Trapped in his Maestoso || 엑소 백현

chapter 10

You grumbled on the table, your face plastered on it as you pushed your papers on the side. You were in the middle of accomplishing your genetics assignment when you felt exhausted all of a sudden.

It was already Friday, and you woke up at 8 to finish your pending school works before going to your class at 12. After your only class on Friday, you'll be running to your work at 4. Aunt Jinah scheduled your shifts at MTFS, 3 hours on Monday and Tuesday nights, and 5 hours on Friday and Saturday, afternoon to night. It was manageable, though a bit tiring. You just motivated yourself to be used to it.

You almost pushed yourself off of your seat when a mug of hot chocolate was placed beside your face. Your eyes quickly looked at the good samaritan, and softened at the sight of your distant best friend. You haven't heard her gossips and late night talks for the past few days. You wonder if she's still—

"I don't like this." Jiwon mumbled as she sat on the chair across yours. She looked back at you with solemn eyes. "You know I love you, right? I care for you."

"So do I, Jiwon-ah." You sighed, looking at the smoke the heat from the mug emits. "I understand if you don't want to be around me anymore—"

"Oh shut up. This is not where we end our friendship, Saejin!" Jiwon incredulously exclaimed, her eyes wide in displeasure. "We made it work alright these years, right? I'm not gonna leave you alone, either you like it or not!"

You let out a cry as you opened your arms for your best friend, immediately feeling warm because of her embrace. She hugged you tight as if she was getting all her energy from you. You pouted your lips in attempt of refraining yourself to sob louder.

"Even if those people continue to leave you in the dark, I won't. I'll be here, Saejin."

You smiled through your tears, nuzzling your head to Jiwon's shoulder.

"I know you will be. I know."

—

"Oh really?! That's pretty embarrassing!" Hyoseop laughed out loud, slapping his thighs as he doubled over the couch. "I wouldn't want to see anyone after that!"

You just finished telling him how embarrassing your first date was, two months ago. You were too nervous to greet the guy that you pretended you weren't his date by looking away from his gaze, and spilling your coffee on your chest after. You tried looking casual as you wiped your wet chest, until your date finally approached your way. You couldn't handle the embarrassment and rushed out of the shop as soon as he opened his mouth.

"He was kind of cute, but then," You admitted as you chuckled. "probably wasn't the best time to meet me." Leaning comfortably against the cushion, you just found yourself relaxed with his presence.

"When will it be the best time to meet you then?"

Your head snapped back to him in surprise, but immediately pushing any malicious thoughts about what he said.

It's not like he's going to ask me out, right.

"Hmm," You hummed as you calmed yourself before answering. "maybe when I'm ready?"

"When will that happen?"

You started sweating bullets at his question, looking away from his penetrating gaze.

"Uh, next year?" You stupidly said with a nervous laugh, just trying to get away from the question as fast as you can. You thought that Hyoseop will be laughing with you, but then he didn't. You slowly turned your head to him, uncertain of what was his reaction.