Lia's P.O.V
I strode my way out of the dressing room after I finished changing back to my casual wear. Music blaring from my AirPods, I strolled along the corridors until I reached the exit of Korean National Theatre. Apparently, my best friends have already gone back to the bus as they lost their patience to wait for me because of my shilly-shally movements while changing my clothes. Don't blame me for taking time. I hate rushing.
My eyes caught a figure lurking in the shadows at a corner, making me stop dead in my tracks out of fright. I flinched when that figure revealed himself, holding a bouquet of flowers in my direction as he smiled sweetly at me. I pressed a palm on the left side of my chest and puffed out a sigh of relief, glaring at Soobin.
"You scared me!" Then, I stomped toward him and gave him continuous soft punches on his chest in irritation. "Why didn't I see you in the audience? You promised me that watch you would watch!" I sputtered.
"I was watching your play the whole time," he replied hastily, shielding himself with his arms from my attack. "I was on the indoor balcony. That's why you didn't see me." On the account of hearing his explanation, I halted my attacks and directed my gaze at the bouquet he's holding.
"Is that for me?" I inquired, switching my intimidating demeanor to an affable one, and he tilted his head teasingly since he noticed my sudden switch.
"Wow. Where did that angry strawberry go?" He pretended to search for someone behind my back. All of a sudden, my eyes dilated with realization due to a certain fruit he referred me to.
"Strawberry?" I mused skeptically, so he choked on air.
"Here you go." He thrusted the bouquet into my hands and whisked himself away, saying that he has somewhere to go in a hurry.
A smirk curved up my lips due to this newfound information.
****
Ryujin's P.O.V
"Shall we have a sleepover at someone's house after this?" Somi exclaimed with exhilaration, making the other girls nod in approval, except me because my energy has already been sapped out of me after endless nights of practicing and studying.
"I'll just rest at home," I spoke sluggishly, leaning my head on the backrest as I peeked at the girls through my slitted eyes. As soon as words escaped my lips, the clingy cat next to my seat groaned.
"Such a party pooper," she commented in dissatisfaction, and I turned my head to her.
"I have to revise my flash cards since the debate is in two days," I complained, earning a pout from her, while the other girls stared at me in disapproval.
"Ryujin-ah, you can bring your flash cards to the sleepover," Yuna voiced out her opinion, crossing her arms over her chest.
"But won't I be a bother to you guys? Y'know sleepovers involve a lot of fun and I might be a killjoy if I can't join you guys. Besides, I gotta sleep early because I'm really exhausted right now." I attempted to reason them, but they looked like they were not going to give up on persuading me.
"Ryuddaeng, we'll let you sleep early if you wanna," Yeji bargained, holding my gaze earnestly. Seeing that I was still not going to give in, she slanted toward me and wrapped her arms around my waist, showing me puppy eyes as she made childish noises. "Pretty please?" She incorporated aegyo in her voice, fluttering my heart in the process. Nonetheless, I shook my head out of amusement, testing to know the extent of her persuasion.
"Aish. Such a grouch," she hissed and removed herself from me, almost making me roll my eyes with disappointment.
"We're having a sleepover at my house- with or without Ryujin. Let's meet there when the clock strikes 6," Lia declared before sitting beside Somi since Chaeryeong and Yuna are inseparable.
****
It was already 3 P.M when I arrived home. I went straight for a cool, relaxing shower before slipping into my oversized sweaters and shorts. Instantly, I slumped myself down onto my bed with a plonk, relishing the softness of the cushions underneath me, and I shut my eyes to take a nap, but a phone call disrupted the tranquility. Thus, I reached over the nightstand with a groan to accept the call.
Caller ID: Crazy Old Man 👴
"Yo!" Yeonjun oppa uttered as a greeting.
"What?" I grumbled impatiently, massaging the bridge on my nose.
"Sorry for interrupting your sleep, but you're gonna have lunch at our house for my dad's birthday," he invited, chuckling from the other side of the line. "Originally, it was supposed to be a dinner, but Yuna said you guys have a sleepover at Lia's."
