Sylvania || jjk

19

As they followed the winding path toward the cottage, the night air had grown cooler, and a soft mist curled around their feet. The lanterns lining the road flickered faintly, casting golden glows onto the cobblestone path.

Chaeng rubbed her arms, unawaringly indicating to Jungkook that she's cold.

"You cold?" Jungkook asked, glancing at her.

She shook her head, but her body betrayed her when she shivered slightly.

Jungkook sighed. Without a word, he reached for her hand, his fingers brushing against hers before lacing them together. His palm was warm-comforting.

Chaeng's breath hitched at the unexpected contact. "W-What are you doing?"

"You're freezing," he said simply, not looking at her. "Your hands are like ice."

She tried to ignore the way her heart pounded as they kept walking, their hands clasped between them. It was just the two of them, their footsteps in sync, the warmth of his hand grounding her.

"You sure you know where we're going?" Chaeng teased, eyeing the map in his free hand.

Jungkook scoffed. "Obviously. I have a great sense of direction."

She arched a brow. "Didn't you say that last time and get lost in the library for an hour?"

He shot her a playful glare. "That was different. Libraries are mazes."

Chaeng giggled, squeezing his hand slightly. He didn't let go-just held on tighter, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

As they walked, their pace slowed naturally, neither of them in a rush to reach the cottage. Chaeng could feel the warmth of Jungkook's hand spreading through her own, and it made her heart beat a little too fast.

At one point, a small puddle appeared in their path. Chaeng almost stepped into it, but Jungkook tugged her back just in time. "Careful," he murmured. Without thinking, he placed his hands on her waist to steady her.

Her breath hitched. His touch was firm yet gentle, lingering just a second too long before he pulled away.

"You're really clumsy today," he mused.

"I'm not!" she protested.

Jungkook only chuckled, but his eyes softened as they locked onto hers for a brief moment. The air between them felt a little heavier, a little warmer.

Chaeng looked away, trying to focus on the path ahead instead of the way his thumb occasionally brushed against her knuckles as they walked. "How much longer till we reach?"

Jungkook glanced at the map. "Not long. A few more turns and-"

Just then, a cool breeze blew past them, making Chaeng shiver slightly.

Jungkook noticed immediately. Without a word, he stopped in his tracks and, before she could protest, draped his jacket over her shoulders again.

"Better?" he asked softly.

Chaeng nodded, pulling the fabric closer around her. "You'll be cold."

"I'm fine," he said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You need it more."

Her cheeks warmed, but she hid her smile as they continued walking. The path stretched on, the lantern lights flickering gently. Their hands found each other again, fingers lacing effortlessly, and neither of them said a word about it.

It just felt right.

As they finally reached the cottage, the warm glow of lanterns illuminated the rustic wooden structure. The air smelled of fresh pine and the distant aroma of burning firewood. Laughter and chatter filled the area as students gathered near the entrance, already settled in.