Love in the Halls [Lee Donghyuck]

Chapter 79: I Actually Study

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Two weeks before the end of the year, the air at school buzzed with the usual mix of excitement and stress. Everyone was cramming for finals, but there was also a sense of anticipation as summer loomed ahead. Narae, for once, didn't find herself retreating into her usual bubble of solitude. This time, she allowed herself to be swept into the chaos with her friends.

"Hey, are we still on for the weekend?" Jaemin asked, leaning against the desk next to hers. His smile was relaxed, despite the looming exams.

Narae nodded, glancing at her open textbook briefly before closing it with a sigh. "Yeah, I'll be there."

He flashed her a grin. "Good. Wouldn't be the same without you."

She smiled at his comment, brushing it off with a small chuckle. Just as she started to gather her things, Renjun wandered over with Chenle trailing behind, both of them balancing trays of cafeteria food.

"Did you hear about the beach house?" Chenle asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"What beach house?" she asked, intrigued but wary of what was to come.

Chenle grinned, setting his tray down on her table. "Mine, obviously. We're spending part of the summer there. You should come by."

Renjun nodded. "We already planned it out. Us and the others are in, too."

Narae blinked, surprised. "Wait what? When?"

"Last night, while you were probably studying," Renjun said with a teasing smile.

Narae deadpanned him. "I do more than study, you know."

"Oh really? Like what?" Jaemin teased.

"I don't know, hang out with you guys? Occasionally..." She gave them all a mock-serious look, but she couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Chenle leaned in conspiratorially. "You should visit the beach house when you're free. It's going to be great. We'll have barbecues, stay up late and maybe just watch stephen curry... do nothing but enjoy the summer."

Narae shrugged, but inside she already felt the tug of excitement. "I guess I could. Don't expect me to stay long though. I have a life outside of you guys."

"Sure, whatever you say," Renjun snickered, taking a bite of his sandwich.

Narae raised an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly as she regarded Renjun. "When did you get so close to these guys?"

Renjun glanced at her, nonchalant. "Through Jeno and Jaemin, obviously."

"Ohh." She paused, her gaze narrowing slightly. "I haven't really seen you talk to Haechan much, though."

Jaemin snorted, shaking his head before Renjun could respond. "That's because Renjun can't stand him."

Chenle joined in, laughing. "Yeah, he's always pestering Renjun, pulling pranks, or dragging him into his ridiculous schemes."

"Huh," Narae murmured, a little confused. "Why do you put up with it?"

Renjun shrugged, the faintest hint of annoyance flickering across his face. "I don't. I avoid him when I can. Haechan just... doesn't take the hint sometimes."

Narae scoffed, her usual reserved demeanor softening just a bit. "You don't have to tell me twice. I've been through it too."

Renjun gave her a sympathetic look, while Jaemin and Chenle continued laughing, clearly amused at the shared experience of dealing with Haechan's antics.

"He's relentless," Jaemin chuckled. "But he's our friend."

They all laughed, the light-hearted banter flowing between them so easily that it almost felt like they were already on vacation. It wasn't long before Mark joined their group, his usual calm demeanor making him the anchor in the midst of their chaos.

"Hey, Narae," Mark greeted, giving her a nod before turning to the others. "You guys ready for the exams?"

"Not at all," Jaemin groaned, leaning back dramatically in his chair. "I'm not built for this."

"Pftt," Narae said, her expression remaining flat as she crossed her arms.

Mark raised an eyebrow, curious. "What, you're fully prepared or something?"

She rolled her eyes. "I didn't say I wasn't ready."

Mark sighed as he grabbed a chair, sitting down beside them. "Well, that makes one of us."

Jaemin let out a heavy sigh. "Narae's over here acting like exams don't affect her."

"They don't," she replied casually. "I actually study."

Jaemin clutched his chest, feigning betrayal. "Evil."

Mark chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, at least someone's keeping it together. What about you, Renjun?"

Renjun glanced up from his notebook, pushing his glasses higher up his nose. "I'm good. I started last week."

Jaemin groaned again. "Of course you did."By the end of the lunch break, plans had been finalized. The upcoming weekend beach trip was set, and Narae even agreed to spend more time with them during the summer. Something about the way they all looked so excited made her feel like maybe this summer wouldn't be so bad after all. Even if Haechan was going to be around. She could deal with that.

"You're quiet today," Renjun commented as they were packing up to head back to class.

Narae shrugged, giving him a small smile. "Just thinking."

"About the exams?" Jaemin guessed.

"About the summer, actually," she replied. The truth was, the idea of spending more time with her friends had her feeling a strange mix of excitement and uncertainty. But she didn't feel like diving into that right now.

"Well, whatever it is, you should stop overthinking it," Mark said with a knowing smile. "Just enjoy the time with us."

Narae nodded, appreciating his words. Maybe that was exactly what she needed to do. Let go of the worry, let go of the tension, and just... enjoy.

For once, she was ready to embrace whatever was coming next.

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