Left Out Friend

9

"Sunooyah~ come on, let’s play one more game!"

Eunwoo whined, gripping the younger’s wrist and tugging him toward the massive Zombie Apocalypse War Machine screen. His eyes sparkled with amusement, watching Sunoo’s visible reluctance. Even with their masks on, he could clearly see the way Sunoo’s brows furrowed in protest.

"Hyung, no!" Sunoo whined, his voice bordering on desperate as he yanked his hand back. "I’m not playing that again!" His lips jutted into a pout, and he took a step away as if that would stop Eunwoo from dragging him back.

Eunwoo chuckled. He found Sunoo’s reactions entertaining—it reminded him so much of his younger brother back home. "Oh, come on, it wasn’t that bad," he teased, crossing his arms.

Sunoo shot him a glare. "Not that bad?" His voice rose slightly, scandalized. "You saw me, hyung! I almost threw my phone when that zombie jumped out of nowhere!" His whole body shivered at the memory. He absolutely hated jump scares, and the game's enormous screen made it ten times worse. He could still feel the way his heart had nearly leaped out of his chest each time a zombie lunged at them.

Eunwoo smirked, placing a hand on his hip. "So you’re scared of zombies but not horror movies?" he mused, clearly enjoying Sunoo’s distress.

"Movies don’t attack me in real life," Sunoo deadpanned. Then, before Eunwoo could tease him further, he clutched onto the elder’s sleeve, swaying it slightly as he switched tactics. "Hyuuung~" he dragged out in the sweetest voice he could muster, batting his lashes for extra effect. "Let’s go play the claw machine, pleaaase~"

Eunwoo narrowed his eyes, already seeing where this was going.

Sunoo tightened his hold, tilting his head for dramatic effect. "Please win me that foxy stuffed toy~"

The older let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head in defeat. "You’re dangerous," he muttered under his breath, finally giving in. "Fine, let’s go."

Sunoo literally bounced in excitement, his eyes shining as he eagerly pulled Eunwoo towards the claw machine section. He had been trying to get Eunwoo to play this since they arrived, but the elder kept conveniently choosing other games.

"I swear, if I waste all my money trying to get that toy for you, you better treat me to dinner," Eunwoo muttered, already fishing for coins.

"I will! I’ll even post it on my Twitter if you win it for me!" Sunoo promised, flashing his best grin.

—Time skip—

Seven failed attempts later, Eunwoo finally managed to grab the foxy plushie, and Sunoo exploded with joy.

"AHHH! You got it! You actually got it!" Sunoo practically tackled the older in excitement, hugging the plushie to his chest like it was the most precious thing in the world. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" His voice was muffled against the plush, but his happiness was infectious.

Eunwoo simply smiled at his antics, shaking his head fondly. "You’re like a little kid, I swear."

Sunoo ignored him, already pulling out his phone.

@sunshinee_🌞💛 [posted a photo]
Thank you, hyung!! Another fox in the family is added! [Photo]

Sunoo grinned at the post. "Done! So cute!"

***

Later that evening, after an hour of playing, they finally decided to grab dinner. Of course, being idols, they opted for a VIP section, away from prying eyes. Sunoo happily chatted about their games, but deep down, a growing sense of unease gnawed at him.