Orenda | NCT

Chapter 4: Before the War (part 1)

"That's not it." Aera mumbled, feeling terrible now that Jisung was feeling down. "My heart was just.. Doing things."

"Doing things?" Aera's eyes widened as she realized she had completely exposed herself, and made the mistake of looking up just to lock eyes with Jisung. He had a smirk on his face, gently shoving his hands into the pockets of the hoodie he was wearing. "So Chenle was right."

"What did Chenle say?" Aera asked, curious. This time, it was Jisung that had become flustered, looking away. He mumbled something she couldn't hear, making her eyebrows knit as she stepped closer to him. "What?"

"He said that he thinks you like me." Jisung mumbled, a bit louder this time. Aera found herself trapped in the place that she was in, unable to move. He said what?

"W-w-why would he say that?" Aera stuttered out. Training was long gone from both their minds, now focused on the mess of emotions the two were experiencing right now.

"Because I..." Jisung's voice trailed off right when Aera was waiting for the words she was longing to hear. A groan escaped his lips as he threw his head back in frustration. "Ah, I can't do it."

Aera had to admit that she was disappointed, trying not to let her emotions show as she returned her focus to the target. It was too good to be true anyways.

The two stayed silent as Aera threw her knife, the weapon landing right at the centre of the target. She didn't really care though, her mood ruined from the fact that Jisung couldn't get the words out.

She didn't even look in Jisung's direction as she dragged her feet to the target to retrieve the knife. She sighed as she gripped the knife lodged in the tree.

Aera was about to pull it out when a hand on top of hers stopped her. It took a few seconds to realize it was Jisung, quickly turning around. When did he get there?!

Jisung was too close to her though, and Aera instantly stumbled back. He caught her with an arm around her waist, pulling her tightly towards him, her hands landing on his chest.

They stayed there for a moment, only staring into each other's eyes. Aera couldn't help but notice how nice Jisung's eyes were, his bangs typically hiding them.

It seemed like the forest around them had faded as Jisung took a deep breath, finally mustering the courage he needed.

"That was amazing, Aera. And I think you're amazing too. I think I like you."

Aera's insides were doing somersaults and she couldn't help but push him away, covering her face in her hands as she felt her cheeks start to burn. Jisung chuckled, ruffling his hair.

"Wow, I confess to you and you react like that." Jisung said, a hint of hurt in his voice.

"I wasn't expecting it!" Aera exclaimed, shaking her head. "Ah, I don't know what to say, that was so sudden!"

"You could say that you like me back." Jisung suggested, a sheepish grin on his face. "Unless you don't. Then that might be a little awkward."

At first, Aera didn't say anything and Jisung became disappointed, turning away. That was what Aera was waiting for though, quickling running and jumping onto his back.

Jisung was surprised but quickly adapted, adjusting so that he was properly piggybacking her. Perhaps it was the fact that she wasn't staring into his eyes, Aera loosely wrapping her arms around his neck as she regained her confidence back.

"I like you too, Jisung."

Jisung slowly slid Aera back down, beaming as he turned around. Aera decided to hug him, the two of them laughing as happiness filled them.