SKINNY || HYUNHO

IX

As the end of the year approached, the excitement of the holidays began to buzz through the air. Minho, ever the social butterfly, was particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming New Year's Eve party. It was a typical American bash, complete with alcohol, loud music, and a crowd of teenagers looking to celebrate the start of a new year.

"Hyunjin, you have to come to this party," Minho insisted one afternoon, practically bouncing with excitement.

Hyunjin shook his head, anxiety creeping up his spine at the mere thought of it. "I don't know, Minho. Parties aren't really my thing. Too many people, too much noise."

Minho rolled his eyes and threw an arm around Hyunjin's shoulders. "Come on, it'll be fun! I'll be right there with you the whole time. I promise."

Hyunjin hesitated, torn between his fear of social situations and the desire to not disappoint Minho. Seeing the genuine enthusiasm in Minho's eyes made it even harder to say no.

"Okay," he finally agreed, though his voice was small and uncertain. "But you have to stick with me."

Minho grinned, pulling him into a brief hug. "Deal. You'll have a great time, I promise."

When New Year's Eve arrived, Hyunjin's anxiety was at an all-time high. The party was being held at a friend's house, and even from outside, he could hear the thumping bass of the music and the murmur of excited voices.

"Remember, I'm right here," Minho reassured him as they walked up to the door.

Inside, the house was packed with people, the smell of alcohol and sweat mingling in the air. Minho greeted several friends enthusiastically, dragging Hyunjin along with him. True to his word, Minho stayed by his side, introducing him to everyone and making sure he had a drink in hand.

Hyunjin sipped his soda nervously, trying to relax and enjoy himself. But as the night went on, Minho seemed to be getting caught up in the festivities, his attention gradually shifting away from Hyunjin.

At one point, Minho spotted Jisung across the room and his face lit up. "Hey, Hyunjin, can you hang out in the kitchen for a sec? I need to catch up with Jisung. I'll be right back."

Before Hyunjin could protest, Minho was already weaving through the crowd towards Jisung. Hyunjin found himself alone in the kitchen, his anxiety spiking as he glanced around at the unfamiliar faces. Minutes turned into half an hour, and still, Minho hadn't returned.

Hyunjin felt like he was suffocating, the walls of the kitchen closing in on him. He was about to slip out the back door and leave when a voice broke through his thoughts.

"Hey, you look like you could use a friend," a tall, older guy said, approaching him with a friendly smile. "I'm Chan."

Hyunjin forced a smile, grateful for the distraction. "I'm Hyunjin."

Chan leaned against the counter, giving Hyunjin a once-over. "So, what's got you so down? Not your scene?"

Hyunjin sighed, shaking his head. "Not really. I didn't even want to come, but Minho convinced me."

"Ah, Minho." Chan nodded, his eyes twinkling with understanding. "I've noticed the way you look at him."

Hyunjin's eyes widened in panic. "What? No, I don't-it's not like that."

Chan chuckled softly. "It's okay, you know. Having feelings for someone isn't a crime."

Hyunjin's defenses crumbled under Chan's kind gaze, and he found himself confessing the truth he'd been hiding. "Okay, fine. I like him. But someone like Minho would never be interested in someone like me."

Chan frowned, his curiosity piqued. "Why do you say that?"

Hyunjin opened his mouth to explain, but his eyes drifted past Chan's shoulder, and his heart stopped. Across the room, Minho was kissing Jisung. The sight felt like a punch to the gut, and Hyunjin's throat tightened with emotion. It was as if the air had been sucked out of the room, and he could feel his heart shattering.

"That's why," he whispered, pointing towards Minho and Jisung.

Chan turned to follow Hyunjin's gaze and saw the two of them locked in an embrace. He turned back to Hyunjin, his expression softening with sympathy. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

Hyunjin's eyes filled with tears, his heart shattering into pieces. "I should go," he mumbled, turning away.

"Wait," Chan said, his hand gently gripping Hyunjin's arm. "Don't let this ruin your night."

Hyunjin shook his head, unable to hold back the tears any longer. "I just... I can't stay here."

Chan sighed, watching Hyunjin's pain with a look of deep empathy. "Do you have a ride home?"

Hyunjin shook his head. "Minho drove me here. I can't leave without him."

"Let me give you a lift then," Chan offered. "You don't need to stay here and be miserable."

Hyunjin hesitated, torn between the need to escape and the fear of imposing on someone he barely knew. "Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother."

"You're not a bother," Chan insisted. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Hyunjin nodded reluctantly, the weight of the night's events pressing heavily on his shoulders. As they walked towards the door, Hyunjin's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a message from Minho: "Left with Jisung. See you later."

The message was short and impersonal, a stark contrast to Minho's usual warmth. Hyunjin's heart sank even further, the sense of abandonment overwhelming him. He slipped the phone back into his pocket, fighting back the tears.

Chan glanced at him, noticing the change in his expression. "Everything okay?"

Hyunjin forced a smile. "Yeah, it's fine. Let's just go."

They stepped outside into the cold night, the fresh air doing little to alleviate Hyunjin's sense of isolation. Chan led him to his car, the silence between them filled with unspoken understanding.

Chan asked Hyunjin where his house was and, when the brown haired boy answered, he started the car.

The drive was quiet, Hyunjin staring out the window, lost in his thoughts.

As they pulled up to Hyunjin's house, Chan turned to him, his expression gentle. "If you ever need to talk, you can find me at school. Don't hesitate, okay?"

Hyunjin nodded, though his heart felt heavy with betrayal and sadness. He mumbled a thank you and stepped out of the car, watching as Chan drove away. As he stood there in the cold night, the pain of betrayal and the weight of his insecurities felt almost too much to bear. But deep down, he knew he had to keep going, even if it felt impossible.