trouble ¦ lee jeno (UNDER REWRITING)

ch ; 05

.・。.・゜⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽ 05 ☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅・゜・。.

Friday arrived, and as Seojin trudged through the day's classes, Daerin's parting words, "See you later," echoed in her mind like a haunting melody.

The casual reminder of the party had taken root in Seojin's thoughts, blooming into a full-blown internal debate.

Throughout the day, she replayed the potential scenarios in her head – the awkward introductions, the inevitable run-in with Daerin and her posse, the uncomfortable atmosphere Mark had warned her about.

Now, at seven pm, Seojin found herself sprawled on her bed, staring at her phone. The screen displayed her direct message conversation with Daerin, where a single message sat, a taunting reminder of the impending event. Daerin had sent the location of the party – an event that was set to begin in a mere hour.

-

Five hours ago, the smoky haze of the billiards shop clung to Jeno's clothes as he exited, the rhythmic click of the pool cues fading behind him. A shrill voice, laced with childish annoyance, pierced the air. "Hyung! Hyung, wait!"

Jeno winced. It was Ahkyon, Ah-in's younger brother, tagging along like a lost puppy. Two years younger, Ahkyon possessed an uncanny ability to grate on Jeno's nerves. Spotting Jeno amidst the smoky haze of the shop, Ahkyon had latched onto him like a leech, ruining his focus and enjoyment of the game.

Ignoring the insistent calls, Jeno quickened his pace, turning down a side street and into the relative quiet of an alleyway. He hoped to ditch the annoying kid, but Ahkyon, persistent as ever, appeared around the corner a moment later, panting slightly.

"Hyung! Why are you ignoring me?" Ahkyon whined, his voice echoing off the brick walls. "Forgive Noona, won't you?"

Jeno clenched his jaw, the irritation simmering inside him threatening to boil over. Yesterday's fight with Ah-in replayed in his mind. She'd barged into his house unannounced, waltzing in like she owned the place.

Jeno had been furious, especially after he learned she'd used the visit to chat with his step-parents. Ah-in, the daughter of the university's top donor, was practically campus royalty, a nepotism baby who used her connections to get her way. But her little chat with his parents had a disastrous effect.

They were already on his back constantly about his absences and grades, and Ah-in's visit had only intensified their nagging and insults, a familiar refrain that had haunted Jeno since he could remember.

He stopped walking, his back stiff, and turned to face Ahkyon. The glare he shot the kid could have curdled milk. Ahkyon flinched under the intensity, but to his credit, he didn't back down completely. He stood on his tiptoes, puffing out his chest in a futile attempt to appear taller.

Jeno leaned closer, his voice low and dangerous. "Tell your precious Noona," he spat, each word dripping with icy contempt, "To stay out of my life. And you,"

he added, his gaze hardening further, "Learn some fucking manners before you pester someone who doesn't care to be bothered. You're already fucking seventeen for goodness sake."

Jeno straightened and turned to leave, his anger simmering but his need for escape stronger. He didn't want to deal with Ahkyon's childishness any longer. Just as he took a step forward, Ahkyon's voice cut through the tense silence.