“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” ¹

Hyewon re-read the sentence once more then laid her head down next to the book to relax. This was getting out of control.

Ever since that one guitar lesson, she felt restless. Her frozen state and numb mind kept replaying in her head. Chanyeol's presence wasn't new to her now - it was their fifteenth lesson together but not once did she react this way. What has changed? Chanyeol doesn't. She doesn't think so. Then what...?

It has to be Chaeyeon. With all her love talk she successfully got to her head... To get the fact straight, she's not in love. However maybe, she wants to be. Maybe deep inside, despite of thinking she's doing more than good without such complicated feelings, deep inside she's lonelier than she has thought to be. That's possible. When it comes to studying, she has no problems whatsoever with understanding but she is quite thick-headed when it comes other things - especially true so when it comes to understand her self. Something has to be up because she kept reading the book about love poems & quotes all week, fantasizing about this and that, stupid heart fluttering at every little romantic thing usually she doesn't bat an eyelash about.

Just yesterday they watched The Notebook and Hyewon cried twice as hard as usual. Pretty much like a baby. It was super embarrassing but she had already started weeping when she realized that. The other three habitants of Room 365 were in such a shock, they couldn't do anything about it for a long minute. Then Saemi passed tissues to her with widened eyes and Jungha exclaimed she had to record this in her stats (she has had a habit of recording anything remarkable in her stats, for what reason none of them had the idea). Chaeyeon just sat on her other side, slowly shaking her head and looking completely suspicious.

Hyewon wasn't herself lately and Chaeyeon was the only one who knew why... well, at least that's what she was thinking.

"I can't believe a dating bingo could shake you up so much." She admitted when they sat down a few days before to discuss what's necessary before starting. "I've arranged this totally for fun... I mean, your love life is not a joke, don't misunderstand me. It's just that I thought you'll be happy because of it, not devastated.

"I am not devastated."

"You're doing emotions, sweetie."

"I am quite emotional. You've failed to notice that... and I've told you, don't call me sweetie." Hyewon told her friend a bit disappointed before taking a bite into a wonderful tuna sandwich. She couldn't help but let out a satisfied hum.

Chaeyeon snorted.

"Yep, you're emotional when it comes to food, friends and arts. Anything else is outside your radar therefore not worth expressing."

"I'm sorry, did we gather to insult each other or...?"

"You've got the point. We shall milk the opportunity and get that awful curse off of you instead of giving each other a hard time." She concluded then pulled out those charts and papers again she kept rambling about last time. "I'm really curious what made you change your mind, by the way. You seemed so firm about your decision. I seriously thought you're going to be alone forever.

Hyewon merely shrugged.

"I didn't think it through I guess... I should at least try it, no? Maybe the outcome will be good."

She was being really nonchalant about it... only in front of Chaeyeon though. In fact she was panicking because other than feeling confused about her emotions she had another thing which has pissed her off - who would have thought friendzoning can feel that bad? During the lesson, when Chanyeol said "That's what I like about you as a student" Hyewon felt so wronged, so unfair, it was almost unbearable. It's not about Chanyeol. They're friends after all and he must have something going on on the girl front after that mysterious phone call. (Not to mention he's a good-looking genius. He probably lacks nothing, including a healthy love life.) But just the thought... just the thought of being rejected like that felt so bad, she never wanted to feel it again. What if Chaeyeon's prediction comes true and someone who Hyewon actually likes that way will friendzone her? No, that would be awful. She has to woman up and learn how to avoid that. As soon as possible. If he has to go on eleven dates for that, she's willing to accept the challenge.

"Fine. The point is you agreed!" Chaeyeon was too positive about the result to go deeper about her friend's sudden commitment. "There are a few rules you have to follow if you sign the papers."

"Wait, I have to sign something? Are we making a contract here?"

"No, it's not that serious. But there is a Terms of Use which is necessary. I've asked Jungha to prepare one for us. What luck we have a Business student at hand, huh?"

Hyewon facepalmed.

"You told Jungha?"

