╰┈➤ ❝ [ I once believed love would be (Black and white) But it's golden (Golden) ] ❞

WITH WIDE EYES KIM JI-AN STARED AT Han Seo-jun. When she'd been told she'd be working with a partner, the possibility of it being Seo-jun had never crossed her mind. They worked on the same floor, but this was the first time they have been assigned together, and it hadn't even been planned—it just happened. After seconds of staring like she'd just seen a ghost, Ji-an walked up to Seo-jun. He was adjusting his suit, unaware of her presence until she stood in front him, making him stop mid-motion.

"Sweetheart? What are you doing-" His gaze was wide in surprise, and then the realization hit him. "You're my partner?"

Ji-an shifting her weight, a small smile forming. "Seems like it."

The boy nodded, trying to hide the excitement building within him, a smirk forming on his lips. "So, why'd you agree to come? I know you weren't supposed to work today. Did you miss me yesterday?"

The poor girl's jaw dropped at his words. "I—what? No. I didn't even know this would be a couple shooting until I got here." She quickly shut her mouth, cutting herself off before she could start rambling, and avoided his gaze. Seo-jun couldn't know that his playful assumption was, in fact, correct. It was embarrassing, really, how she suddenly felt so small under his gaze. She never used to act like this around him and it felt strange, but not entirely bad either.

Seo-jun hummed. "Well, what a shame. I did miss seeing you."

Ji-an's attention snapped back to him, wondering if her brain was playing tricks on her. She waited for him to say a sarcastic remark or admit he was messing with her, but the boy stayed silent, a glint in his eyes she couldn't name. Her hands began to sweat, and she hated it. "I came because they offered to pay more."

Just then, the manager returned with the photographer. "I see that you guys know each other?" They both nodded, and the photographer beamed.

"The shoot hasn't started and you already look perfect together." He wiped an imaginary tear. "How did we get so lucky?" Ji-an and Seo-jun shared amused looks while the photographer finished setting everything.

The shoot began soon after, the photographer quickly guiding them into what poses they had to do. For the first pose, he had them standing side by side. Seo-jun's arm was wrapped around Ji-an's waist while the girl faced his side with her arm resting on his chest. She was instructed to look up at Seo-jun while he looked directly at the camera. Ji-an resisted the urge to shift her weight as she stood still. She had done this plenty of times, always professional and with confidence, but in this occasion it was different.

She wasn't stupid, she knew it was because instead of working with a stranger she'll met just a couple of minutes ago, she was doing this with Han Seo-jun. The fact shouldn't change anything, but it clearly did, if her nerves were any prove.

They did a couple more poses while standing before they were told to move to the small couch behind them. That's the moment Ji-an felt like throwing herself off the nearest cliff. Again, it was nothing out of her comfort zone, what messed with her brain was having Seo-jun so close. It was like she was hyper-aware of everything he did, intentional or not. This time the photographer said he wanted them to be more comfortable and natural with their poses, so he gave them the chance to do whatever they wanted. Kim Ji-an for the first time in a while, did not know what to do. She sat awkwardly on the couch, her years of experience getting thrown out the window.

Seo-jun immediately noticed her stiff posture. Despite the fact he was getting a lot of enjoyment from the situation, he didn't want Ji-an to be uncomfortable. He leaned closer to the girl, his voice above a whisper. "Just relax and let me guide you."

Ji-an felt a little embarrassed at the fact he had noticed her discomfort, but she nodded, feeling a little at ease but still nervous about what he'd do. Seo-jun moved closer, making Ji-an lean back until her back was resting on the armrest. His hand found home on her waist again, and Ji-an could feel the warmth of his body as he laid so close. Her heartbeat began increasing when his other hand reached to touch a strand of her hair. Instantly, the camera went off multiple times, the flash illuminating their figures. The shine in Ji-an's hair shone brighter underneath the lights, her light brown lock wrapping around Seo-jun's finger like sweet honey.

Through all of this, Seo-jun never broke eye contact. The longer they stared at each other, the tension in Ji-an's body began to fade, her attention solely on Seo-jun. His hand squeezed her waist a little tighter, it was faint, but Ji-an felt it. She didn't know when she'd grown so affected by his touch and it frustrated her more than she'd like to admit. Slowly as if she was made of glass he let go of her hair, and instead took her arm and positioned it around his neck.

Ji-an's cheeks heat up, her face matching the light pink of her dress. Seo-jun found her reaction endearing, aware of the effect his actions were having on her. All he could hear was the loud sound of his own heartbeat pounding in his ears, a huge contract to how composed he looked on the outside.

