The energy in the practice room was electric. Even though they had another grueling training session, all anyone could talk about was their upcoming Jeju trip.
"I'm gonna eat every seafood dish possible!" Shuaibo declared, throwing an arm around Woongki's shoulder. "Grilled, steamed, raw - you name it, I'm eating it."
"Good luck with that," Jeongwoo snorted, stretching his arms above his head. "I just hope we get time to explore. Jeju's got some of the oldest cultural sites in Korea. I wanna visit at least one."
"Are we on a school trip or a food tour?" Daisuke teased, pulling off his sweat-soaked hoodie.
JL laughed but didn't say much. His gaze flickered, drawn - almost unconsciously - to Chih En.
And Chih En was already looking at him.
JL's breath hitched. There was something different about the way Chih En watched him now - unapologetic, unwavering. Ever since his public confession, Chih En had stopped hiding. He didn't press for an answer, but his feelings were no longer a secret.
JL, on the other hand, had no idea what to do with his own.
"Where'd you disappear to yesterday?" Chih En asked, tilting his head slightly.
JL nearly choked. "H-huh?"
"You just… vanished. I turned around, and suddenly you weren't there," Chih En continued, stepping closer. "Suspicious."
JL quickly looked away, pretending to fix his wristband. "I just needed some air."
Chih En did not look convinced. He narrowed his eyes and - before JL could react - poked JL's side.
"Hey!" JL yelped, twisting away.
Chih En smirked. "Liar."
JL clutched his side, heart racing for reasons that had nothing to do with being ticklish. "I wasn't lying!"
Chih En leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Then why do you look so guilty?"
JL froze. Chih En was too close. Way too close. JL swore he could count every single one of his eyelashes.
"I-I don't!" JL stammered, stepping back - only to hit the wall behind him.
Before Chih En could press further, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Boys, boys," Galee's smooth voice cut in, "no fighting before the trip. Wouldn't want any drama before the fun starts, right?"
JL snapped his head toward Galee. The aesthetics coach stood there, looking every bit as composed and serious as ever. There was not a single hint that they had a secret rooftop conversation yesterday.
JL released a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
Chih En, however, did not look convinced. He gave both JL and Galee a long, knowing stare before finally dropping the subject - for now.
---
Departure for Jeju
The following day, the nine members boarded their flight, buzzing with excitement.
"Window seat!" Shuaibo practically dived into his row, forcing Woongki into the middle seat as if the seats weren't already booked.
"Why do I always get stuck next to you?" Woongki groaned, adjusting his hoodie.
"Because the universe loves us," Shuaibo grinned.
JL settled into his seat, only to realize Chih En was next to him.
Chih En smirked. "Looks like you're stuck with me."
JL swallowed. "Yeah… lucky me."
Before JL could mentally prepare himself, the plane shook slightly as it began taxiing down the runway. He gripped the armrest, trying to appear casual.
"Are you nervous?" Chih En asked.
"N-no," JL said quickly. Too quickly. "I'm not nervous in every flight."
Chih En's smirk widened. Without a word, he slid his fingers over JL's hand, gripping it lightly.
JL forgot how to breathe.
"Relax," Chih En said softly, his voice just above a whisper. "It's just takeoff."
JL felt like his heart was about to take off.
Thankfully - or maybe not - the turbulence stopped a few moments later. Chih En, still grinning mischievously, slowly let go.
JL unknowingly turned red, ready to throw himself out of the plane.
---
Row 16.
Park Han pressed his lips together as he sat straight on his assigned seat. He had mentally prepared himself for the flight, but he hadn't prepared for one thing.
His seatmate.
Steven.
Park Han let out a slow breath, adjusting his seatbelt. It wasn't that he disliked Steven. It was just… why was he always there?
"Yo, Park Han," Steven greeted way too cheerfully as he rolled up his sleeves. "Excited for Jeju?"
Park Han gave a small nod. "It should be fun."
Steven grinned. "Man, I can't wait to hit the beach. Bet you'd look good in beachwear."
Park Han paused mid-motion. "…What?"
Steven laughed, completely oblivious to Park Han's sudden stiffness. He reached out to adjust his seatbelt at the same time as Park Han -
Their hands accidentally brushed.
And then -
A spark.
Both of them jerked back at the same time.
Steven blinked, confused. "Did you feel - "
Before he could finish, the plane suddenly jolted. A bout of turbulence shook the cabin.
Without thinking, Park Han grabbed Steven's hand.
Steven froze, then slowly turned his head, grinning. "…Oh?"
Park Han immediately let go, jaw tightening.
Steven wiggled his fingers. "Whoa, whoa - did the ice prince just hold my hand?"
"Shut up." Park Han muttered, looking out the window.
Steven leaned in. "Don't tell me you're scared of flying?"
"I said, shut up."
But Steven didn't shut up. He was having way too much fun.
"Wow. The great Park Han, scared of a little turbulence?" Steven teased, nudging him. "Guess that explains why you jumped to hold my hand like a drama lead."
Park Han felt his ears burn.
"I will end you."
Steven chuckled, clearly unbothered.
Park Han exhaled sharply, trying to focus on anything else - but then, the memory of their earlier accidental touch flashed in his mind.
That weird, electric static. It happened twice already.
He stole a glance at Steven, who was still smirking.
Maybe this Jeju trip would be more interesting than he thought.