To Byul (Omegaverse)-Chapter 75: What club did you join?

After that day, the two couples often crossed paths, because, why not? Ji-hoo always came around when he had no classes just to see Chin-hwa and spend time with him, and Kang-woo was naturally in the group as well.

So, it was inevitable to have both of them engaging in a staring contest from time to time, possibly fighting over who was the better dom, according to Seoung-bo's comical analysis.

"It's Friday," Seoung-bo announced, her cheek kissing the table as she stared lazily at the others. "And it's the day we have to take club activities seriously."

"And it's also the day where we can drink all night and not worry about classes the next day." Dong-cha added as she gulped down from her can of coke.

She emptied it, smacked her lips, and crushed the can.

"Hah, that hit the spot." She exclaimed and tossed the can towards the trash can just a little distance away from them.

"You know, my club is boring." Seoung-bo said. "I shouldn't have joined the literature club."

"Then just get out of it." Beom said. He had a book opened in his hands. "Oh right, even if you leave now, you can't join another since club sign-up is closed."

"Hm-mm." Seoung-bo nodded her head as she lifted it from the table. She shoved her fingers through her hair and said, "So, I've gotta deal with it till the semester runs out."

"Well, at least they aren't asking too much from you." Yun-tae said to her. "They're not making you do what you don't feel comfortable doing."

"Yeah, I guess so. I can sit at the back," Seoung-bo twirled her hair on her finger. "And even take a nap but they won't even care."

They laughed and then turned to Chin-hwa.

"What about you, Hwa?" Yun-tae asked. "Do you have any complaints about your club?"

"Oh, the music club?" Chin-hwa asked, speaking for the first time in a while since he had been so busy staring at the first page of his textbook. "Well, they aren't forcing me into anything."

He glanced away. The music club was filled with music, that was a fact. And music was a form of escape for him. Though he wished he could stand tall and sing in front of everyone, his barrier wouldn't let him.

He always sat it out even when they asked him to make a little presentation at events. He didn't want to stand out, was his excuse. But how he wished to be under the spotlight for this one thing, to sing and be heard.

His eyes fell on Kang-woo approaching.

How he wished when he sang, his feelings were heard.

"Oh, it's Kang-woo." Yun-tae announced, after seeing Chin-hwa abruptly turn his face away from that direction.

If anyone saw that clearly, they would assume Chin-hwa and Kang-woo had an unsettled beef.

"Good afternoon," Kang-woo greeted with a warm smile and they responded in the same manner. He kissed the top of Yun-tae's head and then turned to Chin-hwa who looked like he was avoiding eye contact. "Good afternoon, Hwa." He said and Chin-hwa had to raise his head.

He stared at Kang-woo smile at him and for a moment, pursed his lips.

"G-good afternoon." He answered and dropped his gaze.

He was acting so awkward that it was hard for the group of friends to pretend like they weren't seeing any of it.

"So, Kang-woo," Yun-tae spoke up, breaking the ice before it solidified. "What club did you join?" He asked.

"Ah, that's... The music club." He answered and Chin-hwa's eyes widened. "It's the only club I've ever joined since I was little, so..."

"Oh, then I can say it's not a coincidence he joined the same club as our little Hwa." Seoung-bo said. "After all, they grew up together, so their interests must align."

Yun-tae silently stared at them. Yes, it was normal for such a thing to happen but he felt uncomfortable.

Throughout the week, he tried not to think of what could really be going on between the two of them, if they were suffering because their friendship was falling apart or if it was because they wanted to go past the level of just friends.

He had no way to confirm it and as Seeing had said, it might've been an obsession or it might've been the way they cared for each other, but the more he looked at it, the more he felt that there was a secret that both were hiding deep in their hearts, desperately hoping that the other would search for it and also secretly hoping that they never find it.

Their situation was complicated.

"So, you two will have a club meeting later." Yun-tae said with a cheerful smile. "Now that Kang-woo is there, maybe he can finally get Hwa to do something, am I right?"

They laughed.

