Why love isn't always easy? ♥️ SUNGJOY

15 - Second Date

(Joy's POV)

I could hardly keep the smile off my face as I stirred the pot on the stove, the warm aroma of the soup filling the kitchen. My heart was still fluttering from last night, and the thought of seeing Sungjae again made me feel giddy. Even though it was just a simple late-night date at our dorm, it felt special.

After Sungjae's confession, everything seemed brighter, more vibrant. I couldn't wait to spend some time with him, just the two of us, away from the pressures of our schedules and the eyes of the world. He had practice late tonight, so we agreed to keep it low-key and meet at our dorm. I wanted to make something simple but comforting for him—something that showed how much I cared.

As I finished up the last touches, I heard the sound of giggling from the living room. I turned my head and saw Yeri, Irene, Wendy, and Seulgi lounging on the couch, clearly up to something.

"What's so funny?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at them.

Yeri grinned, sitting up a little straighter. "Oh, nothing... just wondering what our lovely Sooyoungie is up to tonight. You know, with a certain someone coming over."

"Someone who's been on her mind a lot lately," Wendy added with a teasing smile.

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "Yah! Can't a girl just cook without being teased?"

Seulgi chuckled, leaning her chin on her hand. "Sure, but it's not just any cooking. It's for Sungjae. That makes it special, right?"

Irene, who had been watching quietly, finally spoke up. "Don't worry, Sooyoung. We're just happy for you. It's nice seeing you like this."

I felt my embarrassment melt into warmth. Irene always had a way of making things feel okay. "Thanks, eonni."

Wendy jumped up from the couch, looking out the window. "Speaking of Sungjae, I think I just saw him coming up the path!"

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly wiped my hands on a towel. "Okay, okay, everyone behave! He's probably tired from practice."

Yeri snickered. "We'll be on our best behavior, promise. But we're not leaving. We want to see this!"

Before I could protest, the doorbell rang. My heart leaped, and I rushed to the door, ignoring the knowing smiles from the others. I took a deep breath and opened it, revealing Sungjae standing there with a shy smile, still slightly sweaty from practice but looking as handsome as ever.

"Hi," I greeted him softly.

"Hi," he replied, stepping inside. "Sorry I'm a bit late. Practice ran over."

"It's okay. Come in, I made something for you."

As he stepped into the living room, the other girls immediately perked up. "Sungjae Oppa!" yeri chorused, grinning from ear to ear.

He laughed, clearly a bit embarrassed by the attention. "Hey, everyone. I didn't know I was walking into an ambush."

"Ambush? No way!" Seulgi teased. "We're just here to witness the romance."

"Can't blame us for being curious," Yeri added, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Alright, you've had your fun. Let's go to the kitchen, Sungjae."

I led him away from the others, who continued to giggle and whisper behind our backs. In the kitchen, I set out the food I had prepared—soup, rice, and a few side dishes. Nothing too fancy, but I could tell Sungjae appreciated the effort.