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heeluvviee · 10 months ago

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SUMMER LOVE | LHS + SJY + YJW

one; summer house

pairing; conrad!heeseung (17) x belly!reader (16) x jeremiah!jake (17) x cam cameron!jungwon (16)

genre; mostly written + smau, tsitp au, romance, angst, fluff, heartbreak, unrequited love, childhood friends to lovers, love square, love triangle, non-idol au

synopsis; every summer, your family returns to jina's beach house at cousins beach, a tradition since childhood. this year, as you reconnect with jina's sons, heeseung and jake, you notice a change in their interactions with you. gazes lingering longer, hugs feeling tighter, sparking a summer filled with unexpected feelings and the potential for long-awaited romance. leaving you to wonder if this season might be the one where everything changes, maybe to finally bring the romance you've always secretly hoped for all these years.

wc: 9.4k

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every summer, my family and i would pack up and travel to cousins beach. it's tradition, one that i looked forward to all year long. we have been going here since i was a baby. since before i was even born. the summer house belonged to my mom's best friend, jina, and we shared it with her family. all year long, i would count the days until i'm at that beach, at that house. the summer house is made up of lots of things. the beach, the swimming pool late at night, movie nights with the moms. but the boys. the boys most of all.

jina has two boys- heeseung and jake. heeseung's dad died before he was even born and eventually, jina remarried and had jake with mr. sim. heeseung was the older one, by a year and a half. he had that honey type of tan that made him look breathtaking and a smirky mouth that i always found my self staring at. sometimes even imagining what it would be like to kiss it. he was everything i wasn't- confident, outgoing, and effortlessly cool. jake, though- he was my friend. he's the type of boy who still hugged his mother and held her hand, not ever being embarrassed. he was way flirty though. he had that puppy golden retriever like personality. he’s easygoing, playful, quick to laugh. the one all the girls at school like.

it's the same every year, and i loved it. the house was my world. as if winter didn’t even count. summer was what mattered. like i don’t really begin living until june, until i’m at that beach, in that house.

for me, everything good, everything magical happens between the months of june and august.

"chae, i thought you came here to help me pack." i laughed and jokingly rolled my eyes as chaewon continued to yap about boys, parties, balala.

"fine. here's a tip: don't bring that speedo. it doesn't do shit for your new boobs!!"

"kim chaewon!!" i exclaimed, nudging her playfully.

kim chaewon, my bestest and longest friend, was the literal definition of the it girl. she's a natural flirt, always drop dead gorgeous she made heads turn wherever she went. she's effortlessly popular, attracting guys like moths to a flame, boyfriend after boyfriend. her short, blonde hair, sparkling eyes, flawless skin, and perfect body made her the center of attention wherever she went. being around her was like being in the shadow of a celebrity, and sometimes, it really made me feel invisible.

"i'm just saying, babes," chaewon says with a mischievous grin. "if you wanna get heeseung's attention this summer, you gotta pack cute things. don't bring a swimsuit that looks like you're trying out for the swim team."

i tackled her with a laugh, and we both broke into a fit of giggles. my room was a mess, clothes and belongings scattered everywhere as i tried to pack my suitcase. posters of my favorite artists all over the walls, and fairy lights and vines hung around my bed, giving the room a cozy feel despite the chaos.

"y/n!! we’re leaving in the next 10 minutes!!!" my mom’s voice echoed from downstairs.

"okay, okay, before you go," chaewon said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, " you have to tell me your wish for this summer. like, what is the one thing you want to happen." she looked at me wiggling her eyebrows.

i shrugged nonchalantly, "i don't know." even though the truth was far from that. i've been wishing for the same thing every summer, hoping it might come true someday.

chaewon snorted in disbelief. "you little liar. yes, you do. you want a hot make-out with lee heeseung!! you want his tongue in your mouth you dirty little slut!!"

"shut up, chae!" i blushed furiously, shoving her away playfully.

"i'm just saying!! like, you've been in love with him since we were 12. it's kinda obvious."

"whatever," i replied, trying to sound nonchalant even though i felt a pang of disappointment. "he doesn't even see me in that way at all no matter what i do."

"girl, he'll see you alright. whether he wants to or not. look at you—" chaewon gestured to me with a dramatic flair. "you look a lot different than last summer, y/n. i mean, just look at you."

her words lingered as i glanced at my reflection, wondering if this summer might be different after all. the thought was both exciting and nerve-wracking. chaewon was heading to madrid for the next few weeks until the end of june just in time for my birthday at cousins.

"do you really think he'll notice?" i asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

she walked over and put her arm over my shoulder, giving me a reassuring smile. "trust me, y/n. he will. and if he doesn't, he's a fool."

just then, sunghoon peeked into my room. "hey, are you two done with your little girly shit? we're gonna be late."

"almost, sunghoon!" i called back, giving chaewon a meaningful look.

"okay, y/n. you got this. and don't forget, have fun! it's summer. anything can happen."

i smiled, feeling a wave of determination. "thanks, chae. i'll miss you."

"i'll miss you too," she said, pulling me into a hug. "but don't worry. we'll catch up soon, and you can tell me what happens with you-know-who while i'm gone."

as she left, i felt a mix of emotions. excitement for the summer ahead, a little nervous to see heeseung, and a lingering sense of being overshadowed by chaewon's dazzling presence. but maybe, just maybe, this summer would be different. maybe this summer, i'll finally step out of her shadow and into the light, my own light.

with a deep breath, i zipped up my suitcase, ready to face whatever the summer had in store.

as i reflected on my feelings for heeseung and the upcoming summer, i couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

"alright, let's go," i said to sunghoon, determination and excitement in my eyes.

i loved this drive, where the salty air started to tickle my nose, signaling we were nearing the town. seeing the familiar streets and the old diner again felt like coming home after an endless journey, memories flooding my mind of past summers.

