First Snow.

You can stay. (Chapter 4)

The mysterious strangers I had invited so eagerly into my home were intrigued by my offer for an actual meal as Han and Changbin had now stowed away their snacks they carried inside into their coat pockets. I turned around and walked into my small kitchen, searching through my cabinets and freezer to find something to quickly prepare before they leave for their hotel for the night. That is if they even have any vacancies. Unfortunately, I recently started meal planning so I only had food with a lot of prep or actual cooking involved. I have been trying to get back in shape as all of the every other weekend Chinese food, Jack and Coke, and coconut rum have caused me to gain a few unwanted pounds. I didn't feel up to cooking something too tedious after my tiring and unexpectedly painful day, I thought as I rubbed the bump forming on my head. I opened the fridge and noticed I had two ten packs of chicken thawed out already for most of my meals I was planning to prep for this week. I guess I'll have to decide on something else to eat for the rest of the week as this chicken is about the only thing I have the energy to cook.

It's sort of a funny coincidence, I thought as I recalled their bereavement in the grocery store about the deli not having chicken out at this time of night. I pulled out the two ten packs and held them up facing the guys that were huddled around in my living room comfortably by now. "How does fried chicken sound?" I asked. They all turned their heads to face me and looked at me as if they were zombies who just came across a Harvard Law alumni. I am surprised they weren't drooling. Although, Felix and Chan both swallowed, an obvious sign of salivating. "It shouldn't take too long, I just need to heat up the oil. That will be the longest part" I said laying the packs down on the counter and pulling two pans out of the bottom cabinet. "That sounds delicious. We've been craving fried chicken all day!" Chan exclaimed but then lowered his shoulders. "But... you really don't have to do that, Bee. We will be leaving and out of your hair in just a few minutes." He said. "We really appreciate it though!" The others drooling faces had now turned into that of disappointment but they all smirked or shrugged their shoulders to agree with Chan. He seems to have the more authoritative role of the group as the others mostly abide by his wishes. "I really don't mind." I explained. "But as you wish. The offer still stands though." I responded putting the pans back into the bottom cabinet and putting the packs of chicken back into the fridge. I started rummaging through my pantry for some instant noodles. Meal prepping be damned if I'm eating solo after tonight.

Hyunjin walked back into the living room after finishing his phone calls in the hallway. His hands were tucked into his pants pockets while looking down at the hardwood flooring. The guys in the living room had relaxed and were conversing amongst eachother as I stepped back out into the living room to join them as the kitchen connects to the living room directly. I don't think society will ever go back from the open concept. Although, sometimes I wish differently when the dishes are piled up in the sink. "Uh... guys..." Hyunjin stuttered slowly looking up to face the group. "It looks like all of the hotels in town are booked for the next two nights." He spoke softly. "I am so sorry! I tried to fix it." Hyunjin looked so guilty, almost as if his eyes were watering while holding his hands up towards his lips. The air in the room grew heavy with unspoken frustration. Chan and Seungmin both put their faces into their palms in disbelief. Only Han just pointed at Hyunjin, laughed, and said "Ha! I knew it!" while sinking into my couch without a care in the world. "Well!" Chan was the first to speak. "Don't worry, it will be okay. We can drive out of town in the morning to find a new hotel. We will just stay on the bus tonight." Chan told the group while giving Changbin's thigh a reassuring squeeze. "Jin, please don't be upset." He spoke with his best nurturing tone. "I know this is a bit inconvenient but it was just an accident that anyone of us could've made." He explained. "I'm sorry that I got upset with you earlier." Chan said looking at Hyunjin trying to hide the concerning look behind his eyes. Hyunjin looked down in defeat, like a dog tucking his tail between his legs when their owner yells at them for chewing up your favorite pair of shoes. He nodded his head, and found his place in the living room to settle in. I took a moment to look around the room at their tired, hungry, and forlorned faces. I hate that they're having such a difficult time here.