𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 | ᴊᴀᴇᴊɪ

𝟏𝟑

As the morning sun painted streaks of gold across the city skyline, Jaemin prepared to leave for work, a sense of anticipation tingling at the back of his mind. However, as he entered his sleek office at REAL DREAMERS, he was met with the piercing gaze of his long-time friend and business partner, Jeno.

"Jaemin," Jeno said, his voice laced with concern as he leaned against the doorframe. "Something's been off with you lately. You've been distant, preoccupied... What's going on?"

Jaemin hesitated, his mind racing with thoughts of the agreement he had made with Jisung. He knew he couldn't divulge the details to Jeno, not yet at least. It was a delicate balance, and he couldn't risk jeopardizing their arrangement.

"Nothing, Jeno," Jaemin replied, forcing a smile as he brushed off his friend's concerns. "Just a lot on my mind with work and everything."

But Jeno wasn't convinced, his brows furrowing in frustration. "Come on, Jaemin. You can talk to me. We've been through everything together. Whatever it is, I'm here for you."

Jaemin felt a pang of guilt tug at his heartstrings, torn between his loyalty to Jeno and his commitment to Jisung. But he knew he had to protect their agreement, even if it meant keeping secrets from his closest friend.

"I appreciate it, Jeno," Jaemin said, his tone firm yet evasive. "But really, everything's fine. Let's focus on work for now, okay?"

With a heavy sigh, Jeno relented, though the worry still lingered in his eyes. "Fine, Jaemin. But just know that I'm here whenever you're ready to talk."

As Jaemin watched Jeno leave his office, a sense of unease settled in the pit of his stomach. He knew he was walking a fine line, but for now, he had to keep the truth hidden, even if it meant distancing himself from his oldest friend.

Alone in his office, Jaemin couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at him. But as he turned his attention to his work, he reminded himself of the promise he had made to Jisung—to support him, protect him, and keep their agreement sacred, no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, as Jeno observed Jaemin from afar, he couldn't help but notice a subtle shift in his friend's demeanor. Despite his initial concerns, Jeno couldn't deny the genuine happiness radiating from Jaemin's smile. It was a sight he hadn't seen in a while, and though he couldn't shake off his worries completely, he couldn't deny the relief that washed over him.

Perhaps, Jeno thought to himself, whatever was troubling Jaemin had finally been resolved. And with that hopeful thought in mind, Jeno returned to his own work, trusting that Jaemin would confide in him when the time was right.

-

As Jisung attempted to reassure Chenle of his well-being, tension hung heavy in the air, suffocating the warmth of their friendship. Chenle's concern, though well-intentioned, ignited a spark of frustration within Jisung, a spark that threatened to engulf their bond.

"Chenle, I said I'm fine," Jisung's voice carried a hint of irritation, his patience wearing thin. "You don't need to worry about me."

Chenle recoiled slightly, hurt flickering in his eyes as he struggled to comprehend Jisung's dismissive tone. "I'm just trying to be a good friend, Jisung. Is it so wrong for me to care about you?"

The words hung heavily between them, an unspoken rift widening with each passing moment. Jisung's chest tightened with a mixture of guilt and frustration, his own insecurities bubbling to the surface.

"I know you're trying to help, Chenle," Jisung's voice softened, remorse lacing his words. "But sometimes, it feels like you're prying into my life, like you don't trust me to handle things on my own."

Chenle's expression hardened, a glimmer of resentment flashing in his eyes. "Maybe I wouldn't have to pry if you were more open with me, Jisung. Maybe if you actually talked to me instead of shutting me out, we wouldn't be in this mess."

The accusation stung, Jisung's defenses rising in response to Chenle's pointed words. "I'm not shutting you out, Chenle. I just... I have things going on, okay? Things that I can't talk about right now."

Chenle's frustration boiled over, his voice rising with each word. "Well, maybe it's time you started talking, Jisung. Maybe it's time you started being honest with yourself and with the people who care about you."

With those final words, Chenle stormed out of the room, leaving Jisung alone with his thoughts and the weight of their fractured friendship bearing down on him like a heavy burden.