18

Timeline: February 2021

Today is the 14th of February, meaning it's Valentine's Day!

It is the season of flowers, gifts, cuddles, and love.

But yet again, everyone doesn't have a date...hooray!

The same goes for Heyoung, who doesn't have a date yet or anything planned for today.

She was minding her business in her bedroom, scrolling through her phone-all she could see were all of her friends dating.

She had nothing to do since she had already cleaned her entire apartment the other day.

She was inside her bedroom when a notification popped up from her phone-it was a text message from Scoups.

Coups-ya

Hey! Wanna hang out today?

You know...

As friends?

Sure, I'm kinda bored today

It's kinda also my day off

Alright...

Let's go out

As friends

Yeah...as friends

Since today is Valentine's Day

Friend date

Where are we going to meet?

Or you're going to pick me up?

I'll pick you up around 3 at your apartment

Send me your address

Also, wear something comfortable

Wear shoes that make your feet comfortable

Heyoung-ya

Alright alright

Coups-ya

See you later, my friend Coups

Scoups, on the other side of the story, dancing and grinning like crazy-The8 even caught him on video and sent it to the group chat.

SEVENTEEN

Minghao

*sent a video

Hoshi

HAHAHAHA

Vernon

Is Coups-hyung okay?

Dino

I'm getting scared

Jun

Jeonghan-hyung

Jeonghan

It's the

Jun

Heyoung effect!

Jeonghan

Heyoung effect!!!

Scoups didn't know that their group chat was having a blast of tease about him with the Heyoung Effect!

He was really happy because he was able to ask Heyoung to hang out with him, especially on Valentine's Day.

=====

Later on, Heyoung jumped slightly at the sound of someone knocking on her apartment's door, glancing at the clock. 3:00 PM. on the dot-Coups-ya is never late, huh?

She gave herself one last look in the mirror. Oversized beige hoodie, black jeans, sneakers-casual and comfortable, just like he told her. She grabbed her sling bag and opened the door.

There stood Scoups, dressed in a black denim jacket layered over a white tee and joggers with his mask on-holding a cup tray with two iced Americanos. His smile widened the second he saw her.

"Heyoung-ya," Scoups greeted, holding out one of the cups. "Thought we could use a little caffeine before our... friend date."

Heyoung took the drink, her fingers brushing against his. "Thanks, Coups-ya."

They both grinned at the awkward yet playful tension lingering in the air.

The wind was crisp, but not too cold. Heyoung and Scoups strolled along the river path, sipping their drinks, people-watching, and talking about anything that came to mind-childhood memories, embarrassing trainee moments, failed cooking experiments

"So..." Heyoung said, looking up at him with a squint. "Is this what you do for Valentine's Day? Invite lonely people for walks and coffee?"

Scoups chuckled. "Nope, this is actually the first time."

"Lucky me, then."

He glanced at her, heart skipping a beat at the way her lips curved into that little half-smile. "Very lucky," he mumbled.

They stopped at a small, quiet park with a view of the city skyline. Scoups led her to a bench that looked out over the lights beginning to twinkle as dusk fell.

"You know," he started, a little nervous, "To be honest, I was kinda worried you'd say no."

"For a free coffee and a river stroll?" she teased.

"No," he said softly. "To spend Valentine's Day with me." While looking at Heyoung.

Heyoung looked at him for a long moment, heart thumping just a little louder now.

"Well..." she began. "I thought we were just hanging out...as friends."

Scoups didn't answer right away. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, slightly crumpled box. He handed it to her without a word.

She opened it slowly-inside was a tiny silver bracelet with a single heart charm.

"...Coups-ya," she whispered, eyes wide.

"I know we said as friends," he said, voice barely above a whisper, "but I was kind of hoping this could be the beginning of something more..."

"I like you, Heyoung-ya."

The silence between them stretched-comfortable, but full of meaning.

Heyoung finally looked up, the corners of her lips tugging upward.

"...The feelings are mutual, Coups-ya. I also like you."

"Then maybe this isn't just a friend date after all." She added.

=====

Meanwhile...

SEVENTEEN

Minghao

*sent a video

Hoshi

THE SHY SMILE. I REPEAT. THE SHY SMILE!!!

DK

Someone get me tissues 😭

Woozi

Are we really stalking them now?

Jeonghan

Yes. It's called moral support.

Joshua

This is better than any drama I've watched.

Mingyu

I'm rooting for this couple so hard.