The sound of the photographer snapping pictures and throwing praises their way was only background noise to them. It was like they were on their own little bubble. Seo-jun's face inched closer to the side of Ji-an's neck causing goosebumps to form on her skin from having him breathing so close. His perfume was almost intoxicating in such proximity but still Ji-an subconsciously leaned closer. The eye contact was broken as Ji-an stared directly at the camera, the flash going off a few more times.

After the last photos were taken, Ji-an slowly stood from the couch feeling a little lightheaded from the intensity of the moment. Seo-jun watched her with a faint smile, his heart beaming with happiness at the connection he felt between them. The photographer turned to their managers. "We need these two back together some time soon. It's been a long time since I've seen such raw chemistry."

Seo-jun nudge her shoulder teasingly. "I guess we make a good team."

Ji-an nodded a little tensely, still attempting to get herself together. While she got out of the set of clothes she had been given and changed back to her clothes, she was able to calm the tension in her body. Ji-an put on her small crossbody bag and walked out to the dressing room. Seo-jun was already waiting for her outside, and the two walked out together, a habit they'd already grown used to. When they stepped out of the building goosebumps formed on Ji-an's skin as chilly breeze blew past. The clouds were heavier now, the sky with sad shades of gray's.

As Seo-jun and Ji-an walked in comfortable silence, the sky darkened more. They walked by the park, the area pretty isolated. Suddenly, a cold raindrop collapse on Ji-an's skin. She let out a squeal, the one raindrop multiplying as it began to rain. In a panic, Ji-an grabbed Seo-jun's arm before sprinting off to look for a place they could shelter themselves.

"Sweetheart, where are you going?!" Seo-jun yelled through the sound of their feet hitting the pavement.

"Anywhere we can cover from the rain!" She yelled back as she looked around. There was literally nowhere they could take shelter on as the area around the park were mostly tall apartment buildings. A minute or two later of just running under the cold rain, Ji-an caught sight of a closed ice cream shop that had an overhang upfront. They quickly made their way there, sighing in relief when the rain no longer touched their skin. Both panted, trying to regain their breath. They were drenched from head to toe, and the wind occasionally blowing made them shiver.

Seo-jun huffed as he stared at the rain. "I didn't know the weather would get like this."

Ji-an sighed in annoyance. "Me neither."

Seo-jun turned to her. There wasn't much space for coverage, so they were standing close. Their shoulders softly brushing just like the leaves did over the blowing wind around them. "Are you okay?"

"Apart from the fact my clothes and bag are completely drenched, and I look like a wet cat, I'm fine." She stared down at her clothes with a small pout, feeling sad that her outfit was ruined. It was also incredibly uncomfortable to have the wet fabric sticking to her skin.

Seo-jun shook his head with an amused smile, a tender look in his eyes at the sight of her pouty lips. "I think you still look beautiful."

Ji-an's heart skipped a beat at his words. She turned to him, surprised at the lack of space between them. The sheer sincerity in his expression send her into a rabbit hole of confusion and uncertainty, but at the bottom she felt an unwavering warmth that didn't used to exist. Seo-jun's hair was sticking to his forehead, crystalline water lingering on the ends before blending into his skin. He looked soft, almost vulnerable. Ji-an thought it was a cute look on him, reminding her when he used to wear his hair like that back when they were kids. Seo-jun gulped, as he stared down at Ji-an. The steady beat of raindrops hitting the overhang drawn out everything except the way Ji-an made him feel.

His words weren't a lie, to him she'll always be breathtaking. Inside and out. Before he knew what love was, he loved her. Not because of the importance her name hold, or because of her beauty. He loved her for her soul and mind. Because the things that make Ji-an her, bought the best things out of him. And when he lost her, a part of him was also missing. These past months have been the happiest he's been in a long time. All because of her, because she was finally back in his life. Things were back to the way they used to be, but a little more special. Different in the aspect that Seo-jun wasn't planning on losing her again.

His warm fingers came in contact with her cold skin as he pushed a wet strand of hair that was sticking to her cheek behind her ear. The heat of his touch gave Ji-an's shivering body comfort. His hand lingered on the side of her face as he took in her features. Her doe eyes shinning brighter than any star, her soft rounded nose, and the pink plumpness of her lips. Like a magnet, Seo-jun hesitantly inched his face closer to Ji-an's, his poor heart feeling like it was going to jump out of its ribcage. He knew he shouldn't be this close, yet he couldn't make himself step back.

