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His day at university starts with him leaving his dorm and walking to school. Seungcheol loves it. He gets to enjoy the breeze, gets to enjoy his surroundings. It also helps that his dormitory is just close to the school. He loves it because he gets to exercise even if it’s just for a few minutes. He loves it because it means getting to enjoy the vibe his university has in the morning: trees swaying, leaves falling, just nature at its finest.
He loves it because it means getting a glimpse of the boy with blonde hair who always rides his bicycle to school. The blonde passes him by at exactly the right moment when Seungcheol reaches the Engineering building. Sometimes, Seungcheol thinks it’s fate.
At those times, he just watches. He watches as the boy passes him by, his blonde hair fluttering with the wind. It has been a while and the boy’s hair is getting longer. Seungcheol smiles. Sometimes, he thinks it looks like a scene from a movie.
Monday. Seungcheol cannot look at him clearly because the boy passed him by in a blur. He thinks the boy is late for class. Seungcheol also speeds up his walking because shit he’s also late for class. This is what he gets for being too entranced with the other boy.
Tuesday. This is the day he learned that the boy’s name is Yoon Jeonghan and that they are both in the same degree program. They have several classes together. Yoon Jeonghan sits way in front while Seungcheol always sits in the back of the classroom. When Seungcheol gets there first, he always waits for the door to open to reveal Jeonghan entering the classroom. When Jeonghan gets there first, Seungcheol tries his best not to smile because he’s always welcomed by the sight of Jeonghan in one of the seats in front. Sometimes, Jeonghan looks up when the door opens. Sometimes, Jeonghan is munching on some snacks. Sometimes, Jeonghan is scribbling in his notebook.
Wednesday. Jeonghan passed him by but it was slightly different. His hair was tied up in a tiny ponytail. Seungcheol’s heart may have beat a thousand times faster that day. He gets to one of their classrooms first and Jeonghan enters the room a few minutes later. He is still wearing a ponytail!! Seungcheol thinks he was not able to understand the lesson as he just keeps glancing at Jeonghan’s hair. He needs to get a grip.
Thursday. Seungcheol might be imagining things but when Yoon Jeonghan passes by on his bicycle, he thinks their eyes might have met. It was only a fleeting glance, though. The timing is quite perfect. The Engineering building has just entered Seungcheol’s line of vision. He chances a look to his right and his eyes see the blonde hair first. He stares. Then, Jeonghan seems to have looked sideways. Seungcheol really swears their eyes have met. Okay, he might be imagining it. Okay, he might be delusional. But he was sure Jeonghan’s eyes were a beautiful shade of brown.
Friday. Seungcheol is sulky. When Jeonghan passes by, he isn’t alone. There is a girl on the back of the bicycle, clutching Jeonghan’s hoodie. He drops her off in front of the Engineering building but not before ruffling her hair first. Seungcheol is close enough to see that Jeonghan even scrunches his nose at her. He looks fond. Seungcheol looks like he was run over by a truck. He thinks about that the whole day. Until he hears Jeonghan’s friend (Seungcheol notes that his name is Wonwoo) ask Jeonghan if he will still fetch his sister. Jeonghan says yes he will, he’ll drop by Engineering later. Seungcheol is happy.
Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. Every day it’s like this. Walking down the sidewalk. The bicycle passing by. A flash of blonde hair. A happy day for Seungcheol. He just can’t understand himself sometimes. Why is he thinking like this? Why does his heart race at the same time the bicycle races down the road?
But you can’t really blame him when he says that he’s been crushing on Yoon Jeonghan since the very first time the boy passed him by.
Seungcheol is not able to go to school one day. He feels sad. Of course, he’s sad because he didn't get to do his normal routine. Of course, he's sad because he didn't get to see Yoon Jeonghan for a day. Who would be happy about that, right? He silently blames his immune system for not protecting him better, he ended up getting sick. Well, he cannot do anything about it anymore. He just walks to school again and enjoys the trip.
Several steps later, Jeonghan passes him by. Seungcheol swears that Jeonghan glanced at him when they were both on the same side of the road. He is sure this time. His eyes widen for a bit as he stares at Jeonghan’s back. Okay, what was that?
