𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞 // Enhypen Heeseung [18+]

55: Fingers Intertwined

I smiled at Jake's jokes and responded to his questions, but I made sure to include others in the conversation, subtly steering the focus away from just the two of us. Jake seemed to notice my slight distance but didn't push for more, respecting my space.

Despite my efforts, Jake remained attentive and kind, his eyes often seeking mine in the midst of laughter and chatter. His understanding and patience only made me like him more, yet it also reinforced my resolve to be careful. I didn't want to hurt him by giving him false hopes.

Throughout it all, Heeseung's presence was a constant. He drifted closer whenever Jake was near, as if compelled by an invisible force. His jealousy was controlled but palpable, adding an undercurrent of tension to the room.

As the evening drew to a close, everyone started making their way towards the exit, preparing to head back to the hotel. The atmosphere was still charged with the day's excitement, but there was a sense of winding down as well. The members gathered their things, and I found myself caught up in the group's movement.

"We should get going," Jungwon announced.

"Yeah, it's getting late," Jay added, glancing at the time.

Jake turned to me with a warm smile. "You're coming with us, right?"

I hesitated, a wave of uncertainty washing over me. I worried about what people might think if they saw me leaving with the group. Before I could voice my concerns, Jungwon stepped forward, his expression reassuring.

"Our manager knows about you now," Jungwon said. "We keep everything within a small circle, so don't worry. We'll all look out for you."

Jake nodded in agreement. "We'll be in different cars. Is there someone you specifically want to ride with?"

Immediately, Heeseung's eyes shifted to me, a silent intensity in his gaze. His name was the first that came to mind, but I worried about how it might look to the others. And I didn't want to hurt Jake by making my preference too obvious.

After a moment's thought, I replied, "I'll sit in whichever car has space for me."

Jake accepted my answer with a nod, though there was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Heeseung, on the other hand, seemed to relax slightly, though the tension in his posture remained.

The group decided to organize themselves into three cars through a quick game of rock-paper-scissors. The final arrangement was as follows:

Car 1: Jake, Sunghoon, and Ni-ki

Car 2: Jungwon, Jay and Sunoo

Car 3: Heeseung, a manager and me

I felt a mix of relief and anticipation as I realized I would be sharing a car with Heeseung. As we walked towards the vehicles, Heeseung fell into step beside me, his presence both comforting and exhilarating.

"Ready to go?" he asked, his voice low and warm.

"Yeah," I replied, offering him a small smile.

We settled into the car, the manager taking the front seat while Heeseung and I sat in the back. The drive to the hotel was filled with a comfortable silence, broken occasionally by light conversation. The city lights blurred past us, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere.

Heeseung's proximity was both calming and electrifying. I could feel the unspoken connection between us, a silent understanding that seemed to bridge the gap created by earlier tensions. Every now and then, our hands would brush against each other, sending a shiver of awareness through me.

As the car journey continued, the city lights casting a soft glow inside, I felt Heeseung's hand inch closer to mine. My heart began to race as his fingers lightly grazed my own. Then, with a gentle and deliberate motion, he took my hand in his. His touch was warm and reassuring, and a thrill of excitement surged through me.

Heeseung's thumb began to stroke the back of my hand lightly, a soothing and intimate gesture. Each stroke was slow and deliberate, creating a rhythm that matched the gentle hum of the car engine.

As the car neared the hotel, I knew that this moment would stay with me for a long time. Heeseung's touch, the soft glow of the city lights, and the quiet understanding between us all combined to create a memory that was both beautiful and unforgettable.

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