Left Out Friend

20

The dorm was dim, all windows shut tight, allowing only the living room to remain lit. The glow from the television flickered across the faces of the seven boys, who were sprawled across the couch and floor, junk food and drinks scattered on the table before them. It was 10 a.m., and they had decided to watch a horror movie—Sunoo’s least favorite genre.

He had tried to escape to his room, but they wouldn’t let him. “Stay and enjoy the moment,” they had said. Now, with trembling legs, he found himself wedged between Sunghoon and Jake on the couch, their bodies pressed against him, offering no room to breathe.

Ni-ki grinned. “Let’s watch The Sadness. I heard it’s crazy.”

Sunoo tensed. The Sadness? What kind of horror movie even has a name like that? He had no idea what it was about, but whatever it contained—ghosts, exorcisms, serial killers—he already hated it.

The others agreed, and the film began. At first, there were giggles—mostly at the couple on-screen—but then came the restaurant scene. Shocked silence filled the room. Sunoo wanted to run, to shut his eyes and block out the nightmare unfolding in front of him, but he couldn’t. The tension in his hands was unbearable—his nails digging into his palm so hard it might bleed.

And then he felt it.

A hand on his thigh.

His entire body stiffened. At first, he thought it was an accident—Jake must have placed it there without realizing—but then the touch became deliberate. A slow, firm squeeze. Fingers kneading the soft flesh.

Sunoo’s breath hitched. Panic gripped his chest as he clutched Jake’s hand, silently pleading for him to stop. But Jake only smiled, his dark eyes glinting with something unreadable.

Sunoo shook his head, attempting to push him away. Not here. Not in front of everyone. But Jake was stronger, his arm slipping around Sunoo’s waist, pulling him close. The heat of his breath brushed against Sunoo’s neck as he inhaled deeply, humming in satisfaction.

Ni-ki’s voice suddenly cut through the scene. “Yah, Jake-hyung. If you’re not gonna watch, get out. You’re ruining the movie.”

Sunoo almost sighed in relief—Ni-ki’s distraction was enough to make Jake loosen his grip. But before he could fully process it, a rough hand seized his wrist.

Jake stood, yanking Sunoo up with him. “Alright, we’ll catch up later. We’ll just have a little fun in his room.”

Sunoo froze. His heart pounded so hard he thought it might break his ribs. “No!” he cried, struggling against the iron grip. Tears burned his eyes. “What are you doing?! Let go of me!”

Jake only laughed. “Baby, don’t make a scene. You know how I get when I’m mad.”

Sunoo twisted in desperation, his pleading gaze darting toward the others. But they simply watched—blank, emotionless. Heeseung was the first to move. He knelt before Sunoo, cupping his tear-streaked face with both hands.

“Sunoo,” he murmured, his voice devoid of warmth. “You said it yourself, didn’t you? You agreed. So why are you making a fuss?”

The words knocked the air from Sunoo’s lungs. His mind went blank. Agreed? When?

Jungwon tilted his head, feigning innocence. “You always make things difficult, Sunoo. You’re such a bad person.”

Sunoo’s lips parted, but no words came. Heeseung wiped away his tears and smiled. “Stop crying. You’re ruining your pretty face.” Then, with a nod, he handed Sunoo over to Jake like he was an object to be passed around.

“See? No big deal.” Jake grinned, pulling Sunoo along. “Fun is another word for happiness, remember?”

Sunoo barely registered the words. His body moved unwillingly, dragged toward his room, his mind a storm of fear and helplessness.

"Heeseung."

To be continued...