Mark duck under the doorway and scans the crowd. He spots his friend.

‘It’s quite rare to see you drinking.” He says.

The only response he got was the sound of a shot glass slamming onto the table. Mark sat down as Jaebum poured him a drink.

“I assume it didn’t go well.”

“It didn’t happen.”

“You didn’t tell her?”

“What can I tell her? Choose me! Choose me over the elite who can take care of you!”

“Jaebum, I know this because we’ve been friends since we were born, you have something that those elites can’t offer her.”

“Mark, she is engaged to an elite.” Jaebum take another shot. “What can I offer her? Stew and friendship?”

“Fine, fine, there is no point in talking with you when you’re drunk.” Mark signals the bartender for a glass of water. “Let get you home.”

London sat and waited, scanning the crowd in the bubble of hope. She laughed at herself in some way nothing has changed. It took a lot of convincing but she finally got her parent to allow her a little more freedom provided she returns by a certain time. Even issues with the curfew were sorted out; it does help when sometime when you are born into a powerful family. London clutched the key card that would allow Jaebum to move more freely. She hadn’t been able to contact him since then partially because she was busy organizing this and partially because she needed to sort out her emotions.

I can handle an unrequited love, friendship is better than the loneliness I used to feel. At least someone wants to be friends with her. At least that is the conclusion she came up with.

“What are you waiting for?” a voice whispered into her ear.

London yelped, spinning around clutching her ear.

“Jaebum!” She said hoping she didn’t look as flustered as she felt.

“Yes?” He said cocking his head to the side, “What’s up?”

“Oh, Uh, I just came to give this to you.” She said holding up the little piece of plastic.

“What is this?” he said plucking it out of her hand.

“Access card of sorts, it allows you to stay out after curfew.”

“Why would I need this?”

“So that you can come visit me!” After a second, “only if you want to or whatever.’ She added.

Jaebum examined the card, pondering the possibilities, “sure, or you can come visit me sometime.”

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