More Than Infatuation [Yoon Bum x Reader]

Festering Emotions

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"I'm (Y/N), it's nice to meet you," you greeted with a smile, keeping your arm outstretched to shake the young man's hand.

Bum's brain nearly short-circuited after analyzing your face in such a close proximity. From your hair that perfectly framed your face, to your plump lips that curled into a friendly smile upon your greeting, Yoon Bum was flooded with the overwhelming emotion of adoration.

She's even more beautiful close up, Bum thought.

The boy was pulled from his thoughts as he noticed you tilt your head to the side, awaiting Yoon Bum to reciprocate the greeting.

"Ah! Uh..." Bum rambled flustered, "I-I'm Yoon Bum, nice to meet y-you too..."

Agh! Quit stuttering! Now she's going to think I'm weird! Bum scolded himself.

Yoon Bum slowly stretched his hand out to meet yours in a gentle shake. The contact caused his cheeks to heat up, relishing in the warmth that your skin produced.

Bum took his seat hesitantly, as if you would quickly change your mind and tell him to get lost. He stared at his hands that were seated in his lap, thoughts and emotions racing wildly in his mind. This almost felt too good to be true, maybe you were being nice to him out of pity. The intrusive thought caused him to stick his lower lip out in a subtle pout. Bum cast his glance to the side through his lashes where you were seated. You were currently scribbling down notes that involved today's lecture. You had your bottom lip tucked out in concentration, beautiful eyes moving from your notes to the white board toward the front of the classroom.

So cute... Bum thought, drinking in the sight of you.

You felt a pair of eyes burning into your side, and slowly glanced to your right where Bum was seated. You were welcomed with the sight of the boy nearly lost in a haze, cheeks dusted a light pink and mouth slightly agape, as if he was a flustered teen girl meeting her celebrity crush.

Yoon Bum was startled getting caught staring at you, and though he expected you to be disgusted or angry with him he was surprised to see you smile at him and cast a small wave his direction. He was at a loss for words, and dubiously waved back.

The lesson carried on for what felt like years with Bum attempting to grasp the subject material provided by Dr. Green. Starting classes weeks after the semester began was proving to be difficult for Bum, and not being fully fluent in English was not making it easier for the poor boy.

"Alright, this concludes today's lesson," Professor Green began. "Review the notes you have taken today and finish the homework exercise located in Blackboard under 'week three assignments'. This will be due before the end of class on Wednesday when we meet next. As always, you all enjoy the rest of your day!" The female instructor said cheerfully.

You listened to your instructor speak while slowly packing up your things. Once finished, students eagerly flooded the halls. You glanced over at the young man who was slowly packing up his materials as well.

"Yoon Bum," you inquired softly.

Your voice reached his sensitive ears and he slightly shuddered. His head whipped up toward the direction of your voice, astonished that you actually spoke to him after acting so outlandish in your presence.

"Oh! Um... You can call me Bum. W-What is it...?" He asked anxiously. What if you were going to scold him harshly about how he weirded you out and that you don't want him to speak to you. Oh god she probably thinks I'm a frea-

"Bum," you began, a small smile forming on your lips. "Do you have a class after this? I figured you are probably lost, and need the first few weeks of notes to catch up."

So, she isn't here to scold me!

Bum shook his head side-to-side almost violently. "N-No, I don't have another class..." the boy muttered quietly, meeting your gaze once more.

"Well, would you like to come with me to the food court? Just so I can get to know you, as well as answer any questions you may have about the course?" You asked warmly.

Bum was teetering on the edge of consciousness. She wants to hang out – with me of all people!

"Ah! Yes, that would be great!" Bum responded almost too eagerly.

"Great! Let's get going then," you said as you slung your bag over your shoulder, making your way toward to exit of the lecture hall. Bum followed closely behind you, as if you'd disappear in thin air.

Your walk to the food court was fairly quiet; however, Bum was content with the comfortable silence. Basking in your presence was enough for him.

Once you both reached your desired destination, you found a secluded booth away from the kitchen to talk with no interruptions.

"So," you began, "tell me about yourself – what brings you here, your interests, and I'll tell you mine." You flashed him that smile again that made his heart flutter and his brain unable to comprehend anything.

He hesitantly began discussing his interests with you, and was happy to learn more about you as well. You were attending your university for (Insert Major), and enjoyed painting, reading, music and animals. You were a true empath in Bum's eyes, and your interests only solidified that.

"Bum," you said, shaking him from his thoughts, "Excuse the student who yelled at you earlier during the lesson. He's a complete jackass and doesn't know how to prevent his thoughts seeping from his mouth." You shook your head at the thought, "I understand it most likely hasn't been easy for you, visiting a country you aren't familiar with, so the last thing you need is some idiot like that ruining your experience."

Bum stared at you as you spoke. Surely, she doesn't care that much... does she? He thought. The idea of someone caring about him being mistreated was almost unfeasible – but the calm, serious expression you held as you talked spoke volumes to him.

"Oh, that? Thank you, I appreciate it..." Yoon Bum said sheepishly.

There it was again, that comfortable silence. Bum twirled his thumbs, unable to muster the courage to continue conversation. His social anxiety was crippling to the point that small talk was proven to be an impossible task.

You glanced down at your watch and clicked your tongue. "Damn, time sure goes by fast," you stated, "I have to go to work soon, but could I have your number so I can send you pictures of my notes to copy?"

Bum's eyes widened at your question. You asked for his number?! He refrained from pinching his cheek to check if he was in a dream that was too realistic.

"Uh, y-yeah! Here..." Bum said while handing you his phone, and yours to him. You swiftly exchanged numbers and handed the phones back to their respective owners.

"Alright," you said, smiling, "I'll text you once I'm home from work." You stood from your seat, and Bum his.

"It was great meeting you, Bum. I hope we can become good friends," you said softly.

"Y-yeah! It was great meeting you t- ah!" Bum was interrupted from his rambling as you enveloped him in a hug. His cheeks burned and began feeling faint. His slender arms snaked around your back to reciprocate the hug.

After a few moments, you released your hold on the boy and flashed another smile.

"Talk to you later," you said while walking away, looking back to offer the young man a small wave.

Bum stood in awe, watching you until you were no longer in sight. The silence was deafening to him now, and he longed to hear your voice once more. It had only been a handful of minutes, but he missed so much already.

Thus, began the festering of an intoxicating emotion, infatuation.