as we pull into a small gas station, sunghoon parked the car to fill up the tank. my mom and i get out to stretch our legs, heading into the store for snacks. the scent of gasoline mixed with the salty sea breeze created a unique aroma. the gas station was small and a bit rundown, but it had a certain nostalgia with its faded signs and ancient gumball machine by the door.

inside, the flourescent lights flickered slightly, and the cool air gave me a relieving welcome from the heat outside. i grab a coke, hot cheetos, sour patch kids, and nerds clusters, my hands overflowing with sugary and spicy treats. the shelves are packed with a wide selection of snacks and drinks, the hum of the refridgerator units providing a constant background noise.

mom watches me with an amused expression as she hands over her card to pay, then heads to the bathroom. as i stuff a handful of cheetos into my mouth, i catch the cashier’s eye. he's smiling at me, and i glance around, wondering if there's someone behind me he could be looking at. but the aisle is empty, and his attention is undeniably on me.

at school, boys barely notice me. chaewon was always the center of attention, always drawing people in with her charm and looks. i had learned to be okay with just being… there. but here, in this tiny gas station, i felt seen.

i make my way to the counter, still munching on Cheetos, and the cashier’s gaze lingers on me.

"hey, are you new this summer? i'm jay," he says with a friendly grin.

"me? no, i've been coming to cousins since i was a baby."

"i definitely would've remembered you. thought i knew every pretty girl in town."

i feel a blush creeping up, and i quickly wipe cheese powder off my face with the back of my hand. his attention was flattering but it was also unfamiliar.

"so, are you going to the bonfire tonight? first of the season," jay asks, his grin widening.

be cool, y/n, i remind myself silently.

"oh yeah um… maybe."

my mother returns from the bathroom and gives me a curious look, which i pretend to not see. she gently brushes my hair out of my face lovingly.

"after we get settled, do you want to go to whale of a tale with me so I can pre-sign stock before the signing tomorrow night? remember how you used to sit on my lap when I did signings there? you insisted on drawing a little whale on every book I signed."

"um no, i don't remember that." i admit, feeling a bit embarrassed as we stand at the counter. my mom, yeji, had just come out with her latest book, and it's clear to see how excited she is for the signing. she's so passionate about her work, and i admire her for it.

"i’ll make you a deal. i’ll let you be in charge of picking out tonight’s dessert if you come with me and keep me company."

jay looks at me expectantly as we start walking away.

"so, i’ll see you later?" he asks.

i push mom out the store, avoiding jay's gaze. "what’s later?" she asks.

"nothing." i mumble, and we head back to the car where sunghoon is scrolling on his phone. my brother is about to be a senior after this summer and will soon be leaving for college. it feels like everything is changing too quickly.

when we arrived at the summer house, jake comes running to us with his arms wide open. he put both his arms up in the air and yelled, “sunghoon!”

sunghoon and mom get out of the car, hugging jake tightly. i follow, dragging my bag behind me. as I step out, i spot him—heeseung, coming from the pool gate. time seems to slow as our eyes meet. he looks different, almost like he’s changed since I last saw him.

jake does a double-take when he notices me, his confusion obvious as if he doesn't even recognize me. he starts to walk over but hesitates when he sees heeseung approaching me.

heeseung stands close, his breath warm on my face. his hair is freshly dyed red, still wet from swimming. he smiles, and then he pulls me into a hug.

"i liked you better with glasses," he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear.

i push him away slightly, trying to hide my surprise. "well, too bad. i like me better without them."

we share a moment of silence, just smiling at each other. the way he looks at me feels new, intense. there was something familiar in his gaze, but also something more, something i can't quite place.

our moment was quickly interrupted when jake suddenly picked me up in a tight hug. "y/nnie, i missed you so much! i've been waiting all day for you." he ruffles my hair when he puts me back down.

"hi, jakey." i smile up at him. he has grown so much taller since last summer.

"wow y/n, something seems different about you." he kept staring at me as if he didn't know who I was.

"don't be silly, jake. it's probably the contacts," i reply, self-consciously touching my face. do I really look that different without my glasses?

"nope no, you just look different, you know. you came back all grown up!" jake insists, his eyes filled with admiration.

heeseung watched our exchange silently, his expression unreadable. there was a tension between us, something unspoken but noticeable. jake’s admiration made me feel self-conscious, and i wondered if heeseung noticed it too.

as we settled into the house, the familiar sounds and smells of summer surrounded us. the cicadas buzzing, the scent of the ocean mixed with the pine trees, and the distant laughter of kids playing on the beach. this place held so many memories, both good and bad. it was here that our parents had decided to divorce, and the pain of that summer still lingered. but it was also a place of healing and new beginnings.

after unloading the car, i headed up to my room. as i started unpacking my things, my mind wandered off. the way heeseung had looked at me, the way jake had seemed to notice me—it was different. i let out a long breath, feeling as if i've been holding it in for an eternity. my heart was beating so loudly that I could hear its rhythmic thumping in my ears. everything was the same but not. they had looked at me like I was a real girl, not just somebody’s little sister. chaewon was right; maybe there was something different about me this summer.

i lay on my bed and let out a deep sigh, sinking into the familiar softness of the mattress. the room was scented with a faint hint of lavender from the sachets jina always put in our drawers. the bedspread, with its texture of soft cotton, felt cool against my back. the beach-themed decorations, seashells, and calming blues. i tossed my belongings into the drawers absentmindedly, the sound of fabric adding to the quiet of the room.

jina entered the room with a warm smile. "oh my gosh, look at you, y/n! you've always been lovely, honey, but oh, look at you now. you've blossomed into such a beautiful young woman."

her words made me feel both embarrassed and touched. jina had always been like a second mother to me, her presence comforting and her praise genuine. "thanks, jina," i said softly.

she hugged me tightly. "i’m so proud of you. and remember, you’re beautiful inside and out."

when jina went back downstairs, just a few minutes later, the creak of the door caught my attention, and i turned to see my best friends—ning ning, niki, and beomgyu—coming in.

