Monster

29

Jinyoung is at the store, reading from a long list of things he needs to make meals for the next week. He's in the cereal aisle. His list says Fruity Pebbles, but his heart is remembering the time he served cereal and got a bowl thrown at him.

He should've asked what kind of cereal Youngjae and BamBam like. He could justify getting it for them but.... yeah he'll forget the cereal for now. Next he needs soup and cream of several things on the other side of the bleeping store.

"Jinyoung?"

Jinyoung freezes, slowly turning his head, making a face like hes curious as to who could be calling him, even though he already knows.

"Chanyeol?"

"It is you! I thought I recognized you! How are you? It's been so long!" Chanyeol wraps him in an awkward hug. Jinyoung tried to dive behind his cart before it happened but he realized too late. "You're looking good!"

"So are you. I'm doing fine, yourself?" Jinyoung's smile is relaxed, but barely, as he takes in Chanyeol's expensive suit and lack of cart.

"Good, good, I've been busy lately"

"The brewery right? Lots of business lately?"

"You remembered! So sweet~" Chanyeol coos and Jinyoung cringes. "Yes, business is booming, and Kai is out of town right now so it's just me"

"That's unfortunate"

"Eh, I'm getting paid more right now so it's not all bad"

Jinyoung wishes he could ask him to tone it down on the laughter but he can't and it's attracting a lot of stares.

"What have you been up to lately? How's school?"

"I dropped out to become a housewife"

Chanyeol laughs louder, leaning on one shelf for support.

"A housewife, good one, keeping up with your grades of course"

"Of course" Absentmindedly, Jinyoung picks up the can nearest to him, weighing it in his palm.

"Glad to hear it," Chanyeol is standing too close, reeking of cheap beer. "Say, do you still drink?"

"Not really, only at fancy parties"

"So no? That's good, alcohol is bad for you. Don't tell anyone I think that though, okay?" Chanyeol whispers the last part, and with a smile Jinyoung nods. "I'll be going now, see you around, yeah?"

"Sure, see you around" Chanyeol bounds out of the aisle with a wave. Jinyoung watches him leave the store.

Great, I can never shop here again Jinyoung grumbles to himself, finally looking at the label of the can in his hand, he doesn't need it. He puts it back, shuffling around to find the rest of the groceries he needs.

The whole drive home Jinyoung thinks about whether or not he should tell Jaebum about Chanyeol. He can't imagine he'll be very happy about it, but if he finds out Jinyoung kept it from him? Jinyoung could plan his own funeral.

He has to tell him. He knows he does, but after he blew up about him knowing a single thing about Kris, he really doesn't want to.

After Jaebum and Mark came down for dinner last night, they didn't talk. About anything. Dinner was dead silent and no one seemed in the mood to try for conversation, so Jinyoung didn't. But it was painfully awkward. Nabe is supposed to be fun for the whole family.

When he gets home, Mark is sitting at the counter, in his slacks and sky button down, tie pulled loose around his neck. A short glass of whiskey sits in front of him.