Someone Like You

Chapter 3: Let

Sana came to my place earlier, asking if she could stay for a few days or weeks. How can I let out my feelings if she's here? Maybe I'll just keep them to myself.

"How are you?" she asked while munching on the food I cooked.

I paused and looked at her. "I'm fine, how about you?"

She smiled. "Same here," she replied. We continued eating, and she offered to wash the dishes. I was about to stop her, but she insisted. I sighed, realizing I had no choice but to agree.

Sana doesn't have to do that—she's my best friend, but she's still a guest. I’m the one in charge of these things. Still, she’d be mad if I tried to stop her.

I’m currently in the bathroom, letting the water from the shower hit my skin. My tears mix with the water, making them invisible.

Since Mina’s not here anymore, I guess Sana can sleep in her room. After I took a half-bath, I saw Sana lying on my bed.

"Hey," I said. She looked at me and smiled. "Wait, I'll turn the other way," she said, facing the opposite direction and continuing to play on her phone.

I quickly got dressed and told Sana I was done.

"Sana, you can sleep in Mina's room. Her stuff is at Jackson's place now. The cabinets are empty, so you can put your things there," I said.

She stood up, nodded, grabbed her bag, and left my room. I lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Why am I so in love with her when all she does is break my heart?

My phone rang. It’s Mina. What does she want this time?

"Nayeonie, can you go with me tomorrow?" she asked.

Oh no, here we go again. "Where?" I asked.

"To the mall. Let's go shopping together; I miss it," she admitted.

Rejecting her offer isn’t rude, right?

"I’m sorry, Mina. I can't."

"Is that so? Then, okay. Take care," she said sadly, ending the call.

Now I feel guilty. But I think it’s for the best because, for me:

Being alone is better than feeling out of place.

When you feel out of place, you feel alone—the only difference is you’re with others.

"Who called?" Sana asked.

"Mina," I replied.

She lay down beside me and stared at the ceiling. "I understand why you refused."

I turned my head to fully look at her profile. "How did you know I refused?"

"I was about to ask you something, but I heard you talking to someone. All I heard was, 'I’m sorry, I can't,' so I figured someone was offering you something. I didn’t know it was Mina, though," she explained.

"Why do you say you understand why I refused?" I asked again.

She looked at me, or rather, stared at my side profile. "When Jihyo and I were on a date last Monday, I saw the three of you. They were holding hands and flirting, while you... you looked like a stranger. You were alone and didn’t seem happy."

Wow, I’m really the only single one in the group, huh? Oh no, Jeongyeon is waving.

"I’m happy with them," I told her, looking away. "I just don’t feel like I belong."

She gave me a sad smile and looked back at the ceiling. "Who invited you?"

"My best friend," I replied.

"Both of them are your best friends," Sana pointed out.

"You’re right," I chuckled. "It was Mina who invited me."

She hummed and stared at the ceiling with me. My eyes caught the light from my window. I sat up and looked at it—the moon.

"Sana, look!" I said excitedly.

She sat up too, and I pointed to the moon visible through my window.

"That’s beautiful," she said in awe.

We sat by the window, gazing at the shining moon. I used to stare at this moon with her. Ugh! Really, Im Nayeon?! Are you really that in love with her?!

"How are things with you and Jihyo?" I asked.

I saw her smile, her eyes sparkling—falling in love.

"We’re fine," she replied with a wide grin.

"I see, falling in love, huh?" I teased.

She blushed for a moment but quickly replaced it with a sad look. "Nayeonie! She’ll never like me back."

"Stupid, wait, let me call her," I said.

I clicked on Jihyo’s contact and called her.

"Yes, unnie?" Jihyo answered as soon as she picked up.

"Are you busy?"

There was a moment of silence before she answered.

"Not really, why? Is it serious?" Jihyo asked.

"Yes?" I answered uncertainly, but I guess it is—since it’s about Sana.

"I have a question for you," I said, giving Sana a teasing smile.

"What is it, unnie?"

"If Sana courted you right now, would you let her?" I asked.

After that, silence surrounded us. Sana was losing her patience, but me? No! I’ll never lose my patience because I’m a gossiper.

"Yes," Jihyo finally replied.

I screamed at the top of my lungs, and Sana covered her ears, which were turning red. OH MY GOSH!!

"Geez, I feel like I can’t hear anything right now," Jihyo complained, giggling.

I chuckled. "Sorry, thank you for wasting your time on me. Good night! Have a great sleep!"

We said our goodbyes, and Jihyo ended the call.

"Dude! Go on! Court her right now," I said, pushing Sana toward the door.

"Bro, don’t push me! I’m too good to be pushed by you," she said, smirking.

I was about to accompany her to the door, but then my phone rang. I saw Sana look at me with worried eyes. I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Yes, Mina?" I asked.

"Nayeon," a manly voice replied.

I was confused at first but recognized it after a moment. "Jackson?"

"Uh, nothing," Jackson said and ended the call.

I looked at Sana.

"Weird."

Then we heard a loud knock downstairs. I went down to check who it was. I froze. She’s here.

"Mitang?" Sana called out, her voice filled with worry and confusion as we saw her...

With blood on her neck.

Nyn.