"Saemi as well." Chaeyeon smiled sweetly. "We're living under one roof. They'll notice sooner or later you're going out a lot, with different guys for that matter, and it wouldn't be great if there was a rumor going around, you've started a side-job, if you know what I mean..."

"Ya, I'm a good girl. Everyone knows I wouldn't -" Just the thought made Hyewon blush. "That's crazy."

"Good girls more often than not go bad. You wouldn't be the first one to do so... Now let's get to the terms before Saemi arrives and we have to listen to her complaining about her Chemistry grade. So, first paragraph - once you've sent a number to me, you have to show up at the chosen place and time. I have no doubt the numbered guy will go and setting them up is not nice."

"I agree. Chae, I've wanted to ask... where did you get these people?" Hyewon looked through the piece of paper. "Are the numbers significant? I feel like they are."

Chaeyeon shook her head quickly.

"The numbers have no meaning in this. They're preferred by the guys so I went with them. That's it. About getting them to do this... well, I know they all are up for a date. And they're all nice. I called them yesterday to make sure they're in and nobody refused."

"But where do you know them from? You've said you won't set me up with strangers." Hyewon pressed. "And please, don't tell me they may know each other. That would be so awkward if they get to know what I'm doing."

"Hey, relax. You act like I'm trying to become your pimp and sell you off to men." The redhead snickered. "As I've said they're from around the campus. From different departments. Some I know through common friends, some from projects or dorm parties. I can assure you they're the age and quality to go on a date with you. This is still not a prank."

Hyewon let out the breath she was holding. Even if she made up her mind, starting it hasn't become easier. There are too many things to fail because of after all... But is it worth to stress so much about it? It's not a chance coming in her way every day. Maybe she should just accept everything and work with what she has later on. Every man woman is the architect of their own future, isn't she?

"Okay. Next."

"The place and date are chosen by the guy and since it's them doing you a favor -"

"Don't emphasize that, please."

"- you should go with the flow and accept whatever date they've planned. Even if they take you to the canteen for a burger, you can do nothing but agree."

Hyewon pouted.

"Isn't that unfair? A date is about two people."

"I repeat they're doing you a favor. And if it was up to you, you would take them to the cinema for a Japanese movie or to the library for a reading."

"You're judging me!"

"No, I just know you." Chaeyeon stuck out her tongue. "None of them is weird so don't worry, you don't have to go to a place you otherwise wouldn't set a foot in. I've prepared everything for you, see?"

"Next." Hyewon grumbled resignedly.

Jungha did her job as well as always - the Terms of Use attachment to a freaking friendzone-curse breaking dating bingo turned out be at least twenty pages long. Seventy percent of it was unnecessary (Teen Vogue articles?) or simply too much (Self-defense techniques??) and even the rest thirty percent was questionable at places (is really an equation needed to calculate how much one pays at a dinner???)

But at least the rules were simple and most importantly, alterable.

"What if I like the guy? Can I go on one more date with them?"

Chaeyeon smiled at the question like the Cheshire cat.

"Being eager, I see."

"I'm going with the flow. Be happy." Hyewon defended herself. "So?"

"As you can see it's not included in the contract- I mean, in the Terms of use. If they want it, you can do that, I guess. If you like someone so much, you can disregard the others even. I'm willing to cancel the rest if you think you've found your one true love. I mean, it can happen. But you can also go on dates with all of them and then decide which one is worth to develop into something more. Just one thing - I've only arranged one date per person for you. If you want more, you have to work for it."

"You have their numbers, don't you?"

"Nope, I won't pass them on."

Hyewon groaned.

"Why are you just throwing me out there without any help?!"

"Love doesn't just come in your way. You have to put in effort to find it." Chaeyeon said wisely then giggled. "You're a cute girl, Hyewon-a. If you do put in effort, I'm sure it won't be hard to convince them to meet you more. Trust yourself and your abilities. And what the most important is don't be too friendly! The friendzone-curse is on you. It might act up and make you friendzone them one by one. We don't want that."

