16

16

“Can we pack up later? I still need sleep...” Sunggyu yawned and laid his head at the edge of the hospital bed. Eunji pouted and shook him, “Well then can we at least walk outside? It’s my last day here anyway...”

“Ani... sleep...” he mumbled and remained to close his eyes. Eunji sighed and told him she’ll just take a stroll around the hospital and it won’t be long. Sunggyu hadn’t moved since then – he was already asleep.

College must be stressing him too much. She smiled as she walked down the hallway and turned to press the gound floor on the elevator. The fifth floor dinged and she gasped as soon as the door opened.

“Well, this is a surprise.” Hoya laughed as he entered the elevator. Eunji bowed and gave him her signature ‘good morning beam’ – something he really finds cute and sweet.

“Going somewhere?” he tried starting a topic while he tries to calm his heart down as it is beating very fast at the moment. The girl shrugged and told him she’s just out for a little walk around.

“What about you?” she asked back.

Hoya looked at her, “Hmm, was supposed to go at a cafe down stairs... want to come?” then the elevator dinged again. They have now reached the ground floor.

“Neh!” she happily bounced after him, still enjoying her eyesight even when it’s already the second day after the surgery.

“Caramel macchiato and strawberry cheesecake. Help yourself!” he happily served the food he ordered for her, while he only have a cup of hot coffee at his side.

“Ah, gomawo!” Eunji clasped her hands together, “Wait, you’re not eating?” she tilted her head.

The lad shook his head and hand, “Ani. I’ll just watch you eat.” He chuckled and sipped his coffee. She shrugged and began eating the cheesecake before her.

Omo. So delicious. She stared at the cake slice with awe, as if she hadn’t eaten such dessert in ages. Being the naive person she is, she didn’t really notice that Hoya was happily observing her while he drinks his coffee.

The way she chews her food, how she slightly turns her head to gaze out of the window, how she puff her cheeks, how she would glance at him at some moment – he finds it amazing of how such simple, irrelevant things suddenly became  so captivating for him.

Maybe because it’s Eunji he’s looking at, he concluded.

“What’s the matter?” his happy thoughts were suddenly disrupted by Eunji, who already noticed him smiling to himself. “What’s funny?” she let out a soft chuckle.

Hoya mentally facepalmed himself and instantly blushed. Lee Howon, this is the second time she caught you! He was screaming inside, but decided to keep his composure as to not lose his cool in front of her. “I was thinking of something.” He continued to grin.

He locked his eyes with hers and told her, “You’re really beautiful...” he nodded. Eunji blushed hard at his words and looked down at her food, avoiding his piercing gaze.

“W-What are you saying...” she nervously laughed. Her nervousness made him laugh.

“It’s true.” He insisted, “You can even ask Sunggyu hyung about it.” He teased, which made her blush even more.

____

Back at Eunji’s hospital room, Sunggyu had finally waked up from his short nap – probably the shortest nap he ever took in a while. That wasn’t even sleeping. He groaned and fixed the bed little by little.

Eunji’s still not back? He looked around. He was still worried about her, but not as much as before since he completely trusts Eunji and that she could take care of herself now, now that she can finally see. But still...

He stopped packing for a moment and headed out, “I need coffee...” he pressed down the ground floor button and waited for the elevator to open.

“This hospital’s wonderful!” he whispered to himself in awe, finding out that there are also restaurants and cafes at a hospital. Wait till Eunji sees this! He discreetly smiled and headed towards the cafe by his left.

Since the cafe’s all covered in huge glass windows, Sunggyu can see what’s inside and feasted his eyes on all the wonderful frappes, crepes, cakes, and other desserts served by the cafe. Before he could enter, he noticed a familiar figure at the far back of the cafe.

Isn’t that Hoya? He squint his eyes and looked at the figure a bit longer. “Eunji?!” his eyebrows creased and a surprised expression was just plastered on his face. Eunji’s happy expression proved to him that she’s enjoying Hoya’s company very much – way too much, as how he sees it.

He had never seen Eunji that happy before... or maybe because Hoya’s a newfound friend, or maybe it’s just his jealousy that is taking over – which is very dominant right now. His mind least thought of the first option and his heart chose to be jealous and drop the mood of eagerly ordering something from this very cafe.

“On second thought, that canned coffee on the vending machine is much cheaper and better.” He sulked and walked away from the cafe.

____

“Last day of exam tomorrow!!” Woohyun raised both of his hands up high, fist clenched. Everyone in the cafeteria gave him a weird look and then ignored him after.

