The ride to Ilsan was a long one, and the bus was packed, as people were commuting and several other students were headed home for the break as well.

Namjoon had fallen asleep on YeongMi's shoulder, and despite the uncomfortable weight, nothing could've made her happier.

Getting bored of staring at the people, she decided to call Miss Yi instead. Naturally, she barely picked up in time, and YeongMi hoped she wasn't interrupting anything.

"Hey mom, it's me."

If Miss Yi was surprised, she didn't show it, answering immediately. "Hello dear mistress, how's the bus ride?"

YeongMi groaned theatrically, though truth be told, she was rather enjoying it. It was her first time, as her parents always thought they were too good to ride it, never wanting to be surrounded by all the common folk. "It's longer than I thought, but it's not so bad."

"And how's that charming boy that the young mistress likes so much?"

YeongMi smiled, glancing down at the sleeping boy to make sure she hadn't disturbed him.

"He fell asleep like ten minutes in. That's what he gets for waiting until last night to pack. His head keeps bouncing on my shoulder, I think it's gonna bruise, it's okay though. I didn't know that the bus was so unsteady."

"It can be rather scary the first time, but it is safe, I promise."

"I know. I'm sorry that I couldn't see you before I left."

"No need to apologize, young mistress. I'll be here when break is over."

"I know. Take care of yourself now, okay?"

"Of course, young mistress."

YeongMi suddenly felt nervous, "hey, is it okay that I called you mom?"

Miss Yi paused, only for a moment, before responding, and YeongMi's chest relaxed. "Whatever the young mistress likes."

"Will you ever call me anything other than that?"

"I'd have to say no, young mistress."

YeongMi smiled, "we'll see. I'll get it out of you one day, mom."

"If the young mistress says so, it must be so."

"What if I command you to call me YeongMi?"

"Then I will have to accept the punishment of disobeying, young mistress."

YeongMi sighed, but she hadn't expected anything else from the devoted Miss Yi. "Your punishment is to enjoy the day, okay?"

"If the young mistress insists. Safe journey."

"I do insist. Okay, goodbye."

"Take care, young mistress."

YeongMi felt a little better after the call, and she sighed softly, leaning her head on Namjoon's carefully, so as not to wake him.

She closed her eyes and focused on the sounds of bus, the whooshing sound of the engine mixed with the few people who were awake enough to speak.

She noticed a few conversations that she thought were about her and Namjoon, and she smiled softly. It was strange, to hear positive things regarding her, but she wasn't opposed to it.

"Look at those two, do you think they're dating?"

"I'd hope so, otherwise it would be weird, don't you think?"

"How is she so pretty with that bare face? No wonder she can get such a handsome boyfriend."

"But they look so young, how can they date when they need to be studying?"

"Pretty people always manage to date, stupid."

"Are you saying we're not pretty?"

"Not like them, I mean look? They're not even awake and they're already couple goals."

"Do you think I could take a picture of them to post about? I'd cover their faces."

"That's creepy."

"But look at them!"

"Well, do it quickly then."

Namjoon stirred, and YeongMi quickly leaned her head back on the window, figuring that she was leaning on him too much.

"I wish I had a boyfriend."

"Me too, me too."

YeongMi almost wanted to encourage them, but she didn't want to shock them with the fact that she wasn't asleep.

"Oh my god, I thought they couldn't get any cuter."

What was happening now?

"Look at how he looks at her, oh my gosh."

YeongMi was pressed with the decision to keep pretending, or open her eyes to catch Namjoon.

Figuring that she would give herself away, she fluttered her eyes a few times before staring back at Namjoon.

"You're finally awake?"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."

"Really, I thought you did."

"You're right, I did."

"I think it was a ruse to get closer to me," YeongMi teased.

"Are we almost there?"

"You're the one with the tickets."

"Have you heard them say Ilsan?"

"No," YeongMi mindlessly grabbed Namjoon's hand, curling her fingers between his with a smile.

"Then we're not close."

"I thought we were really close, Joon? Now I'm a little hurt."

Namjoon chuckled, rolling his eyes and laying his head back down on her shoulder.

"No matter how close we get, I'll always want to be closer."