Xxxviii. Undeniable

xxi. clarity in the darkness

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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE ─ clarity in the darkness.

❛ and i know i make the same mistakes every time. ❜

Choi Yumi's Perspective

See, I've always prided myself on the fact that I had the ability to make rational decisions. That's why, when I stood in the dark hallways of Jagam High School after hours with the Eclipse members and Sunjae, I felt like the biggest idiot to ever walk this Earth. What had gotten into me? Why in god's name would I ever agree to something like this? I felt like slapping myself for getting swayed by Inhyuk's persuasion. However, there was another storm brewing in my mind that haunted my thoughts. I was doing this for Taesung. For his birthday. I refused to let myself think of it.

"Hyunsoo," hissed Inhyuk.

"What?" he responded in a similar fashion.

"Stop breathing so loudly," he made an effort to keep his volume as low as possible, "You're going to wake the dead."

"Shut your trap."

"Um, Guys?" Sunjae intervened, "We've been standing at the door for a while. Don't you think we should start looking?"

"He's right, we should get it over with and vamoose before anyone catches us," I chimed in.

"Where do you think all the student records are kept?" asked Inhyuk. Despite all our efforts to speak as quietly as possible, our voices echoed in the empty hallways.

"Let's check the staff room?" I suggested.

We moved like a gang of thieves, sticking close to each other as fear gripped our bones. A cold gush of wind sent a shiver through my body as we inched closer to the staff room. I never realised I was such a coward until now. Paranoia had consumed me entirely. I dreaded the consequences of this reckless adventure. Someone speaks an octave too high, someone drops a heavy object, one small mistake and they all would be dead meat.

We were faced with the extensive staff room, and rows of tables and chairs, sending confusion through us all.  "Do you know where his homeroom teacher sits?"

"Here," said Hyunsoo, Eclipse's drummer. He followed him to a desk by the door. Inhyuk took the initiative to reach out and shuffle through the files lying on the table. The shuffling and rustling of papers sounded painfully loud in the silence of the deserted school. "Quieter!" hissed Sunjae.

Inhyuk retrieved the thin sheet with the personal details of students pinned on the soft board. Just then, as if a manifestation of my worry, slow, steady footsteps echoed in the hallway outside the room. Panic surged through my body as I felt my breathing become unsteady.

Inhyuk got a hold of the sheet holding Taesung's information. Hearing the footsteps getting closer, I motioned everyone to duck under the table with my shaking hands. As we all crouched under the table, my body shook with terror. A bright flashlight flashed on the ground next to us. Everyone held their breath as a voice spoke, "I could have sword there was something..."

The light faded out of sight as all of us heaved a sigh of relief. "I got a picture!" whispered Inhyuk, his voice laced with triumph.

"Great, now let's get out of here!"

💿

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

Going back to school after my surgery was an experience in itself. I received sympathy from peers and teachers that I had never received in my years in high school. It seemed as if the world was showering me in pity, rubbing salt in my fresh wound that had gotten no time to heal. I felt dejected, and it showed. I slouched in class, stared blankly into space and zoned out when someone was speaking to me. In this confusing haze of people's sympathy towards me, I found solace in the blue cap I wore─ Eunyoung's thoughtful gift. It rested atop my head like a reminder of her warmth and the gentleness of her voice.

Eunyoung was different. She treated me like she always had. Through all the changes I observed in everyone's attitude towards me, Eunyoung stood like a guiding light, staying constant through my adversity. I found comfort in her unchanging demeanor. 

As she took her usual seat next to me as per usual, the familiarity of the scenario sent tingles through my body. I smiled secretly to myself on seeing her face. How could she take away my breath? Just by being herself? I must be crazy. 

I noticed her yawn next to me, covering her mouth with her hand. Her blinking became slower as there was a visible struggle for her to keep her eyes open.

"Long day?" I asked.

"The substitute teacher for geography did a fantastic job," she let out another yawn, "At putting the class to sleep."

