HELIOTROPE ↻ NCT DREAM

eight

Walking through the halls of the University as she was on her way out, Ayeon felt her phone vibrate at the pocket of her black jeans. Reaching for it, she answered upon seeing the caller's name.

"Hey! what's up?" Ayeon greeted cheerfully, a grin hanging in her lips as she continued walking. Her paced slower than before.

"Hey! Can you please help me out?" The boy on the other line questioned, his voice low and unsure. "Only if you don't mind of course." He trailed off, chuckling.

"Depends on what." The girl answered honestly, her brows knitted in confusion, waiting for the details.

There was a pause.

"Hnng. Well, I perhaps am starting to catch feelings for someone." The boy on the other line uttered shyly, each word getting more low and almost unclear to hear. "And I don't know what to do. So, would you please help me out?"

She could imagine him pouting as he explained and scratching the back of his neck in shyness.

To that, Ayeon's footsteps halted and she bursted out laughing at how cute he sounded. "Oh please, I would love to, sir!" She joyfully answered, teasing him.

"Ahh! I knew I came to the right person!" He announced loudly and Ayeon was sure that he had a huge grin plastered on his face. "Meet me in our usual."

Ayeon hummed in response before muttering a quick "See you later." With that, the young girl quickly picked up her pace and started to jog towards the direction of their meeting place.

She was intrigued. She wondered who could the person be as Jaemin haven't really talked about anyone so far. Perhaps, he has been secretive about his feelings because he's afraid they might tease him and tell the person. Ayeon thought.

Upon entering the cafe, the caramelized aroma mixed with roasted beans wafted through the atmosphere and infiltrated Ayeon's nose, breathing it in. It calmed her.

The freshman turned her head to the table they usually sat and a smile made its way on her face upon seeing the boy. With quick steps, Ayeon made her way towards him and sat across.

The girl wiggled her brows, definitely teasing the young man across her, waiting for him to deliver.

"I suddenly regret calling you." The boy sighed and leaned back comfortably on the cream colored one seater sofa.

"Oh please, who would you call then? Donghyuck?" She questioned, teasing him with an eyebrow raised and a smile dangled in the corner of her lips.

"Yes, or I would call my other friends." Jaemin stated proudly, causing the girl to release a giggle.

"Who are your other friends then?" Ayeon challenged, letting her chin rest on the palm of her right hand.

"Hyuck, You, Hyuck, Ayeon.." Jaemin started, tilting his head lightly and counting using his fingers. "Have I listed Hyuck already?" He questioned leaning in and copying the girl's position, giving her a cute cheeky grin as he wiggled his eyebrows which caused Ayeon to release a breathy laugh.

"Okay, but honestly speaking though, I do have other friends. I just don't think that they would really give me good suggestions knowing how crazy they could get." Jaemin chuckled, shaking his head.

"Well then, just so you know, I haven't had any experience yet so jokes on you. I might not be a big help."

Jaemin pouted, sulking. "I guess, I came to the wrong person after all." He looked at the window dramatically for a few seconds before turning back his attention to Ayeon and shooting her a peace sign . "Just kidding!"

"Tell me about the girl then." Ayeon requested, holding Jaemin's gaze and cocked her head to the side.

The young man took a deep breath, finding the right words. However, his phone buzzed when he was about to speak, signaling a notification. Jaemin glanced at Ayeon for permission, to which the girl nodded to. In a swift, the boy reached for it and unlocked it. Jaemin's eyes widened in the process.

"Hold that thought for next time. I have to go. Our professor just posted a surprise online quiz that has to be answered within the hour." Jaemin explained before finishing the cup of coffee that had gone cold and fixed his stuff. "And I left all my notes inside my locker."

"I'll go ahead now. I'm sorry." He apologized before muttering a quick goodbye, swiftly walking out the cafe.

Ayeon hummed in response and watched him leave. "Good luck, Nana. I hope you'll do well." She uttered under her breath before drinking the caramel latte Jaemin had ordered for her. Her eyes made its way out the glass wall and towards the direction where the boy headed.

For the rest of the time that she stayed inside the familiar café, she watched the street with her head on the palm of her, tapping her chin out of habit. Her mind wondered about who the boy gained feelings for. She was curious if a tattoo also bloomed on Jaemin's skin, or if another symbol appeared on him. Ayeon wanted to know, but of course, information like those are quite confidential. And she respects his privacy.