MAZE : The key to love

~chapter 17~

As Jeon arrived at HYBE, he rushed to the second studio. Passing by, he was unaware of Jessica and Ji hu together on his left, focused solely on getting to his recording. Once inside, JJJ instructed him to record the ad libs, as he had already completed his part. Jeon felt a pang of confusion when he didn’t see Ji hu. When he asked JJJ, he learned that Ji hu had gone with Mr. Kim to check on Sweetcandy's recordings.

Thinking it would be a good opportunity to see Jessica, Jeon made his way to the first studio. When he entered, he found that Ji hu and Jessica had already parted and were now focused on their own tasks. This sight eased his mind, and he realized he might have been imagining things between them.

He approached Ji hu, saying, “Ji huya! Aren’t you coming to the studio? JJJ is calling us!”

Ji hu greeted him with a bright smile, hugging Jeon tightly. “Jeonkook-ah, yes! I’m coming. I just had something to discuss with Mr. Kim! My buddy, it’s great to see you. Let’s go.”

As Jeon stared at Jessica, he found himself lost in thought. Ji hu noticed his expression and recognized that Jeon had feelings for Jessica dating back to their school days. He gave Jeon a supportive pat on the back and winked, whispering like he was sharing a secret, “Don’t overthink it! Go for it, Hyung.”

Jeon hesitated, unsure of himself. “Are you sure?” he asked again.

Ji hu nodded and patted Jeon's back, noticing how much he was blushing. It was clear to Ji hu that Jeon had feelings for Jessica. They made their way toward the second studio, chatting as they walked. While waiting for their turn, Jeon asked, “Ji huya, you never really told me about your past.”

Ji hu's smile faded as memories flooded back. Jeon continued, “It’s better to share your sorrow; at least you might feel lighter.”

Ji hu nodded and began, “She was the top student in our class, very attractive. Every boy in school was obsessed with her. She treated everyone like they were beneath her, probably because she was proud of her popularity. No one dared to ask her out. I wanted to be the first, so I wrote her a note, saying, ‘Meet me on the terrace.’ When she came, I asked her out, but her reply was that I was fat and short. That’s why I was absent for a month—I wanted to lose weight. And I did, as you can see. But there’s no solution for my height.”

Jeon responded, “You can still find someone like Jessica, who’s shorter than you.”

“Don’t worry; I have time,” Ji hu replied, and they both giggled.

Jeon said, “Would you mind giving me some tips? I heard you were the king of flirting in school.”

“Ha! So Ki Yun told you everything!? I can help you, but I can’t guarantee it will work. It all depends on your performance.”

“Don’t worry, Hyung! I am Ji Jeonkook the Great! I'll do anything for Jessica,” he declared, and they both chuckled.

“Really? Be careful. Don’t get too full of yourself; you’re still following my lead,” Ji hu teased. Noticing Jeon’s reaction, he added, “Emotional damage!” They both erupted in laughter, with Ji hu playfully mimicking Jeon’s disappointed face. Jeon couldn’t help but laugh at himself. This was one of their most beautiful memories together.

They soon fell into casual conversation, and before they knew it, evening had arrived. As Jeon and Ji hu emerged from the studio, giggling and chatting on their way home, Jeon pulled out his phone to check on Jessica. Just as he was about to message her, he noticed a text from her: “Hey Jeon, I’m heading home early today. I have a bit of a headache from the stress of today’s unexpected recording session, so let’s meet up later. What do you say?”