#rowoon au

SUMMER OF 2025

“Don't forget your art project to be completed in three days” I announced through the classroom as I watched my 5th grade homeroom class pack their bags and get ready to go home for the day.

“Yes teacher” some of them said in unison, others just nod and smile.

It has been my dream to become a teacher since I was little—from acting like a teacher to finally being a real teacher. I'm grateful that I entered a job that made me smile whenever I start my day.

Even though it gets hectic.

Finals week is happening next week and those are the days where students and teachers are busy and at the same time—thinking about the summer break.

When the last student finally left the classroom, my head automatically rested on my table, catching sleep for a bit. Just a few minutes later, I didn't know someone came inside my classroom and felt their finger poking on my cheek.

“Miss Eunji…it's already 5 in the afternoon” I heard that familiar voice and saw it's Taeha, the music teacher in this school and also the work crush of most teachers here. He really is good-looking.

Me and Kang Taeha had been friends since college and that's the part where other teachers are jealous about—my closeness with Taeha.

We also share one apartment, since it's affordable, and when they found that out—his admirers were scowling at me again.

I groaned and stretched out my arms, “You should go ahead, or else I'll hear their scowls at me again. They irritate me now” I said to him.

Taeha laughed, “Who cares? Besides, I think you need a helping hand” He looked over the mountain of activity sheets that I needed to check and record back home.

I playfully rolled my eyes at him, “Fine” I stood up from my chair and fixed my things. I'm so glad it's finally the weekend—but our weekends are still full of work.

I stared at the activity sheets and closed my eyes as I took a deep intake, “I love my job, I love my job” I mumbled to myself.

I put the papers neatly in a box and as I'm about to lift it, Taeha beat me to it and that made him stand so close beside me, smelling that faint masculine cologne and his veiny and surprisingly huge arms on display since he rolled up his sleeves.

“Helping hand…remember?” His voice came out deep since he's too close to me.

A faint blush appeared on my cheek and took a step back away from him, “Okay, helping hand. Let's go” I nervously laughed and took my things.

I can hear Taeha chuckling behind me and that made me blush even more.

“Hey, remember Hwang Dohyun back in college—” I abruptly stopped in my tracks when I saw Taeha without any shirt on and only wearing those loose gray sweatpants that are so tempting to look at while he’s watching some random series.

“Why is he being like this nowadays?! Did he start working out? Is he feeling confident?” I am fighting my inner demons right now.

“Hwang Dohyun? I just received a text from him.” Taeha responded to my unfinished sentence earlier. I saw him give me a questioning look because I am just standing here, clutching my towel that I used after taking a shower earlier, “Why…are you standing there?”

“Oh! Me too! That’s what I’m going to ask.” I shake off the inappropriate thoughts and take a seat on the sofa where he is—but I’m keeping a distance from him, or else he will see me flip out.

“It’s been years since we last saw each other and I’m surprised to hear an update from him.” Taeha smiled and put his arms up behind his head, causing his biceps to flex a bit.

“Fuck. Can he stop?!” I mentally screamed.

I try to regain my composure, “And that update is…he’s getting married.” I chuckled.

That made me think of most of my friends getting married, already married, and settled with their own family. People have been saying that my age is the perfect time to get married and start a family, but fate is not on my side anymore—since that time. So I’m ignoring those stereotypes and just live where the wind might take me.

“He mentioned that instead of having those typical bachelor’s parties where they go club hopping, he will just use their family summer cabin and spend a week with his friends.” Taeha said while looking at Dohyun’s message.

“Seven days means there will be seven different summer activities that we will be doing?.” I asked.

Taeha shrugged, “Maybe? And I hope so, because I really miss those summer activities we did in elementary school before.”

I smiled on the ground and reminisced about those times, “Yeah, I do too.”

My smile faded away when he entered my thoughts again, causing me to sigh deeply.

“What’s wrong Eunji?” Taeha asked and felt him scoot close to me. Feeling the heat of his exposed torso dangerously close to mine.

“What's wrong? You're all shirtless and shit is what's wrong. Put on a damn shirt.” I slapped my towel at him and stood up from the sofa, getting ready to go and enjoy my sleep.

“It's warm here!” He hollered from the living room.

“Then turn off the heater!” I argued back and entered my room, leaning my back against the door.

Damn you Kang Taeha.

Time really passes by so fast and I'm glad finals week is coming to an end. I kept remembering Dohyun's summer getaway so that I just have the motivation to check every exam papers and projects that my classes have passed. When the school bell finally rang, a wide smile appeared on my face upon seeing the students get all excited for their summer break. With just two and a half months, I'm sure they will make the most out of it.

“Have a great summer, teacher!” One of my students came over to greet me.

“Have a great summer too!” I grinned, then I was surprised when my student suddenly gave me a pretty shell bracelet, “Oh! Is it for me?”

The student nods while showing that adorable smile. I immediately put on the bracelet and my heart swells when they hugged me again before waving goodbye to me. I admired the bracelet once more and soon I was interrupted with someone knocking on the door.

“Come in.” I said.

Of course it's Taeha.

“Miss Eunji,” Taeha always calls me whenever we're here in school and I think it's cute hearing it from him, “We have a small get-together with the other teachers in the faculty room.”

“Oh okay, I'll be right there.” I nodded and started tidying everything I accomplished today. I also applied some lip gloss and powder to make myself presentable.

Then I just realized that Taeha is still here, leaning on the door frame with his gaze at me.

My brows furrowed, “What are you still doing here? You go ahead.” I tried to shoo him away.

“We'll go there together.” He smiled.

I rolled my eyes, “And cause a whispering scene between your admirers again? You go ahead.”

Taeha soon found himself walking towards me and took my bag from my table.

“Hey!” I tried to get my bag from him, but our height difference is hindering me.

“Come on, let's go, you look pretty already.” He said and that made me look at him again, not realizing my cheeks are blushing again.

I huffed out in disbelief, “Fine. I'll just turn the AC off here.”

I tidy up the classroom and turn off everything that's plugged in before leaving the room with Taeha still holding my bag. I was about to tell him something but a phone call interrupted me.

“It's from my bag,” I told Taeha and he gave me my bag, pulling out my phone to see it's Dohyun calling me, “Oh, it's Dohyun.”

I pressed the button to receive the call and I'm surprised it's actually a video call.

“Eunji! Hello!” I saw Dohyun's contagious smile again.

“Dohyun! It's been a while! Taeha is also here with me.” I showed Taeha in the video call as they greeted each other too.

“Since both of you are now on this call, I'm sure you're both aware of my bachelor's party slash summer getaway that is happening on sunday.” Of course, me and Taeha nodded on what Dohyun said.

“Yeah, and congratulations too on your upcoming wedding!” I greeted and Taeha did the same.

Dohyun grinned, “Thank you guys. I'm kinda skeptical about contacting you and Taeha because it's been years since we saw each other, maybe you won't remember me anymore.” He chuckled.

I giggled on what Dohyun said, “What do you mean we won't forget you? You literally saved our last semester in college before.”

“You're the reason we have this degree!” Taeha buts in.

I watched Dohyun laugh so hard and probably remember the time back in college where we literally begged on our knees for his review notes for us to pass our exams. Me and Taeha were so crazy to pass with flying colors, and Dohyun is actually a smart student that we met. He is our guardian angel.

“This is why I really missed you both. Your craziness as a duo in college made me feel so belonged, even though I'm older.” Dohyun sighed, “Anyways, I'll see you guys this sunday and you will be also meeting my other friends. Hope that's okay.”

“Yes of course, see you this sunday! And, will there be a motif for our outfits?” I genuinely asked.

“Nah, any outfit is fine, as long as it's comfortable. See you guys! I'm hanging up now.” Dohyun waves goodbye on the video call as we waved back before he ended the call.

I sighed deeply and returned my phone inside my bag again, “Can't believe we will be spending a week in the woods.”

Taeha tried to uplift my mood because he knows I'm a bit nervous when it comes to the woods, “Relax, I'm sure the place where the cabin is would be nice. With those lake views and everything.” He patted my shoulder.

“I hope so.”

Sunday finally came and I am blankly staring at my two luggage that is filled with my things for the next seven days in the woods. I brought some insect repellant, sunblock and other necessities to make the getaway problem-free. We are just waiting for the driver to drive us to the address that Dohyun gave. He mentioned that he got us a shuttle together with his other friends for us to get to the cabin. I'm overthinking again that it would be a bit awkward to be in the same vehicle with some strangers.

I heard footsteps behind me and saw Taeha wearing a baby blue billowy shirt together with a denim three-fourths. He looks very summery, compared to mine that it's just a plain yellow sundress.

“Ready to go?” Taeha asked while locking our apartment.

“Yeah…I think.” I put up a small smile.

I was taken aback when Taeha suddenly cupped my cheeks and squashed it lightly, “I swear you'll be fine. I'm here for you if you got scared in the woods.”

I took his hands off my cheeks, “You promised that, and don't play pranks on me in the woods or else I'm gonna leave you back there.”

I immediately took my luggages and began walking in the hallway towards the elevator.

“Hey! Wait for me!” I heard him scrambling behind me as I snickered a laugh.

“The driver should be any second now, keep up slowpoke!” I hollered through the hallway of the apartment building and hoped our neighbors wouldn't be annoyed.

We took the elevator and just in time the driver notified us that they are now in front of the building. Taeha helped me put my things in the trunk and now we finally leave the apartment complex.

On our way to the place where the shuttle is, it is full of interesting stories. Taeha mentioned he was once a boy scout in his elementary years and he always has awards whenever they have their tasks, almost as if he's assuring me that I'm in good hands when we stay in the cabin. The driver also added that there's a beautiful lake where the cabin should be because someone he knew also owns a cabin around that place and he saw how beautiful the view is outside.

What they said made me calmer and now full of anticipation of what the cabin would look like—of course with Dohyun's wealth and status, I'm very sure it would be so beautiful.

We finally reached the place and immediately saw a shuttle service waiting by the bus stop. We took our things and said our thanks to the driver as he drove off.

“Oh wow, this shuttle service is…expensive.”

Right before me and Taeha is a white colored shuttle service that almost looks like a whole bus. We made our way towards the man waiting by the car.

“Excuse me, is this the shuttle service provided by Hwang Dohyun?” I asked the man.

“Oh! Yes! Can I ask your names?” He asked as he took out a list from the pocket of his jacket.

“It's Kim Eunji and Kang Taeha.” I said with a warm smile on my face.

Me and Taeha waited patiently as he went through the list and noticed his face lit up, “There you both are miss Kim Eunji and mister Kang Taeha. Let me help you store things inside the shuttle's compartment.”

“Thank you so much.” I thanked him as we also helped put our things inside.

When we are now good to go, we enter the shuttle and our eyes widen to see how cool it is inside. The seats are probably so comfortable, there are small TVs on the seats and a champagne corner? This shuttle has everything.

“This freaking looks like a first class seat in an airplane, holy shit.” I muttered to Taeha since I saw there are now people inside who are chatting with each other.

“Let's find our seat now.” Taeha ushered me towards the seats that are close to the front since he doesn't like to be that far behind a bus.

When he settled, I sat down on this comfortable chair and felt like I'm just about to pass out to sleep on how freaking comfortable it is. I just want to stay there, I'm already content with this damn shuttle service.

