Between Two Hearts • yeonjun × hoshi

18: Just Confess

3rd person POV

Yeonjun had been watching Ara from a distance, a deep frown etched across his forehead. Something about her demeanor had seemed off since he saw her at the party. The loud music, the boisterous laughter, and the flashing neon lights were all vivid around them, but he couldn't help but notice the way her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

Unable to ignore his concern any longer, he made his way to where Ara stood, leaning against a wall, her fingers tracing patterns on her glass. The bass from the music pulsed through the floor, but their voices remained soft.

"Hey, Ara," Yeonjun said, leaning in close to her. "Are you okay? You seem a bit distant."

Ara blinked, her gaze focusing on Yeonjun's concerned expression. She took a deep breath and managed a reassuring smile. "I'm good, Yeonjun. Just lost in thought for a moment, that's all."

Yeonjun wasn't entirely convinced, but he decided not to press further. Instead, he decided to change the atmosphere. "How about we step outside for a bit? Get some fresh air on the porch?"

Ara hesitated for a moment, her gaze darting towards the lively party inside. "You know, that sounds nice. Let's go."

They slipped out through the back door onto the porch. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the heat and noise inside. They found a quiet corner, away from the main gathering, and sat down on a couple of chairs.

As they settled into the calm of the night, Yeonjun leaned back, taking in the serene atmosphere. "I'm not a big fan of these parties," he confessed with a sigh.

Ara chuckled softly, a genuine sound that put Yeonjun at ease. "You and me both. Soobin practically dragged you here, didn't he?"

Yeonjun nodded a playful glint in his eyes. "Yeah, he insisted. Said it was high time I got out and socialized."

Ara's smile softened as she glanced at Yeonjun. "Well, I'm glad you came, even if it was under duress. It's nice having someone to talk to who doesn't want to dance the night away."

They fell into a comfortable silence, enjoying the calmness of the porch. The distant hum of conversation and laughter from the partygoers faded into the background. Ara's earlier concerns seemed to have dissipated, and Yeonjun was grateful for the chance to be there for her.

As the night wore on, they shared stories and laughed, finding a connection they hadn't expected. Sometimes, it was the unplanned moments and unexpected company that made a party memorable. Yeonjun couldn't help but feel that he had made the right choice in coming tonight, even if it was at the insistence of his friend.

Ara's initial reservations seemed to have melted away in the company of a good friend. And as they chatted on the porch, Yeonjun couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this party wasn't so bad after all.

As they spoke Ara couldn't help but drown herself in Yeonjun's eyes. She couldn't fathom the fact that she finally spoke to her crush let alone sit with him in a completely different environment.

However, something lingered in her mind that she couldn't ignore unless she probably did which was something she was afraid to do.

"It's too soon for that." She thought to herself. However, that didn't stop her mind from continuing to bombard her with that thought.

"Confess."