6- Empty

Kyeom pov.

It's been a week since Joshi started pretending to be Joshua and it has been a hell of a ride. I would be in his apartment most of the time to help him with stuff he needed to do. I didn't know how Joshua did all this work alone but it was definitely a lot. I know I observed him study and work at the same time but I haven't really had the chance to understand how tiring his life is.

" Dude you looked like you haven't got any sleep. And why the hell didn't you call me again tonight? I was worried sick" Hoshi told me as he sat beside me in our first subject.  It's true that I haven't got any sleep and all I could blame it on is that stupid event that happened recently. 

"I had a thing. Don't be so over dramatic." I answered coldly.

"What have they done to your friend?!? Wheres the sunshine???" Asked Jeonghan as he sat beside me. I just glared at him and rolled my eyes.

"Sleep-deprived Kyeomi is scary." He said and Wonu giggled at the back.

"Seriously what's up with you?" Asked Jeonghan.

"He's just being a sourpuss because his crush is not paying attention to him anymore". Hoshi joked but deep down I know why he isn't talking to me? That's because I asked him too.  I mean naturally Joshua wont talk to me sometimes not even a glance so it should be like this.

"That's alright dude. You got us." Wonu suddenly said and we all looked at him in shock. You know sometimes he just surprises us out of nowhere.

"Wonuuuuuuu.. come here I'll give you a kisss!!!" I said pretty loudly and then Wonu stood up and ran away from me right away. We chased each other in the room and even Cheol was laughing at both of us.

"Alright no kiss I'll give you a hug." He said and then I was shocked but gladly offered my hug to him. In a split second Jeonghan was behind me.

"How about me?" He asked and I chuckled a little. He looked like he was sulking.

"Alright let me give you both a hug." Wonu said and he did. We were all enjoying ourselves when all of a sudden the person I least expect to show up, walked towards us.

"Hey! I'm sorry to interrupt but I need to talk to Kyeom." Joshi said and I looked at him in disbelief. I just told him not to talk to me and yet he's here again disturbing me from my peace.

"Alright all yours." Jeonghan said as he winked at me pretty obviously. If I would let my intrusive thoughts win,  a chair should be flying across the room right now.

"Thank you. It's about the project." He said and they nodded. Openly giving me away and obviously teasing me since they don't even know he's not my husband.

As soon as we were outside, I dragged him into the corridor so that people wont notice us or hear us.

"Didn't we talk about not talking to each other during class?" I asked him right away.

"Yeah but I have a problem. Julie said that I said yes to being an understudy of the main lead in a play and I memorized the play by heart so it would be easy for me. I don't even know the character or  the title of the play! And it's tomorrow." He said in panic. I would totally laugh at this if this happened to my friend but this was not a simple problem.

"Crap, I forgot about that. What happened to the lead?" I asked.

"I heard he had an allergic reaction to the sandwich during lunch. Damn that sandwich I could have gotten away with it." He said and I chuckled. He glared at me and I shut it.

"Don't worry it's an easy play. The main lead doesn't even have that many lines. Mostly just acting with his face and eyes. It's from a Chinese novel. Are you familiar with the Untamed? It's pretty popular" I didn't say the theme in the novel was mostly bromance but who cares it's not important.

"You have to practice with me. I have never done this." He suddenly said.

"But I was gonna go shopping with Hoshi." I complained and he looked more pitiful. He made a sad face and obviously using charm to help him.

"Stop that! Don't use my husband's face to sway me. I like him not you, and I know now you're not him so stop it" I said and he laughed.

"You don't make sense. How can I not when we both look exactly alike. Even our classmates don't suspect me. I'm a perfect copy." He said proudly.

"Stop being cocky and actually read the script. Get one from Woozi, he's the one producing this all." I said and he nodded. He was hesitant to go back to class but I pushed him becauseI don't wanna be suspicious to my friends. Then he ran back to the room first but before he did he called me out.

"Hey Kyeom! Thanks!" He said as he smiled with his bunny teeth. Damn it that guy is freaking cute! Just remember he's not Joshua. Just relax heart.

After a few minutes I walked back to the classroom. The teacher arrived as soon as I did and started the lecture. I could see Joshua in front cramming the script that was given by Woozi earlier.

"Hey dude.. what's the project thing Joshua wanted to talk about?" Hoshi whispered beside me so that he can't disturb the class.

