Friend Zone

 

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"It's definitely not nothing."

 

You couldn't help it. It was in your nature to show all of your emotions on your face.

 

"It's nothing."

"It's written all over your face!"

"Then stop looking at my face!"

 

You were on the verge of tears.

 

You couldn't say it. How could you? It was bad enough that you had to see them together everyday, but it didn't help that Kai could see right through you. How could you possibly tell the person that you love how you feel when you knew that he’s madly in love with someone else? It wouldn't be fair to him or the girl for that matter.

 

You looked away.

 

"I have to go."

"Why do you always do this?"

"Do what?" You turned around in tears

 

He stood there shellshocked.

 

"Yah, why are you crying?" He reached his hand toward your cheek to wipe of your tears

 

You slapped his hand away.

 

"I do this because you always do this!"

"Do what?"

 

‘Make me like you.’ You thought to yourself

 

“Forget it.” You dashed through the front door slammed it behind you

 

You placed your hand on your chest.

 

“Calm down heart.” You muttered to yourself

 

The door bolted open and you quickly composed yourself and faced the door.

 

Kai grabbed your wrist.

 

“…please, tell me whats wrong…I’m stupid and I really don’t understand women and I-“

 

“It’s not your fault.” You faced him upright

 

You couldn’t drag this on anymore. There was never going to be a right time, but if you didn’t get it now you’d keep it bottle forever.

 

“Kai…”

 

It felt as if a rock was caught in your throat but you were determined and attempted swallow the lump and bring up the right words.

 

“I like you.” You managed to choke out

 

“…I like you t-“

 

“Not like that.”

 

You pulled his hand off your wrist and looked into Kai’s eyes.

 

“I like you as a man, not a friend.”

 

There was a pause.

 

“…I-“

 

“I know. You love her.” You cut him off and mustered a smile

 

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath.

 

“Just let me go so I can start healing, ok?”

 

You turned around, not looking back and walked away. You felt his hand on your wrist again.

 

“Did you not hear anything I sai-“

 

“Are we ok?”

 

Another pause.

 

“What?”

 

“Like, you and me, as friends, are we ok?”

 

You felt a pain in your chest but there was something else. You felt relief, closure.

 

“Yeah.” You managed a smile

 

Kai smiled. You could tell that there was some sadness in his eyes as well.

 

“aigoo, so selfish you, trying to keep multiple women in your life.” You playfully hit his shoulder

 

“Heol.” He chuckled

 

“Alright, will you let me go home now?” You rolled your eyes

 

“Fine, text me when you get back!”

 

“Got it~” you turned your back to him an headed home

 

You sighed as you continued walking away and stopped at a playground that you and Kai used to play on as kids.

 

You sat down on the swing set and watched the sky turned color as the sun set.

 

“Friends, huh?” Your voice cracked as tears streamed down your face