13 - After that

Kyeom pov.

You know I should be focusing on winning the bet against Joshi but here I am involved in another different situation that I put myself into.

"Hey. Mingyu told me that he wanted me to play games with them." Wonu said to me as he literally grabbed me from my other friends. Yes I have other friends than the inner circle.

"Didn't you see we were conversing?" I told him and he rolled his eyes. At me, the one he disturbed. Wow Wonu nice going.

"I don't actually know them so I don't really care that much. I just wanted to know if you had anything to do with Mingyu having my number???" He said.

"Alright I gave it to him." I said.

"Why?" He asked. And he seemed angry which would be confusing because I'm literally putting myself in the middle of the crossfire for him.

"Because you like him. And I'm giving you an excuse to talk to him. If only you guys could do that when Joshua was here." I said without thinking. My eyes went wild but realized Wonu was not paying attention that much.

"What do you mean?!? Joshua is still here. And we would never do that to you because You yourself makes excuses to talk to him. You are your own wingman. And you guys are close now anyway, I don't have any comment there." He said and I laughed because it was true and because I slipped about Joshua not being here but he didn't notice.

"That's true. But don't be angry at me. If you guys become close, you can finally talk to him as Wonu. Isn't that genius of me?" I asked him.

"Not really. And I'm still texting him as Winnie." He confessed.

"What?!?? You should stop that already. I thought we talked about this. You gotta stop messing with him." I said.

"I'm not messing around I told you I like him." He said and I closed my eyes because I can't believe I'll be tolerating this.

"Why did you even like this guy! He's a player and we all know that." I asked.

"He's not really that right now... i think." He said.

"You think????" I asked with doubt.

"What? Have you seen him have a girlfriend for the past days?? He's loyal to me." Wonu said and then I laughed as I grabbed his bread from his hands.

"He's loyal to Winnie. Not to Wonu." I said and then he glared at me.

"Can you just help me instead of pilling up to my misery? I thought you're an expert at this?" He said and I thought about it. I mean what the hell am I going to do?

"Alright let me think of something else!." I said and then Wonu hugged me and left. Why am I always the one fixing their problems. Hoshi first then now Wonu?  I'm just glad Cheol not's asking any help. If anything maybe I should ask about his patience. I mean how can he deal with Hannie.

Then I saw the guy we were talking about.

"Mingyu!" I shouted.

"Yow! Are you here to confess again?" He joked.

"Next time." I said winking as a joke and he laughed.

"I'm actually here to ask what did you think about Wonu?" I asked.

"Well he bailed in the first game but he told us he could play tomorrow. He seemed hesitant though. And he's always on his phone.." he commented.

"Oh speaking of that... how's everything with this mystery Winnie?" I asked .

"Well it's going great. But she seems really hesitant to meet me. But I really like this girl. Can you believe I have never once flirted with a girl this whole time I'm back?" He bragged.

"It's true. He hasn't. It's becoming really creepy." His friend said while placing a hand on his shoulder .

"Oh... congrats I guess?." I said.

"Thanks." He said. And I just walked away. This is really difficult to understand. How the hell am I setting my friend up with him now? I must be going crazy telling Wonu I got this. I literally have nothing. No ideas what so ever. ——————————————————————————-

"Hey.. wanna join us in a little mixer?" Hoshi suddenly asked.

"Wait I thought you like Woozi?" I whispered.

"I know and he's there too. So I need to mark my territory." He said and I cringe.

"Alright that sounded really creepy. But I don't want Woozi going in some mixer and meeting girls when I'm right here!" He said and complained more. I just sat there listening to his plans about sabotaging every meet ups Woozi has until they get together.

"And why do you need me there?" I asked. I don't know why but I have a feeling a certain somebody would be angry if I go.

"For support! If you don't wanna talk to people just help me distract Woozi instead." He said.

"You know this would be much easier if you just confessed to him right now right?" I told him and then he laughed as if I was telling a joke. Why is everyone so scared of just confessing. A simple honesty sometimes work. Maybe I should tell this to myself too.

"I can't just confess! I'm not like you! My embarrassment could kill me." He said and I just rolled my eyes and agree. I mean what could I do? He's my bestfriend.

"Alright alright text me the details." I said. I don't want any more of this.You know some of my problems could go away if I just say no sometimes.

"Thank you so muchhh!!! But hey did you hear about the news earlier?" He asked.

