Two days later...
We need to talk, Charlie.
So he still have my number and decided to send me message two days ago.
Great! Please notice the sarcasm.
I reread his message that I left on read once again, rude guy, at least he should've put word 'please' after wrote my name. What was he thinking that I will do what he asked me to do? I should've deleted it for my own health sake.
"What did he say?" Dongwook's voice pulled me back to present time.
Right, he asked me to send Kyungsoo message. We were heading to Mitchell's birthday party at one of famous club in Itaewon, we supposed to be there at 8 pm, but it's already 8.20 pm and the others already left an hour ago, leaving me and Dongwook behind. My thumbs was wandering around my inbox while waiting for Kyungsoo's reply, ended up looking at Dean's message.
"He hasn't reply yet, maybe he's already there." I said, locking my phone and promise to myself to not looking or reading Dean's message from the night that we coincidental met again.
"Probably busy dancing." He nodded, "We will be there in 5, almost there."
"Yeayyy!" I pumped my fist in excitement.
*Charlie's outfit*
*Dongwook's outfit*
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It was quite surprising since it didn't look like regular club, looks like Mitchell asked to change the decoration into semi-club, not too loud music, it served variety of foods, not only liquor which was great since I came to eat food not to get drunk.
*Mitchell*
"Happy birthdayyyyy!" I exclaimed happily as I launched myself to Mitchell for a hug.
He embraced me eagerly while chuckling, "Hi, Char! Thank you!"
"Have a wonderful happiness ahead, Mitchy." I grinned when we untangle our hug.
"Thanks." He sent me playful wink before greeted Dongwook whom I knew he purposely enjoyed not talking too much as he used to.
"Happy birthday, AJ." He said straight to the point while handing out a sleek navy blue box.
"Ah, hyunggggg. Thank you so much!" Mitchel actually snatched the box greedily then hugged him.
Sly fox.
I remembered how he shamelessly giving us various hint of what things he needs nowadays, hoping us would notice and bring to him as birthday gift.
"Can I open it? Forget it, why I'm asking you anyway, it's my birthday and I'll do what I want." He babbled to himself, earning silly laugh from Dongwook.
"Open it, it's yours anyway."
He opened the box and I swear he let his jaw dropped few seconds before shut it up and swear, "Fuuuuuuuuuuuu—"
I smacked his arm as reward.
"Fuck, Char!" and honestly there's no day for Mitchell to not swearing.
"Kids." Dongwook warned before I had chance to take down Mitchell on the floor, birthday or not birthday.
"Fuck, sorry. Hyunggggg, this is sick! I swear I swear! You're the best!!!" He took out black sleek fancy and brand-new smart watch from the box.
As we all know, Dongwook is always spoil us. Being one of the eldest he takes the role seriously, he take cares us, protects and helps us with everything he has.
"Glad you like it." He smiled, as if it was nothing. Very cool guy, he give us the coolest oppa vibe.
"And you, what do you bring for me?" he looked at me expectantly.
"It's nothing." I smiled sheepishly, thinking that mine was such a silly gift, maybe I should buy other thing for Mitchell.
"What nothing? I knew you bring something."
"But it's nothing compared to what they give to you." I'm starting to regret why did I choose the stupid gift for Mitchell.
"The hell with that, Char? I don't care what it is, as long as you choose it personally for me." He scolded me.
"I told her that, silly girl." Dongwook agreed. I was so worry, thinking what if Mitchell didn't like it but Dongwook keep saying that Mitchell will like it and he even asked me to make on for his birthday too, which was still in 8 months away.
"But.." I trailed off, "It's nothing, really." I fished out the note book wrapped with red ribbon from my oversize jeans jacket. It was only a black note with all cartoons drawing of mostly Mitchell and our friends inside it, made by me, my own drawing. It took me four months to finish them, around 67 pages.
"Aw, so nice." He commented, half teasing as I handed the gift.
"Give it back." I changed my mind but Mitchell already rise his hand, damn this tall guy, I couldn't reach it.
"What is it? Why do I feel like it's filled by Charlie's poems, confessing her undying love for me?" He laughed and Dongwook's chuckle joining him.
"You wish!"
He pulled off the ribbon and open the note one by one, he was in silence as he examining every page then he looked at me with glistened eyes.
"Shit, this is the best gift. I swear.." he said then looked at Dongwook, "Don't you think so, hyung?"
"It is." Dongwook gave me thumb up.
"Thanks, Char! This is really heart touching, I've never received this kind of gift." He squeezed me in his embrace and I was grinning against his black shirt, then someone's cleared his throat.
"Yo, hyung!" Mitchell greeted whoever he was, freeing myself from his hug.
"I thought you couldn't make it, come on.. this are my friends." Mitchell motioned the unknown guy to come closer while I was still back facing him.
"Guys, this is my cousin. And hyung, these are my friends." Mitchell introduced us.
"Dean, nice to meet you." I froze as our eyes met, he held out his hand to Dongwook, passing me.
*Dean who looks like he wanted to murder someone*
It's really him. But— how come? What's his— did Mitchell say that they're cousins?
"Dongwook, likewise." They shook hand and I still standing like a fool. Just then we heard Kyungsoo calling Dongwook from his seat.
"I guess I need to go, once again happy birthday, kiddo." He patted Mitchell's shoulder then turned to me, "Charlie, I'll save spot for you."
"Thank you." Me and Mitchell said in the same time.
"Feel free to join us, Dean." Dongwook's last words stress me out but earning a grin from Dean.
"Sure, thanks man."
I can't believe what's happening in front of my eyes, Dean reappeared again and again as if universe really want me to suffer from this chaotic feeling, Dongwook who has no idea asked him to join us, it's Mitchell's birthday and I didn't want ruin it for him by telling that's his dear cousin who broke my heart, badly.
So I decided to be mature enough to standing still, waiting my chance to run away from Dean.
"Okay, Char. This is my brother.. cousin in exact, Dean. And hyung this is Charlie, my friend, actually a bestfriend.." Mitchell said proudly, I should have feel happy but Dean's presence made me feel terrible.
None of us say anything, either me or Dean.
"Have you ever met each other?" Mitchell asked, looking little bit confused.
"No. I said quickly, It's my first time meet him." I lied.
"Hi, nice to meet you, Charlie." Dean took my hand and shake it.
"Yeah, thank you."
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"French fries, huh?"
Here he goes again. I was actually in peace for twenty minutes away from him, just why— I looked up at him, wondering what he's talking about.
"You said you hate french fries." Dean said, literally didn't care how hard I glared at him.
"I am." I replied in the worst robotic tone ever.
"Then—"
"It's Mitchell's, he loves them." I cut him off, I needed to go back where I belong, Mitchell's and doodle squad. I just need to take red velvet slice cake and return to them.
"You guys really close." He commented, this time his tone is cold.
Why did his mood change so fast? Weird.
I wanted to be mean, telling him that it's not his business. I will still befriend with Mitchell even if Dean is his cousin, I had no idea what he was thinking. Probably telling me to stay away from his cousin because he doesn't like me? I don't care.
His gaze lingered on me then he finally said, "see you later, Charlie."
What. Was. That.