used to love. | sunsun

17. jeju citrus

The room the boys got was huge - two big beds in the bedroom with a wooden table next to a bookshelf, a beige couch in the living room and a TV engraved into the wall, in the other corner there was a bathroom with two mirrors and one gray stone bathtub and a small screen to watch a movie or listen to music while relaxing. Large white sheer curtains covered the windows, offering a beautiful view of the private outdoor pool and the green, beautiful landscape of Jeju Island.

It was a sight to die for. A sight Sunoo would definitely paint if he gets the chance while munching on some sweet hallabong yanggaeng*, enjoying some fruits such as peaches and drinking fresh tangerine juice just picked from the tree while listening to the running water.
But instead he had to spend time with two Parks who wouldn't stop arguing, and he wasn't sure if he should be honored now or what exactly he should feel.

He collapsed onto one of the large beds and stretched his entire body. Curling up into a ball, he watched as Sunghoon pulled an old camera out of his suitcase to snap a few pictures. Suddenly Sunghoon turned around and giggled when he caught Sunoo looking away shyly after being caught staring. Not missing the chance, he put the camera back in front of his eyes, looked through the lens and took a photo of the guy lying there like a little ball of yarn.

They both heard the sliding door open and suddenly a shirtless Jay in a pair of swimming trunks was standing in the middle of the room. He ran towards the pool, jumped in and splashed all the water away, just like the stone in the pond had done before, only this time the water definitely splashed more.

Sunghoon took a few steps back to prevent getting wet by the water, while holding a camera in his hands, before taking a few shots of Jay too.
"Yah, you're going to get sick, Jay." The one with the camera complained while the other continued swimming. "It's not like we'll have free time anytime soon after these few days, enjoy it while you still can!"

Watching the older two playing by the pool seemed like a scene from a movie from Sunoo's perspective and he took a photo with his cell phone. He wanted to join, but the cool weather and tiredness didn't really let him, so instead he took a short nap while he heard the others screaming like little children.

-AROUND DINNER TIME, he was woken up by several messages from the class chat. The room was empty, with him being the only one under the cozy blanket. Jay and Sunghoon must have gone to dinner with the others already.
Softly, he rubbed his eyes with help of his knuckles and yawned before checking what the conversation was about.

Teacher Hong had sent them the weekly itinerary for the trip to Jeju Island, which read:
Mr. Hong:
-SATURDAY, Arrival at hotel 'tangerine mountain', taking a rest day..
- SUNDAY, Tangerine hunting, Seongsan ilchulbong, 9.81 Gravity Park.
- MONDAY, Clear boat kayaking at Handam Haean Village, Dongmun market, Dodu rainbow coastal road.
- TUESDAY, Free day for students and Teachers.
-WEDNESDAY, Breakfast, leaving by car at 8:30AM, Flight at 11:45AM..

As he looked forward to the full plan for the next few days, he swung his feet back and forth. It's been a while since he's been on vacation. And it felt great to be here and enjoy this trip with his friends. But as much fun as he was having, it didn't distract him from his hungry stomach. The hotel room only offered bottles of cold water and a few overpriced snacks. So he decided to pick up his phone again and text Jungwon.

my number: jungwonnnn, where are you?
my number: i'll head to the convenience store

After receiving no response for a while, he went to a nearby supermarket to get something light to eat. His stomach was still growling. He picked out a kimbap roll and strolled to the checkout. The supermarket was empty and he was the only customer, until he heard the door open. It was none other than Park Sunghoon. "Oh, hi there..." he smiled. My goodness, Sunoo's heart seemed to melt. "Hyung.. You're not eating with the others?"Sunghoon walked to the fridge with all the drinks and stood there for a while, crossing his arms. Finally he settled on a tangerine flavored soda and a few beers and turned his head back to Sunoo, "We're already done. Jungwon told me you were here, so I came to pick you up."
"Where are we going?" The younger asked.
"Why don't you guess?" The older answered.

He leaned on the counter with Sunoo still standing between his arms and grinned shyly. As he paid with his card he glanced at the younger, noticing Sunoo's cheeks turning into a light shade of pink. He slowly leaned towards the little guy's ear, "You're blushing," he whispered.

"Have a good day." The cashier said for the second time, tired of watching cute couples flirt.

sunoo's pov
"You know," I began, following Sunghoon's steps. "When I told you that you should talk to me more, I didn't mean to pressure you or anything. So don't feel the need to give me a lot of attention so suddenly."

It was unusual for him to change so much in just a few days. It would be a lie if I'd say I didn't like the change. But everything changed too unexpectedly and I wonder if he only changed because I told him to.

Sunghoon turned around, walked backwards and stared at me. His gaze was intense. I felt like he could see through me. I fidgeted with my fingers, getting a little nervous about the stare and what he was going to say next.

"I've always wanted to talk to you again." He stopped walking, "I was just...I guess scared?" A laugh left his mouth. "Haa.. I know it might sound like an excuse, but I was afraid of hurting you again. And I know that doesn't really explain why I ignored you, but please. Please listen to me.." I could see him breathing heavily, clenching his hands into fists and avoiding eye contact.

"You've forgiven me too many times and my chances are gone, aren't they?" No, no, they're not.

"But that's okay.." He was shaking,

"I know that an apology doesn't make up for what I did, Sunoo. And I'm sorry I didn't talk to you about it a long time ago. I'm sorry for messing our relationship up.. And you have every right to be angry at me, every right to hold a grudge."

"Calm down.. Calm down, hyung." I whispered, noticing tears gathering in his eyes despite the smile on his face.

"Instead of being selfish and ignoring you, I should have been there for you and given you the emotional support you needed." Tears kept rolling down his face, "I'm so sorry it took me this long to even realize and.. fuck, and—" I hugged him tightly and didn't let him finish his sentence. I didn't want him to. He shouldn't feel apologetic. "Shit...ha, I shouldn't be crying like a coward right now."
I giggled and wiped the tears from my face as I couldn't hold myself back. "Tsk, you indeed are a coward. But I told you to give yourself more time." I smiled to reassure him, "It's okay, I'll wait."

And I'd always wait for him, because I knew what kind of person he was. The only thing that mattered was that he was back. And I would always trust him at the end of the day..

____________________________
Hallabong Yanggaeng*
meaning: Traditional bean jelly dessert flavored with sweet and sour Jeju citrus. 🍊