You're My Escape[S.Coups FF]✅ - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Ara and Jeonghan entered the college together, Jeonghan having parked the car. As they walked through the gates, Jeonghan spotted Joshua, Mingyu, Jungkook, and Seungcheol standing nearby.
Seungcheol had already informed his friends about his decision not to date Ara until Jeonghan gave his permission, and they respected his decision. Despite the temporary obstacle, they were happy that Ara and Seungcheol had finally expressed their feelings for each other.
As Jeonghan and Ara approached the group, everyone started talking. Joshua greeted Jeonghan with a friendly smile. "Feeling better, Jeonghan?"
Jeonghan nodded. "Yeah, much better. Thanks for checking in, Joshua."
Mingyu grinned, glancing at Ara. "Ara, how’s the dance practice going?"
Ara smiled, her eyes briefly meeting Seungcheol’s before she responded. "It’s going well, Mingyu. We’ve been working hard."
Jungkook chimed in, "I’m sure you’ll nail it, Ara. You always do."
Meanwhile, Seungcheol and Ara were having a silent conversation with their eyes. There was a comforting warmth and understanding between them, even in the presence of their friends. Ara’s eyes were filled with a mix of love and gratitude, while Seungcheol’s gaze was steady and reassuring.
Jeonghan, oblivious to the silent exchange, glanced around. "So, what’s the plan for today? Any new gossip?" he asked, his tone lighthearted.
Joshua chuckled. "Nothing major, just the usual. But we were thinking of grabbing lunch together later. You in 97 liners ?"
Jungkook nodded. "Sounds good ."
As they all chatted and laughed, Ara and Seungcheol’s eyes met once more. This time, there was a spark of determination. They both knew the conversation with Jeonghan was imminent, and though they were nervous, they felt ready to face it together.
The group slowly made their way into the college, the bond of friendship and newfound love making everything seem a bit brighter. The path ahead was still uncertain, but with their friends' support and their own resolve, Ara and Seungcheol felt prepared for whatever came next.
As the morning classes began, Ara and Seungcheol parted ways with a lingering glance, knowing they would see each other again at lunch. The first period started, and Ara found herself in a music class, struggling to focus. She couldn’t help but replay the events of the previous day and the morning’s silent exchange with Seungcheol.
Meanwhile, Seungcheol was in his economics class, barely paying attention to the lecture. His mind was occupied with thoughts of Ara and how they would eventually talk to Jeonghan. Joshua, sitting next to him, nudged him with a knowing look.
“Seungcheol, you’ve got to stop daydreaming, man. Focus on the class,” Joshua whispered.
Seungcheol sighed. “I know, I know. It’s just... hard not to think about her.”
Joshua gave him an encouraging pat on the back. “It’ll work out. Just hang in there.”
As the morning classes progressed, Scoups kept an eye on Ara whenever they passed each other in the halls. He was still concerned about her, but seeing her smile when she was with her friends reassured him slightly.
In Arts class, Mingyu and Jungkook couldn’t resist teasing Ara a bit. They sat behind her, whispering jokes and poking fun at her expense.
“So, Ara,” Jungkook began with a mischievous grin, “did you and scoups hyung kissed yesterday?”
Mingyu added, “Yeah, you two seem to blush a lot today.” He winked, causing Ara to roll her eyes but laugh nonetheless.
“Very funny, guys,” she retorted, trying to focus on the experiment in front of her.
As the bell rang for lunch, Ara felt a mixture of relief and anticipation. She made her way to the cafeteria, spotting Seungcheol waiting near their usual table. Jeonghan, Joshua, Mingyu, and Jungkook soon joined them, and they all settled down with their trays of food.
The conversation was light and filled with laughter as they shared stories from their morning classes.
“So, Jeonghan,” Joshua started with a grin, “how’s it feel to be back after that fever?”
Jeonghan shrugged, smiling. “Better than staying in bed all day. Plus, I get to keep an eye on Ara here.”
Ara playfully rolled her eyes. “Oppa, I’m not a child. I can take care of myself.”
Jeonghan chuckled, ruffling her hair. “I know, but I still worry.”
