╰┈➤ ❝ [ Back and forth from New York (Sneaking in your bed) ] ❞

"I'M NOT GOING BACK TO THE HOUSE IF YOU FORGOT SOMETHING." Kim Ji-hun reminded, his arms crossed while leaning against his car. He was watching Ji-an check her bag for the third time that morning, the girl worried she hadn't packed everything she needed for the field trip. Then there was also her suitcase which she couldn't check again because taking everything out would be too much work. So she just had to hope she had everything.

"I think I have everything." Ji-an said, and placed her bag on top of her suitcase. She turned to her brother with a thankful look. "Thanks for the ride."

Ji-hun nodded and opened the drivers door. "At what time do I have to pick you up Monday?"

"I'm not sure. I'll text you once I know."

"Okay. Well, don't let any forest animal eat you, though if that happens I'll be more than happy to take that candy stash you have hidden in your room." He said, a laugh leaving him when Ji-an threw a glare his way.

"You do that and best believe my spirit will come back to haunt you down." Ji-an stuck her tongue out and grabbed her belongings while her brother got inside the car.

Ji-hun smiled, his tone sincere. "Have fun sis."

The girl smiled back before making her way towards the school grounds. It didn't take her long to spot her classmates as they were already crowding close to the buses by the field. When she reached her friends Jug-yeong was taking pictures of Soo-ah and Tae-hoon, the couple wearing matching outfits. Ji-an stopped beside Soo-jin the two sharing smiles as they watched their friends. Noticing Ji-an's presence, Soo-ah waved at her enthusiastically before her eyes lighted even more when they fell on the object dangling from Ji-an's neck.

"Is that your Polaroid camera?" She asked, almost bouncing on her spot. "Can you please take a picture of us?"

Ji-an smiled, "Of course."

Making her way beside Jug-yeong, Ji-an took her camera out of its case. Turning it on, she lifted the camera to her face to look through the viewfinder, and adjusting the camera's  brightness based on its current recommendation. Soo-ah and Tae-hoon did a cute pose causing Ji-an to smile as she took the picture.

Instantly the polaroid came out, and she took a hold of it before handling it to Soo-ah. "It's going to take a few minutes to develop."

"Thank you!" Soo-ah smiled from ear to ear as she looked at the polaroid.

Ji-an was placing her camera back in its case when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked to the side making eye contact with Han Seo-jun. He gave her an easy going smile, a playful glint in his eyes.

In front of them, Ji-an's friends let out surprised sounds. Soo-ah pointed at them, a suspicious look in her eyes. "What's going on? Why are you guys matching?"

Ji-an froze, looking down to her own outfit—an oversized cream knitted sweater, high waisted jeans, and white sneakers. Then her eyes trailed to Seo-jun, scanning his figure. His cream hoodie, black jeans, and white sneakers mirrored her aesthetic almost perfectly. She let out a sound of disbelief making Seo-jun smirk.

"You've got to be kidding me," she muttered.

Hyun-gyu who was watching everything asked, "Are you guys making a surprise announcement of your relationship?"

Ji-an shook her head, her skin growing uncomfortably hot under the blazing sun. "That's not it." She turned to Seo-jun, remembering the message she received from him earlier that morning. Her voice went quieter as she narrowed her eyes. "Is this why you asked me what I was going to wear today?"

Seo-jun frowned in mock confusion. "I don't know what you're talking about, sweetheart." His voice was light, but the way he leaned towards her made her pulse quicken.

The group around them gushed and cooed at  the nickname. Ji-an bit the inside of her cheek, trying to ignore the way her heart stumbled at the word. It wasn't the first time he'd said it, he's said it a million times now, but ever since that moment in the hallway—the one she couldn't stop replaying—it struck differently. He had no right to look so smug about it. Or to smell that good. She cursed her past self for telling him to wear that specific cologne more often. Why did it have to suit him so well? She caught herself leaning slightly toward him and immediately straightened, flustered with her own actions.

