--

Chunji ruffles his wet hair as he made his way to the lobby and outside. He had just taken his shower so he can roam around the resort and meet new ladies he can date and spend some time with. He’s been spending most of his time towards s he’s starting to feel far-off from the female gender. He needed them. To have a feel of them in his arms once again. He misses the feeling of girls in his embrace. (And to convince his self more that he’s straight and to get his attention off from the same gender, and because of a shirtless CAP, he sometimes questions his real uality.)

Chunji whistles and saw Changjo slumped down on the couch in the lobby. He seems a bit off and more gloomy than normal. He could almost picture a dark, nimbus cloud floating above his head.

Chunji moved his eyes and noticed the bandaged wrapped around the maknae’s right leg as he made his way to approach him. Curious, cautious, as he nears the dangerous maknae.

“Pst. What are you doing here?” Chunji asked and stopped just in front of the maknae. He did wondered why he’s not with his girlfriend. He finds it weird now when he doesn’t see Niel and Changjo together. Maybe he got used to at the sight of the couple always side by side.

Changjo raised his chin and spared the older a glance.

“Nothing.” He answered shortly before looking down once again, arms crossed above his chest.

Chunji scratches his head. Up to all this time, Changjo is still silent as ever (well, but not as silent as before). Chunji can also remember that quarrelling is what he and Changjo always does whenever one of them starts a conversation. But good thing those times ended, less fight, less argue, it does seems better being this way than have to yell your lungs out to one another. The Chicken’s idea of the pretend seems to change the maknae so much. He became more mature and less… grumpy.

Chunji knows that Changjo would only talk when Niel is around and when business is being mentioned. And now, how is he going to make Changjo talk to him? Ah, an idea appeared in his head. A smirk came across the side of his lips as he pretends to look around the luxurious lobby.

“If you’re thinking about L.Joe and Niel yesterday,” Chunji trails as he inspects for his fingernails, assuming that indeed, Changjo is being gloomy because of the events Haemi had made.

At the mention of L.Joe and Niel together, Changjo immediately looked up at Chunji with narrowed eyes.

“I’m not jealous!” He exclaims, dragging his arms down beside him in an annoyed manner.

Chunji blinked for several times before processing Changjo’s sudden outburst.

“I wasn’t even saying that you are, stupid.” Chunji then gasped.

“Solma. You already fell on Niel’s obvious trap huh?” Chunji asked with a clap of his hands, a grin appearing on his lips. He seems really happy about what he just declared. “Well, that’s good! Good! I support you bro. You shouldn’t even try stopping what you feel inside, trust me. It’ll hurt more.” He then pats the younger’s shoulder as he blabbers on with his mouth.

Changjo only blinked at his hyung’s words. He couldn’t understand a word he’s saying. Fallen over Niel’s obvious trap? What the?

“What?” He could only utter out as he furrows his eyebrows in confusion. What the hell is he saying?

“Aigo. You stupid fool.” Chunji shook his head in disapproval. “You’re still in denial I see. Just let your feelings out and be officially with Niel!”

“Hyung, are you saying this so you could win your bet with the others?” Changjo raised an eyebrow. He could remember overhearing them back at the gym about the ‘bet’ they casted out over them. He didn’t put much thought about it, he doesn’t want both sides to win but he knows someone has to take victory. He isn’t just sure about his feelings yet. Was it brotherly love? A brotherly attachment? But there is something beneath his heart telling him that it’s more than that; more than to even want him by not as a brother but someone… who he can spend his life with.

Chunji choked when he heard the words from Changjo’s lips, his eyes almost bulging out from their sockets. “How did you know about that??” He exclaims.

Changjo rolls his eyes and leans his back on the sofa behind him in a lazy manner.

“You think I wouldn’t notice how you always feed Haemi details of me and Niel together?”

“Hey, hey. I’m only helping you guys out!”Chunji took the defensive side. “And besides, you should be thanking me. More facts about the changniel couple and she’ll be out in no time, and the closer to end this pretend.” He continues before glancing at his watch on his left wrist.

Changjo felt his heart drop. The closer to end this pretend? Why does he feel like he doesn’t want to end it so soon?

