Archive of Our Own

💌

Got mail to send? Words you want to deliver? A present you want to give? But you're too shy to do it yourself? Let us be your cupids! Wish From Cupid's services is here to deliver your silent feelings to the love of your life! Your wish is our command 💖 Just email [email protected] following the format…

On the way to the club room, Sion stops to read a paper posted on the campus’ bulletin board.

It’s hard not to notice, designed in pastel pink in contrast with the other dull academic posters, decorated with a multitude of hearts and a figure of Cupid on the side. Sion hums in contemplation as he observes the said poster.

It isn’t until something flinches that he notices someone in front of him, also reading the posters on the bulletin board. With a quick scan, he sees a guy, just a bit taller than him, not failing to notice his bright red hair. The boy quickly glances at Sion’s way, and before Sion could look at him for long, the guy hurries and flies off, opposite the direction of Sion’s destination.

He stares at the running boy for a moment before shrugging his shoulders, brushing aside the odd interaction.

Sion continues his trek towards their club room, which, from outside, looks unassuming. A door just the same as all the others across the hall, a paper pasted on it with the words “Book Club” alongside six names of the members of the club.

The boy enters and is greeted with scattered books and papers all over the room; there are stacks and stacks on the huge table in the middle, and even more left alone on the floor. Among the mess of the club room were three boys chatting freely.

“Hyung! You’re early today,” Riku calls over to the older boy when he notices his entrance.

“Yeah, I kinda just wanted to do some school work here,” Sion replies. The other two members of the club, Yushi and Jaehee, sit by the club’s meeting table as they greet him, too. “Where are the other two?” Sion asks as he sets up his laptop on the table.

“Delivery duties,” Yushi shrugs and replies simply.

Jaehee glances at the calendar on the club room's table and hums, “Valentine's Day’s only a week away, huh? Better get ready for the number of orders for that day.” The older members hum in agreement.

In the guise of the small book club the six formed together, the group operates their small delivery service. They’ve been doing this long enough that they have been smoothly rotating between themselves to operate the business.

It has been about a year and a month since the group started their anonymous delivery service, Wish From Cupid, and it has been a stable side business for them. Started by Sion in his first year of university, looking for an additional source of income, he invited his close friends to help him start it. A handful of requests done, their small business spread within their university, gaining some kind of reputation while keeping their identities hidden from their peers. With the business still alive after so long, the customers are pretty satisfied with their service.

After a few moments of chatter, Jaehee checks his phone for the time and signals for the three of them to go to their next class.

“We'll get going, hyung. Don't forget you're on email duties today!” Riku reminds Sion as he and the other two start for the door. Sion absentmindedly waves them off and goes back to his laptop to continue the homework he has to finish.

Hours pass by before Sion finishes the said homework, the orange light from the sunset slips through the club room's window.

The boy stands up from his seat and stretches before propping himself back in front of the laptop. Sion types the web address to their email into the search bar to finally get over the orders for today. As he opens the club's main email, a flash of pink welcomes him, the background adorned with baby cupids with heart arrows (Sakuya said it's essential for immersion). A handful of emails came in just today, as expected in the month of love, and it's nothing Sion can't handle. He starts from the bottom up, prioritizing the order.

“Mark Lee from Political Science, ordering a bouquet of sunflowers…Jaehyun Jeong, from the College of Science, requesting roses…Hendery Wong, cake…” Sion lists them all down in the club's transaction notebook, summarizing them for the convenience of whoever's assigned for logistics. He notes them all down with mastery, swiftly marking and the who, what, when, how, and how muchs’ of each customer's wants. He follows with sending an automated email to confirm the transaction: Greetings valued customer! We have received your wish and guarantee we'll make it come true for you and your love! Kindly send over your payment to the attached accounts to push through with the wish! Thank you for availing our services!

Just above the text is the logo for the service: a colored outline of Cupid holding a big red heart, bordered with white lace, and “Wish From Cupid” written on it in cursive calligraphy.

After a long while, he finally reaches the last email, sighing in relief and wishing to clock out as fast as possible.

“Sender, Jisung Park from Multimedia Arts, 2nd Year,” Sion lists down in the notebook, “ordering a basket of chocolates and snacks to deliver on February 14,” reading the request suddenly makes Sion crave the same. He starts reading the message that came with the email.

“Hi! I'm Jisung Park and this is my first time emailing you for your services. See, I'm what you would consider the king of being shy and awkward, and my friends would vouch for that. But I've been liking this guy and we've been around each other for a while now and since then, I've always been mesmerized by him. I desperately wanted to close the gap between us, somehow, but my awkwardness fails me. Until I saw your poster…and gave it a shot. My friends also highly recommended your services, so,”

Sion smiles softly, reminiscing the many first-time customers and their shy declaration of love while Sion and his team try their best to make their wishes come true and relay these feelings to the other. He continues to read.

“I wasn't sure what to give him but I do notice that he brings snacks and sweets a lot. I hope this is enough for him for his Valentine's.”

Sion chuckles at that, relating to the person of interest as he always brings snacks of his own especially in his Media Writing class.

“Oh! His name is Sion Oh, by the way. Also a 2nd Year Multimedia Arts student like me. And can I ask for a favor? Can you keep it anonymous for now? I know I approached this service to finally make a move but I want to take it slow and not pressure him or something like that…you can attach it with this message:...”

Finally the receiver's name, Sion thinks as he scribbles the name on the notebook. “Oh Sion…” he echoes when he pauses his writing and completely freezes.

He stares at the name on the paper, gawking at it for a long time that it feels like nighttime starts creeping in the club walls. He slowly glances back at the laptop screen just for good measure, and true enough, it is his very name plastered in the email before him.

Sion slams his hands on the table as he stands up from his office chair, eyes stuck on the laptop screen. What? Is all he can think of as he continues to stare while slowly glancing at the log book with his name on it, written by himself. A multitude of questions start rushing into his brain in a split second as his heartbeat starts picking up speed but none are answered.

In a delirious state, Sion closes the browser and snaps the laptop close, shoving his things back in his backpack, then rushes out of the club room and clocks out of his cupid duties.

💌

“Hyung, I think you left one email unanswered yesterday. Checked that it’s already in the log book, so I went ahead and confirmed the email.” Yushi relays to Sion over their shared lunch. It’s one of those moments where all six of their lunch schedules match, so they all get together in the club room to eat.

Sion snaps his body towards Yushi with his eyes wide, mouth still filled with his previous bite. “What? Did you not read the email? The delivery is requested to be sent to me!” he says loudly, sounding scandalized.

Yushi continues eating his meal, unfazed, “Uh-huh, well good for you, hyung,” Sion remains still in his position, looking at the former with disbelief.

“Aren't you suspicious of this? Why would anyone send me anything through the business?” The oldest of the group addresses them, though the rest of the members don’t seem to mind the boy’s crisis. “For all we know, this could be one elaborate prank on me,” he finishes.

The younger members would only giggle at their club head’s little moment as Riku tries to reason with the older, “Why would anyone prank you of all people, hyung? It's not like it's new for any of us to receive a love mail. It's literally how this business started,” talking about how he and Yushi got together with Sion being their main “cupid”, relaying letters and gifts to each other until Sion pushed them to finally talk to each other. One thing led to another, with Sion’s lead, the business came to be. “Though, I guess this is your first time receiving one,” Riku added.

