The Gimbap Project

Chapter 25 BaekHong

The bus was cruising smoothly down the highway, and the initial hum of chatter had faded. Now, most students were taking the chance to nap, skim through a book, or engage in hushed conversations with their seatmates.

It was no different for a certain couple nestled in the backseat.

After reading through the handout and sharing a quiet, easy conversation, Hae-in had started to drift off.

Hyun Woo didn't mind. He knew she'd had a few late nights preparing for the upcoming exams and was glad she could finally rest.

All was good.

Hae-in was resting peacefully, and Hyun Woo was content just to sit beside her, watching the passing scenery cast shadows upon her delicate features.

Then, her head began to tilt, inching lower and lower until it finally settled on his shoulder.

Hyun Woo froze, caught off guard by the sudden contact. But his shock quickly wore off and he straightened his posture so she wouldn't end up with a crick in her neck, keeping as still as possible.

And all was good again. Except...the AC vent was still blowing directly on her.

Will she feel cold?

Quietly, Hyun Woo reached up and twisted the vent, redirecting the airflow toward himself instead.

Unfortunately, the bus's journey wasn't perfectly smooth either. Each time the vehicle hit a bump, Hyun Woo would steady her head, making sure her rest wasn't disturbed.

As he held her steady, he noticed how soft her hair was, its silky strands brushing against his fingers.

And it smells good too, reminding him of orange flowers along Mediterranean beaches – citrusy yet floral.

Subconsciously, his hand began to pat her head in a comforting rhythm. He glanced around, making sure no one else was paying attention, before allowing himself this small moment of affection.

Gradually, the soothing quiet and warmth drew him in, and soon enough, he grew sleepy too. Leaning his head lightly against hers, Hyun Woo let himself drift, marvelling at the closeness just as the darkness claimed him.

In the next moment, the bus jerked to a stop, jolting Hae-in and Hyun Woo awake.

"We're here! Let's get off!" Mr Jin called, his voice echoing down the aisle.

Hyun Woo blinked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he turned to Hae-in with a drowsy grin. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Hae-in replied softly, feeling her cheeks warm when she realised she had been sleeping on his shoulder.

Seeing her blush, Hyun Woo chuckled, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. "Shall we?" he asked, nodding towards the aisle.

Still a little dazed, Hae-in nodded, letting him take the lead. Hyun Woo hopped off the bus first, holding his hand for her, which she took as she stepped down. A few of her classmates watched, swooning excitedly over how much of a gentleman Hyun Woo was. But the boy barely noticed, for his attention was entirely on his girlfriend.

They had a quick break for lunch before starting the museum tour, and as the students headed toward benches where lunch was being distributed, Hyun Woo grabbed two bentos and brought them over to a cosy spot Hae-in had found beneath a willow tree. Settling down, he opened her bento and unwrapped her utensils, piling his homemade gimbap on the lid before sliding it over to her, much to Hae-in's slight amusement.

With that, they began eating, falling into easy conversation.

It was funny to think how, not long ago, she'd avoided talking to her peers, Haein mused. Yet, Hyun Woo had this way of pulling her out of her shell. With him, conversations flowed naturally, full of curiosity and often injected with his strange humour. From day one, he opened her eyes to a world beyond the ambitions she had always pursued, a world where warmth and small joys held true value.