I tapped my foot as my nervousness and paranoia got the better of me. Ever since confronting my aunt in the parking lot the other day, I’ve never received another call from her or seen her since. I know she’s planning something but there was no way I could prepare for it since I didn’t know what to prepare for.

I slowly blinked back from my thoughts hearing the laughter and screaming of young children. I frowned after noticing how cold it was. The season was heading towards winter but Joon insisted on having the party at the park. It was so like him.

He was bundled up with a light jacket but I just hope he wouldn’t get sick.

“Why do you look so unhappy at Joon’s birthday party?”

I looked beside me to see Yongguk. “I thought you left a while ago.” I remember seeing him speaking to Himchan on the phone. I was pretty certain that he wouldn’t want to stay around a bunch of overhyped kids and instead, have a boys’ night out kind of thing.

Yongguk shrugged. “Joon gave me the puppy-dog eyes again.”

I chuckled. “You’re still not immune yet?”

“Give me a few more times, I’m sure I’ll reach your level of immunity by then.” He joked. We both went back to watching the kids run around until he spoke again. “But, Himchan didn’t want to leave me alone so I invited him and his niece here, I hope that’s okay.”

“Wow, look at you. Being considerate and all.” I gave him a side glance and he clicked his tongue.

“Don't make a comment about it.” He mumbled.

I smiled and looked back at Joon, he was laughing and chasing his friends around. “I’m sure Joon wouldn’t mind having another friend join.”

Yongguk scrunched his face. “Doesn’t he have enough friends? Would it really make a bigger difference if Yuna came?” He asked as he watched the countless little kids run around with their never-ending energy.

I didn’t have time to answer him as more parents and children showed up. I greeted the new guests and walked away from Yongguk to show them where to set the presents and where all the food was.

***

Yongguk found himself standing alone when Wonnie left. The amount of children here was ridiculous. What did Wonnie do? Invite Joon’s whole flinging school?

He sighed but soon he looked up to finally see a familiar face. “You actually came.”

Himchan ushered Yuna forward to go play with the other children. “Since you invited me so last minute, I could only get a gift card.” He handed the envelope over to Yongguk and stood beside him.

“Damn, did Wonnie invite the whole fuc –“

“Himchan, seriously?”

Himchan chuckled. “Sorry, I should really watch my language around the young and innocent ears.”

“And don’t call her Wonnie.” Yongguk reminded him. “I told you before, didn’t I?”

Himchan nudged him. “Just because you kissed her, doesn’t mean she belongs to you.” He teased as Yongguk glared back at him. “What?” 

“Don’t bring that up.” 

“She still doesn’t know you like her?”

“I don’t like her.”

Himchan rolled his eyes. “You freaking like her. Why else would you turn down a night out for this…” He placed his hands out and motioned at the park full of parents and children. “Stop playing and you said you rather stay here and celebrate with Joon.”

Yongguk gritted his teeth. “Shut up, I told her Joon begged me to stay.”

Himchan just stood there and stared at his friend who was becoming more of a stranger with each passing minute. Himchan attempted to bite back the smile that threatened to break across his lips. “You lied and said her son wanted you to stay. Oh my God, you're completely head over heels.”

Yongguk narrowed his eyes at him. Were they in middle school? “Just because I told her that Joon wanted me to stay, that doesn’t mean anything. Maybe I wanted to celebrate with the little man, alright?” He quickly waved away Himchan’s little theory.

“Then, why didn’t you just say you wanted to stay?” H

At that question, Yongguk couldn’t provide an answer for his best friend. “You’re reading too much into this.”

Himchan looked at Yongguk and shook his head, unable to hold back his chuckles. “This is a new side I’m seeing from you, Yongguk.” The two faced the park and Himchan sighed. “So, how are you feeling?”

Yongguk shrugged. “Better, I guess.”

“Still angry?”

No matter how hard Yongguk tries to ‘let go’ of the anger, it just seemed impossible. “Yeah.”

“Don’t rush it, you’ll only get frustrated.” Himchan advised his friend softly. After speaking to Yongguk the other day, he found Yongguk still pretty injured and hurt by everything that transpired a few years ago. Granted, he knew Yongg