BLOSSOMS IN THE SPOLIGHT | HEESEUNG

4: Unexpected Moments

Jia's new routine was slowly becoming second nature. Days were filled with exploring Seoul's flower markets, studying different arrangements, and learning about the local preferences. She'd begun gathering inspiration for her future shop, scribbling notes and sketches in her notebook. Her evenings were often spent with Jake and the boys, and she was starting to feel like part of the family.

It had been a few days since her trip to the flower market with Sunghoon. Since then, they'd shared more casual conversations and laughs around the dorm. It was nice to have a friend among the members, and she found herself feeling comfortable whenever Sunghoon was around. There was a quiet understanding between them—an easy companionship that felt natural.

One evening, Jia was alone in the dorm's living room, engrossed in her sketches. She was so absorbed in designing a flower arrangement inspired by one she had seen at a market that she didn't notice when Heeseung entered. He had just returned from the studio, looking slightly exhausted but still wearing his signature grin.

"Hey, what are you up to?" Heeseung asked, leaning over the back of the couch to peek at her notebook.

Jia looked up, surprised to see him. "Oh, hi, Heeseung. Just working on some flower arrangement ideas."

Heeseung's eyes lit up with genuine curiosity. "Mind if I see?"

Jia hesitated, then nodded, flipping the notebook around to show him. "It's nothing special. I'm just playing around with different concepts."

Heeseung studied the sketches, his brows furrowing in concentration. "Are you kidding? These look great! You've got a real talent."

Jia felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Thanks. I'm still learning, but I appreciate that."

Heeseung's gaze lingered on her for a moment, a warmth in his eyes that made her feel unexpectedly flustered. "You know, it's cool that you're so passionate about what you do. It's not easy to follow a dream like that."

Jia smiled softly. "Well, I think it's important to do what you love, even if it's hard."

Heeseung's expression shifted, and his usual playful demeanor softened. "Yeah, I get that." He paused, then continued, "It's not that different from what we do, honestly. We've all had to make sacrifices to be here, but when you love something enough, it's worth it."

Jia nodded, feeling a connection with him in that moment. It was rare to see Heeseung in such a sincere mood. She realized that behind his flirtatious and confident exterior, there was a depth she hadn't expected.

Just as they were sharing this moment, the front door opened, and Sunghoon walked in, a bag slung over his shoulder. His eyes quickly found Jia and Heeseung on the couch, and he paused, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face.

"Oh, hey," he said, his tone neutral. "What's going on?"

Heeseung straightened up, his playful grin returning. "Just admiring Jia's work. She's got some serious skills."

Sunghoon's expression softened, and he walked over to join them. "I've seen some of her sketches before. They're impressive."

Jia felt a sense of pride and embarrassment all at once. "You guys are too nice."

Heeseung smirked, his eyes twinkling. "We're just being honest." He pushed himself up from the couch. "Anyway, I'm going to grab a shower. You two have fun."

As Heeseung walked away, Jia and Sunghoon were left alone. An awkward silence settled between them, and Jia shifted in her seat, feeling the change in atmosphere.

"So, you and Heeseung are getting along well?" Sunghoon asked, his voice light but tinged with something she couldn't quite place.

"Yeah, I guess," Jia replied, sensing there was more to his question. "He's fun to talk to."