"So I've thought about it..." Mark started. Lina looked up at him, squinting in confusion.
"Thought about what?" she asked, putting down the homework he was doing. They were sitting in her room, having a quiet study night like they often did.
"Prom," he replied. She raised her eyebrows and nodded, not saying anything. "I just don't think I wanna be your date. I love you, you know that, but we're practically like siblings. Plus, I don't want to be your second choice."
Lina pursed her lips and nodded. "Yeah, I get it. That's okay. I shouldn't have thrown that at you."
Mark licked his lips and nodded, scooting closer to Lina. "Can I be honest with you?" he asked. She nodded. "I know Hyuck can be a douche sometimes, trust me I know, but I think you should really reconsider trying something with him. I'm not sure what he was doing with Sooae that day, honestly, but I do know that he really likes you, and won't ever shut up about you. And when you asked me to prom...well it really hurt him. He's been extra douchey lately to me because he thinks that I had this secret plan to get you all along. If I don't fix this he'll hold a grudge for the rest of his life."
Lina couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of them being old and gray, and Hyuck not talking to Mark because Lina asked him to prom instead. She sighed.
"I don't know. The whole thing is confusing. Like why all of a sudden bring all these feelings up?"
"Why don't you ask him?" Mark suggested.
•••
After Mark had gone home, Lina must have stared at her phone for a good 20 minutes before picking it up and dialing Hyuck's number. He answered on the first ring.
"You called," he said, his voice sounding surprised and satisfied. Her heart fluttered as she bit her lip.
"Do you wanna come over?" she asked.
"Yes."
The call ended and Lina put her phone down next to her, laying her head on her pillow. She hadn't even realized that she was dozing off, and soon fell asleep.
"Lina..." A soft voice spoke in her ear, a light touch moving her hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. "Lina it's Donghyuck."
She opened her eyes and rolled over, looking at him. "Sorry," she said. "I fell asleep waiting for you." He didn't reply, just sat down on the bed in front of her. She took the opportunity to get everything off her chest. "I want to talk. And I need you to give me straight answers this time, or I'll kick you out, and you'll never have a chance with me again, do you understand?"
Hyuck nodded, his eyes not leaving hers.
"Good. First question, what do you feel for me?"
"Isn't that obvious?" he asked. She widened her eyes, already irritated at his attempt to dodge the question. "I like you," he quickly corrected himself. "Like I've had feelings for you since we met."
She kept the questions going, not wanting to give into her emotions. "What were you doing with Sooae in the hallway the day I asked Mark to prom?"
"Flirting. She told me I looked extra cute that day so I hit on her for a few seconds and then we laughed about it. She's my friend, so she knows I have feelings for you."
Trying to ignore the burning sensation in her chest, Lina continued. "Why did you choose recently to make your move?"
"Because prom is coming up," he answered honestly. "And I figured I had to confess my feelings now or I never would. I always dreamt about us going to prom together. You wearing a beautiful gown and coming down the stairs and me waiting in my tuxedo to gawk at you and tell you how incredible you look and then we'd go and dance all night and maybe after go and watch the stars and-,"
Hyuck was cut off by Lina uncontrollably pressing her lips to his, her hands on either side of his face. Not knowing how to react, he softly kissed her back, putting a hand on one of hers. She pulled away soon enough, and sat back down with a huff.
"Sorry," she apologized. "I couldn't-Sorry."
"Does this mean we're okay?" Hyuck asked. She looked down at her lap and chuckled, biting her lip.
"Yeah, we're okay."
"Does this also mean you'll go to prom with me?" he asked. She looked up at him with a smile.
"Yeah, I'd love to go to prom with you."
"Can I kiss you again?" he asked, looking up at her shyly. Her cheeks turned red as she looked up at him with a shy smile, nodding. He leaned in and placed a kiss on her lips, smiling while they were still together, making her shiver.
"I love that I have that effect on you," he said as they pulled away.
"Huh?"
"You shiver every time I kiss you. It's cute."
She rolled her eyes and threw a pillow at him. "Whatever. Get out, I'm going to sleep."
He grinned and stood up, placing a kiss on her head before turning to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow, beautiful."