“I don't even know who this Jisung Park guy is!” Sion complains.

“Like most of our customers.” Yushi counters him playfully.

It's like Sion is backed into a corner, unable to reason with his friends. After a small moment of silence, he lets out a sigh of defeat. He returns to his meal, a pout plastered on his face. The other members coo at their oldest with his adorable demeanor.

Sakuya then speaks up from his seat, “Let's just do this request, hyung, and see how it goes. You can't say no to free snacks after all.”

So when Valentine’s Day comes around, Sion now stands in his Media Writing class, by his designated seat, with a small basket of sweets and snacks on top of it. It’s presented simply, adorned with pink ribbons and a heart-patterned mesh wrapping (he had already watched it being packed by Jaehee and Yushi). It’s not like he was the only student in the class with a present waiting for him—Sion saw maybe one or two other Valentine’s gifts. However, Sion feels his classmates’ eyes hover around him.

Attached to it is a small pink dedication card with “To: Sion Oh” neatly printed in cursive over the front. He reaches for it to read the message inside when suddenly, his professor’s voice booms from the classroom door and startles him from where he’s standing, signalling the start of his class. He quickly sits down in his seat when a red-haired boy rushes into the class.

“Mr. Jisung Park! Cutting it rather close this time,” the professor lightly called out to the boy who had just arrived.

The boy’s name doesn't go unnoticed by Sion, though. He practically freezes in his seat at the mention of the boy's name; it feels like his heart might jump out of his chest. But he can't resist taking a glimpse at the mystery person in question. He glances slightly towards the doorway where the boy is. “Jisung” scratches his nape at his professor’s comment and quickly moves to his seat—which is conveniently right beside Sion.

As Jisung approaches, he notices the basket lying on his seatmate's table and glances at the boy on his seat who is staring back at him. Their eyes meet, and something akin to electric shots through Sion’s nerves. His breath hitches, making him quickly look away, back at the class in session. He feels the seat beside him go occupied as Jisung finally takes his seat.

Unfortunately for Sion, he can't quite focus in class now. Park Jisung, the guy who sent him this basket, this present, this Valentine's gift, is right beside him. He's a classmate. His secret admirer. He's right beside him!

He tries to calm his nerves when he realizes the pink dedication card that is still in his hands. He slowly opens the flap to read the note written inside.

He was supposed to be aware of the content but he left the email alone before he could get the chance to read the note.

Hi! Sorry for this surprise, but I wanted to give you something special for today. I wish you like it. (づ_ど) Have a happy Valentine’s day!

– Anonymous

Subconsciously, a shy blush adorns Sion's cheeks. At this, he can't help but softly chuckle at how silly (but definitely endearing) the note is. Some sort of electric buzz hums beneath the skin of his hands, holding the note.

He brushes over the Anonymous at the bottom of the paper before putting it inside his notebook for safekeeping. He doesn’t notice, however, the boy just beside him secretly glancing in his direction.

💌

Hi! It’s Jisung Park again. Thank you so much for doing my request! Seriously, I can’t thank you enough. Seeing him happy is the most magical thing I’ve seen this week and I don’t ever regret reaching out to your services. I wish I’ll find the courage to finally talk to him. Again, thank you and best wishes to your business!

Sion stares at the email in front of him once again, surrounded by the cupids in the customized background of the website. Their “club” was done with all the requests on Valentine's day and the members are all packing up to leave, saying their goodbyes to one another. Sion was left behind to wrap up the business for today.

Sitting before the laptop, he sees his notebook beside it. Between the pages of the notebook was the dedication note Sion received earlier that day. The basket of snacks sits just nearby, a few already eaten (not without the teasing of the younger members).

After a short while, he types in a response to the email alongside their logo.

We’re glad that you’re pleased with our services! We hope we give you the courage to take the step forward in your budding relationship. We cupids from Wish For Cupid are cheering you on!

💌

Sion’s days have been uneventful since Valentine’s and he doesn’t know how to feel about it.

The business goes on as usual, only with less workload now that the busy season is over.

He currently sits in his Media Writing class with his professor going on about his lesson. Mundane as always so he scribbles away in his notebook. He takes a small glance to his left and sees the red-headed boy, Jisung, seemingly paying attention to the class in session, unlike Sion.

Sion quietly sighs. He'd be lying if he said that Jisung's present to him didn't plague his mind.

It was just something new to me, he reasons to himself, not knowing how to take the recent events of his once quiet life. He'd also be lying if he said that he wasn't even a little bit expecting for something to happen after that. The red-headed boy did mention it in his message so Sion can't help but anticipate a move from the former. Not trying to look desperate or what! It's just being…prepared! He tries to convince himself.

But alas, there was nothing and Sion's conflicted. It's not like I even wanted it in the first place, he says to himself but he can't seem to shake the itching feeling in his chest, somewhat opposing the thoughts in his head.

“Alright! For the remaining time in class, I’ll be explaining to you the project you all will be submitting later within the semester. This will be done in pairs and you are all free to choose who you wish to pair with. At the end of our class, submit to me a piece of paper with you and your partner’s name on it,” the professor caught Sion's attention from his thoughts and scribbling.

A pair activity? The other students started murmuring with each other, possibly forming their pairs already for the activity. The professor starts discussing the activity while Sion instinctively glances back by his side and sees Jisung also cautiously glancing around the room.

Before Sion gets a chance to process his thoughts, he reaches out and taps the red-haired boy.

Jisung flinches and turns to Sion. It seems like the moment shocked both of them because both of them awkwardly stared at each other for a few seconds before breaking eye contact. Sheepishly tucking his dark hair behind his ear, Sion starts, “Uhm, would you like to be activity partners?”

Jisung agreed almost immediately, nodding his head, “Sure! Uh, that would be great,” hovering a hand over his mouth.

“Yeah, okay, cool,” Sion shyly smiles towards the other boy before reaching out his hands, “I'm Sion Oh, by the way,” he introduces himself. Jisung shakes his hands as he also introduces himself, “I’m Jisung Park.”

I know. Sion thinks to himself while they shake each other's hands. The pair directs their attention back to their professor, taking notes of what is needed for the activity. “Until the end of the class, you can all start discussing with your partner your initial plans. Don’t forget to submit the paper with your names on it!” The professor finally announces before leaving the class to their own devices.

“Uhm,” Sion awkwardly utters and faces Jisung again as the latter also turns towards him. “Well, do you want to pitch in ideas first as a start?” He suggests as Jisung quickly nods in agreement. The pair gathers a paper for them to write and discuss their ideas on.

For a pair of awkward people, their discussion went pretty well.

Their back-and-forth of ideas mesh well to form one concept for the project, each of them supplying and supporting the idea of the other. Within his mind, Sion breathes in relief at how smooth sailing it's going.

With how well their sharing went, the two finalized their draft just a few more minutes before the class ended, exchanging numbers (rather smoothly) to continue their activity out of class. This gives them a few more minutes together without the topic of the project between them, and for the first time, silence reigns between the two.

With somehow nothing to talk about now, Jisung goes over and over again the draft the two just wrote together, double, triple checking the contents. On the other hand, Sion starts fiddling with the papers of his notebook. He starts flipping the pages randomly when a pink dedication card slides over the pages over to Jisung's table.