"Like it's something I can control... I'm not even convinced I'm doing it still."

"You'll realize it at the first date then. Think of it as practice, have fun and learn from it."

Hyewon cringed just thinking back about it. Take of it as practice, have fun and learn from it? Like it was that easy. It's been a while she had a date... actually she had only like two dates in her life. Meaning it as two continuous dates with the same guy. And she was maybe fourteen(?) which was five years ago. She forgot about how she was able to achieve that. She can't even remember who she was with. Very promising...

Of course it's something none of her roommates know. If they did, Chaeyeon would have surely freaked out and given her some extra brainwashing. No, she doesn't need that.

The only thing she could trust was his knowledge of guys - because even though she had little to no dating experience, she has spent quite a time among males thanks to all of his twenty cousins coming from the opposite , as well as those from the track and field club during high school... or maybe they only get along because she kept friendzoning them? Not her cousins but the track and field boys. Did she believe in something non-existent all the while?

Hyewon shook her head and turned a page to read and calm her nerves.

“Come to the orchard in spring. There is light and wine and sweethearts in the pomegranate flowers. If you do not come, these do not matter. If you do come, these do not matter.” ²

She couldn't help but smile as the words sank in. Friendzone or not, she has eleven chances at love. Isn't that great? As in... she doesn't want to be in love. But it wouldn't so bad if she could find someone who can make her think otherwise.

Hyewon sent the first number towards the end of the same week. She had finally time to think and choose one... even though she had no guide or information how to do that. She contemplated randomly pick one, throwing sticky notes in the air and settling on the one which falls on her head or something, but then she thought she should truly become the architect of her own future and take this seriously from the start. So Hyewon looked through the interesting numbers (00 seemed definitely an interesting choice) and pointed out one which gave her a good feeling.

Hyewon: 1

Those who choose Number 1 must be confident and clear with their goals - she reasoned. She likes hard-working, dedicated guys who know where they are, where they've come from and where they want to be. It's something the two of them can have in common from the start.

Chaeyeon didn't take long to answer... as expected from someone with no schedule, sitting in the neighboring room blasting BIGBANG. This texting thing was beyond ridiculous.
 

Hyewon: 1
GD's BAE BAE: uni library english literature section. friday 2pm. table 467.
Saem-Saem: Ohh you've finally started~ I'll lend you my guy magnet top! You'll succeed!!
Ha Jung Ha: Why am I part of this again?

Also it was a group chat with the habitants of Room 365 in it, called "Friendzone-Curse Purifying Ritual". Hyewon has started re-thinking her life choices.

The fact that the first date with Number 1 was organized at the English Literature section was a good and a bad sign at once. Good, because it was Hyewon's major, she'll feel at home and probably her partner has some relation to that department as well. One common trait already discovered. Bad because hello, Literature department? Maybe they are the same department and it's someone she knows. Worse someone from her year. That would be not so good.

Therefore Hyewon got ready with mixed feelings. Listening to Chaeyeon's advice for once, she didn't do anything extra or unlike her (so no, she did not use Saemi's guy magnet top consisting of something lacy and see-through probably) and went as she would have gone without being labeled as the friendzone-cursed. And intended to act the same as well. Maybe there is no friendzone curse at all. It could be proved with a successful first date.

The librarian welcomed her at the desk with a slow wave and a -eating grin.

"Your date is waiting for you at Table 467."

Hyewon's blood ran cold.

"Excuse me?"

"Just kidding. You should have seen your face!" Mr. Smith chuckled. "You have that dazed look on your face and no books with you so I thought that must be something special. Or someone special."

"It's Friday. Of course I didn't come to study now."

"Then did you come to read? There are some really good new books in the English Literature section you should check out!"

"I certainly will." She smiled awkwardly and walked to the lift. "Thank you for the notice, teacher!"

Thanks to the little interlude Hyewon became anxious during the few seconds up to the 4th floor. For a second it seemed like Mr. Smith was included in the plan as well. It was super creepy. She had nothing against the teacher but the more people know, the more public this thing will become. Hyewon didn't want to be a laughing stock or a nasty rumor for people to chew on.

