𝚃𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝙵𝙴𝙴𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚆𝙷𝙴𝙽 [𝙴𝙽- 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙴 𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙴𝙼]

Chapter 87

I sighed when I finally reached the hotel. There was still a dull ache in my head but it was bearable. I yawned as I opened the door of the room. But I quickly closed my mouth when I saw everyone in the living room. The atmosphere looked tense. And for some reason, my chest felt constricted. I did see a few worried glances at me. I shut the door behind me in confusion and put my bag on the shelf.

"Guys? What's wrong?" I asked them.

"Nothing, sweetheart. How was your exam?" Jay asked me.

"It was...fine." I looked around at their faces. "What is it?"

I thought they were all practicing. But they were here. Something was definitely wrong. None of them looked cheerful. Sunoo didn't tackle me for a hug and Niki didn't push him aside for his turn.

"I thought you guys were in the studio." I said.

"Why? Did you want to get off on your crush in our absence?"

Everyone's eyes snapped at Heeseung. But I merely blinked at his snarl.

"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked in confusion.

"Don't act dumb now."

My eyes widened. He has never spoken to me like this. And whatever this was for, it must be big. And I needed to handle it carefully.

"Heeseung, I don't know what you're talking about." I said calmly.

"Did you like it when he got close to you? How could you let him? Oh wait, you like him, don't you?" He went on.

What was he talking about? And about whom?

"Ok. I think there's a misunderstanding here. What and who are you talking about?" I calmly asked him. But I guess it was a mistake. It only seemed to anger him more.

"Look at how you're not even bothered by my question. Do I mean so less to you?" He grimaced. "Who am I kidding? He's a real person. I'm just an idol, right? A source of entertainment?"

"Hyung..." Jay started but was quickly interrupted by Heeseung.

"Stop."

It was commanded as the eldest. And Jay gulped and backed off. He gave me a defeated look.

"It's fine, Jay." I assured him.

Turning to face Heeseung, I made sure my voice was crystal clear.

"You know that's not true. About you just being an idol to me. And I think I've made it clear about how much you mean to me. But who's this real person you're talking about? Come to the point." I said.

I saw Sunoo shift from the corner of my eye. He ran a hand through his hair in exasperation. Niki mirrored Sunoo's demeanor of wariness. I turned my attention back to Heeseung.

"I saw you. Clinging to that boy outside the college. You looked real close to him. You let him touch you. Not to mention the teasing look you gave to the other one." He finished speaking in anger.

I was taken aback. I was clinging to someone? And teasing someone else? I knew I didn't do anything of that sort. But Heeseung seemed to have misinterpreted something. I raised my hands in an attempt to show I was being civil here.

"Okay. I did not cling to anyone. Nor did I flirt or tease someone. You seem to be under the wrong impression."

I tried reasoning but I was actually wracking my brain for any moment that might've come across as such to him. Then it clicked me.

Crush.

I looked at Sunoo as realization dawned on my face. And Heeseung saw it too.

"Oh, how many times did you do it to just realize who I'm talking about?" He jeered at me.