Seungcheol watched the sibling interaction with a soft smile, feeling a pang of nerves about the impending conversation he and Ara needed to have with Jeonghan. He caught Ara’s eye, and she gave him a reassuring nod.
Mingyu, noticing the exchange, decided to lighten the mood. “Hey, who’s up for some basketball after college?”
As they wrapped up their lunch, Seungcheol glanced at his watch, then turned to Jeonghan. "Hey, I need to head to the library to grab some notes after college. I'll play with you guys later."
Jeonghan nodded. "Alright, see you."
Jungkook, catching onto Seungcheol's plan, smirked and said, "Oh, Ara, didn’t you mention you have to complete that assignment the teacher gave us after college?"
Ara blinked, realizing Jungkook was giving her an opportunity. "Uh, yeah, that’s right. I need to get some books from the library too."
Jungkook winked at her subtly, and she gave him a grateful smile. Seungcheol caught the exchange and felt his heart race with excitement.
Jeonghan, oblivious to the plan, looked at Ara. "You sure you’ll be okay, Ara?"
She nodded confidently. "Of course, Oppa. It’s just an assignment."
As the final bell of the day rang, signaling the end of classes, the group of friends gathered at the basketball court. Mingyu, Jungkook, jeonghan and Joshua were already there, bouncing a ball between them and chatting animatedly.
Meanwhile, at the library, Ara and Seungcheol found a secluded corner where they could have some time alone. They sat across from each other, their hands occasionally brushing as they exchanged shy smiles and meaningful glances.
Seungcheol leaned in closer, his voice low. "Ara, I’m glad we have this time alone. I’ve been wanting to talk to you without anyone else around."
Ara’s heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "Me too, cheol. I feel like we can really be ourselves here."
They shared a few quiet moments together, lost in their own little world amidst the stacks of books.
Back at the basketball court, Mingyu, Jungkook, jeonghan and Joshua continued to play, occasionally stealing glances at the library entrance, wondering when Ara and Seungcheol would return.
After what felt like an eternity, the library doors finally opened, and Ara and Seungcheol emerged, their faces glowing with happiness.
Mingyu nudged Jungkook, a knowing grin on his face. "Looks like our plan worked."
Jungkook grinned back. "Yeah, they seem pretty happy."
As Ara and Seungcheol approached, Mingyu winked at them. "So, did you guys completed your notes and assignments ?"
Ara blushed, but Seungcheol just grinned. " Oh yeah we did."
With smiles on their faces, the group of friends headed home, their hearts full of excitement for the future and the newfound love blossoming between Ara and Seungcheol.
Jeonghan's curious remark drew everyone's attention, causing Seungcheol to glance at Ara with a fond smile before turning back to his friend."yaa choi Seuncheol what's the matter of you looking like a tomato today".
Seungcheol chuckled, a hint of bashfulness in his expression. "Oh, nothing much, just had a good time at the library. Found some interesting books."
Joshua raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing glance with Mingyu and Jungkook. "Is that so?"
As the evening settled in and the friends parted ways to their respective homes, Seungcheol and Ara found themselves exchanging messages and chatting online. Seungcheol couldn't resist sending Ara a teasing message about their library rendezvous, prompting her to blush furiously behind her screen.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and affectionate banter. Seungcheol found himself smiling at his phone, feeling a warmth in his chest as he typed out messages to Ara.
Meanwhile, at home, Jeonghan noticed Ara’s flushed cheeks and distracted demeanor. Concerned, he approached her and asked, "Hey, Ara, is everything okay? You seem a bit flustered."
Ara quickly tried to compose herself, flashing a smile at her brother. "Oh, it's nothing, Oppa. Just chatting with some friends."
Jeonghan studied her for a moment, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Hmm, friends, huh? Well, if anything's bothering you, you know you can always talk to me, right?"
Ara nodded gratefully, grateful for her brother's understanding. "Thanks, Oppa. I’ll let you know if anything comes up."
With a reassuring pat on her shoulder, Jeonghan left Ara to her thoughts, though he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her blush than she let on. As Ara continued her conversation with Seungcheol, she couldn't help but feel grateful for her brother's unwavering support, even as she navigated the complexities of her newfound relationship.