

“4.0”

“4.1”

“3.9”

they all simultaneously answered and laughed amongst themselves, embracing each other to no end for the night. jaehyun however, didn’t expect this sudden turn of events. “ha?!” he questioned in a louder voice. “but you guys are couch potatoes! you sure y’all didn’t cheat?”

“hey! what do you take us for?” yuta spat.

the confused dimpled guy squinted his eyes. “and what the- jungwoo got a 4.1?!” he surmised at the grade, looking at their phones and laptops.

“i did! and my course is maths, way harder than y’alls! i mean—“ he opened a bottle of soju, sipping it before continuing. “i’m already good at it but i didn’t expect to be, y’know, great.”

“last year we told ourselves to cram and study like you.” taeyong passed the bottle to jaehyun. “who knew we’d end up having grades like yours?”

“because you always get the straight a’s, we felt like defeating you for once.” mark laughed.

jaehyun rolled his eyes. “okay, and it so happened that your wishes got granted? you wished a genie in a bottle or something? ugh this is so hard to believe.”

johnny pulled his shoulder close, making jaehyun feel pretty awkward at the gesture. “idoit those don’t exist. we gave our 100 percent this sem ‘cause we realised that for many, many years you haven’t done the.. thing.” he grinned and quirked an eyebrow.

right. jaehyun remembered why he worked so hard in getting good grades since johnny started this “game” every year, just to make school life fun. johnny called the rest, forming a circle with jaehyun at the centre and soon with their bottles raised. crap, it’s begun.

“five long years. we’ve seen ourselves going onto dates that we all came up and agreed with. most of us being losers at the end but..” jaehyun furrowed his eyebrows at how corny johnny sounded, and how the others faked their cries. “..tonight we gather here to discuss and finally witness jae, experience his first ever date—”

“just get to the point and tell me whom, where and when my date is gonna be.” jaehyun grumbled with curling hands, soon putting the cold bottle on his forehead.

the boys exchanged looks and couldn’t contain their excitement. “taeyong, if you will, please do the honours.” johnny gestured.

taeyong rolled a paper similarly to those of the past to announce the news. “as i will. jaehyun will be taking y/n to the carnival opening on monday at 10 a.m.”

y/f/n? y/n? they decided to make you his date?

while all of them applauded, they held in their laughs that has been wanting to burst out. jaehyun’s tough exterior quickly melted away and was replaced with beetroot red ears and tensed shoulders. “what—”

“okay guys look closely!” yuta’s arm swung to show jaehyun’s current reaction. “jae’s a perfect example of what a tsundere is.” he demonstrated with the tip of a bottle, copying a doctor showing an anatomy from the ears to the chest. “he’s the type to put up a front when in fact he does have warm feelings existing inside his heart after all— ow!”

“tsk you don’t have to say it like that!” jaehyun threw a pillow at him and covered his red ears.

he checked his phone for the calendar. he counted with his fingers and monday was four days from tonight. the earliest he could ask you out was tomorrow, where he would meet you in one of his classes. however that would be difficult since he hasn’t really talked to you or have you on his social media. perhaps that was the reason why they paired him with you.

he pressed the bridge of his nose, thinking of ways to bring the topic up. to him you were the mysterious type, kind and approachable yet he felt there was some tension since he hasn’t gotten enough experience with girls.

exclude that he received confessions or messages from time to time, girls just weren’t his priority yet.

his father would not oppose to him having a girlfriend soon but his mother was strict. she would want him to be accomplished first before going onto relationships.

wait, why did i think of the progress with you already?

“i really think there’ll be development with jae and y/n.” jungwoo hummed in wonder.

“hmm.. i just thought of something.” johnny seemed to read jaehyun’s mind and a light bulb lit up at the back of his head.

“heh do share.” yuta crossed his arms, liking where this was heading to.

“you’ll see.” johnny grinned, making jaehyun swallow and it was audible for everyone to hear.

gosh this doesn’t sound good.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

couple of screams were heard outside your lecture hall. your professor was finishing up her powerpoint, tilting her head to the side in wonder what the commotion was about.

“for those who are unable to submit their final assignments by 5 p.m today, they’ll be counted as late and deducted by 20 percent. make sure it’s completed too. if it’s not, incomplete works is deducted another 20.”

the whole class’ whispers grew louder by the second. there’s always gonna be free-riders and lazy ones submitting it incomplete. “also if anyone’s interested, the details for year 3’s field trip next sem will be posted soon. and y/n, come with me.” she brought down her glasses to spot your figure.

oh not again. you nodded with a forced smile, piling up your stuff and to hurrily catch up with her.

seulgi elbowed your arm, jutting her lips to encourage you to move and act quickly. “go now y/n. you’re like her favourite student.” she leaned in to whisper as she walked alongside you.

you looked at the professor’s hairclip from behind. “no no, not really. it wasn’t until you left a bad impression, sorta. you’re the og y’know.” you hissed and hung your bag over your shoulder properly after putting your laptop away.

