I listened close, casting a look over to Myungsoo. He tucked his hands into his pocket, shrugging his shoulders, disapprovingly.

“In-Na, where are you?” L.Joe’s voice echoed through the receiver. His voice ate a part of me. I could tell that he wasn’t pleased with my greeting. His speech didn’t turn out smooth – somewhat raspy and unsettled. On the other end, my teeth were gnashed, emotions misaligned. I wasn’t into the whole, trying to make up and ‘be friends’ theory. It didn’t feel like the right time to talk.

I will pretend it never happened. I will pretend that I have been fine. He shouldn’t know that I have had cried in the darkness. I have had cried for him.

“Nowhere near you.” I sounded sharper than intended, leaving the karaoke room.

“Are you with Myungsoo?”

“Why?”

“Are you with him?”

“You’re asking too many questions. What are you? My mother now?” I said, monotonously. Myungsoo stood next to me, taking a glimpse and pausing for a moment. He tried to hold back his train of words, forcing the urge to pull the phone away. I scowled and he has drawn a several steps back.

L.Joe asked, bonded to his persistent mannerism. “Your best friend. Are you dressed as Park Niel?”

“I’m dressed as a boy.”

“Who are you with?”

“Myungsoo,” I responded half-heartedly. “Do you have a problem with that?”

L.Joe heaved a sigh over the line, and I remained still.

“Don’t let the girls in Seoul High see you,” L.Joe warned, his voice threaded to whispers. “Kim Jae Rin or anyone for that matter.”

“Thank you for the advice, Byunghun-ssi.”

“I’m sorry, In-Na,” he whispered. “You’re hurting. I’m hurting you.”

“I’ve had worst,” I retorted, aiming at the back of my head, to end the phone conversation. Right there and then. “What games you’re playing at, I don’t give a flipping damn. We should just end this redundant conversation. Damn it. I don’t want to talk to you. Just go chase after your dreams, mind your own problems. I have my own to take care of.“

“I’m doing this for you.”

“It doesn’t seem like it, Byunghun-“

He cut me in mid-sentence, his voice shaken. “Listen to me. Things are complicated right now. The girl that I am with – she was supposed to help me.”

“I know that. What kind of ing help are you in dire need of?” I replied - undeterred with the fact that Myungsoo has thrown in a piercing glare. “If it’s to meet your male needs, it’s a beautiful thing if you can keep the public display of affection to your own personal space. Get a ing room. Everybody knows.”

“Everybody knows ,” L.Joe responded, patience wearing thin. “She’s giving me allowances to help her with skate-boarding. She wanted to learn it. Her father has connections. You and I, we can make it big. There’s an opportunity. They are willing to sponsor us.”

“It’s about money now?”

“For you. For us. We can achieve our dreams!”

“You’re doing this for your own good, Byunghun,” I clenched my fist, pressing my feet to the ground. He was tearing me apart, infuriating me. “I never wanted the money. Have it. I am definitely happy for you. Her allowances for you came in a one for one package. It includes free hugs and kisses. My dream, I have let it slip. The girl’s socce