In a blur, Sion quickly snatches the card back in his notebook, surprising the red-haired boy, but the effort is a little too late with him reading the “To: Sion Oh” on the front of the card.

“Sorry!” Sion blurts out, suddenly heating up from his clumsiness and avoiding the pair of eyes of his seatmate.

“Uh, it’s fine,” Jisung reassures him, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I see that you're the type to keep things like that,” he follows, lightly scratching his cheeks. With this, the other boy returns his look at his seatmate and slowly hums a reply, “I guess…it was a first for me to receive that kind of gift so I kinda wanted to treasure it somehow,” Sion admits, heat continuing to crawl up his ears. Jisung’s eyes go slightly wide at this.

What are you saying?! Sion screams at himself. “Well…how was it…? The gift?” He then hears from his seatmate, laced with hesitation, unsure if he's prying too much. “I mean! Not that I'm judging or anything! Just…you know…” Jisung quickly adds, looking embarrassed. He looks away, shyly rubbing his nape, waiting for a reply.

Meanwhile, Sion can't help but chuckle at his classmate and his awkwardness. Their awkwardness. He tucks his hair while thinking about a response.

“It was…really sweet, honestly.” He softly says after a short while. “I really appreciate their effort, whoever this ‘anonymous’ is.” Sion fondly smiles while glancing at the card again, feeling the sincerity of it.

He doesn’t know why he's saying these right in front of the sender of the gift, but at the very back of his consciousness, Sion feels the need to let the boy know, even if it's an indirect-direct way.

He returns his focus at the front of the classroom. He doesn't notice, however, the boy beside him staring, red hue decorating his face. A stretch of silence once again envelopes the two when students start filing out the room to submit their pairings.

“Let's submit our paper,” Sion abruptly says as he starts fixing his things with the red-head following behind.

The pair hand over their piece of paper before leaving the classroom and going their separate ways. “Uhm,” Jisung starts once they are in the hallways, “Do you have plans for lunch?”

At this, Sion pauses for a bit. Just for a second. Sion isn't oblivious to miss the fact that he was being invited to lunch by his not-so-secret admirer at that (the younger members started teasing him about that).

But Sion starts retreating, slowly taking a few steps back. “I think I actually have something to do for our club, so I gotta get going,” he says, clumsily fixing his dark hair. Which isn't necessarily a lie; he is on email duties today, but it isn't like he's expecting a load of emails and requests for him to rush. A regular week gives them less than a handful of requests. But it seems like Sion’s more excited to check the club's emails today more than anything.

“Oh. No worries! I'll just see you in class again,” Jisung says, smile thin as they both slowly start walking apart in their respective directions, awkwardly waving at each other.

Before the moment stretches any further, Sion turns around and walks straight down the hall until he turns to the corner to where the club room is. In the middle of the hallway, he stops in his tracks and covers his face with his hands. Sion lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding since he first reached out to his seatmate, and crouches on the floor. He's now aware of the loud beating of his chest as he replays the past few minutes in his mind. What has gotten into me? He thinks to himself while other students pass by him in the hallway, looking a little bit concerned of him.

It's like a messy push-and-pull game, Sion thinks after some time. He quietly groans and rubs his face before continuing to walk to the club.

Sion steps into the club room, exhausted from the interaction. The other members welcome him and notice the low energy from the older but don't pry, continuing on their usual activities. He starts working on a few of his school work and soon after finally opens the club’s email to start his duties. With all the other members in their class that afternoon, he’s left alone in the club room once again.

He is greeted by only three emails for that afternoon but the boy's eyes lock into one email address that’s all too familiar for him.

Jisung seems to have so much free time in the afternoon that he already submitted a new email for the delivery service with which Sion freezes at. Not wanting to deal with it immediately, he starts off with the first two customers and dutifully takes note of each request in the log book as always.

But Sion cannot escape from his fate of reading Jisung’s email as he finishes (rather quickly) the previous two. He realizes now the loud beating of his heart as he stares at the screen, eyes pointed at the only unread email in the inbox. What on earth are you so nervous for? It’s just an email! Sion reasoned with himself but his thoughts were relentless. Yeah, an email for you! He argues to himself.

Realizing how stupid he’s sounding with all the fuss he’s making, Sion sighs in defeat as he quickly opens Jisung's email.

Hi! It's Park Jisung again ( ՞ ܸ. .ܸ՞ ) I would like to avail your services again, if you don't mind (ó﹏ò｡)! You won't believe what happened today in my class with Sion…

The boy in question feels his blood run all the way up to the cheeks of his face as he reads the email with Jisung recounting his interaction with Sion in their Media Writing class. With how neutral (but evidently awkward) Jisung's face was when back in class, it's the opposite with what Sion is currently reading in the email. Jisung is practically bursting with excitement and elation in the email as he mentions the moment Sion reached out to him to their farewells.

The gap amuses Sion and even more as he realizes how comfortable the red-head is at rambling to this anonymous delivery service. He can't help but snort at this.

…I saw him keep the card from the gift last time and I swear, my heart LEAPED seeing that. Hearing from him directly (though, I think it was on accident) how much he liked the gift…and his smile right after…I can't help but to wish for more.

I want to take this slowly and I wish I can get more courage to reach out to him. With your service, I feel like I can finally take a step, even if it's just a tiny bit.

Something tugs within Sion after he finishes reading the email, one he possibly can’t ignore. He hears his heart beat a tempo quicker, feels his ear tips heat a little warmer. He feels guts rearrange just slightly, turning and mixing, finding space inside him. His body is all soup at this point.

A loud sigh is heard from the boy, filling the room with that one sound.

💌

“You know you can just give me the delivery directly,” Sion says over his friends who are busy packing Jisung's request. In the vicinity of their club room, Yushi and Ryo are busy packing the orders for the week while the delivery duties are left to the remaining three.

“Sure but that's just boring, hyung,” Ryo simply replies to the older.

“Plus, you don't get to have a say in this, I was the one who confirmed the order. I guess it's a good habit to recheck emails the next day. Seriously, hyung, you need to improve on email duties,” Yushi supplies pointedly at Sion. The boy in question winces at this, absentmindedly tucking a few strands of his hair.

It was just a few days ago when Sion read his seatmate's email to him, he promptly decided to finish his cupid duties there and left the email alone. Again.

He wouldn't admit it out loud but he just hoped that someone else would deal with it (which, thankfully, Yushi did) or even better (only in Sion's opinion), leave it alone (which is a terrible work ethic, he guiltily admits). It isn't a good look for him to be the head of this service and leave the customers’ emails unanswered. Well, for Sion's case, one customer in particular.

It's for a good reason! The older defends himself. He just…doesn't know what to do with it.

Okay, it's not a good reason but it's true!

As Sion watches his friends do their “cupid” duties, he thinks about the red-headed boy who sits beside him in his Media Writing Class. There's an unknown feeling gnawing in his insides that he can't quite pinpoint right now. Sion does what he does best and pushes down whatever is creeping within his chest, maybe it’ll make more sense the next time he thinks about it.

So the next morning, for the second time, Sion eyes the gift sitting on his table in Media Writing class. Not wanting to look unappreciative—because he does appreciate it a lot—he entertains the gift despite already being aware of the contents.

