a fish out of water | f ; c
“With Changbin you are a fish out of water, but a bird that can fly.”
collab oneshot | sports! au | kdrama! au | 18k words
s u m m a r y >> being a waitress at your dad’s chicken shop wasn’t the most ideal job, but with dreams of attending the haneol sports university, you power through — even if it means dealing with customers such as seo changbin, elite swimmer and irritant extraordinaire. however, when that very boy catches you swimming in the university pool, you have to comply to his wishes in order to avoid consequences — arguing, spending time, and see what’s truly beneath that cheeky, muscled exterior.
w a r n i n g s >> weightlifting fairy kim bokjoo! au, waitress! reader, swimming major student! changbin, you and changbin are friends but like yall still annoying, changbin is hot and he knows it, you’re sick of hearing it, alot of teasing and making fun of each other, sooooooo much fluff, literally too much fluff, slight sexual tension but its still fluff cause im fearing god today, 2racha cameo, i guess a tiny bit of angst??? pressing (x) to doubt tho, also very stupid egg puns which will make you want to exit this fic
p l a y l i s t >> what a heavenly way to die by troye sivan || can i call you tonight? by dayglow || mixtape : oh by stray kids
t a g l i s t >> @aliceu @kookings @hyuckworld @ioveseung
a u t h o r ‘ s n o t e >> hey guys! so i finally finished the one fic i’ve been dying to write ever since i finished watching weightlifting fairy!! this is my contribution to @huenjin kdrama collab — i hope you guys enjoy changbin as jung junhyung!! this is dedicated to my dear kdrama whore @soobmint who has been telling me to watch this for a year and helped me so much with inspiration for this fic :’) here’s to many more crushing on unattainable kdrama boys with you <3
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“DAD, DON’T MAKE ME DELIVER THIS!”
You heard a snort from the said-man, as he brought a tray of fresh fried chicken to an occupied table. “Honestly, ____, you’re making too much of a fuss!”
“You don’t understand!” you complained, following him into the kitchen — the crinkling of the chicken grew louder, the pungent smell of oil entering your nose. “I can’t deliver at this location.”
A raised brow was your father’s answer. “And why is that?” he asked, stirring the new batch, letting the oil cook every crevice of the food.
Scratching the back of your neck, you looked to the specific delivery, all packaged up and ready to be taken away. “No specific reason,” you grumbled, figuring evading the truth was better for your reputation.
“I know you’re avoiding my question,” he remarked, which had you further avoiding his gaze. “Don’t you love that uni anyway? I thought you’d enjoy going there, taking a look around and all that.”
He was not wrong, in a sense. You glanced at your phone, studying the location of your delivery. “No, you’re right,” you mumbled, reaching out to grab the package. “I’ll go….by myself…” you kept staring at the man, emphasising each word. “All alone…in the dark…”
“It’s four o’ clock, dearest.” the package was dumped in your hands. “It’ll be your fault if you let yourself get kidnapped in broad daylight.”
Mockingly gasping, you stuck your tongue out at him before exiting the kitchen. Mouthing hi’s and how are you’s to the customers present, you leave the premises of your restaurant, the glorious scent of fried chicken remaining.
Setting the chicken on the scooter, you cringed at the creaking; you had to remind your father to buy a new vehicle, or else a kidnapper wouldn’t kill you — your scooter would break down on the road, and you’d get run over instead.
Settling yourself onto the seat, you started up the scooter, jolting at its sudden spring to life. With a yelp the ride began, rocky as you tried to control it with the handles. Barely missing being crashed against the neighbouring houses, you finally turned into the main road, and onto the journey beyond.
With your life on the line you drove past daring cars, eager to overtake you. Praying to be spared a death on the motorway, you played safe on your journey. Huge corporate buildings and traffic lights watched you with caution as you sped past them.
The route towards your destination did not take long, already seeing signs of it nearby as you spotted students walking along the pavements, adorning their sports jackets and chirping away with their friends. The conversations grew louder as you turned another road, hearing cut off talks of upcoming competitions, plans to eat till stomachs were full and simply get drunk on a Friday night.
Sighing, you wished for such aimless fun as you sped up, basking in the evening air and the plans which lingered within its atoms. Maybe if you pursued creating a social life rather than throwing yourself in your work, you would be joining these people too.
Alas, meaningless entertainment would not get you into university. Only money.
So here you were, grudgingly driving your hell-sent scooter to a bunch of people you envied, but refused to admit.
Your destination came into view as you turned into its road, and you saw the entrance sign.
Haneol Sports University.
You began to slow down.
Your dream university.
The heaven-like association was covered in greenery, trees of every size and colour scattered around the paths. A few students occupied the benches, while most were leaving their buildings, looking to their bright futures.
Hearing distant cackling, you sucked in a breath, gripping onto the bar handles harder. There was no need for a GPS now that you recognised your customers.
Riding up a low-hilled road, you found yourself in an open field, filled with picnic benches, mostly occupied by the residents of the academy. As you followed the origins of the laughter, you finally saw your customers from afar.
Three rowdy boys were seated in one of the picnic benches — two you could see clearly, but one had his back to you, settled on the table as he looked over his friends. You could make out the wording on his dark-coloured hoodie, his name and major printed in a circle.
Gulping, you considered abandoning ship right there — or in this instance, your asthamtic scooter. You could already tell the bloody motor was giving up on you, and if you stayed for longer, it would eventually break down.
Suck it up, ____. They’re just a bunch of annoying dickheads.
That was enough to keep you satisfied when your scooter jolted suddenly, emitting the most hideous noise.
The two boys facing you perked up, pointing at you and saying something you could not hear, but could make a damn good educational guess on.
Whatever they had said to the boy atop the table had him slowly turning.
His gaze locked with yours.
And a despicable grin latched onto his lips.
“Ah, look!” His friend beside him cried out. “The food is here, the food is here!”
Pushing the scooter yourself with the strength of your hands, you trudged forward, wishing desperately for the ground to swallow you as the three friends watched you intently.
“If you walk any slower we’ll die off!” the boy on the bench exclaimed.
You flashed him a smile which promised certain death. “I’ll make sure to walk slower then!” you snapped back, cursing inwardly at your mode of transport. Damning it entirely, you settled it against a group of trees, right next to the sleek black bike you knew all too well. Taking hold of the package, you forced yourself into a faster walk, stopping before the picnic bench.
All eyes side-tracked straight to the food in your hands.
Then one pair held your gaze again.
You only pursed your lips.
“Changbin.”
Seo Changbin.
Top student in the swimming department of Haneol University, and arguably the most annoying boy you ever had the displeasure to meet.
He did not seem to think so as he swung his legs over the table and turned to where you stood, rocking his feet and self confidence skyrocketing above the evening clouds. “You brought the chicken late.”
“Yes, Changbin, I’m aware,” you sniped, dumping the order beside him. “Now who’s gonna pay?”
That question was not to his taste, so instead he asked another. “When will you send that scooter to the care home?” He took a quick glance, chuckling. “The poor engine is begging for retirement.”
“It’s working fine,” you said curtly, crossing your arms.
“I saw the way you were dragging it along,” he continued, propping his elbows above his knees. “You can always use my bike when your scooter flies high, Birdie.”
You soured even further.
Birdie.
A little nickname Changbin had bestowed upon you the very first time you served his friends a delivery of fried chicken. Unfortunately, around that time your father forced you to wear this ridiculous uniform hat — bright red, with cartoon-like chicken eyes and beak, plush wings sticking out of its sides. He was warned of the slander you would face to wear this atrocity, but he found the attire too adorable to let it slide, and had you driving away on the scooter.
When the swimmer caught sight of you, though, he had laughed so hard he nearly dropped the food he took from you. You were embarrassed beyond belief that day, but then your scooter had a breakdown, and you had to listen in utter horror as you dragged it out of the university, the bastard’s laughter never dying.
Ever since then, the name stuck, and every time you had the misfortune of seeing his stupid face, the cursed word would spill from his lips like water waves out of a swimming pool.
You shot him a withered glare. “I do have a name, you know.”
The boy tried to counter suavely, only to be interrupted by his friends. “Cut it out, already, just give us the chicken!” Jisung, or you assumed was Jisung out of the two others, whined.
They were dutifully ignored, as the two of you — or rather, you, with Changbin merely enjoying — stared each other down. You wished his lips stopped twitching upwards, as if he relished your irritation, thrived off of your furrowed brows and pursed mouth.
“Stop ogling me and pay up,” you demanded, holding out your hand.
Scoffing at your comment, he leaned back against the table, the elder boy beside Jisung fishing out money from his jacket. He was about to hand it to you when Changbin slapped the cash out of his hand. You watched with slight confusion as the latter pulled some money out of his own hoodie pocket, holding it out to you. “Here.”
Jisung held his pointer finger upwards, beginning, “Hey, why are you paying now if you’re always making Chan do it—”
His interrupted question was answered with a hearty jab on his shoulder, letting out a high-pitched ow! before rubbing on the sore spot. The perpetrator looked back at you again, dazzling a smile. “Anything else?”
“Well, there’s also—”
“Ah, yes!” he said instead, pushing his hands back into his pockets, shuffling until he pulled out more cash.
He dropped the notes on your occupied hands. “Tips.” He then pointed to the chicken beside him, which was being flirted with shamelessly by his friends.
Judging by the amount, you knew he had given too much. You would have stated such if your gaze had not wondered beyond, to the building behind him. Its huge, flat-roofed capacity, the ceiling-high windows, and its distant scent of chlorine.
The pool of Haneol University. The greatest swimming association in the city, housing some of the best sportsmen and women in the field.
The centre of your dreams.
You could not help a sigh releasing at its presence, like a modern palace in your eyes when in reality it was a sleek, closed in stadium. The association offered infinite resources and opportunities for aspiring swimmers such as yourself — only if you had the fees to fill their budget with.
It was the sole reason you worked tirelessly at Bok Chicken, searching for any other menial one-time jobs which could save you money. If you joined Haneol, then those opportunities would be offered to you. The dream of becoming an international swimmer would not simply reside in your hopeful mind.
It could become a tangible reality.
So you worked. You took these deliveries and travelled on your dying scooter, and tolerated bothersome customers such as the one before you.
You accepted everything if it meant you could swim for a lifetime.
A vexing voice had you snapping out of your thoughts.
“What was that sad little sigh for?”
Immediately retracting from him, you pocketed your charge, beginning to step back. “I took a look at your face, Changbin, and let out a pity sigh.”
You wished that would have made him frown, but it furthered his smile. “Glad to know you can’t resist staring at me.”
This time you answered him with an exasperated groan, turning your back on him. “I’ve had enough!” you exclaimed, not bothering to look back as you hurried towards your scooter.
Hearing what you thought was satanic cackling behind you, you swung your leg over the seat, grabbing onto the handles. “I’ll make sure to order again, Birdie!” he roared at the top of his voice, making you almost double over the vehicle.