She analyzed him wondering if part of her frustration was because of her constant reactions or the lack of them in Seo-jun's part. He was obviously enjoying getting under her skin. Ji-an was curious as to what was his intention behind matching outfits with her. Their classmates already were pestering them about dating again after the release of the magazine. They couldn't have one moment of peace without someone saying something. Ji-an was constantly affected by Seo-jun's presence and having people repeatedly point out how the change she's feeling is not just in her head, only made matters worse for her.

A few minutes later they were all ushered inside the buses. Ji-an made her way to the back as that's where her friends were sitting at. She placed her bag on the top compartment and sat on the seat by the window. Following after her, Seo-jun took a seat beside her with a smile on his face. Ji-an swallowed thickly, wondering how she would survive the whole bus ride with him beside her.

Hyun-gyu yet again had to comment something as he leaned forward behind them, "Is this something like we are a couple and we are sitting together?"

Tae-hoon tried to stop the boy, hoping Su-ho wouldn't hear anything from his spot at the front. Despite his attempts to quiet Hyun-gyu down, the boy along with their friends and some classmates started chanting, "You should date! You should date! You should date!"

This caught the attention of everyone inside the bus causing Ji-an to face the window and lower herself on her seat to hide from all the curious eyes. Before doing so, she sneaked a glance Su-ho's way, but it was hard to decipher his expression from far away. She felt embarrassed and a bit ashamed at the fact Su-ho had to witness everything and constantly hear how she should date Seo-jun. Even though he told her it was okay, she knew all of this would make him uncomfortable, anyone in his position would be. Ji-an felt Seo-jun's gaze on her and it only intensified her nerves.

Her embarrassment was nothing but endearing in Seo-jun's eyes. He observed her a little before turning around to give the group a sharp look. The action successfully quiet them down and Seo-jun turned back around pleased. Ji-an let out a relieved sigh, the tension in her body easing a bit now that the bus was silent again. Suddenly, Soo-ah stood up from her seat in the very back and poke her head in between Seo-jun and Ji-an, surprising the two of them. "Ji-an, can I borrow your camera? I promise I won't use the whole film."

Ji-an turned to her friend. She recollected her thoughts, calming down more now that her friend's presence was between her and Seo-jun. "It's okay. I bought a bunch of films, so you can use all of it if you want. I don't care." She removed the camera from around her neck and passed it to Soo-ah.

"You're the best! I love you so much." The girl threw a kiss Ji-an's way before going back to her seat.

As the bus began to leave the school grounds, Ji-an took her earphones and shifted her attention to her phone, more than ready to zone out while staring out the window. A frown took over her features when she realized her music app wasn't in the spot it always was. She scrolled through her phone with increasing panic, her fingers swiping faster and her frown deepening.

"What's wrong?" Seo-jun asked, leaning back in his seat, his tone equally amused and curious.

"The music app I used to have is just gone," she said, exasperated. "I swear it was here yesterday!"

Seo-jun tilted his head, confused. "Gone? How does an app just disappear?"

Ji-an . "I don't know! And I can't even download it again because it doesn't appear in the app store anymore." She glared at her phone like it had personally betrayed her.

Seo-jun snickered, pulling out his earphones. "Looks like you're stuck with me then."

Ji-an blinked at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He held out one of the earphones, the cord dangling between them. "I'll share. But only because l'm a nice guy."

Ji-an gave him a skeptical look, her eyebrows raising questioningly. "A nice guy who asked me what I was wearing to copy my outfit."

Seo-jun grinned, not denying it. "Take it or suffer in silence, sweetheart."

Ji-an rolled her eyes but grabbed the offered earphone, mumbling, "You're insufferable. "

Seo-jun's playlist was actually very good. There were some songs which left her surprised to know he listens to, finding out they had some artists in common. As time went by, Ji-an's eyelids grew heavy. She tried to fight off the feeling but her body was screaming at her for some rest, the girl having woken up earlier than usual that morning. Her breathing slowed down and soon enough she was fast asleep. She shifted on her seat and it didn't take long for her head to rest on Seo-jun's shoulder, her body craving Seo-jun's warmth.

