You sighed and stretched your lean body across the lounge chair. You rested your arms behind your head, nodding your head side to side as the music flowed from your head phones. The lights from the pool and the shining stars above your head illuminated your surroundings brightly, giving you a sense of peace. A small smile curled your cherry lips upwards. With your eyes closed, you hummed along to Infinite’s ‘Can U Smile.’

When the song was over, you pulled your headphones out and set your ipod on the glass table next to you. You stood up and looked around you. *I love being the only one out here at night.* You beamed, happy. You walked towards the edge of the pool and sat down on the ground, letting your legs dip into the water. You made small circles with your legs and slid your white t-shirt off, leaving yourself in a pink bikini top and white boardshorts.

*I hope it isn’t too cold.* You bit your bottom lip, held your breath and threw yourself into the water. The water was cold at first, but you got used to it. You swam around the pool once and stopped near the deep side. You absolutely loved the feeling of the water wrapping around your body, as if it was hugging you. You pushed yourself off the side of the pool and just floated there on your back. In complete bliss, you closed your eyes and softly kicked your legs.

You tilted your head back slightly, looking up at the sky. You smiled, thinking how beautiful it was. You heard the clang of metal and stood up. You looked behind you and you froze. *What is he doing here?!* Your eyes widened to size of saucers.

Junhong closed the gate behind him and turned around. He came to a stop when he met eyes with you. “Hey Min.” He smiled and waved.

You waved back and climbed out of the pool. “Hey.” You grabbed your shirt off the floor and slipped it on. You followed him to the lounge chairs and sat down in yours. “How’d you know I was here?”

Junhong looked over at you, a ‘duh’ expression etched onto his handsome, clean face. You smirked and shook your head in amusement. “Stalker.”

He shook his sandals off and leaned back in the chair, stretching his arms. “Aigoo~ I’m so tired.”

“Then go home. This is my sanctuary.” You said.

He stuck his tongue out at you and scrunched up his nose. “You’re mean. I haven’t seen you all day!” He cried.

You rolled your eyes with a smile. “You saw me, now go away.” You stood up and headed towards the gate, you swung it open and motioned him out with your hand.

Junhong gaped at you and crossed his arms over his chest. “Rude.” He turned the other way and sulked.

“I’m just kidding.” You cooed and burst out laughing. “You’re such a baby.” You walked by and flicked his black hat off his head.

“YAH!” Junhong shot out of his seat and ran after you.

You squealed and scurried away, careful not to slip. You glanced back and saw that Junhong was catching up. “It’s not safe to run around the pool, it’s against the rules!” You yelled, laughing in the process.

Junhong smirked and ran faster. “I don’t listen to the rules.”

You gave up trying to outrun him and bent over to catch your breath. You spun around and crashed into Junhong’s chest. “WAA!” The two of you went sprawling into the water.

You and Junhong resurfaced, looked at each other and laughed whole-heartedly. You swam closer to him and held out your hand. The corners of Junhong’s lips twitched up into a smile as he reached his hand out as well. The both of your did your secret handshake and laughed once more.

“AIGOO~” You sighed loudly and threw yourself back into the water. You floated on your back again and slowly swimmed away with your eyes closed.

Junhong watched you in content. Sneakily, he swam towards you. You arched an eyebrow and stopped kicking your feet. “You better try not to jump me.” You said in a stern voice.

“Damn it.” You smiled at his cursing and happily swam.

Junhong decided to float on his back as well with his arms behind his head. You spotted him and smirked. As quietly as possible, you swam towards him. You reached the shallow end and neared him. You looked down at his peaceful face and softened. You chewed on your bottom lip and slapped your hands down on the water, splashing him. “BOO!”

Startled, Junhong jumped up. He put a hand over his startled chest and looked around for the offender. He met your eyes and narrowed his own at you. You laughed and tilted your head to the side with a wave of your hand. Junhong couldn’t stay mad at that and shook his head. He smiled back and splashed water towards you.

You screamed and retaliated with splashes of your own. You and Junhong were in a heated splashing war and neither of you were ready to back down. Although your arms grew weary, you didn’t stop. You wondered where Junhong had gotten the stamina from to keep going.

Junhong noticed your tired expression and stopped. “I surrender.” He raised both arms above his head.

“Phew!” You wiped imaginary sweat off your forehead and let yourself fall under the water.