"I'm not joining the sleepover," I blubbered, feeling grouchier as time passed by. "Just invite me for dinner instead. I really wanna sleep right now."
"Yuna might feel lonely at lunch without you. Stop being grumpy," he retorted, and I shot up from my bed to look daggers at him through the window. Watching me, he stuck his tongue out from his bedroom, so I propelled a pillow through the air in his direction, and the object slid down from my window after contacting with it. "You can sleep soundly at night after this. We won't call you again for dinner, I promise."
"Fine," I huffed and trod across the room to draw the curtains close, completely veiling my room from his sight.
"See you in a few minutes," he drawled cheerfully, and my eyes bulged.
"That soon?!"
****
The homemade meal cooked by Yeonjun oppa's mom was exceedingly delicious and appetizing that I had to, shamelessly, ask for extras. To be frank, I wasn't the only one who almost cleared all the dishes she served because Yuna was also pigging out on the food incessantly, thus receiving a smug smile from oppa's parents. When our eyes met, Yeonjun gave me an I-told-you-so look since my cheeks were puffed with food.
A little while later, my bladders sent red flags to my brain due to overconsumption of soup and juice. Hence, I excused myself from the dining room, dragging Yuna along with me to Yeonjun oppa's room. She was complaining me for disturbing her quality time with desserts as we ascended up the staircase. Straightaway, we found his room and barged in without a second thought. There was a canvas on an easel beside his bed, which was veiled with a white fabric— so that whatever artwork on it couldn't be disclosed. Then, I went into his bathroom.
After I came out, I found that Yuna's back was turned on me while she stood still, clutching a long, white fabric in hand and staring at something in front of her, thus I took a few inquisitive steps until I finally saw what she was gawking at. The canvas— formerly hidden beneath the white fabric— depicted the portrait of a red-haired girl with facial features that I know, awfully, well as if they were already imprinted at the back of my mind. I already have an idea of her identity right away without having to examine any further for details. Those feline eyes of hers gave away the answer undoubtedly.
"Girls? Are you done?" We heard Yeonjun oppa's voice from the door.
"Yeah," Yuna responded on behalf of me, finally recovering from the shock, while I am still gaping at the portrait, contemplating Yeonjun's intentions for painting her. Afterward, the bedroom door opened, followed by nearing shilly-shally footsteps.
"R-ryujin-ah," Yeonjun stuttered, noticing my state. "Let me explain."
I snapped my head toward him. "Do you... like Yeji?"
"I..." He faltered, averting his gaze at the floor, and his nails dug into his palms. My breath hitched and aggravation flooded through my system while I waited for his answer, hoping for him to deny. "I do. I like her more than just friends." Having said that, he gradually lifted his head to look me in the eye sheepishly, searching for any disapproval.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Yuna slapped his arm, making him wince.
"I... I wasn't ready yet," he spoke hesitantly.
"How long has this been going on?" I asked in a small voice, still trying to process the situation.
"Since the first week of school," he answered guiltily, and Yuna's mouth hung open.
"Our grandpa is finally crushing on someone, huh?" She prodded his ribcage playfully, but he didn't bother paying attention to her because he was studying the look on my face, so I had to switch my expression into a neutral one.
"Are you planning on confessing to her soon?" I inquired stoically, and he gulped.
"I'm sorry for not telling you guys sooner. Especially Ryujin since she's so important to you," he sincerely apologized, directing the majority of his speech to me. "I... I was about to tell you about it tomorrow."
"About it? The fact that you like like Yeji or the date of your confession to her?" I interrogated more sternly; sweat began to form on his forehead due to my austere tone.
"Both." Yuna and I widened my eyes at that. "I'm planning on confessing her on the day of my arts exhibition at school."
"But that is on Monday!" Yuna squalled, eliciting a flinch from him. "Which is just two days left."
****
"Ryujin?!" The girls, except Yeji and Yuna, squealed when they saw me entering Lia's house alongside Yuna, with a duffle bag slung across me.