The section was pretty empty given the day and time. Hyewon knew around this time Literature freshmen have an important lecture and the upperclassmen only went to the library before exams only. Spotting Table 467 from a few meters, she made out someone waiting in a light beige sweater with cut-short, brown hair.

Hyewon opened to call out for him but then she remembered she knows literally nothing about him. Damn Chaeyeon and her secretiveness. A name would have been good to know at least.

So instead she went around him and timidly stopped by the table.

"Hi!"

The guy looked up at the visitor and... whoa, he was handsome. What a good start. Hyewon could barely contain herself and tear her eyes away from his shining eyes and dainty nose. Guys like him pose in magazines and date supermodels instead of meeting up with commoners in the Literature section. Is this a joke?

"Hi." He responded a bit confused. He carefully looked her up and down then his eyes widened noticeably. "Oh it's you!"

Hyewon put a smile on her face.

"Yeah. It's me, I guess. Kim Hyewon."

"Kim Junmyeon. Wait..."

He abruptly stood and for Hyewon's biggest surprise he went to pull out the chair opposite for her. This was definitely an amazing start.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. It's nothing. You- look pretty."

Why was there a pause? Hyewon appreciated the compliment but couldn't help but be a little suspicious because why was there a pause?!

"You look good as well... I like your sweater."

Junmyeon broke into a smile and she instantly forgot her little confusion (and lame compliment-supposed-to-be). It was the most angelic smile she has seen since ever and combined with that sweet voice... Is this real? Is he real? Did she luck out this much at the first date? No way.

"Honestly I didn't know what to put on so I came the way I usually dress."

"Oh, it's the same with me. Don't bother." She reassured him before trying a topic she thought they can talk about. "I like this place. I'm a Literature major so I feel at ease. Did you choose this place because of the same reason?"

"Ah, I like this place as well but I'm an Education major."

Now that explains some things.

"So that's how you Chaeyeon!"

"You mean Park Chaeyeon?"

"Yes."

Junmyeon looked perplexed for a second then nodded meekly.

"We're both at Education though I'm an MA student."

That makes him quite a few years above them, possibly twenty-four. Nice. Also Education major? Double nice. She had to make him know of that at least.

"Education is great. Taking care of the next generation... I was thinking of becoming a teacher."

"Were you?" Junmyeon asked interested. "Why did you change your mind?"

"I don't think I have the qualities of a teacher. I mean, I don't think I could gain students' respect. They wouldn't have taken me seriously as a teacher."

Her explanation was a bit messy but it looked like Junmyeon understood.

"Even Education majors have that fear. Children are hard to tame. But once you figure out how to handle them, you can lead them through a hard but fruitful school career and prepare them for a challenging but rewarding life to have."

If Hyewon didn't ask his major before, she would have thought right now she's sitting in front of someone in her shoes. Junmyeon had plenty of vocabulary and knew how to express himself well. Also there was an extraordinary air around him...

"That's such a nice way of wording it. I've never thought about it like that." Hyewon admitted amazed. She felt comfortable at once now that she knew she has someone intelligent to talk with. "Which field do you want to teach?"

"My major is RE."

RE? What is that? Hyewon knew ER but that was medical related... Is she stupid or Junmyeon is speaking in another language? (Which wouldn't be better though because she's a LANGUAGE and Literature major, hello?) Well, maybe she should have been interested in other departments not just her own. It must be common knowledge. Unlike him, she has to work on her intelligence.

"RE as in..."

"Religious Studies." Junmyeon helped.

So that.

It was no bad news, regardless it was the first time Hyewon met someone from that field so she couldn't help but be taken aback a bit.

"Whoa, that's... Remarkable. You've chosen such a serious and important field."

"Are you religious, Hyewon?"

Her name sounded beautiful when such a beautiful voice said it. Hyewon enjoyed it for a few seconds before answering.

"I'm a Christian. My mother is a Buddhist though."

