Why (M)

Chapter 1

Cold winds were blowing from where he stood, but JB doesn't mind. He could be standing deep in snow and he'll still be happy. It took him a long time, but now that he's out of prison, he was just excited to be here, finally able to see his friend again.

The word friend is a shallow term to describe their relationship. The two men have grown up together, both orphaned at a young age. Learned to fend off for themselves together, have bled together, took care of each other, shared struggles and joys together. Almost never apart. They are as close as brothers.

"What are you doing outside?"

JB snapped to the direction of the voice and saw Jinyoung snickering and walking closer to him. Upon recognizing his friend, he let out a relieved "aish" and his eyes are now slits from smiling.

As soon as Jinyoung got close enough, JB hugged him tight.

After he let go, he exclaimed as he hit Jinyoung's arm, "Hey! I was waiting here for hours! Where have you been?"

Still snickering, "Sorry about that. I got tied up at work." Jinyoung answered as they enter the small food stall on the side of the road.

"Auntie, the usual please.", Jinyoung ordered to the old woman in apron who perked up as soon as she saw them came in.

The two sat down on one of the tables at the corner and JB suddenly got quiet, "So are you still working for them?"

"Yup.", Jinyoung nodded while he arranged the table to make way for the soju bottles and sides that was being served.

"I heard it's getting rougher now since the Big Tuan died.", JB inquired.

Jinyoung poured alcohol on both their glasses.

"The end of an era." Jinyoung said as he raised his glass and then drank the beverage, bottoms up.

Wiping his lips, he continued, "Mark took over fairly quickly after. While you were gone in prison, some of the members stayed and helped run the business. Keeping the Wangs at bay."

"And that includes you?", JB's eyebrows raised.

"Well, Mark is my friend."

"You don't call your boss your friend."

Jinyoung shook his head, amused by JB's point of view, half smiling to himself, "You should meet him. He's a good person. He can give you a job too if you want."

Upon hearing this, JB sighed and sat straight, looking at the other, "That's actually one of the reason I called you, Jinyoung. I plan to open a car shop. I think I saved enough money to start. You should leave the Tuans and come with me."

"JB...", Jinyoung said hesitantly.

JB stopped him, putting one of his hand on the other's shoulder, "I just don't want you to end up like me."

Jinyoung sighed, and suddenly sat straight towards his friend too. "I... I actually have something to tell you too."

JB waited for Jinyoung to say more, but now has this mysterious smile plastered on his face and JB was left with curiosity.

"I've met someone."

And with those words, JB's eyes widen.

Jinyoung's smile couldn't get any wider from his friend's reaction. He cleared his throat and continued, "She makes me happy. And she really makes me want to change. Like I can be a better person for her, you know?"

JB is still quiet but is now sharing the smile with his friend.

"She deserves the world.", Jinyoung paused, assessing his friend's reaction further, "Anyway... I plan to propose soon. So, just in case she said yes,", Jinyoung breathed out, "I want you to be my best man."