Reputation

Chapter 9 - undeniable feelings

Jeonghan's POV:

Navigating through the spooky escape room with Ara was unexpectedly delightful. Her reactions to each scare were priceless, and I found myself enjoying the playful fear she exhibited, especially when she clung to my arm or hid behind me.

When the scare actor finally made their dramatic entrance, Ara jumped into my arms with a startled squeal. For a split second, I felt a rush of exhilaration that she chose to hold onto me. "Hey there, no need to be scared, I've got you," I whispered, relishing the closeness between us.

Ara chuckled nervously, her face inches from mine. "Thanks, Yoon. You're my knight in shining armor today."

"Always at your service," I replied with a grin, unable to resist the opportunity to flirt a little. "You know, you look even cuter when you're scared."

Her cheeks flushed pink, and she playfully swatted my arm. "Stop teasing! You're enjoying this way too much."

"I can't help it when you make it so much fun," I admitted, enjoying the banter between us.

As we moved on to the next challenge, Ara stayed close, occasionally bumping into me with a playful smirk. "Think there's something behind that shelf? Or are you too scared to check?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you want me to go first to protect you again?" I teased, nudging her back.

She rolled her eyes, but I could tell she was enjoying our playful back-and-forth. "Maybe I just want a good view of you getting scared this time."

We shared a laugh, the tension from earlier now replaced with a comfortable ease. It felt like we were in our own little adventure, teasing and flirting through each challenge.

After successfully navigating through the puzzles and finding the key to escape, Ara turned to me with a triumphant grin. "We make a pretty good team, Yoon."

"We do," I agreed, feeling a surge of admiration for her. "And you know, if you ever need a partner for another adventure, you know where to find me."

Ara's smile widened, and for a moment, the world outside the escape room faded away. It was just us, enjoying the thrill of the moment and the closeness we shared.

Scoups' POV:

As we searched the escape room for clues, Joshua and I couldn't help but notice how cozy Jeonghan and Ara seemed. They were always teasing each other, but today it was different—there was this closeness between them, especially when Ara jumped into Jeonghan's arms during that scare.

I nudged Joshua with a grin. "Looks like Yoon's having a blast today."

Joshua chuckled softly, glancing over at them. "Yeah, who knew Jeonghan could handle Ara's scares so well? He's usually the one causing them."

I nodded, amused. "Deep down, I think he really likes her."

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "You think so?"

Scoups shrugged. "I know so, he's been looking out for her lately. Remember how he rushed to her side when that scare actor showed up?"

"Yeah, you're right," Joshua admitted, watching them with a small smile. "I guess he's not that bad after all."

Scoups nodded thoughtfully. "I trust him with Ara. He jokes around, but I know he cares about her."

Joshua grinned. "And Ara knows how to handle him. They've got their own thing going on."

"Exactly," Scoups agreed. "As long as they're happy, that's what matters."

They shared a knowing look before refocusing on the escape room.

After about an hour of intense puzzling and a few scares, we finally escaped the room.

"Don't ever do that to me again," I exclaimed as we exited the room, my heart still racing from the adrenaline.

Jeonghan chuckled beside me, his arm casually draped over my shoulders. "Aw, come on, A, where's the fun in that? You know you enjoyed it deep down."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Maybe a little, but next time, warn me about the scare actors."

"Deal," he said, squeezing my shoulder gently. "But you have to admit, we made a great team in there."

"Yeah, we did," I agreed, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with relief. "Thanks for being my human shield."

Jeonghan grinned. "Anytime, A. Anytime."

As we rejoined Scoups and Joshua, who were waiting outside with triumphant grins, I couldn't help but laugh.

We decided to grab dinner together after our thrilling escape room experience.

"I'm starving after all that brainwork," Joshua declared, rubbing his stomach.

"Me too. Let's find a place nearby," Scoups suggested, glancing around for restaurant signs.

Jeonghan draped an arm around my shoulder again as we walked, his playful demeanor still intact. "Ara, any preferences? You're the one who almost got scared to death back there."

I rolled my eyes at him but couldn't hide my smile. "I don't know, something cozy where I won't get surprised by any more scare actors?"

"I promise, no more surprises," Jeonghan said, winking at me. "Unless you count my irresistible charm."

"Keep dreaming," I teased back, nudging him playfully.

As we settled into a nearby restaurant, the evening continued with light-hearted conversation and shared laughter.