Hung Up On The Stars • ChenJi

nineteen

Dinner was pretty cool, he thinks. Their mom spoke to him like friends and his father asked about his courses and what he wanted to do further. Although the topic of the future made him anxious, he responded with mixed sentences and hoped they wouldn't continue the 'later talk' anymore.

But it feels good. Talking to everybody on the dining table freely about their days, happy or sad ones, or the unexpected tomorrows is nice. Learning new and bizarre things from family is nice.

He wonders why his family was so quiet when they have an awesome number of people to exchange comforting words and laughs with. Why are we so absent all the time when there is so much to present in the present?

He disconnects himself from the thought process by complimenting Chenle's mother for her spectacular cooking skills.

"I had a great time, and the food tasted new and had a vibrant session today."

His father smiles, "I would like to thank you for joining us today, dear."

"No no- I mean, I must thank you for inviting me, sir."

"Well, that's good to hear but you are always welcome. Feel like home."

"Thanks a lot."

As they head to Chenle's room, Chenle asks him again, "Tell me honestly, did you feel pushed to stay back?"

Jisung narrows his brows, "No? If I didn't like it, I would tell you Chenle."

Chenle hums but seems unconvinced.

"Uhh... well... if you have got to do the stuff before sleeping, you can ask me. I can help you out."

Jisung shakes his head, "Dont worry, I am not so clean either. I am very lazy to shower, and brushing you ask? One day skipping won't harm."

"Okay."

After sitting silently for a while, Chenle gets up and says, "I will go to the washroom. Be right back in a couple of minutes."

"Fine."

Jisung stretches his legs on the chair catching his head for a few minutes. He looks at the room more clearly now noticing all the details with brighter colors on the walls and pictures hung all along. Pictures with his family when he was young. A dragon ball poster was stuck to the wardrobe which absolutely contributed to his personality.

He hesitantly sits on the bed removing his shoes and plucking the bedspread cloth of the mattress and then stiffing it inside later.

He looks at the nightstand beside him containing his necessities like books, pens and stationery, watch, and few batteries.

He reaches for his phone and opens Jaemin's contact. He types a message,
'Will be at Chenle's today' as if his mother is not gonna tell everybody.

He thinks about for a few seconds, tapping the screen for a little while tensing up to send the message or not.

He, however, sends.

After less than ten seconds, he deletes it before Jaemin has a chance to see or reply.

But, to make up for the deleted message, he sends a 'good night' and closes the screen.