The day keeps getting weirder and weirder. Seungcheol classifies it as weird because things are seemingly going his way. It is in this one class where their teacher asked the students to group themselves for an activity. Since Seungcheol was absent the previous day, he does not have a group. He raises that to his professor who addresses the class.
“He can join our group, Sir!” someone shouts and that’s Mingyu. Seungcheol breathes a sigh of relief. Thank god for Mingyu. He smiles at him because he is really, really grateful. He walks to where Mingyu’s group is huddled and he almost trips. Nice one, Seungcheol. What a good way to make a fool out of yourself.
Yoon Jeonghan is in Mingyu’s group.
Again, thank god for Kim Mingyu.
“Guys, this is Seungcheol,” Mingyu introduces him. The other groupmate was Jeon Wonwoo, Jeonghan’s friend. The one with the glasses. (Also, Mingyu’s crush but Seungcheol pretends not to know that to spare Mingyu). “We knew each other back in high school so I hope it’s okay for him to join us.”
Seungcheol is trying his best to act normal because Yoon Jeonghan looks so much more beautiful when he can see him up close like this. The blonde hair suits him well. Seungcheol wishes it was tied up in a ponytail today but maybe that’s asking for too much. Being in the same group as him is already a win. It means getting to talk to Jeonghan, getting to interact with him. No more acting like a lovesick puppy who only stares at his favorite human.
“Hi,” Seungcheol says. Great. How can he interact with Jeonghan when he can’t even form coherent thoughts in his head? “Sorry for barging into your group. I got sick yesterday.”
Wonwoo nods a greeting. “It’s fine.”
“You’re not exactly barging in since Mingyu invited you,” Jeonghan assures him with a smile.
Seungcheol blinks. Jeonghan is talking to him. He’s smiling at him, too.
“Oh, wow,” Seungcheol mutters, clearly enamored because of the blonde. “Thanks.”
He can hear Mingyu faintly snickering in the background. Perhaps, Seungcheol isn’t really subtle about his crush.
“As long as you aren’t a freeloader, we will all get along,” Jeonghan jokes and smiles again. He really has to stop smiling.
Seungcheol shakes his head and even gestures with his hands. “Oh, god. No, no. I hate freeloaders.”
Mingyu claps Seungcheol on the back and addresses Jeonghan. “Don’t worry, Jeonghan. My friend here is one of the smartest kids back in our school. He’ll probably help us get an A or something.”
Wonwoo raises his eyebrows at that but gives a small smile.
On the other hand, Jeonghan smiles again, nose scrunching. He is bad for my heart.
“Then, that’s good to hear, Seungcheol.”
Seungcheol is a goner.
Seungcheol never thought that it would be possible for his daily routine to change.
Again, he would like to take this opportunity to thank Kim Mingyu for making him join their group because, after that day, Seungcheol is sure he isn't just some random classmate of Yoon Jeonghan. Although the group project has ended, Seungcheol gains a spot in their tiny group. He is already friends with Mingyu but he starts to hang out with Wonwoo and Jeonghan a lot, too.
Most of their classes are the same so they always find themselves grouping in activities, sharing some notes, and even eating lunch together. Seungcheol is happy his college life is getting better. Group activities are fun to do, especially because they can visit each other's dormitories. Mingyu even cooks for them when they gather to work on their projects. He cooks really well. Seungcheol also exchanges notes with Jeonghan a lot. Jeonghan's handwriting is nice. He says he's practicing to improve his penmanship. Seungcheol will smile at that and give him compliments because he honestly means them. Jeonghan will beam at him. Seungcheol is weak for that smile. Lunch breaks are better. They eat at the cafeteria or they bring their food to the field. During those times, Seungcheol and Jeonghan are always sitting next to each other.
What do they do? Gossip about Mingyu and Wonwoo.
"Please tell me I am not the only one seeing this," Jeonghan says under his breath.
What he means is that Mingyu and Wonwoo are acting too sweet in front of them. Mingyu shares his food with Wonwoo. Wonwoo puts food on Mingyu's plate. There is always an arm randomly put at the back of the other's chair. There is also something about the way they lean toward each other whenever they speak.
