How to Not be Awkward (Chanyeol)

Lesson #7 Be his friend

Apparently, what Chanyeol meant about us being together always applies also to me sitting on their table, watching him in tryouts and allowing him to give me a ride home. I should have expected this. We're different to each other.

And clearly, it was beyond my definition of that 'together' he was implying.

I declined his offer most of the time. I would escape in the library, or say I'm feeling sleepy, not feeling good, assignments; every excuse known to mankind just to avoid his every offer. Why is getting Sehun to like me this hard?

I even managed to avoid Heejun and Juli and even Baekhyun's questions as to why I was suddenly hanging out with Chanyeol and his buddies. I didn't get to talk to them for a week. Whenever they would call me, it'll all go to voice message.

I don't know where to start. I don't know how to explain everything. Everything was happening too fast that even I sometimes can't keep up with it.

But this lunch however, I just saved myself from another Chanyeol's offer to sit with them and was hanging out by myself in the library when Heejun and Juli managed to corner me.

"You" Juli dumped her bag rather harshly on the chair "need" sliding the chair noisily on the tiled floor "to explain" she sat in front of me.

I winced at the obvious frustration in her eyes. She rarely gets angry but when she does, you'd wish you never see it again.

"What is happening to you?" Heejun started, closing the book I was reading. Unlike Juli, she's more composed and neutral.

"I- uh..."

"Is that Chanyeol guy blackmailing you?" Juli asked, voice hushed due to us being in the library.

I shook my head frantically.

"Is he making you do his school works?" Juli demanded.

And again, I shook my head. I don't think Chanyeol would be that low.

"Is he keeping you as sex slave?" Heejun, her ever sharp tongue blurted out.

Juli looked at her disgustingly while I stared at her in shock.

"Heejun!" Juli hissed.

I finally found my voice. "No, that's not" I said defensively.

She shrinks back in her sit. "Sorry"

Juli rolled her eyes at Heejun then looked back at me, touching my hand.

"What's wrong? Tell us. We're getting worried about you and even though Baekhyun told us not to, I still do." She looked at me imploringly.

I bit my lips hesitatingly. "I don't know... how to start"

Heejun smiled encouragingly. "Then just tell us how you two meet first."

And so I told them everything. From the cigarette incident to the deal that we have and to everything we talked about. It was a good thing the bell still wasn't ringing because I realized I badly needed this. I needed their support and their advice on this.

"You like Sehun since last year?" Juli started as soon as I finished my story.

"Yes?" I answered confused at her sudden question.

"And you didn't even tell me? Hina!" she looked hurt and Heejun quietly laughed at that but when Juli glared at her, she shut her mouth.

Juli can be scary like that. I even wonder sometimes how Baekhyun can keep up with her.

"I thought it would go away. I never took an interest in a guy before and so I didn't though it was something worth telling about." I explained. I felt like a big chunk of rock got out of my chest. It feels good to be with them again. I feel like I'm back being myself.