Sparing him one last glare, you screamed back as loud as you could. “I’ll close the shop down before then!”
You refused to acknowledge his boisterous response as you revved the engine, and slowly exited from the student benches.
Grumbling to yourself, you entered the main road, leaving your future in your wake. One day, you promised. One day, you will wipe that awful smirk off his face.
But because that was an unobtainable feat at the time, you resorted to speeding up your scooter, risking death for a boy you supposedly disliked.
YOU KNEW YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE SIGNS.
The incessant coughing, the erratic jolting. The bizarre sounds that emitted inside, and the lacking performance. You should have known that your imminent downfall was near.
But you did not listen — did not attend to its wishes.
Which was why, on a mellow evening as you finished delivering your orders, your dear bike decided to rebel against your neglect in the worst possible way.
As you travelled along the pavements near the university, the damned vehicle began to slow down without your permission. You thought this a normal setback, but when it refused to accelerate, going slightly out of your control, the panic kicked in. Thankfully, you were nowhere near the main road, or you definitely were done for.
“Shit!” you let out, the scooter finally stopping before a park bench. There were also a line of tourist bikes lined against the seat, a few taken by a group of friends, but they were useless to you.
Heaving off of the bike, you knifed it with a look, almost wanting to kick the bloody thing down. “I knew I should have asked Dad for a new one,” you mumbled, crossing your arms in defeat. With limited options, you brought out your phone, calling your father’s number.
Pressing your phone to your ear, you looked beyond the scooter, to the strangers passing by, a few exchanging pitiful glances at your situation. You let yourself sit on the bench, sighing at the line not going through to the shop.
Biting your bottom lip, you darted over the scene, wondering if there was a bus stop nearby. You figured whatever luck was left in your circumstance, you needed to scrape it before it abandoned you.
Unfortunately, whatever luck you thought you had shrivelled into nothing when you heard a familiar ringing of a bicycle bell.
On instinct, you peered up from your failing calls. The owner of the bike strolled closer, and when you saw his face, yours turned bitter.
“Birdie!”
Asshole.
Changbin breaked right in front of you, studying your seated figure. “What’re you doing here all alone? Don’t you have deliveries?”
“I can have a break if I want, buddy,” you remarked, refusing to meet his gaze as you settled it upon your deceased vehicle.
“Of course, of course,” he agreed, a little absent-minded as he followed your eyesight. When he saw the scooter leaning helplessly against the tourist bicycles, he looked back at you again. The cogs in his head turning, the more he realised the more his lips curled.
You hated the sight of it.
“So when’s the funeral?” he asked, and you nearly threw your phone at his face. “Oh, come on! I’m only concerned about your once dear friend.”
“You just wanna annoy me again,” you corrected him, getting up from the chair. “And I’m not in the mood today.”
“Did I guess right then?” He spared another glimpse at the scooter before observing the renting bikes on the side. “Why don’t you take those tourist cycles in the meantime and go home?”
You slowly grimaced as you tilted your head to the side. “Yeah…about that…”
His answer was an eyebrow raise. “You don’t know how to ride a bike?” He blinked back at your lack of response. “How the hell did you learn to ride…whatever you wanna call that? And not a simple old bike?”
“Stop it!” you exclaimed, hugging yourself in the evening chill. “That scooter was still faster than your bike, especially when I’m delivering food!”
“Strong word? Was.” The boy leaned against his black bike, one hand slipping in his sweats and the other running against the handles. “What’re you gonna do now that your oh-so speedy scooter has committed self-homocide?”
A good question. “I’ll figure something out,” you said, peeking at your phone once again. No missed calls from Dad.
Changbin stared at you for a moment longer before he stood straighter. “Right. Up you get.” You watched him tap the back seat. “I’ll take you home.”
This time you raised a brow at him. “And why will you take me home?”
He looked at you as if you’d gone mad. “Because I am the nicest guy you’ll ever meet?”
“Oh, brilliant,” you muttered. “Thanks, but no thanks.”
“What do you mean, ‘thanks but no thanks’?” he parroted. “You’re getting an offer from an extremely dashing swimmer, willing to give you a ride home. You’d be a fool to refuse.”
You flashed the ‘extremely dashing’ swimmer a saccharine smile. “Guess I’m a dumbass then.”
The boy was not satisfied with your final decision. “Fine, Birdie,” he started, chin high as he swung his leg over the top tube, one foot on the pedals. “I hope you enjoy the long-ass walk in the incoming rain.”
That had you gaping at him. “Wait, what?” he began to pedal, but you stopped him with your voice. “Wait, wait, hold on!”
On command he stopped, blinking almost too innocently at you. “Yes, Birdie?”
“First of all, stop using that terrible name.” You put your hands to your hips. “Second, I didn’t know it was gonna rain!”
“Well, the more you know,” he said, cocking his head. “But what a shame! You refuse to be helped by a kind and generous man.”
“Okay, okay, I get it!” you dismissed him, clamping your lips together as you weighed your options. Your father’s phone was absent, and catching the bus could take forever. Really, you would rather stay on this bench forever rather than take up his offer, but if he was right, then you would not want to get wet in your work clothes.
Changbin watched you impatiently as you tried to come to a decision. “We haven’t got all day,” he pressed, which had him earning a sour glance.
“Damn it, fine!” you snapped, taking a step towards his bike. “Let’s go before the rain catches up.”
“That’s what I like to hear!” he bellowed, bringing his hand behind him to pat the second seat. “Come on.”
Hesitantly obliging, you sat upon the rather uncomfortable seat, not sure what to do with your legs as they touched the pavement. Your hands you kept awkwardly on the cycle tubes, which had the boy looking back.
“You know you’re gonna have to hold onto me,” he said, a knowing lilt in his voice which had you snapping your fingers forward.
“You just cycle, buddy, I can handle it.” You looked back at your sooter, wondering how you were bringing it back. I’ll tell Dad to call a tow truck, you pondered.
“Should I give you a minute of privacy with your…dearly departed?”
Your foot ached to kick him off the bicycle. “Shut up and pedal.”
A small chuckle escaping, he turned his head to the road ahead, fingers fully enveloping the handles. “Hang on tight, Birdie!” he called, and pressed his foot on the pedal.
With a jolt the bike began to pick up speed, and you nearly grabbed onto Changbin at the sudden impact. Agitation arising, you kept your hands firmly rooted to the railings, instead focusing on the wind swiping against your face — chains working quietly, the soft bike bell chiming to alert the passerby, the swimmer endeavoured hard to take you home.
You were surprised to find that sitting on a bicycle was almost identical to riding a scooter — arguably difficult, especially with him having to pedal for two instead of one. Your eyes swept past the familiar buildings which came on your way home, the little local gardens tucked away within huge offices.
Conversation did not occur much during the journey, which was not a problem as you enjoyed the mere gazing of the environment around you. Thankfully, your designated driver kept his mouth shut too, occasionally humming a tune.
Then, Changbin turned a sharp corner, and his bike went over a speed bump. With a gasp you nearly fell, only to be saved by your sharp instincts. You grabbed onto his hoodie, and, when you noticed that was not enough, you submitted to wrapping your arms around him, heartbeat racing at the sudden lurch.
The boy stiffened for a fraction of a second before he loosened up again. “I told you to hold onto me,” he said, picking up the pace once again. “Your head would have been split open by now.”
The idea seemed very appealing in this situation. “How about you try not to kill me next time?” you hissed, jabbing him in the side.
A heightened groan escaped him at the attack, nearly crashing into the sidewalk. “Chirpy today, aren’t we?”
Not answering him, you resorted to silence. “Be mad all you want.” You felt the smugness in his next words. “You still have those arms around me.”
That alone had you repelling your hands from his sides. “Never say that again,” you warned him, but he was snickering, pissing you off even more.
“You know, I’m gonna teach you how to ride a bike,” he declared, pedalling away. “Then you wouldn’t need such good-looking men helping you out.”
You burned his back with a glower. Maybe it won’t be too bad if I knocked him off this cycle.
But that would only be useless to you, and you would never arrive home.
Eventually, after what seemed like a million and two hours later, the boy took a turn into a little lane, bricked off by a grey wall as the other side had small, tucked in shops of different variations — flowers, confectionery, all the menial objects you could want. The familiarity was greatly welcomed, you itching to run home.
When you saw the Bok Chicken sign standing tall beside the restaurant, your shoulders sagged in relief. You truly believed that this idiot would have killed you off before you would see your place again, so catching the scent of fried chicken instantly put you at ease.
Slowing down, you abandoned the bike, hoping to march up the stone steps when a voice had you pausing.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
Turning back, your eyes fell on your raven-haired driver, leaning into his bike as his locks danced softly across his forehead. “What? Other than the scooter?”
He gave you an incredulous look. “‘Oh, thank you so much, Changbin!’” he then drawled, putting a hand on his chest. “‘Not only are you beyond handsome, but are so bloody nice!’”
You scoffed. “This is why you don’t deserve any gratitude.”
His amusement remained. “I’m waiting.”
Maybe on another evening, you would have kept him waiting. The asshole deserved it with his constant teasing, his persistence to get a reaction out of you.
Today, though, as you observed him in the cool breeze, you decided to be the bigger person — mostly because you were too tired to argue, and you needed to eat.
A small part, however, may have been due to his unneeded kindness — he did not have to offer you anything. But he did anyway.
So you bit down on the snarky comment you had waiting for him.
And let yourself say the damned words.
“…Thanks, Changbin.”
There was a moment’s pause before the said-boy burst into a smile.
“Shaky execution, but we got there in the end.”
He straightened up on his bicycle, looking at you one last time.
“I’ll see you around, Birdie.”
With that, his foot on the pedal, he sped away into the night.
And as you began to walk home, looking up at the sky — a really clear, no-cloud-in-sight sky, you were struck with a realisation.
You whirled around to his disappearing figure, anger shooting straight to your tongue.
“There was never any rain coming, was there?!” you screamed at the top of your voice, loud enough for the whole neighbourhood to hear.
Loud enough for the damned swimmer to answer back with a spluttering laugh.
Cursing him and his entire family, you stormed back home, praying that you never saw him and his functioning bike again.
YOUR FATHER BARELY MANAGED TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT SCOOTER.
It was the same model as your previous one, but he promised you a new one at the end of the month. At that moment, you dared not meet his eyes, shame coursing through your veins. You began to blame yourself over the last scooter’s breakdown, that maybe if you hadn’t driven so fast, the motor may still have kept stable. Of course, it was inevitable that you needed to change your mode of transport, but seeing your father scramble for funds did not sit right with you at all.
This was the exact reason why you never asked him for wage increases, or less hours. You knew deep down that if he had the money, he would have sent you to Haneul University the minute you graduated high school.
That was enough to keep you working for every last penny.
