A Little Closer
"Are you sure you can go to class now?" Lia asked Chaeryeong with worried look. It has been three days since the incident happened, three torturous days for Chaeryoung since she's having the worst nightmares ever since she set foot on the clinic
She stayed in Taehyun's room for three days and Chaeryoung badly wants to get out of Taehyun's room. Unlike the others, they weren't that awkward in one room but Chaeryoung decided to sleep on the sofa that Taehyun has in his room
Chaeryoung was surprised to see Taehyun in the clinic with her after she woke up from the sedation, the nurse told him what happened and Taehyun couldn't help but to pity her. He could see his own self in Chaeryoung, nightmares crawling in your mind like a parasite. He knows it too damn well how that feels
Taehyun asked her one time about this but she didn't give him the right details and dodged the question but he completely understand that. On the other hand, Chaeryoung has been secretly taking sleeping pills in order to sleep casually, if not then she'll be a bodyguard in the dorm every night. One of the reasons why she wants to sleep far away from him
The rest of her members are still sleeping on the couch or chair except for Yeji. Yeonjun had warned her not to sleep anywhere else but beside him when she attempted to sleep beside his window seat, or else she'll have her herself on his shoulder carrying her in his bed
The ones who attacked them were never found yet, students around the campus started talking about them, on how they got in TXT's dorm and how the hell they're talking back at the most dangerous and popular people around
"I can go. I already missed three day lessons in my seven classes." Chaeryeong exclaimed dramatically, "You're second to Ryujin when it comes to high IQ. You can't fool me." Lia rolled her eyes
Chaeryeong has been the only one who's competitive and smart enough to beat Ryujin in academics sometimes but she prefers to stay in the shadow mostly, "That doesn't mean I can caught up to my lessons in one day." She dead panned, looking plainly pissed
"Whatever. You shouldn't bring any heavy things with you." She reprimanded, "It's not like I have books or anything with me." She chuckled
"Point proven."
Chaeryeong then put on her glasses and settled her hair in a high ponytail, "Any news about the boys?" She asked referring to the ones who attacked them
Lia's eyes went dark shades, "No. But Ryujin already described their looks at the principal but still found no leads."
Chaeryeong sighed, "Boys and their egos." Lia couldn't agree more about that
Taehyun's door opened and it revealed Taehyun himself, Lia promptly left the room without saying anything, "Do you need something?" She asked while she flopped herself comfortably on the chair. Though, it didn't do any good for her back to heal, she finds it comfortably either way
Instead of replying, Taehyun closed the door behind him and walked towards his bed and sat on it while facing her, "I need to look over you." He stated, appalling the girl
"Why?" She immediately asked, "Your bones aren't completely healed yet. Who knows what will happen to you if no one is around there?" He shrugged
"Nothing will happen. It's not like it will kill me." She protested, not liking the idea having someone trailing her all the time, "It won't but it will affect your studies."
In a spam of four days, Taehyun already knows how to pull the right strings when it comes to Chaeryoung. He talked to Yeji about her and her hobbies really perked his interest
She loves reading and studying, almost just like him. He knew it's her weakness and he has to make her agree to it for her own sake
"No fair." She mumbled, she knew he's threatening her. Taehyun smirked, "Then tell me how can I make it fair?"
Chaeryoung looked at the red haired, "How about considering my opinion?" She mocked, Taehyun only chuckled at this, she sure has a witty mouth just like Ryujin
"I guess there's no way to make this fair then." His response made her groan in protest, "Why do you even need to do it? I have my friends in case you're forgetting." She scoffed
"Yeah but we're classmates for four classes." He chuckled, "Your point?"
"That I'm closer to you." Chaeryoung rolled her eyes, "Whatever floats your boat." He grinned
——— in YEJI'S class, 9:00 A.M
Yeji is currently in her P.E class but instead having themselves in the field, they're in the dancing room instead. Their substitute P.E teacher is also a dance instructor and the teacher decides to have a dancing lesson instead sweating them in the field
"You will have to create a hip hop dance with whatever music you would like. I know all of you can dance, am I right?" He asked, least of students nod their head but Yeji didn't consider herself even though she can slay in any music genre
"Don't worry. You'll have to perform it tomorrow, but I'll be the one who's going to pair you up." He then looked at the student list and called several names in two
"... Park Leemin and Chou Ryen..."
"...Kim Na Min and Lee Taerhyun..."
"...Choi Yeonjun and Hwang Yeji..."
