Sehun was jotting bullet points with mini, sub points. He’d painted the image of his mind, and writing was the only thing left. Their essay would be flawless! He was aware of how gripping and tightly woven their plot was.

Hana had helped until she’d felt her head clump with every murder-mystery she’d ever read, watched and heard. She wondered if Sehun also had a horror junkie streak to him like his sister did. If so, she felt sorry toward him. She’d taken all his time and he hadn’t had the chance to visit the Haunted House.

She watched him work. He would write almost unblinkingly until he paused. Then he would close his eyes to think, and frown lines of concentration would crease his forehead. A smile would form on his face when an idea came, the lines would vanish, and he would begin writing again. This cycle continued until he’d finished.

He offered her the ‘script.’ It was a rough version of what they would be writing. Hana smiled, he’d managed to fit in the love-line she’d written out too. She felt grateful that he’d agreed to her idea after much persuasion and arguing. Still, he’d agreed in the end.

As if Sehun knew what she was thinking; he expressed his thoughts, “I can’t write lovey-dovey stuff. I won’t be able to help you on that.”

Hana gave a slight nod in response. A curt smile spread across her face. She felt rather gleeful upon hearing that piece of information. There was something that Oh Sehun couldn’t do! Hana pressed her lips together to keep herself from laughing, “I’ll write them, but my English isn’t the best. I might need you to help.”

“I’ll try my best.”

Hana pouted when he messed her hair with a grin. She was beginning to dislike that teasing grin that made his eyes twinkle with laughter at her expense.

She combed her hair back into place praying her head didn’t look like a ball of fluff, which seemed to happen often with short hair.

“If there’s any subjects you need help with, let me know. There’s no point in having a clever friend, if you’re not going to avail the opportunity to use me and solve your worries.”

Hana gave him a look filled with perplexity. She realized he was nicer than she’d though. Maybe as nice as she’d first imagined him to be. Hana wondered how long his offer would last. Once he found out she needed a lot of help. She was so far behind on everything. Thinking about it made her dizzy. She decided to bother him about it later. They continued to work on their essay.

They might even have finished if Sehun’s phone didn’t ring incessantly until a message popped up.

“I heard you didn’t go home last night? – Kai”

Sehun plucked his phone from the table and stared blankly at the text. How did Jongin know?

“Let me guess, you were with a girl? - Kai”

Sehun imagined Jongin was grinning about now. He’d either caught on from somewhere or he was pulling Sehun’s leg. Either way, Sehun had no reason to hide from Kim Jongin.

“Are you a stalker? – Sehun”

Jongin’s smirk would have upturned by now, and simmered into a frown. Sehun chuckled. His friend had an ego the size of the Pacific. It took several minutes for a response.

“You were celebrating her birthday. - Kai”

Sehun was stunned, so Jongin really did know? Was that possible? Sehun hadn’t informed anyone about that since it had happened on whim. Heck, he didn’t even know it was Hana’s birthday until he’d dropped her home. It was somewhat pathetic on his part. Sehun furrowed his brows; Jongin knew, but didn’t inform him. He wasn’t impressed by his friend’s conduct.

“How do you know? - Sehun”

The correspondence came as soon as Sehun had hit send. It read: “Because, my friend. - Kai”

Sehun sulked. He would have to form a multitude of impressions until he could hunt Jongin down and demand the truth. The main reason for this, would be Jongin’s ability to vanish from school at random times of the day with mystic doctor’s notes.

He would reappear at odd times as if nothing at all had happened. Any questionable looks from Sehun would reflect an ominous grin from Jongin. The spontaneous disappearing acts were becoming more frequent as time passed. It was safe to say Jongin was acting weird.

Sehun dismissed it as a phase, and put the thought at the back of his mind. He retorted with a statement he knew Jongin would dislike.

 “You’re a stalker. - Sehun”

As if on cue the doorbell rang making Hana raise her head. She shook her head expecting it to be the postman delivering a parcel of some kind. She decided to leave it to one of the housekeepers.

