to all the aera×jake shippers and aera×clay shippers! everyone's gonna be fed today! enjoy y'all ❤️

_____

high school means fun and adventure.

aera learnt this the moment clay proposed his idea of throwing a party before the summer vacation ends and they return back to their normal schedules. she had only heard about such parties in stories from her brothers when they recalled their high school days, and well, in movies duh! but for real, this could be her first opportunity to experience a proper high school party where people apparently get drunk, make new friends, hook up, and play a lot of weird games.

keeping the fun side of the party on main focus, she had almost instantly jumped in excitement, agreeing with the boy to be a part of such a fun thing. then jake asked if jungkook will agree. of course he won't. aera scoffed, sitting back on the couch with her arms crossed and the lower lip caught in a tug of her teeth as she thinks deeply to come up with any possible way of getting the brother's permission.

"let's be real, he won't agree."

"i know," she nods, sighing deeply and glances at clay, "where are you gonna do it though?"

"here," he grins, hands pointing down which makes both the friends gasp at the thought of throwing a big party in this apartment. "why not? there's plenty of space here!"

"yeah, okay, cool. you have to clean," aera shrugs and jake shakes his head, clasping the fabric of clay's t-shirt in his hand as he leans closer with a threatening look.

"not here. i'm not gonna waste my whole week cleaning your shit."

"as if you won't join," clay scoffs,

"it's not my idea."

"how about aera's place?"

aera gives him a weird look, clapping her hands sarcastically and nods, "yeah, why not? in fact, tell my brother to do the arrangements yeah? and we'll call everyone too!"

"geez! i was kidding!" clay hisses, standing up on his feet and rakes a hand through his hair, his features showing he has accepted the challenge and smirks, "the party is here. this weekend. go pick out a nice dress."

"you're crazy," aera rolls her eyes, pushing back on the couch as she sits comfortably with a bowl of potato wafers in her lap and focuses back on the television screen. "move aside i can't see,"

"you've to come," clay emphasizes, passing her a can of coke and sits beside her while she just chuckles, shaking her head. "i'm serious, you gotta come to every fucking time i throw a party."

"i can't," she giggles, pushing him away while jake hisses, shoving the two on the other side of the couch, "ow! have some manners you punk!"

"manners my ass, if you have to flirt then go do it away from my face."

"you're jealous, bro," she scoffs.

"i'll say that when i have riah over," jake mutters, "you just watch me,"

"shut up, that's not even the subject," clay sighs and gathers the attention back as he shakes aera a little, making her groan and glare at him, "i'll come and pick you up if you want,"

"and what about my brother?"

"you can tell him we have an assignment or som–"

"really?" aera mocks, standing up in front of the two, earning an annoyed hiss from jake who even tries to move her away from the t.v. by hitting her with a ball, while a curious gaze lingers at her from clay as he waits for her to go on, "jake, do that one more time, i'm gonna kick you real hard."

"i'm trained in jui jitsu for eight years. you can't beat me shorty." jake smirks.

"who are you calling shorty huh?!" aera glares at him while he laughs, finally getting up from his place and stretches his body, standing tall right in front of her and smiles mockingly.

"who do you think i'm calling shorty?" he winks, gesturing towards their height difference which only makes the girl laugh in disbelief as she swiftly lifts up her knee, getting an instant groan from jake who is now on the floor with his hands between his legs.

"fuck you bitch!" he sneers, "did i ever hit you?! i hate you so fucking much! you're the worst!"

"i love you too," she smiles at him, then rolls her eyes.

"you just wait," the boy growls, slowly standing up as he releases a deep breath from his mouth, cracking his neck making clay and aera stop laughing. she looks at him, giggling nervously as he takes a step forward and she moves back cautiously, ready to sprint the second he decides to do anything funny.

"guys, guys, i was talking about the pa–"

"ahhh!" aera shrieks, pushing clay forward and runs behind him, escaping the living room with jake chasing her after shoving clay out of the way.

"dude– the fuck man?! what did i do in this?!" clay groans, collecting himself up before deciding he should follow the two to avoid having things broken. he sighs deeply, shaking his head on hearing aera's voice, laughing and shrieking sometimes while jake is telling her to stop running as there's no possibile escape from this.

following the voices which sound playful until now, but suddenly one becomes muffled, making clay frown as he goes up to jake's room, opening door and stares at the two with a weird face. aera's there on the bed with jake pressing a pillow on her face probably trying to kill her the way he saw in the movie. more than that, clay's attention goes to their position. he gulps thickly entering the room, sighing for he knows the two oblivious creatures don't even realise how wrong this looks.