"Oh it's nothing really normal project stuff." I said nonchalantly.

"You're being weird." He suddenly said.

"Look at yourself and tell me I'm weird again." I joke at home and he punched me a little on the arm.

Before we knew it, class was over. As soon as the teacher went out, Woozi approached me handing me another script.

"Uhmm. What's this?" I asked in confusion.

"Yeah the script." He said and I looked at him more confused.

"Joshua told me you were gonna practice with him. Don't look at me, I thought he needed no practice whatsoever." He said. Hoshi was about to intervene but as soon as Woozi saw him approaching, he left without saying anything.

"What's that guy's problem?" Hoshi asked as he looked at the script he gave me.

"You probably." I teased and then he glared at me.

"I mean with this!" He clarified.

"Oh he asked me to practice with Joshua." I had to lie.

"Practice? Doesn't he know the words by heart? I saw him last week filling in for the lead when he was in class perfectly." He said and I looked at him thinking of a way to make it all plausible when I just caught what he said.

"You saw him?" I asked trying to trap him more.

"Yah. Said all the lines perfectly." He said falling to my trap.

"Oh and what were you doing in the theater club when you don't even like plays?" I asked because for as long as I know Hoshi he was never been a fan of watching plays. He mostly likes dances and all. He looked at me as if he saw a ghost and automatically looked like he was thinking hard.

"I just passed by." He finally said something and I laughed.

"Whatever you do is none of my business but you don't need to lie to me. I know you." I told him and he walked away in awkwardness. This guy really can't even handle a little confrontation.

Then I texted Joshi.

"Dude what's the script for? I told you to keep it lowkey. Woozi looks really suspicious of you." I texted him.

"Well what else do I do? I don't know anyone that can help me practice. I mean you're literally the only person that I can think of." He replied back and weirdly I liked that fact. I must be out of my head.

"I'll see you at your apartment later. Don't be too obvious around people" i told him and he gave me a thumbs up.

"Really appreciate it. And by the way I'm killing it as Joshua here. I'll be waiting.. " He said and then I kept the script in my bag.

I just laughed a little and went to my next class. The day went on without a word from Joshi. I was actually expecting him to come to me and ask me to come practice with him again but to my surprise, nothing. My like seemed pretty quiet. He probably really listened to me.

Later after class..

"Hey Kyeom where are you going? I'll drive you." Hoshi said and I totally forgot to make an excuse.

"Oh no need I have some errands to run." I said and he looked at me as if I was crazy.

"Dude what's wrong with you? Didn't you forgot the birthday party? Cheol will be so hurt you forgot" he said and that's when it occurred to me that we totally agreed on today's celebration instead of next week because of our schedules.

"Oh shit. Don't tell him I forgot. Come on let's grab him a cake atleast." I said as I went inside Hoshi's car. Then I texted Joshi right away.

Kyeom: Joshi I'll be a little late. For the mean time please memorize the script. I'll come practice as soon as I'm done. Cheol is throwing an intimate dinner party, just close friends... so I can't really say no now. Please understand." I sent the message and right away he seen it.

"Sure thing. Enjoy! Don't worry about practicing.. I can do this with my eyes closed. Take your time and focus in there. I found someone to help anyway." He replied and I was confused. He's not upset? Then great. I'll take my time. But who was he with??

Hoshi and I went to the mall to get some supplies and as well as our last minute gifts. I was still stuck on what Joshua said but I was even more troubled of what to get Cheol. I mean what do we give to someone that I think has everything already.

"Dude hold the cake." I complained.

"Come on my hands are already full with all this." He complained again even if he has a really free other hand compared to mine that is overloaded already.

"Hold this or I drop it." I threatened him and he complained at first but still grabbed the cake from my hand.

"Alright stop being a crabby patty. Let's go to the dinner already. He's gonna kill us if we're late." Hoshi said and we did. After a few minutes we arrived at their house. As usual Jeonghan was the one that welcomed us. As if he's the owner of the house.

"You guys! Come in come." He said acting as if he's the one hosting all this. I just laughed at his failed attempt to imitate Cheol.

The dinner went down as fun as it can be. We were talking about Cheol's experiences before and some of his fails included. Kind of like reminiscing the past. I know we sound like teenage girls but it was fine.

