𝓐𝓬𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓭 || ENHYPEN JAKE FF

Chapter 2: Airport crush

╔.★. .═════════════╗
2: Airport Crush.
╚ ═════════════. .★.╝

➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶

The security line felt like an endless maze, coiling and looping with no end in sight. Mina shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her legs aching from standing so long. When her family finally cleared the final checkpoint, there were only 30 minutes left before their flight boarded. Thankfully, they arrived at their gate on time, with just enough room to catch their breath.

"Mina, let's look around," Aerum suggested, already eyeing the nearby duty-free shops.

Directly across from their gate stood a Prada store, the sleek black-and-white signage glowing against the polished floors. Mina's eyes sparkled the moment she saw it.

"Come on," she said, tugging Aerum by the arm as they walked inside.

Mina didn't own much from Prada—just a single, cherished perfume—but she loved everything about the brand's elegance and craftsmanship. Aerum stopped in front of a collection of handbags, her fingers tracing the edge of one with an intricate floral design.

"This one's nice," Aerum mused, holding it up for Mina to see. "I'd totally buy it if I had the money."

Mina scrunched her nose. "Eh, debatable. It's pretty, but the flower design ruins it. Feels like it's trying too hard."

Aerum rolled her eyes, setting the bag back down. But before Mina could say anything else, her gaze caught on a young man entering the store.

He had hair that was slightly tousled, giving him a laid-back vibe. Wearing a light denim jacket over a white graphic tee, which adds a touch of casual style to his appearance. His black jeans fit perfectly, accentuating his slim figure. On his feet, he's got on a pair of clean white sneakers that complete the look. A simple silver necklace hangs around his neck, and a black wristwatch adorns his wrist. His warm smile and expressive eyes make him look approachable and friendly, instantly catching the girls' attention. Mina's heart skipped a beat when he approached the same display of bags she and Aerum were standing by.

"Excuse me," he said politely, his voice smooth as he gestured for a better view of the shelf.

"Oh! Sorry," Mina stammered, quickly stepping aside.

Aerum grabbed her arm, pulling her further away as she whispered, "He's so cute."

"I know," Mina whispered back, sneaking another glance at him. She tried to focus on the bags again, but her eyes kept drifting toward him.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

Three hours into the flight, Mina sat restless, sandwiched between Heeseung and Aerum in the middle row. She had promised herself she'd sleep—especially with a long layover and another flight ahead—but her mind refused to quiet down.

Leaving London, the only home she'd ever known, was harder than she expected. Thoughts of starting a new school in Seoul swirled in her head. Would she make any friends? Would people even talk to her, or would she be stuck on the outside, watching from afar?

Aerum had already fallen asleep, her head leaning against their mother, who was engrossed in a black-and-white movie on the tiny screen in front of her. Heeseung, ever the multitasker, switched between watching a movie and skimming through notes for a project.

Meanwhile, Mina was wide awake, unable to settle her nerves. The mango juice she'd chugged earlier wasn't helping either. She finally got up to use the restroom, making her way down the aisle.

As she passed through the cabin, her eyes caught on someone familiar: the boy from the Prada store. He was seated two rows ahead, headphones on, focused on the screen in front of him.

Is he also heading to Korea? Mina wondered as she walked by. Or is he staying in Abu Dhabi for the layover?

The thought lingered in her mind as she waited her turn for the restroom.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

When the plane landed, Mina stretched her arms, yawning as she followed her family into the bustling Abu Dhabi airport. Aerum, still groggy from her nap, leaned heavily on their mother as they found a quiet seating area to rest during their layover.

Mina checked the time: 15:42. They had a few hours before the next flight, and the glittering shops and cafes scattered throughout the airport were calling her name.

"Mum, can I have some money to look around?" Mina asked eagerly.

Her mother handed her a few bills. "Don't go too far, and stay with your brother," she instructed.

Dragging Heeseung along, Mina returned to a jewelry store she had spotted earlier. Her eyes immediately fell on a stunning gold necklace displayed under glass. Its intricate design sparkled under the bright lights, catching every angle.

"Heeseung, look at this one. Should I get it?" she asked, her voice filled with longing.

Heeseung leaned closer to examine the price tag and winced. "Mina, this is way over our budget. Even if we pooled everything Mum gave us, we'd still be short."

Mina sighed, knowing he was right. She reluctantly turned away from the necklace and settled for a simple gold-plated ring instead.

As they walked back to their seats, the necklace stayed on her mind. It reminded her of the gold 'M' necklace her mother had given her as a child. She had cherished it once, but overhearing her mother admit it had originally been meant for her father had dulled its sentimental value.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

By the time they boarded their second flight, Mina felt the exhaustion catching up with her. Settling into her seat, she noticed with a jolt that the Prada boy was seated directly in front of her.

Her heart raced every time he adjusted his headphones or leaned forward to stretch. She tried to look away, but her eyes kept drifting toward him.

About an hour into the flight, Mina got up to use the restroom again. This time, as she waited in line, the door opened—and there he was.

"Hey," he said, his voice casual and friendly, as he stepped out.

Mina froze for a second before managing a soft, "Hi."

"I think I saw you on the last flight too," he said, smiling slightly.

"Yeah," Mina replied, her cheeks warming. "Small world, I guess."

He hesitated, then spoke again. "What's your name?"

"Mina," she answered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm Jake," he said, offering his hand for a quick shake before pulling out his phone. "Would it be okay if I got your number?"

Mina's heart thudded wildly in her chest as she nodded. She took his phone and typed in her number with trembling fingers.

"Thanks," he said, his smile widening. "And sorry for holding you up here."

"No worries," Mina said quickly, stepping into the restroom as he walked back to his seat.

Inside, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed, her heart racing. She pressed a hand over her chest, trying to calm herself down. Jake had just asked for her number. She could hardly believe it.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

For the rest of the flight, Mina replayed their brief conversation in her head, stealing glances at him through the tiny gaps between the seats.

She didn't know what awaited her in Seoul—whether it would be the fresh start she hoped for or just more of the same challenges. But for the first time, the thought of moving didn't seem so daunting. Maybe, just maybe, this change would lead to something good.

➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶➴➵➶