Watching Over You • Nomin

five

Their conversations soon sparked up. Renjun and Haechan didn't keep their mouths shut and were talking about everything that Jeno missed for more than a month. Talking to them was calming him down.

Jaemin didn't speak much as if the introverted side of him was summoned. That made Jeno concerned.

“Can we hang out today?” Jeno asked and looked at Jaemin.

“I'm in no mood to be ditched,” Jaemin said.

Bless him.

Jeno internally facepalmed. He knew he was going to use this card. “Look, let me explain, Jiya-”

“We know Jeno-ya. Jiya needed help with math. Jiya asked doubts in physics. Jiya asked to hang out at the park. We know.” Jaemin calmly spoke. “It's understandable, now that she's your girlfriend, but at least inform! Others are waiting for you too, I feel like you need to speak to your conscience.” 

“Girlfriend?” Jeno repeated, with surprise. “You believed that? Really?” he asked, looking at others. Renjun and Haechan gave him a “well. Yeah.” look. Jeno exhaled agitated.  “We'll deal with that later. I promise I'll make up for you, can we hang out today?”

“Can't. I have classes. Also, I and Yangyang planned to study together,” Jaemin said, packing his bag. “And I know it's Friday. I have an extra class tomorrow. So I'll see you whenever.” he added.

“I'm sorry…” Jeno said and Jaemin nodded as if it was okay and walked out of the canteen as he saw Yangyang waiting for him.

Renjun and Haechan sat there in complete silence and breathed out a laugh after Jaemin left.

“Shut it,” Jeno said, burying his head in his arms.

“Yikes,” Haechan said laughing.

“Did I hear that you aren't coming with him anymore?” Renjun asked, concerned as Jeno nodded.

“I stood him up one morning...he didn't know I left...and since then he stopped coming. He doesn't text me either..” Jeno mumbled, sadly.

“Big yikes from me, dawg,” Haechan said in surprise.

“His anger makes sense. It's the biggest asshole move.” Renjun said, shaking his head.

“I had no choice!” Jeno blurted. “She asked me to meet her…” he added. “Correction: forced me to.”

“Do you like Jiya?” Haechan suddenly asked.

“I don't know,” Jeno immediately said. “Well, she's kinda like my friend?” he said seconds later. “But I know for sure, I like him more than her,” he added. “But- that's not the point! How did you buy into the bullshit that I was dating her?! I expected better from you all.”

“Well, we expected you to talk to us like you used to, but you exceeded our expectations too,” Renjun said and shrugged.

“Now you're just sprinkling salt on my wounds.”

“He's not wrong though…” Haechan agreed.

“Are you okay? These days, You seem to agree with me a lot,”  Renjun looked at Haechan. “Did you do something?”

Haechan looked back at him with a mixture of confusion and anger. “Why can't I just agree with you? Renjun-ah, you're smart.”

Renjun raised his eyebrows, still a little skeptical.

“What should I do?” Jeno cried.

“Do what you should,” Haechan said, thereby receiving a blank later from the others.