“How much do you want to bet that I can tie the stem of this cherry in my mouth without my hands?” Junhoe asked, his tone oozing with confidence. Hyebin just gave him a look, as if to challenge him.

    “You mean how much do I bet that you can’t do it? I’m pretty sure you can’t,” she stuck her tongue out at him childishly. Yes, the two were back at it; bantering like they always had in their first year. Junhoe and Jisoo, although far from cooling down, were more stable and now he was able to figure out the medium between his relationship for her compared to his friendship with everyone else. It was a delightful thing for Hyebin, although she never felt quite as comfortable around him when Jinhyeong was there.

    How could she, when Jinhyeong still liked her despite the rejection? He was a sweet boy, and she knew he would not openly be against Junhoe, but there were moments when she knew he would enjoy being superior. Like when he had scored a higher essay score in their Literature course, or when Junhoe had been unable to nail a small detail in one of their many dance choreographies first. And for this, Hyebin felt all the more apologetic to Jinhyeong for not being able to see him in a romantic light. She was too close to him for him to suddenly appeal to her this way, she had explained. It would take a long time for her to suddenly come to her senses and like him, and he said he would see if that day ever came, assuming his feelings remained by that time.

    “You’re on. Loser gets to grant the wish of the other, deal?” Junhoe was already popping the cherry into his mouth, making scrunched up expressions as he tried to knot the stem. Hyebin tried to not laugh in his face, but she could not help it; there were moments when he resembled a cartoon character with over exaggerated countenances. She propped her head on her hands, elbows on the wooden table of the cafe. It was not night for a change- instead, it was a beautiful late summer weekend morning. The two had spent the night, talking about nothing and yet everything, sharing laughter and secrets.

    “I think we should set a time limit, don’t you? You have five more minutes,” Hyebin jumped back out of her chair slightly as he seemed to flop around in his seat. Junhoe was obviously fighting with the cherry stem, trying his hardest to tie it into a knot. Hyebin couldn’t help but think of the wonderful blackmail opportunity this could turn into: the great Koo Junhoe, beaten by a skimpy stem of a cherry.

    “That’s not even fair!” He whined in the middle, and as he spoke Hyebin could see that the cherry stem was beginning to become battered by the endless encounters with his teeth in his futile efforts to loop it. She grinned, pushing his shoulder playfully.

    “Of course it is. You should be more aware of what you got yourself into,” she chided, before checking the plastic black rimmed clock in the cafe. He had only a minute left, and when his eyes met hers, he frowned, before picking up a brown napkin and spitting out the stem.

    “I give up! I’m your slave today, peasant.” He groaned in defeat, and Hyebin felt more laughter bubble to her lips. It was refreshing to not have a care in the world for a moment, to be spending time with the certain someone she liked so much.

    “Well I want to go to the carnival, so let’s go.” She said, and he raised an eyebrow at her words. She was, as far as he knew to this day, a good girl. She did her work, and was organized. She was on a schedule, and did not abide with spontaneous outings like he usually had. Yet here she was, declaring a day for a carnival.    

    “Whoa- hold on.  Is this the Hyebot, programmed only to do as planned, doing something that wasn’t arranged before? Do I know you?” He leaned in, narrowing his eyes in mock suspicion, before letting out a tiny yelp in surprise as she cuffed his head gently. “Not my fabulous face, woman! Gosh.”

    “Let’s meet up in front of here in one hour. That should be enough for us to shower at home, and then change, right? See you at 11 am, mister.” She said, before pulling herself out of her seat, and picking up her bag. She skipped out of the cafe, and into the open streets, relishing the rush of fresh air in her system. She looked back and saw Junhoe, moving at his own lazy pace, before she continued to the apartment, where Youjung had left a note saying she would be with B.I on a date, and that there was food in the kitchen. Hyebin simply discarded the note, before prancing off to figure out her outfit. It was still a warm day, and there was a lot to do at a carnival. There was no way she would give up having fun for her appearance, especially when she knew the guy she was going with was taken. She settled for the same outfit from the first time she had met Junhoe; a simple white denim overalls that were short, with a three quarter sleeved tee under it. She tied up half of her hair, and have herself a last look in the mirror before she dashed back out into the streets, ready for a day with her best friend.

