ᵍᵒᵈᵈᵉˢˢ | ᵈᵘᵇᶜʰᵃᵉⁿᵍ

014

"Maybe I should walk you home." Chaeyoung suggested, shoving her hands in her pockets as we walked down the quiet streets.

I pouted, hating the idea of going home so early. I'm already fucked, I might as well stay out as late as I want.

"Let's stay out a bit longer. I'm not ready to go home yet." The blonde nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips.

We continued to walk in silence, with nowhere specific in mind as we wandered the city.

I bit my lip, wondering if I should bring up our conversation from early that was sadly interrupted.

She likes me. And I like her.

"Dahyun?" Chaeyoung questioned, stopping in her tracks. "Are you alright? You've been zoning out for the past five minutes."

Smiling, I nodded my head. "I'm okay."

She didn't look convinced but nodded anyway, continuing to walk ahead.

"Are you sure you don't want to go home? It's nearing three and you must be exhausted."

I bit my lip, knowing I should go home. I should have been home five hours ago.

But here I am, walking the quiet streets with the most beautiful girl I've ever met.

"I'm in trouble whenever I go home, so I might as well stay out until I'm ready. I can go to the park if you're wanting to go home. I understand."

The blonde turned towards me, a confused yet intrigued look in her eyes. "I'm not leaving you alone."

She took a step towards me as she questioned, "Why are you in trouble whenever you go home? Is it because of your curfew?"

I nodded, "The one I've been breaking recently, yes."

Chaeyoung looked at me as if a light bulb had gone off in her head but she immediately said, "No, that won't work."

"What won't work?" "I was going to suggest that maybe you stay the night at The House. But I'm not sure the rules on that one."

She wants me to stay the night with her? My parents would definitely kill me then.

Taking out my phone, I quickly sent Tzuyu a text, requesting the details about nongang members staying in The House.

Tzuyu is the only one, aside from Chae, who has my number. Apparently that Momo girl asked for it and Tzuyu just laughed.

Within minutes she responded. Why does nobody sleep?

Tzuyu
you're allowed one person and they can stay as long as they want, as long as they don't tell anyone

Tzuyu
are you planning on staying the night with Chae? ;)

Dahyun
hush

Dahyun
maybe

Looking up to meet Chaeyoung's gaze, I blushed softly as I spoke, "Tzuyu said you're allowed one person and they can stay as long as they want and as long as they don't tell anyone."

Chae's brow lifted, a slight grin tugging at her lips. "You asked Tzuyu?"

My cheeks flushed as I scrambled to find an excuse that didn't sound desperate. "Well, I...we were talking...talking about-"

"Dahyun." Chaeyoung chuckled, cutting me off.

"You're so cute when you're flustered." My heart pounded in my chest at the compliment.

"But your parents will be so angry if you stay out all night, especially at someone else's house."

She's right. And I eventually have to go back home so I'm going to hear about this one way or the other.

But what if I don't go back? I couldn't possibly...

"What if I don't go back?" I blurted out, not giving myself the chance to protest the thought.

Chaeyoung stared blankly at me before responding, "I'm sorry, what?"

"I-" "Are you trying to say that you want to stay at The House permanently? Like, run away from home?"

I bit my lip as I nodded. "Dahyun are you okay?"

Chaeyoung reached up to feel my forehead, causing me to chuckle, "I'm fine."

Stepping back, our eyes met once more, hers searching mine. For an answer, for clarification, for certainty, I'm not sure.

Finally, she cracked a smile. "Let's go sneak into your house and pack your stuff."