Ice Cream | NoMin

Chapter 25

"I am confused! What do you mean you two have mutual feelings but aren’t dating? Are you kidding me? What are you even doing then—playing around?" Donghyuck exclaimed, throwing his hands up in frustration after hearing Jeno’s explanation.

Jeno's mother clearly told him that he shouldn't tell his friends but he can't help it.

The group had noticed the two hanging out more often lately—walking through the school corridors together, buried in the library with stacks of books, and even sharing lunch. Yet, Jeno and Jaemin had said nothing to their friends about it.

"Is this something you can play around? We've been waiting for you and Jaemin to date but not like this!"

Mark, who was still waiting for Jaemin’s answer to his question from before, looked equally bewildered. "Yeah, seriously. What’s going on? I’ve been trying to figure this out for days!"

Jeno sighed, rubbing his temples. "We’re not playing around, dummy. Is this a joke to you?"

Donghyuck raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Jokes on you! I should be the one asking that. What is this nonsense about ‘mutual feelings but not dating’? Explain."

"Uhm..I think that's all."

"This is not funny." Donghyuck scoffed.

"I'm not trying to be funny!"

"Mind explaining why?" Giselle chimed in, her tone curious but sharp as she leaned forward.

Jeno hesitated, glancing at the group. "It’s… complicated. My mom has this rule, okay? I have to win the scholarship first before I can even think about dating him."

"What?!" Donghyuck practically shouted.

"That’s ridiculous!" Giselle said.

"Why would that matter?" Mark added, looking more confused than ever.

"It’s not ridiculous," Jeno defended. He knew he shouldn't tell them anything but he also knew perfectly that they will make a fuss if he will not say anything. "It’s her way of trying to… support me, I guess? She’s not against Jaemin anymore, but she wants me to prove I can balance my responsibilities and feelings first. And I respect that. My mom is trying her best, okay? Please understand her, she can't just change overnight."

The room went quiet for a moment before Donghyuck shook his head dramatically. "So you’re telling me you’re basically emotionally dating but with some weird scholarship stipulation? That’s wild."

Jeno sighed, rolling his eyes. "Call it what you want, but that’s where we’re at."

"And Jaemin’s okay with this?" Mark asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Yes," Jeno replied, his voice softening. "He understands, and he’s willing to wait. That’s why we’re just focusing on the scholarship and supporting each other for now."

"Why are you even surprised?" Renjun asked Mark in disbelief. It's obvious that Jaemin is fine with it as long as he's with Jeno.

"As his friend since elementary, I'm still amused."

Giselle smirked slightly, leaning back. "Well, you two sure know how to keep things interesting."

"Or complicated," Donghyuck muttered, shaking his head.

"One thing’s for sure, Auntie would never just let Jeno date freely." Karina said confidently, crossing her arms. "She’s not like that. If you want something, you have to earn it. She doesn’t hand things out for free. Thankfully, Jeno and I are friends, and let me tell you, being his partner is the last thing I’d ever do. I wouldn’t even consider it. Not even in my wildest dream."