Countdown (JJ Project)

When Jinyoung woke up this morning, he was in a bliss. Yes, his body was still sluggish and his head still felt heavy from yesterday’s fever and sleep, but he was happy like he never had before. Smile decorated his face as soon as he opened his eyes to Jaebum’s sleeping face, one of his arms on his waist. It brought back the memories of the first time he saw it at the library, the first time he kissed the other out of curiosity. He felt the temperature of his own face rising, and he knew for sure it wasn’t from the fever since it had cooled down from last night.

He ended up spending the night at Jaebum’s place, under the excuse of being too weak to go home. He had also called his mother so she wouldn’t freak out again. In that short time, he was already so deep in love with Jaebum he wondered how he couldn’t realize that before. He would lose him and regret it for his whole life if he kept himself in his own foolishness, and he had to give Jiwoo the credit for that.

“I like you, Jinyoung.”

Another confession from another unexpected person that took him aback. He knew he wasn’t dislikeable, but he never thought of himself as popular. Of course someone had confessed to him before, but it was only one in two years or even more, never two in a matter of days like this. And confessions never gave him as much headache as these.

If it was four days ago, he would gladly jump and accept her confession. Even though the crush he had for her had long faded, it still could come back, right? But not after Jaebum brought storm to his life. He couldn’t accept Jiwoo when his heart and mind both filled with the boy.

“Sorry, Jiwoo, I… I think I already have someone I like.”

Jiwoo raised her eyebrow. “You think?”

Jinyoung felt her stare piercing a hole into him as he looked down. “I… I’m still not sure if I really love that person, but…” he let the rest of his words faded into air.

He heard Jiwoo sighed. “Can I at least ask for a hug, then?”

The question caught him by surprise that he looked up at Jiwoo. He hesitated, but he already felt guilty for rejecting her, so he complied. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. However, as soon as he got closer, Jiwoo held his face in place so he couldn’t face away and kiss him. It was the last thing he expected she would do because he never took her as someone so bold. He was so shocked it took a while for him to process what had happened before he pulled away.

“What was that?” Jinyoung asked, his tone got higher because he was too flustered. And he couldn’t believe Jiwoo could still put on an indifferent face. She even smiled at him.

“It pissed me off to be rejected by a vague answer like that. Take it as a small revenge.”

Jinyoung couldn’t quite accept it, but he didn’t say anything because he knew she was right. He was in the wrong.

“That person you’re talking about… does she like you too?” Jiwoo suddenly asked. Jinyoung blushed at the question. Why did she have to be so unpredictable today? But she deserved the truth, so he quietly nodded.

“Has she confessed to you?” Getting redder, Jinyoung nodded again. Jiwoo’s eyes widen in disbelief.

“And you’re still so hesitant like this? Do you hang her on?” Jinyoung nodded again, now getting more and more embarrassed with guilty as an addition.

“God, I guess I’m lucky. At least I was rejected right away. I really pity her.”

Silence filled the air. Jinyoung was filled with guilty. What he did to Jaebum was indeed unfair. He was too ashamed to look at Jiwoo, so he didn’t know what kind of expression she put on. But then he heard her letting out a frustrated sigh.