Author's POV

"Well, he's excited.." Chen told D.O. 

It was the night before the 3 day camping trip and EXO was already done doing their last minute packing—except for their main dancer. Jongin was the very last person to pack his stuff because he's been going home so much later, practicing his self-choreographed item for the concert.  

He aimed for perfection in every one of the performance and if he messes up once, he wasn't going to go easy on himself. He was obsessed with flawlessness on stage. 

Chen and D.O, the only ones still awake was watching a late night horror movie in the living room. But it was almost impossible to feel the terror when Jongin would block the television every now and then to grab his stuff that was lying all over the place.

"Because his CRUSH is going. His trying to make a good impression for you know who." D.O teased, emphasizing the word crush which Jongin responded with a 'shut up!'. 

He packed all the necessary items such as a mini first aid kit—just in case Hyejung gets hurt—an extra blanket, 3 different flavoured ramen and a few other snacks. The trip was very important to him and he didn't want to mess it up for Hyejung. 

"DONE!" Jongin cheered, making Sehun silently curse at him for being so loud. 

He jumped into his bed and placed his hands on his forehead. May this trip go smoothly and fun.

~~~

The next morning

Hyejung woke up slightly earlier than usual just so that she could do a last check before heading out the door. She already got the permission from Mrs Seo and the lady was pleased to see her and the boys getting along just fine.

Mrs Seo had to wake up as well to send her off. She even took the time last night to make a few sandwiches for all of them to have in the morning. She's always so thoughtful which made Hyejung wonder why someone would want to leave her. 

Her ex-husband definitely didn't know how to treat a lady. 

"Jongin's waiting outside!" Mrs Seo told Hyejung.

"Got it!" Hyejung responded and put on her coat before carrying her bag. She made sure to only bring what she needed because she always felt the need to be comfortable if she was going to be away from home.

"Here's the food. Make sure to finish okay!" Mrs Seo passed her the plastic of sandwiches and pushed her out the door.

Hyejung opened the door and was greeted by Jongin who clearly looked like he just woke up. His hair wasn't styled like it usually was, making his bangs almost touch his eyes but not quite yet. He looked adorably attractive, if that even makes sense.

"Ready?" Jongin asked. 

She nodded and stepped out the door. Mrs Seo quickly placed a kiss on her forehead and patted her playfully. Hyejung let out a chuckle and walked to the elevator first. 

Mrs Seo gave Jongin a teasing but gratified look and placed her hands on his cheeks. He instantly thought of his mum. "Take care of her okay." She his cheeks lovingly and gave him a hug. "Have fun!" She winked playfully. 

Jongin laughed, "You can count on me!" he said and bowed at her before catching up with Hyejung. 

He noticed the girl being all fidgety and he wondered if she wasn't doing too well. "Are you okay?" he asked with concern. 

"Yeap! This is so exciting!!" hyejung cheerfully told him. 

He mentally sighed out of relief and chortled. The other members were waiting in the parking lot, figuring out who should be in whose car. And they were definitely going to make Hyejung sit in a car with Jongin. 

Jongin wasn't going to argue with that.

"Good morning!" Hyejung greeted them elatedly and captivating them with her perfect smile. 

"Morning Hyejung!" Chen greeted. Suho gave her a mere nod and nonchalantly entered the passenger seat of one of the 2 cars.

She noticed the leader keeping a distant from her since the first day and it bothered her that one of them didn't welcome her. 

"I'll take your bag." Jongin nicely said and grabbed her bag to the boot of a black SUV car. It was super sleek and chic that she wanted one for herself. 

"Morning Sehun.." Hyejung greeted the guy closest to her. He casually slung his arms around her shoulders. She didn't seem to be stunned like she would usually. Among the guys, she was the closest to the maknae of the group since their wasn't that huge. 

She was close to Jongin but her feelings for him gets in the way of their relationship that it's hard to treat him like a normal friend. 

Sehun hummed in respond as both of them watch the older ones discuss on where to stop in between of the ride to the campsite. "Are we going to Jeju?" He sarcastically asked. "Why are they all so serious about this trip?" 

Hyejung chuckled. "Hey, you should be excited.. You guys don't get the opportunity to wander around on your own right? This is your chance.." She told him.

"Hmm, i guess.. We didn't have to leave this early though." he complained, which Hyejung thought was a contrary to the manly image he has every time.

Chanyeol cleared his throat before she could respond to Sehun's complains. "Ok guys, we'll split up to 5-5. Lay hyung, Suho hyung, Chen hyung, Baekhyun hyung and Sehun will take Chen's car. And the rest will take mine." 

"Can't i go with you instead?" Sehun unhappily asked Chanyeol. Yes, he wanted to stay with Hyejung but it had all been planned out by the older ones. Xiumin and Lay was positive that if there was someone who's gonna be a killjoy, it would be the maknae. 

The trip was meant for them to bond and just take some time off from their hectic lives. But since Hyejung was following, they wanted to give Jongin the chance to get closer to her. They wanted to help him win her heart and possibly gain some experience in this love affair. 

That guy seriously knew nothing about girls.

"I want to stay with Hyejung." She raised her eyebrows at his shocking confession. Jongin rolled his eyes and silently scoffed. 

Chanyeol and Chen shared a look. "What's taking so long?" Suho peeked out of the window of Chen's Mercedes with a dissatisfied look. Hyejung bit her lips at his sour mood. Is this really the Suho i watch online?

"Let's go before hyung gets more upset. Sehun, you're staying with me." Chen said and he couldn't argue with him, knowing that the leader was in low spirits. Jongin made a small, noiseless cheer and opened the door to let the lady in first. 

Crap, i'm sitting beside Kim Jongin.

