5

386 24 1
                                    

005 : settling

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

005 : settling

AS WE approached the dorm, my anticipation grew. I had only seen it through FaceTime calls with my brother, so the actual sight of the dorm building was even more impressive than I had imagined.

The car came to a stop, and I stepped out, taking in the grandeur of the building before me. The bustling streets of Seoul surrounded us, but at that moment, all I could focus on was the sense of belonging that enveloped me. Niki walked over to the trunk alongside me, grabbed hold of my suitcase before I could, and swiftly walked ahead of me to avoid me arguing with him about carrying it. I smiled and let out a soft chuckle at his actions.

Before I could catch up to him Jake appeared by my side, his eyes filled with excitement. "Welcome to your temporary home, Nari," he whispered, his voice brimming with emotion.

We made our way toward the entrance of the dorm, the rest of the group following closely behind. As the door swung open, I stepped into a world that was both familiar and foreign. I kicked off my shoes and placed them on the shoe rack.

The spacious living room greeted me, adorned with plush sofas and neutral decorations. The walls were adorned with framed photographs, capturing cherished memories of the group's journey together. The air buzzed with palpable energy, a testament to the dreams and aspirations that filled these walls.

I stood there for a moment, taking it all in. As the others settled in, I found myself drawn to the large window overlooking the city. The view stretched out before me, a tapestry of lights and possibilities. At that moment, I knew that my decision to come to Korea, to be with my brother and his members, was the right one.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I turned around, a smile playing on my lips. "Thank you for welcoming me into your place," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

Sunoo grinned and playfully draped an arm around my shoulders. "No need to thank us, Nari," he said, his words resonating deep within me.

"Niki, go help her settle in. Let her use the spare bed beside yours," Sunoo said, his voice light and casual as he took his arm off me and slipped off his shoes, placing them neatly on the shoe rack. I turned my attention to Niki, who was effortlessly lifting my big suitcase. He flashed me a reassuring nod and gestured for me to follow him.

I trailed behind him as he led me down the hallway, my heart fluttering. When we reached his room, he turned the doorknob and swung the door open for me. I stepped inside, and my eyes widened at the sight. The room was spacious and inviting, with personal touches that made it feel warm and lived-in.

Niki walked in after me and placed my suitcase against the wall with a soft thud. "There's a spare mattress underneath my bed. You can sleep on my bed, and I'll take the mattress," he said, his voice steady and sincere.

"What—no, that's not fair! It's your bed; you should sleep in it. I'm more than comfortable on the mattress," I protested, trying to push back against his generosity.

He shook his head, a determined look on his face. "Noona, I want you to be as comfortable as you can be. Trust me, this bed is way better than the mattress." The way he said it made my heart flutter. There was something about his choice of words that made me feel cared for in a way I hadn't expected.

I struggled to keep my composure, my usual confidence slipping away. "Ah—okay..." I managed to say, a sudden wave of nervousness washing over me. "You don't have to call me Noona, you know. I'm barely older than you." I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"It just suits you," Niki replied, and his tone sent a little shiver down my spine.

"Ah..." I hummed in response, caught off guard by how sweet he sounded.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Niki knelt and began pulling the mattress out from beneath his bed. "Did you bring any blankets, or do you need me to get you one?" he asked, smiling shyly, his cheeks slightly flushed.

"I brought one. You can take your blankets and pillows," I reassured him, feeling a little more at ease. He nodded with a bright smile and started moving his blankets and pillows off the bed and onto the mattress.

"I'll let you unpack now. If you need anything, come to me or any of the boys. We'll be out in the living room when you're done," Niki noted, his voice warm and inviting. I nodded, grateful for his kindness.

"Thanks, Niki." I smiled softly at him, and he returned the gesture before stepping out of the room. As the door clicked shut, I let out a huge exhale, feeling the tension leave my body.

Why am I so nervous? I wondered, taking a moment to collect myself. The room felt cozy and safe, but my heart raced with a mix of excitement and something else I couldn't quite put my finger on. I glanced around, taking in the soft colors and the little details that made it feel like home.

___________

( A\N )

✦ ─ I hope you guys enjoyed and liked this chapter. Please FOLLOW VOTE and COMMENT to show your support. I am going to post new books soon so FOLLOW to get updated on when I post them. I also have other books, so go check them out if you'd like!

Check out my other books, now out!

I LOVE YOU

𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 | ⁿⁱˢʰⁱᵐᵘʳᵃ ʳⁱᵏⁱWhere stories live. Discover now