Left Out Friend

3

"Come on, guys! Ten minutes is more than enough for a break," Jungwon clapped his hands twice, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Get up!"

The members groaned in response, their bodies sluggish from exhaustion. They had been practicing for almost two hours now, yet they still couldn't perfect the steppings in certain parts of the choreography. The repeated mistakes were starting to frustrate them.

"Ugh! Why do I always forget this part?!" Jay ruffled his damp hair in frustration.

"I need help with this move," Ni-ki sighed, shaking his head. "I can't understand it, and it's annoying me."

"Why can't we just change the steppings?" Sunghoon muttered under his breath, his tone edged with irritation.

Sunoo, who had been quietly observing from the side, watched his members with a hint of sadness. Their shirts were clinging to their damp skin, beads of sweat dripping down their faces. Their breaths were heavy, labored. They looked so tired, so frustrated.

Maybe I should get them some water bottles.

Just as Sunoo was about to speak, the door swung open. Their manager stepped in, his gaze sweeping across the room.

"You guys look like a mess," he commented, his voice neutral but expectant. "I see you've been working hard. I expect good results in your performance this week-I hope nothing disappoints me. Take a break for now and be back by 4:30 to continue practice."

And just like that, he was gone.

The room was silent for a moment before Jay scoffed, still staring at the door. "What the heck was that?"

Ni-ki let out a laugh. "Bro, you look like a wreck!"

Jay shot him a sharp glare, but before he could retaliate, Jungwon jumped in.

"Said the guy who looks like he just walked out of the shower and forgot to use a towel!" Jungwon teased, pointing at Ni-ki's completely drenched hair.

Laughter erupted among them, the previous tension from practice melting away.

"Alright, enough of that," Heeseung said, wiping sweat off his forehead. "Let's go get changed. I feel so sticky."

One by one, the members left the practice room, heading toward their rooms to freshen up.

***

Minutes later, they reappeared in the living room, now dressed in fresh t-shirts, chatting comfortably. The exhaustion from practice was still there, but the mood was much lighter.

"Guys, let's go get some drinks," Jake suggested, stretching his arms above his head. "We still have forty minutes before practice resumes."

"Sounds good," Jungwon agreed.

"Wait, what about Sunoo?" Ni-ki asked, glancing around.

"He takes forever to get ready," Jay muttered, shaking his head.

"I'll just text him," Ni-ki shrugged, pulling out his phone. "I'll ask what he wants so I can buy it for him."

With that, the group headed outside, leaving the living room empty.

An awkward silence lingered before Sunghoon cleared his throat. "Come on, guys. Let's go. I'm thirsty."

***

Sunoo finished getting dressed and finally stepped out of his room, feeling refreshed after his quick shower. As he descended the stairs, he expected to hear his members chatting in the living room.

But the house was silent.

Frowning, he checked the kitchen. No one. He peeked into the practice room. Still, no one.

His chest tightened slightly. Did they leave?

Feeling uneasy, he pulled out his phone and opened their group chat.

[Enhypen]
3:42 PM

Sunoo:
Where are you guys?

Minutes passed, but there was no response. He stared at his screen, his heart sinking slightly. Did they really just leave without telling me? He could have at least saved himself the trouble of searching all over the building.

Frustrated, he sent another message.

[Enhypen]
3:42 PM

Sunoo:
Where are you guys?

3:50 PM

Heeseung:
Store near the building.

Ni-ki:
We just bought some snacks.
Oh?
We replied at the same time, Heeseung! :D

Ni-ki:
Sunoo, just tell me
what you want.
I'll get it for you.

Sunoo exhaled slowly, gripping his phone. So they really had gone out without saying anything. His fingers hovered over the keyboard before he finally typed a response.

Sunoo:
Oh, okay. You could've
just texted me if you were
going out, so I wouldn't
have to worry.

He pressed send, expecting a simple acknowledgment. Instead, Jake's response came almost immediately.

Jake:
What do you mean?
Are you making a big
deal out of this?

Sunoo's lips parted slightly. He wasn't trying to make it a big deal-he was just pointing out that they could have let him know.

Sunoo:
Jake, I didn't even say anything like that?
I just roamed around the building looking for you guys.

The reply was instant.

Jake:
So it's our fault now?
Blame yourself for taking
So long in your room.

Sunoo felt a pang in his chest.

Jungwon:
Jake...
Sorry, Sunoo. We were
in a hurry. Ni-ki thought
it'd be faster to just text
you instead.

Sunoo swallowed the lump in his throat.

Sunoo:
Sorry.
I'll just have mint choco, please.
Thank you.

He set his phone down with a sigh, staring at the screen until the brightness dimmed.

Somehow, the drink didn't seem as appetizing anymore.

To be continued...