aurora: in full bloom | hongjoong - ateez [hiatus]

⇢ ch. 4

"I can't believe all of this has happened to you. It's like you're in some sort of movie, and we're just living in your world," San laughs.

"I honestly can't believe it either. Someone pinch me."

San pinches you, making you jump and yelp.

"Why'd you do that?! I didn't actually mean pinch me!"

"Oops, too late," San falls into a fit of laughter, cluctching his stomach.

You can't help but shake your head and smile.

You invited San over to your apartment to debrief your last 2 days. You also haven't had a proper hang out with him in the longest time.

You are finally able to talk with him without worrying about work.

The only time you've had to speak with him is in passing when getting your coffee in the morning or texting.

You're always busy at work because it's a small company, so they need all hands on deck a lot of the time.

It can be tiring, but it's worth it. You're happy, which is a good sign.

Your life is getting significantly better if anything. Or interesting at the very least.

San is always busy working at the café and trying to jumpstart his acting career.

You're in awe that he hasn't been booked for a major gig yet with his killer looks and charming personality. He's the friendliest person you've ever met, but being friendly doesn't always cut it.

What makes it even more shocking to you is that you were able to land a job at a music company when you aren't even musically inclined one bit. You would think that San would end up in this area already, but you somehow ended up here.

You're extremely thankful for this opportunity though. Life really likes to throw you off when you least expect it.

"So how's it going on your end?"

"Same old, same old. Still trying to find acting gigs. Wishing I was living your life," San jokes.

You just roll your eyes.

"So, do you want to go with me to the food store? We can grab lunch while we're out as well."

"You're making me go food shopping with you?! On our day off?!"

"I'm too tired to go shopping after work. C'mon, we're just sitting around doing nothing anyways. We can be productive and still hang out at the same time."

"Fine, only because you're my best friend. And because I have nothing better to do."

"Like you were going to stay here and do nothing."

↞—↠

You and San grab some lunch before heading to the grocery store. You fool around, acting like you're kids depsite being grown adults.

San brings out the child in you. Plus, with both of you being single, it's not like you have anyone else to be a fool with besides each other. It's not like you have to be an adult for the non-existant kids that you have.

Your only kid is probably San - he's simultaneously your kid and most trusted friend.

The two of you make an interesting duo. He helps bring out your crazy and loud side.

When the two of you first met, you were extremely shy around him. San helped you become more confident and outgoing.

↞—↠

"Grocery store. Ew, errands," San makes a face and you slap his arm lightly.

"You probably need groceries too. Watch you buy a basket full of food as well."

"If I buy anything, it's definitely going to include ice cream. And snacks."

"I don't understand how you can be that skinny while eating a bunch of junk food. I need to work out to keep this body."

"What can I say, fast metabolism."

"I wish I had that," you sulk slightly.

You push your cart around the store grabbing items off the shelves. While reaching for something, someone grabs what you need.

"Here," a voice softly says.

You look to see that it's Seonghwa.

Your heart starts to beat at a faster pace and heat rises to your cheeks.

"Thank you," you smile.

"Funny running into you."

"Yeah, just thought I would run some errands while on my day off. I'm actually here with my friend San, but I don't know where he went. He probably went to look at ice cream," you chuckle.

"Nice. I'm here alone, just looking for food for the week."

You find Seonghwa to be pretty cheeky.

"There you are! Oh hello there."

You turn to see San.

"San, this is Seonghwa, my colleague. Seonghwa, my friend San."

The two greet each other and hit off right away. San being the outgoing, friendly person that he is blabbers on, Seonghwa being the polite person he is, intently listens.

Your mind wanders to how you ended up with so many guys as close friends in your life.

It's pretty much only 2 people, but with Hongjoong thrown into the mix, you anticipate something may come out of working with him.

You snap back to reality when you hear your name.

"I'll see you at work [Y/N]," Seonghwa gives you a smile and wave.

"Yes, I'll see you."

When Seonghwa is out of earshot, San nudges you.

"So that's Seonghwa, huh?" He whispers while smirking and wiggling his eyebrows.

You just glare at him with a smile and start walking away.

↞—↠

"He's a really nice guy. I could see why you like him," San says after the two of you arrive back at your apartment.

"Yeah, he's very friendly. Kind, a gentleman, caring. He's everything I could ever want in a man."

"Just confess your feelings already! It already seems like he likes you as well. You have nothing to lose. Hopefully you can continue being friends with him if it doesn't work out. He seems like the type of person to stay friends if it doesn't work out. You practically went on a date with him already. You can rant to me like you always do after it all whether it works out or not."

"Fine. Just give me time and don't bother me about it. But it's not like your love life is any better."

"We just talked about my love life the other day. Do you really expect my love life to change so drastically in the last two days?!"

"I don't know, it could have. Who really knows. I'm getting closer to winning this bet though," you smirk.

"It's not fair that you have an advantage!" San whines.

"Prepare yourself to cough up a free meal and ice cream."

"I suppose I'll have to do something about my love life ASAP."