From time to time I would check on the time because I want to head back and help Joshi. I would check my phone for messages but to my surprise, it was pretty quiet. I wanted to be early, But time just got away from me. When I noticed it, it was already 1:00 am but we were still nowhere finished. Everyone was still playing and talking around.

But I can't shake the feeling of guilt because I promised Joshi that I would help him. I know he told me to take my time but maybe he was just being considerate.... But then again he told me that he has someone that can help him. But who!!? Am I going crazy? I can't decide what to do.

"Dude your face is scaring us." Cheol suddenly joked and everyone laughed at his description of me.

"Oh you mean this face?" I joked back making a silly face to mask my worry and everyone bought it.

"Dude.. you're killing me." Hoshi said in the middle of his laughs. I laughed at my own face too as I saw my reflection in the window.

By 2:00 am the party has finally ended. We were all sleepy and a little tipsy from the drinkS. Even I was a little bit tipsy but not that much. Everyone decided to sleep in here but I told them I had to go home. They were confused but let me go anyway. More like they were all dead already so I just slipped out on my own.

I then texted Joshi. I was expecting him to be asleep already.(praying that he didn't stay up just to wait forMe)

I took a cab since Hoshi was out of commission. But just as I was near his apartment. I saw him at the gate with a someone?!?! I told the cab driver to park behind the apartment because I was curious who the person was. I assumed he was just making things up.

I then saw him hug her goodbye as she snuggled to Joshi's neck. My eyes were wide open in shock. Who the hell! Is she?!?! Wait why am I hiding? I should just walk towards them and ask them myself. But I just can't,  and I don't know why. I'm jealous? But this is not Joshua... my mind is confused.

I waited until she got into the car and drove away. I slowly walked towards Joshi who was waiting by the gate.

"Kyeom? It's 2 am. I figured you wouldn't come?" He said as he saw me.

"So you already found a replacement right away?!?" I snapped and he looked as confused as I was seeing him with a girl in the early morning and flirting in front of the gate. Why do I sound so jealous right now. I blame the alcohol.

"What replacement? What is wrong with you are you drunk?" He asked with concern. Oh he's trying to play dumb and put this all on me.. what an Asshole.

"Drunk or not..You know what I hate you already. I'm just helping you because you look like Joshua. Be grateful for that". I said without thinking. I could see him flinch with what I said but then he just smiled.

"I'm sorry you feel that way. Why don't we go inside." He said trying to calm me down. I don't know why but I felt really hurt seeing another person close to Joshi. I know I'm possessive with my friends but I'm shocked with Joshi.

"Alright!" I said still sulking. I felt his hands hold on to my shoulders as he guided me up the stairs.

"You know I texted you it was okay for you not to come. It's already morning time, you should've just slept. You looked exhausted." He said to me. Then he helped me sit on his bed.

"What text?" I asked. He then giggled a little as I got out my phone.

"I didn't see the text." I said as soon as I saw his message.

"You're cute when you're jealous." He whispered in my ear and I pushed him away. Oh so he's using his face card again? Seriously hate him right now.

"Stop that! Who was that girl anyway?" I asked without hesitation.

"She's a good friend of mine. Also works in the theater. Pretty great actress and offered to help me. But you don't need to feel bad." He said and I looked at him. He was obviously saying the truth.

"I'm sorry then." I told him and he smiled.

"No need to apologize. I didn't take offense. You looked a little bit tipsy and maybe it was the alcohol talking." He said and then grabbed a cold ice water. He made me drink it and it felt so much better.

"So you don't need to practice no more?" I asked.

"I'm good. We got it all covered." He said as he smiled. I pouted at him.

"Really?" I asked.

"Wait you wanna have a go?" He asked.

"No! Maybe? I was looking forward to help you." I said honestly.

"What? I thought you didn't wanna practice with me?" He asked trying to tease me.

"Whatever! I probably just want you to depend on me! Stop doing that smug face! I'm going home!" I snapped again as I felt embarrassed about what I just said. He laughed at me as he held my hand back. I was literally walking out if he hadn't stop me.

"Kyeom. I still depend on you. I wouldn't be here without your Joshua-knowledge." He said trying to cheer me up. 

"Whatever." I said as I crossed my arms.

"Let's just go to bed. You probably had a lot to drink. It's pretty late and we need to be at school early to prepare. You can clean up after yourself right?" He said as he handed me some of his pajamas.

