You Belong With Me

Chapter 13: Pool

The night enveloped the group as they found themselves at the illuminated swimming pool, a hidden gem in the midst of their beach side paradise.

The poolside lights danced on the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing mosaic of colors that blended with the rhythmic beats of the loud music playing in the background. 

Everything was perfect: the warm tropical breeze, the laughter of friends, and the promise of a memorable night.

As the group settled by the pool, Soobin and Beomgyu, ever the jesters, decided to kick things off with a splash. They playfully peeled off their shirts; their antics earned them a chorus of exaggerated "eww" and "yucks" from the girls.

Soobin and Beomgyu couldn't help but laugh along as they executed a synchronized cannonball jump into the pool.

Yeji, content to stay dry, observed the scene with a smile, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she listened to their playful banter.

In the midst of their merriment, Hyunjin's voice rang out, encouraging Yeji to join in the fun. "Yeji, don't be a killjoy; come here!"

Yeji chuckled, her reluctance evident. "I don't know how to swim," she confessed, her gaze briefly shifting to Chaeryeong and Yuna, who were engaged in an underwater contest, their playful rivalry a source of entertainment for the group.

Heejin, ever the confident one, sauntered over in her two-piece swimsuit, her presence commanding attention.

She settled at the edge of the pool beside Yeji and spoke with a teasing yet reassuring tone. "Come on, babe, don't be afraid. I'm here."

Yeji couldn't help but laugh at Heejin's playful encouragement. Her gaze flickered between Heejin's inviting smile and the tempting water before her.

With a hint of hesitation, she contemplated taking the plunge into the unknown, trusting that, with Heejin by her side, it might not be so daunting after all.

As the night continued to unfold, Winter made her dramatic entrance, a vision of confidence and allure. She approached the poolside with a sultry sway, her every move exuding sensuality.

With deliberate grace, she shed her clothes, leaving only her alluring bikini that accentuated her every curve.

The pool beckoned to her, and she descended into the water via the steps, her entry nothing short of captivating. Her swim was a display of elegance and grace, leaving those watching in awe.

Yeji, like the others, couldn't tear her gaze away from the spectacle. She watched Winter's every move, captivated by the sheer sexiness of it all. Unbeknownst to her, the sight of Winter had ignited a fire within her, and she felt an unexplainable heat rising as she observed the enchanting display.

However, before Yeji could fully process her own feelings, Chaeryeong, ever the mischievous one, leaned in and whispered "gay" into Yeji's ear, earning herself a sharp glare in response.

As the night deepened and the atmosphere grew more carefree, Yeji's curiosity got the better of her. She couldn't help but wonder about the whereabouts of two of their group members, Lia and Ryujin.

Just as she was about to voice her inquiry, the missing duo made their entrance, walking toward the poolside.

Heejin, in her usual spirited manner, rallied the group with a playful command. "Come on, everyone, strip and get in the pool!" Her proclamation was met with laughter and cheers as the night's festivities continued, promising even more unexpected twists and turns.

Lia, often the quiet charmer of the group, decided to join the poolside fun. With a touch of playful sensuality, she began to slowly take off her blazer.

Her actions were met with enthusiastic cheers from Yuna and Chaeryeong and infectious laughter from Soobin and Beomgyu.

As Yeji watched the scene unfold, her gaze couldn't help but linger on Lia. It had been years since they had seen each other, and Lia's transformation into a confident, beautiful woman was nothing short of breathtaking. 

Her eye smile, a signature feature that Yeji had always adored, still had the power to captivate. It was as if Lia had retained the very essence of what made her special back then while evolving into someone even more enchanting.

Yeji found herself entranced by Lia's beauty once again, her heart beating loudly in her chest as she admired the girl she had once cherished the most. Her childhood crush had transformed into someone she couldn't help but admire in the present, leaving her heart in a state of delightful turmoil.

As Yeji observed everyone, she saw Ryujin sitting at the edge of the pool, and she couldn't help but notice the distant look in her eyes. While everyone else reveled in the playful atmosphere, Ryujin's thoughts seemed to be elsewhere.

Ryujin's feet dangled in the water, lost in her own world.

Suddenly, Yuna, with her characteristic playfulness, splashed water on Ryujin's face. It was a move that, under different circumstances, might have earned a stern reaction from Ryujin.

However, to Yeji's surprise, Ryujin didn't get angry. Instead, a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and she wiped the water from her face with a graceful flick of her hand.

"Ryujin Unnie, what are you still doing there?" Yuna playfully chided. "You're literally the pro swimmer among all of us, yet you're not in here."

Yeji, who had been oblivious to this aspect of Ryujin's life, was intrigued. "Oh, you're a pro swimmer?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Ryujin remained silent, her gaze still distant. Lia, ever the friendly mediator, stepped in to provide an answer. "Yes, she is," Lia confirmed with a proud smile. "Ryujin has competed in many swimming competitions. She's the best."

Yuna, always eager to bring everyone into the fun, suggested, "Ryujin Unnie, Yeji said she doesn't know how to swim. Maybe you could teach her?"

Ryujin's lack of response, combined with her distant demeanor, prompted Yeji to dismiss the idea herself. "No, no, no, it's fine," she quickly said.

But beneath her words, she couldn't help but wonder what might be causing Ryujin's distant behavior and why she seemed reluctant to engage with the group, although she has always been like that.

As the group bantered by the poolside, Hyunjin, always the instigator, playfully urged Yeji to join in. "Or maybe, Yeji, just get your ass out here," she teased with a cheeky grin.

Yeji, bolstered by the relaxed and fun atmosphere, decided to go for it. With newfound confidence, she stood up and gracefully shed her clothes, leaving her in a striking bikini.

The moment felt liberating, with the cool breeze and the laughter of her friends adding to the exhilaration of the experience.

The sight of Yeji in her bikini had an unexpected effect on the onlookers. Winter, Heejin, Lia, and even Ryujin, who had been lost in thought, found themselves momentarily entranced by Yeji's presence.

It was as if time had slowed down, and all eyes were on her.

Heejin, always one to keep the atmosphere light, chimed in, "Isn't it hot in here?" Her playful comment was met with an eye roll from Hyunjin, who had no patience for such antics.

Winter, who had been momentarily captivated by Yeji's appearance, was brought back to reality by the sound of Yuna's laughter beside her. When she turned to look at Yuna, she found the younger girl's gaze fixed on her, causing a subtle flush to rise to her cheeks.

Lia, Yeji's childhood best friend, couldn't help but compliment her. "Wow, Yeji, aren't you looking sexy?" she teased, causing Yeji to blush in response.

However, Ryujin had a different reaction. Without a word, she stood up and walked away, leaving everyone perplexed, especially Yeji, who wondered what could have caused Ryujin's abrupt departure.