Author's | PARK JIHOON

x.

"What I'm trying to say is, I think I'm attracted to you?," he said, unsure if 'attracted' would be the right term. I looked at him seriously, trying to comprehend what he meant. I mean, I've written thousands of scenarios like this but I'm not so sure. Do I want this kind of attention? From Park Jihoon? Is he trying to lowkey confess to me? Was he sure about his feelings? Did he mean it?

"Uhh, nevermind." He stood up and left his apartment.

The next day, I acted like I forgot about everything that happened because I think that was what Jihoon wanted me to do. I didn't give it more thought because I obviously don't want to expect anything.

Jinyoung brought me to their training center, in which at first I was begging Jihoon to let me come but fortunately Jinyoung overheard our conversation over the phone. As shy as I was, he insisted that he'd bring me there and back home.

As I was quietly following behind Jinyoung, Jihoon suddenly appeared before us. He held unto my arm tightly and whispered in a low and dangerous tone, "Why are you here? I told you not to come. It's already dangerous for you and the other trainees as well."

Jinyoung saw how I was struggling to escape Jihoon's tight grasp so he went between me and Jihoon.

"Hyung, she's with me now. No need to worry about her," Jinyoung coolly said while grabbing my hand.

Jihoon looked at me as if he was disappointed in me, "What will you two do?"

Jinyoung took a glance at me and smiled, "I was going to ask her if she'd let me court her today. I was going to do it somewhere nice but you're just pushing me right now, hyung."

At first, Jihoon didn't answer. While there was silence, I couldn't help but gush because Jinyoung's asking me out? Was this for real? Did I hear it right? I don't know but I feel really happy. My thoughts were cut off when Jihoon stared at me as if looking through my soul.

Without showing any emotion, he said, "No." This time it was my turn to gape at him. Was he joking? I hope so because I will deadass beat this guy up for making decisions in my stead.

"Park Jihoon, what are you trying to do?," I couldn't help but reprimand him.

"No, what are you trying to do?," he answered back. "Didn't you know? I don't want you getting near Jinyoung because I'm jealous— even if I don't want to. I don't even know why but it hurts every single time you ask me to set you up with him. God, Madison. Don't you get it?"

I didn't do anything. Jinyoung didn't do anything. It was really awkward until Jihoon spoke again, "So go here next to me and don't go anywhere else, okay?" He got my hand and pulled me towards his side. He pointed at Jinyoung with his other hand, "And you, stop whatever you're trying to do because it was me who got her here anyway."

My first reaction was to look at Jinyoung and try to read his face. Before I could stare at him, he turned his back and left me and Jihoon here.

What? Did he just give up so easily? Seriously, Bae Jinyoung? It's you who I like, not this guy you left me here with. Jihoon noticed in my face that I didn't like what was happening. He let go of my hand immediately and avoided eye contact.

"Are you out of your mind?," I asked. He didn't bother looking at me and said, "Yeah." I made a face, "Goddamn, Jihoon."

"Do you like me? Even just a bit?," Jihoon took a glance at me. I didn't answer because I was still pissed. Of course I'd choose Jinyoung over him but way to go, Park Jihoon. He just ruined my chance with Jinyoung, great. I turned my back on him and was about to leave when I felt his arms circle around my body.

Backhug? Cliché.

He slowly turned my around to face him and whispered, "Because me? I like you, not just a little bit. I keep thinking about you every night. How I want to sleep in my own apartment with you there rather than in our headquarters. How I want to make you laugh and smile every time we meet each other." My heartbeat was definitely abnormal than usual as his face kept getting closer to mine.

My eyes unknowingly wandered to his lips and now my heart felt like it wanted to jump out of my own body.

"Please like me instead of him, author-nim," was what he said before capturing my lips with his.

— END —