"y/n! oh my gosh girl, i've missed you so much!" ning ning exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she rushed over to envelop me in a hug. her perfume, a sweet floral scent, filled the air around us.

beomgyu, always the funny one, grinned teasingly, "damn girl, look at you, all grown up and mysterious! what’s with the new look?"

niki, who's mostly quiet but the sweetest guy ever, gave me an appreciative nod. “can’t say I don’t approve.”

i laughed, feeling a wave of comfort wash over me. "thanks, guys. it's really good to see you too."

as we began catching up, sharing stories from the past year, i couldn’t help but glance out the window occasionally, hoping to catch a glimpse of heeseung. my thoughts kept drifting back to that intense moment earlier.

"so, when's chae coming?" beomgyu asked, his voice tinged with hopeful curiosity. he's had the hots for chaewon for as long as I could remember, though she’d never shown him much interest, always saying he wasn’t her type.

"oh yeah, she's at madrid with her parents." i replied. "she won't be here until before my birthday."

ning nudged me playfully. "so, what's this i hear about you having a crush on heeseung? tell!"

i felt my face heat up. "what? no! who told you that?"

"jake mentioned it," niki said with a smirk. he said you were acting all weird around heeseung earlier."

i groaned, covering my face with my hands. "great, now jake's spreading rumors."

"come on, y/n, we know you," beomgyu teased. "just admit it already."

my friends and I continued our conversation, the atmosphere light and full of laughter. we talked about everything that had happened over the past year, from ning ning's new painting hobby to niki's adventures in photography and beomgyu's latest pranks.

"do you guys remember that time chaewon convinced beomgyu to dress up as a mermaid for the beach party?" ning ning laughed, causing everyone to burst into giggles.

"yeah! and he actually did it!" i added, recalling the memory vividly. beomgyu's crush on chaewon had always been a source of endless amusement for us.

after a while, we decided to head down to the pool. maybe a swim could help escape the thoughts swirling in my mind. the pool area was just as i remembered it: crystal-clear water shimmering under the golden sun, surrounded by lush greenery and the faint aroma of blooming flowers that jina tended to daily. the hot tub bubbling invitingly nearby.

the sight that greeted me was exactly what I had missed: jake, splashing around with an energy that was as infectious as ever that made it impossible not to smile at, and heeseung lounging at the edge, his red hair now dried and messy, looking relaxed and at ease. (and so fucking hot.)

i walked out, feeling a bit self-conscious in my new bikini chaewon had picked out (that was very much revealing). trying to act casual, i walked towards the pool. jake's eyes lit up when he spotted me and waved enthusiastically. “y/nnie! Come join us!”

i waved back, giving a small smile as i approached the pool. heeseung’s gaze met mine once again, and the corner of his mouth curved up into a small, knowing smile. it sent a shiver down my spine, but i quickly tried to shake off the feeling.

"hey, heeseung," i said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"hey," he replied, his tone soft with a hint of something unspoken that made my heart race. "you look great. really."

i felt my cheeks flush at the compliment, but i managed to respond with a casual, "thanks. i guess the summer heat agrees with me."

jake gave me and ning ning a playful shove towards the pool. "come on, guys! swim with me!"

we laughed and jumped into the cool water, pulling niki and beomgyu in with us, feeling a refreshing contrast to the warm summer air. the sound of water splashing and the smell of sunscreen filled the air as we swam, played, and laughed as if no time had passed at all. we had races, played pool volleyball, and even had a contest to see who could do the best cannonball.

amidst the fun, i couldn’t ignore the moments when heeseung’s gaze would find mine, lingering with an intensity that made me wonder what was going on in that pretty little head of his. he would swim over occasionally, subtly bumping into me or giving a compliment that left my heart fluttering.

as the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we gathered around the poolside, sharing snacks and stories. the atmosphere was filled with the warm, comforting laughter of friends. ning ning was lounging in the pool chair next to mine. "y/n, how was your sophomore year? i want to know everything. you know, any boys we should know about." she wiggled her eyebrows at me, a playful glint in her eye.

i nodded, feeling the comfort of old friends around me. "well, there’s not much to tell. just the usual school stuff and a few new hobbies. and nope there wasn't really any guys."

beomgyu eyed me curiously. "nahhh, something interesting must have happened. come on, spill!"

i chuckled, appreciating their interest. as i began to recount some of my favorite moments from the past year, i noticed heeseung quietly listening, his eyes never straying far from me. there was something in his gaze that felt almost protective, as if he was hanging on every word i said.

the evening carried on with more laughter and stories, the transition from day to night marked by the soft glow of fairy lights being turned on. the stars began to twinkle above, and the warm summer night wrapped us in a comforting embrace.

as the conversation continued, i caught heeseung's eye again. this time, he gave me a smile that seemed to hold a thousand words. my thoughts wandered to the past year and my feelings for him. was there something more between us, or was it just my imagination? the uncertainty gnawed at me, but for now, i just wanted to enjoy the moment and everyone's company.

the summer night wrapped around the pool with a comforting embrace, its surface shimmering softly from the gentle glow of string lights that wrapped around the trees above. the air was alive with the hum of crickets and the occasional splash from the pool.

at the elegant outdoor dining table, the bouillabaisse gleamed invitingly under the ambient light. aach bowl was brimming with vibrant colors—chunks of fish, mussels, and shrimp mixed together in a rich, saffron-infused broth. the aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs traveled through the air, going with the soft scents of the night. alongside the bouillabaisse were platters of fresh baguettes, bowls of crisp garden salad, and trays of roasted vegetables, their edges caramelized to perfection. the table was a lively scene of post-swim hunger, surrounded by friends and family savoring the meal and each other’s company.

jina, dressed in a flowing floral sundress, sat at the end, her glass of wine a steady companion as she observed the lively conversation around her. her eyes sparkled with delight as she watched the group interact.

