"Jisung!" Haechan's voice called from the other end of the phone. "Jisung, Jisung!"

Jisung pulled away from the shouting blaring through the phone to save his ears from hurting. "What's up with you? Why are you so excited? Did the movie go well?"

"I did it!" Haechan laughed out with joy. "I confessed."

Jisung let a silence hang for a second. "I'm guessing it was a success considering you're so happy."

"Jisung! She's my girlfriend now!"

There was nothing leaving Jisung. He was completely still, words caught in his head and throat.

"That's a good thing, Ji!"

"Uh, yeah." Jisung swallowed a lump in his throat. He didn't know why he seemed so... out of it. "Congratulations, Haechan."

Jisung waited for Akina as he normally did. It was a Sunday evening. His chin rested on his hands that were propped up on his knees. Jisung's head ran on thoughts of how he was going to confront Akina about her new relationship with his friend.

Hey, I heard you and Haechan are together... No.

So, you like my friend? ... Not that either.

The best he could do is say he was happy for the two of them, but was Jisung really? He's a supportive friend, and wants his friends to be happy, but that doesn't mean he'll be as content as them.

Laughter sparked Jisung's attention. He pulled away from his slouch, peering between the breaks in the trees that lined the road. It was Akina's laugh, he was sure of it. The bright sound that was almost sing-song like. It really was music to anyone's ears.

Another figure walked by her side. It was Haechan and Akina walking together. Jisung jumped to his feet, panicking. He didn't want them to see him anymore. Jisung's hand reached for the door, but it was too late.

"Jisung!" Akina's voice called to him. Jisung froze in place, scrunching his nose and squeezing his eyes shut. He slowly turned around on his heels, placing a surprised look on his face.

"Hey," he greeted. "I didn't know you guys were walking down the road together." Jisung shoved his hands in his pockets, meeting the couple halfway down the short driveway. "I was just getting the mail."

"Jisung," Akina burst into laughter. "This is the second time!"

Jisung cocked his head in confusion.

"It's Sunday. There's still no post!"

Jisung forced a smile on his face as Haechan joined in the laughter. "Right." Jisung bent his head down. "It's Sunday."

Akina finished out her giggles. "You always know how to make me laugh, JiJi." Akina's hands went into the pocket of her— no, Haechan's sweatshirt. "Do you want to go to the bridge with us?"

Jisung hesitated. It would be better to not intrude, he thought. As much as he wanted to, Jisung declined. "I have things to do today. I'll text you both later."

Jisung turned to head back into the house.

Akina said his name one more time, causing him to quickly turn back. "Jisung, you're so silly. You can't text me if you don't have my number."

Yet another awkward moment for Jisung to go through. After receiving her number, he retreated inside, leaning against the closed door. Jisung slowly slid down it, covering his face.

"What's wrong with you?" Taeyong asked. He held a few cherries in his hand, and plopped one in his mouth.

Jisung uncovered one of his eyes to look at his older brother. Taeyong had a sly smile on his face.

"Was that Akina?" he asked. His grin widened.

"And Haechan," Jisung added, quite softly. "They're a couple now."

The smile disappeared. "Is that why you're upset?"

Jisung pushed himself up. His hands tensed at his sides. "Why would that upset me?"

"Because you like her."

Jisung's mouth opened like he was going to say something, but nothing came out. He wanted to argue with Taeyong. He wanted to tell him that he's wrong.

Jisung couldn't.

~ ~ ~

Haechan and Akina grew closer as time passed. Haechan's natural, teasing nature softened around Akina. Everything he did was smooth and careful with her, as if he was taking extra precautions so nothing could hurt her.

Haechan's actions showed the obvious: he really cared for Akina.

Often times, Haechan would initiate skinship by simply draping an arm over her shoulders or sliding his fingers between Akina's to hold her hand. There have been many moments were Haechan would arrive to class right before the bell rang because he insisted on walking Akina to her classes.

Jisung stopped waiting for Akina during evenings to walk to the bridge. He didn't want to drag along behind her and Haechan, who joined her all the time now.

The week flowed by painfully slow for Jisung, but it rushed passed for Haechan, who has never been happier than this.

It rolled around to a Friday night. Jisung was sprawled out on his bed, just staring at his ceiling. His head rolled to the side as a vibration buzzed and traveled through the blankets and to Jisung. His hands limply curled around his phone, staring at a text that was just sent to him.

Akina: Hey, where have you been lately? I was hoping you would join us sometimes while walking :(

Jisung: I didn't want to bother you guys.
(Deleted)

Jisung: Sorry, I've just been really busy.
(Read)

Akina: Awe, make a spot sometime soon and join us?

Jisung: Maybe. By the way, I never got to tell you that I'm happy for you both. You and Haechan.
(Read)

Akina: How sweet. He's a great guy. Anyways, I should probably get going. I'll talk to you later.

Jisung: He better be good to you.
(Deleted)

Jisung: Okay, I'm here whenever you need to talk.
(Deleted)

Jisung: Bye.
(Read)

The phone slipped out of Jisung's hands as he covered his face with them. Even while texting, he still couldn't find the right things to say.