When you say my name -Wooyoung

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ xxɪɪɪ:𝒲𝑜𝑜𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓃𝑔

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Over the next several days, I purposely avoided any interaction with my friends, especially Hongjoong who kept relentlessly inquiring about Ollie. San attempted to bring up the subject again, but I brushed him off and didn't let anyone else know about the turmoil in my mind. I managed to catch a glimpse of Ollie a few times during those days, but every time our eyes met, I couldn't help but feel a burning desire to escape, just as he did. I couldn't fault him, though, as I was in the same wretched position.

Finally, the day came when classes were dismissed, and I returned to my home in a state of sheer exhaustion. I collapsed onto my bed without even attempting to rest, only to be jolted awake by Hongjoong's stern presence looming large over me. "Jung Wooyoung, wake up this instant," he demanded as I groggily rubbed my eyes.

"What did I do now?" I mumbled, sitting up and stretching out my sore muscles.

His expression softened, and a grin spread across his lips. "Oh, nothing. I just wanted to tell you that we're having a family dinner this coming Saturday, and you're obligated to attend."

I stared up at him, my brows furrowed in confusion. "That's what you woke me up for?"

He nodded emphatically, "Mhm. I mean it. You better be there or else."

I playfully saluted him. "Aye, aye, Cap'n."

He turned to leave, and I sank back into my bed with a sigh. Great. Just what I needed. Spending time with all my friends under the microscope on a day when my mind is plagued by thoughts of Ollie. Perhaps the dinner would be a welcome distraction, a break from the constant preoccupation. A smile graced my lips as I considered the prospect of spending time with the people I cared for most, a thought that brought a sense of warmth to my heart. Yeah, Saturday would be a good day. There was no way it couldn't be.

The anticipation of Saturday loomed large, but I wasn't particularly concerned about dressing up for my friend's casual gathering. As I lazed around in my oversized T-shirt and sweatpants, I heard the familiar sounds of laughter and chatter filtering through the walls of my shared living space. When I finally entered the room, I was met with a chorus of surprise and disapproval from my friends. Seonghwa and Hongjoong quickly jumped to their feet, their disapproving gaze directed at my laid-back ensemble.

"That's what you're wearing to family dinner?" Seonghwa balked, aghast at my casual attire.

"Why not? It's not like we're having some fancy dinner party or something," I retorted nonchalantly, shrugging my shoulders.

Hongjoong chimed in, "That's not the point. You can't dress like a bum. Laney is coming to dinner, too." His words ignited a spark of irritation within me, and I couldn't help but notice the change in his behavior lately.

"No, I don't know because you left that out when you rudely awoke me," I snapped, my patience wearing thin.

"Whoops, that's my bad," Hongjoong responded in a careless manner, his hands casually resting on his hips.

The day continued with a mix of TV-watching and nagging from Seonghwa and Hongjoong, who were insistent on changing my outfit. Finally, I relented and changed into something more suitable for the evening, only to be sent back to my room as if I were a child in need of a time-out.

Around 4 pm, the duo began preparing for dinner, and I found myself at home with an odd sense of peace. It wasn't long before there were knocks on the door, and I hesitantly made my way out to see who had arrived. To my surprise, everyone in our friend group had disappeared besides Hongjoong, something I took note of before the two individuals at our front door walked inside. My eyes met Ollie's as he entered the room, his lips forming the words, "Well, fuck."

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