sleepwalker | han jisung

two

The impressively large white marquee takes up the expanse of the entire field, flooding with the busy noise of excited students. I stare in awe while walking through the entrance, following Chan who leads the way into a sea of people. After a few steps he checks behind to make sure I'm still with him, and I can't help but find his caring actions endearing. He smiles as he catches my gaze, and slows so that I can join him by his side.

On the bus ride to campus, I learned that Chan had spent most of his childhood in Sydney, Australia, which of course explains the strong accent. He's a couple years older than me, being 23, and has a passion for anything to do with music - he was impressed when I mentioned how I have been playing piano for over a decade now, and made me promise to play for him at some point. I was pushed into an agreement, but only because I'm betting on the chance that he will forget about it at some point. From that bus journey alone, I can already tell that Chan is someone I can rely on - talking to him just felt, well, easy.

"So, you want to go to any stalls in particular? Or just wander around?" He asks me once I reach his side.

"To be honest, I haven't really thought about what society I would want to join. I guess I'll just see what stall catches my eye," I admit. Before I can ask him the same question, I notice his eyes dart away from me and light up suddenly.

"Hold that thought - I'll be right back. Don't leave without me!" He announces, reaching out and squeezing my hand quickly before turning away from me. I watch him as he swiftly strides towards someone and greets them with a hug, surprised smiles appearing on both of their faces. Perhaps he's recognised an old friend? Or is it someone he met at our accommodation yesterday? Either way, I smile at their joyful interaction before I turn away to further study the stalls surrounding me. 

Behind each stall is a small group of people, likely to be second or third year students, who are offering information about their society to the passing by freshers. I take some steps forward, hoping to see at least one society that grabs my attention. From the corner of my eye, I notice someone behind a stall waving excitedly - I turn to face their direction and my eyes swiftly meet his while he smiles brightly at me, beckoning me over. 

"Hey! You're a fresher, right? If you're looking for a society to join for first year, ours is the best bet. Trust me," the boy exclaims gleefully once I arrive in front of his stall. My eyes drift upwards, reading the banner that hangs above: 'Tennis Society'.

"Yeah, I'm a fresher! I've got to admit, I've never really played tennis before though..." I sigh. The prospect of joining a sports society was slightly scary in itself, let alone a sport I wasn't even very familiar with.

"Not a problem at all! Our society welcomes players of all abilities - nothing wrong with being a newbie! Oh, I'm Hoseok by the way - but you can call me Hobi," the boy introduces himself while stretching out his arm, inviting me to shake his hand. "I'm the President of the society." I place my hand in his as he shakes it with enthusiasm, grinning the whole time. His face honestly reminds me of sunshine, and his smile is incredibly infectious. 

Before I can respond with my introduction, I feel a muscular arm swing around my shoulder, startling me slightly.

"Yooo, Lydia! You've got to join tennis, I bet that would be a lot of fun," Chan announces. I sigh with relief when realising it's Chan's arm that I feel resting on me, and not just some random stranger.

"Well, Lydia, your friend here has the right idea," Hobi laughs in response to Chan's excitement. "In case you are interested, here's the link to our society page, it'll give you all the details you need to know," He further explains, handing me a tennis ball which sure enough has a website link written on it with what looks like a sharpie pen. I smile at the creative gesture and take the yellow ball from his palm. 

"Thanks, Hobi," I reply, before saying our goodbyes and moving away from the stall. "Do you really think I should join tennis?" I question, eyeing up Chan's face for clues of his genuine opinion. 

"100%. I would join, but I'd rather do swimming. And joining two sports societies might interfere with my party lifestyle," He winks at me, and I giggle in response.

"Ah yes, of course. So when will I be meeting this party guy Chan?" I joke.

"Well, funny you should ask... I just bumped into my friend, Minho, from my old college. He asked me if I wanted to go out tonight. Of course I said only if I could bring you as well," Chan announces. 

Earlier Chan had mentioned that the two girls who moved into our flat yesterday seemed to be set on keeping to themselves, or just didn't seem interested in getting to know Chan at all. Hearing him say that made me sad, because as far as I was concerned there was no logical reason why someone wouldn't want to get to know Chan - he had already demonstrated how caring and funny he was just from the first few hours of me knowing him. At the same time, I didn't mind that the girls kept to themselves because I knew I had Chan and I could already feel a bond growing between us.

"Oh God, Chan - I still have so much unpacking to do!" I moan, forcing myself to face reality.

"Did you not listen earlier? 'The unpacking can wait!'" Chan replied, mimicking the voice and mannerisms of my father, causing me to fall into a fit of laughter.

"Okay, 'dad'. Fine. I'm all in," I agree, earning a wide smile from Chan.

"Let the party commence."

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a/n

updating for my loyal fans grace n cezz

hope this chapter tickles ur pickle

jisung introduction soon i promise!!!! gotta give my guy channie some luv too

i may edit/add more to this chapter later but i'll publish anyway for now

-zol