“i can't believe you guys are working this summer,” ning ning exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. “i thought the only plans you had were beach days and parties.”

jake grinned, his smile almost as bright as the pool lights. “yeah, well, change of plans, ning. sunghoon and i are trying something new this summer. gonna get those racks.”

beomgyu nodded, his eyes flicking between Jake and Sunghoon. “it sounds like a good idea. both of you could take a break from hoeing around.”

niki raised an eyebrow, glancing at heeseung, noticing his quiet demeanor. “and what about you, heeseung? any big summer plans?”

heeseung shrugged casually, his voice low. “i’m just focusing on myself this summer. no big plans. just taking it easy.”

jina leaned in with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. “oh, speaking of plans, y/n! I almost forgot to tell you! I managed to get you an invitation to the debutante ball.”

a murmur of surprise passed through the group. i looked at jina, confusion evident on everyone's faces and probably mine. “wait, is that the big dance where you dress up and curtsy?”

jina crossed her arms, a determined look on her face. “i really think you’d enjoy it. tt’s not just about dressing up. it’s a chance to meet people and do something different.”

beomgyu looked intrigued. “what even is a debutante ball?”

jina smiled and took a sip of her wine. “it’s kind of like a fancy coming-out party. it’s where girls are formally introduced to society, and it’s a pretty big social event.”

ning ning’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “it sounds fun! you get to wear beautiful dresses and dance with cute boys.”

i could feel my face twisting into a frown. “i don’t know… i’m really not into all the etiquette stuff.”

jina leaned in, her tone encouraging. “it’s not just about etiquette. it’s about growing up and finding your place in the world.”

heeseung, glancing over from the corner of his eye, added with a hint of rudeness, "the whole deb scene is bullshit. it’s for sheep."

sunghoon, not missing a beat, added, “yeah, maybe the debutante ball would do you some good.”

i shot my brother and heeseung a look before turning back to jina with a hesitant nod. “i’ll think about it. but don’t get your hopes up, okay?”

jina's smile was warm and understanding. “that’s all I ask.”

my mom turned to me, concern all over her face. “are you sure you want to do this, honey, it doesn't really sound like you? but, whatever you decide, i’m sure you’ll make the best of it. and if you do go, we’ll all be here to support you.”

i smiled at my mother’s supportive stance. “thanks, mom. i’ll definitely think about it.”

ning ning's excitement returned. “omg, you’ll have me and chaewon to help you with your outfits, your dress! omg, your escort too! it’s gonna be so much fun.”

as the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, the group continued to enjoy their meal. laughter and chatter filled the warm air, going with the calm sounds of the night. the tension around the debutante ball eased, replaced by the warmth of the evening and the comfort of shared moments.

i can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread about the debutante ball. would it really be a chance for me to grow and find my place, or just another event where i felt out of place? the future seemed uncertain, but at least i know i had the support of my family and friends.

when ning ning, beomgyu, and niki left to go home, i walked back outside from cleaning up dinner, the cool night air brushing against my skin. the pool was still and silent. i stopped short when i spotted heeseung sitting on the edge of the pool, a joint dangling from his lips and a beer in hand. i'd never seen him do either of these things before—so relaxed, so detached. but damn, he looked so good. especially with that cherry red hair.

i stood there for a moment, taking in the scene, before putting my towel down and diving into the pool with a splash. when i rose up to the surface, i took a deep breath, trying to shake off the surprise, and swam towards him. the water felt refreshing on my skin, a big contrast to the tension building inside me.

“hey, heeseung,” i called out, attempting to sound casual despite the nervousness i feel fluttering in my chest.

he glanced down at me, his expression unreadable. he took a slow drag from the joint, his eyes lingering on mine, and then took a swig from his beer, all the while keeping his eyes locked on mine. the smoke curled around him, mixing with the scent of chlorine.

“hey, y/n,” he replied, his voice surprisingly calm.

i tried to keep my voice steady as i swam closer to him, but my curiosity got the better of me. “i thought you said smoking pot changes the way your brain processes information.”

he raised an eyebrow, taking another drag and blowing out a cloud of smoke. “so does your cell phone.”

“you said marijuana messes with white matter,” i called out, trying to make sense of what I was seeing.

heeseung tilted his head slightly, a smirk forming on his lips. “do you even know what white matter is?”

i moved closer, my hand brushing against the edge of the pool. “you said our brains are still developing and that—”

“god, do you memorize every single thing I ever said?” he interrupted, his tone a mix of amusement and frustration.

i paused, treading water, considering my response. “get over yourself.”

heeseung gaze softened, though he still held his casual demeanor. “look, i said a lot of stuff. and i’m not an athlete anymore.”

a flashback of heeseung in his element went through my mind, scoring touchdowns and leading his team. i remember the determination in his eyes, the confidence in his stride. seeing him now, so different, was unsettling.

“well, i still think you should quit,” i said, trying to sound firm despite the vulnerability i felt.

heeseung’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “what will you give me if i do?”

what the fuck-

the air between us suddenly felt charged with tension. i hesitated, my mind racing as I tried to find the right words. “n-nothing,” i said finally, turning away slightly. “you should quit for yourself.”

for a moment, the tension lingered in the air. our eyes met again, but just like that, the little spark between us felt like it had been extinguished. i got tired of treading water for so long and sat up on the edge next to where heeseung sat, the joint between his fingers and the beer bottle nearly empty. he seemed lost in thought, but then he looked at me with a hint of concern.

“why are you considering this debutante thing?” he asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

i was taken aback by the question. “i don’t know,” i said honestly. “it’s not like I have anything else going on.”

heeseung shook his head slightly, taking a slow drag from his joint. “but it’s not you. don’t let my mom make you into her little doll just because she never had a daughter.”

i kicked my legs in the water, gazing up at the moon. “i don’t mind it. sometimes I wish I was her daughter.”

heeseung’s eyes softened. “you’re better off with yeji, trust me.”

i watched him take another hit, the smoke curling around his face. “why are you acting so different?”

heeseung looked startled by my blunt question. it was always a little disarming, the way I could cut through his defenses. “i—i’m not,” he stammered.

