You're My Escape[S.Coups FF]✅ - Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Ara, Mingyu, and Jungkook sat together in the bustling cafeteria, their trays filled with food. Mingyu and Ara were laughing heartily, exchanging amused glances, while Jungkook sat with a deep frown on his face, clearly annoyed.
"Yaa, why are you both laughing?" Jungkook grumbled, poking at his food with his fork. "You both got good partners, and here I am stuck with a dumbass partner."
Mingyu tried to stifle his laughter but failed, shaking his head. "Come on, Jungkook, it can't be that bad."
"Yeah, Mia isn't that bad ?" Ara asked, still giggling.
Jungkook sighed dramatically. "She's great at everything except dancing! She stepped on my foot like three times already."
Ara and Mingyu burst out laughing again. "Poor Jungkook," Mingyu said, wiping a tear from his eye. "He must be just as frustrated."
Ara smiled sympathetically at Jungkook. "Look, it could be worse. At least mia will work hard to get better. Besides,you might end up in a relationship.
Mingyu continued "ofc the whole college Know how much mia likes jungkook".
Jungkook grumbled but couldn't help "Yaah, It's just... frustrating."
Mingyu patted Jungkook on the back. "Cheer up, man. We'll help you practice if you want. Who knows, maybe you'll end up being the best duo."
"But seriously, you two are so lucky. Ara, you got The8 who is one of the best dancers in our whole university.
and Mingyu, you got... Sooha"
"Hmm Sooha," Mingyu replied with a grin. "She's basically a dance genius. We're going to crush this assignment."
Ara nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about her partnership with Minghao.
"Yeah, let's all do our best. It'll be fun."
The trio continued their lunch, their laughter and camaraderie filling the cafeteria. Despite Jungkook's initial annoyance, the support and humor of his friends helped him see the brighter side of the situation, ready to tackle the dance project with renewed determination.
After lunch, the trio made their way towards the basketball court, ready to support Jeonghan's game. As they approached, Ara excused herself from Mingyu and Jungkook, telling them she wanted to wish her brother good luck. She walked to the outside of the boys' dressing room, leaning against the wall as she waited.
Just then, the door opened, and Seungcheol stepped out. He paused when he saw Ara, a look of surprise quickly turning into a warm smile.
"Ara, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice gentle.
"I came to wish Jeonghan oppa good luck for his game," she replied, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. "But since you're here, good luck to you too, Seungcheol oppa.I will wish for your win"
Seungcheol's smile widened, his heart fluttering at her words. "Thanks, Ara. That means a lot. And I'll definitely try my best to win."
Ara nodded, feeling a bit more at ease.
"I know you guys will do great. You always do."Seungcheol chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Ara. With you cheering us on, how could we not?"
Ara's smile grew wider. "I'll be in the stands, cheering as loud as I can. So, no pressure!"Seungcheol laughed, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "No pressure at all, huh? I'll make sure to play my best just for you."
They shared a warm, lingering look, the connection between them growing stronger.They stood there for a moment, the hallway quiet except for the distant sounds of the gym. Ara felt a mix of nervousness and excitement, her thoughts racing.
"How's your day going?" Seungcheol asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
"It's been good," Ara said, smiling. "Today we got the dance project. What about you?"
"That sounds great," Seungcheol said, genuinely happy for her. "My day's been pretty good too. Just focused on practice and the game."
Just then, the door opened again, and Jeonghan stepped out, towel draped around his neck."Ara, there you are!" Jeonghan said, grinning. "I was wondering where you went."
"I came to wish you good luck, oppa," Ara said, turning to her brother. "Good luck! I know you'll do amazing."
"Thanks, Ara," Jeonghan replied, giving her a quick hug.
With a final smile, Ara turned and headed down the hallway, her thoughts lingering on their brief but meaningful exchange. Seungcheol watched her go, his heart filled with a renewed sense of determination, ready to give his all in the game.
Ara returned to her seat with Mingyu and Jungkook just as the game was about to start. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd's energy was infectious. Throughout the match, Ara kept cheering enthusiastically for Jeonghan's team, her eyes following every move S.Coups made on the court.
The game was intense and thrilling, with both teams battling fiercely for the win. In the end, Jeonghan and Seungcheol's team emerged victorious, much to the delight of their supporters. Ara's cheers grew even louder as the final whistle blew, her heart swelling with pride.
After the match, the trio made their way to the court to congratulate Jeonghan and Seungcheol. Mingyu was the first to speak, his excitement palpable. "Scoups hyung, you were too cool today! Waaah!"
