It has been a few months already since Jaejin and Mina got together. Jonghun is currently struggling with his "love life" since he has been seeing the couple almost every day. Hongki just got back from visiting his deceased girlfriend and the whole FT Island is starting to train already.

Choi Jonghun’s POV:

                “Continue the good work guys. If you continue this pace you’ll definitely debut soon.”  A representative from the company told us during practice. We were all happy and excited with what he said so we decided to celebrate a bit with a few drinks.

                “Uhh guys, I can’t stay for too long. Uuhh you know.” Jaejin said shyly as blush swept away his face.

                “Ehh? Bring her here then! We don’t mind. We like Mina-noona!” Seunghyun said but the rest just stared at him.

                “Uhh..err.. I promised her that we’ll go…. SHOPPING.. that’s right shopping today so yeah.” Jaejin said obviously making a lame excuse. Everybody just nodded and did not push him any longer.

                It has been what? 2 months? Or was it 3 months already since the two of them started going out? I see them together almost every day. There’s no helping it. We moved into a dorm and now the 5 of us are living together. When I see them together I get this pang in my chest but I still managed to act casually about it since I chose this as well. The two of them were kind enough, saving me from witnessing their public display of affection. It’s not like Mina likes that anyway. After a few more minutes, Jaejin hurriedly gulped his beer and left us. Despite my attention focused on my heart ache, I noticed how much Hongki has been drinking, too much from the usual.

                “Ya, calm down a bit. The beer won’t go anywhere.” I took his glass from him and put it back again on the table for him to get my point.

                “Just this once Jonghun.” He looked at me with terribly lonely eyes. I looked at my phone and noticed the date. It’s been a year now. So that was why he disappeared yesterday all of a sudden. This guy, aish.

                “We’re best friends all right.” I gave him back his beer with a soft smile on my face giving him a hint that “I know why”. He just smiled at me too and continued drowning his self with beer. I guess it’s my turn tonight.

                “I suggest you guys go ahead.” I told the maknaes since the both of them were looking tired already and seems like Hongki had no plans of finishing anytime soon.

                “Are you sure hyung?” Seunghyun asked with a worried look on his face. Looks like the two of them were worried about Hongki as well. It was exactly one year ago when “that” happened.

                “I can handle this. Go get some rest.” The maknaes followed me since I’m the leader. I stopped drinking and just watched over Hongki, afraid that I might get drunk as well. We were drinking in silence and I decided to respect Hongki’s silence. He’ll around if he wanted too anyway so I won’t push him or anything. After a few more minutes of silence he spoke up.

                “Ya, Jonghun-aahh…” His words were slurred as he struggled to say my name.

                “hmmm?” I looked at him, acknowledging his call.

                “Why do we have to fall in love?” His question caught me off guard, not really sure how to answer.

                “Hmmm.. for survival I guess?”

                “No no not that kind of love, ERT.”

                “WHAT THE HELL…”

                “Why do we have to fall in love if we’ll get hurt in the end?” He cut me off in the middle before I could even finish. Then there was silence, not quite sure about the answer either.

                “Why? Do you regret falling in love with her?” I just thought of asking him this.

                “Why? Do you regret falling in love with her?” He mimicked my question. I decided to let it pass since he had this serious look on his face.

                “Do I have to answer that?”

                “Do I have to answer that?” He mimicked me again. good thing he was drunk or I would have thrown him a punch or two for annoying me. I just chuckled at his stupidity and we laughed harder and louder when he suddenly snorted. After our laughs dried out there was silence again. He was drinking a newly opened bottle of beer and he was gulping it as if it was the most natural thing to do. He dropped the bottle and looked very far away, probably thinking.

                “No I never regretted it.” He suddenly said. So he was thinking about that, I see. “Not even one bit… She gives me more reasons to appreciate happiness now.” Then he drunk again and he was starting to tear up. I didn’t say a thing and let him do the talking instead. “How about you?” He then turned to me, probably looking for company in his misery.

                “No I don’t too.” I smiled at him and tap his shoulders. He smiled as well. It’s funny how much a smile can be so meaningful. The two of us were at least somewhat on the same boat. We get to see each others’ struggles and yet we still stick together despite of being so ed up. Oh well, misery loves company.