"bro, get off her." he mumbles quietly, tapping jake's shoulder who grins mischievously, shaking his head, hitting the girl with the pillow after removing it from her face. "jake, i'm serious, get off her."

"wha– ahh!" aera squirms, dying of laughter as she tries to get away from hits and tickles. "stop– stop...!"

"say sorry," jake stares at her with an anticipating look and his pupils precisely reflecting her laughing face as her eyes are squinted shut, lips stretching into a wide smile and cheeks appearing a shade redder than usual from all the hyperactivity and blood circulation. "damn it you're pretty,"

"what?" aera calms down from her laughter, staring back, the smile not vanishing completely yet from her lips. "jake, what?"

"nothing," the boy clears his throat, biting his lip as he looks away, "i said you're pretty, but you kicked me so i'm gonna take that back."

"i'm pretty," she grins, "i know,"

"fuck you both!" clay exasperates, "you're discussing if she's pretty or not right now?! get fuck off her and you, aera how are you comfortable there....!"

the two flinch at the sudden outburst, glancing down and realise jack is literally kneeling above her and supporting his weight with his one arm on the bed, leaning over her closer to her face. a blush creeps up aera's cheeks and she turns her head away quickly, her hands giving a light push to jake's chest, "get off..." her lips murmer, enough for the boy to hear and pull himself back.

"i- i'm sorry..." jake says, nibbling on his lip as he rubs the back of his neck shyly.

"uh y-yeah," she nods, standing up on her feet and fixes her hair, "i'm sorry too... i shouldn't have kicked... you, sorry for that."

"hm yeah, right. you shouldn't." jake nods, "so it's equal now."

aera's head snaps in his direction, seeing him going back to normal as if he wasn't hovering above her a few seconds ago. she sighs softly, smiling a little and shrugs, glancing at clay who averts his eyes instantly and clears his throat.

"are you okay?" she asks.

"of course," he nods, "forget all this. we were discussing about the party."

"and i said i can't come," aera sighs, staring at him pouting when he looks sad. she steps forward, wrapping her arms around his taller figure, "i'm sorry, but you know how my brother is right? he doesn't even fall for my excuses."

"he's not an old man, that's why." jake shrugs.

"can we try?" clay looks at aera.

"why do you want me to come? you both can just enjoy, imagine i'd be there." aera laughs.

"no, that's different." the boy ruffles her hair, looking at her with a small smile, "please come,"

"so i have to sneak out...?"

"exactly!" he grins, "i'll be there, so you don't have to worry."

"what am i gonna do here though? i could finish the whole game of thrones in the weekend."

"you can do it here," jake winks.

"or i could read a book and–"

"you can do that here too," clay hugs her tightly. "now stop making excuses."

"okay here's the big problem," she pulls away and looks at the boys, "what am i gonna wear? and–"

"seriously? we're doing everything and you can't even figure out a dress for yourself?" jake crosses his arms, looking disappointed, "you're too dependant on us, girl."

aera laughs at his comment, shaking her head, walking out of the room and picks up her phone and bag from the couch. she turns around one last time and smiles, waving her hand at them, "i'll get going, you guys should start preparing for your party. saturday is not too far."

"yeah, what day is today?" jake frowns, looking for his phone, but stops when aera answers his question, letting him know it's thursday already. "wait! we have just tomorrow?!"

"yes," she nods, patting his shoulder sympathetically, "good luck you guys. bye!"

___

friday night

jungkook was speaking on the phone and aera couldn't hide her smile, hearing the words leaving his mouth as he assured his manager that it's fine and he can go for the shoot tomorrow which for the girl's fortune will last till sunday evening. so the problem of seeking permission seemed solved in her eyes.

he wouldn't even know a thing!

"yes!" she mumbles, nearly squealing to herself as she grabs her phone, heading upstairs to her room for her only concern now was finding a perfect outfit for the party. she opens the closet door, walking inside and scans through her dresses, all hanging with beauty of different colors, designs and patterns.

she pulls out a hanger with a soft white top and a black skirt, and changes into it, sighing deeply as she stands in front of the mirror and clicks a picture of the outfit. turning around, she hums faintly, analysing that it can actually be worn tomorrow night.

then she looks for another dress which is black in color and clicks her look in it too, before switching to one last costume which is a pastel colored top and a white skirt. aera stands in front of the mirror again, taking a look at the clothes, nodding to herself, which is when she hears a knock on the door followed by her name being called.

she hums in response and the door opens, revealing a perplexed jungkook who stares at her with an eyebrow arched up, "you' going somewhere?"