"Have they always been like that?" Seungcheol whispers as well, munching on some kimbap.
"Always," Jeonghan says, exasperated. "And they won't do anything about it."
There's something about his voice that makes Seungcheol turn to him, only to realize that Jeonghan is also leaning quite close. Ah, that's because he's talking softly so Mingyu and Wonwoo will not hear. Seungcheol also moves closer.
"Maybe we should do something about it," Seungcheol offers.
Jeonghan's head turns quickly to look at him. For some reason, Seungcheol can feel his face heating up. Ah, that's because Yoon Jeonghan is too close and is staring at him intently.
"You want us to do something about it?" Jeonghan says softly. "What do you want us to do? Um… we're talking about Mingyu and Wonwoo, right?"
"Yeah. Mingyu and Wonwoo. Why?" Seungcheol says and takes a look at the two, only to find them staring at him and Jeonghan already.
The way Mingyu and Wonwoo are gazing at them makes Seungcheol startled, he suddenly straightens up. That seems to have snapped something in Jeonghan as well, so he moves away from him. Seungcheol sees him grab his glass of iced tea. Jeonghan is fanning himself with his hands, looking far away.
"Oh, don't mind us," Mingyu says, even gesturing with his hands. "Continue what you guys are talking about. Maybe you can share it with us if you like?"
Wonwoo only stares at the two. "Just kiss already."
Jeonghan chokes on his iced tea.
Seungcheol's face heats up again.
There are lots of moments quite similar to that.
Monday. They go to Wonwoo's place to study for a test because Jeonghan wants some company while studying. Mingyu proceeds to Wonwoo's kitchen as if he already knows it like the back of his hand and whips up something for them to eat. Wonwoo will look after him from time to time and Seungcheol is sure he can hear a lot of giggling from the two. Seriously. He will nudge Jeonghan because of that and their eyes will meet and they will laugh because they're tired of those two.
(They don't know that Mingyu and Wonwoo are also tired of them. Later into the night when everybody's sick of studying, Wonwoo gets up for a restroom break. He comes back only to find Jeonghan dozing off on Seungcheol's shoulder while the latter is still sitting there studying his notes. Wonwoo rolls his eyes. And they love to tease him and Mingyu? Maybe they should look at themselves first.)
Tuesday. Today is, by far, one of Seungcheol's best walks ever. He is just minding his own business and sipping on some banana milk he got from his fridge when someone calls his name. Cheollie! It's Jeonghan, passing by on his bicycle, giving him a greeting. What Seungcheol loves the most about this is how Jeonghan matched his cycling with Seungcheol's pace so they can talk to each other. Seungcheol is endeared. He has always loved talking to Jeonghan. Oh, this didn't happen on that day only. It happens every day.
Wednesday. Jeonghan surprises him again. He sits next to Seungcheol during one of their classes. And the class after that. And the class after that. And the class after that. Jeonghan claims it's because Seungcheol is quick at picking up concepts. It means he can ask questions to him when there is something he cannot understand. But Jeonghan doesn't ask him questions about the lectures. Jeonghan's questions are all about Seungcheol. He asks him when their professor is not yet around or when their professor is distracted. He asks him whenever it's possible. Seungcheol starts asking questions about Jeonghan, too.
Thursday. It's lunch break with Jeonghan, Mingyu, and Wonwoo again. They're at the field this time instead of the cafeteria, so a mat is laid on the grass for them to sit on. They eat their food while chatting animatedly about every topic they can possibly think of. They're not worried about the time because their next class is still 45 minutes away. Jeonghan is next to Seungcheol, in front of them are Mingyu and Wonwoo. They're judging the two again. Mingyu and Wonwoo are judging them back. Until Seungcheol decides he needs to stretch his legs because he's been sitting cross-legged for too long. Jeonghan agrees and tells Seungcheol to do that so he can lie down, too, with Seungcheol's legs as his pillow. They do exactly that. Mingyu and Wonwoo are tired again.
Friday. Mingyu and Wonwoo corners Seungcheol for some reason he cannot comprehend. Mingyu says he needs to make a move or else someone will do it first. Seungcheol just looks at him confused. Wonwoo adds that he need not worry about rejection because Wonwoo is sure that Jeonghan likes him back. Seungcheol almost slaps Wonwoo for saying that out loud. The other boy just looks at him through his glasses, daring him to do something. What the hell is happening? Why the sudden intervention?
