the story of us 》sungtaro

4

I arrived at Donghyuck's house late that night, his driveway and the street filled with unfamiliar cars. I parked next to a motorcycle, black as the sky above me.

Upon reaching the front door, I considered turning back. I could hear music and voices from inside. Perhaps I could use that as an excuse. I could tell Donghyuck that I tried to knock, but no one heard me.

It would have been perfect if he hadn't sent me a text earlier, as if he knew I would try to pull something like that.

"Just walk in whenever you get here! :)" 

I hesitantly opened the door, no one paying me any mind as I scoured the large house for my friend. It took time, but I found him in the kitchen, talking with a boy over the punchbowl. 

Poor Donghyuck, I stuck to him for a while, slightly afraid to go anywhere else. Still, he never complained. He talked my ear off the whole time, but I felt as though his attention wasn't quite on me. His eyes scanned each person who walked in the room. He was anxious, searching for someone who was nowhere to be found.

Eventually we made our way to a larger group, and the air quickly became suffocating. The noises, the people, it was too much, too loud. I tried to tell Donghyuck that I'd be stepping away for a moment and I'd be right back, but he was distracted.

So I ran. Figuratively. 

Finding the back door, I made my way outside, pleased to see that no one else had the same idea. Donghyuck's back porch was empty besides the occasional pile of snow. The crisp night air was a deep contrast to the stifling, crowded air inside, but I didn't mind one bit. 

I checked my watch. 11:53. Seven minutes until the new year.

It was fitting that I went into the new year alone, because that's how I felt most days anyway. 

Unfortunately my plans were foiled by the soft click of a door behind me. Turning my head, I was surprised to see a familiar sight.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't know anyone was out here." A sign of recognition flickered in his eyes. Pointing to me, the auburn haired boy's brow furrowed. "Shotaro, right?"

"Yeah." 

Jung Sungchan. The name flashed in my mind.

"Well, sorry again. I'll leave you alone." He hesitated, hand barely touching the door as if waiting for me to say something.

I did.

"No it's fine." I shrugged. He was probably my best option for good conversation. "I wouldn't mind some company. If you want, of course."

Turns out, he did. 

Taking a seat on the steps next to me, he took a sip of his drink. Desperate for conversation I think, he held out the red plastic cup to me. "Want some?"

I took it, not sure what else to do. The cup contained a shiny red liquid, I hoped it was punch.

"Some kids were putting liquor in theirs, but I passed on the offer." Sungchan chuckled, seeing my hesitation. "I hope you don't mind."