After a few minutes, more people came and now the man and also I think is the driver now entered the half-filled shuttle service.

“Good morning everyone, I am Hongchul and I will be your driver today. We will be having a 3-hour drive to the Hwang's family cabin. Mister Dohyun actually gave all of you some snacks and other necessities in the box that is just under your seats. If you have problems or emergencies during the trip, press the button that is beside the TV and just stay your concerns through its speaker. Have a great day everyone.” Hongchul bowed at us and now got ready to drive.

My face is making a very weird look because of what I'm feeling right now. Taeha noticed that I'm making a face now and that sent him from stifling a laugh.

“What the hell is that face?” He covered his mouth.

“It feels so new as a person who only lives an average life. I can't believe we have a friend like Dohyun who is literally wealthy like a president.” I chuckled and soon took the box that Hongchul mentioned earlier. I opened to see some chips, biscuits and a juice to help with our hunger during the trip.

What I'm shocked about is that there's a jacket inside too and summer necessities like sunblock and some sunglasses. Dohyun really planned everything for this special week, and that made me think how many weeks or even months that he planned this. That made me even more grateful to be one of his friends.

The 3-hour drive went by smoothly as we now entered some secluded place that is surrounded by woods. I'm glad it's not one of those places that is too deep within the foliage but this place seems light. During the trip, we actually met one of Dohyun's friends named Yoobin. She's one of Dohyun's closest friends way back in high school and she's so extroverted that she introduced herself to everyone in the vehicle. We can't help but also socialize with everyone in the shuttle. I noticed this woman who is a bit silent and just wearing her headphones while looking at the view. Of course I just ignored her or else she'll be annoyed that I interrupted her quiet time.

After a few minutes, we are now surprised by the cabin. Words can't explain how beautiful the cabin is, how it was standing between the trees and the lake just in front of it. It's like this place came from a storybook.

“The cabin is so beautiful.” I said in pure admiration.

“Told you it would be beautiful.” Taeha added.

“I overthink too much.”

Taeha snorted, “Yeah you do.”

When the shuttle service parked beside the cabin, Hongchul; the driver, now helped us leave the vehicle and unload our things from the compartment. My eyes are not leaving on how beautiful the cabin is.

“Welcome everyone to my family cabin!”

My eyes widened to hear that voice and finally saw Dohyun walking out from the cabin with that same warm smile on his face. All of us greeted him and took turns hugging and greeting the man of hour—or week?

When we exchanged glances, Dohyun's smile widened even more as he saw me running towards him and gave him the biggest hug. Taeha also entered and now turned into a group hug.

“Oh Taeha and Eunji! I'm so glad you're both here! Thank you for making the time.” Dohyun said as we broke our hug.

“Anything for our dear friend, who is close to being a married man.” I nudged his side as he laughed.

“So when's the wedding?” Taeha asked Dohyun.

“It will be happening next month already. Me and Haewon have been together for 6 years now and she's the love of my life. Both of our families are so supportive that this wedding should already be happening. I just proposed to her two months ago, and now the ceremony is now happening in a month.” Dohyun shared this story that made us look like some smiling freaks.

“I'm so happy for you Dohyun, and thank you for planning all of this. So don't worry, this summer getaway will be amazing.” I said to Dohyun.

“Of course it will be amazing, and speaking of amazing, can I have the attention of everyone,” Dohyun stood on the porch of the cabin, “Through the seven days, we will be having different activities to make our summer getaway the vacation of your lives. For this day, we will be barbecuing some food and just a simple campfire.”

I glanced at the large space between the cabin and the lake to see a grill and the campfire already laid out. But first, Dohyun said about our rooms, me and Taeha picked the room that is on the second floor and the window has the perfect view of the lake.

I threw myself on the large mattress and indulged how soft and comfortable this bed is.

“I hope I won't sleep in because of how soft this bed is.” I chuckled and prop myself up to see Taeha also enjoying his own bed.

“Me too,” Taeha agreed, “It's like we booked in a five-star hotel but for free.”

When we finally settled our things inside our designated room. We went back outside the cabin to see most of the guests are having fun in the lake. They were kayaking, skipping rocks and just relaxing. I caught in my peripheral vision the quiet woman during the whole trip talking to Dohyun and sharing some laughs. I didn’t notice how pretty and tall she is. She looked like a model or some sort.

But I just mind my own business and told Taeha that we should have a skipping rock competition.

After several rocks were thrown in the water, of course, Taeha won.

“Why are you so good at everything?” I grumbled and crossed my arms together like some kid that lost in a game.

“At least you also skipped three rocks.” Taeha tried to console me.

“But you skipped ten.”

Taeha chortled, “You’re so adorable.”

My eyes widened on what he said and that made my cheeks blush again.

“A-anyways, let’s just relax on the bean bags by the campfire.” My words stammered as I quickly went my way towards the bean bag and sat on it comfortably.

Taeha has been making me blush for weeks now and I don’t think this is a good sign for our friendship that lasted for years. And when I let my feelings overcome me, maybe it’ll be like that moment again—where someone would just leave me behind. I breathe in the fresh air and close my eyes to what I’ve been thinking again.

I didn’t realize that I already took a nap—with the help of this comfortable bean bag. While everyone is making the most of the beautiful scenery of the lake and the cabin, here I am, passed out.

Smoke. Such indulgent smoke.

My eyes slowly opened to see it's already sunset and the others are now grilling some delicious meat and preparing other foods. How long was I out?

I stretched out my arms and legs before getting up from the bean bag that I comfortably slept on.

“You're finally awake, we finally started preparing for our dinner. I really didn't want to wake you up, you're so comfortable sleeping on the bean bag.” Taeha came walking towards me with a drink in his hand.

I look at the drink he handed me over to see it's iced tea. I took a sip and it was the most refreshing drink for the summer.

“Thank you for the drink, and yeah…I didn't realize I passed out already. I still have to catch more sleep.” I put up a small smile.

Taeha sighed and soon showed me his hand, “Come, let's go with the others.”

I held his hand in caution as we went towards the table where everyone is socializing. Me and Taeha sat down and saw Yoobin; the one we talked to during the trip.

“Taeha! Eunji! Hi!.” She waved at us and we greeted back. Yoobin also introduced her other friends, adding more stories and random things in our interesting conversation.

“Did y'all notice Haesoo being overly quiet since we arrived here?” Sunhee whispered to us.

My brows furrowed, “Who's Haesoo?” I genuinely asked since I still haven't known everyone on this trip.

Yoobin discreetly pointed behind me, I took a peek to see the same quiet woman who was talking to the other groups, “Her. That's Choi Haesoo.”

“She's Dohyun's friend who he met when he was working in Australia before.” Sunhee added.

“Dohyun worked in Australia? I didn't know that.” Taeha was taken aback.

“Yeah, he worked in a company as part of the marketing team. He also met his soon-to-be wife in Australia.” Yoobin explained further.

I nodded when I got that new information, “Wow, that's why he has a bit of an accent.” I chuckled.

We all stifled a laugh, “Yeah, he does.” Yoobin agreed.

We all ended the gossip when we saw Dohyun coming towards our table and joined us here, “How are y'all liking the day so far?” He asked with that contagious smile again.

We're loving it. The cabin is beautiful. This place is amazing. We're thankful you planned this. We all said those words in unison.

“Actually, I want to introduce myself to Haesoo since I remember we used to be in the same university.” Yoobin suggested to Dohyun.

Dohyun scooted closer to us, “She's not in the mood and I think she's pissed at me.”

All of us at this table were surprised.

“What happened?” Sunhee asked.

“Well,” Dohyun chuckled, “I actually invited his ex over. The one she dated for four years when we're still working in Australia.”

So that's why she's not that excited during the trip. But I respect her since she still agreed to come just for her friendship with Dohyun.

I was about to ask Dohyun something, we heard a car engine approaching the cabin. I looked over to see a black Range Rover and soon parked beside the shuttle service we used earlier. Who arrived so late?

“Fuck,” Dohyun cursed and stood up from his seat.

“Who's that?” Yoobin asked. Also has that bewildered look on her face.

The Range Rover car opened and revealed the person inside. Since it's a bit dark where the parking space is, I don't have a clear look on their face. All I know is that they're tall—very tall.

“Speaking of the devil, that's the person I've been talking about…” Dohyun said.

When they are now walking towards our direction. My heart stopped when the light shone down his face. All of the memories, either good or bad ones, played in my mind. My balled up my fists, trying to hide what I'm feeling right now.

“Is that…” Sunhee's lips curled to a smirk.

“Oh my god he's the ex.” Yoobin covered her mouth.

“The ex that Haesoo still has feelings for,” Dohyun added and that made Yoobin and Sunhee gasp but enjoying the drama.

Dohyun soon approached him and gave him a friendly hug, “Everyone, meet Lee Hojun. One of my friends from Australia.”

My frozen self watches Hojun politely bow, “Good evening everyone, sorry for being late.” He apologized.

That's Lee Hojun. The Lee Hojun I've known since I was little, the one that I spent my whole childhood with, the one who I shared my feelings with, and the one who left me behind.

After 20 years…I finally saw his face.

Is fate doing this all over again?

Your mind was reeling. As a senior member of staff, you had been priming for a promotion now for over two years. You had the skillset to become the manager of the department. You knew every person’s weaknesses and strengths to keep the working environment at its best.

You had been convinced it was just a stupid rumour.

So, when the introduction of Kim Rowoon was over, instead of watching the man head to his desk with Penelope and the other females fluttering about, you stormed into your boss’ office and placed your hands onto your hips.

“What’s this?”

“What’s what, Y/N?”

“You told me I would become manager. In fact, you told my entire team to consider me as that. Now they, and I, have to answer to someone else?”

Marion steepled her fingers together and let out a sigh. “I too answer to higher-ups, Y/N. My hands are tied. When the Chairman’s favourite nephew returned from-”

“Does he have the qualifications?”

“He seems adequate on paper.”

“This is ridiculous!” you whined, and Marion shrugged.

“What do you want me to do? Tell the Chairman that I have someone more capable for the job and that his favourite nephew shouldn’t be placed in charge of the department? I have three kids I need to feed, Y/N. Welcome to the corporate world. The good news is, Rowoon isn’t in charge entirely. On paper, yes, but I’d like you both to work together as a team. You’ll be getting a pay raise too. So essentially, it is the promotion you were aiming for.”

You snorted. “Except not one that allows me to rule on merits alone. I’m not angry at you, just the situation.”

“It might be something amazing. Give Rowoon a chance before you instantly pit him in the other corner of a boxing match, Y/N.”

It was hard to accept the dual leadership with Rowoon. For one, he had been overseas for the past five years, and the way he led the way was not how it worked here. It clashed with your approach to everything. Therefore, you were always tense in his company.

It only got worse when the new manager’s office was allocated, and you both had to share the space.

“Have you got the report on the Atticus account?” Rowoon asked from his desk, and you looked up at the man and frowned.

“You’re in charge of that account.”

“Yes, but your team cross-checked the numbers for me and were meant to run it past you.”

