SVT NEXT DOOR | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

SVT NEXT DOOR | 14 ✓

SVT NEXT DOOR | 14

Author's POV

Aria and Areum had fallen into a tense silence after the phone call, their thoughts lingering in the air between them like an invisible barrier.

Dino couldn't understand why the atmosphere had suddenly turned so awkward. He found himself glancing at the empty seat beside him, half-expecting Chanyoung's presence. Sure enough, Chanyoung materialized, perched on the seat as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"They're so obvious," Chanyoung whispered, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. Dino turned his head towards the ethereal figure, his brows furrowing in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Dino asked, his voice barely above a whisper, careful not to disturb the two sleeping girls. It was well past midnight, and exhaustion was etched on their faces.

Chanyoung scoffed softly, as if the answer were obvious. "Can't you tell? Both of them have a thing for your Shua hyung."

Dino sputtered, quickly cupping his hand over his mouth to stifle the sound. He glanced back at Chanyoung, his eyes wide with disbelief, silently asking, 'Really?'

Chanyoung shrugged nonchalantly, offering no clear confirmation or denial. Minutes later, the KTX train came to a halt, signaling their arrival at their destination.

Dino leaned forward, hovering over the seats in front of him to wake up Aria and Areum. As they disembarked at the station, Aria finally broke the silence.

"Do you have any idea where to find Wonwoo's house?" Aria asked, her voice a mix of fatigue and determination, attempting to break through the heavy silence.

The station was deserted, devoid of any human presence except for a few homeless people huddled on the cold floor. It was almost 3 a.m., and the stillness of the surroundings seemed to amplify their weariness.

Dino stealthily glanced sideways, catching a glimpse of Chanyoung floating and circling around the two girls. "Yeah, sure, let's find somewhere to rest," Dino finally agreed, his voice carrying a hint of relief.

They were about to set off when Areum's phone suddenly rang, shattering the stillness of the early morning. Dino spoke up, suggesting they try to hail a taxi while Areum took the call, assuming it was her parents on the line.

Areum nodded, acknowledging Dino's suggestion, and swiftly retrieved her phone, not even bothering to check the caller ID before sliding the answer button.

"Hello?" she greeted, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Areum?"

Areum's eyebrow rose in intrigue as she recognized the voice on the other end of the line. It wasn't Mr. Lee, that much was clear.

"Areum, are you listening? It's me, Joshua," the voice continued, sending a jolt of electricity through her veins.

Her grip tightened around the phone as she asked, her voice tinged with caution, "Why are you calling?"

Joshua's voice held a hint of excitement. "I'm coming to Changwon, just me. But don't tell Chan. He'll whine about how we couldn't trust him on his own," he explained, the faint sound of metal rattling in the background, indicating that he was already on the KTX train.

Curiosity and anticipation danced within Areum as she absorbed his words. "Does Aria know?" she inquired, realizing that Joshua had specifically asked her not to tell Dino.

"I told Aria earlier when we talked on the phone," he replied, his voice laced with a hidden meaning that sent a flutter through Areum's chest.

Aria's phone conversation with Joshua suddenly made sense, and a soft smile formed on Areum's lips.