Seungcheol smiled at Mingyu's compliment but couldn't help glancing at Ara. Their eyes met, and Ara's gaze was filled with admiration and something deeper that made his heart skip a beat.
Just then, Jungkook spoke up, turning to Jeonghan with a playful grin. "Hyung, you know we got a dance project today? Guess who Ara's partner is."
Jeonghan raised an eyebrow, curious. "Who?"
Seungcheol's attention snapped to Jungkook.
"Minghao," Jungkook announced, glancing at Ara with a teasing smile. "Her partner is Minghao."
a pang of jealousy stirring within him despite his best efforts to hide it
Jeonghan's expression shifted instantly, becoming protective. "Minghao, huh that flirty guy?" He turned to Ara, his tone serious. "You let me know if he gives you any trouble, okay?"
Ara rolled her eyes but smiled at her brother's protectiveness. "Oppa, it's just a dance project. We'll be fine."
Seungcheol forced a casual smile, masking his jealousy. "Minghao's a good dancer. You two will do great."
Ara nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Thanks, seungcheol oppa."
Mingyu, standing nearby, noticed the brief flicker of jealousy in Seungcheol's eyes. He smirked inwardly, filing away this newfound piece of information.
Mingyu, sensing the underlying tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, with Jeonghan hyung and Scoups hyung winning the game and Ara pairing up with one of the best dancers, it's been quite a day, huh?"
Everyone laughed, the moment easing some of the tension. As they chatted and congratulated each other, Seungcheol couldn't help but glance at Ara, wondering if there was any chance for his feelings to be reciprocated. Meanwhile, Jeonghan's protective instincts remained on high alert, determined to keep an eye on his sister's dance partner.
The group eventually made their way out of the gym, the camaraderie and the day's events leaving everyone in high spirits. But for Seungcheol and Ara, the brief moments of connection and the new dance project loomed large in their thoughts, promising interesting developments ahead.
Everyone went back to their homes, the day's events leaving them exhausted but happy. As soon as S.Coups entered his room, he flopped onto his bed, letting out a deep sigh. His mind wandered back to the basketball game, and a smile tugged at his lips as he remembered Ara's cheering and her radiant smile.He closed his eyes, the memory of her face still vivid. As he lay there, another memory resurfaced-one he cherished deeply. It was the day he realized he had fallen for her at first sight.
Flashback
It was the beginning of their second year in high school. Seungcheol had been friends with Jeonghan since their first year, but he had never met Jeonghan's younger sister. One day, Jeonghan invited him over to his house after school. Seungcheol arrived a bit early and found himself alone in the living room, waiting for Jeonghan to finish his club activities.
As he looked around the room, admiring the family photos on the walls, the front door opened. In walked a girl with long, flowing hair and a bright, curious expression. She was carrying a stack of books, and the moment she saw him, she paused, surprised.
"Hello," she said, her voice soft and melodic. "You must be Seungcheol oppa. Jeonghan oppa has told me a lot about you."
Seungcheol stood up, offering her a polite smile. "Yeah, that's me. And you must be his sister right."
She nodded, her smile widening. "Nice to finally meet you. I'm Ara. Sorry if I startled you."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Not at all. It's nice to meet you too."
As she walked further into the room, she tripped over the edge of a rug, her books flying in all directions. Seungcheol quickly moved to help her, their hands brushing as they picked up the scattered books. He handed her the last one, their eyes meeting for a brief moment.
"Thanks," she said, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm usually not this clumsy."
"Don't worry about it," Seungcheol replied, his heart unexpectedly racing. "Happens to the best of us."
As they sat and talked, waiting for Jeonghan to arrive, Seungcheol couldn't help but be captivated by Ara's warmth and genuine kindness. She spoke with such enthusiasm about her favorite books and hobbies, and her laughter was like music to his ears. There was an undeniable spark, a connection that he felt instantly.
Flashback ended
Back in his room, Seungcheol opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. That first meeting had left a profound impact on him. Since then, he had always found himself looking forward to seeing Ara, cherishing every moment they spent together, even if it was just in passing.
He knew that if he wanted to be with Ara, he would have to face his best friend and be honest about his feelings. For now, though, he decided to take things one step at a time, starting with being there for her as a friend.
And maybe, just maybe, the right moment would come for him to confess his love. Until then, he would hold on to the memory of that first meeting and the hope that one day, Ara might feel the same way about him.