Chapter Seven: 

The Plan That Went Down in Flames

In the end, I couldn’t change their minds afterall….

They’re seriously going to start trouble tomorrow morning and there’s nothing I can do to stop them…just my luck.

After grabbing my things from the locker room, the five of us left the school standing in front of the entrance gates.

“Again, thank you guys.” I bowed to everyone to show my gratitude. “I probably would have committed suicide if I was in there all night.”

“Eyyy, it’s the least we could do. You’ve already done a lot for us.” Jinhwan said patting my shoulder. He gave me a warm smile. I swear, that kid’s smile was contagious, I couldn’t help but smile back along with him.

“Okay, let’s get going Jin.” Nara called out grabbing onto my arm.

“Wait a minute...you girls can’t walk home alone. It’s dangerous!” Bobby stopped us. “Do you know how many wackos and psychos there are roaming around the street at this time?!”

“Yeah, you mean like you?” Jinhwan joked around mumbling under his breath. Bobby gave him a slight push.

“It’s okay, we’ll be fine!” Nara tried to assure them.

“He’s right.” Jinhwan agreed. “We’ll walk you guys home.”

Hanbin just stood there looking out at the busy street as cars were passing us by.

“No really, you don’t have to…we don’t want to get in the way of your plans.” I insisted waving both my hands in front of me. Really. You guys have already done enough, I don’t want to burden you anymore. I feel bad, I think their plans were ruined because of me.

“Ehh, we were just gonna go shoot some hoops anyways, it’s fine.” Jinhwan replied. “Let’s go!!”

Before I could say anything else, they already started to lead the way. Though I didn’t want to admit it, I was a little happy on the inside.

The night air was quiet and calm. It felt nice.

As we walked down the sidewalk lit by the dimmed streetlights, I still couldn't help but feel… awkward? Nara, Bobby & Jinhwan were walking in front of me. They seemed to be getting along well. Well it didn't really surprise me. Nara is a really approachable and friendly person...you know, except when she turns psycho on you. They were talking and chuckling amongst each other giving off a very warm feeling. I was happy to see her getting along with others. Meanwhile in the back, Hanbin was walking beside me. He hands were in his pocket with his head looking down at the ground. We both kept silent as we awkwardly walked together behind them. It wasn't a comfortable silence either. Thinking back at what I did back at the gym makes me uncomfortable and I still feel extremely  embarrassed about it. He probably feels taken back by it too. Maybe I should apologize… I really had no right to do that.

I sighed. Should I do it? A part of me is saying to do it, but another part of me is saying, ‘ him, just go on with your life as it is.’

Ugh I don't know… it.

“Hey, Hanbin?” I called out to him in a low tone. He looked over at me with a questioned expression.

“Uh... I just wanted to say…” I hesitated. Now that my brain is actually working, it's hard to actually muster up the words I need to say. He just continued looking at me waiting for me to finish my sentence.

“I'm sorry about what happened back there in the storage room.” Ugh screw it, I'm just gonna let go of my dignity and get this over with. “I'm usually not like that. I just…” I paused. “I don't know what came over me at that moment.”

He just quietly nodded his head and facing his head back to the front.

“I was overwhelmed and flustered and I was on the verge of going mental, so I just took it all out on you.” I continued. “I'm really embarrassed about it and I feel terrible. I hope we could just-- forget everything that happened today.”

WOO! It feels great to finally get that off my chest. I can breathe a little easier now.

..

..

..

But he still kept silent. I was getting anxious again. What was he thinking about?

He suddenly let out a small chuckle under his breath. He averted his gaze back towards me. “No problem, Prez.” he replied with a half smile. He turned his head back after.

Thank god. A wave of relief came over me. Don't get me wrong, I was still embarrassed about it, but I was happy he was willing to pretend like nothing ever happened. It makes it feel a lot less awkward between us. I looked down at the ground as a small smile that appeared on my face on it's own.

We finally arrived at my house. We stood at my front gate.

“Thanks for walking me home guys. Thanks for everything.” I said opening the gate.

“Okay okay stop thanking us and go inside already.” Nara said gesturing me to leave. “Make sure to eat something and get some rest!”