“i didn’t get to her bad side. i’m still the same.” she chuckled. “but you.. just gotten better at what you do.”

you rolled your eyes. “don’t compliment me too much.”

seulgi blinked at your ‘humility’ and touched your cheek with the back of her hand. “you say that but you’re heating up.. and probably is happy.”

you disliked being exposed and having your feelings assumed by others. especially seulgi, since discovered that this trait of yours— being in denial— was what made you adorable. “i’m not!” your lips agape.

“y/n.” you jolted the professor’s voice. she stopped midway in her steps, almost making you bump into her.

“yes?” you asked with slightly tensed shoulders. seulgi stepped back for her not to eavesdrop.

“so did you consider my offer?” she implored with an enthusiastic tone. “you’d be a good example for the freshmen next academic year.”

ah right. other than being the teacher assistant, she wanted you to lead the orientation campus tour for the upcoming architecture students. “y-yeah, i don’t mind.” you chuckled monotonously in which you hoped she notices that there’d be a high chance you’d half-ass it anyway.

“fantastic, i’ll keep you posted! check your emails ok? have a great long weekend!” the sound of her heels lessened the further she walked.

you sighed at the energy emitted towards your tired and exhausted self. “what’s so great about guiding new kids? bet they just ended up in our course because it’s not their first.”

seulgi swifted her head to the side. “huh, saying it from experience?” she grabbed you on the arm as she teased you more by wiggling it.

“architecture has always been my choice! just because i don’t look like the type that doesn’t mean i don’t love what i’m doing.” you hugged your belongings.

“sorry sorry, i’m just playing with you.” she giggled as she caressed your head. “do you wanna grab lunch? i’m hungry.”

looking back at her, you gave a small grin with an intent of revenge. “yeah ‘cause if not, i might have to, maybe comfort a sulky seulgi— ow.” your nose stung from the impact infront of you. the perfume’s nice but what the heck this is hard as stone. “hey watch it—”

you cleared your throat, lifting your head up to see jeong jaehyun. “y/n, right?”

“in the flesh. can i help you with something?” you held your nose for any potential bleeds with a nasal voice.

he chuckled in the most unique baritone you’ve ever heard. this was actually the first time you’ve conversed with him other than hello’s, bye’s and can-i-see-your-notes kind of talk. “rather than help..” he trailed off, breathing in and out with a pace until he was calm enough to continue.

“it’s more of a request, uh i’m asking you ou- ugh how do i say this!” he hissed in a soft voice, taking you off guard. “uh i mean, are you free this coming monday-” his cheeks were too warm while trying to get the words out, and got cut off when he saw seulgi pull you aside.

she tapped both of your shoulders, gently squeezing them as if she transferred her extrovert traits; if she ever had some. “oh my goodness he’s asking you out on a date!” she whispered softly.

“date? me?” you laughed at the odd pair of date and you. you blinked several times at her before it actually occurred to your mind. “d-d-date?! nononononono-”

seulgi kept you quiet with a wave of her finger. “c’mon! it’ll be fun! go outside the box! experience love and hugs and all the good stuff.” she already felt giddy thinking about it. “hey, professor did say to enjoy the long weekend.”

it was your turn to hush her to a silence. “you’ve known me for so long and you should know that me plus love? equals error.”

she looked at you questionably with quirked eyebrows and you were dumbfounded for a second. “i’m saying t-that’s like oil and water don’t mix! i-” you bit your lips. “i have to decline-”

“jaehyun! y/n’s too shy to say it out loud but she says she accepts!” seulgi informed him and your eyes widened at her words.

your laptop slipped from your palms but managed to save it from the ground. “oh my g- seulgi!” your face started to heat up, even more so when you spotted jaehyun approaching your way.

out of nowhere, jaehyun’s friends appeared from all sides and their laughter only made you shy away from them, right behind your best friend. taeyong rested his arm around jaehyun’s shoulder. “see? it isn’t so bad to ask her out, hm?”

jaehyun pressed his temples at their presence. “guys, which part of the ‘don’t follow me’ do you not understand?” he groaned.

“don’t know, don’t care!” johnny and yuta laughed so hard that jaehyun already felt embarrassed you had to witness this chaotic bunch.

“hey y/n!” mark greeted with a wave.