    “Wow, someone’s excited. Spending quality time with him?” It was the halmoni, who had come outside to water some flowers on the pots outside. Hyebin smiled at her, before nodding wordlessly. Granny definitely had a lot of knowledge; she simply knew that Hyebin was in love with her best friend, and that Junhoe did not seem to quite return the feelings. Instead, she had told Hyebin that he had a special spot for her as someone he relied on no matter what. Who was it he turned to when he was stressed? Her. Who was there with a box of chocolates and chocopie when he was sick? Her. Who had he called when he woke up from, although he would never admit it, a nightmare? Her. Junhoe relied on her almost as much as she had to him. It was a beautiful example of mutualism. “I see him coming now. Don’t let him wait; a young man like him is hard to come by.” Hyebin did not understand Granny’s words, but she followed her directions regardless, and left the front of the cafe to where Junhoe was standing. He was in a simple black shirt with shorts and the sneakers she had bought him for his birthday, making her face light up in delight.

    “I love your shoes. Whoever got them for you has great taste,” she teased as the two set off for the bus stop. Junhoe rolled his eyes at her comment, before muttering something under his breath about her being conceited, earning him a cuff in the head. “I’m not deaf.”

    “I know. Just testing you. Ow- Oh look, here’s our bus. Let’s stop beating up the innocent guy and get on,” Junhoe made a beeline for the door, dodging between the other people who had been waiting, and Hyebin rolled her eyes, before showing her bus pass for him and her to the driver and taking a seat beside him. The ride was not long, but it was silent. Junhoe was listening to music, and he had given Hyebin an earbud to share his joy. She had always been curious why he was in the medical academy at school when he was obviously in love with music and performing, but she had never asked. He never seemed to have told anyone either, besides the boys of iKON who were his friends before their high school years had began.

    As they hopped off the bus and to the carnival, a childish smile bloomed across Hyebin’s face, and her eyes seemed to twinkle. Her happiest memory as a little girl was at this very carnival, which came annually. Her brother and she had begged their parents, and they finally had obliged. Hyebin had never remembered quite a fond memory as that day; there were multiple faded polaroid photos that their family had forgotten about in Hyebin’s possession that showed a once happy family, with two siblings who loved each other squabbling over cotton candy, and on the kiddie rides. One of her favorite moments was in the evening of that day; the sun was about to set, and her mother decided to take Hyebin onto the large ferris wheel, claiming she wanted special ‘mommy- daughter time’. It was then that her mother had planted the everlasting goal of taking her first love to a ferris wheel. Even if she did not confess, Hyebin still wanted to experience it with her first love, as she had with her mother who had told her how special this ride was supposed to be.

    “You seem happy. Thank goodness, I don’t have to deal with your feminine moodiness,” Junhoe said, wrinkling his nose at her. She rolled her eyes at his comical expression, before reaching out for his hand. She did it almost without a thought, and it wasn’t until she was halfway across to the admission stand when she realized she was still latched onto his hand. Perhaps if they had both been single, it would not have been such an issue, but Jisoo’s kind smile and their friendship surfaced in her mind, and she let go abruptly.

“Mian. I wasn’t thinking about Jisoo.” Hyebin said with an awkward chuckle, before continuing towards the admission stand. Junhoe looped his arm around her shoulder, shocking her.

“It’s fine. We were best friends before Jisoo and I were a thing. I can put my best friend first every once in a while, can’t I?” She had a large smile stretched across her face to the point that it hurt. It was as though someone had rekindled a fire in her heart, and she felt herself grow to love him more. Yes, she had previously dated someone. But that was not love; at the young age of fifteen, Hyebin was almost 200% sure that this was it.

“Let’s go buy wristbands then.” She tried to not stammer the words out, and Junhoe beat her to it, taking out crumpled paper wons from his pocket and handing it to one of the workers. There was a bright purple stamp on the back of their hands, as well as neon orange wristbands to prove their purchase, and they were sent on their merry way. From every direction peals of laughter, screams of joy, and the loud music blasting from stereos hit the pair, and it was like a rush of joy arising within Hyebin again.

