black swan || hyunjin

eight

Opening my eyes, I find myself rested comfortably on the sofa. I look around to Felix, who looks like he had fallen off the sofa in the night, and is now sprawled out fast asleep on the floor. It looks like he is giving the carpet a big hug, which I find quite amusing.

I then look over at Hyunjin, still laying securely in the armchair. His arms are dangling down off the sides, and his face is tranquil and harmonious, his jet black hair covering most of it like a blanket.

I check my phone for the time. It is 5:48am. I get up off of the sofa lazily, and fix up my school uniform that I had slept in. I was so not excited for school today.

The next person to wake up was Felix, who rolled around on the floor groaning for a while before getting up. I watch him as he stretches his body before realising that I'm also awake.

"Oh Aera! Good morning!!" He exclaims in a whisper, whilst looking back at Hyunjin, trying not to wake him.

"Morning Felix!" I smile tiredly.

"Do you want some cereal?" He asks, and I nod back cheerfully. He smiles, walking over to the kitchen cupboard, pulling out three bowls, one for him, one for me and one for Hyunjin, who was still passed out on the armchair.

"So, how was your sleep? Did you dream of anything?" I ask as I watch him pour in the cereal equally into our bowls, followed by some milk.

"I had a dream that I was a merman, and I knocked on everyone's doors asking for help, as I was being held captive by a massive shark thing, but nobody answered the door because they didn't realise what was going on. It was soo strange, but it was cool!" Felix explained, his usual jolly expression spread across his face. I don't think I've ever met someone as cheerful as him.

As he hands me my bowl of cereal, we hear a loud groan, followed by a few more miniature groans coming from the living room. Felix and I chuckle to each other, as the tired Hyunjin sleepily strides into the kitchen.

He looks over at me and exchanges his relaxed smirk that he always does, then immediately rests his face as he looks away. He comes to sit down next to me, grabbing the bowl of cereal and reaching over the table for the small pot labelled with 'SUGAR'. He dumps what looks like half the pot on top of his cereal, before diving his spoon into the bowl and taking a big bite.

I eat my cereal leisurely, while I watch Hyunjin scoff it all down like a hungry tiger in my peripheral vision. I take another spoonful of my cereal, before almost spitting it out. I have just remembered what happened yesterday. The haunting guilt fills me up again, and suddenly, I have no appetite.

As Felix and I leave the house for school, I am somewhat thankful. I don't think I could stand another minute being near Hyunjin. I am still so deeply embarrassed. I don't know if I will ever get over this.

And just to add on, when I get back home, I am going to be scolded so hard.
-

A FEW WEEKS LATER

It has been around 3 weeks since the sleepover. Every day since then, I have been thinking about my stupid mistake, and I am now in the stage of acceptance. I accept that what I did was silly, and I should have checked over with Hyunjin first before accusing him and going crazy for the next 6 months.

But, I also understand that I was not exactly right in the head at the time, I mean, my dad passed away two days prior to the fall out, so I can't blame myself fully.

To add on from that, my ex was a terribly good liar, and he wanted to be my only best friend, the only person I open up to. He was jealous of mine and Hyunjin's bond, so he tried to sabotage it. He succeeded, of course, but look where I am now, Hyunjin and I are regaining the friendship we once had. Slowly but surely.

We have been texting almost everyday, about everything, from memories to deep topics, and the embarrassment that I once felt has now faded away.

Hyunjin has also been helping me with my school work. He is a great tutor, and I am learning a lot more from him than any other teacher.

Although, that doesn't change the amount of anxiety in my body for my upcoming tests. These tests determine a lot for my future, and will be important for job applications when I'm older. I am scared out of my mind.

To relieve my stress, I have decided to go to a party with my friend, Jihyun. She says that her older friend was going to help sneak us in. I haven't been to a party in a long time, so I am really looking forward to it.

-

I am picking an outfit for tonight. It is surprisingly difficult. I don't want to look too innocent, but I don't want to be showing too much. I would feel uncomfortable, especially here in Seoul, with all of the dodgy people around.

As I take out a black off-shoulder minidress from my wardrobe, I get a message from Hyunjin.

Hyunjin: aeraaaa u busy tn? i wanna hangouttt

Aera: sorryy i cant todayy

I answer back, feeling a little bad for turning him down. But, whatever. I'm going to a party, after all.

Hyunjin: oh why not ??

Aera: im goin to a partyy

I can see that Hyunjin has read the message, but doesn't respond instantly as he usually does. After a few seconds, he replies.

Hyunjin: oh k

The 'k' at the end of his text made me a bit frustrated, I hate it when people write that. It's not difficult to just add an 'o' before it, is it?

I get dressed into my party outfit and put a bit of makeup on. I style my hair in loose waves, a single braid down the side of my hair. Only about 10 minutes later, does Jihyun arrive. As I open the door, I am greeted by a lively "Hey Aera!"

She grabs my hand, and drags me out of the door over to a big, black BMW. The older friend that she had told me about steps out of the car, and walks over to greet me.

"Hi, I'm Chris, it's nice to meet you."  He said, a small smirk forming on his face. His eyes, that slightly tilt downwards, are dark and inviting, and his ebony, soft-looking middle part sculpts his face perfectly.

I smile, as we exchange bows. He opens the car door politely for Jihyun and I, allowing us to step in. Jihyun gets in the car first, followed by me. When he shuts the door behind us, we both burst into squeals of excitement.

This party is going to be great.