Kang Yeosang

On the way home from the coffee shop, I still couldn't believe what Jongho told me. The new information was a lot to take in. All this time, I really thought Lia intentionally cheated on Seonghwa. I was mad at her for that. Now that Jongho told me everything, what I feel right now is guilt and also failure.

I failed as a brother. I should have listen to Lia that time at the car, yet what I did was yell at her and pressure her. But I can't turn back time anymore, it already happened. Nothing will happen if I chose to cry and blame myself for what happened.

I took a deep breath, taking two steps before reaching the main door of the house. I took my keys out and hastily opened the door. I was greeted with a Seonghwa standing right in front of me with his arms crossed and a stern look on his face.

And I'm not gonna lie, he looks scary but hot.

"Why were you with Jongho?" Seonghwa spoke as soon as I entered the house.

I cocked an eyebrow, "Why do you need to know?"

He scoffed, "Because. And didn't I tell you not to go near my friends?"

"It was something important." I only told him, not wanting to make the conversation longer.

I was about to walk pass him when he stepped to the side to block my way. I was startled at first but came to notice that our bodies were just a few inches away. I cautiously looked up and our eyes met and that gave me weird tingles inside my stomach.

"Not so fast, Yeosang." He muttered with a sly smirk forming on his lips, "What was that 'something important' that you guys talked about?"

I narrowed my eyebrows, "Why do you care? It's really none of your business."

"This is my friend we are talking about."

"Exactly. So this 'business' is only between me and your friend. Now will you excuse me."

I sassily snapped and tried to walk pass him but he abruptly held my arm to stop me from walking. My eyes widen and slowly gazed at where his hand is on my arm. Then my eyes traveled upwards to his dark chocolate eyes again.

"You're getting a little bit bold, aren't you? I'm only asking what's with you and Jongho? It's definitely unusual seeing you two together."

I gave him an eyeroll, "What's with you today, Seonghwa? Why do you care about my business with Jongho?"

"Because I'm your husband. I'm supposed to know your whereabouts."

My heart fluttered at his statement, especially the word 'husband'. I was caught off guard so I averted my gaze away from him, trying to hide the sensation of heat spreading on my cheeks. The butterflies roaming around my stomach worsened.

"I-I..." I trailed off, not knowing what to say. But I shook my head and furrowed my eyebrows, and tried challenging him, "I think you forgot that I'm your husband only by contract. So don't play that husband card on me, Park Seonghwa."

"The marriage may be by contract but I still care about you--"

"Care about me or your reputation?"

"Look, Yeosang. I just want to make sure you didn't tell Jongho anything about our marriage." He snarled.

I fumed, "Why would I? You think I'll tell everyone that I'm married to you after my sister's death? Please, Seonghwa. I am not stupid to make that decision." I muttered with a hint of annoyance in my tone, "Instead of you telling me what to do and worry about the marriage, why don't you try talking to Jongho? I'm sure you're aware that he goes to school two to three times a week. That kid need some help you know. Lia's death really affected him so much." I finally walked passed him and went straight to my room, leaving Seonghwa there speechless.

----

After I changed into some blue pajamas, I went out of my room to cook some food or eat whatever there's in the kitchen.

Then I spotted Seonghwa at the kitchen, making some chicken lollipops. My stomach suddenly grumbled when I first smell the food Seonghwa's making. Then I scratched my nape, realizing that I snapped at him a while ago, for sure it wasn't for me.

"Oh, you are there." Seonghwa mumbled, holding a plate of chicken lollipops. "I made these for us."

For us?

"W-What?"

He put the plate down, "I just want to say sorry for bombarding you questions a while ago. I have come to realize that you're right. I was just a little bit paranoid at the situation. I'm sorry."

The sincerity in his eyes and the small pout, I could tell that he's genuine with his words. I couldn't help but smile at his apology. That's so cute.

"No worries. I just thought you're gonna treat me like a dog who follows your orders." I joked.

His facial expression didn't change a bit, "Yeosang, I would never treat you like a dog or a maid or a slave or whatever you imply that. The first thing I want you to do is feel comfortable around me, especially we are living in the same roof now."

Ugh, the butterflies.

"What do you mean comfortable? I am comfortable around you."

"You do stutter sometimes, and your face would go red occasionally. I don't know if it's the environment or you're just really uncomfortable around me."

I bit my cheek in panic. It's because you're my crush. God damnit, you are so oblivious.

"A-Ah, it's just speech defects and the environment. Trust me, I am comfortable with you." I lied but tried to assure him.

He gave a subtle shrug, "As you say. Want to watch a movie?"

"Sure."

We settled ourselves on the couch and Seonghwa placed the food in front of the table while I was busy picking a movie. We decided to go with Attack On Titan, the latest season. It's a good thing I haven't watched it yet, but never in a million years would have thought I would watch it together with Seonghwa.

Ten minutes had passed and we were so focused on the television, but Seonghwa decided to speak, "By the way, is it okay if I host a party here for my birthday next week?"

"Depends if I'm invited."

Seonghwa chuckled at my statement, "You are, don't worry."

I glanced at him surprisingly, "Really?"

"I mean of course. You live here so obviously."

I pouted, "You only invited me because I live here with you?"

Seonghwa was quick to rebut, "No! No, that's not what I meant. You're my friend too, Yeosang. And all of my friends are invited." He smiled.

I don't know why but hearing him say that I'm his friend made me somewhat happy. I know I should be hurt because he only considers me as his friend. But for some reason, it made me happy because after thirteen years of knowing him or loving him rather, I only seem like a stranger to him, a stranger that's loving him him from afar.