"What news?" I asked then he showed me a post.

"Oh a fire? But what does this have to do with me?" I asked.

"Look at the victim!" He showed me.

"Wait isn't that?" I asked and Hoshi nodded.

"Oh is she alright?." I said and Hoshi nodded.

"It says here that she's hospitalized but alive." Hoshi said and then I nodded.

"I should probably check on Joshua then." I said.

"You should but don't forget about the mixer!" He said while running.

Then all of a sudden I got a text .

"Did you tell Mingyu that you like him?!" He said in the text and then another text. I got distracted.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" He texted once more. I had no time to even text back when I saw a very upset Joshi walking towards me.

"Wait Josh let me explain." I said but he didn't even budge and just dragged me by the hand. He dragged me back behind the tree and I'm just sure some of my friends saw me being dragged around.

"Kyeom. Did I do something wrong? I don't wanna sound like a whinny guy but why would you do that? It's a little hurtful to hear that you confessed to another person when I'm literally right here." He said and I shook my head. Have he lost his mind already?

"Joshi you're being crazy. I told you let me explain." I said and then he stopped.

"We had a bet alright. I thought that bet would keep you focused on me. But I was wrong." He said in a very sad voice. What is this guy going on about. He was not looking at me but looking down. Then I flicked his forehead.

"Dude could you just calm down for one second." I told him and I thought he would.

"How can I calm down when you keep on confessing to random guys and not just that, to Mingyu of all people. Isn't he a player?!? You taught me that during our lessons. What can he offer that I can't?" He rambled on like a maniac. I stopped listening in the middle of his rambling.

"Would you breathe for one second. That Mingyu thing was just a joke. Not serious." I said and then he finally looked at me.

"Why were you saying that????" He sulked.

"I'm only telling you this because your paranoid af but Don't tell anyone but it was for Wonu! What's wrong with helping a friend? Stop jumping to conclusions right away." I said.

"Sorry I just thought..." he trailed off.

"What could you have possibly thought? We literally just went on a date. I'm not a whore." I joked but he didn't laugh. Alright too soon.

"I thought you got sick of me already." He finally said.

"With that face? Oh never." I joked again and he glared at me.

"A joke! Stop taking everything so seriously. If you keep acting like that, I would think That I already won the bet." I said.

"Maybe we should just end this—" he said but before he could continue, i recalled the news Hoshi showed earlier.

"Wait! I forgot. I need to talk to you about something!" I said but then I noticed people were already looking at our direction. And since it's dismal time, people were crowding. And he doesn't seem to know it yet. Maybe we should talk at his apartment later.

"What?" He asked.

"Later! I'll come by. After the mixer.!" I said and dan away.

"WAIT? What mixerr?!?" He panicked again and I laughed at him. I'm gonna win this bet easily.

"Don't panic. I'll text you." I said and I could see him sulking already.  It's actually fun seeing him jealous like that. Maybe it will increase my chance of winning? I mean I am pretty competitive.————————————————————————

Joshi pov.

"Dude what are you sulking on about? And you haven't talked to me since I got here. Am I still your best buddy or what?" Mingyu said as he sat next to me at the cafeteria. I guess I was hanging out with Kyeom so much that I forgot I was still pretending to be my brother.

"Oh sorry dude. Just a little pre-occupied." I told him honestly.

"And i noticed you've been hanging out with Kyeom. Are you guys a thing now?." He asked and I laughed.

"Maybe." I said and he looked confused.

"No way. He got through to you?" He asked.

"What? He's not that bad." I told him trying my best not to blow mg cover but slowly implement Kyeom into Joshua's life.

"You told me he was a bit annoying." He said and I was shocked .

"Well that was in the past. I find him cute now." I said and then he almost choked on his coke.

"Dude tell me you're joking. Are you forgetting someone important to you? Or am I missing something here? If I don't know you I would say you're not Joshua." He said and then I realized what he said. Mingyu knows something.

"Important to me?" I asked.

"Dude. Are you really out of your mind? How about Yuki? Is your secret proposal just a joke" Mingyu whispered. Oh shit— he knows about my brother's fiancé. But he doesn't know she's already dead.

"Nah.. of course I know. I was just testing you. Cause it seemed like you're a totally different person from Singapore." I said laughing nervously.

"You are one crazy guy. Should I be worried?? You're acting really strange." He asked.

"Actually we broke up." I lied.

"Dude.. that sucks. What happened." He asked.

