Our Story | HaJeongwoo

Our Beginning | Chapter 5

Chapter 5: They're on a Date

The mall was a labyrinth of noise, lights, and people.

It was the perfect place to blend in, but also the perfect place to lose someone in a crowd. For Haruto, Jihoon, Asahi, and Hyunsuk, it was the former. Their mission: to observe Jeongwoo and his best friend, Hana.

Dressed in casual attire, they had split into pairs.

Haruto and Jihoon were the spotters, perched on a bench near a clothing store, their eyes scanning the crowd. Asahi and Hyunsuk, on the other hand, were the mobile units, ready to move in for a closer look if needed.

Jeongwoo and Hana were a sight to behold. Jeongwoo, usually the quiet one, was laughing openly, a side of him rarely seen. Hana, with her infectious energy, was the life of the party.

They were the epitome of a perfect duo.

"I can't believe they're having so much fun," Haruto muttered, his gaze fixed on the pair.

Jihoon nudged him. "Hey, focus. We're here to observe, not to sulk."

A sudden surge of people made it difficult to keep track of Jeongwoo and Hana. When they finally resurfaced, they were in a bookstore.

"They're in the bookstore," Haruto said, his voice barely audible.

"Let's go," Jihoon replied, and they quickly followed.

Inside the bookstore, they found Jeongwoo and Hana browsing the shelves. They were deep in conversation, their bodies leaning close together.

A pang of jealousy shot through Haruto.

"Look at them," he grumbled.

"Don't be jealous, Haru," Jihoon said, trying to sound reassuring.
"Remember, this is all part of the plan."

As they watched, Jeongwoo picked up a book and started reading. Hana laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"They're so cute together," Asahi's voice came through their earpieces. "I think they're reading a romance novel."

Hyunsuk added, "We need to up our game."

The boys exchanged glances.

It was time to make their move. They continued their shopping spree, moving from one store to another.

The boys, ever the shadows, followed closely behind.

Their next stop was a clothing store.

As Jeongwoo and Hana browsed through racks of clothes, the boys positioned themselves strategically. Haruto and Jihoon kept watch at the entrance, while Asahi and Hyunsuk mingled among the shoppers, their eyes glued to the couple.

"I think Jeongwoo likes that blue shirt," Asahi whispered into Hyunsuk's ear.

"And Hana looks good in everything," Hyunsuk replied, his voice filled with mock envy.

A few minutes later, Jeongwoo emerged from the fitting room, wearing the blue shirt Asahi had mentioned. It looked good on him, accentuating his lean figure. Haruto and Jihoon exchanged a knowing glance.

"Operation: Boost Jeongwoo's Confidence is a go," Jihoon muttered.

They watched as Hana complimented Jeongwoo on his choice.

Haruto couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, but he pushed the feeling aside. Their mission was more important.

After the clothing store, Jeongwoo and Hana decided to grab a bite to eat at a nearby food court.

The boys found a table with a clear view of their target. As they waited for their food, they observed the couple. Jeongwoo was laughing at something Hana said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I think they're having too much fun," Haruto complained, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness.

"Hey, remember the plan," Jihoon reminded him. "We're supposed to make Jeongwoo fall for you, not get jealous."

Haruto sighed but nodded in agreement. He knew Jihoon was right.

As they ate, the boys continued to observe Jeongwoo and Hana. They noticed how Jeongwoo would subtly touch Hana's arm or hand, and how Hana would smile in response.

It was clear that there was a growing connection between them.

The boys finished their meal, feeling a mix of satisfaction and frustration.

They had gathered more information about Jeongwoo and Hana's dynamic, but they were also starting to realize the challenge ahead of them.

Making Jeongwoo fall for Haruto would be no easy feat.