“y/n are you alright with going on a carnival date with jaehyun?” jungwoo tiptoed that he almost towered you and seulgi’s figures. “he may look like that but he’s really really kind.”

hm good to know?..

jaehyun stepped out of the circle to cool himself from the heat his body had been feeling from all this. he wasn’t used to talking much or socialise other than his friends. this could’ve ended well if they didn’t appear. i can handle this, right?

his eyes met yours and you weren’t sure if you saw carefully. did he give you an apologetic look? he must’ve somehow felt uneasy for being friends with them. jaehyun’s ears heat up again when johnny pulled him back to the group, pushing him to be near you, seulgi did the same.

any bystander who watched you would think this was a match-making sight. “okay! introduction time! y/n, this is jaehyun. jaehyun.. y/n.” johnny grabbed both of your wrists to close in for a greeting. “shake hands.”

you were reluctant at first, jaehyun was too but he was probably more frank than you. “tsk, stop it. i- i can do this much.” he snorted, his eyebrows furrowing and took your hand. he’s pretty blunt.. you wonder. “i’m looking forward to monday.”

“l-likewise.” jaehyun heard you say, but it turned out more of a question than a response. you’re a shy type too huh..

johnny and the rest of them ran after that, feeling major second-hand embarrassment from jaehyun’s behaviour with you. they left jaehyun behind with their screams echoing the campus building.

you stood there with one thing in mind, how on earth will you contact each other? your eyes looked for jaehyun again, only to see him staring back at you. he pointed his cardigan’s pockets as if he was telling you to copy him.

then a spark of realisation hit you. fumbling and diving into yours, a small paper met your fingertips. “oh? he gave you a note?” seulgi looked up from her phone and joined you to read it.

call me. xxx-xxx-xxxx

seulgi tapped your back continuously from its contents and screamed internally. “bummer the message’s short but coming him, that’s really smooth and cute.”

“how did he manage to slip into my pockets?” you wondered, still staring at his messy handwriting.

“maybe when he bumped into you earlier.” she walked ahead of you, going to the cafeteria for lunch.

the first thing you did was to save his number. it made you think whether he planned this beforehand.

you didn’t really give it much care, but just the thought in itself was kind of sweet. “that’s a gentleman right there. he could potentially be the boyfriend you’re looking for.” she gave you a playful nudge.

“who says i’m searching?!” you stuttered with bubbling cheeks.

“your face did.” seulgi giggled, pulling you closer to quicken your walk.

“shut up!” you whined.

“y/n, i know you’re not honest still but it’ll be an achievement to show your true feelings in your own time.

she had been stressing over this fact about you and you knew her tone changes whenever she would say something important; claiming that it was an encouragement and for your own good.

you knew that well over the years, but it was just that you haven’t been able to take that first step of actually trying to change.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

jaehyun’s friends could never contain their excitement today. one was that you agreed to hang out with him, second was for the weather to be this fine and sunny, seeing their friend dressed up for his ever first date as the third point. but most of all?

they wouldn’t miss the chance of secretly tailing and chaperoning jaehyun from afar. they hid behind crowds or ticketing booths to observe him.

“do you see him?” mark tiptoed as squinted his eyes to adjust his peripheral.

“yeah he keeps checking his watch though.” jungwoo informed him.

jaehyun rotated his wrists to check the time. it was quarter to 10 a.m and after he had asked you out on friday, you never gave him a missed call or messaged him. he’d have to obey his friends’ orders if you didnt show up. at all today. he leaned against a lamppost to kill some time, for walking under the sun was too troublesome. what’s taking her so long?..

whilst waiting he had a sixth sense that someone— or them, were watching him from a distance. the feeling of wanting to be left alone and being supervised had always made him uncomfortable. the pressure of eyes staring straight into his soul was something he couldn’t shake off, even if it’s his friends, he felt like he would explode.

soon his phone vibrated and his hand never been this quick to check it.

unknown number: it’s y/n. i’m here.

his neck stung from left to right as he looked for your figure. he clicked to save your number and was about to call you until you sent another message.

y/n: found you. your 6 o’clock.

jaehyun turned around to see you walking towards him, in an attire he never seen before. you wore a black body con dress with a cropped denim jacket, white adidas continental shoes and a petite shoulder bag. her outfit’s similar..

“wow.. what made you so sure they’ll be wearing matching clothes?” yuta fished out some cash and sighed quite loudly as he handed it to taeyong, as they too, were in the carnival entrance.

taeyong smirked. “just a hunch. they’re so similar to each other it’s kinda not hard to guess. did anyone see johnny?”

“he just entered one of the ticketing tents.” jungwoo pointed at a direction.

“he’s actually gonna do it?” mark jabbered while slapping yuta.

“yup!”

you eyed jaehyun from head to toe. “hey.” he put his hand up. he wore a slightly darker denim jacket, a plain white tshirt, black jeans and white converse shoes with a snapback cap.

i can see his forehead- “s-sorry. did you wait long?” you shook your inner thoughts away, tugging on your dress.

“not really. i got the tickets. let’s go?” he cleared his throat where he almost choked on his own saliva.

holding on your shoulder bag, you observed jaehyun. he had such a masculine figure, broad shoulders and cute ears. your eyes trailed down to his hands, the veins were popping out. you felt so flustered for no reason at all, lost in your own judgement of him. ugh, why am i getting shy-

*thud*

jaehyun felt the light impact on his back. “y/n are you sleepy or something? you keep bumping into me.” his voice was soft, but to you it seemed like he was a little pissed.