"I don't wanna talk about it." I said trying to stop the conversation. It's better if he doesn't know.

"Alright dude. Whatever you need. If you wanna be gay, be gay." He said and I laughed at him. He's pretty supportive but his face is a little confusing.

"You're weird. Could you maybe lower your voice." I joked and He laughed at me instead.

Then all of a sudden I got a call. I excused myself and went to the bathroom.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Josh. It's Joshua. Well that was weird, definitely a first. Anyways I did something stupid. Can I talk to you back in your apartment?" He asked and I said yes. I mean what else am I supposed to say?

"What did you do?" I asked.

"I'll tell you later. I need to go." He said and then hung up the phone.

"Oh you're back? What's wrong with your face." Mingyu asked.

"I don't know what but I seem to be forgetting something..." I said and then he chuckled.

"No idea dude." He said and then tapped me in the back and went out. Probably going to talk to his chat mate.

——————————————————————-Joshi pov..

Great my phone is already out of battery. I immediately went to my car and decided to stay in my apartment. I remember Kyeom telling me about a gathering he was gonna be in so I figured I should just go home. I could just imagine him flirting with some other guy and will go crazy. I should just cool my head.

As soon as I went inside my apartment, I saw Joshua on my couch rocking his knees up and down, looking anxious.

"Bro?" I asked and then he looked at me and hugged me really tight.

"I did something." He said.

"What?" I asked.

"Did you remember the time I told you I was gonna get revenge?" He asked.

"Oh no. What did you do Joshua?" I asked him with horror. Then he handed me his phone.

"That." He said.

"Dude you did not." I said in horror.

"I did and I enjoyed every moment of it. She's in the hospital right now." He said and I looked at my brother like he was another person. He really have snapped.

"Joshua, you... did anyone see you there?" I asked in panic.

"No. But she did." He said and then I sat down in fear.

"Joshua you know what you did was illegal. You might be sued! You'll be in jail! Why are you not thinking!" I shouted at him.

"I am! I am thinking properly for the first time in years. She has manipulated me for my whole life and she killled... she killed Yuki. She deserves to.." before he could finish i interrupted him and I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Deserves to die!?" I shouted.

"This is justice Josh." He said and I looked at him.

"We are both better than her. Why did you stoop to her level? Josh this is not you. Are you really okay with this?!" I shouted and then he looked at me like he realized all he did.

"Oh God." He said as everything probably dawned onto him.

"What did I do? I don't know what to do." He said finally breaking down. I'm just still stuck in the idea that he could have killed someone too. He really needs counseling or therapy.

"It's alright, we can get through this. Just please don't do anything rash from now on. Rather, just tell me first. I can help you. " I said to him as I pat him in the back sitting beside him.

"Thank you Josh." He said and then leaned into me.

"I just lost my mind for a second." He said and I closed my eyes. This was more messy than I thought.

——————————————-///////——————Hoshi Pov. (During the mixer)

"Alright we have 5 boys and 5 girls. One for each man no hogging of girls alright?" Says our Johnny that planned all this. Woozi, kyeom and San were with us.

"Dude. You didn't tell him I'm gay?" Kyeom asked beside me.

"Shhh.. I don't wanna be the reason you get kicked out." I told him and he just laughed a little.

"Joshui's gonna freak." He mumbler and I heard it so I rolled my eyes.

"Let him freak out, you guys aren't even together yet. You keep playing these silly game of tag with each other." I said and he pouted.

"Hurtful much?" He said and he punched me on the arm to shut me up.

"Alright guys meet the girls. They are from a band. Alright enjoy and don't have too much fun." Johnny whispered the last sentence to us and we all shook hands.

"Hi my name is Kirsten." The girl in front of me said as she exchanged handshakes.

"Hoshi. Nice to meet you." I said with a smile. Kirsten was actually great. She's a dancer too and she likes to make different choreographies.

The meeting with my partner was really nice. We talked about the hardship of making a choreography and the advantages of being a fast learner. But this was all I knew about her because I was distracted. Kyeom's doing pretty well in his side. But the annoying part is Woozi. I think the girl he's talking to, her name was Jennie.

The girl keeps on stroking his arms and leaning on him. Like if I don't have any self control, I would probably slape her. Too much? Maybe I don't know. Then I got cut off in my thoughts when I heard Kirsten.