“Welp. I gotta go meet some girls round the beach.” Chunji exclaims. “Good luck with loving our Niellie~” Chunji singsongs and turns around to leave, but before he could walk away, he felt a strong grip on his left arm, stopping him.

“Wait, what do you mean ‘in denial’?” Changjo tried asking, standing up from his seat. There is one thing that caught his attention on Chunji’s words. ‘You’re still in denial’. It made him curious about the word. Why would Chunji think that he is?

Chunji just shrugged and fully faced the younger again.

“If you’re starting to have feelings for a person, you’ll immediately know it.” Chunji tilts his head and pulls his arm from the maknae. “I just wonder why you’re denying those feelings you’re having for Niel.” Chunji crossed his arms as he pretends to think. He had noticed Changjo’s actions, every action he made around Niel and he couldn’t help but notice these simple acts. He’s emotionally and physically affected to whatever Niel does and Chunji knows only one thing why a person is being affected by another person. Attachment. Love. It’s the perfect words and Chunji knows these very well.

“What are you talking about?” Changjo growls, impatient. He doesn’t understand a word his hyung is giving him. Can’t he be more straightforward and tell him outright what he wants to say?

Chunji poked Changjo’s chest and grins knowing that there’s no other way to make the maknae realize what he has to know. And with the three simple words Chunji gave Changjo, the maknae felt his world stop for a second.

“You like Niel.”

“No, I don’t.” Changjo found his self quickly denying with no reason. Chunji snorted at the quick response, making it more obvious that the other boy is lying.

“Told you you’re still in denial.” Chunji says with a shake of his head. “But fine, if you don’t like Niel. There’s only one perfect word for that feelings you’re having.” He trails, making the maknae even more curious now.

“What… is it?” Changjo asked hesitantly. He does want to know the answer and he could only rely on Chunji this time.

“You love him.” Chunji grins widely, nodding his head twice in approval. He only received a glare from the younger boy as he continues to .

“Shut up.” Changjo ruffles his hair and made an attempt to leave when Chunji’s following words stopped him on his tracks.

“I’m worried, Changjo. There are lots of people involved in this matter, not just you and Niel. People will get hurt. But you have a choice.” Chunji trails, his expression hardening as the air around them became serious.

“Either you hurt someone else… or hurt yourself.”

It took Changjo several seconds to process Chunji’s words in his head. And when he turned around to look and ask for another question, to ask for a clearer explanation, Chunji is no longer on his sight.

“Hurt… myself?”

---

The sun was up so high as its rays cascade down on the people having fun on the beach, playing on the sands and building castles, playing on the water as they enjoy the salty taste it gives. The gang was scattered everywhere as they enjoy their individual time they all agreed before grouping their selves up at dinner later that evening.

Chunji was walking around the resort, leaving his foot prints on the wet sand beneath him as he holds his sleepers in one hand. He met different kinds of girls on his way and to him; there are only two types of them, either the shy one or the bold one. He would never choose between these types, but he’d admit he like the shyer ones better. They look cute and more attractive than the bold ones who always seduce men to bed. Chunji likes a challenge. And that’s what he’s searching for.

He lowered his shades when a certain girl caught his attention.

“Haemi?” He called expectantly. The said girl turned around and saw Chunji a few feet away from her. Upon recognizing the boy, she flashed him a wide smile before waving her slim arms in the air for him. Some guys frown in disappointment when they saw Haemi waving to some guy.

‘Was he her boyfriend?’ ‘Damn. He’s so lucky.’

Chunji almost blushed at those comments he heard from the boys he passed by as he approach Haemi. He didn’t have to ask why Haemi is famous around the boys. He can already tell by just looking at her.

“You’re alone?” Haemi noticed as she looks for someone behind Chunji.

Chunji just nodded his head.

“What about you?”

“Oh, well~ I was following Jong Hyun but I lost sight of him.” Chunji saw Haemi’s smile turns into a pout as the girl twiddles with her fingers. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of him. He does sometimes wonder why Changjo hates the girl so much when she can be so cute at times. But still, he wouldn’t forget why the maknae’s getting rid of her. She’s a possessive girl, and a spoiled one at that.

“Oh, so. Do you wanna hang out? Let’s buy some cakes.” Chunji offered. Haemi shot up as her smile instantly returns on her lips.

