(editing) friends | dino | lee chan

Chapter Twelve

Chan

When Seungcheol hyung came back with the drinks I went straight for the vodka shots. Man I've missed Korean alcohol. It took me back to the days where my hyungs and I would drink on weekends. I know, I know. I'm underaged. But still, I'm a responsible drinker. I've never done anything to cause anyone harm.

"You sure were alright doing this here?" Nari noona asked worriedly. "Last time I checked your mother was never fond of you drinking. And to do it under her house? Oh boy."

"Don't worry." I take my third shot. "It's not like I have school to go to." As soon as I said that I look at Aera who was sitting crossed legged beside me. "Oh right. You have school tomorrow."

"I won't drink," she says. "I've never had alcohol anyway."

The two noonas look amazed.

"She's innocent how did you even get her to be your friend?" Nari noona teases.

I ignore her remark.

"She's cute," Sun noona points her beer bottle at Aera. "Wanna go shopping when Nari and I are free?"

Aera was taken aback by the question.

I guess she's never really done that with friends before.

"Yes!" Nari noona exclaims.

I sigh knowing the alcohol was already getting to her. She's always been a lightweight.

Aera nods with a small smile forming at her lips.

I was happy they were getting along. I hope maybe Nari noona can take care of Aera when I'm gone. My nose started to tingle thinking about leaving Aera. I don't know what it was about her that made me like her so much. She is so different to Kang Nari and yet, they both made me feel the same way when I first met each of them.

"By the way," Jihoon hyung spoke for the first time. "Nari and I are not dating," he takes a gulp from his bottle.

Straight away I snap my head at Nari noonas direction.

She was expressionless.

"Why did you say that you were then?" I ask.

She waits a little before answering. "Because I'm selfish, Chan. When I found out you were here I was ecstatic," her bottom lip starts to tremble.

Oh boy, she's always been a crying drunk.

"But I don't want to get close to you again and then have you leave again," she takes down the last of her bottle before placing it gently on the floor. "Maybe if I told you I had a boyfriend you would distance from me a little and try not to ask to see me too much."

"I'm hurt." I say bluntly. "And yeah, you are selfish. You didn't have to do that. You could have just told me how you felt. But I guess I don't mean that much to you anymore, huh?"

The first tear rolls down her cheek as she shakes her head. "It's not like that. I've missed you like hell!"

"Then act like you've missed me like hell!" I shouted. I feel Aera put a hand on mine but I don't look away from noona.

She doesn't say anything else. She was sobbing now and I felt bad.

"We came to have a good time, don't do this now." Sun noona says. "You're both friends that love each other, isn't that enough? Why you are you two so complicated? Jeez." She takes a shot then dabs lightly at the sides of her lips before saying, "hug and make up. Apologise. Whatever."

Seungcheol hyung holds his beer up in the air, "you go sis!" He sways from side to side then falls backwards.

"Damn, it. I'm going to have to carry him again..." she sighs.

"She's right," Jihoon hyung says. He looks at Nari noona who's eyes have not left the floor for a while, "don't try to push him away, it'll hurt on both ends."

I feel Aera grip my hand. I look at her.

She was hardcore staring at Jihoon hyung.

I wondered what she was thinking. If she's ever been hurt like I have. If she's ever hurt someone like noona has hurt me. "You okay," I ask quietly.

She looks at me sadly but nods.

I stand up then go over to noona who was sitting across from me. I offer her a hand which she takes then pull her up. I hug her so tight it felt like I could've suffocated her.

"Aww see that wasn't so bad," Sun noona says happily.

I let go of Nari noona slowly, I let her back out a little before I said, "hang out with me when you can and when you want to. I miss you but don't feel like you have to come see me when I ask. Just be honest like how we were before alright?"

She nods. "Thanks for being understanding like always."

"Of course."

-

Sorry this was a boring chappie uwuwuwuwu

But have you checked out my new book tho (;

Anyway, I hope yall are having a great day and if not then it's just one day sweets (: it'll get better xo

stay healthy, stay safe, stay kind

~jojo