It was 11:23 AM when Sunoo sat in his bedroom at his family’s house, scrolling through his phone. His fingers hovered over the screen as he debated texting the others. The guilt from yesterday still weighed heavily on his mind. He hated that he’d snapped at them, but he didn’t know how else to express his frustration.
Maybe this will make up for it.
He typed quickly, trying to sound as casual as possible.
[Enhypen]
Sunoo:
Guys!
Do ya'll wanna hangout?
Let’s go play arcades.
He hit send, then flopped back onto his bed, his mind racing. Was it weird to suggest arcades? He was just trying to make up for his outburst, but it felt childish now, especially knowing how mature they were. Maybe they wouldn’t even want to hang out.
A moment later, the chat buzzed, and Jungwon’s name appeared at the top of the screen.
Jungwon:
Sunoo, seriously?
You’re not a kid anymore.
And where the fuck are you?
Sunoo chuckled, a smile tugging at his lips. That was Jungwon for you.
Sunoo:
Jungwon 🥺
I'm in our family house. I missed them, so that's why.
He didn’t want to seem too needy, but he hoped that explanation would soften Jungwon’s tone.
Jungwon:
The heck is that face?
Anyway, you better come back here later, Sunoo.
Sunoo:
Huh? Why?
He didn’t understand what was going on with Jungwon. Why the sudden urgency?
Jungwon:
Nvm.
That wasn’t like Jungwon at all. Sunoo blinked at his phone, confused. Before he could respond, Heeseung’s name popped up.
Heeseung:
I can’t hang out with you guys.
I’m not feeling well today, I need to sleep.
Sunoo:
Heeseung hyung, take pills.
Are you okay?
He waited for a reply, but none came. Instead, Ni-ki’s message pinged on the screen.
Ni-ki:
Does he look like okay to you?
Jay:
Oh.
Sunoo sighed, feeling the weight of the day settle deeper into his chest. He hoped Heeseung wasn’t seriously ill. But before he could continue, Jake’s message appeared.
Jake:
Where are you guys? I’m coming back at the dorm.
Who’s in the dorm rn?
Jay:
Jungwon, Sunghoon, and me.
Sunoo:
I’ll be there around 1 PM.
Heeseung:
Please someone fetch me.
Jake:
Where are you?
I’m coming!
Sunghoon:
I’m making lunch.
You guys hurry!
Sunoo:
Wait, aren’t you guys gonna go somewhere?
Or take a rest?
Or enjoy the 3 days?
Okay, nvm.
His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he reread his message. Why do they always seem so busy when I want to do something?
He looked back at his screen, but his members left him on read. The silence felt louder than any reply could have been.
“Of course, who wants to go play arcades?” Sunoo muttered, his voice a mix of frustration and resignation. Arcades are for kids anyway.
A sigh escaped his lips. He picked up his phone and typed one more message.
Sunoo:
Maybe, tomorrow.
Then, in a moment of weakness, he sent a message to someone who always seemed to understand him.
[Eunwoo]
Sunoo:
They’re busy 🥲
And I’m so stupid!!
I didn’t even know why I chose arcade. Maybe if I didn’t choose it, they might’ve gone with me.
Arcades are for kids!
Eunwoo replied almost instantly, his words calming.
Eunwoo:
What are you talking about?
You’re not stupid.
And you said they’re busy, so don’t say that if it’s not arcade, they might go with you.
Arcades are for everyone!
Sunoo read Eunwoo’s message, the sting in his heart slowly subsiding.
Eunwoo:
Try asking them tomorrow.
Sunoo:
Yeah.
It’s been a while.
Eunwoo:
You can invite me if you want to hang out, hehe.
Sunoo:
Yes, thank you, hyung!
The warmth in Eunwoo’s words was comforting. He wasn’t alone after all.
***
Sunoo finally arrived back at the dorm around 1 PM. He walked in, wiping the sweat off his forehead. "Traffic out there," he said, taking a deep breath as he placed his bag on the couch. The room was quiet, all the members now staring at him.
What’s with the look?
He felt the heat rise to his cheeks, unable to read their expressions. They didn’t greet him. The silence lingered as he awkwardly stood there. Finally, he lowered his head, trying to make himself as small as possible, and turned to head up to his room to avoid the discomfort.
He barely made it to the stairs when Sunghoon spoke.
"Please go change, Sunoo. You’re not a girl to wear those short shorts. Aren’t you afraid that someone might take pictures of you and post them on social media? Another hate? I’m sick of it."
Sunoo’s chest tightened. He’d been expecting this, but hearing it out loud still stung. Sunghoon wasn’t wrong; there was always that risk. But the words hit harder than he imagined.
Without saying a word, Sunoo nodded. "Sorry, hyung. I’ll go change now."
His smile was apologetic, but it felt weak. He turned and walked up the stairs, not noticing the looks that followed him.
Once upstairs, he furrowed his brows, trying to shake the unease that had crept into his chest. What’s with their expressions?
His phone buzzed with a new message from Eunwoo, but he couldn’t bring himself to check it just yet.
"Fuck."
It was the only thing Sunoo could think as he sank into his room, the weight of his interactions with the members clouding his thoughts.
To be continued...
YOU ARE READING
Left Out Friend
FanfictionSunoo was always the outsider in his group, no matter how hard he tried to belong. Despite his warmth and kindness, he seemed destined to stand alone. But why did his members treat him this way? Was it jealousy? Hatred? Or something far more siniste...
