Love in the Halls [Lee Donghyuck]

Chapter 71: Your Hand's Literally Sweating

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The golden hue of the sunset spilled across the park, casting long shadows over the grass as a warm breeze lazily drifted by. Narae hadn't expected to find herself here, but the quiet, almost empty space had beckoned her. It was Sunday, after all, and the slow drift of time felt like a balm to her restless thoughts. The sun was slowly descending into the horizon, painting everything in shades of orange and pink—a subtle reminder that summer was just around the corner.

The park was nearly deserted, save for a few joggers in the distance and a family walking their dog. The swings creaked softly in the breeze, standing empty, waiting. Narae's mind had been elsewhere, thinking about everything and nothing all at once, until she spotted a familiar figure leaning against one of the trees by the playground.

Haechan.

He hadn't seen her yet, but she noticed his relaxed posture as he gazed at the sunset, his usual energy seemingly replaced by a rare sense of calm.

With a small smile, Narae walked up to him. "Is it a coincidence that I'm bumping into you here or...?" she teased, breaking the comfortable silence.

Haechan looked over at her, his lips curving into a slow smile. "What? You're the one creeping up on me."

"Right. Because I totally planned to run into you at the most random park in town," she shot back, rolling her eyes playfully.

Haechan turned his head, a slow grin spreading across his face as he recognized her. "Bang Narae," he said, drawing out her name with playful exaggeration. "At a park? What, taking a break from being your studious self?"

She rolled her eyes, her footsteps crunching on the gravel as she came to stand beside him. "And here I thought you were too cool to hang out in places like this. Shouldn't you be... I don't know, playing video games or disturbing someones peace?"

He chuckled softly, "Even I need a break from my Haechan lifestyle sometimes."

Narae glanced at the swings nearby, an idea sparking in her mind. "Wanna sit for a bit?" she asked, nodding toward the playground. The swings swayed gently in the breeze, the chains creaking ever so slightly in the stillness of the evening. "I haven't been on one in years."

Haechan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the suggestion. "You? On a swing? This, I gotta see."

She shrugged, giving him a teasing smile. "I have my moments."

Without waiting for a response, she headed over to the swings and sat down, the cool metal chains biting into her palms as she settled herself in. Haechan followed, taking the seat next to her with a slight grin, the soft creak of the swing adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

For a few moments, they simply swayed in gentle silence, the world around them painted in shades of pink and gold as the sun dipped lower into the horizon. The air was warm but pleasant, the distant sound of leaves rustling in the breeze blending with the occasional chirp of birds. Narae kicked off the ground gently, her feet brushing the gravel as her swing moved slowly back and forth.

"This is kinda nice," she admitted, glancing sideways at Haechan. "Calmer than I expected."

Haechan leaned back, pushing his swing slightly with his feet, his gaze fixed on the sky. "Mmh," he hummed in agreement, his voice softer than usual. "It's weirdly peaceful here."

Narae raised an eyebrow, surprised at how uncharacteristically mellow he seemed. "Not exactly what I expected from you on a Sunday."

He let out a small chuckle. "What, you think I spend all my time causing chaos?"