Ain't Like That

Chapter 8

"Yeah, Dad, I'm doing fine. I promise. I have heat, I have water, I have food... Yeah, of course. How's my baby? Great, good. Give him a kiss for me. Yeah. Mhmm. I love you too, bye." Hyoseob hung up and put his phone down on the bed he was laying on. Somehow making perfect timing, Zico walked in,

"Who was that?"

"My dad," Hyoseob sighed, "he's so worried about me, but I told him I was back in the game. After this era, I should be back on my feet, in my own place, with my baby."

"Shindoyou?" 

"Mhmm. I haven't seen him in months."

"You said you lost him though."

"Well yeah. My parents have been keeping him. I couldn't really afford to keep him even if I could."

"You could've told me, I could've taken you to see him," he plopped onto the bed with Hyoseob.

"My parents live too far to do that," he shrugged, "but anyways, our first stage is tomorrow and I wanna thank you for everything you've done for me up to this point, Jiho. You've seriously been my crutch in this time of my life, and who'd know where I'd be without you."

Zico raised his eyebrows as reality was hitting him in the moment. Performance day was literally tomorrow and he hadn't even confessed to Hyoseob yet. And there was no doubt he'd leave as soon as that money went to his pockets. But he had to respond,

"Oh, yeah. You're welcome. Literally, Seob, I'd do anything for you though. You don't have to thank me."

"You sound so stupid," Hyoseob got up, "but okay. I'm gonna go smoke and then go to bed. It's late, and tomorrow's a big day. You coming with?"

I'm stupid?  Zico thought. It was bold of someone to say who hadn't noticed the hints he was given almost daily about his best friend crushing on him. Zico shook his head at his own thoughts and laughed before declining the other's offer.

"Suit yourself," Hyoseob shrugged and grabbed a lighter off the desk littered with music sheets before taking himself to the hall, downstairs, and outside.

Zico laid back in bed and went through his phone, deciding to strike up a conversation with another good friend of his and Crush's: Millic.

[Can we talk?] he sent. 

In under a minute, he got a response, [About what? The thing tomorrow?]

[No.. Smth else that's bothering me.] (Z)

[Is Hyoseob not there to talk to? ur closer to him.] (M)

[Hyoseob is the thing that's bothering me.] (Z)

[....Why not talk to Dean about it? ur closer to him than me] (M)

[Omg do u just not want to talk to me or smth?] (Z)

[W- That's not the case. It's just kind of weird. Anyways, what's up?] (M)

[You're close to him right? Hyoseob? Like really close] (Z)

[.... Is this a trick question?] (M)

[JUST ANSWER] (Z)

[damn okay, yeah. why?] (M)

[Okay.. Is.. he always this oblivious or have I not paid enough attention bc he's over here acting extra dumb] (Z)

[LMFAO wym? Seob isn't dumb] (M)

[Ok.. well, yeah I know that but listen. This is gonna sound super weird and super gay] (Z)

[...] (M)