“what? you’re huge, literally blocking my way.” you mirrored his tone. jaehyun smirked inside. she’s putting up a cold exterior. “this is the only second time i bumped-”

“tsk just hold onto my jacket or something.” he was being considerate yet the choices of his words were not matching with his intentions. “there’s a lot of people.”

you wondered if he went on dates before, because that offer from him was definitely a gentleman move. this was officially your first date, small acts like these made you nervous. “hello! welcome to ____ carnival!” the staff greeted.

“we have tickets for two.” jaehyun handed them and pushed your back gently so you could go inside ahead of him.

“okay!” she ripped a third part from the tickets, passing them back to jaehyun when she noticed your presence. “oh! are you both together? we actually have something special for couple entry.”

“oh no we’re not—”

“you’re mistaken—”

“and there.. we go!” she examined and clapped continuously, causing both of your eyes meet each other’s then trailing downwards to your wrists.

“we’re handcuffed.” jaehyun snorted, shaking his head in disbelief. “your special gift for couples is putting them in handcuffs?”

“please don’t misunderstand.” her customer service was getting into your nerves. “today is white day.”

“but i don’t see any couples wearing them though.” you joined in the almost-heated conversation. the churn in your stomach was bringing you discomfort.

jaehyun listened to you and scanned the park. none of them were in handcuffs like you both were. “i’d like to talk whoever’s in charge here.” his demeanour was getting dark.

“that’ll be.. me.”

jaehyun’s eyes enlarged. this voice!

the sight of how johnny waved slowly and teasingly with his fingers irked the hell out of jaehyun. “i knew it! i knew you’d do something fishy!” he strided his way to him. “hyung!”

johnny took a selfie with the staff and she bit farewell to tend to other visitors. “fishy? i only smell the flowers blooming. don’t worry jae! i’ll let you off for toilet breaks or lunch/snack break.”

“ha thanks for the consideration but this whole idea is so inconvenient!” he gestured with heavy exhales, your wrists dragged along with his movements.

“ah well, my motto is ‘save the best for last’. that’s you in this case, by the way” johnny tried proving his point by not laughing. yet he bursted out in giggles anyway since jaehyun’s ears were super red. “here, just page me if you need to do either of the two options. see ya.”

jaehyun looked at his hands with an 80s pager. “that’s a one way pager.” you explained while checking on your wrists from jaehyun’s pull from earlier.

“how did you know it only receives?” jaehyun walked slowly to match with your pace.

“i don’t. i just know a person like johnny wouldn’t want to be bothered with your complaints.” you gave a pokerface.

“why you-”

“can we go?”

jaehyun couldn’t help but remain quiet and somehow hear his friends’ voices, telepathically telling him to prolong a conversation, but his brain wouldn’t cooperate when most responses he gets from you were blunt. the only feeling he had at the moment was guilt.

no one would like to be chained with someone he barely knew, although he admitted that there were perks in doing so. in this case, it might be difficult for him because,

it was you.

other departments told him rumours, said you were the ideal girl; smart and likeable, you were quiet but the approachable type. your achievements and grades made him insecure though if he had to compare, you were at his level. however, your personality in the rumours were contradicting to what he saw few days ago and right now.

“so, you asked me on a date. do you have an idea on what we’re gonna do?” you asked with a bit of a temperament. the wind blew your fringes, blocking your view. “i don’t want to just walk.”

“we can decide that later but first..” he guided you to a stall which sold souvenirs and accessories. he picked out a bear’s ear headband, paying the cashier and faced you. “sorry, i’m gonna have to- tsk, you’ll have to cooperate with me and put your wrist up.”

you batted your lashes for being queasy. he bought it just so that your fringe wouldn’t be a hassle. “fine.” later noticing the two cashiers giggling to themselves on his sweet gesture.

jaehyun felt the soft taps on his arm, turning around to see the cashiers handing him the same headband. “uhm, they come in pairs. it’s white day, so it’s buy one get one free. you can match with your girlfriend.”

g-girlfriend? jaehyun chuckled in disbelief. “she’s not my—”

“happy white day!”

“hi there how can i help you?”

jaehyun’s cheeks bubbled as they interrupted him by tending to others. you stifled a snicker seeing him so irritated. “people ever tell you you’re quite the hothead?”

“so what if i am?” he spat, rolling his eyes when you cackled more. “because what they said isn’t true.”

“look jaehyun. you should know by now you can’t argue with anyone who thinks we’re a couple. we’re definitely not but we’re hanging out on white day. they believe what they see.” you shrugged.

you called his name. weird, why did he feel a rush of slight eurphoria when it rolled off your tongue smoothly?

