SAN
As San's eyes fixated on Aira, who stood among the group of guests from the art department. She appeared engrossed in conversation, her camera poised in her hands as she listened intently to the instructions being given.
A sense of confusion and disbelief washed over San as he struggled to comprehend Aira's presence at the photoshoot. Why hadn't she mentioned anything about being involved? And what was she doing with a camera in her hands?
As the practice session began, San found himself stealing glances in Aira's direction, unable to shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him. He couldn't understand why she had kept her involvement a secret, and the more he thought about it, the more his mind raced with questions.
But no matter the reasons he couldn't be mad at Aira, because the truth is... They don't talk a lot at dorms or if they do it ends up with bickering or even worse, shouting, letting the hell of anger loose where all of the neighbours can hear their so called 'normal' conversations.
AIRA
As Aira adjusted her camera settings and focused her lens on the volleyball court, she couldn't help but feel excited. Being behind the camera had always been a source of comfort and joy for her, a way to capture moments of beauty and emotion in a world that often felt chaotic and uncertain.
As the players took to the court, their movements fluid and graceful, Aira felt a surge of adrenaline rush through her. She clicked the shutter button with precision, capturing each jump, each spike, each dive with expert precision.
But amidst the flurry of activity, Aira's mind couldn't help but wander to the events unfolding around her. She stole glances at San whenever she thought he wasn't looking, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him in action.
She mentally slapped herself when she got a grip of her own actions..
'It's not the time to be daydreaming... And especially not about him...' Aira scolded herself.
Despite the tension that had existed between them, Aira couldn't deny the underlying chemistry that simmered beneath the surface. There was something about the way San moved, the intensity in his eyes as he focused on the game, that sent shivers down her spine.
As she continued to snap photos, Aira found herself lost in a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, she felt a sense of exhilaration at being able to capture such raw, unfiltered moments of athleticism and skill. But on the other hand, she couldn't shake the feeling of longing that gnawed at the edges of her heart.
With each click of the shutter, Aira found herself falling deeper and deeper into the rhythm of the game, the world around her fading into the background as she focused all her attention on capturing the perfect shot. And as the practice match came to an end, everyone went to their corners to take a break before another round.
Skimming through the pictures Aira felt satisfied with most of the shots and it's not like some editing couldn't perfect those photos a little more, but that's a thought for another time.
Midway through the break while engaging in a conversation with Wooyoung Aira caught someone making a to their little corner. At first she thought it could be Jaehyun by the way he walked, but she was quickly corrected when her eyes adjusted to the view of San getting closer.
Suddenly Aira felt Wooyoung nudging her with elbow.
"Well, well, well, look who's come to grace us with his presence. " Wooyoung quipped, shooting Aira a teasing look.
Aira shot him a pointed glare, her eyes betraying the hint of frustration she felt at being put on the spot. "Oh, please," she replied, her voice tinged with annoyance. "You know San and I are just roommates."
Wooyoung rolled his eyes at his best friend's statement "Yeah yeah, just roommates.... And he cooks you breakfast?"
Aira was completely shocked and caught of guard when Wooyoung asked her that.
"Let's not pretend you were smooth with that quick 'close friends' story that you deleted 5 minutes after uploading."
"I might have just made them myself, you know."
"Aira. Stop it. You can fool others, but not me. I've known you for long enough to know how much you dislike making breakfast early in the morning so you limit yourself with double espresso and then come to classes munching on your chicken and shrimp bagel." Wooyoung says calmly.
"Woo-"
She was cut short when the familiar voice interrupted.
"Hey, Aira, " San said with a calm voice. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"Can say the same about you." She mimicked.
"And you are?" San raised it his eyebrow turning his eyes to Wooyoung.
"Oh I'm so sorry, that's so rude of me. I'm Wooyoung, Aira's best friend." Woo smiled sheepishly.
Wooyoung's smile was warm and inviting, though Aira could sense a hint of mischief in his eyes. She knew that he was enjoying the moment, relishing the opportunity to meet San under such unexpected circumstances.
"Wooyoung," he repeated, as if trying to place the name.San shook Wooyoung's hand, his expression still tinged with curiosity.
"Yeah, we were just catching up," Aira interjected quickly, sensing the tension in the air. "You know, usual stuff."
San nodded, though his gaze lingered on Aira for a moment longer before turning back to Wooyoung. "Right, of course." he said, though there was a hint of skepticism in his voice.
Aira could feel the weight of his scrutiny, and she shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. She wasn't used to being the subject of San's attention, especially not in such a public setting. Come to think of it, it's the first time they both tried to interact outside off their dorm walls.
"I think your coach is calling you. You should probably get going, we can talk later if you want." She tried to shake off the awkward feeling.
"I don't think there will be anything else to talk about, but guess I'll see you at the dorm then." San said with little to no emotion and took one last glance at Wooyoung before turning his heels and walking away.
As San walked away, Aira let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. She glanced at Wooyoung, who was watching her with a knowing look in his eyes.
"What?" she asked defensively, though she already knew the answer.
Wooyoung just smiled knowingly. "Nothing," he replied, though there was a teasing glint in his eyes. "Just glad I could be here to witness the drama unfold."
Aira rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile despite herself. With friends like Wooyoung by her side, even the most awkward situations seemed bearable.
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As the last match began Wooyoung and Aira continued to take shots from possible angles, just to be satisfied with the results in a long run. They both definitely reached their cardio intake for the day, but it was worth it.
When everything came to an end and the equipment was packed away Aira finally could take a proper breath in, because the biggest job was already finished. Photo sorting and editing was the easiest and most enjoyable part for her.
As Wooyoung waved her goodbye and Aira was the last to leave the gym she heard her phone buzz. There was a new Instagram notification.
"Meet us at the studio in 20"
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(Hey... Month long 'hiatus'? Yes. And it's my first proper Author's note here. It seems like I've just started this story, but I already needed to take a break, because work has been draining a lot of my energy and creativity to even come up with something that is acceptable to post.
But nonetheless I hope you enjoyed this longer chapter)