Almost the same as last time, he is given a pack of sweets and biscuits and with it comes a small dedication card. The familiar “To: Sion Oh” is still written beautifully on its front. Sion opens the card and reads the note.

Hello! I realize this may seem like a random present, but I just want you to know how your smile brightens someone's day. So I wish this little gift makes you smile, at least a little bit. (｡>\\<) For this week, know that I'm cheering you on! ヾ(•̀ ヮ <)و

– Anonymous

“Ah, good morning,” Sion visibly jumps from his seat as a deep voice greets him in front of him. Surprised, he clumsily tries to cover up the gift and card in his possession. He knows his efforts are useless as he glances up and sees the older boy by his seat, eyeing the pack of candies and biscuits.

“Another gift?” Jisung points out with amusement in his voice while he settles down in his seat. The corner of his lips tugs just slightly that Sion almost misses it. The dark-haired boy hums approvingly, returning the smile to his classmate. “It's really cute,” Sion candidly states while neatly putting aside the snacks and card. 

“Really?” Jisung says a beat later, his smile now obvious before catching himself and coughing animatedly. “I mean, that’s great!” The older of the two quickly adds before abruptly facing front once he hears the professor start the class.

Sion stares at his seatmate and witnesses the reddening of the tips of his ears. Seeing the clumsy display beside him, he lets out a quiet giggle before finally focusing on the class. Although he doesn’t miss the warmth that starts spreading from his chest, a soft smile remains on his face.

The class goes on as usual while Sion absentmindedly takes note of the lesson. He lightly taps his pen on his notebook, anticipating the end of the class.

It’s not that the topic is boring; his mind is just occupied with “club” duties. He was called by Jaehee earlier in the day, asking for help with their services. Of course, Sion immediately agrees to help his friend, which is why he plans to bolt out of class to figure out what problem there could be.

After a short while, their professor promptly reminds the class of the project before ending the session. With one objective in mind, Sion quickly starts packing up to leave—wanting to rush to the club room—when he hears someone speak up from beside him.

“Uhm, Sion!” He hears Jisung call out to him. “I just wanna ask…if it’s fine that we meet up outside campus for the project? Maybe in a cafe or something?” Jisung carefully suggests.

“Oh, yeah! No problem,” Sion agrees immediately. “We can start right away so we won’t get swamped with any more tasks.” He chuckles lightheartedly, bag in hand, ready to go.

His seatmate pauses slightly before responding. “Okay,” Jisung breathes, a small smile tugging on his face. “That’s great. I’ll text you.” He follows as he returns a chuckle. Sion nods, still sporting a small smile, then speedwalks out of the room. He gives Jisung a small wave, to which the red-haired boy shyly returns, watching him leave.

The younger doesn’t catch the implications of that moment at that time, too caught up with his duties.

Eventually, that was how their “dates” started.

Well, according to his younger friends, at least.

Riku practically squeals from his seat. “This development is exciting! I can't wait for the next chapter!” He playfully teases to which Sion just rolls his eyes at.

Sion and his friends sit at the club table, their lunchtime matching once again.

With everyone finally together again, the younger ones just had to ask for updates from their club leader about his “not-so-secret admirer”. The eldest of the group casually reports to them that he started meeting up with his project partner, which earned loud exclamations of OHHHs from the younger bunch, hands over their mouths in excitement. Again, Sion only playfully rolls his eyes, he could almost see the back of his head.

“So. Basically, what you’re telling us is that you two are going on dates now,” Ryo teases from across the table, which elicited even more excited reactions from the group while Sion almost spits his drink. “Hey, what?! I mean—” he sputters, trying to defend himself while his hands flail about and his cheeks flare up. Coming up with nothing, he settles back down, running his hands through his face in defeat. Seeing their eldest friend flustered, his friends lightly chuckle around the table.

Beside him, Yushi puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Come on, hyung. It can't be that bad.” He says, joining in the playful laughter over lunch.

And Sion has to admit that Yushi is right. It is not that bad. On the contrary, it's nice—too nice for Sion.

💌

The first meeting was…alright.

As per Jisung's suggestion, they met in a nearby cafe, just a walk from the campus. Sion arrived at the cafe and eventually spotted a fluff of bright red hair among the customers already seated. Jisung, upon seeing his classmate, stood up and approached to greet him, softly scratching the back of his head. They went up to the cashier first to order their drinks and food before returning to the seat Jisung had reserved for them.

Sion sat across from Jisung, the latter found them a seat by the cafe’s wall-sized window, warm lighting illuminating the pair from the bright weather outside. Sion started preparing his things—his laptop, a notebook, and a pen—finding something to busy himself with while waiting for their orders to arrive. 

“You like baseball?”

Sion slightly jumped at the sudden question from Jisung, eyes wide with surprise and confusion. The latter just vaguely motioned towards Sion’s things, “Uh, you have a baseball keychain with your bag and the stickers…sorry, was that a weird question?” Jisung awkwardly scratched his nape, eyebrows scrunched in worry.

Just as Jisung observed, Sion did have a baseball and bat keychain attached to his backpack. Decorating his laptop were also a few stickers of his favorite players from his favorite team, KIA Tigers. Even his phone casing had more KIA Tigers stickers adorning it.

Sion was quick to answer, head nodding rapidly, “Yeah! I like baseball! And I, uh, play, too.” He responded with the same awkwardness, brushing stray strands of hair off his face.

The topic being brought up made him excited so he looked at the other with anticipation, “Do you also like baseball?” He carefully asked, subconsciously leaning just a little bit forward from his seat.

Jisung's eyebrows raised, shoulders relaxing in relief. “Yeah…well, I do. I used to…” Jisung mirrored the other, purposefully leaning in also to carry on the conversation.

He hadn't noticed it that time but Sion, as their conversation flowed, recalling his stories playing baseball and watching his favorite team play, eased into the space that they shared. His smile wide and appreciative, his laughter a bit bigger, and his heart just slightly warmer.

Meanwhile, the other boy listened to him all throughout, eyes fixed on him with fondness and wonder. His hands stayed on the table they shared, curious and reaching out, slowly, tapping a slow rhythm from time to time. Jisung comfortably returned the same enthusiasm with their topic, sharing bits and pieces of his own.

Eventually, they fell into a comfortable rhythm, both growing even more curious of the other by the second.

The sound of their names being called from the cashier halted their not-so-small talk, their orders ready to be served. Once their meals were on the table, they decided to finally start discussing the project that they initially planned the meet-up for.

Maybe Sion was a little bit disappointed, just a speck of it. Maybe he wanted to talk more about his hobby, to Jisung, who was looking at him with pure interest. Just a little.

But Sion shrugged this off and opened their shared document file to start working.

Just like their usual, their teamwork with the activity was a breeze. Being able to adapt to whatever's needed and lacking in the activity, the pair's submission was set to an early finish soon.

Feeling fairly content with their current output, they decided to discuss the following tasks at their next meeting. In the depths of Sion's guts, so minuscule it almost went unnoticed, something bubbles inside him at that thought. Next time.

Like, of course, there's another time to meet again, they have a project to finish! But Sion, tiny as the feeling is, is anticipating talking to the other boy again about not-the-Media-Writing-Class-project.

A big disappointed sigh came from Jisung when he looked at the time which made Sion hum in curiosity.

