GOING BOARDING HOUSE | SEVENTEEN group chat. (Editing)

Ride

"Is everyone here?" Kang's voice echoed through the bus, resonating against the metal interior as he adjusted the rear-view mirror. He was comfortably seated in the driver's seat, exuding a sense of calm authority that had become familiar to the group. As he glanced over his shoulder, he surveyed the chaos that was their little family. There was an electric buzz in the air, a blend of anticipation and impatience, as they prepared to embark on another chaotic adventure together.

Seungcheol strolled toward the front, a confident nod affirming Kang's inquiry. "Yeah. We are all here," he replied, his tone warm and steady, laced with the excitement that often accompanied their outings. His voice cut through the chatter that filled the bus, the sound of bags being shuffled and last-minute adjustments echoing around them. Everyone was settling into their seats, the familiar camaraderie palpable as they collectively braced themselves for whatever awaited them on this journey.

"Are you guys ready?" Kang asked, his attention shifting back to the road ahead as he prepared to start the engine. "Yes," came the varied chorus of voices, some filled with genuine eagerness while others carried who barely cared.

"Alright," Kang said, and with that, the engine roared to life. The powerful growl vibrated through the bus, signaling the start of their ''adventure''. It felt like the moment just before a rollercoaster drops, filled with dread. Jihoon could feel the undeniable sense of annoyance.

As the bus jolted forward, Jihoon, who had been standing and lost in thought, stumbled slightly, his heart racing from the sudden movement. He quickly regained his balance, scanning the bus for an available seat. His gaze landed on Seungcheol, who was comfortably settled with arms crossed, leaning back against the window as if he were already on a vacation. Seungcheol's relaxed demeanor only served to deepen Jihoon's irritation. He felt an almost childish envy at how effortlessly the older man seemed to be enjoying the moment, and it only fueled his growing frustration. With an exaggerated roll of his eyes, Jihoon huffed, turning sharply on his heel and making his way toward the back of the bus, where Seungkwan and a couple of others were already gathered.

Jihoon dropped into the last row, where his luggage was stowed, and plopped down with a dramatic sigh. Crossing his legs, he attempted to create a barrier between himself and the noise surrounding him. He sank into the seat, wishing he could disappear amidst the swirling conversations. The chatter filled the entire bus, merging into a chaotic symphony that felt both comforting and maddening—a white noise that was impossible to ignore, yet familiar enough to remind him of countless trips just like this one.

"Oh! Hyung!" Chan's bright voice broke through the ambient noise, cutting through Jihoon's swirling thoughts. His hand shot up like a student eager to answer a question, his excitement palpable even in the midst of the chaos. Jihoon noticed Jun, engrossed in his phone with AirPods firmly in place, completely oblivious to the commotion around him.

"What's up, Kid?" Seungcheol replied, leaning his head back against the glass, a lazy smile forming on his lips as he engaged with the youngest member of their group. There was a camaraderie in Seungcheol's tone that Jihoon envied, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at how easily everyone seemed to be connecting while he was stuck in his own frustrated bubble.

"Don't forget to pick my friend up! You promised!" Chan's words tumbled out in a rush, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. It was clear that he had been waiting for this moment to share his excitement, his enthusiasm infectious in a way that made Jihoon want to roll his eyes again.

"Of course. You told me this already, remember?" Seungcheol replied, his tone still relaxed and unfazed by the whirlwind of emotions that seemed to swirl around Jihoon. He was the picture of calm amidst the storm of youthful energy, clearly enjoying the attention and the easy rapport with Chan.