Carefully, Seo-jun pulled her closer, so she could be more comfortable. The feeling of her soft breathing beside him made his heart feel lighter. Years ago, this moment would have felt imposible—-having her so close, so at ease with him. Back then, he'd been too much of a coward to admit what she meant to him. Instead, he'd pushed her away, burying every feeling deep enough to convince even himself it wasn't real. But it was real. It had always been real.

And the more he spend time around her, he fell deeper. The cup was already overflowing with his feelings and leaving a mess underneath, there was no way he could continue spilling over——hiding his love for her. One of Ji-an's braids were trapped behind her and Seo-jun adjusted it so it wasn't pressing against her back. As he watched her, peaceful and vulnerable, something inside him shifted. He'd spent so long holding back, afraid of losing her, that he hadn't realized how much he'd already lost by staying silent.

A part of him was still afraid of ruining the relationship it had taken so long to rebuild, afraid of facing rejection. But it had finally gotten to the point where his feelings were more overpowering than his fear. While the music gently played on his ear, Seo-jun came to the conclusion that he would finally confess. No matter the risks, no matter the outcome, Ji-an deserved to know. He will offer his whole heart and in return hope she opens hers. Seo-jun closed his eyes and before he knew it his body also succumbed to sleep. His head gently resting on top of Ji-an's.

↶*ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷

With a sleepy sigh, Ji-an got off the bus. Her cheeks were still colored a deep pink, result of waking up and realizing she had fallen asleep with Seo-jun. A part of her was thankful that the boy didn't make any teasing comment as she wasn't sure if she could properly handle it. Bags and suitcases in hand, everyone followed after Mr. Han and the vice principal. The campsite where they will be staying all weekend was very spacious. The place was surrounded by woods, and there were around twenty large tents, one half on one side and the other half on the other.

"Everybody unpack in the designated tents by groups and we'll gather back here in thirty minutes." Mr. Han instructed as they walked into the campsite. The students let out sounds of agreement and everybody parted ways. Soo-ah walked up to Ji-an the two falling into step together.

"Here you go," Soo-ah handed Ji-an the camera and Ji-an took it with a slight frown recognizing Soo-ah's mischievous smile. She knew her friend well enough to know she was hiding something.

"What is it?" Ji-an asked.

Soo-ah's smile widened into a grin. "Nothing. Just thought you might want to keep this." She reached into her pocket and passed Ji-an a polaroid. Soo-ah's voice turned more serious and before walking away she said, "Remember that ignoring your feelings won't make them go away."

Confused, Ji-an stared at Soo-ah's retreating figure. She stopped walking and turned the polaroid around. Ji-an took a sharp inhale, her eyes a little wide as she stared at the picture Soo-ah had taken of her and Seo-jun sleeping in the bus. Her heart hammered in her chest, unable to look away from the sight. They looked peaceful, a moment frozen in time where no complicated feelings and doubts were present.

Their matching clothes, the earphones cord hanging between them, the way they leaned on each other, it was too much for Ji-an. It was like seeing herself through someone else's eyes. Someone who thought they belonged together. She couldn't blame her classmates for believing they were more than friends, because Ji-an herself didn't know anymore.

Thirty minutes later, after choosing their tents and unpacking, the students met back outside like Mr. Han instructed. Ji-an's thoughts still lingered on the polaroid even as she smiled widely while Jug-yeong snapped multiple selfies of their friend group. It seemed like Ji-an wasn't the only one wanting to capture the memories of their last year together. Mr. Han approached them, "Guys! Everyone, gather up. I'll take a picture for you."

"Yes, sir!" The classmates that heard Mr. Han's words, gathered around where Ji-an and her friends were standing at to pose for the picture.

Mr. Han's attention shifted away from them as he addressed Su-ho who was standing farther away from the group. "Su-ho, join in."

Ji-an watched Su-ho decline the offer, the fact not surprising her at all. He really needed to socialize more, but Ji-an decided not to think too much about it and hope that by the end of the trip he would open up a bit more.

