Chapter 46

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"Perhaps I could offer you a ride home, that is, if there's no one to pick you up at the moment," he suggests, his gaze holding a hopeful expression as he awaits my answer.

I hesitate, my mind racing as I consider his offer since I can't even tell Hyun-Woo the truth that I have not one, but two extremely popular K-pop idols as boyfriends.

Hyun-Woo's a little conservative and the thought of me being with two men might create a barrier between our friendship.

A mix of uncertainty and guilt lace my expression. The complexity of the situation becomes even more pronounced, as a new layer of emotions comes into play.

Lying and making excuses are no use as he'll be waiting for me to get picked up, making sure I get home safely before he leaves.

"Hanni? If your boyfriend is coming to pick you up, it's fine." Hyun-Woo murmurs, a touch of sorrow flickering in his gaze.

The air seems to hold a delicate tension, the unspoken complexities of the moment weaving a web of emotions between us.

"I appreciate your offer," I reply softly, my words carrying a mix of gratitude and hesitation. "But I think I'll wait for my ride."

The truth is, my boyfriends are in Singapore for a concert as we speak, their driver has been waiting for me in the parking area to ensure my safe return to Hill House since Jean was informed of my arrival earlier, and she's patiently awaiting my return.

However, I find it challenging to discuss this situation with Hyun-Woo, as I'm not yet ready to disclose it to anyone apart from Ji-Hoo.

Hyun-Woo's expression becomes a mixture of surprise and understanding as he listens to my explanation.

"I see," he says softly, his gaze shifting to a more thoughtful look. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to or just hang out, I'm here."

"Thank you, Hyun-Woo," I respond, gratitude lacing my voice. "I really appreciate that."

His offer provides a glimmer of comfort, a reminder that despite the complexities and uncertainties, there are friends like him who care and are willing to be there during moments of vulnerability.

"Take care, and see you around Hanni." With those words, he steps back, allowing space for me to navigate my emotions and choices on my own terms as we bid our temporary goodbyes.

We'll be seeing each other again next week as we'll be accompanying Ji-Hoo in finding her soon-to-be in laws and husband a gift. A Korean tradition whenever someone is getting married.

As I stood in the parking area, anticipation filled the air around me. The dim glow of the streetlights cast elongated shadows, and the distant hum of passing cars created a backdrop of urban activity.

I checked the time on my phone, my gaze flickering between the screen and the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the familiar car that would signify my ride's arrival.

Just then, the stillness was shattered by the sudden ring of my phone. The shrill tone cut through the quiet, causing me to start slightly in surprise. With a swift motion, I retrieved my phone from my pocket, the screen lighting up to reveal an incoming call.

"Hey.." I muttered, upon answering. A tinge of excitement fills me upon hearing Taehyung's voice.

"I just called a staff and I was told you're not home yet. Where are you?" Came Taehyung's worried voice. The hushed ambiance in the background hinted that he was back in his hotel room.

"Hi, the dinner just ended and I'm about to get in the car. But first,We need to talk..Is Jungkook there?" I ask with a tinge of unease.

"Is everything okay, Hanni? You sound a bit off." Taehyung's tone shifted slightly, a mix of curiosity and seriousness lacing his words.

"Just some thoughts I wanted to share. Can you let him know that I'd like to talk?"

"Hang on, I'll go get him." he responds, followed by the sound of soft footsteps.

"I'm here with him now. Go on, Hanni." Taehyung says.

"I just had a talk with Hyun-Woo--" I start but stopped when Jungkook immediately interrupts me upon hearing Hyun-Woo's name.

"And?" Jungkook's harsh tone didn't go unnotice, but I push it aside.

"And he told me he wasn't making out with no one that night of the charity event. You lied to me. Why?" The question hung in the air. Each word bore the weight of unspoken emotions.

There's a pause on the other end, the silence weighted with the unspoken tension between us.

"I thought I saw what I saw," Jungkook finally says, his voice a mix of defensiveness and frustration.

"Assuming things without getting the full story can lead to misunderstandings," I reply, my voice gentle yet firm. "Hyun-Woo was honest with me about what happened that night. We shouldn't let assumptions strain our relationship."

"Sorry, I messed up." With Jungkook being the stubborn one, I knew he needed to let it off his chest as he adds.."I thought you'd keep your distance, Hanni. I don't trust that guy. Look what's happening, we're already fighting over him." He lets out a frustrated sigh.

"This is not about him," I explain, sighing in defeat. "It's about communication and giving each other the benefit of the doubt. Hyun-Woo's my bestfriend too. You can't expect me to just avoid him and not talk to him ever again." I try to be reasonable to avoid hurting their feelings but it seems like Jungkook's taking this the wrong way.

"And we're supposed to accept it just like that? Like it won't hurt your boyfriends feelings? The fact that he likes you more than a friend, is proof enough that he can't be around you." The words carried a mix of logic and caution, a clear statement born from a deep grasp of his emotions.

"Jungkook, it won't be like that. I'm just asking for you to trust me." My response flowed, a soothing reassurance amidst the currents of uncertainty.

"It's him I don't trust near you! That's the thing! Just the mere thought of him near you, it's driving me nuts."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, but can you please just take a moment to understand where I'm coming from? Hyun-Woo is like a big brother to me and he's been nothing but kind to me--"

"Are you serious? He fingered you for crying out loud, Hanni. That guys's head over heels for you." Taehyung's words laced with venom and for a moment I feel upset that JK told him about it when I should be the one that did it.

The warmth that had once lingered Taehyung's voice gave way to a frosty undertone, leaving an icy edge to his speech. He's just as upset as JK.

"So you're telling me to throw away our friendship? Just like that." I retort, unable to mask the overflowing emotions that builds up inside me as I bite back my tears.

"It's not like we want you to just brush everything off," Taehyung's words came, punctuated by a sigh. "But seeing you two together, it just stirs up this mess of feelings." The confession was raw, a candid admission of vulnerability.

The weight of those words settled between us, an unspoken plea for understanding hanging in the air.

"I don't like him that way anymore. Hyun-Woo is a gentleman and respects me. He's not going to do any of the things you're worried about." As I spoke, I could see the concern etched on their faces.

It was clear that the thought of us together had sparked unease within them. With each word, I hoped to reassure them and convey the genuine nature of my relationship with Hyun-Woo. It was a delicate balance of addressing their worries while upholding the trust we had built over time.

In the meantime, Jungkook lets out a defeated sigh, a hint of comprehension dawning on him as he comes to terms with my unyielding nature.

"We'll talk more about this when we get home. For now, get home safely, Hanni. Text us when you've arrived. See you soon."

As we exchanged brief goodbyes, I tucked my phone back into my pocket, my attention returning to the quiet night around me.

The night air seemed to hold a sense of both uncertainty and resolve, the events of the evening weaving a tapestry of emotions and connections that were waiting to unfold.

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