The weekdays blended together, and soon Saturday descended, a day much awaited. Your uncle visited every weekend, which meant you had more time to yourself.
And when you had time for yourself, that only meant one thing.
“I’ll be back from the pool in a few hours, Dad!” you called as you left the shop, nodding hurriedly to his demands to stay safe on the bus. You would have used the new scooter, but because your uncle was taking over your deliveries, you resorted to the other alternative.
After walking to the stop, it did not take long for the bus to arrive, you hopping straight on and paying for the return ticket to the local swimming pool. You settled easy at the backseats, aware that there were many stops to get there.
The vehicle pushed forward, and slowly you were taken to all the different places on route. You passed the farmer markets, the superstores, but did not reach your destination.
At some point you were about to doze off when you heard the robotic voice informing you of the next stop.
“The next stop is Haneul Sports University. Please depart in a few minutes if Haneol Sports University is your destination.”
Perking up in your seat, you looked out of the window to see the sleek buildings of the association, most lit up gloriously in the infant night. The bus began to slow down, and the closer it lurked, the more uneasy you felt.
As the journey halted, the doors hissed open, a few students and other people going down the bus stairs and leaving. Your eyes darted to the swimming pool building, almost blending in with the dark sky.
You had no idea why you got up from your seat.
No idea at all why you nodded thanks to the driver, leaving the bus and walking towards a changed destination.
What are you doing? You thought, head in disarray but body more so as it refused to listen, your legs walking still. The university buildings were presented to you in this proximity, already some being closed to insist the students go back to their residences.
You were not interested in the other places.
Hurrying to the sole place that mattered in your eyes, you almost ran, not caring if you looked suspicious as your feet raced one step after another.
Spotting the entrance doors, you assumed it was locked due to the lack of light indicating it being open to students. Shit.
The dread died down when, as you walked to the side of the building, your gaze landed on a rather tall ladder leaned against the huge walls. Stare soaring to the huge window openings on the top, you had an idea.
You knew you should not be doing this.
It was a step over the line. You knew this, thinking the consequences over and over again, running the whole situation in your head. You knew this was wrong, in every possible way.
Why were you still carrying on?
Settling the ladder against the wall, you look behind you one last time before grabbing onto the side-rails. Setting your foot upon the rungs, you began climbing up the building, frosted breaths escaping unevenly with every step you took. At one point, the ladder began to shake from your efforts, but you needed to climb to the top.
Catching sight of the huge, open window, you reached your hand out to grab the edges. Heaving yourself upwards, you swung your leg on the window sill, pushing yourself onto the surface. Rolling to the opposite edge, you glanced down to the other side.
Seeing the gym mats below you ensured your decision to drop from your place.
Sliding your feet down, you held onto the edges, grip slipping as you tried to minimise your landing impact. After a deep breath, you stared at your flexed hands.
You let yourself drop.
With a shrill yelp you landed on the mats, a loud thud! resonating throughout the entire building, echoing softly. Groaning, you straightened to your feet, rubbing at your backside as it stung from the impact. “You can’t do this again,” you muttered, turning around to observe what you truly risked breaking your ass for.
The pain faded when your eyes landed on the reason.
Dimly lit under the moon, streaming through the other huge windows, the swimming pool welcomed you in all its grand stead. Its water lapped lazily along each other, small speckles of light glinting with every swivel of movement. The blue-black atmosphere of the building matched the depths of the pool, distant scent of chlorine and greetings mingling in the air.
A small sigh left your lips.
The local swimming pool could never compete to such splendour — before you was something straight from the Olympics, a pool only the greatest professionals should dive into. Chicken deliverers and wishful thinkers should not be even a mile’s close to its locations.
This one time, though, you let yourself forget.
Let yourself believe that you were special — you, a gifted swimming major from Haneol, practising hours into midnight for a competition everyone knew you would win. You let yourself think that this was one of those nights, when practice was key, and the more you delved into the water the closer you were to the medals.
Shedding your coat, you tossed it beside the mats, already feeling the tight clasp of your swimwear underneath your attire. You quickly took off your shirt, peeling your jeans off, adding to the mess upon the coat as boots and socks followed. All that was left was your black swimsuit and a racing heartbeat, aching to be calmed by the lilting waters.
As if someone was watching, you brought your foot forward, then the other, slowly reaching the start of the pool, where a line of blocks were upstaged. Carefully stepping up to one of the blocks, you perched at its end, overlooking the entire pool as you breathed in the cool breeze.
You closed your eyes, almost hearing distinct cheers and howls of future supporters, shouting encouragement. This was it. This was all you were born for.
This was all you were meant to do.
With that lingering dream, you arched your arms forward.
And dove into the world below.
You surged underneath the cool water, already pointing your hands upwards as your legs kicked into action. Bobbing them rapidly, you moved up, breaking into the surface with no time to stop. Your hands, on instinct, globed up and down, splashes of water arising every time your fingers clawed at the languid waves, never giving them a moment’s rest.
This was your domain. This was your haven, the other half of your soul, bringing you to life. There were many interests you harboured in your life, but your relationship with the water was on another league — if all your other interests were flirtation, then swimming was your true love.
Reaching the end of the pool, you submerged yourself in the water, bringing your knees to your chest before touching the tiling with your feet. With a hard push you turned in the opposite direction, breaking the surface once more.
Head turn, head in, head turn, head in — your face never tired of whirling in and out of the water, gasping for air and going back in, a rhythm which asked for much but rewarded you twice over. The entire pool engulfed you, like a lover’s embrace under the moonlight, reassuring you of your abilities despite your setbacks. You almost laughed as you sprung your face up, pure joy threatening to spill from your lips as you dove back in.
It seemed like forever had passed as you switched lanes back and forth, your speed unmatched. You had not accomplished much your entire life, but swimming was a sport you knew you excelled in. Swimming was honest — the effort you threw in was given back to you by the water, a trusted friend whenever you lay in it.
In truth, you could live in this pool forever.
Forever isn’t rewarded to intruders, though, so on your last lane, you began to slow down, letting yourself be cocooned in the water one last time — feeling time slow, the pressure in your ears, and your hair sway languidly, you savoured it as much as you could before reaching the start of the pool once again. You gasped softly for breath, swiping your hair from your face as you kept your feet moving.
This became one of the best nights you had ever experienced.
A smile broke on your face, staring at your hands. If someone were to catch you now, you would not care a bit.
“Maybe I should come next week,” you murmured, delirious giggles escaping. You didn’t know what was in the water, but you were sure you were going crazy.
You were certain of your insanity when you heard slow applause beyond the surface.
What was laced in this chlorine? You thought, looking up at the origins of the voice. There was a lean, shadowed figure, moving slightly with each clap that echoed in the building. You would have been scared if you weren’t so confident in your delusion.
Then, the ghost began to speak.
“Why next week? Might as well rock up tomorrow.”
That voice. That voice is too familiar.
You raised yourself, water dripping off of your body as you squinted your eyes to make out what you thought was a hallucination.
The figure stepped forward, the moonlight exposing the identity.
Never did you want to drown yourself more.
Because before you stood the last boy you wanted to see in this situation.
The shock of his presence had you collapsing in the pool again.
Splutters of laughter escaped him as a great splash! sounded from your impact, you rising to the surface laboriously as you wheezed in a breath. Your eyes widened at Seo Changbin, grinning like a Disney villain at your near-death experience.
“Wh-what…” you rasped out, holding onto the ramps. “What the hell…are you doing here?”
“Me?” he asked in surprise, pointing to himself. “I was gonna ask you that!”
You opened your mouth to argue with him, but then the realisation hit.
Of course. You’re not a university student.
The boy carried on, watching you carefully. “I was ready to practice alone in the middle of the night, because you know,” he gestured his hands at his figure, “I’m actually part of the swim team.
“And who do I see before me?” he drawled, both hands on his hips. “The Birdie of Bok Chicken, swimming without permission in the university pool.”
He then paused. “Swimming a little too good to just be a waitress at a local chicken shop.”
You looked away, slightly embarrassed at his observation. “I usually go to the other public pool, but—shit!” you suddenly yelled. “That’s not the point!”
Hauling yourself out of the pool, you felt Changbin’s voice interrogate you. “How did you even enter? The place is locked after roll call.”
When your eyes stole a glance at the windows, he instantly noticed. “Oh my God, you climbed in?”
“I don’t know, I wasn’t thinking straight!” you whined, hugging yourself foolishly. “I just…whenever I deliver some food to you and your friends I see the pool behind you and…” you then groaned, wanting to hide your face in your hands. “I just wanted to swim here, okay!”
Cocking his head, his gaze darted to the security offices beyond the floor windows of the building. “You’d be in big trouble if someone caught you.”
That had you gaping at him. “You’re gonna snitch?!” you demanded, dread rising in your gut. Frantically, you wondered of the horrific consequences of his decision, if the matter would reach your father.
No doubt he would deep fry you along with the chicken.
“Don’t you worry, Birdie,” you heard his consolation. “I won’t tell anyone about you sneaking here.”
You were about to sigh in relief when you caught sight of his knowing smirk.
“On one condition.”
Sliding his hands in his track bottoms, he shifted on his feet, his chest snug in the tight black vest he adorned. Your eyes did not miss the tightening of his biceps, the twitch of his lips curving maliciously.
Oh, no. The bastard was not thinking anything in your favour.
“What…what would that be?”
Changbin found the courage to drop the terms.
The one condition he had been meaning to ask since the day you delivered him his first order of Bok Chicken.
“Go on a date with me.”
Your mouth fell to the floor.
What did he say to you?
“What did you say to me?”
The boy furrowed his brows. “I think I said it loud enough.” He took a step forward, shoes hitting the small puddle around you. “One day. One full day, you go out with me, and I won’t tell a soul.”
A scoff was what you first offered him. “I’ll drown myself before I go on a date with you,” you retorted.
Judging by the look on his face, that was not the right answer. “Okay, then, sweetheart,” he merely said, turning on his heel. “I hope the dean enjoys what I’m about to report to him!”
Widening your eyes, you instinctively reached out your hand. Grabbing onto his wrist, you held him back, he whirling his head to yours.
You didn’t catch his stare, darting to your strong grip, and then back to you again. “Why?” you got out, squeezing his wrist. “Why this condition?”
He parted his mouth at your question.
In truth, he didn’t know himself.
As he pursed his lips in thought, he wondered whether he would be able to tell you a valid answer. In full truth, all he knew was that spending time with you was a wish he’d been nurturing for a while. Sure, you both argued like little children, but within every retort and exaggerated scoff lay an inner longing to keep you near him.
Even if it meant he risked being floored by your god-awful scooter.
He would never tell you this, though. Not to boost your probably massive ego.
So he only offered you a knowing smile. “I just enjoy messing with you, Birdie.”