"Yeah. Thanks". I said blushing at what just happened. I sound like a jealous girlfriend. I don't understand how I feel about him and his face makes this more confusing than it already is.

I cleaned up a little and wore his pajamas. It was the same print as what he was wearing so it looked like we were a couple. I really want to take a picture so bad. Wait what the hell I should get my head together. He's not Joshua so stop daydreaming.

"I guess I'll take the sofa." He said as he grabbed the pillows from the bed.

"You can sleep here with me." I offered because this is his apartment anyway. He looked at me in shock.

"Really?" He asked.

"Yeah we're both mature adults anyway. I feel ashamed to take all the bed when this is your apartment." I said honestly.

"Don't worry I won't kiss you this time." He said as he laid beside me. Who in their right mind would say that?!?

"What?!?" I asked.

"Well unless you ask for it." He said and then winked at me before turning his back on me. Is he for real with this?!? I hate him so much. I hate that he looks like Joshua its making me feel things I shouldn't feel.

"Shut up!" I snapped at him and I could hear him giggling. This bastard.

———————————————//////————————The next day..

"Kyeom wake up." I heard a soft voice in my ear.

"Kyeomie.." he said and I slowly opened my eyes. I saw Joshi face to face with me. My arms were wrapped around him like he was a security pillow. My eyes widened in shock and I pushed myself away from him.

"Finally. I thought I was gonna suffocate from your embrace." He said as he stood up from the bed.

"Sorry." I said as I try to compose myself. Crap the habbit of mine to hug a pillow just backfired at me. I was using him as a pillow. I'm so embarrassed.

"Just kidding. Come on we'll be late." He said as he grabbed a clean towel and threw it at me.

"Uhmm I don't have anything to wear." I said honestly.

"Figured. Use my clothes. Our built is a little bit the same anyway. Feel free to rummage my clothes. As long as you arrange it properly." He said as he went outside to use the outside shower. He told me to use the bedroom bathroom so that we wont be late.

I got ready and he got dressed exactly like Joshua would. I looked at him one more time.

"Isn't it hard?" I asked without thinking.

"Huh?" He asked as he tried to tie his neck tie in front of the mirror.

"Pretending to be someone? Not being yourself?" I asked pretty seriously.

"It gets pretty hard but It's easier when I have you." He said and looked at me while smiling. My heart began to pound so loud the people outside might hear it.

"What did I say about flirting with me?!?" I complained.

"Dude I was not flirting. I am being grateful here and honest. Thanks for doing this." He said and I looked at him. He looked really sincere so I just let it go.

"Alright it's nice that we made that clear." I said and he laughed a little.

"Come on I'll take you to school." He said and naturally I agreed. Most days we would go to school together anyways. Hoshi is now getting suspicious since he was my ride all the time but I think he was preoccupied by something I have yet to discover. So that's good news to me.

The car ride was silent. I remembered what I said yesterday and I felt bad.

"About yesterday... I take back what I said." I suddenly opened the conversation.

"About what?" He asked.

"The thing about helping you because you look like Joshua. I was pretty tipsy please don't take it to heart." I said genuinely.

"It's fine. Whatever your reason is for helping me, I will accept." He said and I felt even more bad that before.

"Oh and I'm going back home later. So no lessons needed later. I'm gonna talk with our dad." He said all of a sudden.

"Talk about what? It's not dangerous is it?" I asked and he smiled.

"It's fine don't worry. I'm already a pretty good version of my brother. They love him so much,  I doubt they hate him." He said but a hint of sadness was in that sentence. I wanted to hug him to comfort him. But instead I held his hands.

He was confused at first since he was driving. But then he intertwined our hands together snd squeezed it.

"Thank you." He said. He continued driving without letting go of my hand. This guy is pretty decent but sad at the same time. I hope their talk goes well.

We went to class together.

Everything was normal.

At the end of the day.. he told me he was seeing his father.

I wished him good luck. He smiled and waved.

"I'll see you tomorrow" he said.

"See yah." I said back.

That was what he said, But he didn't return the next day. And the day after... and the day after..

And the day after..

Where did he go?!?

—————————////::::::—————————

Author's note;

Kyeomi be havin crisis everyday.

Finally I breathe! ,.. had a lot of work to do but please enjoy this short chapter... I'll update soon again. 🥰🥰🥰