Hearing the other person's name with her stilled her entire being. Out of all person, why it has to be him? Yeji thought
Although, they seemed to have a good relationship, Yeji is still insecure having him around her. Especially the way he threatened her last time, it was plainly awkward and a turn on
The teacher kept on calling names that she didn't realize that the blonde dude sat beside her, "What are your thoughts?" She flinched when she noticed him beside her
"Uh.. Uh, I still don't know it's way to sudden." She said truthfully, well half of it. That other half is because she can't think straight having him around, "Can you dance though?"
"No." Her response came quick in which she mentally face palm, "You're lucky to have a professional dancer with you." Yeonjun smirked, Yeji gape at him, "You're a professional dancer?"
Yeonjun chuckled, "You have a lot to learn. I'm honestly offended that way you said that." Yeji grinned, having a professional dancer like him only challenge her
"Are you or is it just a self proclamation?" Yeji teased, Yeonjun feigned hurt, "You wound me there, princess."
Yeji froze calling her princess, that endearment used to call her by her father which is now dead and no one has ever called her princess other than her dad. She was shocked to hear that coming from a person she barely knew
The teacher turner to the class after he finished pairing, "Well, you can start now if you want." He clapped his hands went on his seat
The students exchange places to one another for their partner, "So, any ideas?" Yeonjun turned to the frozen Yeji
He crunched his eyebrows, "Are you okay? I can teach you to dance if that's what you're worried." Yeji pretty much appreciate his offer but she doesn't know that they're at the same level when it come to dancing
She forced a weak smile before shaking her head, "I can manage. Anyway, I was thinking about Freaky Friday and Know No Better as our music." Yeonjun was stunned by the choice of song. He has different song in his mind
"Both songs aren't exactly hip hop." Yeonjun's words made her laugh, it was him who doesn't know anything, "We can make hip hop moves because of the beat." She explained
Yeonjun's eyes were wide, "How? I thought you can't dance."
"I know few moves." She shrugged, "When will we start?" She asked
"Maybe after school we can stay in here to practice. We only have a day to do it or we could do it now." He responds
She sighed, "I guess we don't have an option. What moves do you got?" Yeonjun was staring at her bewildered, she's asking him as if challenging him
He stood up in front of her and as if a cue she pick the song Freak Friday and played it. Then Yeonjun started moving his hips and body, swaying with beat
Yeji is impressed, beyond impressed. He looks really a professional dancer like he proclaimed to be, his moves are elegant and it's not exaggerated, his movements always comes with the beat. Then, after the first chorus ends he went back to her
"What do you think about that?" He grinned when he saw how stunned she was, "That was awesome." Yeji bob her head as if she wants to challenge him
"You can show me your lamest move. I won't judge." She laughed at his words, "Alright, but don't cringe."
She stood up and played the same song
This time, it was Yeonjun who was gaping in amazement, now he's not sure whether he believes her or not. He scrutinized her movements from the beginning and it looks like she already practiced this before
Even the class are looking at her with amazement glimmerimg their eyes, the teacher too
She went back in front of him, "I'm glad you didn't cringe." Yeji giggled. Cringe? Her movements slayed him in a another degree, why would he cringe?
"I-i thought you can't dance." He looked straight for her cat eyes which he found really fierce, "And I thought I told you that I know some moves. Do you have any songs in mind?" She sat in front of him
He cleared his throat, "How about Finesse?"
"Well, we both share the same brain cells then." Together they share a laugh.
——— in YUNA'S class, 11:00 A.M
All the students seemed to waver when Yuna walked in her 4th class, Yuna is clueless when it comes to social media news or rumours and so she didn't realize that all of her classmates are staring at her seat but they soon stopped and went to their own seats
"Hey, Yuna!" All of the students snapped their gaze at the cute creature who entered the room, Yuna on the other hand knew who it was and she only stayed motionless while staring at the window
Kai sat beside her, then he started poking her fluffy cheeks, "What?" She asked calmly while she swayed his hands away, "Can you come with me?" He asked, giving his signature puppy eyes
Yuna glanced at him, "Why would I do that?" Kai pouted and the students bit their lip to suppress their 'aws'
"Because you're the only I knew in here, please." Kai scoot closer to her and in response Yuna back away a little but since there's no room behind her, Kai's face is only inches away
"Get your friends to come with you. I'm busy." She plainly said although inside she's dying from his cuteness
"Busy doing what?"
