Bring It On! HAECHAN

06 | Chaerin's dream boy (but she doesn't know it yet)

His gig at the 0 Mile Bar had ended just a little after ten, but instead of going back to his dorm, Donghyuck finds himself back at campus instead.

There's only a week left to evaluations, and in the midst of his campaigns he hadn't really had the time to focus on that. He'd be damned if he got a low score just because he was too distracted by Ko Chaerin— distracted by his competition with Ko Chaerin, he means.

It's 10:54 now, and if Donghyuck is quick enough, he'd be able to make it to the studio before the automated doors would lock at eleven. It's normal for students to stay even after school hours, himself included, and Donghyuck has found himself locked inside his own studio after losing track of time and forgetting to wedge something between the door more times than he could count (and needless to say, he does not want to have to call Renjun tonight to help break him out again. An angry Renjun is a very scary Renjun).

Just a minute left to eleven. Donghyuck has his keycard out as he rushes down the dark hallway towards his studio, but the light streaming out from the room next to his causes him to halt in his tracks instead.

There's a shoe wedged between the door, and Donghyuck inches towards the gap to take a peek inside to see a familiar burgundy-haired girl.

Chaerin moves across the studio floor, the music from the stereo that echoes softly around the room accompanying every move. It's entrancing, the way her every step and leap is executed with precision, and Donghyuck finds it difficult to look away as he leans against the edge of the door, crossing his arms with unwavering eyes as though in a trance.

She wears a mask of concentration, brows furrowed and lips pursed slightly— a sight he has gotten so used to, but never really took the time to appreciate until now. Even despite the rivalry that simmers between them, Donghyuck couldn't help but to admire her dedication towards her craft. He knows how hard Chaerin works, the hours she would spend practicing to perfect her routine until it's flawless. It's something he respects so much, but also something he would never admit out loud.

Chaerin does a turn, and in that split second she finally catches glimpse of Donghyuck behind her. She gasps in surprise before her foot slips, and she tumbles to the floor with a yelp.

Donghyuck's smile vanishes as he pushes himself off the doorway, clumsily removing his guitar bag from him before crouching next to her. "Shit! Cherry, you okay?"

The girl groans as she clutches her ankle, only to hiss when she feels another shot of pain at the pressure. "Fuck. I think I sprained it."

Donghyuck exhales softly. "Let me see." He gently removes her fingers from her ankle to examine it, seeing the redness that's already beginning to form around the bone. "Shit, yeah, it looks swollen."

"What the fuck were you even doing there, you idiot?" Chaerin whines.

"I-I'm sorry. I was just- I was just watching you, I guess. I just- shit, let's get you to the A&E, yeah?"

Chaerin is supposed to be angry. There's only a few days left until her evaluation, her evaluation she can't even do now because the universe decided it was a great time to give her an injury, but upon seeing the guilt in Donghyuck's irises as opposed to the usual mirth she's gotten used to, Chaerin couldn't bring herself to do so.

"No, it's fine," she sighs. "I'll just get some ice from the pantry."

"You sure?" Donghyuck doesn't seem that convinced, but doesn't prod further.

"Yeah. Just help me up, would you?

Donghyuck nods, reaching out to turn off the stereo before he gets to his feet, supporting her weight as she struggles to stand.