Chapter Text
Everything was almost ready for sixth year. Jungwoo got his clothes, quills, parchments, and a couple of new books packed neatly in his luggage. His robes, however, still hung on the door, left there since last weekend when his mom ironed and unintentionally burned it. It would have been alright if it were just the fringes but nope. There was a gaping hole right beneath his Hufflepuff crest, huge enough he could fit a fist in it. So roughly a week before classes started, Jungwoo had no choice but to begrudgingly go back to Diagon Alley.
They restocked on Floo Powder the other day, thankfully, and Jungwoo couldn’t be any more grateful. He couldn't do Apparition yet, and there was no way he would travel an hour by bus to the Leaky Cauldron. He had no other option but the Floo Network.
He grabbed a handful of the green powder, stepped inside the fireplace (“Be careful!” His mom yelled from the kitchen) and opened his mouth to say “Diagon Alley.” Things normally went fine with the Floo. Besides, he had been using it since he was five. But sometimes, they forget that fireplaces still require maintenance. Soot and ash covered its walls that when he threw a hand up, he knocked some off, and he got some in his mouth. And by some, it meant enough he could actually taste it. Dusty and almost fine, they stuck to the back of his throat. Jungwoo choked, and he could’ve at least stopped the process for a glass of water to save himself from dying, but his muscle memory got the better of him. The next thing he knew, his hand was empty of Floo Powder and he was gone.
Getting squeezed, pulled, and thrown into a weird tube of neon-colored vacuum, the few seconds into the network could be quite unpleasant. Partnering with choking on dust and coughing excessively, Jungwoo felt like dying. It wasn’t long before he saw a speck of light. That should be the end of the Floo Network. Or maybe even heaven. He could be already dead.
He hit the floor, and felt numb for a while, still reeling from the dizzy trip, unmindful of his body pain until a short jolt shot right from his bottom to his lower back. Charred wood cracked under his palms, and the dust that formed at impact made visibility a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, his coughing had stopped—it must have been the fall. But his throat still felt dry. He opened his eyes, wishing he luckily ended up in Diagon Alley, but the room hardly looked like he managed to be at the right place. No noise, not busy, no people. Well, except for a young, shirtless man seated on the couch, holding a towel that covered half of his still damp hair, looking at him with a mix of fear and confusion on his face.
Jungwoo thought he was familiar. He tried to think of the names as he made a quick glance of the walls. Plaques, medals, trophies, broomsticks, and a lot of Quidditch memorabilia. Then he saw last year’s Quidditch Cup wrapped in gold and scarlet ribbons. It said in its plate, “Wong Yukhei, Seeker.” Jungwoo froze. There was no way he could be wrong. It’s Wong Yukhei, Hogwarts’ Quidditch superstar.
Realizing he ended up in the house of the most sought-after student of his age had Jungwoo screaming. Yukhei, meanwhile, pulled his legs up the sofa, his towel covering his body, also joining Jungwoo in a screech chorus. Jungwoo stood up. There was a thud so loud it quickly silenced the both of them. He dropped to the floor.
The pain in his forehead surged through the rest of his face. He was a lot dizzier this time, the dangerous kind he felt like throwing up. Pressing his palm against it gave a bit of relief, but he realized it was strange to feel something warm and damp. It shouldn’t be wet, he thought. A thick line of crimson trickled down his forearm and he pulled his hand away.
“Holy fuck!” Yukhei exclaimed, half-horrified, half-panicked at the sight of blood starting to cover Jungwoo’s face. “Shit. Shit. Are you okay? How — what — fuck.”
“D-dizzy,” Jungwoo muttered, his right eye half-lidded because of the blood.
Yukhei visibly freaked out. Of course, who wouldn’t, especially when a boy just apparated into your fireplace, and got himself a horrible hit on the head. But the seeker kept his logic intact. He grabbed another towel next to him, and pressed it on Jungwoo’s forehead. “It’s clean. I haven’t used it,” he said. “Can you stand up?”
