𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐔 ─ lee jeno

𝟒𝟖 | 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Hyesoo mentally cursed at herself for the plain and obvious word choice. "Of course it's been a long time. What kind of stupid question is that?" She thought to herself.

Jeno let out a light and quiet chuckle, "Yeah... so, Los Angeles?"

The girl nodded, "I got a scholarship over there to finish school... Divorce, huh?"

This time, it was Jeno who nodded slowly, "Yep. Budget cuts and marriages break off."

The tension was stressful and unbearable. In fact, it almost felt like déjà vu. That the two had gone through this exact scenario. There was nowhere to pinpoint this, however, after all, memories fade away and smaller ones aren't exactly the easiest to remember. Plus, awkward silence happened a lot between the two. But alas, it felt awkward, to say the least.

What went wrong? The two were once so comfortable with each other. Yes, there was a hole somewhere in their relationship every now and then, but they were always able to patch things up. This, however, wasn't something that can be easily mended.

"Can we talk? Like seriously?" Jeno asked, turning towards her. His eyes glistened in slight desperation, his eyebrows contorted to match his expression, and his voice quivered in frustration,

Hyesoo let out a strained and painful chuckle, "What's there to talk about?"

"I understand that it's been five plus years, but this really shouldn't be that hard. We're at least friends still, but it just feels like I'm talking to a stranger," Jeno exhaled.

"Because we don't have anything left to talk about," Hyesoo explained, "The past is the past, and we're in the present now. And, I don't really wanna talk about it."

Silence. Jeno didn't know what to say. He paused for a second, "Then, what about us? What about fate?"

He didn't know why he said that. The last thing he wanted to do was seem like he was waiting for her all along, or that he was pressuring her to get back with him. But, it just made sense in his eyes. It was almost like something was pulling him to.

Hyesoo let out a deep breath and turned away from looking into his eyes, "I- I don't know. I didn't actually think this day would come."

"Then, friends? Let's be friends," Jeno suggested.

Because that's the thing about Jeno. There was always a space in his heart that held Hyesoo. Whether it was just as a friend or more, Jeno wanted her to be happy because that's what taught him happiness. He learnt to love around her love, and even if it isn't romantic, Jeno needed that feeling in his life again, even if he didn't actually know he did.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to feel disappointed because of me-" Hyesoo checked before being cut off.

Jeno nodded, "I'm sure. You're not ready, and it's okay. I'm also slightly weary, but I just want to make sure that you know what you want before anything."

Hyesoo smiled, "Gentleman etiquette?" She let out a hearty laugh, "When did you get so formal in your speaking?"

Jeno shrugged, "Etiquette classes. Apparently, that's something all the rich people have."

"Wait what? We need to catch up, I feel so lost on what you're saying," Hyesoo questioned, her smile was true and Jeno could tell she was healing.

"We definitely should. What's your new number? I'll text you the address of my office. You can drop by tomorrow at two, and then we can head out for some food. Or we can just talk there," Jeno stated.

"Can't hang around here any longer?"

Jeno shook his head and stood up, "I've still got a bit of work to do today, and Renjun needs to give Jaemin his car back."

Hyesoo stood up as well, "Well, I'll see you around. Here's my new number by the way, I'll see you around," She smiled. Jeno smiled back at her. "See you soon, bye now!" He exclaimed, walking out of the office and downstairs.

"Renjun, it's time to go," Jeno said to his friend.

The Chinese boy nodded, "I'll talk to you later, Ge," He said before standing up. As the two boys walked out of the office, Renjun turned towards his taller friend. "So, did you talk to her?"

Jeno nodded, "We're just friends for now. Probably for the best, we have some catching up to do."

"Good for you," Renjun patted his back, "I'm still driving by the way."

Jeno gave him a small punch in the arm, "Like hell you are," He said, pulling out the keys and getting into the driver's seat. His actions led to Renjun pouting, but nonetheless, still getting into the passenger seat.

On the drive back, Jeno felt as if his friend was hiding something. LIke the Chinese boy wanted to say something, but was hesitant to do so. It could be seen through the expression on his face. "Jun-ah, what's on your mind?" Jeno asked.

"Hm?" Renjun let out, waking up from his daydreams, "I'm just slightly worried for you."

Jeno let out an airy chuckle, "Why?"

"Just..."He started, prolonging his statement, "I mean, are you sure you're okay with what you and Hyesoo are going through right now?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know, but if my first love who I've unconsciouslly saved myself for came back and decided she wasn't ready for a relationship yet, I'd be heartbroken," Renjun exclaimed.

This time, Jeno let out a burst of laughter. His laugh was loud, and his eyes broke into his natural eye smile. Renjun stared at his friend in utter confusion of what was happening.

"Well, unlike you, I'm fine with it," Jeno responded.

Renjun rolled his eyes at the suspense Jeno was using in his words, "Why though? It's not like you're benefiting from anything right now."

"Life works that way. She's back, my first love. And, I want her to be my first and last."

i feel like this was such a shitty way to move on with the plot but i cant think of anything else😫-