Sehun rolled his eyes and put his phone away. Jongin was no longer replying to him.

Suddenly the room came alive with color as an array of deliverymen carrying large sized bouquet of blossoming white lilies, golden sunflowers, violet irises, amber freesias, coral peonies, pink chrysanthemums and blue hydrangea to decorate the room.

Hana’s jaw dropped. She rose to her feet and hurried over to a housemaid to inquire about the sweet scented flowers. The housemaid was holding her head. She blinked her hooded eyes. There were numerous bouquets, yet no space to place them all. In the end it was decided that the flowers would sit in one corner of the room.

“What?” Was the only word that emitted from Hana’s mouth. The housemaid forced a smile on her stern lips, “It seems they are for you.”

Hana nodded uncertainly and stared at the flowers. They had taken up more than half the study room. Their floral aura danced in her eyes. Although bemused, she beamed at them with a smile.

Sehun pursed his lips sensing any form of study was now officially over. He took to his feet, and sauntered over to where Hana stood.

“Did you send these?” Hana asked breathlessly radiating felicity. Before Sehun could answer he was enveloped in a hug. Were flowers that captivating? Sehun felt awkward. He held her in his arms and flushed.

“Thank you.”

Hana was unaware of the tension building in Sehun. He scratched the back of his head and cleared his throat reddening at the delicate matter.

“They’re beautiful,” Hana admired clasping her hands together. She was elated by the pleasant surprise. Oh Sehun was indeed romantic, Hana approved of his characteristic.

Another housemaid came floundering into the room. She gawked at the flowers with agape. She had witnessed their arrival but still couldn’t believe her eyes. Her actions were reproached by a sharp strike to her shoulder from her sunbae. She inclined her head in apology, and ushered over to Hana. “Miss Hana, this came with the flowers.”

“Eh?” Hana’s eyes widened like a cat eyeing milk. She glanced at Sehun who swiftly looked away. Hana chuckled and accepted the gift. It was a rather dainty package and she was glad it wasn’t ostentatious. The presence of the flowers was still hard to grasp.

Assiduously, she untapped the plum wrapping paper not wanting to spoil it. She unsheathed the gift with a curved smile. She enclosed the expensive perfume in her fingers and sighed.

‘How did he know?’ Hana wondered peering at Sehun who seemed interested at her reaction. Previously, Hana had dwindled longer than she should have in front of the perfume counter. There had been no time to purchase anything, she’d been in a rush, and the sales assistants had been preoccupied.

“Do you like my gifts?” A cheery voice propelled the atmosphere into confusion.

The uninvited guest stopped to frown at the flowers, “Hm… It didn’t seem like a lot back at the florists.”

Sehun’s facial muscles twitched. His gaze ashened, and he glared at the visitor. Sehun grit his teeth seething in his spot. The visitor however, remained undisturbed.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t know which ones you favored. It seems... I got a little carried away.”

Hana tilted her head not quite believing anything. Was any of it real? Was this a fantasy? Perhaps a daydream? The only thing left was for Sehun to react violently, and the chain-of-dreams would cease, but that thought was preposterous in itself.

The guest chucked merrily unperturbed by the unwelcoming laser-stare he was receiving. His attention was focused not on Sehun, but towards Hana. He withdrew a large envelope from the inner pocket of his coat, and handed it to her. Sehun noted how his hand lingered on hers.

“I thought it would be best to personally deliver the card.”

“Em… Thank you?” Hana nodded politely still dazed by his appearance.

“You’re always welcome.” He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. He heard and audible gasp and grinned cheekily.

“That’s enough!” Sehun interjected and the visitor away from Hana. He narrowed his eyes at the sly guest who smirked complacently.

“What’s your problem?” Sehun demanded to know in a dangerously low voice.

The guest raised his hands in defense. “You’re misunderstanding me.”

“Am I? You think I don’t know what you’re up to right now Kim Jongin?”

Jongin winced at the sound of his name. “It’s Kai! How many times have I told you, it’s Kai?”