“yes, you are,” i insisted. “what's going on? you know you can tell me.”

heeseung’s cool facade began to slip, his eyes reflecting the struggle behind his calm exterior. i could tell he wanted to open up, to share the weight he had been carrying. his mouth opened slightly, as if he was about to speak, but then—

sunghoon and jake burst out onto the porch, dressed up and ready for a night out. the sudden intrusion broke the moment between us.

"wow, look at you two,” sunghoon teased, his eyes darting between us. “looks like you’re having quite the heart-to-heart.”

jake, always the more light-hearted of the two, grinned. he looked over at me. “come on, we’re heading out to the bonfire. don’t you want to join us?”

"um yea-"

"um no. don't you have your little movie night with the moms? they're getting it ready for you, y/n." sunghoon butts in, clearly not wanting me to come with.

sunghoon and jake then started talking about the party, pulling heeseung with them towards the car. i stole one last glance at heeseung. there was something more he wanted to say, something he was holding back. it was clear that the conversation we’d started wasn’t over.

as they left, i felt a mix of frustration and concern. what was heeseung hiding? and why did it feel like our connection was slipping away just when i wanted-no, needed-it most? the night air felt heavier, now charged with unanswered questions and lingering tension.

i dried up and walked back inside, rejecting the movie night, saying i was tired. i laid in bed, wearing an oversized t-shirt, my eyes fixed on the familiar ceiling of the summer house. the room was dimly lit by the soft glow of my bedside lamp, casting long shadows on the walls. even from here you could hear the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more confusing than the last.

i grabbed my phone, the cold metal a stark contrast to the warmth of the room. hesitating for a moment, i finally decided to facetime chaewon. the call connected, and chaewon’s surprised face appeared on the screen, a makeup brush in hand. her background bustling with the organized chaos of her vanity, scattered with makeup products and jewelry.

"y/n? you never call me on the first night," chaewon said, raising an eyebrow, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

i avoided the question, my curiosity getting the best of me. "where are you going?"

"to dinner," chaewon replied, leaning closer to the screen. "what’s wrong?"

i sighed, twirling a strand of hair around my finger. "tonight, heeseung and i were talking by the pool, just the two of us. it felt… different."

"good different?!" chaewon’s excitement was through the roof. "see, i told you!"

"i don’t know," i continued, my voice uncertain. "jake and sunghoon came down, and they all just left to go to this thing at the beach."

"why didn't you go with them?" chaewon asked, her tone turning serious.

i hesitated, lying, "like i care about a beach bonfire. and sunghoon probably would've made a fit if i went with them."

"he doesn’t own the beach!" chaewon exclaimed, rolling her eyes.

"well, i did talk to this one guy at the gas station, and he mentioned it to me. jake also asked if i wanted to go with them," i admitted.

"see?! come on, girl. go have fun!"

"but, i don’t like that guy. or jake," i muttered.

"that’s not the point. heeseung will be there. go to the bonfire, get in his eyeline. let him see you all dressed up looking cute."

i mulled over the idea, my reluctance slowly fading. i sat up abruptly. "all right! shut up. i'll go."

chaewon looked into the camera, judging my attire. "is that what you’re wearing?"

"it’s fine! nobody dresses up for bonfires."

"how do you know when you’ve never even been to one?" chaewon challenged.

"i’ve seen what the guys wear!" i defended.

chaewon sighed dramatically. "look in your duffel bag. i gifted you my secret weapon. not to keep, obvs, just to borrow."

i opened the duffel bag, finding chaewon’s favorite body-con dress, tight as a second skin. "no way in hell."

"y/n. who got five promposals, you or me?"

my voice softened. "i didn’t even get one. people kept saying i look so different from last year, but not a single person asked me."

i held the dress against my body, glancing at my reflection with uncertainty. memories of last summer flooded back, the feeling of being invisible among the crowd, and the ache of not being noticed. but this summer, things felt different. heeseung seemed different.

gosh, ever since i got here, i just can't stop thinking about heeseung.

with a sigh, i then went to jina's room and rummaged through her drawers. i opened tubes of lipstick, tried one on, wiped it off, then tried another. opening the medicine cabinet, i noticed numerous prescription bottles but ignored them, focusing on the perfumes instead. i sprayed several before settling on one that smelled of jasmine and vanilla

wearing chaewon’s dress, i tiptoed down the stairs. the lights from the tv flickered in the dark living room, playing the famous hitchhiking scene from it happened one night. yeji and jina laughed together, their heads close, looking cozy on the couch.

i felt a pang of longing, tempted to stay and let this night be like every other first night at the summer house. but then it would be like every other first night at cousins beach. i took a deep breath and slipped out the back door unnoticed, the cool night air hitting my skin as I stepped into the unknown.

as i walked towards the beach, the scent of the sea grew stronger, mingling with the earthy aroma of the sand and the distant laughter of people gathering around the bonfire. i thought about heeseung and our conversation by the pool earlier. his smile, the way his eyes lit up when he talked—it all felt different, special even. but doubt eventually crept in, making me wonder if i was reading too much into it.

i reached the beach and saw the flickering flames of the bonfire in the distance. the sounds of the waves crashing, the crackling of the fire, and the soft murmur of conversations filled the air. my heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. part of me wanted to turn back, to retreat into the safety of the summer house. but another part of me, the part that longed for something new, pushed me forward.

the beach was alive with a bonfire, a crowd of teens, and a keg. i felt out of place in chaewon’s tight dress, while the other girls wore cutoffs and crop tops. the waves crashed rhythmically, and the salty breeze tugged at my hair, making me shiver slightly.

i’m gonna kill chaewon, i thought, crossing my arms over my chest. the dress felt like a spotlight, drawing attention I didn't want.

i scanned the beach but didn’t see my brother, heeseung, or jake anywhere. feeling alone, i stood on the beach until jay, the guy from the gas station, spotted me. his eyes lit up, and he hurried over, a red solo cup in his hand, stumbling slightly on the uneven sand.