“My team? Aren’t we meant to be one whole unit? Stop assigning work to me that I’m not a part of from the beginning. If you got someone to run-”

“Okay! Thanks for the pep-talk, Y/N. It’s always a pleasure working with you,” he shot sarcastically as he walked out of the office, and you threw yourself back in your chair, seething at the interaction.

It wasn’t ever going to work between you with this tension.

You did try, the following week, to be less at his throat, but it was a hard pill to swallow answering to Rowoon’s commands. You had established too many well-oiled systems that were foreign to the man, and subsequently, he was relying on you to teach him everything from the ground up.

This meant a lot more overtime than you signed up for.

“Our Chinese is here,” Rowoon announced as he walked back into the office and placed the food delivery down on the small meeting table in the middle of the room.

Getting up from your desk and discarding your blazer, you smiled brightly. “Thank you!”

“Do you know you only seem to appreciate me when food is around?” he mentioned wryly, loosening off the tie around his neck before unbuttoning his shirt’s cuffs.

“Well, you do have good taste in food. I’ll give you that.”

“I’ll take whatever compliment you’ll give me, Y/N.”

You were midway in dishing out the food when you noticed the way Rowoon rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, exposing his forearms. He seemed unaware of how stuck you were on his arms as he sat down across from you until you still hadn’t moved.

“Y/N?”

“Huh? Oh. Sorry, lost in thought.”

“About my arms?” he mused, and you snapped your gaze up to his eyes.

So, he was aware after all.

“What? No.”

“It’s okay. I found it difficult to speak on the phone earlier to Clare Neutronics with you twirling your hair around your finger absent-mindedly. We’re even.”

“You did? Even with what?”

Rowoon took his eyes off the food momentarily, his brows dipping before he smirked. “The tension between us is evident, Y/N.”

“I agree to a point. I don’t like the tension, but I think you’re construing it as a different type of friction than I view it as.”

“Really? I was certain there was mutual attraction between us.”

You laughed loudly and then paused, your eyes narrowing on the man before you.

Rowoon was undeniably attractive. He was a classic type of handsome, very gentlemanly in appearance. Had you not met as opponents, you probably would have spent more time admiring him than the little you had.

Staring back at you, Rowoon then smiled meekly. “I guess it’s just me then.”

“You’re attracted to me?”

“Do you want to really get into this with me, Y/N? Think about the position we’re in before you ask for further information. If you’re not already aware of it, this could complicate our working environment.”

“We’re fighting for the same role.”

“No, we’re not.”

You gaped at him. “We are! I was going to be promoted to manager, but you came along, the Chairman’s favourite nephew who stole the show!”

“So that’s why you’re bitter towards me. I’ll have you know I’ve worked my way up from the ground to get to here.”

“I know,” you agreed bitterly, sighing heavily. “I’m aware you have some skill.”

Rowoon pursed his lips together. “Some.”

“I admit, we’re slowly getting there together. This wasn’t how I imagined my promotion, though.”

“I guess we just don’t match the same wavelength in multiple areas.”

“You’re throwing out breadcrumbs for me to pick up intentionally now,” you accused, and the way Rowoon gazed at you confirmed it. You huffed with annoyance at your growing curiosity. “Fine, I’ll bite. Tell me the answer to my previous question.”

“It’s hard working with you.”

“I’m intolerable, I can agree.”

Rowoon shook his head. “Not like that, well… I’m not going to go there right now. You asked me to elaborate on attraction. There’s a whole lot of it for you coming from me.”

“Really?”

“I was convinced you felt the same way, which was why we were butting heads. Eventually, we would have had to address that so our working partnership could improve. I guess we avoided that.”

“You sound disappointed.”

“Quite. I’ll have to figure other outlets for the images of workplace misconduct that I’ve thought of.”

Laughing, you watched the man before you as he ate. He had a few mouthfuls before giving up and capturing your gaze with his own. “Are you trying to figure me out?”

“A little.”

“I shouldn’t be satisfied with that,” he replied, lowering his eyes back to his meal. He grew smug. “But I am.”

“I never said I liked you.”

“You’re considering it.”

“I’m trying to figure how you came to that being the answer to our tension.”

“Jaeyoon mentioned…”

“What? What did he say?!”

“Well, he thought that might be the reason for your intolerable ways.”

“So, you admit I’m intolerable.”

Rowoon groaned before chuckling. “There’s no way out of this deep hole, is there?”

“This is the longest conversation we’ve had, you know.”

“I’m aware. I’m enjoying it.”

“I have to admit I am too.”

Sharing a smile, you wondered what this new information would lend to your relationship with Rowoon. On a professional level, you hoped it would break down the barriers between your work ethics.

Though, the idea of figuring out what Rowoon had been imagining had ignited further interest within you.

Maybe you’d find yourselves on the same wavelength eventually.

_________________

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"Well, well. If it isn't Y/N?"

I turn around and force a smile.

"And if it isn't our school's traitor?"

Seokwoo smiles at me.

"No need to get all angry just because your team's best player left, Y/N."

I laugh.

"Best? I'm still right here."

"Keep deceiving yourself and being cocky," he replies.

"The one who started bragging was you," I start getting away. "If you'll excuse me, I have a match to win."

I turn around and smile to myself. For some reason, whenever we talked I would get all joyful inside.

After warming up with the rest of the team, we enter the court and start playing. By the half of the match, I notice Seokwoo analysing me from the bleachers. What is he...

The boy winks at me, leaving me completely flustered.

Out of nowhere, the ball falls in the ground right in front of me and I jump in place. Damn it, I was distracted! All my teammates give me a death stare.

"Sorry, guys. It won't happen again."

In the end, we end up winning 3 sets against 1. My team isn't mad at me anymore by then.

Well, but I am mad. Mad at that annoying of a Kim!

I drink some water and then go directly to him, who was still on the bleachers. I don't try hiding the irritation in my voice:

"What do you think you were doing? You disturbed me on purpose!"

Seokwoo gives an annoying smirk.

"Actually, it wasn't on purpose... but it would have been a good idea if it was..." he laughs a little.

I narrow my eyes.

"Prepare yourself, Kim Seokwoo. I won't have even an ounce of pity for you in our match."

His smile doesn't waver.

"I don't need to prepare myself, then. It's only you."

My desire to punch him right in the face is big, but I control myself.

"We'll see."

And I left the bleachers.

FNC's game against Seoul High starts half an hour later and I watch it. They win all the sets and Seokwoo smiles sarcastically at me from afar. I decide to ignore him and I cross the street to get some lunch at the mall.

At 4pm I've already warmed up and am ready for the match. I take a deep breath, wishing my parents were here to see me. There's no way though. They are busy working.

Well, that's not important now. The important thing right now is to not falter and win against that cocky boy.

Both teams enter the court and go to their positions. I walk up to Seokwoo and offer him my hand.

"Good luck," I say.

He laughs, not believing me for a second.

"Right. For you too."

I grin.

"No, really. You'll need it."

I get back to my team and laugh at the face he makes.

The game soon starts.

Both teams are very good, so the match is really balanced. We're already on the 5th set when I suddenly feel a strong pain on my head. The last thing I remember is falling to the ground.

...

Suddenly Jinwoo, who was new at Seokwoo's team, hits the ball right on Y/N's head. What was his problem?!

The match stops and him, the judge and the girl's team make a circle around her, who was unconscious. Seokwoo feels dispair grow inside him.

"She needs to go to the infirmary! What now? How are we to keep playing without her?"

The boy from her team looks very upset. What? Was it only with the game that he was worried with?

"Calm down," the judge says. "You've got your subtitutes, son."

He shakes his head.

"But is not the same thing, sir! Y/N is our best player. How are we going to defeat FNC?"

The man sights.

"It's life. Unexpected things happen. Now, someone please take this girl to the nursery before her or myself lose it!"

No one from the audience steps up. Was she alone?

Damn it.

"I'll take her."

Both teams as well as the public look at him surprised.

"You?!" the judge asks.

"Yes," he replies.

"But you know your team will have to replace you, don't you?"

"I do."

Seokwoo gives him a bitter smile and lowers himself, taking Y/N in his arms and bringing her to the nursery while ignoring his team's outraged looks. Once they arrive, he explains everything that happenned to nurse Choi.

"So, will she be okay?" he finally asks.

"Calm down, boy. Don't speak so desperately," she says and starts examining Y/N, who suddenly starts moving. The woman smiles. "She will be up soon, darling. Don't worry."

Seokwoo sights in relief and looks at the girl for a few seconds. He places the strands of hair which have escaped from her ponytail behind her ears, away from her forehead, which was moist from sweat. The boy unties her hair afterwards so that she feels lighter and smiles.

Y/N starts moving a little bit again and he decides to leave the room. She would probably not want to see him when she waked up...

...

I open my eyes and see myself laying on a litter at the nursery.

"Hello, darling," the nurse smiles at me.

"I-I—"

"Were hit in the head with a ball? Exactly. How do you feel?"

I put a hand on my head.

"A little dizzy, but I think I'm okay."

"What about the pain?" she asks.

"It's not that bad."

The nurse smiles again and writes something on a paper, which she gives me soon after.

"These are the prescriptions. If you get any worse, go to the hospital immeadiately, okay?"

I smile and agree.

I stay at the nursery for one more hour resting. I also try not to worry too much about the game's result. I fail.

After this restless resting time, I walk to the door, but I stop, remembering something.

"Nurse Choi," I turn around and look at her. "Who brought me here? My parents weren't there."

She smiles.

"Well... it was writen "Seokwoo" in his uniform."

I blink.

"Oh. Thank you."

I leave the room astonished. Kim Seokwoo? Why would he miss the match with such a big advantage in his team's favour just to help me? I don't get it...

I pass by a corner in the school, which was almost empty by now, but stop in my tracks. There were two boys having a heated argument. I see one of them push the other and decide to get closer. I'm shocked at what I see. The two guys were no other than Seokwoo and FNC High's newbie, Jinwoo.

"How could you do that on purpose?!" Seokwoo asks.

"Dude, we were taking a chance to lose!"

"That's no justification!" Seokwoo practically growls. I've never seen him furious like that.

"Come on! You two hate each other. What's the deal?!"

"I don't hate her, you—!"

The two guys start going at each other. In the beginning, I'm too shocked to do anything. Did he just say he didn't hate me? Did he...?

I snap back to reality and run to them.

"Stop!"

The two boys get apart and stare at me surprised. Seokwoo walks to me and I see Jinwoo running away to somewhere through the corner of my eyes.

"Y/N, I—"

"Shh," I look at the boy in front of me. "Your lip is bleading."

Seokwoo puts his fingers over his mouth.

"It's alright, it was just his punch. I—"

"It's not alright. Come here."

I take him by the wrist and tell him to wash himself. He does it, and I check to see if there is still blood running out. There isn't. I take a relieved breath.

"There."

I was about to leave when he touches my wrist.

"Y/N, are you alright?"

I look at him surprised.

"Yes, I am. Hmm... thank you for taking me to the nursery."

He places his hand behind his neck and blushes slightly.

"Don't worry about it. It was nothing."

"Nothing?!" I gasp. "You left the game to assist me!"

"I... it was no problem," he blushes a little more.

I shake my head.

"You would probably have won easily without me there."

"Well... let's just say my absence balanced things out," he says.

