Shared Space - DoTae

1 - Prelude

Doyoung stood and watched as Jungwoo grabbed a couple bags at a time, before heading out into the apartment building's hallway, and eventually returning again to grab some more. Anything he said now wouldn't change what had already been done, but he couldn't stand just watching his closest friend leave without a word. He tried to open his mouth a few times, but Jungwoo was too quick. He was moving with purpose, like conversation was exactly what he was trying to avoid. 

Jungwoo grabbed his last bag, and stopped in the doorway, it was clear he wanted to say goodbye, at least. 

"I'm sorry, Doyoung." The air in the room was thick. They both understood. Doyoung began to reply.

"No, Jungwoo, if I hadn't said anything, if I hadn't gotten involved we-" Jungwoo shook his head at him, and Doyoung stopped speaking. They didn't need to have this same conversation again, but Doyoung didn't know what else to say. 

"It's better for both of us this way," Jungwoo sighed, "I only hope you can find a new roommate quickly so that the apartment doesn't become an issue for you. " Doyoung didn't want a new roommate. He wanted his old roommate. He couldn't say that now though, this was his own fault, after all. 

Doyoung nodded, and gave a softly spoken goodbye, before Jungwoo turned and left the apartment for the last time. The door swung shut, and the noise of the lock clicking filled the heavy silence. The space they had shared was small, but it felt so much larger without Jungwoo in it. Doyoung let out a sigh and slumped down onto the arm of the sofa. He looked around the room, filled with memories, before his eyes landed on the coffee table. He reached over and picked up the pile of bills for this month, staring at them blankly. He knew he would have to get a new roommate in order to make this work. That or he start working a couple extra jobs, not that he had time. He genuinely considered it, though, for a brief moment. He sighed. It should be easy enough to get a new roommate, though whether he wanted one was another matter. Of course, he could always move somewhere cheaper: a studio apartment with an uglier view and a scarier neighbourhood. The thought made him grimace. 

Doyoung put the stack of paper back where it was, and shifted off of the arm of the chair and into the seat. He reached into his jean pocket and pulled his phone out, the name of one of his few remaining friends lighting up the screen; he started typing a message. 

-

"-and then I sort of just, left. I don't know, it was probably my fault but-" Taeyong stopped abruptly, looking across the café table at Jaehyun. 

"Are you even listening?" He waved his hand in his face. Jaehyun glanced up briefly and nodded, but continued typing on his phone. Taeyong huffed and crossed his arms. What was the point telling a story when your audience isn't even listening? He decided to wait for Jaehyun's full attention, as he didn't feel like repeating himself later. They sat in quiet for a few moments, with only the background chatter of the café and Jaehyun's fingers hitting the screen creating noise. Jaehyun put down his phone and looked up, grinning.

"I knew you weren't really paying attention! What are you grinning about?" Taeyong asked.

"I think I know of somewhere you might be able to stay." 

-