Chapter Text
Here's a pic that inspired the whole story. Maybe this can also help you to imagine the fic better lol.
Today has been a long day for us. After dropping off Jeongwon at the hospital because of his emergency surgery, we drove all to Gangwon province for our trip. Ikjun insisted to drive all the way there with me sitting next to him, while Seokhyeong and Junwan constantly bickered at the back throughout the travel.
When we got to there, it started to rain, which usually Ikjun and I enjoyed, but not for today. The heavy rain became a huge challenge as we were all supposed to get some fire ready and harvest some veggies from the farm right by the villa for our meals.
By dinner, we were all just very exhausted. As professors, we’re all used to working long exhausting hours, but this was just a whole different experience that can’t be compared to doing surgeries. For the first time in life, I realized that preparing food can be so exhausting. Thankfully, the boys are kind enough to let me rest while they wash the dishes.
I head over to my room, lay down some bed covers, and change into my pajamas that Seokhyeong bought for all of us just for this trip. He bought the boys the same blue colored pajamas and a lilac-colored pajama for me. After settling down, I pulled out Seonbin’s paper from my bag, writing down notes here and there because I told her I’m going to email her my feedback by tomorrow morning.
Just about 30 minutes into my reading, I hear a loud chatter comes from the room right next to mine where the boys are going to share for the night. They have to share a room because Junwan doesn’t want to sleep by himself. In Junwan’s words “it will be too cold to sleep by himself,” but no ones buying it really.
"Good night, Songhwa," the gentle bear is the first to greets me good night.
"Eung, good night.”
"Songhwa-ya, do you need eye mask?"
Why does Junwan have to shout so loudly when we’re just right next to each other?
"No, I'm okay."
"Ey, I think you need it," Seokhyeong whines, a weak attempt to change my mind.
"Ya, be quiet."
I smiled. The voice of Ikjun trying to stop the boys from bothering me too much. When we’re around the boys, he always shows his care and love through small and subtle gestures or words that only I will pick up. Or maybe Seokhyeong does too because he’s the only one who believes that Ikjun and I are dating.
"Songhwa-ya, tomorrow..." Ikjun leaves his words hanging.
"Eo?"
"Never mind, good night."
His voice is sweet and soft. I can almost picture him smiling while saying good night. I chuckled and tell him good night as well. Even small gestures as this can warm my heart.
The boys room grows quiet not long after exchanging good nights, I assumed they have all gone to bed. When I check the time, it’s already 2 am in the morning so I decided to go back to sleep. However, the cold weather slowly gets to me. The later it gets, the colder it becomes and causing me some sleeping troubles.
I search for some extra blanket in the wardrobe, but it’s to no avail. I opened my luggage and put on some extra layers of socks and jackets. Despite all of those efforts and even trying out different sleeping positions, I am still unable to go to sleep. Well, I guess I have to resort to my final option. I turned on the small bed lamp and grabbed my phone.
Ikjun-a, are you asleep?
No.
He replies less than 30 seconds later, followed by another text from him.
Still thinking of you. Are you okay?
Cheesy, but it does send some butterflies to my stomach.
It's too cold. Can you come here and cuddle me?
In between the sound of snoring, I hear some rustling sound from the room next door. Ikjun comes into my room just shortly after, takes his place right next to me, and pulls me in to his embrace. I return it with a tight embrace, burying my face into his chest.
“You’re shivering,” he says as he starts stroking my arms up and down.
I buried my face on his chest, inhaling the familiar scent that I have grew fond of, listening to his heart beating steadily, and wrapping myself in his warmth that I also get to enjoy most of my nights these past few months. He kissed the crown of my head and tighten his embrace. With his arms around me, I can already feel better. Much. Better.
“I wonder what happened tomorrow morning.”
“Hm?”
“I wonder what happened tomorrow morning when Junwan notices I’m missing and find us sleeping together like this.”
We both just laugh at the thought of it, knowing Junwan will be in utter shock tomorrow morning.