inseperable; jaeyong

twenty seven

'...did i miss something?' taeyong asked softly.

his two friends remained silent. instead, they continued their freakishly wide smiles observing him eat his chicken as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world.

and it wasn't just know that they had been acting like this. in fact, both of them were found in front of taeyong's apartment and asked him to go out with them "on this beautiful day".

the entire day, they had spoiled him with food and drinks as if it was his birthday. taeyong had absolute zero clues as to why he was receiving such special treatment, but he also remained unbothered...until this moment.

'you guys are going to make me pay it all back, huh? a prank?' taeyong finalised, dropping the chicken onto the plate unfinished.

'what!? no, no! boy, can't we just spoil you for a day? we appreciate you!' doyoung responded.

'...ok...but why?' he furrowed his brows as his eyes switched to each of his friends.

'we love you, that's why.' doyoung nodded.

'yes, you deserve it after all.' johnny added.

'why would i deserve such a thing...?'

'so, let's talk.' doyoung finally motioned the others to sit back as taesung resumed eating his chicken.

'so there's this new guy in town...' doyoung began.

'i knew it! i knew you were up to something!' taeyong once again let his chicken drop, his pitch increasing.

'listen. he's interested in you and wants to take you on a date tomorrow!' doyoung continued.

'wait...is it that roommate of yours that wanted to speak-?'

'jungwoo? oh, hell no. plus, you aren't his type. well you're everyone's type but still, not him.' doyoung concluded that part.

'guys, you know i can't...you guys know the reason...' taeyong let his shoulders drop, along with his expression.

abruptly, johnny stood up, motioning the younger to follow him out the door.

once the two were in the street, johnny began to stroll, taeyong as confused at doyoung through the window. but he soon caught on, paying for the food and catching up with the two.

'listen, i think you should try.' johnny began.

'johnny, i told you...'

'i think you should move on.' johnny eyed the younger, taeyong's brows furrowing at the suggestion.

'what?'

'it's time that you find other people.' johnny said with a serious look in his face. 

'i have!' taeyong halted, as he waved his hand in protest. 'you!' 

'no, taeyong. can you trust us this time?' doyoung grabbed his best friend's wrist. 

taeyong couldn't believe what he was hearing. he couldn't understand why his friends were suddenly suggesting to once again go on yet another useless date which either ended up in a one night stand or taeyong completely ghosting the other. 

was he finally regretting opening up to the only people who he thought had his back?

'are you guys serious right now?' taeyong slipped his wrist from doyoung's grip, shifting his eyes between the two. 

'taeyong...' johnny tried to speak. 

'no...you guys had my back just yesterday.' taeyong began shaking his head. 'you guys made me feel valid for my feelings and made me feel as if i wasn't some hopeless romantic.' 

'this is for your own good. for your health, taeyong.' doyoung finally took taeyong's arms. 'your feelings are completely valid. just trust us. please.' 

'i'm going home. thank you for the day but i feel as if it's over now. i'll pay you guys back when i get my paycheck.' taeyong turned around to start his miserable walk home. 

'taeyong.' johnny managed to catch up to taeyong, switching him around as taeyong's eyes widened comically. 

johnny's expression was more serious than he had ever seen. in fact, taeyong felt intimidated, uneasiness spreading inside him. 

'he's going to be at the restaurant where we first met, tomorrow at 11am. don't keep him waiting.' johnny's gaze was so deep, taeyong completely paralysed. 'trust. me.'  

'ok.' taeyong managed to let out. a part of him felt terribly troubled that he was basically being forced into a date. 

but maybe doyoung was right. maybe for once, taeyong had to do this one last time. even if it was to confirm that he will find nobody else as good as his last love. 

maybe this should be the almighty slap on the face, the ripping of the bandaid.