An almost sneer-slash-smile was returned. “Hi. We met the other night, right?”

Namjoo gave him a questionable look. Sehun awkwardly smiled. “Uh…yea…”

Turning to her, Jongin said, “He was on his phone when I saw him. Thought it was his girlfriend he was talking to.”

Sehun wanted to shrink. What the hell was with that?

“Sit, sit,” he invited, quick to avert Namjoo’s attention.

“Essay?” Namjoo asked sliding into the chair across from him.

“Oh…yea…” he gestured to the books beside his laptop.

“He’s working on a pretty big essay. I thought you could help review it,” Namjoo told her friend and Sehun wished again he had already melted.

“I’m all right.” Sehun cut in. “I’m almost done, too.”

“Then I suppose that’s good news.” Jongin said.

It was so undeniably hot Sehun wanted to slide out of his clothes. He couldn’t tell whether it was actually Namjoo or Jongin’s uninviting vibe that was getting to him. Being a nervous wreck right now wasn’t benefitting him.

Sehun dove his eyes down to the computer screen, saw the cursor blinking. Though he’d set his fingers on the homerow to begin typing, his hands weren’t moving. Sehun couldn’t process anything to his mind. Then his eyes peeked over the screen to Namjoo scribbling something in her notebook, eyes dashing over to the textbook flipped open. His heart fluttered mercilessly.

Catching view of Jongin beside her, Sehun stole a fast glance making sure the friend wasn’t eyeballing him. Nothing. Relieved Sehun returned to his essay.

♠♠♠♠♠

The seaside hostel was rented for the four-day three nights trip. Right on Haeundae Beach with the grandest view of the clear blue ocean, gold sand, and frilly umbrellas; including the hundred other tourists taking advantage of the great spring weather. Surrounded by twelve-story glassy motels, malls, and endless restaurants.

The itinerary included hiking, grilling, and visiting the nearby century old theater lovingly groomed to maintain its vintage vibe. Hayoung was so excited. She didn’t care if the dance club was joining them. Being able to hang around Jongin was already enough to shake her up.

Except for the fact that he’d come up to her during mid-terms to ask why the dance club was joining them. He hadn’t seemed to happy. Maybe she would find out on the trip.

But for now, she was happily waiting outside the union hall for their bus. The loaded duffel bag at her feet was packed with carefully chosen outerwear. She aimed to look her best now that the opportunity to be constantly around Jongin had arrived. A scan to her left and she saw him standing not three students away. The noisy drama club members were erratically chatting around her, but she heard none of them. A sneaky smile lifted her lips up timidly.

It got noisier when around the corner the few dance club members arrived in a group. Sehun with that black duffel slung over his shoulder slowly approached the suddenly quiet dance club. She snickered at him when he looked past her to the apple of his eye.

“You’re nearly late,” Hayoung whispered when he walked over.

“Still on time.” He pointed out.

“Stop looking with your puppy eyes,” she sneered. “Of course, you won’t be able to sit with her on the way there.”

“Then where are you sitting?”

“Not with you obviously.” She coyly replied, bent down to grab her bag, and stalked off at the sight of the bus.

The drama members scattered upon boarding the bus. Hayoung snagged a seat with a fellow student and sat nearest Jongin. Keeping him in her eyesight from two rows adjacent to him. He’d let Namjoo take the window seat the gentleman he was. The mere thought made her heart go squishy for him.

Her cheeks grew hot at the sight of him comfortably leaning back into the seat and closing his eyes, a leg extended into the aisle because it was so long. His body proportions were so godly. She was half glad he had not auditioned for the Romeo & Juliet play. She hate it more than stupid Sehun god forbid.

Sighing, she relaxed. If Jongin was sleeping, she also wanted to sleep and possibly meet him in his dreams.

♠♠♠♠♠

They stopped several times at rest stops for bathroom breaks and meals. Halfway to Busan Jongin questioned himself why he wanted to come on the trip. His was so stiff from sitting so long. Not including the boredom slowly taking over.