“Don’t play with Hana.”

Jongin arched an eyebrow at the statement. It wasn’t like Sehun to flare threats over a girl. He glanced at their clasped hands, and instantly he knew what was going on.

Oh Sehun and Kim Hana - two very different people from almost the same background who had similar enough personalities. The only variance was their social circle, and sometimes that was enough to draw a line or erase one… Truthfully, the reason for his visit was to uncover something. For a moment his eyes darkened, but then he smiled; a challenge on the playing field was fit for a player.

Jongin’s expression animated into whimsical incitement. “It was only a greeting,” he defended running a hand through thick, tufts of shiny, dark hair. “Foreigners greet each other like this all the time.”

Sehun rolled his eyes sarcastically. The foreigner card had been drawn. “You’re not foreign,” he reminded. As if to suggest checkmate Sehun added, “Even foreigners respect Korean mannerisms when they come over,” to render the card futile.

“You’re impossible!” Jongin exclaimed dramatically, and shuffled towards Hana. She dropped Sehun’s hand in surprise, and tried to inch away without illustrating her discomfort at the present situation. Jongin pretended not to notice, and instead smirked at Sehun earning a scornful glare.

Jongin sensed the medieval traditions of Joseon had been instilled into his friend. There was no escaping the evil looks coming from Sehun at every little action he took at being friendly. He sighed and stuffed his hands into his pockets.

Any further teasing would probably lead to a brawl. Jongin avoided throwing his arm around Hana’s shoulder because Sehun was close to turning purple. Instead he asked her, “Are you into narrow-minded people,” while sending Sehun a reproachful glance for exaggerating.

“I’m not narrow-minded,” Sehun proclaimed in words, and stepped forward to force Jongin into maintaining a distance from Hana. He took her hand in his and squeezed it hoping she would say something to back his declaration and when she didn’t he probed her with the question: “Am I narrow-minded?”

Hana pressed her lips together not wanting to reply. She cast a shy glance at Jongin secretly agreeing with his words. Their eyes met, and Hana sensed he’d read her thoughts because he began to laugh.

“You are, and Hana knows it.” Jongin temporarily forgot his motive, and patted her head. She’d just made his day.

“Stop being a jerk and keep your hands to yourself. You’re making Hana uncomfortable,” Sehun growled in disdain. His composure tensed at ridicule that was aimed for him and his eyes narrowed dangerously into slits.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” Jongin’s eyes gleamed with goading at Sehun’s expense, while his voice remained whimsical.

“You’re both making me uncomfortable!” Hana massaged her temples unused to the attention. She felt as if she’d been into the Korean rom-coms she always watched, and while it was entertaining to watch; being in the position wasn’t exactly ideal.

Still amused, Jongin huffed and raised his hands in front of him dejectedly before asking about Seryung’s whereabouts.

“Why?” Sehun retorted dryly. He crossed his arms and his eyes oozed with hostility.

“I’ve got a score to settle.”

“Why are you guys always fighting?”

Jongin’s cool demeanor faltered. “I do not fight! She fights.” He stated indignantly before wafting his hand as if to chase away a bad memory. “Forget that, are you guys dating?” He inquired with inquisitive eyes.

Sehun rolled his eyes. Jongin had come informed. His haughty stance said as much, but there was something else Sehun was curious about. “How did you find out?”

“I know everything.” Jongin raised an auspicious brow as if to prove a point before continuing, “I also know that you haven’t asked Hana to be your girlfriend yet. Am I right?”

Hana cringed a bit. It felt like she’d been stripped of wings mid-flight. Her physiognomy contorted at the reality and her grip loosened in Sehun’s hand.

“She is my girlfriend.”

“Not until she agrees to it.”

Two pairs of eyes stared at her; waiting for her response. Hana freed her hand from Sehun’s and met his eyes. He was pleading for her to agree, but how could she concur just like that? She wasn’t easy.

Hana offered him a small smile of condolence at the minor injury she’d inflicted. “You never asked me to be your girlfriend.”