Jungwoo nodded and tried, but he tipped to the side. Yukhei grabbed him by the arm, and guided him to the couch. “Don’t move,” he said before disappearing somewhere in what Jungwoo could figure as the kitchen. He came back with a large bowl, an ice bag, a small jar of what looked like a salve, and another towel. Jungwoo, still in a bit of a shock, kept silent as Yukhei tended to his wound, cleaning his face with a wet towel.
The bleeding stopped. Jungwoo had the ice bag pressed on the wound. Thankfully, it wasn’t deep. No need for stitches. Jungwoo felt a bit better, too. The dizzy part was over. Relief came to him a bit, but he quickly felt apologetic after seeing bloodied towels around them.
Yukhei sighed. “God. Holy god.”
“Thank you, and sorry.” Jungwoo said. He bowed his head slowly which made him realize that Yukhei had been half-naked throughout the ordeal. Jungwoo shut his eyes, shifting to the side. Shit. “Y-you’re shirtless.”
“Oh.” Yukhei blinked and looked at himself. “Stay there.”
“Y-yes.” Jungwoo nodded. He had nowhere to go anyway.
Yukhei disappeared again inside one of the rooms, and came out wearing a loose plain black shirt. He went straight to the kitchen, and filled two glasses with water. The sound of it reminded Jungwoo how much he actually needed it for his throat.
“You’re from Hogwarts.” Yukhei said. He handed the glass to Jungwoo.
“Yes.” Jungwoo answered after gulping the contents of the glass. “How did you know?” He never thought people would recognize him. He wasn’t really the type to stand out. Or so he thought.
Yukhei chuckled. “Everyone knows you. Perfect O.W.L.s, all Outstanding.”
Jungwoo was one of the smartest students of his year. Many thought he should have been in Ravenclaw, but the Sorting Hat did what it needed to do. He didn’t really regard himself as the exceptional kind—a lot of other students were smart, too, anyway—but the reputation just grew as the years went by, peaking last year when he got O’s for all of his O.W.L.s, the only student to do so this year. He would rather say he was a hard-working, dedicated student, almost like the perfect Hufflepuff. He didn’t like the smart-ass image because to begin with, he believed he shouldn’t be popular for doing what he ought to do as a student — do well in school. But he didn’t completely hate it either. Besides, it still had its perks. Tiny bits. Like the most popular (and perhaps also the hottest) Quidditch player of Hogwarts knowing him.
Jungwoo nodded, almost forced.
“Sorry for ending up in your home,” Jungwoo segued. “I...I was supposed to go to Diagon Alley, but I choked on dust and the network decided to drop me here.”
“That’s...funny.” Yukhei looked at his fireplace and then back to Jungwoo. “I didn’t know we’re connected to the Floo network actually.”
Normally, Jungwoo would say “Really? That’s weird” or “You must be lying” for sarcasm, but he just almost cracked his head open and he didn’t have the energy to be too enthusiastically conversational right now. Noticing Jungwoo would remain silent, Yukhei continued. “But you’re dirty and your shirt’s bloody. Literally. Also considering your state right now, I don’t think you should still go to Diagon Alley.”
Jungwoo nodded. Again, too tired to debate but Yukhei made a point. “Yeah, guess I’ll go back home.”
“Yes,” Yukhei smiled. Jungwoo caught his breath for a second. “Good. Good. How are you going home though?”
It turned out that Yukhei lived almost ten miles away from home. With a wounded head and grubby clothes, Jungwoo crossed out public Muggle transportation as an option. Jungwoo almost said Floo Powder again but then, Yukhei said he didn’t know they were connected to the network so they probably didn’t have any powder with them. Also, fireplaces seemed a little too dangerous for him right now.
“You can borrow my broomstick,” Yukhei said. Yes, of course. Broomstick. Why didn’t he think of it? Yukhei probably had an extra. Jungwoo could use it, yes. But he had a problem.
“I can’t fly a broomstick.”
Yukhei blinked. “What?”
