To Be Loved... (BOOK 1)

Playing Matchmaker

I was staying after school today for art club. Usually we do things on Tuesday's. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I had my medium sized canvas set on my easel as I started to paint strokes of white over the dark blue I had placed before. I was going to paint the scene of Felix and I looking at the water together and if it's good enough, I plan on giving it to him. I know it's really corny, but I really want to at least try. It could be a Christmas gift! That is, if he still likes me. God, I hope he will.

"This is really pretty, Hyunjin." The art teacher, Mrs. Kim, said.

"Thank you." I mumbled. "It's in Hangang Park."

"I thought so." She nodded and smiled. I felt more confident in my work with her compliment.

As I continued, I realized I was missing Felix more and more by the minute. It's been four days since I had last seen him, but of course we've texted constantly. I'm still a little freaked out by how intense my feelings are in such little time. I mean, I've only known him for a week. I wonder if he's on the same page? I doubt it. I just can't imagine anyone liking me that much.

Felix's POV:

"You're daydreaming again, Yongbokie." Minho said to me. We thought it would be nice if we went out to eat after school, but unfortunately my thoughts have been elsewhere.

"Sorry." I shook my head, trying to snap out of it.

"Hyunjin, I'm assuming?" He asked, picking up some ramen with his chopsticks.

"Yeah." I nodded, trying to contain my smile.

"Does he know you've liked him all this time?"

I shook my head. "He didn't even know I existed until last week." I didn't expect everyone in the world to know who I was, but for me to like him all this time and him not even knowing me somewhat hurts. I almost felt a little invisible. Sure, he kind of knew me since Jisung was calling me 'Yongbok' but I don't think that really counts.

"What made you like him in the first place? I mean, from what Jisung's told me about him, he lays pretty low."

I sighed, reminiscing about the time I first saw him. It was almost like love at first sight. "We had the same lunch period. I remember sitting with Soobin and Beomgyu and all I heard was the loudest, most obnoxious laugh. It was actually Hyunjin. I scanned the entire area until I found him and I thought he was the hottest guy I've ever seen. That's literally it. Loud laugh, beautiful face. I'm set."

"Oh my god." He groaned, dragging his hands down his face. "That's the worst story ever."

"Well, I never said it was a good one, it's just how it happened." I laughed.

"So you've pretty much had no idea how he was as a person until last week? You just thought he was good looking all this time?"

"Pretty much."

"Is he what you expected?"

"No." I slowly said, shaking my head. "I was expecting someone as loud as that laugh." I smiled. "But he seems very shy and quiet."

"Maybe it's because he likes you." Minho smirked and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Maybe. But I like this Hyunjin more than the one I was expecting. He's so sweet and respectful. I felt like he was trying so hard to make me happy, like he genuinely cared."

"I'll admit, I think I may have judged him a little too harshly." He took a long sip of his drink, acting as if he didn't confess.

"Oh yeah?" I smirked. "What makes you say that?"

"It's the little things. Did he open the door for you the whole time?"

"Of course."

"You said he paid, right?"

"Yup. Then he said as long as I'm with him, I'll never have to pay."

"Good. I liked how he came to the door every time rather than staying in his car. It shows he has some respect. I also liked what he said to Jisung once he told him about us."

I feel bad for Minho sometimes when it comes to Jisung. Minho loves him but he's constantly afraid that Jisung is going to do what Seungmin did to me. They've known each other for a year and been together for 9 months. Minho doesn't complain about their physical relationship to me. All I know is that they don't do anything sexual. But what really bothers him is the fact that he desperately wants to tell Jisung he loves him. But he feels like if he does, it'll ruin everything.

"Yeah, he told me. Hyunjin seems like the supportive type to me, but also honest. I like that about him."

"I'd like to talk to him a bit more. Did you invite him to the party?"

"Of course. I told him to bring Wooyoung too."

"Oh jeez." Minho held the bridge of his nose and squinted his eyes. "When San and Wooyoung finally talk, I don't want to be in the room."

"Oh come on, it'll be fun seeing San all flustered like that."

"I just don't understand how he's been with girls his whole life. Never had a second thought about guys. Sees Wooyoung at pep rally a few months ago and suddenly that's not the case."

I had a maniacal smile spread across my face. I had an idea.

"We're not doing this, no. San can figure his shit out on his own. You've already done enough by inviting Wooyoung."

I don't like drama, but I do love playing matchmaker. I just like seeing people happy and in love. Probably because of the lack of love in my own life. Until now, that is.

"We can go on triple dates!" I cheered.

"What if you don't even like Wooyoung? Changbin tells me he can be a lot."

"First off, I love outgoing, fun people. Second, if he's Hyunjin's best friend, closest thing he has to a brother, then I know I'll like him. You'll like him too."

"Yeah, yeah, we'll see."