The 10th Month

06. two thumping brave hearts (part one)

Maybe it was the sunset. Or maybe it was her smile. All Hanbin knew was something pulled him towards her.

So, here's the backstory :

During their staring contest, Hanbin felt his heart racing under his chest. He could even hear the sound of his beating heart. He was, in short, nervous. 

Hanbin developed habits when he got nervous; one of them being more talkative than he already is. Hence, without him thinking thoroughly, he invited Jennie on a volunteering activity this weekend.

He blurted out the words with no expectation or whatsoever - hell - he wasn't even thinking clearly. He was a nervous wreck needing a mask to cover up his emotions. 

But boy, was she excited to come along.

When he mentioned they would be volunteering at an orphanage, she clapped like a baby seal.

Hanbin should've felt over the moon, but he was growing doubts within himself.

"Am I rushing things?"

"What if I end up hurting myself?"

"How could I act so impulsively?"

He thought it wasn't like him to act in a spontaneous manner. He'd always been careful. He'd always been the type of person who takes every possibilities into consideration, either good or bad. 

He would plan before doing. 

He wasn't one to rush, especially when it comes to love.

Alas, he decided to accept whatever fate had to offer him. 

He decided to just wing it.

Whatever will be, will be. It was too late to back up now, it was time to man up.

Even though he was still mentally scolding himself inside his head, Hanbin made sure to wash his hair, sprayed some cologne, and also put on a freshly-bought sweatshirt when Saturday came. He bought it the night before, for your information.

Seated patiently inside his car, he waited for Jennie.  A smile shyly appeared on his face when he caught the sight of her in a fuzzy cardigan. He could feel his heart quicken its pace inside his chest. 

Don't mess up. Don't mess up. Don't mess up.

Relax.

You got this.

Watching her getting closer and closer, Hanbin pretended to be busy on his phone. A nervous sigh slipped out of his mouth.

"Good morning!" 

He looked up from his phone swiftly at her greetings. With a tight-lipped smile, he replied, "Hey."

"You have a drool under your mouth."

"Wha-" 

Jennie stifled her laughter watching his eyes grew two times bigger. She couldn't help but wince as he rubbed his skin aggressively, turning it red as if someone had just gave him a slap.

She suddenly felt bad for scamming him. 

Her guilt only lasted for a few seconds though.

When Hanbin turned to face her with glaring eyes, she laughed loudly.

"Yes, yes. Good morning to you too." He rolled his eyes playfully in response. "Buckle up, Miss."

Thanks to Jennie's prank, the atmosphere inside the car went beyond his expectation. He presumed it would be a little awkward at first, but now it felt oddly comfortable.