“I have to go early for my next class.” He said, pout evident from his face to which the younger chuckled at. “Man, I wish I could stay so we could talk more.” Jisung followed absentmindedly, a small groan escaped his lips while he ruffled his bright hair.

Sion's mind stuttered. Flustered, he quickly gets up to start packing his things, “It's fine! We'll talk again next time,” he supplied, cheeks firing up.

The other pauses just for a bit, eyes wide at the blushing fury in front of him. He breathes out a chuckle, “Alright. See you next time, Sion.” Jisung fondly smiles, following suit.

Maybe Sion lied a little; the first meeting was fun.

They were only able to talk about baseball but it was nice. It was nice how Sion fell into their space, stiff posture melting into relaxed and comfortable. It was nice how Jisung slowly let him settle into their space, leaning forward with intrigue and interest. And it was nice how Jisung looked at Sion, eyes gentle, smile small, tracing through every detail of the younger, full of adoration.

And it was nice when Sion just let him.

So he started looking forward to the next one. And the next one. And the next one. It was getting easier and easier to talk to Jisung about whatever.

“You like sweets?” “What games do you play?” “I’m thinking of trying out for the university’s baseball varsity.” “D’you have a go-to pizza flavor?” “Don't you think our professor’s kinda funny looking?” “Do you usually just stay home?” “This cafe makes really good pasta.”

The list goes on and on. And every question was a chance. A chance to step into the other’s mind, a chance to show oneself more, no matter how literal the questions became. It was fun, and the pair never seemed to run out of something to share, to tell, to let the other know. The veil of what was once awkwardness seemed to gently lift above them, replaced with comfort and settlement, and their conversation flowed steadily.

As their chats went on, Sion's eyes followed every move, every quirk Jisung did. Every hand that came up to his face for cover after an embarrassing bit, every scrunch of his face when they laugh together, every eyebrow raised out of curiosity and wonder. Sion traced all of these in his mind.

As their “dates” went on, Sion found out that he likes talking, and sharing things about himself (maybe to one person in particular).

In their latest meet-up, their progress was halfway done. For a moment, Jisung excused himself to go to the bathroom which left Sion alone at their usual table. Idling through his stuff, he paged through his notebook and once again, after what seems like the longest time, found the dedication card from Jisung's first gift request to the club. “To: Sion Oh” still adorned the small paper.

Now, something actually tugged hard in Sion's chest.

There was something else he needed to settle alongside the unknown brewing going on inside him.

Recalling how all of this started in the first place, the dark-haired boy carefully places the card back in his notebook.

💌

“Hey there!” the older greets warmly. “I ordered our meal ahead already, if you don't mind. It's the usual, though,” Jisung says from his seat in the cafe. Sion has just arrived at their agreed spot and sees their table already filled with their usual order in this cafe. Their day together hasn't even started and Sion already feels a flutter within his guts because of the boy in front of him.

Sion greets Jisung while settling into his seat. “Thanks, how much do I owe you?” He supplies but Jisung already has his palms up. “Don't mind it, I already took care of it,” the red-haired says with confidence laced in his voice.

Sion pauses. “A-Are you sure?” he stutters, hands already reaching for his wallet. “Really! It's my treat for you. For our progress in the project so far.” Jisung smiles brightly at his project partner. Eventually, Sion gives in and thanks his seatmate once more.

“Well, how was your week so far?” Jisung easily asks across him, settling comfortably in their usual seat. Sion bursts out an exasperated sigh. He promptly answers and recalls to Jisung whatever trivial thing that has happened since the last time they met. Never mind the fact that it was only two days ago, Sion wants to let Jisung know. He recalls bits and pieces about his other class—how tiring the workload they’ve been given has been, how easy that one quiz is, how boring his other professor teaches—Sion tells Jisung all these over their shared coffees and cakes.

And Jisung listens. He nods in understanding, laughs here and there.

It's like an actual date, Sion subconsciously thinks after a moment of sharing, the heat climbing up his face evident as he tucks in a few stray strands of his hair.

He quickly brushes this off as he suggests to finally start with working on the activity together. With their teamwork, the pair finished earlier once more, reserving the finishing touches of the project for their next meeting.

Honestly speaking, Sion notices that the time they share in their meet-ups is spent less on the project and more on the more casual talks. Jisung asks a lot of things—curious. And Sion doesn't mind it one bit.

Their conversations are fun, it's easy and light, and…he likes…the former's presence. Sion insists so.

Until the sun casts a shadow over their drinks, the two don't notice the distance closing in between them like the pull of gravity.

💌

It’s late in the afternoon, with the rays of the sun illuminating the interior of the cafe, when the pair decides to pack up and get going. Sighing heavily, Jisung, once again, has to leave earlier, mentioning something about a requirement due that night that he has yet to finish, earning a sour look on the red-head's face. With all their things packed, they exit the cafe into the cool streets of the avenue.

Sion stands just a step outside the doors of the cafe, he faces Jisung as the latter pats down his hair from the soft blowing of the wind. And as he stands there, Sion widens his eyes at the view before him.

The soft, warm orange light from the sun setting hugs Jisung's frame just right, looking like he reflects the sun itself. The chilly breeze gently blows his soft hair, making a small mess of red strands framing his face. Jisung finally adjusts his bag behind him, then tucks his hands in his jacket pockets.

As Jisung looks back at Sion—two pairs of eyes meeting—the dark-haired boy sees how those same eyes widen just slightly, his face softening as a grin tugs at his lips.

Suddenly, Sion feels like an arrow literally pierces through his heart, a sharp pulling within his chest. The squeezing is so intense that he almost misses Jisung finally speaking.

“Thanks again for today,” he says, his face bright. “Just a little more and we’ll be done with this.” Jisung follows with a tiny smile, tone pensive.

At this, Sion’s heart constricts even more than what he’s already feeling.

Soon, “this” will end, Sion concludes in his head. Their conversations about anything under the sun, their shared drinks and pastries, with their shared laughter. This thing between them is only because of this project, anyway. Will Jisung stop talking to him after they submit this project? Will his letters stop, too? Or will he take another step, still reach out, just like he promised?

Among all of these, Sion wonders why he’s worrying about all these.

“Oh,” is all that leaves Sion’s mouth.

The lack of additional response makes Jisung hum. He glances at the time on his phone before rubbing the back of his head awkwardly, “Uh, bye, Sion. See you next time,” he finally says. But he stays for a while there, in front of Sion.

They both stay there. Unmoving, waiting for…something, just for a small second, before Jisung bows and slowly walks backward, giving a small wave, to which Sion returns. Eventually, he turns and walks away with his hands in his jacket pocket again.

For what seems like an eternity, Sion finally moved. He turns towards the opposite direction from where Jisung went. He walks. To where, he’s not sure, yet. But he finally walks away, slowly, contemplating. The sun is still slowly setting at his side, shining his way to wherever his trek leads him.

When he finally regains his senses, he lifts his head to see a paper labeled “Book Club” pasted on the door with the names of six students written below it. He’s not sure why his feet brought him here, his mind has been a jumbled mess for the past minutes, but he reaches for the knob and slowly opens the door.

Dusk softly lights the clubroom, the sun peeking just a little before the night finally envelopes Sion’s day. Among the mess of the club room, someone is rummaging through the papers scattered on the table in the middle. Upon hearing the click of the door, a head pokes out to see who entered the room.

