The chicken stand didn't even open at 8:00 a.m. Ben suggested the only spot he knew was comfortable for everyone to be at.
After the fight the previous night, everyone got their injuries patched up, though their bodies were still sore.
Nobody from the group spoke about what happened with Gray. None of them were able to sleep the previous night.
They didn't want to outright talk about the betrayal since it seemed unreal.
One by one, the members of the group arrived.
Gerard arrived at 6:20 AM, sleeping at the table.
Teddy arrived at 7:25 AM, also dozing off on the table.
Rowan and Alex arrived coincidentally at the same time: 7:45 a.m.
Gray arrived with Stephan by his side at exactly 8:00 a.m.
Nobody from the group looked up at him; they couldn't bear the thought of looking at Gray and seeing the scornful face he made the previous night.
Ben arrived at 8:01 AM, a big smile on his face, with eggs, rice, and orange juice. (Coke for Teddy)
"Figured you guys might be hungry. C'mon, have a seat." Ben pulled out some chairs that were at the other tables.
Gray nodded and took a seat; Stephan sat down as well.
"Why's everyone quiet? We won't get anywhere if we don't face the problem." Ben spoke, a smile remaining on his face.
Ben was putting on a front to cover his own anxiety. He was nervous about meeting Gray because it could be the last time they met.
"Let's dig in," Ben said.
Nobody wanted to refuse Ben's offer, so they got their servings and took small bites.
It was still too awkward.
"So, Gray," Ben started off.
"Did you get here okay?" Ben asked, not asking the main question.
Gray shook his head.
"It's okay, Ben Park. You don't have to avoid what we came here to say. I'll explain my side, then you can choose what you wish to do after," Gray said, getting straight to the point.
Hearing Gray use his full name, putting distance between them, made Ben furrow his brows.
Everyone looked at Gray. There was no avoiding the subject, and Gray wanted to get it out of the way as soon as possible.
Anxious and attentive eyes focused on Gray, eagerly waiting to hear the reason behind Gray's betrayal.
"When I first met you guys..." Gray began.
"I didn't know who any of you were. I was just trying to get through high school after losing my friend," Gray said, confusing the group.
Gray noticed their confused looks, except for Ben and Stephan, so he elaborated.
"This is Stephan Ahn. When we were in middle school, he approached me, and we gradually grew to become friends."
"Stephan befriended another boy named Bryce Oh, who ended up leaving the group we had and went along with Oswald Yang, the son of the politician Oscar Yang."
"They began picking on Stephan; I didn't know who was hurting him at first, but when I saw him show up to school with more injuries,"
"The day I left to take the Olympiad test, Stephan was left alone."
"During this time, the group that constantly picked on Stephan called him to the roof, and when I got out from testing, I learned that Stephan fell from the roof."
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Gray to Black (Union Gray AU)
FanfictionWhat if Gray joined the Union? After leaving the hospital during his final visit with Stephan Ahn, Gray Yeon is approached by Donald Na and was offered a position in his organization called the Union. Gray accepted, not having anything to lose, but...
