1 Chapter 1: New Friends

Waking to the sound of my phone alarm, I raise my arm and smack the button to turn it off. Groaning, I turned and looked at the time. It was 8:15, meaning that my class was going to start in 20 minutes. Knowing how long the walk to the building was, I begrudgingly got out of bed and went to wash up.

Once I was finished, I looked at the clock again. It was 8:20. I was going to have to hurry if I wanted to get to my lecture on time. Leaving the dorm, I quickly walked towards the lecture hall.

I barely arrived on time with only one minute to spare. Taking a quick glance, I saw my best friend San near the top and proceeded to make my way to him. I sat down and was immediately met with an arm around my shoulder.

San: (Y/N), what on earth took you so long? I was beginning to think that you were going to skip.

(Y/N): Trust me, I definitely wanted to but I can't afford to miss this class.

This brought a slight chuckle from him which caused me to smile. We couldn't talk too much after that since our lecture began. After some boring sounding words that I needed to remember, the class finally ended. I started to pack up my things when a flyer was placed in front of me. I grabbed it and held it closer.

"Fash'n Lyk Qwirks invites you to its grand opening! Want to spice up your clothing and add some originality to it? Come on down and we will customize any type of clothing to your heart's desire! [Small Print: Undergarments of any kind will not be accepted]"

I looked up at San who was staring at me expectedly.

(Y/N): Um, why are you showing me this?

San: Because I want us to go there later.

(Y/N): Why?

San: You remember Hongjoong, right?

I nodded as a response.

San: Well, he's working there and I want to go see him. So, what do you say?

His eyes were sparkling like a puppy so it was very hard to say no. Giving in to his request, I agreed to visit it with him later in the afternoon when I didn't have any more classes. He gave me a big smile and walked with me to my next class. Once we got to the building, I turned to him.

(Y/N): San, I appreciate you walking with me to my class but you are always late to yours. You don't have to walk with me if it causes you trouble.

He gave me a playful pat on my shoulder.

San: Don't worry about it, (Y/N). I'm just making sure you don't get jumped or something.

I gave him a dead look and raised my eyebrow.

He sighed.

San: And I don't like my next class. Wish I didn't have to take it but I'm stuck there.

I pushed his shoulder with a small smile. He proceeded to pout but his eyes were smiling. I waved him goodbye and went inside the lecture hall. I sat down on one of the benches and immediately covered my face.

My heart was beating a little too fast and I could tell my face was getting red. Why did my emotions have to be like this? It's been about a month since my feelings for San started to grow. Now every time I'm with him, it takes every ounce of my willpower to not have my face get flushed. I kept thinking about it until I felt a tap on my shoulder.

???: Sorry, but is this seat taken?

(Y/N): Oh! Sorry, it isn't taken.

I proceeded to move my stuff onto the floor next to me. Once I finished, he sat down beside me.

???: Thank you and sorry about that.

(Y/N): No worries.

We continued the lecture in silence. Every now and then I would glance at him, taking in his presence. I haven't seen him before but that was probably because I usually sit in the front. He most likely sat near the top but someone else must be there. I did my best to inconspicuously look behind me and found that almost all the seats were taken. That, at least, answered my question.

I took another look at him and that was when I realized how attractive he was. I really haven't been paying attention to the people around me to overlook this guy. I must have been staring because the professor suddenly called on me. I jumped slightly but regained my composure swiftly.

Professor: You alright there, (Y/N)? You seem to be staring off into space.

(Y/N): Sorry, sir. It won't happen again.

He continued his lecture and I did my best to calm down my nerves. That was very embarrassing since he caught me when I was admiring the boy next to me. What a fun story to tell San later.

{Time Skip}

The time was 12:45. I already finished my morning classes and was just relaxing in the lounge. San didn't get out until 1:00 so I had some time to kill. I was just browsing through my phone until I heard someone call my name. I looked up and saw Yurim, one of my newer friends. She came over and sat next to me.

Yurim: Hey (Y/N)! Already finished your classes?

(Y/N): My morning ones. I have some more in the evening.

Yurim: Oh yeah, today's Monday. Well, since you're free right now, want to go get something to eat?

I was going to accept but then I remember the text I got from San earlier:

"Forgot to tell you but don't eat. Hongjoong is going to treat us since he has a job now ;)"

(Y/N): Sorry, Yurim. I actually made some plans with San. You can join us if you want.

Yurim: He gets out at 1, right? Hm, what are you guys planning to do?

