Crazy In Love | Seongjoong Soulmate AU

Chapter Eighteen

Throughout the day, Hongjoong noticed the subtle but undeniable changes in their interactions. They seemed to gravitate towards each other, sharing stolen glances and private jokes that only they could understand. Their friends noticed too, but they wisely chose to give them their space, knowing that something special was blooming between the two.

At lunchtime, Hongjoong and Seonghwa found a quiet corner in the school courtyard, away from the prying eyes of their classmates. They sat side by side, their shoulders brushing, and opened their lunchboxes.

"This looks good," Seonghwa commented as he inspected the sandwich Hongjoong had prepared for him. It was a simple gesture, but it made Hongjoong's heart skip a beat. The idea of taking care of Seonghwa in small ways felt both comforting and thrilling.

"I hope you like it," Hongjoong replied, trying to hide his nervousness. "I made it myself."

Seonghwa took a bite and nodded approvingly. "It's delicious," he said with a smirk. "Maybe you should make my lunches every day."

Hongjoong laughed, feeling the tension ease between them. "We'll see about that," he teased. "But I don't mind doing it if you want."

Seonghwa's eyes softened, and he reached out to playfully ruffle Hongjoong's hair. "You're amazing," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Thank you for everything."

Hongjoong blushed at the compliment, feeling a warmth spreading through him. "You're amazing too, Seonghwa," he replied, his heart swelling with affection. "And I'm just happy to be by your side."

The rest of the day seemed to fly by, and before they knew it, the final bell rang, signaling the end of classes. As they walked out of the school together, Seonghwa hesitated for a moment before speaking up.

"Do you want to hang out after school?" he asked, his tone tentative.

Hongjoong couldn't hide his excitement. "Of course!" he replied eagerly. "I'd love to."

Seonghwa's smile widened, and they decided on a plan to spend the afternoon together, exploring the city and enjoying each other's company.

As they walked side by side, their fingers brushing against each other occasionally, Hongjoong couldn't help but think about the unexpected turn of events. They had gone from friends to soulmates, and it felt like a dream come true. The future was uncertain, but they were ready to embrace it together, hand in hand, their hearts beating as one.

As the days turned into weeks, Hongjoong and Seonghwa's relationship continued to blossom. They spent more time together, growing closer with each passing moment. Their friends noticed the undeniable chemistry between them and were genuinely happy for the couple.

However, just as everything seemed to be falling into place, the tides of drama began to stir. One afternoon, as Hongjoong and Seonghwa were sitting at a park, enjoying each other's company, an all too familiar face made its appearance.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here," A short, light-haired girl sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. 

"M-Minju?" Hongjoong stuttered as he stared up at the girl.

Hongjoong and Seonghwa exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what was happening. 

"W-why are you here?" 

Minju scoffed. "You know exactly why I'm here! How could you do this to me, Hongjoong? After all we've been through, you're just going to toss me aside for him?"

Seonghwa tensed beside Hongjoong, sensing the tension in the air. "Minju, we were never in a relationship," Hongjoong explained calmly. "And I never led you on. I've always been honest about my feelings for Seonghwa."

Minju's eyes blazed with fury. "Honest? Ha! You were just using me to pass the time until you found someone better!" she accused, her voice loud enough to attract the attention of curious onlookers.

Hongjoong stood up, trying to diffuse the situation. "Minju, that's not true," he said firmly. "We were friends, and I never meant to hurt you. But my feelings for Seonghwa are real, and I won't apologize for that."

Seonghwa stepped in, his voice steady but assertive. "I-I'm sorry, I don't know what's going on here..." he said. "But Hongjoong and I have something special, and we hope you can understand and respect that."

Minju's anger seemed to intensify, and she took a step forward, her face inches from Seonghwa's. "You think you're so perfect, don't you?" she spat. "But you're just a bad boy who thinks he can get whatever he wants!"

Before Seonghwa could respond, Hongjoong stepped between them, trying to deescalate the situation. "That's enough, Minju," he said firmly. "We don't want any trouble."

But Minju was not done. She lashed out, raising her hand to slap Seonghwa, but Hongjoong quickly grabbed her wrist to stop her.

"Stop it!" Hongjoong exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and sadness. "This is not the person I know. You're better than this, Minju."

The confrontation had attracted more attention from passersby, and Hongjoong could feel the weight of the drama hanging in the air. He didn't want things to escalate further, but it seemed like Minju was not ready to let go of her anger.

Eventually, a teacher who happened to be in the vicinity intervened and separated the three of them. Minju stormed off, her rage still evident, while Hongjoong and Seonghwa were left feeling shaken by the unexpected confrontation.

Later that evening, Hongjoong and Seonghwa sought solace in each other's arms, trying to make sense of the drama that had unfolded. They realized that their relationship might face challenges from outsiders who didn't understand their connection, but they were determined to stand strong together.

"We'll get through this," Seonghwa said, his voice tender as he held Hongjoong close. "We'll face whatever comes our way, as long as we're together."

Hongjoong nodded, feeling a renewed sense of commitment to their relationship. "You're right," he replied, his heart warming at Seonghwa's unwavering support. "We'll weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side."