“You have been to the carnival right? I hope you had this much of a childhood,” Junhoe said, raising a questioning eyebrow. She nodded slowly, thinking about how long ago it had been. About a decade had passed.

“Maybe almost a decade ago?” She said, and he stared at her in utter disbelief, before having a set determination spark into his dark eyes. It were as though a light had flickered on in his mind, and he was getting the idea to run; despite his not so stellar grades in school, it was evident he was a genius in his own way, with natural ability to do well if he tried.

“Consider this your wish then. You asked to come here, and my wish can be to give you a little bit of your childhood back right now. I hope you aren’t an acrophobia.”

The next three hours were full of mini games to pass time during the long lines, the thrill of adrenaline pumping through their body with every swoop and turn of each ride, and the burning sensation of screaming their lungs out and rubbing their throats raw. To Hyebin, this was a wonderful gateway she had not experienced; at age five, how many roller coasters were actually offered to ride? There was always the height limit, but now she could go on everything she pleased. As for Junhoe, it was as though he were wearing glasses: he saw a new side of Hyebin he had failed to notice. Beneath the typically straightforward and hardworking girl, there was this carefree side that was waiting to be coaxed out. And once the chirpiness erupted in her, he did not want to see it leave. She had never laughed more in a day than she had in the past three hours.

“I’m so hungry. Aish, I can smell food everywhere too. This ,” Junhoe said as he and Hyebin exited another roller coaster. She tilted her head, staring at his face for a moment. How could he, someone who was praised for being naturally smart, not even realize that there was the ability to buy food.

“Your little peasant can buy us a very late lunch.” He had that lopsided smile again at her words, as though it was the satisfying effect he had been waiting for.

“Yes! I knew you would offer. Let’s go, I practically mapped out where each food stall is from the roller coasters,” he his heel, and made a dash in the vague direction of what Hyebin had remembered to be as tteokbokki. She let out a sigh at his antics, before jogging after him. To her, no day had every been more satisfying; it was a large stress reliever, as well as an opportunity to get to know Junhoe more. And boy, did she get to know more about the boy who had captured her affections for over a year; he was sassy on land, but on a roller coaster was just a constant stream of vulgar language. He had the ability to turn from a well composed and level headed boy into a laughing maniac. It was one of those sides to him that she found charming.

“Ajjuma, one ddukbokki please. And two forks,” Junhoe ordered, excited at the extra large heaping plate of the delicious treat that was being scooped for them. The ajjuma smiled fondly at him, before accepting the money from Hyebin.

“Young sir, don’t make your girlfriend buy you food. I hope you win her many prizes,” she said, and the two looked at her awkwardly. Hyebin would have loved to hear that others still had thoughts about how well the two seemed to suit each other, except now he was taken.

“I’m not his girlfriend. We’re just best friends,” she explained with a wry chuckle. The ajjuma just cast the two a weird look, as though she could not register their words and accept it, before shooing the two away, although not unkindly. Junhoe brought the food, while Hyebin grabbed a handful of napkins, and the two found an empty corner of a picnic bench. It was a tight fit, as many public eating spots such as this was, and they were hunched over. Still, it was one of the best meals that she had ever remembered, and she reminded herself to cherish each moment. As they grew up, Hyebin found it harder to let her guard down, especially with the incoming competition for college applications. It were as though every moment prior to that day in the not so distant future was in preparation for it, and Hyebin did not want to disappoint.

“How about we go to some games? I’ll win you a prize like the ajjuma said. Oh, and by the way, I did have money. Just testing our friendship,” Junhoe said before he deftly dodged her hand. “Yah! Don’t ruin this beautiful face! It’s priceless.”

“Priceless as in zero in worth? You got that one right,” Hyebin muttered, but anyone could tell she was not mad. Others would think of it as her being too happy in the moment, and maybe it was partially that. But it was mostly because it was Junhoe, and she was Hyebin; there was no way for her to get mad at him.