(Y/N): We're going to go to a new customs shop that opened up since his friend works there. I'm told that he will be treating us.

Yurim: Oh! I saw the flyer for that store. I'm afraid I won't be able to make it since I have a class at 2:45. You guys have fun though.

Yurim said her goodbyes and went to the cafeteria. I was kind of sad that she couldn't join us since I wanted to get to know her better. I'll just make a note to plan a hangout with her. 1:00 was starting to roll around so I decided to head towards San's building.

By the time I got there, the lecture was already finished. I waited outside for San to appear. When he got out, he was talking with a girl. I felt a sudden drop in my heart until I realized who he was talking with.

(Y/N): Hey, Alexa!

She turned her head and ran over to me with a smile. Once she reached me, we gave each other a hug. Alexa was one of my first friends I made when I transferred here and really helped me get used to college life. She's been pursuing a singing career and has been so busy these days.

Alexa: (Y/N)! It's been so long. I haven't seen you in forever.

(Y/N): Likewise. How's your singing career coming along?

Alexa: I actually found an agency that was willing to take me despite being in college. It's been so tiring but I'm lucky they're really supportive and don't push me too hard.

(Y/N): That's so great! Can't wait until you debut.

She laughed.

Alexa: It will be a while but I'm looking forward to it.

She glanced at her phone and started to leave for her next class. She gave me one last hug and waved bye to San before leaving. That's when my attention was turned to San. He was smiling very fondly in my direction. I could feel my heart beating but pushed it down.

(Y/N): What are you smiling at?

San: Sorry, I just never seen you that excited before. It was cute.

I made a face at him.

(Y/N): Ew, come on. Let's go see this shop and get Hongjoong. I'm hungry.

We left for the main city and it took us about 20 minutes to find the store. Just looking at it, you could tell that it was very artistic. Everything looked like it was painted on by hand. It was honestly a very cool experience so see something like it. There were many examples of what the employees were capable of and I was utterly amazed.

San left me for a little bit to find Hongjoong so I decided to wander around the store. As I did, I found a familiar face. It was the guy from my second class. He was looking at some customized shoes which all had intricate designs. I didn't know whether or not to approach him but I was saved from this decision when I saw San leading a "done" looking Hongjoong.

(Y/N): Hey, Joong. I'm guessing San didn't fill you in that you were paying?

Hongjoong: Unfortunately, yes. Seriously San. Just because I got a job does not mean you can mooch off of me.

San: Hey! Consider it a celebration for getting a job.

Hongjoong: That I'm paying for.

San: Exactly!

I couldn't help but laugh at these two dorks. Even though Hongjoong and I were only friends for a couple of days, San made us feel very comfortable with each other. It was kind of interesting to see how close we got in such a short amount of time.

Hongjoong: Well, I guess since this is my celebration, you wouldn't mind if someone else came along?

(Y/N): I wouldn't mind. The more the merrier.

San looked slightly curious as I can tell that this was news to him too. Hongjoong looked happy though and went towards the guy that was in my class. He brought him over and I could tell that he recognized me by the way his eyes brightened.

???: Oh, it's you.

(Y/N): Hey, who knew we would meet again.

San and Hongjoong both looked dumbfounded.

San: You know each other?

I felt a slight hint of jealousy in San's tone but didn't pay attention to it.

(Y/N): Not exactly. We just have the same class as each other. And that reminds me, I never got your name. Mines' (Y/N).

???: My name is Jongho. Nice to officially meet you.

I gave him a smile and tried to look past the weird tension that was starting to build in San. However, like a switch, he was all smiles again. This felt weird so I made a mental note to talk to him about it later.

San: Nice to meet you, Jongho. My name is San. I'm a friend of (Y/N)'s.

Wasn't sure why he added that last bit but Jongho didn't seem to mind it. I could tell that Hongjoong was picking up on San's weird behavior though. After that strange introduction, Hongjoong said he would be right back since he didn't clock out yet. We waited around for a little bit before Honjoong reappeared, this time in some more casual clothes.

We went outside of the store and tried to decide where to eat. We ended up deciding on a steakhouse that was nearby the campus; mainly chosen since San, Jongho, and I had evening classes and didn't want to go too far.

It was a good break and nothing out of the ordinary happened. We had a good time just eating and getting to know each other a little bit better. During one point of the lunch, San and Hongjoong both left for the bathroom, leaving only Jongho and me.

(Y/N): So, Jongho. Have you always been in my class?

Jongho: As far as I know, yes. Don't feel bad though, I didn't notice you either.