Before she could answer, their teacher came to the room with a stern expression, as usual
Kai immediately raised his hand, the teacher raised both of his eyebrows at him, "Yuna isn't feeling well today and she would like to go to the infirmary." Yuna's eyes widened at the slightest a bit. Shock overtaking her emotions
"Well, then take her immediately and come back. Go." Kai took her hand with him and they left the room with ease, Yuna struggled with his grip, "What the hell was that for?" She asked, looking plainly pissed
He didn't answer and drag her towards the end of the building, she thought he'll bring her to the infirmary legitimately but she was surprised when he took her to the music room
"What's your problem?" Kai shrugged at her question, she shook her head then head towards to the piano which was placed to the corner of the room
He watched her step closer then sat on the chair, he originally planned to play violin and teach her since Chaeryoung told him she badly wants to learn it. He didn't think she knows how to play piano
Then, the softest melody was played in the background. Yuna gracefully played all the piano keys with ease, she missed playing instruments and was happy to
She stopped playing the piano when she noticed Kai's instensed gaze, "Why did you bring me here?" She dropped her hands dropped to her sides
He scratched the back of his head, "I-its just I don't have anyone with me. I always do this with my hyungs but they're seem busy nowadays." It wasn't a complete truth nor lie
He always visit the music room to play any instrument around but his intentions are different, Yuna nodded apprehendedly
"When did you learn to play piano?" Kai strolled towards with a violin in his hands, "Since I was a child." Yuna said nonchalantly
"That's cool. Who taught you?"
"No one." Then there was a numbing silence. Kai contemplates what on Earth he would say after, her response shocked him
"You're really smart then. Do you know how to play this?" Kai raised his left hand with the violin. Yuna is tempted to try but she knew it will take time to practice
She shook her head no and rose from her seat to get out but Kai grabbed her wrist, "I can teach you."
Yuna's face went pale and indescribable, "I-uh I'm f-fine." She tried to yank her wrist but her attempts were futile since Kai is stronger
Kai then pulled her harder and ended up crashing Yuna closer to him, Yuna's face is now resting on his chest which is unbelievably hard but soft. Her cheeks flamed and now she resembles the tomato, her heart thumping from the unknown feeling
She coaxed herself, "I'm sorry, I-i just—"
Kai interrupted her continuous stuttering by pulling her to the middle of the room while he's in front of her, he placed the bow on the strings then started playing a melodic harmony
Yuna studied his face since he's closing his eyes, he was indeed handsome but Yuna is like a unmelted ice. She's denying he's handsome and would like to stay as far away from him. She couldn't focus on the melody he was playing
He looks peaceful, almost like an angel in disguise only lacking of wings, "Your turn." She stumbled slightly when the violin he was holding is displaying infront of her
She shook her head, not knowing what to do with it. He smiled and Yuna almost melted at the sight
Kai gave her the violin and bow, he then proceeds to walk behind her and placed his both hands on hers, eliciting sparks throughout her body
"Just follow my lead." Kai whispered close enough to her earlobe. Shivers travelled to her spine and to her entire being, heat covering her face like a wild fire
Yuna let Kai guide her hands, he took her right hand with the bow and her left hand. Together, they played the violin with so much ease whilst Yuna couldn't focus a single thing about it. Her mind is swirling with thoughts of the man behind her
She gulp unintentionally which made Kai grin slightly, "W-we should go." She immediately said when they stopped and shoved past the violin to him then walk out the room
Kai stood there with satisfaction glimmering his face and wonder how can he break through her walls and let him in. He'll use this advantage to befriend with her
——— LUNCH break, 12:11 P.M
Chaeryoung entered the cafeteria and immediately spotted her friends at the corner, she didn't say anything and she just sat on the available seat beside Yuna. The four girls aren't saying anything or making a noise except from the students in the background, "Uh... Everything alright?" Chaeryoung asked while raising her one eyebrow
They seemed pretty down and slowly eating their lunch like the undead, Lia looked at her confused, "Everything's alright. Why do you ask?"
Chaeryoung scrutinized all of them but shrug it off, maybe they're just tired, "You look like you saw Pennywise." Chaeryoung said nonchalantly and opened the lunch box Yeji pushed to her
"It's much worse than Pennywise." Yuna muttered, gritting her teeth while eating. Chaeryoung sighed, "Do I even wanna know?"
Lia snorted, "I'm sure you don't."
