with love,

Taekyung sighed and tucked his hands into his hoodie pockets, avoiding Sumin’s puppydog eyes. He’d had an unusually tiring day, and as much as he loved to go out and buy ddeokbokki for his classmates and drink and hang out, he felt like he was about to collapse. Plus he was nearly broke, and his parents insisted that he spent this month’s allowance wisely. But he could almost never refuse a dongsaeng’s request, and with another, deeper sigh, he turned to Sumin and offered her a small grin. “Sure, alright. I don’t really get why you wanna hang out with a bunch of juniors, but we can go.”

Rin listened the best she could, taking it into consideration with what the younger was saying, and well proposing. Truthfully, the female wasn’t good with events, big or small. The only ones she went to were those involving her art work or designs, the rest she tended to avoid in favor of a quiet night in’ but her sympathy had been caught this time round which was an easy thing to do really. “I.. well I guess I could go with you then? If it really would be better for you to show up with someone else?” She gave a small smile. Rin wasn’t doing anything tonight as far as she knew, so she could spare on night for this. “It sounds interesting I guess– and I don’t really know about that, but I guess we’ll see.”

“Torture you? Never, and fight me? Maybe not out here in the open,” Jongwook fought back a grin, casually stuffing his hands into his pockets. What was with the students around here immediately jumping to the worst possible conclusion? He remained silent for a few minutes, unphased by the question and accusing look thrown his way, his attention drawn to the (over)dramatic hair flips and wondering if her neck was about to break any second now. Oh well, that was one sure way for this conversation to end. Finally, he asked, “But why is it a blessing? Why should I feel honoured?” His voice was calm, hoping not to offend her. The questions weren’t meant to come across as rude, although he wouldn’t be surprised if she took it the wrong way and started with the hair flips again.  

If Sumin was only going just because, then why did she absolutely have to drag Najeong with her? It was a question that lingered in the hipster’s mind, but she knew better than to actual ask it unless she wanted to make the situation turn more awkward or possibly hostile. “Don’t call yourself that. You just need to dedicate your time differently, that’s all. Focus on your studies, then go to a party once it’s all done.” She answered honestly, nodding her head as she spoke in hopes of her words being convincing. “Alright… But uh, I don’t drink soda either.” Because yes, it was possible for her to get even lamer.

                        DUMB DUMB

          sumin wasn’t exactly sure why this kid was acting so weird towards her. did he know who she was? her spread for geek magazine went viral on the internet because of the subtly provocative imagery, so it was possible. although - it wasn’t like she was some unknown face anyways. her eyes moved back to the last iced tea, the one that she had been craving for so long. the same iced tea that he put his hand on first. 

Oh great, now it was awkward. That horrible, stuffy feeling was in the air and it was all her fault, and apologies would probably only make things worse. Najeong exhaled through her nose, hands covering her cheeks once more as she imagined how great it would be to just disappear from this one moment and erase it from their minds. As much as she wanted a reason to think positively about her new plans, she couldn’t help but pick every detail apart in her head. Large crowds of people always created a commotion, whether they intended to or not. Besides, this was the person that could hardly even stand visiting the cafeteria. How was she supposed to handle a get-together? “But what if you want to stay? It’s okay if you do, I don’t mind.” She reassured the younger girl. “You’re probably going to enjoy it more than I do.”

“Naaah, I’m only going just ‘cause.” Sumin reassured, lips pulled back into a thin line. She shrugged her shoulders, certain that even if the pair didn’t go to the party - her coworkers wouldn’t give her too much grief. So what if this was a party that they had been planning for months? Her absence wouldn’t change the turn out whatsoever. “School’s been in session for a few months and I’m already failing, I wish I wasn’t such an idiot.” Sumin chuckled, eyes forming small crescent moons at the reveal. “I shouldn’t be out partying too late, you know? Should be hitting the books... or whatever people say.” Sumin grinned, “isn’t that a given? I was practically made for parties. But I think you might have fun too. Promise. I won’t make you talk to anyone, it’ll just be us girls - maybe Jack.” Sumin chuckled, head tilting - “although I know Coke is a little more your speed, eh?”

Lies, lies and lies. Najeong didn’t respond, not beyond a slight frown on her face as she waited for all the close contact to finally end. She could only take one or the other, compliments or touching, but both was putting her into an overload. “Yeah,” was all she could manage to say in response. It wasn’t even the night in question, but she already had a bad feeling about it and was wishing she could find a way out without disappointing Sumin. “No. I don’t go to parties.” Even if she wanted to, she was never invited to them in the first place.

Sumin could sense Najeong’s discomfort, hands immediately dropping by her side. She cleared her throat, not sure if she should apologize - perhaps it’d make things a lot more awkward. Sumin just chose to ignore it and move along. “Well then you’re in luck it’s not a party just... a big get-together. Seriously, there’s not a lot of...” She snapped a few times, trying to think of the right word to use to describe the type of ‘party’ she invited the other to. “-commotion. It’s just loud but that’s because of the music and people trying to be heard over it but everyone usually minds their own space, they’re pretty chill. Until idols and other celebrities from one of the bigger companies show up. Buuuut they usually finish their stuff way later and we’ll be gone long before then. I’ll leave when you do.”