“I talked to Soo Min last night.” Hyungwon said while he was eating brunch with Junhui at a pretty nice restaurant. It was a place Junhui talked about before, he said how he wanted to try it but didn’t have anyone to go with. Seeing as Junhui helped him start talking to his younger cousin more, he felt like he should bring him here in a way to thank him.

 

“You did?” Junhui muttered with his mouth full and Hyungwon snickered at that. “What did you two talk about?”

 

“I told her about Ren and his mother, Rina. She seemed pretty upset last night and it was clear it was because of the affair situation… so I answered the question she had.”

 

“And what question was that?” Junhui was all ears now and stopped eating so he could listen. Even if it really wasn’t any of his business, this was a good friend of his they were talking about, he’s been worried and you can’t blame him for wanting to know what’s been going on.

 

“Well, you remember hearing her mention how Ren thinks her father might be his father?” Junhui gave a simple nod. “I nodded just like that.” Hyungwon chuckled and pointed.

 

“Wow.” Junhui thought it was funny but at the same time… “but it’s true, right?” He really hoped Hyungwon didn’t give a false answer. He’s said a few times how it’s not his place to say anything and how he just never really answered any questions about it.

 

“It is. I knew I had to answer her this time. It was getting too intense, I could tell. I couldn’t just let her stress about it any further, that’s not fair, it’d be cruel if I just let it get worse.”

 

“You did a good thing.” Junhui gave him a gentle pat on his shoulder. “Even though it may have been difficult because you didn’t want to be the one to spill the beans, it probably eased her mind knowing the truth now.”

 

“You really think so?” Hyungwon still couldn’t help but feel guilty for waiting until it was too much.

“Better late than never, right?” Junhui pointed out and those words helped, somewhat.

 

“Thanks.”

 

“No problem! Does this mean your relationship with Soo Min will get better?”

 

“I hope so… I was honest about why I’ve been avoiding her and she said she understood. That’s a start, right?”

 

“It is! I’m glad!” Junhui looked so happy now for his friend and it was really sweet. “Keep it up!”

 

“I will, don’t worry. There’s still a lot I don’t know about her it seems…”

 

“Not even I know a lot, so don’t feel bad. One day you will know enough.” Junhui was good at saying the right things to Hyungwon today. “Don’t rush it.”

 

“Right.” Hyungwon nodded and gave him a wide smile. “Thanks. Feel free to order more food if you want… I’ll pay.”

 

“That’s fine, I’m full!” Junhui said with a sheepish smile until he saw a waitress walk by with a plate of something he hadn’t tried before and he watched the plate go with a dejected expression, but it didn’t last long and was replaced with a hint of surprise. He saw something.

 

“Seriously, go ahead and order more.” Hyungwon chuckled and turned in the direction of where the plate was going, he could see the waitress set it down at a table with two familiar faces. “Oh…” He recognized those faces. It was Choi Rina and Chae Kangmin. It seemed like they were having brunch together, like they were catching up on things, probably since they’re good friends from the past. But he really wondered what they were talking about? “I’ll use the bathroom.” Hyungwon said before he got up to walk over, he made sure to walk around so the two older adults didn’t notice him. They were at the table near the hallway where the bathrooms were and Hyungwon thought maybe he could eavesdrop just a little, even though he shouldn’t.

 

“Are you ready for L.A?” Rina asked.

 

“Sure am. It’s going to be fun.” Kangmin replied and sounded happy.

 

“That’s good.” Though Rina didn’t sound as happy as him. He noticed.

 

“What is it?”

 

“... I don’t know.” She said quietly with a sigh. It sounded like she was thinking about something, she was probably thinking about Ren and Soo Min.

 

“Have you been working too hard? You really shouldn’t do that, you’ll get sick!” He said in a scolding tone, but it was out of pure worry for his dear friend.

 

“I know, I know.” She gave a weak laugh. There was a moment of silence since her companion resumed eating and Hyungwon hadn’t noticed that Rina caught onto him eavesdropping just yet. She thought about it now… she thought about saying something while someone was listening. “Kang…” She spoke up.