"We all know you two like each other," Mingyu says.
"And we're tired watching the two of you send heart eyes to one another," Wonwoo adds again. Seungcheol thinks, Heart eyes? I don't think Jeonghan is sending me heart eyes.
"You two are wrong," Seungcheol tries to reason out. "I don't… he's not… it's not like that!"
Wonwoo rolls his eyes. "We're wrong when we say that you like Jeonghan? Like ever since the beginning?"
"Jeon Wonwoo, seriously, I need to put tape on your mouth."
"Why would you put tape on Won's mouth, Cheollie?"
All of them turn to look at Jeonghan who just arrived from who knows where. They watch as the blonde immediately attaches himself next to Seungcheol like it's the most normal thing in the world. Mingyu and Wonwoo are looking at Seungcheol as if to say, Case in point. Seungcheol glares at them.
"They say Wonwoo is quiet but he's actually quite talkative, isn't he?" Jeonghan says again, looking up at Seungcheol with his beautiful eyes. Seungcheol momentarily blinks.
"Yeah, he does talk a lot," he agrees with the blonde boy.
"Oh, but Jeonghan, Wonwoo here is using his words to enlighten Seungcheol," Mingyu suddenly says, a smirk on his face.
"Yeah. I'm asking Seungcheol to confess to the person he likes."
Seungcheol really needs some duct tape.
He also notices that the moment Wonwoo said that, Jeonghan suddenly distances himself away from Seungcheol. What?
"Oh, you like someone, Seungcheol?" Jeonghan says in a small voice.
Seungcheol turns to give a death glare to Mingyu and Wonwoo. They're pushing each other because they want to leave the scene. As much as they want to see some drama, Seungcheol is really looking scary right now.
"I guess you could say that," Seungcheol answers.
"Ah, good for you, then," Jeonghan says. Does he sound bitter?
"Do you wanna know who he is?"
Jeonghan's eyebrows raise at that. "You're seriously asking me that question?"
Oh, yes, he definitely sounds bitter.
"Jeonghan," he tries again. "Isn't it obvious yet? Mingyu and Wonwoo have been telling me that I wasn't really subtle with my feelings so I thought you'd notice by now."
It doesn't help that Jeonghan is genuinely confused when he asks him. His voice is also eager, demanding an answer. "What is supposed to be obvious?"
Seungcheol sighs. Takes a deep breath. Calms his nerves.
"I like you, Jeonghan."
There. He said it. He checks Jeonghan's reaction. The other boy's eyes widened and his lips parted. Seungcheol doesn't know what to do.
It takes exactly 34 seconds before Jeonghan moves. His hand goes to cover his mouth before he squeals. Seungcheol doesn't know what that sound is but it sounds adorable. He runs towards Seungcheol and hits him repeatedly on the chest. There isn't really any strength to it but he just lets Jeonghan.
When Jeonghan stops, he lets his head drop forward to rest on Seungcheol's chest.
"I hate you. I hate you. I hate you," Jeonghan says. He pauses before speaking again. "I like you so much!"
What?
"Huh?" Seungcheol sputters out. This is not the most beautiful confession ever, he swears to god.
Jeonghan starts hitting Seungcheol again. He even grips Seungcheol's jacket and shakes him.
"I said I like you so much! What part of that didn't you understand?"
"But you said you hate me and then you say you like me. Where do I fit in that?" Seungchol rambles on. "You're confusing me!"
"Well, news flash, Seungcheol! You're confusing me, too!" Jeonghan all but shouts at him. "You're making my head spin. What even is this conversation? I just wanna tell you that I like you, too!"
Wait a second.
"Oh," Seungcheol says, his mind clearing. "You like me back."
Jeonghan releases his grip on him. He blinks at Seungcheol.
"That's what I said!"
"Say it again."
"I like you, Seungcheol."
That was music to Seungcheol's ears. Suddenly, everything is making sense to him. The confusion is gone. The nerves are out of the way. All he can see is Jeonghan. All he can understand is Jeonghan and his wide eyes, staring at him and telling him to get a grip and make a damn move already. Seungcheol's lips slowly curve into a smile, his eyes crinkling.
