Left Out Friend

30

"Where did you go?"

Heeseung leaned back in his chair, his cold gaze piercing through Sunoo as he walked into the meeting room.

The moment Sunoo stepped inside, he was met with questioning eyes.

"I... I just went to buy some things." His voice came out quieter than intended as he moved towards the empty chair and sat down.

Jungwon frowned, his arms crossed. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"And who were you with?"

Sunoo's throat tightened. His fingers clenched the fabric of his pants under the table. He wasn't used to lying.

"I'm asking a question, Sunoo." Heeseung's voice dripped with venom, dark and demanding.

A shiver ran down Sunoo's spine.

"You know how strict we are when it comes to public appearances. Why didn't you tell us, huh?"

Sunoo lowered his head, his heart pounding, unwilling to meet Heeseung's eyes.

"Or were you with that Eunwoo guy?" Heeseung smirked, sitting forward. His fingers curled into a fist, his knuckles turning white. He was about to move-about to strike-but before he could, Jay abruptly stood up, blocking his path.

"Hey, calm down~~" Jay forced a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I forgot to tell you all. My fault."

Heeseung's eyes narrowed, his lips parting as if to argue, but Jay acted quickly, landing a subtle punch to his stomach.

Heeseung tensed, stunned at the sudden action.

"The manager will be here soon, Hee." Jay whispered under his breath. The sound of running water from the restroom reminded them that their manager was close.

Sunoo felt his breath return to him. He squeezed his eyes shut as if willing away the suffocating tension in the air.

Heeseung exhaled sharply before retreating back to his chair, his irritation evident in the way his fingers tapped against the table.

The meeting resumed, focusing on the upcoming interview on Tuesday. But even as the conversation flowed, Sunoo felt detached.

After the meeting, the other members dispersed to wherever they wanted, but as Sunoo made his way out, he found himself face to face with Jungwon, who stood smirking at him.

Sunoo stiffened, pretending not to notice and hurriedly walking back to their dorm.
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The night sky stretched endlessly above them, the cold breeze brushing against their skin. The rooftop lights flickered faintly, casting a dim glow over the cityscape below.

Heeseung stood on the edge, his hands resting on the railing as he gazed at the view.

Jay stood beside him, his expression tense, troubled.

"What's with the behavior, Jay?" Heeseung asked, his voice unreadable.

Jay exhaled slowly. His fingers twitched against the cool metal railing. "I can't, Heeseung."

And then silence settled between them.

Heeseung's expression remained eerily blank-cold, distant.

Jay let out a quiet, bitter laugh. "To be honest, if only I could bring you down..."

Then he heard a scoff.

"You already did."

And with that, Heeseung turned on his heel and left.