It was the second day of their break, and after spending the previous night traveling back to their families, the group had settled into a rare moment of peace. The morning was still young-9 AM-when their group chat buzzed with an unexpected message.
[Enhypen Group Chat]
Heeseung:
Hey.
Are you guys free?
I want y'all to meet my
cousin.
It's his birthday, and I
already told him that you
guys will come celebrate with us.
Jay:
Thank God. This day is boring.
Jungwon:
Interesting.
Jay:
What time?
Heeseung:
Let's meet up at the
xxx at 10:30 AM.
Jungwon:
Okay.
***
Sunoo was sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, playfully bouncing his five-year-old cousin on his knee. The little boy giggled as Sunoo tickled his sides, but his attention was soon pulled away when his phone began to vibrate repeatedly against the table.
Curious, he picked it up, his eyes scanning the messages that filled the screen.
"They're going somewhere?" he thought, tilting his head. He debated whether to ask them about it but decided instead to confirm his attendance. He checked the time-9:23 AM. There was still plenty of time.
[Enhypen Group Chat]
9:24 AM - Sunoo:
Count me in!
Sunoo tapped send and waited. Heeseung was the first to read his message, but strangely, he didn't reply.
Minutes passed.
Sunoo refreshed the chat, his brows furrowing. His heart beat a little faster in anticipation. Finally, at 9:30 AM, a new notification popped up.
[Enhypen Group Chat]
Heeseung:
Uh...
Sorry, Sunoo.
You can't come with us.
You know... alcohol.
We don't want you to get sick.
Sunoo blinked at the screen, confusion settling in.
Sunoo:
Wait, why?
I'm not a little kid anymore.
Sunghoon:
Because he said so.
Sunoo:
That's not a valid reason.
Ni-ki:
Hyung, you're so annoying 😫
It's not like this is the last time.
Sunoo felt an unexpected sting in his chest. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, but he hesitated. His throat tightened, a familiar heaviness pressing against him.
"What's up with them?"
His vision blurred slightly, the water in his eyes threatening to spill over. But instead of dwelling on it, he forced a small, strained smile. Maybe they were just looking out for him. After all, people had been commenting on his weight lately. He knew he had gained a little, and their manager had been pushing him to work harder.
"Yeah... Stupid you, Sunoo. They're just trying to keep you healthy."
He let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head at himself before responding.
[Enhypen Group Chat]
Sunoo:
Okay 😊 Enjoy!
His phone chimed once more.
Jungwon:
Sunoo, sleep early, okay?
We promise, we'll hang out
tomorrow!
Sunoo sighed, setting his phone down. Tomorrow, huh?
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...