I chuckled. She looked up at me, smiling with sleepy eyes. 

💿

I felt Eunyoung's head fall gently on my shoulder. I slowly turned to look at her head resting peacefully on my shoulder. Thankfully, it wasn't the shoulder that got operated on. I would hate to push her away. A few strands of her hair framed her angelic face. Her soft breath fanned my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. The gentle rise and fall of her chest was rhythmic and calming, a stark contrast to the chaos of the day. A wave of protectiveness washed over me as I realized how vulnerable she looked in this moment.

I couldn't help but trace the outline of her face with my eyes. Her lips were slightly parted, and her eyelashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks.

This has happened before. I remembered the moment we had previously shared with shocking clarity. It replayed in my mind like my favourite scene from my favourite movie. The point of contact that made my heart flutter back then, did the same today. The tingling feeling surged through my body, just like that day. She looked as perfect as ever─ maybe more. Every moment I spent with her, I found myself wishing it would last forever.

I stole another glance at her. A warmth spread through me, a comforting familiarity that I hadn't felt in a long time. This was a moment of peace, a sanctuary from the world outside. And in that moment, I knew that I would do anything to protect this fragile, beautiful girl beside me.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: eunyoung if falling asleep on the bus was a job 💸💸

delphi's notes: ryu sunjae, the biggest loser to exist ;)

next chapter: saturday (out now!) list of chapters here!

xviii. the anatomy of a smile

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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN ─ the anatomy of a smile.

❛ but i see sparks fly whenever you smile. ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"Oh! Eunyoung!" Inhyuk called out when he spotted Eunyoung on her way to school.

"Hmm?" she turned to look at him, "Oh, it's you. Hi."

"Hey," he began, "I visited Sunjae yesterday. He went on about today's school paper. He practically begged me to bring it for him. The fellow who distributes the papers in our class is a real ass. He won't give me any extra papers. Can you do me a favour and help me out? I have no idea why he's so hell bent on getting it."

A small smile surfaced on Eunyoung's face. He remembers.

"I'll bring it to him after school, don't worry," she assured him. Inhyuk cocked his head to the side in confusion. He seemed to be the only one left in the dark.

The previous evening

"Sunjae?" Eunyoung called out to him, knocking on the open hospital room door. None of the other patients seemed to be there, and Sunjae sat in solitude on his bed, staring blankly out of the window.

"Eunyoung?" his head whipped around sharply. A small smile surfaced on his face slowly. The despair in his eyes was very much evident despite his efforts to put up a brave front.

She returned his smile with the same sorrow in her eyes. She took a seat on the chair next to him, "How are you feeling?"

"Honestly?" he started, the smile fading from his face, "Not great. They said I won't be able to continue swimming."

I know. Eunyoung thought to herself. Each time she was faced with that reality, she could feel an ache in her heart. The lump in her throat left her speechless. Her hand reached forward to clutch Sunjae's, which seemed so huge in comparison. Sunjae's breath hitched at her sudden movement. The colour seemed to return to his face as he felt warmth blooming in his cheeks.

"I'm sorry," is all Eunyoung could muster out, "I'm sorry for coming late, I'm sorry you have to go through this."

"It's not your fault," Sunjae whispered.

A spark of warmth glimmered in the sterile hospital room, igniting a new kind of fire in them both. The silence conveyed feelings that neither of them could dare to put into words.

💿

Spotting Taesung exiting the music room before her, Yumi called out to him, evident excitement in her voice, "Taesung!" She approached him as he turned quickly to look at her. 

"Piano girl?"

"How original," she frowned.

"Why did you call out to me?" he asked her.

"Oh yeah," Yumi remembered, "The kitten let me pet it the other day!"

"Really?" he chuckled. He found her excitement strangely endearing. Yumi always seemed to be frowning or her eyebrows would be raised and her eyes would be wide with confusion. She had often stared at him blankly, making it impossible to guess what was on her mind. But her face lit up when she smiled. There was a glimmer in her eyes, and a soft redness on her cheeks. Taesung's heart pounded against his chest.

