Over The Seas [Kim Sunwoo The Boyz]

Chapter Fifty-Two

One of my classes got canceled so I had some time to spare. Fortunately, Sewoon didn't have class during this time so I met up to eat some ice cream from the campus shop with him.

"So, how are you and Areum doing?" I ask to spark conversation.
"We're doing great. Areum actually surprised me with an over-night weekend getaway a few days ago."
"Overnight? It's about time." I commented.

I knew Areum and Sewoon had reached a point in their relationship where things were serious about a year ago. They're adults and I'm happy for them.

Before I could ask anymore questions about the trip, he turned the conversation around.
"And how's your love life currently?"
"Non-existent thus far." I say bluntly.
"At least you're honest about it." Sewoon says as he takes a scoop of his ice cream.
"And happy." I add.
"But are you sure there isn't anymore? At least do you think about having someone?"
I didn't have to think about my answer.
"I'm sure. I want to focus on school and my future. Men these days will just get in the way of that."

Sewoon seemed caught off guard by my statement. I laughed it off to lighten the mood.
"But according to Areum, there's always Jonghoon." I say teasingly.
Sewoon spits his ice cream out the second I mention his brother's name.
"Jonghoon?? What is it with Areum and wanting you to be with my brother? Just saying, you could do so much better."
I nodded, a smile still on my face from Sewoon's reaction. I knew he'd react this way but it never gets old. It's a reoccurring joke Areum and I have been having since I became closer with Jonghoon.

"I still don't get how you and Jonghoon became friends in the first place." Sewoon said while wiping the ice cream off of the corners of his mouth.

. . .

A few months after Sunwoo and I broke up, I spent the majority of my time with Areum and Sewoon. We would hang out at each other's house but mainly at Sewoon's since his dad would take care of us so well. Since Areum and Sewoon were really into each other, they flirted more and more as the days went by. I admittedly started feeling left out and when we hung out in Sewoon's room, I felt uncomfortable so I ventured his house often and his dad's bookstore.

The times in which I was alone, I would see Jonghoon with his friends either outside in the neighborhood or in the living room playing video games (Jonghoon and Sewoon still shared rooms).
He was always shy around me and never tried to talk to me but the more I hung around his house and around him, we eventually started talking. He gained more confidence to talk to me; he was actually someone really nice to talk to at the time.

Eventually, we started hanging out together at the house when Areum and Sewoon spent their time spreading flirty cooties. Jonghoon is only three years younger than me so it wasn't too difficult to befriend him. Because we hung out so much without the other two, I would invite him to our the group hang outs. Despite the fact that all of us besides Jonghoon were at college, we kept in touch. The campus isn't too far from Sewoon and Jonghoon's house so our friendship didn't fade.

Jonghoon knew about my interest in photography and he would often let me practice taking shots of him. Because of that, he became interested in photography but mainly in nature and landscape photography. When he started the journey of college, the three of us helped him out a lot. We recommended him many great programs but he ultimately chose the same college as the rest of us. I didn't blame him, this school is really something.

Since I had taken the same beginner classes as Jonghoon being a first year, I help him out as much as I can. He's really been a great friend these past years.

. . .

"I still think it's weird."
Sewoon had to leave for his next class and so did I.

It as already the end of the day and I had to meet up with Jonghoon again at the library. When I've helped him on his work enough for him to do it himself, I stay and work on my own things in case he has questions.

I took this time to start looking for internships. I didn't know where to even start since there are so many opportunities in a city like this. I spent over an hour searching around to see what was offered and which I liked. From that hour of staring at a screen and becoming frustrated, I developed a headache from the stress. I massaged my temples to relieve the pain a little.

"Hey, you okay there?" I look up and see Jonghoon staring at me, clearly concerned.
I sit myself up. "Yeah, just a little stressed."
"Well, take a short break before your head explodes."
"But I really need to work on this now." I turn back to my laptop and keep searching.
Jonghoon suddenly shut my laptop closed.
"What was that for?" I asked feeling offended.
"Trust me, a break will do you some good."
He begins to pack his textbooks and papers into his bag. He tells me to put my stuff in my bag too.
"Why? Where are we going?"
"Just follow me." He says with a smirk on his face. Unable to fight it, I pack my stuff and follow Jonghoon outside.

We walked for a few minutes and stopped in front of an arcade.
"What are we doing here?" I asked still being clueless.
"We're here to have fun, of course!"
There were lots of bright lights on the different games: claw machines, racing games, dancing games, etc.

Jonghoon suggests the basketball hoops first. I lean down to insert my payment but he beats me to it instead. He smiles at me as he pays for mine and his own second.
Distracted by his chivalry, the game starts and Jonghoon is already scoring.
I start throwing the ball as many times as I can trying my best to aim for the basket; I've never been too good with my hands.

After a second rematch, Jonghoon still won.
"That's not fair. You know I'm not good at basketball." I jokingly complain.
He scoffs with a smirk. "And that's my fault how?"
Knowing he's right, I suggest the next game: the rhythm game.

Multiple rounds later and my score is still 2x better than Jonghoon's.
"How are you," He catches his breath. "that good??"
"I've actually practiced." I boasted.
"That's even more not fair!"
I leaned in closer to him. "And that's my fault how?"
"Ha ha, you got me there."

When we got too tired from the competitiveness, we went to find a place to eat. We were both craving some spicy tteokbokki. Good thing there was a nearby place that had exactly that.

Jonghoon and I talked about our day and how much fun we had.
Not really wanting to admit it, I thanked him for dragging me out of the library.
"I knew it would put a smile on your face. I just didn't like seeing you so worried and stressed."
I felt my face start to warm up.
"You're a really great friend, Jonghoon."
He sighed. "That I am."

He ended up walking me home after we ate. Once we got to the door of the apartment, we said goodnight.
"Until next time, Son Riyae. I really enjoy our hangouts."
"Me, too. I'll see you tomorrow."
I walk in and close the door behind me.

I see Areum on her bed with a face mask as she stares at her phone.
"How was your date?" She asked as I set my stuff down.
"What date?"
"Oh, I just assumed since it's pretty late."
I shook my head and rolled my eyes.
"You know I don't have time for that right now."
She chuckled. "Clearly."

At night, I laid in bed thinking about what Areum said.
It wasn't meant to be a date, just a friendly hangout. But then again, Jonghoon was being awfully nice to me today...
He's just being nice because we're friends, though. He even admitted it! I'm just letting Areum get into my head again.