Chaeryoung is now perplexed, usually if someone pissed them off it would be Ryujin who is most likely to be clenching her jaws but instead she looks unbelievably calm but the tense atmosphere still lingers around them
"Ok? What happened really?" Chaeryeong asked before putting a spoonful of food in her mouth, savoring the taste
Yeji sighed, "Nothing. We're just tired." She said, looking more doleful than before. Then, Chaeryoung almost choke her own food recalling something, "Please don't tell me I'm right."
"Then you're wrong." Chaeryoung shot Ryujin a knowing look before glancing to Lia, "Eonnie?"
Lia already know what's in her mind and there's no point of hiding it, "Yes, Chaeng. My father's in here."
Chaeryoung was so sure she could hear the birds chirping from afar if it wasn't for this rowdy students around them. Chaeryoung looked at Lia with so much pity and anger about her father. They all knew what had he done to her and they all want to plan his murder right away
Yeji saw the expression to Chaeryoung's face, "Don't do anything stupid, Chaeng." She looked like she's about to kill whoever stands in her way. Yeji knew she could unleash all kinds of hell if her loved ones are threatened or hurt. It happened few years ago and she doesn't want another massacre she did last time
Chaeryoung looks calm but her insides are seething and burning in anger, she's already killing Lia's father in her head
"Trust me. I'm only doing what I have originally planned." Chaeryoung giggled darkly, making Yeji and Lia look at her with alarm looks
Chaeryoung has always been the one the scariest when she's mad, not Ryujin nor Yuna but her. The kindest person in their group is also the scariest of them all
"Hold on to that later. We still don't know why he's here." Yuna said grumpily, "Do we even give a damn about that?" Chaeryoung snapped, she's like a switch that turned on her anger in a snap
Yuna was taken aback, "Eonnie, we can't do anything on our own for now. Trust me, I also want that motherfucker to suffer but we're still powerless against him." Yuna explained, trying to calm her down
Chaeng shook her head in order to calm down, "Chaeryoung, I really appreciate that you care about me but I don't want any of you guys be a victim of him. That retarded old man is unpredictable and resourceful, Yuna is right we can't do anything even if we want to." Lia gave her a tight smile
Her pleading look only adds up to her determination to end that man's life, "Fine. But I won't hold back if anything happens." She said huffing, eating her food
Almost all of them sigh simultaneously in relief, "Don't worry, that airbag must be here because of business." Yeji rolled her eyes
"Business in school? How's that work?" Yuna asked, "My father also owns a school in Busan, I heard he wants to partner up at some events." Lia said nonchalantly
"Do you think Mr. Choi will agree?" Yuna asked then realize something, "I guess he will since they're both Choi's." She huffed
Ryujin tsked, "Makes me think if you and that Soobin guy are cousins."
Lia looked her with disgust coating her whole face when someone but in
"Whose cousin?" Lia's head snapped behind her and saw Soobin and his friends standing. The crowd around them is silent as the night, few are trying to whisper from the cold atmosphere
"No one." She immediately replied and turn her head back at them
Soobin noticed the strange looks from their faces, "You need anything else?" Ryujin asked, not bothering to look at them
"I wanna talk to Jisu." They all froze, especially Lia when she heard her real name being called. She hates when someone calls her Jisu
"You have the guts to call her by her first name when you guys aren't even friends?" Yuna asked, her voice is dangerously low. She slowly turn her head to meet their perplexed gaze on them and stood up
"You have the nerve to talk to your elder like that? Didn't your parents taught you any better?" Yeji scoffed at Yeonjun's remark
To the boys surprised, Yuna giggled softly, "You think your parents are any better when they grew you up as a rude, retarded young man." The crowd gasped, clearly anticipating the next scene
Yeonjun's face suddenly darkened with an unknown emotion, instead of saying anything he stomped his feet to her and held her collars high so she's hanging in the air, "Hyung!" He ignored Kai's protest
"You're too much Yeonjun!" Yeji stood up to stop them but Yeonjun only pushed her out of the way, soft enough not to make her fall
"Do it." Yuna muttered but loud enough to hear, Yeonjun is unreadable, "You're no exceptions from the guys who attacked us."
Something snapped in him and he immediately raised his fist to punch her when Chaeryoung and Ryujin pushed him that made him stumbled back
"You're seriously going to punch a girl? Yuna was right, you're no exception. And here I thought Beomgyu is the short tempered guy among you, guess I was wrong." Ryujin rolled her eyes but the anger is apparent from the depths of those dark brown orbs
Beomgyu helped him up, "Soobin hyung only called her by her first name, friends or not, it's necessary. What's the purpose of having that name for no reason?" Beomgyu's eyes slit to Yuna and Ryujin
The girls didn't reply knowing they wouldn't understand, "You said I'm the short tempered person, true and that makes me the most dangerous guy around the campus." Beomgyu let out low growl that barely can hear
Ryujin tsked, "What is it?" They all turned to Lia who has a unreadable expression and hooded eyes. Soobin sighed before shaking his head, "The principal wants to see you and me."