"But you didn't have to do it!" I stop, realising I didn't know how it all have turned out. I look at him. "Who has won afterall?"

Seokwoo shakes his head.

"Your team."

My eyes grow wide.

"What about now?" I ask. "Do you regret having left to help me?"

"No," the word leaves his mouth surely.

"W-What?"

He smiles a little shyly.

"You're more important than a game."

I look at him astonished and he returns my gaze. Slowly, he gets closer to me and stares at my lips. I look at his too. The little bruise over there only makes me want even more to... Wait up. What was I thinking?!

"Seokwoo—"

Suddenly, he kisses me and I close my eyes right away, returning his sweet touch. After that, we walk hand in hand to the exit, in silence. Once over there, he gives me a kiss on the forehead and grins.

"Don't you think just because I like you I'll take it easy on you at the championships."

I chuckle.

"Great, because I won't either."

Rowoon’s tall frame is the first thing you see out of the corner of your eye.

Tall and dangly, arms and legs that seem too long to fit anywhere properly.

A jawline sharper than any blade, dark smoldering eyes – and a smile so inviting and open that you can’t help but immediately feel at ease around him. 

He uses one hand to push his black hair away from the forehead, a hint of impatience to that gesture. When he sees you looking, he grins - he knows he’s handsome, but doesn’t seem to care about it.

“There they are!”, Jaeyoon says when he spots his two friends just entering the café, “Late as always.”

“Punctuality is a virtue.”, you sigh, taking a careful sip of your steaming coffee.

“One we do not own, I’m afraid.”, Rowoon says, having overheard the last bits of conversation and grinning apologetically at you and Jaeyoon.

“Yeah, I’m sure we make an amazing first impression.”, Youngbin sighs, slipping onto the bench beside you, the chair opposite you now the only available space left for Rowoon. 

You just grin. “Don’t worry, I have a lot of friends who hold other virtues, too.”

"Well without further ado, let me finally introduce these two – Rowoon and Youngbin, two of my closest friends and roommates. Guys, this is Y/N.” 

Both men smile at the you and you respond in kind.

“Nice to finally meet you.”, Youngbin says, while Rowoon nods in agreement.

“Likewise – Jaeyoon has told me a lot about you. So.... You will help us with our genius idea?”, you ask, propping your chin onto one hand and regarding both, curiosity sparkling in your eyes.

“Well, we will try.”, Youngbin quickly dampens your excitement, “We’re no geniuses on the programming side.”

“Speak for yourself.”, Rowoon jumps in, raising one eyebrow in a silent challenge.

“Are you telling me you’ve become a programming genius over night now?”, the older man with the bright red hair asks, grinning a bit condescending.

“Who knows - I have many hidden talents.”

“Dancing the Macarena while balancing a glass of beer on top of your head does not count as a hidden talent, just so you know.”, Jaeyoon intercepts, making you laugh.

“Oh, I’ve definitely got to see that!”, you say brightly, dimples showing.

“Well, we’re having a party at our place this weekend, come over and you might get to see it.”, Youngbin proposes.

“Sounds good. Is it alright if I bring my best friend along with me?”

“No need - I live there too, so I’m already invited.”, Jaeyoon says confidently, making you roll your eyes.

“You are not my best friend, Yoon.”

He fake gasps. “I’m not?! But what about us, what about everything we’ve been throu-”

“I swear to god, you need to stop watching High School Musical.”, you whine, punching him lightly on the arm and making him pout.

“But they are cinematic masterpieces!”

“They are not. Seriously, you are so weird!”

“That’s why you love me."

"I most certainly do not.”

“I know you do and I love you, too. So, back to business then.” And with that, he looks at his two friends, who observe your bantering with amused faces.

The jokes continue through the whole afternoon, which marks the beginning of a new, blossoming friendship.

The four of you manage to plan quite a few things for the app you and Jaeyoon envision for your university project. If everything works out (which it will) you will get a high, if not the highest grade for this.

You come with your roommate/best friend to the party.

There, you show off your skills at beer-pong, destroying the youngest of the bunch of men living together named Hwiyoung and Chani with the help of Zuho, another of Jayeoon’s roommates; you can’t help but laugh at their shocked faces.

After that, Dawon calls for a round of shots, making you even more drunk which finally results in you showing off your (non-existent) dancing skills. Taeyang and Youngbin rescue you from the dance floor before you can hurt yourself (or someone else) with your flailing arms and legs. Rowoon and Jaeyoon have tears in their eyes from laughing too much at you, but you don't even mind. You obviously already know about your poor dancing skills, but are way too drunk to care.

When the night is old – or the morning young? – you sit outside with Inseong, having dreamy talks about politics and a better society. By then, you have finally begun to drink water; thanks to that, the alcohol is beginning to wear off. Your best friend is already back home, having drunken a little too much too fast and therefore decided to sleep it off.

After the party, you quickly become a regular at the young men’s house: many game as well as movie nights are spent cuddled together on mattresses and under blankets with popcorn and wine, even more are spent with Rowoon in the kitchen trying to improve your cooking skills or with Inseong on the porch discussing politics; sometimes you just sit in their living room, quietly reading one of your novels beside Youngbin - and once in a blue moon you even try to play some computer games with Hwiyoung and Chani (you're really bad at those, making them laugh at you).

It takes a few weeks before the men begin to notice that they don’t seem to remember a time before you. Especially Rowoon, who - along with Jaeyoon and Inseong - is closest to you, doesn’t want to imagine his life without you anymore. He doesn’t know it yet (or maybe he doesn’t want to acknowledge it) but he’s falling for you, ever day (and night) a bit more.

It’s movie night again and you're currently in the kitchen, helping Rowoon to prepare different dips for the ridiculous amount of chips already waiting with the others in the living room.

“Something’s still missing.”, Rowoon complains, tasting the guacamole he’s trying to make again.

You chuckle. “That’s just because you’re a perfectionist. The others won’t notice anything missing, I promise you that. Their taste is not… refined enough for that.”

He grumbles something unintelligible, scooping some guacamole onto his finger to taste it yet again, but before he can put it in his own mouth, you beat him to it, quickly licking his finger clean.

His heart stops and you giggle at his shocked expression. “Some more garlic, that’s what’s missing.”

With that, you playfully wink at him, take some of the already finished dips and leave the kitchen – Rowoon still standing shell-shocked in the same position, not having moved a single muscle.

When you’re gone, he takes a deep, shaky breath.

This is not good.

He should not feel his heart beating this fast – shouldn’t feel the lust spreading through his whole body, making him ache for more, leaving him hot and needy.

”Hyung, are you coming or not?”, Hwiyoung yells, breaking the spell a bit. Rowoon quickly drowns a cold glass of water, before taking the now finished guacamole and entering the living room, where everyone else is already assembled.

“There you are. We’ve already decided on a movie without you, by the way.”, Chani says, already munching on some chips. Rowoon ruffles his hair, making the younger man flinch and complain: “Hyung, don’t!”

He just grins, plopping down beside you onto one of the mattresses laid out on the floor – it’s the only available space left, a fact that makes him frown. Jaeyoon sports a shit-eating grin and Zuho shoots him a wink, so he knows they did this on purpose.

So… they know.

Just to prove them wrong, Rowoon scoots as far away from you as possible without falling off the mattress.

You don't even seem to notice, too involved into a banter over who gets the last blanket with Dawon. After everyone’s finally settled (you having gotten the blanket from Dawon, who’s now fake-sulking beside you with his arms crossed), Youngbin shuts off the lights and hits play on the first movie.

All you can hear besides the munching of chips and popcorn is the opening music of “The Nun”.

“Why are we watching a horror movie again?”, Zuho finally mutters, blanket already pulled up to his nose with only his eyes left visible.

Hwiyoung snorts. “Because we voted for it, hyung. You know, democratically.”

“Starting tonight, I’m completely against democracy. Can I quickly install a regime of monarchy with me as King? And change the movie?”

“Nope.”

A deep sigh follows the denial of his request, but after that, Zuho is silent. You gently pat his leg (the only limb you're able reach as he’s sitting directly above you on one of the sofas). “Just close your eyes when it’s getting too silent during the movie. That’s where they always place some jump scares.”

“Wow, thanks. What great advice!”

You just grin and shrug. “Always happy to help.”

After that, no one talks, everyone silently enjoying the movie (or not completely silent in case of Zuho and Dawon, who seem to scream during every jump scare); all are happily munching on the snacks.

During the second movie (this one another genre thanks to Zuho threatening to leave the movie night early otherwise), the first ones begin to fall asleep; first Youngbin, then Jaeyoon and finally Inseong and Zuho. Chani and Hwiyoung complain about the older ones, making fun of their inner grandpas, but Rowoon shushes them with one look. Dawon is the first one to leave, having gotten a call from another friend inviting him to a spontaneous party only a few blocks away. Chani and Hwiyoung finally retreat to their shared room as well, preferring to play some video games over watching a third movie.

When the next movie begins, you and Rowoon are the only ones left - not counting the sleeping ones still sprawled on the mattresses and sofas.

A third of the movie has gone by when your eyes begin to droop, too. By then, Rowoon has long given up on keeping some space between you as you have offered him half the blanket to share. Your legs are pressed against each other, hands touching too often to still call it accidental.

When your head drops down onto Rowoon’s shoulder, he uses his chance and slides one arm around you. Your response is immediate: you sigh, cuddling even closer and burrowing both hands into his soft cotton shirt.

Your eyes are still closed, but Rowoon feels your fast beating heart thanks to your body being closely pressed to his.

You're not sleeping but are too shy to open your eyes, the closeness to Rowoon so thrilling and exciting – and so new. You don’t want to ruin this moment, afraid to shatter it with confessing you being actually awake. But when you feel Rowoon’s lips on your forehead, you can’t keep pretending anymore. You lift your head and look at him with curious eyes, noticing the soft, loving expression on his face. Time seems frozen with you gazing at each other, hearts beating fast, hands becoming clammy.

Then, Rowoon’s gaze drops to your lips.

Your breathing stops for a second, your heart beginning to hammer uncontrollably, making you dizzy. It’s been too long since you've felt like this, like a teenage girl being in love for the first time.

Weeks of stolen glances, not so accidental touches, casual nearly-dates (sometimes with, sometimes without the other men) and many stupid inside jokes have cumulated to this moment – Rowoon face slowly nearing yours.

Thoughts run through his head that this, THIS is the moment he’s been waiting and hoping for - for so, so long, for weeks – months really…

He sees you close your eyes, hands loosening the hold on his shirt and wandering upwards to curl into the hair at the base of his neck, but before he can close his eyes as well and finally kiss you – he hears someone yawning, blankets begin to rustle and limbs to move.

Both of you immediately jump away from one another, Rowoon quickly snatching his arm back from around your smaller frame and you taking both hands back into your lap, interlacing your trembling fingers.

Cheeks burning, breaths halting, both of you plaster your eyes to the screen in front of you, hearts hammering fast and unsteady.

“What year is it?”, Jaeyoon groans from above you, sitting up.

When Rowoon and you turn around to look at him, you can’t stop a giggle coming from you – he looks too adorable with his hair sticking out in every direction, remains of sleep and dreams still evident in his eyes. 

“It’s 2050, welcome to the future.”, you answer, making your friend groan again.