“Oh, hey hyung. Sorry, I’m just cleaning up then I’ll leave in a while. Is there something you need here?” Yushi’s soft voice chirps from the pile of papers, he returns to neatly stacking and rearranging them.

Sion remains standing at the doorway, silent. When Yushi doesn't hear a response from the elder, he glances back at Sion, an eyebrow raised in confusion.

“Hyung? Is something wrong?” Fully abandoning the mess on the table, Yushi carefully approaches the dark-haired boy, worry painting his face.

Meanwhile, Sion's face remains scrunched, eyebrows creased, eyes downturned. Again, he stays silent.

Yushi tries again, softer, “Hyung?” After a short moment, Sion finally looks at the younger boy with troubled eyes. He recalls the moment just minutes ago, the sunset, the wind, a certain boy and his small smile and adoring eyes. Suddenly, Sion senses the intense beating from inside him, ears almost ringing, all blood rising to his face.

“I…I don't know what to do.” He finally answers.

💌

The pair settles by the huge club table after a short while.

It's finally nighttime, the club's fluorescent light on, illuminating the two. Sion and Yushi sit across from one another, the younger of the two patiently waiting for his friend to tell him something, anything. Yushi has his suspicions about what this could be about but he wants to hear it first from his friend—so he waits.

After another moment, Sion heaves out a big sigh, shoulders dropping. He props his elbows on the table and leans his head on his hands. “Jisung…” he slowly starts. Yushi hums, encouraging him to continue.

“...he's so nice.” Sion admits in a breath, with heated ears and cheeks. He rubs the heels of his hands against his eyes, now out of embarrassment.

Yushi's shoulders finally relax, a sigh of relief comes out of him. He lets out a small exasperated chuckle before asking Sion what happened. So Sion recalls everything about their meet-ups, their “dates”. He recalls Jisung's interest and their shared enthusiasm, how the other looks at him like he was full of wonder, how kindly he replies and talks to him, how he melts into Jisung's presence and warmth, how fun it has been, how he (embarrassingly) wishes…more.

Yushi has a cheeky smile on his face as he listens, feeling happy for his friend. Fondly remembering something from about a year ago, he understands how the older is feeling.

“...and…I don't know what to do.” Sion finishes his story, repeating the same phrase he told the other at the start. His once bright demeanor from recalling his moments with the red-haired boy is now replaced with a wrinkled forehead and a frown.

The two are quiet for a long while, Yushi’s round eyes observing the older in front of him. “What do you mean by that, hyung?” He carefully asks the dark-haired boy.

Sion ponders again, eyes directed at a random spot in the club room. The soft, muffled chatter and footsteps of students passing by the club room—attending their late classes or heading back to their dorms—are all that fills the space between them. Seconds, minutes pass by as Sion thinks. The answer is clawing at the back of his mind, demanding to get out, to be finally released.

“I just…don't think I deserve this kind of attention.” He finally replies, voice soft, hushed. Afraid someone might overhear from outside.

“I don’t deserve his attention.” Sion’s eyes are downcast.

Once more, Yushi eyes Sion from his seat as silence drapes over the two. The younger is quiet, carefully considering his words for his hyung. The silence stretches for so long, the chatter and footsteps cease.

Finally, Yushi breaks the silence, voice careful and coaxing, “Hyung…do you remember how this business came to be?”

The older glances at the other, humming, “Of course. It started with you and Riku.” Sion warily replies, confused. Yushi nods in agreement, “You were playing cupid for both of us. The first time I received that note from you, saying it was from Riku. The look of disbelief on my face was just…” They both chuckle with the recollection.

One faithful day, more than a year before, Sion nonchalantly handed Yushi a small note from his friend, Riku, over lunch. Yushi, thinking it was from Sion, scrunched his face in suspicion. When Sion quickly revealed that he was delivering for Riku, Yushi’s face wrinkled even more, now skeptical. ‘Is this a prank?’ Ultimately, Yushi took this note, and Sion didn’t miss the soft blush that crept onto his face. The day after, the younger handed Sion a response note, simply saying, ‘Give it to Riku.’ and left. From then on, Sion became their messenger, eventually pushing the two to finally talk to one another, and they became history.

From the outside, it would seem like Sion was inconvenienced by the two, but Sion honestly admits that he liked it. He liked the effort done. Especially knowing that the two are so shy, he believed that a small nudge was needed. He liked seeing the development between them, quietly rooting for the two, giving them a slight push. He saw the mutual feelings they had, just withdrawn, unspoken, waiting to take off and be delivered. One thing came after the other, Sion forms a secret delivery service with his friends, now being cupids for others.

“It sounds silly now but back then, we didn’t know it would develop into something more.” Yushi follows with Sion softly humming. They take a moment and look around them—the “Book Club” room.

“Hyung,” the younger calls out to the other, tone now serious. Sion straightens his posture upon hearing this. The two now looking eye to eye. “You’re so full of love, the other members of this club and I know this. We feel it from you.” Yushi says.

“That’s why this ‘club’ exists. You can’t help but give out this love to other people. You love to see love from other people.” Yushi just continues as Sion silently listens. “You've been giving all these people a chance to express their feelings to another. All these quiet and shy feelings.”

Finally, Yushi leans in, elbows propping up the table. He leans his chin on his clasped hands and looks directly at Sion, who is still silent. “But I think…it's about time you give yourself a chance to do the same,” the younger tells him softly, a small, encouraging smile painting his face.

The dark-haired boy looks back, the same worried wrinkles decorating his eyes. He stays quiet once more until he finally heaves out a big sigh. “I…don’t know,” he still says. “I haven’t been completely honest with him.” He follows up.

It seems like the two of them always have time to spare, time to think, as the older falls silent again in contemplation. In the end, Sion straightens his posture, shoulders squared with more confidence, “I need to tell him first about the business.” He says, words heavy with seriousness. Yushi hums in agreement, “Right. Good luck with that,” he lightheartedly says with a chuckle.

The older groans, however, suddenly feeling all the nerves in his body.

As Yushi notices this, he tries once more. “Hyung, from what you’ve told me about this Jisung guy, and from his emails to our services,” the younger lightly comments, “He’ll understand. Like you said, he’s nice.” Yushi assures his friend.

Even with his head in his hands, hair tousled and messy, an appreciative smile finally forms on Sion’s face—a thought of a red-haired boy passing through his mind—then he hums, finally, in acceptance.

“Well…maybe after this project.” He finishes lightly and the younger nods in understanding.

A comfortable silence cloaks the two within their club room, until, “However, if he doesn’t take it well, let’s just have ice cream over movies with the others and eat our feelings away.” Yushi quickly quips playfully, which earns a laugh from the other.

Eventually, the two stand from their seats, ready to call it a night, and exit the clubroom.

Maybe Sion’s mind is still a mess, but at least for now, the feeling inside his chest feels lighter. Clearer. Because despite the chaos and flurry he feels, he knows one feeling clear as day. And that’s to see Jisung again.

“Honestly, though, I hope we’ll have a double date next time.” Yushi follows up again, and Sion’s laughter reverberates down the evening school hallways.

💌

The midday light envelopes the interior of the library snugly, where two boys sit across from one another in a corner of the facility.

