The Man Who Could Not Stop Time (Monsta X Fanfiction)

Chapter Two: Where to go From Here?

Hyungwon and I stood outside of the restaurant after eating, getting ready to part ways.

"So I guess I'll talk to you later." Hyungwon said. "I mean, if you'll still talk to me, that is." He laughed. "What with your boyfriend and all."

"I will!" I replied quickly, laughing a bit myself, "I said we'd stay friends, and I meant it."

I stared down at the ground, thinking about talking to guys again.

"Then... bye." Hyungwon muttered after we stood in silence. He waved to me and walked away, I watched his back as he went. He seemed to have gotten taller, standing out among everyone else on the street. I wished I could have been as beautiful as him, but I was just an average girl.

I pulled out my phone to check the time and saw Jimin had tried calling me many times.

"Shoot." I muttered, turning my phone off mute and dialing his number. He must have been worried about me.

"Hello?" Jimin asked hurriedly.

"Hi." I murmured, "How did it go?"

"I'm so exited Areum!" Jimin cheered, "They took me on as a trainee! I'm scheduled to start practicing in a week."

"That's great!" I replied, walking slowly home. The world walked past me, colorful lights and bustling people, as I listened to his soft voice on the phone. It seemed to distract me from the craziness.

"But, where were you? You weren't picking up the phone." Jimin asked solemnly.

"I ran into an old friend." I replied, "They wanted to talk."

"Who?"

'Should I tell him the truth?'

Jimin seemed like he would be the jealous type.

"You wouldn't know them." I laughed, wanting to change the subject, "Anyway, we need to celebrate!"

"Yeah! After work tomorrow!" Jimin said. "But... about work..."

"What about it?" I asked, sensing he was afraid about what he had to say next.

"Well.... I'm going to have to quit." Jimin replied sadly, "But it's only because I'll be so busy practicing."

"It's okay." I laughed, "Being a trainee is more important."

To be honest, I was a bit relieved about Jimin quitting. Working together meant we spent almost 24/7 together, getting a break would be a bit of a relief.

"I'm glad you understand." I could hear the smile in Jimin's voice.

"Anyway, I have homework to do." I replied just as I was approaching my front door. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

"Bye babe." Jimin replied.

"Bye."

I hung up the phone, opening the front door to my house. It was late, so my parents were asleep.

'I need to get my own place...' I thought as I walked over to my room. I had taken down the posters that used to litter the walls and it made my room look a bit more mature. I repainted the walls to a more muted pink and it was organized now. I felt like a real adult.

I sat at my desk, starting to work on my homework.

But my hand was itching to reach for my phone. I wanted to talk to the guys now.

I took my phone out and sent a text to Shownu first: How have you been?

Then Wonho: What's up? It's been a while.

Then Minhyuk: Hey! How are you doing?

Next, Kihyun: How are you and Hyunki doing?

Followed by Jooheon: How is idol life treating you?

Lastly, Changkyun: How is the rap game going?

I smiled as I waited for my responses, doing my homework simultaneously. It was psychology related, and I was learning about different disorders and how to diagnose them. This particular study I was reading about what had to do with Dissociative Personality Disorder.

My phone beeped after a couple of minutes.

It was Wonho: Areum? You're alive? I haven't heard from you in forever

I laughed: Yeah, I've been busy

I decided to keep secret that I wasn't talking to them because I thought I would forget about them.

Wonho replied: Yeah, me too. I've been moving and stuff. Looking for a place to stay.

Moving, why? I responded. Getting an apartment in Seoul is very expensive. But I guess he had more money now.

I'll tell you later.

I recalled back when the guys shared the house together. I'm sure they didn't now, because after going back in time, most of them wouldn't need to share a place anymore. 

Changkyun replied: I've been very lucky lately. My CD is coming out soon, we're having a showcase. You should come.

Of course, I'll be there! I smiled at my phone. It seemed like all of my friends were succeeding. I liked hearing that.

I went back to doing homework, wishing that I, too, could be as successful and happy as they were.

Areum! Where have you been? The guys and I have been worried about you and Hyungwon! Minhyuk messaged. I felt bad about making them worry. Wonho especially has been trying to track you down. But you're not on social media.

Sorry for making you worry. I've just been working a lot. I hoped to meet up with all of them soon. I wondered if they looked the same or if they had changed their hair colors or styles.

I went back to my homework, texting back and for with the guys until going to sleep. The only one who hadn't replied was Shownu.

I laid in bed, staring at my phone, waiting.

I wanted to hear from all of them, Shownu included. He and I hadn't spoken in a while. But I understood that he was busy with his dancing work. I started to give up when I finally received a text from him: Hi.

Seemed like a curt text. It worried me a bit: Hi!

I've been pretty busy lately. Waiting to hear from you. He responded.

Sorry for taking so long. I considered confiding the truth in him. But I knew it was better that they didn't know what Hyungwon planned on doing. He changed his mind, after all. A lot has happened. We should catch up.

I miss you. Shownu replied. My heart skipped a beat seeing that response. But I tried to ignore it, because I had a boyfriend.

I miss you too. I texted back. But thought it sounded too provocative so I added. We should all meet up.

That's the plan. Shownu texted. Anyway, I have to go to sleep. I'll talk to you later.

I smiled at my phone, setting it on my bedside table as I tried to go to sleep. But I had a hard time falling asleep because I was so excited about seeing the guys again.

I wondered if they had changed as much as I had too.