"You're really cute. But just so you know I could see your eyes not focusing on me." She said as she clinked her drink with mine. This time I payed attention to her.

" Sorry about that." I told her shyly and she laughed.

"Full disclosure, I don't see us in a dating relationship but maybe we could make a choreography together sometime." She said.

"Yeah that would be great. When?" I asked.

"Well give me your phone. I'll call you if anything comes up." she said and then I willingly took out my phone and gave it to her. Kyeom looked at me and gave me a thumbs up. I guess he's doing well with his date too.

"Alright then. Let's drink to that." She said and we did. All night . All night.

The night continued and the girls were much more stronger than me. And they even wanted to party. I was already trying my best to focus my eyes on something just to fool them that I'm not wasted.

"Girls, I hate to cut the party short but my friend here is already a little drunk." Kyeom suddenly said and then I looked at him. He was pretty red too, probably just pretending to be ok to get out of the situation.

"Oh that's obvious. He's been closing his eyes and struggling to keep them open the whole time. Please take this so called tiger home. " i heard Kirsten said. This earned a laugh from the girls and even Woozi. Great I could still see him and he's still here. Johnny already left with his girl and some of our friends too.

"Wait let me help you." Woozi said as he gets one arm off Kyeom and placed it in his shoulder.

"You're not going with Jennie?" I asked still half drunk half sober because Woozi is talking to me.

"Nah.. she had a boyfriend. We were just chatting." He said and I smiled.

"That's great." I said as I let go of Kyeom, hugged him and left Kyeom alone as he stumbled down the floor.

"Why are you hugging me you big baby." He asked and then I saw him chuckling. Wait Woozi laughing like that?  Because of me?!?! I'm so happy I could die.

"My legs are not working." I said honestly.

"You said that the last time too." He said and he smirked.

"I did? Oh I don't remember." I said honestly and he smiled. Then we both looked at Kyeom on the ground but he was not there anymore.

"Where is he?" I asked.

"He probably went home already. And he left you here with me." Woozi said and I smiled. I could see him get confused.

"Why are you smiling?" I asked.

"Well, I think I was kinda relieved." He said.

"About?" I asked as we walked hand in hand to the door and finally out of the restaurant. Then we both sat down the side of the road because carrying me is a little hard for him to manage. And I can't control my foot anymore.

"I don't really like meeting new people, and I don't drink either. Maybe I was just curious what happens in a mixer." He said. Wow he's actually talking to me like a friend. Maybe avoiding him was a little too much.

"Sorry if I'm leaning all my weight to you. I promise I'm not faking it. I'm just waiting for the world to stop spinning." I said embarrassed about my state and he laughed again. He even patted my back to comfort me. And at least I could still think straight, I think?

"Nah, I know for a fact that you're drunk already. And I do work out, you can lean more to me if you want." He said and I smiled. Wow we are actually having a normal conversation. My head is already spinning but I love it so much.

"How about you?" He suddenly asked.

"About me?" I was confused.

"Why didn't you go with Kirsten? I even saw you exchange number with her." He commented and I looked at him. Oh he observes very well.

"You noticed that?" I asked.

"Yup." He said and I think I saw a blush in his very pale face.

"Oh. She just wanted to hang out soon." I answered honestly and he nodded. Then we both stayed silent. I was praying to the God's that I could think of a new topic in mind but my head is betraying me by absolutely thinking about nothing.

"Can I ask you something?" He suddenly broke the ice.

"Sure ask away." I said.

"I think Kyeom said something about you liking me? And not to make it weird that it already is between us, but it's been on my mind for a while now. Is that why you've been avoiding me at school after you told me you wanted to be friends?" He asked and I just looked at him wide eyes and thinking of how to kill my babbling bestfriend.

"Well I'm actually embarrassed. And I do like you." I just said honestly this time. I was already caught and eventually, I'll be confessing to him so why not now. I though to myself.

"Wow. Well.. then.. thank you. I'll make more music you like. Maybe you can go to the studio and tell me some of your ideas." He said and I just looked at him.

"Wow just like that? Like Really? Like a date?" I asked excitedly.

"Date? What are you talking about?" Woozi said and I looked at him.

"Wait. What are you talking about?" I asked in confusion.

"Kyeom said you like my songs." He said in confusion. Oh shit that was embarrassing. I thought he liked like me too! Damn it. Then I just laughed. I mean I don't know what else to respond to that.