*Aigoo~* Junhong walked over to you and pulled you up by your wrist. You wiped the water off your face and looked up at him. Junhong was already staring at you. You felt your heart beat a little faster. His expression turned into a serious one.

Still holding onto your wrist, he pulled you closer. You blinked up at him with your big eyes. With his free hand, Junhong gently cupped your chin and tilted your face up. His eyes sparkled and you were enthralled. As Junhong leaned in closer, panic rose in your chest.

His face was centimeters away and you could feel his hot breath on your lips. You knew you had to stop him before he could connect his lips with yours, but a part of you didn’t want to. You felt your eyes start to slip close. *We shouldn’t....* Junhong’s lips lightly brushed against yours when you pressed your palm against his chest.

Junhong opened his eyes and looked down at you in curiosity. You looked away and whispered, “You have a girlfriend.” You stepped away from him and walked out of the pool. You grabbed your belongings and left the area with heavy shoulders. *What did we do?*

Junhong stood there, shocked. He roughly ran his fingers through his blonde hair and slapped his hand down onto the water. *.* He cursed himself and dragged a hand down his face.

---

The following day you rolled out of bed and groggily shuffled towards the bathroom.

You stretched your arms above your head and shut the bathroom door behind you. You washed your face and brushed your teeth. You wiped your mouth with a pink towel and ran your fingers through your light hair. After applying a layer of sunscreen, you headed back to your room.

Bzz! Bzz!

On your nightstand, your phone vibrated with a new message. You grabbed your phone and opened the message.

We’re all hanging out at the arcade. Wanna join? :) - Jongup

You appreciated how Jongup always included you in everything the boys did. With a smile you replied to his text:

I’ll be there in an hour ^^

You tied your hair up into a loose bun and froze. *What if Junhong is there?* You wanted to ask Jongup if he’d be there, but you didn’t want the boys to know what happened. *It’s Saturday. He’ll be with his girlfriend.* You assured yourself and went downstairs.

Your father was seated at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper while your mother was making a delicious breakfast. “Good morning.” You sat across your dad and rested your chin in your arms.

“Good morning Minji~” Your parents chorused.

You sat up and scrunched up your nose. “Ew, you guys are weird.” They laughed and you smiled along.

Your mother walked up to the table and placed a plate of round floppy things in the center. You eyed them suspiciously and looked at your mom. “What are those?” You stabbed one with your fork.

“Don’t do that.” She lightly slapped your hand. “These are pancakes. It is a common breakfast item in America.”

*Ooooh.* You nodded and placed one on your plate. You poured light syrup on them and took a small piece of the pancake. You eyed it once more before you popped it into your mouth.

“How is it?!” Your mother watched you, expectantly.

You swallowed and looked at her. “They’re delicious.” You beamed.

Your mother smiled, happy you liked them and sat down next to your dad. He folded the newspaper and set it aside. “So any plans with the boys today?” He asked as he sipped his coffee.

“The arcade.” You replied.

“Do you need a ride?” Your mother looked at you.

You took a small sip of your juice and nodded. “Yes please.”

“Good. So you’ll wash the dishes before you leave.” She made a face at you and continued eating.

You gaped at her and laughed. “Aigoo~!” You stuck your tongue out at your mom, but didn’t object.

When you finished your breakfast, you picked up all the dishes from the table. You washed all of them and dried them. You dried the last plate and started to put them away.

“Go get ready. I’ll put them away.” Your dad called from behind you.

You smiled and handed him the towel. “You’re a lifesaver. Thank you.” You ran upstairs and changed into shorts and a loose shirt. You grabbed your bag and shoved your phone inside.

“Are you ready?” Your mom asked. You nodded and followed her out the house.

In less than twenty minutes you arrived at the arcade the boys loved hanging out at. You thanked your mom and climbed out of the car. You headed towards the entrance and searched for the boys. You felt for your phone in your bag to text Jongup when hands clamped down on your shoulders. You jumped, scared, and turned around.

Your expression turned flat. “What’s the matter? You’re not happy to see me?” Youngjae cooed.

“No.” You glared at him. He gave you a look and you couldn’t help but laugh.

He held his arm out and you hooked your arm through his. The two of you headed towards the dance games near the back.

