Between Two Hearts • yeonjun × hoshi

32: Revelation

I headed downstairs with Hoshi, the pulsating beat of the music growing louder with each step.

The chatter of the partygoers filled the air as we navigated through the crowd. When we reached the backyard, a sigh of relief escaped us as we spotted our friends by the pool. I wasted no time and headed straight for Yeji, diving into the pool with her. Laughter and splashes filled the air as we all enjoyed the warm evening, relishing in the company of friends.

As Yeji and I swam, we exchanged words amidst the water. "I could really use a drink. Want to head to the kitchen?" I suggested, her voice barely audible over the music.

Yeji nodded, and we both clambered out of the pool. After quickly drying ourselves off, we headed towards the kitchen, curiosity lighting up our faces. However, what we saw upon arrival stopped us in our tracks. Hana was standing close to someone who looked like Yeonjun, and their interaction was far from innocent.

Yeji and I exchanged wide-eyed glances and instinctively ducked down behind the counter, ensuring they remained unnoticed. We couldn't help but overhear the conversation between Hana and Yeonjun.

Hana's voice was laced with flirtation as she asked, "Yeonjun, could we, you know, go upstairs to the bedroom?"

We gasped at the audacity of her request. What shocked us even more was hearing Yeonjun's response. "I can't, Hana. I'm committed to my girlfriend," he said firmly.

We exchanged stunned glances. We couldn't believe what we heard. Slowly, we crawled away from the kitchen counter and made our way to the living room, our minds racing with the unexpected revelation.

I was the first to speak, and my voice trembled with surprise. "Yeonjun has a girlfriend?" I whispered to Yeji.

Yeji, equally taken aback, asked, "Are you okay, Ara?"

I nodded, her shock giving way to a reassuring smile. "I'm alright, just shocked," I replied, my heart heavy with a sense of disappointment.

With that, we decided to put the surprising revelation behind us and headed back to the pool through the front door, making our way around the house to join our friends once again. The party continued, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the unexpected truth about Yeonjun.

***

The day unfolded seamlessly, the sun casting a warm glow over the pool party that seemed to stretch on endlessly. Laughter echoed, mingling with the rhythmic beats of music. Yeji and I found a moment of respite by the pool, the water glistening in the late afternoon sun.

"Yeji, it's just hard, you know?" I sighed, my gaze fixed on Yeonjun across the pool. "I can't help but think about him and his girlfriend."

Yeji nodded, reassuring me, "Ara, you need to let go. Focus on the present. Yeonjun might have someone, but there are others out there."

"But I really liked him," I confessed, my eyes reflecting a mix of longing and sadness.

Taking a deep breath, Yeji suggested, "What about Hoshi? Do you at least feel some kind of way about him?"

I sighed as I thought of an answer. However, I needed to speak from my heart.

"Lately, he has been on my mind. Yes, I get that we have been intimate, but that alone wouldn't make me justify my feelings for him."

"Do you like him, though?" Yeji inquired.

I slowly nodded my head in approval. "Then? What's stopping you?"

"Hana."

Yeji scoffed as she rolled her eyes. I explained that I didn't feel threatened by her. I wasn't sure if Hoshi would eventually take her back.

"Fuck her! Just try and give him a chance!"

I hesitated, then slowly admitted, "Maybe you're right. I should consider Hoshi."

As we continued talking, I decided to reveal a secret, "You know, Ara, the reason I reacted strongly when you kept talking about Yeonjun was that I heard rumors about him having a girlfriend. I didn't want to see you get hurt."

I looked surprised but appreciated the honesty.

Amid the vibrant atmosphere, an unexpected turn unfolded when an argument erupted between Hoshi and his ex-girlfriend Hana. Onlookers stared as emotions flared.

Hana lashed out, insulting Hoshi, declaring she wanted him back. Hoshi countered, exposing her as a cheater and manipulator. The crowd hushed as he boldly admitted, "I'm in love with someone else."

Yeji and I, including our friends, exchanged shocked glances. "No fucking way!" Yeji exclaimed causing everyone to look at her.

I sat by the pool stunned. Both of the guys whom I deeply cared for were both in love with someone special in their separate lives.

Nobody else except for Yeji, who knew that I had minor feelings for Hoshi. Her reaction was completely justified. I, too, would've reacted exactly the same.

"You're such a fucking loser!" Yeji picked up a cup that probably had a beverage in it and threw it at Hoshi.

Everyone gasped. Yeji stormed towards me, grabbing my hand to drag me away from the pool. "We're leaving."

I quickly got up and followed Yeji. I heard Jia yell for Yeji as she walked off with me tailing right behind her. We searched for our backpacks and left Vernon's house.

Once we were about to reach my house, Yeji stopped walking. She turned to look at me with anger plastered all over her face. Her eyes darted off to something behind me, only to reveal Jia running towards us.

"What the hell was that about?" Jia asked so pure concern and confusion in her voice.

"Tell her." Yeji instructed.

I realized that Jia didn't know what had conspired for the past few weeks. Slowly, I started to tell Jia about everything, my crush on Yeonjun, until I found out at the party.

Including my backstory about Hoshi and I being friends since childhood. I further explained what had happened between us with regards to us being intimate, not once but twice.

Jia stopped me midway, "Are you okay, though?"

Those words opened the fresh wounds in my heart. Tears streamed down my face, which resulted in me balling my eyes out. Yeji and Jia tried to console me.

I wasn't aware of what was going on around me until I heard people yelling.

"Get the fuck away from us!"

"Can I please speak to her?"

I wiped away my tears as I slowly turned to face whoever was in front of me. As soon as I saw Hoshi, I immediately turned around and walked towards my house.

"Ara! Can we please talk?"

"Leave her alone!"

As I approached the front door, I was yanked backward, away from the door. "Please, Ara."

I tried to yank my hand off his grip, but it was too tight. I told Yeji and Jia to calm down. Jia asked if I wanted to speak to him, and I agreed.

Only because I wanted to seek answers and the truth.