She mentioned it because she thought it's interesting. However Junmyeon's smile uncomfortably froze on his face. Hyewon frowned. Did she say something wrong? As much as she remembers, she didn't.

"That's interesting."

"You are?"

"A Christian, naturally. Both my parents are."

Oh, now she understood. Junmyeon is probably coming from a prestigious Christian family based on his reaction. Even so, why is it bad to have a Buddhist mother? Hyewon couldn't understand that.

Starting a religious debate on a first date didn't seem like a wise idea so Hyewon decided to change up the topic.

"You mentioned you like this place. What do you usually do in here?" Realizing the silly nature of the question, she quickly added. "What kind of books you read?"

At the question, Junmyeon's eyes lit up. Hyewon saw the same enthusiasm she has possessed. It made her feel relieved.

"I like various genres. I especially read a lot about education and s-"

At this point he abruptly stopped. And since he didn't continue for a while, Hyewon leaned forward curiously. What happened to him? His brain is short-circuiting?

"O-oppa?"

She felt uncomfortable calling him like that but calling his name felt too early to do. Though Junmyeon sounded absolutely cute. She might try it later.

He clenched his lips before averting his eyes.

"Nothing."

"You were about say something. I've heard." Hyewon insisted because she felt that she's about to discover something new and important. "Tell me, I'm all ears. And I won't laugh at you."

The last sentence was the key. Junmyeon looked back at her and moved to lean above the table. Taken into consideration Hyewon was leaning in too, their faces became close... and Hyewon's breath unexpectedly hitched. It was too soon to even say she liked the guy but apparently he has had some effect on her.

He kept lingering there, keeping eye-contact for seconds and Hyewon started to feel intrigued. What could Junmyeon hide? He can't read something..?

After what seemed like an eternity, he crossed the distance between them and putting a hand on her shoulder, Junmyeon whispered in Hyewon's ear.

"I'm a hardcore Star Wars and anime fan."

It took some moments for Hyewon to process the information but when she did, she broke into a wide smile.

"That's awesome."

"Y-you think so?" Junmyeon didn't expect this kind of reaction, he looked dazed and somewhat struck returning to his seat.

"Yeah."

"Don't you think it's... weird?"

Hyewon blinked in surprise.

"What? No! It's awesome, really. I can't say that I'm a Star Wars fan... okay, actually I don't like it too much but I am an anime fan. And mangas. And Japanese movies! They're all so good."

It escalated quickly from here. Junmyeon let loose now that he has known he can completely be himself around someone who shares this interest of him and apparently not the judging type. And Hyewon felt instantly more comfortable seeing the guy smiling a lot more, giving a positive response and being honest with her. It was obvious Junmyeon has had a shell eager to shed. The reason why wasn't clear in front of her but she thought maybe it's not her business. She better enjoys the time she has got to spend with such a sweet guy.

After some time the two of them wandered to the place mangas were kept and engaged in conversations about genres they like, books they have read and ones they're yet to get their hands on. Their tastes weren't exactly the same (Junmyeon disliked graphic violence and Hyewon has never been a fan of too much mecha) however they could turn a blind eye over those differences. It was almost like some magic had happened. They suddenly got on so well...

Hyewon watched almost fondly as Junmyeon opened a book and instantly smiled at the first page. It was like watching a little kid in the candy store. Herself should have read a manga as well but she found more joy in watching the other... okay, she purposely had chosen a book she has read already. Call her a creeper but she just couldn't read comfortably. Junmyeon was simply too dreamy for that.

Soon Junmyeon couldn't disregard the intense stare on him any longer and looked up curiously.

"You're not reading?"

"Me? Oh, I've just realized I've read this before." Hyewon lied a little then turned around to put the book back to the shelf. "I'll look for something else."

She randomly picked one from the row in front of her and was about to move it when she felt a body cornering her.

"Should I help?"

Junmyeon came up to her so suddenly Hyewon dropped the book startled... straight on the guy's leg. Where else?