“He has lost his sanity...” Chorong joked, clicking her tongue. Woohyun frowned and took his seat, putting all his food on the table from the tray.

“I’m not as smart as you, miss gorgeous.” He snorted and immediately got surprised by his own remark.

Did I just called her gorgeous?He felt his cheek a little hot and made a little turn to her, to see if she’s looking at him.

“Mister Nam, if you don’t start eating I’ll have the rest of your food.” Chorong smirked and winked as she took a sip of cola. She’s unknowingly making her friend flabbergasted for the past few weeks already.

Woohyun quietly began eating his lunch, thinking about many things – examinations, school festival, and then Chorong.

Few days ago, the girl had confessed of her feelings towards him and he initially felt very awkward about it. Chorong and Eunji liking him at the same time? He can’t believe it either. He knows he can be cheesy at most times, but he never thought someone would actually like him.

Since when did these two start liking me. He asked himself while taking another piece of meat to his mouth. Eunji’s infatuation towards him made him happy at first, and tried getting close to her – hoping he would like her back.

Love? I don’t think so. He disagreed. From what he sees, Eunji might be “in love” or infatuated with him, but that description fits more perfect whenever she’s with Sunggyu. Woohyun doesn’t feel heartbroken or whatsoever thinking that Eunji might like Sunggyu – in fact, he doesn’t feel any romantic feelings for her.

He just loves her as a friend.

“Woohyun.” She disturbed his thoughts. “Can I have some chicken feet?” she bit her lip, shyingly asking for more food. The male burst into laughter and told her she can have all the chicken feet on his plate.

“Yay! Thanks!” she happily took them all to her plate, and began eating them with much delight. Chorong, in the eyes of Woohyun, is a very charming girl – not to mention witty and very convincing.

Woohyun had always had this special attention towards Chorong but he just can’t point out when did it start and why. Her love and care for Eunji, even when they became rivals, is something he really liked about her. Not to mention the fact that she still acts like she doesn’t even like me. He grinned.

“Class meeting tomorrow after exams! Keep it top secret!” suddenly, Chorong and Woohyun’s classmate C.A.P. – their class president – went to their table and whispered to them his message. “Hwaiting class 3-B! We’ll start our booth tomorrow!” he pumped his fist and left, going from table to table with all of their classmates that he could talk to.

“Aish, that guy...” Chorong smiled. “Well then, get your muscles ready tomorrow Woohyun! You have lots of work to do.” She laughed and slapped his arm.

Woohyun remained silent, caressing his slapped arm and registering in his mind all of her charming sides today.

____

Naeun quickened her pace going up the flight of stairs before her, The school festival’s the great time to set Chorong unnie and Woohyun up! She never forgot her little plan of setting those two up to be together, and that same time, Myungsoo volunteered to help her out with that.

“Where are you going?” she heard a stern voice behind her, and the person just asked her in perfect English.

“Y-Yookyung!” Naeun gasped. How did she catched up to her?

“I asked you a question...” the girl named Yookyung smirked, going back to her Korean tongue again. “And why are you going up? That’s the rooftop already, isn’t it?” she raised her eyebrows and continued to ask her questions.

“N-Nothing! What do you want?” Naeun quickly retorted whilst going down the stairs.

Yookyung turned her back and playfully walked, “We have a little meeting for our booth this coming school festival!” she happily told her. “And all girls need to be present, so I called you.”

The smaller girl didn’t like the sound of it, “Why only girls?” she mumbled.

“Because!” Yookyun turned around and whispered, “We’ll have do a cafe for our booth!” she giggled. “Isn’t that exciting? We’ll wear cute dresses!” she happily skipped ahead, with Naeun following after.

Aniya! Naeun groaned. Guess the plan will have to wait...

____

“See how cute these three are?” Dongwoo asked Eunji. She and Sunggyu just got home an hour ago, and the male had retired to his room, still tired. On the other hand, Eunji seized the day spending some time with her friends at the institute.

“Dubu!” she called out her guide dog. “I owe you big time, little guy!” she giggled as she let herself be licked by the dog. Dubu can’t talk, but he can perfectly portray how happy he is right now that his master isn’t blind anymore.

“Yah, what’s up with Sunggyu hyung?” Sungyeol butted in, sipping another bottle of banana milk. “He looks like he’s sulking.” He snickered.

