My stepbrother's bestfriend

TWENTY-NINE

Hyungwon and I sit on the porch in silence. He sighs before forcing a small smile on his face.

Hyungwon: Do you like me?

I blink completely caught off guard by the random question.

Me: Of course I do.
Hyungwon: No, do you like me? I know you said you'd let me know when you'll decide to accept the offer to be my girlfriend, but apart of me feels like that day will never come.

He glances up at the sky before looking back to me.

Hyungwon: I don't want to rush or pressure you, but I also want you to know it's okay. You can hurt my feelings, I'm a big boy, I can take it.

My heart drops to my stomach. Hyungwon deserves someone better than me, he's smart caring and super sweet. He deserves someone who won't waste his time.

Me: I'm sorry.
Hyungwon: It's okay.
Me: It's not. I'm confused and instead of telling you I dragged you along.
Hyungwon: I let you drag me along though.

See? Why does he have to be so perfect?

Me: Stop being modest, it's fine to be mad at me.

He giggles softly.

Hyungwon: Society thinks it's normal to get angry at someone who doesn't reciprocate your feelings.

I look at him while he further explains.

Hyungwon: It's okay to be hurt, maybe even disappointed but it's life. Someone else will come along.
Me: Someone better than me.

He scoffs.

Hyungwon: In my eyes right now there's no one better for me than you.
Me: See you can't say things like that and expect me not to get down on one knee.

He laughs, bumping his shoulder against mine playfully.

Hyungwon: Ah Bri, are we still friends?
Me: Of course!

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I stare at the dining room table lost in my own thoughts. Hyungwon told me not to beat myself up over rejecting him but I can't help but feel shitty about it.

"Why are you still awake?"

Changkyun plops down on the couch next to me in his pajamas.

Me: I can't sleep.
Changkyun: Me either.

Twenty minutes go by until he decides to speak up.

Changkyun: I seen you talking to Hyungwon earlier.

I hear the jealousy dripping from his lips.

Me: I was.
Changkyun: About what?

Just pure nosiness.

Me: He basically told me he accepts the fact I don't like him the way he likes me.

His eyes widen.

Changkyun: Really?

I nod.

Changkyun: So does that mean I can take you on a date?

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