the reality

ch.8

"Are you heading somewhere after school? I just wanna give the driver a heads up after they drop us off." Turning around I saw Beomcheol standing at my door holding his phone. "Yeah, me and Youngjoo are planning to go somewhere." He nodded then left my room and I got finished getting dressed.

The atmosphere in the house was slowly becoming less tense after a few nights ago when me and Beomcheol decided to start off new. My parents have been happier and smiling more whenever they see me and Beomcheol together also I've gotten to see uncle Jisoo smile more. They've decided that every other Sunday will be a family check up day where we just talk about how our week went. "Have a great day guys!" Uncle Jisoo said as the both of us got into the car and headed off to school. Along the way we picked up Beomcheol's two other friends.

"Morning Jiahn." I just nodded then finally we reached the school. And from that point both me and Beomcheol went our separate ways. When I walked into the classroom I saw Jihoon looking out the window. "It's gonna snow soon." he said while turning to face me. His eyes were puffy and red which made me rush over to him.

"Why are you crying?" I asked and down in my seat thats in front of him. I looked and saw that his phone screen was cracked and that there were wrinkles on his uniform. "S...She had another breakdown...and started hitting me..but its okay." I shook my head and held his hand. "You need to leave that house Jihoon. Come stay at my place, I don't think my parents would mind." He shook his head and his eyes began to water. "I can't.." The others soon showed up and he wiped away his tears and acted as if nothing happened.

Youngjoo noticed right away and sat in his seat next to me. The bell rang and the other students came rushing inside the room. "Everyone have a seat. Today we have a new student." All of the girls began whispering once Doyoon walked through the door and I saw in the corner of my eye Youngjoo gripping onto his pencil. "Please go have a seat." Doyoon chose the seat that was close to me and he turned around and smiled.

When it was time for our break all of the girls rushed over to Doyoon's desk and just started talking to him. "Let's go." Youngjoo said and held out his hand. I grabbed onto his hand and our group began walking to our club room. Seunghyun went on and on about how excited he is to have Doyoon finally be at our school. "I mean it kinda makes sense since he's always here." Minseok said while clearing up that whiteboard since we won't be here for 2 weeks.  "I think I forgot my phone in my bag. I'll be back." Youngjoo whispered to me then left the room.

"Yah Jeon JiAhn, what's up with you and Youngjoo? Are you like dating or something?" Sohee asked which caught me off guard. "No. We're just close friends. N-nothing else." I quickly said then took a seat next to Hyunsoo. We began chatting about break since they want to do something after Christmas. "You guys keep forgetting we have a mandatory study session after Christmas." Minseok reminded us then Solbin began to whine for a few minutes before Youngjoo and Doyoon showed up.

"Since we're on the topic of Christmas, do you guys wanna go decoration shopping after class? I know we can't stay out too late, so my dad was wondering if you all want to decorate my house on Christmas then have dinner." Doyoon said then the others agreed. I took a look at Youngjoo but it seemed like he was in a deep thought.

"Actually me and Youngjoo actually have plans after class. He asked me to help him go shopping for something." The light in Doyoon's eyes changed but he simply nodded before taking a seat in his chair. Youngjoo sat next to me and was just scrolling through his phone. The atmosphere felt tense suddenly but I guess I was the only one to feel it.

Later on in the day and our classes were finally over which meant it was the first day of winter break. "Finally!!" Seunghyun yelled as we walked off the campus. "We'll see you guys on Christmas!" Hyunsoo said as we split ways. Me and Youngjoo began walking to wherever he planned fo bring me.  "Does this look cute?" He asked holding up this graphic t-shirt. He actually brought me to the mall but didn't tell me what we we're shopping for.

"Is this your secret santa gift?" I asked browsing the other shirts. "It's actually for my sister. She's been wanting some new clothes so I decided to buy her some Christmas." This was a different side of Youngjoo I've never seen. I've seen his grumpy side, angry side, happy side, excited side, but this one seemed different...theres a feeling of love.