"You said you wouldn't join," Chaeryeong stated from the living room couch, eyeing me skeptically.
"Change of plans." I shrugged, tilting my head.
"The more, the merrier!" Somi said in a joyful manner and linked her arm with mine, dragging me to the couch.
A few hours after playing games, telling ghost stories and juicy gossips around school, my eyes became droopy and I couldn't keep up with them anymore, thus I excused myself and shuffled to Lia's bedroom as I grasped my duffel bag in one hand in a lethargic manner. I forgot to lock the door after I entered, so it swung open in the midst of me changing into my pajamas.
"Yah!" I shouted at Yeji, flabbergasted since I'm not wearing anything on my top except a bra. Of course, my pants have already been worn. Next, she closed the door behind her and dragged her feet toward me, eyes never leaving my exposed belly.
"You never told me you got abs," she discerned, so I briskly put on my shirt and buttoned it before she stood in front of me.
"Don't you know how to knock?" I grumbled.
"Don't you know how to lock?" She countered, thus I giggled at the rhymes.
"Now, you're talking to me? You ignored me in the living room," I scoffed, pulling a pillow, mattress and blanket out of the duffel bag.
"You showed up unannounced," she argued, placing her hands on her waist, and she watched my every motion while I made up my bed on the floor. "You didn't listen to my pleas on the bus and you acted like you wouldn't come. Then, boom! You showed up!"
"Tone it down. I'm gonna sleep," I ordered her curtly and plonked myself down on the mattress, placing an arm across my eyes. "Good night." I heard her humph. Not much later, I felt the mattress shift, and my arm got moved from its previous position. The next thing I knew, Yeji was resting her head on my arm like a pillow, and she drew herself closer to my chest, wrapping her arm around my waist and looking up at me.
"What are you doing?" I questioned her annoyingly.
"Sleeping with you," she answered with a pout, displaying her puppy eyes.
"Weren't you trying to pick a fight with me earlier?" I chuckled.
"Who said that?" Her pouting intensified, sending waves of uwus to my heart. Then, I shifted on my side as I eyed her teasingly, while she showed me her gummy smile, still resting her head on my arm. Gosh. I wanna keep this precious girl in my arms forever. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"I wanted to surprise you," I whispered huskily, tracing her arm with my index finger.
"Was that your plan all along?" She grabbed my other arm and placed it on her, so I tightened my hug.
"Nah... I changed my mind at the last minute," I admitted, furrowing my eyebrows as I recalled the events that occurred at Yeonjun oppa's house. "I just wanna spend more time with you."
"Tee-hee. That's why I love you," she tittered, nuzzling my chin, which caused ripples of sensations to run through me like a live charge.
"I love you more." With that being said, I gave a lingering kiss to her temple.
A little while later, I mustered up my courage to ask her a question— the answer to which I dreaded to find out.
"Yeji-yah," I pronounced. She hummed and inclined her chin to meet my eyes. "Do you have someone you like?"
"Nope," she answered affirmatively, popping the P sound, and relief washed through me. Nevertheless, the relief was short-lived due to another risky question being composed in my head.
"How about Yeonjun oppa? Do you... like him?" I queried, staring intently at her.
"Yes." My heart dropped as soon as she replied nonchalantly. "He takes care of me like a sister and he's very kind." Then, my heart was lifted up again.
"That's not what I mean," I told her.
"You meant to ask if I like him as a man?" She rephrased and scrunched her nose. "I've never thought of him that way. He's like a caring big brother to me." Right that instant, a wide smile plastered across my face and I heaved out a sigh although I feel bad for Yeonjun oppa. He's a nice guy, somehow.
"What if he likes you like a woman and confesses to you? What would you do?" I questioned once more, eliciting an incredulous laugh from her.
"You're being silly," she discerned, shaking her head. "He only cares about me like a little sister."
"Just answer me." I almost snapped, but I tried to soften my tone as much as possible not to make it sound weird.