"Yeah. I do like them. Thank you for the invite. I'll totally come sometime." I said and then he looked at me like I was insane.

"Alright. For a minute there I thought you meant something else." He said and laughed with me too.

"Nahhh. It's all good. And I think I sobered enough now." I said trying to hide my disappointment.

"Really? Do you want me to take you home?" He asked and I denied right away. 

"It's all good. I mean I have to go back and catch up with Kyeom. He's probably lost somewhere." I said saying all kinds of excuse just to ran away from this unforeseen situation.

"Alright bye." He said and I just smiled and waved at him good bye. I walked back home alone. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was getting my hopes up again.

Will I ever tell him how I really feel?

——————————————-Kyeom pov.

I found myself getting into a cab and going to the only place I feel that I can do anything I want. I went to Joshi's apartment. I thought about Hoshi but I saw Woozi looking after him so I went out. I gave the cab driver the instructions and 10 minutes later I arrived.

"Oh the lights are still on. He's probably playing some video games." I thought to myself. I mean I was still a little tipsy but I know how to handle myself.

I then knocked on the door as soon as I arrived. I told Joshi I was coming over so it was fine to drop by. No one answered but I know he's home and awake because of the fact that he can't sleep with the lights on and he doesn't leave the lights on when he's out.

I was about to open the door when suddenly The door opened revealing a Joshi boy shocked to see me and then I immediately gave him a hug. Woah he smells like Joshua's perfume. I thought as I hugged him basically putting all my weight to him.

"Joshi! Why aren't you hugging me back?? Is it because I smell of alcohol?" I asked still the tipsy side taking over.

"Uhm.. Kyeom." I suddenly heard a someone that sounded exactly like Joshi in the other part of the room.

"Joshi? How are you here and there at the same time!" I aksed without using my head and then realized that I was hugging Joshi too! What the hell?! I immediately looked at the person I was hugging and just stopped functioning.

"Am I still drunk?!? Because why the hell am I seeing doubles?!?" I asked them both.

"Kyeom get inside." Joshi said and I just stood there not knowing what to do. Wait this is Joshua. The Joshua I was obsessed at. Never did my eyes got off Joshua and I was only distracted when Joshi pulled me to his side.

"Kyeom. My brother has returned." He said without a smile and I was immediately sobered up.

"So this is Joshua and You are Joshi. Alright cool cool cool cool. Wait. I'm gonna need to process this all." I said as I sat down the chair looking at both of them sitting in front of me. I did not expect this at all. I would sooner believe that pigs fly that whaat I'm seeing right now.

"Why exactly is Kyeom in here?" Joshua suddenly asked or wait was it really Joshua? They look so mu c alike that I'm not even sure.

"He knows about us don't worry." Joshi said.

"You guys seem close." Joshua suddenly said and smiled.

"Alright let me stop you there. Stop smiling because that's deadly and 1st of all.. he's back?!" I asked Joshi.

"Yes he is." joshi just said coldly. He looked at me like I did something horrible.

"I think I should just go." Joshua suddenly said.

Then all of a sudden I saw a red dot floating in the air and then stopped at Joshua's back. No way. Is this what I think it is?

"Joshua! Duck!" Joshi shouted and I panicked and ran towards Joshua and grabbed his hands down to the floor. Then a shot was fired.

"Kyeom!" Joshi shouted as I tackled Joshua to the ground. Joshi then turned the lights off and we were all on the ground. My heartbeat was as loud as the drums in my head. the hell! Someone just took a shot at us. At Joshua!

Joshi immediately went beside me and placed both his hands on my cheek. Joshua was still shocked about what happened and he was just staring blankly at the wall inhaling and exhaling loudly.

"Are you both alright?" Joshi asked.

"I'm fine." Joshua said as he looked terrified.

"Kyeom?" Joshi suddenly looked and asked me. I had no idea how I am it all happened so fast. I looked at my arm and there was blood.

I guess I was nicked by the shot in the arm. Joshi saw me holding on to my arm. Then his face changed.

"I think I got hit a little." I said.

I looked up at the both of them and suddenly my head felt heavy. They looked horrified. Oh shit. I thought and then all of a sudden I was seeing blurry. everything was getting dark.... And I was losing consciousness..  the only thing I could see was the twins shouting my name without sound and then darkness took over me..

————————————/—/————————-

Author's note:

Alright a little shocked with how it ended. Let's just see what happens next. Thank you guys for reading. Update the next time.