Faulty Hearts (aka "Tara & Belle") [Dreamcatcher | SuYoo | Sua x Yoohyeon]

Chapter 5

Author's notes: Hey, hey. I got one guess on who the flashback is about and although it was a good guess it's not quite there yet. There is a male cameo here, can you figure him out by the end of this chapter?

I think this and the next few chapters are more of my writing style in that it's very humorous and very reference-laden. Can you find them? I don't think I even know how many references I put in it lol

06/06/20 minor grammatical corrections

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The restaurant was crowded and loud with locals, young and old. The three women opted to sit outdoors thinking the crisp, cool, early winter air would do everyone good, clearing out the hospital's chemical smell from their noses and clothes. Smoke rose from charcoal grills as freshly cut slices of meat sizzled on them, instantly shrinking in size.

Bora sat next to Yubin with Yoohyeon across from them. The obvious tension between Bora and Yoohyeon was almost as tangible as the veil of smoke separating them. Yubin decided to break it by speaking first.

"So, Rachel, right? I assume you're not from here?"

Yoohyeon stared at the meat. She was starving. She didn't remember the last time she had a proper meal. She looked up at Yubin and answered her question. "I was born here actually. Incheon. But I spent most of my childhood in the states. Hence the English."

"Oh, cool," Yubin replied. "How old are you?"

"22."

"Ah, so you're older than me. Is it OK if I speak comfortably with you?"

"Of course." Yoohyeon smiled, the dimple on her cheek made its first appearance in a long time.

Yubin worked the grill and continued her conversation with Yoohyeon. Meanwhile Bora just sat quietly, her eyes fixed on the smoke billowing and dissipating into the air. She was glad to have Yubin around, otherwise things would go down, down, downhill right now. She'd probably still hold grudges and bounce on that trampoline of false conclusions right now. Yubin was always a great mediator, calming the storms before things went awry. She had done that so many times with Siyeon and her. She didn't deserve a friend like her sometimes.

"Unnie, eat." Yubin snapped her out of her thoughts. Bora looked up from the grill and saw Yubin piling her plate with juicy grilled meat.

She nodded. "I'm just waiting for--" Before she could finish, the waitress arrived with a big bottle of soju. She placed it in front of Bora along with three frosty shot glasses. Bora took the bottle in her tiny hands and began to twist the cap but with much difficulty.

"Allow me." Yoohyeon offered, reaching an open hand to her.

Bora glanced at the taller girl before handing the bottle to her. Yoohyeon took it unsure if she would be able to open it either even though her fingers were longer. But the seal broke and the cap twisted off with ease. Then she poured out the shots, starting with Bora, obviously, then Yubin, before Yubin took the bottle from her to pour Yoohyeon her shot.

"Just half, please." She said and Yubin stopped halfway.

"You don't drink much?" Bora finally said, noticing her glass.

"Not really. Lightweight."

Bora was surprised by her answer. From the way Yoohyeon looked one would think she was one of those kids who always got into trouble, who did nothing but drink and smoke, and those kinds of things. Yubin would probably have scolded her for assuming things again and then turned it back around and reminded Bora of her young and wild days. Good thing she kept her mouth shut. But she scanned Yoohyeon's thin and lanky figure and concluded that the girl would not be able to handle alcohol at all.