Twitch || H.Hj

Chapter Two;; The Sleepover

"Jisung!" I all but shout, chasing my cackling friend through the small store. About 3 weeks have passed since the first time the odd boy entered the record shop and he has been coming here buying new records everyday since then. I told Jisung about it and he asked to tag along today to see if my statement is true or not. I agreed knowing that if I didn't he would come anyways.

I'm starting to regret that decision now and he runs around with my math book because 'he wants my attention more than the math book.' He wouldn't have taken the stupid book if I hadn't decided to be smart and respond with 'yeah, but maths is more interesting to my attention than you.' And here we are, rushing between aisles and shelves filled with albulms and band merch as I attempt to regain my book needed for homework.

"Jisung, I swear if you don't give me my book back I will not hesitate to literally-" my threat is cut off by the small chime of the bell on the front door signaling that someone has entered the store. I quickly straighten out my shirt and casually walk towards the front of the store.

The person who walked in is the kid I've seen multiple times before, his head twitching hard as he offers me a small wave of his hand and a wide smile.

"Welcome back!" I state, enthusiasm laced in my voice. I walk behind the counter and see Jisung walk over, eyeing the kid once before dropping my math book down on the counter and hoisting himself to sit on the counter beside the register. I lightly roll my eyes at him before shoving him off-- hard. He let's out a small screech as he falls to the ground with a loud thud.

I laugh rather loudly at him as he pouts up at me, "Hwayoung, that really hurt!"

I suddenly give him an incredulous look, "Says the guy dating Lee Minho!"

Suddenly a blush appears on his cheeks and he defends his boyfriend, "He isn't as mean as he makes himself out to be, you know this. Especially with me!"

I just laugh at how seriously my comment was taken when suddenly there is someone at the counter, "Oh, sorry, how was your experience today?"

"Fuh-Fine."

"Alright, is this all I can get you today Mister," I wait for him to tell me his name. He has been here everyday for the last 3 days, so I feel the need to know at least his name.

"Hwang, Muh- My name I-Is Huh-Hwang Hyuh- Hyunj- ji- Hyunjin. And y-yeah it i-is," He replies, letting out a deep breath after struggling with the sentence. This is followed by the steady patting of his hand on his thigh that I've noticed him doing less and less often within the small space. I smile slightly at this, finding it somewhat endearing.

"Well, if someone ever asks you who helped you this time, my name is Lee Hwayoung."

He smiles slightly at me, paying for his albums and walking out the door. Jisung merely stares at me after he leaves. I just give him an odd face, making him laugh and fall back onto the ground. My shift ends fairly soon after that and Jisung and I walk back to my apartment.

"Hey, Ji, since it's Friday do you wanna stay over and just binge some movies?" I question as we enter my home.

"Hell yeah, let me message my parents and ask real quick," he responds, pulling out his phone. I watch as his fingers speedily type out a message and send it. Not long after his phone buzzes again and he smiles widely at me, "they said it is fine!"

"Hell yes! Let's gain this grain eh?" I question, watching Jisung cringe at the phrase that I know he hates. He just nods, face still slightly disgusted at my use of language. I laugh at him before getting up and starting some popcorn for the two of us while we watch movies.

We ended up watching kdramas instead of movies and at the point we are at, Jisung suddenly starts crying and I laugh at his reaction to the cringe worthy show and throw popcorn at him. He throws some back, starting an all out war in my living room. After I dumped the entire bucket of popcorn onto his head, we cleaned up our mess and decided to go to bed. Overall, the sleepover is fun and reminds me that no matter what happens, I will always have Jisung.

---

Hwayoung!

Hwayoung!

I hear my name being shouted. Followed by a distinct crash and the sickening sound of bones breaking under the impact of something heavy.

---

I gasp for air as I shoot up, back as straight as the wooden boards they use to build decks and fences. My lungs heave as they suck in the air from my room. I feel a hand reach for my back and I suddenly jump, head snapping towards the source of the contact. I see Jisung offering me a sympathetic look. I smile slightly at home before standing up and walking into my bathroom.

I run the water, keeping it cold, and quickly splash it onto my face, helping myself calm down. After a few moments I just stare at my reflection for a moment. I haven't had these dreams for almost a month now. I thought that I was getting better, but thus far that was the most vivid nightmare I have ever experienced regarding that day. That dreadful day where my parents left me alone in this world.

I decide to head back to bed, mostly due to my best friend who is worrying about me in the next room. I fall back on the bed, allowing my drowsiness to set it. Hopefully my dreams will go away and I can rest successfully until tomorrow.