vermilion. || nct taeil [COMPLETE]

chapter 46.

Rin sits at the bar with Lucas, feeling guiltier than ever. Her best friend just told her he knew about her relationship with Taeil, and looked pretty hurt when he asked why she didn't tell him.

"I'm so sorry," is the first thing she says. "I'm so sorry, Lucas. I—I didn't know how to tell you or how you'd react, I—I'm sorry."

Lucas purses his lips together, hanging his head low. He admitted that when he found out from Mark, he was extremely hurt. But after that phone call with Mark, he had done some thinking, and he kind of understood why Rin didn't tell him.

"So, am I the last one to know?" Lucas asks, and Rin bites her lips.

"Yes," she admits hesitantly. She can't believe her two best friends were the last ones to know about her relationship. She did this to herself. Now, she's gonna have to deal with the fact that she hurt both of them, and with Lucas, it's twice as hard because of his feelings for her.

"Look, 'Cas. I didn't tell you because I was afraid how'd you react," Rin explains, facing Lucas. "I didn't want to hurt you more than I already am.

"Rin, I'm okay with being hurt—I—I just wished you would've told me," Lucas replies in distressed. "We're supposed to be best friends."

"You should've seen the look on your face when Author Nakamoto asked me out!" Rin snaps, her emotions getting to her. She was so exhausted. Why does she feel like shit just because she found a guy she really liked and dated him? Was falling in love with Moon Taeil really that bad for everyone?

"'Cas, I was so scared, alright? I was afraid that if I told you before you left for Hong Kong, you'd never want to talk to me again... I—I was so scared of losing you." Rin utters, her voice breaking. "I don't want to lose my best friend, 'Cas. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Rin." Lucas' face morphs into a look of hurt. "I spent half of my life with you. Just because you're dating someone doesn't change that. Yeah, it's gonna hurt a lot but that's fine, okay? I'm still your friend. I would still support you and love you.

"You're my best friend, Rin. Nothing will ever erase all those times we shared together, okay?" Lucas holds Rin's hand in reassurance. "You'll never lose me. I will always be here for you. Always."

Rin smiles at him before pulling him into a tight hug. "You're the best, 'Cas. You're the best." She sniffs as Lucas ruffles her hair fondly.

"If you think you're going to get rid of me that easily then think again, Lee!" Lucas chuckles, making Rin laugh as well. He tilts his head to the side, staring at Rin with adoration and love. "You know I'll always love you, right? It's not the same love like the one I confessed with but... It's the love I will always have for you."

"I know. I love you too." they share another hug again, and Rin feels like a whole weight was removed off of her chest.

***

Moon Publishing had a meeting right after lunch, discussing the events off the book fair. Author Kim shall be joining a conference, Q&A fan meeting, and book signing, while the other two writers had their own agendas for their respective books.

Lee Donghyuck had laid it down perfectly, and presented it as if he's been doing this for years. Taeil looks impressed and even gave him a compliment by the time they finished with their meeting.

Rin doesn't realize herself pouting until Author Suh pointed it out. "What's wrong, Editor Lee?" he asks.

"What? What're you talking about, Author Suh?" Rin wonders as she walks out of the room with her assigned author.