Jeonghan squeals again and puts a fist in his mouth.
"You really should stop smiling," Jeonghan says, voice muffled by his hand.
Seungcheol's brows furrow as he processes what Jeonghan said. Him? Stop smiling?
"Me? But I'm happy because you like me, too. How can I stop smiling?" Seungcheol says, and Jeonghan makes a sound again.
"Seriously, Choi Seungcheol…"
"But you know what? You should stop smiling, Jeonghan. Have you seen what that does to people?"
Seungcheol wants Jeonghan to know about his number one weakness. He's delighted because Jeonghan's cheeks start to bloom with color. Well, that was until Jeonghan started to hit him on his chest again.
"Why is this about me now?" Jeonghan protests. "My smile does not do something to people!"
Okay, he's cute. Way too cute. Seungcheol is living the best life. Jeonghan is so adorable. He likes it a lot.
"The nose scrunch is illegal," Seungcheol counters.
"And your dimples aren't illegal?" Jeonghan even made a show of poking his dimple.
Seungcheol flushes.
"What the hell, Jeonghan…" is the only thing that Seungcheol can say.
Jeonghan looks triumphant because it looked like he won the argument. He smiles at Seungcheol again. See? The nose scrunch!
"All I'm saying is stop smiling all the time. By smiling, I mean stop flashing your dimples at people. Someone might steal you away from me. We're not even dating yet!"
Seungcheol can feel that his insides are turning to mush because of Jeonghan's words. "Like I'd let someone steal me away from you."
Jeonghan laughs and leans in with a smile.
"That's good to know, Seungcheol."
Seungcheol's days are getting brighter and brighter. He loves it so much. If someone would carefully look at him, they would see that there is a spring in his step as he walks towards his school. He is happy. He is content.
The Engineering building is only a few steps away from him. A bicycle passes him by. Seungcheol's forehead scrunches. That isn't Jeonghan. Where is Jeonghan?
"Seungcheol!"
He turns towards the voice and there he spots Jeonghan, hands on his knees while catching his breath. Seungcheol immediately walks towards him. When he is near, Jeonghan holds onto his arm for support. Seungcheol pats his head.
"Why. The. Hell. Do. You. Walk. So. Fast?"
"I normally walk like this, though?" Seungcheol answers innocently. Jeonghan straightens up to give him a look. His hand was still clutching his arm. "Are you okay? Where's your bike?"
"Let's walk," Jeonghan says. His hand that is holding his arm slips down to Seungcheol's hand so they could hold hands while walking. "I ditched my bike. I want to walk with you."
"Oh," is the only thing Seungcheol can say so he just pulls on Jeonghan's hand to keep him closer to his side. Jeonghan slightly leans on him.
"I don't know how you manage to do this every day," Jeonghan comments.
If he chooses to be honest, then Seungcheol knows that the answer to that is because he gets to have a glimpse of Jeonghan every day.
"Let's just say I'm motivated."
Jeonghan squints his eyes at him but doesn't press the matter further. He just squeezes Seungcheol's hand and even uses his other hand to hold onto Seungcheol's arm as they walk. Seungcheol thinks he can get used to this.
When Seungcheol turns to look at Jeonghan again, he finds the other boy looking at him already, a huge smile on his face. And Seungcheol is just a weak boy for Jeonghan's smiles so he tells himself he will not go down without a fight. He flashes a smile at Jeonghan, too and Jeonghan visibly blushes. It makes Seungcheol smile wider.
Jeonghan huffs and releases Seungcheol's arm but holds his hand tighter.
"You really love playing with me, huh?," Jeonghan says and walks a bit quickly. "Come on, let's go to class before I stop in the middle of this sidewalk and squeeze your cheeks because you're being too adorable right now."
Seungcheol laughs hard at that, Jeonghan only responds by giving him a fond smile. They walk again, swaying their hands together as they do, laughing because of how they're being silly right now.
But they both love it.
In all of the days that Seungcheol has walked to his school, this will be his favorite. He hopes every day will turn out to be like this.