The Hoodie Boy || Yang Jungwon

#35

~ Time skip ~

Y/n carefully placed the final touches on the memory box she had meticulously prepared for Jungwon. Inside the box were small trinkets, notes, and photographs capturing the special moments they had shared over the past year. Each item held a memory, a story, and a piece of their growing friendship.

With a sense of excitement and anticipation, Y/n carried the box with her as she made her way to school. Today marked a significant milestone for them-their first anniversary as friends. She couldn't wait to surprise Jungwon and remind him of the beautiful journey they had embarked on together.

As Y/n entered the school premises, she scanned the crowded hallways, searching for a glimpse of Jungwon's familiar figure. Her heart fluttered with nervousness and anticipation. She knew that today would be a day to celebrate their bond and express her gratitude for his presence in her life.

Finally, she spotted him standing near their usual meeting spot, his hood pulled up over his head, and his mask in place. Y/n couldn't help but smile at the sight, even though she wished he would reveal his face more often. She approached him, clutching the memory box tightly.

"Hey, Jungwon," Y/n greeted, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Jungwon turned towards her, his eyes lighting up with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Y/n? What's going on?"

Y/n grinned and held out the memory box towards him. "Happy first anniversary, Jungwon! This is for you."

Jungwon's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he accepted the box, his gaze shifting between Y/n and the gift. "Anniversary? But we're just friends..."

Y/n chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Exactly. That's why this day is so special. It's a celebration of our friendship and all the incredible moments we've shared together."

Curiosity piqued, Jungwon carefully opened the box, his eyes widening as he discovered the treasures hidden within. Memories flooded back as he held each item-a movie ticket from their first outing, a dried flower they had found on a hike, a note filled with heartfelt words of encouragement.

"I wanted to capture the essence of our journey so far," Y/n explained, her voice gentle and sincere. "Every memory in that box represents a milestone, a cherished moment we've experienced together. It's a testament to our bond and the incredible friendship we've built."

Jungwon's gaze softened as he took in the significance of each item. The weight of their memories began to sink in, reminding him of the growth, laughter, and support they had shared. He looked up at Y/n, a mix of gratitude and vulnerability in his eyes.

"Thank you, Y/n," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I never thought I would have someone like you in my life. Your friendship means everything to me."

Y/n's smile widened as she reached out, gently placing a hand on Jungwon's arm. "And you mean everything to me too, Jungwon. Our friendship has brought so much joy, healing, and strength to both of us. I'm grateful for every moment we've shared, and I can't wait to create even more beautiful memories together."

They stood there in the bustling hallway, surrounded by their classmates, yet completely lost in their own world. In that moment, Y/n realized that their first anniversary wasn't just a celebration of the past-it was a promise for an even brighter future.

As the school day progressed, Y/n and Jungwon found themselves inseparable. They walked side by side in the hallways, shared laughter during classes, and sat together during lunch breaks. Their bond had grown stronger over the past year, and Y/n cherished every moment they spent together.

However, there was a bittersweet undercurrent in Y/n's heart. For the past six months, she had been harboring feelings for Jungwon that went beyond friendship. She had kept them hidden, afraid that confessing her emotions would jeopardize the beautiful connection they had built.

During a quiet moment in the library, Y/n found herself stealing glances at Jungwon, observing the way he focused on his studies, his hair falling gently over his forehead. She couldn't help but feel a pang of longing, a desire to express her true feelings to him. Yet, she was torn between the fear of losing his friendship and the yearning to take their relationship to another level.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Y/n gathered her courage. She knew it was now or never. She approached Jungwon, who was busy organizing his books.

"Hey, Jungwon," she began, her voice slightly shaky but filled with determination. "Can we talk?"

Jungwon looked up, his eyes meeting hers, and he nodded. "Of course, Y/n. What's on your mind?"

Y/n took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "I've been keeping something from you, something I need to share. These past six months, my feelings for you have grown deeper than just friendship. I can't deny it anymore."

Jungwon's expression softened, a mix of surprise and curiosity crossing his features. "Y/n, I..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Y/n reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Please, let me finish. I don't want our friendship to change or be compromised. It means the world to me, and I value it more than anything. But I also wanted you to know how I feel, to be honest with you."

Jungwon listened intently, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. Y/n continued, her voice steady yet vulnerable.

"I understand if you don't feel the same way, and I don't want this to make things awkward between us. Our friendship is precious to me, and I'm willing to continue cherishing it, even if my feelings are unrequited. I just needed to be honest with you, Jungwon."

Silence hung in the air, and Y/n anxiously awaited his response. Jungwon took a moment to gather his thoughts, his gaze fixed on the floor.

"Y/n," he finally spoke, his voice soft and sincere. "I'm grateful for your honesty, and I admire your courage. Our friendship means everything to me too, and I cherish every moment we've spent together. But I need time to process my own feelings. I don't want to lose you either, but I can't promise anything right now."

Y/n nodded, understanding his words. "I appreciate your honesty, Jungwon. Take all the time you need. Our friendship will always come first."

With a gentle smile, Y/n reached out, intertwining her fingers with Jungwon's. Their connection remained, a silent reassurance that no matter what, their bond was strong enough to weather any storm.

As they walked out of the school together, their future remained uncertain, but their friendship remained steadfast. Y/n held onto the hope that someday, their hearts would align, and their feelings would find a way to intertwine. Until then, she would cherish the moments they shared and continue supporting him.