I feigned hurt.

(Y/N): I am offended. How could you?

This got a chuckle out of him and I laughed as well. It was surprisingly easy to play around with him. I felt a slight warmth being with him. I must have been staring since Jongho cleared his throat.

Jongho: Be glad the professor isn't here. He'd probably get onto you again.

I felt my cheeks start to grow red.

(Y/N): You noticed?

He laughed.

Jongho: Yeah. I also noticed how you kept glancing at me too.

I let out a nervous laugh and covered my face with my hands. I must have looked like a fool thinking I was being sneaky. I stared down at the table regaining my composure before looking back up.

Making eye contact with him, it seemed like he was in a trance. That warmth I felt earlier was getting more intense as I held his stare...

San: Well, this is interesting.

Jongho and I both jumped at the sudden sound of San's voice. He was standing at the table with a blank expression. Hongjoong was behind him slightly looking very worried. A tense silence surrounded us.

Hongjoong: Hey Jongho. You might want to start heading to your building. It's kind of far from here. Don't want you to be late.

Jongho: Oh, yeah. I should get going.

San: Yeah, you should.

Jongho got out of his seat and gave us a slight goodbye, which was met with no response from San. Once he was gone, there was another silence.

I wasn't sure I wanted to move since San seemed so hostile. Luckily, I was saved by Hongjoong.

Hongjoong: (Y/N), we should get going too. Since my dorm building is nearby, I can walk with you.

(Y/N): Thanks Hongjoong. Let's go then.

I got out of my seat and passed San. He didn't move but I felt his eyes follow me as I exited the building.

Once we were a little bit away, I let out a deep breath. I didn't realize I was holding it this entire time.

Hongjoong looked at me with concern.

Hongjoong: Are you alright (Y/N)?

(Y/N): I'm fine but the tension in there is a different story.

Hongjoong: Yeah, it was pretty bad.

(Y/N): Thanks Joong, for getting Jongho and me out of there.

Hongjoong: No problem, (Y/N). It was the best I could have done in that situation.

(Y/N): Really though, why was San like that? I've never seen him like this before.

Hongjoong: He's probably not used to you flirting. Honestly, I'm not either.

(Y/N): But why? It's not like we're dating.

Hongjoong seemed to consider his words before replying.

Hongjoong: San's pretty protective. You being his best friend probably amplifies this. I mean, you just met Jongho and both of you seemed to hit it off pretty fast. I'm sure he just wants to make sure Jongho is a good guy before anything else happens.

I thought about this and it all made sense. San did tell me at the beginning of our friendship that he could be a little protective. I didn't know it could get him like this though. The whole situation just fueled my incentive to talk to him about it all.

I took another breath, filling my lungs with the freshness of the air.

(Y/N): Thanks Hongjoong. You're a really good friend.

He gave me a slight smile.

Hongjoong: Just looking out for you guys. Wouldn't want you two to start fighting.

I returned his smile and we continued to my next class in a calm silence. Hongjoong left at a crossroad to go to his dorm leaving me to walk the rest of the way alone. Everything was fine but I had a weird feeling that I was being followed.

Once my evening class was done, I started to head to my dorm. The sky was already pretty dark; the brightest stars being the only ones that could be seen. I could see my dorm in my distance when I felt like I was being watched again.

I was a little creeped out and did a quick search behind me, finding no one. I was on high alert just in case and started to speed up my walking. I was halfway there when I heard someone's footsteps behind me. I didn't want to look back and just continued to walk, quickening my pace.

The footsteps got dangerously close until the person grabbed my shoulder and turned me around. Looking at him, I had no idea who he was.

???: Hey (Y/N). Where are you going so quickly?

He had a grin with eyes that looked at me like I was prey. My heart was racing as I tried to figure a way out of this. I decided to give the guy the benefit of the doubt and thought that he might just be drunk. This slowed my heart slightly but I was still on my guard.

(Y/N): Just heading home so I have enough time to do my homework and get to sleep at a reasonable time. What about you?

???: Oh you know, just up and about, making sure to keep you in my sights. You know, you had me running to keep up with you. You sure can walk fast.

He flashed another grin making me even more nervous. I needed to get away from him but his grip on my shoulder didn't loosen. I let out a nervous laugh and reached for his hand, hoping that he would get the hint. This didn't work and instead made him tighten his grip. I was preparing myself for the worst of having to fight him off until I heard a familiar voice.

San: Hey! What do you think you're doing!?