"Okay, I'm taking the picture now." Mr. Han announced. He began counting but snapped the picture before completing the countdown. A series of groans and protests left the students, asking why he had done that. Mr. Han looked at them innocently. "It looks more natural this way."

Ji-an chuckled at his statement and beside her Soo-ah exclaimed, "Teacher, can you take a couple's picture for these two?" Before Ji-an could protest, Soo-ah along with Jug-yeong and Soo-jin pushed her away from the group, and a couple of feet away Seo-jun's friends did the same thing pushing the pair together. Ji-an slightly stumbled and Seo-jun stabilized her by putting a hand on her waist. His body was warm against hers causing Ji-an to look away from him flustered.

"Hey! Who's dating in school?" The vice principal asked, standing beside Mr. Han. The large group pointed at Seo-jun and Ji-an causing the man to scoff. "You kids, wait and see when I catch you!"

Mr. Han turned to the vice principal. "Sir, you're now caught in the frame." The man stepped away slightly embarrassed and the group laughed. Mr. Han raised the phone again, and everyone started posing for the picture.

Ji-an stole a glance at Seo-jun, the boy already smiling at the camera. He clearly didn't mind the situation so why should she? After all, what she wanted in the first place was to have more pictures with him. Ji-an shifted on her spot, and tilted her head a little into Seo-jun's direction. She smiled at the camera doing her best to not think too much about the secure hold Seo-jun had on her waist. Mr. Han counted and yet again snapped the picture before finishing the countdown which made everyone complain again.

↶*ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷

"I'm MC Jae-rong! The cutie of recreational activities. Nice to see you all!" The man wearing the pink suit introduced himself with a microphone in hand. Kim Ji-an clapped while the rest enthusiastically cheered. "We're playing the newspaper game. Everyone knows it, right?"

Ji-an barely remembered the last time she had played that game but she still nodded. Seeing everyone knew what the game was about, Jae-rong continued, "Four people become one team. The most important thing is to choose the person who'll be good at it or the person you really like. Get into teams of four!"

The students began to gather into groups while the MC continued naming different reasons why you should pick someone. Soo-ah quickly held on to Ji-an and Soo-jin's arms, joining Tae-hoon and Jug-yeong who were standing beside Su-ho. Ji-an grimaced, "We're six in total."

Soo-jin stepped away, "I can find another group. I don't mind."

"No groups of three or five." The MC loudly reminded everyone.

Tae-hoon made a pained expression as he moved back. "Go. Go. Go." He dramatically waved his hand forward, signaling for Soo-ah to stay. Soo-ah let out an annoyed breath and pushed him back into the group. Ji-an was about to say she could leave with Soo-jin as she felt bad about leaving the girl behind, but Jug-yeong spoke first, "I'll go with Soo-jin."

The two girls walked away to find another group, joining the last group with missing people which happened to be where Seo-jun and Hyun-gyu were. Now that everyone organized themselves, Jae-rong said, "Well, now I'll explain the rules of the newspaper game. Everyone will stand on the folded up newspaper. You win if you can do it for five seconds. Get on the newspaper now, please."

Soo-ah placed the newspaper on the floor and the four of them did as instructed. A determined look took over Ji-an's face. "Hold on tight, guys."

Soo-ah grinned. "The first place is ours! Good luck!"

They all stood facing one another, hands tightly clinging into each other's arms. Ji-an and Su-ho properly held themselves while Soo-ah and Tae-hoon struggled to hold on, acting like it was the hardest task in the world. Soo-ah pulled on Tae-hoon's hair after losing her balance making the boy cry out in pain. "Soo-ah, that hurts!"

"Sorry!"

The boy stumbled and in the process stepped on Ji-an. "Dude! My foot!" She cried out, her toes throbbing in pain. She flinched when she tried to apply pressure on it, so Su-ho tighten his hold on her to offer better support.

"Your foot should never leave the square, never!" The MC reminded while Tae-hoon mumbled an apology. Soon, the other groups fell, leaving standing only three groups, the one with Cho-rong and his friends and the one consisting of Seo-jun, Soo-jin, Hyun-gyu, and Jug-yeong. As they stepped away from each other, Ji-an rotated her foot to try ease the pain. She looked at the direction where her other friends were and made eye contact with Han Seo-jun. He offered a playful smile which the girl returned.

