Chapter 12

Joohyun doesn't know what to think after that, she didn’t know why Yonghwa was so mad to the point of punching the door, sadly it’s a very solid door thus breaking his knuckles, he took the exam using his left hand that day and a couple of weeks to follow. She tried to talk to him about it but was just waved it off as having a bad day. He ignored her for days after that and when he’s in the mood would talk to her in a cynic manner, throwing her off once more.

“So you think you can come out this Saturday?”

“Let me ask my mom and dad first but what for?” she asked closing her notebook and placing it inside her bag

“Let’s just watch a movie then maybe an early dinner?” Minho suggested, she puckered her lips thinking if it’s okay to go out with just the two of them and he can sense her dilemma

“We can ask Hyo and Sooyoung to join if you want”

She smiled widely “really?”

“Really” showing the same bright smile

“Joohyun!!!” she almost jumped from her seat as she heard a booming deep voice from behind, she doesn’t need to guest who the voice is from.

“Yo Yong! Come here!” she motioned for him to come inside the room and tap the seat infront of her. He rolled his eyes as he sluggishly walked towards the two but instead of sitting, he just stood in front of them.

“I need your help, Mr. Han is being a pain and called home to let mom and dad know I might fail his subject and do summer classes, I just miss like 2 projects so far is that worth failing me?” he looked at her with a disbelief expression but shifted to annoyance when his eyes landed on Minho who was still sitting beside Joohyun

She scratches her head trying to recall the last project she helped him with “Yong! What projects are those?? Didn’t I help you with the Periodic table?”

“The one after that! You were too preoccupied with many things” he then looked at Minho again “so I never bothered you with it”

“Yonghwa you should’ve told me and what do you mean by occupied? We talk here and on the phone but you never told me anything! Christ Yong! We’re 5 months away from finishing our junior year, can’t you help yourself within those months? I can only do so much for you!”

“Are you really planning to lecture me in front of him?” he asked coldly “I need you this Saturday to help me with the makeup projects”

“I can’t we sorta have some plans” side eying Minho

“So it’s him then?”

“What are you talking about Yonghwa?”

“Nothing, I guess this is how it all ends!” he exclaimed then walked away

“Wait Yonghwa!”  she tried to catch up with him but stop at their classroom door. “Let him be” her inner self coax her

He never called nor dropped by to see her that entire week.

“Mom, we’re leaving!”

“Okay take care honey! You guys enjoy be home early!”

“We will mom! Thank you!”

When they reached the theater and was about to buy their tickets, the four stood in surprise to see a person in line buying a movie ticket as well. ALONE.

“Yonghwa?”

He looked at the four and smiled “Oh hey you guys are here, I didn’t know you’d be here what a nice surprise”

Minho chuckled and shook his head in defeat

“Are you alone?” Sooyoung asked

“Yup!”

“You watch movies alone?” Hyoyeon asked with a hint of suspicion

“Yeah!”

“Let’s go guys” Joohyun ushered everyone without looking at Yonghwa. The two were a bit hesitant of leaving Yonghwa alone when they were all there and besides they are his friends also and will be watching the same movie

Hyo and Soyoung looked at each other and sighed

“Yonghwa come with us! Be our date!” Hyo smiled widely at him at the same time shooting an apologetic look at Joohyun

“I think Yonghwa would like to enjoy his alone time Hyoyeon” raising her brows in annoyance

“Nah ‘d love to join you guys instead, watching this movie is more fun when you’re with friends!” he replied with the same tone of annoyance

“Oh god” Sooyoung then walked ahead as she feels the tension between the two. Minho who don’t know what to do and what to say, stood in line to buy their tickets instead leaving the three awkwardly standing, well Hyoyeon awkwardly standing and the two with their staring showdown. She can picture flames coming out of each of their eyes like computer graphics.

“I’ll leave you two alone” as she turned around leaving the battlefield

“You planned this didn’t you? The minute you went ballistic last Tuesday I knew you’d backfire! You’re a choding after all!” she exclaimed in anger

“What do you care?!” he replied in the same manner

“Coz I don’t know your problem with me! You avoided me all week! Didn’t even bother to answer my calls nor my messages I even went to Mr. Han to ask for an extension for your project so I can help you! Yet there you are all smile with your friends as if you’re breezing through your chemistry class! Wake up Yonghwa you’re failing it!!!” she whispered in anger loud enough to attract attention

“I didn’t ask you for it!”

“Really? Is this the direction you’d like to go?”

“Joohyun, Yonghwa let’s go!” Sooyoung looked at them showing them the tickets, the three then entered the movie house with the two lagging behind and still arguing. Joohyun sat in between Minho and Yonghwa but there were no signs that the argument will fade soon.

The movie finished with everyone not really understanding what happened to the story. Joohyun and Yonghwa kept firing at each other, and the three can’t help but hear the bantering since they we’re seated at the middle.

“Hyoyeon and I are heading home, for some reason the movie gave us a headache, we won’t be joining you for dinner but thank you for the invitation” and her friends left just like that

Yonghwa was looking at Minho waiting for him to say something.

“Joohyun I’ll take you home, I’m suddenly not feeling well myself” the latter offered

“Are you okay?” she asked him looking concerned

“Yeah”

“You can go home I’ll take care of her and send her home” Yonghwa authoritatively ordered

“No I was the one who picked her up from her house so I’ll be the one to take her home” Minho answered back with determination

“OH no” she thought “I can go home by myself” she squeaked

“No!” both answered her

“Yonghwa go home, Minho will take me home”

"But I-"

"Yonghwa please?" she looked at him pleadingly 

Yonghwa stared at her dumfounded at what he heard and stomp off

“I’m sorry about that Minho I didn’t know he’d be here, I’m sorry if he made you uncomfortable”

“It’s okay maybe he’s not use to sharing his best friend with another guy”

“He’ll get use to it” she looked up at him and smiled

“I don’t think so… I’m sorry Joohyun, but I’m not ready to go head to head with Yonghwa everytime I’m with you, I like you a lot I really do, but you’re best friend got some real serious issues”

She was speechless for the next minute

“You mean?”

“We’ll be great as friends”

She nodded in understanding but she can’t help but be sad, she was enjoying Minhos company and it takes her mind off of Yonghwa but what can she do now? Beg? It’s not fair. When she got home, she found a letter lying on her bed

“J,

I’m sorry I was an , I didn’t mean to ruin your date, I just don’t like Minho but if you are happy with him then I’m happy for you too. I hope you forgive me and if it helps, I will even treat you two to your next movie date. Without me, I promise!

Your best friend forever and ever

Yong choding”

She