You then noticed the iron grip you had on him, your fingers digging into his warm skin. Quickly you broke the contact, locking your hands behind your back. “One day. No more.”
The grin that broke onto his face made you uneasy.
“You won’t regret it.”
A fearful bite of lips was your answer.
You weren’t so sure of that.
Not one bit.
“Can you please go away now?” You asked, almost desperate to be away from trouble — away from him.
Changbin raised a singular brow at you. “Hello? Not to repeat myself here, but you’re the intruder.”
He pointed towards the glass doors, leading to the entrance. “I suggest you get out of here before anyone else catches you.” His grin turned self-satisfied. “This time, they wouldn’t be as merciful as I was.”
“Merciful,” you mumbled back, in disbelief over his ridiculous attitude. Carrying on cursing him instead, you walked over to the gym mats, where your clothes were bundled carelessly in a pile.
Take a shower at home. Cringing as you wore them atop your wet skin and suit, you began to walk to the glass doors, turning to curse your rotten luck.
The swimmer’s voice halted your track.
“Hey, Birdie!”
Turning around, you watched him raise his hand in adieu.
“I’ll call your nest when it’s time.”
You almost gagged. “I hope this date won’t be as bad as your puns.”
His sole answer was his signature, stupid grin. “Oh, no, ____. It’ll be eggcelent.”
This was enough to have you screaming, “You’re disgusting!” before hurrying out of the swimming pool, laughter sounding from behind you.
As the midnight air chilled you more so than the water, your thoughts drifted to the uncertain, near future, and the boy who determined it all.
You truly are done for.
CHANGBIN DID NOT KNOW THE MEANING OF PERSONAL SPACE.
You were always aware of his irritating tendencies to call on you nearly every day for deliveries, but this time, he was going a step out of line.
Was it even healthy to have fried chicken every evening? Surely not, with the way the swimmer and his friends wolfed down every order you delivered them. You suspected ulterior motives, every time the boy offered you a knowing smirk before digging into his dinner.
The bastard called you after hours, which was an extreme sport in itself if your dad ever found out a boy was on the phone. Yelling at him several times did not work as you expected, as he only had one thing on his mind.
“No, I do not want to talk about our date, asshole,” you said for the last time as you prepared for bed.
“Well, you don’t have to, cause I’ll be dealing with that,” you heard his voice from the end of the line. “You just have to do everything I say.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” you seethed, stealing a look past your room every now and then, making sure your father was out of bounds. “I didn’t agree to being your slave.”
“True, but I can do whatever I want on this date.” A pause. “And if that means you have to be at my beck and all, then you have to do it.”
That made you frown. “At this rate, just tell your stupid dean. I can’t deal with this anymore.”
“Your words, Birdie!” he called, and in the background you began to hear rather aggressive typing. “Gee, I do wonder what your dad’s gonna say when he finds out you trespassed!”
“Oh my God—” you let out a horrid curse, and held your head in your hands. “Stop! Okay, damn it! Don’t tell anyone, you piece of shit!”
Hearing his laughter did not help your anger. “Look, you’re worrying too much about this. I promise you’ll enjoy yourself.”
You bit the inside of your cheek. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Changbin.”
His answer was a sharp click of his tongue. “I don’t. That’s why I’m making this promise.”
Deciding not to respond, you let him talk further as you looked out the window. “I’ll call you when I decide on the date.”
“As if you don’t call me everyday anyway,” you remarked.
“Well, who else am I going to annoy at this time?”
“I’m going to sleep!” you declared in haste, thinking of anything to get rid of the boy. “Goodnight!”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” he then asked, almost feeling the smile on his face.
Throwing you off, you repeated yourself in hesitance. “I said goodnight!” And before he could slip in another smartass comment, you ended the call, throwing your phone across your bed.
This boy would kill you. You were certain of it.
His efforts were carried out thoroughly in the next few days, when you received the horrible news of the day you had to spend time with him. His call may have been short, but it was definitely not sweet.
A Friday he had suggested. Unlucky indeed for you, when that was a free day your father had given you to spend some time alone, give yourself the luxury to go into town, perhaps even do some shopping with your savings. You could only offer a smile to him, he unaware that you had to use this day for other means.
The calls began to alarm your phone the moment you hopped onto your scooter, rolling your eyes as you accepted. “Why are you so clingy?” you started, revving the engine and speeding out of the restaurant.
“Can’t a guy be excited to see his date?” he mewled through the line, making you groan. “Don’t be like that! I know you’re dying to see me.”
“I can’t wait any longer,” you monotoned, but that fuelled Changbin’s fire.
“That’s what I thought.”
You sighed, checking the location one last time. “I’ll see your ugly face in ten minutes.”
“No you won’t, Birdie, cause I’m hot as hell.” He paused, pondering for a moment. “You better be in something cute.”
“You’ll be very disappointed,” you retorted, ending the call and racing towards your destination.
Let’s get this over with.
The journey was a short one, instantly recognisable as you rode past the student buildings, tufts of greenery beginning to appear the closer you came to the nature side of the city.
Within minutes you slowed your scooter down, entering one of the biggest parks in the area — the scent of a thousand flowers and trees enveloped your nose, a refreshing sense from the constant fried chicken you inhaled every hour.
Parking it along the cars, you fixed your clothes before checking the time, already sensing the sun about to descend into the horizon. Following the swimmer’s message, you took the small, stony stairs, glancing at the sweet student couples holding hands and walking along the path railings. Thin streams ran mischievously along the rocky climbs, you going opposite its trail as you searched for your cursed date among the greenery.
You thought you’d never be able to find him until a hollering voice had you halting.
“Hey, Birdie!”
You turned suddenly.
There, among the drooping trees and curling flowers. There he was.
Something in you stopped your eyes rolling at his presence.
You dearly wished you could say Changbin looked atrocious as he waved you over — no, the bastard donned a certain effortlessness which made his already above-average looks even more above average. Adorning all black, from his leather jacket to his raven-coloured jeans, down from his dark Nikes all the way up to his matching locks, parted in the middle as it curtained his face.
His welcoming smile, however, was the cherry on top. A smile which widened when he saw you walking closer.
God. You sound like you’re obsessed with him.
His apparent obsession with you, however, seemed to fade completely when he saw what you were wearing. “What the hell?” he demanded, waving his hand at your general figure.
Sheepishly, you locked your hands behind your back. “Look, I still have orders to do after we’re finished,” you lied, glancing at your restaurant uniform, the red and black t-shirt and latter-coloured trousers. The logo of Bok Chicken stood stark on your breast pocket, almost another slap on the face for your date.
Resting his hands on his hips, he shook his head, stealing a quick glance at you before admiring the scenery around him. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
You blinked at his comment. “What did you say?”
But he did not answer you properly, turning on his heel and strolling to one of the bigger trees. “Don’t think I’m repeating that, Birdie.” He looked back, flashing you a cheeky smile. “Can’t have you flying away in happiness.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” you seethed, using every ounce of strength to follow him rather than running the opposite direction. Only a few hours.
When you reached his side, he was holding onto his infamous bike, more shiny since the last time you saw it. He patted the handles, facing you once more.
You waited for his explanation. “Well? What’re we doing?”
Changbin took a deep breath before answering you. “So, I have been thinking…”
“You really shouldn’t have done that.”
He didn’t deem to counter your remark. “You know a couple of weeks ago when I took you home on my bike? Because you didn’t know how to use those tourist ones?”
Unsure of where he was taking this, you let him carry on, nodding to his prompt. “Now see, knowing how busy you are, I didn’t want to spend this entire day wasting your time. Even though it would make me happy to rile you up further, I decided that I’m gonna make this day a useful one.”
The boy wheeled his prized possession out of the shade of the trees. “Today, I’m gonna teach you how to ride a bike.”
The declaration had you furrowing your brows. “What?”
“You heard me right!” Hurryingly tapping the seat, he said, “I’m gonna show you the world!”
“At 10 miles per hour?” You let out a scoff. “Changbin, the only world you can show me on that thing is half of this park.”
“I don’t want any negativity!” He ordered. “I told you I would, wouldn’t I? If you enjoy riding that hell-sent scooter, then you’ll like cycling too.”
Still unconvinced, he sighed, gesturing to the stool. “It’s only for the day. After that, I won’t bother you.” he then added, “Well, I don’t know about the last part, but you know what I mean.”
It was your turn to sharply exhale. “Fine. But—!” you cut the boy’s initial cheer with a wagging finger. “If I hurt myself riding your stupid bike then you’ll be sorry!”
“So sorry,” he drawled, watching you walk over to where his esteemed mode of transport stood.
After taking the handles from Changbin’s hands, you swung over its sleek frame, already feeling unstable despite both of your feet on the ground. You were not used to this — your scooter was heavier, more grounded. It could hold off on its own, had its independence. This skinny alternative was another matter entirely.
“It’s not gonna bite you, Birdie,” his voice emitted from your side. “Stop looking so scared.”
“I’m not scared,” you snapped, but how could you hide your shaky stance, your harder grip on the handles? “I need a moment.”
Taking a deep breath, you allowed one foot on the pedal, looking down. You could do this.
You dared to push down the pedal, feeling the bike move.
You certainly could not do this.
A scream escaped you as you strolled shakingly for about four feet before the bike tipping, nearly scarring your leg if your foot had not stopped you in time. Changbin let out a snort as he jogged over to you. “What was that?” he asked, clamping his lips together to imprison his laughter.
“You tell me!” you exclaimed, standing up straighter. “This…thing is a demon!”
“I’d crash too if I kept looking down at the bike and not where I’m supposed to be going!”
“Argh!” you knifed the swimmer with a hard glare, having little effect. “You’re just doing this to annoy me even more!”
“I’m not, I promise!” His hands raked through his hair in what you thought was agitation. “You need to keep looking forward.”
Scoffing, you remarked, “How am I gonna do that when I’m too scared of losing control of the balance?”
Changbin glanced at you then, and whatever lay behind those eyes had you cocking your head. “What?” you asked him, but he parted his mouth, inhaling the nature air a little unevenly.
Finally, he had the courage to speak. “Let me help you with it then.”
You did not understand what he meant by that until he began to walk closer. His presence loomed behind you as he swung a leg over the bike, his hands engulfing your sides as they gripped the handles. His fingers brushed against yours, and you hitched in a breath, completely without your accord.
His voice was much too close. “Let me teach you,” he murmured.
Waiting for your response, he expected full-scale revolt, clawing his touch from yours, kicking his ass off the hill.
What he did not expect was compliance.
“Get…get this done and over with,” you guttered, shuffling in your seat.
Okay, maybe you were still hesitant, but that was the least of the swimmer’s worries. He could feel the nerves radiating off of you, stance as rigid as the trees surrounding him. “You gotta relax, Birdie,” he said, and you felt the words caress your ear, nearly making you shiver.
“I can’t relax if you’re right behind me, asshole,” you gritted out. “Give me a little space.”