“Don’t make fun of me. I hate drifting off during movie nights.”

“Shouldn’t have stayed up all night playing Overwatch with the maknaes, then.”, Rowoon chides his roommate, one eyebrow raised.

“Thanks, mom.”, Jaeyoon grumbles, flinging a pillow towards the tall man. Rowoon quickly ducks, giggling at his friend’s antics.

“Just go to bed, Yoon.”, you simply say, but he shakes his head.

“And leave you two alone? Who knows what you’ll be doing! No, I can’t be that irresponsible.”, he counters, smile wicked when he observes you two, noticing your red cheeks and not so subtle looks towards each other. Jaeyoon knows you two are head over heels for each other, but he also knows neither has done anything about the more than obvious crush (obvious to him and the others at least). He loves teasing you, so he stays where he is - wouldn’t make it too easy for either of you.

You just sigh, turn around and gaze at the screen again. “I think I’ll head home after this movie.”, you finally murmur, eyelids getting heavy again.

“I’ll walk you home.”, Rowoon immediately offers. 

You smile sleepily at him. “Thanks.”

With that, silence falls over the room again, but this time it feels heavy – both Rowoon and you are way too aware of Jaeyoon watching you.

The kiss that hasn’t happened is hanging above you like the sword of Damocles.

Half an hour later, the movie ends and you immediately stand up – a bit too quickly apparently, as your head begins to spin. “Oof.”, you huff, trying to find something to hold onto and finding it in Rowoon’s arm.

“Careful.”, he murmurs in a teasing undertone, eyes sparkling with humor.

“Oh, shut up.”, you counter weakly, dampening your words with a soft smile. Jaeyoon stands up as well, stretching both arms above his head and yawns. Inseong, Zuho and Youngbin are still out like a light and you three are intending to keep it that way, tiptoeing out of the living room and into the dark hallway. You quickly grab your shoes and leather jacket and are almost out of the door, when two arms cage around you.

“Not so fast.”, Jaeyoon says playfully, hugging you tightly to himself, “You can’t just leave without saying goodbye to your best friend.”

You giggle. “You’re not my best friend, Yoon.”

You both know it’s a blatant lie by now, but it’s a game you both like to play.

“I know I am. Love you, sleep well, have sweet dreams and I’ll probably see you tomorrow.” With that, he releases you again, but this time you turn around and smile. “Same, same, same and yes.” You kiss his cheek and leave the house – Rowoon already waiting for you on the street, also clad in a leather jacket.

He looks way too good in a leather jacket, you conclude, burying both hands in your pockets so they don’t go wandering in search of others to hold.

Rowoon smiles sleepily at you, pushing his dark hair back from his forehead.

He looks way too good with his hair like this, you think again and groan inwardly. He looks way too good in every aspect, you're tired of lying to yourself – you're hopelessly in love with the tall, dorky man.

You walk in silence towards the apartment you're sharing with your (other) best friend, who's currently out of town visiting some relatives this weekend. You curse her for it; you could’ve really used her to talk about what happened but didn’t happen with Rowoon tonight. And you would rather eat a broomstick than talk to Jaeyoon about this – you can already imagine his smug expression. You know he knows about your crush. You have the feeling all the other men know about it – but Rowoon is too oblivious apparently.

Or maybe he does know about your crush as well, but doesn’t want to acknowledge it – because he doesn’t want to ruin your friendship.

Or because he’s just not into you.

Or because-

“What are you thinking about?”, Rowoon asks, voice laced with amusement, “It looks like hard work.” He points at the lines forming on your forehead thanks to the frown you're currently sporting.

You're silent, unusually so. Normally, your walks are filled with bantering or deep talks or - well, anything, really. You have a connection like this, where you always have something to talk about. Now though, you don't really seem to be here with him – and you’ve almost reached your apartment.

“Sorry, I’m just tired.”, Rowoon hears you murmur, smiling at him, but he sees right through it.

“Mhm.”, he just makes, continuing to look at you out of the corner of his eye.

Five minutes later, you’ve arrived at your doorstep. The sky is still pitch-black, only a few stars twinkle lazily down at you. It’s cold enough for your breaths to form tiny white clouds in front of you.

Rowoon looks at you, but you’re pointedly not looking at him. “Y/N.”, he says softly and you finally gaze up at him. Uncertainty fills your eyes, something uncommon for one of the most confident people he knows.

“Thanks for walking me home.”, you finally answer, the corner of your mouth curling upwards into the tiniest of smiles. As if he hasn’t walked you home hundreds of times by now - but you still continue to always thank him.

“Well, you can walk me home again now. And then I’ll walk you home again. And so on and so on - that way we can spend more time together.”, Rowoon suggests jokingly, making you smile in earnest this time. And that does it for him – that beautiful smile he came to love weeks (months, really) ago, with the dimples in your cheeks and the small creases around your sparkling eyes.

He steps forward, arms sliding around your smaller frame, head lowering towards yours and then – finally – his lips are on yours.

You have thought about this moment for days, weeks – months by now. And when Rowoon’s soft, plush lips are finally on yours, your heart just stops for a few seconds before beginning to hammer inside your chest.

It’s a sweet, soft, chaste kiss.

... At first.

Because the months of build-up it had taken for you both to finally admit to this, apparently have an impact: you slide both arms around Rowoon’s neck, pressing your body even closer to his, moaning softly against this lips. That does it for him, his teeth sink into your lower lip, gently biting down and when you gasp a bit, his tongue slips into your mouth. Desire shoots through your body, hot and needy and you can’t suppress the shudder and louder moan this time. Rowoon groans at this, pressing you even harder against him and grinding against you.

At this, you break away from him, breathing heavily. “I-”, he already wants to apologize, but you don’t even let him finish: “We should take this inside.”

He stutters and looks at you with comically big eyes, before beginning to grin wickedly. “After you, then.”

Your hands tremble slightly while you search for your keys – why did you choose a bag this large for today?! – and Rowoon pressing himself against your backside, hands roaming your sides while his breath tickles your exposed neck, isn't helping at all.

Finally, you manage to find the keys, slip them inside the keyhole and then, you’re inside the house.

You somehow make it into the elevator without getting rid of your clothes, but as soon as the apartment door falls shut behind you both, your mouths are on one another again, teeth and tongues clashing, months of pent-up desire making your moves hurried and sloppy. Your hands slip under Rowoon’s shirt (his and your leather jacket are already on the floor beside your shoes), trembling fingers dance over his abs, making him groan and grind against you again, erection already hard and pressing into your hip.

“Bedroom.”, you just say, dragging the taller man with you into your room. Out of habit, you close the door even though your best friend/roommate isn't even here. When you turn around and gaze with hooded, lust-filled eyes at Rowoon, you see the same expression mirrored on his face, eyes roaming your body, teeth digging into his lower lip.

Lust shoots through your entire body and you feel too hot and needy to take your time. You simply grab him again - just when he pulls you back into his arms.

"You're still wearing way too many clothes.", Rowoon murmurs against your lips, making you smile.

"I could say the same.", you answer cockily, hands slipping under his shirt again and dragging it upwards. He quickly pulls it over his head and flings it into the darkness of your room, not caring where it lands.

"Your turn."

You release a deep breath at this, taking the hem of your shirt and pulling it over your head. Rowoon groans when he sees your bra - black lace, nearly see-through.

"Fuck.", he mutters, hands already reaching for you to press your body against his again. He kisses you, slow and deep this time.

Your knees get weak and all you can do is hold onto Rowoon's biceps, so you don't slip to the floor.

"Still too many clothes.", the tall man finally says, when he ends the kiss, a small smirk forming on his lips.

You giggle. "Well, we should definitely change that, then." With that, you open your belt, then the button of your jeans, wriggling free and stepping out of them. Only left in your black panties and bra, you look at Rowoon, a silent challenge in your eyes. He follows it, quickly getting rid of his pants as well. His dark briefs are stretched thanks to his erection pressing almost painfully against them and when your gaze begins to wander towards them, you suck in a breath, teeth digging into your lower lip. Then, you reach for the fastening of your bra, opening it and letting the piece of clothing fall to the ground.

Rowoon swallows thickly, eyes getting even darker with desire when he sees your breasts, nipples already erect. Quickly, his lips are on yours again, arms curling around you.

You're trembling slightly, a fact that makes him hesitate. "You're okay?", he murmurs against your lips, a silent question in his eyes - do you really want this?

But you smile quickly, nodding forcefully. "More than okay, actually. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this.", you confess quietly, kissing him once.

He groans. "Thank God, me too."

With that, he takes a few steps backwards towards the bed, pulling you with him and sitting on the edge of your mattress, your body between his legs. His hands wander over your stomach, making you tremble even more. Soft kisses follow the paths of his hands, before his mouths closes over one nipple, his fingers brushing over the other one.

You moan at this, hands coming to rest on Rowoon's broad shoulders, nails digging into his skin. Your breathing gets louder and choppy, the waves of desire making you feel dizzy. More wetness pools between your legs and when Rowoon's free hand brushes the edge of your panties, you curse softly.

His dark eyes gaze up at you, hidden humor sparkling in them at his own teasing. This does it for you, you push him on the bed, his mouth releasing your nipple in the process. You shivers at the sudden lack of contact, but quickly begin to straddle Rowoon, kissing him deeply and grinding against his erection. He moans at this, hands digging into your hips. "Don't tease.", he murmurs, voice dark and rough, making you grin at him. "Says the right one.", you just answer, but quickly lower herself, pulling his briefs down and freeing his erection.

Seeing his length for the first time makes you gulp - his body seems to be... very proportional. He smirks at your reaction, but it quickly dies down when you take his length into your mouth.

Incoherent words leave his mouth and he closes his eyes, hands fisting into your white bedding. You're apparently very good at what you’re doing, his heavy breathing and moans telling you he's more than enjoying this. Finally, he grabs your shoulders, heaving you towards himself and kissing you hungrily. He's panting when he breaks away from you, lips swollen and hair a mess. "I- you... Jesus Christ."

You laugh at this, a mistake apparently - one second he's under you and then he's flipped you over, his tall frame hovering over you.

He kisses your neck, slowly making his way down, only stopping at your breasts for a short amount of time before pulling down your panties.

He teases the edges of your heat, before sinking one long digit inside you, making you mewl at the sensation. When his thumb lands on your swollen clit, you begin to pant, one arm thrown over your eyes, your other hand fisting into the pillow beside you. Rowoon grins wickedly at the sight in front of him, enjoying teasing you a bit too much.

"P- please.", you finally whimper, looking at him with hooded eyes, teeth digging into your own lower lip.

"Condom?", he answers almost immediately, just as impatient as you.

You open the drawer of your nightstand and seconds later, he has already rolled the condom over his length, positioning himself in front of you.

"You're sure?", he murmurs, one eyebrow raised, making you roll your eyes at him. That does it for him - he grins, rolling his hips once and entering you swiftly.

You moan at the sudden sensation of him filling you, nails digging into his biceps until he's bottoming out. He stays still for some seconds, letting you adjust to his length buried deep inside of you.

"Okay?", he whispers gently against your lips and you nod forcefully, kissing him hungrily. He begins to set a slow pace at first, but you quickly demand him to move faster.