“Let’s get going then. I will win you the best prize you could ever dream of, and you will bow down to me forever,” Junhoe rubbed his hands, already pumped at the thought. She playfully elbowed him, before tossing out the remains of their lunch and the two strolled to the section where the games were. There were many types, and Hyebin wasn’t even sure where Junhoe would be able to win a toy. He scanned the area, before dragging her towards a basketball hoop, where the host was waiting for more people to arrive. The winner, he announced, would be able to win a large stuffed animal, or two medium sized toys, or three small ones. Junhoe cracked his neck, and Hyebin giggled behind her hand as she saw his competitive streak appear. Many of the competitors were boys with their girlfriends, all obviously hoping to impress with their performance, as well as with the prize.

“Start!” At the word, basketballs were shot into the air almost simultaneously, and only a few made it into the hoop. Junhoe was among those who did not, causing him to furrow his dark eyebrows in concentration, and try harder. Hyebin watched in utter fascination as she saw a familiar expression appear; it was the same one he had made during their dance practices, whenever he was trying to master the move to the flow of the music. The buzzer on the timer stopped, and the scores showed. Junhoe was not first, but he was second, and that was still a surprise to Hyebin, who had never paid much attention whenever the boys went out to play ball.

“Would you like one medium toy, or two small ones?” The worker was asking Junhoe. Junhoe was scanning the rack of toys, before pointing towards a stuffed animal in the shape of a bunny. However, Hyebin beat him to it.

“Can we have two smaller bunnies? One white, and one brown?” The two prizes were handed over, and Junhoe gave her a confused look, before she took the brown one, pushing the white one to Junhoe. It was a subtle difference in the appearance; it was obvious the white one was a girl, and the brown one a boy.

“Why do I get the girl one?” Junhoe demanded, and Hyebin sent him a happy smile, enjoying her new toy.

“Because you’re the guy. I get a boy one and I’ll name it Junhoe, and you can name yours-” Hyebin was beginning to explain her logic, but Junhoe caught on within the first few words.

“Peasant.” He ended, eyeing his bunny plush, before reluctantly giving it a small pat on the head, as if to agree that it was not so bad afterall.

“Anywhere you want to go next? We have a little bit until the sun sets,” Junhoe asked. Hyebin nodded, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of going to the ferris wheel.

“I want to go on the ferris wheel. Can we?” She asked, and he sent her a questioning look, as if to ask if she were crazy.

“Go by yourself. Why would I, the manliest of all men, want to go on a ferris wheel?” Hyebin felt herself frown, his words obviously changing her mood. She did not want to force him on, but it was definitely not a response she was content with. The shift in the atmosphere was so obvious that it even hit Junhoe, who was normally only able to catch on if it endangered Jisoo’s happiness. “Okay, fine, I’ll grant you with my awesomeness, shorty. Let’s get to the ferris wheel.”

“Isn’t this so beautiful?” Hyebin asked, staring out into the distance. The pair had waited on the treacherous and winding line for the popular ride, and by the time they reached their compartment and were being seated, the sun was beginning to dip behind the buildings. The sky was streaked with deep and warm colors, the vibrant hues catching Hyebin’s eyes as she was enamoured by the sight.

“It’s not so bad,” Junhoe reluctantly admitted, looking around the compartment. There was a tiny fan in the corner, humming as it worked to chase some of the stuffiness present away. The walls were covered in previous riders, with signatures, dates, and messages to let their memories live on. Hyebin saw that the majority were from couples. How many of these couples were still together? She reached into her bag, taking out a permanent marker, the idea too tempting to pass.

“Let’s write messages for each other,” Hyebin passed him the marker, before pulling another one out of her bag. “We can’t read them until we’re both done, agreed?” He nodded, following along because he probably needed something to do with his lack of an attention span. The two faced opposite directions, and began to write. The squeaks of the markers’ felt tips on the wall would occasionally be heard, but it was a relatively calm and soothing atmosphere. Hyebin had found a small space next to one of the windows to write in, while Junhoe was writing on the ceiling, putting his height to use. The sun continued to dip behind the city, and the sky was a gradient of colors from the richest of reds to the deep inky night.

