The rumble of excitement filled the room as Jonghwan crashed onto his bed. He glanced up at the ceiling and let out a sigh. His lips pressed into a fine line and he rolled over on his stomach and clutched his pillow.

Everything was changing.

His life..

His home..

But most importantly, his heart.

He finally allowed someone to enter his heart, and out of everyone, it had to be her. Jonghwan smiled against his pillow as he thought of her.

Her long flowing wavy hair, her big brown eyes, her baby-doll face, and her perfect body; she was the definition of beauty. Well according to Jonghwan.

Every time they meet eyes, he falls in love with her all over again.

And now, she is his top priority.

No more jobs, no more worrying about his sister in the hospital, or financial issues. It was as if she was the key to it all. His life kept getting better and better.

Over the summer, a lot of things changed; Jooyeon was finally out of the hospital, and his mother was proposed to by his new step dad, Minwoo.  She was finally able to really smile and quit her awful job.  She was now home with Jooyeon more often because of him. He was able to help their family in so many ways. And Jonghwan couldn’t be anything but grateful.

Suddenly, the door clicked open and Jonghwan sat up a bit. He saw a tall male walk into the room and grew surprised.

Why was there another male entering his room?

He turned his head to the other side of his dorm and remembered he had to share his dorm. He mentally cursed himself for being such an idiot and stupid.

As the male entered the room, he pulled along two suitcases and looked surprised when he saw Jonghwan.

“Oh, hello.” He spoke and held out a hand. The male had big dark brown eyes, and hazelnut colored hair. Jonghwan couldn’t help but feel insecure with his looks just by looking at the other male. Even Jonghwan had to admit it, his roommate was handsome, very handsome.

Jonghwan shook his hand and gave him a small smile. “Hello. Roommate?” He asked.

Jin nodded. “Yeah, I’ll take this side then.” He placed his things by the side of the other bed. As he ped his suitcase he asked, “Are you a freshman?”

“Yeah, you?” The other male scoffed.

“Nah, I’m a sophomore, oh, and I’m Jin.” He finally introduced himself.

“Ohh, I’m Jonghwan. How’s the life here?” He asked.

“Uhhh.. I guess like school? But you live in a dorm. The studies are average. And the parties are wild.” He laughed at the last one.

Jonghwan awkwardly nodded as he listened. “You miss high school?” He asked.

“Um, not really actually.” He admitted.

Jin gave him a strange look. “Not even your friends or girlfriend?” He asked. Jonghwan’s eyes widened at the word ‘girlfriend’ and blushed a bit.

Jin gave him a puzzled look. He acts like he’s a 2^nd grader with a crush.

“I don’t have a girlfriend. But my friends and I still stay in contact. And I’m going to college with one of them.” He said. Jin nodded understanding.

“I’m on the same boat. I came to college with a few friends.” He said. He checked his watch and grabbed his jacket. “I actually have plans with them now. So, I’ll see you later huh.” He said.

Jonghwan nodded and laid back on his bed. He raised a brow. Roomate huh, he seems.. Alright..

Suddenly, his phone rang. He turned and grabbed his phone, seeing her picture on the screen made him smile and with that, he accepted the call. “Hello?”

“Hi Jonghwan! Do you want to go out and get dinner? I’m craving for a ramen. And I heard there’s a really good ramen shop just a 10 minute walk off campus.” She said.

“Yeah, sure. I’ll come by and pick you up now,” He said.

“Oh! It’s okay! I’ll be the man and walk over to your room, I wanted to stop by anyway. 104 right?” She said. Jonghwan chuckled.

“Yeah, 104.”

“Coolio! I’ll see you in a bit.” She said. He smiled and hung up. She really is something. He stood up and grabbed a grey jacket, slipped on black skinny jeans and fixed his hair a bit.

He took a good look at himself, then scoffed. I’ve changed so much.. I never cared for my looks..

There was a knock on the door, and Jonghwan grew excited. He took a deep breath to calm his heartbeat. , I hate what she does to me. He opened the door, and there she stood.

Wearing black tights and a grey ‘AOA’ hoodie loud and proud. She looked surprised as the door opened which made her expression even more adorable. Jonghwan heart skipped a beat and for a moment he couldn’t breathe. Her long, wavy hair, her doll-like eyes, and her milky skin, everything about her was beautiful.

