the story of us 》sungtaro

31

When I first began writing in this diary, I expected it to be a few pages, ten at most, telling a simple basic story: I moved, met Sungchan, fell in love, etcetera. Obviously I went into a little more detail than I previously expected.

Due to the story's length, in order to finish it, I have been taking this old journal everywhere I go, obsessed with completing the account. I write on my lunch break, on the weekends, when I'm in line at the grocery store, everywhere you could imagine.

So if you are someone who has found this weathered book in some place I probably left it on accident and reads its contents, I am here to unfortunately tell you: our story is almost over.

With the last day of school being only a week away, and the championship game being mere days before that, Sungchan was busier than ever. I envied those he got to spend time with at practice, the cheerleaders who hung out in the gym to fawn over the players in a pathetic attempt to "boost school spirit". 

Nights at Donghyuck's began to be just Hyuck and I. The times when our two friends weren't at practice, Jeno was studying for a final that would determine his ability to play, and Sungchan was off doing who knows what, it was a different excuse every time.

Speaking of our buff friend, although he had the interesting experience earlier mentioned with his tutor, nothing came of it. They said nothing about it afterwards, not to mention how Jaemin was fresh off a messy breakup, unsure of where he stood with anyone, and Jeno didn't want to interfere.

So he waited, anxiously watching for the right time. He wanted this time to be different, taking things slow, (although I would call their scandalous meet up quite the opposite). He even stopped seeing all the girls on the side, causing everyone to think he was dying or something dramatic like that.

As for Donghyuck, he was in heaven, his new mission in life to drive a certain kid to insanity. It was working pretty well, too.

Having all the homework I wanted to do done and turned in, I had approached Sungchan, a hopefulness in my voice. I felt that it had been forever since I'd gotten to spend time with him alone, out of the public view. "Want to do something tonight? Just me and you?"

His eyes wandered a bit, thinking quick before meeting mine. With a frown, he crushed my already low spirits. "I'm busy tonight. I'm having dinner at my grandparent's, sorry."

"That's ok." I said honestly, but I couldn't help notice how he wouldn't look at me, escaping down the hall. I ignored the behavior, not thinking much of it.

If anything, I would either see if Donghyuck or Jeno were busy, or I'd find something to do on my own.

First I texted Donghyuck, he already had plans, a big hangout at this kid's house. He invited me of course, but I wasn't in the mood to be surrounded by a hoard of hormonal teenagers that night.

Next I called Jeno, as we had been getting closer lately. I no longer saw him as a brainless jock, but as a good friend.

"I'm sorry, Shotaro." He sighed into the phone. "My chemisty final is tomorrow, and my grade is right on the edge. If I pass, my grade goes up and I get to play. If I fail, I'm out of luck."

I wished him the best of luck, although I knew how it would go. I had seen the hard work he had put into learning the subject due to the dreamy looks and warm personality of his tutor.

Out of friends, I gave up. I wanted to drive around, but the raindrops pelting my windows changed my mind.

So I sat at home that night, unaware of the real storm that was coming my way.