Now he was lethargic as he waited for his order of food; udon and rice rolls. The rest stop was densely packed with travelers coming and going. More than half the long wooden tables in the cafeteria that seated at least eight people were empty. It was late in the afternoon and considering travelers had already reached their destination, no one seemed to be here. Jongin was jealous. There were four more hours to go to Busan.

The overhead screen lit up and blinked with his order number. Jongin double-checked his slip of paper and went to the counter to pick up his tray. A steaming bowl of noodles drifted up his nostrils waking him up from his lazy haze.

Discovering a table in the middle, Jongin began digging into his food. He was hungrier than he realized.

“Can I sit with you?” A voice made his head pop up. It was the club vice president Hayoung.

Jongin almost choked on the hot string of noodle sliding down his throat. Covering his mouth in order not to spit out the food, he extended an arm to the seat in front of him.

Gladly sitting down, she worried, “Are you ok?”

“F…fine.” He coughed struggling to calm.

“Have some water.” She offered her glass.

Hoarsely coughing, Jongin managed to say, “I have water.”

Her eyes darted to his bottle of water and shied. “Oh…”

Clearing his dry throat, Jongin said, “Thanks anyway.”

“The food must be that good,” she said.

“Huh?”

“I mean, for you to choke.” She added. Hayoung seemed to shrink. “Sorry, that must have sounded stupid.”

Jongin couldn’t help but muster a smile. “I guess I shouldn’t pig out on good food.”

She giggled amused. “Good news is, this is the last stop before we reach the hostel.”

“Good, I can’t stand this anymore.” He complained.

“What are you lovebirds gossiping about?” Namjoo asked joining them.

This time it was Hayoung who choked. Her face was beet red when Jongin glanced at her.

“Stop. That wasn’t funny.” Jongin scolded. Back to Hayoung he worried, “You ok?”

She nodded.

“Sorry.” Namjoo apologized. “It was just a joke.”

“It’s ok. Don’t worry about it. Honestly.” She shook her hand.

“You were here?” Sehun called out coming around the table and paused when he reached Hayoung’s side. Jongin noticed his eyes do a fast land on him then Namjoo.

There was something off-putting about him. Jongin couldn’t quite put it into words, but there was something definite about this guy. And Namjoo.

“Do you want to sit down?” Namjoo asked.

“Huh?” Sehun asked surprised. Another glance landed on him before he muttered, “Oh…ok.”

Pulling out a chair he sat across from Namjoo.

“So,” Jongin piped up, “you two know each other?”

“What?” It was Sehun. Again, sounding surprised. His eyes were big like he’d been kicked underneath the table.

“I saw you two talking before we got on the bus.” Jongin clarified.

Sehun and Hayoung quickly glanced at each other.

Smiling broadly, Hayoung explained, “We know each other. We went to the same high school.”

“Really?” Namjoo asked. “That’s interesting.” Looking at Jongin she added, “Jongin and I went to the same school, too.”

“We grew up together.” He added and saw Sehun dart his eyes to the side.

“I didn’t know that.” Hayoung said. “Now it kind of makes sense.”

“What makes senses?” Namjoo wondered.

“Nothing. Nothing.” She hurriedly shook her hands.

Jongin curiously eyed her, but left it at that. Within the forty-five-minute mark they were given for break they ate, went to the bathroom, and were back on the road. Sighing exhausted Jongin sank into his seat and shut his eyes. Road exhaustion was really a thing. He never remembered a road trip being so long. He was starting to dread the trip back.

“I’m so sick of this,” he complained.

“On the bright side, we’re almost there.”

“Four hours is not almost.” Jongin mumbled.

“Better than six,” Namjoo reminded.

He sighed again.

“I didn’t know you were close to Hayoung.” Namjoo mused.

“I don’t really know her.” Jongin told.

“Really?” She teasingly nudged him. “You two were getting cozy back there.”

“Stop.”

She scoffed at him. “Next time just give me a signal and I won’t interrupt.”

Opening his eyes, he frowned at her. Smugly grinning, Namjoo crossed her arms and leaned into the window.

