Blurred Lens

Locked out

*4 weeks later*

'That's what I said! I told her she was irrational and she wouldn't listen,' you laughed, leaning back in your seat, crossing your legs for a more comfortable position.

Finally you and all your school friends had one night off at the same time, so you'd strolled out to a bar to catch up. It had taken months to plan due to everyone busy lives, but damn you'd missed these guys.

'I don't want to be that person, but it's getting late and I do have lots to get done tomorrow,' Aera said, slapping her hand on her thigh.

The others began protesting and stated that the night was still young. But honestly, your social battery's were getting dangerously low after being out for this many hours.

'I'm going to go too, lots of booking tomorrow,' you shouted, another song had started playing and it was deafening.

That was a lie. Truthfully your bookings had really slowed down due to the colder weather and lack of advertising. That offer from Jungkook still floated in your mind, but your pride and stubbornness wouldn't allow you to receive external help.

You'd always been like that, you worked to the bone all summer so you could afford your first camera without accepting any money from your parents. It exhausted you since you had to pull double shifts all over the place for the minimum wage job, but you succeeded and eventually embraced that driven side of you.

'Plus I don't like the idea of Aera walking home alone in the dark,' you added, standing up to link arms with Aera. Your stand was slightly wobbly because of the drinks, but you would be alright walking home.

Aera smiled at you, grabbed her purse and dragged you out of the pub. It was pretty crowded and you both got sandwiches between party's of people a couple times. When you reached the fresh air it felt so cooling.

'Damn it was more stuffy in there than I thought,' Aera giggled, adjusting a few strands of her hair.

Aera was one of your closest friends, but you'd drifted a little from all your pals since dropping out of school. It could get lonely at times knowing they saw each other a hell lot more than you ever did. But at the same time you'd met so many amazing new people at your job, you regretted nothing.

'Are you getting a lift?' You asked, clinging onto Aera's arm in the cold breeze.

'Yeah, I messaged Bon-Hwa and he's on his way,' she led you to an empty bench on the street. 'Do you want him take you home as well?'

Bon-Hwa was Aera's boyfriend. Truthfully you hadn't met him yet, again due to the lack of even seeing Aera.

The bar was a completely other side of Seoul from your apartment. A long walk home in the freezing cold did not sound appealing.

'Do you think he'd mind?' You wondered, sheepishly glancing at Aera.

'Of course not! He can stay with me tonight anyway so he won't have to make 3 trips,' Aera smiled.

You both sat there for a moment, staring at the stars. They looked like glitter, spreading over the night sky.

'I've really missed you Y/N. Schools not the same without you.' Aera broke the silence.

Your eyebrows raised sympathetically. 'I've really missed you too. I'm sorry I haven't made much effort to see you individually. I guess I got used to being alone for most of the day.'

Aera snuggled up to your side. 'I haven't made much of an effort either, I promise I will from now on, though.'

You rested your head on her shoulder. As much as you told yourself otherwise, you did need your friends.