Eunji tilted her head, “He doesn’t look upset to me.” She said. Dongwoo rolled his eyes and joined the conversation,

“Of course he wouldn’t especially in front of you.” He blurted.

“So he’s really upset?!” she asked both of them, really surprised. “Why didn’t he tell me?” she mumbled under breath and stood up, on her way to Sunggyu’s room.

“B-but!” Sungyeol and Dongwoo tried to stop her, “It’s not a good idea to talk to him right now...” Sungyeol sighed.

“Ah! Let me go to the rest room one last time before we leave!” Eunji gasped and ran for the rest room. Sunggyu patiently waited, while sitting on a chair along the lobby.

“She’s gotten livelier...” Hoya commented with a chuckle. Sunggyu, still remembering their moment together, only shook his head.

“Hyung, I know this can get personal but...” Hoya rubbed the back of his neck,

“Do you have something for Eunji?”

“Uh... She requested me to buy her a phone but I’ll be buying it by – ”

Hoya let a small laugh, “Not that something hyung!” he tried controlling his laughter.

“What I mean is, are you and Eunji dating?” he rephrased his question. ‘Oh.’ Sunggyu had his mouth opened a bit and looked down, totally dumbfounded by his question.

“No, we aren’t. What made you think?” he forced a smile towards the latter. Hoya can be seen smiling in relief and immediately blurted,

“I like Eunji.” He confessed. “Just making sure she doesn’t belong to anyone else yet before I court her.” He shyly smiled.

Hearing this, Sunggyu felt numb. Court her? No words could come to his mind on what to think – well, does he really need to think something about it? He snapped out of his trance when Eunji came back.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Kaja!” she took one bag and walked with Sunngyu out of the hospital. Hoya hailed a cab for them.

“Thank you again for the help, Hoya!” Eunji went to give him a friendly hug. Hoya was so surprised he could feel his heart ready to burst anytime. The hug was very quick and Eunji pulled away as soon as Sunggyu had opened the car door. She made a quick bow and finally went in.

Sunggyu didn’t forget to thank him too. “Thank you very much.” he plainly uttered and bowed ninety-degrees to him. ‘He seemed to be so down’, Hoya noticed.

As soon as Sunggyu had closed his door, the taxi moved and quickly drove farther. Leaving a happy Hoya standing alone by the taxi bay.

“Sunggyu oppa?” Eunji gently knocked on his door. “I’m coming in...” she slowly pushed the door that was open ajar. She poked her head in first, and found him holding his guitar.

Eunji gave him a smile and he just stared down at his guitar right after he looked up to her. “Sungyeol oppa said you were sulking...” she slowly sat down on the floor, while he was at his bed, comfortably leaning on the wall.

“Are you sick?” she tried asking one more time. She leaned her head towards the edge of his bed to get a better view of his face which is bent down.

“I’m fine.” He replied in the most unenthusiastic way as possible. He gently plucked one string and pretended to not like the sound so he can adjust it.

The girl remained silent, this is not the Sunggyu oppa I know. There must be something wrong. “Oppa... tell me what’s wrong... maybe I could help...” she tried again. “You always help me, so I want to return the favor...” she gave him her most genuine smile. If Sunggyu was in his normal mood, he would definitely have his heart racing again, but today isn’t the day to be in that mood.

Clearly, his jealousy is taking over; even thinking Hoya takes better care of her – everything is evident, he thought earlier.

“I’m just tired.” He placed down his guitar and laid in bed, facing his back on her. “I just need sleep.” He sternly stated, hoping this would convince Eunji to leave the room.

Eunji heaved a sad sigh and shook her head up and down. “I understand...” she stood up, and sat at the edge of his bed.

“Promise me you’ll feel a lot better when you wake up?” she asked as she wrapped her arms around him. Hugging was something the both of them didn’t find awkward doing at all, but today both of them can feel their heart acting weird from just a normal hug.

“Maybe.” Sunggyu coldy and softly replied. Eunji felt a little heartbroken and slowly pulled away.

“Sleep well, oppa...” She gently whispered to him as she closes his door.

Once the door was closed, Sunggyu flipped himself to face the ceiling then placed his hand on his chest hoping his heart would calm down.

“I hate this feeling.” He whispered and shut his eyes.

“Dubu...” Eunji turned to her guide dog that was waiting for her outside Sunggyu’s room. The dog let out a soft bark, Eunji bent down to him.

“He won’t talk to me...” she embraced Dubu, “... and I hate it when I can’t do anything to cheer him up...”

“I wonder what’s bothering him?”