WARM HUGS [SOOLIA]

Chapter 003

[This photo is not mine; credits to the owner🥺]

>>>Emotions<<<

Soobin was scrolling through social media, having nothing else better to do, when he had a sudden craving for a cup of coffee. However, the first thing to pop up in his head wasn't the image of an iced americano, but Choi Jisu.

He shook his head lightly, denying his thoughts anxiously before getting up and grabbing his coat. He shouted goodbye to Yun-ae who was in her room, completing some homework. He left only after hearing a reply from her.

His feet had unconsciously brought him to the cafe where Jisu worked despite his brother owning one that was nearer to home. Soobin placed his fingers delicately on the glass, staring at Jisu who was busy cleaning the place up.

He continued watching her, finding her cute when she suddenly flinched at the sound of her phone. A blush crept on his cheeks as he realized he was displaying pure stalker vibes and decided to go in and announce his arrival.

He pushed the door open softly, glad there wasn't a ringing bell above the door to distract Jisu from her call. He stood frigid hearing Jisu's desperate voice, confused. It was more cheerful and happy.

Soobin was conflicted about what he should have done next, so he stood there and watched her keenly, unintentionally eavesdropping on her conversation. Weirdly enough, Jisu still hadn't realized his presence in the room.

His gaze faltered as he heard Jisu's wavering voice, this close to snatching the phone away from her grasp to teach a lesson on hurting a girl's feelings. Soobin's eyes widened as his hands shot up to his cheeks, shocked by a sudden change in behavior toward Jisu.

He's never had a protective side for Yeji. Mostly because he knew Yeonjun would be there to help her through her hardships, so he focused on her being happy rather than making sure she felt safe.

Overthinking, he looked down at his fingers as regret slowly filled his heart. Maybe if he had paid more attention or care to it, Yeji would've chosen him and he wouldn't feel so trashy waking up every morning.

His head shot up at the sound of Jisu's voice piercing through the silence, surprised at the sudden cursing of the cinnamon roll.

>>>

Jisu rubbed her heart as she locked eyes with Soobin. She quickly looked away, ears tinting red in embarrassment as she wiped her tears as discreetly as she could, hoping her hair would cover for her.

"I've been here long enough." the sound of Soobin's soft-spoken words made Jisu look at him timidly, tearing up yet again seeing the care in his eyes. A quick sob left her lips before she covered them, turning away.

Feeling Soobin's arms wrap around her petite figure rather awkwardly was nearly enough to make Jisu feel better. Nearly.

Jisu clung to the boy, bawling her eyes without considering the fact that this was her crush we were talking about. If she had been in her right state of mind, she would've controlled herself and kept her optimistic personality.

"Cry it all out," Soobin assured her with an awkward pat on her back before running a hand through her hair, surprised at how soft it was. He had unconsciously started to do it repeatedly, unknowingly helping Jisu calm down.

"What should I do Soobin? I want to see him so bad." Jisu sniffed as she pulled away, wiping her runny nose with her sleeve while looking at Soobin hopefully with red, swollen eyes.

He was at a loss for words at the sudden request for advice. He fumbled for words before shutting himself up, composing himself seeing Jisu bite her lip anxiously before averting her eyes.

Jisu gasped in surprise as she suddenly bumped into his chest, Soobin having pulled her into yet another hug. She stayed still, hesitating to wrap her arms around his torso, awaiting his advice.

"You've got to start caring for yourself more than them. Loving others start with yourself. You go at your own pace."

>>>

"Are you sure you'll get home okay?" Soobin asked worriedly, turning to face Jisu having accompanied her to the bus stop. Jisu smiled before nodding her head, Soobin smiling softly at how cute she looked.

He widened his eyes slightly as his arm unconsciously lifted and pinched Jisu's cheek lightly. The two young adults looked at each other in surprise before turning away, both a flustered mess.

"Oh look, it's my bus. I'll see you around." Jisu mumbled as she saw the bus come around the corner, relieved it showed her bus number. Soobin watched as the bus halted to a stop at the raise of Jisu's hand.

"Be careful!" Soobin managed to shout out before Jisu got onto the bus, despite how red he had turned. He gave a small smile and a tiny wave in return at the wave Jisu gave him from the window.

He let his hand fall limply to his side, still shocked. He gripped his hair tightly, squealing in embarrassment as he turned around in circles.

"What the hell was that, Choi Soobin?" He scolded himself lightly, letting his fist collide with his head softly as a punishment for the sudden burst of affection.

He paused before his hands curled into balls of fists before he started running home, screaming how embarrassed he was on the inside. He wanted the floor to open up and swallow him whole. He'll never be able to face Jisu again now.

>>>

"I'm home!"Soobin called out as he removed his shoes, glancing at the clock to check the time. Yun-Jae should be getting ready for bed soon and his father and brother would come home in a couple of hours.

He plopped himself on the bed, realizing he hadn't even gotten himself a cup of coffee, and yet ran all the way home in hopes of shaking off the embarrassment. Just thinking about it made him want to scream in a pillow.

Just as he was about to do so, he heard giggling from Yun-Jae's room. He furrowed his eyebrows hearing Yun-Jae's endless giggles that resonated all across the small house. It would've been lovely to hear if Soobin wasn't confused.

Yun-Jae would never call one of her friends this late at night. Was what she really said true? That her homework would one day make her go crazy like a psycho?

He got up from the sofa, walking toward her room cautiously before peeking through the gap that the door left. He squinted his eyes slightly seeing her phone pressed against her ear as she lay on her bed, smiling cheesily.

Soobin was about to shrug it off before the next sentence caught him off guard.

"You? Invite me to your badminton match? Hyeon Chungho if you're shitting with me right now, I will block and report you."

Oh ho ho, how pissed Beomgyu would be finding out she was talking to a boy late at night.

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~Viky
☕🎶🌸