Jungwoo felt blood rush to his face. Everyone knew what broomsticks were. If Muggles had automobiles, wizards used broomsticks. Teenagers like Jungwoo were expected to have at least basic practical knowledge of riding one. To be fair though, it was not like Jungwoo could not in any way ride the broomstick. It’s a mandatory class for first years anyway, but the A he got from their flying instructor for doing the minimum fly height did almost nothing to change the little interest he had for flight. He didn’t like the feeling of being mid-air. If he could avoid it, he would.
“No. I mean, I just...”
Yukhei sighed. Whether out of annoyance or pity, Jungwoo wasn’t sure.
“I’m sorry,” Jungwoo muttered. He stood up and dusted his pants, although it did pretty much nothing to the dark streaks of charcoal smeared on them. “I guess I’m just gonna take the bus. At least I can take a seat.”
“No. Brooms are faster,” Yukhei insisted, grabbing one of the broomsticks that hung on the wall. A golden “Firebolt Supreme” embossed on its handle shone a little too bright for Jungwoo’s still sensitive eyes.
Jungwoo shook his head. “I’m sorry I really can’t—”
“You know what, had you been a really random stranger I would have actually left you bleeding to death,” Yukhei deadpanned, catching Jungwoo off guard by the sudden honesty. If he could curl on the ground right now because ouch, that quite hurt, he would. “But you’re someone I coincidentally know by face and name. Plus you’re injured so it can’t be just you alone.”
Jungwoo remained silent, trying to piece together what Yukhei was trying to say. Then it hit him. If there was anything close to a comprehensible response, it was his eyes slowly going wide.
“What?” Yukhei asked, tilting his head to the direction of the door. “Look, my parents are coming back soon. I don't want them to think I’m bringing home a boy without their permission.”
Before Jungwoo could even react, Yukhei began dashing to the kitchen. Jungwoo stood up, feeling both scared and confused. He had no other choice at this point. “B-but...I could fall?”
“You won't. I promise." Yukhei’s answer wasn't the most reassuring but he's an expert in this, Jungwoo reminded himself. He's a star seeker. Jungwoo could, or should, trust his experiential authority.
They found themselves in a huge expanse of green. Neat rows of bushes, almost a maze, zigzagged the garden, complex topiaries towering here and there. Jungwoo’s jaws dropped further when he saw a Quidditch field on the side.
Yukhei stared at him, the smug on his face spelled amusement. “Not the official size,” he began, obviously referring to the field. “But big enough for practice.”
Jungwoo shouldn't be surprised. Yukhei wouldn't have had the Quidditch skills he’s known for if he had no time and place to play it practically everyday.
After cleaning the broomstick, Yukhei mounted on it, moving a little away from the bipod so there was enough space for Jungwoo to sit on. There were a few more coaxing before Yukhei successfully convinced Jungwoo that there was no turning back now.
“Uh, how fast will this be?” Jungwoo’s curious mind would normally wonder what kind of cushioning charm was used for this because the invisible seat was really comfortable but the anxiety had gotten the better of him.
Yukhei hummed. “I’ll probably go for a hundred.”
“A hundred?”
“Miles per hour.”
“I-isn’t that too fast?”
“You’ll reach home in ten minutes or less.”
Jungwoo gulped. “Uhm...okay. So what do I do? I don’t want to fall.”
“Seriously though. You’ve never ridden a broomstick before?” Yukhei chuckled and Jungwoo knew he should feel offended but again, he was scared. No space for other emotions right now.
‘I...I did but…”
Yukhei did not even let him finish. He took both of Jungwoo’s wrists and wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling Jungwoo and pressing him against Yukhei’s back. Jungwoo could smell a soft tinge of lavender and mint in his hair. Right, Yukhei just came out of the shower when Jungwoo fell on the fireplace. This was a little too close, if not intimate.
“Don’t even try letting go.” It was both an order and a threat. Jungwoo could only nod.
Yukhei kicked the ground, and Jungwoo felt his feet dangle in the air.
“Shit! Oh god. Shit!” Jungwoo pulled Yukhei, pressed his head on the back of Yukhei’s neck and started yelling.
“For Merlin’s sake!”
“I’m fucking scared!”
“Just...oh god. Don’t fucking scream!”