Daehyun and Jongup were battling against each other. You stood next to Yongguk and cheered them on. Yongguk looked down at you and smiled. You returned the smile and nudged Himchan’s side. He looked at you and raised an eyebrow. You lightly patted the wrapping around his injured wrist and looked up at him. He softened and wrapped an arm around your shoulder, squeezing you a little. You laughed and returned your attention to Daehyun and Jongup.

They were at a close tie when Jongup beat Daehyun at the last second. Daehyun shoved Jongup’s shoulder playfully. Jongup smiled and clapped Daehyun on the shoulder. Daehyun rubbed the top of your head, messing your hair up, and walked away with Youngjae.

Jongup jumped off the platform and stopped in front of you. “Hi Minji.” He smiled.

“Hi Guppie. Congratulations on your win.” You held your palm up.

Jongup’s smile widened and he gave you a high five. “Come on. Let’s go before they exclude us from playing games.”

Laughing, the two of you followed after the rest of the boys.

The six of you played arcade games for several hours.

You beat Youngjae in a racing game, won against Daehyun in a shooting game and let Himchan beat you in a zombie game. Yongguk beat you in every single game you played against him and Jongup, being the gentleman he is, let you win every single game.

“Who’s hungry?” Yongguk asked as he patted his abs.

Everyone raised their hands. “Me! Me!” You jumped up and bumped into Youngjae.

“Calm your nuts.” Youngjae pinched your nose.

You slapped his hand away and made a face at him. He returned the face and stuck his tongue out at you.

“Let’s go for pizza.” Himchan suggested. Everyone agreed and exited the arcade.

As soon as you walked outside, refreshing, summer breezes lightly brushed against your face. You smiled and spun in a circle with your arms outstretched. You made sure you got close to Youngjae and ‘accidentally’ hit him. “Oops. My bad.” You smiled and batted your eyelashes.

Youngjae glared at you and chased after you. Himchan pulled him back with his good hand. “Leave her alone.”

You stopped running and looked back. Himchan had Youngjae by the back of his shirt. You laughed and continued walking down the sidewalk.

In a few minutes, the six of your arrived at a pizza restaurant. You all got a table near the large windows. The sun was beginning to set beyond the horizon.

You all ordered drinks and chatted amongst each other.

“Is Junhong coming, Jongup?” Daehyun asked.

At Junhong’s name, you lifted your head up and looked at Jongup who was sitting next to you. He checked his phone and shook his head. “He hasn’t texted me back.” Jongup put his white phone away and smiled down at you.

You weakly smiled back and nibbled on your straw. You thought about Junhong. Butterflies fluttered in your tummy at the thought of  your almost kiss with him last night. *What would have happened if we did kiss?* You sighed and focused your attention on the action movie Yongguk was talking about.

The pizza arrived a few moments later. The boys all cheered and hungrily eyed the pizza.

“Hey guys!”

You froze at the familiar voice and dreadfully looked up. Junhong was walking towards the table hand in hand with his girlfriend. He met eyes with you and his smile slightly faltered. He cleared his throat and looked away. You looked away as well, hurt.

“Junhong and Hyojin have finally arrived. Let’s dig in!” Yongguk clapped and grabbed a slice of pizza.

Everyone grabbed a slice as well and began to eat. You absentmindedly stared at the pizza. Jongup noticed that and blinked at you. He reached over, took a slice and placed it on your plate. You looked up at him and he smiled.

Junhong saw the entire thing and felt weird. He didn’t like how Jongup was the one looking out after you. He felt as though he should be in Jongup’s place. Junhong looked away and gave Hyojin a feeble smile. She patted his cheek and continued eating.

The boys ordered another pizza. You barely finished your second slice when the second pizza arrived.

“Do you want more?” Jongup looked at you.

You shook your head. “No thank you.”

Jongup furrowed his eyebrows in concern. “What’s wrong? You look sick.” He placed the back of his hand against your forehead.

Junhong tensed up and clenched his fist. “Are you alright, Junhong?” Hyonjin’s tinkling voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Yeah.” He grunted and took a bite out of his pizza. Hyojin followed his gaze towards you and pursed her lips into a firm line.

Gently, you pushed Jongup’s hand away. “I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” You gave him a tiny smile.

Himchan turned his head towards you and tilted his head to the side. “What’s wrong, Minji-ah?” All eyes focused on you.

You hated that Hyojin and Junhong were looking at you. Your cheeks were turning warm and you wished you could just disappear. “Nothing.” You mumbled and placed your head in your arms.