"I think she'll like it." I replied then he had a big smile in his face. He began to choose more shirts then we went over to the boy section of the store. "Is this really your style?" I asked looking at the turtle necks and button ups he was buying. "It's for my older brother. He's finally coming home this Christmas and I'm actually excited to have him back." I nodded then offered to hold the clothes on my good arm. He went back to the girls section and scanned the hoodies. "I have this one in a beige color. I should get another one for...nevermind its a secret." he said then I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Let's go. I need to get you home before dinner time." I followed him to the front of the store so we can pay for the clothes. Since my house was far from where we were he decided fo call for a taxi. This time I paid for the ride since he was always paying everytime we head out. "Is that Jihoon?" Youngjoo asked once the taxi stopped in front of my house. We both got out and Youngjoo took the bags from my hand. "Jihoon?" he turned around and I saw the bag that was next to him.

"S..she kicked me out..." I went over and pulled him into a hug then he began to cry. "It's okay. I'm here and no one is gonna hurt you.." I said trying to fight back my own tears.  "What are you kids doing out here? Come inside." I looked and saw mom standing at the door. "Come on." I said then both boys followed me inside.

"Good evening Mrs. Jeon." Both Youngjoo and Jihoon bowed to mom and she just smile and nodded. "Long time no see Jihoon. Care to introduce me to your other friend Jiahn?" Mom asked and I quickly introduced her to Youngjoo. The look on mom's face changed once I introduced her to Youngjoo and it wasn't a bad one! It looked like she was about to tease me or something.

"I'm sorry if I didn't properly introduced myself before. I was just a little shy." Youngjoo said which made mom let out a small chuckle. "It's okay. Do you boys want to join us for dinner? Jiahn's dad and uncle are having a boys night with Beomcheol." I looked at the both of them then Jihoon nodded which left Youngjoo no choice but to stay.

Mom jumped with joy and told us just sit tight and she'll bring out the food. Both boys sat across from me and I couldn't help but feel awkward having both of them in my house especially Youngjoo. Once mom served dinner the whole time she was asking Youngjoo on how we met and what he likes to do in life. "Ah, no wonder why you seemed familiar! You work at the convenience store that's close to Pledis. I always have to buy Jiahn's grandpa and his friends some energy drinks." To be honest I'm kinda glad that mom is slowly liking Youngjoo and I know for a fact there were times where Beomcheol would rant about the people at school and Youngjoo was for sure one.

"Are you kids excited for Christmas? I understand that you guys are having a Christmas dinner at a friends?" She asked then Jihoon nodded. "Don't worry Mrs. Jeon I'll bring JiAhn home before 10 pm." Youngjoo said then I felt my face heat up..it's probably the spicy food that I'm eating. What mom said after made me choke on my food.

"The night is young you two, so enjoy Christmas night as a couple."

"Mom!" I said then she just looked at me and shrugged. "What?? I'm just saying that go enjoy your youth." I noticed Youngjoo was smiling to himself and Jihoon was finding this funny. "Thank you for the dinner Mrs. Jeon, but I have to bring Jihoon back to my place since we have something to work on." Youngjoo said then bowed once again to mom.

"No problem boys. Remember you're both welcome to come and visit anytime you want." Mom said as we walked the both of them out the door. I waved goodbye to the both of them and once their figures were gone I went back inside the house. "I like that Youngjoo kid. He seems perfect for you." Mom said as she started cleaning the table. "So when are you going to date him?" She added which made me almost drop the plate I was washing. "Mom, Youngjoo is just my friend. Were just F R I E N D S." I emphasized the last part but she just shook her head.

"That's what I said about your dad, but look where we are now." She said with a laugh and I just rolled my eyes.

-

"Youngjoo this! Youngjoo that! What does he have that I don't!!?! I knew her longer than he did! And what?!? Just one meeting on the rooftop and boom! They're inseparable!  JiAhn should be with me!! And now he gets to meet her parents before I do?!? Ahh!!!!! That should be me!!! I know now..On Christmas day I will ask her to be my girlfriend and there will be no way she'll say no..theres no way..And I can finally take back what was mine!"