The Hideout I Need

Chapter 20: I won't ever turn my back on you

"Wow, I'm exhausted," Hyeong-jun said as he plummeted down on the street bench.

Jung-mo and Hyeong-jun had just been at a random play dance in Hongdae. Why? Because Jung-mo begged Hyeong-jun, saying that it would be the last time they'd be able to do something like this in a long while since the second semester was starting soon. It was even one of those special color-coordinated ones where they wear a certain color t-shirt and the announcer says which color has to dance before playing a song. So there they were, sitting on a bench, wearing matching bright pink-colored t-shirts. Hyeong-jun would've normally been a little embarrassed, but it was fine. He was with Jung-mo, so at least they were embarrassing together.

"Yeah, but you gotta admit, we definitely slayed the ITZY songs," Jung-mo snapped his fingers sassily, also out of breath, sitting next to Hyeong-jun.

"True, they got nothing on us," Hyeong-jun joked.

"Watch out idol-trainees, Hyeong-jun and Jung-mo are coming for you," Jung-mo yelled out, "Kang Min-hee better watch the hell out."

Hyeong-jun laughed at that last comment. Suddenly his stomach let out a loud growl. A growl so loud, Jung-mo could hear it even though they were on a crowded street. He chuckled, "God, all that dancing has made me hungry."

"Wanna go grab something to eat?"

"Eh, I would but I don't have the money right now," Hyeong-jun smiled kindly, shaking his head a little.

"Oh, don't worry, it'll be my treat," Jung-mo suggested happily.

Hyeong-jun's eyebrows furrowed as he let out a smile, "Really?"

"Yeah, of course. After all, I did drag you out here to dance with me," Jung-mo playfully nudged Hyeong-jun's arm as he let out a kind smile.

Hyeong-jun chuckled, "Thanks."

They ended up going to an Italian restaurant. As they stepped in, Hyeong-jun silently felt happy that he wouldn't be paying. It wasn't necessarily a fancy restaurant but the prices were definitely not something he'd ever buy for himself. They got a very nice seat by a large window on the second story. Oh, yeah, it was a two-story restaurant. Another sign Hyeong-jun usually wouldn't go here ever.

But it was nice, it had been long since he ate at an actual restaurant. He and Jung-mo decided to share a dish and buy a drink each. A waitress noticed that the two of them looked ready to order and smiled as she walked over towards their table. She had a little smirk on her face, and Hyeong-jun immediately remembered they were both sitting in bright pink, causing him to laugh as he felt a little embarrassed.

"Are you guys ready to order?" the waitress asked as she arrived at the table.

"Yes, thank you, we'd like to share a number 7, please? We'd also like to buy two peach ice teas," Hyeong-jun let out a kind smile.

"Got it," the waitress smiled back, writing down calmly in her little notebook.

"Oh, we should get another dish and then share!" Jung-mo exclaimed.

Hyeong-jun's eyes widened at the suggestion. He started getting flustered, not wanting to keep the waitress waiting. He let out an awkward smile towards the waitress, hoping his eyes were exuding the "Sorry" he wanted to say. She just smiled kindly back, but then again, that was her job. Hyeong-jun felt like an annoying customer.

"What dish would you like?" he asked quietly to Jung-mo.

"Number 15 looks good," Jung-mo said, his eyes still intrigued by the menu.

Hyeong-jun searched the menu for number 15, dumbfounded as he saw the three chili symbols right next to it. He scoffed, "Hey, don't, you know you can't take spicy food."