That simple sentence made Itzy tremble in anger and fear, Lia's mouth hung agape trying to process what will happen if she agree, the rest of them just clenched their jaws tight while their knuckles are turning white
"What for?"
He shrugged, "This would have been easier if your friend didn't interrupt." He snickered looking at Yuna, she only rolled her eyes in response
"Alright." Lia sighed before standing up, "You can't be serious." Yeji said, shooting her a knowing look
"Why are you all so worked up from this?" Yeonjun asked, frustration is evident in his eyes. He wants to be nice to them in all honesty, but his anger management should be in check especially when talking to the youngest of all of them
"It's... Complicated. Let's go." Lia walked to the exit, gesturing Soobin to follow, he shook his head followed anyway
When they're out of the door, the crowd started to disperse from the cafeteria one by one, and now there's only eight people left in there
Txt stood there in silence whilst Yeonjun and Beomgyu glared at the two colored hair girls, "Keep your mouth filtered, blondie." Yeonjun sneered while dusting his Polo
Yuna snorted, "Keep your anger in check, blondie." She mocked, Yeonjun dyed her hair neon yellow but it's almost like a blonde color too
"Will you guys stop?!" All heads turn to Yeji, "We're both in the same room almost everyday and we can't even have a decent conversation without arguing. Are you guys not tired of it?!" She almost shout the last part
"I admit it was Yuna's fault this happened but you've gone too far in your way, Yeonjun. You almost punch her if no one will stop you. Is this really how you're going to treat everyone else if they pissed you off?!" She slammed her palms on the table, earning a few gasps from them
Yeonjun narrowed his eyes, "Why not scold your blonde friend first?" Yeji groaned in annoyance, "She's gonna make a big deal about Soobin just calling Lia by her real name and your saying it's all my fault. You're quite unrealistic despite being the leader."
"Hyung! Just forget it, they must have their own reason to act like that and we probably won't understand it." Taehyun pat his shoulder, trying to reason
Beomgyu snickered, "Right, because they're girls and really weak when it comes to emotion."
"Hyung, just understand them, they need it more than we do." Kai interjected, the two boys shook their heads at the maknaes
"Sorry."
"Pardon?" Yeonjun looked at Yuna with wide eyes who's looking anywhere but them, "I'm not repeating myself." She stood up and walked out to the cafeteria, the rest of the girls followed, leaving the bewildered Yeonjun and Beomgyu
"I told you, they just need understanding." Taehyun smiled indifferently, "How can I understand them when I really can't understand anything about them?" Yeonjun asked in frustration
He wants to build a good friendship with them but it seems harder than it looks like, "Just chat about simple things or hang out and gradually they would open up to you a little bit."
"Don't worry, hyung. Yuna is really shy and charming if you got to know her, you should hang out with Yeji noona. You're lucky to have girl who's beautiful and smart at the same time." Kai chuckled but then turn serious
"Just don't pull what you did earlier again. If you do, then you're officially gay."
Yeonjun crunched his nose in disgust, "I'm not, I just lost my temper. The way she talked to me is not really ideal." He sighed
"Beomgyu hyung, how are things with Ryujin noona?" Kai turn to him
He shrugged, "She's really distant and guarded. We barely talk but most of it are arguments." The boys chuckled, "We should make it up to them." Taehyun suggested, looking determined
"We? Last time I checked you were defending them." Taehyun scratched the back of his head, "Me and Chaeryoung is at the brink of life and death situation, I guess it's a we."
"Exclude me." Kai raised his arms in defense, "Why does that girl always sees me as her nemesis?" Yeonjun pouted
"Hyung, you sound like you and your sister had an argument, to be honest you look cute." Kai laughed and the other boys laughed as well except Yeonjun who's scowling at them
"Shut up, maknae!"
Their laughter boomed around the empty cafeteria, "Me and Yeji have dance practice later so I'll take that opportunity to make it up to her."
"And where are you going to practice?" Taehyun asked, almost teasingly
"Rehearsal room, duh where else?" Beomgyu chuckled, "I admire your tactics, hyung."
