The Last Boy Scout

11*

Hoseok.

"Hyung? It's been so long, how are things?" I asked.

"Everything's fine Kookie, don't worry about what I'm doing." He spoke softly. "I'm using my phone here in Gwangju,"

That explained the unknown number. "How are things going, hyung?" I didn't know what else to say.

"Things are... busy, I'm just taking a rest from everything right now." Hoseok sighed.

"I have to leave soon Kookie."

My cheeks felt warm. "I know hyung."

"Thank you Kookie." Hoseok sounded like he was about to cry. "Thank you for keeping in touch with me and talking to me." He sniffed. "You're the only one who answered my call."

"Neh?"

"I've tried calling Namjoonie, V-ssi and even Jimin," he said softly. "Only you answered."

I didn't know what to say. "Maybe they're just busy, hyung. It's probably nothing personal. Everyone is in a... different mood."

Hoseok blew his nose loudly. "Kookie-ah, are the others ignoring me?"

I felt like the others were ignoring me, too. "I don't know hyung, I feel the same way, too. They don't keep in touch much these days and whenever I call them they usually don't answer."

"I understand everyone's busy," Hoseok added. "But..."

"I know, hyung. Everything's different." Then I added, "Maybe try calling them back later,"

Jimin was the one who usually answers my calls. He called me often and would always ask if I was doing well, even if things were rough.

"Alright, I will." Hoseok blew his nose again.

"Hyung," I began.

"Neh?"

"I-I think V-ssi is dating someone."

"Jimin?" Hoseok asked.

"No, V-ssi..." Then I realized Hoseok thought I was talking about something else.

"I don't get it..." Hoseok sounded lost.

"He's dating someone, I saw him with some girl when I went bowling," I informed Hoseok.

"Oh...." Hoseok was catching on.

"Yeah, and they were holding hands. I even saw her get into his car afterward, I think they... slept together."

Hoseok didn't say anything for a few minutes. Finally, he added, "Is she at least pretty?"

"Hyung, would V-ssi date someone who he considered wasn't pretty?"

"Well, he might've dated someone who would be considered handsome."

"That's true..." I said, trying to wriggle my way out of the subject.

"Anyway," Hoseok thankfully changed the topic. "How's Jiminnie?"