As they walked back through the cafeteria doors, Heeseung found himself flanked by Jungwon and Sunoo.
The cafeteria buzzed around them, but the two friends’ attention was locked onto Heeseung, waiting eagerly for an explanation.
Jungwon leaned in, eyes twinkling.
“Alright, spill. What was all that with Sunghoon? And why was Jake hugging you like you’d just saved his life?”
Heeseung scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks flushing as he glanced between his two friends.
He could feel his mind racing, trying to string together the jumble of events in a way that made sense.
But under their insistent gazes, there was no way out.
“Fine, fine.”
Heeseung sighed, glancing around as they made their way to a quieter corner of the cafeteria.
“But you have to keep this between us, alright?”
Sunoo smirked, crossing his arms.
“Who do you take us for? Your secrets are safe with us, right Jungwon?”
Jungwon nodded.
“Promise. Now, start from the beginning.”
Heeseung drew in a deep breath.
“Well..Sunghoon sort of, um- wants us to be in this ‘relationship with benefits’ thing.”
He admitted, barely meeting their eyes.
Sunoo’s eyebrows shot up, and he exchanged a look with Jungwon, who looked equally surprised.
“Are you serious?”
Sunoo asked, his voice somewhere between shocked and amused.
“Yeah, I mean, we talked about it a while ago.”
Heeseung murmured, cheeks burning.
“It’s not..it’s not like we’re dating or anything. He just- I don’t know, he’s got his own reasons, I guess.”
Jungwon raised an eyebrow, leaning forward.
“So, you’re saying he’s been acting like that because he wants to keep things casual but..doesn’t want anyone else getting too close either?”
“Pretty much?”
Heeseung muttered, nodding. “He’s been like that ever since we talked about it. But I don’t think he realizes how it makes me feel..we're supposed to keep it a secret.”
Sunoo let out a low whistle, shaking his head.
“That’s..intense. Sunghoon’s got some serious issues to work out. But what about Jake?”
His tone softened, a hint of concern in his eyes.
“What’s going on with him?”
Heeseung took another deep breath, grateful to switch topics. “So, about Jake..it’s kind of a mess, too.”
He chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head.
“He likes Jay.”
“Jay?”
Jungwon repeated, eyes widening in surprise.
“Yeah. Jake’s been trying to get Jay’s attention.”
Heeseung explained, his voice hushed.
“He thought if he spent time with me, Jay might get jealous and, you know..finally notice him.”
Jungwon raised an eyebrow, sharing a skeptical look with Sunoo.
“So..he’s using you to get to Jay?”
“Not in a bad way.”
Heeseung hurried to clarify, his hands held up in a calming gesture.
“He’s just- he’s just frustrated. He feels like Jay ignores him, and he’s desperate to make Jay see him as something more than a friend.”
Sunoo let out a hum, his fingers tapping his chin thoughtfully. “That’s actually kind of sad. Jake always seems so confident, but I guess everyone’s got their own struggles, huh?”
“Exactly.”
Heeseung’s gaze softened as he thought of Jake’s nervous smile, the way he’d clutched onto the hope that Jay might finally look his way.
“And..I said I’d help him out.”
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Love & War | heehoon
Fanfiction//@heeficlover request¡ Cut me through my skin. Through the heart, you went right in. I fell for every word you said. I come here but I can't stay. I don't know why some things have to be this way. We build it up to break it down And then we're...