“If I give you any more space I’ll fall off the bike.”
You could honestly pay to see that. “Now!” Changbin started, sliding his feet in the pedals, right under yours. “I’m gonna pedal first. You keep looking ahead, and have control of the breaks.”
His Nikes underneath you were soft — a small comfort. You nodded, eyes resting over the city view, and the greenery decorating it.
“Are you ready?”
No.
“Yes.”
The bike began to move.
Involuntarily, you stiffened, save for your feet which worked along with the boy’s cycling. He sensed it instantly, fingers tapping upon the back of your hand. “Easy,” he whispered, pushing further power into the pedals. “Or you’re gonna kill us both.”
“Changbin…” your voice trailed off, ignoring his warnings as you realised where the wheels were taking you two. “Why…why are we going towards the edge of the hill?”
Sure enough, beside the steep stairs, there was a dip, going all the way down to the park’s exit, and onto the main road. “Changbin,” you repeated louder this time. “Maybe you should stop cycling…”
“I will,” he said, a ghost of a smirk on his face. “If you turn us around.”
“What?!” you spied him through your peripheral vision, wanting earnestly to elbow him in the ribs. “Are you crazy? We’re gonna crash!”
“We won’t if you turn us around,” he corrected, smile growing wider as he levelled his face against yours. “Or we can go down the hill, and enjoy the freefall.”
“Changbin!”
“That’s my name, Birdie!” he yelled excitedly as the bike edged closer. A few students glanced at your direction, the majority of the noise in the park. “Don’t wear it out!”
“Oh my God—” you started to curse at him, but the anger reached your feet instead, pushing too hard on the pedals.
The bicycle propelled forward.
With a scream you dipped, wheels picking up lightning speed as it shot down the hill. The boy beside you screeched in laughter as let go of the pedals, hands straight to the handles.
Involuntarily you closed your eyes, letting Jesus take the wheel, but unluckily for you, Jesus was not there by your side — only your reckless date, who, sensing your rejection of the scene, brought his hand to your wrists.
With a soft jerk he evaded your hands from your eyes. “Look, Birdie, we’re flying!” he declared, his mirth ringing in your ears as you continued down the huge drop. Your mouth opened to argue, but then your gaze observed the descent.
The feeling was indescribable.
Your heart leapt in your throat, caging your words in your mouth as your eyes widened at the sensation.
Changbin was not wrong at all — you were truly flying.
You had no control over the breaks, the direction, nothing — you didn’t want to, when it would break this feeling, get rid of your wings, made from the presence of the boy behind you.
An unbreakable smile morphed onto your lips.
The high lasted until you reached the end of the hill, the park gates open and rushing you out into the real, concrete world.
Your smooth glide ran into a hiccup as the bike left the pavement, the jolt so sudden and hard you almost jumped off the seat. If it were not for your arms looping around the safe, granite-like net behind you, you would have met your end on the main road.
Changbin, on the other hand, very much felt like he had met his end.
He stilled as your hands slid around him, hiding away from the chaos of the cars surrounding you. He nearly crashed the bike into an oncoming truck, shaking his frozen hands out of their trance and swerving forward, cycling to the edge of the road. The horns cussed his diabolical handling, he bowing as low as he could with a girl buried in his chest.
“Shit,” he breathed out, hoping you would not hear his heartbeat increasing as he pedalled harder, climbing atop the sidewalk and picking a route he knew well of. Your warmth seeped into his hard chest, spreading all the way to his mouth where words refused to leave. Half of him screamed to get you off of him, in case you realised what position you were in and purposefully crashed him into a car.
Another part of him wished you would never let go of him. That part he did want to acknowledge.
“Hey,” he called you after a while, realising that a hand-print on his face would not suit him kindly. “We’re off the hill.”
You opened your eyes, immediately engulfed with the scent of soft cologne. Your hands were locked around something hard, and when you peered upwards, your heart could have fallen out of your ass.
Since when did you latch yourself to Changbin?
Quickly, after registering what he said, you retracted yourself from him, finding small comfort on the bar handles, occupied with his hands. “Why didn’t you tell me that I’d koala-ed onto you?”
“And ruin my hero moment? Please.” The boy clicked his tongue. “Plus, it didn’t look like you wanted to get off of me.”
You hated how your cheeks burned as his touch caressed you, reminding yourself to avoid him like the plague when you got off of the bike. “You’re deluding yourself, buddy.”
Hearing his soft chuckling radiate behind him had you all uneasy. His focus solely upon the road, you did not ask where he was taking you, letting patience reign over you for once. The questions may have been useless anyway, as the route he was taking became more and more familiar.
Wait, are we going to—?
The cyclist turned the other road, and the sight that welcomed you had your brows raising. Underneath the stars, which had just taken duty over the night sky, the swimming building was dimly lit from the light which shone from above, the pool’s own lights shut off after roll call.
“Changbin, why are we going to the swimming pool?” you asked as his pedalling slowed, nearing the railings where the other bikes would usually be stored.
Once he stopped, feet skidding on the ground, he leaned in, lips nearly brushing your ear. “Are you getting off, or am I gonna have to pick you up?”
That had you hurrying out of your seat in an instant, making the boy snort. You stuck your tongue out at him, turning to face the huge entrance, probably locked. “How are you getting us in, smartass? The school thinks you’re in residence.”
“That’s true.” his hand went inside his leather jacket, fishing out keys from his pockets. “But when you’re the star swimmer in your year, you have a few benefits.”
“Star swimmer?” you repeated dryly, watching him walk up to the doors, unlocking them with a soft tinkle. “I doubt that very much.”
He twisted the knob, opening the entrance. “Guess I’m gonna have to show you otherwise.”
Brows raised, you followed him inside, making your way through the different alleys, past the showers and the hallways of the building. “You still haven’t told me why you brought me here.”
Taking off his jacket, he held it in his hand until he broke out of the stuffy halls. The scent of chlorine hit you as you entered the pool area, vast and airy, the cold kissing your face. “Well,” he said, “Ever since I caught you swimming like a fish, it’s never left my mind.”
His hands slipped to his hips, leaning against the wall. “You see, there is no way you learned the craft by yourself.”
You tilted your head. “What are you trying to suggest?”
Changbin’s smirk could have done all the talking. “I’m challenging you to a race, Birdie.”
The confusion was off the rails. “And why are you challenging me?”
“Because I’ve beaten everyone in my group.” his fingers trailed to his jeans, where he untucked his top. “And you could have beaten them all too.”
Your eyes rooted to the little movements as he began to undress, and you let out an involuntary noise, halting him. “Is there a problem, Birdie?” he asked, much too casual for an action so outrageous.
“Problem?” your shock was imminent. “Yes, buddy, there is a problem, and it’s you stripping in front of me!”
“I mean, that’s what you do when you get in a pool,” he explained, as if he was talking to a child. “I don’t want my clothes to get wet.”
When he showed no signs of stopping his undressing, you suddenly whirled your back on him, a hand on your forehead. “Hell, you do whatever you want, Changbin, I’m not swimming with you!”
“Why, sweetheart? Didn’t you break into this building to swim in here?”
Gritting your teeth, harder so when you heard the rustling of clothes, you seethed, “That was different. You weren’t there when I was enjoying myself.”
“I was there too, remember?” he reminded you too sweetly, which had you groaning.
“Yeah, I remember,” you snarled. “Because you ruined everything and made me go on this…this stupid date.”
There was a slight pause before he spoke. “I wouldn’t call this date stupid.”
You bit your lip. No matter how many times you could say it again to him, even you did not believe in it.
In some parts of today, you actually enjoyed the time spent.
Right now, though, you would rather forget about the speck of good amongst the sea of screw-ups that happened tonight.
Especially after the boy’s words. “How can you call this date stupid when you’re spending time with me?”
“Okay that’s it, now I’m definitely not getting in the pool with you!”
You turned around to face him, pointer finger raised to wiggle at him when your eyes landed on him.
And his lack of attire from the waist-up.
Your entire mind blanked out when your gaze found haven in the golden plains of his chest, as smooth as silk yet hard as rock as it rose and fell with every breath he took. Shamelessly, you dropped your stare a little lower, the defined lines of his muscles trailing down to the v-line—
“Are you checking me out?”
With a flinch you locked your eyes with Changbin, who possessed the most disgusting, shit-eating grin on his face. “Oh my God, you are!” he exclaimed, settling his shirt next to his leather jacket. “Is that why you won’t join me in the pool?”
“Uh, it’s not that—” you tried to say, but then he took a step towards you, and you changed your entire plan. “What are you doing?”
“Testing your lie.” he merely said, daring another step closer which had you retracting. “You see, I don’t really believe you.”
Another step forward, another step backward. “Why are you so embarrassed? Have you never seen a half-naked man?”
None as effective as you. “Of course I have, dumbass,” you plied out from your mouth instead, shoes sensing the floor wetten the further back you went. “It’s…um, it’s…”
“What?” he pressed, feline amusement stark on his beautiful face — did you just admit he’s beautiful? “You’re so quick to snap back at me, Birdie. Why’s your beak shut now?”
What you should have done is shout at him for his god-awful pun, but the strange sensation within your gut forced you to answer his initial question. “Listen, I-I don’t…” you aimlessly gestured at your restaurant uniform. “I’m not wearing a swimsuit underneath this, so…so I’m not doing it, I’m not…taking my clothes off.”
When Changbin caught up, a foot’s length between the two of you, he offered a slight cock of his head.
“Who said anything about taking your clothes off?”
You would have questioned this claim had he not stretched his hands towards you.
Hands which pushed you right into the swimming pool.
With a shrill scream you fell backwards, a great splash! resonating throughout the entire building as you submerged into the water. The cackling from above hazingly entered your ears, but that was ignored when rage entered your bloodstream, almost making you steam underwater.
Legs kicking into action, you quickly swam upwards, breaking through the surface with a harsh gasp. Your eyes fixed on the boy being doubled over, whole body shaking with laughter, and your tongue finally worked to your favour.
“What the hell was that?!” you roared at him, spluttering water from your lips.
“I—” he cut off once more, his bubbly giggling so unlike the muscles that flexed with every heave. “Oh, God, I’m so sorry but—” another round of laughter followed, unable to finish his sentence.
“Stop laughing, asshole, you ruined my uniform!”
His answer was completely disregarding your demands, tears glassing his eyes as he stumbled over to you, squatting before your swimming figure. “I can’t help it!” he gushed, waving a finger at your drenched appearance. “You look so cute right now.”
Despite the ice cold water, you had the nerve to heat up rapidly from his comment. “Shut up, Changbin,” you spat, your hands gripping the edges of the pool.
He wasn’t listening much, preoccupied in wiping the moisture from his eyes. Your previous, minute-long fluster disappeared, replaced with a need for dire vengeance.