—

it had been a couple hours since then and all you remembered was holding in your screams in most rides jaehyun chose. knowing this, he was the adventure type, kinda giggly and smiley when happy. he never made you feel bored, perhaps he was taking responsibility for dragging you into this.

but in other times he would spark an attitude; like how the line was too long or how he felt claustrophobic waiting.

lunch hour was awkward too. people from nearby tables were staring and feeling giddy towards the two of you. jaehyun was handcuffed on his right hand, so he had troubles using his left for it wasn’t his dominant hand. he ate slower than usual while you had no problems. perhaps they were hoping you’d feed him.

the final roller coaster ride slowed its speed, reaching the starting line. the supporters went up and jaehyun was too quiet. “nice hairdo.” you wriggled your handcuffed wrist, snapping him back to reality.

“i lost my cap.” he touched his head.

you rolled your eyes. “you should’ve taken it off before we got on.”

“they were already telling me to get in. like i had the time to.” jaehyun stepped out of the cart, yanking your wrists that you were sure bruises were forming.

“ah-” you winced at the pain. “hey! can you slow down?”

“not gonna. i’m hungry, let’s have snacks. i’ll page johnny to take these off.” he grabbed both of your belongings from a boxed shelf.

he keeps pulling me wherever he goes without considering my feelings! “jae-”

“knew you both were just nearby.” johnny singsonged and arrived with an ice cream in hand, unlocking the handcuffs. “i’ll be back-”

“better if you don’t.” jaehyun fumed.

you soothed your wrist by rotating it, and you couldn’t help but flinch at the stinging pain. a cold bottle might reduce the inflammation. “i’m getting us drinks.”

“yeah? i’ll come with—” jaehyun’s ears perked at your decision.

“stay. put.” a dark aura gloomed in your words, you looked at him straight in the eye and left him with johnny.

the older one met his limit and broke out in giggles. “did you do something that pissed her off?” johnny laughed.

“no? other than fighting which ride we’d get on or which direction we’re going, i think i was being kind to her the whole day. i even bought her a bear headband as a first impression.” jaehyun sat down with arms crossed. “her mood swings.. i don’t understand them.”

“sounds awfully familiar.” johnny sipped on his drink after devouring the ice-cream. “your rides are getting more frequent. like you’re on rides more than you are handcuffed to her.”

“yeah that’s a flaw of your so-called ‘save the best for last’ dimwit. doesn’t work.”

“huh, didn’t think about that. anyway meet you at 7.”

with this much people, it was difficult for you to go through them. there was an outdoor stage were various bands would perform. you just hoped you wouldn’t be swayed with the crowds. reaching a food stall, you lined up quickly and purchased 2 bottles of cold water.

so you finally sat down, the icy cold feeling on your wrists at least reduced the pain. you sighed at the comfort. ah, that feels better.

however as you relaxed and enjoyed the setting sun, there was this weird feeling that you were being observed, stares from somewhere. you skimmed the horizon before you, almost as if you were spotting a sniper. it was getting dark too, so being alone somehow made you feel vulnerable. although today was white day and an occasion, you didn’t feel as safe without jaehyun.

then you spotted them. they seemed to be around your age and looked fishy enough to make you feel a little scared inside. you wouldn’t be bothered if it was one person, but there were three of them.

slowly you stood up, not being too obvious that you saw them. soon as you walked you got shivers down to your spine— not from the bottles but the uneasiness of them lurking behind you. and it wasn’t even a minute since you walked back.

“hey babe, you alone?”

“wanna come join us?”

“she’s my type.”

you pretend not to hear them. tsk, these catcalls. as much as you didn’t like asking help from jaehyun, you knew you had to find him. you could protect yourself, yet it might turn out differently if he wasn’t with you.

turning around a corner, you cursed to yourself that the crowd dispersed for a local band was up next on stage. you were out in the open, a little far from carnival’s centre. your heartbeat was drumming like it wanted to go out of your chest. maybe if you didn’t appear scared or reacted towards them, they’d probably leave you alone.

but they tailed you from behind, one by one they surrounded you. you had a pokerface on. when you stepped to the left, they blocked you. this didn’t make any sense. one of them trailed from your face to your wrist, holding it up for him to see. “hm bruised. looks like your boyfriend ain’t treating you right. but i know i can—”

“don’t touch me!” you avoided eye contact, slapping his hand away and walked ahead, unconsciously wounding his jaw with your nails and walked ahead.

please don’t follow please don’t follow—

“hey, you made me bleed!” their footsteps stomped the ground,

oh crap.. you ran to the nearest crowd, hoping they’d lose you at the midst of it. but this was three against one, there was a possibility they could surround you again. you panicked, letting out soft squeals when you couldn’t see jaehyun at the spot where you left him. you fished for your phone, dialling his number.

the number you’re calling cannot be reached at this moment. please try again.

what?

all you could do was to hide somewhere or to blend in, because the more you ran the more it caused your dress to slide up. “i told seulgi a dress wasn’t a good idea.” you sighed, soon hiding behind a huge cut-out wooden standee. you tried calling jaehyun again, his phone still wasn’t reachable. did he turn off his phone? a branch was stepped on, your heart stopped, so did your breath. they found you so quickly.

whether you were tired from running or mentally exhausted from overthinking, your legs had a mind of its own. you were up on your toes ready to run again, until they appeared before you. “you’re hard to catch.”

