Summer Nights (Book 1)

Reality Check

Chapter 31

Yeon Jun woke up early, the sunlight creeping through the tiny windows of the camper and painting stripes across the bed. His eyes snapped open, and for a moment, he watched Diana, her face relaxed in sleep, her hand clutching the edge of the pillow like she was holding onto a lifeline.

He couldn't help himself—he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. She shifted, snuggling up to him, and his heart did that stupid flutter thing it did every time she was close. He smiled, but then it faltered, peeling off like chipped paint. Right. Reality check. One more day left.

A little later, Yeon Jun found himself standing alone on the beach, puffing on a cigarette like it might give him the answer to life's biggest questions. He exhaled slowly, watching the smoke swirl into the morning air. Can I really let her go tomorrow? he thought, his chest tightening at the idea. The sea breeze felt cool against his skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside him.

He didn't want them to go their separate ways tomorrow. But he knew it would be selfish of him to speak his mind. She was getting married. And he was in a messy situation with the bitch from hell. It would be unfair to drag Diana into it all. 

He sighed. What was the matter with him? He was normally much more composed and chill than this.

Just then, Danny wandered over, hands stuffed in his pockets like he was just taking a casual stroll. "Hey man."

Yeon Jun nodded, pulling another drag. "Hey."

"You got a light?"

Yeon Jun passed his lighter over, and Danny lit up, taking a deep inhale before handing it back. They smoked in silence for a while, the only sound between them the gentle crash of waves and the distant squawk of a seagull. Then Danny turned to him, eyes sharp. "You're not the fiancé, are you?"

Yeon Jun froze, his mind racing. Damn, he's good. "What makes you say that?"

Danny took another drag, blowing out a cloud of smoke. "Well, for one, my girl's a lot happier with you than she ever was with that other asshole. And his name definitely wasn't Yeon Jun."

My girl. Yeon Jun's jaw tightened. "No, I'm not her fiancé."

"Figured." Danny shrugged like it was no big deal. Then, with a smirk, he asked, "You sleeping with her?"

Yeon Jun's eyes narrowed. "I don't think that's any of your business."

Danny let out a laugh, but there was an edge to it. "Where I come from, we take care of our own. And Diana is my person. So, you better answer me straight before things get ugly real quick."

Yeon Jun felt his muscles tense, but he forced himself to stay calm. "I would never disrespect her like that. If she wants to tell you, she will."

Danny studied him for a moment before breaking into a grin. "You're good people. I would've knocked your teeth in if you'd said something."

Yeon Jun snorted, shaking his head. "Glad to know."

Danny grinned. The guy was a natural grinner it would appear. "I think I prefer you to the other guy."

Yeon Jun's expression softened. "She isn't happy with him?"

Danny rolled his eyes. "Not one bit."

Yeon Jun frowned, feeling a pang of anger on Diana's behalf. "She told me they've been together for six years."

"Waste of her time if you ask me." Danny's voice was tight. "She used to visit him every weekend and come back looking like he sucked the joy out of her. Fucker."

Yeon Jun's grip on his cigarette tightened. He wasn't sure if he should mention what he was about to say but fuck it. If he was going to be seen as a snitch, then whatever. "You know she caught him cheating?"

Danny choked on his smoke, coughing violently as his eyes went wide. "What?"

"With his best friend," Yeon Jun said, each word like a punch. "He proposed when she caught them."

"That twisted satanic, little bag of dicks,"

Say what you will, Danny was creative with his insults.

"And she still agreed to marry him? What the hell is she thinking?"

That's what I'd like to know, Yeon Jun thought, biting his tongue. He wasn't sure what to feel—anger, frustration, or maybe just sadness for Diana.

Danny blew out a harsh breath. "I'm going to mess him up when I see him."

Yeon Jun laughed bitterly. "She seems pretty determined to go through with the wedding."

Danny frowned, glancing over at Yeon Jun. "And where do you factor in all of this fucking circus?"

Yeon Jun shrugged. "I guess I'm just her roommate. After tomorrow, we go our separate ways."

Danny sighed. "Shame."

"What do you mean?"

Before Danny could answer, Diana appeared, walking toward them. She looked between the two, clearly sensing the intensity of the conversation. "Hey, what's going on?"

Danny crossed his arms, his tone shifting to mock-serious. "So, why are you marrying the lying, cheating frog?"

Diana shot a glare at Yeon Jun. "You told him?"

"Don't take it out on him." Danny's voice softened. "He did the right thing since you obviously weren't going to tell me."

Diana sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It was a mistake. He said it was the first and last time."

Danny scoffed. "I don't remember you being this stupid."

Yeon Jun stepped in. "Dude—"

"No." Danny's eyes were fierce. "Diana, in all the years you've been with this guy, have you met his family? His friends? Has he met yours?" He paused, letting the words sink in. "Or did he always book motels?"

Yeon Jun's eyes widened. Motels? He fought the urge to punch the air. The fucking asshole.

Diana remained silent, her face tight.

"It's obvious he's embarrassed to be seen with you," Danny continued. "Is that really the man you want to marry?"

Diana didn't answer. Her eyes were fixed on the sand, like she was trying to disappear. Yeon Jun glanced at her, his chest aching. He knew she was trying to keep herself together, but he could see she was barely holding on.

Danny shook his head, but his voice softened. "Homeboy here can't keep his hands off you, and he doesn't care who sees."

Damn straight, Yeon Jun thought, but he kept his face neutral.

"Look, I'm not telling you how to live your life," Danny added. "But be with someone who loves you enough to show you off. You deserve that."

Diana turned away, clearly struggling to hold back tears. Yeon Jun shot Danny a look, and Danny nodded. "Go talk to her."

Yeon Jun hesitated, then jogged after Diana, catching her before she could retreat back to the camper. "Let's go for a walk."