This time, you raised your hands — quick and quiet, never a suspect to the victim.
Your target did not notice fingers enveloping his legs, too busy inwardly mocking at your state.
Nor did he realise the ghost of a smirk on your lips as you pulled.
Pulled Changbin from his position — pulled him out of his continuous howling, and pulled him straight into the swimming pool with you.
His laughter was snuffed right out as he fell into the water, his splash raining on you with a thundering sound. You let a shriek escape as you retreated a little, watching the star swimmer of Haneol University make a fool of himself trying to break the surface.
The moment he eventually did, his hair flipping backward as he gasped for breath, he turned to where you were — you, finding yourself grinning at his sodden state.
Eyes, which glistened with glee before, now possessed a galaxy of surprise. “What…” he huffed out, arms flailing slowly in the pool. “What was that?”
You matched his oncoming glare with a victorious grin. “Payback.”
The boy could only gape at your change — he didn’t realise you had some childlike qualities in you, even if the consequences of it were in his disadvantage.
However, seeing you smile like…like that…and because of him.
It had his entire body burning with a bizarre sense of pride.
He tried not to let his burning cheeks bother him as he pinned you with a stare that caught you off guard.
His voice dropped an octave lower.
“You’re gonna pay for this.”
And he was upon you in seconds.
With a shriek you dodged his hands, splashing water at him before swimming away for your life. He was blinded for a second, but then his arms began to work. “You’re not getting away from me this time, Birdie!” he exclaimed through the water attacks you sent his way.
“Die trying!” you shouted back, not expecting such overwhelming thrill at retreating from the swimmer. The excitement, thrumming beneath your skin, had your movements going fast yet frantic, almost no control over your freestyle.
You could not have cared less.
Especially when you were more concerned about not being caught.
Reaching the ends of the pool, you hurriedly turned a sharp right, barely missing him again. You had always expected expert skill from the boy, but he was too agile — he too, seemed like he was born to swim for the rest of his life.
At least it was the sole objective as of this moment. He refused to let you slip away.
It was this determination that had an idea entering his mind.
Stealing a glance behind you, you stopped for a second to find no avid freestyler hot on your heels. You made the mistake of faltering your speed, making a loose turn, trying to dwindle the sound of the splashing and find where he was.
That was when you felt a tug on your ankle.
You didn’t have time to register before you were pulled down into the water, pressure entering your ears instantly the further you sunk. You slapped your hands to your mouth to stop yourself from breathing, but your eyes widened — more so when the culprit glided from under you, facing you with a winning smirk on his lips.
His face said it all. I caught you, Birdie.
You were on to give him your answer when his eyes snapped upwards, the victory flickering on his face. Pressing a finger to his lips, he swam upwards, hearing him gasp for breath.
Needing a breather, you tried to float up to where he was, but his hand underwater palmed your head, stopping your tracks. His voice barely registered in the deep, but what you could make out was his hurried reassurances, and a thousand apologies.
Have you been caught?
“…no of course…late night practising, you already know…forgot my pants…!”
Feeling your lungs tighten, you tugged on Changbin’s leg, trying to hurry him up. His response was an attempt to kick your hand off, but to little success.
At this rate, you were going to die, so you resorted to more violent means — the mere tugging was replaced with shaking his legs right off the sockets, nearly knocking off the boy’s balance. You heard his voice heighten from your antics, and smiled to yourself. The smile did not last long, though, lungs begging for oxygen, and your previous still stance began to falter.
You needed to be out of the water. Now.
Perhaps the boy finally recognised your pains, for his head appeared underwater once more, a few bubbles sprouting from his mouth as he clamped his lips shut, levelling himself with you. Taking your arms in his hands, he led you upwards, you too restless to pry his touch from you.
The outside world greeted you as you escaped the one below, taking in heavy gulps of air as you held onto him, fingers gripping hard onto the swell of his shoulders. You did not comprehend the close proximity, finding yourself almost pressed against his chest, but the idea was forgotten in your mind — focused instead on trying not to die.
Changbin, however, could only think of your body against his.
He should have known that this situation would arise, yet he did not think over the ramifications of his bravado. His hands still held onto you, scared that you would withdraw from him if he moved an inch. God, he was terrified that you would catch the dazed look on his drenched face, and figure out what caused all his flirtatious behaviour.
It didn’t help that you were so clueless, clinging onto him as you gasped for breaths, each touch upon his naked chest sending shockwaves down his wafting body.
And he knew well that electricity and water did not mix.
Eventually giving your lungs enough air to last a lifetime, you cleared your throat, knifing your date with a sour glare. “What…took you so long?” you rasped out.
When you did not receive an answer — simply an odd, rather intense stare from him — you cocked your head, the irritation slowly fading. “Changbin?”
That’s when you noticed the slight shift — his hesitant hands encircling you, as if they wished to hold you but knew they shouldn’t. His eyes, always alight with mischief, now softened, as if gazing upon something he found a little pleasing. Even with his hair slick, barely hanging over his line of sight and dripping down on his bare shoulders, before him stirred quite an awakening within you.
The swimmer felt your fingers burning upon his skin.
He had a feeling you caught onto his fluster.
“That’s…that’s the name, Birdie…” he managed to get out, hoping his stupidity would ease this strange atmosphere which embedded the swimming pool. “You’re wearing it out.”
You didn’t know why his response disappointed you.
What were you expecting? As you stared at him, you could not give justification. What did you want him to say?
What did you want him to do?
You did not know yourself.
Your hands left his shoulders, swimming some distance between the two of you. You could have sworn Changbin’s eyes flickered in disappointment, but it was instantly replaced with curiosity as he stopped you with your voice.
“Where are you off to?” he asked, you catching slight desperation in his tone.
“It’s late,” you said, because there was no other excuse you could offer him. You needed to get away — be far away to stop your mind from questioning your heart around him.
“So?”
Shit. He really needed to restrain his constant curiosity. “So…I should be getting home.”
“You’re not going anywhere,” he countered, gesturing towards the entrance doors. “Not when I had to convince the security guard I was the only kid practising in here.”
“Oh my God, someone saw us?” you asked, nerves creeping back, but for an entirely different reason.
“We were pretty loud, to be fair,” he pondered, but then he waved off the mindless conversation. “But don’t worry, he thinks it’s only me. Your dad won’t be hearing from any dean.”
Nodding inattentively, you kept swaying your legs, used to the coolness of the pool and the ruined clothes you adorned. You sided a glance at your date, who began to lean back into the water, his entire back settling on the surface. “Hey, what are you doing?”
“Lie down with me,” he said, splashing a space beside him without looking at you.
Despite your furrowed brows, you swam closer. “Why?”
“Because I said so,” was his drawl.
“Now I definitely won’t do it.”
“Okay, fine!” you saw his head perk up for a second, dripping from the back. “Please, sweet Birdie, the finest swimmer in the seven seas, will you do me the honour of laying beside my undeserving being?”
Your lips twisted, trying to hold back a disbelieved smile. Letting yourself swim nearer, you said, “Maybe it’s time to go back in your time machine, good sir.”
“Not yet,” he replied, watching you slowly recline into the pool, legs surfacing. “You’re not getting rid of me so soon.”
“I don’t think I ever will at this rate,” you remarked, dipping your head ever so slightly. Looking up, you waited among the silence. The water was like a balm to your back, lapping gently against your body. A breathy exhale escaped you, eyes drifting upwards to the ceiling.
Changbin’s voice entered your ears. “It’s good, isn’t it?”
“Hmm…” you felt your eyes close, spreading your arms, water collecting in your hands. Without realising, your body began to wander along the languid waves, swaying further.
The boy noticed your drift, and clicked his tongue. “Why are you leaving me?” he half-whined, lazily reaching out to you.
“Mmmm…go away, Changbin,” you got out, letting the contained forces of nature guide you in its limited space.
Unfortunately, your date’s determination outraced the lazier waves, head raised slightly to outstretch his hands in the right direction. They caught onto one of your own, halting your wandering.
His fingers were warm as they enveloped yours, small yet secure, and your eyes snapped straight to the boy who reached out.
“Can’t have you straying from me now,” he said faintly, shifting his head till he locked his gaze with yours. “When the night is about to end.”
He waited for you to retract, snarl at his candor.
None came as you muttered, “You have an hour of my time.”
That acceptance had him smiling.
Simultaneously, the two of you gazed upwards at the ceiling, a whole universe away — laying on the water, swaying against your skin. His fingers remained locked with yours, anchoring you to the uncertainty of the waves.
To hell with the hour. You could stay here forever.
Spending time with the boy beside you, nearly dying on his bike — sneaking into the university pool and once again risking consequences was worth this moment of peace. Despite your incessant cursing, Changbin’s incessant teasing and the incessant, agonising emotions mixed in between, you never thought that this day would become so special.
Your eyes fell to your peripheral — the faded image of the swimmer welcomed you, his touch still there, he still there, close to you, hearing the air escape his lips.
No. This peace was worth all the risks in the world.
You let yourself confess that to the water.
“I don’t wanna leave.”
He agreed with a hum. “Laying here, without a care for anything…” He pointed towards the top of the building, where the lights were stuck in lines, shut off. “…it’s really nice.”
“You’re so lucky,” you pondered out loud, the cool caresses lulling you to rest. “You can do this everyday, and no one would say anything. Hell, you’re majoring in this shit.”
“Swimming at Haneol is more than just floating at midnight,” he drawled, sending you a side-eye. “But yeah, I always come here when I want a little quiet.”
There was a beat of heavy silence after, you resorting to the slight movements of the water, and his fleeting touch.
“Why didn’t you come here…” He then clarified louder. “…to the university, I mean?”
Another round of deathly quiet followed, you trying to turn the question over, debate the events after.
Should you tell him?
You closed your eyes, your feet moving along the surface. Could you stomach sharing something a handful of people knew in your life? You only met with these handful, scared of yourself, where you sat on the scale of success.
But then, he could guess why. Being a waitress at a chicken shop was not a dream career.
“You’re…” his voice, so deep and rough, turned mellow in your ears. “You’re too damn good not to be here.”
You did not know why that made you shiver.
“I…I can’t afford it, Changbin.” You sighed. “I…there’s a reason I work all the time at Bok Chicken.”
As you continued, you felt your hands being caressed by his fingers — gently, like light feathers skimming along your skin. It made it all the harder for words to leave your mouth. “The plan is…save up enough and apply next year. I don’t know if it’ll be enough, but…you never know if you don’t try, right?”
“Right.”
His caressing did not stop, forcing you to silence — every slight touch had your throat in shambles. You thanked the stars when he spoke. “There’s gotta be some way!” Although you could not see him, you certainly heard the concern in his voice. “What about scholarships? Or even half-scholarships? Any type of financial aid?”
“I didn’t check much on that, to be honest,” you confided. “I don’t know, I…” You halted. “I don’t know.”