Junhong pulled his phone out and sent you a text. Hyojin leaned into him. “Who are you texting?”

He snuck a glance at you and then looked back at her. “No one.” He grabbed his cup and took a long sip of his soda.

Hyojin looked over at you and sighed, a knowing feeling creeping in her chest. She took a small sip of her water and sat up straighter.

You felt your phone vibrate in your bag and pulled it out. You had a new text message. You opened it and stared at it.

Are you okay? - Junhong

*No I’m not.* You suddenly started to tear up. You sniffled and just replied with a simple, Yes.

Junhong saw his phone light up and quickly snatched it off the table. He read your one-word text and looked up at you. Your head was still buried in your arms.

Even after what happened last night?

Hyojin caught a glimpse of that text message and felt her heart drop. *No, it’s not what you’re thinking Hyojin.* She assured herself but still felt that familiar feeling in her chest.

Before you could open Junhong’s text message, Yongguk called your name. You sat up and looked over at him. He smiled at you. “You’re birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks right?”

You nodded. “It’s May 12, isn’t it?” Daehyun asked. Everyone, minus Hyojin, scoffed.

“It’s May 17.” Junhong said without thinking. You stared at him while the boys all reprimanded Daehyun. Junhong met eyes with you and held your gaze.

Hyojin sat back and thought to herself. *The password to his phone is 0517. I am such an idiot.* She looked up and saw that you and Junhong were having a staring contest. She furrowed her eyebrows and pulled Junhong’s face towards her. She looked into his eyes and pressed her lips against his.

The guys all hollered and cheered. You felt your heart drop and tried to look away but you couldn’t.

Junhong’s eyes widened and he pulled back. He stared down at Hyojin. “What was that for?”

Hyojin scoffed in disbelief. He was acting as if she was punishing him. Tears began forming in her eyes. “Will you ever look at me and only me?” She asked.

“What are you talking about?” Junhong was beyond confused.

Hyojin looked straight at you. “All you ever do is look at her.” Her voice wavered.

Junhong glanced at you. “See! You’re even looking at her now!” Tears started rolling down her cheeks.

You stood up, handed Yongguk some money and fled the restaurant. Junhong wanted to go after you but thought it wouldn’t be the best decision considering the situation. He slumped back in his seat and leaned his head back.

---

It was Sunday night. You were lying in your bed. You stared up at the ceiling and let out a shaky sigh. You thought about what happened at the restaurant the night before and began to tear up. *What have I done? What if they broke up because of me?* You wouldn’t be able to stand the guilt.

The boys (except for Junhong, of course) spent all afternoon with you, trying to make you feel better. You had told them what happened between you and Junhong the night before. The six of you huddled up in your living room and watched cartoons. They all did whatever you wanted them to. You actually did have a good time and forgot about the whole issue.

You rolled onto your side when you felt your phone vibrate. You reached for it on your nightstand.

6 New Messages!

Guppie has your back Minmin~ - Jongup

Stop being sad or I’ll kick you - Youngjae

Don’t forget to smile - Daehyun

Sadness doesn’t suit you, honey. Be happy! - Himchan

Do you need me to come over and cuddle with you? - Yongguk

You smiled at all the messages and checked the last one. It was a video from Jongup. The video was a little blurry at first but then it focused. There was a bunch of commotion and then you saw Jongup. He smiled at the camera and waved.

‘Hi Minmin! Are you feeling better?’ His head tilted to the side as if he was waiting for your response.

You couldn’t help but laugh.

Jongup cupped his ear and beamed. ‘Is that your laughter I hear all the way from your house?’ He joked. ‘Let’s see what everyone else is up to!’

He turned the camera the other direction and focused on Youngjae. Youngjae looked up from what he was doing and smiled. ‘Minji-ah, I really will kick you if you don’t stop being sad.’ Youngjae wagged his finger.

‘Are you trying to make her even more sad?’ Jongup asked.

Youngjae did a little dance, waving his fists side to side. ‘La la la la~’

.

Jongup turned to camera on him and made a face.

‘Awful. Let’s see what other sane people are doing, shall we?’ Jongup walked into Yongguk’s living room.

Daehyun took the phone away and headed down the hallway. He smiled up at the camera with hairclips in his hair. ‘I’m not a girl, I swear.’ He teased.

You laughed and rolled onto your tummy.