"no, just thought of taking some pictures," she shrugs, spinning lightly on her place and smiles, "how do i look?"

"beautiful," the brother smiles, patting her head as he stands in front of the mirror, glancing at her through the reflection, "wow, it's today i'm realising you're growing up," he wipes his fake tears, making aera laugh. "you were so small yesterday,"

"i was exactly this big yesterday, oppa." she shakes her head, handing him the phone and stands in front of the empty wall, "please take a picture for me."

jungkook smiles, holding the phone up and snaps a few times. aera steps near him quickly once he's done and peeks over his arm to check out the pictures and hums in satisfaction, "you're not that bad,"

"of course, my job revolves about cameras y'know?" he jokes. 

"oh! speaking of that– there's this girl she was asking me what you do. and i was like, what does he not do." aera laughs, "i listed out everything and asked her if she likes our product."

"wha– so you're selling me now?" jungkook looks offended. "and who is this girl who doesn't know jeon jungkook?"

"i don't know, must be y/n." aera smirks.

"aera," he shakes his head, "baby, let's not go there. and what did i tell you about fanfictions?"

"not to read them! but koo, just think about it, how can i not read those awesome stories about you?"

"because it's me? your brother?" he scrunches up his face, "they make me look like filthy rich playboy."

"i don't see a lie there..." the sister shrugs and jungkook glares at her, "just kidding, just kidding!"

"stop reading those. they're not for kids."

"you're so oblivious," aera laughs in disbelief, "most of them are written by kids do you know that?"

"you guys have messed up minds." he massages his temples, "tell me you're not doing that about... who is that? that guy you keep bragging about?"

"yeonjun oppa! choi yeonjun! he's so handsome and totally a–"

"yeah, i get it you're a simp." he rolls his eyes, "anyway, what i came here for was to tell you that i have to leave tomorrow for a shoot and i'll be back on sunday."

"okay cool," aera nods.

"really?" jungkook cocks up a brow, making her face him, "that's all you've to say? no crying, no telling me not to leave you alone?"

"no...? like– c'mon, why would i do that when you said you're coming back on sunday?"

"you've really grown up," he mumbles under his breath but aera hears it and pouts, hugging his arm.

"but you said i'm your baby!" she whines, "don't talk like that i feel old and like– like a big girl! a big girl! do you know how it feels?! it's so scary, and you–"

"got it," jungkook grins, hugging the sister back and kisses the top of her head. "riri's always oppa's little girl,"

"yeah, that." she nods, pulling away with a grin, "so i assume we can have snacks for dinner?"

"aish! no,"

___

saturday morning

"take care of yourself, call me if there's any problem– and by any, i mean literally any problem. oh and! no outsider allowed in the house, got it?"

"yes, i know." aera nods, giving him a quick hug and kisses his cheek, "don't worry, i'll take care of everything. you can focus on your work, oppa."

"hm, wow i suddenly feel like i shouldn't go." jungkook sighs and aera stares at him, trying her best to read his expression, although it's hidden quite well behind his lips pressed into a thin line and brows arching at her.

"uhm yeah, if your work isn't that important then don't go," she shrugs, "i'll miss you, y'know?"

jungkook breaks at that and ends up smiling at the sister. he leans down to kiss her forehead then waves at her, walking to his car where his manager is already waiting in the driver's seat. as aera waves at him and makes sure that he indeed left for real, an excited smile tugs her lips upwards.

she goes inside, flopping herself on the couch and pulls out her phone, texting in the group chat with her friends.

aera
guys! jungkookie just left!
i told u abt his urgent work right?
he went there rn and he'll come back
tomorrow!

jake
bruh really?! that's great
i thought he wouldn't budge

clay
he's super smart
i'm kinda unsure of this whole idea now

aera
now don't u dare back off clay
i wouldn't have let him go if u cancelled
the party earlier
now he's gone and i'm alone for the weekend
do u know how much fun me and
my brother have together?
ofc u don't! u have this stupid jake
instead of my awesome brother
ur an ass

jake
lmaoo😭😭😭😭

clay
thanks for the character check
ur a bitch

aera
nobody gives a fuck

jake
burnnnn!!!!!!
that's my gurrlllll
ksjsiienakajshisnagajakk

aera
excuse me?

jake
ayeyeee yk it c'mon!