Jisung and Sion agreed to meet in the school library for a few more touch-ups on their pair activity, as their respective schedules needed them on campus. Just a few more tweaks and they’re finally done. After this, we have no more reason to meet. Sion thinks inwardly while he idles for a moment, proofreading his part of the work. And after this, I’ll tell him the truth, he follows, heart suddenly pumping slightly faster, nerves activating.

“I didn’t know how nice our school library was,” Sion whispered to the boy in front of him, leaning in with his face hovering just above his laptop screen, his feet swinging playfully. Jisung promptly stops his typing and looks at Sion over his laptop screen, his attention immediately on the other.

He hums brightly, “Yeah, I come here once in a while to nap,” Jisung whispers back, chuckling. The dark-haired boy giggles with him, “I think that…”

As usual, they fall into conversation naturally, both slowly leaning in and setting aside their laptops, setting aside the task, just for a while. Sion feels something blooming within him as they chat, something threatening to spill out, but he holds it close to him for now. As he looks right into the other boy’s eyes while he talks away, Sion relishes the moment, the shared smiles, wonder, and chuckles.

Sion wishes that they could stay like this. Just for another moment more.

Soft chimes suddenly ring from Jisung’s phone right beside him. He glances at the screen, then reaches for it, swiping to answer a call. “I’ll just take this, hold on,” he excuses himself quickly, getting up from his seat and heading for the library doors which face Sion's back.

The younger nods casually, twisting his body to look over his back where Jisung exits the library, phone already to his ear. They exchange a small wave, a small smile at each other before the red-haired leaves.

Twisting back to face front, Sion lets out a huge exhale. He brings his palms up to his face, feeling the heat spreading on his cheeks. A sharp squeal comes out of his mouth, beaming from elation (the librarian lightly reprimands him with a ‘Shh!’ as Sion whispers an apology).

For a while, Sion sets aside the nerves he's feeling from the looming end and confrontation coming in his way. For now, he's just happy with his “not-so-secret admirer”. For now, he's just happy being with Jisung.

He then sees his phone screen light up with a notification from his peripheral vision. He grabs it and sees Sakuya’s name flashing on its screen. The younger is asking for a favor.

what is it sakuyaa??

sakuya🎀:

hi hyung

can you please check our recent emails quickly

i forgot to bring the log book 💔

what do we need to buy

im shopping with ryo rn

These kids…, Sion thinks with playful exasperation, smiling fondly. He replies promptly, saying that he'll check in a bit.

Bringing the laptop back in front of him, he opens their email to check for the pending orders. The bright pink background and Cupid still adorning the email, he checks the emails one by one. He quickly types each down to Sakuya's chat, leaving one of the emails open on his screen.

that's all sakuya!!

say hi to ryo for me hehe

you two stay safee^^

sakuya🎀:

thank you hyung!

💝

With the abruptness of the request, he doesn’t notice that he's been needing to visit the restroom. He quickly checks the library entrance for Jisung but the boy still hasn't returned. Thinking that his classmate might take a while, he immediately gets up, leaves their things, and rushes to the restroom, conveniently just at the end of the library.

💌

After a short few minutes, Sion feels fresher now. He rinses his hands and quickly fixes his looks in the mirror before finally exiting the restroom.

Returning to their table, he sees Jisung first, attention directly to something on top of the table. Feeling giddy, Sion walks a step quicker back to their place.

When Sion comes closer, however, he can now see the scrunch on Jisung's forehead, looking like he's trying to connect pieces in his head. Following the boy's line of sight, Sion realizes that Jisung is looking at his laptop. Like a zap of lightning passing through his brain, Sion remembers the last screen he left his laptop on.

Sion's stomach drops. Oh no.

He quickens his pace back to their table, “Jisung.” He calls out in a hushed voice.

Jisung flinches but doesn't look at him. “The cupid delivery service?” He asks after a moment, more so to himself rather than Sion. The latter slowly approaches Jisung, unsure of what to do with his nerves going haywire, his heartbeat erratic, pulsating through his ears.

“I-I can explain,” he tries. He grips his hands together tightly while feeling something threatening to drop behind his eyes. “Jisung, please.” He says again.

“Uh…” Jisung is still avoiding his eyes when he starts to move, retrieving a few of his things. “I think I'll go ahead,” he says frantically, his bag ready.

Sion is now panicking. “Jisung, wait,” He whispers-shout again, but the red-haired just passes him. He can't catch up to the beating of his heart, his eyes wide in desperation. But Jisung still doesn't look at him.

Jisung is now a few steps ahead, straight to the exit, and Sion's guts churn.

“Jisung!” He shouts.

A stern ‘SHH!’ startles both of them, the librarian eyeing them with a raised eyebrow. They both bow apologetically, then Jisung turns back to him and also quickly bows, uttering a soft “bye” before turning his heels and sprinting to the exit. Not even a glance back at the other.

The dark-haired boy just stands there, eyes wide, mouth agape. The jumbled chaos in his mind is even more of a mess, not knowing where to start, so he just turns it all off.

In the quiet peace of the library, Sion feels everything crashing down.

💌

“So…ice cream and movie night?” Riku, sitting on top of the club table, suggests with a wince to the group, but particularly to the boy in front of him.

Five pairs of eyes look over at the sluggish lump by the table in the form of Oh Sion. The eldest has his head on the table, facing sideways, staring at nothing in particular, his arms slacking down while he sits all slouched. A frown now paints his features as his chest crunches from the pain he’s feeling.

After the disastrous incident at the library, it's been radio silent between the two. No messages come from Jisung, obviously, and Sion doesn't try to reach out. All the ‘We should talk’ and ‘I'm sorry, let me explain’ texts are all deleted before Sion can hit send.

Being in Media Writing Class is even worse. Sion is always earlier than Jisung, so he nervously waits in his designated seat for the arrival of a certain boy. When Jisung does arrive, they both lock eyes—just an eighth of a second—before the older boy lowers his head. Not another glance is spared to his seatmate as he approaches his seat. The class goes on as usual, but Sion doesn't have the focus to think about whatever lesson there is.

“Quick reminder that the pair activity is due next week! Hopefully, everyone is prepared to submit by then,” their professor announces before signalling the end of his class. Sion groans inwardly. We haven’t even finished our project! And we were so close, too… he grimaces.

They paused their work last time in the library for a chat, and the rest was history.

He eyes his seatmate from the corner of his vision and sees Jisung still facing forward, not even taking a peek back at Sion, even just for their project. The younger boy looks down at his table, feeling a prick in his chest.

The moment their professor signals the end of the class, Jisung is out of the room, and Sion stays there in his seat.

Now, he’s wallowing in heartbreak in his club room, head on the table. A mess of pink and white crepe paper, decorative papers filled with hearts, thin and wide ribbons, and crafting materials lay scattered all over the club table, Jaehee and Yushi busy wrapping up orders they have for the week. At this point, it feels like Sion’s being mocked right to his face.

‘Okay, everyone good for movie night this Friday?’ The oldest distantly hears Riku say from his position, the other members hum and nod in agreement. Meanwhile, Sion busies himself observing his friends packing the deliveries. He sees the wrapped presents, waiting to be delivered to someone’s special other.