"I was right, wasn't I?" he said, trying way too hard to act cool. 

Could she tell I'm bluffing? Does she have any clue about the effect she has on me?

💿

The white walls of Sunjae's hospital room seemed a little less oppressive today. A sliver of sunlight snuck through the blinds, painting a warm rectangle across his lap. Sunjae, propped up against pillows, traced the lines of a sports magazine with a listless finger. The events unfolding on the pages held little interest for him. His own future in swimming felt like a deflated balloon, limp and useless.

A soft knock at the door startled him. Before he could answer, the door creaked open, revealing Eunyoung. Her eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, were clouded with worry. She clutched a neatly folded newspaper to her chest.

"Hey," Sunjae managed, a weak smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?"

Eunyoung shuffled closer, her gaze flitting between him and his father, who sat perched on a visitor's chair, a newspaper propped up in front of him. A hint of a blush crept up her neck.

"Actually, I brought you something," she mumbled, extending the newspaper towards him.

Sunjae's father chuckled, lowering his own paper. "He's been yapping about your article all morning. Took you long enough!" His tone was light, but Sunjae detected a playful jab in his words.

"I'm just glad someone's eager to read what I wrote."

Sunjae carefully unfolded the newspaper, his heart skipping a beat as he saw the headline: "Setting the Pace: A New Season for the Jagam High Swim Team" with his own team photo splashed right below it.

He scanned the article, his eyes widening with each paragraph. Eunyoung's words painted a vivid picture of the team, their dedication, and their unwavering spirit. He felt a forgotten spark ignite within him, a flicker of pride for his team and the sport he still loved.

"This is..." he stammered, searching for the right words. "This is amazing, Eunyoung! You captured everything perfectly. I could practically smell the chlorine."

A genuine smile bloomed on Eunyoung's face, chasing away the worry in her eyes. "Really? I'm glad you like it. Everyone misses you so much." Especially me.

"Maybe you can take some advice from Eunyoung," his dad advised Sunjae, a teasing smile forming on his face, "You never know! You might become a famous writer like her."

Sunjae swatted his father's arm playfully, a laugh escaping his lips for the first time since the surgery. "Don't listen to him, Eunyoung. He's just jealous he can't write like you."

The room, for a brief moment, was filled with a warmth that had nothing to do with the sunlight peering in through the window. It was the warmth of shared passion and perhaps, the beginning of a new kind of hope.

💿

"Sportsmanship is not just about good manners; it's about creating a positive environment where everyone can thrive. It's about fostering a love for the sport that goes beyond individual accolades, and it fills me with pride to know that the swimming team of Jagam High School navigates the triumphs and challenges of this season with this very sportsmanship as their guiding principle." Yumi read out from the newspaper in her hand.

Eunyoung's mother put down her chopsticks and clapped enthusiastically. A smile formed on Eunyoung's face as Yumi too joined in the applause. "We're so proud of you, Eunyoung!" said her mom.

"You do this every time I write something," said Eunyoung, embarrassed as she hid her face in her hands.

"It's because everything you write is so profoundly eloquent that Shakespeare would start shaking in his grave," replied Yumi dramatically.

"She's right, Eunyoung," their mom piped in, "At this rate you're going to become the CEO of a big news firm."

Eunyoung and Yumi exchanged glances, smiling at the fact that she had just predicted the future that only they knew about.

"Don't count your chickens," Eunyoung shrugged.

"You never know," said Yumi, grinning.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nayoung's notes: rare occasion where sunjae's dad doesn't embarrass his son.

delphi's notes: the best part of this chapter is how eunyoung's mom suddenly becomes a fortune teller.

next chapter: friday (out now!) list of chapters here!

xv. echoes of yesterday

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER FIFTEEN ─ echoes of yesterday.