“you like girls who are hard to get yeah?”

“oh yeah challenging girls turns me on.”

“leave me alone.” you took a step back.

“how can i? when you’re this beautiful?” his hand slid from your elbow to your bruised wrist.

“let go of me!” you hit him in the crotch, escaping from his hold.

whilst running you looked back to check if they were gaining on you, they didn’t, however you were too focused on what’s behind that you didn’t what was in front. you clashed onto someone and as you fell rearwards, you were prevented from falling.

jaehyun grabbed onto your hand, catching his breath as he saw you mirror him. “i’ve been looking for you! where have you bee— your lips are pale. are you ok?”

he could feel you shaking. “y-yeah, i..” you hitched a breath and he noticed that too.

you weren’t okay.

as if he had a sixth sense, jaehyun put you behind him, noticing men who were now staring at the two of you and realised you weren’t pale because of running around. he gave them a glare. “hey man, we just saw she needed—”

jaehyun stepped forward, just a metre away to widen the gap between you from them. he had an intimidating look that they flinched at the expression you couldn’t see. “come any closer to my girlfriend and you’ll regret it.”

girlfriend? your eyes enlarged at what he called you and hoped he didn’t notice your twitches.

“chillax. we’re all good, right babe?” the guy tilted to the side to wink at you, making jaehyun uncomfortable and frowned at the nickname. “her wrist looked injured that’s why we offered help—”

her wrist?

“i don’t give a damn of anything that comes from you. y/n we’re leaving.” from his hold on your hand, he intertwined them and walked quickly towards the open. you weren’t sure if he did this subconsciously because he kept quiet until you both reached the queue of the ferris wheel.

there weren’t many people so you both got on immediately. warmth crept up on your face as you stared outside the window. you didn’t intend on showing that kind of face to jaehyun; being vulnerable and afraid. you were meant to stay strong.

at the opposite end from you, jaehyun was staring and you knew that. “y/n? are you okay now?”

“my wrist is fine, you’re kinda late in noticing. and you weren’t at the place where i left.” you grumbled.

well she sounds angry. “you were gone for a while, i had to find you.”

“it wouldn’t hurt to stay longer? i would be back anyway.” you caressed your arm from the wind.

why are you so stubborn? jaehyun was losing his patience. “but you didn’t come back. if i hadn’t been there on time who knows what’ll happen to you?”

“i’m no damsel in distress! why would you go so far to protect me? i could’ve handled it mysel—”

“you were scared.” jaehyun interrupted you. your lower lip quivered at his words, blinking several times before he averted his eyes. “i can tell you’re capable but i just couldn’t shake the thought of that happening.”

as the cart you both were in had gone up higher until its peak, the cooler the wind had become. you didn’t completely open the window, just enough air to pass through.

jaehyun’s brows drew together as the mark on your wrist became more obvious to him. he slid to the right to be in front of you gently taking your hand into his.

“excuse me.” he wrapped your bruised area with a wrist support strap, draping it around to prevent you from hurting further. “i use it whenever i strain myself from working out, but you can have it.” and suddenly what jungwoo said entered your mind.

“he may look like that but he’s really really kind.”

“thank you.” you snorted while stumbling your words and he chuckled, satisfied with what he heard.

“no problem.” he could feel his ears turning red again, and shook his shirt to cool himself down. “feels like we’ve been up here for a while.”

“just a couple minutes in.” you replied, as you stood up to see the view below.

“really? how many spins does this ha—”

his jaw dropped open when the gondola suddenly came to a stop, putting him and you off balance. being an athlete he was, he managed to catch himself and held the handrail above you.

you lost count of the number of times your face heated up whenever jaehyun did something. he also caught you from falling, his strong palm holding your back.

of course he surprised you. however you wanted to scream your lungs out because not only was he so close to you, but because you were clueless on why your heart jumped too many times from this. he was just a guy who asked you on a date. “s-sorry.” he cleared his throat, eyes striking into yours.

the only way out of this awkward position was to say something. “you have a little..” you pointed on your nose, him mirroring you seconds later.

jaehyun rolled his eyes. “don’t embarrass me.”

“was i?” you raised a brow, a small grin appearing on your lips.