"Gyu! We're only practicing." Yeonjun protested making the younger ones smirked, "What? I only said your tactics are good for you make it up to her. What are you implying?" Beomgyu asked innocently, but his eyebrows are wiggling in delight
Yeonjun groaned in annoyance, "How about you, Tae?" Beomgyu turned to the red hair squirrel
He shrugged but then suddenly smirk, "I already have a plan."
"Oh, please tell me that does not include your b-"
"Gyu! Could you not make everything so sensual?" Yeonjun asked, narrowing his eyes into slit
"I was going to say his bad card tricks." He argued back, Taehyun snickers, "Hyung, I think you confuse yourself with me." He said
Kai nodded, "Have you seen him do card tricks?" Beomgyu nodded his head, "It was the worst." He teased, although deep inside he's pretty amaze by his talent
Taehyun raised his eyebrow, "Would you kindly demonstrate your lame tricks to me then?" He mocked
"Nah, I hate seeing you lose and disappointed." Beomgyu smirked, he himself knows he can't do any better than Taehyun
Taehyun rolled his eyes, "You should think of a plan to make up to Ryujin noona instead of working your ass off to beat me in magic tricks."
Beomgyu tsked, "Don't talk me. The both of you just gives me headache."
"If headache is a person that'll be you, Gyu."
"Shut up!"
——— at the LIBRARY, 3:09 P.M
Chaeryoung held her book close to her chest as she reads, her glasses are at the tip of her nose but it didn't really matter since it's just her disguise, it won't affect her vision. Fantasy and historical fiction always calls for her attention but currently she needs to read a textbook for her to catch up to her studies
She sat at the very corner table where anyone cant bother her, she's having difficulties understanding everything at once, thanks to her injury
Their homeroom teacher which is her current period is apparently absent and that gave her the opportunity to catch up to everything
She was so desperate to her studies when she didn't realize someone sat in front of her, she's currently solving a math problem and trying to find the right value
A pen tap the top of the middle of her book and she promptly look up, a smiling Taehyun greeted her, "You seem to need a help in that."
She weakly smiled, "Yeah, but I got this. Do you need anything?" Taehyun shook his head and stared at her, she shrugged it off before returning her gaze at the book and started scribbling some formulas
Few seconds pass by and Chaeryoung is perplexed by the answer she got, "You need to regroup then solve it."
She glanced back at Taehyun who's still staring at her, he took the seat beside her and read the textbook, "Regroup each number by their numerical form, only then you can divide the corresponding digit to each other." (A/N: I don't know if any of what I wrote is true because personally I suck at math I only pay attention to Science and History class, so if you're a professional mathematician. Don't be mad at me)
Chaeryoung looked at him with furrowed eyebrows but did what he said either way, few seconds she got the answer right, "Wow. I didn't know you're good at this." She smiled, not looking at him
Taehyun was awestruck by her beauty, even though she's not facing him completely, her beauty really put him in a dumbstruck situation even at the simplest things, even at the simple smile she wore
"I know you're smart at this but your three days absence are really gonna cause you headache if you simultaneously study all your subjects." Chaeryoung looked up to him and widened her eyes of how close their proximity was
Their literally eye level, staring directly to their own soul, nose almost touching. As an instinct, Chaeryoung back up abruptly but there was no other thing that she can lean on and as a result, she felt the gravity pulled her down not until she felt a warm hand shrouded her spine
Her hands automatically gripped for whatever that's in front of her, her eyes darted to the front in which she and Taehyun are now dangerously close to each other
She felt his minty breath fanning her lips, one wrong move and they would eventually kiss, her eyes are wide as the saucers. She didn't comprehend the situation she was in
Her hands are gripping both of Taehyun's shoulders, his left hand is on her back preventing her to fall off, his other hand held her upper arm, each one of their legs are in the middle of each other, and their face are inches close
Chaeryoung gulped inaudible before ripping her arms from his shoulders and Taehyun got the message as his hands pulled away from hers
She cleared her throat before speaking, "I-uhm I'm sorry about my clumsiness, it won't happen again." She bowed, quickly coaxing herself from her seat. Her cheeks heating up while her heart thumps loudly in her chest and she's wondering if he can hear that loud noise
In all honesty, Taehyun likes that position, her eyes shone in embarrassment and shyness which he finds really cute. It took all of his self control not to kiss her but he knew better than to be rude. He got a better look in her face, really smooth and flawless
He smirked, "I don't mind if that happens again as long as it could be any longer though." He winked at her, her blush burning on her cheeks in a another degree
She looks really flustered and shy, it only adds to Taehyun's interest for her, "You can relax. I'm sorry I surprised you like that." She nodded absentmindedly, still stuck at what happened
"Well, as an apology I can tutor you about the previous lessons you missed." He chuckled when she looked at him with doubtful expression
Taehyun planned all of this, he knew Chaeryoung is easily scared to the point he neared his face and pretended he saved her life and to offer her a tutor for the past lessons. Although, he would have done that regardless of having this plan
He had been really annoying to her lately in their subjects and he badly wants to make it up to her by teaching her the lessons she missed
"It's fine, really, I don't want to bother you. It's my fault anyway." She reassured him, not being able to look in his eyes
"Not only about what happened. I also want to make it up to you since I've been jesting you almost the whole day, you also need my help since there's an upcoming test tomorrow." He reprimanded
"Then you also need to study, I would be bothering—"
"You'll never be a bother, Chaeng." She froze at how her nickname rolled from his tongue for the first time, "Besides, if I'm tutoring you then I'll be reviewing my lessons too, so it's even." He smiled even though she's not looking at him
Chaeryoung but her lip, weighing her options, "You know what, your answer isn't needed. We'll start now."