‘Look, there’s Himchan!’ Daehyun turned the camera.

Himchan waved and smiled. ‘Hey girl~’ He sent you a flying kiss and walked away.

‘Yah.’ A deep voice called out. Daehyun turned around and pointed the camera at Yongguk.

Yongguk pointed at the camera. “Youuu~ I love you. Be happy Minji.”

‘Give me my phone back you stealers!’ Jongup came running in and everything went black.

The entire time you watched the video, a big smile played on your lips. You locked your phone and placed it back on your nightstand. You checked the clock. It was nearing 11 p.m. You sat up and sighed. *What should I do?* You were home alone since your parents had gone out on a double date with Junhong’s parents.

You brightened when you thought of what to do. You changed into pink board shorts and a matching bikini top. You slipped on a gray t-shirt, grabbed a towel, your keys and slipped your sandals on. You locked the door to the apartment and headed towards the pool.

You placed your stuff at your usual lounge chair and took your shirt off. You let your hair loose and dove into the water. In peace, you slowly swam laps around the pool. You let yourself float in the middle of the pool and closed your eyes. You felt as if you were floating on a cloud. You felt like you were flying, almost. The way the water surrounded you made you smile.

You were in such complete bliss that you didn’t hear the closing of the gate.

Junhong squeezed his eyes shut, not wanting to disturb your peace as he closed the gate. He exhaled and walked over to the edge of the pool. He watched your happy expression and softened. He felt his heart happily hum in his chest. He pulled his shirt over his head and threw his sandals next to him. He walked over to the pool stairs and quietly walked in. The cold water didn’t even bother him.

You happily floated about when Junhong infiltrated your thoughts. You placed an arm over your eyes and squeezed them shut as if that would help to get rid of your thoughts. The image of Hyojin pulling Junhong into a fierce kiss made you want to cry. *Why do I feel this way?* You groaned out loud and lowered your arm. You kicked your legs and swam towards the shallow end when you bumped into something.

Your eyes widened and your heart rate picked up. *What is that?* You slowly stood up and turned around. You’re eyes widened even more, if possible. “What are you doing here?”  Your voice was barely an audible whisper.

“I wanted to know if you were okay.” He murmured and stepped closer to you.

You didn’t meet his gaze. You didn’t want to. “I’m fine.” You mumbled and brushed past him.

Junhong reached out, wrapping an arm around your bare waist and pulled you back in front of him. He looked down at you and made you look into his eyes. “You’re not fine.”

You didn’t say anything. You just looked around, wishing you had teleportation powers so you could escape this situation.

“I’m sorry Minji-ah.” He sounded so heartbroken that it hurt you.

You looked up at him. “For what?”

His eyes were shining with tears. “For almost kissing you, bringing Hyojin along yesterday...and for kissing her in front of you.”

“She’s your girlfriend.” You said.

The corner of his mouth twitched up a small smile. “She broke up with me last night.”

You stared up at him in shock. “Was it because of me? Oh my god, Junhong-ah. I am so sorry. I’m sorry.” You covered your face with your hands as hot tears rolled down your cheeks.

Junhong softened at your reaction and pulled you into his arms. He the back of your head and rested his cheek against your forehead. “She broke up with me because I’m in love with you.”

You froze. *What...?* Slowly, you looked up at him. “What did you say?”

He curled your wet hair behind your ear and looked into your brown eyes. “You’re the only one on my mind all the time. I love it when you smile around me. The way your laugh makes my heart flutter makes me happy. You make me so damn happy and sometimes it drives me crazy.”

You didn’t know what to say to his confession. You were captivated by his deep eyes.

Junhong could tell you were still a bit hesitant and pulled you into his body. “Don’t feel bad. None of this was your fault. Araso?” He lightly pulled away and bent down so he was eye level with you. “Araso?”

You nodded your head as the last tear rolled down your face. Junhong gave you a small smile and wiped the tear away. His gaze shifted towards your lips. He cupped the back of your head and without letting you think about what was happening, he pressed his lips against yours.

Your eyelids immediately fell closed. You kissed him back just as eagerly. They was his lips perfectly molded over yours made your knees weaken. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pressed yourself against him. Junhong’s mind swirled and he could have sworn he saw colors in his mind. He placed a small peck on your lips and pulled away.

You opened your eyes and looked into his. He gave you a small smirk before he captured your lips again.