 

“Yes?” He hummed and continued to eat.

 

“Have you talked to your daughter lately?”

 

“... the other day.” He nodded. “Why?”

 

“Did she say anything about new friends?”

 

“She did say she and Won Woo made a new friend by the name of Mingyu.” He nodded again and started to think back on what else was said in their conversation. “She also mentioned you.”

 

“Did she mention Minki?” It was suddenly quiet. Now it dawned on him. “I also met a familiar looking model and his group of 4 friends. He’s the son of a famous designer named Choi Rina.”

 

“She did.” He finally said. “I didn’t realize it until now.”

 

“What will you do now that your daughter and son have met?” She questioned and gave him a long stare. She really hoped he wasn’t going to try and get out of this somehow. “After 21 years of it being a secret, the truth is coming out. Are you going to let them figure it all out on their own or will you tell them the truth yourself?”

 

“I’m not sure.” His expression fell into a dejected one. He knew that wasn’t the right answer. “It’s so sudden… just give me some time.”

 

“Did you seriously think this would never happen?” Rina’s tone was a little harsh. “Surely after 21 years you’d have some sort of idea on how to deal with it, right?” He didn’t say anything in reply but it was clear that her words got to him. He looked guilty. “Those kids have been suffering a lot these days… please do something about it before it gets worse.” He understood why she was angry, she raised Ren all these years as her own son, she didn’t want to see him suffering over this… so of course she was going to scold his indecisive father.

 

“I’ll talk to her… soon.” He finally said. Rina knew this was probably as much as she’d get from him and sighed.

 

“If you need help, just say it. You can bring her and Won Woo to my office and tell them the truth there. I’ll help.”

 

“You’d do that for me?” He gave a sad smile. “Thanks.”

 

“Of course. I know it must be hard since they’re much older now. They’re not little kids who simply won’t understand what it all means, they’re going to understand because they’re adults now… and hopefully the outcome won’t be a negative one.”

 

“It will be… they’ve been lied to their entire life. They’re going to hate me.”

 

“Maybe they will, but they can’t hate you forever. Trust them a bit more, will you? Give them the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume they’re the type to hold grudges and bitter feelings.”

 

“Right.” He chuckled. “I get it. Can we change the topic now. My lunch break is almost over.”

 

“Sure.” Rina seemed a little satisfied with this at least. She was going to make sure he kept his word. Not much more was said between the adults after that and Hyungwon figured he heard enough.

 

Just a matter of time… He thought and returned to his table. “What happened?” Junhui asked with a curious expression. “I saw you eavesdropping on them…”

 

“I’ll tell you in the car.” Hyungwon simply said before waving down a waitress so they could get the check and leave.

 

...   

 

“Hey~!” Seungcheol called out when he noticed a familiar face coming up the same hallway as him. It was Jihoon. “Didn’t think I’d see you here today?”

 

“Midterms are next week, so of course I’m preparing as much as I can.” Jihoon explained. “I hope you’re doing the same?”

 

“Yes, I am, don’t worry.” He nodded with a cute smile. “Are you almost done?”

 

“Yeah, I am. I was about to start heading home.” Jihoon gestured towards the exit of their class building.

 

“Really? I was about to head home as well. Do you want a ride home?”

 

“Sure, thanks.”

 

“No problem.” Seungcheol said before leading the way out of the building and to his car in the parking lot. “Actually, Soo Min was at our apartment when I left, did you want to stop by?”

 

“Yeah, definitely.” Jihoon was quick on his answer. Seungcheol could tell he was worried about it. He couldn’t help but remember their time on that camping trip two weeks ago, how much Jihoon looked after Soo Min and worried about her when she got sick. He was glad he mentioned it. Jihoon figured Soo Min hadn’t left yet and was going to need a literal push to the front door for her to go home.