❛ if i may just take your breath away, i don't mind if there's not much to say. ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"Eunyoung?" Inhyuk called out her name as she turned to look at him, "I thought you might be here."

Eunyoung stared at him blankly for a few moments, trying to figure out who he was, until she realised he was Inhyuk. Her eyebrows shot up in a moment of realization, "Oh it's you, Inhyuk! You were at Sunjae's swimming competition, right?"

"Yeah that's me," he breathed out, "I'm surprised you remember."

"I have a good memory," Eunyoung smiled politely, "Sunjae stayed over at your place, didn't he?"

Inhyuk nodded in agreement, "You're right, he did. He didn't come to school today."

"I figured," there was a bittersweet taste on her tongue as she recalled the various events of the previous day, "How's he feeling? He was heartbroken yesterday; first the doctor's words then his father's..."

"He won't tell me anything," Inhyuk complained, frowning, "He only told me about his shoulder."

"He couldn't get himself to talk to his dad about it," explained Eunyoung, looking down as she recalled the conversation she overheard, "Can you try to get him to tell his dad? He needs to know. Sunjae might act tough, but these are though times, and he needs all the support he can get."

"I will," Inhyuk assured. After a pause, he added, "Sunjae's really grateful for your support too. He didn't say much, but he mentioned how you were there for him. I wanted to say thanks from his behalf."

"There's no need to thank me," Eunyoung smiled, "What are friends for?"

Kim Taesung's Perspective

I caught a glimpse of Yumi from accross the fence dividing the boys and girls schools. My gaze fixed on her face; Her long hair fell messily on her shoulders, the breeze sending a few strands flying in random directions. A wide smile lit up her face as she laughed with her friend. The cigarette from my hand fell to the ground as my grip loosened without meaning to. Its soft thump on the pavement broke my focus and I put it out with my foot.

The lunch bell clanged, jarring me back to reality. I blinked, the bustling crowd of students a harsh contrast to the empty space where Yumi had stood moments ago. My feet, traitors that they were, hadn't moved an inch while I was lost in the memory of her.  An inexplainable feeling lingered in my heart, recalling the last time I encountered her. Her hair seemed to fall perfectly and her face seemed to be sculpted by the gods.

"Maybe I should quit smoking..."

💿

I found myself becoming increasingly foolish as I acted on impulse rather than rational thinking. To be fair, I had made quite a few impromtu descisions that didn't turn out in the best way; But this was different. Since I started taking my motorcycle to school, I had always taken a shortcut, which allowed me to reach home within fifteen minutes. It was quick and convinient, and it had worked for me.

The final strains of band practice faded into the background, a dull ache settling in my fingers from the worn strings of my guitar. Today, however, the usual post-practice routine held no appeal. Instead, a strange compulsion tugged at me, leading my feet towards the unfamiliarity of the music club exit.

There, I lurked like a lovesick fool in a bad spy movie, trying my hardest to appear nonchalant. Every fiber of my being screamed "obvious stalker," but dammit, if my Oscar-worthy performance didn't deserve an award. 

The bus doors hissed open as Yumi momentariy dissapeared from my sight. My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs as I raced to my bike, a silent vow forming on my lips. "Stay cool," I muttered, the words muffled by the helmet that encased my head. "Just a casual bike ride on a beautiful day, nothing suspicious to see here."

Except, the day wasn't particularly beautiful, the traffic was a congested nightmare, and my definition of "casual" had never involved weaving recklessly between lanes, desperately trying to keep the bus in sight. Finally, a sliver of victory – I found myself gliding beside Yumi's window, mirroring her movements on two wheels.

A ghost of a smile played on my lips, hidden beneath the confines of the helmet. Her profile was a masterpiece, framed by the bustling cityscape. Yet, a pang of guilt twisted in my gut. Was this the kind of guy I wanted to be? A creepy stalker on a bicycle? Or maybe, just maybe, there was a fine line between devotion and desperation, and I was teetering precariously on the edge.