“i didn’t know you’re actually like this. it’s getting annoying.. kinda.” jaehyun stepped back and looked on the other window.

you sat down, only for you to touch your ears in discomfort as the speakers rang in a high pitch. “really? glad to hear it.”

a couple screams from children in some gondolas and people’s voices rising in question alerted that there was something wrong.

“this is from the ferris wheel control centre. we encountered technical issues and there may be a short delay. we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

“we’re gonna be stuck in here for heavens knows how long.” jaehyun sighed.

“that’s fine isn’t it?” you crossed your legs and folded your arms.

jaehyun didn’t look at you as you mentioned it. what good can come out from this?

today was nothing but bothersome to him. and if anything it was always for the enjoyment of others and not his. first was his friends were already chaperoning him and still didn’t know about that until johnny showed up. next were the guys who wanted to make a move on you; clearly their motive was something else. and now he was going to be stuck with you in the ferris wheel, in by which was from a carnival that recently opened.

he was about to call johnny until you said those words.

“we’re not handcuffed, are we? then that alone is fine.”

jaehyun lifted his arm to see his wrists, the indent was disappearing and faintly seen. “sorry for pulling you into this.”

“yeah literally.” you remarked your slightly injured wrist.

“that’s why i’m apologising for both reasons.” jaehyun pointed out that he was genuinely sorry.

“it’s okay but that aside..” you began. “i’m curious why today happened. the whole date and handcuff thing. though that sounded gross when i say it out loud.”

“right? i thought the same. i don’t know how johnny thinks but he came up with a game that whoever gets the lowest gpa in a semester, we’ll have to ask someone out. been doing this game for years.”

“ah that can go both ways for motivation.” you were bombarded with seulgi’s messages with how the date was going, but you ignored them as she would only make you shy. “so this time you lost so that’s why i’m here now.”

“yes and because it’s my first loss, they’re very ecstastic about it.” his expression dulled.

you could see he didn’t like being forced into doing something he didn’t want. and you were surprised to hear that there was a possibility that jaehyun never dated, given the fact he managed to not “lose” so he wouldn’t date. “then how’s today for your first date?” you asked out of curiosity.

jaehyun lifted his eyes to see you looking straight at him. and this was the only time he got to properly see your beauty. the timing seemed too perfect that this was only seen in movies, where the golden hour behind you enhanced features he never got to notice the entire day. “it’s pretty...”

“pretty..?” your voice prolonged for him to realise he was leaving you hanging.

“pretty nice.” he cleared his throat, pissed at himself for dazing off. “i wasn’t bored, i had fun. having you as company wasn’t bad.”

you chuckled at his tone. “what do you take me for? anti-social?”

his dimples resurfaced at the comment you made yourself. “i didn’t say anything. you said that. so.. you’ve been on dates before?”

“i’ve been asked, couple of times.” you massaged your neck. “but you’re the first guy i agreed- well technically seulgi agreed for me.”

jaehyun nodded as he remembered it. “yeah. i saw how panicked you were.”

“i would’ve agreed to go with you anyway, among the bunch.” you mumbled.

“hey- what do you take me and my friends for?” he jumped at the remark and his reactions interested you. “but anyway, how was today for you-”

soon his phone rang, jolting you both at the volume. he put it on speaker since you already knew who the caller was. “yes hyung?”

johnny was laughing on the line with others who probably couldn’t hear jaehyun’s greeting. “ah jae! sigh, i got the handcuffs, but at least the ferris wheel’s broken down! you’re still stuck with her so the rule’s kinda valid!”

several of their loud voices overlapped each other’s, a merge between giggles and cheers to tease their friend, but jaehyun’s groan was enough for them to keep quiet. “you’re all on speaker.” he stressed, hoping they would stop it. the call got cut, which was a little funny because it wasn’t a minute long. “i don’t know why i’m friends with them.”

you played with the bottle. “they wanna know if there’s progress too?”

“yeah. so badly they expect you’ll be my girlfriend by the end of the day or something—” he said while looking elsewhere and soon realised the value of his words. “—ah not that i’m telling you to.”

“seulgi keeps telling me to mingle already.” you laugh.

“and did you?”

“i..” you paused, wondering why you were suddenly opening up to him when you just formally knew him today. there was something in jaehyun that made you want to trust him and forget what had happened in the past. “..don’t want to date aga- yet.” you said this in a fading volume by the end, so he wouldn’t hear it. little did you know, he did.

she meant again right? so she’s dated before..

jaehyun listened to you like a friend would do. he didn’t have to reply to everything you had to say. but besides that, you both talked for almost half an hour, already forgetting how the ferris wheel malfunctioned— your gondola high in the sky or how the sun had set into the horizon.

before he even realised it, you fell asleep with your head leaning on the side, exhausted from the events of today. you were probably already in a deep sleep, and although jaehyun didn’t like being stood up in a conversation, he’d let this slide considering what had happened earlier. the gondola started to move for a final spin, and the announcement wasn’t enough to wake you up.

he took out his phone, snapping a picture of you for keeps. “miss brave face and a deep sleeper..” he whispered. “doesn’t even know we’re going down soon.”

he noticed your head hitting the window, you were half concious enough to lift your head from sliding down. the twitch from your eyebrows told him the discomfort you had. jaehyun brought out his hand, planning to stop you from getting hurt. he was about to slip his hand in between the window and your temple, when the door suddenly slid open.

jaehyun’s friends were waiting by the side, witnessing him doing a gesture they never seen him do. jaehyun froze like deer in the headlights, it was too late to react because they reacted first. “ah!” they covered their mouths.

