“I can’t believe you back out. Scaredy cat!” Kwangmin mocked.

“I didn’t…there just wasn’t a good time.” Hyunsik defended.

“Just ask her today or I will.” Jaehwan challenged.

“It’s not as easy as you think. I can’t just go up to her and ask ‘Hey Aeri, wanna be my girlfriend?' ”

“Sure you can. Isn’t that how its done?” Jaehwan laughed and Kwangmin joined in.

“You guys don’t get it. I really…really like her. I want to make it special.”

Hoya’s heart sank upon hearing those words.

“Hoya, what do you think…how should I ask her?”

Hoya was now lost in his own thoughts as he fixed his eyes on Aeri.

“Hoya?” Hyunsik called.

He turned his line of sight to where Hoya was looking.

Hyunsik met eyes with Aeri.

He smiled at her.

Then he watched as her eyes shift to Hoya.

He noticed how they looked at each other.

It was different.

“I’m full.” Hoya got up from his seat.

“Me too.” Hyunsik followed.

“What’s wrong?” Hyunsik put a hand on Hoya’s shoulder.

“Nothing.” Hoya shrugged it off.

“I’m not stupid. I know that look, something’s wrong. Just tell me.”

“Tell you that I’m in love with the girl you want as your girlfriend? Tell you that I thought it would be me to take Dongwoo hyung’s place and not you? That I knew her from the past, before you even set your eye on her?” Hoya thought looking back at Hyunsik.

His best friend.

His lifesaver.

The only other person he cared and trusted besides Dongwoo and Aeri.

The one person who knew his past and didn’t judge.

“Fine. You caught me. I didn’t sleep well last night; the people next door were partying.” Hoya faked a laugh.

“Oh good. I was worried maybe he was back to bother you.”

“He hasn’t bothered me since that day…” Hoya smiled feeling even more guilty.

~

“Hey! What are you doing? Stop!” Hyunsik yelled when he saw a group of men follow the new stu