Eunji sat on the bench that once gave her happy memories

‘The only thing I have at the moment is this bracelet’ she caressed the sparkling jewelry that hung on her wrist

It was supposed to be her day of confession. It took her 3 years to muster up the courage and convey her feelings to that one boy.

‘Eunji, Babo.’ She kicked the dirt on the ground as she leaned back to feel the warmth of the sun

It was Hoya’s birthday. He was Eunji’s close friend and first love. Good looks, killer smile, dance machine, and a pleasing personality.  To sum it all up he is the definition of a perfect boyfriend.

Eunji’s phone vibrated, but she wasn’t in the mood to pick up.

“I want to forget you, just this once…” she continued to ignore the constant vibrating making the person on the other end frustrated.

It was already sunset when Eunji decided to walk home, her tears dried themselves as she was too lazy to wipe them off.

She continued to walk wearily when her phone vibrated once more. She put on a forced smile before answering so as to sound happy.

“Yeah, what’s up?” she tried to sound casual

“Yah, Jung Eunji! I’ve been calling you the whole afternoon, where were you?” lectured the person on the other line which made Eunji chuckle

“I was just chilling, relax Hoya, I’ll be there for your party” she tried to hold back her tears once more

“You better, you bailed on me and Tiff this morning. She was even excited to meet you… you have some explaining to do”

“Fine hoaegi, I’ll be there in a while, byeyeom” she fooled him. She was kind of happy and sad at the same time that Hoya didn’t notice the shakiness in her voice

When she arrived at his house, the music was in full blast.

She peered through the window only to spot Woohyun with a chick on his lap.

“Typical greasy guy…” she was about to knock when someone opened the door

“Noona! You came!” chirped Sungjong as he enveloped her in a tight bear hug

It’s good to see you too Jongie” she patted the younger boy on the back

“Yah, stop hugging noona all by yourself!” growled Sungyeol as he pulled Eunji away from Sungjong

“She’s not your noona! You guys are practically the same age… stop trying to act cute hyung, it so does not suit you!” replied Sungjong with all the diva-ness in him

Times like these made Eunji reminisce about the past, the times where the ‘choding’ maknae and the real maknae would argue who is cuter or who loves Eunji the most. She was smiling all by herself when someone sling his arm around her shoulder

“You.confess.now” it was Sunggyu, the ‘commander’ in their circle of friends.

“What are you talking about?” replied Eunji with a chuckle as she tried to ignore what he was implying

“You know what I’m talking about, you might have fooled the rest of the guys, but you can’t fool me. I can see everything” Sunggyu made his eyes grow bigger which made Eunji laugh since he practically looked like a hamster with food in his mouth.

Across the room was Hoya along with his ‘new’ girlfriend, Tiffany. The girl is a triple threat. She was the perfect catch, she can dance, sing, and has a cute eye smile too. Because of this, Eunji decided that it was a waste of time to let her feelings be known.

The both of them were mingling with other guests. It wasn’t until a certain laugh caught Hoya’s attention. There she was, Hoya’s close friend,Eunji who was clutching her stomach while Sunggyu made cute gestures.

Truth be told, Hoya has a selfish side. So when he introduced Eunji to his crew, he felt like his life was shortened to five years. To him, Eunji was a special friend. She was the only girl that could make him fume and get away with it. Before he had a girlfriend, people would often mistake them as a couple.

Her spunky attitude attracts a lot of guys, even his friends. She wasn’t like most of the girls, she might be boyish but, she has a charm that he found irresistible.

“Baby, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

Hoya’s train of thought was interrupted when Tiffany shook him.

“Sure” he said with a smile

Eunji was still laughing when she noticed Hoya and Tiffany approaching them. She suddenly stopped which made Sunggyu wonder.

“Hey Hyung, Eunji, I thought you weren’t coming?” asked Hoya as he hugged his friend

At that moment, Sunggyu kept quiet. He can sense the tension that would build up soon.

“Uhmm, I was kind of busy, Sorry I bailed on you” replied Eunji as she showed her smile.

“Oh yeah, this is Tiffany” Tiffany extended her arm infront of Eunji “Tiff, this Eunji” in return she held Tiffany’s hand while she forced a smile.

“It’s nice to meet you” Eunji smiled

“Likewise” Tiffany flashed her killer eye smile but, you can sense the cockiness in her voice. Though Hoya never sensed that since he was too captivated.

“Now that I’ve finally introduced the both of you, I’ll borrow my girlfriend for a while” chimed Hoya as he dragged Tiffany to the back.

“You want me to kill her?” asked L who suddenly appeared beside Eunji

“Yah! Are you ghost or something?” she playfully hit the boy who was smirking at Eunji’s reaction

“I’m L, so I can just write her in my death note” he replied cheekily which amused Eunji because of this boy’s weirdness

“You’re reading way too many mangas” she couldn’t help but smile at him. His real name was Myungsoo but, the boys nicknamed him L because of his stare. Besides Hoya, Myungsoo was the other guy that is close to Eunji

“At least I’m being productive, other than Dongwoo hyung who is busy collecting weird suff” retorted Myungsoo as he defended his hobby

“Someone called my name?” said Dongwoo as he stood at the other side of Eunji

“Oppa, why you smiling?”