“I’m trying!”
“You’re not!”
Jungwoo could only shut his eyes, muttering a litany of curses, and he knew they were zooming away from the ground when he felt the wind crashing against his face. They accelerated too fast for his liking, and he wished he wasn’t crushing Yukhei’s internal organs with how tight he was hugging him.
“I’ll go faster,” Yukhei said. Jungwoo couldn’t answer; he had nothing else to do anyway. He just made a loud hum, still pressed tightly against the other’s back.
True to what Yukhei said, they arrived in less than ten minutes — Jungwoo’s shortest travel back home, but probably the longest ten minutes of his life so far. He wasn’t sure if this was better than getting tossed around the Floo network’s vacuum, but at least he didn’t get another concussion in the head.
“Uh, you can let go now,” Yukhei mumbled. They had been on the ground for quite a while, but Jungwoo still had his arms around Yukhei.
“S-sorry,” Jungwoo bit his lip, a little shaky. They landed on an old, empty park a block away from where he lived. It’s a rather secluded neighborhood that even if it was noon, there were practically no single Muggle around. Jungwoo feeling the ground on his feet was a major relief.
“Thank you. I’m...I’m really sorry for the trouble.”
Yukhei nodded, smiling. “Clean your fireplace.”
Jungwoo let out an awkward, still nervous chuckle. “We will. Sorry again.”
They exchanged goodbyes, quick ones, and Yukhei was up in the air again.
Flight, blood, and missed plans. He knew Mondays weren’t always great, today being one. But at least he was alive. He could have died today if it wasn’t for Yukhei. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.
Also, he realized Yukhei was pretty hot.
Students packed the Great Hall with a few seats still open, reserved for freshmen. The professors had not arrived yet, so it was still pretty much a mess of noisy old students, their simultaneous talking almost like an annoying rolling rumble.
Jungwoo’s wound had almost healed. He still wore a Band Aid on the forehead, visible and awkward for the first day of school. But then, Jungwoo had always believed he had no image to keep, if not protect, anyway. He didn’t like attention.
“Jungwoo! What’s up!” Mark exclaimed a little too loud that everyone looked at Jungwoo. It did not help that Mark was a Gryffindor, just a table away from the Hufflepuffs. So much for not getting attention.
Mark ran towards him, pointing at the bandage on Jungwoo’s forehead. “Fashion statement?”
Jungwoo rolled his eyes. “It is, if I didn’t hit my head last week and almost bled to death.”
“That’s dark humor right there.” Mark shrugged, but raised brows when Jungwoo didn’t say anything. “Okay. Okay. You...really did?”
“Yeah.” Jungwoo took a treacle tart and placed it on his plate. “Long story but...it wasn’t that bad. It’s almost healed.”
“Good to hear,” Mark said, reaching for a chocolate frog before getting a slap on the back of his hand. “Ow!”
“Go get food from your table.” Kun appeared behind Mark before sitting next to Jungwoo. He’s also a Hufflepuff.
“It’s not like y’all gonna finish them all?” Mark complained, but Kun just narrowed his eyes on him. The argument got cut with loud squeals and cheers erupting from the Gryffindor table. The other houses followed, and all eyes were on the door.
“Of course, of course.” Mark said, rolling his eyes. The chocolate frog was already in his hand. “Wong Yukhei.”
For the past five years, it has always been like this. To be quite honest, Yukhei with his Hogwarts robes didn’t look anything extraordinary. It’s the same as everyone else’s: a red-and-gold uniform. But he was the Hogwarts superstar — an especially good-looking one for that matter.
Yukhei's rise to fame began with his first year, after he was recruited as his house's new seeker. His debut season led the Gryffindor to a landslide victory. Since then, for five straight years, the Gryffindors had always won the cup. But this year’s louder than usual cheer for Yukhei’s appearance at the Great Hall was not without reason. Several major leagues had expressed desires to recruit him even if he hadn't finished school yet, and another rumor came out that Yukhei might have already joined Puddlemere United. To see him return to school was perhaps a major relief both for his house and his Hogwarts fans.