"Don't you care about your reputation?" I asked, kind of feeling insecure because of my social status in school.

He eyed me, "No...? Why would you ask that?"

"You told me once that you still care about your reputation."

Seonghwa stared at me for a while but laughed upon realization, "Oh, that one? The time I told you not to go near any of my friends?"

I nodded. "The one with the marriage basically."

"I think you misinterpret my words. I don't want anyone to know about our marriage because it could ruin our image. Like I said last time, I don't want you to be part of their rumors because I knew you hate being the talk of the school. It's the same to me too."

Again with the fucking butterflies.

"Thank you."

Seonghwa arched an eyebrow, "For what?"

"For everything. For protecting me, defend me, cared for me..." I looked at the plate of chicken lollipops, "cooked for me." I giggled while slightly raising the plate.

Seonghwa smiled, "I should be the one thanking you, Yeosang."

It was my turn to arch a brow, "For what?"

"For marrying me."

----

"Now that's the fucking tea. This shit is becoming better and better." Wooyoung chuckled after I told him everything about Jongho and Lia's situation.

A week had already passed since the conversation between Jongho and I. Until now, I still couldn't get over what he told me that day. What is worrying me though, when will be the day he will tell Seonghwa? A week had passed and still he rarely comes to school. The good thing is, his condition is becoming better in a way he talks to his friends but the younger still couldn't help but feel nervous just by their presence.

I completely understand his situation, and I don't want to pressure Jongho on telling Seonghwa about the issue especially when he is not ready so. Who knows what bad things could happen if I did that.

I rolled my eyes at my best friend's remark, "I hope you are keeping this to yourself and not spread this information to anyone else."

Wooyoung dramatically placed his hand on his chest with his jaw dropped, looking so offended upon my statement, "Wow, I am hurt. Do you hear people talking about you and Seonghwa together? None. I'm 'the' best friend, Sangie. Your secrets are always safe with me." He flicked a few strands of his long bangs away from his eye.

"Just reminding you, Woo."

Wooyoung snapped his fingers as he changed the subject, "Anyway, it's Seonghwa's 20th birthday tomorrow right? Are you aware that there's a party tonight?" He grabbed his water bottle and started drinking.

"Ah yes, I am absolutely aware that he will be holding a party at our house."

I was startled when he spitted water in front of my face and choked after. My eyes were closed, disgusted at Wooyoung's actions. Wooyoung coughed out while aggressively slapping his chest.

I wiped my face and threw my best friend a glare. "That was not nice, Jung Wooyoung."

The latter stopped coughing, "I'm sorry, Sangie." He managed to say and started laughing at his previous actions, "But that was funny. Look at your face!"

"You little piece of shi--" I decided not to continue and stood up, "You know what? I'm going to the bathroom."

"Hey wait Sangie, you didn't tell me that the location is going to be at your house. I am excited to see how massive it's going to be." Wooyoung exclaimed, "We should go home together after school and go to your place later night, how's that sound?" He suggested.

Come to think of it, it would be a better idea to go with Wooyoung so that people won't be suspicious why was I the first to come.

"Wooyoung, you're a genius."

"I am?" Wooyoung furrowed his brows in confusion. I didn't bother answering him for I immediately went inside the bathroom to wash my face.

When I entered the room, I saw San with his phone beside his ear, looking so irritated and pissed. I tried not to mind it and went to the sink to wash my face.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Chaeha? We're over already!"

I shrieked at San's sudden outburst. I glanced at him as he turned around with his eyes wide open, mouthing a "sorry."

I awkwardly nodded and continued washing my face.

"Look Chaeha, I can't just lie to you and lie to myself. I called it off because I figured out that I like guys more." San uttered with annoyance over the phone. "No means no. I'm sorry Chaeha but I have to block you." He scoffed as he harshly pressed the end button. "Ugh, she's so annoying and desperate."

"This is why I'm gay 'cause women are weird." I randomly said after washing my face.

San suddenly chuckled at my random joke, it's like his irritation washed away in just a snap. I'm glad I made the atmosphere more relaxed.

"Not all of them are weird, it is just I'm pretty much unlucky with girls." San gave a small smile with a small shrug. "And by the way, condolence. Lia was a sweetheart. Pretty sad she passed away." His lips then pursed into a thin line.

I gave him an assuring smile, "Thank you, San."

The bathroom door opened, "Sangie, what's taking you so long--" Wooyoung stopped his tracks as he eyes san from head to toe, "Oh, hi San." He managed to smile but I knew he's punching the air right now.

"Hey Wooyoung," He waved and placed his phone inside his pocket. "Well I have to go now. See you later at the party." He winked before leaving the bathroom.

Wooyoung slightly punched my shoulder, "He's so hot. Why the fuck didn't you tell me he was here with you?"

"Tch, he was having a serious conversation with his ex-girlfriend on the phone."

"Ex-girlfriend? Holy shit. Is it my time to shine?" Wooyoung dreamily looked at the ceiling.

I sneered, "Could be. He said he's into guys."

"Such blessing to my ears. C'mon, Sangie. We have a party to attend."

----

hi omfg i can't believe i finished the chapter just today AAHAGJGASDS. and once again its lockdown here so i can't work bc i'm still a minor ffs. i want to work so i can buy a phone and the phone i really want to buy is the iphone xr or 11pro. aND I ONLY HAVE 12K PHP WITH ME HSQBDKYQGILDQ HELP im broke.