He hates me NOT

IV. Night out : Convenience Store

Bar

It's been 45 minutes since Beam excused himself to the bathroom and Forth couldn't help but wonder. He turned his attention to the group and saw that they're still at it.

Forth is sure that the three will regret drinking when morning comes. Right now, Lam is singing an old folk song, making the group laugh. Everyone in the group are smashed with the exception of Forth and Wayo.

Forth is literally itching to get out to have a breather. He heave a sight before asking Wayo, "Are you going to be fine handling the four of them, Nong Yo?"

Wayo smiled and nodded at Forth.

"Then, I'm gonna step out for a while.", Forth said.

Forth POV

It's a relief feeling the cool air blowing in my face. I didn't realize how stuffy and dark inside the bar compared here in the street. I looked to the side, where more chain of bars and clubs are lining up, but no Beam can be seen.

There's people walking here and there, some of them are drunk or just tipsy. At this time, most clubs and bars are packed and for sure more people will arrive later.

Clubs isn't really my thing, that's why Lam and I would only drink in the pub where there's no distraction and blaring loud music. I prefer drinking in a place where I can still hear the person I'm talking to.

I walked a bit towards the end of the street, where convenience stores are located. I entered a pharmacy and then I proceed to asking for a box of cigarette in the cashier. Not much people are inside the pharmacy so I don't have to line for my turn.

After paying, I immediately got out of the store and lighted a stick. I was itching to puff a smoke after feeling that the temperature is lower than usual. I don't usually smoke but when I do, it's only when I am stressed or feeling cold.

While sucking a lungful of smoke, I decided to walk a few steps along the street. My mind keep going back to Kit and Lam's conversation about Beam's aversion to alcohol.

From what I remember, the crazy doctors are no strangers in drinking alcohol. Especially Beam, whose always present in three different bars on Friday's night during our 2nd year in college.

When suddenly, at the corner of the street, I saw a familiar guy entering 7/11. I hasten my steps to the store, choosing to wait for him outside while I finish my cigarette.

I saw him head towards the rack where cup noodles are being displayed. While deciding between a cup of beef noodles and jjampong, I noticed him making an adorable face. With eyebrows bunched in concentration, lips pouting to the side, and cheeks puffing every now and then.

I chuckled when a minute later, I saw him decided on getting the jjampong cup but switching it to a cup of ramen after taking a few steps away from the display.

"Why would you even focus on something you won't even buy?" I laughed out.

"So adorable..." I whispered as I puffed out a cloud of smoke.

After a while of waiting outside, Beam then got out with a steaming cup of ramen. He stood frozen seeing me waiting for him.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

I chuckled before answering him, "Searching for a lost Beam."

He scowled at me but I only grinned at him. His eyes then slowly travel to my hands.
I noticed him frowned even more.

"You smoke?" he asked in a flat tone.

"ummm...yeah?" I questioned rather than answering, unsure of myself.