clay
wtf

jake
oh bye! riah's calling me
i promised to take her to the mall today
;)

clay
wtaf?! really? so u were talking to her
yesterday?

jake
yep ;)
bye cya! bye aera ;)

aera
don't come back u dickhead
anyway so clay, i actually have 3 dresses
i picked them yesterday
help me choose one

clay
suree!

aera

aera
which one?

clay
wow i like all of them...

jake
second ;)

aera
can u stop with that winking face?

clay
yeah she's right, it's weird
ur giving fuckboi vibes

jake
i'm cool u 2 can carry on
but i like the second one
pls wear that

clay
i like the second one too ig?
it's actually nice
u look good in all tho ;)

aera
really? thanks ;)

jake
eww stop flirting

aera
says who 🙄
anyway so okay second one?
final?

jake
yep

clay
yeah
bye i'll get going i've to get some stuff

aera
jake isn't really being a help to u
i can see it
so should i come over and help?

clay
no need actually, everything is pretty
much done
but if u wanna hangout before the party
then yeah u can come
or do u wanna go to store with me?

aera
yep! store! i'm kinda hungry too!

clay
okayyy
i'll be over soon
see u

aera
see u!

•••

by evening everything was set and aera was happy with most of the things, until the moment her phone rang flashing jimin's name on the id when she was about to go and get ready. clay was waiting in her room, staring at the screen with confused eyes and gestured her to answer. she gulps, placing her index finger on her lips for him to stay as quiet as possible while she's on the phone.

"hello oppa," she speaks first with an automatic smile reaching her lips on hearing the eldest brother's voice. she gestures clay to sit and goes in her walk-in closet to get ready at the same time as she's talking on the phone.

"hey princess, how are you?" jimin says as aera puts him on speaker and keeps the phone on one of the racks.

she pulls out the decided dress and smiles, "i'm good, what about you? and unnie and jiwon?"

"we're all doing good. i just called to check up on you since jungkook is out,"

"ah yeah, i'm fine oppa. you don't have to worry, i'm seventeen now i can take care of myself." she giggles, tying her hair into a messy bun and starts putting on the top and then the skirt. sighing deeply as she fixes the clothing and turns about a few times to check herself in the mirror.

"are you busy? what are you doing?"

"uh i just took a shower, now i'm getting dressed then i'll go and eat," she lies halfway and sighs, letting down her hair again, "what are you doing?"

"feeding your baby brother," jimin sighs tiredly, "he just wouldn't sit quie– aish! jiwon-ah! c'mere buddy, look it's the last bite, i promise."

"wow, he's really like me."

"i know, every time he's doing something like this, it reminds me of you." he chuckles, "do you wanna come home tonight? we all can have dinner together and you can meet jiwon and your unnie too,"

"uhm no, it's fine, oppa. i've already o-ordered pizza for me and also set up all the movies and stuff." she bites her lip, lying through through her teeth and stares at the phone, hoping jimin would buy her lie.

"well, if you say so. but i think my idea is better. y'know i don't feel like leaving you alone in that huge house for the whole night."

"oh no no, i'm fine. don't worry. and if there's any problem i'll call you,"

"yeah, please do that. alright, i'll go now, i think jiwon needs to change his diaper."

aera laughs at that, nodding her head, "okay, bye! love you!"

"love you more, kiddo." jimin chuckles before hanging up and aera steps out of the closet, grinning as she poses for her friend who's busy playing on his phone, sprawled on the bed as though he owned it.

"clay," aera says barely suppressing her giggle as she spins in her place, laughing when the boy stares at her with his eyes and mouth open. "how do i look?"

"amazing," he stands up, holding her hand to make her stand at one place and studies her from head to toe, "you look great, wow,"

"thanks!" she chirps, moving to the dressing table and sits down with her hair brush in her hand, while clay's standing behind her, clicking a funny picture of them from the reflection. that's when the notification of his phone goes off and he sighs, seeing jake's name popping up.

"he's at home," clay hums, scrolling more through his phone, then snaps his head up to look at the girl, "do you know who's coming to the party?"

"i don't kno– wait... eunwoo?" aera pressed her lips together, turning around to look directly at the boy who sighs deeply, rolling his eyes but nods anyway. "really? but i thought... nevermind,"

"he's not that great," clay declares, "you're really blind to find him attractive,"

"he's a nice guy though," she smiles at him, "don't you like soomin too?"

"so it's coming from there huh?" he tilts his head, "i don't do anything, aera. girls just can't resist my handsome face."