Arriving at the bakeshop, Chunji offered Haemi a seat after taking their orders. They talk about stuffs and shared some informations about their selves. Chunji couldn’t help but to like the girl more as he gets to know her. He felt the gadget on his hand he was holding vibrate, calling for his attention as it indicates that their order is ready to take.

“Oh. I’ll just get our cakes.” Chunji excused, flashing her a warm smile before leaving her.

Haemi nodded and smiled. She looked down and saw Chunji’s phone lying flat on their table. “Eh? Oppa left it?” Curious, she picked it up. She pressed some buttons and swipes the screen as she finds interesting things inside Chunji’s phone. She giggled and shakes her head as she explores Chunji’s gallery more. A gasp made its way on her lips when she came across a certain picture. L.Joe and Niel kissing. You can clearly see the confetti’s and stuffs around them and the party hat they’re wearing. So the picture was taken at Niel’s birthday party?

“I knew it!” She exclaims, a hand clasps over . She quickly fetched out her phone and sends her a copy of her own. This. This is what she needed the most. This can be the best thing she can use against Jong Hyun’s girlfriend. ‘She’s such a flirt!’ She exclaims in her mind, furious yet she was really glad she found the picture and it happened.

Chunji returns and sees Haemi looking through his phone. He could notice the troubled look on her wide, round eyes. He blinked as he sits down on his chair across her and continues to watch Haemi. He wondered why Haemi is suddenly acting like this.

“Something wrong?” He asked.

Haemi almost jumped at Chunji’s voice and quickly taps on the home button on Chunji’s phone. She quickly hid her phone back in her pockets before facing the boy in front of her.

“Omo! Sorry, oppa.” Haemi grins sheepishly, handling Chunji’s phone back. “I just… wanted to see how handsome oppa is, so I kind of, wanted to see how you take selcas.” She excused rather too innocent, holding out two of her fingers showing a peace sign.

Chunji laughs and waves his hand over.

“If you want a copy, I’ll pass you one.” He winks playfully.

Haemi just nodded and rides on with Chunji’s cheesy jokes. She smirked inside knowing she has another weapon against Niel.

“Let’s see how you’ll handle this, Niel-ah.”

 --

Haemi and Chunji returned to their group hotel room to see Changjo and Niel cuddling up on the couch in the living room of the VIP area of Haemi’s hotel.

“Where are the others?” Chunji asked the couple. Niel just shrugged as he leans his back on Changjo’s broad chest behind him while Changjo only rests his chin on Niel’s shoulder as they play some games on Niel’s tab. The two seems to be okay now. Chunji have heard from Ricky that the two had some misunderstandings the other night, but judging them now, it looks like things have worked out between them. Keh. They act as if they’re real lovers.

“Must be decorating the kitchen with some flour.” Changjo muttered as his answer towards Chunji’s question, his arms wrapped around Niel’s shoulder as he hold the tab in front of him so Niel can see the game too.

“Aish!” Chunji then rushed towards the kitchen to see Ricky, CAP and L.Joe indeed, decorating the room with some flours on the ground. “WHAT ARE YOU FREAKOS DOING TO THIS BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN?!” Changjo and Niel heard Chunji roars as they laugh their heads off.

Haemi bit her inside cheeks at the sight of Changjo and Niel being so cushy together on the couch. She wanted to break them so bad. She grips on her skirt and took a few steps towards them.

“Jong Hyun?” She called. Changjo and Niel looked up to see Haemi giving them a shy smile. “Can I… Can I borrow Niel for a bit? Since we’re the only ladies in the group, we’ll shop together!” She beamed at them. Niel choked. Changjo looked at Niel in worry.

“Don’t worry, Changjo. I can handle her.” Niel whispers as he turns his head to look at Changjo behind him.

Changjo nodded and lets go of Niel’s hand. “Be careful.” Changjo warns in a soft voice. He leans closer to Niel and placed a soft, gentle kiss on his hyung’s forehead.

Niel hid his growing smile as he look down. He felt the younger’s soft lips lingering on his forehead, it was weird but he’s starting to have different feelings he thought he will never have because of the maknae’s simple, innocent actions.