Pounding into you, one hand slipping between your flushed bodies to rub your clit, he makes both of you moan in pleasure.

It doesn't take long for you to begin to shake and clench around him, making it harder for him to hold back, his movements becoming sloppier with every second. You’re both breathing hard and when you finally cry out in complete pleasure, he releases the hold on him as well, groaning and moving a few last times, before coming to a halt. 

Face buried in your neck, Rowoon is panting, eyes closed and heart beating frantically.

You slide your arms around his broad frame, gently caressing his bare back and kissing his exposed shoulder.

"That was amazing.", you finally murmur, voice tired but pleased.

Rowoon grins at that, gently pulling out of you and rolling off the bed. "More than amazing.", he confirms, standing up and tossing the condom into the trash bin.

You wrap the blanket around your naked body, eyes heavy and hair spilling over the white pillows. He smiles at you, gaze soft.

"You're staying?", you ask in a small voice, one hand reaching for him.

"Yes.", he simply says, slipping back between the covers, gently pulling you against him.

You fall asleep like this - legs entangled, Rowoon's hand softly stroking your back, your nose pressed into his neck.

You sleep deeply and dreamlessly. 

The pale morning light filtering through the blinds and into your room wakes Rowoon the next day; you’re still soundly asleep beside him.

Your eyelids flutter from time to time and you mumble something incoherent, but otherwise it's completely silent inside the apartment - time seems frozen.

The dark-haired man continues to gaze at you, eyes soft, a small smile playing on his lips.

He can't believe that last night really happened, but his and your naked body as well as the still fresh memory in his mind are more than proof of it.

You shift slightly, pulling the blanket tighter around your body.

Your hair is fanning over the white pillows and you look so breathtakingly beautiful, so vulnerable, that Rowoon wants to take a picture to treasure this moment forever - he doesn't though.

Instead, he silently slips out of bed and pulls on his dark briefs and white shirt, before stepping into the hallway. He quickly makes his way towards the kitchen and drinks some water straight from the tab, before going to the bathroom. He looks at himself in the mirror, noticing the smile he simply can't seem to suppress. He hasn't been that happy in a long time.

When you wake up, you're alone in bed. Still half asleep, you reach over to touch the other side of the mattress, noticing the still lingering warmth.

So Rowoon can't be gone for long.

You groan slightly, reaching for the water bottle you always keep beside your bed and take a few deep gulps of cold water. After you've satisfied your thirst, you tousle your hair and stretch both arms above your head with a deep yawn. You're still naked and shiver in the cold room, quickly pulling the thick blanket around your body again. At that moment, your door opens and Rowoon steps through; hair mussed but eyes bright and awake.

He smiles breathtakingly at you and you answer it a bit shyly.

"Morning.", he says, voice still rough from sleep.

"Morning.", you reply, stretching both arms towards the tall man, "Come back to bed?"

He doesn't even hesitate, quickly crossing the room with two large steps and slipping between the covers with you, pulling you against his own body. You shiver a bit, moaning slightly at the heat radiating from him.

"Slept well?", you ask, your breath tickling his neck.

"Like a rock. And you?"

"Same. I haven't had such a good night's sleep in a really long time."

"Well, you were pretty exhausted."

You hear the smirk in Rowoon's voice and decide to tease him a bit: "Oh yeah, three movies are a lot to take in."

He tickles your sides, making you giggle - the most beautiful sound in the world to him.

You gaze up at him, eyes sparkling with humor. He can't hold himself back anymore and presses his lips against yours, tongue slipping into your mouth.

A few minutes later, both of you are breathless.

"I had the most amazing night.", Rowoon finally says, the corners of his mouth curling into a soft smile.

"Me too.", you answer, giving him another quick kiss.

"I... Just so I'm clear - I don't want this to be a one-time-only-thing.", the young man confesses, holding his breath until you're grinning widely at him.

"Oh thank god, me neither."

He laughs at that, pulling you even closer and pressing his lips against your forehead. "So... can I take you out on a date tonight?"

You smile. "I thought you'd never ask."

The motorcycle’s engine died down, Rowoon’s feet planted on the pavement. He took off his helmet as you got off the back of his bike, taking off your own and tucking it under your arm. You shook out your helmet hair before you noticed Rowoon staring at you with a smirk.

“What?” you asked, cheeks already turning pink.

Rowoon had been very blunt with you since day one, only toning it down just enough to make you feel comfortable when he realized you weren’t like him -- you looked like you’d be like him, but you couldn’t have been more opposite. So it wasn’t odd for your boyfriend to look you up and down and smile to himself like he was. He was never quiet about thinking you were the most stunning thing he’d ever seen.

Like Rowoon, you were pretty intimidating in terms of looks. You had the piercings, the tattoos, the height, the signature leather jacket -- the only thing you were missing was his confidence and ‘I don’t give a shit’ attitude. That was why Rowoon had blatantly hit on you when he first met you, backing you up against a wall and giving you his signature smirk while he implied he take you home that night. 

The way your whole face turned red, your eyes widened, and you stuttered out a “w-what” had him quickly realizing you were very different from what he thought. But he really liked that about you.

“Nothing,” he told you, meeting your eyes before he stood and swung his leg off the bike. He was only taller than you by a few inches, but he would stand right in front of you just to make you feel even tinier than him. He lifted his hand not holding his helmet and brushed his thumb against your cheek. “Can’t believe you still blush like that around me.”

You knew people were staring -- people always stared because nobody understood how Rowoon managed to get and keep a girlfriend -- but all you could focus on was Rowoon so close to you. You’d been dating for almost a year, but he still had such an affect on you. He was surprised you still got this flustered, and even you were surprised you did. You definitely felt safe and calm around him, but when he looked at you with that little smirk or got this close to you -- hell, even complimenting you made your cheeks tint pink.

“You make it hard not to,” you mumbled, lightly pushing his hand away out of embarrassment. “I’m gonna be late for class.”

“You’re cute,” he smiled, leaning down slightly to press a kiss to your forehead. “I’ll pick you up in a few hours, okay? I love you.”

“I love you, too,” you replied like you always did with a soft smile.

Rowoon put his index fingers under the straps of your backpack, giving them a playful tug before he put his helmet back on -- the helmet that you always forced him to wear, actually. He gave you a wink as he got back on his bike and started it up again, ignoring the stares of the people nearby. Rowoon was pretty infamous for getting into fights, getting kicked out of school, and then carrying on with his bad habits. So seeing him drop off his girlfriend who had never done a single bad thing but still looked equally as scary was definitely a sight for some people.

“Have a good day, baby,” he said before he sped off down the street, you and a handful of others watching him disappear off the campus.

-

“You know,” Rowoon began as the two of you laid out on the rooftop of his apartment building where he’d set up a romantic dinner date to watch the stars, “you’re my perfect girl.”

You scoffed, reaching over to shove at his arm even though your cheeks were heating up quickly, “You’re just saying that because we’re dating.”

“No, I mean it!” he insisted, a bright smile on his face as he turned his head to look at you instead of the sky. “I’ve been physically attracted to girls like me, but emotionally... I’ve realized how difficult I am to put up with, I’ll just say that.”

“You’re not nearly as bad as you think you are,” you reassured him. “If I didn’t want to ‘deal’ with you, I wouldn’t.”

“I’m just amazed I got lucky enough to find somebody who’s everything I’ve ever wanted,” he sighed contently, giving you a lopsided smile, “physically and personalty-wise. You’re like those girls in stories and anime and stuff.”

“Huh...?”

“The girls who look intimidating and scary but are just big shy softies.”

You let out a happy gasp, eyes sparkling even more than the stars in the sky, “I’ve always wanted to be like that!”

Rowoon chuckled at how excited you got, “Is that why you got the tattoos and stuff?”

“Partly,” you shrugged, looking down at the sleeve of tattoos that covered your right forearm. “I just think tattoos are really pretty. It’s like art for your body, and I like the way it looks. I did it for me and for the aesthetic of the trope.”

Rowoon’s laugh was warm and fond and genuinely happy, his eyes crinkling as he looked at you, “I love you, please don’t ever change.”

Your heart stopped and sped up all at the same time as your eyes widened and your lips parted in surprise. Neither of you had ever said that to the other before, but Rowoon had said it so casually that it was like he’d loved you forever.

Noticing your expression, Rowoon sat himself up on his arm closest to you and used his other hand to reach over and cup your cheek. He smiled down at you, loving how flustered you looked from his confession.

“I love you, _____,” he repeated, his calloused thumb stroking over the skin of your cheekbone.

Your hand moved on its own, reaching up to cup Rowoon’s face and bring it closer to yours, declaring, “I love you, too, Rowoon.”

Before his lips met yours, his face broke out into a wide smile, “Do you really?”

“I do.”

And then he gave you the sweetest kiss you’d ever experienced. And you didn’t leave that rooftop until sunrise.

-

You walked out of your building and went toward the sidewalk that Rowoon usually picked you up from. It wasn’t too far from your building, so you never really had to worry about walking alone, even when it was later in the day. He was always on time, too, which made you feel better. 

“Oh!” you stopped when you noticed a little ball of black and grey fur huddled up by the side of the building. You squatted down, feeling your heart melt hearing the small meow coming from the kitten that was pacing the same two feet of space along the building. You held out your arm, lightly snapping your fingers to try to coax the kitten toward you. “Hey, little guy. C’mere, it’s okay.”

The kitten looked toward your hand and slowly walked forward until it’s little pink nose barely brushed against your fingertips. You let it sniff around you as much as it wanted, including it leaping over to your jacket that you had tied around your waist and playing with the material that laid against the ground now. 

Your pure little moment was ruined abruptly when you heard a motorcycle engine rev loudly, scaring the kitten off. You frowned, standing up and turning around to see Rowoon smiling from his bike, patting the space behind him.

“You big jerk!” you pouted as you jogged over.

Even though you’d insulted him, Rowoon couldn’t help but smirk. You just looked so innocent somehow when you were pouting like that.

“What?” he laughed.

“There was a stray kitten and I wanted to get it to trust me so I could bring it home,” you explained, letting Rowoon take your helmet from under your arm and secure it on your head. “You scared it off with your motorcycle.”

“If you want a kitten, I’ll get you one,” he promised.

As you got on the bike and wrapped your arms around his waist, you grumbled about how you wanted that kitten. He just shook his head in amusement before speeding off toward home.

-

Sometimes when Rowoon said that he was leaving for a few minutes, he meant it. He often took trips down to the corner store to get snacks, drinks, tampons, or anything else you might need. He was back within ten minutes tops. But there were times where “I’ll be back in a few” meant he was going out and wouldn’t be back until later that night.

The thing was Rowoon was that even thought you saw the good in him and saw the soft side of him, he was still partly the Rowoon everybody knew -- well, the one they thought they knew. He still went out to bars, got into fights, and caused trouble. You didn’t like it, he knew you didn’t like it, but old habits were hard to kick, and you understood that. You knew it would have to take time for him to stop, but you also couldn’t control what he did. So cleaning him up when he’d stumble through the door was a regular thing for you.

Like tonight.

You were sitting on the couch, watching TV in some cotton shorts and one of Rowoon’s t-shirts when you heard the door unlock. You turned off the TV and stood up from the couch, walking to the hall to meet your boyfriend. He looked up from kicking off his shoes, sporting a bloody nose, a bruised cheek, and a sorry look in his eyes.