"yeah yeah," aera scoffs, standing up as she pushes him away and looks in the mirror, applying her lip balm and smiles, "let's go i'm ready!" clay smiles at her, ruffling his hair as he follows her out, taking her phone from the table as she forgot it.

"i still have to get ready," he mutters, smacking her head as they head out of the house and aera hisses in annoyance, fixing her hair again.

"how about we take my brother's car?" aera gasps at the sudden idea, rushing back in and brings the keys of jungkook's audi, handing it to her friend with a grin, "i hope you won't crash it."

"can we take it?" he blinks a few times and aera nods.

"what's his is mine and i give you the permission. plus he won't know." she says, pulling his hand to the garage where the car is parked along with a few more. clay takes the driver's seat, getting himself comfortable in the expensive leather seat while aera buckles the seatbelt on herself on the passenger seat.

clay secures the seatbelt for himself too and starts the engine, driving towards his and jake's shared apartment that fortunately didn't rent them for jake's dad had bought it for him. clay had a car from his parents, and like that the boys were sorted even without their parents who were always busy with their jobs and business trips. the boys didn't mind as long as the money arrived in their accounts in time every month.

aera is busy scrolling through her phone, uploading a picture of herself that she clicked yesterday on instagram, smiling when people already started liking and commenting. her breath hitches when a few minutes later jungkook's account likes the picture, reminding her that she cannot put stories and or upload pictures from the party.

right then jungkook texts her and she prays he won't call her right now.

jungkookie
i see the picture is up now
good one tho

aera
ikr :))))
wyd

jungkookie
nothing much just about to start
with a shoot
wbu?

aera
i'm gonna have dinner

jungkookie
cool
what r u eating tho?
have proper food not just snacks
or cereals ok?

aera
yes yes ikkkk
relax oppa

jungkookie
good
oh btw jiminie was asking if u wanna
go to him
did he call u?

aera
yeah but i but said i'm fine
i don't wanna disturb them

jungkookie
well yeah lmaooo
that's up to u

aera
lol yeah
anyways i'll go now byeeee <333
take care and good luck with ur work
pls bring smth for me when u come
home!

jungkookie
i'll see
bye bye~
take care princess

"smiling a lot, who's it?" clay chuckles, glancing over at her and aera's smile doubles, showing him the phone, "ah of course, oppa's princess, you must be missing him."

"yep, a lot," she nods, "but he'll be back tomorrow so it's fine."

the boy hums softly, pulling over in the parking lot of the building and steps out with her. clay sighs deeply, checking himself in the small mirror at the side of the elevator wall, touching his face then turns to aera, "do you think i look fine?"

"yeah," she nods, "but i look prettier,"

"of course, girls are meant to look prettier y'know? my dad always said only mom has the right to look the prettiest in the family." he says, laughing a little as aera watches him amusedly, nodding her head, recalling her own brothers telling her that women are always beautiful and they have every right to be.

"your dad sounds like a cool person,"

"yeah, i mean he is, but the main reason for that is my mom. he just cares about her in the whole world." he chuckles, exiting the elevator and walks to the appartment with aera following behind.

"that's a good thin–" she stops in the middle, gaping at the place which looks so different than usual. the big leather couches are moved to one side, the lighting is dimmed to shades of blue, purple, pink and red. the kitchen island is laden with snacks and drinks, and there are stacks of plastic cups near the sink.

clay returns the keys of the car to aera while she's busy looking around, noticing how much space the boys have created by moving a few things in their duplex flat. jake comes downstairs, rolling up the sleeves of his black denim jacket to expose his strong, veiny forearms as he loved working out and even claimed jungkook as his role model. his jeans are black too, ripped slightly on his knees and thighs, and a plain white t-shirt tucked inside them, with similar to the pair of high rise sneakers on his feet.

"oh you're here," he smiles at aera and clay, stopping in front of them with a grin and his eyebrows arched up, "no wonder you took so long,"

"excuse me? we went to the store, then i had to shower and then put on this dress, then i had to do my makeup and hair. it takes times. unlike you who just puts on any random pants and shirt and a jacket." aera huffs and jake gasps, acting offended.

"i was complimenting you. you look nice and it's worth the time, that's what i meant. but you just... and what do you mean by that? don't i look good?"

"yeah, sure." she nods, flipping her hair and walks past him, going to the kitchen, "clay, you should get changed too now." she says, looking around the food and picks up a piece of chicken nuggets from one of the bowls.

"do you like it here?" jake asks, sitting on the stool beside her, leaning on the counter as he eats as well.

