Ideal | ni-ki

Chapter 3 • Drunk-dazed

Chapter THREE

I'm closed for the day. Again, the biscoff cookies were sold out. Sales were better than yesterday and I'm glad. I guess Grandpa Joe is a good luck.

As I'm about to lock my shop, a figure just suddenly appeared in front of me, making me startled. It's the Jay guy. "You scared me sir! Can I help you?"

He was panting as if he was running away from something, "I'm sorry for the bother but c-can you help me bring water to my friends?"

"Sorry?"

"We're at the bar just around the corner and we just got kicked out because my friends are already too drunk they're a mess. If you have water you can share, I will really appreciate it."

"Uh...of course. Let me just get it inside." I re-opened the shop and grabbed a pitcher of cold water from the fridge and a glass as well.

I closed the shop but did not lock it and followed Jay to his friends. This is weird but okay.

We stopped in front of the bar he was referring to and that was like a couple of walks away from my shop. I immediately saw Ni-Ki sitting on the floor with his eyes closed. They also have 2 other friends who really are wasted, laying on the floor and singing out loud. What on earth.

"Damn I didn't know they'll be wasted like this." I heard Jay said while his hands are on his hips. I guess he's the only one sober out of 4 of them.

Jay carried the 2 to sit them up while I pour the water in the glass. I crouched down to face Ni-Ki whose eyes still closed. I gulped and shook him awake.

"Hi, um...I have something for you." I said while shaking him lightly.

His eyes half opened and his ears just turned red???

"How much drink did you have?" I asked.

"Not much." He replied. So I guess, he's less drunk than these 2.

"Okay, can you drink this water for me?"

He did not reply but just stared at me. His eyes are no longer sharp and cold like usual but he muttered something, "Pretty."

"Huh?" Was he saying something? I ignored whatever he just muttered and brought the glass closer to his lips, "Please drink this so you'll feel better."

Without hesitation, he drank the glass of water with me still holding the glass. He finished the entire glass so I gave the glass to Jay to offer to his friends as well.

"Ya! Jungwon! Heesung-hyung!" Jay retorted while fighting demons lol.

"Um...is there someone who's going to pick you up? I understand that this is quite frustrating for you to take care of your friends but I don't think yelling at them will help. I think you should call someone to pick you up and bring you guys home." I suggested.

"Yes, our driver's on the way. About 10 minutes. Thank you with the water. To compensate, we'll take you home as well."

"Oh no no, it's fine. It's important to bring these 3 home first. I just live not far from here so I'll walk. Thank you though."

"I can't let that happen. Please accept my offer as my gratitude, we wanna make sure you get home safe as well."

Well I guess, I can no longer refuse huh? "Okay, I'll just lock my shop. Be back in 2 minutes."

I walked back to my shop and put the pitcher back in the fridge. I finally closed the shop and walked back to where Jay and his friends are.

About 10 minutes, a huge van arrived in front of us and the driver got out to assist the knocked out guys first.

"What happened, sir?" The driver asked, helping Jungwon first to get in the car.

"Wasted. Drunk. Knocked-out. Never inviting them out for a drink again." Jay looks like a scolding mother.

Next is Heesung who is now placed beside Jungwon at the back. Both of them are now hugging each other. Cute.

"Uh...this is Serena. A friend of ours as well. We'll bring her home first." Jay said, getting in the passenger seat.

The driver nodded and now helped Ni-Ki get into the car. As the last one to get in, I sat beside Ni-Ki who is now I think, asleep as well.

"You can drop me off fourth street from here, turning left." I said.

"I'm really sorry, Serena. This won't happen again." Jay gave me an apologetic look.

"It's fine. Let your friends enjoy these things while you're young."

My smile dropped when I felt a bit of heaviness on my shoulder. I looked to my left to see Ni-Ki's head now on my shoulder with his eyes still closed. Everything happens so fast huh?

"You can move his head away." Jay said.

"It's okay. Just take a rest, Jay. Don't worry about me."

He nodded and closed his eyes as well. I guess he had few drinks as well and alcohol is taking over too.

I stared at Ni-Ki's features, memorizing it. This is the same features I saw at the airport but this time, he's in relaxed mode. Right now, I'm not sure which one is stronger, the smell of alcohol or his perfume?

My eyes moved to his hands. He has 3 rings worn on point and thumb. His hands seems to be veiny and manly as well. However, what caught my attention is the cuts and scars on his fingers. They seem to look fresh.

I immediately thought of something. From my mini bag, I took out 2 band-aids with pink girly design (that's all I have) and wrapped it around his fingers.

As soon as I did, the van stopped right in front of my apartment.

"Is this it, miss?" The driver asked.

"Yes, perfect. Thank you so much. Thank you for dropping me off, Jay. Careful on your way home." I said and slowly moved Ni-Ki's head to the window.

"Thank you, Serena. See you again, soon!" He waved goodbye and the van sped off, leaving the area.

I held on my coat closer to my body as the wind blows, leaving a cold feeling. I slightly smiled to my self after realizing what just happened. What a night.