i'm your a to z | jihancheol

cousins with (innocent) benefits

chapter 15

Jeonghan knew everything was ruined the moment Seungcheol yelled at Joshua. All the hurt could be seen in the American's eyes but it quickly disappeared when he was asked if he was okay. He said he was alright but Jeonghan knew he wasn't when his voice cracked.

It hurt Jeonghan too.

To see Joshua truly hurt for the first time. To think everything was finally going to be alright and have that thought taken away. It all hurt.

But he never let it show, as he'd done for years. Kept his pain inside, for Joshua's sake.

"It'll be alright," he said, more to himself than to Joshua. He smiled and put his hand on the other's back. "He's just in a bad mood."

Joshua nodded and smiled at him. Yet the atmosphere was off. Did Joshua believe him? Did he even believe himself?

He told himself he was overreacting and walked up to his room. On his way, he stood outside of Seungcheol's room, trying to make out the words coming from inside. Who was he talking to?

Jeonghan wondered as he walked to his room. He put the blanket over his head and sighed.

He couldn't even sleep and ended up lying in bed for half an hour.

He gave up on trying and began to look for Joshua and found him on the roof.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Better, I guess." Joshua stood up and smiled.

"Do you want to go inside?"

"Actually, I was thinking of going back to the restaurant. Your cousin's."

"Would you mind if I came with you?" Jeonghan didn't want to be alone with Seungcheol in such a state.

"I was going to ask if you wanted to." He chuckled and walked back into the house.

They got dressed and walked out the front door, where Hayoung was waiting. Of course, Seungcheol had called her.

"Where's Seungcheol?" she asked, not even bothering to greet them.

"In his room," Joshua answered and pulled Jeonghan out of the house before he could start any arguments.

Joshua got into Seungcheol's car and the drive to the restaurant was silent.

Unlike usual, the restaurant was almost empty. Jeonghan assumed it must've been because of the lawsuit as he walked into the kitchen alongside Joshua. There were only a few chefs and it didn't take too long to find Junhui.

"Hey, Jun," Jeonghan greeted and walked over as Joshua had gone to find Mingyu.

"Hannie!" He smiled and held his arms out for a hug. "Why are you here?"

"Just visiting," he answered as he hugged him. "Are you not happy to see me?"

Jeonghan pulled away and jokingly pouted.

"I am!" Junhui exclaimed and laughed. "Just surprised. Is Joshua here?"

"Yeah, just talking to Mingyu."

As he said it, Joshua and Mingyu had walked over. Mingyu was smiling widely and Joshua also looked happy.

"You've finally decided to visit!" Mingyu exclaimed.

"Aww, you're happy to see me." Jeonghan hugged his cousin.

"Why wouldn't I?" he chuckled and hugged back. "Would you like anything to eat?"