Jungwoo wouldn’t have minded Yukhei coming to Hogwarts with such a warm welcome. He was actually surprised that, for someone who had loathed attention, he was pretty much indifferent to Yukhei’s celebrity status. Maybe because he had never cared? Or that he had been taking it for granted. Besides, they never interacted. He didn’t enjoy flying, which meant he wasn’t a huge Quidditch fan. But after what happened last week, seeing Yukhei again felt strange. Yukhei’s presence felt familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Everything that happened on that Monday morning came rushing back in his head, and he didn't exactly know what to do with them.
It didn’t help that Yukhei looked at Jungwoo’s direction, and his typically stern face brightened up. The Hufflepuff table’s pretty much filled, and Jungwoo didn’t want to assume it was for him, but was there any other reason for Yukhei to smile at them?
“Hey,” Kun nudged. It seemed like he had been staring at Jungwoo for a while.
Jungwoo gulped and nodded. He reached for the nearest goblet, filled it with water, and drank it all but slowly.
“You’re red.” Mark said.
“I’m not.” Jungwoo dropped the goblet a little too hard, he had Kun’s eyebrows raised at him.
“It’s okay,” Kun said. “Everyone crushes on Yukhei.”
Jungwoo’s ears turned a lot redder. “I don’t.”
Kun shrugged. “I don’t know. I just assume everyone likes him.”
“Same.” Mark said. “You like him?”
“Yeah,” Kun said like it was a matter of fact. “I mean, not the I-Want-Him-To-Slam-Me-Against-The-Wall kind of like.”
Mark leaned towards Kun so that he was almost in front of Jungwoo. “He’s got nice abs.” He would know, of course. Mark’s part of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, too. He's a chaser.
Kun nodded and grinned. “Now let me rethink the not-slamming-against-the-wall part.”
Jungwoo didn’t say anything, even if Mark and Kun were laughing. He knew Yukhei had abs. Of course. He had seen it. But he wouldn’t say it. Besides, he was still convincing himself that he wasn’t really crushing on Yukhei even if all the signs told that he probably already was. If he spoke more, he might just sound a little too defensive. He tried to join the laughter, and wished he didn’t sound faking it.
The Gryffindors were beside the Hufflepuffs which as far as Jungwoo was concerned could either be good or bad. Yukhei took the seat across Jungwoo, so that they’re practically each other’s views. The latter tried not to mind, especially now that the professors started coming in, and the Sorting was about to start. But for all the holding back Jungwoo tried, he would find himself stealing glances.
Every time Yukhei caught him, he smiled. There was no hiding now, and with the Gryffindor staring at him, Jungwoo’s attention was locked. Yukhei pointed at his forehead, and raised a thumb. His bushy brow’s tiny quirk suggested he was asking if Jungwoo’s forehead felt better. Jungwoo promptly nodded and gave a thumbs up back, smiling.
Their almost never-ending exchange of giddy grins bordering flirting was cut short when Kun pinched Jungwoo on the side, a little too painful for a teasing.
“Fuck, that hurts!”
“I don’t care,” Kun whispered with a deadpan face. He had a piercing stare Jungwoo felt his soul was exposed. “I saw that. You know him.”
Jungwoo pretended he didn’t understand and shrugged. “Everyone knows him.”
“Stop the act!” Kun pinched him again, this time on the thigh. “Since when did you know each other?”
“We’re not dating.” Jungwoo blurted out. Defensive, but he’d rather lay down facts.
“Okay. Got it. What else?”
Jungwoo sighed. “It’s a long story. Can that wait at least until we get to the common room?”
Kun gave him a three-second stare before shaking his head, inching closer to his friend. He grinned. “Okay, now tell me.”
Jungwoo actually wished he wouldn't see the need to talk about what happened last week until at least a week into the term. But here he was, on the first day of school, forced to admit that he magically appeared in Yukhei’s house, with Yukhei in his post-shower glory. Plus the bandage on his head. His enthusiasm in retelling was inversely proportional to how Kun seemed to be enjoying his story.
