AEONIAN

chapter 8

"Hyerin!", Chenle shouted. "Why are you so busy on your phone? You barely talk to us anymore"

"Yeah, that's bumming me out", Jisung said with a pout.

"I'm sorry, I've been really busy especially since I have two part time jobs", I replied. It's been a couple of days and it was now Friday, the last day of classes for the week.

"Two?! I thought you only had one?", Jisung questioned.

"I got another one at the convenience store", I informed them. "I've also been talking with my workmate, so I'm pretty packed"

"Hyerin, Jisung and I told you that if you need some money, you can always ask us for some", Chenle said, holding onto my hand. "We're not friends for nothing, right? Jisung and I hate seeing you stressing yourself out"

"I'm not sure if the two of you can lend me that much money", I replied. "Besides, the two of you are always busy after school. I'm sure you two are really packed as well"

"But...", Jisung trailed. "Even if the two of us are busy, doesn't mean we can't lend you money"

"I don't want rumors to go around", I sighed. "I don't want anyone's reputation to go down. I'm not risking it"

"Who cares about reputation at this point?", Chenle asked. "Your health matters more to me"

"Please? Just don't help me out", I said. "I can do this myself"

I got up from the cafeteria table and left, leaving the two behind. I was guilty, but I would've been even more guilty if something bad comes out that could harm them.

☼

"Time to go to the next part time job", I said to myself as I finished up my work at the convenience store. I went out and headed towards Lee Cosmetics.

Upon arriving at Lee Cosmetics, I headed towards the janitor's room as usual. I put on my uniform and placed my things in the locker, then locking it shut. I turned to my right and ended up facing Haechan who was standing there.

"Let's clean already", I said with no emotions, making my way to grab the cleaning supplies cart and headed out.

I was still thinking about the conversation Chenle, Jisung and I had earlier at school.

"They don't even tell me why they're so busy after school", I muttered.

Mopping the floor was a lot quicker this time, since I had a lot of things to think about and because of that, time had passed by quickly and my part time job was already done.

"Hey, Byeol"

I turned around to see Haechan standing there, his hands at his hips.

"What's wrong? You don't seem okay", he said.