At this, Sion starts to recall a certain day, weeks ago, in this very room. He remembers the first email that came through from one particular person, the way his world freezes reading his own name in there. He remembers Valentine’s in his Media Writing Class. He remembers a small basket of sweets wrapped in heart-shaped mesh and pink ribbons, a small dedication card with “To: Sion Oh” delicately engraved on its front. He remembers the adorable note inside of it, he remembers it stored in his notebook with care. He then remembers a red-haired boy approaching the seat beside him, the scene captured like a movie, shot in slow motion. The boy looks up at him, the gift, and draws a shy smile before settling down.

Sion’s eyes go wide.

It’s like a bulb lights up on Sion’s head. He immediately rises from his slump and looks over to his group of friends chatting with each other aimlessly.

“Guys, I have a request.”

💌

Specks of sunlight cast over Sion’s figure as he stands beneath a tree in the school’s empty courtyard. The soft whistling of the wind and chirping of the birds fill his ears. He scrapes his shoes on the ground where he’s standing, waiting. His hands firmly hold a basket behind him, wrapped in pink and red crepe paper, neatly adorned with a ribbon on its handle.

Sion focuses his sight at his feet, taking interest at the pebbles he kicks about. He bites the bottom of his lips while he tries to level his breathing against the loud beating in his chest.

The sound of feet hitting gravel catches his attention, head rising to see a certain red-haired boy approach his way. A small pink card can be seen in his grasp.

Once Jisung is standing in front of Sion, finally—after what seems like eternity to Sion—eye to eye. Jisung’s face is blank and they settle into a thin silence for a moment.

In the end, the older lets out a huge exhale and raises the card in his hand.

“Uhm…I think I was told to come here,” he slowly says, his other hand coming up to rub his nape, awkwardness seeping out of him.

Sion steels his nerves, trying to settle the quick beating of his heart. “Jisung Park, I’m here to personally deliver you a gift requested in Wish For Cupid,” he starts, posture straightening, tension disguised in confidence.

Jisung cautiously hums, “Okay…” he utters, face morphing into some sort of confusion.

“This present is sent by Sion Oh.” The younger one finishes.

Now, Jisung's body practically stills in place, eyes widening in shock as blood slowly creeps on his face. Scrunched forehead now prominent, evident confusion painting his features. He stutters a few words before Sion cuts him off.

“I want to apologize first of all,” He starts, looking back down at the ground, feeling like he'll falter sooner if he looks at the other for too long. “I’m sorry for not being honest with you the entire time.” He finally says.

“It's true. I knew all about your feelings from the start. And I understand if you think that I just toyed with you and your feelings the past weeks we spent together.” He tightens his grip on the handle of the basket behind him. “But that part’s not true.”

“The conversations we had back in the cafe for the past weeks, the joy I felt talking to you about anything there is to talk about, all of that was real.” He slowly tries to raise his head and look into Jisung’s eyes which were still wide with shock.

“And I'm telling you honestly, the letters weren't just what made me like you, Jisung. It was just you.” He recalls once more the look Jisung has on his face when they talk, the way Jisung leans toward Sion just a bit, brimming with interest and sincerity.

“I enjoy being with you. I enjoy our time together. I don't want that to stop over a dumb mistake I made.” Sion sighs, regret spilling out of his lips.

“And I'm sorry for being selfish….but I want to continue what we had, Jisung.” 

“…I want to be even more with you.” Sion finally breathes out, eyes full of determination despite the erratic beating inside him.

Time seems to pass by as Jisung doesn't respond for a while, he looks paralyzed in place. The last few moments feel like a blur; he barely has the time to process everything. The wind's whistle and the bird's chirp fill their space, breaths held inside.

Seemingly retrieving his senses, Sion’s eyes widen realizing what just happened. I finally told him. He thinks, blood rushing to his face as embarrassment settles within his guts. “Ah–” Sion tries to mutter.

“Oh my god…” But Jisung cuts him with a hushed tone, voice squeaky and thin. Finally aware, his hands come up to rub his face as he slowly descends to a crouch before the other. Yelping in surprise, Sion joins him and crouches to level with Jisung. The dark-haired boy splutters with something to say, worry etching his features.

Jisung places his hands on either side of his head, looking at the ground for now. “Sion.” He starts softly as the other finally stills in his place.

“I-I'm sorry for ignoring you for the past few days. I should’ve heard you out first. You deserved to explain yourself, and I always believed you never had bad intentions. But it's just that…” Jisung fully covers his face with his hands. With his full attention at Jisung, Sion catches the red tinting the other’s ears, blending with his hair.

“I’m so embarrassed…” The red-haired boy finally says, face warming up like his hair dye melted straight to his face.

An “Oh…” is all Sion could say after a beat before Jisung continues. “I couldn't bear the embarrassment I felt realizing that you read all my emails talking about you…I just…Oh my god…I literally can’t face you knowing what I send in your emails.” Sion can physically see Jisung cringe, recalling the contents of his emails.

They fall silent again for a while, the birds accompanying them still.

Finally, Jisung removes his hands from his face, placing them politely on his knees. He speaks up again in a hushed voice, “Can you please erase your memory of the emails?”

Sion blinks once, twice, before barking out a laugh. He uses one of his hands to cover his mouth, almost tipping over. At this response, Jisung juts out his bottom lip, a fierce blush adorning his cheeks, “You’re kinda making this worse for me.” He groans, no weight in his words.

But the younger just giggles at him, totally endeared with what’s in front of him. Sion hums, poking his index fingers at his chin, “That’s too bad…I think they’re all permanently stored in my brain, now.” He teases the older which only makes Jisung groan more, although lightheartedly.

Silence envelopes them again, but now, it feels lighter. They let the birds sing to them again.

After a long while, when the shadows that the sunlight casts over them shift, Jisung talks again, careful, slowly threading a thin line, “Sion…Did you mean that?”

Sion just hums, urging the other to continue.

“Wanting to be more of…us?” Jisung finally says, his voice restless. But he looks up, looks into Sion’s eyes. Jisung’s nervous, so nervous that he wishes that the ground will eat him right then and there. But seeing the person in front of him, seeing Sion beautifully soaked in the warm sunlight, he wants to be braver.

The other doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, Sion drops his eyes to Jisung’s hands on his knees. With his free hand, Sion slowly reaches for one. Firstly, brushing a finger lightly on Jisung’s knuckles, bumping just slightly, and the other flinches, just lightly. Like friction, little sparks course through their touch. Then he tucks his fingers between the spaces of Jisung’s. Finally, he intertwines their hands together, a bit shy, tentative, but there, interlocked. Jisung traces Sion’s entire path.

Sion whispers, words that only Jisung needs to hear. The whistling of the wind and the birds guard them from the outside world. Now, it’s just the two of them. The younger wears a gentle smile, eyes soft and sincere, relaxing in their company. And Jisung finally heaves out a big sigh of relief he doesn’t realize he has been holding, tightening his hold on the other.

Suddenly, the dark-haired boy brings out the basket with his other hand to Jisung, placing it between them. “Uh, there's ice cream in the basket by the way. But…it's probably melted now. Sorry.” Sion grimaces.

Now it’s Jisung’s turn to laugh, shoulders shaking.

The two stay there crouched, fingers intertwined, beneath the cooling shade of the tree, peppered with spots of light that warm their bodies. Their laughter and giggles echoes within the walls of the courtyard, laughing over melted ice cream, and a feeling of something new.