"Give a round of applause to these final three!" Jae-rong exclaimed making everyone cheer. Ji-an removed her eyes from Seo-jun and focused on the pink suited man. "Great! How passionate you guys are! Everyone, listen. Since the last three teams are so good, we're going to upgrade the game. Make the newspaper 1/4 smaller. Don't feel pressured, just fold it."

Tae-hoon grabbed the newspaper and folded it just like the MC said. Ji-an stared at the folded newspaper with skepticism, wondering how they would win the game specially now that she couldn't put too much weight on her foot. Though, that question was quickly answered as Su-ho turned to her. "Can I carry you?"

Ji-an's eyebrows raised in surprise but she found herself agreeing because she really wanted to win. Effortlessly, he picked her up and Ji-an quickly wrapped her arms around his neck for support. While Soo-ah jumped on Tae-hoon's back, Ji-an shifted her attention to the other group. Seo-jun was already staring at them with his jaw clenched, his feline eyes set on Su-ho's arms holding her. The action made him angry, and in a second Seo-jun turned to Jug-yeong, his arm going behind her knees as he lifted her up just like Su-ho did to Ji-an. He couldn't let Su-ho win.

A frown took over Ji-an's face, the sight bothering her in a way she would've never imagined. Her hold around Su-ho's neck tightened, her heart sinking. The MC made a count down and Cho-rong's group struggled to stay standing, but Ji-an couldn't focus on it. She couldn't pull her eyes away from Seo-jun and Jug-yeong, an old but too familiar feeling bubbling in the pit of her stomach. She tried to push it away, brush it off, but this time she couldn't. Seeing Seo-jun holding Jug-yeong made her chest hurt and she didn't like it——in fact she hated it because it only meant one thing.

Cho-rong's group fell to the ground only leaving Ji-an and Seo-jun's group standing. Ji-an forced herself to look away from Seo-jun and Jug-yeong, but she couldn't push the feeling away. There was no reason for her to be jealous. Seo-jun was not her actual boyfriend and to make matters worse Jug-yeong was dating Hyung-gin. She told herself this didn't mean anything. Seo-jun wasn't hers to feel possessive over. But the ache in her chest refused to listen.

Soo-ah's words returned to Ji-an's mind and the more she thought about it, the more painfully obvious it was. It was a scary thought, but she couldn't ignore it any longer. No matter how much she tried fooling herself, it was obvious that her feelings towards Seo-jun had crossed the barrier of friendship. The constant nervousness, the blushing, her heart racing, her reaction towards the almost kiss and how it affected her after. These were all signs of her shifting feelings. The realization left her confused and scared.

"Are you okay?" Lee Su-ho mumbled noticing her change in mood.

"I think so." She responded but didn't offer any further details. She did her best to focus on the game deciding she could try to figure out her feelings later.

"These two teams succeeded but we need a final winner. The team that falls loses. Are you ready?" The MC said. "Male students, raise one leg up!"

Immediately, Hyun-gyu complained, "I don't think I can do this." He struggled to hold Soo-jin as they all raised one leg. Su-ho continued carrying Ji-an with ease which Ji-an was glad for because she didn't know if her foot could withstand another injury. Tae-hoon also held Soo-ah comfortably, much to Ji-an's surprise. While the final countdown was happening, Hyun-gyu couldn't hold himself and Soo-jin any longer and they both fell, dragging Seo-jun and Jug-yeong with them.

"Wow! Amazing!" The MC exclaimed, and Su-ho carefully placed Ji-an down to her feet, but he kept an arm around her waist for balance. Soo-ah and Tae-hoon pulled them into a hug as everyone cheered for them."Congratulations! Good job!"

"Are you sure you're okay?" Su-ho's voice was gentle, and Ji-an leaned on him, thankful for the support. She caught Seo-jun's glare from across the room and suddenly felt as if she was doing something wrong.