Jongin couldn’t help it. He clutched his stomach and laughed. He’d known it all along! Sehun failed when it came to dating, and watching Sehun’s countenance drop like a penny was beyond hilarious for him.

Sehun’s cheeks reddened partially from Jongin’s reaction, but mostly from Hana’s revelation. Her eyes reflected doubt at his sincerity, and Jongin’s raucous laughter undoubtedly added to her distress. Warily, she watched him with a silent plea.

Sehun had never asked such a question. He was unsure of how to phrase it. He didn’t wish to sound arrogant or demanding or nonchalant; his tone had to be just right, and his wording had to be worthy of her.

Hana waited with baited breath. She prepared herself for a confession of sorts. A voice in her head pestered her to act cool but her body refused to listen. Each passing second caused her heart to whizz. Anticipation built up inside of her.

She knew she would never forget this moment; she would never forget how nervous Sehun looked while trying to string words together in his head in order to form sentences as if he were waiting to be rejected. She would never forget how Jongin crossed his arms with a pose of superiority when in fact the crook of his lips told her he silently approved of them, and she would always remember the words Sehun uttered as his voice quaked slightly without his usual air of enigma.

Hana might later have wondered how she’d reacted upon hearing the confession. She might not have remembered it; having been lost in the moment of sincerity, but Sehun would always remember how the pools of her eyes glistened. How a natural smile painted itself onto her visage. How a tint of pink flashed against her cheeks when she whispered yes, and how she pecked his lips and embraced him as if he were all that mattered to her.

He held her in his arms, but rather than hearing his roaring heartbeat he reckoned he might have stopped breathing because his ears caught no indication of suspiration. Instead he felt a surge of varying emotions wallop him, drawing a single conclusion: he never wanted to let her go. He nuzzled into her soft hair and inhaled the familiar scent of radiance, luminosity, and graceful femininity. She was the sparkling jewel of light inside his demoralized heart.

“Aren’t you guys glad I’m here to sort out your problems?” Jongin clapped his hands at his own handiwork.

“Shut up!” Sehun riposted unintelligently. His expression fell when Hana abruptly released him from her enchantment, and averted her eyes to the ground while her face glowed sheepishly. She purposefully distanced herself from him as naturally as she could; clearing and running a hand through her hair.

Sehun could almost hear Jongin smirk as if he were watching hamsters run on a wheel. It vexed him to realize that they’d done exactly as Jongin had expected.

“Where’s your sister?” Jongin inquired again with a hint of amusement in his tone.

“I don’t know,” Sehun grumbled wondering when his friend would leave.

Jongin snickered. “Sehun must really like you to not know where his sister has disappeared off to,” he teased Hana cordially. His comment rewarded him with something he’d thought he’d never see: Sehun turning beetroot.

“She’s probably with Tao,” Hana suggested. Where else would Oh Seryung have vanished off to?

Jongin’s eyes widened at the news. He cocked his head at Sehun, “She’s dating Tao? Already?”

Sehun shrugged, “Those two are on the verge of ‘getting there.’”

Jongin nodded seriously taking note of the information. When he was done digesting the news his trademark grin resurfaced. “What are the chances of me swiping Seryung before Tao has a chance to blink?”

Hana tiled her head reproachfully. Her brows furrowed at the possibility. “Don’t do that! Those two like each other.”

Jongin laughed again as if it were the funniest thing he’d heard in a long time. “I won’t but they should be careful, someone can always walk into the picture,” his joking words transmitted as ominous, suggestive even...

He watched them disregard his comment. Did they really think relationships were easy? If so, they were already at a disadvantage.
 

Just what is Kim Jongin up to? How did he know it was Hana's birthday? Is he trying to woo Hana? Is he carving himself up to be a second lead, or is he up to something else?

Suho told Kai about Sehun being at Hana's. How did Suho know that?

Sehun's friends are a queer duo. Do you find their actions suspicious? Should Sehun be wary?