♠♠♠♠♠

Honestly, Sehun preferred the glassy twelve-story hotel instead of the small hostel the drama club had rented for the trip. The cabin sized building was puny standing against the hotel even if it was two-stories with a balcony. Decent with all utilities included especially a two-door silver fridge, but Sehun still wanted the hotel sadly.

From ground level the best part was the view of the sandy beach and the foamy ocean. A majestic blue that stretched out into the beautiful beyond, meeting the horizon where it rose and ended every day. It was a holy sight.

The beach was still packed this late into the evening. Few were still in the ocean enjoying themselves. He was exhausted as heck from the long ride as he as sure the others were too.

The clubs had split rent, but the males would be staying on level two and the females on the first floor. That was decided before the dance club joined the trip. Sehun wouldn’t say he disagreed, but his eyes longed after Namjoo as he climbed the stairs up.

The wide foyer was lavishly furnished with a flatscreen television mounted on top of a rectangular table that consisted of fancy drawers. Opposite the room was an open kitchen with black marbling counters that stretched to a deep sink. Bedrooms and bathrooms could be located down a left hallway.

Upstairs was a smaller lounging area. Where Sehun imagined the guys would be playing cards, gossiping, and drinking deep into the nights. Available bedrooms were scattered around the central lounge space. Regrettably, there was just one bathroom for the men. It was one of the sacrifices they would have to do for the comfort of the girls he imagined.

The guys were roaring already as they curiously explored the bedrooms and made their claim. Moving at a slower pace Sehun peeked into the rooms from over the guys’ shoulders. Opening a corner door, he poked his head into a darkened room with a set of twin beds.

 “Wanna share a room with me?” Sehun turned a little late. Jongin already brushed past and entered the room. He chose the bed closest to the door. Great. Sehun would have to take the longer route to the bed nearest the window.

Plopping down onto the bed Jongin patted the area around him as if testing for firmness. When he looked over Sehun quickly averted his eyes. Dropping his duffel bag, he stared at the bed neatly made.

God, this was awkward. He didn’t know what to make of this. It would have been better if he was with one of his dance mates. Even if there wasn’t anything to talk about, he’d feel more comfortable.

“So, uh…can I call you Jongin?” Sehun asked just to kill the growing silence.

“What else would you call me?” Jongin flatly stared back.

Awkwardly cracking up, all he could mutter was, “Right?” then slowly pivoted and looked away wishing there was something to break the ice between them.

That night he slept with his back turned to Jongin. Tired as his body was, he just couldn’t sleep and it wasn’t because the four-paned window was curtainless or because the full moon shone so piercingly bright. Sehun was uncomfortable all around. Maybe a little excited but the discomfort weighed more and it just he was sharing the room with Jongin.

Drowsily waking up in the wee hours Sehun deeply sighed. His arm ached from pinning all his weight on it the entire night. The sky was an aqua-blue and the moon was still relevant as ever, but the sun was starting to take shape.

Giving up on a restless sleep, Sehun quietly crept out of the room into silence. None of the other guys were yet awake. Obviously after such a long bus ride all the students would be knocked out. Unlike him. His luck just .

Ruffling his hair, he went into the bathroom to wash up and brush his teeth. Without turning the lights on he found his way to the balcony on the other side of the lounge area. Unlocking the sliding doors, he stepped outside. A faint breeze carried with it the aroma of the salty ocean. Sehun inhaled the fresh air in and released it with a long exhale.

Satisfied, he crossed the tiny space to the wooden fence. Resting his folded arms on top it he watched the clouds hover above the rolling waters. The calm was so peaceful. The earth so resilient. This was the moment peace held its true meaning. The stars were few but they sparkled as if speaking to each other, telling old lover’s tales.

Amazing that he had this all to himself. Whomever built the hostel had the right idea to face the balcony toward the ocean. It was so romantic here. Imagine spending the night watching the sunset holding each other, ending the day in each other’s presence, and waking up to begin the day with the most important person. That was the dreamy reality. The imagery made him feel like he was floating on clouds and being carried faraway. Sehun was glad he’d woken up early.

