𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 - 𝘚. 𝘑𝘢𝘦𝘺𝘶𝘯

Stranded

The library wasn't exactly where Jake would have chosen to spend his afternoon, but here he was, sitting across from Yeri with Sunoo and Ningning flanking either side. A stack of textbooks sat between them, looking far more intimidating than he'd care to admit. But his mind wasn't really on the books.

Sunoo, predictably, couldn't stop grinning. Jake shot him a look that said, Seriously? Not now, but Sunoo just shrugged, clearly amused. Ningning was in her element, flipping through her notes and already discussing project ideas with Yeri, who nodded along earnestly. Jake watched her, noticing the way her nose crinkled when she concentrated. He quickly looked away when she caught him staring, trying to act casual as he fumbled with his notebook.

"So," Jake started, clearing his throat and picking a random page in his book to look productive, "What's everyone's take on... all the... hsitory project?"

Yeri stifled a smile, and Ningning rolled her eyes. "Nice one, Jake. Way to really get to the heart of it."

Yeri, clearly trying to keep things moving, added, "Maybe we could focus on the cultural impact part? Like how people's lifestyles changed?"

Jake nodded, though he barely heard what she said, mostly because Sunoo had kicked him under the table. He scowled in his friend's direction, who just winked back, a little too pleased with himself.

After a few more minutes of mostly silent studying, Yeri stood up, scanning the nearby shelves for a reference book she'd scribbled down earlier. Jake saw her struggling to reach it and got up, crossing the library aisle in a few quick steps. He stretched to grab the book for her, and their fingers brushed as he handed it over. Neither of them said anything for a moment, though Yeri offered a small "Thanks."

Jake tried to make a joke to ease the awkwardness. "Honestly, these books look like they could knock someone out if they fell. It's a hazard."

Yeri's lips quirked up, and she let out a soft laugh. "I'll be careful then." It was a small laugh, but Jake counted it as a win.

Back at the table, they fell into a rhythm, exchanging a few awkward glances but also getting some work done. Sunoo and Ningning, however, were clearly up to something. They shared looks and whispered a bit too loudly to be innocent.

"Oh shoot," Sunoo said suddenly, checking his watch with exaggerated surprise. "I forgot—I promised I'd help Heeseung with... that thing."

Ningning's eyes widened, following his lead. "Yeah! Same here, actually. I told Karina i'd help her with club duties!s." She grabbed her bag, elbowing Sunoo to move it along. They both stood up, sending Jake  a not-so-subtle smile before walking off.

Jake blinked as he watched them leave, realizing he was suddenly alone with Yeri.

Yeri shifted, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So... just us, I guess?"

"Yep," Jake replied, a little too quickly. He tried to play it off, flipping through his book as if completely focused. But from the corner of his eye, he saw Yeri scribbling in her notebook, the corners of her mouth lifting into a small smile.

And maybe—just maybe—Jake felt a little more at ease.