 

The walk to Seungcheol’s car was a quiet one, neither of them really knew what to talk about right now and that seemed okay since Seungcheol knew Jihoon was probably thinking about a lot regarding his best friends. When they reached his car, he opened the passenger side door for him and Jihoon was a little confused at that action but simply brushed it off and got in after saying “thanks” to his friend. Seungcheol was in the driver seat in no time and he reminded Jihoon to put his seatbelt on. After turning on the car, Seungcheol put an arm around the passenger seat to look out the back windshield and Jihoon suddenly felt a bit flustered but didn’t really understand why. He recalled his friends doing that a few times and he wasn’t phased at all, but when Seungcheol did it… “Do you want to pick up something to eat on the way there?” His voice snapped him out of it.

 

“Sure.” Jihoon managed to reply with a small nod.

 

“What do you want to eat? I’ll pay.” Seungcheol smiled at him before focusing on the road.

 

“Uh… cheeseburger.”

 

“Alright. Cheeseburgers it is then.” Seungcheol beamed while tapping on the steering wheel, he was waiting for his turn to pull out of the campus lot. That small action made Jihoon chuckle a bit before he looked out the window. It was cloudy today and looked like it was going to rain, or possibly even snow. Maybe rain since it wasn’t cold enough yet for snow. Hopefully none of that would start until they’re indoors because they weren’t prepared, they didn’t have their umbrellas today.

 

...

 

“Look who decided to come home.” Seungkwan said in a sassy tone after Mingyu entered the apartment. “Forgot to pack a change of clothes, huh?”

 

“No.” Mingyu pouted at him. “Something came up, Won Woo needed me.” He added after taking his shoes off at the door and hung up his coat.

 

“Is everything okay?” Seungkwan’s sassy attitude suddenly vanished and was replaced with pure worry. It was amusing and Mingyu snickered a little about it.

 

“He’s okay.” He assured him. “He’s with his brother now.”

 

“He has a brother?!” Soonyoung blurted out next to Sassy Boo on the couch.

 

“Oh right…” Mingyu forgot his friends weren’t as clued in as he was about the situation between the WooMin duo and Ren. He felt like it was okay to explain the gist of the story to them and they were shocked.

 

“That’s intense!” Seokmin said once Mingyu was done explaining. “We had no idea!”

 

“Sorry, it’s not like I didn’t want to tell you guys, I just didn’t think it was my business to say much about it. But you are his friends now after all, you should at least know something about it.”

 

“Well, thanks for letting us know.” Soonyoung said with a small smile. “We were worried when you didn’t come home last night.”

“Sorry, I guess I was so distracted that I forgot to leave you guys a message.” Mingyu said with a guilty chuckle. “I promise I won’t forget next time.”

 

“Good, you better.” Seungkwan said with a serious expression before his eye locked onto the faint bruise on his neck, his expression softened and transformed into a curious one. “What’s that?” He pointed.

 

“What?” Mingyu asked and watched Soonyoung move over so he could see what Seungkwan was pointing at.

 

“Is that a hickey?!” The blonde practically blurted out in complete shock. Mingyu winced at how sudden it was before pouting. Of course, leave it to his friends to about something like this.

 

“Yeah it is, what about it?!” He asked and saw his friends gather together and look at him in awe. “You guys are too much!” He groaned before getting up and started walking towards the kitchen. “What do you three even want to eat for lunch?”

 

“Fried chicken!” Soonyoung blurted out and Mingyu laughed. He suppose they were ordering takeout instead because he ain’t going to spend all afternoon making fried chicken.

 

…

 

“Something wrong, Chan?” Jeonghan asked after greeting his youngest friend and they headed away from the high school. Today was half a day at Chan’s school because of a waterline break in the main building this morning, the younger had mentioned it to Jeonghan who had planned to pick him up after school and drop him off at home later today, it was something his hyungs did for him here and there. But he noticed it seemed like the older two had been visiting him a lot less after the camping trip. He was sure it had nothing to do with him, but he also couldn’t help worry if he might have done something as well?