Niel agreed to accompany Haemi with shopping. They entered a small but a very expensive store. Haemi would occasionally pick summer dresses for Niel. She would pick some dresses and will show them to Niel, urging him to try it on. Niel just let out a weak laugh and shook his head in refusal. Haemi pouted and returned the item.

“But this is such a beauty~”

Niel watched her and realized that Haemi isn’t that bad after all, but a girl who only wants attention and is really in love with Changjo.

Niel abruptly stopped trailing behind Haemi when she stopped walking.

“Niel.” She called, her tone suddenly serious. Niel tilted his head and waits for her to continue.

“I just want to tell you, being friends with you doesn’t mean I’m giving up on Jong Hyun.” Haemi warned, her back still facing Niel. She busily scans for the clothes hanged on the hangers, face serious and emotionless.

Niel’s shoulder slumped down upon hearing her words. He doesn’t need to feel disappointed but he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to have friends, and he doesn’t like to have someone hating him, though he knows he couldn’t stop a person have reversed feelings towards him especially when that someone sees him as her rival.

“And if I were you, I would be careful now since someone would be watching me behind my back.” Haemi informed glancing at Niel by the corners of her eyes.

 Niel looked away and pretends not to feel a little awkward around her. He doesn’t get what Haemi is trying to say to him. Why would someone watch his back?

“I’m just giving you an early warning, stay away from Jong Hyun.”

Niel turned his head and just stared at her. “Is there a reason why I should?” He couldn’t help but answer back. Her repeated words are starting to get to him.

“I’m his fiancé.”

Niel frowns. “I’m aware of that. That won’t stop me and neither Jonghyun.” Niel felt his hands ball into a fist as Haemi’s words slowly starts to affect him.

“If you are, then why are you still with him? Is it for the money? I can give you them.”

“It’s never about the money…”

“Then what is there for you to just let him go??”

“He loves me.”

Haemi frowns. “But do you?” She asked.

Niel hesitated. Does he? Well of course he does, they’re best friends after all! But why does it made him feel down thinking they’re just friends? He’s starting to feel as though he wanted to be more than that as they spend more time with each other. Why is he having these feelings, why is he even having them? Niel hates it. He hates being confused.

Niel shook his head and straightens up. He moved his eyes and looks at Haemi. “Yes… I love him.” He answers truthfully and somehow, it felt really good. 

Haemi frowns as she glares at Niel.

“But what about L.Joe oppa?”

Niel froze. L.Joe..?

Haemi noticed this and smirked. ‘got ya.’

“W-what about him..?” Niel felt his heart stutter at the mention of L.Joe’s name. He forgot about him and it made him feel more depressed. L.Joe, the one he thought who’s holding his heart for a long time. But now, he isn’t sure anymore. He couldn’t understand his heart. Why is he having the same feelings for two different people?

“Oh, Niel. You thought I wouldn’t notice how the two of you flirt with each other behind Jong Hyun’s back?”

“Flirt?” Niel widens his eyes. “We were just close friends—“

“Close friends to actually share a kiss? Wow, you guys are really close.” Haemi smirked.

“Kiss?? What kiss?” Haemi just rolled her eyes at Niel and proceeds on checking some dresses on the store. ‘What an idiot acting dumb and innocent. You can’t hide things on me.’ She thought as she turns her back on Niel once again.

Niel bit his lower lip and thought of a way that will clear the misunderstandings in the girl’s head. To whatever the girl is thinking inside her head, Niel has to do something to stop making her think such things.

“Really, Haemi. Nothing’s going on between me and L.Joe oppa.” Niel tries to explain as he follows her around like a lost puppy.

Haemi tilts her head and raised both her eyebrows, her back still facing Niel. “Sorry, Niel. Even if you keep on denying about it, I have all my proofs with me.”

Niel has to brace himself when Haemi decided to face him, her face serious as her hatred on Niel grew more intense.

“Now that I know your true colors, I will not stop until I get my Jong Hyun back, you .” Haemi glared at Niel and walked off, leaving the taller girl rooted on her spot.

Niel just stared into space. He’s screwed and he knows it.

Chunji hits Changjo’s back. “You like him!” Changjo glared at his hyung. “Shut up.”

“Come on. Get some balls will you?”