~~~

The ride to the campsite wasn't so bad. It was a little awkward but Hyejung managed to pass through that smoothly and in an hour, she was tearing up from laughing too much with the guys. They were so nice and funny, mindful as well. 

They tried every way to make her comfortable and made sure to check up on her when the car falls into a silence.

Halfway through the ride, Hyejung fell asleep. Of course, she sat next to Jongin while Xiumin sat in the passenger seat and D.O occupied the last seat all by himself. 

Her head was knocking the window every 5 seconds from the bumpy ride but she wasn't waking up. She was in a deep sleep and not even a thunderstorm can wake her up.

Jongin was afraid that she might wake up with a bruised head, so he carefully placed a pillow between her head and the window. A smile of contentment unconsciously spread across her face. D.O who wasn't asleep and distinctly saw his actions, cleared his throat.  

Jongin turned his head to face him but he closed his eyes and laid back in his seat with a playful smile. Jongin rolled his eyes and gave Hyejung another glance before shutting his eyes tight for a nap.

After 2 and a half hours of uneven road and restricted movements, they were finally at the campsite. EXO rented a place for themselves where nobody could have entry to and definitely away from the main area—which was usually filled with people. 

But because it was a working day, there wasn't a lot of people there. There were still some, but most were elderly which was very fortunate for EXO especially. They needed a break from screaming fans and camera flashes. They just want some peace. 

"Hyejung-ah.." Jongin called out. The other members had gone out and was starting to unload the stuff. 

Her hair was covering her face and she was still knocked out. "What did you do last night?" Jongin asked softly, tucking her hair behind her ears. 

He placed his hands on her cheeks and thoughtlessly them. It was so soft that it felt like edible tofu to him. "Yeppeo.." he whispered. He wished he could tell her without difficulty but just talking to her makes him nervous.

Hyejung flinched slightly, making him pull his hands back and act like he wasn't doing anything creepy to her—like watching her sleep and running his fingers against her cheeks. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and Jongin was the only one she saw. 

He smiled gently at her. "We're here." 

She rubbed her eyes and asked, "Why didn't you wake me up?" She yawned. 

"I was afraid you might hit me if i did." he joked. 

She only managed a subtle smile when her the contents of her brain was still in process. Jongin opened the door of the car and stepped out. The sound of nature greeted them in an instant. 

Birds and crickets chirping in a messy sequence, trees being blown back and forth and the cracking sounds brown leaves whenever people step on it. It was wonderful. 

"Are you ready for an adventure?" Jongin reached his hand out for hers. 

She beamed and placed her palms on his, "Yes i am."