[✔] lightbulb » lee taeyong & na jaemin

ch. 15

vernorexia: a romantic mood inspired by spring

» author's pov // 4 years ago »

the class was tense. obviously, they had not expected the best female wrestler to wrestle a guy—the best guy—who was a year older.

they got into position, with mark acting as referee. he was being way too happy to blow the whistle.

"it sounds like a fart," mark giggled before. ara could not help rolling her eyes. who was this man baby? how were they the same age?

ara made eye contact with taeyong. "may the best wrestler win."

he nodded, almost solemnly. "may the best wrestler win." it was amusingly serious for something that should've been relaxed.

immediately, the two slowly walked towards each other. eventually, they were just a foot away. ara rushed forward and attempted to trip him over, but he stayed firm, having a good sense of balance. his strength and weight also gave him an advantage.

the room was painfully quiet. ara couldn't help but feel frustrated at that—she hadn't counted on an audience, especially if she were to lose.

taeyong's hand landed on her hips, and immediately she was distracted. weak in the knees.

using his chance, he knocked her over. the air got knocked out of her lungs as she hit the floor. she squeezed her eyes shut. the loss made a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

there were a few snickers as the class ooooohed. at the same time, the bell rang, and everybody rushed out, including mark. in under half a minute, the room was empty. the two were left alone, which felt even more tense.

she still closed her eyes tightly, expecting his weight to land on her.

she waited, and then realized that nothing had happened. opening her eyes, she saw taeyong's face above her, hands beside her head as he held himself up. his legs were in between hers, and she was hyper-aware of everything about him.

she squinted at him. "get off of me."

his eyes widened. "a-ah! yes!"

ara was secretly holding in squeals and butterflies. if she threw up right now, it would be just a bunch of butterflies. ah, yes. how attractive that would look.

he quickly got off of her, blushing. "best two out of three?"

"deal."

the two got back in position and counted down from three.

don't let some boy make you look weak! ara thought, as they began.

right at that moment, she had knocked him over, landing right on him. she, herself, was surprised, as she knew she was distracted...by certain things.

"ouch!" the air was knocked out of her chest.

taeyong was blushing madly, looking adorable while doing so. ara was burning, even more red than him.

he was holding her waist, and her head was on his chest. she could feel the rise and fall of his chest as they both breathed deeply.

it struck her, then, how weird it must've been for him. she rushed to get off of him.

"s-sorry!"

he smiled warmly, although he was still obviously flustered. "ah, well, this round shows who the best wrestler is!"

ara's competitive streak fired up her adrenaline, and she was immediately back in position. a sense of fierce determination made her grit her teeth and made her channel her focus.

they started wrestling, back and forth. every attempt was useless, as the other stood firm. it was obvious that they were both extremely talented, and their strengths made up for their weaknesses.

taeyong then grinned, although ara didn't see, too busy watching her feet.

"you're cute~" he whispered.

ara froze. and then, taeyong knocked her over.

this fall was harder than the first one.

"ouch!" ara groaned and opened her eyes.

taeyong was even closer now, his lips almost touching hers.

"are you going to stay here, or...?" she faltered, distracted.

he smirked. "yeah, i choose 'or.' thanks for the invite." he leaned down and kissed her gently.

ara turned ever redder, redder than before. she was setting records. but suddenly, tears started forming, without a reason she understood.

he was shocked. "d-don't cry! i'm sorry!" he stood up, and helped ara up, who was refusing to make eye contact with him.

"no, ara, don't cry, i'm sorry!"

ara frowned while wiping tears away. "that...was my first kiss! first! and i lost!"

taeyong smiled softly. "ara..."

her frown deepened. "what?"

"that was my first kiss too."

she snorted but had obviously softened. "liar. you're too attractive." he tilted his head, ready to talk, but ara interrupted him. "i'm sorry, i don't know why i'm crying-"

taeyong whimpered, resembling a cute puppy. "i'm sorry! i'll make it up to you; don't cry!"

ara stuck out a hand as she used the other to wipe her tears. "deal."

taeyong grabbed her hand and went in for a hug instead. "deal."

ara but her cheek to keep the squeals in. the two smiled at each other, and taeyong was practically glowing.

but one person wasn't smiling.

little did ara know, jaemin was quietly watching from the back, keeping an eye on her to make sure she stayed safe. who knew what another guy could do to her, alone and a better wrestler.

instead, he was the hurt one. hearing his heart break into a million pieces as his ex-best friend kissed the love of his life.