Secrets and Lies || Hoonki/Nikihoon

Chapter 9: Between the lines

As they settled in at the bakery, the sweet smell of food filled the air, but Ni-ki couldn't shake the feeling of dread creeping in. He watched as Jake, Jay, and Heeseung bantered around him, trying to keep his mind off the fact that Sunghoon could pop up at any moment. His heart raced, and he fidgeted with his sleeves, shooting nervous glances at the door.

"Ni-ki, chill. It's just pastries," Jungwon said, trying to ease the tension. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Ni-ki shrugged, wishing he could just disappear. "You don't get it, Jungwon. Sunghoon loves to tease me about... everything."

Heeseung chimed in with a laugh, "Yeah, but look at it this way. If he does show up, at least you'll have backup. Plus, we'll just roast him right back."

Ni-ki appreciated the support but still felt uneasy. "I dunno. It's different with Sunghoon. He just has this way of making everything awkward."

Jake grinned, leaning closer. "Awkward? Nah, that's just how you roll, Ni-ki. We've all seen it."

Ni-ki chuckled and nodded, taking a deep breath. He tries to shake off the anxiety, but his heart still feels like it is about to burst.

Sunoo, ever the optimist, pointed to the display case. "Okay, enough about Sunghoon. What's everyone getting? I'm going for those cream puffs over there!"

Just then, the door swung open, and a rush of cool air hit them. Ni-ki's heart dropped as he turned slowly, dreading who he'd see. The last thing he wanted was Sunghoon walking in right now.

"Ni-ki, what's the matter?"

Ni-ki's eyes darted to the door, but it wasn't Sunghoon who walked in. Just a couple of students from another class, laughing and minding their own business. He let out a sigh of relief, slumping back in his chair.

"I dunno," Ni-ki muttered, trying to explain himself to Jungwon. "Sunghoon just... he's relentless. He'll bring up stuff I did days ago like it happened yesterday. It's not even that deep, but it gets under my skin."

Jay chuckled, taking a bite of his donut. "Bro, you overthink way too much. Sunghoon's not that bad. Just hit him with something savage if he tries to come at you."

Ni-ki gave a half-hearted laugh, not really convinced. "Easy for you to say, Jay. You're like, made of Teflon or something."

Before Jay could respond, Heeseung perked up, glancing at his phone. "Oh, hold up. Speak of the devil..."

Ni-ki's stomach dropped. "What? Sunghoon's here?"

"Nah, relax. He just texted, asking where we're at. Apparently, he's headed this way."

"Great..." Ni-ki mumbled, feeling the dread settle back in. He rubbed the back of his neck, wondering if maybe he should just dip before Sunghoon showed up.

"Ni-ki, you're overthinking," Jungwon reassured him again, trying to be comforting. "Just be yourself, and he won't have anything to mess with."

Ni-ki knew Jungwon meant well, but he still couldn't help feeling like he was walking into a trap. He fiddled with his phone, scrolling mindlessly to distract himself. It didn't help.

"Well, if Sunghoon does try anything," Jake said with a smirk, "at least we'll have a front-row seat to your big comeback. Gonna roast him, right?"

Heeseung raised a brow, leaning in. "Yeah, like you ever roast Sunghoon. You're always sitting there, low-key fanboying."

Jake scoffed, "Bro, I roast him all the time. You're just too busy tryna stay relevant to notice."