“excuse me ma’am, you can let this gondola pass and make the couple in there go for another spin.” yuta asked the lady behind the controls, making the other guys laugh.

“i was waking her up!” jaehyun sputtered, gently tapping your shoulder to wake you. “hey, we’re getting off.”

he smoothly took your hand into his, while you were still trying to process and stay out of slumber.

“you’re pulling my arm again—” the presence of his friends made your drowsiness disappear. “they’re here.” you looked at jaehyun then to his hand, quickly shaking it off. right, he said progress is what they want to see.

jaehyun pressed his lips at your action, heart clenching for no reason. “you all look so happy.” he referred to their weird faces and grins while they continued to make fun and huddled to surround him.

“hello?” you answered the call after your phone rang multiple times, turning away from the group.

“hey bub! i’m at the carnival! where are you? i said i’ll pick you up at 7!” seulgi whined on the phone with cars honking on her.

checking your phone, your eyes widened. “ugh i forgot. uh i’m still with jaehyun, but knowing that his friends are here, i guess i’m done for today—” you took small glances between jaehyun and the entrance before you were tugged to the side. “whoa!”

you were pushed towards jaehyun, his voice grumbling at taeyong’s request. “c’mon jae! i know you haven’t taken a picture with y/n! a date’s not complete without a picture!” he already had his polaroid camera up, his eyes by the viewfinder.

“just one. you’re also making her uncomfortable.” jaehyun sniffed from the chilly night.

“you’re just saying that but it’s actually you who’s uncomfortable.” johnny’s grin turn into an evil one, an expression jaehyun couldn’t stand looking.

everyone else laughed out loud at how true the fact was. “let’s just get this overwith.” jaehyun sighed.

“bro you guys look so awkward!” mark cackled while pushing jungwoo. the latter did the same.

“be closer!” jungwoo cupped his mouth.

“it’s white day guys and we’re drawing attention. at least act like a couple.” yuta approached you both.

“oh my g— what are you doing?” jaehyun hissed.

yuta grabbed jaehyun’s arm to wrap around your shoulder. “where’s your bear handband? you gotta be twinning with her.” he unzipped jaehyun’s bag to bring it out and wore it on the guy. “there we go. and y/n, hold this.” he passed you a mini bouquet of flowers that were in paired in pastel colours and headed back to where the group was.

jaehyun couldn’t wait to get home and beat his friends to the bone. while he was focused on the chaotic bunch, he heard you sniffing and that alerted him you might be uncomfortable with all this. “y/n you good?”

“i’m okay.” you sounded strange to jaehyun, as if you had clogged nose.

even in the night’s light, he could see the symptoms. you tried your hardest to fight the tears blocking your eyes. she has pollen allergy?

jaehyun bent down to whisper by your ear. “y/n, just smile for a couple of pictures and you can leave after.”

“alright.” you cleared your throat and he quickly took the bouquet to be away from you. how did he know?

“smile!” taeyong signalled, and after two shots taken, he handed you one of the polaroids. they were surprised that you left, phone in one ear, rushing to the entrance.

“oh? does she has curfew or something?” johnny asked the now flustered guy. jaehyun was focused on his phone, immediately receiving a text message from you.

y/n: thanks for today, jaehyun. i didn’t answer your question earlier, but you asked how today was.

“yo jae! we’re gonna go!”

“yeah, coming.” he replied back, shoving his phone in his pockets. his ears turning red with a widening smile.

y/n: i had fun too. looking forward for the next :)

getting into seulgi car, instead of driving ahead, she bombarded you with questions from today. and the only answer you gave her was one: you showed her a polaroid of the two of you.

“this. is. adorable.” seulgi admired the item, viewing it in different angles and you could only feel embarrassed with the revelations of jaehyun’s real personality. “you guys look adorable together!”

you whined and squirmed within the seatbelt, covering your face and clicking on the button for the window to open. “please no..”

seulgi’s ears perked up. “i know this tone.” she sat properly and wiggled your leg that were up on the seat. “oh my g— y/n you— could he-”

you put down your palms and looked straight at her in the eyes, all shy and pouty when she said the words that wouldn’t come out of your lips. “you think jaehyun could potentially be your boyfriend.”