"yeah, it's nice." aera nods, pulling her phone and stands straight after dusting her hands. she pulls him closer, trying to get him in the frame for a selfie, "you look good," she giggles when the boy grabs the phone and clicks a bunch of selfies of them together.

"i know," he says looking at the pictures, then pulls out his own phone, "i want one, come here."

"no, that's enough. let's eat now." jake doesn't listen, pulling her hand, making her body jerk back into him with her laughing as he snaps a few pictures in his phone. his arm stays secure around her waist, while she poses differently each time with him.

once being satisfied with the clicks, jake puts his away, going back to eating eating while aera stays near him, scrolling through her phone mindlessly. the doorbell rings and jake glances at her, getting on his feet as he pats her back, speaking after gulping down the snack in his mouth, "go upstairs, i'll call you once more people are here."

"it's okay, who is it though?"

"must be the guys from my math class,"

"i think i should go upstairs," she nods awkwardly, knowing those overly-flirty group of boys who share the same mathematics class with jake. one thing aera knew about these guys was that they hit on every breathing thing. even in school she remembered jake and clay telling her not to get close to these boys no matter how much they tried.

as she goes upstairs, still having her eyes curiously lingering on jake who is taking the door, smiling widely at the bunch of who indeed are from his math class. aera shakes her head, walking to clay's room absent-mindedly and opens the door, barging in right away. although she regrets it instantly when the boy screams, making her scream as well.

"what happened?!" jake yells from the living room and aera breathes deeply, placing her hand on her chest to calm herself down.

"nothing! it's a prank!" clay responds, glaring at the girl who smiles nervously, shrugging her shoulders.

"you suck!" jake yells, followed by some laughing noises making aera sigh.

"why aren't you dressed yet?" she asks.

"why aren't you leaving when you can see i'm not dressed?" clay hisses, grabbing his white undershirt and puts it on getting a scoff from his friend.

"you're not naked," aera shrugs, sitting on the bed and turns on the television, while the boy just shakes his head, taking his clothes and walks to the closet, coming out once he's fully dressed.

"you're so spoiled. what if i tell your brother you walked in on me taking a shower?"

"i didn't walk in the bathroom," she looks at him with a smug face.

"still, you should knock before entering anybody's room."

"nope," she shrugs and stands up, "dude do you have that perfume i use? or anything like roses or vanilla?"

"why?"

"i think i got jake's cologne on me..." she grumbles, standing on her knees on the edge of the bed and turns her head to the side, "smell," she says and clay leans down, inhaling the scent which smells like a mixture of her vanilla scent and jake's cologne of fruity and citrusy fragrance.

"how?" clay frowns, going to his dresser and pulls out two glass bottles of essence, but both being kind of manly, "i don't think you want these,"

"that's vanilla?"

"well, yeah," he nods, handing it to her, "but it's more y'know intense than yours,"

"but you smell nice," she presses her lips together, then shakes her head, giving it back. "y'know jungkookie uses this cologne, i don't remember the name, it smells sooooo good! like you couldn't shower for a week and just put that on, and you're good to go."

"who gets your perfumes?"

"jungkookie," aera chuckles, "he's sensitive to smell so he can tell which is nice and which is not better than me. also his choices are attractive and very expensive, so i don't bother."

"i can tell about that," clay snickers, "the amount of time he changes his cars is crazy."

"i know right?!" aera laughs, gradually sitting up as the doorbell rings again for the third time since she came upstairs and looks at clay, "should we go downstairs?"

"yeah, sure," the boy nods, turning off the television and heads out, seeing a lot of people are already here. aera's eyes scan through the half filled living room to spot jake. then she finally locates him with a group of girls who just entered the apartment. riah, soomin and their other friends.

aera sighs, averting her eyes from the girls not wanting to spend her night with their useless gossips and looks around again, trying her best to find a better person. meanwhile clay, taps her waist, pointing to the kitchen and walks her there, picking up two plastic cups filled with a coke.

the music is blasting loud already and everyone seems to enjoy. the space gets more crowded every minute until aera's standing alone, leaning on a stool watching jake, a bunch of other guys, and some girls dancing to the music. then there's clay, talking to some people not too far away from aera.

she sighs softly, pushing her hair back as the crowd makes the place much hotter than usual. a guy soon joins her, holding out another drink in front of her, a smile decorating his lips and eyes staring at her face, "mind if i join you?"

aera smiles as an answer, shifting her weight on the stool and sits with her body slightly facing the guy, "i thought you won't come,"

"i didn't want to, then someone said you're coming." he rubs the back of his neck and aera chuckles, sipping from her the cup the boy handed, but ends up scrunching up her face at the taste. "what happened? is it not good?"