I nodded and smiled at her. “Make sure to get her home safe!” I shouted at the boys. “Text me when you get home.” I said before heading in.

“Don't worry, go go!” Nara called out cupping her hands to . They were all waving bye, well except Hanbin who still had his hands in his pocket. I waved back and headed inside.

I slipped off my backpack, throwing it on the couch heading straight for the kitchen. I walked up to the fridge to find a sticky note on it. It read:

“I finally had some time to go food shopping this morning. Unfortunately, I won't be home till late late tonight because of over-time. Make sure to make yourself something to eat tonight lazy!”

- Imo

I peeled off the sticky note and opened the fridge to find it full and stocked with my favorite foods and snacks. She bought a bunch of freezer food too oh my god. My jaw almost dropped. AHHHHH!!! I clasped my hands together immediately and started giving thanks. God bless you Imo. GOD BLESS YOU!!!! I actually wanted to shed tears. I was so happy you have no idea. After being starved out for almost 12 hours, it kinda makes you go crazy.

I was way too hungry at the moment to try to make a fancy dinner. I looked on top of the fridge to see a big box of ramen. YAAAAS!! I quickly grabbed a pack and fired up a pot of water. Ramen and Kimchi is all you ever need for a fulfilling meal. Trust me, it's like heaven in your mouth for like a dollar.

After the water began to boil, I dropped the brick of ramen into it along with the seasoning packets and covered the pot with a lid. After about three minutes, I turned off the stove and literally began to dig in right away. That's how hungry I was. I was in savage mode right now and I had no regrets.

While I was digging into my delicious bowl of heaven, my phone suddenly lit up and vibrated.

You have received a message from ‘Nara’ on KakaoTalk.

Hmm? That's strange… why is she messaging me on kakao instead of just texting me. I shrugged and tapped on the notification.

Nara: Hey, we decided to make a group chat to discuss our plans tomorrow morning.

Jinhwan: Hi Jin!!! ^^

I choked on the ramen in my mouth. Holy water. I NEED WATER!!! I ran to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water, quickly downing half of it. I panted and sighed in relief. I went to sit back down and picked up my phone again.

Bobby: Waddup Prez!!!

WHY NARA WHY!!!! I rubbed my forehead in distress. I literally can't escape these people even in my own home.

Jin: hi.

Jin: omg.

Jin: I said i didn't want to take any part in this!!!!

It's like talking to a wall with these people I swear to god.

Nara: Shut up, you're doing this. It's for your own good.

Bobby: Yea Prez, you gotta show these ppl not to mess with u.

Jinhwan: I'm not actually taking part in this, I'm just cheering everyone on from the sidelines :)

Jin: Guys stop!!! I don't want to get into anymore trouble. That's literally how it all started in the first place!!!

Nara: Don't worry, if anything Bobby and Hanbin will take the blame for it right???

Bobby: that's rite, we got ur back Prez.

Hanbin: I never agreed to that.

Hanbin: And stop sending messages, I'm trying to sleep.

Bobby: yea rite bro lol were goin down together

Jinhwan: stfu Hanbin, you don't even sleep at this time!

This group chat will be the death of me. I put my phone down and tried to finish up the rest of my food. I quickly cleaned up my mess, got into the shower and began to get ready for bed.

I laid there on top of my bed staring up at the ceiling. I was tired and exhausted to the point of not being able to even get up anymore. However, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t fall asleep. There was too much going on in my head. Scenes of today kept repeating in my head over and over.

I can’t believe I was locked in a closet all day. I’m literally traumatized. I can’t even look at my own closet anymore without getting chills. I tried to close my eyes.

Why do you keep showing up in my head?! All I see is Hanbin standing at the doorway from behind me. I shook my head in frustration. Now I see him crouching under the bleachers in front of me. You’re so annoying go away!!! The scene faded into him hugging me back when I broke down in front of him. AHH! I started throwing a fit waving my arms everywhere and kicking my blanket. My phone vibrated beside me, lighting up my dark bedroom.

Jinhwan: Good night guys ^^

Nara: Good night :)

Bobby: Gud nite c u tomorrow

Hanbin: Sh