"whoa, where are you coming from?" he slurred, his breath reeking of beer.

"um, another party," i lied, trying to sound casual.

"sweet. here, take my beer." he thrust the cup towards me, spilling some in the process.

"no, i’m okay," i said, stepping back as he accidentally sloshed beer on my dress.

"oh shit, i'm so sorry!" jay exclaimed, trying to wipe it off with his sleeve.

"chaewon’s gonna kill me," i muttered, feeling the damp fabric cling to my skin.

"who’s chaewon?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"my best friend," i answered, my eyes scanning the crowd for heeseung.

jay, inching closer, asked, "so what, you have a boyfriend back home or something?"

before i could answer, i spotted sunghoon walking past with his arm over a girl. relief washed over me. "sunghoon!"

he looked at me, did a double take, and then asked, "ummmm what are you doing here? and what are you wearing?"

jay jumped in, "i invited her. who the fuck are you?"

"her brother. she’s fifteen, you pedo," sunghoon replied, making jay jump away from me.

sunghoon tried to drape his hoodie over my shoulders, but i flung it back at him. "i’m almost sixteen!"

sunghoon frog-marched me down the beach toward their bonfire, the girl trailing after us. "let go of me!" i protested.

"quit embarrassing yourself!" sunghoon snapped.

i twisted away from him, tripping and falling into the sand. he tried to help me up, but i pushed him away, spitting sand out of my mouth. everyone was staring at me.

my eyes landed on heeseung, who was kissing a pretty girl in a red sox cap and cutoffs. when he pulled away, she wiped her lipstick off his mouth. he took a sip of beer and then saw me.

"y/n?" heeseung looked surprised.

"but—but you hate the red sox!" i stammered.

heeseung looked away, embarrassed and regretful.

the girl stepped forward. "who are you?"

"who are you?!" i choked out.

red sox girl smirked. "karina… heeseung took me to the deb ball last summer. how do you know him?"

i turned to heeseung, my voice trembling. "but—i thought you said deb balls were bullshit and all debs were sheep!"

karina glared at him.

heeseung, looking flustered, muttered, "god.. you’re such a brat."

"well, you’re an asshole," i shot back, close to tears after seeing him rolling his eyes at me.

everyone at the bonfire was staring at me when jake walked over, throwing his arms around me and heeseung. "y/n, you came! we can all hang out tonight!"

i shrugged away from him, my face burning with embarrassment.

sunghoon stepped in. "i’m about to take her home."

"what about wonyoung? you can’t leave now," jake pointed out.

sunghoon glanced at wonyoung, contemplating.

"just let y/n hang. what’s the big deal? she’s already here," jake said, waving at someone calling him over. "brb!"

sunghoon turned to y/n. "stay right here and don’t talk to anybody."

i flipped him off and wandered, determined to find some peace on my own.

i sat alone on the beach, my dress bunched awkwardly as i wiped tears from my eyes.

i never should’ve come. maybe some things change, but not this. lee heeseung will never love me back.

a voice interrupted my thoughts. "hey, is that you?"

startled, i looked up to see a cute guy standing nearby. he had a sweet smile and dimples on his cheeks, wearing a stylish hoodie.

"um, who are you?" i asked, confused.

"it's me, jungwon! from the school olympics in freshman year? you placed second in the poem recitation."

i pulled down my dress to cover my thighs. "oh! yeah! you dressed up for the costume contest. weren’t you… a wizard or something?"

he chuckled. "i was charon, ferryman of the dead."

"oh! um, i'm y/n!" i replied, feeling a bit more at ease. "you can sit down if you want."

jungwon hesitated. "oh, i was on my way out." he then smiled and sat down next to me. "but i’ll hang for a bit."

"are you new this summer?"

"nah, i’m from here. you?"

"i’ve been coming to cousins ever since i was a baby."

jungwon looked puzzled. "how have we not seen each other until now? i would’ve remembered you. i mean, your poem was really, uh, memorable."

i rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile. "yeah, i stick pretty close to home when i’m here."

"how come?" jungwon asked, his voice sweet.

"i guess because i don’t really know anybody, other than my family."

jungwon's smile was warm. "well, now you do."

i smiled back at him, feeling a shiver run through me. i should’ve taken sunghoon's jacket after all. jungwon noticed and shrugged out of his hoodie, handing it to me.

"here, take this," he said gently.

i hugged my knees to my chest and pulled the hoodie over my knees, feeling a little warmer in more ways than one.

we sat on the beach, talking like old friends, which we kind of were.

"hey, so did… did everybody see me fall down before?" i asked.

jungwon hesitated. "um, yeah… sort of."

"my brother’s such a jerk," i muttered.

"who are those other guys?" jungwon asked casually. "is one of them your, um, boyfriend?"

i shook my head dismissively. "no way. they’re family friends. my mom’s best friend’s sons. it’s their house we stay at every summer." i looked over at them. "they’re just mad that i’m here."

"well, i’m glad you came," jungwon said sincerely. "i didn’t want to come because i knew it was just going to be people getting drunk, and i don’t really drink."

"me either," i replied. "so how do you know all these summer people if you’re local?"

"my mom works at the country club. i grew up around them."

i suddenly remembered something. "hey, do you know anything about the debutante thing at the country club? it’s dumb, right?"

jungwon considered my question. "well, it’s definitely steeped in tradition and a bit old-fashioned, if that’s what you mean."

"yeah, that’s what i thought," i said, though it wasn't exactly what i meant.