Jungwoo was glad that Kun still kept the story a secret. Not that it was a matter-of-life-and-death kind of deal. There was no promise to not tell anyone about it. But at Hogwarts, student secrets never stayed untold — its walls had ears. And considering Yukhei's star status, Jungwoo’s story would make a good start for dating rumors, which he would gladly be happy to keep out of. He was here to learn magic.
First class was Potions. Jungwoo’s summer review of Amortentia was still fresh in his mind, following Professor Doh’s last year syllabus, but the potions master thought it was boring so he opted for a more challenging one: Draught of Living Dead. A potion that could put someone into a death-like, almost indefinite sleep. Pretty much what Snow White had in her apple.
They did it in pairs, Jungwoo’s disappointment who preferred to do things on his own. But checking the instructions, its complexity suddenly made him thankful for this pair approach. They would have next month for the individual attempt, anyway.
“Hey, need a partner?”
Jungwoo almost jumped when a familiar voice whispered closely in his ear, the hairs on his back stood. It was Yukhei. Had he not been looking so fine Jungwoo might have slammed the book on the other’s face. But Yukhei was — and always — more than fine. And he smelled nice, too.
Jungwoo stared. “You mean you need a partner.”
“Exactly.” Yukhei nodded. “So how do we start?”
“I didn’t even say yes?”
“Oh.”
“Yes.”
“Okay, great!” Jungwoo wasn’t even sure why Yukhei sounded so delighted. The Gryffindor grabbed his book and opened it. “So...page 32.”
Yukhei read the instructions out loud, and began picking the ingredients. Jungwoo typically led group work, so his pride would have pushed him to protest, but he remembered that Yukhei got an O in their Potions O.W.L.S. so this shouldn't be bad. Besides, he kind of liked the way their shoulders brushed against each other.
“Why are you smiling?” Yukhei paused halfway from reaching one of the ingredients.
Jungwoo stiffened. “I...wasn't?”
“You were.”
“Ah.” Jungwoo needed an excuse. “It’s...you're...uh, cutting the beans! You're supposed to crush them.”
It wasn’t good, but that would do. Yukhei blinked. He looked at his book to check the instructions before making a disappointed hiss.
“Yeah. Sorry.” Yukhei chuckled. “It's because you're my partner. You're making me nervous.”
Jungwoo wasn't sure if that was a sincere comment or a joke. “So much for an O, Mr. Quidditch Superstar.” He teased back.
Yukhei laughed. “Do I not intimidate you?”
“A bit.”
“You don't look intimidated right now.”
“Because…” Jungwoo trailed off and grabbed the silver knife from Yukhei. “I know the difference between crushing beans and murdering them.”
The beans on the table were mushed, almost paste-like. Yukhei scratched his head, and laughed awkwardly. “Oops.”
“Yeah. Oops.”
“I'll work on the beakers,” Yukhei said. He almost completed a full turn towards the cupboard when he went back and turned to Jungwoo.
“Yes?”
Yukhei was smiling. “Nothing. I’m just glad I don't intimidate you.”
He gave Jungwoo a gentle tap on the shoulder and then he was off.
Jungwoo blinked, his silver knife stuck halfway in a small bean. Thinking about it, Jungwoo never even tried talking to him even if they shared classes before. Was it because he felt scared? He couldn’t remember any situation he felt they needed to have a conversation, although he couldn’t deny that Yukhei did give off an intimidating vibe. Since his first Quidditch Cup victory, he always had it.
Today felt different though. Well, Yukhei approached him, not the other way around (or at least not uninvitedly) but still, the intimidation felt distant now. Was it good? He couldn't tell. Since that unlucky Floo network accident, Yukhei had been nothing but nice to Jungwoo. Was it something he was supposed to interpret differently? He wasn't sure either.
Jungwoo shook his head. He should be concentrating on their potion and trying his best not to get an explosion, like the table next to them did.
Their Potions class was just the start of the many more times Jungwoo would see more of Yukhei.
