Arranged Marriage

Chapter 5

Your POV

"Y-Yugyeom?" You cringe hearing yourself stutter as your eyes meet his. He looks at you for a split second before tilting his head slightly, lifting his chin up, and turning away as he speaks.

"What are you doing here?" he asks, emphasizing the word you. The room falls into an awkward silence, and the boys grow quiet, sensing the sudden tension between you and Yugyeom. Youngjae, trying to lighten the mood, speaks up.

"You know Yooha, Yugyeom? Well why didn't you say so!" Youngjae asks, followed by a forced laugh.

Yugyeom simply rolls his eyes and responds flatly, "Yes, I know her."

The air feels thick, and it becomes harder for you to breathe, the tension almost suffocating. Unable to handle it, you stand abruptly, offering an apology to everyone in the room. Bambam's expression falls, and Youngjae's face saddens as they realize you're leaving.

"But it's barely been 3 hours..." Bambam says in disappointment, his tone heavy with disappointment.

You force a smile, trying to cover your discomfort. "It's okay, Bambam. We'll see each other soon, okay?" Bambam's face lifts slightly as he nods, replying with a small, yet somewhat happier, "Okay."

Yugyeom, however, scoffs in response, and you can feel the sharpness of his disinterest. You turn to glare at him, catching his cold stare as he meets your eyes. The two of you hold the look for a moment before you sigh and apologize again. You gather your things, trying to keep it together.

"Are you sure you're fine walking alone, Yooha?" Jinyoung asks, now standing up with concern written all over his face. Everyone else's faces mirror his worry, except for Yugyeom's, which remains the same.

"Of course I'll be fine, Jinyoung. I'm Chae Yooha!" You attempt to joke, but the room stays quiet, no one laughing. Jinyoung's expression doesn't ease, still filled with concern as he watches you closely.

You offer a final, sincere goodbye and make your way to the door, hearing the boys behind you murmuring softly, but the cold weight of Yugyeom's gaze lingers, unsettling you as you step out into the night.

Author's POV

Yooha's absence leaves the boys in a heavy silence. Jinyoung slouches back on the couch, his hand pressed against his forehead, trying to get rid off the headache creeping in. When Yugyeom notices that Yooha's shadow finally disappears from the light outside the apartment, he turns on his heel, a satisfied expression settling on his face. Once the door to his room shut, the boys exchange uncertain glances, still processing what had just happened.

Bambam is about to speak, hoping to break the tension, but Mark stands up first, heading towards the kitchen without much thought. Jaebeom follows, quietly going back to his room, while Youngjae gave Bambam a glance. They both nod in silent agreement, deciding it was best to leave as well.

Jackson stands up to leave, but pauses near Jinyoung, offering a pat on the shoulder before quietly making his way down the hall to gather his things. Left alone in the now-quiet apartment, Jinyoung watches as his apartment fades into silence. He slowly stands, walking to the kitchen to pour himself a tall glass of cold water.

Jaebeom is already in his room, choosing the pajamas he'd wear after his shower. His thoughts drift to whether he should text Yooha to check if she's okay. Emerging from the bathroom with damp hair and a towel around his waist, he glances at his phone for what feels like the hundredth time before letting out a quiet sigh. The scene from earlier is still fresh in his mind, but he isn't the only one who can't shake it.

Meanwhile, Jinyoung is in his room, hanging up the clothes he had just taken out earlier. His mind is tangled with thoughts, trying to piece together how Yugyeom knows Yooha. The tension still lingers, even in the presence of his own room. He shakes his head, trying to push his thoughts away.

I should've walked her home.

Is she okay?

The questions keep circling in his mind until the ticking of the clock above his desk catches his attention. It's way past midnight, and Jinyoung can't quite grasp how quickly the night had slipped away. 

He rests his hand over his eyes, trying to repress the restless thoughts, and finally, after a long moment, he falls into sleep.

Your POV

Now walking to the nearest bus stop with an unmistakable frown on your face, you kick at the little stones scattered along the sidewalk. You sigh as your gaze drifts through the window of a barbecue restaurant, the scent sneaking into your nostrils. Inside, couples are laughing and holding hands. A wave of loneliness washes over you, pulling you back into memories of college– simpler times, maybe even happier ones.

Another sigh escapes, this one shaky, just as a sharp gust of wind brushes past you. You wrap your arms around yourself, rubbing them for warmth. You just knew if Jinyoung had walked you home, he would've already draped his coat over your shoulders without hesitation. The thought almost makes you smile, but now, nothing can rescue this night.

Finally reaching the bus stop, you inhale deeply, as if trying to hold on to the fading scent of barbecue —even though the restaurant is already well behind you.

Minutes drag by. The cold seeps in deeper, and your patience thins with every second the bus refuses to appear. Just when you're about to curse under your breath, the sound of screeching tires cuts through the silence. The bus finally arrives, the brakes loud and squeaky. You wait as passengers step off one by one before climbing the stairs and heading straight for your usual window seat near the back.

Leaning your head gently against the glass, you stare blankly outside. As the familiar street near Jinyoung's apartment fades from view, an unwanted sting of annoyance rises within you at the thought of seeing Yugyeom tomorrow at work.

*

word count: 902
song of the day: eddy kim- when a long night comes
:)))