Narrator's Perspective

"Since mom wasn't home last night, Sunjae and I came upstairs. We sat there talking for sometime, and then it almost seemed like he was going to..." Eunyoung's voice trailed off as the scene replayed in her mind. Warmth crept up her face, recalling their proximity. Thinking of the moment now felt like it was a fragment of her imagination as she questioned whether it really happened. The real question, a silent scream echoing in the chambers of her heart, was: had she truly fallen for him? This wasn't the blind adoration she'd felt for him back in her "Eclipse" phase, a time when his brooding good looks and mysterious aura had captivated her from afar. This was different. This was a closeness born of shared secrets, whispered conversations in the dead of night, and a connection that transcended the superficial.

"What?" Yumi inquired, itching with curiosity, "Can you stop trailing off like that? You've done that too many times. I'm starting to question your storytelling skills."

"Nothing," Eunyoung evaded the topic entirely, not wanting to get caught up in her emotions, "It's not important. I'm really worried now. Can I really change things? Do I have that kind of power or was I lying to myself this whole time? I'm afraid of loosing him now more than ever. I'm scared, Yumi."

Yumi placed a supportive hand on Eunyoung's shoulder, "You really think it was a coincidence that you came here with the help of Sunjae's signed CD after Sunjae's death? It's not over yet, trust me."

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nayoung's notes: yumi being the supportive bestie that she is. hope u liked thiss!

delphi's notes: fRiEnds you sayyyy.

next chapter: saturday (out now!) (sorry for the late update) list of chapters here!

࣪𓇻 ݁ㅤׂ if a man talks sh!t then i owe him nothing . . .

ྀི ⁺ ͙۪ 🥀 i don't regret it one bit cause he had it coming

like the moodboard? it's a teaser for an upcoming fanfic! make sure u follow me and stay tuned! thank you, bye!! <33

oc by: @the-one-and-only-delphi

﹒ ʬʬ ﹒₊﹒✶﹑kissin' and hope they caught us﹏ ﹪

like the moodboard? it's a teaser for an upcoming fanfic! make sure u follow me and stay tuned! thank you, bye!! <33

oc by: @the-one-and-only-delphi

happy late birthday to our wonyoungie! i wasn't active on the 31st, but i still want to say that she inspired me on so many levels. wonyoung motivated me to make a beautiful life for myself, to focus on myself, i began my journey of loving myself thanks to her. i will always be grateful to wonyoung. i will never forget the joy i get from watching her videos. we might be far in distance but you are so close to my heart.

xxii. you and me and awkward silence

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CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO ─ you and me and awkward silence.

❛ don't you notice how i get quiet when there's no one else around? ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"Why are you all standing like that?" Taesung asked his friends who stood on the other side of the safety door of his house.

Taesung's birthday had arrived at last, and his friends' plan of throwing him a surprise party had fallen into place. Yumi stood at the front- against her will, for Inhyuk had pushed her ahead while everyone fumbled. The Eclipse members and Sunjae held balloons in their hands, and Yumi held the box containing the cake and a small paper bag.

All she could do was stare at his face as he repeated his question impatiently. Realising Yumi wasn't responding, Inhyuk jumped in and exclaimed, "Happy birthday! Did you think we'd forget?!"

A slow smile appeared on Taesung's face as he chuckled in disbelief. His hand reached for the doorknob, which he pushed open. The party was not a large one- the members of Eclipse, Sunjae and Yumi, but it was a meaningful one. They entered his house one by one, as Taesung stepped aside to make way. While everyone else dispersed, putting up the balloons, Yumi stood frozen before him, staring blankly, "Happy birthday," she uttered quietly.

Taesung stood motionless for a brief moment, admiring the girl in front of him. Her voice sounded like music in his ears. His eyes remained fixed on her, unable to pull away. She was dressed in a baby blue dress that hovered above her knees. The dress was sleeveless, drawing attention to her graceful arms, and it boasted a sweetheart neckline that framed her collarbone beautifully.