She finally look at him who's currently pulling out his textbooks on the table, "You just said I'll get a headache trying to study all of this in one go." She protested, looking at the five books piled up on the table
"Yes, but we're only going to study three subjects for the test tomorrow. We'll continue the rest tomorrow." He said nonchalantly, he then pick a math textbook
"Alright. Page 63." He said, flipping his book
Chaeryoung is not going to lie, he looks really handsome up close even in his side view face, he still looks like a handsome god, his nose highlighted most of his features
She snapped from daydream and opened her own textbook, "This is really easy for an amateur mathematician like you. You only need to add this two variables then multiply them by themselves."
Chaeryoung looked at him confused, "This lesson is for freshman years." Taehyun dropped his gaze to the lesson title and face palm himself when realized his mistake
"Sorry, this textbook is from Kai. He wants me keep it." She nodded
"By the way, do you mind if I steal you in Saturday?" She glanced at the red haired boy beside her in knot of confusion, "What are you planning?"
"Answer my question first." He insisted, "If I say yes, what would it be?"
He chuckled, "You sound like I forced you."
"But I really want to go. I'm really curious." She stared at him expectantly, her shyness from the last events diminished
He smirked, "Well then it's a secret." She pouted before huffing a breath. Taehyun almost melted right there, it wasn't that long that he will probably fall for her completely
THE girls entered the dorm with Kai, he has been opening up to them since the start and would like to walk with them through their dorm to get to know them
Apparently, the other boys are no where to be seen, "Where are the others? Not like I care about." Ryujin asked, glancing the almost empty room
Kai shrugged, "They have their own errands, it's usually like this before you girls came." Ryujin nodded as Kai flopped himself comfortably on the couch with the girls
"How about we cook for dinner tonight?" Yeji suggested with a weak smile, "We? Did you mean us with you cooking the kitchen instead of the food?" Ryujin mocked
"Yah! I've taught myself last vacation how to cook real food, y'know." Yeji glared at her
"That's actually not a bad idea. We have many ingredients left in the fridge." Kai stood up and excitedly went to the kitchen, the girls followed quietly
"What do your friends most likely to eat?" Chaeryeong asked him while preparing many things on the counter, not knowing what to cook
"Tteobokki mostly but we rarely eat it since we almost burn the kitchen because of it."
"Hmm, do we have the right ingredients?" Yuna scrutinized each things on the counter, "I guess so." Yeji replied hesitantly
"Do you even know what a Tteobokki is, Eonnie?" Chaeryoung asked innocently, "Aish! You girls need to watch me."
"Nah thanks, we do not own this dorm most likely this building so you better sit your ass on the stool while we cook." Ryujin dead pan, narrowing her eyes, daring her to disobey. Yeji only huffed a breath before doing what she's told
"Ouch!"
They all looked over to Lia who's already starting, "Unnie, that's not how you do it." Yuna reprimanded, looking at the small wound on her thumb
"Noona, I think you should take care of your wound first. Soobin hyung has a band aid in his first drawer near his bed." Kai glanced at the bleeding wound, already dripping in the sink
"Sorry." Lia muttered before going to Soobin's room, "I'll follow her." Yeji stood up and went to her
Yuna put on her apron and settled her hair in a messy bun before commencing, "Why she doesn't want to be called by her real name?" Kai asked while they do their jobs separately
They halt their movements before continuing, "It reminds her of something she doesn't want to remember." Ryujin replied dryly, "Oh, is that why you guys are so protective to her?"
