Paperclips - YJH

Seventeen

Two whole weeks passed after I started working here with Seventeen. I've gotten a lot closer to most of the members thanks to Soonyoung. He's been really welcoming and has made me feel like part of the group. Everyone of them is respectful and fun to work with, and I was honestly starting to love my job in Korea. Except for one, Jeonghan. He ignored me most of the time, and if we do have to interact as part of work, he'll make it as short as possible. I don't blame him, but it hurt to see him act like that towards me when years ago we used to be friends... or even more.

Today we were travelling to the countryside to shoot Going Seventeen, and we all came packed for a 3 day trip. I was excited for this trip, even though it was work-related, as I hadn't gotten the chance to explore Korea again.

My heart beat faster and faster in excitement as I loaded all my bags into the bus. The staff and the members could sit together if they wanted since the bus ride wouldn't be recorded. I was the last to board the bus, as I had the sudden urge to use the bathroom. I apologised for being a little late as I got inside the bus, trying to find a vacant seat. Unfortunately, the only vacant seat was next to Jeonghan. He was staring out the window with earplugs in, so he didn't notice me, but I knew that sitting with him would probably make him uncomfortable. I glanced at Soonyoung, silently gesturing for him to sit with Jeonghan instead, but he shook his head. 

"Y/N, the bus is about to go, please sit." Mr. Lee instructed, forcing me to sit with Jeonghan.
As I settled into the seat next to him, I felt a wave of awkwardness wash over me. I decided to keep to myself and avoid making eye contact with him for the duration of the bus ride. The only problem was that the bus ride was 4 hours long. Jeonghan looked at me and rolled his eyes, acknowledging my presence. I could sense his annoyance, but I tried my best to respect his space and keep the interaction minimal. Despite the tension, I hoped the bus ride would pass quickly. I quickly took out my phone and texted Soonyoung.

"Why would you do that??"

After a few minutes, he texted back, "You guys should really stop acting like kids. Everyone noticed how you and Jeonghan acted. Just communicate and get it over with, man." 

I turned back from my seat to look at Soonyoung, and he gave me a thumbs up, making me respond with an eye roll. I knew Soonyoung was right, but I wasn't ready to confront Jeonghan just yet. Instead, I decided to take a deep breath and try to relax for the rest of the bus ride.

After a few minutes, which felt like hours, Jeonghan removed his headphones and faced me, "You didn't get any other place to sit?" He raised an eyebrow, and there was a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"I wouldn't be sitting here if I did, would I?" I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. I could feel the tension between us, but I was determined not to let it ruin the rest of the journey.

He sighed, "Couldn't you switch with someone?" He glanced around the crowded bus, as if searching for a potential seat swap.

"I tried, but—" I paused, wondering why I felt the need to explain myself to him of all people. "There just wasn't any space available," I finally said, hoping to end the conversation there. I turned away, focusing on the passing scenery outside the bus window, trying to ignore his presence beside me. He sighed in annoyance before wearing his headphones again and leaning into his seat, gazing out.

He was slowly starting to get on my nerves. I know I hurt him in the past, and I was hurt too, but that wasn't making me act like a jerk toward him. I made a mental note to avoid him as much as possible for the rest of eternity for my own peace of mind. 
____

"Wake up." My eyes shot open as I felt someone poke my shoulder. I looked around and realised that we had reached the location, and Jeonghan was next to me, looking at me with an annoyed expression, waiting for me to move so he could get out. Wow, I fell asleep.

I quickly grabbed my bag and got out of the bus, followed by Jeonghan. Apparently, we two were the last ones to get out of the bus. Why didn't he wake me up sooner?

As I headed inside the homestays, Soonyoung turned to me and whispered, "You must have been really tired. You were out cold the whole ride." I chuckled nervously. He walked with me for a while before standing in front of me and halting my steps. "So? Did you two talk?"

I scoffed, "You are crazy, Soonyoung." I gave him a glare. "Making us sit together was a bad idea. What did you even expect? That we'll get out of the bus hugging?" I rolled my eyes and continued walking, leaving Soonyoung behind. "Well, you kind of did, though." He yelled.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around. "What?"

"You didn't know? Your head was resting on Jeonghan's shoulder when you slept." My eyes widened as I heard him, and a giggle escaped my lips. There was no way. The idea of my head resting on Jeonghan's shoulder was wild.

"Are you serious right now? That's hilarious." I didn't believe Soonyoung. If it were true, then I doubt Jeonghan would just let me. Soonyoung nodded. "We were surprised too."
____

Back in his room, Jeonghan sat on his bed with conflicted emotions. When Y/N fell asleep on his shoulder, he wanted to push her off but couldn't bring himself to do it. He knew that he hated her; there was no doubt about it after what she had done to him. But when he saw her sleeping so soundly, he couldn't help but wonder what made her so tired these days.