Although Jungwoo had been really extraordinarily academically exemplary, he still thought this year would be a lot more challenging than usual. N.E.W.T.-level classes meant students needed to cooperate if they wanted to survive. He had been diligently writing notes in the most organized manner, notes which his friends had always considered their saving grace. By friends, he meant Mark and Kun. This year, it appeared that he’d be adding another person to the team.
Yukhei once approached him and asked if he could borrow their Herbology notes. Jungwoo said yes immediately, and he thought it’d be a nice repayment for helping him with the Draught of the Living Dead when he almost burned their potion for misreading a step. Since then, he had twice handed Yukhei a copy, all with extra “Good luck!” and doodles on the side.
The following morning, Kun came storming at Jungwoo, who was reading a book on his bed, after learning that Yukhei received the notes first and not him or Mark.
“As one of your best friends, I am offended.” Kun held a box of cinnamon rock cakes. He befriended a few of the kitchen elves last year, and Kun had regularly received treats from them. “Heard it from Mark.”
“He asked,” Jungwoo retorted. He tried to reach for one, but Kun pulled the box away. “You haven't.”
“Don’t you know the Muggle saying, ‘Bros before hoes. Sisters before misters’?” Kun took an angry bite from the cake and quickly swallowed it. “I get it okay you're trying to impress Mister Super-Fine Future World Cup Daddy, but at least remember that Herbology isn't really my most favorite subject.”
Kun's dislike (he said hate was a bit too strong) for Herbology came in their late third year, when he dropped a glass of Puffapod beans in the greenhouse. They instantly bloom when they come into contact with solid objects, especially soil, and Puffapod flowers sprout everywhere they had to end the class early. Hufflepuff got several points off, and he blamed himself for not winning the House cup that year.
“I'll give you a copy later, I promise.” Jungwoo said. His puppy eyes stared at Kun before looking at the already half-empty box of cakes. Kun nodded with a pout.
“And Mark said Yukhei would still give you his Transfiguration notes.”
Yukhei offered his notes, saying that Transfiguration (aside from Potions) was his other forte. Jungwoo had repeatedly declined. While he didn’t particularly enjoy Transfiguration (he still got an O for his O.W.L.s there), he wasn't really asking for anything in return. But Yukhei insisted. He had sent at least two notes so far. His handwriting was bad but still comprehensible, and it had a lot more side notes and doodles, mostly of Snitches and talking broomsticks. Not particularly good, but Jungwoo still thought they were cute.
“I didn't ask, but he wanted to,” Jungwoo explained.
Kun shrugged. “Whatever.”
“It's true!” Jungwoo exclaimed. “Don’t be dramatic, and I know you like Yukhei so stop being jealous.”
Kun chuckled. “I am jealous, yes. But let’s not talk about how I feel, but what you feel.”
“Huh?”
Kun sat down on the edge of the bed. He then tapped both of his cheeks. “You always flush whenever we talk about Yukhei.”
As usual, Jungwoo panicked. He placed his hand on both cheeks, trying to feel if his face had gotten warm. They had not.
“Don't lie.”
“I'm not? You're pink.”
“Shut up.”
“I can't believe knocking your head on a fireplace is all it would take for you to be whipped.” Kun laughed. “For the hottest student of Hogwarts, at that.”
“Can you stop? It’s not what you think.” As far as his feelings were concerned, Jungwoo had always thought it’s just a growing soft spot for a nice, new friend. (Kun and Mark still insisted it’s a crush.) Despite their awkward introduction, he and Yukhei seemed to just hit it off as good acquaintances. Yeah, good friends at least. Whether this could possibly lead to something else, there’s no way telling, but he wouldn’t deny that he had been enjoying Yukhei’s company.
Kun narrowed his eyes and wiggled his brows, lips curled to an intentionally annoying smug. “Show business.”
Show business. Jungwoo shook his head, and tried to laugh it off, although the idea popped in his head. Yukhei was a super star, both inside and outside Hogwarts. If Yukhei paid him more attention than he had already been giving, was there any chance of Jungwoo being a potential target of dating rumors? He panicked at the thought, also unsure why that sent a sudden rush of butterflies in his stomach. He shook his head again. That’s very unlikely.