Han Seo-jun stood up, and helped Jug-yeong off the ground. His fists clenched as he watched Su-ho wrap his arm around Ji-an. Seo-jun didn't like the fact he was holding on to her waist. The game had ended there was no reason for him to be so close to her. Seo-jun took a step toward Ji-an, his lips parting as if to say something. But he stopped himself and turned away before the frustration spilling from his heart could show on his face. It wasn't the moment to start a fight.

↶*ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷

After having dinner and playing some other games the night quickly rolled around, and everyone was finally settling into their tents. Ji-an, Soo-jin, Soo-ah, and Jug-yeong sat in a circle their suitcases beside them as they finished unpacking. Jug-yeong smiled amusedly, her attention on Soo-ah. "What's the microphone for?"

Soo-ah grinned, "I brought it to use it all night." She then broke into a song making Jug-yeong, Ji-an, and Soo-jin laugh.

"You have a lot of energy." Ji-an pointed out with a slight shake of her head. She shifted her position on the floor to make her foot more comfortable. The pain had lessened and she could walk more without limping too much, but her foot was still a bit sensitive.

"This is my first time sleeping in a tent." Jug-yeong admitted, an excited look in her eyes at the chance of experiencing something new.

"It's been a while for me too." Soo-jin said, her eyes holding a hint of sadness, but it left as quick as it came. "This should be fun."

"Yes!" Soo-ah exclaimed and continued singing. Jug-yeong and Soo-jin joined the girl standing up and dancing around. Ji-an stayed put and zoned out, her thoughts drifting to the polaroid inside her pocket. She took it out and observed the picture, unable to control the small smile that formed on her face as she brushed her thumb over the surface. She liked the picture. A lot.

Ji-an looked up at her friends, watching them with some hesitation. She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, coming to the conclusion that telling her friends would help. When she spoke her voice was soft compared to the other girls singing. "Guys....i think I like Han Seo-jun."

Immediately, Jug-yeong, Soo-ah, and Soo-jin froze, the three falling silent at Ji-an's confession. The pause was deafening and it made Ji-an's cheeks grow hot with embarrassment under their wide gazes. Soo-ah was the first to snap out of the moment, quickly saying, "I knew it! I told you this would happen but you didn't want to listen!"

"It was about time you finally admitted it." Soo-jin chuckled.

Jug-yeong giggled looking around at them. "I feel like I've been waiting forever for this."

A loud groan left Ji-an lips, covering her face with her hands. "Is it that obvious?!"

The girls sat down around Ji-an knowing this was a big thing for her. Jug-yeong patted her arm reassuringly. "Just a little bit." Jug-yeong's words weren't of any comfort but Ji-an appreciated the thought of her trying to not make her feel as bad.

"I'm just so confused." Ji-an took a deep breath, removing her hands from her face to look at her friends. "I don't know when this feelings even started. I think I've been mostly in denial because of everything that's happened. I just.......I don't want to get hurt again." Ji-an admitted, her voice trembling,  "After everything with Su-ho and everything Seo-jun's done in the past, I'm scared of letting myself feel this way."

The group fell silent, the air heavy with her confession. Soo-jin finally spoke, her tone firm. "Ji-an, you're allowed to be scared. But you're also allowed to give yourself a chance at being happy again. Seo-jun isn't Suho, and he's clearly been trying so hard to prove that he cares about you."

Jug-yeong nodded, her eyes kind. "And we'll be here, no matter what happens. You're not doing this alone."

Ji-an blinked back tears, her lips curving into a small smile as she received a side hug from Soo-ah. "Thank you, guys. Really."

——————— ↶*ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊ—————

—Joy

Hi guys! So sorry for the wait. 😭 I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Can you believe Ji-an finally acknowledged her feelings? It feels surreal ngl. We are making great progress.

I admit that the reason why I didn't update last week was because I decided to enjoy my mini thanksgiving vacations and not worry about writing 😪

But here's the long awaited update. I didn't proof read so there might be some mistakes here and there 🧍🏻‍♀️