We both turned and I saw San coming towards us with quite an angered expression. He forcefully took the guy's hand off my shoulder and replaced it with an arm around me. He didn't look at me and instead continued to stare daggers into the guy. The guy seemed flustered and he struggled to make any words.

???: Oh! I-I'm sorry about that. I should leave.

I watched as the guy swiftly turned around and practically ran towards the nearby parking lot. I let out a slow breath, releasing all of the tension I was storing.

I leaned forward slightly but was then caught in a hug. San held me close and tight that it felt like he wouldn't let me go. It was kind of suffocating so I pushed him slightly. He let go but kept his hands on my shoulders. He looked so worried.

San: (Y/N), are you ok? Did he hurt you? Did he do anything to you?

(Y/N): I'm alright, just a little shaken up is all. Why are you here?

San: I wanted to apologize for my behavior towards Jongho. I just got done saying my apologies to him and was making my way to your dorm. That's when I saw you getting harassed by that guy. Do you know him?

(Y/N): No, I don't know who he is. I think he was watching me when Hongjoong and I left for my next class.

San let go of my shoulders and drew a hand through his hair. I could tell that he was contemplating on what he should do about this. He looked really stressed.

(Y/N): Hey, it'll be alright. I'm pretty sure that guy was just trying to prank me or something. He went straight to the parking lot. That's probably where his friends were.

This didn't really seem to calm San's nerves. He started to stare at the parking lot, completely lost in his thoughts. I shook his shoulder, jerking his attention to me.

(Y/N): San, I'm fine now. That guy probably won't try anything since he might think you're my boyfriend or something. I'll be ok. I'm not helpless.

San sighed and nodded his head in understanding. He didn't say anything else so I started to head back to my dorm. He followed silently beside me with a sad look on his face. I didn't want him to be like that anymore.

(Y/N): So, I embarrassed myself today.

He perked up and the light in his eyes started to return.

San: What did you do?

(Y/N): When I first saw Jongho in my class, I couldn't stop looking at him to the point where my professor called me out. The bad part was that Jongho noticed it all.

This brought a small chuckle from him.

San: Yeah, Jongho told me about it already. He said he felt uncomfortable but flattered that someone was admiring his looks. He was very tempted to call you out as well.

(Y/N): Oh my gosh. He has some confidence doesn't he.

San let out a small laugh and I was very glad that he was smiling again. I smiled with him and the air around us became lighthearted. San started to tell me that him and Jongho cleared things up and were on good terms. He told me that Jongho was actually pretty funny and strong.

San: He's strong, like crazy strong. He picked me up almost effortlessly, like I was just a piece of paper. I wonder if he could punch a hole in a wall…

(Y/N): I think that's pretty excessive. Just because he can pick you up does not mean he can punch a wall and be unscathed.

San: Still, he's really strong. I wouldn't be surprised if he could do that.

We continued the rest of the walk just talking and laughing at each other. Once we got to the building, San gave me Jongho's number because he already gave my number to him. He didn't want me to freak out and question how he got my number. I thanked San and he left for his apartment since he didn't have a dorm.

I got to my room and flopped on my bed. I checked the time. It was 9:23. Today has been so hectic. From meeting Jongho, an angry San, and that weird encounter where San hugged me.

San hugged me…

I started to blush when I realized that San had hugged me. How did I not notice that? He was probably just trying to comfort me and him but he held me so close. If anyone around saw that, they would most likely think that we were a couple. I felt my heartbeat start to rise and I sat up in my bed. I started to recall how it felt but I couldn't handle the thought of it for too long.

I was about to freak out when I heard my phone go off. I looked at it and saw that it was a text from Jongho.

Jongho: "Hey (Y/N). Sorry if you're busy. Just wanted to make sure San gave you my number."

(Y/N): "Yeah, he gave me your number. Don't worry. He's not that petty."

Jongho: "Are you sure? I haven't known him for that long but I get the feeling that he can get pretty petty."

(Y/N): "He can at times but he was fine."

Jongho: "He probably didn't want to anger you because of what happened earlier -_-"

I laughed at this. San was right. Jongho could be pretty funny without even trying. I sent him a tongue-face emoji and he gave me a smiling one.

Jongho: "Well, I won't take too much of your time. I have a lot of work to get done. Have a good night."

(Y/N): "Alright Jongho. You too."

I turned off my phone and set it on the charger. I went to wash my face and took another look at the time. It was 9:31. I decided to do some of my work whose deadlines were getting closer. The night dragged on until I got tired and finally went to sleep; unsure if it was actually 3:20 a.m.