Zephyr | Lee Felix

Chapter 11

SUNDAY, WEEK 4

The girl stares at the newly added contact on her phone named 'Felix' as she walks towards the tram stop. It somehow brings a smile to her face.

Her thoughts drift to the fact that Felix was the one who initially reached out and officially forged the friendship. It was refreshing to have someone take the initiative, and she had to admit that she felt strangely comfortable around him.

Feeling grateful for their productive study session, she opens her phone and begins to type a message to her new study partner.

Eugene

Thanks once again for today, Felix. We got so much done!

Eugene

Looking forward to our next study session soon, have a great night :D

After sending the message, she puts her phone back into her pocket and waits for the tram. Much to her surprise, she notices someone at the stop who she least expected to see.

It's Hyunjin... She hesitates, unsure if she should say hello to him or not. She watches his distinctive black mullet hair falling just above his shoulders, seemingly lost in his phone with headphones on.

Maybe I shouldn't. After making up her mind, the girl decides to keep her distance as she watches the tram arriving. She waits for Hyunjin to go in first, however, he seems completely immersed in his phone, only noticing her figure out of the corner of his eye and gesturing for her to go in first.

Awkwardly, Eugene makes her way onto the tram, finding a seat next to the window. To her surprise, however, Hyunjin enters and sits across from her, still completely engrossed in his phone while his fingers dance across his screen in an aggressive manner.

He looks distressed. She observes the furrowed brows and frustrated sighs decorating him. He then suddenly shuts his phone off, places it on his lap, and looks up, eyes widening in surprise to see Eugene sitting across from him.

There's a moment of silence as they stare at each other, both somewhat taken aback by the chance of meeting on the tram. But Eugene attempts to break the awkwardness, quickly putting on a small smile and addressing him politely.

"Hey, Hyunjin."

To her relief, Hyunjin responds by clearing his throat and relaxing his expression, the previously furrowed brows smoothing out slightly.

"Hey." Hyunjin responds with a soft voice, his words carrying a touch of surprise. "Fancy seeing you here."

"I know. I'm just heading home." Eugene explains, to which he nods in understanding.

"Me too. Where do you live?"

"Just about 7 stops from here." Eugene answers, which surprises him even further. "Oh. That's my stop too."

"Wait..." The surprise on both their faces quickly shifts into a mixture of curiosity.

"Um, do you happen to live at... 28 Hosier Street...?" She watches him closely.

Hyunjin blinks slowly and nods, "Yeah... building C." He then follows up with a question of his own. "Do you perhaps also...?"

"Yes, but in building A, just a bit further down. You're actually kind of my neighbour." She pauses, slightly baffled by the coincidence, "It's weird that we've never seen each other before despite living in the same apartment complex."

Hyunjin responds with a somewhat confused expression, his words carrying a hint of wonder. "Maybe because I've only moved in recently..." He can't help but feel bewildered as well, trying to process the new information about her being his neighbour.

"Well. What a coincidence." Eugene chuckles and nods with a smile. "Good to be your neighbour. Let's hang out sometime if you're up for it."

As she suggests hanging out together, Hyunjin notices a strange fluttering sensation in his chest. The idea of spending time with her more often from now on feels weird... but strangely, in a good way.

"Sure... I guess." He responds with a slight nod, his hand moving to rub the back of his neck nervously. Usually, he is more composed in social situations, but there is something about Eugene that makes him feel a bit flustered.

"Cool." Eugene responds briefly as the tram comes to a halt at their stop. They step out of the vehicle together and find themselves immediately in front of the familiar apartment complex.

"Uhm, I guess I'll see you around if you ever walk to building A or something...? Or when I walk to building C for no reason."

Hyunjin manages a small chuckle in response, his hand once again moving to rub the back of his neck. The mention of building A reminds him of the fact that they're actually neighbours, making the whole situation feel a bit surreal somehow.

"Alright." Hyunjin responds with a nod, his thoughts still a bit scattered from the unexpected turn of events.

As she smiles and bids him good night, Hyunjin watches her walk away, still grappling with the fact that they're neighbours. The information sinks in slowly, and he can't shake off the feeling that their lives have become intertwined in a way.

Just before he can return to his building, an unexplainable force seems to pull at his thoughts, making him pause in his spot as he watches the girl walk away. He can't explain it, but with slight hesitation, his body moves on its own accord, taking a few steps after her.

"Eu... gene?" His tiny voice cracks as he calls out to her.

"Yes?"

Hyunjin pauses as she turns around, her confused smile causing his breath to hitch for a moment. He fidgets in his spot, his mind suddenly going blank as he realizes he hasn't given much thought to why he had called out to her in the first place.

"Uh, I was wondering if I get your number?"

He lets out a nervous chuckle, slightly fidgeting with his fingers. It isn't something he would usually ask for spontaneously, but there is something about Eugene that makes him want to take the chance.

"Oh right. Of course!" Eugene chuckles and takes out her phone, "I don't know why I didn't think about it. My brain lagged."

Hyunjin releases a small sigh of relief as Eugene responds, her chuckle putting him at ease. He replies with a sheepish smile, "That's okay." He takes out his phone, exchanging numbers.

"Alright. Thanks once again. Have a good night."

"You too."

Hyunjin watches her walk away once more, an unconscious smile plastered on his face. He stands there, trying to recall the last time he had been the one to ask for a girl's number. He never imagined himself asking for her number, as it is usually the other way around. But something about Eugene pushed him outside his comfort zone, making him act in ways he never usually would.

As he turns around to head to his building, the realization of what just happened hits him, and he can't help but ponder about his actions. He runs his fingers through his hair.

"What was that?" 

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Author's Note: GUYS HELLO 

MY APOLOGIES FOR NOT UPDATING ON THE WEEKEND, I FELL SICK TT the season is changing, it's really making my immune so fucked HAHA

Also, sorry for the short chapter. I'm gonna do another update ASAP since I don't think I should combine these 2 separate events together TT yes

- Howley.