the contract

CHAPTER 25: A cruel drug

JEONGYEON'S POV

"Did you hate it?" I asked her as I felt my knuckles trembling from nervousness. "Did you hate all the things we've done until now?" I looked at her face looking for answers. She look so pained.

I thought it was something consensual? Am I wrong? Did the beating of her heart and the warmth of her lips just my illusion to justify what I did?

"Nayeon-ah... answer me." I looked at her but still silence is all she answers. She did hate it. I feel my heart tearing apart slowly as seconds passed by without her answer. I looked down as I tried to suppress this emotion inside of me.

Then suddenly I heard her words came out of her mouth.

"I... didn't."

It was the answer I wanted to hear but I felt like a leap of hope rays on me but as I look up to see her face again.

I saw tears.

That moment I hated myself. I hated myself for making her cry. I hated myself for hurting the person I want to take care of and the person I want to be happy.

If she's only hurting with me, I'd better end this.

NAYEON'S POV

"I... didn't" I answered.

As I answered that, I also realized that I love her. I hopelessly love her.

I've been denying the fact that I'm in love with her because I know it'll be hopeless.

But I love her.

Even if she's in love with someone else.

Even if I'm just that someone's replacement.

That moment tears fell down from my eyes down to my cheeks. Jeongyeon looked at me, startled and pained.

"Nayeon. I'm sorry for making you cry... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." She said as she pulled me into a hug. I felt my heart breaking. "I've made you cry.."

I look up to her. To this person I love.

To this person of my unrequited love.

But never i would've thought that the next words she'll say is, "..Now the contract is over."

CHAEYOUNG'S POV

After Nayeon came back to the dorm. She didn't said a word. All of the members exchanged meaningful glances. The atmosphere was awkward and gloomy. I mean the group's bright energy-- Nayeon is depressed.

An hour later, jeongyeon came back.

Just by looking at them, you can see that something was up. Nothing like the ones before. This is serious.

So when everyone slept, I drag Jeongyeon to the veranda to talk about it. We sat on the couch as we drink coffee.

"Hyung, what happened?" I asked her but she didn't answer.

A little more words came out from her mouth. "Is it obvious?"

"Of course, Nayeon and you. You fought." I said as she looked away and started being on daze again.

"Did you two have a lover's quarrel?" I asked her, trying all by best patience to make this conversation work when she's not herself.

"Lovers huh?" she let out a sarcastic laugh. "We ain't even lovers. It was all a contract."

"Hyung, if you end up being so broken hearted, you should just confess already." I told her with a good intention but Jeongyeon glared at me.

"You don't know the feeling I have chae. I loved her for years, I was robbed by the right to confess because of my gender then robbed by minhyuk when nayeon fell in love with him then robbed for all the things she'd said that gives me hint that she's not mine. I was robbed right before me." I felt startled when Jeongyeon started covering her face. She's crying.