"uh i don't drink alcohol, eunwoo." she presses her lips together,

"oh c'mon it's nothing," the boy pats her arm, "it's not that bad, try again." before aera could refuse, he gently holds her hand, stepping near her and smiles, bringing the rim of the cup close to her lips, making her gulp a sip down.

"what do you think?" he grins at her and she nods, glancing at the cup.

"not bad,"

"told you so," he winks, going back to his original position which is at a comfortable distance from the girl, making her smile.

as more time passes, there's nothing but a bunch of drunk teenagers around aera who herself feels a bit tipsy. but still sober enough to slap an arm away when it tries hugs her thinking she's the owner's girlfriend. she stands up, looking around with a hazy gaze and smiles when jake catches her eye. however the smile gets replaced by a frown when she realises he's making out with someone– riah.

"aera," eunwoo's voice stops her, turning her around as he holds her hand and smiles lazily, drunk too. when he steps closer, leaning down for a kiss, aera frowns, pulling her head back from him and frees her hand from his grip.

"i- i'm sorry, eunwoo. you're drunk i thin–"

"i like you," the boy confesses, "i've liked you for a long time now, aera. i just didn't know how to confess... today i'm doing it... i really like you,"

"i... i don't know, eunwoo. i'm sorry to–"

"get away from her," she hears another voice, sounding equally drunk as eunwoo, making aera gasp, scared that they might end up fighting.

"jake, stay out of it bro." eunwoo gestures him to get aside and looks at aera, "can we talk alone...?"

"no," jake growls, glaring at other boy.

"jake–" riah tries to pulls him  to the side but jake doesn't listen, cutting her off as he moves her out of the way and stands facing eunwoo.

"i like her," eunwoo declares, "i'm not lying. i know she's your best friend, and i'm not trying to take her away from you. i just have feelings for her and i've been trying to approach her for months now."

"i don't care," jake scoffs, "how dare you touch her?"

"jake, he didn't touch me." aera says, pulling her friend back and looks at eunwoo with an apologetic smile, "i'm sorry, he's just a little drunk that's why he's acting like that."

"i-it's okay, so... can we talk?"

"uhm yeah," she nods,

"no," jake frowns at her, cupping her face between his hands, shaking his head, "no... you don't even like him,"

"he just wants to talk, it's okay." she tries to convince him, taking his hand and pulls him out of the crowd, heading upstairs as she hears him groaning probably from a headache. 

"don't date him..." jake grumbles, sitting on his bed while aera pours him some water in a glass, helping him take a sip and nods. "say it... say you won't date him,"

"i won't. now relax and drink this,"

"man my head..." he groans, falling on the bed, breathing lightly through his mouth as he pulls the fabric of his t-shirt away from his sweaty skin. he coughs a little, smiling at the thought of something and glances ar aera, "do you know what most of the people told me?"

"what?"

"that you look hot," he chuckles, "-and cute at the same time when you were drinking."

"how do even know? you were busy kissing the life out of that girl." she rolls his eyes.

"i saw you," he sighs softly, "i was watching you, that's how i came to stop that pervert in time."

"he's not a pervert. you're just thinking too much." aera sighs, fixing her hair in the mirror and walks to the door, "i'll be downstairs, come when you're feeling better."

"don't say yes to him, aera. i'm serious. he's not a nice guy." jake sits up, breathing out deeply and stands on his feet, holding the knob before  aera uses it to open the door.

"what?" she turns to face him, seeing his expression staring at her all serious, confirming that he's aware of what he's saying. "go and rest," she shakes her head.

"break his nose if he tries anything funny."

"i know that, you don't have to worry." aera says and jake removes his hand from the knob. but this time before she opens it, it's already being pushed open by someone from outside. aera sighs deeply, making a grossed out face on seeing it's a guy and with him is a girl, both breaking their heated kiss and stumble away.

"sorry, didn't know the room was occupied!" the guy yells, taking his girl to another room and jake massages his temples.

"i hope you don't leave your kids here!" jake shouts, hearing the couple snicker in response and he groans in annoyance. "what time is it?"

aera shrugs, pulling out her phone and gasps loudly, seeing five missed calls from jungkook and seven from jimin. she curses under her breath, slamming the door shut and looks at jake, "i need to go!"