"but it’s not all bad," jungwon added. "they do a big fundraiser for women’s health, and they raised the most money in massachusetts last year. oh yeah, and stray kids came! look." he dug in his pocket for his phone and proudly showed me his wallpaper—a picture of him and some of the members.

"oh my gosh, that’s awesome!" i said, genuinely impressed.

jungwon looked at the time on his phone. "oh man, it’s late. i really don’t want to leave, but i have to be up early tomorrow. i’m interning on a whale-watching boat."

he hesitated, about to ask me something, but we were interrupted by a loud commotion. i turned around to see heeseung drunk and arguing with jay, who had a six-pack of craft beer under his arm.

"who cares? there’s plenty of beer. why are you starting shit?" karina said, rolling her eyes.

heeseung ignored her, stepping closer to jay. "they’re our beers. get the fuck out of here and go drink your cheap-ass shitty beer."

as karina walked away, jay got in heeseung's face. "say that again."

i jumped up. "i’ll be right back! don’t go anywhere!" i told jungwon before running over. in the scuffle, i was accidentally elbowed in the face and fell in the sand. heeseung turned, horrified, checking to see if i was okay. jay took advantage and landed a blow. heeseung, enraged, swung at jay, who got another punch in. jay's buddies joined the fight, and jake and sunghoon ran to help.

jungwon rushed to me, touching my face worriedly. "are you okay?"

"yeah," i said, stunned.

police lights flashed on the beach. "cops!" someone shouted, and everyone scattered in different directions. jungwon grabbed my hand and we ran down the beach toward the cars.

jake shoved heeseung into the back seat and got into the driver’s seat. "let’s go, y/n."

i glanced at jungwon. "jungwon can give me a ride home. right, jungwon?"

"yeah, it’s no problem," jungwon replied.

jake shook his head. "you can’t get into a car with a guy you just met."

"uh—actually, we sort of know each other. freshman year olympics? so we’re not like total strangers," jungwon said.

"no offense, but no. y/n, we’re going," jake insisted.

"just get in, y/n," heeseung said from the back seat.

i threw heeseung a dirty look.

jungwon sighed. "you should go. the whaling boat i intern on leaves at dawn from the piers every morning. would you maybe be interested in coming one day? i could introduce you to my favorite whale, jonah."

i could feel my face light up. "um, yes. sure! how else will you get your hoodie back?"

we grinned at each other, both nervous.

this could be my summer wish. this night, this boy.

in a truly impulsive move, i got up on my tiptoes and gave jungwon a sweet peck on the lips before jumping into the car. i was thrilled and delighted with myself, riding on pure adrenaline. the boys were dumbfounded. jake peeled out, and jungwon watched them drive off, completely awestruck.

jake slammed on the brakes. "fuck, we forgot sunghoon." he reversed the car, parked, and jumped out. "watch heeseung!"

i leaned my head back, my long hair hanging loose. i touched my fingers to my lips. it was quiet in the car. dark. heeseung reached out and touched my hair, running his fingers along the bottom.

"your hair is like a little kid’s, the way it’s always so messy," heeseung said.

i held my breath. our eyes met in the rearview mirror, everything between us unspoken.

"heeseung…" i started.

we were interrupted by a knock at the window. it was the cops, with sunghoon and jake in tow.

"have you kids been drinking?" one of the cops asked.

the dimly lit entryway was bathed in the eerie glow of the old chandelier, casting long shadows on the walls. the grandfather clock in the corner ticked loudly, a reminder of the late hour and the tension that filled the room. the room smelled faintly of damp wood and the lingering scent of dinner.

my mother, standing tall in her maroon robe, faced the two imposing police officers. her expression was a mix of worry and frustration. we stood behind her, huddled together in a cluster of nervous energy. sunghoon’s eyes darted around, avoiding mom's gaze, while jake shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. heeseung leaned against the wall, clearly drunk, his shirt torn and a fresh cut on his cheek. i stood slightly apart, pulling my borrowed hoodie tighter around me.

"officers, thank you. it won’t happen again, i can promise you that much," she said, her voice strained but polite.

"tell mr. sim the chief wants to set a tee time with him when he’s back in town," one of the cops said, his tone lighter than the situation warranted.

she tried not to grimace. "absolutely. sorry again for the trouble. have a good night, officers."

as she closed the door, i could feel my heart racing, the guilt and fear bubbling up inside me. she turned to face us, her eyes flashing with anger. "how could you guys be so irresponsible?" yeji demanded, her voice sharp.

"mom, it wasn't a big deal. seriously. the cops were just looking to break up the bonfire," sunghoon said, trying to sound casual. i remembered the bonfire vividly, the warmth of the flames, the laughter of friends–a brief escape from my usual routine.

"not a big deal? i would say getting picked up by the cops for underaged drinking is a pretty big deal, sunghoon!" yeji retorted, her voice rising. her anger wasn’t just about tonight; it was about the countless times we’d pushed her limits. Her hair swung around as she glared at us, emphasizing each word.

sunghoon sniffed. "w-were you guys smoking tonight?"

yeji shot him a look. "keep your voice down! jina's asleep on the couch."

"but I wasn’t yelling. you were," sunghoon whispered, silenced by another look.

"by the way, yeji, was the dd tonight and i didn't drink, i swear," jake added quickly. Hhs sincerity was clear, but it did little to calm our mother’s fury.

my mother turned to heeseung, who was clearly drunk, swaying on his feet with his shirt torn and a cut on his cheek. "what’s with him?!" she asked the group before focusing on heeseung. "you’re the oldest. what the hell’s gotten into you?"

before he could answer, she noticed me. "and when did you leave the house without telling anybody? and what in the world are you wearing?" she demanded.

i pulling the hoodie tighter around me. "it’s chae's, and why am i the only one not allowed to go out?" i asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"it’s not that you’re not allowed. it’s that you should have told us you were going. how did you even get there?"

"i walked," i hesitated.