Ji-an might've just stopped breathing altogether. She nervously watched him get closer, her heart beating frantically in her chest. It was like her mind went blank and her body froze, all her thoughts on the fact Seo-jun was leaning closer, and she didn't know what to do. She could feel his breath fanning across her skin the smaller the distance became. Their noses were centimeters apart, an inch or two and their lips would touch, when suddenly, the sky thundered and the two jumped apart startled.

Immediately, Ji-an faced away from Seo-jun, her attention on the faint faraway view of the park. Not even the coldness surrounding them prevented her face from burning as the blood rushed to her cheeks. She fiddled with her fingers, wondering what the heck just happened. Her mind was a mess, none of her thoughts coherent. She let out the breath she was previously holding, the earthy smell rising from the ground filling her lungs. Beside her, Seo-jun was mentally cursing his own luck, wishing the ground could just swallow him whole, along with his disappointment. He had been so close to getting the one thing he's been longing for.

The two stood in an awkward silence for what felt like ages. Mostly because they were both trying to regain their composure while still highly aware of how close they were. For Ji-an it was like the aftermath of the photoshoot, but worse. Seo-jun finally built the courage to speak, clearing his throat and forcing a casual tone that poorly masked his frustration with the untimely interruption. "Did I miss something yesterday at school?"

Ji-an almost sighed in relief at the fact Seo-jun saved her from saying something first. She also cleared her throat, her mouth dry unlike their wet clothes and the rain surrounding them. "Mr. Han passed out the permission slips for the upcoming field trip. He said he'll tell us the details next week."

Seo-jun nodded, also staring ahead. Neither couldn't make eye contact. "Are you planning on going?"

"Yeah, a trip sounds fun. It's also our last year, so I want good memories." Ji-an's mind drifted back to her polaroid camera, remembering she needed to buy films. She was already picturing the photos she'll take on the trip—the laughter, the memories, the faces that mattered. From the corner of her eye, she looked at Seo-jun, the thought of freezing this little moments with him flickering briefly in her mind. She really needed to buy those films.

Seo-jun hummed in agreement to her statement. Time was really flying by, soon everything they are used to will change. The thought of new beginnings was both scary and exciting. Seo-jun and Ji-an stayed underneath the shop until the rain finally ceased. When they stepped out, Ji-an turned to him with a teasing look. "Next time you offer to walk me home, bring an umbrella."

"Using umbrellas is embarrassing."

Ji-an scoffed with a slight shake of her head. "Right, because saving yourself from getting wet is more embarrassing than getting soaked from the rain."

"I mean, we are rocking the wet clothes look." He smirked. "We should go back to the agency and tell them to do another photoshoot. They loved us together, I don't think they'll say no."

"You're so stupid." She mumbled but there was amusement in her eyes.

"You're so stupid." Seo-jun mimicked her knowing the girl found it annoying.

"I hate when you do that!" She shoved his shoulder in annoyance making the boy laugh.

↶*ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷

Kim Ji-an couldn't pinpoint when Han Seo-jun's presence had started affecting her so deeply. Sure, there had been some moments in the past where he'd made her nervous—like the time she asked if she'd been his first kiss, and he didn't just say it was good; he'd called it perfect. Seo-jun was undeniably handsome, and Ji-an wasn't blind to that. But now, things felt different. It wasn't just fleeting moments anymore—it was all the time. Before, her reactions had felt reasonable; after all, who wouldn't get a little flustered if an attractive guy, friend or not, was suddenly close to you or admitted he enjoyed kissing you?

But now it was an everyday occurrence, especially after the modeling shoot and the almost-kiss. Yes, the almost-kiss—the one Ji-an had spend the past couple of days being in denial about. At first, she wanted to downplay what had happened, but it was clear what would have taken place if the thunder hadn't interrupted them at that exact moment. That fact had Ji-an questioning everything. She could have easily stepped back, but she hadn't. Instead, she'd stayed put, heart racing as Seo-jun drew closer. The truth was that the thought of him kissing her didn't exactly bother her. And that was one terrifying realization she didn't want to face. Getting attached was one thing, but allowing him to kiss her was a whole other story.

As a result of this, Ji-an could barely act like herself around Seo-jun. It was as if she was malfunctioning. Every little thing Seo-jun did—the way he looked at her, his affectionate words, his smile, his laugh, his thoughtful gestures, just his mere presence—made her hyper-aware of him, anticipating his next move. She couldn't even concentrate in Mr. Han's class because she knew Seo-jun was sitting right behind her. Her mind also betrayed her, constantly replaying the almost-kiss. She also tried avoiding the boy, but it didn't work out when he seemed to be everywhere she went.