"Thanks," he smiled, "I'm glad you're here, piano girl."

There it was again. That nickname. Yumi thought to herself, clearing her throat. It took all the willpower in her not to misinterpret his words. What did he really mean? Plus it was really hard to focus with him standing right in front of her. She couldn't bring herself to look away from him. He was dressed in a simple monochromatic outfit- black jeans and a plain white t-shirt, and it was evident that he wasn't expecting company. Yet, there she was, staring. She moved past him, placing the cake on the coffee table in front of the couch.

"Is that for me?" he snapped her out of her thoughts, gesturing to the bag dangling from her wrist. 

"Huh?" she blurted out, "Oh, right! I got you a little something."

"What is it?" he asked as he peeked into the bag after she handed it to him. 

"Look at it later!" she spoke more urgently than she intended to. Taesung's face twisted into a confused frown, setting the bag aside for time being. His suspicion was evident through his expression, and Yumi realized that she had pretty much shot herself in the foot. A blush surfaced on her face from embarassment as she moved to where everyone else was standing.

Why am I even here? She wondered. She barely knew these people. Yet a part of her wanted to be there for him. How heartbreaking was it that his parents couldn't be there for their only son's birthday? Yumi wondered if what she felt for him was pity or something more? Yumi pushed the thought away, refusing to explore it further. It was too terrifying, too soon. She prayed she'd never have to confront those feelings.

Choi Yumi's Perspective

It was as if  I had zoned out for the entire duration of the party. I think this was my fatal flaw. I spent to much time thinking. I never took action. I just sat and thought. And thought. And thought some more until even I was afraid of my thoughts. Before I knew it, everyone had left, leaving me alone with Taesung. The thought made me want to dig a hole in the ground and bury my head in it. I told myself that since I was the only one there, I should help clean up the mess. Yet, in the back of my mind, I knew that every moment spent with him was special.

"You don't have to stay," he remarked, breaking the awkward silence that previously filled the room, "It's getting late."

"Are you kicking me out?" I asked with a hint of hostility in my voice, "I want to help."

"Who am I to argue with you?" asked to no one in particular.

We worked in silence, neither of us knowing how to start another conversation. I realised what a horrifying thing it was to be alone with my thoughts- especially with him around. Why was I behaving like this? It's not like I'm a teenage girl- I mean, I am, but I'm not at the same time. Half of me wished I could go back to my time and everything would be normal. I would be working at a miserable law firm, just like I studied for; But there was another part of me that kept stealing glances at Taesung as we picked up the trash from the wooden floors. 

What the hell is wrong with me?!

After we finished picking up the confetti and remains of the balloons (that had been popped by our small yet lively party), we stood in the living room, which had now become devoid of any evidence that it was full of liveliness a while ago.  My gaze wandered around the room and I stood completely still as if my feet were rooted to the ground. My eyes finally fixed on the green guitar placed against the wall. It was as if I was hypnotized by it as I took an unconscious step towards it.

"Do you like it?" he asked, as I tore my eyes away.

"What?"

"Do you like the guitar?" he repeated himself, the corners of his lips tugging at a smile. 

"Ummm," I stuttered, "I... I guess so? It's a nice guitar."

"Do you play?"

"No."

"Do you want to?"

I suddenly found myself unable to answer his seemingly simple question. I froze there, my stubborn voice refusing to speak. The truth is, that I felt drawn to the guitar. It was something new and exciting. I took another look at it; It was as if it had been calling my name this whole time.

"I can teach you if you like," he offered, and I thought he might have observed the manner in which I was staring at his guitar.

"Right now?" I said with too much enthusiasm. I bit my lip- was it too much?

"I mean, if you really want to," he stammered out, taken aback by my sudden display of eagerness.

I glanced at the clock, "It's already 9 o' clock," I observed.

"You're right. I should let you go home," he realized, "We can meet after music club practice tomorrow. If that's okay with you?"

"But it closes at 5," I frowned, "Where will we go?"

