Love Bites | | Choi San

Chapter 49

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Nabi stared at her reflection in the mirror, a sigh escaping her lips. The glittering dress she wore felt like a costume, a façade to hide the turmoil within. New Year's Eve was supposed to be a time of celebration and new beginnings, but for her, it felt like just another night to confront her tangled emotions.

It has been a rough week for Nabi and partying was the last thing the girl wanted. However, it was an unavoidable case because her friend group loved nothing more than it. so currently the girl was getting ready to go to Hongjoong's bar when the celebration took place.

Unfortunately, another problem ruined the girl's mood even more. Jeno was coming as well. a few days ago she talked with him since her mother convinced her to give him one last chance. and her worries didn't even end there. San was obviously invited as well along with Wooyoung and Yeosang. Nabi was happy she would see her friends after a while, however, she didn't know how good of an idea seeing San would be. She was already thinking about him way more than she should have and seeing and most likely talking to him would worsen her feelings even more. 

She missed him. She was not scared anymore to admit it, but what did that change? She was already in a relationship with another man and even if she wasn't, San didn't like her back. honestly, that was another reason why she got back with Jeno, she hoped having a boyfriend would make her forget about him.

Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her reverie. It was a message from Jeno.

Jeno

I'm waiting for you in my car
Are you almost ready?

I'll be down in 2.

Okay❤️

Seen

Her hair was perfectly styled, her makeup impeccable, and the dress she wore accentuated her figure in all the right ways. At least on the outside, she looked ready and beautiful. Locking her apartment door behind her, she descended the stairs, each step feeling heavier as she approached Jeno's car. He was sitting in the driver's seat, looking bored, waiting for her but she didn't bother fastening her steps. 

"Hi," she muttered as she opened the passenger door and slid into the seat. She couldn't really understand why being with him felt so awkward, after all, they spent 4 years together in the past.

Jeno's eyes scanned her outfit, a slight frown forming on his lips. "Is that what you're wearing?"

Nabi sighed inwardly, her mind flooding with memories of similar moments from their past. "Is there a problem with it?" she asked, her tone firm. She wasn't in the mood to deal with his criticisms tonight.

Noticing the girl was not in the mood the man shook his head, his expression softening a bit. He was trying his best to avoid any kind of conflict, "No I just asked because it's really cold outside and you're wearing-" He eyed the girl's outfit one more time, "a really small dress."

"I have a jacket with me, and I'm wearing tights," Nabi replied, her voice calm but firm. "You don't need to worry." the man just hummed in return. He felt annoyed at the girl for her rude responses but he ignored it.

During the whole drive to Hongjoong's bar Jeno tried to start a conversation with the girl, but Nabi only gave short answers not being in the mood for anything more. Fortunately, the drive was a very short one since the bar was pretty close to the girl's apartment, As they pulled up to the bar, Nabi reached for the door handle, but before she could exit, Jeno hit the lock button, trapping her inside.

"Can we talk before we go in?" he asked, his voice laced with frustration.

Nabi rolled her eyes. "Does it matter if I say yes or no?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jeno snapped back.

"That I know you're going to start talking anyway," Nabi replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Nabi, that's exactly what I want to talk about. I can't help but notice you're throwing an attitude for no reason."

"For no reason? Am I not allowed to be in a bad mood or what?" she shot back, her voice rising.

"Why are you even in a bad mood? It's New Year's Eve, for fuck's sake," Jeno said, his frustration bubbling over.

Nabi snorted. "Yeah, like that fixes all my problems. You're so right."

"It's San, isn't it?" Jeno's voice dropped, a bitter edge creeping in.

"What does San have to do with anything?" she asked though she knew where this was headed.

"He's your ex, and you're about to see him in there. So, you're feeling moody," Jeno accused.

"Let's be real, Jeno. If San being there makes anyone moody, it's you, not me," Nabi retorted.

Jeno scoffed, disbelief and anger flashing in his eyes. "You know what, Nabi? I really don't want to fight with you right now. It's been a couple of days since we got back together, and I don't want us to have problems already, and for such an unimportant reason as well."

If only he understood how important San actually was to her, Nabi thought bitterly. "Just ignore him tonight, and everything will be fine," Jeno continued.

"Excuse me? Ignore him? He's my friend," Nabi said, her voice icy.

"A friend?" Jeno let out a humorless laugh. "He's not your friend, Nabi. He's your ex, and you will stay away from him. Don't anger me."

Oh, how big of a mistake getting back with Jeno was, Nabi cursed herself silently. Taking a deep breath, she turned to face him, her expression steely. "Jeno, let me clear up some things you're clearly confused about. The relationship you and I had three years ago was very different from what we have now. The Nabi you dated back then is very different from me now. If you think you can continue bossing me around like you own me, I will immediately end things with you. You understand me?"

Jeno's eyes widened in surprise, but he said nothing, his face hardening.

"This is the last chance I'm willing to give this relationship, and I suggest you use it wisely," Nabi finished, her voice steady and resolute.

For a moment, there was silence, the tension in the car thick and suffocating. Then Jeno sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Fine, Nabi. I get it. Let's just go inside and try to enjoy the night, okay?"

Nabi nodded, unlocking the door and stepping out of the car. As they walked towards the bar, she couldn't help but feel a weight lift off her shoulders. 

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A/N Why do I lowkey feel bad for Jeno... Lmao. Also Not me updating so fast :p I just felt really guilty because I've been updating this story like a sloth recently sorry for that <3 AND also, It's not even winter anymore but I want to write a new year chapter so hope that's not weird :D next chapter will be ☕