"Yeah." She shortly replied
"What about your friends, Kai? How did you guys met?" Chaeryoung asked while cutting some ingredients
Kai's mouth formed an 'O', "They've been my friends since ten. I met Soobin hyung first before the others joined, we were on a summer field trip like usual but I didn't participate any activities and just stayed in my bus but the time went by and I got bored so I went out in my own. I somehow accidentally cross our school's bullies, they never bothered me at the beginning. I didn't see where I was going and accidentally bumped into one of them. Almost instantly they beat me up not until Soobin stood behind me and they promptly left me there, sporting cuts and bruises. Eventually, we became friends as well as the others."
Kai smiled, reckoning meeting his first friends, "That's actually nice. I'd really hope he was like that from the others as well." Ryujin shook her head
Kai averted his gaze, "He's not like that when I met him. There were just few changes happened, but trust me he's really sweet and charming. Just be patient with him." He chuckled
"Are they the only ones you befriend with?" Yuna asked slowly, almost shy
He glanced at her way with a smile, "Yeah. I'm really glad I met them, they're the type of people who will die protecting you even if they mess around with you all the time."
They noticed the admiration coating his voice, few minutes pass by and no one uttered a word, not because they don't know what to say but because they're focusing on the food they're making
And just a couple of minutes they have their final product on the table, lingering the smell of it making Kai drool. Luckily, they're measurements are correct and they made a delicious tteobokki
"Wah! It's been a while since we tasted this beauty." Kai sat on his usual seat, excitement hovering his entire being, "We should wait for the others." Chaeryoung said
Kai's shoulders dropped, "Oh... I really wish they're faster than Usain Bolt himself." Kai muttered
The girls giggled, "It's fine. We're going to their rooms, call us if they're here."
He nodded watching the girls rounded the kitchen corner
Itzy went to Yeji and Lia who's in Soobin's room, they entered the room without knocking and saw the two sleeping peacefully on the bed, "We only cook for like half an hour and they're already asleep." Ryujin muttered in disbelief
Yuna went up to them and shook their shoulders not so gently, "Yah! What's this all about?" Yeji whispered through her drowsy state, eyes half close
Lia was up immediately, "You guys done?"
Ryujin scoffed, "Yeah, right."
"Eonnie, you told me you have dance practice with Yeonjun oppa. Aren't you going?" Yeji is now fully awakened, "Oh, fuck! It slipped my mind."
Usually, the girls would scold her for cursing but instead of hearing their usual protests, they are looking at her with amusement flashing in their eyes
"I thought you already stopped dancing in school." Lia smirked beside her, "Yeah, but it's needed for our class." She said, defending herself
"Well you better go. He could be waiting for your slow poke ass." Yeji rolled her eyes and went out of the room, the girls immediately giggled after she's out of the dorm
They went to their respective rooms while waiting. Lia switched herself on the sofa incase Soobin arrives, Ryujin is now scrolling on her Instagram, Chaeryoung is calmly reviewing what Taehyun taught her earlier, Yuna is almost asleep while her headphones are blasting music
It's already 6:06 in the evening and the rest of the Txt members arrived except Yeonjun with exhaustion written on their faces, they slowly exchanged glances when they entered the kitchen then slowly widened their eyes at the sight
Kai is already eating his dinner, not being able to hold off his hunger, "Am I seeing this right? Or I just really miss tteobokki a lot?" Taehyun's mouth hung in the air as well as the others
"Trust me hyung, you're not hallucinating." Kai laughed lowly while continuing to eat, "Did you fixed this kitchen already faster than the Flash?" Soobin asked, still amazed
"Hyung, I didn't burn the kitchen. We cooked this for our dinner since you're running late. No thanks necessary."
Beomgyu looked at him, perplexed, "We? Yeonjun was here?"
He shook his head, "The girls and I. Yeji noona is with Yeonjun hyung right now, the rest of them is in your rooms."
They couldn't comprehend what he said, the girls are actually grateful enough to cook for them despite the latest events and it almost warm their hearts
Beomgyu was the first one to act first and went to his room, the two boys soon followed with excitement glittering their faces
Kai smiled at their form rounding the kitchen corner, maybe this time someone can be able to break through their walls that no one can and stay by their side once they finally did
Maybe it wasn't so bad here in Hanlim... Just maybe
(EDITED)
10/03/21