Serendipity

Chapter Fifteen

Wooyoung's POV

My relationship with Jennifer has been going extremely well. We've managed to maintain our promise not to let our connection interfere with her housekeeping responsibilities at the dormitory. Simultaneously, Hongjoong and I have remained committed to our band obligations, even though it has become evident that he is uncomfortable with Jennifer and me being together. I should probably feel guilty since we are friends, but he had his opportunity to pursue her. They are friends too, but if he truly had feelings for her, he shouldn't have dismissed her. I, on the other hand, genuinely care for her. In fact, tonight I plan on asking her to sleep beside me in my bed; not for any intimate reasons, but simply because I want her close to me.

As the day went on, I couldn't help but feel anxious about my plans for tonight. I was worried about Jennifer's reaction, but more importantly, I wondered if this could potentially affect our relationship. Hongjoong noticed my unease and tried to engage me in conversation, but my mind was elsewhere. This just seemed to increase his agitation with our situation.

During our band practice, I couldn't focus much on the music. My body was moving like it was son autopilot during dance practice, while my mind raced in circles. As soon as we finished, I hurriedly packed up my things and excused myself from the room without engaging in any further conversations with the others.

Once safely inside my dorm room, I nervously began to arrange the space for Jennifer's arrival. I made sure that the bed was neat and tidy and that there were extra pillows and blankets available if she needed them. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to imagine how the night would unfold.

Jennifer arrived at the door promptly after her shift had ended, looking as beautiful as ever in her simple housekeeping uniform. Seeing her always put a smile on my face.

"Hey," she said hesitantly as she stepped into the room. "Is everything okay? You've been acting a bit off today."

I took a deep breath before answering: "Yes, everything is fine. It's just...I have something I wanted to ask you." My voice quivered as I spoke.

Jennifer tilted her head curiously before asking, "What is it?"

I swallowed my anxiety and continued. "This may sound odd or strange to you... but would you be willing... to spend tonight beside me? In my bed?" Quickly adding on to dispel any misunderstandings: "Not for any intimate reasons, of course."

A soft blush crept up Jennifer's neck and cheeks as she absorbed my request. To fill in the silence that seemed unbearable now, I nervously mumbled explanations and reassurances: "I just want to have you close, to be able to hold you and feel your presence. If you're not comfortable though, it's perfectly fine; there is absolutely no pressure."

After what seemed like an eternity, Jennifer smiled tenderly and replied, "Of course, Wooyoung. I would be happy to." Relief washed over me, and I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.

As we prepared for bed, I was keenly aware of every movement, every sound Jennifer made as she changed into her pajamas. My heart raced when she finally slipped under the covers beside me. With a shy smile, she turned to face me. Our eyes met in the dimness of the room, and tentatively, I reached out and pulled her into a gentle embrace.

We lay there together, my chest pressed against her back, our heartbeats syncing as we breathed steadily in unison. The warmth of her body and the tender touch of her hands calmed my restless thoughts, dissolving any lingering fears or anxieties I had been harboring throughout the day.

It wasn't long before sleep embraced us both; our dreams whisking us away to an otherworldly realm where time held little meaning and reality seemed just out of reach. As we slumbered side by side, the hours passed slowly, disappearing like fog under the morning sun.

I woke up before Jennifer the next morning and took a moment to observe her peaceful expression as she slept. Her dark eyelashes rested against her cheeks, giving her an almost childlike innocence despite the light sheen of sweat upon her brow from our warmth entwined.

My earlier anxieties resurfaced for a brief moment as I realized that today was a new day filled with uncertainties—uncertainties about how this shift in our relationship might affect not only us but also those around us. However, those concerns were quelled when Jennifer's eyes fluttered open. Her sleepy smile instantly set my heart at ease.

"Good morning," she mumbled softly before snuggling closer.

"Morning," I replied with my own drowsy grin as I gently stroked her hair. For a little while, we simply basked in the comfort and warmth of each other's presence.

But reality eventually came knocking; we had responsibilities and duties to attend to. Reluctantly, Jennifer and I rose from our shared bed, taking turns in the bathroom to freshen up for the day ahead.

The knowledge that our secret act As we left the safety of my dorm room, I noticed Jennifer's bashful glances in my direction. Despite our closeness last night, it seemed as if a newfound shyness lay between us. The ride down in the elevator was quiet, tension brewing just beneath the surface.

We went our separate ways once we reached the ground floor; she returned to her housekeeping duties, while I headed to the rehearsal studio for another day of practice with the band.

During breaks between practices, I couldn't help but steal glances toward the dormitory building where Jennifer worked. Wondering if she was also looking for me between her duties brought a smile to my face. My bandmates, aware of our budding relationship, would tease me for my distraction. Despite Hongjoong's lingering discomfort, even he found it difficult not to join in on their playful banter.

Later that afternoon, as practice came to a close, Jennifer appeared at the door of the rehearsal studio with a tray of refreshments. Her face lit up when she saw me across the room.

"Hey guys," she greeted cheerfully, crossing over to place the tray on a nearby table. "I thought you might need some refreshments after a long day of practice."

"Thanks, Jennifer," replied Seonghwa with a warm smile as he grabbed a bottled water.

"Hey Jennifer," Hongjoong mumbled as he took his own water bottle and retreated to his corner.

Jennifer tried her best to brush off Hongjoong's iciness – at least for now – focusing instead on catching my eye and giving me an ever-so-slight smile.

The evening proceeded with dinner and lighthearted conversations between everyone in the dormitory's common area. Despite being tired from our respective daily tasks, Jennifer and I exchanged furtive glances and secret smiles, knowing that we shared something special that others could only guess at.

As the night wore on, it was time to retire to our separate sleeping quarters. Jennifer went to her room and I went to mine. I was getting a quick shower and when I returned she was waiting for me in my room, in her pajamas.

"Things were so comfortable for us last night, I thought maybe we could snuggle up again tonight?" she smiled.

"Absolutely," I said going over to her. I was so happy.