 

Chan really thought about it. He figured he could just lie and try to hide his concern or be honest with him. “I’m worried about everyone.” He went with the truth. “I haven’t heard a lot from you guys since the camping trip. Is everything okay?”

 

“Ah, I’m sorry.” Jeonghan gave a sad laugh and pulled him close to his side while they walked down the sidewalk together. “I guess we all got a bit busy and stressed…”

 

“Stressed about school?”

 

“That too.”

 

“What else have you been stressed about?” Chan asked calmly, he could tell something was bothering his hyung a lot right now. Even if he knew maybe he was too young for Jeonghan to vent to, he at least thought to ask to show he cares. And maybe he could help somehow.

 

“A lot’s been going on.” Jeonghan started off. “After that camping trip, things started to come up as well as secrets. Life changing secrets.”

 

“Oh no… did something bad happen?” Chan was even more worried now and he stopped them from walking any further. “What happened?”

 

“Don’t worry, nothing bad happen, or so I don’t think anything bad happened. Won Woo and Soo Min found out they have a half brother they never knew about.” Jeonghan felt like he could say that much at least. Chan just stared up at him and he chuckled at how adorable his shocked expression was, he had to reach over and manually shut his mouth. “It’s been quite a shock, Won Woo handled it pretty well, Soo Min, not so much.”

 

“Why not?” Chan frowned at the mere thought of it. “She should be happy, right?”

 

“In time, she will be.” He nodded and patted him on the back.

 

“Is she home?” The younger asked and they resumed walking. Jeonghan smiled at how sweet Chan was to ask about her, he knew he probably wanted to visit her and try to cheer her up or something. But Jeonghan wasn’t so sure if Soo Min was up for that kind of company right now.

 

“No.” Jeonghan answered honestly. “She went to a friend’s place to collect herself.” That was partly true, that happened yesterday, but telling Chan this now was for the best. “She should be home by the end of the weekend.”

 

“Okay.” Chan sighed. “I want to visit her when she’s home.”

 

“That sounds like a good idea. You want me to take you?”

 

“I can get there on my own just fine, hyung.” Chan chuckled when Jeonghan pouted at him. “I’m not a little kid anymore.”

 

“Yes, you are!” Jeonghan protested. “It’s not safe to walk these streets alone!”

 

“I’ll be fine!”

 

“At least let us drive you and drop you off!” Jeonghan complained.

 

“Fine!” Chan knew he wouldn’t hear the end of it if he didn’t agree to at least that. Jeonghan was pleased with that answer and Chan rolled his eyes when the older wasn’t looking. Then he smiled… he was glad to have such a caring hyung like Jeonghan. He was like the older brother he never had. That made him start to think about what he was told, about Won Woo and Soo Min having a half brother they never knew they had. He thought it was interesting, because they also seemed like siblings he never had as well.

 

He tried not to think about the whole sister thing too much since she was dating Jeonghan, it got weird real fast! So he had been thinking of her as a sister in law after the two started dating. It was amazing to think how they all knew each other since a young age like that, and he couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed that they weren’t that much CLOSER after growing up. He knew it had to be from the , but he hoped once he was out of high school, that gap wouldn’t be such a problem anymore. He would be treated like a kid all the time whenever he’s around his older friends.

 

“Hold my hand.” Jeonghan instructed when they got to the crosswalk.

 

“Hyung…” Chan complained.

 

“Hold my hand!” Jeonghan insisted with another pout.

 

Chan groaned and took a hold of Jeonghan’s hand and died a little on the inside when he saw fellow students from his school watching and giggling to themselves, they were girls from his class! Just his luck… and a girl he started to like was among them as well. But he couldn’t help but overhear them comment how cute it was and how they admired Jeonghan for being so protective. Great, they like hyung instead of me! The signal finally came on and Chan started to walk before Jeonghan pulled him back softly.

 

“No, Chan. Remember you should look both ways before crossing!”

 

“But the signal is on, it’s our turn to cross!”