“Please don’t give me the disappointed look,” he whined.

“I’m not,” you told him, and you really weren’t. But he was expecting it because you’d given it to him before. “Where’re you hurt?”

“Mostly just my face,” he shrugged. “Couple scratches on my arms.”

As he spoke, your eyes raked him over, landing on a place where his pants had ripped at the knee. They didn’t have a rip when he left, and he definitely didn’t have red spilling onto to his jeans to make them a darker color, either. Rowoon’s eyes followed your own, lifting his leg and bending his knee, hissing at the pain.

“Okay, and my leg,” he added.

“Come here,” you sighed, gesturing for him to follow you to the bathroom.

As Rowoon limped his way there, you got out the first aid kit that you learned to keep stocked with cotton balls and bandages. Rowoon sat himself on the sink, carefully placing his bag in the sink before discarding his jacket and his shirt. Now you could see that his arms were pretty scratched up, but his torso was thankfully fine.

You got to work, doing your usual routine. You cleaned out the wounds, softly apologizing when Rowoon would hiss at the sting.

“You’re gonna give me lots of kisses after this to make up for it, right?” he asked with a smirk in his voice.

“You’re the dummy who went out and got yourself in a fight,” you told him plainly as you stood up from where you were on your knees to clean out the cut on Rowoon’s knee. “It’s your own fault.”

“When did you get so ballsy?” he asked, letting his hands rest on your hips as you stood between his legs to dab at the drying blood under his nose. “You never call me out -- just sigh and give disappointing looks.”

You frowned, forgetting cleaning his face and letting your hands rest on his bare broad shoulders, “I don’t want you going out and getting hurt for no reason anymore, Rowoon.”

“This time wasn’t for no reason!” he insisted.

You raised your eyebrows, “Then what happened?”

He sighed, his eyes drifting down to the exposed skin of your chest -- the collar of his shirt was way too big for you, “You’ve been talking about that stray cat for the last three days, so I wanted to try to find it. I ran into some guys who don’t really like me on campus, but I didn’t want to just leave because I knew you wanted that specific cat.”

“Rowoon, you got yourself beaten up over a cat you didn’t even find?” you asked.

“But I did find it,” he stated plainly, looking up at you with doe eyes.

Your head cocked to one side. Rowoon smirked and held up a finger before he moved you backwards for him to stand. He turned and flipped open his bag that was resting in the sink, pushing the material down to reveal the tiny head of the kitten that he’d scared off before.

“It was kind of awkward because after fighting those guys and, y’know, winning,” he began as he carefully picked the kitten up out of the bag and cradled it to his chest, “I had to get this little guy to trust me enough to let me take him with me. So I was trying to get him to be less afraid while there were two guys groaning on the ground behind me.”

“Rowoon,” you cooed, your heart absolutely melting seeing your boyfriend who looked like an absolute badass right now with his bare, toned torso and the little cuts on his skin holding this tiny little kitten with such care, “you didn’t have to find him for me.”

“I know, but I wanted to,” he said as he handed the kitten off to you. “I want to make you as happy as I possibly can since you have to deal with me.”

You frowned at him in a scolding way, “What do I keep telling you about me dealing with you?”

“I know, but...” he just shrugged as he trailed off. He put an arm around you, watching fondly as you cuddled the sleepy kitten. “How about we go lay in bed with the newest member of our little family?”

You looked away from the kitten to look up at him, “But I didn’t put bandages on you yet.”

“Just give me as many kisses as I want and I’ll be fine,” he smirked, leaning down and nudging your nose with his.

The dress that I neatly prepared for last night’s party is all unruly and wrinkly and one of the straps is dangling off my shoulder. Upon seeing myself, I buried my face in my hands and cursed about everything I did. This is why I've not touched alcohol for the past few years.

A flood of hazy memories crashed over me. The party. The shots. The laughter. The dancing. Me randomly waking up in Yoobin and Sunhee’s bedroom—and Hojun…with Haesoo.

I winced when my head throbs again, and so is my heart.

I can’t believe I saw that and I feel even more pathetic now that I’m sober. I didn’t do anything, not even call Hojun out, or confront Haesoo. I just stood there like a deer in headlights. How can I even argue with them, knowing that they’re exes and I’m just the person who he spent his childhood with.

But an unforgettable childhood.

“Why did I just swallow my pride and walk away from them? Maybe I should’ve asked Hojun what really is between us and—”

Then something hit me.

Taeha.

The kiss.

My breath caught in my throat as the memory sharpened. How I pulled him in a desperate kiss because of too much emotions that night. Panic bloomed in my chest as I looked down on the ground, instantly feeling the shame and regret as my head throbbed in protest.

I kissed him. I kissed my friend.

I wanted to just scream out, to undo time, to somehow erase the moment from existence. Taeha had been in my life for years—through hardships in our work, late-night vent sessions, and ridiculous inside jokes. I had never crossed that line before. And now…I have ruined everything.

Now it felt too awkward to face both Taeha and Hojun right now. After that day in the woods with Hojun, I thought everything would be alright, but now, I think it’s getting worse. And tomorrow is our last day, I really don’t want to hold drama until it becomes too much for my mental health.

All I think about is how am I going to clarify things.

After fighting with my inner thoughts in front of this mirror, I finally took a shower that literally eased up my tense self, changed up to my clean and comfortable clothes then left the room. My eyes dropped on Hojun’s door as I remembered everything that happened behind those doors, making my cheeks turn in shade of red again.

I shook off my thoughts and went downstairs, where I was surprised that Taeha and Dohyun are just peacefully snacking together and watching TV. Taeha looked okay and I think he’s already done with his hangover, but Dohyun on the other hand, looked like he hadn't slept in days. I just know he had a dreadful hangover.

Last night was really fun. Now, there was only suffering.

I quietly made my way to the kitchen and drank some water, also getting a chocolate bar from the fridge to boost up my energy. When I was about to escape to the back door, I heard Dohyun called out.

“Eunji? Is that you in the kitchen?”

I cursed under my breath. How does he even know that it’s me since he’s too focused on the TV earlier.

“Yeah…” I just admitted, “But I’ll just go outside for a bit.”

Dohyun pouted, “We’re watching Anastasia, I know you love this movie.” He smiled.

Now he’s reeling me in using my most favorite animated film ever. And when someone calls me up to watch Anastasia, I am there and always going to be there. Of course, I joined them. I felt the thick awkward atmosphere between me and Taeha, no words leaving from our mouths, the only focus we have is the movie right now.

Halfway through the movie, I noticed that Dohyun is already sleeping on the couch, and the next thing I didn’t know it would happen is that Taeha finally spoke in our deafening silence earlier.

“Eunji, can we talk outside?”

I gulped.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” I nodded, but my eyes reverted back to Dohyun, “Should we just leave Dohyun here?”

Taeha shrugged and soon stood up from the couch, “Yeah, he should be fine.” He replied.

Me and Taeha finally went outside towards the lake shore. It’s already afternoon and the golden sunlight shimmers across the rippling water, creating a dance of glistening reflections. Gentle waves lap against the pebbled shore. The sky, painted in soft blues with streaks of wispy white clouds, casts a warm glow over the landscape, making the lake appear almost ethereal. I will truly miss this place.

I am still standing awkwardly beside him, feeling unreasonably nervous.

“So…about last night.” I started.

His lips twitched. "Yeah. About that."

I inhaled deeply. "Look, I was very, very drunk. And when I get drunk, I apparently get bold. And stupid. And—I don’t know what got into me, but I just—"

"You kissed me," he finished.

I winced. "Yeah."

There was a pause. I expected it to be awkward, but it wasn’t. He looked at me with that same calm expression, the one that made me feel like I could say anything and he wouldn’t judge me.

"You don’t have to explain yourself," Taeha said. "I know you were drunk. And it’s okay."

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. "I just don’t want this to be weird between us. You’re too important to me, and I don’t want some…drunken mistake to mess things up."

“Don’t worry, you didn’t mess things up. We’re still us.” Taeha smiled, and my heart swells.

I blinked at him. "So… we’re okay?"

"We’re okay." He brought his hand on top of my head and messed around my hair, causing me to groan and playfully pushed his hand away, making Taeha chuckle. 

He soon added, "Though, I do think I should start keeping track of how many drinks you have at parties.” He grinned.

I groaned, my head dropping down. "I’m so sorry, I feel so pathetic."

He laughed, that warm, familiar sound, and just like that, the tension melted away between us.

And maybe, just maybe, something had changed—but in a way that didn’t break anything.

In a way that left the door open for something more.

But for now, we were okay. And that was enough.

This is such a spontaneous idea.

Me and Taeha are both holding some snacks and drinks, clothes, towels, and a blanket. Taeha first laid down the blanket on the grass and put all of our things there. Kicking off our shoes, we raced down the wooden dock, our bare feet slapping against the sun-warmed planks. Without hesitation, we leaped into the lake, the cool water embracing us as we plunged beneath the surface. Bubbles streamed around as we resurfaced, gasping with exhilaration and grinning at each other.

“The water feels amazing!” I exclaimed, letting my body float around.

Then suddenly, a huge splash of the water slapped my face, and that interrupted my serene floating here. I looked at Taeha who was giggling like a little kid on what he just did, and I gave him a mischievous smirk.

“You’re gonna regret that.”

We spent the next several minutes battling in the water, splashing, laughing, and dodging each other’s playful attacks. The sound of our joy echoed over the lake, mixing with the rustling trees and distant calls of birds overhead. After a while, we drifted toward the deeper part of the lake, floating on our backs. The sky above was a beautiful golden hue, unmarred by clouds. Our arms occasionally brushed, neither of us moving away.

“This is perfect,” Taeha murmured. “I wish this could last forever.”

I turned my head slightly to look at Taeha. He had his eyes closed, his face relaxed as if soaking in every ounce of peace the lake offered. I smiled. “I wouldn’t mind that.”

We swam back toward the shallows, letting the water carry us lazily. When we finally reached the shore again, we just indulged in the snacks we brought here and watched the sky turn to orange and the sun getting ready to set. A light breeze soon whispered through the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine. The water lapped gently at the shore, where smooth, time-worn stones lay scattered, perfect for skipping.

I soon found myself standing at the water’s edge, a small, flat rock cradled in my palm. I turned it over, feeling the cool weight of it, the slight roughness of its surface.

“You’re gripping it too hard,” Taeha said from behind me, stepping closer. His voice was low and warm, like the summer air around us.

I sighed, glancing up at him. “I don’t get how you make it look so easy. Mine just always plops into the water.”

Taeha chuckled, “Here, let me show you.”

Taeha reached for my hand, his fingers brushing against mine. My body tensed slightly, caught off guard by the brief contact, but I didn’t pull away. He gently adjusted my grip, making sure my index finger rested along the edge of the stone.

“Okay,” he murmured, stepping beside me so that our shoulders nearly touched. “Now, keep your wrist loose. The key is the angle. Flick your wrist, like this—”

He demonstrated his own rock skipping effortlessly across the water, bouncing three, four, five times before finally sinking beneath the surface. I let out a soft sigh of admiration.

“Now you try.”

