The Lunar Curse

CHAPTER 5

Y/N POV -

The soft thud of arrows hitting targets echoed around the college archery training center as you stood, bow in hand, focused on your shot. The late afternoon light streamed in through the high windows, casting a golden glow over the space. It was a peaceful moment, the kind you cherished, just you and the target, everything else fading into the background.

As you adjusted your stance, the familiar sound of footsteps approached. You smiled to yourself, already knowing who it was. Before you could release your arrow, a soft voice broke the silence.

"Hey, thought I'd find you here."

You relaxed your grip on the bow, turning slightly to see your boyfriend Jae Hoon standing just a few steps away, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

"Couldn't stay away, could you?" you teased lightly, lowering the bow. There was a playful hint in your voice, but your eyes held the warmth you always felt when he was around.

He shrugged with a soft grin, stepping closer. "Guilty. You know I like watching you practice."

You felt a flutter in your chest. "You make it sound more exciting than it is."

He shook his head, his gaze never leaving yours. "It is. You're always so focused. It's nice to see. It suits you."

You laughed quietly. "I guess it's my way of clearing my head."

"You weren't too busy to stop by?" you asked, though you already knew the answer.

He shook his head, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. "I finished early. Thought I'd check in on you."

"Check in or distract me?" you said, raising an eyebrow, though your tone was lighthearted.

He chuckled softly, the sound warm and familiar. "Maybe a little of both."

You smiled, turning your attention back to the target. "I was just about to hit my best shot."

"Mind if I stay and watch?" he asked, his voice quiet, as though he didn't want to disturb the peace of the moment.

You glanced over your shoulder at him, your smile softening. "I don't mind."

You turned around and drew the bowstring again, feeling the weight of the arrow between your fingers. You focused as you aimed. And with a deep breath, you let the arrow fly, hitting it perfectly.

After the training session, you and Jae Hoon strolled over to the college cafeteria. The cozy hum of students chatting mixed with the clinking of cups and spoons as the two of you found your usual spot by the window. The warm afternoon light streamed in, making the space feel even more inviting.

Jae Hoon returned with a warm cappuccino, setting it down in front of you with a smile. "Here your favourite, made with extra care."

You grinned, wrapping your hands around the warm cup. "Extra care, huh? Should I be flattered?"

He chuckled, sitting down across from you, his eyes playful. "Of course. Only the best for you."

You rolled your eyes but couldn't help the smile that tugged at your lips. "Thanks. I needed this after all that practice."

Jae Hoon took a sip of his own drink, leaning back in his chair. "So... I got an invitation today."

You raised an eyebrow, curious. "An invitation?"

"Yeah," he nodded, taking sip of his Iced Americano. "It's for a party. My older brother's friend, you know Eunwoo hyung, right?" You nodded hearing Eunwoo's name.

"He's friends with someone names Jackson Wang. So he gave my Hyung party invitation, Hyung isn't going so maybe we can?"

You exhaled softly, already sensing where the conversation was going. "A party, huh?" You tilted your head, a defeated smile forming. "You know how I feel about parties, Jae Hoon."

He grinned, as if he'd been expecting your response. "I know, I know. But this one could be fun. It's a semi formal party so, Lots of people, good music... And maybe we can get to meet some elites."

You raised an eyebrow, cutting him off. "So, basically, the same loud music and random people as every other party?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "Okay, maybe. But we never go, and I figured-why not try something different? It is not in some club, it's in farmhouse so..."

You took a slow sip of your cappuccino, pretending to think it over, then leaned forward with a mischievous glint in your eye. "Or... and hear me out... we skip the party like always and actually spend time together."

Jae Hoon's eyes lit up, though he tried to play it cool. "Oh? And what would that involve? Let me guess-something quieter?"

You smirked, resting your chin on your hand. "Maybe. Like a movie night, or a walk, or... literally anything that doesn't involve yelling over blaring music."

He leaned in a little, mirroring your teasing tone. "You know, that does sound tempting."

You smiled, catching the playful look in his eyes. "I knew you'd see it my way."

He pretended to think it over, though the smile tugging at his lips gave him away. "Alright, fine. A quiet night with you sounds way better than a party."

You laughed softly, shaking your head. "Deal." The two of you continued to chat and tease each other.

At evening, you stepped into the house, the warm and familiar scent of freshly baked cookies wrapped around you like a comforting blanket. The sweet aroma instantly brought a smile to your face-it could only mean one thing, your older sister Ivy was at it again, baking your favorite cookies. You kicked off your shoes and headed straight for the kitchen, already feeling more at home.

As you walked in, you saw your sister at the counter, carefully placing a tray of golden-brown cookies onto the cooling rack. Her back was turned, but she somehow sensed your presence.

"Just in time," she said with a soft smile, glancing over her shoulder at you. "I figured you'd be home soon, so I made your favorite."

You leaned against the doorway, crossing your arms with a playful grin. "You always know how to bribe me."

She laughed, turning fully to face you now, a towel still in her hand. "Is that what this is? A bribe?"

You shrugged, stepping further into the kitchen. "Well, it works every time. You know I can't resist your cookies."

She shook her head, her eyes warm with affection. "Good. Because I love making them for you."

You smiled at her words. There was something about the way she always seemed to know what you needed, without you having to say it. "How was your day?" she asked, handing you one of the cookies, still warm from the oven.

You took it gratefully, savoring the first bite. "Busy. Had archery practice, then Jae Hoon tried to convince me to go to a party this weekend."

She raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter. "A party? That doesn't sound like you."

You laughed, shaking your head. "Exactly what I told him. I'd much rather have a quiet weekend."

Solar smiled at that, her expression softening. "You're adult now, you can decide. And I anyway going on business trip so it'll be better to go than living alone in home."

There was a quiet understanding between you, the kind that didn't need many words. She had always been there for you, filling the gaps in your life with love, warmth. You both were orphan and your older sister took your full responsibility ever since.

As you took another bite of the cookie, you glanced at her. "Eonnie, This are the best cookies." You both giggled.