 

“That’s true, but that doesn’t mean everyone follows the rules!” He exclaimed while pointing at a car that ignored those rules at that moment. “Always look before crossing!” Chan was a little less annoyed now that Jeonghan just saved his life. Well, almost!

 

“THANKS, hyung.” Chan said after crossing the street with him, the girls had followed close behind after all of that.

 

“No problem.” Jeonghan flashed him a sweet smile and they heard the girls squeal behind them. Jeonghan looked over his shoulder with a small chuckle while Chan groaned and dropped his head in defeat.

 

...

 

“You’re finally home.” Minghao said when Junhui entered the apartment. “Where were you?”

 

“I was having brunch with a friend.” Junhui explained while taking his shoes and coat off at the door. He was still thinking about the stuff Hyungwon said on the car ride home, the things he overheard from Ren’s adoptive mother and Soo Min’s father. How soon do they plan to do that? He wondered. He hoped it wouldn’t conflict with their midterms, or their trip to L.A.

 

“Well, it’s lunch time now. Can we go eat?” Minghao asked calmly.

 

“I just got back! What do you mean can we go eat? Just order something!” Junhui complained and passed him to get to the kitchen. Minghao was a little caught off guard by the older’s attitude and he sighed. He was telling himself not to get mad about it, he was sure Junhui was going through some things right now just like Jisoo was.

 

It seemed like the both of them were distracted and bothered by stuff, he assumed it was stress from college, midterm week was just around the corner, literally. It sort of made him think about not going to college, but he knew he shouldn’t think that way, his experience could be a lot different from his hyungs, his could go way better than theirs. He had to keep a positive mindset now that he was pretty much alone in another country. Alone… “Maybe it’s better this way.” He muttered before he decided to leave the apartment. If he got lost, so be it. He was sure he could find his way home somehow! I don’t want to rely on anyone too much. He thought while walking down the hallways and down the stairs to the ground floor. I have to be independent.

 

When he walked outside, he took a moment to look around, because he needed to figure out which way to go. He was trying to remember from the last time Junhui took him out to eat, which direction they came from. Usually he was good about remembering things, but this time he couldn’t quite remember. He let out a frustrated sigh and ran a hand over his face. So much for being independant, right?

 

“Hey, is everything okay?” He heard a female voice ask and he turned to see two of them standing nearby.

 

“Oh sorry, am I in your way?” He said before stepping to the side a few steps since he was standing right in front of the front entrance.

 

“No, you weren’t!” The one with a long black bob assured him with a cute smile. Next to her stood her friend with medium length dark brown hair. They were quite pretty and Minghao felt himself get a little nervous since he was by himself and his Korean wasn’t exactly that great yet.

 

“Were you waiting for someone?” The girl with the longer hair asked curiously.

 

“No.” He shook his head. “I wanted to go eat somewhere but I’m still new to the city. My older roommate wouldn’t take me, so I was going to go on my own.” He explained the best he could and he was glad the two girls understood him.

 

“Aw, you poor thing! Your roommate is a jerk!” The short haired girl scrunched her face up in disapproval. “Don’t worry, if you don’t mind, you can tag along with us! We were about to go eat lunch as well!”

 

“Is that okay?” Minghao was really nervous now but was good at hiding it.

 

“Of course! We can’t let you starve now can we?” She looked up to her friend who gave a shy smile and nodded in agreement. “Then it’s settled, let’s go eat!”

 

Minghao was surprised how he got himself into this situation but knowing he would get to eat helped him through it. He was glad there were nice people around here! “Right, we should introduce ourselves before we leave.” The short hair girl blurted out before they got to the parking lot. “My name is Chan Mei Yi. This is my friend Yeo LiNa. Your turn!”

 

“Oh, uh… My name is Xu Minghao.” He said softly before noticing LiNa smile after speaking his name. “I came from China to pursue school.”

 

“Interesting, then we hope you’ll enjoy your time here!” Mei Yi beamed.

 

“Thank you.” After introducing themselves, he felt a little more comfortable around them.