You opened your eyes. “Until then, it’s delivering fried chicken.”
The boy tried to add a lightness to his deflection. “At least you know I’ll always order them.”
A scoff. “It can’t get any worse.”
Faint chuckling resonated in the pool. “Hey, um…” he started, thumb stilling on your hand. “I’m sorry about today.”
That had you turning your head to his side. “Sorry?”
“I…” he inhaled sharply. “I wasted your time today. You got work, you’re in your uniform right now, and I still took you on this…date.” His hold on you slackened. “I know you didn’t wanna come today, but I still made you.”
You watched him struggle for words, a sight so unusual for a swimmer so confident in himself. You could not help the giggle that set itself free, caught instantly by him. “Are you laughing at me?”
“No, no,” you reassured him. “But you’re…I didn’t want to come today.” Biting your lip, you locked your gaze with his. “But, honestly? I didn’t hate it.”
Changbin snorted, shaking his head. “Gee, thanks a lot,” he crowed. “I can definitely class this as a successful night!”
“If you would let me elaborate!” you exclaimed, splashing him with your enclasped hands. “You have to admit, it wasn’t the greatest start. I nearly died on that bike!”
“But you didn’t!”
“No, I guess not.” You carried on, lowering your voice. “But even that…I enjoyed it.”
It didn’t look like the boy believed that. “I’m serious!” you persisted. “When we went down that hill, it was…exhilarating. And then this.” You raised your hand, gesturing to the entire building. “Being in the pool, swimming in it…even if it meant being chased half crazy by you,” you added, earning a groan from him, “Even with all of that…I loved every second of it.”
You held his lingering stare.
“With all that chaos, Changbin, I found a little peace.”
His smile faltered.
“So…don’t say sorry.” Your eyes slid upwards again, never forgetting the fingers which threatened to let go. “I would do it all over again.”
You paused, then, finding this particular moment a little too sentimental. You added on hurryingly, “If you leave out the whole bike fiasco, that is.”
The boy seemed to ignore the last part, completely dazed at your heartfelt honesty. He did not expect — dared not expect — for this day to go as successful as he planned, but listening to you almost ramble to him and the water gave him small hope.
A small flicker of a hope that you would not mind doing this again.
That had him squeezing your hand without thinking.
“I’ll teach you properly next time.”
Your brow raised. “Next time?”
Despite his inner frenzy, he had the nerve to wink. “I told you, Birdie. You’re not getting rid of me.”
Despite your own chaos residing inside, you let yourself smile. “What a shame.”
There was a tender period of time passing between you, gazing at each other with undecipherable emotions, too many words being left unsaid. You did not mind it, though. Changbin’s eyes gave you more comfort than any of his words could. More comfort than you would have liked.
Was he staying here the entire night? You took in a sharp breath. Were you going to stay the entire night with him?
You could not ponder further as you felt yourself being pulled closer.
With your hand locked with his, his tugging drifted you closer to him. “You’re so far away,” he murmured, a few inches from you in this new distance.
The water around you began to warm up the more you stared at the boy beside you. “I’m still beside you,” you said, as gently as he. “I was all day.”
“Mmmm…I know,” he got out, eyes heavy lidded. “But right now,” he sighed, and the exhale fanned your lips. “I need you closer.”
You could only answer in silence. Stunned, shaking silence.
Every atom in your brain should have been screaming to push him and his still very naked chest away from you, swim away from him for eternity. God, you should have known better than to stay floated with a boy you swore to dislike.
Your heart, and it’s sudden uneven beating, urged a different path entirely.
A path you wanted to take more than logic.
The swimmer dipped his feet downwards, guiding you till you both stood straight in the water, legs working lazily to keep you both upright. His free hand snaked along your waist, keeping the distance to a minimum, refusing to let even a sliver of water drift between you two.
The ends of his hair, almost curtailing his eyes, dripped droplets onto your face as he leaned in. “Push me away, Birdie,” he whispered, the enclasped hand moving in the water.
As you tilted your head, the droplets fell on your lips. You parted your mouth, the corner of your lips curving.
“Not tonight, asshole.”
This would have been when Changbin dipped his head, claiming your lips and kissing you in the light of the moon.
What happened, in reality, was the interruption of keys jingling — further helped by the thumping of boots, and a creaking of opening doors.
His hands froze on your body.
“Shit.”
And before the security guard could spot the both of you, the boy sucked in a deep breath before plunging himself in the pool, taking you down with him.
You had about two seconds to gulp in air before you submerged into the water, all sense of the outside world warping around you. You looked at your date, who had his eyebrows furrowed as he kept a steady hold on you.
One thing that caught you off guard was the pure rage sparking off his features.
Part of you was scared his anger would boil the pool to evaporation, but most of you was beyond confused, surprised to see such an extreme reaction emitting.
His gaze darted to your lips, however, and it was then you realised why he was so angry.
He wanted to kiss you.
God, he really wanted to kiss you crazy.
You thought you would look away in embarrassment at the revelation.
What you did instead shocked the two of you still.
Grabbing onto his face, the force had a few bubbles escaping from his mouth. You did not wait for his reaction as you closed your eyes and swooped forward.
Straight onto his lips.
A small noise reverated within him, but you did not open your mouth, did not let him open his — you simply planted yours to his, letting the concept of time warp into ruin as you kissed the boy who made your days a living hell, and this single night an undeserving heaven.
The whole world stilled around you, as if it, too, waited for you to proceed with this act of courage. Thankfully so, giving you this precious time to feel the softness of his lips, experience the shock etched upon them. Your hands held his face gently, his locks like velvet underneath this personal ocean you two swam in.
Forcing yourself to pull away, you had to exhale, bubbles floating to the top. Your heart, too, refused to listen, hearing it beat unusually fast in your ears.
From the look on Changbin’s face, you thought — hoped — he was feeling the same.
You found out when he put his hand on his mouth, eyes widening to a dangerous extent. He retracted a little, hair following in slow motion, to stop himself from inhaling the water.
He could not believe what just happened.
He should — the sensation of your lips stayed, as if a part of you had been stamped on his mouth. His fingers skimmed over it, and his legs halted their movement in an overwhelming realisation.
You kissed him. You kissed him before he could.
Hearing the doors close faintly over the hum of the pool, you raised your chin, implying the next move. It took him a moment to figure out, mind still in disarray from your bravado, but he understood. Taking your hands in his, he swam upwards to the surface, pulling you with him in a hurried grip.
Breaking through, you raked your gaze over your surroundings, finding no security guard in sight — simply the stars peeking through the windows, and a boy who could not take his eyes off of you.
You tried not to let it affect you as you got out, “He’s gone.” When you were answered with , you repeated yourself, your hold sliding higher on his arms. “The guard’s gone, Changbin—”
“You kissed me.”
This time, you gave him silence. Blinking back at his statement, you began to wonder whether you should have stayed a coward underneath.
You tried to explain yourself. “Um, well, I just thought that…you know, we were about to,” you stammered, forcing yourself to retract your hands from him. “We were…you came a little closer and—shit,” you then hissed, starting to withdraw from him. “I’m sorry, this was a mistake—”
Fortunately, your rambling was interrupted, suddenly cut off in the best possible way.
Cut off with a tug of your wrists towards a hard chest, and a pair of familiar lips colliding with yours.
The surprise threw you off completely. A small whine morphed onto your mouth, only to be drowned by Changbin’s lips, his fingers creeping over your chin. The velvety, languid movements of his mouth upon yours had you collapsing underwater if it weren’t for his hand on your waist, pulling you further into him. If you thought your heartbeat raced before, it was galloping at full speed now, threatening to burst out of your chest.
With a gasp you pulled away, breath heavy as your frenzied eyes darted upwards at him. His own were half-lidded, hooded with a dark emotion you dared not explore.
“Don’t,” he rasped, voice deeper than all the seas you’ve swam in. “Don’t say sorry for kissing me again.”
You blinked at that warning, unable to say anything, words fully failing you. The boy, using that to his advantage, drifted you forward in his hold, closer to the edge of the pool, where the end turned more shallow.
When your feet touched the ground, they responded to his advances, taking the slow steps until your back hit the ceramic tiling. Both his hands held the edge, caging you in his hold.
“Wait,” you got out, just before Changbin could have made you breathless. “What if he comes back?”
Perhaps you should not have bothered asking, for his face said it all.
Still, he spelled it out for you in a guttural tone.
“I don’t give a fuck if he comes back, sweetheart.”
That was all the clarification you needed as he swooped down upon your mouth.
He pushed up against you, snuffing out any remaining distance, refusing to let you slip away again as he moved his lips along with yours. With one hand barring you, the other inched up to your face, thumb and forefinger holding your chin and tilting your head. The result was an even deeper pleasure oozing from his mouth as it delved him deeper, making his insides somersault into insanity.
Even you could hardly contemplate the situation you found yourself in, despite your body working on its own accord and following along to his kisses. Hard chest pressed against yours, you felt every fine muscle sculpted on his abdomen. His presence, you found as he buried himself in your lips, was powerful — with his mere mouth he possessed total control over you, his magnetic force unable to break you away from him.
Not that you wanted to. Not one bit.
Especially when his tongue slid along the seam of your lips, awaiting entrance.
You would never refuse.
Parting your mouth, you let him inside — a right decision, when his tongue caressed yours, and you felt your entire soul collapse into the water, saved only by his strong hands keeping you upright. He explored you further, taking great enjoyment in swirling his tongue along with yours, eliciting sounds from you which had you burning.
Eventually, you had to break away, gasping for breath, taken away by yours truly. Holding onto him for dear life, you paused as you looked upwards, unsure whether you even had the strength, when the boy before you had robbed you of it.
His eyes, to your delight, blazed with hunger.
“Changbin…” you breathed out, gripping his shoulders tightly, scared that if you let go, you would drown in the water.
He, on the other hand, could not suppress the shudder overtaking him.
You, whispering his name like a pleading…
It only amplified his longing.
He was not letting you drift away this time.
And perhaps he would have been successful, would have explored you till the end of time, if a harsh, awful voice didn’t roar across the pool.
“What the hell are you both doing here?!”
Both of you felt your shit freeze over.
There was a moment of pure stillness, none of you quite believing if the scratchy demand, laced with anger and retribution, was actually said, or whether it was purely delusion courtesy of breathing in too much chlorine.
However, when the two of you turned your head towards the hell-sent security guard, flashlight stark in your face and expression akin to a bull, the hard reality hit hard.
Changbin, gaze still perched on the man, leaned closer to you, whispered as faintly as possible.
“Do you know what this means?”
Not moving an inch, you let your eyes dart to his face.
A promise of adventure was written all over it.
“Time to fly, Birdie.”
RUNNING AWAY FROM SECURITY WAS MORE TERRIFYING THAN EXHILARATING.
