Unexpected Connections ⭒ Haechan

⭒9

"You are the source of my joy, the center of my world, and the whole of my heart." 

Haechan's mind retraced the night when Chaewol was introduced to the Dreamies. The memory brought forth a surge of happiness as he saw her seamlessly blending into his close circle of friends, radiating comfort and warmth.

"And seriously are you going to deny everything despite what we witnessed?" Renjun stared daggers into Haechan. "Stop hiding your feelings Haechan."

The teasing from Renjun and Jaemin, however, brought him back to the present. Renjun's piercing stare and Jaemin's playful yet knowing remarks left Haechan no room for evasion. His denial was met with a collective eye roll from his friends.

"Stage one: denial," Jaemin declared with a smirk.

Caught in the crossfire of their observations, Haechan pondered the truth in their words. He reflected on the genuine care Chaewol extended to everyone, the warmth of her politeness, and the multitude of small gestures that spoke volumes.

Haechan had become accustomed to Chaewol's company—her twinkling eyes, the thoughtful inquiries about his meals, and the comforting morning and night messages. There was an undeniable charm about her that drew people in.

Mark playfully poked Haechan's flaming cheeks. "Oy, kid, you are blushing so hard."

Renjun enveloped Haechan in a tight hug, his tone filled with both amusement and affection. "Aww, my baby is in love."

Attempting to mask his embarrassment, Haechan pulled away, only to be met with more teasing from Jaemin. "Please, you ain't fooling anyone right now. You are clearly whipped for Chaewol. This is so entertaining."

Realization hit Haechan like a ton of bricks. His friends were right, and he couldn't deny the truth any longer.

"Now go and tell her what has to be said," Renjun encouraged, pushing Haechan to confront the feelings he had been trying to hide.

⭒

Chaewol lay sprawled on the sofa, engrossed in the TV's glow when the familiar melody of her phone's ringtone pierced through the room. The casual evening was disrupted by the intrusion of an unexpected call.

"Dad, could you please get the phone for me?" Chaewol's voice carried a nonchalant request.

Her father chuckled, questioning her laziness. "Are you so lazy that you can't stand up to get it on your own?"

With an impish grin, Chaewol defended her actions. "You're closer to it anyway, so there's no need to trouble myself." Beomseok glanced at the screen, revealing the caller ID. "Oh, it's Haechan that is calling you."

The revelation caused Chaewol to nearly choke on the sip of water she had just taken. Reacting swiftly, she snatched the phone from her father's hands, darting up the stairs and slamming the door behind her before answering the call.