 

“Shall we get some authentic Chinese food to commemorate our new friendship?!” Mei Yi exclaimed. “I know a place, just leave it all to me!” She added and led the way to her parked car in the lot. Minghao was very pleased that they weren’t going to have to walk, even though walking is good for you, he just didn’t feel like it today. Not only that, they were going to eat food from his homeland!

 

He sat in the backseat since LiNa took the front passenger seat, it was better that way since he felt it could get awkward with him sitting in the front with Mei Yi. He could tell she was a talkative person and he probably wouldn’t be able to keep up with it. But maybe they could help him with his Korean along the way? The girls made some small talk in the front while Minghao sat quietly in the back looking out the backseat window, he decided he wouldn’t keep track this time. When his phone buzzed in his pocket, he pulled it out to see who it was.

 

Junhui: Where’d you go?

 

He snickered at that question. Isn’t it obvious? I left to eat. He wasn’t going to reply to him though. He didn’t want to, not after the way he talked to him earlier, even if he understood maybe he was stressed, it was still not okay. With how things have been, his older roommates always leaving the apartment and leaving him all by himself… for once he was going to leave them at the apartment all alone. They can sit there and worry about him all day just like he does. You could say he was feeling a bit rebellious now. Have fun, punks.

 

...

 

Jihoon was by himself sitting at one of the booths in the burger joint Seungcheol brought them too. There was a long line and the older had told him to go sit down and wait, he didn’t want Jihoon’s legs to get tired from standing and he was in agreement. Because he sits in his studio a lot, which he knows is bad, his legs get tired easily when standing for too long. He thought Seungcheol was nice to consider that about Jihoon. He sort of felt bad that the older had to wait in line by himself, but he insisted and so there wasn’t much he could do about it. So here sat Jihoon, waiting patiently for the line to move so they could get their food and leave. He was looking at about ten minutes of waiting at least. Damn.

 

But then again, it gave him time to think about things. It gave him time to think about the situation going on with his best friends. He couldn’t believe something like this was even possible. He felt sorry for his friends that they went their whole lives not knowing about this. He felt sorry for Ren who must’ve felt so lonely through the years. He recalled the time he tried asking his parents about why Won Woo and Soo Min’s parents seemed distant and getting scolded for trying to poke his nose into their business. He understood it now. He wondered how his friends were feeling right about now? He wondered how Won Woo felt? A lot has been going on for him lately with meeting Mingyu and his friends. Now he met Ren, who happened to be his half brother he never knew about. All in the span of one month, basically. I would have gone insane if it were me. It was a lot to take in, even for him who was only an outsider looking in.

 

He worried a lot about Soo Min, especially after they talked on the phone earlier. He could hear how hurt and regretful she was. He knew she was probably really beating herself up about her choices from yesterday and that’s why he agreed to tag along with Seungcheol. He needed to see her. He needed to see if she was really okay or not. He knew she was probably not okay, but she would be in time. After hearing her explain how she was feeling, he felt like he needed to be there for her this time. This was something he needed to help her get through. He hasn’t really gotten many chances to help her before, now was his time.

 

“Jihoon?” Suddenly, Seungcheol’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “You okay?”

 

“Oh? Yeah. I’m fine.” He nodded quickly and looked around to see the restaurant became a little less busy now that everyone in line had gone through.

 

“We’re just waiting for the food now.” Seungcheol mentioned and held up the receipt.

 

“Okay.” Jihoon nodded and took the receipt to look over it. “Oh, you ordered four meals?”

 

“Yeah. I texted Jeonghan that we’ll be there shortly and we’re bringing food for lunch. He agreed to it. He was going to have lunch with Soo Min today, but I guess things are different now since she stayed the night. He probably felt like it would be better if we all ate together, you know?”

 

“That’s true.” Jihoon nodded with a small smile. “Thanks.”

 

“No problem.” Seungcheol flashed him a cute smile and Jihoon could feel his cheeks warm up a bit and he had to look away. He felt a little warm and fuzzy on the inside, which felt weird and he was slightly confused. Why do I feel like this suddenly when I’m around him?