If it weren’t for the man’s age, he would have easily caught you, and then you’d never be able to step foot near the university again.
Luckily for you, you had your date’s sheer determination, and his expertise in escaping punishment to help you in this situation. His hand, hauling you out of the swimming pool and zooming out of the building through the emergency doors was your sole lifeline, a kite racing through the skies, with you holding onto its string.
Catching the night air upon your drenched skin brought you a whole new meaning of being cold frozen, but your teeth forgot to chatter as you were hurried to the bike racks at the entrance. Your hand was let loose as your escapee adorned his dry shirt and jacket, picked up while all hell broke loose.
“Come back here!”
“Jump on,” Changbin ordered, pushing his bike out, instantly swinging his leg over the seat. “Quick!”
On this rare occasion you obliged him instantly, settling on the back. Wrapping your arms around him didn’t seem a terrible idea anymore, patting him to let him know you were ready. “Go, go, go!”
“Hang on, tight!” He warned, splurging his energy on his feet as they began pedalling, the guard a few feet away from you.
Just when he was about to grab hold of the end, you were whisked away into the night.
“You won’t get away with this!” You heard the distant threats of the man, waving his fist in the air, light flashing we’ll around him. The boy looked back, droplets of water flying amongst the rushing wind through his locks. He answered him with a mock salute, smirking all the way.
You, on the other hand, dared not look back, the exhilaration caught up to your throat, refusing to let you speak. You resorted to clutching your ride’s back a little tighter, afraid this might be the last time you would see the pool of your dreams.
“Shit, that was close,” he said, taking a quick turn onto the main road, mindful of the few cars that drove by at such late hours. “I really thought he was gonna catch us.”
Answering him with nervous quiet, you watched the familiar trees and houses fly past you, figuring out where he was taking you.
What if Dad finds out? What if he gets a call from the University?
The questions rushed in, burst into the chambers of your mind, and the harder they were to respond, the tighter your grip became. At one point, a choke resounded from the boy in front of you. “God, sweetheart, easy on the hold!” He tinkled the bell to a fellow cyclist, turning onto another road. “I know you can’t get enough of me, but you’re gonna make me crash!”
What you should have said was a nasty remark to shut him up, but the freezing water had gotten to your head. “They’re gonna call my dad,” you began, voice wavering. “They’re gonna tell him about what I did, and then I’ll never be allowed near Haneol—”
“Woah, woah,” he cut you off, stealing a glance back at you. “First of all, no one’s saying anything. That security guard may be cranky, but he didn’t recognise you.”
“How do you know that, Changbin?” You demanded, shivering. “He put his flashlight all up in our faces, and now he’s gonna put those posters up where they’ll take a terrible picture of me in middle school and use that—”
“You’re not a criminal,” he retorted. “And stop overthinking! No one’s going to do any of that, I’ll make sure of it.”
“Oh, cause you run the swimming department, right?” You crowed, glaring daggers at his back. “One word from you and everyone changes their plans?”
Silence reigned then, the bike doing one last turn as you ended up in your close, the familiar small shops for the first time unable to welcome you with their shut off lights and closed doors. The street lights were your sole guidance, lighting the way to Bok Chicken.
Stretching his legs, Changbin let his feet skid on the ground, causing the bike to slow. It finally halted before the grey, stone steps of your home.
A side-look was thrown your way. “Your last stop.”
Getting off the bike, you dusted yourself and your wet uniform, praying your father had gone to sleep. “You get going, now,” you said, waiting for him to cycle away.
He nodded, foot on the pedal. Two seconds later, he aggressively shook his head, following your footsteps as he laid the bike on the ground. “Wait.”
Straightening up, he locked his hands behind his back. “I’m…sorry for that whole fiasco back there.”
“No, don’t say that. It wasn’t your fault.” You crossed your arms. “The guard should have minded his business.”
“Right?” A click of his tongue. “What the hell was he doing, carrying out his job? Couldn’t he have slackened off today?”
You let a smile expose, looking down at your feet. “Thanks for tonight,” you muttered, kicking away the pebbles in your path. “For…everything that happened.”
A pause occurred before he clarified, voice raising comically high, “Everything?”
“I’m not gonna spell it out for you!”
“But I’m awfully bad at spelling!” His hands shot out, grabbing onto your arms and tugging you close.
Instinctively you glanced up, mesmerised by the intensity of his mischievous eyes. “What?” You asked, pretending like his stare did make you forget the alphabet altogether.
“You know what I’m most pissed about?”
You flicked your brows upwards in question, urging him on. When his hold on you slithered down, right onto your waist, he obliged you with a response.
“I’m so…God!” he sniped out, fingers tightening on your sides, “I’m so pissed he caught us when I was kissing you.”
He didn’t let you say anything, continuing in a hoarse whisper. “You know what I would have done if he hadn’t stopped us?”
Parting your mouth, you inhaled sharply. “Wh…what?”
But he didn’t answer you, like the world class asshole that he was — still, the alternative was much better, as he slotted his lips along yours, snatching your breath away. He teased you with unhurried movements, letting you slide your hands up to his shoulders, lock around his neck.
You would have opened your mouth fully for him if he had not broke apart, his slowly grinning mouth glistening under the moon. “That,” he uttered out, “I will reveal to you on our next date.”
And then he was leaving you on the steps of the restaurants, picking his bike off the ground. It took you a second to crash back into reality, mouth twisting into a sour frown. “Hey!” You exclaimed, propping your fists on your hips. “You’re not getting a second date with the shit you just pulled!”
“We’ll see about that,” he merely replied, cool as the night air lingering as he settled atop his bicycle. His smile softened a bit, hands gripping the handles. “I’ll make sure you’re not gonna get called up by any dean.”
Nerves easing, you returned his beaming. “Thank you, Changbin.”
He waved off your gratitude with a small shake of his head. “Just tell me, Birdie,” he started, turning his bike as he spoke, “Will I see you again?”
You knew what he meant.
Not you as a waitress and he as a customer.
You never should admit such vulnerable things to boys like Seo Changbin.
It was a shame he was too good at everything he did — whether that be biking from the claws of death, or making a girl like you unable to dislike him.
So you let your smile grow wider.
“Yes. Yes, you will.”
That was all he ever wanted to hear.
“Good.”
With a nod of his head, he pedalled away into the night, leaving him to the mercy of the moon and stars.
And as you crept back into your house — discarding your wet attire, changing into your nightwear — collapsing on the bed with your phone in your hand and your heart at your sleeve, you wondered how a swimmer you once despised had swam his way so deep into your life.
THIS TIME, YOU DID NOT ARGUE WITH YOUR FATHER OVER YOUR LOCATION.
Happily you took the bags from him, he watching you in confusion over your brightened attitude. You didn’t let him comment on it, bursting out of the door and onto the steps.
Your scooter was fired up in seconds, chicken safe behind your back as you travelled the well known roads, nodding to the same nature surrounding you almost everyday. Phone ringing continuously, you let it vibrate within your coat, knowing exactly who distubred your peaceful journey. Smile creeping, you rushed past the cars, barely missing the red light as you turned to your destination.
The swimming building came instantly into view, a dark speck in the distance waving you over. Slowing down, the speck sharpened into a much familiar boy, glowing in the sunlight as he leaned against the bike racks. When your scooter stopped moving, he straightened, walking towards you in all his sports jacketed, long shorts-clad glory.
“Hey, Birdie,” he greeted, voice more and more like a deep melody in your ears. “Fancy you showing up on time for once.”
“You better pay more tips for that attitude,” you replied, matching his mischievous grin.
“I can’t promise that,” he said, taking his order from your seat, “But I can offer something else.”
“Oh, yeah?” You got off, leaning it against the building. “If it’s lesson two of how to ride a bike, then I’ll take the extra money.”
He let out a low hum in warning, gaze lowering. “You got the suit underneath?”
As you nodded, he held out his hand. “Let’s go.”
Despite taking it, you furrowed your brows. “Why are we eating the chicken inside the pool centre?”
Ushering you inside, he navigated the hallways. “We’re not,” he voiced. “I just ordered it to bring you to me.”
“You know you could just…call me and ask if you wanted me to stop by here.”
Leading you to another corner, you picked up on the scent of chlorine, the pool closeby. “But then you’d say no because you’re working. Technically, you’re indulging a customer right now.”
You could not help the roll of eyes. “I should have dropped the order off to your two friends.”
“Hmm, but you didn’t, did you?” Entering the vast space, the huge swimming pool welcomed you after a long night. “Because you wanted to see me.”
He looked at you, and you averted your gaze, neck heating as you snatched your hand from him. “One more smartass comment and I’m going.”
But he was only taking his jacket off, clicking his tongue. “No you’re not,” he rejected, tossing the clothing behind him, beside the food. “Not before carrying out what we intended last night.”
Your puzzlement had him jerking his head towards the water. “You owe me a race, Birdie.”
“What?” You crossed your arms. “Since when?”
“Since yesterday.” The grey shirt followed, and observing his sleek abdomen once again was a surprising sight, but unfortunately welcome. “You see, the real reason I brought you here last night was because I wanted to see how good you were at swimming.”
He carried on, not oblivious to your flustered movements as a smirk snuck onto his face. “Of course, we became more occupied in…other activities—” he chuckled as an irritated groan escaped you, “—but, my curiosity remains.”
Pining you with his stare, he waved a hand towards your true love, waves lapping inside. “One race,” he requested. “And then I can confidently say that I’m the better swimmer.”
That had you exclaiming hey! but Changbin paid little mind, taking off his shoes as he crept closer to the pool.
Turning his head back, his gaze offered opportunity. “Prove it,” he said. Taunted. “One race. You won’t regret it.”
His words had you thinking back to an old conversation, voiced in this very location. How far away it seemed at this hour.
Slowly, you began to undress, slivers of your swimsuit revealed underneath. The swimmer watched you as you took off each item of your uniform, throwing it behind you.
You caught his shameless grin, and took every ounce of your strength not to hide away in embarrassment. It didn’t help that your heartbeat decided to race along with you two. “Stop it,” you hissed, earning a splutter of laughter from him. “God, I regret this already!”
“No you don’t,” he countered, taking your wrist and pulling you beside him. “You said you’d regret going out on a date with me, and look at you now.”
He was awarded with a sour glare. “Another self-obsessed comment, and I’m throwing you in the pool.”
But when the boy’s eyes began to dance at the challenge, you could only stare back in a stupid manner, hair standing on the back of your neck because, well, he was not wrong.
You did not regret the risk in going on a date with him.
Not in the slightest, because yesterday was one of the best nights you had experienced.
And it was all because of him — his awful bike, his reckless desires, and his dire need to be forever close to you.
So you only looked ahead, letting your lips curl upwards, just a little.
“Oh my God, is that a smile I see?”
Terrible mistake.
A mistake you glad you committed as you raised your arms in an arc, and dove into the pool with him.
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