“Nothing, I’m just happy.” He replied with a huge grin. There wasn’t a day that Eunji never saw Dongwoo’s smile. Well, there was this one time but, that was because he and Hoya had a fight. Among their friends, Dongwoo was Hoya’s male best friend.

“Noona, there you are!” yelped Sungjong as he walked towards the group

“Yah, Lee Sungjong, you’re voice is too high” said Woohyun who trailed behind the pretty boy

“Hey don’t leave us out!” said Sungyeol who was with Sunggyu at that time

“It’s good to see you Eunji” said Woohyun who was about to hug Eunji but, was pulled on the collar by Sunggyu

“You lay a finger on her and you die.” Threatened Sunggyu which caused giggles from the group

“Whyyyy? Woohyun, who is completely drunk, tried to do bunny gestures

“You’re drunk, hyung” exclaimed Sungjong as he poked his hyung for fun

“Yah!” Woohyun’s playful side turned into a serious one. “You dare make fun of your hyung”

Woohyun was about to lightly hit Sungjong but, Myungsoo and Sungyeol stood in front of him.

“Hyung, you better rest” said Myungsoo as he placed an arm around Sungjong, “Myungie’s right, I’ll help Gyu hyung carry you upstairs” offered Sungyeol while they drag him away

“Okay…” was all Eunji said while Dongwoo laughed at his dongsaeng. “You look cute when you’re shocked Eunji” he was about to hug her when Hoya suddenly appeared

“Ah hyung! Stop being touchy with Eunji!” whined Hoya as he held two paper cups  on his hand

“Fine, hey are those for me?” Dongwoo was about to grab the drink but missed it.

“It’s for Eunji, go get your own drink” Dongwoo just laughed then left.

“Here, you have some explaining to do” said Hoya as he gave Eunji her drink

“Thanks, where do I start?” Eunji chuckled at Hoya’s tone. He was too adorable to be serious.

“Why did you bail on me earlier?” asked Hoya as he looked straight into Eunji’s eyes

“I told you I was busy, didn’t I?” she was making this conversation light and happy. She doesn’t want her true emotions to show

“I called your house earlier, Auntie told me that she thought you were already here? Don’t you know I was worried?” he was practically scolding her, not that Eunji mind since she’s already used to this and she likes it.

“Yah, you scold me way too much than my real parents” Eunji playfully punched Hoya whose annoyed expression made him cool

“That’s because you’re too much of a klutz. If your mom finds out I didn’t took care of you, I’ll be dead. Don’t you know that my mom would scold me too if something happens to you” Eunji was amused by this. She was aware that right from the start, that both of their parents are close. Up till now, she still feels thankful that Hoya’s parents treat her as if she was their own daughter.

“Baby, why did you leave me?” Tiffany whined as she approached Hoya. She looked a little different, her hair was a mess, the first button of her shirt is open and the smell of alcohol was becoming more distinct.

“Hey” cooed Hoya as he placed a kiss on her lips “I was just talking to Eunji, I’ll be back in sec.” he then gave her another kiss which might have lead to another make out session if Eunji didn’t interrupt.

“Uhmm, I think I should go…” said Eunji who felt awkward with their little show

“Ohh okay, take care” said Tiffany with a smirk as she tried to drag Hoya away from her.

“Wait, I’ll… send you home” said Hoya who was trying to break free from Tiffany’s grip

“I’m fine, my house is just a few blocks away. Continue with whatever you’re doing…” said Eunji as she tried to put on an act and sound like it didn’t bother her at all.

“See baby, she’s gonna be jus fine” said Tiffany as she tapped her foot impatiently.

Hoya was hesitating a bit but, in the end he decided to stay with Tiffany.

“At least let me take you the door, since you insist that I stay” said Hoya with a smirk

‘Idiot, you were the one who decided on it’ thought Eunji as she walked behind Hoya

At the door, Hoya and Eunji stepped out.

“Thanks for inviting me. By the way you’re girlfriend seems insincere” said Eunji as she made it sound like it’s a good thing

“You make it sound like it’s a good thing. She’s just like that but, once you get to know her she’s really fun to be with.” Said Hoya as he ruffled Eunji’s hair

“So, I’m going on my own now. Alone.” Eunji  was trying to see if Hoya would change his mind and leave Tiffany inside

“Alright, text me when you get home” he said with a smile which made Eunji's blood boil

‘Jerk!’ she thought. but its now or never. She has to give him the letter or else it will be too late.

“Wait! Before you go inside, here’s my present.” said Eunji as she gave Hoya a mini box which was wrapped in blue ribbon.

“What’s inside?” asked Hoya as he shook the box when he suddenly heard clanging

“You’ll find out soon” said Eunji as she gave him a warm smile

“Yah, this better be good” he replied but before he could utter another word, Eunji hugged him tightly

“Happy Birthday, Lee Howon. Thanks for everything” right before she was about to leave. She gave him light kiss on the cheek before going.

Shocked by the sudden contact, Hoya was left standing on the porch, with cheeks as red as tomato.

