haunted, the forest // nct [3]

{1}

     "To another school year on its way, Johnny." Ten raised his red cup into the air for me to cheers to. We both then downed a huge sip of the light alcohol in our cups. "I'm so glad I have you to help me get through all of this."

     "I missed you while you were gone over the summer," I told Ten. "But I'm glad you got to see you're family."

     "Yeah, it was nice. I told them all about you. They really want to meet you. I don't blame them, you're such a great guy." Ten played a mischievous smile on his lips as he eyed mine. I leaned down to him, but someone cleared their throat before we could kiss.

     "Hey, guys I invited someone new to our little party," my friend, Jaehyun, spoke. "His name is Yuta. He transferred—"

     "Yuta?" I asked, widening my eyes. "I've met someone with that name before."

     "Yeah, that guy at the Halloween party was named Yuta," Ten added.

     The new guy walked into the room, glancing around the dorm. It definitely was the guy from the Halloween party.

     "I'll be damned," I laughed as Yuta approached us. "What are you doing here?"

     "I transferred here last year. I guess we just didn't have any classes together. It's good to see you again... Johnny?"

     "Yeah. You really saved us all at that Halloween party."

     "Actually that squeaky kid saved everyone," Yuta pointed out with a smile. "That was pretty awesome how he sacrificed his life for everyone. Hey, is he with that girl now?"

     "Jueun?" I asked. "They're technically not together. The guy, Chenle, is a senior in high school and Jueun is off on her first year of college. They didn't want to make any strong commitments just yet. She's also my younger sister."

     "Sweet." Yuta nodded his head. "You all were a pretty close group. Do you see each other often?"

     "Since most of us are in college, and for the most part separate colleges, there isn't much time to hang out. Mark and Haechan will be going here, so I can see them. It's their first year of college."

     "Johnny!" A voice spoke, causing me to turn around. I let out a chuckle while giving the guy finger guns.

     "Mark Lee!" I called back, walking up to my friend, who was holding hands with a girl: Soomi. Haechan filtered into the room as well with Hyunji at his side. "What are all of you doing here? I thought you two, Mark and Haechan, weren't going to be getting here until tomorrow morning. And Hyunji, shouldn't you be heading off to Busan soon? What about you, Soomi?"

     "Actually, we decided to head up tonight since you told us about this small party," Mark started. "We wanted to check out what it was like. Hyunji and Soomi came in to say hi before heading back out."

     "Well, go ahead and grab a drink before you go!" I offered. "Just no alcohol for you four since you're underage. Also, I want you all to meet my college friends."

     "Hey, is that Yuta?" Hyunji asked. "Halloween party, right?"

     "You know it," Yuta pointed at her. "This is insane."

     I waved over Taeyong and his girlfriend, who were seated on a couch. "I want to properly introduce you to Taeyong." The two came up to the group. "This is Taeyong and his girlfriend, Daerin."

     Daerin nodded her greeting while tucking a piece of her short, dark blue—almost black—hair behind her ear. Her and Taeyong have been together for a while now. I only found out about her after the whole Ten complications where I thought he kissed Taeyong. Turned out, Taeyong had a girlfriend. After getting to know him better, I really enjoyed Taeyong becoming our friend. Daerin was a really nice addition as well. At first, she was shy and didn't talk a whole lot. After getting to know her, she turned out to be very quirky and spontaneous.

     "Nice to finally meet you," Taeyong greeted politely.

     "Is this everyone that's coming?" Haechan asked, scanning the room. "I only see five other people."

     "I did say small party, but yes a few more will be coming," I told Haechan. "Probably about twenty people in total."

     "Everybody!" a new voice shouted at the door.

     "Here it comes," I muttered, glancing to Ten with a small laugh.

     "Aye, what's up?" Lucas walked into the room. "I brought some food!"

     "You're a life saver!" Jihwan yelled as she ran up to the guy. It was funny to see her short height compared to his giant one. "I've been starving since Doyoung and Jungwoo forgot to pick up some snacks." She shot a burning glare in the direction of the two guys, who slowly turned away while quietly whistling like they had nothing to do with it.

      "I always have your back, girl." Lucas gave her an eyebrow flash while handing her the bag of food.

     Jihwan studied his face before muttering, "gross," under her breath.

    "Hey, Johnny," Hyunji started, "I should probably head out. It was nice seeing you again. You too, Ten and Yuta. Have fun!"

     "I'm heading out, too," Soomi said. She kissed Mark's cheek and walked out the door.

     "Uh, where's mine?" Haechan asked Hyunji, patting the side of his face. Hyunji rolled her eyes, but with amusement, and gave him his wish.

     "Stay safe out there!" I called to the two leaving.

     "Hey, you too!" Hyunji shouted back.