On instinct his gaze flittered lower. Sehun’s eyes locked on the figure slowly emerging from the front doors below the balcony. The shadow slowly sauntered onto the beach. The longer his eyes glued on the person the more familiar they felt.

Sehun blinked once and twice and finally got it. He knew that hair length. He’d stared and observed numerous times. The way they bundled over her shoulders like sleek waves. Every time he was near, he could almost smell the slightest scent of her shampoo. Thud, thud, thud his heart always went. So crazily each time.

A giant smile split his lips as he watched Namjoo cross the beach to the waters. At the slowest pace possible like she was soaking in how soothing the soft of the sand felt to the soles of her feet. The lone moment gave him a chance to greedily run his eyes over her. Namjoo was in nothing but a t-shirt and sweats rolled up to her knees. It must’ve been hot in the girls’ room he assumed. The smile continued to cradle his lips because Namjoo was so normal.

Enamored by her mere presence he continued to watch her quietly. This moment was his alone. He couldn’t be happier.

At last Namjoo paused at the edge of the waves allowing the foamy water to slosh through her feet. For a few seconds she stood as if stunned. Sehun pictured the childish expression she might have. The wonder in her big eyes at the sudden moment. She could loosen up and just be herself without anyone’s judgement.

His eyes followed her giddily when she started walking along the shoreline, arms out as if on a balance beam. The grin on his face widened. The thrill of the moment hiked his heart up. She was adorable in a way he’d never seen before and he wanted to embrace her for as long as he could.

Sehun wondered if she might notice him, feel eyes on her, and look his way. For as long as he stared, she didn’t turn once. One day, maybe, she would also notice him.

Sehun would wait.

He could always wait.

Sehun stayed outside until the disc began to rise above the skyline. Before anyone might wake, he went back inside and headed downstairs. He wasn’t surprised that none of the girls were up. Hoping there would be some coffee in the cupboards and drawers he started going through the kitchen. The owner had left some kitchen tools for them. Sehun was darn intended on making use with what they were offered.

He air punched when he found instant coffee packets. Not his favorite, but it would do. Namjoo really liked coffee and she could drink it without creamer or sugar. She could do everything he couldn’t. That kind of fit them together, making up for what the other lacked, didn’t it? He smiled happily as he went to work.

He resorted to a cheap plastic cup forced to make do. It wasn’t like he had come on the trip prepared to make instant coffee for his crush.

Eyeing the door, he hoped Namjoo would come in before the coffee cooled, because he couldn’t exactly reheat it in the microwave. During the silence he listened to the refrigerator hum. He had heard the drama club was preparing to grill tonight, have a bonfire, maybe drink, go crazy, and do things college kids do. Would they invite the dance club to join them? Have fun together?

Sehun abruptly turned at the click of the door. His heart thumped into his chest. He waited for Namjoo to close the door and whirl around to head inside. She stopped short when she noticed him across from her.

“Oh? You’re up?” She asked.

He shyly looked at her then away. Courageously pushing himself to do something, he lifted the cup in his hand, “I made you some coffee.”

Coming over, she peeked into the cup. “It smells good.”

“Here.” He handed her the cup.

“Where’s yours?” She took it from him and took a careful sip.

“I don’t need any.”

“But you look tired.” She noted. “You should go back to sleep.”

He was surprised when she touched his arm and ushered him toward the stairs with a small push. Quickly pivoting he suggested, “Then let me rest on the couch. Since I’m awake there’s no use going back to sleep. I’ll watch some TV instead.”

“I guess you have a point.” She withdrew her arm and headed into the living room. Grabbing the remote she made herself comfortable on the three-seater. Taking it as his cue, Sehun joined her sitting a space away.

“Let’s watch this,” she decided after flipping through countless channels. He didn’t argue. He had nothing to refute sitting next to her. Honestly, he couldn’t ask for more, sharing a beautiful morning alone with her like they were just normal people living normal lives. Somewhere faraway, just the two of them.

Before he knew it, he already leaned back into the couch and closed his eyes, dreaming a happy dream.