“Ready?” Junhoe asked, and Hyebin was amused at how curious he sounded to read her message. She felt a tug in her own heart- what kind of things would he say for her? This would be left here for a long time, and Hyebin was hoping it would be something that would be worth more than a century of time. “And. . . look!” The two swapped positions, and the compartment was once again silent as they read the messages.

‘Today is 8/24/10. It was a special day with one of the most important girls of my life, Kim Hyebin. I cannot believe I met you a little over a year ago. Not much changed; we still bicker, and I can out- sass you and you know it. But what did change was our friendship; you went through a lot to be patient enough to befriend me. And I want to thank you. Gomawo, for real. It was great, and I can’t wait for all of our childish wishes to come true in our future together -Koo Junhoe’

The message was simple, and cramped in the space it had, but Hyebin felt herself fall in love all over again for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. He was so obvious to his view of her as only a friend, and yet she accepted it because she just cared that they were friends. Junhoe himself was still reading her message, before he turned to her suddenly, almost startling her. There was a determined look in his eyes again.

“Let’s make do something right now. Do you have any paper?” Hyebin nodded, taking out one of her journals she always kept handy- she was a writer at heart, and she did not know when inspiration was lurking in the corner, ready to strike. “Okay, rip out two sheets, and follow my lead.” She obeyed, and gave him a sheet, keeping one for herself. “Write your wish, and let’s throw it out the window while we’re still up here.” Hyebin looked at him blankly, unable to quite grasp the meaning of his words. Did he just suggest to make a wish first? The great Koo Junhoe, who was always on her tail for saying to make a wish and claimed it to be too childish for him, was actually suggesting it himself? She hid her smile by bending over the paper, scribbling onto it, while he did the same on his own. They folded the paper hastily, trying to throw the airplanes while they were still at the peak of the ferris wheel, which was thankfully slow.

“Okay, take off!” Hyebin said gleefully, before the two threw their airplanes out the open window. They watched as it sailed out into the sunset, before descending into the throng of people below them.

“Did you wish for anything special?” Junhoe asked her. Am I allowed to be selfish and wish for you to notice me more?

    “Nope, did you? Am I a part of your wish?” Hyebin asked curiously. For some reason, she had a hitch that she was included somehow.

    “Maybe you are, maybe you aren’t. Don’t think you’re cool enough to be a part of my wish yet.” Junhoe said, leaning his head back. “But generally, I’m too lazy and I just wish to be happy and confident with how I live life,” he added.

    “Are you?” Hyebin wasn’t so sure why the question sounded so intensely concentrated on a certain aspect of his life; his choice to be in medical academy instead of music, and his relationship with Jisoo.

    “No. But I think I’m starting to regain that happiness.”

--

A/N: That was actually so long what even...

Anyways, hello my lovelies! I'm sorry my update was kind of slow. It was Junhoe's birthday, and I was aiming to update then, but I didn't have time these days... 

This is a rather off topic sidenote, and it may sound a little demanding of me, but I hope you guys are aware that writers feel more motivated to update when we get feedback and such from our readers. I updated last time, but I didn't really hear back from you guys; not so many comments, or anything. On top of that, it's been kind of hard on me in my personal life, so I would really appreciate comments and upvotes from you guys so I can find the strength to write in my busy schedule for you guys.

BACK TO THE STORY: I wanted to give a light moment. Love isn't all just bad stuff; even in unrequited love, we have our happy moments. It seems about fair that Hyebin can have a selfish moment with Junhoe. And I wanted to show it through a best friend day for the two of them to spend time, and for him to realize a little more to her. He isn't as sharp on the details about Hyebin as a person as she is to him; he's more attentative to Jisoo. I promise I'll start to add in more stuff about Junhoe as a character; his choice of major in the school, and his own life story. Please do comment and upvote, because like I said previously, It really encourages me even at 3 am to start writing, and thats the kind of motivation I'm desperately needing these days between getting sick and my workload.

I love you all, and hope you liked the light moments with Hyebin and Junhoe <3 until next time