"Yeah, Hwa always likes to sit it out. We thought he was just terrible at singing but after hearing it from Kang-woo directly, he's just shy to let his talent shine." Dong-cha said. "Come on, Kang-woo, we're counting on you."

"Hwa and I worked well together during presentations." Kang-woo said. "But I don't think I can force it into him. If he doesn't want to do anything, I have to respect his wishes."

"Tut, you're no fun." Dong-cha pouted.

"Anyway, it's almost time." Seoung-bo said, picking up her bag. "I need to get to my club room."

"Ah, I'll accompany you. Mine is in your direction anyway." Dong-cha said, and Seoung-bo nodded.

"I'll get going too." Beom said. "See you, Yun and Hwa." He waved as he left.

The only people left were Chin-hwa, Yun-tae, and Kang-woo.

"I guess I'd better get going now." Yun-tae said. "Kang-woo, I'm leaving Chin-hwa to you, okay?" He smiled and left but with an unsettling feeling.

He glanced at Chin-hwa. Whereas he was still trying to figure out what their relationship was, he was also trying to figure out what his true feelings were... Towards Chin-hwa, that is.

He gritted his teeth.

"I... I'll take you to the club room." Chin-hwa said, getting up to his feet.

"I'll help you carry your bag." Kang-woo said and Chin-hwa subconsciously handed it to him, but before letting go, he realized he was acting on habit.

"Ah, no, it's fine." He said but Kang-woo would not let go.

"Hwa," Kang-woo called, still smiling. "I insist."

"And I insist not to let you do this." Chin-hwa said, standing his ground. "Really, I can carry my bag. It's not heavy and I'm not lazy either."

"I know that," Kang-woo said, "But just this time, allow me to carry your bag, Hwa."

Chin-hwa pursed his lips. So, now they were arguing about who was going to carry his bag? Seriously, a pointless argument.

He sighed, giving in at the end.

"Fine." He said, letting go of the bag. "But you'll return it to me just before we step into the meeting room, okay?"

Kang-woo beamed a smile and nodded.

"Yes,"

His smile got Chin-hwa blushing but he pulled down his beanie, hoping to hide it.

No matter how many times he convinced himself to look away from Kang-woo and stop gushing at him, whenever he looked at his smiling face, he'd still end up blushing.

If he had a scarf, he'd probably hide his face more in it as he thought,

'Kang-woo... Is so fine.'

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

Silently, they walked into the school building and Kang-woo looked around, making sure to memorize the path to the club room.

"We're here." Chin-hwa said and reached for his bag. Kang-woo obediently handed it to him but he felt so good about helping him that far.

Chin-hwa sighed and opened the door.

The club room happened to be the school's music hall, where there were several instruments and a few members already seated.

"Chin-hwa Sunbae is early as usual." Some of the Hoobaes said as they watched Chin-hwa walk in and then their eyes fell on Kang-woo.

They were struck speechless.

"S-sunbae, who... Who's that person behind you?" One asked in whispers, hoping not to offend Kang-woo.

"Oh, this is Lee Kang-woo," Chin-hwa did the introductions. "He's a transfer student in my year, so he's also your Sunbae. Please, be nice." He covered his mouth with the back of his palm and made his way to sit down.

The club was currently filled with second-year students, and only one or two were first-years who were still learning the ropes of the school.

They all bowed in respect to Kang-woo as they greeted them.

"Good afternoon, Sunbae-nim."

Kang-woo smiled politely and said,

"Good afternoon. I'll be in your care from now on so please take care of me."

His smile was like a radiant light, and at the same time, a mighty wind that blew their faces, causing their hair to dance in the air.

Oh wait, that was just Iseop, one of the second years, directing the standing fan their way and causing a dramatic atmosphere.

"You guys are lively." Kang-woo simply exclaimed and made his way to where Chin-hwa had taken his seat quietly. He sat next to Chin-hwa, crossed his legs, and earned a sigh from Chin-hwa.

"You don't have to sit next to me, Kang-woo." He said but Kang-woo turned his head towards him with a bright smile and said,

"I know. I'm sitting here because I want to. And because Hwa is right here."