The Gimbap Project

Chapter 23 Kiss and Make Up

After the music festival ended, crowds of excited students gathered outside the auditorium to congratulate the performers. Hae-in, Yang-gi and Dal-po were currently struggling to push their way through the swarm, particularly since Pil-sook and Hyun Woo were surrounded by their enthusiastic fan club.

It took a few moments before they spotted their friends through the crowd, but as soon as they did, both made their way over, politely excusing themselves.

"Thank God!" Pil-sook exhaled, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she juggled an armful of bouquets. "I thought I was going to get trampled back there."

Hyun Woo wasn't faring much better, his baby blue blouse slightly crumpled by the bouquets he had received. Hae-in's eyes were drawn to him instantly, noticing the top button of his shirt had come undone and that he had rolled up his sleeves, which meant his toned forearms were on full display. She felt a sudden, irrational urge to reach over and pull his sleeves back down, for she didn't appreciate the female eyes checking him out from the corner of her eye.

"You punk!" Yang-gi clapped him on his back. "Who knew you had a voice like that? Life's so unfair! What can't you do?"

"Ya, stop exaggerating. There are plenty of things I'm not good at," Hyun Woo retorted, his gaze flickering to Hae-in almost sadly.

Like being a good boyfriend, he thought bitterly.

"Congratulations on your debut, Baek Hyun Woo," Dal-po added with a kind smile.

"I'm not planning to make a career out of this, Dal-po. But Pil-sook? She's got a bright future. That song she wrote was incredible," Hyun Woo said, giving Pil-sook a proud nod.

"Yeah, she was the best," Yang-gi agreed, winking at Pil-sook whose cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink.

Dal-po grinned even wider and pulled Pil-sook into a side hug before he took all her bouquets so she could have her hands free. With that, Pil-sook finally approached Hae-in and threw her arms around her friend.

"Thanks for coming!" Pil-sook grinned.

Hae-in cleared her throat awkwardly. "Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I got you a bouquet," she replied, extending the bouquet towards Pil-sook.

Pil-sook's eyes sparkled at the adorable sight of the cute teddy bear nestled amongst the yellow blooms.

"Gomawo! They're gorgeous!" she squealed, before leaning in close to Hae-in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Now's your chance. Go talk to him," she urged quietly, her eyes darting towards a certain senior.

"I don't know," Hae-in bit her bottom lip nervously.

"Oh, come on! You do know he sang that song for you, right?" Pil-sook nudged her gently.

"I know," Hae-in sighed softly. "But..."

"Hae-in ah," Hyun Woo's voice broke through their conversation, and Hae-in's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected him to come over so quickly.

Pil-sook gave Hae-in a mischievous grin before she scampered off to Dal-po, leaving Hae-in to face Hyun Woo alone. At that moment, Hae-in felt paralyzed as she felt the breath leave her lungs.

Ottoke? What was she supposed to say now?

"Can we talk?" Hyun Woo asked quietly, his voice filled with hope and uncertainty.

Sensing her hesitation, he added quickly, "Please?"

Mutely, Hae-in nodded in response. To her surprise, Hyun Woo reached for her hand, his palm warm and comforting against her own. Her heart raced as he gently guided her away from the crowd, leading them to a secluded corner near the swimming pool where they could finally talk in peace.