Moonstruck | LHS

0.4

As the group walked out of the campus, their energy was light and carefree, buzzing with post-graduation joy. They chatted casually, making plans for the mall trip they had been looking forward to.

"So, the mall, huh? Feels like a perfect way to end the night," Jay said, slinging an arm over Jungwon's shoulder.

Jungwon grinned. "Yeah, and I definitely need a new pair of shoes." he blinked his eyes sweetly at Jay, know the older would buy him anything he glances at.

"Same," Moka chimed in, walking alongside Sunghoon. "But let's be honest, we're probably all just going to grab anything we see."

Jiah walked close to Heeseung, her fingers brushing against his hand. "I probably will "Jiah chuckles.  " But I honestly just want to hang out, it's been a while since we all did something casual like this."

Heeseung smiled down at her. "Yeah, it's been too long."

As they reached the parking lot, the group naturally began to split off toward their cars.

"Alright, we'll see you there," Ni-ki called out to the others, tossing his keys in the air and catching them with a smirk. Sunoo scowled at him trying to be a show off.

Sunoo slipped into Ni-ki's car, immediately buckling up as Ni-ki started the engine. The low hum of the car felt like the beginning of something unspoken, lingering between them. Sunoo connects his phone to the car and starts playing his favorite songs.

"You've been quiet," Sunoo noted after a bit of silence, leaning in slightly, his soft gaze fixed on Ni-ki.

Ni-ki kept his eyes on the road, lips pressed into a thin line. "Just thinking."

"About?"

"My choreography," Ni-ki admitted. "I've been trying to get it picked up for artist performances, but... no luck so far. It's frustrating, you know?"

Sunoo nodded, his hand naturally reaching for Ni-ki's on the gearshift, giving it a comforting squeeze. "You'll get there. You're insanely talented."

Ni-ki's expression softened at the touch. "Thanks, Sunoo." He hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to say more. "For now, I'm starting as a hip-hop dance teacher at a studio. It pays well enough... I'm even thinking of getting my own place soon."

Sunoo's face lit up instantly. "Really? That's great, Ni-ki!"

Ni-ki glanced at him, then quickly looked back at the road, his tone casual but with an underlying tension. "Yeah... I mean, I could... use some company, maybe."

Sunoo's eyebrows shot up, catching onto the hint immediately. "Are you... are you saying you want me to move in with you?"

Ni-ki shifted, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. "Well... I mean, not if you don't want to"

Sunoo beamed, the warmth spreading through him as he leaned over to plant a soft kiss on Ni-ki's cheek. "I'd love that," he whispered against his skin. "You don't even have to ask."

Ni-ki let out a small, relieved laugh. "Good to know."

Sunoo pulled back, his eyes sparkling with excitement." I've been thinking about starting a clothing line, you know? I just need more time to work on it."

Ni-ki glanced at him, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You, running a fashion brand? I can totally see that."

"Yeah, but it'll be a while. I still have to deal with school and all, but one day..." Sunoo's voice trailed off with hope. "I just want to be independent, you know? Get away from my parents a bit."

Ni-ki squeezed Sunoo's hand gently, the softest of touches that spoke volumes. "You will. And I'll be there, no matter what."

Sunoo, feeling the affection radiating from Ni-ki's words, leaned in again, resting his head on Ni-ki's shoulder. "I know, you can never let me breathe for a second."

Ni-ki let out a small chuckle, his free hand instinctively moved to Sunoo's thigh, the touch firm but comforting, like a silent reassurance. "Stop being so clingy," he muttered, though his actions contradicted his words.

Sunoo giggled, snuggling closer. "Whatever"

Ni-ki didn't reply, but the slight upturn of his lips said everything.

Heeseungs car

"What are you thinking about?" heeseung asked, his hand naturally finding Jiah's, their fingers lacing together.

Jiah smiled, glancing out of the window for a second before turning to him. "I've been watching Next in Fashion lately. You know, the competition show? The winner, Nigel Xavier, has this incredible patchwork style. I've been obsessed with it ever since."

Heeseung raised an eyebrow, amused by the excitement in her voice. "Patchwork, huh? Sounds... interesting. What's that exactly?"

Jiah laughed, nudging him playfully. "It's like using different fabrics, textures, and patterns to create something totally unique. Nigel's designs are so innovative, and I've taken a lot of inspiration from him." She paused, her eyes lighting up. "I've actually been working on sketches for a small collection. Nothing too crazy, but I'm really proud of them."

Heeseung's interest was genuine as he turned slightly in his seat, giving her his full attention. "Really? That's awesome. How's it going so far?"

"It's going... okay, I guess. I'm still figuring out a lot of things. Like, I need to find models for my pieces, you know? I want to start building experience, actually seeing my designs on people instead of just on paper." Jiah's voice was excited but also tinged with a hint of nervousness.

"Models, huh?" Heeseung smiled, his tone teasing. "Are you asking me to be one of them? Because you know, I could pull off some patchwork."

Jiah snorted, shaking her head. "Please, you can't even tell the difference between denim and chambray."

Heeseung laughed, the sound filling the small space of the car. "Fair point. Fashion's definitely not my area of expertise. But hey, I'll support whatever you come up with. You could make a burlap sack look like a high-end design, and I'd still say it's brilliant."

Jiah rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that crept onto her face. "You're just saying that because you're biased."

"Maybe," Heeseung admitted, grinning. "But seriously, I love that you're putting yourself out there like this. What you're doing is impressive."

"Thanks." Jiah's smile softened, feeling a warmth spread through her at his words. But then her eyes narrowed mischievously. "Okay, Mr. Business Analyst, since you're so supportive, any advice for my fashion line?"

Heeseung feigned deep thought, rubbing his chin dramatically. "Well, if I had to say... maybe you should, um, make sure your designs are... clothes?"

Jiah burst into laughter, lightly swatting his arm. "Wow, such profound insight. You really should stick to your day job."

Heeseung chuckled, grabbing her hand again and pulling it up to his lips for a quick kiss. "Yeah, fashion might not be my thing, but whatever you create? I'm sure it'll be amazing. And, for real, if you need someone to help out—even if it's just cheering from the sidelines—I'm your guy."

Jiah's heart fluttered at the casual affection. She looked over at him, warmth and playfulness in her gaze. "You know, I might just take you up on that offer. Maybe I'll even design something for you one day."

Heeseung smirked, leaning in slightly. "As long as it's not pink and covered in glitter, I'm game."

"Oh, I can't make any promises," Jiah teased, raising an eyebrow. "You'd look great in glitter."

They both laughed, the playful banter easing any lingering tension. The conversation flowed between them effortlessly, just like it always did, making Jiah feel grounded. Even though Heeseung wasn't into fashion, his support meant the world to her, and she felt even more confident in her own dreams.