I took a steadying breath, mimicking his stance. With a quick flick of my wrist, I released the stone. It struck the water once, twice—three times before vanishing beneath the lake. A triumphant grin spread across my face.

“I did it!” I exclaimed, turning toward Taeha.

My breath caught in my throat when I am too close to him again, thinking about what I did last night haunts me. Taeha’s lips parted slightly, as if he was about to say something, but the words never came.

Finally, Taeha exhaled, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Told you you’ll be good at this.” he said, his voice softer now.

I swallowed, blinking as if breaking free from some unseen pull. I let out a breathy laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah…and I will be better than you now.” I teased him again.

Taeha laughed at my sudden teasing, “Ha, think you can beat me now?”

I smirked, already reaching for another rock. We skipped rocks for almost half an hour and that leads me from giving up again, obviously knowing that Taeha is still the best at skipping rocks.

But at least the score improved from three over ten back in our first day here, to seven over twelve today.

The golden hues of the setting sun reflected off the calm surface of the lake. Laughter still echoed through the trees as we both gathered our things after an afternoon of swimming and skipping rocks. The water droplets on our sun-kissed skin sparkled under the dimming light, and the warmth of the summer air still clung to us.

My heart was light again—lighter than it had been after what happened last night. This has been the perfect way to end the week-long summer getaway.

Until now.

Just as we were about to enter the cabin again, I heard an all-too-familiar voice call out from behind.

“Eunji.”

The name came sharp, almost cutting through the serene twilight. I turned around, my stomach sinking when I saw her—Haesoo.

Taeha was even confused as to why Haesoo is suddenly approaching me since he knows that I haven’t interacted much with her throughout the week.

“Can I talk to you?” Haesoo said, but her voice came out a bit shaky.

I swallowed. I hadn’t expected this.

I felt Taeha instinctively step closer in silent support but I stopped him there. “You should go ahead inside Taeha, I’ll just talk to Haesoo for a bit.” I gave him a reassuring smile.

Taeha didn’t try to argue with me as he let out a sigh, now taking my things to return it back to our room. But before he left, he wrapped the towel around me and made sure that I won’t be too cold because my clothes are still a bit damp before he made his way inside the cabin, leaving me alone with Haesoo.

“What are we going to talk about—”

“Let’s talk over there.” Haesoo cut me off and headed her way to the far side of the cabin, just steps away from the trail that leads to the falls.

When we are now standing across each other, maintaining a distance between us since I still feel uneasy around her, not because he’s one of Hojun’s past and the one that made me feel anger last night of what she did, but instead the lack of proper interaction between us.

“I saw you last night…” Haesoo started, that shaky voice still there.

Ironic. That same five words is also the one I badly want to tell her.

“W-what?” I was very confused.

“You and Hojun, in the hallway.” Her voice is now laced with anger.

My eyes widened when she said that, remembering that moment with Hojun, how he craved for me as he wanted to touch me in that hallway. I even warned him that someone would walk in on us, turns out, someone really did.

"You really are something else," Haesoo said, her voice laced with bitterness. “Who even are you to do that with Hojun? It seemed impossible to just gather feelings in just a goddamn week.”

I took a breath, steadying myself. "Haesoo, I—"

“And you’re even hanging out with another guy after doing that to Hojun. You’re…you’re selfish. Do you even care about anyone but yourself?”

Her words hit me harder than I expected. A sharp pang settled in my chest. Everyone had been gossiping that her and Hojun are literal exes, meaning they broke up, their relationship is now gone, and Hojun clearly moved on.

And Haesoo is still holding onto Hojun.

I felt the weight of the moment pressing down on me. I could hear the quiet lapping of the lake against the dock, the rustling of leaves in the evening breeze. My heart pounded.

"Haesoo, I never meant to hurt you," I finally said, voice calm but firm. “But me and Hojun…we had something—”

“Bullshit, I don’t remember an ounce of your face or name from Hojun, I—”

I cut her off, “Why? Are you certain that you know everything about Hojun?”

Now Haesoo was silent. She wants to argue again, but with her clenched fists, she tries not to.

I exhaled, “Me and Hojun…we had history way, way back. When we are still little kids.” I explained.

Haesoo's ears perked up when I brought that up.

“We are the best of friends and totally inseparable. And before Hojun left for Australia, I confessed my love to him. We haven't seen each other for over 20 years, and I was surprised that Hojun still has feelings for me. I can't help myself but react the same because the feelings I have for him are still there.” I explained, but when I looked into Haesoo's eyes, I knew she's not believing every word I've been saying right now.

Haesoo lets out a humorless laugh, “Since you're the lucky one here, you have no idea what I'm going through. To watch someone you loved the most slip away, only to see them fall right into someone's arms. I haven't seen him flirt or romantically interact with anybody after our break-up, it's just you.”

No, I didn't know that pain—not yet. But that didn't mean she had the right to make me feel guilty for being happy.

A heavy silence fell between us. The sun had almost fully dipped behind the treeline now, and the shadows stretched longer across the dock.

I exhaled deeply. I wasn’t going to let Haesoo's words define me. "I didn’t come here to fight with you, Haesoo," I said softly. "I’m sorry if this hurts, but I won’t apologize for being happy. You deserve happiness too. And one day, you’ll find it."

For a moment, Haesoo just stared at me. Then, without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, disappearing down the path leading back to the cabin.

I let out a breath that I didn’t realize I was holding on for so long.

Haesoo now knows about my past with Hojun, but I think she's still not buying it. I just shrugged off my thoughts when the breeze is now nipping on my skin, sending chills down my spine.

While I was walking back to the cabin, the confrontation still lingered in my mind. But I knew one thing for sure—I wasn’t going to let anyone make me feel guilty for following my own heart.

Moonlight slipped through the curtains, painting silver streaks over my tangled sheets. Yet, despite the silence, despite the comfort of my own bed, sleep refused to come.

My mind was too loud.

I turned onto my side, staring at the dim glow of the digital clock on the bedside table—2:37 AM. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing to push away the memory of Haesoo's voice, the sharpness in her words, the accusation laced with pain.

You're selfish, Haesoo's words echoed again.

I exhaled slowly, shifting onto my back. I knew I shouldn’t let it get to me. I had done nothing wrong—did I? They broke up. I wasn’t some villain who had swooped in and stolen him from her.

But still…

The look in Haesoo's eyes haunted me.

I turned onto my stomach, burying my face into the pillow with a frustrated groan. I wished I could shut these thoughts off like a switch, erase the moment, let it disappear like footprints washed away by the lake’s gentle waves. But emotions weren’t that simple.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I rolled onto my back again, staring at the ceiling.

I wasn’t heartless. I hadn’t meant to hurt Haesoo.

I turned to my side and that's where my heart skipped a beat when I saw Taeha sitting up from his bed as he turned to look at me.

“Taeha?” I whispered, “Did I wake you?”

“You looked troubled.” Taeha replied, tilting his head in curiosity, “Did Haesoo say something bad earlier? You still haven't explained why she suddenly wanted to talk to you. And judging from the tone of her voice, it feels like she's holding a grudge against you.”

Why is his intuition always right?

I sighed as I sat up from my bed too, “I'll explain everything now.”

My heart kept beating loudly in my chest as I tried to find the right words on how I can even start this conversation.

“If you feel uncomfortable then it's okay—”

“Me and Hojun had a past.” I finally blurted it out, right here in front of Taeha.

Silence. Taeha didn’t say anything, but I could feel his stare pressing into mine, waiting for more explanation.

I forced myself to continue. “I told you I didn’t know him when we first saw him again, but that wasn’t true. I do know him.” I finally lifted my gaze to meet Taeha’s, guilt swirling in my chest. “I’ve known him for a long time.”

Taeha’s lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but he stayed silent. His expression was unreadable, which somehow made it worse.

I inhaled shakily. “Hojun… he was my childhood friend. He was more than that.” My voice softened. “I liked him. A lot. He was my whole world back then.”

A shadow flickered across Taeha’s face, but still, he didn’t interrupt.

A small, sad smile tugged at my lips. “But then, one day… he just left. He left for Australia with his family and I didn't know they would never come back.”

My voice wavered as I looked at Taeha, my heart pounding. “When I saw him, I panicked. I didn’t know what to do, what to say. So I lied. I told you I didn’t know him because…”

My thoughts trailed off, stopping on what I'm about to say.

Because I have these weird feelings that I feel about you that I truly can’t explain.

Can I even tell him that?

“Because…” My tongue is still tied.

But Taeha interrupted me now, “It's okay, don't explain further if you feel uncomfortable sharing it with me. If you're thinking that you would lose me because you suddenly met your childhood best friend, please don't.”

Taeha stood up from his bed and suddenly knelt down in front of me, slowly holding my trembling hands that were resting on my lap.

“Always remember I won't leave this friendship. You're too important, and I don't want to lose you.” Taeha smiled at me warmly.

I've never felt so lucky to have a friend like him, a person that won't pressure me through life and a person that always makes sure that I'm smiling.

“I'm happy that you and Hojun reunited again, and there's no need for you to tell too much, since he's been in another chapter of your life that I don't have any business with.” Taeha said.

I nodded my head at him and I tried to regain my composure. I watched Taeha stand up again and suddenly took his phone out, clicking onto something and suddenly heard a familiar slow beat.

“Taeha—”

“Remember years ago? When we're still new teachers in the school, and a parent suddenly falsely accused you for flirting with her husband?” Taeha suddenly took a trip down memory lane.

I rolled my eyes, “You still remember that? God, I feel so miserable that day.”

“Right, and when we got home, you suddenly pulled me close to dance to this slow song, demanding me to just slow dance until you calm down.” Taeha smiled.

A shade of red crept up on my face again when I remembered that exact moment. I did that because it's my first time living away from home, and when I'm sad, my parents would usually rock me to a slow song and that would ease me up effectively.

“Oh, yeah, I remember.” I chuckled, “And you have two left feet at that time.” I teased.

Taeha scoffed and now he suddenly offered his hand to me, “Now you have to find out if I still have two left feet right now.”

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “You’re serious?”

“Dance with me?”

My eyes lit up when he said that, and I gladly took his hand.

Taeha smiled as he pulled me close. One hand rested gently on my waist, the other holding my hand in his. I placed my free hand on his shoulder as we swayed.

The music played softly between us, a comforting lullaby in the quiet. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting myself sink into the rhythm.

Taeha's voice broke the silence. “You know, you don't have to think too much.”

I let out a small laugh against his chest. “You know I can't do that.”

We kept swaying, the song coming to its last few notes. Taeha hummed along, off-key as always, making me smile just a little.

As the music faded, he pulled back slightly, looking down at me. “Feeling better?”

I met his gaze and, for the first time tonight, the tightness in my chest loosened just a little.

“Yeah,” I murmured. “I think I am.”

Taeha grinned. “Good. Now, go to bed, it's our last day tomorrow and we still have to pack our things.”

I groaned when I remembered our last day will finally be tomorrow and I still haven't packed my things, but I still smiled as I stepped back. “Goodnight, Taeha.”

“Night, Eunji.”

As I climbed back to my bed again, slipping under my covers, I realized something.

The thoughts were still there, lingering at the edges of my mind.

But they weren’t so heavy anymore.