1.8

Areum was finally willing to let herself be vulnerable. And with Wonwoo by her side, that vulnerability didn't feel like something to fear.

It wasn't long before the group started to notice the shift. The moments between Areum and Wonwoo, the glances that lasted just a little too long, and the small smiles that seemed to say everything without words.

They were all gathered around at the park, eating sandwiches that Mingyu made for them while studying.

Mingyu leaned over to Seungkwan with a playful grin. "Those two are practically a couple already. Are we ever getting an official announcement?"

Areum, who was sitting across from them with Wonwoo by her side, felt her cheeks heat up. She shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact with Wonwoo, who was casually sipping on his coffee, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"We've just been hanging out," areum answered quickly.

Seungkwan raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Uh-huh. Sure, Areum. Whatever you say."

Wonwoo finally looked up from his coffee, meeting her eyes with a calm, knowing gaze. "Is it that obvious?" He asked, his voice gentle.

Areum blinked, caught off guard by his question. Her heart skipped a beat. She was still unsure about where exactly they stood. She hadn't yet said the words to him, and part of her still felt like they were treading carefully, as if testing the waters before diving in.

"You two have always been close," Mingyu stated, his tone surprisingly serious now. "It's only natural that it'd be obvious to us. But you both have been avoiding the elephant in the room."

"It's just... complicated..." Areum tried to play it off.

"No it's not." Seungkwan smirked, leaning forward. "You've already admitted you like each other. So what's the holdup?"

Areum's heart was pounding in her chest. She wanted to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Was she ready to admit it out loud, in front of their friends?

Wonwoo sensing her discomfort, reached out, gently placing his hand on top of hers. His touch was warm, grounding, and it calmed her down. His thumb gently brushed against her hand in a soothing motion.

"Just ignore them." He glared at them, before turning to her, his gaze softening. "I'm not going anywhere, okay?"

"Just date already!" Seungkwan yelled.

"I know, they're really cute," Jun answered.

"They're so in love with each other," Vernon teased.

They spent about an hour studying, before going back to teasing Wonwoo and Areum. After everyone had left, Wonwoo started driving to Areum's place to drop her off. The drive was silent, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

When they reached her house, Wonwoo parked his car and turned it off. Areum turned in her seat so she could face him.

"Wonwoo..." she began, looking up at him.

"Yeah?" He looked at her.

"I..." she trailed off, glancing away as her heart fluttered. "I think... I think I'm ready..."

Wonwoo's eyes softened, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of relief in his gaze. "Really? Wait, you're sure? I mean, you don't have to be ready all at once. But if you're ready for this, for whatever happens next, then... I'm here. I'm always here."

She looked up at him again, and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she knew exactly where she was supposed to be. She didn't need to be afraid anymore. She had him, and that was enough.

With a soft smile, she nodded. "I know. But I'm ready now. I'm ready to see where this goes."

Wonwoo grinned, that familiar warmth returning to his eyes. "Okay."

He slowly placed his hand on top of hers, and she intertwined their fingers together, as she looked up at him, with a smile on her face. Wonwoo's heart was beating so fast, he wanted to scream, he wanted to pull her into a hug and never let her go.

She was finally ready to give this a try.