 

He knew it wasn’t rocket science to figure it out, it was clear what those reactions and feelings meant, but he was in a state of denial. It was difficult for him to accept or think about it. There was nothing wrong about it, he’s been supportive of Won Woo and Mingyu and he was quite happy for them. I just haven’t seen myself getting into a relationship of any kind. Heteroual or Homoual. He felt like he would be too focused on his music to be in a relationship to be very honest. And he didn’t know himself enough to even start one. Damn, I’m over thinking this now.

 

If anything, Seungcheol was just being really nice to him, he shouldn’t get any funny ideas. If only Jihoon really knew why Seungcheol has been so nice to him…

 

It seemed like Seungcheol could tell what Jihoon was thinking and he felt a little bittersweet about it. He hadn’t really made any obvious hints about his feelings for Jihoon and that was because he knew there was a chance that Jihoon wouldn’t accept him. As far as he knew, Jihoon is straight by default. Over the past five years of being friends with him, he’s never seen Jihoon interested in any girls or any guys.

 

He was a good student who focused on his studies and music as well. He started to think maybe Jihoon would never be interested in anyone and become a workaholic and then his life would pass by and he’d end up alone! I won’t let that happen! Even if he’d only be seen as a friend of Jihoon’s, he was going to make sure that Jihoon wouldn’t be alone in the end, he’d stay by his side as long as Jihoon would let him. You could say Seungcheol felt the same as Mingyu did on that camping trip. And he really hoped maybe things could work out just like they did for Mingyu.

 

I’d be happy if I could just be by Jihoon’s side forever. That would be enough for him.

 

“What are you staring at me for?” Jihoon’s voice snapped him out of it and he could see Jihoon looking at him with a conflicted look, like he was flustered but bothered.

 

“Nothing! Sorry!” Seungcheol said with a sheepish laugh. “Did they call our order yet?”

 

“Not yet.” Jihoon shook his head. Before he could say anything else, he noticed a pair of familiar faces enter the restaurant. It was Won Woo and Ren! They noticed them before Jihoon could tell Seungcheol about it.

 

“Hey, didn’t think we’d bump into you guys here.” Won Woo smiled in greeting.

 

“Guess we were craving the same foods.” Ren added on with a small laugh. Both Seungcheol and Jihoon laughed along with Won Woo on that before Seungcheol told them to join them at the table. Since Won Woo and Ren would have to order their food soon, they sat at the opening of the booth, trapping Seungcheol and Jihoon in, sealing their fate… lol. Won Woo sat next to Seungcheol while Ren sat next to Jihoon. The four managed to engage in some small talk until Won Woo mentioned he needed the bathroom. Seungcheol needed the bathroom as well and went with him, leaving Jihoon and Ren alone at the table.

 

“So, how are you feeling?” Jihoon asked and was a little straight forward. Ren did a small snicker, but it wasn’t a negative one. “I guess you’re just as equally stressed as Soo Min, huh?” He could tell his friend didn’t look so well at the moment, like he was tired. He was sure there was a good chance the guy didn’t sleep well last night or the past few nights.

 

“Pretty much.” Ren nodded. “Have you talked to her yet?”

 

“On the phone earlier this morning.” He answered honestly. “Seungcheol and I are heading to Jeonghan’s place after this, she’ll be there.” He added and saw Ren’s expression change into a dejected one. “I don’t want to spoil it for you but… she really is planning on seeing you later.” Hearing that, Ren’s mood lightened up a little. “I’m hoping it goes well, but please don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t happen.”

 

“I won’t.” Ren promised. “If I can be honest, I’m a bit nervous to face her as well, so she can take all the time she needs.”

 

“At least you both feel the same.” Jihoon pointed out. He thought about telling Ren what Soo Min told him on the phone, but then again, he felt like he shouldn’t. Maybe Soo Min would tell him that herself. “In the meantime, take care of yourself, okay? Don’t get sick.” He gave a gentle pat to Ren’s shoulder.