"Oh my God, are you okay?" Hyewon squatted down in reflex to remove the subject. She couldn't see anything because of the rather nice shoes covering Junmyeon's feet. It must be a prestigious Christian and chaebol family he's coming from, no doubts. Wow. Is there any aspect of him which isn't perfect?

"I'm fine." He chuckled. Even his chuckle sounded amazing. "Here, let me help you."

He reached out a hand towards her. Not used to being treated like that, it took some time for Hyewon to catch up but finally she accepted the hand and let herself to be pulled back to her feet. As soon as she was standing, Junmyeon let her hand go. It was obvious he feels embarrassed about the action unlike Hyewon did.

"I-I saw a vendor selling fishbread not far from here. Would you like to go?"

"Sounds good to me!" She exclaimed.

Slipping out of the library without getting noticed by Mr. Smith was a challenge (especially so since Junmyeon told in the elevator he's a frequent visitor and is getting on with the librarian quite well) but they lucked out. The old man was nowhere to be seen as they were leaving. Hyewon thanked everything she believes in once they managed to be in the streets.

They were slowly getting into March but the weather hasn't caught up yet with the changing season. Hyewon was positively squirming because of the cold a bit. Thankfully the vendor was indeed close around, after a few minutes of walking the sweet smell of fishbread reached her nose and made water.

"Good evening, ahjusshi."

"Good evening, youngsters." The man returned the greeting while flipping delights in the pan. "What can I help you with?"

"We'd like to have four pieces of fishbread." Junmyeon continued then turned the girl next to him. "Is that okay with you?"

Hyewon nodded with a smile.

"Of course."

Their pieces were prepared under relatively short time. Hyewon reached into her bag for her wallet and was about to ask what it will cost but Junmyeon was quicker.

"You don’t have to." She blurted out.

Junmyeon smiled back at her reassuring.

"I'm insisting."

Hyewon had no doubts he has the money but somehow it felt wrong to let him pay for her as well.

At the end the vendor solved the problem instead of the two of them.

"Aigoo, you lovebirds. Quarrelling about something so small... You remind me of myself and my wife when she would hit me in the head for not folding the napkin but crumbling it together." He chuckled good-naturedly before putting on a sly grin on his face. "I'll give you these for free if you show me something."

Dead silence followed the offer. Junmyeon looked just as frozen as when the religion-stuff came up and Hyewon were both outraged and awkward to say a word. Old men and their stamina, seriously... Just no.

"Ahjusshi, don't joke with us!" She managed to say carefully. She wanted to have some fishbread after all.

The man blinked nonchalantly.

"I'm not joking. I'm willing to have you go without paying if you kiss each other, for example. Is that too much to ask? You're a couple, are you not? Kids do everything in public these days, don't be shy you two."

That is the thing we're not a couple, Hyewon contemplated to say. But before she could, Junmyeon pulled her towards him and lightly pecked her forehead.

"Can we have our fishbread now?"

"Here you go, buddy." The vendor grinned and staying true to his words shook his head when the guy reached the bills out for him. "Enjoy the food and your love!"

Walking away from the stand proved to be harder than arriving there. Hyewon's legs just didn't want to work and her hands kept touching the same spot on her forehead. Well, that was unexpected. Nonetheless nice.

"If we stay longer, he might make us do more." Junmyeon teased and hearing that, the girl was instantly quickening her step. He grinned. "Here is yours. You've earned it."

Hyewon took the food with a grin equally as wide.

"We both have. Thank you!"

Getting bored with the library, they didn't take the route back, instead settled for a comfortable walk in the neighborhood. At one point, when the delicious bread completely relaxed her, Hyewon decided to follow her feeling and snuggled up to the guy walking with him.

Junmyeon startled at the sudden contact but finally offered his arm to hold onto. The two of them were eating there fishbreads, arm-in-arm, feeling carefree and warm.

They only stopped when they had reached a park and they could sit down. Hyewon instantly went for the swings. Junmyeon followed her with a smile.

"This is nice."