He thought about it for a brief moment, "How 'bout you come here?" I felt heat rise up my cheeks, "Here?" I asked, trying to figure out if I misheard him.

"My dad is usually not at home, so we won't have any disturbance," he explained.

"Sure," I agreed, trying my best to sound nonchalant.

It was almost as if I was breathless. What do I call this feeling?

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: the tension between yumi and the guitar-

delphi's notes: something is brewing...

next chapter: friday (out now!) list of chapters here!

It's my 2 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

happy two years to iheart-nana <33

TOWARDS YOU: the playlists.

while you wait for chapter fifty-three, here are the official playlists for TOWARDS YOU 💌.

TOWARDS YOU: the official soundtrack.

TOWARDS YOU ── lovely runner.

TOWARDS YOU ── eunjae's version.

TOWARDS YOU ── taemi's version.

choi eunyoung's playlist.

choi yumi's playlist.

vi. coincidences? or were they?

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER SIX ─ coincidences? or were they?

❛ you can hear it in the silence, you can hear it on the way home ❜

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

Upon seeing the Galbi restaurant near my house, I hurried inside, Sunjae following closely behind. We were still laughing, amazed by the peculiarity of the situation and the fact that we had just run through the pouring rain like madmen. Looking up at his face, my laughter became louder seeing his contagious smile. I suddenly became wary of my left hand, which still held onto Sunjae's. I think he noticed me staring, and let go, his eyes blinking rapidly. Even though we had stopped laughing, a smile remained on our faces, like a reminder of what just happened.

"Has anyone ever told you you're crazy?" Sunjae asked, chuckling again.

"No," I said, the laughs resurfacing, "Congratulations on being the first one."

A slow smile spread across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes. As it deepened, a single dimple winked into existence on the right side of his cheek. He's so adorable, I thought to myself.

Sunjae began looking around, presumably trying to figure out where I had taken him.

"Sorry for dragging you here," I apologized, "My house is just around the corner, that's why I came here instinctively. If you want─" He cut me off, "Wait, you live next to this place?"

"Yeah, why?" I asked, "Have you been here before?" He chuckled again.

"This is my dad's restaurant," he began. As he was about to continue, a voice sounded from somewhere inside the restaurant, diverting our attention.

"Sunjae! Is that you?"

"That's my dad," Sunjae told me.

 A strangled sound, something between a scoff and a disbelieving laugh escaped my lips.

Sunjae's dad came into sight, his face lighting up on seeing his son, "Oh, my dear Sunjae! You're back─ and you're completely drenched!" He observed his son, then turned to look at me, "And who might you be?" He asked with a smile.

"Hello, my name is Choi Eunyoung. I conducted the swimming team's interview today," I informed with politeness, "I met Sunjae on the bus, ran through the rain and ended up here. It's nice to meet you."

"Oh, I see. It's nice to meet you too," the smile never left his face, "My, my, Sunjae, you brought such a pretty friend. The two of you sit down, I'll find some towels."

"Oh, thank you, sir," I answered shyly as he ran off. I noticed the look of embarrassment on Sunjae's face as if he wanted to dig a hole and bury his head in it. "I'm sorry─"

"Don't be," I interrupted, "Your dad is nice."

"Yeah sure," he said, the sarcasm evident in his voice.

Sunjae's dad returned and handed us the towels. "You kids look like you're freezing! Eunyoung, why don't you have some warm soup and wait here until the rain stops?"

"Thank you for the offer," I bowed, offering a smile, "I live next door, so it's okay. I can manage."

"Oh, that's great," his voice was laced with excitement, "Don't let me hold you back, but you must come back! If you're Sunjae's friend I should make something tasty for the two of you!"

My lips stretched into a smile as I said, "You're far too kind, sir. I'll be back soon," I said definitively. Turning to Sunjae I said, "I should get going, then."