 

“THANKS.” Ren nodded with a small smile. “I’m trying.”

 

“Try harder.” Jihoon snickered. Just then, Won Woo and Seungcheol returned to the table, just in time too since their order was called out. “Number 117!”

 

“There it is.” Seungcheol smiled and got up to go fetch the food. Jihoon got up and followed after him since there was a lot to carry. Won Woo and Ren walked over as well since they needed to get in line to order their own food. It was cute when Seungcheol turned to ask for Jihoon’s help and he saw the younger was already standing there ready to do just that. “You can carry the drinks.” He said while placing the drink tray with four large fountain drinks into Jihoon’s open hands. He let go and the tray sunk down several inches like it was too heavy for him! “Do you have it?!”

 

“I got it!” Jihoon muttered with an embarrassed pout when Won Woo and Ren laughed at him. He turned and started to leave without Seungcheol who watched him with an adoring smile. He quickly grabbed the bags of food and said a quick goodbye to Won Woo and Ren before he caught up to Jihoon at the door so he could open it for him.

 

“Jihoon is such a cutie.” Ren cooed and Won Woo nodded with another laugh. “I suppose things didn’t really change that much over the past five years.

 

“I guess not. I wouldn’t know since I’ve only known him for the past five years.”

 

“That’s right, sorry.” Ren gave a sheepish chuckle.

 

“It’s fine.” Won Woo assured him and looked up ahead at the menu. “Do you know what you want to order?”

 

“Uhm…” Ren looked ahead as well and thought about it. “Maybe a salad.”

 

“Anything else?”

 

“Salad is just fine!” Ren chuckled. “But order whatever you want, okay?” The older said before pulling out his phone to answer a text he received just then.

 

Won Woo watched him slightly bothered. He recalled that day when the got ice cream together, how Ren told him he was on a diet. He’s not really on a diet, is he? He understood his brother is actually a model, but he didn’t think it was really like this. He couldn’t help but worry for him now. He does look a bit pale today… unless that's just his makeup? I can’t really tell if he’s okay because of the gradient on his lips… He felt uneasy now.

 

“Ren?” He called out when he noticed the other pull a discomforted expression suddenly, like he was dizzy or his head hurt. “Ren?”

 

“Yeah?” Ren finally snapped out of it and faced Won Woo who was giving him a concerned stare. “What?”

 

“Are you feeling okay?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

“Don’t lie.” Won Woo scolded. “You’re acting strange…” his scolding expression faded into a frown. He recalled how Soo Min acted this way when she was sick one time. When she had become dehydrated. “Let’s go.”

 

“What? Where to?” Ren was confused when Won Woo led him out of the restaurant.

 

“It’ll be a surprise. Just be, uh... patient.” Won Woo said and opened the passenger side door for him to get in. Ren hopped in and buckled his seatbelt while Won Woo walked around to get into the driver seat. He started the car and then they were off down the road. Ren started to zone out halfway during the drive and he only snapped out of it when he heard a difference voice asking him for his name and date of birth.

 

“Uh, Choi Minki, November 3rd, 1995.” He answered and started to look around. He paused when he realized… Won Woo brought him to the hospital.

---

Chapter forty-four!

 

…

… dun dunnn dunnnn lol.

Oh Ren… I’m sorry. XD But at least you’re gonna have someone there with you unlike me~!

SO DON’T BE MAD!

[it’s like they’re actually talking to each other x.x]

Ren: What does she mean at least I won’t be alone? What are they going to do to me?!

Won Woo: You’ll be fine, don’t worry. It only hurts for a second and as long as you don’t move your arm you won’t even notice it’s there, besides the cold sensation from the IV liquids.

My ideas keep changing, but it’s okay, I’ll make it work aha.

Until next time~!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR BELOVED CHANNIE~!

It’s still Feb 11th here in the states so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HIM!!!

Jeonghan: *Broken hearted* Wahh… my baby really is growing up.