Hoya’s party was the hot topic in school the next day. The never ending chatter about how all the ‘right’ people where there and how Hoya and Tiffany stole the scene with their hot kiss spread like wild fire.

“I’m so jealous of Tiffany unnie”

“She and Hoya are definitely the ‘it’ couple, don’t they look adorable together?”

These kinds of talks made Eunji uncomfortable for some reason. As she sat on her desk, the loud chatter won’t die down. It only worsened when the rest of the boys arrived, minus Sunggyu and Dongwoo.

“Hyung, thanks to your party, girls are now calling me hot!” Sungyeol happily exclaimed as he draped his arm around Hoya.

“Aish, this kid!” Hoya let out a chuckle before playfully punching Sungyeol on the arm.

“Seriously, your party just raised our popularity to new heights” said Woohyun as he proudly straightened his shirt

“Hyung, I’m surprised you remembered something from the party, because from what I recall you were completely knocked out if it weren’t for Sunggyu hyung” pointed out Sungjong which made the rest of the guys snicker.

The boys continued with their conversation when Hoya suddenly noticed that Eunji was staring at the window.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Hoya quietly sat beside Eunji as he gently took her hand

Eunji could only stare at Hoya as she instantly withdrew her hand back

“Hoaegi, my parents and I are moving to the states” it took a while before Hoya could process Eunji’s words

“When?”

“The day after tomorrow” she tried to put on a smile but the sadness in her heart is still showing

“If that’s the case then… let’s hang out tomorrow, just you and me. I’ll meet you at our bench, ok?” Hoya showed his canine smile which made Eunji feel a little better

“Alright, if you say so”

Eunji was waiting for almost 2 hours when she suddenly received a message from Hoya

“Sorry Ji ah~ , Tiff had to go somewhere today… I promise I’ll send you off tomorrow ^^ I’ll miss you”

He did it again. Eunji erased the message with her tears flowing freely from her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Tiffany and Hoya where hanging out at Hoya’s crib, much to his disappointment. He promised Eunji that he’ll take her out today but, he couldn’t do so thanks to his girlfriend.

“Jagi, who do you like more, Eunji or me?” Tiffany’s sudden question caught Hoya off guard. It took a few seconds before Hoya could answer “You, of course” despite saying this there was still a nagging feeling at the back of Hoya’s head that something isn’t right.

“Aww, you’re so sweet Hoaegi” Tiffany encircled her arms around Hoya. The boy could only smile as he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend

“Why does it sound so different when Eunji calls me that nickname, it sounds more endearing”

Unknowingly, time passed by so quickly and it was now the day of Eunji’s departure.

Hoya just got back after sending Tiffany home. He got back just to take a bath and head towards the airport. Sunggyu sent him a message saying that Eunji’s departure time would be in the afternoon. Aside from the previous message, Hoya failed to read the other one.

As Hoya was getting ready to leave the house once again, he noticed Eunji’s present. It was sitting on top of his desk. He opened it and found a silver bracelet inside.

“Aigoo, this kid really knows my favorite type of accessory” he gazed at the jewelry while a smile crept on his face. As he was about to place it back inside the box, he noticed a letter

Hoaegi!

Happy Birthday! I can’t believe you’re already 21…

You’re growing up so fast kekeke~

You used to be that quiet boy who I was so attached to back in middle school

And now you’re getting more handsome as the days go by…

I’m glad that even though you’re becoming more popular with the ladies these days…

You never changed. You’re still the same Hoya who I fell for a few years back… the ever cheerful, loving and supportive friend who I grew to admire. I’m sorry if I can’t say these things personally cause I don’t think I’ll be able to handle the rejection T^T

I know you like someone else.. but I can’t afford to not say these things before I go. My parents and I are moving to the states. If you tell me not to go with them, I won’t. I hope this confession of mine won’t change anything. I understand you’re courting Tiffany unnie… I just want to tell you that you have my full support. I’d do anything just to see that smile on your face.

Saranghe Hoaegi ^^

Hoya kept reading the letter again and again. Eunji liked him and he was too dense to realize it. He felt like the world’s biggest jerk right now and to add on it he ditched her last night.

He had to make it up to her somehow.

He arrived at the airport only to be greeted by his friends.

“YAH! LEE HOWON!! WHERE WERE YOU?!!” scolded Sunggyu who was fuming because of Hoya’s late arrival

“Hyung, why are you getting angry? I’m early!” Hoya replied with a hint of annoyance in his voice

“Didn’t you read the other text we sent you?”asked Sungjong who was perplexed at Hoya’s expression

“What text?” Hoya felt that there was something wrong

“Eunji already left.” Myungsoo spoke in a sad tone

“What? But you guys told me that…” Hoya felt hurt. Knowing that this was supposed to be Eunji’s last day in Korea and he didn’t even see her for the last time

“Eunji was the one who sent that text. She took my phone.” Sunggyu explained the reason behind it all

“For some reason, she didn’t want to see you…” said Woohyun who was surprised because of Eunji’s action

Hoya could only grab his hair in frustration. He was lost; never did he imagine that his best friend would fall for him. Maybe it was all there, he was just too blind to see it. All he has now was the feeling of regret.