"Wait a second," he said, rushing to the entrance of the restaurant, bringing back a blue umbrella with him, "Take this with you. Don't catch a cold." His worry melted my heart, which must have shown on my face as I smiled from ear to ear.

"Thanks," I said to him, warmth creeping up on my face, a new inexplicable feeling blooming in my heart, "See you around!"

He repeated the same words as we waved each other goodbye. 

On seeing my mother walking out of her nail salon, which was right below our home, I called out to her "Mom!"

"Eunyoung?!" she replied, looking at my state in disbelief, "It looks like you took a shower! Whose umbrella is that?"

"Turns out a guy from the swim team lives next door. His dad owns that Galbi restaurant," I explained, "It's fascinating, right?!"

"Go and dry up first!" she yelled, concern and love concealed behind her sternness.

"Yes, mummy!"

💿

Narrator's Perspective

"Damn, that's some day we've had, huh?" Eunyoung sighed, hearing Yumi's recap of the incident at the music club.

"But you know the weird thing is," Yumi suddenly added, "When I mentioned Eclipse in front of Inhyuk and the other fellow, the whole world went still as if time had stopped."

"Huh," Eunyoung muttered, "That's strange, now that you mention it."

"Inhyuk becomes a part of a group called Eclipse," just as Yumi tested out her theory, everything went still except her and Eunyoung. The pattering of rain outside had come to a sudden halt and the sound of their mom washing the dishes went quiet momentarily.

"This means we can't tell anyone about what happens in the future," Eunyoung concluded.

💿

A loud crashing sound from outside jerked Eunyoung awake, her face crinkling up into a frown immediately. Lifting her head, which had been resting on her folded arms, she realized she had fallen asleep on her desk the previous night while she worked on the draft of her article. Papers were scattered everywhere, crumbled ones in the bin, some lay stacked under the weight of her MP3 player and others that had flown away lay abandoned on her bedroom floor. She squinted at her alarm clock, rightly named as she jolted out of her seat and ran to the bathroom, alarmed at her tardiness. 

 Hastily, rushing to brush her teeth, she barely put on her uniform, combing her hair in a frenzy and bolting out the door the moment she was ready. She had the urge to yell at her mom for not waking her mom but decided against it as she couldn't afford to miss the last bus.

With a burst of desperate energy, she broke into a run for the bus station. Aided by her long legs, she moved swiftly, occasionally gasping for air as the school bag on her back weighed her down. Soon, she rounded a corner and allowed herself to slow down on seeing the bus station come into view, with a couple of tardy students such as herself waiting for the bus. 

Eunyoung stumbled to a halt, dashing into the tall boy clad in the Jagam High uniform standing before her. She staggered, going a couple of steps back, mumbling an apology, "I'm so─" Her voice failed her as the boy turned around, revealing Sunjae's face with raised eyebrows which rested on seeing her.

"Be careful," he told her with a smile, then teased, "You might hurt yourself if you run like that. I could hear your footsteps thumping on the pavement."

Eunyoung replied with a bright yet embarrassed chuckle. "What are you doing here anyway? Don't all athletes have to reach early?"

"We don't have training since the competition is in a few days," he explained, "Why did you run like that, though?"

"I didn't want to miss the last bus," uttered Eunyoung, "My sister left without me for god knows what reason."

"You have a sister?" observed Sunjae.

"Yeah, we're not related by blood but my mom adopted her when we were 7," Eunyoung replied, "And we've been inseparable ever since."

With a groan that vibrated through the pavement, the lumbering bus finally heaved to a stop. Getting into the queue of students, they hopped onto the bus, sitting next to each other without a second thought as if it were the most natural thing in the world. 

If they were together, they might as well sit beside each other, right?

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nayoung's notes: i love how both eunyoung and sunjae are down bad for each other. at this point i'm living vicariously through her. hope you liked the chapter!

delphi's notes: sunjae's dad is single-handedly making his son's life harder with every sentence he speaks ajakvsk i can't-

next chapter: friday! (out now) list of chapters here!