Kim Ji-an walked up to bench outside of school, earphones in, half-focused on the music playing as she scrolled through her phone. She was so engrossed in her screen that she barely noticed when someone stepped up behind her.

"Hey, sweetheart," came the familiar voice, warm and teasing.

Startled, Ji-an jumped and spun around, pulling out one earbud. "You scared me! Don't do that."

"My bad." Seo-jun grinned, hands up in mock surrender. "What's got you so busy?"

Before she could respond, he leaned in closer, peering over her shoulder to see her screen. The proximity made her heart do a strange flip, and she instinctively took a step back, giving him a playful glare. "Don't be nosy," she muttered, hoping her voice sounded steadier than she felt.

The truth was, she didn't really mind if he saw her phone—she'd just panicked, needing to put some space between them. Lately, every little thing he did, from his casual smiles to the way he looked at her, seemed to send her heartbeat into overdrive. She didn't trust herself to keep her reactions in check with him standing so close.

Seo-jun raised an eyebrow, amused, but took a step back. "Alright, alright. I'll behave," he said, though the smirk on his face suggested otherwise. "I was just curious."

Ji-an sighed and took a seat with Seo-jun beside her. "I'm looking at some paint markers. They look really cool and I want to try them out." She passed him the phone, so he could see what she meant.

He looked at the screen with interest, reading what the purpose of the markers is and the brand, repeating it in his mind like a mantra before giving her back the phone. "You're really taking art seriously."

"Yeah." She smiled almost blissfully causing Seo-jun to smile along with her. He'll do anything to keep that smile on her face. Ji-an caught his gaze, and the adoration she saw in his eyes was overwhelming. She looked away wondering if he had always looked at her like that. "I didn't think I'll enjoy it this much, but here I am."

"I'm happy for you, sweetheart." His voice was soft and yet again Ji-an's heart skipped a beat, making her focus her attention on the students passing by in front of them. "Though, I'm a little offended at the fact you still haven't shown me any of your paintings."

Ji-an blushed, surprised at the fact he was still interested in her new hobby and seeing her work. "It's a little embarrassing." The only people who had seen her paintings were Chin-sun, and her brother who only saw them because he had walked into her room unannounced. Both had been delighted with her pieces but she wasn't so sure about it. "Maybe one day I'll show them to you."

"I'll keep insisting until you do." Seo-jun said, and Ji-an found herself softly smiling.

After some minutes, Cho-rong yelled after Seo-jun saying something about having broken something and to come help. This left Ji-an alone again, so she decided to head back inside the school. On her way there, from a couple feet away on the courtyard, her eyes caught sight of Lee Su-ho. A girl that Ji-an couldn't recognize peered up at him with shy smile, a box of chocolates on her hands. Ji-an immediately knew what was going on, and she slowed her pace to watch the interaction, waiting for that familiar feeling of jealousy to settle in her stomach. But as she watched Su-ho reject the girl's love confession, she didn't feel anything.

No jealousy, no uneasiness, no anger or sadness. It took Ji-an by surprise, and she stopped walking and averted her gaze, not wanting Su-ho to catch her watching. Ji-an thought back to when she first returned to school. She had seen Jug-yeong do different kinds of errands for Su-ho, and each time jealousy twisted in her stomach reminding her how much he'd once meant to her and still did. But now, watching this stranger pour her heart out to him only to face rejection, Ji-an felt a strange, almost liberating calm settle over her. Maybe she really was moving on. Maybe all the things that once tied her heart to Su-ho were slowly loosening their hold.

And as she turned away, her thoughts drifted back to Seo-jun—the warmth of his teasing voice, the way he looked at her with that easy smile. A quiet realization dawned on her, making her heart drop to her stomach. Perhaps it wasn't just time that was helping her let go of Su-ho. Maybe it was Seojun, with his constant presence and the way he'd somehow slipped into her life, filling the spaces she hadn't even realized were empty.

——————— ↶*ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊ—————

—Joy

Wow um an almost kiss....pls don't hate me 😣 I admit I was giggling and kicking my feet while writing the scenes. Even I felt like I was third wheeling

Guys, I officially have the whole book planned omg. It's so crazy. But dw it doesn't mean we are getting close to finishing. The book is around 50-60 chapters. Meaning we are only half way through right now 😭

I made an edit cause I heard this part of the song and immediately thought of Seo-jun and Ji-an. I love them so much.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]