"I know, right?" Hyewon agreed after finishing her food and smacking her lips delightedly. "Sometimes it's simply the best to just sit down somewhere and eat, without thinking of anything."

Junmyeon nodded then timidly glanced at the other.

"You know, this is the most fun I've had in a while."

Hyewon turned to him in shock.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Whoa, you must have a demanding life."

Just when she has said it, did Hyewon recognize it could pass as something she didn't mean. She opened to apologize but Junmyeon cut her off.

"You're right. I'm lucky to have a family who supports me wholeheartedly but... sometimes they just feel too much. Sometimes I feel restricted because of them. They want the best for me but fail to recognize what I think is that best kind of something. Teachers and peers are mostly the same. Most people have high expectations for me since I'm coming from a rich family, not to mention the standards they keep. You're the second person I've told I like Star Wars and such. The first person ridiculed me so sorry if I've come off too mistrustful or defensive."

"It's okay." Hyewon answered, feeling a bit bad for the guy. "I don't have the same problems but I do have problems so I understand. You don't have to apologize."

"Hyewon."

"Yes?"

"Tell me... do you really like all that stuff or were you misleading me so I can feel better?"

She couldn't help but giggle.

"Yes, I do. I believe I saw all of the Studio Ghibli films at least thrice and read more mangas than must-reads in school. However, I have to say yes to the second part of the question as well."

Junmyeon frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"Even if I didn't like Japanese stuff, I would have pretended I'm fine with it because no one deserves to be judged or ridiculed because they differ from the picture we have about them in our mind." Hyewon explained before turning to him. "Especially not you, Junmyeon. You're great. With or without unusual hobbies for an RE major... You know what? Scratch that. I think an RE major with unusual hobbies is the best kind of unusual."

He chuckled at her choice of words.

"Thanks, Hyewon. I appreciate that. I came to the library today all highly strung and doubtful but you've really changed my mind about this stuff."

"You've needed more of a friend than a date, haven't you?"

As soon as she has said it, Hyewon gasped. No. Way. Did she just..?

"I guess you're right." Junmyeon hummed before flashing her a blinding smile and standing up. "Come, I'll walk you back to the building."

Hyewon didn't respond. She kept walking home in silence, half-heartedly listening to what Junmyeon was talking about (something Star Wars-related probably) because yes, she has done it. She has just friendzoned Junmyeon a few minutes ago... and probably all the other guys who has cornered like that before without being aware of doing it.

She is the victim of the friendzone-curse. She is in trouble.

¹: quote by Pablo Neruda (1904 - 1973)
²: poem by Jalaluddin Rumi (1207-1273)

I know I'm being all cliché, and cheesy and cliché but you know what I don't care this is how I've wanted it to be, there are people out there like the Junmyeon portrayed here with problems like this and there are girls out there like Hyewon not noticing a guy liking her even if he's kissing her on the forehead. Though forehead kisses can be interpreted as nothing but a caring gesture as well, did you know? This article explains the whole thing, you might want to read it if you're interested. Anyway, I'm not apologizing, hope you're not minding so much how this turned out. This was just the first date after all. There are more to come~

What do you think about said first date? Do you think Junmyeon is as dreamy as I think he is? (Please, keep in mind I portray him here the way I want and here's a fact for you, I don't believe in d*ddy!Suho and all that jazz. So yep, in my world he's a sweet gentleman with family issues and manga/Star Wars mania. Isn't he charming even so? Ha-ha.)

I'm super happy about the previous comments, subscription and upvotes(!!), you shall continue this good nature of yours... Just kidding. Give feedback only if you have time and actually want to do so. I'll stop pressuring you now that I know people who read this story exist. :D

Next update is on its way. Considering I'm an university student as well with free time to write only in the second half of the week, you can expect updates to come around Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Lol I'm not being too specific but I am sorry for real this time, that's all I can give to you. OTL

Have a wonderful day!

sophie94

ps.: I've also started to post on Wattpad to broaden my audience (lol) so if you have a friend who likes reading there more, don't forget to notify them, thank you! (If you happened to like reading there, go ahead. ;)