It's ok to love you (Hyunbinlix, Minsung, Chanseungin)

Chapter 42

The boys had arrived at the restaurant around the same time. Minho was shocked that Changbin was able to convince Hyunjin to come with them.

Hyunjin, although nervous, tried his best not to show it. His introvert sometimes gets the better of him. But what worried him more was the feeling of being watched. He would've never imagined someone would be spying on him. How else would his father know he saw Changbin at the gym?

"Hi guys!" Wooyoung said as he waved everyone down.

"Hi." said Changbin as he waved back.

They were sitting at a long table with 8 seats on each side. Perfect for their group. When they all sat down Hyunjin was smack in between Changbin and Felix.

Just Hyunjin's luck to be in between the 2 guys he has conflicting feelings over. How would the others handle it if they knew his feelings? Hyunjin pushed those thoughts aside as he tried to settle in this situation.

"It's nice to finally meet you two." Hongjoong said.

"It's nice to finally meet you too." said Jeongin with a big smile. "Channie's told me a lot about you guys."

"All good things I hope." said San.

"Of course." said Jeongin. "Channie hardly ever has anything bad to say about people."

Chan blushed at the compliment as he covered his face.

"Well Chan and Changbin are definitely a breath of fresh air." says Seonghwa. "We haven't had such good employees like them since Wooyoung and San."

Hyunjin just sat there, quiet, feeling awkward as hell. Feeling like he doesn't belong there. He over to Felix, who looked back to Hyunjin with a smile bright enough to light up the night sky. Seeing the young Aussie's smile was enough to keep Hyunjin there, for now.

As Hyunjin examined the young men sitting across from him, he noticed something peculiar. Every other guy either had their arm wrapped around the guy next to them, or they were holding hands.

"Are they all gay?" Hyunjin asks himself. They had to be. Seeing the guys across him made Hyunjin remember the good times he spent with Changbin. The simple hand holding, the arm wrapped around his, the sweet kisses.

Hyunjin tries his best not to cry at the memories of better times. He doesn't want to be seen so vulnerable. He envies just how open and how confident the guys are in their sexuality to show it off. Did their parents accept them? Or did they just live their lives not caring what anyone else thought?

"So Hyunjin." Wooyoung said, breaking Hyunjin from his thoughts and gaining his attention.

"Hmm?" Hyunjin said, turning to look at Wooyoung.

"You used to stop by the gym before, right?" Wooyoung asked and Hyunjin nodded. "Why did you stop coming?"

"I-uh." Hyunjin stammered, unsure what to say. "I...kinda, lost motivation."

"Well you stopped by earlier this week." San said. "What changed?"

"Changbin." Hyunjin blurted out, then slapped his hand over his mouth when he realized what he just said. "I mean..." Hyunjin felt like he wanted to curl up and die in a corner.

Before he could say anything else, his phone began to ring, all eyes on him now. Hyunjin felt so awkward, but pulled out his phone, his eyes going huge. "I-I'm sorry." he said visibly nervous. "I-I have to take this. E-excuse me."

Hyunjin quickly got up and left the table as if he'd just seen a ghost. The others looked at each other in sheer confusion.

Changbin felt completely embarrassed. All his effort seemed in vain. He thought he was finally making some progress with Hyunjin.

The expression on Minho's face was no different. He looked like he wanted to cry, but Jisung held his hand, keeping Minho grounded.

"I'll go check on him." Felix said, getting out of his seat.

But before Changbin could stop him, Felix was already gone.

When Hyunjin got far away enough, he answered his phone. "What is it dad?" he said, trying to hide the irritation and anger in his voice.

"Hyunjin!' his father yelled, loudly, making Hyunjin pull his phone away from his ear. "You're seeing Changbin aren't you?!"

Hyunjin's eyes went wide with shock and horror. "How..." he was about to say, before being interrupted.

"I know everything Hyunjin!" his father said. "You're with Changbin at a restaurant!"

Hyunjin's heart skipped a beat. Was his father there? If so, Hyunjin couldn't see him. "W-we just happened to be here at the same place." Hyunjin tried to explain.

"Don't lie to me Hyunjin! his father yelled.

"I'm not lying!" Hyunjin said, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Jeez, how hard is it for you to understand that we both live literally across from each other. There's no way we won't run into each other at some point."

Felix sees Hyunjin close the doors of the restaurant, talking on his phone. He wonders who the older is talking to, since he looks scared, almost terrified. Then, Hyunjin quickly pockets his phone and bolts out of the door.

"Jinnie?" Felix says, as he tries to go after Hyunjin, but it's too late. As Hyunjin gets in his car and drives off. "Jinnie, what's wrong?" With tears welling in his eyes, he heads back inside the restaurant.

Back at the table, the others are talking amongst themselves trying to figure out Hyunjin's bizarre behavior. Their conversation immediately comes to a screeching halt as a teary-eyed Felix approaches.

"Lix!" Chan said as he stood up. Changbin stood up as well. "Are you ok? What happened?"

"Hyunjin." said Felix. "He's gone. He left. I don't understand. Why did he leave?"

"Oh Lix." Chan said hugging his cousin, rubbing circles on his back. "It's ok, please don't cry."

Everyone else could help but feel bad for the young Aussie. Especially Changbin. After Chan and Felix parted from their hug, Felix sat back down at his seat, and Changbin scooted closer, sitting on Hyunjin's seat.

"It's ok Lix." Changbin said, trying to make Felix feel better.

The waiter then came to take their orders. The others all placed their order, leaving Changbin and Felix last to place theirs.

When the waiter left, the others started talking about random things they could come up with to try and ease the awkward tension in the air.

Changbin had his arm around Felix's back, rubbing it, assuring the younger that everything was alright and that Hyunjin only needed some space.

Though Changbin suspected there was a more happening with Hyunjin than he would let on. Oh how true he would end up being.