"not yet," jake grumbles, wrapping his arms around her and kisses her cheek, "go tomorrow,"

"no! they called me so many times, what if jimin oppa will go home to check if i'm okay or not!" aera freaks out, pushing him away, "you know them, they'll freak out if they come to know i'm partying with you guys instead sleeping at home!"

"it's ok–"

"no, it's not! take me home!"

"drive," jake huffs, hugging her again, "my head hurts so much... i might die..."

"where's clay?" aera ignores him and opens the door rushing down the stairs with jake following after her like a lost puppy. she looks around, seeing him having a drink with soomin and storms up to him, dragging him to a corner. "i need to go home right now, can you drive? because jake can't."

"huh?" clay stares at her with confused, "why do you wanna leave? are you not having fun?"

"my brothers called me so many times and i didn't answer. i think jimin oppa might go home to check,"

"fuck! why are your brothers like that?!"

"i don't know, let's just go right now."

clay hums, keeping his cup on the counter and cracks his neck, "keys?"

"you have them,"

"no, i gave it back to you,"

"you didn't..."

"i did..."

they stare at each other, searching their clothes, not finding any key which makes aera whine in frustration, "oh my god! what now? how am i gonna get home?! what if jimin oppa's already there?! i'm so dead!"

"relax, let's check in my room." clay pats her back, "stay here i'll be back,"

aera nods subtly as clay jogs upstairs leaving her with jake who keeps hugging her, making her hiss annoyedly and push him away once in a while until he huffs at her, turning her to face him and squints at her, "stop. pushing. me. away."

"okay sorry," she sighs, shaking her head, staring at the top of the stairs for clay to come with the keys and she could go home.

"hm, are you really going home?"

"yeah," she nods, smiling instantly when clay appears, showing her the keys in his hand. "i have to go now. go to your room and sleep, it's pretty late already."

"no, i'll go with you," the boy declares which aera doesn't mind and follows clay outside the apartment. many people have already left and the ones who are left and either passed out or two busy making out or having sex in one of the guest rooms.

"he's going?" clay points at jake and aera sighs, nodding slowly as she gets in the passenger seat, hitting the drunk jake when he tries to sit on her lap on the passenger seat.

"you're drunk not stupid!" she hits his arm, "sit at the back!"

"ouch..." the boy winces, frowning as he holds his wrong arm, "it hurts..."

"jake i swear to god i'm gonna kill you if you waste one more second here!"

"okayyy!" he grumbles, sitting at the back and clay starts driving.

"did you have fun?"

"yeah," she nods, turning to clay with a smile, "it was really fun, thanks."

"i know right! and you said you won't come. see? you would miss such a great party."

"i know," she laughs, then glances back at jake, "he's so drunk."

"riah too, they both just kept going and going. did you see them? they were making out like crazy!"

"yeah, that was gross." aera shakes her head.

"it was fun," jake mumbles from the backseat,

"eww," aera cringes and clay laughs.

"you were about to kiss eunwoo,"

"no, i would stop him even if jake didn't come in between."

"that's why i didn't step in,"

"you were watching me too?"

"uh well, in a crowded place like this– especially in parties, of course we'd watch over you. we don't want anything weird to happen right?"

aera hums with a soft smile, stepping out of the car as clay pulls in front of the house and hops out of the car, "well, good night. and uh mind if i bring the car back tomorrow?"

"no problem." aera smiles, giving him a brief hug, "thanks, and also sorry i made you rush at this hour."

"it's okay, i don't mind," he smiles, rubbing the back of his neck as he looks away and aera chuckles, "at least your brothers won't know,"

she hums, stepping near him and tip-toes to reach up for his face, pressing her lips on the boy's cheek followed by a tight hug as her arms automatically wrap around his neck, "i wish you both could stay over," she mumbles in his neck and he chuckles.

"what for?"

"i don't know, just maybe talking or watching a movie?"

"hm, probably next time," clay pats her back, pulling away and sighs deeply, "you should go inside now, it's cold here. talk to your brothers soon and please lie properly. i'll get the car by 9 tomorrow,"

"yeah, good night."

"it's almost morning now, 3 am," he sighs, "but anyway good night. see you later!"

"aeraa!!!" jake grumbles from the backseat, "clayyyy! bro where are you?"

"i'll take him," clay waves, jogging back to the driver's seat and aera waves back one last time before heading inside and thankfully jimin isn't here. she drops a text, letting them know that her phone was on silent and she fell asleep watching the movie, only waking up right now for some water.

____________

a/n- who do you ship with aera? be honest okay, who's interaction with aera fo you like more?

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