"jesus. you know better than to walk that far down the beach alone late at night!" she exclaimed.

"i was fine! can you stop treating me like a kid!" i retorted.

"if you want to be treated like an adult, you need to act like one," my mother said firmly.

"then maybe you guys should too," heeseung suddenly said.

we all looked at each other, confused.

"what does that mean?" yeji asked.

heeseung just shrugged and didn’t answer.

"guys, i don’t want to be the nagging mom. it’s even less fun for me than it is for you. don’t put me in that position," she said, her voice softer now, filled with a weariness that made me ache with guilt. she turned to me and Sunghoon. "we are guests in this house. remember that. and the next time i call you, you better pick up the phone."

we nodded guiltily.

"i hope you realize that this night could’ve ended a lot differently if your family wasn’t your family," she said to jake and heeseung.

"sorry, yeji," jake said.

"just-go to bed, guys," yeji sighed, her shoulders slumping as she turned away.

heeseung moved to follow me, jake, and sunghoon upstairs, but yeji stopped him. "i don’t understand what’s going on with you," i could hear her scolding him as i walked upstairs.

"gee, i don’t know, yeji. what could possibly be going on with me?" heeseung replied, staring at her in challenge.

she swallowed nervously, glancing over at the couch where jina slept. "hee…" she began.

heeseung brushed past her and up the stairs. she didn’t follow.

as we trudged upstairs, i couldn’t shake the feeling of dread. the night wasn’t over, not really. the tension lingered, a shadow that would follow us into our dreams.

i crawled into bed, the events of the night replaying in my mind. the cool sheets felt soothing against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the bonfire still lingering on my clothes. as i settled beneath the covers, i heard the familiar two little knocks on the wall next to my bed—a secret signal jake and i had since we were kids.

we’d come up with it during a summer storm, hiding under our bedsheets, when we wanted to talk without our parents hearing. i knocked back twice, and a moment later, jake's light flickered off, leaving him in the dark. i smiled, remembering our whispered conversations through the wall, our childhood secrets shared in the quiet of the night.

the house gradually wound down for the night. sunghoon was brushing his teeth in the bathroom, his reflection in the mirror showing the meticulous care he took in his nightly routine. yeji, clad in glasses, busily updated her instagram, her face illuminated by the screen's glow. she smiled at the amount of likes and comments she was getting, a small step to branching out her books. jina was asleep on the couch, a peaceful look on her face, her hands clasped gently. heeseung quietly draped a blanket over her, his face betraying a complexity of emotions that remained unexplained—worry, exhaustion, perhaps something deeper.

back in my room, i couldn’t shake the restless feeling that kept me awake. the house was silent, but my mind buzzed with thoughts. unable to sleep, i pulled out my phone and texted the groupchat. my fingers were trembling with excitement.

the night wore on, and as the first light of dawn approached, i decided to get out of bed. i picked up jungwon’s hoodie and noticed the debutante invitation on my bedside table. my fingers traced the elegant calligraphy of my name: park y/n. the weight of the paper and the intricate design made it feel important, a symbol of the change I was about to embrace.

reflecting on how things could change whether i wanted them to or not, i realized that maybe it was time for me to change too. memories of past summers, filled with the same routines and familiar faces, made me long for something new. i picked up the rsvp card and checked the "accepts with pleasure" box. with a determined breath, i put on jungwon’s hoodie and headed out to the beach.

as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, i found heeseung sitting alone in the sand, his silhouette outlined by the dim glow of the early morning. i sat down next to him, and we both stared out at the sea in silence. the cool breeze of the ocean brushed against my skin, and the sound of waves filled the silence.

“last night was…” i began, struggling to find the right words.

“a shitshow,” heeseung replied, his tone resigned.

“amazing,” i corrected, my voice softer.

heeseung glanced at me with a mix of amusement and concern. “you’re gonna have a black eye tomorrow.”

“it’s already tomorrow,” i replied, touching the tender spot near my eye. “do you even remember anything from last night? you were pretty wasted.”

his expression was serious as he replied, “i always remember everything when i drink.”

i wondered if that meant he remembered our moments in the car. as heeseung reached into his pocket for a cigarette, i sideeyed him.

“let me have a puff,” i said.

“no way! yeji would actually kill me,” heeseung replied, his voice laced with genuine concern.

“okay then, if I can’t smoke, you can’t smoke,” i countered.

heeseung's laughter was a rare, genuine sound, and it made his face light up in a way that i hadn’t seen before. “same old y/n,” he said with a chuckle.

i hugged my knees to my chest, a smile slowly spreading across my face. i touched my bruise, realizing i was different now—changed by the night’s events.

“let’s go pick up some of the good muffins before everybody wakes up,” heeseung suggested, his tone almost nostalgic.

a flicker of the old heeseung appeared, but i felt a pull towards something new. i stood up, shaking my head with a new plan.

“i’ve got somewhere i need to be. don’t let sunghoon eat all the muffins,” i said, my voice filled with determination.

i dashed to the side of the house where my bike was propped up and quickly mounted it. as i pedaled away, my long hair flying behind me, the first light of day began to emerge. the streets were quiet, the air crisp and filled with the promise of a new day. the upbeat tune of “xo” by enhypen played in my mind as i rode.

i thought this summer was going to be like all the other summers. but it’s not. because I won’t let it be.

○ sam note - hi!! finally the first chapter is posted i really hope you guys like it! tsitp is one of my favorite books and i love the show so so much. i recently rewatched it again (for the 50th time) and i wanted to turn it into a fic!! this first chapter is pretty much the same as the episode because there were so many important scenes and good moments that i just couldn't help but add as it is the first chapter. the next chapters will be pretty different though! stream xo and brought the heat back

taglist (open); @sunghoonnsupremacy @llvrhee @ilychee08 @iren3luvv @chocminteu

FEEDBACK AND REBLOGS APPRECIATED <333

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