Roommates

Part 63

It feels weird being at the convenience store again, since I haven'ts been here in a while. I've actually missed it. I eagerly wait behind the counter for customers . The bell above the door signals my first customer. I internally groan when I see Hyun Woo, but he's not alone. Kim Ha Na is with him.

"Do you want anything?" Hyun Woo asks Ha Na.

"Kimbap." She says, smiling. I go back to reading my book. They come to the counter and put a bag of chips and a kimbap onto the counter. I scan the items.

"That's be 3,ooo won." I say. Kim Ha Na pulls out her wallet, but Hyun Woo stops her.

"I'll pay." He says.

"Sunbae, I'll pay." She says. They go back and forth.

"Is one of you going to pay?" I ask, annoyed.

"Wow, the staff here are so rude." Hyun Woo says. He's really testing my patience.

"Here." Ha Na says, handing me her money. I take it and give her back her change. They leave the store and I let out a sigh of relief. I go back to reading my book again. Gosh, this book is so boring. I really hate reading books for school, they're always so bad. The bell chimes and I look up. A guy with a mouth mask on enters and approaches the counter. He takes off the mask and I sigh.

"What do you want now?"I ask Yong Nam.

"Am I not allowed to come here?" He asks. I roll my eyes. He walks around the store, I keep my eyes on him the whole time. He comes back to the counter with bowl of ramen. I check it out and give it to him. He decides to eat it here.My phone rings, but then I realize it's not mine. It must be Yong Nam's , but he doesn't answer. I realize where the sound is coming from, someone left their phone. Wait, that looks like Hyun Woo's phone. I look at the caller ID and almost gasp. Nam So Young! Why is she calling him? I answer.

"Shownu-ah." She says. "We need to talk." I hang up on her. I don't know what's happening anymore. Yong Nam suddenly speaks.

"I can see why my brother likes you, you're very determined. I must give you credit for that." He says. "But sometimes, determination isn't enough."

"Just wait, Bang Yong Nam." I say.

"You're playing a very dangerous game, Jae Eun." The way he says my name makes my skin crawl.

"Whatever." I say.

"So, did you break up with that Shownu guy?" Yong Nam asks.

"Ya, Bang Yong Nam." I say. He looks at me. "If you play with fire, you'll get burned." He holds my gaze for a few seconds until the bell chimes and Hyun Woo walks in, without Ha Na. Yong Nam goes back to eating. I hand him his phone.

"This is interesting." Yong Nam mumbles. I glare at him over Hyun Woo's shoulder and he winks at me. I so badly want to punch him. When I look away from him, I find Hyun Woo staring at me.

"Are you okay?" He whispers. I nod. Yong Nam suddenly spills the rest of his ramen on the floor.

"It was good." He says, with his head down and then walks out.

"Ya!" Hyun Woo calls after him.

"Don't." I say. He looks at me surprised. "Ha Na is waiting."

"Jae Eun-" "Thanks anyways. You shouldn't keep her waiting" I say, cutting him off. He looks at me one last time and then leaves.

Later

My shift is finally over. I'm on my way home, I'm ready to chill. I walk down the street towards the Son's house. I decide to take the shortcut through the alley way. I really miss the days before all this drama started, things were so simple. I'm shaken out of my thoughts when I'm suddenly pushed against the wall. Someone's hand is over my mouth.

"Don't try anything stupid." The guy says, showing me his knife. Beads of sweat start to form on my forehead. He brings his face down to mine and takes his mouth mask off and I stare at him with wide eyes.  He's that Jung Woo guy from Daegu. He came all the way here for this?

"If you care about your loved ones and your life, you won't testify in court against Jin Soo." Jung Woo says.

"Get your 'cousin' to back out too. If you don't, I know where your unnie lives." Jung Woo threatens. He studies me.

"You should've hung out with oppa, instead getting involved in other people's business." He says. I want to vomit. He backs away and puts his mask back on. He disappears into the night.I run. I run as fast I can to get out of there. I don't stop running until I crash into someone.

"Jae Eun?" Hyun Woo asks. I look at him surprised. He studies my face.

"What happened? You look like you just saw a ghost." Hyun Woo says. Everything that Jung Woo said floods my mind.

"Ya, Jae Eun-ah!" Hyun Woo says, trying to get my attention.

"Leave me alone." I say, annoyed.

"I won't." Hyun Woo says. I stare at him.

"You're so clingy and annoying." I spit. He takes a step closer to me, but I take a step back.

"And?" He challenges.

"You said that we're not friends anymore, but you keep acting like a friend." I say.

"I'm just looking out for you." Hyun Woo says.

"Don't. Just talking to you makes me sick" I say. The corner of his cheeks twitches, like my words are a slap to his face.

"I know what you're doing." Hyun Woo says. I roll my eyes.

"What am I doing?" I question. He takes a step closer and this time I don't move.

"You're trying to make me hate you." Hyun Woo says. I swallow the lump forming in my throat.

"Why can't you just hate me? I almost ruined you're swimming career twice and almost got you killed. I'm an awful person." I say, a tear rolling down my cheek.

"Jae Eun-ah, look at me." He says, holding my face. I meet his gaze.

"Don't ever blame yourself for those things. It was fated to happen. You're not an awful person, don't call yourself that. You try to protect your loved ones, even if it means hurting yourself." Hyun Woo says, wiping my tears. He looks into my eyes.

"I can't hate you.... because I love you." Hyun Woo says. I look at him with wide eyes.

"I love you Song Jae Eun." Hyun Woo says.

A/N: Did you guys listen to MX's new comeback? What did you think? My wig was snatched lol. I really hope they get a win with this! Hwaiting!

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed!