Ara's POV
Yerim had been nagging me about my behavior the entirety of our first period. 'Why did we leave so soon? We still had like ten more minutes.' 'Ara, you've been acting really weird recently, where did you go on Friday night?' Her questions were driving me insane, so I was beyond relieved to lose her in the crowd during transition time.
I loved Yerim, I really did, but sometimes her curiosity and talkative nature was too much for me to handle. Maybe this was why Donghyuck had another person to bicker with, these two are probably so alike they get on each other's nerves.
At this point, I was sure that I had to talk to Jaemin and sort everything out, I could not have anyone else figure out my feelings. Maybe Jaemin and I could set things straight and we could help each other get over our crushes rather than pursue them.
Just to my luck, my next period was with Jaemin, as well as Jeno and Areum. Although, I didn't really mind because History was definitely my favorite subject. Something about learning of people's past mistakes made me feel a lot better about my current life choices.
When I entered through the doors of Mr. Nakamoto's classroom, a frown etched onto my face as I saw the sight before me. Areum sat at my seat, next to Jeno, with her papers sprawled out all over the table. They looked like they were having a very important conversation as Jeno was nodding at whatever Areum was saying and furiously scribbling on his paper. His brows were slightly raised as they always were whenever he was trying to focus.
Before I knew it, my eyebrows furrowed with confusion and heat was travelling up to my ears. Where the frick was I supposed to sit now? Jeno could have just asked me and I would have given Areum my seat with no hesitation.
Suddenly, an arm snaked its way around my shoulder, catching me off guard as my body jumped at the contact. I snapped my head ready to throw this person onto a nearby desk, only to be met with Jaemin's doe eyes.
"Way to make yourself less obvious, sweetheart," Jaemin said as he rubbed circles around my shoulders. My eyes were igniting fire and I could only watch as Jaemin smiled at the couple's direction. If my eyes were igniting fire, then his dark brown orbs were shooting daggers at his best friend and his lover.
"It's alright, you can sit with me." He leaned down to whisper in my ear as he dragged me to his table.
Disappointment dripped down my heart as it was starting to hit me that Jeno's focus really was his girlfriend now. One of the reasons to why I liked History so much was because Jeno and I had this class together every year, we sat together every year, and we did the annual project together every year, it was like tradition. This class was like a pillar to our friendship.
"See, this is exactly why I figured it out." Jaemin sighed, leaning back on his chair. A small smile shadowing over his features.
Jaemin's seat was a couple rows away from the back contrary to my seat with Jeno, which was in front of the classroom. It was definitely an unfamiliar surrounding.
"Shut up, Nana." I rolled my eyes and looked to the front as Mr. Nakamoto greeted the class, but every now and then, my eyes would find themselves peering at Jeno tracing his fingers over Areum's hands.
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When the bell rang for lunch, I was beyond ecstatic about the fact that I was half way done with this horrible day. I was putting my belongings into my backpack as Jaemin stood in front of me, fiddling with his phone. We were going to same place, so might as well go together.
"You know, Ara, we still have to talk," Jaemin started once I was finished packing.
We started to walk to the Cafeteria in utter silence as I tried to find the right words to tell Jaemin, the only noise that could be heard was our steady footsteps and the pitter patter of the rain hitting the windows. I was trying to make sure that I didn't say or do anything that would make him upset. The hallways were almost empty today, with only a few students conversing next to their lockers.
"You don't have to beat around the bush, I'll respect your decision," He says, noticing my hesitation.
I sucked in a deep breath before continuing, "Jaemin, I think I still stand by what I said on Friday, I don't want to-"
"Yo, Nana! Ara!"
Jaemin and I were equally puzzled at the interruption as we turned around to find a rushed Jeno. He jogged over to us and smiled, showcasing his crescent eyes. Jeno and Jaemin quickly did their handshake before Jeno turned his attention to me. His lips turned up to form a smile, but his eyes seemed dull.
"Hey munchkin, sorry about this morning," Jeno said ruffling my hair. I let out a small smile as my mind tried to erase my previous thoughts.
"Stop doing that," I muttered as I fixed my hair. Before I started falling for Jeno, this little action would have no affect on me, but nowadays, it sent a chill up my spine.
Jaemin coughed from beside me causing me to turn to him. I had totally forgot that he was standing next to me.
"I'll talk to you later, okay?" He patted my back before leaving for the cafeteria.
I turned to look at Jeno, awaiting what he's here to say.
"Ara, I have to talk to you about something," Jeno finally lets out. Something inside me had told me that Jeno was here to say something important, why else would he want to tell me now instead of at the cafeteria.
"I had a feeling." I sighed causing him to scoff.
"You always know," He laughed leading me to nod in response.
"What's up," I questioned.
Jeno was hesitant and he fidgeted with his fingers causing me to think of the worst. Many years of knowing Jeno led me to read him like an open book. Jeno hated confrontation.
"Don't be mad, but..." He started only to become quiet and look around. He was avoiding my eyes as if meeting them would turn him into stone.
"... I can't work on the annual project with you this year."
That was when the strings I had tied around my heart tore apart.
"Why not?" I frowned.
"Areum and I came up with a great idea and I just think it would be better if I worked with her." Jeno nervously ran his hand through his hair.
I was trying to keep myself from exploding, but suddenly all the pain formed itself into anger. To say I was upset was an understatement, I was fuming with rage. First, the inconvenience with the ride this morning, then Areum taking my seat in history, this was like the last straw.
"Jeno, what the heck? That's so unfair. Why would you tell me this now when we already have everything outlined and planned?!"
Jeno was taken back.
"Don't overreact Ara-" Jeno started only to be cut by me.
"I'm not overreacting, even you would be annoyed if I cancelled on you like this." I grumbled out before turning around and rushing to the cafeteria.
It was as if Jeno was throwing all of our traditions away and neither my mind or heart was taking this in a positive light.
When I entered the cafeteria, I earned some waves from Chenle and Jisung and I managed to let out a small smile in return. I quickly opted to scan my surroundings for a certain pink haired boy who was nowhere to be found. That was until I saw him walking towards our usual table with an apple in his hand and all the adrenaline in my body pushed me right in front of him.
Jaemin was quite stunned to see me pop up as he halted his footsteps. I must've looked disarrayed compared to about ten minutes ago because he holds onto my upper arm as soon as he notices me.
"Are you okay?" Jaemin questioned as his eyes bored into mine for answers.
It was silent for a few seconds as I only looked around, trying to figure out if I was making the right decision.
"I can't take it anymore-" I exasperated, my eyes blazing with fire.
"I'm in, I'm fucking in Jaemin, I'll do it."
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happy christmas eve guys!
I was planning on uploading this a few weeks ago,
but I've been really busy with school.
anyway, hope it didn't suck.
vote if you're sitting down right now :D
xxLARA
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