Dammit, you have no idea what I want to do to you right now. He gulped.

Sungmi looked confused, Jonghwan looked rather pale and stiffer than usual. She looked down at her body and noticed that it was the first time she ever wore tights.

Is that the problem?

“You okay?” She asked.

Jonghwan coughed and nodded. “Y-Yeah. It’s just, hot.” He grabbed the collar of his jacket and tugged a bit to finally be able to breathe.

She raised a brow and shrugged it off. “Let’s go!” She said and began walking out of the building. Jonghwan sighed in relief. I have no idea how much longer I could do this.

The sky was turning dark as the two walked side by side on the streets. The sound of cars and people began to grow and grow. As the sky turned darker, the lights grew brighter. And soon, everything was powered by lights. 

"Lookie! There it is!" Sungmi said and pointed at the Ramen shop. She rushed inside, followed by Jonghwan. She opened the door for the two of them and rubbed her hands together for warmth. She took small puffs of breath onto her frozen fingers and tightly squeezed them together hoping for sudden warmth. 

Jonghwan softened. He wanted so badly to take her hands and put it into his pockets like what couples in dramas do, but something inside of him was refraining him too. It was the coward inside of him. 

Jonghwan, stop. You can't.. Niether of you are ready. Do you want to mess up your relationship already? Remember, you're just a friend, so stop and calm yourself.

Sungmi glanced at Jonghwna when she caught his gaze, and he quickly drew back. Causing her to smile a bit. Caught. 

An auntie in her mid-thirtys came over in an apron and notepad. "Table for two?" She asked. The two nodded and she lead them towards the table.

Sungmi took the menu and handed one to Jonghwan. "Thank you," He smiled. She smiled at him as well. "You're welcome." 

During dinner, Sungmi noticed how Jonghwan seemed very giddy and nervous. It had been the first time they've been out alone for a long time. She wondered if he was geniuenly nervous or if his hormones were acting up. 

After dinner, they walked along the Han River. At night, the river lights lit up the brightest and the river looked magical. 

Sungmi loved as the cold wind kept hitting her. Her heartbeat slowed down as she relaxed. And soon, thoughts bombed her mind.

I wonder how college would be. Is it better to go to the same college Jonghwan's attending? Or worse for my studies.. No.. It shouldn't affect anyway. We're just friends. My studies come before everything.

Jonghwan watched Sungmi as she swayed to the wind. He thought she was adorable. The look on her face indicated deep thought. And he was wondered if he was one of them. He wanted to hold her so badly, to have her in his arms. He knew it would go against the friend rule. 

But hey, he didn't care at the moment. He had broken it more than once already, another won't hurt.. Right? 

He didn't stop to think of the 'friend rule' this time. He wanted her too much to think of the conseqences. 

With a loud thumping heart, he stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She seemed to have stiffened but soon relaxed once she saw his face. Their heartbeats began to beat as one.

Ba-Bum. Ba-Bum. Ba-Bum. Ba-Bum. Ba-Bum. Ba-Bum.

She leaned back and snuggled against Jonghwan's chest while he rested his chin on her head. Together, they watched the waves of the night river.  

"It's beautiful isn't it?" She asked. 

He nodded. It's even more  beautiful because I'm here with you..

"It makes you think of all the things about to change in your life.. Especially at a time like this.. What do you think will change?" She asked and gently caressed his cheek. He grasped her hand and linked it between his.  

"Everything.." He admitted. "But there's something that will never change.." He asked. 

"What?" She asked curiously. 

"My heart.." He whisphered. Warm butterflies flew into her stomach as she smiled brightly. Her legs lost their strength; luckily Jonghwan kept her safe in his arms. She couldn't help but fall for Jonghwan a little more. 

She wished that he could be intimite like this everytime they were together. But sadly, he was a coward and Sungmi has no confidence in things like this.

They were cowards in love. 

Niether will mine.. 

HOW DO YA'LL LIKE IT. LOL

I KNOW I KNOW. I SWITCHED THE PAST&PRESENT TENSE A LOT. SORRRY. I KINDA RUSHED THIS TBH. T^T . I REALLY WANTED TO UPDATE BUT I HAD TO STUDY.. SO I TRIED BOTH. 

MIANHAEEEE. I PROMISE TO BE BETTER NEXT TIME! :D