used to love. | sunsun

14. unanswered questions

"So, we're going on a school trip next week?" Jake asked, using his chopsticks like a fork and sticking them into the spam on his plate. "Woah.. Jeju Island!" He turned to his right and faced a drowsy Sunghoon. "Dude, you have to accompany us this time, no more dipping," he nudged Sunghoon and gave him a serious look.

Sunghoon exhaled loudly prior to giving Jake an answer. "Honestly, what is there even to see? I gotta stay home and practice for the game."

"Jake's right. Sunghoon, quit being so hard on yourself, buddy." Jay participated in the conversation, leaning his head forward to get a better view of Sunghoon as Jake was sitting between them.

"... Look, what about Niki? He'll be here alone if-" He didn't manage to finish his sentence as the stool in front of him was shoved aside and a plate was placed on the table. Sunghoon looked up to see Sunoo grinning at him before sitting down in front of him. Sunoo mouthed a "hi" before settling into eating his cafeteria food.

"Don't even worry about me. What makes you even think your class was the only one to deserve a trip to Jeju Island?", Niki said, squeezing in between Jungwon and Sunoo, seating himself in front of Jake. "We're going to Jeju Island next week too.. Seafood baby, i'm coming!"

"You heard him, you will come with us.", Jake said with a big smile on his face, "Come to think of it, this is the first time since we met that we've been able to take a trip together.. I will warn you, don't be Jay's roommate. He can cook, but he's messy as hell. I wouldn't be shocked to see cockroaches flying around."

Jay paused before taking a bite of his rice and pinched Jake's arm. The pinch made Jake jump, knocking over his drink and spilling the soda on his clothes. "Damn."

"you stupid shit." Jake said, looking at his now destroyed white shirt. "My favorite grape flavored soda.."

"I can go get you a new can, you should go change, Jake! Does anyone else wants something to drink?" Sunoo said, trying to find some tissues in his bag.

"Sunghoon, you have an extra shirt in your locker, right? Mind lending it to Jake?" Jay said, getting up from his chair, "I'll go with you to get some drinks for everyone. These two should finish their food while we're gone." He pointed at Niki and Jungwon saying that.

"Why do I need to follow Jake along? I can help you guys out with the drinks." Sunghoon suddenly said, also raising from his seat leaving Jungwon and Niki being the only ones remaining in their seat.

"There's no need for three people to get some drinks, I can go with him. You stay here and think about whether you want to come to the school trip." Jay said, but before he could leave with Sunoo, Sunghoon stopped him. "I'll go next week. Sunoo, let's go get the drinks." Both Jay and Sunoo were taken aback by Sunghoon's answer, although because of different sentences.

"There's no way these two are still fighting over Sunoo after I've already changed my shirt." They heard Jake say.

"We're not fighting over him."

"Whatever. Class is about to start, so forget about the drinks. Heeseung has been waiting for us the whole time, hurry."

The boys cleared their tables before slowly returning to playing basketball, except for Sunoo, who spent the time in gym class apart from the rest.
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"Then I'll be leaving too.. Have a nice weekend!" Jungwon said after tying his shoes and opening the door. "I better see you all on Monday.. I'm talking to you, Sunghoon."

"Yes, Yes, I'll be there. See you then!" The door closed and left the locker room with only three boys remaining.

Jake ran a hand through his hair and looked at his reflection in the mirror with a shirtless Jay standing to his right. "Well, go for it if you think he's cute. I think Sunoo is an amazing guy."

Sunghoon hadn't really paid attention to the conversion that was taking place between Jay and Jake, but he couldn't help but get up from his nap after hearing a certain name.

"Well, it's not like I'm totally into him yet. I doubt he feels that way, Jake." said the older of the two.

"Who knows.. give it a try."

"Bullshit, what makes you even think that? Stop saying nonsense." Sunghoon suddenly sat in an upright position and now looked at Jake's reflection in the mirror before slowly closing his eyes again. "Since when were you a part of our conversation, Hoon.." Jake turned around and crossed his arms, now looking at a mad Sunghoon.

"Sunghoon. I've been wanting to ask u this question but I forgot.." Jay said as he finally put his shirt on. He received a nod from Sunghoon in confirmation before continuing. "You don't mind if I go for Sunoo, do you?"

Even after a considerable amount of time had passed, the pal on the couch did not respond.

"Then I'll take that as a no." He took his bag before stepping towards the door, "I'll get going then. Promised my dad for dinner tonight."

"Don't play around with him, Jay. Just let it be."

"Why? You know I'm not that kind of guy. Besides, it's not like you guys are a thing, right?" The door closed behind him and Jake waited a minute before saying anything.

"Really?" Sunghoon heard Jake say as he looked at him through the mirror.

"What?"

"You're saying there's nothing going between you two?.. Or can you just not admit that you do like Sunoo?"

".."

"You're just gonna stay quiet like that, dude?"

"Shut up and mind your own business."

"Fine. Don't come crying to me when you regret it... I'm not choosing a side here, you guys handle it on your own." Jake took one more look at Sunghoon before he left the locker room. ".."

"Shit... like I care."

A sigh left Sunghoon's mouth before he closed his eyes again and collapsed on the couch.