"I'll reject him politely because I don't want to date people that I don't like- I mean I like him, but not that way. Well, you get the point," she said without much a thought. Then, she eyed me in scrutiny. "What would you do if Beomgyu confesses that he likes you more than friends?" She gritted her teeth the instant his name escaped her lips.
"Where did he come from?" My eyebrows knitted due to bafflement.
"Just answer me," she snapped, making me swallow my saliva owing to a dark expression taking over her features.
"I'll reject him politely as well if he does. Y'know I don't do relationships and I hate the very thought of dating. Besides, we're just friends. I don't think of him more than that," I responded frankly, cautiously watching the darkened expression on her face fading away with each word I articulated. Like a snap, she became joyous and snuggled into my chest like a baby. Am I supposed to be frightened or thrilled by her duality? Next, she pressed her ear against my chest, keenly listening to my racing heartbeats.
"Your heart's beating really fast right now," she inspected with a soothing giggle that sounds like music to my ears. Afterward, she took my palm and placed it on the left side of her chest, startling me because of her abruptness. Thud. Thud. Thud. I can feel her own heart hammering at the same rate as mine against my palm. "Our hearts seem to be beating in the same rhythm, don't you think so, Ryuddaeng?" She looked utterly thrilled with this newfound information, beaming like an innocent child.
"Ryujin-ah..." She drawled with solemnity a moment later. So, I hummed. "I need to tell you something."
"Go on. I'm all ears," I cooed at her in my arms.
"I always feel something different when I'm with you," she said, and I raised a brow. "I don't usually feel this way to anyone else, but... when I'm with you, my heart always beats rapidly and uncontrollably. Sometimes, I feel scared, but sometimes, I love that feeling. And...I don't even know why I'm being like this to you. Do you feel the same with me?"
I gave her a warm smile before replying: "Yes."
"Really?!" She squealed and raised her voice up to a notch, so I flinched away a bit.
"Yes. But please, Yeji. Don't raise your voice suddenly like that." I rolled my eyes.
"Sorry, I just got excited," she replied sheepishly. "Ryujin-ah, I don't want to lose you again." Her expression got serious again.
"Me too."
Then, we got immersed in the hypnotizing brown pools of our eyes, none of us wanting to remove our gazes away from one another, relishing the warmth and tenderness radiating from our eyes. On the spur of the moment, an overwhelming sensation engulfed my very existence, accompanied by the familiar heat that I felt during the class role play. My nails dug softly into her back as a desirous feeling creeped up in me.
"Ryujin?" She examined my face with uncertainty due to my sudden change of demeanor. My attention shifted from her orbs— that reflected my own image— to her alluring lips. When I looked back at her eyes, she was also staring back and forth from my eyes to my itchy lips. I secured my hold on her and she craned her head up slightly to level up with my face. Gradually, I leaned closer and closer, licking my lips, while I searched for permission in her eyes, and I saw no resistance. Then, I felt her shudder the moment I breathed on her as our lips are just a hair strand apart now. Even a tiniest movement between us can seal the kiss without any effort.
"I'm sleeping with Chaeryeongie! Lia and Somi can sleep together!" Yuna's high-pitched declaration made us pull away abruptly before we could even claim each other's lips. Thus, we pretended to be asleep, with Yeji burying her face in my chest out of embarrassment.
****
Yeji really did fall asleep after that. I chuckled at the girl in my arms, watching her sleep, while the moonlight shines on her peaceful face. No matter the attempts, I just can't get myself to fall asleep.
She told me that she doesn't feel anything for Yeonjun oppa right now, but that can change, isn't it? He's the best candidate among all the guys who like her. With his good-natured and caring personality, he can make her fall for him. Shouldn't I be glad that a faithful guy like him likes her, and he's most likely to keep her happy without hurting her? Truth be told, a part of me is relieved for her, but a dominant part of me doesn't want anyone to take my best friend away from me. What if we get less time to spend together when she starts dating? I'm not actually ready to let go of her yet.
I hugged her tighter; afraid that she might turn into ashes if I slacken my embrace. Then, I stroke her cascading hair with my free hand, wishing for this moment to last forever.