Dear. My Darling | Gongfourz / Taehan

Chapter 2

"I'm going first, man," Taesan said as he stood up from his seat in Jaehyun's house, which they usually used as a hangout. The house, nestled in a quiet neighborhood, offered a peaceful contrast to the boisterous group inside.

"Wait, you've only had three shots?" Sungho asked Taesan, confused.

They were currently drinking to celebrate the end of their midterms, except for Riwoo and Woonhak who were drinking milk chocolate. The quiet suburban setting seemed almost at odds with the lively atmosphere within the house.

There was wine and champagne on the table, and Jaehyun had prepared takoyaki for a snack. As they indulged, the sounds of their laughter and clinking glasses mingled with the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds outside.

On the other hand, Taesan seemed indifferent to the question and took his bag and slung it over his shoulder.

"I'm going to pick up Leehan from university and drop him off at his place." Taesan simply replied and checked the time on his classic watch, a gift from Leehan on his 18th birthday.

He wore it every day, as if promising Leehan that his time would revolve around his beloved friend.

"Damn! Leehan is so spoiled by you," Jaehyun teased, grinning.

"He just can't admit it," Sungho added, and they both laughed and high-fived.

Taesan glared at the two. "There's no such thing as 'us' if that's what you're trying to say."

"We're not blind, Taesan." Riwoo chimed in, "We can literally see it through the both of you. But we chose to stay silent."

"Stay silent? When?" Taesan rolled his eyes. "I'm just a caring and protective friend. That's all."

His friends shared glances knowing that no matter he they push him, Taesan won't admit it even if he and Leehan are probably the only people who haven't realized that they liked each other yet.

"When will you admit it, hyung? When you'll finally lose Leehan hyung because you're such a coward?" Woonhak teased, a hint of laughter in his voice.

Taesan's jaw almost clenched when he remembered how many times he had been beaten to the punch by Leehan. Every time he worked up the courage to confess, someone would suddenly appear before him.

How many times has that happened? Once? Twice? Three? No, it was six.

Six times he had been beaten to the punch, ever since they met, he was always one step behind.

Whenever he finally got the courage, Leehan would suddenly introduce someone who was courting him, and in the end, he would just give up because it was also his fault, and besides, his friend was happy.

"Whatever! You guys are already wasted." Taesan muttered, annoyance in his tone. His friends at him.

"And you are so hopeless ," Jaehyun said and handed Taesan two glasses.

"One last shot before you go and play your 'best friend' act with Leehan." he teased further.

Although Taesan didn't want to, the two wouldn't stop until he drank it. "There, damn it, or Leehan might smell it and I'm done for."

"That guy's so under. And he says he doesn't like Leehan," Sungho mumbled to himself.

"Alright, I'm going now." Taesan patted the two on the shoulders.

"Go ahead, be careful!" Riwoo said.

Taesan turned and walked out of Jaehyun's house. Outside, Jaehyun's mother was busy with her plants, so he said goodbye to her as well.