HELIOTROPE ↻ NCT DREAM

fifteen

In the first month since the couple had been officially together, Hyuck would always cling to Ayeon. If the young woman is found to be in a certain place, there's a huge possibility of Hyuck to be there as well. He doesn't want to be separated from Ayeon for a long period of time. He loves the warmth the girl emits. The warmness in her smile; the warmness in her hugs.

Despite all his soft and cute antics to get the girl's attention, the two would still tease and banter each other from time to time. It was as if they were in a rollercoaster with all the thrill from not knowing what's next for them.

For someone who's born in the 21st century, Ayeon wasn't they type to always have her phone with her. She wouldn't always be caught using it. It's because she prefers conversing with each other personally. To connect during meetups and hangouts. However, both her and her boyfriend were college students. In their case, she understood that they may not be fortunate enough to see each other everyday with the series of requirements and readings handed to them.

Although no matter how busy Donghyuck was, he would always make time for Ayeon. On some days, they would talk nonstop. The way he would send her quick messages and updates throughout the day, how he would walk her to her next class if possible, how he would make sure if she had eaten, and how he would ask her at the end of the day if she was doing fine.

It was all those little things that made Ayeon loved the boy more.

She appreciated all of it. And she makes sure to let him know - be it verbally or physically.

On the 8th of the month, just a few days before the couple would have their first month, was hell week. It was 2 weeks before midterms. Almost all professors were orienting their students about their midterm work and exam. Almost everyone was stressed with tasks that kept on piling up on top of the other.

Among the population of the stressed students was Ayeon.

The girl had no clue on where to start. Every task was too difficult and the instructions were quite confusing, even to others. Just the thought of it makes her want to sit in a corner and bawl her eyes out for hours.

It wasn't until Wednesday night when 2 nights had passed when Ayeon decided on starting to work on the long lists of midterm work. She spent her breaks with Saeri. They consulted their professors for possible opinions and suggestions. The two barely ate, and when they did, it was during their 10 minutes break within their 3 hour periods. At most, they would stuff themselves with bread. But of course, it wasn't enough.

With all the struggles, both Ayeon and Saeri realized how hard being a college student is. Good thing they were surrounded with supportive people who help drive them to continue to strive for their goals.

Amidst all that, a certain boy was missing the love of his life.

Hyuck was badly missing Ayeon. However, he did understand the circumstance they were in. They couldn't afford to see the other in person.

Instead, they scheduled video calls. Hyuck saw how tired Ayeon looked with the bags underneath her eyes. Although, he questioned himself how she could still look as though she's the most ethereal person he ever laid his eyes on.

Perhaps, that's what love does. Seeing the flaw yet still acknowledges the overall beauty of a person, be it inside or outside.

And throughout the duration, the duo would be working on their own projects. They just accompanied each other like that. And sometimes, Hyuck would play Ayeon's favorite songs with his guitar and sing.

The act made Ayeon crazy. She wanted to punch him as he would always make her stomach be filled with butterflies wildly flying and heart thumping loud. She would always try to focus on her work but it just made her want to be with him more.